Title: Determination of Heavy Metal Contamination and Pollution Indices of Atmospheric Dust in TC "Kosova A & B", Obilic - Kosovo

Abstract:In this researcher paper, was studied the content of heavy metals in atmospheric dust of power plants, TC "Kosova A & B" in area of Obilic city. The pollution levels and environmental risks of HMs were assessed using the geoaccumulation index, contamination factor, pollution load index and potential ecological risk index. The results revealed severe contamination of atmospheric dust from TC "Kosova A & B", with particularly hazardous HMs such as As, Cd and Pb and the proportion of As, Cd and Pb is higher in the power plants TC "Kosova A & B", compared to the other analyzed elements, in both power plants such as Fe, Cu, Ni, Co, Mn, Zn, and Cr, in this case study. Dust samples were taken and analyzed to determine the content of heavy metals (HM): As, Pb, Cd, Fe, Cu, Ni, Co, Mn, Zn, and Cr using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The values obtained for heavy metals were compared with the WHO air quality guidelines and the US-EPA regulatory guideline. The concentrations of As, Cd, Pb, Mn, Co and Zn in the dust of TC “Kosova A” and As, Cd, Pb, Co, Mn and Zn in the dust of TC "Kosova B", showed high variability (CV> 35%), which indicates an intense influence of anthropogenic activity. The results of the pollution factor analysis show that As, Pb, Cd, Co and Mn in TC "Kosova A" (atmospheric dust samples) and As, Cd, Pb, Co, Mn and Zn, in TC "Kosova B", resulted as high values (very high pollution class-CF>3). According to the results of the geoaccumulation index TC "Kosova A", is heavily polluted with the following elements: As, Cd, Pb (3< Igeo ≤4). Based on the ecological risk index method, As, Cd and Pb, were found to be priority pollutants in the study area of power plants, TC "Kosova A & B", in Obiliç city, in the year 2023. Air pollution is directly related to cancerous diseases, due to the content of polluted air, with many different organic and inorganic pollutants (especially heavy metals).




Title: Feeling Economy, Artificial Intelligence, and Future Jobs A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract:The Feeling Economy, related to tasks that involve emotions or feelings, studies the impact not only on the economy but also on society, influencing areas such as employment, marketing, education, politics, governance, and ethics. This study is the first systematic and bibliometric literature review to investigate the current state of knowledge on this topic, considering the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI). This review followed the PRISMA method using the VosViewer computer program. The thematic analysis of the 21 chosen studies resulted in the extraction of three key research themes: (1) characterization of multiple AI; (2) response of employees and clients/consumers to multiple intelligences; and (3) effects of AI on job skills and tasks. The results of this study allow for a greater and more detailed understanding of how the Feeling Economy has developed and been studied. The possibility of significant change, like jobs, stands out, with increasing emphasis on skills related to feeling, empathy, and emotional intelligence. There will also be practical implications for political and business decisionmakers for understanding the changes necessary to thrive in the Feeling Economy, considering the replacement of human tasks by AI and exploring human/AI complementarity and integration. One proposes a future research agenda.




Title: Effects of Quercetin Treatment on Apoptosis and Ferroptosis Cell Death Mechanisms in Colon Cancer Cell Lines

Abstract:One of the key challenges in cancer research is finding ways to selectively eliminate cancer cells without harming healthy tissues. This makes understanding cell death mechanisms in cancer cells critical for developing effective treatments. Ferroptosis, a recently recognized form of programmed cell death driven by iron, has emerged as a promising approach for targeting cancer cells, which have higher iron requirements than normal cells. Inducing ferroptosis has been shown to overcome resistance to various chemotherapeutic agents and targeted therapies, enhancing their effectiveness and decreasing cancer resistance. To explore the protective effects of quercetin, a flavonoid metabolite, and the cell death pathways it engages, experiments were conducted using HT-29 and HCT-116 colon cancer cell lines treated with quercetin and an anticancer drug. Cell viability was measured after 24 and 48 hours of incubation with varying logarithmic concentrations of quercetin and doxorubicin, both independently and in combination. The study focused on identifying the cell death pathways activated by these treatments by analyzing apoptosis markers APAF-1 and CASP-3, along with ferroptosis markers GPx4 and ACSL-4. The results indicated that quercetin alone elevated APAF-1 and CASP-3 levels in both colon cancer cell lines, thus promoting the apoptotic pathway. In terms of ferroptosis, the combination treatment increased ACSL-4 expression while reducing GPx4, indicating the induction of ferroptosis and a synergistic effect on cancer cells. These findings point to the potential for further investigation into combining ferroptosis-inducing agents and the signaling pathways that trigger different forms of cell death.




Title: AI-Driven Analysis of Badminton Rallies: A Knowledge-Based Approach for Highlight Prediction in Sports

Abstract:This study presents the Knowledge-Aware Model (KAM), a pioneering approach in sports analytics for predicting highlights in badminton matches. Utilizing extensive rally-by-rally data from significant tournaments, the model integrates domain-specific insights with data-driven techniques. Our analysis of over 5,180 rallies from 140 singles matches reveals the model`s effectiveness, outperforming baseline and state-of-the-art methods with an F1-score of 0.793. KAM`s innovative use of match statistics and rally-specific data opens new horizons in sports analytics, potentially applicable beyond badminton to multimedia analysis and recommendation systems, demonstrating a significant advancement in AI-driven sports analytics.




Title: Kinase Inhibitor Protein-1 and Jun Activation Domain-Binding Protein-1 as Molecular Targets of a Human Tongue Cancer Cells Induced by Ethanolic Extract of Salacca zalacca peel

Abstract:Background: Salacca zalacca (gaertn.) voss is an Indonesian tropical fruit which is a superior commodity from Sleman city, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Its peel contains the main compounds which have various therapeutic effects. In the present study, Kinase inhibitor protein-1(Kip-1) and Jun activation domain-binding protein-1(Jab-1) as molecular targets of a human tongue cancer (H357) cells induced by ethanolic extract of Salacca zalacca peel was examined. Methods: To determine the metabolite content of extract, GC-MC analysis was confirmed. The MTT assay was delivered to observe the cell growth inhibition. Boyden chamber assay was done to examine the inhibition of chemotactic migration cells. Activation of Kip-1, Jab-1 and ?-tubulin were investigated by Western blot analysis. The concentrations were set as 0, 40, 80, 160 and 320 ?g/mL. Results: Extract of Salacca zalacca peel at concentrations 160 to 320 ?g/mL were significantly suppressed the growth and chemotactic migration of cells. Up-regulation of Kip-1 and reduced of Jab-1 protein was detected in cells treated with extract. GC-MS analysis was found Salacca peel contains 10 anticancer compounds include chlorocojic acid (26.59%) and octadecanoic acid (6.25%), the one with the largest percentage. Conclusion: Extract of Salacca zalacca peel has the potential to increase the expression of Kip-1 and reduce Jab-1 protein as a molecular target for human tongue cancer cells proofed by suppressing cell growth and chemotactic migration activity targeting this molecule could represent a promising new therapeutic approach for this type of tumor.




Title: National unity as a central goal in nation-building: A participatory communication approach

Abstract:The nation-building project, which depends on national unity for national development, has always been linked to the question of national identity. The questions that keep coming up are: What is national identity, and why is it such a powerful force? Is a social community of people always better off for having a concept of national identity? This study used the lens of participatory communication to examine nation-building in a development context, where local people�who are considered the nation in this study�are typically given the chance to actively participate in identifying and expressing their needs, potential, and goals. The campaign on nation-building, national unity, and social cohesion should be issue-driven and convey clear messages, according to the content analysis. In order to bring South Africans together, the campaigns should incorporate a variety of voices, including those of experts, social commentators, and the general public. The theoretical approach offers details of the communication approach as it is operationalised in its primary aspect of relationship building for nation-building and national unity in a diverse democratic country. The study came to the conclusion that the development of participatory approaches to development communication is strongly aided by a focus on participatory development concepts and community facilitation processes.




Title: THE REFLECTIVE JOURNAL AS A PEDAGOGIC AND ASSESSMENT TOOL IN HIGHER EDUCATION

Abstract:This qualitative study analyzed 14 purposely chosen reflective journals whose authors were code-named P1 to P14, to examine how reflective journaling stimulates higher-order thinking among students, explores how reflective journals can influence students\' personal and professional growth, and how feedback from students\' reflective journals can inform curriculum improvement and content delivery by the lecturer. Three major questions guided the study: How do reflective journals stimulate higher-order thinking skills? How do reflective journals influence students\' personal and professional growth? And how useful is feedback from students\' reflective journals regarding informing curriculum improvement and content delivery? The findings confirmed that reflective journaling enhances high-order thinking, contributes to personal and professional growth, and could guide curriculum development and content delivery. However, to achieve these benefits, students must be given clear instructions with appropriate prompts, as well as adequate time and space to engage in reflective writing. Based on the findings, recommendations were made, and the limitations of the study and areas for future research were also suggested.




Title: Solubility and dissolution enhancement of velpatasvir by nanoemulsion based gel formulation; preparation and in-vitro characterization

Abstract:Hepatitis C is a chronic viral infection that can cause fatal liver conditions such as cirrhosis and liver cancer. Velpatasvir (VLP) is an effective treatment for Hepatitis C, however its low solubility causes poor bioavailability. This study aims to increase the solubility and dissolution enhancement of VLP by developing nanoemulgel formulation. Nanoemulsions were developed from clove oil, Tween 80, and Span 80 and gelled using xanthan gum (3 %, w/w) to achieve final nanoemulgel formulations. All the formulations were investigated in terms of pH, viscosity, conductivity, stability, particle size, and homogeneity. The results revealed that the formulations nanoemulsion-1 (NE-1) and nanoemulgel-1 (NEG-1) had the best drug release profiles due to their small particle size. It is suggested that this developed nanoemulgel formulation could greatly increase the solubility and dissolution of VLP, presenting a promising carrier for the transdermal delivery of VLP other than oral route.




Title: Iconic Tourist Attraction, Existential Authenticity, Place Attachment, and Emotional Solidarity of Tourists Visiting Tourism Villages: The Mediating Role of Cultural Heritage Tourism on Destination Loyalty

Abstract:Local traditions are well-received by tourists. Some tourist communities may evolve into destinations. In Toba Samosir Regency tourist communities, cultural heritage tourism-mediated destination loyalty is influenced by iconic tourist attractions, existential authenticity, place connection, and emotional solidarity. In this investigation, descriptive quantitative methodologies are implemented. Non-probability and selective sampling were employed to sample repeat tourist town visitors in this study. A total of 155 individuals participated in the online survey. Utilized PLS-SEM to evaluate hypotheses. Heritage tourism partially enhances destination loyalty, while iconic tourist attraction, existential authenticity, and place attachment only slightly increase heritage tourism. The emotional solidarity of visitors is considerably enhanced by the connection to the place of Visitor Attractions, while existential authenticity is positively impacted, albeit not significantly. Emotional solidarity and historical tourism serve as mediators that enhance destination loyalty. Other studies, such as this one on the appeal of travelers to tourist communities, concentrate on environmental issues, investment, and tourism infrastructure. This study emphasizes the role of historical tourism, place attachment, affective solidarity toward destination loyalty, existential authenticity, and iconic tourist appeal as mediating variables. The research\'s recommendations have the potential to assist local governments and tourism sector participants in the development and expansion of visitor communities.




Title: Optimization and Statistical Evaluation of Cutting Tools and Parameters in Milling Inconel 718 Superalloy

Abstract:This study, face milling of Inconel 718 superalloy was conducted using coated inserts via dry cutting. The experimental study aimed to examine the influence of machining factors on cutting force through tests and statistical analysis. Taguchi and Response Surface Methods (RSM) were employed for statistical analysis. A Taguchi orthogonal experiment design consisting of 16 tests was utilized, with cutting tool, feed rate, and cutting speed as factors. Variance analysis was performed on the data. The analysis revealed that the most effective factor on GC2030\'s cutting forces was the cutting tool, accounting for 81.78% of the variance, followed by feed rate at 9.69%, and cutting speed at 4.76%. The validity of the regression equations obtained through the Response Surface Method was confirmed with an R² value of 99.64%. Integration of Taguchi and Response Surface Methods allowed for optimization, resulting in the lowest cutting force recorded at 232 N in the verification test. A comparison between experimental and prediction models demonstrated results with acceptable accuracy. Overall, the study provides valuable insights into the machining of Inconel 718 superalloy, with implications for optimizing cutting force in industrial applications.