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The transition from a linear economy model to a circular economy is a key challenge of the 21st century, as it can contribute to global sustainable development. Technological innovations are necessary to achieve responsible consumption and production, and blockchain technology has the potential to provide solutions such as security, transparency, and traceability that can facilitate this transition. This study reviews current literature and findings related to the circular economy, blockchain technology, and smart contracts. It also discusses the use of Proof of Stake as an alternative consensus mechanism that is more energy-efficient than Proof of Work. Key findings include the potential of blockchain technology to facilitate efficient cooperation, coordination, and other solutions that can have a significant impact on achieving the goals of the circular economy transition. Furthermore it presents startup companies that use a circular economy approach with blockchain technology, highlighting their potential impact on various business sectors. The study explore the intersection between blockchain technology and the circular economy, providing insight into the key aspects of both fields and identifying the potential for blockchain technology to enable and accelerate the transition to a circular economy. It lies in the growing need for sustainable solutions in the face of 21st-century environmental challenges, and the potential of blockchain technology to contribute to achieving the global sustainable development agenda. The findings of this study can provide valuable insights for policymakers, researchers, and entrepreneurs who seek to address the challenges of sustainability and circular economy through innovative technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this research is to investigate the relationship between exclusive breastfeeding and the development of asthma in early childhood. A systematic review was conducted with PubMed and Cochrane library source databases using the PICO model (PICO process). Retrospective/prospective cohorts in children aged <6 years with exclusive breastfeeding exposure reported were included. A primary outcome was presentation of asthma before the age of 6 years old. A secondary outcome was the effect of breastfeeding combined with formula or children who were not breastfed. 25 studies met inclusion criteria. 21 studies reported that children who were not exclusively breastfed or not breastfed at all had a higher risk of asthma. 4 studies reported that breastfeeding was not protective to asthma. Most of the studies showed that there is a limit of 4 months of exclusive breastfeeding for it to be protective. The findings suggest that children who are exclusively breastfed for at least 4 months of their neonatal life, are associated with a lower risk of early childhood asthma (<6 years old). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Δensities, ρ, and refractive indices, nΔ, of the ternary liquid mixture benzene (1) + ethanol (2) + hexane (3), have been measured at temperature of 293.15 K and atmospheric pressure. The changes in the refractive indices have also been measured with temperature in the range T = (293.15 to 313.15) K. The mole fraction of the second component (ethanol) was set to 0.4, while the mole fractions of the remaining components were changed so as to cover the whole composition range. Excess molar volumes, VE, and deviations in the refractive indices from the volume fraction average, ΔnΔ, have been calculated for each investigated temperature and compared with others in literature. In all cases, VE was positive and ΔnΔ were negative and both showed deviations from ideality. Furthermore, refractive indices of the ternary liquid mixture were predicted by using several theoretical and empirical mixing rules, and the obtained results were discussed in terms of average percentage deviations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Nursing managers are professional nursing leaders with 24-hour management responsibilities in a nursing unit or department. Measuring managerial competencies is important for continuously improving healthcare, identifying and implementing best management practices. Purpose: The primary purpose of this paper was to assess managerial skills from the perspective of managers and nurses in Primary Care. Material and methods: The research was attended by 68 nursing managers and nursing staff who were selected by a random sample in the main center of family medical care and family medicine care. Research data were collected with the 360-degree Competency Assessment Instrument. All ethical rights for the participating entities have been respected. The analysis of the collected data was done with SPSS - 24. Results: The mean age of the participating nurses was 50 ± 9.3 years. According to the position at work, there were 17 (25%) nursing managers and 51 (75%) nurses. There is a statistically significant difference between nursing managers and nursing staff (p <.000), whereas according to the use of the managerial model there is no statistically significant difference (p <.211). The correlation result shows that with the increase of managerial experience, managerial skills also increased (r = .362). Conclusions: Significant differences were found in the assessment of managerial skills by job position and a positive correlation between work experience and managerial skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]