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The rise in junk food consumption is a concern for Romanian authorities, who introduced a "sugar tax" in 2024. This measure aims to improve public health by promoting healthier nutrition, combating obesity, preventing diet-related diseases, and encouraging healthy eating behaviors. This paper analyzes junk food taxation from an economic perspective and its effects on public health. It uses scientific papers and statistical data on health indicators from countries that have implemented similar taxes. While the additional tax raises the price of high-risk foods to reduce consumption, it also generates quick revenues for the state budget but may negatively impact employment and turnover in the food industry. The literature seems to suggest the reducing of sales for the taxed products, but there is no consensus on the long-term effectiveness of the tax on public health. Revenue from junk food taxes should be allocated to public education, healthcare, or sports promotion. Comparisons are drawn with other "sin taxes" (such as those on tobacco and alcohol), which generate quick budget revenues, but education and preventive measures are seen as more effective in reducing consumption over time. The long-term impact of the junk food tax on public health remains a topic of debate and research in the academic community.

The purpose of this paper is to understand current practices in tourism as tools in promoting the ideology set up through European Union policies. The methodology is composed of an analysis combining ideology with cultural awareness and cultural analysis. The environmental care and health policies go hand in hand when promoting both urban culture, which includes green spaces and parks where activities meant to improve the health of citizens are organized, e.g. marathons, cycling for entertainment, using electric vehicles, and lessening the degree of pollution which negatively affects our health. Policies, reinforcing rules and laws, create, in turn, practices and rituals meant to reinforce the values practiced at world level. Tourism is one such practice. To conclude, the same values of environmental and health care can be found everywhere in European Union member countries. European Union citizens are part of an international culture.

Background: Vitamin D, a fat-soluble vitamin, contributes to the metabolism of phosphorus and calcium in its activeform (1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D). It might help prevent and manage autoimmune diseases such as diabetes mellitus.Diabetes has become a serious global health problem as its incidence and prevalence have increased. Recently, efforts toidentify novel ways to treat and prevent diabetes have centered on vitamin D supplementation. The bulk of researchrelates both types of diabetes to the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene. The study aimed to analyze how vitamin D affectstype 2 diabetes.Methods: A case-control study was conducted in Kirkuk City from September to November 2023. The study included112 patients, 57 of whom had type 2 diabetes that wasn’t under control and 55 who were in a control group after ethicalconcerns were addressed.Results: The finding indicated that there is a significant relationship between vitamin D level and HbA1c and randomblood sugar, The higher percentage of severe vitamin D deficiency in the diabetes group (22.8%) compared to the controlgroup (9%) is statistically significant, highlighting a significant disparity in vitamin D status. Additionally, the meanvitamin D level is notably lower in the diabetes group (20.41 ng/ml) compared to the control group (31.23 ng/ml), with aT-test result of 3.10 and a p-value of 0.029. These findings suggest that people with diabetes are more likely to have lowervitamin D levels. Overall, the data support a strong association between diabetes and lower vitamin D levels, potentiallyimplicating vitamin D deficiency as a factor in the management or pathogenesis of diabetes.Conclusion: Patients with type two diabetes have much lower amounts of vitamin D than healthy people. In fact, 19.2%of these people have vitamin D deficiency. The results show that not getting enough vitamin D may play a part in gettingtype 2 diabetes. Supplementing with vitamin D could help prevent the disease and mitigate its effects.

Background: Omega-3 fatty acid products are available as dietary supplements (fish oils) and prescription formulations(omega-3 ethyl ester, icosapent ethyl, omega-3 ethyl ester A, omega-3 carboxylic acids). The study aimed to learn moreabout the prevalence of dietary supplement and prescription omega-3 products use by Iraqi consumers in Kirkuk City, torecord the types of products used and to examine the role of physicians and pharmacists in guiding choices about theseproducts.Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted among pharmacists concerning dispensing theprescription only medicine (POM) and over the counter (OTC) omega-3 products. Ninety-three filled questionnaireswere received from pharmacies in Kirkuk city.Results: Over 6 months, 43 patients from 93 (46.2%) were dispensed fish oil supplementations by prescription, and50 patients from 93 (53.7%) were dispensed fish oil preparation without prescription. The nonprescription users wereyounger (32.92 vs. 44.41 years old) and more often female (63% vs. 58%) compared to prescription users. 44% of theOTC group purchased omega-3 as a dietary supplement, 20% used it for hair loss, 14% for treating hypertriglyceridemia,0.08% for improving memory function, and 0.02% for pregnancy care. All the products supplied to customers for variousindications either by prescription or as an OTC were dietary supplements.Conclusion: Healthcare providers and consumers need to distinguish the differences between prescription omega-3products and nonprescription omega-3 dietary supplements to ensure the appropriate use of each product.

Background: The detection of thyroid incidentalomas is on the rise due to high-resolution ultrasonography. Thisstudy aimed to evaluate the prevalence of thyroid incidentaloma in a sample of the Iraqi population through the use ofhigh-resolution ultrasound and to define the TI-RADS classification system.Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted at AL Kindy Teaching Hospital in Bagdad-Iraq. A total of 303 patientswere referred to the ultrasound unit for complaints other than neck pathology. A thyroid ultrasound examination wascarried out, and the American College of Radiology (ACR) thyroid imaging reporting and data system TI-RADS wasrecorded when an incidental thyroid nodule was found. Patients were grouped according to the thyroid ultrasound scaninto groups A: 102 participants with incident thyroid nodules; B: 201 participants without identified nodules.Results: Incidental thyroid nodules were detected in (33.66%) of the current sample, (20.8%) had solitary noduleswhile multiple nodules were detected in (12.9 %) of the individuals. Compared to those who did not show nodules,incidentaloma was identified in 49 (48%) of the older age group (46-60 years), P

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder characterized by chronic high blood sugar levels due to insulin deficiency or resistance. In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas fails to produce adequate insulin, whereas in type 2 diabetes, insulin production may be insufficient, or the body becomes resistant to its effects. Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy due to reduced insulin sensitivity. The prevalence of diabetes has been rising globally, especially in developed countries, driven by factors such as obesity, poor nutrition, lack of exercise, and genetic predisposition. Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes due to insulin resistance. Furthermore, diabetes is associated with various complications, including cardiovascular disease, diabetic retinopathy, kidney disease, and diabetic ketoacidosis. Type 2 diabetes often leads to severe long-term health consequences, including heart attacks, strokes, and limb amputations. In children and young adults, the progression of type 2 diabetes is more rapid and can lead to early-onset complications. Prediabetes, characterized by impaired glucose tolerance, serves as an early warning for diabetes and is linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. Early detection and lifestyle modifications, such as improved diet and increased physical activity, are crucial for preventing the progression from prediabetes to diabetes. While diabetes remains a significant public health and economic burden, preventive measures and early intervention can help reduce its incidence and related complications.

Immunoglobulin E (IgE) is an antibody class that is unique to mammals, it is regarded as the last of the five classes of human immunoglobulins which was discovered in 1968 and it is widely linked to various numbers of allergic illnesses. Basophils, intestinal epithelial cells, antigen presenting cells, tissue mast cells as well as airway epithelial cells all express IgE receptor on its surface. The cell-degranulation signal, release of inflammatory allergic mediators and hypersensitivity responses, all begin with the cross-linking of allergen to receptor-bound IgE. IgE plays an important role in type I hypersensitivity, which is demonstrated as allergic asthma and various allergenic disorders, for example, sinusitis and chronic urticaria. In non-allergic people, serum IgE levels are relatively low (0.05 mg/ml). Remarkably, there is evidence of a relationship between whole IgE values and environmental and host variables. Regardless of sensitivity to frequent allergies or other allergy manifestations, population studies have found a link between the frequency of various allergies and serum total IgE levels.

Background: Total thyroidectomy is the most common endocrine surgery performed in hospitals worldwide. Thyroidgland is a highly vascularized structure and has a rich supply therefore; delicate techniques must be used in its excision.Classical techniques have been used for decades with adequate outcomes but have been associated with numerous dismalcomplications. The use of harmonic scalpel in thyroid surgery made a breakthrough by decreasing these complications.This study aims to compare two techniques (Harmonic scalpel vs. Classical techniques) by measuring the differences induration of operative time, amount of blood loss, and other inadvertent complications.Methods: This is a prospective observational cross-sectional study in which 80 patients were included and operatedon at Azadi Teaching Hospital, Kirkuk, Iraq. They were divided into two equal groups, group harmonic scalpel (40patients) that had total thyroidectomy by harmonic scalpel and group classical techniques (40 patients) that had totalthyroidectomy by classical techniques by means of electrocautery and knot-tying.Results: Harmonic scalpel group showed a significant reduction in operative time (p value = 0.004), amount of intra-operative blood loss (p value

Background: Urinary tract infections are quite prevalent among children presented with non-specific symptoms including abdominal pain, fever, and nocturnal urine incontinence. The study aimed to determine the sensitivity of uropathogenic bacteria to antibiotics and assess their ability to form biofilms.Methods: This study was carried out in Kirkuk City. A total of 180 children with positive urine culture participated, within the age range of 6-12 years. Bacterial identification and antibiotic susceptibility tests were performed. The ability of all bacteria isolated to produce biofilms was assessed using a quantitative microtiter plate method.Results: The uropathogenic Escherichia coli was the predominant isolate (40 %) from children with urinary tract infections. The prevalence of UTI in children was highest in the age group between (9-12) years, with 120 children accounting for (67 %) of the cases. Biofilm production for isolated bacteria was; E. coli (66.7 %), Klebsiella pneumonia(33.4 %), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (66.6 %) Proteus mirabilis (100 %), Acinetobacter baumannii (33.6 %), Staphylococcus haemolyticus (85.6 %), Staphylococcus aureus (83.3 %), Staphylococcus epidermidis (100 %), Staphylococcus lentus (100 %), Enterococcus faecalis (66.6 %).Conclusion: The majority of bacteria recovered from children with urinary tract infections were capable of forming biofilms. Infections caused by bacteria that develop biofilms are more resistant to typical antibiotic treatments, requiring higher dosages or more powerful drugs.

Background: One of the most dangerous complications for mother and baby during cesarean section ishypotension due to spinal anesthesia. Several methods are used to prevent and treat hypotension, the safest of whichis fluid replacement. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of colloidal solutions and crystalloid solutions inpreventing hypotension resulting from spinal anesthesia during elective cesarean sections, along with assessing therequirement for vasopressors to treat severe hypotension due to the spinal anesthesia.Methods: This prospective comparative study was conducted in Erbil Maternity Teaching Hospital fromMay 2021 until October 2021. Two groups of 35 patients were prepared for elective cesarean section, crystalloid groupreceived normal saline, while the colloid group received voluven infusion. Systolic blood pressure, diastolic bloodpressure, and the need for vasopressors (a combination of ephedrine plus phenylephrine) were compared between thegroups.Results: There is no statistically significant difference in the prevalence of hypotension between the two groups(p-value>0.05), except at 5min, there was significant hypotension (p-value

Background: Around 425 million (6%) of humans are diabetics all over the world, and most of them are T2DM(>85%).Diabetes increases the incidence of asymptomatic coronary artery disease (CAD) by two to seven times when comparedto non-diabetics. The study aimed to find out how common asymptomatic (subclinical) coronary artery disease (CAD) isin people with diabetes and how it connects to glucose management and the duration of type 2 diabetes using TMT inorder to improve the detection rate of CAD.Methods: This observational research was conducted from October 2021 to April 2022 at Azadi Teaching Hospital inKirkuk. This research comprised 103 individuals with a mean duration of 5.2 ± 4.2 years since complications startingfrom diagnosis of T2DM, a mean HbA1C of 7.9 ± 1.3 mg/dl who had been diagnosed with T2DM and were having atreadmill test. Patients with preexisting cardiac disease have been excluded from the study.Results: The exercise ECG finding showed that 23% of patients had positive Exercise ECG findings and being elderly,long duration of DM, having high HbA1C level, and having high diastolic blood pressure were found to be associatedsignificantly with positive exercise ECG (p

Mid-gut volvulus (MGV) frequently occurs in infancy and childhood and is rarely seen in adults. Here, we present a 23-year-old male who presented with abdominal pain and vomiting for one-week duration.The patient gave a long history of similar attacks in the past since the age of 16 years old, at a rate of 2-3/ attacks per year, which become more frequent in the last year. A laboratory workup was carried out, and an imaging study demonstrated a twisting of bowel loops around mesenteric vessels on ultrasound and intravenous-enhanced contrast computed tomography (CT scan). Whirlpool sign of midgut volvulus was seen on contrast CT scan. The patient underwent laparoscopic Ladd’sprocedure, where the diagnosis was confirmed, bands were resolved, and the bowel blood supply was restored. The surgery and postoperative period were uneventful. The patient became pain-free and was discharged home on the fourth postoperative day. To improve patient outcomes, physicians should practice a high suspicion index to confirmMGV in adult cases.

Purpose: This research explores the effect of business sustainability practices (BSP) on micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) financial performance, with cultural dimensions serving as moderating variables. Design/methodology: A survey strategy was used to gather data from 467 MSMEs keris respondents in Indonesia. Meanwhile, the hypothesis was validated using the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) method. Results: The results suggested that incorporating BSP positively impacted financial performance. This research also reported the moderating effects of culture on the relationship between BSP and financial performance. However, there was no evidence to support the idea that long-term orientation (LtO) in BSP moderated financial performance. Research limitations and implications: This research should be carried out in other sectors to observe the differences in characteristics of each MSMEs location. Additionally, cultural dimensions were considered to obtain more complex results. Theoretical Implication: BSP enhanced MSMEs financial performance, particularly when cultural factors such as power distance (PwD) were considered. Managerial Implication: The results implied that MSMEs systematically integrated BSP into business strategies and operations. Meanwhile, cultural factors, such as PwD could be reported in the implementation of these practices to optimize financial performance. Originality/value: Novel insights were provided into the effect of BSP on MSMEs financial performance, emphasizing the role of cultural factors. This research advanced the literature by showing the moderating influence of the cultural context on practices and identified a gap regarding LtO.

Purpose: This study explores the intricate interplay between sentiment extracted from Board of Directors (BOD) statements and the traditional financial metrics of banks. It investigates the relationship between a bank’s financial performance, measured by various financial ratios, and the sentiment expressed in BOD statements. Design/methodology/approach: Drawing from a dataset encompassing BOD statements from 15 Jordanian banks spanning 2017 to 2021, sentiment analysis techniques are employed to derive sentiment scores. These scores are then juxtaposed with principal components distilled from financial metrics to examine their predictive relationship. Findings: Preliminary findings reveal significant non-linear patterns between Hu and Liu’s (2004) sentimental analysis (Lui_sen), the Data Science Lab’s (n.d.) multilingual sentiment tool (multi_sen), and the principal components. A subsequent random-effects panel regression further elucidates these relationships, highlighting the significant influence of specific principal components on sentiment scores. This study provides a compelling case for integrating sentiment analysis with traditional financial indicators, offering a more comprehensive toolkit for evaluating bank performance. Research limitations/implications: Future research should explore broader datasets across multiple sectors, to validate the generalisability of the findings beyond the banking sector in Jordan. Practical implications: This research holds implications for investors, analysts, and stakeholders by combining sentiment analysis with traditional financial metrics. It offers deeper insights into the health of banks and the intentions of management. This integrated approach allows stakeholders to make informed decisions and mitigate risks based on a more comprehensive view of banks' financial situations. Additionally, the possibility of real-time sentiment analysis enables the dynamic monitoring of banking institutions' financial health as updated data becomes available. Social implications: The study’s results are valuable to users of financial information, aiding the Association of Banks and the Central Bank of Jordan in formulating policies for the banking sector. Auditors, consultants, and regulatory bodies in Jordan can also benefit from these insights. Originality/value: This is the first study exploring the relationship between sentiment extracted from BOD statements and traditional financial metrics in Jordan. It provides novel evidence of this relationship, contributing to the literature on the integration of textual data analysis and financial performance.

The digital age introduced the Digital Ecological Niche (DEN), revolutionizing human interactions. The advent of Digital History (DHy) has marked a methodological shift in historical studies, tracing its roots to Babbage and Lovelace’s 19th-century work on “coding” as a foundational communication process, fostering a new interaction paradigm between humans and machines, termed “person2persons2machines.” This evolution, through digitization and informatization, builds upon ancient coding practices but was significantly advanced by Babbage and Lovelace’s contributions to mathematical linguistic systems, laying the groundwork for Computer Science. This field, central to 20th-century mainframe interaction through programming languages and formalization, situates Digital History within a broader historical context. Here, coding and mathematical methodologies empower historians with advanced technologies for historical data preservation and analysis. Nonetheless, the extent to which computation and Turing machines can fully understand and interpret history remains a subject of debate.

Although open tools for manual text annotation and the creation of lexical resources have been available for some years, there is currently no integrated tool that allows, within the same environment, annotating a text corpus, building a computational lexicon, and linking linguistic annotations to lexical elements. For this reason, we have developed Maia, an open and collaborative web tool based on semantic web and linked open data technologies for text annotation, e-lexicography, and lexical linking, primarily designed and developed for use by digital humanists. This article presents the first version of Maia, describing its functionality, and outlining its software architecture and development prospects.

Abstract Background This study investigates the determinants of engagement in questionable research practices (QRPs), focusing on both individual-level factors (such as scholarly field, commitment to scientific norms, gender, contract type, and career stage) and institution-level factors (including industry type, researchers' perceptions of their research culture, and awareness of institutional policies on research integrity). Methods Using a multi-level modelling approach, we analyse data from an international survey of researchers working across disciplinary fields to estimate the effect of these factors on QRP engagement. Results Our findings indicate that contract type, career stage, academic field, adherence to scientific norms and gender significantly predict QRP engagement. At the institution level, factors such as being outside of a collegial culture and experiencing harmful publication pressure, and the presence of safeguards against integrity breaches have small associations. Only a minimal amount of variance in QRP engagement is attributable to differences between institutions and countries. Conclusions We discuss the implications of these findings for developing effective interventions to reduce QRPs, highlighting the importance of addressing both individual and institutional factors in efforts to foster research integrity.

Purpose: This research study aims to determine the importance of non-financial rewards as an element of total compensation and its relationship to human resource management mediated by the relationship of strategic corporate governance in the technology sector. Design/methodology/approach: A quantitative approach of extrinsic and intrinsic non-financial rewards, human resource management and strategic management of the company has been carried out. To obtain the necessary data, self-administered questionnaire were used. The results obtained from a sample of 97 human resource managers in the technology sector proves the causal relationship between each type of non-financial reward and human resource management, as well as its link to the strategic management. Findings: Using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Model (PLS-SEM), significant relationships occur between human resource management and strategic management, followed by the relationship between human resource management and intrinsic rewards. A significant relationship exists between human resource management and direct and indirect intrinsic rewards through strategic management. In turn, only an indirect relationship exists between human resource management and extrinsic non-financial rewards through strategic management, but there is no direct relationship. Originality/value: These findings are highly important for human resource management, since it could allow the development of new compensation strategies with non-financial rewards under strategic management helping technology companies to generate competitive advantage by means of the same.

Abstract Background Preprints are scientific articles that have not undergone the peer-review process. They allow the latest evidence to be rapidly shared, however it is unclear whether they can be confidently used for decision-making during a public health emergency. This study aimed to compare the data and quality of preprints released during the first four months of the 2022 mpox outbreak to their published versions. Methods Eligible preprints (n = 76) posted between May to August 2022 were identified through an established mpox literature database and followed to July 2024 for changes in publication status. Quality of preprints and published studies was assessed by two independent reviewers to evaluate changes in quality, using validated tools that were available for the study design (n = 33). Tools included the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale; Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 (QUADAS-2); and JBI Critical Appraisal Checklists. The questions in each tool led to an overall quality assessment of high quality (no concerns with study design, conduct, and/or analysis), moderate quality (minor concerns) or low quality (several concerns). Changes in data (e.g. methods, outcomes, results) for preprint-published pairs (n = 60) were assessed by one reviewer and verified by a second. Results Preprints and published versions that could be evaluated for quality (n = 25 pairs) were mostly assessed as low quality. Minimal to no change in quality from preprint to published was identified: all observational studies (10/10), most case series (6/7) and all surveillance data analyses (3/3) had no change in overall quality, while some diagnostic test accuracy studies (3/5) improved or worsened their quality assessment scores. Among all pairs (n = 60), outcomes were often added in the published version (58%) and less commonly removed (18%). Numerical results changed from preprint to published in 53% of studies, however most of these studies (22/32) had changes that were minor and did not impact main conclusions of the study. Conclusions This study suggests the minimal changes in quality, results and main conclusions from preprint to published versions supports the use of preprints, and the use of the same critical evaluation tools on preprints as applied to published studies, in decision-making during a public health emergency.

Purpose: Effective human resource management (HRM) practices are essential factors that provide organizations with a competitive edge and contribute to their overall performance. This study examines the impact of HRM practices, including recruitment and selection (RS), training and development (TD), compensation policies (CPs), and performance appraisal (PA), on the organizational performance (OP) of the Nepalese development banks (DBs). Design/methodology/approach: The study followed a causal-comparative research approach. It employed a structured questionnaire to gather the necessary data from 257 working representatives of the ten selected Nepalese DBs. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modeling (SEM) were used to examine the association between the variables and validate the study hypotheses. Findings: The HRM practices exhibit a significant and positive association with OP (β = 0.910; p < 0.05), indicating their influence on achieving organisational success. Such findings offer a pragmatic perspective for achieving HRM excellence and organisational effectiveness in the Nepalese DBs. Research constraints/implications: Analysis of cross-sectional data from development banks cannot be extrapolated to other sectors. This study emphasises the importance of compensation, performance measurement, hiring and selection, development, and training in improving OP, confirming and expanding prior findings. These insights may benefit policymakers, HR managers, and executives in enhancing HR operations by improving employee performance and business productivity. Originality/value: This study's unique contribution is its examination of HRM dynamics and their direct impact on OP, notably in the Nepalese DBs. The DBs may optimise their HR, enhancing OP and a long-lasting competitive advantage.

Purpose: This research explored the interaction of environmental disclosure practices dimensions (environmental financial information, environmental non-financial information, and environmental performance information) on total value-added growth of the Nigerian listed manufacturing companies. Design/methodology/approach: Using a secondary data set culled from 39 Nigerian manufacturing businesses traded on the Stock Exchange between 2010-2019, this investigation utilised an ex post facto research strategy. The multiple regression statistical approach was utilised to analyse the data. Findings: The findings indicated that environmental disclosure practices dimensions (environmental, financial information, environmental non-financial information, and environmental performance information) significantly and positively affect the total value-added growth of Nigerian listed manufacturing companies. Research limitation/implication: This study focused on Nigerian-listed manufacturing companies. Future studies could include non-listed manufacturing companies. Also, other industries could be considered in future studies. Originality/value: As far as the authors are aware, this is the first research to establish a connection between the environmental disclosure procedures of traded manufacturing businesses in Nigeria and the overall value-added increase. In addition, the findings showed the interaction between environmental disclosure practices factors on total value-added growth in listed manufacturing businesses in Nigeria are novel and significant.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to delve into the obstacles preventing the effective management of tacit knowledge risks in South African public sector enterprises (PSEs) from the perspectives of human resource management (HRM) and knowledge management (KM).A perusal of the literature reveals that most South African PSEs are grappling with significant challenges related to potential tacit knowledge loss risks. Design/methodology/approach: The research utilised a mixed methods exploratory sequential design, collecting qualitative data through interviews with 20 HR managers in 9 PSEs and survey data from 585 questionnaires. The reliability of the data was tested, and thematic analysis was performed using Atlas.ti software. Findings: The study identified key barriers to effective tacit knowledge loss risk management in PSEs, including a silo mentality, organisational red-tape, knowledge as a power source, lack of recognition and rewards, KM awareness, cultures and structures, employment equity, fixed-term contracts, competing priorities for leadership, knowledge hoarding, HRM practices, and inadequate KM technologies and systems. These pressing issues need to be addressed to improve knowledge risk management (KRM) efforts in PSEs. Research limitations/implications:The exploration of organisational barriers was only limited to the tacit knowledge loss risks category, induced by human resource turnover in country-specific PSEs. Future studies could explore the organisational barriers and factors affecting other types of knowledge risks in PSEs or similar knowledge-intensive business enterprises across the globe using different samples and populations. Other similar studies could include strategic sectors of the economy such as energy generation, civil aviation, defence, mining and rail. The study contributes to the knowledge-based view and knowledge stickiness theories, and proposes an interdisciplinarity approach using mixed methods for future research on tacit knowledge loss. Practical implications: The research findings conclusively indicate that PSEs face the aforementioned barriers that hinder the effective implementation of the KRM system. This study identifies that key organisational barriers were mainly due to a lack of knowledge-driven HRM strategies in KM. To address these barriers, HR managers and other stakeholders must collaborate to ensure effective knowledge management and mitigate the negative impact of knowledge loss risks on organisational performance. Social Implications: The study highlights the importance of removing key barriers for improved KRM in PSEs. The improved KRM can enhance public service delivery efficiency, transparency and the accountability of PSEs by addressing socio-economic developmental issues in developing economies. Originality/value: Using South African PSEs as a case to address this challenge, the paper sought to explore key organisational barriers to effective knowledge loss risk management in organisations with a view to shaping discourse, policies, research, theories and practices in KM and HRM. Organisational barriers affecting the management of such risks remain unexplored in the extant body of knowledge and practice.

The article is devoted to the sociological analysis of films featuring Hollywood actress Glenn Close. The purpose of the research is to analyze in what image the heroines appear, how their characters relate to the time of action in films. In this research, the author also had the task within the framework of Glenn's film career to show which ideas are broadcast in films with the participation of the actress, to illustrate which gender issues came to the fore in society at the time of the release of a particular film. Among the problems considered by the author are: a woman’s career in “male” professions, the balance between work and family, the problem of a female leader, the reality that a woman at work is forced to “behave like a man in a “man’s world”, finally, the unwillingness of society and even relatives to accept a woman’s professional ambitions. The empirical basis of the study consists of the following films: “Jagged Edge” (1985), “Dangerous Liaisons” (1988), “101 Dalmatians” (1996), the TV series “Damages” (2008-2012), “Albert Nobbs” (2011), “The Wife” (2017). Research method: semiotic analysis of film material. The article concludes that most of the characters embodied by Glenn are women who had career aspirations and achieved success in their chosen profession. For their self-realization, they are usually forced to accept the “rules of the game of men”, to a greater extent to show “masculine qualities. It is shown that a woman’s ambition and her desire for career growth are not always perceived in society. Her high position invariably entails a number of gender issues, primarily in maintaining a balance between work and other areas of life. At the same time, in one of the films, the emphasis is placed on the fact that the unrealized potential leads to the accumulation of resentment and emotional emptiness. At the same time, the actress has heroines in her arsenal who failed to realize their potential, and as a result – emotional emptiness, a real life tragedy. Glenn’s heroines convincingly talk about the problems faced by ambitious women in modern society.

The article is devoted to the issues of transformation of authorship and subjectivity, which is observed in the modern information space. The concept of “death of the author”, developed in the 20th century philosophers of postmodernism (W. Benjamin, J. Derrida, R. Barthes, M. Foucault), is interpreted as one of the cultural and philosophical foundations of the culture of artificial intelligence (AI). It is noted that AI has a significant impact on the modern information space, reinforcing in it the tendencies of anonymity and lack of subjectivity. Using methods of analysis, synthesis, observation, description, interpretation and others, the phenomena of “death of the author” in the modern information space, both directly related to AI and not, are considered. The lack of indication of authors of media publications, concealment of authorship in social networks, the phenomenon of reposting, scientific plagiarism, the game of writers with pseudonyms and other phenomena are considered as modern manifestations of the transformation of authorship. Attention is drawn to the increase in the number of authors, the removal of the opposition between authors and addressees. Feeling like a component of a formed cultural space, a person does not consider it necessary to highlight his authorship, believing himself to simply transmit existing meanings; this is similar to the non-author’s translation of the meanings of human culture by neural networks. It is concluded that AI, as an active subject that generates content on the Internet, but does not claim authorship, influences the assessment of its own authorship by other subjects of the information space and their attitude towards authorship.

Background. Globalization and individualization are the main features of modern society. Globalization has a huge destructive potential for national identity and identity of people. Cultural and civilizational features of various countries are being erased, socio-cultural institutions and management technologies are losing their stability of functioning. Goal. The analysis of the spiritual foundations of civilization helps to identify the main ways of forming a new person capable of spiritual rebirth. The research methods are based on the theoretical analysis of modern scientific literature using the possibilities of a comparative approach. Results. The global crisis that has engulfed modern society is of a large-scale nature. The way out of this situation can be a dialogue based on the mutual enrichment of national cultures and traditions. The spiritual foundations of the dialogue of cultures are philosophy and religion. Despite the fact that philosophy and religion follow different paths, they pursue the same goal – the education of spirituality in man. Through spirituality, they awaken the creative potential of a person, contributing to social activity and stabilization of society necessary for social transformation. The scope of the results. The theme of the philosophy of dialogue is a priority because it means recognizing the importance of cultural interaction. The space of dialogue is a unifying principle for overcoming differences between nations, classes, and religions due to the uniqueness and objectivity of the philosophical approach applicable at all levels of public life.

Purpose. To analyze the development and implementation of an alternative educational route for schoolchildren and their families, namely, the transition to an online school in high school. Methodology. The study used a biographical method: the collection of autobiographical writings about the educational path and the educational experience gained in online schools. An additional empirical approach is e-mail interviewing. Results. Eight groups of reasons for choosing to study in online schools in high school have been identified. The most significant motives are dissatisfaction with the quality of teaching and low academic performance in the previous school, personalization of the educational program. Among other reasons, the preference for the online learning format is preparation for state exams and university admission, security, health problems, relocation. The decision to change the student's educational route is made by the family, and the parents have previously changed the child's school. High school students in online schools show an increased interest in technical education and obtaining technical professions. The cognitive boundaries of the collection of biographical works are determined by the peculiarities of reconstructing educational biographies. The authors of the texts exaggerate independence in planning and implementing the educational route, including the transition to online learning. Biographical writings underestimate the role of the family in making and implementing educational decisions. The problem is overcome by additional interviewing of the authors of the texts. Practical implications. The results of the study can be applied in social policy in the fields of education and the labor market. And also in the training of students and postgraduates of sociological specialties.

Цель. Сфера информационных технологий (ИТ) стремительно развивается и активно интегрируется во все процессы социума. В связи с этим, современное общество должно обладать необходимыми ИТ-навыками и находиться в постоянной цифровой трансформации, в том числе в рабочей среде. Это приводит к возникновению проблемы цифровой адаптации сотрудников, прежде всего старшего возраста. Особо остро проблема отражается в ИТ-подразделениях. Целью данного исследования является оценка влияния развития отрасли ИТ в СССР и России на цифровое развитие сотрудников. В качестве объекта исследования рассматривались сотрудники ИТ-подразделений крупной российской компании из топливно-энергетического комплекса. Метод и методология проведения работы. При проведении исследования использовался количественный метод анализа статистических данных о сотрудниках российской компании, а также метод экспертного интервьюирования руководящего и подчиненного состава ИТ-подразделений. Результаты. По результатам проведенного анализа установлено влияние развития ИТ-отрасли на формирование возрастных (поколенческих) особенностей российского общества. Выстроена взаимосвязь между возрастными особенностями сотрудников и их должностными обязанностями. Область применения результатов. Результаты исследований можно использовать при формировании кадровой политики в ИТ-подразделениях российских организаций.

Goal. The article is devoted to the analysis of the phenomenon of the sacred (sacred, revered, especially significant) space of the «other world» of a Person - a representative of the ethnic group of the Greater Altai, where images and substantial meanings of individual and collective existence are of key importance in culture. Tasks. The author will have to highlight the features of the sacred space of the ethnoregional culture of the region by highlighting and understanding the value-normative certainty of the elements of spiritual, material and artistic culture of the ethnic groups of Altai. Method and methodology of the work. The basis of the presented research is formed by phenomenological, cultural philosophical and culturological research methods that allow to reveal the essence and specific content of the values and norms of the sacred space of Altai, forming the world order, the image of the universe and the world order. Results. The author comes to the conclusion that the phenomenon of sacred space is based on the normative and value basis of the ethnoregional culture of Altai, reflected in its spiritual, material and artistic sides according to the principle of the trinity «Creator-Man-World». The scope of the results. The results of the research can be applied in the field of cultural, philosophical, socio-philosophical and sociological design and forecasting.

This article explores the importance of digital technology for the care of elderly in nursing homes. The integration of digital technology in nursing homes has become increasingly pertinent. It's looking to develop evidence on its effects within care sectors of the elderly in nursing homes. In addition, the acceptance, effectiveness, and efficiency in nursing care, along with technology integration within nursing, hold significant implications. Furthermore, digital health technology factors can also either facilitate or hinder the application when implemented in nursing homes, therefore it is important to understand the dynamic of technology adoption. Additionally, the necessity of innovation within nursing homes is reinforced by researchers who advocate for the facilitation of an optimal health outcome. Along with technology's integration there are several benefits like contextual challenges and the ethical issues which need be diligently managed.

This exploratory study examines the evolving role of knowledge workers in the age of artificial intelligence (AI), focusing on the challenges and opportunities AI presents for productivity, creativity, and organizational processes. Through a comprehensive literature review, the study explores how AI technologies, particularly generative AI, influence knowledge work by automating routine tasks and enabling higher-level cognitive activities. The findings emphasize the need for knowledge workers to develop new skills to collaborate with AI systems, while organizations must adopt strategies that balance automation with human oversight. The study identifies future research directions, including empirical investigations into the integration of AI into knowledge workflows, the impact on creativity, and the ethical considerations of AI in decision-making processes. The conclusions underscore the importance of continuous learning and adaptation as knowledge workers and organizations navigate the rapidly evolving technological landscape.

The industry of experimental film is a current topic – an industry that is relatively small and marginalized compared to the industry of commercial film – supported by a dedicated community of artists and filmmakers that continue to produce and promote experimental films, both in digital format and analog format. This work introduces the concept of “Experimental Film between Art and Technology” and over the course of cinema history there were a series of artistic movements that promoted the experimental Film, such as the German expressionism, dadaism and surrealism. The advancement of technology and the democratization of access to filming equipment and post-production allow an ever-increasing number of artists and filmmakers to express their vision through experimental film. The purpose of this work is to launch a provocative discussion regarding the industry of experimental film, where technology is often used as an instrument for creating new visual and auditory experiences for the public. These two main areas of interest are presented based on a recent expertise of specialized literature – the relation between art and technology in experimental film. Moreover, technology is a key component to experimental film, allowing the directors to create new and innovative visual and auditory experiences. On the other hand, experimental filmmakers often use technology in unconventional ways, ignoring mass cinematic conventions to create something truly unique and artistic. Experimental film exists at the intersection of art and technology, pushing the borders of both fields to create something new and exciting. This work is based on a significant study of specialized literature, and it explores the areas of art and technology that seem disjointed, bringing to the forefront points that can be important for both theoreticians, and for industry professionals.

The use of learner modelling approaches is critical for providing adaptive support in educational computer games, with predictive learner modelling being among the key approaches. While adaptive supports have been shown to improve the effectiveness of educational games, improperly customized support can have negative effects on learning outcomes. To tackle these challenges, we present a novel approach, called DeepLM, that considers a series of time windows representing both sequences of learners’ actions during gameplay and estimation of their current competencies (using stealth assessment) to model learners and accordingly predict their future performance. The approach employs a variant of deep neural networks to early predict learners’ midterm and final scores simultaneously. The results show that using 20-50% of learners’ action sequences can early predict their final scores, with a cross-validated convolutional neural network (CNN) achieving an area under the curve (AUC) and accuracy of 0.879 and 85.3%, respectively. The same model can also achieve high accuracy in predicting midterm and final scores at the same time, with an AUC and accuracy of 0.848 and 77.9%. Overall, the CNN model outperforms recurrent neural network, long short-term memory, and baseline multilayer perceptron (MLP) models in predicting learners’ final performance and performs better than the baseline MLP model in predicting learners’ midterm and final performance using both cross-validation and independent datasets. These findings show the potential of the proposed approach in accurately early predicting learners’ performance, allowing educators and game designers to tailor interventions and support mechanisms that could lead to optimized learning outcomes.

Educational games, prevalent in contemporary settings, leverage game-based learning (GBL) to actively engage and enhance learners’ knowledge and skill acquisition through captivating in-game learning activities. To assess the effectiveness of GBL, game-based assessment (GBA) has emerged. GBA employs gameplay for learners to attain educational objectives while capturing data for analyzing their in-game competencies. The integration of gameplay in assessments has garnered increasing attention to GBA. This review of 21 studies provides an overview of the application of GBA in the field of education, covering aspects of the publication nature, theoretical frameworks, game types, in-game assessment details, and the assessed subjects and knowledge. Key findings include: (1) the annual number of publications fluctuates; a majority of studies originate from the USA; (2) the supporting theory tends to be unitary, with the evidence-centered design model cited the most; (3) simulation, immersive, and video games with rich game elements are applied most as assessment tools, and in-game assessment details are associated with game features; and (4) GBA is predominantly used in physics education. These findings indicate that applying GBA in education is promising with solid theoretical support, and practitioners are suggested to design GBA according to their educational needs and game features.

Design patterns for learning are about articulating, testing and sharing the principles of problem solving in the educational context. In this way, multiple patterns are developed to solve common problems, described in various pattern language formats. Therefore, this work is about characterizing and establishing functional relationships between the components involved in the construction of a learning design pattern. The research was carried out in a Delphi study of double round individual non-contact between experts (n = 14), from different areas (educational technology, e-learning, distance education, higher education), selected through the coefficient of expert competence. The main result is a pattern language composed of attributes, components, and groups of processes. It is concluded that the language obtained allows externalizing knowledge from its consistent and shareable structure, which makes it suitable for use in different scenarios that require a formal pattern language and facilitates its implementation in online learning contexts.

Digital technologies are the main driver of the future economy, with technology jobs and those requiring digital skills on the rise. In educational settings, there is an accelerated propagation of digital learning environments, which was amplified by the online shift following COVID-19. To equip learners with the necessary digital skills, there ought to be a purpose-built framework that can be used as a reference point. Although in recent years there were multiple attempts to develop digital literacy frameworks such as DigComp by the European Commission and the Digital Literacy Global Framework (DLGF) by UNESCO, with several other frameworks built on top of them, there is a lack of frameworks devised specifically for learners and students. This paper proposes a conceptual digital literacy framework for learners, building mainly on DigComp 2.0 and the DLGF. We use an integrative review methodology of six main empirical frameworks, developed in recent years with educational applications, to achieve our aim. We added new competencies specific to mobile learning environments and career-related digital endeavors by learners. In addition, we further tailored the competences related to device and software operations to both personal computers and mobile devices. The proposed framework in this paper expounds on DigComp and DLGF by adding several competences which are deemed essential for learners in today’s digital world. The framework can be used by educational institutes, policymakers, as well as learners to assess their digital skills and devise strategies for capacity building.

Although Chinese has become one of the most influential second/foreign languages in the world, teaching Chinese as a foreign/second language (CSL/CFL) abroad faces great challenges. M-learning and mobile-assisted language learning (MALL) display great advantages to facilitate second language learning, including CSL/CFL. However, most research was related to English as a second language (ESL) learning. Although mobile-assisted CSL/CFL learning has developed rapidly and steadily, most of these studies were conducted in mainland China and published in Chinese, which was very difficult for non-Chinese speakers to understand. Therefore, researchers should make more efforts to study mobile-assisted CSL/CFL learning abroad. With this in mind, a systematic literature review was conducted to determine the status and trends of this topic. Considering the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 28 articles published between 2010 and 2022 were selected from Scopus and WoS databases. Publication information, research methodology, participant characteristics, mobile technologies, and research findings were summarized and reported accordingly. This review also addressed the limitations of previous research, based on which the related researchers and practitioners could make more efforts to focus on the weaknesses of mobile-assisted CSL/CFL learning.

The pedagogy aspect of education has been the key factor influencing the effectiveness and quality of e-learning platforms. However, there is a lack of systematic review with an emphasis on the pedagogical aspect when it comes to e-learning in higher education. This research aims to systematically review seven major databases to identify the existing research studies of e-learning models and theoretical frameworks concerning their pedagogical dimension. Our findings reveal that despite the importance of pedagogical models, only a few articles have incorporated models in their e-learning, and theories are more favoured. Constructivism appeared to be the most important among other learning theories when it comes to the successful implementation of pedagogical aspects of e-learning higher education. Furthermore, we found that the objectives of most studies were audience analysis and instructional strategies. Regarding the factors influencing the student-teacher aspect of the pedagogical component of e-learning, we found several factors that are mainly related to the audience analysis and instructional strategies elements of the pedagogical aspects. Based on these findings, we believe that instructional strategies should be based on teaching and learning theories like constructivism, social constructivism or sociocultural. Finally, we list several existing challenges that can be used as future directions for the successful application of e-learning in higher education.

Knowledge sharing is the social interaction through which individuals exchange their tacit and explicit knowledge with others. Tacit knowledge comes from experience, talent, and reflection and is difficult to formalize, transfer, and communicate to others. Conversely, explicit knowledge is formalized, codified, and easier to transmit. The study focused on four organizational conditions associated with knowledge sharing: culture, training, strategic clarity, and information technology support. Although the relationship between organizational conditions and knowledge sharing has been investigated, few studies have examined whether organizational conditions impact tacit and explicit knowledge sharing. In this research, 270 participants were surveyed, belonging to companies in the financial sector in Colombia. It was found that explicit knowledge had a significant positive relationship with strategic clarity, organizational culture, training, and information technology support. Tacit knowledge correlated significantly only with organizational culture and was unrelated to strategic clarity, training, and information technology support. Based on the results, a model that includes these four organizational conditions is a good predictor of the two types of knowledge sharing: tacit and explicit. Additional research on information technologies that facilitate the sharing of tacit knowledge is recommended. Studies are also suggested on which strategy elements can be considered tacit and the mechanisms to facilitate their successful sharing.

Corporate knowledge becomes enterprise strategic resources for sustaining corporate competitiveness by transferring irreplaceable diversified knowledge among employees. One key challenge for enterprises is to ensure that employees mutually and effectively share knowledge. This study integrates a social exchange perspective to understand key factors conducive to successful knowledge transfer in two dimensions: velocity and viscosity. Three key construct areas are examined for influence on the two dependent variables: micro levels (individual and group), macro level (organizational), and knowledge factors. 225 knowledge management system users in 15 companies were surveyed. A path analysis was used to validate 17 proposed hypotheses, with four major findings reported as results: 1) all eight predictive factors exhibited significant influence on both dependent variables; 2) measures of both dependent variables persistently increased with positive influence from common factors of articulability, incentives and training; 3) the organization must consider differential effects of knowledge, individuality, and organization on the two dependent variables; and 4) some factors potentially negatively affect dependent variables. For example, excessive interaction may decrease velocity, while employees with high perceived self-efficacy may decrease velocity and viscosity.

Is organizational performance likely to improve when an organization employs acolytes (i.e., individuals with considerable experience of working with high-reputation industry leaders)? Firms with able, motivated, and opportunity-seeking acolytes are likely to benefit more in terms of unobtrusive access to quality knowledge and improved performance. Through a detailed qualitative treatment, this work identifies high-reputation leaders, acolytes and 312 beauty salons that employed acolytes. An analysis of lagged survey responses of 286 senior managers at these beauty salons showed that the performance of salons improves, when acolytes high in knowledge-sharing competencies–i.e., ability, motivation, and opportunity-seeking–are employed. In line with social learning theory, acolytes acquire and display knowledge-sharing competencies due to their association and work experience with industry greats. This study found that these knowledge-sharing competencies help acolytes overcome the barriers to knowledge-sharing and make knowledge more deployable and redeemable for better performance. We also found that with high homophily between acolytes and fellow employees, knowledge-sharing competencies of acolytes work better and more knowledge is received by the firms.

Nowadays, it is relevant to solve the problems of adapting optimal resource- and energy-efficient modes to technologies for processing food raw materials. The work is focused on the analysis of the prerequisites to find similar features in the dehydration of food capillary-porous colloidal materials by means of various methods. The authors have studied the patterns of cephalopods dehydration using the example of octopus and squid under different heat treatment regimes. It has been proved that there is only one critical point characterizing the transition from moisture with a lower binding energy to moisture with a higher one, and an equation has been proposed for finding the critical humidity during dehydration of the objects been studied. A generalized mathematical model has been developed to determine the duration of the process at the current moisture content of the food material based on dimensionless similarity criteria characterizing the phenomena been investigated. The dependences of the moisture removal rate for different heat treatment methods of cephalopods are given according to their initial moisture content, the specific surface area of the material and the operating factors that determine the process. The obtained dependencies and patterns open up unique opportunities for labor-saving design in the food industry using rational operating modes of industrial enterprises, optimization of heat treatment processes in general and the creation of energy-efficient equipment new designs.

The climatic features of the Murmansk region (low average annual temperature; insignificant number of sunny days) do not contribute to the effective use of natural methods of drying aquatic organisms and determine the use of artificial dehydration methods using appropriate equipment. The capabilities of ship fish processing complexes are limited; highly productive coastal fish processing plants are required to supply the population with fish products. The development and testing of new drying modes has been carried out using a small-sized drying unit UPOR-M2. In the course of the study, a drying unit modernization project has been developed, equipment has been selected (thermal imaging system; damper and fan control modules), the system has been modernized and a number of experiments has been conducted to determine the effectiveness of the work performed. The modernization of the drying unit has made it possible to increase the accuracy of the data obtained by 25 % (temperature), 20 % (relative humidity), 18 % (weight), to implement remote control of the processes and to ensure reliable operation of the drying system. Further research of different drying modes for aquatic organisms should include upgrading the air supply control system and improving communication equipment.

Abstract Background Reporting conflicts of interest (COI) and sources of sponsorship are of paramount importance in adequately interpreting the results of systematic reviews. Some evidence suggests that there is an influence of COI and sponsorship on the study results. The objectives of this meta-research study were twofold: (a) to assess the reporting of COI and sponsorship statements in systematic reviews published in dentistry in three sources (abstract, journal’s website and article’s full text) and (b) to assess the associations between the characteristics of the systematic reviews and reporting of COI. Methods We searched the PubMed database for dental systematic reviews published from database inception to June 2023. We assessed how COI and sponsorship statements were reported in the three sources. We performed a logistic regression analysis to assess the associations between the characteristics of the systematic reviews and the reporting of COI. Results We assessed 924 abstracts published in PubMed and on the corresponding journals´ websites. Similarly, full texts associated with the 924 abstracts were also assessed. A total of 639 (69%) and 795 (88%) studies had no statement of COI in the abstracts on PubMed and the journal’s website, respectively. In contrast, a COI statement was reported in 801 (87%) full texts. Sponsorship statements were not reported in 911 (99%) and 847 (93%) abstracts published in PubMed and a journal´s website, respectively. Nearly two-thirds of the full-text articles (N = 607) included sponsorship statements. Journal access was significantly associated with COI statement reporting in all three sources. Open-access journals have significantly higher odds to report COI in PubMed and full-texts, while have significantly lower odds to report COI in the websites, compared with subscription or hybrid journals. Abstract type was significantly associated with COI statement reporting on the journal’s website and in the full text. Review registration based on the full text and the number of authors were significantly associated with COI statement reporting in PubMed and in the full texts. Several other variables were found to be significantly associated with COI statement reporting in one of the three sources. Conclusions COI and sponsorship statements seem to be underreported in the abstracts and homepage of the journals, compared to the full-texts. These results were particularly more pronounced in abstracts published in both the PubMed database and the journals’ websites. Several characteristics of systematic reviews were associated with COI statement reporting.

The caviar and lecithin complex of freshwater fish can be widely used for the production of various food products, including those of functional orientation. The main technological operations in lecithin technology should include the processes of extraction of the initial caviar raw material and raffinate obtained after the first stage of selective extraction. The purpose of the study is to identify the rational mass ratio of extractant and raw material (module), on which the extraction efficiency depends, as well as the final concentration of extracted substances in the extract to determine its current value in the process of mass transfer to study the kinetics of extraction. The object of the study is the caviar-anchovy complex of fathead carp, carp, pikeperch and catfish, as well as the extract and raffinate from it. Summarizing the experimental data on revealing the rational module, as well as the final concentration of extracted substances in the extracts obtained, we can conclude that for caviar of the fish species under study, the rational hydromodule for its extraction with acetone is the ratio of dry caviar : extractant 1 : 4, and for its extraction with ethyl alcohol is the ratio of dry caviar : extractant 1 : 8. If the mass ratio refers to the fresh caviar of the studied fish species, then its rational indicator at its extraction with acetone is the ratio of fresh caviar : extractant 1 : 1.5, and at its extraction with ethyl alcohol is the ratio of fresh caviar : extractant 1 : 3. The average final concentration of extracted substances from dry caviar of the studied fish species in the extracts obtained, if acetone was used as a solvent under rational conditions of mass transfer, corresponds to the value of 1.3 %, and if ethyl alcohol was used as a solvent under rational conditions of mass transfer, corresponds to the value of 1.0 %.

The actuality of processing of substandard by external signs fruit and vegetables is caused by their higher volumes in the processing industry and retail chains, and additionally by their high biopotentials. The aim of research is to ground complex processing of such raw materials to obtain food supplements containing natural biologically active components, and assessment of their nutritional functionality. The experiments used apples, bananas, oranges, potatoes, carrots, tomatoes and cucumbers that did not meet the freshness criteria of GOST 57976-2017, but without any signs of microbial damage. Three types of experimental mixtures were made from this raw material: fruit, vegetable and fruit-vegetable. The key processing operation was the enzymatic hydrolysis of the mixtures with various carbohydrases (cellulase, ?-glucanase, amylase and glucoamylase). The hydrolyzed mixtures were fractionated, followed by dehydration of the fractions to obtain water-soluble and water-insoluble powder supplements. During the fermentation process, the accumulation of simple sugars, dry substances in water-soluble fractions, and the yield of finished products were studied. The highest concentrations of sugars are found in water-soluble fractions from fruit mixtures. In the resulting supplements from three types of mixtures, organoleptic characteristics, chemical composition, and the content of functional food ingredients – vitamin C, substances with P-vitamin activity, and dietary fiber have been studied. The qualitative composition of dietary fiber and other polysaccharides in a water-insoluble supplement has been established using IR-spectra. Taking into account the obtained data, calculations have been made to satisfy the daily physiological needs for established biologically active substances when consuming 100 g of supplements for ordinary people and athletes. It is recommended to use supplements as enriching agents for functional purposes in specialized antioxidant, immunomodulatory and prebiotic nutrition, including as part of dietary supplements for athletes.

The relevance of the study is due to the need to improve the technology for processing peas and beans of domestic selection into plant-based drinks and their use in technologies for alternative products of complex raw materials for healthy, functional and specialized nutrition of various population groups. The purpose of the work is to study the influence of the developed technological modes of bioactivation on the nutritional and biological value, functional and technological properties of the protein-carbohydrate complex of pea and bean grains. The work examines the results of studies of changes occurring in pea grains bred at the Bashkir Research Institute of Agriculture and beans bred at the Omsk State Agrarian University during their bioactivation using the Smart Sprouter "Rosinka" installation, in particular the biochemical composition and inhibitory activity of grain of the studied varieties, a protein complex and amino acid composition, protein digestibility in vitro, functional and technological properties of the protein-carbohydrate complex of grain. The research has been carried out using generally accepted, modern instrumental methods for analyzing the properties of raw materials and finished products. It has been established that the use of the developed technological parameters of bioactivation leads to modification of the functional and technological properties of the structure-forming nutrients of grain, intensive accumulation of all amino acids, with the exception of threonine, make it possible to increase the protein content in pea grain by 15.32 % and beans by 14.96 %, relative to the initial values increase the degree of compliance of pea and bean grain protein with the FAO/WHO reference protein by 4.48 and 17.53 %, reduce the activity of grain protease inhibitors by 19.76 and 26.12 %, increase the digestibility of grain protein by 7.77 and 5.85 %. The research results prove the feasibility of using bioactivated pea and bean grains for the production of alternative products with a complex raw material composition, including plant-based drinks and products in the "dairy alternatives" segment.

The need to involve in the processing of significant amount of secondary protein-containing raw materials formed during fish cutting, on the one hand, and on the other hand, the shortage of a source of the protein component of microbiological nutrient media determines the relevance of the work. The goal was to study the possibility of using fish protein hydrolyzate obtained by enzymatic hydrolysis from secondary fish raw materials in microbiological nutrient media. Microbiological and physicochemical methods were used to conduct research. When optimizing the developed algorithm for the fermentation process, a mathematical model of the experiment was used with a minimum number of experiments. An algorithm has been developed for obtaining fish protein hydrolyzate from meat and bone waste from cutting pelagic fish (cod). The hydrolysis parameters were optimized: the concentration of the enzyme preparation is 1.33 % of the total mass of waste, the duration of the fermentation process – 3 hours. The characteristics of the resulting fish hydrolyzate are determined: the mass fraction of total nitrogen – 13 %, amine – 3.6 %, water – 4.6 %, sodium chloride – 2.7 %, fat – 0.3 %. An experimental fish hydrolyzate has been studied as a source of protein nitrogen in accordance with the formulation of a microbiological medium used for counting when growing colonies of microorganisms. The effectiveness of the prepared nutrient media was assessed by comparing the performance coefficients of the experimental and control nutrient media, as well as by identifying test microorganisms grown on the experimental medium. It was established that the growth pattern of test cultures both on the studied nutrient medium and on the control medium was almost the same. Test microorganisms retained their biochemical, morphological and cultural characteristics. The research results showed the possibility of using fish protein hydrolyzate obtained by enzymatic hydrolysis from secondary fish raw materials in microbiological nutrient media.

Protein hydrolysates have a wide range of applications in the food industry. The additives obtained by enzymolysis of collagen-containing secondary fish waste (fish skin) have been freeze-dried. The following protein content is established in freeze-dried protein additives: 95.4/100 g (in pollock skin hydrolysates); 94.8 (cod skin); 92.5 g/100 g (pike-perch skin). The amino acid composition of the additives includes glycine, proline, valine, lysine, and arginine. Comparison of the amino acid composition with the reference protein demonstrates a high degree of satisfaction of the daily requirement for amino acids. The utility coefficient of the amino acid composition indicates a balance of amino acids, which determines the biological value of additives from pollock skin (88.67 %), cod (86.65 %), and pike-perch (79.68 %). Protein additives contain low-molecular peptides with biologically active properties. The assessment of the harmlessness index has been carried out using the simplest organisms: growth, reproduction and absence of death of the cells of the Tetrachymena pyriformis ciliate indicate the harmlessness and high biological value of the protein of protein supplements. The obtained food supplements are proposed to be used in the production of sports nutrition products.

The paper considers the problems of physical modification of starch products and other food ingredients. The main trends and directions of innovative activity characteristic of the ingredient market have been described. As a result of the experiments, a method for modifying starches, starch products and complex food additives has been developed to improve their microbiological, physicochemical and organoleptic characteristics. It has been proven that when exposed to infrared radiation with a wavelength of 7–10 microns on a layer of a product 1 cm thick for 1 minute, the number of mesophilic aerobic and facultative anaerobic microorganisms in such a product is reduced to zero. At the same time, the mass fraction of reducing substances as a result of such treatment more than doubles, which indicates the occurrence of the dextrinization process. It is possible to process both starch products that act as carriers in complex mixtures and ready-made additives after completion of the mixing process. The mass fraction of moisture during infrared processing decreases by less than 1 % for maltodextrins and by less than 2 % for complex food additives, which characterizes the resulting technological losses as acceptable. Changing the granulometric composition of complex additives under the influence of infrared radiation improves the flowability of the product, increases the uniformity of distribution of flavoring substances over the surface of the carrier, which in turn makes it possible to reduce the dosage of complex additives in the manufacture of meat and confectionery products. Based on the results obtained, technological diagrams have been developed and described showing the production process step by step, indicating all significant parameters.

Products of aquatic origin are among the most perishable products. Heat processing, including sterilization, drying and evaporation, can lead to undesirable changes in food products, such as a decrease in their nutritional value or deterioration in organoleptic characteristics. The purpose of the paper is to review the results of scientific research on non-thermal methods of processing fish and other aquatic organisms to inhibit bacteria, ensure microbiological safety and maintain quality. The groups of primary spoilage bacteria vary among fish, crustaceans and molluscs depending on storage conditions and duration. Non-thermal processing methods such as ultra-high pressure, irradiation, pulsed electric field and low-temperature plasma have shown significant results in inhibiting microbial growth and increasing the shelf life of aquatic products. However, uncertain processing parameters and characteristics of the technology itself can lead to adverse effects such as lipid oxidation and protein degradation during sterilization. Non-thermal processing can be used in combination with antioxidant composite coatings (membranes) to delay the oxidation of lipids and proteins and improve the physical, chemical and sensory properties of fish products. It is possible to combine several methods of non-thermal treatment, which will make it possible to compensate for the shortcomings of one technology by the action of another method of non-thermal exposure. Further scientific research should be aimed at establishing optimal processing modes, the possibility of combining non-thermal methods with other technologies, such as modified atmosphere packaging in order to determine the mechanisms of spoilage and improve the quality of storage of products of aquatic origin, as well as further industrial implementation of modern processing methods. BELROSAKAVA