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Traditional medicine has used sage (Salvia officinalis L.) preparations for centuries to prevent and treat various inflammatory and oxidative stress-induced conditions. The aim of this in vitro study was to determine the bioactive properties of a sage leave extract obtained with environmentally friendly aqueous extraction and lyophilisation in primary human peripheral blood cells. To that end we measured the total phenolic and flavonoid content (TPC and TFC, respectively) with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Non-cytotoxic concentrations determined with the trypan blue assay were used to assess the antioxidant (DPPH, ABTS, and PAB assay), antigenotoxic (CBMN assay), immunomodulatory (IL-1β and TNF-α), and neuroprotective effects (AChE inhibition). The extract contained high TPC (162 mg GAE/g of dry extract) and TFC (39.47 mg QE/g of dry extract) concentrations, while β-thujone content was unexpectedly low (below 0.9 %). Strong radical-scavenging activity combined with glutathione reductase activation led to a decrease in basal and H2O2-induced oxidative stress and DNA damage. A decrease in TNF-α and increase in IL-1β levels suggest complex immunomodulatory response that could contribute to antioxidant and, together with mild AChE inhibition, neuroprotective effects. Overall, this study has demonstrated that aqueous sage leave extract reduces the levels of thujone, 1,8-cineole, pinene, and terpene ketones that could be toxic in high concentrations, while maintaining high concentrations of biologically active protective compounds which have a potential to prevent and/or treat inflammatory and oxidative stress-related conditions.

The adoption of the so-called Code Penale in France in 1791 created a normative basis for the existence of a punishment of deprivation of liberty. Over time, prominent scholars have realized that the situation in penitentiary institutions is such that it is necessary to correct the regime a prison sentence, inter alia, by introducing parole. Although the institute of parole is almost two centuries old, there still exist normative and practical problems. Therefore, the authors dedicate the central part of the work to the analysis of the situation in terms of normative regulation of conditional release, where the process of deciding on granting of parole has been described. At the same time, one part is dedicated to the problems identified in practice, stating the recommendation for overcoming the problems.

In this work it has been shown that both the laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (LDI MS) and the matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI TOF MS) are the simple and quick methods for determination of relative natural isotopic distribution of lead. The analysis of metal salts with these approaches does not require any time-consuming preparation of samples: a single run can take only a minute, and numerous information can be obtained. Results obtained in this work show that chosen matrix has no negative effect on quantitative determination of lead isotopes and support once more the applicability of MALDI TOF MS for lead isotope distribution determination in the sample, and accuracy of data obtained. Additionally, the generation of PbnOn and PbnOn-1 (n: 2 - 6) clusters have been successfully achieved in the positive mode, using the both LDI and MALDI methods. All stoichiometries were confirmed using isotopic pattern modelling. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. 0172011]

This paper presents optimization of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometer (MS) instrumental parameters for the analysis of chloro(2,2'',2"-terpyridine)palladium(II) chloride dihydrate complex applying design of experiments methodology (DoE). This complex is of interest for potential use in the cancer therapy. DoE methodology was proved to succeed in optimization of many complex analytical problems. However, it has been poorly used for MALDI-TOF-MS optimization up to now. The theoretical mathematical relationships which explain the influence of important experimental factors (laser energy, grid voltage and number of laser shots) on the selected responses (signal to noise – S/N ratio and the resolution – R of the leading peak) is established. The optimal instrumental settings providing maximal S/N and R are identified and experimentally verified. [Project of the Serbian Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development, Grant no. 172052 and Grant no. 172011]

We predicted the protein therapeutic targets specific to a Ru-based potential drug and its combination with pristine and N-doped carbon dot drug delivery systems, denoted as RuCN/CDs and RuCN/N-CDs. Synchrotron-based FTIR microspectroscopy (µFTIR) in addition to bioinformatics data on drug structures and protein sequences were applied to assess changes in the protein secondary structure of A2780 cancer cells. µFTIR revealed the moieties of the target proteins' secondary structure changes only after the treatment with RuCN and RuCN/N-CDs. A higher content of α-helices and a lower content of β-sheets appeared in A2780 cells after RuCN treatment. Treatment with RuCN/N-CDs caused a substantial increase in parallel β-sheet numbers, random coil content, and tyrosine residue numbers. The results obtained suggest that the mitochondrion-related proteins NDUFA1 and NDUFB5 are affected by RuCN either via overexpression or stabilisation of helical structures. RuCN/N-CDs either induce overexpression of the β-sheet-rich protein NDUFS1 and affect its random coil structure or interact and stabilise its structure via hydrogen bonding between -NH2 groups from N-CDs with protein C=O groups and –OH groups of serine, threonine, and tyrosine residues. The N-CD nanocarrier tunes this drug's action by directing it toward a specific protein target, changing this drug's coordination ability and inducing changes in the protein's secondary structures and function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The literature data emphasize that nanoparticles might improve the beneficial effects of near-infrared light (NIR) on wound healing. This study investigates the mechanisms of the synergistic wound healing potential of NIR light and silver metal–organic frameworks combined with nitrogen- and sulfur-doped carbon dots (AgMOFsN-CDs and AgMOFsS-CDs, respectively), which was conducted by testing the fibroblasts viability, scratch assays, biochemical analysis, and synchrotron-based Fourier transform infrared (SR-FTIR) cell spectroscopy and imaging. Our findings reveal that the combined treatment of AgMOFsN-CDs and NIR light significantly increases cell viability to nearly 150% and promotes cell proliferation, with reduced interleukin-1 levels, suggesting an anti-inflammatory response. SR-FTIR spectroscopy shows this combined treatment results in unique protein alterations, including increased α-helix structures and reduced cross-β. Additionally, protein synthesis was enhanced upon the combined treatment. The likely mechanism behind the observed changes is the charge-specific interaction of N-CDs from the AgMOFsN-CDs with proteins, enhanced by NIR light due to the nanocomposite's optical characteristics. Remarkably, the complete wound closure in the in vitro scratch assay was achieved exclusively with the combined NIR and AgMOFsN-CDs treatment, demonstrating the promising application of combined AgMOFsN-CDs with NIR light photodynamic therapy in regenerative nanomedicine and tissue engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the performances of two ionic liquid matrices (ILMs) with the same ammonium counterpart for mass spectrometric analysis of the insoluble and soluble sucralfate were compared. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI MS) was performed assisted by the butylammonium salts of α-cyano-hydroxycinnamic acid (CHCAB) and 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHBB). CHCAB has a higher IE than DHBB, but better optical properties. CHCAB is more suitable for the analysis of sucralfate, although molecular ions of both compounds were detectable only with low intensities. Thus, optical properties of ILMs are crucial to enhance the sensitivity of MALDI MS detection of polysulfated oligosaccharides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The municipality of Vrnjacka Banja, which has an excellent tourist base, a good offer of accommodation facilities and a huge tradition, is certainly one of the "tourist" leaders, which is why the success of its business can be viewed through the prism of overall spa tourism business in Serbia. A review of the existing business of highly categorized facilities in the municipality of Vrnjačka Banja can serve to obtain a clearer picture of the position of similar economic entities in the Republic of Serbia, especially in spa tourism. After reviewing the motive base of this municipality, this research discusses the supply, occupancy and price of highly categorized accommodation in the municipality, before the outbreak of the pandemic and compared to the demand in the first six months after the outbreak of the pandemic. Based on the analysis of the business of highly categorized accommodation capacities in the first six months of the crisis, it was determined that despite big problems, they managed to survive on the market. State aid and the discovery of alternative forms of accommodation helped them overcome the crisis period until the return to normal business conditions.

Two new dinuclear bimetallic complexes, [{PdCl(bipy)}{μ-(pyrazine)}{PtCl(bipy)}]Cl(ClO4) (1) (bipy is 2,2′-bipyridine) and [{PdCl(en)}{μ-(pyrazine)}{PtCl(en)}]Cl(ClO4) (2) (en is ethylenediamine), have been synthesized and characterized by elemental microanalysis, IR, 1H NMR spectroscopy and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. The pKa values of the coordinated water molecules of the diaqua species were determined as well. Substitution reactions of complexes (1) and (2) with thiourea (Tu), l-methionine (l-Met), l-cysteine (l-Cys), l-histidine (l-His) and guanosine-5′-monophosphate (5′-GMP) were studied under the pseudo-first order conditions as a function of nucleophile concentration and temperature. The order of reactivity of nucleophiles was: Tu ＞ l-Met ＞ l-Cys ＞ l-His ＞ 5′-GMP. Substitution reactions with Tu, l-Cys and l-His were followed by decomposition of bimetallic complexes to the corresponding substituted mononuclear complexes [Pd(N–N)(Nu)2] and [Pt(N–N)(Nu)2] (N–N = bipy, en), releasing the bridging ligand. However, the structures of starting bimetallic complexes were preserved during the reactions with l-Met and 5′-GMP. The absorption spectroscopic study of interactions of calf-thymus DNA (CT-DNA) with complexes (1), (2) and [{PdCl(bipy)}{μ-(NH2(CH2)6H2N)} {PtCl(bipy)}]Cl(ClO4) (3), has shown that all the complexes exhibit high intrinsic binding constants (Kb = 104–105 M−1). DNA–ethidium bromide (DNA–EB) fluorescence was quenched after addition of complexes (1), (2) or (3), indicating displacement of intercalating EB by complexes. All complexes have shown good binding affinity to bovine serum albumin protein (BSA). Chemosensitivity of A375 (human melanoma) and HeLa (human cervical cancer) cell lines toward complexes (1), (2) and (3) was analyzed by SRB assay. Complex (1) displayed significant inhibitory effect on the growth of both cell lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Spontaneous cholecystoduodenal fistula is a rare complication of the gallbladder calculosis. Bowel obstruction is the complication in less than 1% of these patients. The pathognomonic triad (Rigler triad) of pneumobilia, small-bowel distention, and ectopic gallstones is typical for gallstone ileus. In only 1–3% of the patients with bowel obstruction by ectopic gallstone the localization of obstruction is in the duodenum, and it is called Bouveret syndrome. The rarest complication is a floating non-obstructing gallstone trapped in the stomach. Outline of cases. We present three elderly female patients with persistent abdominal pain and known gallbladder calculosis in the patients’ histories. Plain radiography of the thorax and abdomen and ultrasound were performed as the first choice and contrast-enhanced computer tomography (CT) was done subsequently. In the first patient, CT and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed signs of pneumobilia, cholecystoduodenal fistula, and the presence of the gallstone in the stomach. The iodine contrast X-ray swallow test revealed a cholecysto-duodenal bulb fistula and floating calculus in the stomach, confirmed by endoscopy. In the second patient with persistent abdominal pain, CT and barium swallow test showed signs of pneumobilia, cholecystoduodenal fistula, and two ectopic gallstones obstructing duodenum – Bouveret syndrome. The third case showed signs of the Rigler triad – typical signs of gallstone ileus. Conclusion. Spontaneous cholecystoduodenal fistula is a rare condition with possible complications such as Bouveret syndrome, gallstone ileus and floating, non-obstructive gallstones in the stomach, as the rarest possible complication. CT, MRI with magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography, as well as the contrast X-ray swallow test can be very helpful in the detection of the bilio-enteric fistula and ectopic gallstones.

In the course of archaeological excavations of the north section of the imperial palace in Sirmium (locality 85), conducted in 2015, as many as 39 lead seals were found to the south of column IV of the polygonal structure encountered in 2014. Nine specimens of imperial seals with a representation of four busts, i.e. images of the tetrarchs, are particularly interesting in this group. These seals appear in three iconographic variants (a-c) depending on whether the four busts are positioned in two rows or in a single row and whether they are of identical size. The discovery of imperial lead seals with the busts of tetrarchs bears witness to the importance of Sirmium at the time of the tetrarchy, not only as an army base for Diocletian’s wars against the Sarmatians, but also as a commercial centre where the deliveries of various products also arrived. They were, among other things, intended for building and decorating the polygonal structure used for celebrating the imperial cult.[Project of the Serbian Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development, Grant no. 177007: Romanization, urbanization and transformation of urban centres of civil, military and residential character in Roman provinces on territory of Serbia]

Background/Aim. The debate about diagnostic criteria for differences and similiraties as psychosocial characteristics of pathological Internet users and Internet and substance addicts still continued. The aim of the study was to investigate the differences between empathy and psychopathy among subjects with pathological Internet use (PIU) and opiate dependence. Methods. The cross sectional study was performed at the Methadone Center of the Clinical Centre of Vojvodina, Novi Sad, Serbia, with 40 consecutively recruited patients with opiate dependence (OD group) and compared to age matched (25 to 35 years) random online recruited subjects (n = 80). They were divided into two groups: 40 subjects with PIU and 40 controls according to cut-off score of 39 or less obtained at Questionnaire regarding the Internet use assessment. The questionnaires for sociodemographic data, Emotion Specific Empathy (EMI) questionnaire and Psychopathy Assessment Questionnaire (PAQ) were applied. Descriptive statistics, _2-tests, ANOVA and MANOVA analysis were used for data assessment which was performed by the SPSS software (version 20.0) and p < 0.05 was applied. Results. There were more differences among psychopathy dimensions than empathy dimensions among PIU subjects, controls and heroin dependent subjects. The PIU group demonstrated the lowest psychopathy dimensions except for the lifestyle dimension which was higher than in the control group. On the contrary, the PIU group showed the highest empathy, with two dimensions as the most prominent ones: empathy with negative emotions and emotional reactions provoked by empathy. Conclusion. The PIU subjects are characterized by high empathy and low psychopathy. These findings suggest that it would be useful to consider seriously the dimensions of empathy and psychopathy when developing strategies to prevent PIU and planning educational programs for persons with problems related to the Internet overuse disorder.

Simple Summary: Developing new anticancer medicaments is focused on inducing controlled elimination of tumor tissue without severe side effects. It is essential to enable the medicament to reach the target molecule without provoking the immune response too early. The first cellular changes might occur already at the level of the cell membrane, composed mainly of lipids. Therefore, we used spectroscopic techniques to study the interaction of potential metallodrug [Ru(η5-C5H5)(PPh3)2CN] (RuCN) with lipids of A2780 ovarian cancer cells and investigated if these changes are affected by the presence of drug carriers (carbon dots (CDs) and nitrogen-doped carbon dots (N-CDs)). Our results showed that CDs and N-CDs prevent lysis and moderate oxidative stress of lipids caused by metallodrug, still keeping the antitumor activity and potential to penetrate through the lipid bilayer. Therefore, Ru drug loading to carriers balances the anticancer efficiency and leads to better anticancer outcomes by reducing the oxidative stress that has been linked to cancer progression. In the last decade, targeting membrane lipids in cancer cells has been a promising approach that deserves attention in the field of anticancer drug development. To get a comprehensive understanding of the effect of the drug [Ru(η5-Cp)(PPh3)2CN] (RuCN) on cell lipidic components, we combine complementary analytical approaches, matrix-assisted laser desorption and ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI TOF MS) and synchrotron radiation-based Fourier transform infrared (SR-FTIR) spectroscopy. Techniques are used for screening the effect of potential metallodrug, RuCN, without and with drug carriers (carbon dots (CDs) and nitrogen-doped carbon dots (N-CDs)) on the lipids of the human ovarian cancer cell line A2780. MALDI TOF MS results revealed that the lysis of ovarian cancer membrane lipids is promoted by RuCN and not by drug carriers (CDs and N-CDs). Furthermore, SR-FTIR results strongly suggested that the phospholipids of cancer cells undergo oxidative stress after the treatment with RuCN that was accompanied by the disordering of the fatty acid chains. On the other hand, using (N-)CDs as RuCN nanocarriers prevented the oxidative stress caused by RuCN but did not prevent the disordering of the fatty acid chain packing. Finally, we demonstrated that RuCN and RuCN/(N-)CDs alter the hydration of the membrane surface in the membrane–water interface region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2014, a group of silver objects was sold with the accompanying data “from Serbia, from the area of Mačvanska Mitrovica”, which, based on their composition, belonged to a hoard of the Early Roman period. The hoard of silver objects contains a total of 21 pieces that can be divided into 10 different types: emblemata, belt plates, tubuli, torques, wire jewellery - a bracelet and rings, necklaces of the chain type, rings, pendants of lunula, rhomboidal and omega shape, bracelet and rings with pendants in the form of miniature axes. The composition of the silver objects in the Mačvanska Mitrovica (?) hoard show surprising similarities with the rich hoards of silver jewellery of Bare, Tekija and the find from Radenković-Crkvine and also with the distant hoard from Oltenia in the site of Rovinari (once Poiana, county Gorj). Therefore, we have named this group the Tekija - Bare hoards horizon, after two well-known most representative hoard-contents and their position in the middle of this geographical region. The last denarii from the Tekija and Bare hoards where minted at the end of AD 81, which allows the conclusion that these hoards, found near the military camps of Transdierna and Viminacium, were probably deposited in the years after AD 81, during the restless period of Roman-Dacian conflicts. In the Mačvanska Mitrovica (?) hoard and the Radenković-Crkvine find the monetary part did not exist, so the time of their depositing remains open. [Project of the Serbian Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development, Grant no. 177007: Romanisation, urbanisation and transformation of urban centres of civil, military and residential character in Roman provinces in the territory of Serbia]

During the archaeological excavations performed in 1969/70 at the northern necropolis of Sirmium, around the Basilica of St Synerotes, a few sepulchral slabs with inscriptions and symbols of Early Christian character were discovered. The inscription on one slab, which reads: [±1 ? M]arturiu/[s p]incerna /[C]onstanti/[I]nperatori/[s(!)qui] vixsit(!) an/n[is] nonag/inta una cu/m matron/a sua Man/[- - -, shows that this is a tombstone of a certain Marturius, the cup-bearer of Constantius II. This emperor spent many months in Sirmium during 351-352 and 357-359, celebrating twice in this city the triumph over Quadi and Sarmatae, and intensifying not only the building of its infrastructure, but also of the sacral structures. As a fervent Christian of Arian orientation, he organised four ecclesiastical synods in Sirmium. On another slab, an inscription in Greek letters is written around a Christogram in a double circle, while on the third slab, decorated with floral motifs around a Christogram, the inscription is partly preserved. These tombstones are located south of the southern portico of Basilica of St Synerotes. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. 177007: Romanisation, urbanisation and transformation of urban centres of civil, military and residential character in Roman provinces in the territory of Serbia i br. 177005: City life in Antiquity: The expansion of cities and urban civilisation in the Balkans and the neighbouring areas from the Hellenistic to the Late Roman period]

The aim of this work was to examine the possibility of modification of commercial denture base materials with itaconic acid esters, in order to obtain material with less toxicity and higher biocompatibility. Despite their relatively higher price compared to methacrylates, itaconic acid and itaconates are materials of choice for environmentally friendly applications, because they are not produced from petrochemical sources, but from plants. Commercial system based on poly(methyl methacrylate) was modified using ditetrahydrofurfuryl itaconate (DTHFI), wherein the ratio of DTHFI was varied from 2.5 to 10% by weight. Copolymerization was confirmed using FTIR spectroscopy, while SEM analysis showed the absence of micro defects and pores in the structure. The effect of the itaconate content on the absorption of fluids, the residual monomer content, thermal, dynamic-mechanical and mechanical properties (hardness, toughness, stress and elongation at break) was investigated. It was found that the addition of DTHFI significantly reduced the amount of residual methyl methacrylate, what made these materials less toxic. It was shown that the increase in DTHFI content gave materials with decreased glass transition temperature, as well as with decreased storage modulus, ultimate tensile strength and impact fracture resistance, however mechanical properties were in the rang prescribed by ADA standards, and can be used in practice. The deterioration of mechanical properties was therefore worth losing in order to gain lesser toxicity of the leached monomer. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. 172062: Synthesis and characterization of novel functional polymers and polymeric nanomaterials]

During the campaign which took place in 1983 at the site of Pontes - Trajan’s Bridge near Kostol, in the layer between a house from the second half of the 9th century and a house from the 11th century, a treasury consisting of medieval iron tools placed around, or inserted into, a bronze flagon was discovered in a shallow pit. The whole find was named Treasury B. At first, the flagon itself was dated into the period between the 6th and the 8th centuries, however, we have recently dated it into the 6th-7th century. The inscription on the neck of the vessel is a paraphrase of the 3rd verse from the 29th Psalm of David. This is proof that the flagon was a liturgical vessel. In this text we are trying to show that this flagon was analogous to the specimen from the treasury from Vrap in Albania, whose deposition during the third part of the 7th century is connected with the activity of Bulgarian Khan Kuber. The Byzantine vessel was a part of treasure plundered from the Avars, and the production of this flagon, just as of that one from Pontes, can be dated into the period between the 6th century and the first half or the middle of the 7th century. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. 177007: Romanisation, urbanisation and transformation of urban centres of civil, military and residential character in Roman provinces in the territory of Serbia]

In the course of archaeological excavations carried out in 2012 and 2013, in the northwestern section of the palatial complex in Sirmium (locality 85), many fragments of porphyry and marble sculptures were discovered. Worth mentioning among the marble sculptures is a female head with a lunular diadem that had, most probably, been made during the Antonine period. The head was used as spolia incorporated in the medieval wall. It was a fragment of a statue of some goddess, possibly Juno, Minerva or the deified empress Faustina the Younger, and erected in the area of the palatial complex during the Late Antique period. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. 177007: Romanization, urbanization and transformation of urban centres of civil, military and residential character in the Roman provinces on territory of Serbia]

Micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) are miniturized devices that can sense the environment, process and analyze information, and respond with a variety of mechanical and electrical actuators. MEMS consists of mechanical elements, sensors, actuators, electrical and electronics devices on a common silicon substrate. Micro-electro-mechanical systems are becoming a vital technology for modern society. Some of the advantages of MEMS devices are: very small size, very low power consumption, low cost, easy to integrate into systems or modify, small thermal constant, high resistance to vibration, shock and radiation, batch fabricated in large arrays, improved thermal expansion tolerance. MEMS technology is increasingly penetrating into our lives and improving quality of life, similar to what we experienced in the microelectronics revolution. Commercial opportunities for MEMS are rapidly growing in broad application areas, including biomedical, telecommunication, security, entertainment, aerospace, and more in both the consumer and industrial sectors on a global scale. As a breakthrough technology, MEMS is building synergy between previously unrelated fields such as biology and microelectronics. Many new MEMS and nanotechnology applications will emerge, expanding beyond that which is currently identified or known. MEMS are definitely technology for 21st century.

Spherical TiO2 particles of different size were dispersed in alkyd resin based on soybean oil. Four samples of TiO2 particles were used, three commercial and one obtained by acid catalyzed hydrolysis of titanium tetraisopropoxide. The size of the synthesized nanoparticles was determined by transmission electron microscopy. Surface modification of TiO2 nanoparticles was performed with propyl gallate and lauryl gallate. The influence of the size of TiO2 nanoparticles, their concentration and type of the surface modification on the rheological properties of alkyd resin was investigated. The obtained results have shown that the viscosity of the prepared dispersions was higher than viscosity of the pure resin, it increases with decreasing particle diameter and decreases with frequency increase. Surface modified particles showed higher influence on the viscosity of alkyd resin than unmodified, because their hydrodynamic volume is higher due to the presence of the adsorbed gallates, leading to the increase of effective volume fraction of particles in dispersion. For the lowest TiO2 concentration, the viscosity was higher for sample modified with lauryl gallate, due to the higher thickness of the adsorbed layer. The increase of concentration, because of less dispersion stability of the particles modified with propyl gallate, leads to particles agglomeration. The presence of agglomerates, which was confirmed by a change in the slope of the functional dependence of storage modulus on loss modulus, leads to a rapid increase in viscosity. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. 172062 i br. 45020]

A fragmentary marble inscription, preserved in the Museum of Srem in Sremska Mitrovica, seems to mention the basilica of St. Anastasia: [In dom]o beati[ssimae dominae nost]re Anast[asiae. This monument provides epigraphic evidence on the cult place of the martyr in Sirmium, already recorded by written sources. According to the Passion of St. Demetrius, the church of St. Anastasia had already existed in Sirmium when Leontius, praetorian prefect of Illyricum, started the construction of the basilica of St. Demetrius. Although the find spot of the plate is not known, the finds of Ostrogothic coins next to the northern city wall imply that the basilica of St. Anastasia was located in that zone of the city, as the Ostrogoths highly respected the Martyr. It is possible that it should be identified with a martyrium leaning against the northern city wall that had been unearthed and then destroyed at the end of the 19th century.

One group of polymers that may help relieve the dependence on crude oil is based on itaconic acid, the biotechnological production of which has become feasible. Itaconic acid and its derivatives can easily be incorporated into polymers and may serve as a substitute for petrochemically derived acrylate or methacrylate monomers. The applications of polymers based on itaconic di-esters depend largely on their thermal stability. The thermal stability of poly(di-itaconates) is dependent, not only on the general structure of the monomer repeating unit, but also on the structure of the ester substituent. Depolymerization, initiated by b-scission or random main chain scission, is the dominant thermolysis mechanism in most cases. The depolymerization of poly-(di-itaconates) may be accompanied by de-esterification, elimination, cross-linking, random main or side chain scission and carbonization. Comparison of the thermal degradation mechanism of polymeric di-esters of itaconic acid to that of corresponding poly(methacrylates) confirms the viability of substituting poly(methacrylates) by poly(di-itaconates). [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. 172062]

L’analyse des nécropoles située à l’intérieur et autour de la basilique urbaine, sur les sites 59, 46 et 47 de Sirmium, où 28 enterrements ont été enregistrés jusqu’à aujourd’hui, a démontré qu’il s’agissait de tombes de construction identique contenant un mobilier funéraires modeste mais homogène (peignes en os tripartites à deux rangées de dents, « petites » fibules ansées en arbalète en fer, « grandes » boucles ovales en fer, couteaux en fer et fragments de récipients en fin verre de couleur verte). En l’occurrence, dans la basilique même ont été découverts deux sarcophages miniatures et 13 tombes en briques. Ces petits sarcophages, ainsi que certaines tombes miniatures, contenaient des ossements d’individus adultes, ce qui incite à conclure que les dépouilles de défunts enterrés dans les nécropoles de Sirmium, situées hors de l’enceinte de la ville, ont été transportées à quelque moment dans la nécropole nouvellement formée intra muros. La création de cette nécropole est liée à l’érection de la basilique à l’intérieur de l’enceinte de la ville en 426. La nécropole était en fonction jusqu’à la destruction hunnique de la ville en 441. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. 177007: La romanisation, l’urbanisation et la transformation des centres urbains du charactère civil, militaire et résidentiel dansles provinces romaines sur la territoire de Serbie]

In the east and northwest necropoles of Sirmium were discovered painted tombs which were not published until now. Painting in them is from the 4th century. The grave next to the north-west wall of basilica of St. Iraeneus (east necropolis) was painted with tied garlands and stem, and partly saved frescoes from the tomb around the basilica of St. Sineros (north-west necropolis) point to the conclusion that this is a funeral procession, the scene which is represented in its entirety in the tomb in neighboring Beška. These three tombs belong to the pagan population of Sirmium and its vicinity. On the west wall of the tomb in Mike Antića Street (periphery of the east necropolis) is represented the motif of scales with fillings, while on its south and north wall are represented the episodes from Jonah’s cycle. Painting in the tomb shows that the buried person was a Christian. Of Christian character is also the burial in the tomb from the village Čalma, not far from Sirmium. On its longitudinal walls is schematically represented the railing, made of parts between which there were the columns carrying the herms, and which has the symbolical meaning of the “railing of Paradise”. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. 177007: Romanization, urbanization and transformation of urban centres of civil, military and residential character in Roman provinces on territory of Serbia]

In the hinterland of the middle Adriatic, at the sites Ivoševci (Burnum) and Podgrađe (Asseria), were found the knee-like fibulae made of silver, on which were hanged the chains made of silver twisted wire with pendants. Silver fibulae of same type, also with hanged silver chains, were found in the region of south-east Dalmatia, at the sites Komini (Municipium S…) and Kolovrat. These finds confirmed the already existing thesis about the migration of the part of population from middle Dalmatia into its south-east regions around Komini and Kolovrat. The anlysis of jewelry from that region confirmed also the existence of an older ethnic component, maybe of Celtic origin, whose style of decorations is close to that one practiced by the inhabitants of the upper and middle part of Drina Valley. The specific local forms of decorations and jewelry have their origin in the transformation of the long-lasting influences from the Greek cultural circle and they bear witness to the conservatism of this population.

This work, using previous researches of socio-demographic influences upon tourist market, studies habits and behavior of tourists (visitors) on tourist event Haymaking on Rajac mountain, as well as the use of advertising means for the purposes of gaining new information. The poll was conducted among 352 people selected by chance whereas the data analysis was carried out according to gender and aging structure. The aim of this research is to determine if there is a significant difference in the number or motives of traveling, choice of transport means, the amount of funds intended for staying and the way of spending money, as well as in using different means of tourist propaganda.

Tourism in Serbia, as economic activity, has a long tradition of existence and it is important for overall economic development. It is especially important for underdeveloped areas where it can represent basis for overall economic development, what is the objective of this study. This paper analyze and evaluate the material base of tourism, tourist traffic and the natural and anthropogenic tourist potentials of 26 underdeveloped municipalities, defined by The Regional Development Strategy 2007th year and by The Law of the underdeveloped areas of the 1995th year.

Haymaking has always been the most important period for the existence of the population settled in the mountainous regions. There are numerous of competitions in haymaking organized at the meadows which present folklore, religion, customs and whole tradition of mountain regions of Serbia, Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Specific ness of this events, completed with artistic and entertaining programs and connected with other social and geographical characteristics of the area of maintenance, present important part of total tourist offer. The work, according the economic and geographic criteria, separate competitions in haymaking of those which are strong enough and one that has the potential to become a leading force of destination and carrier of faster and better development of tourism. The aim of this paper is to assess the importance of this tourism events and to determine their rank.

Poly(methyl methacrylate), PMMA, was prepared by reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer, RAFT, polymerisation using 2-(2-cyanopropyl)-dithiobenzoate, CPDB, as the RAFT agent. The thermal stability of the resulting polymer approached that of anionically prepared PMMA, as determined by thermogravimetry. This was the consequence of the RAFT prepared polymer having no head-to-head links and no chain end double bonds, which are responsible for the relatively low thermal stability of radically prepared PMMA.

Itaconic acid, IA (C5H6O4), was investigated as a potential flocculant for the aqueous processing of alumina powders. The adsorption of IA, as a function of its concentration and pH value of the solution, onto the alumina surface was studied by the solution depletion method. The stability of the suspensions in the presence of itaconic acid was evaluated in light of the surface charge of the alumina powder used, the degree of dissociation of IA, as well as the sedimentation behavior and rheology of the suspensions. It was found that the adsorption process is extremely pH dependent; the maximum adsorption of IA onto alumina surface occurring at a pH close to the value of the first IA dissociation constant, pKa1. Also, IA does not influence the value of the point of zero charge of alumina. It was shown that IA represents an efficient flocculant for concentrated acidic alumina suspensions.

Four handles of ceramic paterae decorated in relief (nos. 1-4) and one fragmented object for which it has been assumed on the basis of its shape way of manufacture and iconographic design to be also the patera handle (no. 5), have been found in Sirmium. The decoration on handles 1 and 2 was executed under the influence of the ornamental design of silver paterae from Gaul, while the motif of the goddesses' busts on handles 3 and 4 is the local adaptation of existing ornamental motifs. The busts of female deities also embellish two handles from Singidunum (nos. 6 and 7) and one handle from Viminacium (no. 8). The multitude of such decorated handles of the ceramic paterae from the sites in Pannonia and the neighboring regions could be related to the expansion of the cult of Silvanus.

Considering that even in the latest two decades old period (1990-2007) an adequate university knowledge on Transportation Geography was not known enough, more in Serbia but less in the surrounding countries, we focused our efforts on its scientific explanation through chronological perception of such scientific discipline from general, special and regional point of view in the areas of Serbia and treated parts of the western Balkans. Through the idea made of a series rarely known treatments of General, Special and Regional Transportation Geography, the demands of set goal were to a certain degree satisfied, so the emptiness was greatly filled up in the cognitive range of such noticeably esteemed university subject from the system of geographic sciences.

The free radical copolymerisation of itaconic anhydride and methyl methacrylate in solution was studied at 60 °C. The copolymer composition was determined by 1H-NMR spectroscopy and the obtained monomer reactivity ratios were calculated, rITA = 1.35±0.11; rMMA = 0.22±0.22 (by the Fineman-Ross method) and rITA = 1.27±0.38; rMMA = 0.10±0.05 (by the Mayo-Lewis method). The synthesised copolymers were modified by reaction with di-n-butyl amine. The copolymer composition after amidation was determined by elemental analysis via the nitrogen content. Amidation of the anhydride units in the copolymers with di-n-butyl amine resulted in complete conversion to itaconamic acid.

The foot of gilt bronze fibula was discovered in 2005 during archaeological investigations of locality 85 in Sirmium, that is assumed to have been the remains of the imperial palace. Ornament on the foot enclosed within rectangular field is executed in the niello technique. End of the foot is bent at the right angle and the Christogram is engraved on it with Greek letters alpha and omega engraved above its side arm. The preserved part of fibula makes possible reconstruction of its appearance and attribution to the group of massive bronze crossbow fibulae, which were produced in the second half of the 4th century and characterized by decoration consisting of gilding, niello, Christogram motif and/or the busts of young men in medallions.