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AbstractThis study was conducted to investigate the effect of plant shading (covered by pearl shade nets with a 40% shade index or nonshading plants from open field) on the content and composition of essential oils extracted from summer savory (Satureja hortensisL.) during the flowering stage cultivated under the ecological conditions of Serbia. The summer savory essential oil (SSEO) was extracted by Clevenger hydrodistillation. According to the GC/MS analysis of the SSEO, twenty-five and twenty-six components were detected in the non-shaded and shaded plants, respectively. The yield of SSEO from non-shaded plants was 1.64%, while SSEO from plants covered by shade nets was 1.76%. Carvracol (48.7–53.25%) and γ-terpinene (32.7%–36.8%) were found to be the main components in SSEO, followed by p-cymene (3.4%-3.2%), α-terpinene (2.9%-3.5%) and limonene (1.9-1.3%). In the DPPH assay, SSEO showed an IC50of 0.99 μg mL−1in shaded and an IC50of 1.01 μg mL−1in non-shaded plants. Additionally, SSEO exhibited strong antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli(44.3–48 mm inhibition zone), Bacillus subtilis(34.7–41.0 mm), Klebsiella pneumoniae(28.3–29.0 mm) and Proteus vulgaris(21.0–24.3 mm). A possible practical application of this study would be to grow summer savory at higher plant densities, or as an intercrop, because it does not require too much light for production.

Prismatic fixed-end beams with circular cross-section are often used in engineering. Therefore, there is a need for a solution of an elastoplastic deflection of prismatic fixed-end beams with circular cross-section loaded by lateral displacement at one end of the beam, which is suitable for practical use. The elastoplastic deflection beam theory does not provide a solution in a closed form for such a problem. Hence, a semi-analytical solution is proposed in this paper. Homogenous and isotropic beams with the bilinear elastoplastic strain hardening behaviour are covered in the proposed solution. The elastic deflection of a beam is determined by the Bernoulli–Euler formula. However, differential equation of beam bending in the plastic domain of material behaviour does not have a solution in a closed form. Therefore, an incremental procedure for determining the curvature of the plasticised region of the beam is suggested. The proposed semi-analytical solution is validated by comparing to the finite element analysis results of 16 different fixed-end beam models with varying geometric and material characteristics. Also, validation is done with experimental results of the bar damper device, available in the literature, which has been selected as a sample of a real engineering system where the proposed solution can be applied. A satisfying agreement between the proposed semi-analytical results and the subsequent numerical and experimental results is herein achieved, confirming the solution’s reliability. Finally, a parametric study is conducted using the proposed semi-analytical solution in order to determine the influence of geometrical parameters and material characteristics on the mechanical properties of prismatic fixed-end beams with circular cross-section loaded by lateral displacement at one end of the beam.

AbstractThe aim of this study was to examine the effect of hydrodistillation time on the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of collected essential oils’ (EOs’) fractions from black pepper fructus for five hydrodistillation periods: I (0-15 min), II (15-30 min), III (30-60 min), IV(60-90 min) and V (90-120 min). In this way, an essential oil with the desired chemical composition and antioxidant activity can be selected. The essential oil was obtained by Clevenger-type hydrodistillation (CHD). The qualitative and quantitative composition of the collected EOs’ fractions was determined by GC-MS and GC-FID analysis. The efficiency of EOs’ fractions to scavenge DPPH radicals was evaluated spectrophotometrically. Essential oil yield was 3.0 ± 0.050 ml/100 g of plant material after 120 min of CHD. The content of monoterpene hydrocarbons and aromatic compounds decreased, while the content of oxygenated monoterpenes, sesquiterpene hydrocarbons and oxygenated sesquiterpenes increased with the time of CHD. The most abundant compound of EOs’ fractions was (E)-caryophyllene, whose content increased with the time of CHD (I-V: 24.9-36.6%). Results indicated that all collected EOs’ fractions exhibited antioxidant activity (EC50values were in the range I-V: 81.27±0.327–8.02±0.044 mg/ml), where fraction V showed the highest activity. This study proved that CHD time and fractionation affect the composition and antioxidant activity of black pepper essential oil. Future research may be extended to examine other biological activities of black pepper EOs’ fractions, as well as synergistic effects of other identified active components of the essential oil, in addition to (E)-caryophyllene, that would affect biological activities.

A new ophiostomatoid fungus involved in the decline of walnuts was discovered in Czechia. The fungus was isolated from necrotic wood surrounding the larval galleries of Dryocoetes himalayensis, the alien bark beetle attacking walnut trees. This insect species is rather unique within hardwood-associated bark beetle species for its aggressiveness and ability to attack apparently healthy trees. The isolated fungus, associated with an exotic insect vector is described as a new species, Ophiostoma juglandissp. nov., based on its unique morphology and phylogenetic position. The pathogenicity tests confirmed the aggressiveness of the species to both Juglans regiaand J. nigraplants, manifested by formation of extensive bleeding and necrotic lesions. The symbiotic relationship between O. juglandisand D. himalayensisis expected due to massive presence of the fungal spores on surface of adult beetles in pits forming the elytral striae. In the case of hardwood-associated ophiostomatoid fungal species, phytopathogenicity is very rarely observed. The described species is exceptional in this ability, which corresponds to the aggressive behaviour of its vector. The role of the fungus in walnut tree mortality caused by D. himalayensisis discussed.

Cancer patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 during their active anticancer treatment represent a highly vulnerable population. We aimed this investigation to show clinical features and outcomes of the patients who had mild to moderate COVID-19 symptoms or were asymptomatic at the admission to the COVID Center. The retrospective study included 25 cancer patients confirmed with SARS-CoV-2 within seven days of their last anticancer treatment. Clinical data were collected from medical records and processed by methods of descriptive and inferential statistics. Patients' mean age was 68.1±10.4 years. More than 2/3 of the patients were with ECOG PS 0 and 1, and about 4/5 of patients were in III or IV cancer stage. The most frequently applied types of therapy were radiotherapy and combined radio/chemotherapy. Eleven (44.0%) patients had bilateral while 4 (16%) had unilateral pneumonia. The most frequent symptoms were fever (72%), fatigue (72%), dyspnea (32%), and cough (32%). 1/5 of the patients needed oxygen support. Mean neutrophil (2.6±1.2), lymphocyte (0.9±0.6) and platelets (200.1±88.1) number significantly increased from admission to discharge (p=0.004, p=0.005, p<0.001). Median CRP significantly decreased from 40.4 (6.2-96.2) at admission to 11.35 (3.75-27.65) at discharge (p=0.008). Twenty-four patients were cured, and one patient died. Naso-pharyngeal SARS-CoV-2 clearance time was 19.4±6.9 days; the minimum was seven, and the maximum was 39 days. Cancer patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 during active anticancer treatment can successfully overcome COVID-19 without developing further respiratory or other complications during hospitalization. An increase in lymphocyte and neutrophil counts, with a decrease in CRP, may be markers of a favorable prognosis.

ABSTRACT   Black (Piper nigrum L.) and cubeb pepper (Piper cubeba L.) fruits from the Serbian market were chosen as unprocessed materials for obtaining market-valuable essential oils. Since pepper fruits are only imported in Serbia, inadequate transportation and storage conditions may lead to their spoilage, negatively affecting their quality as feedstocks. To ensure the highest quality of essential oils, fruits were refrigerated upon purchase, mechanically disintegrated at colder conditions and subjected to hydrodistillation. Black (BPEO) and cubeb pepper essential oil (CPEO) contained 34 and 42 compounds, respectively. CPEO showed better inhibitory effect on B. cereus (ATCC strain) and C. albicans (isolate and ATCC strain). Both oils were not bactericidal against B. cereus (isolate and ATCC strains) and S. enterica (isolate). The best antioxidant properties were shown after 1 h of incubation. These results are valuable for further progress, development and production regarding the aromatic plant industry, pharmaceutical and food industry.

ABSTRACTComposition and antimicrobial activity of root, leaf, stem, flower and fruit essential oils from cultivated Pastinaca sativasubsp. sativa, and its two wild-growing relatives P. sativasubsp. urensand P. hirsuta(Apiaceae) were investigated. Twenty-nine hydrodistilled essential oils of plants from different localities and/or years were analysed by GC-FID and GC/MS. Dominant in root oils was myristicin (P. sativa) or apiole (P. hirsuta), in leaf and stem oils myristicin (cultivated plants) or γ-palmitolactone (wild-growing plants) and in flower and fruit oils aliphatic esters. Multivariate statistics (PCA, nMDS, UPGMA clustering) generally revealed separation of oils of investigated Pastinacataxa and demonstrated their chemosystematic significance. One oil per each organ of all three plants (fifteen in total) was tested using microdilution method for activity against Candida tropicalis, C. parapsilosis, C. krusei, C. glabrata, C. albicans, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli, SalmonellaTyphimurium and Enterobacter cloacae; MIC = 0.25–8 mg/mL, MBC(MFC) = 0.5–16 mg/mL.

As cities need to urgently transition out of unsustainable mobility systems, following the Avoid-Shift-Improve framework, changes in travel behavior have a top priority. Although behavior change in is a complex phenomenon, previous research informs us about the importance of urban road-usage policy measures. One such policy measure is often referred to as congestion pricing (CP). Some cities have successfully implemented CP, showing its effectiveness potential in behavior change, but wide-spread implementation lags due to challenges in societal, organizational, and political acceptance and implementability. Emerging literature on mobility credits (MC), mostly based on experiments, has brought forward the questions of acceptance, showing different possibilities for credit allocation, accumulation and exchange. In addition to behavior change, cities in transition economies might also consider monetary policies as potential solutions to financing issues. This research aims to analyze benefits and challenges of implementing a hybrid scheme that is a combination of CP and MC, developed with an expectation for policy coherence and complementarity. To determine the effects of the proposed hybrid scheme, a comparative analysis of user attitudes on congestion charging was conducted. The research was conducted using an online questionnaire, and the target group consisted of the residents of Belgrade (Serbia). Since these strategies are not implemented in Belgrade, the stated choice approach was used. The survey contained questions about the socio-demographic characteristics of the users, trip characteristics, users’ acceptability of CP and the hybrid scheme, as well as the questions on transport mode usage for commuting trips and for trips with other purposes. Based on statistical and policy analysis, it was determined that the hybrid scheme represents a suitable compromise solution which would reduce passenger car trips in the city center and while increase public acceptance for such normative policies.

During the last several decades many cities around the world have been trying to solve the traffic congestion problem using different strategies. The question that arose is to what extent introducing a dockless shared e-scooter system, improving the infrastructure and defining the legislation for this group of users would contribute to reduced traffic congestion in Belgrade, Serbia. This research was conducted online and distributed as a link via email. Considering that the authors analyzed users’ behaviour in the current situation and in a hypothetical situation, both the stated revealed and stated preference approaches were used. The obtained results show that the application of this set of pull measures, at the most affordable prices for shared e-scooters, would lead to a significant reduction of passenger car usage – 7.4% for commuting trips and 11.4% for trips with other purposes.

In this paper we propose a comprehensive approach for introducing a first/last mile system based on Light Electric Freight Vehicles (LEFVs) in the historical centre of Quito (Ecuador). The approach includes four crucial steps for successful launching and establishment of a LEFVs system. The first step considers organizational aspects by proposing a number of alternative cooperative business models. In the second step, the LEFVs fleet mix problem is defined as a Multicriteria Decision Making Problem (MCDM) and solved by the Analytic Network Process (ANP). The third step includes the problem of optimal micro hub location as well as the problem of optimal routing of LEFVs. The micro hub location problem is modelled as a capacitated p-median problem and solved by an exact solution algorithm. The problem of optimal LEFVs routing is defined as the capacitated pickup and delivery with time windows addressed by a web-based optimization tool. The fourth step includes an assessment of the existing policy framework and proposing a set of additional legal instruments for facilitating the LEFVs market uptake. Based on the proposed four-step approach, the first/last mile system is currently being implemented in the historical centre of Quito. The initial results appear promising regarding the success of the new LEFVs first/last mile system.

AbstractThis study examines the action of light modifications by different shade nets (pearl, red and blue color nets with a shade index of 50%) in relation to unshaded plants from the open field on the relative effects on changing basil aroma profile and antioxidant activity. The most abundant components were linalool, 1,8-cineole and myrcene. Aqueous extracts were isolated from basil leaves using maceration and ultrasound-assisted extraction. Yield of total extractive matters depends on both the extraction technique applied and the growing conditions used. The highest yield of total extractive matter (30.50 g/100g) was obtained by maceration from open field-grown basil. The highest content of total phenols (106.52 mg GAE/g), flavonoids (19.74 mg RE/g) and antioxidant activity (EC50- 7 µg/mL) was found under a red net. The isolated water extracts are a source of natural antioxidants with potential application in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Purpose: The novel metallic damper device for passive vibration control of structures, which is designed primarily for seismic protection of buildings, is described in this paper. It consists of the base plate, fixed into foundation, with two concentric cycles of vertical components and a middle steel activating plate anchored to the isolated structure. During an earthquake, the middle steel activating plate moves together with main structure causing bending of vertical components. Seismic energy is absorbed due to plastic deformation of the vertical components of the damper. The performance of various vertical components, the key elements of the novel damper is studied in this paper. The advantages of this type of damper reflect in its ability to adapt its own features depending on the intensity of the earthquake and that it has equivalent characteristics in every horizontal direction due to rotational symmetry. Methods: Sixteen experimental tests of the vertical components of the damper, were conducted to obtain their hysteretic behaviour. Numerical models using the finite element method and the Abaqus/Standard software were developed, validated and verified with experimentally obtained results. Results: The experimental results show significant energy absorption of the vertical components of the novel damper. Numerical models can be used in further research instead of expensive experimental tests. Conclusions: The vertical components of the novel damper possess extraordinary hysteretic performance. If the components of the energy dissipation device are properly designed for maximum displacements, the device is not expected to suffer heavy damage or total failure during earthquakes.

BackgroundClostridioides difficileinfection (CDI) is one of the most common healthcare-associated (HA) infections. Cancer patients, particularly haemato-oncological patients, have an increased risk for CDI due to more risk factors compared with non-cancer patients. The aim of this study was to investigate differences in outcomes associated with HA CDI in patients with solid and haematological malignancies compared with patients with no underlying malignant disease in a tertiary healthcare centre in Serbia.MethodsA prospective cohort study was conducted including adult patients diagnosed with an initial episode of HA CDI. Their demographic and clinical characteristics associated with risk factors for CDI were documented. Outcomes such as all-cause 30-day mortality, cure of infection, diarrhoea relaps and recurrence of disease were followed. Patients were assigned to cancer and non-cancer groups. Within the cancer group, patients were divided into the solid tumour subgroup and haematological malignancy subgroup.ResultsDuring a 7-year period, HA CDI was observed in 28 (5.1%) patients with haematological malignancy, 101 (18.3%) patients with solid tumours and 424 (76.7%) non-cancer patients. Older age (OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.07, p<0.001), admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) (OR 2.61, 95% CI 1.37 to 4.95, p=0.003), mechanical ventilation (OR 5.19, 95% CI 2.78 to 9.71, p<0.001) and use of antibiotics prior to CDI (OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.06, p=0.02) were associated with increased mortality. Compared with patients with solid tumours, patients with haematological malignancy were younger (65 vs 57 years, p=0.015), did not require ICU admission (25.0% vs 0%) or mechanical ventilation (8.9% vs 0%) and were treated longer with antibiotics prior to CDI (14 vs 24 days, p=0.002).ConclusionsPatients with haematological malignancy were exposed to different risk factors for CDI associated with mortality compared with patients with solid tumours and non-cancer patients. Older age, ICU stay and mechanical ventilation, but not presence or type of cancer, predicted the all-cause 30-day mortality.

Sweet potato leavesare a natural source of bioactive compounds with high antioxidant activity. Despite abundance of results regarding sweet potato composition, effect of fertilizing on bioactive compounds is not explored enough. In this study influence of diverse fertilization treatments on the yield and leaf composition of ‘Japanese’, ‘Beauregard’ and ‘414’ sweet potato cultivars from late harvesting of dual-purpose was examined. Through comprehensive analysis, we reveal cultivar-specific responses to fertilization treatments, showcasing distinct correlations among factors such as chlorophyll, carotenoids, phenolic and flavonoid content, demonstrating the impact of fertilization on both yield and biochemical composition, underscoring the unique variations across sweet potato cultivars.Despite these differences, all cultivars exhibited significant changes in yield and biochemical composition in response to fertilization. Furthermore, sweet potato leafs were characterized with phenolic acids (SPLPA) and sweet potato leaf flavonoids (SPLF), identifying 33 individual constituents. PCA analysis of results offers valuable insights into the complex relationships between of each cultivar to fertilization treatments and the bioactive polyphenols present. The results obtained from this study would be beneficial to sweet potato producers and increase the interest of consumers for sweet potato leaves.

The main goal of this work is to test the possibility of a newly introduced constitutive law to model the behaviour of the isotropic elastic-perfectly plastic material which is exposed to large elastoplastic deformations. The proposed constitutive relation is based on the hypo-elastic relation and the inelastic INTERATOM model. The verification of the model is done by its implementation into the commercial software ABAQUS/Standard via the user subroutine UMAT. For that purpose, the large simple shear problem is studied where selected objective corotational rates, i.e. the logarithmic rate, the Jaumann rate and the Green-Naghdi rate, are individually implemented in the aforementioned constitutive relations. The obtained results are compared mutually and with the relevant literature. The proposed constitutive model is also used to test the behaviour of the part of a real engineering structure, i.e. a seismic isolator, in order to obtain the correct input data for further analysis of superstructure behaviour due to seismic excitation.

AbstractBackground:The pharmaceutical industry in the countries of Southeast Europe is still underdeveloped. Despite experience and tradition as well as significant research efforts and innovation potential, there are still big differences among the companies in the pharmaceutical sector of the SEE countries. It is for this reason that the subject of the study is the analysis of the comparative advantage in exports of the pharmaceutical sector of the SEE countries.Aim:The aim is to point out the potential of the sector and the directions of its development. The study also aims to define the position of the pharmaceutical sector in the SEE countries in today’s global context. The study has comprised the pharmaceutical products belonging to group 30 in the HS6 classification and SITC 54 classification in the period 2005–2018.Conclusions:The results of the study indicate that the SEE countries have negative comparative advantage in exports, in the analysed period, except for Slovenia, which stands out with positive values of the RCA index. The products, dominating the foreign trade of the SEE pharmaceutical sector, belong to the group of Medicaments consisting of mixed or unmixed products for therapeutic or prophylactic uses.

•This paper presents changes of the role and authorities of the master in the autonomous and remote-controlled shipping.•The paper proposes the levels of automation/autonomy in maritime traffic, and the roles of the master's change through the levels of automation.•The paper gives a concise overview of the most important maritime conventions with the adaption to fully autonomous ships.•This paper proves the need for substantial changes to the international and then national regulations.•The paper states that the obstacles to the autonomous ships could be an inadequate legal framework, which is far behind the technical development.

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to provide a suggestion for the research framework on tourists as target groups for planning city branding strategies with reference to possible differences for tourists having a different country of origin. This framework was applied to analyze and compare the perception of Banja Luka city brand (Bosnia and Herzegovina) by four main target group by country of origin. Design/methodology/approach: The suggested research framework combines qualitative generation of tourist’s city brand associations and brand personality with quantitative measurements of city brand perception (scale developed following the framework of Anholts’ (2006) City Brand Index adjusted to tourists as target groups). Findings: The developed research framework was demonstrated in the example of Banja Luka main target groups. Three dimensions of city brand which largely coincide Anholt’s (2006) dimensions were extracted: tourist attractiveness, life standard and safe and pleasant atmosphere. Differences between analyzed countries were found in city brand perception, brand associations, brand personality, but also in all other analyzed categories. Research limitations/implications: Possible limitation of the study is the fact that results were interpreted including both those who have visited Banja Luka and those who are not personally familiar with it. Practical implications: Practical implications of research findings are demonstrated in form of branding suggestions focused on particular target groups. Originality/value: The study suggests a research framework on tourists as target groups in the city branding process. Also, it contributes to a very scarce research on differences in city brand perception by target groups by country of origin, but also to the literature related to Banja Luka city brand and tourism development.

AbstractThe global economic crisis destabilised the public debt of many countries. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the predictors of public debt in European Union countries divided into non-member countries and members of the European Monetary Union in the period from 2001 to 2018. The aim is to discover their relationship with public debt and make recommendations for economic policy-makers. The empirical analysis was based on comparative research design, quantitative methodology and secondary data collection. It included 13 variables, with public debt being the dependent variable and the selected 12 economic indicators were treated as predictors. The analysis was based on a procedure for linear mixed models in the IBM SPSS. The basic finding was that only unemployment was statistically significant predictor of public debt in both groups of countries. Other predictors differed, and there were statistically significant differences in the magnitude of their impacts. Obtained results indicate that unemployment is one of the most important problems of all European Union countries. In addition, a major challenge for monetary and fiscal policy-makers will be profiling adequate tax, credit, and interest rate policies to reduce debt and accelerate economic growth.

This study investigates the formation of free radicals in the Bray–Liebhafsky (BL) oscillatory reaction. The results indicate that radicals are produced during both monotonous and oscillatory dynamics observed as the change of the electron paramagnetic signal (EPR) of the spin-probe TEMPONE. EPR spin-trapping with DEPMPO suggested that the most abundant radical produced in the BL reaction is an iodine-centered radical. The EPR spectrum of the DEPMPO/iodine-centered radical adducts has not been previously reported. This study may aid in establishing a more realistic reaction mechanism of the BL reaction and related chemical oscillators.

Climate shapes the distribution of plant-associated microbes such as mycorrhizal and endophytic fungi. However, the role of climate in plant pathogen community assembly is less understood. Here, we explored the role of climate in the assembly of Phytophthoracommunities at >250 sites along a latitudinal gradient from Spain to northern Sweden and an altitudinal gradient from the Spanish Pyrenees to lowland areas. Communities were detected by ITS sequencing of river filtrates. Mediation analysis supported the role of climate in the biogeography of Phytophthoraand ruled out other environmental factors such as geography or tree diversity. Comparisons of functional and species diversity showed that environmental filtering dominated over competitive exclusion in Europe. Temperature and precipitation acted as environmental filters at different extremes of the gradients. In northern regions, winter temperatures acted as an environmental filter on Phytophthoracommunity assembly, selecting species adapted to survive low minimum temperatures. In southern latitudes, a hot dry climate was the main environmental filter, resulting in communities dominated by drought-tolerant Phytophthoraspecies with thick oospore walls, a high optimum temperature for growth, and a high maximum temperature limit for growth. By taking a community ecology approach, we show that the establishment of Phytophthoraplant pathogens in Europe is mainly restricted by cold temperatures.

Magnetic anisotropy in pentagonal bipyramidal complexes of Co(II) (1and 2), Fe(III) (3and 4), and Ni(II) (5) with a 2,2′-[2,6-pyridinediylbis(ethylidyne-1-hydrazinyl-2-ylidene)]bis[N,N,N-trimethyl-2-oxoethanaminium] equatorial ligand and isothiocyanato axial ligands has been investigated by magnetic susceptibility measurements, powder X-band electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, Mössbauer spectroscopy, ab initio, and ligand-field density functional theory (LFDFT) calculations. The studied complexes display three distinct types of magnetic anisotropy. Co(II) complexes (1and 2) show an easy plane anisotropy with large and positive Dvalues and negligible rhombicity. The Ni(II) complex (5) has uniaxial magnetic anisotropy with a negative Dvalue. Fe(III) complexes (3and 4) have small zero-field splitting (ZFS) parameters. Theoretical modeling is used to rationalize the magnetic anisotropy in these systems and to identify the most important excited states that are responsible for the zero-field splitting. These excitations are a consequence of the electronic structure of the central metal ion in ideal pentagonal bipyramidal coordination.

It is well known that anthraquinones are molecules with moderate, but not negligible antioxidative activity. Their chemical behaviour is influenced by different parameters such as thermodynamics, orbital and structural properties, and polarity of environment. To find dependence of antioxidant activity of fourteen selected anthraquinones on the physicochemical parameters, we developed one-, two- and three-descriptor mathematical models. In all quantitative structure–activity relationship models (QSAR), experimentally obtained ABTS values were used as dependent variables. One-descriptor model indicated that in methanol the best correlation give enthalpies that describe stable radical formation following single proton loss, and then transfer of electron. Unexpectedly, the best two-descriptor model shows the best dependence of the experimental results on the combination of the orbital and structural parameters. The best two-parameter model was improved by introducing one thermodynamical parameter, such as bond dissociation enthalpy. On that way the best three-descriptor model was obtained. It indicates that the best insight into the antioxidant capacity of a molecule can be obtained by pooling all types of parameters and influences in a mathematical model.

The influence of exercise on the pulmonary function is controverse, some studies have reported no sports influence, while the others have found positive correlation.

Reactions of gallic acid (GA) with alkyl peroxy radicals (methylperoxy, ethylperoxy, iso-propylperoxy, and tert-butylperoxy) were simulated using density functional theory. The reaction is taking place in the way that hydrogen of hydroxy group of GA is transferred to the oxygen of each of peroxy radical. A newly formed radical is stabilized with delocalization of spin density over entire molecule, while the harmful peroxy radical is neutralized. These simple reactions can occur by two different, non-exclusive mechanisms: hydrogen atom transfer and proton coupled electron transfer. The competition between these mechanisms depends on both the solvent and the nature the free radicals. The main differences of these mechanisms are described, together with corresponding thermodynamic and kinetic consequences. The potency of this antioxidative action was thermodynamically and kinetically estimated for hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) and proton coupled electron transfer (PCET) mechanisms. The first one was estimated by calculating bond dissociation energy (ΔGBDE), while the second one was examined using the activation barriers necessary for this action (transition state theory (TST)), as well as using the zero-curvature tunneling effect (ZCT). Additionally, the analysis of single occupied molecular orbitals (SOMOs) in transition states was used to examine differences between HAT and PCET mechanisms.

Variants in the TTN gene have been associated with distal myopathies and other distinctive phenotypes involving skeletal and cardiac muscle. Through whole-exome sequencing we identified a novel stop-gain variant (c.107635C>T, p.(Gln35879Ter)) in the TTN gene, coding a part of the M-line of titin, in 14 patients with autosomal recessive distal myopathy and Serbian ancestry. All patients share a common 1 Mb core haplotype associated with c.107635C>T, suggesting a founder variant. In compound heterozygotes, nine other TTN variants were identified: four stop-gain, three frameshift, one missense and one splice donor variant. Patients homozygous for the common variant did not show significant clinical differences to the compound heterozygous patients. The clinical presentation of all patients was an adult onset distal myopathy with predominant lower limb involvement. In addition, most patients had normal to mildly elevated serum creatine kinase levels, myopathic electromyograms, normal cardiologic and respiratory tests and muscle pathology consistent with a dystrophic process. In this study, we describe a distinct phenotype for patients with distal myopathy associated with novel recessive TTN variants including a Serbian founder variant. Our results expand the phenotypic and genetic spectrum of titinopathies and will facilitate the diagnosis of this condition in patients of Serbian origin.

Railway freight wagons have a significant share in the total capital assets of a railway freight company. Due to this fact, the main objective of every company is to maximize the utilization of these resources and on that way minimize its size. In this paper we consider a real-world freight wagon fleet management problem and propose a decomposition approach for optimization of the heterogeneous fleet of flat wagons. The approach has four steps: random container weight generation, optimal container to wagon assignment, empty wagon repositioning and optimal wagon fleet sizing. For the purpose of validation, real-life experiments were conducted based on a rail network composed of 911 origin-destination links and the yearly demand of more than 3 × 106empty and loaded 20-foot and 40-foot containers. Experimental results show that proposed approach has a practical applicability and that in comparison with existing experience-based practice it represents a significant improvement for the flat wagon fleet management.

Abstract Life history traits (longevity, development time, parasitism rate and adult emergence) and population growth (instantaneous rate of increase) of six local populations of the parasitoid wasp Encarsia formosa Gahan, 1924, from several regions in Serbia (without a tradition in using commercial strains of the parasitoid for biological control of greenhouse whitefly) and the Dutch strain (D) were investigated in laboratory bioassays. The populations were reared on tobacco plants infested with greenhouse whiteflies Тrialeurodes vaporariorum Westwood. The data acquired in the present study show that females of the local E. formosa population Bujanovac (B) showed most promising results for integrated control of whitefly in Serbia, with regard to their longevity and reproductive potential; the females B had the highest values of adult longevity in host absence (20.65 days), adult longevity in host presence (12.45 days), total parasitism (199.53 pupae/female), adult emergence (171.18 adults/female) and instantaneous rate of increase (0.240–0.303 day-1). The life history traits of females B were significantly different from those of females in all other studied populations, except population D, for all parameters except longevity in host presence, and population Svilajnac (S), but only for adult longevity. Population S had the longest development time (15.70 days), significantly longer than all other populations (14.00–14.67 days), except population Zemun (Z) with 15.16 days. The females of local populations B, S, and the commercial population D had higher survivorship than those of the other four studied local populations. Our experiment provided initial data for further assessment of local populations of this parasitoid wasp as a biological agent to be used in control of greenhouse whiteflies in Serbia.

In modern computing technique, calculation of leading zeros in a data represented as strings of digits is used very often. Those techniques require high speed of the circuit, as well as its fast design. In this paper we propose a design of such a counter, which is applicable to data length of w= 4jbits, for 4 < j≤ 8. With this solution it is also possible to process longer data, since the suggested technique offers a good modularity. This is very important, considering the current technology scaling trends. In this paper, a delay behavior of the proposed circuit has also been investigated using equations and VHDL simulation based worst-case delay estimation method. The results show a significant improvement of the circuit speed, compared to the known solutions.

Purpose: Deformability/rheologic behavior of erythrocytes are related to near-surface membrane fluidity. Specific agents can increase erythrocyte membrane fluidity in order to adjust hemodynamics in cardiovascular diseases. Grapefruit flavanone naringenin has been proposed for potential use in an alternative therapy of cardiovascular conditions. In respect to this, we assessed here effects of two nutritionally relevant concentrations of naringenin (0.1 and 1 μg/ml) on near-surface membrane fluidity in human erythrocytes. Methods: We used electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy and fatty acid spin probes (5-DS and 7-DS), the spectra of which are dependent on membrane fluidity. Results: The results showed a significant (p= 0.029) increase of membrane fluidity near the hydrophilic surface in erythrocytes treated with higher concentration of naringenin. In the deeper layer, just below the erythrocyte membrane phospholipid heads, both lower and higher concentration of naringenin significantly increased membrane fluidity (p= 0.036 and p= 0.028, respectively). Conclusions: These data document the positive and dose dependent effect of naringenin on near-surface membrane fluidity in human erythrocytes, recommending its use in the cardiovascular conditions characterized by disturbed hemodynamics.

The aims of the study were to determine the percentage of patients on regular hemodialysis (HD) in Serbia failing to meet KDOQI guidelines targets and find out factors associated with the risk of time to death and the association between guidelines adherence and patient outcome.

The aims of the study were to determine the percentage of patients on regular hemodialysis (HD) in Serbia failing to meet KDOQI guidelines targets and find out factors associated with the risk of time to death and the association between guidelines adherence and patient outcome.

Verrucous epidermal nevi are noninflammatory, congenital, cutaneous hamartomas composed of keratinocytes, abnormal clone(s) of cells that reflect genetic mosaicism arising from different somatic mutations. Some of these mutations are well recognized, but some are still unidentified. Molecular techniques are used for identification and classification of molecular causes of certain epidermal nevi, whereas all verrucous epidermal nevi are divided into epidermolytic and non-epidermolytic types. They are typically present at birth, but may appear during childhood, even later. Their prevalence in adults ranges from 0.1 to 0.5%, equally affecting both sexes, and about 1 in 1000 newborns.

The existence of large differences in the distribution of foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows at the national, regional and the level of the global economy has initiated numerous studies on the determinants of its location. Despite the fact that the analysis of the FDI location determinants has an important place in the framework of the existing literature on FDI, insufficiently enquired problem of the FDI location determinants in the Serbian economy has inspired and determined the contents of this paper. The aim of this paper is to, based on comprehensive analysis of the FDI location determinants, indicate the importance of those location specific determinants that play a key role in encouraging FDI inflows in the Serbian economy in the transition. The initial basis for making conclusions will include the available original documents, various reports, studies, statistical records and other primary and secondary data sources. By identifying the key FDI location determinants the intention is to give some recommendations about the possible directions for the improvements of the current investment environment in order to attract greater and sustainable flows of FDI as essential ingredient for the future growth and development of the Serbian economy.

To prospectively analyze the prognostic factors for neurological complications of childhood bacterial meningitis.

To prospectively analyze the prognostic factors for neurological complications of childhood bacterial meningitis.

The study has been conducted within the project 178014 entitled

Regionalism at the time of the global economy and integration processes that are conditioned by it, becomes an inevitable factor of sustainable development of countries and wider regons. Ecoregional opportunity bringing together people of different cultures and from different countries around a common interest to improve their economic and social status and maintain their living space and environment in the whole. Recognizing principles of the European Union in this field and analyzed possibilities and consequences are needed for successful application of this model in the Republic of Serbia.

Sequence comparison and alignment has had an enormous impact on our understanding of evolution, biology and disease. Comparison and alignment of biological networks will probably have a similar impact. Existing network alignments use information external to the networks, such as sequence, because no good algorithm for purely topological alignment has yet been devised. In this paper, we present a novel algorithm based solely on network topology, that can be used to align any two networks. We apply it to biological networks to produce by far the most complete topological alignments of biological networks to date. We demonstrate that both species phylogeny and detailed biological function of individual proteins can be extracted from our alignments. Topology-based alignments have the potential to provide a completely new, independent source of phylogenetic information. Our alignment of the protein–protein interaction networks of two very different species—yeast and human—indicate that even distant species share a surprising amount of network topology, suggesting broad similarities in internal cellular wiring across all life on Earth.

AbstractThe chemical analysis of the Salvia amplexicaulisLam. herb essential oil was performed using GC-FID and GC/MS. Fifty-one compounds (90.2% of the total oil) were identified. The oil was characterized by a high amount of sesquiterpenes (81.1%), with germacrene D (14.8%), viridiflorol (10.6%), caryophyllene oxide (10.5%), and β-caryophyllene (9.4%) being the main components. The microbial growth inhibitory properties of the oil was determined against Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, St. epidermidis, Micrococcus luteusGram-negative bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coliand a yeast Candida albicans.The best inhibitory effect was detected against M. luteusfollowed by the effects against St. epidermidis, St. aureusand C. albicans.Tested Gram-negative bacteria were more resistant than Gram-positive bacteria and C. albicans.

AbstractThe hydrodistilled essential oils of the flowers and leaves of Laserpitium zernyiHayek were analyzed by GC-FID and GC/MS. Fifty-five compounds were identified in the flower oil (96.8% of total oil) and 58 in the leaf oil (89.4% of total oil). Both oils were characterised by the high amount of monoterpenes (59.1–75.6%), whereas sesquiterpenes were present in smaller quantity (21.2–29.2%). The main compounds in the flower oil were sabinene (18.5%), limonene (12.0%), P-phellandrene (12.0%) and terpinen-4-ol (10.6%), while in the leaf oil the most dominant were P-pinene (20.0%) and terpinen-4-ol (12.0%). The antimicrobial activity of the oils was determined using the agar diffusion and broth microdilution method against bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, St. epidermidis, Micrococcus luteus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coliand a yeast Candida albicans.The best inhibitory effect (MIC 0.6 mg/mL) was exhibited by the flower oil against St. epidermidis, K. pneumoniaeand C. albicans, the leaf oil against M. luteus, and both oils against E. coli.

AbstractThe successful outcome of the liquid-metal leak test was a key event in the MEGAPIE (MEGAwatt PIlot Target Experiment) project, a multinational endeavor aimed at developing a reliable neutron spallation source operating with dense liquid metal. Indeed, the leak test validated the containment design, which was a regulatory requirement for demonstrating that a liquid-metal source could be operated safely. Furthermore, unique temperature and stress measurements were recorded that agreed well with test predictions published ahead of the test. This paper outlines the approach taken for predicting the consequences of a liquid-metal leak, with particular emphasis on a simplified one-phase calculation method that may be useful in the future for predicting the impact of accidental liquid-metal leaks at modest expense in terms of CPU time.Most of the assumptions underpinning the original analytical predictions necessarily erred on the conservative side. Therefore, the boundary conditions applied to the original analysis, such as the exit flow rate of the liquid-metal jet, are critically reviewed in this paper to improve on the existing agreement between the predictions and the experimental data.

AbstractThe hydrodistilled essential oils of the rhizomes of Athamanta turbithsubsp. hungaricaand A. turbithsubsp. haynaldiiwere analyzed by GC-FID and GC/MS. Twenty-one compounds (99.8% of total oil) were identified in the oil from A. turbithsubsp. hungarica, and 33 components (99.9% of total oil) were identified in the oil from A. turbithsubsp. haynaldii.Both oils were characterized by high amounts of phenylpropanes, with myristicin (54.2% and 22.3%, respectively) and apiole (32.6% and 48.5%, respectively) being the main components. The antimicrobial activity of the oils was determined using the agar diffusion and broth microdilution method. Investigated essential oils were the most effective against Micrococcus luteusand Klebsiella pneumoniae, and had no effect against Pseudomonas aeruginosa.As for antifungal activity, essential oils exerted similar and significant activity, but only in higher concentrations.

Two novel satellite LiDAR missions —GEDI and ICESat-2— are currently operational and combined provide near-global measurements of forest height and structure. Such data underpin a new era of large-area approaches for measuring forest height in regrowing forests of different ages and assessing associated regrowth rates. Two LiDAR missions further allow for comparing independently derived forest heights and regrowth rates. This study utilized both GEDI and ICESat-2 measurements to assess regrowth rates in regrowing forests of different ages for the Brazilian state Rondônia. We considered 19 data subgroups stratified by beam strength, light condition, beam sensitivity, and waveform processing algorithm to assess the retrieval uncertainty and identify data subgroups associated with the most reliable regrowth estimates. The analysis showed that data subgroups with quality filters based on GEDI beam sensitivity and a number of ICESat-2 canopy photons performed best. For those subgroups, the quality assessment of GEDI and ICESat-2 forest heights over four 50 km long airborne LiDAR strips determined a root mean square error of 4.14 m (CV = 17%) and 5.91 m (CV = 19%) and a mean error of 0.04 m and −2.81 m, respectively. Liner calibration models between satellite- and airborne-LiDAR heights were then derived for each data subgroup and used to calibrate satellite heights. Forest regrowth rates were subsequently estimated for each satellite mission using a space-for-time imputation with forest heights’ medians per stand age class. Among different functions, a spherical model was found to best approximate both GEDI (R2= 0.87) and ICESat-2 (R2= 0.70) median forest heights across all 33 years of stand age, reaching a total forest growth of 20.17 m (SE = 1.3 m) and 20.13 m (SE = 2.8 m), respectively. The study revealed that omitting either the calibration step or the removal of secondary-forest-border pixels would result in an underestimation of the regrowth rate by more than 20%. Furthermore, the ICESat-2 weak beams were found unreliable for regrowth retrieval. The study showed that the novel satellite LiDAR data and the proposed methods could assess median forest height growth over large areas. However, forest age errors should also be accounted for in the retrieval uncertainty before comparing the growth estimates across different regions.

Purpose To compare continuous full-time (24 hours per day) occlusion of the sound eye with full-time occlusion (24 hours per day) of the sound eye 1 day more than the years of age periodically alternating with occlusion of the amblyopic eye for 1 day, as treatments for profound strabismic amblyopia in children older than 5 years.Methods A total of 53 patients with visual acuity (VA) of 0.4 and less in the amblyopic eye (tested by crowded Landolt Cs) after previously being provided optimal optical correction were randomly assigned to receive either of the two patching regimens. VA and pattern reversal visual evoked potentials (PVEP) were recorded prospectively at 1-month intervals. Improvement in VA and the reduction in crowding difficulties (CD) were the main outcome measures of the treatment efficiency.Results Both treatment modalities were equally effective. Of the 51 subjects who completed the study, 21 (41.2%) were cured whereas 32 (62.7%) attained satisfactory improvement. Recovery of VA was related to age, with cure being obtained in 23.5% (4/17) and satisfactory improvement in 52.9% (9/17) of patients older than 9 years. Larger gain in VA influenced the stability of the vision over time.Conclusions It can be concluded that in clinically monitored parameters both treatment modalities were equally effective without any statistical or clinical significance in the observed groups of patients. However, events like the “trade-off” effect, occurrence of occlusion amblyopia, or prolongation of PVEP latency of the sound eye indicate that full-time continuous occlusion possibly presents a more effective form of treatment. (Eur J Ophthalmol 2007; 17: 11–9)

The efficacy of atovaquone (ATO) combined with clindamycin (CLI) against Toxoplasma gondii was examined in murine models of infection with a mouse-non-virulent (Me49) strain. Swiss-Webster mice inoculated by mouth with 10 or 20 cysts were treated with ATO and CLI alone or combined at dosages of ATO 5-100 and CLI 25-400 mg/kg/day for 2-4 weeks. Drug treatment was initiated (i) day 4 post-infection (acute infection), (ii) 3 months post-infection (chronic infection) and (iii) following a 2-3 week course of treatment with dexamethasone (DXM) alone or combined with cortisone-acetate (CA) introduced 3 months post-infection (reactivated toxoplasmosis). In acute infection, whereas treatment with any drug or drug combination significantly enhanced survival and reduced the brain cyst burden, in mice treated with ATO alone or combined with CLI, the cyst counts were significantly lower than in mice treated with CLI alone. In chronic infection, the decrease in the cyst burden observed 2 weeks after treatment with either drug alone was significant only in mice treated with the combined drugs. Most importantly, in reactivated toxoplasmosis, whereas an effect for the combined drugs was shown in mice suppressed with both DXM alone and combined with CA, in mice pre-treated with DXM a 3 week course of ATO > or = 25 and CLI 50 mg/kg/day significantly increased survival and markedly decreased the cyst burden. The latter effect was long-term, since the cyst burdens in treated mice continued to decrease up to 3 months later, whereas they increased in the untreated mice. The results warrant clinical evaluation of the combination of ATO and CLI in the treatment of toxoplasmosis in both immunocompetent and, more importantly, immunosuppressed patients.

The efficacy of atovaquone (ATO) combined with clindamycin (CLI) against Toxoplasma gondii was examined in murine models of infection with a mouse-non-virulent (Me49) strain. Swiss-Webster mice inoculated by mouth with 10 or 20 cysts were treated with ATO and CLI alone or combined at dosages of ATO 5–100 and CLI 25–400 mg/kg/day for 2–4 weeks. Drug treatment was initiated (i) day 4 post-infection (acute infection), (ii) 3 months post-infection (chronic infection) and (iii) following a 2–3 week course of treatment with dexamethasone (DXM) alone or combined with cortisone-acetate (CA) introduced 3 months post-infection (reactivated toxoplasmosis). In acute infection, whereas treatment with any drug or drug combination significantly enhanced survival and reduced the brain cyst burden, in mice treated with ATO alone or combined with CLI, the cyst counts were significantly lower than in mice treated with CLI alone. In chronic infection, the decrease in the cyst burden observed 2 weeks after treatment with either drug alone was significant only in mice treated with the combined drugs. Most importantly, in reactivated toxoplasmosis, whereas an effect for the combined drugs was shown in mice suppressed with both DXM alone and combined with CA, in mice pre-treated with DXM a 3 week course of ATO ≥25 and CLI 50 mg/kg/day significantly increased survival and markedly decreased the cyst burden. The latter effect was long-term, since the cyst burdens in treated mice continued to decrease up to 3 months later, whereas they increased in the untreated mice. The results warrant clinical evaluation of the combination of ATO and CLI in the treatment of toxoplasmosis in both immunocompetent and, more importantly, immunosuppressed patients.

The unique anaemic syndrome of the Belgrade laboratory (b/b) rat is due to an intracellular iron deficiency which is induced by a not yet defined mutation, resulting in impairment of haemopoiesis. We investigated the CFU-Sd8 number and concentration in the peripheral blood of b/b rats to study the relationship between medullary and extramedullary haemopoiesis in this anaemic syndrome. The results show normal concentration of CFU-Sd8 in the peripheral blood of b/b rats. This finding was unexpected in the state of severe anaemia and disturbed growth factor production in b/b rats, where the mobilization of CFU-Sd8 from bone marrow to blood is expected. The results suggest that severe anaemia is not regularly accompanied by the mobilization of pluripotent progenitors from bone marrow to the blood.