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Octacalcium phosphate (OCP) is a material from the calcium phosphate group with a crystal structure similar to hydroxyapatite. The removal process of lead and cadmium in aqueous solution using octacalcium phosphate material was investigated. OCP material was synthesized by the solution precipitation method. The structural and phase properties of OCP before and after the removal process were determined by the X-ray diffraction (XRD) method. Microstructural and semi-quantitative analysis of the material was investigated by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). Characteristic bands and functional group determination were revealed using the Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy with attenuated total reflection (FTIR-ATR). As target pollutants, Cd(II) and Pb(II) were chosen in adsorption experiments. Results show that OCP in the first 10 min has a very fast removal rate for Pb(II); the equilibrium state was reached after 10 min with more than 98 % adsorption efficiency. Results for Cd(II), results showed the same removal rate but somewhat lower adsorption efficiency, amounted to approximately 63 %.

In this study, we developed sodium alginate-chitosan hydrogels using a microwave-assisted synthesis method, aligning with green chemistry principles for enhanced sustainability. This eco-friendly approach minimizes chemical use and waste while boosting efficiency. A curcumin:2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin complex was incorporated into the hydrogels, significantly increasing the solubility and bioavailability of curcumin. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis confirmed the structure and successful incorporation of curcumin, in both its pure and complexed forms, into the polymer matrix. Differential scanning calorimetry revealed distinct thermal transitions influenced by the hydrogel composition and physical cross-linking. Hydrogels with higher alginate content had higher swelling ratios (338%), while those with more chitosan showed the lowest swelling ratios (254%). Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) micrographs showed a porous structure as well as successful incorporation of curcumin or its complex. Curcumin release studies indicated varying releasing rates between its pure and complexed forms. The chitosan-dominant hydrogel exhibited the slowest release rate of pure curcumin, while the alginate-dominant hydrogel exhibited the fastest. Conversely, for curcumin from the inclusion complex, a higher chitosan proportion led to the fastest release rate, while a higher alginate proportion resulted in the slowest. This study demonstrates that the form of curcumin incorporation and gel matrix composition critically influence the release profile. Our findings offer valuable insights for designing effective curcumin delivery systems, representing a significant advancement in biodegradable and sustainable drug delivery technologies.

Despite the existence of various therapeutic approaches, diabetes mellitus and its complications have been an increasing burden of mortality and disability globally. Hence, it is necessary to evaluate the efficacy and safety of medicinal plants to support existing drugs in treating diabetes. Xanthones, the main secondary metabolites found in Gentiana dinarica and Gentiana utriculosa, display various biological activities. In in vitro cultured and particularly in genetically transformed G. dinarica and G. utriculosa roots, there is a higher content of xanthones. The aim of this study was to investigate and compare antidiabetic properties of secondary metabolites (extracts) prepared from these two Gentiana species, cultured in vitro and genetically transformed with those collected from nature. We compare HPLC secondary metabolite profiles and the content of the main extract compounds of G. dinarica and G. utriculosa methanol extracts with their ability to scavenge DPPH free radicals and inhibit intestinal α-glucosidase in vitro. Anti-hyperglycemic activity of selected extracts was tested further in vivo on glucose-loaded Wistar rats. Our findings reveal that the most prominent radical scavenging potential and potential to control the rise in glucose level, detected in xanthone-rich extracts, were in direct correlation with an accumulation of xanthones norswertianin and norswertianin-1-O-primeveroside in G. dinarica and decussatin and decussatin-1-O-primeveroside in G. utriculosa.

Inspired by our finding that metallic Ni particles could be uniformly distributed on a reduced CeO2 surface and stabilized on Ce3+ sites, we suppose a possible improvement in the activity and selectivity of the MgNi/SiO2 vegetable oil hydrogenation catalyst by increasing the surface metal Ni availability via modification by ceria. The proposed approach involved the addition of a CeO2 modifier to the SiO2 carrier and as a catalyst component. Evaluation of the structure, reducibility, and surface and electronic states of the CeO2-doped MgNi/SiO2 catalyst was performed by means of the Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), Scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) combined with High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), Temperature-programmed reduction with hydrogen (H2-TPR), and H2-chemisortion techniques. So far, no studies related to this approach of designing Ni/SiO2 catalysts for the partial hydrogenation of vegetable oil have been reported. The added ceria impact was elucidated by comparing fatty acid compositions obtained by the catalysts at an iodine value of 80. In summary, tuning the hydrogenation performance of Ni-based catalysts can be achieved by structural reconstruction using 1 wt.% CeO2. The introduction mode changed the selectivity towards C18:1-cis and C18:0 fatty acids by applying ceria as a carrier modifier, while hydrogenation activity was improved upon ceria operation as the catalyst dopant.

Abstract Multilayers of so-called 2D van der Waals materials have gained considerable attention as active components of next-generation electronic and optoelectronic technologies, with semiconducting black phosphorus (BP) regarded as one of the most promising systems. The applicability and performance limits of BP in both stand-alone and heterostructure-based multilayer devices are determined by individual flake charge transport properties, which synergistically depend on the number of layers and the strength of interlayer coupling between those. In this work, we study the DC electrical transport characteristics of high-quality BP field-effect devices within a wide range of flake thicknesses at room temperature. The experimental data show a non-trivial increase in conductivity and hole density with a reduced number of layers while maintaining constant field-effect mobility due to the prevalence of electron–phonon scattering. Based on the solution of the 1D Schrödinger–Poisson equation, we find that the observed phenomena are a direct consequence of non-negligible interlayer coupling, which in turn causes a local redistribution of free charge carriers towards the central layers. Our data show that due to the electrostatic conditions at the flake surfaces, a naturally protected 2D hole gas can be encapsulated in flakes as high as 10 nm, which preserves the bulk-like bandgap and effective carrier masses due to the electrostatic environment.

In this work, the coefficient of fluid-wall mass transfer in an inverse fluidized bed was determined using the adsorption method. The experiments were carried out in a column with a diameter of 45 mm with spherical and non-spherical particles of polypropylene and polyethylene with a diameter of 3.3–4.9 mm and a density of about 930 kg m-3. A diluted solution of methylene blue was used as a fluidization medium, which was adsorbed on part of the surface of the column on silica gel. The obtained results showed that the presence of particles during inverse fluidization does not contribute significantly to mass transfer compared to the influence of particles on transfer in conventional fluidized beds. Therefore, the pseudo-fluid concept was introduced into the analysis and an empirical correlation was performed to determine the mass transfer coefficient. The obtained results were compared with literature correlations for inverse and conventional fluidized beds.

Lignite and coal waste used as feed fuels in thermal power plants (TPPs) and semi-industrial fluidized bed boiler (FBB), as well as their representative fly ashes (FAs), were examined. Fly ashes were compared employing anions and cations content in correspondent water extracts, trace elements and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon concentrations, as well as health risk assessments of substances known to be of concern for public health. Fluoride and sulfate contents in water extracted FAs are far below the legislation limits for waste, classifying all investigated FAs as non-hazardous. Among investigated trace elements, Cd content is the lowest, while Mn content is the highest. The highest enrichment ratios are noticed for As, Pb, Hg, Cu, V and Cr. The results indicate that total PAHs content is elevated in FA from the combustion of coal waste (AFB), with fluoranthene prevailing. The cancer risk of As and the non-cancer risk of As and Ni in some FAs surpass their respective permissible limits. The incremental lifetime cancer risk of an adult population indicates a potential PAHs risk in AFB, whereas all other fly ashes are within safe limits.

Molecularly imprinting technology was applied for preparing selective sorbents for benzophenone-4 (BP4), an organic UV filter used in sunscreens and cosmetics. Several imprinted polymers were prepared by bulk polymerization, using BP4 as template. Combination of stability (mechanical and chemical), selectivity and robustness of the imprinted polymers with BP4 properties resulted in a successful imprinting process (imprinting factors in range 1.05–2.60). The prepared polymers were characterised by infrared spectroscopy, elemental analysis, conductometric titrations and nitrogen physisorption at 77 K. Adsorption capacities and selectivity towards 7 other organic UV filters (benzophenone-3, benzophenone-8, homosalate, butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, ethyl hexyl salicylate, ethyl hexyl p-dimethylamino benzoate and ethyl hexyl p-methoxycinnamate) were determined, proving high adsorption capacity and high selectivity for BP4 binding. The highest adsorption capacity was observed for 4-vinylpyridine/ethylene glycol dimethacrylate co-polymer prepared in dimethyl sulfoxide (1.108 mmol g-1). The imprinted polymer with the highest binding capacity was applied to solid phase extraction of BP4 from aqueous solutions with 98.5 % efficiency.

Thirteen undescribed monoterpene-fused 5-methylcoumarins, named centrapalus coumarins A–M, were isolated from the aerial parts of the Centrapalus pauciflorus together with seven known compounds. The structures were established by extensive spectroscopic analyses, including 1D NMR, 2D NMR, and HR-ESI-MS experiments. The compounds represent a wide range of chemical diversity depending on the connection of the head-to-tail coupled diisoprene unit. Centrapalus coumarins A–H and I–L are based on 6–6–6- and 6–6-7-membered tricyclic ring systems, respectively. Centrapalus coumarins D and E exhibit cyclic hemiketal structures, while centrapalus coumarins F is unique because its monoterpene part forms an additional lactone ring. Centrapalus coumarin L is the only compound containing a modified trinor-monoterpene part. Centrapalus coumarin M is unprecedented as it contains a pentacyclic heterocyclic ring system. Sixteen isolated compounds were investigated for antiproliferative activity on the human breast (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231), cervical (HeLa and SiHa), and ovarian (A2780) cancer-cell lines by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, and a few of them exhibited substantial activity. Centrapalus coumarin F demonstrated the highest potency against MCF-7, HeLa, and A2780 cells with IC50 values of 6.59, 2.28, and 15.41 μM, respectively. The cytotoxic activity of centrapalus coumarin F showed moderate cancer selectivity, as determined using intact fibroblast cells (NIH-3 T3). The antiproliferative activity of these 5-methylcoumarin derivatives provides evidence for the establishment of structure–activity relationships.

Polyoxotungstate nanoclusters have recently emerged as promising contrast agents for computed tomography (CT). In order to evaluate their clinical potential, in this study, we evaluated the in vitro CT imaging properties, potential toxic effects in vivo, and tissue distribution of monolacunary Wells–Dawson polyoxometalate, α2-K10P2W17O61.20H2O (mono-WD POM). Mono-WD POM showed superior X-ray attenuation compared to other tungsten-containing nanoclusters (its parent WD-POM and Keggin POM) and the standard iodine-based contrast agent (iohexol). The calculated X-ray attenuation linear slope for mono-WD POM was significantly higher compared to parent WD-POM, Keggin POM, and iohexol (5.97 ± 0.14 vs. 4.84 ± 0.05, 4.55 ± 0.16, and 4.30 ± 0.09, respectively). Acute oral (maximum-administered dose (MAD) = 960 mg/kg) and intravenous administration (1/10, 1/5, and 1/3 MAD) of mono-WD POM did not induce unexpected changes in rats’ general habits or mortality. Results of blood gas analysis, CO-oximetry status, and the levels of electrolytes, glucose, lactate, creatinine, and BUN demonstrated a dose-dependent tendency 14 days after intravenous administration of mono-WD POM. The most significant differences compared to the control were observed for 1/3 MAD, being approximately seventy times higher than the typically used dose (0.015 mmol W/kg) of tungsten-based contrast agents. The highest tungsten deposition was found in the kidney (1/3 MAD—0.67 ± 0.12; 1/5 MAD—0.59 ± 0.07; 1/10 MAD—0.54 ± 0.05), which corresponded to detected morphological irregularities, electrolyte imbalance, and increased BUN levels.

The logistics network is considered the provider of logistics activities in supply chains. The fluctuating requirements of customers and the logistics network’s complex structure are only a few of the factors that cause challenges to its management. Industrial facilities are particularly vulnerable to challenges because material handling operations dominate in addition to manufacturing activities. Disruptions at industrial plants are disseminated through the logistics network, affecting all supply chain participants. As a result, reducing material handling time and costs to decrease material losses, pollution, and productivity is vital to their business. Due to their distinctive properties and significant share in finished goods, bulk materials are particularly vulnerable to issues during manufacturing. Accordingly, this study aims to rank and select technologies for handling bulk materials in an industrial plant where the production of construction materials is performed. This paper proposes four alternative solutions for the observed case study, and nine criteria were selected for the evaluation. A new hybrid multi-criteria decision-making model is proposed. The model combines Fuzzy Step-Wise Weight Assessment Ratio Analysis (SWARA), used to determine the weight of criteria, and the Axial-Distance-Based Aggregated Measurement (ADAM) method, used to rank alternative solutions. The model results indicate that the pneumatic conveyor is the best ranked alternative that significantly increases productivity, reduces losses, and improves working conditions. The key contributions of this study are its analysis of the efficiency of the technologies proposed for bulk material handling and the development and implementation of a model framework for the ranking of these technologies.

The rhizosphere represents a center of complex and dynamic interactions between plants and microbes, resulting in various positive effects on plant growth and development. However, less is known about the effects of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) on aquatic plants. In this study, we report the characterization of four Pseudomonas strains isolated from the rhizosphere of the common duckweed (Lemna minor) with IAA-degradation and -utilization ability. Our results confirm previous reports on the negative effect of IAA on aquatic plants, contrary to the effect on terrestrial plants. P. putida A3-104/5 demonstrated particularly beneficial traits, as it exhibited not only IAA-degrading and -producing activity but also a positive effect on the doubling time of duckweeds in the presence of IAA, positive chemotaxis in the presence of IAA, increased tolerance to oxidative stress in the presence of IAA and increased biofilm formation related to IAA. Similarly, P. gessardii C31-106/3 significantly shortened the doubling time of duckweeds in the presence of IAA, while having a neutral effect in the absence of IAA. These traits are important in the context of plant–bacteria interactions and highlight the role of IAA as a common metabolite in these interactions, especially in aquatic environments where plants are facing unique challenges compared to their terrestrial counterparts. We conclude that IAA-degrading and -producing strains presented in this study might regulate IAA effects on aquatic plants and confer evolutionary benefits under adverse conditions (e.g., under oxidative stress, excess of IAA or nutrient scarcity).

The water–gas shift (WGS) reaction (CO + H2O ↔ CO2 + H2) plays an important role in the hydrogen economy because it is an effective way to reduce the carbon release to net-zero CO2 emissions. The general goal of this research is to develop nanosized oxo-rhenium catalyst formulations promoted by K and Co components for the WGS process. Rhenium, as a low-cost catalyst component, is a good choice compared to platinum group metals. A surface density of 2 Re atoms/nm2 on a γ-Al2O3 support as well as cobalt (3 wt.% CoO) and potassium (5 wt.% K2O) amounts were chosen to match the composition of our own active sour WGS KCoRe catalyst developed some years ago. An initial evaluation of the impact of replacing half of the rhenium with molybdenum, which is more affordable, was also studied. The purpose of this study is to explore the catalytic ability of CoRe, K-CoRe, CoReMo, and K-CoReMo formulations in the WGS reaction and elucidate the effect of a CO/Ar reaction mixture used in an activation–reduction pretreatment to form active catalyst structures. Oxo-K-Co-Re(Mo) entities formed in synthesized samples and their reducibility were analyzed via several physicochemical methods, such as N2 physisorption, PXRD, UV-vis DRS, and H2-TPR. In summary, the selected potassium- and cobalt-promoted Re-containing formulations have potential as catalysts for the classical WGS reaction. The selection of an appropriate procedure for activation–reduction, involving the reducing gas (CO or H2), temperature, and duration, was needed for tuning the K-CoRe catalyst’s high activity for the WGS reaction with structural stability and longevity.

The influence of different hydroxides, applied to activate carbon black, on the electrochemical properties of activated carbon was investigated. The carbon material was prepared by hydrothermal treatment of sucrose and afterwards thermally activated using KOH, NaOH and LiOH. The electrochemical properties of the obtained samples were examined by cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and correlated to their physicochemical properties. All samples showed characteristic capacitor-like behaviour. The highest specific capacitance was obtained for the KOH-treated sample, while the increase in capacitance follows the sequence of the growth of ionic radius of a metal from an alkali which is used for activation. It was found that the dependence on the type of hydroxide is due to differences in the radii of a metal. The alkalies of larger radii of metal generated make pores wider and consequently the structure of a porous layer become more accessible to the charge transfer of capacitive response.

Packed with hemoglobin, an essential protein for oxygen transport, human erythrocytes are a suitable model system for testing the pleiotropic effects of lipophilic drugs. Our study investigated the interaction between antipsychotic drugs clozapine, ziprasidone, sertindole, and human hemoglobin under simulated physiological conditions. Analysis of protein fluorescence quenching at different temperatures and data obtained from the van’t Hoff diagram and molecular docking indicate that the interactions are static and that the tetrameric human hemoglobin has one binding site for all drugs in the central cavity near αβ interfaces and is dominantly mediated through hydrophobic forces. The association constants were lower-moderate strength (~104 M−1), the highest observed for clozapine (2.2 × 104 M−1 at 25 °C). The clozapine binding showed “friendly” effects: increased α-helical content, a higher melting point, and protein protection from free radical-mediated oxidation. On the other hand, bound ziprasidone and sertindole had a slightly pro-oxidative effect, increasing ferrihemoglobin content, a possible “foe”. Since the interaction of proteins with drugs plays a vital role in their pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties, the physiological significance of the obtained findings is briefly discussed.

In this work, Pt(II) complexes of previously synthesized steroidal thiosemicarbazones were synthesized and characterized. The ligands and their metal complexes were studied by analytical and spectroscopic data (elemental analysis, IR, 1D-NMR and 2D-NMR, HSQC, HMBC, NOESY, COSY), the analysis of which enabled complete 1H and 13C assignments of each compound including E and Z isomers. All the synthesized ligands and complexes were screened for their cytotoxic and antimicrobial activity. The results demonstrate that the new steroidal thiosemicarbazone complexes were significantly less cytotoxic than the corresponding steroidal thiosemicarbazones. In addition, complexes showed lower antimicrobial activity than the standard drugs, similar to the activity of the starting thiosemicarbazones.

Three edible mushrooms of the Russulacea family (Lactarius deliciosus, Lactarius sanguifluus and Lactarius semisanguifluus), most frequently consumed in Serbia, were analyzed using the ICP-OES technique to evaluate the content of K, P, Ca, Mg, Na, Al, As, Cd and Pb, both in cap and stipe. Corresponding soils were analyzed, too. Based on the obtained values for the elemental composition of the mushrooms and the soil, bioaccumulation and translocation factors were calculated. All the examined mushrooms species were recognized as bioexclusors of analyzed toxic elements, but bioaccumulators of K, P and Ca. The studied mushrooms are good sources of macroelements. One portion of 300 g of fresh mushrooms had a significant contribution of K and P, exceeding 15 % of the recommended daily intake for the elements. On the contrary, mushrooms had a low potential to bioaccumulate toxic elements, and presented results indicated the regular consumption of wild edible mushrooms is safe for human health. Correlation analysis was applied to determine phosphorus’s influence on the elements’ content in the mushrooms and corresponding soils, demonstrating the most remarkable mushrooms' tendency to accumulate phosphorus.

In the previous study fifteen jatrophane diterpenes were isolated from the Euphorbia nicaeensis latex. Fourteen of them have been shown to be potent P-glycoprotein (P-gp) inhibitor in two MDR cancer cells (NCI-H460/R and DLD1-TxR). The aim of this study was to determine whether and which jatrophane diterpenes can be isolated from the root of the plant, and then to examine their inhibition power on P-glycoprotein of selected cancer cell lines (NCI- -H460, DLD1, U87, NCI-H460/R, DLD1-TxR and U87-TxR). Two previously undescribed jatrophane diterpenes were isolated from the root of E. nicaeensis collected in Deliblato Sand (Serbia). The structures of the isolated compounds were determined using 1D and 2D NMR, as well as HRESIMS data. The results obtained by MTT assay showed different antitumor potential of these two jatrophanes. Compound 1 inhibited cell growth of non-small cell lung carcinoma cell lines NCI-H460 and NCI-H460/R, as well as glioblastoma cell lines U87 and U87-TxR, while jatrophane 2 was almost completely inactive in the suppression of cancer cell growth in a given range of concentrations. The obtained results also showed that the isolated compounds have an inhibitory effect on P-glycoprotein, as well as that their inhibitory potential is similar.

This study aimed to optimize and validate the inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometric method (ICP OES) for the simultaneous determination of eleven potentially toxic elements (Al, Cd, Cr, Co, Cu, Ni, Pb, Fe, Sb, Mn, and Zn) in lipstick samples. The method was evaluated by applying the standard addition method. The recoveries for all elements in lipsticks were between 90% and 110%, except for Cd and Pb they were 110%, respectively. The health risk assessment was determined by calculating the average daily intake (ADD), hazard quotient (HQ), and hazard index (HI). The highest mean value for ADD was for Fe (4.8×10-1 mg kg-1 day-1), and the lowest was for Co (9.3×10-6 mg kg-1 day-1). There was no significant toxic health risk for any of the elements (HQ < 1), except for Fe (HQ < 3) which indicates a potential health risk. Based on PCA, all potentially toxic elements have been classified in the three groups. The first group includes Fe, the second includes Al, and all other elements belong to the third group. The cluster analysis of the elements provided the identical grouping that was obtained on the basis of PCA. Two separate clusters were obtained when cluster analysis was applied to the analyzed samples. The first cluster contained the only sample that was brown. The second cluster was divided into two sub-clusters. The first sub-cluster included the samples belonging to category I regarding the price, while the second sub-cluster included the samples belonging to category II and III regarding the price.

Modified activated carbon cloth is prepared by mechanochemical modification of viscose rayon carbon cloth. The effects of different milling atmospheres, in the air and inert conditions, were investigated. Changes in kind and number of acidic and basic surface groups on the surface of activated carbon cloth, upon modification, as well as before and after the sorption of arsenic were determined. Higher number of basic groups responsible for the removal of arsenic ions was achieved by modification under inert conditions. Breakage and collapse of cylindrical fibers, decrease of particle sizes, change in the shape and consistency of the particles, as well as increase of microstructural disorder i.e. the loss of turbostratic structure occurred upon milling. pHPZC values increased from 4.46 to 5.04 and 5.77 after the air and inert milling, respectively. Adsorption followed pseudo second order kinetics with chemisorption as rate-controlling step. Langmuir isotherm best fit the equilibrium data and maximum adsorption capacity is 5.5 mg g−1 at a pH value close to 7.0, typical for groundwater. The mechanism of arsenic adsorption onto activated carbon cloth milled in inert atmosphere involved electrostatic and dispersive interactions between arsenic ions and carbon particles in wide pH range (from 2 to 10). Keywords: Activated carbon cloth, Adsorption, Arsenic removal, Mechanochemical activation, Basic surface groups

In this review article different systems of dimensionally stable electrodes (DSEs) are presented with an emphasis on the application of catalytic activated titanium electrodes with a double layer platinum-group of metals (PGMs). The role of platinum metals mixed oxides (RuO2, IrO2, TiO2) as excellent catalysts on the surface of dimensionally stable anodes (DSAs) and a wide area of their application in various technological processes such as electrochemical engineering, wastewater treatment, degradation of pollutants, crotonaldehyde hydrogenation and fuel cells development has also been discussed. A method of forming new electrodes by using aqueous solutions of PGM chlorides which are placed on the surface of titanium substrate is also shown in this work. Very good bonding properties between the layers and the substrate contribute to the long working period of the above mentioned electrodes. One of the possible processes of surface modification of the new titanium DSAs could be the alloying of the above mentioned platinum metals on specific catalyst supports at low temperatures for the reaction of hydrogenation of crotonaldehyde. The application of DSAs could enable lower power consumption for obtaining copper and other heavy metals using electrolysis and could give cleaner deposits. On the other hand, to remove copper and other heavy metals from mining wastewater using electrolysis results in less environmental pollution.

Modern predictive maintenance techniques have been significantly improved with the development of Industrial Internet of Things solutions which have enabled easier collection and analysis of various data. Artificial intelligence-based algorithms in combination with modular interconnected architecture of sensors, devices and servers, have resulted in the development of intelligent maintenance systems which outperform most traditional machine maintenance approaches. In this paper, a novel acoustic-based IoT system for condition detection of rotating machines is proposed. The IoT device designed for this purpose is mobile and inexpensive and the algorithm developed for condition detection consists of a combination of discrete wavelet transform and neural networks, while a genetic algorithm is used to tune the necessary hyperparameters. The performance of this system has been tested in a real industrial setting, on different rotating machines, in an environment with strong acoustic pollution. The results show high accuracy of the algorithm, with an average F1 score of around 0.99 with tuned hyperparameters.

2-mercaptobenzothiazole (MBT) is a chemical compound which is widely used in various processes in chemical industry, and it was also detected in environmental samples. Most of the researchers employed liquid chromatography (LC) or gas chromatography (GC) for determination of MBT. When GC was used, derivatization was necessary in order to prevent decomposition of MBT inside of the hot GC inlet. In this study, a new approach for preventing decomposition of MBT using programmable temperature vaporization (PTV) was presented. The sample was injected in a cold inlet (40°C) and the temperature was raised gradually until the analyte was evaporated. Contrary to hot splitless injection, no decomposition of MBT was observed using PTV. Compared to derivatization, PTV requires no chemicals and the duration of analysis is reduced.

Supported gold on co-precipitated nanosized NiAl layered double hydroxides (LDHs) was studied as an effective catalyst for medium-temperature water–gas shift (WGS) reaction, an industrial catalytic process traditionally applied for the reduction in the amount of CO in the synthesis gas and production of pure hydrogen. The motivation of the present study was to improve the performance of the Au/NiAl catalyst via modification by CeO2. An innovative approach for the direct deposition of ceria (1, 3 or 5 wt.%) on NiAl-LDH, based on the precipitation of Ce3+ ions with 1M NaOH, was developed. The proposed method allows us to obtain the CeO2 phase and to preserve the NiAl layered structure by avoiding the calcination treatment. The synthesis of Au-containing samples was performed through the deposition–precipitation method. The as-prepared and WGS-tested samples were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, N2-physisorption and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy in order to clarify the effects of Au and CeO2 loading on the structure, phase composition, textural and electronic properties and activity of the catalysts. The reduction behavior of the studied samples was evaluated by temperature-programmed reduction. The WGS performance of Au/NiAl catalysts was significantly affected by the addition of CeO2. A favorable role of ceria was revealed by comparison of CO conversion degree at 220 °C reached by 3 wt.% CeO2-modified and ceria-free Au/NiAl samples (98.8 and 83.4%, respectively). It can be stated that tuning the properties of Au/NiAl LDH via CeO2 addition offers catalysts with possibilities for practical application owing to innovative synthesis and improved WGS performance.

This paper presents the energy balance, architectural design features and cost aspects of 24 building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) projects in three different contexts, namely BIPV in residential, office and historical buildings. These BIPV projects have been modelled and evaluated for different geographic locations because the European Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (2018/844/EU) has resulted in country-specific regulations and situations aimed towards the reduction in energy consumption, and hence the CO2 emissions of built environments. Moreover, the geographical variation of irradiation affects the performance of different BIPV projects on different locations. The results of our study show that the return of investment of BIPV projects across 12 countries took (on average) 13.3 years. Furthermore, the residential projects —as compared to non-residential buildings—were mostly energy plus buildings with an average self-sufficiency of 110% due to their low energy consumption. In conclusion, most BIPV projects resulted in realistic energy performances (on average: 761 kWh/kWp.year), low payback times (10 years for residential and office buildings), and modelled unique design features.

The present study reports the new facile methodology for synthesis of symmetrical and asymmetrical thioureas by an one-pot reaction of amine, carbon disulfide and oxidants: hydrogen peroxide, ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA)/sodium percarbonate system or air. The structures of the synthesized compounds were confirmed by IR, 1H and 13C NMR and MS methods. Reaction mechanism has been proposed on the basis of reaction intermediate isolation and their structure determination. The synthetic benefits of the presented methods is reflected in the operational simplicity, mild reaction conditions, short reaction times, recycling of solvent, high purity and yield of products, absence of dangerous by-products and technological applicability at industrial scale. Considering commercial importance of the thioureas, it can be emphasized that implementation of the optimal synthesis of thiourea, based on presented methods, at industrial level of production would provide concurrent alternative to existing technologies in use. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. 172013]

This review study, framed in the Work group 4 “Photovoltaic in built environment” within the COST Action PEARL PV, CA16235, aims to examine applications of integrated and applied photovoltaic technologies on ten landmark buildings characterised by distinctive geometries, highlighting the aesthetics of their architecture and quality of PV integration based on a proposed set of seven criteria. The selected building samples cover a large design diversity related to the quality of PV systems integration into building envelope that could serve as a basis for general guidelines of best architectural and technological practice. After introducing the problem and defining the research methodology, an analysis of ten landmark buildings is presented, as representative models of aesthetics of their architecture, photovoltaic integration and implementation and energy performance. The study concludes with the main characteristics of photovoltaic integration on landmark buildings. The paper is intended to support both engineers and architects in comprehending the convergent development of contemporary architecture and photovoltaic technology, as well as the need for a closer collaboration, sometimes resulting in architectural masterworks that promote the diffusion of photovoltaics to the public.

Transepithelial transport of proteins is an important step in the immune response to food allergens. Mammalian meat allergy is characterized by an IgE response against the carbohydrate moiety galactosyl-α-1,3-galactose (α-Gal) present on mammalian glycoproteins and glycolipids, which causes severe allergic reactions several hours after red meat consumption. The delayed reaction may be related to the processing of α-Gal carrying proteins in the gastrointestinal tract. The aim of this study was to investigate how protein glycosylation by α-Gal affects the susceptibility to gastric digestion and transport through the Caco-2 cell monolayer. We found that α-Gal glycosylation altered protein susceptibility to gastric digestion, where large protein fragments bearing the α-Gal epitope remained for up to 2 h of digestion. Furthermore, α-Gal glycosylation of the protein hampered transcytosis of the protein through the Caco-2 monolayer. α-Gal epitope on the intact protein could be detected in the endosomal fraction obtained by differential centrifugation of Caco-2 cell lysates. Furthermore, the level of galectin-3 in Caco-2 cells was not affected by the presence of α-Gal glycosylated BSA (bovine serum albumin) (BSA-α-Gal). Taken together, our data add new knowledge and shed light on the digestion and transport of α-Gal glycosylated proteins.

Solid dispersions were prepared via a solvent evaporation method, employing ethanol (96%, v/v) as solvent, with three different polymers as carrier: povidone, copovidone, and poloxamer 407. Previously developed reversed-phase HPLC (RP-HPLC) methods were modified and used for the simultaneous determination of acetylsalicylic acid and clopidogrel bisulfate and after release from solid dispersions. Chromatography was carried out on a C-18 column, with a mobile phase of acetonitrile–methanol–phosphate buffer pH 3.0, UV detection at 240 nm, and a run time of 6 min. The method was validated according to International Conference of Harmonisation guidelines and validation included specificity, accuracy, precision, linearity, robustness, limit of detection (LOD), and limit of quantification (LOQ). The method is specific for determination of acetylsalicylic acid and clopidogrel bisulfate. The linearity was provided in the concentration range 0.0275–0.1375 mg/mL for acetylsalicylic acid and 0.0200–0.1000 mg/mL for clopidogrel bisulfate, with a correlation coefficient (R2 value) of 0.9999 for both active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). Accuracy was confirmed by calculated recoveries for acetylsalicylic acid (98.6–101.0%) and clopidogrel bisulfate (100.0–101.6%). The intra-day and the inter-day precision-calculated relative standard deviations are less than 1%, which indicates high precision of the method. The limits of detection and quantification for acetylsalicylic acid were 0.0004 and 0.0012 mg/mL, and for clopidogrel bisulfate 0.0002 mg/mL and 0.0007 mg/mL, respectively. Small variations in chromatographic conditions did not significantly affect qualitative and quantitative system responses, which proved robustness of method. The proposed RP-HPLC method was applied for simultaneous determination of clopidogrel bisulfate and acetylsalicylic acid from solid dispersions.

Poor solubility is one of the key reasons for the poor bioavailability of these drugs. This paper displays a formulation of a solid surfactant system with carbamazepine, in order to increase its dissolution rate. Solid state surfactant systems are formed by application of fractal experimental design. Poloxamer 237 and Poloxamer 338 were used as surfactants and Brij® 35 was used as the co-surfactant. The ratios of the excipients and carbamazepine were varied and their effects on the dissolution rate of carbamazepine were examined. Moreover, the effects of the addition of natural (diatomite) and a synthetic adsorbent carrier (Neusiline UFL2) on the dissolution rate of carbamazepine were also tested. The prepared surfactant systems were characterized and the influence of the excipients on possible changes of the polymorphous form of carbamazepine examined by application of analytical techniques (DSC, TGA, FT-IR, PXRD). It was determined that an appropriate selection of the excipient type and ratio could provide a significant increase in the carbamazepine dissolution rate. By application of analytical techniques, it was found that that the employed excipients induce a transition of carbamazepine into the amorphous form and that the selected sample was stable for three months, when kept under ambient conditions. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. TR34007]

Fe-doped TiO2 photocatalysts with different content of Fe (0.5, 1.6, 3.4 and 6.4%) were synthesized by the microwave-hydrothermal method and characterized by XRD, N2 physisorption at 77 K and DRS. The characterization showed that Fe ions are highly dispersed in the TiO2 lattice. It was found that all the synthesized catalysts had the mesoporous structure and Fe doping increased BET surface areas. The UV-Vis study showed that the absorption spectra shifted to a longer wavelength (red shift) with an increase in the dopant concentration. The photocatalytic activity of the samples was evaluated by the decolorization of textile dye Reactive Blue 52 (RB) in aqueous solutions under sun-like radiation in the presence of H2O2 (heterogeneous photo-Fenton process). The photocatalyst with 3.4% Fe was found to be the most efficient with H2O2. The effect of the initial pH of the dye solution was assessed and dissolution of iron ions was studied, as a function of pH value. It was concluded that decolorization is more favorable in acidic pH and when pH >4, the releasing of Fe ions in solution was negligible. Photocatalytic degradation of 4-chlorophenol (4-CP) was investigated under the optimal conditions and proved that our catalyst was capable to degrade colorless pollutants. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. 172030 i br. 172035]

The paper outlines the changes in the mineral tissue of teeth which was exposed to the influence of natural mediums agents. Also, mineral tissue can be used as potentially important forensic material which is gradually altered under the influence of external mediums. Biometal content was determined by using ICP-OES technique. According to the quantitative changes of biometals in teeth tissue after its exposure to different mediums, the migration of ions Ca2+, Mg2+, Fe2+, Cu2+ and Zn2+ in the teeth-soil and teeth-water mediums was observed. The Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions content in mineral tissue increased, but the Cu2+ ion content decreased. The Fe2+ and Zn2+ ions migration depends on the content and type of the soil mediums and differs for clay soil, limestone enriched soil and urban area soil. The occurred changes in the teeth mineral matrix were detected by SEM-EDS technique. The intensity of the biometal content and the mineral matrix changes are a potentially significant subject matter for forensic examination, because they indicate the kind of medium in which this material was kept. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. III45017 and br. TR34008]

Five yeast strains Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Saccharomyces bayanus (SB, Top Floral, Top 15, Aroma White, Red Fruit) and two nutrients, diammonium phosphate and Nutrifermarom, examined for their influence on young apricot brandies, with a special emphasis on chemical, volatile and sensory characteristics. Analysis major and minor volatile and sensory analysis of the apricot brandy shows the important difference between samples. Total sensory scores of apricot brandies ranged between 16.88 for control sample to 18.35 for sample produced with SB yeast strain and diamonium phosphate as nutrient. All the samples of apricot brandies fulfilled EU requirements as regards their content of methanol and other components such as acetaldehyde, ethyl acetate, and higher alcohols. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. 172053]

Concrete is a material that is widely used by mankind. Although different deterioration mechanisms can lead to degradation of the concrete itself, reinforcement corrosion is the biggest durability issue for reinforced concrete structures. One of the key parameters influencing the corrosion rate is pH value. Accordingly, this work presents two capacitive sensor platforms—one based on parallel plate electrodes and the other based on a planar interdigitated electrode structure. The first platform is used to determine whether the pH value is lower or higher than a predetermined limit (around 11) and this device was successfully tested using concrete suspensions. The second platform can determine the pH value by establishing a relationship between pH and measured capacitance from a powdered concrete specimen. Both multi-layered platforms were manufactured by means of a cost-effective xurography technique, which provides technically and mechanically robust structures very quickly.

Cd and Pb represent a serious ecological problem due to their soluble nature, their mobility and ability to accumulate in the soil. The exposure to these heavy metals can originate from different sources (drinking water, food, air), and they can make their way into the human body through the respiratory and digestive system. We investigated the effects of glutathione on Cd and Pb accumulation and lipid peroxidation effects in the liver and kidneys of heavy metal intoxicated rats. The content of the marker of lipid peroxidation - malondialdehyde was increased several fold the in tissues of exposed animals, the effects being more pronounced in liver. The treatment of intoxicated animals with glutathione drastically suppressed lipid peroxidation. Our results imply that the application of glutathione may have protective role in heavy metal intoxication by inhibiting lipid peroxidation. However, precaution should be made when it comes to Cd, since it seems that glutathione promoted Cd accumulation in the liver.