Search

A number of 3-aryl-5,6-dihydroimidazo[2,1-b][1,3]thiazoles were synthesized by cyclocondensation of imidazolidine-2-thione with phenacyl bromides, and their antimicrobial and antioxidant activity was evaluated. Bioscreening confirmed the moderate antibacterial activity against the reference strains of bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Proteus vulgaris and excellent antifungal activity against Candida albicans. It was found that 3-(4-chlorophenyl)-5,6-dihydroimidazo[2,1-b]thiazole 4h (MIC = 15.625 μg/ml) has twice the antifungal effect compared to the control drug Furacilin. The study of the antioxidant activity of the synthesized compounds proved their ability to inhibit 60–97% of DPPH radicals. The best antiradical effect was found for 4-(5,6-dihydroimidazo[2,1-b]thiazol-3-yl)phenol 4e (I = 97%). A probable mechanism of its action was proposed involving the formation of a radical cation by the SET process. For the most active antioxidants 4e-g, reactivity and electrostatic surface potential were evaluated using the DFT method, and molecular docking was studied on the human peroxiredoxin 5 protein model.

A series of new 4-(1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl)-containing polysubstituted pyrroles 3 a-k has been synthesized by a preparative convenient method from ethyl 5-chloro-4-formyl-1H-pyrrole-3-carboxylates 1 a-e, which were selectively transformed into the corresponding polysubstituted pyrrole-4-carboxylic acids 2 а-е using sodium hypochlorite as an oxidizer. Further, they were transformed into the target compounds with a high yield using the cyclocondensation with N-mono- or N,N-disubstituted thiosemicarbazides in the boiling phosphorus trichloroxide. As seen from the screening of antimicrobial activity, the synthesized compounds exhibit the inhibiting and bactericide activity against some bacteria and fungi. The highest activity has been established for the compounds 3 a, c, e-h, j against the strain Klebsiella pneumoniae (МІС=31.25 µg/mL). The calculated HOMO energy level proves that the compound 3 с is the most reactive ligand for the interaction with a protein receptor. The molecular docking data show that the compound 3 h has the highest affinity to the ThiM Klebsiella pneumoniae kinase.

The present paper describes the measurement of the drift of unidirectional pose accuracy, repeatability, and static compliance of a collaborative robot employing a measurement methodology that relies on the description of a virtual ISO cube placed in the robot’s workspace. The measurements aimed to investigate and assess the suitability of the UR5 six-axis collaborative robot for its application in robotic 3D printing. An experimental laboratory measurement workstation was constructed to perform the measurements, and control measurements were performed. The measurements involved describing the TCP point of the robot tool at five measurement points located in a virtual ISO cube during a minimum of 30 repeated measurement cycles. A camera and six linear incremental sensors with assessment units were used for the measurements. The measurements were performed in compliance with the regulations of STN ISO 9283 standard for this type of measurement. As a result of the measurements, the technical specifications of the drift and static compliance of the controlled robotic arm were verified, and the results were compared with the values specified by the manufacturer. Following the measurements and assessment of the results, it was possible to assess the suitability of the used UR5 robotic arm for its application in robotic 3D printing and to propose possible recommendations for the calibration of the robot and the process settings of the printing system for the production of objects using FDM technology.

(1) Background: This study aimed to evaluate how laser-activated irrigation (LAI) influences the retention of a fiber post when used before an endodontic filling, as well as after post space preparation. (2) Materials and Methods: Sixty freshly extracted human incisors were selected. The teeth were randomly assigned to three groups—CONVENTIONAL (CONV), PIPS or SWEEPS—and treated endodontically. Each group received irrigation with 1 × 5 mL EDTA (17%) and 3 × 5 mL NaOCl (5.25%). In the first group, the irrigants were not activated, while in the second and third group, LAI was adopted using PIPS and SWEEPS protocols (Lightwalker from Fotona, Ljubliana, Slovenia). After post space preparation, each group received the same irrigation protocol initially established. Sticky posts (everStick Post, GC AUSTRIA GmbH Swiss) were individually adapted to the corresponding post spaces and cemented using dual cure resin cement (Gradia Core, GC Austria GmbH Swiss). All specimens were vertically embedded into self-curing acrylate (Duracryl plus, Spofa Dent, Europe), and each was sectioned into three segments of type A and type B samples for debonding through push-out and pull-out tests. The results were statistically analyzed. (3) Results: The pull-out test showed the superiority of the SWEEPS group, with a mean fracture force of 133.0 ± 50.7 N, followed by the PIPS group, with 102 N, with a lower standard deviation of ± 34.5 N. The CONV group registered the lowest fracture force. Concerning the push-out test, the SWEEPS group showed superior shear stress in comparison to the other two groups (13.45 ± 4.29 MPa); the CONV group was inferior, with shear tension values of 8.31 ± 4.67 MPa. (4) Conclusions: It can be stated that the SWEEPS and PIPS protocols resulted in considerably higher fiber post retention than the conventional method, whereas the SWEEPS protocol was superior to the PIPS protocol.

This study investigates the anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antioxidant properties of polyphenols extracted from Brassica oleracea var. capitata (cabbage) ethanolic extract (BOE). Given the historical use of cabbage in traditional medicine for treating various ailments, this research aims to validate these effects scientifically. The study involved the characterization of BOE’s bioactive compounds using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Liquid Chromatography–Diode Array Detection–Electro-Spray Ionization Mass Spectrometry (HPLC-DAD-ESI MS) analysis. We assessed the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of topical and oral BOE administration on rodent models with acute and subacute inflammation. Additionally, the antioxidant capacity of orally administered BOE was evaluated. The results showed that BOE possesses significant levels of phenolic compounds with a potent antioxidant activity. The topical administration of BOE demonstrated notable anti-inflammatory effects in the tested rodent models, which were comparable with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These findings suggest that BOE could be a valuable natural remedy for inflammation-related conditions, supporting its traditional uses and highlighting its potential for further pharmacological development.

A series of new derivatives of 3-(pyrrol-4-yl)acrylamides 3a-l with the pyrrole nucleus functionalized by chlorine atoms and ester group, have been synthesized by simple preparative methods from the available esters of 5-chloro-4-formylpyrrol-3-carboxylic acids 1a-e. At first, 3-(pyrrol-4-yl)acrylic acids 2a-e were synthesized by the Knoevenagel’s reaction between malonic acid and the esters 1a-e. Then the target compounds were obtained with a high yield in the reactions between chloroanhydrides of the synthesized acrylic acids and aromatic or aliphatic amines in the boiling benzene. The structure of all obtained compounds was confirmed by elemental analysis, IR, 1H-NMR, and 13C-NMR spectroscopy, and additionally checked by the mass-spectrometry. Then the antimicrobial activity of all amides was tested in vitro on some gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria and fungi. It has been found that the gram-negative bacteria are resistant against the synthesized chemicals, while the gram-positive bacteria are sensitive to the amides 3с, e, f, g, i. The highest activity against Staphylococcus aureus MR and Staphylococcus epidermidis MS was registered for the amide 3f, and the retardation area diameter for this amide was greater than that for the control drugs.

The period of purges represented a dark page in the history of Romanian education and did not end on September 1, 1945, according to the provisions of Law no. 584/1945 regarding the purification of public administrations, but was continued in the following years, disguised under other political decisions. The Faculty of Medicine faced three waves of purges followed by periods of calm. After the first law on the purification of public administrations was passed (Law no. 461 published in the Official Gazette on September 19, 1944), many teachers were temporarily purged, others permanently, whereas others “arranged” their pension rights. This article discusses how the repressive state machine carried out the purges of teaching staff from Cluj medical education establishments in the first communist decade, as well as the employment criteria in the fall of 1958.

The present paper describes the measurement of the drift of unidirectional pose accuracy, repeatability, and static compliance of a collaborative robot employing a measurement methodology that relies on the description of a virtual ISO cube placed in the robot's workspace. The measurements aimed to investigate and assess the suitability of the UR5 six-axis collaborative robot for its application in robotic 3D printing. An experimental laboratory measurement workstation was constructed to perform the measurements, and control measurements were performed. The measurements involved describing the TCP point of the robot tool at five measurement points located in a virtual ISO cube during a minimum of 30 repeated measurement cycles. A camera and six linear incremental sensors with assessment units were used for the measurements. The measurements were performed in compliance with the regulations of STN ISO 9283 standard for this type of measurement. As a result of the measurements, the technical specifications of the drift and static compliance of the controlled robotic arm were verified, and the results were compared with the values specified by the manufacturer. Following the measurements and assessment of the results, it was possible to assess the suitability of the used UR5 robotic arm for its application in robotic 3D printing and to propose possible recommendations for the calibration of the robot and the process settings of the printing system for the production of objects using FDM technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the article is to find a correlation between a change in the properties of the cooling agent and a change in the geometry of the chipformer, as both are reflected in the service life of the tool after deep drilling. The reason for carrying out the research is the requirement of practice to obtain the economic efficiency of the production of such a demanding process as deep drilling. When applying the latest designs of gun drills, it is very important to correctly set the technological parameters to maintain the stability of the cutting process. One of the most important parameters is the correct removal of heat from the cutting site, and this will be ensured by the stability of pressure, temperature, and percentage of emulsion in the cooling medium, as well as the adjustment of the geometry of the chip former. On this basis, a large number of tests were carried out, consisting of testing the number of drilling cycles carried out by new, unfluted gun drills at constant feed rates and spindle rotation frequencies. After testing, it is possible to modify and supplement the existing methodology of deep drilling technology in terms of managing the cooling emulsion and chip-forming geometry. The tests were aimed at increasing the service life and the number of possible re-grindings of the gun drills depending on changes in the percentage of the emulsion concentration, the pressure and temperature of the cooling agent, and the associated chipformer geometry.

Aim. To expand the range of 6-arylidene-2-methyl-2,3-dihydroimidazo[2,1-b]thiazolones as potential objects for studying the antiexudative and antimicrobial activities. Results and discussion. It has been shown that the condensation of synthetically affordable 2-methyl-2,3-dihydroimidazo[2,1-b]thiazolone with aromatic aldehydes can be successfully used for obtaining the corresponding 6-ylidene-functionalized derivatives. The biological screening of the compounds synthesized revealed that they possessed a low or moderate anti-inflammatory activity and inhibited the inflammation process in the range from 3 to 44 %. During the study of the antimicrobial activity of the substances obtained it was determined that their minimum bacteriostatic and minimum fungistatic concentrations ranged from 31.25 to 250 μg/mL. Experimental part. The interaction of 2-methyl-2,3-dihydroimidazo[2,1-b]thiazolone with a series of benzaldehydes and salicylic aldehydes in refluxing acetic acid in the presence of anhydrous sodium acetate leads to new 6-arylidene-2-methyl-2,3-dihydroimidazo[2,1-b]thiazolones. The antiexudative activity screening was performed on the model of carrageenan-induced paw oedema of white outbred male rats. The antimicrobial activity of the compounds was studied using the microtechnique of two-fold serial dilutions in a liquid nutrient medium. Conclusions. It has been found that the Knoevenagel condensation of 2-methyl-2,3-dihydroimidazo[2,1-b]thiazolone with aromatic aldehydes is a convenient way for the structural modification of the position 6 of the heterocyclic system by the arylidene moiety. The arylidene derivatives obtained show a moderate antiexudative activity in the carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema assay, as well as the antimicrobial activity against some gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria and fungi.

Additive manufacturing is becoming one of the most utilized tools in an increasing number of fields from Industry 4.0 concepts, engineering, and manufacturing to aerospace and medical applications. One important issue with additive-manufactured components is their orthotropic behaviour where mechanical properties are concerned. This behaviour is due to the layer-by-layer manufacturing process and is particularly hard to predict since it depends on a number of factors, including the manufacturing parameters used during the manufacturing process (speed, temperature, etc.). This study aimed to create and train an artificial neural network-based predictive model using empirical tensile strength data obtained from additive manufactured test parts using the FDM method and PLA material. The predictive model was designed to predict mechanical characteristics for different orientation axis, which were used to set the material properties for finite element analysis. Results indicate a strong correlation between predicted finite element analysis behaviour and real-world tests on additive-manufactured components. The neural network model was trained to an accuracy of ~93% for predicting the mechanical characteristics of 3D-printed PLA material. Using the predicted mechanical characteristics for defining a custom orthotropic material profile in finite element analysis, the simulated failure mode and the behaviour of a complex geometry component agreed with the real-world test.

This study investigates the anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antioxidant properties of polyphenols extracted from Brassica oleracea var. capitata (cabbage) ethanolic extract (BOE). Given the historical use of cabbage in traditional medicine for treating various ailments, this research aims to validate these effects scientifically. The study involved the characterization of BOE's bioactive compounds using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Liquid Chromatography–Diode Array Detection–Electro-Spray Ionization Mass Spectrometry (HPLC-DAD-ESI MS) analysis. We assessed the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of topical and oral BOE administration on rodent models with acute and subacute inflammation. Additionally, the antioxidant capacity of orally administered BOE was evaluated. The results showed that BOE possesses significant levels of phenolic compounds with a potent antioxidant activity. The topical administration of BOE demonstrated notable anti-inflammatory effects in the tested rodent models, which were comparable with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These findings suggest that BOE could be a valuable natural remedy for inflammation-related conditions, supporting its traditional uses and highlighting its potential for further pharmacological development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: This study aimed to evaluate how laser-activated irrigation (LAI) influences the retention of a fiber post when used before an endodontic filling, as well as after post space preparation. (2) Materials and Methods: Sixty freshly extracted human incisors were selected. The teeth were randomly assigned to three groups—CONVENTIONAL (CONV), PIPS or SWEEPS—and treated endodontically. Each group received irrigation with 1 × 5 mL EDTA (17%) and 3 × 5 mL NaOCl (5.25%). In the first group, the irrigants were not activated, while in the second and third group, LAI was adopted using PIPS and SWEEPS protocols (Lightwalker from Fotona, Ljubliana, Slovenia). After post space preparation, each group received the same irrigation protocol initially established. Sticky posts (everStick Post, GC AUSTRIA GmbH Swiss) were individually adapted to the corresponding post spaces and cemented using dual cure resin cement (Gradia Core, GC Austria GmbH Swiss). All specimens were vertically embedded into self-curing acrylate (Duracryl plus, Spofa Dent, Europe), and each was sectioned into three segments of type A and type B samples for debonding through push-out and pull-out tests. The results were statistically analyzed. (3) Results: The pull-out test showed the superiority of the SWEEPS group, with a mean fracture force of 133.0 ± 50.7 N, followed by the PIPS group, with 102 N, with a lower standard deviation of ± 34.5 N. The CONV group registered the lowest fracture force. Concerning the push-out test, the SWEEPS group showed superior shear stress in comparison to the other two groups (13.45 ± 4.29 MPa); the CONV group was inferior, with shear tension values of 8.31 ± 4.67 MPa. (4) Conclusions: It can be stated that the SWEEPS and PIPS protocols resulted in considerably higher fiber post retention than the conventional method, whereas the SWEEPS protocol was superior to the PIPS protocol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is to develop an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) model for springback prediction in the free cylindrical bending of metallic sheets. The proposed ANN model was developed and tested using the Matlab software. The input parameters of the proposed ANN model were the sheet thickness, punch radius, and coefficient of friction. The resulting data is represented by the springback coefficient. Preparation, assessing and confirmation of the model were achieved using 126 data series obtained by Finite element analysis (FEA). ANN was trained by Levenberg - Marquardt back - propagation algorithm. The performance of the ANN model was evaluated using statistic measurements. The predictions of the ANN model, regarding FEA, had quite low root mean squared error (RMSE) values and the model performed well with the coefficient of determination values. This shows that the developed ANN model leads to the idea of being used as an instrument for springback prediction.

Aim. To develop an effective method for the synthesis of 5-aroxy-2,6-dihydro-1Н-pyrrolo[3,4-d]pyridazine-1-ones as promising objects to be investigated in the context of their antimicrobial activity. Results and discussion. It has been found that ethyl 4-formyl-5-chloro-1Н-pyrrole-3-carboxylates can be used as convenient source substrates for building 5-aroxy-2,6-dihydro-1Н-pyrrolo[3,4-d]pyridazine-1-one systems. MBsC (MFsC) and MBcC (MFcC) of the pyrrolo[3,4-d]pyridazine-1-ones synthesized were within the range of 31.25-125 μg/ml. Experimental part. The two-stage synthesis of 5-aroxy-2,6-dihydro-1Н-pyrrolo[3,4-d]pyridazine-1-ones was performed. The chemical composition and the structure of the compounds synthesized were confirmed by chromatography-mass spectra, IR- and NMR 1Н (13С) spectra. The screening of the antimicrobial activity using the micromethod of the double series dilutions in the liquid nutrient medium allowed identifying compounds with a moderate activity. Conclusions. A preparative convenient synthesis of 5-aroxy-2,6-dihydro-1Н-pyrrolo[3,4-d]pyridazine-1-ones has been developed. This method assumes the nucleophilic substitution of the chlorine atom in ethyl 4-formyl-5-chloro-1Н-pyrrole-3-carboxilates with an aroxyl fragment followed by the subsequent pyridazinoanelination of ethyl 5-aroxy-4-formyl-1Н-pyrrole-3-carboxylates by hydrazine hydrate. The results of the antimicrobial activity of the substances synthesized substantiate the feasibility of further in-depth studies in this area.

An antimicrobial and antifungal activity of new derivatives of (imidazole-5-yl)ylidenthiazolidinones and its dependence on the substance structure and the type of substitutes in the imidazole and thiazole nucleus have been investigated. It was found that the sulphur of thiazolidone section is the key factor that governs antimicrobial activity of the compounds. High antibacterial and antifungal activity against pathogenic microbes S. aureus ATCC25923, E. coli ATCC25922 and fungi C. albicans ATCC885-653 was determined for some representatives of the compounds series. Since the evaluated acute toxicity of the compounds is quite low, they can be recommended for further systematic investigation as possible prospective disinfection agents for food industry.

Aim. To develop the efficient method for the synthesis of 3-aryl-3-trifluoromethyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolizin-1-ones as promising scaffolds in design of bioactive compounds. Results and discussion. It has been shown that condensation of 3-amino-3-aryl-4,4,4-trifluorobutanoic acid methyl esters with 2,5-dimethoxytetrahydrofuran is a convenient synthetic approach to 4,4,4-trifluoro-3-aryl-3-(1H-pyrrol-1-yl)methylbutanoic acid methyl esters converted to 3-aryl-3-trifluoromethyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolizin-1-ones by the intramolecular Friedel-Crafts reaction. Experimental part. By the interaction of 3-amino-3-aryl-4,4,4-trifluorobutanoic acid methyl esters with 2,5-dimethoxytetrahydrofuranin acetic acid at 70 оC 4,4,4-trifluoro-3-aryl-3-(1H-pyrrol-1-yl)methylbutanoic acid methyl esters were obtained and subsequently cyclized into 3-aryl-3-trifluoromethyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolizin-1-ones upon treatment with boron tribromide in dichloromethane at room temperature. The structures of the compounds synthesized were confirmed by LCMS, IR and NMR (1H, 13C, 19F) spectroscopic methods. Conclusions. An efficient two step protocol for the synthesis of 3-aryl-3-trifluoromethyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolizin-1-ones has been developed. It includes transformation of 3-amino-3-aryl-4,4,4-trifluorobutanoic acid methyl esters into the corresponding 3-(1H-pyrrol-1-yl) derivatives and their further intramolecular cyclization.

The drilling process in real production places ever-increasing demands on the length and accuracy of the holes made. The drilling of holes beyond a length-to-diameter ratio of 5–10 is called deep drilling. The aim of the research was to determine in detail the deep-drilling process input conditions, their impact on the stability of the cutting process and the degree to which the output requirements were achieved. The focus of the analysis was on how the monitored technological and physical impacts translate into achieving the required gun-drill life and the quality and dimensional accuracy of deep holes, as well as their overall impact on tool life. Based on the analysis, tests were conducted to verify the impact of individual parameters on tool life. The obtained results were then statistically evaluated and optimized. Drawing on the evaluated experimental results, solutions and procedures were proposed and implemented in the environment of a real operation. This research obtained the optimal values of the frequency of rotation and displacement to ensure maximum tool life while maintaining the efficiency of the production of drilled parts. At the same time, based on the research, a methodology and recommendations for deep-drilling technology were developed.

Additive manufacturing technologies present a series of advantages such as high flexibility, direct CAD to final product fabrication, and compact production techniques which make them an attractive option for fields ranging from medicine and aeronautics to rapid prototyping and Industry 4.0 concepts. However, additive manufacturing also presents a series of disadvantages, the most notable being low dimensional accuracy, low surface quality, and orthotropic mechanical behaviour. These characteristics are influenced by material properties and the process parameters used during manufacturing. Therefore, a predictive model for the characteristics of additive manufactured components is conceivable. This paper proposes a study on the feasibility of implementing Deep Neural Networks for predicting the dimensional accuracy and the mechanical characteristics of components obtained through the Fused Deposition Modelling method using empirical data acquired by high precision metrology. The study is performed on parts manufactured using PETG and PLA materials with known process parameters. Different Deep Neural Network architectures are trained using datasets acquired by high precision metrology, and their performance is tested by comparing the mean absolute error of predictions on training and validation data. Results show good model generalisation and convergence at high accuracy, indicating that a predictive model is feasible.

Inflammation and hyperlipidemia play an essential role in the pathophysiology of endothelial dysfunction as well as atherosclerotic plaque formation, progression and rupture. Colchicine has direct anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting multiple inflammatory signaling pathways. The purpose of our study was to evaluate colchicine activity in an animal model of hyperlipidemia induced by diet. A total of 24 male rats (wild type, WT) were divided into three groups: group one fed with a basic diet (BD) (WT + BD, n = 8), group two fed with a high-fat diet (HFD) (WT + HFD, n = 8)), and group three which received HFD plus drug treatment (colchicine, 0.5 mg/kg, i.p., daily administration). Total cholesterol, LDL-, HDL-cholesterol and triglycerides were determined. In addition, plasma transaminases, inflammation of oxidative stress markers, were measured. Tissue samples were evaluated using hematoxylin-eosin and red oil stain. At the end of the study, rats presented increased serum lipid levels, high oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory markers. The aortic histopathological section revealed that HFD induced signs of endothelial dysfunction. Colchicine treatment significantly resolved and normalized these alterations. Moreover, colchicine did not influence NAFLD activity score but significantly increased ALT and AST levels, suggesting that colchicine amplified the hepatocellular injury produced by the diet. Colchicine reduces plasma lipid levels, oxidative stress and inflammation markers and leads to more favorable histopathologic vascular and cardiac results. However, the adverse effects of colchicine could represent an obstacle to its safe use.

Development of resistance of yeast-like fungi belonging to the Candida genus to the existing antifungal medicines as well as the high toxicity and low tolerance of these medicines in many cases stipulate the acute need for new antibiotic compounds. In this context, an extremely promising group of chemical substances is imidazole derivatives. Therefore, the search for more active and less toxic medical preparations based on imidazole is a relevant and important issue for medical practice. Considering the urgent demand for new antifungal preparations, four new nitro containing imidazole derivatives were synthesized – 5-(2-nitrovinyl) imidazoles and their derivatives. Then in vitro by means of double serial dilution in Saburo liquid nutritious medium we examined their antifungal action against eight clinical strains of yeast-like fungi belonging to the Candida genus: C. albicans, C. guillermondii, C. krusei, С. glabrata, C. kefyr, C. tropicalis, C. inconspicua and C. zeylanoides). They were isolated and identified from the vulvovaginal content of women suffering from vulvovaginal candidiasis. 3-methyl-4-[1-(1-naphthyl-4-chloro-1Н-imidazole-5-yl)-2-nitroethyl-]-1H-pyrazole-5-ole and 2,4-dichloro-5-(2-nitrovinyl)-1-(4-fluorophenyl)-1Н-imidazole were found to be the most active compounds – mean values of minimal fungistatic concentrations of these compounds against all the eight examined strains were 34.9 and 39.7 µg/mL (with the ranges of these concentrations 5.2–83.3 µg/mL) respectively. 2,4-dichloro-3-methyl-4-{2-nitroethyl-1-[1-(4-fluorophenyl)-1Н-imidazole-5-yl]}-1H-pyrazole-5-ole and 1-naphthyl-5-(2-nitrovinyl)-4-chloro-1Н-imidazole were found to possess lower anti-Candida activity – mean values of their minimal fungistatic concentrations against all the eight clinical strains were 48.8 and 51.4 µg/mL (with the ranges of these concentrations 10.4–166.7 µg/mL) respectively. The highest antifungal activity of 5-(2-nitrovinyl) imidazoles and their derivatives was found to be against the clinical strains C. krusei, C. kefyr and C. inconspicua – mean values of minimal fungistatic concentrations concerning the indicated strains were 11.7–26.0 µg/mL. The examined nitro containing imidazole derivatives were found to manifest a slightly lower anti-Candida action against the clinical strains C. tropicalis and C. guilliermondii (mean values of minimal fungistatic concentrations 31.3 and 36.5 µg/mL). The lowest antifungal activity of the examined compounds was detected against the clinical strains C. аlbicans and С. glabrata – mean values of minimal fungistatic concentrations against these strains were 85.9 and 79.4 µg/mL. Comparison of anti-Candida activity of different 5-(2-nitrovinyl) imidazoles and their derivatives enabled us to select their most promising representatives and give recommendations for further synthesis of new nitro containing imidazole derivatives with pronounced antifungal properties.

In this paper is presented a reserch regarding the surfece of hydroforming tubs, made by aluminium and cooper. Hydroforming tubes is very important production method considering that metal tubes are widely used in a great variety of engineering products, such as automobile, aircraft, air conditioner, air compressor, exhaust systems, fluid lines. The results show that the surface of tubes it is influence of the hydroforming process. Also it is very important the material of the tube in research of surface.

Gold is one of the precious metals with multiple uses, whose deposits are much smaller than the global production needs. Therefore, extracting maximum gold quantities from industrial diluted solutions is a must. Am-L-GA is a new material, obtained by an Amberlite XAD7-type commercial resin, functionalized through saturation with L-glutamic acid, whose adsorption capacity has been proved to be higher than those of other materials utilized for gold adsorption. In this context, this article presents the results of a factorial design experiment for optimizing the gold recovery from residual solutions resulting from the electronics industry using Am-L-GA. Firstly, the material was characterized using atomic force microscopy (AFM), to emphasize the material’s characteristics, essential for the adsorption quality. Then, the study showed that among the parameters taken into account in the analysis (pH, temperature, initial gold concentration, and contact time), the initial gold concentration in the solution plays a determinant role in the removal process and the contact time has a slightly positive effect, whereas the pH and temperature do not influence the adsorption capacity. The maximum adsorption capacity of 29.27 mg/L was obtained by optimizing the adsorption process, with the control factors having the following values: contact time ~106 min, initial Au(III) concentration of ~164 mg/L, pH = 4, and temperature of 25 °C. It is highlighted that the factorial design method is an excellent instrument to determine the effects of different factors influencing the adsorption process. The method can be applied for any adsorption process if it is necessary to reduce the number of experiments, to diminish the resources or time consumption, or for expanding the investigation domain above the experimental limits.

The article is a performance review of the play "Amphitryon" directed by Silviu Purc¿rete at the Cluj-Napoca National Theatre. The play is a French comedy written by Molière in 1668 and is based on the story of the Greek mythological character Amphitryon. The review discusses the themes of desires, individuality, and the struggle between gods and mortals. The director's decision to strictly adhere to the original text and incorporate baroque elements is highlighted, although it may be challenging for some audience members. Overall, the play offers a unique and thought-provoking exploration of these themes. [Extracted from the article]

Two convenient alternatives for the synthesis of metal(II) 2,9,16,23-tetranitrophthalocyanines (TNPc) were applied in the synthesis of the novel Strontium(II)TNPc and its Zinc(II)TNPc, Copper(II)TNPc and Cobalt(II)TNPc analogues. The thermal activation required for the tetramerization of the phthalic acid derivatives used as substrates (4-nitrophthalimide or 4-nitrophthalodinitrile) was provided by convective heating in solution or solvent free conditions. The optical properties of the synthesized metal(II)TNPc were compared by means of UV-vis spectroscopy. In solution, the novel Sr(II)TNPc was characterized by absorption bands with maxima situated around 690 nm (similar to Cu(II)TNPc), while its fluorescence emission maxima lays close to Zn(II)TNPc (710 nm), with a three times longer fluorescence emission life time in solid state (3.04 ns). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]