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Highly effective yet affordable non-noble metal catalysts are a key component for advances in hydrogen generation via electrolysis. The synthesis of catalytic heterostructures containing established Ni in combination with surface NiO, Ni(OH)2, and NiOOH domains gives rise to a synergistic effect between the surface components and is highly beneficial for water splitting and the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Herein, the intrinsic catalytic activity of pure Ni and the effect of partial electrochemical oxidation of ultra-smooth magnetron sputter-deposited Ni surfaces are analyzed by combining electrochemical measurements with transmission electron microscopy, selected area electron diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy. The experimental investigations are supplemented by Density Functional Theory and Kinetic Monte Carlo simulations. Kinetic parameters for the HER are evaluated while surface roughening is carefully monitored during different Ni film treatment and operation stages. Surface oxidation results in the dominant formation of Ni(OH)2, practically negligible surface roughening, and 3-5 times increased HER exchange current densities. Higher levels of surface roughening are observed during prolonged cycling to deep negative potentials, while surface oxidation slows down the HER activity losses compared to as-deposited films. Thus, surface oxidation increases the intrinsic HER activity of nickel and is also a viable strategy to improve catalyst durability.

In this article, we study the application of NetworkX, a Python library for dealing with traffic networks, to the problem of signal optimization at a single intersection. We use the shortest-path algorithms such as Bellman-Ford (Dynamic Programming), A star (A*), and Dijkstra’s algorithm to compute an optimal solution to the problem. We consider both undersaturated and oversaturated traffic conditions. The results show that we find optimal results with short Central Processor Unit (CPU) time using all the applied algorithms, where Dijkstra’s algorithm slightly outperformed others. Moreover, we show that bee colony optimization can find the optimal solution for all tested problems with different degrees of computational complexity for less CPU time, which is a new contribution to knowledge in this field.

Pathological gambling is a serious mental disorder and is the only behavioral addiction currently recognized by the American Psychiatric Association. Due to the increase in the frequency of disorders caused by gambling around the world, the need for treatment not only for pathological gamblers but also for their families has increased. The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly affected the social life of the world's population, and it has also been reflected through changes in the world of commercial gambling, changes in the characteristics of disorders caused by gambling as well as in the therapy of already diagnosed patients. Group family cognitive-behavioral therapy is one of the therapies of choice in the pathology of pathological gambling. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to changes in the provision of psychiatric services due to changes in working conditions, at a time of increased need for them. Telepsychiatry found its place in a given situation that adversely affected the mental health of the population around the world and thus opened up questions about the importance of its further application in the future.

Introduction: during the infant development, the organ growth is influenced by genetic factors, diet, hormones and many neuropeptides. The secondary ossification center in the hip joint begins to form around the 4th month of life. Primary dentition begins at the age of 5-6 months with the emergence of the central incisor in the maxilla. At birth, 6 fontanelles are present between the plate bones of the cranium. The largest is the anterior or large fontanelle. Objective of our research is to analyze the development of the secondary ossification center in the femoral head in relation to dentition and closure of the anterior fontanelle closure as well as influence of childrens' birth weight and current weight on these processes. Methodology: The study included 284 infants, male and female, aged 3 to 8 months. Clinical examination of the musculoskeletal system, anthropomentric measurements and ultrasonographic findings of the hip joint were performed at the Pediatric Clinic of the Clinical Hospital Center Pristina in Gracanica. Results: The development of secondary ossification centre correlated with child's age, dentition, anterior fontanelle closure, birth weight and delivery method, as well as actual body weight. Anterior fontanelle size was inversely related to age, body weight and secondary ossification. Conclusions: According to regression analysis, body weight is the only factor that has a direct and independent impact on the onset and progression of ossification process. Every additional kilogram of a child's body weight accelerates secondary ossification by 1.3-3.77 times.

Background: Being the most austere manifestation of ischaemic heart disease, acute coronary syndrome is one of the most frequent causes of urgent treatment and sudden death in both developed and developing countries as well. Acute stroke is the third cause of death in developed countries, after cardiovascular diseases and tumors, and second worldwide. Besides being a disease with high mortality, it is also a disease with a highest level of disability. Aim: To determine possibilities and modes of rehabilitation of patients with concomitant occurence of acute stroke and acute coronary syndrome. Methods: Retrospective study using hospitalized patients data. 5929 hospitalized patients treated at the Institute for cardiovascular diseases in Sremska Kamenica were analyzed from January 1st 2017 to December 31st 2019, without regarding sex and age. We entered data in created database and analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square test. Results: Concomitant stroke and acute coronary syndrome was found in 61 patient (1.0%). There were 32 males and 29 females. Average age was 68.82. Pneumonia occured more frequently in persons with concomitant occurrence of acute stroke and acute coronary syndrome than in persons with acute coronary syndrome without acute stroke. Regarding neurological and/or cardiological condition, only 3 patients (9.0%) were eligible for rehabilitation, and in all others it was delayed or contraindicated. Conclusion: Rehabilitation of patients with concomitant occurrence of acute coronary syndrome and acute stroke was complicated, with high risk, and required multidisciplinary approach to each patient individually.

This paper investigates the using potential of acryl-functionalized kraft lignin (AKL) in reducing the flammability of polymer composites based on recycled unsaturated polyester resins (UPR). Acryl functionalization of kraft lignin was performed by direct esterification of free polyphenolic groups with acryloyl chloride, after what, the AKL was blended in UPR resin synthesized from the polyols obtained by catalytic depolymerization of waste poly(ethylene terephthalate). The AKL was homogenized in UPR resin in different weight ratios: 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, and 12.5 wt.%. Structural and dynamic-mechanical characteristics of acryl-functionalized kraft lignin and composites were determined using FTIR spectroscopy, dynamicmechanical analysis (DMA), and tensile tests. The influence of functionalization and mass fraction of AKL on tensile and thermal properties of UPR resin was studied. The thermal properties of the composite were tested according to the standard UL-94 method, based on which the highest category of heat-resistant materials is a composite with 12.5 wt.% acylfunctionalized lignin.

The subject of this study is the synthesis of glycolysates from recycled poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET) by depolymerization using diethylene glycol (DEG) in the presence of catalyst FASCAT 4100. The resulting glycolysate was then treated with maleic anhydride and finally with 2-octanol to obtain a 2-EtHex/MA/DEG/PET/EG/MA/2-EtHex plasticizer. The characterization of the obtained plasticizer was performed by infrared spectroscopy with Fourier transform (FTIR) and NMR spectroscopy. The obtained plasticizers were mixed into bitumen with 10 wt. % and tests of mechanical properties of obtained products were performed.

Introduction. Anosmia and ageusia are one of the most common and characteristic symptoms of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-Cov-2) infection, with a frequency of almost 50% in patients in Western countries. Hypotheses proposing that the virus potentially affects the central nervous system (CNS) are on the rise. One hypothesis suggests that the virus enters via nasal mucosa and then enters the olfactory bulb via cribriform plate, with further dissemination to the CNS. Case report. A 34-year-old female patient experienced the loss of the sense of smell and taste about two months before testing positive for SARS-Cov-2. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) presented with minor pneumonia and worsening anosmia and ageusia. After treatment, the patient recovered well, but anosmia and ageusia appeared again, varying in intensity, and since February 2021, they have become persistent. The case was evaluated by an otorhino-laryngologist, pulmonologist, and finally, a neurologist. In the meantime, the patient tested negative for SARS-Cov-2 and received two doses of the Sputnik V vaccine. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed, and it clearly showed severe bilateral olfactory bulb atrophy. The patient has had anosmia and ageusia up to this day, and future MRI follow-up is planned. Conclusion. Loss of sense of smell and taste may be a predictor of further CNS dis-semination of the virus and possible neurological complications (which is still a subject of consideration). The olfactory bulb could be a gateway to COVID-19 intrusion into the CNS, and its atrophy could be an indicator of the process. Further investigation on this topic is required, including a wide application of MRI, in order to come to definite conclusions.

Introduction: Stroke is one of the leading causes of adult disability and certainly the most significant single cause of neurological disability. Aim: To examine the quality of life of patients after a stroke by analyzing the physical and mental condition, as well as social skills from the aspect of individual, family, professional and life on the broader community. Methodology: The research is designed as a prospective study. The sample consisted of 20 patients with stroke (experimental group) and patients without stroke (control group), treated at the Clinic for Medical Rehabilitation of the Clinical Center of Vojvodina. The National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), the Modified Bartel Index, the Rankin Scale (mRS) and the Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE) were used to assess neurological status, functional and cognitive status. In addition, the SF-36 Short Form Health Questionnaire and the Stroke Impact Scale (SIS) were used to assess the quality of life. Results: In all domains of SIS and the overall score, statistically significant differences were found between patients with stroke, compared to those without. The most significant differences were found in handicap, arm, and daily activities. The minor differences, but still statistically significant, were found in communication, memory, and emotions. Conclusion: Patients' quality of life after a stroke is significantly impaired, and physical functioning is most affected.

Introduction. Localized unilateral hyperhidrosis (LUH) is a rare disorder of unknown origin, with multiple possible triggering factors and unknown pathogenesis. Although there are cases of LUH of the face reported, this is the first to report isolated ipsilateral hyperhidrosis of the face after blunt force trauma. Case outline. A 54-year old Caucasian woman presented with facial LUH of five years’ duration. Ipsilateral blunt trauma of the temple that preceded the condition for three months was identified as the most probable cause. For sharp demarcation, the Minor’s or starch–iodine test was performed, which revealed the presence and extent of the facial sweating on the left side of the face. Treatment with 20% aluminium chloride hexahydrate sol. (Retrargin sol.) was conducted with partial response. Conclusion. After ruling out underlying diseases as a cause of LUH, a prior trauma should be considered as a potential cause. The possible mechanism could be the lesion of sympathetic chain as a result of cervical traction due to a facial blunt force trauma, although it cannot be positively proven.

Trauma is still the leading cause of death in the world among the population under the age of 45 and bleeding is the dominant cause of early mortality in one third of all injured. Coagulopathy in trauma is directly related to the outcome and is considered to be the most significant preventable cause of death. Trauma-induced coagulopathy is a complex, multifactorial disorder that can be roughly divided into three phases. The entity of acute traumatic coagulopathy is characterized as an endogenous hemostatic disorder that occurs in the first few minutes of injury associated with tissue damage caused by severe trauma and hemorrhagic shock, regardless of external factors. The pathogenesis of trauma-induced coagulopathy is not fully known and is still the subject of research. According to the latest recommendations of the European Guide for the Management of Massive Bleeding and Coagulopathy in Trauma, tranexamic acid should be used as soon as possible, and no later than three hours after the injury in a patient who is bleeding or at risk of significant bleeding. Its prehospital application should be considered. In the light of new knowledge, the question of the justification and safety of the free use of tranexamic acid in trauma has been raised. The use of tranexamic acid in trauma-induced coagulopathy is a simple and affordable therapeutic approach that should be used in the prehospital period in those patients who are bleeding or at risk of significant bleeding. The implementation of this therapy in our country has not yet come to life.

The extensive use of pesticides requires innovative approaches to remove these compounds from the environment. Carbon materials are traditionally used as adsorbents for removing pesticides, and the development of the new sorts of carbon materials allows more advanced approaches in environmental applications. Using density functional calculations, we have predicted chemical reaction between the S(O)=P moieties of the organophosphates with point defects in graphene – single vacancies, Stone–Wales defects and epoxy- -groups. The reaction was confirmed using ultra high performance chromatography for two graphene oxide samples and dimethoate as a representative of organophosphates. The exact reaction mechanism is still elusive, but it is unambiguously confirmed that no selective oxidation of dimethoate to more toxic oxo-analog occurs. The presented results can help to develop novel systems for the irreversible conversion of organophosphates to non-toxic compounds, without using aggressive chemical agents or external physical factors like UV radiation.

Introduction: Arterial hypertension is a major cardiovascular risk factor affecting about 10-40% of the adult population. Secondary endocrine hypertension most often results from excessive aldosterone secretion. Complications related to excessive aldosterone secretion include atrial fibrillation, myocardial infarction, myocardial fibrosis, left ventricular hypertrophy, stroke, and increased cardiovascular mortality. Case report: This report presents a hypotensive woman with hypertensive reactions, newly diagnosed unilateral hyperplasia of the left adrenal gland and secondary hyperaldosteronism. Due to good blood pressure and normalized electrolyte status as a result of antihypertensive drug therapy and absence of damage to target organs, surgical treatment of unilateral adrenal hyperplasia was postponed. Conclusion: In case of midlife and late-life hypertension, it is necessary to consider a cause in the patient's endocrine system. AUTHORS SUMMARY SRPSKI 2021; 50 (1,2) 51-54

The Act on the Protection of the Right to a Trial within a Reasonable Time, which took effect in 2016, has created the conditions in our legal system for the protection of the right to a trial within a reasonable time, as one of the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution of the Republic of Serbia and related international documents. Although the legislator does not explicitly provide for the application of this Act in the context of bankruptcy proceedings, it has been used in judicial practice as a mean for the bankruptcy creditors to obtain just satisfaction in cases involving lengthy bankruptcy proceedings and a violation of the right to a fair trial within a reasonable time. The subject matter of analysis in this paper is the right to a trial within a reasonable time in bankruptcy cases. For that purpose, the authors examine the case law of the Commercial Court in Niš in the period from the beginning of 2016 to the end of 2019, particularly focusing on the bankruptcy cases in which complaints (objections) were filed for the protection of the right to a fair trial within a reasonable time. The aim of the research is to examine whether the objection, as an initial act, is a suitable instrument for increasing the efficiency of the bankruptcy proceeding, or whether it only serves to satisfy the interests of creditors. The authors have also examined whether this remedy affects the overall costs and duration of the bankruptcy proceeding. The main finding is that there is an increasing number of objections in the Commercial Court in Niš, which still does not affect the length and costs of bankruptcy. This trend is not only the result of inactivity of the court and the complexity of certain cases but also of numerous external factors, the most prominent of which is the work of some state bodies.

Introduction: The increasing number of treated and survived cancer patients is an acknowledgment to more successful therapies and early detection of cancer diseases. However, this success has created a challenge for health care professionals in addressing the issues that affect patients' sexuality. The aim of this study was to determine the attitudes and beliefs of students integrated studies of medicine and bachelor students, and professional studies of nursing care in terms of sexuality in cancer patients, and to determine the existence of differences between the two study groups involved in this research. Material and methods: The survey was conducted from November to December 2018, in the form of cross-sectional study and included a total of 116 medical students divided into two groups. For the purpose of assessment of students as a means bet using the questionnaire Sexuality Attitude and Belief Survey (SABS) by authors Reynolds K. and Magnan M.A. from 2005. Results: The highest percentage of nurses (91.4%) agree with the sentence to understand how to treat sexuality could affect the health of patients, while as many as 89.7% of this group of respondents disagreed with the sentence that sexuality is too personal problem to was discussed with patients. The highest percentage of medical students (74.1%) agreed with the sentence that most of the hospitalized patients are too sick to be interested in sexuality. The largest discrepancy (69%) was measured for a declaration under which students use their time to talk with patients about their sexual problems. Conclusion: Results of this study showed that there are no significant differences in attitudes be-tween students at both study groups.