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Marija Stevic,1 Dusica Simic,1 Nina Ristic,2 Ivana Budic,3 Vesna Marjanovic,3 Marija Jovanovski-Srceva,4 Nikola Repac,5 Milica Rankovic-Janevski,6 Goran Tasic5,7 1Department of Anesthesia, Medical Faculty University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia; 2Department of Gastroenterology, University Children’s Hospital, Belgrade, Serbia; 3Department of Anesthesia, Medical Faculty University of Nis, Nis, Serbia; 4Department of Anesthesia, Medical Faculty University of Skopje, Skopje, Macedonia; 5Clinical Center of Serbia, Institute of Neurosurgery, Belgrade, Serbia; 6Department of the Specialized Care, Institute of Neonatology, Belgrade, Serbia; 7Department of Neurosurgery, Medical Faculty University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia Purpose: Preterm newborns, due to many factors, are at increased risk for poor neural development, intraventricular hemorrhages, infections, and higher rate of mortality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk factors associated with poor outcome in preterm neonates with late-onset neonatal sepsis (LONS) who had posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus and underwent neurosurgical procedures for treatment of the hydrocephalus. Patients and methods: Preterm neonates who had undergone insertion of ventriculoperitoneal shunt or Ommaya reservoir, during the 10-year period at University Children’s Hospital, were retrospectively analyzed. According to the presence or absence of LONS, patients were divided into LONS group and non-LONS group. In both groups, we analyzed demographic and clinical data as well as nondependent factors. Additionally, we evaluated the patients who had lethal outcome in respect to all the analyzed factors. Results: A total of 74 patients were included in the study, 35 in LONS group and 39 in control group. Patients in LONS group were born significantly earlier with lower birth weight, needed significantly higher O2 inspiratory concentration, and had longer duration of mechanical ventilation when compared to the nonseptic group. Five patients in LONS group had lethal outcome, and for these patients we identified a grade American Society of Anaesthesiologists score of 4 (P=0.000), ductus arteriosus persistens (P=0.000), bronchopulmonary dysplasia (P=0.003), and pneumothorax (P=0.003) as independent preoperative risk factors for lethal outcome. Conclusion: Neurosurgical procedures are relatively safe in neonates with posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus without LONS after birth. However, if LONS is present, various conditions such as preoperative high grade American Society of Anaesthesiologists score, ductus arteriosus persistens, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and pneumothorax markedly increase the risk for a lethal outcome after the operation. Keywords: late-onset neonatal sepsis, risk factors, preterm infants, posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus, mortality

The air quality in the city of Bor in 2023 is analysed in this paper. In the period from May 1, 2022 until April 1, 2023 the copper smelter in Bor was not working due to reconstruction and capacity increase. The analyses show that in 2023, no exceeding of the daily limit value for SO2 , PM10, and soot concentrations was detected at any measuring point. During the reconstruction of the copper smelter, correlation coefficients (Pearson) at measurement point "Jugopetrol" between PM10 and the chemical elements Cd and As were moderate (0.6>r>0.4), while in the period before and after the reconstruction of the smelter, they were strong (0.8>r>0.6), and very strong (r>0.8). The results presented in the paper indicate that despite the reconstruction of the copper smelter, the problem of emission of high concentrations of carcinogenic elements in PM10 from the copper smelter is still present. It is necessary to urgently implement additional measures to reduce these emissions to the values provided by law.

In addition to traffic, the main source of nitrogen dioxide is also industrial plants where combustion takes place at high temperatures, such as heating plants and smelters. Nitrogen oxides from traffic are the dominant component of air pollution in large cities and represent an important source of exposure and health risk for people, especially those who move along busy roads. In Bor, real-time nitrogen dioxide concentrations have been measured since 2010 at the measuring point "Institute IRM Bor" near Mining and Metallurgy Institute Bor. This paper presents an analysis of the results of measuring nitrogen dioxide concentrations in Bor in the periods 2010-2013 and 2019-2023. Based on the analysis of nitrogen dioxide measurement results, it was established that in both periods there are seasonal changes (heating/non-heating season) in nitrogen dioxide concentrations. Nitrogen dioxide concentrations were on average 17% higher in the heating season than in the non-heating season. Also, in the period 2019-2023 the average concentration of nitrogen dioxide was 28.6 µg/m3 , which is about 18% more compared to the period 2010-2013 in which the average concentration of nitrogen dioxide was 24.3 µg/m3 . In the observed periods, there was no exceedance of the limit value for the average annual concentration of nitrogen dioxide of 40 µg/m3 . However, several days were recorded with an average daily concentration of nitrogen dioxide above the daily limit value of 85 µg/m3 .

The clothes we wear are not only a physical means of protection from the cold and the sun, but also have a cultural component in the domain of non-verbal visual communication. In any occasion and environment, the color of the clothes attracts attention. Color symbolism is important for fashion designers because the colors of different parts of clothing evoke certain connotations, which depend on the situation in which the clothing is worn. The color of clothes has a psychological effect on people and leaves a strong impression when contacting another person. The first part of the paper describes the importance of color from the aspect of aesthetics and communication ability of clothes, i.e. the promotional effect of color on the recognition of the usefulness of the product by customers. In the second part, the color systems that are important for the clothing industry and the numerical evaluation of color are described

“Refeeding syndrome” is described in the literature as a range of metabolic and electrolyte disorders that result from starting nutritional rehabilitation in malnourished patients. Without a universally accepted definition, data on “refeeding syndrome” incidence are heterogeneous. In most cases, a clinician will subjectively identify “refeeding syndrome,” many authors have developed their purposes and criteria for it in their studies. Using the PubMed database and the appropriate filters (“refeeding syndrome”-related terms: refeeding syndrome, pediatrics, child, nutrition support, nutrition assessment, malnutrition), a search of the published literature was conducted. The American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition’s 2020 recommendations are the only guidelines for identifying children with or at risk for “refeeding syndrome”. High-quality scientific evidence regarding the clinical syndrome is absent, so we need further research in all “refeeding syndrome”-related areas, from validation to better identification of risk factors, definitions of “refeeding syndrome,” and standardization of treatment protocols. For now, clinicians must remain vigilant to protect patients from the potentially devastating consequences of the “refeeding syndrome.”

This paper presents the results of the air quality measurements in the agglomeration of Bor in the period June-December 2022, in which the Copper Smelter in Bor was not working due to the works on reconstruction and increasing the capacity for copper concentrate processing. Based on an analysis of the existing measuring points and concentrations of pollutants, measured in the local and national air quality monitoring network in the territory of the Bor agglomeration, as well as the possible impact of the new mining and metallurgical facilities in the company Serbia ZiJin Copper Bor, the additional locations, where the measurements were performed, were selected. The air quality measurement results show that there was no exceedance of the hourly and daily limit values for gaseous pollutants, nor were there an exceedance of the limit value for the mean daily concentration of lead in the suspended particles of the PM10 fraction, as well as the target values for the concentrations of cadmium and nickel in PM10. The arsenic concentration in PM10 at the measuring point of PU Bor was above the target annual value for 3 days. The maximum measured mean daily value of arsenic concentration in PM10 at this measuring point was 11.3 ng/m3 . Based on a complete insight into the results of air quality measurements in the Bor agglomeration in 2022, it can be concluded that the dominant share of concentration of SO2 , CO, as well as the concentration of arsenic, cadmium, and lead in PM10, originates from the gaseous pollutant emissions from the Copper Smelter Bor in the period when it operates. It was established that at the measuring point MMI Bor, the nitrogen oxide emissions from traffic mostly affect the level of nitrogen oxides in the air. Also, the measurement results indicate that the operation of the Smelter in 2022 did not significantly contribute to the concentration increase of suspended PM10 particles in the agglomeration of Bor, and that during the period of operation of the Copper Smelter in 2022, no copper concentrates with increased nickel content were processed.

Reactive dyes are the most popular dyes for dyeing cellulose fibers. The exhaustion method is the most common technical method of their application, when large amounts of neutral salts and alkali are added to the dyeing bath to fixing the dyes. Despite this, 10-40% of the dye is not fixed to the cotton and together with the salts, it represents a large environmental burden for watercourses. Recently, methods have been studied to increase the substantiality and reactivity of these dyes with the aim of promoting procedures that are more economical and environmentally safer. In this sense, cationic modification of cotton can be considered a promising procedure for increasing the utilization of reactive dyes from the technological solution. This review paper reports on the possibilities of applying different cationic agents for cotton processing and the effects of cationic modification on the ability to dye with reactive dyes.

Global warming causes an increased ambient temperature and prolonged heatwaves during the summer, which represent stressogenic factors affecting the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis in mammals. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of long-term (7-60 days) exposure to moderately elevated ambient temperature (35 ± 1°C) on the histological aspect and secretory ability of pituitary adrenocorticotropic (ACTH) cells, as well as on the corticosterone output, in adult rats. Stereological parameters of ACTH cells were estimated upon immunohistochemistry. The blood concentrations of ACTH and corticosterone were determined by immunoassays. The volume of ACTH cells in rats exposed to moderately high temperature for 7, 14, 21, 30 and 60 days decreased (p

Based on all available information, there has been a great expansion of organic food production and sale, both globally and in Serbia. It is estimated that this expansion results from buyers' belief that organic food is tastier and/or healthier, more nutritious, that it contains less pesticides, preservatives, additives, thaat it does not contain any genetically modified components, etc. However, which of these beliefs are facts, and which are misconceptions? In the absence of studies dealing with the issue of organic food in Serbia, we rely on the results of studies conducted in the world, primarily in countries where the production and sale of organic food has a decades-long tradition. Most studies covered by this review refer to the presence of pesticides in organic food and they all unequivocally established that organic food contains significantly lower amounts of pesticides than conventionally produced food. In terms of other aspects of health safety, it was found that organic food has significantly lower values or absence of antibiotics, growth hormones and factors, genetically modified components as well as artificial preservatives and additives. Some of the research that was conducted to confirm the claim that organic food is more nutritious than conventionally produced food, established that some foods have more vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. However, numerous studies did not confirm these conclusions, but rather found that there is no significant difference between the content of the mentioned ingredients in organic and conventional food. Which of the above is true will be confirmed by some future, fully objective studies.

Three centipede species (Clinopodes flavidus, Cryptops anomalans and Eupolybothrus transsylvanicus) were used as bioindicators of trace metal and metalloid pollution in Belgrade, Serbia. The concentrations of 13 elements (the metals Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Rb, Sr, Cd, Tl, Pb and U and metalloids As, Se) in whole animals and soil were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Differences in the concentrations of some elements in the analyzed species were observed, both in response to the sites and between species. In most cases, the trace element concentrations were higher in centipedes from a polluted site (an industrial area near a busy street with heavy traffic) but C. anomalans and E. transsylvanicus had higher Mn concentrations at an unpolluted site (a deciduous woodland on Mt. Avala). C. flavidus was a good bioindicator for detecting differences between Zn, Se and Cd. C. flavidus and C. anomalans were more efficient in accumulating Zn than E. transsylvanicus. It appears that C. anomalans poorly accumulated Cd, unlike C. flavidus and E. transsylvanicus, which accumulated Cd according to the high bioaccumulation factor (BAF) values. We conclude that the centipedes C. flavidus, C. anomalans and E. transsylvanicus can be used as suitable bioindicators of trace element exposure. Their ability to accumulate trace elements was different and depends on their physiology and lifestyle as well as the route of exposure.

Introduction/Objective. In this study, we have pointed out the immunohistomorphometric characteristics of somatotropic (GH) and folliculostellate (FS) cells of the male pituitary gland during ageing. Methods. On histological sections of the pituitary gland of 14 male cadavers of different ages, the GH and FS cells were immunohistochemically labeled with corresponding antibodies, monoclonal anti-GH antibody, and polyclonal anti-S100 antibody, respectively. Immunopositive GH- and FS-cells were further morphometrically analyzed using ImageJ software. Results. The obtained results of morphometric analysis showed that the surface area of GH cells increased significantly with age. In these cells, the nuclear–cytoplasmic ratio gradually decreased and became significantly higher after the age of 70 years. The volume density of GH cells has not changed during ageing, while in FS cells this parameter significantly increased in the cases older than 70 years. The nuclear–cytoplasmic ratio of GH cells is negatively correlated with the volume density of FS cells. Conclusion. Based on the obtained results, we concluded that hypertrophy of GH and FS cells occurs in men with ageing and that correlation between the morphometric parameters of these two cell types indicates their mutual interaction.

Forest fires and landslides represent very frequent natural disasters in Serbia. The Svrljiški Timok river basin is located in the southeastern part of the Republic of Serbia, and according to natural characteristics it represents a significant area for geohazard study. The task of the research is to analyse natural and anthropogenic condition by determining locations which are susceptible to forest fires and landslides in order to protect the population and infrastructure. Using Geographic Informational Systems (GIS) and available data, their processing was started for the susceptibility of the terrain to forest fires using the RC index. For the analysis of the territory occurrence of landslides the statistical Probability method (PM) and Landslide Susceptibility Index (LSI) were used. The obtained results indicate that 20.81% of the area of the Svrljiški Timok basin has a very high susceptibility to forest fires, while 29.21% of the terrain is highly susceptible to landslides. The results gained processing the RC index can be applied to adequate risk management of forest fires, improvement of monitoring and early warning systems in the study area. Sustainable management of agricultural land and improvement of environmental protection can be implemented on the basis of the obtained results for the most endangered areas of landslides.

The article analyzes the equilibrium adsorption and thermodynamics of the process of removing a disperse dye from water using a sorbent based on cotton textiles waste. Sorbent is made from cotton knitted fabric waste after cutting, during the procedure of clothes production. The loss after washing of raw cotton waste, before transformation into adsorbent, is about 9%. The yield of sorbent made from washed raw cotton waste is just under 40%. The characterization of the new sorbent showed that there is porosity in the structure of the particles and that the chemical composition is dominated by carbon. Equilibrium adsorption was verified by three models, Freundlich and Temkin. The Freundlich equilibrium isotherm showed the best result, i.e. the fitting curve is closest to the experimental points. Since the staining takes place according to the mechanism predicted by the Freundlich model, a monolayer of adsorbed dye molecules is formed in the initial phase of adsorption. At the same time, more layers of adsorbed dye molecules are formed at non-specific sites on the sorbent through self-association of adsorbed dye molecules. The newly-adsorbed dye molecules can bind to the previously adsorbed molecules within the sorbent. The heat of adsorption, determined from Temkin's model, has values that assume that an exothermic process takes place during the adsorption of the dye on the sorbent.

Reactive dyes are the most popular dyes for dyeing cellulose fibers. The low affinity of dyes on cotton determines the presence of large amounts of electrolytes and additional substances in the dyeing bath. In recent years, methods for increased use of dyes with minimal consumption of chemicals and natural resources have been popular. The number of ions formed by the dissociation of electrolytes determines the ionic strength of the solution and has a promotional effect on exhaustion and fixation of reactive dyes. In this work, the influence of neutral salts (NaCl and Na2SO4) and alkali salt (Na2CO3) on the color intensity of cotton fabric by reactive dyes has been investigated. A bath with a higher ionic strength of neutral salt has a greater exhaustion of reactive dyes. The addition of an alkaline electrolyte to activate the chemical dye/fiber reaction has an additional promotional effect on the exhaustion of reactive dyes.

This research involves the reaction of 4-chloro-3-nitrocoumarin and (4-methoxyphenyl)methanamine, whereby a novel coumarin derivative 4-[(4-methoxybenzyl) amino]-3-nitro-2H-chromen-2-one was obtained in good yield. The reaction was carried out in ethyl acetate, in the presence of triethylamine. Also, a detailed spectral analysis of a new coumarin derivative is presented. Resonance assignment was achieved using one( 1H NMR and 13C NMR) and two-dimensional NMR techniques (1H1H-COSY, NOESY, HSQC, and HMBC). The NOESY correlations of protons from arylamino substituent and coumarin core indicate their spatial orientation.

Reactive dyes represent the most important group of dyes for dyeing cotton materials. The chemical reaction that occurs during dyeing depends on the structure of the dye and more technological parameters. In industrial dyeing, from an economic and environmental point of view, it is very important to achieve the required shade with minimal consumption of chemicals and natural resources. In this paper the quality of dyeing of cotton fabrics achieved by the reactive dyes of different functional groups is studied. In the range of colors used, it has been found that the color intensities of the cotton fabric vary significantly depending on the functional group of color and the depth of hue and has important practical importance for the choice of colors in trichromatic dyeing.

The tendency of textile materials to crease is reduced by the finishing process when cross-linked compounds are incorporated in the amorphous phase, which improve the recovery of material after the elimination of the pressure load. Because of adverse effects on human health conventional formaldehyde-based processing compounds are increasingly substituted by new compounds and by use of biopolymers. In the paper, examined is the possibility of using the biopolymer chitosan in combination with reactive resin to improve the physical properties of fabrics made of blended cotton/PES. The use of chitosan in combination with commercial reactant improves the physical characteristics of fabrics, because increasing the concentrations of biopolymer progressively increases recovery angle (a0), quality number (K) and the bursting strength of the treated fabric.

This paper presents the results of tests of physical-mechanical, durability and microscopic properties of geopolymer mortar mixtures based on fly ash and ladle slag. The mixtures are alkali-activated using sodium silicate and sodium hydroxide solution. Firstly, the effects of different fly ash (class „F“) particle sizes on the characteristics of the mortar mixtures were examined when binder and alkali activator were cured at 95ºC for 24 h, also pozzolanic activity and strength activity index were investigated. After that, fly ash ground of optimal particle sizes (0,09 mm) was replaced with ladle slag, 0 to 20% of the mass, the replacement steps being 5%. The specimens having dimensions 4x4x16 cm were then cured in ambient conditions, and the effects of replacement of a part of fly ash with ladle slag were determined by testing water absorption, flexural and compressive strength, freeze-thaw resistance, sulfate attack, ultrasound velocity, FT-IR spectroscopy and leaching of heavy metals. According to the test results of compressive strength resistance of geopolymer mortars exposed to sulfate solution, the mortar made with fly ash and ladle slag showed better resistance to sulfate attack than the mortar made with fly ash only.

Considering the facts that phenolic compounds have many pharmacological effects, as well that antioxidant effect of phenolic compounds has been proven in various experimental systems, aim of this research was to determine the content of total phenols and flavonoids and evaluation of antioxidant activity in ethanol, ethyl acetate and chloroform extracts of fruits and leaves of the plant species Crataegus monogya Jacq., which is known as common hawthorn. The content of total phenolic compounds was determined by the spectrophotometric method using Folin-Ciocalteu reagent and the content of flavonoids was determined using aluminum chloride. In vitro evaluation of the antioxidant activity of tested extracts was performed using the DPPH method. The amount of total phenolics was varied in fruits and leaves extracts and ranged from 38.05 ± 0.18 to 365.11 ± 0.32 mg GAE/g dw. Ethyl acetate extract of hawthorn leaves showed the highest content of phenolic compounds (365.11 ± 0.32 mg GAE/g dw). The flavonoid content was different in the fruits and leaves of hawthorn and ranged from 21.11 ± 0.11 to 122.98 ± 0.21 mg RU/g dw, whereby the highest content of flavonoids was found in ethyl acetate extract of leaves (122.98 ± 0.21 mg RU/g dw). Antioxidant activity of the tested extracts was expressed as IC50 values and ranged from 5.53 ± 0.08 to 293.51 ± 0.28 mg/ml. Ethyl acetate extract of hawthorn leaves showed considerable antioxidant potential (IC50 = 5.53 ± 0.08 mg/ml). Based on the obtained results, a significant correlation was found between the antioxidant activity and the content of total phenolics and flavonoids compounds in hawthorn fruits and leaves extracts.

C16H12N2O4, triclinic, P1̄ (no. 2), a = 10.7105(5) Å, b = 11.2685(5) Å, c = 13.0145(6) Å, α = 99.292(4)°, β = 109.607(4)°, γ = 96.771(4)°, V = 1435.01(12) Å3, Z = 4, Rgt(F) = 0.0427, wRref(F2) = 0.1124, T = 295(2) K.

Removal of hydrolysed reactive dye is an important stage in cotton dyeing as it affects the exploitation and hygienic properties of textile products. As a major consumer of water and chemicals, this work process is being studied from the point of view of saving natural resources and environmental protection. In this paper, studied was the effect of washing agents on the basis of surfactants with different ionogenicity as well as pure water on the removal of hydrolyzed reactive dyes having different functional groups. The obtained results suggest that clean water with a larger bath ratio (1:30) and a washing time of 30 min can be an effective remover for hydrolysed monoreactive dye. In the removal of the hydrolysed bifunctional dye, beside the bath ratio and washing times, the concentration of surfactants can also have a significant effect on the process efficiency.

Today, polyester is the most important textile fiber by consumption. The aesthetic appearance, feel and comfort of polyester fabrics can be improved by controlled surface modification, by treatment in alkaline solution. In this paper, the effect of sodium hydroxide solution on the chemical and morphological changes of the polyester fabric is studied and their effect on some comfort properties, such as moisture transport and air permeability. Linear weight loss of fabric with processing time was determined. The roughness of the fiber surface and the incorporation of oxygen functional groups into the fiber structure contribute the modified specimens to have greater air permeability and better moisture absorption and transport than the original fabric.

The influence of nonionic and anionic surfactants on the dyeing kinetics of polyamide 6 knitting was studied in this work. The influence of surfactants on the dyeing process is presented by determining the kinetic and thermodynamic parameters of dyeing. Nonionic surfactants create unstable polydisperse associates which reduce the concentration of individual ionic forms of dyes in the solution, slowing down the dyeing process, with the dyeing having higher leveling. Interactions were confirmed by measuring the cloud point of nonionic surfactants and they are stronger with more hydrophobic dye and are related to the results of the studied dyeing kinetics. The anionic surfactant as a retarding agent, which behaves like a colorless dye in the studied dyeing system, makes a significant contribution even at concentrations of 0.5 and 1 g/dm3, indicating the conclusion that the surfactant concentration in a dyeing solution should be optimized by previous trials, so that the process would be efficient with high utilization of dye.

Symptom-based diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is not specific due to high prevalence of disorders that can mimic GERD. Conventional pH monitoring, combined pH-MII (multiple intraluminal impedance) monitoring and esophagogastroduodenoscopy are diagnostic methods most frequently used in children. Combined pH-MII monitoring is the most accurate diagnostic method for detecting GERD in children, which tends to become the gold standard. In infants and probably in children with extraesophageal symptoms, MII gives the greatest contribution to the validity of pH-MII monitoring. High prevalence of functional heartburn, in children older than 8 years, suggests the importance of pH-MII monitoring in this age group as well. The majority of studies showed age differences in the chemical composition of refluxate. Weakly acid reflux is more common in infants and is often associated with symptoms, whereas acid reflux is more common in older children and adolescent. Sensitivity of endoscopy is very low compared to pH-MII monitoring as a reference test. Although endoscopy is the method of choice for the confirmation of reflux esophagitis, pH-MII parameters are promising indicators of mucosal integrity, but further studies are needed. The major problem with pH-MII monitoring is a lack of normative data for children. Therefore, the standardization is mandatory. For the present pH-MII monitoring has limited impact on treatment due to the absence of effective therapy for weakly acid reflux, suggesting that further studies should be directed in this direction.

Synthesis, spectral characterization, and evaluation of in vitro antioxidant activity of a new coumarin derivative, 4- ((1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl)amino)-3-nitro-2H-chromene-2-one, are described. The synthesis of the new product was performed in three reaction steps, with a good overall yield (78%). The structure was corroborated by detailed spectral analysis, including the 1D and 2D NMR experiments (1H- and 13C NMR; 1H-1H COSY, NOESY, HSQC, and HMBC). The in vitro antioxidant activity was evaluated using the DPPH test. The synthesized compound possesses a good free-radical scavenging activity, IC50=596.7±0.3 μg/ml, and can serve as a model for the synthesis of similar compounds with promising antioxidant effects.

C22H18O10Zn, triclinic, P1̄ (no. 2), a = 7.9616(3) Å, b = 9.5386(3) Å, c = 14.2569(4) Å, α = 81.713(3)°, β = 82.724(3)°, γ = 73.103(3)°, V = 1021.03(6) Å3, Z = 2, Rgt(F) = 0.0223, wRref(F2) = 0.0603, T = 295(2) K.

The seed dormancy of six eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) genotypes were studied. Two genotypes (33 and 34) were breeding lines while the other four (1-00261, 2-02619, 7-00568, 12-00823) belonged to the exotic germplasm of the Institute for Vegetable Crops in Smederevska Palanka. In order to break the dormancy, the seed was treated with: (1) low temperature, at 4 °C for 96 hours (4 days), 72 hours (3 days) and 48 hours (2 days), continually; (2) hormones, gibberellic acid (G3) in three concentrations: 5 ml/100 ml, 15 ml/100 ml, and 25 ml/100 ml for 24 hours and after that seeds were allowed to germinate; (3) chemicals, with potassium nitrate KN3 solution at concentrations 0.5, 1 and 1.5% for 24 hours. Non-treated seed was the control. The trial was set according to twofactorial ANOVA, with four repetitions. The AMMI model was applied for analyzing the interaction of genotypes and treatments for increasing seed germination (break of dormancy). Genotype 12 reacted most favorably to treatments KN3 1%, KNO3 1.5%, G3 15 mg/100 ml and G3 25mg/100 ml. Three genotypes (33, 7 and 12) represent the least stable genotypes, since they reacted positively to all treatments, and most intensively to treatment with G3 25 ml/100 ml. The low temperature treatment increased germination but not in the expected range, since the highest impact had the low temperature regime for 48 hours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porous or pervious concrete was in use since the 60's of the previous century. It was first used in the USA and afterwards in Europe. The environmental importance of pervious concrete can be seen through fast collection of stormwater from the pavements, parking lots and other impervious surfaces. . Special purification systems remove the detrimental matter from the collected strormwater. As such, it can be used for other purposes. The pervious concrete has little or almost no fine aggregates. Its porosity is high, and ranges between 15 and 30 % in comparison to the concrete volume. Prior to massive usage of pervious concrete, it was necessary to prove, i.e. to examine its properties in service conditions. The paper elucidates the environmental character of pervious concrete, provides its usual composition and its properties.

The aim of the present study was to examine the morphometric characteristics of folliclestimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) immunoreactive cells in the pituitaries of orchidectomized (Orx) and Orx testosterone- or estradiol-treated rats. Adult male Orx Wistar rats, 2 weeks post operation, received estradiol dipropionate (E) or testosterone propionate (T) for 3 weeks. Both controls, sham-operated (So) and Orx rats, were injected with solvent, in the same regime. Changes in the volume of pars distalis, the volumes of individual FSH- and LH-labeled cells, their numerical density and number were determined by unbiased design-based stereology. The FSH and LH intracellular content was estimated by relative intensity of fluorescence (RIF). We observed that Orx caused hyperstimulation of gonadotropic cells. Their volume, volume density, number, numerical density and intracellular hormone content significantly increased in comparison to So controls. Compared to Orx controls, T caused a significant decrease in the volume and volume density of gonadotropic cells and immunoreactive FSH and LH formations in their cytoplasm. The volume of the pars distalis, the numerical density and number of gonadotropic cells were not changed as compared to Orx controls. Estradiol treatment caused a significant increase in the volume of the pars distalis, decreases in cell volume, volume and numerical density of gonadotropic cells, and FSH and LH intracellular content in comparison to Orx controls. The number of FSH-labeled cells increased. In conclusion, both T and E reversed all of the examined parameters of gonadotropic cells of Orx rats to the level of So controls, except in number. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. 173009]

In the spirit of the sustainable buildings, and with the goal of protection of river courses, in the near future an already announced directive ordering closing down of a large number of river aggregate dredging operations will be adopted. For that reason, usage of crushed mineral aggregate in concrete mixes is increasing. Irrespective of downsides of the fined crushed mineral aggregate, such as the presence of fine particles bordering the upper permissible limit and the unfavorable shape of the grain of the course aggregate for obtaining liquid consistency required for the pumpable concrete, the demanded pumpability of concrete during transport and placement has been achieved. By adding admixtures to concrete, the required concrete properties, such as: frost resistance, simultaneous frost and salt resistance and water tightness have been achieved. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. TR 36017: Utilization of by - products and recycled waste materials in concrete composites in the scope of sustainable construction development in Serbia: investigation and environmental assessment of possible applications]

Today it is impossible to imagine the success of economy as a whole, as well as business entities as part of economy, without innovative activities. Every new idea does not necessarily imply success in itself, but must primarily be proved in the market in order to be called innovation. Regardless of the type of business activity or size of business entity, continuous changes and improvement of products, services and processes are crucial for success. Economic activity at the micro level reflects success at the macro level. Innovative activities of economies are measured using the Global Innovation Index and best ranked are high-income economies that invest in research and development. Serbia, as a country with high to medium income, shows a declining trend regarding the Global Innovation Index. On the other hand, Serbia has a better position on the Innovation Efficiency Index, given that this Index neutralizes the differences in economic development between countries. Research conducted on a sample of 433 companies of different sizes and activities shows that innovative activity of enterprises in the sample has been rated with a below average grade, and there was significant difference in the evaluation of innovative activity of enterprises of different sizes and activities.

Building in harmony with nature has a small impact on the environment, while meeting the basic needs of the population. Green architecture is a branch of architecture including planning, designing and building of various kinds of buildings, with a low impact on the environment. Construction of the so-called “green structures” is in accord with the concept of sustainability and it attempts to balance environmental, economical and social needs. Environmentally appropriate materials are used in construction of this type of structures, which during their production, application and distribution pollute as little as possible the water, soil and air in the environment. The more sustainable the building materials used for construction are, the more sustainable is the structure and its operation with renewable energy sources. The paper considers ceramic facade elements, i.e. cladding. By using ceramic facade cladding, one achieves a better preception of an urban environment, which enriches our lives for new sensual and visual quality, while observing the green building requirements. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. TR 36017: Utilization of by - products and recycled waste materials in concrete composites in the scope of sustainable construction development in Serbia: investigation and environmental assessment of possible applications]

Five genotypes were selected with 2 lines (33 and 34 not dormant) for testing was used. Three genotypes originating from germplasm collection eggplant Institute: 2-02619 (dormant), 7-00568, 12 - 0082. The cooling treatment (HLS) was performed at 4°C for 96 hours (4 days), 72 hours (3 days) and 48 hours (2 days) continuously. Hormonal treatment with gibberellic acid (GA3) is made with three concentrations: 5 ml / 100 ml; 15 ml / 100 ml and 25 ml / 100 ml, for 24 hours after which the seeds are placed to germinate. Chemical treatment was carried out as potassium nitrate KNO3 at a concentration of 0,5, 1 and 1,5% solution for 24 hours. Control treatments (time) to overcome the natural dormancy: kon-3, kon-6 and kon-12, the examination of germination after 3, 6 and 12 months of storage. Genotype - 2 after growing trend determined phase of stagnation trend. The negative sign of the coefficient c indicating deterioration phenomena, ie the aging of seeds. The growth trend in the first quarter is the result of passing phases of dormancy at L-7 in the period 3-6 months. Dormancy period of 3-6 months, led to a stagnation of growth after germination which continued to grow.

Fetal development is a critical period in the life cycle which is why the placenta provides a structural and physiological barrier that protects the fetus from the outer fluctuations and inner disturbances. A variety of influences from the environment, however, might induce fetal overexposure to glucocorticoids that target the fetal hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and influence the fetal growth trajectory. Development of the HPA axis starts in the early stages of pregnancy, but the timing of HPA axis maturation and the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) expression in relation to birth is highly species-specific. The functional state of the fetal HPA axis plays a key role in the maturation of many organs necessary for intrauterine development and existence after birth. A functional HPA axis in near-term fetuses provides an adequate response to stress and also affects the timing of parturition. Due to their potent effect on the maturation of fetal tissues, synthetic glucocorticoids are used in human pregnancy at risk of preterm delivery. Dexamethasone and betamethasone, as the ones most commonly used, cross the placental enzymatic barrier (11ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 - 11ß-HSD2) and have 25-fold higher affinity to the GR than endogenous glucocorticoids, stimulating many aspects of fetal maturation. Despite the numerous positive effects, exposure to synthetic glucocorticoids during fetal development may result in intrauterine growth retardation and fetal programming of the HPA axis function which is associated with cardiovascular, metabolic and psychiatric disorders manifested later in life. Long-term consequences indicate the need for the implementation of new studies that will provide a better understanding of the link between glucocorticoid overexposure during fetal development and adverse outcomes in adulthood.

Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) seed is dormant, which means that the maximum germination is achieved after some time. The research was performed on one genotype (Domaci srednje dugi - DSD). The seed, studied for germination rate, originates from year 2007 and the germination variation was studied for period 2007 - 2011. Eggplant seed was dormant after yield in 2007, but the germination increased over the years. The trial was conducted at the standard germination test method, defined in the Regulation on quality of agricultural seeds, 1987. The lowest germination rate (41%) was in year of production (2007) of the II yield, while the maximum germination was found for the seed produced in the III yield, after two years of preserving. Although the seed after the period of dormancy had satisfactory - higher germination rate, trend of germination decrease was also present which is a normal due to seed aging. The conclusion is that the time of yield significantly determinate the dormancy of the eggplant seed and the time required for maximum germination and delayed aging of seed.