Search

The aim of this in silico study was the identification of NSAID’s amides with ability to bypass the COX inhibition and selectively target mPGES-2 and FLAP. Molecular binding analysis was conducted on selected compounds using molecular docking, MD simulations and MM/GBSA calculations to assess their potential in the prevention of neuroinflammation. Ligand-based virtual screening was performed in the ChEMBL database, thereby 196 compounds were obtained. Resulting compounds were passed through the BBB permeability and druglikeness filters, and six compounds were selected for further analysis. Molecular docking analysis showed that compounds 4 and 6 can avoid the COX inhibition and simultaneously target mPGES-2 and FLAP. These two top docked compounds were subjected to MD simulations, which indicated that complexes of compound 4 with mPGES-2 and FLAP have shown conformational stability throughout the simulation. Calculated MM/GBSA binding energies confirmed that compound 4 demonstrated dual binding affinity against mPGES-2 and FLAP. Based on the docking score, MM/GBSA average binding energy and MD results, compound 4 emerged as the best in silico hit for the prevention of neuroinflammation.

Приказ/ научна критика књиге: Ковачевић, Милош (2019), Како и зашто (не) писати овако, Нови Сад: Прометеј.

Introduction Initiated by disagreement in attitudes, even of the most influential professors from different faculties, reading of immunology interpretation, disagreement in professional public, provoked avoiding getting vaccines;in spite of the fact that the highest level of science and civilization have been conditioned by vaccines. The Aim of Paper Comparison with unknown reasons for avoiding MMR vaccine, (2003-2017) and parents' behavior during Covid infection. Recognition the real families fear through prism of accepting, refusing 'non Covid' vaccine defined by the law inclusion of vaccine. Materials and Methods Insight into documentation, cumulative indexes of vaccine avoiding;emphasis on, above all, avoiding MMR vaccine between first and second year of age. Analyses of dynamism and social card of Morbillae epidemic in 2017, comparison of appearance in Romania and Kosovo. Facts about complications. Insight into percentage scope of vaccination during Covid pandemic by law defined vaccines. Comparison of VI and XII months of 2020 for the region Kraljevo, Vrnjacka Banja and Raska. Results of the Research Avoiding vaccination by MMR in the period 2003-2016 resulted in 1008 cases, especially in 2015 and 2016-137,396. Appearance of Morbillae catches population of Gypsies and it spreads to domiciles. Clinical conditions without fatal results. Facts in VI and XII months deny fear from avoiding legally obliged vaccines. MMR vaccine in VI month (52,29 and 85,93% for II and VII year) in XII month 90,75% cumulative, which is still insufficient. For other diseases the level is higher: in XII month of 2020 (OPV 99,06%, DiTe per 98,98%, Haep B 100%, Hib 94, 69%, TBC 94, 69%). In 2017/2018 Morbillae epidemic-2165 infected, 13 egsitus, 76% clinical condition without complications. In Romania there was a dramatic decrease of vaccinated from 2013-2015-83%, fatal outcome in most cases-children 1 year of age. Conclusion families fear caused by Covid did not result in avoiding common vaccine. The level of getting vaccine MMR does not guarantee eradication of Morbillae. Agreement with calendar of EU is necessary. Vaccination against HPV virus, Rota virus or Varicellae within EU is not uniformed. Prejudices present in public are still here, avoiding vaccination, mostly by MMR exists. Vaccination against Covid SARS virus is aggravated;resistance and anti vaccination campaigns are present. Fear is slowly getting away;arguments about advantages of vaccination can hardly be ignored.

The aim of the paper is to present selected examples of queueing theory applications to problems in the military and defence domain, to mark the 110th anniversary of queueing theory. The intention was to find and present more works from domestic authors published in a longer period in order to promote the theory in the domestic military and defence circles thus motivating future research related to waiting lines phenomena. In dealing with military queueing phenomena, researchers are usually faced with some specific requirements which involve a multidisciplinary approach. In the queueing theory community, it is recognized that solutions to queueing problems could be reached in three ways: by analytical, numerical and simulation methods. Not all queueing problems are solvable by analytics or by numerical mathematics and, for such problems in particular, simulation methodology is a resolving tool. / Целью данной статьи является представление выборки примеров применения теории массового обслуживания в военной области, в свете 110-го юбилея создания теории массового обслуживания. В работе приведено большое количество работ отечественных авторов, опубликованных в продолжительном периоде времени, с целью расширения представления об этой теории и продвижения ее применения в отечественных кругах военного дела. При исследовании проблем системы массового обслуживания в военной области необходимо преодолевать специфические требования, вызывающие необходимость междисциплинарного подхода. В профессиональных кругах массового обслуживания было выявлено, что решения задач о системах массового обслуживания можно найти с помощью следующих трех методов: аналитический, численный методы и метод имитационного моделирования. Однако следует учитывать, что не все теоретические модели массового обслуживания поддаются решению с помощью аналитического или численного методов, именно при решении таких задач необходимо применять метод имитационного моделирования. / U radu su prikazani odabrani primeri primene teorije masovnog opsluživanja u vojnoj oblasti, na 110. godišnjicu rođenja teorije masovnog opsluživanja. Namera je bila da se pronađe i prikaže više radova domaćih autora u dužem periodu kako bi se poboljšala promocija buduće primene ove teorije, pre svega u domaćim vojnostručnim krugovima. U bavljenju problemima sistema masovnog opsluživanja u vojnoj oblasti, istraživač se suočava sa specifičnim zahtevima koji uzrokuju potrebu za multidisciplinarnim pristupom. U stručnim krugovima teorije masovnog opsluživanja prepoznato je da se do rešenja u zadacima o sistemima masovnog opsluživanja može doći na tri načina: analitički, numerički i primenom simulacije. Ne mogu se svi teorijski modeli masovnog opsluživanja rešavati analitički ili primenom numeričkih metoda, pa se za takve probleme primenjuju metode simulacionog modelovanja.

© 2019, Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature. In the present study, the influence of cadmium, copper, and lead on two enzymes often used as biomarkers in toxicological analysis was investigated. Bees were fed with 1 M sucrose solution containing 10-fold serial dilutions of CuCl2 (1000 mg L−1, 100 mg L−1, and 10 mg L−1), CdCl2 (0.1 mg L−1, 0.01 mg L−1, and 0.001 mg L−1), or PbCl2 (10 mg L−1, 1 mg L−1, and 0.1 mg L−1) during 48 h. Our results showed that the total glutathione S-transferase activity was not changed under the influence of cadmium and lead, and it was decreased with the highest concentration of copper. The level of gene expression of the three analyzed classes of glutathione S-transferase was significantly increased with increasing concentrations of copper and cadmium. Lead did not cause significant changes in glutathione S-transferase activity and gene expression, while it showed biphasic effect on acetylcholinesterase activity: lower concentration of lead, 0.1 mg L−1 inhibited and higher dose, 10 mg L−1 induced acetylcholinesterase activity in honey bees. Furthermore, our results showed a significant decrease of the acetylcholinesterase activity in honey bees treated with 0.001 and 0.01 mg L−1 CdCl2. Our results indicate the influence of cadmium, copper, and lead on GST and AChE in the honey bees. These results form the basis for future research on the impact of metallic trace element pollution on honey bees.

The Roman archaeological site of Viminacium, a cultural property of exceptional importance to the Republic of Serbia and a place on the UNESCO Tentative List, is located about 3 km south of the Danube, in arable fields near the “Kostolac B” thermal power plant and the strip coal mine “Drmno”, within the administrative borders of the City of Požarevac. In addition to the large number of cultural properties, there are many natural properties in the area of Požarevac, whose internationally recognised representatives are located right next to the Viminacium Archaeological Park. In the summer of 2009, in the strip coal mine “Drmno”, a mammoth skeleton was found, preserved almost entirely. Although different possibilities for such a skeleton to remain in the mine were considered, it was eventually decided to relocate it to a secure location within the Viminacium Archaeological Park and, in 2014, the construction of a purpose-built area under the name of The Mammoth Park began. Together with the future reclaimed areas of “Drmno” and its valuable geoheritage, the presented archaeological remains of Viminacium, other exceptionally important cultural and historical properties in the vicinity, the river Danube and other significant natural assets, The Mammoth Park can form a unique cultural landscape.

Over the past decades, the number of managed honey bee Apis mellifera L. (Hymenoptera: Apidae) colonies have been decreasing. The majority of losses occur during winter, suggesting that overwintering honey bees are more susceptible to adverse factors. We focused on the oxidative status of overwintering honey bees, particularly at the beginning (November) and end (March) of the wintering period. Colonies from three locations with different anthropogenic influences were selected: Belgrade, an urban zone, Zajača, an industrial zone, and Susek, a rural area. We measured levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), as a marker of lipid peroxidation, as well as the expression and activity of select antioxidative enzymes: superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione S-transferase (GST). Our results show that enzyme activity and gene expression of antioxidative enzymes are influenced by both sample location and the time of sampling. The majority of analyzed genes had significantly reduced expression, at the end of the overwintering period when higher activities of antioxidative enzymes were also recorded. Among the analyzed parameters, SOD activity and gene expression of microsomal GST isoforms were more affected by local environmental conditions, suggesting the complex role of these enzymes in antioxidative defense and detoxification. The higher MDA levels observed at the end of overwintering for all three locations likely reflects accumulated oxidative damage which could be associated with the aging process, brood rearing and/or the onset flying activity.

In this study, the authors present a new procedure for the synthesis of the nearly linear-phase infinite impulse response (IIR) filters with two close notch frequencies based on all-pass filter application. The filter is obtained using a parallel connection of the delay line and IIR all-pass filter with a piecewise approximately linear phase. The desired magnitude characteristic is achieved by equiripple approximation of the all-pass filter phase. The magnitude characteristic is equiripple in all passbands. The proposed method is also suitable for the synthesis of complementary filters for extraction of the signal components at prescribed frequencies. The initial solution for the arbitrary order of an all-pass filter is proposed, which attains a sufficient number of phase error extrema. All phase error minima and maxima corresponding to the initial solution have almost identical values, excluding the ones near notch frequencies. As a result, the method exhibits fast and strong convergence. The described method can also be applied for the design of multiple notch filters with two very close notch frequencies.

Introduction/purpose: The purpose of this paper is to presents some tendencies stemming from the experiences from the ongoing Syrian conflict towards the development of new military concepts and technologies. The manner, scope and dynamics of exploitation of the combat experience from the Syrian conflict is a good example how great powers improve the capabilities of their defense systems. Methods: An extensive content analysis of selected reference sources has been applied. The system approach was used for a structural and balanced presentation of the available information. The comparative analysis has confirmed some similarities in the behavior of the great powers in terms of deploying and testing complex combat systems of strategic importance in local wars. Inductive thinking has contributed to the synthesis of appropriate conclusions. Results: Among the presence of several great and regional powers heavily involved in this conflict, Russia's is considered to be the most dominant and as such is the main subject of investigation in this paper. Field testing of new military equipment is known to be important but of extreme importance is its testing under real combat conditions. In parallel with intensive testing of a wide range of military technologies, there are indicators of developing new concepts, doctrines, and organizational upgrades on the basis of the Syrian combat experiences. Conclusion: From the standpoint of military technology and concept development, the Russian endeavor in Syria has become an example of a comprehensive and systematic aproach to learning, training, innovations, and implementations of the most relevant factors in the development of a modern military organization as a response to challenges of contemporary armed conflicts.

A novel all-pass-based infinite impulse response (IIR) digital multiple-notch filter design method is presented in this paper. The proposed method ensures that, for an arbitrary pass-bands ripple value, specifications regarding positions of notch, left- and right-hand cutoff frequencies are exactly met, which leads to symmetric magnitude responses about notch frequencies. Although iterative in its nature, proposed method requires a small number of iterations to find coefficients of the multiple-notch filter, making it very useful for designers. Since the magnitude response of the all-pass-based IIR multiple-notch filter is more sensitive in the stop-bands than in the pass-bands, sensitivity analysis along with simulation in limited word-length environment is performed.

Extreme Learning Machines (ELM) have been successfully applied to variety of classification problems by utilizing a single descriptor type. However, a single descriptor may be insufficient for the visual classification task, due to the high level of intra-class variability coupled with low inter-class distance. Although several studies have investigated methods for combining multiple descriptors by ELM, they predominantly apply a simple concatenation of descriptors before classifying them. This type of descriptor fusion may impose problems of descriptor compatibility, high dimensionality and restricted accuracy. In this paper, we propose a hierarchical descriptors fusion strategy at the decision level (“late-fusion”), which relies on ELM ensembles (ELM-E). The proposed method, denoted as H-ELM-E, effectively combines multiple complementary descriptors by a two-level ELM-E based architecture, which ensures that a more informative descriptors will gain more impact on the final decision. In the first level, a separate ELM-E classifier is trained for every image descriptor. In the second level, the output scores from the previous level are aggregated into the mid-level representation which is conducted to an additional ELM-E classifier. The exhaustive experimental evaluation confirmed that the proposed hierarchical ELM-E based strategy is superior to the single-descriptor methods as well as “early fusion” of multiple descriptors, for the visual classification task. Additionally, it was shown that significant accuracy improvement is achieved by integrating ensembles of ELM as a basic classifier, instead of using a single ELM.

A new kind of the allpole lowpass filter functions with Chebyshev behaviour in the passband is derived by minimizing the passband insertion loss. The ripple parameter e , commonly used to control the attenuation at the cutoff frequency, in proposed approximation is used as a degree of freedom by which the passband attenuation can be controlled, while keeping the attenuation at the cutoff frequency equal to 3 dB. The approximation method relies on solving the nonlinear equation such that the area under the filter characteristic function in passband is minimized. Obtained filters, called Optimum Chebyshev filters, exhibit minimum insertion loss and maximum cutoff slope. Filter polynomial coefficients and the elements values for the LC ladder implementation are tabulated for filter degrees from 3 to 11. Comparison of the Optimum Chebyshev and Least Square Monotonic filters is also discussed in the paper, since both filters are developed subject to the minimum reflected power in the passband; the first with the equiripple and the second with the staircase (monotonic) behavior in the passband. It is also revealed that the Optimum Chebyshev approximation can be considered as the optimal solution among the class of filters whose passband response is bound to be a staircase.

The aim of this paper, is to determine the status of the Holocaust themes in contemporary Serbian literature. Philip David’s novel House of memories and oblivion contains resonances of the civilization after World War II considering the fate of Jewish people in this war. The attempt to highlight the work and the way of Western civilization to define itself in respect of the Holocaust was made. David’s novel is an example of a literary text which tests the boundaries of narrative regarding life of those who survived the Holocaust and tryed to find their identity. Literary discourse also allows to search for the truth about the crime in the gaps of the symbolic order of our world.

3D object reconstruction from depth scans has been long investigated problem, but complete solutions are still missing. Recent advances of consumer depth sensors resulted in a number of excellent methods for 3D object reconstruction, with the most impressive results obtained by KinectFusion and Visual Odometry. Both methods reconstruct an object from a dense set of RGB-D video frames, with the important restrictions that the object has to be static and camera transitions has to be smooth during the reconstruction. As an alternative, we propose a method which is more accurate, while being able to reconstruct the object from a sparse set of unordered depth scans. Our method starts by pairwise view matching which relies on robust point pair features. It is followed by the efficient graph-based view consistency check to produce an initial 3D model reconstruction. To improve the accuracy, we perform a simultaneous optimization of the camera positions and the object model, using depth and color information. A quantitative evaluation demonstrates that we can reconstruct objects with equal or better accuracy than the KinectFusion and Visual Odometry, but using significantly lower number of unordered input scans.

© 2019 John Wiley & Sons Ltd Metallothioneins are ubiquitous proteins important in metal homeostasis and detoxification. However, they have not previously been identified in honey bees or other Hymenoptera, where metallothioneins could be of ecophysiological and ecotoxicological significance. Better understanding of the molecular responses to stress induced by toxic metals could contribute to honey bee conservation. In addition, honey bee metallothionein could represent a biomarker for monitoring environmental quality. Here we identify and characterize a metallothionein gene in Apis mellifera (AmMT). AmMT is 1,680 bp long and encodes a 48 amino acids protein with 15 cysteines and no aromatic residues. A metal response element upstream of the start codon, coupled with numerous cis-regulatory elements indicate the functional context of AmMT. Molecular modelling predicts several transition metal binding sites, and comparative phylogenetic analysis revealed five putative metallothionein proteins in three other hymenoptera species. AmMT was characterized by cloning the full-length coding sequence of the putative metallothionein. Recombinant AmMT was found to increase metal tolerance upon overexpression in Escherichia coli supplemented with Cd, Cu or Pb. Finally, in laboratory tests on honey bees, gene expression profiles showed a dose-dependant relationship between Cd, Cu and Pb concentrations present in food and AmMT expression, while field experiments showed induction of AmMT in bees from an industrial site compared to those from an urban area. These studies suggest that AmMT has metal binding properties in agreement with a possible role in metal homeostasis. Further functional and structural characterization of metallothionein in honey bees and other Hymenoptera are necessary.

Direct synthesis of the recursive lowpass prototype filter of quadrature mirror filter bank with nearly perfect reconstruction is described in this paper. Passband attenuation characteristic of this prototype digital filter is placed in the area between Butterworth and Elliptic attenuation characteristics. By complementary filter decomposition technique this filter is decomposed into parallel connection of two allpass filters. Then lowpass/highpass filters are obtained by adding/subtracting of these allpass filters, respectively. The main advantages of this kind of filters are hardware reduction, cost savings and smaller sensitivity to digital word length changing.

The musical dimension of David Lynch's films represents an area of musical characters as semiotic and narrative characters, which constitute the meaning of images and imprint transgressions, obscurities, transcendence into it. The auditory system of Lynch's cinema turns the protagonists (as well as interpreters of the film) towards themselves, makes them lend an ear to themselves, just as it gradually shifts them out of self-control, out of the power to hear themselves, moves them towards that which they can hear, towards that which liberates them of the self, but which actually pressures them unbearably, towards that which is the radical Otherness in the subject, in the sound, in the world, towards that which is their constituent exteriority. Melodic storytelling out of the experience of closure in David Lynch's film Mulholland Drive is reminiscent of the poetics found in the novels of Milos Crnjanski. Internal movement towards the radical Otherness, broken down in the story which follows, but autopoetically already formed as something finished, as a subliminal futurity-anteriority (which the story itself cannot see), as an exit and unconditional reversibility, as an odd feeling of foreignness to slip into, but which is already within the subject, as a negative ontotheology, enables reflections between A Novel about London by Crnjanski and the musical-narrativesymbolic structures of Lynch's cinema. As we make steps in the trail of protagonists of Crnjanski's novels and Lynch's films, it is music that establishes and reveals those steps as walking towards/with those who are already gone.

This paper presents a method for real-time image classification which combines Local Binary Pattern (LBP) descriptor and ensembles of Extreme Learning Machines (ELM). We start by extraction of a multi-channel LBP descriptor over separate color channels and several scales of the input image. The descriptor is characterized by compactness and robustness to illumination and resolution changes. Image category prediction is done using recently introduced specific single layer neural network called Extreme Learning Machine (ELM). To overcome main disadvantages of the ELM, instability and non-optimal output, we combined multiple ELMs into an ensemble using appropriate score aggregation strategy. Our evaluation on a standard benchmark dataset consisting of a thousand images from ten categories, has shown high accuracy of results while executing in real-time during tests.

We present a method for real-time scene classification which achieves high accuracy without a time consuming descriptor learning step and kernelized classifiers. Robustness of the classification is achieved by combining the powerful multi-channel Gabor-based descriptors and an ensemble of Extreme Learning Machines (ELM). We first extend the recently introduced Binary Gabor Patterns (BGP) to multi-channel images. This is done by extracting BGP over several color channels and embedding an additional compact color layout descriptor. Then we propose an effective method for the aggregation of multiple ELMs into a single classification system, which leads to significant classification accuracy improvements. The experimental evaluation demonstrates that multi-channel color information constantly improves classification results. The integration of multiple ELMs into an ensemble using the proposed aggregation strategy significantly outperforms linear SVM in terms of accuracy, and reaches results similar to the non-linear SVM while operating in real time. Therefore, an ensemble of ELMs with the proposed aggregation strategy could be used as an efficient alternative to the non-linear SVM for remote sensing image classification tasks.

© 2018 Elsevier Ltd The European corn borer (ECB, Ostrinia nubilalis Hbn.) is a major pest in temperate regions of Europe and North America. Fifth instar ECB larvae enter diapause before winter and gradually develop cold hardiness. Here we investigated the combined influence of diapause phase and low temperature on sugar and polyol content in ECB larvae. Larvae in mid-diapause or diapause termination were acclimated at 5 °C, −3°C or −16 °C, and sugar and polyol content was measured using GC–MS. Control GC–MS measurements were conducted on untreated non-diapausing larvae. We detected differences in polyol (glycerol, sorbitol, myo-inositol) and sugar (trehalose, fructose, glucose) levels in diapausing versus non-diapausing larvae. Glycerol and trehalose were the most abundant of all analyzed cryoprotective compounds in diapausing larvae. Exposure of diapausing larvae to decreasing temperatures induced changes in polyol and sugar levels that depended on the phase of diapause. In mid-diapause larvae, decreasing temperatures induced a significant increase in glycerol and a decrease in sorbitol and myo-inositol. In larvae at diapause termination, polyol content was lower and less influenced by decreasing temperatures. In contrast, sugar levels were lower in larvae at mid-diapause versus diapause termination. Exposure of larvae to −16 °C induced a significant increase in the levels of all detected sugars. In particular, glucose levels were significantly higher in larvae at diapause termination following exposure to −16 °C. We propose that this shift toward sugar synthesis following low temperature exposure in larvae at diapause termination is a consequence of NADPH dependent polyol synthesis, and may be a mechanism for preservation of carbon reserves needed for post-diapause development.

Tokom proljeća, ljeta i jeseni 2015. provedena je ektoparazitološka studija naribama jezera Gradina, u Bosni i Hercegovini. Osnovni cilj studije bio je otkriti kojeektoparazitske vrste parazitiraju na ribama jezera Gradina. Sekundarni cilj bio jeobjasniti sezonsku dinamiku infestiranosti i intenziteta infestiranosti riba tokomistraživanog perioda. U ukupnom ihtiouzorku od 64 jedinke, determinisano je 5 vrstariba: Alburnus alburnus, Rutilus rutilus, Carassius gibelio, Lepomis gibossus i Abramisbrama. U studiji je determinisano i nekoliko vrsta ektoparazita: Trichodina sp.,Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, Chilodonella sp., Apiosoma sp. i dvije jedinke iz grupeMonogenea. Rezultati istraživanja pokazali su da su najveće vrijednosti infestiranostibile tokom proljeća i ljeta vrstama Trichodina sp. i Ichthyophthirius multifiliis dok jeu jesenskom periodu intenzitet infestiranosti imao niže vrijednosti.

Understanding the cellular stress response in honey bees will significantly contribute to their conservation. The aim of this study was to analyze the response of the antioxidative enzymes superoxide dismutase and catalase in honey bees related to the presence of toxic metals in different habitats. Three locations were selected: (i) Tunovo on the mountain Golija, as control area, without industry and large human impact, (ii) Belgrade as urban area, and (iii) Zajaca, as mining and industrial zone. Our results showed that the concentrations of lead (Pb) in whole body of bees vary according to habitat, but there was very significant increase of Pb in bees from investigated industrial area. Bees from urban and industrial area had increased expression of both Sod1 and Cat genes, suggesting adaptation to increased oxidative stress. However, in spite increased gene expression, the enzyme activity of catalase was lower in bees from industrial area suggesting inhibitory effect of Pb on catalase.

Diapause is a state of arrested development during which insects cope with many external and internal stressful factors. European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis, overwinters as a fifth instar freeze-tolerant diapausing larva. In order to explore diapause-linked stress tolerance processes, the expression of selected genes coding for stress-related proteins—glutathione S-transferase (Gst), thioredoxin (Trx), glutaredoxin (Grx), ferritin (Fer), metallothionein (Mtn), and heat shock proteins Hsp90, Hsc70, Hsp20.4, and Hsp20.1—was assessed in the fat body of diapause-destined, warm (22 °C) and cold (5 °C) acclimated diapausing larvae using the quantitative real-time PCR. Gene expression was normalised to mRNA transcripts for Actin and Rps03, and relative expression was calculated using non-diapausing larvae as a control group. During the initiation phase of diapause, the abundance of mRNA transcripts of Grx, Hsp90, Hsc70, and Hsp20.1 was significantly upregulated, Trx, Fer, Mtn, and Hsp20.1 were unchanged, while only Gst was clearly downregulated in comparison to non-diapause control. Later, in the early phase of diapause, the expression of most genes (except Trx and Hsp20.1) was upregulated in warm-acclimated larvae, while only Trx and Hsp90 were upregulated in cold-acclimated larvae. Furthermore, the relative expression of all genes (except Trx) increased gradually throughout the diapause in cold-acclimated larvae. This result indicates that the half-life of mRNAs is prolonged during diapause at low temperature, which may lead to a gradual accumulation of mRNA transcripts. Our results show that both diapause programming and temperatures affect the expression of stress-related genes in Ostrinia nubilalis.

Karakachan sheep represents an endangered, indigenous sheep breed from Balkan Peninsula. There is relatively little information about the characteristics of this sheep breed in the veterinary scientific literature. The aim of this research was an examination of certain metabolic profile parameters of the Karakachan sheep blood serum, and variability of their concentrations in comparison to age and some other indigenous sheep breeds from Balkans. Examination was conducted on 14 clinically healthy sheep divided in two age groups. Blood samples were collected by puncture of v. jugularis and blood serum was separated after spontaneous coagulation. The concentrations of total protein, albumin, calcium, inorganic phosphorus, aspartate amino transferase (AST) and γ- glutamyl transferase (GGT) were determined. In relation to age of Karakachan sheep, statistically significant difference between the calculated mean values of examined parameters was not observed. A statistically significant difference was found between the mean concentrations of the studied parameters in Karakachan sheep and other breeds in total protein (Tsigai, Dubrovnik and Dalmatian sheep), albumin (Dalmatian), calcium and inorganic phosphorus (Tsigai, Dubrovnik) and AST's (Dalmatian, Karakachan sheep from Bulgaria). Karakačanska ovca je ugrožena autohtona rasa ovaca sa Balkanskog poluostrva, o čijim rasnim karakteristikama postoji relativno malo podataka. Cilj ovog rada je bio da se u uzorcima krvnog seruma ispitaju određeni biohemijski parametri karakačanske ovce i ustanove odstupanja njihovih vrednosti u odnosu na starost karakačanske ovce, kao i u odnosu na vrednosti istih parametara kod drugih autohtonih rasa ovaca Balkana. Ispitivanjem je obuhvaćeno 14 klinički zdravih ovaca podeljenih u dve starosne grupe. Uzorci krvi uzimani su punkcijom v. jugularis iz kojih je, nakon spontane koagulacije i centrifugovanja, izdvojen krvni serum. Određivane su koncentracije ukupnih proteina, albumina, kalcijuma, neorganskog fosfora, aspartat amino transferaze (AST) i γ-glutamil transferaze (GGT). U odnosu na starost karakačanske ovce, nije ustanovljena statistički značajna razlika između izračunatih srednjih vrednosti ispitivanih parametara. Statistički značajna razlika je ustanovljena između srednjih vrednosti koncentracija ispitivanih parametara karakačanske ovce i drugih rasa za: ukupne proteine (cigaja, dubrovačka i dalmatinska ovca), albumin (dalmatinska), kalcijum i neorganski P (cigaja i dubrovačka) i aktivnosti AST-a (dalmatinska, karakačanska ovca iz Bugarske).

The recent decline in managed honey bee populations, Apis mellifera L. (Hymenoptera: Apidae), has caused scientific, ecological, and economic concern. Research into the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), antioxidative defense mechanisms, and oxidative stress can contribute to our understanding of bee survival and conservation of this species. Activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione S-transferase (GST) enzymes together with levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured in summer and winter honey bees sampled from three colonies. One colony was stationary (C1), entering the winter period having accumulated Robinia pseudoacacia L. (Fabaceae) honey, and two were migratory (C2 and C3), entering the winter period with mainly Tilia (Malvaceae) and Brassica (Brassicaceae) honey, respectively. Compared to summer workers, winter worker bees had decreased SOD and GST activity, and MDA level, whereas CAT activity increased in all three colonies. We also demonstrated that seasonality is the main factor responsible for changes in antioxidant enzymes and MDA levels in worker honey bees. Overall, our results indicate a difference between summer and winter worker bees, pointing at a reduced level of antioxidant enzyme defenses during overwintering which may be due to a decrease in production of ROS. The decreased levels of MDA measured in winter honey bees confirm this. As ROS are actively used by insects as a defense mechanism to fight pathogens, we suggest that reduced production of ROS contributes to higher susceptibility of winter honey bees to infections and reduced overwinter survival.

Although many indoor-outdoor image classification methods have been proposed in the literature, most of them have omitted comparison with basic methods to justify the need for complex feature extraction and classification procedures. In this paper we propose a relatively simple but highly accurate method for indoor-outdoor image classification, based on combination of carefully engineered MPEG-7 color and texture descriptors. In order to determine the optimal combination of descriptors in terms of fast extraction, compact representation and high accuracy, we conducted comprehensive empirical tests over several color and texture descriptors. The descriptors combination was used for training and testing of a binary SVM classifier. We have shown that the proper descriptors preprocessing before SVM classification has significant impact on the final result. Comprehensive experimental evaluation shows that the proposed method outperforms several more complex indoor-outdoor image classification techniques on a couple of public datasets.

A comprehensive analysis of realization of digital filters with complex coefficients obtained by decomposition of real digital filters, using complex and real allpass networks, is given in the paper. Realization of complex coefficient filters obtained directly in the z domain is also discussed in the paper. An analysis of hardware costs for different structures used for realization of complex coefficient filters is presented.

A new procedure for design of linear phase IIR notch filters is presented in this paper. Resulted filter is realized using parallel connection of two IIR all-pass filters with approximately linear phase. Adequate amplitude characteristic is obtained by approximation of all-pass filter phase. Amplitude characteristic satisfies all prescribed demands but it is not equiripple no matter both all-pass filters have equiripple phase. Algorithm exhibits fast convergence and easy initial values determination.

In many applications, the electronic component is not continuously but only intermittently overloaded (e.g., inrush current, short circuit, or discharging interference). With this paper, we provide insight into carbon resistors that have to hold out a rarely occurring transient overload. Using simple electrical circuit, the resistor is overheating with higher current than declared, and dissipation is observed by a thermal camera.

In this study, laboratory bioassays were performed to investigate the impact of sublethal concentrations of Cu (CuCl2: 1000, 100, 10 mg L(-1)), Pb (PbCl2: 10, 1, 0.1 mg L(-1)) and Cd (CdCl2: 0.1, 0.01, 0.001 mg L(-1)) on honey bee redox status and the activity of the main antioxidative enzymes and their gene expression. Our results show that exposure to these metals led to significant changes of gene expression, the levels of enzyme activity and redox status, but the effects are metal and dose dependent. In general, exposure of 48 h to given concentrations of Cu, Cd and Pb did not change the activity of antioxidative enzymes and the level of lipid peroxidation, with the exception of decreased activity of catalase at the lowest concentration of cadmium. Only lead produced increases in glutathione and thiol groups. Expression of genes for catalase and superoxide dismutase changed with exposure to cadmium and copper, whilst lead induced only expression of superoxide dismutase genes. The results from this study provide basic data for future research regarding the impacts of metal pollution on Apis mellifera and will be an important step towards a comprehensive risk assessment of the environmental stressors on honey bees.

A method for design of linear phase notch IIR filters is presented in this paper. The filter is realized in the form of a parallel connection of two all-pass sub-filters. In order to achieve the resulting filter with an approximately linear phase in the pass-band, the applied all-pass sub-filters should be also with a linear phase. The desired amplitude characteristic of a resulting filter is obtained by all-pass sub-filter phase approximation. It can be achieved by applying either a pure delay or an IIR all-pass filter in one branch. If a pure delay is positioned in one branch, equiripple phase of all-pass sub-filter from the other branch is guaranteed for an equiripple amplitude characteristic of the resulting filter. Efficiency of the proposed algorithm is demonstrated on a few examples. The algorithm exhibits a fast convergence and an easy determination of initial values. In the case where IIR all-pass sub-filters are placed in both branches, the resulting amplitude characteristic satisfies all the prescribed demands, but the amplitude characteristic is not equiripple even when both all-pass sub-filters have equiripple phase.

U radu je opisana osnovna ideja metode pod nazivom 'Automatizovano ponavljanje nezavisnih simulacionih eksperimenata sa prikupljanjem statistike slučajnih procesa'. Data je matematička osnova metode i prikazane su preporuke za implementaciju metode u formu algoritma za računarski program. Pregledno su istaknuta potrebna ekspertska znanja za uspešan razvoj konceptualnih i simulacionih modela. Metoda je testirana u istraživanju sistema masovnog opsluživanja. / This paper presents a basic idea of the method entitled 'Automated Independent Replications with Gathering Statistics of Stochastic Processes'. The mathematical foundation of the method is offered, as well as some recommendations for practical implementation of the met hod in the form of a computer program algorithm. A set of different expert knowledge needed for a successful development of conceptual and simulation models is pointed out in a separate review. The method has been tested in the modeling and simulation of queuing systems. Multidisciplinary character of simulation modeling This paper presents a basic idea of the method entitled 'Automated Independent Replications with Gathering Statistics of Stochastic Processes'. A clear review of expert knowledge needed for successful development of a conceptual model as well as a simulation one is offered. Simulation modeling of systems and processes in any military branch assumes a multidisciplinary approach. This is not a consequence of a free choice, but of needs and problems which arise in a research process and which require synchronized use of knowledge from different areas and scientific disciplines. In studies of queuing systems, these disciplines are: queuing theory, probability theory, mathematical statistics, stochastic processes, mathematical analyses, Monte Carlo simulation modeling, computer programming, knowledge about a real system under study, etc. Specific features of real queuing systems Consistency, fidelity or agreement of the model with the real system under study is one of the most important characteristics of the model. This means that a conceptual model should present reality as it really is. In the context of queuing system modeling, this means the following: if a real system works for some finite time, then the same should be applied for a model as well; if there can be any traffic intensity including overloading, then a model should be conceived accordingly, etc. Mathematical basis of the AIRGSSP method The mathematical basis of the method is offered, as well as some recommendations for practical implementation of the method in a form of a computer program algorithm. Explicitly, the mathematical foundations of the AIRGSSP method are three statements; the first one, the Bernoulli law of large numbers, or the first limit theorem: the frequency of one random event in a many times repeated experiment tends to the probability of that event; the second one, the perception of the behavior of a queuing system as a kind of a stochastic process, and the support for the statistics of stochastic processes; and the third one, the use of an interval estimation of proportion for establishing the control of the simulation result accuracy. Description of the implementation of the AIRGSSP method The application of the AIRGSSP method includes the following: development of a conceptual model; definition of performance measures; development of the basic structure of the simulation model; implementation of a module for the stochastic process statistics; implementation of a module for automatization of independent replications of the simulation experiment; calculation of a number of replications of the simulation experiment; and translation of the model into the computer code. Conclusion A detailed description for the practical implementation of the method 'Automated Independent Replications with Gathering Statistics of Stochastic Processes' is given. The capacity and advantages of the AIRGSSP method are particularly clear in the cases of modeling and simulation of: heavy-loaded and overloaded systems, complex systems with a large number of possible system states as well as systems engaged for some finite time. These are exactly the systems and working conditions where other methods usually fail.

U radu je demonstrirana primena metode automatizovanog ponavljanja nezavisnih simulacionih eksperimenata sa prikupljanjem statistike slučajnih procesa, u dostizanju i kontroli tačnosti simulacionih rezultata u simulaciji sistema masovnog opsluživanja Monte Karlo. Metoda se zasniva na primeni osnovnih stavova i teorema matematičke statistike i teorije verovatnoće. Tačnost simulacionih rezultata dovedena je u direktnu vezu sa brojem ponavljanja simulacionih eksperimenata. / The paper presents an application of the Automated Independent Replication with Gathering Statistics of the Stochastic Processes Method in achieving and controlling the accuracy of simulation results in the Monte Carlo queuing simulations. The method is based on the application of the basic theorems of the theory of probability and mathematical statistics. The accuracy of the simulation results is linked with a number of independent replications of simulation experiments.

This paper deals with transient nonlinear heat conduction through the insulation wall of the tank for transportation of liquid aluminum. Tanks designed for this purpose must satisfy certain requirements regarding temperature of loading and unloading, during transport. Basic theoretical equations are presented, which describe the problem of heat conduction finite element (FE) analysis, starting from the differential equation of energy balance, taking into account the initial and boundary conditions of the problem. General 3D problem for heat conduction is considered, from which solutions for two- and one-dimensional heat conduction can be obtained, as special cases. Forming of the finite element matrices using Galerkin method is briefly described. The procedure for solving equations of energy balance is discussed, by methods of resolving iterative processes of nonlinear transient heat conduction. Solution of this problem illustrates possibilities of PAK-T software package, such as materials properties, given as tabular data, or analytical functions. Software also offers the possibility to solve nonlinear and transient problems with incremental methods. Obtained results for different thicknesses of the tank wall insulation materials enable its comparison in regards to given conditions

This paper presents a basic idea of the method entitled 'Automated Independent Replications with Gathering Statistics of Stochastic Processes'. The mathematical foundation of the method is offered, as well as some recommendations for practical implementation of the met hod in the form of a computer program algorithm. A set of different expert knowledge needed for a successful development of conceptual and simulation models is pointed out in a separate review. The method has been tested in the modeling and simulation of queuing systems. Multidisciplinary character of simulation modeling This paper presents a basic idea of the method entitled 'Automated Independent Replications with Gathering Statistics of Stochastic Processes'. A clear review of expert knowledge needed for successful development of a conceptual model as well as a simulation one is offered. Simulation modeling of systems and processes in any military branch assumes a multidisciplinary approach. This is not a consequence of a free choice, but of needs and problems which arise in a research process and which require synchronized use of knowledge from different areas and scientific disciplines. In studies of queuing systems, these disciplines are: queuing theory, probability theory, mathematical statistics, stochastic processes, mathematical analyses, Monte Carlo simulation modeling, computer programming, knowledge about a real system under study, etc. Specific features of real queuing systems Consistency, fidelity or agreement of the model with the real system under study is one of the most important characteristics of the model. This means that a conceptual model should present reality as it really is. In the context of queuing system modeling, this means the following: if a real system works for some finite time, then the same should be applied for a model as well; if there can be any traffic intensity including overloading, then a model should be conceived accordingly, etc. Mathematical basis of the AIRGSSP method The mathematical basis of the method is offered, as well as some recommendations for practical implementation of the method in a form of a computer program algorithm. Explicitly, the mathematical foundations of the AIRGSSP method are three statements; the first one, the Bernoulli law of large numbers, or the first limit theorem: the frequency of one random event in a many times repeated experiment tends to the probability of that event; the second one, the perception of the behavior of a queuing system as a kind of a stochastic process, and the support for the statistics of stochastic processes; and the third one, the use of an interval estimation of proportion for establishing the control of the simulation result accuracy. Description of the implementation of the AIRGSSP method The application of the AIRGSSP method includes the following: development of a conceptual model; definition of performance measures; development of the basic structure of the simulation model; implementation of a module for the stochastic process statistics; implementation of a module for automatization of independent replications of the simulation experiment; calculation of a number of replications of the simulation experiment; and translation of the model into the computer code. Conclusion A detailed description for the practical implementation of the method 'Automated Independent Replications with Gathering Statistics of Stochastic Processes' is given. The capacity and advantages of the AIRGSSP method are particularly clear in the cases of modeling and simulation of: heavy-loaded and overloaded systems, complex systems with a large number of possible system states as well as systems engaged for some finite time. These are exactly the systems and working conditions where other methods usually fail.

U radu je prikazan nastanak i razvoj Teorije redova čekanja, poznate i kao Teorija masovnog opsluživanja. Opisan je i istorijsko-tehnološki kontekst vremena u kojem je došlo do publikovanja prvih radova u oblasti koja će se kasnije razviti u samostalnu naučnu disciplinu. U 2009. godini Teorija redova čekanja navršava čitav vek od svog nastanka. / The paper presents a short review of histrorical development of the Queueing Theory, also known as Theory of Waiting Lines or Theory of Mass Servicing. We described historical and technological conditions at the time when first Queueing Theory papers were published. The motivation for this report comes from fact that the year 2009 is the 100th birthday of this theory.

Understanding the cellular stress response in honey bees will significantly contribute to their conservation. The aim of this study was to analyze the response of the antioxidative enzymes superoxide dismutase and catalase in honey bees related to the presence of toxic metals in different habitats. Three locations were selected: (i) Tunovo on the mountain Golija, as control area, without industry and large human impact, (ii) Belgrade as urban area, and (iii) Zajača, as mining and industrial zone. Our results showed that the concentrations of lead (Pb) in whole body of bees vary according to habitat, but there was very significant increase of Pb in bees from investigated industrial area. Bees from urban and industrial area had increased expression of both Sod1 and Cat genes, suggesting adaptation to increased oxidative stress. However, in spite increased gene expression, the enzyme activity of catalase was lower in bees from industrial area suggesting inhibitory effect of Pb on catalase.

Introduction Dentofacial deformity, a deviation from normal facial proportions and dental relationships, is corrected by jaw repositioning in all three spatial planes, which changes the position and tension of the surrounding tissues, bones and muscles. These changes may also affect the dimensions of the pharyngeal airways (PA). Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare three-dimensional PA changes in patients treated by a combination mandibular set-back/maxillary advancement versus patients that had bimaxillary advancement with genioplasty. Methods The sample consisted of 7 patients treated by combined mandibular set-back/maxillary advancement and 7 patients treated with bimaxillary advancement surgery. Nasopharyngeal (NP) volume, oropharyngeal (OP) volume and the area of maximum constriction (AMC) in the OP were measured on CbCt scans (2 mA/120 kV/12'' FOV) taken before (T1 ) and 3 months after surgery (T2). Paired samples t-test was used for analyzing statistical significance of changes (p≤0.05). Results OP volume and AMC increase after bimaxillary advancement was statistically significant, while for the mandibular set-back group the increase was non-significant. NP volume was not reduced in any of the two groups. No significant differences in PA dimensions were found between groups at neither T1 nor T2 time points. Conclusion Results suggest that the combination of mandibular set-back/maxillary advancement did not reduce airway dimensions, while bimaxillary advancement surgery led to a statistically significant increase in the OP dimensions., Uvod Dentofacijalni deformiteti predstavljaju odstupanje u odnosu na normalne proporcije lica i dentalne odnose. Leče se repozicioniranjem vilica u sve tri ravni prostora, što menja položaj i napetost okolnih mekih tkiva, kostiju i mišića. Ove promene mogu da utiču na veličinu faringealnih vazdušnih puteva. Cilj rada Cilj studije je bio da se procene i uporede trodimenzionalne promene faringealnih vazdušnih puteva kod osoba lečenih retropozicioniranjem mandibule uz pomeranje maksile unapred u odnosu na one lečene pomeranjem obe vilice unapred uz genioplastiku. Metode rada Ispitanike je činilo sedam pacijenata lečenih kombinacijom retropozicioniranja mandibule i anteriornog pozicioniranja maksile i sedam pacijenata lečenih bimaksilarnim anteriornim pozicioniranjem. Zapremine nazofarinksa, orofarinksa i površina najužeg dela orofarinksa mereni su na CBCT snimcima (2 tL/120 kV/12' FOV) napravljanim pre operacije (T1) i tri meseca nakon hirurške korekcije (T2). Studentov t-test za uparene uzorke korišćen je za analizu statističke značajnosti promena (p≤0,05). Rezultati Zapremina orofarinksa i površina najužeg dela orofarinksa povećale su se u obe grupe, i to statistički značajno kod ispitanika lečenih bimaksilarnim anteriornim pozicioniranjem, a statistički beznačajno kod ispitanika lečenih kombinacijam retropozicioniranja mandibule i anteriornog pozicioniranja maksile. Ni u jednoj grupi nije došlo do smanjenja zapremine nazofarinksa. Ni pre ni posle terapije nisu uočene značajne razlike u veličini vazdušnih puteva između grupa. Zaključak Rezultati ukazuju na to da retropozicioniranje mandibule uz anteriorno pozicioniranje maksile nije smanjilo dimenzije vazdušnih puteva, dok je bimaksilarno anteriorno pozicioniranje dovelo do statistički značajnog povećanja veličine orofarinksa.

In real time watermarking applications robustness and computational complexity are playing very important role. In this paper we focus on new algorithm for inserting of watermark in digital still images. This algorithm is based on simple but efficient geometrical transformation of image and has fast embedding and extracting watermark pattern with acceptable robustness. Proposed method is illustrated on one example. It has been shown that it is possible to confirm existing of the watermark also in JPEG compressed image.