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This paper investigates the relationship between oil, gold and steel prices observed over a period of ten years with the aim of presenting their situation and trends using statistical methods and time series over a longer period of time and their impact on agricultural development. The high share of agriculture in the basic macroeconomic aggregates of the Republic of Serbia conditions that agriculture has a significant role in the foreign trade of the Republic of Serbia, especially in exports. The negative trend of rising fuel prices per farmer reduces the average fuel consumption per hectare. Also, the growth of the price of steel is conditioned by the growth of the prices of agricultural machinery.

The rare earth elements represent an increasingly more and more important industrial resource. The increased use may result in waste generation, and their impact upon the environment quality has not been studied sufficiently. Their interaction with soil has been studied in this paper. The Freundlich adsorption isotherm has been determined for lanthanum, erbium and gadolinium at three different soil types (humus, clay and sand type), whereas the sequential extraction at these soil types has been applied for lanthanum and neodymium. The interaction of certain rare earth elements with soil components has been tested as well as the quantity in which these elements are bound to soil and later on extracted in solutions. The objective was to determine the soil capacity for disposal, first of all, of the electronic waste that contains these elements and to assume their fate in the environment.

Teamwork requires quality two-way communication in a team, both formal and informal, which can only be achieved by increased engagement of senders and recipients of information in the communication process. Quality communication removes, or minimizes, psychological, semantic, physical and technical obstacles to the communication process. Successful functioning of a team requires constant exchange of information between team members, creating a favorable organizational climate (team atmosphere), motivating team members, encouraging team members to creative work and initiative and subtly guiding team members towards the goal.

This study employed a novel synthetic approach involving a modified reverse co-precipitation method utilizing glacial acetic acid to synthesize α-Bi2O3. X-ray powder diffraction and scanning and transmission electron microscopy analyses revealed the formation of a rod-like α-Bi2O3 microstructure. The prepared material was utilized to modify a glassy carbon paste (GCP) electrode for the development of an electrochemical sensor for acetaminophen (APAP) detection using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). Cyclic voltammetry studies revealed that the GCP@Bi2O3 electrode exhibited enhanced electrochemical properties compared to the bare GCP. The designed GCP@Bi2O3 sensor detected APAP in the linear concentration range from 0.05 to 12.00 µM, with LOQ and LOD of 36 nM and 10 nM, respectively. Additionally, the developed sensor demonstrated sufficient precision, repeatability, and selectivity toward APAP detection. The recovery values between the declared and found APAP content in a pharmaceutical formulation (Caffetin®) displayed the advantageous accuracy, precision, and applicability of the GCP@Bi2O3 sensor and the developed DPV method for real-time APAP detection in pharmaceuticals, with minimal interference from the matrix effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work is the first report of a very simple and fast one-pot synthesis of nickel oxide (NiO) and hematite (α-Fe2O3) nanoparticles by thermal decomposition of transition metal aqua complexes with camphor sulfonate anions. Obtained nanopowders were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, Fourier transform IR analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. X-ray powder diffraction confirmed the formation of high purity NiO and α-Fe2O3 crystal phases. In the case of α-Fe2O3, about five times larger average crystallite size was obtained. Fourier transform IR spectra of synthesized materials showed characteristic peaks for NiO and α-Fe2O3 nanostructures. To visualize the morphology and the chemical composition of the final products Scanning electron microscopy and Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy were performed. The thermogravimetric analysis was done for a better understanding of the general thermal behavior of precursor compounds. This easy-to-perform and fast preparation method opens a broad range of obtained materials’ usage, particularly due to its economic viability

Introduction. Elevated cardiac troponin gives excellent accuracy in the identification of myocardial damage in children, but it can also be elevated in a series of other diseases. Case report. We presented two children thirteen years of age with a high serum level of troponin-I after an acute episode of supraventricular tachycardia. We analyzed troponin- I levels in correlation with the maximum heart rate, duration of tachycardia and systolic left ventricular function (ejection fraction and fractional shortening). Conclusion. Abnormal troponin level can be seen in children with sustained supraventricular tachycardia and normal heart. Caution is advised in diagnosing cardiac dysfunction in children with supraventricular tachycardia and elevated troponin levels.

Background/Aim. The most frequent form of sternal defects is a single foramen, usually located at the distal half of the sternal body, with prevalence that varies among different ethnic populations. Clinical importance of these defects arises from various diagnostic and therapeutic sternal treatments and close location of heart, lungs and other vital organs of the chest cavity. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and morphometric characteristics of the sternal midline foramen in the population of central Serbia. Methods. The multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) chest images of 422 patients of both genders were analyzed. The radiological imaging was performed on 64- slice MDCT scanner (Aquilion 64, Toshiba, Japan). All scans were performed in the axial plane, with subsequent multiplanar reconstruction (MPR). Due to the angulation of the sternal body coronal curved-planar, the images were obtained in order to show the whole length of the sternum and the vertical diameter of the sternal foramen. The measurements were done using the commercially available software (Imaging Software ver. 4.1.14.0, Vital-Images). Results. The solitary foramen, located in the distal segment of the sternal body, was detected in 24 patients, representing 5.9% of the observed population with slightly higher prevalence in males. The average size of foramen was 3.9 × 4.2 mm. The mean distance from the skin was 12.7 ± 3.3 mm, the distance from skin to pericardium was on average 37.3 ± 8.2 mm, while the average distance from skin to pleura was 25 ± 5.9 mm. The average depth of foramen 8.7 ± 2 mm, while the mean distance from the posterior surface of foramen to pericardium was 12.7 ± 9.1 mm. Conclusion. The results presented in this paper confirmed the prevalence of 5.9% regarding the midline sternal foramen in the observed population. Serious complications of the sternal puncture could be prevented by prior MDCT imaging.

Introduction. Percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP), as a mini-invasive approach in the treatment of patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs), provides stabilization of the spine and relives pain. The most commonly it is applied in the 3–6 weeks before bending of the spine. Complete cessation of pain is easier to achieve if you treat “less mature” fractures. The aim of the report is to show that PVP is effective and safe for old fractures too. Case report. A 77-old patient suffered from a stable compression fracture of 3th lumbar (L3) vertebral body after minor trauma. This fracture was clinically and radiologically diagnosed. The conservative treatment that included lumbo-sacral orthosis (LSO), analgesic drugs and physical therapy, was primarily applied due to permanent pain and type of fracture. After a period of two months, pain persisted, but it was localized in a thoracic spinal segment with radiologically diagnosed fractured bodies of 8th (Th8) and 10th (Th10), thoracic vertebra without neurological deficit. Thoraco-lumbo-sacral orthosis (TLSO) was prescribed and after six months the indication for vertebroplasty of the Th8 and Th10 vertebral body was given. The pain relief had been achieved and the patient was discharged from the Clinic for Orthopedics on the postoperative day 2, and was symptom free during the follow-up period. Conclusion. In patients with stable OVCFs, PVP is an effective therapy for reducing pain and improving mobility of 6 months old fractures.

Introduction. Malignant fibrous histiocytoma is a fast spreading pleomorphic sarcoma with a high malignant potential. Its spreading is characterized with local invasion and distant metastazes with early onset. Most common localisations of development are extremities, trunk and retroperitoneum. Given the line of rare case and specimen, lack of a clear etiology and mechanisms of this disease, as well as adequate histopathologic findings and intraoperative documentation, we presented current status, discuss putative etiology, histopathology with variant morphology, differential diagnosis and treatment modalities. Case report. We presented a 56-years-old female Serbian with tumor in the thigh that clinically resembles incapsulated hematoma. Computed tomography revealed intramuscular tumor with a heterodense structure and compression on surround tissue. Ex tempore biopsy specimen showed malignant potential of the tumor. Wide and radical excision of the nodule has been done, and definitive histopathological verification revealed malignant fibrous histiocytoma. Conclusion. Malignant fibrous histiocytoma is a most common type of soft tissue sarcomas in adults. Frequent localization is on lower extremities, and every rapidly enlarging nodule in this localization that on computed tomography is like incapsulated hematoma with necrotic zone should alert suspicion on presence of this type of sarcoma.

Background/Aim. The values of the Böhler’s angle (BA) are relevant parameters for diagnosis, management and prognosis of the calcaneal fracture and the outcome. Range of normal values of Böhler’s angle (BA) in adults varies depending on the examined population, age, gender or ethnicity. The aim of this study was to determine the range of normal values of the Böhler’s angle in the central part of Serbia. Methods. The lateral foot radiographs of 225 subjects (111 males and 114 females) without calcaneal fractures, divided into 6 age groups were observed to determine the normal values of the Böhler’s angle by using the IMPAX 6.5.2.114 Enterprise software. Obtained values for Böhler’s angle were compared among gender and groups using appropriate statistical tests. Results. The mean of Böhler’s angle in observed population was 34.06°, ranging from 25.1° to 49.5° and was higher in males than in females included in our study. Gender difference was statistically significant. The distribution of the mean BA across the age groups showed tendency of decreasing with age and the highest BA was found in the youngest group. Conclusion. The findings presented in this paper confirmed the existence of wide range of BA values as well as its gender and age differences.

In this work, three novel silver(I) complexes with an almost completely rigid and bulky monodentate ligand, 1-adamantanamine, were synthesized. The aliphatic amine, 1-adamantanamine, is the sole electron donor ligand in these complexes. In addition to spectroscopic characterization, the basic biological activities of the new compounds were investigated and their minimum inhibitory concentrations were determined. The antifungal and antibacterial activities indicate that these compounds could potentially be applied as new therapeutics. [Project of the Serbian Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development, Grant no. 172017, Grant no. 172035 and Grant no. III 43004]

Background/Aim. Preservation of an adequate posterior tibial slope (PTS) during total knee arthroplasty is crucial for the biomechanical stability and function of the knee joint. Studies that investigated anatomical features of the tibial plateau found significant gender and inter-population differences in all components of the PTS. The aim of this study was to establish reference values of PTS in Serbian population and to explore if there is any difference in the tibial plateau inclination between genders. Methods. We retrospectively reviewed 161 magnetic resonance images (MRIs) of the knee of adult patients examined in Medical Military Academy in Belgrade, Serbia, in a period from November 2011 to September 2014. Measurements of PTS components: medial tibial slope (MTS), lateral tibial slope (LTS), and coronal tibial slope (CTS) were performed through several steps, according to the suggestions in the recent literature. Obtained values for each tibial slope were compared between gender subgroups using appropriate statistical tests. Results. Mean values of each component of the posterior tibial slope for male vs. female subgroups were as follows: MTS 3.7° ± 2.8° vs. 5.1° ± 2.9°, LTS 4.2° ± 2.8° vs. 4.3° ± 2.7°, and CTS 3.9° ± 2.4° vs. 3.3° ± 1.9° respectively. The medial tibial slope was significantly higher in females than in males (p = 0.005). The mean value of the coronal tibial slope was greater in males without statistically significant difference (p = 0.105). Conclusion. This study demonstrated significant difference in MTS of the tibial plateau between males and females, being higher in the female subgroup.

Crime represents a harmful occurrence that is specific for each culture and socioeconomic formation. Due to this it is no surprise that there is an interest for crime in different areas of social sciences and life. Since crime is a burning topic of numerous scientific and expert analyses or researches, it can be concluded that it is an old mutual problem of all countries, old and new ones. It doesn't depend only on the sociopolitical order, but economic development and characteristical social factors and circumstances that exist in respective countries as well. Surprisingly large diversity of causes and circumstances that lead to the occurrence of crime demands a different approach to its research. It is possible and consists of the application of multivariate analysis, since it allows for many different ways of observing crime and taking more efficient actions aimed at its prevention and enabling of normal functioning and development of state and society.

It is frequently important in agroeconomics, on examing form example in plant breeding the problem might be to decide whether a plant or plant progeny belons to a high-yealding or low-yealding grop up. Sometimes decisions can be made on the basic of a single variable, but more often of the 2 group differ in several variables, each of which gives some indication as to group in which the individual should be placed. This is a classical problem of discrimination, where the general problem is to find a discrimination function.

Crime represents a harmful occurrence that is specific for each culture and socioeconomic formation. Due to this it is no surprise that there is an interest for crime in different areas of social sciences and life. Since crime is a burning topic of numerious scientific and expert analyses or researches, it can be concluded that it is an old mutual problem of all countries, old and new ones. It doesn't depend only on the sociopolitical order, but economic development and characteristical social factors and circumstances that exist in respective countries as well. Surprisingly large diversity of causes and circumstances that lead to the occurrence of crime demands a different approach to its research. It is possible and consists of the application of multivariate analysis, since it allows for many different ways of observing crime and taking more efficient actions aimed at its prevention and enabling of normal functioning and development of state and society. Application of multivariation analysis in crime, is based on consideration of indirect (implicit) knowledge as a method applied on a sample that consists of data from forty seven US countries. Depending on their individuality, different crime rates were determined for each federal state. The mentioned sample was used to answer a simple question through multivariation analysis: would its application discover hidden causes of crime rates, which aren't visible from the data contained in the selected sample? In order to achieve the set goal, factor analysis was used as well the method of inverse factoral (segmentation) sample analysis. Discovering such hidden samples of crime would be a very important way of achieving total control on it. Since full control of crime represents a very modern way in contemporary approach to fighting rime in the world, it is obvious that control is impossible without considering such hidden factors (causes and conditions) which favour occurrence of criminal behavior, which can be shown by multivariation analysis based on the aforementioned sample.

Background/Aim. Damage of any element of pelvic floor leads to its functional damages, reflected in the occurrence of urinary incontinence, prolapse of pelvic organs, fecal incontinence and sexual dysfunction. Basic aim of our paper was to investigate the influence of various risk factors on pelvic floor muscle strength in women. Methods. The study included 90 female patients and examined how age, job, body weight and height, number of deliveries, sports activities, incontinence occurrence, previous prolapse-caused gynecological surgeries, other gynecological surgeries and other conservatively treated gynecological diseases influence the value of pelvic floor muscle strength. Pelvic floor muscle strength was measured using vaginal dynamometer. Results. Univariate regression analysis showed that parameters such as age, demanding job, body height, number of deliveries, sports activities, prolapse-caused gynecological surgeries, other gynecological surgeries and other gynecological diseases were in positive correlation with the values of pelvic floor muscle strength. In multivariate regression model, incontinence and gynecological operation of prolapse were singled out as independent risk factors. Conclusion. If risk factors that cause damage to pelvic floor muscle are known, it is possible to prevent the damages and improve the quality of women's life.

To use the laminated composite plates efficiently, it is necessary to develop appropriate analysis theories to predict accurately their structural and dynamical behavior. The analysis of the behavior of the laminated plates is an active research area because of their complex behavior. The structural instability becomes an important concern in a reliable design of composite plates. The majority of the investigations on laminated plates utilize either the classical lamination plate theory (CLPT), or the first-order shear deformation theory (FSDT). Various geometries of the plates subjected to compressive load are studied. The present work deals about a buckling analysis of simply supported symmetric composite plate with four layers. It is assumed that composite plate is surrounded by external elastic fundation. Composite plate is modeled by the finite element method and subjected to biaxial compression load. Governing equations are derived based on Classical Laminated Plate Theory (CLPT) and computed critical buckling loads were compared with numerical results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work we reported syntheses and characterization of two novel compounds of adamantane-1-sulfonic acid (1-AdSO3H) with cobalt(II) and cadmium(II), respectively. The result of the single crystal X-ray analysis of compounds revealed that adamantane-1-sulfonate (1-AdSO3 -) in monoanionic form plays a different role in investigated compounds. Namely, while in compound [Co(H2O)6](1-AdSO3)2 six water molecules are coordinated to cobalt(II) ion and 1-AdSO3 - serves as a counter ion, in compound [Cd(H2O)4(1-AdSO3)2] two molecules of 1-AdSO3 - are trans-coordinated to the cadmium(II) ion as monodentate (O) ligand and other coordination sites are occupied by water molecules. The obtained compounds showed a moderate activity against Artemia salina.

Background/Aim. Nucleus accumbens is a part of the ventral striatum also known as a drug active brain region, especially related with drug addiction. The aim of the study was to investigate the Golgi morphology of the nucleus accumbens neurons. Methods. The study was performed on the frontal and sagittal sections of 15 human brains by the Golgi Kopsch method. We classified neurons in the human nucleus accumbens according to their morphology and size into four types: type I - fusiform neurons; type II - fusiform neurons with lateral dendrite, arising from a part of the cell body; type III - pyramidal-like neuron; type IV - multipolar neuron. The medium spiny neurons, which are mostly noted regarding to the drug addictive conditions of the brain, correspond to the type IV - multipolar neurons. Results. Two regions of human nucleus accumbens could be clearly recognized on Nissl and Golgi preparations each containing different predominant neuronal types. Central part of nucleus accumbens, core region, has a low density of impregnated neurons with predominant type III, pyramidal-like neurons, with spines on secondary branches and rare type IV, multipolar neurons. Contrary to the core, peripheral region, shell of nucleus, has a high density of impregnated neurons predominantly contained of type I and type IV - multipolar neurons, which all are rich in spines on secondary and tertiary dendritic branches. Conclusion. Our results indicate great morphological variability of human nucleus accumbens neurons. This requires further investigations and clarifying clinical significance of this important brain region.

Background/Aim. Anatomical parameters of the bony components of the hip joint are essential for better understanding of etiopathogenesis of diseases like primary osteoarthrosis of the hip joint. The aim of this reserch was to examine the normal acetabular morphometry in Serbian population and to determine whether there are sex differences in anatomical parameters of the acetabulum among asymptomatic subjects. Methods. Pelvic radiographics of 320 adult asymptomatic patients (640 hips) were analyzed in 170 men and 150 women to determine the morphology of the acetabulum in Serbian population. For each hip the center edge angle of Wiberg (CEA), the acetabular angle of Sharp (AA), acetabular depth (AD), acetabular roof obliquity (ARO) and roof angle (RA) were measured. Results. The following average measurements for acetabulum geometry were obtained (X ± SD): CEA - 33.5 ± 6.5° (33.6 ± 5.8° in male, 33.3 ± 6.9° in female), AA - 38.0 ± 3.8° (37.5 ± 3.6° in male, 38.5 ± 3.9° in female), AD - 11.9 ± 2.8 mm (12.5 ± 2.7 mm in male, 11.2 ± 2.7 mm in female), ARO - 7.6 ± 5.7° (6.2 ± 4.9° in male, 9.0 ± 6.0° in female) and RA - 18.4 ± 10.0° (19.6 ± 8.5° in male, 17.1 ± 9.5° in female). There were significant differences in the CEA, AA, AD, ARO and RA related to gender (p < 0.01, t-test). Conclusion. There are significant gender differences in Serbian population for all the examined anatomical parameters of acetabulum. We found sex-related differences in acetabular morphology, female acetabulum being marginally more dysplastic than male acetabulum. There is also a clear tendency of female hips to be more dysplastic than male ones.

Two new p-cymene ruthenium(II) complexes containing as additional ligands N-methylpiperazine ([(η6-p-cymene)RuCl2(CH3NH(CH2)4NH)]PF6, complex 1) or vitamin K3-thiosemicarbazone ([(η6-p-cymene)RuCl2(K3tsc)], complex 2) were synthesized starting from [(η6-p-cymene)2RuCl2]2 and the corresponding ligand. The complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, IR, electronic absorption and NMR spectroscopy. The X-ray crystal structure determination of complex 1 revealed “piano-stool” geometry. The differences in the cytotoxic activity of the two complexes are discussed in terms of the ligand present.

To use the laminated composite plates efficiently, it is necessary to develop appropriate analysis theories to predict accurately their structural and dynamical behavior. The analysis of the behavior of the laminated plates is an active research area because of their complex behavior. The structural instability becomes an important concern in a reliable design of composite plates. The majority of the investigations on laminated plates utilize either the classical lamination plate theory (CLPT), or the firstorder shear deformation theory (FSDT). Various geometries of the plates subjected to compressive load are studied. The present work deals about a buckling analysis of simply supported symmetric composite plate with four layers. It is assumed that composite plate is surrounded by external elastic fundation. Composite plate is modeled by the finite element method and subjected to biaxial compression load. Governing equations are derived based on Classical Laminated Plate Theory (CLPT) and computed critical buckling loads were compared with numerical results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]