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Several cell-free assays are currently used to quantify and detect the Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS). All of them have certain limitations, do not provide direct comparison of results and, to date, none of these assays have been acknowledged as the most suitable acellular assay and none has yet been adopted for investigation of potential PM toxicity. These assays include DTT, ascorbic acid, DCFHDA and PFN assays which have been used in measurements of the particles generated from various combustion sources such as diesel engine, wood smoke (or biomass burning) and cigarette smoke, as well as for outdoor measurements. All the probes use different units for expressing redox properties of PM. Also, their reactivity is being triggered by different types of ROS. This limits the direct comparison of the results that are reporting the toxicity of the same aerosol type measured with various probes. This study is evaluating and comparing the various assays in order to develop deeper understanding of their capabilities, selectivity as well as improve understanding of the underlying chemical mechanisms.

Oxidative stress caused by generation of free radicals and related reactive oxygen species (ROS) at the sites of deposition has been proposed as a mechanism for many of the adverse health outcomes associated with exposure to particulate matter (PM). Recently, a new profluorescent nitroxide molecular probe (BPEAnit) developed at QUT was applied in an entirely novel, rapid and non-cell based assay for assessing the oxidative potential of particles (i.e. potential of particles to induce oxidative stress). The technique was applied on particles produced by several combustion sources, namely cigarette smoke, diesel exhaust and wood smoke. One of the main findings from the initial studies undertaken at QUT was that the oxidative potential per PM mass significantly varies for different combustion sources as well as the type of fuel used and combustion conditions. However, possibly the most important finding from our studies was that there was a strong correlation between the organic fraction of particles and the oxidative potential measured by the PFN assay, which clearly highlights the importance of organic species in particle-induced toxicity.

The study deals with historical, social, cultural, and anthropological aspects of Roman Catholic liturgical music during the Second Vatican Council. After the Council’s closure, the determination of the boundary between sacred and secular music was postponed indefinitely. This was significantly contributed to by the activities of the Council for the Implementation of Decisions on the Holy Liturgy, professional church musicians, and their interaction. Insights into the process of preparation, Council’s decision-making, and implementation of the decisions in practice justified the need for an interdisciplinary approach in examining church music.

Throughout centuries, the concept of church music has held significant importance within the Orthodox Church. Its positive reception in the life of the Serbian Orthodox Church is evident by its frequent usage to describe various musical practices, such as: 'church singing, 'choral singing, 'polyphonic singing (or singing from sheet music)', 'Serbian folk singing', 'Karlovac chant', 'Belgrade chant' or 'Byzantine chant'. Drawing from anthropological research, we establish the definition of music through two interdependent approaches. Music is a cultural construct that lacks uniqueness and universality, but rather possesses a multitude of meanings dependent on collective and individual perspectives. Simultaneously, music is a cultural phenomenon that engenders diverse forms of identity, ranging from ethnic, gender, individual, collective, to local or global identities. From the perspective of Eucharistic theology, the Church is presented as the Mystery of unity between the created and the uncreated, founded in the Trinitarian nature of existence. The identity of the Church is not confined to historical and institutional frameworks, but is found in eschatology - the Kingdom of God. The Eucharistic church singing is examined in relation to church music and its connection with the anthropological understanding of music. The findings are analyzed from the standpoint of Orthodox ecclesiology. This paper aims to explore whether the identification of Eucharistic church singing with music, as a human category, can be positively argued within Orthodox theology.

The use of RESs reduces the emission of gases and hazardous materials into the atmosphere, which has an impact on the improvement of the quality of the environment. The use of biomass, especially that from municipal waste and agriculture, reduces the need for importing energy sources. Energy production from RES is a fast-growing economy branch employing a significant workforce. Of 5.6 Mtoe of the total annual usable technical potential of the RES in Serbia, 1.96 Mtoe (i.e. 35%) is used up, whereas only 1.1 Mtoe (i.e. 32%) is used up of 3.4 Mtoe of the total biomass. The paper is aimed at indicating the significance of the production of renewable energy from biomass, the available quantities, the structure and the advantages of using it in the future development of the energy sector. Some states, Serbia included, have prescribed stimuli to green energy kW delivered to power distribution enterprises.

The influence of the microstructure of X5CrNi18-10 stainless steel welded joint on its resistance to general, pitting, and intergranular corrosion was analyzed. The structure of weld metal, heat affected zone (HAZ) and base metal before and after electrochemical testing was analyzed using SEM/EDS. The influence of the roughness level of the welded joint on its resistance to the mentioned types of corrosion was also examined. Although the degree of sensitization of HAZ was significantly lower than the limit value, HAZ showed a noticeably greater tendency to general and pitting corrosion than weld metal and base metal. Polishing has been shown to improve significantly the corrosion resistance of HAZ than in other parts of a welded joint.

This paper examines the earnings and cash flow persistence of selected agriculture Serbian enterprises as a measure of their earnings quality. We study the persistence of income statements and cash flow statement items of medium-sized agriculture enterprises in Serbia. Agriculture is a relevant sector for the national economy and medium-sized enterprises are the main drivers of her economic growth. We use panel regression analysis with annual data over the period from 2010 to 2018. The results of our research indicate that earnings and cash flow-based indicators have different persistence. Analysing accruals and net cash flows of operating activities as determinants of operating profit of analysed enterprises, we conclude that operating profit that represents accruals are more persistent than operating profit backed by net operating cash flows.

In the paper analyzes the trends in the development of market production of fruit (on the example of the apple and the plum) and grapes in Serbia from 1976 to 2015. The grouping of the Serbian districts according to the degree of the market production of fruit and grapes in 2015 was performed by a cluster analysis, on the basis of the six features of production, five features of the capacities, and five features of development. According to the data for 2015, the degree of the marketability of apples in Serbia was 47.7%, plums 15.9%, and grapes 18.3%. The Serbia-North Region shows a surplus in the production of apples, and a deficit in the production of plums (-181.7%) and grapes (-99.1%). The Serbia-South Region has a surplus in the production of the analyzed kinds of fruit (the apple accounting for 43.0%, and the plum 50.9%) and grapes (45.2%).

This paper examines banking industry practice in the area of circular economy reporting with the specific emphasis on waste management reporting in this sector. Paper answers the basic question - is financial service sector exempt from the circular economy reporting requirements having low material usage and resource consumption? Manuscript indicates that in Serbia waste management reporting in banks is in the early stage. Most of the waste management indicators in banks are included as integral part of sustainability reports or as part of management report. Paper indicates that less than half of the bank population in Serbia prepares standard report required by the Environmental Protection Agency. Having in mind these results, banks managers and state officials should take into consideration the fact that most of the banks do not report on flow of waste and most of these indicators are not regularly published on website implying that stakeholders and investors are not adequately informed on the inclusion of banks into circular economy environment. Lagging behind waste management requirements could be potentially hazardous having in mind the fact that Serbia strives towards European Union membership where the legislation and practical alignment with the EU regulation is inevitable process.

The aim of this paper is to analyze the representation and usefulness of cash flow indicators in the credit analysis process in Serbia. The research methodology includes the content analysis taken for the research purpose. Key contributions of the paper are empirical research based on scientific surveys. The credit analysis practice in Serbia has been studied regarding the application of cash flow based financial indicators in the system of assessing the credit rating of the banks' business credit users. The research results indicate that cash flow-based indicators are less widely used in credit ratings compared to indicators based on balance sheet and income statement items. Nevertheless, surveyed credit analysts in Serbia confirm the usefulness of cash flow information of banks' clients for making credit decisions. Liquidity indicator based on cash flow, selected coverage indicators and cash flow margin record the highest representation and usefulness of the application in the credit rating system of business clients among selected cash flow indicators.

In the paper, the mutuality of the market production of beef, pigmeat, sheep meat and poultry meat and the achieved level of development of agriculture as per Serbia's districts in the period from 2001 to 2016 are analyzed. The ranking of districts in Serbia is done by the I-distance method. Similarities are determined by cluster analysis method, while results are represented by a dendrogram. Belgrade District shows a deficit in the market production of all meats. In the three districts of Vojvodina Region, there is a deficit in sheep meat and in the two districts, there is a deficit in poultry meat. The three districts of Sumadija and Western Serbia Region, there is a deficit in the production of pigmeat and poultry meat. The Region of Southern and Eastern Serbia has a deficit in the production of poultry meat.

Despite the constant development of the system of forecasting unpredicted events and risks, there are many economic sectors where revenues depend directly on the wheather variables. Risk management is a continuous process whose goals are to predict and stabilize cash flows and maximize profit of a company. Weather derivatives are special form of financial risk transfer instruments and they are associated with specific weather events or conditions that directly or indirectly affect the third party outcomes. Unlike traditional insurance contracts, weather derivatives are realized when the agreed time variable exceeds a predefined value for a specific period. Therefore, financial derivatives make more probable the uncertainty of future operations in terms of present actions. Market for the weather derivatives is the youngest and also the fastest growing market for financial derivatives. Insurance against weather risk primarily was applied in the energy sector. Market development and the ability to trade with weather derivatives, enabled the development of new types of weather derivatives offered to companies. These new types of derivatives provide protection not only from changes in temperature, but also from rainfall, wind intensity, humidity and pressure, cloudiness, snow melting, sea temperature, wave height etc. This paper presents a definition, classification and historical development of weather derivatives. The aim is to emphasize characteristics of this type of derivatives and their distinctive features related to weather conditions and variables. In this paper the focus is on weather derivatives used by agriculture industry whose results of operations mainly depend on weather variables.

After transitional debacles and failures, structural degradation and recession, reindustrialization is imposed as a crucial stage in the economic development of Serbia. The production-market potentials of the agro-complex (as a complex economic subsystem of pre-farm, farm and post-farm activities) and its place in the national economy open the significant possibilities of the revitalization of the industries of agrarian inputs (agricultural machines and equipment, mineral fertilizers and pesticides). Considering the structural significance of the pre-farm agrarian sector in the Serbian economy, this paper analyzes the fundamental features of production and the foreign-trade exchange, especially the dynamics and changes in the volume and structure of production and the import of agrarian inputs. On that basis, through a target comparative analysis of multi-year data series (1986-2011), the paper explores the trends of production and employment, identifies transitional distortions and the growing import dependence of the Serbian economy and the agro-complex in particular, considers the agrarian potentials in a possible reindustrialization primarily via the revitalization of the industry of agrarian inputs, and highlights a special phenomenon of the opportunity costs of the Serbian agrarian development.

Lipophilicity of twelve synthesized chalcones, whose ring B is a ortho, meta or para monosubstituted with alkyl, oxyalkyl groups or halogens was determined by reverse phase liquid chromatography, using octadecyl-functionalized (RP-18) silica gel as a stationary phase and two-component mixture of methanol/water as a mobile phase. Linear dependence of logk’ values of the volume fraction of methanol in the mobile phase was determined for all analyzed compounds, with high coefficient of correlation (r > 0.99). Extrapolation of the line to 0% methanol concentration resulted in the capacity factor of chromatographic system where water is the mobile phase (logkw). For five standard substances, chemically similar to chalcones, logkw values were determined under experimental conditions and they were correlated with logP values of those compounds available in the literature. logPEXP values of synthesized chalcones were calculated on the basis of the created standard curve. In order to estimate the relevance of the experimentally obtained logP values for chalcones, correlation of logPEXP values with the logP values obtained through various computational procedures was performed using linear regression analysis. Statistical parameters of dependence showed that the best matching of the results had been achieved with ChemOffice program, suggesting that this program is suitable for calculating logP values of newly-synthesized chalcones, as well as of compounds structurally similar to chalcones. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. OI 172041]

The microstructural characterization and adsorption properties of metakaolin (MK) and alkali-activated metakaolin, known as geopolymer materials (GP) were investigated. The structure and properties of the metakaolin and obtained geopolymer were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Furthermore, based on the analysis of adsorption efficiency, microstructure and mineral structure, the difference between geopolymer and metakaolin on the performance of immobilizing heavy metals have been discussed. The kinetics of adsorption can be represented by pseudo-second order equation. The results of lead ions adsorption experiments were best fitted by Freundlich adsorption isotherm for both investigated adsorbents. The highest removal efficiencies of alkali-activated material based on metakaolin was found 97.5% at pH 4 and metakaolin removal efficiencies was found 92% at pH 5.5.[Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. III 45012 i br. 172007]

The paper analyzes the trends in the development of industrial crop production in the case of sugar beet and sunflower in Serbia from 1976 to 2013. Grouping of regions (4 regions without Autonomous Province of Kosovo and Metohija) and districts (25 districts) in Serbia in 2013, according to the characteristics of land capacity, production of sugar beet and sunflower and level of development, was carried out by cluster analysis. Based on the median value of the important characteristics of available land capacity, production volume and economic development in municipalities, I-distance method were ranked districts in Serbia from 1 to 25. Similarities between the sugar beet and sunflower production regions in Serbia were determined by the method of complete-linkage clustering, and the results were presented in the dendrogram. According to data for 2013 it was found that 99.8% of sugar beet production and 93.9% of sunflower production in Serbia comes from the Vojvodina region. The average yields per hectare for analyzed crops in the areas of the Vojvodina region, on average, were by up to 10% higher compared to the yields in Serbia. According to the characteristics of land capacity and production, areas of the Vojvodina region belong to the highest rank 1-7, while according to the characteristics of the development level, these areas belong to rank 2-13.

The processes of lead electrodeposition from electrolytes of various concentrations of sodium nitrate as the supporting electrolyte have been examined by chronoamperometry and by the scanning electron microscopic (SEM) analysis of deposits obtained in the potentiostatic regime of electrolysis. The good agreement between the diffusion coefficents determined by Cottrell equation and non-linear fitting method was observed. For the first time, the transition from the mixed ohmic-diffusion to the full diffusion control was defined from the analysis of Cottrell equation. The parameters, such as the number density of active sites and the nucleation rate constant, obtained by non-linear fitting method were discussed in accordance with the fact that lead belongs to the group of metals characterized by the high values of the exchange current density. The data obtained by the chronoamperometric analysis were succesfully correlated with morphologies of electrodeposited lead obtained in the different types of electrodeposition control. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. 172046]

Up until now accounting standards regarding financial instruments were changed several times. The latest change was the issuance of the IFRS 9 Financial instruments published for the purpose of simplifying the rules in its predecessor IAS 39 Financial instruments: recognition and measurement. From the above mentioned changes of accounting regulatory regime for financial instruments we may conclude that accounting bodies, so far, have not found the adequate approach and treatment for the financial instruments. They considered that fair value would be a revolutionary measure for the financial instruments and that this measure would provide more relevant, transparent and comparable information. But the standard setters did not predict that this measurement attribute might have an effect on earnings power and financial position of a company. In this paper we observe critiqually the main differences between IFRS 9 and IAS 39 regarding the recognition and measurement of financial instruments and with an emphasis on of some problems of early adoption of IFRS 9 by companies.

Pt-based nanocatalysts supported on Vulcan XC-72R carbon, were prepared by water-in-oil microemulsion method, with addition of various amounts of HCl in the water phase. Polyethileneglycoldodecylether (BRIJ 30) was used as a surfactant, which influenced the Pt surface structure, along with HCl. Catalysts prepared with addition of 0, 15, 25 and 35 % of HCl during the synthesis, were electrochemically characterised in 0,5 M H2SO4 using cyclic voltammetry and CO oxidation. Formic acid electrooxidation was examined on all investigated catalysts, in terms of their electrocatalytic activity and stability. Platinum loading on carbon support was examined by Thermogravimetric analysis. Catalysts showed different features in hydrogen region, and slight differences in formic acid oxidation mechanisms.

The banking sector is the main 'artery' of the entire financial system of BiH. It is regulated by the two agencies for banking, one in the Republic of Srpska and the other in the Federation of BiH. Due to the changed needs of the clients and the business environment, banks move from a traditional to a modern way of business in order to meet the demands of the time. In order to meet the demands of the market, which has to be subject of reform expanding, because of the globalization on process. In order to minimize business risks, in such turbulent business enviroment, the subject of this paper is focused on how to improve the efficiency of the bank's business needs to inherit the accounting plan. The condition of raising economic growth is unimpeded process in the financial system, especially a banking system, which should help the local economy and entrepreneurship. Mechanisms for stimulating savings and credibility of financial institutions are of utmost imortance for improving economic competitiveness of BiH.

Dražen Shejbal,1 Davor Vagic, 2 Siniša Stevanovic, 3 Elvira Koic, 4 Livije Kalogjera21Division of Otorhinolaryngology, Pakrac City Hospital, Pakrac, Croatia; 2Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Sisters of Mercy Hospital, Zagreb, Croatia; 3Division of Otorhinolaryngology, 4Division of Psychiatry, Virovitica General Hospital, Virovitica, CroatiaBackground: Severity of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), measured by disease-specific health-related quality-of-life questionnaires, is expected to increase in patients who also suffer from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Altered pain perception, sleep disorders, and fatigue may be associated with this comorbidity.Methods: Severity of CRS was compared between a group of 28 patients with CRS and a group of 28 patients with CRS and concomitant PTSD using different disease-specific and generic instruments, such as visual analog scale (VAS), Short Form-36 test (SF-36), and Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-22 (SNOT 22).Results: SNOT-22 test showed significantly higher CRS severity in patients with CRS and PTSD, compared to patients with CRS without PTSD.Conclusion: Patients with less severe CRS, measured by objective outcome measures, due to the impact of comorbid PTSP, are classified as having severe rhinosinusitis, and are exposed to the risk of unnecessary diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. In patients with difficult-to-treat rhinosinusitis, diagnosis should be revised, and one item that should be evaluated is whether they suffer from PTSD.Keywords: posttraumatic stress disorder, chronic rhinosinusitis, quality of life

Service tree (Sorbus domestica L.) is a native species of the western, central and Southern Europe as well as southwest Asia. It was identified as an endangered species at the end of the last century. Thus, it was put on the list of European priority species for conservation (EUFORGEN, ECPGR). This paper presents the results of the analysis of six accessions. The following features of the chosen accessions were analysed: trunk circumference; the height and width of the canopy; number of individual leaflets; the total surface area of compound leaf; the weight, size, shape and colour of fruit epidermis; the number, weight and size of the seeds in each fruit; and phenological development stages. The height of the chosen accessions ranged from 12 to 15.5 m. The average fruit weight of the selected accessions ranged from 7.85 g to 10.45 g. The average surface area of a compound leaf ranged from 79.25cm2 to 99.87 cm 2 . The maximum number of seeds in the mature fruits of the selected accessions was 3. It was found that the selected accessions showed satisfactory vegetative activity and satisfactory potential for generative reproduction. Therefore, six analysed accessions can be accepted as mother trees for the establishment of service tree population in the territory of the Banjaluka region.

This paper presents a comparative analysis of the major indicators of both the world and domestic markets of alcoholic beverages. Namely, for the last 21 years, for the observed subperiods, the method of comparative analysis were used to study quantitative and structural differences in the production and trade of analyzed product groups, at both the world and at the level of continents and some countries. The leading manufacturers and flows of international trade and the leading exporters and importers of wine, beer and distilled alcoholic beverages were defined, with special emphasis on the importance of Serbia, i.e. its position in the global market for all these products. Pursuant to the above, and importance of analyzed product groups for the domestic market, i.e. agroindustry and the economy as a whole, this paper specially studies balances, structure, dynamics and regional orientation of foreign trade exchange in wine, beer, and distilled alcoholic beverages. In addition, the paper points to the needs, capabilities, measures and directions of further development of domestic production and export of products analyzed.

As a result of its wide industrial applications, zinc has become an important contaminant in aquatic environment since it is a toxic heavy metal and some of its compounds such as zinc arsenate and zinc cyanide, may be extremely hazardous. Therefore, there is a growing need for developing simple methods capable of separating and recovering trace zinc from environmental waters. Nowadays, the ultra and microfiltration method for trace metals removal from waters by the addition of water-soluble polymers into the aqueous solutions has become a significant research area. The choice of watersoluble macroligands remains important for developing this technology. Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (Na-CMC) was selected as complexing agent. The microfiltration experiments were carried out in stirred dead-end cell. To separate formed polymer-metal complex Versapor membranes were used. The concentration of heavy metal ions after microfiltration in aqueous solution was determined using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). Effects of amount of complexing agent, pH value, type of anion, ionic strength and operating pressure on the flux (J) and rejection coefficient (R) were investigated. Experimental results indicate a considerable influence of the pH, ionic strength and type of anion on the rejection coefficient, while effect of amount of complexing agent is relatively insignificant. The Na-CMC used in the research proved to be very effective, which may be supported by the high rejection coefficients obtained (99%).

Majority of lead content found in the environment is the result of human activities. Heavy metals can be hazardous because they tend to bioaccumulate. Complexation-microfiltration process for the removal of Pb(II) ions was studied. The aim of microfiltration of the model wastewater containing heavy metal ions was finding an optimum ratio between the concentrations of the complexing agent and metal, and determining the most favorable pH value. The microfiltration experiments were carried out in a stirred dead-end cell. Diethylaminoethyl cellulose (DEAE 23) was selected as the complexing agent. Versapor membranes were used to separate formed polymer-metal complex. The concentration of heavy metal ions after microfiltration in aqueous solution was determined using the atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). Effects on the amount of complexing agent, concentration of metal ion, pH value and operating pressure on the flux, J, and rejection coefficient, R, were investigated. Experimental results indicate that the pH of the solution has considerable influence on the rejection coefficient. An increase in pH and the amount of complexing agents enabled us to obtain very high retention coefficient (99%).

This paper presents a comparative analysis of the major indicators of both world and domestic markets of milk, dairy products, eggs and wool. Namely, for the past 20 years, for the observed subperiods, the method of comparative analysis was used to study quantitative and structural differences in the production and trade of analyzed product groups, at both the world and at the level of continents and some countries. The leading manufacturers and flows of international trade and the leading exporters and importers of milk, dairy products, eggs and wool were defined, with special emphasis on importance of Serbia, i.e. its position in the global market for these products. Pursuant to the above, and importance of analyzed product groups for the domestic market, i.e. agroindustry and the economy as a whole, this paper specially studies balances, structure, dynamics and regional orientation of foreign trade in milk, dairy products, eggs and wool. In addition, the paper points to the needs, capabilities, measures and directions of further development of domestic production and export of products analyzed.

The first successful attempt to electrodeposit ZnMn alloy coatings from alkaline bath was made only a few years ago. In this kind of solution, potassium pyrophosphate (K4P2O7) serves both as a complexing agent and as the basic electrolyte. The aim of this work was to study the electrodeposition process and properties of ZnMn alloy coatings deposited from pyrophosphate solution, with a new kind of alkaline pyrophosphate bath. Namely, chloride salts were used as the source of metal ions and ascorbic acid was used as reducing agent. The composition of the plating solution was as follows: 1 mol dm-3 K4P2O7 + 0.017 mol dm-3 ascorbic acid + 0.05 mol dm-3 ZnCl2 + 0.05 mol dm-3 MnCl2•4H2O. Cathodic processes during the alloy electrodeposition were investigated using linear voltammetry. The influence of addition of small amounts of ascorbic acid on the cathodic processes was established. It was shown that this substance inhibits hydrogen evolution and increases the current efficiency of alloy deposition. The current efficiency in the plating bath examined was in the range of 25 and 30%, which was quite higher as compared to the results reported in the literature for electrodeposition of ZnMn alloy from pyrophosphate bath. Electrodeposition of ZnMn alloys was performed galvanostatically on steel panels, at current densities of 20120 mA cm-2. The coatings with the best appearance were obtained at current densities between 30 and 80 mA cm-2. The surface morphology studies, based on atomic force microscopy measurements, showed that morphology of the deposits is highly influenced by deposition current density. ZnMn coating deposited at 30 mA cm-2 was more compact and possessed more homogeneous structure (more uniform agglomeration size) than the coating deposited at 80 mA cm-2. Such dependence of morphology on the current density could be explained by the high rate of hydrogen evolution reaction during the electrodeposition process.

The aim of our work was to identify gradient of the muscle fatigue of some muscle groups, among children with chronic juvenile arthritis, which are restricted in function by existing limitation in range of motions. Four patients in age of 9,5, with mentioned diagnosis were examined. Healthy subjects, with same ages were control group. Manuel muscle test, range of motion test and EMG examination were performed. Results shown significance difference in degree of muscle fatigue among observed patients, which explain decrease of muscle efficiency and must be taken when intensity of kinesitherapic treatment has to be done. It is concluded that structural changes on locomotory system induce secondary hypertrophy or atrophy of the muscle system and increase of muscle fatigue when activity of certain muscles is performed.

Carbon supported Pt and Pt-Rh-Sn catalysts were synthesized by microwave-polyol method in ethylene glycol solution and investigated for the ethanol electro-oxidation reaction. The catalysts were characterized in terms of structure, morphology and composition by employing XRD, STM and EDX techniques. STM analysis indicated rather uniform particles and particle size of below 2 nm for both catalysts. XRD analysis of the Pt/C catalyst revealed two phases, one with the main characteristic peaks of face centered cubic crystal structure (fcc) of platinum and another related to graphite like structure of carbon support Vulcan XC-72R. However, in XRD pattern of the Pt-Rh-Sn/C catalyst diffraction peaks for Pt, Rh or Sn cannot be resolved, indicating an extremely low crystallinity. The small particle sizes and homogeneous size distributions of both catalysts should be attributed to the advantages of microwave assisted modified polyol process in ethylene glycol solution. Pt-Rh- Sn/C catalyst is highly active for the ethanol oxidation with the onset potential shifted for more than 150 mV to negative values and with currents nearly 5 times higher in comparison to Pt/C catalyst. The stability tests of the catalysts, as studied by the chronoamperometric experiments, reveal that the Pt-Rh-Sn/C catalyst is evidently less poisoned then Pt/C catalyst. The increased activity of Pt-Rh-Sn/C in comparison to Pt/C catalyst is most probably promoted by bifunctional mechanism and the electronic effect of alloyed metals.

The effects of plating baths of different composition on the microstructure and corrosion stability of Zn-Co alloy coatings were studied. Zn-Co alloys with the same Co content were deposited from chloride plating baths containing different amounts of Co2+ ions, as well as from a sulphate-chloride plating bath. The surface morphology and crystallite size were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The corrosion stability of the Zn- Co alloys was determined by following the change of the open circuit potential with time of immersion in a 3 % NaCl solution and by polarization measurements. The results showed a significant influence of the plating bath on the morphology and corrosion stability of the Zn-Co alloys. The surface of the alloy coatings deposited from the chloride baths were uniform and homogenous, whereas the deposit obtained from the sulphate-chloride bath was quite inhomogeneous. The corrosion stability of the homogenous Zn-Co deposits obtained by deposition from both chloride baths was higher than that of the deposit obtained from the sulphate-chloride bath. An increase in the Co content in the chlorideplating bath resulted in a reduction of the alloy crystallite size and it was shown that the alloy with the smaller crystallites of the two alloy deposits, although having the same chemical content, exhibited a lower corrosion rate.

The LEED rating system for sustainability of architecture has gained large marketing potential in USA and became one of main ways American builders are attacking ecological challenges. In this paper the LEED rating system for commercial interiors is critically reviewed, pointing out its positive - focus on integrated design process - and negative impacts - low thresholds for highest ratings and tendency to gain LEED rating with projects that hardly pass the thresholds, largely neglecting the principles of energy efficiency. Based on a few prominent LEED platinum examples, the beginnings of a LEED style of designing interiors in historical landmark buildings are pointed out as well.

Serbia is a suitable place for solar energy exploitation with more than 2000 sunny hours per year over 80% of its territory. In the paper, the existing state is analyzed and the possibilities of solar energy use are examined by employing a combined approach. This relies on the following elements: an attached conservatory with remote heat storage for space heating in the period October-April; a canopy covered by flexible organic photovoltaic modules for electricity production in the period May- September, and a solar water heating system throughout the year. In addition to an analysis of energy performance of the proposed design solution, its economic aspect is also discussed, which suggests that investing in energy efficiency projects should be encouraged provided the state adopts an appropriate system of subsidies for the use of renewable energy sources.

Platinum supported on glassy carbon (GC) was used as a model system for studying the influence of the surface morphology of a Pt catalyst on methanol oxidation in alkaline and acidic solutions. Platinum was deposited by the potential step method on GC samples from H2SO4 + H2PtCl6 solution under the same conditions with loadings from 10 to 80 mg cm-2. AFM and STM images of the GC/Pt electrodes showed that the Pt was deposited in the form of 3D agglomerates composed of spherical particles. Longer deposition times resulted in increased growth of Pt forms and a decrease in the specific area of the Pt. The real surface area of Pt increased with loading but the changes were almost negligible at higher loadings. Nevertheless, both the specific and mass activity of platinum supported on glassy carbon for methanol oxidation in acidic and in alkaline solutions exhibit a volcanic dependence with respect to the platinum loading. The increase in the activity can be explained by the increasing the particle size with the loading and thus an increase in the contiguous Pt sites available for adsorption and decomposition of methanol. However, the decrease in the activity of the catalyst with further increase of loading and particle size after reaching the maximum is related to the decrease of active sites available for methanol adsorption and their accessibility as a result of more close proximity and pronounced coalescence of the Pt particles.

The photoelectrochemical properties of a sol-gel prepared titanium oxide coating applied onto a Ti substrate were investigated. The oxide coating was formed from an inorganic sol thermally treated in air at 350°C. The coating consisted of agglomerates of narrow size distribution around 100 nm. The photoelectrochemical characteristics were evaluated by investigating the changes in the open circuit potential, current transients and impedance characteristics of a Ti/TiO2 electrode upon illumination by UV light in H2SO4 solution and in the oxidation of benzyl alcohol. The electrode was found to be active for photoelectrochemical reactions in the investigated solutions.

The aim of this work was analysis of isothermal sintering of zinc titanate ceramics doped with MgO obtained by mechanical activation. Mixtures of ZnO, TiO2 and MgO (0, 1.25 and 2.5%) were mechanically activated 15 minutes in a planetary ball mill. The powders obtained were pressed under different pressures and the results were fitted with a phenomenological compacting equation. Isothermal sintering was performed in air for 120 minutes at four different temperatures. Structural characterization of ZnO-TiO2-MgO system after milling was performed at room temperature using XRPD measurements. DTA measurements showed different activation energies for pure and doped ZnO-TiO2 systems. Thus addition of MgO stabilizes the crystal structure of zinc titanate.

Reduction of the specific surface area of porous ZnO during the sintering process was studied. ZnO powder was sintered at temperatures from 673 K to 1173 K. The decrease in the specific surface area was observed as a function of temperature and sintering time. Two different models were involved in order to define the appropriate parameters. The Arrhenius equation was used to give information on the activation energy of sintering. The LSE method was applied for determining optimum parameter values.

Sintering kinetics of the mechanically activated ZnO-TiO2 system was studied. Mixtures of ZnO and TiO2 powders were mechanically activated using a high-energy ball mill for different time intervals from 0 to 300 minutes. Formal phenomenological analyses were performed in order to describe the specimen’s behavior during isothermal sintering at 1100oC. Non-isothermal sintering was investigated by dilatometer measurements up to 1100oC with a constant heating rate. The Dorn method was applied in order to give information on the activation energy. .

The aim of the study was to analyze the regional distribution of cereal production, trade and consumption. Significant regional differences were registered with regard to output, structure and dynamics of cereal production, trade and consumption from the standpoint of both continents and countries of the world. The differences may be attributed to numerous natural, social and economic factors. Countries having favorable environmental and climatic conditions, enhanced social, economic, scientific technical and technological standards are leading in both world production and export of cereals. In addition, thanks to the high standards of living the consumption of cereals per capita in these countries is known to be comparatively low in relation to commodities of animal origin. On the other hand, underdeveloped and developing countries having unfavorable climatic conditions are known to produce a smaller part of the world cereals and to absorb a greater part of the world import of cereal based commodities. Due to the lower living standard these countries are known to be considerable consumers of cereals per capita whereas the consumption of commodities of animal origin is considerably low.

A change of anthocyanins under different conditions of enzymatic treatments, clarification and concentration was determined. A pectin preparation Klerzyme®120, manufactured by DSM, France, specific for "sour fruits" with pH below 3.2, was used for maceration and depectinization. Experiments were carried out by a laboratory hydraulic press. Raw raspberry juice was clarified either by membranes separation processes or by traditional treatments using gelatin and bentonite. For microfiltration and ultrafiltration processes, membrane cut-off should not be below 30,000 g/mol to prevent any color loss. Experiments with membrane separations processes were carried out with five different membranes. A raw depectinized raspberry juice was clarified by cross-flow microfiltration and ultrafiltration using ceramic tubular membranes and hollow fiber polymeric membranes of a molecular weight cut-off of 300, 50 and 30 kg /mol or with a mean pore size of 0.2 urn in the case of microfiltration. Fruit juice concentrations were carried out by a laboratory equipment for vacuum evaporation. Extraction yield by a laboratory hydraulic press was the same in case of single-stage maceration and two-stage maceration. However, due to a lower viscosity, it was observed that single-stage process provides raspberry juice with more color and high efficiency of extraction. It was noticed that thermal breaks of raspberry pulp provide juice containing more total anthocyanins. The clarification using gelatin and bentonite removed about 50% total anthocyanins, while a clarification by a cross-flow ultrafiltration using Carbosep M9, M8 and M7 membranes achieved the highest level of color loss. Total color loss after concentration was 70%. The best results in color protection were observed by a microfiltration through Kerasep membrane, due to its relatively large pores (0.2μm). .

Marketability of livestock production was analyzed based on the marketability of both pork, beef, sheep and poultry and eggs and cow's milk. The sequential order of the Vojvodina municipalities according to the observed denominators is not identical. But, Spearman's coefficient of correlation points to a statistically very high degree of accordance between the rank-list of marketability of pork and the rank-lists of marketability of beef, poultry and milk as well as the rank-list of poultry and sequential classification of sheep meat and eggs, beef and milk. There was a statistically high correlation between the rank list of marketability of sheep meat and pork, beef and milk as well as poultry and milk. Based on the value of Kendal coefficient of ranking, it can be concluded that there exists very high degree of accordance of all the rank lists being observed simultaneously. For determination of sequential classification according to the achieved marketability of all the analyzed livestock production commodities in the sense of synthetic denominator, Ivanovic distance was used in the present work.

Abstract Background Unimpaired HLA class I antigen presentation is a prerequisite for the recognition of tumor cells by cytotoxic T lymphocytes and thus essential for the success of anticancer immunotherapeutic concepts. Several approaches have been taken in the immunotherapy of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC), however of limited success. HLA loss or down-regulation have often been reported and might interfere with immunotherapeutic approaches aimed at the recognition of HLA-presented peptides. Methods We employed a quantitative method of molecular analysis for the comparison of HLA amounts on primary tumor, normal kidney and metastases of RCC, using Edman degradation. We analyzed a series of 47 RCC samples including corresponding renal parenchyma, local lymph node metastases and distant metastases. Results Results of quantitative Edman degradation revealed significantly higher HLA yields on primary tumor and metastases compared to normal kidney tissue. This effect was shown not to result from infiltrating immune cells, since tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes had no influence on the overall HLA recovery from tumor tissue. Unexpectedly, we found a higher amount of HLA class I molecules on distant metastases compared to local lymph node metastases. Conclusion Edman degradation allows the direct quantitative comparison of HLA class I protein expression by tumor or normal tissue and metastases of RCC patients. Our results raise hopes for improving the success and effectiveness of future immunotherapeutic concepts for metastatic RCC.