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The anthelmintic macrocyclic lactones (MLs) are the most important endectocides in modern pharmacotherapy of parasitic infections. However, during the COVID 19 pandemic, ivermectin was used in humans against infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus in doses significantly higher than the approved antiparasitic doses. This kind of application was created solely on the basis of in vitro tests, and is not officially approved in any country in the world. Therefore, we conducted a study on rats treated orally with 0.6, 1.2, 2.4 and 4.8 mg/kg of ivermectin for 5 days. Based on our investigation, ivermectin at the doses used in humans against the SARS-Co-2 virus (3, 6, 12 and 24 times higher than the antiparasitic dose 0.2mg/kg), causes changes in red blood cell counts and increases the levels of liver enzymes without visible clinical symptoms. Histopathological changes were recorded in the liver, kidneys and testicles of rats, and the highest dose tested led to bleeding in the brain tissue. Obviously, ivermectin somewhat increases concentration of the enzyme P-450 isoform 3A4, whose substrate it is, but the highest tested dose reduces its concentration in plasma to the control level. Notably, the concentrations of ivermectin recorded in plasma of treated rats, indicate that even high doses do not reach the in vitro IC50 value of ivermectin for SARS-CoV-2 reported in the literature. On the other hand, the concentrations of ivermectin in the brain approach the values that can manifest extremely toxic effects described in humans. Veliki odmerki ivermektina povzročajo toksične učinke pri podganah po kratkotrajnem peroralnem dajanju Izvleček: Protiglivični makrociklični laktoni (ML) so najpomembnejše učinkovine v sodobni farmakoterapiji parazitskih okužb. Vendar so med pandemijo covida-19 pri ljudeh proti okužbi z virusom SARS-CoV-2 uporabljali bistveno višje odmerke ivermektina od odobrenih antiparazitičnih odmerkov. Takšna uporaba je bila ustvarjena izključno na podlagi testov in vitro, vendar ni bila uradno odobrena v nobeni državi na svetu. Zato smo izvedli študijo na podganah, ki smo jih 5 dni peroralno zdravili z 0,6, 1,2, 2,4 in 4,8 mg ivermektina na kg telesne teže. Naša preiskava je pokazala, da ivermektin v povišanih odmerkih, ki se uporabljajo pri ljudeh proti virusu SARS-CoV-2 (3-, 6-, 12- in 24-krat večjih od antiparazitskega odmerka 0,2 mg/kg), povzroča spremembe v številu eritrocitov in zvišuje raven jetrnih encimov brez vidnih kliničnih simptomov. Histopatološke spremembe smo zabeležili v jetrih, ledvicah in testisih podgan, največji testirani odmerek pa je povzročil krvavitev v možganskem tkivu. Znano je, da ivermektin kot substrat nekoliko poveča koncentracijo encima P-450 izoforma 3A4, vendar največji testirani odmerek zmanjša njegovo koncentracijo v plazmi na kontrolno raven. Koncentracije ivermektina, zabeležene v plazmi zdravljenih podgan, kažejo, da tudi visoki odmerki ne dosežejo in vitro vrednosti IC50 ivermektina za SARS-CoV2, ki je navedena v literaturi. Po drugi strani pa se koncentracije ivermektina v možganih približujejo vrednostim, ki lahko povzročijo izjemno toksične učinke, opisane pri ljudeh. Ključne besede: ivermektin; toksičnost; SARS-CoV-2; citokrom P-450; P-gp; histopatološke spremembe; podgane

In this paper, the authors investigate the development and scope of the European Political Community as a new initiative of the European Union. The establishment of the European Political Community will be examined in the changed geopolitical context created by the invasion of Ukraine. The European Union aspires to demonstrate its readiness and ability to decisively influence opportunities on the entire continent, especially in circumstances of strategic rivalry with Russia. However, the longer-term goals, and therefore the outcomes of the European Political Community, are not completely clear since the initiative has only existed since the Prague Summit (second half of 2022). The authors are primarily guided by historical analysis (a chronological overview of the development of the initiative) and elements of a liberal intergovernmental approach. The paper argues that if the Initiative is viewed as a format for the occasional gathering of state leaders of all European countries (opposed to aggression against Ukraine), it can be viewed as primarily successful, as evidenced by several summits attended by many European leaders. However, if it is seen as the nucleus of a new international organisation or institutionalised platform for cooperation in Europe, there are many challenges, starting from the fact that many similar bodies already exist (the Council of Europe, the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe, etc.) to the fact that numerous candidates for EU membership have reservations about participating in a format that, hypothetically, can serve as an alternative forfull membership. In this sense, the aspect of institutional identity, i.e., the specific field of action, is considered and, consequently, the purpose of such an initiative, bearing in mind the above-mentioned challenges.

This paper analyses the socio-political position and role of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church in the context of the country’s accession to the European Union. The authors consider these aspects from the perspective of distinctive circumstances and attitudes within the Church, which significantly differed from those of state authorities in the context of European integration. The limitations of the Church in terms of socio-political influence were closely tied to existential challenges, such as schisms and exposure to state intervention, coupled with a low degree of religiosity. Given the extensive reach of the Europeanization process affecting political, economic, and social dimensions and the historical influence of Orthodox churches on political decision-making and public opinion, the authors seek to explore the political ramifications of isolationist tendencies, internal divisions, and public perceptions, coupled with the ambivalence between political pro-Westernism (pro-Europeanism) and religious anti-Westernism. The hypothesis posits that the Church did not have a prominent role in the course of European integration as a consequence of the isolationist tendencies derived from its recent history. To investigate this assumption, the authors rely on the rational choice perspective of religious institutions. Additionally, the authors examine the Church’s recent history and challenges, its unusual position within the Orthodox world, and the geopolitical circumstances that have increasingly marginalised religious authorities in favour of state decision-makers.

In sustainable construction and packaging, the development of novel bio-based materials is crucial, driving a re-evaluation of traditional components. Lightweight, biodegradable materials, including xerogels, have great potential in architectural and packaging applications. However, reinforcing these materials to improve their mechanical strength remains a challenge. Alginate is a promising matrix material that may be compatible with inorganic fibrous or particulate materials. In this study, biocomposite xerogel-structured foam materials based on an alginate matrix with expanded perlite reinforcement are improved using certain additives in different weight ratios. The plasticizers used include glycerol and gum arabic, while chitosan was added as an additional reinforcement, and iota carrageenan was added as a stabilizer. The tested specimens, with varying weight ratios of the added components, showed good mechanical behavior that highlights their potential use as packaging and/or architectural materials. The influence of the presence of different components in the composite material specimens on the modulus of elasticity was investigated using SEM images and FTIR analyses of the specimens. The results show that the specimen with the largest improvement in the elastic modulus contained a combination of chitosan and glycerol at a lower percentage (1.96 MPa), and the specimen with the largest improvement in tensile strength was the specimen containing chitosan with no plasticizers (120 kPa), compared to cases where combinations of other materials are present.

This study adopts a realist approach to explore how geopolitical factors influence the European Union’s (EU) decision to expand into neighbouring regions of strategic importance or vulnerability to major powers’ influence. It specifically examines the obstacles posed by the absence of a unanimous stance on „pre-scheduled” accessions, as seen in the earlier „eastern enlargement” rounds. It is argued that the present geopoliticized EU enlargement policy seems to be guided by realist factors, although it is characterized by an incongruity between strategic rhetoric and strategic actions. This inconsistency between expressed intentions and actual measures is more evident in the Western Balkans than in the Eastern neighbourhood. Through the selected, broadly set realist elements – groupism, egoism and power-centrism – the EU’s foreign policy strategy and behaviour are examined, searching for a gap between the discursive and practical domains in both regions. The research considers that the EU’s response has not predominantly been strategic but rather tactical, reflecting the enlargement policy’s longstanding deficiencies, coupled with the urgent need to extend commitments to the eastern partners facing immediate security threats. Such tendencies are disadvantageous for the Western Balkans, which became a lower priority for the EU despite its chronological precedence in the enlargement domain. While ideally, both enlargement regions should be granted an „accession timetable” along with on-ground democratic reforms, the authors highlight that due to differing geopolitical dynamics and pressure, the outcomes for the two regions may either diverge in terms of potential favouring of the new candidates or, perhaps more likely, converge – meaning that the accession of either region might be postponed once the geopolitical urgency subsides.

The big bud mite Phytoptus avellanae is a resurgent pest of hazelnut, Corylus avellana, causing substantial yields reductions in many productive areas. Mites colonise and develop within healthy buds which become swollen, with subsequent alteration to the plant’s development. To date, there has been limited knowledge on how the cultivar and pest management strategies affect infestations. This study explored these aspects through two ad hoc experiments carried out in central Italy. In the first experiment, the susceptibility of 11 cultivars with different geographic origins was tested in a germplasm hazelnut collection. The second experiment assessed the infestation level in orchards with integrated pest management (IPM) and organic pest management strategies and in a renaturalised environment (a former agricultural area now converted in a natural park). The results showed that the most and the least susceptible cultivars were Tonda Gentile and Nocchione, respectively. No significant differences were found between IPM and organic management, but they were both different to the renaturalised environment. The outcomes of this research can serve as a valuable reference and can be applied to all current or potential hazelnut cultivation areas characterised by the same environmental conditions.

AimThe aim of this paper is to determine the relationship between the modified agility T-test (change of direction speed ability), 20-meter sprint test (linear speed ability), and countermovement jump test (vertical jumping performance) in U-14 and professional senior team sports players.MethodsThe sample included 78 (59 female and 19 male) U-14 athletes (age 11.70 ± 1.33 years, height 153.00 ± 12.20 cm and body mass 47.10 ± 11.20 kg) and 43 (18 female and 25 male) senior professional athletes (age 24.80 ± 6.58 years, height 169.00 ± 9.13 cm and body mass 71.20 ± 15.10 kg). Both samples participated in different team sports including basketball, field hockey, and football. Participants underwent a series of tests to assess their speed, change of direction speed, and explosive power. Speed assessments involved 20-meter sprints (sec), while change of direction speed was measured using the modified agility T-test (sec). Explosive power was evaluated through countermovement jumps (CMJ), where concentric mean force (N), concentric peak force (N), concentric peak velocity (m/s), eccentric peak force (N), jump height (cm), peak power (W), peak power/BM (W/kg), RSI (m/s) and vertical velocity (m/s) were determined. Pearsońs product moment-correlation coefficient (r) served to determine correlations and linear regression was conducted to explain the relationship between the dependent variable (CODS) and independent variables (S20 m and CMJ). The level of statistical significance was set at p 0.05).ConclusionThe study emphasized the influence of explosive power performance (CMJ) and linear speed (S20 m) on agility (CODS) within the sample, particularly among professional senior team sports players. These findings indicate that agility, linear sprinting, and jumping abilities may share common underlying factors.

Hemolysis is a common cause of errors in laboratory tests as it affects blood parameters and leads to a positive or negative bias. This study aims to examine the relationship between the level of hemolysis (expressed as cell-free hemoglobin concentration, g/L) and the variability of metabolic and endocrine parameters and to determine the threshold level of hemolysis that causes an analytically and clinically significant bias for the twenty most frequently examined blood parameters in cows. Paired blood samples of 10 mL each were obtained from 30 cows. One was subjected to mechanical trauma and plasma was extracted directly from the other. Hemolyzed and non-hemolyzed samples from the same animal were mixed to obtain final samples with cell-free hemoglobin concentrations of 0, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 g/L. Metabolic and endocrine parameters were measured in the samples and their deviation and the linear equation between the level of hemolysis and the deviation were determined. The following threshold values of hemolysis were determined, which correspond to the acceptable analytical (lower value) and clinical (upper value) levels of parameter variability: BHB 0.96 and 4.81; NEFA 0.39 and 3.31; GLU 0.38 and 3.90; ALB 1.12 and 6.11; TPROT 1.40 and 6.80; UREA 6.62 and 20.1; TBIL 0.75 and 5.65; AST 0.11 and 2.18; GGT 1.71 and 8.90, LDH 0.01 and 0.11, ALP 0.97 and 2.95; TGC 1.56 and 15.5; CHOL 1.29 and 8.56; Ca 5.68 and 25.7; P 0.57 and 8.43; Mg 1.10 and 8.47; INS 1.15 and 3.89; T3 8.19 and 15.6; T4 8.97 and 18.5; and CORT 2.78 and 11.22 g/L cell-free hemoglobin. Three decision levels are available for each metabolic and endocrine parameter: if hemolysis is below the lower (analytical) threshold value, results can be reported without restriction; if hemolysis is between the lower and upper thresholds, the results can be issued with guidance in the form of corrective linear equations; and if hemolysis is above the upper (clinical) threshold, the results and sample must be discarded. This method contributes to an optimal approach to hemolysis interference with metabolic profile parameters in blood samples from cows.

Objective: Mutation of p53 is detected in more than 50% of human cancers, expression of p53 has a potential prognostic value in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Survivin is a member of the inhibitor of apoptosis protein family, its overexpression is observed in many malignancies, including RCC. The aim of the study was to estimate a correlation between survivin and p53 expression in tumor samples and the histologic type of a tumor, tumor stage, tumor grade, and survival of patients. Materials and Methods: Tumor samples were collected from surgical specimens of 90 patients who underwent radical or partial nephrectomy for RCC between November 2017 and July 2020. Tumors were staged according to the UICC (The Union for International Cancer Control) TNM classification system and histopathologically graded according to Fuhrman nuclear grade system. Histopathological diagnosis was confirmed with standard light microscopic evaluation, using hematoxylin and eosin staining and standard p53 and survivin antibodies. Results: Positive p53 staining was observed in 36.7% of tumor specimens and 24.4% were survivin positive. There was a statistically significant correlation between p53 or survivin expression and histologic subtype of clear cell RCC as well as Type I and II of papillary RCC. There was a statistically significant correlation between p53 expression and tumor size, stage, and grade. The p53 or survivin expression was related to lower overall survival. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that p53 overexpression and survivin positivity in RCC patients could be associated with poor prognosis. Thus, these proteins could be used as prognostic markers in RCC.

AbstractProcessing and characterization of PMMA-MXene composites were investigated. γ-Methacryloxypropyltrimethoxy (MEMO) silane was used to modify the surface of MXenes and improve the compatibility between MXenes and the polymer. The FTIR analysis revealed the formation of a chemical bond between MXene and MEMO silane, while the XPS analysis confirmed the presence of silicon in the functionalized MXene. PMMA composites with non-functionalized and functionalized MXene were prepared using a solution casting method. Tensile tests showed that, compared to neat PMMA, Young’s modulus increased in both composites by 22.1 and 27.6%, respectively. As a result of coupling between the PMMA matrix and the surface-modified MXenes, the tensile strength also increased by about 37%. In addition, optical spectroscopy showed higher absorption for the composite with surface-modified MXenes and short-lived fluorescence with emission intensity sensitive to the crumpling of functionalized MXene nanosheets.

Emerging robotic systems with compliant characteristics, incorporating nonrigid links and/or elastic actuators, are opening new applications with advanced safety features, as well as improved performance and energy efficiency in contact tasks. However, the complexity of such systems poses challenges in modeling and control due to their nonlinear nature and model variations over time. To address these challenges, the paper introduces Locally Weighted Projection Regression (LWPR) and its online learning capabilities to keep the model of compliant actuators accurate and enable the model-based controls to be more robust. The approach is experimentally validated in Cartesian position and stiffness control for a 4 DoF planar robot driven by Variable Stiffness Actuators (VSA), whose real-time implementation is supported by the Sequential Least Squares Programming (SLSQP) optimization approach.

This article analyses the evolving nature of the strategic relationship between Ukraine and the EU since the onset of the second decade of the 21st century. The author aims to show that, although the two sides have for years been elevating their ties through the neighbourhood policy and the Eastern Partnership strategic initiative, Kyiv’s ultimate ambition has always been focused on securing the EU membership perspective. The author considers the Ukrainian EU membership request precarious due to the Union’s concerns over stability, Kyiv’s territorial integrity problems and the ongoing war, the unfavourable impact for the current membership candidates, but also since such a request sets a precedent for the other eastern partners. To explicate the abovementioned aspects, the author primarily uses the historical method and the document analysis, to clarify in greater detail the chief political events which have gradually led towards the current state. Research conclusions point out that, despite Ukraine’s right to apply for EU membership, such a request is unlikely to result in a speedy accession, due to a variety of abovementioned aspects, coupled with a complicated decision-making process in the Union in that regard. In spite of that, the EU intends to continue supporting Ukraine as a strategic partner in a variety of domains, including also an indirect aid in combating the Russian military incursion. The author finds that the EU’s response to the membership application will have extensive ramifications not only on the two parties’ relations, but also on the enlargement policy and the Eastern Partnership domain.

The authors deliberate that the EU’s soft power leadership has been inadequate during certain periods of the pandemic, being additionally challenged by proactive campaigns of other international actors. According to the authors, such EU underperformance primarily lies in the damaging fact that the Union perceives and treats aspects like the inoculation process not solely as a health-humanitarian issue, but also as a geostrategic activity. The authors consider that EU logic has been largely shaped by the pre-existing geopolitical distaste for China and Russia, and hence also their subsequent COVID-19-related engagement in Europe. Apart from strategic rivalries, EU international status has been exacerbated by deteriorating relations with the UK. According to the authors, the aforementioned international actors have been applying various soft power instruments during the mass inoculation process against COVID-19 in Europe, which also resulted in consequences that are usually attributed to hard power. Antagonisms between the abovementioned stakeholders manifest in unfavorable phenomena such as “vaccine nationalism” and “jab geopolitics”. The authors argues that a less selective, and more flexible and pragmatic approach would have been more beneficial both for public health and the EU’s impaired reputation in certain parts of CEE.

Rad nastoji da pokaže kontinuirani britanski otpor prema produbljenju integracija na osnovu analize političkih procesa i izazova tokom članstva Ujedinjenog Kraljevstva u Evropskoj uniji. Autor analizira oklevanje ka produbljivanju britanskog učešća u evropskoj integraciji kroz različite primere, poput dva referenduma o daljem članstvu, izuzeća od evropskih normi i standarda, kao i na osnovu evropskih agendi britanskih vlada tokom poslednje dve decenije. Autor koristi koncepte realističkih teorija i međuvladin princip u svrhu dodatne ilustracije otpora ka produbljivanju integracija, bliže se pojašnjava i ideja o britanskoj izuzetnosti – konstante u britanskoj spoljnoj politici. Rad pokazuje da su britanski političari brojne izazove u Evropskoj uniji u protekloj deceniji koristili radi zadobijanja sve evroskeptičnijih birača, te da su takvi narativi doprineli ne samo podršci Bregzitu, već i političkoj, identitetskoj, regionalnoj i drugoj polarizaciji. Autor zaključuje da Ujedinjeno Kraljevstvo istupanjem iz Unije gubi poseban status koji je činio i važan izvor njegovog međunarodnog uticaja, a odnosi dveju strana se unazađuju u vidu sve većeg nepoverenja. Izgradnja održivih i produbljenih transatlantskih veza u kratkom roku nije naročito realna, imajući u vidu izolacionističke i jednostrane tendencije aktuelne američke administracije.

Silica particles were obtained from rice husk to which layered double hydroxide particles were deposited (weight ratio 1 : 1). Fe2+-Al3+ layered double hydroxides (FeAl-LDH) were synthesized by co-precipitation with ratios Fe : Al of 3 : 1 in the presence of SiO2 particles from the rice husk. Characterization of the synthesized FeAl-LDH@SiO2 particles was performed by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy with EDS. Prepared FeAl-LDH@SiO2 particles were used as reinforcing agents in 1, 3 and 5 wt% quantity in poly (methyl) methacrylate matrix. The aim of this study was to examine whether FeAl-LDH@SiO2 particles affect the mechanical properties of polymer composite materials. The morphology of the composites was examined using a field emission scanning electron microscope. Microindentation, tensile and impact testing determined the mechanical properties of the obtained composites.

Rad analizira sprovođenje politike proširenja krajem druge decenije 21. veka koje se odvija u značajno drugačijim okolnostima i po izmenjenoj dinamici u odnosu na prethodne cikluse „istočnih proširenja”. Bezmalo dve decenije region tzv. Zapadnog Balkana obuhvaćen je politikom proširenja Evropske unije. Za razliku od prethodnih ciklusa „istočnih proširenja” koji su sprovođeni u drugačijim okolnostima i bili regionalno-strateški usmereniji u svom pristupu, te su čitave grupe zemalja istovremeno stupale u članstvo Unije, u poslednjoj deceniji sve je veći fokus na strogo bilateralnom odnosu Brisela sa svakim kandidatom, na pojedinačnim zaslugama u „pristupnoj regati”, i na intenzivnijem i što ranijem uslovljavanju, što u kombinaciji sa izmenjenim međunarodnim okolnostima ishoduje drugačijim tretmanom zemalja koje su obuhvaćene aktuelnom politikom proširenja. Rad ukazuje da su razlozi za to izmenjene političke prilike i izazovi u funkcionisanju Unije, drugačiji međunarodni kontekst, kao i nedovoljni napredak u preostalim zemaljama „neintegrisanog” jugoistoka Evrope. Autor zaključuje da će, sa pristupnom politikom koja posustaje i uporedo sa razmatranjem planovima za reforme same Unije po modelu koncentričnih krugova integracije, dalje pristupanje zemalja Uniji zadržati drugačiju dinamiku u odnosu na prethodne cikluse proširenja i potencijalno ishodovati i drugačijim vidom integracije.

Previous experimental models on cows have examined the difference in the metabolic adaptation in cows after niacin administration, without identifying the most important mediators between niacin administration and its biological effects, namely active forms of niacin. All tissues in the body convert absorbed niacin into its main metabolically active form, the coenzyme nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP). The aim of this study was to determine the influence of niacin administration in periparturient period on NAD, NADP and the NAD:NADP ratio and to determine relationship between these indicators of an active form of niacin with metabolic parameters in cow blood. The study included 90 healthy cows: 45 cows receiving niacin and 45 cows were negative control. The niacin group was treated with nicotinic acid for two weeks before, as well as two weeks after parturition. Nicotinic acid was applied per os with feed. In cows receiving niacin, there was a significantly higher concentration of NAD and NADP, but the NAD:NADP ratio did not differ compared with control. All three indicators were able to separate cows who received and who did not receive additional niacin. NAD and NADP are good indicators of the availability of niacin from additional sources. The NAD:NADP ratio is a good indicator of the biological effect of applied niacin on metabolites in cows due to its correlation with a number of metabolites: positive correlation with glucose, insulin, glucose to insulin ratio and the revised quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (RQUICKIBHB) of insulin resistance, triglycerides and cholesterol, and a negative correlation with nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA), beta hydroxybutyrate (BHB), gamma-glutamyltranspherase (GGT) and urea in cows receiving niacin. The same amount of added niacin in feed can produce different concentrations of NAD, NADP and NAD:NADP in the blood, and this was not related to their concentration before the addition of niacin. The change in the concentration of the active form of niacin (NAD, NADP and NAD:NADP) further correlates with the concentration of metabolic parameters, which indicates that the intensity of the biological effect of additional niacin can be accurately determined only if we know the concentrations of its active forms in blood. Under basal conditions (without additional niacin), active forms of niacin that already exist in the blood do not show significant correlations with metabolic parameters.

Gelatin-polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and gelatin-poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) mucoadhesive buccal films loaded with propranolol hydrochloride (PRH) were prepared by semi-solid extrusion 3D printing. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the synthetic polymers PVP and PVA on thermal and mechanical properties and drug release profiles of gelatin-based films. The Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy showed that hydrogen bonding between gelatin and PVP formed during printing. In the other blend, neither the esterification of PVA nor gelatin occurred. Differential scanning calorimetry revealed the presence of partial helical structures. In line with these results, the mechanical properties and drug release profiles were different for each blend. Formulation with gelatin-PVP and PRH showed higher tensile strength, hardness, and adhesive strength but slower drug release than formulation with gelatin-PVA and PRH. The in silico population simulations indicated increased drug bioavailability and decreased inter-individual variations in the resulting pharmacokinetic profiles compared to immediate-release tablets. Moreover, the simulation results suggested that reduced PRH daily dosing can be achieved with prolonged-release buccal films, which improves patient compliance.

Investigation of the quality of air includes a series of specific emission and immision measurements of pollutants and it is regulated by domestic and foreign laws. The urban traffic is considered one of the emitters of noxious matters in the air. The emission of exhaust gases from the internal combustion engines is the source of numerous pollutants: burned or partially burned hydrocarbon, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, soot, etc. The paper presents a numerical model that enables prevention of carbon monoxide concentration in the air based on air parameters measured through forming algebraic polynomials by the least-squares method. The measurement of parameters was performed in the Republic Institute of Public Health, at the location near the National Theatre in the Mediana Municipality, the City of Niš. The numerical model was realized in the symbolic system of Mathematica. Based on the formed model, numerical results are given related to the monitoring of carbon monoxide in the air caused by the traffic pollution.

The air temperature is one of the major climatic parameter. As climatic parameter, it provides energy for evaporation, transpiration and water vapor cycling that determine the value of evapotranspiration. The air is heated by the earth's surface and by the solar radiation. Evaporation amount depend largely on the air temperature. Almost all methods for evapotranspiration estimation are based on climatic parameters, and only few methods use only temperature data.

This paper describes a research on Brucella ovis infection in rams in the Pirot Municipality of South Serbia. A positive result with indirect immunoenzyme test (i-ELISA) was confirmed in 67 (29.8%) and suspicious in 31 (13.8%) out of 225 tested rams. Complement fixation test (CFT) was used as a confirmation test on 67 ELISA positive sera and gave positive reaction in 41 (61.2%) ram serum samples. Rams originated from 113 flocks with 4751 sheep, from 28 villages in the Pirot Municipality of southern Serbia. Clinical examination was performed on epididymis and testes of 12 rams from 7 seropositive flocks by inspection and palpation. The examination showed scrotum asymmetry and unilateral increase of the epididymistail in 5 (41.7%) out of 12 seropositive rams. Pathomorphological examination of testes and epididymis confirmed pathological changes in 7 (58.3%) of the 12 examined rams. One-sided epididymitis with pronounced hypertrophy of the epididymitis was also confirmed. Twelve rams were tested for the presence of bacteria, i.e. 21 epididymis, testes and lymph nodes samples. We isolated 20 Brucella strains from 11 (91.7%) of the 12 examined animals. All isolates were identified with bacteriological and molecular techniques as B. ovis. This is the first evidence of ovine epididymitis (B. ovis) in Republic of Serbia.

The fire was uncontrolled burning process that endangers human health, material assets and the environment. The protection from fire means a set of measures and actions for planning, financing, organization, implementation, control and actions for fire protection, to prevent compaction and spread of fire its detection and fire fighting, rescue people and property, protect the environment, and to identify and eliminate the cause of the fire. One of the most important factors is the resistance of building materials to fire and its protection as not to cause a greater spread of fire, loss of life and substantial property damage. Based on the reaction to fire, building materials are assessed and classified in accordance with DIN EN 13501-1.

It is known that various postural deformities affect the eficiency of motor abilities, especilly if the status of longitudinal foot arch, which indirectly affects the whole locomotive system. Previous studies have different approaches and conclusions regarding this issue. Our research was conducted on sample of 75 boys, aged 11-12, participants of athletic school in Novi Sad. Variables’sample consisted of two motor tests: standing long jump and running at 20 meters from high start. The foot status of participants was determinated, in terms of the existence of possible longitudal arch deformities. Based on these variables the total participants’ sample is devided in two sub-samples (group 1 & group 2). Measurement of motor abilities was performed by standard protocol with the written consent of parents. The foot status was determined by using computerised digitalised podography. By using MANOVA, ANOVA and discriminant analysis we came to the results that there are no statistically significant differences in the manifestation of motor abilities which are responsibile for explosive strength and speed between boys with and without deformities.

On a sample of 62 resopndets, of which 31 soccer player and 31 tennis player, ages 10 to 13, t-test for two independent groups was determined that there was no statistically significant difference between the results achived in three motor tests: long jumps from place, triple jumps feom place and running in 20 meters. It was concluded that differences in motoric abilities of the respondents in this age were not statisticaly significant.

The idea of reinforcing glued laminated timber (glulam) beams came in response to the need to improve the mechanical properties, as well as to ensure higher reliability of this type of structural elements. This paper describes an experimental program which examines the reinforcement in flexure of glulam beams with carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) plates. Fifteen beams reinforced with CFRP at the tension side and five unreinforced control beams were instrumented and tested to failure in a four-point bending configuration. The mechanical properties of reinforced beams are compared to those of unreinforced beams with regard to the load-deflection behaviour, failure mode, ultimate load capacity, stiffness and strain distribution. The experimental results demonstrated the beneficial effect of the proposed reinforcing solution in terms of strength, stiffness and ductility.

In the paper works of many authors dealing with the rules which regulate the relationships between the confronted sides in armed conflicts, there are often used the following names referring to these rules: international war law and international humanitarian law, not rarely there is used the name of international war and humanitarian law, and, recently, there has been used the name of international humanitarian law of armed conflicts. Certain authors divide these rules into two groups according to the time of their beginnings, so they call them “the Hague law” and “the Geneva law”. The Hague law refers to the rules of organizing military actions (the warring rules), and the Geneva law refers to the rules of protecting the endangered categories of individuals in armed conflicts. Since this division concerning the names is getting less and less significant both in practical and theoretical sense, the author has tried to represent the developing way of the names of this branch of international public law as well as to point at those basic changes thi branch of law has been endured going over the way from warring to humanitarian rules.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate differences in countermovement jump (CMJ) force–time metrics between male and female youth basketball players. Methods: Twenty-two female and seventeen male basketball players (ages 12–16) performed CMJs on a portable force plate system (VALD Performance). The data collected were analyzed for differences in force–time characteristics, specifically during the concentric and eccentric phases of the CMJ. Results: The results showed no statistically significant differences in anthropometric characteristics between the sexes. However, male athletes demonstrated better performance in several force–time metrics during the concentric phase of the CMJ, including concentric impulse, peak velocity, and mean power, ultimately leading to higher vertical jump heights. Sex-specific differences in the eccentric phase were less pronounced, though males exhibited greater relative eccentric mean power. Conclusions: The findings suggest that male players tend to display greater force and power-producing capabilities during the propulsive (concentric) phase of the CMJ. These differences highlight the importance of tailoring training programs to address specific needs, particularly focusing on enhancing concentric force and power production in female basketball players.

Abstract The outstanding performance of superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPDs) has expanded their application areas from quantum technologies to astronomy, space communication, imaging, and LiDAR. As a result, there has been a surge in demand for these devices, that commercial products cannot readily meet. Consequently, more research and development efforts are being directed towards establishing in-house SNSPD manufacturing, leveraging existing nano-fabrication capabilities that can be customized and fine-tuned for specific needs. We report on the implementation of an end-to-end workflow for SNSPD fabrication and characterization, from superconducting film growth to meander nanowire fabrication and their integration with electrical readout circuits and optical testbeds. An essential aspect of this research involved identifying the key parameters of our workflow and developing reliable procedures for their optimization. As an outcome, the ab initio development of SNSPD technology yielded devices with characteristics comparable to commercial devices at a wavelength of 1550 nm, making them well-suited for telecommunication and integrated quantum systems. This report aims to provide useful insights to those entering the field and accelerate the establishment of superconducting detector technology and its application across various domains.

Abstract Background Following years of pandemic severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infections labelled Covid-19, long lasting impairment summarized as post-Covid syndrome (PCS) challenges worldwide healthcare. Patients benefit from rehabilitation programs, but sex specific aspects of improvement remain little understood. The aim of the study was to assess whether women and men differ in response to outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation for PCS. Methods 263 (54.4% female) patients partaking in outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation (OPR) due to PCS between March 2020 and July 2022 were included in a prospective observational cohort study. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and before discharge from OPR and included six-minute walking distance (6MWD), 1-second forced expiratory volume (FEV1), diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide, maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), dyspnea (medical research council scale), and post-Covid functional status scale (PCFS). Sexspecific changes in outcomes following OPR were assessed by linear mixed model and presented as mean differences (MD) with 95% confidence intervals. Linear regression was applied to test whether 6MWD correlates with PCFS and the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) in 6MWD regarding an improvement of at least one point in PCFS was computed with logistic regression. Results Significant improvement throughout OPR was observed for all outcomes (all p