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An economical approach for incorporating Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) onto DP-2 vessels is presented in this research. The paper deals with developing a Battery Optimization for Optimal Sizing and Throughput Energy Regulation (BOOSTER) framework for putting research findings into practice by optimizing battery size, technology choice and power generation scheduling while considering battery degradation. Twelve battery sizes are analyzed based on three key performance metrics: return on investment, payback period, and years of profitability. A Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) is developed to operate the energy and power management system of the vessel in a fuel and economically efficient manner. The study considers two load profiles of a DP-2 vessel operating near Taiwan and the North Sea. Our findings emphasize the significance of taking battery ownership costs in the form of energy throughput cost and fuel price into account, resulting in a longer battery lifetime and higher return on investment. The research also proposes a BESS operation matrix that provides vessel operators with valuable information on BESS usage for economic benefits. This matrix translates analytics and decision-making into tangible actions that can be implemented in real-time operations. Based on the findings, energy systems may be optimized for a sustainable future, which benefits vessel operators and industry stakeholders.

The current formal common denominator of the electricity supply system in Europe has been the Harmonized Electricity Market Role Model (HEMRM) set up by ENTSO-E, ebIX, and EFET at the turn of the millennium; it introduced the concept of de-coupling and the vertical structuring of the system into the previously vertically integrated system. Since then, within demonstration projects, the system has been undergoing further changes in a controlled environment, generating bottom-up energy, caused by new technologies, business models, and new players, and extending the concept of the system to the level of energy communities and prosumers. Therefore, this paper proposes a coherent approach to the extension of HEMRM to the lowest levels in both the grid and market segments—full harmonization. This entails further structuring of both segments downwards and applying the principles of vertically nested subsystems—a system of systems approach—to a unit functional level of the electricity system, which can be the prosumer itself. At the lowest levels, the de-coupled system becomes coupled; additionally, it cross-sects with other energy vectors. Complete harmonization reduces the number of system and market segments and represents system standardization, leading to both subsystem and system-wide optimization. Prerequisites for it include the automated trading of flexibilities by the prosumers and implicit trading of energy transfer capacities along the distribution grids. The energy reservoirs, implicit and explicit, short-term, and long-term, play a vital role in techno-economic balancing.

In the first half of the 18th century, following the establishment of the two Magistrates, German and Rascian, in Timisoara were created the armed Citizen Guards, which had both a military role, being involved in the Austro- Turkish conflict of 1738–1739, and a civil one, ensuring the security and city order, quarantine in hospitals etc. Known as Bürgergarde and Freie Compagnie, these units are quite rarely mentioned in documents until 1781. With the granting of the rights of free royal city in 1781, the Citizen Guards were reorganized in Timisoara, being equipped with new uniforms, weapons and flags. According to the preserved statistical data, in 1782 the German guard had 154 members, and the Serbian guard had 118 members. The German and Serbian detachments of the Citizen Guard were placed under the command of the mayor of the city. Two decades later, in 1809, the Citizen Guard from Timisoara counted 1400 pedestrians and a company of 100 horsemen. The cavalry division, equipped similar to the Austrian dragoon units, was generally recruited from the German population, while the infantry was recruited from the German and Serbian citizens, but organized separately. The two M. 1836 helmets kept in the collection of the National Museum of Banat are among the few pieces of this type owned by museums in our country. Over time identified with the Shooting Society or with the fire brigade, the helmets are originally of military origin, being produced for the Austrian cavalry officers, during the reign of the emperor Ferdinand I (1835–1848). The Citizen Guard from Timisoara adopted helmets in the equipment of the cavalry company, later the equipment being generalized to all units of the Guard. Dissolved in 1848, the Citizen Guard in its old structure was not re-established in the following period. The pompous equipment of the past ended up in the patrimony of the families of the former guards and in the props of the Shooting Societies, societies established by the members of the Guard. Two of the M.1836 helmets once worn by the members of the Citizen Guard became part, through the kindness of Meskó Béla and Babusnik Emil, of the museum’s collection, being today among the most attractive exhibits of the military collection.

Agricultural waste is underutilized, and sometimes burning them has a negative impact on the environment and human health. This research investigates the untapped potential of extracts from maize, wheat and sunflower waste as natural materials for cutaneous, specifically, cosmetic application. The possibility of incorporating lipid and ethanol extracts from wheat, maize, and sunflower into creams was investigated together with their potential contribution to the structural and functional properties of the topical formulations. Results of the physicochemical characterization show that investigated extracts can be successfully incorporated into creams with satisfactory stability. All extracts showed a desirable safety profile and good antimicrobial activity against various microorganisms. Lipid extracts have proven to be promising structural ingredients of the oil phase, contributing to the spreadability, occlusivity, and emollient effect. Ethanol extracts influenced washability and stickiness of the formulation and could be considered as prospective ingredients in self-preserving formulations. The extracts affected the sensory properties of the creams, mainly the smell and color. These results suggest that the extracts from wheat, maize, and sunflower waste could be used as multifunctional natural ingredients for cosmetic formulations which can replace less sustainable raw materials. This also represents a valorization of waste and is in line with broader sustainability goals.

In the production of refined sunflower oil, waxes are removed during the winterization stage, and wax crystals are separated through filtration assisted by filtration aids. Commonly used filtration aids in oil refining include perlite and diatomaceous earth. After winterization, a significant amount of filter cake remains as a by-product and is treated as waste. Today, natural cellulose fibers are being promoted as filtration aids. Their advantages are numerous, both in the production process and from an environmental perspective. However, their only disadvantage is their higher cost. Therefore, in this study, 57 filtration cycles during the industrial sunflower oil winterization step using cellulose-based filtration aids were monitored. Different process parameters, including the pressure differential on the filter, the flow rate of filtered oil, constant pressure period, the quantity of filtered oil, filtration time, the quantity of pre-coating and dosing filtration aids, the volume of filtered oil, the concentration of dosing filtration aid, as well as the mass of separated waxes, were observed. Additionally, artificial neural networks were applied to predict process parameters, optimize the process, and, above all, determine the dosage of filtration aids, which will make the process more economical. The optimal filtration process is performed at a pressure differential of 3.3 bar, lasting a total of 39 h, with 32 h at constant pressure, resulting in 322,503 kg of filtered oil and 90.41 kg of waxes. The optimal quantity of cellulose-based filtration aids employed for pre-coat was 80 kg, and for dosing, 375 kg, with an optimal concentration of 0.12% w/w.

A lack of strategies for the utilization of harvest residues (HRs) has led to serious environmental problems due to an accumulation of these residues or their burning in the field. In this study, wheat and corn HRs were used as feedstock for the production of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) by treatment with 2–8% sodium hydroxide, 10% hydrogen peroxide and further hydrolysis with 1–2 M hydrochloric acid. The changes in the FT-IR spectra and PXRD diffractograms after chemical treatment confirmed the removal of most of the lignin, hemicellulose and amorphous fraction of cellulose. A higher degree of crystallinity was observed for MCC obtained from corn HRs, which was attributed to a more efficient removal of lignin and hemicellulose by a higher sodium hydroxide concentration, which facilitates the dissolution of amorphous cellulose during acid hydrolysis. MCC obtained from HRs exhibited lower bulk density and poorer flow properties but similar or better tableting properties compared to commercial MCC (CeolusTM PH101). The lower ejection and detachment stress suggests that MCC isolated from HRs requires less lubricant compared to commercial MCC. This study showed that MCC isolated from wheat and corn HRs exhibits comparable tableting behaviour like commercial sample, further supporting this type of agricultural waste utilization.

The European eel encounters challenges in achieving sexual maturation in captivity, which has been a concern for researchers. This study explores surrogate broodstock technology as an alternative approach for eel production. The present study aimed to evaluate zebrafish and European sea bass as potential recipients for European eel spermatogonia transplantation, given the abundance of eel type A spermatogonia (SPGA). Immature European eel testes were dissected and maintained at 4 °C or cryopreserved. SPGA were obtained by dissociation of fresh or post-thawed tissue, employing an enzymatic solution, and then labelled with fluorescent membrane marker PKH26. SPGA from fresh tissue were transplanted into wild-type zebrafish larvae and triploid European sea bass larvae, while SPGA from cryopreserved testis were transplanted into vasa::egfp transgenic zebrafish larvae. One-and-a-half months post-transplantation (mpt), fluorescent donor cells were not detected in the gonads of zebrafish or European sea bass. Molecular qPCR analyses at 1.5 or 6 mpt did not reveal European eel-specific gene expression in the gonads of any transplanted fish. The findings suggest that the gonadal microenvironments of zebrafish and European sea bass are unsuitable for the development of European eel spermatogonia, highlighting distinctive spermatogonial stem cell migration mechanisms within teleost species

IntroductionExternal stressors, such as COVID-19 pandemic and earthquake, can cause an increase in substance use and addictive behavior in persons with severe mental illnesses (SMI). We analyzed the changes and predictors of substance use and addictive behavior in SMI during these double disasters in Croatia.MethodsQuestionnaires exploring the presence of substance or behavior addiction disorder, mental ill health [Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21 (DASS-21), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory-Revised], coping mechanisms, and perceived social support [Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS)] were administered among 90 participants with SMI included in the RECOVER-E study in May/June 2020 (first COVID-19 wave, Zagreb earthquake) and in December 2020/January 2021 (second COVID-19 wave, Petrinja earthquake).ResultsIn both time points, a major increase was observed in tobacco smoking (25.0%; 28.6%, respectively) predicted by discontinuation of antidepressants and higher DASS-21 score. Increased sedative use was observed (24.4%; 23.8%, respectively) predicted by higher PSS and ISI scores, lower MSPSS scores, antipsychotic discontinuation and not receiving community mental health team (CMHT) service.DiscussionIn persons with SMI during a double disaster special attention needs to be given to reducing mental-ill health and stress, providing social support and continuity of psychiatric care, through medications and CMHTs.

In fluorides, the M4+ cations of M = Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Ge, Sn, and Pb favour the octahedral coordination of six F ligands. Some examples of M4+ with larger cations (M = Zr, Hf, W) in octahedral coordination are also known. If not enough F ligands are available to have isolated MIVF6 octahedra, they must share their F ligands. The crystal structures of such fluoride metalates (IV) show the variety of possible structural motifs of the zero-dimensional oligomeric anions [M2F11]3− (M = Ti, Cr), [M3F15]3− (M = Zr, Hf), [M3F16]4− (M = Ge), [M4F18]2− (M = Ti, W), [M4F19]3− (M = Ti), [M4F20]4− (M = Ti), [M5F23]3− (M = Ti), [M6F27]3− (M = Ti), [M6F28]4− (M = Ti), [M8F36]4− (M = Ti, Mn), [M10F45]5− (M = Ti) to one-dimensional chains ([MF5]−)∞ (M = V, Ti, Cr, Ge, Sn, Pb), double chains ([M2F9]−)∞ (M = Ti, Mn), columns ([M3F13]−)∞ (M = Ti), ([M4F19]3−)∞ (M = Ti), ([M7F30]2−)∞ (M = Ti), ([M9F38]2−)∞) (M = Ti), two-dimensional layers ([M2F9]−)∞ (M = Cr), ([M8F33]−)∞ (M = Ti), and three-dimensional ([M6F27]3−)∞ (M = Ti) architectures. A discrete monomeric [M2F9]− anion with two MIVF6 octahedra sharing a common face has not yet been experimentally demonstrated, while two examples containing discrete dimeric [M2F10]2− anions (M = Ti) with two MIVF6 octahedra sharing an edge are still in question.

The present study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant capacity of ethanolic extracts from post-harvest sunflower and maize stalk residues, and their impact on the chemical composition, physicochemical parameters, lipid oxidative stability, microbiological properties, and sensory characteristics of pork liver pâtés over a 90-day storage period. Four formulations were prepared: a control group (CON), a batch with butylated hydroxytoluene as a synthetic antioxidant (BHT), 1% ethanolic extract from sunflower residues (SSRE), and 1% ethanolic extract from maize residues (MSRE). The MSRE had a higher total phenol content and showed better antioxidant activity relative to the SSRE (p < 0.01). The addition of SSRE decreased the lightness and increased the redness in the pork liver pâtés, with these pâtés showing the highest total color difference compared to the control (p < 0.01). The crop extracts increased the n-6 and total PUFA contents in pâtés and improved the PUFA/SFA ratio (p < 0.01). Formulations containing crop residue extracts showed higher TBARs and POV values than the control and BHT group (p < 0.01), indicating a pro-oxidant effect and accelerated lipid oxidation in pâtés during storage. As far as microbiological quality, the presence of crop residue extracts decreased the total viable count, lactic acid bacteria, and psychotropic aerobic bacteria (p < 0.01). The incorporation of crop extracts in the pork pâtés impaired their sensory quality, particularly color, odor, aroma, and flavor, and decreased their overall acceptability. These results indicated that, while the crop residue extracts were not as effective as synthetic antioxidants in preserving the lipid stability of pâtés, they demonstrated potential for enhancing the microbial quality of this type of meat product.

Trade, as a form of commodity-money relations, has a long history. It begins with the first forms of exchange of goods for money and other valuables. Given that the purpose of trade is the acquisition of profit based on the sale and purchase of goods and services, this activity undoubtedly enabled the commercial class of society to accumulate significant wealth. This is why merchants are considered to be among the wealthiest people in the society, from the beginning of the first states, up to the present day. However, trading often represents an ‘ideal’ way of acquiring illegal gains, which can rapidly increase if it is carried out over a long period of time. The suppression of various forms of illegal trade is carried out at the legal and institutional level. Hence, regulations in this field can be classified into basic ones (governing trading activities), criminal ones (specifying particular criminal offenses), and misdemeanor ones (prescribing penalties for legal entities and individuals). The legal peculiarity in regulating trade, including its legal forms, lies in the extensive catalog of different procedures. In the field of criminal law, there is an independent criminal offense of the same name with multiple forms. In our country, judicial practice is full of various cases in which the criminal ingenuity of the actors of illegal trade is especially manifested. The inspection authorities are the society’s first line of defense against various forms of illicit trade. In the process of carrying out regular and extraordinary supervision, they observe and initiate investigation into the responsibility for offenses in the domain of illegal trade. In the field of criminal law, there is an independent criminal offense of the same name, which has several forms. Consequently, this paper gives an overview of the legal mechanisms for suppressing illegal trade in our country.

Abstract Saprolegnia parasitica causes saprolegniosis, a disease responsible for significant economic losses in aquaculture and declines of fish populations in the wild, but the knowledge of its distribution and prevalence in the environment is limited. We developed a fast, sensitive and specific S. parasitica droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) assay and demonstrated its applicability for the detection and quantification of the pathogen in environmental samples: swab DNA collected from the host (trout skin, surface of eggs) and environmental DNA extracted from water. The developed assay was used to assess how abiotic (i.e. physico-chemical parameters of the water) and biotic (health status of the host) factors influence the S. parasitica load in the environment. The pathogen load in water samples was positively correlated with some site-specific abiotic parameters such as electrical conductivity (EC) and calcium, while fluorides were negatively correlated, suggesting that physico-chemical parameters are important for determining S. parasitica load in natural waters. Furthermore, skin swabs of injured trout had significantly higher pathogen load than swabs collected from healthy fish, confirming that S. parasitica is a widespread opportunistic pathogen. Our results provide new insights into various environmental factors that influence the distribution and abundance of S. parasitica.

The complex geometry of Francis turbine components can be defined parametrically so that automatic optimization techniques based on parametrization can be used. This is convenient for a hydraulic redesign of individual turbine elements. Considering the importance of the guide vane cascade in defining the flow entering the runner, a parametric design tool is established to design the stationary parts of a Francis turbine with variable-speed capabilities and optimize the guide vanes. For a given runner geometry and turbine operating conditions, variety of different guide vane designs may be produced. The calculation procedure for obtaining the curves which are basis for generating the stationary turbine components is performed in the software MATLAB. The script is then connected with the Computational Fluid Dynamics and Finite Element Method analysis software ANSYS Workbench to automate the process of geometry generation, meshing, modelling and simulation of three-dimensional stationary water flow in the turbine and structural analysis of the guide vanes. The tool proves to be very useful for collecting results related to the guide vane hydraulic and mechanical performance, towards obtaining an optimal guide vane design. A model of a Francis turbine is used as a test case.

The paper presents the results of three different ways of storing the dried mass of hay: bulk, small bales and large roll bales, as well as the impact of three drying methods: natural in the field, artificial drying with cold air and drying with dehumidification (warm air). In the tested meadow in the first swath, the results of chemical analyses showed differences in the method of drying hay. Regarding the tested drying method, the content of dry matter (DM) had significant differences between the storage methods as well as all variants with pre-heated air drying, where the average value of DM was in the interval of 86.18-93.01%. The content of mineral substances for certain methods of preparation and drying ranged from 5.77% to 7.72% on average. The highest content of crude proteins was in all variants of artificial drying and it ranged from 98.6 to 165.7 g/kg DM and had a statistically significant difference. Both methods of artificial post-drying had a significant impact on the cellulose content (33.76% to 28.86%) compared to drying in the traditional way because postponing the mowing time increases the cellulose content. The drying method had a statistically high significant difference on the content of neutral detergent fibres (NDF) and acidic detergent fibres (ADF), while the method of storage had no major impact. Knowledge of changes in the quality of hay during the growing season is of particular importance form the aspect of ruminant nutrition and balanced rations. The amount and quality of obtained hay is significantly affected by the time of mowing, height of mowing, swath, fertilization, floristic composition and weather conditions during drying of the green mass.

Large quantities of agricultural residues are generated every year. Most of the crop-based residues are underutilized, mainly left to decay on the land or to be burnt, which can lead to an increase in a load of environmental pollution. Considering this, different strategies have been developed to use these renewable resources as raw materials for the production of bioactive compounds, their isolation and characterization, and potential application in a wide range of fields, particularly in the food industry as natural preservatives. In this study, the antibacterial efficacy of wheat, sunflower, and maize crop residue ethanolic extracts against six bacterial strains (Salmonella Typhimurium, Salmonella Enteritidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes and Yersinia enterocolitica) was evaluated by the broth microdilution method. Used extracts inhibited the growth of selected microorganisms with a minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 320 μg/mL for most of the tested bacteria. L. monocytogenes showed a MIC value of 640 μg/mL for wheat ethanolic extract, and the MIC value of sunflower ethanolic extract for S. Typhimurium was 160 μg/mL. There were no minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values for any of the bacteria within the extract’s concentration ranges tested (≤ 2560 μg/mL). The results of the present study indicate that crop residue ethanolic extracts could exhibit bacteriostatic effect and therefore have the potential as natural additives in food preservation.

In this study, green synthesis of two derivatives of coumarin–hydroxybenzohydrazide, (E)-2,4-dioxo-3-(1-(2-(2,3,4-trihydroxybenzoyl)hydrazyl)ethylidene)-chroman-7-yl acetate (C–HB1), and (E)-2,4-dioxo-3-(1-(2-(3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoyl)hydrazyl)ethylidene)chroman-7-yl acetate (C–HB2) is reported. Using vinegar and ethanol as a catalyst and solvent, the reactions were carried out between 3-acetyl-4-hydroxy-coumarin acetate and corresponding trihydroxybenzoyl hydrazide. The antioxidant potential of these compounds was investigated using the DPPH and ABTS assays, as well as the FRAP test. The obtained results reveal that even at very low concentrations, these compounds show excellent radical scavenging potential. The IC50 values for C-HB1 and C-HB2 in relation to the DPPH radical are 6.4 and 2.5 μM, respectively, while they are 4.5 and 2.0 μM in relation to the ABTS radical. These compounds have antioxidant activity that is comparable to well-known antioxidants such as gallic acid, NDGA, and trolox. These results are in good correlation with theoretical parameters describing these reactions. Moreover, it was found that inhibition of DPPH● follows HAT, while inactivation of ABTS+● follows SET-PT and HAT mechanisms. Additionally, coumarin–hydroxybenzohydrazide derivatives induced moderate cytotoxic activity and show significant potential to modulate redox status in HCT-116 colorectal cancer cells. The cytotoxicity was achieved via their prooxidative activity and ability to induce oxidative stress in cancer cells by increasing O2˙− concentrations, indicated by increased MDA and GSH levels. Thus, ROS manipulation can be a potential target for cancer therapies by coumarins, as cancer cells possess an altered redox balance in comparison to normal cells. According to the ADMET analysis, the compounds investigated show good pharmacokinetic and toxicological profiles similar to vitamin C and gallic acid, which makes them good candidates for application in various fields of industry and medicine.

S-metolachlor is one of the most frequently used herbicides worldwide. However, toxicity studies of this herbicide to aquatic organisms are scarce. In the present study, two experiments were conducted to test the effects of S-metolachlor on common carp, one of the most economically important fish species, with a distribution throughout the world: (1) 96 h acute semi-static toxicity test, aiming to determine LC50; (2) a subchronic semi-static test that lasted 28 days, in which juvenile carp were exposed to 3%, 8%, and 25% of previously determined LC50—0.5 mg·L−1, 1.4 mg·L−1, and 4.1 mg·L−1, respectively. Several biomarkers were employed to assess fish responses to toxicants. Blood biochemistry analysis and nuclear alterations of erythrocytes did not show any difference among experimental groups. Semi-quantitative histopathological analysis revealed mild alterations in the gills and liver, where oedema of secondary epithelium of gills and leukocyte infiltration in liver were significantly higher in fish exposed to 1.4 mg·L−1 and 4.1 mg·L−1. Histopathological indices in liver, as well as the total histopathological index, also showed significantly higher scores in the same groups. Bioconcentration factors of S-metolachlor ranged from 3.2 to 9.4, depending on the experimental group.

Abstract Aims Carpal tunnel (CT) syndrome is a recognized red‐flag of cardiac amyloidosis (CA) and increased cardiovascular (CV) morbidity. We designed this study to characterize the CV profile of patients with CT syndrome at the time of first surgery and to identify high‐risk presentations. Methods and results We retrospectively reviewed 643 patients who underwent CT surgery between 2007 and 2019. Of them, 130 patients (77 years, 45% male patients, left ventricular ejection fraction 62%) with available CV characterization within ±12 months from CT surgery were included. Abnormal loading conditions causing cardiac left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) were investigated to distinguish explained LVH (Ex‐LVH) from unexplained LVH (Un‐LVH). LVH was found in 66 (51%) patients, 33% of them presented Un‐LVH. Compared with the others, Un‐LVH patients were older (77 and 75 vs. 70 years in Un‐LVH, Ex‐LVH, and non‐LVH, respectively; P = 0.002), had higher rates of electrocardiogram‐echo discrepancy (70%, 14.3%, and 1.6%, respectively; P

Pyridoxylidene-aminoguanidine (PLAG) and its transition metal complexes are biologically active compounds with interesting properties. In this contribution, three new metal-PLAG complexes, Zn(PLAG)(SO4)(H2O)].∙H2O (Zn-PLAG), [Co(PLAG)2]SO4∙2H2O (Co-PLAG), and [Fe(PLAG)2]SO4∙2H2O) (Fe-PLAG), were synthetized and characterized by the X-ray crystallography. The intermolecular interactions governing the stability of crystal structure were compared to those of Cu(PLAG)(NCS)2 (Cu-PLAG) within Hirshfeld surface analysis. The structures were optimized at B3LYP/6-31+G(d,p)(H,C,N,O,S)/LanL2DZ (Fe,Co,Zn,Cu), and stability was assessed through Natural Bond Orbital Theory and Quantum Theory of Atoms in Molecules. Special emphasis was put on investigating the ligand’s stability and reactivity. The binding of these compounds to Bovine and Human serum albumin was investigated by spectrofluorometric titration. The importance of complex geometry and various ligands for protein binding was shown. These results were complemented by the molecular docking study to elucidate the most important interactions. The thermodynamic parameters of the binding process were determined. The binding to DNA, as one of the main pathways in the cell death cycle, was analyzed by molecular docking. The cytotoxicity was determined towards HCT116, A375, MCF-7, and A2780 cell lines. The most active compound was Cu-PLAG due to the presence of PLAG and two thiocyanate ligands.

Herb-induced liver injury (HILI) caused by herbal supplements, natural products, and products used in traditional medicine are important for differential diagnoses in patients with acute liver injury without an obvious etiology. The root of Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal, commonly known as ashwagandha, has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years to promote health and longevity. Due to various biological activities, ashwagandha and its extracts became widespread as herbal supplements on the global market. Although it is generally considered safe, there are several reported cases of ashwagandha-related liver injury, and one case ended with liver transplantation. In this paper, we review all reported cases so far. Additionally, we describe two new cases of ashwagandha hepatotoxicity. In the first case, a 36-year-old man used ashwagandha capsules (450 mg, three times daily) for 6 months before he developed nausea, pruritus, and dark-colored urine. In the second case, a 30-year-old woman developed pruritus after 45 days of using ashwagandha capsules (450 mg). In both cases, serum bilirubin and liver enzymes (aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were increased. The liver injury pattern was hepatocellular (R-value 11.1) and mixed (R-value 2.6), respectively. The updated Roussel Uclaf Causality Assessment Method (RUCAM) (both cases with a score of seven) indicated a “probable” relationship with ashwagandha. Clinical and liver function improvements were observed after the discontinuation of ashwagandha supplement use. By increasing the data related to ashwagandha-induced liver injury, these reports support that consuming ashwagandha supplements is not without its safety concerns.

Background Lidocaine hydrochloride is frequently used for management of painful wounds. This prospective, multicentre study examined the effects of 5% lidocaine cream on wound pain relief. Material and methods The study included 78 patients with painful wounds treated with 5% Lidocaine cream for two weeks in two Italian Hospitals. Patients’ perception of pain was recorded by, using the 5-point Visual Rate Scale and the 11-point Numerical Pain Rating Scale. All medications and adverse events were evaluated in a daily diary. The primary outcome of the study was establishing the wound pain relief based on the results of 5-VRS and pain intensity based on the 11-NPRS testing from baseline to the end of treatment. Clinical aspects and adverse events were also collected. Results Seventy-eight patients had a median age of 67.5 years (range 18-96 years). 62.8% were women. The wounds included traumatic wounds (n = 39), venous ulcers (n = 25), post-surgical wounds (n = 6) pyoderma gangrenosum (n = 6), vasculitis (n = 1) and pressure ulcer (n = 1). The intensity of pain significantly decreased from the baseline level established at the beginning of treatment (mean score 6.7 − 1.90) - to the level at end of treatment (3.0 − 2.23-; p

Genus Scardinius (Cypriniformes, Actinopteri) belongs to the family Leuciscidae, subfamily Leuciscinae, and it includes 10 species. Phylogenetic and morphometric research conducted so far have shown a great taxonomic complexity within this genus. Therefore, the aim of this research was to determine the morphological diversity and contribute to the clarification of taxonomic relationships and status of S. dergle and S. plotizza. For the purpose of this research specimens of S. dergle and S. plotizza were collected from their whole distribution area in Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. On each individual 25 morphometric characters were measured, standardized with allometric conversion and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results showed significant intra- and interspecific differences in investigated morphometric characters. In addition, distinct grouping of populations of each species and partial overlapping of some populations of both species was recorded, reflecting their possible relationships. Also, investigated meristic characters showed accordance with deterministic values for most investigated populations. Although this research has given indications of relationships and the status of populations of S. dergle and S. plotizza, in order to confirm the results and determine the exact taxonomic status, phylogenetic relationships and genetic diversity of these species, further phylogenetic research is needed.

Objective: In this research we explored the (homeo)dynamic character of cardiorespiratory coupling (CRC) under the influence of different body posture and breathing regimes. Our tool for it was the pulse respiration quotient (PRQ), representing the number of heartbeat intervals per breathing cycle. We obtained non-integer PRQ values using our advanced Matlab® algorithm and applied it on the signals of 20 healthy subjects in four conditions: supine position with spontaneous breathing (Supin), standing with spontaneous breathing (Stand), supine position with slow (0.1 Hz) breathing (Supin01) and standing with slow (0.1 Hz) breathing (Stand01).Main results: Linear features of CRC (in PRQ signals) were dynamically very sensitive to posture and breathing rhythm perturbations. There are obvious increases in PRQ mean level and variability under the separated and joined influence of orthostasis and slow (0.1 Hz) breathing. This increase was most pronounced in Stand01 as the state of joint influences. Importantly, PRQ dynamic modification showed greater sensitivity to body posture and breathing regime changes than mean value and standard deviation of heart rhythm and breathing rhythm. In addition, as a consequence of prolonged supine position, we noticed the tendency to integer quantization of PRQ (especially after 14 min), in which the most common quantization number was 4:1 (demonstrated in other research reports as well). In orthostasis and slow breathing, quantization can also be observed, but shifted to other values. We postulate that these results manifest resonance effects induced by coupling patterns from sympathetic and parasympathetic adjustments (with the second as dominant factor).Significance: Our research confirms that cardiorespiratory coupling adaptability could be profoundly explored by precisely calculated PRQ parameter since cardiorespiratory regulation in healthy subjects is characterized by a high level of autonomic adaptability (responsiveness) to posture and breathing regime, although comparisons with pathological states has yet to be performed. We found Stand01 to be the most provoking state for the dynamic modification of PRQ (cardiorespiratory inducement). As such, Stand01 has the potential of using for PRQ tuning by conditioning the cardiorespiratory autonomic neural networks, e.g., in the cases where PRQ is disturbed by environmental (i.e., microgravity) or pathologic conditions.

A 102-day feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of four different fish feeding patterns on carp pond water quality and antioxidant biomarkers [superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT), Glutathione peroxidase (GPx), Glutathione reductase (GR), Glutathione S-transferase (GST) and Thiol groups (SH)], protein content and biomass of the midge Chironomus plumosus. Farmed fish were fed two commercial diets: Soprofish 25/7 Standard (containing 25% protein and 7 % fat) and Soprofish 32/7 Profi Effect (containing 32 % protein and 7 % fat). These feeds were combined during a feeding trial in four different feeding patterns, designated as A, B, C and D. In feeding pattern A, the fish received Soprofish 25/7 Standard throughout the experiment and in feeding pattern D, Soprofish 32/7 Profi Effect. During feeding patterns B and C, a mixed feeding pattern was used, alternating between lower and higher protein diets. The study revealed no significant effects (P > 0.05) of the feeding regimens on water quality, so their effects on C. plumosus larvae can be evaluated independently. The activities of the chironomid enzymes CAT and GR showed a clear statistically significant dependence on the feeding pattern (P 0.05). Overall, our results suggest that long-term supplementation with a highly concentrated protein diet may have preventive effects against oxidative stress and support the use of C. plumosus as a model for assessing the effects of organic pollution on pond zoobenthic fauna.

This study provides the first description of the age, growth, and population structure of the endemic karstic dace, Telestes karsticus Marčić et Mrakovčić, 2011, from Sušik Creek in Croatia. The oldest individual in the sample was a female of age 5+ years and the oldest males were 4+. Females of the karstic dace have a higher maximum standard length than males (122.0 vs. 95.1 mm, respectively). In both sexes, the most numerous length category was 41–50 mm. The most numerous age group of karstic dace was 1+, with a gradual decline in the abundance of older age groups. In larger length categories, males were fewer, while females showed a bimodal distribution with a second maximum in the length category of 81–90 mm. The total ratio of males to females in the sample was 2.8:1, in favor of males.

Thiosemicarbazones and their transition metal complexes are biologically active compounds and anticancer agents with versatile structural properties. In this contribution, the structural features and stability of four pyridoxal-thiosemicarbazone (PLTSC) complexes with Fe, Co, Ni, and Cu were investigated using the density functional theory and natural bond orbital approach. Special emphasis was placed on the analysis of the donor atom−metal interactions. The geometry of compounds and crystallographic structures were further examined by Hirshfeld surface analysis, and the main intermolecular interactions were outlined. It has been shown that the geometry and the number of PLTSC units in the structure determine the type and contribution of the specific interactions. The binding of all four complexes to bovine and human serum albumin was investigated through spectrofluorometric titration. The dependency of the thermodynamic parameters on the present metal ion and geometry was explained by the possible interactions through molecular docking simulations. The binding of complexes to DNA, as one of the possible ways the compounds could induce cell death, was examined by molecular docking. The cytotoxicity was measured towards HCT116, A375, MCF-7, A2780, and MCF5 cell lines, with Cu-PLTSC being the most active, as it had the highest affinity towards DNA and proteins.

Coumarin derivatives are a class of compounds with pronounced biological activities that depend primarily on the present substituents. Four 3-methoxycarbonylcoumarin derivatives with substituents of different electron-donating/electron-withdrawing abilities (Br, NO2, OH, and OMe) were investigated structurally by NMR, IR, and UV-VIS spectroscopies and density functional theory methods. The appropriate level of theory (B3LYP-D3BJ/6-311++G(d,p) was selected after comparing similar compounds’ experimental and theoretical structural parameters. The natural bond orbital and quantum theory of atoms in molecules were employed to investigate the intramolecular interactions governing stability. The electronic effects of substituents mostly affected the aromatic ring that the substituents are directly attached to. The antioxidant properties were investigated by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy towards HO•, and the percentages of reduction were between 13% (6-Br) and 23% (6-OMe). The protein binding properties towards transport proteins were assessed by spectrofluorimetry, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics (MD). The experimentally determined binding energies were well reproduced by molecular docking, showing that the spontaneity of ibuprofen binding was comparable to the investigated compounds. The flexibility of HSA in MD simulations depended on the substituents. These results proved the importance of electronic effects for the protein binding affinities and antioxidant properties of coumarin derivatives.

Waxes, phospholipids, free fatty acids, peroxides, aldehydes, soap, trace metals and moisture present in crude sunflower oil have a negative effect on the oil quality and are, therefore, removed during the refining process. Waxes crystallizing at low temperatures are removed during winterization by cooling and filtration. Waxes have poor filtration characteristics and an industrial filtration process must be enhanced by the use of filtration aids, which improve filter cake structure and properties, and consequently prolong the filtration cycle. Today, traditional filtration aids (diatomite, perlite, etc.) being used in the industry are frequently replaced by cellulose-based aids. The aim of this study is to examine the effect of oil filtration assisted by two cellulose-based filtration aids on the chemical parameters (wax, moisture, phospholipids, soaps, and fatty acids), oil transparency, carotenoids, and Fe and Cu content of sunflower oil obtained in an industrial horizontal pressure leaf filter. In order to investigate the mentioned parameters, the following techniques were used: gravimetric (waxes and moisture content), spectrophotometric (phospholipids and carotenoid content and oil transparency), volumetric (soaps and free fatty acids content) as well as inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) for Fe and Cu content. An artificial neural network model (ANN) was employed for the prediction of removal efficiency based on the chemical quality, oil transparency, Fe and Cu content in oils before filtration, as well as filtration aid quantity and filtration time. Cellulose-based filtration aids had multiple beneficial effects; on average, 99.20% of waxes, 74.88% of phospholipids, 100% of soap, 7.99% of carotenoids, 16.39% of Fe and 18.33% of Cu were removed.

In this research study, silver nitrate and an aqueous extract of the Agrimonia eupatoria L. plant were used for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The optimal conditions for this green synthesis were examined: the concentration of starting substances, pH value, and temperature. For the maximum AgNP yield, the best conditions were a 5 mM AgNO3 concentration, 1% extract concentration, a temperature of 25 °C, pH = 6, and a 3 h reaction time.

Negative symptoms of schizophrenia, including anhedonia, represent a heavy burden on patients and their relatives. These symptoms are associated with cortical hypodopamynergia and impaired striatal dopamine release in response to reward stimuli. Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) and monoamine oxidase type B (MAO-B) degrade dopamine and affect its neurotransmission. The study determined the association between COMT rs4680 and rs4818, MAO-B rs1799836 and rs6651806 polymorphisms, the severity of negative symptoms, and physical and social anhedonia in schizophrenia. Sex-dependent associations were detected in a research sample of 302 patients with schizophrenia. In female patients with schizophrenia, the presence of the G allele or GG genotype of COMT rs4680 and rs4818, as well as GG haplotype rs4818-rs4680, which were all related to higher COMT activity, was associated with an increase in several dimensions of negative symptoms and anhedonia. In male patients with schizophrenia, carriers of the MAO-B rs1799836 A allele, presumably associated with higher MAO-B activity, had a higher severity of alogia, while carriers of the A allele of the MAO-B rs6651806 had a higher severity of negative symptoms. These findings suggest that higher dopamine degradation, associated with COMT and MAO-B genetic variants, is associated with a sex-specific increase in the severity of negative symptoms in schizophrenia patients.

Cancer is still a relentless public health issue. Particularly, colorectal cancer is the third most prevalent cancer in men and the second in women. Moreover, cancer development and growth are associated with various cell disorders, such as oxidative stress and inflammation. The quest for efficient therapeutics is a challenging task, especially when it comes to achieving both cytotoxicity and selectivity. Herein, five series of phenolic N-acylhydrazones were synthesized and evaluated for their antioxidant potency, as well as their influence on HCT-116 and MRC-5 cells viability. Among 40 examined analogues, 20 of them expressed antioxidant activity against the DPPH radical. Furthermore, density functional theory was employed to estimate the antioxidant potency of the selected analogues from the thermodynamical aspect, as well as the preferable free-radical scavenging pathway. Cytotoxicity assay exposed enhanced selectivity of a number of analogues toward cancer cells. The structure–activity analysis revealed the impact of the type and position of the functional groups on both cell viability and selectivity toward cancer cells.

Surrogate production through germline stem cell (GSC) transplantation is becoming a very promising technology in species management and ex situ species conservation. In the present study, we have evaluated if the triploid rainbow trout is a suitable surrogate parent for the production of other salmonid gametes. In three independent trials conducted in two countries, we have transplanted brown trout and grayling GSCs into triploid rainbow trout larvae as recipients. Two months after transplantation, dissection of recipients displayed that both spermatogonial (SSCs) and oogonial (OSCs) stem cells of both species were able to colonize recipient gonads. After three years of rearing, neither male nor female recipients displayed signs of gametogenesis progression. Species-specific (for both donor and recipient species) amplification of mtDNA control region on the other hand displayed a presence of donor-derived germ cells within recipient gonads. This indicated that even though donor cells were able to colonize recipient gonads, they remained in a dormant or quasi-dormant state, and did not progress with gametogenesis. This study displays that the rainbow trout is not a suitable recipient for all salmonid species, and that careful selection of recipients is a crucial step in developing the surrogate production technology.

Experiments on the preparation of the new mixed cations XeF5M(AF6)3 (M = Cu, Ni; A = Cr, Nb, Ta, Ru, Rh, Re, Os, Ir, Pt, Au, As), XeF5M(SbF6)3 (M = Sn, Pb), and XeF5M(BF4)x(SbF6)3-x (x = 1, 2, 3; M = Co, Mn, Ni, Zn) salts were successful only in the preparation of XeF5Ni(AsF6)3. In other cases, mixtures of different products, mostly XeF5AF6 and XeF5A2F11 salts, were obtained. The crystal structures of XeF5Ni(AsF6)3, XeF5TaF6, XeF5RhF6, XeF5IrF6, XeF5Nb2F11, XeF5Ta2F11, and [Ni(XeF2)2](IrF6)2 were determined for the first time on single crystals at 150 K by X-ray diffraction. The crystal structures of XeF5NbF6, XeF5PtF6, XeF5RuF6, XeF5AuF6, and (Xe2F11)2(NiF6) were redetermined by the same method at 150 K. The crystal structure of XeF5RhF6 represents a new structural type in the family of XeF5AF6 salts, which crystallize in four different structural types. The XeF5A2F11 salts (M = Nb, Ta) are not isotypic and both represent a new structure type. They consist of [XeF5]+ cations and dimeric [A2F11]− anions. The crystal structure of [Ni(XeF2)2](IrF6)2 is a first example of a coordination compound in which XeF2 is coordinated to the Ni2+ cation.

The large number of deaths induced by carcinoma and infections indicates that the need for new, better, targeted therapy is higher than ever. Apart from classical treatments and medication, photodynamic therapy (PDT) is one of the possible approaches to cure these clinical conditions. This strategy offers several advantages, such as lower toxicity, selective treatment, faster recovery time, avoidance of systemic toxic effects, and others. Unfortunately, there is a small number of agents that are approved for usage in clinical PDT. Novel, efficient, biocompatible PDT agents are, thus, highly desired. One of the most promising candidates is represented by the broad family of carbon-based quantum dots, such as graphene quantum dots (GQDs), carbon quantum dots (CQDs), carbon nanodots (CNDs), and carbonized polymer dots (CPDs). In this review paper, these new smart nanomaterials are discussed as potential PDT agents, detailing their toxicity in the dark, and when they are exposed to light, as well as their effects on carcinoma and bacterial cells. The photoinduced effects of carbon-based quantum dots on bacteria and viruses are particularly interesting, since dots usually generate several highly toxic reactive oxygen species under blue light. These species are acting as bombs on pathogen cells, causing various devastating and toxic effects on those targets.

A comparative in vitro study of the antioxidant potential of natural phenols (zingerone, curcumin, raspberry ketone, magnolol) and their synthesized derivatives was performed. The antioxidant efficiency was evaluated in blood serum obtained from healthy individuals, by means of spectrophotometry, before and after the addition of pro-oxidant tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBH). Moreover, the antioxidant effect of an equimolar mixture of curcumin and zingerone was investigated. Interpretation of our results reveals that in the blood serum of healthy individuals curcumin (C1), raspberry ketone (RK1), magnolol (M1) and synthesized derivative of zingerone (Z2) demonstrate remarkable antioxidant effects (p < 0.05). However, in the state of TBH-induced excessive oxidative stress natural magnolol and synthesized derivatives C1, Z1 and RK1 show powerful antioxidant activity and thus can be further investigated to obtain information about their metabolic transformations and their potential influence at the cellular level. Results obtained from measurements in an equimolar mixture of zingerone and curcumin indicate synergism (p < 0.05) between the two compounds. This combination is especially successful due to the fast and efficient neutralization of added pro-oxidant TBH. The commercial availability of turmeric and ginger and their frequent combined use in diet suggest ideas for further broader utilization of the beneficial synergistic effect of their phenolic components.

Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and its analogs are commonly encountered substances at crime scenes due to their misuse as hallucinogenic compounds. Modern methods have led to synthesizing different LSD analogs with pronounced physiological effects. Theoretical methods can be a valuable tool for predicting the spectra and stability of novel substances, especially when experimental data are partially available. The current work describes the application of theoretical methods in predicting IR, NMR, UV–VIS, and MS spectra of LSD based on the optimized structure at the M05-2X/6-311++G(d,p) level of theory. A suitable functional has been determined by comparison of the theoretically obtained geometrical parameters with the experimental ones based on the crystallographic structure. The MAE values for the structure optimized at M05-2X/6-311++G(d,p) level of theory were 0.0436 Å (bond lengths) and 2.70° (bond angles). The IR spectra of LSD and LSD tartrate have been described in detail, with the prominent bands being well reproduced (the difference between experimental and theoretical C=O stretching vibration wavenumbers was lower than 11 cm−1). Detailed assignment of 13C NMR spectra led to a high correlation factor (0.999) and low mean absolute error (2.0 ppm) between experimental and theoretical chemical shifts. Optimizing the ground and excited states allowed for the calculation of the energy difference of 330 nm, which reproduced the observed band position in the UV–VIS spectrum of LSD. The most abundant fragments in the experimental mass spectrum (at 323, 221, 207, 181, and 72 m/z) have been optimized, and their stability has been discussed from the structural point of view. This methodology has been validated by comparison with the experimental GC-MS spectra of sample seized at the crime screen and by structure optimization and computation of NMR spectra of common LSD analogs. The theoretical methods for the structure determination and prediction of spectra show great potential in the fast-developing world of new psychedelics.

Neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet–lymphocyte ratio (PLR), monocyte–lymphocyte ratio (MLR) and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII index) are increasingly used as indicators of inflammation in different conditions, including schizophrenia. However, their relationship with negative symptoms, including anhedonia, is largely unknown. Included were 200 patients with schizophrenia and 134 healthy controls (HC), assessed for physical anhedonia (PA), using the Revised Physical Anhedonia Scale (RPAS), and social anhedonia (SA) by the Revised Social Anhedonia Scale (RSAS). Patients were rated by the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), the Clinical Assessment Interview for Negative Symptoms (CAINS) and the Brief Negative Symptom Scale (BNSS). Most of the negative symptoms were in a weak to moderate positive correlations with blood cell inflammatory ratios, namely, between NLR and MLR with PANSS negative scale, CAINS, and BNSS, and in male patients, between PLR and PANSS negative scale and CAINS. Fewer correlations were detected in females, but also in a positive direction. An exception was SA, given the negative correlation between its severity and the SII index in females, and its presence and higher PLR in males. While different negative symptoms were associated with subclinical inflammation, the relationship between SA and lower inflammatory markers deserves further exploration.

Theoretical DFT calculations using GGA+U and HSE06 frameworks enabled vibrational mode assignment and partial (atomic) phonon DOS determination in KAgF3 perovskite, a low-dimensional magnetic fluoroargentate(II). Twelve bands in the spectra of KAgF3 were assigned to either IR active or Raman active modes, reaching excellent correlation with experimental values (R2 > 0.997). Low-temperature Raman measurements indicate that the intriguing spin-Peierls-like phase transition at 230 K is an order–disorder transition and it does not strongly impact the vibrational structure of the material.

Kroz čitavu istoriju, primarna pretnja po bezbednost jedne države dolazila je od strane vojnih potencijala suprotstavljenih država ili vojnih koalicija. Poslednje dekade donose nam izmenjene okolnosti, u kojima je sve veća pretnja po nacionalnu bezbednost kreirana od strane nedržavnih aktera. Ovaj rad u prvi plan ističe negativne efekte organizovanog kriminala, koji predstavlja osnovnu nevojnu pretnju po nacionalnu bezbednost, te konstantnu i slojevitu opasnost koju je izuzetno teško prepoznati i na nju adekvatno reagovati. Organizovani kriminal predstavlja kompleksnu pojavu u savremenom društvu ne samo po širokom spektru pojavnih oblika oličenih u brojnim krivičnim delima, već i zbog činjenice da njegovo delovanje proizvodi direktne negativne posledice na ekonomski sistem države, samim tim i na donošenje najvažnijih državnih odluka u sferi privredno-političkih odnosa, ali i u sektoru bezbednosti. Autor analizira pojavne oblike i karakteristike savremenog organizovanog kriminala, kao i genezu ove negativne pojave sa kojima se susreću sve države sveta. Takođe, istaknuta je i multidimenzionalnost posledica koje brojni pojavni oblici organizovanog kriminala imaju po bezbednost države na nacionalnom nivou, ali i na nivou međunarodne zajednice. Konačno, istaknuta je neophodnost interdisciplinarnog pristupa u teorijskom izučavanju ove negativne društvene pojave, kao i neophodnost saradnje na globalnom nivou kako bi se pasivizirali negativni efekti delovanja organizovanih kriminalnih grupa.

The objective of this work was to study the relation between the manufacturing conditions of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), its physicochemical properties and its tableting behavior. Two different preparation procedures were used to produce MCC from wheat straw, utilizing an acid hydrolysis method, either using only sulfuric acid or combination of sulfuric and hydrochloric acid. The tableting behavior of obtained MCC samples and mixtures of MCC with ibuprofen was studied using a dynamic powder compaction analyzer. It was observed that some of the obtained MCC samples showed better flowing properties than commercially available Vivapur® PH101 and also very high values of tensile strength, solid fraction and elastic recovery. This can be linked with its good compaction behavior, but on the other hand it can cause problems with the disintegration of the tablets. In mixtures with ibuprofen, MCC samples showed lower values of tensile strength, while on the other hand elastic recovery did not seem to be much affected, still exhibiting very high values. According to the obtained results, it can be concluded that MCC obtained from the agricultural waste could have satisfactory properties for tablet preparation by the direct compression method. Further studies are needed to optimize process conditions in order to achieve better physicochemical characteristics, especially in terms of elastic recovery.

The paper presents the methodology for hydro power plants operation (Long-term and Short-term) in a hydro power cascade system. It includes water managing of generating and/or pumping units taking into accounts technical characteristics of the power plants facilities (turbine/generator and pump/motor systems), reservoirs characteristics considering all hydraulically connected infrastructures which are, as well as the hydrological conditions (for run offs and turbine inflows). The goal of the operation for all hydropower system is to have maximum profit from electricity production taking into account electricity market environment, power system requirements, as well as satisfying technical conditions and at the same time avoiding water spilling as it is maximum possible. Operating modes of the hydro power plants depend on electricity market price, tariff prices and time duration of each tariff (base, peak, and rush hour), technical characteristics of the unit(s), hydro technical conditions, water reservoir’s volumes, run off and others. The application of the model is presented with the results on real hydro power systems consist of different hydraulic connections in various cases depend on hydrological conditions and requirements. The model can be used to make preliminary analysis for additional improvement of hydro systems as having the results for additional installed power of the existing system. The selected output results are presented with appropriated comparing and at the end with conclusion remarks.

Silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) is the most common conifer species in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The paper describes the development of a silver fir master tree-ring chronology from Kozara National Park and analyzes the influence of the climate conditions on tree-ring widths. The knowledge concerning the effect of climate on cambium activity and, as a result, on tree growth is of great importance for silviculture, which is particularly complex in terms of deterioration of health condition. Four sites were selected for sampling at Kozara National Park. At each sampling site, 15 dominant trees were drilled with Pressler’s increment borer at breast height. The development of chronology included three steps: i) cross-dating of a series of tree-ring width and checking of their quality using the COFECHA program, ii) data standardization in the ARSTAN program, and iii) master chronology development. Correlation analysis was performed in order to determine the links between tree-ring width and climate (primarily temperature and precipitation). In the 88-year-long master chronology, pointer years analysis identified five positive and nine negative years. Correlation analysis revealed that precipitation had stronger and more significant impact on silver fir radial growth, particularly at the beginning of the growing season, in April and May (r=0.175 and r=0.318, respectively), and in the crucial July−September period (r in the range of 0.143−0.222). The highest negative correlation coefficient with temperature was determined for September of the previous year (r=-0.282) and then for summer months (July and August) of the current year (r=-0.184 and r=-0.272, respectively). In addition, statistically significant correlation between radial growth and the Forestry Aridity Index was determined (r=-0.390). The results of tree-ring width climate analysis obtained in this study are in accordance with other studies carried out in Bosnia and Herzegovina and in the surrounding area.

Summary: Research suggests contact sports affect neurological health. This study used permutation-based mediation statistics to integrate measures of metabolomics, neuroinflammatory miRNAs, and virtual reality (VR)-based motor control to investigate multi-scale relationships across a season of collegiate American football. Fourteen significant mediations (six pre-season, eight across-season) were observed where metabolites always mediated the statistical relationship between miRNAs and VR-based motor control (pSobelperm ≤ 0.05; total effect > 50%), suggesting a hypothesis that metabolites sit in the statistical pathway between transcriptome and behavior. Three results further supported a model of chronic neuroinflammation, consistent with mitochondrial dysfunction: (1) Mediating metabolites were consistently medium-to-long chain fatty acids, (2) tricarboxylic acid cycle metabolites decreased across-season, and (3) accumulated head acceleration events statistically moderated pre-season metabolite levels to directionally model post-season metabolite levels. These preliminary findings implicate potential mitochondrial dysfunction and highlight probable peripheral blood biomarkers underlying repetitive head impacts in otherwise healthy collegiate football athletes.

Due to the fact that respiratory breath-to-breath and cardiac intervals between two successive R peaks (BBI and RRI, respectively) are not temporally concurrent, in a previous paper, we proposed a method to calculate both the integer and non-integer parts of the pulse respiration quotient (PRQ = BBI/RRI = PRQint + b1 + b2), b1 and b2 being parts of the border RRIs for each BBI. In this work, we study the correlations between BBI and PRQ, as well as those between BBI and mean RRI within each BBI (mRRI), on a group of twenty subjects in four conditions: in supine and standing positions, in combination with spontaneous and slow breathing. Results show that the BBI vs. PRQ correlations are positive; whereas the breathing regime had little or no effect on the linear regression slopes, body posture did. Two types of scatter plots were obtained with the BBI vs. mRRI correlations: one showed points aggregated around the concurrent PRQint lines, while the other showed randomly distributed points. Five out of six of the proposed aggregation measures confirmed the existence of these two cardio-respiratory coupling regimes. We also used b1 to study the positions of R pulses relative to the respiration onsets and showed that they were more synchronous with sympathetic activation. Overall, this method should be used in different pathological states.

Rabelera holostea (L.) M. T. Sharples & E. A. Tripp (Greater Stitchwort), formerly known as Stellaria holostea L., is widespread in the warm temperate areas of Europe and Western Asia, the Caucasus region, as well as in some countries of North Africa. Nowadays it is considered as a weed, but earlier it was often used raw in salads or for the treatment of various inflammatory disorders. The goal of this study was to determine the constituents of the methanol extract of R. holostea aerial parts and its biological potential in terms of antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Until now, the constituents and biological activities of this plant were not reported in detail. A comprehensive phytochemical profiling of the extract has shown that phenolic acids, such as ferulic, chlorogenic, and p-coumaric acid, flavonoids and flavonoid glucosides, such as chrysoeriol, rutin, and naringin, are the most abundant compounds. The antioxidant activity of R. holostea extract towards DPPH and ABTS radicals, but also the total antioxidant capacity and the inhibition of lipid peroxidation were moderate. The antimicrobial potential was pronounced mostly towards some fungi such as F. oxysporum (MIC 1.25 mg/mL), whereas the capacity of R. holostea to affect the growth of bacteria was much less pronounced. R. holostea extract was most inclined to anti-inflammatory activity. At a concentration of 50 µg/mL, it significantly inhibited both cyclooxygenase enzymes (COX-1 and COX-2) by 71.24% and 72.83%, respectively. Molecular docking studies indicated that chlorogenic acid and chrysoeriol are the main contributors to COX-1 and COX-2 inhibitory activity.

The estrogenic mycotoxin zearalenone (ZEN) is a common contaminant of animal feed. Effective strategies for the inactivation of ZEN in feed are required. The ZEN-degrading enzyme zearalenone hydrolase ZenA (EC 3.1.1.-, commercial name ZENzyme®, BIOMIN Holding GmbH, Getzersdorf, Austria) converts ZEN to hydrolyzed ZEN (HZEN), thereby enabling a strong reduction in estrogenicity. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of ZenA added to feed to degrade ZEN in the gastrointestinal tract of three monogastric animal species, i.e., pigs, chickens, and rainbow trout. For each species, groups of animals received (i) feed contaminated with ZEN (chickens: 400 µg/kg, pigs: 200 µg/kg, rainbow trout: 2000 µg/kg), (ii) feed contaminated with ZEN and supplemented with ZenA, or (iii) uncontaminated feed. To investigate the fate of dietary ZEN in the gastrointestinal tract in the presence and absence of ZenA, concentrations of ZEN and ZEN metabolites were analyzed in digesta of chickens and rainbow trout and in feces of pigs. Upon ZenA administration, concentrations of ZEN were significantly decreased and concentrations of the degradation product HZEN were significantly increased in digesta/feces of each investigated animal species, indicating degradation of ZEN by ZenA in the gastrointestinal tract. Moreover, upon addition of ZenA to the diet, the concentration of the highly estrogenic ZEN metabolite α-ZEL was significantly reduced in feces of pigs. In conclusion, ZenA was effective in degrading ZEN to HZEN in the gastrointestinal tract of chickens, pigs, and rainbow trout, and counteracted formation of α-ZEL in pigs. Therefore, ZenA could find application as a ZEN-degrading feed additive for these animal species.

The Bednja River is the longest river flowing with its full course exclusively through Croatia and one of the largest right tributaries of the Drava River, which belongs to the Danube River basin. Due to the variety of habitats present within the course of the Bednja River, as well as older literature reports, it can be expected that this river harbors a high number of freshwater fish species and would likely benefit from conservation and preservation efforts. We compiled and analyzed the existing literature data on the Bednja River fish communities and performed field investigations at various localities on this river in order to describe the current structure of its freshwater fish fauna and monitor changes induced by human activities. Our results corroborate the presence of a rich and diverse fish community. Moreover, with 36 native species, the Bednja River harbors one of the richest fish communities in Croatia as well as in the Danube basin. Unfortunately, modifications of the native fish community were evident in the form of local extinctions, reductions in the population abundance of several native species and the presence of non-native species. Habitat degradation and fragmentation were identified as the most serious threats provoking negative effects on the native fish populations, followed by predatory and competitive effects of invasive species.

Two newly synthesized coumarin–palladium(II) complexes (C1 and C2) were characterized using elemental analysis, spectroscopy (IR and 1H-13C NMR), and DFT methods at the B3LYP-D3BJ/6-311+G(d,p) level of theory. The in vitro and in silico cytotoxicity of coumarin ligands and their corresponding Pd(II) complexes was examined. For in vitro testing, five cell lines were selected, namely human cervical adenocarcinoma (HeLa), the melanoma cell line (FemX), epithelial lung carcinoma (A549), the somatic umbilical vein endothelial cell line (EA.hi926), and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (Panc-1). In order to examine the in silico inhibitory potential and estimate inhibitory constants and binding energies, molecular docking studies were performed. The inhibitory activity of C1 and C2 was investigated towards epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK), and B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2). According to the results obtained from the molecular docking simulations, the inhibitory activity of the investigated complexes towards all the investigated proteins is equivalent or superior in comparison with current therapeutical options. Moreover, because of the low binding energies and the high correlation rate with experimentally obtained results, it was shown that, out of the three, the inhibition of RTK is the most probable mechanism of the cytotoxic activity of the investigated compounds.

Ruthenium(II)–arene complexes have gained significant research interest due to their possible application in cancer therapy. In this contribution two new complexes are described, namely [{RuCl(η6-p-cymene)}2(μ-Cl)(μ-1-N,N′-naphthyl)]X (X = Cl, 1; PF6, 2), which were fully characterized by IR, NMR, and elemental microanalysis. Furthermore, the structure of 2 in the solid state was determined by a single crystal X-ray crystallographic study, confirming the composition of the crystals as 2·2MeOH. The Hirshfeld surface analysis was employed for the investigation of interactions that govern the crystal structure of 2·2MeOH. The structural data for 2 out of 2·2MeOH was used for the theoretical analysis of the cationic part [{RuCl(η6-p-cymene)}2(μ-Cl)(μ-1-N,N′-naphthyl)]+ (2a) which is common to both 1 and 2. The density functional theory, at B3LYP/6-31+G(d,p) basis set for H, C, N, and Cl atoms and LanL2DZ for Ru ions, was used for the optimization of the 2a structure. The natural bond orbital and quantum theory of atoms in molecules analyses were employed to quantify the intramolecular interactions. The reproduction of experimental IR and NMR spectra proved the applicability of the chosen level of theory. The binding of 1 to bovine serum albumin was examined by spectrofluorimetry and molecular docking, with complementary results obtained. Compound 1 acted as a radical scavenger towards DPPH• and HO• radicals, along with high activity towards cancer prostate and colon cell lines.

At the end of the last century, it was revealed that quinones with one, two, and three aromatic rings could inhibit HIV-1 protease, an enzyme crucial for HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) replication. Since HIV-1 protease acts as key target for AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) medications, the development of efficient inhibitor of this protein would lead to an increase in medical treatment and a decrease in the drug resistance. Later research revealed that hydroxyquinones can block HIV-1 protease at the micromolar level, which enabled a direction for the creation of HIV medications. Anthrarufin (1,5-dihydroxy-9,10-anthraquinone) is an anthraquinone that possesses a moderate antioxidative capacity and antimalaric activity. In this study, molecular docking simulations were used to examine the molecular interactions between anthrarufin, its monoanion and dianion as ligands, and HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (HIV-1 RT) as a target protein. Using AGFR software, the binding site of the HIV-1 RT was identified. The three-dimensional crystal structure of HIV-1 RT was downloaded from the Protein Data Bank (PDB ID: 2ZD1). Dolutegravir, nevirapine, anthrarufin, anthrarufin-anion and anthrarufin-dianion are used as ligands in the molecular docking simulations together with rilpivirine (TMC278), a non-nucleoside inhibitor of estimated protein. The AutoDock 4.0 program is used for molecular docking simulations. Anthrarufin, its monoanion and dianion can be considered as a potential HIV-1 RT inhibitors because they have similar inhibitory potency to other ligands under consideration, according to the results of the free energy of binding (∆Gbind) and inhibition constant (Ki) values.