Fractal Analysis of Doped Strontium Titanate Photocatalyst

In this research, the doping of SrTiO3 with Mn4+ was performed in order to evaluate the potential application as a photocatalyst for the degradation of organic dye pollutants. Since photocatalytic activity depends on grain microstructure, fractal analysis was used to estimate the Hausdorff dimension to provide a more thorough investigation of Mn@SrTiO3 morphology. Structural analysis by infrared spectroscopy indicated the incorporation of Mn4+ into the SrTiO3 lattice, while by using x-ray diffraction, the crystallite size of 44 nm was determined. The photocatalytic activity test performed on complex ethyl violet organic dye revealed potential for Mn@SrTiO3 application in water treatment. Based on fractal regression analysis, a good estimate was obtained for the reconstruction of grain shape, with a Hasudorff dimension of 1.13679, which was used to find the best kinetics model for the photodegradation reaction. The experimental data showed a nearly linear fit with fractal-like pseudo-zero order. These findings and applications of fractal dimensions could contribute to future characterizations of photocatalysts, providing a deeper understanding of surface properties and their influence on photocatalytic activity. © 2024 by the authors

Microstructure – Properties relationship in laser-welded AZ31B magnesium alloy

The AZ31B magnesium alloy was laser-welded at three different (1.2, 1.6, and 2 kW) laser output powers in the present work. All the butt weld joints are almost defect-free. The size of the weld joint slightly increases with increasing laser output power. The weld metal is formed by columnar grains of the alpha phase at the weld metal/base metal interface, but a finely equiaxed grain microstructure is formed in the centres of fusion zones. The minor phases are Mg17Al12 and (Al,Mg)8Mn5. The weld metal microstructure manifests clear refinement with a decrease in laser output power. Microstructural changes are reflected in changes in mechanical properties; weld joints prepared at the lowest laser output power manifest the highest microhardness, ultimate tensile strength, yield strength, and almost 90% joint efficiency. This is related to the different extents of strengthening mechanisms that act most effectively in weld joints made at 1.2 kW laser output power. Detail analysis of fracture surfaces confirmed that lower laser output power and general microstructural refinement favours the formation of plastically deformed material, which is in excellent agreement with both the experimentally determined and the calculated values of yield strength

Applying the experience of EU countries for the revitalization of villages using biomass as a renewable energy source

The EU has recognised the issue of rural depopulation and has taken political measures to solve it. Smart rural communities, organised in cooperatives using indigenous biomass for energy purpose , are considered an effective solution to alleviate this problem by providing smart services to the local population, leading to higher economic competitiveness. The experience of Austria, Italy, Denmark, the Netherlands, and other countries that are leaders in this field, are valuable and can be implemented in our country as well. Restarting the agricultural village cooperative and directing them to produce, in addition to traditional crops, more profitable ones (medicinal plants, fruits, vegetables), to then process, store and market them at the most favorable time, for that and for animal breeding, using their autochthonous energy resources - biomass, is a way to organize sustainable production even on small rural farms. In addition to the above, all thermotechnical equipment and installations can be produced in domestic small and medium enterprises. In this approach, the country's reindustrialization can begin while also reducing the decline of villages. The paper presents an overview of the steps that can lead to implementation of the above activities, noting that some parts of this work have already been presented before.9. Regionalna konferencija Industrijska energetika i zaštita životne sredine u zemljama Jugoistočne Evrope : 29.-31.05.2024. Beograd.Conference Session: Utilization of alternative fuels and renewable energy source

Recent Computer‐Aided Studies on Herbicides: A Short Review

Current industrial herbicides have a negative impact on the environment and have widespread resistance, so computational studies on their properties, elimination, and overcoming resistance can be helpful. On the other hand, developing new herbicides, especially bioherbicides, is slow and costly. Therefore, computational studies that guide the design and search for new herbicides that exist in various plant sources, can alleviate the pain associated with the many obstacles. This review summarizes for the first time the most recent studies on both aspects of herbicides over 10 years.This is a peer-reviewed version of the article: Milićević, Jelena, Stefan Petrović, Snežana Tošić, Milka Vrecl, and Biljana Arsic. n.d. “Recent Computer-Aided Studies on Herbicides: A Short Review.” Chemistry & Biodiversity n/a(n/a):e202400531. [https://doi.org/10.1002/cbdv.202400531]

Role of optics in multiparameter monitoring of cardiovascular function

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the primary cause of human death worldwide. For example, they were responsible for 77.0% of deaths at ages 30 to 70 in 2019, with the burden expected to rise [1]. Therefore, diagnosis, prevention, monitoring and treatment of CVDs are among the primary societal challenges. Mobile sensor devices, notably electrocardiographs (ECGs) and photoplethysmographs (PPGs), are fundamentally changing the approach to CVD diagnostics and monitoring. Optics plays a significant role in this revolution, offering new noninvasive sensing solutions and access to new valuable information. [etc]XVII Photonics Workshop : March 10-14, 2024, Kopaonik

Genome-wide association study of morphometric trait-pelvic width of busha cattle from Serbia

Native breeds are a national asset in every country and their preservation is of great importance. The Busha cattle is one of the two native breeds in Serbia. Difficult calving is a major cause of loss for beef cattle producers. It results in an increased incidence of calf mortality at or near birth, increased cow mortality, and higher veterinary and labor costs. This study aimed to identify significant genetic variants and candidate genes associated with pelvic width (tuber ischii) using a genome-wide association study (GWAS). 36 young cows (2±0.1 years of age) were included in the analysis. The measurement of the pelvic width was carried out on the farm and corresponds to the distance between pin bones (tuber ischii). The blood samples were collected for DNA extraction and genotyped using the Illumina Bovine SNP50 BeadChip. Quality control and association analysis were conducted using PLINK 1.9 software. Several genetic variants have been detected with association significance of p<1x10-5. Based on the vicinity to the identified variants locations, candidate genes were identified, along with their previous associations with cattle traits: TATA-box binding protein Associated Factor 4 (skeletal development and growth), Cyclooxygenase-2 (body size and growth rate, inflammatory response), Utropin (muscle fiber integrity and function) and HHIPL2 (milk quality). The results of this study could be used for the preservation and sustainable use of Busha breed as an important genetic resource in Serbia.7th Congress of the Serbian genetic society : October 2-5, 2024, Zlatibor

SARS-CoV-2 characteristics and detection, facts and/or misconceptions

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) emerged at the end of 2019 and caused COVID-19 pandemic. So, reliable and accurate testing for SARS-CoV-2 was the principal prerequisite for preventing the spread of virus. Real Time RT-PCR unquestionably represent the most reliable, rapid and sensitive method for detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA. However, there are numerous different assays, protocols, instruments and analysis methods in use without certified standards, standardized RNA extraction and reporting procedures. In practice, the reliability of RT-qPCR results depends on a number of parameters that include sample collection and processing, method of RNA extraction, choice of assay, etc. Here we present comparative analyses of the efficiency and sensitivity of 10 different amplification assays, as well as the relevance of manual RNA extractions compared to automatic one. Our results revealed that manual viral RNA extraction and amplification assays targeting three viral genes should be a method of choice for high sensitivity. Interestingly, RT-qPCR was exclusively used as qualitative diagnostic test for SARSCoV-2. Why, it is a quantitative method? We think that the ideal testing regimen should involve reliable and meaningful quantitative reporting of SARS-CoV-2 viral load. Now, a key question arises, why the medical community has never agreed on a cut-off value (viral load) for a positive result that would have clinical significance? Can we identify cut-off value for SARS-CoV-2 viral load that generates massive microthrombosis throughout the body, seen by our pathologist?7th Congress of the Serbian genetic society : October 2-5, 2024, Zlatibor

Fabrication of efficient NIR light-driven micromotors using particles with Janus morphology

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the development of micro/nano motors (MNMs). Investigations of these sophisticated systems provide new insights related to manipulation of objects at small scales. Micro/nano motors exhibit controlled movement in fluids, responding to various external stimuli such as thermal, magnetic, and light. They can perform specific operations, including propelling micromachines. In our study, we synthesized two types of hybrid Janus particles: Au/TiO2 and AgAg2S/TiO2, exploring their potential as light-driven micromotors. Light serves as a versatile power source, enabling noninvasive control over the motors with high spatial and temporal resolutions. Illumination induces asymmetric reactions on the two sides of the Janus particles, generating propulsion. To enhance the properties of the MNMs, we conducted synchrotron radiation gas-phase photoemission spectroscopy (SR PES) on the freestanding hybrid particles at Synchrotron SOLEIL in France. SR PES offered valuable information about the valence level alignment of the components, potential hybrid states, and the dominant scattering processes involved.XVII Photonics Workshop : March 10-14, 2024, Kopaonik

Organophosphorus neurotoxins remediation in dynamic conditions

Organophosphorus neurotoxins (OPNs) are a class of chemical compounds widely known for their potent neurotoxic effects. OPNs work by inhibiting the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE), which breaks down the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in the nervous system. This research investigates using spent coffee grounds carbonized at 900°C and subsequently activated with H3PO4 and KOH to remove chlorpyrifos (CHP) and malathion (MLT) from aqueous solutions. The activated carbon material is integrated into a filtration system designed to rapidly and efficiently remove these neurotoxins. In the initial cycle, the adsorption capacities for CHP and MLT were found to be 67% (11.7 mg g-1 ) and 78% (12.8 mg g-1 ), respectively, demonstrating high effectiveness in decontamination efforts. The filter was washed using 5 mL of 50% ethanol and reused for 10 cycles. It is shown that it exhibits durability, as it can be successfully regenerated and reused without significant loss in adsorption efficiency. As the material has high surface areas and shows no specific adsorption of the neurotoxins, it can be concluded that it can successfully be used to resolve chemical threats in water sources during military operations.OTEH 2024 : 11th International Scientific Conference on Defensive Technologies ; 9-11 October, 2024; Tara, Serbia

Cu-decorated TiO2 nanoparticles as the photocatalytic material for ciprofloxacin degradation

Efficient removal of antibiotic residues from the water using environmentally friendly and zero-waste technologies represents an emerging challenge. The increasing development of photocatalytic materials needs a comprehensive and systematic approach to understand the principles behind their performance. In this contribution, the Cu-decorated TiO2 nanoparticles were prepared using various input amounts of Cu (0.5 - 2%), employed for photocatalytic degradation of ciprofloxacin solution (30 mg photocatalyst per 50 mL of solution), and compared to bare TiO2 at the same concentration. The observed performance improvement of investigated photocatalytic material compared to bare TiO2 upon decoration with Cu was discussed from various aspects. Some of them include: morphostructural changes (increase of active surface for photocatalysis upon reduced agglomeration), chemical effects (the improved generation and reactivity of active oxygen species upon modification of their adsorption properties), and modification of photochemical properties of the semiconductor material itself (impact of metal decoration on the band gap structure).OTEH 2024 : 11th International Scientific Conference on Defensive Technologies ; 9-11 October, 2024; Tara, Serbia