The Evolution of Serbian Forex Through NBS FX Swaps

This paper emphasizes the main goals of using derivatives as a monetary tool, increasing the foreign currency liquidity of commercial banks and controlling the volatility of the national currency. Over the past few years, FX swaps, very often mistaken for currency swaps, became a popular monetary instrument among central banks. Since 2007, inter-central bank swap credit lines have become a role model for supporting the foreign currency liquidity of national commercial banks. The National Bank of Serbia introduced FX swap transactions as part of a special facility for supporting the country’s financial stability. Our research indicates that the NBS is not part of a swap credit line, but rather uses FX swaps internally and in a very fragmented manner. The trading volume of the newly-introduced instrument has been quite modest. The quiet introduction of FX swaps has failed to make any insignificant impact on the stabilization of the national currency, and has caused a fairly minor increase in EUR liquidity. At the very end it is worth mentioning that, regardless of the first results, NBS swaps mean that the Serbian forex derivative market has “crossed the Rubicon”

Synthesis, characterization and examination of biological activity of copper(II) complexes with S,O-tetradentate ligands, derivatives of thiosalicylic acid

Uvod: Terapijska primena kompleksa bakra(II) privlači pažnju istraživača zbog mogućnosti koordinovanja sa različitim donorskim atomima. Među liganadima koji u strukturi sadrže sumpor i kiseonik izdvaja se tiosalicilna kiselina, čiji derivati pokazuju citotoksičnost u terapiji tumora. Materijal i metode: U ovoj Doktorskoj disertaciji opisani su sinteza S,O tetradentatnih liganada, derivata tiosalicilne kiseline i kompleksa bakra(II) sa navedenim ligandima. Radi potvrde njihove strukture, sprovedena su različita merenja: mikroanaliza, infracrvena spektroskopija, nuklearno-magnetno-rezonanciona spektroskopija, elektronska paramagnetna rezonancija i molarna provodljivost. U cilju procene biološke aktivnosti sprovedene su nukleofilne supstitucione reakcije kompleksa sa endogenim ligandima (L-metioninom, L-cisteinom i 5’-GMP), in vitro interakcije sa ST-DNK (eng. calf thymus, DNK timusa govečeta) i humanim serumskim albuminom (HSA) pomoću apsorpcione spektroskopske analize i emisione fluorescencije, in silico interakcije sa DNK i HSA. Takođe, primenom MTT kolorimetrijskog testa analizirana je citotoksičnost sintetisanih liganada i kompleksa na tri ćelijske linije. Rezultati: Analizom sprovedenih merenja pretpostavljena je oktaedarska geometrija kompleksa. Svi kompleksi podležu reakcijama nukleofilne supstitucije. Visoke vrednosti konstante vezivanja pokazuju da kompleksi interaguju sa molekulom DNK i HSA. Interakcija sa DNK molekulom dešava se interkalacijom ili interakcijom sa malim žlebom. Kompleksi imaju citotoksični potencijal, dok je prema svim ćelijskim linijama najbolju citotoksičnost na osnovu IC50 vrednosti pokazao kompleks [Cu(S,O-pentilen-tiosalicilna kiselina)].Introduction: The therapeutic application of copper(II)-complexes attracts the attention of researchers due to the possibility of coordination with different donor atoms. Among the ligands that contain sulfur and oxygen in the structure, thiosalicylic acid stands out, whose derivatives show cytotoxicity in tumor therapy. Material and methods: In this Doctoral dissertation, the synthesis of S,O-tetradentate ligands, derivatives of thiosalicylic acid and copper(II)-complexes with the mentioned ligands is described. In order to confirm their structure, various measurements were performed: microanalysis, infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, electronic paramagnetic resonance and molar conductivity. In order to assess biological activity, nucleophilic substitution reactions of complexes with endogenous ligands (L-methionine, Lcysteine and 5'-GMP), in vitro interactions with ct-DNA (calf thymus DNA) and human serum albumin (HSA) were performed by absorption spectroscopic analysis and emission fluorescence, in silico interactions with DNA and HSA. Also, the cytotoxicity of synthesized ligands and complexes on three cell lines was analyzed using MTT colorimetric test. Results: The octahedral geometry of the complex was assumed by the analysis of the performed measurements. All complexes react to nucleophiles. High values of the binding constant indicate that the complexes interact with the DNA molecule and HSA. Interaction with a DNA molecule occurs by intercalation or interaction with a small groove. The complexes have cytotoxic potential, while the [Cu (S,O-pentylene-thiosalicylic acid)] complex showed the best cytotoxicity based on IC50 values according to all cell lines. Keywords: S,O-tetradentate ligands, copper(II) complexes, interactions, molecular docking, antitumor activit

Konstrukcija i empirijska provera testa homofobije

The paper presents development and empirical evaluation of the Homophobia scale (H25). The Homophobia scale consists of 25 items with a five-point Likert type scale. The sample of 476 subjects participated in the research. The results shown good psychometric properties of the H25 (KMO = .99, α = .97). Factor analysis revealed two highly correlated underlying dimensions of homophobia, which can be interpreted as 'homosexuality as a threat to a society' and 'homosexuality as a threat to me'. Convergent and predictive validities of the scale were also demonstrated. The H25 correlated with alternative measures of homophobia (feeling thermometer and connotative differential) as well as with discriminatory attitudes toward homosexuals. Additionally, homophobia was related to gender, political orientation, religiousness, contact with homosexuals and basic personality traits (i.e., Openness and Conscientiousness). In conclusion, the H25 proves to be a reliable and valid measure of homophobia in heterosexuals, which can be used for both research and practical purposes.U ovom radu predstavljena je konstrukcija i evaluacija Testa homofobije koji u sadržinskom smislu objedinjuje dosadašnja znanja i ideje o prirodi ovog fenomena. Test homofobije (H25) sastoji se od 25 stavki u formi tvrdnji kojima je pridružena petostepena skala Likertovog tipa. Na uzorku od 476 ispitanika proverene su psihometrijske karakteristike testa i njegova faktorska struktura. U celini test pokazuje dobre psihometrijske karakteristike (KMO = .99, α = .97). Faktorskom analizom ekstrahovana su dva visoko korelirana faktora, koja su interpretirana kao 'homoseksualnost kao pretnja za društvo' i 'homoseksualnost kao pretnja za mene'. Takođe, test je pokazao zadovoljavajuću konvergentnu validnost spram dve alternativne mere homofobije, kao i visoku predikciju diskriminatornih stavova prema osobama homoseksualne orijentacije. Dodatno, pokazano je da homofobija, merena konstruisanim instrumentom, ima veći broj socio-demografskih i personalnih korelata. Homofobiji su sklonije osobe muškog pola, religiozne osobe, osobe konzervativne političke orijentacije, zatim osobe koje imaju manje kontakta sa homoseksualnom populacijom, i osobe nižih skorova na dimeziji Otvorenosti, a viših na dimenziji Savesnosti. U celini, konstruisani instrument predstavlja pouzdanu i validnu meru heteroseksualnog stava prema homoseksualnoj populaciji, te predstavlja ekonomičan instrument pogodan za primenu, kako u istraživačke tako i u praktične svrhe

DELORME PROCEDURE IN THE TREATMENT OF RECTAL PROLAPSE – CASE REPORT

Prolapse of the rectum is not so rare, especially in children under 3 years of age. It is most commonly associated with persistent constipation, enterocolitis, cystic fibrosis, and neuromuscular diseases. In most cases, treatment is conservative and symptomatic. Surgical treatment is rarely required. The paper presents a patient aged 27 months treated at the Clinic for persistent rectal prolapse. The attempt at conservative treatment did not give results, although the problem of constipation in the boy was solved. Due to persistent episodes of rectal prolapse, sclerosation of the anorectal region was performed. However, this method did not lead to a cure. Therefore, surgical treatment followed, and surgery was performed according to Delorme, a perineal approach. There were no complications in the postoperative course, as well as relapses of the disease. Rectal prolapse is most commonly encountered at the age of 3 years. Treatment should be directed to treating the underlying disease that leads to rectal prolapse. In refractory cases, surgical treatment is suggested, which is extremely rare in children

Challenges of the Integration of Micromobility Vehicles into Modern Traffic and Transportation Systems

This paper presents the main challenges of integrating micromobility vehicles into modern traffic and transportation systems. Although micromobility seems to be an effective concept for the first and last mile, the reality points to the potential problems that the integration of micromobility vehicles can create and that must be resolved appropriately. Micromobility vehicles are characterised by extensive development, which is not accompanied by appropriate legal regulations. The street design has its spatial limitations and usually separates non-motorised and motorised users, which is a notion that could be disrupted by new micromobility options. When it comes to Serbia, the existing legislation does not recognise the majority of micromobility vehicles, which results in the lack of safety of these participants and their place in the street profile. The aim of this paper is to provide guidelines for improving the existing regulations and integrating these vehicles into the traffic system of Serbia, with special reference to general recommendations through which micromobility vehicles can be treated in other countries. The results of this paper can be useful to decision-makers but also to all other participants in the process of developing effective policies and strategies for the integration of micromobility vehicles into traffic and transportation systems

Geographic tongue: Does Candida play a role in its pathogenesis

Background/Aim: Geographic tongue (GT), a benign self-limiting condition (inflammation) is commonly seen in practice. Although quite easy for clinical diagnosis, in clinical practice it is commonly misdiagnosed and treated as Candida infection. The main aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of Candida spp. on tongue in patients with GT and subjects with clinically healthy oral mucosa. Additional aims were to evaluate subjective symptoms, uncontrolled usage of prescribed or non-prescribed antifungal topical medications and the presence of the cancerophobia or other health concerns in patients with GT. Material and Methods: A total of 70 subjects were divided into two groups: Group B - patients with diagnosed Geographic tongue and group A - aged and gender matched controls with clinically health oral mucosa. Anamnestic charts designed for this study included information about symptoms (measured by Visual Analogue Scale), previous knowledge or fear about presence of GT and received therapy for this condition. Detection of Candida spp. from tongue was done using sterile cotton swab and Sabouraud dextrose agar. Results: At the time of this study, 18 (52.94%) of subjects with GT were aware of having this condition and even 12 of them (66.7%) used topical antifungal drugs prescribed by physician. Also, 66.7% of them experienced fear about the presence of GT at some moment. Detection of Candida spp. was similarly distributed in both groups (22.2% in group A and 17.6% in group B). Conclusions: Geographic tongue has frequently been treated by topical antifungal drugs. In this study, GT was not associated with presence of Candida spp

Disability in a family as a factor for developing attitude towards deaf and hard of hearing students in inclusive education

Inclusion is the process of wider involvement of children with disability into mainstream education system and further on into various social aspects. Inclusion promoters claim that the acceptance of children with disability by their peers in mainstream schools is a corner stone of inclusion. Promoters believe that positive attitude of typically developing students is a crucial factor of successful implementation of inclusion process. Hearing impairment is the most frequent congenital sensory handicap. Hearing impairment affects speech and cognitive development and therefor presents significant health and social burden in the considerable part ofpopulation. The goal of this study was to assess if the presence of a disabled person in a family could affect the attitude of older students (6th, 7th and 8th grade) towards deaf and hard of hearing students in mainstream school. The instrument in this study was the adapted questionnaire Attitudes toward Deafness afour-point 25-item rating scale (Cowen etal., 1967). The study was conducted in five mainstream primary schools. The sample contained 255 typically developing students of both genders, attending 6th, Th or 8a grade. They came for various social strata. The results have shown that the students have mostly positive attitude regarding deaf and hard of hearing schoolmates. Students coming from families with disabled person usually have developed more sympathetic attitude

Assessment of sugar beet root yield by ammi analysis

Sugar beet cultivars have different responses in various environments, such as different locations, years, mineral nutrition treatments or the combination of these factors, due to genotype x environment interaction. Additive main effect and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) is one of the most commonly used multivariate methods for analysis and visualization of genotype x environment interaction data. The main goals of the present study were to (i) investigate the application of AMMI method in the analysis of genotype x fertilizer interaction in sugar beet, (ii) to assess genotype x fertilizer interaction, and (iii) to identify sugar beet cultivars with the most stable response and high yield performance across different mineral nutrition treatments. The trial with eight sugar beet cultivars was conducted in two successive growing seasons at Rimski sancevi, Serbia. The different levels of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium fertilizers (0, 50, 100 and 150 kg ha(-1)) and their combinations represented specific environments for testing genotype x fertilizer interaction. Results from the analysis of variance indicated that the fertilizer treatment, cultivars, and their interaction significantly affected root yield variation in both seasons. Results from our study suggest that AMMI model with two and three first IPCA axes were recommended in 2014 and 2015, respectively. According to AMMI 1 and AMMI 2 biplot, E14 and E15 were high yielding and among the most stable treatments in both years. Among high yielding genotypes in 2014, G4 and G8 stand out as the most stable, while in the following year G3 had the lowest interaction score. AMMI analysis enabled identification of specific associations between cultivars and different mineral nutrition treatments, which was important for adjustment of fertilizer management for each cultivar in order to achieve high root yield with decreased and more rational fertilizer doses

The Expression of Major Facilitator Superfamily Domain-Containing Protein2a (Mfsd2a) and Aquaporin 4 Is Altered in the Retinas of a 5xFAD Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease

Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is characterized by amyloid β (Aβ) accumulation in the blood vessels and is associated with cognitive impairment in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The increased accumulation of Aβ is also present in the retinal blood vessels and a significant correlation between retinal and brain amyloid deposition was demonstrated in living patients and animal AD models. The Aβ accumulation in the retinal blood vessels can be the result of impaired transcytosis and/or the dysfunctional ocular glymphatic system in AD and during aging. We analyzed the changes in the mRNA and protein expression of major facilitator superfamily domain-containing protein2a (Mfsd2a), the major regulator of transcytosis, and of Aquaporin4 (Aqp4), the key player implicated in the functioning of the glymphatic system, in the retinas of 4- and 12-month-old WT and 5xFAD female mice. A strong decrease in the Mfsd2a mRNA and protein expression was observed in the 4 M and 12 M 5xFAD and 12 M WT retinas. The increase in the expression of srebp1-c could be at least partially responsible for the Mfsd2a decrease in the 4 M 5xFAD retinas. The decrease in the pericyte (CD13+) coverage of retinal blood vessels in the 4 M and 12 M 5xFAD retinas and in the 12 M WT retinas suggests that pericyte loss could be associated with the Mfsd2a downregulation in these experimental groups. The observed increase in Aqp4 expression in 4 M and 12 M 5xFAD and 12 M WT retinas accompanied by the decreased perivascular Aqp4 expression is indicative of the impaired glymphatic system. The findings in this study reveal the impaired Mfsd2a and Aqp4 expression and Aqp4 perivascular mislocalization in retinal blood vessels during physiological (WT) and pathological (5xFAD) aging, indicating their importance as putative targets for the development of new treatments that can improve the regulation of transcytosis or the function of the glymphatic system