Dynamic Design of Systems with Semi-rigid Connections Based on Experimental Investigation of the Full Scale Structure

Semi-rigid connections in the construction permit mutual rotation of the nodes. Since such connections are quite common in constructions, especially in the precast ones, it is of interest to determine their dynamic characteristics that is the subject of this proposed paper. During our investigation full scale experiments have been carried out and experimentally determined dynamic characteristics have been compared with those obtained by use of the computational model. The real dynamic characteristics are determined and resonant frequencies of the basic modes in the horizontal and vertical directions, the forms of vibrations at these frequencies, as well as the corresponding coefficient of viscous damping. Testing has been done on the frame structure without facade walls. For the typical precast system "Minoma 1" with span of 12m, "Minoma 2" with span of 20m, and "Minoma 3" with span of 27m, dynamic characteristics: have been determined experimentally by use of forced harmonic excitation, free oscillations and ambient vibration. Experimentally and theoretically obtained values are in a relatively good agreement that is a good starting point for mathematical modeling

Our first experience in laparoscopic colorectal operations

Purpose: It has been almost 23 years since the first laparoscopic-assisted right hemicolectomy was done when the surgeons in our institution started doing laparoscopic colorectal operations mainly for malignant diseases. The aim of this communication was to present the beginning of the laparoscopic colorectal operations in St. Naum University Clinic of Surgical Diseases in Skopje, Macedonia.Material and methods: Twenty patients with colorectal adenocarcinoma were laparoscopically operated during the period from December 2012 to June 2013. Eleven of them were men and the rest women at a mean age of 58 years. Eight of them were rectal cancers, 3 were cancers of the rectosigmoid and the rest 9 were sigmoid adenocarcinomas. The patients were operated with 4 ports (sigmoid cancer) and 5 ports (rectum). Medial-to-lateral approach was used in all the cases. Tumour location dictated whether high or low ligation of inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) was done. Double stapler technique was applied for distal resection and anastomosis creation.Results: Mean operating time was 315 min. There were no perioperative and early postoperative deaths. One patient was reoperated early at the same operating day for mesenteric venous bleeding. There was one case of anastomotic leakage and a laparotomy was done with temporary colostomy. One unit of blood was given to five patients due to perioperative bleeding. Mean length of hospital stay was six days. Per oral nutrition started at day 2. Mean bowel function returned after 3,5 days. There were two seromas of the minilaparotomy wounds and no cases of surgical site infection. Selected cases of sigmoid and rectal cancer were suitable for beginning of learning the laparoscopic colorectal resection technique. The long operating time was understandable due to the steep learning curve. Conclusion: Laparoscopic colorectal surgery is safe and oncologically routine surgical method. It is widely used for many benign colorectal diseases, too. Prolonged learning of this technique should not be discouraging

Isolation of chromium resistant bacteria from a former bauxite mine area and their capacity for Cr (VI) reduction

The Cr (VI) reducing capacity of bacteria has been investigated in many different soils and waters but little or no information is available from soils originating from bauxite mine areas. From soil, mud and rhizospheres of the floating aquatic plant Potamogeton natans L. and the terrestrial plant Carduus acanthoides L., the Cr content was determined and the microbial populations were sampled. The highest total chromium concentration (204.6 mgkg-1) was found in the rhizosphere of C. acanthoides. To determine the numbers and percentages of chromate-resistant bacteria, the autochthonous microbial populations were subjected to different Cr (VI) concentrations (40, 100, 300 and 1000 mM as K2Cr2O7). At 1000 mM Cr (VI) in the medium, about 25% of bacteria from soil and 45% of bacteria from the rhizospheres were resistant. Of 34 bacterial isolates, within 24 h, only Bacillus stearothermophilus 12 ms, Pseudomonas sp. 12 bk3 and Serratia fonticola 7 be were able to reduce 50 μM Cr (VI). Using prolonged 72 h incubation, they were able to reduce 500 μM Cr (VI) concentrations added to the medium. These chromate-resistant bacteria isolated from rhizosphere of plants growing in bauxite mine soil have great potential for bioremediation of Cr (VI)-polluted wastes.Key words: Chromate-resistant bacteria, chromate reduction, bauxite mine, rhizosphere, plant

Quality assessment, antimicrobial activity organic sunflower honey and use of Maldi-tof mass spectrometry for the identification bacteria isolated from honey

The aim of this study was to investigate the physicochemical parameters of quality, microbiological safety and antimicrobial potential of four samples of organic sunflower honey from the Banat area (northeastern Serbia). Humidity, ash, pH, free acidity, electrical conductivity, hydroxymethylfurfural content, sugar content and diastase activity were measured. Microbiological analysis revealed the presence of total aerobic mesophilic bacteria, coliforms, aerobic endospores, lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and a good number of molds and yeasts. The isolate identification was carried out using Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). The antimicrobial effect of organic sunflower honey was investigated on five ATCC strains of bacteria: Staphilococcus aureus ATCC 29213; Escherichia coli ATCC 25922; Salmonella enterica ATCC 10708; Yersinia enterocolitica ATCC 23715; and Bacillus subtilis ATCC 23857. The results of the study showed that all honey samples meet international quality standards for all physicochemical parameters. Microbiological analysis of Sunflower honey confirmed the total bacterial counts for all samples ranged from1.80 to 1.85 x10-2cfu/g-1, whereby no presence Clostridium spp., coliform bacteria, as well as molds was detected. Investigation of the antimicrobial activity of honey samples revealed that all bacteria showed clear zones of inhibition in honey concentrations of 40-100%, which is a satisfactory result for flower honey

Advantages and disadvantages of non-starter lactic acid bacteria from traditional fermented foods: potential use as starters or probiotics

Research Areas: Food Science & TechnologyTraditional fermented foods are a significant source of starter and/or non-starter lactic acid bacteria (nsLAB). Moreover, these microorganisms are also known for their role as probiotics. The potential of nsLAB is huge; however, there are still challenges to be overcome with respect to characterization and application. In the present review, the most important steps that autochthonous lactic acid bacteria isolated from fermented foods need to overcome, to qualify as novel starter cultures, or as probiotics, in food technology and biotechnology, are considered. These different characterization steps include precise identification, detection of health-promoting properties, and safety evaluation. Each of these features is strain specific and needs to be accurately determined. This review highlights the advantages and disadvantages of nsLAB, isolated from traditional fermented foods, discussing safety aspects and sensory impact.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Duvan chvarci : product characterization and comparison between traditional and industrial production

Research Areas: Food Science & TechnologyThis research aimed to investigate and compare traditional products called “duvan chvarci” produced using pork meat and fat, originated from local households and industries. Physical and chemical analysis demonstrated differences among the examined products, mostly in total chloride content and TBARS values. Samples collected at local households showed finer color (higher lightness and yellowness) and sensory properties (rated as “extremely acceptable”), while industrial products were rated between “very acceptable” and “extremely acceptable“. Microbiological analysis exhibited that enterobacteria, coagulase-positive staphylococci, Salmonella spp., Shigella spp., and fungi were absent from all meat products. Dominant microbiota was identified as Lactobacillus spp. and Staphylococcus spp. All tested isolates showed γ-haemolysis on blood agar plates. Tested Staphylococcus spp. were sensitive to novobiocin while Lactobacillus isolates demonstrated sensitivity to ampicillin, chloramphenicol, clindamycin, erythromycin, tetracycline, gentamycin, and streptomycin. None of the tested isolates showed full resistance to antibiotics. Overall, results indicated that duvan chvarci is a microbiologically safe product and provided the initial evidence regarding the physical, chemical, technological, and sensory properties of this widely consumed product in the Balkans.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Serbian traditional goat cheese : physico-chemical, sensory, hygienic and safety characteristics

Research Areas: MicrobiologyThis research project aimed to investigate the physico-chemical, sensory, hygienic and safety characteristics of raw goat milk, whey, brine and traditional goat cheese during the ripening period of 28 days. Physico-chemical parameters included the determination of dry matter, fat, ash, protein, pH, water activity and NaCl content. The presence of Enterobacteriaceae and fungi was estimated on milk and cheese samples, and a sensory panel evaluated the products’ features and acceptability during ripening. The results show that the cheese under study belongs to the acid full-fat cheese group. A consumer panel attributed high scores to the goat cheese, until the 21st day of ripening. After this period, the overall features altered significantly, including augmented bitterness, odor intensification and the development of molds on the surface. The presence of fungi, associated with Enterobacteriaceae, suggests that the hygiene of the production processes needs to be improved. Regarding microbial safety, the detection of putative pathogens and antibiotic resistances recommend an active surveillance of traditional foods to avoid foodborne infections and/or the dissemination of resistant microorganisms along the food chaininfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Bladder explosion during bipolar transurethral resection of prostate - potential hazard in operating theatre

Transuretralna resekcija prostate (TURP) ostaje zlatni standard za bez laserske opcije u liječenju benigne hiperplazije prostate (BPH). Komplikacije tokom zahvata su rijetke. Izuzetno rijetka komplikacija je eksplozija mokraćne bešike. Ovaj članak opisuje slučaj kada je došlo do eksplozije tokom bipolarnog TURP-a, što je rezultiralo velikom intraperitonealnom i ekstraperitonealnom rupturom mokraćne bešike. Pacijentkinja je podvrgnuta hitnoj laparotomiji kako bi se sanirao mjehur

Have a Good Trip! Expanding our Concepts of the Quality of Everyday Travelling with Flow Theory

The dominant tradition in transport planning and policy practice considers travel as a derived activity and travel time as an economic disutility. A growing body of literature is challenging this perspective, demonstrating that being ‘on the move’ is a rich experience interlaced with profound shared and individual meanings that can have positive implications on quality of life, well-being and personal development. Yet, mobility in general, and commuting in particular, is often reported as one of the least pleasant daily experiences and as a source of massive environmental impacts. This exploratory article hypothesizes that flow theory, based on Csikszentmihalyi´s seminal work on optimal states of consciousness, has the potential to offer important insights that can contribute to research and policy action on achieving both sustainable and satisfying forms of daily mobility. The article draws on an online exploratory questionnaire in order to reflect on flow theory in relation to the capacity of different mobility modes to either facilitate or constrain the occurrence and duration of optimal states of consciousness. Preliminary conclusions provide a basis for outlining a set of future research directions aimed at better understanding mobility experiences and their relationships with flow theory