Design optimization of the box section of the single-girder bridge crane by generalized reduced gradient algorithm

Abstract The paper considers the problem of design optimization of the box section of the single-girder bridge crane. Reduction of the girder mass is set as the objective function. The algorithm of generalized reduced gradient (GRG2 algorithm) was used as the methodology for determination of optimum geometrical parameters of the box section. The criteria of permissible stresses, local stability of plates, lateral stability of the girder, static deflection, dynamic stiffness and production feasibility (distance between the webs) were applied as the constraint functions. The optimization of the box section geometrical parameters was conducted for payloads and spans typical for single-girder bridge cranes

Propylene glycol energy supplementation during peripartal period in dairy cows and reproduction efficiency parameters

The aim of this work was to investigate the impact of two energy supplements based on propylene glycol in dairy cows diet on ovarian and follicular morphology, conception, insemination index and length of service period. A total number of 60 Holstein Friesian dairy cows, parity between 2-8, with an average milk production of 7000 kg/305 days of lactation were divided into three experimental groups (20 dairy cows per group). The first group of dairy cows was supplemented daily with "Energy-plus" (O1 group; 200 mL propylene-glycol supplement) and the second group was supplemented with "Ketal" (O2 group; 160 mL propylene-glycol supplement), two weeks before partus until 30 days post partum. The third experimental group were non supplemented dairy cows (O3, control group). Ultrasound examination of the reproductive system using real time echo camera Falco VET 100 (ESAOTE PieMedical, Holland, B-shaped scan with linear-array endorectal 5-8 MHz probe) was conducted on every animal starting from day 40 postpartum. The diameters of the ovaries (left and right) and of the dominant follicle(s) were recorded. Ultrasound testing was repeated on day 50 and 60 postpartum only in cows which in the meantime were not inseminated. Reproduction efficiency parameters (conception rate, number of inseminations and length of service period) were recorded individually. The statistical significance of the differences between groups was tested using ANOVA with LSD test at the level of significance p<0.05, chi-square test and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis (the length of service period). There was no significant impact of the propylene glycol supplementation on the ovarian and follicular morphology at the first ultrasound examination. At the second ultrasound examination there was a significant difference between left ovarian dominant follicle diameter in the control and supplemented dairy cows (1.67±0.53 vs 1.12±0.29 and 1.11±0.35 cm, p<0.05, O3 vs O1 and O2, respectively). The cumulative percentage of conception after the first and second insemination was 60%, 81% and 25% in groups O1, O2 and O3, respectively (p<0.05, chi-square test). The insemination index was lowest in group O2 and statistically significant differences were found between groups O2 and O3 (1.69±0.79 : 3.38±1.36, respectively, p<0,05). The length of the service period was significantly (p<0.05, LSD test) shorter in the O2 group (100±35 days) compared to groups O1 and O3 (168±59 and 157±52 days, respectively), that was confirmed by the Kaplan-Meier survival analysis of days open periods. The use of propylene glycol supplement in dairy cows diet during peripartal period induced higher percentage of pregnancy rates after the first and second insemination, significantly shortened the length of the service period and reduced the insemination index

Energetska suplementacija propilen glikolom tokom peripartalnog perioda i parametri efikasnosti reprodukcije kod mlečnih krava

The aim of this work was to investigate the impact of two energy supplements based on propylene glycol in dairy cows diet on ovarian and follicular morphology, conception, insemination index and length of service period. A total number of 60 Holstein Friesian dairy cows, parity between 2-8, with an average milk production of 7000 kg/305 days of lactation were divided into three experimental groups (20 dairy cows per group). The first group of dairy cows was supplemented daily with 'Energy-plus' (O1 group; 200 mL propylene-glycol supplement) and the second group was supplemented with 'Ketal' (O2 group; 160 mL propylene-glycol supplement), two weeks before partus until 30 days post partum. The third experimental group were non supplemented dairy cows (O3, control group). Ultrasound examination of the reproductive system using real time echo camera Falco VET 100 (ESAOTE PieMedical, Holland, B-shaped scan with linear-array endorectal 5-8 MHz probe) was conducted on every animal starting from day 40 postpartum. The diameters of the ovaries (left and right) and of the dominant follicle(s) were recorded. Ultrasound testing was repeated on day 50 and 60 postpartum only in cows which in the meantime were not inseminated. Reproduction efficiency parameters (conception rate, number of inseminations and length of service period) were recorded individually. The statistical significance of the differences between groups was tested using ANOVA with LSD test at the level of significance p lt 0.05, chi-square test and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis (the length of service period). There was no significant impact of the propylene glycol supplementation on the ovarian and follicular morphology at the first ultrasound examination. At the second ultrasound examination there was a significant difference between left ovarian dominant follicle diameter in the control and supplemented dairy cows (1.67±0.53 vs 1.12±0.29 and 1.11±0.35 cm, p lt 0.05, O3 vs O1 and O2, respectively). The cumulative percentage of conception after the first and second insemination was 60%, 81% and 25% in groups O1, O2 and O3, respectively (p lt 0.05, chi-square test). The insemination index was lowest in group O2 and statistically significant differences were found between groups O2 and O3 (1.69±0.79 : 3.38±1.36, respectively, p lt 0,05). The length of the service period was significantly (p lt 0.05, LSD test) shorter in the O2 group (100±35 days) compared to groups O1 and O3 (168±59 and 157±52 days, respectively), that was confirmed by the Kaplan-Meier survival analysis of days open periods. The use of propylene glycol supplement in dairy cows diet during peripartal period induced higher percentage of pregnancy rates after the first and second insemination, significantly shortened the length of the service period and reduced the insemination index.Cilj ovog rada je bio da se ispita uticaj primene dva tipa energetskih dodataka u ishrani mlečnih krava na bazi propilen glikola na morfologiju jajnika i folikula, koncepciju, indeks osemenjavanja i dužinu servis perioda. U ogled je bilo uključeno ukupno 60 krava Holštajn Frizijske rase, u toku 2-8 laktacije, sa prosečnom proizvodnjom mleka od 7000 kg/305 dana laktacije, koje su bile podeljene u tri ogledne grupe (20 krava po grupi). Prva grupa mlečnih krava (O1) je svakodnevno suplementirana peroralnom aplikacijom 200 mL 'Energy-plus', druga grupa krava (O2) suplementirana je sa 160 mL 'Ketal-a', počevši od dve nedelje pre partusa do 30 dana nakon partusa. Treću grupu mlečnih krava (O3, kontrola) su predstavljale netretirane životinje. Ultrazvučni pregled reproduktivnog sistema vršen je sa uređajem Falco VET 100 (ESAOTE PieMedical, Holland), linearnom endorektalnom sondom od 5-8 MHz kod svake životinje najmanje dva puta počevši od 40 dana posle partusa. Ultrazvučni pregled je ponovljen sa 50 i/ili 60 dana posle partusa kod krava koje nisu u međuvremenu osemenjene. U toku svakog pregleda su registrovani prečnik oba jajnika i dominantnog folikula. Kod svake ogledne životinje su određeni parametri efikasnosti reprodukcije: stepen koncepcije, indeks osemenjavanja i servis period. Statistička značajnost razlika srednjih vrednosti dobijenih parametara određivana je ANOVA metodom i LSD testom na nivou značajnosti od p lt 0.05, hi-kvadrat testom i Kaplan-Majerovom analizom (dužina servis perioda). Rezultati prvog ultrazvučnog pregleda su ukazali da nema statistički značajnih razlika u morfologiji jajnika i dominantnog folikula između suplementiranih grupa u odnosu na kontrolnu grupu krava. Rezultati drugog ultrazvučnog pregleda su ukazali da postoji statistički značajna razlika između srednjih vrednosti prečnika dominantnog folikula na levom jajniku kod kontrolne grupe krava u odnosu na suplementirane životinje (1,67±0,53:1,12±0,29 i 1,11±0,35 cm, p lt 0.05, O3:O1 i O2). Zbirne vrednosti procenta koncepcije nakon prvog i drugog osemenjavanja bile su statistički značajno više kod suplementiranih krava u odnosu na kontrolnu grupu životinja (60% : 81% : 25%; O1:O2:O3, p lt 0,05, hi-kvadrat test). Najniža vrednost indeksa osemenjavanja je utvrđena kod ogledne grupe krava suplentirane Ketal-om (1.69±0.79), koja je bila značajno viša u odnosu na kontrolnu grupu krava (3.38±1.36, p lt 0,05). Dužina servis perioda je bila najmanja kod grupe krava suplementiranih Ketal-om (100±35 days) i značajno se razlikovala u odnosu na ostale ogledne grupe (168±59 i 157±52 dana, O1 i O2), što je potvrđeno Kaplan Majerovom analizom. Energetska suplementacija mlečnih krava propilen glikolom tokom peripartalnog perioda može dovesti do povećanja procenta gravidnih krava nakon prvog i drugog osemenjavanja, smanjenja vrednosti indeksa osemenjavanja i skraćenja dužine servis perioda

First Report of 'Candidatus Phytoplasma solani' Infecting Parsnip in Serbia

The parsnip is a biennial plant native to Eurasia. During August and September 2016, typical phytoplasma yellows symptoms were observed on parsnip plants grown in Serbia. To our knowledge, this is the first report of phytoplasma infecting parsnip in Serbia

Influence of In+ ions implantation in GaAs and Si on their optical characteristics

In this work we studied the influence of In+ ion implantation on structural and optical characteristics on semiconductors with direct (GaAs) [1] and indirect (Si) [2] band gap. A plenty of information on physical properties of various semiconductor materials can be obtained from optical spectra. In order to determine optical parameters, refraction index and extinction coefficient, we employed spectroscopic ellipsometry as a very useful technique. The parameters of the implantation process and the optical properties of the implanted GaAs and Si wafers are discussed with particular emphasis on the SWIR (Short Wavelength Infrared) region. In+ ions were implanted into n-type GaAs (100) and n-type Si (100) at an acceleration energy of 60 keV with doses of 1x1014 ion/cm2 , 5x1014 ion/cm2 , 1x1015 ion/cm2 and 2x1015 ion/cm2 in both cases. The change of the optical parameters in the subsurface region of the GaAs and Si wafers caused by implanted In+ ions is observed comparing the values of ellypsometric data and energy gap (Eg) of unimplanted and implanted wafers. In order to evaluate the crystallinity of the samples we used TEM microscopy.VII International School and Conference on Photonics : PHOTONICA2019 : Abstracts of Tutorial, Keynote, Invited Lectures, Progress Reports and Contributed Papers; August 26-30; Belgrad

Indium ion implantation effects on the structural, optical and electrical properties of GaAs and Si wafers

In this paper we report a study on the effects of implanted In+ ions into GaAs and Si - semiconductors with direct and indirect band gap, respectively. Both systems, (In,Ga)As and (In)Si, are of great interest for fundamental investigations of their structures as well as for the development of technological applications with enhanced electronic and optical properties. In+ ions were implanted into n-type GaAs (100) and n-type Si (100) at acceleration energy of 60 keV and the fluences of 1×1014 ion/cm2, 5×1014 ion/cm2, 1×1015 ion/cm2 and 2×1015ion/cm2.It is well known that after ion implantation process substrate crystal structure is quite damaged due to the formation of point defects and dislocations which can strongly influence the semiconducting properties. In order to remove structural damage, after implantation all samples were annealed by rapid thermal annealing at temperatures 900oC1000oC. As-implanted and annealed samples were characterized for the structural changes and results are presented together with optical and sheet resistance measurements. Change in crystallinity of the samples was monitored by transmission electron microscopy, while chemical composition was determined by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Spectroscopic ellipsometry in the wavelength range 260 nm-2066 nm was performed in order to determine optical parameters and change in energy band gap. Atomic force microscopy was used to determine changes in surface roughness. Damage introduction during ion irradiation and its removal during a thermal annealing are key issues which are highlighted.VIII Serbian Ceramic Society Conference - Advanced Ceramics and Application : new frontiers in multifunctional material science and processing : program and the book of abstracts; September 23-25, 2019; Belgrad

Clinical-parasitological and epidemiological review of the nematode Acanthocheilonema reconditum

Acanthocheilonema (Dipetalonema) reconditum is a less pathogenic species of filaria from the superfamily Filarioidea, and which parasitizes in the subcutaneous connective tissue of dogs, hyenas and jackals. The results of epidemiological studies indicate the zoonotic potential of A. reconditum, bearing in mind it can cause infections with clinical disorders in humans. This filaria is spread globally and it is mostly described in geographical areas such as the Mediterranean Basin, the Middle East, South Africa, South America and Oceania, where it is the only or is the most common filaria that infects dogs. The prevalence and distribution of A. reconditum depend mainly on the vector population, impact of environmental factors, and lifestyle of pets and their owners. Apart from the standard parasitological techniques for differential diagnostics of filariae, more attention is being dedicated to the development of protocols that are based on the simultaneous detection of specific DNA regions in each type of individual filaria. Due to its importance for public health, effective vector control is required, as well as regular preventive examinations, reliable diagnostics and therapy for A. reconditum in dogs, and continuous cooperation between veterinary and medical surgeons

Antiepileptici u terapiji neuropatskog bola

Neuropathic pain, a form of chronic pain, caused by injury or disease of the peripheral or central nervous system, is a therapeutic challenge to clinicians because it does not respond well to traditional pain therapies. Basic research of pathophysiological mechanisms of neuropathic pain has shown many similarities between the morphological and biochemical changes observed in epilepsy and neuropathic pain, which gave the rational for examination and use of antiepileptic drugs (AED) in management of neuropathic pain disorders. Carbamazepine was the first AED studied in clinical trials, achieving positive results predominantly in the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia, and took its place in therapy of this particular neuropathic pain disorder. Gabapentin, a newer AED, has the most clearly demonstrated analgesic effect for the treatment of neuropathic pain, specifically for treatment of painful diabetic neuropathy and postherpetic neuralgia and is considered the first choice of therapy for neuropathic pain. There is increasing evidence that effect in both experimental and clinical studies. Due to less frequency and severity of adverse effects it is considered as an alternative to carbamazepine in a treatment of neuropathic pain. There is insufficient evidence about efficacy of phenitoin, lamotrigine and some others AED in the treatment of neuropathic pain disorders. Future advances in treatment of neuropathic pain are directed on understanding the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying neuropathic pain and further examining the mechanisms of action of AED, and their efficacy and safety in treatment of neuropathic pain.Neuropatski bol je oblik hroničnog bola izazvan povredom ili oboljenjem perifernog ili centralnog nervnog sistema. Predstavlja terapijski izazov za kliničare, jer se primenom konvencionalnih analgetika u terapiji ovog tipa bola ne postižu zadovoljavajući rezultati. Bazična istraživanja patofizioloških mehanizama neuropatskog bola pokazala su mnoge sličnosti između morfoloških i biohemijskih promena koje se javljaju kod neuropatskog bola i onih koje se javljaju kod epilepsije, što čini osnovu za ispitivanje i upotrebu antiepileptika u terapiji ovog tipa bola. Prvi klinički ispitani antiepileptik, karbamazepin, ostvario je pozitivne rezultate prevashodno u terapiji neuralgije trigeminusa, gde je i našao svoje mesto u kliničkoj praksi. Lek novije generacije, gabapentin, je za sada najjasnije pokazao analgetičko dejstvo kod neuropatskog bola, posebno kod dijabetičke neuropatije i postherpetičke neuralgije i danas se smatra lekom prvog izbora u terapiji neuropatskih bolnih stanja. Sve je više dokaza o analgetičkom dejstvu okskarbazepina, koji je keto-derivat karbamazepina. U eksperimentalnim i kliničkim ispitivanjima okskarbazepin se pokazao kao moguća zamena za karbamazepin u terapiji neuropatskog bola, zbog niže učestalosti i manjeg intenziteta neželjenih efekata. Znatno je manje dokaza o efikasnosti fenitoina, lamotrigina i nekih drugih antiepileptika u suzbijanju neuropatskog bola. Dalje usavršavanje terapije neuropatskog bola usmereno je ka rasvetljavanju njegovih složenih patofizioloških mehanizama, kao i daljem ispitivanju mehanizama dejstva, efikasnosti i bezbednosti primene antiepileptika u terapiji neuropatskog bola

Staphylococcus epidermidis glucose uptake in biofilm versus planktonic cells

The aim of this work was to compare the glucose uptake of biofilms formed by four different Staphylococcus epidermidis strains as well as to compare between sessile and planktonic cells of the same strain. Biofilm cells showed a lower level of glucose uptake compared to planktonic cells. Moreover, glucose uptake by cells in the sessile form was strongly influenced by biofilm composition. Therefore, this work helps to confirm the phenotypic variability of S. epidermidis strains and the different behaviour patterns between sessile and free cells.Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT) - POCTI/ESP/42688/2001; SFRH/BD/19265/2004

Rubbery taproot disease of sugar beet in Serbia associated with 'Candidatus phytoplasma solani'

Rubbery taproot disease (RTD) of sugar beet was observed in Serbia for the first time in the 1960s. The disease was already described in neighboring Bulgaria and Romania at the time but it was associated with abiotic factors. In this study on RTD of sugar beet in its main growing area of Serbia, we provide evidence of the association between 'Candidatus Phytoplasma solani' (stolbur phytoplasma) infection and the occurrence of typical RTD symptomatology. 'Ca. P. solani' was identified by PCR and the sequence analyses of 16S ribosomal RNA, tuf, secY, and stamp genes. In contrast, the causative agent of the syndrome “basses richesses” of sugar beet-namely, 'Ca. Arsenophonus phytopathogenicus'-was not detected. Sequence analysis of the stolbur strain's tuf gene confirmed a previously reported and a new, distinct tuf stolbur genotype (named 'tuf d') that is prevalent in sugar beet. The sequence signatures of the tuf gene as well as the one of stamp both correlate with the epidemiological cycle and reservoir plant host. This study provides knowledge that, for the first time, enables the differentiation of stolbur strains associated with RTD of sugar beet from closely related strains, thereby providing necessary information for further epidemiological work seeking to identify insect vectors and reservoir plant hosts. The results of this study indicate that there are differences in hybrid susceptibility. Clarifying the etiology of RTD as a long-known and economically important disease is certainly the first step toward disease management in Serbia and neighboring countries.This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: Ćurčić Ž., Stepanović J., Zübert C., Taški-Ajduković K., Kosovac A., Rekanović E., Kube M., Duduk B. Rubbery taproot disease of sugar beet in Serbia associated with 'Candidatus phytoplasma solani'. Plant Disease 2021, 105 (2), 255 – 263. [https://doi.org/10.1094/PDIS-07-20-1602-RE]