Influence of airfield traffic complexity on sustainable airport development.

Predmet istraživanja u ovoj doktorskoj disertaciji predstavlja uticaj načina upravljanja saobraćajem na postojećim i/ili planiranim resursima aerodroma (poletno-sletnim, rulnim stazama, putanjama za prilaz, sletanje i odlet vazduhoplova), od strane kontrole letenja, na kompleksnost saobraćaja na aerodromu, kao i ocena uticaja kompleksnosti saobraćaja na mere performansi obavljanja saobraćaja na aerodromima, kao pokazatelja održivog razvoja aerodroma. Naime, za datu (trenutnu ili planiranu) saobraćajnu potražnju i konfiguraciju manevarskih površina aerodroma, primena različitih mera upravljanja saobraćajem od strane kontrole letenja može dovesti do generisanja saobraćajnih situacija različite kompleksnosti na aerodromu, što dalje može uticati na efikasnost funkcionisanja aerodroma, a time i na održivi razvoj aerodroma. Cilj istraživanja u disertaciji bio je da se ustanovi da li postoji i (ukoliko postoji) kakva je međusobna zavisnost između dinamičke kompleksnosti saobraćaja na aerodromu i mera neefikasnosti obavljanja saobraćaja, a u svrhu ocene održivog razvoja aerodroma. Takođe, cilj je bio i da se ustanovi da li se na osnovu promene dinamičke kompleksnosti saobraćaja na aerodromu, koja nastaje kao rezultat primene različitih načina upravljanja saobraćajem od strane kontrole letenja, promene intenziteta saobraćaja i/ili promene u aerodromskoj infrastrukturi (npr. izgradnja nove poletno-sletne i/ili rulnih staza), može oceniti i promena u efikasnosti obavljanja saobraćaja (sa aspekta odabranih mera neefikasnosti). Pored analize zavisnosti između dinamičke kompleksnosti i pojedinih mera neefikasnosti, analizirana je i međusobna zavisnost između samih mera neefikasnosti. U disertaciji je predložena metodologija za ocenu uticaja kompleksnosti saobraćaja na manevarskim površinama aerodroma na efikasnost obavljanja saobraćaja, a u svrhu...This thesis deals with influence of different traffic and airport resources (runways, taxiways, arrival and departure routes) management, by air traffic control, onto airport traffic complexity; additionally, the thesis evaluates traffic complexity influence on airport traffic performance measures, as indicators of sustainable airport development. Namely, for a given (current or planned) traffic demand and airport airfield configuration, different air traffic management measures could result in different airport traffic complexity, influencing different airport efficiency and consequently affecting sustainable airport development. The objective of this thesis is to present the research on the relationship (if any) between airport traffic dynamic complexity and traffic inefficiency measures, in order to evaluate sustainable development of an airport. Another aim is to establish whether changes in the airport traffic dynamic complexity (resulting from various traffic management tactics applied by air traffic control, traffic intensity changes and/or airport infrastructure changes - such as construction of a new RWY and /or taxiway) may be used as a basis to evaluate changes in traffic inefficiencies (in terms of selected measures of inefficiency). In addition to dependencies between dynamic complexity and inefficiency measures, interdependence between the individual measures of inefficiency is also analyzed. The thesis proposes a methodology for evaluation of airport airfield traffic complexity influence on airport traffic efficiency in order to evaluate sustainable airport development. The proposed methodology analyzes the concept and measure of airport traffic complexity – called Dynamic Complexity, at airport airfields and in the airport vicinity. Complexity is observed as a measure of quantity and quality of traffic interactions on an airport and in the airport vicinity, under certain circumstances. In addition, so as to provide better understanding about the impacts of different ATM strategic and tactical measures tactics on the airport system performances, several flight..

Sekuritizacija u energetskoj bezbednosti – slučaj EU i ruskog gasa

The concept of energy security reaches the top of political and security agenda of the EU in 2005, when the first disruption of natural gas supply began. The greatest concern of EU officials, in that sense, is related to the possibility of (ab)use of energy as a political weapon in terms of dependence on Russian energy supplies. The topic of this paper is related to the securitisation of natural gas that Russia exports to the EU member states. The paper analyzes the documents and official statements of the highest EU officials in which the dependence on Russian gas was designated as an essential security threat to the energy security of the EU. The paper also presents the dynamics of the process of securitisation, the main actors of the process, outlined possible causes, and presents the consequences that have encouraged or accelerated the special measures by the EU.Pojam energetske bezbednosti dospeva na vrh političko-bezbednosne agende EU od 2005. godine, a početkom prvih ozbiljnijih prekida u snabdevanju prirodnim gasom. U tom smislu najveća bojazan zvaničnika EU vezana je za mogućnost (zlo)upotrebe energenata kao političkog oružja u uslovima energetske zavisnosti od Rusije. Tema rada vezana je za sekuritizaciju prirodnog gasa koji Rusija izvozi u zemlje članice EU. U radu su analizirani dokumenti i zvanična saopštenja najviših EU zvaničnika u kojima je zavisnost od ruskog gasa označavana kao esencijalna bezbednosna pretnja po energetsku bezbednost EU. U radu je takođe predstavljena dinamika procesa sekuritizacije, glavni akteri, skicirani su mogući razlozi, a predstavljene su i posledice koje su podstakle ili ubrzale preduzimanje specijalnih mera

Ima li spol djeteta utjecaj na poslijeoperacijsku bol i odgovor na stres?

Surgical procedure causes multisystem stress response reactions. The aim of this study was to assess whether gender has an impact on the level of neuroendocrine response to surgical stress and intensity of postoperative pain in children undergoing inguinal hernia repair surgery, as well as satisfaction of their parents with preoperative and postoperative care. The study included 60 children aged 3-6 years, all of them the only child in the family. All children included in the study were categorized as American Society of Anesthesiologists PS Class I, and divided into two groups: group 1 composed of 30 boys and group 2 composed of 30 girls. After oral premedication with midazolam, general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation was performed in all patients. Ketorolac, 1 mg.kg-1, was administered for postoperative analgesia. Serum cortisol was measured in all children preoperatively and postoperatively. The quality of postoperative analgesia was evaluated by Wong-Baker (FACES) scale, along with parental satisfaction. Male children who were the only child in the family had stronger neuroendocrine response to surgical stress and stronger intensity of postoperative pain. The parents of the girls expressed greater satisfaction with preoperative and postoperative care.Kirurški zahvat uzrokuje multisistemsku reakciju organizma u odgovoru na stres. Cilj ovog istraživanja je bio procijeniti ima li spol djeteta i ponašanje roditelja utjecaj na razinu neuroendokrinog odgovora bolesnika na kirurški stres i intenzitet poslijeoperacijske boli u djece koja su podvrgnuta operaciji preponske kile. Studija je uključivala 60 djece u dobi od 3 do 6 godina, od kojih su svi bili jedino dijete u obitelji. Sva djeca uključena u studiju kategorizirana su kao klasa I. Američkog društva anesteziologa i podijeljena u dvije skupine: prvu skupinu od 30 dječaka i drugu skupinu od 30 djevojčica. Nakon oralne premedikacije midazolamom kod svih bolesnika je provedena opća endotrahealna anestezija. Ketorolak u dozi od 1 mg.kg-1 je primijenjen za poslijeoperacijsku analgeziju. Kortizol u serumu mjeren je prijeoperacijski i poslijeoperacijski. Kod sve djece provedena je procjena kvalitete poslijeoperacijske analgezije pomoću Wong-Bakerove ljestvice (FACES) i zadovoljstva roditelja. Muška djeca koja su bila jedino dijete u obitelji imala su jači neuroendokrini odgovor na kirurški stres i jači intenzitet poslijeoperacijske boli. Roditelji djevojčica bili su zadovoljniji prijeoperacijskim i poslijeoperacijskim tretmanom njihove djece

Polymeric Nanocarriers of Drug Delivery Systems in Cancer Therapy

Conventional chemotherapy is the most common therapeutic method for treating cancer by the application of small toxic molecules thatinteract with DNA and causecell death. Unfortunately, these chemotherapeutic agents are non-selective and can damage both cancer and healthy tissues, producing diverse side effects, andthey can have a short circulation half-life and limited targeting. Many synthetic polymers have found application as nanocarriers of intelligent drug delivery systems (DDSs). Their unique physicochemical properties allow them to carry drugs with high efficiency, specificallytarget cancer tissue and control drug release. In recent years, considerable efforts have been made to design smart nanoplatforms, including amphiphilic block copolymers, polymer-drug conjugates and in particular pH- and redox-stimuli-responsive nanoparticles (NPs). This review is focused on a new generation of polymer-based DDSs with specific chemical functionalities that improve their hydrophilicity, drug loading and cellular interactions.Recentlydesigned multifunctional DDSs used in cancer therapy are highlighted in this review

Implementation of image analysis for cavitation erosion determination of refractory samples based on talc and domestic zeolite from Igroš

Domestic zeolite from Igroš as raw material for ceramic samples for application in condition of cavitation erosion was used. Samples based on talc with 15% of zeolite, from Igroš sintered at 1200ºC, were used in this investigation. The ultrasonic vibratory cavitation set up with stationery specimen was used. Mass loss was measured as well as the degradation level of the samples using image analysis. Image analysis was used for the level of damage determinations, as well for number and area of the formed pits. Analysis of the pits formation and growing will be used for description of the mechanism of degradation during cavitation erosion testing. Obtained results showed good resistance of the sample to cavitation erosion, which gives the possibility for future application of ceramic samples based on talc and zeolite in conditions where cavitation erosion is expected

Recycling refractories for steelmaking processes

The objectives and effects of refractory materials recycling, as well as the potential industries from which waste refractories suitable for recycling can be collected, will be discussed in this paper. After the end of its service life, the refractory material is usually disposed of at industrial landfills or recycled. The main motive for the reuse of refractories is the sustainable conservation of natural resources and environmental protection by reducing CO2 emissions and industrial landfills, reducing landfill costs and users’ costs. The effects achieved by refractory materials recycling are the cost savings of raw materials and disposal, the improvement of the environment, the product line expansion, and consequently the opportunities for products' placement in hitherto unknown and inaccessible markets, as well as closer cooperation between users and suppliers. Respecting recycling policies brings us closer to the concept of zero waste

Polimorfizm S-transferazy glutationowej (GST) może być wczesnym markerem w rozwoju zespołu policystycznych jajników (PCOS) — doświadczenia nieotyłych dorosłych pacjentów z cukrzycą insulinoniezależną

Introduction: It has been supposed that endocrine disturbances might be responsible for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)-associated oxida­tive stress, with special emphasis on hyperandrogenism. Considering the potential relationship between hyperandrogenism and increased free radical production, parameters of oxidative stress were determined in non-obese normoinsulinemic adolescent girls newly diagnosed with PCOS. Materials and methods: Nitrotyrosine, thiol group concentrations, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase activities were determined under fasting conditions and during oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in 35 PCOS patients and 17 controls. Insulin resistance was assessed by the homeostasis model (HOMA-IR), HOMA β, insulinogenic index (IGI), Matsuda insulin sensitivity index (ISI), and AUC for glucose. Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) polymorphisms were determined by PCR. Results: Under fasting conditions, no significant difference of oxidative stress parameters was found between PCOS and controls. Acute hyperglycaemia during OGTT induced significant alteration in parameters of oxidative protein damage in PCOS patients. Alteration in nitrotyrosine concentrations correlated with testosterone, DHEAS, androstenediones, FAI, and LH, while changes in thiol groups cor­related with DHEAS. Significant inverse association was found between LH and ISI, as well as AUC glucose and thiol groups. PCOS girls, carriers of GSTM1-null genotype, had significantly lower testosterone in comparison to ones with GSTM1-active genotype. Conclusions: PCOS girls exhibited high free radical production together with unchanged antioxidant enzymatic capacity, independently from obesity and insulin resistance. Based on associations between oxidative stress parameters and testosterone, DHEAS, and androsten­edione, it can be suggested that increased free radical production, probably as a consequence of hyperandrogenaemia, is an early event in the development of PCOS

Vitamin E-Bonded Membranes Do Not Influence Markers of Oxidative Stress in Hemodialysis Patients with Homozygous Glutathione Transferase M1 Gene Deletion

Background: Increased oxidative stress is a hallmark of end-stage renal disease. Hemodialysis (HD) patients lacking glutathione transferase M1 (GSTM1) enzyme activity exhibit enhanced oxidative DNA damage and higher mortality rate than those with active GSTM1 enzyme. To our knowledge, this is the first study to use the vitamin E-bonded membranes (VEM) in patients with homozygousGSTM1gene deletion, and we aimed to determine the effect of VEM on oxidative and inflammatory status in HD patients with homozygousGSTM1gene deletion. Methods:GSTM1genotypes were determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in 170 chronic HD patients. Those withGSTM1-nullgenotype were randomized and 80 were included in the study. Forty of them were dialyzed for three months with VEM, while the other forty were dialyzed with high-flux same-surface polysulfone dialyzers. Markers of protein and lipid oxidative damage and inflammation (thiol groups, malondialdehyde (MDA), Interleukin-6 (IL-6)), together with plasma antioxidant activity (glutathione peroxidase (GPX), superoxide dismutase (SOD)) were determined. Results: Seventy-five patients finished the study. There were no differences at baseline in markers of protein and lipid oxidative damage, inflammation and plasma antioxidant activity. After three months of therapy, GPX, MDA, and thiol groups increased significantly in both groups, but without statistical significance between groups. SOD and C reactive protein (CRP) did not change significantly during the three-month period. IL-6 increased in the control group, and at the same time, decreased in the VEM group, but without statistical significance. Hemoglobin (Hb) value, red blood cells, erythropoiesis resistance index (ERI), serum ferritin and iron did not change significantly within or between groups. Regarding other laboratory parameters, proteins, albumins, triglycerides, serum phosphorus, serum bicarbonate and Kt/V showed significant improvements within groups but with no significant difference between groups. Conclusions: Our data shows that therapy with VEM over three months had no benefit over standard polysulfone membrane in decreasing by-products of oxidative stress and inflammation in dialysis patients lacking GSTM1 enzyme activity

GSTM1-null and GSTT1-active genotypes as risk determinants of primary open angle glaucoma among smokers

AIM: To evaluate glutathione transferase theta 1 and mu 1 (GSTT1 and GSTM1) polymorphisms as determinants of primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) risk, independently or in combination with cigarette smoking, hypertension and diabetes mellitus. METHODS: A case-control study with 102 POAG patients and 202 age and gender-matched controls was carried out. Multiplex-polymerase chain reaction method was used for the analysis of GSTM1 and GSTT1 polymorphisms. The differences between two groups were tested by the t-test or chi(2) test. Logistic regression analysis was used for assessing the risk for disease development. RESULTS: The presence of GSTM1-null genotype did not contribute independently towards the risk of POAG. However, individuals with GSTT1-active genotype were at almost two-fold increased risk to develop glaucoma (P=0.044) which increased up to 4.36 when combined with GSTM1-null carriers (P=0.024). When glutathione transferase (GST) genotypes were analyzed in association with cigarette smoking, hypertension and diabetes, only carriers of GSTT1-active genotype had significantly increased risk of POAG development in comparison with GSTT1-null genotype individuals with no history of smoking, hypertension and diabetes, respectively (OR=3.52, P=0.003; OR=10.02, P lt 0.001; OR=4.53, P=0.002). CONCLUSION: The results obtained indicate that both GSTM1-null and GSTT1-active genotypes are associated with increased POAG risk among smokers, suggesting potential gene-environment interaction in glaucoma development

The Polymorphisms of Genes Encoding Catalytic Antioxidant Proteins Modulate the Susceptibility and Progression of Testicular Germ Cell Tumor

The simultaneous analysis of redox biomarkers and polymorphisms encoding for regulatory and catalytic antioxidant proteins was performed in order to evaluate their potential role in the development of testicular germ cell tumor (GCT), as well as the progression of the disease. NRF2 (rs6721961), GSTM3 (rs1332018), SOD2 (rs4880) and GPX3 (rs8177412) polymorphisms were assessed in 88 patients with testicular GCT (52 with seminoma) and 88 age-matched controls. The plasma levels of 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), thiol groups and the plasma activity of glutathione peroxidase were measured. A significant association between variant GPX3*TC+CC genotype and risk of overall testicular GCT, as well as seminoma development, was found. Moreover, carriers of variant SOD2*TT genotype were at almost 3-fold increased risk of seminoma development. Interestingly, combined SOD2*TT/GPX3*TC+CC genotype conferred a 7-fold higher risk for testicular GCT development. Finally, variant GSTM3*AC+CC genotype was associated with a higher risk for the development of advanced diseased. The presence of assessed genetic variants was not associated with significantly higher levels of redox biomarkers in both testicular GCT patients, as well as in those diagnosed with seminoma. In conclusion, the polymorphic expression of certain antioxidant enzymes might affect susceptibility toward testicular GCT development, as well as the progression of the disease