Comfort of open public spaces: case study New Belgrade

Open public spaces are very important for sustainable contemporary cities as important generators of users and activities. The concentration both of users and activities produces livability and vitality of districts and city (Hass-Klau, 1993; Jacobs, 1972; Whyte, 1988). Recent research has shown that the microclimate of open public spaces is important for intensity of use, as thermal conditions affect people’s behaviour and usage of outdoor spaces On the other hand, the comfort of open public spaces depend on urban design and its morphological characteristics. The outdoor thermal environment, is impacted by the surrounding surfaces and objects (Ichinose et al. 1999), materialization of ground surface (Lin et al. 2007), evaporation and evapotranspiration of plants (Robitu et al. 2006), shading by trees or constructed objects (Lin et al. 2010). However, rain, wind, hot weather can greatly influence the comfort of users of open public spaces. In the paper, Block 21 in New Belgrade has been analyzed, before and after transformation, using ENVI-met simulations and direct survey of citizens. Such analysis could help designers to create comfort urban place, which could increase the number of users throughout the year, with the focus on hot summer periods

Dynamic and Assembly Characteristics of Deep-Cavity Basket Acting as a Host for Inclusion Complexation of Mitoxantrone in Biotic and Abiotic Systems

We describe the preparation, dynamic, assembly characteristics of vase-shaped basket 13− along with its ability to form an inclusion complex with anticancer drug mitoxantrone in abiotic and biotic systems. This novel cavitand has a deep nonpolar pocket consisting of three naphthalimide sides fused to a bicyclic platform at the bottom while carrying polar glycines at the top. The results of 1H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), 1H NMR Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer (CEST), Calorimetry, Hybrid Replica Exchange Molecular Dynamics (REMD), and Microcrystal Electron Diffraction (MicroED) measurements are in line with 1 forming dimer [12]6−, to be in equilibrium with monomers 1(R)3− (relaxed) and 1(S)3− (squeezed). Through simultaneous line-shape analysis of 1H NMR data, kinetic and thermodynamic parameters characterizing these equilibria were quantified. Basket 1(R)3− includes anticancer drug mitoxantrone (MTO2+) in its pocket to give stable binary complex [MTO⊂1]− (Kd=2.1 μM) that can be precipitated in vitro with UV light or pH as stimuli. Both in vitro and in vivo studies showed that the basket is nontoxic, while at a higher proportion with respect to MTO it reduced its cytotoxicity in vitro. With well-characterized internal dynamics and dimerization, the ability to include mitoxantrone, and biocompatibility, the stage is set to develop sequestering agents from deep-cavity baskets

Genotoxic potential of Cotinus coggygria Scop. (Anacardiaceae) stem extract in vivo

The intention was to evaluate the possible in vivo genotoxic potential in different cell-types, of a methanol extract obtained from the plant stem of Cotinus coggygria Scop., using the sex-linked recessive lethal (or SLRL) test and alkaline comet assay. The SLRL test, revealed the genotoxic effect of this extract in postmeiotic and premeiotic germ-cell lines. The comet assay was carried out on rat liver and bone marrow at 24 and 72 h after intraperitoneal administration. For genotoxic evaluation, three concentrations of the extract were tested, viz., 500, 1000 and 2000 mg/kg body weight (bw), based on the solubility limit of the extract in saline. Comet tail moment and total scores in the group treated with 500 mg/kg bw, 24 and 72 h after treatment, were not significantly different from the control group, whereas in the groups of animals, under the same conditions, but with 1000 and 2000 mg/kg bw of the extract, scores were statistically so. A slight decrease in the comet score and tail moment observed in all the doses in the 72 h treatment, gave to understand that DNA damage induced by Cotinus coggygria extract decreased with time. The results of both tests revealed the genotoxic effect of Cotinus coggygria under our experimental conditions

English as an International Language in the Icelandic Context: Teachers’ perceptions

In today’s world, the English language is perceived as an universal language of education, science, diplomacy, business, technology, commerce, media, tourism, and entertainment, among other areas of human activity. English is not the only language used in international communications, but it is the only language in the world whose non-native speakers outnumber the native speakers. It is precisely due to the number of non-native users of English that it receives a status of global or international language. This paper has two major purposes, that are: exploring the emerging views on the phenomenon commonly termed English as an International Language (EIL), and examining whether the effects of new ways of understanding the English language can be traced in the context of English language teaching (ELT) in Iceland. The theoretical part of the study discusses two major areas of interest for the pedagogy of English that are: multilingualism and awareness of different varieties of English; and multiculturalism and cross-cultural awareness. The empirical part of the study consists of a survey in which 30 English teachers, who teach at the compulsory and upper-secondary level in Iceland, took part. The aim was gaining insight into teachers’ perceptions and practices, firstly in relation to exposing students to different native and non-native varieties, and, secondly, in relation to incorporation of cultural elements in English classes. In their responses, majority of participants demonstrated multilingual and multicultural approach to the English language, which enables raising that kind of awareness in their students. Nonetheless, some teachers revealed certain inconsistencies between their beliefs and practices, while others expressed a more traditional pedagogical approach

High-resolution topography and layer attitude measurements over Juventae Chasma (Valles Marineris, Mars)

Stereo-derived topography over mounds in Juventae Chasma (Valles Marineris, Mars), including derived measurements (ASCII .csv and .xls). File naming in measurements follows the numbering of NASA MRO HiRiSE stereo pairs. Please note for all DTMs Format: GeoTiff Projection: Equirectangular Datum: Mars 2000 Sphere Bit depth: 32bit Spatial resolution: 1m/pixel HiRise images avalable at:https://hirise.lpl.arizona.edu/ (use one of the image numbers listed below in the search box) Stereo pairs: HiRISE 1 (PSP_002590_1765_RED-PSP_002946_1765_RED-DEM_cyli.tif) PSP_002590_1765 PSP_002946_1765 HiRISE 2 (PSP_006915_1760_RED-PSP_007060_1760_RED-DEM_cyli.tif) PSP_006915_1760 PSP_007060_1760 HiRISE 3 (ESP_015934_1760_RED-ESP_016646_1760_RED-DEM_cyli.tif) ESP_016646_1760 ESP_015934_1760 HiRISE 4 (ESP_020470_1755_RED-ESP_014378_1755_RED-DEM_cyli.tif) ESP_020470_1755 ESP_014378_1755 HiRISE 5 (PSP_002379_1755_RED-PSP_002023_1755_RED-DEM_cyli.tif) PSP_002379_1755 PSP_002023_1755 HiRISE 6 (ESP_016567_1755_RED-ESP_017279_1755_RED-DEM_cyli.tif) ESP_016567_1755 ESP_017279_1755 HiRISE 7 (PSP_003790_1755_RED-PSP_004291_1755_RED-DEM_cyli.tif) PSP_003790_1755 PSP_004291_1755 HiRISE 8 (ESP_016145_1775_RED-ESP_017424_1775_RED-DEM_cyli.tif) ESP_016145_1775 ESP_017424_1775 HiRISE 9 (PSP_008708_1780_RED-PSP_008998_1780_RED-DEM_cyli.tif) PSP_008708_1780 PSP_008998_1780 HiRISE 10 (ESP_011688_1760_RED-ESP_019613_1760_RED-DEM_cyli.tif) ESP_019613_1760 ESP_011688_176

Characterization, In Vitro Biological Activity and In Vivo Cardioprotective Properties of <i>Trametes versicolor</i> (L.:Fr.) Quél. Heteropolysaccharides in a Rat Model of Metabolic Syndrome

The present study aimed to examine the biological activity and cardioprotective potential of Trametes versicolor heteropolysaccharides (TVH) in a rat model of metabolic syndrome (MetS). This study included 40 Wistar rats divided into 5 groups: CTRL—healthy non-treated rats; MetS—non-treated rats; and H-TV, M-TV and L-TV-rats with MetS treated with either 300, 200 or 100 mg/kg TVH per os for 4 weeks. After finishing the treatment, we conducted an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), hemodynamic measurements and the animals were sacrificed, hearts isolated and subjected to the Langendorff technique. Blood samples were used for the determination of oxidative stress parameters, lipid status and insulin levels. We showed that α-amylase inhibition was not the mode of TVH antidiabetic action, while TVH showed a moderate inhibition of pathogenic microorganisms’ growth (MIC 8.00 mg·mL−1; MBC/MFC 16.00 mg·mL−1). H-TV and M-TV significantly reduced the level of prooxidants (O2−, H2O2, TBARS; p p p p p p p p < 0.05). The obtained results demonstrated that the TVH may be considered a useful agent for cardioprotection in MetS conditions

The еffects of low mineral content water on microbiota, metabolic, and oxidative stress parameters in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Although scientific evidence has shown that natural mineral waters have potential beneficial metabolic effects, there is still very scarce data on their influence on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The study was designed to investigate the effects of low mineral water from the “Sneznik-1/79″ source in Serbia on microbiota, metabolic, and oxidative stress parameters in patients with T2DM. In total, 60 patients with confirmed T2DM were included in the study, and they consumed “Sneznik-1/79″ water for 28 days. To examine the positive effects of “Sneznik-1/79″ water, we compared the results before and after the four weeks of “Sneznik-1/79″ water intake. Standard biochemical analyses were carried out, such as glucose level, lipid profile, and stool tests. The blood samples were collected to evaluate the effects of “Sneznik-1/79″ water on the redox status. At the end of the monitoring period, the total cholesterol concentration significantly dropped compared to the initial value. A significant improvement in intestinal peristalsis was observed, which was reflected in the fact that after four weeks, all patients established regular, daily bowel movements. Moreover, consumption of “Sneznik-1/79″ water eliminated the appearance of dysbiosis in 50% of patients. Additionally, the antioxidant capacity was improved by increasing the concentration of superoxide dismutase and reduced glutathione. The result of our study pointed out that the intake of “Sneznik-1/79″ water could be a promising adjuvant therapy for improving intestinal peristalsis as well as reducing the appearance of dysbiosis in T2DM patients

Multispectral discrimination of spectrally similar hydrothermal minerals in mafic crust: A 5000 km2 ASTER alteration map of the Oman–UAE ophiolite

Multispectral remote sensing of hydrothermal alteration in volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) ore systems in mafic crust is relatively uncommon, in part due to the short-wave infrared spectral similarity of several key alteration minerals: epidote, chlorite, actinolite, and serpentine. In this study, we developed regional mosaic generation and classification workflows for Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) imagery to discriminate these minerals over the entire crust of the Semail ophiolite (Oman–UAE). Spectral discrimination was achieved through adaptation of the ASTER (pre-)processing workflow to the specific mapping targets, available datasets, and location of this study. Necessary steps included the pre-selection of ASTER scenes without residual atmospheric water features, mosaic normalization based solely on overlapping target outcrops, correcting cross-mosaic ramp errors, and alteration map classification based on image-derived reference data. The resulting alteration map, validated through comparison with field mapping and sampling, is the most areally extensive continuous survey of hydrothermal alteration yet presented for oceanic crust, providing a renewed framework for research and mineral exploration of Earth's largest ophiolite. Our map confirms that the vast majority of the upper oceanic crust is regionally altered to a spilite type secondary mineral assemblage. Localized areas of epidosite alteration, marking focused hydrothermal flow paths, are confined to the upper oceanic crust, whereas areas of previously unrecognized but intense actinolite alteration are common in both the lower and upper oceanic crust. Our methodological developments expand the standard considerations necessary for regional geological mapping using infrared image mosaics. They further demonstrate the underappreciated capability of multispectral data for mapping spectrally similar rock types. Although the specifics of the method are necessarily optimized for the Oman–UAE ophiolite, re-optimization based on local reference data should allow similar results to be achieved in other well-exposed mafic-hosted VMS districts.</p

Multispectral discrimination of spectrally similar hydrothermal minerals in mafic crust: A 5000 km2 ASTER alteration map of the Oman–UAE ophiolite

Multispectral remote sensing of hydrothermal alteration in volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) ore systems in mafic crust is relatively uncommon, in part due to the short-wave infrared spectral similarity of several key alteration minerals: epidote, chlorite, actinolite, and serpentine. In this study, we developed regional mosaic generation and classification workflows for Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) imagery to discriminate these minerals over the entire crust of the Semail ophiolite (Oman–UAE). Spectral discrimination was achieved through adaptation of the ASTER (pre-)processing workflow to the specific mapping targets, available datasets, and location of this study. Necessary steps included the pre-selection of ASTER scenes without residual atmospheric water features, mosaic normalization based solely on overlapping target outcrops, correcting cross-mosaic ramp errors, and alteration map classification based on image-derived reference data. The resulting alteration map, validated through comparison with field mapping and sampling, is the most areally extensive continuous survey of hydrothermal alteration yet presented for oceanic crust, providing a renewed framework for research and mineral exploration of Earth’s largest ophiolite. Our map confirms that the vast majority of the upper oceanic crust is regionally altered to a spilite type secondary mineral assemblage. Localized areas of epidosite alteration, marking focused hydrothermal flow paths, are confined to the upper oceanic crust, whereas areas of previously unrecognized but intense actinolite alteration are common in both the lower and upper oceanic crust. Our methodological developments expand the standard considerations necessary for regional geological mapping using infrared image mosaics. They further demonstrate the under- appreciated capability of multispectral data for mapping spectrally similar rock types. Although the specifics of the method are necessarily optimized for the Oman–UAE ophiolite, re-optimization based on local reference data should allow similar results to be achieved in other well-exposed mafic-hosted VMS districts