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Influence of Pre-Stress Conditions on the Self-Heating Behavior of Power MOSFETs
No full textThirteenth International Conference on Radiation Natural Sciences, Medicine, Engineering, Technology and Ecology : June 16-20, 2025, Herceg Novi, Montenegro
Analysis of soybean production and potential secondary application
No full textIn addition to the grains as the main agricultural product, the agricultural
production of soybean also produces large quantities of plant residues in the form of soybean straw. The article focuses on the primary trends in soybean production worldwide,
and Serbian’s current position in global production. The paper analysis the dynamics
and structure of sown areas, gross harvest volumes and soybean yields in the world for
the period 2006-2023 in the context of leading producing countries. Soybean straw is an
agricultural leftover that yields up to 1.5 kg per kg of soybeans. The existing literature
demonstrates the vast potential of soybean straw as an environmentally friendly source
of carbon to produce chemicals, materials, fuels and energy similar to oil refineries.
The possibility of using untreated soybean straw for the synthesis of building materials was considered. Different types of common cement were used as starting raw
materials for synthesis. The characterization of two test samples was performed using
X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), light microscopy (LM), thermal conductivity and heat
capacity measurement.ISAE : The 7th International Symposium on Agricultural Engineering : 6-8 October, Belgrade
Novel natural deep eutectic solvent for salvia officinalis extraction and antioxidative activity
No full textTraditional extraction of plant material with alcohols and other organic solvents can yield extracts with varying degrees of toxicity to human cells, tissues, and the environment. In that light, natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) are considered powerful and sustainable green solvents. NADES consist mainly of two compounds: an ionic bond acceptor and an ionic bond donor. One of the first and well-known ionic bond acceptors is choline chloride (ChCl). To the best of our knowledge, the use of ascorbic acid as an ionic bond donor has not been widely reported. Numerous studies have investigated polyphenols derived from various plant materials using NADES, which exhibit better extractability and lower cytotoxicity than those extracts obtained with conventional solvents. Leaves of sage (Salvia officinalis L., family Lamiaceae) are often used in traditional medicine to treat a range of health conditions, from oral and dental pathologies to rheumatic and cognitive disorders. In this study, we used sage extracts obtained with choline chloride mixed with ascorbic acid (ChCl:AA (2:1)), whose structure was confirmed with FTIR and UV-Vis spectra. Extraction was obtained under different extraction times (60 and 90 min) at a constant temperature, and NADES was diluted with 10% water for better solubility and viscosity. The total flavonoid content (TFC) of the extracts was measured, and their antioxidant activity was determined using DPPH and ABTS assays. Based on our results, a shorter extraction time yielded a higher TFC. In both DPPH and ABTS assays, lower IC50 values and higher antioxidant potential were observed with the extract obtained at shorter extraction time. The results of this study suggest that prolonged extraction time may lead to extract degradation.5th International Student Conference – DISC2025, 11-12th December 2025, Novi Sad
Association of ORMDL3 and IKZF3 expression with the IL2RA rs2104286 risk variant in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis
No full textThe genetic variant IL2RA rs2104286 (A>G) is strongly associated with multiple sclerosis (MS) risk. It modulates IL-2 signaling, thereby influencing the expression of lymphocyte functionrelated genes ORMDL3 and IKZF3 that are implicated in multiple sclerosis pathogenesis. This study aimed to investigate the association of rs2104286 with ORMDL3 and IKZF3 mRNA expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients and controls. The study included 66 RRMS patients and 45 healthy controls from the Serbian population. Genotyping and gene expression analysis were performed using qPCR. In RRMS patients, increased ORMDL3 and IKZF3 mRNA expression was associated with the MS-protective G allele (ORMDL3: P = 0.014, 1.35-fold increase; IKZF3: P = 0.023, 1.38-fold increase). In controls, decreased expression of IKZF3 was associated with the G allele (P=0.038, 0.72-fold change). Sex, disease phase, interferon β therapy, and the ORMDL3 and IKZF3 expression quantitative trait locus (rs12946510) did not influence the association between target gene expression and rs2104286. The overall results suggest a disease-specific association between the IL2RA rs2104286 variant and ORMDL3 and IKZF3 expression. Our findings support the notion that the rs2104286 variant may modulate IL-2 signaling in PBMCs, thereby influencing the expression of the immune-relevant genes ORMDL3 and IKZF3.Dataset: [https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_vinar_15883
Structural and electrochemical properties of synthesized nanostructured Ca0.9Er0.1MnO3 by hydrazine nitrite procedure
No full textSynthesis, structural, and electrochemical properties of nanostructured powders Ca0.9Er0.1MnO3 with perovskite-type crystal were studied. Nanopowders were prepared by the combustion method using the hydrazine nitrite procedure (HNP), which involves mixing metal nitrate salts (Ca, Mn, Er) in a stoichiometric ratio and varying the quantity of added hydrazine. In this synthetic procedure, the aim is to adjust the amount of hydrazine in order to control the combustion of the reactions, obtain the required amount of fuel energy, but also the amount that will complex the reactants in the mixture. The powders obtained by hydrazine nitrate synthesis were then calcined for 15 minutes at temperatures of 800, 900, and 1000 °C. Characterization of the synthesized and calcined samples was performed using advanced techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and electrochemical measurements. The results clearly indicate that the amount of hydrazine added is crucial in preparing the Ca0.9Er0.1MnO3 sample. This highlights the importance of precise hydrazine dosage in optimizing the synthesis process to enhance the material's properties. Further, the electrochemical properties of the obtained perovskite nanopowders were investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical spectroscopic impedance (EIS) on perovskite-modified carbon paste electrodes. Electrochemical measurements showed improved electrochemical properties of perovskite-modified carbon paste electrodes compared to bare carbon paste electrode (CPE). The electrode modified with the material synthesized with the smallest amount of hydrazine presented the best results
SPION clusters with porous silica shell: Synthesis, core-shell structure, magnetic properties, biocompatibility and MRI application
No full textThis study focuses on the synthesis of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle clusters (SPIONc) coated with porous silica (silica@SPIONc) and on examining the effects of thermal annealing on their structural, magnetic and MRI relaxometric properties. The objective is to investigate how thermal treatments of these partly isolated SPION clusters with a deficit of oxygen, protected by a porous silica shell, influence their magnetic behavior. The goal is to assess their suitability for biomedical applications, particularly as MRI contrast agents and multifunctional theranostic materials. A novel aspect of this study is the discovery of unexpected thermal effects on the properties of the samples, caused by the specific structural conditions of the iron oxide nanoparticle clusters. The synthesis process, combining a wet colloidal chemical method with sol-gel silica deposition, was optimized to create uniform core-shell nanoclusters. XRD and SAED analyses confirm the presence of spinel-structured maghemite/magnetite (γ-Fe2O3/Fe3O4) nanocrystals within the SPIONc. Based on the results observed in the FTIR spectra, we conclude that the samples are likely in the γ-Fe2O3 (maghemite) phase. Magnetization studies at 300 K demonstrated superparamagnetic behavior, characterized by zero coercivity and magnetic remanence, consistent with the Langevin model. The compactly arranged superparamagnetic nanocrystals (≈10 nm diameter) within the silica@SPIONc cores exhibited a high magnetic moment (mnc ≈ 1.3 ∗ 106 μB), facilitating rapid alignment under external magnetic fields. Annealing at 300 °C enhances inter-particle interactions and lowers the blocking temperature, whereas annealing at 600 °C raises the blocking temperature and reduces magnetic coupling due to surfactant decomposition. This approach demonstrates a novel strategy for tuning the magnetic properties of SPION-based materials through controlled thermal treatments, broadening their functional adaptability. Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle cluster coated with porous silica exhibits high transverse relaxivity (r2 ≈ 345 mM−1s−1) and low cytotoxicity, establishing them as promising candidates for advanced MRI contrast agents. © 2025 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r.l.Peer reviewed manuscript: [https://vinar.vin.bg.ac.rs/handle/123456789/14717
Structural, Morphological and Optical Properties of Er3+-doped BaTiO3 Ceramics
No full textEr3+-doped BaTiO3 (BTO) with perovskite ABO3 structure is studied in terms of Er3+ substitution for Ba (A-site) and Ti (B-site) with different doping concentrations. Er3+-doped BTO powders with different site substitutions and concentrations were prepared by solid-state reaction method. The as- made powder samples were pressed into a pellet shape and subsequently sintered at 13 80 °C. The incorporation of Er3+ and the resulting properties are also strongly affected by sintering conditions. The morphological and optical properties of the synthesized samples were investigated by scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microcopy and Raman and photoluminescence spectroscopy, respectively. The impact of incorporated Er3+ on crystalline lattice vibration of BTO was investigated by Furrier transform (FT)-IR spectroscopy. Reflectivity measurement was used in far-IR range and in the mid-IR range - ATR- FTIR Transmittance. Together, the spectra cover the full range of normal BTO crystal modes. Scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (SEM-EDS) enables analysis and morphological characterization of surfaces of sintered samples. According to Ref.[1], the normal modes of BTO are assigned in FIG. 1b). As can be seen, the incorporation of Er3+ ions into the crystal lattice of BaTiO3 caused an increase in the disorder of the crystal lattice and the appearance of a series of secondary modes. With increasing wt.% Er3+ modes show a slight red shift.Advances in Solid State Physics and New Materials - 30 years of the Center for Solid State Physics and New Materials at the Institute of Physics Belgrade, 19 – 23 May 2025, Belgrade, Serbia
Unlocking Sleep: The Adenosine System's Role in Zaleplon's Mechanism
No full textBackground: A growing body of evidencesuggests that the sleep-wake regulatory system relies on the neurotransmitters glutamate and GABA. The fine-tuning of this system can be achieved by controlling the presynaptic release of these neurotransmitters; however, it is generally believed that plasticity in the brain is primarily governed by regulating the expression and function of glutamate and GABA recepto Zaleplon (Zal), a non-benzodiazepine hypnotic used for short-term management of insomnia, acts as a positive allosteric modulator by binding to the interface of theα and γ subunits of the GABAA receptor. We previously reported molecular changes in the GABA/glutamate neurotransmitter systems in hippocampus of naïve adult male rats following therapeutic doses of Zal (Martinovic et al., 2023). The finding of enhanced GABAergic signaling is not surprising, as decreased GABA neurotransmission is associated with the insomnia. However, we unexpectedly observed increased protein le components involved in glutamatergic signaling in the zaleplon-treated rats. The underlying mechanism still needs to be clarified, and adenosine has emerged as a promising candidate due to its crucial role in sleep regulation, particularly by facilitating sleep onset through A1 receptors. Aim: In our ongoing study, we investigate the role of the adenosine system in the mechanism of action of zaleplon. Material and methods: Upon completion of the Zal treatment (0.625 mg/kg ip, for five consecutive days), hippocampi from the same experimental groups (5 brains/group) were isolated for preparations of total RNA which was used in RT-qPCR analysis. Also, rat’s brains were isolated for prepa hippocampal synaptosomes for Western blot analysis. Results and discussion: While mRNA levels of A1R remain stable, prolonged Zal administration leads to a significant reduction in protein levels of this receptors (t (8) = 3.3703, p = 0.0098). It might be assumed that decrease in A1R protein abundance was not due to downregulation of A1R-mRNA, but rat possible translocation of this receptor from synapse, which may contribute to the observed increase in proteins associated with glutamatergic signaling (vGlut, NR1, NR2A, NR2B). Specifically, glutamat released from the presynaptic membrane activates astrocytes, prompting them to release adenosine that bind to A1 receptors. This interaction may result in presynaptic inhibition of glutamate release and decrease in the activation and surface expression of postsynaptic NMDA receptors, thereby mitigating neuronal hyperexcitability. However, these findings raise critical questions that we are cu investigating in our ongoing study regarding the role of adenosine system in the Zal mechanism of action.This is a Supplement to Neuroforum February 2025 Volume 31, Issue 1. Proceedings available at: [https://www.nwg-goettingen.de/2025/upload/file/Proceedings-NWG-2025.pdf]16th Göttingen Meeting of the German Neuroscience Society March 26–29, 2025
Performance assessment and techno-economic analysis of the thermal plasma gasification of biomass using air and steam as gasification medium
No full textIn this study, a techno-economic analysis of biomass gasification using a thermal plasma with air and steam as gasification media is presented. The analysis includes a parametric evaluation of various operating parameters, including process temperature, equivalence ratio and steam-to-fuel ratio. The aim is to determine the optimum gas composition characterized by a high proportion of combustible components and minimal harmful by-products. The parametric study covered a temperature range of 500–2000 K, equivalence ratios of 0.1–0.7 and steam-fuel ratios of 0.5–2.5. The results show that the optimum process temperature is around 1200 K. Furthermore, the analysis shows that the best energy properties of the producer gas are achieved at the lowest gasification medium-fuel ratios. The energy analysis favors steam plasma gasification over air plasma gasification. When using air, the produced gas has a heating value of 9.42 MJ/Nm3 and an H2/CO ratio of 1.03, whereas when using steam as the gasification medium, the heating value of the gas is higher, amounting to 10.36 MJ/Nm3, and the H2/CO ratio is 1.74. The economic analysis also favors steam gasification and shows significantly lower costs for energy production, estimated at 47.5 €/MWh compared to 74.5 €/MWh for air plasma gasification. The sensitivity analysis also shows that under certain conditions, when biomass is available at minimal or no cost, the cost of producer gas by steam plasma gasification can fall below the market price of natural gas. These results underline the techno-economic advantages of steam plasma gasification in converting biomass into a competitive and sustainable energy source. © 2025 Elsevier Lt
Aqueous-Phase Uptake of Amlodipine Besylate by Activated Carbon Derived from Dwarf Elder
No full textThis study reports the synthesis of activated carbon from dwarf elder, a lignocellulosic precursor, yielding a material with a high specific surface area (500.43 m2/g) and mesoporous structure (median pore radius: 3.88 nm). The physicochemical properties of the obtained carbon were characterized using field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), confirming its suitability for aqueous-phase sorption applications. Batch experiments demonstrated carbon’s efficacy in adsorbing amlodipine besylate (AMB), a model pharmaceutical pollutant, with a maximum capacity of 325.9 mg/g under optimized conditions (pH 10.0, room temperature). Systematic evaluation of key parameters, such as initial AMB concentration, sorbent dosage, pH, and agitation speed revealed that sorption kinetics adhered to pseudo-second-order and Elovich model. The high efficiency of the synthesized carbon material, coupled with its low-cost and eco-friendly synthesis, positions it as a promising candidate for the scalable remediation of AMB and structurally related pharmaceuticals from contaminated water sources. © 2025 by the authors