Nitrogen-doped TiO (N-TiO) is considered as one of the most promising materials for various photocatalytic applications, while noble metals Pd and Pt are known as good catalysts for hydrogen evolution. This work focuses on the determination of structural and electronic modifications of N-TiO, achieved by noble metal deposition at the surface, as a starting indicator for potential applications. We focus on the properties of easily synthesized nanocrystalline nitrogen-doped anatase TiO, modified by depositing small amounts of Pd (0.05 wt%) and Pt (0.10 wt%), aiming to demonstrate efficient enhancement of optical properties. The chemical states of dopants are studied in detail, using X-ray photoemission spectroscopy, to address the potential of N-TiO to act as a support for metallic nanoparticles. DFT calculations are used to resolve substitutional from interstitial nitrogen doping of anatase TiO, as well as to study the combined effect of nitrogen doping and oxygen vacancy formation. Based on the binding energies calculated using Slater's transition state theory, dominant contribution to the N 1s binding energy at 399.8 eV is ascribed to interstitially doped nitrogen in anatase TiO. Given that both structure and photocatalytic properties depend greatly on the synthesis procedure, this work contributes further to establishing correlation between the structure and optical properties of the noble metal modified N-TiO system.

Water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) conservation in Serbia is under an in situ program, but additional efforts are needed to ensure the development of this animal’s genetic resources biodiversity. This research aims to describe challenges and possible strategies for sustainable water buffalo milk production. In this study, the physicochemical characteristics of buffalo milk and buffalo dairy products (cheese, butter, and kajmak) were determined. Furthermore, amino and fatty acids composition and the related health lipid indices (atherogenic and thrombogenic) were assessed. The findings support the fact that buffalo milk is a reliable source of high-quality nutrients (dry matter: 16.10%, fat: 6.02%, protein: 4.61%). Leucine, lysine, and valine content were found to be high in buffalo milk and cheese. A substantial quantity of non-essential glutamic and aspartic amino acids was observed in milk, as well as glutamic acid and tyrosine in cheese. It was established that milk protein of buffalo cheese had a favorable proportion of essential and non-essential amino acids (61.76%/38.24%). The results revealed significant differences (p < 0.05) in fatty acid profiles among the three dairy products for saturated short-chain, n-3, and n-6 fatty acids. Conversely, no significant difference (p < 0.05) was observed in monounsaturated fatty acids content. Kajmak showed the most favorable anti-atherogenic and anti-thrombogenic properties due to lower saturated and higher polyunsaturated fatty acid content. These results confirmed that buffalo milk could be successfully used in producing high-quality traditional dairy products with added value and beneficial characteristics from the aspect of a healthy diet. Furthermore, it could actively contribute to the promotion of sustainable production of buffaloes and strengthen the agricultural production of rural areas and their heritage.

In recent years there is growing interest of consumers for the consumption of organic milk, because of its favorable content of fatty acids that has a positive effect on human health. The aim of this study was to examine the content of fatty acids, vitamins A, C and α - tocopherol in milk which was obtained in different production systems, organic and conventional. The samples of conventional and organic milk were collected from farms located in Vojvodina, throughout all seasons. The prepared samples were analyzed using gas chromatography with mass spectrometry and high - performance liquid chromatography. The results proved that the milk produced in accordance with the principles of organic production had a higher content of polyunsaturated and omega-3 fatty acids compared with conventional milk (p<0.01) during the whole examination period, while the greatest differences were perceived in the pasture season. Also, organic milk had a higher content of vitamins A, C and α - tocopherol compared with the conventionally produced milk, although there was no statistically significant difference

Autochthonous Pramenka (Zackel) sheep has been recognized as an important element of regional agro-biodiversity, relevant to the tradition that encompasses the cultural heritage of Serbia. The recognition that locally adapted animal breeds gained genetic resistance and adaptability through evolution; modern sustainable farming practices are far more attuned to the need for preserving and utilizing Zackel sheep types. The risk factors leading to rapid and severe decline in Vlashko-Vitoroga Zackel sheep population have been described in the paper. The objective of the study was to obtain the data necessary for development of conservation and sustainable use strategies of Vlashko-Vitoroga Zackel sheep. Determination of the conservation value upon characteristics of the breed was performed, in aim to identify priorities in accordance with the criteria of Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The positive and negative characteristics of the Vlashko-Vitoroga Zackel sheep, opportunities for utilization, as well as ambiental challenges that affect the breed were analyzed in the paper. The importance of this breed for maintenance of cultural tradition, landscape preservation and longterm rural development by in-situ conservation through utilization is also discussed in the paper.

This background study paper reviews the results of scientific investigations involving genetic control mechanisms for resistance/tolerance in farm animals to specific viral, bacterial, parasitic and prion diseases. The paper presents the most prominent documented examples for resistance/tolerance in cows, sheep and goats, pigs and poultry. The importance of genetically heterogeneous populations is highlighted, particularly as they impact response to epidemics, their duration, lower mortality rates, etc. Genetic studies on resistance in farm animals to a variety of etiological infectious agents can be determined at three genetic levels of variation: species, breed and unique genetic variation among individual animals. Depending upon the etiology of disease and the available animal resources, strategies for developing genetic disease management can be developed at the following levels: selection of breeds that are particularly well adapted to the local environment, breeding methods which include the introduction of genes exhibiting genetic resistance/tolerance towards pathogenic organisms, and the selection of individual animals with a high level of specific pathogen resistance. The most recent epidemic zoonoses illustrate how important it has become to develop global mechanisms for control of zoonoses and consequently the vital role of veterinary services in disease control.

HighlightsWe studied the development of tolerance to subchronic p.o. administration of DZN in rats, under both in vivo and in vitro conditionsAs a consequence of AChE inhibition, ACh neurotransmitters are being accumulated in over stimulated nicotinic and muscarinic receptors.With isolated diaphragm and ileum, we examined the down regulation of nicotinic and muscarinic receptor function through EFS technique.The results of our research could be useful in forensic diagnostics of organophosphate poisoning.

Vojvodina is situated in the northern part of Serbia. The region is divided into: Bačka in the northwest, Banat in the east and Srem in the southwest. A small part of the Mačva region is also located in Vojvodina, in the Srem District. Vojvodina is abundant with numerous grasslands suitable for sheep grazing. The present study was conducted in 90 sheep flocks from the territory of Vojvodina in the period of March 2014 to January 2015, using into consideration the biodiversity and sesonal occurance and prevalence of isolated parasites. Fecal samples were examined by using qualitative and quantitative coprological methods. Infection we occurred at 81.22% of sheep.

The aim of this study was to determine and evaluate the basic haematological parameters in conditions of natural infection of sheep with Strongyloides papillosus, as well as after the administration of antihelminthic albendazole (ABZ). Based on the intensity of infection with S. papillosus the sheep were divided into three groups: mild, moderate and high, and after that the sheep received a single dose of ABZ of 5mg/kg per body weight, per orally. Sampling of faeces and blood for parasitological and haematological assaying respectively, was performed on the 0 and the 21st day after the treatment with ABZ. The presence of parasitic infection with S. papillosus leads to a decrease of erythrocyte count, while the lowest values were established in the group with the highest intensity of parasitic infection (p < 0.001). After treatment with ABZ the decrease of erythrocyte count was more prominent, which was, based on comparison with control groups C1 and C2, unequivocally established to be the consequence of treatment with ABZ. Detected values of haematocrit and erythrocyte indices indicated the presence of parasitic infection: the lowest values were established in the group with the highest intensity of parasitic infection. After treatment with ABZ haematocrit levels in control group C2 were statistically significantly lower compared to the control group C1 (p < 0.001). In the presence of parasitic infection, the neutrophil and eosinophil counts increased almost linearly up to the value of 44.24?2.50% and 13.29?0.61% respectively, in the group of sheep with the highest intensity of parasitic infection (p < 0.001; compared to control group C1). After treatment with ABZ the decrease of the number of these white blood cells is statistically significant (p < 0.001). Bearing in mind our previous research and the connection of disbalanced redox equilibrium after the treatment with ABZ with changes, it is necessary to include antioxidative substances in the anti-parasitic treatment protocols. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. TR 31085 i br. OI 173034]