Plenary Lectures will take place on 4th June at the “Buket” Hotel Conference Hall in Zlatibor, Serbia.
The modern Conference hall is equipped with high-end technology and has a seating capacity for 80 people.
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Polonca Trebše, PhD, University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ljubljana, SLOVENIA – Biography
Urška Šunta, PhD, University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ljubljana, SLOVENIA
Milena Nenadović, Mast biol, University of Beograd, Faculty of Biology, Beograd, SERBIA
Lara Čižmek, PhD, Rudjer Bošković Institute, Laboratory for aquaculture biotechnology, Zagreb, CROATIA
ALGAE AS A NATURAL RESOURCE OF SKIN PROTECTIVE COMPOUNDS
Abstract: Increased solar radiation and oxidative stressors are strongly associated with a rise in skin infections, inflammatory diseases, skin cancer, and premature skin aging. These consequences, along with a growing awareness of skin protection, have been recognized by the cosmetology sector. Currently, market trends are shifting towards natural cosmetically active ingredients as alternatives to established synthetic ones. Significant progress has been made in developing active cosmetics, particularly through the investigation of algae due to their rich bioactive composition.
Many algae have already become important in biotechnological processes, mainly due to their ability to adapt to large production systems and high content production of bioactive substances. The majority of studies have focused on microalgae of the genus Spirulina, Chlorella, Haematococcus, Dunaliella, Botryococcus, Phaeodactylum, and Porphyridium, as well as macroalgae Fucus, Ulva, Laminaria, Gracilaria, Undaria, Sargassum, and Padina. These algae are often used in cosmetics due to the presence of liposoluble vitamins, minerals, amino acids, polysaccharides, lipids, phenolic compounds, pigments, and other bioactive compounds (Ariede et al. 2017, Agrawal et al. 2018). In vitro experimental data suggest that polyphenols and vitamins possess anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, anti-tumor, anti-viral, and also UV-protective properties (Pimentel et al. 2017), while fucoxantin and phlorotannin have been reported to exhibit even more beneficial biological activities such as antioxidant, antiobesity, and neuroprotective effects. Ulvans, complex sulphate polysaccharides (SP) that are semi-crystalline, alkalis and hydroscopic compounds soluble in water are associated with the marine genus Ulva. These polysaccharides are intriguing bioactive compounds, mainly due to their physical and chemical properties, as well as their therapeutic potential use (ie. antiviral activity, immune-inflammatory action) (Pankiewicz et al, 2016).
We will present the results of our study, performed on macroalgae (e.g. green Ulva lactuca, brown Halopteris scoparia) and microalgae (e.g. blue Spirulina, green Chlorella) in terms of pigment content, antioxidant and antityrosinase activity as well as their photostability and photoprotective effects influenced by seasonal changes. Analyses were performed on two different fractions obtained with solid-phase extraction (SPE), methanolic and dichloromethane fractions of different lyophilized algae samples. High-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used for the successful identification of main pigments; lutein, chlorophyll b and canthaxanthin in the case of green algae, fucoxanthin, lutein, and b-carotene in the case of brown algae, and fucoxanthin, lutein and chlorophyll b in the case of Chlorella. Phycocyanin was determined as the main beneficial compound in Spirulina.
Antioxidant activity using both DPPH and ABTS methods have been applied to the SPE fractions expressing different activities concerning the algae strain, fraction (methanol fraction activity higher than dichloromethane extracts), as well as season samples. Fractions of brown algae were additionally tested in terms of photoprotective properties. No significant differences were observed in antioxidant activity after UV-B irradiation in all tested time periods and samples.
Keywords: algae, fractions, pigments, antioxidant activity, skin protection
Vladimir Popović, PhD, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Belgrade, SERBIA – Biography
PERSPECTIVES OF HYDROGEN APPLICATION IN THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY
Abstract: The problems of energy independence of countries, the geopolitical situation, but also the importance of sustainable development issuses, once again brought the question of wider application of hydrogen in transport back into focus. At first glance, hydrogen has lost the battle with electric vehicles, but is it really so? The paper provides a historical overview of the use of hydrogen in motor vehicles, its current application, as well as an assessment of the use of hydrogen as a fuel in the future. The options of transportation, storage and supply of the market with this propellant of the future are also reviewed.
Vesna Marjanović, PhD, Western Serbia Academy of Applied Studies, Užice Department, Užice, SERBIA
Slavica Lazarević, PhD, University of Belgrade, Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, Belgrade, SERBIA
Ivona Janković-Častvan, PhD, University of Belgrade, Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, Belgrade, SERBIA
Rada Petrović, PhD, University of Belgrade, Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, Belgrade, SERBIA
THE REMOVAL OF HEXAVALENT CHROMIUM FROM AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS USING SEPIOLITE-SUPPORTED SULFIDATED NANOSCALE ZERO-VALENT IRON
Abstract: Nano-particles of elemental iron (nano zero-valent iron, nZVI), thanks to good reduction and adsorption properties, have shown great potential for removing toxic and carcinogenic hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) from aqueous solutions. The most widely applied method of nZVI synthesis is the reduction of iron ions, whereby cheap and environmentally friendly extracts of various plants are increasingly used as a reducing agent. By stabilizing nZVI particles, their agglomeration is prevented and oxidation by air oxygen is reduced. nZVI particles can be stabilized by depositing them on supports with a large specific surface area. Additionally, sulfidation of nZVI increases the electron conductivity from the core of the particle to the surface, where they participate in Cr(VI) reduction reactions.
The precursor for sulfidation can be added with a reducing agent to the iron ion solution (pre-synthesis) or nZVI is first synthesized, and the precursor for sulfidation is added to the resulting nZVI suspension (post-synthesis). Also, it is possible for the synthesized nZVI to be separated from the suspension, washed and resuspended in water, and the precursor for sulfidation is added to thus prepared nZVI (post-post-synthesis).
In this work, composites of sulfidated nZVI and fibrous mineral sepiolite with a large specific surface area were synthesized, using oak leaf extract as a reducing agent, and Na2S was used for sulfidation in post-synthesis and post-post-synthesis. For comparison, unsulfidated nZVI/sepiolite and FeS/sepiolite composites were also synthesized. The removal of Cr(VI) from aqueous solutions was investigated in batch conditions at initial pH = 3. In the case of post-synthesis, the influence of the S/Fe ratio on the efficiency of Cr(VI) removal was also examined. The characteristics of the synthesized composites were determined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and nitrogen adsorption at liquid nitrogen temperature to determine textural characteristics (BET method).
The results of the SEM analysis showed that the morphology of the nZVI composite is similar to the morphology of sepiolite, with the presence of very small (<50 nm) spherical particles of nZVI, i.e. sulfidated nZVI. EDS analysis confirmed the presence of iron and sulfur in the composites, and element mapping showed an even distribution of these elements in the samples, which indicated a homogeneous dispersion of sulfidated nZVI particles on sepiolite particles. Significantly smaller specific surface areas of all composites compared to sepiolite are the result of the reduction of the volume of micropores, due to the deposition of iron nanoparticles.
The results of the Cr(VI) removal tests showed that sulfidation increases the Cr(VI) removal capacity at the optimal Fe/S ratio. The post-synthesis method proved to be more efficient compared to the post-post synthesis. The experimental results of Cr(VI) adsorption were in good agreement with both the Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption models, so it could not be concluded with certainty whether the process takes place on an energetically homogeneous or heterogeneous surface.
Keywords: nano zero-valent iron, sulfidation, sepiolite, composites, hexavalent chromium
Ilija Stojanović, PMP, PhD, Department Chair at American University in the Emirates, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – Biography
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOR TOURISM PROMOTION: OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE WESTERN BALKAN COUNTRIES
Abstract: Artificial intelligence (AI) takes a very important role in in tourism promotion, Thus, we should explored these possibilities for Western Balkan countries which can leverage AI-driven solutions to enhance their tourism sectors. By utilizing AI technologies such as data analytics, machine learning, and personalized marketing strategies, these countries can create more engaging and targeted experiences for tourists. The paper highlights various AI applications that can optimize digital marketing, streamline travel services, and provide customized recommendations to travelers. Furthermore, it discusses the potential economic benefits for the Western Balkans, emphasizing the need for embracing AI to remain competitive in the global tourism market.
Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Tourism Promotion, Western Balkans, Personalized Marketing
Radomir Zejak, PhD, University of Montenegro, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Podgorica, MONTENEGRO – Biography
CONSTRUCTION OF THE FIRST HIGHWAY IN MONTENEGRO
Abstract: According to the special Law on Highway Construction in Montenegro, it was necessary to form a State Technical Audit Board for a comparative technical review of works during construction (STAB). Thus, in addition to Investors, Contractors and Supervision, another participant in the construction was added. This Commission had insight into the construction process and had the opportunity to follow the monitoring and analyze all the necessary technical documentation that would otherwise be the subject of a normal technical inspection after construction. This paper presents some experiences from the construction of the first / priority section Podgorica - Mateševo, Bar - Boljare Highway, with a special focus on bridges and accompanying facilities. In addition to the retrospective and chronology of the execution of this most important infrastructural object in Montenegro, selected problems and technical details were presented, which we thought could be interesting to a wide circle of civil engineers engaged in similar work.. Applied procedures and data obtained during the implementation of this project can be useful for the development of modern legislation in this area, primarily for the design and further construction of traffic infrastructure in Montenegro and the region.Keywords: bridges, building structures, structural inspection, highway, monitoring