bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improved forest fire spread mapping by developing custom fire fuel models in replanted forests in Hyrcanian forests, Iran
Authors: Alhaj-Khalaf Mhd. Wathek , Shataee Joibary Shaban , Jahdi Roghayeh , Bacciu Valentina
Published: July 2021

Aim of the study:Forest fuel classification and characterization is a critical factor in wildfire management. The main purpose of this study was to develop custom fuel models for accurately mapping wildfire spread compared to standard models.Area of study: The study was conducted at a replanted forest dominated by coniferous species, in the Arabdagh region,GolestanProvince, northernIran.Material and methods: Six custom fuel models were developed to characterize the main vegetation types in the study area. Fuel samples were collected from 49 randomly selected plots. In each plot, the fuel load of 1-hr, 10-hr, 100-hr, 1000-hr, live herbs, live woody plants, surface area volume ratio, and fuel depth were estimated using the Fuel Load (FL) sampling method along three transects. Canopy fuel load was calculated for each fuel model. The performance of the custom fuel models versus standard fuel models on wildfire behavior simulations was compared using the FlamMap MTT simulator.Main results: The results showed that, despite the similarity in the burned area between observed and modeled fires, the custom fuel models produced an increase in simulation accuracy. Compared to the observed fire, simulation results did not give realistic results to the crown fire. The simulation using standard fuel models did not result in crown fire, while the simulation using custom fuel models showed a moderate rate of crown fire with a Kappa coefficient of 0.54.Research highlights: The results demonstrated the importance of developing custom fuel models to simulate wildfire maps with higher accuracy for wildfire risk management.Keywords: custom fuel model; FlamMap; replantation; vegetation type; wildfire behavior.
Agronomic and chemical evaluation of hop cultivars grown under Mediterranean conditions
Authors: Afonso Sandra , Arrobas Margarida , Rodrigues M. Ângelo
Published: July 2021

Aim of study: Evaluation of the agronomic performance and chemical profile of four hop cultivars grown under Mediterranean conditions.Area of study: The study was undertaken in Bragança, north-eastern Portugal.Material and methods: The newly introduced cultivars (‘Columbus’, ‘Cascade’ and ‘Comet’) were compared with the well-stablished ‘Nugget’. The field experiment was carried out between 2017 and 2019. Dry matter (DM) yield (plant and cones), tissue elemental composition and bitter acid and nitrate (NO3-) concentrations in the cones were assessed.Main results: ‘Comet’ was the most productive cultivar with the highest total DM yield (1,624 to 1,634 g plant-1), cone yield (572 to 633 g plant-1), and dry weight of individual cones (0.28 to 0.79 g cone-1). ‘Cascade’ showed the lowest average total DM yield (723 to 1,045 g plant-1). The year affected the average values of DM yield and the concentration of bitter acids in the cones, with ‘Cascade’ showing the highest sensitivity between cultivars. The concentrations of α and β-acids in the cones were within or close to the normal ranges internationally accepted for all cultivars. ‘Columbus’ exhibited the highest levels of α-acids, ranging between 12.04 % and 12.23%, followed by ‘Nugget’ (10.17–11.90%), ‘Comet’ (9.32–10.69%) and ‘Cascade’ (4.46–8.72%). The nutrient accumulation criteria in cone and leaf tissues seem to be a differentiating factor between cultivars with influence on bitter acid biosynthesis and biomass production.Research highlights: All cultivars showed notable performance in terms of DM yield and bitter acid concentration in the cones when compared to international standards.
A Study of Strategic Change Based on Coevolution
Authors: Yoshiko Furuya
Published: July 2021

This paper analyzed the process of strategic change from the direction of the coevolution trait and learning ability by adopting a model of roller. Strategy change theories are sorted into two schools, namely the exogene school and the endogeny school. We wish to mix these two schools together to make use of the coevolution theory. Base on that, a model of roller to explain the process of the coevolution of the strategic change is then developed. In our opinion, the successful strategic change comes from the resultant force within-firm and without-firm.
The Influence of FDI and Human Capital Inflow on Technological Progress
Authors: Jiang Hongbo
Published: July 2021

FDI and human capital flow, as an important path of international technology diffusion, is an important driving force for technological progress in a region. Using panel data of 30 provinces and cities in China, this paper examines the relationship between FDI, human capital flow and technological progress in different regions of China. The empirical results show that the two approaches play an important role in technological progress in different regions of China, but the contribution degree is different. Various regions should implement appropriate policies to make full use of the technology spillover effect of export and human capital flow to accelerate technological progress, and form a smooth domestic technology diffusion mechanism to accelerate the transmission of foreign RESEARCH and development, and finally promote the coordinated development of regional economy.
Out-of-Network Billing in Privately Insured Patients Undergoing Elective Orthopaedic Surgery
Authors: Wang Kevin Y. , Suresh Krishna V. , Harris Andrew , Marrache Majd , Puvanesarajah Varun , Levy Joseph , Jain Amit
Published: July 2021

Background:

Out-of-network charges during hospital care can result in unexpected or surprise bills for the patient. The aim of this study was to ascertain the frequency of out-of-network (OON) billing by the primary orthopaedic surgeon for commonly performed elective, inpatient procedures: total hip arthroplasty (THA), total knee arthroplasty (TKA), anterior cervical diskectomy and fusion (ACDF), and posterior lumbar fusion (PLF).

Methods:

Patients undergoing TKA, THA, one-level ACDF, and one-level PLF from 2010 to 2018 were queried using a commercially insured claims database with Current Procedural Terminology codes. The in-network (IN) versus OON status of the primary surgeon's submitted charges and the payor's reimbursement was recorded for each case. All costs were adjusted for inflation and reported in terms of 2018 real dollars. Bivariate analyses were performed.

Results:

Among the 549,868 elective orthopaedic cases, 6.7% were billed as OON by the primary orthopaedic surgeon: 6.1% TKA cases, 6.5% THA, 9.9% ACDF, and 8.5% PLF. From 2010 to 2018, a declining trend was seen in proportion of cases billed as OON by orthopaedic surgeons (P < 0.001 for each case). Mean reimbursement for claims paid as OON was 2.6 times higher than claims paid at the IN rate (range: 1.5 to 3.1 times higher; P < 0.001). The mean OON payments were higher by $1,284 for TKA, $2,516 for THA, $10,097 for ACDF, and $15,104 for PLF compared with mean IN payments (P < 0.001 for each). Compared with health maintenance organization–type plans, preferred provider organization–type plans reimbursed a greater percentage of the submitted claims at the OON rate (14.3% versus 44.5%, P < 0.001).

Conclusion:

OON billing by the orthopaedic surgeon for TKA, THA, ACDF, and PLF is an uncommon and declining phenomenon.

Level of Evidence:

IV
Valor temático de la ideología de género - uso publicitario en jóvenes venezolanos
Authors: Baskin Totesaut Roberto José
Published: July 2021

Este estudio tuvo como propósito estudiar la valoración del uso publicitario de la temática de la ideología/libertad de género en jóvenes venezolanos de clase media. Se realizó una revisión documental para darle contexto al tema a la par de conocer variables de análisis, y se condujo un estudio cuantitativo especialmente diseñado (técnica de la encuesta). Se obtuvo que la temática mencionada no tiene relevancia para el target, lo cual podría representar un problema para las campañas publicitarias globales que hacen foco en la ideología de género. La postura del Think globally, act locally (glocal) debe considerar discrepancias entre la relevancia
From the Foundation to a Vision of the Future
Authors: Agarwal Sabrina , Baker Brenda
Published: July 2021

A note from the founding editors of Bioarchaeology International.
La polémica sobre la conciencia moral en Agustín
Authors: Djuth Marianne ,   Order of Augustinian Recollects
Published: July 2021

In this essay I explore the implications of Augustine’s notion of moral conscience in the polemical treatises written during the late 300’s and the early 400’s. During this period Augustine found himself locked in controversy with both the Manichaeans and the Donatists over the fundamental truths of the Christian faith. Against this background I examine Augustine’s understanding of conscience with reference to Faustus of Milevis and Petilian of Constantine. With respect to Faustus of Milevis, I situate Augustine’s understanding of conscience in the context of his adaptation of the notion of conscience found in Paul’s Pastoral Epistles to his repudiation of the Manichaeans in three key passages: 1Tim. 1:5, 1Tim. 4:1-3, and Tit. 1:15. In the case of Petilian of Constantine I investigate the meaning of conscience in relation to three major themes found in Petilian’s letters: the subjective disposition of conscience, the hiddenness of conscience, and the responsibility for the subjective disposition of conscience. Finally, I conclude the essay by reflecting more generally on the meaning and use of the notion of conscience in polemical disputes. Not only does Augustine develop a notion of conscience that addresses personal and ecclesial concerns, but he also characterizes conscience as both stable and malleable.
Cristología y exégesis en el Tratado XV In Iohannis Euangelium de Agustín de Hipona
Authors: Grabau Joseph L. ,   Order of Augustinian Recollects
Published: July 2021

Augustine of Hippo was active in the period leading up to conciliar definitions of Christology, yet he displays remarkably distinct preferences in his treatment of Christ. Rather than repurposing his work to discover antecedent traces of the Chalcedonian definition –or the pervading influence of Nicene faith–one must remain open to Augustine’s own Christological method. For, in fact, as much as he held to a firm belief in the objective work of Christ and its proper role in the divine plan for human salvation, Augustine maintains a certain approach to biblical exegesis that reinvents our notions of Christology to include, primarily, exegetical praxis. A valuable example of this practice appears in the early ‘anti-Donatist’ homilies on John, in particular in the 9th and 15th where Augustine reads Christ into the whole of Scripture, beginning with Gen. 2:24-5. In so doing, the bishop of Hippo builds upon essentially Pauline interpretative strategies, even in his reading of the Fourth Gospel. The present contribution aims to identify those Pauline elements, chiefly among them the role of Eph. 5:31-2 and Rom. 5:14, the latter of which presents Adam as ‘forma futuri’ – that is, a prophet of Christ. In his reading of John 2 on the Wedding at Cana (homily 9) and John 4 (homily 15), Augustine develops a hermeneutic of recognising Christological prophecy in the ‘old testament’, and in so doing he develops the Pauline sentiment of Rom. 5:14 in new directions, applying it liberally to the successive Hebrew patriarchs. This new turn in studies of Romans, chapter 5, under the Christological programme of Augustine during his early anti-Donatist engagement, offers new light on possible early Christian interpretations of the Bible – especially welcome after so many reflections on Rom. 5:12 and its influence for the later Pelagian controversy.
A new riparian Andean Potamites (Reptilia, Squamata, Gymnophtalmidae) from El Sira Mountains, central Peru, with comments on P. ecpleopus Cope 1875, and on the taxonomy and biogeography of Potamites
Authors: Chávez Germán , Malqui Jose , Catenazzi Alessandro
Published: July 2021

We describe a new species of riparian lizard from the foothills and submontane forest of El Sira Communal Reserve, Departamento de Huánuco, Peru, at elevations from 540 to 760 m. We name the new species Potamites hydroimperator sp. nov. because it is the only lizard living in streams in this isolated mountain. The new species is distinguishable from other congeners (except P. ecpleopus) by having longitudinal rows of keeled scales on dorsum, and males with 5–8 lateral ocelli on each flank. Potamites hydroimperator sp. nov. differs from P. ecpleopus by being smaller, having dorsal scales on forelimbs smooth or slightly keeled, subconical tubercles on forelimbs weakly present or absent, and four to five superciliar scales. We comment on variation in the pattern of keeling of dorsal scales among Amazonian lowland, Andean foothills and montane species of Potamites, and the potential relevance of this scalation pattern for taxonomic and biogeographic studies. The new species increases our knowledge of the diverse and endemic herpetofauna of El Sira, and of diversity within the genus Potamites. Despite El Sira’s status as natural protected area, gold mining activities are destroying the streams where we found P. hydroimperator sp. nov., threatening their populations.
SMEs ecosystem and banking finance support in Serbia
Authors: Kvrgić Goran , Milošević Dragan , Ćorić Goran
Published: July 2021

There is increasing awareness that the current liquidity crisis could lead to a solvency crisis, as many SMEs compensate declining revenues by taking on more debt, often with government support. In 2020 the level of insolvencies and bankruptcies were kept in check, the number of bankruptcies is expected to spike in 2021. This raises the question of efficiency of ecosystem, about policy approaches to support SMEs in need of finance, while not overburdening them with debt, what motivated the authors of the paper to research the banking loans as the access to external sources of finance within the SMEs ecosystem support. Also is analyzed the quality of the sub-dimensions, the legal and regulatory framework, collateralization options, credit information systems and the financial literacy. Descriptive statistical methods, as well as field and desk research, were used in the elaboration of the results. Key results confirmed that SMEs create more lucrative returns to the whole national economy in the improved access to finance if provided with better service models enabled by technology and new propositions as clients - the hypothesis of the research.
The seismic response of structural outrigger systems in the tall buildings
Authors: Husain Mohamed , Hassan Hilal , Mohamed Heba , Elgharbawy Eman
Published: July 2021

One of the advanced structural systems that have been applied in tall buildings to improve the building strength during quake loads is the outrigger system. Most of the previous researches interested to study the behavior of steel outrigger truss system, although the hard connection between the concrete and steel members may give us the inaccurate output. For that, This research aims to find the best structural concrete outrigger system by performing a comparison between two structural outrigger systems, the wall beam outrigger system, and the vierendeel outrigger system which makes the building facing strong actual earthquakes. All the models were analyzed in the advanced Midas-Gen software program and the building response was studied under El-Centro time history earthquake load. And also, finding the best outrigger position through the building height when the outrigger is applied in one and two stories. This comparison is built on different parameters as storey drift, storey drift ratio, and the base storey overturning moment. The results showed that a one-storey wall beam structural system is better than two stories vierendeel structural system when these systems are applied as an outrigger system. The best position for one storey outrigger is about 0.45 of the total building height and for the two stories outrigger, the 0.20 and 0.45 of the total building height are the best positions. Overall, the concrete outrigger systems are an effective structural system to make the tall buildings facing the earthquake loads.
Mokranjac, culture, and icons
Authors: Moody Ivan
Published: July 2021

The 100th anniversary of Mokranjac's death provides an opportunity to consider his work from the perspective of a "cultural icon", in so far as his music and the composer himself have gained such an iconic status in the context of Serbian music. His output in ethnography and composition alike has not only itself become an "icon", but also paved the way for younger composers.
Melodic links between Serbian and Romanian Orthodox chant: Examples from works by Stevan St. Mokranjac and Dimitrie Cusma
Authors: Činč Euđen
Published: July 2021

Even though over the last century a number of researchers in the field of musicology have addressed the similarities between Serbian and Romanian (Banat) church music, i.e. chant, the topic has never been thoroughly investigated. On the one hand, this is probably due to the unavailability of sources and, on the other hand, perhaps also due to the language barrier. This paper is a modest contribution to more detailed research in the field, supported by concrete examples of similarities and shared elements in Serbian and Romanian church music in the former Metropolitanate of Karlovci, which are far less pronounced in other regions (in the practice of the Romanian Orthodox Church).
Suppliers ranking in production systems by Fuzzy TOPSIS method, case study: Underground Coal Mines Resavica-Serbia
Authors: Stojanović Goran , Bogdanović Dejan
Published: July 2021

Selection and evaluation of suppliers is a complex issue that depends mostly on the quality of the decision-making process. The aim of this paper is to point to the possibility of applying multi-criteria analysis (Fuzzy TOPSIS method) for the selection of suppliers operating in mining systems in the case of the Public Company for Underground Coal Mining Resavica (JPPEU Resavica) -Serbia. Ranking of companies is done based on ten criteria, and it has considered a list of five suppliers (Supplier 1; Supplier 2; Supplier 3; Supplier 4; Supplier 5). The criteria cover the most important aspects of suppliers' selection such as: management and organization, quality, technical ability, production facilities and capacity, financial position, delivery, service, relationship-connectivity, security and environmental protection and price. In doing so, it has used the experts knowledge from JPPEU Resavica to determine the significance and impact of certain criteria to the process of supplier selection and evaluation of suppliers in regard to each criterion. Fuzzy TOPSIS method was used for determining the final ranking of suppliers. The supplier with the top rank was the Supplier 4. The obtained results indicate that the proposed method gives excellent results and can be used for solving various, and the most complex problems that occur in mining systems, as well as in other production systems.
DTA/TG analysis of mechanochemicaly activated sodium carbonate
Authors: Đorđević Nataša , Mihajlović Slavica , Jovanović Gvozden , Marković Branislav
Published: July 2021

Sodium carbonate is a material that is very good sorbent of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, and it is a reason of it is increasing importance in environmental protection. In order to improve it is sorption characteristics, activation of Na2CO3 was performed by mechanochemical procedure and monitoring of changes during the relaxation time. This research is based on differential thermal analysis with thermogravimetry, in order to determine the changes that occurred on the activated samples during the relaxation period under controlled conditions. Sodium carbonate was activated for 2 and 7 minutes in a vibro mill, and then the activated samples were deposited in at room temperature and atmosphere of carbon dioxide at a humidity of 95% for 96h.
Application of MCDA in the determination of optimal block size for open-pit modelling and mine planning
Authors: Marković Petar , Stevanović Dejan , Pešić-Georgiadis Milica , Banković Mirjana
Published: July 2021

The process of creating a geological block model as the basis for a further detailed design and planning of mining operations is a very responsible task. Errors made during this initial process are transferred to all other phases of the mining project. Certainly, one of the most important decisions for the modelling process is the choice of the appropriate size of the blocks that form the model itself. The determination of the optimal block size is not a simple process, because it depends on a large number of affecting factors and criteria. This process can be significantly facilitated by the application of multi-criteria analysis methods, which enable establishment of interdependence between the criteria in order to select the optimal solution. This paper presents the possibilities of applying the Analytical Hierarchical Process (AHP) method for selecting the optimal block size for the needs of the coal deposit modelling process and mine planning, as well as the way in which this method can significantly facilitate problem solving, by looking at it from several aspects. The analysis included six criteria and four potential solutions, and the results themselves indicated the advantages and disadvantages of the applied method.
Institutional framework of collective consumer protection in the Republic of Serbia: Condition and perspectives
Authors: Popović Jovana
Published: July 2021

The paper presents the system for protection of consumers' collective interests in the Republic of Serbia and its development perspectives. The paper relies on certain results of the research conducted at the Union University School of Law, as well as on specific comparative legal approaches. The Law on Consumer Protection introduced an administrative procedure for collective consumer protection. Contended arguments in favour of that change were efficiency and low costs of administrative procedure. In practice, administrative protection has proven to be more effective than judicial protection, but the effect of deterring traders from actions that violate consumer rights has not been fully achieved. In that sense, the existing system of protection of consumers' collective interests in Serbia can be improved by modifying certain administrative measures and by introducing specific forms of alternative dispute resolution in Serbian consumer legislation. The novelties brought by the Directive on Representative actions, whose adoption can be expected very soon, have also been presented in the paper.
Constitution without a state: The formation of The Kingdom of SCS and "The Vidovdan" Constitution in The constitutional law curriculum in Yugoslavia's successor states
Authors: Milošević Srđan
Published: July 2021

"The Vidovdan" Constitution of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes, rendered on 28 June 1921, one hundred years after its adoption, remains an unavoidable topic and an occasion for discussions about the reasons for the failure of the Yugoslav state. The unitarian-centralist system unanimously criticized today as an inadequate constitutional form for the functioning of a complex community such as Yugoslavia was once legitimized by the concept of national unity of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes. The national conception, the type of state system, and the related disagreements are part of both the political and constitutional history of the states that emerged from the disintegration of Yugoslavia. This paper analyses the content of textbooks of Constitutional Law that are in use at law schools in the successor states, which have existed continuously since the breakup of Yugoslavia until today and are used to educate the vast majority of lawyers in these states. The way in which the shared constitutional history from the first decade of Yugoslavia is presented after the collapse of the socialist paradigm (that mainly was unison) largely follows the national borders of the successor states in terms of its content and interpretation.
The zero decade of architecture in Belgrade and Serbia
Authors: Lazović Zoran
Published: July 2021

The intention of this paper is to contemplate the root problem that was prevalent in the architecture in Serbia and in Belgrade in the last decade, and to try to provide some insight into few issues and discuss the future solutions: what are the core values and what is specific in the recent architecture of Belgrade/ Serbia, what was lacking in the theoretical and practical areas of architecture and what is the significance of the realized architecture at the local, regional or the European level. The challenge of keeping the traditional architecture, yet incorporate proven global concepts that are both aesthetically pleasing, yet serve a practical purpose, was in conclusion presented as the emulation of the new ideas on old notions, integration of global concepts, local knowledge and experience to deliver superior quality architectural achievements, based on highly motivated, professional, visionary, resourceful, experienced or promising Serbian architects.
Intensive monitoring at Level II test plot Kopaonik in 2012
Authors: Bilibajkić Svetlana , Stefanović Tomislav , Nevenić Radovan , Poduška Zoran , Gagić-Serdar Renata , Đorđević Ilija , Češljar Goran , Miletić Zoran
Published: July 2021

Level II intensive monitoring of forest vitality represents a multipurpose research system. Forest ecosystems are highly complex entities characterized by numerous different parameters subject to continuous variation due to constant and mutually inseparable effects of both biotic and abiotic factors. Evaluation criteria applied in intensive monitoring are compatible and defined in such a manner that, subsequent to their recording and statistical processing, data obtained on the condition of forests are easy to compare both analytically and logically, thus providing the basis for a variety of comparative studies. Dedicated test plot for intensive monitoring of trans-boundary air pollution impact on forest ecosystems in Serbia, a Level II test plot, was established in Kopaonik in 2010, with ten panels - from 10 separate forestry research areas, grouped according to the research subjects, which methodology is prescribed by ICP Forests Manual. This paper presents the results of intensive monitoring of parameters under review at Level II test plot Kopaonik in 2012.
Sensitivity of seven clones of poplar to the attack by caterpillars of Gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar L.) and fungus Pollacia elegans (Vuill.) Fabr
Authors: Milanović Slobodan , Radulović Zlatan , Veselinović Milorad , Mitrović Suzana , Mladenović Katarina
Published: July 2021

Presence of herbivorous insects, Lymantria dipar (L.) caterpillars and pathogen Pollacia elegans (Vuill.) Fabr. on seven poplar clones was estimated on a short rotation plantation which was established near Junkovac (MB Kolubara). The highest percentage of trees with Gypsy moth caterpillars present was found in clones "Panonija" and "I214", although the percent is twice lower in the latter clone. In clones produced by hybridization of Populus nigra and P. maximowicziii and "Koltay", the number of trees with Gypsy moth caterpillars varied between 1% and 2.5%, and the lowest value was recorded in clone "Muhle Larsen". The fungus Pollacia elegans was mostly present in clones produced by hybridization of Populus nigra and P. maximowicziii "Max 1", "Max 2", "Max 3", while its presence was significantly lower in clones "Koltay"and "Panonia". The presence of this pathogen was recorded in less than 5% of plants in clones "I214" and "Muhle Larsen".
Gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar (L.), and its natural enemies in the forests of Central Serbia
Authors: Tabaković-Tošić Mara
Published: July 2021

In central Serbia, a total of 88 species which are natural enemies of the gypsy moth, i.e. 23 predators, 49 parasitoid insects and 10 saprophagous insects, and 6 pathogens, has been reported. The most abundant of them are the insects which attack the gypsy moth in the larval instar (41 species). Regarding the number of the species, the representatives of the Hymenoptera (14 species from Ichneumonidae family and 11 species from Braconidae family) and Diptera orders (12 species from Tachinidae family and 8 species from Sarcophagidae family) are most frequent. Regarding the predators of the gypsy moth, Carabidae family, from Coleoptera order, is most frequent. In addition, at some sites Lymantria dispar nucleopolyhedrosis virus and Entomophaga maimaiga had the dominant role in the reduction of the gypsy moth density.
Reasonable time frame in bankruptcy proceedings: Analysis of cases from the judicial practice of the Commercial Court in Niš
Authors: Mojašević Aleksandar , Jovanović Aleksandar
Published: July 2021

The Act on the Protection of the Right to a Trial within a Reasonable Time, which took effect in 2016, has created the conditions in our legal system for the protection of the right to a trial within a reasonable time, as one of the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution of the Republic of Serbia and related international documents. Although the legislator does not explicitly provide for the application of this Act in the context of bankruptcy proceedings, it has been used in judicial practice as a mean for the bankruptcy creditors to obtain just satisfaction in cases involving lengthy bankruptcy proceedings and a violation of the right to a fair trial within a reasonable time. The subject matter of analysis in this paper is the right to a trial within a reasonable time in bankruptcy cases. For that purpose, the authors examine the case law of the Commercial Court in Niš in the period from the beginning of 2016 to the end of 2019, particularly focusing on the bankruptcy cases in which complaints (objections) were filed for the protection of the right to a fair trial within a reasonable time. The aim of the research is to examine whether the objection, as an initial act, is a suitable instrument for increasing the efficiency of the bankruptcy proceeding, or whether it only serves to satisfy the interests of creditors. The authors have also examined whether this remedy affects the overall costs and duration of the bankruptcy proceeding. The main finding is that there is an increasing number of objections in the Commercial Court in Niš, which still does not affect the length and costs of bankruptcy. This trend is not only the result of inactivity of the court and the complexity of certain cases but also of numerous external factors, the most prominent of which is the work of some state bodies.
Application of Brussels II bis regulation in exercising the right of access to a child by extended family members
Authors: Dragišić Radmila
Published: July 2021

In this paper, the author explores the sources of European Union Law that regulate one segment of parental responsibility - the right of access to a child. The focal point of research is the transition from the conventional (interstate) regulation of judicial cooperation in marital disputes and parental responsibility issues to the regulation enacted by the European Union institutions, with specific reference to the Brussels II bis Regulation. First, the author briefly points out to its relationship with other relevant international law sources regulating this subject matter: the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction; the Hague Convention on Jurisdiction, Applicable Law, Recognition, Enforcement and Cooperation in the Field of Parental Responsibility and Measures for the Protection of Children; and other international sources of law. Then, the author examines in more detail its relationship with the Brussels II bis recast Regulation, which will be applicable as of 1 August 2022. In addition, the paper includes an analysis of the first case in which the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) decided on the application of the Brussels II bis Regulation, at the request of granparents to exercise the right of access to the child. On the issue of determining the competent court which has jurisdiction to decide on how this right shall be exercised, the CJEU had to decide whether the competent court is determined on the basis of the Brussels II bis Regulation or on the basis of national Private International Law rules. This paper is useful for the professional and scientific community because it deals (inter alia) with the issue of justification of adopting a special source of law at the EU level, which would regulate the issue of mutual enforcement of court decisions on the right of access to the child. This legal solution was proposed by the Republic of France, primarily guided by the fundamental right of the child to have contact with both parents.
The composition of the National Assembly of Serbia: Challenges and obstacles
Authors: Pejić Irena
Published: July 2021

Given that political parties participate in the formation, structuring and activity of the parliament, their presence has had a dual impact on the National Assembly of Serbia in the past three decades. On the one hand, their influence has been reflected on the internal structure and efficiency of parliamentary work. On the other hand, the party system combined with the electoral model has left its mark on the mode of political representation. The paper focuses on the impact the political parties have had on the National Assembly in the Republic of Serbia, particularly their influence on the internal organization of the Assembly and the effectiveness in the parliamentary process. The main goal is to explore the normative framework and parliamentary practice in order to analyze the actual prospects of the National Assembly to meet the basic postulates for exercising effective national representation. The main question is whether the Assembly, relying on its constitutional autonomy, is able to achieve the goals of the "working parliament" and the political representation of all citizens. The problem develops around the extent to which the people's representation is capable of exercising its constitutional functions if it does not support and protect the differentiated political will of the people. The aim is to point out to the possibilities provided by the normative framework and the need for successful parliamentary practice in exercising parliamentary autonomy. Parliamentary autonomy is necessary not only for good internal organization of parliament and effectiveness in the parliamentary process but also in terms of strengthening the National Assembly's external impact and position towards the holders of the executive power. The subject matter of analysis are the activities of political parties in parliament, observed through the work of parliamentary groups and parliamentary committees, as well as a lack of the parliamentary opposition guarantees.
Employment law protection of crowdworkers: Conceptual issues in the legal definition of crowdworkers
Authors: Dragićević Marija
Published: July 2021

Although the increased performance in digital platform work has been recorded only recently, the numerous problems related to employment law and social welfare protection of crowdworkers are not new. Due to diverse issues in classifying specific individuals as employees, "atypical" workers and crowdworkers have encountered many problems while attempting to obtain employment law and social welfare protection. Despite numerous differences, majority of countries have made employment law protection available to those digital platform workers who meet the requirements of the legal definition of "an employee" (or "a worker", as explicitly designated in specific legislations). In other words, the legal definition of an employee or a dependent contractor provides entrance into the area of employment law protection. However, both national and international legislators have demonstrated a certain degree of inertness in terms of avoiding to adjust the legal concept of "an employee" (or a subordinate, as defined in some legislations) to new social and economic circumstances. Considering the traditional concept of "employee", a crowdworker cannot be designated as a subordinate; consequently, digital platform workers do not fall under the scope of relevant provisions of labor, social care and tax law. On the other hand, when it comes to traditional legal categories, classifying crowdworkers as independent contractors does not diminish their need for adequate protection, primarily in terms of fair financial compensation for work, clearly limited working hours, health care and safety at work, protection in case of illness, injury at work, maternity leave or freedom of association. Therefore, national legislators should revise the justifiability and proportionality of legislation applied to economic cooperation, and consider the specificities of economic cooperation business models and tools that can be used for resolving ample issues in defining employment law protection of crowdworkers and identifying entities that may have the legal status of the employer.
State supervision over the local self-government in the Vidovdan Constitution
Authors: Maksimović Nebojša
Published: July 2021

In the process of adopting the Vidovdan Constitution of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes (1921), one of the topical issues was the form of supervision that the state government would exercise over the local self-government. In this article, the author first elaborates on the development of this constitutional document, with specific reference to the constitutional drafts proposed by the governments of Milenko Vesnić and Nikola Pašić, the amendments introduced by the Constitutional Committee, and the adoption of the constitution in the Constituent Assembly on 28 June 1921 (St. Vitus Day). The Vodovdan Constitution was the legal ground for adopting two important legislative acts in April 1922: the Law on General Administration and the Law on Regional and District Self-Governmnent. The author analyzes the constitutional and statutory provisions that regulated the legal position of state authorities in the administrative districts, counties and local self-government bodies, as well as their mutual relations. State supervision over the local self-government activities, primarily at the regional (district) level, has been observed in the context of state supervision over the administrative acts/ documents and local administrative bodies. In particular, the author focuses on the supervision over regional finances, considering not only the importance of these funds for the functioning of the regional self-government but also the restrictions which the regional government was exposed to. The aim of the research is to point out to the legal relations between the central (state) administration and local self-government in the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes, which were initially envisaged in the Vidovdan Constitution and subsequently instituted by the the 1922 Law on Regional and District Self-Government.
Review of the advanced encryption standard
Authors: Mouha Nicky
Published: July 2021

The field of cryptography continues to advance at a very rapid pace, leading to new insights that may impact the security properties of cryptographic algorithms. The Crypto Publication Review Board (the Board) has been established to identify publications to be reviewed. This report subjects the first standard to the review process: Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) 197, which defines the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES).
Comparison of the socio-economic value and welfare of working donkeys in rural and urban Ethiopia
Authors: Geiger M , Hockenhull J , Buller H , Kedir M Jemal , Engida G Tefera , Getachew M , Burden FA , Whay HR
Published: July 2021

Donkeys (Equus asinus) are widely used throughout Ethiopia and play essential roles in a variety of everyday and income-generating tasks for the people that use them. The challenges faced by people and their working equids vary across communities and geographic locations. This may have implications for how donkeys are perceived by the people they work for, the roles they fulfil and ultimately their welfare. Two complementary methodological approaches were used in this study to explore the socio-economic value of donkeys for their owners and the welfare of the donkeys in rural and urban Ethiopia. Using a questionnaire, donkey owners were asked about their donkeys, their attitudes and beliefs related to donkey use and ownership, and the role donkeys played in their lives. Animal-based welfare assessments were also conducted on a sample of donkeys from different locations, with the overarching aim of the study to investigate differences in use, beliefs, and donkey welfare between rural and urban locations. In both rural and urban locations, working donkeys are critical for their owners’ income-generating activity and therefore their livelihoods. The work they undertake differs substantially between locations, as does their welfare. Work in each setting presents its own challenges and these are reflected in the behaviour and physical health of the donkeys. Rural donkeys showed more apathetic behaviour, a higher ectoparasite burden and greater evidence of tethering/hobbling. Urban donkeys were more alert and had a wider range of body condition scores. The findings highlight marked differences in the role and welfare of donkeys between different areas within the same country, demonstrating the importance of understanding the context, both from the perspective of humans and working equids, prior to staging interventions intended to benefit either party.
Attitudes of Turkish veterinary students towards farm animal welfare
Authors: Çavuşoglu E , Uzabaci E
Published: July 2021

People's awareness of livestock welfare has increased in recent years and veterinarians have a critical role to play in maintaining and improving these standards. The aim of this study was to explore the attitude of veterinary students to livestock welfare and an online questionnaire was utilised to gauge the opinions of students from the Bursa Uludag University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in Turkey. A five-point Likert scale covered judgments ranging from ‘Strongly disagree’ to ‘Strongly agree.’ Female students were found to have a higher score for questions related to the welfare of livestock than males. It was also found that students yet to undertake courses in clinical science and animal welfare, ie first and second years, gave higher scores than third, fourth and fifth years who had completed both of these. Moreover, students having owned or dealt previously with livestock provided lower animal welfare scores than their counterparts who had done neither. Seemingly, the sensitivity of veterinary students decreases during the latter stages of their education. To conclude, we suggest further investigation into the extent to which veterinary medicine education influences students’ attitudes to animal welfare as they progress through the course.
The lost landscape of Borgring
Authors: Jessen Catherine , Henriksen Peter Steen , Hald Mette Marie , Sindbæk Søren Michael , Ulriksen Jens
Published: July 2021

Geoarchaeological investigations at Borgring, a recently identified Danish Viking Age ring fortress, reconstructs the original landscape showing how the site was expanded and modified to accommodate a structure of pre-defined size and how this large-scale project demonstrates the willingness to invest significant resources in its precise positioning. The investigations also assess the possibility of navigating along the nearby stream from the coast and show that access by anything larger than a dinghy was impossible, hence navigability was not important for the location and function of the fortress. This has implications for the functional interpretation of all Danish Viking Age ring fortresses.
Turfs and timbers
Authors: Mortensen Morten Fischer , Baittinger Claudia , Christensen Jonas , Nielsen Anne Birgitte , Nielsen Søren , Pihl Anders , Prøsch-Danielsen Lisbeth , Ravn Morten , Sindbæk Søren Michael , Ulriksen Jens
Published: July 2021

Viking Age ring fortresses were some of the largest construction projects in Danish prehistory. In this article we reconstruct the amount of turf and timber used in the construction of the Borgring ring fortress and estimate the resource area needed to supply the building materials. Using REVEALS pollen data modelling, we quantify the regional oak land cover and estimate the resource area. The results show that even though Borgring was built in an open cultural landscape, sufficient supply of oak for the construction would have been accessible within a few kilometres from the fortress.
La validez y oponibilidad de los pactos parasociales en las cooperativas
Authors: Miranda Ribera Eduardo
Published: July 2021

El planteamiento del presente trabajo surge debido a la actual tendencia de las cooperativas, concretamente las del sector agroalimentario, a someterse a procesos de integración con el objetivo de ser más competitivas y eficientes. En las sociedades de capital, para asegurar un adecuado funcionamiento y evitar situaciones de bloqueo de los órganos sociales, tradicionalmente, se ha optado por utilizar la figura de los pactos parasociales. Sin embargo, esta figura apenas presenta precedentes en las cooperativas. Por ello, en el presente trabajo se analizarán las principales características de los pactos parasociales, su validez y oponibilidad en las sociedades de capital, para posteriormente determinar si estos serían válidos entre los socios cooperativistas y oponibles a la sociedad cooperativa.
El derecho de asociación: el incumplimiento de las obligaciones estatutarias y su sanción. Comentario a la Sentencia 434/2020, de 15 de julio, de la Sala de lo Civil del Tribunal Supremo
Authors: Pérez Gabaldón Marta
Published: July 2021

La Sentencia 434/2020, de 15 de julio, de la Sala de lo Civil del Tribunal Supremo desestima el recurso de casación interpuesto por el Club de Leones de Gijón contra la sanción de suspensión y expulsión interpuesta por la Federación de Club de Leones de España y la Asociación Internacional de Clubs de Leones por no acudir al procedimiento interno de resolución de disputas antes de impugnar judicialmente los acuerdos sociales. Así pues, el Tribunal Supremo aprecia que ni la obligación del asociado de acudir a la solución interna de controversias fijada en los Estatutos antes de acudir a la vía judicial, ni la sanción de expulsión ante una conducta contraria a lo marcado en los Estatutos -y, por ende, contraria a los intereses de la sociedad-, suponen una lesión del derecho de asociación recogido en el artículo 22 de la Constitución Española
Carne, estilos de vida y activismo medioambiental
Authors: San Cornelio Gemma
Published: July 2021

Recientemente, en medio de la crisis pandémica que estamos viviendo, se produjo la difusión de un mensaje del ministro de Consumo en el que se alentaba a la ciudadanía a reducir el consumo de carne por motivos relacionados con la salud y el medioambiente. A pesar de que el mensaje resultó sorprendente –el momento podría parecer poco adecuado teniendo en cuenta las reacciones que suscitó–, quizás esta estrategia no haya sido tan mala en el fondo, en la medida en que ha abierto el debate sobre el tema.