bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE BEHAVIOR OF SOME PERSPECTIVE CORN HYBRIDS CREATED AT ARDS LOVRIN UNDER THE CURRENT CLIMATE CHANGE CONDITIONS
Authors: Titus SUBA  , Dana SUBA  , Georgiana NEGRUȚ
Published: December 2022

During the current climatic conditions, the breeders of crop species, Zea mays L. (maize) seek to provide growers with solutions to combat the effects of drought and scorching heat, as well as reducing losses caused by these phenomena, by creating hybrids of corn, with different periods of vegetation, belonging to different FAO groups, from early and semi-early hybrids to late hybrids, fulfilling in this way the requirement of farmers to obtain stable yields, regardless of the growing area and climatic conditions. Therefore, taking into account these requirements, the breeders of maize laboratory from the Lovrin Research and Development Station, obtain every year some new perspective hybrids, hybrids that meet the market requirements and that face the competition on the market. In 2019, a year quite favorable for corn cultivation, 160 simple corn hybrids were sown, created at ARDS Lovrin, in 8 comparative cultures, each culture having 3 hybrids as witnesses. From those 8 comparative cultures, we studied, in this paper, only 3 cultures that we considered representative, the average production of crops being between 9,686 kg stas / hectare and 10,334 kg stas / hectare. The hybrids Lv 57 and Lv 59 were noted with productions of 14,695 kg /ha, respectively 14,298 kg /ha, hybrids that exceeded the average production of the culture, their production being statistically assured as very significant.
THE INFLUENCE OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON THE LEAF AREA FROM THE LEAF FLAG LEVEL TO THE SPRING OATS
Authors: Alina RUJA  , Ioan TOMA  , Andreea BULAI  , Alina Laura AGAPIE
Published: December 2022

Nowadays, oats occupy a very important place among cereals, belonging to a group of functional and healthy foods. Globally, especially in more developed countries, both oats and many of its derivatives are consumed. In addition to satiety and pleasant taste, the consumption of oats has a number of beneficial properties for healthAmong animals, oats should not be missing, especially for certain categories. For example, it is very beneficial for the optimal development of young animals, as well as for breeding. In this study, the leaf surface was taken as a variable because it has an important role in evaluating the vital processes in the oat plant, such as photosynthetis and evapotranspiration that are responsible in the process of energy transformation. At the level of the oat plant, the leaf flag has an extremely significant role because, depending on the size of the leaf surface, a net assimilation rate is expected as high as possible for the oat varieties. And the rate of assimilation mentioned, depends on a number of factors, called stressors, such as drought, salinity, cooling, frost and floods that negatively influence the overall growth of oat plants. Thus, in this paper, we highlight the impact of climatic factors, the so-called stress factors mentioned above, on the oat plant, especially on the  leaf flag. Samples taken from the research field were measured using the device LI-300 Portable Area Meter (leaf surface) to determine the leaf area on the  leaf flag for the 15 genotypes in the comparative culture of competitions in the Oat Improvement Laboratory of S.C.D.A. LOVRIN. In conclusion, it is obvious the difference of the leaf surface at the 15 genotypes from the comparative culture of competition for spring oats in the two years, as well as the difference between precipitation where we have 229 l / sqm in 2019 and 168 l / sqm in 2020 and the difference between temperatures, 13.05 ℃ in 2019 and 13.75 ℃ in 2020. As a result of this study, we concluded that the greatest impact on the leaf surface of the leaf flag level is precipitation according to the literature where we know that oats need a large amount of water for optimal development.
THE IMPORTANCE OF USEFUL ARTHROPOD FAUNA IN LIMITING WHEAT PESTS IN THE CENTER OF TRANSYLVANIA
Authors: Ana-Maria VĂLEAN  , Dana MALSCHI  , Florin RUSSU  , Adina TĂRĂU  , Laura ŞOPTEREAN  , Loredana SUCIU  , Ion OLTEAN
Published: December 2022

The important role of entomophagous present in the trophic network of biocenoses, is widely debated in numerous papers. Throughout the vegetation period, field crops are invaded by a host of entomophagous, their role being important in limiting pests. Due to the importance of useful arthropod fauna for limiting wheat pests, during 2016-2017, its monitoring was carried out on the winter wheat culture, in two locations: at Turda, open field and in Bolduţ, field with agroforestry curtains, from ARDS Turda. The entomophagous collection was performed decadally with entomological net, a hundred double threads for each sample, in two variants: untreated with insecticides, and treated with insecticides. The data obtained indicates the fact that in the field with agroforestry curtains, the abundance of entomophagous it was higher, and in the variant where vegetation treatments with insecticides have been applied, the number of entomophagous was lower, compared to the untreated variant.
MODELS FOR DESCRIBING THE VARIATION OF MOISTURE IN WHEAT GRAINS DEPENDING ON MINERAL AND FOLIAR FERTILIZATION
Authors: Gabriela MACRA  , Florin SALA
Published: December 2022

The study evaluated the moisture content of wheat grains in relation to mineral nitrogen fertilization and foliar fertilization. The biological material was represented by the Alex wheat cultivar. By mineral fertilization, five nitrogen levels were ensured, in the range 0 - 200 kg a.s. ha-1 (a.s. - active substance). Super Fifty (SF) biofertilizer was applied foliar in six concentrations, ranging from 0 to 5 l ha-1. The combination of the two fertilizing resources resulted in 30 experimental variants, in three repetitions. The moisture content (M, %) of the wheat grains was evaluated, in relation to the applied fertilization. Regression analysis was used to estimate the humidity (M,%) in relation to SF on each nitrogen (N) level. Grains moisture estimation (M, %) was possible in conditions of R2 = 0.681, p = 0.043 on the level of nitrogen N0, and in conditions of R2 = 0.999, p <0.001 on the other levels of nitrogen fertilization (N50 - N200). According to the calculated prediction error (PE) and the RMSEP statistical parameter, the highest safety in estimating grain moisture relative to SF was at the N150 level, where PE = -0.14, and RMSEP = 0.049163. The variation of moisture (M, %) in relation to N and SF, evaluated on the data set as a whole, was described by an equation of type M (%) = ax2 + by2 + cx + dy + exy, in statistical safety conditions, R2 = 0.917, p <0.001. A graphical distribution was obtained, in the form of a 3D model and in the form of isoquants of the moisture M (%) variation in relation to N (x-axis) and SF (yaxis). Based on PCA, PC1 explained 42.523% of variance, and PC2 explained 32.781% of variance in relation to N doses, respectively PC1 explained 63.936% of variance, and PC2 explained 23.776% of variance in relation to SF.
LOCATION AND QUANTITATIVE EVALUATION OF GRASSLAND RESOURCES IN THE MOUNTAIN AREAS OF BANAT BY GEOMATIC METHODS
Authors: Luminiţa COJOCARIU  , Loredana COPĂCEAN  , Cristian BOSTAN  , Adina HORABLAGA  , Dorin RECHIŢEAN  , Marinel HORABLAGA
Published: December 2022

In the Mountainous Banat, the grasslands have a decisive influence on the area, both due to the significant areas occupied at regional level and due to the role they had and have in the mountain economy of the area. The inhabitants of the area capitalized on the resources offered by them (fodder, honey plants, berries, firewood) laying the foundations of an original pastoral life. The purpose of the research can be defined by two objectives: (1) the location and spatial representation of the lands, depending on the use and especially of the surfaces used as grasslands, by GIS techniques and means; (2) quantitative assessment of grassland areas as the main resource of mountain areas, "multifunctional" resources, both in the traditional sense and in the context of sustainable development. The surface of the study area is 42619 ha and overlaps over four administrativeterritorial units (ATU): Anina, Goruia, Ciudanoviţa and Oraviţa. The land use maps were drawn up, in GIS environment, initially at ATU level, and later, in order to create an overview of the entire region, quantitative data reports were generated, by land use categories. The use categories "Pastures" and "Natural grasslands" were followed in particular, in accordance with the purpose of the research. In the land balance of the study area, the forest areas predominate, and the grasslands, with all their subcategories, are on the second place in the ranking in most of the analyzed ATUs. From the total area of the analyzed territory, the grasslands were identified on an area of 5934.39 ha, of which 5338.41 ha of pastures and 595.98 ha of natural grasslands. The grasslands in the analyzed area are used extensively, dominating the traditional practices of free-range animals.
Neoconservadorismo e arcaísmos no neoliberalismo: implicações para a corrosão da inclusão escolar
Authors: Carvalho Alexandre Filordi de , Almeida Jonas Rangel de
Published: December 2022

O artigo investiga a relação existente entre neoconservadorismo e neoliberalismo para sustentar a hipótese de que todo sujeito deficiente ou socialmente excludente é uma crítica encarnada ao neoliberalismo, logo, sujeitos insuportáveis. Parte-se da concepção que suas singularidades somáticas e existenciais engendram eficiências diferentes aos padrões das competências e das habilidades neoliberais. O neoliberalismo não pode suportar nem aceitar tal perspectiva e faz uso do neoconservadorismo como estratégia conveniente para rechaçar as multiplicidades existenciais por intermédio de uma série de estigmatização. Será na análise dos arcaísmos que se pode melhor compreender o funcionamento deste neoconservadorismo e as razões pelas quais as políticas públicas de inclusão escolar devem ser corroídas e exterminadas. Para tanto, dois eixos de análises são desenvolvidos. No primeiro, investiga-se a relação entre neoconservadorismo e arcaísmos no neoliberalismo, ressaltando como ambos requerem subjetividade conservadora. Em seguida, avança-se na compreensão de como a modelização subjetiva neoliberal alcança seus sujeitos dentro e fora dos muros da escola, porém, para destruir a inclusão escolar. Ao cabo, o artigo sustenta algumas razões por que ainda é preciso defender a inclusão escolar.
Conceptual framework of remote working in Serbia: Towards gender differences
Authors: Sretenović Stefan , Slavković Marko , Stojanović-Aleksić Vesna
Published: December 2022

With the outbreak of the pandemic caused by the virus COVID-19, companies all around the world were affected and faced a new reality. In such circumstances, remote working was a necessary organizational response to the forthcoming crisis, to provide business continuity and protect their employees. For many companies, remote working is a completely new experience without any preparation period. The subject of the research is to reveal the perception and correlation between different variables, which are crucial for successful remote working implementation, within two groups of remote workers, male and female. This research highlights the differences and provides guidelines for successful remote working implementation for different genders. An original empirical research was conducted on a sample of companies that are doing business activities in Serbia and were deployed remote working for their employees during the COVID-19 pandemic to analyze the differences between male and female respondents toward five defined variables important for remote working: social support (SP), autonomy (A), monitoring (M), job performance (JP) and work engagement (WE) during remote working. The relationships between the indicated variables were tested by correlation analysis of 121 collected surveys.
Public revenues and public expenditure nexus: Evidence of Eurozone heterogeneity
Authors: Glavaški Olgica , Beker-Pucar Emilija , Stojkov Stefan
Published: December 2022

After the global economic crisis, a broad consensus has emerged that membership in the Eurozone exerts a strong pressure on fiscal policy, since it is characterized by the dichotomy of common monetary policy and heterogeneous fiscal policies. This paper analyzes the performance of fiscal policies, highlighting the nexus between the public revenues and public expenditure from the angle of 19 Eurozone economies in the period 2010q1-2020q4. The research is based on Dumitrescu & Hurlin (2012) and Juodis, Karavias & Sarafidis (2021) Granger non-causality tests in macro panels in order to test causality direction, as well as Westerlund errorcorrection-based panel cointegration test to analyze fiscal sustainability. Having in mind the heterogeneity and divergency of the Eurozone members, sub-samples were estimated, concerning the core, the periphery and the emerging Eurozone economies. The results imply that all Eurozone economies achieve weak fiscal sustainability, while all economies from the group of Eurozone periphery applied "tax and spend" hypothesis. The empirical finding could be related to the fact that Eurozone periphery economies were hit harder by the global and sovereign debt crisis, and that implemented austerity and bail-out programs were adequate, thus resulting in sustainable fiscal position, reducing heterogeneity of fiscal performance within the Eurozone economies.
Average effectiveness of corporate income tax on the example of companies listed on the Belgrade Stock Exchange
Authors: Đaković Miloš , Inđić Milica , Cicmil Danica
Published: December 2022

The fiscal policy of a country is a crucial source of successful and normal functioning of that country's economy. The implications of fiscal policy can be reflected in both the private and the functioning of the public sector of a country's economy. Public finance is an area of economics dealing with the analysis of tax policy and government spending policy. One of the important areas of public finance research is corporate income tax. Corporate income tax is a direct tax imposed at the national level for the purpose of taxing the profits of certain companies, whether state-owned or privately owned. The aim of this paper is to look at the actual amount of profit tax paid, i.e. by observing the profit before taxation of companies listed on the Belgrade Stock Exchange. The paper considers the effective tax rate of companies and points out the deviation of the same from the legally prescribed corporate income tax rate in the Republic of Serbia and the implications of corporate income tax on the company's business results. The paper presents graphical and tabular representations of the effective tax rates of each company as well as the average effective tax rate of companies listed on the Belgrade Stock Exchange in relation to the law in the period from 2013 to 2020 in the Republic of Serbia. Finally, a statistical analysis of the presented results is given in order to understand more precisely the deviation of the effectiveness of corporate income tax of companies listed on the Belgrade Stock Exchange as well as the analysis of the correlation between the growth of the average pre-tax profit and the growth of the average effective corporate income tax rate.
Reduction of the matrix effects in the gold and silver analysis using the ICP-MS technique
Authors: Đukić Miloš , Đorđievski Stefan , Kovačević Renata , Adamović Dragana , Šteharnik Mirjana , Vasiljević Sanela , Jakša Brankica
Published: December 2022

Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) has been an indispensable technique in the analysis of geological samples in the last few decades. This technique can determine a large number of trace elements, such as the precious metals and rare earth elements. However, the technique is limited by the spectral and non-spectral interferences, which can affect the results of analysis. The aim of this study was to reduce the non-spectral interferences by the method of sample dilution (1000 - 10000). A sample containing gold-bearing minerals was subjected to a digestion in aqua regia, and determination was performed on a NexION 1000 PerkinElmer ICP-MS instrument. The results showed that the differences in gold and silver concentrations in the standard and He modes were insignificant at a dilution of 10000 indicating that the matrix effect was reduced applying a higher dilution. The results of XRD analysis have showed that the sulphide minerals pyrite (FeS2 ) and covellite (CuS) were very abundant in the tested samples, so the digestion of these samples with aqua regia has yielded the solutions containing iron and copper as the most abundant components of the matrix.
The impact of mobile technologies and the internet on the future of banking operations
Authors: Bakić Darko
Published: December 2022

The rapid development of information technologies, which have found application in all areas of human activity, has also led to changes in the way of banking operations. Traditional banking inevitably involved going to the bank to use banking services. Nowadays, bank services are available to clients in their homes or anywhere else. This is primarily the result of the development of the Internet and mobile technologies, which has led to the development of new types of banking operations, known as internet banking and mobile banking. These two types of banking will represent the backbone of future banking activity.
"So obvious and so unthinkable": Eco-dystopia in Margaret Atwood's MaddAddam trilogy
Authors: Sentov Ana
Published: December 2022

Themes of Nature and humanity's abuse of it have long featured in Margaret Atwood's works: poetry, fiction and non-fiction. The author is an environmental activist herself, taking an active interest in current environmental and climate change issues. From one of her earliest novels Surfacing (1972) to her seminal work The Handmaid's Tale (1985) to the more recent MaddAddam trilogy (comprising the novels Oryx and Crake (2003), The Year of the Flood (2009) and MaddAddam (2013)), Atwood has commented on and criticized humanity's treatment of nature as something to be dominated and beaten into submission. In the context of the current cultural and environmental crisis the world is experiencing, this paper will analyze Atwood's MaddAddam trilogy through the lens of ecocriticism and examine how closely her vision of eco-dystopia reflects the current state of affairs in the world.
Unenforceability of claims for damages in court practice
Authors: Petrović Milica
Published: December 2022

The statute of limitations is an essential element in claims for damages proceedings. If the claimant fails to seek damages in time, they may lose the right to claim restitution from the debtor. To protect injured parties, the laws regulate this matter should be interpreted carefully and uniformly. It is of crucial importance to establish legal security regarding unenforceability, especially the statute of limitations, by taking a decisive and uniform position. Different court opinions and decisions can contribute to feelings of uncertainty and vulnerability, and ultimately generate citizens' distrust in the judiciary.
Urinary infection: Modern approach to diagnosis and treatment
Authors: Bančević Vladimir
Published: December 2022

Urinary tract infections are among the most common infections in the human population. Inadequate interpretation of laboratory findings, as well as mistakes in the application of therapy, often lead to prolongation of treatment and recurrence of infections as well as in a bacterial resistance. The analysis and synthesis of relevant information on up-to-date recommendations in the diagnosis and treatment of urinary infections have been done by searching databases of PubMed, Google academic, Medline and the guidelines of the European Association of Urology, an analysis and synthesis of relevant information on up-to-date recommendations in the diagnosis and treatment of urinary infections will be done. Relevant guidelines recommend usage of Fosfomycin, Nitrofurantoin or Trimethoprim Sulfomethoxazole as the first line of therapy for uncomplicated cystitis in women, while the use of antibiotics in asymptomatic bacteriuria is reserved only for immunocompromised conditions, pregnancy, in patients with chronic recurrent infections and in patients undergoing endourological procedures. Following the modern guidelines of the European Association of Urologists on the treatment of urinary infections enables the most adequate treatment of patients.
A review of the influence of climate change on coniferous forests in the Balkan peninsula
Authors: Tanovski Vladimir , Matović Bratislav , Kesić Lazar , Stojanović Dejan
Published: December 2022

Evidence of climate change and global warming is becoming more visible; it is an ongoing process that is likely to become increasingly influential in the near future, not only at the global level but also at the local and regional levels. The fact that climate change affects the development of all forest communities and forest tree species, accordingly, has resulted in the increasing awareness in society towards this phenomenon. Having this in mind, the main aim of this paper is to evaluate the relationship between climate change and coniferous forests in the Balkan Peninsula, as well as to review the management strategies that may contribute to forest adaptation to climate change, with a special emphasis on the conservation of forest genetic resources. Hence, we have analyzed 202 papers regarding climate change and its effects on coniferous forests in the Balkan region, as well as papers dealing with adaptive forest management and forest genetic resources conservation. We concluded that climate change will likely represent one of the major challenges for coniferous forests on the Balkan peninsula in the future, imposing a need for the application of different management strategies to address these challenges and to facilitate adaptation of forests to the altered environmental conditions.
Windstorms in poplar clones plantations in Vojvodina Province
Authors: Pap Predrag , Vasić Verica , Poljaković-Pajnik Leopold , Drekić Milan , Marković Miroslav , Zlatković Milica , Stojanović Dejan
Published: December 2022

In this paper, the occurrence, frequency, and character of stormy winds in clonal poplar plantations in Vojvodina Province were studied in the period from 2016-2021 years. 10 large gusts of stormy winds were recorded, which caused enormous damage to poplar plantations. Depending on the strength of the wind, the age of the plants, and the state of soil moisture, the damage was reflected in windbreaks, windbreaks, and wind bending of trees.
River information systems: Review, applictions, and current examples from Serbia
Authors: Puhar Dušan
Published: December 2022

There is a constant need for improvement in inland water navigation based on the implementation of innovative technologies. This is necessary to ensure better traffic management, safer navigation, more economically profitable navigation, and to make inland navigation more reliable. This paper provides a rare a general review of currently used employed technologies of river information systems (RIS), the ways how they are used in practice, and the current state of development in Serbia. Throughout recent history, RIS technologies have been constantly improving, and accordingly, new legal documents have been drafted and published. These provide a formal-legal basis for each one of RIS technologies, and make their standardization easier. As the technology keeps progressing, the RIS concept should be able to adapt to it, and keep improving inland waterway transport, especially given that this mode of transport has much potential for the future.
Studying tourist congestion as a form of overtourism through Tripadvisor reviews: Case study: Charles Bridge, Prague
Authors: Drăgan Maria-Catrinel , Camară Gabriel
Published: December 2022

Overtourism is a current phenomenon which also includes crowds of people in a tourist destination. This research analyzes overtourism to a much visited tourist objective through Tripadvisor reviews, by highlighting the key concepts which are suggesting the existence of the overtourism phenomenon. The method consisted to examine the reviews posted on Tripadvisor by the tourists who visited one of the most important tourist attractions in Prague, namely Charles Bridge. The tool used for this purpose was Leximancer program. Using an analysis from multiple perspectives (during the 2019 low and peak tourist season, and during the Covid-19 pandemic), the results of the concept maps captured the intensity of the phenomenon of overtourism in all three contexts. Thus, specific themes and concepts generated by the program suggest that Carles Bridge suffers from overtourism regardless of the tourist season.
Photo representation of EU cities on Google Maps: 2016 and 2022 comparison
Authors: Milenković Nemanja , Bakač Ana , Slivar Iva
Published: December 2022

Google Maps is one of the most influential applications in the world. Google Maps provides convenient and accessible features such as Street View, Local Guide, and Google My Business, amongst others. This study analyses and compares the average population of 28 selected cities in the European Union in 2016 and 2022. The presence of Street View in cities was investigated further and the average number of photos was determined in 2022. The average number of photographs in 2016 is between 97 and 139, while in 2022 it ranges between 2,144 and 3,872. This preliminary research was conducted using the counting method to determine whether a certain average number of photos exists concerning the population. The research is significant because it provides insight into the importance and viability of using Google Maps for tourism research.
Land use impact on soil structure of Pseudogleys in southern Mačva and Pocerina, Serbia
Authors: Dugonjić Mladen , Đorđević Aleksandar , Golubović Slađana , Radmanović Svjetlana
Published: December 2022

The impact of various types of uses of Pseudogley soils in southern Mačva and Pocerina on the iraggregate distribution and stability was studied on soil samples collected from profiles under forest, meadow and arable land, at three localities. The aggregate composition and stability were determined by Savinov'smethod. The soil structure was assessed by using Revut's coefficient of soil structure (Ks) and Vershinin's coefficient of soil aggregate structure (K A). The results show that the studied Pseudogley soils are characterized by an unfavorable structure, while the type of land use has a significant impact on the aggregate composition and stability, especially in surface Ah and Ahp horizons, where these differences are the most pronounced. The most favorable aggregate composition and highest wet-stability are found in Pseudogley profiles under forest vegetation. The aggregate distribution of meadow profiles was intermediate and of arable land the poorest. Statistical analysis of the collected data shows that Ks values, determined by dry sieving, were the highest in forest profiles (2.261.21 on average), while the values for meadow were 1.591.09 and of arable land 1.140.62. The values of K A , used to assess the aggregate stability to water, also show that forest Pseudogleys have the highest average values (2.051.03), followed by meadow (1.96 0.99) and cultivated soils (1.931.22). The results of correlation analysis indicate that Ks is negatively correlated with clay, pH value and base saturation, but positively correlated with soil humus (r=-0.77,-0.70,-0.81 and 0.79, respectively, p<0.01). Conversely, K A is negatively correlated with humus and positively correlated with clay, pH value and base saturation (r=-0.21, 0.82, 0.69 and 0.69, respectively, p<0.01).
Climate change as the driving force behind the intensification of agricultural land use
Authors: Eulenstein Frank , Saljnikov Elmira , Lukin Sergey , Sheudshen Askhad , Rukhovich Olga , Schindler Uwe , Saparov Galymzhan , Pachikin Konstantin , Thielicke Matthias , Behrendt Axel , Armin Werner , Zivotić Ljubomir , Müller Lothar
Published: December 2022

Climate change in Europe will lead to new precipitation patterns over the coming years and the annual temperature will increase significantly. These changes in climate variables and the resulting effects on agricultural productivity must be differentiated regionally. Plant production depends on sufficient rainfall in summer and, in some regions, on the amount of rainfall in winter. In Central Europe, the amount of precipitation in summer will decrease in the coming decades due to climate change, while in some regions, the amount of winter precipitation will increase significantly. Agricultural production is likely to suffer severely as a result of rising summer temperatures and low water retention capacities in the soil. The effects of reduced summer precipitation and increased air temperatures are partially offset by the expected increased CO2 concentration. Therefore, the effects that changed climatic conditions have on crop production are sometimes less drastic in terms of crop yields. The greatest impact of climate change on land use is expected from increasing evapotranspiration and lower amounts of precipitation in the production of leachate. In addition to the expected mean changes, the occurrence of extreme weather conditions is key. Periods of drought in the growing season and heavy flooding as a result of extreme rainfall are to be expected. However, these events are very difficult or even impossible to predict. In addition to the effects that climate change will have on regional crop production, global changes will have a strong impact on world markets for agricultural products. Another consequence of climate change and population growth is a higher demand for agricultural products on world markets. This will lead to dramatic local land use changes and an intensification of agriculture that will transform existing crop production systems. The intensification caused by rising land and lease prices will primarily affect the maximization of the use of fertilizers and pesticides.
Measurement of hydraulic properties of growing media with the HYPROP system
Authors: Schindler Uwe , Thielicke Matthias , Saljnikov Elmira , Zivotić Ljubomir , Eulenstein Frank
Published: December 2022

Knowledge of hydro-physical properties is an essential prerequisite for assessing the suitability and quality of growing media. The method used for sample preparation is important for the measurement results. Three different sample preparation methods were compared. The methods differed in terms of the way the 250°cm3 steel cylinder was filled and the height of preloading. Measurements on loosely filled cylinders were included. The comparison was carried out on 15 growing media using the HYPROP device. HYPROP enables a complex analysis of the hydro-physical properties with high accuracy and reproducibility. The water retention curve, the unsaturated hydraulic conductivity function, the dry bulk density, the shrinkage and the rewetting properties can be measured simultaneously. The air capacity and the amount of plant-available water in pots depend on the height of the pot. In the field, it is related to the field capacity. The quality assessment was carried out both for flowerpots of different height and for field conditions with free drainage. Loosely filled samples consolidated hydraulically shortly after the start of the measurement. These geometric changes can be taken into account with the HYPROP. The sample preparation method - preloading or loose filling - yielded significantly different results for the pore volume, dry bulk density, plant available water and air capacity. The total pore volume of the loosely filled cylinders varied between 86.8 and 95.2°% by vol. (preloaded 81.3 and 87.7°% by vol.). The most critical factor was the air capacity. Loosely filled substrate samples achieved the highest air capacities, but also did not reach the critical value of 10°% by volume in shallow flowerpots, e.g. in 10 cm pots with 5.8°% by volume. The sample preparation method, measurement and quality assessment of the hydro-physical properties of growing media should be adapted to the conditions of use - whether they are used in a field with free drainage or in pots or containers in greenhouses.
Adaptation to climate change in agricultural sector: A proposal for rational management measures
Authors: Pivić Radmila , Dinić Zoran , Maksimović Jelena , Grujić Tara , Ugrenović Vladan , Stanojković-Sebić Aleksandra
Published: December 2022

Agriculture, as one of the most important branches of economy, depends on climate conditions and has a significant contribution to climatic changes process, primarily by releasing greenhouse gases (GHG). It is estimated that agriculture directly emits about 9% of the total amount of GHG, of which 5% originates from soil and about 4% from livestock production (ruminants). Emissions of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere from cultivated soil are 27% to 90% higher compared to natural grasslands. For greater climate neutrality of agriculture, two-way action is necessary: towards the reduction of GHG and towards the sequestration of carbon in the soil. Recommended measures and practices in the management of organic carbon content in soil include a wide range of agronomic, biological, technical and technological procedures, management and structural practices on agricultural soil. By encouraging organic plant production, which should contribute to maintaining and increasing the natural fertility of the soil, as well as preserving and improving biodiversity and stabilizing the structure of the soil, it can contribute to mitigating climate change.
Convention or Originality?: The Attributes of Christian Children in Latin Epigraphy
Authors: Curchin Leonard
Published: December 2022

The Latin tomb inscriptions of Christian children show surprising variety in the phrases and epithets used to describe the deceased. While some are conventional attributes expressing the innocence or piety of the child, others are more imaginative, original and even unique. The inscriptions record qualities such as smallness of the child; modesty; intelligence; devotion to God. They lament the child's premature death, but forsee its future in heaven. The inscriptions also reflect the grief and love of bereaved parents, suggesting genuine emotions.

Las inscripciones funerarias latinas de niños cristianos muestran una variedad sorprendente en las frases y los epítetos utilizados para describir los muertos. Unos son atributos convencionales que expresan la inocencia o la piedad del niño; otros son más imaginativos, más originales, y incluso únicos. Las inscripciones registran cualidades tales como la pequeñez del niño; modestia; inteligencia; devoción a Dios. Se lamenta la muerte prematura del niño, pero se preve su futuro en el cielo. Las inscripciones reflejan también el dolor y el amor de los padres desolados, y con eso sugieren emociones genuinas.
COVID-19 and medical educator perceptions: Sense-making during times of crisis
Authors: Govender L , Jacobs C
Published: December 2022

Background. Although crises are generally considered uncommon, health professions education (HPE) literature gives evidence of repeated and ongoing crises. This has been most recently demonstrated by the global impact of COVID-19. Crisis management literature proposes that such recurrent crises are opportune moments for learning. While there has been much literature published that describes changes made to the format of HPE amid COVID-19, there has been little attention given to the perceptions of medical educators. Medical educators’ experiences may serve as a resource to uncover lessons that may have been learnt during this period.

Objective. To address the gap in the literature, by analysing the perceptions of medical educators at the University of Cape Town (UCT) during the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020-2021.Methods. A qualitative case-study approach was adopted. Rich data were collected from four medical educators using semi-structured interviews and a focus group discussion, and then analysed using a reflexive thematic approach.

Results. The data indicated that educators grappled with a multitude of struggles during the COVID-19 pandemic. These were analysed thematically as: tensions with technology, balancing expectations, and the distribution of support. However, surface-level challenges faced by educators seem to belie a much deeper personal struggle.

Conclusion. The data suggest that whether any learning occurs and what is learnt are embedded within the process of sense-making. If institutions of higher education aim to adopt proactive responses to crises, then further research – as well as support for these sense-making processes during crises – should form a critical part of overall institutional preparedness.
Régimen tributario del software de facturación de empresarios y profesionales
Authors: Oliver Cuello Rafael
Published: December 2022

En la lucha contra la producción, comercialización, uso o simple tenencia de programas y sistemas informáticos que permitan la manipulación u ocultación de datos contables, de facturación y de gestión de empresarios y profesionales, se ha introducido en la Ley General Tributaria una nueva obligación tributaria formal, así como una infracción tributaria que trata de evitar los sistemas informáticos que permitan la falsificación de la realidad económica contable, de facturación y gestión o no garanticen la integridad, conservación, trazabilidad e inalterabilidad de los registros, y su accesibilidad y legibilidad por parte de los órganos competentes de la Administración tributaria. En este mismo sentido, existe una propuesta de norma reglamentaria de desarrollo de esta materia que establece los requisitos que deben adoptar los sistemas y programas informáticos o electrónicos que soporten los procesos de facturación de empresarios y profesionales, y la estandarización de formatos de los registros de facturación. Asimismo, se prevé que todo sistema informático que se utilice para dar cumplimiento a las obligaciones contenidas en esta norma debe contar obligatoriamente con una declaración responsable de la que quede constancia formal, expedida por la persona o entidad productora, fabricante o desarrolladora de este, que asegure el compromiso por parte de dicha organización de suministrar productos digitales que cumplan con los requisitos establecidos en la Ley General Tributaria y en el desarrollo reglamentario.
Nossas árvores: conservação, uso e manejo de árvores nativas no sul da Bahia
Authors: Pereira Carlos Eduardo
Published: December 2022

O livro apresenta informações sobre a implantação e o atual estado de conservação da Mata Atlântica do Sul da Bahia, discorrendo sobre as principais interações ecológicas entre árvores e florestas tropicais, os princípios genéticos associados ao manejo e conservação das árvores, o uso das espécies nativas em programas de restauração florestal e sistemas agroflorestais, a coleta e produção de sementes, marcação e seleção de matrizes, além da produção de mudas em viveiros e o seu plantio no campo.
Single-cell RNA sequencing and lineage tracing confirm mesenchyme to epithelial transformation (MET) contributes to repair of the endometrium at menstruation
Authors: Kirkwood Phoebe M , Gibson Douglas A , Shaw Isaac , Dobie Ross , Kelepouri Olympia , Henderson Neil C , Saunders Philippa TK
Published: December 2022

The human endometrium experiences repetitive cycles of tissue wounding characterised by piecemeal shedding of the surface epithelium and rapid restoration of tissue homeostasis. In this study, we used a mouse model of endometrial repair and three transgenic lines of mice to investigate whether epithelial cells that become incorporated into the newly formed luminal epithelium have their origins in one or more of the mesenchymal cell types present in the stromal compartment of the endometrium. Using scRNAseq, we identified a novel population of PDGFRb + mesenchymal stromal cells that developed a unique transcriptomic signature in response to endometrial breakdown/repair. These cells expressed genes usually considered specific to epithelial cells and in silico trajectory analysis suggested they were stromal fibroblasts in transition to becoming epithelial cells. To confirm our hypothesis we used a lineage tracing strategy to compare the fate of stromal fibroblasts (PDGFRa+) and stromal perivascular cells (NG2/CSPG4+). We demonstrated that stromal fibroblasts can undergo a mesenchyme to epithelial transformation and become incorporated into the re-epithelialised luminal surface of the repaired tissue. This study is the first to discover a novel population of wound-responsive, plastic endometrial stromal fibroblasts that contribute to the rapid restoration of an intact luminal epithelium during endometrial repair. These findings form a platform for comparisons both to endometrial pathologies which involve a fibrotic response (Asherman’s syndrome, endometriosis) as well as other mucosal tissues which have a variable response to wounding.
Clonal transcriptomics identifies mechanisms of chemoresistance and empowers rational design of combination therapies
Authors: Wild Sophia A , Cannell Ian G , Nicholls Ashley , Kania Katarzyna , Bressan Dario ,   CRUK IMAXT Grand Challenge Team, Hannon Gregory J , Sawicka Kirsty
Published: December 2022

Tumour heterogeneity is thought to be a major barrier to successful cancer treatment due to the presence of drug resistant clonal lineages. However, identifying the characteristics of such lineages that underpin resistance to therapy has remained challenging. Here, we utilise clonal transcriptomics with WILD-seq; Wholistic Interrogation of Lineage Dynamics by sequencing, in mouse models of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) to understand response and resistance to therapy, including BET bromodomain inhibition and taxane-based chemotherapy. These analyses revealed oxidative stress protection by NRF2 as a major mechanism of taxane resistance and led to the discovery that our tumour models are collaterally sensitive to asparagine deprivation therapy using the clinical stage drug L-asparaginase after frontline treatment with docetaxel. In summary, clonal transcriptomics with WILD-seq identifies mechanisms of resistance to chemotherapy that are also operative in patients and pin points asparagine bioavailability as a druggable vulnerability of taxane-resistant lineages.
Calls for Conservation: A Review of Bioacoustics Monitoring with Case Studies from India
Authors: Kotera Manya Muthanna , Phillott Andrea D.
Published: December 2022

With recent technological advances and greater accessibility of equipment, bioacoustics monitoring has emerged as a valuable method that utilises biologically-produced acoustic signals to gather information on the presence and absence of animals, as well as their behavioural and ecological features. A wide range of microphones and recorders can be employed to collect acoustical data, allowing for the selection of equipment suitable for the specifics of the study. Data analyses can be conducted using software packages that facilitate visualisation of acoustic emissions. This essay provides an overview of the methods involved in bioacoustics monitoring, followed by advantages, disadvantages, and ethical considerations illustrated through examples of its application to collect data on a wide range of species from varied habitats in India. The case studies reveal that bioacoustics monitoring can be applied to a wide range of studies owing to its passive, non-invasive and increasingly inexpensive methods. As the field is at its nascent stage, it suffers from drawbacks arising from the limited expertise and availability of baseline data, because of which it has not been deployed extensively. Despite this, it holds potential as an emerging tool that can significantly advance the field of conservation research.
Histopathological and Oxidative Stress Response of Oreochromis niloticus Exposed to Varying Concentrations of Sawdust Extract
Authors: Ashade O. O. , Idowu A. B. , Omoniyi I. T. , Ademolu K. O.
Published: December 2022

Persistent dumping of sawdust on water banks and or directly into water bodies as a consequence of sawmilling activities is becoming alarming. This study therefore evaluated the effect of sawdust extract on some selected physiological parameters such as histopathology and oxidative stress response using O. niloticus as test organism. O. niloticus were divided into four groups based on exposure concentration to sawdust extract (0%, 1/10, 1/100 and 1/1000 of LC50 respectively) in triplicates. Heavy metals composition was evaluated using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Phytochemical analysis of sawdust, physico-chemical studies of the cultured water, histopathological and antioxidant enzyme activities were carried out using standard methods. Result showed the presence of metals such as iron, cadmium, zinc, copper and magnesium as well as the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, steroid, phenols, terpenoid, saponin and anthraquinone in the sawdust extract. There was no significant difference in the water temperature and pH of the cultured water of O. niloticus exposed to the varying concentrations of the sawdust. Dissolved oxygen was however highest in the control water and reduced with increase in the concentrations of sawdust extract exposure. Disintegrated lamella was observed in the intestine and gills, and graded necrosis, in the liver of O. niloticus exposed to sawdust extract. There were inhibitions in the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) of both liver and kidney of O. niloticus exposed to sawdust extract. Activity of malondialdehyde (MDA) however, increased with increased extract concentration. This study has therefore shown that sawdust extract could cause tissue - organ architectural distortions and induce oxidative stress in O. niloticus.