bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of production and economics of Rainbow trout farming on two cage farms in Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina
Authors: Čanak Stevan , Savić Nebojša , Pavličević Jerko , Ljiljanić Nikola , Radišić Robert
Published: October 2022

The subject of this paper is the analysis of conditions, production and economic results of Rainbow trout production on two cage farms in Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. An analytical calculation of total costs was used to compare the economic results of trout farming. The aim is to compare the achieved production and economic results of Rainbow trout farming in cage farms in Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, and to analyze the influencing factors. The analysis showed minor differences in the natural conditions, production results, and economic results. Both analyzed farms are characterized by strong fluctuations of water temperature during the year. Such natural conditions affect negatively both the production and the economic results of farming. The analysis showed that the production is economically viable on both farms if the value of production is calculated together with subsidies, ie premiums. Without subsidies, the fish farm in BiH is operating at a loss.
The residents' attitudes about the development of hunting tourism in Vojvodina (Serbia)
Authors: Matejević Milosava , Jovanović Tamara , Ponjiger Igor , Ristić Zoran , Marković Vladimir , Kovačević Milutin
Published: October 2022

Successful development of hunting tourism requires the support of a local community and positive attitudes of residents. This research aims to explore the population in the Vojvodina region (Serbia) which was well known hunting tourism destination in Europe during the '70s and '80s. The survey included a final sample of 206 respondents. This study showed that residents mostly approve of and support hunting tourism revitalization. However, they find that it needs to be implemented sustainably, according to the law, without threatening the habitat and game funds. This study also explored different predictors that shape attitudes towards hunting tourism. Results show that being a hunter, having a higher level of education, frequently having outdoor activities in nature, being interested in the topic of hunting and hunting tourism, and having a dominant meat diet lead to a more positive attitude towards hunting tourism.
Interdependence of interests of sellers and consumers by selling agricultural products on marketplaces
Authors: Kuzman Boris , Prdić Nedeljko , Kostić Sara
Published: October 2022

Marketplace sales in trade dates back to the Middle Ages. The meaningfulness and development of communication gained real meaning with the development of the marketplaces. Today, personal selling is part of the distribution of agricultural products and part of modern marketing. With the development of the global market and modern information technologies, the role of marketplace sales has taken on another dimension. The aim of this paper is to define the model of efficient sales on the market through direct marketing, sales promotion and living words. The results of theoretical research are based on scientific and professional literature, statistical data and tables, authors' experience, whereas field empirical research was conducted using a questionnaire. The results of empirical research show that the average desire for changes in the behaviour of sellers in sales and consumers in shopping is not present enough. From the conducted research, it can be concluded that in certain previously mentioned aspects of changes in behaviour, marketing communication can be established that will contribute to increasing consumer satisfaction and information.
Efficiency of egg production in different organizational conditions
Authors: Đoković Jelena , Munćan Mihajlo , Paunović Tamara
Published: October 2022

In the past few decades, egg producers have faced numerous difficulties, including reduced egg consumption due to consumer concerns about egg cholesterol content, egg production's adverse environmental effects, a ban of conventional cages for rearing layers etc. Therefore, egg producers in Serbia need to constantly monitor their business efficiency indicators and strive to manage costs. In this study, four farm models were formulated to analyze their production costs and to establish and compare the values of economic efficiency indicators, before and after the transition to an enriched cage system, as well as with and without the possibility to produce and process part of feed components for complete mixtures for layers. According to obtained results, transition to an enriched cage system on the observed farms would cause an increase in total production costs between 5.1 and 5.3% and the purchase of complete mixtures on the market, between 2.3 and 5.8%. Also, anticipated organizational changes would have a negative effect on most economic efficiency indicators, reducing them by 5.2-49.5%, but would also lead to productivity improvement for the farm with the semi-automated production process.
Gastronomy offer in a function of creation and co-creation of a recognized hotel brand: Illustrations from hotel Crni vrh
Authors: Gajić Tamara , Zrnić Miloš , Vujić Tamara , Vujić Milan , Stojanović Đorđe
Published: October 2022

The aim of the paper is to point out the possibility of the influence of the quality of the gastronomic offer in the restaurant of the hotel Crni vrh, on the creation or cocreation of the hotel brand. The quality items of the hotel's complete catering offer were analyzed and grouped by exploratory factor analysis into three factors (Food, Space and Personality). The results of the multiple regression analysis determined the contribution of two quality factors to the creation of the hotel brand. Also, the research came to the conclusion that the majority of visitors, after the experience gained, decide to come again to the rural and mountainous areas, and a smaller percentage to the urban environment. The importance of the research is reflected in the contribution of the existing literature, in the contribution to future more important research, as well as in finding strategic solutions for better hotel operations.
Dry spa as a factor of rural destination development
Authors: Zečević Leposava , Vujko Aleksandra , Nedeljković Dragan
Published: October 2022

If we look at the energy as something that is all around us, then it is clear that energy as such can be used even for the purpose of tourism. Sofia's springs is the dry spa which is located in the national park and the fields with the strongest positive radiation in the world are the phenomenon. Whether this is a placebo effect or a real effect of bio energy circles, this location has the potential to attract "health tourists" from all over the world. The research took the whole 7 years, during which we analyzed motives and views of 687 foreign visitors of these springs who came to the springs by bicycles from 6 European countries. The analysis showed that the visitors believe that the dry spa helps them in solving health problems, including Covid-19, which invites medical science to examine it in detail and confirm or reject it. Anyways, that represents a backbone of health tourism development and can directly influence the rural destination development.
Adaptive capacity to climate change and food security among farm households in Southwest Nigeria
Authors: Shakirat Ibrahim , Omonitan Michael , Aminu Raheem , Oyawole Funminiyi , Arowolo Aisha , Ayinde Idris
Published: October 2022

Smallholder farming households represent one of groups most exposed to the vagaries of climate change because their production and livelihood depend on climatic elements. This study assessed the effect of climate change adaptive capacity on smallholder farming households' food security in Oyo State, Nigeria. Data from 246 farming households were analysed using factor analysis to generate the Climate Change Adaptive Capacity Index (CCACI), Foster-Greer-Thorbecke Indices and Logit Regression. The most adopted adaptation strategies were intercropping, fallowing, fertilizer application, and crop rotation. Most of the households had moderate or high adaptive capacity to climate change. Econometric results show that farm households with low climate change adaptive capacity have a greater likelihood of being food insecure relative to farm households with moderate and high climate change adaptive capacity. These findings emphasize the need to enhance smallholder farmers' capacity to mitigate the adverse effect of climate change on national food security.
Economic effects of investment in irrigation systems implementation at the small family farms
Authors: Jeločnik Marko , Subić Jonel , Zdravković Aleksandar
Published: October 2022

Water is the source of life for all living beings, but also an irreplaceable input in agricultural production. According to the available water and land potentials in Serbia irrigation is used at generally negligible arable areas. Although it represents an agro-technical measure whose implementation usually causes significant investment costs for the farm, its application ensures high and stable yields of high quality crops' fruits, while indirectly it affects increase in incomes and continuity in farm sustainability. The main goal of the paper is presenting an assessment of the effects of investing in implementation of the irrigation system (type Tifon) on a small family farm primarily active in crop farming. Investment analysis was based on basic static and dynamic methods for assessing the effectiveness of investments. The assessment was focused to two modalities in crop production, i.e. implementation of irrigation in crop farming at 25 ha and 30 ha. In both observed modalities the investment was assessed as economically justified alternative for farm business improvement, while there are shown slightly better results with the rise of used agricultural surfaces.
Crop receipts as alternative financial instruments
Authors: Kovačević Vlado , Janković Irena , Minović Jelena
Published: October 2022

The aim of the paper is to provide insights into the lending against crop receipts mechanism. Crop receipts emerged as promising financial instruments creating an additional type of collateral for agricultural producers that pledge their future agricultural production in order to finance ongoing production activities. At the same time, they offer an alternative investment opportunity to banks through the creation of a new asset class. European Bank for Reconstruction and Development supported Serbia in establishing a crop receipt system with the aim to serve as a pilot project for Europe. This is the first analysis of the crop receipts system in Serbia. The methodology applied consists of interviews with bank representatives, extensive literature research, descriptive statistics and comparative analyses. Results are indicating that the main shortcomings in the crop receipts system include the lack of specialised shareholders' knowledge, the absence of subsidization of interest rates on loans against crop receipts followed by the lack of appropriate Central bank policy, standardization and securitization.
The role of agriculture in the economic structure of Serbia and budget support for rural development of Kladovo municipality
Authors: Grujić-Vučkovski Biljana , Simonović Zoran , Ćurčić Nikola , Miletić Vuk
Published: October 2022

The purpose of writing the paper is the situation in agriculture in Serbia and the municipality of Kladovo, as well as the importance it achieves in the economic structure. At the level of Serbia, the importance of agriculture, forestry and fisheries (AFF) is analyzed through their contribution to gross domestic product (GDP) creation from 2016 to 2020, while for the municipality level the importance is determined by the amount of funds allocated in the local self-government unit (LSU) for the needs of agriculture from 2018 to 2020. The obtained results indicate a high share of AFF in GDP creation (6.3% during 2020) and a low share of budget funds in the total budget of the municipality for support of rural development (2.34% in 2020). The aim of this paper is to analyze the possibilities for further development of agriculture in the Republic and the Municipality. The paper uses methods of critical analysis of relevant literature, as well as descriptions for interpreting the results obtained by empirical research.
The future of rural tourism in The Republic of Serbia
Authors: Borović Suzana , Stojanović Katarina , Cvijanović Drago
Published: October 2022

The Republic of Serbia has numerous predispositions for the development of rural tourism, considering that it represents a factor in the revitalization of the surrounding rural areas. Development and orientation towards "rural Serbia" could bring numerous advantages that relate to stopping migration flows from rural areas to urban areas and provide revitalizing the agricultural sector and other complementary activities. The aim of paper is to point out the importance of rural tourism, as one of the priority products of the Republic of Serbia, through the analysis of the current level of its development, and predicting future trends that promote the future of rural tourism. The methodology includes an overview of the theoretical framework of rural tourism collection of existing statistical data, obtained on the basis of previous research.
Factor structure of the effectiveness of the teaching process in higher education institutions: The perception of students
Authors: Papić-Blagojević Nataša , Vukadinović Maja , Jovičić-Vuković Ana
Published: October 2022

The present study aims at investigating the students' perception of indicators of effectiveness of the teaching process in higher education institutions. 361 students from five different postsecondary vocational schools participated in the research. The instrument consisted of a list of indicators of the effectiveness of the teaching process, which has been taken from previous research related to characteristics of education at universities. The list included 13 indicators: knowledge, quality, creativity, flexibility, collegiality, critical thinking, cognitive skills, teamwork, cooperation, entrepreneurial spirit, interactivity, objective grading scale and the availability of teaching staff. The exploratory factor analysis was applied to extract the main components. The results have shown that the structure of the effectiveness of the teaching process from the perspective of students consists of two dimensions: Cooperation and Objectiveness. The improvement of the teaching process with the goal of its greater effectiveness is discussed in the context of these results.
The impact of sociodemographic variables on customer satisfaction when using digital services of hotels
Authors: Zakić Nebojša , Ćirić Maja , Ćurčić Nikola
Published: October 2022

The development of information and communication technologies is fundamentally transforming the tourism sector and tourism suppliers are widely using modern technologies to improve their business. Hotels are increasingly relying on digital technologies in an effort to reach their business objectives, improve the experience and satisfaction of their guests and achieve a competitive advantage. The aim of this research is to determine the statistical significance of the impact of demographic variables on customer satisfaction when using digital services, such as: the hotel website, online reservations, internet services, as well as social media. Empirical research on customers' attitudes and their satisfaction with digital services that 4and 5star-hotels provide on the territory of Serbia was conducted in 2021 and the results were processed using statistical methods and the Chi-square test. The research results have shown that there is a statistically significant difference in customer satisfaction with digital hotel services depending on their gender and age. The research indicates that it is necessary to take in account the demographic categories of customers when developing digital hotel services and make adjustments to them accordingly.
Analysis of factors of financial and profit position as a method of integrated risk management in the mining sector
Authors: Čavlin Miroslav , Vapa-Tankosić Jelena , Mirković Zoran
Published: October 2022

The imperative of crisis management is to ensure sustainable risk management with respect to the financial and profit position of the company, which will not endanger the survival of the company, as well as to strengthen the ability to maintain financial vitality in times of crisis. The Covid-19 pandemic has been a completely new type of crisis because we cannot expect that the problems that have affected the economy and society as a whole will be recognized and solved in a short period of time. The paper aims to analyze the profit and financial position at the level of the mining sector in the Republic of Serbia. The research has included an analysis of operating income, operating and non-profit/loss parameters and then an analysis of key liquidity and solvency risk parameters for 2020 compared to the previous year, and compared to the average for the period 2015-2019 for sector B, namely Mining and its subsectors: coal exploitation, crude oil and natural gas exploitation, metal ore exploitation, other mining and service activities in mining and geological research. For the purpose of this research, the sample was taken from the Republic Bureau of Statistics of Serbia and from the official financial reports. The findings have shown that there was a decline in operating revenues in 2020 compared to 2019 in sector B, and that the downward trend in revenues was accompanied by a marked increase in operating and net profits, but also a marked increase in operating and net losses. The average values of the general liquidity ratio of companies in the analyzed subsectors show that they are far from the desired theoretical norm, which implies a significant level of risk connected to maintaining liquidity, which draws us to a conclusion that risk management should be considered as a priority.
IFRS as a determinant of the quality of financial reporting in the Republic of Serbia
Authors: Anđelković Danijela , Ivaniš Miloš
Published: October 2022

The development processes which shaped the today's world market and international financial institutions have caused the need for financial statements standardization and harmonization at the global level. The International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) plays a crucial role in this process in the Republic of Serbia. By adopting the IFRS IASB project, IAS included, as the national standards, the Republic of Serbia started to apply a new system of financial reporting defined by legal and professional accounting regulations. The main purpose of this research is to indicate the cause-and-effect relationship between financial regulations and financial reporting formation according to the standards and harmonization requirements at the global level. With the aforementioned as the starting point, the main aim of the research in this paper is to indicate whether the financial statements based on the IASB project in the Republic of Serbia may be compared to the financial statements in other countries. The research results show that the immediate and exclusive IFRS implementation in the Republic of Serbia has become the limitation factor for the informational value of financial statements. Also, research results show that in addition to the IAS/IFRS, American accounting principles and the EU Directive 34 represent the key segments of professional regulations contributing to a better accounting harmonization, as well as a higher quality of financial reporting. Most countries with their own national financial regulations, harmonize their accounting rules with the above mentioned regulations when it comes to the most important issues.
Menstrual hygiene management in rural schools in Šumadija and Pomoravlje districts (Serbia)
Authors: Jovanović Dragana , Karadžić Vesna , Paunović Katarina , Ranković Jelka , Vasić Milena
Published: October 2022

Good menstrual hygiene management in schools means that schoolgirls have access to adequate school toilets that meet criteria for basic sanitation and hygiene service, but also that they have basic knowledge about menstrual hygiene. The aim of this work is to assess sanitation and hygiene conditions for adequate menstrual hygiene management in rural schools in the Šumadija and Pomoravlje districts. The study was conducted on the territory of the rural areas of Šumadija and Pomoravlje districts in 2016. It encompassed 238 schools, of which 108 in Šumadija and 130 in Pomoravlje district. To assess sanitation and hygiene conditions for adequate menstrual hygiene management, a questionnaire was created, with questions related to: existence of toilets at schools and whether they are functional, accessible, single-sex, and ensure privacy, to provision of soap and toilet paper, handwashing facilities, bins with a lid in toilet cubicles for schoolgirls, and to provision of menstrual hygiene education. This research showed that a high percentage of school toilets in rural areas meet the basic service criteria (more than 90% for sanitation and about 85% for hygiene) in respect of toilet type and whether toilets are single-sex, usable, and with functional handwashing facilities. However, the obstacles to reaching the criteria for advanced service level are the insufficient provision of facilities for the disposal of menstrual products in toilet cubicles (76.9%), as well as the absence of menstrual hygiene education in 50% of schools. The research indicated the need to improve sanitation and hygiene conditions in order to reach advanced service level that would include better menstrual hygiene management in rural schools in Serbia. Also, a continued research should be focused on the role of social and economic aspects concerning schoolgirls and their families in the attainment of adequate menstrual hygiene.
The role of HPV DNA testing in the prevention of cervical cancer
Authors: Knežević Aleksandra
Published: October 2022

The well-established etiological association between cervical cancer development and the infection with high risk genotypes of Human papilloma viruses (hr-HPV) signify the role of HPV testing in both primary and secondary cervical cancer prevention. HPV testing methods are grouped into diagnostic and prognostic tests with the use of various techniques of molecular biology. Diagnostic tests enable detection the presence of HPV DNA (screening) and identification of HPV genotypes (genotyping). Prognostic or triage tests are used for the determination of HPV infected women who are at high risk for the development and/or progression to cervical cancer. hr-HPV testing in cervical cancer screening protocols can be implemented as primary testing or co-testing with cytology and as testing in a triage of women with high risk. The inclusion of hr-HPV testing as primary testing or co-testing is based on higher sensitivity and negative predictive value for the detection of CIN3 lesions compared to cytology alone. Several triaging tests are recommended for risk stratification such as genotyping for HPV 16 and 18, detection of E6/E7 mRNA and DNA methylation marker tests. For an efficient reduction of cervical cancer pervasiveness in Serbia, the implementation of cervical cancer organized population-based screening program that includes HPV testing is essential.
The impact of financial performance on the profitability of advertising agencies in the Slovak Republic
Authors: Lehenchuk Serhii , Serpeninova Yuliia , Zavalii Tetiana , Juhaszova Zuzana , Kordošová Alena
Published: October 2022

Background: To improve operational and financial policies regarding the allocation of existing and obtaining new resources, strategic decision-making, managers use indicators of financial performance. Purpose: The aim of this study is to analyze the impact of financial performance on the profitability of advertising agencies in Slovakia. Study design/methodology/approach: A sample of 88 Slovak advertising agencies was analyzed by means of regression modeling the data based on financial statements of the financial year 2020. The hypothesis that the indicators of financial performance of advertising agencies in Slovakia have an impact on their profitability is partly confirmed by the results of this research. The first proposed model was adjusted by excluding the independent variable Current Ratio, which allowed us to build the second model to explain 95.21% of the Return on Assets deviation due to the variation of the selected independent variables. Findings/conclusions: By selecting Return on Assets as a dependent variable that characterizes the financial performance of advertising agencies, research has shown that Total Assets Turnover and Firm Size have significant positive influence on it, but Debt to Equity Ratio has a negative influence. This empirically testifies the expediency of financing the activities of advertising agencies from debt resources, scaling the scope of their activities and increasing sales using innovative approaches for getting more customers. Limitations/future research: The study limitations relate to completeness of information and availability of open access to the necessary data in the published financial statements of Slovak advertising agencies. The results of this research could be applicable and beneficial for providers of capital for advertising agencies. It could be also used as a tool to determine key factors of profitability and to adjust companies' financial and operational policies.
Radicalization as a process of terrorist recruitment
Authors: Ćeranić Predrag , Baškalo Duško
Published: October 2022

There are different views and opinions about the radicalization process itself. Radicalism can be seen as a desire for change in society, which do not have to take place forcibly, but on the basis of the persistence of individuals or groups. In the security discourse, radicalization is mostly discussed in a negative context and has a negative connotation, that is, as a long-term process through which a socially useful person becomes a terrorist, that is, a danger to the state and the social community. The aim of this paper is to point out the causes that lead to radicalization, but also the stages of the radicalization process. People who are exposed to this process show, through their attitudes and behavior, that they are different from the community where they live, it is recognized that they have become different. Such persons accept certain political, religious and separatist goals and emphasize violence as the only way to achieve these goals.
Germany's strategic, legal and institutional approach to fighting terrorism
Authors: Popović Predrag
Published: October 2022

This paper addresses Germany's strategic, legal and institutional approach to fighting terrorism. Specifically, the presence of a large number of manifestations of terrorist activities in the world has led to the fact that each country strives to develop the best approach to combating such forms of activities. The prevalence of violent extremism and radicalization leading to terrorism has led countries to make enormous efforts to develop different capacities to fight terrorism. This paper demonstrates how Germany counters terrorism. A detailed analysis of the existing capacities, which refers to the strategic documents, legal framework and entities involved in the fight against terrorism, clearly shows that Germany has very high quality resources intended for this purpose.
The use of chemical agents by law enforcement in controlling civil disorders
Authors: Subošić Dane , Jaćimovski Stevo , Jovanov Goran
Published: October 2022

This study seeks to determine the spatial and temporal concentration of chemical agents (specifically - orthochlorobenzylidenemalononitrile - corson & stought (CS)) used by law enforcement in controlling civil disorders, depending on meteorological conditions and the time of the day. This study was conducted using the Gaussian air pollutant dispersion model. Based on findings of this study, conclusions pertaining to distance (in meters) and duration (in seconds) of the use of chemical agents under favorable, average, and unfavorable meteorological conditions, as well as conditions determined by the time of the day, both in urban and rural areas were drawn. Based on these conclusions, recommendations were made for the management and tactics of the engagement of police units in situations where the use of chemical agents occurs. Additionally, recommendations for future research in this area have been identified.
Socioeconomic aspect of juvenile delinquency in the Republic of Serbia
Authors: Bošković Milica
Published: October 2022

Juvenile delinquency is a widespread sociopathological and security phenomenon, which, due to its increasingly serious forms and consequences, deserves more attention from scholars and professional experts, that is, the general public. The consequences of some violent acts, which produce victims, committed by juveniles are so serious that this phenomenon first requires a comprehensive understanding, then resolving the cause. This paper focuses on sociological theories and such an aspect of the approach to the causes of juvenile delinquency. The tendencies of juvenile crime are observed from the aspect of socioeconomic situation in society and the position and functionality of families, and above all, through the prism of the data obtained from centers for social work and the records of the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Serbia. This paper seeks to present the trend of socioeconomic vulnerability of families, social service interventions in families with violence and the number of juveniles who needed some service provided by the center for social work, to show whether the values of these factors follow each other and what trends we can expect. The data generated by the Republic Institute for Social Protection, which is obtained from all centers for social work refers to the period 2015-2019. The years 2020 and 2021 are specific to research and certainly require a broader analysis, given the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, the declaration of a state of emergency, the imposition of curfew and numerous other regulatory measures to prevent the spread of infection, which we believe has had an impact on crime rates in general, even juvenile delinquency.
Quantitative Analysis of Land Use Classification in Agricultural and Forest Areas
Authors: Matuk Olga
Published: October 2022

The article deals with the research on the quantitative classification of land use, which directly affects the amount of land use data collected in the real estate cadastre.For the purpose of this article, the cadastral systems of seven European countries – Austria, Bulgaria, Estonia, Spain, Lithuania, Germany and Poland – have been examined, taking into account how detailed is the classification in agricultural and forest areas. The research covered the provisions of legal acts applicable in the researched seven European countries and made available in national languages by the government bodies.The article asks the following three questions:1) whether the researched countries adopted the same approach to isolatingclasses of items related to agricultural and forest areas;2) whether the researched countries feature the same number of classes ofitems recorded at various levels of detail;3) what is the percentage of the distinguished item classes of land uses in theagricultural and forest areas in relation to all of the distinguished item classes at all the levels of detail.The conducted research can be used as a material supporting works consisting of the modernization of the functioning of land registration in the real estate cadastre in Poland.
Base de datos de abejas ibéricas
Authors: Bartomeus Ignasi , Lanuza Jose B. , Wood Thomas J. , Carvalheiro Luisa , Molina Francisco P. , Collado Miguel Ángel , Aguado-Martín Luis Oscar , Alomar David , Álvarez-Fidalgo Marián , Álvarez Fidalgo Piluca , Arista Montserrat , Arroyo-Correa Blanca , Asís Josep D. , Azpiazu Celeste , Baños-Picón Laura , Beja Pedro , Boieiro Mário , Borges Paulo A.V. , González Bornay Guillermo , Carvalho Rafael , Casimiro-Soriguer Ramón , Castro Silvia , Costa Joana , Cross Ian , De la Rúa Pilar , de Pablos Luis MIguel , de Paz Víctor , Díaz-Calafat Joan , Ferrero Victoria , Gaspar Hugo , Ghisbain Guillaume , Gómez José María , Gómez-Martínez Carmelo , González-Estévez Miguel Ángel , Heleno Ruben , Herrera Jose M. , Hormaza Jose I. , Iriondo Jose M. , Kuhlmann Michael , Laiolo Paola , Lara-Romero Carlos , Lázaro Amparo , López-Angulo Jesús , López-Núñez Francisco A. , Loureiro João , Magrach Ainhoa , Martínez-López Vicente , Martínez-Núñez Carlos , Michez Denis , Miñarro Marcos , Montero-Castaño Ana , Moreira Bruno , Morente-López Javier , Noval Fonseca Nacho , Núñez Carbajal Alejandro , Obeso José Ramón , Ornosa Concepción , Ortiz-Sánchez Francisco Javier , Pareja Bonilla Daniel , Patiny Sébastien , Penado Andreia , Picanço Ana , Ploquin Emilie F. , Rego Carla , Rey Pedro J. , Ribas-Marquès Elisa , Roberts Stuart P.M. , Rodriguez Marta , Rosas-Ramos Natalia , Sánchez Ana M. , Santamaría Silvia , Tobajas Estefanía , Tormos José , Torres Félix , Trillo Alejandro , Valverde Javier , Vilà Montserrat , Viñuela Elisa
Published: October 2022

Las abejas son un grupo extremadamente diverso con más de 1000 especies descritas en la península ibérica. Además, son excelentes polinizadores y aportan numerosos servicios ecosistémicos fundamentales para la mayoría de ecosistemas terrestres. Debido a los diversos cambios ambientales inducidos por el ser humano, existen evidencias del declive de algunas de sus poblaciones para ciertas especies. Sin embargo, conocemos muy poco del estado de conservación de la mayoría de especies y de muchas de ellas ignoramos cuál es su distribución en la península ibérica. En este trabajo presentamos un esfuerzo colaborativo para crear una base de datos de ocurrencias de abejas que abarca la península ibérica e islas Baleares que permitirá resolver cuestiones como la distribución de las diferentes especies, preferencia de hábitat, fenología o tendencias históricas. En su versión actual, esta base de datos contiene un total de 87 684 registros de 923 especies recolectados entre 1830 y 2022, de los cuales un 87% presentan información georreferenciada. Para cada registro se incluye información relativa a la localidad de muestreo (89%), identificador y colector de la especie (64%), fecha de captura (54%) y planta donde se recolectó (20%). Creemos que esta base de datos es el punto de partida para conocer y conservar mejor la biodiversidad de abejas en la península ibérica e Islas Baleares. Se puede acceder a estos datos a través del siguiente enlace permanente: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.6354502
Optimization of Process Conditions (Blanching Time and Temperature) on the Beta Carotene Content of Diced Orange Flesh Sweet Potato
Authors: Orjiakor S. N. , Okpala L. C. , Obiora C. U. , Okocha S. O. , Odoh E. N.
Published: October 2022

Optimization of process condition (blanching and drying) on the beta-carotene content of orange fleshed sweet potato (mother delight) using response surface methodology was studied. Sweet potatoes were washed, peeled, diced, blanched, and dried at various temperature ranges. Nutritional composition of the fresh and dried samples was determined using standard methods. A three-factor central composite rotatable design (CCRD) was used to study the effects of blanching time (X1), blanching temperature (X2), and drying temperature (X3) on the beta-carotene content of the orange fresh sweet potato. Fourteen experimental combinations were produced with six replicates at the center point to generate twenty (20) runs. The sweet potato was blanched at a temperature range of 60-900C for 3-5 minutes and dried at a temperature ranging between 70-800C. the result showed that the beta-carotene content of fresh sweet potatoes was 8403µg and dried ones ranged from 4401µg to 2826µg. Sweetpotato processed for 3mins (blanching time), at 900C (blanching temperature) and 700C (drying temperature) produced the maximum beta carotene. The experimental data was fitted to a second-order polynomial equation using multiple regression analysis and the quadratic model was highly significant (p<0.05).
Simulation and Construction of a Solar Powered Smart Irrigation System Using Internet of Things (IoT), Blynk Mobile App
Authors: Yusuf Samson Dauda , Comfort Salam-Layode Dupe , Umar Ibrahim , Loko Abdulmumini Zubairu
Published: October 2022

Aims: To simulate and construct a solar powered smart irrigation system using Blynk Mobile App.

Study Design: Experimental design through simulation studies and internet of things.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Physics, Nasarawa State University Keffi, Nigeria, between July 2021 and March 2022.

Methodology: The system was simulated using Proteus ISIS Version 8.6. It consists of two main units that is transmitter and receiver. The transmitter consists of a sensor circuit that senses the soil moisture, humidity and temperature. Then the Node MCU microcontroller collects the data and sent to the Blynk Mobile App (Receiver). The circuit was tested at two different conditions of the soil; Wet soil and Dry soil.

Results: Output performance analysis when the water level in soil (Moisture) was high, indicated Temperature value 28.3°C, Humidity 72%, and the Pump was OFF. When the water level in soil was mild, temperature was 60°C, Humidity 68%, and pump was turned ON. The pump is activated to switch ON as far as the water reservoir is having enough water and will switch OFF when the required level of moisture in the soil is achieved. The solar power ensured constant power supply, while the Blynk Mobile App ensured real time data monitoring by the Farmer even when he is far away from the farm.

Conclusion: This system is an improve irrigation system that supports low water and electricity consumption as well as efficient monitoring for increase farmers’ output.
Assessment of Oxidative Stress Level in HIV/AIDS Patients on HAART Treatments
Authors: Elujoba Florence Oremeyi , Odeh Samuel Oche , Amadi Kemakolam , Elujoba Micheal Kehinde , Tijjani Habibu , Idah Oto-obong , Lilian Nwibo Nkechi
Published: October 2022

Background: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection is associated with the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and secondarily cellular damage of varied severity. Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) are currently the therapy of optimal considerations for HIV-infected patients.

Aims: The present study was designed to assess the oxidative stress levels in people living with HIV/AIDS on HAART.

Methods: A total of one hundred and twenty (120) patients attending the Jos University Teaching Hospital APIN Centre were recruited for the study following the inclusion criteria. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were evaluated in blood samples of recruited patients.

Results: Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities increased in control patients with no significant difference (p<0.05) compared with HAART. However, significant increases (p>0.05) were observed in reduced glutathione (GSH) concentration of control patients compared with HAART and HAART Naïve patients. More so, significant increase (p>0.05) was observed in malondialdehyde (MDA) of HAART Naïve patients compared with HAART treatment and control. No significant differences (p>0.05) was observed in alanine aminotransferase and creatinine in HAART, HAART Naïve compared with the control patients.

Conclusion: The study indicated that HIV/AIDS positive patients express reduced levels of SOD, and GSH with an increase level of MDA. This could further lead to oxidative stress complications and thus HAART-naïve patients are encouraged to used HAART to prevent further complication that could arise from oxidative stress.
Effect of Packaging Materials and Storage Temperatures on the Microbiological Quality of Hibiscus sabdarifa Drinks during Ambient and Refrigeration Storage
Authors: Obinna-Echem Patience Chisa , Cookey Felicia Inyle
Published: October 2022

Aims: To evaluate the effect of packaging materials and storage temperatures on the microbiological quality of Hibiscus sabdarifa drinks produced with: 1) commercial pineapple flavour (HCPF) and; 2) Phoenix dactylifera (38%) and pineapple extract (2%) (HPPE).

Methodology: Pasteurized drinks packaged in polyethylene sachets, plastic and glass bottles were stored at refrigeration (4.4±2oC) and ambient (25±2oC) temperatures for 27 and 9 days respectively.

Results: There was significant (P≤0.05) decrease in total bacterial count in HCPF (≤4.51-≥2.14 Log10CFU/ml) with higher death rate (0.06) in plastic bottles at 4.4±2oC while at 25±2oC it increased significantly (P≤0.05) in HPPE samples (4.00-≤4.95 Log10CFU/ml) with least growth rate in plastic bottles (0.02). Yeast count at 25±2oC (1.28 – 2.15 Log10CFU/ml) was significantly (P≤0.05) higher than at 4.4±2oC (1.00 – 1.60 Log10CFU/ml) and drinks in plastic bottles had the least growth rates (≤0.03). Coliform (2.04 – 2.59 Log10CFU/ml), Escherichia coli (2.00 – 2.93 Log10CFU/ml) and Staphylococcus (2.00 – 2.50 Log10CFU/ml) sparingly detected, were unable to grow in the drinks with greater inhibition at 25±2oC in all packaging materials. No growth of Salmonella was observed in the drinks. Glass bottles favoured more microbial growth but the levels were satisfactory for all packaging which is indicative of microbiological safety.

Conclusion: Any of the packaging material can be used for packaging of Hibiscus sabdarifa drinks with storage at refrigeration temperature for ≤ 21 days. It is informative to both consumers and producers that the then wasted pineapple peels can serve as an ingredient in Hibiscus sabdarifa drink production.
Effects of Nano Chitosan and Bio Capsule on Growth, Yield and Quality of Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) in Poly-House Condition
Authors: Devi Y. Pabitri , Topno Samir E.
Published: October 2022

A field experiment was designed in a Randomized Block Design with 9 treatments replicated thrice on Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) under poly-house condition. The Experiment examined the effect of nano chitosan, bio capsule and NPK @RDF application on growth, yield and quality of chilli and to work out the economics of various treatments. Various treatment combinations were prepared using different doses of Nano chitosan and Bio capusles in combination. It was observed that the treatment T8 (NPK + Nano chitosan 120 ppm + Bio capsule 120 ppm) was superior over other treatments in terms of growth, yield and quality of Chilli i.e., plant height (63.73 cm), fruit yield per 200m2 (3.27q), T.S.S. (9.67 0 Brix) and ascorbic acid (143.96 mg/100 g). Therefore, use of Nano chitosan @ 120 ppm along with 500 ppm Bio capsule could be used for getting better yield in chilli. Moreover, application of nano chitosan and bio capsule on nutritional quality of chilli could be studied in details further.
Comparison of Depressive Symptoms among Women with Gynecological Cancer and other Cancer Types Before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Okoye Godwin , Ben-Umeh Kenechukwu , Okoye Victor , Osuji Shedrack , Vincent Rachel
Published: October 2022

Objective: Cancer patients are at a high risk of exhibiting depressive symptoms. However, what remains unknown is whether gynecological cancer (GC) worsens this risk. This study seeks to compare depressive symptoms amongst women diagnosed with GC and women diagnosed with other cancer types before COVID-19 pandemic and during the COVID-19  pandemic. It also seeks to compare both study periods to confirm if COVID-19 influenced depressive symptoms of women with GC.

Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted to find an association between depressive symptoms and gynecological cancers using other cancer type diagnosis in females as a reference. We utilized the sample adult file of NHIS (National Health Interview Survey) data from 2019 (Pre-Pandemic data) and data from 2020 (Pandemic data). We also utilized the PHQ-8 scale to quantify major depressive disorder. Each of the 8 items were scored from 0-3. All statistical analysis were performed using SAS v9.4 ((SAS Institute Inc, Cary, NC), and statistical significance  was set at α = 0.05.

Results: A weighted population of women with GC vs other cancer types was obtained. Women with GC tend to have lesser Age, Educational status, Health status, Income. They also tend to be more obese and smokers. Women with GC tend to have had hysterectomy (68.03% vs 35.43%) and access to care during COVID-19 (71.63% vs 68.01%). Severe depressive symptoms were higher before pandemic and among women with GC OR 2.89 (95%CI 1.64 - 5.12). Moderate depressive symptoms were higher during the pandemic and among women with GC OR 2.19 (95%CI 1.35 – 3.57). Among women with GC, depressive symptoms were less likely in 2020 than 2019 with an OR 0.57 (95%CI 0.36 – 0.91)

Conclusion: Based on the data available, women with gynecologic cancer are more prone to having depressive symptoms than women with other cancer types. Therefore, policies should be implemented to improve wellness of women with gynecologic cancer. Although, depressive symptoms wasn’t worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic.
MRI CSF Flowmetry in Differentiation between Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus and Involutional Brain Atrophy
Authors: Gawaly Esraa Ahmed , Elshafey Rasha Ahmed , Mohammed Mohammed Khalil , Sawahel Heba Mohamed
Published: October 2022

Background: Phase contrast (PC) cine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a valuable imaging method in estimating cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) dynamics that concerns several disease processes. The aim of this work was to estimate the usefulness of cine- PC MRI CSF flowmetry in patients with normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) and to differentiate them from involutional brain atrophy.

Methods: This prospective study included 30 patients with overlapping symptoms of NPH with involutional brain changes and 10 healthy volunteers as controls with no clinical symptoms and normal imaging results. Two imaging planes were applied: one in the sagittal plane with plane velocity encoded in the caudo-cranial direction for a qualitative assessment & one in the axial plane with through-plane velocity encoded in the caudo-cranial direction for quantitative measurements.

Results: Pathological CSF flow dynamics in NPH, peak systolic velocity and systolic SV values were greater than controls; these findings imply that cases with NPH had hyper dynamic aqueductal CSF flow. In cerebral atrophy, blood flow to the brain is reduced; we reported lower peak systolic velocity and lower SV values compared to healthy participants, suggesting hypo dynamic CSF circulation.

Conclusion: PC MRI CSF flowmetry is shown to be a valuable method especially in the elderly, in diagnosing NPH & differentiating it from age associated brain atrophy where differentiation based on conventional and clinical radiological basis may be complicated.