bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Profitability of small-scale farming in Slovenia and likely prospects for the future
Authors: KAVČIČ Stane
Published: July 2024

This paper is concerned with the estimation of financial effects of farming in Slovenia. First it describes the evolution of farm management accounting and limitations of some techniques which are still often subject of discussion in Slovenia. It lists main records necessary for compiling gross margin accounts as the most promising method for farm business analysis and planning. The practical part of this report is concerned with limited survey to estimate profitability of farming on a sample of 15 Slovenian farms. The procedure of data collection is described and questions about reliability of results given existing circumstances (absence of book-keeping) are emphasised. An appropriate spreadsheet for profit calculation has been designed and additional subroutines created as tools for discovering weaknesses and strengths of existing practice. Calculations show positive financial results for year 1994. Values range between 113,000 and 1.772,000 SIT (nominal values). Given the labour consumed for farming, results indicate poor returns to inputs and call for better management with the resources available. Crude diagnosis claims for a reduction in fixed costs per unit of output and an increase in the intensity of production. Possible changes in the medium to long term are indicated, taking into account constraints from the wider business environment.
Effect of some fungicides and insecticides on aphids (Aphididae)
Authors: MILEVOJ Lea
Published: July 2024

The paper discusses results of field trials of the effects of four fungicides mancozeb, mancozeb combined with metalaxyl, fosetyl-Al and propamocarb on the aphids (Aphididae). It also presents results of laboratory tests of the effect of the same fungicides except propamocarb and three insecticides (malathion, pirimicarb, heptenophos) on the green peach aphid (Myzus persicae Sulz.). In field trials and in laboratory investigations fosetyl-Al inhibited the reproduction of aphids, while the other three fungicides enhanced their growth. Pirimicarb and heptenophos reduced the aphid population by 100%. While the first malathion treatment reduced aphids, a repeated application enhanced their reproduction.
Influence of different data densities on the mapping of agroclimatological parameters - case of precipitation
Authors: BERGANT Klemen , KAJFEŽ-BOGATAJ Lučka
Published: July 2024

Different spatial densities of precipitation data were used to illustrate the influence of data density on spatial information about this parameter. Four maps of long term precipitation data (1961-1990) for Slovenia were produced: on a base of all, half, quarter and eighth of data. Comparing the four maps we can see how we lose the spatial information by decreasing the number of stations. The basic shape of precipitation amount pattern remains the same, but with every reduction of data we lose some details. The ordinary kriging technique was used for spatial interpolation of precipitation data. By using auxiliary variable the precipitation maps could be improved. In our case we used for additional information the elevation data in 1 km grid, due to high correlation between the average annual amount of precipitation and elevation. For spatial interpolation in this case the interpolation technique kriging with external drift was used.
Variability of selected characteristics in sets of buckwheat, millet and amaranth; selection of perspective genotypes and comparison of their nutritive value
Authors: MICHALOVÁ Anna
Published: July 2024

During the past three years, evaluation has been carried out in the sets of buckwheat, millet and amaranth, and  the selected morphologic and phenologic characters, productivity and nutritional value were assesed. The highest variability level at particular varieties within all three crop sets was observed in the yield (coefficient of variation for buckwheat - CV= 37%, millet - CV= 16.3%, amaranth - CV= 32.2%). Other characters under study showed the medium variability level. Within the crop sets under experiment the most productive genotypes were selected for further research and for the utilisation. The nutritional value parameters were divided into four groups: I. Main quality characters (crude protein, oil and starch content), II. Content of essential fatty acids, III. Content of essential amino acids, IV. Content of mineral compounds. The basic differences become evident in the nutritional value of buckwheat, millet and amaranth in the characters of groups I. and II., and as to the content of  essential amino acids. No differences were found in the buckwheat and millet indices of group IV.  (content of mineral compounds).
Symbiotic efficiency and storage stability of molasses based liquid inoculant formulations for soybean (Glycine max L., Merr.)
Authors: HACIN Janez I. , SPANRING Jože
Published: July 2024

Three liquid inoculant formulations (broth culture mixed with molasses, perlite or vermiculite) were tested for the survival of rhizobia on seeds and early nodulation in the field. Two inoculant formulations were used to evaluate the response to inoculation of eleven soybean cultivars in the field.
Good survival of rhizobia was observed in broth stored at room temperature (20 - 25o C) over 27 weeks. Initial population of 109 rhizobia/ml declined to 108 rhizobia/ml, as determined by plate counts and MPN assays. Broth inoculant applied to seed with molasses as a sticker, was superior to vermiculite or perlite supplemented inoculant, with respect to survival of rhizobia on seed, whereas perlite supplemented inoculant was the most effective with regard to early nodulation. Agronomically acceptable numbers  of viable rhizobia (104 to 106 CFU per seed) were maintained on inoculated seed stored for 4 weeks at room temperature. In 11 soybean cultivars a 119 to 193 % increase in seed yield was observed as a result of inoculation. Although the highest response to inoculation was recorded in cultivars with lowest yield, when uninoculated, this did not compensate for lower response of cultivars with high yield potential. Total plant N analysis indicated that, even at moderate grain yield (about 2400 kg/ha), well nodulated soybean crop fixed about 240 kg N/ha, of which about 170 kg N/ha may be returned to soil with plant residues.
Hydroponic lettuce production (Lactuca sativa L.) on terraces in rockwool
Authors: OSVALD Jože , DEMŠAR Jernej , PETROVIČ Nino
Published: July 2024

This experiment was performed in order to test the function of a terraced hydroponic system where rockwool was used as a substrate. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse on the laboratory field of the Biotechnical Faculty in Ljubljana from 30. 4. 1997 till 2. 6. 1997. Growth of lettuce cv.‘Vanity’ was observed in the tested system. The highest average weight (855 g/plant) was measured on the top positioned terrace of the system and the lowest (400 g/plant) average weight at the bottom positioned terrace. On the entire production area (10.8 m2), 81.84 kg of lettuce was produced, which is 7.6 kg/m2. The advantage of the system, as our experiment proved, lies in higher production facilities per square meter. The system is also suitable for growing other plants of small height. As a disadvantage, we can mention the price of the installation and the irregular shapes of the lettuce heads.
The effect of nitrification on fixed 15N ammonium release in soil
Authors: STOPAR David , MAHNE Ivan , MEGUŠAR France
Published: July 2024

Effect of nitrification on defixation of clay fixed ammonium was studied in soil with pronounced ammonium fixing capacity. Soil samples were amended with 15N labeled ammonium. Significant part of added ammonium (50–70 %) was not exchangeable with 2N KCl after the first 10 minutes of incubation. Dynamics of 15N in 2N KCl exchangeable mineral nitrogen was followed during 28 days of aerobic and anaerobic incubation. Exchangeable ammonium was microbialy converted to nitrite and nitrate during aerobic incubation. When the exchangeable ammonium pool was empty, a slow defixation of chemically fixed ammonium occurred. Approximately 20 % of additionally fixed ammonium was released in the second half of aerobic incubation. No defixation occurred during anaerobic incubation.
Transformation of barley microspores by electroporation
Authors: LUTHAR Zlata
Published: July 2024

Microspores of the winter barley variety Arda were transformed by three plasmids by electroporation. The pBI121 plasmid contains b-glucuronidase (GUS) reporter gene, NPT II - neomycin phosphotransferase II gene conferring kanamycin resistance, and promoters, NOS (nopaline synthase) and 35S from the cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV); the pAKC plasmid contains DHDPS (14 kb) - dihydrodipicolinate gene for high lysine content in the seeds, and NPT II resistance gene; and the pAK-CLP plasmid contains a modified DHDPS (7 kb) gene ending protein with leader sequences for chloroplast and AACCl - acetyltransferase gene conferring gentamycin resistance, under the control of the CaMV 35S promoter. Parameters such as composition of media, microspore viability, electric conditions, and electroporation buffer constituents were tested to determine the most suitable conditions for gene transfer. Some of the transgenic microspores divided and formed resistant calli on the selection media.
Fagopyrum esculentum Moench. Chemical review
Authors: HAGELS Hansjoerg
Published: July 2024

Buckwheat grain is a cereal used by people with a gluten allergy. The herb is a relatively new medicinal plant, its use started in the thirties in the USA. Of main importance for its pharmacological activity are the high amounts of rutin (3-10 % of the dried leaf) which is a flavonoid. As well for nutrition as for medicinal application complex knowledge about the complete composition of the different plant parts are of interest. In the last years many compounds have been analysed and some even quantified.
Vpliv Cr(III) spojin na preživelost kvasovk
Authors: PAŠ Maja , PRAH Sebastjan , RASPOR Peter
Published: July 2024

Chromium plays an important role in yeast metabolism, where its form and concentration in the micro- and macroenvironment of the yeasts are the crucial factors. The tolerance of yeasts Saccharomyces cerevisiae ZIM 753 (Industrial culture collection, Biotechnical faculty, Ljubljana), Saccharomyces diastaticus ZIM 152 and Candida intermedia ZIM 156 on Cr(III) compounds such as CrCl3×6H2O, Cr(CH3COO)3, KCr(C2O4)2×3H2O, Cr(NO3)3×9H2O, CrK(SO4)2×12H2O, Cr-citrate in concentration range between 0,1 and 200 mM Cr(III) was determined. Yeast cells were propagated in malt extract liquid medium to the early stationary phase, the biomass was washed and resuspended in the MES buffer (pH = 4.0). After addition of Cr(III) compounds in different concentrations the suspension was shaked 24 hours by 28 °C. The survival of yeasts was determined by the CFU (collony forming unit) method on malt extract agar. The results indicate that the tolerance of yeasts to higher Cr(III) concentrations depends on the genera or the species of yeasts. However, the form of Cr(III) or Cr(III) compound, the yeasts were exposed to, is also the factor, which influences yeast survival.
Slovenian information system for plant protection (FITO-INFO)
Authors: DOLNIČAR Danica , GOMBOC Stanislav , KRUMPAK Aleksandra , MILEVOJ Lea , UREK Gregor , VRTAČNIK Margareta , CELAR Franci , MUNDA Alenka , PAJMON Aleš , ŠABEC-PARADIŽ Marta , WEILGUNY Helena , ŽERJAV Metka
Published: July 2024

In 1997 we started developing the national information system for plant protection, shorter as FITO-INFO. Design of the system model is a subject of a three-year research project, which has been financed jointly by the Ministry of Science and Technology and The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food. The following three institutions take part in the project: Biotechnical Faculty, Agronomy Department; Faculty of Natural Sciences and Engineering, Department of Chemical Education and Informatics; and Agricultural Institute of Slovenia. The system is made of interconnected modules, which consist of sub-units: organisms (taxonomy, descriptions, photos), pesticides (formulations, toxicology) and legislation. Various segments of the system are connected by hypertext via key parameters (crops, pests, diseases, weeds). The data in the system is accessible through various indexes and tables of contents. The system model is accessible on the Internet at http://www.bf.uni-lj.si/ag/fito.
Comparison of the most frequently used apple thinning compounds for the thinning of 'Jonagold', 'Elstar' and 'Golden Delicious' apples
Authors: STOPAR Matej
Published: July 2024

Three-year apple thinning experiments were conducted on mature 'Jonagold'/M9, 'Elstar'/M9 and 'Golden Delicious'/M9 apple trees. The consistency of thinning was investigated after the application of carbaryl, 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), naphthaleneacetamide (NAAm), 6-benzyladenine (BA), ethephon and photosynthesis inhibitor terbacil. Over three years, carbaryl (800 ppm) had a good thinning effect and promoted a nice return bloom for all cultivars. Terbacil (50 ppm) and NAA (15 ppm) application had a variable influence on thinning and on return bloom in all cultivars over three years. NAAm (50 ppm) had a weak thinning effect on the average. All cultivars were thinned nicely with BA (50 ppm) spraying, except for 'Jonagold' and 'Elstar' trees in 1996. BA had no consistent effect on return bloom. In the case of spraying with ethephon (300 ppm), fruit growth did not follow the thinning effect adequately, but the promotion of return bloom was mostly enhanced.
Kmetijska tehnika in tehnična zakonodaja
Authors: BERNIK Rajko
Published: July 2024

Common European market comprehends 15 countries with approximate 370 millions residents. The market has been operated since January 1st 1993. Any material goods being on a market of a single member of EU need to have the rights of a free trade on any part of the common market. The products are made and exchanged according to the EU market directives. The Member State as a part of a market needs to be capable of assurance that all its products meet the European market standards and regulations. Any country needs to enable the free trade of any goods from any other Member State. It calls for complete system of technical and additional structures to enable the operation and the control over the market.
Identification of olive (Olea europaea L.) cultivars by molecular markers
Authors: BANDELJ Dunja , JAKŠE Jernej , JAVORNIK Branka
Published: July 2024

RAPD markers were applied to assess molecular polymorphisms within olive cultivars held in a collection orchard and to develop a system of a minimum number of primers for cultivar identification. Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA of fifteen cultivars ('Istrska belica', 'Štorta', 'Buga', 'Črnica', ‘Unknown 2’, 'Leccino', 'Nocelara del belice', 'Frantoio', 'Cipressino', 'Santa Caterina', 'Pendolino', 'Arbequina', 'Maurino', 'Picholine', 'Unknown 1') was analysed, using twelve different arbitrary primers: OPA-1, OPA-4, OPA-8, OPX-2, OPX-3, OPX-4, OPX-8, OPX-11, OPX-12, OPX-13, OPX-14, OPX-19. The results confirmed identity within trees of thirteen cultivars in the collection orchard while mislabeling was found in two cultivars. The high polymorphism detected by RAPD markers was successfully used for the development of an identification key for rapid olive cultivar determination.
Vpliv različnih hitrih metod osamitve genomske dnk salmonel na občutljivost PCR
Authors: TRKOV Marija , JERŠEK Barbara
Published: July 2024

The purpose of our research was to determine the effect of rapid methods for isolation of Salmonella genomic DNA on PCR sensitivity. Salmonella specific primers ST11 and ST15 were used for DNA amplification. Among tested procedures the best PCR sensitivity was achieved after treating of sample with NaOH and SDS solutions and heating of sample in water bath at 95o C for 15 min. PCR detection limit for Salmonella in pure and mixed cultures was in a range from 104 to 105 cfu ml-1. Described procedure for DNA isolation is rapid and not work-consuming.
Osnove logistične regresije (2. del)
Authors: KOŠMELJ Katarina
Published: July 2024

The paper proceeds the previous paper with the same title. The objective of this paper is to present the model of the multivariate logistic regression, to interpret the parameters of the model and to illustrate the modelling procedure. The paper is intended for students for self-study.
Structure and control of weeds in wheat
Authors: SUSURI Latif RR. , DEMAJ Adem R. , MEMAJ Eshref S.
Published: July 2024

In order to control weeds in wheat herbicide Monosan combi 4 l/ha (2,4-D dichlorophenoxy-acetic acid 13-15% and MCPP methylchlorophenoxy propionic acid 38-48%) was used. In the locality of Vlashnje, near Prizren, the average number of weeds is up to 28.3, whereas in locality of Bunari Priftit the average is 49.6 weeds/m2. the number of weeds in the treated fields with herbicide is reduced in the locality Vlashnje up to 8, whereas at the locality Bunari Priftit up to 12.6 plants in average per m2.
Plant and crop science, production and protection: bibliometric evaluation of bibliographic data in documents published in Slovenia between 1994-2000
Authors: BARTOL Tomaž
Published: July 2024

768 documents related to plant and crop science, production and protection among 2844 documents (D) published in Slovenia in the period 1994-2000 and indexed by the Slovenian Agris Center for inclusion in Agris database were assessed with regard to bibliographic elements. Yearly occurrences differed highly due to intensive production of proceedings papers in certain years. 60% of D were published in Slovenian and 36% in English. There were 850 different authors. 18 authors published more than 10 D. 590 authors published only one D. 4 D were written by 11 or more co-authors, and 317 D by one author. Slovenians accounted for majority of authors as expected. Croatia, Germany, Hungary, Italy, India accounted for 45, 23, 20, 18, 17 respective units. Contributors originated in 36 countries. Among the Slovenian university-affiliated contributors majority were affiliated to the Biotechnical Faculty (Agronomy Dept.). 356 D were published as journal articles, and 404 as papers in proceedings. The selection of 768 records was strongly influenced by existing Agris classification scheme. We included most D related to various aspects of crop- or plant-production, physiology, and protection, including forest trees. We had to exclude many food and feed-related D, as these categories don't differentiate between plant- or crop-related and animal-related topics. However, the existing schemes use the same criteria for different (sub)disciplines, such as animal and plant science, forestry, food and feed science, so they may to certain extent be used as an appropriate tool to compare the above (sub)disciplines.
System of management and mineral nitrogen rates influences on the yield and malting characterisctics of winter barley
Authors: ČEH BREŽNIK Barbara , TAJNŠEK Anton
Published: July 2024

The production of home grown malting barley is small, even that in the past it was confirmed that quality malting barley could be grown in Slovenia. Nitrogen is one of the factors which have beside positive influence on the yield strong influence on the characteristics of grain and malt, which are checked by malters. Too high N rates on one hand lower malting quality and on the other hand small N rates mean small yield what lowers financial income. The aim of the research was to evaluate the influence of mineral N rate (0, 55, 110, 165 kg N ha-1) in two different systems of management (animal manure ploughing in; straw, maize straw ploughing in and green manure) on the yield and malting characteristics of winter barley, which gives better yields as spring barley. Analyses of grain and malt of two-rowed winter malting barley cv. Rex in 1998 and 1999 showed that the most appropriate mineral N rate between examined ones was 55 kg N ha-1 at both systems of management. If there were differences between systems of management or not depended on season. Increased rates of mineral N did not worsen most of the malt characteristics, but had strong influence, together with season, on grain protein content. Mineral N fertilising worsened extract content, but in both seasons there were no significant differences between variants, fertilised with different amounts of mineral N.
The effects of root diameter on the yield components of forced chicory (Chicorium intybus L.)
Authors: OSVALD Jože , ŽNIDARČIČ Dragan
Published: July 2024

The objectiv of this study was to determine wheather the root diameter had an effect on the yield components of forced chicory. The roots of cv. Goriški were divided into four diameters: 10, 20, 30 and 40 mm. Overall results have cleraly demonstrated a high correlation between the root diameter and most of the yield parameters. An increase in root diameter resulted in a significant increase in the total weight, as well as in the net weight of chicons. Net weight of yield varied from 4.20 g per chicon at 10 mm to 72.75 g per chicon at 40 mm. The thickness of the roots had no remarkeble influence on discarded yield of chicons. Root productivity gradually decreased in proportion to root diameter, except at minimum ones. Most of the morphological features of chicons were improved with diameter thickness. In the end it has been verified that marketable yield of forced chicory per unit area, was independent of the root diameter, except at the smallest size.
Mehanična nega rastlin
Authors: VUČAJNK Filip , BERNIK Rajko
Published: July 2024

Mechanical cultivation is a significant technological measure in plant production. On Slovenian farms a combination of mechanical cultivation and herbicide spraying is reasonable. Advantages and weaknesses of mechanical cultivation are described and different ways of cultivation for plants which we cultivate mechanically. Different types of machines for mechanical cultivation and ridging of potato are presented and effects of cultivation on potato (Solanum tuberosum L.).
Soil respiration measured with soil flux chamber LI-6400-09 – effects of soil temperature
Authors: MAČEK Irena , VODNIK Dominik , BATIČ Franc
Published: July 2024

The rate of exchange of CO2 between soil and atmosphere is controlled by atmospheric and soil physical and biological conditions. Predominant processes that produce carbon dioxide in soil are root and soil organism respiration and decomposition of organic matter. In our research, soil CO2 efflux in homogeneous soil samples was measured with dynamic chamber system LI-6400-09 employing infrared gas analyzer (IRGA). Simultaneously, soil and air temperature were measured and the data were later correlated with soil respiration. The measurements were performed at different day periods and at different weather conditions in order to determine the optimal measurement conditions. CO2 efflux was significantly lower (0.70 ± 0.14 m mol m-2 h-1) when measured in the morning with average soil temperature (12.2 ± 1.7 oC), compared to the measurements during the cloudy day with efflux (1.44 ± 0.23 m mol m-2 h-1), average soil temperature (16.4 ± 0.8 oC) and the sunny day efflux (2.24 ± 0.38 m mol m-2 h-1) with the highest average soil temperatures (21.2 ± 3.2 oC). The soil temperature accounted for 80.1 % of soil respiration variability. The Q10 value, calculated for soil CO2 efflux was 2.3. Thus, to collect an appropriate amount of comparable data replications, required due to high soil spatial variability, soil respiration measurements should be performed at relatively stable atmospheric conditions. The comparable flux measurements should be taken always at the same day period.
EndNote-programsko orodje za osebne bibliografske zbirke in medbibliotečno izposojo
Authors: DONKO Marjan , HOČEVAR Ivica
Published: July 2024

Bibliographic software programme EndNote has been developed by the Information Scientific Institute (ISI), ISI ResearchSoft Department, Carlsbad, U.S.A. It is a tool that enables to save, edit, browse and create bibliographic data and bibliographies, and cite references. In the article basic properties of the programme and input document with generic fields for different types of bibliographic material (books, articles, book sections, thesis, conference proceedings, artworks, patents, electronic sources…) are presented. An import of reference records from Derwent Biotechnology database into a personal reference library is demonstrated by using import filters. A presentation of how citation and automatic reference formatting can be done for different periodical publications to meet requirements of their editor boards will relieve researchers and teachers of time-consuming editing of literature sources. Interlibrary lending application with EndNote support, which has been used in Library and Documentation Centre, Department of Food Science and Technology, Biotechnical Faculty in Ljubljana since 1999, is described in details. The programme together with advantages for final users is evaluated for EndNote 3.0. An updated EndNote 6.0 is already available. It is relatively inexpensive for students and university staff. The new version is not very different from 3.0 in general, but it does offer some additional features.
Rutin, kvercitrin in kvercetin v ajdi
Authors: FABJAN Nina
Published: July 2024

Flavonoids are secondary plant metabolites and are synthetized in higher plants, ferns and mosses in order to protect themselves against ultraviolet radiation and against diseases. Buckwheat is the only field crop that contains rutin and is also due to its high nutritional value of the grains considered as an important functional food. The most of rutin is synthetized in the herb. Seeds contain less flavonoids, which are localized mostly in outer parts of grains. Green buckwheat tea became more used since it is known for its beneficial effects of rutin on cardiovascular disease, reducing risk of artheriosclerosis and for its antioxidative effect.
Sulphur in balanced karst pasture nutrition
Authors: VIDRIH Anton
Published: July 2024

In the work described in this paper, the effects of sulphur (S) fertilizers in combinations with nitrogen (NP) and phosphorus (P) fertilizers on herbage production were investigated. Results from the first three years of experiment carried are reported. Field experiment was carried out at mountain sheep pasture Vremščica. Sulphur was added at a rate of 60 kg ha-1. Same was for nitrogen. Phosphorus was applied at 90 kg ha–1 each year. As a result of more balanced supply of nutrients to plants, and the sheep grazing, the similar herbage mass was obtained few days earlier during each consecutive year. Most efficient on average was the combined application of NPS which gave 24 % higher yield of herbage than control treatment. Statistically significant differences were found (P=0.05) further for NP, NS and NPK treatments too. Clover content showed a trend for a slight decline on treatments where N was applied. This small decrease in clover content was probably a result of the shading of clovers by grasses. Amount of herbage utilised during two rotations was 3.5 t ha –1 DM for NPS treatment, and this was for 67 % higher from what was achieved on control treatment.
Predatory insects as biological control agents against walnut aphids in Kashmir, India
Authors: GULL Shaziya , RASHEED Razia
Published: July 2024

Management of pests by biological control agents is a natural and environmental friendly method. It is an important part of integrated pest management programs where biological predators play a significant role in controlling various pests. During the present study, different insect pests were observed infesting walnut trees and fruits causing significant damage to the walnut orchards. Among these pests, sap suckers were found to cause notable damage out of which aphids were most dominating pests. High population of walnut aphids causes leaf drop, reduced tree vigour, nut quality and size. In addition to this, some insect predators were also observed on these walnut aphids. Six species of predaceous coccinellid beetles were found on walnut leaves in interaction with walnut aphids and they were identified belonging to sub family Coccinellinae. Among which Calvia punctata (Mulsant, 1853) and Harmonia dimidiata (Fabricius, 1781) were the most encountered species. Besides, one species from syrphidae family Metasyrphus latifasciatus (Macquart, 1859) was also observed. Moreover, extreme feeding potential was noted among these predators.
Alojzij Jenčič (1874–?), the plant physiologist from Ribnica (Dolenjsko/Lower Carniola, Slovenia)
Authors: Wraber Tone
Published: July 2024

Alozij Jenčič was born on November 19, 1874 in Ribnica na Dolenjskem (now Slovenia). After the compleated gymnasium in Ljubljana (1894) he studied biology on the Vienna University and got his doctorate in 1900 with the plant physiological thesis »The influence of low temperatures on the germination of seeds« under the mentorship of Prof. J. Wiesner. In the years 1901–1911 he was assistant in the Institute for Plant Physiology of the Vienna University. In 1911 he passed over to the Academy of brewing industry. Other data of his life are not known.
Toxicity of effluents
Authors: Tišler Tatjana , Zagorc Končan Jana
Published: July 2024

Reliable characterisation of the hazardous properties of effl uents is an important step in water quality management. A “chemical-specific” approach, based on measurements of individual chemicals or chemical groups, has been shown to have limitations particularly in complex mixtures of chemicals such as effl uents. This study shows the importance of direct toxicity assessment of wastewater samples using a toxicity test. Data obtained by direct testing were compared to the toxicity predicted using key toxic compounds data. Toxicity of wastewater samples from tannery and chemical industries as well as key toxic chemicals were assessed using the water flea Daphnia magna. The toxicity predicted from the levels and toxicities of wastewater components was found to be unreliable due to under- or over-estimation of the experimentally determined toxicity. For this reason, direct toxicity measurement is more appropriate for the effective and reliable assessment of effluent quality.
Brancelj, Anton, Jama Velika Pasica: Zgodovina, okolje in življenje v njej
Authors: Štrus Jasna
Published: July 2024

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Reference intervals and percentiles for soluble transferrin receptor and sTfR/log ferritin index in healthy children and adolescents
Authors: Prenzel Freerk , Kaiser Thorsten , Willenberg Anja , vom Hove Maike , Flemming Gunter , Fischer Lars , Kratzsch Jürgen , Kiess Wieland , Vogel Mandy
Published: July 2024

Objectives

Soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) is a marker of both erythropoiesis and iron status and is considered useful for detecting iron deficiency, especially in inflammatory conditions, but reference intervals covering the entire pediatric age spectrum are lacking.

Methods

We studied 1,064 (48.5 % female) healthy children of the entire pediatric age spectrum to determine reference values and percentiles for sTfR and the ratio of sTfR to log-ferritin (sTfR-F index) using a standard immunoturbidimetric assay.

Results

Soluble TfR levels were highly age-specific, with a peak in infancy and a decline in adulthood, whereas the sTfR-F index was a rather constant parameter. There were positive linear relationships for sTfR with hemoglobin (Hb) (p=0.008) and transferrin (females p<0.001; males p=0.003). A negative association was observed between sTfR and ferritin in females (p<0.0001) and for transferrin saturation and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) in both sexes (both p<0.0001). We found a positive relationship between sTfR and body height, body mass index (BMI) and inflammatory markers (CrP p<0.0001; WBC p=0.0172), while sTfR-F index was not affected by inflammation.

Conclusions

Soluble TfR values appear to reflect the activity of infant erythropoiesis and to be modulated by inflammation and iron deficiency even in a healthy cohort.
Graphene oxide/chitosan/manganese/folic acid-brucine functionalized nanocomposites show anticancer activity against liver cancer cells
Authors: Alzahrani Abdullah R. , Ibrahim Ibrahim Abdel Aziz , Alanazi Ibrahim M. , Shahzad Naiyer , Shahid Imran , Nur Azlina Mohd Fahami , Kamisah Yusof , Ismail Nafeeza Mohd , Arulselvan Palanisamy
Published: July 2024

Nanomedicine is the application of nanomaterials and nanotechnology to the development of novel pharmaceuticals and drug delivery mechanisms. The present study synthesized a functionalized nanocomposite (NC) containing graphene oxide (GO), chitosan (Ch), manganese (Mn), folic acid (FA), and brucine. The anticancer properties of the synthesized GO/Mn/Ch/FA-Brucine NCs were evaluated against liver cancer cells. GO/Mn/Ch/FA-Brucine NCs were characterized using several characterization techniques. The growth of HepG2 and Hep3B cells was analyzed using the methylthiazolyldiphenyl-tetrazolium bromide assay. The cell apoptosis was examined through dual staining. The levels of inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers were measured using the corresponding assay kits. Various characterization assays revealed the formation of crystalline GO/Mn/Ch/FA-Brucine NCs with tetragonal and agglomerated morphologies, various stretching and bonding, and an average particle size of 136.20 nm. GO/Mn/Ch/FA-Brucine NCs have effectively inhibited the viabilities of HepG2 and Hep3B cells. The NCs increased thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and reduced antioxidants and inflammatory mediators, thereby promoting apoptotic cell death in HepG2 cells. Our findings indicate that GO/Mn/Ch/FA-Brucine NCs can inhibit viability and promote apoptosis in liver cancer HepG2 cells.
Effect of Thermomechanical Processing on the Transformation Kinetics, Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of a Continuously Cooled Cementite-free Bainitic Steel
Authors: de Castro P. J. , Silveira A. , Dong J. , Turra C. J. , Rocha A. S. , Fechte-Heinen R. , Epp J.
Published: July 2024

The combination of forming with continuous cooling bainitic steels offers a new path for reaching energy-efficient manufacturing chains. Improved energy efficiency is achievable thanks to the suppression of conventional, energy-intensive heat treatments. In the present paper, different thermomechanical processing strategies, including laboratory and industrial scale forgings, were assessed alongside their impact on the resulting microstructure. Firstly, phase transformation kinetics were assessed in precisely controlled environments via dilatometry coupled to in situ techniques. Secondly, the microstructure, mechanical properties, and forgeability of large-scale forged components were investigated in laboratory and industrial conditions. These investigations were also assisted by finite element method simulation. The comparison between controlled and industrial-scale conditions illustrates pitfalls in the transfer of knowledge to conditions approaching a real manufacturing chain. Nevertheless, alloy and process design is shown to be a key aspect to overcome the discussed challenges, allowing homogeneous bainite microstructures and mechanical properties to be achievable over a flexible range of processing conditions.
Make Love Not War: The Possibility of Gaseous Hormones Against Civilians in Conflict Situations
Authors: Woytas Josephine
Published: July 2024

The Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) and the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) have made it illegal for States to develop or use certain chemical and biological weapons. However, these treaties are not all-encompassing. Many nations continue to develop and produce chemical and biological weapons. In 2002, as part of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), the Pentagon released a proposal from an Air Force lab seeking permission to develop biologically based chemicals that would significantly alter human behavior. The premise of behavior-modifying chemicals in conflict situations raises concern, primarily if this technology is developed, how should it be regulated?
Feasibility of a cinematic-virtual reality training program about opioid use disorder for osteopathic medical students: a single-arm pre–post study
Authors: Rehl Dominique , Mangapora Mason , Love Matthew , Love Carrie , Shaw Kerri , McCarthy John , Beverly Elizabeth A.
Published: July 2024

Context

Opioid use disorder (OUD) has a considerable morbidity and mortality in the United States. Healthcare providers are key points of contact for those with OUD; however, some providers may hold stigma toward OUD. Stigma toward OUD can lead to lower quality of care and more negative health outcomes. Thus, new trainings designed to reduce stigma toward OUD while increasing empathy are critical. We created a web-based cinematic virtual reality (cine-VR) training program on OUD for osteopathic medical students.

Objectives

The aim of this pilot study was to assess changes in stigma toward OUD and empathy before and after the online cine-VR training program on OUD.

Methods

We employed a single-arm, pre- and posttest pilot study to assess changes in stigma toward OUD and empathy. Osteopathic medical students from one large medical school in the Midwest with three campuses were invited to participate in the online cine-VR training. Participants completed two surveys before and after the cine-VR training. We performed paired t tests to examine changes in stigma toward OUD and empathy scores before and after the cine-VR OUD training program.

Results

A total of 48 participants completed the training. We observed a decrease in stigma toward OUD posttraining (t=4.402, p<0.001); this change had a Cohen’s d of 0.64, indicating a medium effect. We also observed an increase in participants’ empathy scores posttraining (t=−2.376, p=0.023), with a Cohen’s d of 0.40 signifying a small effect.

Conclusions

Findings from this pilot study suggest that the online cine-VR training may reduce stigma toward OUD while increasing empathy. Future research employing a randomized controlled trial design with a larger, more diverse sample and a proper attention control condition is needed to confirm the effectiveness of the online cine-VR training. If confirmed, this cine-VR training may be an accessible approach to educating osteopathic medical students about OUD.
Giving Voice: Examining the Tactical Repertoires of Nonprofit Advocacy for Disadvantaged Populations
Authors: MacIndoe Heather , Beaton Erynn E. , Manuella Pache de Athayde Maria , Ojelabi Olanike
Published: July 2024

Representation is an important role of the nonprofit sector as these organizations can give voice to the priorities of their constituents. This is particularly important for disadvantaged communities that may lack access to traditional democratic processes. What advocacy tactics are most utilized by nonprofit organizations serving disadvantaged populations? Given variation in nonprofit advocacy tactics, which tactics are perceived as most effective? To answer these questions, we look to the framework of tactical repertoires from sociological studies of social movements. Analysis of a survey of New England nonprofits (N = 656, 55 % response rate) indicates that nonprofits serving disadvantaged populations use similar tactics to organizations advocating for other constituencies but employ them at higher rates. These tactics cluster into three tactical repertoires, each a different combination of advocacy tactics. Perceptions of advocacy effectiveness are associated with the size and nature of tactical repertoires, client participation in advocacy, government funding, and perceptions of the policy environment.
UN Peacekeeping Forces and Peace Negotiations in Africa
Authors: NIARE Mohamed , MARIKO Ousmane
Published: July 2024

The aim of this article is to identify the factors underlying the success of peace negotiations in Africa, with particular emphasis on the role of UN peacekeepers. We analyze African Peace Processes (APP) data over the period 1989–2019 using the binary logistic model. Our results show that the deployment of UN peacekeepers is associated with the success of mediation efforts, both in intra-state and non-state conflicts. On the other hand, the presence of peacekeepers is detrimental to the success of bilateral negotiations. These results thus highlight that the ambiguity surrounding the effectiveness of UN forces in the peaceful management of conflicts depends on the presence or absence of a mediator. Consequently, political decision-makers should combine the deployment of peacekeeping forces with mediation initiatives to achieve peaceful conflict management. On the other hand, this should not be envisaged within the framework of bilateral negotiations, at the risk of producing opposite effects.
Computer creates a cat: sign formation, glitching, and the AImage
Authors: Betancourt Michael
Published: July 2024

AI-generated images of “cats” offer novel opportunities to consider the semic role of expectations in sign formation where they act as a constraints on semiosis through the potential identification of the AImage as “correct,” or as a “glitch.” Because the identification of “errors” depends on a range of technical and cultural expertise, they offer valuable insights into the interpretive process. The automated generation of media by AI separates the artist’s decision-making process from image production, continuing a trajectory that began with the invention of photography in the nineteenth century that brings the sign formation process into consciousness by distinguishing “intentional” and “unintentional” encoding. The identification AI-produced images as-glitched provides a vehicle to consider how the sign formation process informs identifications of creative action as an intentional action: aesthetic appraisals are central to this process where cultural beliefs about creativity become ideological constraints on interpretation. The potential to understand AI “glitches” as expressive features of the image-object, rather than errors, proceeds via the aesthetics and affects of earlier art, such as the “painterly motion” shown in old master paintings by Peter Paul Rubens, or via the heritage of Surrealism. These affective constraints on sign formation reveal the central role of “glitches” in the distinction of creative and uncreative action.
Sol–gel synthesized lithium–cobalt co-doped titanium (IV) oxide nanocomposite as an efficient photocatalyst for environmental remediation
Authors: Adedokun Oluwaseun , Adedokun Omonike Mary , Bello Ismaila Taiwo , Ajani Adegbenro Sunday , Jubu Peverga Rex , Awodele Mojoyinla Kofoworola , Dhlamini Mokhotjwa Simon , Kaliamurthy Ashok Kumar , Bhat Mashooq Ahmad
Published: July 2024

In this study, lithium cobalt co-doped titanium oxide (Li:Co-TiO2) was reported via the sol–gel method in a one-pot synthesis approach and their potential applications were evaluated for the photodegradation of organic dye as photocatalysts. The structural and optical properties of the photocatalysts were respectively elucidated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). The morphological and elemental composition of the Li:Co-TiO2 was established by high-resolution field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) coupled with EDX, which confirmed a successful preparation of the photocatalysts. The modification of TiO2 with Li:Co changes the optical properties of the pristine TiO2 with a reduction in the bandgap (3.26–2.8 eV) of the resultant photocatalysts. The photocatalytic activity of Li:Co-TiO2 composites was examined for their efficacy through the degradation of Methylene Blue (MB) dye. The photodegradation revealed an improved performance of Li:Co-TiO2 in the degradation of MB compared to pristine TiO2. The total amount of the degraded MB dye within the total time interval of the irradiation was recorded to be 72 % and 87 % for TiO2 and Li:Co co-doped TiO2 respectively. The enhanced results obtained from the photocatalytic activity of Li:Co-TiO2 to degrade MB, suggest that the composite is a potential candidate for environmental remediation and photocatalysis applications.
Neural Representations of Sensory Uncertainty and Confidence Are Associated with Perceptual Curiosity
Authors: Cohanpour Michael , Aly Mariam , Gottlieb Jacqueline
Published: July 2024

Humans are immensely curious and motivated to reduce uncertainty, but little is known about the neural mechanisms that generate curiosity. Curiosity is inversely associated with confidence, suggesting that it is triggered by states of low confidence (subjective uncertainty), but the neural mechanisms of this link, have been little investigated. Inspired by studies of sensory uncertainty, we hypothesized that visual areas provide multivariate representations of uncertainty, which are read out by higher-order structures to generate signals of confidence and, ultimately, curiosity. We scanned participants (17 female, 15 male) using fMRI while they performed a new task in which they rated their confidence in identifying distorted images of animals and objects and their curiosity to see the clear image. We measured the activity evoked by each image in the occipitotemporal cortex (OTC) and devised a new metric of “OTC Certainty” indicating the strength of evidence this activity conveys about the animal versus object categories. We show that, perceptual curiosity peaked at low confidence and OTC Certainty negatively correlated with curiosity, establishing a link between curiosity and a multivariate representation of sensory uncertainty. Moreover, univariate (average) activity in two frontal areas—vmPFC and ACC—correlated positively with confidence and negatively with curiosity, and the vmPFC mediated the relationship between OTC Certainty and curiosity. The results reveal novel mechanisms through which uncertainty about an event generates curiosity about that event.
Evolutions and threats to land management in the peri-urban area of the city of Sidi Bel Abbes (Algeria) - an analysis based on spatial cadastral data
Authors: Mansour Djamel , Souiah Sid Ahmed , Gacemi Mohamed El Amine , Benaissa Noureddine
Published: July 2024

Sidi Bel Abbes, the capital of Mekerra, a city of the interior plain, where agricultural land has experienced urban spillover at the expense of peri-urban land. The accelerated sprawl between 1987 and 2019 is expressed by threats to peri-urban state land, the pressure on agricultural activity on the peripheries of the city, and a relaxation of respect for planning policies at the local level. How can peri-urban land be better protected, and consequently encourage agricul-tural use, without abandoning it? This work analyses the legal nature of the land taken for the benefit of urban construction and characterizes its spread using Landsat multispectral satellite data. Our approach is based on the following question: Does urban sprawl impact the man-agement of land and its legal nature? What is the future of this land in the face of current threats and future planning and urban development orientations? The cartographic analyses with the actual practices of the different social groups in the field have made it possible to evaluate the relationship between agricultural policy, and implementation and to situate the conflicts or threats about urban sprawl. The north of the city of Sidi Bel Abbes (cadastral sec-tion n°3, 324.74 ha), is where 45% of state land is acquired for building purposes. A reorienta-tion of the peri-urban land is currently presented by a new management mode of an individual type, as a means of freezing and/or preserving the land: the creation of hedges and fences, the introduction of arboriculture (olive tree or other). Observations on site made it possible to ex-plain these practices, which are at the origin of these current representations. The crops prac-tice is linked to the profit drawn on compensations, and the plantations are a source of good remuneration.