bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Moving Towards (and Away From) Possible Discussions About Dying
Authors: Pino Marco , Land Victoria , Hoey Elliott
Published: April 2024

The article examines a corpus of palliative care interactions recorded in a large UK hospice. It focuses on a collection of patient possible allusions to disease progression and end of life and examines their companions’ (i.e., accompanying family members and friends) subsequent actions. These actions implement various interactional projects that are coherent with the sequence of actions and broader activity underway. They share the outcome that they steer the interaction away from the possibility of immediately elaborating on the patient’s allusion, and of making matters related to disease progression or end of life explicit (despite these being relevant possibilities).
The effects of internal displacement on the host border regions (case study of the Lviv Region of Ukraine)
Authors: Lozynskyy Roman , Pantyley Viktoriya , Zubyk Andriy , Smaliychuk Hanna
Published: April 2024

The study objective is to analyse the effect of the flow of internally displaced persons (IDPs) on the development of the Lviv Oblast – the largest region of Ukraine bordering on the EU. The article was based on available statistical data (most statistical data in Ukraine under martial law is not made public), data from sociological research of international organisations, and other official public sources of information. The study results suggest that the Lviv Oblast has become the main Ukrainian transit region on the route of refugees from Ukraine across the border, as well as one of the main oblasts accepting IDPs. At least 5 million people have passed the oblast in transit, and the number of IDPs reached its maximum in the period May-June 2022. Most of the people arrived in the city of Lviv, other large cities, as well as recreation and tourist centres. IDPs have had a positive effect on the sectors of housing construction and tourism in the oblast, and contributed to an increase in the budget income of separate territorial hromadas. Approximately 230 enterprises have also been relocated to the oblast. Most IDPs are planning or expect to return to their former place of residence, although with each month of war duration, the share of people integrating with local communities and planning to permanently remain in the territory of the Lviv Oblast increases. In spatial terms, the flow of IDPs considerably exceeded the level of urbanisation of the oblast, and accelerated the development of the Lviv urban agglomeration. In the future perspective it may contribute to an increase in territorial disproportions between large cities in the oblast, with better developed hromadas around Lviv, mountain and pre-montane towns on the one hand, and depressive hromadas in the east and south-east of the oblast on the other.
Sustainable urban mobility programs that serve as active travel to school programs in Hungary: The case of Pedibus and Bicibus
Authors: Kézai Petra Kinga
Published: April 2024

In the context of modern, sustainable urban development, various socio-technical innovations have proliferated in response to urban challenges, offering well-defined solutions. Since the 1970s, the so-called ‘backseat generation’, a group of children whose parents drive them to school daily, has emerged in developed countries, particularly in urban areas. This phenomenon has many adverse effects on children, the environment, and urban spaces. The present study addresses the issue of urban transport management, in particular, the issue of daily active transport to school. Based on literature analysis, it aims to present good international examples, such as the pedibus and the bicycle bus, which emphasize local values and resources in the light of the 'slow city' concept. The study concludes with a presentation and evaluation of the pilot programs (Pedibus in Gödöllő and Bicibus in Pécs) that have been established in Hungary in recent years. These programs provide a supervised, safe, group-based solution for school children and their families to get to school and build community between different generations.
Application of isotope as a nuclear technique in groundwater pollution assessment due to human activities
Authors:   Institut Alam Sekitar dan Pembangunan (LESTARI), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), 43000 Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia, Shamsuddin Aida Soraya , Muhamad Nurfashareena ,   Institut Alam Sekitar dan Pembangunan (LESTARI), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), 43000 Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia, Zulkifli Aziemah ,   Institut Alam Sekitar dan Pembangunan (LESTARI), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), 43000 Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia, Othman Nur Maizatul Idayu ,   Fakulti Perladangan dan Agroteknologi, Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), 77300 Merlimau, Melaka, Malaysia
Published: April 2024

Clean and sustainable groundwater is an important asset for human life and ecosystems. However, the threat of groundwater pollution is increasing as a result of human activities such as industrial, agricultural, and municipal. The objective of this review article is to examine how isotope techniques, as one of the nuclear techniques serve as an effective tool in studying, detecting, and understanding the issue of groundwater pollution stemming from anthropogenic activity on the surface. This article covers the description and discussion of the types of isotopes used in the detection of groundwater pollution and factors that influence the variation in the composition of isotopes in groundwater based on the findings of previous studies. In addition, this article also comments on the study of groundwater pollution using isotopes in the context of groundwater pollution assessment in Malaysia. This article serves as a guide or reference to researchers, environmental professionals, and water resources managers who want to understand and implement nuclear techniques in the monitoring and assessment of groundwater pollution. This article also outlines a holistic view on the resolution of groundwater pollution issues through the application of nuclear techniques and isotopes as a significant tool in ensuring sustainable environmental management.
Integrated spatial planing in the function of sustainable use of natural resources
Authors: Milojević Brankica
Published: April 2024

Sustainable use of natural resources is one of the basic goals of sustainable spatial development, which could be achieved with the use of integrated planning. It includes comprehensive analyzes of all aspects of space in a unique planning methodology, involvement of participatory process, and institutional, financial and legislative support to the system of integrated planning. Integrated planning, due to its complexity and, to a largely extent, dependence on the system of socio-economic and administrative-political organization of the territory, is difficult to achieve in practice, even in developed countries. In the former socialist countries, such as the Republic of Srpska, there are numerous problems that need to be solved, in order to improve planning practices and create systemic preconditions for the implementation of integrated planning. Within this process, this paper also looks at the issue of sustainable use of natural resources in the territory of Republic of Srpska, which significantly participate in the potential of the Republic for sustainable future development. The paper deals in the first part with the theoretical assumptions and principles of sustainable development, through the prism of using natural resources, and then focuses on the methodology of integrated planning, with reference to legislation and planning practice in Republic of Srpska, with recommendations for their improvement.
Mineral resources and raw materials as a significant potential of Republika Srpska
Authors: Malbašić Vladimir , Milošević Aleksej , Golić Divković Evica , Toholj Nenad , Jolović Boban , Jurošević Uroš
Published: April 2024

Mining is one of the oldest human activities and industries and involves exploration and exploitation of mineral resources. In addition, there are many areas of geology with the basic goal of collecting information for understanding the Earth's structure, and planning and conducting various types of geological research of mineral resources and raw materials. Mining is the holder of the mineral raw materials management like a non-renewable natural resource. The utilization value of mineral raw materials increases but constantly changes, depending on the needs, so the task of the mining and geological professions is to continuously valorization of their value. Miners and geologists should be actively involved in spatial planning and solving of potential activation of a particular mine location in terms of increasing the number of inhabitants and reducing living space with adequate environmental protection. Mining activities are predetermined by the place of mineral resources and raw materials occurrence and are limited by the real conditions and possibilities of a certain community and society. It is necessary to determine the real possibilities of exploitation because the organization of mining production at any cost is humanistically, ecologically and economically speaking, unsustainable. The mineral resources of the Republic Srpska enable the exploitation and processing of mineral raw materials in the metal, metal processing, construction, chemical, cement, ceramics construction materials industry etc. The largest part (over 90% in terms of value) are reproductive materials for processing in other industries, a smaller part are products that go directly to the market. In the conditions of increased and faster technological development and the tendency of increasing exploitation of natural resources in the world with changes in previous conceptions of life, there was a need to analyze the sustainability of natural and raw mineral resources for further development of Republika Srpska. The issue of sustainable development, in terms of strengthening the economic structure and geopolitical position of RS and BiH in relation to the surrounding countries, becomes a matter of strategic approach to the organization and development of the mineral complex.
Climate change and natural resources
Authors: Trbić Goran , Popov Tatjana , Mataruga Milan
Published: April 2024

Climate change is one of the greatest challenges of modern society. Combustion of fossil fuels, ie. anthropogenic emissions of carbon dioxide and other gases that cause the negative effect of the "greenhouse" are a key cause of global climate change. The global increase in air temperature was the trigger for changes in other climatic elements, and above all: evaporation, precipitation regime, the appearance of snow, stormy winds, long-lasting heat waves, etc. The last decade (2010‒2020) was the warmest in the instrumental period. The average annual temperature increased by 1 oC compared to the pre-industrial period. In addition to the increase in the average annual air temperature, there was also an increase in extreme temperatures, and changes in climate indices that are conditioned by the air temperature (frost, summer and tropical days). Such changes in air temperature and climate indices have led to increased evaporation and greater variability of the atmosphere. Climate change has caused a higher frequency and intensity of climate extremes, which have a very unfavorable impact on the environment and natural resources throughout the world. The area of Southeast Europe, ie. the Western Balkans, is one of the most endangered in the world in terms of floods, droughts, long-lasting heat waves and stormy winds. Climate change in the Republik of Srpska and Bosnia and Herzegovina has been particularly pronounced in the last three decades, when they have put increasing pressure on many natural resources, especially water, agricultural land, biodiversity and forest ecosystems. Climate models point to even more intense changes in the near future, which will require a planned approach in planning the resilience of the most vulnerable sectors to climate change on a scientific basis.
Agroforestry - Current situation and potentials
Authors: Cvjetković Branislav
Published: April 2024

Agroforestry represents a complex multidimensional plant system, which in many of its forms integrates animal production. Such system represents a huge economic, ecological and social potential in the multifunctional management of forest and agricultural resources in the same area. The production of several different products in one place, enables the satisfaction of several different human needs such as: food, construction wood, firewood, non-woodproducts and fodder with a biodiversity improvement. Agroforestry is a complex system that requires a great knowledge from those who are involved in the establishment, management and sustainable use of products and services. In general, it can be said that there are two approaches to agroforestry: modern and traditional. In modern systems, the fulfillment of all functions of agroforestry systems is maximized at the highest level. Traditional agroforestry systems are characterized by multifunctional use of agricultural and forest resources in one place, but in an extensive form, without using new technology. In the Republika Srpska, there are agroforestry systems, dominantly in rural areas, which have a traditional character. In addition to traditional agroforestry systems, the first, exemplary, modern agroforestry systems that follow modern world trends are established. The potential for agroforestry in the Republic of Srpska is huge, considering the area of land and forests available, but at the same time the potential is not fully used, mainly due to lack of knowledge and undefined laws regardig to agroforestry. At the same time, there is a lack of knowledge about the value of agroforestry systems as well as a lack of knowledge about the establishment, modern management and sustainable use of such multifunctional plant (and animal) systems.
Possibilities for the nanotechnology sector development on the bases of primary and secondary resources in the Republic of Srpska
Authors: Sukur Sunčica , Gotovac Atlagić Suzana
Published: April 2024

Republic of Srpska has significant unexploited sources of raw materials for the production of already widely known applicable nanomaterials, however, this potential has yet to be recognized. The potential of exploitation of several such raw materials is analyzed, as well as their availability in the field. The greatest potential lies in the mining industry waste and waste containing cellulose (sawdust, wood waste, fruit baskets, corn waste, etc.). Metal mines, both active and abandoned, are characterized by large amounts of accumulated sludge from which it is possible to extract metal ions. Later, these extracted ions can be used to produce metal nanoparticles that could have many applications. Utilizing standard processes, it is possible to produce activated nanoporous carbon from cellulose waste, known mostly as a material for filtration of contaminated water and air. From the available data on these resources, published by national and international organizations, this chapter strongly suggests that significant potential for industrial development in Republic of Srpska lies in the production of high-quality nanomaterials from waste materials. In addition to solving a number of environmental problems by reducing waste, the production of nanomaterials from domestic raw materials such as mining waste and cellulose waste materials, which are mostly discussed here, provides opportunities to stimulate local economic development. These industries could lead to the creation of new jobs, increase the efficiency in the use of raw materials by expanding the number of final products that could be produced in the Republic of Srpska with added value, much higher than the raw materials themselves.
Milutin Milanković ‒ Life Journey and Search for Climate Change in the Past
Authors: Pecelj Milovan , Pecelj Milica , Koljević Svetozar
Published: April 2024

Those scientists who have had the opportunity to rejoice in their scientific achievements during their lifetime are really rare. The law of Milutin Milanković called The canon of Insolation, waited for almost half a century for its scientific credibility to be confirmed and accepted by the scientific community. As a polished Viennese engineer, famous with new methods in construction, he rejected the invitation of the University of Vienna and University of Zagreb to become a professor there but accepted the invitation of the University of Belgrade for ten times less salary. The famous law of Milanković’s canon was made in a small office at the University of Belgrade with pen and paper. The canon was accidentally left undamaged during the bombing of Belgrade in 1941. It is difficult to find any unknowns about his life and work. Several lesser-known sequences from his life, broad education, lordship, modesty and patriotism, and the author's meetings with eminent professors Hed III and Berger, who made a significant contribution to Milankovic's theory becoming a planetary law, ranking him among the greats such as Tesla and Pupin.
Geothermal Potential of the Republic of Srpska and the Possibility of Using Low Enthalpic Subgeothermal Resources in the Function of Climate Changes Prevention
Authors: Begović Petar , Ivanković Branko , Josipović Dunja
Published: April 2024

Geothermal energy is the part of the geothermal heat that can be used as a useful heath for its direct use or for the conversion into other forms of energy. Geothermal and hydrogeothermal energy are unique sources of renewable energy whose main advantages are in the easy and clean way of use with relatively simple and cheap technology. The rough division of the territory of Republic of Srpska, from the aspect of potential geothermal energy, was performed during not so extensive research that were carried out in the past and based on the registered occurrences of thermal and thermomineral water that occurs in this area. The division was made into two drastically different zones, the zone of Outer Dinarides ‒ the southern part of the territory of the Republic of Srpska, with relatively weaker geothermal characteristics and the zone of Inner Dinarides and the southern part of the Pannonian Basin ‒ the northern part of the Republic of Srpska with exceptional geothermal characteristics, especially in the Semberija area. The potential of these areas needs to be confirmed by detailed systematic hydrogeological research because most of the conducted research so far has been for the needs of oil and gas discovery and exploitation. The usage of geothermal energy in our areas and in the region is insufficiently represented and it is reduced just on the spa tourism and in some places for heating facilities, people are still not adequately introduced with this valuable resource that can largely replace nonrenewable energy and thus affect the preservation of the environment and the reduction of climate change.
Climate Change Impact on Water Resources in the Republic of Srpska
Authors: Lolić Svjetlana
Published: April 2024

Global warming, in addition to population growth and intensive industrialization, is one of the most significant pressures on water resources worldwide. The most significant impacts of climate change that directly affect water resources are changes in the distribution of precipitation and snow cover, as well as the increased frequency of floods and droughts. Analyzes of average annual temperatures in the last 60 years have shown that the trend of increasing the average annual air temperature in the Republic of Srpska already exists, and precipitation regimes have changed. The period after 2000 is characterized by shifts of very or extremely dry years and years in which extreme floods have been recorded. In order to determine the impact of climate change on water resources in the Republic of Srpska, a comparison of average annual and monthly discharge of watercourses for the period from 1960 until today was performed, depending on the available data for individual watercourses. After 1980, the rivers Bosna, Vrbas and Vrbanja are characterized by reduced water discharge compared to the previous period, i.e. they have lower values of the average annual discharge with significantly higher oscillations. In the West of the Republic of Srpska, the situation is different: rivers Una and Sana also have significant variations in the average annual discharge, but the river Una has a higher annual discharge after 2000 compared to the average for previous twenty-year period, while the average annual discharge of the Sana River has not changed in relation to the reference period.
Climate Atlas of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Authors: Bajić Davorin , Trbić Goran , Adžić Dragutin
Published: April 2024

The chapter presents the Climate Atlas of Bosnia and Herzegovina with 180 thematic maps. The digital interactive Climate Atlas was created for the first time for the needs of the Third National Communication of Bosnia and Herzegovina and was published in 2016. The publisher was the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics of the University of Banja Luka, and the climatological maps are displayed in the form of a WEB interactive climate atlas. The interactive climate atlas can be accessed via the link: http://www.unfccc.ba/klimatski_atlas/. By decision of the Teaching and Scientific Council of the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics of the University of Banja Luka number: 19/3.1370/16 from May 18, 2016 the Climate Atlas of Bosnia and Herzegovina by authors Davorin Bajić and Goran Trbić was approved to be published as a scientific publication. In this monograph, the Climate Atlas is published for the first time in a printed edition. The Climatic Atlas of Bosnia and Herzegovina consists of sets of digital climatological maps related to two climatological parameters, air temperature and precipitation, displayed by month, season, growing sesaon and year. Climate maps were made for three climatological periods, namely: the observed period 1961‒1990, and the periods 2001‒2030 and 2071‒2100, which refer to scenarios A1B and A2. Climate maps for the period 1961‒1990 were made based on the interpolation of climate parameters from 45 meteorological stations in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Protection of small natural springs with drinking water in Republic of Serbia and Republic of Srpska
Authors: Mrazovac Kurilić Sanja
Published: April 2024

A spring is a point of exit at which groundwater from an aquifer flows out on top of Earth's crust (pedosphere) and becomes surface water. It is a component of the hydrosphere. Springs have long been important for humans as a source of fresh water. Springs have been used for a variety of human needs - including drinking water, domestic water supply, irrigation, mills, navigation, and electricity generation. Modern uses include recreational activities such as fishing, swimming, and floating; therapy; water for livestock; fish hatcheries; and supply for bottled mineral water or bottled spring water. Springs have taken on a kind of mythic quality in that some people believe, falsely, that springs are always healthy sources of drinking water. They may or may not be. On the territory of the Republic of Serbia and the Republic of Srpska, there are numerous occurrences of small springs known only to the local population who use them for certain purposes. The chapter provides an overview of the territorial distribution as well as the basic established physical and chemical characteristics of several natural springs in selected parts of the territory (Fruška gora, City of Belgrade, Central Serbia, northern part of Kosovo, Srebrenica, Čajniče, Doboj, Kozarska Dubica and Kiseljak).
Soil in Terms of Industrialization and Mining - Consequences and Soil Recovery
Authors: Malić Nenad
Published: April 2024

The land resource of Republic of Srpska is subject to damage impact caused by four basic groups of soil process: microbiological contamination, chemical contamination, anthropogenic degradation, and physical destruction or soil disappearance. The most common causes of soil contamination are heavy metals, sulphur solutions, organic pollutants, acid rains, pesticides, mineral fertilizers, radioactive radiation, mineral raw material deposits, various waste dump sites and other. Degradation of soil is reflected in the process of land sliding (erosion) and degradation of soil within the soil profile itself (in situ). Destruction of soil is the heaviest form of soil damage and loss. Surface mining of mineral raw materials appears to have the biggest impact resulting in soil loss. Temporary soil loss is usually defined by surface mining of mineral raw materials. Mining activities have most noticeable impacts on environment (soil, water, air, organisms). Technogenic soils are formed by overburden and interbred disposal and development of mineral raw material mining activities. Soil reclamation and other preventive environmental measures are to be taken to decrease adverse impact of mining activities and improve reclamation of degraded surfaces. Reclamation process covers approximately 10% of technogenic soil in Republic of Srpska at three coal basin locations (Gacko, Ugljevik and Stanari). Technogenic soil falls under VII class and I subclass of automorphic soils. Two types of soil belong to this subclass: Deposol and Rekultisol. Deposol represents interburden material moved to storage area before starting reclamation process. Rekultisol defines technogenic soil in different level and intensity of reclamation. The fertility of deposol, same as most other types of technogenic soil is generally poor. The basic goal of technogenic soil reclamation is surface stabilization and improvement of soil fertility. One of the most important properties of soil in the process of reclamation is organic matter content. Regular monitoring is important for collecting information on state of soils, application of reclamation measures, biogenic and other elements content in crop residue at reclaimed surfaces at the locations nearby mining and industrial utilities.
Negative effects of population exposure to radon from water
Authors: Vučković Biljana
Published: April 2024

The presence of radionuclides in drinking water, as well as in water used for other purposes, plays a significant role in the exposure of the population. Water monitoring is carried out in order to measure the content of natural radionuclides, primarily radon – 222Rn, and its short-lived descendants. Radon is the only gaseous radioactive product of the uranium series and a direct descendant of radium. The half-life of radon is 3.82 days, and its decay is followed by four descendants: 218Po, 214Pb, 214Bi and 214Po. The solubility of radium in water and its long-distance transport allow radon to accumulate in it, especially if it dissolves uranium-rich rocks. The resulting radon can be introduced into the water by the effect of entrainment and can be transported by underground flowing water to greater distances and entered into the body by ingestion. Radon is moderately soluble in water; it easily leaves it and thus increases its concentration in the air in closed rooms, and is taken into the body by inhalation. Epidemiological studies have shown that radon in drinking water is a secondary source of indoor radiation. The risk of manifesting carcinogenic effects due to exposure to radon, which is introduced into the body in different ways, is represented by chronic daily intake (CDI) of radon. The risk is quantitatively assessed for each entry route, and the simple sum of all entries determines the total exposure risk.
Green Economy and Climate Neutrality
Authors: Erić Ognjen , Kurteš Siniša , Amidžić Srđan
Published: April 2024

Green Economy pertains to a quite complex approach to economic development. This concept is present in many segments of life, so the Green Economy can be said to be an economic, but at the same time multidisciplinary development phenomenon. The goal of Green Economy is to achieve economic growth and development while reducing the risk of environmental destruction. Thus, it is closely related to environmental economy, but with a higher degree of participation of public policies in its implementation. Given the limited natural resources, continuous and progressive population growth in the world, the Green Economy is emerging as an economic development necessity. Hence, there is a growing interest of public policy makers around the world in this approach to economic development. In accordance with world tendencies, there is a need to analyse the situation and prospects of the Green Economy. By comparing relevant elements of the green economy at the international level (i.e. in the European Union), the region, but also in Bosnia and Herzegovina, this paper seeks to identify advantages and disadvantages as well as key potentials for future economic development in this context. Analyses have shown that European countries have an advantage in terms of Green Economy. It can be concluded that these countries have specific policies for the development of Green Economy, which is reflected in their overall development. Also, economies with a significant share of world GDP (Canada, USA, Japan and China) are far from the 90th percentile in the Green Economy Index, which implies that creating their production is more at the expense of limited resources and less in the direction of economic and environmental sustainability. When it comes to countries from our immediate surroundings, most countries are in the 3rd and 4th quarters on the ranking list of the Global Green Economy Index. The lag of the neighbouring countries behind the developed Europe in the field of green economy is visible in almost all indicators incorporated in GGEI. A better perspective in this area for the surrounding countries is possible with continuous raising of awareness of all actors about the importance of ecology and the Green Economy. Recommendations to economic policy makers are aimed at all areas of the Global Green Economy Index, including the following improvements: decarbonisation, energy efficiency, investment in renewable energy sources, raising public awareness of the importance of economic and environmental sustainability, etc. As a precondition for the implementation of the recommendations, it is necessary to harmonize with the standards of the European Union in all areas of Green Economy and Environmental Protection.
The analysis of financial position and profitability of agricultural and food manufacturing companies
Authors: Stojanović Tamara
Published: April 2024

The analysis of financial position and profitability of companies is usually based on time and space comparison. The financial position is considered as status and relation between assets, liabilities and equity presented in the financial statement known as Balance Sheet. This financial statement is the source of basic financial position indicators such as: liquidity (acid test and current liquidity), financial stability, financial structure, interest coverage and solvency. Financial performance, i.e. profitability can be measured on the basis of Income Statement data, by using the indicators such as: revenues structure, profits (losses) and profitability ratios. In order to analyze financial position and profitability of agricultural and food producing companies in the Republic of Srpska, we have used the balance sheets and income statements of companies registered as legal entities from 2014-2018. The analysis covered 615 companies in average (330 companies in agricultural sector and 285 companies in food industry). Although among agricultural companies there are those who have good financial position, observing the whole sector as one entity, it is obvious that the majority of agricultural producers’ financial position is somewhere between acceptable and weak (acid test – 0.5 in average; financial stability indicator above 1.0; 70% of financial sources relates to debts; solvency - only 1.4 in average). Such, rather unacceptable financial position is also confirmed by profitability indicators which lead to conclusion that the agricultural sector in not successful regarding the ability to provide returns on total assets (ROA is 0% in average during the whole period). However, the returns on equity are a little bit better (ROE from 2-5%), but they can also indicate the low level of equity in large number of agricultural companies. Food industry is in a similar situation relating to the financial position – the financial position of the majority of companies is between acceptable and weak (acid test – 0.6 in average; financial stability indicator – 0.8 in average; 70% of financial sources relates to debts; solvency - only 1.5 in average). However, their profitability indicators are much better than those of agricultural sector. Return on assets (ROA) was from 1-3%, while return on equity (ROE) varied between 7% and 11%. Nevertheless, the variations between individual companies are significant. Therefore some companies have extremely good indicators of financial position and profitability, while the majority of companies are not the position to achieve such results.
The role of the food industry in the development of the agricultural sector
Authors: Drinić Ljiljana
Published: April 2024

Food Industry has a significant place in the structure of the entire Industry. Depending on the level of economic and agricultural development, as well as the raw material base, about 60-80% of primary agricultural production is processed and prepared for final consumption in the food industry. The term food industry implies the processing of plant, animal and mineral raw materials in order to meet the dietary needs of people. Considering the development of production orientations of the food industry, it can be seen that this industry is expanding its activities beyond the framework of traditional food production and has an increasing focus on the production of a full range of its own raw materials and auxiliary materials; whereby, constantly connecting with other branches and areas, establishing more permanent and stronger integration ties in the process of social reproduction (vertical integration). The processing industry of agricultural raw materials is one of the leading branches of the economy and represents an important resource for the development, not only of the agricultural sector, but also of the RS economy as a whole. However, analyzing this segment of the economy, it can be concluded that the volume, processing, degree of finalization, export and connection in the business chain, etc. is not even remotely used. Observing the trend of realized production in the analyzed period through the basic index of physical volume, it can be concluded that the basic index of 1,11 was achieved in meat production and processing; in fruit and vegetable processing 0,68; dairy production 0,62; manufacturing of mill products 0,98; manufacturing of bakery products and pasta 1,25; manufacturing of any remaining food products 1,02; manufacturing of finished animal feed 1,08 and in the production of beverages 1,25. Based on the analysis and presented data, the strategic goals of the RS food industry would be to increase the level of raw material utilization, revitalization of capacities by modernization of existing capacities, introduction of quality standards, new equipment and new technologies.
Effect of wall-seeping gas film under different working media on stability of conical hypersonic boundary layer
Authors: Hu Yu-Fa , Yi Shi-He , Liu Xiao-Lin , Xu Xi-Wang , Zhang Zhen , Zhang Zhen ,   College of Aerospace Science and Engineering, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha 410073, China
Published: April 2024

Wall-seeping gas film (WSGF) is a promising method of controlling hypersonic boundary layer transition and reducing friction drag and heat transfer. Experiments are conducted in a Mach 6 hypersonic quiet wind tunnel by using nano-tracer planar laser scattering (NPLS) and high-frequency fluctuating pressure measuring technique. This work investigates the effects of wall-seeping helium, air, and carbon dioxide gas films under identical volume flow rate condition on conical boundary layer thickness, disturbance wave structure, wavelength, frequency, amplitude, and nonlinear interaction. The experimental results reveal that the WSGF significantly thickens the hypersonic boundary layer, with the thickest position appearing at the downstream boundary of the seeping zone. The boundary layer thickness is thinnest for helium gas film but thickest for carbon dioxide gas film. Generally, air gas film and carbon dioxide gas film induce the regular, rope-like, and interlaced second-mode waves to appear in advance in the boundary layer. However, under a higher volume flow rate for carbon dioxide gas film, the disturbance wave structure resembles interface fluctuations, with a characteristic wavelength of approximately 18 mm and a peak frequency as low as about 35 kHz, but no the rope-like interlaced characteristic. At this time, the influence of shear layer instability becomes significant. The disturbance waves do not exhibit second-mode wave characteristics for wall-seeping helium gas film, whose shape is irregular and undergoes deformation with time and space. Additionally, the power spectral density of wall fluctuating pressure exhibits insignificant variation with volume flow rate and flow direction, which is similar to the characteristic of power spectral density in the laminar boundary layer and has no peak frequency. The wavelength of second-mode waves is about 2－3 times the boundary layer thickness for air gas film, and increases to more than 3 times for carbon dioxide gas film. The application of carbon dioxide gas film results in smaller peak frequency and bandwidth of disturbance wave, larger characteristic wavelength and amplitude, longer propagation distance, and stronger nonlinear interaction than the application of air gas film. In the future, attention should be paid to understanding disturbance wave characteristics in the boundary layer for the helium gas film and shear layer instability under larger volume flow rates.
Foxp3 depends on Ikaros for control of regulatory T cell gene expression and function
Authors: Thomas Rajan M , Pahl Matthew C , Wang Liqing , Grant Struan FA , Hancock Wayne W , Wells Andrew D
Published: April 2024

Ikaros is a transcriptional factor required for conventional T cell development, differentiation, and anergy. While the related factors Helios and Eos have defined roles in regulatory T cells (Treg), a role for Ikaros has not been established. To determine the function of Ikaros in the Treg lineage, we generated mice with Treg-specific deletion of the Ikaros gene (Ikzf1). We find that Ikaros cooperates with Foxp3 to establish a major portion of the Treg epigenome and transcriptome. Ikaros-deficient Treg exhibit Th1-like gene expression with abnormal production of IL-2, IFNg, TNFa, and factors involved in Wnt and Notch signaling. While Ikzf1-Treg-cko mice do not develop spontaneous autoimmunity, Ikaros-deficient Treg are unable to control conventional T cell-mediated immune pathology in response to TCR and inflammatory stimuli in models of IBD and organ transplantation. These studies establish Ikaros as a core factor required in Treg for tolerance and the control of inflammatory immune responses.
Relationship between circulating FSH levels and body composition and bone health in patients with prostate cancer who undergo androgen deprivation therapy: The BLADE study
Authors: Bergamini Marco , Dalla Volta Alberto , Palumbo Carlotta , Zamboni Stefania , Triggiani Luca , Zamparini Manuel , Laganà Marta , Rinaudo Luca , Di Meo Nunzia , Caramella Irene , Bresciani Roberto , Valcamonico Francesca , Borghetti Paolo , Guerini Andrea , Farina Davide , Antonelli Alessandro , Simeone Claudio , Mazziotti Gherardo , Berruti Alfredo
Published: April 2024

Background:

Among its extragonadal effects, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) has an impact on body composition and bone metabolism. Since androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) has a profound impact on circulating FSH concentrations, this hormone could potentially be implicated in the changes of fat body mass (FBM), lean body mass (LBM), and bone fragility induced by ADT. The objective of this study is to correlate FSH serum levels with body composition parameters, bone mineral density (BMD), and bone turnover markers at baseline conditions and after 12 months of ADT.

Methods:

Twenty-nine consecutive non-metastatic prostate cancer (PC) patients were enrolled from 2017 to 2019 in a phase IV study. All patients underwent administration of the luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone antagonist degarelix. FBM, LBM, and BMD were evaluated by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry at baseline and after 12 months of ADT. FSH, alkaline phosphatase, and C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen were assessed at baseline and after 6 and 12 months. For outcome measurements and statistical analysis, t-test or sign test and Pearson or Spearman tests for continuous variables were used when indicated.

Results:

At baseline conditions, a weak, non-significant, direct relationship was found between FSH serum levels and FBM at arms (r = 0.36) and legs (r = 0.33). Conversely, a stronger correlation was observed between FSH and total FBM (r = 0.52, p = 0.006), fat mass at arms (r = 0.54, p = 0.004), and fat mass at trunk (r = 0.45, p = 0.018) assessed after 12 months. On the other hand, an inverse relationship between serum FSH and appendicular lean mass index/FBM ratio was observed (r = −0.64, p = 0.001). This is an ancillary study of a prospective trial and this is the main limitation.

Conclusions:

FSH serum levels after ADT could have an impact on body composition, in particular on FBM. Therefore, FSH could be a promising marker to monitor the risk of sarcopenic obesity and to guide the clinicians in the tailored evaluation of body composition in PC patients undergoing ADT.

Funding:

This research was partially funded by Ferring Pharmaceuticals. The funder had no role in design and conduct of the study, collection, management, analysis, and interpretation of the data and in preparation, review, or approval of the manuscript.

Clinical trial number:

clinicalTrials.gov NCT03202381, EudraCT Number 2016-004210-10.
Endogenous tagging using split mNeonGreen in human iPSCs for live imaging studies
Authors: Husser Mathieu C , Pham Nhat P , Law Chris , Araujo Flavia RB , Martin Vincent JJ , Piekny Alisa
Published: April 2024

Endogenous tags have become invaluable tools to visualize and study native proteins in live cells. However, generating human cell lines carrying endogenous tags is difficult due to the low efficiency of homology-directed repair. Recently, an engineered split mNeonGreen protein was used to generate a large-scale endogenous tag library in HEK293 cells. Using split mNeonGreen for large-scale endogenous tagging in human iPSCs would open the door to studying protein function in healthy cells and across differentiated cell types. We engineered an iPS cell line to express the large fragment of the split mNeonGreen protein (mNG21-10) and showed that it enables fast and efficient endogenous tagging of proteins with the short fragment (mNG211). We also demonstrate that neural network-based image restoration enables live imaging studies of highly dynamic cellular processes such as cytokinesis in iPSCs. This work represents the first step towards a genome-wide endogenous tag library in human stem cells.
Validation for the function of protein C in mouse models
Authors: Liu Ya , Cai Maoping , Chen Yan , Wu Guocai , Li Songyu , Chen Zhanghui
Published: April 2024

Objectives

Protein C (PC) is an anticoagulant that is encoded by the PROC gene. Validation for the function of PC was carried out in mouse models.

Methods

In this study, autosomal recessive PC deficiency (PCD) was selected as the target, and the specific mutation site was chromosome 2 2q13-q14, PROC c.1198G>A (p.Gly400Ser) which targets G399S (GGT to AGC) in mouse models. To investigate the role of hereditary PC in mice models, we used CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology to create a mouse model with a genetic PCD mutation.

Results

The two F0 generation positive mice produced using the CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technique were chimeras, and the mice in F1 and F2 generations were heterozygous. There was no phenotype of spontaneous bleeding or thrombosis in the heterozygous mice, but some of them were blind. Blood routine results showed no significant difference between the heterozygous mice and wild-type mice (P > 0.05). Prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), and thrombin time (TT) were prolonged in the heterozygous mice, while the level of fibrinogen content (FIB) decreased, suggesting secondary consumptive coagulation disease. The protein C activity of heterozygous mice was significantly lower than that of wild-type mice (P < 0.001), but there was no significant difference in protein C antigen levels (P > 0.05). H&E staining showed steatosis and hydrodegeneration in the liver of heterozygous mice. Necrosis and exfoliated epithelial cells could be observed in renal tubule lumen, forming cell or granular tubules. Hemosiderin deposition was found in the spleen along with splenic hemorrhage. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated significant fibrin deposition in the liver, spleen, and kidney of heterozygous mice.

Conclusion

In this study, heterozygotes of the mouse model with a PC mutation were obtained. The function of PC was then validated in a mouse model through genotype, phenotype, and PC function analysis.
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and phosphorus affect Araucaria angustifolia seedling growth
Authors: Mendoza-Cortez Juan Waldir , Dolinski Marcos , Vilcatoma-Medina Carlos , Campos de Azeredo Amaro Afonso , Zanette Flávio
Published: April 2024

Symbioses between plants and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) provide many advantages, including a reduced need for fertilization. In this study, the effects of AMF inoculation and phosphorus application on the growth and nutritional status of Araucaria angustifolia seedlings were evaluated. The treatments included inoculation with AMF (Gigaspora margarita, Rhizophagus intraradices, Acaulospora colombiana, Acaulospora scrobiculata, or Dentiscutata heterogama), inoculation with a mixture of AMF in 100 g of 50-year-old araucaria forest soil, application of two doses of P2O5 (25 or 100 mg kg-1), and the control. A completely randomized design was used, with seven replicates per treatment. The growth parameters, macronutrient and micro-nutrient contents, root colonization, and mycorrhizal effects on the extracted nutrients were evaluated at 75 and 150 d post germination. Analysis of variance, correlations, and principal component analysis (PCA) were used to evaluate that data. Inoculation with AMF had favorable effects on growth parameters, root colonization, and the extraction of macronutrients and micro-nutrients. In particular, the mixture of AMF from the 50-year-old araucaria forest soil, R. intraradices, and A. colombiana were beneficial. Similarly, the application of 25 mg of P2O5 significantly affected the growth of A. angustifolia seedlings compared to other treatments and increased the efficiency of root colonization.