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The impact of sowing density on the productivity and growth dynamics of Ocimum basilicum grown as microgreens
No full textThe increasing interest in fresh, functional, and nutraceutical products has driven the demand
for healthy and longevity-promoting foods, with microgreens gaining popularity due to their
vibrant colors, delicate texture, and rich phytonutrient content. Among various microgreens,
Ocimum basilicum is widely recognized for its aromatic, bioactive properties, and nutritional
composition, making it a promising functional food. This study aimed to investigate the impact
of sowing density on the productivity, growth dynamics, and quality of O. basilicum cultivated
as microgreens, focusing on improving production efficiency. The experiment was conducted
in November 2024 in a controlled environment with three sowing densities: 2.5 g/m² (control,
C), 3.5 g/m² (T1), and 4.5 g/m² (T2). Key parameters such as seed germination, plant height,
leaf area, and fresh yield were evaluated throughout the growth cycle. Results showed that
higher sowing densities (T2) positively affected seed germination and plant height during the
initial growth stages. Although initial growth was more vigorous in the control treatment (C),
the differences between treatments became less pronounced over time. The study concluded
that optimizing sowing density is crucial for maximizing microgreens yield and improving the
overall sustainability of basil production, providing valuable insights for commercial growers
Mycotoxins Content in Organic and Conventional Cereal Grains and their Products
No full textDespite numerous studies comparing the mycotoxin content between organic and conventional
cereal grains, there are still controversies and doubts. The assumption is that there is a greater
amount of mycotoxins in organic cereal grains due to the impossibility of using classic
fungicides to protect against phytopathogenic fungi. Consumer awareness about the health
risks from mycotoxins is still relatively low. Using a review of the relevant scientific literature,
an analysis of the frequency and concentration of the most common pathogenic fungi
(Fusarium, Claviceps, Penicillium, and Aspergillus species) in organic and conventional cereal
grains and products was performed. Contamination of cereals with mycotoxins is influenced
by a number of factors, such as climatic conditions during the growing and harvest season,
variety choice, agrotechnical measures (tillage, fertilization, rotation design/pre-crop, crop
protection), as well as postharvest management (drying and cleaning of harvested grains and
storage conditions). Contamination with mycotoxins produced by Fusarium sp. decreased
between the 1990s and 2020. Significant effects of production system on the incidence and/or
concentrations of T-2/HT-2 toxins, zearalenone, enniatin, beauvericin, ochratoxin A (OTA),
and aflatoxins were observed. Also, 50% higher concentrations of deoxynivalenol were
observed in conventional than organic cereal grains and products. It can be concluded that no
significant difference was found in the content of mycotoxins between organic and
conventional cereals and their products. Contamination levels are similar in organic and
conventional cereals
Challenges and perspectives of organic farming in the 21st century
No full textOrganic farming is experiencing significant global growth, with an increase in the area under organic production, the number of producers, and the market value of organic products. In 2023, organic farming covered 98.9 million hectares worldwide, while the organic product market exceeded 136 billion euros. This paper analyzes the current status of organic farming, the main challenges it faces in the 21st century, and the opportunities for its further development. Key challenges include lower yields compared to conventional agriculture, limited land availability, the consequences of climate change, high certification costs, and a lack of infrastructure and education. Additionally, consumer trust and competition with conventional farming systems pose further obstacles to the expansion of organic production. On the other hand, technological innovations, policy support and subsidies, the development of local markets, and consumer education offer opportunities for improving the sector. Precision agriculture, biological pest control, artificial intelligence, and agroecological approaches can contribute to increasing the productivity and resilience of organic systems. Furthermore, investments in infrastructure, simplified certification processes, and greater consumer involvement through educational campaigns are key factors for the long-term success of organic farming. It is concluded that the further development of organic farming requires coordination between government institutions, research organizations, and the private sector. Through innovation, education, and strategic support, organic farming can become a key pillar of sustainable development and the preservation of natural resources for future generations.Органска пољопривреда доживљава значајан глобални раст, са повећањем површина под органском производњом, броја произвођача и тржишне вредности органских производа. У 2023. години, површине под органском пољопривредом заузимале су 98,9 милиона хектара широм света, док је тржиште органских производа премашило 136 милијарди евра. Овај рад анализира тренутни статус органске пољопривреде, главне изазове са којима се суочава у 21. веку, као и могућности за њен даљи развој. Кључни изазови укључују ниже приносе у односу на конвенционалну пољопривреду, ограничену доступност земљишта, последице климатских промена, високе трошкове сертификације и недостатак инфраструктуре и едукације. Поред тога, повјерење потрошача и конкуренција са конвенционалним пољопривредним системима представљају додатне препреке ширењу органске производње. С друге стране, технолошке иновације, подршка кроз политике и субвенције, развој локалних тржишта и едукација потрошача нуде могућности за унапређење сектора. Прецизна пољопривреда, биолошка заштита биља, вештачка интелигенција и агроеколошки приступи могу допринети повећању продуктивности и отпорности органских система. Такође, улагања у инфраструктуру, поједностављени сертификациони процеси и веће укључивање потрошача кроз образовне кампање кључни су фактори за дугорочан успех органске пољопривреде. Закључује се да је за даљи развој органске пољопривреде неопходна координација између државних институција, истраживачких организација и приватног сектора. Кроз иновације,
образовање и стратешку подршку, органска пољопривреда може постати кључни стуб одрживог развоја и очувања природних ресурса за будуће генерације
Rheumatologists’ Adherence to EULAR Recommendations for Systemic Sclerosis Treatment: Experience of a Single Center in Serbia
No full textBackground: The European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR), in collaboration with the European Scleroderma Trial and Research group (EUSTAR), published the first set of treatment recommendations for systemic sclerosis (SSc) in 2009, with subsequent updates in 2016 and 2023. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate how rheumatologists’ clinical approaches to the treatment of SSc evolved following the 2016 update of the clinical management guidelines. Methods: Medication use for SSc was analyzed in a cohort of 378 patients. The patients were stratified based on enrollment before (233 patients) and after (145 patients) the guideline update, and medication usage was compared between the two groups. Results: Although all patients presented with Raynaud’s phenomenon (RP), only 35% received calcium channel blockers. Medications such as iloprost, phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitors, fluoxetine, and bosentan, recommended for the treatment of RP and digital ulcers, were not approved for SSc by the Republic Health Insurance Fund. Treatment for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) was administered to only 16 patients (4.2%), including 2 who received bosentan, 10 who received PDE-5 inhibitors, and 4 who were treated with riociguat. The use of PDE-5 inhibitors increased following the 2016 update of the guidelines. Cyclophosphamide was consistently prescribed for interstitial lung disease (ILD), with an increased frequency observed after the guideline update. No significant differences were observed in the use of methotrexate for skin involvement, ACE inhibitors for scleroderma renal crisis, or antibiotics for gastrointestinal symptoms. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) were prescribed to 87.3% of patients with gastrointestinal involvement, with an increase in use of both PPIs and prokinetic agents following the guideline update. Conclusions: Rheumatologists’ adherence to the EULAR/EUSTAR guidelines varied considerably, with 25% to 100% of eligible patients receiving the recommended treatments. Concordance improved in the management of PAH, ILD, and gastrointestinal involvement after the 2016 guideline update
The analysis of maize inbred lines of varius cycles of selection
No full textThe evaluation of combining abilities is an important stage in the development of high
yielding maize hybrids. This study was focused on inbred lines derived from the populations
BSSS and BSCB1. The aim of the study was to observe combining abilities, heterosis and
variability of inbred lines and their hybrids. According to the analysis of results gained on the
number of kernels per row, highly significant positive values of general combining ability
(GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) were observed at the locations Zemun Polje and
Kraljevci during the two-year investigation. The dominant gene action prevailing in
inheritance was established in inbreds derived from synthetic BSSS and in the parental
inbreds of the elite hybrid. This was shown by the GCA to SCA ratio that was less than unit.
Additive variance was greater than non-additive one in inbreds derived from the synthetic
BSCB1 and inbreds of the elite hybrid The highest, i.e. the lowest average number of kernels
per row was determined in the hybrid ZPL2 x B73, i.e. the hybrid B90 x B91, respectively. At
the same time, the highest heterosis was established in the hybrid B90 x B91. The inbred
B73(C5) derived from the synthetic BSSS was the best general combiner, which shows that it
can be used in breeding programmes designed to increase the number of kernels per row. The
inbred B97(C9) derived from the synthetic population BSCB1 expressed high GCA values
Growth trend of organic maize production in Serbia
No full textMaize (Zea mays L., family Poaceae) is one of the world's most important crops. Organic
farming is defined as an agricultural management system that supports and enhances natural
biodiversity, utilizing processes and technologies based on biological principles without the
use of artificial inputs or genetically modified organisms. One of the main prerequisites for
successful organic corn production is the use of hybrids well adapted to local conditions and
tolerant to disease and pest pathogens. The aim of this study was to show the range of areas
under organic maize in Serbia for the period 2011 - 2023. Data were obtained from the
Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management of the Republic of Serbia. The
following methods were used in the study: desk research, content analysis, comparative
analyses and analyses of base and chain indices. In Serbia, organic grain production in 2023
covered an area of 5,372.23 hectares, with wheat occupying the largest area at a total of
2,010.33 ha, followed by rye with 844.76 ha, while maize, with a total of 603.93 ha, ranked
fifth. During the analyzed period, the area under organic maize production varied
significantly. The smallest production was recorded in 2011 (115.28 ha), while the largest was
in 2015 (1,912.36 ha). The largest areas are located in the Vojvodina region. Given the
growing global demand for organic maize, in Serbia, organic maize production is a relatively
recent development and still occupies smaller areas, especially in comparison to conventional
maize
Global trends in bean production over the past decade
No full textCommon bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is one of the most important legumes in human
nutrition worldwide, due to its rich nutritional profile and nitrogen-fixing ability. The aim of
this study was to analyze global bean production from 2013 to 2022, with a focus on leading
producers, regional trends, and potential for sustainable development. Data were obtained
from the FAOSTAT database (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations) and
statistically processed using descriptive analysis and linear trend methods. The results show
that total global bean production increased from approximately 26 million tonnes in 2013 to
over 31 million tonnes in 2022. The largest producers during the analyzed period were India,
Myanmar, Brazil, Mexico, and Tanzania. Asia dominated overall production, but a significant
increase was also observed in African countries, highlighting the growing importance of
beans as a source of food and income in developing regions. Most countries recorded yield
growth, attributed to improved agronomic practices and variety selection. This analysis
confirms the strategic role of beans in the global food system, particularly in the context of
climate change and the need for sustainable agriculture. It is recommended to further improve
local production systems, invest in the development of tolerant varieties, and support small
scale farmers to contribute to food security and poverty reduction in the world‘s most
vulnerable regions
The equilibrium of the symbiosis of human complexity and artificial intelligence
No full textThe investigation of potential AI applications in diverse fields and facets of human life,
habits, and society was encouraged by the well-documented developments of data-driven
complicated machine learning techniques that emerged within the wave of artificial
intelligence (AI). Deep learning models greatly lessen the need for domain-expert
knowledge by enabling autonomous feature engineering surpassing conventional
techniques that rely on manual feature engineering and attaining performance that is
comparable to or even better than that of humans in certain areas. We require human
centric explainable AI (HC-XAI) that can offer human-understandable interpretations for
their algorithmic behaviour and outcomes in order to fully trust, accept, and adopt newly
emerging AI solutions in our daily lives and practices. This will allow us to maintain
control over and continuously improve the performance, fairness, accountability, and
explainability of AI applications over their whole lifecycle. Following this inspiration, the
investigation of human-centric AI approaches and the creation of contextual explanatory
models are the foundation of the recently emerging trend in diverse and multidisciplinary
research communities. "Personalised Image Classification by Semantic Embedding and
Active Learning," as demonstrated by Song, provides a positive illustration of the
necessity of a mutualistic symbiosis between artificial intelligence (AI) and human
intelligence (HI). These efforts are driving the symbiosis between artificial intelligence
(AI) and human intelligence (HI), which serves as the foundation for the next wave of AI.
From diagnosis to therapy, there is a lot of hope that the use of artificial intelligence (AI)
will lead to significant advancements in healthcare
Exploring Sorghum Flour as a Sustainable Ingredient in Gluten-Free Cookie Production
No full textIn this study, whole grain sorghum flour was used to partially substitute the gluten-free flour blend in cookie formulation at 20% (C20) and 40% (C40) replacement levels. The goal was to explore its potential to improve the nutritional value and sensory appeal of cookies relative to conventional and commercially available gluten-free alternatives. Nutritional analysis revealed that cookies with added sorghum flour showed increased levels of protein, ash, and polyphenolic compounds, while maintaining favorable macronutrient profiles. Notably, several bioactive compounds, such as gallic acid, caffeic acid, and apigenin, were detected exclusively in sorghum-containing samples, suggesting enhanced functional properties. Despite these compositional changes, textural measurements showed no significant differences in hardness or fracturability compared with the control. Sensory profiling using the Rate-All-That-Apply (RATA) method demonstrated that both samples (C20 and C40) achieved balanced results in terms of aroma as well as texture and were generally well accepted by the panel. The results indicate that moderate inclusion of sorghum flour (20% and 40%) can improve the sensory and nutritional profiles of gluten-free cookies without compromising product acceptability. Sorghum thus offers a promising pathway for the development of high-quality, health-oriented, gluten-free bakery products
Solvent-Assisted Vapor Condensation: A Strategy to Enhance Bio-Oil Yield and Quality from the Pyrolysis of Agro-Industrial Waste
No full textThe paper presents the effect of an organic solvent on the efficiency of vapor condensation from pyrolysis processes applied to agricultural waste, with the intention of optimizing the trapping procedure for more volatile components. Therefore, the effect of the use of acetone in the vapor trapping system on the yield and composition of liquid fractions (bio-oils) obtained from the pyrolysis of selected agricultural waste, including corn, tomato, and tobacco, was investigated. The focus was placed on evaluating how solvents influence the quality, yield, and composition of bio-oil, as well as whether they are necessary in the pyrolysis process. Acetone, a polar solvent with low human toxicity and the possibility of regeneration after pyrolysis, was selected for bio-oil condensation due to its effectiveness in dissolving polar compounds formed during the pyrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass. Pyrolysis was conducted at 400 and 500 °C for 30 min, to collect light and heavy fractions, which were subsequently analyzed to assess acetone’s influence. The results showed that acetone positively affected corn bio-oil yield (from 44.57% without acetone to 52.13% with acetone) and improved quality by reducing moisture (from 61.82% to 12.83%) and oxygen content (from 86.50% to 47.10%). An increase in calorific value was also observed in both corn varieties, while the effect was minimal in tobacco and nearly negligible in tomato. The obtained parameter values indicated that satisfactory results can also be achieved without the use of a solvent, representing a step toward simplified pyrolysis. GC-MS analysis confirmed that phenols and their derivatives were the dominant compounds, while FTIR analysis verified the presence of functional groups of the identified compounds. Increasing the temperature generally increased both the yield and calorific value of most samples. Light and heavy fractions were separated during condensation to improve collection efficiency and enable better quality control. Although this step adds complexity and potential contamination risks, it allows more effective utilization of the fractions. These results provide a valuable foundation for optimizing the valorization of agricultural waste through pyrolysis-based biofuel production