3828 research outputs found
Sort by
Could orange-carbon dots affect the antioxidative response of green beans grown in the soil?
No full textPlant nanobionics, a new field of bioengineering that applies nanoparticles on living plants to improve their certain functions. Orange-carbon dots (o-CDs), as nontoxic, small sized nanoparticles with high light harvest capability, have the potential to enhance photosynthesis and productivity in plants, playing an important role in agroindustry. Therefore, it is important to estimate the possible oxidative stress they may initiate in plants. This study reports the impact of o-CDs on the parameters of secondary metabolism - total antioxidative activity (TAA) and total phenolic content (TPC) measured in the extract of green bean leaves after foliar o-CDs’ application at 1 and 5 mg/L. The plants were cultivated in the soil in outdoor conditions, and the leaves were collected for analysis after three cycles of o-CDs treatments. Both tested parameters are indicators of oxidative stress in plants. TAA is related to the contribution of different low-molecular-weight antioxidants, including phenolic acids, vitamins, sugars, etc., while TPC includes phenolic secondary metabolites and participates in the regulation of plant defense responses. The results of this study revealed an increased TAA in green beans after the treatment with 5 mg/L of o-CDs. At the same time, the TPC did not change after any of the two applied o-CD concentrations. It can be concluded that, generally, there was no strong effect on the measured parameters. The results may be evidence of the oxidative stress increase in green bean leaves with enhanced o-CDs concentrations, indicating that 1 mg/L is more appropriate for use
Evaluation of Antibacterial Potential of Satureja montana L., Ocimum basilicum L. and Salvia officinalis L. Essential Oils against Reproductive Tract Pathogens in Cattle and their Toxicity Impact on Endometrial and Kidney Cells
No full textThe abundant use of commercial anti-infective agents has led to the resistance development in bacterial strains, the presence of their residues in animal products and other negative consequences. The aim of the present work was to examine the antibacterial activity of EOs obtained from three plants (Satureja montana L., Ocimum basilicum L. and Salvia officinalis L.) against field isolates and reference bacterial strains of the most important pathogens in the cow endometrium. Their susceptibility was tested in vitro using a disk diffusion method, and the agar dilution test (ADT) and microdilution test (MDT) were used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC). In addition, the cytotoxic effect of the highest effective oil was tested by MTT, using the two cell lines, i.e. the BEND cell line (endometrium, 24h after exposure), and the MDBK cell line (kidney, 3, 6, 12 and 24h after exposure). The results of the antimicrobial assays suggest that the EO of S. montana, consisting mainly of p-cymene (42.8%) and carvacrol (28.1%), is a potent antimicrobial agent with high zones of inhibition determined on the disk diffusion method, where none of the individual isolates were resistant. Moreover, the calculated MIC values on both ADT and MDT were <1 mg/mL for bacterial isolates of all species. In addition, the oil exhibited low cytotoxic potential on both BEND (IC50=1.27 mg/mL) and MDBK cell lines (IC50=1.02-1.56 mg/mL). The obtained results indicate the possibility of the use of S. montana EO for the treatment of bacterial-induced reproductive diseases in cows
Early Institutional Multidisciplinarity and Interdisciplinarity in Education and Research in Europe – Center for Multidisciplinary Studies of the University of Belgrade (1970s – 80s)
No full textFoundation of one of the first European institutions of its type – Center for Multidisciplinary studies of the University of Belgrade – is described as a case of research policy and the strong influence of human factor in the specific circumstances of post-war domestic and foreign policy of Yugoslavia and world politics during the Cold War. A new source material is presented, with a focus on innovation points and challenges. Center was founded concurrently with the activities of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and the Center for Educational Research and Innovation on promoting interdisciplinarity in higher education. Innovative initiatives that were crossed in this institution, as well as difficulties the Center encountered, confirm conclusions from the ’70s that interdisciplinary teaching and research represent crucial innovative points at universities and that implementing them has been followed by enormous difficulties.The foundation of one of the first European interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary oriented institutions – Center for Multidisciplinary Studies of the University of Belgrade – is described here as a case of research policy and the strong influence of human factor in the specific circumstances of post-war domestic and foreign policy of socialist Yugoslavia and world politics during the Cold War. In the then bipolar world, Yugoslavia, which was one of the founders of the Non-Aligned Movement, took the third path, thus gaining the possibility of broad international cooperation, including participation in advanced and innovative projects from East to West. One of the trends in education and science that spread from the USA to the European countries of the Western Bloc was the formation of centres in which different disciplines were networked in order to solve problems. Combining medical, biological, chemical, physical, mathematical, technical and social sciences, new interdisciplinary fields such as neuroscience, biophysics, materials science and socio-medical research emerged. In the post-war period of building institutions of higher education and science in Yugoslavia, with the personal efforts of certain scientists and policymakers, such an innovative centre was opened in the country of self-managing socialism. The Center was conceived as postgraduate studies and research institution in disciplines that were a synthesis of other disciplines, or that belonged to the boundary between disciplines such as: biological, medical, chemical, mathematical, physical, technical and social sciences. In 2007, the Center was reorganized as a scientific research institution with the name “Institute for Multidisciplinary Research.” In 2025 the Institute celebrates its 55th anniversary
Co-doping of rare earth and titanium ions in yttrium manganite ceramics: impact on structural, magnetic, and ferroelectric properties
No full textThe influence of partial substitution of yttrium (Y3+) ions with lanthanum (La3+), gadolinium (Gd3+), erbium (Er3+), and ytterbium (Yb3+) ions, and manganese (Mn3+) ions with 10 mol% titanium (Ti4+) ions, on the properties of YMnO3 ceramics was investigated. The Y1–xRxMn0.90Ti0.10O3+δ (R = La; Gd; Er; Yb and x = 0.005; 0.01; 0.02; 0.05) precursor powders were synthesized using the polymerization complex method from citrate precursors. All sintered samples crystallized in rhombohedral 1×1×3 superstructure with R3c space group, without secondary phases. Most samples had microstructural defects (microcracks, intergranular pores). The microstructure features of the samples, such as grain size and the appearance of intergranular pores, significantly influenced material leakage currents. Introducing the selected rare earth ions diminished the ferroelectric response of the YMn0.90Ti0.10O3+δ ceramic sample and resulted in more pronounced dielectric behavior. The partial substitution of Y3+ ions with rare earth ions significantly impacted the magnetic properties of the YMn0.90Ti0.10O3+δ and caused a notable increase in magnetization. The Gd-doped samples stood out for the greatest magnetization due to the highest magnetic moments and the relevant magnetic interactions. The Néel temperature and Weiss parameter varied depending on the rare-earth dopant ion, influenced by the system's geometrical frustration and appropriate magnetic interactions. Co-doping with rare-earth and titanium ions enhanced weak ferromagnetism due to structural distortions and Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interactions
Prevalence, genetic diversity and pathogenicity of avian haemosporidian parasites co-infection in free-living Long-eared Owls (Asio otus)
No full textIn wild birds, a frequent and significant aspect of co-evolution are simultaneous infections of a single avian hosts with multiple parasites from different haemosporidian genera, or from the same genus. To date, the majority of haemosporidian phylogenetic studies have been focused on Passerines. Other bird groups, such as nocturnal species, particularly owls, even they play an important role in ecosystems, have been largely neglected. In our study, the use of combination of different methodologies including Illumina sequencing, a nested PCR protocol along with blood smear examination provided valuable insights in detecting multiple infections. Out of 101 screened Long-eared Owl (Asio otus Linneaus, 1758), screened in Vojvodina, Serbia, the overall prevalence was 69.3%, among which 26.73% individuals carried co-infections. With a prevalence of 41.58%, the most prevalent genus was Haemoproteus. However, no correlation was found between the presence of single or multiple infections and the body condition of Long-eared Owls, indicating that chronic haemosporidian infections may be harmless to the hosts during the non-breeding period. Furthermore, no significant differences in prevalence between adult and young birds were found. Additionally, Long-eared Owls represent a new host for five of ten parasite lineages identified in this study, previously documented elsewhere. For this reason, continued research during the nesting period, when vectors are active, is crucial to better understand the full haemosporidian diversity in this top predator
GENE POOL CHARACTERIZATION OF FIELD ELM (ULMUS MINOR MILL.) IN THE AREA OF NATURAL MONUMENT ZVEZDARA FOREST
No full textGene pool characterization involves the process of identifying, describing and assessing
the genetic diversity of a particular species for the purpose of its conservation and
sustainable use. It is particularly important for species that are rare and endangered
and whose gene pool is represented by a relatively small number of trees in a certain
area, such as the field elm (U. minor Mill.) in the NM Zvezdara Forest. Field elm is native
species, classified as a rare/endangered in forest fund of the Republic of Serbia. Due
to climate change, Dutch elm disease and urbanization of natural habitats, field elm
populations are decreasing, and the remaining trees are often physiologically weakened.
In the study area, which is part of the urban green infrastructure of Belgrade, the field
elm is a valuable component of flora that contributes to the aesthetic and ecological
richness, and it is an important part of its green identity. In order to monitor, conserve
and sustainably use the gene pool of this species, research was conducted to identify,
georeference and map the trees that best represent the population. The field survey
began in 2024. In May 2025, the population of more than 100 trees was recorded,
of which 59 trees were selected, georeferenced and measured for height, DBH, and
maximum horizontal crown projection. The average height of the recorded trees is
11.69 m, the average diameter at 1.30 m is 15.44 cm, while the average maximum
horizontal crown projection is 6.21 m. The trees are in satisfactory health, with fruit
presence recorded on 25 individuals in the spring of 2025. The collected data represent
the basis for the long-term monitoring and characterization of the field elm gene pool,
which will be carried out in the coming years with the aim of conserving the genetic
resources of the species and their sustainable use in the urban environment
A City Tailored to Man Humanistic Marxism and Urban Environmental Discourse in Yugoslavia
No full textIn the search for social changes that would provide innovative and integrative approaches to overcoming global challenges such as climate change, there arises a need to establish a discourse in which social and humanistic sciences contribute more directly to the environment. From a historical perspective, the Yugoslav Marxism that developed from the 1950s to the 1980s can be an example of how, through dialectical practice, the social sciences and doctrine of Marxist humanism became an integral part of the broader socio-political discourse, providing a social foundation and relevance to the humanization of the living environment. The human-nature relationship evolved across various narratives—from general principles of shaping the human environment and raising ecological awareness, to the idea of environmental science and experimental models in architectural education. Within this framework, the pursuit of urban life in harmony with nature became an interdisciplinary theme in broader architectural discussions in Yugoslavia, engaging fields such as urban sociology, cultural anthropology of city, and ecological activism. This paper presents the fundamental positions on the environment that shaped the architectural culture of socialist humanism in Yugoslavia through concepts developed under slogans such as "man and environment" and "a city tailored to man". In the present moment these examples demonstrate that, through an anticipatory approach, the social and humanistic sciences can offer solutions that foster positive and active socio-ecological dynamics aimed at mitigating or eliminating issues that affect the sustainability and development of cities amid diverse anthropogenic processes contributing to environmental degradation.Apstrakti sa konferencije su dostupni na web stranici:
https://easychair.org/smart-program/ShiftCost_Chania2025/2025-09-11.html#talk:28395
Production of compost by bioconversion of agro-industrial waste with the use of selected biopreparations
No full textAccumulation of agro-industrial waste represents problem of environmental pollution,
considering that it increases the emission of greenhouse gases. Composting is an environmentally
friendly waste management solution based on a circular economy strategy. The bioconversion of
agro-industrial waste into the product with added value, such as compost, may reduce the
amount of synthetic fertilizers utilized in agriculture. The bioconversion of lignocellulosic
material itself is a complex process consisting of pretreatments such as mechanical, chemical or
biological. The biodegradation of cellulose consists of the initial action of exo- and
endoglucanase enzymes that break down the amorphous and crystalline structure of cellulose.
Delignification of lignocellulosic biomass is carried out by extracellular oxidative enzymes,
which are mainly produced by fungi that cause wood rot, as well as other types of bacteria. The
inoculating lignocellulosic waste materials with specific microbial starters might accelerate the
composting. This study developed technology for the production of compost from plant waste
using selected organically certified biopreparations based on seaweed extracts, enzyme extracts
of entomopathogenic fungi (Beauveria spp., Metarhizium spp., Verticillium spp. - 10%) and a
mixture of Bacillus strains. The composting material used, was one of the most abundant agroindustrial
wastes, lignocellulosic waste from wheat straw and alfalfa hay. To assess the maturity
and quality of the compost, chemical and biological parameters (C/N ratio, pH, electrical
conductivity, content of P2O5, K2O, NH4-N and NO3-N and phytotoxicity) were monitored during
the 40-day monitoring period. According to the results of C/N ratio and NH4-N and NO3-N
content, the composting process was accelerated at the very beginning in the first 10 days in
samples with biopreparations, compared to the control without treatment, which indicates
increased microbial activity and accelerated decomposition of organic matter. The Germination
index (GI) of the investigated white mustard seeds (Sinapis alba L.), after 40 days of the
composting process, is higher by 30% compared to the control, in samples of compost from wheat
straw and alfalfa hay with the treatments. The addition of organically certified biopreparations
made it possible to reduce the time required for decomposition of plant waste, and the produced
compost was acceptable and safe for further use in agriculture, according to all tested chemical
and biological parameters and with an improved effect of biofertilization
Effect of Foliarly Applied Orange Carbon Dots on Grain Yield and Quality in Maize Hybrids and Inbred Lines
No full textMaize is a key staple cereal, with its cultivation improved through genetics, denser planting,
and greater fertilizer use. However, little is known about the effects of nanomaterials on
maize’s grain quality. This study evaluated the effect of the foliar application of orange car-
bon dots (o-CDs) on maize’s growth, grain yield, and quality under typical field conditions.
Two ZP maize hybrids and their inbred lines were tested. The results showed a gradual
increase in grain yield for the hybrids, particularly ZP 4567, which responded significantly
to a 5 mg/L treatment. Increased starch content was observed in both the hybrid ZP 4567
and the inbred line L56 L026 following treatment with o-CDs at concentrations of 1 mg/L
and 5 mg/L. The significant increase in oil content was observed in inbred line L56 L026.
Photosynthetic parameters and pigments were elevated in both hybrids after treatments,
although the antioxidative capacity remained unchanged. The findings suggest that o-CDs
positively influence grain yield and quality by enhancing photosynthesis and increasing
the accumulation of key biochemical compounds. This study provides novel insights into
the application of carbon nanoparticles in sustainable crop production
THE ROLE OF MINERAL FERTILIZERS IN THE TRANSFORMATION OF ORGANIC MATTER AND NITRATE NITROGEN IN DARK CHESTNUT SOILS OF THE KARAGANDA REGION
No full textThis article presents the results of an investigation into the effects of mineral fertilizers on humus content, its fractional composition, and the dynamics of nitrate nitrogen in agrocenosis of spring wheat of the 'Shortandinskaya 2012' variety under the dry-steppe conditions of the Karaganda region. It was found that no significant changes in humus content occurred during the first year of fertilizer application. The application of nitrogen fertilizer at a rate of 82 kg/ha a.i. resulted in a slight increase in humus content compared to the control. The combined use of ammophos and ammonium sulfate (P82 kg/ha a.i. + N17 mg/kg a.i.) led to a significant increase in humus content in dark chestnut soils. It was found that the concentration of nitrate nitrogen (N-NO₃) increased depending on the combined application of these fertilizers. In the treatment with preliminary phosphorus application at a rate of 82 kg/ha a.i. combined with nitrogen (17 mg/kg a.i.), the level of nitrate nitrogen was higher compared to phosphorus-only treatments without nitrogen supplementation. Under the arid conditions of 2021, enhanced accumulation of N-NO₃ was observed in the upper horizon of the soil profile. The research results indicate that, in the absence of fertilization, there is a decline in both humus and nitrogen content, as well as the degradation of not only mobile nutrient forms but also stable compounds of soil organic matte