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The autochthonous, i.e. local, red wine variety Prokupac is one of the most important varieties in Serbia. In the past, this variety was the leading one in the largest number of wine-growing areas of our country. The Prokupac variety is currently the most represented in the Tri Morave wine-growing region (Central Serbia), while the largest number of vineyards with this variety are located in the Župa wine-growing subregion. Due to its importance as an old and traditional variety, certain researches of this variety have been initiated in recent years in wine-growing areas where Prokupac is traditionally grown. Certain scientific activities were initiated to isolate different genotypes with improved production and use value, all with the aim of clonal selection of this variety. In this paper, some characteristics and quality parameters of the more promising Prokupac genotypes that were isolated in the Župa wine-growing subregion in the Aleksandrovac municipality are presented. More extensive research was carried out on grapes from the harvest of 2019, 2020 and 2021 with 16 selected genotypes, namely eight genotypes from the Latkovac locality and eight genotypes from the Drenča locality. In addition to laboratory analyses of sugar, acid and pH content in the grape must, the theoretical alcohol content was also calculated. Furthermore, spectrophotometric methods were used to determine colour intensity A-420, colour intensity A-520, colour intensity A-620 and total colour intensity, as well as colour tonality. The analyses showed that certain main quality parameters from the research are within the value limits as in earlier research, but that the acid content is generally more optimal for red wine varieties compared to the research of that parameter carried out in the earlier period in other wine-growing areas (Fruška Gora and Čegar wine-growing subregions). Moreover, in our research, the sugar content of the grape is higher than the established values of that parameter in the grape must from the Čegar wine-growing subregion.

In literature covering laboratories for switch-mode power supplies (SMPS) the focus was on university ones and learning outcome of their students. And there were almost no publications by authors from industry. Moreover, in a small number of older papers, description of the lab setup or equipment was provided. This paper addressed missing gaps by presenting an industrial laboratory for SMPS. Different aspects like lab structure, organization, procedures, equipment and software resources, calibration and safety, and typical standards used for hardware development, are covered comprehensively. The SMPS lab serves for development of dc-dc converters for commercial project(s) and for research. The developed dc-dc converters are used as auxiliary power supplies (APS) of inductive charging systems. Additional investments in the lab, SMPS related, during period of 1.5 years, were paid-off quickly since the APS was project blocker. Side benefits and outcomes were created by publishing research papers that targeted industry and academia thus bridging the gap between the two. The publications increased company’s visibility in academia, created an opportunity for a cooperation project, and served as partial documentation for engineers. It was also shown that investments in equipment and software are not enough. And that one has to invest in knowledge of engineers through buying books, attending seminars, visiting trade fairs, memberships, and subscriptions. Hence, notes on learning of power electronics were given too. Several results of applied research activities are presented to demonstrate lab capabilities. They were characterization of custom-designed magnetic parts at high operating temperatures for operating current range, and solutions for the APS with different flyback topologies. A comparison with few university labs revealed large difference in resources and outcomes in favor of the university ones. But differentiation of our industrial lab to them was covered as well.

The starting point for every viticultural and wine-producing country with respect to local grapevine varieties is their identification, inventory, preservation and development of genetic resources of those varieties. There are currently 224 grapevine va­rieties cultivated in Serbia for the purpose of commercial production of grapes and wine. Out of that number, 31 wine varieties are local. Vineyards under those varieties can be dif­ferentiated by their importance for production of grapes and wine, and by the level of their endangerment, that is, sustainability in conditions caused by climate changes. This paper presents the creation, that is, the modeling of the Method for Vineyard Sustainability Clas­wine grapevine varieties on grounds of their endangerment and sustainability, based on 20 examined and categorized individual vineyard sustainability parameters; to carry out comsification (MVSC). The purpose of MVSC classification is: to valorize vineyards with local prehensive classification into one of the four established vineyard sustainability classes (Class A - very endangered vineyards, Class B - endangered vineyards, Class C - sustainable vineyards and Class D - very sustainable vineyards); spatial identification and presentation of vineyards based on determined vineyard sustainability class through application of GIS technology; and finally, application of Network Analysis (NA), prioritization of examined parameters and, therefore, vineyards. A total of 10,402 vineyards under local grapevine wine varieties were used for modeling, and it was determined that 29 vineyards with the total surface of 1.2 hectares should be classified in Class A, while 2,883 vineyards with the total surface of 158.2 hectares should be classified in Class B. With respect to the strength of 20 individual vineyard sustainability parameters, it was determined that the parameter Structure of the vine rootstock (SVR) has the greatest impact, and priority in selection of vineyards in different sustainability classes should be given to vineyards without rootstocks. In accordance with the scientific justification of obtained results, the MVSC enables comprehensive clas­sification of the potential for sustainability of genetic resources of local grapevine varieties in Serbia, and it can be applied in other countries and wine-growing areas, as well as to other groups of grapevine varieties.

Research of uvological characteristics is one of the obligatory steps for determination of general production and technological value of grapevine varieties. Such research is particularly recommended for local varieties that did not previously show sat­isfying characteristics necessary for production of high-quality wine. Local grapevine varieties Smederevka (white wine variety) and Žametovka (red wine variety) have mostly served for production of low-quality wine in the past. With changes in the manner of pro­duction in the sense of focus on high-quality wine and production of wine with geograph­ical indications, vineyards planted with these varieties in Serbia have mostly been grubbed up. However, due to the characteristic and favourable terroir conditions, they have survived in the Trstenik wine-growing district (subregion within the Tri Morave wine-growing re­gion). With the aim of determining uvological characteristics of these two varieties in current climate conditions that are favourable for these high-yield varieties, this paper examines the mechanical composition of grape bunches (bunch weight, number of berries, stem weight), mechanical composition of berries (weight of 100 berries, weight of skin of 100 berries, weight of mesocarp of 100 berries and weight of seeds of 100 berries), as well as grape must characteristics (sugar content and total acids in grape must) of representative genotypes of local varieties Smederevka and Žametovka in production vineyards in the Trstenik wine-growing district. Research results have shown that uvological characteristics of these varieties are slightly better in comparison with previous research carried out in other wine-growing areas, that is, in comparison with general information from literature, which indicates the necessity for further research of these varieties in different agro-eco­logical conditions.

Compared to the previous period, the vineyard area in the Republic of Serbia has decreased significantly. Although the planting of new vineyards is subsidized over a long period of time, not enough vineyards are planted to ensure self-sufficiency in domestic grapes, wine (wine products) and spirit drinks originating from grapes. This is especially case for vineyards with local grapevine varieties, which can be of great importance for the rural development and promotion. In this paper, utilized time series analysis, spe­cifically Auto Regressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) modeling was used to predict the dynamics of newly planted vineyard areas with all grapevine varieties and local grapevine varieties based on data from the previous 20 years (period from 2003 to 2022). The aim is to forecast the trends of newly planted vineyard areas, both for all grapevine varieties and vineyards with local grapevine varieties, for the period from 2023 to 2027. A time series refers to a structured sequence of observations. The structuring is frequently done in terms of time intervals. Forecasting time series data, or determining future trends, is one of the most crucial goals of time series analysis. Based on such analysis, it is possible to forecast the expansion of vineyard areas for the upcoming period. ARIMA models helped to determine five-year trends in data on newly planted vineyard areas. The forecast made in this paper showed that vineyard area of all grapevine varieties would be planted at an an­nual range of about 230 and 300 hectares over the next five years. The forecast for future annual planting for the same period (2023-2027) of vineyards with local grapevine varieties is in the range of only about 10 to 60 hectares. The obtained ARIMA forecast results, espe­cially for the forecasts for planting vineyards with local grapevine varieties, show that it is necessary to pay special attention to this problem and to initiate numerous measures and activities in order to increase the area of vineyards with local grapevine varieties in the Republic of Serbia.

This paper studies quasi-resonant flyback (QRF) dc-dc converter 57 W with valley-switching mode (VSM) in an emerging application. The QRF was supplied from variable 800 V input and was used as the auxiliary power supply of an inductive charging system. When choosing switch rated voltage it was shown that one shall consider maximum voltage during short-circuits too. Influence of high temperatures on transformer magnetizing inductance were analyzed and showed why this shall be considered when evaluating different vendors and designs. Operational waveforms are simulated and measured showing that key quantities were matched. Comprehensive overview of QRF abnormal operations is presented for the first time covering start-up, short-circuit, and over-power cases, including experiments. It was demonstrated that when solving noise-related start-up problem, by increasing filtering capacitance, one got positive influence on QRF operation (e.g. switching-frequency range was reduced, efficiency increased, and control loop bandwidth, phase margin and gain margin got improved). The short-circuits were evaluated through nine test-cases. When QRF operated in VSM the short-circuit protection worked as expected. But, if short-circuit happened at non-regulated output, at no load, it may go undetected—which is dangerous. Hence several mitigation strategies were proposed to prevent damage of converter. Also, for converters with variable switching frequency one shall state whether efficiency measurements were done when load was increasing or decreasing thus considering influence of controller’s hysteresis. The transition thresholds, which ensure VSM operation, presented as “input power vs. input voltage”, showed non-linear dependence.

Parvalbumin-expressing (PV+) inhibitory interneurons drive gamma oscillations (30–80 Hz), which underlie higher cognitive functions. In this review, we discuss two groups/aspects of fundamental properties of PV+ interneurons. In the first group (dubbed Before Axon), we list properties representing optimal synaptic integration in PV+ interneurons designed to support fast oscillations. For example: [i] Information can neither enter nor leave the neocortex without the engagement of fast PV+ -mediated inhibition; [ii] Voltage responses in PV+ interneuron dendrites integrate linearly to reduce impact of the fluctuations in the afferent drive; and [iii] Reversed somatodendritic Rm gradient accelerates the time courses of synaptic potentials arriving at the soma. In the second group (dubbed After Axon), we list morphological and biophysical properties responsible for (a) short synaptic delays, and (b) efficient postsynaptic outcomes. For example: [i] Fast-spiking ability that allows PV+ interneurons to outpace other cortical neurons (pyramidal neurons). [ii] Myelinated axon (which is only found in the PV+ subclass of interneurons) to secure fast-spiking at the initial axon segment; and [iii] Inhibitory autapses – autoinhibition, which assures brief biphasic voltage transients and supports postinhibitory rebounds. Recent advent of scientific tools, such as viral strategies to target PV cells and the ability to monitor PV cells via in vivo imaging during behavior, will aid in defining the role of PV cells in the CNS. Given the link between PV+ interneurons and cognition, in the future, it would be useful to carry out physiological recordings in the PV+ cell type selectively and characterize if and how psychiatric and neurological diseases affect initiation and propagation of electrical signals in this cortical sub-circuit. Voltage imaging may allow fast recordings of electrical signals from many PV+ interneurons simultaneously.

The Large White butterfly (Pieris brassicae (Linnaeus, 1758)) originally from the Palaearctic and previously introduced to South Africa and Chile is detected on Rapa Nui (Easter Island). The records correspond to all stages of the life cycle: eggs, caterpillars, pupa and adults. Caterpillars were found feeding on Tropaeolum majus. The introduction is likely to have occurred from mainland Chile, as the species has not been reported in French Polynesia. A dark green coloration present on the underside of the wings is congruent with the one reported from the Chilean population. The origin of colonisation still remains to be tested using molecular tools.

We used Massively Parallel High-Throughput Sequencing to obtain genetic data from a 145-year old holotype specimen of the flying lizard, Draco cristatellus. Obtaining genetic data from this holotype was necessary to resolve an otherwise intractable taxonomic problem involving the status of this species relative to closely related sympatric Draco species that cannot otherwise be distinguished from one another on the basis of museum specimens. Initial analyses suggested that the DNA present in the holotype sample was so degraded as to be unusable for sequencing. However, we used a specialized extraction procedure developed for highly degraded ancient DNA samples and MiSeq shotgun sequencing to obtain just enough low-coverage mitochondrial DNA (547 base pairs) to conclusively resolve the species status of the holotype as well as a second known specimen of this species. The holotype was prepared before the advent of formalin-fixation and therefore was most likely originally fixed with ethanol and never exposed to formalin. Whereas conventional wisdom suggests that formalin-fixed samples should be the most challenging for DNA sequencing, we propose that evaporation during long-term alcohol storage and consequent water-exposure may subject older ethanol-fixed museum specimens to hydrolytic damage. If so, this may pose an even greater challenge for sequencing efforts involving historical samples.

Minor grapevine varieties represent enormous value in terms of cul­tural heritage, diversification of products with higher economic value and adaptation to environmental conditions. This paper presents the results of research on certain production and technological characteristics (mechanical composition of clusters and berries, as well as chemical composition of grape must) of a local, i.e. minor white wine variety Sremska Zelenika examined in the agro-ecological conditions of the Fruška Gora wine-growing sub-region (Srem wine-growing region) in the locality of Sremski Karlovci. In the two-year research (2020 and 2021), without any yield reduction, it was determined that the average mass of the cluster was 266.5 g. The average sugar content in the grape must of the tested variety was 19.8%, the average content of total acids was 6.75 g/l and the average pH of the grape must was 3.27. Comparing the results of previous researches conducted in the same locality, it is concluded that in this research the minor variety of Sremska Zelenika has some better production and technological characteristics.

This paper presents evaluation of quasi-resonant flyback (QRF) dc-dc converter 57W with valley-switching in an emerging application. The QRF was supplied from an 800V variable dc-link and was used as the auxiliary power-supply of a wireless inductive-charging system (ICS). Comparison of state-of-the-art QRF control ICs is presented and suggestions for their improvements are given. Notes on the power-supply architecture, design items specific for the ICS application, over-power protection, and key-component choice are provided. During experiments several original and novel results are generated. The QRF efficiency graphs in ICS power transfer, ICS stand-by, and constant-load operation are analyzed. The maximum efficiency of 87.1% was reached at 620V and rated load. Moreover, the unique analysis of QRF losses at no-load, showed their quadratic dependency vs. input-voltage. The measured “switching frequency vs. load” graph is presented. It was changeable with load and input-voltage as expected. From Bode plots the bandwidth, phase-margin, and gain-margin are extracted and plotted versus input-power—for the first time. They were changeable with input-voltage and load as expected. Comparison of simulated and measured Bode plots showed that, even when they were not matched, one can still design a Type-2 compensator that ensures stable operation. Evaluation of cross-regulation, when output with 24.1% of total power was regulated, showed that such approach—contrary to the more common of regulating the biggest one—is feasible too. It is discovered that, for a QRF with variable switching frequency, choice of compensator’s zero or the regulated output has influence on its efficiency. The power-thresholds, to ensure valley-switching operation, represented as “input power vs. input voltage” are shown for the first time. Comparison of bandwidth, phase margin, and gain margin vs. input power, between an active-clamped flyback (ACF) and the QRF converters, were discussed. Conclusion is that QRF, for the same specification, cannot have the same compensator as an ACF or conventional flyback dc-dc converter. The difference must be at least in a placement of a zero.

We used Massively Parallel High-Throughput Sequencing to obtain genetic data from a 145-year old holotype specimen of the flying lizard, Draco cristatellus. Obtaining genetic data from this holotype was necessary to resolve an otherwise intractable taxonomic problem involving the status of this species relative to closely related sympatric Draco species that cannot otherwise be distinguished from one another on the basis of museum specimens. Initial analyses suggested that the DNA present in the holotype sample was so degraded as to be unusable for sequencing. However, we used a specialized extraction procedure developed for highly degraded ancient DNA samples and MiSeq shotgun sequencing to obtain just enough low-coverage mitochondrial DNA (721 base pairs) to conclusively resolve the species status of the holotype as well as a second known specimen of this species. The holotype was prepared before the advent of formalin-fixation and therefore was most likely originally fixed with ethanol and never exposed to formalin. Whereas conventional wisdom suggests that formalin-fixed samples should be the most challenging for DNA sequencing, we propose that evaporation during long-term alcohol storage and consequent water-exposure may subject older ethanol-fixed museum specimens to hydrolytic damage. If so, this may pose an even greater challenge for sequencing efforts involving historical samples.

Rapa Nui is one of the most remote islands in the world. As a young island, its biota is a consequence of both natural dispersals over the last ~1 million years and recent human introductions. It therefore provides an opportunity to study a unique community assemblage. Here, we extract DNA from museum-preserved and newly field-collected spiders from the genus Tetragnatha to explore their history on Rapa Nui. Using an optimized protocol to recover ancient DNA from museum-preserved spiders, we sequence and assemble partial mitochondrial genomes from nine Tetragnatha species, two of which were found on Rapa Nui, and estimate the evolutionary relationships between these and other Tetragnatha species. Our phylogeny shows that the two Rapa Nui species are not closely related. One, the possibly extinct, T. paschae, is nested within a circumtropical species complex (T. nitens), and the other (Tetragnatha sp. Rapa Nui) appears to be a recent human introduction. Our results highlight the power of ancient DNA approaches in identifying cryptic and rare species, which can contribute to our understanding of the global distribution of biodiversity in all taxonomic lineages.

Intraguild predation occurs when an organism preys on a competitor. This ecological interaction can have considerable consequences on the population dynamics of predators and indirectly affect their prey. In arachnids, it is a quite common phenomenon, but it has been poorly documented in the Neotropical region. Here, we present records of 16 species feeding on other 14 species of arachnids. The most common families that acted as predators were Buthidae (Scorpiones) and Salticidae (Araneae), while the most common prey were members of the families Araneidae and Ctenidae (Araneae). In our survey, Drake Bay, in Costa Rica, is overrepresented due to years of systematic observations by two of the coauthors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of investigation was to assess the role of somatostatin receptor scintigraphy in diagnosis and follow-up of pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms. Somatostatin receptor scintigraphy was performed with 740 MBq 99mTc-EDDA/HYNIC TOC for diagnosis of primary tumors and follow-up after the therapy. There were 63 true positive, 24 true negative, 4 false positive, and 6 false negative findings. Sensitivity was 91.3 %, specificity 85.7 %, positive predictive value 94.0 %, negative predictive value 80.0 %, accuracy 89.7 %. The SPECT contributed diagnosis in 28 true positive findings. In 32 patients (33 %) somatostatin receptor scintigraphy significantly changed the management of the patients (10 had surgery, in 17 somatostatin analogues, and in 5 peptide receptor radionuclide therapy was introduced). Mean Ki-67 index in true positive patients was 13.8 ±5.0 % while in true negative 7.1 ± 3.4% which is significantly lower at p < 0.05. There was significantly (p < 0.01) higher number of increased chromogranin A values in true positive than in true negative patients (p = 0.000857). Our results confirmed the value of SRS in the diagnosis and follow-up of the patients with pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms PanNEN if primary tumors, recurrences or metastases are suspected, as well as for appropriate choice of the therapy.

We describe the first predation record of an undescribed adult male tarantula from the genus Euathlus in a juvenile austral thrush (Turdus falcklandii Quoy and Gaimard, 1824) (Aves: Turdidae) in central Chile. The precise moment of predation was not observed; it could have been an opportunistic event or active hunting. In support of the later alternative, this undescribed species of Euathlus has been relatively frequently seen walking on tree trunks. These incidental observations raise the question of how important Euathlus is as a predator of juvenile birds.

Latitudinal diversity gradients (LDG) and their explanatory factors are among the most challenging topics in macroecology and biogeography. Despite of its apparent generality, a growing body of evidence shows that ‘anomalous’ LDG (i.e., inverse or hump-shaped trends) are common among marine organisms along the Southeastern Pacific (SEP) coast. Here, we evaluate the shape of the LDG of marine benthic polychaetes and its underlying causes using a dataset of 643 species inhabiting the continental shelf (

The paper describes sniper rifles and optical sights in use in the Serbian Armed Forces. For the purpose of possible design of an optical sight that would meet modern technical and technological standards and needs of the Serbian Armed Forces, the paper analyzes the optical and mechanical characteristics of the aforementioned. / В данной статье описаны снайперские винтовки и оптические прицелы, используемые Вооруженными силами Республики Сербия. В статье также приведен сравнительный анализ оптических и механических характеристик различных прицелов, с целью возможного проектирования оптического прицела, соответствующего технико-технологическим стандартам и нуждам Вооруженных сил Республики Сербия. / U radu su predstavljene snajperske puške i optički nišani koji se nalaze u opremi Vojske Srbije. Radi eventualnog projektovanja optičkog nišana, koji bi zadovoljio savremene tehničko- tehnološke standarde i potrebe Vojske Srbije, analizirane su optičke i mehaničke karakteristike optičkih nišana.

At the end of 1981 Municipal Board of SUBNOR in Kraljevo proposed the fraternization of Kraljevo and Titova Mirovica. The fraternization took place finally on the 23rd of November 1983. Until the end of 1987, fraternization and co-operation did not lead to a significant result. New circumstances occurred after the 9th plenary session of CC of LCY held on 26th of June 1987. The tasks set at that time gave the possibility to increase the co-operation of Kraljevo and Titova Mitrovica. For the financial fundament of the co-operation implementation were planned the resources which Kraljevo pay for the Fund for the underdeveloped. The co-operation in the field of social activities included diversified forms of integration of primary, grammar, higher and high schools. The co-operation included the organization of visits, encounters and competitions, visits in the field of sport ad physical culture. Despite bad political circumstances at the end of 1968, co-operation between two fraternizing cities started going upwards. The future co-operation course was influenced by the adoption of the Yugoslav Programme of Measurements and Activities for the Transmigration Stopping of Serbs and Montenegrins from Kosovo (YU - Programme). The point 9 of this Programme it was foreseen that Kraljevo and Sombor supported Titova Mitrovica. In February and March 1989 had started the events in Kosovo and Metohija which marked the beginning of the stagnation process of relationships. Some continuation of fertile co-operation from 1988 existed later, first of all, in the domain of culture and sport. The attempts of renewal and reinforcement of economic co-operation were, of course, more difficult until 1990 the progress in co-operation in the domain of economy was not achieved.

The purpose of this research is to analyze the organization of a traditional event. The goal is to determine how visitors evaluate the quality of the event and to what extent they believe that the event is successfully organized and promoted. Through the Google questionnaire posted via Facebook, 188 responses were collected. Based on the answers, it comes to the conclusion on the extent to which the event was successfully organized. Through the survey, it can also be concluded what kind of promotion is via the Internet, primarily on social networks. These conclusions can be of great help to event organizers in order to create a competitive tourism product that can eventually become a hallmark destination. Through the organization of one event, other resources in the destination could also be valorized, and thus develop some more selective forms of tourism, not only manifestations. One of the limitations of work is that only one event "Veseli spust", a manifestation traditionally held in the city of Kraljevo, was analyzed, and not more events of that type.

The Isla Sala y Gómez or Motu Motiro Hiva is located 415 km northeast of Rapa Nui (Easter Island) and 3420 km from the coast of northern Chile. It is a small oceanic island (2.5 km2) dominated by volcanic rock with very little vegetal cover. Here, we describe the first endemic arachnid for the island, Ariadna motumotirohiva sp. nov. Females are similar to those of Ariadna perkinsi Simon, 1900 from Hawaiʻi and Ariadna lebronneci Berland, 1933 from the Marquesas in the dorsal dark abdominal pattern, but they differentiate from the latter in the anterior receptaculum, promarginal cheliceral teeth and leg IV macrosetae. A recent survey of the arachnid fauna of Rapa Nui, which included Motu Nui and the rocky shores, did not record the presence of the family Segestriidae, neither has it been found during previous surveys. However, it is not possible to discard the possibility of a local extinction on Rapa Nui and survival on Sala y Gómez. This study suggests other endemic terrestrial arthropods could be present on this very small and remote island.

Abstract Background The processes through which populations originate and diversify ecologically in the initial stages of adaptive radiation are little understood because we lack information on critical steps of early divergence. A key question is, at what point do closely related species interact, setting the stage for competition and ecological specialization? The Hawaiian Islands provide an ideal system to explore the early stages of adaptive radiation because the islands span ages from 0.5–5 Mya. Hawaiian spiders in the genus Tetragnatha have undergone adaptive radiation, with one lineage (“spiny legs”) showing four different ecomorphs (green, maroon, large brown, small brown); one representative of each ecomorph is generally found at any site on the older islands. Given that the early stages of adaptive radiation are characterized by allopatric divergence between populations of the same ecomorph, the question is, what are the steps towards subsequent co-occurrence of different ecomorphs? Using a transcriptome-based exon capture approach, we focus on early divergence among close relatives of the green ecomorph to understand processes associated with co-occurrence within the same ecomorph at the early stages of adaptive radiation. Results The major outcomes from the current study are first that closely related species within the same green ecomorph of spiny leg Tetragnatha co-occur on the same single volcano on East Maui, and second that there is no evidence of genetic admixture between these ecologically equivalent species. Further, that multiple genetic lineages exist on a single volcano on Maui suggests that there are no inherent dispersal barriers and that the observed limited distribution of taxa reflects competitive exclusion. Conclusions The observation of co-occurrence of ecologically equivalent species on the young volcano of Maui provides a missing link in the process of adaptive radiation between the point when recently divergent species of the same ecomorph occur in allopatry, to the point where different ecomorphs co-occur at a site, as found throughout the older islands. More importantly, the ability of close relatives of the same ecomorph to interact, without admixture, may provide the conditions necessary for ecological divergence and independent evolution of ecomorphs associated with adaptive radiation.

Abstract: The achatinellid Pacificella variabilis Odhner, 1922, is reported for the first time since its original description from its type locality, Easter Island (Rapa Nui), South Pacific Ocean, Chile. Specimens [...]

In this paper, using the method named Conjoint analysis, and with the goal of determining teacher's preferences in the process of textbook selection, and also defining the prototype of quality textbook which will could be used in the classroom. With consideration of criteria defined in the previous researches on this topic, an continuing the work on those results, we will create clear hypothetical prototype of the textbook which will satisfy the teacher's preference.

Background: Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease which starts early in life and depends on many factors, an important one being dyslipoproteinemia. According to several studies, atherosclerotic plaques or their precursors could be seen in children younger than 10 years. During later life, interaction with a sedentary way of life, as well as unhealthy nutrition, smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity and family history of cardiovascular disease cause the burden of atherosclerotic disease. Methods: Study included 624 children (316 boys, 308 girls), aged from 7-13 years. We analysed socio-demographic data (BMI, blood pressure, cardiovascular family history, smoking status), as well as lipid status with lipoprotein little a-Lp(a), and apolipoproteins: Apo AI, Apo B-100 for all children. This enabled us to calculate new atherogenic indices Tg/HDL-c, lipid tetrad index (LTI) and lipid pentad index (LPI). Cardiovascular risk for later life was estimated by using modified Risk Score for Young Individuals (RS), which divided the subjects according to the score level: low, medium and higher risk. Results: The older children (13 y) had better lipid status than the younger children, i.e. significantly lower total cholesterol, LDL-C, triglycerides and non-HDL-C concentration and significantly higher HDL-C concentration than the younger children and this was in accordance with the RS level. Children with a positive family history of CV disease had significantly higher Lp(a) concentration and blood pressure. LPI was significantly higher in children with a higher RS. Conclusions: The results of our work could be used for cardiovascular risk assessment in apparently healthy children to provide preventive measures which could control the changeable risk factors.

We used Massively Parallel High-Throughput Sequencing to obtain genetic data from a 145-year old holotype specimen of the flying lizard, Draco cristatellus. Obtaining genetic data from this holotype was necessary to resolve an otherwise intractable taxonomic problem involving the status of this species relative to closely related sympatric Draco species that cannot otherwise be distinguished from one another on the basis of museum specimens. Initial analyses suggested that the DNA present in the holotype sample was so degraded as to be unusable for sequencing. However, we used a specialized extraction procedure developed for highly degraded ancient DNA samples and MiSeq shotgun sequencing to obtain just enough low-coverage mitochondrial DNA (721 base pairs) to conclusively resolve the species status of the holotype as well as a second known specimen of this species. The holotype was prepared before the advent of formalin-fixation and therefore was most likely originally fixed with ethanol and never exposed to formalin. Whereas conventional wisdom suggests that formalin-fixed samples should be the most challenging for DNA sequencing, we propose that evaporation during long-term alcohol storage and consequent water-exposure may subject older ethanol-fixed museum specimens to hydrolytic damage. If so, this may pose an even greater challenge for sequencing efforts involving historical samples.

This paper deals with the quality indicators that indicate the overall satisfaction of participants 'Active learning / teaching' seminar, held by the Zavod za unapređivanje obrazovanja i vaspitanja, in relation to the year in which the seminar was held. Random samples were used for the study, a total of three seminars held at different times and in different locations. Results will be determined with the most frequently occurring answers on giving assumptions and analyzing how did the respondents disagree about the given assumptions. As a particular aspect of the research, this paper has taken an interest in determining how, where participants informed about upcoming trainings.