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Metal ions can be eliminated from aqueous solutions using biosorbent, a substance made from plant biomass. This study investigated the potential use of Arundo donax stems as a cheap, natural biosorbent to remove cobalt ions (Co2+) from an aqueous solution. The biosorbent was characterized by the chemical composition analysis (cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin), the point of zero charge (pHPZC), by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. According to the experimental data of kinetic studies, the equilibrium condition of Co2+ adsorption was attained 360 min after the biosorption started. The pseudo-first, pseudo-second, Elovich, and intra-particle diffusion models were used to model the kinetic experimental data. The best compliance was obtained with the pseudo-first order kinetic model, considering the highest value of the coefficient of determination R2 (0.996) and the lowest chi-square (2) value (0.757). The findings of this study can be applied to the design of batch biosorption systems for the removal of Co2+ ions in real industrial systems.

Salinity is one of the greatest challenges of successful agricultural production worldwide. However, seed priming might be efficient practice for enhancing seed germination and initial plant growth and development. This experiment was undertaken with the aim of assessing the impact of different priming methods on seed quality parameters and early growth of garden pea (Pisum sativum L.) cultivars under salinity stress. Pea seeds of three different cultivars were primed with water (hydropriming), KNO3 solution (0.5%), and PEG 6000 solution (-0.5 MPa) for 24h in the dark. Unprimed and primed seeds were germinated between filter papers saturated with 120 mM NaCl using the germination test. The results clearly showed that the examined parameters of primed pea seeds were substantially greater than the parameters of unprimed seeds under saline stress. Moreover, seed priming with KNO3 and PEG solutions were more effective in improving seed quality and initial growth in garden peas than hydropriming.

The objective of this study was to examine the effects of different priming treatments on seed quality and initial growth and development of garden pea. For this purpose, three garden pea cultivars, developed at the Institute of Field and Vegetable crops, Novi Sad were examined. The laboratory experiment was conducted under optimal conditions. Seeds were primed in water (hydropriming), 0.5% KNO3 solution, and -0.49 MPa PEG solution for 24 hours; non-primed seeds were controls. The results showed that the percentage of germination, shoot and root length, and mean germination rate significantly increased after the tested priming treatments, while the percentage of abnormal seedlings and mean germi­nation time were significantly decreased after the priming treatments compared to the control. The increase of fresh and dry seedling biomass was significant only in cv.1 and cv.2. Despite the genetic diversity of pea cultivars, the results indicated that the examined seed priming treatments enhanced seed quality and vigour of garden pea cultivars.

The article contains an analysis of the reasons for detaining individuals and its more frequent application in light of the European Convention for The Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, with emphasis on Article 5. The human rights of detained individuals are analysed with a special focus on the ordering and extension of detention. The reasons why the extension of detention is requested need to be examined carefully because longer detention periods create the conditions for violations of human rights, which is why it is necessary to act on cases involving detention urgently and efficiency. The decisions of the European Court of Human Rights and the Constitutional Court which assessed the constitutionality of the provisions that define detention and the evaluation of constitutional appeals are analysed in the article.

In November 2019, virus-like symptoms resembling those caused by turnip yellows virus (TuYV) were observed in many canola crops across Serbia. In order to identify their causal agent, a total of 206 samples were collected and analyzed for the presence of TuYV, cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) and turnip mosaic virus (TuMV), using commercial double-antibody sandwich (DAS)-ELISA kits. TuYV was detected serologically in 91.75% of tested samples collected at 24 locations in all of seven inspected districts. None of the samples tested positive for TuMV and CaMV. Further molecular characterization based on the partial P0 gene sequences of seven selected ELISA-positive samples showed that Serbian TuYV isolates collected in 2019 shared low nucleotide diversity, and that they were closely related to previously identified Serbian cabbage and mustard isolates of TuYV. Phylogenetic analysis showed that TuYV isolates from Serbia were clustered within the TuYV/BrYV group. Moreover, nucleotide and amino acid sequence comparison of all TuYV isolates originating from Serbia, supported with a phylogenetic tree, indicated the existence of two virus subpopulations in Serbia. Further research should focus on determining the variability of TuYV population in Serbia, based on a whole-genome analysis that will contribute to a better understanding of the epidemiology of this pathogen, aiming at developing and implementing appropriate control measures.

Bacillus spp. are well known to protect plants from seed or soil-borne pathogens by the synthesis of various metabolites with antimicrobial activity, such as hy­drolytic enzymes and antibiotics. This study aimed to select the most effective Bacillus spp. from a group of ten antagonistic strains by antifungal activity assay. Bacillus strains were primarily isolated from the soil and identified as B. safensis, B. pumilus and B. subtilis by 16S rDNA sequencing. The four analyzed fungi: Macrophomina phaseolina, Alternaria alternata, Cladosporium cladosporoides, and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, were obtained from sunflower seeds and identified using PCR analysis and primers specific for ITS region. The antifungal activity of bacterial strains was examined in a dual plate assay. Bacillus spp. demonstrated the highest antagonism against S. sclerotiorum, followed by C. cladosporoides, M. phaseolina, and A. alternata, with an average percentage of growth inhibition (PGI) of 77%, 70%, 64% and 59%, respectively. Overall, Bacillus spp. included in this study demonstrated a rather strong biocontrol potential, although the effect of particular strain varied depending on the tested fungi. The highest antagonistic effect toward M. phaseolina and A. alternata was exhibited by B. safensis B2 and B. pumilus B3. B. pumilus B11 and B. subtilis B32 were the most efficient against C. cladosporoides, whereas B. pumilus B3 and B. subtilis B7 had the highest antifungal activity against S. sclerotiorum. Findings point to the fact that the most effective Bacillus spp. could be used as potential biocontrol agents for improving plant health and productivity.

Surface morphology is one of the critical factors affecting the performance of electrocatalysts. Thus, with careful manipulation of the surface structures at the atomic level, the effectiveness of the catalyst can be significantly improved. Heat treatment is an effective method for inducing surface atom rearrangement, hence modifying the catalyst's characteristics. This study investigated the substrate's influence and the effect of thermal annealing on the morphology and surface reconstruction of platinum (Pt) thin-film catalysts. Our findings indicate that heat treatment in a reductive atmosphere (95% Ar + 5% H2) at 300 °C can significantly impact the degree of rearrangement of surface atoms. This process induces long-range ordering, resulting in domains with a high proportion of (111) and (100) sites without an epitaxial template. Considering that the reactivity of low-index platinum single crystals for the methanol oxidation reaction follows the following sequence Pt(111) < Pt(110) < Pt(100), increasing the proportion of (100) planes leads to a notable enhancement (up to three times) in performance, compared to untreated catalysts. Furthermore, considering the amount of precious metal consumed, a mass-specific current density obtained on annealed Pt@Ni is larger by one order of magnitude and ~2 times that obtained on Pt@Cr and Pt@GCox catalysts, respectively. Our results demonstrate that an easy-to-implement way of controlling atomic orientations improves catalyst performance. With this contribution, we propose a method for designing improved electrocatalysts, as catalytic reactions occur only at the surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In soybean production, numerous strategies are utilized to enhance seed quality and mitigate the effects of biotic and abiotic stressors. Zn-based nutrient priming has been shown to be effective for field crops, and biopriming is a strategy that is becoming increasingly important for sustainable agriculture. On the other hand, there is a lack of information about the effect of comprehensive nutrient priming and biopriming techniques on soybean seed quality and viability and seed health. This study was performed to assess the benefits of nutrient priming with Zn, biopriming with Bacillus megaterium and Bradyrhizobium japonicum (single and co-inoculation), and combination of nutrient priming and biopriming on the seed quality and viability, as well as seed infection caused by Alternaria spp. and Fusarium spp. Three different laboratory tests were employed: germination test, accelerated aging test, and seed health test. The results revealed that all tested priming treatments have a beneficial effect on seed germination, initial plant growth, and reduction of seed infection in normal and aged seeds. Additionally, comprehensive priming with Zn, Bacillus megaterium, and Bradyrhizobium japonicum reduced the occurrence of Alternaria spp. (−84% and −75%) and Fusarium spp. (−91% and −88%) on soybean seeds in the germination and accelerated aging tests, respectively, as compared to the control, which proved to be the most effective treatment in both optimal and stressful conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the 2018-19 growing season, a total of 51 leaves of eggplant plants grown under field conditions were collected randomly from nine private gardens at four different localities in the Province of Vojvodina. Eggplants with nearly 40% of plants showing bright yellow to white mosaic or mottling of leaves were found throughout the inspected fields (gardens). The collected samples were analyzed for the presence of alfalfa mosaic virus (AMV), cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) and potato virus Y (PVY) using commercial double-antibody sandwich (DAS)-ELISA kits. Serological analysis of eggplant samples revealed the presence of AMV in 80.39% collected samples. None of the analyzed samples was positive for CMV and PVY. The virus was successfully mechanically transmitted to test plants including Nicotiana benthamiana, Chenopodium quinoa, C. amaranticolor, as well as eggplant seedlings, confirming the infectious nature of the disease. The presence of AMV in eggplants was further verified by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and sequencing, using the primers CP AMV1 and CP AMV2 that amplify part of the coat protein (CP) gene. The phylogenetic analysis showed that Serbian AMV isolates grouped into a separate well-supported group together with AMV isolates from Italy, Croatia and previously characterized isolates from Serbia. To our knowledge, this is the first report of AMV infection of eggplant in Serbia.

The importance of biofilms in caves, the diversity of microorganisms in them, their mutual relationship and relationship with the substratum are among the advancing research topics in microbial biospeleology. This research is making contribution to the knowledge about biofilms at cave entrances and phototrophic communities in them. In that manner, biofilms from the entrance zone of the Petnica Cave were examined. Light microscopy showed that cyanobacteria were exclusively dominant phototrophs (34 taxa out of 39 total taxa recorded) with coccoid forms prevailing (28 taxa); simple trichal forms were present to a lesser extent, while heterocytous ones were completely absent. Genera Gloeocapsa, Chroococcus,Gloeothece and Leptolyngbya were the most diverse. Four green algal genera characteristic for aerophytic habitats (Apatococcus, Desmococcus, Haematococcus and Trentepohlia) were also recorded, while Bacillariophytawere observed sporadically. Three groups of sampling sites were distinguished based on recorded taxa, their richness and similarity, using non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS). Quantitative biofilm characteristics were also assessed - the content of chlorophyll a (Chl a) was determined, as well as the contents of water, organic and inorganic matter. Chl a had a significant positive correlation with the content of organic matter (r=0.904, P=0.013).

Seed vitality and vigour are the two most common parameters related to seed quality. It is crucial to have reliable methods and tests for seed quality and seed vigour testing. The standard germination test can be used to predict field emergence, but laboratory seed testing conditions are often in conflict with field conditions. Validated tests for vigour evaluation in legumes are the conductivity test, the accelerated ageing test and the tetrazolium test. Also, other types of vigour tests have been used to solve different problems in the seed sector. The modern approach, the computerised image analysis of legume seeds and sprouts, based on interactive and traditional methods, is a promising alternative for vigour determination.

Germination and seedling growth of seven genotypes of field pea (Pisum sativum L.) were studied in PEG-6000 solution having osmotic potentials -0.1 and -0.2 MPa. A study was undertaken to evaluate the influence of different osmotic potentials (MPa) on seed germination percentage (GP) and mean germination time (MGT). Results show that the percentage of germination decreased with a decrease in osmotic potential, while mean germination time increased. Variety Javor is much more sensitive than the other varieties at all levels of osmotic stress. By contrast, the lowest sensitivity of germination and MGT was found in varieties Mraz and Trezor. Seed germination tests at -0.1 to -0.2 MPa have the potential to be used as tests in field pea. Osmotic stress exposure and its duration significantly affected the growth of seedlings (shoot and root) and the accumulation of biomass, while its effect was more prominent on the growth of the shoot than on root growth, which was also confirmed by the root tolerance index.

Symptoms of seed rot of Hyssopus officinalis L. were noticed during seed health testing in 2018. According to morphological and cultural characteristics, isolates belong to Fusarium spp. and Alternaria spp.. Based on morphological and pathogenic properties, as well as sequence analysis, isolate designated as 4003/3 was identified as Fusarium graminearum deposited in NCBI gene bank under Acc. Number MK061542. To our knowledge F. graminearum as the causal agent of Hyssopus officinalis L. seed rot in Serbia was noticed for the first time.

The plea agreement is an institute of criminal procedure law that was introduced into the Criminal Procedure Code in 2011 as one of three agreements that can be concluded by the public prosecutor and the defendant. The author points out the shortcomings of the agreement in terms of the absence of a prescribed penalty as a condition for concluding an agreement, determining the sentence without presenting evidence, with an emphasis on extenuating and aggravating circumstances, and provides suggestions on how to prevent or eliminate problems that could occur in praxis by applying valid legal solutions. In order to obtain answers to some of the above questions, a research questionnaire was created on the basis of which the author collected data from a court and public prosecutor's office in order to prove the presented hypotheses. From the methodological aspect, in addition to documentary analysis, the comparative and historical method, prediction strategy and the medium-scale method were used for the purpose of the research.

This study aimed to estimate genetic variability among four pea cultivars and determine seed physiological quality and initial growth of garden pea (Pisum sativum L.) under drought stress. Seeds of the pea cultivars were subjected to water stress induced by polyethylene glycol PEG 6000 at three stress levels (0; -0.15; -0.49, and -1.03 MPa). The experiment was conducted under laboratory conditions, in a completely randomized design with four replications, to estimate germination energy, germination, abnormal seedlings, fresh and dry shoot and root biomass, and drought tolerance index. Drought stress significantly affected germination and the other traits, with the stress effects being proportional to the stress level applied. Findings point to the fact that the osmotic potential of -0.49 MPa might be the germination sensitivity threshold for pea cultivars. The pea cultivar C1 was the most tolerant, having the highest germination, fresh and dry shoot and root biomass, and DTI under severe drought stress. Further research on the assessment of physiological and biochemical responses to drought stress is needed to confirm the findings of the present study.

Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) is an important oilseed crop belonging to the family Asteraceae. A total of 46 safflower samples were collected from Srbobran locality (South Bačka District) in Serbia in 2015 and analysed for the presence of cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), alfalfa mosaic virus (AMV), and lettuce mosaic virus (LMV), using commercial double-antibody sandwich (DAS)-ELISA kits. Both viruses, CMV and AMV, were detected serologically in the collected samples. None of the analysed samples was found to be positive for LMV. The presence of CMV was further confirmed by mechanical transmission to test the plants including Chenopodium quinoa, C. amaranticolor, Nicotiana glutinosa, and Datura stramonium as well as C. tinctorius, confirming the infectious nature of the disease. Molecular detection of CMV was performed by amplification of a 871 bp fragment in all the tested samples, using the specific primers CMVCPfwd/CMVCPrev that amplify the entire coat protein (CP) gene and part of 3'and 5'-UTRs of CMV RNA 3. The RT-PCR products derived from the isolates 290Saff and 294Saff were sequenced (MH577791 and MH577792, respectively) and compared with the CMV sequences available in GenBank. Phylogenetic analysis based on CP gene sequences showed clustering of the selected isolates into three subgroups: IA, IB and II. Serbian CMV isolates found in safflower belong to subgroup II. To our knowledge, this is the first report on CMV infection of safflower in Serbia, which has the potential to cause substantial damage to safflower production and pose a threat to other economic crops grown in Serbia.

Good crop establishment is essential for achieving high yield and constraints to good establishment include untimely sowing and low seed quality combined with various adverse growing conditions after sowing. Seed priming is a pre-sowing technique used for the improvement of germination, reduction of the time from sowing to emergence and improvement of emergence uniformity. Various seed priming techniques, such as hydropriming and priming with zinc, are used nowadays to improve crop establishment. The importance of seed priming with zinc for better germination, improved stand establishment, and higher maize yield are well documented. However, there is still a lack of results on the effects of seed priming with water and zinc on seed quality and viability, given that maize seed can be kept in storage for many years without a significant reduction in germination. The study was aimed to evaluate the effects of seed priming with water and Zn on the quality and viability of the maize seed. In order to evaluate the response of four maize hybrids to priming with water (hydropriming) and 4 mM zinc sulphate, primed seeds were subjected to laboratory tests, namely to the germination test, the cold test, and the accelerated aging test. Both priming treatments increased the seed quality, but the beneficial effect of Zn-priming maintained to a larger extent than hydropriming in cold-treated and aged seeds. The negative effects of hydropriming on the viability o f the aged seed of hybrid NS 4023 imply a possible limitation to deferred sowing of primed maize seed.

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) with its microand macrocomplications is the leading global epidemic of the 21st century. The aim of the research is to determine possible changes in the complete blood count (CBC) parameters depending on glycemic controlin patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: The study included a total of 178 patients with T2DM, both gender over the age of 40 years, from the Health Care Center "Dr Milorad Mika Pavlovic" Indjija, Serbia. To notice the possible correlation between the CBC parameters and glucose control in T2DM, the subjects were divided in two groups with HbA1c < 7% and with HbA1c>7%. We analysed CBC parameters, parameters of glycoregulation, lipid status using standard biochemical methods, performed anthropometric measurements and collected patients data by questionnaire and electronic patient card. Results: There was statistical difference between HbA1c groups for PMDW (p=0.045), HDL (p=0.0067). Using univariate linear regression it is shown that PCT was correlated with WBC (p=0.0005), neutrophils (p=0.046), monocytes (p=0.003); MPM was associated with MPV (p=0.0005); MPC (p=0.0005), PDW (P=0.0005), GLU0 (p=0.034), HDL-C (p=0.005); PMDW was correlated with HbA1c% (p=0.049), GLU0 (p=0.013), HDL-C (p=0.001), BW (p=0.043) in all patients. Conclusions: Based on our study results it may be concluded that some of the parameters of CBC could be useful tool in following glycemic control of diabetics.

In 2018, a total of 58 mustard samples from two different localities in Serbia (Rimski Šančevi and Senta) were collected and tested for the presence of Turnip yellow virus (TuYV), Cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) and Turnip mosaic virus (TuMV) by DAS-ELTSA. TuYV was serologically detected in 42 tested samples while all collected samples were negative for CaMV and TuMV. By using aphid transmission tests, five test plants were inoculated with two ELTSApositive TuYV samples of naturally infected mustard plants. Virus species identification was performed by amplification of a 780 bp fragment in all tested samples using the specific primers TuYVorf0F/TuYVorf0R. The RTPCR products from two isolates 88Sal (MK144816) and 98Bni (MK144817) were sequenced and compared with the GenBank sequences of TuYV. Serbian isolates showed the highest identity with Poland TuYV isolate (EU022489). Phylogenetic analysis showed that TuYV isolates from Serbia were clustered with other TuYV sequences retrieved from the GenBank.

Symptoms of cloves rot of A. ampeloprasum were noticed during 2018 in storage conditions. 16 isolates were obtained (AMP1-AMP16) and according to morphological and cultural characteristics they belong to F. proliferatum (sex. stage Gibberella intermedia), species of Gibberella fujikuroi complex. To confirm morphological identifica­tion, total genomic DNA was extracted from mycelium of the 16 isolates by amplification of TEF-1α gene, using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) that was performed with the primer pair EF1 and EF2. Results presented in this article clearly indicated that the new host of Fusarium proliferatum as the causal agent of cloves rot is „elephant garlic“ Allium ampeloprasum. Pathogenicity test was confirmed on Allium ampeloprasum cloves. Pathogenicity assays revealed that all isolates caused symptoms on tested Allium spp., like naturally infected cloves. [Project of the Serbian Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development, Grant no. TR31030]

The most critical aspect of plant survival and reproduction is seed germination. Considering the specificity of the Cannabis sativa production, obtaining high-quality hemp seed is not an easy task. Germination testing is often the most reliable way of assessing viability, but the selection of appropriate methods is complex. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different conditions (i.e. various methods of germination testing) on the successful process of hemp seed germination, achieving maximum germination potential. Our results showed that C. sativa seeds germinated well in different methods, such as between filter papers, top of filter papers and sand, but there were significant differences between the applied methods. This means that the hemp seeds may have different requirements for germination than conditions covered by the Rules recommended methods. Further, the results show that hemp seed may have certain residual dormancy that needs to be investigated in detail.