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The cultivated lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) is the most widely grown forage legume, mainly due to its high nutritive quality and yield. The objective of this study was to provide information about the optimal seeding rate and row spacing for alfalfa cultivation under rainfed conditions in the Republic of North Macedonia. Alfalfa was sown in the fall of 2020 using randomized complete block design in a split-split plot arrangement with three replications. The effects of two seeding rates (8 and 16 kg ha-1 ) and two row spaces (20 and 40 cm) were examined on the fresh forage yield (FFY) and dry matter yield (DMY) of four alfalfa cultivars. Based on the evaluation, the sowing method (row spacing) and cultivar choice have shown a significant impact on the obtained forage yield. Higher average yield of fresh (73.7 t ha-1 ) and dry (20.3 t ha-1 ) forage was achieved at a sowing distance of 20 cm. Since the seeding rate did not significantly impact the FFY and DMY, in regions with a temperate climate, it is recommended that lower seeding rates than 16 kg ha-1 should be used in order to have sufficient and cost-effective alfalfa production. The inevitable issues for increasing alfalfa production are the selection of an appropriate cultivar with good adaptability to recent climate change within compatible establishment methods.

Introduction: According to immunological theories of schizophrenia prenatal and postnatal exposure to pathogens may contribute to the etiopathogenesis, suggesting that chronically activated immune system cells (macrophages and T lymphocytes) constantly secrete proinflammatory cytokines which affect the development and function of central nervous system. Objectives: In the present work we aimed to evaluate IL-1β plasma levels in schizophrenic patients during their first psychotic episode and to compare the obtained results to those from healthy subjects. Methods: Plasma was obtained from 32 drug-naive schizophrenic patients, without history of substance abuse or addiction, immediately after their admission to the medical ward, while the control samples were obtained from 20 healthy volunteers. Results: Levels of IL-1β were measured using ELISA assay, which measures IL-1β protein in a range from 7.81 to 500 pg/ml. Results revealed that the levels of IL-1β in patients with first psychotic episode were not increased and were below the limit of detection in all studied samples. The same was found in the samples belonging to the control group. Conclusions: These data contribute to the poll of knowledge and a still unresolved dogma about the etiopathogenesis of schizophrenia since the results obtained by some studies are also questioning this marker. Thus, whether or not an increase of IL-1β is congenital, acquired during the prodromal phase or absent until the time of first psychotic episode has not yet been investigated. Disclosure of Interest: None Declared [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The intensive form of agricultural production often leads to disruption of physical, chemical and biological properties of the soil. Therefore, in recent years there has been an increasing focus on research and finding ways to preserve the soil with management practices that support soil conservation. The research was conducted on the experimental field of the Institute for Field and Vegetable Crops Novi Sad on Rimski Šančevi. The experiment was set up as a randomized block design. The winter cover crops consisted of the combined intercrops: Triticale (×Triticosecale Wittm. ex A. Camus) and winter pea (Pisum sativum ssp. arvense L.) (T+P), solo winter fodder pea crop (Pisum sativum ssp. arvense L.) (P) and a control without winter cover crops (sole or mixtures)(Ø). The experiment with winter cover crops was divided into two blocks. In the first block, the winter cover crops were chopped and plowed, while treatments in the second block were mowed using a rotary mower and the fodder was removed for feeding ruminants. After ploughing and preparing the soil for sowing, sowing of spring crops (soybean, maize and sudan grass) was carried out on all varieties in the subsequent sowing period. This research aims to determine the influence of different types of winter cover crops and spring crops from subsequent sowing period on the physical properties of Chernozem with a special emphasis on soil structure. It was determined that values of MWD on the treatments where the mixture of cover crops (T+P plowed) ranged from 1.11 mm to 1.39 mm, which indicated a better aggregates stability compared to the control treatments where no cover crops were sown. Due to variable root morphology and water requirements, which may alter soil structure, it is required to pay more attention to the adaptation of management strategies through the use of cover crops as well as the selection of their mixes.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of cover crops and interactions on yield and yield components of maize in the semi arid conditions. Research was carried out in the production years 2020 at the Rimski Šančevi experimental station of the Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops in Novi Sad. The winter cover crops consisted of the combined intercrops: winter pea (Pisum sativum ssp. arvense L.) + triticale (Triticosecale) (PT) and single-species cover crops winter pea (P) and control without cover crops (C), all with nitrogen fertilization 50 kg ha -1 (N50) and without the use of fertilizer (N0). The sowing of winter cover crops was carried out in autumn in the first decade of November, and their mulching and plowing was done in the last week of May. After plowing and soil preparation, maize (NS4051) was sown in the first decade of Jun and harvested in October. The statistical significance (p

Imaging sensor development results, achieved in the past four decades, provide increased camera capabilities both in day and night conditions. Due to advanced camera performances, we are experiencing a wide application of the imaging sensors in various areas, e.g. machine vision, mobile technology, autonomous vehicle driving, smart city scenarios, and scientific imaging. Low light level sensitivity, supporting camera night vision capability, leads to new applications in the security systems. Accordingly, the new needs of the camera testing procedures appear. Advanced camera performances also require a new approach to imaging sensor and camera testing and parameter definition. The short review of the current achievements in the area of low light camera technology developments is presented as a basis to illustrate the importance of their application and proper metrological support development. The review of the most important low light camera parameters and related measurement and testing methods is set to point out the needs for new low light camera testing procedures development.

In the agroecological conditions of Vojvodina, there is not enough research on the influence of plowing cover crops as a green manure on the content of labile organic carbon soluble in hot water (HWOC). The aim of the study was to determine the influence of crop rotation of different species of winter cover crops (CC) and spring crops in the subsequent sowing period (corn, soybeans and Sudan grass) on the content of organic matter (OM) levels as well as the dynamic of labile OM. Research was carried out at the Rimski Šančevi experimental station under Chernozem soil type. The winter CC consisted of the combined intercrops: winter pea (Pisum sativum ssp. Arvense L.) + triticale (×Triticosecale Wittm. ex A. Camus) (PT) and single-species CC winter pea (P) and control (without CC). Plowing of CC and control plots was carried out at a depth of 27 cm in the last decades of May 2018, and the sowing of maize, soybean and Sudan grass in early June with addition of 50 kg N ha-1 . Sampled was done in October at depth of: 0-20 cm, 20-40 cm. The analysis of variance determined a significant effect of cultivated crops (maize, soybeans and Sudan grass) in the subsequent sowing period on the changes of the HWOC content, as well as the interaction of cover crops and fertilization. The highest value of HWOC was measured in maize (658 µg g-1 ) on the variant P N0 (0-20 cm), and the lowest in the Sudan grass P N50 (20-40 cm). The highest share of HWOC in the total OM content was found in maize (2.56%), while the lowest share was measured in Sudan grass (1.87%).

Low labour market participation, together with the high effective tax wedge at low wage levels, create a fertile ground for the introduction of the in-work benefits (IWB) in Serbia. Our paper provides an ex-ante evaluation of the two IWB schemes, directed at stimulating the labour supply and more equal income distribution. The methodological approach combines the tax-and-benefit microsimulation model with the discrete labour supply model. Our results show that both individual and family-based IWB schemes would considerably boost labour market participation, although family-based benefits would have disincentivizing effects for the secondary earners in couples. Most of the behavioural changes take place among the poorest individuals, with significant redistributive effects.

Objective: Purpose of this study was to compare elite male ice climbers and sport climbers for their anthropometry, muscular strength, endurance, and flexibility. Although there is a certain overlap between these two activities, sport climbing, which recently became an Olympic discipline, has been studied significantly more than the ice climbing. Hence, the second aim was to indirectly determine whether sport climbing training processes and nutrition can be beneficial for the ice climbing athletes. Methods: 23 male ice climbers of the Ice Climbing World Cup 2010 in Saas Fee (Switzerland) who all reached the final round were compared to 23 elite male sport climbers, which refers to "on sight" climbing grade of VII+/6b (UIAA/French) or higher. Measurements included anthropometry, three different tests for flexibility, two for strength and two for endurance.Results: Ice climbers have more fat in the trunk region (Fat%-T), have significantly less handgrip strength in both hands, as well as strength to mass ratio (SMR) of the dominant hand. In the test "foot raise", ice climbers showed significantly less flexibility. Conclusion: Results indicate that ice climbers have not only higher body fat percentage, probably as an adaption to cold environment but also lower strength and flexibility than sport climbers. With such data, we can conclude that sport climbing training protocols for development of strength, endurance and flexibility can be potentially beneficial to ice climbers.Key Words: Training Processes, Nutrition, Handgrip Strength, Measurements, Training Protocol

The aim of the paper was to determine the influence of cover crops (CC) and cultivated crops in the subsequent sowing period (maize, soybean and sudan grass) on the physical properties of the soil, and above all on the soil compaction.Research was carried out at the Rimski Šančevi experimental station. Type of soil - chernozem. The winter CC consisted of the combined intercrops: winter pea (Pisum sativum ssp. Arvense L.) + triticale ((×Triticosecale Wittm. ex A. Camus) (PT) and single-species CC winter pea (P)and control (without CC). Plowing of CC and control plots was carried out in the last week of May 2018, and the sowing of maize, soybean and sudan grass was carried out in early June. Soil compaction was analyzed on the basis of collected data on the resistance of cone penetration into the soil and the immediate moisture content of the soil. The penetration resistance of the cone into the soil was determined using an electric penetrologger Eijkelkamp Penetrologger. Measurement of the resistance was carried out to a depth of 80 cm and expressed in MPa. Based on the conducted research, the smallest percentage content of soil moisture at depths of up to 20 cm was determined for maize varieties (PT) of 10.5% vol.and the highest on the control plot (without CC) (25.7% vol.), as a consequence of the absence of the CC, but also the dense structure of Sudan grass and reduced evaporation from the production area. The lowest Cone index (CI) was measured on a plot also with sudan grass, on the soil preceded by the cultivation of the winter pea as cover crop ( 2,3), while the highest index (3,6) was measured in the soybean crop on variants (PT). The specific resistance to penetration of the cone was varied both on varieties of inter CC (PT), single CC (P) and control, as well as in different cultivated species in the subsequent sowing period. The highest value of the specific resistance in the depth 0-20 cm was found in soybean (PT) 2.76 MPa, and also increased compation in the same crop in the layer (20-40 cm). On the basis of the obtained values it can be concluded that maize least affects soil compaction, unlike soybean, while in relation to the cover crops it is determined that the winter pea has the least impact on soil compaction.

In the area of monitoring the spatial conditions and changes at the open pit mines, introduction of aerophotogrammetry with unmanned aerial vehicles significantly improves the effectivity and efficiency of the mining system monitoring in real and extended time. Since this is a relatively new technology, the paper presents our first experiences in the application of unmanned aerophotogrammetry, interesting also from the point of view of implementation into GIS systems.

Contemporary computer supported technologies unify a multitude of functions, from geological explorations, through planning, design, mining, auxiliary and logistic activities, monitoring, analysis, decision making to the real time management. This approach requires the information-management systems with a multi-level hierarchy structure, with high monitoring-management efficiency. Accepting the challenges of time, the Serbian mining took the starting position in this technological game timely, with some good ideas and projects, but without efficient realization. There is an opposite example however, in 2000, a computer system for remote monitoring and management in the real time at the 'Majdan III' open pit mine was built. Fourteen years of continual monitoring of this systems operation and the quantity of technical and technological data on its functioning, has provided a reliable and objective depicting of the monitoring-management efficiency, investments, costs and benefits. This paper presents the actual results achieved with this system and comparatively analyze investments and benefits for the similar systems in coal and non-ferrous metal mines.

Background/Aim. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is an important sociomedical problem worldwide because the chronification of the disease is frequent and the occurance of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma can be expected. The aim of this study was to determine the way of infection, pathohistological changes of the liver, virus genotype presence and sustained virological response after pegylated interferon and ribavirin therapy in prison inmates. Methods. The study included 52 patients with chronic HCV infection classified in two groups managed during 2008-2010. The first group consisted of prisoners (n = 22) and the second one of “non-prisoners” (n = 30). The patients from both groups underwent diagnostic preparation (biochemical analyses, liver biopsy, hepatitis virus detection and genotypisation using polymerase chain reaction issue). The treatment lasted for 24 weeks for virus genotypes 2 and 3, and 48 weeks for genotypes 1 and 4. Results. All the patients were males, approximately the same age (35 ± 4.1 and 31 ± 7.6 years). Virus genotype 1 was significantly more frequent in the prisoners (p < 0.05), that demanded longer treatment (48 weeks). At the same time, statistically significant higher number of patients, “non-prisoners”, achieved a sustained virological response (p < 0.01). Conclusion. Intravenous drug abuse and tattoos, separately or together, are the most frequent way of infection in prisoners. Dominant presence of virus genotype 1 resulted in lower number of patients with sustained virological response, probably regardless prison environment and regime.

Based on the data of the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) in 2003 and 2009, we look at the relationship between preschool attendance and school performance, taking into account socio-economic characteristics of a family and a household. The effect of preschool education on student achievement is measured through the 15-year-old pupils' scholastic performance in reading, mathematics and scientific literacy evaluated through PISA. We find that for male pupils the positive effect of preschool attendance on school performance disappears once we control for the factors of socio-economic background. In the sample of female pupils, the positive effect of preschool attendance on school performance remains significant even after we control for the factors of socio-economic background. Based on the PISA data results and the large nationally representative surveys (MICS, LSMS), we conclude that there are different possibilities for improvement of preschool education in Serbia, considered from the perspective of coverage and equity, quality of offered services, as well as a number of children per educator, and the total governmental resources earmarked for preschool education. This is important because improvement of preschool education contributes to the positive development of a relationship between preschool education and long-term education outcomes.

This paper is dedicated to the problem of stability prediction of the terrain above underground mining operations. After the initial introduction to the problem, then the short analysis of the model approaches used to solve it, and giving the algorithm for rock massif stability prediction, we describe the concept of the multiattirbute terrain stability prediction method. The application of the multiattribute prediction method for stability of the terrain above underground mining operations is presented on the example of the Brown Coal Mine Aleksinac. The used method is original, essentially different from the other methods of mathematical modeling, because its prognosis of the rock massif stability under the influence of underground mining operations is based on the balance of the stability indicators. Our comparative analysis of the results obtained by multiattribute prediction and the data obtained by measurements of real deformations and terrain settling in multiple mines shows high mutual correlation, with an average deviation of less than ±10%. These results are confirmed entirely on the example of the Brown Coal Mine Aleksinac.

The problem of determining the optimum exploitation life of machinery, namely, the optimum time for machinery and equipment replacement, represents a complex and highly responsible engineering task. Taking into consideration the situation prevailing at coal pit mines in Serbia, the tasks of this rank are very complex and difficult. To make a decision on the replacement of capital equipment and machinery, such as bucket wheel excavators within the mentioned systems, implies a management task of utmost responsibility. It requires high professional and analytical knowledge as well as reliable arguments, based on a multidisciplinary professional approach. In this paper, the authors present their views on the problem of establishing the optimum exploitation life of bucket wheel excavators, offering an algorithm, based on dynamic programming, as a solution.

The paper discusses the theoretical concept and illustrates the practical application of models with limited interval based on dynamic programming, suitable for optimization of exploitation life of mining machinery that have a shorter life cycle such as: bulldozers, scrapers, dumpers, excavators equipped by a smaller capacity operating element, as well as some others machinery.

During the research on the subject of computer integrated systems for decision making and management support in mineral processing based on fuzzy logic, realized at the Department of Applied Computing and System Engineering of the Faculty of Mining and Geology, University of Belgrade, for the needs of doctoral thesis of the first author, and wider demands of the mineral industry, the incompleteness of the developed and contemporary computer integrated systems fuzzy models was noticed. The paper presents an original model with the seven staged hierarchical monitoring-management structure, in which the shortcomings of the models utilized today were eliminated.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the roles of galectin-3 and irisin as biomarkers in predicting severe outcomes in COVID-19 patients., Results: We analyzed serum levels of galectin-3 and irisin in 59 patients with severe COVID-19 and 30 healthy controls. Elevated galectin-3 levels were associated with increased risks of mortality, need for intensive care, and severe acute respiratory distress syndrome. The optimal cut-off value for galectin-3 was 13.47 ng/ml, with a sensitivity of 72.7% and specificity of 76.6%. Irisin levels did not differ significantly between survivors and non-survivors at admission or on the 3rd day post-admission, but approached significance on the 7th day. These findings suggest that galectin-3 could be a valuable prognostic biomarker for severe COVID-19 outcomes, while irisin's role remains to be clarified in further studies., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

1. Introduction: The study aimed to investigate the influence of interleukin (IL)-6 -174 G/C gene polymorphism on graft function (defined as estimated glomerular filtration rate, eGFR), as well as on the tacrolimus (Tac) pharmacokinetics during the five years after kidney transplantation., 2. Methods: The study included 115 Caucasian kidney transplant recipients on Tac-based immunosuppression. The patients were followed between 6 and 60 post-transplantation months. Interleukin-6 and CYP3A5 genotyping were performed., 3. Results: Patients carrying the IL-6 -174GG genotype had lower eGFR values compared to the patients with the IL-6 -174GC and -174CC genotypes at the 12 th , 48 th and 60 th post-transplantation months. The linear regression analysis indicated that eGFR at the 6 th post-transplantation month and IL-6 -174 G/C polymorphism are independent predictors of eGFR values in the late post-transplantation period. The IL-6 -174GG genotype carriers had lower dose-adjusted trough concentration (C 0 /D) of Tac compared to the IL-6 C allele carriers during the entire observation period (except at the 24 th month), while this effect was independent of the CYP3A5 genotype within three years post-transplantation., 4. Conclusion: Interleukin-6 genotyping could be an additional tool to categorise patients towards the risk of graft deterioration in the long-term post-transplantation period. The IL-6 genotyping could be supportive in genotype-guided dosing of Tac.

Introduction: IL-6 and IL-10 may affect the activity of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A enzymes involved in tacrolimus (Tac) metabolism. Moreover, the effect of IL-6 and IL-10 on Tac pharmacokinetics may differ with respect to the genetic variations in their genes. Aim: To examine the influence of IL-6 and IL-10 gene polymorphisms on Tac dose requirements and exposure over a 5-year period following kidney transplantation. Univariate and standard multivariate linear regression and Monte Carlo analysis were performed to investigate potential covariates influencing Tac dose-adjusted trough concentration (C 0 /D) in various post-transplantation periods. Materials & methods: IL-6 (-174G > C), IL-10 (-1082G > A, -819C > T and -592C > A) genotype, Tac daily dose, C 0 , C 0 /D and intrapatient variability data were collected from 113 patients. Results: Multivariate regression analysis and accompanied Monte Carlo simulation underscore the importance of considering IL-6 -174G > C and IL-10 -1082G > A gene polymorphisms, alongside Tac metabolic phenotype and post-transplantation period, when tailoring Tac dosage regimen. Conclusion: This study provides valuable insights regarding the individualized adjustment of Tac treatment in various post-transplantation periods.

Multi-sensor imaging systems have a very important role and wide applications in surveillance and security systems. In many applications, it is necessary to use an optical protective window as an optical interface connecting the imaging sensor and object of interest's space; meanwhile an imaging sensor is mounted in a protective enclosure, providing separation from environmental conditions. Optical windows are often used in various optical and electro-optical systems, fulfilling different sometimes very unusual tasks. There are lots of examples in the literature that define optical window design for targeted applications. Through analysis of the various effects that follow optical window application in connection with imaging systems, we have suggested a simplified methodology and practical recommendation for how to define optical protective window specifications in multi-sensor imaging systems, using a system engineering approach. In addition, we have provided initial set of data and simplified calculation tools that can be used in initial analysis to provide proper window material selection and definition of the specifications of optical protective windows in multi-sensor systems. It is shown that although the optical window design seems as a simple task, it requires serious multidisciplinary approach.

The negative consequences of deteriorated sleep have been widely acknowledged. Therefore, research on the determinants of poor sleep is crucial. A factor potentially contributing to poor sleep is the use of a smartphone. This study aims to measure the association between overall daily smartphone use and both sleep quality and sleep duration. To this end, we exploit data on 1,889 first-year university students. Compared with previous research we control for a large set of observed confounding factors. Higher overall smartphone use is associated with lower odds of experiencing a good sleep. In addition, we explore heterogeneous differences by socioeconomic factors not yet investigated. We find that the negative association between smartphone use and sleep quality is mainly driven by female participants., (© 2020 European Sleep Research Society.)

This paper evaluates a method of generating a unique dataset that has been underused-a Freedom of Information (FOI) request. The UK's FOI Act came into force in 2005, allowing the public to make requests of publicly held data. We set out to understand the determinants of the quality responses to FOI requests. We also explain how requests can be made and provide suggestions to construct effective data-driven requests. We applied for data on hate crime from all police forces and on uptake of maternity leave from all universities. We find that observable characteristics of the local area, police force and universities neither determine whether the request was fulfilled, nor the speed of response, suggesting that the data from these FOI requests are representative of the institutions from which they were requested., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Multi-sensor imaging systems using the global navigation satellite system (GNSS) and digital magnetic compass (DMC) for geo-referencing have an important role and wide application in long-range surveillance systems. To achieve the required system heading accuracy, the specific magnetic compass calibration and compensation procedures, which highly depend on the application conditions, should be applied. The DMC compensation technique suitable for the operation environment is described and different technical solutions are studied. The application of the swinging procedure was shown as a good solution for DMC compensation in a given application. The selected DMC was built into a system to be experimentally evaluated, both under laboratory and field conditions. The implementation of the compensation procedure and magnetic sensor integration in systems is described. The heading accuracy measurement results show that DMC could be successfully integrated and used in long-range surveillance systems providing required geo-referencing data., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.