Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.), family Solanaceae, has become in the past fifty years one of the most important and extensively grown horticultural crops in the Mediterranean region and throughout the world. In 2019, more than 180 million tonnes of tomato have been produced worldwide, out of which around 42 million tonnes in Mediterranean countries. Due to its genetic properties, tomato is afflicted by numerous plant diseases induced by fungal, bacterial, phytoplasma, virus, and viroid pathogens. Not only is its genetic inheritance of great importance to the management of the numerous tomato pathogens, but equally as important are also the present climate changes, the recently revised phytopathological control measures, and the globalization of the seed industry. Thus, the recognition of symptoms and the knowledge of the distribution and spread of the disease and of the methods for early detection of the pathogens are the major prerequisites for a successful management of the disease. In this review, we will describe the main tomato pathogens in the Mediterranean area that impact mostly the tomato yield and provide the current and perspective measures necessary for their successful management.

Thanks to the development of more powerful computers and efficient numerical techniques, numerical modelling has become a compulsory tool in solving various problems in the field of energetic materials. In cases where measuring techniques are still unable to measure a given parameter, numerical modelling may be the only option of obtaining a value. In addition, numerical modelling helps us to better understand some phenomena, particularly in understanding the influence of input parameters on output results, as well as saving time and money. The thermochemical equilibrium code EXPLO5 is such a tool which enables theoretical prediction of performance of high explosives, propellants and pyrotechnic compositions. The code is used by more than 80 research laboratories worldwide.

Background Increasing urbanization as well as global warming requires an investigation of the influence of different construction methods and ground surfaces on the urban heat island effect (UHI effect). The extent of the influence of the urban structure, the building materials used and their surfaces on the UHI effect can be significantly reduced already in the planning phase using a designated OpenFOAM-based solver “uhiSolver”. Results In the first part of this research work, it is shown that inner building details and components can be neglected while still obtaining sufficiently accurate results. For this purpose, the building model was divided into two layers: a surface layer without mass, where the interaction with radiation takes place, and a component layer, which contains all relevant components and cavities of the building represented with mass-averaged material properties. It has become apparent that the three parameters—albedo, heat capacity and thermal resistance—which have a decisive influence on the interaction, have different effects on the component temperatures and the surface temperatures. In the second part of this research work, dynamic 3D computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations are performed with uhiSolver for a residential block in Vienna. Comparing the simulation results with measurement data collected on site, it is shown that the simplified assumption of homogeneous material data for building bodies provides very good results for the validation case investigated. However, the influence of the greening measures in the courtyard of the residential block on the air temperature is found to be negligible. Furthermore, it was observed that due to locally higher radiation density, lower air velocities and higher air humidity, the apparent temperature in the courtyard is sometimes perceived to be higher than in the adjacent streets, despite the lower air temperature. Conclusions Simplifying the modeling process of the uhiSolver software by reducing the model complexity helps to reduce manual work for setting up appropriate boundary conditions of buildings. Compared to market competitors, good results are obtained for the validation case Kandlgasse presented in this research work, despite the simplifications proposed. Thus, uhiSolver can be used as a robust analytical tool for urban planning.

Even though water-related forest ecosystem services are important for forestry and water management sectors, they have different definitions and are regulated differently in each sector, which makes them poorly recognized. How stakeholders from two main sectors (forestry and water management) perceive the importance of water-related forest ecosystem services, the trade-offs between ecosystem services and the effectiveness and implementation of payments schemes related to forest water ecosystem services were our areas of interest. We have conduct surveys with different groups of stakeholders from both sectors in four selected countries (the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Slovenia and Serbia) with a lot of similarities and the potential to learn from each other. The results show that in spite of the spotted differences among analyzed countries, there is a high level of agreement among respondents on all investigated aspects. In addition, even though different payment schemes exist in three of four countries, stakeholders are rarely aware of their existence, or it is better to say that they do not recognize them as payment schemes for ecosystem services because of their names and definitions, which do not clearly define ecosystem services. Mostly, they use bundled services and non-voluntary payments and are designed and implemented by the states. Due to the strong role of states and the low transparency in the existing schemes, we looked at possible conditions reflected through stakeholders’ opinions for overcoming that obstacle for the development of new payment schemes. We found that there is a high level of acceptance of payments schemes as more effective than “command and control” schemes and of the involvement of other stakeholders in decision-making processes as those conditions that can positively influence development of new payment schemes in all four countries. These results give us hope that in spite of the strong role of the state in selected countries, the role of stakeholders will be more acknowledged and, by that, the future schemes will be more harmonized among the sectors and their goals and needs, contributing to its effectiveness as well.

Background Sustainable energy transition of a country is complex and long-term process, which requires decision-making in all stages and at all levels, including a large number of different factors, with different causality. The main objective of this paper is the development of a probabilistic model for decision-making in sustainable energy transition in developing countries of SE Europe. The model will be developed according to the specificities of the countries for which it is intended—SE Europe. These are countries where energy transition is slower and more difficult due to many factors: high degree of uncertainty, low transparency, corruption, investment problems, insufficiently reliable data, lower level of economic development, high level of corruption and untrained human resources. All these factors are making decision-making more challenging and demanding. Methods Research was done by using content analysis, artificial intelligence methods, software development method and testing. The model was developed by using MSBNx— Microsoft Research’s Bayesian Network Authoring and Evaluation Tool . Results Due to the large number of insufficiently clear, but interdependent factors, the model is developed on the principle of probabilistic (Bayesian) networks of factors of interest. The paper presents the first model for supporting decision-making in the field of energy sustainability for the region of Southeastern Europe, which is based on the application of Bayesian Networks. Conclusion Testing of the developed model showed certain characteristics, discussed in paper. The application of developed model will make it possible to predict the short-term and long-term consequences that may occur during energy transition by varying these factors. Recommendations are given for further development of the model, based on Bayesian networks.

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are linked to various conduct and behavior problems within juvenile delinquents, but fewer studies focused on these associations among specific forensic typologies of offending. Utilizing data from 3382 institutionalized delinquents in Texas, logistic regression models indicated multiple associations between ACEs and forensic typologies in both adjusted and unadjusted models, with sexual abuse and physical abuse emerging as the most consistent and robust predictors. Supplemental sensitivity models confirmed the associations between sexual abuse and physical abuse among youth who fit multiple forensic typologies. Models fared poorly at identifying youth who are engaged in fire setting. Implications for total and singular ACEs are discussed, along with how those relate to more clinically meaningful, forensic forms of juvenile delinquency.

Understanding the global prevalence and phenotypic features of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is important as geographic factors and ethnic variations can significantly alter the clinical syndrome. The aim of this study was to determine and evaluate the luteinizing hormone/follicle-stimulating hormone ratio (LH/FSH) in women with PCOS during therapy on selected endocrine and biochemical parameters. Women with PCOS were included in the study and were classified into two groups: women without therapy (de novo) and women with therapy for PCOS. ESHERE/ASRM criteria that require the presence of two out of three criteria: ovulatory dysfunction, hyperandrogenism, and morphological PCOS detected by ultrasound diagnostics. Electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA) was used for FSH and insulin analysis. The enzymatic method was used to analyze the biochemical profile. There was a significant difference between the two groups in terms of the LH/FSH ratio (2.56 vs. 2.41, P=0.043), glucose (6.23 vs. 5.12, P=0.003), insulin (19.21 vs. 7.35, P=0.000), IR (3.22 vs. 1.42, P=0.000), cholesterol (5.97 vs. 4.92, P=0.002), and LDL (3.56 vs. 2.56, P=0.001). The data suggest that patients with PCOS therapy have reduced hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance. There was a significant correlation between the LH and FSH in the de novo group, as well as the correlation between hormone levels and LH/FSH ratio in both groups. Patients with PCOS therapy have a tendency for normal body weight and reduction of severe obesity compared to patients without therapy. Clinical features such as regular menstrual cycle and the prevalence of acne and hirsutism are not significantly different between groups. PCOS cause irregularities of the menstrual cycle, the appearance of clinical manifestations, especially changes of LH/FSH ratio. Therapy for PCOS contributes to better regulation of endocrine and biochemical parameters, especially in the reduction of hyperinsulinemia, insulin resistance, and reduced LH/FSH ratio.

The ability to insert a gene into a plant’s nuclear or chloroplast genome enables the transformation of higher plants (e.g. tobacco, Arabidopsis thaliana, potato, tomato, and banana) into Bioreactors for the production of plant-derived pharmaceuticals. Biopharmaceuticals are generally produced on a commercial basis by scale fermentation in bacteria, yeast, or animal cells. Several plant-derived pharmaceuticals have undergone clinical trials and are close to market authorization, with antibodies and vaccines being the front runners. Plant-derived vaccines have been produced using recombinant plant viruses as transgenic expression vectors and Agrobacterium tumefaciens transformation systems. During the last decade, several efficient plant-based expression systems have been examined, and more than 100 recombinant proteins, including plant-derived vaccine antigens. Besides, regulatory protocols are slowing down production. Industry requirements and public acceptance of the technology are important aspects in establishing successful products. This paper reviews the current status of development in the area of biopharmaceuticals and vaccines produced from transgenic plants. 

There are only a few limestone mines in Bosnia and Herzegovina that provide the mineral raw material for industrial production. As a result, the experience in planning and designing such quarries is lesser than in designing the quarries for construction. Limestone from "Vijenac" deposit is an industrial mineral raw material, which is used for the production of soda (light, heavy and bicarbonate), cement, nitrogen fertilizer named "KAN", and is also used in construction and road construction. The use of limestone as a mineral raw material in industrial production requires more attention to the chemical composition of limestone than to the physical-mechanical characteristics. The paper presents a solution to this problem by creating a block of models of exploitation reserves of limestone, which enables foresight of the chemical composition of limestone, both in each floor partially and during the period of exploitation. The block model was created on the basis of the updated state of works, the projected contour of limestone surface mine and the exploration works' database. The block model uses the following: CaCO3, CaO, SiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3, bulk density, category of reserves and the purpose of the mineral raw material, i.e. for industry or construction. The block model analysis has determined that the northern part of the mine, from the floor E-612.5 to E-525 meters a.s.l., does not meet industrial requirements in terms of chemical composition of limestone. Therefore, limestone from this part of the surface mine will be used for construction purposes. These quantities of limestone are about 2.6x106 m3. Limestone from the southern part of the surface mine meets the industry requirements. Its quantities are about 8.47x106 m3.

The issue of economic convergence has been widely analyzed by the researchers. Convergence hypothesis has been tested at different levels - global, national, regional and local. This paper is analyzing local economic convergence in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) in last three decades. In this period the country was facing twofold transition: from war to peace and from socialism to market economy. The regression and distributional approach to convergence analysis are combined. The first hypothesis research is testing is that poor municipalities grow faster comparing to rich municipalities – unconditional beta convergence. Second hypothesis is that dispersion of local per capita GDP decreases over time – sigma convergence. To further investigate the issue and check the changes in the distribution, several visual inspection instruments were also used. The research findings are inconclusive. While regression analysis provides some evidence for unconditional beta-convergence, in a case of sigma convergence, results are mixed. This is related to significant structural changes country went through, firmly confirmed with the transitional probability matrix data. Findings confirm the necessity for combining different approaches and instruments while analysing convergence. From the specific country perspective, research results can be used as a strong argument for the necessity of new more balanced regional development policy.

Sunscreens ensure thorough protection against sunburn. The delivery of UV filters into the stratum corneum and viable epidermis could be reduced by the use of antioxidants (such as β-carotene and trans-resveratrol, alone or combined). The presence/absence of antioxidants (trans-resveratrol and β-carotene) in formulations containing benzophenone-3 (UV-filter) and their efficiency under disinfection and neutral conditions are studied and compared. The trial was conducted on 38 people. The prepared ointments were applied to the participants’ forearms, irradiated and monitored by reflectance colorimetry after 0, 4, 6, and 8 min. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the skin color’s main characteristics and the F-ratio was used to test overall differences. The ointments containing antioxidants and benzophenone-3 were the most efficient, followed by those with benzophenone-3 alone. It was proven that photoprotection with benzophenone-3 is still effective, despite the formation of its chlorinated products. Due to the short time of exposure to disinfecting conditions, it could be assumed that benzophenone-3 was only partially chlorinated. This clinical study demonstrated that formulations containing antioxidants are likely to be more suitable for protecting skin against UVB irradiation than a UV filter alone.

This paper describes the application of a smartphone as a detector in the determination of ethanol in distilled beverages. Digital image analysis as an analytical tool is a reality nowadays, and the use of smartphones stands out due to its high accessibility and practicality. The aim is to determine ethanol in distilled beverages using two cheap and simple methods using a smartphone as a detector. Two methods were used, with phenanthroline (method A) and with potassium dichromate (method B) as a reagents and two detectors, spectrophotometer and smartphone. Linear dependence of signal was achieved in the concentration range: from 1.0 to 65.0% (v/v) for method A and from 7.0 to 50.0% (v/v) for method B. The concentration range that is linear with the signal is wide and allows sufficient sensitivity and thus gives the possibility to determine a variety of distilled beverages. Comparison of the obtained results shows that the smartphone and the proposed reagents can be used in routine analysis in quality control of used samples. The results obtained are comparable with the results obtained using a spectrophtometer or with nominal values. The method proved to be simple and inexpensive for the determination of ethanol, does not use expensive reagents neither laborious procedures to carry out the analysis.

As tecnologias modernas convencionais de produção de manga são muito importantes para o crescimento da produção mundial, mas a maioria não é aceita nos sistemas orgânicos. Dessa forma, esse trabalho de revisão de literatura descreve práticas viáveis de transição orgânica em contraponto às modernas técnicas do manejo conservador com o objetivo de avaliar a importância do manejo alternativo na produção sustentável em manga buscando eliminar o uso de agroquímicos sintéticos e produzir frutos orgânicos com melhor aceitação comercial. A manga é bastante consumida no mundo, e o Brasil é um dos principais produtores e exportadores, mas a maior parte da produção se encontra, principalmente, no Submédio do Vale do São Francisco e em São Paulo, mantendo supremacia no manejo convencional, que apesar de ser bastante produtivo, ainda adota práticas insustentáveis que promovem a degradação ambiental, como o uso maciço de agrotóxicos. Devido à cobrança dos consumidores e ambientalistas a produção orgânica vem ganhando espaço, com práticas de fertilização orgânica, policultivos, adubação verde, consorciação de cultivos, entre outras, buscando desenvolver a agrobiodiversidade e favorecer o controle biológico, para produzir frutos seguros e ambientalmente corretos, atendendo aos pré-requisitos econômicos, ambientais, sociais e culturais. Práticas indispensáveis à transição do sistema convencional para o agroecológico, que apesar de crescente em todo o mundo, encontram dificuldades de expansão, principalmente em cultivos perenes, devido à falta de apoio público institucional, assistência técnica, insumos disponíveis e pesquisas de apoio, essenciais ao incremento produtivo orgânico e/ou agroecológico.

Although high and simulated altitude training has become an increasingly popular training method, no study has investigated the influence of acute hypoxic exposure on balance in team-sport athletes. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate whether acute exposure to normobaric hypoxia is detrimental to balance performance in highly-trained basketball players. Nine elite and nine sub-elite male basketball players participated in a randomized, single-blinded, cross-over study. Subjects performed repeated trials of a single-leg balance test (SLBT) in an altitude chamber in normoxia (NOR; approximately sea level) with FiO2 20.9% and PiO2 ranging from 146.7 to 150.4 mmHg and in normobaric hypoxia (HYP; ~3,800 m above sea level) with FiO2 13.0% and PiO2 ranging from 90.9 to 94.6 mmHg. The SLBT was performed three times: 15 min after entering the environmental chamber in NOR or HYP, then two times more interspersed by 3-min rest. Peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) and heart rate (HR) were recorded at four time points: after the initial 15-min rest inside the chamber and immediately after each SLBT. Across the cohort, the balance performance was 7.1% better during NOR than HYP (P < 0.01, ηp2 = 0.58). However, the performance of the elite group was not impaired by HYP, whereas the sub-elite group performed worse in the HYP condition on both legs (DL: P = 0.02, d = 1.23; NDL: P = 0.01, d = 1.43). SpO2 was lower in HYP than NOR (P < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.99) with a significant decline over time during HYP. HR was higher in HYP than NOR (P = 0.04, ηp2 = 0.25) with a significant increase over time. Acute exposure to normobaric hypoxia detrimentally affected the balance performance in sub-elite but not elite basketball players.