Impact of oak lace bug Corythucha arcuata (Heteroptera: Tingidae) on pedunculate oak (Quercus robur) seed quality

Pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.) is the most valuable tree species in Croatia due to the high quality of wood, but management of oaks forests is demanding [1]. Over the past five to six years this particular tree species has suffered heavily from the attack by a leaf sucking insect known as the oak lace bug (OLB), Corythucha arcuata [2]. It has established a stable population across Europe, where it is an alien (allochthonous) species [3]. As it has no natural enemies in the ecosystem, it has become an unequaled invasive species [4]. This invasive alien species (IAS) is a very important negative biotic factor which threatens the health of pedunculate oak and hinders sustainable forest management [5]. Foliar damage occurs in spring, after overwintering, when adults start to feed on leaves and lay eggs in late April or early May. The greatest damage occurs after larvae hatch from masses of eggs in early June and feed intensively on the underside of leaves, causing discoloration and destruction of leaf tissue with subsequent reduction of the assimilation surface. Initially, the infected leaves are covered with small black excrements and yellowish dots that represent OLB feeding. Intensive feeding from May gives an autumnal appearance to the entire tree by late July and early August [6]. Consequently, the second and possibly the third OLB generation exerts an additional negative impact [5]. Eventually, in the period of acorn fructification the leaves turn yellow and dry, without any green surface. In combination with other negative abiotic and biotic factors, this results in premature fall of acorns [7]. The negative impact of OLB infestation on reproduction causes particular concern in view of the fact that Croatian lowland oak stands have high ecological and economic importance. Their importance is documented by their share in state owned forests, where pedunculate oak (Q. robur L.) accounts for 14.9% (or 45.0 million m3) of the growing stock and the amount of pedunculate oak in allowable cut reaches up to 13.6% (or 0.79 million m3) [1]. Reduced seed weight, lower germination rates and poorer seedling vigour could have a detrimental effect on sustainable forest management of pedunculate oak stands in Croatia. The aims of this study were to establish OLB phenology and quantify the impact of OLB infestation on oak seed in Croatian oak seed orchards and forest stands in the early stages of OLB infestatio

Impact of oak lace bug Corythucha arcuata (Heteroptera: Tingidae) on pedunculate oak (Quercus robur) seed quality

Pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.) is the most valuable tree species in Croatia due to the high quality of wood, but management of oaks forests is demanding [1]. Over the past five to six years this particular tree species has suffered heavily from the attack by a leaf sucking insect known as the oak lace bug (OLB), Corythucha arcuata [2]. It has established a stable population across Europe, where it is an alien (allochthonous) species [3]. As it has no natural enemies in the ecosystem, it has become an unequaled invasive species [4]. This invasive alien species (IAS) is a very important negative biotic factor which threatens the health of pedunculate oak and hinders sustainable forest management [5]. Foliar damage occurs in spring, after overwintering, when adults start to feed on leaves and lay eggs in late April or early May. The greatest damage occurs after larvae hatch from masses of eggs in early June and feed intensively on the underside of leaves, causing discoloration and destruction of leaf tissue with subsequent reduction of the assimilation surface. Initially, the infected leaves are covered with small black excrements and yellowish dots that represent OLB feeding. Intensive feeding from May gives an autumnal appearance to the entire tree by late July and early August [6]. Consequently, the second and possibly the third OLB generation exerts an additional negative impact [5]. Eventually, in the period of acorn fructification the leaves turn yellow and dry, without any green surface. In combination with other negative abiotic and biotic factors, this results in premature fall of acorns [7]. The negative impact of OLB infestation on reproduction causes particular concern in view of the fact that Croatian lowland oak stands have high ecological and economic importance. Their importance is documented by their share in state owned forests, where pedunculate oak (Q. robur L.) accounts for 14.9% (or 45.0 million m3) of the growing stock and the amount of pedunculate oak in allowable cut reaches up to 13.6% (or 0.79 million m3) [1]. Reduced seed weight, lower germination rates and poorer seedling vigour could have a detrimental effect on sustainable forest management of pedunculate oak stands in Croatia. The aims of this study were to establish OLB phenology and quantify the impact of OLB infestation on oak seed in Croatian oak seed orchards and forest stands in the early stages of OLB infestatio

Rusija kao podsvjesno Zapada

Članak je zadržan u integralnom obliku i odstupa od standardnog načina citiranja i navođenja izvora koji se primjenjuje u [sic]-u.Već je odavno poznato da se frojdovska teorija podsvjesnoga nije ukorijenila u Rusiji te da se ta okolnost nikako ne može smatrati slučajnom: naprotiv, ona, možda više od bilo čega drugog, baca svjetlo na unutarnju strukturu ruske kulture. Na Zapadu se u nekom smislu psihoanalizu može smatrati najraširenijom ideologijom. Ako pacijent po imenu Rusija nije pristao na psihoanalizu, to indicira da će analiza biti osobito zanimljiva budući da je u određenom smislu jedini predmet psihoanalize upravo odbijanje da se bude analiziran, odnosno odbijanje da se prizna vlastita determiniranost podsvjesnim.Originalnost „ruske” pozicije, na kojoj su tradicionalne psihoanalitičke strategije lomile zube, između ostaloga sastoji se od toga što Rusija uopće ne inzistira na svojoj „svjesnosti”. Ruska kulturna tradicija, naprotiv, samu Rusiju poima kao podsvjesno: Rusija ne može imati podsvjesno jer je ona sama podsvjesno. Razumije se da se ova samosvijest kao podsvjesno u ruskoj kulturi ostvaruje u pojmovima koji nisu frojdovski, i da se ovu terminološku diferencijaciju ni na koji način ne smije zanemarivati. No ovdje bih htio u prvom redu demonstrirati bitnu sličnost „zapadnoga” diskursa o podsvjesnom, tj. nesvjesnom, i ruskog filozofskog diskursa o Rusiji, unaprijed se pomirivši s neizbježno opravdanim prigovorima o fragmentarnosti i jednostranosti, koji bi eventualno mogli izniknuti

Safety and efficacy of bentonite as a feed additive for all animal species

The EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) received a request from the European Commission to assess the safety and efficacy of bentonite when used as a technological feed additive (substances for reduction of the contamination of feed by mycotoxins) for all animal species. The applicant, EUBA aisbl (European Bentonite Association) representing six companies, submitted to EFSA a technical dossier to support the application. The applicant proposes to use bentonite at the maximum level of 20,000 mg/kg complete feed. The additive apparently interferes with the analysis of aflatoxin B1 in feed. The safety of the additive was already evaluated by the Panel in an opinion delivered in 2012. Bentonites are safe for all animal species, the consumers and the environment when used at a maximum level of 20,000 mg/kg complete feed. The results of a new genotoxicity study reinforced the previous conclusion that smectites are non-genotoxic. Bentonites are not skin irritants but might be mildly irritant to the eye; based on a new study submitted, the additive is not a skin sensitiser. Owing to its silica content, the additive is a hazard by inhalation for the users. The in vitro study showed that the di- and tri-octahedral smectites tested can adsorb aflatoxin B1 at different concentrations and at pH 5; however, no adequate in vivo studies were available. Therefore, the Panel cannot draw conclusions on the additive\u2019s efficacy. The Panel further considers the safety and efficacy conclusions to apply equally to the di- and tri-octahedral smectites under assessment. The FEEDAP Panel posted some recommendations regarding the maximum content of other minerals in the additive and the incompatibilities of the additive with other medicinal substances. The Panel also drew a remark concerning the denomination of the additive and the current regulatory definition of Bentonite

Safety and efficacy of a preparation of algae interspaced bentonite as a feed additive for all animal species

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP Panel) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of a preparation of algae interspaced bentonite when used as a flatoxin B1 binder for all animal species. The additive is composed of bentonite and algae belonging to Ulva spp. The additive is considered safe for weaned piglets, dairy cows and chickens for fattening at the maximum recommended dose of 125 mg/kg complete feed (a wide margin of safety is established in weaned piglets and dairy cows); this conclusion is extrapolated to all animal species. The additive is not genotoxic. As bentonite is essentially not absorbed from the gut lumen and algae from Ulva spp. are not expected to be of concern for human consumption, the FEEDAP Panel considers that the use of the additive in animal nutrition is safe for consumers. The additive is not an irritant to the skin or the eyes and it is considered to have low inhalation toxicity. However, the additive has a high dusting potential and contains a high proportion offine particles. A high level of inhalation exposure to an inert dust may be hazardous. In the absence of data, the Panel could not conclude on dermal sensitisation. As the components of the additive are of natural origin (soil and marine environment), it is not expected that the use of the additive in animal nutrition would adversely affect the environment. The FEEDAP Panel could not conclude on the efficacy of the additive for all animal species

Safety and efficacy of a preparation of algae interspaced bentonite as a feed additive for all animal species

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP Panel) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of a preparation of algae interspaced bentonite when used as aflatoxin B1 binder for all animal species. The additive is composed of bentonite and algae belonging to Ulva spp. The additive is considered safe for weaned piglets, dairy cows and chickens for fattening at the maximum recommended dose of 125 mg/kg complete feed (a wide margin of safety is established in weaned piglets and dairy cows); this conclusion is extrapolated to all animal species. The additive is not genotoxic. As bentonite is essentially not absorbed from the gut lumen and algae from Ulva spp. are not expected to be of concern for human consumption, the FEEDAP Panel considers that the use of the additive in animal nutrition is safe for consumers. The additive is not an irritant to the skin or the eyes and it is considered to have low inhalation toxicity. However, the additive has a high dusting potential and contains a high proportion of fine particles. A high level of inhalation exposure to an inert dust may be hazardous. In the absence of data, the Panel could not conclude on dermal sensitisation. As the components of the additive are of natural origin (soil and marine environment), it is not expected that the use of the additive in animal nutrition would adversely affect the environment. The FEEDAP Panel could not conclude on the efficacy of the additive for all animal species

Safety and efficacy of Monteban® G100 (narasin) for chickens for fattening

The feed additive Monteban\uae G100, containing the active substance narasin, an ionophore anticoccidial, is intended to control coccidiosis in chickens for fattening at a dose of 60\u201370 mg/kg complete feed. Narasin is produced by fermentation. Limited data on the taxonomic identification of the production strain did not allow the proper identification of strain NRRL 8092 as Streptomyces aureofaciens. The FEEDAP Panel cannot conclude on the absence of genetic determinants for antimicrobial resistance in Streptomyces spp. under assessment. Based on the available data set, the FEEDAP Panel cannot conclude on the safety of Monteban\uae G100 for chickens for fattening. The simultaneous use of Monteban\uae G100 and certain antibiotic drugs (e.g. tiamulin) is contraindicated. Narasin is not genotoxic. No indication of carcinogenicity or developmental toxicity was found at the doses tested in the mouse, rat and rabbit. The lowest no observed effect level (NOEL) identified in the oral toxicity studies was 0.5 mg/kg body weight (bw) per day for the neuropathy seen in a one-year dog study. The acceptable daily intake (ADI) derived from this NOEL is 0.005 mg narasin/kg bw applying a uncertainty factor of 100. Monteban\uae G100 is safe for the consumer. Maximum residue limits (MRLs) of 50 lg narasin/kg for all wet tissues ensure consumer safety. Monteban\uae G100 is irritatant to the eyes but not to the skin. It has the potential to induce skin sensitisation. Inhalation exposure would pose a risk to persons handling the additive. Narasin, when used as a feed additive for chickens for fattening at 70 mg/kg feed, is not expected to pose a risk to the environment. The risk for sediment compartment cannot be assessed. The FEEDAP Panel cannot conclude on the efficacy of Monteban\uae at the minimum applied dose of 60 mg narasin/kg complete feed for chickens for fattening

La chimica dei nanocomposti e la loro applicazione al restauro dei manoscritti

Cellulose-based artifacts are susceptible to fast degradation due to the presence of detrimental components and to the action of environmental pollutants. As a result, the acidity of pristine material increases, promoting the acid-catalysed depolymerisation of cellulose that alters the mechanical properties of paper. In this paper, the use of innovative dispersions of alkaline earth metal hydroxide nanoparticles will be discussed as a method of counteracting the degradation of paper. The application of the most recent formulations of nanoparticles dispersions for the deacidification of artworks will be highlighted. Finally, the usage of innovative gel formulations for the cleaning of cellulose-based artworks will be discussed