Modelling the end of the Acheulean at global and continental levels suggests widespread persistence into the Middle Palaeolithic

AbstractThe Acheulean is the longest cultural tradition ever practised by humans, lasting for over 1.5 million years. Yet, its end has never been accurately dated; only broad 300–150 thousand years ago (Kya) estimates exist. Here we use optimal linear estimation modelling to infer the extinction dates of the Acheulean at global and continental levels. In Africa and the Near East the Acheulean is demonstrated to end between 174 and 166 Kya. In Europe it is inferred to end between 141 and 130 Kya. The Acheulean’s extinction in Asia occurs later (57–53 Kya), while global models vary depending on how archaeological sites are selected (107–29 Kya). These models demonstrate the Acheulean to have remained a distinct cultural tradition long after the inception of Middle Palaeolithic technologies in multiple continental regions. The complexity of this scenario mirrors the increasingly dynamic nature of the Middle Pleistocene hominin fossil record, suggesting contemporaneous hominin populations to have practised distinct stone-tool traditions.</jats:p

Population viability analysis and potential of its application to Danube sturgeons

Sturgeon species in the Danube River basin have experienced severe decline. Besides overexploitation, habitat loss, and pollution, they are further endangered by lack of efficient policy and management, as well as by serious lack of knowledge about their life history. Although population viability analysis (PVA) could represent an extremely valuable tool to cope with these problems, it has not so far been applied to Danube populations. This paper represents an assess­ment of different PVA methods and models developed for sturgeon species. It analyzes their results, main advantages, drawbacks, and problems, and discusses the possibility of applying PVA to sturgeon populations in the Danube River basin.Populacije jesetarskih vrsta u basenu Dunava su doživele ozbiljan pad brojnosti. Pored prekomernog izlova, gubitka staništa i zagađenja, dodatno su ugrožene nedostatkom efikasne legislative i upravljanja, kao i ozbiljnim nedostatkom znanja o njihovom životnom ciklusu. I ako analiza vijabilnosti populacija(PVA) može Predstavljati veoma koristan metod u rešavanju ovih problema, do sada nije primenjivana na dunavske populacije. Ovaj rad predstavlja procenu različitih PVA metoda i modela razvijenih za jesetarske vrste. U radu se analiziraju njihovi rezultati, glavne prednosti, nedostatci i glavni problemi na koje se nailazilo, i diskutuje se o mogućnosti njihove primene na populacije jesetri u basenu Dunava.Projekat ministarstva br. 14304

Positive effects of naringenin on near-surface membrane fluidity in human erythrocytes

Purpose: Deformability/rheologic behavior of erythrocytes are related to near-surface membrane fluidity. Specific agents can increase erythrocyte membrane fluidity in order to adjust hemodynamics in cardiovascular diseases. Grapefruit flavanone naringenin has been proposed for potential use in an alternative therapy of cardiovascular conditions. In respect to this, we assessed here effects of two nutritionally relevant concentrations of naringenin (0.1 and 1 μg/ml) on near-surface membrane fluidity in human erythrocytes. Methods: We used electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy and fatty acid spin probes (5-DS and 7-DS), the spectra of which are dependent on membrane fluidity. Results: The results showed a significant (p = 0.029) increase of membrane fluidity near the hydrophilic surface in erythrocytes treated with higher concentration of naringenin. In the deeper layer, just below the erythrocyte membrane phospholipid heads, both lower and higher concentration of naringenin significantly increased membrane fluidity (p = 0.036 and p = 0.028, respectively). Conclusions: These data document the positive and dose dependent effect of naringenin on near-surface membrane fluidity in human erythrocytes, recommending its use in the cardiovascular conditions characterized by disturbed hemodynamics

Population viability analysis and potential of its application to Danube sturgeons

Sturgeon species in the Danube River basin have experienced severe decline. Besides overexploitation, habitat loss, and pollution, they are further endangered by lack of efficient policy and management, as well as by serious lack of knowledge about their life history. Although population viability analysis (PVA) could represent an extremely valuable tool to cope with these problems, it has not so far been applied to Danube populations. This paper represents an assess­ment of different PVA methods and models developed for sturgeon species. It analyzes their results, main advantages, drawbacks, and problems, and discusses the possibility of applying PVA to sturgeon populations in the Danube River basin.Populacije jesetarskih vrsta u basenu Dunava su doživele ozbiljan pad brojnosti. Pored prekomernog izlova, gubitka staništa i zagađenja, dodatno su ugrožene nedostatkom efikasne legislative i upravljanja, kao i ozbiljnim nedostatkom znanja o njihovom životnom ciklusu. I ako analiza vijabilnosti populacija(PVA) može Predstavljati veoma koristan metod u rešavanju ovih problema, do sada nije primenjivana na dunavske populacije. Ovaj rad predstavlja procenu različitih PVA metoda i modela razvijenih za jesetarske vrste. U radu se analiziraju njihovi rezultati, glavne prednosti, nedostatci i glavni problemi na koje se nailazilo, i diskutuje se o mogućnosti njihove primene na populacije jesetri u basenu Dunava.Projekat ministarstva br. 14304

First record of the North American paddlefish (Polyodon spathula walbaum, 1792) in the Serbian part of the Danube river

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AN EXAMPLE OF APPLYING ALGORITHM TO CREATE THE ACTUAL PQ DIAGRAM OF A HYDROGENERATOR

U radu je prikazana provedba metodologije određivanja korisničke pogonske karte na primjeru hidroagregata br. 3 u HE Vinodol. Kao predložak u pripremi podloga i sustavnom određivanju granica dopuštenog rada agregata poslužio je blok dijagram sa slike 15 u [1], koji na pregledan način ocrtava tijek provedbe pojedinih radnji potrebnih za tvorbu korisničke pogonske karte. Svi međukoraci su dokumentirani, a dobiveni rezultati prikazani tablično i grafički. Svaka od konačno određenih granica je ucrtana u korisničku pogonsku kartu promatranog agregata. S obzirom na složenost provedbe proračuna graničnih uvjeta koje nameću elektromagnetska i toplinska zbivanja u čeonom prostoru, u radu je na konkretnom primjeru iz prakse prikazana potpuno nova metodologija utvrđivanja graničnih vrijednosti uzdužne komponente magnetske indukcije, temeljeno na rezultatima mjerenja indukcije i pripadne nadtemperature u trajnom kapacitivnom radu generatora. Predložena metoda je primjenjiva za bilo koji sinkroni generator.The work describes the application of the methodology of defining the actual PQ diagram on the example of Hydrogenerator-turbine unit No. 3 at Vinodol Hydroelectric Power Plant. Used as a basis for preparing documents and determining the unit’s operating tolerances was a block diagram in Figure 15, contained in [1], which provides a clear survey of the sequence of steps required to create an actual PQ diagram. All intermediate steps are documented and the obtained results are shown in tables and graphics. Each of finally defined limits is imported into the actual PQ diagram of the observed unit. Considering the complexity of calculating the limit conditions imposed by electromagnetic and thermal occurrences in the end region, in a concrete example from practice the present work describes an entirely new methodology of determining the limit values of the longitudinal magnetic induction component, based on the results of measuring induction and pertaining over-temperature in the generator’s permanent capacitive operation. The proposed method is applicable to any synchronous generator

AN EXAMPLE OF APPLYING ALGORITHM TO CREATE THE ACTUAL PQ DIAGRAM OF A HYDROGENERATOR

U radu je prikazana provedba metodologije određivanja korisničke pogonske karte na primjeru hidroagregata br. 3 u HE Vinodol. Kao predložak u pripremi podloga i sustavnom određivanju granica dopuštenog rada agregata poslužio je blok dijagram sa slike 15 u [1], koji na pregledan način ocrtava tijek provedbe pojedinih radnji potrebnih za tvorbu korisničke pogonske karte. Svi međukoraci su dokumentirani, a dobiveni rezultati prikazani tablično i grafički. Svaka od konačno određenih granica je ucrtana u korisničku pogonsku kartu promatranog agregata. S obzirom na složenost provedbe proračuna graničnih uvjeta koje nameću elektromagnetska i toplinska zbivanja u čeonom prostoru, u radu je na konkretnom primjeru iz prakse prikazana potpuno nova metodologija utvrđivanja graničnih vrijednosti uzdužne komponente magnetske indukcije, temeljeno na rezultatima mjerenja indukcije i pripadne nadtemperature u trajnom kapacitivnom radu generatora. Predložena metoda je primjenjiva za bilo koji sinkroni generator.The work describes the application of the methodology of defining the actual PQ diagram on the example of Hydrogenerator-turbine unit No. 3 at Vinodol Hydroelectric Power Plant. Used as a basis for preparing documents and determining the unit’s operating tolerances was a block diagram in Figure 15, contained in [1], which provides a clear survey of the sequence of steps required to create an actual PQ diagram. All intermediate steps are documented and the obtained results are shown in tables and graphics. Each of finally defined limits is imported into the actual PQ diagram of the observed unit. Considering the complexity of calculating the limit conditions imposed by electromagnetic and thermal occurrences in the end region, in a concrete example from practice the present work describes an entirely new methodology of determining the limit values of the longitudinal magnetic induction component, based on the results of measuring induction and pertaining over-temperature in the generator’s permanent capacitive operation. The proposed method is applicable to any synchronous generator

Technoscience and the modernization of freshwater fisheries assessment and management

Inland fisheries assessment and management are challenging given the inherent com- plexity of working in diverse habitats (e.g., rivers, lakes, wetlands) that are dynamic on organisms that are often cryptic and where fishers are often highly mobile. Yet, technoscience is offering new tools that have the potential to reimagine how inland fisheries are assessed and managed. So-called ‘‘technoscience’’ refers to instances in which science and technology unfurl together, offering novel ways of spurring and achieving meaningful change. This paper considers the role of technoscience and its potential for modernizing the assessment and management of inland fisheries. It first explores technoscience and its potential benefits, followed by presentation of a series of synopses that explore the application (both successes and challenges) of new tech- nologies such as environmental DNA (eDNA), genomics, electronic tags, drones, phone apps, iEcology, and artificial intelligence to assessment and management. The paper also considers the challenges and barriers that exist in adopting new technologies. The paper concludes with a provocative assessment of the potential of technoscience to reform and modernize inland fisheries assessment and management. Although these tools are increasingly being embraced, there is a lack of platforms for aggregating these data streams and providing managers with actionable information in a timely manner. The ideas presented here should serve as a catalyst for beginning to work collectively and collaboratively towards fisheries assessment and management systems that harness the power of technology and serve to modernize inland fisheries management. Such transformation is urgently needed given the dynamic nature of environmental change, the evolving threat matrix facing inland waters, and the complex behavior of fishers. Quite simply, a dynamic world demands dynamic fisheries management; technoscience has made that within reach.publishedVersio

First record of the North American paddlefish (Polyodon spathula walbaum, 1792) in the Serbian part of the Danube river

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