Yugoslav-American Opium Cooperation 1929–1941

Na temelju građe nekoliko fondova Arhiva Jugoslavije i dostupne dokumentacije međunarodnih institucija zaduženih za kontrolu opijumske proizvodnje i prometa, ovaj rad rekonstruira malo poznate aspekte američko-jugoslavenskih odnosa tijekom 1930-ih koji prelaze domenu privredne suradnje. U tekstu je rekonstruirano nekoliko faza izvoza kvalitetnoga jugoslavenskoga (makedonskoga) sirovog opijuma američkim farmaceutskim kompanijama: od 1929. do 1934., kada su gotovo čitavu godišnju proizvodnju otkupljivale američke tvornice, preko perioda poslovanja tursko-jugoslavenskoga Centralnog biroa obilježenog međusobnim opstrukcijama i rivalstvom na američkom tržištu, pa do faze kada je stupanj ilegalne prerade i krijumčarenja droge u Jugoslaviji ugrozio odnose sa Sjedinjenim Američkim Državama uoči izbijanja Drugoga svjetskog rata.Due to its large morphine content, Yugoslav medical opium was an exception-ally sought-after pharmaceutical raw material, and therefore exported to leading processing plants in Germany, Switzerland, and France till 1928, when American plants began buying up almost the entire production. After 1932, yearly production of raw opium in Yugoslavia stabilised at 35-48 tons, with 99% of the production being absorbed by the American pharmaceutical companies Merck & Co. and Mallinckrodt Chemical Works, at prices significantly greater than those in Europe. However, the enthusiasm about exporting the entire yearly opium production to the USA was put into question in early 1934, when the Turkish-Yugoslav Central Bureau for raw opium export began operating in Istanbul. It comprised representatives of the Turkish Opium Export Institute and the Yugoslav Opium Export Institute (Jugoslovenski zavod za izvoz opijuma – JUZOP). The Yugoslav participation quota of 23-26% hindered the previous level of export to America, which generated resistance towards further cooperation with Turkey in Belgrade. Thus, disputes about placing opium on the American market led to a short-lived blockade of Yugoslav opium import, while the appearance of cheap Iranian opium in Europe further emboldened the Turkish side in the Central Bureau to compensate its loss of the European market by obstructing its Yugoslav partners in dealing with American plants. Apart from this, the debts of the American Eli Lilly plant towards the JUZOP on the day of the Central Bureau’s liquidation in late June 1941 further contributed towards the impression that Yugoslavia was actually suffering a loss by exporting opium in collaboration with Turkey. According to official Ministry of Agriculture data, a total of 688 tons of raw opium worth 386 million dinars were exported from the Kingdom of Yugoslavia in the 1927–1939 period. On a yearly level, this amounted to an average of 42 tons of opium worth 29 million dinars, which equalled, for example, the average yearly budget revenue of the entire Vardar Banate (province). Since yearly opium smuggling in the Kingdom of Yugoslavia stood at around 8-10 tons of opium, one can conclude that almost a quarter of the legal production actually ended up in illegal trafficking. If the smuggling of processed opium derivates (morphine, heroin, codeine) to the USA is added to these figures, and if one keeps in mind the links of the Belgrade and Skopje smuggling organisations with leading European networks for drug trafficking across the Atlantic (Eliopoulos, Bacula, Raskin), then the increased interest of the League of Nations and American diplomacy for the situation in Yugoslavia from late 1937 becomes more understandable. The direct pressure of the American embassy in Paris, which operated a “service” for tracking narcotics smuggling, influenced the Yugoslav authorities to enact harsher laws and at least temporarily reign in the increasingly aggressive criminalisation of a formerly perspective branch of agriculture

A Contribution to the Biography of Edo Marković (1885–1939)

U radu se na temelju arhivske građe, tiska, historiografske i memoarske literature rekonstruiraju biografski detalji iz života Ede Markovića, agronoma, bankara, javnoga radnika, člana Narodnoga vijeća Slovenaca, Hrvata i Srba te rotarijanskoga aktivista i generalnoga direktora državnoga monopolskog poduzeća za otkup i izvoz poljoprivrednih proizvoda. Posebna pozornost posvećena je „beogradskoj fazi” njegova života, profesionalnom angažmanu, međunarodnim aktivnostima i mjestu u poslovnim i političkim krugovima Kraljevine Jugoslavije te mogućim motivima njegova ubojstva, koje je počinila jugoslavenska policija 1939., a u tadašnjoj javnosti predstavljeno je kao „nesretan slučaj”.Using archival data, press articles, and historiographical and memoir literature, this paper reconstructs biographical details from the life of Edo Marković, agronomist, civil servant, member of the National Council of Slovenes, Croats, and Serbs, Rotary Club activist, and general manager of the state monopoly company for the purchase and export of agricultural produce. The life philosophy of Edo Marković, which could be described in brief as opposition to inertia and authority, led him from his early childhood into temptations, which he overcame by following his intuition. They included identity dilemmas, education, political experimentation, and a principled determination to ‘serve the homeland, not the government’. Thanks to the organisational skills he displayed during World War I, his later banking career, the international reputation he enjoyed in the highest Freemason and Rotary circles, the crown of which was his position in the League of Nations, he acted more like an expert than a politician. Even though he was a member of several political organisations, he continued to adhere to the ideology of his old company, grown from the Croatian-Serbian Coalition. His Rotary enthusiasm outweighed the dashed hopes about the future of the Yugoslav state, and contributed to a sort of internal escapism and turn towards international activism. The affinity of Marković’s children for left-wing ideas, despite their material status, was certainly fostered by the opinions of their father, who afforded them a comprehensive education, thus allowing them to independently form their views on how the Russian Revolution went astray, the consequences of the Nazi rise to power, and the characteristics of Anglo-Saxon civilisation. The close links of Edo Marković with Czechoslovakia were the consequence of inter-Rotary cooperation, his loyalty to the concept of the Little Entente, and his promotion of the controversial Yugoslav-Czechoslovak ‘grain arrangements’, for which he was often criticised. The high social standing of Edo Markocić was not immanent to the agrarian topics that he was preoccupied with from his student days until his death. However, his radical idea about the emancipation of national agriculture from foreign markets through the industrialisation of passive areas and the exploitation of their natural resources exposed him to accusations of ‘agrarian defeatism’ and treason. Apart from complaints about his staff policy, extravagance, and compulsive hoarding of war reserves, the sources used do not point towards any financial malfeasance on his part, which his predecessors at the head of the Privileged Export Society (PRIZAD) were notorious for. Indeed, due to his Jewish ancestry, Marković was subjected to additional attacks in the press, which, generalising his affiliation to the stratum of ‘Austro-Hungarian banking masters’, futilely attempted to discredit him regarding the purchase and export of grain and opium. Unlike his conflict with national interest groups, which was the consequence of his compliance with American demands for a more restrictive opium policy, Marković’s ‘lack of tact’, based on his political and ethical beliefs, made him an unreliable partner of the Yugoslav military command on the eve of the new war and a hinderance in the German ‘supplementary economic area’. If the official version of his murder is to be believed, Edo Marković died because he had raised his daughters in the spirit of liberalism, which eventually led to their active support of the Communists, and provoked the police raid in which he was killed. On the other hand, Marković, as a Freemason, Rotarian, ‘Christianised Jew’, anglophile, and opponent of economic cooperation with the Third Reich, was a perfect target for Nazi Germany, whose intelligence service had successfully infiltrated Yugoslavia. In both cases, Edo Marković became a victim of that which had preoccupied him from his earliest days, but which he had simultaneously avoided – politics

Sastav i antioksidativna aktivnost Picris echoides

Some flavonoids with antioxidant properties from the aerial parts of the plant species Picris echoides (family Asteraceae) were identified. Upon chromatography, the ethyl acetate extract afforded flavonoids, such as flavone apigenin (1) and its glucoside, cosmosiin (2), as well as common plant constituents from this family, flavonol galetin (3 3,4’,5,6,7-pentahydroxyflavone) and 4,4’,6,7-tetrahydroxyaurone (4). The structure of the aurone 4 has not been described so far in the literature and presented a very rare type of aurone skeleton. The structures of the isolated compounds were determined by interpretation of their physical and spectral data. The antioxidant activities of different extracts from Picris echoides were measured by the Schaal oven test at 60 ºC and by the Rancimat method at 100 ºC.Water/ethanol extracts (2:8, v/v), in concentrations of 0.02 and 0.05 %, showed lower activity than commercial tocopherol (Tch). On the contrary, the purified ethyl acetate extracts showed a strong concentration-dependent antioxidant effect. The investigation demonstrated that galetin was the main flavonol from this origin. According to the results of the two methods, galetin (3) showed a two-fold better activity than didTch and a lower activity than did butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA). The aurone 4 exhibited significantly lower antioxidant activity than did galetin at the same concentration level. Thus, the plant species P. echoides is a new and favorable source of natural lipid antioxidants.Ispitan je hemijski sastav vodeno/etanolnog ekstrakta domaće biqke Picris echoides (familija Asteraceae). Izolovana su i identifikovana četiri flavonoida: apigenin (1), njegov 7-O-glukozid (2), galetin (3 3,4’,5,6,7-pentahidroksi-flavon) i 4,4’,6,7-tetrahidroksi-auron (4). Skelet tipa aurona 4 vrlo retko je prisutan u biqkama i njegova struktura do sada nije opisana u literaturi. Određena je antioksidativna aktivnost različitih ekstrakata biqke, kao i čistih flavonoidnih supstanci u uslovima Schaal oven testa na 60 ºC i Rancimat metoda na 100 ºC. Vodeno/etanolni ekstrakti (2:8) u koncentracijama 0,02 i 0,05 % pokazali su slabu aktivnost u pore- đenju sa tokoferolom, dok su etilacetatni ekstrakti, u istim koncentracijama delovali kao efikasni antioksidanti. Dokazano je da galetin (3) pokazuje duplo veću aktivnost od tokoferola

Prostorna varijabilnost morfoloških obilježja iglica populacija jele (Abies alba Mill.) na Balkanskom poluotoku u odnosu na klimatske čimbenike

Interpopulation and intrapopulation variability of three morphological needle traits (length, width and thickness) was investigated in 16 natural silver fir populations in the Balkan Peninsula. The populations represent refugial areas of silver fir (Abies alba Mill.). This paper aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the influence of climatic factors (mean annual temperature, number of days with temperatures < 0, > 5, < 18, > 18oC, Hargreaves climatic moisture deficit and De Martonne aridity index, on the pattern of morphological needle traits within each population. Populations showed variation in the analyzed morphological needle traits, which could not be clearly defined by any of the analyzed climatic factors. The De Martonne aridity index and Hargreaves climatic moisture deficit had the greatest impact on the trait values, whereas the mean annual precipitation had the lowest. Evolutionary ecology research of the silver fir needle morphology is a valuable contribution to the comprehention of the present genetic variability as a prerequisite for adaptation to the rapid climate change and conservation of the species area in the Balkan Peninsula region.Interpopulacijska i intrapopulacijska varijabilnost triju morfoloških osobina iglica (dužina, širina i debljina) istraživana je u 16 prirodnih populacija jele na Balkanskom poluotoku. Populacije predstavljaju refugijalna područja jele (Abies alba Mill.). Ovaj rad ima za cilj pružiti opsežnu analizu utjecaja klimatskih čimbenika (srednja godišnja temperatura, broj dana s temperaturama < 0, > 5, < 18, > 18°C, Hargreavesov klimatski deficit vlage i De Martonneov indeks aridnosti) na obrazac morfoloških obilježja iglica unutar svake populacije. Populacije su pokazale varijacije u analiziranim morfološkim obilježjima iglica koje se nisu mogle jasno definirati niti jednim od analiziranih klimatskih čimbenika. Najveći utjecaj na vrijednosti obilježja imao je klimatski deficit vlage po Hargreavesu, a zatim najniže vrijednosti srednje godišnje količine oborina. Evolucijska ekološka istraživanja morfologije iglica jele vrijedan su doprinos razumijevanju sadašnje genetske varijabilnosti kao preduvjeta za prilagodbu na brze klimatske promjene i očuvanje vrste na području Balkanskog poluotoka

Različiti aspekti inhibicije rastenja i fotosinteze kukuruza (Zea mays L.) uzrokovanog herbicidom sulfosatom, 1 - manipulacija statusom korena

Effects of the herbicide sulphosate on growth, accumulation and partitioning of dry weight and photosynthesis in maize plants subjected to source-sink manipulation at the root were studied. The findings indicate that growth and dry weight accumulation correlate significantly only with the dry mass ratio and/or volume of the root (RMR, Vr, respectively), while a significant negative correlation was found with stem mass ratio (SMR) and generally with leaf mass ratio (LMR), which reflects an irregular distribution of carbohydrate metabolism in maize plants. As the root is where cytokinins, the plant hormons essential for maintaining photosynthetic structures, are synthesized, we assumed that the root status under stress caused by the herbicide sulphosate could be one of the factors of stability/sensitivity of photosynthesis/photosynthetic structures in plants exposed to this herbicide.U radu je razmatran uticaj herbicida sulfosata na rastenje, akumulaciju i preraspodelu suve mase, kao i fotosintezu biljaka kukuruza na kojima je vršena manipulacija "proizvod-potrošač" odnosa na nivou korena. Nađeno je da akumulacija suve mase značajno Koreliše samo sa zapreminom i/ili udeonom suvom masom korena (Vr, RMR), a negativno značajno sa udeonom suvom masom stabla (SMR) i (uglavnom) listova (LMR), što je u skladu sa neravnomernom preraspodelom ugljenohidratnog metabolizma kod biljaka kukuruza. Poznato je da je koren mesto sinteze citokinina, biljnih hormona neophodnih u održavanju fotosintetskih struktura. Pošto rezultati ukazuju na značaj statusa korena u uslovima stresa izazvanim herbicidom sulfosatom, smatramo da isti može biti jedan od faktora stabilnosti /osetljivosti fotosinteze/ fotosintetskih struktura kod biljaka izloženih dejstvu pomenutog herbicida

Visual integration of geodata in thematic cartography

Contemporary cartographic production requires working with databases, of various topographic and thematic structures, which must be standardized and with the possibility of converting values from one data type to another. In order to better map out the reality, in the modeling process, the geodata are systematized within the databases, graphically integrated in regard to thematic significance (primary and secondary). Cartographic methods of geo-visualization offer numerous solutions for interactive visual representation of thematic content. Adjusting the graphic representation and ways of interaction while using the cartographic models allow the visualization of the "hidden" content provided by geodata. By integrating standardized data, in the framework of a database (classification, standardization ...), besides the basic cartographic representation, the interconnected and conditioned additional and supplementary, synchronized graphical representations of the cartographic issues can be realized. Synchronized representations can originate from the same database as the basic map or they can be made by combining data from multiple different databases (with the ability to manipulate within the same formats, classifications, standardizations ...). In doing so, the interactive capabilities in manipulating the maps must be well thought out and evaluated. The approach, ways and limits of database manipulation, as well as the offered cartographic visualization solutions, should provide users with highlighting of the most important aspects of the representation. The coordination of different, but synchronized representations is enabled by visual integration of geodata, in order to create a geo-visual environment in the context of understanding large amounts of data (content, space and time). A complex structure of geodata can be cartographically integrated and presented if it is adapted and based on the principles of cartographic generalization and cartographic design. The content generalization on a model can be the following: taxonomical, spatial, attributive and graphical. The content generalization and symbolization of the thematic maps are key procedures for geo-visualization. The degree of generalization (geometric and semantic) influences the degree of data integration that are graphically represented

Sublimation of graphication and geovisualization using the cartographic method

The map is the basic tool of interactive, dynamic geospatial research. The complex structure of geodata is necessary to be graphically interpreted with the help of cartographical presentation (locational and attributional). The synergy of cartographic visualization, generalization and cartographic methods enables efficient implementation of geosystem analysis. Geovisualization includes a range of activities according to research, systematization, classification and typification, analysis and synthesis, comparison, presentation to the interpretation of occurrences and processes in geospace. The cartographic translation is a complex process of visualization of geo-data, based on the scientific procedures of generalizing the content of the map using the cartographic method. The gnoseological sense of the cartographic method is also the primary goal of geovisualization: - spatial definition of the phenomenon, - time correlation of the phenomenon and processes of actual reality and their evolution, and - essential definition of the phenomenon and processes of actual reality. The cognitive sense of cartographic visualization is primarily achieved through the procedures of cartographic generalizations. Digital technology provides great opportunities for modern cartographic visualization. Besides realistic, virtual maps are of great importance too. Visual dynamic representations of geo-data (interactive visualization of spatial databases) and the creation of detailed 3D and 4D models are continually increasing. Digital data processing enables new dimensions of data analysis, and the process implies generalizing data from the source database while respecting different geo-data attributes, as well as adequate graphical solutions in displaying a generalizable data set

Sublimation of graphication and geovisualization using the cartographic method

The map is the basic tool of interactive, dynamic geospatial research. The complex structure of geodata is necessary to be graphically interpreted with the help of cartographical presentation (locational and attributional). The synergy of cartographic visualization, generalization and cartographic methods enables efficient implementation of geosystem analysis. Geovisualization includes a range of activities according to research, systematization, classification and typification, analysis and synthesis, comparison, presentation to the interpretation of occurrences and processes in geospace. The cartographic translation is a complex process of visualization of geo-data, based on the scientific procedures of generalizing the content of the map using the cartographic method. The gnoseological sense of the cartographic method is also the primary goal of geovisualization: - spatial definition of the phenomenon, - time correlation of the phenomenon and processes of actual reality and their evolution, and - essential definition of the phenomenon and processes of actual reality. The cognitive sense of cartographic visualization is primarily achieved through the procedures of cartographic generalizations. Digital technology provides great opportunities for modern cartographic visualization. Besides realistic, virtual maps are of great importance too. Visual dynamic representations of geo-data (interactive visualization of spatial databases) and the creation of detailed 3D and 4D models are continually increasing. Digital data processing enables new dimensions of data analysis, and the process implies generalizing data from the source database while respecting different geo-data attributes, as well as adequate graphical solutions in displaying a generalizable data set

Stellaria media, klijanje, zelena svetlost, tamnocrvena svetlost, fitohrom A

The effects of green and far red light on germination of common chickweed (Stellaria media (L.) Vill.) seeds were compared to determine a possible mechanism of activity of green light in the germination process of chickweed. A brief irradiation with far red light on the first day of imbibition was found to inhibit germination at a certain percentage but it was followed by a stimulating effect, which became evident on the second day of imbibition. Green light was not found to inhibit germination and its stimulating effect began simulataneously with the stimulating effect of far red light. The results indicate a possible role of phytochrome A in stimulation by green light.Upoređivan je uticaj zelene i tamnocrvene svetlosti na klijanje semena mišjakinje (Stellaria media (L.) Vill.) da bi se utvrdio mogući mehanizam delovanja zelene svetlosti na ovaj proces kod mišjakinje. Pokazano je da kratkotrajno osvetljavanje tamnocrvenom svetlošću tokom prvog dana imbibicije inhibira klijanje u određenom procentu, a zatim počinje da deluje stimulativno, što je potpuno očigledno tokom drugog dana imbibicije. Zelena svetlost ne inhibira klijanje, a njen stimuliativni efekat počinje u isto vreme kada i stimulatvni efekat tamnocrvene svetlosti. Rezultati ukazuju na moguću ulogu fitohroma A u stimulativnom delovanju zelene svetlosti