The Relationship Between Organizational Culture and Employees’ Satisfaction Shown on the Example of Tourism Businesses in Montenegro

Organizational culture, as an area of management is a complex system of mutual values that creates an organization’s identity and makes it different from the competition. The aim of this paper is to create an adequate approach for improving competitive advantages and better performance of Montenegro’s tourism businesses through improving business environment as one of the competitiveness factors. Through this work, the relationship and influence between the type of organisational culture and employees’ satisfaction is being determined and analysed through different dimensions of the work they are doing. For the needs of this work a quantitative explorative research has been done, using the method of questionnaire. In the questionnaire, the Organizational Culture Assessment Instrument (OCAI) and the Test for measuring employees’ satisfaction have been used. The obtained results show us the type of organizational culture that is characteristic for tourism businesses in Montenegro, as well as the influence it has on the level of employees’ satisfaction, through different dimensions. Business environment that increases the level of job satisfaction of employees contributes to loyalty and achieving better results in tourism businesses. This work is licensed under a&nbsp;Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.</p

Endorhizosphere of indigenous succulent halophytes: a valuable resource of plant growth promoting bacteria

The adaptability of halophytes to increased soil salinity is related to complex rhizosphere interactions. In this study, an integrative approach, combining culture-independent and culture-dependent techniques was used to analyze the bacterial communities in the endorizosphere of indigenous succulent halophytes Salicornia europaea, Suaeda maritima, and Camphorosma annua from the natural salt marshes of Slano Kopovo (Serbia). The 16 S rDNA analyses gave, for the first time, an insight into the composition of the endophytic bacterial communities of S. maritima and C. annua. We have found that the composition of endophyte microbiomes in the same habitat is to some extent influenced by plant species. A cultivable portion of the halophyte microbiota was tested at different NaCl concentrations for the set of plant growth promoting (PGP) traits. Through the mining of indigenous halotolerant endophytes, we obtained a collection representing a core endophyte microbiome conferring desirable PGP traits. The majority (65%) of the selected strains belonged to the common halotolerant/halophilic genera Halomonas, Kushneria, and Halobacillus, with representatives exhibiting multiple PGP traits, and retaining beneficial traits in conditions of the increased salinity. The results suggest that the root endosphere of halophytes is a valuable source of PGP bacteria supporting plant growth and fitness in salt-affected soils. © 2023, The Author(s)

Inhalation and Topical Application of Rose Essential Oil – A Systematic Overview of Rosa damascena Aromatherapy

The purpose of this systematic overview is to establish the impact of inhalation and topical application of Rosa damascena essential oil in aromatherapy practice. A bibliometric analysis using the different scientific databases was conducted to examine scientific documents related to “rose aromatherapy” and “Rosa damascena aromatherapy”. Microsoft Excel and VOSviewer software were used to extract and visualize information. Founded on a review of 93 papers, the scent of rose essential oil has applications in aromatherapy for reducing anxiety, alleviating pain, improving sleep quality, as well as alleviating physiological symptoms during menopause and PMS. It aids in mitigating stress and reducing stress and reducing depression and fatigue, for relaxation and improving cognitive function, among other benefits. Ultimately, rose essential oil is safe and suitable for self-administration via inhalation or topical application, either alone or with other essential oils

Mercury pollution of sediments from the river Tisa (Serbia)

Mercury (Hg) has been listed as a global high priority pollutant by many international organizations due to its mobility and persistence in the environments and high toxicity to organisms. This research was conducted with the aims to determine: (i) total Hg content (THg) and its spatial distribution in sediments of river Tisa along the river course, (ii) possible sources of THg and (iii) degree of THg pollution in sediments from the river Tisa through different criteria. Total Hg in the sediments ranged from 0.07 to 0.49 mg kg-1, with mean ± S.D. value of 0.26 ± 0.10 mg kg-1. The highest mean value of THg (0.30 mg kg-1) was found in the lower stream, while the lowest (0.13 mg kg-1) was found in the tributary. According to Principal Component Analyses (PCA) strong positive loading of metals in all parts of the river Tisa is mainly controlled from the same sources. These sources are related to anthropogenic activities based on calculated Enrichment Factor (EF) values. Total Hg are higher than background value. According to the Republic of Serbia official standard, THg values of river Tisa sediments were within the range of maximum permissible values. Compared with National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) guideline, 80.49% of sediment samples indicated that THg in the river Tisa sediments represented minimal and possible risk towards the living organisms. Integrating the results of pollution assessment, it could be concluded that THg in river Tisa sediments in Serbia demonstrates considerable contamination according to Geoaccumulation Index (Igeo), and Contaminant Factor (CF), and high pollution risk according to Potential Environmental Risk Index (PERI)

Trichoderma spp. from Pine Bark and Pine Bark Extracts: Potent Biocontrol Agents against Botryosphaeriaceae

Pinus sylvestris bark represents a rich source of active compounds with antifungal, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties. The current study aimed to evaluate the antifungal potential of P. sylvestris bark against Botryosphaeria dothidea, Dothiorella sarmentorum, and Neofusicoccum parvum (Botryosphaeriaceae) through its chemical (water extracts) and biological (Trichoderma spp. isolated from the bark) components. The water bark extracts were prepared at two temperatures (80 and 120 °C) and pH regimes (7 and 9). The presence of bark extracts (30%) caused inhibition of mycelial growth of B. dothidea and D. sarmentorum for 39 to 44% and 53 to 60%, respectively. Moreover, we studied the antagonistic effect of three Trichoderma isolates originating from the pine bark. Trichoderma spp. reduced growth of B. dothidea by 67%–85%, D. sarmentorum by 63%–75% and N. parvum by 55%–62%. Microscopic examination confirmed typical mycoparasitism manifestations (coiling, parallel growth, hook-like structures). The isolates produced cellulase, β-glucosidase and N-acetyl-β-glucosaminidase. The volatile blend detected the emission of several volatile compounds with antimicrobial activity, including nonanoic acid, cubenene, cis-α-bergamotene, hexanedioic acid, and verticillol. The present study confirmed in vitro potential of P. sylvestris bark extracts and Trichoderma spp. against the Botryosphaeriaceae. The study is an important step towards the use of environmentally friendly methods of Botryosphaeriaceae disease control

Plant growth promoting Halomonas from roots of halophytes as a strategy to improve crop resistance to soil salinity

soil salinity has numerous negative effects on plant growth and poses a significant threat to agricultural productivity worldwide. The diversity of endophytic bacterial communities found in various indigenous halophytes such as Salicornia europaea, Suaeda maritima, and Camphorosma annua, may reveal beneficial bacteria with various plant growthpromoting (PGP) properties. Members of Halomonas, the largest genus of the family Halomonadaceae, are rod-shaped, gram-negative, moderately halophilic bacteria that have been increasingly isolated from various saline environments, including halophyte tissues. As part of the halophytic microbiota, halotolerant plant growth-promoting endophytic bacteria can contribute to plant host growth, productivity, and fitness under abiotic and biotic stresses. The use of halotolerant PGP bacteria represents a good alternative strategy to mitigate the effects of salt stress in crops and to recover saline soils. The aim of this study was to isolate halotolerant bacteria from halophyte roots, and evaluate their PGP ability and their effect on germination parameters of selected crops. The endophytic bacterial communities in the roots of halophytes from natural saline soil in Slano Kopovo (Serbia) were analyzed using culture-dependent techniques. The genus Halomonas was the predominant among the halotolerant root-associated bacteria of analyzed halophytes. We have isolated seven Halomonas sp. strains, six of which were closely related (>99,86% similarity) to Halomonas songnenensis, a moderately halophilic bacterium from saline and alkaline soils. Obtained isolates were tested at different sodium chloride concentrations for a range of PGP traits at different concentrations of sodium chloride. The selected strains were used to inoculate seeds iand monitor of the germination process of barley, sunflower, and wheat under conditions of elevated salinity. Most of the isolates tolerate the NaCl concentration up to 18% and showed multiple PGP features with some of them retained even in the presence of additional salt concentrations. The germination test results showed that Halomonas seed inoculation positively affected barley germination parameters in conditions with and without added salt. The observed traits can be further exploited to improve plant growth and augment the salt tolerance of agricultural production on saline soils.Book of abstract: ICGEB WORKSHOP; Trends in microbial solutions for sustainable agriculture, 13 – 15 September 2023. Belgrade, Serbi

Plant growth promoting Halomonas from roots of halophytes as a strategy to improve crop resistance to soil salinity

Increased soil salinity has numerous negative effects on plant growth and poses a significant threat to agricultural productivity worldwide. The diversity of endophytic bacterial communities found in various indigenous halophytes such as Salicornia europaea, Suaeda maritima, and Camphorosma annua, may reveal beneficial bacteria with various plant growthpromoting (PGP) properties. Members of Halomonas, the largest genus of the family Halomonadaceae, are rod-shaped, gram-negative, moderately halophilic bacteria that have been increasingly isolated from various saline environments, including halophyte tissues. As part of the halophytic microbiota, halotolerant plant growth-promoting endophytic bacteria can contribute to plant host growth, productivity, and fitness under abiotic and biotic stresses. The use of halotolerant PGP bacteria represents a good alternative strategy to mitigate the effects of salt stress in crops and to recover saline soils. The aim of this study was to isolate halotolerant bacteria from halophyte roots, and evaluate their PGP ability and their effect on germination parameters of selected crops. The endophytic bacterial communities in the roots of halophytes from natural saline soil in Slano Kopovo (Serbia) were analyzed using culture-dependent techniques. The genus Halomonas was the predominant among the halotolerant root-associated bacteria of analyzed halophytes. We have isolated seven Halomonas sp. strains, six of which were closely related (>99,86% similarity) to Halomonas songnenensis, a moderately halophilic bacterium from saline and alkaline soils. Obtained isolates were tested at different sodium chloride concentrations for a range of PGP traits at different concentrations of sodium chloride. The selected strains were used to inoculate seeds iand monitor of the germination process of barley, sunflower, and wheat under conditions of elevated salinity. Most of the isolates tolerate the NaCl concentration up to 18% and showed multiple PGP features with some of them retained even in the presence of additional salt concentrations. The germination test results showed that Halomonas seed inoculation positively affected barley germination parameters in conditions with and without added salt. The observed traits can be further exploited to improve plant growth and augment the salt tolerance of agricultural production on saline soils

Volatile profile of garden rose (Rosa hybrida) hydrosol and evaluation of its biological activity in vitro

Garden rose, Rosa hybrida, is primarily used for decoration and has a wide range of growing area, contrary to R. damascena that has a limited area of distribution (Turkey and Bulgaria), yet it is extensively used for commercial production of valuable and expensive rose oil. Since the content of essential oil in rose petals is low (0.03–0.04%), its production is quite limited; however, during this process, a significant amount of rose hydrosol is obtained as a secondary product. The aim of this research was to determine the chemical composition of garden rose hydrosols and to evaluate their biological properties. Obtained results show that R. hybrida hydrosol containing phenylethyl alcohol, nerol, linalool, and geraniol may be used as an alternative for R. damascena hydrosol. However, the total phenolic content was quite low (4.96 µg GAE/mL), which is related to a low level of observed antioxidant activity based on different antioxidant activity assays. Furthermore, R. hybrida hydrosol did not exhibit antimicrobial activity against several gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, as well as yeast and fungi. Anti-inflammatory activity was also low, while no antihyperglycemic activity was detected. With these results in mind, no potential is evident for the therapeutic application of rose hydrosol beyond that found in complimentary medicine such as aromatherapy

New esters from the essential oil of dry flowers of elder (Sambucus nigra L.)

Elder (Sambucus nigra L.) has relevance for the food, fragrance and pharmaceutical industries. Flowers of this species emit a very pleasant scent; for processing purposes, inflorescences are either collected from the wild or harvested from a cultivated crop. The study of elderflower-derived volatiles bears both phytochemical and commercial importance. Three samples of dry elderflower essential oil obtained from laboratory-scale hydrodistillations were analyzed. By use of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, synthesis and NMR studies of chromatographic fractions of a distillation water extract prepared in a semi-industrial scale steam distillation, 252 constituents of the oil were identified; 115 compounds were not previously reported as elderflower volatiles, seven of which were new natural esters. Particularly interesting were those of isosenecioic (3-methylbut-3-enoic) acid because these were never before found in the plant kingdom. With these identifications, the known essential oil constituents accounted for 89.0–93.0% of the analyzed samples. Although the number of known S. nigra flower-derived volatiles is now quite high, further research is needed to unveil all of the relevant contributions to the unique odor of elderflowers

Listeria monocytogenes - Danger for health safety vegetable production

The microbiologically contaminated vegetables represent a risk for consumers, especially vegetables without thermal processing. It is known that human pathogen bacteria, such as Listeria monocytogenes, could exist on fresh vegetables. The fresh vegetables could become Listeria-contaminated if they come in touch with contaminated soil, manure, irrigation water. The aim of this work was to investigate the presence of Listeria spp. and L. monocytogenes in different kind of vegetables grown in field and greenhouse condition as well as surface and endophytic colonization plant roots of different vegetables species by L. monocytogenes in laboratory conditions. The detection of Listeria spp. and L. monocytogenes in vegetable samples was done using ISO and PCR methods. The investigation of colonization vegetable roots and detection Listeria-cells inside plant root tissue was done using Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) method in combination with confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). The results showed that 25.58% vegetable samples were positive for Listeria spp. and only one sample (carrot) was positive for L. monocytogenes out of 43 samples in total collected from field and greenhouse. The strain L. monocytogenes EGD-E surface and endophytic colonized carrot root in highest degree while strain L. monocytogenes SV4B was the most represented at leafy vegetable plants, such at lettuce (1.68 x 10(6) cells/mm(3) absolutely dry root) and spinach (1.39 x 10(6) cells/mm(3) absolutely dry root) root surface. The cells of L. monocytogenes SV4B were visible as single cells in interior tissue of plant roots (celery and sweet corn roots) as well as in the interior of the plant root cell at sweet corn root. The cells of L. monocytogenes EGD-E bind to the surface of the plant root and they were less commonly found out on root hair. In the inner layers of the root, those bacterial cells were inhabited intercellular spaces mainly as single cells very close to the larval vessels of root. Our results suggest that L. monocytogenes is very good endophytic colonizer of vegetable plant roots