Biology and taxonomy of three endemic fish species from the lower Neretva river

Bosna i Hercegovina i Republika Hrvatska su poznate po postojanju brojnih endemskih vrsta i podvrsta riba, vezanih za dva velika riječna sliva, jadranski i dunavski. Rijeke jadranskog sliva znatno su kraće i izoliranije, u usporedbi s rijekama dunavskog sliva. Tako je u području donje Neretve koja pripada jadranskom slivu evidentiran određeni broj endemskih vrsta koje su nedovoljno opisane jer se njihovom ekologijom, biologijom, taksonomijom kao i njihovim međusobnim odnosom bavio mali broj istraživača. Tri vrste riba koje u tom smislu još nisu istražene su strugač (Squalius svallize), peškelj (Scardinius plotizza) i imotska masnica (Squalius microlepis). Ovim istraživanjem prvi put su opisane taksonomske i biološko-ekološke značajke navedenih riba područja donje Neretve. Cilj ovog rada bio je odrediti merističke i morfometrijske značajke, izraditi dužinsko-masenu i dobnu strukturu riba, von Bertanlanffyev rast, prikazati morfologiju probavnog trakta (odnos dužine probavila i totalnedužine tijela), izračunati Fultonov faktor kondicije (CF), odrediti kvalitativni i kvantitativni sastav ishrane, te molekularnom analizom definirati sistematski položaj ovih triju vrsta i njihove taksonomske karakteristike naspram drugih Ciprinidnih vrsta. Istraživanje je provedeno na Deranskom jezeru i rijekama Bregavi, Krupi i Matici. Analizirano je 60 jedinki strugača, 51 jedinku makala i 55 jedinki peškelja. Dobiveni morfometrijski i meristički parametri za tri istraživane vrste upućuju na nadopunu dosadašnjih ključeva za determinaciju vrsta. Maksimalne zabilježene vrijednosti masa i totalnih dužina predstavljaju najveće zabilježene vrijednosti u dosadašnjim istraživanjima za sve tri vrste.Također, stugač, makal i peškelj postižu visoke faktore kondicije. Kod sve tri istraživane vrste konstatiran je pozitivan alometrijski rast. Strugač i makal se hrane uglavnom makrozoobentosom, iako su u njihovim probavilima u zanemarivim količinama pronađene ribe i neidentificirani biljni materijal. U probavilima peškelja iz Deranskog jezera utvrđene su alge, detritus, neidentificirana biljna i anorganska tvar, te vodeni beskralježnjaci od kojih se Crustacea i Insecta pojavljuju kroz sve četiri sezone. Molekularno genetskim analizama i dobivenim filogenetskim stablom razvidna je međusobna srodnost vrsta roda Squalius, dok se vrste roda Scardinius odvajaju kao udaljenije od njih. Rezultatima ovog istraživanja došlo se do novih spoznaja o morfometriji i meristici triju vrsta, dužinsko-masenim odnosima, ishrani, dobi i rastu, te definiranju njihovoga sistematskog položaja.Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republic of Croatia are known for presence of numerous endemic species and subspecies of fish, associated with two major river basins, the Danube and the Adriatic. Rivers of the Adriatic basin are significantly short and isolated, compared with the rivers of the Danube basin. Thus, a certain number of insufficiently described endemic species exist in the Lower Neretva area, where a small number of researchers studied their ecology, biology, taxonomy and correlations between them. Three fish species that have not yet been studied in this respect are Neretva chub (Squalius svallize), Neretva rudd (Scardinius plotizza) and makal dace (Squalius microlepis). The objectives of the doctoral thesis are to define the systematic positions of these endemic species and their taxonomic relationships with other cyprinid species using molecular analysis, to complement the species identification keys established by morphometric and meristic parameters, to determine diet, growth according to von Bertalanffy and condition. Meristic and morphometric characteristics of the three studied fish species are identified in detail, and several differences in relation to previous studies, which can complement the current species identification keys, are established. The maximum recorded total length (TL) of the Neretva chub body was 28 cm, the maximum TL was 30.6 cm for makal dace, while the maximum TL of Neretva ruddwas 40.4 cm. The maximum body mass value of Neretva chub was 269.3 g, of makal dace313.80 g, and of Neretva rudd 1127.70 g, and these represent the highest values recorded in the studies so far. All this indicates a positive effect of the environmental conditions of the Lower Neretva on their growth. The number of scales in lateral line of Neretva chub is 47 to 49, in makal dace 67 to 75 with sporadic occurrences of numbers 66 and 76, while the numbers of scales in lateral line of Neretva rudd ranged from 38 to 42 with sporadic occurrences of numbers 37 and 43. The study of growth has shown that all three species have exceptionally fast growth in both length and mass, and reach much larger sizes than in rare past studies. They also achieve high condition factors, and thus confirm a very positive effect of environmental conditions on the growth of fish in the Lower Neretva area. The average value of condition factor of Neretva chub was CF = 0.98 0.14, of makal dace CF =0.97 0.03, and of Neretva rudd CF = 1.37 0.23. Positive allometric growth with a high b-value of b = 3.47 was found in Neretva chub and b = 3.25 in Neretva rudd, while the value registered in makal dace was b = 3.10, which also represents a positive allometric, i.e. nearly isometric growth. Stomach analysis provided evidence that the diet of Neretva chub consisted of diverse animal component with negligible plant component, where the class Insecta was the most frequent component in the diet of Neretva chub (Trichoptera, Diptera, Hymenoptera). The dominant diet component in stomachs of makal dace from the Matica River were the groups Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, Trichoptera, Coleoptera and Diptera through all four seasons. Stomachs of Neretva rudd from Deransko Lake were found to contain algae, detritus, unidentified vegetable and inorganic matter, and aquatic invertebrates, of which Crustacea and Insecta occur through all four seasons. Molecular genetic analysis made it possible to clearly define their systematic position. In the DNA analysis, total of 15 samples from 3 different locations were sequenced. Based on the resulting phylogenetic tree, it is evident that the Squalius species are more related to each other, while Scardinius separates as more distant from them. In addition to primary objectives, secondary objectives were also achieved, providing a detailed insight into characteristics of the habitats of these fish species: physical and chemical characteristics of study area watercourses (the Rivers Bregava, Krupa and Matica, and Deransko Lake), and their climatic, hydrographic and hydrologic characteristics. Therefore, the intended scientific contribution in the scientific determination of kinship and systematic affiliation of the endemic cyprinids of Herzegovina and their detailed biological properties is also achieved, which is of exceptional importance in the European and global ichthyological research

Biology and taxonomy of three endemic fish species from the lower Neretva river

Bosna i Hercegovina i Republika Hrvatska su poznate po postojanju brojnih endemskih vrsta i podvrsta riba, vezanih za dva velika riječna sliva, jadranski i dunavski. Rijeke jadranskog sliva znatno su kraće i izoliranije, u usporedbi s rijekama dunavskog sliva. Tako je u području donje Neretve koja pripada jadranskom slivu evidentiran određeni broj endemskih vrsta koje su nedovoljno opisane jer se njihovom ekologijom, biologijom, taksonomijom kao i njihovim međusobnim odnosom bavio mali broj istraživača. Tri vrste riba koje u tom smislu još nisu istražene su strugač (Squalius svallize), peškelj (Scardinius plotizza) i imotska masnica (Squalius microlepis). Ovim istraživanjem prvi put su opisane taksonomske i biološko-ekološke značajke navedenih riba područja donje Neretve. Cilj ovog rada bio je odrediti merističke i morfometrijske značajke, izraditi dužinsko-masenu i dobnu strukturu riba, von Bertanlanffyev rast, prikazati morfologiju probavnog trakta (odnos dužine probavila i totalnedužine tijela), izračunati Fultonov faktor kondicije (CF), odrediti kvalitativni i kvantitativni sastav ishrane, te molekularnom analizom definirati sistematski položaj ovih triju vrsta i njihove taksonomske karakteristike naspram drugih Ciprinidnih vrsta. Istraživanje je provedeno na Deranskom jezeru i rijekama Bregavi, Krupi i Matici. Analizirano je 60 jedinki strugača, 51 jedinku makala i 55 jedinki peškelja. Dobiveni morfometrijski i meristički parametri za tri istraživane vrste upućuju na nadopunu dosadašnjih ključeva za determinaciju vrsta. Maksimalne zabilježene vrijednosti masa i totalnih dužina predstavljaju najveće zabilježene vrijednosti u dosadašnjim istraživanjima za sve tri vrste.Također, stugač, makal i peškelj postižu visoke faktore kondicije. Kod sve tri istraživane vrste konstatiran je pozitivan alometrijski rast. Strugač i makal se hrane uglavnom makrozoobentosom, iako su u njihovim probavilima u zanemarivim količinama pronađene ribe i neidentificirani biljni materijal. U probavilima peškelja iz Deranskog jezera utvrđene su alge, detritus, neidentificirana biljna i anorganska tvar, te vodeni beskralježnjaci od kojih se Crustacea i Insecta pojavljuju kroz sve četiri sezone. Molekularno genetskim analizama i dobivenim filogenetskim stablom razvidna je međusobna srodnost vrsta roda Squalius, dok se vrste roda Scardinius odvajaju kao udaljenije od njih. Rezultatima ovog istraživanja došlo se do novih spoznaja o morfometriji i meristici triju vrsta, dužinsko-masenim odnosima, ishrani, dobi i rastu, te definiranju njihovoga sistematskog položaja.Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republic of Croatia are known for presence of numerous endemic species and subspecies of fish, associated with two major river basins, the Danube and the Adriatic. Rivers of the Adriatic basin are significantly short and isolated, compared with the rivers of the Danube basin. Thus, a certain number of insufficiently described endemic species exist in the Lower Neretva area, where a small number of researchers studied their ecology, biology, taxonomy and correlations between them. Three fish species that have not yet been studied in this respect are Neretva chub (Squalius svallize), Neretva rudd (Scardinius plotizza) and makal dace (Squalius microlepis). The objectives of the doctoral thesis are to define the systematic positions of these endemic species and their taxonomic relationships with other cyprinid species using molecular analysis, to complement the species identification keys established by morphometric and meristic parameters, to determine diet, growth according to von Bertalanffy and condition. Meristic and morphometric characteristics of the three studied fish species are identified in detail, and several differences in relation to previous studies, which can complement the current species identification keys, are established. The maximum recorded total length (TL) of the Neretva chub body was 28 cm, the maximum TL was 30.6 cm for makal dace, while the maximum TL of Neretva ruddwas 40.4 cm. The maximum body mass value of Neretva chub was 269.3 g, of makal dace313.80 g, and of Neretva rudd 1127.70 g, and these represent the highest values recorded in the studies so far. All this indicates a positive effect of the environmental conditions of the Lower Neretva on their growth. The number of scales in lateral line of Neretva chub is 47 to 49, in makal dace 67 to 75 with sporadic occurrences of numbers 66 and 76, while the numbers of scales in lateral line of Neretva rudd ranged from 38 to 42 with sporadic occurrences of numbers 37 and 43. The study of growth has shown that all three species have exceptionally fast growth in both length and mass, and reach much larger sizes than in rare past studies. They also achieve high condition factors, and thus confirm a very positive effect of environmental conditions on the growth of fish in the Lower Neretva area. The average value of condition factor of Neretva chub was CF = 0.98 0.14, of makal dace CF =0.97 0.03, and of Neretva rudd CF = 1.37 0.23. Positive allometric growth with a high b-value of b = 3.47 was found in Neretva chub and b = 3.25 in Neretva rudd, while the value registered in makal dace was b = 3.10, which also represents a positive allometric, i.e. nearly isometric growth. Stomach analysis provided evidence that the diet of Neretva chub consisted of diverse animal component with negligible plant component, where the class Insecta was the most frequent component in the diet of Neretva chub (Trichoptera, Diptera, Hymenoptera). The dominant diet component in stomachs of makal dace from the Matica River were the groups Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, Trichoptera, Coleoptera and Diptera through all four seasons. Stomachs of Neretva rudd from Deransko Lake were found to contain algae, detritus, unidentified vegetable and inorganic matter, and aquatic invertebrates, of which Crustacea and Insecta occur through all four seasons. Molecular genetic analysis made it possible to clearly define their systematic position. In the DNA analysis, total of 15 samples from 3 different locations were sequenced. Based on the resulting phylogenetic tree, it is evident that the Squalius species are more related to each other, while Scardinius separates as more distant from them. In addition to primary objectives, secondary objectives were also achieved, providing a detailed insight into characteristics of the habitats of these fish species: physical and chemical characteristics of study area watercourses (the Rivers Bregava, Krupa and Matica, and Deransko Lake), and their climatic, hydrographic and hydrologic characteristics. Therefore, the intended scientific contribution in the scientific determination of kinship and systematic affiliation of the endemic cyprinids of Herzegovina and their detailed biological properties is also achieved, which is of exceptional importance in the European and global ichthyological research

The Basic GPS Network in Croatia

Članak obrađuje razvoj GPS-mreže I. i II. reda u Republici Hrvatskoj te proces povezivanja mreže s europskim GPS-sustavom EUREF. Opisane su sve GPS-kampanje koje su sudjelovale u razvoju GPS-mreže I. i II. reda te su navedeni tehnički podaci o metodama rada, korištenoj opremi i ostvarenoj točnosti svih kampanja.This article presents development of the GPS network 1.and 2.degrees in The Republic of Croatia as well as the process of connecting with Europe GPS system. It also describes all the GPS campaignes that contributed to the development of GPS network of 1. and 2. degres, with technical detailes of working methodes included, the equipment used and the accuritty of all campaign results accomplished

Implementation of embedded assistive device for disabled people

In this paper we present an embedded assistive device for disabled people that is intended to be used as both keyboard and mouse replacement. Assistive device consists of two main parts: an Arduino compatible board, preferably an Arduino UNO R3 as used in this paper, or an Arduino Leonardo, and a simple analog thumb-stick joystick. Presented device is connected to a computer trough a USB port trough which it sends its input data. Special software\ud collects the received input data and triggers various events in order to execute various actions. Primary goal of presented assistive device is to simulate mouse movements and a single mouse click and in that manner replace majority of moue functions thus enabling users to perform various mouse based tasks such as navigating through menus, drag and drop actions etc., as well as to enable an input and control over a virtual onscreen keyboard thus enabling users to type

Separation of Players in Teams during Basketball Matches

This paper represents a framework for automatic player separation in teams during basketball matches. Separation is made in images broadcasted via television stations. In them, we have view from only single camera in particular point of time. This makes detection of players and their separation much more difficult. The player detection is based on mixture of non-oriented pictorial structures. After detection we extract image parts that represent player’s jersey. Over that area we calculate histogram on S value from HSV color system. According to top five picks, we cluster players in teams. This approach give us accuracy of 92.38%. Its main advantages are robustness and applicability on the large number of footages from different basketball games without need for additional training and algorithm changes

Morphological, biochemical and hematological characterization of endangered balkan donkey breed

The aim of the study was to establish morphometric, biochemical and hematological values for the endangered Balkan donkey breed (Serbia) and to explore the possible age dependence of the parameters tested. Inter-breed similarity of morphometric parameters was assessed by comparing the data obtained for the Balkan donkey with morphometric measurements of several previously characterized domestic donkey breeds. The study population included 74 donkeys, divided in two age groups (group A 3 years). In total, 18 morphometric, 13 hematological and 14 biochemical parameters were assessed. Significant morphometric differences (p < 0.05) in body length, head length, chest circumference and body weight were found between the two age groups. Significant differences in morphological parameters were revealed among the Balkan donkey and other donkey breeds (Catalonian, Croatian and Albanian), but results of cluster analysis demonstrated the smallest distance between the Balkan donkey and Albanian donkeys. The results of morphometric analyses showed consistency of the obtained values within the breed, and diversity as compared to other donkey breeds, and, thus, could be taken as referent for the Balkan donkey. Hematological and biochemical profiles obtained for the Balkan donkey were consistent with previous reports and within the recommended reference ranges. White blood cell, mid cell and granulocyte counts, showed significantly higher (p < 0.05) values in donkeys under 3 years of age, while the only biochemical parameter affected by age was alkaline phosphatase. The information gained through characterization of the Balkan donkey breed provides a basis for conservation and development of the breed standard

UGROŽENE RIBE SVIJETA: Squalius svallize (HECKEL & KNER, 1858) (CYPRINIDAE)

Neretva chub Squalius svallize is an endemic vulnerable species, strictly protected in Croatia but not protected in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Populations are declining due to environmental degradation, dams, predators and poaching. A detailed study of current population status, biology and ecology of S. svalize is required.Sval Squalius svallize je endemska osjetljiva riblja vrsta zaštićena u Hrvatskoj, ali nezaštićena u BiH. Njihove populacije opadaju zbog degradacije staništa, brana, predatora i nezakonitog ribolova. Stoga se predlaže procijeniti status populacija, biologiju i ekologiju ove vrste

INFLUENCEOF PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY ON WATERMELON YIELD IN SOUTHWEST HERZEGOVINA

Područje Hercegovine pod značajnim je utjecajem mediteranske klime što ga čini konkurentnim u uzgoju ranog povrća. Klimatski uvjeti ovog područja s dovoljno topline i velikim brojem sunčanih dana pogoduju uzgoju lubenica i omogućuju postizanje visokih prinosa i kvalitete. Nažalost prosječni prinosi lubenica još uvijek su niski kao posljedica ne pridržavanja plodoreda, korištenja necijepljenih presadnica, te niske razine agrotehnike. Cilj provedenih istraživanja bio je istražiti i uvesti u proizvodnju nove tehnologije uzgoja koje će rezultirati višim prinosom i ranijim dospijevanjem lubenica na tržište kada su cijene značajno više. Tijekom 2008. godine na lokalitetu Hodbina kod Mostara postavljen je dvofaktorijalni poljski pokus s hibridom lubenicama Fantasy. Varijante istraživanja su bile uzgoj na crnoj polietilenskoj foliji bez prekrivanja usjeva, uzgoj na crnoj polietilenskoj foliji s prekrivanjem usjeva agrotekstilom, uzgoj na crnoj polietilenskoj foliji s prekrivanjem usjeva prozirnom polietilenskom folijom i kao kontrola uzgoj na golom tlu bez prekrivanja. U svakoj varijanti su bile posađene obične i cijepljene presadnice. Pokus je postavljen po metodi slučajnog bloknog rasporeda u četiri ponavljanja. Jednogodišnjim istraživanjem utvrđeno je da su cijepljene presadnice dale veću prosječnu masu ploda i veći prinos, dok u broju plodova i sadržaju suhe tvari nisu utvrđene statistički značajne razlike. Statistički visoko opravdano najveći broj plodova po biljci i najveću prosječnu masu ploda dala je varijanta kod koje su biljke do početka cvatnje bile prekrivene prozirnom folijom, dok su najniže vrijednosti dobivene kod varijante uzgoja na golom tlu. Implementacijom rezultata provedenih istraživanja u komercijalnu proizvodnju rezultirat će ranijom proizvodnjom i većim prinosom što će dati veću ekonomsku dobit proizvođačima.Area of Herzegovina is by strong influence of Mediterranean climate what gives them competitiveness in early vegetable production. Warm climate with plenty of sunny days is suitable for watermelon production what can result in high yield and quality. Unfortunately average yield of watermelon in Herzegovina is still pretty low as consequence of bad crop rotation, low production technology and use of ungrafted transplants. Aim of this work was to research and implement in production the new watermelon production technology which can result with higher yield and earlier production when the price on the market is higher. During the 2008 at location Hodbina near Mostar field trials with watermelon hybrid Fantasy were done. Four production technologies were tested; growing on the black polyethylene mulch without cowering, cowering with transparent film and agrotextile and as a control variant growing on the uncowered soil. In each technology grafted and ungrafted transplants are tested. Field trial was designed as random blocks with four replications. One year research using the grafted transplants has shown statistically significant higher average fruit weight and total yield, while fruit number and dry matter content didn’t shown any differences. Statistically significantly the highest number of fruits per plant and average fruit weight was obtained in growing technology in which watermelon was grown on black polyethylene mulch with transparent film cower, while the all obtained values was the lowest in growing without cowering. Implementation of obtained results in commercial watermelon production will resulted by earlier production and higher yield what can improve the farmer’s profitability

INFLUENCEOF PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY ON WATERMELON YIELD IN SOUTHWEST HERZEGOVINA

Područje Hercegovine pod značajnim je utjecajem mediteranske klime što ga čini konkurentnim u uzgoju ranog povrća. Klimatski uvjeti ovog područja s dovoljno topline i velikim brojem sunčanih dana pogoduju uzgoju lubenica i omogućuju postizanje visokih prinosa i kvalitete. Nažalost prosječni prinosi lubenica još uvijek su niski kao posljedica ne pridržavanja plodoreda, korištenja necijepljenih presadnica, te niske razine agrotehnike. Cilj provedenih istraživanja bio je istražiti i uvesti u proizvodnju nove tehnologije uzgoja koje će rezultirati višim prinosom i ranijim dospijevanjem lubenica na tržište kada su cijene značajno više. Tijekom 2008. godine na lokalitetu Hodbina kod Mostara postavljen je dvofaktorijalni poljski pokus s hibridom lubenicama Fantasy. Varijante istraživanja su bile uzgoj na crnoj polietilenskoj foliji bez prekrivanja usjeva, uzgoj na crnoj polietilenskoj foliji s prekrivanjem usjeva agrotekstilom, uzgoj na crnoj polietilenskoj foliji s prekrivanjem usjeva prozirnom polietilenskom folijom i kao kontrola uzgoj na golom tlu bez prekrivanja. U svakoj varijanti su bile posađene obične i cijepljene presadnice. Pokus je postavljen po metodi slučajnog bloknog rasporeda u četiri ponavljanja. Jednogodišnjim istraživanjem utvrđeno je da su cijepljene presadnice dale veću prosječnu masu ploda i veći prinos, dok u broju plodova i sadržaju suhe tvari nisu utvrđene statistički značajne razlike. Statistički visoko opravdano najveći broj plodova po biljci i najveću prosječnu masu ploda dala je varijanta kod koje su biljke do početka cvatnje bile prekrivene prozirnom folijom, dok su najniže vrijednosti dobivene kod varijante uzgoja na golom tlu. Implementacijom rezultata provedenih istraživanja u komercijalnu proizvodnju rezultirat će ranijom proizvodnjom i većim prinosom što će dati veću ekonomsku dobit proizvođačima.Area of Herzegovina is by strong influence of Mediterranean climate what gives them competitiveness in early vegetable production. Warm climate with plenty of sunny days is suitable for watermelon production what can result in high yield and quality. Unfortunately average yield of watermelon in Herzegovina is still pretty low as consequence of bad crop rotation, low production technology and use of ungrafted transplants. Aim of this work was to research and implement in production the new watermelon production technology which can result with higher yield and earlier production when the price on the market is higher. During the 2008 at location Hodbina near Mostar field trials with watermelon hybrid Fantasy were done. Four production technologies were tested; growing on the black polyethylene mulch without cowering, cowering with transparent film and agrotextile and as a control variant growing on the uncowered soil. In each technology grafted and ungrafted transplants are tested. Field trial was designed as random blocks with four replications. One year research using the grafted transplants has shown statistically significant higher average fruit weight and total yield, while fruit number and dry matter content didn’t shown any differences. Statistically significantly the highest number of fruits per plant and average fruit weight was obtained in growing technology in which watermelon was grown on black polyethylene mulch with transparent film cower, while the all obtained values was the lowest in growing without cowering. Implementation of obtained results in commercial watermelon production will resulted by earlier production and higher yield what can improve the farmer’s profitability

Utility Cadastre in Local Self-Government

Grad Osijek prva je jedinica lokalne samouprave u RH koja je sukladno novim zakonima i propisima pristupila osnivanju, formiranju i preuzimanju katastra vodova. U članku su citirani najvažniji dijelovi zakona i pravilnika koji su stvorili pretpostavke i uredili način prelaska katastra vodova iz Državne geodetske uprave (DGU) na upravljanje u lokalnu samoupravu. Prikazan je pregled zatečenog stanja katastra vodova i način preuzimanja i prilagodbe vođenja katastra vodova u GIS (Geografski informacijski sustav) okruženju, a u skladu s važećim zakonskim propisima.The town of Osijek is the first local self-government unit in the Republic of Croatia that has engaged in development, organizing and take over of the Utility Cadastre in compliance with the new laws. The article quotes the most important sections of the laws and regulations that serve as preconditions and that have helped arrange a mode of transfer of the Utility Cadastre from the State Geodetic Administration management to the local self-government. The article gives a review of the current state of the cable cadastre as well as a type of a take-over and adjustment of the Utility Cadastre management in GIS (geographic information system) environment in all in compliance with the existing law provisions