Free weight training vs. elastic band training: What is a more effective strategy for increasing maximal velocity ability during handball throws?

The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of two resistance training (RT) programmes (free weight [FW] and elastic band [EB]) on velocity variables (handball throwing velocity [HTV] and maximal theoretical velocity [V0]) using load-velocity (L-V) relationship modelling. Both programmes lasted 6 weeks and consisted of performing bench press and overarm dumbbell pull-over using free weights (FW group) or elastic bands (EB group). Nineteen male sports science students were randomly assigned to EB (n=10) or FW group (n=9). Both RT programmes increased HTV and V0, although the increment was greater in the FW (>2 m·s-1) compared to the EB group (<1 m·s-1). RT programmes had selective effects on the strength variables being FW more effective in increasing 1-repetition maximum, while EB in increasing maximal isometric force. Very large correlations were observed between two-point (L-V relationship modelled through two pairs of L and V data) and multiple-point methods (L-V relationship modelled through six pairs of L and V data) (V0: r=0.96; HTV: r=0.93). All coefficients of variation showed high validity both for V0 and HTV (≤6.2%). Altogether, FW training should be used for increasing the velocity of the throwing performance, while the two-point method for following training-induced changes

Phytoplankton response to the mass removal of black bullhead in the Ponjavica River

Allochthonous and invasive species are among the main factors leading to biodiversity loss which further threatens the ecosystem functioning, stability and resilience. A modern way of life and climate changes accelerated and increased the spread of invasive species. Although many ecosystems are facing this problem, the most endangered ones are slow-flowing/stagnant shallow waters. The black bullhead (Ameiurus melas) is recognized as one of the most successful non-native fish species in European freshwaters. Regarding its mitigation, selective mass removal is considered as an effective method to reduce the abundance of the local population. This biomanipulative measure undoubtedly affects other ecosystem components, so monitoring of organisms from different trophic levels is crucial for assessing the impact and success of the whole process. The aim of this study was to detect and examine the changes in phytoplankton structure and abundance, as a response to the mass removal of the black bullhead. Selective removal took place in the lowland Ponjavica River in the same-named Nature Park in Serbia with the domination of black bullhead and urgent need for biodiversity recovery. The removal project was conducted from June to October 2018 and April to October 2019. The removal process was conducted at three localities along the protected part of the Ponjavica River. Along with fish removal, phytoplankton samples for qualitative and quantitative analyses were collected by plankton net and Van Dorn bottle, respectively. The taxonomic literature was used for qualitative analysis, while the Utermöhl method was conducted for the assessment of phytoplankton abundance. More than 200 algal taxa were detected in Ponjavica phytoplankton. Phytoplankton abundance at each of the localities showed similar dynamics ranged from minimal 156914 cell/ml in June, to maximal 1038946 cell/ml in August 2018. Cyanobacteria were the dominant group with more than 98% in total cell number from August to October. Three invasive and potentially toxic cyanobacteria (Raphidiopsis raciborskii, Sphaerospermopsis aphanizomenoides, Raphidiopsis mediterranea) were registered with 61% in total cell number in August, 59% in September and 38% in October 2018. Phytoplankton abundance decreased (by almost half) in the second year of the project, together with the share of invasive and potentially toxic cyanobacteria in the total cell number and particularly a number of individuals. The black bullhead and Raphidiopsis raciborskii are considered as the most successful invasive species among fish and cyanobacteria, respectively, and both are detected in the Ponjavica River. Our results showed that mass removal of black bullhead caused a decrease in phytoplankton abundance and also portion of present invasive cyanobacteria without newly occurred ones, while in the case of ichthyofauna other species increased the population abundance due to free niche. Great efforts are being made to find adequate solutions for invasive species removal but a unique and successful method has not been found so far. The selective mass removal is the best method to decrease the black bullhead abundance and the results of this research indicated that the process could have a positive effect on decreasing the abundance of invasive species at the base of the trophic chain

Nitrogen Mineralization of Apple Orchard Soils in Regions of Western and South-Eastern Norway

The mineralization of nitrogen in apple orchard soil will increase the soil supply. An incubation study to test the soil potential and the validity of analytical methods was conducted at 3, 8, 15, and 20 °C for up to 128 days on soils from western and south-eastern Norway. Soils with the highest pH showed the highest mineralization. The mineralization increased with increasing temperature and time, but start-up N reduced mineralization. The mineralization cannot be estimated from standard soil chemical parameters because the different C/N ratio indicates organic material of different origin and quality. The increase in NO3-N started very quickly and ranged from 17 to 182% and 12 to 64% after 8 days at 3 °C and 20 °C, respectively. There was no correlation between total N in the soil and the amount of mineralized N. On average, the mineralization increased by 5–7% for a change of 1 °C in the interval from 8 to 15 °C in the soil. The chemical extraction method using heated KCl correlated well with the mineralization data. On average, the chemical method estimated 30 kg N ha−1, which corresponded to 0.48% of total N. Recommendations for N fertilization based on total N in the soil overestimate the contribution of plant-available N in most cases

POTENCIJAL BIOAKUMULACIJE I TRANSLOKACIJE METALA KOD VRSTE ACHILLEA MILLEFOLIUM SA RAZLICITIH LOKALITETA

Achillea millefolium L. has a great value as medicinal plant. The aim of the research is to determine the uptake potential for heavy metals and the intraspecial difference between unique species of A. millefolium from different localities based on the heavy metals uptake, their distribution in plant organs and enrichment factors. The results showed that plants growing on soil rich in heavy metals (tailings) absorb significantly higher amounts of metals compared to plants from the Ovčar-Kablar gorge (non-contaminated soil).Publishe

Bioakumulacija i translokacija metala u vrsti Alyssum markgrafii O. E. Schulz

The aim of this study was to determine the concentrations of 7 metals (Ca, Mg, Mn, Fe, Zn, Ni, Cr) in the soil and selected plant species Alyssum markgrafii O. E. Schulz in one serpentinite sites in the foothills of the mountain Goc. The concentrations of Ni and Cr in the investigated soil were above the maximum allowable concentration of substances in the soil, also above limit and remediation values for a given metals in the soil, according to regulation of Republic of Serbia. The great contents of Ni, Cr and Fe in plant tissues of species A. markgrafii were determined. Good translocation of Ca and Zn from under-ground to above-ground organs of species A. markgrafii has also been shown, and it can be considered suitable for the phytoextraction of investigated metals.Cilj ovog rada bio je da se odrede koncentracije nekih metala (Ca, Mg, Mn, Fe, Zn, Ni, Cr) u zemljištu i vrsti Alyssum markgrafii O. E. Schulz na lokalitetu u podnožju planine Goč. Koncentracije Ni i Cr u istraživanom zemljištu prelazile su propisane maksimalno dozvoljene koncentracije, granične vrednosti, kao i remedijacione vrednosti ovih metala u zemljištu, saglasno uredbi i pravilniku Republike Srbije. Listovi vrste A. markgrafii akumulirali su najviše Mg, Mn, Fe, Ni i Cr. Stablo ove vrste je sadržalo najviše Zn, a cvast najviše Ca. Utvrđeni su veliki sadržaji Ni, Cr i Fe u biljnim tkivima vrste A. markgrafii. Pokazana je i dobra translokacija Ca i Zn od podzemnih ka nadzemnim organima vrste A. markgrafii, kao i da se ona može smatrati pogodnom za fitoekstrakciju ispitivanih metala

Polymorphic expression of glutathione transferases A1, M1, P1 and T1 in epithelial ovarian cancer: a Serbian case-control study

PURPOSE: Since several studies have proposed that epithelial ovarian cancer should not be considered as a single disease entity and that it results from an accumulation of genetic changes, we aimed to assess the polymorphic expression of major cytosolic glutathione S-transferases (GSTM1, T1, A1 and P1) with respect to ovarian cancer susceptibility and aggressiveness. METHODS: This case-control study was conducted on 93 newly diagnosed epithelial ovarian cancer patients and 178 healthy matched controls. The multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect homozygous deletions of GSTM1 and GSTT1 genes. Analysis of the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) GSTA1 C69T was performed using PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP), while for SNP GSTP1 Ile105Val real-time PCR was used. RESULTS: No significant association to ovarian cancer risk was found for individual GSTM1, GSTA1 and GSTP1 genotypes (p>0.05). However, the carriers of GSTT1-active genotype were at 2-fold higher risk of ovarian cancer development (95%CI: 1.00-4.01, p=0.049), which was even more elevated in the subgroup of patients with positive family history of cancer. Moreover, the frequency of all three GST genotypes that might be associated to ovarian cancer risk (GSTT1-active, GSTA1-active and GSTP1-referent) was significantly higher in patients than in the control group (p=0.042). Even more, patients who were carriers of combination of these three genotypes represented over 64% of the total number of patients within any of the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stages of ovarian cancer. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides supportive evidence that GSTs might affect both susceptibility and progression of ovarian cance

Socially responsible business

Praca recenzowana / Peer-reviewed paperThe work is divided into three parts combined by the idea which points to the fact that irrespective of the kind of business activity and at every level of management social issues appear and should not be disregarded. The first part presents the idea, areas and conditions of using the concept of corporate social responsibility. There is a reference to other concepts such as sustainable development and total quality management. In the second part the authors indicate how corporate social responsibility is applied to selected sectors and specific activities undertaken in enterprises. There is a description of the assumptions, methods of action and outcomes concerning the use of CSR in the sphere of waste management and recycling. Another area presented in this section is the aspects related to the provision of a working environment which does not pose a threat to the employees’ occupational health and safety. The text also refers to the issues of trainings and development. The third part refers to the applications of the idea of CSR at the sectorial, national and international levels. It describes social aspects connected with mining, purchasing, transporting and producing energy using resources. International tensions in the political sphere have a serious impact on this market, and dialogue at different levels should be a significant element of CSR. Two other elaborations in this part are devoted to the analysis of working conditions, culture and organisational behaviour in the countries created after the disintegration of Yugoslavia. In the final part there is a discussion about how the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership currently under negotiation between the EU and the USA corresponds with the concept of CSR. The collection of papers is a result of a cooperation between the authors from Andrzej Frycz Modrzewski Krakow University – Poland and researchers from University of Niš – Faculty of Economics (Project No. 179066 – „Improving the competitiveness of the public and private sector by networking competences in the process of European integration of Serbia”, which is funded of Ministry of Education, Science and Technology development of Republic of Serbia)

Kreditbedömning av kunskapsintensiva service- och tjänsteföretag

De olika kriserna samt låg- och högkonjunkturer som inträffat har medfört till att bankerna blivit mer återhållsamma i sin kreditgivning. Det som kan påverka bankers kreditbeslut är kreditbedömningsprocessen. I tidigare studier sägs det att det kan finnas skillnader i vad banktjänstemän studerar under kreditbedömningen, medan andra menar att storbanker har komparativa fördelar av att studera ett företags kvantifierbara information. Kunskapsintensiva service- och tjänsteföretag (KIBS) åtskiljs från vissa branscher genom att huvudsakligen bestå av immateriella tillgångar och är därav även säkerhetsbegränsade. De immateriella tillgångarna anses vara svåra att värdera och vissa intressenter påpekar att de finansiella rapporterna i dessa typer av företag har tappat sin relevans. Syftet är att utreda hur banktjänstemän i storbanker kreditbedömer KIBS dvs. vad för bedömningskriterier som de tar hänsyn till samt vad deras förhållningsätt till bland annat KIBS immateriella tillgångar samt finansiella rapporter har för någon påverkan på det. Med detta menas om det har någon påverkan på vilka bedömningskriterier (information) som tas hänsyn till samt på något delmoment som bedöms. Det ska på så sätt klargöras om kreditbedömningen därför skiljer sig mellan branscher. Under studien utgår man från bland annat Berger och Udells teori kring indelning av information och nyinstitutionell teori. Semistrukturerade intervjuer har använts för att få förståelse kring bankers kreditbedömning och urvalet har begränsats till tre storbanker, där sammanlagt sex intervjuer utförts. Kompletterande frågor besvarades via mejl och telefon. Resultatet blev att kreditbedömningen inte åtskiljdes mellan branscher. Banktjänstemännen i storbankerna fokuserade till skillnad från i tidigare studier både på kvalitativ samt kvantitativ information och därav ansåg även att de finansiella rapporterna var relevant. De immateriella tillgångarna påverkade räntenivån under kreditbedömningen beroende på hur de var bokförda. Om någon immateriell tillgång är bokförd som en tillgång, dras den av från det egna kapitalet och alla förutom en av banktjänstemännen accepterade inte immateriella tillgångar som säkerhet. Det som kunde åtskiljas var vilka säkerheter som bankerna kunde erhålla från KIBS. Vissa bedömningskriterier ansågs även vara i synnerhet viktiga ur banktjänstemännens perspektiv vid kreditbedömning av KIBS

Kreditbedömning av kunskapsintensiva service- och tjänsteföretag

De olika kriserna samt låg- och högkonjunkturer som inträffat har medfört till att bankerna blivit mer återhållsamma i sin kreditgivning. Det som kan påverka bankers kreditbeslut är kreditbedömningsprocessen. I tidigare studier sägs det att det kan finnas skillnader i vad banktjänstemän studerar under kreditbedömningen, medan andra menar att storbanker har komparativa fördelar av att studera ett företags kvantifierbara information. Kunskapsintensiva service- och tjänsteföretag (KIBS) åtskiljs från vissa branscher genom att huvudsakligen bestå av immateriella tillgångar och är därav även säkerhetsbegränsade. De immateriella tillgångarna anses vara svåra att värdera och vissa intressenter påpekar att de finansiella rapporterna i dessa typer av företag har tappat sin relevans. Syftet är att utreda hur banktjänstemän i storbanker kreditbedömer KIBS dvs. vad för bedömningskriterier som de tar hänsyn till samt vad deras förhållningsätt till bland annat KIBS immateriella tillgångar samt finansiella rapporter har för någon påverkan på det. Med detta menas om det har någon påverkan på vilka bedömningskriterier (information) som tas hänsyn till samt på något delmoment som bedöms. Det ska på så sätt klargöras om kreditbedömningen därför skiljer sig mellan branscher. Under studien utgår man från bland annat Berger och Udells teori kring indelning av information och nyinstitutionell teori. Semistrukturerade intervjuer har använts för att få förståelse kring bankers kreditbedömning och urvalet har begränsats till tre storbanker, där sammanlagt sex intervjuer utförts. Kompletterande frågor besvarades via mejl och telefon. Resultatet blev att kreditbedömningen inte åtskiljdes mellan branscher. Banktjänstemännen i storbankerna fokuserade till skillnad från i tidigare studier både på kvalitativ samt kvantitativ information och därav ansåg även att de finansiella rapporterna var relevant. De immateriella tillgångarna påverkade räntenivån under kreditbedömningen beroende på hur de var bokförda. Om någon immateriell tillgång är bokförd som en tillgång, dras den av från det egna kapitalet och alla förutom en av banktjänstemännen accepterade inte immateriella tillgångar som säkerhet. Det som kunde åtskiljas var vilka säkerheter som bankerna kunde erhålla från KIBS. Vissa bedömningskriterier ansågs även vara i synnerhet viktiga ur banktjänstemännens perspektiv vid kreditbedömning av KIBS

Crossing a threshold: using the SOLO taxonomy and exemplars to facilitate students' conceptual understanding of depreciation in introductory accounting

Conceptual understanding is a fundamental aim of higher education. Persistent calls for reforms to accounting education and research evidence indicate that this is not being demonstrated. The broad aim of this thesis was to investigate ways to support educators to facilitate students' conceptual understanding of accounting. Insights from five dominant higher educational theories, frameworks and models, namely, the threshold concepts framework, students’ approaches to learning theory, the constructive alignment model, a standards model of assessment and the SOLO Taxonomy, informed the design of an intervention exercise. In parallel, these insights were integrated and extended to develop a comprehensive model for facilitating conceptual understanding within the teaching and learning context. This comprehensive model provides a framework to inform future research studies and pedagogical practice and is a key contribution of the thesis. Another key contribution is a comprehensive evaluation of the efficacy of an intervention exercise to facilitate students’ conceptual understanding of a threshold concept, depreciation, in terms of theory (the comprehensive model) and practice (students’ demonstrated learning outcomes and perceptions of their demonstrated learning outcomes). The intervention exercise was embedded in the curriculum of an introductory accounting unit of study at a leading Australian university. A one-group pre-test - post-test design was used within the case study. Students’ pre-test and post-test responses were analysed using a contextualised SOLO taxonomy, while their reflective activity responses were thematically analysed. Pre-intervention, 35.0% of students demonstrated conceptual understanding of depreciation, compared with 57.4% post-intervention; a pedagogically significant finding. Students’ perceptions of their demonstrated learning outcomes indicate that their improved understanding of depreciation was because of the intervention exercise