Importance Epigenetic modifications of the genome, such as DNA methylation and histone modifications, have been reported to play a role in neurodegenerative diseases (ND) such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD). Objective To systematically review studies investigating epigenetic marks in AD or PD. Methods Eleven bibliographic databases (Embase.com, Medline (Ovid), Web-of-Science, Scopus, PubMed, Cinahl (EBSCOhost), Cochrane Central, ProQuest, Lilacs, Scielo and Google Scholar) were searched until July 11th 2016 to identify relevant articles. We included all randomized controlled trials, cohort, case-control and cross-sectional studies in humans that examined associations between epigenetic marks and ND. Two independent reviewers, with a third reviewer available for disagreements, performed the abstract and full text selection. Data was extracted using a pre-designed data collection form. Results Of 6,927 searched references, 73 unique case-control studies met our inclusion criteria. Overall, 11,453 individuals were included in this systematic review (2,640 AD and 2,368 PD outcomes). There was no consistent association between global DNA methylation pattern and any ND. Studies reported epigenetic regulation of 31 genes (including cell communication, apoptosis, and neurogenesis genes in blood and brain tissue) in relation to AD and PD. Methylation at the BDNF, SORBS3 and APP genes in AD were the most consistently reported associations. Methylation of α-synuclein gene (SNCA) was also found to be associated with PD. Seven studies reported histone protein alterations in AD and PD. Conclusion Many studies have investigated epigenetics and ND. Further research should include larger cohort or longitudinal studies, in order to identify clinically significant epigenetic changes. Identifying relevant epigenetic changes could lead to interventional strategies in ND.

The purpose of this study was to assess the most frequent non-conformities identified in different European countries in the processes of forest management certification according to FSC standards. A total of 31 active certificates from five countries (Bosnia and Herzegovina, Estonia, Romania, Slovenia and the United Kingdom) were analysed, including all active certificates (as of 1st of June 2014) from three countries along with a sample of 13 FSC certificates issued in the UK and one certificate covering 95% of the certified forest area in Slovenia. 253 non-conformities in relation to FSC standard requirements were identified as formulated by the audit teams and the most frequently identified non-conformities in the certification process were those related to Principle 6 - Environmental impact (34%), Principle 4 - Community relations and worker’s rights (17%) and Principle 8 - Monitoring and Assessment (13%). A slight positive correlation was noticed between the FSC certified area and the total number of non-conformities, with a closer link in the case of Principle 9 - Maintenance of high conservation value forests, and Principle 4. The non-conformities related to Principles 4, 6 and 9 appeared to be significantly influenced in occurrence by country development; less often in the UK compared with the other four countries.

This paper presents a systematic but essentially descriptive account of the policy measure of stimulating human research capacity development under the policy program “Commitment to Science” in Portugal in the period 2006-2009. It explores the conditions that contributed to the development of the policy program and the measure to contract 1000 doctorates to Portuguese public and private research and development (RD however subsequent economic and political austerity hampered the absorption of young researchers into the public and private systems. The previous situation has been reversed since 2011 with a significant and perceivable decline in public investment in research, a decline of budgetary allocations to universities, and the migration of young researchers abroad. The analysis urges the revision of science and technology policy in Portugal and funding mechanisms available to R&D in consideration of the country’s socioeconomic situation, and with respect to other segments of the economic ecosystem.

Zlocini mržnje su krivicna dela, cesto nasilna i destruktivnagde je izvrsilac motivisan predrasudama prema drustvenoj grupi kojoj žrtva pripada. Posledice zlocina mržnje su stetnene samo za žrtvu vec i za drustvo. S obzirom na specifi can motiv izvrsenja i posledice, zlocini mržnje izdiferencirali su se kao posebna vrsta kriminaliteta. U literaturi o tome postoji gotovo opsteprihvacen stav i argumenti koji ga potkrepljuju uverljiviji su nego oni koji ga osporavaju. Resenje osnovnog konceptualnog pitanja otvara put ka kritickom preispitivanju ostalih dilema, oko kojih ne postoji potpuna saglasnost, ni u teoriji ni u praksi.U radu se zakljucuje da i pored toga sto su zlocini mržnje predmet istraživanja vise od dve decenije,neophodno jekrticki preispitivati teorijsku utemljenost i prakticnu upotrebljivist ovog koncepta.

Hate crimes are criminal offences, often violent and destructive, where the perpetrator is motivated by prejudice against the social group to which the victim belongs. Hate crimes not only do great harm to the victims, but to society as a whole. Considering the specifi c motive of commission and consequences of hate crimes, they have been distinguished as a distinct type of crime, which is generally agreed upon in literature, and arguments that corroborate it are more convincing that those disputing it. The solution of basic conceptual issues paves the way to critically examine other dilemmas, which is not agreed upon by all either in theory or practice. The paper concludes that despite the fact that hate crimes have been the subject of research for more than two decades, it is still necessary to critically examine the theoretical soundness and practical usability of this concept.