The use of plant viruses as bioherbicides represents a fascinating and promising frontier in modern agriculture and weed management. This review article delves into the multifaceted world of harnessing plant viruses for herbicidal purposes, shedding light on their potential as eco-friendly, sustainable alternatives to traditional chemical herbicides. We begin by exploring the diverse mechanisms through which plant viruses can target and control weeds, from altering gene expression to disrupting essential physiological processes. The article highlights the advantages of utilizing plant viruses, such as their specificity for weed species, minimal impact on non-target plants, and a reduced environmental footprint. Furthermore, we investigate the remarkable versatility of plant viruses, showcasing their adaptability to various weed species and agricultural environments. The review delves into the latest advancements in genetic modification techniques, which enable the engineering of plant viruses for enhanced herbicidal properties and safety. In addition to their efficacy, we discuss the economic and ecological advantages of using plant viruses as bioherbicides, emphasizing their potential to reduce chemical herbicide usage and decrease the development of herbicide-resistant weeds. We also address the regulatory and safety considerations associated with the application of plant viruses in agriculture. Ultimately, this review article underscores the immense potential of plant viruses as bioherbicides and calls for further research, development, and responsible deployment to harness these microscopic agents in the ongoing quest for sustainable and environmentally friendly weed management strategies.

This paper provides a comprehensive review of equity trading simulators, focusing on their performance in assuring pre-trade compliance and portfolio investment management. A systematic search was conducted that covered the period of January 2000 to May 2023 and used keywords related to equity trade simulators, portfolio management, pre-trade compliance, online trading, and artificial intelligence. Studies demonstrating the use of simulators and online platforms specific to portfolio investment management, written in English, and matching the specified query were included. Abstracts, commentaries, editorials, and studies unrelated to finance and investments were excluded. The data extraction process included data related to challenges in modern portfolio trading, online stock trading strategies, the utilization of deep learning, the features of equity trade simulators, and examples of equity trade simulators. A total of 32 studies were included in the systematic review and were approved for qualitative analysis. The challenges identified for portfolio trading included the subjective nature of the inputs, variations in the return distributions, the complexity of blending different investments, considerations of liquidity, trading illiquid securities, optimal portfolio execution, clustering and classification, the handling of special trading days, the real-time pricing of derivatives, and transaction cost models (TCMs). Portfolio optimization techniques have evolved to maximize portfolio returns and minimize risk through optimal asset allocation. Equity trade simulators have become vital tools for portfolio managers, enabling them to assess investment strategies, ensure pre-trade compliance, and mitigate risks. Through simulations, portfolio managers can test investment scenarios, identify potential hazards, and improve their decision-making process.

The performance of five cauliflower cultivars in conventional and alternative phytosanitary management—without the use of synthetic pesticides—was evaluated. Two experiments were conducted at Epagri, Ituporanga Experimental Station in February 2018 and 2019. A randomized block design with four repetitions was adopted, with twenty plants of each cultivar as plots. The seedlings were transplanted on millet and mucuna straw at a spacing of 0.5 m × 0.8 m. We evaluated agronomic yield, inflorescence quality, pest damage and plant diseases, especially bacterial and fungal rots. The cauliflower hybrids Vera, Verona and Serena stood out in productivity and quality, being the most indicated for sowing in off-season crops, in the Alto Vale do Itajaí region. The most productive cultivars were less damaged by bacterial diseases and defoliating caterpillars and without interference of whitefly infestation on yield. The results also reveal that it is possible to control pests and diseases with phytosanitary products of lower toxicity, i.e., with lower residues of synthetic pesticides.

The expansion of road networks, taken place during the last decades, was driven by technological progress and economic growth. The most innovative products of this trend—modern motorways and international road corridors—provide an excellent level of service, traffic safety and necessary information to travelers. However, despite this undeniable progress, major impediments and respective challenges to road authorities and operators still remain. The present paper analytically presents the main current challenges in the road engineering field, namely: a) financing new projects, b) alternative energy resources, especially renewable energy, c) serviceability, including maintenance of road infrastructure, traffic congestion and quality of the network, d) climate change hazards due to greenhouse gas emissions increase, e) environmental impacts, f) safety on roads, streets and motorways, and g) economy and cost-effectiveness. In each country and over each network, challenges and concerns may vary, but, in most cases, competent authorities, engaged in road development policies, have to deal with most of these issues. The optimization of the means to achieve the best results seems to be an enduring stake. In the present paper, the origin and the main features of these challenges are outlined as well as their tendency to get amplified or diminished under the actual evolving economic conditions worldwide, where growth alternates with crisis and social hardship. Moreover, responses, meant to provide solutions to the said challenges, are suggested, including research findings of Aristotle University and innovative technological achievements, to drive the transition to a more sustainable future.

In modern conditions of instability and changes in the factors of the environment of the functioning of many business structures, the construction of their management systems is becoming more complicated; the issue of the conceptual principles of enterprise management is becoming especially important. The conducted research is aimed at substantiating the conceptual principles of enterprise management, defining tasks, and developing recommendations for increasing the efficiency of business processes, strengthening economic potential, and ensuring adaptation to modern challenges. It was determined that under the enterprise management system, it is advisable to consider the methods of influence and interaction between the subject and the object of management, which is based on compliance with principles, using methods, and performing functions in order to achieve the set goals and fulfill the tasks of the enterprise’s activities. The authors proposed a structure of procedural support for building an enterprise management system, which includes. The study developed a system of principles for building organizational structures for managing the activities of enterprises. The main principles of organizing the process of managing a production enterprise include achieving economic efficiency, personal material interest, single leadership, self-management, proportionality, and systematicity. The main recommendations for improving the efficiency of business processes and ensuring adaptation to modern challenges include: the use of digital platforms for promoting the corporate mission, vision and values; the creation of interactive employee training programs; the use of analytical tools for collecting and analyzing data; forecasting market trends and modeling development scenarios; the implementation of systems for integrating key enterprise functions; the use of specialized platforms for risk assessment; building a culture of innovation; methodological support for monitoring the results of the implementation of digital tools; the integration of environmental and social initiatives into all levels of management.