Scientific Nomenclature Research Articles

Soybean (Glycine max L. Merrill): A Multipurpose Legume Shaping Our World

Soybean (Glycine max L. Merrill), indigenous to East Asia, has assumed a pivotal role as a global substantial crop, substantially contributing to food security, a wide spectrum of product lines and rigorous scientific exploration. This unassuming legume, bearing the scientific nomenclature Glycine max L. Merrill, has transcended its East Asian origins to become a cornerstone in supplying 25% of the world's edible oil and approximately two-thirds of the global livestock protein concentrate. The significance of soybeans extends beyond their utility in direct human consumption; they serve as an indispensable component in crop rotation, thereby fostering soil health and averting erosion. This comprehensive review embarks on a profound exploration of soybeans, encompassing their historical significance, botanical attributes, geographical distribution, climatic influence and reproductive biology. Furthermore, it provides a detailed account of advancements in genetic enhancement and biotechnological applications within soybean breeding, emphasizing the importance of transgenic soybean production. Disease resistance efforts, including the identification of resistance loci, markers and mutations, are thoroughly discussed, with a specific focus on the improvement of Indian soybean varieties.

Comparative morphoanatomic and histochemical characterization of Cucurbita pepo L. specimens

Cucurbita pepo L. is popularly known as pumpkin or zucchini. Compared to the others of the genus, it presents the greatest genetic variability. Thus, given its nutritional and medicinal benefits, it results in many widely cultivated and economically important specimens. Due to this, differentiation between specimens becomes necessary, mainly pumpkin and zucchini which have different characteristics, however they receive the same scientific nomenclature (C. pepo). It is noteworthy that the anatomical knowledge of the specimens helps with taxonomy. Furthermore, due to the economic value, when it comes to vegetative propagation, the identification of structural aspects is important for the success of propagation, which depends on the regeneration of plant tissues. This study aimed to characterize and differentiate two specimens of C. pepo through morphoanatomy and histochemistry. For anatomical study, usual methods in plant anatomy were used to prepare and analyze, under an optical microscope, semi-permanent slides containing transverse sections of the roots, stems, leaves, and paradermic sections of the leaf blades of C. pepo specimens. Histochemical tests were performed on cross-sections of the specimens' leaf blades to locate chemical compounds. The optical microscopic evaluation enabled the anatomical characterization, revealing distinct characters among the specimens. For example, the zucchini shows crystals in the root. Meanwhile, the pumpkin shows sclerenchymatic pericycle in the stem and secretory ducts in the stem and leaves. Histochemical techniques showed the presence of different compounds, differentiating in the presence of starch in the zucchini and triterpenes and steroids in the pumpkin. Correct characterization provides important information for quality control of the plant drug and taxonomic differentiation of the specimens since diagnostic characters vary.

Vegetational and Structural Features of Forest Clearings in Plitvice Lakes National Park

The impact of various ecological factors, biogeographical position and both former and current anthropogenic activity in Plitvice Lakes National Park greatly influenced the development of different habitat types, including forest clearings. Due to the insufficient knowledge of this habitat type, based primarily on general descriptions within the National Habitat Classification of the Republic of Croatia (NN 27/2021, NN 101/2022), this paper deals with presenting their vegetational and structural characteristics in the national park area. The following taxonomic keys were used to determine plant species: Tutin et al. (1964-1980), Pignatti (1982), Javorka and Csapody (1991) and Martinčič et al. (1999). Furthermore, scientific nomenclature of plant species was conducted using Flora Croatica Database (Nikolić 2012), while threat status was aligned by the Red Book of Vascular Flora of Croatia (Nikolić and Topić 2005). Also, protection level was adjusted according to the Regulation on strictly protected species (NN 144/2013, NN 73/2016). Spectrum of life forms and chorological types were aligned according to Pignatti (2005). Vegetation was studied in accordance with the principles of the Braun-Blanquet approach (Braun-Blanquet 1964). Together with the basic parameters of the selected plots, the research also included the collection of structural parameters of forest clearings according to Medak et al. (2023). Based on conducted research, a total of 98 plots of forest clearing habitats were established with a total of five different forest clearing communities. The largest number of forest clearing communities belonged to Salicetum capreae, followed by Eupatorietum cannabini, Atropetum bella-donae, Telekium speciosae and Rubetum idaei. A total of 257 species of vascular plants were identified in the area and classified into 60 families. The most represented family was Asteraceae, while the highest relative representation of life-forms belonged to hemicryptophytes (H). Furthermore, the most represented chorologycal type in the area was Eurasian (20.6%). The habitat type contained a total of 11 strictly protected (SZ), 6 nearly threatened (NT), 3 vulnerable (VU), 2 data-deficient (DD) and 4 endemic species. In addition, the largest number of plots had an anthropogenic origin, irregular type (shape), occupied a small area (less than 1000 m2) and were located along the edges of both forests and forest roads. The results of this paper represent the first vegetational and structural data of forest clearings in the national park area which contribute to an expansion of our knowledge and understanding of this habitat type, and form a starting point for the necessary future research.

Major mistakes in scientific medical writing based on manuscripts' reviews.

Peer review is a crucial process in ensuring the quality and accuracy of scientific research. It allows experts in the field to assess manuscripts submitted for publication and provide feedback to authors to improve their work. To describe mistakes encountered while peer reviewing scientific manuscripts submitted to "La Tunisie Médicale" journal. This was a bibliometric study of research manuscripts submitted to "La Tunisie Médicale" and reviewed during 2022. The data collected included the type of the manuscripts and the number of reviews conducted per manuscript. The study also identified variables related to writing mistakes encountered during the peer review process. A total of 155 manuscripts (68% original articles) were peer reviewed and 245 reviews were delivered, by two reviewers. Out of 62 mistakes detected, 21% concerned the results section. In 60% of the manuscripts, the keywords used were not MeSH (Medical Subject Headings) terms. The introduction lacked in-text citations in 30% of the reviewed manuscripts, while the method section did not have a clear study framework (27%). The two major mistakes detected in the results section were the misuse of abbreviations in tables/figures, and the non-respect of the scientific nomenclature of tables/figures with respectively 39% and 19% of manuscripts. This study identified 62 mistakes while reviewing scientific manuscripts submitted to "La Tunisie Médicale" journal. Scholars can benefit from participation in scientific writing seminars and the use of a safety checklist for scientific medical writing to avoid basic mistakes.

Species

This article discusses the many usages and meanings of the term species in biology, as currently applied (1) to named taxa such as Homo sapiens and Panthera tigris, (2) to a rank (usually but not necessarily the lowest and/or the most fundamental one) of the biological classification, and (3) as a variegated set of notions, the most important among them being the morphospecies, the biospecies, the ecospecies, the evolutionary species, the agamospecies and the taxonomic species. The debatable relationship between the Aristotelian “definition by species and genus” and the historical roots of the usage of genus and species as basic ranks in biological classification are outlined, as are the historical roots of the scientific nomenclature applied to biological species.

Ostracods and Biostratigraphy of Sarmord Formation (Lower Cretaceous), Surdash Anticline, Sulaimani, Kurdistan Province, North of Iraq

A detiled systematic study of ostracods fauna in outcropped section of Sarmord Formation (Hauterivian -Barremian) in Surdash Anticline allows to detect 28 species belong to 16 genera. Among theis species Twelve were previously recorded in the sorounding area, Thirteennew species were recorded for the first time and One species renamed according to the international system of scientific nomenclature. According to the diversity and the appearance of ostracod indeviduals along the studied section, Two biozones were recognized, the first one include about 58% of the recorded ostracod specimens, while the other one includes only 42%.

Eliminating slurs from the scientific names of algae, fungi, and plants will cause minimal nomenclatural change

It was recently stated in Megataxa that: “Of course, we have a duty to eliminate obviously hurtful and discriminatory words from the scientific lexicon” (Pethiyagoda (2023: 24). However, contrasting with this statement, Pethiyagoda (2023) broadly supports retention of the status quo regarding the present-day names and epithets in use in the biological sciences, and the terminology used in other sciences. With reference to a proposal to amend the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants (Turland et al. 2018), adoption of which would eliminate epithets with the root ca[f]f[e]r- from the scientific nomenclature in use for algae, fungi, and plants (Smith & Figueiredo 2021), Pethiyagoda (2023: 21) further stated that: “They [Hammer & Thiele (2021)] cite, for example, a proposal by Smith & Figueiredo (2021)”. This statement is not correct. Both Hammer & Thiele (2021) and Smith & Figueiredo (2021) were published on “15 December 2021”, and Hammer & Thiele (2021) could not have cited Smith & Figueiredo (2021). To prevent any misconceptions that might result from Pethiyagoda’s statement, we here note that Hammer & Thiele (2021) and Smith & Figueiredo (2021) were not aware of each other’s work until it was published.

Personnel Problems in Domestic Science

The paper discusses the problems of scientific activity effectiveness, especially the quality of scientific personnel training, formation and maintenance of creative climate in research teams, and certification of scientific workers. The majority of the works devoted to the problems of domestic science development discuss the problems of low demand for the results of research and publication activity at the international level, aging of research teams and the problem of youth flow-in into science, material and financial support of scientific research, the structure of research and its compliance with the most demanded areas of knowledge and much more. Much less attention in the scientific literature is paid to the problem of the use of human capital in science, and usually the conclusions are reduced to the problem of insufficient funding of fundamental research. The article discusses the process of training of highly qualified researchers, argues that a special role in this is played by on-the-job training, justifies the need to create conditions for the flow of scientific personnel and extensive informal cooperation of scientists. It is shown from the standpoint of the theory of human capital and special interest groups that such mechanisms to a certain extent ensure the effectiveness of scientific research. Some decisions of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation regarding the stimulation of scientific research productivity are considered. It is shown that the approaches of the Ministry in this area are reduced to the orientation of scientists to achieve formal quantitative indicators, which ultimately leads to a decrease in the quality of R&D. Moreover, the focus on quantitative indicators leads to individualization of research work, reduction of incentives for creative communication and scientific criticism. Another problem is the formation of scientific nomenclature and the growing isolation of domestic science from the world. The tightening of criteria and the increasing complexity of scientific certification procedures on the basis of the same quantitative approaches and growing centralization in decision-making lead rather to the opposite result – the quality of researchers and the effectiveness of their work are declining. The general conclusion is that the domestic science needs actual decentralization both in the choice of research topics and in the personnel policy.

(221) Proposal to add a new Recommendation after Article 38, with the advice to report local/indigenous vernacular names (if available) of new taxa and to use such names, if appropriate, in scientific nomenclature

Vernacular names and ethnobiological classifications of plants, fungi and other organisms form a valid ethnobotanical/ethnobiological system that is independent of, but at the same time complementary to, the system of scientific biological nomenclature (see Berlin, Ethnobiological Classification: Principles of Categorization of Plants and Animals in Traditional Societies. 2014; Heenan & al. in New Zealand J. Bot. 59: 291–322. 2021; McGlone & al. in New Zealand J. Bot. 60: 215–226. 2022; and references therein). However, many scientific (Latin/latinized) names of organisms are based on or derived from ancient Greek or Latin vernacular names (Stearn, Bot. Latin, ed. 3. 1983), while some other scientific names use vernacular names of organisms in other languages. Wright & Gillman (in Taxon 71: 6–10. 2022; see also Gillman & Wright in Commun. Biol. 3: 609. 2020) proposed to amend the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants (Turland & al. in Regnum Veg. 159. 2018) by allowing the retroactive replacement of scientific names and/or epithets of plants and other organisms in favour of “indigenous names”, meaning vernacular names used by indigenous peoples. These ideas received much public attention and were discussed or criticized in several publications (see Knapp & al. in Taxon 69: 1409–1410. 2020; Heenan & al., l.c.; Palma & Heath in Bionomina 22: 32–38. 2021; McGlone & al., l.c.); see also detailed, critical comments by Mosyakin (in Taxon, 2022, https://doi.org/10.1002/tax.12837, and references therein). However, we understand that for many people the recognition of traditional knowledge of plants, fungi, and algae and the reflection of local/indigenous vernacular names of those organisms in scientific nomenclature is indeed important. In partial response to these sentiments and concerns, we propose the following new Recommendation to be added after Art. 38. “38F.1. When describing new taxa that have existing local or indigenous vernacular names, authors are advised to report these names and associated information on traditional knowledge in the protologue and, if appropriate and feasible, to use the local or indigenous vernacular names in forming the scientific names of new taxa.” The present proposal does not encourage any rejection or replacement of existing legitimate names with “indigenous” ones (as suggested by Wright & Gillman, l.c. and Gillman & Wright, l.c.). We strongly believe that Art. 51.1 of the Code, stating that “A legitimate name must not be rejected merely because it, or its epithet, is inappropriate or disagreeable, or because another is preferable or better known (but see Art. 56.1 and F.7.1), or because it has lost its original meaning”, should remain in full force. We are grateful to Nicholas J. Turland (Botanischer Garten und Botanisches Museum Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Germany) for his valuable advice and editorial improvements.

The ETA-ESE statement on the European Chemicals Agency opinion on iodine as an endocrine disruptor.

In 2022, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) made a statement concluding that iodine is an endocrine disruptor (ED). "We stress the fact that the ECHA opinion ECHA/BPC/357/2022 is based on their misguidedly zooming in on exclusively the biocidal products (e.g., hand disinfectants, disinfection of animals' teats/udder, embalming fluids before cremation, etc.) that contain molecular iodine (I2), entirely neglecting [see the 2013 ECHA Regulation (EU) n°528/2012 describing iodine as being of "great importance for human health". Clearly, the current sweeping and erroneous classification of "iodine" as an endocrine disruptor is ill-advised. We moreover call upon the scientific and medical community at large to use the accurate scientific nomenclature, i.e., iodide or iodate instead of "iodine" when referring to iodized salts and food prepared there with. Drugs, diagnostic agents, and synthetic chemicals containing the element iodine in the form of covalent bonds must be correctly labelled ''iodinated'', if possible, using each time their distinctive and accurate chemical or pharmacological name.

A Peculiar Kind of Particularity: Plants and Animals in Marianne Moore’s Early Poetry

As an undergraduate studying biology at Bryn Mawr College in the messy aftermath of Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution, Marianne Moore found herself surrounded by renowned biologists like Thomas Hunt Morgan, Jacques Loeb, Nettie Maria Stevens, and David Hilt Tennent – all of whom were highly invested in debates concerning the epistemological validity of empiricist and essentialist approaches to the natural world. As her biology class manuscripts reveal, these debates had a profound influence on Moore’s early poetry (1908–1924), especially when it involved plants and animals. Eager to perceive other living organisms with precision, Moore rejected the demands of wider vision and focused her inquisitive intensity on the particular properties of individuals. The more that Moore attended to these particulars in her poetry, the more pressure she was able to place on the categorical structures that biologists impose upon organisms for the sake of a stable scientific nomenclature.

Reflections on Pavlinov (2021): understanding and expanding the study of the history and philosophy of nomenclature, a comprehensive state of the art

The philosophy of nomenclature (onymology/taxonymy) is an underdeveloped discipline. The book Taxonomic nomenclature of Pavlinov (2021) explores the history of scientific nomenclature and analyzes the theoretical and conceptual elements that underpin this discipline. It is a rich and comprehensive resource for both novice taxonomists, interested in the history and in nomenclature, and the more experienced, seeking to expand their knowledge of the field. In addition to the review, a deepening of the notions of taxonomic freedom and nomenclatural norms and principles, and a consensus on the binominal vs. binomial debate are proposed. The new concepts of methodology freedom and quality freedom are introduced, as well as some reflections on the notions of monosemy and universality.

Attempts to introduce a system of national, racial and/or ethnocultural discrimination in codes of biological nomenclature should not be tolerated: Comments on some recent proposals (Wright & Gillman, 2022, etc.)

AbstractWith their article “Restoring indigenous names in taxonomy”, Gillman & Wright (2020) initiated a discussion that culminated in a set of proposals to amend the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants (ICN) by allowing the retroactive replacement of scientific names and/or epithets of plants and other organisms in favor of “indigenous names” (vernacular names used by Indigenous Peoples). Here I emphasize several main topics and questions critically important for the suggested implementation of the proposals by Wright and Gillman. My conclusions regarding the proposals by Wright and Gillman are as follows. The “definition” of Indigenous People proposed by Wright and Gillman for the ICN is dramatically different from the working definitions and identification/self‐identification criteria of Indigenous Peoples provided in the UN Declaration on the rights of Indigenous Peoples (United Nations, 2007) and other relevant international documents. That “definition” is vague, potentially discriminatory, may bring unnecessary conflicts, and cannot be used in practice. Nomenclatural committees and the taxonomic community as a whole should not be involved in political debates about which peoples are indigenous and which are not, which bodies represent those peoples and which do not have that right. Giving special privileges in nomenclature to some groups of Indigenous Peoples but not to other peoples with comparable levels of traditional knowledge would be an act of unexplainable and unjustified discrimination. The argument of “demonstrable chronological priority” of vernacular “indigenous” names over scientific names used by Wright and Gillman is irrelevant in biological nomenclature and taxonomy and cannot be used in practice. The proposal to allow the use of “indigenous” diacritics in biological nomenclature would result in allowance of dozens diacritic signs actually used by various Indigenous ethnic groups, and should not be accepted. The replacement procedure proposed by Wright and Gillman will not work as they intended because they failed to outline workable rules for it. Science (the scientific nomenclature of organisms included) should not be biased or distorted politically, racially, ethnically, socially, genderly, religiously or otherwise. Any attempts or proposals aimed at granting preferences in biological nomenclature to any political, racial, ethnic, social, gender, religious or other group or groups should be rejected as discriminatory acts. Consequently, the “proposals” by Wright and Gillman should be rejected by the international community of taxonomists of plants, fungi, and algae.

EDITORIAL : The how and why of scientific naming: What’s in a name?

Quite a lot, actually. Names organize and give meaning to our world. They give us identity and allow us to communicate clearly and efficiently. In the context of scientific names for living and fossil organisms, they link data from around the globe into a synthetic framework from which we can make powerful predictions and effective strategies: everything from governmental policies and next-generation medicines to the origins of diversity and its responses to climate change. These, and many other reasons, are the why, but how is equally important. Unlike folk taxonomies, which are rich in cultural tradition and applicable only at local scales, scientific nomenclature must abide specific rules to remain effective globally, unbounded by the vagaries of local customs. These names must also transcend time so that data from past and future generations can be meaningfully synergized for their greatest benefit. Not surprisingly, to achieve such lofty goals, an entire form of information science is needed, one complete with its own terminology and pragmatic rules. The how of scientific naming is as vital as the why, for to fail at the first means catastrophe for the fundamental reasons of the latter. Imagine bad practices for the scientific naming of drugs or diseases and the tsunami of disastrous impacts that would follow. Now imagine the same if we failed at communicating about disease-transmitting mosquitos or poisonous mushrooms. Scientific names have life-sustaining importance and we cannot be cavalier about taxonomic science and formalized nomenclature.

Folk taxonomy and scientific nomenclature: Working together for conservation of fishery resources in Brazil

Folk taxonomies of fishers are important for understanding the dynamics and diversity of fishes throughout the world. This study analyzed the folk taxonomy of artisanal fishers of the coast of the state of Paraíba, Brazil. Data were collected through free lists, semi-structured interviews and participant observations. A total of 308 local names were recorded, corresponding to 127 scientific taxa. The broad folk categories ‘pescada’ (croakers) and ‘cação’ (shark) were the most common. The Cognitive Salience Index (CSI) was used to assess which fishes the fishers knew best; the mutton snapper (Lutjanus analis) had the highest CSI score. Four hierarchical levels of folk taxonomy (kingdom, life form, generic and specific) were recorded. The local ichthyofauna contained 16 species at risk at the national level and 34 at the global level. Our results suggest that fisher folk taxonomy can complement scientific knowledge, improve and update threatened species lists and in doing so benefit fisheries management and conservation actions.

Phylogenomics and species delimitation of the economically important Black Basses (Micropterus)

Informed management and conservation efforts are vital to sustainable recreational fishing and biodiversity conservation. Because the taxonomic rank of species is important in conservation and management strategies, success of these efforts depends on accurate species delimitation. The Black Basses (Micropterus) are an iconic lineage of freshwater fishes that include some of the world’s most popular species for recreational fishing and world's most invasive species. Despite their popularity, previous studies to delimit species and lineages in Micropterus suffer from insufficient geographic coverage and uninformative molecular markers. Our phylogenomic analyses of ddRAD data result in the delimitation of 19 species of Micropterus, which includes 14 described species, the undescribed but well-known Altamaha, Bartram’s, and Choctaw basses, and two additional undescribed species currently classified as Smallmouth Bass (M. dolomieu). We provide a revised delimitation of species in the Largemouth Bass complex that necessitates a change in scientific nomenclature: Micropterus salmoides is retained for the Florida Bass and Micropterus nigricans is elevated from synonymy for the Largemouth Bass. The new understanding of diversity, distribution, and systematics of Black Basses will serve as important basis for the management and conservation of this charismatic and economically important clade of fishes.

Issues of oil terminology in the studies of N.B. Vassoevich

For more than 30 years N.B. Vassoevich had devoted to the development of the theoretical foundations of petroleum geology and geochemistry. In addition, Nikolay Bronislavovich was always interested in the original meaning of the words that he used as scientific terms. Under the term, he understood a lexical unit that serves to designate a scientific concept, performing the function of naming in relation to the object reflected in this concept. According to N.B. Vassoevich, the ambiguity of many geological “terms” is the cause of most heated scientific discussions. Therefore, the ordering of scientific terminology and nomenclature N.B. Vassoevich included among the most important scientific tasks.

Mytella strigata and Mytella guyanensis as an object of study: scientific and popular nomenclature review, morphological aspects and occurrence in Babitonga Bay-SC/ Mytella strigata e Mytella guyanensis como objeto de estudo: revisão da nomenclatura científica e popular, aspectos morfológicos e ocorrência na Baia da Babitonga-SC

Bivalve molluscs are an object of great economic interest, in the genus Mytella, it is possible to highlight the species Mytella strigata and Mytella guyanensis. The aim of this study was to carry out a review about the popular and scientific nomenclature of these species, evaluate the main characteristics used to differentiate them, as well as to carry out a quali-quantitative analysis of the mussels from the bay of Babitonga-SC. During the popular nomenclature review it turned out that the mussels M. guyanensis and M. strigata have gone through numerous revisions and nomenclature changes, as well as have several synonymous species. According to the studies reviewed to the popular nomenclature subject, 75% of the publications related to M. guyanensis and M. strigata were made in the Northeast, regarding the popular names “bacucu” and “sururu”, the second term was the most widespread. The analysis of the mussel stocks of Babitonga Bay demonstrated the predominance of M. guyanensis (96%). No significant difference was observed for the sample survey and collection station factors. However, the variations in abundance and diversity were significant for the stratum factor, where the highest values were recorded in the lower mesolittoral, suggesting a tendency for these organisms to be distributed in environments with less air exposure at low tide.

Revisão bibliométrica do achachairu (Garcinia humilis): um agente promissor para a saúde e futuras aplicações em alimentos

Abstract The achachairu (Garcinia humilis (Vahl) C.D. Adams) is a Bolivian fruit species that adapts well to tropical and sub-tropical climates and may feasibly be disseminated in other parts of the world. Data from the literature has revealed that both the plant and the fruit exhibited promising compounds for both nutritional and pharmacological purposes. This work aimed to review available publications involving the achachairu (G. humilis) through a bibliometric analysis using data from the Web of Science© (WOS) database. For greater precision and completeness in the research, the filters used included both the scientific nomenclature, and the popular name of the fruit, G. humilis and achachairu, respectively. The data-gathering stage yielded only 29 works containing the terms used in the search. Comprising 25 publications, Brazil was the country having the most records in the database, possibly because its climate is favorable for achachairu cultivation. Among the main research focus areas were attributes related to its chemical structure and pharmacological properties, particularly Guttiferone A, the compound responsible for the gastroprotective, antinociceptive and antiproliferative properties of its fruit, which occurs primarily in its seed. The peel also exhibited a bioactive and antioxidant composition. Thus, these two parts of the fruit, which are considered underutilized, due to the exclusive consumption of the fruit pulp, may have the potential for other purposes. Finally, considering the scarce scientific data regarding this matrix, which has a diversity of positive characteristics for the pharmacological and food industries, this bibliometric analysis revealed an opportunity for further research.

Znanja, sposobnosti i veštine neophodne za uspešno obavljanje policijskih poslova obezbeđene specijalnim fizičkim obrazovanjem

The aim of this paper is to present the necessary knowledge, abilities and skills of police officers, offered by Special Physical Education (SPE), which police officers should possess in order to efficiently perform police tasks. SPE is studied at all levels of police education in the Republic of Serbia. According to the scientific nomenclature, SPE belongs to police sciences, the group of special police sciences, but it is also a part of physical education and sport. As a teaching subject, SPE belongs to the group of professional subjects, and at the University of Criminal Investigation and Police Studies in Belgrade to the group of compulsory subjects. Education and training in SPE is based on science, scientific methods as well as police practice, and, together with other scientific disciplines, participates in building the personal integrity and professional capacity of police officers, using specially designed educational training programs.