Central Serbia Research Articles

Diabase from Drača open pit mine in central Serbia - quality assessment for building stone purposes

Vast masses of basic rocks are present as tectonic blocks and slices along the Eastern deep fault of the Vardar zone of Serbia. They are predominantly comprised of gabbro, with smaller part made up of diabase, and occurrences of granite, aplite and pegmatite dykes. Basic rock masses are trending along the line Kragujevac (Ždraljica)-Velika Pčelica-Bogalinac ~8 km west of Rekovac. A significantly smaller diabase massif is present along the same tectonic line, further toward SE, at Prevešt village by Kalenicka River, approximately 13 km south of Rekovac. Drača open pit mine is situated in this diabase massif. Geologic explorative works have confirmed the reserves of 1 846 695 t of stone mass for building purposes. For over a decade, Draca mine has been producing various types of building stone, mainly graded stone aggregate with favourable physico-mechanical properties for road-construction works. Chemical analyses and petrographic study have shown typical composition and fabric for this type of rock. Main constituents are plagioclase and pyroxene, with opaque minerals as accessory and varying secondary minerals – chlorite, calcite, in some places epidote and limonite. Pyrite enrichment is visible in some areas of the massif. Chlorite, calcite, epidote and pyrite are the products of propylitic alteration. Although products of alteration are present throughout the rock mass with variable intensity, as is typical for the basic rocks of the former ocean floor sequences, petrologic properties are favourable for building stone purposes. Physico-mechanical properties of diabase have favourable values and varying scattering degrees. Dry state uniaxial compressive strength average values from seven analyses vary in the range 130-169 MPa. Resistance to abrasion average values vary in the range 9.04-17.07 cm3/50cm2. Apparent density varies within the span 2759-2926 g/cm3 and real density 2804-2951 g/cm3. Water absorption values 0.08-1.04 %. Resistance to weathering through testing of stability using Sodium-sulphate values vary from 0.00 to 0.15 % and through frost resistance from 0.00 to 0.04 %. Porosity values are almost constant at 0.8 %. In more altered parts of the rock mass, porosity reaches 1.6 %. Graded crushed aggregate has favourable values of Los Angeles coefficient 14.2 and 14.3 % for gradation B. Taking into consideration all performed tests and analyses, it is concluded that diabase from Drača mine can be used as a building stone for production of aggregate for use in concrete and for road-construction (asphalt paving mixtures for moderate, light and very light traffic load as a top wearing layer; for lower and upper bearing layers; for classic and modern road foundations); for production of crushed and hewn stone for building; crushed stone for railroad ballast. Also, it can be and is used as a raw material for production of stone wool for thermal insulation purposes.

Cancer of unknown primary - incidence, mortality trend, and mortality-to-incidence ratio is associated with human development index in Central Serbia, 1999-2018: Evidence from the national cancer registry.

The aim was to estimate the trend of incidence, mortality and mortality-to-incidence ratio (MIR) in Central Serbia in 1999-2018 and its possible association with the human development index (HDI). In this study, cancer of unknown primary (CUP) was included as C77-C80 codes. Trend analysis was performed in the Joinpoint Regression Programme version 4.8.0.1. HDI combines life expectancy, educational attainment and gross national income. HDI values for Serbia are extracted from the global bank site. Joinpoint regression analysis of the age-standardised incidence rate of CUP showed a significantly increasing trend with annual percent change (APC) of 8.5% (95% confidence interval [CI] 3.0-14.3%) in males and 7.8% (95%CI 2.7-13.2) in females. The age-standardised mortality rate of CUP showed a significantly decreasing trend with APC of -1.7% (95%CI -2.8 to -0.5%) in males and -1.4% (95%CI -2.7 to -0.1%) in females. MIR showed a significantly decreasing trend with APC of -9.3% (95%CI -14.6 - -3.6%) in males and -7.1% (95%CI -10.5% to -4.2%) in females. The linear regression showed significant inverse association among HDI and the MIR of CUP in males (r2 = 0.464, p = 0.002) and in females (r2 = 0.612, p < 0.001). Decline of MIR was associated with HDI, suggesting that CUP prognosis follows socio-economic status.

Mental Health Assessment of Cancer Patients: Prevalence and Predictive Factors of Depression and Anxiety.

Background:Patients with oncological diseases often have mental disorders in the form of comorbidity. The aim of this study was to research the association of cancer with the presence of symptoms of depression and anxiety in primary health care patients.Methods:This prospective observational study done in 2020 included adult users of health care at the Health Center Trstenik, Central Serbia, aged 19 and over, both sexes, with a diagnosis of oncological disease. A research instrument to assess depressive symptoms is used PHQ-9 (The Patient Health Questionnaire) questionnaire, derived from PRIME MD- and (The Primary Care Evaluation of Mental Disorders), and the Beck Anxiety Scale (BAI) to register the presence of certain anxiety symptoms.Results:The largest percentage of patients had symptoms of mild (27.2%) or moderate depression (22%), while 18% reported symptoms of major depression. The level of depression was higher in older subjects, in the presence of chronic diseases with greater limitations of activity and the presence of difficulties in performing daily activities, with a more pronounced effect of pain on activity, the presence of stress. All subjects were characterized as persons with severe anxiety (score 26–63). The level of anxiety was higher in older respondents, in the presence of long-term illness, with greater limitations of activities and difficulties in performing daily activities, with a more pronounced influence of pain on performing activities and the influence of the media.Conclusion:Caring for the mental health of cancer patients must occupy a significant part of each country’s national health policy.

New dendroclimatological research in oak, S (Quercus Frainetto Ten.) forestry in Šumadija-Region- (Central Serbia) as a basis for climate change monitoring

New dendroclimatological research in oak, S (Quercus Frainetto Ten.) forestry in Šumadija-Region- (Central Serbia) as a basis for climate change monitoring

New dendroclimatological research in oak, S (Quercus Frainetto Ten.) forestry in Šumadija-Region- (Central Serbia) as a basis for climate change monitoring

In this work present study to describe the survey of climatic change in the case in Šumadija-Central Serbia. Climate change due to a fragile ecosystem in semi-arid, and arid region such as Serbia is one of the most challenging climatological and hydrological problems. Dendrochronology, wich uses tree rings to their exact year of formation to analyse temporal and spatial patterns of processes in the physical and cultural sciences, can be used to evaluate the effects of climate change. In this study, the effects of climate change werw simulated using dendrochronology (tree rings) and an artificial neural network (ANN) for the period from 1900—2015. The present study was executed using the (Quercus frainetto Ten.). Tree rings width, temperature and precipitation were the input parameters for the study, and climate change parameters were the outputs. After the training process, the model was verified. The verified network and tree rings were used to simulate climatic parameter changes during the past times. The results showed that the integration of dendroclimatology and an ANN renders a high degree of accuracy and efficiency in the simulation of climatic change. The results showed that the climatic of the study area changed from semiarid, to arid, and its annual precipitation decreased significantly.

Assessment of Outdoor Thermal Comfort in Serbia’s Urban Environments during Different Seasons

The urban microclimate is gradually changing due to climate change, extreme weather conditions, urbanization, and the heat island effect. In such an altered environment, outdoor thermal comfort can have a strong impact on public health and quality of life in urban areas. In this study, three main urban areas in Serbia were selected: Belgrade (Central Serbia), Novi Sad (Northern Serbia), and Niš (Southern Serbia). The focus was on the temporal assessment of OTC, using the UTCI over a period of 20 years (1999–2018) during different seasons. The main aim is the general estimation of the OTC of Belgrade, Novi Sad, and Niš, in order to gain better insight into the bioclimatic condition, current trends and anomalies that have occurred. The analysis was conducted based on an hourly (7 h, 14 h, and 21 h CET) and “day by day” meteorological data set. Findings show the presence of a growing trend in seasonal UTCI anomalies, especially during summer and spring. In addition, there is a notable increase in the number of days above the defined UTCI thresholds for each season. Average annual UTCIs values also show a positive, rising trend, ranging from 0.50 °C to 1.33 °C. The most significant deviations from the average UTCI values, both seasonal and annual, were recorded in 2000, 2007, 2012, 2015, 2017, and 2018.

Consumer Lifestyle Forming Under the Influence of National Culture

Research Question: This paper examines the influence of femininity and collectivism as a dimension of Serbian national culture on activities, interests and opinions, i.e., consumer lifestyle components. Motivation: Consumer lifestyle is largely shaped by the effects of the culture to which consumers belong. Starting from the relevant Kotler &amp; Keller (2017) consumer behaviour model that demonstrates the previously given fact, as well as identified research gap related to investigating the influence of Hofstede's national culture dimensions on activities, interests and opinions as lifestyle components, the study gives useful insights into the importance of knowing and respecting cultural differences when defining marketing strategies that aim to shape or influence a particular consumer lifestyle. The study contributes to the existing literature by providing a new idea for developing a research framework that could be used in cross-cultural or consumer behaviour studies. Idea: The basic idea of this study is to empirically test the relationship between national culture dimensions and consumer lifestyle components. The study was conducted using collectivism and femininity as independent variables, and activities, interest and opinions, i.e., lifestyle components as dependent variables. Data: Empirical research was conducted on a sample of 251 consumers from central Serbia using a survey method during July and August 2020. Tools: Processing of primary data was performed using statistical software SPSS 20 and AMOS 20 utilizing descriptive statistics, reliability analysis, correlation analysis, confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling. Findings: The study first confirms the presence of collectivism and femininity as Serbian national culture dimensions, and then indicates the existence of a statistically significant effect of observed national culture dimensions on consumer lifestyle components. Related to this, results indicate the existence of a statistically significant effect of femininity on activities and opinions, while collectivism determines only activities as a lifestyle component. Contribution: The paper provides an analysis of national culture influence on lifestyle as an important sociological determinant of consumer behaviour and also provides practical implications for marketers.

The quality assessment of the University hospital bone bank in Central Serbia: the second audit after fourteen years.

We analyzed the prevalence and predisposing factors for the overall rejection rate after retrieval of 267 fresh femoral head allografts over the past 7 years. The present study aimed to assess the quality system of institutional bone banking that can provide high-standard allografts with a low infection rate. Retrospective analysis of bone banking from June 2013 to December 2019 was conducted on 267 donors and 153 recipients. Of the 267 donated femoral heads, 74 were rejected, giving an overall rejection rate of 27.71%. The leading cause of allograft rejection was the inability to perform serology tests due to donor death; the absence of serological tests itself, and the donor refusal to perform the serology 6-month retest in 42 donors (15.72%). At retrieval, 12 allografts were positive, giving an overall contamination rate of 4.49%. Seven (2.62%) of the 267 allografts failed the blood screening tests. Thirteen allografts (4.86%) were discarded because of suspected damage to the packaging or disuse during surgery. An infection rate of 1.30% was found following transplantation. Over the past 7 years of bone banking, our results show that the overall rejection rate and the allograft-related infection rate correlate with international standards. The leading cause of allograft rejection was the inability to perform serology tests due to donor death and their refusal to perform the serology retests. Besides stringent aseptic allograft handling, donor motivation to participate in bone banking is extremely important for its efficient functioning.

Trends of Stomach Cancer in Central Serbia.

Background and Objectives: Somach cancer is the third most common cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The objective of the paper was to analyze the incidence and mortality trends of stomach cancer in Central Serbia in the period between 1999–2017. Materials and Methods: trends and annual percentage change (APC) of the incidence and mortality rate with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated by joinpoint regression analyses. The optimal number of Joinpoints was identified using the Monte Carlo permutation method. The trend was considered to be significantly increasing (positive change) or decreasing (negative change) when the p-value was below 0.05 (p < 0.05). Results: the total number of new cases was 16,914 (10,873 males and 6041 females) and the total number of mortality cases was 14,790 (9348 in and 5442 in females). Almost one third (30.8%) of new cases were registered in the 60–69-year age group, and new cases were significantly more frequent in males than in females (30.8% vs. 29.02%, p < 0.001). Joinpoint regression analysis showed a significant decrease of incidence trend in females during the 2000–2015 period with APC of −2.13% (95% CI: −3.8 to −0.5, p < 0.001). An insignificant decrease in incidence trend was in males with APC of −0.72% (95% CI: −2.3 to 0.9, p = 0.30). According to the joinpoint analysis, a significant decrease of mortality trends both in males during 2000–2015 with APC of −2.21% (95% CI: −1.6 to −7.5, p ≤ 0.001 and in females, during the same period, with APC of −1.75% (95% CI: −2.9 to −0.6, p < 0.001) was registered. From 2015 to 2017, a significant increase of mortality was registered with APC of 44.5% (95% CI: from 24.2 to −68.1, p ≤ 0.001) in females and in males with APC of 53.15% (95% CI: 13.5 to −106.6, p ≤ 0.001). Conclusion: a significant decrease of stomach cancer incidence trend in females and insignificant decrease of incidence trend in males were determined in Central Serbia. Based on presented results, the mortality trend decreased significantly both in males and in females during 2000–2015, and from 2015 to 2017 we recorded a significant increase in mortality in both sexes. We found significantly more new cases in women than in men in the age group of 40–49, and the mortality of stomach cancer was significantly more frequent among females compared to males in the age groups 30–39, as well as in the 50–59 age group. There is a need for improving recording and registration of new cases of stomach cancer, especially in females. Urgent primary and secondary preventive measures are needed—introducing stomach cancer screening and early detection of premalignant changes. Urgent primary and secondary preventive measures are needed.

Future changes in extreme precipitation in central Serbia

Abstract This paper presents the results of a study focused on the projected changes in extreme precipitation during the 21st century in Central Serbia. The changes are investigated on the basis of historical and modelled data sets of daily precipitation. The historical observation data were recorded at 18 synoptic weather stations in Central Serbia and modelled data were extracted from the regional climate model EBU-POM (Eta Belgrade University-Princeton Ocean Model) under the A1B scenario. The average number of days in a year with precipition ≥ 20, 30, 40 and 50 mm (R20, R30, R40 and R50), the share of daily precipitation above the 20, 30, 40 and 50 mm (P20, P30, P40, P50) in the total annual precipitation and the monthly distribution of these heavy daily precipitation are used as indices of changes in extreme precipitation. These indices, for the three periods 2011–2040, 2041–2070 and 2071–2100, are determined and compared with those obtained for the historical reference period 1961–1990. The results have shown that the main changes in extreme precipitation in Central Serbia will be in their spatial distribution, and the uncertainty of the occurrence of extreme events will decrease. In the future the increase will be more pronounced than the decrease of these indices. We strongly emphasize the benefit of this paper for both the prevention of natural disasters in the study area and for the improvement of the regional climate model.

Vojnový Album: Dr. Jenő Lesskó–Belehrad 1915–1916. Ratni Album: Dr. Jenő Lesskó–Beograd 1915–1916

Vojnový Album: Dr. Jenő Lesskó–Belehrad 1915–1916. Ratni Album: Dr. Jenő Lesskó–Beograd 1915–1916

Burnout Among Private Security Staff in Serbia: A Multicentic Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Burnout is a special a state of physical or emotional exhaustion that also involves a sense of reduced accomplishment and loss of personal identity.Objectives: To evaluate the predictors of burnout among work staff in the seven private agencies for support and defense of persons and their property.Material and Method: We performed a multicentric cross-sectional study that involved representative sample of working staff from Agencies of Private Security in Central Serbia. Burnout was assessed using Maslach Burnout Inventory- (MBI)-Human Services Survey.Results: A total number of participants were 353 (330 men and 23 women). Measured level of burnout as assessed by high emotional exhaustion, high depersonalization, and low personal accomplishment was 66.3, 82.4, and 13.4%, respectively. We identified that female gender, younger age, shorter work experience, working in shifts, working 12 h a day and more than 8–12 h a day as well as dissatisfaction with working conditions. Work in shifts, working 12 h a day and more than 8–12 h a day and dissatisfied with dissatisfaction with working conditions significantly increase the risk of total burnout.Conclusion: Our results showed that significant predictors for the development of burnout syndrome were female gender, younger age, shorter work experience, working in shifts, as well as dissatisfaction with working conditions.

Percrocuta miocenica (Percrocutidae, Carnivora) from the middle Miocene of Brajkovac (Central Serbia)

This paper describes a well-preserved hemimandible of Percrocuta miocenica from Brajkovac (Lazarevac municipality, Central Serbia). Based on the faunal remains recovered so far, the site is attributed to Mammal Zone MN6 (Langhian, middle Miocene). Apart from Prebreza, this is only the second site where remains of P. miocenica have been found in Serbia, and the third one in the Balkans. The newly discovered fossil, along with other taxa (e.g., Bunolistriodon meidamon, Giraffokeryx punjabiensis, Alloptox sp.), underlines the similarities between the middle Miocene Balkan and Anatolian mammal faunas.

An overview of the radiation properties of spring water in the rural areas of Central Serbia

ABSTRACT The radon distribution in central Serbia and radiation safety of spring water traditionally used for drinking and other household purposes in the rural areas are estimated for the first time. A detailed terrain structure was prepared within the municipalities of Kruševac, Trstenik, Blace and Kuršumlija. Radon concentration in spring water at 36 locations was measured by alpha spectrometry using the RAD 7 – RAD H2O system. The ambient equivalent dose of gamma radiation, water temperature, and pH were measured at site, and later are determined limits of radiation safety like the annual effective radiation doses of radon ingestion as the radon concentrations in stomach. The data were analysed using spatial distribution, cluster analysis, and multilinear regression analysis. The radon concentration varied from 1.9 ± 0.9 Bq/L to 71.0 ± 7.2 Bq/L, with average value at 17.1 Bq/L. Average values of the annual effective dose of radon ingestion are: for infants – 90.5 μSv/y, children – 33.3 μSv/y and adults – 43.7 μSv/y, which are below the recommended value of 100 μSv/y. The presented results can give a more exact mapping of radon radioactivity in Serbia, supplement the regional database on radon concentration, and help physicians pay attention to possible diseases caused by radiation in the questionable areas.

Anisotropic grossular–andradite garnets: Evidence of two stage skarn evolution from Rudnik, Central Serbia

Anisotropic grossular–andradite garnets: Evidence of two stage skarn evolution from Rudnik, Central Serbia

The value of Gissane`s angle in the population of Central Serbia

Background/Aim. Determining the value of Gissane?s angle (GA) plays a role in the diagnosis and prognosis of heel fractures, determining treatment methods, and assessing the outcome of surgical treatment. Normal values of the GA vary in relation to ethnicity, age, and gender of the examined group, which indicates its anthropometric significance. The aim of this study was to determine the range of normal GA values in the population of Central Serbia. Methods. GA was determined on lateral radiography of the foot of 145 subjects of both sexes (67 women and 78 men), with subjects divided into 6 age groups. The patients included in the study did not have a calcaneus fracture. The obtained results were processed in the Graph Pad program. Results. The average value of GA in Central Serbia was 110.8? ? 8.1?, ranging from 93? to 132.9?. The mean value of GA decreased with age, and no difference was observed between women and men, except in the youngest age group, where women had higher GA values than men. Conclusion. The results of the study showed a wide range of normal GA values, as well as the existence of a difference in subjects of different ages and sex.

Geodynamic interpretation of the Late Cretaceous syn-depositional magmatism in central Serbia: Inferences from biostratigraphic and petrographical investigations

Geodynamic interpretation of the Late Cretaceous syn-depositional magmatism in central Serbia: Inferences from biostratigraphic and petrographical investigations

The role of traditional folk songs and dances in the development of intercultural communication among elementary school children (El papel de las canciones y danzas folclóricas tradicionales en el desarrollo de la comunicación intercultural entre los alumnos de la educación primaria)

ABSTRACT This paper discusses the role of traditional folk songs and dances in the development of intercultural communication among elementary school children. Since we live in a multicultural society, it is necessary to develop the awareness of young people regarding the need to nurture harmonious relations among nations. The paper outlines the results of the empirical research aimed at determining whether the eighth-grade students from Central Serbia and Kosovo and Metohija know which nations live in their region and what their traditional songs and dances are. The results of the survey show that most students know the nations living in their vicinity but do not know their traditional songs and dances. This indicates that this kind of information and teaching content were not recognized and used as a means of interethnic connection, getting familiar with and understanding other nations. Traditional songs and dances can be a significant factor of successful intercultural communication in elementary schools if teachers recognize and use their potential. Descriptive method as well as the analysis and synthesis were used in this paper.

Nickel content in field crop seeds and agricultural soil in Central Serbia

Nickel (Ni) is an essential nutrient for animals and it has an important role in many physiological and biochemical processes in higher plants. At the same time, it belongs to the group of potentially toxic elements (PTEs). The aim of this study is to determine Ni concentrations in the soil-plant relationships between the main crops and agricultural land in Central Serbia. A total of 71 bulked soil samples are taken from the topsoil at the depth of 0-30 cm in an area belonging to 6 statistical districts of Central Serbia. A total of 71 seed samples are collected during harvest as an average sample of seed from each observed plot, of which 26 are corn, 19 sunflower, 17 wheat, and 9 soybean samples. Analysis of the collected samples includs the main soil parameters and Ni total and available concentrations in soil, as well as Ni total concentration in seeds. The median value of total Ni concentration in soil is 44.8 mg kg-1, close to MAC. The median nickel concentration in wheat and corn seeds is 0.5 mg kg-1, while soybean and sunflower seeds have higher median Ni content of 8.40 and 10.26 mg kg-1, respectively. Bioaccumulation factors in seeds (BAF) in the present study ranges from 0.013 (corn) to 0.256 (soybean). According to statistically significant differences, all crops have equal total NiT concentration in soil, while the available NiA concentration differs in soils under corn and sunflower cultivars. Based on Ni concentration in seed and BAF, two groups are distinguished ? the group of soybeans and sunflowers with higher Ni content and the group of wheat and corn with lower Ni content in seed. The obtained differences confirm that plant species have a significant role in the bio?accumulation of Ni. The determined BAF parameter is in a statistically significant negative correlation with the total Ni content in soil in all observed crops except maize. However, the BAF parameter for maize alone is in a statistically significant negative correlation with the readily available Ni concentration in the soil. The obtained correlations indicate that higher Ni concentration in soil causes lower Ni concentration in seeds, which might be due to the activation of plant defense mechanism to preserve the reproductive organs ? seeds ? from harmful effects. Based on the obtained results, Ni concentration in seeds of the main field crops in Central Serbia is safe for feed and food usage. Increased content of Ni found in agricultural soils in Central Serbia requires constant monitoring for maintaining sustainable agriculture production.

The Socio-Spatial Aspect of Rurality – A Case Study of Rural Settlements in Central Serbia

Contemporary rural areas have been significantly changed. Thus, previous rural typologies are no longer valid and there is a need for developing and standardising new measures of rurality. We developed a set of 23 rural indicators which were tested on data on the characteristics of rural areas in contemporary Serbian society. Based on statistical analyses, four variables were excluded and three main rural attributes were confirmed (population change, economic dependency ratio, population density in the built-up area). The reduced set of 19 variables could be a relevant platform for establishing a rural typology in Central Serbia, but also for conducting precise analyses of the transformation of rural areas in similar post-socialist societies.