Eastern Herzegovina Research Articles

Essentials of the construction and exploitation of hydraulic tunnels in karst of eastern Herzegovina

The main problem in the process of construction, and it also proved in practice during exploitation of hydrotechnical tunnels constructed in the karst of eastern Herzegovina, are caverns. Of all the problems that may occur in the process of construction and during exploitation of hydrotechnical tunnels constructed in the Upper Cretaceous limestone rocks, only caverns have the characteristics (size, shape, type of backfill, water inflow) which, in extreme cases, represent a problem that is difficult to solve. In such circumstances, the tunnel construction is subject to unpredictable and sometimes devastating impairments. Cavern is a term that represents a wider area within the karst sediments, which can be partially backfilled with debris, sometimes completely empty, connected with the ground surface by karst channels. Accumulation tunnels for power plants, i.e. the tunnels where the water flow is under pressure, are particularly susceptible to these impairments. This study introduces practical problems that have occurred in hydrotechnical tunnels constructed in the hydropower system of Trebišnjica.

Bilješke o komunikaciji Mokri do-Diluntum sa usputnim naseljima

This work presents the communication data Mokri do-Diluntum with sideways settlements. From the station Leusinium (Panik), the road went north to the place Mokri do, where it was divided into two directions. One direction was west over Plana, Orahovice, Berkovići to Diluntum. The second one was north into the interior of Dalmatia province over Gacko to Podrinje. Archeological finds from the south of Dalmatia province (eastern Herzegovina) shows that network of Roman communications was developed very early in this area. This work presents facts about the new outfield observations about the remains of the roads and settlements Plana, Orahovice, Fatnica in this area, too.

Distribution of Small Indian Mongoose (Herpestes auropunctatus) in the Eastern Herzegovina – spreading inside mainland

Spreading of small Indian mongoose ( Herpestes auropunctatus ) along Adriatic coast is well described in recent literature. However, data about its presence and spreading in mainland of Bosnia and Herzegovina are scarce. In this paper new records about distribution of small Indian mongoose in the region of Eastern Herzegovina are presented. This region is characteristic as the species was introduced few decades ago. These records confirm extension of this species’ range towards south-east along Trebisnjica river. Excluding valley of Neretva river were species was already recorded recently small Indian mongose is present in whole area of Popovo polje. Total distribution area of the small Indian mongoose in Bosnia and Herzegovina is 262.5 km 2 . So far there are no data about its presence in western from Neretva river. Having in mind that this is an invasive species, establishment of population monitoring and assessment of the impact which small Indian mongoose has on local fauna must be set as biodiversity conservation priorities in the future.

Karst of eastern Herzegovina, the Dubrovnik littoral and western Montenegro

As the region of Eastern Herzegovina and the Boka Kotorska (Kotor Bay) area is one of the most highly karstified areas in the world, its hydrogeological properties, typical for karst, are extremely exposed. The main erosion base-levels for surface and underground waters of that region are: the Neretva River valley in the west, the Adriatic Sea and Dubrovnik littoral in the south and Boka Kotorska in the east. At the same time it belongs to one of the most investigated karst regions in the world known as the Dinaric Karst. The basic theories related to the nature of karst are based on the multidisciplinary and long-lasting investigation of this particular region. World famous karstologists such as Cvijic, Grund, Katzer and many others created crucial theories of karstology based on investigations and analysis of the Dinaric Karst. Many large and successfully constructed structures (dams, reservoirs and tunnels) of the region also became the basis for the development of engineering karstology. Massive karst investigation works were also performed during the twentieth century. The accumulated data and knowledge have been presented at many scientific conferences and has also appeared in many publications. The text below presents in brief, the general natural properties of the region and represents only a small part of the available data.

PHOLEUONOPSIS (PHOLEUONOPSIS) PERUCENSIS SP. N., A NEW TROGLOBITIC LEIODID BEETLE (COLEOPTERA: LEIODIDAE: CHOLEVINAE: LEPTODIRINI) FROM BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

A new leptodirine beetle species, Pholeuonopsis (Pholeuonopsis) perucensis sp. n., from a cave in Eastern Bosnia and Herzegovina is both described and diagnosed. The structure of both male and female genitalia and other taxonomically important characters are imaged. The new beetle species is clearly distinct from all other congeners. It probably belongs to an old phyletic lineage of Tertiary origin, like other known Pholeuonopsis taxa from the Western Balkan Peninsula. The new species is both an endemic and a relict inhabiting solely Eastern Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Main characteristics of demographic development of eastern Herzegovina in the second half of the 20th century and at the beginning of the 21st century

At the beginning of the observed period, the population dynamics in Eastern Herzegovina was characterized by stagnation, followed by the decrease of the total population, primarily due to traditionally present emigration, but also due to negative natural population growth. Birth rates decreasing processes, population ageing, and some other predominantly negative demographic processes have been reported for decades. This area has a low population density, while spatial distribution of the population is characterized by concentration in settlements which have the function of a municipal centre. Contemporary demographic indicators (of natural increase of population and migration) indicate further decrease in population of this region, especially of its rural parts. This is also shown by the previous 2013 Census data. Keeping in mind the current demographic indicators and characteristics of the population, side by side with weak economic development of this region, it may be expected that negative trends in population development will continue.

Hematological characteristics of Delminichthys ghetaldii (Steindachner 1882) inhabiting the karst region of eastern Herzegovina

Hematological parameters are a valuable means of estimating the physiological status of fish and, indirectly, the state of their habitat. In order to use blood parameters as biomarkers, it is necessary to know their normal values and the referential intervals for a species. Such investigations are especially valuable in endemic and endangered fish species. In this study, parameters of erythrocyte lineage of Delminichthys ghetaldii (Steindachner 1882), an endemic species inhabiting the karst waters of eastern Herzegovina, were investigated. Fish were caught by nets in the region of Fatnicko polje (Fatnica field) after the water outflow in March 2013, blood was taken by heart puncture and erythrocyte parameters were determined. Their mean values were as follows: the number of erythrocyte (RBC) = 1.474 x 1012/l; hemoglobin concentration (Hb) = 72.50 g/l; packed cell volume (PCV) = 0.398 l/l; mean corpuscular volume (MCV) = 271.19 fl; mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) = 49.36 pg, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) = 193.16 g/l eryt. Body mass and morphometric features were also estimated and their mean values were: body mass = 25.49 g, total and standard body length = 14.13 cm and 11.98 cm, respectively, Fulton coefficient = 1.45. For the values of all parameters, the normality of distribution was tested, as well as differences between mean values of males and females. Pearson’s correlation and multiple regression analyses between mass, morphometric and hematological parameters have shown that erythrocyte parameters may influence body mass and of morphometric characteristics in this species.

Wind power plant energy control and evacuation in Eastern Herzegovina

Power plant electricity production control is very much dependent on the type of power plant. Some types, such as storage hydro, have very good power control capabilities. On the other hand, electricity production of wind power plants is strongly dependent on the wind that is forecasted with some degree of uncertainty. If wind power plant production misses the schedule submitted to transmission system operator, the production of another power plant has to be altered in order to compensate mismatch of scheduled power production. This specially refers to sudden changes caused by outage of wind generators as a result of high wind speed. Wind power plants control could cause unpredictable power flows in the transmission network if their production is controlled by power plants that are not located in their electrical vicinity. This paper reviews the Balkans region characterized by high wind potential, the existing hydro power plants enabling efficient power control, and potential for construction of perspective hydro power plants, making this region very suitable for construction of large wind power plants.

Two new freshwater fish species of the genus Telestes (Actinopterygii, Cyprinidae) from karst poljes in Eastern Herzegovina and Dubrovnik littoral (Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia)

Two new species, Telestes dabar and Telestes miloradi, are described on the basis of morphological comparisons of isolated geographical populations of fishes identified earlier as Telestes metohiensis. A lectotype is designated for Telestes metohiensis, whose range is shown to include waters of Gatačko, Cerničko, and Nevesinjsko poljes in Eastern Herzegovina. Telestes dabar from Dabarsko Polje (Eastern Herzegovina) and Telestes miloradi from Konavosko Polje (south Croatia) share with Telestes metohiensis the following combination of characters that distinguish them from the rest of the genus Telestes: pharyngeal teeth in one row, usually 5–4; preoperculo-mandibular canal not communicating with the infraorbital canal; mouth subterminal, the tip of the mouth cleft on or below the level of the ventral margin of the eye; postcleithrum minute or absent; ventral portion of the trunk with a dark stripe on a pale background; and dorsal portion of trunk uniformly dark and bordered ventrally by a dark midlateral stripe. Telestes dabar and Telestes miloradi are distinguishable from Telestes metohiensis in usually having 8½ branched dorsal-fin rays (vs. usually 7½), 9 or 10 gill rakers (vs. 7–10, usually 8), and the dark stripe on the ventral portion of the trunk below the main pigmented area of the back narrow and usually not reaching posteriorly to the caudal peduncle (vs. dark stripe wide and extending posteriorly to the caudal peduncle). Telestes dabar is distinguished from Telestes miloradi by having scales on most of the body situated close to one another and overlapping in a region behind the pectoral girdle and usually on the caudal peduncle (vs. overlapping scales on most of the body); the lateral line usually incomplete and interrupted, with 24–69, usually 54–65, total scales (vs. lateral line usually complete, with 55–67 total scales); scales above and below the lateral line slightly smaller than lateral-line scales (vs. of about equal size); head width 43–52% HL (vs. 48–58% HL); and lower jaw length 10–12% SL or 36–41% HL (vs. 8–10% SL or 33–38% HL). Telestes miloradi, a very local endemic species,is known only by historical samples. Telestes dabar is an abundant fish in Dabarsko Polje, but its range is critically restricted during the dry season by a few permanent sources. Nothing is known about its occurrence in underground karst waters.

Pistoale balcanice cu cremene din colecţia Muzeului Banatului Timișoara / Flint Balkan Pistols from the Collection of Banat Museum in Timișoara

Pistoale balcanice cu cremene din colecţia Muzeului Banatului Timișoara / Flint Balkan Pistols from the Collection of Banat Museum in Timișoara

Investigations of variability of morphometric characteristics in Busa and Gatacko cattle in order to preserve autochthonous genome

With the objective of studying and protecting genomes of autochthonous breeds of cattle, investigations were performed of the variability of morphometric characteristics of the autochthonous breeds Busa and Gatacko cattle, as well as a retrospective analysis of the development of the examined populations. The investigations covered 97 cows, specifically 22 head of western Herzegovina Busa cattle, 24 head of eastern Herzegovina Busa cattle, and 51 head of Gatacko cattle. Morphometric measurements were examined: height at withers, body length, foot circumference, and chest girth. The obtained data were processed statistically, and variability was established using simple variance analysis with an unequal number of repetitions. The significance of the obtained differences from the three investigated localities was tested using the F test and t-test. A significant degree of variability was established for the morphological characteristics within the examined populations, as well as between the populations. The established differences are primarily a result of the influence of different natural conditions and breeding conditions, as well as the genome share of Alpine cattle, with which the Busa has been crossbred.

A multi-model approach to the simulation of large scale karst flows

The possible effects of water transfer through a tunnel from Fatnicko Polje to Bileca Reservoir on the hydrologic regime of the Bregava River located in Eastern Herzegovina, in an area characterised by a predominantly karstic terrain, are studied. Three different simulation models of the area were developed and their predictions compared under a range of current and future hydrological and operational management conditions. These are based on a range of modelling approaches from a simplified conceptual approach to a quasi-physically based one. Despite the large complexity of the natural system, the models gave good fits to existing flow data with the most simplified model providing the closest agreement to historical flows. Calibrated models were used to study the possible effects of the intervention under a range of operational scenarios and identify the sources of the associated uncertainties. The results of the work suggest that the system of tunnels in question has a favourable effect in reducing flood hazard in the area, thus liberating scarce land resources for agriculture, and in reducing flows in the Bregava River (especially high flows). It is also suggested that a significant reduction in the uncertainty of modelling the karstic environment can be achieved by an appropriate, complementary combination of modelling approaches viewed as a multi-model ensemble.

Leading causes of blindness and visual impairment in the region of Eastern Herzegovina

Visual impairment and blindness are serious social and health problems in the world. 1992 classification of visual disorders by World Health Organization has recently been implemented. The goal of this study was to determine common causes of visual impairment and blindness in the region of Eastern Herzegovina. In this population based study we have analyzed medical records stored in the regional Association of Visually Impaired and Blind Persons of the Republic of Srpska (Trebinje, Bileća, Foca, Eastern Sarajevo). The analysis included sex and age distribution of registered population, classification and leading causes of visual disability and blindness. RESULTS There are 298 registered persons with visual disability and blindness in the region of Eastern Herzegovina and Eastern Sarajevo. The prevalence of visual impairment and blindness in the aforementioned region is 0.1%. Among the studied population, there are more males than females with visual disability or blindness (56% versus 44%). Most (78%) of registered persons are blind, and only 22% are visualy impaired. 43% of registered population are in the IV category and only 8.38% are registered in the II category. Only 2% of registered population are children. Common causes of visual disability and blindness in the region of Eastern Herzegovina are: glaucoma (22%), cataract (17%), myopia alta (13%), diabetic retinopathy (12%) and ocular trauma (11). Common causes of children's visual impairment include. optic nerve anomalies, congenital cataract and premature retinopathy. Compared with literature data, common causes of blindness and visual impairment in the region of Eastern Herzegovina do not differ significantly from those in other regions. Registration is based on the WHO model, but it is possible only by performing active epidemiological studies.

Cataract as a leading cause of visual disability and blindness in the region of Eastern Sarajevo and Eastern Herzegovina

Cataract is the second leading cause of blindness and visual disability in the region of Eastern Herzegovina and Eastern Sarajevo. It is a curable and preventable cause of blindness, because visual function can be surgically recovered. The aim of our study was to determine the frequency of cataract among registered blind population. We used data stored in the Regional Association of Blind Persons from municipalities of Eastern Herzegovina (Trebinje, Bileća, Foca) and Eastern Sarajevo. In this population-based study data were analyzed using standard statistical methods. We have investigated sex and age distribution, visual acuity and type of cataract in the registered population. Among 298 registered blind persons and persons with visual disability, 17% are persons with cataract. Males are more frequent than women. Most people with cataract are older than 60 and are with age-related cataract. Literature data show that cataract is one of the leading causes of blindness and visual disability in the world. Cataract is the second leading cause of visual disability and blindness in the registered population of Eastern Herzegovina. The total number of people with visual disability caused by cataract would decrease by increasing the number of surgeries, which correlates with improving the quality and training of ophthalmologists.

Lithostratigraphic column between Nevesinje and Ljubinje including highlights of the karst area charectaristics (SE Bosnia & Herzegovina)

The area between Nevesinje and Ljubinje in Eastern Herzegovina is a part the Dinaric massif, where Mesozoic carbonated platform is almost completely preserved. There are also Palaeogene sediments in the area structure, but they are considerably less preserved. However, they are an extraordinary indicator of the more important structures within and a solid base for reconstruction of tectonic occurrences during Neogene and Quaternary. The purpose of this paper is to provide more information on lithofacies and tectonic terrain structures, including particular karst characteristics. Causes for occurrence and possible development of karst process are issues that are also pointed out (considering the thickness of the carbonated sediments), as well as the directions and development volume of the process.

Influence of construction on hydrogeological and environmental conditions in the karst region, eastern Herzegovina, Yugoslavia

The region of eastern Herzegovina and Dubrovnik coastal belt is one of the hydrogeologically and hydrologically most interesting regions of Yugoslavia karst. The main water course in the region is the Trebisnjica river, the largest sinking river in Europe. All the poljes in the catchment area are temporary flooded, hydrologically separated, and closed karst entities. Enormous quantities of available water are not evenly disturbed neither in the time nor in the space. The Trebisnjica Hydrosystem project uses the basic concept of total water regime organization and its multipurpose utilization. With the construction of seven dams, six artificial reservoirs, six tunnels (with total length, 57 km), and four canals (with total length 74 km) the natural regime of surface and underground waters has been completely changed.

The Self-Purification Capability of Karst Underground Watercourses with Respect to the Pollution of the Mediterranean Sea

This paper has reviewed the results of the organic selfpurification process that occurs in karst underground watercourses. The investigations were carried out in two test reaches between 1974 and 1984. The first reach comprised the underground section of a river in an area of shallow karst in Slovenia, while the second one was in the deep karst area of Eastern Herzegovina. The fundamental studies of the change in the BOD loadings showed the value of the oxygen consumption rate coefficient in karst groundwaters, transferred to a temperature of 20° C, to be k1 (r) = 0.160 to 0.210. To determine the change in loadings, the Upstream - downstream method was applied, while the travel time was defined by using a tracer. An identical value of the deoxygenation coefficient was found when observing the changes in the daily loads at the exit profile only. This knowledge enables the practical application of coefficient k1 to estimate the input organic load in karst catchment areas, and also to define the required level of karst springs and coastal sea protection.

НАПОМЕНЕ О МОРФОЛОШКОЈ СТРУКТУРИ ДОКУМЕНАТА АРХИВА МАНАСТИРА САВИНА (18. ВЕК)

У раду се анализира морфолошка структура докумената који се чувају у Архиву манастира Савина, а написани су у 18. веку ‒ у манастиру или у околним областима које припадају источнохерцеговачком дијалекатском простору. Истраживање се реализује како би се применом тзв. статистичке методе описала морфолошка структура анализираних текстова, те уочило време продирања књишких (рускословенских) карактеристика. Посебна пажња посвећена је појединим регионалним цртама, карактеристичним за говоре северозападне Боке и ширег подручја источне Херцеговине.