Belgrade Region Research Articles

Serbia multidisciplinary approach for surveillance and risk identification – The “One Health” information for action

Abstract Issue/problem To date, Serbia has not detected locally acquired Dengue cases. Since a competent Dengue virus vector Aedes albopictus (Ae. albopictus) has been detected since 2017, imported cases have the potential to trigger local transmission. Description of the problem To ensure preparedness and timely response in the event of an epidemic signal in Serbia, we described the imported Dengue cases and analysed the geographical distribution and density of the vector. Probable and confirmed imported cases meeting the 2018 EU case definition were reported via the National Notifiable System between January 2019 and December 2023. We monitored the density and geographical spread of mosquitos, including Ae. albopictus, which were collected during May-October 2022 and 2023. Mosquito genera were determined according to morphological criteria and DNA barcoding. Results During the investigation period, physicians reported three probable and four confirmed imported Dengue cases; the mean age was 28.4 (standard deviation (SD)=11.5) years and 57% were male. Cases had travelled in Southeast Asia (n = 6) and the Caribbean (n = 1). The mean time interval from symptom onset to seeking medical care was 3.6 (SD = 2.1) days and from symptom onset to laboratory confirmation 7.4 (SD = 6.3) days. We collected 1994 Ae. albopictus mosquitoes in 308 sampling sites across 12 Serbian regions. We observed the highest number of mosquitoes in September (38%, p < 0.001) and in the Belgrade region (81%, p < 0.001). In 2022, we detected Ae. albopictus mosquitos in seven regions and in 2023 in nine. Lessons Ae. albopictus mosquitoes were widely distributed in Serbia, with the highest presence during September and in the capital region. The importation of Dengue cases from affected countries underscores the need for enhanced integrated and “real-time” surveillance linked with vector control activities.

Popis 2022 - stanovništvo Srbije prema nacionalnoj pripadnosti

Ethno-demographic and ethno-statistical studies of the population of Serbia according to nationality are based on the census as the most important official source of data, which is held every ten years and provides information on demographic trends, the number and characteristics of all ethnic communities in Serbia, but also provides a database for the adoption of necessary measures population, social, economic, minority and other state policies important for the stable, even and prosperous development of the country. The paper highlights the impact of various factors on national declaration, as well as the buoyancy of this feature, whose subjectivity has influenced large fluctuations in the number of individual ethnic communities, as well as the accuracy and possibility of comparing census results. Changed census methodology, new methodological solutions, criteria, classifications, definitions, often as a result of national ideology, political decisions and social circumstances, had a great immediate impact on the changes in the population dynamics of all, and especially some nationalities. The paper analyzes the national composition of the population of Serbia (without Kosovo and Metohija) according to the data of the last census from 2011, as well as the significant demographic changes that occurred in the period between the two censuses (2011-2022), while looking at the similarities and differences between the regions. of Serbia (Belgrade region, Vojvodina region, Šumadija and Western Serbia region and Southern and Eastern Serbia region). The focus of the research is on the most important factors that influenced the change in the ethnic structure, such as differences in the rates of natural increase and migration balance according to nationality, but also ethnic alternation under the influence of numerous non-demographic, namely political, social, economic, religious, psychological and other factors. The different population dynamics of ethnic communities, i.e. the increase in the number and share of some, while at the same time the decrease in the number of others, determined the direction and intensity of changes and affected the national composition of the population, as well as the process of ethnic homogenization or dispersiveness of individual nationalities, which created and changed everything the ethnic image of Serbia.

Situation on the market of eggs from non-cage production systems

The objective of the study is to determine the share of eggs from non-cage production systems compared to eggs from cage systems, in the year when the extended transitional period expires (December 2023) for Serbian producers to comply with the welfare legislation, mandating the transition from the conventional cage breeding system to permitted systems (enriched cage system and non-cage systems (floor, aviary, free breeding - free ranges, organic production). Also, the objective of the study is to determine the structure of consumers within the group valueing the breeding system, which declares that it prefers free range eggs and organic eggs. The examination of the Belgrade market supply of eggs, including supermarkets (11), green markets (5) and specialized stores (5), and consumer attitudes was conducted through a survey (247 respondents in the Belgrade region). According to the results of the survey, it can be concluded that the supply of eggs from non-cage systems is minor, compared to eggs from the cage system, which have a share of 100%, it is 81.82% for eggs from the floor system, 54.54% for eggs from free range and 9.10% for organic eggs. The supply of organic eggs on the market is insufficient and mainly associated with specialized stores. For about 30% of consumers, the egg production system is very important, whereby the majority of consumers (53.45%) would prefer the eggs from free ranges, and among them the largest share are women (76.03%), consumers with higher education (67.10%), employed (78.38%), aged 36-55 and with higher monthly incomes. Based on the research results, it can be concluded that the process of harmonizing egg production with welfare regulations has an impact on the egg market, i.e. resulting in changes in the sense of greater share of eggs from non-cage systems compared to similar research in the earlier period. At the same time, although there is a growing awareness among consumers about the importance of the production/rearing system, it is still insufficient compared to certain European countries. The development of non-cage systems, as more favourable from the point of view of welfare and consumer expectations, should be given greater attention in the coming period, by acting through regulatory measures, education of producers and consumers, research and support in terms of incentives, subsidies and loans to producers who switch to alternative systems of raising laying hens.

Korišćenje bejbi frendli usluga u porodilištima u Srbiji

Introduction/aim: Breastfeeding, as a topic for health promotion and research, continues to be relevant due to numerous benefits for both the child (decreased mortality, strengthening of immunity, reduction of allergies, respiratory and digestive disorders, obesity and diabetes, increased IQ) and the mother (reduced risk of hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, cardiovascular diseases, breast and ovarian cancer). The study aims to propose effective and efficient health promotion activities directed towards increasing the percentage of exclusively breastfed newborns and infants up to six months of age, in Serbia. Method: The study was conducted as a secondary analysis of data obtained in Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 6 (MICS 6) for the national and the Roma ethnic group sample, in Serbia, in 2019. The association between the utilization of the following services: skin-to-skin contact, early breastfeeding, and full-time rooming-in for mother and baby, and the socio-demographic variables of mothers, were examined using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Statistical significance was determined at p < 0.05 (Student t-test, Pearson's chisquare test, and Mann-Whitney U-test). Results: The examined socio-economic characteristics of the mothers in both samples were not associated with the use of baby-friendly services. A significant statistical difference exists in relation to the type of delivery in both samples. Women who gave birth by caesarean section remain deprived of utilizing the procedures that have proven positive short-term and long-term effects on the health of both the child and mother. In both samples, there was a significant increase in rooming-in in the Belgrade region, where the maternity hospital leading the National Breastfeeding Support Program is located. Conclusion: The most effective measures to improve breastfeeding are related to the adoption of breastfeeding support policies in health facilities and the obligation to train the entire staff who are in contact with mothers during their stay at the maternity hospital (20-hour WHO breastfeeding counseling training).

Assessment of residual nitrite levels in cooked sausages: Compliance, thermal processing effects, and consumer safety

The increasing global consumption of processed meat, which often contains nitrite as a preservative, raises health concerns due to potential adverse effects from its metabolites, such as nitric oxide and N-nitroso compounds. The study sought to evaluate the food safety of processed meat products within the Serbian market, specifically in the Belgrade region. Nitrite levels were analysed in cooked sausages, both in their raw state and after undergoing the manufacturer's recommended thermal processing prior to consumption, if applicable. Additionally, thus far, there has been a lack of research exploring the potential influence of residual nitrite levels in the meat products prepared as per manufacturer recommendations prior to the consumption of meat products, as well as their contribution to acceptable daily intake (ADI), which provides crucial insights into the overall dietary safety of processed meats. During a three-year period, the study performed analysis on a total of 77 cooked sausages, following the standard ISO methodology. Boiling the cooked sausages led to a major reduction in this meatproduct additive, whereas frying led to a comparatively smaller decrease in nitrite concentration. Additionally, the greatest exposure to nitrite compounds occurs when consuming meat products without prior preparation, i.e., without thermal treatment by consumers before ingestion. In summary, the assessment of the ADI for nitrites revealed a high level of food safety, with all values noticeably below the maximum permitted levels specified by national legislation (150 mg/kg).

Exploratory Analysis of the E-government E-skills of Serbian Citizens and Their Ability to Use E-government Services with Special Emphasis on the Regional Differences

The topic of the e-government e-skills of Serbian citizens has been largely unexplored. Thus, the study aims to explore the citizens' current level of e-government e-skills competencies. The data were collected from 2,894 citizens through a paper survey and analyzed using ANOVA and EFA. The empirical results suggest that there are significant differences between the regions, with the citizens of the Belgrade region being significantly more proficient than citizens in other regions of Serbia in all areas except digital certificate skills. The empirical results also suggest that women are more proficient than men, that the 65+ age group’s digital skills are completely inadequate, and that education level is a key factor.

Impact of residential status on sports activity, anthropometric characteristics and motor abilities of adolescents

The world’s leading health institutions warn that adolescents do not meet the minimum level of physical activity necessary for the proper physical development of young people, which is considered one of the main problems of public health. In addition to personal preference, environmental and cultural factors play an important role in the involvement of young people in sports. This study aimed to examine potential differences in involvement in sports, anthropometric characteristics and motor abilities, in adolescents of different residential statuses. The sample included 83 adolescents, of whom 45 (54.2%, 13.51±0.55 yrs) were from urban areas and 38 (45%, 13.45±0.50 yrs) were from rural areas in the Belgrade region. Surveying detected their involvement in sports, and anthropometric characteristics were assessed through body height (BH) body mass (BM), body mass index (BMI), and motor abilities through explosive strength of lower and upper extremities and agility. A Mann-Whitney U test has shown that place of residency impacts involvement in sports and motor abilities, while there was no impact on anthropometric characteristics. Cohen’s criteria (r) detected the level of impact. Adolescents from urban areas are more involved at sports and have better motor abilities. There is no difference in anthropometric characteristics. Considering the relatively small sample of respondents and variables assessed, the obtained results can hardly be generalized. However, this does not diminish the importance of the present study which examined the urban-rural state of sports activity, anthropometric characteristics and motor abilities of adolescents in Serbia, thus making an important contribution to this field.

Assessment of biosecurity measures implemented on the broiler farms in the region of Belgrade city

The implementation of biosecurity measures as the first line of defense is an essential prerequisite for preventing the occurrence and spread of infectious agents in flocks. Assessment of biosecurity measures on the farms was carried out during farm visits based on the application of an appropriate questionnaire whereby the farmer answered a number of questions regarding the implemented biosecurity measures. The study was performed via Biocheck.UGent online survey on 16 broiler farms in the region of the city of Belgrade. The capacity of farms was 25,000-100,000 broilers, placed in 2-4 houses, depending on the farm. Farm visits were made by the authors to confirm the correct answers to the online survey. Results showed that external biosecurity scores ranged from 57% to 93%, averaging 83.6%. Internal biosecurity score ranged from 48% to 98%, with an average score of 85.7%. The total score for the biosecurity assessment ranged from 56% to 93%, with an average score of 84.3%. The scores for subcategories varied between the farms. Removing manure and carcasses, a subcategory within the category of external biosecurity, had the lowest mean score (farms 9 and 10 had a score of 12%). Relatively low scores were also obtained for the number of steps of broilers depopulation (farm 9 had a score of 44%) and for the location of the farm (farms 2 and 3 had a score of 44%). Concerning internal biosecurity, the lowest score was obtained for the subcategory material and measures that they apply between compartments (farm 10 had a score of 29%). These findings should be useful for decision-makers and flock veterinarians and farmers to set feasible targets and sustainable biosecurity programs to improve biosecurity, the health status of the flock, and farm profitability.

Regionalni ekonomski gubici nastali usled isključenosti Romkinja na tržištu rada u Srbiji

In this paper, we calculate the economic costs of labour market exclusion of Roma women at the NUTS 2 level in Serbia in terms of output and fiscal benefits. The approach relies on the analysis of a scenario in which there are no differences in the level of wages or in labour force participation and employment rates between Roma and non-Roma labour market participants. We use Labour Force Survey (LFS) data from 2019 as a basis for the comparison of the Roma and non-Roma in terms of expected gross earnings for working-age individuals provided they are employed. The results show that the total economic loss (output + fiscal) due to the exclusion of Roma women from the labour market in Serbia amounts to about 197.7 million euros on an annual basis. Of that, 70.5% (139.3 million euros) come from output/productivity losses, and 29.5% (58.4 million euros) from fiscal losses. The largest contribution to total economic losses comes from the South and Eastern Serbia region (37.25%), followed by the Vojvodina region (28.25%), the Belgrade region (24.03%) and the Šumadija and Western Serbia region (10.46%).

Can we identify what are the causes and effects of internal migrations? The case of Serbia

Internal migrations within countries have significant implications for various socio-economic factors and regional development. Understanding the drivers behind internal migrations is crucial for policymakers seeking to address population movements and their consequences. In this paper, we investigate the factors influencing internal migrations in the Republic of Serbia. More specifically, we employ the NOTEARS algorithm, a causal discovery method, to uncover the causal relationships between key factors related to the economy, education, healthcare, tourism, and municipality activity quality. We aim to identify potential causal links between these factors and internal migrations. The results suggest that the number of companies per 1,000 inhabitants influences emigrations in a Belgrade region, while there are no direct or indirect causes of emigrations or immigations for other regions. This analysis contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics shaping internal migrations in the Republic of Serbia and offers valuable insights for policymakers and researchers alike.

Analiza demografskih resursa Beogradskog regiona na početku XXI veka

The intensive reduction of the labor contingent and the continuous process of demographic ageing of the labor force raises the issue of human capital development and the need to increase the level of demographic resources. For decades, Serbia has been facing negative demographic tendencies, such as long-time negative natural increase, population emigration and disruptions in demographic structures, which has caused the creation of divergent poles of development. The purpose of this research is to evaluate and more accurately analyze spatial differences in the value of the indicators of demographic development of the municipalities of Belgrade region during the period 2011 - 2022. The methodological framework of the paper is a synthetic indicator, index of demographic resources, that considers the interdependence of natural components of demographic development, age structure of the population and educational characteristics as a demographic element of human resource development. The interdependence of these components indicates the vitality of the studied space in the present time and the demographic potential in the future. The results showed significant polarization between the central and peri-urban municipalities of Belgrade. The higher values of the studied index central municipalities owe to the high shares of the educated population and students, while the values of the demographic index among municipalities are quite uniform.

Nutritional evaluation of cooked sausages in the market of the Republic of Serbia using the Nutri-Score methodology

Enhancing diet quality is a recognized strategy for reducing the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), making it a primary focus of public health policies worldwide. The Nutri-Score, a front-of-pack labeling logo utilizing five color-coded letters (A, B, C, D, E), has been established as a means to assist consumers in promptly identifying healthier prepackaged foods within a given food category. It has a positive influence in terms of consumer awareness, perception, comprehension, and purchasing behavior and potentially contributes to a decrease in the prevalence of NCDs. The objective of this research was to assess the Nutri- Score of finely and coarsely ground cooked sausages available in the Serbian market. To accomplish this, a total of 189 packaged cooked sausages from the eight largest supermarket chains in the Belgrade region of the Republic of Serbia were analyzed. The sausages were evaluated using the Nutri-score method and categorized accordingly. The results of the Nutri-Score analysis revealed that only 1.1% of the cooked sausages fell into Group C, while 62.4% were classified as Group D, and 36.5% were classified as Group E. The reduction of sodium and saturated fatty acids, which are major contributors to unfavorable Nutri-scores in cooked sausages, is crucial due to their significant presence, often leading to their classification as "unhealthy foods."

Links between geomagnetic activity and atmospheric cold fronts passage over the Belgrade region, Serbia

AbstractThe suggestion that variations in solar irradiance affect Earth's weather and climate is based on correlations between solar and meteorological parameters. Solar activity influences the Earth's magnetic field. The geomagnetic activity index (GAI) is one of the indexes that measure this influence. In this paper, we researched the link between GAI and the passage of atmospheric cold fronts (CFs) over the Belgrade region, Serbia. Three years of daily data for solar (coronal holes, protons velocity and density), geomagnetic (GAI, electrical potential of Earth's atmosphere) and meteorological (air temperature, wind and precipitation) parameters were analysed. We developed a methodology that established pairs of GAI peaks and CFs and found the time interval (TI) between them. In 88.5% of cases, we were able to pair a GAI and a CF, while in 11.44% pairing could not be established. The number of GAI peaks without assigned CFs increased as mean values of GAI decreased. Most frequently, following an increase in the GAI, a CF passed after 7 days (relative frequency 22.8%), followed by 6 days (19.9%) and 8 days (18.5%). These three TIs covered, in sum, 61.3% of cases. Mean TI value was 6.82 days. The warm part of the year had the same TI distribution but the cold part of the year produced a bimodal frequency, with a maximum of 8 days (21.6%), followed by 5 (18.3%) and 6 days (17.6%). The most frequent CFs passing over Belgrade are from WNW‐N (67.1%) and SSW‐W (27.6%) quadrants.

The influence of four rootstocks on the growth, yield and fruit quality of two plum cultivars

The influence of three clonal rootstocks (‘Pixyʼ, ‘Fereleyʼ and ‘St. Julien Aʼ) along with seedlings of Myrobalan(control) on growth, yield and fruit quality of plum cultivars ‘Čačanska Najboljaʼ and ‘Čačanska Lepoticaʼ was studied in the Belgrade region (Serbia) for the six year-period (2013–2018). In comparison to control, clonal rootstocks have shown a significant effect on the decrease of trunk cross-sectional area. The lowest vigor was found in trees on the ‘Pixyʼ rootstock, then on ‘Fereleyʼ and ‘St. Julien Aʼ. Yield per hectare on trees grafted on clonal rootstocks was higher for 62–82% in ‘Čačanska Najboljaʼ, and for 26–27% in ‘Čačanska Lepoticaʼ compared to Myrobalan. In cultivar ‘Čačanska Najboljaʼ significantly higher fruit weight compared to control was obtained in the trees on the ‘Fereleyʼ and ‘St. Julien Aʼ rootstocks. The effects of rootstocks on the contents of soluble solids and total acids in the fruit were not significant. All three studied clonal rootstocks showed better results than standard Myrobalan, and can be recommended for establishing intensive plum plantations with higher planting density.

Occurrence of malignant diseases in patients with multiple sclerosis: population-based MS Registry data

Among different comorbidities occurring in multiple sclerosis (MS), the presence of malignant diseases in these patients is of the particular importance. The aim of this study was to determine the malignant diseases burden in a whole cohort of patients with MS in the Belgrade region, based on the Belgrade population registry data. This study comprises 2725 MS patients from the MS Registry, which represents a source for all necessary demographic and clinical data. Firstly, the Registry was searched for all persons with MS who had cancer comorbidity, during the period 1996-2019. Diagnosis of cancer was validated by the patients' medical documentation. In order to investigate factors associated with the occurrence of any type of the cancer and/ or breast cancer only, in persons with MS, different logistic regression analyses were performed. A total of 64 persons with 69 malignant diseases were observed (prevalence 2.53%). The most frequent malignancies in males were skin cancer (50.0%) and in females, breast cancer (23.2%). The cumulative incidence of cancer comorbidity in persons with MS was 324.9 new cases per 100,000 person-years for the total population (137.6/100,000 in males and 403.6 per 100,000 in females). Comparison of cancer incidence rate between MS and general Belgrade population revealed lower risk for malignancy occurrence in the MS population in total (standardized incidence ratio, SIR = 0.58, 95% CI 0.16-1.49). Our findings demonstrate that MS patients in the Belgrade region have lower risk for the development of malignancy than age- and sex-matched general population.

Regionalne nejednakosti u privrednom i ruralnom razvoju Republike Srbije

Having in mind the fact that there are significant differences in the development of the regions in many countries, well-formulated regional policy and its implementation are important determinants of reducing existing regional inequalities and also they are the factors of rural development. Accordingly, the subject of research in this paper are disparities at the NUTS 2 level in the Republic of Serbia, with the aim of determining the level of economic development of the regions and the rural development of the Republic of Serbia. Thereby, an important role of regional policy in the regional convergence and achieving a more balanced regional and rural development is emphasized. The comparative analysis in the paper identifies significant differences between the Belgrade region and other regions in the Republic of Serbia, that are predominantly rural. In order to overcome these differences, the necessity of innovative solutions and an active regional policy is emphasized.

Heat requirements for flowering of European and Japanese plum cultivars in the Belgrade region

Heat requirements for flowering of European and Japanese plum cultivars in the Belgrade region

Some economic indicators of production of cow's milk in the Republic of Serbia

The subject of this research is cattle breeding with a focus on the production of cow's milk in the Republic of Serbia. The main goal is to analyze the state and trends of cow's milk production in Serbia during the last ten years in relation to production in Europe, the European Union and the world. Data from the SORS, FAO databases, etc. were used. In Serbia, 908,102 head of cattle are raised on 177,552 family farms, ie, an average of 5.11 head of cattle per farm. The number of cattle has dropped by more than 200,000 head over the last decade. In the total milk production in Serbia, cow's milk accounts for 96.84%. The average milk yield of cows in Serbia is far below the European average. The highest average amount of milk is recorded in the Belgrade region, where 5,335 liters per milking head are produced in one year. The quality of cow's milk in Serbia is far below EU standards, which is a key restriction on exports.

Transforming Metropolitan Regions – Evidence from Belgrade

The paper seeks to identify and assess the polarising, indirect and direct favourable influence of Belgrade, as the capital and the largest city in Serbia, in the development of settlements and centres within its administrative area, i.e. the territory administratively named the City of Belgrade. The paper includes an analysis of demographic trends, including commuting trends, and the functional and morphological changes in the settlements of the Belgrade region between 1971 and 2011. Various analytical and synthetic methods have been used to assess the investigated territory’s degree of transformation, including both positive effects and the negative consequences of the impact of various factors. Suburban areas are not clearly delimited. Belgrade’s urban area is not marked by social segregation. The initial hypothesis that the Belgrade region underwent a complex and multifaceted transformation has been confirmed, which will significantly determine future planning solutions, especially as regards the identified causes of the transformation, the factors of which have not been significantly changed in the transition, post-socialist period. The appropriateness of development planning measures and governing policies in this area is of crucial importance for the country as a whole.

Ruralni razvoj regiona Republike Srbije u pogledu zaposlenosti i izvora prihoda

Integrated rural development enables linking agriculture with other economic activities whereby an adequate approach to regional development contributing to a more balanced development among regions. The aim of this research is to indicate that with the concept of integral rural development the differences between regions or rural and urban areas of Serbia could be reduced. Through the Kruskal-Wallis test for comparison of groups, the important differences were compared, where the results of research showed that they are very significant, especially between the Belgrade Region and the predominantly rural regions of Serbia. These differences can be overcome in rural areas if agriculture is more intensively linked with tertiary and secondary sectors.