Regions Of Serbia Research Articles

Comparative study of the chemical composition and biological potential of honey from different regions of Serbia

A chemical characterization and biological activity of 7 honey types (multifloral, linden, rapeseed, sunflower, phacelia, acacia and honeydew honey) from different regions of Serbia were presented. The physicochemical characteristics, mineral content, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity were estimated and discussed. All honeys showed good nutritional characteristics, according to the adopted criteria of the standard codex for honey. The concentrations of 15 elements in honey samples were determined using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Limits of quantification were in the range from 0.003 mg/kg (Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, and Pb) to 1.50 mg/kg for sodium. Precision was expressed as relative standard deviation and its values were lower than 1.50%. Accuracy was evaluated with certified reference material (fish protein, DORM 4, NRC and cooking chocolate, SRM 2384, NIST) and obtained recovery percentages were 71-127%. The content of the most abundant elements (K, Mg, and Na) and microelements (Al, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Se, Si, and Zn) showed a significant variability in accordance of their botanical and geographical origin, but also the influence of harvest conditions. The levels of toxic metals (As, Cd, Cr, and Pb) are much lower than the maximal allowed for these metals according to European Commission Regulation. The antioxidant activity was evaluated by DPPH (Diphenylpicrylhydrazyl) assay while antimicrobial activity against Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria (E. coli and S. aureus) and fungi Candidi albicans was estimated by microdilution assay. The free radical scavenging assay (%RSA) varies significantly among the honey samples. The highest antioxidant activity was observed with honeydew honeys (over 75% RSA) and the lowest was observed in the acacia, ranging from 22.96 to 24.57% RSA. All honeys tested in this study exhibited antibacterial activity, with inhibition of bacterial growth, generally the higher against E. coli (80% for linden honeys) than against S. aureus (mostly much lower than 50%). Activity against Candidi albicans was almost negligible. The dataset composed of all experimental results was subjected to a chemometric evaluation and cluster analysis as hierarchical nonsupervised method was applied. According to the obtained outcome of applied algorithms, both botanical and geographical origin have important role in the elemental composition, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities.

Integration of in situ and satellite data for top-down mapping of Ambrosia infection level

A new approach of integration of remote sensing data with in situ pollen measurements is developed to explore the effect of changing land use on the local pollen records variability. It was conducted in a predominantly agricultural region of Serbia, with the focus on Ambrosia, an invasive weed that is the source of highly allergenic pollen. The land use characteristics were extracted from the Corine Land Cover and more precise crop classification maps for years 2013–2017 created using machine learning from the available satellite (RapidEye, Landsat, Sentinel) and ground truth data. Airborne pollen was collected at five locations for the same period. To integrate in situ and products derived from satellite data we defined catchment areas surrounding pollen measurements stations. Different shapes of assumed catchment areas equivalent to 5 km, 10 km and 30 km radius were tested: circular, wind rose and footprint from SILAM (System for Integrated modeLling of Atmospheric coMposition). The simple fixed circle, used as the rule of thumb in the literature, is a reasonable approximation of the representativeness of the aerobiological data. A gridded Ambrosia distribution and abundance map over Vojvodina was produced by using top-down approach that combines distribution of suitable habitats and airborne pollen concentrations. The results confirmed that variation in the agriculture-associated land use area explains notable amount of variability in the amount of Ambrosia airborne pollen. Detailed crop classification inferred from satellite data revealed the strongest relationship between pollen and variation in areas under soya bean and sugar beet. Maps of Ambrosia infection levels, based on distribution of sugar beet and soya bean fields, instead of total arable land, reveal its additional spatial variability in Vojvodina region.

The use of moss as an indicator of rare earth element deposition over large area

Abstract Nowadays, rare earth elements (REEs) represent a group of emerging pollutants due to their growing application in industry and agriculture, hence, the environmental and human exposures undergone a steady spread. Since REEs can be a part of airborne particulate matter (PM), moss biomonitoring could be a tool for the assessment of their atmospheric deposition. In 2015, moss samples of Hypnum cupressiforme Hedw. were collected at 212 sites across Serbia, and 16 REEs, including Lanthanides (La to Lu), Sc and Y, were determined in the samples by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The measured element concentrations were normalised according to different natural reference systems searching for the REE enrichment in the studied environmental samples, and their possible anomalies. The ratios of REEs, specified in the literature, were used to reveal the element origin. In this study, the order of REE abundance in the moss samples was similar to that found in other environmental compartments, which together with the obtained strong correlations among the elements imply their similar origin, probably geogenic. Nevertheless, the ratio La/Sm (5.1) entered the range that characterised coal combustion. In addition, the median enrichment factors (EFs) of the elements calculated according to typical crustal elements, Al and Sc, were not exceeded the value 5 which suggests slightly anthropogenic stake. However, high values of EF REEs (≈40) were obtained in the moss samples from certain regions of Serbia (south and northeast) characterised by the extensive exploitation of coal and mineral deposits, and their further manufacturing or combustion. The results of this study found that the moss is a sensitive tool reflecting the presence of REEs in atmospheric deposition even those in traces (Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu).

In situ characterization of some sweet and sour cherry autochthonous genotypes in West Serbia region

In situ characterization of some sweet and sour cherry autochthonous genotypes in West Serbia region

Complete Genome Sequence of an Equine Arteritis Virus Strain Isolated from a Lipizzaner Stallion in 2015 in Serbia.

Here, we report the first whole-genome sequence of an equine arteritis virus (EAV) strain, RS1, isolated from the semen of a Lipizzaner stallion held in the Vojvodina region of Serbia.

The selection of the logistics distribution fruit center location based on MCDM methodology in southern and eastern region in Serbia

Location selection for the logistics distribution center is often one of the most critical elements in a supply chain’s management success. Decision making in location selection domain is a complex process due to the fact that a wide range of diverse criteria, stakeholders and possible solutions are embedded into this process. This paper focuses on the application of some multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) approaches for the logistics distribution fruit center location selection in the Southern and Eastern Serbia region. An Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and a Weighted Aggregated Sum-Product Assessment (WASPAS) have been implemented in this process for evaluation and location selection.

Genetic diversity and virulence of Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris isolates from Brassica napus and six Brassica oleracea crops in Serbia

The present study provides insight into the diversity of 147 Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (Xcc) isolates obtained from six Brassica oleracea vegetable crops (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, collard greens, kale, kohlrabi) and the winter oilseed rape crop Brassica napus, collected from different regions in Serbia in 2014. The XCF/XCR pathovar‐specific primer set was used for fast preliminary identification. In repetitive sequence‐based PCR (BOX, ERIC and REP) of all isolates, a higher level of genetic diversity was found in winter oilseed rape isolates compared to isolates from the other hosts. ERIC and REP‐PCR showed the highest heterogeneity, with 10 and nine banding patterns, respectively. The REP‐PCR results showed the highest correlation (70%) with those obtained with multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA), performed with 10 housekeeping genes (fusA, gap‐1, gltA, gyrB1, lacF, lepA, rpoD, dnaK, fyuA and gyrB2). Three distinct phylogenetic groups of winter oilseed rape isolates were detected using MLSA. Two genes, gltA and rpoD, showed the greatest ability to identify and discriminate winter oilseed rape Xcc isolates from isolates of the other six hosts. The lepA gene exhibited specific three‐nucleotide changes in sequences of some of the isolates. Results of virulence testing of 18 representative isolates showed statistically significant host–pathogen specialization for Xcc isolates from winter oilseed rape, cauliflower, kale and kohlrabi. In conclusion, oilseed rape isolates are more genetically diverse and show greater specialization to their host in comparison to the rest of the tested isolates from other brassica hosts.

How changes in water quality under the influence of land-based trout farms shape chemism of the recipient streams—case study from Serbia

A total of eight trout farms with different production capacities located in highland regions of Serbia were selected for testing of their influence on water parameters of the recipient streams at 46 sites seven times in the course of a year. All of the trout farms can be divided into two groups with respect to the relationship of the values of the parameters recorded at their outlets and downstream sites and those recorded at the control sites. The study showed that trout farms most often cause a statistically significant increase in the contribution of fine particulate organic matter (FPOM %), in the concentrations of NH3, NH4+, and PO43− and in the values of total phosphorous (Pt) and water temperature (tw). On the other hand, they cause a statistically significant decrease in the values of dissolved oxygen. In our study, the parameter defined as the ratio of the annual production of a trout farm to the minimal water discharge (Pr/Qmin) showed a high degree of correlation with the majority of analysed parameters, proven to be a good predictive model for testing the farm’s influence on the recipient stream.

Evaluation of the Impact of Black Carbon on the Worsening of Allergic Respiratory Diseases in the Region of Western Serbia: A Time-Stratified Case-Crossover Study.

Background and Objectives: Many epidemiological studies have shown a positive association between black carbon (BC) and the exacerbation of allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma. However, none of the studies in Serbia examined this relationship yet. The aim of this study was to examine the associations between BC and emergency department (ED) visits for allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma in the Užice region of Serbia. Materials and Methods: A time-stratified case-crossover design was applied to 523 ED visits for allergic rhinitis and asthma exacerbation that occurred in the Užice region of Serbia between 2012–2014. Data regarding ED visits were routinely collected in the Health Center of Užice. The daily average concentrations of BC were measured by automatic ambient air quality monitoring stations. Odds ratios (ORs) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using conditional logistic regression adjusted for the potential confounding influence of weather variables (temperature, humidity, and air pressure). Results: Statistically significant associations were observed between ED visits for allergic rhinitis and 2-day lagged exposure to BC (OR = 3.20; CI = 1.00–10.18; p = 0.049) and allergic asthma and 3-day lagged exposure to BC (OR = 3.23; CI = 1.05–9.95; p = 0.041). Conclusion: Exposure to BC in the Užice region increases the risk of ED visits for allergic rhinitis and asthma, particularly during the heating season.

Social formation and collapse in the Tisza-Maros region: dating the Maros Group and its Late Bronze Age successors

Abstract

Low sugar jellies of berry fruits: the impact of low vs. high temperature regime on their chemical composition and antioxidativity

This study focuses on the impact of low and high temperature regimes on the chemical composition and antioxidativity of low sugar berry fruits jellies. High quality fruits (strawberry, raspberry and blackberry) were collected from Western Serbia region, quite well recognised both nationally and internationally due to an extremely well developed practice in growing berry fruits. The obtained results have clearly indicated the importance of low temperature regime for enriched contents of both total phenolics and anthocyanins followed by an enhanced antioxidativity. Rubus fruticosus L. Čačak Thornless cultivar, the only autochthonous berry fruit variety screened herein, may be firmly recommended as a raw material for industrial production of low sugar blackberry jellies with exceptional characteristics. This innovative procedure of preparing berry fruit jellies have encompassed the application of low temperature regime (55 °C), lower content of sugar (40%), seeds separation from jellies followed by no use of pectin throughout the whole process.

Phytochemical and Antioxidant Properties of Fresh Fruits and Some Traditional Products of Wild Grown Raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.)

The current study investigated and compared phytochemical and antioxidant activity of fresh fruit and some traditional products of Rubus idaeus grown in mountain region of Serbia. The total organic acid, total sugar content, total phenolics, flavonoids, tannins, anthocyanins and vitamin C were evaluated. The antioxidant activities were evaluated using two antioxidant systems 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS). The fresh fruit contained highest amount of vitamin C (46.62 mg AA g-1) and total organic acids (882.22 mg CA g-1). The sweet preserve had highest content of total phenolics (200.83 mg GA g-1), flavonoids (12.85 mg RU g-1) and tannins (39.11 mg g-1). The juice had the highest total anthocyanin content (107.22 µg mL-1) and total sugar content (25 °Brix). The best antioxidant activity in ABTS assay had juice (IC50 = 4.87 µmol TE g-1), followed by sweet preserve (IC50 = 5.14 µmol TE g-1), almost identical to standard gallic acid. In the DPPH free radical scavenging assay, sweet fruit preserve showed significant better antioxidant activity (IC50 = 41.27 µg mL-1) compared to juice (IC50 = 106.07 µg mL-1) and fresh fruit (IC50 = 294.79 µg mL-1). Our results indicated promising perspectives for usage of R. idaeus fresh fruits and traditional products studied with considerable levels of vitamin C, bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity.
 
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 In press - Online First. Article has been peer reviewed, accepted for publication and published online without pagination. It will receive pagination when the issue will be ready for publishing as a complete number (Volume 47, Issue 3, 2019). The article is searchable and citable by Digital Object Identifier (DOI). DOI link will become active after the article will be included in the complete issue.
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Ectomycorrhizae of Norway spruce from its southernmost natural distribution range in Serbia

Abstract: Norway spruce (Picea abies Karst.) reaches its southernmost limit in the mountainous regions of south Serbia and Bulgaria. The species is a regionally important timber species for the wood industry and a significant host for various ectomycorrhizal fungi, including edible species. We analysed ectomycorrhizal community and fine root parameters of high continental / subalpine Norway spruce stands at three sites (Stara planina, Kopaonik, Tara) located in protected areas in Serbia. In addition, we assessed the potential effects of altitude and growing season on the ectomycorrhizal diversity and fine root parameters. Using standardised sampling in combination with morpho-anatomical and molecular identification of ectomycorrhizae, we recorded 29 different anatomorphotypes. None of the identified fungi belonged to commercial edible fungal species. Compared to other Norway spruce ectomycorrhiza studies in central Europe, sites in Serbia exhibited lower species diversity and different dominant species composition, with Cenococcum spp. and Russula spp. as the dominant ectomycorrhizal fungi. A number of ectomycorrhizal types and the value of the species richness index differed between Stara planina and Tara in the autumn, but the influence of site and season on the studied diversity indices was not significant. The total number of fine roots increased in the spring, while percentage of vital ectomycorrhizal root tips increased in the autumn. This study was the first examination of Norway spruce ectomycorrhizal communities at the edge of the natural geographical range of the species.

Seroprevalence and spreading of Brucella ovis in South Bačka and Srem District

Ovine brucellosis can cause epididymitis and reduce fertility in rams and therefore is an important disease in sheep and rams from economic point of view. Sometimes it causes abortions and increased perinatal mortality in sheep as well, but it primarily affects male animals. Brucella ovis was first identified in northern region of Serbia, in 2008-2009 during a research study. Specific antibodies against Brucella ovis were detected in the sheep that originated from Becej and Titel municipalities in the South Bačka district. The prevalence was low, only 0.89%. For the purpose of this study, a total number of 6,407 serum samples from rams and sheep were used. All of the samples were from the northern part of Serbia, belonging to South Bačka and Srem districts. Serological test was performed in order to determine the presence of specific antibodies against Brucella ovis in rams and sheep, by ELISA test (indirect ELISA - iELISA). The prevalence varied from 0% - 19.3% during the years. If we look into the municipalities of South Bačka and Srem district, we can see that the numbers of positive samples are different, and the number of analyzed samples varies. The overall seroprevalence from 2014-2018 in South Bačka and Srem district is 6.15%, but it varies significantly among different municipalities from 0 to 26%. The majority of analyzed sample were from rams and all of the positive findings are in rams. Only a small number of sheep (female) has been examined so far, so the prevalence among females is still unknown.

Ethnobotanical study and traditional use of autochthonous pear varieties (Pyrus communis L.) in southwest Serbia (Polimlje)

This work represents an ethnobotanical and ethnomedicinal study focused on recording autochthonous pear varieties of the Polimlje region in southwest Serbia. The purpose of the study was to highlight genetic resources of pear varieties in situ and emphasize aspects of ethnodiversity and traditional knowledge. A special feature of the research area is the great diversity of indigenous varieties of pear, which have been cultivated for hundreds of years. Forty-six respondents from 25 to 78 years of age residing in 23 villages were interviewed, and 26 autochthonous pear varieties were recorded in the field. Among them 11.5% are widely available, 26.9% are rare, and 61.5% are very rare. For ethnomedicinal purposes, pear is used as a remedy against hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, and constipation; for reduction of body mass; as a uroseptic and/or an antirheumatic; and for cancer prevention. Pears are consumed as fresh fruit and in numerous food products. Depopulation of the investigated rural area is directly responsible for depletion of the gene pool of pear varieties and for loss of traditional knowledge. Preservation can be achieved by in situ methods such as raising awareness of the local inhabitants and ensuring support of the State.

The Count of Lactic Acid Bacteria in White Cheese

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of pH and the temperature on the lactic acid bacteria during 45 day cheese making time because they have the most important effect in taste and aroma as final product. The determination of the presence of lactic acid bacteria counted in milk and cheese is important because they have the most important effect in taste and aroma as final product. Raw material for white soft cheese production was bulk cow milk (summer lactation) from the terrain of the whole Pcinja region in Serbia. The samples for microbial and physical-chemical testing were monitored from: raw milk, milk before making cheese, whey, coagulate before production, after self pressure and pressure, cheese after moulding and dry salting and cheese after the 1 st , 10 th , 20 th , 30 th and 45 th day of brine. During the cheese making, the number of lactic acid bacteriaa in the milk prepared for making cheese was decreasing in comparison to their number in the raw milk, which proves that the total number of microorganisms is less after pasteurization. During the further production, the number of lactic acid bacteria came up the maximum in the phase of pressing or self-pressing, forming end salting. The number of lactic acid bacteria decrease during the cheese ripening in the pickle. The biggest fails of number cover with the biggest fail of pH. At the end of salting, the number of lactic acid bacteria moves from 2.4x10 5 – 5.8x10 5 /g of cheese.

Phenotypic correlation of traits of production and reproduction of Simmental cows in different regions of Serbia

The main goal of this research was to examine, using modern methods, the variability of phenotypic correlations of production performances and reproductive properties of Simmental cows reared on the farms of individual agricultural producers, in different breeding areas of the Republic of Serbia. The study of phenotypic correlations of milk performance and fertility properties in different regions of Serbia was carried out on a total of 3.056 primi parous Simmental heifers under control, with lactations completed within one year. The examined animals were reared on different individual farms, and mainly in very different conditions of housing and nutrition, depending on the breeding area. The study of phenotypic correlations included the following milk performance traits: milk yield, milk fat content, milk fat yield, yield of 4% corrected milk; and fertility properties: age at first calving and service period. The results of the study among other things indicate that although the phenotypic correlations between the fertility and milk performance properties show different degrees of variation, they should be taken into account in the final assessment of the breeding value of the animal, so that the breeding selection programs are more comprehensively designes.

Antioksidativna aktivnost perikarpa Juglans regia L., Juglandaceae poreklom iz Šumadije

Objective. The literature provides data on the antioxidant activity of different botanical parts of walnut (Juglans regia L., Juglandaceae) growing in various countries. This research has evaluated the antioxidant activity of pericarp (green husk) of unripe walnut fruit, originated from Sumadija region in Serbia. Methods. The methanol extract of walnut husk was characterized by the total phenol and tannin content, while antioxi­dant evaluation was done by DPPH radical scavenging assay. Results. It has been found that the antioxidant activity of walnut pericarp is within the range 25.32-79.35 % and is concentration dependent. The IC50 is 1.223 mg/ml. The total phenol content was 119.8 mg GAE/g and tannin 2.645 %. Conclusion. The investigated parameters of the green walnut pericarp from Sumadija region fit the range of values documented for different parts of walnut species growing in other areas in the world.

The Tisza River valley tourism in regional planning documents of Serbia and Hungary: Common tourism development on the external border of the EU

One of the key development goals of the EU regional policy is the development of the less developed regions and the enhancement of the cooperation with symmetrical cross-border regions, including the possibility of cooperation at the EU's external borders. Serbia belongs to this category, and the current cross-border cooperational contacts in the border regions with the EU member states are mainly successful. The purpose of this study is to present the development documents that address the topic of tourism in the Tisza Region, a cross-border region of Serbia and Hungary, at the level of national, regional and local development documents in Hungary and Serbia, as well as according to international projects that focus in the complementary tourism sectors and joint activities in the region. The main research results show that the analyzed strategic documents point to similar and competitive guidelines for the development of tourism in the neighbouring Tisza Regions of Hungary and Serbia in terms of their content. It has been found that the focus is on the individual tourist motives in the cross-border region, but also that there are development processes that are coordinately implemented owing to the regional and rural policy and the EU assistance, on the one hand, and the open borders that allow free communication throughout the entire region, on the other.

Ispitivanje prisustva u zemljištu, vijabilnosti i infektivnog potencijala azigospora entomopatogene gljive Entomophaga maimaiga

Entomophaga maimaiga is one of the best-known gypsy moth pathogens with increasing importance in the biological control aimed at reducing the population of this defoliator. The territory of the Republic of Serbia is a very favorable gypsy moth habitat, and the problems caused by its larvae during the periods of outbreaks are so great that they can lead to forest defoliation and forest health deterioration. In the Republic of Serbia, E. maimaiga was first recorded in 2011 (as a new species in the microflora of Serbia) during the gypsy moth outbreak (2009-2014), which was the last to date. In 2011, numerous dead caterpillars were found on and around trees in oak and beech stands of the Belgrade and Valjevo regions in Serbia. Subsequent laboratory analyses revealed that they contained azygospores and conidia of this fungus. The assisted introduction of E. maimaiga was carried out in Compartments 28 and 30 of the FMU Avala on Mt. Avala in 2011. It led to an epizootic in the following year and stopped the outbreak of the gypsy moth in the area. Since it has been seven years since the outbreak, we tested the viability and infectivity of E. maimaiga azygospores obtained from the soil samples from Avala Mountain where its assisted introduction was carried out. We used larvae from the laboratory gypsy moth population and applied the bioassay method. The results show that azygospores are present in the given soil samples, they are viable and their infectivity is conserved. It can be concluded that in the case of an outbreak of gypsy moth populations in the future, they will exhibit their entomopathogenic effect