Vojvodina Region Research Articles

The Loess “Cave” Near the Village of Surduk - an Unusual Pseudokarst Landform in the Loess of Vojvodina, Serbia

Loess “caves” (piping caverns, wells, tunnels) exposed in loess cliffs are rare pseudokarst landforms that can be regarded as morphological equivalents to collapse dolines or sinkholes formed in classical karst terrains. This study presents the results of an investigation into a loess cave exposed in a loess cliff on the right bank of the Danube River near the village of Surduk in the Vojvodina region, Serbia. This study provides a first detailed morphologic description of this young pseudokarstic landform formed by piping erosion, probably partly supported with carbonate dissolution. The loess “cave” has a height of approximately 12 m and average diameter of around 3.5 m. In the middle of the cave ceiling there is a window. Observations indicate that over the last several years, the morphological characteristics of the landform have been stable. The main aim of this study is to provide a better understanding of the evolution of the piping process in the thick loess-paleosol sequences in the Vojvodina region, northern Serbia. A key role in the genesis of this landform was the short distance between an initial loess doline and a cliff exposing loess sediments, providing the possibility for the lateral removal of loess material. The presence of Robinia pseudoakacia trees around the initial depression modulated the evolution of the doline and provides support for the loess cavern roof. The nature of the dynamic erosional processes on the steep cliffs of the soft loess sediment indicates a very limited lifetime of this pseudokarstic landform.

Luminescence chronology of the upper part of the Stari Slankamen loess sequence (Vojvodina, Serbia)

A thick Middle and Late Pleistocene loess-palaeosol sequence is exposed at the Stari Slankamen section in the Vojvodina region situated in the south-eastern part of the Pannonian basin, Serbia. The profile exposes an about 45 m thick series of loess intercalated by at least eight pedocomplexes. Ten samples were dated by luminescence methods using a modified single aliquot regenerative dose (SAR) protocol for polymineral fine grains and for quartz extracts from the upper part of the Stari Slankamen loess sequence. The infrared stimulated luminescence (IRSL) and post-IR optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) signals from all polymineral samples showed anomalous fading, suggesting that the post-IR OSL signal is still dominated by feldspar OSL. The ages ranging from 4.6 to 193 ka were obtained after fading correction. These ages indicate that the loess unit V-L1L1, the weakly developed soil complex V-L1S1 and the loess unit V-L1L2 were deposited during marine isotope stage (MIS) 2, 3, and 4, respectively, and also indicate that the loess unit V-L2 is of the penultimate glacial age.

Leptospirosis distribution related to freshwater habitats in the Vojvodina region (Republic of Serbia)

The retrospective study (2002-2007) for human leptospirosis in Vojvodina was undertaken in order to describe the distribution of the disease in relation with some environmental factors. Regarding the presented results, the major detected number of leptospirosis cases concurs with stagnant waters, wetlands, fish pond areas and protected regions, which comprised the basis for mapping of the region in three risk zones: very high risk (incidence rate higher than 5.0), high risk (2.5-5.0) and medium risk of leptospirosis infection (1.0-2.5). During the investigated period, 97 cases were registered with an average of 13.85 cases per year: 2002, 32 cases; 2003, 7; 2004, 22; 2005, 16; 2006, 4 and 2007, 16. Out of these 97 cases only 5 were women. Serovars from 11 presumptive serogroups caused infection, with a predominance of Icterohaemorrhagiae and Bratislava, accounting for 72.72% of cases together. Icterohaemorrhagiae was the commonest infecting serogroup mostly connected with fish ponds. Case fatality ratio was 9.4%.

Arsenic Contamination in Environment in the Region of Vojvodina

Ground waters in the region of Autonomous Province of Vojvodina, Republic of Serbia are endangered by arsenic (up to 0.750 mg/l). Total arsenic concentration was determined In samples of untreated and treated water from some local and central water-supply systems. Results are compared to actual regulations in the country. This analysis encompassed 324 drinking water samples of various sources, analyzed in the Institute of Public Health Novi Sad, during 2005. Determined concentration of total arsenic in drinking water varies from 0.005 to 0.450 mg/l. Arsenic concentration in the river Danube water was within recommended value for I-II class. Maximum arsenic daily intake through food and nutrition was 60.9 +/- 22.3 microg/day in 2000. To understand importance of the problem of arsenic environment contamination in Vojvodina region, our own results, as well as the results of other authors are presented and analyzed (drinking water: 173 samples, moss deposition and daily intake through nutrition).

CHARACTERISTICS OF DEVELOPMENT AND OF THE INFLUENCE OF TOURISM ON THE ENTIRE ECONOMY OF VOJVODINA

The development of tourism and hotel industry puts into motion other complementary activities. In the general view, the region of Vojvodina was never characterized by mass tourism even though it was the branch of economy which could help in solving many economic problems – mostly unemployment. It is known that the amount of tourist visits to Vojvodina is not proportional to its anthropogenic and natural treasures. This paper points out the main characteristics about tourism development in Vojvodina region and influences it could exercise on certain branches and segments of economy. Inter-sector analyses show that within the most important segments (manufacturing and production, export, employment) tourist activities represents one of the most propulsive sectors of economy. The beneficial influence of this segment is confirmed in regional development. Tourist economy, definitely should be one of the strongest factors of economic stabilization, and also as a factor which removes disproportions made by negative movements of productivity and employment, raised on the base of unbalanced sector and regional process.

Effect of aroma and magnum hops extracts and paracetamol on antioxidant liver parameters in mice

Hop varieties that are mainly grown in Serbia are Magnum (German variety) and Aroma, which is grown only in the Vojvodina region. About the use of hops extracts as an auxiliary remedy there are divergent opinions. Our findings indicate that extracts of Magnum and Aroma varieties, among the others, enhance and prolong the analgesic action of paracetamol. For this reason we undertook a study of the effects of these extracts alone and in combination with paracetamol, along with the action of paracetamol alone, on the activity of the antioxidant enzymes GSHPx, CAT, Px, XOD, GSHR, glutathione content, LPx intensity, as well as activities of AST and ALT. Paracetamol in the dose applied exerted no influence on the investigated parameters and neither did ethanolic extract of Magnum variety. On the other hand, ethanolic extract of Aroma hops caused a significant reduction of GSH content. In combination with paracetamol, extracts of both Magnum and Aroma varieties reduced significantly the LPx intensity, activities of CAT and GSHPx, as well as GSH content in the liver homogenate. A significant increase in the AST value with respect to control was also observed. These findings indicate the disturbance in the functioning of hepatocytes, probably by decelarating metabolism and elimination of paracetamol.

Screening of mycotoxins in animal feed from the region of Vojvodina

This paper shows the results of screening of mycotoxins in animal feed originating from the region of Vojvodina. Permanent screening is needed on all levels of production and storage, as well as the use of known methods to reduce mould contamination or toxin content in feedstuffs and feed. A total of 56 representative samples were collected from feed companies from the region of Vojvodina. Samples were collected during February 2009. The collected samples included 41 samples of feedstuffs (soybean, soybean meal, soybean grits, soybean cake, maize, sunflower meal, barley, wheat feed flour, rapeseed meal, dehydrated sugar beet pulps, alfalfa meal, yeast, dried whey, fish meal, meat-bone meal) and 15 samples of complete feedingstuffs. The amounts of aflatoxins, ochratoxin A, zearalenone, fumonisin and deoxynivalenol were determined. Screening method for the analysis was done using Neogen Veratox? testing kits. The test itself is a competitive direct enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (CD-ELISA). Mycotoxins were present in 71.4% of the samples, but the values determined were below the maximum allowed limits for both Serbian and EC reference values. Zearalenone was found with the highest incidence (57.1% of samples), followed by ochratoxin A (37.5%), fumonisin (33.9%), deoxynivalenol (14.3%) and aflatoxins (3.6%).

Are we Europeans?: Correlates and the relation between national and European identity

Researches of the correlates of the national identity are plentiful both in Serbian and foreign literature. However, in the past decade or so, a new social identity starts to make its way into the researches of the social psychologists-European identity or the sense of belonging to the Europe and the Europeans. This paper deals with the relation between national and European identity, as well as with the correlates of both of these, or one of them. The sample consisted of 451 subjects, all residents of major cities in the Vojvodina region (northern Serbia), divided into several categories-ethnicity (Serbs and Hungarians), educational level (primary and secondary school or University degree), gender and age. Several scales have been used: Cinnirela's national and European identity scale, Collective self-esteem scale, scale measuring attitudes towards the European integration-STEIN and Social dominance orientation scale-SDO. The questionnaire with the demographic characteristics has also been the part of the instrument. The research has been conducted in 2005 and 2006 in the all of the major Vojvodinian cities. Results show the relation between national and European identity is foggy, but general conclusion is that we can observe them as independent identities. The correlates of the national identity were ethnicity, high social dominance orientation, high collective self-esteem and negative attitude towards the European integrations. Correlates of the European identity were fewer: ethnicity, positive attitude towards the European integration and low social dominance orientation.

Middle and Late Pleistocene loess sequences at Batajnica, Vojvodina, Serbia

Loess sequences in the Vojvodina region (Northern Serbia) reveal a continuous record of paleoclimatic variations during the Middle and Late Pleistocene. The most detailed stratigraphic information comes from remarkable exposures on the cliffs of the right Danube bank from Vukovar to Belgrade. The Batajnica loess section has been recognized as one of the most complete Middle and Late Pleistocene records in this region. A more than 40 m thick loess–paleosol succession represents environmental transition from relative thin loess layers and rubified soils in lower part of profile to thick loess and fossil chernozems characterizing the last three glacial–interglacial cycles. The proposed stratigraphic model is based on a detailed magnetic susceptibility (MS) record which is related to the deep-sea isotope stratigraphy and on correlation with other Eurasian loess records using the distinct MS pattern of selected loess–paleosol couplets. This new stratigraphic model suggests serious revision of previous chronological interpretations. MS as function of depth shows a well-known pattern of low values in loess and high values in paleosols indicating strong enhancement of magnetic minerals during soil formation. With the exception of the recent soil (V-S0) which is strongly contaminated by archaeological artifacts, the third paleosol V-S3 reveals the highest values in MS and a very distinct double peak. The rock magnetic signal at Batajnica resembles the typical pattern of the enviromagnetic records determined from other Eurasian loess sites. The paleopedological interpretations, rubification index values and rock magnetic record at Batajnica yield valuable data for the reconstruction of paleoclimatic fluctuations for the last 5 glacial–interglacial cycles at least. Moreover, the record provides an important link between the classical Central European loess sites and the Central Asian and Chinese loess provinces.

Effect of aroma and magnum hops extracts and paracetamol on antioxidant liver parameters in mice

Hop varieties that are mainly grown in Serbia are Magnum (German variety) and Aroma, which is grown only in the Vojvodina region. About the use of hops extracts as an auxiliary remedy there are divergent opinions. Our findings indicate that extracts of Magnum and Aroma varieties, among the others, enhance and prolong the analgesic action of paracetamol. For this reason we undertook a study of the effects of these extracts alone and in combination with paracetamol, along with the action of paracetamol alone, on the activity of the antioxidant enzymes GSHPx, CAT, Px, XOD, GSHR, glutathione content, LPx intensity, as well as activities of AST and ALT. Paracetamol in the dose applied exerted no influence on the investigated parameters and neither did ethanolic extract of Magnum variety. On the other hand, ethanolic extract of Aroma hops caused a significant reduction of GSH content. In combination with paracetamol, extracts of both Magnum and Aroma varieties reduced significantly the LPx intensity, activities of CAT and GSHPx, as well as GSH content in the liver homogenate. A significant increase in the AST value with respect to control was also observed. These findings indicate the disturbance in the functioning of hepatocytes, probably by decelarating metabolism and elimination of paracetamol.

The importance of preservation of autochthonous biotope of Panonian Plane in the area of special nature reserve 'Pasnjaci velike droplje' for education and ecotourism development

In the past the region of Vojvodina was dominated by vast steppes, saline areas, marshes and flooded terrains. Wet terrains were converted into steppes during the Holocene climate changes, but the land under cultivation is gradually taking their place, too. Autochthonous biotope is preserved in some regions of Vojvodina. These regions are under state protection. Special nature reserve 'Pašnjaci velike droplje' consists of saline areas and vast steppes and it is the only habitat of Great Bustard in Serbia. Reserve is located in north Banat. Development of ecotourism is based upon endangered ornithology species, heterogeneous fauna as well as upon up the educational purpose of the reserve. There are also possibilities for organizing of photo safaris and nature schools in the reserve. In order to protect autochthonous biotope, legal regulations on protection should be obeyed, fields should be revitalized i.e. they should be transformed into former state of natural mosaic of vast steppes and saline areas.

Potential directions of the 'town-to-town' migration in Vojvodina

Population of Vojvodina is showing the characteristics of late demographic transition. The main characteristics of that phase are low mortality rate, slow decrease of fertility rate, increased number of older people etc. This phase is connected to fourth development phase of migrations with significant migrations from one city to another and inside the city area. The purpose of this paper is to define the basic characteristics of potential internal migrations in the region of Vojvodina between cities, most of all towards Novi Sad as economic, political and cultural center. The sample of 2.000 respondents was formed and survey was conducted in the 15 largest cities in the region. The data were analyzed with methods of descriptive and multivariate statistical analysis (rank correlation and MDS analysis). Basic conclusions are that theory of transitional migration is confirmed in Vojvodina, the size of the city is not the only factor for potential migration movements and Novi Sad is by far the most desired destination for significant portion of population in the region, especially of population aged between 20 and 40 years because around 40% of that cohort wish to move to Novi Sad. That will cause significant urban, economic and social problems, not only in the city of Novi Sad but also in the cities where immigrants are coming from. .

Extremophiles: Link between earth and astrobiology

Astrobiology studies the origin, evolution, distribution and future of life in the universe. The most promising worlds in Solar system, beyond Earth, which may harbor life are Mars and Jovian moon Europa. Extremophiles are organisms that thrive on the edge of temperature, hypersalinity, pH extremes, pressure, dryness and so on. In this paper, some extremophile cyanobacteria have been discussed as possible life forms in a scale of astrobiology. Samples were taken from solenetz and solonchak types of soil from the Vojvodina region. The main idea in this paper lies in the fact that high percentage of salt found in solonchak and solonetz gives the possibility of comparison these types of soil with 'soil' on Mars, which is also rich in salt.

Antibiotic resistance of commensal Escherichia coli of food-producing animals from three Vojvodinian farms, Serbia

Commensal bacteria of food-producing animals are considered an important reservoir of antibiotic resistance. The aim of this study was to determine the current prevalence of resistance to 18 different antibiotics in animal commensal Escherichia coli isolated from food-producing animals from three different farms with specific modes of antimicrobial use. A very high prevalence of resistance was found to tetracycline, a moderate level to streptomycin, ampicillin, cefalothin and nalidixic acid and a low of resistance to the other tested antibiotics. Resistance to two or more antibiotics was observed among all swine E. coli, 63.2% of broiler isolates and 37.5% of cattle isolates. The results show that commensals of food-producing animals from Vojvodina region are important reservoirs of resistance to older-generation antibiotics.

Late Pleistocene loess‐palaeosol sequences in the Vojvodina region, north Serbia

AbstractLate Pleistocene loess‐palaeosol sequences are widespread in the Vojvodina region, with thicknesses reaching a maximum of about 20 m. Our investigations include more than 40 of these loess sections. Geochronology of the last glacial loess‐palaeosol sequences, based on luminescence dating and amino acid racemisation, provides correlations between Upper Pleistocene loess‐palaeosol sediments in Vojvodina and comparable deposits at other European localities. Sedimentary logs of magnetic susceptibility, grain‐size measurements and carbonate content, combined with malacological evidence, indicate two main relatively cold and arid phases during the last glacial period, related to intensive accumulation of loess units L1L1 and L1L2, as well as many brief episodes of dry and windy climatic conditions, suggesting a possible relationship with cold events recorded in the North Atlantic region. Generally, late Pleistocene climate in the region was dry and relatively warm, compared with glacial period sites in central Europe, and was characterised by sharp differences between glacial and interglacial modes.New data and interpretations presented in this study emphasise the significance of loess‐palaeosol sequences in Vojvodina for the reconstruction of the temporal and spatial evolution of late Pleistocene palaeoclimate in this part of Europe. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Detection of Dioxin-like Contaminants in Soil from the Area of Oil Refineries in Vojvodina Region of Serbia

In this study level of soil contamination by polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in two oil refineries in Vojvodina region of Serbia was assessed using combined bio/chemical approach. Toxicity of the samples, determined by microEROD analysis, could not be exclusively attributed to the content of measured PCBs and PAHs, but also to the presence of unknown dioxin-like compounds (DLC), and/or positive interactions among similarly acting chemicals. The results proved that biotests, when applied in ecotoxicological assessments, should be used either as a screening tool or initial step in effect-directed analyses.

Characterization of bean varieties on the basis of protein markers

The biochemical marker phaseolin and isozymes were used in this work to display the variation of common bean germ plasma. Fifteen bean genotypes of different origin i. e. selections were studied. From 8 analyzed enzymic systems, enzymes MDH, SKDH, ME and IDH were polymorphic, while there were no differences in zymograms for enzymes PGM, PHI, PGD, and ADH. Analysis of phaseolin revealed two types: S and T. The S type of phaseolin was found in most of analyzed genotypes (9). Phaseolin type T was found in varieties of Novi Sad selection: Zlatko, Sremac and Aster, domestic population Zuto-zeleni Stepanovicevo and Jovandeka, Croatian variety Slavonski zuto-zeleni. Those varieties were developed from domestic populations from north-west region of Balkan, Slavonia, and Vojvodina.

Wheat safety in relation to presence and content of deoxynivalenol

HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point) is a concept which identifies, evaluates, and controls hazards, significant for food safety. It is applicable to the entire food chain, "from farm to table". Prevention of a food borne mycotoxin contamination of commodities is the most rational and cost-effective method for preventing adverse effects of fungal metabolites on human and animal health. Deoxynivalenol (DON) belongs to the group of mycotoxins produced by certain Fusarium species, which can damage several vital organs, or demonstrate immunotoxic effect, when ingested in small amounts for a longer period of time. Of particular concern is exposure of children to this mycotoxin through cereals, which are believed to lead to reduced weight gain and decreased liver weights. For that reason, we tried to present HACCP concept for preventing wheat contamination with deoxynivalenol. To be able to apply this system, hazards must be identified and risks assessed, and for that purpose a real picture of area (region) in which preventive measures shall be applied, need to be established. According to the results of the study conducted in the laboratory at our department, DON contaminated wheat samples in the region of Vojvodina accounted for 41,6% in 2004 and 2005, whereas amounts of deoxynivalenol ranged from 57 to 1840 ?g/kg.

First Report of Zucchini yellow mosaic virus, Watermelon mosaic virus, and Cucumber mosaic virus in Bottlegourd (Lagenaria siceraria) in Serbia.

During a cucurbit disease survey in August 2004, severe symptoms resembling those caused by viruses were observed on bottlegourd (Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) Standl.) in the Vojvodina region of Serbia. Symptoms included stunting, mosaic, green veinbanding, blistering, yellowing, chlorotic spots, leaf deformation, and fruit distortion. Leaf samples from 25 symptomatic plants were collected from two localities for virus identification using mechanical transmission and serological testing. Crude sap extract from leaf samples was mechanically inoculated onto bottlegourd and pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo) under greenhouse conditions. Field-collected bottlegourd and inoculated plants were tested using double-antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (DAS-ELISA). Positive reactions were obtained on collected and inoculated plants with polyclonal antiserum (Loewe Biochemica, Sauerlach, Germany) to Zucchini yellow mosaic virus(ZYMV) in 23 samples, with antiserum to Watermelon mosaic virus (WMV) in eight samples, and with antiserum to Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) in seven samples. Each of the three viruses was detected in single as well as in mixed infections with the other two viruses. Biological characterization of viruses detected in single infections was done on the following indicator plants: Chenopodium amaranticolor, C. quinoa, Cucumis sativus, Cucumis melo, Citrullus lanatus, Nicotiana glutinosa, and N. tabacum cv. Samsun. The symptoms observed on indicator plants for each isolate corresponded to the results of DAS-ELISA (2,3). All three viruses are known to be important pathogens of cucurbit plants and were previously reported in pumpkin in Serbia (1). To our knowledge, this is the first report of ZYMV, WMV, and CMV in bottlegourd in Serbia.

Vital characteristics, educational structure and perspective of the Hungarians in Vojvodina

One segment of the perspective of human resources in a specific region is its demographic development (adequate vital indicators), as well as a proper educational structure of the active population. Among other things, the essence of the development of Vojvodina is the improvement of its human potential as a whole and the desire that no community, neither ethnical nor national minorities, should lag behind in it. In the 1990s, the impoverishment and loss of perspective in our country accelerated emigra tion of the population, as well as the tendency for a relative and absolute decrease in the number of the Hungarians in our region. In 2002, the number of Hungarians was 290.207, which means that in ten years it decreased for 49.284 persons. This is a result of a low birthrate, assimilation, and mostly emigration abroad, usually of young experts with their families. The loss of a significant part of intellectuals, valuable workers, means a great handicap for our human resource in the country, bat also for the national community of the Hungarians. Progress and survival of all nations and nationalities in Serbia depends on their ability to get included in the developmental economic, cultural trends, their capability at the job market. One of the guarantees that we would catch up with the world is the progress in the school system, professional education of the population and the stability of the economic system. In order to view the position of the Hungarians in the school system in Vojvodina, we analyze their share at the educational levels the share of Hungarians at different educational levels is not adequate, when we take into account their percentage share in the total population of Vojvodina (14,28%). At the elementary level, the share of the Hungarians in the total number of elementary-school pupils is only 12,31%, at the secondary-school level it is about 11%, but at the high-school level it is barely above 8%. The share of the Hungarians at the university studies is too small (below 6% of the total number of students). Further decrease in the number of students, classes at schools and staff carrying out lecturing in that mother tongue, for the Hungarian community would mean fast degradation. The Hungarians feel threatened, suppressed, and that creates lack of confidence in the dominant nation. For these reasons, the positive discrimination is necessary, special attention towards the threatened communities, to enable the national minorities to preserve their identity and culture, to maintain a stable multiethnic atmosphere in the Vojvodina region.