Sites In Serbia Research Articles

ENHANCING DECISION-MAKING IN WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT: AN INNOVATIVE ASSESSMENT OF EXPERT CONSISTENCY AND COMPETENCE

In the assessment of principles and guidelines to achieve specific goals before strategies in water resources and related sectors are formulated, the quality of experts participating in making group decisions should be evaluated. This paper introduces an innovative approach designed to evaluate the quality of group members based on their consistency and deviations from the group's decision. The group members are considered as alternatives within a multi-criteria framework, employing several typical performance indicators as criteria to assess their competence and compliance with the group. Considering the policy-making, the paper provides a rationale for possibly excluding certain members from the decision-making process to prevent making unsustainable decisions. A case study is presented about the evaluation of the importance of six Ramsar sites in Serbia, facing imminent threats from water regime disturbances and climate change-induced droughts. Seven experts participated in the process and the results revealed that several experts displayed the poorest performance across all three prioritization schemes. This suggests the necessity for re-evaluating their judgments or considering their exclusion from the final decision-making process. The proposed assessment procedure holds promise for enhancing the potential to derive sustainable solutions in any complex and critical domain of water resources policy-making and strategic planning.

ADDRESSING THE INTENSITY OF CHANGES IN THE PREHISTORIC POPULATION DYNAMICS: POPULATION GROWTH RATE ESTIMATIONS IN THE CENTRAL BALKANS EARLY NEOLITHIC

ABSTRACTThe intensity of changes in the population dynamics of the Early Neolithic (ca. 6250–5300 cal BC) communities in the Central Balkans was addressed by estimating the growth rate values. The Bayesian approach (Crema and Shoda 2021) of estimating intrinsic growth rates by fitting different models of population growth was applied to radiocarbon dates from the Early Neolithic sites in Serbia. We explored two possible episodes of population growth based on the results of the population dynamics reconstruction using the summed calibrated radiocarbon probability distributions (SPD) method. The results have shown that, within the first episode of growth, the intrinsic growth rate mean values are higher than the estimated continental average (between 1% and 2%). The results indicate a sudden and fast rise in population size, possibly due to the influx of the new population settling in the region at the beginning of the Neolithic. Lower values for the second episode could indicate more gradual population growth due to the mechanisms associated with the Neolithic Demographic Transition and the rise in fertility.

Dynamic height growth models for highly productive pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.) stands: explicit mapping of site index classification in Serbia

Key messageWe applied the generalized algebraic difference approach (GADA) to develop dynamic models of height growth for pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.) in Serbia. According to the dominant heights, the studied region comprises some of Europe’s most productive sites for pedunculate oak. Therein, we have generated a map showing the current site index class of stands. Such a map could be used to enhance forest management and evaluate climate change impacts.ContextAlthough sustainable forest management requires reliable prediction of forest site productivity, such indicators are currently unavailable for pedunculate oak sites in Serbia. The site index (SI) curves represent the most commonly used indirect scale for site productivity classification. The dynamic equations derived by the Generalized Algebraic Difference Approach (GADA) are the state-of-the-art approach in growth modeling, but they have not been widely applied for studying the height dynamics of pedunculate oak.AimsThe main objectives of this study were to develop the first dynamic site index curves for pedunculate oak in Serbia and subsequently to provide stand-level maps with predicted site indices.MethodsWe have tested five flexible polymorphic equations with variable asymptotes derived by the GADA approach. Models were calibrated using artificially established growth trajectories obtained from 3636 detailed temporary sample plots. The selection of the most suitable model was accomplished according to (1) quantitative measures of goodness of fit, (2) the analysis of residual scattering, and (3) the biological plausibility of obtained height growth curves.ResultsAfter correcting the error terms with a continuous first-order autoregressive structure and conducting a three-stage performance analysis, the GADA dynamic site index model derived from the Hossfeld base equation shows the best overall properties. Insight into the oscillations of relative error suggested that 100 years is the most suitable age for site index referencing. Comparison with existing height growth models revealed greater flexibility and a considerably better representation of the height growth dynamic of pedunculate oak in the studied region. Additionally, we have produced a spatially explicit map showing the expected SI100 for 1907 stands with pedunculate oak within 22 management units.ConclusionDynamic SI-curves based on GADA will serve forest practitioners to update management plans and serve as a reference point for benchmarking the impact of climate change and for developing adaptation strategies. The utilized approach allowed unbiased estimation of SI100 across all age classes so that the results could be mapped at a broader scale. This study provides the second known application of the dynamic model for pedunculate oak in Europe but the first that includes some of the most productive sites in the species distribution range.

Understanding the local dynamics

This study addresses the dynamics of the Neolithic expansion in the Central Balkans by reconstructing its direction and speed of spread. The Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW) method is applied to the earliest radiocarbon dates from Starčevo culture sites in Serbia. Local speed estimates are derived from the earliest dates within specified spatial bins. The results confirm the assumed south-to-north direction, revealing rapid progression, particularly in the southernmost region. The possibility of pioneering scouting groups was also discussed. The results confirm the arrhythmicity of the Neolithization processes and higher local spread rates while offering new insights into Starčevo culture mobility.

SOIL CHARACTERISTICS UNDER SPONTANEOUS BIOCOVER OF PHALARIS ARUNDINACEA L. IN SERBIA

To investigate the quality of soils suitable for the growth of reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea) L., soil samples and plant material were taken from six different sites in Serbia where the plant grows spontaneously. The basic fertility of the soil was analysed to determine the soil type on which the reed canary grass grows and the content of essential nutrients in the plant material. The soil samples from sites where reed canary grass grows had different pH values, ranging from strongly acidic to almost neutral. The soils differed in humus content, ranging from slightly humic to very humic. The nitrogen content and the available forms of phosphorus in the soil samples were low, while the content of available forms of potassium was medium to well supplied. The lowest nitrogen content and the highest content of potassium and phosphorus were measured in the stalks of reed canary grass.

Sustainable Tourism Development and Ramsar Sites in Serbia: Exploring Residents’ Attitudes and Water Quality Assessment in the Vlasina Protected Area

This study aims to present the potential for sustainable tourism development on Vlasina Lake, which is, along with its surroundings, declared as a Ramsar site, Natural Asset of Exceptional Importance, IBA, IPA, PBA and Emerald area. A survey conducted among the residents indicated that they expressed positive attitudes towards sustainable tourism development, even though a small percentage of them are employed in tourism. Considering the lake as the most valuable part of this area, this study emphasized water quality assessment as the necessary condition for sustainable tourism development. Water quality indices (SWQI, CWQI and WPI) were used for water quality assessment for the period 2013–2022. Based on SWQI, Vlasina Lake has a good to excellent water quality and, according to WPI, has clean water suitable for tourism and recreation. The CWQI for overall water quality ranged from marginal to good. It is the highest for recreation, but it is based on only one parameter (pH), which is the limitation of this methodology. Based on field research, survey, water quality assessment and previous studies, it is concluded that this area has favorable conditions for developing various types of tourism, which could contribute to the future development of this undeveloped and unpopulated area.

GEOARHEOLOŠKA BUŠENjA NA LOKALITETU DRENOVAC, PARAĆIN – METODOLOŠKI PRISTUP

The Drenovac site is one of the most important Neolithic sites in Serbia. The first archaeological researches on this deeply stratified site, which was inhabited during the Early Neolithic and the Late Neolithic period, began in the 60s of the 20th century. Re-excevation of a Neolithic site in Drenovac started in the first decade of the 21th century. Today, systematic excavations are being carried out at this site, which imply an interdisciplinary approach. However, little is still known about the landscape of this Neolithic settlement. More extensive geoarchaeological research, which began in 2019, aims to explain how the intense life, which took place at this site for thousands of years, had an impact on the appearance of the landscape. In this paper, emphasis will be placed on the methodological approach to geoarchaeological hand augering and the quality of information resulting from the application of that method in understanding the complex interactions of natural, climatic and human factors.

Speleomycology of Air in Stopića Cave (Serbia).

Fungi can colonize organic matter present in subterranean sites and have a significant role as dwellers in different microniches of cave habitats. In order to analyze the content of airborne fungal propagules in different parts of "Stopića Cave," a touristic site in Serbia, air sampling was carried out in three seasons during 2020, prior to and during the onset of COVID-19 pandemic. Culturable mycobiota was identified using both microscopic techniques and ITS region/BenA gene barcoding, while multivariate analyses were employed to establish the link between fungal taxa and different environmental factors. The maximal measured fungal propagule concentrations were recorded during spring sampling which were based on fungal propagule concentration categories; the cave environment matches the category V. A total of 29 fungal isolates were identified, while Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Fusarium, Lecanicillium, Mucor, and Penicillium were the most diverse genera. According to the trophic mode, most of the isolated fungal species were pathotrophs (75.86%), but when regarding ecological guilds, the most dominant were undefined saprobes and animal pathogens (41.38% for each). Show caves are especially vulnerable to human impacts, and the fungal propagules' concentration within the caves could be good indices for the level of ecological disturbance.

Certain aspects of governance in cultural heritage areas: The case of three archaeological sites in Serbia

Cultural heritage sites provide an interesting arena for the research of governance processes in the multidisciplinary field of their protection and planning. The need for the preservation of cultural asset on the one hand, and the requests for development of activities (tourism, agriculture, housing), on the other hand, are in constant conflict. Attempts are being made to overcome disagreements between a number of actors using different mechanisms, both formal and informal. The formal planning system in Serbia plays an important part in the protection of cultural heritage. However, informal practices are not rare and they interact in an important way with the formal planning system to bridge the gap between actors and disciplines. This paper, using three archaeological sites in Serbia as a case study (Belo Brdo-Vinca, Caricin grad and Medijana-South), researches plans and policies, institutional and methodological solutions, and the relationship between the public, private and civil sectors in the areas of cultural heritage sites. Through the analysis of documents and procedures, interactions between actors, interrelations between formal procedures and informal arenas, recommendations for future planning and preservation practices are given.

Harmonization of conflicts in the areas of cultural heritage sites: The case of Belo Brdo-Vinca in Belgrade, Serbia

This paper researches the problems of protection and management of cultural heritage sites in Serbia and the possibilities of harmonization of conflicts in these areas. As a case study, the Belo Brdo archaeological site in the city of Belgrade was analyzed. The Belo Brdo archaeological site is of international importance and represents the largest and the most significant multi-layered prehistoric settlement in Europe and the eponymous site of the younger Neolithic, Vinca cultural group. The main research problem is how conflicts, between cultural heritage protection and other activities could be harmonized in the areas of cultural heritage sites. The basic goal of this research is to define the possible directions of improvements of planning and management practices in the areas of cultural heritage sites, including institutional and policy mechanisms, as well as a suitable management model. The results of the research could be applicable in the future planning practices of other cultural heritage sites in the country and region.

Antivirusna svojstva lignikolnih gljiva Srbije

Fungi have multiple roles in nature. However, from his point of view, man most often views them as useful or harmful (depending on his primary activity). Thus, wood decaying fungi are most often seen as parasitic and saprophytic organisms, economically harmful, overlooking their useful functions. One of their useful functions is a possibility of their use in the treatment of various diseases. The results of the research of antiviral properties of lignicolous fungi are presented in this paper. Samples for isolation and identification of fungi are collected on several sites in Serbia. It has been determined that the fungi that cause wood decay have various antiviral properties, most often against viruses such as influenza, hepatitis, herpes, SARS-CoV-2 and HIV.

Accumulation of metal trace elements in different body parts of terrestrial Roman snail Helix pomatia L., 1758 on three polluted sites in Serbia.

Atmospheric pollution remains one of the growing concerns in the twenty-first century, with particular focus on metal trace elements (MTE) from anthropogenic sources, due to their adverse effects on biota. The concentration and type of MTE in the atmosphere and in the soil are diverse, depending on the origin of pollutants, which can cause diverse detrimental effects on organisms living in the nearby environment. Three sites in Central Serbia with different origins of MTE pollution (urban contamination, smelting, and fly ash area) were assessed, using terrestrial Roman snails (Helix pomatia) as biomarker organisms. These snails are sentinel organisms and are known for their capacities for accumulation of MTE. Snails were sampled and their body was divided in three parts: viscera, foot, and shell and concentrations of MTE were determined in each of these body parts using inductively coupled plasma optical spectrometry. Results showed contrasting MTE accumulation patterns in body parts of the snails. Of three studied sites, snails sampled in the vicinity of fly ash containment had lower concentrations of MTE compared to other two polluted sites.

Manualized Equine-Assisted Therapy Protocol for Clients with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Equine-assisted therapy (EAT) is an increasingly popular intervention for people with various disabilities and diagnoses. However, a lack of evidence-based protocols has hampered efforts to provide standardization of treatment. The Galloping Towards Success (GTS) protocol was designed specifically for clients with moderate to severe autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and is described in this paper. The 15-week manualized EAT protocol was previously tested across multiple sites in Serbia and the U.S. (Dawson et al., 2022) demonstrating the protocol’s preliminary effectiveness in increasing social skills in 9 out of 10 individuals with moderate to severe ASD. This manuscript aims to provide professionals with information regarding the GTS 15-week protocol, including an introductory overview, description of participants, assessment, planning weekly intervention activities, evaluation procedures, documentation, limitations, and author comments. This protocol will help create consistency in facilitation among Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists (CTRS ) who use equine-assisted therapy to treat adolescents and young adults with moderate to severe ASD while equipping researchers with the means to conduct future evidence-based research in the area of equine-assisted therapies.

Morfometrijske karakteristiki listova vrsta Paulownia elongata S. Y. Hu. i Paulownia fortunei Seem. Hemsl. u odnosu na prihranjivanje na različitim staništima

The paper presents the results of the analysis dealing with the impact of plant fertilisation in the first year after planting on the leaf morphological characteristics. The analysis was conducted within the research into the potential introduction and adaptation of paulownia to different sites in Serbia. The results related to the effects of fertilisation on the quality of plant leaves are useful for the cultivation of certain types of soil where the morphometric analysis of leaves reveals structure-function relationships, i.e., more detailed indicators of the species' adaptability. The research was conducted in two localities. Sample plots with Paulownia elongata S. Y. Hu. and Paulownia fortunei Seem. Hemsl. were established in Obrenovac and Pambukovica, where leaf material was collected for laboratory analysis. The following morphometric leaf characteristics were measured: leaf area, leaf perimeter, leaf lamina length, central nerve length, maximum leaf width, leaf width at 1 cm from the base of the leaf, petiole length, distance between the 3rd and 4th nerve, the number of nerves to the left side of the midrib, and the number of veins to the right side of the midrib. The obtained results of leaf morphometric measurements were statistically processed in the Statgraphics software. Based on the results of measuring the leaf morphometric characteristics, fertilisation has a positive effect on the size of the leaves of the studied paulownia species.

Spatial–temporal assessment of hydrocarbon biodegradation mechanisms at a contaminated groundwater site in Serbia

ABSTRACT The characterization and cleanup of groundwater contamination in hazardous-waste sites are of significant engineering and scientific importance. This study analyzes biodegradation fingerprints in groundwater, 25 years after the accidental leakage of kerosene (jet fuel) at the site in central Serbia. The long-term existence of hydrocarbon contamination and the presence of indigenous microbiological populations capable of biodegradation have been confirmed by the results of GCxGC-MS chromatography and microbiological characterization. Total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH), geochemical indicators, and other parameters were spatially analyzed to provide insight into biodegradation occurrence. The lowest concentrations of electron acceptors (O2, NO3 -, and SO4 2-) and the highest concentrations of microbial metabolic products (Mn and Fe) overlap in the piezometers closest to the source of contamination, due to the occurrence of different biodegradation mechanisms. Based on the analysis of redox-sensitive compounds, the mixed oxic-anoxic processes in groundwater also correspond to the aforementioned zone, as confirmed by the redox potential (Eh) measurements. The results of cross-study analysis reveal further reduction of hydrocarbon contamination, the occurrence of less anoxic redox processes, and the increase of oxic conditions in groundwater. Overall, the results provide clear evidence of the biodegradation effects in groundwater and insight into their evolution under natural attenuation processes.

Participatory Urban Design for Touristic Presentation of Cultural Heritage Sites: The Case of Negotinske Pivnice (Wine Cellars) in Serbia

The growing perception of heritage as a public commodity encourages rural communities to recognize their natural and cultural heritage as a potential for tourism development. This creates the need for an appropriate presentation of heritage sites that ensures that their cultural and natural assets are appreciated and protected. “Negotinske pivnice” are cultural heritage sites in Serbia, nominated for the UNESCO World Heritage List. They are architectural complexes of wine cellars in rural region with a long tradition in wine production and industry and are unique in terms of their settlement structure. This emphasizes the spatial dimension of their interpretation and presentation, and highlights the importance of urban design for their sustainable use for tourism. Based on understanding urban design both as a process and a product, and cultural heritage site as a place, we argue that participatory urban design contributes to appropriate heritage presentation by widening design knowledge base to include local communities’ lay knowledge. Following the case study methodology, we explored the relationships between participatory process, the knowledge gained, and urban design solutions for presentation of cultural heritage sites as living places in “Wine Cellars of Negotin Participatory Urban Design” project. The research reveals that the wider knowledge base affects urban design at both strategic and project levels and sets the grounds for diverse presentation forms through which harmonization of heritage protection and touristic presentation is possible.

Assessment of the Geotouristic Values of Devil's Town, Serbia

Serbia is a country rich in geoheritage with eighty geomorphological sites now under protection. Although a canyon, the site of Devil’s Town is a unique geomorphological site in Serbia and deserves special attention. The geotouristic values of Devil's Town were assessed based on the analysis of its present state and comparison with three similar and nearby geosites on the Balkan Pennisula (the Sand Pyramids in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Stob and Melnik Earth pyramids in Bulgaria). The assessment was performed using a ‘modified geosite assessment model’ (M-GAM), which includes estimation of the main indicators and sub-indicators. Devil's Town has an average level of major and additional values. Indicators show that this geosite has great tourist, scientific and aesthetic value, as well as enough space for improving the ecological and functional values, as a basis for the development of tourism. Devil's Town displays a higher touristic value than the Sand pyramids and slightly lower than the Stob pyramids. However, in comparison with the Melnik Earth pyramids in Bulgaria, its touristic value is significantly lower. This study could serve as a guide for managing development strategies concerning decision-making and engagement in tourism of the analysed geosite, addressing the needs of modern tourists.

Plantago subulata as indicator of potentially toxic elements in the substrate.

Plantago subulata is a facultative serpentinophyte, with predominantly ultramafic distribution in Serbia and Montenegro. The plant samples were collected from ultramafic and non-ultramafic substrate, including two abandoned mining sites, with the aim to assess the accumulation potential of this species. The samples were collected from 10 sites in Serbia and Montenegro and element concentrations in plants and soils were determined. Particularly high concentrations of Fe, Cu, Mn, Zn, and Cd were found in the soil and plant samples from an abandoned iron mining site, Mt. Kopaonik, Suvo Rudište. The concentrations of Ni, Cr, Fe, Co, and Cd were statistically different between soil and plant samples from ultramafic and non-ultramafic bedrock. Considering the fact that concentrations of Zn, Ni, and Cr in roots and shoots were positively correlated with their respective contents in the soil, i.e., the chemical composition of the plant and soil samples reflected the characteristics of the substrate, and for most of the elements analyzed, P. subulata acted as indicator species. For Cd and Pb, only the root concentrations were positively correlated with soil content, indicating exclusion and root sequestration as the main tolerance strategies for these elements. Although below the hyperaccumulation threshold, a strong accumulation capacity of P. subulata was found for Ni and Cu.

Assessment of the impact of copper mining and related industrial activities on aquatic macroinvertebrate communities of the Pek River (Serbia)

The upper stretch of the Pek River is located in proximity to one of the largest mining sites in Serbia. To estimate the influence of copper mining on river biota, the quantitative and qualitative macroinvertebrate community structure was analyzed, and the ecological status of the river was assessed using standard biological indices. Data was gathered at 6 sites along the river. A total of 75 macroinvertebrate taxa were recorded. The reference site had the highest number of recorded taxa (48) and a high biodiversity (diversity index H=2.3). In contrast, the lowest number of taxa (8), a low diversity index value (H=1.15), and a very poor overall ecological status were recorded at site 2, which is heavily influenced by mining discharge. The Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera group (EPT) constituted 46.30% of the community at site 1 but was completely absent at site 2 where Diptera (70%) and Oligochaeta (20%) were dominant, reflecting a strong impact of the mining industry on the upper river stretch. A gradual improvement of water quality downstream of the pollution sources indicates that this medium-sized river has the capacity to overcome intensive pollution and to revitalize itself along its course.

Extraction of ammonium nickel sulfate hexahydrate by hydrometallurgical process from the hyperaccumulating plant Odontarrhena muralis – case study from Serbia

Phytomining is a new promising technique that is based on using hyperaccumulating plants which biomass is utilized as a bio-ore for metal extraction. The Ni-hyperaccumulating species Odontarrhena muralis is widely distributed on ultramafic soils in Serbia, and could be a promising candidate for Ni agromining. In the present study, efficiency of a hydrometallurgical process for Ni recovery using biomass of O. muralis wild population through the synthesis of Ni salts from plant ash in the form of ammonium nickel sulfate hexahydrate, Ni(NH4)2(SO4)2 6H2O ? (ANSH) was assessed. The average Ni content in the plant from ultramafic sites in West Serbia was up to 3.300 g kg-1. The mass yield of ANSH crystals from the crude ash was ~12 % with the average purity of 73 % were obtained. By optimizing the purification process before precipitation of ANSH crystals, it is possible to obtain salt crystals of higher purity, which increases the economic profitability of this process. The results of this preliminary study on wild population of O. muralis show the increased potential for implementation of phytomining practices as an alternative way of Ni extraction on ultramafic sites in Serbia.