Southeast Serbia Research Articles

Double argument marking in Timok dialect texts (in Balkan Slavic context)

SummaryIdioms of the Torlak dialect (spoken in southeast Serbia and western Bulgaria) are known for their “double affiliation”. On the one hand, by virtue of their historical and phonetic features, they belong to the western range of the South Slavic dialectic continuum. On the other hand, according to their morphosyntactic characteristics (the presence of the post-positive article, the reduced case system, etc.), they adhere to the eastern range (i. e. Balkan Slavic). This paper views the innovative features of Torlak syntax from a strictly synchronic perspective and as a phenomenon of double (i. e. both head- and dependent-) argument marking. It is argued that cases of double argument marking in Torlak appear when several conditions are met. In order to be archaically marked with an overt relict case marker, a nominal group should either refer to the a-declension or, in case of the other declension types, assume a prominent position not only on the animacy scale but also on the scale of emotional involvement. In order to be innovatively indexed by a bound personal form (Haspelmath 2013), the argument should create the most favourable pragmatic and semantic conditions for the possible (optional) occurrence of argument indexing, i. e. be a derhematised and highly individualised Patient.

Representing variation in a spoken corpus of an endangered dialect: the case of Torlak

The paper presents a spoken corpus of the endangered Torlak dialect from the Timok area of Southeast Serbia. This dialect expresses a great deal of variation in the use of non-standard features under the influence of standard Serbian (SSr). Accounting for this variation, a specific methodology has been selected for collection, sampling, transcription and annotation. Between 2015 and 2017, semi-structured interviews were conducted in the field eliciting spontaneous speech in the form of long narratives about traditional culture and history. The corpus comprises 500,697 tokens of semi-orthographic transcripts representing 80 h of recording from locations evenly distributed across the Timok area of the Torlak dialect zone, thus enabling a spatial contrastive analysis. The majority of speakers in the corpus are older people whose language represents the highly non-standard variety. In order to allow for analysis of language change under the influence of SSr, the corpus includes a number of younger people whose speech is closer to SSr. Tools for automatic PoS annotation and lemmatization that were lacking were developed based on the existing resources for SSr. For tagger training, a dialect sample of 27,000 manually verified tokens was merged with an existing training set for SSr.

Reference charts of birth weight and birth length by gestational age in south east Serbian newborns: Preliminary results

Background/Aim. To date, there has been no population-based neonatal anthropometric chart published in Serbia. Charts based on infants born in a single hospital (hospital-based) in the 1 990s are still widely used in our country, as well as the Alexander chart. The aim of this study was to construct population-based centile, gender-specific charts for birth weight and length for singleton infants born in Southeast Serbia from 24 t o 42 weeks of gestation and to compare them with other previously published charts. Methods. Data on 39,842 singleton live infants, delivered from 2006 to 2015 in three maternity wards in Southeast Serbia (Nis, Prokuplje, and Aleksinac), were analyzed. Results. The inclusion criteria met 37,169 newborns. Preterm births were relatively uncommon (5.25%). Estimated centile charts for male and female birth weights and lengths were constructed showing the 3rd, 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th, and 97th centiles. Conclusion. Our birth weight percentiles provide a population norm for singleton infants adjusted for gender, born in Southeast Serbia. These references are both of epidemiological and clinical use. There is a need for large-scale research that will include a larger number of pre-term newborns which were represented in limited numbers in our study. There is also a need for setting up the gold standard method for the precise determination of the gestational age, i.e. the use of the early fetal ultrasound.

Waqfs in the kazâs of Leskovac, Prokuplje, Kursumlija and Pirot in 18th and 19th century

The topic of this work are muslim pious endowments, waqfs, introduced by Ottomans on the Balkans. The most intensive Muslim endowment activity on the territory of nowadays Southeast Serbia was noticed after final Ottoman conquest in the middle of the 15th century to the end of the 16th century. The aforementioned period is also the time when the reshaping of the existing Christian settlements into predominantly Muslim, Ottoman ones mainly took place. The Ottoman sources on the basis of which this institute in Serbia is presented, is new, unresearched so far and kept in the Ottoman archives of the Directorate of the State Archives of the Presidency of the Republic of Turkey in Istanbul. The source presents the 1839 census of endowments whose translation and comments are given in the attachment hereby. In the paper, I compared the sources on waqfs from the earlier period with the census from 1839. In this way, I was able to determine the changes that have occurred in the meantime, i.e. which endowments survived on the territory of the kaz?s of Leskovac, Prokuplje, Kursumlija and Pirot until the time of compiling this document. According to 1839 census I determined that at the time of the census there were a total of 70 waqfs in the area of today's Southeast Serbia, 36 of which waqfs were active in the Pirot kaz?, 10 in the Prokuplje kaz?, 21 in the Leskovac kaz? and three in the Kursumlija kaz?. These consist mainly of real property, including various facilities of religious, educational, public, communal structure.

Barriers to implementation of distance learning during the COVID-19 outbreak: Teacher perspective

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020, distance learning has become one of the main educational issues globally. With the transition of all instruction to the online environment, teachers in Serbia have faced a number of challenges and barriers that have affected the quality of their work. In this paper, we wanted to analyse the barriers that teachers faced during the first months of distance learning. The research was conducted combining quantitative and qualitative analysis of data collected on a sample of 122 high school teachers from the Southeast Serbia (Nis, Leskovac). The results show that teachers recognise evaluation barriers as the predominant ones, followed by organisational-administrative ones, while the least represented were material-technical barriers to distance learning. The findings also confirm that material and technical barriers are most common among teachers with the longest work experience, as well as that organisational-administrative and socio-emotional barriers are the least common among teachers of vocational subjects. Although the focus of the paper was on the barriers in the implementation of distance learning, it can be concluded that teachers recognise certain benefits of this type of instruction and indicate that it can be used as a supplement to regular instruction. The main pedagogical implications of the paper refer to the empowerment of teachers through professional development in the field of distance learning, but also to the need to create new professional development programmes in this field which will enable the development of functional knowledge and relevant competencies for the immediate situational context of modern instruction.

Oral Health-Related Risk Factors Among Students in Southeast Serbia

BackgroundAn association between insufficient or irregular oral hygiene with the occurrence of dental caries, gingival/periodontal diseases, and consequently general diseases has been established.The null hypothesis that there is no difference in the oral health status among students in a preclinical medical program and those who went through a clinical medical program was tested. The main objective of the study was to analyze oral health risk factors (oral hygiene practices, attitudes, and behavior) as well as their impact on oral health by using convenience sampling.Material/MethodsWe investigated risk factors for oral health conditions by examining oral hygiene practices, attitudes, and behaviors among the students in the medical program of the University of Niš, collecting data using questionnaires. The study included 396 students of medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, and vocational studies. Participants filled out the anonymous questionnaire.ResultsIn both groups, parents were mostly employed, with the representation of employed fathers significantly higher in student group 1 (P<0.05), which is also the only statistically significant difference between the groups. In terms of oral hygiene practices, students were most often trained by parents (68.69%). A very high percentage of students brushed their teeth every day (97.22%), and 54.55% did this twice a day. Of the total number of students, 78.28% thought that it was necessary to use interdental brushes/floss/toothpick. The duration of teeth cleaning was 3 minutes in 39.39%, whereas 55.30% thought that it should be longer than 3 minutes. The most common brushing movements were combined movements and were used by 60.35% of all students. Of all students, 253 (63.89%) never smoked, 182 (49.96%) regularly went to the dentist, and 141 (35.61%) visited the dentist 6 months ago. The majority of students, 265 (66.92%), obtained the greatest amount of information about oral and tooth care from their dentist, which was the case in both age groups.ConclusionsThis study highlights oral health risk factors among students at the University of Niš. It is essential to determine their oral health knowledge, as it is of great significance both to patients and to students. Also, these students will be the major providers of health services and will be responsible for public oral health promotion. It could help in reformation of the oral health education program. The results of this research indicate that it is necessary to educate preclinical students to solve oral health issues.

New Approach of Metals Removal from Acid Mine Drainage

The possibility of metal removal from the real acid mine drainage (AMD) in the area of copper ore mines in the southeast Serbia, was investigated through a combination of neutralization and adsorption methods. This approach of metal removal from AMD includes a two-step neutralization method in the first phase, aiming to separate metals as sludge. The results of laboratory test revealed that more than 99 mass % of Fe is removed up to pH 4 and more than 99 mass % of Cu up to pH 7. Based on the results obtained in laboratory conditions, a test on a semi industrial plant was carried out. The two-step neutralization separately removed Fe and Cu at pH 4 and 7, respectively. Especially, the obtained sludge at pH 7 included 1.24 mass % of Cu, much higher than usual Cu ore. Chitosan was applied for dissolved Mn removal from treated AMD. After 24 h incubation, 70 mass % of Mn is removed from the treated AMD at pH 7.4. Mn concentration was reduced from approx. 35 mg L−1 to 5 mg L−1. These results have indicated that a combination of neutralization and adsorption methods could be used effectively for metal removal from real AMD.

The comparative overview of HPLC analysis of different extracts from morus species from southeast Serbia

The comparative overview of HPLC analysis of different extracts from morus species from southeast Serbia

Intrinsic groundwater vulnerability assessment by multiparameter methods, a case study of Suva Planina Mountain (SE Serbia)

Karst terrains appear on all continents and karst aquifers produce drinking water for more than 9% of the world’s population while being the most vulnerable to contamination. One of the main challenges in the management of a water supply that depends on groundwater is the possibility of the pollution of the karst aquifer which is usually open toward the surface and is highly permeable. Various environmental problems found in karstic areas demand a completely unconventional approach for this particular environment. To achieve and maintain high-quality groundwater that can be used for a public water supply, an effective prevention program must be designed and implemented. The process of determining the sanitary protection zones (SPZ) has been relying on new technologies, especially the use of a geographic information system (GIS) environment. An assortment of groundwater vulnerability assessment methods has been developed in the GIS environment, as a necessary basis for implementing preventive measures. Suva Planina Mountain is one of the greatest and the highest karst massifs in South-East Serbia. Almost all known karst features are present, and several karst springs exist at the foothill of the mountain. The largest springs have been captured for the water supply. The catchment areas of the springs are not populated and there is no industry, besides grazing and forestry; nevertheless, some limits for human impact must be enacted. This paper is an attempt at using the GIS-overlay spatial modeling technique for groundwater vulnerability assessment of Suva Planina Mountain. Maps of intrinsic vulnerability have been designed by the application of three multi-parameter methods for vulnerability mapping (EPIK, PI, COP). The maps that have been designed for Suva Planina Mountain show the existence of four classes of vulnerability, though in somewhat different arrangements and distribution.

Chemical Composition of Volatiles of Eight Geranium L. Species from Vlasina Plateau (South Eastern Serbia).

Geranium species are widely used in traditional medicine of Balkan. The aim of this work was to investigate and compare chemical composition of volatile fractions obtained by hydrodistillation from aerial parts of G. macrorrhizum, G. phaeum, G. sanguineum, G. robertianum, G. palustre, G. pyrenaicum, G. columbinum and G. lucidum as well as from underground parts of G. macrorrhizum and G. phaeum, originated from Vlasina plateau in South Eastern Serbia. The volatiles were analyzed using GC/MS and GC-FID. G. palustre volatiles have been studied for the first time with β-selinene (18.6 %) as a characteristic compound. The cluster analysis revealed separation of volatiles into two main groups. Volatile fractions of G. macrorrhizum were separated from all other samples due to high sesquiterpene content (92.3 % in aerial and 94.6 % in underground parts). The volatile fractions of other samples were mainly composed of sesquiterpenes (10.8-61.8 %), diterpenes (12.9-43.0 %) and fatty acids and their derivatives (6.6-21.6 %) with the exception of volatile fraction of G. phaeum underground parts which was dominated only by fatty acids and their derivatives (76.6 %). The results presented in this article contribute to the knowledge on the chemistry of this genus and advances the knowledge on flora of southeast Serbia.

Dipodidae (Mammalia, Rodentia) from the Paleogene of south-east Serbia

Isolated cheek teeth of the Asian dipodid Heosminthus primiveris from four early Oligocene localities in the Koritnica-Babušnica basin, south-east Serbia, are described. The record of the Paleogene Dipodidae of Central Asia and Europe is briefly discussed. The current view of the migration pattern of the Paleogene Dipodidae between central Asia and Europe is revised: the migration of Plesiosminthus into Europe during the late Oligocene was preceded by the immigration of Heosminthus into the Serbo-Macedonian high (S. E. Europe) during the early Oligocene.

Pseudocricetodontinae (Mammalia, Rodentia) from the Paleogene of south-east Serbia

Pseudocricetodontines from the late Eocene and early Oligocene of south-east Serbia are described. The Pseudocricetodontinae is a clade with a Eurasian geographical range during most of the Oligocene. The subfamily and genera included are briefly discussed. Originally, it contained Pseudocricetodon and Heterocricetodon only, but the number of genera included has grown to at least seven genera during the last decades. Differences in opinion about the content of the subfamily are for a part due to lack of studies in which the Paleogene cricetids from Asia and Europe are directly compared. The material from south-east Serbia described below is assigned to three species: Pseudocricetodon cf. montalbanensis Thaler, 1969, P. heissigi nov. sp. and Heterocricetodon serbicus nov. sp.

Inland salt areas of Southeast Serbia: ecological preferences of certain representatives of flora

Simultaneous monitoring of vegetation and soil of inland salt areas of Southeastern Serbia was performed in order to assess the univariate response of species along the environmental gradients. Five habitat types were recognized by classification analysis based on physicochemical characteristics of soil. Ecological preferences of 9 species recognized as diagnostic of established habitats were estimated by Huisman-Olff-Fresco models. Carex distans, Cynod on dactylon and Plantago coronopus are diagnostic species of habitat type I which is characterized by electrical conductivity lower than 500 μScm−1, slightly alkaline reaction and low concentration of nutrients. Habitats of type II with alkaline soil, where concentration of available potassium (53 mg K2O/100 g soil) and phosphorus (19 mg P2O5/100 g soil) is high and electrical conductivity is in range of 608 to 860 μScm−1, are suitable for Carex divisa, Juncus compressus and Limonium gmelinii. Puccinellia festuciformis shows affinities to habitats of type III, characterized by electrical conductivity of 1200–2800 μScm−1 and low water and nutrient content. Presence of Camphorosma monspeliaca on habitats (type IV) indicates high concentration of OH− ions, salts (>3000 μScm−1) and chlorides in soil. Puccinellia distans shows affinities to strongly saline, alkaline and nutrient rich habitats (type V) with fluctuating water regime during the vegetation season. Information on objectively assessed ecological preferences of plant species represents a suitable foundation for defining local or regional indicator systems, calibration of existing ecological indices and realization of procedures with the goal of conservation and enhancement of threatened ecosystems such as inland salt areas.

Nonsuicidal self-injury among adolescents in south-east Serbia.

BackgroundNonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) refers to the deliberate, self-inflicted destruction of body tissue without suicidal intent and for purposes not socially sanctioned. The aim of this study was to explore the variety of self-injury behaviors as well as the function of NSSI among adolescents in South-East Serbia.MethodsThe study included 50 adolescents of both sexes, aged 13–18 years, who had deliberately engaged in self-injury at least once. A general socio-demographic questionnaire and the Inventory of Statements About Self-Injury (ISAS) were used in the study.ResultsThe average age of the respondents was 15 (1.17); the most common NSSI methods were cutting (60%), followed by biting and severe scratching (14%); the average age of onset was 14.12 (0.77); the majority confirmed experiencing pain during self-injury (42%); the respondents more commonly performed NSSI when they were alone (68,0%); in 90% of the cases, the time elapsed between sensing the urge to self-injury and acting on it was less than 1 h; the majority of the respondents stated that they did not want to stop self-injuring (56%). In terms of the NSSI function, the obtained scores were the highest for affect regulation 3.36 (1.47), self-punishment 1.90 (1.39) and marking distress 1.72 (1.26). In terms of gender, there was a statistically significant difference for the antidissociation (P = .043), interpersonal influence (P = .004) and revenge (P = .019).ConclusionThe results may have practical implications when it comes to taking preventive and therapeutic measures in the vulnerable adolescent population.

Epizootic features and control measures for lumpy skin disease in south-east Serbia in 2016.

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is an infectious disease of cattle caused by virus of the Capripoxvirus genus (LSDV), family Poxviridae. Until 2015, it had not appeared in the Balkans. In June 2016, LSD spread throughout Serbia. This study analyses the first LSD occurrence, epizootic features, applied diagnostic procedures and control measures in five districts in south-east Serbia (Pcinja, Jablanica, Pirot, Toplica and Nisava). In total, there were 225 LSD outbreaks reported in Serbia, out of which 189 (84%) were located in the study area. The highest number of outbreaks was registered in Pcinja district (169), where LSD was first registered. The median distance and time between the nearest previous outbreak sites were calculated (4.32km and 9days). The median altitude of outbreak locations was 992m with more than 90% above 500m (p≤0.001). The average herd morbidity rate in the study area was 13.6% and the herd mortality rate was recorded only in Pcinja (0.5%) and Jablanica (1.6%) districts. Samples taken from the cattle suspected to LSD were subjected to real time PCR analysis. Out of 233 samples tested for LSDV 132 (56.7%) were positive. The LSDV genome was identified in skin nodules (85.4%), blood (72.7%) and nasal swabs (62.5%). Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the LSDV strain circulating in Serbia fell within the cluster of field LSDV found worldwide. In response to the LSD epizootic, animal trade and movement were prohibited, complete stamping out, disinfection, disinsection and an entire bovine population vaccination using the homologous Neethling live attenuated vaccine (OBP, South Africa) were conducted. A month and a half after the completion of the vaccination campaign, the LSD epizootic was stopped, and no new cases have been reported since.

STRUCTURE OF RELATIONS BETWEEN THE FREQUENCY OF MICRONUCLEI IN PERIPHERAL BLOOD LYMPHOCYTES AND AGE, GENDER, SMOKING HABITS AND SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS IN SOUTH-EAST REGION OF SERBIA

Frequency of micronuclei (MN) in peripheral blood lymphocytes is a measure of genotoxicity and spontaneous chromosomal instability with many modifying factors. The aim of this work was to examine the relation between results of micronucleus test and set of socio-demographic parameters in healthy population in south-east Serbia using structure equation approach. Cytokinesis–block (CB) technique was used for analysis of MN frequency in peripheral blood lymphocytes on 133 healthy volunteers of various ages. Socio-demographic data was collected through a questionnaire. The mean frequency of MN gradually rose with age from 0.56±0.71 in new-borns to 5.48 ±3.65 in the 61-80 years age group (AG), with a decrease in the 81-92 years AG. MN frequency was positively correlated with age, altitude of birth place, altitude of place of residence, nuclear buds and nucleoplasmatic bridges, and negatively with education level and smoking habits. Linear structural model revealed age to be related to all of the examined variables, and indicates probable existence of another factor, independent of age, influencing all of these except nuclear buds. It can be concluded that the frequency of micronuclei is influenced by age and factor/s resembling socioeconomic status or lifestyle and this influence is independent of age.

Fetal chromosomal anomalies in southeast Serbia - single center cohort retrospective study

Congenital anomalies are the cause of prenatal death in 20-25% of the cases, while 3% of children are born with a malformation of varying size. Many of these anomalies can be detected before birth using different non-invasive and invasive prenatal diagnostic tests. This study was used to determine the distribution of genetic disorders in relation to the age of the mother, the frequency of aberrations and to study the effects and importance of prenatal diagnosis in South Serbia. Prenatal diagnostics was performed at the Pediatric Clinic within the Clinical Center of Nis. This retrospective study included a group of 8830 pregnant women, aged between 18 and 47 years during the period from 2004 to 2017. Amniocentesis was performed between the 16th and 18th week of pregnancy and involved the aspiration of 20 ml of amniotic fluid. Isolated cells were cultured in a medium that stimulates cell growth for 10 days. After cytogenetic processing, the obtained karyotype was analyzed using G-banding techniques. In 8830 samples of amniotic fluid cell cultures, 198 karyotypes with chromosomal aberrations were found - 179 with numerical aberrations and 19 with structural aberrations such as translocations, inversions and deletions. There were 85 karyotypes with autosomal numerical aberrations and 32 karyotypes with sex chromosome numerical aberrations. The most frequent one was trisomy 21 (106 cases). The highest number of autosomal numerical aberrations, 84%, was found in pregnancies where maternal age was above 30 years. Preventive action, advice, education and availability of prenatal diagnosis can lead to a significant reduction in the number of children born with various malformations.

Extreme July precipitation and its consequences on Crna Trava municipality, Serbia

Even though climate variability, geology, and human activity are main triggers of landslides, based on earlier research, precipitation is considered the most important natural factor responsible for soil erosion in the landslide context. In this study landslide activation has been correlated with precipitation in least developed municipality of Crna Trava located in South-east Serbia. The purpose of this study is analyzing the precipitation in thirteen surrounding settlements: Vranje, Leskovac, Babušnica, Bela Palanka, Pirot, Dimitrovgrad, Kalna, Kriva Feja, Vladičin Han, Vučje, Vlasotince, Grdelica, Brestovac and finding its correlation to landslide occurrences. Precipitation for seven decades (period 1946-2017) has been interpolated by IDW method in the software ArcMap 10.5 and correlated to Crna Trava slope map. Potential locations of landslides were determined and compared to the recent landslides which occurred in July in 2018, in Bankovci village. Potential years for landslide activation were compared to calculated values of the Precipitation Concentration Index (PCI), the Modified Fournier Index (MFI), and Lang Aridity Index (AILang). The case study was done based on fieldwork which happened in a period from 20 to 26 of July 2018 in the village of Bankovci. On the 25 of July landslides were activated because of the extreme weather conditions, which affected wider region in Central and South-east Serbia: 100 liters of rain fell during the three-hour period. Habitants were interviewed about their memories on extreme floods and landslides in Crna Trava municipality, and the years they mentioned are in well agreement with our results of the extreme precipitation events.

Alchemilla vulgaris agg. (Lady's mantle) from central Balkan: antioxidant, anticancer and enzyme inhibition properties.

The current study was designed to evaluate the phytochemical profile and biological properties (antioxidant, enzyme inhibitory and cytotoxic activity) of methanolic, ethanolic, ethyl-acetate and water extracts of Alchemilla vulgaris from Southeast Serbia (central Balkan) which was traditionally used to alleviate and treat many diseases. Bioactive compounds were characterized by LC-MS/MS technique and biological properties were evaluated using antioxidant, enzyme inhibitory and cytotoxic assays. Twenty-six phenolic compounds were quantified in methanolic, ethanolic, ethyl acetate and water extracts, whereas the highest yields were found in ethyl-acetate (EA) extract (gallic acid, caffeic acid, catchin, quercetin). This extract has also shown the greatest antioxidant, anticancer and inhibitory enzyme activities which were demonstrated for the first time in this study. The obtained results indicated that Alchemilla vulgaris from South Serbia possesses high potential for pharmaceutical applications.

Metal content in common daisy („Bellis perennis L.“) and correspond soils from Niš city area (Serbia)

Bellis perennis L. is a common species of daisy, of the Asteraceae family. It is usually found in grasslands, meadows, gardens, urban areas and areas near the roadsides. Emission of heavy metals from traffic activities is an important pollution source to roadside ecosystems. This study focused on ICP OES quantification of some metals of common daisy samples and their growing soils. Plant material (B. perennis L.) and belonging soils from 16 different locations of Niš city area (South-East Serbia) were used for the ICP OES determination of metal content. The concentrations of Al, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, V, and Zn were calculated on a dry weight basis. The pseudo-total metal content of equivalent growing soils was also determined. The study showed that heavy metal content of plant material and growing soils was below the maximally allowed concentrations or below the limit of detection, so we can say that contamination was detected neither in B. perrenis plant material nor in the growing soils.