Southeast Serbia Research Articles

How familiar is the population of Southeast Serbia with the biosafety procedures for collecting, preparing and preserving wild plants from their surroundings

How familiar is the population of Southeast Serbia with the biosafety procedures for collecting, preparing and preserving wild plants from their surroundings

The First Study on Cultivating Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile (L.) All.) for Its Flower and Essential Oil in Southeast Serbia

Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile (L.) All.) is a perennial herbaceous medicinal plant species that has not yet been thoroughly researched in terms of the influence of growing conditions on its morphological characteristics, flower yield, and the content and quality of its essential oil (EO). The plant material was harvested in the subsequent two production years at three localities in Southeast Serbia, differing in soil type (Alluvial soil, Rendzina, and Calcomelanosol). Based on two-year average values, the best results were obtained from plants grown on Rendzina, including the yield of fresh flowers (1850.2 g/m2), the highest plant height (49.3 cm), the number of branches (4.1), leaves (11.6), and flower heads (3.6), the flower diameter (1.6 cm), and the essential oil content (1.6%). The major EO constituent obtained from the plants growing on Rendzina and Calcomelanosol was 3-methyl pentyl angelate (20.8% and 15.2%, respectively). In the EO obtained from the plants growing on Alluvial soil, the major EO constituent was isobutyl angelate (13.0%), while the content of 3-methyl pentyl angelate was close to it (12.2%). The outcomes of this study provide guidelines for further research related to the cultivation of a Roman chamomile genotype on various soil types in a hilly region of Southeast Serbia, where most cultivated plants cannot be grown.

Marsupials (Herpetotheriids) from the late Palaeogene of south-east Serbia

Three marsupial species are present in Palaeogene assemblages from south-eastern Serbia, Amphiperatherium minutum (Aymard, 1846), A. exile (Gervais, 1848–1852) and a species of Peratherium Aymard, 1850. These species are common in the late Eocene and early Oligocene of Western and Central Europe and their presence in South-Eastern Europe indicate that by the end of the Eocene, the eastwards dispersal of these marsupial species was already a fact. The presence of the same marsupial species in Serbia and in Western Europe is surprising, as the difference in composition between the Serbian and Western European rodent faunas indicates a limited faunal exchange between these areas in the late Eocene and early Oligocene. In marsupials, the stylar shelf of the upper molars shows a large morphological variation. A lesser-known variation is the presence of a transverse crista in the stylar shelf. These occur in various marsupial species, but so far were not known to be present in Amphiperatherium minutum. In our opinion, the large morphological variation of the stylar shelf is thus better not used to define a new species.

Prevalence and identification of irregular erythrocyte antibodies in voluntary blood donors in the territory of southeast Serbia

Background/Aim. The purpose of tests for transmittable diseases, as well as determining ABO group, Rh typing, and the presence of clinically significant erythrocyte antibodies, is to enable the appropriate selection of blood/blood components for transfusion, to prevent or minimize adverse effects of transfusion, and to identify donors whose units of blood/components are not suitable for transfusion. The aim of the study was to evaluate the presence of irregular erythrocyte antibodies as well as to determine the specificity and origin of these antibodies in voluntary donors. Methods. This prospective observational study, conducted from January until July 2023, included samples of voluntary blood donors (BDs) for antibody screening in the population of voluntary BDs in the territory of Southeast Serbia. A total of 23,082 samples from healthy BD were examined through this period. Results. The overall prevalence of irregular anti-erythrocyte antibodies was 0.1125%, with anti-K, anti-D, and anti-E being the most frequently identified alloantibodies. Out of a total of 26 donors with positive screening results, 11 (42.32%) had alloantibodies, and 15 (57.68%) had antibodies of undetermined specificity. A positive antibody test was observed more frequently in male donors, and the age range of 51 years and above accounted for the majority of positive cases. Conclusion. Immunohematological testing, including antibody screening in voluntary BDs, is important for safe blood transfusion and is of great clinical importance. Likewise, it reduces the risk of complications due to incompatible transfusions.

Mental health and quality of life of female breast cancer survivors in southeast Serbia

Background/Aim. Quality of life (QoL) is one of the outcome measures for patients with chronic diseases. Mental health issues often impact the QoL of cancer patients. Cancer patients with a good QoL have a longer life expectancy and are able to lead a more productive and social life. The aim of the study was to determine the association of mental health with the QoL, as well as to determine significant predictors of QoL in patients with breast cancer (BC). Methods. The study included 118 patients treated at the Specialized Breast Cancer Department of the Oncology Clinic of the University Clinical Center Nis. The study?s inclusion criteria were the presence of early-stage nonmetastatic BC and completed surgical treatment. The following questionnaires were used: the general sociodemographic questionnaire, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire, Early Maladaptive Schema questionnaire - short form (SQ-SF), Flanagan?s Quality of Life Scale (QoLS), Holmes and Rahe Stress Scale, Berlin Social Support Scales (BSSS), Health Locus of Control. Results. A statistically significant negative correlation was found with emotional state, i.e., anxiety score, depressiveness score, total stress score, and physical aggression score, while QoL correlated positively with all subscales of the perceived social support (PSS) questionnaire. QoL was significantly different for patients with the following early maladaptive schemas: emotional deprivation, emotional inhibition, and a sense of entitlement/narcissism. Moreover, QoL differed significantly depending on partnership status, the presence of clinically significant anxiety, the presence of hormonesensitive cancer, the presence of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive cancer, and time since diagnosis. Multiple linear regression was performed, and depression and PSS had the highest share. Conclusion. In our study, the presence of depressiveness and PSS were the best predictors of QoL of BC survivors.

A Framework for Assessing Nature-Based Urban Stormwater Management Solutions: A Preliminary Spatial Analysis Approach Applied to Southeast Serbia

The development of the stormwater management strategies, e.g., low-impact development (LID), water-sensitive urban design (WSUD), and sustainable drainage solutions (SUDS), was initiated in the mid-1980s as a set of engineering approaches and technologies to reduce the harmful effects of stormwater. Over time, all of them evolved in the holistic, multidisciplinary approaches and, today, they are increasingly viewed and implemented under the umbrella term “Nature-based Solutions” (NbS). The technical elements and measures of these NbS represent various technical solutions, implemented i.a., according to the suitability of the site to achieve their maximum efficiency. Currently, there are no standards or procedures for the application of NbS technologies in Serbia. To overpass this and encourage implementation, we carried out preliminary assessment of NbS elements suitability for application in eight urban settlements in the Region of Southern and Eastern Serbia. The assessment is based on publicly available data and performed according to the existing recommendations in the field of spatial planning and rainwater management for WSUD. The analyses were conducted by GIS tools that involved spatial analyses of various terrain characteristics and provided an insight into the criteria, i.e., constraints that are key to the placement of various technical elements, including bioretention, rain garden, and permeable pavement. Research findings point out that creation of the thematic maps with area suitability ratings for individual NbS stormwater elements might represent a good starting point for further investigation, planning, and design. The proposed framework for preliminary assessment is potentially useful for the countries and regions without regulations in the field of NbS for stormwater management.

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT THROUGH THE PRISM OF TOURISM AND CONSUMERS IN THE TOURISM MARKET - CASE STUDY OF VLASINA LAKE

The concept of sustainable development represents an inexhaustible topic of research, which gains additional importance in the conditions of the current energy crisis. In this sense, the attention of the scientific and professional public is directed towards greater use of renewable energy sources in tourism. The aim of the work is to research the attitudes of consumers towards the use of renewable energy sources and the application of the principles of sustainable tourism on Vlasina Lake. The first part of the paper contains a review of the professional literature, while the second part of the paper presents the results of research on consumer attitudes towards the application of renewable energy sources on Vlasina Lake. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS software package. The importance of the work is reflected in the potential implications for the development of the strategy for the sustainable development of tourism in Southeast Serbia.

Categorization of Marijuana Suspected Policies’ Seizures in Southeast Serbia According to Cannabinoids Content

Background: The cannabis plant or marijuana has been used since ancient times for different purposes. An increase in the content of THC in cannabis has been observed worldwide, whereas the CBD content is dropping. This study’s main goal was to categorize marijuana suspected policies’ seizures (MSPS) based on the cannabinoid component concentrations concerning their potency and age. Methods: The samples were MSPS seized in southeast Serbia from April 2019 to April 2020. The cannabinoid content was determined using gas chromatography with mass spectrometry. Descriptive statistics were performed using Linux LibreOffice Calc. Results: All of the samples had a THC content higher than 0.3%, thus classifying the samples as marijuana according to the Serbian Law on Psychoactive Controlled Substances. The highest concentration of THC was 16.10%, while the lowest was 4.90%. The highest average concentration of THC (12.39%) was found in the buds. Only 11.81% of the samples had a CBD concentration higher than 1%, making all other marijuana samples extremely psychoactive. Most of the samples were older than 2 years, according to the calculated CBN/THC ratio. Conclusion: Our results confirm trends regarding the dominance of THC content in contemporary cannabis worldwide. It is necessary to monitor trends of cannabis potency in Serbia continuously because of its location.

Regional characteristics of cloudiness in Serbia during the period 1991–2017

AbstractMonthly climate data of days with clear and cloudy skies at 38 stations (1991–2017) and daily visual observations of total cloud amounts (TCA) available at six principal stations (1992–2017) were used to investigate regional, subregional, and temporal characteristics of cloudiness in Serbia. Annual, seasonal, and monthly means were used in the analysis. Results showed differences due to influences from topography, predominant synoptic situations, and possible teleconnection with the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO). According to our criteria, the annual number of cloudy‐sky days (~80–120) was higher than that of selected clear‐sky days (~50–90), except for 3 years of prevailing anticyclonic circulations. A maximum cloudiness frequency was in winter (December), while a minimum frequency was in summer (August). TCA variability was the highest in an area of complex orography. Southeast Serbia was characterized by the smallest daily temporal variation of TCA based on 7, 14, and 21 h observations as well as by a high number of clear‐sky days during all seasons, while the western mountainous part was much cloudier. From October to January, morning TCA was higher than afternoon TCA, ranging from 70% (January) to 78% (December). Statistically significant positive trends in the number of cloudy‐sky days were found for three stations. A statistically significant moderate positive/negative correlation coefficient was found between the monthly cumulative frequencies of clear‐sky/cloudy‐sky days and the NAO for the winter seasons, respectively. During the 18 winters with the negative NAO index (i.e., frequent westerly warm and moist advection), there were approximately six times more cloudy‐sky days (588) than clear‐sky days (88).

Beyond Traditional Use of Alchemilla vulgaris: Genoprotective and Antitumor Activity In Vitro

Alchemilla vulgaris L. (lady's mantle) was used for centuries in Europe and Balkan countries for treatments of numerous conditions and diseases of the reproductive system, yet some of the biological activities of lady's mantle have been poorly studied and neglected. The present study aimed to estimate the potential of A. vulgaris ethanolic extract from Southeast Serbia to prevent and suppress tumor development in vitro, validated by antioxidant, genoprotective, and cytotoxic properties. A total of 45 compounds were detected by UHPLC-HRMS analysis in A. vulgaris ethanolic extract. Measurement of antioxidant activity revealed the significant potential of the tested extract to scavenge free radicals. In addition, the analysis of micronuclei showed an in vitro protective effect on chromosome aberrations in peripheral human lymphocytes. A. vulgaris extract strongly suppressed the growth of human cell lines derived from different types of tumors (MCF-7, A375, A549, and HCT116). The observed antitumor effect is realized through the blockade of cell division, caspase-dependent apoptosis, and autophagic cell death. Our study has shown that Alchemilla vulgaris L. is a valuable source of bioactive compounds able to protect the subcellular structure from damage, thus preventing tumorigenesis as well as suppressing tumor cell growth.

Linguistic complexity of South Slavic dialects: a new perspective on old data.

This article presents the results of a quantitative study in which the complexity levels of dialectal varieties belonging to the South Slavic dialect continuum are measured and analyzed. The sample comprises 919 data points, pertaining to the Bulgarian-Macedonian and Serbo-Croatian dialect continua. Complexity is viewed in this study as a property demonstrating variation across areas and subject to diachronic change which can be associated either with language-internal processes or with language contact. This study discusses which linguistic processes produced varying levels of complexity in the modern South Slavic varieties. In particular, a correlation of complexity with altitude and distance to the Albanian border, two factors which can be associated with degree of isolation versus contact of speech communities, is investigated for a subset of varieties spoken across the areas with bi- and multilingual population. Suggestions on which constellations of societal features could act as determinants of linguistic change are made for several areas within the South Slavic continuum. Particular attention is paid to the contact-related developments in the South Slavic varieties spoken in the areas of intensive past and present contact, such as the west of North Macedonia, the south of Montenegro, Kosovo, and Southeast Serbia.

Possible impact of COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown on suicide behavior among patients in Southeast Serbia

Individuals with serious mental illness are more affected by emotional reactions, including suicidal behavior due to COVID‐19 and psychosocial consequences of pandemic. The current cross-sectional study aimed to explore the possible association of COVID-19 and suicidal behavior (suicide ideation and attempt) before and during pandemic-associated lockdown in Serbia. We retrospectively reviewed the clinical records of 104 adult psychiatric inpatients admitted at Psychiatric Clinic, University Clinic Center Niš, Serbia, after ending lockdown and compared the obtained results with 181 adult psychiatric inpatients admitted during the same period in 2019 and 2018. Suicide ideation were more frequent in 2020 comparing with 2019 and 2018 (25 vs 12.5%, vs 9.41%; p < 0.05). Around 28% of patients with suicide attempts were exposed daily to the information related to COVID-19 coming from social media, while this frequency was significantly lower, only 7.55% (p < 0.1), among patients with no suicide ideation or attempts. Adjustment disorder was more frequent among patients with suicide attempts in comparison to the patients with suicide ideation (32 vs 11%), especially in patients without suicide ideation and attempts (32 vs 0%, p < 0.001). Of all studied patients with suicide attempts during 2020, 60% were not in the previous psychiatric treatment before admission.

On the antiquity and status of the Spalacidae, new data from the late Eocene of south-East Serbia

A new blind mole-rat species Debruijnia tintinnabulus nov. sp. is described from the late Eocene of south east Serbia. This find is approximately 10 Ma older than the hitherto oldest records of Spalacidae Vetusspalax and Pannoniamys, both from the late Oligocene of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia. The antiquity of the new species (~34 Ma) is in accordance with recent genetically based age estimates of Spalacidae as an early branch of the Supramyomorpha. A review of the fossil record shows that the Spalacidae are probably not closely related to the Rhizomyinae and Myospalacinae. The spalacid finds from the Paleogene of the Balkans and the Neogene of Anatolia suggests that the family underwent a radiation during the Oligocene involving Debruijnia, Vetusspalax, Pannoniamys and Heramys. During the middle and late Miocene Heramys evolved into a large number of species, here all tentatively allocated to Pliospalax.

Perils of brown trout (Salmo spp.) mitigation-driven translocations: a case study from the Vlasina Plateau, Southeast Serbia

Perils of brown trout (Salmo spp.) mitigation-driven translocations: a case study from the Vlasina Plateau, Southeast Serbia

Razvoj instrumenta za merenje kvaliteta usluga E-bankarstva u Republici Srbiji - E-BSrb-QUAL

The most commonly used model to measure the quality of electronic services is the E-Service Quality - E-SQ (E-S-QUAL and E-RecS-QUAL). Acknowledging the results of existing research and the attempts to create a unique model for measuring the quality of e-services, the main goal of this paper is to rate the quality of e-banking in Serbia by testing the applicability of the E-SQ model. The results, gained through empirical research, design, and distribution of a distinctive questionnaire to the users of e-banking services in central and southeast Serbia, were systematized and statistically processed by factor analysis of the principal components (PCA). The outcome defined an initial instrument called E-BSrb-QUAL, with seven dimensions of e-banking quality in Serbia, and they are 1. Personalization, 2. Safety, 3. Accessibility, 4. Contact, 5. Efficiency/Response, 6. Trust, and 7. Reliability. The Importance-Performance analysis (IPA) showed the strength of Serbian banks and confirmed the most significant and crucial dimensions of e-banking service quality are Trust, Safety, and Reliability. On the other hand, Personalization, Accessibility, and Efficiency/Response dimensions are estimated as overrated.

Lactobacillus curvatus from fermented sausages as new probiotic functional foods

This research examined in vitro probiotic potential of Lactobacillus curvatus isolates from fermented sausage originating in Southeast Serbia which was prepared using traditional production techniques. Strains of L. curvatus were isolated and identified at the level of species using API 50CHL sets and 16s rDNA sequencing, after which their probiotic potential was measured. The research consisted of the examination of isolate survival rates in the gastrointestinal tract, synthesis of biogenic amines, the growth on the media with different quantities of phenol, antibiotic resistance test, and antimicrobial activity against clinical strains of Pseudomonas spp., Proteus spp., Enterobacter spp., Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenes. The examined isolates have shown a good survival rate at low pH in the simulated stomach and small intestine conditions. Synthesis of biogenic amines was exhibited by the isolate sk1-10, which had a positive reaction to histidine. Analyzed isolates grew well on media with 0.1% and 0.2% of phenol, L.curvatus sk1-8 and sk5-2 have grown in media with 0.3% phenol. All tested isolates have exhibited high sensitivity to most analyzed antibiotics (tetracycline, amoxicillin, ceftriaxone, erythromycin, penicillin), resistance to ofloxacin, and cephalexin isolates sk4-3a and sk4-15. The examined isolates have shown a broad inhibitory spectrum against pathogens.

The lexeme kosulja in the speech of the Prizren-Timok dialect area

The paper provides a lexical-semantic and ethnolinguistic analysis of the various names used in the speeches of South-East Serbia to denote the traditional kosulja or shirt and its component parts. The lexical material was excerpted from dialectical dictionaries and expanded with data compiled for the first volume of the Serbian Dialectical Atlas. The recorded nominations were described based on semantic data confirmed in the dictionaries, and then analyzed as part of semantic groups and subgroups. The aim of this paper was to perform a lexical-semantic analysis to indicate the importance of the traditional shirt as part of the traditional Serbian dress in the linguistic image of the world of patriarchal speakers of the Prizren-Timok dialect area, the cultural specificities (beliefs, rituals, symbols, etc.) embedded into the semantic content of the given lexical units, as well as the specific attitude of the representative speakers towards one segment of traditional material culture.

INFLUENCE OF MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS ON THE PARAMETERS OF HEALTH-RELATED FITNESS IN OVERWEIGHT AND OBESЕ BOYS

The aim of this study was to determine the influence of morphological characteristics on the health–related fitness parameters in overweight and obese eight-year-old boys. The research involved 314 boys who attended second grade in the cities of South-East Serbia. The parameters of longitudinal (3), transversal, (3) circular dimensions (3), and body mass and measurement of subcutaneous adipose tissue (3) were used to assess morphological characteristics. Health-related fitness parameters were determined using tests to assess muscle fitness, body composition and cardiorespiratory fitness. Regression analysis was used to determine the influence of morphological characteristics on the parameters of health-related fitness. The results of the research indicate that there is a statistically significant influence (p=.000) of morphological characteristics on most parameters of health-related fitness. No statistically significant effect was found in the forward bend - backward bend - throw test ∑ in the studied sample.

Assessing the Geotourism Potential of the Niš City Area (Southeast Serbia)

Assessing the Geotourism Potential of the Niš City Area (Southeast Serbia)

Perceived stress\xa0among university students in south-east Serbia during the COVID-19 outbreak

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has brought into focus the mental health of the student population. The study aimed to analyze the psychological response to the COVID-19 outbreak in terms of perceived stress and its related factors among university students in south-east Serbia. The study was conducted during the increased incidence of COVID-19 in Serbia.MethodA total of 434 students from the public university in south-east Serbia enrolled in the study and completed the measures of socio-demographic data, the perceived stress scale (PSS-10), the Coping Strategy Indicator (CSI) and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28). The data were analyzed through quantitative and qualitative methods.ResultsStudy findings suggest that the mean perceived stress score was placed to 20.43 (± 7.67). Our model showed that female gender, higher scores on anxiety/insomnia and depression subscale as well as the coping strategy avoidance predicted higher perceived stress, while higher scores on social dysfunction were related to the reduced perceived stress scores. ConclusionNotwithstanding the study limitation, findings provided authentic data of stress reactions of the students in south-east Serbia during the COVID-19 outbreak. The findings confirm the need to examine students' experiences in emergencies and crises, as well as to make a plan for online stress management programs that would help alleviate stress during a global pandemic.