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More than 150 years after the Engel document "Die Productions und Consumptionsverhaltnisse des Königreichs Sachsen", economists and policy makers pay tireless attention to his work, especially its applicability and relevance in different economic contexts. Households with low living standards will spend more money to cover basic needs (food, clothing, housing, etc.). As incomes increase, spending is focused on buying goods for their comfort (health, transport, recreation and culture, tourism). The aim of this paper is to examine the value of Engel 's law in household consumption in Bosnia and Herzegovina in the periods from 2004, 2007, 2011 and 2015. Secondary data from the following database were used to interpret household dynamics: I MB, NIS, EUROSTAT and the BiH Agency for Statistics. We investigated the relationship between consumption and income through regression analysis and found that Engel's law is applied in the BiH economy, with specific developments and impacts. In developed economies, the transition to services and consumption is faster. In this paper, a nonlinear double logarithmic regression model will be used to test the validity of Engel's first law of the influence of income on the value spent on the purchase of food and soft drinks. The paper is organized into four parts as follows: after reviewing the literature, the data and methodology of the study are presented, the fourth part is focused on the research results, and the last part is dedicated to the conclusions.

Economic experts’ predictions of a slowdown in the EU’s global economy and economic growth in the year 2020 were based on various risks and uncertainties existing on a world scale, ranging from the US-China trade war, traditionally strained relations of the EU and the US on the one hand and the Russian Federation on the other, all the way to BREXIT and economic migration to developed EU countries. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has further aggravated those forecasts, so that the entire EU is recording a historic decline in all macroeconomic aggregates. The beginning of the pandemic in the EU was accompanied by the complete border lockdown of the entire Union, which greatly affected the economies of the member states. The EU is experiencing a decline of both real and nominal GDP, declining incomes, employment decline and unemployment increase. This paper will investigate the impact of COVID-19 onto GDP, unemployment, and EU public debt. Correlation-regression analysis confirms the positive correlation between these variables and the economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to the economic crisis, a crisis of EU health systems, which requires huge economic investments. A more prominent economic recovery is hard to expect until the global pandemic ends. One thing is for certain, this economic crisis will continue in 2021, whereby a more significant recovery is expected only in the year 2022. Certainly, it will take years to make up for the economic losses caused by the pandemic.

Copyright of Economy & Market Communication Review / Casopis za Ekonomiju i Trzisne Komunikacije is the property of Pan-European University Apeiron and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background/Aim. Coagulation disorders could be a cause of menorrhagia in women of reproductive age. The aim of the study was to estimate frequency of coagulation disorders and design an appropriate algorithm for detection of coagulation disorders. Methods. We investigated coagulation in 115 women (36.1 ± 9.6 years) with anamnestic data of menorrhagia, verified using semiquantitative method ˗ Pictorial Bleeding Assessment Chart (PBAC) with score ≥ 100. Results. Menorrhagia was objectively verified in sixty-four women (55.7%) and in comparison with those with normal menstruation they had higher PBAC score of menstrual cycle [median (Md) = 150.0 vs. Md = 50.0; p < 0.001] but not its duration (7.2 ± 2.1 days vs. 7.3 ± 1.9 days; p > 0.05). Coagulation defects was found in 12 (10.4%) women ˗ decreased F IX: Ac in 4 (3.5%), decreased F VII: Ac in 1 (0.9%), decreased F X: Ac in 1 (0.9%), decreased F XI: Ac in 1 woman (0.9%), while 5 (4.3%) women matched criteria for mild von Willebrand disease (VWD) type 1. Women with coagulation disorders had prolonged prothrombin time (PT) [Md = 13.1 s, range: 12.2–14.8 s vs. Md = 12.5 s, range 10.6–18.3 s; p = 0.032]. Anemia was diagnosed in 61 (53.0%) women. The strongest predictor of the hemostasis disorder was menorrhagia (Quotient of probability 0.018), then anemia presence (12.43), PТ (2.35), menstrual cycle duration (1.16) and the PBAC score (0.98). Conclusion. The results of the study indicate the need to form a diagnostic algorithm for hemostasis disorders, primarily VWD. Sophisticated analysis of hemostasis is required, especially if predictive factors of statistical models are detected: objectively verified menorrhagia, anemia, prolonged menstrual cycle, PBAC score > 100 and extended PT.

In this paper we present data on damselflies and dragonflies (Insecta: Odonata) of the Landscape of outstanding features (LOF) "Vlasina". Most of the data were collected during research camps of the Scientic Research Society of Biology and Ecology Students "Josif Pančić" that took place from 2013 to 2018, when 27 Odonata species were recorded. If this research is combined with previously published data, 37 species of damselflies and dragonflies were recorded in Landscape of Outstanding Features "Vlasina". The paper presents distribution and reproduction status of the recorded species, as well as their diversity in this area. The most important species is Epitheca bimaculata (Charpentier, 1825), because Vlasina represents one of its southernmost and highest habitats in Europe. For Sympetrum flaveolum (Linnaeus, 1758) Vlasina is one of the most important habitats in Serbia, as well as for Leucorrhinia pectoralis (Charpentier, 1825) which is Natura 2000 species.

Agricultural sector in the EU functions under strong influence of the CAP. EU finances the measures to support production of agricultural products and food. CAP is founded on the goals of ensuring price stability. Correlation and regression analysis have largely confirmed the given hypotheses. General price levels in EU, as well as the prices of agricultural products have been stable, as shown by the respective trend line equations. Correlation and regression analysis of support for agricultural production and prices of agricultural products indicate a moderate correlation level, i.e. the support contributes to price stability. Correlation analysis confirms the influence of prices of industrial products on the prices of agricultural products. Results of price movement analysis of agricultural products and foods on one hand, and independent variables affecting prices on the other, show that CAP objectives have been mainly accomplished. Thus, interventionism in agriculture brings economic effects and justifies the CAP measures.

The European Union is the most complex and by any aspect the most unique example of a regional economic integration. Its origin, evolution and survival are based on a common legislative and institutional framework. The so-called common policies implemented in a number of economic and non-economic areas are particularly distinctive. Most of them are implemented on two levels: national and communal. The only common policy that is fully implemented at the European Union level is the Community Agrarian Policy (CAP), whereas the agriculture has the highest expenditure in the communal budget. The function of CAP is primarily economic as its goals are strictly related to economic issues: price stability of agricultural products, productivity growth, higher wages for the farmers, etc. The CAP strengthens the Union’s social cohesion, which is of utmost importance in times of constant crises, BREXIT and other extreme instabilities. For this reason, the CAP has been in the processes of continuous reforms (MacShary, Mansholt and those of recent times) for decades, in order to increase its efficiency and justify enormous financial investments. The CAP results depend on the achievement of preset objectives and the exchange of agricultural products and food that the European Union generates globally. It has been demonstrated that the CAP is a significant common policy, both in achieving economic goals and in the sphere of strengthening communal cohesion.

Introduction. Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is defined as any degree of glucose intolerance with onset or first recognition during pregnancy. The diagnosis of GDM is made by performing the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in women with risk factors, usually during 24th to 28th week of gestation. The most common used insulin therapy regime is a conventional intensive insulin therapy with four daily doses. Objective. The aim of our study was to determine the changes in parameters of glycoregulation in GDM patients with different approach to the introduction of insulin therapy. Methods. Study group consisted of 50 pregnant women divided into two groups depending on the parameters of glycoregulation (glycemic profile and HbA1). Group 1 consisted of pregnant women initially treated with diet only and then, according to glycemic profile and HbA1 profile, in the next few weeks with insulin therapy. Group 2 were pregnant women who were treated with insulin therapy immediately after GDM diagnosis. Results. There was a statistically significant difference in mean glycemia values in the 60th and 120th minute between the two groups (p=0.001). There was a difference in mean value of fasting blood and postprandial glucose between the two groups; it was higher in Group 2. There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups in HbA1c value at the beginning (5.1±0.4% vs. 5.42±0.43%, p=0.005) and at the end of therapy (4.87±0.29% vs. 5.1±0.39 %, p=0.018). Conclusion. Satisfactory glycoregulation was achieved in both studied groups.

In this paper a new fuzzy model (FMOTPD2) is developed and by this model the measures of beliefs are determined so that one of the groups of possible therapeutic procedures is optimal for each patient of type 2 diabetes on hospital treatment. The choice of therapeutic procedure on individual level, which is one of the demands of modern medicine, means that each therapeutic procedure is to be evaluated by multiple and different criteria. In this paper, evaluation criteria are classified into two groups: (1) common criteria by which medicines used by the type 2 diabetes patients are being evaluated and (2) specific criteria, by which the patients' 1h state of health with type 2 diabetes mellitus is being estimated. Generally, the relative importance and values of these criteria are different. It is assumed that (a) the relative importance of evaluation criteria is defined by a team of medical experts and described by linguistic expressions and (b) the values of evaluation criteria are determined by evidence data, anamnesis and a diagnostic process. They can be crisp or uncertain. The most often used linguistic expressions describing the relative importance of evaluation criteria are modeled by triangular fuzzy numbers. The rest of uncertainties, which exist in developed model are described by discrete fuzzy numbers. A new algorithm for determining a unified fuzzy portrait of treated therapeutic procedures for each patient is given. It enables calculation of the measures of beliefs that some therapeutic procedures are more optimal than the others. The developed model is illustrated by examples with real word data collected in a hospital.

Copyright of Economy & Market Communication Review / Casopis za Ekonomiju i Trzisne Komunikacije is the property of Pan-European University Apeiron and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Introduction. It is known that hyperthyroidism as well as thyrosuppressive therapy can influence the cells of immunological system. Objective. To examine the function of phagocyte cells in persons with hyperthyroidism and to examine if propylthiouracil (PTU) influences this function. Method. The study included 15 patients with hyperthyroidism and 10 healthy persons. The parameters of phagocytic activity of mononuclear and polymorphonuclear leucocytes were tested by method of ingestion of particles of inactivated yeast labeled with neutral-red. Results. It was demonstrated that patients with hyperthyroidism, before the onset of therapy as well as 14 days after introduction of PTU, had decreased number of leucocytes (before PTU: 6.7±3.2Ч109/l, after PTU: 6.1±2.0Ч109/l and control: 8.0±1.6Ч109/l; p=0.039), PMN leucocytes (before PTU: 3.9±2,4 Ч109/l, after PTU: 3.5±1.6Ч109/l and control: 4.8±0.9Ч109/l; p=0.037) and number of phagocyte PMN cells (before PTU: 0.9±0.9Ч109/l, after PTU: 0.9±0.7Ч109/l and control: 1.3±0.6 Ч109/l; p0.05). The number of mononuclear leucocytes and parameters of phagocytic activity of mononuclear phagocytes in persons with hyperthyroidism did not change significantly in comparison with the control group. Conclusion. Patients with hyperthyroidism had decreased number of leucocytes, PMN leucocytes and number of phagocyte PMN cells, and increased index of phagocytosis, while capacity of phagocytosis remained unchanged. The number and parameters of phagocytic activity of mononuclear leucocytes did not change. PTU therapy had no effect on the examined parameters.

The current work represents summarised data on the bee fauna in Serbia from previous publications, collections, and field data in the period from 1890 to 2020. A total of 706 species from all six of the globally widespread bee families is recorded; of the total number of recorded species, 314 have been confirmed by determination, while 392 species are from published data. Fourteen species, collected in the last three years, are the first published records of these taxa from Serbia: Andrena barbareae (Panzer, 1805), A. clarkella (Kirby, 1802), A. fulvicornis (Schenck, 1853), A. intermedia (Thomson, 1870), A. lapponica (Zetterstedt, 1838), A. pandellei (Pérez, 1895), A. paucisquama (Noskiewicz, 1924), A. simillima (Smith, 1851), Panurginus herzi (Morawitz, 1892), Epeoloides coecutiens (Fabricius, 1775), Nomada leucophthalma (Kirby, 1802), Chelostoma nasutum (Pérez, 1895), Hoplitis claviventris (Thomson, 1872), and Dasypoda pyrotrichia (Förster, 1855). Almost all the species recorded so far in Serbia belong to the West-Palaearctic biogeographical region, except Megachile sculpturalis (Smith, 1853), which is an alien invasive species native to East Asia. According to the European Red List of bees, 221 species listed in this paper were assessed as Data Deficient; threatened species mostly belong to the families Apidae with 13 species, Colletidae with eight species, and Halictidae with five species. This study contributes to the knowledge of the distribution of bee species in Europe. The present work provides a baseline for future research of wild bee diversity in Serbia and neighbouring regions at the local and regional levels, and a basis for their conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, removal of arsenic ions using two industrial by-products as adsorbents is represented. Removal of As(III) and As(V) from water was carried out with industrial by-products: residual from the groundwater treatment process, iron-manganese oxide coated sand (IMOCS), and blast furnace slag from steel production (BFS), both inexpensive and locally available. In addition, the BFS was modified in order to minimise its deteriorating impact on the initial water quality. Kinetic and equilibrium studies were carried out using batch and fixed-bed column adsorption techniques under the conditions that are likely to occur in real water treatment systems. To evaluate the application for real groundwater treatment, the capacities of the selected materials were further compared to those exhibited by commercial sorbents, which were examined under the same experimental conditions. IMOCS was found to be a good and inexpensive sorbent for arsenic, while BFS and modified slag showed the highest affinity towards arsenic. All examined waste materials exhibited better sorption performances for As(V). The maximum sorption capacity in the batch reactor was obtained for blast furnace slag, 4040 µgAs(V)/g. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are a large number of commercial diagnostic assays for measuring thyroglobulin (Tg) concentration in human serum. The assay principle, as well as the potential presence of antithyroglobulin autoantibody (TgAb) in patient's serum, could influence the measured amount of Tg. Our objective was to determine the concentration of Tg by radioimmunoassay and immunoradiometric assay, to compare the values obtained and to investigate the influence of TgAbs on those results. Analysis of serum specimens (n = 58) showed close correlation between the investigated assays, regardless of the presence of TgAb in some samples. The mean value for Tg concentration, determined by radioimmunoassay, was 25% lower than that obtained by immunoradiometric assay. However, this ratio was not uniform for the whole population because the differences were more prominent for high values of Tg. The significant difference between these two methods was confirmed by Student's t-test, which indicated that patients must be monitored in continuity only by one selected method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many water utilities, particularly in the developing countries, continue to operate inefficient water distribution systems (WDSs) with a significant amount of water and revenue losses. Various factors, manageable to different extents, contribute to water losses, such as poor infrastructure, high pressures, illegal water use, etc. Whilst the problem of water losses in WDSs is global in scale, solutions need to be tailored to local circumstances due to the various causes of water loss and the mechanisms available to manage them. This paper investigates the potentials of the available pressure management methodologies and their implementation in developing countries, using a case study of a district metering area (DMA) in Kotež-Serbia. The minimal night flow method was applied for assessment of real losses. A particular focus is on assessment of water savings due to reduction of pressures. A total of three methods for estimation of water savings are described and tested against data measured in the DMA under initial and reduced pressures: (i) the method based on Leakage Index (LI) calculations, (ii) the PRESMAC model and (iii) a newly-developed method which is based on the assumption that both leakage and consumption are pressure dependent. The results indicate that the third method leads to the most accurate prediction of the total amount of water savings under reduced pressures, with only 6% difference between measured and estimated volume of saved water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Medical Gazette / Medicinski Glasnik is the property of Specijalna bolnica za bolesti stitaste zlezde i bolesti metabolizma Zlatibor and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Aim To observe the effect of standardized ten-day diabetes prevention and control program on glycemic control, and to analyze factors contributing significantly to improvement of glycemic control after the program/intervention. Methods A cross-sectional nested case-control study on 91 adult patients with insulin-requiring type 2 diabetes mellitus who underwent a standardized ten-day diabetes program in the Specialized Hospital "Merkur" in Vrnjačka Banja, Serbia, from June the 1st to August 1st 2010 was performed. All necessary data were obtained from patients' medical files archived in this institution. Cases (n=32) and controls (n=32) were matched for age and sex. Results Diabetes program led to a significant decrease in mean daily blood glucose (p=0.039), achieved at the expense of the reduction of postprandial hyperglycemia (p=0.013). Male patients, patients with mean daily glycemia above the acceptable range before the intervention, and patients who were receiving combined therapy (insulin plus oral antidiabetics) before the intervention, were significantly more likely to achieve such positive outcome (OR adjusted = 344.48, 12.83, and 25.44 respectively, with 95%CIs that not included 1). Conclusion Standardized ten-day diabetes educational and rehabilitation program in the Specialized Hospital "Merkur" could be efficient in improving glycemic control, especially for male patients whose glucoregulation was poor despite the combined therapy with insulin and oral antidiabetic agents. Further investigation on determinants of efficiency of this program are necessary to understand better how to facilitate and support improvements in diabetes control at the population level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]