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Background/Aim. There are a few research papers in Serbia that report on the clinical results of scarf osteotomy (SO) and its long-term effects. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the efficacy of SO in hallux valgus (HV) deformity correction, as well as the degree of recurrence and its possible causes. Methods. The study included 48 patients (52 feet) who underwent SO. The average follow-up time was 103.9 (63–156) months. In order to clinically evaluate the results, the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scale and the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) of pain were used. In order to radiographically determine the degree of deformity, preoperative and postoperative radiographs of the feet were taken in the standing position, and the following parameters were determined: HV angle (HVA), intermetatarsal angle, distal metatarsal articular angle, and sesamoid position. Results. The AOFAS scores increased from 19 (5–45) points preoperatively to 92 (54–100) points at the time of the latest follow-up examination (p < 0.001). The VAS values significantly improved from 10 (8–10) preoperatively to 0 (0–6). The average HVA correction was 24.8°. The recurrence rate in patients in whom the HVA was greater than 20° was 26.9%. Conclusion. Although SO is a proven procedure for the correction of HV, long-term results still show a relatively high rate of recurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Today's civilization finds itself facing existential problems in the survival of life on planet Earth. The aim of this paper is to point out the importance of food production from the moment when humans became hunter-gatherers until today, when there is talk about food security from the aspect of providing sufficient amounts of food for present and future generations. The paper presents the production of food in Serbia since the arrival of Slavic tribes on the Balkan Peninsula up to modern times. The paper also points to the historical development of food production and the necessity for socially responsible behaviour to preserve the resources we have for future generations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper was to evaluate the understanding of partner violence from the perspective of female victims. This study addresses intimate partner violence from a qualitative paradigm and a social constructivist approach. Data was collected from interviews with 15 female victims of violence, which was used as the basis for thematic analysis. In the contents of the subjects’ narratives, four core themes and eight sub-themes stood out. The core themes were: incident-based violence, life in the world of the perpetrator, causes of the violent behavior and justification for it, and victims taking responsibility for the violence. The results of the analysis showed that the violence experienced by these victims could not be reduced to isolated incidents. Still, it was a process that included situations and behaviors that were not subject to punishment, which kept the victim in constant fear, controlled her behavior, and made her a subordinate perpetrator. In contrast, most explanations given (by the victims) for the violent behavior had the function of justifying the perpetrators’ behavior and attributing responsibility to other agents – alcohol, mental illness, problems in the family of origin, or an external source of frustration. In certain cases, the women felt that they could be responsible for their own victimization as victims of violence. The results of the research indicate that intimate partner violence should be considered as a crime against identity and freedom, and that persons working with victims of violence should aim to deconstruct the beliefs that lead victims to find excuses for violent partner behavior, as well as to deconstruct beliefs that lead them to feel responsible for their victimization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aimed to review the publications on mycotoxins’ presence in cereals and foodstuffs originated from the Serbian market covering the period from 2005 to 2022. The review covers all the important steps in mycotoxins analysis including sampling, sample preparation, instrumental analysis, and concentration ranges in which the mycotoxins were found. Also, the results were interpreted from the European Union regulation point of view. The review emphasizes the importance of multi-mycotoxins analysis for determining the simultaneous presence of mycotoxins that can negatively affect the Serbian human population. The most frequently used instrumental technique in the mycotoxin analysis of Serbian products was the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay followed by the Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry. Most of the studies undertaken in Serbia until now investigated a few groups of matrices such as wheat, maize, milk, and dairy products. Only a few studies involved specific matrices such as nuts, dried fruits, biscuits, cookies, and spices. The review showed that contamination of milk and dairy products with aflatoxin M1 (AFM1), occurred at the very beginning of 2013, was the major health issue related to the population health. The contamination of milk and dairy products with the AFM1 was a consequence of maize contamination with aflatoxins which occurred in the year 2012, characterized by drought conditions. The studies dealing with the analysis of masked and emerging mycotoxins are rare and more attention should be paid to monitoring the presence of these types of mycotoxins in foodstuffs from Serbia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores marital matching patterns from the perspective of the partners' educational attainment, focusing on the link between gender asymmetry in education and educational hypergamy. In order to assess to what extent the tendency for women to marry men of higher educational status is related to the educational gender gap in Serbia and Slovenia, we calculate an index for women's educational advantage, and an index for the prevalence of educational hypergamy. Our results confirm the following: the growth of education is associated with an increase in female educational advantage; the relationship between female educational advantage and educational hypergamy is strongly negative; and there are no significant differences in assortative mating patterns between Serbia and Slovenia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protection and promotion of geoheritage has been changing and improving in recent decades, in line with the growing research in this field. Some research papers specifically study geomorphological geoheritage and introduce a special term - geomorphosite. Karst geomorphosites present specific objects of geomorphological heritage. On Kučaj and Beljanica mountains there is the largest karst area in Serbia. The purpose of this paper is to select and evaluate the scientific value of karst geomorphosites of Kučaj and Beljanica. More than one hundred karst geomorphosites were analyzed. In order to achieve more adequate coverage and representation, they were grouped into 25 geomorphotypes in three major geomorphological components of the investigated area. The results of this analysis highlighted the most important natural potentials of this area for establishing a karst-based geopark. More than 20 geomorphotypes have a positive recommendation index, which provides a good basis for further geotourism analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aim. The epidemic of typhus lasted for several months in the Kingdom of Serbia during the First World War, and a vast number of people lost their lives. The objective of the paper was to investigate how the Politika, Belgrade daily newspaper, informed the then Serbian public about the epidemic of typhus in the Great War. Methods. By using statistical and historical-critical method, the analysis of all texts published in the Politika from February 1915, when the Serbian government and the Supreme Command allowed the press to write about the epidemic of typhus, until the outbreak began to calm down at the beginning of May 1915, was performed. Results. In the observed period, among the texts dedicated to the typhus epidemic, news about people who died of typhus (obituaries), news about the epidemic itself, as well as affirmative texts about the feats of doctors. There were more texts about allies' military missions than about Serbian Army Medical Corps. The reporting was balanced and highly professional. Conclusion. In the period February-May 1915, a number of different articles about the typhus epidemic in Serbia during the Great War were published in the daily newspaper Politika. The reporting was wellbalanced, ethical and highly professional. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper aims to provide an overview of the most important parameters (the occurrence, frequency and magnitude) in Vojvodina Region (North Serbia). Monthly and annual mean precipitation values in the period 1946-2014, for the 12 selected meteorological stations were used. Relevant parameters (precipitation amounts, Angot precipitation index) were used as indicators of rainfall erosivity. Rainfall erosivity index was calculated and classified throughout precipitation susceptibility classes liable of triggering soil erosion. Precipitation trends were obtained and analysed by three different statistical approaches. Results indicate that various susceptibility classes are identified within the observed period, with a higher presence of very severe rainfall erosion in June and July. This study could have implications for mitigation strategies oriented towards reduction of soil erosion by water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the survey was to determine how the egg production sector is complying with animal welfare legislation, which requires a ban on conventional cages and the transition to permitted systems for rearing laying hens - enriched cages and alternative systems, as well as the attitudes of egg producers and consumers on the impact of permitted systems of egg production/purchase and hen welfare. The survey included producers (50), with 1000 and more hens, where in the sample, the percentage share of producers was according to the capacity - the size of the farm, i.e. similar to the share in the total egg production in Serbia. A consumer survey (261) established their views on the impact of the welfare of layers and the rearing system when buying eggs. According to the test results, it can be stated that: when switching to permitted rearing systems, enriched cages were the choice of all surveyed producers (100%) and that in the transition period from 2014 to autumn 2020, 16.3% of respondents switched from conventional cages to enriched ones (2.04% in full and 14.29% in part). According to the results obtained, 80.49% of them are planning to switch from a conventional cage system to another rearing system, of which 60.98% said they would do so if they had the financial means, while about 19% of producers believe they will be forced to leave production. All producers expect that the transition to enriched cages will lead to a reduction in their production, and 83.33% of them believe that it will be from 20 to 40%. Surveyed producers (87.18%) expect that the transition from conventional cages will increase production costs, and 65.11% believe that this will not affect the welfare of layers. A survey of consumer attitudes found that when buying eggs, the production system was very important for 19.91% of consumers, and for 19.41% of consumers it was not important at all, while the welfare of layers was very important for 26.84% and not at all important for 10.32% of consumers. The conclusion of the research is that in Serbia the transition to permitted rearing systems is slow, that harmonization with legal regulations is a great challenge and that changes are expected in the coming period that may have far-reaching consequences for the sector of table egg production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the distribution of nine endangered, rare or potentially invasive plant species present in the Serbian flora, based on field investigations, literature and herbarium data. The chorology of the following vascular plants: Ranunculus lateriflorus, Elatine alsinastrum, Sedum stefco, Galium boreale, Ornithogalum narbonense, Cyperus serotinus, Cyperus odoratus, Typha laxmannii and Typha shuttleworthii, is shown on 10 x 10 km2 UTM maps. The data on the distribution of these endangered and rare species provide a valuable base for estimating and revising their threatened status in Serbia, as well as for conducting adequate conservation measures with regard to their habitats. Chorological data on the Cyperus odoratus species in Serbia are significant for getting to know its naturalization history and spreading pathways in both Serbia and its neighbouring countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aim. The most frequent form of sternal defects is a single foramen, usually located at the distal half of the sternal body, with prevalence that varies among different ethnic populations. Clinical importance of these defects arises from various diagnostic and therapeutic sternal treatments and close location of heart, lungs and other vital organs of the chest cavity. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and morphometric characteristics of the sternal midline foramen in the population of central Serbia. Methods. The multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) chest images of 422 patients of both genders were analyzed. The radiological imaging was performed on 64- slice MDCT scanner (Aquilion 64, Toshiba, Japan). All scans were performed in the axial plane, with subsequent multiplanar reconstruction (MPR). Due to the angulation of the sternal body coronal curved-planar, the images were obtained in order to show the whole length of the sternum and the vertical diameter of the sternal foramen. The measurements were done using the commercially available software (Imaging Software ver. 4.1.14.0, Vital-Images). Results. The solitary foramen, located in the distal segment of the sternal body, was detected in 24 patients, representing 5.9% of the observed population with slightly higher prevalence in males. The average size of foramen was 3.9 ' 4.2 mm. The mean distance from the skin was 12.7 ± 3.3 mm, the distance from skin to pericardium was on average 37.3 ± 8.2 mm, while the average distance from skin to pleura was 25 ± 5.9 mm. The average depth of foramen 8.7 ± 2 mm, while the mean distance from the posterior surface of foramen to pericardium was 12.7 ± 9.1 mm. Conclusion. The results presented in this paper confirmed the prevalence of 5.9% regarding the midline sternal foramen in the observed population. Serious complications of the sternal puncture could be prevented by prior MDCT imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents new chorological data for 16 taxa of vascular flora of Serbia (records No. 1-16). These taxa belong to following families: Amaryllidaceae (1-2), Apiaceae (3), Aristolochiaceae (4), Aspleniaceae (5), Asteraceae (6-9), Iridaceae (11), Juncaceae (12), Ophioglossaceae (13), Ranunculaceae (14), Rutaceae (15) and Urticaceae (16), also including the possibly first record of Opuntia humifusa (Raf.) Raf., Cactaceae (10) in Serbia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper contains a short report about new and unpublished chorological data for the following species: Hydrocharis morsus-ranae L., Bidens cernuus L., Najas marina L., Potamogeton lucens L., Schoenoplectus triqueter (L.) Palla, Cyperus rotundus L., Polypogon monspeliensis (L.) Desf. and Paspalum distichum L.. Despite the fact that this paper provides insight into the distribution of analyzed species, it could be used as a base for invasive species' Paspalum distichum L. expanding patterns research, and as a base for reevaluation of the threatened status of Schoenoplectus triqueter (L.) Palla and Cyperus rotundus L. in Serbia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper discusses status and differences related to poverty, material deprivation and social exclusion based on statistical data from the Study on Income and Living Conditions (SILC) research in Macedonia, Serbia and Croatia. The countries covered in the paper are chosen due to their similar legacy of the social protection system, but also because they have different status with regard to the European Union (EU): a member state (Croatia), a candidate country with ongoing negotiations (Serbia) and a candidate country without negations (Macedonia). Apart from comparing and analyzing similarities and differences in the poverty rate, material deprivation and vulnerable groups in the three countries, the paper also analyzes countries' policy approaches in tackling poverty and social exclusion. In doing so, the correlation with the EU 2020 goals and targets is particularly emphasized. Comparative data from the SILC research shows that the scope of poverty and social exclusion is high in all three countries, however particular differences point to different dimensions of poverty which exist in these countries. While Croatia belongs to the EU countries in which income poverty is higher than the scope of material deprivation, Serbia and Macedonia have a reverse trend and belong to a smaller group of EU countries (Bulgaria, Romania, Latvia and Hungary) in which material deprivation is more pronounced than income poverty. Although policies aimed at tackling poverty and social exclusion refer to the EU 2020 targets, some of the shortcomings are still seen in all three countries: lack of revision of targets, lack of integrated approach between targets, as well as lack of profiling of vulnerable groups that are aimed to be lifted out of poverty. The paper stresses some of the shortcomings of the EU SILC data for poverty analysis in the three countries, and provides further recommendations for evidence based policy choices related to tackling poverty and social exclusion in Macedonia, Serbia and Croatia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The initial purpose of this research was to understand the basic patterns of urban shrinkage in Serbia. Urban shrinkage, a common phenomenon in post-socialist countries, is a novelty, albeit very present in Serbia today. Despite presenting a huge challenge for the future of the country, it has not been studied sufficiently at any level. To understand this situation, the first “task” would certainly be to identify which cities in Serbia can be considered as shrinking in a local context. The research will focus on this issue through the development of four models of shrinking cities in Serbia according to globally based factors of urban shrinkage. The aim of the paper is to clarify the potential of their use and to explore the possible locally-based factors of urban shrinkage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During last decade of 20th century, and after 2000, there have been significant changes in the management of protected areas (PAs) in Serbia. Prior to that time, most of PAs, were managed by public sector, but changes on international and national level, caused involvement of other actors. In the system of management of PAs, beside private sector, from 1994, is present private sector. The problem of determining types of managers of PAs in Serbia and their systematization is important for understanding changes in the existing system of PA and, so far, has not been sufficiently treated. For these reasons, the aim of this paper is to determine types and structure (categories and subcategories) of PAs managers in Serbia. Types of managers are defined in relation to public and private character of the initial capital. Management categories are established in relation to the ways of organization and legal form, while subcategories represent managers which are defined on the basis of available secondary data. In paper are applied quantitative methods of content analysis and specialization (classification) as well as comparative and statistical method. The results indicate the existence of two main types of PAs managers in Serbia from public and private sector. Within the public sector, two categories are distinguished: „enterprises” and „institutions”, and within private sector, also two categories, „companies” and „other organizations and individuals”. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phototropic microorganisms in thermal mats had not attracted enough attention in Serbia in the past. The research presented in this paper is the first to address biofilms at selected occurrences of mineral water in Serbia (Bogatić, Metković and Belotić in the Mačva District as well as Radaljska Banja, Lukovska Banja and Vranjska Banja) (in Serbian, banja denotes a spa town). The study period is from 2014 to 2016. The temperatures of the studied occurrences are in the 30-93.9 °C range and the chemical composition corresponds to the HCO3- - Na++K+ and SO42-, HCO3- - Na++K+ types of mineral water. One of the objectives was to examine the condition of wellheads (incrustation, biofouling and corrosion), focusing on the presence of phototrophic microorganisms whose metabolites may lead to changes in mineral water quality, yield and chemistry. Analysis by light and scanning electron microscopy provides insight into the diversity of phototrophic microorganisms that populate biofilms near the points of emergence and on wellhead. The research reveals the presence of representatives of three groups of phototrophic microorganisms: Cyanobacteria, Chlorophyta and Bacillariophyta. Cyanobacteria were the most numerous, dominated by the order Oscillatoriales with ten recorded genera, of which Leptolynbgya and Phormidium feature the largest numbers of species. The order Chroococcales are the second most numerous, with seven recorded genera, of which gloeocapsa and Synechocystisare the most noteworthy. The largest numbers of representative taxa were noted at Radaljska Banja and Vranjska Banja, where mineral waters originate from Encrustalithostratigraphic units of igneous origin, followed by mineral water occurrences in karst aquifers (Bogatić and Belotić) and an intergranular aquifer (Metković). The smallest number of identified phototrophic microorganisms is noted at Lukovska Banja, where the origin is associated with a fractured aquifer formed in sedimentary and metamorphic rocks, with occasional diabase interbeds. Although many representative taxa are found on only one of the studied localities, such as Synechococcus bigranulatus and Pseudanabaena thermalis, those of the genera Leptolyngbya, Phormidium and Cosmarium laeve, as well as genera of the phylum Bacillariophyta, occur at several sampling sites. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to show the relationship between documented cyanobacterial and algal taxa and environmental parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we analyze the concepts of community capacity, the psychological sense of community and social capital. They are examined in terms of their contribution to the social capital, both theoretically, as well as empirically. Results of a comprehensive empirical study, conducted in local communities in the Republic of Croatia and Republic of Serbia, are reported and discussed. Those results demonstrate that, in South-East Europe, community capacity can be linked to the collective action, as well as to the development of social capital in local communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medical biochemistry is the usual name for clinical biochemistry or clinical chemistry in Serbia, and medical biochemist is the official name for the clinical chemist (or clinical biochemist). This is the largest sub-discipline of the laboratory medicine in Serbia. It includes all aspects of clinical chemistry, and also laboratory hematology with coagulation, immunology, etc. Medical biochemistry laboratories in Serbia and medical biochemists as a profession are part of Health Care System and their activities are regulated through: the Health Care Law and rules issued by the Chamber of Medical Biochemists of Serbia. The first continuous and organized education for Medical Biochemists (Clinical Chemists) in Serbia dates from 1945, when the Department of Medical Biochemistry was established at the Pharmaceutical Faculty in Belgrade. In 1987 at the same Faculty a five years undergraduate study program was established, educating Medical Biochemists under a special program. Since the academic year 2006/2007 the new five year undergraduate (according to Bologna Declaration) and four-year postgraduate program according to EC4 European Syllabus for Postgraduate Training in Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine has been established. The Ministry of Education and Ministry of Public Health accredited these programs. There are four requirements for practicing medical biochemistry in the Health Care System: University Diploma of the Faculty of Pharmacy (Study of Medical Biochemistry), successful completion of the professional exam at the Ministry of Health after completion of one additional year of obligatory practical training in the medical biochemistry laboratories, membership in the Serbian Chamber of Medical Biochemists and licence for skilled work issued by the Serbian Chamber of Medical Biochemists. In order to present laboratory medical biochemistry practice in Serbia this paper will be focused on the following: Serbian national legislation, healthcare services organization, sub-disciplines of laboratory medicine and medical biochemistry as the most significant, education in medical biochemistry, conditions for professional practice in medical biochemistry, continuous quality improvement, and accreditation. Serbian healthcare is based on fundamental principles of universal health coverage and solidarity between all citizens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objective of this paper is to identify market performances of oil crops in Serbia. In that context, development in the production and trade of main oil crops were analyzed. Sunflower, soybean and rapeseed are oil crops that are seeded on the largest areas in comparison with other oil crops, and have the biggest contribution in the value of agricultural production. This analysis used descriptive and comparative methods. Bearing in mind the increase of the world prices of oil crops, which is the result of a stronger increase of demand, as well as the importance of the oil crops in Serbia, there are more possibilities for Serbian farmers to enlarge land areas of oil crops in the structure of the agricultural production. Preferential trade agreements with the countries of European Union (EU), CEFTA, and other countries give Serbia the possibilities for strengthening of trade flows and also for additional utilization of processing capacities which this country has. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: This paper describes a study on Brucella ovis infection of sheep flocks in southern Serbia. Using serological testing, positive reactions were confirmed in 67 (29.8%) and suspicion in 31 (13.8%) out of the total 225 tested sheep sera samples. Rams originated from 113 flocks with 4751 sheep from 28 settlements in the Pirot region of southern Serbia. Pathological changes indicative of Brucella ovis infection were confirmed by macroscopic examination in the testes of 7 (58.3%) out of 12 examined rams. In 7 (58.7%) animals, unilateral epididymitis with pronounced hypertrophy of the tail, body and head of epididymis was confirmed. Using bacteriological and molecular techniques, the presence of B. ovis was confirmed in the samples (testes, epididymis, lymph nodes) in 11 (91.7%) out of 12 rams. The clinical manifestation of ovine epididymitis arose following the procurement of rams and mating season. The disease was more pronounced in flocks in which it occurred for the first time. On the basis of the results presented here, it can be concluded that B. ovis infection causes substantial economic losses in sheep production, and is manifested in reduced conception (24.85%), miscarriages (5.38%), reduced number of lambs (0.74 lambs per ewe) and increased perinatal mortality (7.78%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main goal of research in this paper was to consider basic trends in vegetable production in the Republic of Serbia for the period 2000-2009. Additionally, the task was to quantify of all changes, as well as to determin the factors that affected expressed production trends in Serbia. Authors point out the basic problems, suggesting both the necessary measures that would affect production increase and possible development of this very important branch of agriculture for Serbia. Also, the importance and possibilities of safe vegetables production in the system of organic agriculture are pointed out. With adequate support regarding credits, investments and export, vegetable production may become a significant sector of Serbian agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Particulate matter is the air pollutant that currently receives most attention from the atmospheric research community, the legislative authorities and the general public. Limiting particulate matter in the atmosphere which will result in significant benefits for human health, with associated positive economic consequences. Successful management of particulate matter requires scientific knowledge about particulate matter "from cradle to grave", covering sources of particles, processes that govern their formation, composition, dispersion and fate in the atmosphere, as well as knowledge about human exposure and associated health and well being. Such knowledge allows to design and perform effective and efficient abatement measures and monitoring. This paper provides an introduction to the research and monitoring regarding particulate matter in Serbia. The contributions were first partly presented at the 2nd international workshop of the WeBIOPATR "Outdoor concentration, size distribution and composition of respirable particles in WB urban area" project in September 2009. This information provides context to the contributions in this number, and was part of the rationale of the project WeBIOPATR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]