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Background: This study aimed to fill a gap of knowledge by providing a quantitative measure of molecularly identified species and genotypes belonging to Echinococcus granulosussensu lato (s.l.) causing human cystic echinococcosis (CE) in Europe during the period 2000–2021. As these species and genotypes are characterized by genetic, animal host and geographical differences, studying the E. granulosuss.l. complex is epidemiologically relevant. Methods: A systematic review (SR) was conducted on the basis of both scientific and grey literature considering primary studies between 2000 and 2021 in four databases. From a total of 1643 scientific papers, 51 records were included in the SR. The main inclusion criterion for this study was the molecular confirmation of E. granulosuss.l. at the genotype/species level as a causative agent of human CE cases in selected European countries. Results: Relevant data were obtained from 29 out of 39 eligible European countries. This SR identified 599 human molecularly confirmed echinococcal cysts: 460 (76.8%) identified as E. granulosussensu stricto (s.s.), 130 (21.7%) as E. canadensis cluster (G6/7 and G10), 7 (1.2%) as E. ortleppi (G5), and 2 as E. vogeli (0.3%). Three geographical hotspots of human CE caused by different species of the E. granulosuss.l. complex were identified: (1) E. granulosuss.s. in Southern and South-eastern Europe (European-Mediterranean and Balkan countries); (2) E. canadensis (G6/7) in Central and Eastern Europe; (3) E. ortleppi in Central and Western Europe. This SR also identified data gaps that prevented a better definition of the geographical distribution of the Echinococcus granulosuss.l. species complex in Europe: western Balkan countries, part of Central Europe, and Baltic countries. Conclusions: These results mandate longitudinal, multi-centre, intersectoral and transdisciplinary studies which consider both molecular and clinical epidemiology in animals and humans. Such studies would be valuable for a better understanding of the transmission of the E. granulosuss.l. species complex and their potential clinical impact on humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article revisits architect and artist Lebbeus Woods' Zagreb Free Zone project that was created in 1991 and exhibited at the Museum of Arts and Crafts in Zagreb, Croatia. Topics discussed are difference between the concepts of freespace and free zone, link of cybernetics to freedom and the happy absurdity of circus performers, architectural performance demonstrated by the sketchbooks of Woods, and the paradoxical position of the Zagreb Free Zone within avant-garde paper architecture.

Standardization and the use of certification schemes affect economy competitiveness in general, and therefore the agro-food sector as well - certification according to quality standards is a pre-condition for increasing the competitiveness of agro-food industry. Implementation of quality assurance systems in the agro-food sector and in the retail chains of the Balkan countries are covered in this paper. The Balkan countries mainly focus on the mandatory standards, whereas the non-mandatory ones are almost exclusively used by the country market leaders. It is also the case with the retail chains which by expanding their network also expand the range of standards, and therefore increase the level of competitiveness. This paper provides the information on standardization and implementation of certification schemes in the agro-food industry and retailers in the Balkan Region, also connection of competitiveness and implementation of standards. As the authors of this review know, the consolidated data of this type have not been presented yet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper surveys the post-1989 Europe/Balkan conjuncture from the perspective of communication studies. I employ David Morley’s materialist definition of communication, encompassing exchange/movement of information/ ideas, goods, and people. Observing the exchange of ideas, we find EU’s Euroscepticism contrasting the Balkans’ Europhilia. Considering the movement of people, the brain-drain from the Balkans is paralleled by incoming migrations and a questioning of whether leaving the region is necessarily advantageous. The movement of goods, finally, elucidates the ascendancy of Chinese investment in the region, confronting Europe with being seen as a periphery of Asia. The materialist communication approach thus reveals unanticipated dynamism (a working-through of inherited inequality), rather than one-way perpetuation of old centre-periphery prejudice. Though historically modelled as Europe’s traumatized inner Other where nationalism was imposed, the Balkans still have much to narrate about impurity of identities and uncertainty as Europe’s new/old possible cultural heritage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The studies that made this research possible and that have provided the perspective for us are the comparative literature and cultural studies of Mircea Muthu, The Romanian Literature and the South-East European spirit, and Maria Todorova's volume, Imagining the Balkans, an American researcher of Bulgarian origins who analyzes the evolution of the Balkans and their image in relationship with the West and with itself, from a historical point of view. Despite the fact that the Balkans continue to be considered the "powder barrel" of Europe, their historical and cultural significance is not to be neglected, especially in connection with the European spirit. Considering the harsh conditions in which the East-European intellectual was obliged to face and to create, his works have become nonetheless, a reconfirmed way for the power of man to overcome his limitations. More than any other European, the East European has met the worst invention that has ever been invented to oppress the human mind: the communist regime (a possible avatar of the Ottoman oppression in the past). With all due challenges that have been forced on him, the East European intellectual's creations have gained symbolic value, that of salvation through culture, through the ability of detaching oneself from the cruel everyday reality, aiming at spiritual detachment. What we are trying to achieve through this paper is to advance a discussion regarding some key concepts which can help us better acknowledge our role and function in life, and most of all, gain conscience of our nature. What we are and what we are going to be has an indestructible connection with what we used to be. Our cultural identity must be permanently validated, reminded, mostly for the younger generations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Hacquetia is the property of Sciendo 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.)

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to illustrate how eventual membership of the European Union is influencing reforms in South East Europe, through legislation and institutions being brought into line with EU practice. Design/methodology/approach - The article reflects the results of monitoring exercises conducted in the Balkans with data gathered from national regulatory authorities and ministries. The approach is comparative between the countries and with the existing EU member states. Findings - Considerable progress has been made in the opening of markets, with The issuing of new licences and the introduction of regulatory measures to support new entrants. However, many obstacles remain to be overcome. Research limitations/implications - Determining the practical application of the legal provisions is not straightforward; there may be delays or questions of interpretation. Further work is required to determine how the changes are carried forward. Practical implications - Further work will continue both by the authorities in South EasI Europe and in monitoring increased competition in mobile markets and the introduction of broadband, primarily using wireless technology Originality/value - Work on this region of Europe has been very limited, in part due to difficulties in gathering data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Do populist leaders tend to win support from the same kinds of people abroad as they do at home? Since we know public opinion can shape foreign policy, the answer is important for understanding populists' potential to carry out their typically anti-establishment international agendas. We address this question through original surveys in three Southeast European EU-aspiring countries on one populist leader (US President Donald Trump), establishing that the answer is a qualified yes: It depends on geopolitical orientation. In Albania, where local elites are perceived to be aligned with American elites, Trump supporters stand out for the same dispositions linked to him in the US, including intolerance and Euroscepticism. But in Serbia, where the American elites opposed by Trump's own populism are seen as opposed to Serbia's own establishment, patterns are remarkably different: Trump sympathizers generally stand out for tolerance, support for the EU, and a general trust in politicians. In Kosovo, these differences collapse into its deep ethnic divide between Albanians and Serbs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Frost incidents comprise significant extreme weather events owing to climate change, possibly endangering the agricultural sector of the already impacted south-eastern European area. Thus, the comprehensive evaluation of the frost conditions under the climate regime for eleven countries was conducted by calculating relevant frost agroclimatic indicators under three time horizons (1985 to 2015, 2005 to 2035 and 2015 to 2045). The Frost Days (FD), Free of Frost Days (FFD), Last Spring Frost (LSF) and First Autumn Frost (FAF) were estimated daily over a grid of 25 × 25 km. We demonstrated that the FD will be reduced according to the balanced A1B emissions scenario over the entire examined area with the mountainous and continental regions being most affected. From 2005 to 2035, a higher LSF reduction is expected over Greece and Albania and the earlier FAF in high altitude areas. All examined regions are projected to face delayed FAF, from 2015 to 2045. In general, all countries will face an increase in the growing season duration owing to the increase of the FFD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This article is part of a series commissioned by the International Epidemiological Association, aimed at describing population health and epidemiological resources in the six World Health Organization (WHO) regions. It covers 32 of the 53 WHO European countries, namely the Western European countries, the Balkan countries and the Baltic countries.Methods: The burdens of mortality and morbidity and the patterns of risk factors and inequalities have been reviewed in order to identify health priorities and challenges. Literature and internet searches were conducted to stock-take epidemiological teaching, research activities, funding and scientific productivity.Findings: These countries have among the highest life expectancies worldwide. However, within- and between-country inequalities persist, which are largely due to inequalities in distribution of main health determinants. There is a long tradition of epidemiological research and teaching in most countries, in particular in the Western European countries. Cross-national networks and collaborations are increasing through the support of the European Union which fosters procedures to standardize educational systems across Europe and provides funding for epidemiological research through framework programmes. The number of Medline-indexed epidemiological research publications per year led by Western European countries has been increasing. The countries accounts for nearly a third of the global epidemiological publication.Conclusions: Although population health has improved considerably overall, persistent within- and between-country inequalities continue to challenge national and European health institutions. More research, policy and action on the social determinants of health are required in the region. Epidemiological training, research and workforce in the Baltic and Balkan countries should be strengthened. European epidemiologists can play pivotal roles and must influence legislation concerning production and access to high-quality data. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Energy poverty is an issue that concerns developing as well as developed countries and its mitigation is essential for social welfare. European countries are also affected by energy poverty problems and lately policy-makers are trying to address this issue, especially after the recent economic crisis. In order for strategies and policies implementation to be effective, it is important that energy poverty is measured and evaluated. In this paper, energy poverty is examined for the time-period 2004–2019 for 28 selected European countries, using a consensual approach and a composite measurement, based on the main indicators proposed in the literature. The Scandinavian countries are found to have the lowest levels of energy poverty, while the highest levels have been observed in Bulgaria and in the Balkans in general throughout the whole studied time-period. In addition, the drivers of energy poverty conditions are identified; electricity prices were found to be the main driving force for all three main indicators, while unemployment and the percentage of people at risk of poverty followed, for certain indicators. GDP per capita is found to be linked with an inverse relationship with issues related to energy poverty, confirming thus that the economic recession affected energy poverty conditions in Europe. • A consensual approach and a composite measurement are used to calculate energy poverty for a large time-period. • Panel data model specifications are used to identify energy poverty's drivers. • Energy poverty levels are compared before and after economic crisis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article focuses on one of the dominant interpretations of European integration, namely the reconciliation narrative that defines European integration as a peacebuilding process. The study is divided into three main parts. The first clarifies the various conceptions of reconciliation as a political process. The second examines the reconciliation narrative as a discourse. The analysis of the references made by EU representatives shows that this narrative can be either backward-looking (anex postrationalisation of ‘what Europe was’) or future-oriented (a description of ‘what Europe should be’). The third part emphasises the reconciliation narrative as a guideline for action in regions as diverse as the Balkans, East Asia, the African Great Lakes and the Middle East. The aim of this article is to determine whether the EU experience, captured by the reconciliation narrative, can – and should – be replicated. Its main conclusion concerns the need for a polyphonic attitude within the EU, and the need for a modest attitude towards third parties, in terms of both timing and objectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The noble crayfish (Astacus astacus) displays a complex historical and contemporary genetic status in Europe. The species divergence has been shaped by geological events (i.e. Pleistocene glaciations) and humanly induced impacts (i.e. translocations, pollution, etc.) on its populations due to species commercial value and its niche degradation. Until now, limited genetic information has been procured for the Balkan area and especially for the southernmost distribution of this species (i.e. Greece). It is well known that the rich habitat diversity of the Balkan Peninsula offers suitable conditions for genetically diversified populations. Thus, the present manuscript revisits the phylogenetic relationships of the noble crayfish in Europe and identifies the genetic make-up and the biogeographical patterns of the species in its southern range limit. Results: Mitochondrial markers (i.e. COI and 16S) were used in order to elucidate the genetic structure and diversity of the noble crayfish in Europe. Two of the six European haplotypic lineages, were found exclusively in Greece. These two lineages exhibited greater haplotypic richness when compared with the rest four (of "Central European" origin) while they showed high genetic diversity. Divergence time analysis identified that the majority of this divergence was captured through Pleistocene, suggesting a southern glacial refugium (Greece, southern Balkans). Furthermore, six microsatellite markers were used in order to define the factors affecting the genetic structure and demographic history of the species in Greece. The population structure analysis revealed six to nine genetic clusters and eight putative genetic barriers. Evidence of bottleneck effects in the last ~5000 years (due to climatic and geological events and human activities) is also afforded. Findings from several other research fields (e.g. life sciences, geology or even archaeology) have been utilized to perceive the genetic make-up of the noble crayfish. Conclusions: The southernmost part of Balkans has played a major role as a glacial refugium for A. astacus. Such refugia have served as centres of expansion to northern regions. Recent history of the noble crayfish in southern Balkans reveals the influence of environmental (climate, geology and/or topology) and anthropogenic factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a critical study of Aleksandar Petrović's celebrated work I Even Met Happy Gypsies (1967). The analysis focuses on the content and functions of the cinematic gypsy figure drawing its insights from Yuri M. Lotman's spatial model of culture, Critical Whiteness Studies, Postcolonial Studies and Antigypsyism. The transposition of the fictional gypsy into the idiom of film is considered in detail on the level of plot, character delineation and visual aesthetics. The work of the renowned Serbian director makes a superb example of the artistic strategies by which the gypsy myth is rendered into an 'authentic' ethnographic document. Also, a parallel is drawn between gypsy films and blackface minstrelsy shows as a way of elucidating the three central functions of racial masquerade staged in effect in all gypsy films that make a claim to ethnographic truthfulness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introducing the category 'weak nationalism', this article emphasises the scales of intensity and the different operational modes of nationalism across time and space, as well as within the same space. It refuses to create a model or another dichotomy - strong/weak - on a par with earlier ones like organic/civic, Eastern/ Western, bad/good. Rather, it approaches nationalism as a binary variable on a scale from weak/low to strong/high. It argues to extend the research focus beyond the fixation on extreme cases to so-called weak or weaker manifestations that remain subordinate and under-researched, all the time stressing the changeability of nationalisms in their local context and in the course of time. While it is a category more recognisable in a common sense approach than in a strictly quantifiable one, it can be identified and comparatively evaluated by the mobilising ability of the nationalist message in the public sphere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New species are described in the genera Wormaldia (Trichoptera, Philopotamidae) and Drusus (Trichoptera, Limnephilidae, Drusinae). Additionally, the larva of the new species Drusus crenophylax sp. n. is described, and a key provided to larval Drusus species of the bosnicus-group, in which the new species belongs. Observations on the threats to regional freshwater biodiversity and caddisfly endemism are discussed. The new species Wormaldia sarda sp. n. is an endemic of the Tyrrhenian island of Sardinia and differs most conspicuously from its congeners in the shape of segment ×, which is trilobate in lateral view. The new species Drusus crenophylax sp. n. is a micro-endemic of the Western Balkans, and increases the endemism rate of Balkan Drusinae to 79% of 39 species. Compared to other Western Balkan Drusus, males of the new species are morphologically most similar to D. discophorus Radovanovic and D. vernonensis Malicky, but differ in the shape of superior and intermediate appendages. The females of D. crenophylax sp. n. are most similar to those of D. vernonensis, but differ distinctly in the outline of segment ×. Larvae of D. crenophylax sp. n. exhibit toothless mandibles, indicating a scraping-grazing feeding ecology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Adam Academy Journal of Social Sciences / Adam Akademi Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi is the property of Adam Academy Journal of Social Sciences 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.)

In the last two decades, south-central Europe and the Eastern Alps have been widely explored by many seismic refraction experiments (e.g., CELEBRATION 2000, ALP 2002, SUDETES 2003). Although quite detailed images are available along linear profiles, a comprehensive, three-dimensional crustal model of the region is still missing. This limitation makes this region a weak spot in continental-wide comprehensive representations of crustal structure. To improve on this situation, we select and collect 37 published active-source seismic lines in this region. After geo-referencing each line, we sample them along vertical profiles-every 50 km or less along the line-and derive P-wave velocities in a stack of homogeneous layers (separated by discontinuities: depth of crystalline basement, top of lower crust, and Moho). We finally merge the information using geostatistical methods, and infer S-wave velocity and density using empirical scaling relations. We present here the resulting crustal model for a region encompassing the Eastern Alps, Dinarides, Pannonian basin, Western Carpathians and Bohemian Massif, covering the region within $$45^{\circ}\text{--}51^{\circ}\hbox{N}$$ and $$11^{\circ} \text{--} 22^{\circ}\hbox{E}$$ with a resolution of $$0.2^{\circ} \times 0.2^{\circ}.$$ We are also able to extend and update the map of Moho depth in a wider region within $$35^{\circ}\text{--}51^{\circ}\hbox{N}$$ and $$12^{\circ}\text{--}45^{\circ}\hbox{E},$$ gathering Moho values from the collected seismic lines, other published dataset and using the European plate reference EPcrust as a background. All the digitized profiles and the resulting model are available online. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There has been much discussion recently about what a Balkan Islamic theology consists of, and how it compares to wider moves in theological schools outside of the region. An examination of some of the contemporary trends in the region will provide some perspective on where that form of thought seems to be going. I will argue that the very diverse influences that have existed for so long, and continue to exist today, may prevent the development of a grand theoretical narrative here. On the other hand, such a diversity of approach may better represent the possibility of an Islamic theology that is genuinely European than many of the existing apparent alternatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tiger beetle fauna of the Balkan Peninsula is one of the richest in Europe and includes 19 species or 41% of the European tiger beetle fauna. Assembled by their biogeographical origins, the Balkan tiger beetle species fall into 14 different groups that include, Mediterranean, Middle Oriental, Central Asiatic, Euro-Siberian, South and East European, Pannonian-Sarmatian, West Palaearctic, Turano-European and Afrotropico Indo-Mediterranean species. The Mediterranean Sclerophyl and the Pontian Steppe are the Balkan biogeographical provinces with the highest species richness, while the Balkan Highlands has the lowest Cicindelidae diversity. Most species are restricted to single habitat types in lowland areas of the Balkan Peninsula and only Calomera aulica aulica and Calomera littoralis nemoralis occur in respectively 3 and 4 different types of habitat. About 60% of all Balkan Cicindelidae species are found in habitats potentially endangered by human activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most discussions about the impact of Afghanistan on the future of NATO focus on transatlantic relations between the United States and the European Union. But for Canada, which is one of the few NATO allies that voluntarily deployed into the south, facing heavy resistance and fighting from Taliban insurgents, the Afghanistan operations have become the most salient dimension of its continued involvement in the Atlantic Alliance. While this may seem surprising, given the cutbacks in Canadian defense spending in the 1990s and the withdrawal of Canada's standing forces from Germany, it should not. For during that so-called dark decade, Canada continued to make major contributions to NATO and European security. This essay argues that Ottawa's multi-faceted military and political support of the “new” NATO of the post-Cold War era continued when the alliance undertook its involvement in Afghanistan. Indeed, in its efforts in support of NATO's mission in Afghanistan, Canada has demonstrated a dedication to the alliance that seems stronger than NATO's collective commitment to itself. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data from 90 permanent broad-band stations spread over central and eastern Europe were analysed using Ps receiver functions to study the crustal and upper-mantle structure down to the mantle transition zone. Receiver functions provide valuable information on structural features, which are important for the resolution of European lithospheric dynamics. Moho depths vary from less than 25 km in extensional areas in central Europe to more than 50 km at stations in eastern Europe (Craton) and beneath the Alpine–Carpathian belt. A very shallow Moho depth can be observed at stations in the Upper Rhine Graben area ( ca. 25 km), whereas, for example, stations in the SW Bohemian Massif show a significantly deeper Moho interface at a depth of 38 km. Vp/ Vs ratios vary between 1.60 and 1.96, and show no clear correlation to the major tectonic units, thus probably representing local variations in crustal composition. Delayed arrivals of converted phases from the mantle transition zone are observed at many stations in central Europe, whereas stations in the cratonic area show earlier arrivals compared with those calculated from the IASP91 Earth reference model. Differential delay times between the P410s and P660s phases indicate a thickened mantle transition zone beneath the eastern Alps, the Carpathians and the northern Balkan peninsula, whereas the transition zone thickness in eastern and central Europe agrees with the IASP91 value. The thickening of the mantle transition zone beneath the eastern Alps and the Carpathians could be caused by cold, deeply subducted oceanic slabs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article deals with the imagery of ‘the West’ in contemporary Serbia. In an analysis of interviews with young Serbian intellectuals, it evaluates how they use the metaphor of the West to construct their self-image. Furthermore, it discusses how Serbian responses to European stereotyping and ‘Othering’ of the Balkans can function as a form of celebratory appropriation, acceptance and exploitation of these stereotypes. It explores tile ‘self-exoticization’ process as a reaction to the real or imagined western stereotyping that is detected in Serbian narratives, with the overall objective of demonstrating the urgency of critically rethinking the notion that the identity of European remote areas mirrors western interests and stereotypes. Serbian narratives echo the ongoing struggle over the definition and purpose of belonging to Europe in relation to a global economy. Memories, traditions and stereotypes of belonging are not just invented, but also actively encouraged and negotiated within Serbian society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]