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To encourage proper waste management for electrical and electronic devices (e-waste), it is necessary to invest heavily in the development of recycling technologies. One way to improve the process is to automate separating the shredded parts of e-waste using a robot. This paper's literature review, utilizing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework, showcases potential robotic technologies for e-waste separation. However, the intricate design of these devices can pose significant challenges in their implementation. Various legal, organizational, and sociological obstacles have left Serbia's e-waste management practice underdeveloped, resulting in an unsatisfactory recycling rate. In this paper, we examined the possibility of using robots in the precise example of recycling refrigerators in a recycling center in Eastern Serbia, concluding that such a solution would have multiple positive effects, both on the employees and the working environment, on the operations of the recycling center itself, and on increasing the e-waste recycling rate in the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of European Journal of Applied Economics is the property of Singidunum University 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.)

This paper aims to identify, evaluate, and analyze determinants of the profitability of food enterprises from the Republic of Serbia. The paper determines the nature of the relationship between defined determinants and profitability by applying a panel regression model on a sample of 189 small, medium, and large food enterprises from Serbia in the period from 2011 to 2021. The analysis results showed that the profitability of food enterprises is positively influenced by liquidity and sales growth rate. On the other hand, the indebtedness, size, and materiality of assets have a negative impact on the profitability of food enterprises. Of all analyzed variables, only liquidity does not affect profitability at a statistically significant level. The results of the analysis should be added to the fact that smaller food enterprises, with a lower degree of indebtedness and a smaller share of fixed in total assets, achieve a higher degree of profitability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the increasing use of renewable energy sources and decentralized power systems, certain challenges have emerged in meeting consumers' electrical energy demands. The intermittent nature of renewable energy generation means that it cannot always align with consumers' needs, resulting in periods of excess energy production when it is not required. To bridge this gap between production and consumption, energy storage systems are necessary. This paper defines the work of an isolated microgrid, which consists of renewable sources (wind and PV) for energy production, households with electric vehicles as consumers, and a combined storage system. This storage system is made from batteries, hydrogen storage, and a control system that defines the best use of the storage. Stored energy is utilized through fuel cells to generate electricity for consumption when renewable sources cannot meet the demand. This paper presents the principles of electrolysis and models of individual elements within such a system, as well as the definition and principle of control of the system functionality based on rules and conditions. The proposed control system aims to increase the energy storage lifecycle by deciding when and how to utilize which type of storage and define a self-sufficient microgrid based on renewable sources of production. An economic analysis of the storage part of the system was carried out in which the levelized cost of energy stored and the NPC of the storage systems are calculated. A simulation of the system's operation is conducted using one-hour measurements of wind turbines, solar panels, and household consumption in Serbia. To analyze the system's behavior, a one-week time horizon is considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents a specific method of environmental impact assessment applied in Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) for the National Emission Reduction Plan (NERP) in the Republic of Serbia, based on air quality. The specificity of the approach is in the application of a semiquantitative method of multicriteria evaluation based on air dispersion modeling and the integration of SEA goals, indicators and criteria for assessing the impact of the NERP on the quality of air and other environmental elements in this method. When predicting changes in air quality for the planning horizon to 2028, the physical, geographical and climatic characteristics of the area were taken into account, as well as technical measures to reduce SO2 emissions, since this was the dominant pollutant from the Serbian coal-fired power plants studied by the NERP. Air pollution modeling was carried out using the AERMOD software package based on the data collected, and the quantitative results obtained were used in a multicriteria evaluation as part of the SEA. The results of the research indicated the importance of applying this approach in order to significantly increase objectivity in the SEA process, since it is an important element of decision making at the strategic level. In addition, a comparative presentation of the modeling results before and after application of the NERP was an important part of the SEA process, and it provided a clear insight into expected changes in the air quality. This is a key argument for making appropriate policy decisions on spatial, energy, environmental and socio-economic development in the Republic of Serbia, which, like other developing countries, is sluggishly following global trends in energy transition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The main goal of the paper is to review the existing state and propose a model solution for the introduction of the waste-to-energy concept in the Republic of Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, as these Balkan countries are a source of high pollution due to the inefficient use of fossil fuels and the operation of coal-fired power plants. Besides, these countries have very low level of waste management, which results in the uncontrolled disposal of a large amount of waste which consists of plastic and microplastic materials which are difficult to decompose in natural ecosystems. Methods: Considering the type and objectives of the study, a mixed research method was chosen as a combination of exploratory research, descriptive research, explanatory research, and modeling. Results: The main result of the research shows the unfavorable situation in the field of waste management in the Republic of Serbia, as well as in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Both countries have adopted adequate strategies and plans, but waste management is not implemented accordingly, Nevertheless, numerous problems create considerable opportunities for improvement, especially regarding the potential for energy production from waste, which is an important approach to implementing the circular economy model. The study showed that the situation is particularly unfavorable in rural areas. Hence, the research proposes (a) a novel model for waste-to-energy governance and (b) a novel model for waste-to-energy management in rural areas. The research was done, and models were developed based on the examples of the Republic of Serbia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. However, the results can be used in countries with a similar level of waste management and with a larger share of rural areas. Conclusions: The paper emphasizes the importance of a holistic and systemic approach to waste management, with emphasis on using waste-to-energy concept as particularly applicable in the transition to circular economy. This study proposes a model for the integration of waste management (with emphasis on plastic and microplastic) and energy efficiency, presenting a model of approach that can be used in countries that are at the beginning of introducing a circular economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Matica Srpska Journal for Natural Sciences is the property of Matica Srpska, Department of Natural Studies 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.)

Copyright of Hotel & Tourism Management is the property of Faculty of Hotel Management & Tourism in Vrnjacka Banja 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.)

Research question: The objective of this paper is to examine the level of the development of spa tourism with a special review of the wellness tourist offer of the Republic of Serbia, and also which factors of this tourist offer we should pay special attention to and improve, to achieve the highest level of tourist loyalty. Motivation: The tourism potential of the Republic of Serbia has not been sufficiently researched and that served as a basic motivational factor. Idea: Considering the tourist potential that Serbia has and partly the work of Han et al., (2017), the fact that spa tourism is the fastest-growing sector in the entire tourism industry, and that the wellness tourism offer is a very important segment of spa tourism, there is a need to identify factors that influence the visitors' loyalty formation for such tourist destinations. As the Republic of Serbia has a lot of wellness centres, it represents a very convenient location for conducting such research. Data: This research included 298 guests of wellness centres in Vrnjačka Banja: "Solaris", "Aleksandar", "Merkur", "Zepter", "Kralj", "Slatina" and "Iwa Wellness Centre". Data collection was performed during July and August 2019. Methods: The PLS-SEM method was used in this paper to test the defined research hypotheses. Factors that contribute to loyalty and revisit for the wellness and spa tourist destination were investigated, and they were measured by the appropriate number of questions: quality of wellness and spa tourism, the value of wellness and spa services, attraction of wellness and spa tourist destination and satisfaction with wellness and spa tourist destination. All attitudes were measured using a five-point Likert scale. Results: The quality and value of wellness and spa services positively impact the affection for wellness and spa tourist destination and satisfaction with wellness and spa tourist destination, while the attraction of wellness and spa tourist destination positively affects satisfaction with wellness and spa tourist destination and tendency to revisit by tourists. The existence of a positive influence of satisfaction with wellness and spa tourist destination and the desire to revisit the tourist loyalty formation was also shown. Contribution: Improving the quality, value, and effect with the Republic of Serbia as a wellness and spa tourist destination will increase the satisfaction of visitors and their desire to revisit this tourist destination, which will lead to greater loyalty in the future. This will increase the revenue generated from this type of tourism and accelerate local and regional development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research Question: This paper recommends the method for selecting the optimal ammunition caliber for the automatic rifle that will be used to equip Serbian Army units. Motivation/idea: The selection of adequate caliber does not only represent a challenge for the decision-makers in the military, but also provides information to the industry to adjust to given requests. In the current conditions, the purpose-built industry of the Republic of Serbia is faced with two key tasks that are completely correlated: meeting the needs of the Serbian Army for quality ammunition and being competitive on the market. Accordingly, the purpose of this paper is to develop a qualitative model based on the DEX method and DEXi software applied in the selection of caliber ammunition for automatic rifles for the needs of members of the Serbian Army. This paper connects for the first time the qualitative DEX method with a product of this industry. Data / Tools: In order to meet the requirements of the multi-criteria decision-making, we developed the DEX model to be used to solve the problem of making decisions about the selection of optimal caliber for rearming the Serbian Army, as well as its cost-effectiveness. The alternatives are calibers for automatic rifles 7.62 mm and 5.56 mm that are currently in use in the Serbian Army, as well as the new 6.5 mm caliber which has been announced by the expert authorities. We defined the selection of criteria functions from technical and logistic standpoints. Using the DEX method and DEXi software enables us to obtain independent recommendations by applying different criteria. Findings: Results of this research show that the caliber is a very important component when it comes to army's armament. At the same time, this question poses a challenge for the sustainable development of the weapons industry. As the optimal caliber, among the offered, after processing the input data in the DEXi software, the authors propose a caliber of 5.56 mm. This caliber dominates in most criteria and as such, it represents the best choice. Contribution: This paper contributes to the creation of sustainable development policies on the national and regional levels and it helps the key decision-makers in the military make decisions. Results of such and similar research, and the fact that the international market has a growing need for ammunition of this caliber should be guidelines for the domestic weapons industry for future development and investment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In December 2023, another extraordinary parliamentary election was held in the Republic of Serbia, the fourth in the last decade. Serbia has held no less than thirteen general elections since the multiparty system was introduced in 1990, with only three of them not being extraordinary. The aftermath of almost every early election consisted of the same dominant political party staying on power. This implies that almost every extraordinary election aimed at political capitalization on the status of current executive power-holder. In addition, this type of election is often held simultaneously with local elections. This cannot easily be regarded as a welcome democratic procedure. Resorting to untimely dissolution of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia may be assessed as a tool of expressing the dominant position of the executive in relation to the National Assembly. According to the frontal provision of its Constitution, Serbia is based on the rule of law, and it is committed to European principles and values. Another constitutional provision clearly determines that the duration of the term of a legislature is four years. However, caretaker governments, with much restricted legitimacy, appear to have become an objectionable rule rather than an exception. It seems to be quite unusual for a candidate state for membership in the European Union to hold so many elections earlier than constitutionally scheduled. While the practice is not formally endangering Serbia's negotiations with the EU, relevant reports presented by the European Commission, the OSCE, and the Venice Commission express concern in this regard. In one of the reports, adopted in December 2022, it is recommended that the Serbian Constitution should be interpreted in such a way that a legitimate limitation of periodical recourse to early elections is enabled. In this paper, method of comparative normative analysis of legal framework of extraordinary parliamentary elections held throughout Europe is used, as well as method of analyzing comments and recommendations of competent European political and legal authorities. After the introductory part, the survey of Serbian legal framework envisaging possibilities for dissolving the National Assembly is presented. This part is followed by the analysis of the history of early dissolutions of the National Assembly. In the fourth part, comments and recommendations on Serbian snap elections of various European bodies are examined. In conclusive part of the paper, normative suggestions are laid out in order to curtail the possibly unconstitutional practice of arbitrary dissolution of the National Assembly. These are coupled with recommendations aiming at fostering a stable practice of protecting full-term legislative periods from frequent obstructions by the executive branch of power, since opportunistic parliamentary election timing appear to represent an indirect assault on the rule of law and on the separation of powers in Serbia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Ekonomika is the property of Society of Economists 'Ekonomika' 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.)

Copyright of Stanovništvo is the property of Demographic Research Center of Institute 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.)

This paper aims to investigate the significance of the impact of customer expectations of the use of digital technology services by hotels on their level of satisfaction. For these purposes, an empirical study was provided in Serbia in 2022. The research sample consists of 392 respondents from a specific growing demographic group of hotel services users, digitally born Gen X, Gen Z, and Millennials, aged 21 to 41, who stayed in hotels in the highest category during the year. Regression analysis and a five-level Likert attitude evaluation scale were used in the methodology of the research. The significant influence of customer expectations and positive experiences in using technological hotel services on satisfaction is confirmed. The findings of the paper can contribute to the literature and hotel management decision-making in designing a modern strategy of technological business development, digitalization of services, and digital marketing relations with service users, millennials as technological leaders of change, and further hospitality organizations' survival in the tourist market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The largest and the deepest landslides in Serbia occurred on the right valley side of the Danube. General conclusions about landslides along the Danube were obtained on the basis of their comprehensive, detailed investigations: the Sloboda bridge in Novi Sad, the Beška bridge, the large settlement of Bocke, and the high-speed railway viaduct in Čortanovci. These areas are actually large, unstable slopes with deep and shallow landslides. Deep landslides consist of several sliding blocks with 20–40 m in depth. All these landslides were formed in clays and sands of the Pliocene age in the decayed crust of these sediments. The general conclusions about landslides presented in this paper will be of great use for the construction of new facilities in the entire unstable area along the Danube, which is about 100 km in length. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction and objectives: Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Serbia belonged to the group of post-transition countries that were determined to reduce gender inequalities in the labour market through an improved institutional framework and measures to promote women's employment. However, the gender wage gap remains significant. This paper uses data from the Survey on Income and Living Conditions to examine the gender wage gap in Serbia. Methods: The estimates of the stochastic frontier model were obtained using the maximum likelihood estimation method. Results: The results indicate a statistically significant gender wage gap, showing that women on average have a log hourly wage 0.109 and 0.098 lower than men in 2019 and 2020, respectively. The labour market shows similar efficiency of employees. Conclusion: It is predicted that women are paid less than men, even after controlling for the observed factors. Comparing this with the results of previous studies, it can be concluded that the COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to a slight worsening of gender inequalities in the Serbian labour market. Implications and research limitation: Women's financial vulnerability can be exacerbated by leaving the workforce, taking up part-time employment or working in a job with lower benefits. The latter position of women in the labour market or their recognition as potential beneficiaries by pension and social security systems are two ways in which this has practical implications for the public policy. Similar research using data from the post-COVID-19 period would be of great value in assessing changes in women's position in the labour market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the paper is to point out the etiological-phenomenological dimension of domestic violence in rural areas of Serbia. Although it reflects all the general characteristics of domestic violence, in the etiological and phenomenological sense, domestic violence in rural areas also has certain specifics that are important for a closer definition of the necessary prevention measures. Based on research conducted in rural areas around the world, the authors indicate in the paper that the causes of domestic violence in rural areas are the same in Serbia, namely traditional patterns of behavior, adopted cultural norms and geographical isolation. All forms of violence (physical, psychological, emotional and sexual) are present, as well as in urban areas of Serbia. However, violence in rural areas is much less often reported, due to the normalization of violence, the fact that everyone in small areas knows each other, shame, the presence of strong stereotypes, etc. The perpetrators of domestic violence coming from rural areas are most often men (in 90% of cases) and are mostly violent. Victims of domestic violence in rural areas are most often women, characterized by economic dependence, lack of personal income or property, the fact that they have nowhere to go. An additional problem is the lack of official statistical data on domestic violence in rural areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After appearing only in medical law for a long time, advance directives and other forms of voluntary measures are increasingly also being recognised as an effective protector of the right to self-determination in family law. The aim of the paper is to consider the Croatian model of advance decision making in family law, observing it in the context of European, international and comparative law. In this sense, the paper first provides an overview of relevant international and European documents, then briefly analyses different solutions to the discussion in question that exist in the national legislations of the selected European countries, namely, Germany, Slovenia, the Czech Republic, Serbia, and finally a detailed analysis of Croatian law. The paper aims to point out certain doubts and ambiguities that exist in Croatian law, give suggestions for improving the legislation, and encourage the continuation of scientific research in this legal field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Central European Agriculture is the property of Journal of Central European Agriculture 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.)

Copyright of Socioloski Pregled is the property of Srpsko Sociolosko Drustvo 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.)

The purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of the most significant organizational factors on primary school achievements, with a note that the achievement of the school is expressed through the quality of outcome knowledge. The research was conducted on a sample of 460 employees, from 21 primary schools, of which 439 are professionals and 21 are principals in the South Bačka County, Republic of Serbia. The collected data were processed using the Gretl software and AMOS for modelling structural equations. More precisely, the research is based on the application of exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. A neural network based on a standard multilayer perceptron model was used in the paper to test the validity of the obtained results of the AMOS model. The results of the research show that school management is the most important factor in school achievement and that this influence is most pronounced through teaching staff and school infrastructure. The results, also show that teachers' competencies have the strongest direct influence on the quality of outcome knowledge. The results obtained indicate that decision-makers and creators of social policies must pay special attention to the selection of school principals as well as their professional education, while school principals to the selection of teachers. Future researchers are recommended to use the Sobel test to precisely determine the indirect influences of school management on school achievement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this paper is to emphasize, branding as one of the possible ways to take concrete steps towards reaffirming the local values and traditional knowledge of rural populations in Serbia. Based on information gathered in the field, as well as from existing literature sources, the main goal of this study is to promote products from the Visok microregion. Due to very alarming demographic data, this may be the last chance for revitalizing this region. In this study, we highlighted the following products: Pirot kilim (Pirot rug), Pirot/Stara Planina lamb, Pirot Kachkaval cheese, Stara Planina honey, and Stara Planina potato. Besides agriculture, micr oregion Visok also has exceptional tourist potential. The conclusion of this paper emphasizes that the only viable path to revitalization is through planned investment. Such investment would facilitate the development of local infrastructure and help restore the population, thus enabling the creation of sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper deals with index-based crop insurance as a tool for managing flood and drought risks in agriculture. We introduce a novel model for determining premium rates in index-based crop insurance which combines the loss cost method and the average yield method. The proposed model was applied to data related to the production of selected crops in Serbia to calculate unique premium rates for index-based insurance for cereals, industrial crops and fodder plants. The paper also outlines the prerequisites for index-based crop insurance to become technically, operationally, and financially feasible in Serbia. We propose the introduction of mandatory index-based crop insurance, along with necessary legislative amendments and subsidization of insurance premiums. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on the possible impact of the thermal soil regime on the occurrence of forest fires in the Zaječar administrative district in Eastern Serbia. The study uses data on soil temperature from the Republic Hydrometeorological Service of the Republic of Serbia and the ERA5-Land gridded reanalysis dataset for monthly temperature and volumetric soil water of the soil level 1 (0-7 cm), and soil level 2 (7-28 cm) with horizontal resolution of 0.1°C (approximately 12 km × 12 km) during the period of 2009-2021. Differences in soil temperature at depths of 2 cm, 5 cm, 10 cm, and 20 cm at the meteorological station in Zaječar for the periods 1961-1990 and 2009-2021 are observed. By analyzing the data on the registered number of forest fires for the period 2009-2021, pronounced oscillations in the dynamics of forest fires can be observed. The minimum number of forest fires (0) is registered in 2014, when the maximum of soil moisture in the soil levels 1 and 2 is observed. A high number of forest fires corresponds to high soil temperatures in 2012 and 2017. Soils drier and hotter than the average are registered in 47.0% of all months with the fire occurrences. About 50% of fires occurred in dry and hot soils during 2012 and 2017. This percentage was zero in 2014, when there were no fires. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the genus Vitrea Fitzinger, 1833 in Serbia is reviewed. All previous literature data on this genus from Serbia are summarised and used to discuss its distribution in the country and create distribution maps, supplemented by new material collected by the authors. All Serbian species are figured. For each species, a brief description of the examined specimens, data on previous findings in Serbia, the material (including types) that were analysed, the distribution and habitats in Serbia they inhabit, as well as remarks on specific species are given. A new species, Vitrea virgo Gojšina & Dedov, sp. nov., is described from a pit on Mt. Devica in eastern Serbia. Vitrea pygmaea (O. Boettger, 1880) is reported for the first time for the territory of Serbia. As some Vitrea species have a narrow geographical range and prefer certain habitats, they are particularly vulnerable to habitat changes, which is also discussed in the paper. An identification key for all hitherto known Serbian species is given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is an extensive body of literature exploring the changes that large housing estates (LHE) in Central and East European (CEE) cities have undergone since the beginning of the post-socialist transition. Although some studies discussed residents' satisfaction with the transformed neighborhood environment within these estates, analyzing differences at the national, CEE and pan-European levels, they have primarily focused on cities in fast-track reforming countries, leaving the non-EU context unexplored. In addition, more recent analyses are generally scarce, while little is known about how LHEs, particularly unrefurbished ones, compare to newer housing types of similar densities in these terms. The paper aims to contribute to filling these research gaps by investigating neighborhood satisfaction in two unrefurbished LHEs and one recently built residential district in Novi Sad, the second largest city in Serbia. The research data was collected from 162 structured 'traditional' (in-person) face-to-face interviews involving a Likert-type questionnaire supplemented with open-ended questions. It was processed in the SPSS 23.0 software package. ANOVA and Scheffe post-hoc tests were used to determine differences and Chronbach's Alpha to measure internal consistency. Through a series of descriptive comparative analyses, the paper examines the variations in evaluations of specific neighborhood features and the correlation between residents' satisfaction, their potential mobility and the housing market position of the studied areas. The research results indicate that the majority of LHE residents are satisfied with their neighborhood environment, live in the neighborhood of preference and do not feel 'trapped', while the situation in the newly built residential district is somewhat different, revealing the shortcomings of post-socialist urbanism. The concluding section discusses the research results against the backdrop of previous studies, questions the stability of neighborhood satisfaction in unrefurbished CEE LHEs, highlights the importance of regeneration, and proposes directions for future investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper argues that vaccines could be viewed as artifacts which communicate various social messages and are used as instruments for fulfilling different sociopolitical goals besides meeting public health needs. It further suggests that such social, cultural and political influences may have real effects on the choices of vaccine technologies or vaccine production, and aims to demonstrate their importance in the area which is normally seen as the domain of objective science. This is demonstrated by using the example of the locally produced oral polio vaccine (OPV) in Serbia during the socialist and post-socialist periods in the country's history. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Both the Cyrillic and Latin scripts are routinely used for writing in Serbian. In existing ideological discourses, using Cyrillic is associated by some with Serbian ethnic authenticity and loyalty to nationhood, but by others with conservatism, Russian-leaning politics and dangerous ethnonationalism. For some, using Latin is associated with cosmopolitanism and a western-leaning internationalisation, but for others with an assault on Serbian heritage, values and tradition. In this context, with which script do Serbians today most closely affiliate and does established ideological discourse actually inform script choices? By seeing this affiliation as linguistic citizenship, the paper analyses survey data and metalinguistic explanations about which script Serbians choose to represent their own names as the most personal of identities. The data show that while some simply write their name in either script depending on habit, younger Serbians, and Serbians outside metropolitan areas, seemingly bias Cyrillic for ethnonationalist reasons as discourse predicts. However, especially revealing is that linguistic citizenship among older Serbians is sooner mediated by lingering notions of Yugoslavia and Serbo-Croatian as country and language that no longer exist but once indexed ideals of equality and harmony in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, cultural institutions face the challenge of answering the requirements of a very diverse audience in order to be more socially inclusive, enabling everyone to have access to their cultural content. However, there are different barriers to participation in culture and unequal access to cultural contents of a large number of sensitive social groups, preventing them from having a meaningful experience. This particularly refers to groups facing the risk of cultural exclusion such as parents with children, the elderly, and people with disabilities (impaired sight, hearing, and immobile people). In economically less developed countries such as Serbia, this issue is even more pronounced, as investments in cultural institutions and activities regarding audience research are very low. Moreover, the existing literature on this field is scarce regarding studies involving sensitive groups. Thus, the primary aim of this research is to explore the perception of different groups facing the risk of cultural exclusion in Vojvodina province (Serbia) regarding their major barriers to cultural participation, factors influencing their cultural participation, and their cultural habits but also their perception of accessibility of particular cultural institutions. The survey research, conducted from June to October 2022, included a total of 412 respondents, representatives of the mentioned groups of audience. The main results indicate significant differences between analyzed groups regarding all analyzed issues. Differences and implications for audience development strategies are further discussed in the paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the industries that was among the most disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic was the tourism industry. Hotel owners and managers needed guidelines on how to combat the "new normal" and enable the sustainable economic operation of the hotels they managed. This paper addresses the problem of identifying performance management (PM) indicators hotel managers turned to during the pandemic and the factors which motivated them to do so. Managers of hotels in winter destinations in Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina were surveyed on the performance measures they implemented in the hotels they managed. The results of the research show that in the era of the Covid-19 pandemic, hotel managers relied on both organisational and operational measures but found operational indicators more useful. The characteristics of managers, such as business position in the hotel, age, level of education and level of work experience, are related to the choice of indicators and levels of their implementation. Also, the hotel's characteristics, such as size, revenue, and growth rate, proved to have an impact on the level of PM indicators measured. In times of crises, such as pandemics, organisational PM indicators that rely mainly on financial results are not as useful as operational ones. The reliance on operational measures of indicators increased the resilience of hotels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the harsh punishment and measures taken to crack down on drug-related crimes in China, drug offending presents a growing threat. This paper, based on in-depth interviews with 24 drug offenders who are now under incarceration, explores how drug offending is described and presented. The results reveal that drug offending is not merely simplified as good or evil, but constructed as individuals' only, attractive, or non-existent option. The implications of the results are briefly discussed in regard to the reduction in drug crimes and policy improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context under which it was convened Dayton Peace Conference it was very complex. Among the factors that determined the success of the peace talks were also the decisions on nomination of the delegates and on the framework of negotiations. The first one had to do with the format of the negotiation delegations and the second one with the platforms for negotiations. Both issues were interlinked and demonstrated whether parties in war seriously and constructively were approaching to the idea for peace conference. In Dayton, the interests of the Bosnian state and society, of the Bosnian Serbs and Bosnian Croats were represented by the Presidents of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Croatia. That it was an indication that all parties in war gave priority to the dialogue even though the questions on what level must be representation in the peace conference and what mandate the appointed delegates must have very often constituted a challenge in itself during the prenegotiation period. The purpose of this paper it was to understand the political representation in the Dayton Peace Conference by analyzing the format of the negotiation delegations and the frameworks of the negotiations. For that reason, in desk research it was conducted where documents from relevant national and international institutions were analyzed. Interpretation of data it is based on the Berridge's analytical construct regarding the phases of negotiations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The critical role of energy in contemporary life and the environmental challenges associated with its production imply the need for research and exploration of its novel resources. The present review paper emphasizes the continuous exploitation of non-renewable energy sources, suggesting the transition toward renewable energy sources, termed 'green energy', as a crucial step for sustainable development. The research methodology involves a comprehensive review of articles, statistical data analysis, and examination of databases. The main focus is biomass, a valuable resource for bioenergy and biopesticide production, highlighting not only its traditional diverse sources, such as agricultural waste and industrial residues, but also non-edible invasive alien plant species. This study explores the utilization of invasive alien species in circular economy practices, considering their role in bioenergy and biopesticide production. The potential conflict between bioproduct acquisition and food sector competition is discussed, along with the need for a shift in approaching non-edible biomass sources. The paper emphasizes the untapped potential of under-explored biomass resources and the necessity for policy alignment and public awareness. Species with a significant potential for these sustainable strategies include Acer negundo L., Ailanthus altisima (Mill.) Swingle., Amorpha fruticosa L., Elaengus angustifolia L., Falopia japonica (Houtt.) Ronse Decr., Hibiscus syriacus L., Koelreuteria paniculata Laxm., Paulownia tomentosa Siebold and Zucc., Partenocissus quenquefolia (L.) Planch., Rhus typhina L., Robinia pseudoacacia L. and Thuja orientalis L. In conclusion, the paper highlights the intertwined relationship between energy, environmental sustainability, and circular economy principles, providing insights into Serbia's efforts and potential in adopting nature-based solutions for bioenergy and biopesticides acquisition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Environmental Protection Agency of the Republic of Serbia continuously monitors and collects air quality parameters at numerous measuring points throughout the country. The results revealed that the levels of air pollution recorded during the lockdown differed from those recorded during the same period the previous years. In this paper, we examined pollutant concentration trends in 2020 and a few previous years to determine the underlying causes of these trends. Pollutants are measured at five stations in Belgrade from the beginning of March to the end of July between 2015 and 2020. Because no hourly data were available, NO2, SO2, and suspended particles PM10 and PM2.5 are average daily values, whereas CO and ozone are daily 8-hour maximums. Concentrations were compared and averaged only when data for the same period over time was available, i.e. when comparing 2020 to previous years. The results were compared to the annual and daily limit values (for ozone and CO 8 hours maximum, respectively), as well as the variations in concentrations over time. The goal of calculating and displaying these values is to specifically identify a change in air pollution during the COVID-19 virus pandemic isolation period. In general, for Belgrade in 2020, NO2 concentrations are lower at four stations, PM2.5 concentrations are lower at two stations, PM10 concentrations are higher at one station and lower at another, and SO2 concentrations are higher than in previous years (2015-2019). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Matica Srpska Journal for Natural Sciences is the property of Matica Srpska, Department of Natural Studies 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.)

This paper explores the nuanced relationship between gender diversity in senior management and key aspects of organizational dynamics in the machines and equipment sector in the Republic of Serbia. The aim is to uncover differences in digitalization, growth strategies and gender equality measures between companies led by women and men. Employing field research methods, specifically utilizing Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing, the results show that companies led by women have a higher propensity to adopt information and communication technologies, a more optimistic view of their future development over the next five years, greater gender diversity among employees and more robust implementation of gender equality policies compared to companies led exclusively by men. The research findings highlight the significant impact of gender diversity in leadership on business outcomes and show that women-led companies are proactively embracing digitalization, promoting growth optimism and implementing gender equality initiatives. These findings offer valuable insights for business leaders, policymakers and researchers working on initiatives to promote diversity, equality, and technological progress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The production of plum and cherry, as stone fruit species, occupy a significant place in the plant agricultural activity of the Republic of Serbia. In this paper, on the basis of data from selected family holdings in the southern part of Serbia, the production results and evaluation of the economic justification of these two fruit species were investigated. Data collected through a survey were used for the research, and the economic evaluation was performed using static calculative methods. The most important economic indicators determined were: cost price, net profit (average amount), accumulativeness expressed through the rate and time period of investment capital. When producing plums, the average annual financial result is from 503,490 RSD/ha to 594,340 RSD/ha. The analysis determined that by investing RSD 100/ha in production of plum, 40 RSD is accumulated, and the average annual net profit is 425,313 RSD/ha. From the average amounts of net profit, investments made in raising plum trees plantations (1,080,000 RSD/ha) can be recovered during the third year of its exploitation. Although the yield of cherry per unit area is lower compared to the yield of plum, better economic results in the amount of 535,800 RSD/ha to 682,920 RSD/ha are achieved due to a much more favorable selling price per unit measure. For every RSD 100 invested in cherry production, 48 RSD of accumulation is achieved. The average net profit amounts to 492,099 RSD/ha, and the investments made in raising plantations of cherry trees (1,020,000 RSD/ha) can be recovered in the third year of its exploitation. In recent years, cherry have been very profitable fruit species in Serbia, due to the high demand and favorable selling price. With permanent education of fruit producers, as well as with various support measures at the state and local level, it is possible to contribute to the improvement of the existing business and improve the profitability of plums and cherry production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From a global point of view, the Republic of Serbia has favorable conditions for cattle breeding and beef production, because there are favorable soil and climatic conditions, high production of roughage and fodder, available workforce, installed capacities of meat processing industries (for the production of beef and meat products) etc. However, it is not the only, or exclusive, parameter of the development of cattle production, because there are significant differences in the racial composition and production potential of cattle in certain production districts of the Republic of Serbia. The paper shows the period of the movement of the number of cattle, as one of the potentials for the production of beef, and the heifers that provide new heads for fattening. In the observed time period from 2012 to 2022, it is in permanent decline. According to the obtained data of the calculated value of base and chain indices for the observed time period of ten years, there is no hint of stabilization of breeding and increase in the number of cattle for slaughter. The average number of cattle in the Republic of Serbia was 898 thousand head with a tendency to decrease from 2.5% to 3.0%. At the end of 2022, the estimate of slaughter outside slaughterhouses in December was reduced to 16 thousand heads, however, the number of slaughtered heads increased from May and reached its maximum in October with 20.61 thousand heads and in November when there were 26.45 thousand heads. From this data, it can be seen that the total number of heads has been decreasing since December, which means that there has been stagnation in the number of slaughtered heads. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research Question: This study investigates both direct and indirect effects of employee ICT skills on business e-commerce potential, evaluated through e-commerce website functionality. Motivation: The study aims at expanding the existing knowledge regarding organisational ICT implementation by investigating the relation with e-commerce potential. Idea: The main idea of the paper is to understand how e-commerce potential can be improved by developing the digital skills of employees, mainly in the context of the implementation of cloud computing, portable technologies and e-commerce outsourcing. Data: A sample of 238 businesses from Serbia was considered. Responses were gathered by the Statistical Office of the Republic of Serbia, using EUROSTAT-based questionnaire. Tools: Confirmatory factor analysis and covariancebased structural equation modelling were employed for data analysis. Baron-Kenny approach was used for assessing the mediation effects in the model. Findings: Employee ICT skills showed no direct influence, but were found to have an indirect effect on e-commerce website functionality, which is manifested through organisational implementation of cloud computing and portable technologies. Findings to a certain extent suggest that certain differences between companies from transition and developing economies exist, especially regarding cloud technology adoption. Outsourcing of certain e-commerce activities showed no link with employee ICT skills, but was identified as the most influential factor in website e-commerce facilitation. Contribution: This study contributes to ICT use and e-commerce development literature, as it is the first one to investigate the direct and indirect relation between organisational ICT implementation and website e-commerce potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Ekonomika is the property of Society of Economists 'Ekonomika' 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.)

The paper discusses an analysis of credit and card fraud phenomena identified by a multinational bank in the Republic of Serbia. The research aims to evaluate the effectiveness of existing systems and practices for managing fraud risks in the banking sector of the Republic of Serbia. It explores the potential impact of fraudulent activities on the credit and card processes, as well as risk management in the banking system during the period before, during, and after the Covid-19 pandemic, specifically from 2018 to 2022. The most significant research result provides a descriptive profile of potential fraud perpetrators in the banking sector. This can contribute to decision-makers in finance, managers, and analysts to better scrutinize the profiles of potential credit users. Recognizing early signs that indicate a person is likely to commit fraudulent acts allows banks to prevent potential fraud in a timely manner, thus averting possible financial losses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the factors that contribute to tourism competitiveness in developing economies is essential for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and researchers, as these countries still struggle to fully capitalize on their tourism potential. The residents' perspective, often overlooked in Tourism Destination Competitiveness (TDC) models, is crucial because they are the primary stakeholders who directly experience the consequences of tourism activities in their daily lives. Their positive attitudes can contribute to a welcoming and friendly environment, enhancing the competitiveness of the destination in the global tourism market. Up to now, there have been a few studies that relate residents' attitudes to tourism destination competitiveness. However, none have focused on developing a tailor-made model for measuring residents' perspectives on TDC. To develop such a specific model and contribute to the existing theory in this area, our research applied a multi-step approach, including a literature review of existing models, pilot testing for indicator selection, and model validation through CFA. The data were collected through a survey of residents in Serbia, chosen as an example of a developing country. The final model of the study consists of five factors: Natural and Cultural Resources, Quality of Tourist Offer and Infrastructure, Situational Framework of Tourism Development and Management, Destination Perception and Experience, and Pollution, containing 32 indicators. Practical applicability of the model and theoretical contributions are discussed in the paper, as well as the TDC evaluation for Serbia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Why did Serbia not impose sanctions against Russia following its aggression on Ukraine in February 2022? As a state seeking membership of the European Union (EU), Serbia's reluctance to join the sanction regime is puzzling. This paper draws from the ontological security literature to show how Serbia, as a political community, is divided between East and West, that is, between a vicarious attachment to Moscow and a relationship with Brussels driven primarily by the prospect of joining the benefits of membership of the EU. The problem of sanctions brought to the fore the conflicted identity of Serbia, showing how Belgrade's hedging in foreign policy reflects not only an attempt to extract concessions and advantages from both partners – the EU and Russia – but more fundamentally its efforts to come to terms with its liminal, ontologically insecure position within the international system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sarcoidosis is a granulomatous disease of unknown etiology that can affect almost any organ. Although the acute form can have spontaneous regression, a certain number of patients can have a chronic form, which leads to an increase in mortality and a decrease in the quality of life. Considering that the risk factors are still unknown, we wanted to compare the characteristics of patients with acute and chronic forms of sarcoidosis in Serbia in order to determine significant differences between them with hopes of contributing to everyday clinical practice. A total of 2380 patients treated in our clinic were enrolled in this study. They were separated into the following two groups: 1126 patients with acute form and 1254 patients with chronic form. They were further compared by gender, smoking status, radiological status, exposition, biomarkers for sarcoidosis, organ involvement, and other comorbidities; the distribution of patients according to regions of Serbia was also noted. Statistical significance was found in radiological findings (p < 0.001), biomarkers (calcium in 24 h urine p < 0.001; chitotriosidase p = 0.001), and the affliction of organs (p < 0.001). The differences noted in this paper could help improve our understanding of this disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to examine morphometric values of erythrocytes in donkeys and horses. While the hematological and biochemical profiles of horses and donkeys have been previously documented in literature, there are no precise morphometric data regarding erythrocytes in donkeys. Given the increasing presence of donkeys in the world, the need exists to improve knowledge about this species. Balkan donkey is a large autochthonous breed found in Serbia. Blood cell parameters such as red blood cell count (RBC), Mean Corpuscular Volume or Mean Cell Volume (MCV) are well documented in horses. However, papers examining blood morphometry in donkeys, especially erythrocyte size, are scarce. The clinical examination in this study included a total of 72 horses and donkeys. All animals were adults, located in Vojvodina, Northern Province of Serbia. Blood samples were evaluated and analyzed using ImageJ program. Following the analysis of the morphometric diameters of erythrocytes in donkeys and horses, it can be concluded that donkeys have the largest erythrocyte diameters. The precise reason for this phenomenon is still unknown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the results of research on the dendroflora of the Natural Monument (NM) "Stari park" in Temerin, Serbia. The park's natural values are intricately linked to the characteristics of its dendrofloristic elements, i.e. the large dimensions and age of its trees. To gain insight into changes in diversity, the flora recorded in 2004 and 2022 was compared. In 2022, a field study was conducted to provide a detailed dendroflora analysis, including taxonomic analysis, species origin analysis, assessment of the presence of autochthonous, allochthonous, and invasive species, as well as the biological spectrum. Although Celtis occidentalis L. remained the most represented species eighteen years later, its percentage decreased from 34% to 21%. This decline can be attributed to the emergence of new dominant species such as Fraxinus angustifolia Vahl. (15%), Ulmus effusa Willd. (13%), and Acer platanoides L. (9%). These four species now collectively constitute 58% of the trees in the park. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper is to observe and evaluate the economic viability of Serbian farms engaged in different types of farming on the basis of data obtained from the Serbian Farm Accountancy Data Network of 2021. Farm economic viability was assessed using the opportunity costs of the main factors of production in agriculture (namely labour, land, and capital). The share of unpaid labour was found highest in the livestock farms specialising in milk production and grazing livestock. The farms specialising in permanent crops and horticulture had the largest share of their own utilized agricultural land, representing a very intensive type of farming usually organized on small acreages. The highest share of economically viable farms was recorded in the field crop farming system, followed by horticulture and permanent crops. In the viable group, the field crop farms were dominant with the largest coefficients of short- and long-term viability, which increased with the economic size of the farm. In general, the farms engaged in plant production exhibited much higher economic viability levels than the livestock farms (excluding the granivore farms). The most endangered were the farms specialising in grazing livestock, with the largest proportion of non-viable farms and the lowest coefficients of economic viability. A notable number of these farms lack economic justification for agriculture. However, ceasing agricultural production may not be the best solution for them, particularly as farms in remote rural areas are managed by elderly and low-skilled farmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]