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The emergency of switching to an online learning model due to the COVID pandemic impacted the educational process in of schools world wide. We conducted an anonymous survey at the elite high schools in Serbia whose students won 45 medals at international Olympiads in mathematics, physics, and computer sciences in the last 4-year period (2019-2022). The impact of switching from in-person to online learning on the achievement of the gifted students was analyzed. The results of the research revealed a downward trend in the final grades and achievements in international Olympiads, which persists even after returning to the face-to-face educational model. This trend is confirmed by calculation of the Pearson correlation coefficient (-0.62) between school years and achievements in international mathematical Olympiads, international physics Olympiads, and international Olympiads in informatics. Gifted students' satisfaction with online learning during the COVID pandemic was also analyzed using content analysis of open-ended questions. The surveyed gifted students showed a high level of self-criticism and maturity by expressing their opinion about online learning. In the group of gifted students, there is a higher level of agreement about harmful consequences of online learning on the level of their education and work habits than in other research conducted on similar topics. Moreover, the level of agreement is in a positive correlation with students' achievements and final grades.

In recent times, digitization is increasingly becoming a critical factor in business success. Given this, knowing the level of digitization is a key assumption for improvement in the future. Bearing that in mind, this study comparatively analyzes the level of digitization of the member states of the European Union (EU) and Serbia using the MEREC and MARCOS methods. The results indicate which member states of the European Union need to speed up the digitization process to achieve the optimal level of success in realizing the target business. A higher level of digitization means better business success. In the European Union, the highest level of digitization is in the Netherlands. Next: Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Spain and so on. The leading countries of the European Union are positioned: Germany is in eighteenth place, France is in fourteenth place and Italy is in twentieth place. In the European Union, in terms of digitization, Romania took the worst position. Serbia (twenty-eighth place) is therefore in a very bad position among the member states of the European Union and in the surrounding area (Croatia is in thirteenth place, and Slovenia is in sixteenth place). In Serbia, to achieve the desired business success, it is necessary to significantly increase the level of digitization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, due to its character, more and more attention has been paid to the application of the circular economy principle at the level of the national economy and in all sectors. Based on this, in this study, the performances of the circular economy of the countries of the European Union and Serbia are comparatively analyzed based on the AHP-EDAS method. The research in this study using the given methodology showed that the top five countries in terms of circular economy performance are in order: Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Belgium, Estonia, and Austria. The worst performances of the circular economy are in Romania. The positioning of the leading countries of the European Union is as follows: Germany is in sixth place, France is in eleventh place and Italy is in ninth place. The positioning is satisfactory. Serbia is positioned in the seventeenth place. Compared to the leading countries of the European Union, it is positioned worse. It is better positioned than Croatia (twenty-third place). Compared to Slovenia (twelfth place), it is positioned worse. To improve the performance of the circular economy, it is necessary, in principle, to manage dependence on the import of materials, municipal waste, waste, renewable energy, and other relevant factors as efficiently as possible. In this sense, it is necessary to define a strategy and an action plan for achieving the expected value of the key parameters of the circular economy. The application of the circular economy principle contributes to the preservation of the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Researching the dynamics of the performance positioning of trade is a very challenging, continuously current, significant, and complex issue, especially in the conditions of the application of multi-criteria decision-making methods. Based on that, this paper investigates the dynamics of the performance positioning of trade in Serbia for the period 2017 - 2022 using the LAPCOW and EDAS methods. The results of this research show the following: Serbian trade, according to the obtained results of the research on the dynamics of performance positioning using the LOPCOW-EDAS method, was the best in 2022. The following are 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018 and 2017. Overall, the performance of trade in Serbia continuously improved. The factors that influenced the improvement of the dynamics of the performance positioning of trade in Serbia are geopolitical situation, economy, inflation, interest rate, employment, standard of living of the population, trade policy and strategy, foreign direct investments, new business models (multichannel sales - store and electronic, private label, sale of organic products, etc.), concept of sustainable development, energy crisis, management of human resources, asset, capital, sales and profit, digitisation of the entire business, and others. The target dynamics of the performance positioning of trade in Serbia can be achieved by effective control of these and other influential factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mental health of healthcare workers, especially the nursing staff in intensive care units, is crucial for the optimal functioning of healthcare systems during medical emergencies. This study implements a cross-sectional design to investigate the associations between nurses' personal characteristics, workplace challenges, and job satisfaction with the increased perception of tension, stress, and pressure at the workplace (TSPW) before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, we surveyed 4210 nurses from 19 intensive healthcare facilities in the capital of Serbia, Belgrade, and, at that time, collected data about their perceived TSPW before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our study identified six predictors of the increase in TSPW, as perceived by nurses: their work in COVID-19 infectious zones (OR = 1.446), exhaustion due to work under protective equipment (OR = 1.413), uncertainty and fear of infection (OR = 1.481), a high degree of superiors' appreciation and respect (OR = 1.147), a high degree of patients' attitudes (OR = 1.111), and a low degree of work autonomy (OR = 0.889). The study's findings suggest that a solution to this issue is necessary to ensure that nurses are safe and able to alleviate the physical and mental strain that comes with prolonged use of protective equipment. Nurses on the frontline of the pandemic require better health protection, better conditions, and respect for their role. Strategies to promote mental health would help reduce nurses' stress and increase job satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, the problem of the circular economy has been very topical. In the literature, it is investigated from different angles. This study analyzes the problem of the circular economy in Serbia based on the COBRA method. The results of the COBRA method show that the best performance of the circular economy in Serbia was in 2021. The worst was in 2016. Recently, generally speaking, the performance of the circular economy in Serbia has been improving. To improve the performance of the circular economy in Serbia, it is necessary to have a continuous, adequate action plan to manage the recycling of municipal waste, production of municipal waste, dependence on the import of materials, resource productivity, and energy from renewable sources as efficiently as possible. Likewise, other relevant factors. There is no doubt that the increasing application of the circular economy principle contributes significantly to the preservation of the environment in Serbia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2), includes a clinical spectrum of diseases from mild to severe progressive pneumonia, which has affected and still affects the human population worldwide. Most commonly, it is presented by respiratory symptoms, but studies have shown that about 50% of patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection have at least one gastrointestinal symptom (GI), predominantly nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, or loss of appetite. In addition, abnormal liver functional tests are commonly present in the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The aim of our study was to examine the GI and hepatic manifestations of COVID-19 in patients hospitalized due to COVID-19 pneumonia in "COVID hospital Batajnica", University Clinical Center of Serbia in Belgrade. The study included 498 consecutive patients, and the data was obtained from the patient's electronic medical history. GI symptoms included nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and anorexia. Collected laboratory values included baseline and peak values of blood count, inflammatory parameters, liver function tests, renal function tests, and cardiac enzyme tests. The results have shown that GI symptoms occurred in 26% of cases at diagnosis, which indicates the great susceptibility of the GI system to SARS-CoV-2. There was a high risk of liver injury in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia (>60%). The level of AST is more often increased compared to ALT, which is different from other virus-induced liver lesions and may be a useful indicator of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Further research should focus on the causes of liver damage in SARS-CoV-2 virus and the impact on treatment and outcome of COVID-19 disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The issue of measuring and analyzing the dynamics of financial performance and trading efficiency is continuously current, significant and complex. Based on that, this paper measures and analyzes the financial performance and efficiency of trade in Serbia using the strategic profit model and the DEA ( Data Envelopment Analysis) Super-Radial model. According to the strategic profit model, the financial performance of trade in Serbia has recently improved. According to the results of the Super-CCR-I model in the period 2002 - 2020 trade in Serbia was not efficient in any year. According to the results of the Super-CCRO model, trade in Serbia in the period 2002-2020 was not efficient in any year. According to the results of the Super-BCC-I model in the period 2002 - 2020, trade in Serbia was efficient in 2020. According to the results of the Super-BCC-O model, trade in Serbia in the period 2002 - 2020 was efficient in 2002 and 2015. In order to to improve the financial performance and efficiency of trade in Serbia in the future, it is necessary to manage input - output elements (human resources, assets, capital, sales and net profit) as efficiently as possible. Digitization of the entire business plays a significant role in this. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modern companies perform their business activities in the classic way and electronically. Recently, there is an increasingly pronounced trend for companies from all countries of the world, which means both the European Union and Serbia, to conduct business activities electronically. Electronic business enables the performance of business activities in real time, without geographical and time barriers. The effects of electronic business are, among other things, an increase in sales, a reduction in costs and thus an increase in profits. In this paper, the trend and rankings of the electronic business of companies in the European Union and Serbia are comparatively analyzed. The general conclusion is that the participation of electronic business in the overall business of companies in the European Union and Serbia is increasing. This is almost the case with companies all over the world. The electronic business of Serbian companies is at a lower level compared to companies in the European Union. It is also at a lower level compared to companies in Croatia and Slovenia. Considering the positive effects of electronic business, it is necessary for Serbian companies to invest as much as possible in information and communication technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In previous years, significant attempts have been made to enhance computer-aided diagnosis and prediction applications. This paper presents the results obtained using different machine learning (ML) algorithms and a special type of a neural network map to uncover previously unknown comorbidities associated with chronic diseases, allowing for fast, accurate, and precise predictions. Furthermore, we are presenting a comparative study on different artificial intelligence (AI) tools like the Kohonen self-organizing map (SOM) neural network, random forest, and decision tree for predicting 17 different chronic non-communicable diseases such as asthma, chronic lung diseases, myocardial infarction, coronary heart disease, hypertension, stroke, arthrosis, lower back diseases, cervical spine diseases, diabetes mellitus, allergies, liver cirrhosis, urinary tract diseases, kidney diseases, depression, high cholesterol, and cancer. The research was developed as an observational cross-sectional study through the support of the European Union project, with the data collected from the largest Institute of Public Health "Dr. Milan Jovanovic Batut" in Serbia. The study found that hypertension is the most prevalent disease in Sumadija and western Serbia region, affecting 9.8% of the population, and it is particularly prominent in the age group of 65 to 74 years, with a prevalence rate of 33.2%. The use of Random Forest algorithms can also aid in identifying comorbidities associated with hypertension, with the highest number of comorbidities established as 11. These findings highlight the potential for ML algorithms to provide accurate and personalized diagnoses, identify risk factors and interventions, and ultimately improve patient outcomes while reducing healthcare costs. Moreover, they will be utilized to develop targeted public health interventions and policies for future healthcare frameworks to reduce the burden of chronic diseases in Serbia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The issue of trade liquidity analysis is continuously current, significant and complex. Starting from that, this paper analyzes the liquidity of Serbian trade for the period 2013 - 2021 based on ratio analysis, regression analysis and the MARCOS method. The aim and purpose of this is to identify key factors in the function of improving the liquidity of Serbian trade by controlling them more effectively. In this particular case, the coefficient of determination is high at the level of statistical significance ( Adjusted R Square .995; Sig. F Change .004). According to the regression analysis, the influence of certain factors on trade liquidity in Serbia is different. Important factors in this particular case include the size of the company and efficiency. Their effective control can influence the achievement of the target liquidity of trade in Serbia. According to the results of the MARCOS method, the best liquidity of trade in Serbia was in 2021. The following are: 2019, 2018, 2020, 2017, 2016, 2013, 2015 and 2014. Effective management of working capital and sources of their financing can, among other things, influence the achievement of the target liquidity of trade in Serbia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, based on a multicriteria analysis, the trade performance of selective countries of the European Union and Serbia is reviewed. In this paper, based on a multicriteria analysis, the trade performance of selective countries of the European Union and Serbia is reviewed.According to the results of the FF-WASPAS method, Germany's trade ranks first in terms of performance. They are followed by: France, Italy, Hungary, Greece, Croatia, Slovenia, Austria, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania. Croatia's trade performance is better than Slovenia's. According to the results of the FF-WASPAS method, Serbia is in a worse position than Croatia and Slovenia. According to the results of the classic WASPAS method, Germany's trade ranks first in terms of performance. Followed by: Italy, France, Greece, Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary, Austria, Serbia, Croatia and Slovenia. The leading countries of the European Union (Germany, France and Italy) are among the top five countries (along with Greece and Romania). Serbia is in a better position compared to Croatia and Slovenia. Numerous factors influenced the performance positioning of trade between the European Union and Serbia: economic climate, foreign direct investments, asset management, new business models (multichannel sales, private label, sales of organic products), new concepts of cost, sales and profit management (cost calculation by activity, customer management, product category management, etc.), the Covid-19 pandemic, the energy crisis, etc. A key factor is the digitization of the entire business. The target profit can be achieved by adequately controlling them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information and communication technology is one of the critical factors of the business success of a modern company. Therefore, it is important to investigate the information performance of companies from different angles. In this paper, starting from that, a comparative analysis of the selection and ranking of the information performance of companies in the European Union and Serbia is performed based on the FLMAW and MARCOS methods. The obtained empirical results show that the top five countries in terms of information performance include: Finland, Belgium, Denmark, Sweden and Spain. Germany is in tenth place. France is in sixteenth place. Italy is in nineteenth place. Serbia is in twenty-fifth place. In terms of information performance, Serbia is in a worse position compared to the countries in the region. Slovenia is in twelfth place. Croatia is in twenty-first place. In order to improve information performance in the future, it is necessary to significantly improve information and communication technology. This especially applies, in addition to Serbia, to Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary and Estonia. The effects of this are the improvement of the financial performance and efficiency of the company. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, as it is known, the measurement of market performance of sheep companies is increasingly performed on the basis of multi-criteria analysis. With this in mind, this paper analyzes the productivity of distribution trade of selective countries of the European Union, Russia and Serbia on the basis of the OCRA method, and in this context, adequate measures for improvement in the future are proposed. Obtained results of empirical research on the productivity of distribution trade of selective countries of the European Union, Russia and Serbia using the OCRA method show that Germany is in the first place. Then they follow in order: France, Italy, Poland, Netherlands, Slovenia, Russia, Estonia, Croatia and Serbia. The productivity of distribution trade in Russia is lower compared to Germany, France and Italy. The productivity of distribution trade in Serbia is at a lower level compared to the analyzed countries of the European Union, Russia, and countries in the region (i.e. Slovenia and Croatia). This positioning of the distribution trade of the selective countries of the European Union, Russia and Serbia in terms of productivity was influenced by numerous macro and micro factors (economic climate, living standard, private label, sale of organic products, digitalization of business and others). In order to improve the productivity of the distribution trade of the respective countries in the future, it is necessary to manage human capital, investments, sales and profits as efficiently as possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hyperinsulinemia is a condition characterized by excessively high levels of insulin in the bloodstream. It can exist for many years without any symptomatology. The research presented in this paper was conducted from 2019 to 2022 in cooperation with a health center in Serbia as a large cross-sectional observational study of adolescents of both genders using datasets collected from the field. Previously used analytical approaches of integrated and relevant clinical, hematological, biochemical, and other variables could not identify potential risk factors for developing hyperinsulinemia. This paper aims to present several different models using machine learning (ML) algorithms such as naive Bayes, decision tree, and random forest and compare them with a new methodology constructed based on artificial neural networks using Taguchi's orthogonal vector plans (ANN-L), a special extraction of Latin squares. Furthermore, the experimental part of this study showed that ANN-L models achieved an accuracy of 99.5% with less than seven iterations performed. Furthermore, the study provides valuable insights into the share of each risk factor contributing to the occurrence of hyperinsulinemia in adolescents, which is crucial for more precise and straightforward medical diagnoses. Preventing the risk of hyperinsulinemia in this age group is crucial for the well-being of the adolescents and society as a whole. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The issue of measuring and analyzing the dynamics of financial performance and trading efficiency is continuously current, significant and complex. Based on that, this paper measures and analyzes the financial performance and efficiency of trade in Serbia using the strategic profit model and the DEA (Data Envelopment Analysis) Super-Radial model. According to the strategic profit model, the financial performance of trade in Serbia has recently improved. According to the results of the Super-CCR-I model in the period 2002 - 2020 trade in Serbia was not efficient in any year. According to the results of the Super-CCRO model, trade in Serbia in the period 2002-2020 was not efficient in any year. According to the results of the Super-BCC-I model in the period 2002 - 2020, trade in Serbia was efficient in 2020. According to the results of the Super-BCC-O model, trade in Serbia in the period 2002 - 2020 was efficient in 2002 and 2015. In order to to improve the financial performance and efficiency of trade in Serbia in the future, it is necessary to manage input - output elements (human resources, assets, capital, sales and net profit) as efficiently as possible. Digitization of the entire business plays a significant role in this. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of direct pulp capping on the expression of erythropoietin (Epo) and Epo‐receptor (Epor) genes in relation to the expression of inflammatory and osteogenic genes in rat pulp. Dental pulps of the first maxillary molars of Wistar Albino rats were exposed and capped with either calcium hydroxide or mineral trioxide aggregate, or were left untreated. After 4 wk, animals were euthanized, and maxillae were prepared for histological and real‐time polymerase chain reaction analysis. Histological scores of pulp inflammation and mineralization, and relative expressions of Epo, Epor, inflammatory cytokines, and pulp osteogenic genes were evaluated. The capped pulps showed higher expressions of Epo, while the untreated pulps had the highest expression of Epor. Both calcium hydroxide and mineral trioxide aggregate downregulated the expression of tumor necrosis factor alpha compared to untreated controls, and upregulated transforming growth factor beta compared to healthy controls. Alkaline phosphatase expression was significantly higher in experimental groups. Relative expression of Epo negatively correlated with pulp inflammation, and positively correlated with pulp mineralization. Pulp exposure promoted expression of Epor and pro‐inflammatory cytokines, while pulp capping promoted expression of Epo, alkaline phosphatase, and downregulated Epor and pro‐inflammatory cytokines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The issue of distribution trade cost analysis is continuously topical, significant and complex. Due to the fact that costs, in addition to sales revenue, affect the realization of the target profit in the distribution trade, it is necessary to manage costs in distribution trade as efficiently as possible by applying modern concepts. Starting from here, this paper comparatively analyzes the impact of employee costs (personnel costs) on the efficiency of distribution trade between the European Union and Serbia. In this context, it was determined that Germany, France and Italy (leading countries of the European Union) are in the first three places according to the efficiency cost of employees in the distribution trade. Serbia's distribution trade is ranked twenty-fifth in terms of efficiency cost of employees. From this aspect, it is better than the countries in the region (Croatia, Slovenia). According to the results of the linear regression analysis, the efficiency cost of employees in the distribution trade of Serbia is greatly influenced by: number of employees, assets (as a measure of company size), capital, sales and profit (Adjusted R Square .999). In this context, capital, i.e. financial indebtedness, has a special influence on efficiency cost (Sig. .014 <.05). Given that, in order to achieve the target costs of employees, as a factor of performance, in the distribution trade of Serbia, it is necessary to manage human resources, assets, capital, sales and profits as efficiently as possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The issue of the development of digitization and electronic trade is very challenging, significant and complex. Bearing that in mind, this paper comparatively analyzes the position of electronic trade of the countries of the European Union and Serbia based on the MARCOS method. The obtained empirical results of the research show that the top five countries of the European Union in terms of the development of electronic business in trade are in order: Finland, Austria, Netherlands, Spain, and Sweden. Out of the twenty-eight countries included in the research of the problem treated in this work, Romania ranks last. As far as the electronic trade business of Serbia is concerned, it is in the twenty-fourth place. It is in a worse position compared to Slovenia and Croatia. By rank, Slovenia is in sixth place, and Croatia is in twenty-first place. Certainly, the differences in the development of electronic business are reflected in their own way on the performance of trade between the European Union and Serbia. As is well known, electronic trade has significantly mitigated the negative effect of the Covid-19 pandemic on trade performance. In the future, it is absolutely necessary to improve the digitization of the entire business of trade in all member countries of the European Union and Serbia. This will have a positive impact on their performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The issue of analyzing the factors that affect the efficiency of cost management is very important in all sectors, especially in trade. The structure of costs in trade is, due to the very nature of business, specific concerning production and other service activities. Knowing the specifics of the cost structure in trade is a prerequisite for efficient management to achieve the target profit. With this in mind, this article explores the factors that affect the size and structure of costs in trade. Empirical research has shown that there is a significant share of employee costs in operating costs in Serbian trade, despite the increasing digitalization of the entire business. According to all DEA (Data Envelopment Analysis) models, the trade in Serbia was cost-effective in 2020. The impact of the Covid-19 corona virus pandemic is negligible on cost efficiency in Serbian trade, as is the case in other countries. It has been greatly mitigated with increased electronic sales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investments are among the important factors in the business success of distribution trade. Given this, it is necessary to continuously investigate the factors of investment efficiency of distribution trade. The obtained results of the empirical research of the investment efficiency of the distribution trade of the selective countries of the European Union and Serbia show that Germany is in the first place. Next are France, Italy, Serbia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, Romania, Slovenia and Austria. In terms of investment efficiency, Serbia's distribution trade has taken a good position. In that respect, it is better in relation to the distribution trade between Croatia and Slovenia. This positioning of Serbia's distribution trade in terms of investment efficiency was influenced by the efficiency of human resources management, investments (investments of domestic and foreign retail chains), sales, margins and profits. Effective control of these and other relevant factors can achieve the target investment efficiency of distribution trade in Serbia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, as it is known, the measurement of market performance of sheep companies is increasingly performed on the basis of multi-criteria analysis. With this in mind, this paper analyzes the productivity of distribution trade of selective countries of the European Union, Russia and Serbia on the basis of the OCRA method, and in this context, adequate measures for improvement in the future are proposed. Obtained results of empirical research on the productivity of distribution trade of selective countries of the European Union, Russia and Serbia using the OCRA method show that Germany is in the first place. Then they follow in order: France, Italy, Poland, Netherlands, Slovenia, Russia, Estonia, Croatia and Serbia. The productivity of distribution trade in Russia is lower compared to Germany, France and Italy. The productivity of distribution trade in Serbia is at a lower level compared to the analyzed countries of the European Union, Russia, and countries in the region (i.e. Slovenia and Croatia). This positioning of the distribution trade of the selective countries of the European Union, Russia and Serbia in terms of productivity was influenced by numerous macro and micro factors (economic climate, living standard, private label, sale of organic products, digitalization of business and others). In order to improve the productivity of the distribution trade of the respective countries in the future, it is necessary to manage human capital, investments, sales and profits as efficiently as possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various methods of multicriteria optimization have been developed and have recently been widely applied in trade. With this in mind, this paper investigates the performance of food retailers in Serbia based on the ELECTRE method. The goal and purpose of researching the efficiency problems of leading food retailers using the ELECTRE method is to see as realistically as possible their position on the food market in Serbia in order to improve in the future by more efficient control of critical factors and implementation of relevant measures. In addition to the challenges, topicality, significance and complexity, the reasons for researching the given problem in this paper are reflected in that. In addition, by applying the ELECTRE method, more realistic results are obtained in relation to the ratio analysis, especially in combination with other methods of multicriteria analysis (TOPSIS, AHP, ARAS and others). The results of the research show that Delhaize Serbia is the best company in terms of performance. This is the result of Delhaize Serbia's good position in the retail market in Serbia. It applies new business models (private label, sales of organic products, multi-channel sales - stores and electronic). It applies modern concepts of cost management, sales, assets, capital, customers, product categories and profit. In addition to all that, the digitalization of the entire business is at a high level. These and other factors have positively influenced its good positioning on the retail food market in Serbia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent times, as is well known, various methods of multi-criteria analysis are increasingly used in order to more accurately evaluate the efficiency of companies from all economic sectors. One of them is the MABAC method. Having this in mind, this paper analyzes the sectoral efficiency in Serbia on the basis of this method. The obtained results of the research of sectoral efficiency in Serbia on the basis of the MABAC method show to be in the first place in terms of efficiency of wholesale and retail trade, repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles. The following are: manufacturing, other activities, construction, electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply, information and communication, agriculture, forestry and fishing, transport and storage, mining, financial and insurance activities, accommodation and food services and water supply. The very nature of them significantly influences their positioning in terms of efficiency, especially in the conditions of the Covid-19 virus coronary virus. The impact of the Covid-19 coronary virus pandemic on the efficiency of wholesale and retail trade, repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles, for example, is negligible. It has been greatly mitigated with increased electronic sales. In contrast, transport and storage, banks and food and accommodation services have significantly felt the negative effect of the Covid-19 coronary virus pandemic on efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Guillain‐Barré syndrome (GBS) is an acute auto‐immune polyradiculoneuropathy. A huge variety of GBS incidence and mortality rates has been noted across the world. The objective of the present multi‐centric study was to assess the incidence and mortality rates of GBS during a 10‐year period in Serbia. We collected data of adult GBS patients who were hospitalized from 2009 to 2018 in all five tertiary healthcare centers in Serbia. The incidence rates per 100 000 inhabitants with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated and further corrected for the estimated number of patients hospitalized in secondary centers. Mortality rates were also assessed. GBS was considered severe if patients were not able to walk at least 10 m without assistance. Six hundred and forty GBS patients were registered in tertiary centers in a 10‐year period. The proportion of severe cases was 75% at nadir, and 52% on discharge. GBS incidence rate in Serbia was 1.1 per 100 000 inhabitants, and estimated incidence if patients from secondary centers included 1.2 per 100 000. Peak incidence was observed during the sixth decade of life. During the acute phase, 5.6% of GBS patients died, while overall 9.7% of them died during 6‐month period from disease onset. This study contributes to our knowledge about GBS epidemiology. Results will allow us to improve the diagnosis and treatment of GBS patients in Serbia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The analysis of the factors of retail companies' bankruptcy has lately been a very challenging research question. It was largely influenced by the existing unfavorable, unstable and uncontrollable general business conditions. Taking this into consideration, this paper examines the risk of bankruptcy of trade, especially retail companies in Serbia. In doing so, the research methodology is based on the measurement of bankruptcy risk developed by Kralicek on the example of European companies (DF value indicator and Quick Test). In view of similar general business conditions it fully corresponds to the analysis and forecast of the financial risk of trading companies in Serbia. By applying the Kralicek's method of assessment - the financial stability of trading companies in Serbiaismoderate. Due to this, it will be necessary to encourage the improvement of financial stability in the future by applying the appropriate measures in trading companies in Serbia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under the influence of different factors, the dynamics of the size of the operating profit margin of food trading companies in Serbia varies from comparable global food retailers in various countries. Based on the obtained results of empirical research, we can also conclude that the operating profit margin of the leading food trading companies in Serbia is lower than the in analyzed comparable food retail trade companies from the developed market economies. It points to the conclusion that it is necessary to efficiently manage revenues, costs, profit, assets, and financial structure in order to improve the performance of food trading companies in Serbia in the future. In order to increase the operating profit margin, as a measure of long-term performance, it is necessary to manage the financial structure of the food trading companies in Serbia as effectively as possible. The main objective of this paper is to apply dynamics of size and structure of operating margin of global retailers in Serbia by applying accounting methodology based on data from annual financial statements. It is an increasingly significant non-standard indicator of their performance. Therefore, this indicator will receive increasing attention in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intracranial aneurisms are ongoing problem for neurosurgeons and especially for interventional neuroradiologists due to its morbidity and mortality. The method of choice for treatment of the unruptured and ruptured intracranial aneurysms is endovascular coiling on account of its minimal invasiveness and high effectiveness. The aim of our study was to evaluate the safety and successfulness of endovascular coiling procedure in unruptured and ruptured intracranial aneurysms. Our study was designed as case series and consisted of patients older than 18 years, who underwent endovascular coiling of unruptured and ruptured intracranial aneurysms and follow-up examination 6 months after the interventional procedure. The procedures were performed from December 2010 to December 2016, by experienced interventional neuroradilogists (more than 400 performed embolizations each) at the Department for Interventional Neuroradiology, Clinical Center Kragujevac, Serbia. There were 681 patients (average age 47.5 ± 11.2 years) treated with endovascular coiling, out of them 324 (234 females, 90 males) had unruptured intracranial aneurysm and 357 (138 females, 219 males) had ruptured intracranial aneurysm. In our series, total complication rate was 11.71 %. Analysis of the results after first endovascular procedure has shown that complete aneurysm occlusion was accomplished in 546 patients (80.3%), near-complete in 81 patients (11.8%), and incomplete in 54 patients (7.9 %). Our results were satisfying regarding the procedure's success, safety, outcomes and study material. However, further technical development of the materials and constant training of the interventional radiologists, are a necessity in order to improve treatment outcomes and patients' benefit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetes mellitus (DM) with its micro- and macrocomplications is the leading global epidemic of the 21st century. The aim of the research is to determine possible changes in the complete blood count (CBC) parameters depending on glycemic controlin patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The study included a total of 178 patients with T2DM, both gender over the age of 40 years, from the Health Care Center »Dr Milorad Mika Pavlović« Indjija, Serbia. To notice the possible correlation between the CBC parameters and glucose control in T2DM, the subjects were divided in two groups with HbA1c ≤ 7% and with HbA1c>7%. We analysed CBC parameters, parameters of glycoregulation, lipid status using standard biochemical methods, performed anthropometric measurements and collected patients data by questionnaire and electronic patient card. There was statistical difference between HbA1c groups for PMDW (p=0.045), HDL (p=0.0067). Using univariate linear regression it is shown that PCT was correlated with WBC (p=0.0005), neutrophils (p=0.046), monocytes (p=0.003); MPM was associated with MPV (p=0.0005); MPC (p=0.0005), PDW (P=0.0005), GLU0 (p=0.034), HDL-C (p=0.005); PMDW was correlated with HbA1c% (p=0.049), GLU0 (p=0.013), HDL-C (p=0.001), BW (p=0.043) in all patients. Based on our study results it may be concluded that some of the parameters of CBC could be useful tool in following glycemic control of diabetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: There have been no previous studies of health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) among adults aged 65 years and older with disabilities in Serbia. The aim of study was to identify predictors of HRQOL in the context of sociodemographic characteristics, disability aetiology, comorbid diseases, indices of comorbidities, realization of social rights, and domestic violence. Methods: The cross‐sectional study involved 275 consecutive elderly outpatients with disabilities. They were recruited by general practitioners at Primary Health Centers in Belgrade, Serbia, from March to May 2015. Data were acquired through face‐to‐face interviews and general practitioners' charts, while the generic 36‐item Short Form Health Survey was used to assess HRQOL. In statistical analysis, Student's t‐test, Z‐test, Spearman's correlation test, and both univariate and multivariate linear regression were performed. Results: Multivariate analysis revealed that a higher Functional Comorbidity Index (β = −0.194, P < 0.01) and not asking for realization of right to assistance and care financial benefits (β = −0.142, P < 0.05) were predictors of a lower scores Mental Composite Score (F = 9.262; P < 0.001). Not asking for realization of right to assistance and care financial benefits (β = −0.187, P < 0.01), congestive heart failure (β = −0.123, P < 0.05), and stroke (β = −0.120, P < 0.05) were predictors of a lower Physical Composite Score (F = 7.169, P < 0.001). Conclusions: This study provides valuable data for better understanding the underlying factors associated with the HRQOL of elderly persons with disabilities, and currently, these are the only available data of their kind in Serbia. National authorities could identify predictors of HRQOL as a basic starting point for improving the social welfare and health‐care systems. Better prevention and management of clinical factors, increased access to social services, and enhanced delivery of social services will improve the ageing process and HRQOL of this vulnerable population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Both theoretical and practical importance has recently been attached to an analysis of the operating profit margin as a measure of the long-term performance of companies. In the integrated financial reporting it is presented through various indicators based on it. In view of this, we have made a comparative analysis of the operating profit margin and its impact on the performance of trade companies in Serbia and comparable countries. The general conclusion is that it shows a growth tendency and is, nevertheless, lower in comparison to trading companies from countries of a developed market economy. In order to increase the operating profit margin, as a measure of long-term performance, it is necessary to manage the financial structure of the trading companies in Serbia as effectively as possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to determine the slaughter weight, hot carcass weight, cold carcass weight, dressing percentage, chilling loss, forequarter weight, hindquarter weight and participation of forequarters and hindquarters of the beef cattle breeds Simmental (males, females and cattle from repurchase) and Holstein Friesian. A total of 100 animals were studied. After slaughter, carcass parameters were measured individually. The results show that the Holstein Friesian cattle had a significantly lower (p < 0.01) average slaughter weight, hot carcass weight, cold carcass weight and dressing percentage than Simmental beef cattle. Also, females had a significantly lower average cold carcass weight than males (p < 0.05). Male Simmental beef cattle had significantly higher (p<0.01) average forequarter and hindquarter weights than female Simmental beef cattle and Holstein Friesian cattle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Council of the European Union and the European Parliament announced the objectives of the "sustainable policy in the water area" in 1996. Following those objectives and recommendations, control of surface water quality from the aspect of sustainable development of the region has been actively executed in Serbia. Water quality monitoring is primarily applied on large water basins, with a focus on small ones as well, especially due to the fact that small basins have a significant role in environmental protection and water supply. This paper presents the significance of regular water control of the River Ralja in Central Serbia. Monitoring was executed in different seasons, and this paper presents results for the period 2011-2012. The aim of this paper is to present the situation of the water basin and point to the significance of surface courses for water supply of the population. Another objective is to point to issues emerging in the phase of using and disposing of used waters, as well as the option of using the River Ralja water for irrigating arable land, in the aim of obtaining healthy and high-quality agricultural produce. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering the nature of business, labor costs belong to the group of critical factors of trade company business success or, on the other hand, they significantly influence their business and financial performances. In order to optimize the effects of labor costs, more attention needs to be dedicated to the improvement of human resources management effectiveness, especially in the retail chains of countries with a developed trade economy, by applying training programs for employees and modern technology. An increased appliance of modern technology significantly influences the improvement of the efficiency of human resources management in trade companies, as the managing instrument of their performances. The comparative research used in this paper determines that, due to the influence of various factors, the participation of labor costs in the total revenues from trade company sales, or retail chains, is different in different countries. For example, labor costs are lower in Serbia related to the EU member countries and Croatia, as a comparable country within the region. Similar differences exist in the area of the total labor costs observed in certain countries. Knowing of these reasons is an important assumption for an efficient management of labor costs in trade companies, especially in the case of Serbia as the subject of a special analysis in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficient management of inventory performance in trade is very important. Ultimately, it is reflected on overall performance of trade. In order to measure efficiency of inventory management the gross margin return on inventory investment is used to a great extent. With the application of the DuPont system of analysis and statistical analysis, this paper researches the dynamics of gross margin return on inventory investment rate in trade in Serbia (on the example of five major trading companies) for the 2008-2012 period. With a view to thoroughly analyse the given issue, the dynamics of net income (net profit) return on inventory investments rate in trade in Serbia for the 2002-2012 period is also analysed. The obtained results of research show that the performance of inventories in trade in Serbia are at the lower level compared to other countries, especially developed market economies. So as to improve the performance of inventories in trade in Serbia it is, above all, necessary to increase the gross margin return on sales rate, net income return on sales rate, respectively. It can be done with the application of new concepts of cost management, Toyota business principles and modern technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neoliberal concept of serbian economic policy generated extremely poor results in all domains of economic and social trends, starting from low competitiveness on a world scale, high foreign indebtedness, deindustrialization of the country, all the way to the staggering unemployment. Enterpises' functioning is characterized by low competitiveness and chronic illiquidity. In those conditions, a new economic policy is argued, the one that will lead to a sustainable growth and development of economy, eliminate regional disparities, enable a necessary level of investments and ensure favourable environment for small and medium enterprises (SME) development. The assertion of entrepreneurship as a whole, production in the first place, can be a good start of progressive and, certainly, pragmatic transformation and transition of our society towards the developed world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article uses the population census of 1863 in order to compare relations between household size and household structure (according to Cambridge group typology), on one side, and the amount of household property per capita and household monthly income per capita, on the other. In terms of household size, a clear bimodal curve is visible in case of both: a steady decline to household size of five to seven members and undisturbed increase after that level up to eleven members. In terms of household structure, the amount of household property per capita generally declines from smaller to larger household structure, but the household monthly income per capita is similar among household classes. The old-age security strategy of peasants is the main driving force behind the paradox that majority of households are located within the poorest composition. Throughout his or her lifetime, an individual passes through several classes, and with the passage of time his or her well-being changes. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper examines selectivity of refugees from Bosnia and Herzegovina in Serbia with respect to certain demographic and socio-economic structures. Analyses indicated that the demographic and socio-economic characteristics of these refugees are significantly more favourable than those of other refugees in Serbia and those in the place of origin. The results show that refugees from Bosnia and Herzegovina who, because of war, have sought refuge in Serbia are positively selective compared to the population that moved shorter distances (i.e. within the borders of Bosnia and Herzegovina) for the same reason.Their educational level and participation in the Belgrade workforce, the main urban and functional centre and pole of demographic concentration, support the hypothesis that despite the forced nature of their migration, movement to Serbia as a destination rather than migration within Bosnia and Herzegovina was partly determined by economic factors in keeping with the structural characteristics of the refugees. The directions of recent refugee migrations from Bosnia and Herzegovina to Serbia have continued the historic trend of previous migrations on the territory of the former Yugoslavia. To be specific, the centres with the highest concentrations of recent refugees from Bosnia and Herzegovina are precisely those municipalities with the greatest number of persons who migrated from Bosnia and Herzegovina before 1991. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The territory of the Republic of Serbia is vulnerable to various natural disasters, among which forest fires stand out. In relation with climate changes, the number of forest fires in Serbia has been increasing from year to year. Protected natural areas are especially endangered by wildfires. For Nature Park Golija, as the second largest in Serbia, with an area of 75,183 ha, and with MaB Reserve Golija-Studenica on part of its territory (53,804 ha), more attention should be paid in terms of forest fire mitigation. GIS and multi-criteria decision analysis are indispensable when it comes to spatial analysis for the purpose of natural disaster risk management. Index-based and fuzzy AHP methods were used, together with TOPSIS method for forest fire susceptibility zonation. Very high and high forest fire susceptibility zone were recorded on 26.85% (Forest Fire Susceptibility Index) and 25.75% (fuzzy AHP). The additional support for forest fire prevention is realized through an additional Internet of Thing (IoT)-based sensor network that enables the continuous collection of local meteorological and environmental data, which enables low-cost and reliable real-time fire risk assessment and detection and the improved long-term and short-term forest fire susceptibility assessment. Obtained results can be applied for adequate forest fire risk management, improvement of the monitoring, and early warning systems in the Republic of Serbia, but are also important for relevant authorities at national, regional, and local level, which will be able to coordinate and intervene in a case of emergency events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]