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Sokobanja is a well-known spa centre in East Serbia, whose popularity is mostly based on its natural heritage (thermo-mineral springs, waterfalls, canyons, caves, and pits). However, built heritage also offers significant potential for developing geotourism. This article aims to assess the geoheritage values of the geocultural site Sokograd fortress to support geotourism development in this area. For the assessment of geotourism potentials, the urban geoheritage assessment model (UGAM) was applied. To support the criteria of UGAM (e.g. variety of geodiversity and educational potentials), a macroscopic mineralogical–petrographical observation of the building stone was performed. The results revealed significant educational potentials, especially concerning petrodiversity, with sedimentary rocks (limestone, sandstone, tufa, and conglomerates). By comparing the obtained results with the local geology, it is recognized that the building stone was mainly of local provenance. The UGAM parameters, such as geocultural and ecological values, as well as a variety of geodiversity, confirmed that Sokograd has great potential for urban geotourism development. After all, the assessment of degradation risk was performed and revealed that tourism development cannot cause serious threats to the site, but tourism has to be adequately regulated and managed in a sustainable way. The results of this study can provide information to policymakers, local governments, and other interested stakeholders on whether and how to develop urban geotourism at the Sokograd fortress in the upcoming period.

The research subject is the application of geographic information systems (GIS) in assessing land suitability for agriculture in the Sana River Basin in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The aim of the research is to apply the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) in identifying suitable areas for agricultural production. Within the AHP framework, the following factors were considered: pedology, land use, elevation, slope, aridity index, and distance from rivers. The results of the suitability assessment underwent reclassification (RP) and cluster analysis processes (CAPs). It was found that very unsuitable land (1) covers an area of 0.15% (RP) or 5.83% (CAP), unsuitable land (2) covers 3.44% (RP) or 17.52% (CAP), conditionally suitable land (3) covers 32.11% or 28.47% (CAP), suitable land (4) covers 56.29% or 28.57% (CAP), and very suitable land (5) covers 7.98% (RP) or 19.59% (CAP). At the study area level, a supervised classification process was conducted to identify land use classes: meadows/pastures, water, forest, agricultural, and built-up areas. RP and CAP results were overlaid with supervised classification results to determine the amount of land used for agricultural purposes within each suitability class. It was determined that currently, for agricultural purposes, 0.04 km2 (RP) or 0.88 km2 (CAP) of very unsuitable land (1) is used, 0.41 km2 (RP) or 7.28 km2 (CAP) of unsuitable land (2), 15.75 km2 (RP) or 27.52 km2 (CAP) of conditionally suitable land (3), 185.15 km2 (RP) or 107.06 km2 (CAP) of suitable land (4), and 42.99 km2 (RP) or 101.65 km2 (CAP) of very suitable land (5). The research findings hold substantial importance in elucidating both the potential and constraints of land use practices as a vital natural resource within agriculture. They also have practical importance for relevant institutions in terms of agricultural sector development and making timely land use planning decisions for sustainable development.

The main goal of this study is to emphasise the geotourism potential and the values of geoethics as drivers of rural development in the territory of the Knjaževac municipality, which is one of the richest areas in Serbia in terms of geoheritage. Numerous objects of geomorphological and hydrological heritage stand out in an area of 1,202 km2. Despite this richness in geoheritage, the potential of geotourism development has been ignored by many stakeholders, and the geoheritage of this area has not been sufficiently explored and proposed for tourism purposes. This study makes an inventory of geosites in the municipality of Knjaževac. The selected sites were evaluated by applying the Modified Geosite Assessment Model to discover the most suitable geosites for future geotourism development, in order to select the geosite that possesses the greatest geotourism potential to support rural development. The results uncover information about the major areas of improvement for each evaluated geosite. Moreover, areas that demand more attention and better management in the upcoming period to become recognisable geotourism destinations were identified. It is pointed out that geoethical implications in geosite management can contribute to sustainable geoconservation in Eastern Serbia.

Mt. Stara Planina is located in the eastern part of the Republic of Serbia and represents the westernmost part of the large mountain massif of the Balkans. Both endogenous and exogenous forces created interesting geomorphological and hydrological features for geotourism development in this area. This article proposes a preliminary list of geomorphological and hydrological sites and analyses them to reveal which geosite possesses geotourism potential. This research was carried out by applying the modified geosite assessment model. In this article, ten geosites were singled out based on the degree of their attractiveness for geotourism development. The results reveal information about the key fields of improvement for each evaluated geosite, and identify which areas require more attention and better management in the upcoming period for Mt. Stara Planina to become a well-known geotourism destination that would attract a large number of tourists in the future.

Depopulation of mountains has been an intense and lengthy process in Serbia. This paper will analyze the potential of Kopaonik mountain for the development of tourism, which can be one of the key factors for the demographic revitalization of the entire mountain. In tourism development so far, Kopaonik mountain stands out as one of the most important carriers of mountain tourism in Serbia. The limiting factor in the development so far is the pronounced seasonality of tourism promotion. The aim of the research in the paper will be to identify the factors that influence seasonality phenomena as the main limiting factor for achieving better economic effects.

The Deliblato (Banat) Sand Sea, which is one of the largest areas of аeolian sand in Europe, is located near the Iron Gate, which marks the crossing of the Danube River through the biggest gorge of this river. Here, Danubian alluvium has served as the sand source for the Banat Sand Sea, which was formed primarily through southeasterly (Košava) winds. Utilizing a multi-proxy approach, the objective of this study is to gain a better understanding of the environmental dynamics of the Banat Sand Sea. To achieve this goal, we conducted an analysis of an archive representing an approximately 20-m-thick dune formation on the northern edge of this dune field. Using optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating, we calculated aeolian sedimentation rates and dune ages. Sand was deposited here approximately between 17 ka and 13 ka. Magnetic susceptibility, grain size, and colorimetric analyses were interpreted in terms of local paleoenvironmental conditions. Calculated sedimentation rates (SR) indicate intensive aeolian deposition during the study period that range from 483 cm/ka to 502 cm/ka. We compared our data with regional and other European archives, as well as with climatic variations recorded in the Greenland ice core North Greenland Ice Core Project (NGRIP). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil erosion, with the progressive loss of fertile topsoil and its negative impact on agricultural productivity, has become a critical global environmental problem. In the second half of the 20th century, many municipalities in Serbia experienced significant changes in land use, vegetation, and environmental conditions. The drive towards industrialization and urbanization aimed to improve the living standards of the population, but as a consequence, it led to substantial depopulation of rural areas and the adoption of inadequate agricultural practices, which, in turn, further intensified soil erosion. This study focuses on the Sokobanjska Moravica River basin (Eastern Serbia), extending to the Bovan Lake Dam and upstream, with a total area of 540.4 kmF. The basin is situated in a characteristic karst landscape. Changes in erosion intensity and runoff from this basin are analyzed using the Intensity of Erosion and Outflow (IntErO) model, which algorithmically integrates the widely used Erosion Potential Method (EPM) with innovative computational techniques to predict sediment production and runoff from the river basin accurately. This analysis utilizes GIS software and official statistical yearbook data, focusing on the period from the second half of the 20th century, including the analysis of the current state. According to our research, the most intensive changes in land use occurred between 1961 and 1971, marking the beginning of the period of a decline in rural population and, consequently, a decrease in erosion intensity. Key findings indicate that predominant changes in land use and vegetation led to a shift from crop farming to animal husbandry. After 1971, ongoing depopulation, particularly in rural areas, resulted in a gradual and steady decrease in erosion intensity. The primary aim of this study is to support policymakers in developing more effective soil and water conservation regulations. By making recommendations for the protection of vegetation, and thus the soil within this river basin, this research helps ensure their long-term preservation. Future research should focus on the long-term impacts of current land use practices and develop strategies to mitigate erosion in the context of changing climate conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Sokobanja basin is an area in Eastern Serbia with diverse geological and geomorphological features. Also, it is an area with developed spa tourism. The Sokobanja basin has numerous geoheritage features, which tourist potential has not been discovered yet. In this article, several geosites were analyzed, which present significant geoheritage formations. Geosites were selected by authors of this article based on the degree of their attractiveness for the geotourism development. The main goal of this article is to emphasize the geotourism potential of the Sokobanja basin and to determine the current state and geotourism potential of evaluated geosites by applying the modified geosite assessment model (M-GAM). A total of seven geosites were evaluated throughout the basin. The values of the investigated parameters were entered into the matrix of the M-GAM based on the number of points. Based on the research and the results obtained, it can be concluded that the Sokobanja basin has the potential for the development of geotourism, but it is necessary to improve additional values to become a true geotourism destination.

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 aim of the paper is to define the significance of natural and anthropogenic tourist values of Sokobanja and to point out its analysis of the material base of tourism in its overall position and especially in the spa tourism of Serbia. The richness of natural values and favorable geographical position conditioned the development of the spa in the initial period of development, while the anthropogenic resources were activated as a supplement to the total tourist offer. The main tourist resource, around which the brand and image of Sokobanja is being built, are thermo-mineral resources. An analysis of the number of tourists and tourist nights indicates the tendency of reducing the average number of overnight stays. Particularly prominent is the example of foreign tourists who stay on average only slightly more than 2 days, which indicates the transitability of this area and the fact that Sokobanja is not the final destination for these tourists.

Rasina District is faced with serious demographic problems at the beginning of the twenty-first century which are the consequence of long-term economic and social changes both in this area and the country as a whole. The basic problem is insufficient population regeneration, which further leads to other negative processes. One of the most important problems of Rasina District is the ageing of population, i.e., a drop in young population and a significant rise in old population. Therefore, the population of Rasina District is already in the critical phase of demographic aging. Such age structure influences further economic development of this area at large. The decrease in young population, which is the carrier of future reproduction and regeneration of the population of this area, is evident. So as to stop or decelerate these processes, it is necessary to improve life conditions and ensure certain economic standard. Otherwise, these processes will not be stopped; they will be all the more intensified.

An intensive process of demographic change in the City of Nis started in the second half of the 20th century. Socio-economic development of the territory caused the increase in population. While the city center demographically get stronger, peripheral urban areas of the municipality were stagnating or very slightly number grew its demographic score. Along with population growth, took place in the process of increasing the number of households that had a smaller number of members. The aging population is a particular problem which greatly affects economic growth. During the last decade of the 20th century, this area has gone through a transition phase where large number of industrial giants were closed. As a consequence it appeared the changes in the economic structure of the population.

The temperature of charged particles coming from the Sun ranges from several hundred thousands to several millions °C, in extreme cases. Theoretical possibilities of the hydrodynamic air mass seizing by charged particles, i. e. solar wind, are discussed in this paper. On one hand, they are characterized by extremely high temperatures, on the other, by the compression of cold air at an approximate altitude of 90 km towards the top of the cloud of the cyclone, they influence the phenomenon of extremely low temperatures. By using the Mann-Whitney U test we have tried to determine the potential link between certain indicators of solar activity and resulting disturbances in the atmosphere. Analyzed data refer to global daily values for the 2004-2010 period. Our results confirm the possibility of coupling between the charged particles and the vortex air mass movements, based on which a more detailed study of the appearance of a tornado near Sombor on May 12th, 2010, was carried out. It has also been proven that there are grounds for a causality between the sudden arrival of the solar wind charged particles, i. e. protons, and the appearance of a tornado. Based on the presented approach, elements for an entirely novel prediction model are given. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. III47007 i br. 176008]

The climate of Sokobanja basin has a significant influence on forming the economic character of this area. In the relation with other, primarily physical-geographical characteristics, climate of the Sokobanja basin has one of the greatest influences on the activities of the people who live there. The aim of this work is to analyze the basic climate elements and accordingly perceive their influence on the development of agriculture, as one of the most important activities of the population of this area.

Cartographic generalization of the rivers is a very complex process in cartography. Cartographic generalization involves reduction of water flows, their length, width and the density of river basin with the reducing of the map scale. In this study we analyzed the ratio of the density of river basin and the size of the degree of generalization of the maps of different scale. The example is the Velika Morava river basin. Based on the results given here we get to the basic regularities of proportion of the degree of generalization of the density of river basin.

The river of Rasina arises on the slopes of the mountains of Goč and Željin, from spring arms of the Velika and Burmanska river. After the flow of 92.3 km, it flows into the river of Zapadna Morava 5 km downstream Kruševac, 134 meters above sea level. This work analyzes the frequency of occurrences of high and low waters, as well as their influence on the regime of Rasina and water management problems in its basin. .

To analyze thermal regime of Sokobanja basin during 20th century we used the data from weather station in Sokobanja (300m above sea level). These data were processed and analyzed in 30-year periods, according to WMO recommendation, as well as in the period from 1991 to 2000. Thermal regime was analyzed through monthly, seasonal and annual arithmetic means, as well as on the basis of absolute maximum and minimum values. .

Sokobanja is one of the major tourist sites in Serbia. It has significant tourist potential. Nonetheless, tourism, as well as other economic activities in this region, is in deep crisis. This paper analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of tourism development in the spa area. According to a survey, there is a good basis to attract tourists, but further development requires higher investments, as well as greater involvement of local residents.

The settlements of Sokobanja municipality underwent intensive changes in the second half of the 20th century. These changes were manifested on all components of demographic development and caused the alterations of the functional type of settlements .This work discusses the functional transformation of the settlements of Sokobanja municipality in the period from 1953-2002. Applying the quantitative methods ,it has been established that these changes led to the decrease in the share of purely agrarian settlements and the increase in the share of agrarian -service-providing and purely service-providing settlements. .

The Rasina river begins on the slopes of the mountains Goc and Zeljin from the springs of the rivers Velika and Burmanska. After 92 km it flows into the Zapadna Morava, 5 km downstream from Krusevac, at 134m altitude. In this study, the water quality of the Rasina in the territory of Krusevac will be analyzed, 35 km downstream from the Celije artificial lake, and also the quality of its confluents like: Gaglovska river, Trmcarska river, Lomnicka river. The testing of the Rasina water quality is performed on five profiles on the river itself, and on the mouths of its larger confluents. We will also talk about effluents of Krusevac industry and their influence on the water quality of the Rasina river, and about the possibilities of effluent control and removal of potential pollutants as well.

Since there are large requirements for green energy sustainability, in this study, optimization of in situ transesterification of microalgae slurry conversion into biodiesel was performed. The main aim was to perform a selection procedure of the optimal predictors for fatty acid methyl ester yield and exergy efficiency in situ transesterification process. The adaptive neuro fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) as a soft computing approach was used for the optimization of the predictors for the fatty acid methyl ester yield and exergy efficiency. Based on the obtained results, the optimal combination for fatty acid methyl ester yield was ultrasonic power and reaction time while the optimal combination for the exergy efficiency was concentrations of methanol and chloroform in oil. These selected predictors could be used effectively in order to maximize the fatty acid methyl ester yield and exergy efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spa resort Sokobanja has undergone a long and continual tourism development. In the year 1827. the first guest was registered. Since then Sokobanja has occupied a significant place in the development of Serbian spa tourism. According to the number of visits and night-beds, Sokobanja has held the second place since 1975. The record number of visits (98.471) was achieved in 1987. and the record number of night-beds (840.484) in 1986. This paper points to the advantages of the tourism-geographic position of Sokobanja, significant and versatile treasure of its natural and anthropogenic resources, as well as the material basis for its tourism development. In addition, the basic features and tendencies of the so far development are highlighted and possibilities for further tourism development are considered.

In this research, changes in annual and seasonal trends of mean temperatures were analyzed on the territory of the Rasina River basin (central Serbia). We used data from four meteorological stations during three periods: 1961-1989, 1990-2018, and 1979- 2013. The change detection analysis has been conceded using the Pettitt's test, von Neumann ratio test, Buishand's range test, and standard normal homogeneity (SNH) test, while the linear regression, Mann-Kendall, and Sen's slope tests have been applied for trend analysis. The results show that the change in summer temperatures occurred shortly after 1980. The analysis results showed that inhomogeneous structures are generally observed between 1976 and 1984, between 1997 and 1998, and in 2006. The trend of all the data on annual basis showed positive increasing trend. The analysis indicated that the average annual, winter, and summer temperatures show significant increasing trend both in the longer period (1961--2018) and in the second part of the period (1990--2018). In the first part of the period (1961--1989), autumn temperatures in Kruševac, summer and autumn temperatures in Blace, as well as winter and autumn temperatures in Goþ showed significant decreasing trend. The significant rising trend in the summer and winter months in the last 30 years may affect water availability and water demands in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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