Spatiotemporal and trend analysis of common cancers in men in Central Serbia (1999–2021)

This study analyzes the spatiotemporal patterns of seven common cancers in the male population using 23 years of data (1999–2021) across 18 counties in Central Serbia. The spatial distribution of cancer incidence and mortality rates and their temporal evolution were examined at the county level using Getis–Ord Getis–Ord G∗i techniques, while trends were analysed with Mann-Kendall statistics. Hot spot analysis revealed a decline in mortality rates, whereas incidence rates increased. New colorectal cancer incidence hotspots emerged in three counties, while consecutive bladder cancer hotspots appeared in two counties. Conversely, new cold spots in mortality rates were found for lung and bronchus cancer in four counties, stomach cancer in two, and laryngeal cancer in one. An increasing trend in both incidence and mortality rates was identified for lung and bronchus cancer and colorectal cancer in three counties. In addition, prostate and pancreatic cancer incidence and mortality rates rose in two counties. In contrast, stomach cancer showed a decreasing trend in four counties, as did laryngeal cancer in two. This research enhances public health efforts by identifying vulnerable areas, assessing current health strategies, and guiding new interventions

Identification of safe helicopter landing zones and an overview of heliports in Serbia

Helicopters are most commonly used in inaccessible areas during various operations, whether civilian or military. This paper aims to provide an overview of existing research on the automatic generation of safe helicopter landing zones and to define the necessary parameters for their application in the territory of the Republic of Serbia. The paper also presents the present-day state of designated helicopter landing areas in Serbia. Notably, with 12 heliports, Serbia is among the leading countries in the region for heliport infrastructure. Additionally, the paper outlines the legal frameworks governing this subject in Serbia, the European Union, and the United States. Finally, the paper proposes parameters that define safe helicopter landing zones. Research of this kind could aid decision-making processes during emergencies in the Republic of Serbia and other countries.Editor: Milovan Staniši

Improving participation in spatial planning of mining areas - formal participatory methods in urban and spatial planning in Europe

Development in areas with extensive mineral extraction brings significant changes that especially affect the local population, both positively and negatively. The most important impacts include job creation, higher income, dependence on a single industry, environmental harm, health issues, and the need for (involuntary) resettlement. Mining companies that fail to prioritize corporate social responsibility and foster strong relationships with local communities often face a lack of public support. Transparent decision making through high public engagement and participatory planning process is therefore of great importance. The aim of this research is to identify formal participatory methods applied in the process of urban and regional planning, with focus on community participation. Through extensive analysis of legislation of European countries, we have identified the most commonly used methods and techniques. They have several advantages, but could be supplemented with informal methods for a better inclusion of attitudes and opinion of local community and other stakeholders

Functional transformation of settlements in coal exploitation zones: A case study of the municipality of Stanari in Republic of Srpska (Bosnia and Herzegovina)

This study explores how long-term surface coal exploitation has affected the distribution of economic functions and contributed to hierarchical changes within the settlement network of the municipality of Stanari. The aim of this study is to contribute to a broader understanding of the spatial consequences of intensive resource exploitation on settlement systems. Using the case study of Stanari, the analysis focuses on changes resulting from ongoing mining activities. The most pronounced transformations occurred in settlements near the mine, where exploitation led to increased employment in industry and services, while more distant settlements retained their functional type with minor modifications. Centrality analysis indicates shifts in the hierarchical position of settlements. The geographic information system was utilized as a key analytical tool for spatial modeling and visualization of functional transformations within the settlement network, providing deeper insight into the spatial-functional changes caused by coal exploitation. To assess future transformation, a survey was conducted, examining the relationship between place of residence and attitudes toward potential relocation and employment. The results show a statistically significant association between these decisions and respondents’ spatial affiliation, suggesting possible future changes in the functional structure and hierarchy of the settlement network. The findings of this study offer a broader contribution to the understanding of spatial and functional dynamics in areas affected by intensive resource exploitation. They provide important insights for planning strategies aimed at supporting the local population and guiding decisionmaking processes in Stanari and similar regions, which may be valuable to local governments and relevant ministries, by informing spatial planning and management of resource exploitation. Furthermore, the study highlights the importance of employment dynamics and workforce retention as critical factors for ensuring both demographic and economic sustainability in areas affected by mininginduced transformations. The ultimate goal remains maintaining demographic stability and preserving the long-term functional integrity of the settlement network

Oil field impacts on Venezuela’s rivers and water stress with environmental challenges

This study examines the ecological impact of oil extraction on Venezuela's river systems, focusing on pollution, hydrological changes, and water resource stress. A spatial and quantitative assessment was conducted using Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Remote Sensing (RS), the Ecological Equilibrium Equation (EE), and the Ecological Equilibrium Index (EE index). Analyses were performed in QGIS and SAGA GIS environments, integrating satellite data and field-verified hydrological datasets to evaluate major river basins, particularly the Orinoco River Basin and Lake Maracaibo. Buffer analyses (10 km, 50 km, and 100 km) identified the Orinoco, Guárico, and Cuyuní rivers as most affected within the 10 km zone, where contamination risk from oil spills and industrial runoff is highest. The 50 km buffer revealed expanded impacts on rivers such as Apure, Cojedes, and Ventuari, while the 100 km zone indicated that nearly all major Venezuelan river systems are exposed to potential contamination, increasing the risk of water pollution, biodiversity loss, and hydrological disruption. The EE index showed a deviation of −0.3, reflecting widespread ecological imbalance. The study recommends adopting advanced wastewater treatment technologies, enforcing stricter environmental regulations, expanding hydrological monitoring networks, and engaging local communities and indigenous groups in sustainable watershed management. Safeguarding Venezuela's freshwater resources demands urgent, integrated policy interventions to balance economic development with environmental preservation

Dynamics of suspended sediment in the Južna Morava river, south-eastern Serbia

This study estimate the temporal trends of recent suspended sediment in Južna Morava river. The variations of suspended sediment transport were analyzed at different time scales (inter-annual, monthly and seasonal, among different periods), based on 47-year hydrological data from the outlet hydrological station. The results indicate of a decline in suspended sediment concentration and sediment load in the long-time series,which can be divided into three periods: high SSC or Qs (1961-1976), medium SSC or Qs (1977-1988) and low SSC or Qs (1989-2007). The average annual SSC and Qs of these three periods are SSC=0.7284 g/l, SSC=0.3580 g/l, SSC=0.1865 g/l, and Qs=4260x103 t, Qs=2277 x103 t, Qs=789 x103 t, respectively. The decrease in SSC and Qs is at the significance level of α=0.001. The frequency distribution of the daily SSC show that cumulatively 92% of daily SSC during the low stage was u distributed in classes up to 0.5 g/l, versus 82% during the medium and 67% during the high period. The frequency of daily SSC in the class of 1-5 g/l decreases over time, from 14% in high period to 6% in low period. In the period 1989-2007 have not been reported SSC greater than 5 g/l. Different patterns of suspended sediment concentration SSC-Q hysteretic loops have been observed for each period. Two types of hysteretic loops were found at Južna Morava River: figure-eight typical of periods 1961-1976 and 1978-1988 and counter-clockwise in period 1989-2007. Human impact is the main factor in reducing suspended sediments. An important change in agriculture land in the basin recorded a significant impact on sediment transport

Supplementary data for the article: Perović, V., Čakmak, D., Jakšić, D., Milanović, M., Matić, M., Pavlović, D., Mitrović, M.,& Pavlović, P.. (2025). Development and evaluation approach of soil quality in agricultural soils: Integrated system for a more reliable delineation of homogeneous management zones. in Applied Soil Ecology Elsevier., 206, 105860. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apsoil.2024.105860

Supplementary material for: [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apsoil.2024.105860]Related to published version: [https://gery.gef.bg.ac.rs/handle/123456789/2000

Territorialising globalisation in a post-socialist city: Differences in employment location patterns between foreign and domestic KIBS

Foreign investments in knowledge-intensive business services (KIBS) have significantly reshaped the economic and spatial structures of many post-socialist European cities. Despite this, little is known about the intraurban locational behaviour of foreign KIBS and how it differs from their domestic counterparts. This study examines the underlying factors influencing location choices of both foreign and domestic KIBS in Belgrade, a city undergoing complex post-socialist urban economic restructuring. Utilising disaggregated micro-geographic data on KIBS established from 2012 to 2019 and employing a count data model, this analysis reveals key similarities and differences in their employment locational patterns. Both domestic and foreign KIBS are drawn by the economies of localisation, the old CBD, and, to a lesser extent, main streets and commercial areas. However, distinct locational preferences are evident as domestic KIBS are more dispersed, prevalent in densely populated areas and high-status residential neighbourhoods, while foreign KIBS are primarily concentrated in New Belgrade's emerging CBD, characterised by modern commercial infrastructure and better connectivity. These findings contribute to the broader understanding of how globalisation and neoliberal urban policies shape post-socialist cities, highlighting the significant role of foreign KIBS in creating spatially distinct “global city zones” and raising questions about their local embeddedness.Supplementary material: [https://gery.gef.bg.ac.rs/handle/123456789/1998

Sustainable land use in Moldova: GIS & remote sensing of forests and crops

Forests and agricultural lands are critical components of the environment, influencing ecosystem stability, biodiversity, and land productivity. In the Republic of Moldova, a country with limited forest cover (11.4 % of its territory), the relationship between forested areas and cultivated land plays a key role in sustainable land management. This study examines the spatial interactions between forest land and two major agricultural crops—sunflower (Helianthus annuus) and grapes (Vitis vinifera) - using remote sensing and GIS techniques. By integrating Google Earth Engine (GEE), CORINE Land Cover data, and cadastral records, we analyze land cover changes from 1996 to 2018, identifying vulnerable areas where deforestation and agricultural expansion intersect. Additionally, fuzzy aggregate AHP and zonal statistical methods are applied to assess land suitability for crop cultivation and reforestation. Our findings highlight regions where sustainable land management policies should be prioritized to balance agricultural development with forest conservation. The study provides actionable insights for policymakers, emphasizing the need for adaptive land-use strategies that account for climate variability, urban expansion, and rural land degradation

A Comparison of AHP and BWM Models for Flash Flood Susceptibility Assessment: A Case Study of the Ibar River Basin in Montenegro

Assessing flash flood susceptibility is crucial for disaster management, yet Montenegro lacks research using geoinformation technologies. In northeastern Montenegro, the Ibar River Basin, mainly in Rožaje, has a well-developed hydrological network with torrential streams prone to flash flooding. This study compares two multi-criteria GIS decision analysis (GIS–MCDA) methodologies, the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and the Best-Worst Method (BWM), for assessing flood susceptibility. The analysis uses the Flash Flood Susceptibility Index (FFSI), integrating geoenvironmental and climatic factors. The geoenvironmental criteria considered include terrain slope, distance from the drainage network, geology, land cover, drainage density, bare soil index, and the BIO16 variable, which represents the mean monthly precipitation of the wettest quarter to enhance precipitation pattern assessment. The AHP model classifies 2.78% of the area as high to very high susceptibility, while the BWM model identifies 3.21% in these categories. Both models perform excellently based on AUC values, with minor, non-significant differences. Sensitivity analysis shows AHP provides a more stable weight distribution, whereas BWM is more sensitive to weight changes, emphasizing dominant criteria more strongly. This study introduces BWM for the first time in flash flood modeling, demonstrating its suitability for susceptibility assessment. The key novelty lies in its comparative analysis with AHP, highlighting differences in weight distribution and model stability