2235 research outputs found
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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
Methodological Advances in Participatory Processes in Serbia: Enhancing Spatial Planning and Living Environments in Mining Regions
Participatory processes play a crucial role in spatial planning, particularly in mining regions where environmental and social impacts of resource extraction are significant. This research examines the need to adapt and improve public participation procedures in Serbia, emphasizing the legal framework, methodological enhancements, and institutional support to foster more meaningful engagement of the affected population. Conducted under the funding of the Science Fund of the Republic of Serbia (Grant #7598), the study is based on in-depth interviews with key stakeholders responsible for shaping participation processes in legislation, education, and practice. The research identifies challenges in existing participatory mechanisms and proposes solutions to enhance their effectiveness. A key recommendation is the enrichment of participatory methods at the earliest stages of planning—before formal decisions on plan creation are made—by improving stakeholder information, education, and early engagement. The study also highlights the importance of maintaining continuous feedback loops with stakeholders throughout the planning process and considering public participation during the spatial plan implementation phase. Furthermore, restoring trust in national and local government, as well as other decision-makers, is recognized as a critical factor in ensuring meaningful public participation. Strengthening institutional commitment to transparency, accountability, and inclusivity is essential for fostering long-term stakeholder engagement and improving decision-making processes in spatial planning. This study contributes to the discourse on participatory governance by advocating for a more legally structured, methodologically enriched, and trust-centered approach to public participation in spatial planning, particularly in mining regions and their living environments.Editor: Natalija Miri
Klimatski izazovi i migracije stanovništva - slučaj oblasti najugroženijih sušom
Nekoliko prethodnih decenija u fokusu naučnog rada velikog broja naučnika nalazi se uticaj klimatskih promena i promena životne sredine na demografske determinante kretanja stanovništva. Uočen je efekat koji ove promene imaju na populacioni razvitak stanovništva nekog prostora, kako na prirodno kretanje, tako i na prostornu dinamiku populacije. U ovom radu je, u svrhu istraživanja kako određeni prirodni i klimatski fenomeni utiču na kretanje stanovništva, analiziran uticaj sušnih perioda kao prirodnog hazarda na kretanje nivoa emigracije odnosno na nivo odseljavanja stanovništva. Korišćeni su klasični metodološki okviri koji podrazumevaju upotrebu demografskog i statističkog metoda. Analizom je obuhvaćeno pet oblasti, i to Severnobačka, Severnobanatska, Srednjobanatska, Jablanička i Niška oblast, koje su u datom periodu pokazale najviše stepene ugroženosti od suše, a gde se može očekivati i najizraženiji uticaj sušnih godina na intenzitet iseljavanja stanovništva. Evaluacija ovih trendova je vršena za period 2002-2022. godine, tokom kojeg su identifi kovana dva intervala sušnih i jedan interval kišnih godina u navedenim oblastima. U radu je dalje izvršena komparacija dobijenih vrednosti za Srbiju i pet odabranih oblasti najugroženijih sušom. Uprkos teorijskim polazištima i izboru oblasti sa najnižim vrednostima prosečnih godišnjih padavina, rezultati nisu ukazali na jasan rast emigracije tokom sušnih godina kako u ukupnoj populaciji, tako i u populaciji poljoprivrednog stanovništva, u starosnoj dobi 20-39 godina, koji ujedno predstavljaju i najmobilnije stanovništvo.Urednici: Dejan Filipović, Velimir Šećerov, Dušan Ristić, Marina Ili
Supplementary data for the article: Đorđević, V., Lakušić, D., Novković, I., Stevanović, V.,& Tsiftsis, S.. (2025). Factors Influencing Orchid Species Richness in the Central Balkans: The Importance of Belowground Organ Types. Plants, 14(3), 443. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14030443
Supplementary material for: [https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14030443]Related to published version: [https://gery.gef.bg.ac.rs/handle/123456789/2069
Karst area of Zabučje-Gradina
Karst areas of western Serbia, such as the Valjevo and Pešter karsts, are well known and researched, but there are smaller and less well-researched units, such as the Zabučje–Gradina karst unit. This paper presents the basic geomorphological characteristics of the Zabučje–Gradina karst unit. The focus of the research is on karstological characteristics, with a special emphasis on the distribution of sinkholes and valleys in the karst. Detailed analysis using GIS tools has enabled the definition and consideration of the processes that led to the creation of specific karst forms, including sinkholes and fossil valleys. The spatial distribution of sinkholes is also shown, as well as the relationship of their distribution to the slope of the terrain on which they are located. Analysis in QGIS has determined that, as in Miroč, sinkholes in this area are also located at small slope angles, up to 12° at most. In the research area, valleys are classified as active, dry and relict, and this characteristic and arrangement of them were used for further reconstruction of paleoflows. The existence of epigenetic incision of the Đetinja into the limestone bedrock was also established. Special emphasis was placed on speleological objects in the Drežnica Valley, such as the Potpećka, Pipalska and Todorova caves, which represent significant objects in the research of karst processes and karst hydrology of this area
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
Two-piece puzzle: Older population and climate change in Serbia
The aim of this research is to shed a light on the dual relationship between older population and climate change in Serbia. On the one hand, there is a (dis)proportional susceptibility of the older population to the various environmental risks due to objective impairments caused by ageing process (physical and cognitive). The heterogeneous characteristics of older population pose an important limiting factor for unilateral practical responses in the case of the environmental hazards, as older population is more vulnerable than other age groups. On the other hand, the rising number of older population can have more pronounced impact on the climate actions and possible mitigation. The paper discusses the nexus of climate change and population ageing through emerging theoretical framework and empirical approach that uses purposive sampling with tailored made survey questions. The questionnaire was design to investigate the perceptions of older population on climate change, their preparedness for extreme weather events and their assessment of innovative strategies for promoting climate awareness. The research is planned to be carried out on more than 100 older adults in various cities in Serbia. The results are expected to reveal how much the older responders are worries about the impact of climate change in actual and future generations, and how much the possibility for different extreme weather events frighten them. Furthermore, the research will cover the anticipated help from others (family, friends, neighbors, medical stuff etc.) in the case of environmental emergency. Additionally, older respondents will be asked about possible lifestyle changes they would adopt as a response to the changing climate. As a conclusion, the paper will address the issues regarding the impact of climate change on older person’s life, and maneuvering room when it comes to the better climate awareness among older population.Editor: Natalija Miri
Spatial–Temporal Trends of Cancer Among Women in Central Serbia, 1999–2021: Implications for Disaster and Public Health Preparedness
Background/Objectives: Cancer is a major public health burden in Serbia and a factor
influencing long-term disaster readiness by straining health system capacity. This study
examined spatial and temporal trends in incidence and mortality for eight major cancers
among women in Central Serbia (1999–2021) to inform targeted prevention and preparedness
strategies. Methods: Standardised rates from national datasets were analysed using the
Mann–Kendall trend test and Sen’s slope estimator. Geographic disparities were mapped
in ArcGIS Pro 3.2. Mortality trends were assessed only for statistically reliable series. Results:
Breast cancer incidence increased in six counties, while cervical cancer declined in
several areas, likely reflecting screening success. Colorectal, bladder, pancreatic, and lung
and bronchus cancers showed rising incidence; lung and bronchus cancer mortality increased
in 16 counties, indicating growing demand for chronic respiratory care. These shifts
may reduce surge capacity during disasters by increasing the baseline burden on healthcare
infrastructure. Regional disparities highlight uneven system resilience. Conclusions:
Aligning cancer control measures—especially for high-burden cancers like lung—with
emergency preparedness frameworks is essential to strengthen health system resilience,
particularly in resource-limited regions
Satellite data and citizens science for sustainable cities
The vast amount of satellite data empowers scientists to monitor, analyze, and design the urban environment considering comprehensive criteria. There are still some challenges in data analysis of urban areas due to low resolution of open satellite data, high cost of commercial satellite data, and noise (impulse, speckles, clouds, etc.). Citizen data collection could complement satellite data to get more precise information that can help decision makers to gain a better liveable urban environment. This study examines the potential for widespread use of citizen and satellite data to monitor urban environments, with a particular emphasis on air quality and vegetation monitoring. Due to short revisit time and higher spatial resolution satellite data provided by the European Space Agency have been used to monitor vegetation through vegetation multispectral indices (NDVI, NDRE, RVI, etc.) and air quality (SO₂, HCHO, NOₓ, etc.). While satellite data can lead to general conclusions of vegetation condition or air quality in a city, citizen data can identify specific problems that are beyond the `satellite's eyes`. Some initiatives engage citizens to collect data of urban biodiversity or monitor air quality. Voigt-Heucke et al. (2023) recognized 35 citizen science projects involved in monitoring and conserving urban biodiversity only in Germany. The European Environment Agency (2019) published the Report Assessing Air Quality through Citizen Science and emphasized the possibility of using simple, standardized measurement devices in air monitoring. The aim of this research is to identify the potential for integrating citizen and satellite data in urban planning, especially to monitor vegetation and air quality. Relevant published articles are analyzed and summarized to review previous experience in combining satellite and citizen data. Also, Sentinel 2 and Sentinel 5 Precursor data and Qgis open software are used to express the green area and air quality in Belgrade in 2016 and 2023.Editors: Aleksandra Đukić, Milena Vukmirović, Eva Vaništa Lazarević, Aleksandra Krstić-Furundžić, Nikola Mitrovi
Proglašenje Parka prirode "Veliki Jastrebac" kao potencijal za razvoj turizma
Zaštita prirode, koja je od suštinskog značaja za očuvanje ekosistema, naročito dobija na važnosti usled sve većeg uticaja antropogenog faktora na opstanak živog sveta. Godine 2024. Ministarstvo zaštite životne sredine obavestilo je javnost o postupku pokretanja zaštite prirodnog područja 1. kategorije kao Park prirode „Veliki Jastrebac‟. U decembru iste godine, Vlada Republike Srbije donela je Uredbu o proglašenju Parka prirode „Veliki Jastrebac‟, čime je zaštićena jedna od najšumovitijih planina Balkanskog poluostrva, na površini od 39 175 hektara. Zaštita ovog prostora nesumnjivo će doprineti njegovoj boljoj promociji i prezentaciji. Cilj rada je razmatranje uticaja proglašenja pomenutog zaštićenog područja na razvoj turizma i mogućnost povezivanja gradova (Kruševac i Prokuplje) i opština (Blace i Aleksinac) na čijoj se teritoriji nalazi izučavano područje, kroz različite vidove saradnje, radi poboljšanja privrede u celini. Putem SWOT analize biće dat pregled snaga, slabosti, mogućnosti i pretnji po razvoj turizma. U radu su uzete u obzir sve prirodne i antropogene osobenosti Velikog Jastrepca u svrhu dobijanja kompletnije slike o razvoju turizma i zaštiti prirode.Urednici: Dejan Filipović, Velimir Šećerov, Dušan Ristić, Marina Ili