The Use of Essential Oils against Gastrointestinal Nematodes in Sheep - In Vitro and In Vivo Studies

Gastrointestinalne nematode predstavljaju jedan od glavnih problema sa kojima se suočava moderno ovčarstvo, kako u svetu tako i kod nas. Njihov negativni uticaj se obično reflektuje u vidu izazivanja subkliničkog oboljenja sa gubicima telesne mase i padom proizvodnje. Međutim, u pojedinim slučajevima može doći i do klinički vidljivog oboljenja sa pojavom kaheksije, dijareje, anemije, gubitaka proteina i edema, kao i uginuća. Dodatni problem predstavljaju razvoj rezistencije na najčešće korišćene antihelmintičke lekove iz grupe benzimidazola, makrocikličnih laktona i imidazotiazola, kao i rezidue koje ove preparati ostavljaju u životinjskim proizvodima i životnoj sredini. Zbog toga se, u cilju smanjenja upotrebe ovih lekova, danas širom sveta radi na otkrivanju alternativnih rešenja poput razvoja različitih biljnih preparata. Cilj ovih istraživanja, sprovedenih u Regionalnom centru za monitoring parazitoza KREMOPAR u Eboliju (Salerno), Italija je bio ispitati efikasnost in vitro (test izgleganja larvi) i in vivo (test redukcija broja jaja nematoda u fecesu) odabranih etarskih ulja protiv gastrointestinalnih nematoda kod ovaca, uz određivanje bezbednosti primene nekoliko ulja ispitanih u terenskim uslovima (posmatranje tretiranih životinja i praćenje hematoloških i biohemijskih parametara krvi). Dodatno, određen je hemijski sastav svih ispitanih etarskih ulja uz pomoć gasne hromatografije i masene spektrometrije, kao i određena procentualna zastupljenost prisutnih rodova nematoda uz pomoć odgovarajućih ključeva determinacije. Rezultati su pokazali visok antihelmintički potencijal ispitanih ulja čija efikasnost je zavisila od vrste i hemotipa biljke, odnosno hemijskog sastava i prisutnih bioaktivnih jedinjenja, kao i od primenjene koncentracije/doze. Pri tome, nijedno od primenjenih ulja nije izazvalo negativne efekte kod životinja. Od velikog broja ispitanih ulja naročito se istaklo ulje origana, sa karvakrolom kao glavnim sastojkom, koje je pokazalo najveći antihelmintički potencijal od svih ulja generalno testiranih u ovakvim i sličnim istraživanjima. Dalja ispitivanja će biti usmerena ka razvoju odgovarajuće formulacije, zasnovane na kombinaciji pojedinih ulja, koja bi se koristila u praksi, kao i otkrivanju najefikasnijeg načina primene.Gastrointestinal nematodes represent one of the main problems faced by modern sheep breeding all over the world and in Serbia. Their negative impact is usually reflected in the form of subclinical disease with body weight loss and production decline. However, in some cases clinically visible disease can also occur with the signs of cachexia, diarrhea, anemia, protein loss and edema, as well as death. An additional problem is the development of resistance to the most commonly used anthelmintic drugs from the group of benzimidazoles, macrocyclic lactones and imidazothiazoles, as well as the residues that these drugs leave in animal products and the environment. For these reasons, researchers worldwide are focused in discovering alternative solutions, such as the development of various herbal preparations, to reduce the use of commercial anthelmintics. The aim of the present study, carried out at the Regional Center for Parasitosis Monitoring CREMOPAR in Eboli (Salerno), Italy, was to examine the effectiveness in vitro (Egg Hatch Test) and in vivo (Faecal Egg Count Reduction Test) of selected essential oils against gastrointestinal nematodes in sheep, while determining the safety of application of several oils tested in field conditions (clinical observation of treated animals and monitoring of hematological and biochemical blood parameters). In addition, the chemical composition of all tested essential oils was determined by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry, and the percentage representation of the nematode genera present was determined using appropriate determination keys. The results showed a high antihelminthic potential of the tested oils, the effectiveness of which depended on the type and chemotype of the plant, i.e. the chemical composition and bioactive compounds present, as well as on the applied concentration/dose. In addition, none of the applied oils caused negative effects in animals. Of the large number of tested oils, the oil of oregano, with carvacrol as the main ingredient, stood out in particular, which showed the highest anthelmintic potential of all the oils generally tested in this and similar research. Further tests will be aimed at developing a suitable formulation based on a combination of individual oils that will be used in the practice, as well as discovering the most efficient way of application

THE VIEWS OF TOURISM STUDENTS ON THE SUBJECT OF THE CULTURAL AND ARTISTIC HERITAGE OF SERBIA

This work presents the research conducted among students of the Academy of Professional Studies Šumadija, Department of Aranđelovac, enrolled in the Tourism and Hospitality Management program. Within the study, students expressed their attitudes regarding three groups of statements: 1) the mutual influence of the curriculum and knowledge that students acquire on one and trips and visits to places with cultural and artistic content on the other side; 2) the influence of curriculum on the understanding of cultural and artistic heritage; and 3) its influence on the understanding of contemporary cultural and artistic events and the development of tourism in Serbia. We used exploratory factor analysis for statement grouping and the Likert scale to present the attitudes. We found no significant difference in attitudes between the groups of students from different years. The results could be a starting point for all curriculum developers in higher education and for improving tourism education

Ethics and Impact of Artificial Intelligence: A Multidisciplinary Approach

Rapid development in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) brings significant opportunities for society, prompting at the same time an exploration of its complex implications. Creating and using AI that mirrors human intelligence implies an associated responsibility. Ethical concerns about the impact of AI also include human autonomy, dignity, and justice, which underscores the need to cultivate responsible and ethical practices in its development and use. AI’s impact on social structures, some of which are the labor markets and communication, underscores the need for developing modified, responsible regulation for the new circumstances. Additionally, its potential to amplify social inequalities due to the inherent biases and other reasons, indicates the importance of our thorough engagement that would ensure transparency, fairness, and accountability of AI systems. For a holistic understanding of AI’s societal impact, a multidisciplinary approach is needed that implicates collaboration between IT experts, philosophers, sociologists, theologians and many others. Need for the ethical development and application of AI, calls for achieving the collaboration between governments, industries, civil society, and international organizations. It is a global issue, but the current practice shows no unity on this issue on a global scale. What’s more, global race for AI dominance makes deep geopolitical ramifications. Having in mind all of the above, we assume that human-AI relations should be continuously reevaluated and controlled through the ongoing dialogue of multidisciplinary and multi-level character, based on considerations of ethical implications, where diverse national and cultural perspectives are being respected

High efficiency solar light photocatalytic degradation of mordant blue 9 by monoclinic BiVO4 nanopowder

The research presented in this paper focuses on the influence of solution pH on the photocatalytic activity of single-phase monoclinic BiVO4 nanopowder degrading highly toxic textile dye Mordant Blue 9 (MB9) under the simulated solar irradiation. BiVO4 nanopowder was synthetized using a sonochemical route. The catalyst was confirmed to be single-phase and have relatively high surface area with mesoporous nanoparticles with 50 nm in diameter on average. Band gap was estimated to be 2.38 eV, proving high absorbance of the visible light. Photodegradation was observed in different pH values (pH = 1, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13) and the mechanism was proposed. Influence of catalyst concentration and its reusability at pH = 13 are also reported, showing no activity loss after four cycles

Genetic diversity and virulence traits of Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae isolated from various hosts in Serbia

In this study, we assessed the genetic relatedness of 11 representative Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae (Pss) strains isolated in Serbia from different herbaceous and woody plant species, as well as one reference Pss strain, using various molecular tools such as repetitive element palindromic PCR, arbitrarily primed PCR, insertion sequences 50 PCR (IS50-PCR) and multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA). Their virulence traits were also assessed by inoculating detached pear and lilac leaves, as well as immature cherry fruitlets. The results indicated genetic heterogeneity among the strains, which formed a complex network with prominent clustering patterns. While four distinct groups could be recognised when comparative Pss strains from the database were included in the analyses, the strains in focus of this study segregated into two distinct genetic groups labelled PssG-2 and PssG-3. MLSA findings mostly matched the IS50-PCR results, while virulence assays helped distinguish sweet cherry (RE05, RE3) and pumpkin (PS-T71) strains as the most virulent. Only strain Pss25, originating from pear, exhibited host specificity

Trends in Commercial and Recreational Fisheries in Serbia (2008–2023): Implications for Ecosystem-Based Management

Fisheries in Serbia have a centuries-long tradition and importance for the society. It is primarily organized through designated fishing areas, managed by public or private entities, fishing associations, or unions. These areas are allocated through public competitions and governed by specific legal obligations. Depending on the area, fishing can be either commercial, recreational, or both. Most fisheries are concentrated along major rivers, particularly the Danube, Sava, and Tisza. This study evaluates and compares trends in commercial and recreational fishery in Serbia between 2008 and 2023 by analyzing fishing pressure and catch statistics over a 16-year period. Although available statistical data have limitations, trends are evident. Only landing data are officially recorded, though actual catch may differ. The total annual landings ranged from 1,931 to 5,384 tons. Commercial fishing dominated between 2008 and 2011, after which recreational fishing became more prominent. The number of commercial fishermen declined by half, reaching 429 in 2023, while recreational fishers steadily increased, peaking at 109,606 in 2022. The average annual freshwater catch during this period was 3,258 tons, which is a third higher than the average recorded in the previous decade (1995–2004), when around 1,200 commercial fishermen were active. Recreational fishing has shown significant growth, driven by increasing participation. However, due to the large and dispersed nature of this group, effective monitoring and control remain challenging. Despite this, the cumulative impact of recreational fishing on aquatic resources is substantial and should not be underestimated. The observed trends in both fishing sectors reflect changes in legislation, enforcement, and management practices. The findings underline the urgent need to shift towards an ecosystem-based fisheries management approach that recognizes the growing influence of recreational fishing. Such an approach would contribute to the sustainable use and conservation of freshwater biodiversity, aligning with regional and EU strategies for protecting aquatic ecosystems in the Danube River Basin

Book of Abstracts / 8th Conference of The Serbian Society for Ceramic Materials, 8CSCS-2025

On behalf of the organizers and the organizing committee of the 8th Conference of the Serbian Society for Ceramic Materials (8CSCS-2025), it is my great pleasure to extend a warm welcome to all attendees. We are delighted to host you in Belgrade for this important gathering. The conference is organized by the Serbian Society for Ceramic Materials, in collaboration with the Institute for Multidisciplinary Research – University of Belgrade, Institute of Physics – University of Belgrade, Center of Excellence for the Synthesis, Processing and Characterization of Materials for Use in Extreme Conditions – “CEXTREME LAB”, Institute of Nuclear Sciences “Vinča” – University of Belgrade, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering – University of Belgrade, Center of Excellence for Green Technologies, and the Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy – University of Belgrade. The primary aim of 8CSCS-2025 is to serve as a platform for academic and professional exchange in the field of ceramic materials. This conference brings together researchers, scholars, and professionals from universities, institutes, and industries across the region and beyond, encouraging the discussion of novel ideas and directions in ceramic materials research. This year, we are proud to have received 86 abstracts from researchers representing 15 countries, reflecting the growing global interest in ceramic materials. The program features three plenary lectures, 22 invited talks, and 61 oral and poster presentations. Covered topics include ceramic powders, characterization and processing; computing in materials science; high temperature phenomena, sintering, microstructure design and mechanical properties; ceramic composites, membranes and multimaterials; materials for environmental technology; traditional ceramics and engineering materials; advanced materials for energy-related applications; materials for sensing devices; catalytic materials; electro and magnetic ceramics. We gratefully acknowledge the support of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development of the Republic of Serbia. Special thanks go to the organizers, session chairs, presenters, exhibitors, and all participants for your contributions and enthusiastic engagement. We hope that your time in Belgrade will be both professionally rewarding and personally enjoyable. I look forward to meeting you and engaging in fruitful discussions throughout the conference

Analysis of the efficiency of the technological clarification line in the period of low turbidity of the raw Sava water in the „Makis 2“ drinking water treatment plant

Sirova voda, koja se preko vodozahvatnih objekata uzima za potrebe vodosnabdevanja, sadrži različite primese u rastvorenom ili suspendovanom stanju, usled prirodnih procesa i ljudskih delatnosti. Analiza efikasnosti procesa u okviru pogona za pripremu vode za piće omogućava proaktivno upravljanje kvalitetom vode. U okviru ovog rada analizirana je tehnološka linija bistrenja na PP „Makiš 2“, linija „C“, u svrhu poređenja usklađenosti sa zahtevima Pravilnika o higijenskoj ispravnosti vode za piće (1998, 1999, 2019). Eksperimentalne metode uključivale su ispitivanje parametara kvaliteta sirove savske vode i izbistrene vode, u cilju uvida uticaja ulaznih parametara kvaliteta vode na postupak izvođenja procesa bistrenja (koagulacija, flokulacija i taloženje), u periodu od 01. do 15. aprila 2024. Efikasnost procesa bistrenja procenjena je kroz smanjenje vrednosti mutnoće i utroška kalijum-permanganata izbistrene vode u poređenju sa sirovom vodom. Rezultati su ukazali na visok stepen uklanjanja suspendovanih čestica i oksidabilnih materija. Identifikovani su optimalni uslovi koagulacije i flokulacije u okolnostima niskih mutnoća, putem džar testova. Interpretacija rezultata i evaluacija tehnološke linije bistrenja potvrđuju efikasnost u uklanjanju primesa iz sirove savske vode.Raw water, sourced through intake structures for water supply purposes, contains various dissolved and suspended impurities due to natural processes and anthropogenic activities. The analysis of process efficiency in water treatment plants enables proactive water quality management. This study focuses on evaluating the clarification process line at the Water Treatment Plant "Makiš 2", line "C," with the aim of assessing compliance with the requirements of the Regulation on Hygienic Safety of Drinking Water (1998, 1999, 2019). Experimental methods included the examination of raw Sava River water and clarified water quality parameters to assess the influence of raw water quality on the clarification processes (coagulation, flocculation, and sedimentation) during the period from April 1 to April 15, 2024. The efficiency of the clarification process was evaluated through the reduction of turbidity and potassium permanganate consumption in clarified water compared to raw water. Results indicated a high level of removal of suspended particles and oxidizable substances, with the identification of optimal coagulation and flocculation conditions, despite low turbidity of raw water, through jar tests. The interpretation of results and evaluation of the clarification process confirm its effectiveness in removing impurities from raw Sava River water

Artificial Intelligence for Cultural Heritage

Recent technological advances have opened a growing spectrum of research focused on developing artificial intelligence (AI) tools tailored to the needs of cultural heritage preservation. AI is now actively applied for inpainting techniques for restoration of aged oil paintings and manuscripts, as well as for 3D reconstruction of archeological artifacts and historical sites, and enhancement of accessibility through virtual and augmented reality experiences. Deep-learning models also contribute to the attribution of authorship, stylistic analysis, and even the deciphering of ancient or damaged scripts. Additionally, AI-driven monitoring systems are being used to safeguard cultural heritage and detect risks from environmental threats such as natural disasters and conflicts in real time, using satellite imagery and real-time analytics. Despite the promising developments, challenges remain regarding ethical issues, standardization, cross-disciplinary coordination, and more. Initiatives such as AI4Culture and HeritageWatch.AI indicate a strategic shift toward embedding AI into cultural policy and practice. This abstract outlines the expanding role of AI as a structural component in the future of heritage restoration, conservation, research, and engagement

Examination of the effects of Ni2+, Sm3+ and Zr4+ dopants on the structural, morphological and optical properties of titanium(IV) oxide nanofibers obtained by electrospinning method for photocatalytic application

Predmet istraživanja ove doktorske disertacije je ispitivanje morfoloških, strukturnih, optičkih i fotokatalitičkih svojstva TiO2 nanovlakana dopiranih trovalentnim jonima samarijuma (Sm3+), četvorovalentim jonima cirkonijuma (Zr4+), kao i dvovalentnim jonima nikla (Ni2+). U prvom delu istraživanja, uspešno su sintetisana nanovlakna na bazi titan(IV)-oksida, bez i u prisustvu dopanata Sm (0,5-5,0 mol. %), Zr (0,5-5,0 mol. %) i Ni (0,5-10,0 mol. %), optimizacijom različitih parametara tokom procesa sinteze. Za dobijanje nanovlakana korišćena je metoda elektropredenja, nakon čega je usledila kalcinacija na 500 ºC, tokom 1 h. U drugom delu istraživanja ispitana su strukturna, morfološka, optička i fotokatalitička svojstva sintetisanih čistih i dopiranih TiO2 nanovlakana primenom različitih fizičko-hemijskih metoda karakterizacije. Spektri transparencije dobijeni FTIC analizom su pokazali da prisustvo odgovarajućih funkcionalnih grupa na dobijenim materijalima potiče od korišćenih prekursora, rastvarača i polimera (PVP) u procesu sinteze čistih i dopiranih uzoraka TiO2, pre kalcinacije. Prema rezultatima TGA-DTA analize, nije uočen dalji gubitak mase iznad temperature od 490 °C i prema tome sva dobijena TiO2 vlakna su kalcinisana na temperaturi 500 °C tokom 1 h, kako bi se dobio čist oksid ili dopiran TiO2. Elementarnom analizom je utvrđeno prisustvo titana i kiseonika u sastavu čistih TiO2 nanovlakana, dok su EDS spektri dopiranih TiO2 nanovlakana potvrdili prisustvo samarijuma, cirkonijuma i nikla. Analizom morfologije nanovlakana, primećeno je značajno smanjenje prosečnog prečnika vlakana nakon kalcinacije na 500 ºC i nastala kalcinisana nanovlakna titan(IV)-oksida opisuju se kao prava, izlomljena i nasumično orijentisana u poređenju sa predenim nekalcinisanim nanovlaknima. Takođe, rezultati FESEM mikroskopije su pokazali da dodatak jona Sm3+, Zr4+ i Ni2+ dovodi do povećanja prosečnog prečnika TiO2 nanovlakana u odnosu na čista ili nedopirana TiO2 nanovlakna. Dodatno, difraktogrami svih sintetisanih uzoraka TiO2 nanovlakana su pokazali da je najdominantnija kristalna faza anatas. Sa povećanjem sadržaja samarijuma i cirkonijuma, rutilna faza se značajno smanjila u TiO2-Sm i TiO2-Zr uzorcima, dok je povećanje količine nikla (iznad 1,0% Ni) dovelo do naknadnog povećanja sadržaja rutila (10,0% Ni). Pored difraktograma, rezultati Ramanske analize su ukazali na prevenciju transformacije anatasne u rutilnu fazu sa dodatkom jona Sm3+ i Zr4+, dok je u prisustvu veće količine jona Ni2+ (10,0% Ni) povećan sadržaj rutila u TiO2. Dodatno su ispitana optička i fotoluminescentna svojstva čistih i dopiranih TiO2 nanovlakana. Prema dobijenim rezultatima, ustanovljeno je smanjenje energetskog procepa kod većeg broja uzoraka, kao i intenzivna emsija u vidljivoj oblasti FL spektra. Na kraju su ispitana fotokatalitička svojstva: čistih TiO2, Sm-dopiranih TiO2, Zr-dopiranih TiO2 i Ni-dopiranih TiO2 nanovlakana za razgradnju vodenog rastvora organske boje metilensko plave (MB). Najveću fotokatalitičku efikasnost MB razgradnje su pokazali uzorci nanovlakana TiO2 dopiranih sa 0,5% jona Sm3+ (97%) i TiO2 nanovlakna dopirana sa 1,0% jona Zr4+ (98%), dok su uzorci sa različitim sadržajem nikla (0,5-10,0 mol. % Ni2+) pokazali nižu fotokatalitičku aktivnost (do 60%) u odnosu na čista ili nedopirana TiO2 nanovlakna, pod UV-Vis svetlošću i nakon 180 min osvetljavanja halogenom lampom (300 W, intenziteta ∼1000 W.m-2). Značajni rezultati koji su proizišli iz ovog istraživanja mogu biti temelj za dalja ispitivanja, pri čemu dobijeni TiO2 materijali mogu imati potencijalnu primenu u fotokatalizi, otvarajući mogućnost za širu primenu u tretmanu otpadnih voda i razgradnju drugih zagađivača.The subject of this doctoral dissertation research is examination of the morphological, structural, optical and photocatalytic properties of TiO2 nanofibers doped with trivalent ions of samarium (Sm3+), four-valent zirconium ions (Zr4+) and two-valent nickel ions (Ni2+). In the first part of research, nanofibers based on titanium(IV) oxide without and in the presence of Sm (0.5-5.0 mol. %), Zr (0.5-5.0 mol. %) and Ni (0.5-10.0 mol. %) dopants were successfully synthesized optimizing different parameters during the synthesis process. The electrospinning method was used to obtain nanofibers, followed by calcination at 500 ºC for 1 h. In the second part of research, the structural, morphological, optical and photocatalytic properties of pure and doped TiO2 nanofibers were examined, using different physicochemical characterization methods. The transmitted spectra obtained by FTIR analysis showed that the presence of appropriate functional groups of obtained materials originated from the used precursors, solvent and polymer (PVP) during the synthesis process of pure and doped TiO2 samples, before calcination. According to TGA-DTA analysis, there was no further mass loss above the temperature of 490 °C and therefore all obtained TiO2 fibers were calcined at a temperature of 500 °C for 1 hour in order to obtain a pure oxide or doped TiO2. Elemental analysis established the presence of titanium and oxygen in the composition of pure TiO2 nanofibers, while the EDS spectra of doped TiO2 nanofibers confirmed the presence of samarium, zirconium and nickel. By analyzing the morphology of the nanofibers, it was noticed that the fiber diameter decreased significantly after calcination at 500 ºC and the obtained calcined titanium(IV) oxide nanofibers were described as straight, broken and randomly oriented compared to non-calcined as-spun nanofibers. Also, the results of FESEM microscopy have shown that addition of Sm3+, Zr4+ and Ni2+ ions led to an increase in the average diameter of TiO2 nanofibers compared to pure or undoped TiO2 nanofibers. Additionally, diffractograms of all synthesized TiO2 nanofibers have shown that the most dominant crystal phase is anatase. With an increase in the content of samarium or zirconium, the rutile phase was significantly reduced in the TiO2-Sm and TiO2-Zr spectra, while an increase of nickel amount (above 1.0% Ni) led to subsequent increase the rutile content (10.0% Ni). Besides diffractograms, the results from Raman analysis indicated the prevention of anatase to rutile phase transformation by addition of Sm3+ and Zr4+ ions, while addition of a higher amount of Ni2+ ions (10.0% Ni) increased the content of rutile phase into TiO2. In addition, the optical and photoluminescent properties of pure and doped TiO2 nanofibers were examined. According to the obtained results, a reduction in the energy gap was established in a large number of samples, as well as intense emission in the visible part of the FL spectrum. Finally, the photocatalytic properties of the different samples were examined: pure TiO2, Sm-doped TiO2, Zr-doped and Ni-doped TiO2 nanofibers for methylene blue (MB) degradation. The highest photocatalytic activities for MB degradation were shown by nanofibers TiO2 doped with 0.5% of Sm3+ ions (97%) and TiO2 doped with 1.0% of Zr4+ ions (98%), while the samples with different nickel contents (0.5-10.0 mol. % of Ni) shown lower photocatalytic activity (up to 60%) compared to pure TiO2 nanofibers, under UV-Visible light and after 180 min of irradiation with halogen lamp (300 W, intensity of ∼1000 W.m-2). Significant results from this investigation could be the basis for further research, whereby the obtained TiO2 materials could have a potential application in photocatalysis, opening the possibility for further application, in wastewater treatment and a degradation of other pollutants