Otkrivanje virusa herpes simplex tip 1 u gingivalnoj tečnosti sulkusa ili parodontalnog džepa lančanom reakcijom polimeraze

Introduction Pathogenesis and some characteristics of periodontitis cannot be fully explained by bacterial etiology alone. Herpes viruses may bridge the gap between clinical characteristics and molecular understanding of periodontal destruction. Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of healthy and damaged periodontium in Serbian population and to explore potential correlation between the presence of this virus and the level of periodontal destruction. Methods Samples were collected from gingival sulcus/periodontal pockets by sterile paper points and the presence of viral DNA in gingival crevicular fluid was assessed by PCR. Results There was no statistically significant difference in HSV-1 in presence between periodontitis patients (PG=38.9%) and healthy controls (HC=32.3%), (Chi-square test, with Yates' correction p=0.7574). However, HSV-1 positive patients showed significantly higher values of parameters of periodontal destruction (PPD=7.11±2.52, CAL=5.46±2.34) than periodontitis patients without HSV-1 in gingival crevicular fluid (PPD=4.70±1.79, CAL=3.39±2.65) (p values respectively, p=0.002 and p=0.023, Independent Samples T-Test). HSV-1 occurred more often in deeper (PPD≥6 mm) (69.2%) than in shallow pockets (3 mm lt PPD lt 6 mm) (18.2%) (Chi-square test, with Yates' correction, p=0.008). Plaque index was lower in the HSV-1 positive group (0.84± 0.69 vs. 1.43±0.76, p=0.023, Independent Samples T-Test). Conclusion This study demonstrated that the presence of HSV-1 in the gingival crevicular fluid coincides with a higher degree of tissue destruction in patients with periodontitis.Uvod Patogeneza i neke kliničke odlike parodontopatije ne mogu se do kraja objasniti bakterijskom etiologijom. Herpesvirusi bi mogli da premoste jaz koji postoji između kliničkih osobina i poznavanja patogenetskih mehanizama parodontopatije na molekularnom nivou. Cilj rada Cilj ove studije bio je određivanje prevalencije virusa herpes simplex tip 1 (HSV-1) u zdravom i obolelom parodoncijumu osoba u Srbiji, kao i utvrđivanje moguće korelacije između postojanja ovih virusa i stepena oštećenja parodoncijuma. Metode rada Uzorci su uzimani papirnim poenima iz gingivalnih sulkusa ili parodontalnih džepova, a virus je otkrivan reakcijom lančanog umnožavanja molekula DNK (engl. polymerase chain reaction - PCR). Rezultati Nije utvrđena statistički značajna razlika u prevalenciji HSV-1 između osoba s parodontopatijom (32,3%) i zdravim parodoncijumom (38,9%); χ2-test sa Jejtsovom (Yates) korekcijom: p=0,7574. U grupi ispitanika s parodontopatijom parametri koji označavaju stepen oštećenja (dubina parodontalnog džepa - DPDž; nivo pripojnog epitela - NPE) bili su značajno veći kod onih s otkrivenim virusom (DPDž: 7,11±2,52 mm; NPE: 5,46±2,34), nego kod ispitanika bez virusa u uzorcima gingivalne tečnosti (DPDž=4,70±1,79 mm; NPE=3,39±2,65); Studentov t-test za nevezane uzorke: p=0,002, odnosno p=0,023. U dubljim parodontalnim džepovima (DPDž≥6 mm) HSV-1 je otkriven statistički značajno češće (69,2%) nego u plićim džepovima (DPDž=3-6 mm) (18,2%); χ2-test sa Jejtsovom korekcijom: p=0,008. Prosečne vrednosti plak-indeksa bile su niže kod ispitanika sa HSV-1 (0,84±0,69) u poređenju sa ispitanicima kod kojih ovaj virus nije otkriven (1,43±0,76); Studentov t-test za nevezane uzorke: p=0,023. Zaključak Prikazana studija pokazala je da je postojanje HSV-1 povezano sa nivoom oštećenja tkiva kod osoba s parodontopatijom

Geographic tongue: Does Candida play a role in its pathogenesis

Background/Aim: Geographic tongue (GT), a benign self-limiting condition (inflammation) is commonly seen in practice. Although quite easy for clinical diagnosis, in clinical practice it is commonly misdiagnosed and treated as Candida infection. The main aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of Candida spp. on tongue in patients with GT and subjects with clinically healthy oral mucosa. Additional aims were to evaluate subjective symptoms, uncontrolled usage of prescribed or non-prescribed antifungal topical medications and the presence of the cancerophobia or other health concerns in patients with GT. Material and Methods: A total of 70 subjects were divided into two groups: Group B - patients with diagnosed Geographic tongue and group A - aged and gender matched controls with clinically health oral mucosa. Anamnestic charts designed for this study included information about symptoms (measured by Visual Analogue Scale), previous knowledge or fear about presence of GT and received therapy for this condition. Detection of Candida spp. from tongue was done using sterile cotton swab and Sabouraud dextrose agar. Results: At the time of this study, 18 (52.94%) of subjects with GT were aware of having this condition and even 12 of them (66.7%) used topical antifungal drugs prescribed by physician. Also, 66.7% of them experienced fear about the presence of GT at some moment. Detection of Candida spp. was similarly distributed in both groups (22.2% in group A and 17.6% in group B). Conclusions: Geographic tongue has frequently been treated by topical antifungal drugs. In this study, GT was not associated with presence of Candida spp

Detection and sampling methods for isolation of Candida spp. from oral cavities in diabetics and non-diabetics

The purpose of this study was to detect Candida spp. on the tongue and in the subgingival sites in healthy and type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients with chronic periodontitis (CP), and to compare the accuracy of sampling methods. This study included 131 patients divided into four groups: healthy control (group A), nondiabetics + CP (Group B), diabetics with good metabolic control + CP (group C) and diabetics with poor glycoregulation + CP (Group D). Cotton swab samples from tongue and subgingival samples were obtained from each patient with help of sterile paper points and a sterile curette. Swab cultures were made on Sabouraud dextrose agar. The number of CFUs was counted. The sampling methods for subgingival plaque were compared by Receiving Operator Curve (ROC). The presence of Candida spp. on the tongue was statistically significant among groups (group D vs. others three groups:.2: p lt 0.005 for each group). Positive findings of subgingival Candida spp. did not differ among the groups. There were no significant differences in the quantification of Candida spp., neither on the tongue, nor in the subgingival samples. 17.2% of diabetic patients revealed the presence of Candida spp. in the subgingival samples, with negative finding on tongue. There was a significant difference in the sampling methods for subgingival plaque (p = 0.000). Candida spp. is more prevalent on the tongue of diabetics. The sampling of subgingival plaque by a sterile curette is more accurate than with paper points. Subgingival plaque may represent a reservoir of commensals. It is necessary to standardize the sampling of subgingival plaque

Rresence of different Candida species at denture wearers with type 2 diabetes and clinically healthy oral mucosa: Pilot study

Background/Aim: The aim of this study was to examine prevalence of different Candida spp. at diabetics and nondiabetics wearing dentures without clinical signs of Denture Stomatitis (DS) and to study if some local and systematic factors are confounders for harboring Candida at these subjects. Material and Methods: Total of 60 subjects wearing partial or complete upper acrylic denture having at least half of palatal mucosa covered by denture were selected and stratified into three experimental groups: systematically health subjects; patients with diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) and good glycoregulation; and T2D subjects with poorly regulated blood sugar level. Cotton swab samples were obtained from each patient from hard palate mucosa and denture surface. Swab cultures were made on Sabouraud dextrose agar and ChromAgar Media for distinciton of various Candida spp. Density growth was also measured. Results: Frequency of Candida spp. findings were similar between groups. At healthy subjects, only C.albicans was detected. At diabetics, C.albicans was the most common isolated species, followed by C.glabrata and C.tropicalis. Negative finding of yeasts on palatal mucosa, but positive on denture surface were detected at all groups, with the highest frequency (33.4%) at diabetics with poor glycoregulation. Denture surface was heavier colonized than hard palate mucosa. Duration of diabetes in years were only independent predictors for harboring Candida spp. at denture surface (Exp B=1.186, CI=1.047-1.344, p=0.007). Conclusions: Prosthesis of denture wearers without DS may serve as reservoir of Candida spp. Presence of more pathogenic and resistant non-albicans species are related to diabetics, even without clinical signs of DS

Renewable electric energy sources in the function of Sustainable Urban Mobility

Održiva urbana mobilnost je važan deo urbanog planiranja, koji u sebi integriše ekonomske, ekološke, energetske i društvene uticaje. U većini gradova u Srbiji, ali i u svetu urbana mobilnost se zasniva se na konceptu prekomernog korišćenja individualnih vozila, koja troše goriva bazirana na fosilnim izvorima energije. To dovodi do zagušenja u saobraćaju sa visokim nivoom zagađenja i buke u gradovima, pojave toplotnih ostrva, gubitka vremena i mnogih drugih negativnih pojava u različitim sferama ljudskog delovanja. Rad analizira ove pojave i predlaže neka od mogućih rešenja koja se pre svega odnose na primenu obnovljivih izvora električne energije (OIEE) u oblasti urbane mobilnosti. Korišćenje električne energije za pogon vozila, ukoliko ona ne potiče iz obnovljivih izvora ili reciklažom otpada nije rešenje koje se uklapa u koncept održivog razvoja. U radu se dalje analizira koncept transportnih sistema koji podstiče razvoj i drugih oblika saobraćaja zasnovanih na korišćenju novih tehnologija, kao i sprovođenje koncepta pametnih gradova.Sustainable urban mobility is a significant part of urban planning, which integrates economic, environmental, energy, and social impacts. In most cities in the world and Serbia, urban mobility is based on the excessive use of individual vehicles, which consume fuel based on fossil energy sources. That leads to traffic congestion with high degree of pollution and noise in cities, the appearance of heat islands, loss of time, and many other negative phenomena in various spheres of human activity. The paper analyzes these phenomena and proposes possible solutions primarily related to renewable sources of electrical energy (REES) application in urban mobility. Using electricity to drive vehicles, if it does not come from renewable sources or recycling waste, is not a solution that fits into sustainable development. The paper further analyzes the concept of transport systems that encourages the development of other forms of traffic based on the use of new technologies and the implementation of the Smart Cities concept.Urednik: Aleksandar Savi

Efekat hlorheksidina na ekspresiju receptor aktivatora NF-kb liganda (RANKL) i osteoprotežerina (OPG) kod ljudi i kućnih ljubimaca

Periodontal disease is a chronic, multi-factorial disease of the tissues supporting the teeth. Periodontitis in companion animals is an almost identical disease to that in humans in terms of disease course and clinical presentation. Receptor activator of NF-kB ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) are bioactive molecules that control bone resorption. This study aims to evaluate the effect of Chlorhexidine (CXD) on the RANKL and OPG expressions in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) collected from subjects with chronic periodontitis. GCF was obtained from subjects with chronic periodontitis.10 subjects (CXD1) rinsed the mouth with 0.12% CXD, 10 subjects (CXD2) utilized 0.20% CXD and the last 10 (PL) used Placebo solution for 7 days. RANKL and OPG concentrations in GCF were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays ELISA at baseline and after 7 days. Periodontal clinical variables: clinical attachment loss (CAL), probing pocket depth (PPD), papilla-bleeding index (PBI) were evaluated in all groups. After 7 days in CXD1 and CXD2 group RANKL/OPG ratio exhibited a significant decrease (p lt 0.05) in contrast to the PL group where results showed similar values of RANKL/OPG ratio at baseline and after the observation period. RANKL/OPG ratio was positively correlated with PPD, CAL and PBI before and after the observation period in both Chlorhexidine (CXD1, CXD2) groups. In an existing inflammatory response, chlorhexidine reduced the level of periodontal inflammation, which leads to reduction of RANKL/OPG relative ratio. Decrease of RANKL/OPG ratio will apparently induce maintenance of alveolar bone and slow down periodontal tissue breakdown.Parodontopatije su hronična, multikauzalna oboljenja potpornog aparata zuba. Parodontalna oboljenja koja srećemo kod kućnih ljubimaca su prema toku i kliničkoj slici skoro identična onima koje se javljaju kod ljudi. RANKL i osteoprotegerin (OPG) su bioaktivni molekuli koji kontrolišu koštanu resorpciju. Cilj ove studije je evaluacija efekata hlorheksidina na ekspresiju RANKL-a i OPG-a u gingivalnoj tečnosti (GT) uzetoj od pacijenata sa hroničnom parodontopatijom. 10 pacijenata (CXD1) su ispirali usta sa 0.12% CXD, 10 pacijenata (CXD2) su koristili 0.20% CXD i poslednjih 10 pacijenata (PL) su koristili placebo rastvor 7 dana. RANKL i OPG koncentracije u GT su merene ELISA testom na početku i posle sedam dana. Parodontalni klinički parametri CAL, PPD i PBI su evaluirani u svim grupama. Posle 7 dana u CXD1 i CXD2 grupi RANKL/OPG odnos je pokazao signifikantno smanjenje (p lt 0.05) u poređenju sa PL grupom gde su zabaleženi slični rezultati na početku i nakon opservacionog perioda. RANKL/OPG odnos je pokazao pozitivnu korelaciju sa vrednostima PPD-a, CAL-a i PBI-a pre i nakon observacionog perioda u obe eksperimentalne grupe (CXD1, CXD2). U prisutnom inflamatornom odgovoru hlorheksidin je redukovao nivo inflamacije, što je uslovilo redukciju RANKL/OPG odnosa. Rezultati istraživanja dokazuju da koncentracija hlorheksidina ne utiče statistički značajno na smanjenje RANKL/OPG odnosa

Korelacija između koncentracije receptora 2 faktora nekroze tumora u serumu i destrukcije parodoncijuma kod bolesnika sa dijabetes melitusom tip 2 - studija preseka

Introduction: The role of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) is well documented in pathogenesis of chronic periodontitis (CP) and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Considering short half-life of TNFα, tumor necrosis factor receptor-2 (TNFR2) is used as prosperous surrogate marker of TNFα activity. Objective The aim was to detect TNFR2 serum concentration and correlate it with periodontal destruction in patients with diagnosed T2D and nondiabetics. Methods The study included 85 patients divided into three groups: T2D + CP (group T2D, n = 34); nondiabetics + CP (Group PD, n = 27); and healthy controls (group HC, n = 24). T2D was diagnosed according to WHO criteria (2013) and periodontitis was diagnosed using International Workshop for a Classification of Periodontal Diseases and Conditions criteria (1999). TNFR2 level was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results There was no difference in TNFR2 level among the groups (Kruskal-Wallis, p = 0.482). Significant correlation (Pearson's correlation coefficient) was observed between clinical attachment loss (CAL) and TNFR2 concentration in PD group (rp = -0.460, p = 0.016). In T2D group, correlations were observed between TNFR2 concentration and CaL (rp = 0.363, p = 0.005) and periodontal inflamed surface area (PISA) (rp = 0.345, p = 0.046) and periodontalepithelial surface area (PESA) (rp = 0.578, p = 0.000). Conclusion Higher concentration of TNFR2 was associated with higher CAL, PESA, and PISA scores in T2D group. Contrary to that, nondiabetics with higher values of CAL exhibited lower concentration of TNFR2, presenting potential protective effect on periodontal destruction. These results imply that diabetes may alter TNFR2 secretion originated from periodontium.Uvod: Uloga faktora nekroze tumora-alfa (TNFα) dokazana je u patogenezi hronične parodontopatije (HP) i dijabetesa melitusa tipa 2 (DM tip 2). S obzirom na to da je poluživot TNFα veoma kratak, receptor 2 faktora nekroze tumora (TNFR2) koristi se kao marker aktivnosti TNFα. Cilj rada Cilj ovog rada je određivanje koncentracije TNFR2 u serumu i koreliranje sa parametrima destrukcije parodoncijuma kod zdravih i ispitanika sa dijagnostikovanim DM tip 2. Metode rada U studiju je uključeno 85 pacijenata podeljenih u tri grupe: DM tip 2 + HP (DM grupa, n = 34), zdravi ispitanici + HP (PD grupa, n = 27) i zdrave kontrole (ZK grupa, n = 24). Dijagnoza DM tip 2 postavljena je na osnovu kriterijuma SZO (2013), dok je dijagnoza HP postavljena na osnovu kriterijuma Internacionalne radionice za klasifikaciju stanja i oboljenja parodoncijuma (1999). Koncentracija TNFR2 merena je ELISA metodom. Rezultati Koncentracija serumskog TNFR2 nije se razlikovala među grupama (Kraskal-Volis, p = 0,482). Postoji značajna korelacija (Pirson) između nivoa pripojnog epitela (NPE) i koncentracije TNFR2 u PD grupi (rp = -0,460, p = 0,016). U DM tip 2 grupi, statistički značajna korelacija uočena je između koncentracije TNFR2 i NPE (rp = 0,363, p = 0,005), kao i parametara uticaja inflamacije iz parodoncijuma na sistemsko zdravlje - PISA (rp = 0,345, p = 0,046) i PESA (rp = 0,578, p = 0,000). Zaključak Kod pacijenata sa dijabetesom veće koncentracije TNFR2 odgovaraju većim vrednostima NPE, PESA i PISA. Nasuprot tome, kod sistemski zdravih ispitanika sa HP veće vrednosti NPE su povezane sa manjim koncentracijama TNFR2, što bi moglo govoriti o potencijalnoj zaštitnoj ulozi ovog citokina na destrukciju parodoncijuma. Rezultati govore da dijabetes može uticati na sekreciju TNFR2 iz parodoncijuma

The possibilities for implementation of photovoltaic solar panels in multi-family housing areas

Usled dinamičnije promene klime i porasta broja ljudi u gradovima obnovljivi izvori energije (OIE) sve više doprinose racionalnijem korišćenju energije. Imajući u vidu značaj koji upotreba OIE u stanovanju donosi u pogledu finansijske uštede i smanjenja emisije CO2, rad ispituje mogućnost upotrebe OIE u područjima višeporodičnog stanovanja sa aspekta sakupljanja i konverzije solarne energije odnosno implementacije fotovoltaičnih panela i generisanja električne energije. Kod višeporodičnog stanovanja, problem održivosti i primene OIE je složen zadatak, prvenstveno zbog postojećih načina korišćenja prostora i vlasništva koje je višeslojno, ali i postojanja potrebe za aktivnim uključenjem cele stambene zajednice u procesu donošenja odluka i pokretanja inicijativa. Istraživanje analizira prednosti i mane za postavljanje solarnih panela i to na krovovima i fasadama objekata, i u okviru zajedničkih otvorenih prostora u bloku, postavljanjem solarnih svetiljki, solarnog napajanja za električna vozila, solarnih punjača itd. Ispitivanje mogućnosti za korišćenje solarne energije sprovedeno je na primeru stambenog Bloka 29 na Novom Beogradu, urbanističkom analizom uz podršku odgovarajućih podataka o solarnoj radijaciji za analizirano područje i softvera Skelion i PVGIS-a za numeričku i grafičku ilustraciju količina energije koje je moguće dobiti postavljanjem fotonaponskih solarnih panela. Rad sagledava dva različita scenarija: kada se paneli instaliraju na krovovima stambenih objekata i kada se oni postavljaju na otvorenim prostorima, istovremeno analizirajući potencijale svakog od njih i preduslove za njihovu realizaciju u praksi. Dobijeni rezultati imaju za cilj da uporede kolicine elektricne energije dobijene proracunom za dva različita scenarija.Due to the increasingly dynamic climate change and the increase in the number of people in cities, renewable energy sources (RES) are contributing to a more rational use of energy. Given the importance that the use of RES in housing directly brings in terms of financial savings and reduction of CO2 emissions, the paper examines the possibility of using RES in multi-family housing from the aspect of solar energy collection and conversion respectively implementation of photovoltaic panels and electricity generation. In multi-family housing, the problem of sustainability and implementation of RES is a complex task, primarily due to the existing ways of using space and ownership, which is multi-layered, but also the need for the active involvement of the entire housing community in decision-making and initiatives. The research analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of installing solar panels on the rooftops and facades of buildings, and within the common open spaces in the block, by installing solar lamps, solar power for electric vehicles, solar chargers, etc. The examination of the possibilities for using solar energy was conducted on the example of the residential Block 29 in New Belgrade, using urban analysis supported by appropriate data on solar radiation for the analyzed area and Skelion software for a numerical and graphical illustration of the amount of energy that can be obtained by installing photovoltaic solar panels. The paper considers two different scenarios: when panels are installed on the roofs of buildings and when they are installed in open spaces, analyzing the potential of each and the prerequisites for their implementation in practice. The results aim to compare the quantities of electricity obtained by calculation for two different scenarios.Urednik: Zoran Stevi

The legal framework in the field of Energy Efficiency and RES as one of the key precondi-tions for the sustainable development of Serbia

Rad se bavi analizom dva od četiri zakona iz oblasti energetike koji su usvojeni aprila meseca 2021. godine i to: Zakonom o korišćenju obnovljivih izvora energije i Zakonom o energetskoj efikasnosti i racionalnoj upotrebi energije. U radu su prikazana istraživanja koja se odnose na novine koje ovi zakoni donose, potrebne preduslove za njihovo sprovođenje i implementaciju, prepreke i mogućnosti na putu Srbije ka većoj primeni zelene energije, smanjenju emisija CO2 i održivom razvoju, u skladu i sa novim strateškim okvirima u ovoj oblasti (NERP, Strategija niskougljeničnog razvoja). Da bi se ovo ostvarilo, potrebno je doneti niz podzakonskih akata, kojima se u startu rešavaju brojne nedoumice. Rad se posebno bavi zakonskim preduslovima za sprovođenje ideje korišćenja obnovljivih izvora energije u stanovanju. Osim toga, u Nacrtu Nacionalne stambene strategije 2020-2030. ističe se da, s obzirom na činjenicu da je stambeni fond veliki potrošač energije, unapređenje energetskih svojstava ovog fonda predstavlja zadatak ne samo od nacionalnog, već i globalnog značaja (odnosi se na celokupan stambeni fond - višeporodično/kolektivno i porodično/individualno stanovanje). Prema pomenutoj Strategiji veliki udeo potrošnje energije troši se za grejanje, a sve više i za hlađenje stanova/kuća, a stalni rast ukupne potrošnje energije ukazuje na neracionalno i neodrživo korišćenja energije u sektoru stanovanja. Stoga unapređenje energetske efikasnosti i korišćenje obnovljivih izvora energije u stambenom sektoru predstavlja jedan od ključnih izazova za održivi razvoj Srbije u budućnosti. U radu se daju predlozi za permanentno, sistematsko i plansko obrazovanje, podizanje svesti građana o značaju primene i potencijalima OIE. Stimulisanje korišćenja ovog vida energije i primena energetske efikasnosti mora biti permanentna misija struke, nauke i politike. Stimulacija države kako kroz donešenu legislativu, tako i kroz praktične procedure koje neće biti previse komplikovane, i povoljne kredite, može omogućiti opredeljenje korisnika stambenih objekata i zajednica za ovaj vid proizvodnje energije.This paper analyses two of the four laws in the field of the energy sector that were adopted in April 2021: The Law on the Use of Renewable Energy Sources and the Law on Energy Efficiency and Rational Use of Energy. It presents research related to the improve-ments brought by these laws, the necessary preconditions for their implementation, potential obstacles and opportunities on Serbia's path to greater and wider use of green energy, re-duction of CO2 emissions, and sustainable development, following the new strategic frame-work in this area (NERP, Low Carbon Development Strategy). To achieve full potential and initially resolve numerous doubts, it is necessary to pass through bylaws. The paper deals with the legal preconditions for implementing renewable energy sources in housing. In addition, in the Draft National Housing Strategy 2020-2030, it is pointed out that, given the fact that the housing sector is a big energy consumer, improving the energy performance of housing funds is a task not only of national but also global im-portance (refers to the entire housing market - multi-family/collective and family/individual housing). According to the mentioned Strategy, a large share of energy consumption is spent on heating, and more and more on the cooling of dwellings/houses. The constant growth of total energy consumption indicates irrational and unsustainable energy use in the housing sector. Therefore, improving energy efficiency and using renewable energy sources in the housing sector is one of the key challenges for Serbia's sustainable development in the fu-ture. The paper presents proposals for permanent, systematic, and planned education and raising citizens' awareness of the importance of implementation and the potential of RES. Stimulating the use of this type of energy and the application of energy efficiency must be a permanent mission of the profession, science, and politics. Stimulation of the state, both through the adopted legislation and through practical procedures that will not be overly complicated and through favorable loans, can enable the involvement of house owners and housing communities for this type of energy production.Urednik: prof. dr Zoran Stevi

The role of the Buyer-Producer (Prosumer) in the implementation of RES in Serbia: Obstacles and opportunities

Vlada Srbije je 2021. godine usvojila set zakona iz oblasti energetike, od kojih je najznačajniji: Zakon o korišćenju obnovljivih izvora energije. Ovaj zakon je omogućio javnu prodaju električne energije iz obnovljivih izvora energije u skladu sa smernicama o državnoj pomoći. Novina koju ovaj zakon uneo je pojam kupac-proizvođač (prozjumer), označavajući krajnjeg kupca koji je poseduje sopstveni objekat za proizvodnju električne energije iz OIE, pri čemu se proizvedena električna energija koristi za sopstvenu potrošnju, a višak proizvedene električne energije isporučuje u distributivni sistem. Prema ovom zakonu nisu postojala ograničenja koja se odnose na instaliranje elektrane maksimalne snage za domaćinstva i pravna lica, međutim u aprilu 2023. godine došlo je do promene zakonske regulative s Zakonom o izmenama i dopunama Zakona o korišćenju obnovljivih izvora energije, na osnovu koga su kupci-proizvođači ograničeni da instaliraju elektrane maksimalne snage do 10,8 kW za domaćinstva, odnosno do 5 MW za pravna lica. Od stupanja zakona iz 2021. godine do jula 2023. godine u Srbiji je preko 1300 domaćinstava i više od 450 pravnih lica dobilo status kupaca-proizvođača, sa ukupno instalisanom snagom od oko 20 MW. Rad istražuje ulogu prozjumera u primeni obnovljivih izvora električne energije na prodručju Srbije, osvrćući se na prepoznate prepreke i mogućnosti. U uvodnom delu daje osvrt na evropska iskustva i iskustva zemalja u okruženju, gde je nakon toga rad kroz formu anketnog upitnika ispitivao trenutne probleme prozjumera na teritoriji Srbije, mapirajući konkretne proceduralne, finansijske i druge problematične aspekte, ali i motivacije aktivnih prozjumera. Takođe rad ispituje stav prozjumer, kao i nadanja, u odnosu na postojeću i buduću zakonsku regulativu, gde se ističe negativan odnos ka procedurama koju prozjumeri prolaze u registraciji, inertnosti sistema, ali i delimično pozitivan odnos ka unapređenju zakonske regulative iz 2023. godine. Sprovedeno istraživanje predstavlja polazni poligon za planirano masovnije ispitivanje posledica zakonodavnih promena i iskustava kupaca-proizvođača, a u cilju unapređenja celokupnog procesa u budućnosti.In 2021, the Government of Serbia adopted a set of laws in the energy field, the most significant of which is the Law on the Use of Renewable Energy Sources. This law enabled the public sale of electricity from RES following state aid guidelines. The novelty introduced by this law is the term customer-producer (prosumer), denoting the end customer who owns his facility for the production of electricity from RES, using the produced electricity for his consumption, and the excess electricity is delivered to the distribution system. Law posed no restrictions related to the installation of a maximum power of a solar plant for households and legal entities; however, in April 2023, the Law on Amendments to the Law on the Use of Renewable Energy Sources limited the prosumers’ installing maximum power to 10.8 kW for households, or up to 5 MW for legal entities. From 2021 until July 2023, over 1,300 households and more than 450 legal entities in Serbia received buyer-producer status, with a total installed power of more than 20 MW. This paper researches consumers’ role in the RES application in Serbia, focusing on recognised problems and opportunities. In the introductory part, the paper gives an overview of European experiences and the experiences of countries in the surrounding area, after which the paper examines the current problems of prosumers in Serbia, emphasising specific procedural, financial and other potentially problematic aspects as well as the motivations of active prosumers for the use of the OIE, through the form of survey research. The paper also examines the attitude of prosumers, as well as hopes, concerning existing and future legislation. The paper points out the partly negative attitude of prosumers towards the procedures that prosumers go through in the registration process, and the inertness of the system, but also a positive attitude towards improving the legislation from 2023 is highlighted. The conducted research is a starting point for the planned further mass examination of the consequences of legislative changes and buyers-producers’ experiences, intending to improve the entire process in the future.Editor: Milica Vlahovi