National identity of the Serbs in Croatia: from constitutive people to minority

2010/2011La tesi intitolata “Serbs of Croatia: from constitutive people to natonal minority” (trad. I Serbi della Croazia: da popolo costitutivo a minoranza nazionale) ha per obiettivo lo studio dell’identità nazionale di un gruppo minoritario, precisamente la minoranza serba in Croazia, con l’ausilio di metodi sia quantitativi che qualitativi. Trattandosi di un popolo che è autoctono da secoli in questi territori e che ha goduto per lungo tempo di un particolare status giuridico, con l’inizio del conflitto armato in ex Jugoslavia ha perso lo status precedente e si è ritrovato come minoranza nazionale. Ciò ha causato, tralaltro, anche una lotta per la propria identità nazionale che è risultata in un “revival” nazionale perchè la precedente identità jugoslava è sparita assieme allo stato di riferimento, ovvero la Jugoslavia. Tra gli scopi della ricerca è investigare gli attuali aspetti predominanti dell’identità nazionale serba in Croazia, trovare similarità o differenze nelle percezioni riguardanti l’identità nazionale tramite una suddivisione su base territoriale del campione. La ricerca esplora lo sfondo storico e giuridico della minoranza serba in Croazia dal loro insediamento nei Balcani fino agli eventi recenti, come anche le vari teorie riguardanti la definizione di concetti chiave della ricerca, come l’identità nazionale, il nazionalismo, la nazione, ecc. Dopo la parte teorica, segue la parte analitica che si basa sull’elaborazione dei dati ottenuti dal questionario, il quale è stato somministrato a 400 persone di nazionalità serba concentrate in 4 aree (la regione Istriana, la città di Zagreb, l’area colpita dalla guerra e l’area della reintegrazione pacifica). Le informazioni ottenute dal questionairo sono state quantificate in variabili ed elaborate con il programma statistico SPSS. Tutte le informazioni rappresentanti le caratteristice del campione e le loro opinioni sono state calcolate in percentuale ed espresse in grafici. La ricerca si basa su quattro ipotesi generali che sono state analizzate con l’ausilio di metodi statistici che calcolano la correlazione tra variabili. Per ottenere ulteriori informazioni che aiutino a comprendere più a fondo il fenomeno studiato e i risultati ottenuti, è stato organizzato anche un focus group in cui si è discusso sul tema della ricerca. Tra i risultati più interessanti è emerso che la maggior parte degli intervistati s’identifica nazionalmente come “Serbi” ed in minor parte come “Serbi croati”; per la maggior parte sono di fede Ortodossa, indicando un forte legame tra religione ed identità nazionale; l’aspetto etnico/primordiale è predominante rispetto a quello civico/moderno; è stato misurato un alto indice di tolleranza etnica; l’identificazione nazionale è risultata indipendente da qualsiasi altra variabile, il che ha portato alla conclusione che si tratta di un fenomento difficilmente misurabile, essendo causata principalmente da scelte personali dell’individuo. In conclusione, è risultato che la minoranza serba in Croazia è attualmente molto legata alla propria identità nazionale e al proprio paese di origine (la Serbia), il che è probabilmente causato dal fatto che si tratta di un identità ancora nuova e non del tutto consolidala a causa dell’instabilità socio-politica di tutti i paesi emersi dalla dissoluzione della ex Jugoslavia, che non sono riusciti ad offrire una nuova identità nazionale abbastanza forte da poter sostitutire l’ identità jugoslava persa, come anche a causa dell’inesistenza di un forte punto di riferimento nella figura dello stato. Perciò la minoranza serba si è rivolta principalmente verso il passato, ovvero verso gli elementi etnici e tradizionali della propria identità, soprattutto verso la religione che è risultata essere il principale e più stabile punto di riferimento e di coesione nazionale durante i lunghi periodi di instabilità statale. Rimane ancora da vedere se una comune identità sovrastatale come quella europea riuscirà a sostituire sia l’identità jugoslava persa che le nuove identità nazionali emerse dopo la dissoluzione della ex Jugoslavia.XXIII Cicl

Microwave-Assisted Depolymerisation of Biolignintm in the Presence of Zeolite-Based Catalysts

In this work a microwave-assisted depolymerisation of lignin in the presence of zeolite-based catalysts was studied in order to obtain a valuable bio-oil. Catalytic activity of H-ZSM-5, H-Y, H-BETA and H-Mordenite containing nano-NiO particles was investigated in the depolymerisation of BioligninTM. The catalysts were prepared by mechanochemical dry milling (MCDM) method following by calcination under air at 400 °C. The highest bio-oil yield of 8.78 wt. %, was obtained in the presence of NiO-containing H-ZSM-5

Galectin-3 Deficiency Facilitates TNF-α-Dependent Hepatocyte Death and Liver Inflammation in MCMV Infection

Galectin-3 (Gal-3) has a role in multiple inflammatory pathways. Various, opposite roles of Gal-3 in liver diseases have been described but there are no data about the role of Gal-3 in development of hepatitis induced with cytomegalovirus infection. In this study we aimed to clarify the role of Gal-3 in murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV)-induced hepatitis by using Gal-3-deficient (Gal-3 KO) mice. Here we provide the evidence that Gal-3 has the protective role in MCMV-induced hepatitis. Enhanced hepatitis manifested by more inflammatory and necrotic foci and serum level of ALT, enhanced apoptosis and necroptosis of hepatocytes and enhanced viral replication were detected in MCMV-infected Gal-3 deficient mice. NK cells does not contribute to more severe liver damage in MCMV-infected Gal-3 KO mice. Enhanced expression of TNF-α in the hepatocytes of Gal-3 KO mice after MCMV infection, abrogated hepatocyte death, and attenuated inflammation in the livers of Gal-3 KO mice after TNF-α blockade suggest that TNF-α plays the role in enhanced disease in Gal-3 deficient animals. Treatment with recombinant Gal-3 reduces inflammation and especially necrosis of hepatocytes in the livers of MCMV-infected Gal-3 KO mice. Our data highlight the protective role of Gal-3 in MCMV-induced hepatitis by attenuation of TNF-α-mediated death of hepatocytes

DIJAGNOZA HLAMIDIJALNE INFEKCIJE

Chlamydial infection affects young, sexually active persons. As the most common bacterial sexually transmitted infection in the world, Chlamydia can lead to severe consequences in reproductive system, including chronic pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy and tubal factor infertility. On the other hand, although in large number of women the immune response is capable of removing the pathogen, infection can ascendently spread to the upper reproductive tract where can develop into persistent infection. Diagnostic procedures for detecting chlamydial infection include direct and indirect methods. Localized acute infections are detected by direct pathogen detection using cell culture, tests for qualitative detection of antigens, hybridization tests and nucleic acid amplification tests. When the infection has passed on the upper genital tract, especially in the case of a developed persistent infection, the diagnosis is usually made by indirect methods - the detection of antibodies to chlamydial antigens. Direct pathogen detection in patient material is necessary for the diagnosis of an acute chlamydial infection. Of all direct diagnostic tests, nucleic acid amplification tests are the only tests recommended by European and American Center for Disease Control and Prevention which can be used for the diagnosis of an acute chlamydial infection. These tests are recommended for their high sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic speed. Indirect serological tests which detect immune response or antibodies specific to chlamydial antigens are recommended for the detection of persistent chlamydial infection. Serum samples are relatively easy to collect, while tissue samples from the place of persistent infection are often hard to reach or unavailable.Publishe

The status and role of genetic diversity of trees for the conservation and management of riparian ecosystems: a European experts’ perspective

1. Riparian vegetation supports high biodiversity providing many services and is, therefore, an important landscape element. Riparian ecosystems are subject to numerous pressures leading to population decline and genetic erosion of riparian plants. This may have cascading effects at various ecosystem levels, including decreasing ecosystem services, so identifying the current status of genetic diversity of riparian tree species is vital to improve the effectiveness of restoration efforts. 2. We aimed to elicit expert views on the status and importance of genetic diversity of tree species, and conservation needs across European riparian ecosystems. Sharing of such information among researchers, managers and policymakers has the potential to enhance ecological restoration and management of riparian ecosystems. 3. We identified experts in riparian genetic resources conservation and management across Europe. These included stakeholders with different perspectives, ranging from researchers to practitioners. We designed a set of questionnaires where our identified experts were asked to answer questions related to the status and conservation of genetic diversity of riparian tree species in their respective countries. Specifically, we asked about societal awareness, legislative tools, good practices and conservation or restoration projects accounting for intraspecific genetic diversity and differentiation of tree species in riparian ecosystems. Questionnaire responses were analyzed and discussed in light of the scientific literature to define needs and priorities related to the management and conservation of genetic diversity of riparian tree species. 4. The experts recognized that a combination of in situ and ex situ measures and/or integrative conservation of riparian ecosystems is the most appropriate option for conserving the genetic diversity of riparian tree species. Simultaneous application of conservation measures at the level of priority species, identified by experts, and protection of riparian areas are required. 5. Synthesis and applications. This study revealed the importance of recognizing the ecological processes that shape the genetic diversity of riparian tree species in hydrographic networks (dendritic spatial configuration, specific patterns of gene flow among riparian populations, fragmentation of river by dams) but also the need to overcome socio-economic barriers, such as lack of policy priority, deficiency in funding and weak legislation framework.Publishe

Uticaj sezone i genotipa na prinos i kvalitet zrna kod ozimih sorti pšenice

The small-scale trials over two years (2011/12th and 2012/13th), examined the six varieties of winter wheat (Vizija, Takovčanka, Planeta, Kruna and Perfekta). Studied grain yield (t ha-1), weight of 1000 grains (g) and test weight (kg hl-1). Estimates were statistically significant differences for grain yield between varieties and years. Cultivars Vizija, Takovčanka and the Planeta have conducted surveys have shown a high degree of adaptability conditions of production of wheat and had a satisfactory yield in the examined vegetation seasons.U mikroogledima tokom dve godine (2011/12.-2012/13.), ispitivano je šest sorti ozime pšenice (Vizija, Takovčanka, Planeta, Kruna i Perfekta). Istraživan je prinos zrna (t ha-1), masa 1000 zrna (gr) i hektolitarska masa (kg hl-1). Procenjene su statistički signifikantne razlike za prinos zrna između sorti i godina. Sorte Vizija, Takovčanka i Planeta su u sprovedenim ispitivanjima pokazale visok stepen adaptabilnosti uslovima proizvodnje pšenice i imale su zadovoljavajući prinos u ispitivanim godinama

Uticaj godine na prinos i kvalitet zrna ozimih sorti pšenice

The small-scale trials over two years (2009/10th and 2010/11th), examined the six varieties of winter wheat (Vizija, Takovčanka, Kg 56 S, Kruna, Aleksandra and Planeta). Studied grain yield (t ha-1), weight of 1000 grains (g) and test weight (kg hl-1). Estimates were statistically significant differences for grain yield between varieties and years. Cultivars Vizija, Kg 56 S, Takovčanka and the Kruna have conducted surveys have shown a high degree of adaptability conditions of production of wheat and had a satisfactory yield in the examined vegetation seasons.U mikroogledima tokom dve godine (2009/10.-2010/11.), ispitivano je šest sorti ozime pšenice (Vizija, Takovčanka, Kg 56 S, Kruna, Aleksandra i Planeta). Istraživan je prinos zrna (t ha-1), masa 1000 zrna (gr) i hektolitarska masa (kg hl-1). Procenjene su statistički signifikantne razlike za prinos zrna između sorti i godina. Sorte Vizija, Kg 56 S, Takovčanka i Kruna su u sprovedenim ispitivanjima pokazale visok stepen adaptabilnosti uslovima proizvodnje pšenice i imale su zadovoljavajući prinos u ispitivanim godinama

Risk factors for severe dental anxiety among medical students

Background/Aim. Severe dental anxiety (SDA) is the most severe form of dental anxiety, thus the aim of this study was to determine the factors associated with SDA in students of health-related disciplines. Methods. In this case-control study the cases were students with severe dental anxiety. The study was conducted at the Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Serbia. The participants were undergraduate students attending lectures during spring semester 2010/2011 (n = 1,812). A random sample of 800 students was assessed for the association between various risk factors and the severe dental anxiety. The main outcome measures were the data on demographics, dental anxiety, habits concerning oral hygiene, nutrition, general anxiety and (co)morbidity which were collected from the study participants by semi-structured question questionnaire. Results. Less frequent visits to the dentist (OR adjusted = 7.02 [2.65; 18.60]) and visiting the dentist only when there is a dental problem (OR adjusted = 8.08 [1.28; 50.93]) were associated with severe dental anxiety. The same was true for improper oral hygiene (OR adjusted = 4.25 [1.16; 15.60]). Factors as changing toothbrush more frequently (OR adjusted = 0.33 [0.14; 0.76]) and having chronic disease (OR adjusted = 0.01 [0.00; 0.09]) were inversely associated with severe dental anxiety. The level of education of students was not associated with severe dental anxiety. Conclusion. Inappropriate oral hygiene, less frequent changes of a toothbrush and less frequent visits to the dentist are important risk factors for severe dental anxiety