A new endemic representative of the genus Rascioduvalius S. B. Ćurčić, Brajković, Mitić & B. P. M. Ćurčić from Mt. Zlatibor, Western Serbia (Trechini, Carabidae, Coleoptera)

A new species of cavernicolous and endemic trechine ground beetles Rascioduvalis zlatiborensis n. sp., is described and diagnosed in the present paper. Also, all important taxonomic features are considered and illustrated. The type specimens of the new species were collected from the Markova (= Ršumska) Pećina Cave, village of Gornji Ljubiš, Mt. Zlatibor, Western Serbia. The new species and its congeners belong to a separate phyletic lineage of Tertiary age. All members of Rascioduvalius S. B. Ćurčić, Brajković, Mitić & B. P. M. Ćurčić are distributed in Western Serbia only, where they have gone through intense differentiation and radiation due to evolution of the karstic relief

Effects of geoecological factors on vegetation of the Gruža basin

The paper presents the results of a study of the effects of geoecological factors on the vegetation of the Gruža basin (F=618.6 kmІ). In the first phase, geoecological factors were identified and their differentiation to physical geographic (geological structure, tectonics, relief, climate, waters, types of land) and anthropogeographic factors (activities of population) was carried out. In the second phase, their influence on vegetation was defined, and in the third phase, the condition in the Gruža basin was analyzed on the basis of topographic and thematic maps using GIS methodology

Mountain border area of eastern Serbia in the function of the spring zones of surface water

Border mountain area of eastern Serbia has a distinct potential and importance in the function of surface water sources, which are characterized by range of geographical and environmental characteristics and similarities determined by mountainous character of the territory. For the purposes of this paper, border area of Serbia towards Bulgaria is provisionally determined by iso-border of 25 km. On the defined area of eastern Serbia there are 11 individual territories allocated in the function of being surface water source. Key objects for the realization of the goals of rational and functional exploitation of surface water sources are accumulations. They are the link between the system of surface water sources and water supply system

Mountain border area of eastern Serbia in the function of the spring zones of surface water

Border mountain area of eastern Serbia has a distinct potential and importance in the function of surface water sources, which are characterized by range of geographical and environmental characteristics and similarities determined by mountainous character of the territory. For the purposes of this paper, border area of Serbia towards Bulgaria is provisionally determined by iso-border of 25 km. On the defined area of eastern Serbia there are 11 individual territories allocated in the function of being surface water source. Key objects for the realization of the goals of rational and functional exploitation of surface water sources are accumulations. They are the link between the system of surface water sources and water supply system

Neobisium yozgati n. sp., and N. anaisae n. sp. (Neobisiidae, Pseudoscorpiones), from Turkey and Macedonia (FYROM), respectively

Two new species of endemic and relict cave-dwellers of genus Neobisium Chamberlin, have been described from Turkey and Macedonia (FYROM), respectively. From its phenetically close congener, N. granulatum Beier, N. yozgati n. sp. (from Yozgat, Turkey) is distinguished in many important respects. In addition, N. anaisae n. sp. (from a cave in Krapa, FYROM) differs from its closest forms (N. korabense Ćurčić, N. ohridanum Hadži, and N. vladimirpantici Ćurčić) by many morphological characters and form of different body parts. Both species are illustrated, diagnosed, and thoroughly described. They both represent endemic and relict forms

REMOTE SENSING ROLE IN ENVIRONMENTAL STRESS ANALYSIS: ЕАST SERBIA WILDFIRES CASE STUDY (2007–2017)

Wildfire has been one of the most dangerous environmental stressors nowadays. It is an important disturbance where ecosystem biomass is burned and where organisms are damaged or killed by fire. Therefore, the detecting and monitoring of this stressor are of great importance. During last decades, extensive forest fires have spread in Southern Europe, and they are registered in Serbia as well. During year 2007, several significant fires were registered in Stara Planina and Svrljiške Planine Mountains. The aims of this study were to detect land cover changes for the studied site from 2007–2017, to focus on monitoring the area affected by the wildfire, and to analyse the environment response to stressor. The study area is situated in East Serbia, partially covering the Mountains Stara Planina (western part) and Svrljiške planine (eastern part). The remote sensing techniques were used in the analysis and main satellite data were obtained via USGS Earth Explorer application. Six different classes were selected: Water, Forest, Pastures, Artificial area, Agriculture, and Bare soil. Results showed significant changes in two classes, Forest, and Pastures — the forest spread for more than 20% at the expense of pasture, which decreased more than 23%

Deafferentation as a cause of hallucinations

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The association between hallucinations and sensory loss, especially vision- and hearing-impairment, has been firmly established over the past years. The deafferentation theory, a decrease of the threshold for activation in the brain and the consequential imbalance between excitatory and inhibitory brain networks, is hypothesized to underly this relationship. Here we review the studies investigating this theory with a focus on the most recent literature to better understand the contribution of sensory loss to hallucinations. RECENT FINDINGS: A large cross-sectional study has recently confirmed the relationship between auditory impairment and deafferentation. However, the underlying mechanisms of deafferentation are still under debate, with hyperexcitability and deviations in bottom-up and top-down processes being the most likely explanations. Social isolation following sensory impairment increases the risk for hallucinations. Better knowledge and awareness about the contribution of deafferentation and loneliness would benefit diagnosis and treatment of hallucinations. SUMMARY: Studies imply activity in higher order areas, corresponding to the functional mapping of sensory system, and a general state of higher excitability as neurobiological explanation. Auditory deafferentation, tinnitus and other auditory hallucinations, likely lie on a continuum. Social isolation mediates psychotic symptoms in sensory-impaired individuals. Currently, there is no standard treatment for deafferentation hallucinations