FOREWORD

A good and resourceful manager has always been and will continue to be a key factor in a successful educational institution, both by shaping relationships with the environment and by functionally managing the resources of the educational institution. Skilled managers are professionals who are aware of their role in the functioning of the institution they manage and in realising its potential. Thus, they must keep up with the times, with the development of pedagogical science and the new principles for optimising pedagogical work at all levels of education.The special issue of Facta Universitatis, Series: Teaching, Learning and Teacher Education was prepared following the international scientific conference Management in Education - Contemporary Approaches and Perspectives, held on November 25, 2022 at the Pedagogical Faculty in Vranje, University of Niš, Serbia. The conference was organised by the Pedagogical Faculty in Vranje in cooperation with the Faculty of Education, University of Primorska, Slovenia; the Faculty of Teacher Education, University of Zagreb, Croatia; the Faculty of Pedagogy, University "St. Kliment Ohridski" Bitola, North Macedonia; St Kliment Ohridski Faculty of Pedagogy, SS Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, North Macedonia and the Faculty of Philosophy, University of Niš, Serbia.The global market for knowledge and education requires the academic community to respond to current trends in educational management and institutions. Therefore, it is expected that the work presented at the conference will contribute to the promotion of areas that are important for the development and modernization of management in education. This is one of the leading areas of education that influences socio-economic development through the implementation of its basic functions: planning, organising, directing and controlling, analysing and measuring the results of educational services and performance.The conference brought together academics from nine countries and nineteen universities to raise awareness of the diverse global challenges related to the following topics: Contemporary Theoretical Concepts of Management - Implementation in Educational Institutions, Strategic and Developmental Management in Education - Factors for Efficiency of Educational Institutions, Strategic Planning in Education in Uncertain Conditions, Knowledge Management in Education, Leadership in Education, Styles and Competencies of Leaders, Management of Education in the Digital Age: the Role of ICT and other challenges and opportunities in Management in Education.By considering these topics of permanent importance, some possible answers were given to questions related to the function of management (both strategic and operational) in modern education, the challenges of the role of managers, the improvement of management technology, the quality of human resources in an educational institution, the process of training future managers and other important issues within the defined topics. In this sense, it was concluded that the need for capable managers who manage the creation of new values and ways of working with measurable business success is present in all areas of work. Modern management as a social technology, or as a way to implement a certain idea through the commitment of others, requires an educationally trained workforce, a leader with managerial skills who, during training, must sharpen their leadership skills and vision, both for the work they will perform and for the actual life they will lead

Provera teorije o dva aspekta moralnosti na uzorku građana Srbije

The main goal of this study is to verify Lind’s Dual-Aspect Theory of Morality on Serbian population. The Lind's Moral Judgment Test (MJT), based on this theory, consists of two dilemmas and aims at estimating cognitive (moral competency) and affective aspect (moral preference) of moral judgement. The validity of the Serbian version of the test was verified through the criteria based on the modification of Lind's main hypotheses and pillars of the cognitive development theory (hierarchical preference, quasi-simplex structure of intercorrelation and affectivecognitive parallelism). These criteria have proven to be very effective in cross-cultural validation of MJT in more than 30 languages. The Serbian version of the test at hand, validated by its very author, is included as well. All of the mentioned criteria, having been verified on a sample, have been checked on subsamples according to gender and the level of education, but also on data produced separately, on two dilemmas. The data have been collected on a respective sample amounting up to 180 of both genders. There were 45 people per each educational level encompassed (second and third year of high school and second and fourth year of faculty). Data processing methods included descriptive statistics, measures of relationship and multivariate techniques (hierarchical regression, ANOVA, factor analysis). The results, although with minor deviations, support the hypothesis about the hierarchical preference, where the argument preference of stage 4 is the most noticeable one. The criteria verification on dilemmas separately, provided the same results as when verifying criteria on both dilemmas. However, there was a difference – Workers dilemma resulted the most in adopting arguments of stage 4, while Doctor dilemma resulted the most in adopting arguments of stage 6. The hierarchical preference of stages is quite similar between samples of men and women and reflects, to a great extent, the argument preference of the whole sample on both dilemmas. The criterion of hierarchical preference was also verified on subsamples of different educational levels, and, also as expected, it rose along with the educational level. The verification of the hypothesis which indicated the existence of quasi-simplex structures, resulted in the confirmation on the Serbian validation sample, and, the existence of deviations related to saturation inversion of stage 1 and 2, did not affect the criterion validity. The results related to separate dilemmas and subsamples according to gender are in line with the predictions, and the inversions and deviations can be considered as minimal, without influence on criteria validity. The validation of criteria was done also on subsamples according to educational levels, and the biggest deviation from the hypothesis is present in the second year of high school students. As in the above mentioned criteria, when verifying the last criterion – cognitive-affective parallelism, the deviations which appeared did not affect the validation of this criterion. The hypothesis of parallelism of two aspects was verified based on the results received on two dilemmas separately, as well as on those results received on the sample of different gender (the cognitive-affective parallelism gave a clearer picture in the females). When this criterion was verified on the subsample according to the educational level, it was most noticeable on the results received in the fourth year of the secondary school students, while the intercorrelation variation of the quasi-simplex structure was most noticeable in the second year faculty students. The findings of numerous investigations point to the fact that, in order to have a complete and deeper understanding of moral behaviour of people, certain cognitive and noncognitive variables need to be encompassed. Therefore, the next task in the paper tested the integral structural model which predicted the moral action (indicator – whether a person committed a criminal act), based on the relations among foundations of morality and its ties (ability of moral rationing, moral attitudes, moral emotions, cognitive distortions and locus of control). Therefore, the stability of these results was verified on subsamples according to sociodemographic variables (gender, age, education, marital status). For their verification, apart from Lind's MJT, the following instruments were used: Emotional Empathy Scale, Test of Self-conscious Affect (TOSCAA), How I think Questionnaire (HIT-Q) and Internality, Powerful Others and Chance Scales (IPC Scales). The sample numbered 393 people of both genders, aged 19 - 65. Out of this number, 80 of them were imprisoned due to criminal activities involving goods. While processing data, at this stage, apart from the descriptive statistics and the measure of relationship, multivariate techniques have been used as well (linear and hierarchical regression, factor analysis, structural equation modelling). The results show that the Lind theoretical model is not in line with the empirical data and that C score does not have a statistically relevant effect on the criterion variable. Further on, due to numerous variables in the model and its complexity, the set of analyses was done, which resulted in the final model which was both verified theoretically and empirically. The results showed that the model which is the most wellbecoming, apart from the moral reasoning stages and C score, amounts up to the factor score made of locus of control with external orientation and cognitive distortion (which surfaced as the most protruding), and the moral emotion of shame. The other two moral emotions, as well as the internal locus of control, have an indirect influence. The model explains 19% of variance of the criterion variable for criminal act. Finally, significant differences were registered related to predicting criminal acts based on suggested model of moral action depending on the sub causes of group types of the sample. The suggested combination of variables implies the biggest prediction on the subsample, aged 31 - 40 (37%), then on the subsample of males (34%), while their contribution is the lowest on the subsample related to whether they have a faculty degree (7%). In general, the results are in favour of the Lind theory on Serbian population. In the second part of the study, the results show that the model which includes all of the verified variables, explains around 19% of variance of their variability

Bone turnover markers in medicamentous and physiological hyperprolactinemia in female rats

Background/Aim. There is a lack of data on the effects of prolactin on calcium metabolism and bone turnover in hyperprolactinemia of various origins. The aim of this study was to compare the influence of medicamentous and physiological hyperprolactinemia on bone turnover in female rats. Methods. Experimental animals (18 weeks old, Wistar female rats) were divided as follows: the group P - 9 rats, 3 weeks pregnant; the group M3-10 rats that were intramuscularly administrated sulpirid (10 mg/kg) twice daily for 3 weeks, the group M6 - 10 rats that were intramuscularly administrated with sulpirid (10 mg/kg) twice daily for 6 weeks, and age matched nulliparous rats as the control group: 10 rats, 18-week-old (C1) and 7 rats, 24 weeks old (C2). Laboratory investigations included serum ionized calcium and phosphorus, urinary calcium and phosphorous excretion, osteocalcin and serum procollagen type 1 N-terminal propeptide (P1NP). Results. Experimental animals in the group P compared to the control group, displayed lower mean serum ionized calcium (0.5 ± 0.2 vs 1.12 ± 0.04 mmol/L; p < 0.001); higher mean serum phosphorus (2.42 ± 0.46 vs 2.05 ± 0.2 mmol/L; p < 0.05); increased urinary calcium (3.90 ± 0.46 vs 3.05 ± 0.58; p < 0.01) and significantly increased P1NP (489,22 ± 46,77 vs 361.9 ± 53,01 pg/mL; p < 0.001). Experimental animals in the group M3 had significantly decreased P1NP, compared to the control group. Prolongated medicamentous hyperprolactinemia (the group M6) induced increased serum ionized calcium (1.21 ± 0.03 vs 1.15 ± 0.02 mmol/L; p < 0.001); decreased serum phosphorus (1.70 ± 0.13 vs 1.89 ± 0.32 mmol/L; p < 0.001); decreased osteocalcin and P1NP. Conclusions. Physiological hyperprolactinemia does not have such harmful effect on bone metabolism as medicamentous hyperprolactinemia. Chronic medicamentous hyperprolactinemia produces lower serum levels of bone formation markers. Assessment of bone turnover markers in prolongated medicamentous hyperprolactinemia provides an opportunity for earlier diagnosis of bone metabolism disturbances and should be considered as mandatory

Air quality assessment during COVID-19: A case study of Serbia

The discovery of a new virus has forced many countries to introduce drastic measures at the beginning of the pandemic to protect human health. These measures include the reduced mobility of people and the reduction of certain economic activities. As a consequence, studies conducted in different countries have reported significant improvement in air quality. This paper aims to assess the impact of quarantine and lockdown measures on air quality in the city of Bor. Data regarding concentrations of PM10 and SO2 were collected using three monitoring stations located in the urban part of the city and compared with corresponding periods in 2019 and 2021. The results have shown that concentrations of these pollutants were even higher during the lockdown period. Concentrations of SO2 were 58 % higher compared to those in the corresponding period in 2019 and 56 % higher compared to those in 2021. The mean daily values of PM10 were 47 % higher compared to those in 2019 and 29 % higher compared to those in 2021

IMPROVING PERFORMANCE OF VAT SYSTEM IN DEVELOPING EU COUNTRIES: ESTIMATING THE DETERMINANTS OF THE RATIO C-EFFICIENCY IN THE PERIOD 1997-2017

Indirect taxes have a significant place in developing EU countries’ tax systems. The article sums up scholars of different scientists, dealing with the impact of VAT efficiency determinants. The purpose of this study is to investigate the determinants of VAT collection efficiency in the EU developing countries. The study relies on relevant data in transparent international statistical databases, covering the period from 1997 to 2017. The main research question in this paper is: does rise in value added tax rate negatively affect VAT collection efficiency in the EU developing countries. Accordingly, one of the independent variables included in the survey is standard annual VAT rate. In addition to standard VAT rate, as a determinant of VAT collection efficiency, we analyze: economic growth rate, export of goods, export of services, wages and salaries, household consumption. The hypotheses set are analyzed using correlation and regression analyses. Empirical results show a positive effect of economic growth rate, export of goods, and the negative effect of two variables: standard VAT rate and household consumption. The two observed variables, export of services and wages and salaries, do not show a statistically significant effect. The results obtained using appropriate statistical tools serve as guidelines to macroeconomic policy makers to generate higher tax revenues from VAT. By analyzing the C-efficiency determinant, we design a relevant development strategy approach for economically underdeveloped EU countries.Indirect taxes have a significant place in developing EU countries’ tax systems. The article sums up scholars of different scientists, dealing with the impact of VAT efficiency determinants. The purpose of this study is to investigate the determinants of VAT collection efficiency in the EU developing countries. The study relies on relevant data in transparent international statistical databases, covering the period from 1997 to 2017. The main research question in this paper is: does rise in value added tax rate negatively affect VAT collection efficiency in the EU developing countries. Accordingly, one of the independent variables included in the survey is standard annual VAT rate. In addition to standard VAT rate, as a determinant of VAT collection efficiency, we analyze: economic growth rate, export of goods, export of services, wages and salaries, household consumption. The hypotheses set are analyzed using correlation and regression analyses. Empirical results show a positive effect of economic growth rate, export of goods, and the negative effect of two variables: standard VAT rate and household consumption. The two observed variables, export of services and wages and salaries, do not show a statistically significant effect. The results obtained using appropriate statistical tools serve as guidelines to macroeconomic policy makers to generate higher tax revenues from VAT. By analyzing the C-efficiency determinant, we design a relevant development strategy approach for economically underdeveloped EU countries

Reversal of FLT3 Mutational Status and Sustained Expression of NPM1 Mutation in Paired Presentation, and Relapse Samples in a Patient with Acute Myeloid Leukemia

We report a case of de novo acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with unstable FLT3 gene mutations and stable NPM1 mutation. FLT3/D835 and NPM1 (Type A) mutations were detected upon diagnosis. During the relapse, the FLT3/D835 mutation changed to an FLT3/ITD mutation while the NPM1 (Type A) mutation was retained. Cytogenetic analyses showed the normal karyotype at diagnosis and relapse. Our findings raise interesting questions about the significance of these mutations in the leukemogenic process, about their stability during the evolution of the disease, and regarding the selection of appropriate molecular markers for the monitoring of minimal residual disease

POSSIBLE MODELS OF INTEGRATION OF PRESCHOOL MATHEMATICS AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION

The main goal of this paper is to suggest possible models of integration of preschool mathematics and physical education in accordance with characteristics of children’s cognitive development in this period, goals and objectives of preschool education and specifics of these subject areas in working with preschool children. It was investigated “why it is necessary to integrate teaching content of these specific subjects”, the different integration models, similar goals and learning objectives were specified, as well as appropriate types of integration suitable for linking the content of these subjects. Through the complete integration of related goals, as well as by observing mathematics through physical education, and physical education through mathematics, various possibilities of integrating teaching materials of these subjects are presented through specific examples as well as the appropriate instructions for their design. Integration of these subject areas is useful because due to the abstract nature of mathematical concepts, physical education allows children to learn about, explore and use to apply key mathematical concepts and language from another angle

LICHENS AS INDICATORS OF AIR QUALITY IN BALNEOLOGICAL CENTER PROLOM BANJA (SOUTHERN SERBIA)

This paper deals with using lichens as a bioindicators of the air quality and it was conducted on the territory of balneological center Prolom Banja (Southern Serbia). The exploration was conducted in the year 2019. The analysis of the sample from 15 investigated points indicates the presence of 72 lichen taxa, which shows that this area is rich in lichen species. For each investigated point, the index values of atmospheric purity (IAP) and index of human impact (IHI) were calculated. The IAP values varied in range from 40 to 56, while IHI values ranged between 8 and 24. Therefore, the map showing the air quality of the investigated area was made. There is a presence of “normal lichen zone” on the map which indicates that the air quality in this area is quite good. There are no significant air pollution sources in this area, so the level of pollution is considered low or very low. In the investigated area there are not stations for the monitoring of physico-chemical parameters of air quality. The investigation of air quality on the territory of Prolom Banja has not been done until now.

Profitability of food industry companies in the Republic of Serbia

Food industry is an important segment of manufacturing industry. The EU food industry is the world's leader. An important characteristic of the food sector of the Republic of Serbia is its pronounced dual structure, with a large number of small and mediumsized and a small number of large companies. It is believed that the relatively modest funds for investment in modern technology and increasing production efficiency, despite foreign direct investment, have an unfavourable effect on the perspective of this sector. Based on the number of companies, capacities, volume of production, export potential, and number of employees, confectionery industry is assessed as a significant segment of food industry and economy of the Republic of Serbia. The research objective is to examine whether reputable companies in the food industry of the Republic of Serbia are profitable and assess their profitability growth in the past four-year period. The research results show that the values of the relevant profitability indicators vary considerably in the observed period, regardless of their reputation and the competitive position on the market

Profitability of food industry companies in the Republic of Serbia

Food industry is an important segment of manufacturing industry. The EU food industry is the world's leader. An important characteristic of the food sector of the Republic of Serbia is its pronounced dual structure, with a large number of small and mediumsized and a small number of large companies. It is believed that the relatively modest funds for investment in modern technology and increasing production efficiency, despite foreign direct investment, have an unfavourable effect on the perspective of this sector. Based on the number of companies, capacities, volume of production, export potential, and number of employees, confectionery industry is assessed as a significant segment of food industry and economy of the Republic of Serbia. The research objective is to examine whether reputable companies in the food industry of the Republic of Serbia are profitable and assess their profitability growth in the past four-year period. The research results show that the values of the relevant profitability indicators vary considerably in the observed period, regardless of their reputation and the competitive position on the market.Publishe