EU integration and party politics in the Balkans. EPC Issue Paper No.77, September 2014

Throughout the Balkan region, popularly elected leaders consistently fail to meet the democratic standards set by the EU and, more importantly, they fall short of their voters’ expectations. Distrust in representative institutions and disengagement from political life runs dramatically high among the people of the Balkan countries, and this generalised sense of dissatisfaction is starting to breed cynicism also towards the idea of a better future inside the Union. This study highlights the interplay between EU integration and national politics in the region, and that both are consequential for the quality of Balkan democracies, as well as reminiscent of the Western and Central and Eastern European experience

The trans-European transport corridors: Contribution to economic performances of European regions

Previous empirical researches have mostly confirmed the existence of positive impact of transport infrastructure investments on economic growth of national economies. There are a very few researches carried out at the lower levels of territorial units, mostly at the levels of NUTS-1 or NUTS-2 statistical regions. The aim of this paper is to analyse economic effects of transport infrastructure development at even lower level of territorial units, i.e. at the level of NUTS-3 statistical regions. The paper compares economic performances of the TEN-T European regions characterized by developed core trans-European road and rail transport network, with economic performances of other regions without the core network. A significant difference in favour of the TEN-T regions was identified, both in the case of gross value added of the entire economy and gross value added of the manufacturing industry. No significant differences were identified in terms of the employment rate. On the other hand, the labour productivity is higher in the TEN-T regions, primarily in the manufacturing industry, as a direct consequence of reducing transport time and transport costs

Unapređenje procesa izrade Planova detaljne regulacije

Kroz razvojni program EU PRO, koji finansira Evropska unija u partnerstvu sa Vladom Republike Srbije, podrškom u izradi 18 planova detaljne regulacije unapređen je proces izrade planova. Koncept podrške je obuhvatio dodatne obavezne elemente kako bi unapredio kvalitet i sprovodivost planova i to: organizaciju javno-privatnog dijaloga u fazi ranog javnog uvida; kreiranje internet stranice posvećene planu i imejl adrese za dostavljanje pitanja, sugestija i primedbi, kao i za povratne informacije; obaveznu izradu strateške procene uticaja na životnu sredinu; analizu svojinsko-pravnog statusa zemljišta i objekata; izradu programa za uređivanje građevinskog zemljišta, kao i relevantnih studija, istraživanja i promotivnog materijala

Region-specific differences of marrow adipogenesis in mesenchymal stromal (stem) cells of human acetabulum and femur: involvement of fatty acid oxidation

Aging and disease-induced adipogenesis in skeletal system has been described as detrimental process for bone tissue metabolism. Dynamic of adipogenic program is controlled by microenvironmental factors and activity of bone marrow (BM) mesenchymal stromal (stem) cells (MSC)s. As different skeletal locations are not affected by extrinsic factors in same manner, we assumed that marrow adipogenic program can be distinct in acetabular (aMSCs) and femoral MSCs (fMSCs). Here, we compared expanded aMSCs and fMSCs from matched patients undergoing hip arthroplasty (n=6, Ethical approval I-97/11). Cellular and molecular assays were performed to investigate differences in MSC features. Statistical significance was estimated by ANOVA. Results showed that adipogenic stimuli triggered stronger adipogenesis in fMSCs when compared to acetabular counterparts (p=0.036). Tissue non-specific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP) activity and protein expression was higher in fMSCs than in aMSCs, along with significantly higher TNAP levels detected in mitochondrial-enriched fraction proteins in fMSCs. Stronger expression of mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) proteins, supercomplexes I and V was found in fMSCs than in aMSCs. This coincided with increased β-galactosidase and total intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in fMSCs. Lipid droplet accumulation was followed by upregulated tissue beta-galactosidase and TNAP activities, expression of glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase 24734039, 2023, S3, Downloaded from https://asbmr.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jbm4.10738 by Readcube (Labtiva Inc.), Wiley Online Library on [23/01/2024]. See the Terms and Conditions (https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/terms-and-conditions) on Wiley Online Library for rules of use; OA articles are governed by the applicable Creative Commons License (GAPDH), in parallel with stimulated ROS and mitochondrial superoxide production in both MSCs. Presence of fatty acid oxidation (FAO) inhibitor etomoxir increased gene expression of fatty acid binding protein (Fabp)4, while decreased protein and gene expression of GAPDH in both populations. Although etomoxir supported adipogenic differentiation and β-galactosidase activity in aMSCs only, TNAP activity and ROS content stayed unaltered.These results indicate that mitochondrial pathways required for energy production, ETC and FAO are bone-specific, and differently affect marrow adipogenesis in acetabular and femoral regions. Further elucidation of marrow adipogenesis can contribute to development of pharmacologic strategies to support skeletal and metabolic health

Lipid and cellular profiles of acetabular and femoral bone marrow adipose tissues are distinct in hip osteoarthritis patients

Bone marrow (BM) adipose tissue (BMAT) has been described as lipotoxic factor with negative impacts on skeletal system regeneration and repair. As BMAT undergoes metabolic and cellular adaptations with age and disease, we assumed that investigation of BMAT-associated lipid profile and cellularity at different skeletal locations in osteoarthritis (OA) patients might contribute to understanding of lipid involvement in OA development and progression.Acetabular and femoral BM, and femoral subcutaneous adipose tissue (fSAT) were obtained from matched patients (n=11, 5 women, 6 men; age: 65±11 years; BMI: 27.89±4.42 kg/m2) undergoing hip arthroplasty surgery (Ethical approval I-97/11). BM, BMAT and fSAT were explored at the levels of total lipids, fatty acids, and cells, by using thin layer and gas chromatography and ex vivo cellular 24734039, 2023, S3, Downloaded from https://asbmr.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jbm4.10738 by Readcube (Labtiva Inc.), Wiley Online Library on [23/01/2024]. See the Terms and Conditions (https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/terms-and-conditions) on Wiley Online Library for rules of use; OA articles are governed by the applicable Creative Commons License assays. Statistical significance was estimated by non-parametric tests and Spearman’s rank correlation (r) was calculated.BMAT content was significantly higher in femoral (0.262±0.088 mL/g) than in acetabular BM (0.063±0.051 mL/g) (n=11, p=0.016). Negative associations with BMI of patients were found for femoral BM (r=-0.783, p=0.017, n=11) and BMAT (n=9, r=-1.000, p=0.017) tissue cellularity. Additionally, femoral BMAT cellularity declined with age (r=-0.675, n=10, p=0.037). Total lipid analyses revealed significantly lower triglyceride content in femoral than in acetabular BMAT and fSAT. Frequency of saturated palmitic, myristic and stearic acids were higher in femoral than in acetabular BMAT and fSAT, where palmitoleic, linoleic, oleic acids were more dominant. BMAT associated compartments from both locations host lower frequency of non-hematopoietic CD45- neutral lipid-loaded cells when compared to BM. This associated with higher incidence of clonogenic mesenchymal stromal (stem) cells in acetabular (0.032± 0.04%) and femoral (0.021± 0.028%) BMATs and fSAT (0.031 ± 0.016%) than in their BM counterparts. Collectively, our results indicate that the lipid profiles of hip BMAT impose significantly different BM microenvironments and distribution of cells with regenerative potential in OA patients

Sustainable and Integrated Territorial Development Strategy of the City of Užice and Municipalities of Čajetina, Priboj, Požega and Bajina Bašta Urban Area [32nd International urban planners’ exibition]

The EU program for local development - EU PRO Plus supported the development of the Sustainable and integrated territorial development strategy of the city of Užice and municipalities of Čajetina, Priboj, Požega and Bajina Bašta urban area. The objectives of the Strategy are as follows: strengthening the urban identity and renewal of the urban area by supporting of sustainable and integral development; promoting the transition to clean and fair energy, green and blue investments, climate change adaptation and mitigation, risk prevention and management, and sustainable urban mobility; promoting innovative and smart economic transformation, circular and lowcarbon economy and ICT integration; improvement of social welfare, and improvement of urban/territorial governance. The priority areas of intervention are defined by the strategy: smart specialisation, integration of social services, development of a sustainable tourist offer and formation of a tourist ring (Tara, Perućac, Bajina Bašta, Višegrad, Mokra Gora, Zlatibor).Program Evropske unije za lokalni razvoj – EU PRO Plus je poržao izradu Strategije razvoja urbanog područja grada Užica i opština Bajina Bašta, Čajetina, Priboj i Požega. Ciljevi Strategije su: jačanje urbanog identiteta i obnova urbanog područja podsticanjem održivog i integralnog razvoja; promovisanje prelaska na čistu i pravednu energiju, zelenih i plavih ulaganja, prilagođavanja i ublažavanja klimatskih promena, prevencije i upravljanja rizicima, i održive urbane mobilnosti; promovisanje inovativne i pametne ekonomske transformacije, cirkularne i niskougljenične ekonomije i IKT integracija; unapređenje društvenog blagostanja, i unapređenje upravljanja urbanim razvojem. Strategijom su definisana prioritetna područja intervencije: pametna specijalizacija, integracija socijalnih usluga, razvoj održive turističke ponude i formiranje turističkog prstena (Tara, Perućac, Bajina Bašta, Višegrad, Mokra Gora, Zlatibor).Autori: JP ''Užice razvoj'' Javno preduzeće za saobraćaj, urbanizam, upravljanje putevima i razvoj, Služba za urbanizam i razvoj, Savet za razvoj urbanog područja, Radna grupa za izradu Strategije razvoja urbanog područja uz podršku UNPPS / EU PRP Plus program Kompletan autorski tim je naveden u katalogu

Sustainable and Integrated Urban Development Strategy of the City of Novi Pazar [32nd International Urban Planners’ Exhibition]

The EU program for local development - EU PRO Plus supported the development of the Sustainable and integrated territorial development strategy of the city of Novi Pazar urban area. The objectives of the Strategy are as follows: strengthening the urban identity and renewal of the urban area by supporting of sustainable and integral development; promoting the transition to clean and fair energy, green and blue investments, climate change adaptation and mitigation, risk prevention and management, and sustainable urban mobility; promoting innovative and smart economic transformation, circular and low-carbon economy and ICT integration; improvement of social welfare, and improvement of urban/territorial governance. The priority areas of intervention are defined by the strategy: smart specialization and social well-being, arrangement of riverbanks - green-blue tangent, as well as the design of open public central city spaces.Program Evropske unije za lokalni razvoj – EU PRO Plus je poržao izradu Strategije razvoja urbanog područja grada Novog Pazara. Ciljevi Strategije su: jačanje urbanog identiteta i obnova urbanog područja podsticanjem održivog i integralnog razvoja; promovisanje prelaska na čistu i pravednu energiju, zelenih i plavih ulaganja, prilagođavanja i ublažavanja klimatskih promena, prevencije i upravljanja rizicima, i održive urbane mobilnosti; promovisanje inovativne i pametne ekonomske transformacije, cirkularne i niskougljenične ekonomije i IKT integracija; unapređenje društvenog blagostanja, i unapređenje upravljanja urbanim razvojem. Strategijom su definisana prioritetna područja intervencije: pametna specijalizacija i društveno blagostanje, uređenje priobalja reka – zeleno-plava tangenta, kao i oblikovanje otvorenih javnih centralnih gradskih prostora

Fatty Acid Data Analysis Unravels Skeletal Site and Age-Specific Features of Human Bone Marrow Adiposity

As adipose tissue (AT) undergoes metabolic reprogramming with age, we investigated skeletal site-specific and age-dependent lipid profile of bone marrow adipose tissue (BMAT). Acetabular and femoral BMAT, and gluteofemoral subcutaneous adipose tissue (gfSAT) were obtained from matched osteoarthritis patients. Patients were classified into two groups: younger (≤ 60 years) and aged (>60 years) adults. BMAT and gfSAT were explored by using thin layer/gas chromatography coupled with cellular and molecular assays. Data were interpreted and visualized by applying linear discriminant analysis (LDA) and hierarchical clustering of fatty acid (FA) composition. Statistics was estimated by nonparametric tests and Spearman’s rank correlation. Analyses of total lipids revealed significantly reduced triglyceride content in femoral (fBMAT) than in acetabular BMAT (aBMAT) and gfSAT. Frequencies of spontaneously released saturated palmitic (C16:0) and stearic acids (C18:0) were higher in fBMAT than in aBMAT and gfSAT (p=0.036 and p=0.046, n=8). Cluster heatmap and LDA showed that fBMAT differed to acetabular and gfSAT, while acetabular and gfSAT were more similar in FA profiles. FA profiles of AT depots varied with patient’s age. Contribution of palmitic acid was increased in aged group in all AT depots, while stearic acid declined in aged group in BMAT compartments only. fBMAT cellularity declined with age (r=-0.675, n=14, p=0.037). Additionally, the presence of CD45-CD31-CD34+CD24+ adipogenic progenitor (stem) cells was increased in fBMAT (0.46±0.03%) when compared to aBMAT (0.21±0.01%) depot. Femoral mesenchymal stem cells displayed pronounced adipogenesis comparing to their acetabular counterparts. Our findings suggest that specific lipid profile of fBMAT imposes adipogenic commitment of stem cells within this skeletal site.Book of abstract: 4th Belgrade Bioinformatics Conference, June 19-23, 202

Sustainable аnd Integrated Territorial Development Strategy оf the City of Pirot аnd Municipalities of Babušnica, Bela Palanka аnd Dimitrovgrad Urban Area [32nd International urban planners’ exibition]

The EU program for local development - EU PRO Plus supported the development of the Sustainable and integrated territorial development strategy of the city of Pirot and municipalities of Babušnica, Bela Palanka and Dimitrovgrad urban area. The objectives of the Strategy are as follows: strengthening the urban identity and renewal of the urban area by supporting of sustainable and integral development; promoting the transition to clean and fair energy, green and blue investments, climate change adaptation and mitigation, risk prevention and management, and sustainable urban mobility; promoting innovative and smart economic transformation, circular and low-carbon economy and ICT integration; improvement of social welfare, and improvement of urban/territorial governance. The priority areas of intervention are defined by the strategy: smart specialisation, development of a unique tourist offer and sustainable tourism, Via militaris thematic route, as well as integration of social services.Program Evropske unije za lokalni razvoj – EU PRO Plus je poržao izradu Strategije razvoja urbanog područja grada Pirota i opština Babušnica, Dimitrovgrad i Bela Palanka. Ciljevi Strategije su: jačanje urbanog identiteta i obnova urbanog područja podsticanjem održivog i integralnog razvoja; promovisanje prelaska na čistu i pravednu energiju, zelenih i plavih ulaganja, prilagođavanja i ublažavanja klimatskih promena, prevencije i upravljanja rizicima, i održive urbane mobilnosti; promovisanje inovativne i pametne ekonomske transformacije, cirkularne i niskougljenične ekonomije i IKT integracija; unapređenje društvenog blagostanja, i unapređenje upravljanja urbanim razvojem. Strategijom su definisana prioritetna područja intervencije: pametna specijalizacija, razvoj jedinstvene turističke ponude i održivog turizma, tematska ruta Via militaris, kao i integracija socijalnih usluga.Autori: JP za planiranje i uređivanje građevinskog zemljišta Pirot, Odeljenje za urbanizam gradske uprave Pirot, Savet za razvoj, Radna grupa, uz podršku UNOPS / EU PRO Plus programa Kompletan autorski tim je naveden u katalogu

Sustainable and Integrated Urban Development Strategy of the City of Smederevo urban area [32nd International urban planners’ exibition]

The EU program for local development - EU PRO Plus supported the development of the Sustainable and integrated territorial development strategy of the city of Smederevo urban area. The objectives of the Strategy are as follows: strengthening the urban identity and renewal of the urban area by supporting of sustainable and integral development; promoting the transition to clean and fair energy, green and blue investments, climate change adaptation and mitigation, risk prevention and management, and sustainable urban mobility; promoting innovative and smart economic transformation, circular and low-carbon economy and ICT integration; improvement of social welfare, and improvement of urban/territorial governance. The priority areas of intervention are defined by the strategy: transformation of brownfield sites and unused buildings, coastal revitalization and the formation of the green-blue tangent - a linear park along the Danube, relocation of the railway line and smart specialisation.Program Evropske unije za lokalni razvoj – EU PRO Plus je podržao izradu Strategije razvoja urbanog područja grada Smedereva. Ciljevi Strategije su: jačanje urbanog identiteta i obnova urbanog područja podsticanjem održivog i integralnog razvoja; promovisanje prelaska na čistu i pravednu energiju, zelenih i plavih ulaganja, prilagođavanja i ublažavanja klimatskih promena, prevencije i upravljanja rizicima, i održive urbane mobilnosti; promovisanje inovativne i pametne ekonomske transformacije, cirkularne i niskougljenične ekonomije i IKT integracija; unapređenje društvenog blagostanja, i unapređenje upravljanja urbanim razvojem. Strategijom su definisana prioritena područja intervencije: transformacija braunfild lokacija i neiskorišćenih objekata, revitalizacija priobalja i formiranje zeleno-plave tangente – linijskog parka uz Dunav, izmeštanje železničke pruge i pametna specijalizacija.Autori: Radna grupa za izradu Strategije razvoja urbanog područja grada Smedereva, Odeljenje za urbanizam, građevinarstvo i investicije Gradske uprave grada Smedereva, JP Urbanizam Smederevo, uz podršku UNOPS / EU PRO Plus programa. Kompletan autorski tim je naveden u katalogu