Black clouds, rain mixed with oil cause chemical contamination and warnings to citizens not to leave their homes. Black rains, soaked in oil, fell on Iran during the bombing by the US and Israel. Uncontrolled contamination has caused major problems, tears, sneezing, headaches and difficulty breathing for Iranians living in the affected areas. What were the consequences for those who breathed the air after NATO bombed the refinery in Pancevo in 1999? This is how the dramatic moments in Iran looked like, despite the indiscriminate air and missile bombing of oil facilities by the US and Israel. ABHO officers, professors of physical chemistry, experts of the Institute of Public Health and other experts warned of the new danger to the health of the population and the quality of life in the conditions of the new contamination, which has not been sufficiently investigated so far. The contribution of the authors of this paper in clarifying the concept of „black“ rain is reflected primarily in their work in the field of environmental security and analysis of the consequences of the NATO bombing of Iran, with a reminder of the NATO aggression against the FRY. year. They defined this phenomenon as a specific ecological disaster, caused by a combination of war activities and chemical pollution. Key aspects of their contribution: Definition of the phenomenon: „Black“ rain is described in their works as atmospheric precipitation that occurs when particles of soot, products of combustion of petroleum derivatives and other dangerous chemical compounds (from affected refineries and petrochemical plants) fall. The authors documented that the fires in Pančevo, Novi Sad, Kragujevac, Barič and Bor released huge amounts of toxic substances (such as chlorine, pyralene, benzo-a- pyrene C12H22, vinyl chloride monomer and ammonia) which spread through the winds and returned to the earth in the form of black, greasy and poisonous precipitation. The main goal of the operational research is to assess the danger and create a methodology for assessing the risk of NHB accidents (war actions, accidents, terrorism) and setting the target level of defense and eco-safety with the proposal of NHB safety measures in emergency situations.
Nuclear medicine is a branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of skin diseases. Modern nuclear medicine, through the application of advanced radiopharmaceuticals and sophisticated visualization techniques such as PET and SPECT scanning, represents a revolutionary pillar of early physiotherapeutic diagnostics. In contrast to classical radiological methods, which only recognize late anatomical changes, nuclear medicine methods enable the detection of the earliest pathophysiological, metabolic and functional disorders in tissues and the bone-joint system. Timely recognition of these early alterations provides physiotherapists and clinicians with an exact insight into the dynamics of the disease, which is crucial for early design, precise targeting and maximum effectiveness of physical therapy and rehabilitation. Such an integrated approach directly prevents permanent damage to the biosystem and optimizes the patient’s recovery process. The aim of this paper is to shed light on the modalities and scientific justification of the application of nuclear medicine methods as a key tool for early, precise and preventive physiotherapeutic assessment, which is a prerequisite for creating maximally effective, personalized therapeutic protocols in a highly stressful environment.
The modern agricultural sector is under intense pressure toward digitalization, environmental sustainability, and absolute traceability within food supply chains. Traditional quality management systems (QMS), primarily focused on reactive end-product control, are becoming insufficient in the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Agriculture 4.0). This paper analyzes the integration of contemporary technological trends—primarily precision agriculture (IoT, drones), blockchain architecture, and the concept of regenerative agriculture—into the frameworks of modern quality management (ISO 9001, GLOBALG.A.P., HACCP). The central part of the paper features a comparative analysis of QMS implementation across three regionally, legislatively, and economically distinct nations: Greece, Montenegro, and the Republic of Serbia. The aim of this paper is to identify the level of maturity regarding agri-food digital transformation in these countries through a comparative review, and to demonstrate how transitioning toward a proactive, data-driven QMS optimizes inputs, mitigates operational risks, and enhances the competitiveness of the domestic agricultural sector in the global market.
Modern agricultural production in the era of globalization and intense climate change has evolved from the basic cultivation of primary commodities into a highly competitive, technologically advanced, and strictly market-driven sector. The contemporary agri-food market imperatively demands continuous innovation, digital adaptation, the application of precision agriculture, and the development of sophisticated branding strategies directly targeted at specific consumer segments. Contrary to these global trends, traditional agricultural practices in the Republic of Serbia and the wider Western Balkan region remain chronically focused on extensive production and the sale of primary products with extremely low profit margins. This approach exposes local producers to permanent economic risks, price volatility on global food markets, and the long-term loss of economic sustainability within rural communities. This paper aims to thoroughly explore and scientifically articulate the critical importance and causal links of entrepreneurial leadership in the transformation process of primary agricultural raw materials into differentiated agricultural products with high added value. The study applies a qualitative methodology based on a multiple case study and comparative analysis of three distinct management models in the strategically important berry sector. The analyzed models include: (1) a successful domestic branding model based on the institutional protection of geographical indications and advanced industrial finalization, (2) a traditional, predominantly reactive model characterized by the absence of visionary leadership and an orientation toward bulk raw material sales, and (3) a regional eco-leadership model from the immediate neighborhood (Bosnia and Herzegovina) that successfully integrates certified organic production with the concept of the experience economy through rural agritourism. The results of the conducted research unequivocally demonstrate that proactive entrepreneurial leadership represents the primary catalyst and fundamental driver of progress along the agricultural product value chain. Adequate leadership competencies of managers and farm owners not only directly generate economic stability and resilience against market fluctuations but also play a crucial role in implementing rigid agro-ecological standards and preserving local biodiversity. Leaders in modern agriculture act as key change agents who successfully overcome the structural shortcomings of fragmented family farms through their social and economic integration. The concluding remarks of the paper articulate specific recommendations for policy-making and emphasize the absolute necessity of systemic, institutionally supported education for farmers in the field of strategic management and entrepreneurship, as a key prerequisite for ensuring the long-term competitiveness of domestic agribusiness in regional and international food markets.
Today, rural tourism represents one of the key pillars of sustainable development, economic diversification, and the demographic recovery of rural areas. However, traditional marketing channels and static website presentations are no longer sufficient to attract modern, digitally literate tourists. This paper explores the role, significance, and operational mechanisms of contemporary multimedia content (video marketing, drone photography, advanced social networks, digital storytelling, and virtual tours) in positioning and developing rural tourism destinations. A particular analytical focus is placed on wine tourism (enotourism) as the most attractive and economically propulsive branch of agritourism. Through a qualitative and comparative analysis of three distinct business models in the region – the small family-owned Magaza Winery (Serbia), the medium-sized regional leader Kovačević Winery (Serbia), and the agro-industrial giant „13. Jul – Plantaže“ (Montenegro) – this study demonstrates that a social media presence, the creation of authentic visual narratives, and integrated digital strategies directly reflect on the competitiveness of rural households. The research indicates that multimedia deployment strategies must be differentiated based on the economic size and spatial capacity of the producer, yet for all of them, it serves as a primary tool for generating tourist traffic, managing reputation, and maximizing direct sales at the doorstep. Finally, concrete recommendations are derived for the integration of spa and rural tourism in the West Pomoravlje region, with special emphasis on the potentials of the rural hinterland of Vrnjačka Banja.
The increasingly pronounced lack of water resources and their irrational exploitation and insufficient protection, along with the unfavorable consequences of extreme climatic events, represent a limiting factor of economic development in many regions of the world, including the region of Southeast Europe. The surface waters of Vojvodina (northern Serbian province) are used for irrigation, supply of industry, tourist and sports-recreational activities and transport. Irrigation represents by far the largest consumer in the total consumption of fresh water at global scale, hence it is necessary to rationalize the quantities and monitor the quality of water used for this purpose. The study conducted a qualitative assessment of the usability of water for irrigation on three important transboundary watercourses in the period 1980-2020. All three analyzed watercourses belonged to Ca-Mg-HCO3 water type. Trend analysis of parameters important for irrigation showed mostly decreasing or values without a statistically significant trend. Agronomic classifications have indicated the existence of a danger of triggering the process of soil salinization, and refere to caution when using water from these watercourses.
Modern trends in agricultural production and rural development necessitate the urgent integration of advanced technological solutions to ensure the economic sustainability of small-scale family farms. This paper provides an in-depth analysis of the role and significance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a key driver of synergy between smart agriculture and rural tourism (agritourism). Through an exploration of resource optimization, business process automation, dynamic revenue management, and deep personalization of the tourist offer, the paper identifies models by which traditional households can achieve global visibility and long-term environmental sustainability. In addition to the theoretical and conceptual framework, the paper delivers a three-way comparative analysis of AI solution implementation in the Republic of Serbia, Montenegro, and North Macedonia, identifying country-specific barriers and development opportunities. Special emphasis is placed on the application of AI tools in predicting agroecological parameters, smart waste management, and the creation of authentic tourist itineraries, thereby directly contributing to the preservation of rural ecosystems and the economic empowerment of local communities under the pressures of climate change.
Microbiologically flawed feed not only negatively impacts animal health but also results in production losses. Food deterioration can be caused by bacteria and fungi. Microbiological control of food used for poultry nutrition was done in these investigations. The study was carried out in the microbiology lab on the grounds of the Faculty of Agriculture and Food. The quantity of saprophytic bacteria, yeasts, and molds, as well as the presence of bacteria from the genera Salmonella sp., Clostridia, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus, were all measured. Additionally, phytopathogenic fungi up to the genus were identified and isolated. The number of bacteria ranged from 3.15 x10-4 CFU/g to 97.55 x10-4 CFU/g, and yeasts and molds from 2.34 x10-3 CFU/g to 18.50 x10-3 CFU/g. Of the ten samples tested, Clostridium was not detected in any, while Staphylococcus aureus was detected in 9 samples. Salmonella spp. and E. coli were present in half of all samples tested. By examining the morphological characteristics of grown colonies, pure cultures of fungi, as well as microscopic identification of hyphae, spore-bearing organs and spores, in the analyzed samples, the presence of the following genera of molds was determined; Aspergillus, Penicillium and Mucor. The results of the research were compared with the rules for the microbiological quality of animal feed. The determined number of microorganisms is within the prescribed values
The experiment evaluated fruit weight and the content of primary metabolites (soluble solids, total sugars, invert sugars, total acids, pH, and sucrose) in berry fruits (raspberry, blackberry, strawberry, blueberry, and black currant). During the experimental period, significant differences in the tested parameters were observed among species. The highest fruit weight was recorded in the strawberry, whereas the lowest values were found in the blackberry and black currant. Soluble solids ranged from 8.24 (blackberry) to 15.1% (black currant). A high content of total and invert sugars was determined in blueberry, whereas black currant exhibited a high level of total acids. Strawberry and blueberry samples had the highest pH values, indicating lower acidity, while the lowest pH was measured in black currant, reflecting its higher acid content. The sucrose content in the berries varied among species, ranging from 0.26 to 0.82%. Principal component analysis (PCA) analysis showed the correlation among species and identified group patterns based on multiple fruit quality traits. Pearson’s correlation coefficient revealed a significant correlation between fruit weight and primary metabolites. The present results indicate that berry fruits are rich in primary metabolites and can be used in primary agricultural production, as well as in the pharmaceutical and food industries.
This study examines the signaling potential of certain plant species, particularly higher plants, as bioindicators of heavy metal (HM) and other toxicant presence in agroecosystems and technogenic soils. The work focuses on the structural-functional and physiological-biochemical characteristics of plants capable of accumulating and removing HMs and various pollutants, emphasizing their practical relevance for environmental monitoring and remediation. Specific attention is given to mechanisms of metal uptake, translocation, and detoxification, as well as to the adaptive responses of plants exposed to contaminated substrates. By integrating insights from plant physiology, biochemistry, and ecology, the research highlights the potential of using selected species as cost-effective and sustainable tools for assessing soil contamination levels and mitigating environmental risks. The findings underscore the importance of understanding species-specific traits that govern accumulation efficiency and tolerance, providing a foundation for developing targeted phytoremediation strategies. Overall, this work contributes to contemporary approaches in environmental management, offering practical guidance for employing plants as indicators and mitigators of soil toxicity.
Hemoparasites are vector-borne diseases transmitted by hematophagous arthropods, especially ticks. These are most often protozoa from the genus Apicomplexa (Babesia sp.) and bacteria (Anaplasma sp. and Theileria sp.). It is distributed worldwide, and the prevalence and seasonal dynamics of the disease are directly dependent on the intermediate hosts – ixodid ticks from the genera Rhipicephalus, Dermacentor, Boophilus, Hyalomma, Haemaphysalis and Ixodes. The most common clinical symptoms of these diseases are fever, anemia, icterus, and hemoglobinuria. Morbidity and mortality depend on the pathogenicity of the causative agent and the intensity of the infection.
The objective of this research was to evaluate and compare the physicochemical parameters, nutritional composition and presence of heavy metals in honey produced in organic, transitional and conventional production systems, with samples collected from seven apiaries in the Eastern region of N. Macedonia. All analyses were performed in triplicate for each sample. Physicochemical and quality parameters, such as pH, humidity, diastase activity, HMF, sugar concentration and proline content, were determined and statistically analyzed with Student’s t-test (p < 0.05). The examination of heavy metals included cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb). The results showed that organic honey is characterized by higher acidity, minimal heat treatment, higher proline content and optimal humidity. Conventional honey showed higher sugar concentrations and more pronounced diastase activity. The differences in pH, HMF and sugar concentration were statistically significant between the different types of honey. Cadmium was below the detection limit in all samples analyzed, while lead exceeded the permitted limits in only one sample. These findings confirm the importance of production systems and local conditions for preserving the quality and safety of honey, emphasizing that the application of sustainable beekeeping practices and continuous environmental monitoring are necessary for the production of safe and nutritionally valuable honey.
Analysis of the weed flora of organically grown barley in the village of Trumčare (near Kruševac) revealed the presence of a total of 55 species of weed (30 weed-ruderal, 20 weedy and 5 ruderal). The recorded weed flora was dominated by representatives of the class Magnoliopsida and 47 species, while only eight species were present from the class Liliopsida. The analysis of life forms of weeds in barley showed the dominance of therophytes represented by 67.27%, compared to geophytes and hemicryptophytes which were represented by 10.91% each. Therohemicryptophytes were represented by 9.10% and nanophanerophytes by 1.82%. The number of weeds was not high, because the basic, pre-sowing soil preparation and sowing were carried out under favorable weather conditions and in the optimal period. On all observed areas under barley, the following weed species were most frequent: Lamium amplexicaule L., Agrostemma githago L., Avena fatua L., Calepina irregularis (Asso) Thell., Agropyrum repens Beauv., Lamium purpireum L., Viola arvensis Murr., Veronica hederifolia L., Veronica persica Poir., Cerastium glomeratum Thuill, Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Medic., Stellaria media (L.) Vill., and Galium aparine L.
Analysis of the weed flora of organically grown oat in the village of Trumčare (near Kruševac) revealed the presence of a total of 28 species of weed (16 weed-ruderal, 11 weedy and 1 ruderal). The recorded weed flora was dominated by representatives of the class Magnoliopsida and 26 species, while only two species were present from the class Liliopsida. The analysis of life forms of weeds in wheat showed the dominance of therophytes represented by 78.57%, compared to geophytes and hemicryptophytes with 10.71% each. The number of weeds was not high, because the basic, pre-sowing soil preparation and sowing were carried out under favorable weather conditions and in the optimal period. On all observed areas under oat, the following weed species were most frequent: Agrostemma githago L., Ambrosia artemiisifolia L., Polygonum aviculare L., Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Medic., Calepina irregularis (Asso) Thell., Lamium purpireum L., Viola arvensis Murr., Cerastium glomeratum Thuill, Stellaria media (L.) Vill. and Agropyrum repens Beauv.
Geranium (Pelargonium spp.) is an important ornamental plant susceptible to diseases caused by phytopathogenic fungi, among which Alternaria sp. stands out as the causal agent of brown necrotic leaf spots with concentric zones. Symptomatic samples were collected in March 2025 in the vicinity of Kruševac, and five isolates (MA1–MA5) were selected for further investigation.Pathogenicity was confirmed using the stem wounding method, and inoculated plants developed typical symptoms, including drying and plant death. Morphological and cultural characteristics were examined on PDA, CMA, and WA media; the average conidial size was 29.45 × 13.16 μm, and the highest mycelial growth was recorded on CMA. PCR analysis (ITS1/ITS4 and EF1-728F/EF-2) confirmed the presence of fragments of the expected size (~500 bp) in all isolates. The results confirm the presence of A. alternata on geranium in Serbia and emphasize the importance of timely identification for disease management
These researches were carried out in 2016 and 2017 on the territory of the municipality of Leskovac. The experiment included 6 maize hybrids different vegetation length (ZP 434, NS 4023, ZP 555, NS 5051, ZP 666, NS 6030) and 3 sowing densities (71428 plants per ha-1; 57142 plants per ha-1 and 47619 plants per ha-1). The experiment was set up according to the randomized block system in 3 replications. Differences in yield between hybrids with a shorter vegetation period, are less pronounced than in cases of hybrids with a longer vegetation period. The length of the growing season of hybrids influenced the differences in yield when different sowing densities were in question. Thus, in hybrids with shorter vegetation (ZP 434 and NS 4023), the highest average yield was in the case of the highest densities, while in hybrids with medium vegetation length (ZP 555 and NS 5051), there were no statistically significant differences in average yield between sowing densities. Hybrids with a longer vegetation period (ZP 666 and NS 6030) achieved the highest yields in the lowest and medium densities and they were significantly higher than the average yields achieved in the highest sowing densities. Considering that lately we have more and more dry years, it is necessary to grow hybrids with defferent length of vegetation, in order to make production safer. In addition, it is absolutely necessary to adapt the sowing density to the length of the hybrid vegetation.
Soil and water degradation poses increasing threats to agricultural productivity, ecosystem stability, and food security across Europe. Despite growing policy emphasis under the European Green Deal and the EU Soil Strategy for 2030, the effectiveness of protective measures varies substantially across countries and implementation contexts. This study aims to provide a comparative, evidence-based assessment of biotechnical soil and water protection measures in Serbia and selected EU Member States (Hungary, Romania, the Netherlands), explicitly linking policy instruments to field-level implementation and environmental outcomes. A systematic scoping comparative review was conducted, integrating peer-reviewed scientific literature (2018-2025), EU regulatory and policy documents, and outputs from EU-funded research projects (CORDIS database). Identified measures were evaluated using a multi-criteria framework encompassing environmental effectiveness, long-term sustainability, transferability, and economic-operational feasibility across eight quantitative and qualitative indicators. Seven biotechnical measures were systematically evaluated: cover crops, riparian buffer strips, reduced/conservation tillage, biological pest control, controlled drainage systems, constructed wetlands/nature-based retention zones, and precision agriculture. Meta-analytical evidence confirms high effectiveness of cover crops (nitrate leaching reduction: 56–69%), riparian buffer strips (NO₃-N reduction up to 90%), and constructed wetlands (>1,092 kt N removed annually across Europe). Implementation maturity is consistently higher in EU Member States than in Serbia, where adoption remains largely project-driven and institutionally fragmented. No single measure constitutes a universal solution. Effectiveness depends on context-specific packages of complementary practices embedded within coherent policy and institutional frameworks. For Serbia, the primary bottlenecks are institutional fragmentation, insufficient soil monitoring, and limited financial incentives. Shifting from pilot-scale experimentation toward systematic, policy-driven scaling, supported by strengthened advisory services and cross-sectoral coordination, is identified as a priority for achieving resilient soil-water systems.
The international agency FAO – Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations works to increase agricultural productivity and provide safe food, promoting sustainable agriculture and rural development. Food is a condition for good health. It includes inorganic and organic compounds that build the human body and provide it with the necessary energy for a healthy life. Food is given secondary value, while health appears as a descriptive biological concept. Foods can come from plants, animals, or minerals, and their chemical makeup includes proteins, lipids, carbs, vitamins, and minerals. In order to maintain a healthy body, it is necessary to consume all nutrients in optimal quantities. It is especially important to use fruits, vegetables and grains in the diet, and their regular intake helps prevent many diseases: cancer, diabetes, hypertension, etc. This study looks at food and its impact on health. Food can contain a variety of harmful and cancer-causing compounds that come from the environment, natural sources, or are formed while food was being processed. Reducing or eliminating them entirely is crucial in the manufacturing of health-safe food and maintaining health.
Sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is a nutritionally valuable crop, rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and bioactive compounds. Optimizing fertilization strategies is crucial to enhance both yield and fruit quality. This study evaluated the effects of conventional mineral fertilization and foliar applications of nano NPK combined with nano Zn on the physiological, biochemical, and quality traits of sweet pepper ‘Bela dolga’ under the agroecological conditions of Strumica, North Macedonia. The experiment included four treatments: control, conventional NPK, and nano NPK combined with 3 g/L or 5 g/L nano Zn, with three replications per treatment. Leaf chlorophyll and carotenoid contents, fruit sugars, organic acids, antioxidant compounds (phenolics, flavonoids, vitamin C, carotenoids), fruit firmness, and soluble solids content (°Brix) were assessed. Results showed that nano-fertilization, particularly with 3 g/L nano Zn, significantly enhanced chlorophyll a (2.09 mg/g), total chlorophyll (2.88 mg/g), glucose (1.86 g/100 g), total phenolics (135.93 mg GAE/100 g), vitamin C (137.87 mg/100 g), fruit firmness (21.29 N), and °Brix (5.88) compared to the control and conventional NPK. These improvements were mechanistically linked to enhanced photosynthetic efficiency, carbohydrate metabolism, and zinc-mediated enzymatic activity. In conclusion, foliar application of nano NPK combined with nano Zn at 3 g/L represents an effective strategy to improve sweet pepper productivity, nutritional quality, and antioxidant capacity, highlighting the potential of nano-fertilizers for sustainable horticultural production.
The results of long-term research on the phenomenon of wave-like fluctuations in the abundance and activity of microorganisms in ecosystems and their cyclic turnover are presented. The universality of these phenomena is revealed. General biological concepts of wave-like fluctuations in microbial populations and microbial communities and the turnover of microbial populations and communities in ecosystems—the microbial cycle—are formulated. The universality of wave-like fluctuations in microbial populations and microbial communities is confirmed by mathematical models and presented as the third law in microbiology and microbial ecology. The concept of wave-like fluctuations in microbial populations and communities in ecosystems is important and should be used when determining the total number of microorganisms in natural and anthropogenic ecosystems, and especially when determining the number of viable microorganisms in all ecosystems. It should also be used when comparing soil ecosystems in terms of their stability and resilience when quantifying soil health. The concept of the turnover of microbial populations and communities in ecosystems—the microbial cycle—integrates epidemiological advances in anthropogenic research and presents a new perspective on disease control in plants and animals. The concept of the microbial cycle, together with the concept of wave-like fluctuations in microbial populations and communities, underpins a new global understanding of the interconnectedness and overall health of the living world.
