bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Congregational Remapping of Culture Wars
Authors: McConkey Dale ,   Institute for Interdisciplinary Research
Published: January 2021

According to many, the United States is embroiled in a culture war between religious conservatives, who believe in a transcendent moral authority, and religious liberals, who hold that moral truth is historically and contextually conditioned. Amidst this conflict is a cultural anomaly called the evangelical left, which blends conservative theology with liberal politics. An ethnographic study of an evangelical left congregation suggests that their social and political action is neither liberal nor progressive. Instead, this congregation has created a local culture that resists and remaps the traditional boundaries of the culture wars. This remapping centers on the concept of conventional relationships, which envelops every aspect of their fellowship, including theology and morality as well as social action. Yet the relational focus of this fellowship is not a new or unique cultural formation, but rather a rediscovery of traditional Christian social action.
Human Rights and Polish Reality
Authors: Bobko Aleksander ,   Institute for Interdisciplinary Research
Published: January 2021

Contrary to widespread relativism in the contemporary world, the idea of human rights argues for the existence of objective values. This idea rooted in the Christian tradition unifies, in a way, Anglo-American and Continental political philosophy. Under communism in Poland, the clearness of the idea of human rights established an important weapon in the hands of the Polish opposition. After the collapse of communism in 1989, the political elite in Poland was faced with the task of building a new structure for the state. However, embracing the idea of the welfare state as a main factor in the process of transition to democracy, Poland shares many dilemmas of the wealthy Westem countries, making the shift from communism much slower.
The Return of the God Hypothesis
Authors: Meyer Stephen C. ,   Institute for Interdisciplinary Research
Published: January 2021

Historian of science Frederic Bumham has stated that the "God hypothesis" is now more respectable hypothesis than at any time in the last one hundred years. This essay explores recent evidence from cosmology, physics, and biology, which provides epistemoiogical support, though not proof, for belief in God as conceived by a theistic worldview. It develops a notion of epistemoiogical support based upon explanatory power, rather than just deductive entailment. It also evaluates the explanatory power of theism and its main metaphysical competitors with respect to several classes of scientific evidence. The cmclusion follows that theism explains a wide ensemble of metaphysically-significant evidences more adequately and comprehensively than other major worldviews or metaphysical systems. Thus, unlike much recent scholarship that characterizes science as either conflicting with theistic belief or entirely neutral with respect to it, this essay concludes that scientific evidence actually supports such.
Hilary Putnam as a Religious Thinker
Authors: Pihlström Sami ,   Institute for Interdisciplinary Research
Published: January 2021

Hilary Putnam has discussed religion in his philosophical writings only since the early 1990s, While his approach is Wittgensteinian, Putnam seeks to avoid the pseudo-Wittgensteinian view which reduces religion to a language-game or form of life which cannot be rationally criticized from any external standpoint. In defending the possibility of critical philosophical discussion of religious issues, Putnam draws on the tradition of American pragmatism, especially William James, With classical pragmatists, he also shares a profoundly Kantian background, tightly connecting religion with morality. Finally, Putnam's pragmatism may be interpreted as a form of existentialism Putnam way of philosophizing about religion-matters of vital importance to human beings while contradictory and paradoxical, may nevertheless offer a way of restoring critical philosophy in a fragmented postmodern world which has lost ethical integrity.
The Seventh Voyage of Philosophy
Authors: Seifert Josef ,   Institute for Interdisciplinary Research
Published: January 2021

Voyages and crises of philosophy refer to philosophical knowledge of truth, in contrast to skepticism and relativism. They encompass the rational foundation of philosophy and the application of a critical method to central contents. Realist phenomenology plays a key role in the seventh voyage by providing an objective foundation to a priori knowledge. It shows also that essential necessity possesses a supreme form of intelligibility. Cognition is reached via insight and deduction. Three kinds of essences explain the difference between empirical and a priori sciences, while the "impoverishment of a priori" is transcended through necessary essences. Rethinking Edmund Husserl's method allows access to real existence, where objective values replace axiological nihilism. Rigorous philosophy is thus compatible with divinely revealed truth about the mysteries of God and man.
The Concepts of “Appearance” and “Phenomenon” in Transcendental Philosophy (Kant, Husserl, Fink)
Authors: Krioukov A. N.
Published: January 2021

This study aims, first, to delimit the seemingly synonymous concepts of “phenomenon” and “appearance” and second, to trace the functions of each in Kant’s philosophy and the phenomenological tradition. The analy­sis is based on Immanuel Kant’s Critique of Pure Reason and the central works of Edmund Husserl and Eugen Fink. Kant does not explicitly distinguish the two terms and only speaks about phenomena when he deals with the categorial application of reason. With Husserl, appearance is linked with the area of the natural attitude while the phenomenon is absolute. Fink’s position is interesting in that it differs from the views of the main representatives of transcendental philosophy, Kant and Husserl. According to Fink, appearing is the foundation of the fact that what exists is and that appearing is being. Fink takes a different approach to the meanings of appearance as opposing the thing in itself which possesses true but unknowable being (Kant) and appearance as taking place in the “relative” sphere of the natural attitude (Husserl): with Fink, appearance (or, as Fink constantly writes, “appearing”) turns out to be the condition of the existence of objects. Appearance, understood through the prism of the human being which perceives something as Vorschein, implies an inherently open world. Following Fink, I analyse these provisions and examine, first, light as the metaphysical source of cognition, second, the human being as a special kind of being, third, the pre-Socratic treatment of being and, fourth, the formation of a distinct phenomenological idiom. I come to the conclusion that the metaphysical-ontological method of phenomenological analysis of appearance proposed by Fink affords a new insight into the a priori principle and the nature of Kant’s “thing in itself” and proposes a new grounding of Husserl’s thesis which questions Kant’s agnosticism.
Effect of biostimulants on soybean seedlings
Authors: Cvijanović Gorica , Čolić Ninoslav , Đurić Nenad , Dozet Gordana , Eltreki Abduladim , Cvijanović Marija , Žuža Milena
Published: January 2021

The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of biostimulants on the morphological characteristics of soybean seedlings. The testing was conducted in the laboratory of the Faculty of Biofarming in Bačka Topola. The experimental material included three soybean varieties ('Galina', 'Sava' and 'Rubin') selected at the Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops in Novi Sad. The study lasted for two years, 2015-2016, and identical biostimulant treatments were applied in both years. In order to determine the effect of biostimulants on soybean seedling root, hypocotyl and weight, the following commercial biostimulants were applied: EM Aktiv, Terra Green Hobby, Slavol and Bioplant Flora. In addition to the single application of biostimulants, two combinations of Slavol + Bioplant Flora and Slavol + Bioplant Flora + Epin Extra + Slavol S were used as treatments. EM Aktiv showed the greatest effect on root growth. The root was on average 12% longer than the control. Slavol S had the greatest influence on seedling hypocotyl and weight. The increase was 8.24% and 5.15%, respectively, compared with the control.
Priming seeds-method for increasing the germination of soybean seeds under drought stress conditions
Authors: Miladinov Zlatica , Maksimović Ivana , Balešević-Tubić Svetlana , Đukić Vojin , Nikolić Zorica , Milošević Branko , Katanski Snežana
Published: January 2021

Drought is one of the most important factors limiting the successful production of cultivated plants. One of the most sensitive stage to the water deficit in plants is seed germination. There are various methods of pre-sowing treatments that aim to reduce the negative impact of drought stress and improve seed germination. One of them is priming seeds. The aim of this experiment was to examine the effect of priming seeds in solutions - KNO3 (1%), ascorbic acid - AsA (100 mgl-1) and potassium chloride KCl (1%) on the reduction of the negative effect of drought stress. The effect of drought stress was simulated using different concentrations of PEG 6000 (0 (control), -0.30, -0.51, -0.80 MPa). The results of the research showed that with the increase of water deficiency, the effect of priming seeds is greater. At the water potential of the solution of -0.30 MPa, germination energy and seed germination increased on average by 6.77% and 5.08%, while at the water potential of the solution of -0.80 MPa, the increase was 19.28% and 16.75%, respectively. Also, priming seeds significantly reduced the intensity of lipid peroxidation and the content of free proline. From all the above, it can be concluded that priming of seeds is a method that can serve to improve the germination of soybean seeds in conditions of drought stress.
Zinc-quercetin complex: From determination to bioactivity
Authors: Uskoković-Marković Snežana , Milenković Marina , Pavun Leposava
Published: January 2021

Flavonoids are a group of polyphenolic compounds widely present in the herbal world and playing an important role in the human diet. The flavanol quercetin makes up 70% of the total daily intake of flavonoids. Quercetin is able to complex with many metal ions, and it exhibits potent antioxidative ability. Using the equimolar solution variation method, it was confirmed that quercetin makes a complex with the zinc(II) ion at pH 5.25, in a stoichiometric ratio quercetin:zinc(II) ion = 2:1, with the absorption maximum l=363 nm. This fact was used to develop a simple, precise and accurate assay to determine the content of quercetin in various samples of heterogeneous composition. The proposed indirect spectrophotometric method can selectively determine quercetin in concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 6.0 mgL-1, with LOD and LOQ estimated as 0.03 mgL-1 and 0.1 mgL-1, respectively. The reliability of the proposed method was confirmed by a previously developed RP-HPLC/UV method. The proposed method was successfully used to determine the quercetin content in dietary supplement tablets, capsules and two onion extracts, with high reproducibility. The antioxidative ability of quercetin and the zinc(II)-quercetin complex was determined using DPPH and FRAP methods. The same samples were tested for antimicrobial activity against seven laboratory control strains of bacteria and one strain of yeast. As a result of those tests, there are no obstacles to combine quercetin and zinc in the same supplement formulation.
The trends in maize and wheat production in the Republic of Serbia
Authors: Grčak Milosav , Grčak Dragan , Penjišević Aleksandra , Simjanović Dušan , Orbović Branka , Đukić Nevena , Rajičić Vera
Published: January 2021

The total area under cereals during 2018 remained at a long-term stable level of about 1.7 million hectares. Maize and wheat are the most important crops grown in the Republic of Serbia. In the structure of harvested areas under cereals, maize dominates (53%), followed by wheat (38%). The objective of this paper was to determine if there was a recognisable trend line for the production of these crops in the 2007-2018 period. The yield data (Area harvested (ha), Production (tonnes), Production (t/ha)) were collected from the Statistical Office of the Republic of Serbia. Calculations of relevant and valid trends using central tendency measures, dispersion measures, relative ratios and percentage growth were used for statistical data processing. During the observation period, the average annual growth in maize yield was 6.38%, while the average annual growth in wheat yield was slightly lower, 2.00%. However, it is not possible to create an appropriate trend line for any of the variables in order to predict a future time period, since the coefficient of determination is low.
Relationship of earthworm biomass with temperature and rainfall in cultivated coconut and cinnamon lands in Sri Lanka
Authors: Wickramasinghe Udaya , Punchihewa R.W.K. , Kumari Shamali , Marikar Faiz
Published: January 2021

Earthworms are keystone detritivores that can influence primary producers by changing seedbed conditions, soil characteristics, flow of water, nutrients and carbon, and plant-herbivore interactions. Our objective was to understand the impact of weather conditions on the number of species found and the relationship between the biomass and temperature and rainfall conditions in cultivated coconut and cinnamon lands in Sri Lanka. Earthworms were collected from Hakmana, Walasmulla, and Deiyandara districts from Sri Lanka. In this study we found a significant relationship between earthworm biomass and temperature in cinnamon soil, but there was no significant difference related to temperature and rainfall in coconut lands compared with cinnamon lands. The correlation between earthworm biomass and rainfall was weak. Also, we found no relationship between the number of species and temperature and rainfall conditions. The results indicated that the number of species was reduced due to climate change and that cinnamon lands provided good conditions for earthworms.
The impact of climate change on the corn yield in Serbia
Authors: Petrović Gordana , Karabašević Darjan , Vukotić Svetlana , Mirčetić Vuk , Radosavac Adriana
Published: January 2021

The aim of the paper is to show the impact of climate factors on the corn yield in Serbia. Contemporary climate reports show that climate is changing, and the emission of greenhouse gases is one of the main causes of climate change. In three different locations (West Bačka District, Šumadija District and Nišava District) different climatic conditions and corn yield were analyzed for the period from 1991 to 2011. In the research process, the model of multiple linear regression and Pearson coefficient of correlation was applied. Obtained results has shown that there is a high correlation between parameters of climate conditions and variance of corn yield. A small amount of precipitation quantity and high maximum values of temperatures in the vegetation period influenced the decrease in yield, which was particularly noticed during the period from 2000 to 2007. A lower yield of corn was established compared to the average yield in all three observed districts, in the Šumadija district, the yield was lower 48% in 2000 and 52% in 2007, in the West Bačka District, a yield was lower 40% in 2000 and 20% in 2007, and in the Nišava District, the yield was lower 65% in 2000 and 49% in 2007. There are perennial variations of climatic factors, especially temperature and precipitation quantity, which affect the realization of the economic profitability of growing agricultural plant species. Losses in agriculture can be higher in conditions of an unstable climate. It is necessary to more precisely predict climate change and create new hybrids and varieties for cultivation that will be adaptable to changed climate conditions. Adaptations of plants to climatic conditions changes will contribute to greater economy of agricultural production, and the provision of food for the world's population.
The effect of a plant mixture (garlic, mint and rosemary) on production and slaughter indicators in broiler chickens
Authors: Petričević Veselin , Lukić Miloš , Škrbić Zdenka , Petričević Maja , Bogosavljević-Bošković Snežana , Dosković Vladimir , Rakonjac Simeon
Published: January 2021

The study objective was to examine the effect of the addition of different concentrations of a mixture of three plants (garlic, mint and rosemary) in the diet of broiler chickens on production and slaughter results. The mixture was formed by grinding plants after drying and mixing them in a ratio of 1: 1: 1. The experiment was performed on 600 chickens divided into 4 groups with 3 replicates per group. The chickens were fed at will and the composition of the diet differed only in the amount of added mixture. No mixture was added in control group (C). Group MIX-I chickens consumed a diet supplemented with 0.25% of the mixture, group MIX-II diet contained 0.5% of the mixture supplement, while group MIX-III broilers received 0.75% of the mixture in their diet. At the end of the experimental period, at the age of 42 days, the body weight of the chickens was measured. Mortality, feed conversion and EPEF were determined. At the end of the experiment, 12 chickens (6 males and 6 females) were sacrificed by random sampling from each group in order to determine slaughter results. The obtained results showed that the use of the mixture of three plants had a positive effect on the production parameters. MIX-II group chickens had significantly higher (p<0.01) body weights, better feed conversion and significantly higher (p<0.01) EPEF values compared with C group. No significant differences in slaughter performances were found.
Effect of type and mode of zeolite application on the cigarette filters efficiency and sorption capacity
Authors: Radojičić Vesna , Alagić Slađana , Pejić Lazar , Laličić-Petronijević Jovanka
Published: January 2021

Filtration is one way of purification of tobacco smoke. The aim of this study was to examine the potential filtration effects of zeolites Y and ZSM-5, with different degree of crystallinity and in two modes of application (as a segment or as a powder added longitudinally with the filter fibers). Zeolites were added in the quantity of 60 mg. Degree of filter efficiency and sorption capacity has been determined in regard to several hazardous constituents of mainstream tobacco smoke such as: tar, carbon monoxide and nicotine. Composition of mainstream tobacco smoke was determined by using standard ISO methods. Experimental results showed that both, the type and the mode of the zeolite application affected the efficiency of smoke filtration. Zeolite Y, which was longitudinally applied to the filter, is shown to be the most effective. It was found 58.82% reduction of nicotine, 66.86% of tar and 86.24% of CO. During segmental application of zeolites, the blocking effect was observed.
Detection of enzymes produced by lactic acid bacteria isolated from traditionally made Serbian cheese and their role in the formation of its specific flavor
Authors: Grujović Mirjana , Mladenović Katarina , Jakovljević Violeta , Čomić Ljiljana
Published: January 2021

Nine species (sixteen isolates) of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from traditionally made Serbian cheese were evaluated for their enzymatic activities in order to select indigenous strains of technical interest for the manufacture of cheese. These strains were selected based on their previously determined biochemical and physiological characteristics, as well as their antimicrobial activity, and were identified as Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis (one isolate), Lc. lactis subsp. lactis biovar. diacetylactis (five isolates), Lactobacillus fermentum (two isolates), Lb. plantarum (one isolate), Lb. brevis (one isolate), Enterococcus faecalis (three isolates), E. faecium (one isolate), E. durans (one isolate) and E. hirae (one isolate). The enzymatic activities (acid and alkaline invertases, alkaline phosphatase, alkaline protease, a-amylase) were measured by using the spectrophotometric method. The results indicated that all Lactobacillus isolates showed protease, amylase, and alkaline phosphatase activities, while the activities of acid and alkaline invertases were not observed. The Lactococcus isolates showed protease, acid invertase and alkaline phosphatase activities, except the KGPMF50 isolate, which showed no alkaline phosphatase activity. The tested Enterococcus isolates showed weakly and strain-specific enzymatic activity. The results indicated that the enzymes produced by the investigated strains have a role in the formation of the specific flavor of cheese and that these isolates, especially Lactobacillus isolates, showed the potential for use in the dairy industry or applied biotechnology.
Body condition as an indicator of cow welfare
Authors: Lalović Miroslav , Krajišnik Tatjana , Mašić Nikolina
Published: January 2021

The main objective of this research was to determine the quality level of welfare of milk cows at various stages of lactation (the first 60 days of the lactation period and the dry period) and of different breeds (Holstein-Friesian and Simmental) on farms (A, B, C, D) with different systems of housing (free and tie-stall), based on nutritional status as a direct individual indicator of wellbeing. Results showed that the body condition scores of cows were statistically very highly significantly (p<0.001) influenced by breed, production stage and the breed x production stage interaction; statistically highly significantly (p<0.01) by the breed x housing system interaction, and significantly (p<0.05) by the housing system x production stage interaction.
Analysis of the prevalence of strategic management accounting techniques and the level of development of the cost system in large companies in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Authors: Lalić Srđan , Gadžo Amra , Veledar Benina
Published: January 2021

The paper has two research goals. The first goal is to investigate the prevalence of certain techniques of strategic management accounting in large companies in Bosnia and Herzegovina (hereinafter BiH), while the second research goal is to analyze the dependence of the number of strategic management accounting techniques used and the degree of development of the cost system in the company. For the purposes of this research, we collected survey questionnaires from 110 large companies based in BiH. The results of the research show that the three most common techniques of strategic management accounting in large companies in BiH are: Quality Costing (52.73%), Strategic Pricing (51.82%) and Benchmarking (50.91%), while the least common techniques are: Life Cycle Costing (11.82%), Attribute Costing and Integrated Performance Management Systems (with 12.73% each), and Activity Based Costing/ Management (17.27%). One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) tested the differences in the number of strategic management accounting techniques used and the level of development of the cost system in companies. Companies that applied on average two techniques of strategic management accounting belonged to the first level of development, those that applied on average four techniques belonged to the second level of development, while companies that have the third level of cost system development on average applied six techniques of strategic management accounting. There were no companies in the sample with the fourth and fifth level of development of the cost system.
An assessment of the effects and influences of the concept of entrepreneurial learning in Serbia
Authors: Marčetić Marija , Prlinčević Gordana , Grujić-Vučkovski Biljana
Published: January 2021

It is difficult to estimate the quantity and quality of the necessary entrepreneurial knowledge and assess the effects of such entrepreneurship education, i.e. whether it has met the set criteria sufficiently. Empirical practice lacks empirical studies that would base the competences of entrepreneurial learning upon the direct assessment of learning outcomes, the outcomes related to the knowledge of opportunities for professional orientation and the knowledge of the business environment, the created framework picture of entrepreneurship, employment opportunities and obstacles. In this paper, the direct effect of entrepreneurial learning in a secondary-education and a higher-education institution of the economic path was estimated through a qualitative approach, after the established conceptual framework and furthermore through the respondents' answers to the survey questions. Therefore, a contribution was made by making a step forward in the evaluation of entrepreneurial learning through a direct assessment of the raised awareness of entrepreneurship. The indirect indicators used were the gender and the education level, i.e. the difference in the respondents' answers according to their respective gender and the school they are attending (secondary school or vocational school). The obtained results assess the level of the respondents' basic entrepreneurial culture and their knowledge, as well as entrepreneurial preferences.
Challenges of teleworking during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Vasić Mile
Published: January 2021

The purpose of this paper is to determine how companies in the South-East European countries responded to the crisis caused by COVID-19 pandemic and work from home challenges, and what could be done in the future to overcome obstacles of working remotely. Forced by the pandemic to change the working style, companies needed to find the best possible solutions to ensure a sufficient level of working activities. Since such a challenge was faced for the first time in modern human history, not many companies were prepared for it. A quantitative approach was taken, using an online survey for the research. The findings are discussed and presented with reference to the relevant theories. The study reveals and points out the main concerns and problems related to working separately from the rest of the organization. The study analyzes how certain factors of working remotely such as lack of traditional leadership, physical workspace, isolation, etc. affected the life and work of employees during the crisis. The study is novel as these were the circumstances we had not faced before. The paper contributes to a better understanding of all of the aspects of teleworking, with an emphasis on social isolation and working under lockdown.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease as metabolic consequence of obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Ninić Ana , Zdravković Marija , Radosavljević Vojislav , Gardijan Vera , Memon Lidija , Vekić Jelena , Spasojević-Kalimanovska Vesna
Published: January 2021

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) as a worldwide prevalent condition carries risk for cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, ultimately increasing overall mortality rates. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) can be considered as the primary metabolic disease, but also as a coexisting OSA comorbidity. Although prevalence of NAFLD covers quarter of world population, it increases with OSA presence. It can be speculated that chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) and sympathetic nervous system overactivity are involved in NAFLD pathogenesis and progression from simple steatosis through steatohepatitis to fibrosis. CIH provides the environment for liver oxidative stress, inflammation and increases the expression of genes involved in cholesterol and fatty acids synthesis. Catecholamines increase b-oxidation in liver and release free fatty acids from adipose tissue in plasma which inhibit insulin effects. Obesity and insulin resistance as key players in NAFLD development and advancement, deepen vicious circle of oxidative stress, inflammation and dyslipidemia. If not treated, OSA in NAFLD patients has been associated with inflammation, hepatocytes' necrosis, and fibrosis. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) represents gold standard for OSA therapy, allowing the unimpeded air passage through upper parts of respiratory system. However, it has been demonstrated that CPAP therapy have beneficial effects on cardiometabolic outcomes and slow liver degeneration.
Toxicity of organic and inorganic nickel in pancreatic cell cultures: Comparison to cadmium
Authors: Wallace David , Buha-Đorđević Aleksandra , Benton Alexander
Published: January 2021

Nickel compounds are Group 1 carcinogens and possibly cancer-causing in the pancreas. We examined the toxicity of nickel in both 2-D and 3-D pancreatic cell cultures, to determine the LD50 for organic and inorganic nickel in normal and cancerous cells. Assays with cadmium chloride were performed to be a comparison to potential nickel-induced toxicity. Cells were exposed to twelve concentrations of NiCl2 or Ni-(Ac)2 for 48h (2-D), or six concentrations for 48 hours (3-D). There was a significant (P=0.0016) difference between HPNE and AsPC-1 LD50 values after cadmium exposure, at 69.9 µM and 29.2 µM, respectively. Neither form of nickel exhibited toxicity in 2-D or 3-D cultures, but after 48h, changes in spheroid morphology were observed. The inability of Ni to reduce viable cell numbers suggests a toxic mechanism that differs from cadmium, also a Group 1 carcinogen. The cell microenvironment was not a factor in nickel toxicity with no changes in viable cells in either 2-D or 3-D cultures. These studies only examined cytotoxicity, and not genotoxicity, a potential mechanism of nickel carcinogenicity. Alterations in DNA function or the expression of apoptotic proteins/processes would take longer to manifest. Current work focuses on cellular changes following extended nickel exposure.
Spectrophotometric determination of ascorbic acid by horseradish peroxidase
Authors: Đurić Vladan , Deletić Nebojša
Published: January 2021

L-ascorbic acid is one of the essential nutrients and most common food supplements, fortificants, and preservatives. It is commercially available as solutions, drops, tablets, capsules, crystal powder, beverage mixtures, multivitamin formulations, and multi antioxidant formulations. The usual daily dose is from 25 mg to 1.5 g. Ascorbic acid is a distinctly reducing agent with low redox potential (0.18 and 0.08 V at pH 4.5 and 6.4, respectively). Based on ascorbate property, numerous methods for its quantitative determination are developed, from titrimetric, electrochemical, and chromatographic methods, to fluorometric and kinetic ones. Enzyme peroxidase is interfered with by ascorbic acid, which decreases the oxidation speed of its co-substrates during hydrogen peroxide decomposition by peroxidase. Absorbance changes at the wavelength of corresponding reagents are in correlation with ascorbate concentration. During this study, benzidine and o-tolidine have been used as chromogenic reagents. Reaction conditions were optimized for various buffer systems, calibration curves were constructed, and limits of detection (0.04 mmol/L) and quantification (0.12 mmol/L) were calculated. Using calibration charts, it was possible to detect ascorbic acid within limits from 0.4 to 10 mmol/L. The optimized method was applied for the determination of ascorbic acid in pharmaceutical products. The method was characterized by exceptional sensitivity and accuracy, but only for preparations not containing substances that affect enzyme peroxidase.
On the stark broadening of Os II spectral lines
Authors: Dimitrijević Milan
Published: January 2021

Stark broadening parameters, full widths at half maximum (FWHM) and shifts for 13 Os II lines have been calculated. The plasma parameters are: electron density of 1017 cm-3 and temperatures from 5 000 K to 80 000 K. Calculations have been performed with the simplified modified semiempirical (SMSE) approach. The results are also used for the consideration of Strak width and shift regularities within the Os II 6s6D-6p6Do multiplet.
Elemental concentrations and soil-to-moss transfer factors of radionuclides in the environment of North Kosovo and Metohija
Authors: Gulan Ljiljana , Jakšić Tatjana , Milenković Biljana , Stajić Jelena
Published: January 2021

This paper deals with investigations of elemental concentrations and soil-to-moss transfer factors of radionuclides in area of municipalities Kosovska Mitrovica and Zubin Potok. Twelve samples of soil and moss Hypnum cupressiforme Hedw. were collected during May 2018. Transfer factors of radionuclides: 226Ra, 232Th, 40K and 137Cs were calculated with regard to elemental concentrations of radionuclides in soil and moss samples. Analysis was done in order to indicate the different ways of adopting radionuclides by mosses. According to calculated transfer factors and analysis, authors concluded that the soil is dominant source of natural radionuclides and their concentration in moss occurred due to resuspension of soil particles, while artificial 137Cs is present in soil and moss samples as a consequence of atmospheric dry and wet deposition.
Covid-19 risk assessment in public transport using ambient sensor data and wireless communications
Authors: Fatih Şentürk , Gökhan Adar , Panić Stefan , Stefanović Časlav , Yağanoğlu Mete , Prilinčević Bojan
Published: January 2021

Covid-19 causes one of the most alarming global health and economic crises in modern times. Countries around the world establish different preventing measures to stop or control Covid-19 spread. The goal of this paper is to present methods for the evaluation of indoor air quality in public transport to assess the risk of contracting Covid19. The first part of the paper involves investigating the relationship between Covid-19 and various factors affecting indoor air quality. The focus of this paper relies on exploring existing methods to estimate the number of occupants in public transport. It is known that increased occupancy rate increases the possibility of contamination as well as indoor carbon dioxide concentration. Wireless data collection schemes will be defined that can collect data from public transportation. Collected data are envisioned to be stored in the cloud for data analytics. We will present novel methods to analyze the collected data by considering the historical data and estimate the virus contagion risk level for each public transportation vehicle in service. The methodology is expected to be applicable for other airborne diseases as well. Real-time risk levels of public transportation vehicles will be available through a mobile application so that people can choose their mode of transportation accordingly.
Organizational culture in Serbia in relation to the characteristics of organization: Empirical reserch
Authors: Kirin Snežana , Gavrić Gordana , Kirin Sandra
Published: January 2021

In modern business conditions, organizational culture is recognized as a powerful tool for long-term survival and development of the organization. The purpose of this paper was to research whether and in what way the characteristics of organizations - such as its size, ownership structure, activity, domestic or foreign - influence the organizational culture. Because of continuous and rapid changes and enormous competition, which are features of modern business, the Denison model of organizational culture was chosen because it emphasizes the need for balance between requirements for organizational stability (factors of mission and consistency) and requirements for its adaptability (factors of involvement and adaptability). The survey covered a sample of 1,000 employees and the data was statistically processed using the one-way ANOVA method. The obtained results show the influence of organizational characteristics on its ability to balance the internal and external focus of the organization, its stability, and its ability to change. Likewise, there should be a certain organizational cultural transformation as a response to the paradigm change in wider environment should be a certain organizational cultural transformation as a response to the paradigm change in wider environment.
Technological intensity of Serbian manufacturing industry in Pre-Covid-19 period
Authors: Nikolić Ivan
Published: January 2021

This paper analyses technological intensity of Serbian manufacturing sector. The key purpose is to identify development of technological advancement groups (high, medium-high, medium-low and low) during the period of 2010-2019. The analysis shows that in 2019 the share of high-tech production areas in the total MVA increased to 5%, which is the best result since 2015. Changes in production correspond to the movement in foreign trade. The coverage of imports by exports of the manufacturing industry, relatively observed in the medium term, is increasing the fastest in the segment of tangible production, which is included in the category of medium-technological complexity. Serbia is not exclusively competitive in the labour intensive stages of production. It is also competitive in a good part of medium-technological complexity production. Finaly, vast FDI inflows and the activities of foreign investors, in good part, drive successful technological restructuring in recent years.
Attitudes and habits of young adults in using the services of fast food restaurants
Authors: Demirović-Bajrami Dunja , Simat Karolina , Vuksanović Nikola , Cimbaljević Marija
Published: January 2021

The purpose of the paper was to investigate the attitudes and perceptions of young people about the fast food restaurants in Serbia, with the special emphasis to the elements of corporate social responsibility (brand, nutritional values, ethical values and the quality of food), and to show the extent to which these products are represented in their daily diet. Data were collected from February to June 2019 between students of the University of Belgrade and Novi Sad, and between young people at high schools in Belgrade and Novi Sad (Serbia). A total sample consisted of 1145 young consumers. It was evident that the values and preferences of the target group of the leading fast food restaurants have changed, in the already developed market as well as in the developing ones, such as Serbia. The paper presents empirical results of using the services of fast food restaurants in Serbia by the younger population, as well as their perception of corporate social responsibility, with the special emphasis to the restaurants of McDonald's and KFC.
Acute coronary syndrome (STEMI, NSTEMI and unstable angina pectoris) and risk factors, similarities and differences
Authors: Mihajlović Dalibor , Maksimović Žana , Dojčinović Boris , Banjac Nada
Published: January 2021

Introduction: Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is one of the m ost common and most dramatic manifestations of ischaemic h eart disease and distinguishing of ACS from non-cardiac chest pain represents a diagnostic challenge. Objective: Determine the frequency of ACS types: NSTEMI, STEMI and unstable angina pectoris (UAP) and examine the frequency and significance of risk factors and cardiospecific enzymes in patients with ACS. Methods: The analysis included patients who were referred from the prehospital level of the Banja Luka Primary Healthcare Centre (Emergency Department and Family Medicine Department) and treated under the ACS diagnosis in the coronary unit of the Cardiovascular Diseases Clinic of the Banja Luka University Clinical Centre of the Republic of Srpska (UCCRS) in the first 6 months of 2011. The study included patients older than 18, with recorded information on their gender, age, smoking status, hypertension, diabetes, obesity and family burden. Values of cholesterol, triglycerides, serum potassium, creatine kinase (CK), CK-MB, cardiac tro - ponin T (cTnT) were measured. Results: The total of 192 patients were referred under the referral diagnosis of ACS and treated in the coronary unit of the CVD Clinic of the Banja Luka UCCRS. At the same time, ACS was confirmed in 178 cases. STEMI was confirmed in 86 patients (48.31 %), NSTEMI in 55 (30.90 %) and UAP in 37 (20.79 %). ACS was statistically significantly more common in men (112 men and 66 women), in particular younger men (average age for men was 62.7 and 69.2 for men and women, respectively) (U = 2.472 x 103, p < 0.001). Among the risk factors, it was found th at smoking was more often associated with STEMI (p = 0.014) and hypertension with UAP (p = 0.041). Among all param eters, all three examined cardiac biomarkers showed statistical significance (p < 0.001), namely: values at STEMI > NSTEMI > UAP. Conclusion: Half of patients with ACS did not have STEMI (which is presumably easy to diagnose). Third of patients with ACS reported atypical symptoms, which further complicates the early recognition of MI without ST elevation. Precaution is needed in women and in elderly. Determination of cTnT should be available in every examination room.
The ethical legacy of Hippocrates
Authors: Stojanović Goran
Published: January 2021

The text analyses the ethical content of the Hippocratic Oath, evaluates its significance for modern-day medicine and answers the question of how relevant it is for today's physicians. The history of the Oath is explored from its origin to modern-day adaptations. The paper explains the difference of expressing moral norms through an oath, a promise and a code. The ethical contents of Hippocratic ethics are divided into three segments: the covenant, the code and decorum. The paper further discusses the interpretation of controversial parts on abortion, euthanasia and the use of surgery. In his other works, Hippocrates emphasises high morality and requires physicians to be virtuous, exemplary humanists and to preserve the honour of their profession. In spite of all its faults, the Hippocratic Oath continues to set an example for the medical practice by emphasising the responsibility of the physician for the well-being of the patient. It is necessary that physicians possess not only technical knowledge, but also ethical education, enabling them to make conscientious moral decisions. The Oath is old, non-authentic , modified, differently interpreted and incomplete, but remains relevant for modern-day biomedical ethics.
Stereological analysis of the vascular network in superior colliculi
Authors: Sladojević Igor , Prerad Teodora , Mršić Mirjana
Published: January 2021

Background/Aim: Superior colliculi have an important role in the visual system, some motor functions and behaviour. Branches of the posterior cerebral artery and surrounding vessels form a collicular arterial network, which gives rise to several penetrating vessels for superior colliculi. The aim of the study was to determine relative stereological parameters (volume, surface and length density) of the vascular network in superior colliculi and to correlate those parameters with age. Methods: Ten adult brainstems, both male and female, were cut transversally at the middle of superior colliculi in three-millimetre-thick strata. Every stratum was cut in 4 µm thick semiserial sections stained with Mallory method. Images of every fifth section (5, 10, 15, 20) of superior colliculus were taken with "Leica" DM 1000 microscope and "Leica" MC 170HD camera under x 400 magnification and analysed by ImageJ software with A 100 grid. Statistical analysis was performed by the SPSS software with 5 % level of significance using methods of descriptive statistics, Spearman's and Pearson's correlation coefficient. Results: The average volume density of vascular network in superior colliculi was 0.0203 mm 0 , surface density 6.133 mm-1 , and length density 205.357 mm-2. All those parameters decreased with ageing, but statistically significant change was seen only in length density (p = 0.006). Conclusion: Compared to the structures at the same transversal level, the vascular network of superior colliculi has an average density. With ageing, blood vessels become less tortuous.
Relationship between ABO blood group phenotypes and nCOVID-19 susceptibility: A retrospective observational study
Authors: Bhandari Sudhir , Shaktawat Ajit , Tak Amit , Shukla Jyotsna , Gupta Jitentdra , Patel Bhoopendra , Kakkar Shivankan , Dube Amitabh , Dia Sunita , Dia Mahendra , Wehner Todd
Published: January 2021

Background: Since the outbreak of coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) research has been continued to explore multiple facets of the disease. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between blood group phenotypes and COVID-19 susceptibility. Methods: In this retrospective observational study 132 hospitalised COVID-19 patients were enrolled from the Swai Man Singh (SMS) Medical Hospital in Jaipur, India after receiving approval from the Institutional ethics committee. The ABO, Rh and Kell blood group phenotypes along with demographic data of the patients were recorded. The observed proportions of 'A', 'B', 'AB', 'O', 'Rh' and 'Kell' blood groups in COVID-19 patients were compared against the expected proportions (the null hypothesis) of the general population using Pearson's Chi-squared test and partition analysis. Results: There were significant differences between observed and expected frequency for the ABO and Kell blood phenotypes. Further partition analysis of ABO phenotypes showed that the group 'A' phenotypes were more susceptible to COVID-19. The Kell negatives were also more susceptible. The blood groups 'AB', 'B', 'O' and 'Rh' showed no significant difference for susceptibility to COVID-19. Conclusion: The study shows a relationship between ABO, Rh and Kell blood groups and COVID-19 susceptibility. The application of these relationships in clinics should be explored in future studies.
Cartographic image of Serbia and other neighboring countries on the Balkan Peninsula on the maps of Martin Waldseemüller from early 16th century
Authors: Grčić Mirko
Published: January 2021

Martin Waldseemüller has a special place in the history of European cartography and geography, due to the original cartographic works that influenced the expansion of the geographical horizons of Europeans in the 16th century. In the introductory section, the author gives an overview of his most important works, which still attract the attention of researchers in the field of historical geography, historical cartography, toponomastics and related scientific disciplines. Author then analyzes the text and context of Waldzemiler's maps. The aim of this work is to shed new light on geographical knowledge of the Balkan Peninsula and Serbian countries in the age of Humanism and the Renaissance, based on an analysis of Martin Waldseemüller's geographic maps from the early 16th century. Special attention is paid to the contents of the map Tabula moderna Bossine, Servie, Gretiae et Sclavonie, from 1507.
Residential tourism as a nucleus of massive tourism: Zlatibor
Authors: Vuković Dunja
Published: January 2021

The affirmation of Zlatibor as a tourist destination dates back to ancient times, so Zlatibor can be proud of its tradition of over 150 years. The turning point in the development of Zlatibor tourism is the visit of the Serbian sovereign Alexander I Obrenović. In 1893, two important tourist settlements were located on the mountain and residential objects were built. Therefore, the previously mentioned year is considered to be the beginning of organized tourism on Zlatibor. The second turning point in the development was the construction of a modern road that connected Užice with Kraljeva Voda, at the time when the interest of tourists exceeded the accommodation capacities. At the beginning of the 1930s due to the numerous values of Zlatibor, its favorable position and good transport connections with all parts of Serbia and neighboring countries, tourism on Zlatibor started to develop. The Zlatibor Resort, on the mountain of the same name, annually receives over one million overnight stays, mainly by domestic tourists, making it one of the most visited tourist destinations in the Republic of Serbia. The types of tourist services are sports, recreational, health and Congress tourism, and in recent years, tourist offers for children and youth have become more important. Accordingly, Zlatibor, as a tourist center, has no significant competition in Serbia or in the region. With further development and investment in tourism, Zlatibor will carry for a long time the epithet of the most visited and most attractive tourist destination of Serbia, despite its obvious shortcomings.