University of Novi Sad

This study highlights the vital role of high-resolution (HR), open-source land cover maps for food security, land use planning, and environmental protection. The scarcity of freely available HR datasets underscores the importance of multi-spectral HR aerial images. We used unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to capture images for a centimeter-level orthomosaics, facilitating advanced remote sensing and spatial analysis. Our method compares the efficacy and accuracy of object-based image analysis (OBIA) combined with random forest and convolutional neural networks (CNN) for land cover classification. We produced detailed land cover maps for 27 varied landscapes across Serbia, identifying nine unique land cover classes and assessing human impact on natural habitats. This resulted in a valuable dataset of HR multi-spectral orthomosaics across ecological zones, alongside land cover classification with extensive metrics and training data for each site. This dataset is a valuable resource for researchers working on habitats mapping and assessment for biodiversity monitoring studies on one side and researchers working on novel machine learning methods for land cover classification.

Context Promoting grassland habitat networks within agricultural landscapes is essential for supporting biodiversity. However, the characteristics of these networks are often poorly documented, making it difficult to prioritize conservation strategies and effectively protect grassland-dependent species. Objectives We set to identify conservation priorities for (semi)natural grasslands by assessing habitat network characteristics based on a combination of monitoring data and scientific model output for European Ground Squirrel (EGS), a keystone grassland specialist, in agricultural settings of northern Serbia. Methods We used the spatially explicit model, LARCH, to determine the current habitat networks and available monitoring data on presence/absence and habitat suitability together with Circuitscape to better understand the characteristics of those networks. The combination of modeling results and monitoring data was used to prioritize conservation measures for each network to support a stable and viable EGS metapopulation. Results We identified 15 habitat networks. Our analysis showed that two of these need no interventions, but most of them need a mix of improving habitat quality and connections within and between the networks to support local populations and the metapopulation overall. Conclusions Results revealed areas in which spatial adaptation measures (e.g., grassland restoration and corridor development) should be deployed to accommodate the long-term survival of EGS. It might be considered to stop conservation efforts in some abandoned networks as the network characteristics are too poor, and resources should be used to improve habitat networks that are still occupied. Our findings may guide the conservation of (semi)natural grasslands and future sustainable land-use planning in intensively farmed landscapes.

Background and Aims Body composition parameters associated with aerobic fitness, mirrored by maximal oxygen consumption (V̇O2max), have recently gained interest as indicators of physical efficiency in facioscapulohumeral dystrophy (FSHD). Bioimpedance analysis (BIA) allows a noninvasive and repeatable estimate of body composition but is based on the use of predictive equations which, if used in cohorts with different characteristics from those for which the equation was originally formulated, could give biased results. Instead, the phase angle (PhA), a BIA raw bioelectrical parameter reflecting body fluids distribution, could provide reliable data for such analysis. Methods 33 clinically and genetically characterized FSHD patients (mean age 35.7; 10 females) and 27 sex and age‐matched healthy controls (HC) were included in the analysis. BIA was used to evaluate body fluids distribution (intracellular water [ICW], extracellular water [ECW], and total body water [TBW]), and PhA, while cardiopulmonary exercise test was used to estimate V̇O2max. Results The groups were comparable for ECW and TBW. Instead, patients showed lower values of ICW (p = 0.020), ICW/ECW ratio (p < 0.001), and PhA (p < 0.001). Moreover, patients reported lower V̇O2max (p = 0.001 for absolute values; p = 0.002 for values expressed in relation to body weight) which, unlike HC, was not associated to PhA. Conclusion Based on our results, PhA of FSHD patients is lower than HC. Since PhA mirrors the ICW/ECW ratio, the lower share of ICW seems to be the basis of such difference. Given the lack of association with V̇O2max, PhA cannot be considered a reliable indicator of aerobic fitness in FSHD.

Increased screen time (ST) among preschool children is becoming a matter of concern globally. Although gadgets such as phones, tablets and computers might be of educational use in this population, excessive ST might impair cognitive function among preschoolers. As data on this topic in preschool children are scarce, this study sought to investigate the relationship between ST and executive functions (EFs) in this population. A total of 1016 preschool children aged 5–6 years (M = 70.8 months, SD = 4.5) were tested using the Developmental Neuropsychological Assessment (NEPSY-II) and the Dimensional Change Card Sort tests for cognitive flexibility (CF), visual working memory (WM), verbal WM, inhibition and motor persistence with parental consent, while ST was reported via a questionnaire completed by their mothers. Participants spent approximately 2 h in both active and passive ST per day, with boys spending much more time in active ST than girls. There was a very weak negative correlation between CF and both active and passive ST, and a weak negative correlation between verbal WM and both active and passive ST. Additionally, there was a very weak negative correlation between inhibition and passive ST on weekday. To ensure proper development of EFs in preschool children, ST should be limited to ≤ 1 h per day of high-quality educational/interactive content as previously determined by eminent pediatric institutions worldwide. Proven remedies that enhance EFs in children, such as physical activity and cognitive training, should be practiced regularly.

Virtual reality (VR) provides a unique opportunity to simulate various environments, enabling the observation of human behavior in a manner that closely resembles real-world scenarios. This study aimed to explore the effects of anticipating reward or punishment, personality traits, and physiological arousal on risky decision-making within a VR context. A custom VR game was developed to simulate real-life experiences. The sample comprised 52 students (63.46% female) from the University of Novi Sad, Serbia. The study assessed four parameters within the VR environment: elapsed game time, number of steps taken, average score, and decision-making time. Three physiological signals, heart rate, skin conductance, and respiratory rate, were recorded. Results indicated that personality traits, specifically Fight (β = -0.33, p = 0.024) and Freeze (β = 0.431, p = 0.009), were significantly related to behavior in the VR environment (R = 0.572, R²_adj = 0.227, RMSE = 23.12, F(6, 40) = 3.25, p = 0.011). However, these effects were not significant after negative feedback. Emotional arousal, measured by respiratory rate amplitude (β = 0.276, p = 0.045), showed a more pronounced role after feedback (β = 0.337, p = 0.028). These findings indicate that personality traits primarily influence behavior in a VR environment prior to the actual threat, whereas environmental characteristics become more important afterwards. The results offer valuable insights for experimental and personality psychologists by revealing how risk-taking is influenced by situational, emotional, and personality factors. Additionally, they provide guidance for VR designers in creating more ecologically valid environments, highlighting VR’s potential as a tool for psychological research, while also underscoring the critical importance of selecting objective VR measures to accurately capture the complexities of human behavior in immersive environments.

An experimentally proved method for efficient seismic upgrading of isolated bridges exposed to very strong multi-directional near-field and far-field earthquakes is presented in this paper. The advanced capability of the upgraded bridge system was achieved by application of the developed uniform complex root (CR) energy dissipation devices. The new uniform complex root (UCR) bridge system was fully validated based on seismic tests on experimental models and analytical response simulation studies. The UCR system integrates the advances of seismic isolation and energy dissipation and represents an advanced technical solution for efficient protection of bridges located in seismic areas of the highest seismicity. The tested large-scale model of the UCR bridge system had double spherical rolling seismic bearings (DSRSB) as seismic isolation devices, while qualitative improvement of the seismic performances was achieved through the use of the created uniform CR energy dissipation devices. Extensive seismic testing of the UCR bridge model was conducted under simulated effects of near-field and far-field earthquakes, respectively.

Herein, edible solenoids are introduced, which are realized by coating spaghetti with edible gold leaves, creating fully edible and functional radio frequency (RF) electronic components. As a proof‐of‐principle of their use in RF circuits, a completely edible passive inductor‐capacitor (LC) resonator at ≈200 MHz is demonstrated. The results significantly expand the applications of edible electronics to RF regime, supporting future developments in edible sensing and edible robotic systems, emerging fields with a high grade of sustainability.

In this paper, we analyze various classes of multi-dimensional ρ- almost periodic type functions F : I × X → Y and multi-dimensional (ω, ρ)- almost periodic type functions F : I×X → Y, where n ∈ N, ∅ ≠ I ⊆ R^n, X and Y are complex Banach spaces and ρ is a binary relation on Y. The proposed notion is new even in the one-dimensional setting, for the functions of the form F : I → Y. The main structural properties and characterizations for the introduced classes of functions are presented. We provide certain applications of our theoretical results to the abstract Volterra integro-differential equations, as well.

Tests of Self-Conscious Affect (TOSCAs) are a group of scenario-based dispositional scales frequently used to measure individual differences in shame and guilt. The main aim of the present research was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Serbian version of TOSCA for adolescents (TOSCA-A) and to further explore the validity of guilt and shame measures. TOSCA-A was evaluated in three samples: 114 primary school students, 256 high-school students, and 365 college students. Several models were tested, but two-factor oblique solution had the best fit in all three groups. However, both shame and guilt demonstrated high internal consistency. Convergent validity of shame-proneness was also demonstrated by moderate correlations with self-esteem, perceived stress, and different affects. Results related to the measure of guilt were less consistent across age groups. Finally, we showed that guilt is a reliable measure of someone's motivation to make amends or apologize and someone’s feelings of remorse and regret - rather than feeling of guilt.

Introduction Heart failure (HF) is a complex clinical syndrome. Accurate risk stratification and early diagnosis of HF are challenging as its signs and symptoms are non-specific. We propose to address this global challenge by developing the STRATIFYHF artificial intelligence-driven decision support system (DSS), which uses novel analytical methods in determining the risk, diagnosis and prognosis of HF. The primary aim of the present study is to collect prospective clinical data to validate the STRATIFYHF DSS (in terms of diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity and specificity) as a tool to predict the risk, diagnosis and progression of HF. The secondary outcomes are the demographic and clinical predictors of risk, diagnosis and progression of HF. Methods and analysis STRATIFYHF is a prospective, multicentre, longitudinal study that will recruit up to 1600 individuals (n=800 suspected/at risk of HF and n=800 diagnosed with HF) aged ≥45 years old, with up to 24 months of follow-up observations. Individuals suspected of HF will be divided into two categories based on current definitions and predefined inclusion criteria. All participants will have their medical history recorded, along with data on physical examination (signs and symptoms), blood tests including serum natriuretic peptides levels, ECG and echocardiogram results, as well as demographic, socioeconomic and lifestyle data, and use of complete novel technologies (cardiac output response to stress test and voice recognition biomarkers). All measurements will be recorded at baseline and at 12-month follow-up, with medical history and hospitalisation also recorded at 24-month follow-up. Cardiovascular MRI assessment will be completed in a subset of participants (n=20–40) from eligible clinical centres only at baseline. Each clinical centre will recruit a subset of participants (n=30) who will complete a 6-month home-based monitoring of clinical characteristics and accelerometry (wrist-worn monitor) to determine the feasibility and acceptability of the STRATIFYHF mobile application. Focus groups and semistructured interviews will be conducted with up to 15 healthcare professionals and up to 20 study participants (10 at risk of HF and 10 diagnosed with HF) to explore the needs of patients and healthcare professionals prior to the development of the STRATIFYHF DSS and to evaluate the acceptability of this mobile application. Ethics and dissemination Ethical approval has been granted by the East Midlands - Leicester Central Research Ethics Committee (24/EM/0101). Dissemination activities will include journal publications and presentations at conferences, as well as development of training materials and delivery of focused training on the STRATIFYHF DSS and mobile application. We will develop and propose policy guidelines for integration of the STRATIFYHF DSS and mobile application into the standard of care in the HF care pathway. Trial registration number NCT06377319 .

With the growing global pet population and increased spending on veterinary care, compounded medications offer customized, often more suitable and affordable treatment options compared to the limited available veterinary medications. This research aims to understand pet owners’ attitudes towards compounded medications, focusing on their challenges and needs. A total of 300 respondents from the territory of Novi Sad, province of Vojvodina, Republic of Serbia completed the questionnaire, through face-to-face interviews at veterinary clinics. Pet owners stated that the majority of companion animals were dogs (66.7%), followed by cats (22.8%). A significant portion of them received medication in the past five years (70.7%), while nearly half of them were human-approved (47.9%) out of which more than half (55%) of the pets received antimicrobials for systemic use. Although the majority of pets did not receive compounded medication (79.8%), respondents believed that both they and their pets would benefit from it. Only small fraction of respondents knew that local pharmacies had the ability to compound medications for pets (14.5%). In the era of personalized medicine, compounded medication for specialized needs play an important role providing optimum therapy for veterinary patients. However, limitations persist, including variability in formulation quality, limited regulatory oversight, and challenges in ensuring consistency in potency and stability, as well as decreased efficacy for certain drugs and the challenges related to the lack of pharmacokinetic data for some administration routes. By customizing treatments for individual veterinary patients, we can optimize antimicrobial use, reduce the selective pressure that drives resistance, and enhance patient outcomes, while acknowledging the need for careful oversight and quality control in compounding practices to ensure safety and efficacy.

Herbal dust, a waste byproduct from filter-tea production, was annealed to form ash that can be incorporated into natural rubber as an eco-friendly filler. Three types of herbal dust ash (HDA), green tea, hibiscus, and lemon balm, were added at two different contents, 2.5 and 5 phr, into the rubber compound, while the content of carbon black, as a filler, was maintained at 50 phr in all samples. The impact of HDA type and content on the rheological and mechanical properties of rubber products was evaluated. Rheological analysis showed that HDA samples exhibited slightly lower maximum torque values (around 11.6 dNm) than ash-free samples (13.53 dNm), yet maintained vulcanization effectiveness with minimal impact on torque or cure rate metrics. Mechanical testing found that samples with 2.5 phr of lemon balm ash achieved comparable properties to samples without added ash, while samples with added hibiscus preserved crosslinking density and hardness. The addition of HDA led to decreases in tensile strength, elongation at break, and hardness values, with slight changes suggesting its applicability in similar industrial contexts. The findings highlight HDAs potential as a cost-effective, sustainable filler for rubber production, contributing to circular economy practices by repurposing significant amounts of tea waste into high-quality rubber materials.

The performance of three advanced green extraction techniques, high voltage electric discharge, microwave-assisted extraction, and subcritical water extraction, was evaluated to valorize quince (Cydonia oblonga Mill.) leaves. High voltage electric discharge was conducted at frequencies of 40–100 Hz for 1–15 min with a solvent-solid ratio of 100 mL/g at 25 °C; subcritical water extraction was performed at temperatures ranging from 100–200 °C with a solvent-solid ratio of 20 mL/g, 30 bar, and for 10 min; and microwave-assisted extraction was carried out at temperatures between 40–120 °C with extraction times of 5 and 10 min and a solvent-solid ratio of 10 mL/g. High voltage electric discharge at 40 Hz for 10 min achieved the highest total phenolic content (985.18 mg gallic acid equivalents/g dry matter) and total flavonoid content (640.72 mg catechin equivalents/g dry matter). However, high-performance liquid chromatography revealed that subcritical extracts were with the highest content of individual phenolic compounds. Fifteen phenolic compounds were identified, including five phenolic acids, six flavan-3-ols, three flavonols, and one flavonol glycoside. Chlorogenic acid (223.86 μg/mL) was the most abundant, followed by epigallocatechin (105.04 μg/mL), rutin (98.78 μg/mL), and epicatechin (60.47 μg/mL). This study highlights the potential of these advanced extraction techniques for the valorization of quince leaves and sets the foundation for further research and development in optimizing extraction processes for attainment of high-value extracts.

Purpose: This systematic review aims to synthesize the current research on doping in combat sports, examining the prevalence, detection methods, prevention strategies, and overall impact on combat sports. Design/methodology/approach: Of the 21 identified articles, six met the inclusion criteria. A systematic approach was used, including content analysis based on specific criteria: articles in English, original research, and relevance to sport and doping. Findings: The review reveals an unsettling prevalence of doping across combat sports, suggesting that current detection and prevention efforts may be insufficient to address the unique pressures and risks within these disciplines. In particular, substances like anabolic agents, diuretics, hormone modulators, and NSAIDs are commonly detected, especially among athletes in heavier weight categories and those engaging in rapid weight loss. Psychological and social factors, including social norms and perceived acceptance within athletic environments, appear to play a significant role in shaping doping behaviors, complicating prevention efforts. Beta-agonists emerged as the sixth most frequent cause of adverse analytical findings (AAF) in 2020, according to WADA data, while kickboxing had the highest AAF rate among combat sports in a 2015 report. These trends suggest a pressing need for more comprehensive, nuanced approaches to regulation. Research limitations/implications: Limited to English-language articles The honesty of athletes about their experience in doping could have influenced the results. Originality/value: As the first systematic review on doping in combat sports, this study offers valuable insights and underscores the urgency of developing anti-doping policies and it provides insightful data for future research directions for addressing doping in these disciplines.

Pornography is used worldwide, and 3% of individuals may experience problematic pornography use (PPU, i.e. poorly controlled use resulting in significant distress and negative consequences). Therefore, instruments gauging PPU are needed in nation-specific languages. This study aimed to validate a modified version of the Problematic Pornography Consumption Scale-6 (PPCS-6) in the Serbian language among 1413 adults (52.9% males) aged from 18 to 54 (Mage = 24.96, SD = 4.46). Exploratory factor analysis on the sample’s random half yielded a single factor explaining 43% of the total variance. Confirmatory factor analysis on the sample’s other half revealed an acceptable model fit. Internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha) was acceptable. The scale exhibited configural and partial metric invariance across genders and convergent validity. Latent profile analysis identified that 8.1% of the participants were at risk of experiencing PPU. In comparison, this value was 9.6% based on a calculated cutoff score (≥ 19) with acceptable values (.69 and .96) of sensitivity and specificity. To conclude, the Serbian modified version of the PPCS-6 appears to be a valid and reliable scale for screening PPU.