2235 research outputs found
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Integrating UAV Surveys and Geospatial Analysis for Geoheritage Evaluation: A Case Study of Markovi Kuli, North Macedonia
No full textThis study presents an approach of inventory, morphometric analysis, and geoconservation assessment of the exceptional denudation landforms of the Markovi Kuli geosite in North Macedonia. By integrating Digital Elevation Models (DEM) and orthophoto imagery processed from the UAV-based aerial photos of the area using Agisoft Metashape software, a high-resolution 0.1 m 3D model is produced. The model’s accuracy is then verified against the carefully selected control points. After the creation of the 3D model, visual inspection, delineation, and measurement of the granitic landforms are made as a basis for the landform inventory. As part of the geosite analysis, machine learning algorithms were employed to refine the classification of landforms. The detailed inventory revealed an abundance of landform structures, including inselbergs, tors, and boulders, showcasing diverse granitic formations. The study also applies the Geosite Assessment Model (GAM) and Heritage Climate Index (HERCI) to evaluate the site’s scientific, aesthetic, and climatic suitability for tourism and conservation. Results indicate high Main Values (8.5) for scientific and aesthetic significance and moderate Additional Values (9.25) for infrastructure and educational potential. This study highlights the importance of sustained monitoring and adaptive management strategies in preserving the overall integrity of Markovi Kuli for future generations
Environmental and Public health risks of heavy metal contamination in soil adjacent to illegal and unsanitary municipal landfills in Vojvodina, Serbia
No full textThe main goal of this paper is to examine the presence of heavy metals in the soil adjacent to illegal and unsanitary municipal landfills in Vojvodina (Serbia), to assess the potential environmental and health risks of unsustainable waste management practices. The maximum concentrations of heavy metals (Cd, Ni, Zn, Hg, As, Cu, Pb and Cr) in the soil of illegal and unsanitary landfills during the period 2016-2021 were analyzed, as well as the number of mentioned landfills, their locations (proximity to populated areas, water bodies, agricultural areas, etc.), and the potential health effects to which the population of the Vojvodina Province is exposed. Data for the research were retrieved from annual reports of the Provincial Secretariat for Urban Planning and Environmental Protection - Autonomous Province of Vojvodina and Serbian Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA). The results showed that the maximum limit values of almost all the examined heavy metals were significantly exceeded. For instance, in 2021, the highest Zn value was measured in the Odžaci municipality, which was 751.79 mg/kg, while the maximum permissible limit value for Zn is 140 mg/kg. In 2021, the highest concentration of Ni was measured in the area of the Beočin municipality, which was 397.74 mg/kg (the maximum limit value for Ni is 35 mg/kg). The highest concentration of As was measured in 2020 in the City of Subotica (306.67 mg/kg), while in 2021, a concentration of 118.97 mg/kg was measured in the Odžaci municipality (according to the national Regulation, the maximum limit value for As is 29 mg/kg). The highest Cu value in 2021 was registered in the municipality of Šid (805.30 mg/kg), while in 2020, a value of 902.29 mg/kg was measured in the area of the City of Kikinda - Novi Kozarci settlement (the maximum limit value for copper is 36 mg/kg). The findings presented in this study can contribute to the identification of the most vulnerable areas in Vojvodina Province, establishing sustainable waste management strategies and gaining a clearer understanding of how unsustainable waste management can impact quality of life, the environment and public health.Editor: Natalija Miri
“Signs by the Roadside” On the Road to Just Green Transitions in Serbia
No full textSerbia's commitment to just green transition (JGT) is clear and confirmed by ratifying a series of international declarations, mostly followed by the adoption of relevant laws, strategic documents and action plans at the national level. However, it is evident that the implementation faces a number of challenges, often leaving Serbia lagging behind at the European, and in some cases even regional level. This chapter is dedicated to shedding light on the reasons behind the gap between Serbia's formal commitment to the goals of a just green transition and the real changes that should result from it. The research focuses on determining how far Serbia has progressed in defining specific measures to achieve the goals of a just green transition, as well as the reasons for the lack of implementation of already defined measures. As it is noticeable that each of the existing policies is strictly sectoral, dedicated to one of the pillars of the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans (or some even more specific issues), we have also tried to examine the degree of their coordination and focus towards achieving JGT goals. The results of the conducted analysis gave us the opportunity to draw conclusions about key obstacles on the road to just green transition in Serbia, as well as proposals for overcoming them.Editors: Erblin Berisha, John Moodie, Ledio Allkja, Marija Jefti
The effect of hot days on birth rates in Serbia – regional aspect
No full textThe aim of this study is to examine the effects of hot days on birth rates in Serbia and its districts. This is the first study to address this issue in Serbia, with a regional focus stemming from the pronounced spatial heterogeneity in birth rates and climate conditions. The research utilizes data from Demographic Statistics on nearly 382000 live births across 25 Serbian districts during the period 2015–2020, alongside data from the Digital Atlas of Serbia on daily average temperatures in the same timeframe. Inspired by methodologies from previous studies in other regions, this approach allows for an in-depth analysis of the impact of variations in daily air temperature distribution — particularly hot days with an average temperature exceeding 25°C — on birth rates up to 12 months post-exposure. The results reveal that hot days (>25°C) lead to a significant decline in birth rates approximately 9–10 months later. This is followed by a partial rebound, with a slight increase in birth rates observed in the 11th and 12th months. Regional variations within Serbia highlight differing levels of population adaptability, reflecting the diverse socio-climatic resilience across districts. These findings have important implications for developing locally tailored policies and responses to climate change. Enhancing population adaptability at the regional level may serve as a mechanism to mitigate the fertility impacts associated with climate change.Editor: Natalija Miri
Life Years Without Pollution or Noise: A Subjective-Environmental Mortality Indicator Across Europe
No full textEnvironmental degradation poses a growing threat to public health and longevity across Europe, with air and noise pollution contributing significantly to premature mortality and diminished quality of life. While objective indicators such as life expectancy offer valuable insights into population health, they fail to capture the lived experience of environmental stress. This paper introduces a novel indicator “Life Years Without Pollution or Noise” which integrates life table data with subjective perceptions of environmental exposure across 25 European countries. Based on data from the EU-SILC survey and life tables data, the authors uses the well-established Sullivan method. “Life Years Without Pollution and Noise” are calculated by weighting in a life table the age-specific person-years lived with age-specific proportions of non-exposers to pollution or noise. The results reveal a striking reversal of conventional longevity patterns. While Southern and Mediterranean countries traditionally rank high in overall longevity, they report some of the lowest values for life years lived without pollution or noise driven by widespread perceptions of environmental stress. In contrast, several Eastern European countries, despite facing less favorable mortality conditions, demonstrate significantly higher values for this indicator and notably smaller gaps between life expectancy and life years without pollution or noise. The observed heterogeneity across Europe illustrates the complexity of environmental health assessments, where cultural, infrastructural, and policy factors intersect with individual perceptions. Importantly, the differences in life years without pollution and noise are substantially larger than those observed in total life expectancy, emphasizing the need for mortality indicators that integrate environmental dimensions. To improve public health outcomes, policies must address both the physical reduction of environmental stressors and the enhancement of perceived environmental quality. Incorporating subjective measures into demographic and epidemiological research is essential for capturing the lived realities of populations across Europe.Editor: Natalija Miri
GIS-based water stress analysis in North African drylands
No full textNorth Africa is experiencing intensifying water stress due to rapid population growth, urban sprawl, and climate variability, with major implications for agriculture and human settlement in its predominantly dryland environment. This study applies Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing, and Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) to assess water scarcity across Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Morocco, Sudan, and Tunisia. Buffer zones of 10, 20, and 50 km around key river systems particularly the Nile, Draa, and Medjerda—were analyzed to evaluate spatial relationships between water access, population density, and agricultural vulnerability. The findings reveal that the 10 km buffer zone around the Nile has undergone 45 % population increase between 2000 and 2020, placing extraordinary pressure on freshwater resources and irrigated agriculture. Libya and Algeria exhibit high hydrological vulnerability, lacking perennial rivers and relying on groundwater extraction, while Morocco and Tunisia face spatially uneven water access. GIS-based zonal statistics show that regions closest to rivers not only host the densest populations but also experience the highest evapotranspiration and land-use change. Over 60 % of North Africa's landmass is classified as high or very high risk for water stress and agricultural decline, particularly in dryland zones beyond 20 km from rivers. The study underscores the critical role of rivers in structuring settlement and farming patterns, while also identifying emerging hotspots of environmental degradation in interior drylands. These results call for urgent adoption of climate-resilient irrigation, decentralized water infrastructure, and enhanced transboundary cooperation. The integrated spatial approach presented herein offers policymakers actionable, location-specific insights to guide sustainable water and land management across North Africa's fragile drylands
Identification of safe helicopter landing zones and an overview of heliports in Serbia
No full textHelicopters are most commonly used in inaccessible areas during various
operations, whether civilian or military. This paper aims to provide an overview
of existing research on the automatic generation of safe helicopter landing
zones and to define the necessary parameters for their application in the territory
of the Republic of Serbia. The paper also presents the present-day state
of designated helicopter landing areas in Serbia. Notably, with 12 heliports,
Serbia is among the leading countries in the region for heliport infrastructure.
Additionally, the paper outlines the legal frameworks governing this subject
in Serbia, the European Union, and the United States. Finally, the paper
proposes parameters that define safe helicopter landing zones. Research of
this kind could aid decision-making processes during emergencies in the
Republic of Serbia and other countries.Editor: Milovan Staniši
Snow Avalanche Susceptibility Mapping Using Deep Learning, Machine Learning, and Fuzzy Logic: A Case Study of the Šar Mountains, Serbia
No full textDue to the increasing frequency of climate extremes, predicting hydrological hazards such as snow avalanches has become a critical priority in environmental protection and risk management. This study presents a comprehensive approach to mapping snow avalanche susceptibility in the Šar Mountains National Park (southern Serbia), where avalanches pose significant risks to people, infrastructure, and biodiversity. Using a hybrid methodology that integrates machine learning, deep learning, and fuzzy logic within a GIS framework, susceptibility maps were developed based on nine conditioning factors: normalized difference snow index (NDSI), slope, land use, elevation, plan and profile curvature, aspect, winter precipitation, and winter air temperature. A total of nine models were applied: Logistic Regression (LR), Support Vector Machines (L-SVM, G-SVM), Decision Tree (DT), Random Forest (RF), LightGBM, XGBoost, Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP), and Fuzzy AHP (FAHP). Avalanche inventory data were used to train and validate the models using a double cross-validation scheme. All models showed strong predictive performance (AUC > 90%), with RF achieving the highest AUC (99.9%) and DT the lowest (93%). Key predictive features were slope, elevation, land use, and NDSI. High-risk zones were found near mountain peaks and ridges, and vulnerable settlements included Restelica, Brod, and the Brezovica ski resort. The area classified as ‘’very high susceptibility’’ ranged from 4.24% (XGBoost) to 24.73% (DT). This is the first study to apply MLP independently for avalanche susceptibility and among the first to integrate diverse AI-based models with fuzzy logic. The results provide valuable support for land-use planning, civil protection, and park management
Spatial–Temporal Trends of Cancer Among Women in Central Serbia, 1999–2021: Implications for Disaster and Public Health Preparedness
No full textBackground/Objectives: Cancer is a major public health burden in Serbia and a factor
influencing long-term disaster readiness by straining health system capacity. This study
examined spatial and temporal trends in incidence and mortality for eight major cancers
among women in Central Serbia (1999–2021) to inform targeted prevention and preparedness
strategies. Methods: Standardised rates from national datasets were analysed using the
Mann–Kendall trend test and Sen’s slope estimator. Geographic disparities were mapped
in ArcGIS Pro 3.2. Mortality trends were assessed only for statistically reliable series. Results:
Breast cancer incidence increased in six counties, while cervical cancer declined in
several areas, likely reflecting screening success. Colorectal, bladder, pancreatic, and lung
and bronchus cancers showed rising incidence; lung and bronchus cancer mortality increased
in 16 counties, indicating growing demand for chronic respiratory care. These shifts
may reduce surge capacity during disasters by increasing the baseline burden on healthcare
infrastructure. Regional disparities highlight uneven system resilience. Conclusions:
Aligning cancer control measures—especially for high-burden cancers like lung—with
emergency preparedness frameworks is essential to strengthen health system resilience,
particularly in resource-limited regions
Besplatan javni gradski saobraćaj i urbana mobilnost - ekonomski, ekološki i socijalni efekti
No full textBesplatan javni gradski saobraćaj (FFPT) sve češće se promoviše kao politika urbane mobilnosti sa ciljem povećanja broja putnika javnog prevoza, smanjenja zavisnosti od automobila i unapređenja socijalne jednakosti. Međutim, njegova ekonomska održivost i ekološka efektivnost su i dalje predmet stručnih rasprava. Ovaj rad predstavlja objedinjenu analizu ključnih nalaza više studija slučaja u cilju sagledavanja stvarnih efekata FFPT-a.
alazi pokazuju da, iako ova politika podstiče veće korišćenje javnog prevoza, retko dovodi do značajnog smanjenja automobilskog saobraćaja - osim kada se sprovodi zajedno sa komplementarnim merama kao što su uvođenje naknade za zagušenje i/ili urbanističke intervencije usmerene na smanjenje potreba za saobraćajem u gradu. Štaviše, finansijski teret koje nameće FFPT veoma često nadmašuje njegove koristi, opterećujući gradski budžet i ugrožavajući kvalitet usluga javnog prevoza. Nasuprot tome, ciljane subvencije i unapređenje kvaliteta usluga pokazuju se kao efikasnije alternative. Zaključak je da FFPT sam po sebi nije dovoljan za suštinske pozitivne promene u sistemu urbane mobilnosti i da ga treba sprovoditi kao deo šire, dobro integrisane strategije gradskog saobraćaja i urbanog razvoja.Urednici: Dejan Filipović, Velimir Šećerov, Dušan Ristić, Marina Ili