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Ethics and Impact of Artificial Intelligence: A Multidisciplinary Approach
No full textRapid development in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) brings
significant opportunities for society, prompting at the same time an
exploration of its complex implications. Creating and using AI that
mirrors human intelligence implies an associated responsibility. Ethical
concerns about the impact of AI also include human autonomy, dignity, and justice, which underscores the need to cultivate responsible
and ethical practices in its development and use. AI’s impact on social
structures, some of which are the labor markets and communication,
underscores the need for developing modified, responsible regulation
for the new circumstances. Additionally, its potential to amplify social
inequalities due to the inherent biases and other reasons, indicates the
importance of our thorough engagement that would ensure transparency, fairness, and accountability of AI systems. For a holistic understanding of AI’s societal impact, a multidisciplinary approach is needed
that implicates collaboration between IT experts, philosophers, sociologists, theologians and many others. Need for the ethical development
and application of AI, calls for achieving the collaboration between
governments, industries, civil society, and international organizations.
It is a global issue, but the current practice shows no unity on this issue
on a global scale. What’s more, global race for AI dominance makes
deep geopolitical ramifications. Having in mind all of the above, we
assume that human-AI relations should be continuously reevaluated
and controlled through the ongoing dialogue of multidisciplinary and
multi-level character, based on considerations of ethical implications,
where diverse national and cultural perspectives are being respected
Book of Abstracts / 8th Conference of The Serbian Society for Ceramic Materials, 8CSCS-2025
No full textOn behalf of the organizers and the organizing committee of the 8th Conference of the Serbian Society for Ceramic Materials (8CSCS-2025), it is my great pleasure to extend a warm welcome to all attendees. We are delighted to host you in Belgrade for this important gathering.
The conference is organized by the Serbian Society for Ceramic Materials, in collaboration with the Institute for Multidisciplinary Research – University of Belgrade, Institute of Physics – University of Belgrade, Center of Excellence for the Synthesis, Processing and Characterization of Materials for Use in Extreme Conditions – “CEXTREME LAB”, Institute of Nuclear Sciences “Vinča” – University of Belgrade, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering – University of Belgrade, Center of Excellence for Green Technologies, and the Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy – University of Belgrade.
The primary aim of 8CSCS-2025 is to serve as a platform for academic and professional exchange in the field of ceramic materials. This conference brings together researchers, scholars, and professionals from universities, institutes, and industries across the region and beyond, encouraging the discussion of novel ideas and directions in ceramic materials research.
This year, we are proud to have received 86 abstracts from researchers representing 15 countries, reflecting the growing global interest in ceramic materials. The program features three plenary lectures, 22 invited talks, and 61 oral and poster presentations.
Covered topics include ceramic powders, characterization and processing; computing in materials science; high temperature phenomena, sintering, microstructure design and mechanical properties; ceramic composites, membranes and multimaterials; materials for environmental technology; traditional ceramics and engineering materials; advanced materials for energy-related applications; materials for sensing devices; catalytic materials; electro and magnetic ceramics.
We gratefully acknowledge the support of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development of the Republic of Serbia. Special thanks go to the organizers, session chairs, presenters, exhibitors, and all participants for your contributions and enthusiastic engagement.
We hope that your time in Belgrade will be both professionally rewarding and personally enjoyable. I look forward to meeting you and engaging in fruitful discussions throughout the conference
WIMANET: The Power of a Network in Wildlife Malaria Research
No full textThe Wildlife Malaria Network (WIMANET) is an EU-COST-funded global network of researchers and stakeholders interested in wildlife malaria and related haemosporidian parasites. The network has six working groups covering a diverse range of core topics within wildlife malaria research, focusing on genetics and genomics, species identification, vectors, haematology, communities,
and communication. Up to now, the network includes 229 members from 45 countries including Europe, America, Africa, and Asia, but this number is continually growing. This review outlines the aims and goals of WIMANET, providing a summary of activities and plans for each of the six working groups for the next years. The network is open to new members, and we provide
details on how both new and existing members can get involved in the network and take part in activities.WIMANET provides a global platform for collaborative and innovative research, and we encourage all members of the wildlife malaria community (and beyond) to take advantage of the opportunities the network offers
Examination of the effects of Ni2+, Sm3+ and Zr4+ dopants on the structural, morphological and optical properties of titanium(IV) oxide nanofibers obtained by electrospinning method for photocatalytic application
No full textPredmet istraživanja ove doktorske disertacije je ispitivanje morfoloških, strukturnih, optičkih i fotokatalitičkih svojstva TiO2 nanovlakana dopiranih trovalentnim jonima samarijuma (Sm3+), četvorovalentim jonima cirkonijuma (Zr4+), kao i dvovalentnim jonima nikla (Ni2+).
U prvom delu istraživanja, uspešno su sintetisana nanovlakna na bazi titan(IV)-oksida, bez i u prisustvu dopanata Sm (0,5-5,0 mol. %), Zr (0,5-5,0 mol. %) i Ni (0,5-10,0 mol. %), optimizacijom različitih parametara tokom procesa sinteze. Za dobijanje nanovlakana korišćena je metoda elektropredenja, nakon čega je usledila kalcinacija na 500 ºC, tokom 1 h.
U drugom delu istraživanja ispitana su strukturna, morfološka, optička i fotokatalitička svojstva sintetisanih čistih i dopiranih TiO2 nanovlakana primenom različitih fizičko-hemijskih metoda karakterizacije. Spektri transparencije dobijeni FTIC analizom su pokazali da prisustvo odgovarajućih funkcionalnih grupa na dobijenim materijalima potiče od korišćenih prekursora, rastvarača i polimera (PVP) u procesu sinteze čistih i dopiranih uzoraka TiO2, pre kalcinacije. Prema rezultatima TGA-DTA analize, nije uočen dalji gubitak mase iznad temperature od 490 °C i prema tome sva dobijena TiO2 vlakna su kalcinisana na temperaturi 500 °C tokom 1 h, kako bi se dobio čist oksid ili dopiran TiO2. Elementarnom analizom je utvrđeno prisustvo titana i kiseonika u sastavu čistih TiO2 nanovlakana, dok su EDS spektri dopiranih TiO2 nanovlakana potvrdili prisustvo samarijuma, cirkonijuma i nikla. Analizom morfologije nanovlakana, primećeno je značajno smanjenje prosečnog prečnika vlakana nakon kalcinacije na 500 ºC i nastala kalcinisana nanovlakna titan(IV)-oksida opisuju se kao prava, izlomljena i nasumično orijentisana u poređenju sa predenim nekalcinisanim nanovlaknima. Takođe, rezultati FESEM mikroskopije su pokazali da dodatak jona Sm3+, Zr4+ i Ni2+ dovodi do povećanja prosečnog prečnika TiO2 nanovlakana u odnosu na čista ili nedopirana TiO2 nanovlakna. Dodatno, difraktogrami svih sintetisanih uzoraka TiO2 nanovlakana su pokazali da je najdominantnija kristalna faza anatas. Sa povećanjem sadržaja samarijuma i cirkonijuma, rutilna faza se značajno smanjila u TiO2-Sm i TiO2-Zr uzorcima, dok je povećanje količine nikla (iznad 1,0% Ni) dovelo do naknadnog povećanja sadržaja rutila (10,0% Ni). Pored difraktograma, rezultati Ramanske analize su ukazali na prevenciju transformacije anatasne u rutilnu fazu sa dodatkom jona Sm3+ i Zr4+, dok je u prisustvu veće količine jona Ni2+ (10,0% Ni) povećan sadržaj rutila u TiO2. Dodatno su ispitana optička i fotoluminescentna svojstva čistih i dopiranih TiO2 nanovlakana. Prema dobijenim rezultatima, ustanovljeno je smanjenje energetskog procepa kod većeg broja uzoraka, kao i intenzivna emsija u vidljivoj oblasti FL spektra. Na kraju su ispitana fotokatalitička svojstva: čistih TiO2, Sm-dopiranih TiO2, Zr-dopiranih TiO2 i Ni-dopiranih TiO2 nanovlakana za razgradnju vodenog rastvora organske boje metilensko plave (MB). Najveću fotokatalitičku efikasnost MB razgradnje su pokazali uzorci nanovlakana TiO2 dopiranih sa 0,5% jona Sm3+ (97%) i TiO2 nanovlakna dopirana sa 1,0% jona Zr4+ (98%), dok su uzorci sa različitim sadržajem nikla (0,5-10,0 mol. % Ni2+) pokazali nižu fotokatalitičku aktivnost (do 60%) u odnosu na čista ili nedopirana TiO2 nanovlakna, pod UV-Vis svetlošću i nakon 180 min osvetljavanja halogenom lampom (300 W, intenziteta ∼1000 W.m-2). Značajni rezultati koji su proizišli iz ovog istraživanja mogu biti temelj za dalja ispitivanja, pri čemu dobijeni TiO2 materijali mogu imati potencijalnu primenu u fotokatalizi, otvarajući mogućnost za širu primenu u tretmanu otpadnih voda i razgradnju drugih zagađivača.The subject of this doctoral dissertation research is examination of the morphological, structural, optical and photocatalytic properties of TiO2 nanofibers doped with trivalent ions of samarium (Sm3+), four-valent zirconium ions (Zr4+) and two-valent nickel ions (Ni2+).
In the first part of research, nanofibers based on titanium(IV) oxide without and in the presence of Sm (0.5-5.0 mol. %), Zr (0.5-5.0 mol. %) and Ni (0.5-10.0 mol. %) dopants were successfully synthesized optimizing different parameters during the synthesis process. The electrospinning method was used to obtain nanofibers, followed by calcination at 500 ºC for 1 h.
In the second part of research, the structural, morphological, optical and photocatalytic properties of pure and doped TiO2 nanofibers were examined, using different physicochemical characterization methods. The transmitted spectra obtained by FTIR analysis showed that the presence of appropriate functional groups of obtained materials originated from the used precursors, solvent and polymer (PVP) during the synthesis process of pure and doped TiO2 samples, before calcination. According to TGA-DTA analysis, there was no further mass loss above the temperature of 490 °C and therefore all obtained TiO2 fibers were calcined at a temperature of 500 °C for 1 hour in order to obtain a pure oxide or doped TiO2. Elemental analysis established the presence of titanium and oxygen in the composition of pure TiO2 nanofibers, while the EDS spectra of doped TiO2 nanofibers confirmed the presence of samarium, zirconium and nickel. By analyzing the morphology of the nanofibers, it was noticed that the fiber diameter decreased significantly after calcination at 500 ºC and the obtained calcined titanium(IV) oxide nanofibers were described as straight, broken and randomly oriented compared to non-calcined as-spun nanofibers. Also, the results of FESEM microscopy have shown that addition of Sm3+, Zr4+ and Ni2+ ions led to an increase in the average diameter of TiO2 nanofibers compared to pure or undoped TiO2 nanofibers. Additionally, diffractograms of all synthesized TiO2 nanofibers have shown that the most dominant crystal phase is anatase. With an increase in the content of samarium or zirconium, the rutile phase was significantly reduced in the TiO2-Sm and TiO2-Zr spectra, while an increase of nickel amount (above 1.0% Ni) led to subsequent increase the rutile content (10.0% Ni). Besides diffractograms, the results from Raman analysis indicated the prevention of anatase to rutile phase transformation by addition of Sm3+ and Zr4+ ions, while addition of a higher amount of Ni2+ ions (10.0% Ni) increased the content of rutile phase into TiO2. In addition, the optical and photoluminescent properties of pure and doped TiO2 nanofibers were examined. According to the obtained results, a reduction in the energy gap was established in a large number of samples, as well as intense emission in the visible part of the FL spectrum. Finally, the photocatalytic properties of the different samples were examined: pure TiO2, Sm-doped TiO2, Zr-doped and Ni-doped TiO2 nanofibers for methylene blue (MB) degradation. The highest photocatalytic activities for MB degradation were shown by nanofibers TiO2 doped with 0.5% of Sm3+ ions (97%) and TiO2 doped with 1.0% of Zr4+ ions (98%), while the samples with different nickel contents (0.5-10.0 mol. % of Ni) shown lower photocatalytic activity (up to 60%) compared to pure TiO2 nanofibers, under UV-Visible light and after 180 min of irradiation with halogen lamp (300 W, intensity of ∼1000 W.m-2). Significant results from this investigation could be the basis for further research, whereby the obtained TiO2 materials could have a potential application in photocatalysis, opening the possibility for further application, in wastewater treatment and a degradation of other pollutants
Analysis of the efficiency of the technological clarification line in the period of low turbidity of the raw Sava water in the „Makis 2“ drinking water treatment plant
No full textSirova voda, koja se preko vodozahvatnih objekata uzima za potrebe vodosnabdevanja, sadrži različite primese u rastvorenom ili suspendovanom stanju, usled prirodnih procesa i ljudskih delatnosti. Analiza efikasnosti procesa u okviru pogona za pripremu vode za piće omogućava proaktivno upravljanje kvalitetom vode. U okviru ovog rada analizirana je tehnološka linija bistrenja na PP „Makiš 2“, linija „C“, u svrhu poređenja usklađenosti sa zahtevima Pravilnika o higijenskoj ispravnosti vode za piće (1998, 1999, 2019). Eksperimentalne metode uključivale su ispitivanje parametara kvaliteta sirove savske vode i izbistrene vode, u cilju uvida uticaja ulaznih parametara kvaliteta vode na postupak izvođenja procesa bistrenja (koagulacija, flokulacija i taloženje), u periodu od 01. do 15. aprila 2024. Efikasnost procesa bistrenja procenjena je kroz smanjenje vrednosti mutnoće i utroška kalijum-permanganata izbistrene vode u poređenju sa sirovom vodom. Rezultati su ukazali na visok stepen uklanjanja suspendovanih čestica i oksidabilnih materija. Identifikovani su optimalni uslovi koagulacije i flokulacije u okolnostima niskih mutnoća, putem džar testova. Interpretacija rezultata i evaluacija tehnološke linije bistrenja potvrđuju efikasnost u uklanjanju primesa iz sirove savske vode.Raw water, sourced through intake structures for water supply purposes, contains various dissolved and suspended impurities due to natural processes and anthropogenic activities. The analysis of process efficiency in water treatment plants enables proactive water quality management. This study focuses on evaluating the clarification process line at the Water Treatment Plant "Makiš 2", line "C," with the aim of assessing compliance with the requirements of the Regulation on Hygienic Safety of Drinking Water (1998, 1999, 2019). Experimental methods included the examination of raw Sava River water and clarified water quality parameters to assess the influence of raw water quality on the clarification processes (coagulation, flocculation, and sedimentation) during the period from April 1 to April 15, 2024. The efficiency of the clarification process was evaluated through the reduction of turbidity and potassium permanganate consumption in clarified water compared to raw water. Results indicated a high level of removal of suspended particles and oxidizable substances, with the identification of optimal coagulation and flocculation conditions, despite low turbidity of raw water, through jar tests. The interpretation of results and evaluation of the clarification process confirm its effectiveness in removing impurities from raw Sava River water
A Novel In Vitro Repellent Bioassay to Evaluate the Effect of Wood Vinegar against Louse Haematopinus tuberculatus
No full textThe water buffalo farm with intensive breeding techniques promotes the spread of lice (Haematopinus tuberculatus), leading to a reduction in meat and milk productions. Current control measures include the use of chemicals, which in the long-term lead to the development of resistance. Given the lack of alternative solutions, the aim of this study was to evaluate the repellent effect of a low impact by-product, the wood vinegar (WV), against H. tuberculatus using a new in vitro bioassay test. The test consisted of a glass Petri dishes subdivided in 3 separate areas. WV was tested at different concentrations (100%, 75%, 50%, 25%). Each of the 3 replicates was performed with 10 adults, at 27 °C and 75% relative humidity. Observations were made 5, 15, 30, 60, 90, 120 and 180 min after application to evaluate movement, the living/dead ratio and the ability to overcome the obstacle area of the lice, in terms of comparative avoidance (%). Additional in vitro cytotoxicity tests were performed. The test performed showed a repellent effect of 77% for the 100% WV concentration against lice of both sexes 30 min after exposure, similar (P < 0.05) to the repellent effect of deltamethrin (77%). The in vitro bioassay developed during the experiment proved to be reliable and can be used to evaluate the repellent effect of new molecules against lice before testing them in vivo. Furthermore, WV has a potential to be a valid tool for the control of buffalo pediculosis, although in vivo studies have to be undertaken
Genotoxic Evaluation and Bioindicator Potential of Myotis capaccinii in Serbia: Element Concentrations and DNA Damage as Pollution Markers
No full textBats reflect environmental quality in diverse habitats, from cities to forests. This study aimed to reveal element bioaccumulation and DNA damage in the long-fingered bat (Myotis capaccinii) using non-lethal methods. Twenty-four hair samples and
15 blood samples were taken from bats caught at two locations in Eastern Serbia between July and September of 2024. Hair
analysis by inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) detected As, Cr, Fe, Li, Mn, Ni, and Zn,
while Cd, Co, Cu and, Pb were below detection limits. The degree of DNA damage in peripheral blood was determined using
the alkaline comet assay. In M. capaccinii, there was a significant difference in element concentrations between sexes, with
females having higher concentrations of Cr, Fe, and Mn, and between seasons, with samples from summer having higher
concentrations of Ni and Mn. A significant difference in zinc concentration was observed between adults and juveniles.
DNA damage was higher in the summer season. Significant correlations were confirmed between element concentrations in
hair (Cr–Fe, Cr–Zn, Cr–Mn, Fe–Zn, and Fe–Mn) and between Cr and Zn concentrations and DNA damage in blood cells.
The Cr–DNA damage link highlights hair as a marker for sustained environmental exposure. Every significant correlation
that included Zn was negative. This is the first genotoxic study of bats in Serbia and of M. capaccinii globally, laying the
groundwork for future research in other bat species and the wider Central Balkans. It marks an initial step toward using bats
as bioindicators for noninvasive pollution monitoring
EURASIAN EAGLE-OWL Bubo bubo (Linnaeus, 1758) (AVES: STRIGIDAE) IN EASTERN SERBIA IN THE 21ST CENTURY: DISTRIBUTION, POPULATION SIZE AND DENSITY
No full textThe Eurasian Eagle-owl represents a widely distributed but locally scarce apex predator whose biology and ecology in Serbia remain understudied. Here, we examined the spatial and altitudinal distribution, population size, and territory density of this species in Eastern Serbia. Our surveys identified 79 owl territories spread across 51 10×10 km UTM squares, resulting in a mean density of 0.5 territories/100 km². The territories were unevenly distributed, primarily concentrated in hilly terrains, river valleys and along mountain edges. The altitudinal range of identified territories spanned from 65 to 645 m, with the majority located in hilly zones below 500 m. Notably, we discovered 42 new, previously undocumented territories. Based on the collected data and habitat modelling, we estimate that the number of Eagle-owl territories in Eastern Serbia ranges from 135 to 170. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of the species' ecology and form a solid framework for future studies
Cell wall structure of tensile flexure wood fibers in Populus x euramericana
No full textIn response to gravitropic environmental stimuli,
woody angiosperms develop tension wood (TW). Typical TW
fibers are characterized by an inner gelatinous cell wall
(c.w.) layer (G-layer). On the other hand, in response to
mechanical stimuli, woody plants develop flexure wood.
Flexure wood formed under tension in angiosperms is
termed tensile flexure wood (TFW). Similarly to TW, TFW
represents an increased source of non-recalcitrant cellulose
for biofuel production. Histochemical, SEM, and Raman
microspectroscopic analyses of TFW of juvenile Populus x
euramericana formed in response to severe long-term static
bending were performed. The presence of lignin in the
G-layer, higher syringyl/guaiacyl ratio, and differences in
lignin structure in TFW compared to normal wood, revealed
by histochemical analysis, was confirmed by Raman microspectroscopy.
Additionally, Raman microspectroscopy indicated
differences in cellulose and hemicellulose structure
and pectin methylesterification. The G-layer and compound
middle lamella contribute to the response to bending by
opposite shifts of the orientation-sensitive cellulose band attributed to the glycosidic C–O–C bond. SEM micrographs
revealed the c.w. ultrastructure of TFW fibers. The presented
findings encourage further investigation of TFW in terms of
both changes in c.w. structure as a mechanical acclimation to
stem bending and its potential for biofuel production
TRADE DEPENDENCE AND FOOD SECURITY: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE WHEAT SECTOR IN EUROPE
No full textThis study explores regional disparities in three key indicators of agri-food security related to wheat across Europe: the Import Dependency Ratio (IDR), the Self Sufficiency Ratio (SSR), and wheat consumption per capita (Cpc). The analysis was conducted at two levels: (1) Europe as a whole, based on a sample of 10 annual observations, and (2) 35 individual European countries, comprising a panel of 350 observations for the period 2014–2023. To compute the aforementioned indicators, the study draws on four primary variables related to wheat: production (tonnes), import volume (tonnes), export volume (tonnes), and population size (in thousands). Descriptive statistical methods were first applied, including the coefficient of variation (Cv) following logarithmic transformation, Pearson correlation coefficients, scatter plots and heatmap. The main objective of this research is to examine the interrelationships between wheat security indicators and key demographic and economic factors across Europe