ACTA SCIENTIFICA BALCANICA je нaучни чaсoпис Прирoднo-мaтeмaтичкoг фaкултeтa Унивeрзитeтa У Бaњoj Луци oтвoрeнoг типa. Чaсoпис oбjaвљуje рaдoвe из oблaсти прирoдних нaукa: биoлoшкe нaукe, нaукa o Зeмљи и пoвeзaнe нaукe o живoтнoj срeдини, хeмиjскe нaукe, физичкe нaукe, oстaлe прирoднe нaукe, мaтeмaтикa и рaчунaрскe и инфoрмaциoнe нaукe. Чaсoпис прихвaтa сaмo oнe рaдoвe кojи прeтхoднo нису oбjaввљивaни у другим извoримa (oсим сaжeтaкa у збoрницимa рaдoвa сa нaучних скупoвa), a клaсификуjу сe нa слиjeдeћи нaчин: · Oригинaлни нaучни рaд · Прeтхoднo/крaткo сaoпштeњe · Прeглeдни рaд · Нaучнa критикa · Инфoрмaтивни прилoг (увoдник, кoмeнтaр и сл.) · Прикaз књигe, инструмeнтa, рaчунaрскoг прoгрaмa, случaja, нaучнoг дoгaђaja и сл. Дoстaвљeни рукoписи, кojи испуњaвajу прeтхoднo нaвeдeнe критeриjумe ћe бити рaзмaтрaни, a приje публикoвaњa ћe прoћи крoз двoструку слиjeпу рeцeнзиjу. Увaжaвajући истe критeриjумe у чaсoпису сe, кao пoсeбни брojeви, мoгу публикoвaти рaдoви сa скупa, кoнфeрeнциje, симпoзиjумa или кoнгрeсa у чиjoj oргaнизaциjи учeствуje Прирoднo-мaтeмaтички фaкултeт Унивeрзитeтa у Бaњoj Луци. Учeстaлoст излaжeњa рeдoвних брojeвa чaсoписa je двa путa гoдишњe. Први брoj чaсписa, пoд нaзивoм СКУП, oбjaвљeн je 2004. гoдинe, a oд 2009. гoдинe чaсoпис je рeгистрoвaн кao СКУП (Print) ISSN 184-4820, SKUP (Online) ISSN 1840-4839 и SKUP (CD-ROM) ISSN 1840-4847. Oд 2019. гoдинe, чaсoпис рaдoвe oбjaвљуje двojeзичнo (нa српскoм и eнглeскoм) или сaмo нa eнглeскoм jeзику. Oд 2020. гoдинe чaсoпис СКУП миjeњa нaзив у ACTA SCIENTIFICA BALCANICA (ISSN 2831-0055 Print и ISSN 2831-0063 Online). Сви брojeви чaсoписa нaлaзe сe дoступни у eлeктрoнскoм oблику нa вeб стрaницама https://asb.pmf.unibl.org/index.php/asb/index и https://pmf.unibl.org/arhiva-casopisa/. ACTA SCIENTIFICA BALCANICA je naučni časopis Prirodno-matematičkog fakulteta Univerziteta U Banjoj Luci otvorenog tipa. Časopis objavlјuje radove iz oblasti prirodnih nauka: biološke nauke, nauka o Zemlјi i povezane nauke o životnoj sredini, hemijske nauke, fizičke nauke, ostale prirodne nauke, matematika i računarske i informacione nauke. Časopis prihvata samo one radove koji prethodno nisu objavvlјivani u drugim izvorima (osim sažetaka u zbornicima radova sa naučnih skupova), a klasifikuju se na slijedeći način: · Originalni naučni rad · Prethodno/kratko saopštenje · Pregledni rad · Naučna kritika · Informativni prilog (uvodnik, komentar i sl.) · Prikaz knjige, instrumenta, računarskog programa, slučaja, naučnog događaja i sl. Dostavlјeni rukopisi, koji ispunjavaju prethodno navedene kriterijume će biti razmatrani, a prije publikovanja će proći kroz dvostruku slijepu recenziju. Uvažavajući iste kriterijume u časopisu se, kao posebni brojevi, mogu publikovati radovi sa skupa, konferencije, simpozijuma ili kongresa u čijoj organizaciji učestvuje Prirodno-matematički fakultet Univerziteta u Banjoj Luci. Učestalost izlaženja redovnih brojeva časopisa je dva puta godišnje. Prvi broj časpisa, pod nazivom SKUP, objavlјen je 2004. godine, a od 2009. godine časopis je registrovan kao SKUP (Print) ISSN 184-4820, SKUP (Online) ISSN 1840-4839 i SKUP (CD-ROM) ISSN 1840-4847. Od 2019. godine, časopis radove objavlјuje dvojezično (na srpskom i engleskom) ili samo na engleskom jeziku. Od 2020. godine časopis SKUP mijenja naziv u ACTA SCIENTIFICA BALCANICA (ISSN 2831-0055 Print i ISSN 2831-0063 Online). Svi brojevi časopisa nalaze se dostupni u elektronskom obliku na veb stranicama https://asb.pmf.unibl.org/index.php/asb/index i https://pmf.unibl.org/arhiva-casopisa/. ACTA SCIENTIFICA BALCANICA is an open access scientific journal issued by the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Banja Luka. The journal publishes articles from the fields of natural sciences: Biological Sciences, Earth Sciences and related Environmental Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Physical Sciences, Other Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Computer and information science. The journal accepts only articles which have not been previously published elsewhere (except for abstracts in proceedings of scientific conferences), classified as following: · Original scientific paper · Preliminary/Short communication · Review paper · Scientific critique · Informative article (editorial, commentary etc.) · Review of book, instrument, software, case, scientific event etc. Submitted manuscripts, which meet the above criteria, will be considered and will undergo double-blind review prior to publication. Respecting the same criteria, journal publishes articles from conference, symposia or congresses, which are organized by the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Banja Luka, as special issues. The frequency of publishing regular issues of the journal is twice a year. First number of the journal, named SKUP, has been published in 2004 and since 2009 the journal has been registered as: SKUP (Print) ISSN 184-4820, SKUP (Online) ISSN 1840-4839 and SKUP (CD-ROM) ISSN 1840-4847. Starting from 2019, the journal publishes articles in two languages (Serbian and English) or only in English. Since 2020, the journal changes its name into ACTA SCIENTIFICA BALCANICA ((ISSN 2831-0055 Print and ISSN 2831-0063 Online). All issues of the journal are available in electronic form at the web sites https://asb.pmf.unibl.org/index.php/asb/index and https://pmf.unibl.org/arhiva-casopisa/.
DOES SEX AFFECT THE GENETIC STRUCTURE OF JACKALS IN NORTHERN LOWLANDS OF BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA?
Sex-biased dispersal may affect the genetic structure of wild populations, often leading to distinct patterns of relatedness between males and females. We examined this phenomenon in the golden jackal (Canis aureus) population from the northern lowlands of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) by analyzing 36 individuals (18 males and 18 females) using 16 polymorphic microsatellite loci. The population exhibited moderate genetic diversity, consistent with the diversity in the region. Analyses of population structure, including STRUCTURE, PCoA, and pairwise Fst (Fst = 0.004; p = 0.190), revealed no significant genetic differentiation between males and females, suggesting a lack of sex-biased structuring. This pattern may be further explained by recent demographic expansion. Analyses of local relatedness showed that the observed patterns reflect local kinship rather than relatedness determined by sex. Although the corrected Assignment Index (AIc​) indicated a trend consistent with male-biased dispersal, this difference was not statistically significant. However, male dispersal warrants further investigation with an increased sample size and broader sample distribution.
Copyright (c) 2026 ACTA SCIENTIFICA BALCANICA
AMPHIBIANS OF THE CITY OF TREBINJE – A CHECKLIST WITH ECOLOGICAL AND CONSERVATION NOTES
The batrachofaunistic studies of the City of Trebinje, situated in the southern part of the Republic of Srpska (SE Bosnia and Herzegovina) used to be rather neglected. The goal of this paper was to create a faunistic list of amphibians in the City of Trebinje, according to both original field research and literature references, with an overview of certain aspects of ecology and conservation status of the recorded species. The review of literature references, combined with six years of field research by the authors, has shown that batrachofauna of the City of Trebinje includes eight species of amphibians (Proteus anguinus, Lissotriton graecus, Bufo bufo, Bufotes viridis, Bombina variegata, Hyla arborea, Pelophylax ridibundus and Rana graeca), systematized into eight genera, six families and two orders. Three species (Bombina variegata, Hyla arborea and Rana graeca) are recorded for the study area for the first time. Four of the recorded taxa are endemic for Balkans/Dinarides. This paper also includes certain ecological data (which are scarce in literature pertaining to the study area) and a comparative overview of the conservation status of the recorded species.
THE COMPUTATIONAL MODELING OF RISK PROPAGATION IN MULTI-AGENT SYSTEMS: A REGIONAL CASE STUDY
This study presents a computational modeling framework for analyzing how risks propagate within multi-agent systems characterized by interdependent political, economic, and local interactions. The approach integrates Bayesian networks, Markov processes, and agent-based modeling to capture both probabilistic dependencies and dynamic feedback loops across multiple system levels. The framework enables the simulation of heterogeneous agents whose adaptive behaviors generate emergent outcomes, allowing sensitivity testing and scenario exploration under varying external shocks. A regional case study regarding the Serbian-Croatian geopolitical hedging is used to validate the methodology, demonstrating how coupled risks (political, energy, and local) interact non-linearly to influence overall system stability. The results highlight critical thresholds at which local perturbations escalate into systemic failures, confirming the framework’s capacity to identify vulnerability patterns and resilience strategies in complex adaptive systems. The proposed integration of probabilistic and agent-based modeling contributes to quantitative risk analytics and provides a transferable tool for decision-support applications across domains involving uncertainty, feedback, and multi-actor interaction.
A CONTRIBUTION TO THE KNOWLEDGE ON BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY OF THE JEZERAČKA RIVER (THE REPUBLIC OF SRPSKA, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA)
Analyses of physical, chemical and biological parameters of the Jezeračka River were conducted in 2020. Given that the planning documents of the Republic of Srpska recognized these natural spawning grounds of Salmo trutta as a potentially protected zone, the aim of the paper was to evaluate ecological and biological water properties of our target river and its surrounding area. Following the application of standard methods, biological research covered microbiological analyses and the analyses of phytobenthos, periphyton, macrozoobenthos, ichthyofauna and flora. Values of the analyzed physical-chemical and sanitary-microbiological parameters suggested that the water quality of the Jezeračka River was 1st class. Analyses based on the qualitative and quantitative composition of the phytobenthos, periphyton, macrozoobenthos and ichthyofauna community indicated that the water was of the 1st class quality and qualified for the high ecological status. The well-preserved autochthonous flora and vegetation along the riverbank are favorable to the water quality maintenance. Results imply that biological and ecological conditions are suitable for life and spawning of Salmo trutta and that the upper Jezeračka River stream, the natural spawning grounds of the species, meets all requirements to preserve and improve Salmo trutta population.
Copyright (c) 2025 ACTA SCIENTIFICA BALCANICA
DISTRIBUTION OF THE SPECIES Reynoutria japonica HOUTT. IN THE AREA OF THE CITY OF BANJA LUKA
Reynoutria japonica Houtt. (syn.: Fallopia japonica (Houtt.) Ronse Decr.) is a herbaceous perennial dioecious plant native to Japan, China and Korea. The stems are numerous, erect and annual. The species was brought to Europe in the middle of the 19th century for the purposes of growing in gardens, but it spread very quickly and today it is one of the most invasive species in many European countries. It forms dense monodominant stands that crowd out native vegetation, posing a serious threat to biodiversity. In the researched area, the species R. japonica was recorded in 103 localities, and the largest number was found in the local communities of Obilićevo, Centar and Bulevar. Smaller stands with an area of up to 10 m2 are mostly represented. So far, the data on the distribution of this species in the area of the city of Banja Luka are scarce, so the goal of this work was to record the localities where the species R. japonica grows, so that its populations could be monitored in the future.
CHROMOSOMAL ABERRATIONS IN COUPLES WITH STERILITY AND HABITUAL ABORTIONS AT THE UNIVERSITY CLINICAL CENTER OF THE REPUBLIC OF SRPSKA
The cytogenetic laboratory of the University Clinical Center of the Republic of Srpska (UCCRS) in Banja Luka is the primary institution where the karyotypes of patients’ peripheral blood are analyzed. In the period from 2009 to 2019, a total of 3842 karyotype analyzes of patients were performed in it, of which 1956 had a referral diagnosis of sterility and habitual abortion, and therefore the inability to achieve pregnancy. The importance of cytogenetic analysis of patient’s karyotypes is great because the presence of chromosomal aberrations in them can be the cause of sterility and spontaneous abortions in patients. Therefore, the aim of the work was to determine the presence of chromosomal aberrations in the karyotypes of patients at the University Hospital of RS who had a referral diagnosis of sterility or habitual abortion. The total number of processed karyotype samples of patients in the Cytogenetic Laboratory at the UCCRS in the period from 2009 to 2019 grew by year. The study found a significant difference in the frequency distribution of patients with a diagnosis of sterility, which was twice as many as compared to patients with a diagnosis of habitual abortion. The percentage of patients who are treated for sterility and habitual abortion with the presence of chromosomal aberrations in their karyotypes compared to those without aberrations is on average low. An equal distribution of male and female patients with aberrant karyotypes who were treated for sterility and habitual abortions was determined. The most prevalent chromosomal aberrations in the karyotypes of both male and female patients treated for sterility and habitual abortion were inversions, followed by mosaic aberrations, then translocations; then followed by trisomies, Robertsonian translocations and finally additions.
DETERMINATION OF CHLORIDE CONTENT IN BOTTLED MINERAL WATER
Mineral waters from different sources have different contents, because each source has its own individual physical and chemical characteristics. Chlorides appear in natural waters because of the dissolution of minerals from sediments, but also because of anthropogenic influence. In this paper, Mohr's method of chloride content determination was used. Natural mineral waters “aqua viva” and “ELEMENT” were used for testing. Determination by Mohr’s method was performed in water samples without the addition of standard and with the addition of standard, as well as in the standards themselves. In water samples without the addition of standards, much higher chloride content values were obtained than those given by the declaration. The results of the Recovery test obtained after the determination of chloride content in the samples with the addition of the standard confirmed the applied method for the used concentration range. Based on the difference in the chloride content in the samples with the addition of standard and the standards themselves, the values of the chloride content in the sample were determined and they were closer to the values stated on the declaration. Given the results of the performed analyses, it can be concluded that they are in agreement with literature data, i.e. Mohr’s method is more suitable for determination in samples with high chloride concentrations. In samples containing low concentrations of chloride, a tendency towards increased results was recorded, which was also the case in this research.
TREATISE ON ASSESSMENT OF RISK ON AQUATIC ECOSYSTEM OF THE RIVER JADAR OWING TO EXPLOITATION OF BORON AND LITHIUM IN THE PROJECT „JADAR“
Risk assessment of the aquatic ecosystem of the River Jadar is based on the composition and amount of wastewater that is to be processed and released into the stream. This study aimed to assess the effects of untreated wastewater on aquatic ecosystem components, presumably fishes, by simulating the accident. Methodology relied exclusively on the published documents that investors, “Rio Tinto'' and “Rio Sava Exploration” d.o.o., issued about the boron and lithium mine in the Jadar region of Serbia as the only source of the publicly available data about concentration of mineral contents in underground water. Results revealed that concentrations of boron in a range of 3.43-12058.83 mg l-1 and those of lithium in a range of 0.70-2452.50 mg l-1 in a stream water of the River Jadar would pose a great risk to aquatic ecosystem in any lapse in proper processing of wastewater at either average low-, medium-, or high-water levels. Such high contents would inevitably cause toxic, genotoxic and other pathological effects on aquatic organisms. Records published on the relevant in vitro models reveal that if the concentration of boron and lithium in the stream water would exceed safe concentrations, the ecosystem would be seriously harmed, especially for the fish that are most sensitive to metal pollution. Due to a lack of actual referent in-field data, it is difficult to predict either the extent of harmful effects on downstream sections, or the period the ecosystem would need to recover from high levels of pollution.
THE BLOOD CELLS AND DIFFERENTIAL BLOOD COUNT OF BUFO BUFO FROM SEVERAL LOCALITIES OF TUZLA CANTON
The hematology of the class Amphibia is insufficiently researched in Bosnia and Herzegovina. There is almost no data about the hematology of the lower taxa of this class, especially non-specific and "uninteresting" species such as Bufo bufo (common toad), which is not endangered or particularly attractive to scientists and the general public. The paper presents the morphology of blood cells as well as the differential blood count of two populations of the common toad from the area of the Tuzla Canton. All types of blood cells were determined, and the differential blood count showed that there are certain differences in the representation of certain forms of leukocytes in the observed populations, and the presence of certain parasites in the blood of the investigated species. This paper emphasizes the importance of having a comprehensive, accessible register of data on the biology of all species that surround us, including Bufo bufo, and provides an overview of the available information on the biology and specific hematology of the mentioned species.
CONTRIBUTION TO THE BRYOFLORA OF BANJ BRDO (BANJA LUKA, REPUBLIC OF SRPSKA, B&H)
Banj brdo is situated within the City of Banja Luka (Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina). The present paper provides the first insight into the bryoflora of Banj brdo. Field investigations were conducted from March 2019 to February 2020, as well as in April 2022. A total of 30 species of bryophytes were collected. Marchantiophyta was represented by 8 species, while Bryophyta comprises 22 species. The genera Metzgeria and Alleniella were represented by two species each, while the other genera were represented by one species each. The families with the largest number of species and genera were Neckeraceae, Metzgeriaceae, Mniaceae, Polytrichaceae and Pottiaceae. Rajnerovo vrelo was the only recorded habitat of the liverworts Apopellia endiviifolia, Conocephalum conicum and Marchantia polymorpha on Banj brdo, and the need to preserve that habitat from negative anthropogenic influences is indicated. The most common recorded mosses on Banj brdo were Brachytheciastrum velutinum and Hypnum cupressiforme. It is necessary to continue bryological research on Banj brdo, in order to get a more complete insight into bryophyte diversity in that area.
FAUNISTIC FINDINGS FROM VOLUJAK MOUNTAIN: A CONTRIBUTION TO THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE FAUNA OF THE REPUBLIC OF SRPSKA (BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA)
The first, after a long absence of any scientific research, faunal findings from the area of the Volujak Mountain (southeast of the Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina) were presented. In addition to listing the diversity of mammal fauna, data on other faunistic groups (birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates) were also recorded. Various methods were used to detect the presence of the fauna of the research area: established transects, trapping with livetraps, netting for catching bats, recording organisms with an ultrasonic detector, photo-traps and visual observation. For 17 days of research, in July and August 2023, a total of 53 taxa were registered. Keystone and endangered species are distinguished: greater horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus ferrumequinum), lesser horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus hipposideros), gray wolf (Canis lupus), brown bear (Ursus arctos), Balkan chamois (Rupicapra r. balcanicus), meadow viper (Vipera ursinii macrops) and the beech longhorn beetle (Morimus funereus). The area is very important in terms of biodiversity, and it needs to be protected.
AMPHIBIANS OF RAMSAR SITE “BARDAČA WETLAND” – A CHECKLIST WITH ECOLOGICAL NOTES
The goal of this study was to create a faunistic list of amphibians of the Ramsar site "Bardača Wetland" based on literature data and original field studies by the authors, with reference to certain aspects of the ecology of the recorded species. Field data were collected using the transect method, in the period from 2012 to 2022, providing data on nine species of amphibians. Presence of five species previously cited in literature sources was not confirmed. Therefore, the batrachofauna of the Ramsar site "Bardača Wetland" reliably consists of nine species of amphibians: two species of caudate amphibians (Lissotriton vulgaris and Triturus dobrogicus) and seven species of anurans (Bombina bombina, Bufo bufo, Bufotes viridis, Hyla arborea, Pelophylax kl. esculentus, Pelophylax ridibundus and Rana dalmatina). In this paper, the ecological data collected in the field (habitat types of adults and larvae, the season of their activity within the annual cycle, general state of populations of some species) and corresponding ecological data from literature sources are systematically presented, separately for each species.
MORPHOLOGICAL VARIABILITY AND SEXUAL DIMORPHISM OF THE FIRE SALAMANDER FROM THE GRADIŠKA AREA (REPUBLIC OF SRPSKA, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA)
The paper presents the results of the analysis of the morphological variability and sexual dimorphism in the fire salamander (Salamandra salamandra) population from the Gradiška area (Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina). Field research was conducted in the autumn and spring 2016 and 2017. A total of 70 adult individuals were analyzed, comprising of 40 males and 30 females. Twenty-two morphometric characters, body mass, one meristic trait (number of costal grooves on the lateral sides of the body), and qualitative traits related to body coloration were analyzed. By applying t-tests, statistically significant differences between the sexes were found for body mass, maximum body height, maximum body width, cloaca length, tail height, tail width, forelimb length, hind limb length, hand length, and foot length. The number of costal grooves on the left and right sides of the body ranged from eight to 12, with individuals having 10 and 11 costal grooves being the most common. Both individuals with the same or different numbers of costal grooves on the left and right sides of the body were observed. The majority of individuals (51%) had symmetric arrangement of yellow spots on the dorsal side of the body, while the presence of yellow spots was most prevalent (69%) on the ventral side of the body in terms of coloration.
morphometric and meristic characteristics
SEASONAL SUCCESSIONS OF BENTHIC MACROINVERTEBRATE COMMUNITIES IN THE BOSNA RIVER IN THE AREA OF THE CITY OF ZENICA
This research describes seasonal successions of the qualitative-quantitative composition of benthic macroinvertebrate communities in the Bosna River in the area of the city of Zenica. Collection of benthic macroinvertebrates was conducted from October 2014 to May 2015 at 5 measurement locations along the course of the Bosna River in the city of Zenica. Biological diversity indices (Shannon–Weaver index, Simpson's index), a species evenness indicator, and Bray–Curtis cluster analysis was used for data analysis. The study of benthic macroinvertebrates identified 34 taxa and 4224 individuals, with a dominance of preimaginal stages of aquatic insects with 21 taxa. The highest observed Shannon–Weaver diversity index was 2.26 in the spring aspect at the Balnozi site, while the lowest was 0.27 in the summer aspect at the Raspotočje site. Using the Simpson's index, values ranged from 0.07 in the summer period at the Raspotočje site to 0.82 in the winter period at the Balnozi site. Analysis of species evenness between communities at the investigated sites revealed similarity in benthic fauna between the first (0.64) and second (0.67) sites, as well as between the fourth (0.76) and fifth (0.70) sites. According to the results of the cluster analysis, the investigated sites have similar macroinvertebrate communities classified by seasons of benthic macroinvertebrate examination.
ANTIOXIDATIVE RESPONSE OF MAIZE TO SALT-INDUCED STRESS
The aim of the work was to examine the influence of high concentrations of NaCl on protein concentration and the antioxidant system of maize roots and leaves. Maize plants (hybrid ZP 555) were treated with sodium chloride (NaCl) in concentrations of 50 and 150 mM for six days, hydroponically. Among the antioxidant parameters, the concentration of glutathione (GSH) and the activity of antioxidant enzymes: Class III peroxidase (POX, EC 1.11.1.7), ascorbate peroxidase (APX EC 1.11.1.11), and catalase (CAT, EC 1.11.1.6) were determined. When treated with 50 mM NaCl, the concentration of proteins in the leaves and roots decreased while at 150 mM NaCl the concentration of proteins increased but only in the leaves. An increase in GSH concentration was detected at both concentrations of NaCl in the leaf, and in the root only at 50 mM NaCl, compared to the control. The activity of POX increased significantly only in the leaves treated with the higher concentration of NaCl, while at lower concentrations it decreased, in both leaves and roots. Five rPOX isoforms were detected by native gel electrophoresis in the control, while no rPOX5 isoform was detected in the treated samples. Two lPOX isoforms were detected in both control and treated samples. Native electrophoresis showed the presence of one CAT isoform only in leaves, in both control and treated samples. The highest CAT activity was measured at the lower NaCl concentration. Based on the obtained results, it can be concluded that salinity changes the antioxidant system in the leaves and roots of maize. Also, based on the measured parameters, it can be concluded that the ZP 555 hybrid has a moderate tolerance to the tested salinity levels.
ERYTHROCYTE PROFILES OF RANA DALMATINA AND PELOPHYLAX RIDIBUNDUS (AMPHIBIA: RANIDAE)
The research on the erythrocyte profile was conducted on a total of twenty-eight frog individuals, out of which fourteen were Pelophylax ridibundus and also fourteen were Rana dalmatina. The aim of this study was to determine the erythrocyte parameters in the two frog species mentioned, in order to compare the obtained results. The individuals used in the study were captured in the area of Mrkonjić Grad municipality near Lake Balkana. After capture, all individuals were transported to laboratory conditions where they underwent a 15-day adaptation period. Following the adaptation period, blood samples were collected, and erythrocyte parameters were determined, including the number of erythrocytes, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit and MCV, MCH and MCHC parameters. Based on the obtained results, the study showed that the Pelophylax ridibundus species had significantly higher values of erythrocyte count, hemoglobin concentration and MCHC compared to the values obtained in the Rana dalmatina.
CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE BIOLOGY OF DINA SKETI GROSSER & PEŠIĆ, 2014 (HIRUDINEA: ERPOBDELLIDAE)
The known range of the species Dina sketi Grosser & Pešić, 2014 (Hirudinea: Erpobdellidae) includes several springs in the Cvrcka and Crna Rijeka basins (Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina). The biology of these leeches is insufficiently known. The aim of this paper was to present new knowledge about their ecology and reproductive biology, based on data collected in the springs of the Crna Rijeka basin. The analyzed parameters included characteristics of the biotope and macrozoobenthos assemblages of the studied springs, as well as characteristics of diet and the cocoons of D. sketi. The features of the biotope partially fit into the known range for this species. D. sketi is the only species of leech found in macrozoobenthos of the study area, where it is represented by less than 1%. The amphipod crustaceans and hydrobid gastropods are the most abundant members of the analyzed macrozoobenthos assemblages. The analysis of contents of the digestive tract revealed that these leeches prey on aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates. It seems that leeches prefer amphipods in their diet. All previous knowledge about the reproductive biology of D. sketi was based on description of their reproductive system. This paper presents the morphology and morphometric properties of the cocoons. They are “kiwi-shaped”, 4.60–8.82 mm in length and 3.19–6.38 mm width.
ICHTHYOFAUNA OF LOWER PART OF THE VRBANJA RIVER (THE REPUBLIC OF SRPSKA, B&H)
The diversity of freshwater ichthyofauna of Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) covers about 117 fish species/subspecies and makes up about 20% of European freshwater ichthyofauna. The Vrbanja River Basin is located in the central part of B&H and is one of the indigenous basins in the Republic of Srpska. The Vrbanja River is one of the largest right tributaries of the Vrbas River, with the lower part of the stream stretching for about 28 km. Ichthyological research of the lower part of the Vrbanja River was conducted during 2013, at three locations, and the sampling was performed with an electric fishing device ELT 62 II GI, 3 kW. The qualitative and quantitative compositions of ichthyofauna as well as some diversity indices (Simpson index, Shannon-Weaver index, Dominance index and Sørensen similarity index) were determined. The lower stream of the Vrbanja River is inhabited by 10 fish species belonging to three families (Cyprinidae, Cobitidae and Percidae). Family Cyprinidae is typified by the largest species diversity. The species dominant in terms of number of individuals and biomass were Barbus balcanicus and Squalius cephalus, which differ greatly from the ichthyofauna that inhabited the same area in the mid-20th century. This composition of ichthyofauna of the lower part of the Vrbanja River is related to the environmental factors and impact of certain human activities.
PHANEROPHYTE IN THE FLORA OF BILEĆA (THE REPUBLIC OF SRPSKA, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA)
The paper presents the data of the research on dendroflora collected in the municipality of Bileća. The floristic study as conducted during the 2017 and 2018 vegetation seasons. The presence of 114 species and subspecies of plants was confirmed, grouped into 73 genera and 35 families. In terms of life forms, phanerophytes from the group of deciduous trees were dominant. Phytogeographical analysis showed that species are most often from Sub-Mediterranean, Eurasian and Sub-Atlantic areal groups. The analysis of ecological indices for basic ecological factors determined the dominance of submezophytes. Most species prefer neutrophilic and basophilic soil reactions. In relation to light, the most numerous species are semi-sciophyte, half-shaded plants; in relation to temperature, the prevalent group is located at the transition between mesothermal and thermophilic plant species.
BIOCHEMICAL RESPONSES OF PURE AND MIXED FUNGAL CULTURES ISOLATED FROM WASTE WATER TO THE PRESENCE OF SODIUM TRIPOLIPHOSPHATES
Sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) has a wide application in different industrial processes but mainly as the builder in household cleaning products. The use of STPP has been associated with the environmental problem referred to as eutrophication. From the environmental point of view, it is important to identify microorganisms which have the ability to reduce STPP from environment. This paper investigated the chemical and biochemical responses of pure cultures Trichoderma viride and Geotrichum candidum and their mixed culture to the presence sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) at 0.5% concentration during 8 days of cultivation in the growth liquid medium. For this purpose, the changes in the pH value, redox potential, proteolytic activity of liquid growth media and total dry weight biomass (DWB) of cultures were measured. The addition of STPP in growth medium affected the increase in initial pH values and decrease in redox potential values compared to the control. The STPP caused an inhibitory effect on protease activity of all fungal cultures in the following order: T. viride (3.60%), mixed culture (9.77%) and G. candidum (60.33%). The dry weight biomass (DWB) of T. viride was slightly inhibited (1.06%) whereas DWB of G. candidum (0.58%) and mixed culture (9.53%) were slightly and moderately stimulated by STPP. The results obtained in this study indicate a potential role of tested cultures in polyphosphates removal from industrial and waste water treatment plants and their potential application in the biotechnological processes.
NITRATE CONTENT AND NITRATE-REDUCTASE ACTIVITY IN VEGETABLES COLLECTED AT THE CITY MARKET IN BANJA LUKA AND THE RISK ASSESSMENT
The high content of nitrates and nitrites in vegetables can have toxic and carcinogenic effects on the human body, and monitoring is necessary in order to apply appropriate protective measures. The aim of the research in this paper was to determine the nitrate content and monitor the activity of nitrate reductase in vegetables (chard, carrots, parsley, cabbage) taken from various stands of the city market in Banja Luka. The average concentration of nitrate in vegetable samples ranged from 1 to 650 mgkg-1, with the highest values obtained in chard and cabbage, and the lowest in parsley root. The nitrate reductase activity was increased in chard, while the lowest was found in parsley root. The nitrate content in the vegetable samples was within the limits prescribed by the World Health Organization so there is no potential danger to human health.
ZERO STATE OF SURFACE WATER QUALITY IN THE AREA OF THE PLANNED BANJA LUKA-PRIJEDOR MOTORWAY
The target location of the Banja Luka-Prijedor motorway alignment is situated in the western Republic of Srpska and belongs to the northern axis of development, which is the belt of the most intensive economic and social activity. Before starting the construction, it is necessary to determine the state of surface water pollution, that is to say the zero state, in order to later have a pragmatic idea of the impact of traffic on the quality of surface water during the motorway operation. The paper presents the results of surface water analysis, which will be the basis for further assessment of possible changes in quality when the highway is put into operation. In order to provide a detailed analysis of the existing surface water quality in the investigated corridor of the future motorway, the physical-chemical parameters of the Kozaračka River and the Luščica River were analyzed. The obtained results show that the water quality of these watercourses in relation to certain parameters ranges from the first to the fourth class of water quality.
GEOMETRIC MORPHOMETRY IN ICHTHYOLOGICAL RESEARCH
Classical morphometry has long been used as a standard method in the studies of morphometric characteristics of organisms. However, in the last two decades of 21 century, the application of geometric morphometry has increased rapidly because of advances in quantitative biological shape analysis. Its development is accompanied by the development of new technologies, primarily computer software. Geometric morphometry can be defined as a fusion of geometry, biology and computer science, and enables the study of biological forms in two-dimensional or three-dimensional space. Morphometric characters indicate the body proportions as well as the proportions of individual body parts that are measured using certain measurement units. The aim of this paper is to present geometric morphometry and explain its application in ichthyological research, and point out its advantages and possibilities, in a practical way.
ALLELOPATHIC EFFECTS OF RAGWEED ON CORN (Zea mays L.) AND WHEAT (Triticum aestivum L.)
Ambrosia artemisifolia (ragweed) is an invasive plant species with severe allergenic effects which quickly detects favorable growth conditions and represents a threat to the quality of plant communities. There are still unanswered questions to the allelopathic effects of ragweed on other species, which further complicates the understanding of its compatibility with other plants in both natural and agricultural environment. The paper monitors the allelopathic effects of the aqueous extract isolated from dry ragweed leaves (10, 5, 2.5 and 1.25%) on the germination and growth of corn and wheat. The aquaeous ragweed extracts reduced the germination of corn and wheat down to 70%. The seedling length was inhibited, especially in high concentrations. Wheat appeared to be more tolerant to the extract effect. Corn suffered a larger inhibition effect in terms of root length and seedlings, which suggested that this species was more sensitive. The obtained results imply that the ragweed should be combated in a timely manner in order to avoid its inhibitory effects on the indicator crops.
MORPHOMETRIC CHARACTERISTICS AND LENGTHWEIGHT RELATIONSHIP OF PUMPKINSEED SUNFISH (LEPOMIS GIBBOSUS) FROM THREE RESERVOIRS OF NORTH-EASTERN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA
The aim of this paper is to analyse the morphometric characteristics, length-weight relationship and condition factor of pumpkinseed sunfish (Lepomis gibbosus) from three reservoirs (Modrac, Vidara and Sniježnica) from the area of north-eastern Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H). The total sample was 61 individuals. The following morphometric parameters were measured: total length, standard length, forked length, head length, mouth width, mouth height, first gill arch length, intestine length and body mass. Length-weight relationship was described by the equation: W=a TLb. Fulton’s condition factor (K) wasdetermined using the equation: K=100 (W/L3). Statistical analysis was performed using the ANOVA to determine differences in morphometric characteristics of individuals between the sites (populations). L. gibbosus from all three populations showed positive allometric growth, and the highest value of condition factor was fish from the reservoir Vidara. In accordance with this result, most of the morphometric characteristics of individuals from the reservoir Vidara were significantly higher compared to individuals from Modrac and Sniježnica reservoirs. This result leads to the conclusion that the L. gibbosus adapted best in Vidara reservoir.
CALCULATION OF REDUCED IONIZATION COEFFICIENT AND DEMONSTRATION OF OBTAINING CROSS SECTION SETS USING SWARM METHOD ON AN EXAMPLE OF NEON GAS
This paper presents the use of swarm method for obtaining sets of cross sections on an example of Neon gas (Ne). Cross sections for e-/Ne interaction available in the LxCat database were presented and discussed. The following three bases were selected: Biagi-v7.1, Morgan and Siglo. We used Bolsig+ code to calculate reduced ionization coefficient (α/N), after which calculated values were compared to measured values in the Dutton base. The swarm method was demonstrated in the α/N example, where the Morgan cross sections set was used as an entry parameter for calculation of coefficient.
COMPARING CALCULATED VALUES OF ELECTRON MEAN ENERGY OBTAINED THROUGH DIFFERENT SETS OF CROSS SECTIONS FOR e- /Ar INTERACTION
The paper presents analysis of existing data on cross sections for electrons scattering on Argon atoms, using the LXCat database. We compared results acquired by different groups of researchers, i.e. different databases: Hayashi, Triniti, Morgan and BSR bases. Using Bolsig+ code, values of mean energy of electrons’ swarm were calculated and compliance analysis of calculated values for different considered sets of cross sections as entry parameters was performed.
A CONTRIBUTION TO THE STUDY OF DAILY BUTTERFLIES (LEPIDOPTERA) OF THE UZLOMAC MOUNTAIN
Rizo Sijarić conducted the initial studies on the daily butterfly fauna in the foothills of Bosnian Mountains (Uzlomac, Čemernica and Borja) in the last decades of the 20th century. For that reason, this study represents an appendix to the earlier studies which took place in the mountain Uzlomac. The research was conducted over the period between 2008 and 2011 when 78 species on the mountain were determined. The butterflies were collected with the entomological net at the previously marked research sites. In this study, a systematic review of the butterfly species found here has been given, together with a systematic review of the species, as well as the analyses and comparisons to other mountains.
A CONTRIBUTION TO THE STUDY OF DAILY BUTTERFLIES RHOPALOCERA (LEPIDOPTERA) IN A WIDER ČEMERNICA MOUNTAIN AREA
Rizo Sijarić, the renowned B&H expert on daily butterflies, initiated studies of the species in Bosnian mountains (mountains of Uzlomac, Čemernica and Borja) in early 1990s. His research was conducted with only a few fieldworks and the number of registered species was small, especially in terms of each mountain separately. Hence, this paper represents an addition to earlier studies on the Čemernica Mountain and a continuation of exploration of Bosnian mountains. The research was conducted from 2006 to 2009. The butterflies were collected with the entomological net at the previously marked research sites. 94 daily butterfly species were identified at the target mountain. The paper provides a systematic and faunistic representation of the collected species, accompanied by the ecological analysis and comparison with daily butterfly fauna of other mountains.
ENDEMIC AND SUBENDEMIC PLANTS OF THE NATURE PARK “ORJEN” (THE REPUBLIC OF SRPSKA, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA)
Nature Park "Orjen", located in the far south of the Republic of Srpska, represents one of the richest floristic areas in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The aim of this research is to systematically show the presence of endemic and subendemic vascular plants in this area, and to analyze their taxonomic and ecological structure, as well as their protection status. The research recorded 159 taxa, of which 118 belong to Balkan endemic plants, and 41 to subendemic plants. The analysis of life forms shows the dominance of hemicryptophytes (52.2%) and chamaephytes (27%), which is in accordance with the general characteristics of the Balkan endemic flora of BiH. Taxonomically, the most represented families are Asteraceae, Caryophyllaceae, Fabaceae, Lamiaceae and Poaceae. The special conservation value of the park is confirmed by the fact that as many as 123 recorded taxa have the status of strictly protected or protected species according to the Regulation on Strictly Protected and Protected Wild Species of the Republic of Srpska. These results emphasize the exceptional importance of the Nature Park "Orjen" for the preservation of biological diversity and represent the basis for future activities in the field of nature protection, as well as for further floristic and ecological research.
strictly protected and protected species