Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics

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    Item type:Publication,
    CENANGIUM OLYMPIUM, COMB. NOV.
    (Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts, 2026-02-16)
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    Wu, Gang
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    Yang, Zhu-Liang
    New records of the cup-fungus Zeus olympius Minter & Diam. (Rhytismataceae, Ascomycota) are reported from the territory of Kosovo, and a new taxonomic combination for the species is proposed. Phylogenetic analyses were conducted using nrITS (Nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer) sequences from dry material collected in Kosovo and Greece. Based on the new phylogenetic placement, where species morphologically identified as Zeus olympius are placed within a clade of the genus Cenangium, Cenangium olympium (Minter & Diam.) M. Karadelev, K. Rusevska, G. Wu & Zhu L. Yang is introduced as a comb. nov. for Zeus olympius.
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    Mapping the landscape of mycological organizations in europe: where citizen science meets professional mycology
    (Springer Science and Business Media LLC, 2026-01)
    Haelewaters, Danny
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    Aghayeva, Dilzara
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    de-Miguel, Sergio
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    Degtjarenko, Polina
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    Dierickx, Glen
    Fungi have been used by humans since prehistoric times. Informal structures or groups for knowledge exchange regarding mushrooms and lichens probably existed for ages. Only recently, mycological activities have been structured in formal organizations. And where until a few centuries ago there were only learned societies and naturalists’ clubs, nowadays also mycological societies and citizen scientists have joined the landscape. However, the history of mycological organizations and activities in Europe is difficult to track. Here, we initiated two surveys to characterize the current landscape of mycological organizations focused on fungal diversity across Europe and to collate citizen science activities mapping fungi. The surveys were shared on social media and sent to mycologists in 49 countries in Europe. Responses of the surveys allowed us to present the history, geographical distribution, and structure of mycological rganizations in Europe as well as their types of activities, including the publication of journals and magazines, the organization of meetings and educational initiatives, and citizen science projects. In addition to the surveys, local mycologists presented expert knowledge for a more comprehensive overview. Our data show that the mycological landscape in Europe is diverse and heterogeneous. We discuss ways to overcome economic, cultural, and linguistic barriers towards better integration of mycological communities, activities, and data in Europe. Mycological societies focusedon studying fungal diversity can be leveraged towards common goals that include raising public awareness, data integration, uniting academics and non-academics, and developing common standards for research and communication.
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    Item type:Publication,
    Provisional list of the Ascomycota species from Kosovo with data on new records
    (Nature Research Centre -NRC, 2025)
    Ramshaj, Qëndrim
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    Tofilovska, Slavica
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    The mycobiota of Kosovo, especially fungi of the phylum Ascomycota, remains under-explored despite its ecological and biological importance. This study aims to assess the diversity and distribution of macrofungal species of the phylum Ascomycota in different ecosystems in Kosovo. Field work combined with laboratory analysis was conducted from 2017 to 2022, using standard mycological techniques for species identification. A total of 82 species have now been documented in Kosovo. Of these, 39 species have been previously reported in the scientific literature, and 43 species are new records, significantly enriching the knowledge of the diversity of fungi in Kosovo. Taxonomic analysis showed that these species belong to 56 genera, distributed in 34 families, 10 orders, six subclasses, five classes and one subphylum. The Helotiales and Pezizales orders had the highest diversity, with 12 and nine families, respectively. In contrast, the orders such as Xylariales and Hypocreales showed remarkable variation, while several other orders were represented by a single family. These results highlight the rich but under-explored diversity of Ascomycota in Kosovo and emphasise the importance of further research to support biodiversity conservation.
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    Lipoxygenase Inhibitory Activity and Prostate Cancer Cytotoxicity of In Situ- and In Vitro-Cultivated Balkan Endemic Sideritis scardica Griseb
    (MDPI AG, 2025-10-25)
    Danova, Kalina
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    Stoyanova, Elena
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    Alipieva, Kalina
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    Sideritis scardica Griseb., a Balkan endemic species traditionally used for respiratory conditions and wound-healing, was investigated for its 15-lipoxygenase (15-LOX) inhibitory and cytotoxic activities in relation to its phenolic composition. Aerial parts from the wild-collected and in vitro-cultivated plant were successively extracted with hexane, chloroform, and methanol and the methanol extract was further fractionated into ethyl acetate, butanol, and water fractions. This study presents the first combined evaluation of LOX inhibition and cytotoxicity against prostate cell lines WPMY-1 (normal epithelial fibroblast/myofibroblast), PC-3 (epithelial adenocarcinoma, Grade IV), and LNCaP (epithelial carcinoma) and detailed phytochemical profiles of wild-collected and in vitro-cultivated S. scardica. The phytochemical analysis revealed distinct profiles: increased LOX-inhibition activity was related to a higher phenylethanoid/flavone glycoside ratio, while PC cytotoxicity was rather related to flavone glycoside domination in the plant preparations. The cytotoxic effect of the in vitro-obtained preparations was characterized by a marked selectivity when comparing their effects on WPMY-1, PC-3 and LNCaP cells. To our knowledge, this is the first report linking phenylethanoid/flavone glycoside profiles of in situ and in vitro S. scardica plants with dual LOX-inhibitory and anti-prostate cancer activities, supporting the plant’s potential as a sustainable source of bioactive compounds.
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    LC-HRMS and NMR study of the esterification products of ibuprofen with solketal: Formation, isolation and identification
    (Society of Chemists and Technologists of Macedonia, 2025-12-24)
    Jakimovska Pokupec, Viktorija
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    Popova, Milena
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    Bankova, Vassya
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    Ibuprofen is a widely used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug dispensed in tablets, capsules, suspensions, oral solutions, creams, and gels. Ibuprofen's poor water solubility and gastrointestinal side-effects present ongoing formulation challenges. Alcoholic excipients are often employed to enhance solubility and minimise adverse effects. Solketal (1,2-isopropylidene glycerol), a ketal produced by the condensation of glycerol with acetone, offers further versatility as an excipient due to its free hydroxyl group, which enables esterification reactions with acidic active pharmaceutical ingredients like ibuprofen. Introducing any excipient, especially in direct contact with the active pharmaceutical ingredient, necessitates careful evaluation of potential drug–excipient interactions, as these can alter the drug's physicochemical properties and impact clinical performance. Chromatographic techniques coupled with mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy remain essential for identifying and characterising related and degradation products in pre-formulation studies. In this study, we investigated the esterification of ibuprofen with solketal to identify possible interaction products. Two major compounds were isolated and thoroughly characterised by MS and NMR, confirming their chemical structures: 1-mono-glycerol ester of ibuprofen and ibuprofen-solketal-ester, which contained a 1,3-dioxolane ring. This finding highlights the importance of comprehensive analytical evaluation of drug–excipient interactions during formulation development, as these can affect drug stability and performance.
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    First records of three Hericium species (Basidiomycota) in Kosovo
    (UNIV ZAGREB, FAC SCIENCE, DIV BIOLOGY, C/O DAMIR VILICIC, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, DEPARTMENT OF BOTANY, ROOSEVELTOV TRG 6, ZAGREB, Croatia, 10000, 2025-03-04)
    Ramsha, Qëndrim
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    Tofilovska, Slavica
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    This study presents the first report of three Hericium species in Kosovo: Hericiumn cirrhatum (Pers.) Nikol., H. coralloides (Scop.) Pers. and H. erinaceus (Bull.) Pers. These species were found in mixed deciduous and oak forests in the central-eastern part of the country.
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    Evaluating green and sustainable chemistry education through students’ interventions
    (Society of Chemists and Technologists of Macedonia, 2025-05-28)
    Nikolovski, Daniel
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    This study explores the integration of green and sustainable chemistry into educational curricula and its impact on students' knowledge, motivation, and perceptions. The research aimed to evaluate whether activities centered on green and sustainable chemistry improve students' academic performance and foster awareness of sustainability concepts. Conducted between April and June 2024 in three primary schools in N. Macedonia, the study involved 211 8th grade students, divided into a control group and an experimental group. While the control group followed standard les-sons, the experimental group participated in specific activities integrated into the topic "Introduction to Organic Chemistry." A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative tools such as the conceptual knowledge test and the activity perception questionnaire, alongside qualitative methods like focus groups and semi-structured inter-views. The conceptual knowledge test assessed students' academic achievements, while the activity perception questionnaire evaluated their perceptions of the activities. The results showed no significant difference in academic performance between the two groups. However, the activity perception questionnaire revealed that students in the experimental group found the activities engaging, valuable, and effective in enhancing their understanding of green and sustainable chemistry concepts. Qualitative data further indicated a preference for interactive learning methods like re-search, games, and experiments, which fostered greater motivation and collaboration among students. This study under-scores the importance of integrating green and sustainable chemistry into curricula to promote environmental awareness and sustainable practices. These findings provide insights into effective teaching strategies and support the inclusion of green and sustainable chemistry in educational policies to equip students for global environmental challenges.
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    Expanding the range: First record and redescription of the male of Limnephilus petri Marinković Gospodnetić, 1966 in R. North Macedonia
    (Institute for Biodiversity and Ecology, 2025-04-10)
    Hinić-Jordanovska, Jelena
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    Ibrahimi, Halil
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    Kučinić, Mladen
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    Bilalli, Astrit
    Limnephilus petri, an endemic caddisfly species, is reported for the first time from the Republic of North Macedonia. This discovery expands the known distribution of the species, which has previously been observed in limited geographic areas. In this study, the redescription of the male of L. petri is provided, including detailed morphological features that aid in the species’ identification. The findings contribute significantly to the understanding of the aquatic biodiversity of the region, emphasizing the ecological importance of the species. This study also underscores the importance of continued monitoring and conservation efforts to protect such rare and specialized species.
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    The Arts and Politics: The state of Yugoslav society through the lyrics of Azra and Zabranjeno Pušenje
    (Macedonian Geographical Society, 2025)
    Kitevski, Goran
    This paper critically examines the socio-political landscape of Yugoslav society through the lyrical narratives of two influential musical bands: Azra from Zagreb and Zabranjeno Pušenje from Sarajevo. Amidst rising Yugo-nostalgia and the idealization of the former Yugoslav state, the works of these rock bands provide an alternative perspective on the complexities and challenges of Yugoslav society. By conducting a thematic analysis of their lyrics, this research elucidates the cultural and political sentiments of the era, demonstrating how popular art functioned as a medium for incisive social commentary. The study underscores the importance of Azra and Zabranjeno Pušenje in articulating dissent and shaping public discourse, thereby contributing to a deeper understanding of Yugoslav identity. This examination reveals the enduring impact of their artistic expressions on contemporary interpretations of the Yugoslav socio-political context.
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    Beyond Political: Tourism (re)shaping the image of the Balkans
    (UTMS Journal of Economics, 2024-12)
    Kitevski, Goran; Mijalova, Katerina
    This paper explores the evolution of the Balkans' historically negative image, rooted in political instability, conflict, and cultural narratives, into one that is increasingly shaped by tourism. Long perceived as a region of division and insecurity, the Balkans are undergoing a transformation fueled by the growing recognition of their cultural, historical, and natural assets. International tourism has been instrumental in altering external perceptions by promoting the region’s distinct attractions and fostering a departure from a collective "Balkan" identity towards the development of unique national tourism brands. These efforts reflect a strategic reimagining of the region, positioning it as an appealing destination within global tourism networks. By analyzing the interplay between historical stigma and contemporary branding strategies, this study highlights tourism's role as a catalyst for reshaping the Balkans' image, contributing to its economic growth and global integration. This shift illustrates how tourism can redefine regional identities and challenge outdated stereotypes, presenting the Balkans as a diverse and welcoming destination.