Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
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Item type:Publication, The Arts and Politics: The state of Yugoslav society through the lyrics of Azra and Zabranjeno Pušenje(Macedonian Geographical Society, 2025)Kitevski, GoranThis 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. - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Beyond Political: Tourism (re)shaping the image of the Balkans(UTMS Journal of Economics, 2024-12)Kitevski, Goran; Mijalova, KaterinaThis 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. - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Ohrid between identities: Image, experience and tourist perception(UTMS Journal of Economics, 2025-06)Kitevski, Goran; Milenkovski, Ace; Gjorgievski, MijalceThis paper investigates the relationship between destination image and tourist perception of Ohrid (N. Macedonia). While Ohrid projects an image as a place of natural, cultural and spiritual heritage, affirmed by its UNESCO World Heritage status and significance—tourist perceptions vary significantly across domestic and foreign visitor groups. The study uses a mixed-methods approach, combining surveys, social media analysis and data mining, to see how tourists actually experience the city. Findings reveal a strong appreciation among foreign tourists for Ohrid’s nature and culture, in contrast to domestic tourists who often associate the destination only as a basic tourism weekend and/or seasonal getaway destination. A growing difference is observed between Ohrid’s promoted identity and its actual tourism practices, mainly during the peak summer season characterized by mass tourism, overcrowding, and large-scale commercial events. These contradictions highlight the need for a more coherent and sustainable tourism strategy that bridges the gap between image, perception, and actual experience. - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, North Macedonia in the Western Balkans: Between regional and European integration(UTMS Journal of Economics, 2025-12)Kitevski, Goran; Mijalova, KaterinaThe main subject of the study is the position of North Macedonia within the European Union (EU) enlargement framework and the geopolitical configuration of the Western Balkans, conceptualised not as a geographic entity but as a political category defined by non-membership. Although designated a candidate state in 2005 and formally approved for accession negotiations in 2020, North Macedonia remains the most protracted accession case in the region. The Western Balkans, initially incorporated into the EU enlargement agenda through the Stabilisation and Association Process, remain institutionally framed as a transitional space expected to converge with the Union. While the 2003 Thessaloniki Summit affirmed the region’s membership perspective, post-Thessaloniki developments were marked by procedural revision, enlargement fatigue, and (geo)political recalibration. Comparative analysis of the Commission’s 2025 reports confirm that North Macedonia is not substantially lagging in acquis alignment relative to Albania and other WB6 countries, but remains constrained by unresolved identity-based conditions - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, The French Proposal and North Macedonia’s European perspective: a political geography(Geographical Society in Bosnia and Herzegovina & Department of geography, University of Sarajevo, 2025-11)Kitevski, GoranThis paper examines the so-called French Proposal, a diplomatic framework specifically designed to overcome Bulgaria’s veto and facilitate the continuation of North Macedonia’s accession process to the European Union. The proposal’s most contested element is the requirement to amend North Macedonia’s Constitution to explicitly include Bulgarians as a constituent people —an obligation that serves as a gateway for opening a broader negotiation process. This requirement is embedded within a broader framework that incorporates the 2017 Treaty of Friendship, Good-Neighbourliness, and Cooperation, thereby elevating a long standing bilateral dispute to the level of a formal EU accession criterion. By integrating identity-related and historical disputes into the negotiation process, the proposal effectively Europeanizes a bilateral issue. This study argues that the constitutional amendment represents only one aspect of a deeper and enduring challenge: the identity-based dispute with Bulgaria, now institutionalized within the EU framework, will remain a decisive factor influencing both the pace and prospects of North Macedonia’s European integration. - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Comparative analysis of different nuclear medicine techniques in evaluation of renal function(VIA MEDICA Journals, 2023)Aleksandra Peshevska, Tanja Makazlieva, Venjamin Majstorov, Lambe Barandovski, Irena Rambabova-Bushljetik, Daniela MiladinovaIntroduction: Nuclear medicine (NM) methods play an important role in the evaluation of renal function in a wide range of clinical indications. The aim of our study was to evaluate the correlation between measured GFR (mGFR) obtained by the three-plasma sample slope-intercept NM method (TPSM) — reference method vs. estimated GFR (eGFR) using Fleming’s single plasma sample method (SPSM) at 120 min, 180 min, and 240 min and correlation of reference method with eGFR with camera-based Gates’ protocol. Material and methods: A total of 82 subjects (33 male/49 female) with a mean age of 54.87 ± 15.65 years were included and mGFR value was obtained by the three-plasma sample slope-intercept NM method and eGFR was obtained with Fleming’s single sample method. eGFR was also quantified with the camera-based Gates’ protocol after i.v. application of [99mTc]Tc-DTPA. Results: Our study revealed a very strong positive significant correlation between all three SPSMs with the TPSM as the reference method. Between the Gates’ method and the TPSM in the group of patients with mGFR ≥ 61–84 mL/min/1.73 m2 and mGFR ≥ 84 mL/min/1.73 m2, a moderate positive statistically significant correlation was obtained. Conclusions: The SPSM method shows a very strong correlation with the reference and low bias in all three groups of patients and can be routinely used for GFR estimation. - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Spatial distribution and isotopic signatures of N and C in mosses across Europe(Elsevier, 2025-01-01)Sheila Izquieta-Rojano, Yasser Morera-Gómez, David Elustondo, Esther Lasheras, Carolina Santamaría, Julen Torrens-Baile, Renate Alber, Lambe Barandovski, Mahmut Coşkun, Munevver Coskun, Helena Danielsson, Ludwig De Temmerman, Harry Harmens, Zvonka Jeran, Sébastien Leblond, Javier Martínez-Abaigar, Encarnación Núñez-Olivera, Roland Pesch, Juha Piispanen, Gerhard Soja, Zdravko Spiric, Trajče Stafilov, Lotti Thöni, Jesús Miguel SantamaríaThe accumulation of nitrogen (N) in moss tissue has proven to be a reliable marker of increasing N deposition. However, this measurement does not offer additional data about the origin of pollution. In this respect, the analysis of the N isotopic ratios might be a helpful tool in providing supplementary information about the nature of the nitrogenous species in biomonitoring surveys. Furthermore, isotopic signatures have been extensively used in the study of N and carbon (C) biogeochemical cycles. The main purpose of this study was to determine N and C elemental contents and their stable isotopes in mosses to investigate atmospheric pollution patterns across Europe. We aimed at identifying the main N polluted areas and evaluating the potential use of isotopic signatures in the attribution of pollution sources at a regional scale. With these objectives in mind, >1300 samples from 15 countries from Europe, all of them participants of the ICP-Vegetation programme 2005–2006, were analyzed for their C and N contents and δ15N and δ13C. The results were compared to those derived from EMEP model, which provided modeled deposition and emission data, as well as to the predominant land uses at the sampling sites (based on CORINE Land Cover). This evaluation suggests that additional measurements of stable C and N isotopes in mosses could be a valuable tool in European environmental surveys. Such measurements not only provide useful information for identifying probable pollution sources but also enable the quantification of their contributions, serving as biological indicators of significant environmental processes. This study presents the first quantitative assessment of major atmospheric nitrogen (N) sources based on stable isotope analysis on a European scale, establishing a framework for evaluating historical changes in N across the region. - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Mercury Pollution in Terrestrial Ecosystems of North Macedonia: Insights from an 18-Year Moss Biomonitoring Programme(MDPI, 2025-12-22)Katerina Bačeva Andonovska, Robert Šajn, Jasminka Alijagić, Trajče Stafilov, Lambe BarandovskiMoss biomonitoring was conducted in 2002, 2005, 2010, 2015 and 2020 to evaluate atmospheric mercury (Hg) deposition across N. Macedonia as part of a comprehensive survey of potentially toxic elements (PTEs). More than 70 samples of the dominant moss species Hypnum cupressiforme and Homalothecium lutescens were collected during the summer field campaigns. Mercury concentrations were determined using cold vapour atomic absorption spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The results revealed marked temporal fluctuations: median Hg content increased from 56 µg/kg in 2002 to 68 µg/kg in 2005, peaked at 93 µg/kg in 2010, then decreased to 84 µg/kg in 2015, and further to 52 µg/kg in 2020. Over the study period, Hg concentrations ranged from 10 to 595 µg/kg, with the highest variability observed in 2010. Spatial distribution maps and regional comparisons indicate that elevated Hg contents correspond predominantly to anthropogenic sources, particularly in industrialised zones and regions affected by mining and metallurgical activities. The 2020 dataset shows a significantly lower median value (52 µg/kg) compared to previous surveys, indicating a slight improvement in air quality, although local hotspots persist. These results highlight the importance of long-term moss biomonitoring as a cost-effective approach for tracking atmospheric mercury trends and informing national environmental policy. - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Space-time description of atoms, part I: Electronic structures, dark matter, and g-factors of electron, muon and tau(World Scientific Publishing Company, 2024-06-17)Kostadin TrenčevskiThe description of atoms is based on 3D time and some relativistic effects about spinning bodies have been published previously. The time displacement of the electrons also plays an important role. While the principal quantum number n refers to the angular momentum nℏ observed by external observer, the azimuth quantum number l refers to the angular momentum lℏ observed from the electron itself. The intrinsic angular momentum observed by the electron is ±ℏ/2 according to Stern–Gerlach experiment, but the angular momentum observed by external observer is about α^2ℏ/4. The magnetic quantum numbers are deduced from the mentioned effects and the trajectories of electrons are non-probabilistic and geometrically well determined. The spin quantum number indicates the time arrow toward the future or toward the past. So, the electrons with opposite time arrows can be grouped in pairs, where the nucleus is in the middle. Descriptions of the dark matter particles and the electrons are given. Using the value α=1/137.035999166 suggested from the QED, the g-factors of the electron and muon are ge=−2.002319304361166; gμ=−2.002331839354934, which give excellent agreements with the experiments. So, if we equalize the formulas for g-factor from QED and this approach, it determines the theoretical value of α, without experiment. - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Spin states of X-complex asteroids in the inner main belt -- I. Investigating the Athor and Zita collisional families(2024-10)