Search Results (151)

The gastronomic identity represents a blend of tradition, local resources, and cultural values that shape the authenticity and distinctiveness of a region’s gastronomy. Mačva, as an area in western Serbia, possesses an exceptionally rich gastronomic heritage whose tourism potential has not been sufficiently valorized. The subject of this research is the examination of the gastronomic identity of Mačva, and the purpose of the study is to determine how domestic tourists perceive the region’s gastronomic identity, which factors shape this identity, and the extent to which socio-demographic and perceptual characteristics influence the likelihood of purchasing traditional food products. The aim of this research is to develop an analytical framework to identify the key factors shaping the gastronomic identity of the Mačva region and to examine their influence on domestic tourists’ perceptions and consumer behavior related to the consumption and purchase of traditional food. The data were processed using exploratory factor analysis and binary logistic regression. The results indicate that respondents recognize the gastronomic culture of Mačva as an important component of the region’s cultural identity. The factor structure confirmed a three-dimensional model of gastronomic identity, comprising cultural–gastronomic heritage, authenticity and the promotion of gastronomy, and the region’s economic and social development. The results suggest that tourists’ intention to purchase traditional products is shaped by selected socio-demographic and perceptual factors, particularly gender and perceptions of gastronomy as a driver of economic and social development. The findings highlight the need for a differentiated approach to the development and positioning of the gastronomic offer, which may serve as a basis for formulating strategies for the development and branding of the Mačva region. Full article

Experiential learning involves gaining knowledge and understanding from real-life experiences, which helps develop new theories through fresh insights. Kolb described learning as the process of creating knowledge through transforming experience. Its main idea is that challenges and experiences, followed by reflection, lead to learning and growth. An experiential learning module (ELM) is a type of simulation that replicates a real-world situation, simplified to help participants understand complex problems from their perspective. It is based specifically on Kolb’s experiential learning cycle. ELMs use pictures, videos, and voice-over presentations to create a rich, contextually relevant, vicarious learning experience for classroom learners. In this study, the main ELM developed in Haiti was based on Kolb’s learning cycle. The primary goal of the ELM was to help global agriculturalists tackle complex issues related to food insecurity in developing countries. The purpose of this paper is to explain what experiential learning modules are and how to implement them in a study abroad program. An ELM on plantain production in Haiti was used as a case example. Students completed pre- and post-reflection surveys to evaluate their initial assumptions, expectations, and knowledge about the subject, as well as what they learned. A learning assessment measured their understanding of the ELM content. By analyzing the participants’ comments, the instructional approach proved effective in providing a vicarious experience within the classroom. The results from the initial classroom use of the banana and plantain learning module, along with student reactions, offered valuable feedback that led to proposed revisions and improvements to the tool. Full article

The transition toward sustainable and circular agricultural systems is increasingly important, yet evidence linking circularity and farm profitability in transition economies remains limited. This study examines the determinants of farm profitability in Serbia by combining micro-level structural and productivity indicators with a macro-level agro-eco efficiency measure, used here as a sector-wide ecological pressure indicator rather than a direct proxy for circular practices. Using a balanced Farm Accountancy Data Network (FADN) panel of 443 farms (2015–2022) across dairy, mixed, field crop, and fruit & wine sectors, dynamic panel estimators (difference and system Generalized Method of Moments-GMM) reveal strong sectoral heterogeneity. Asset turnover is the primary driver of profitability in field crops and perennial systems, while dairy farms benefit from scale and land productivity. Energy intensity consistently reduces profitability across all sectors. Agro-eco efficiency shows a negative effect in livestock-based systems, indicating higher sensitivity to macro-ecological pressures. These findings suggest that environmental and economic vulnerabilities differ across production systems, highlighting the need for sector-specific strategies aimed at improving resilience rather than inferring the profitability of circular technologies. Full article

Traditional foods (TFs) represent a key component of regional cultural identity and gastronomic heritage, particularly within the hospitality sector. The growing interest of tourists in authentic, locally sourced and sustainable food underscores the importance of understanding the perceptual and socio-demographic factors that shape their preferences and choices regarding TFs. The aim of this study is to identify and explain the factors that influence tourist attitudes toward dishes prepared with TFs in the hospitality sector, as well as to examine the extent to which socio-demographic characteristics predict tourists’ purchasing decisions. For this purpose, the Tourist Perception and Preferences Model in the Context of Traditional Foods (TPP-TF model) and the Perceptual Factors Scale for Traditional Food Consumption (PFS-TFC) were developed. The research was conducted on a sample of 507 respondents in the A.P. Vojvodina (Republic of Serbia), employing both exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, which identified the following three key factors: socio-cultural, ecological, and economic. The results of the logistic regression analysisshowed that income level and place of residence significantly influenced the decision to purchase dishes based on traditional foods (TFs). Tourists with higher income levels were substantially more likely to purchase TFs, highlighting the role of economic affordability in shaping consumer choices. Conversely, individuals residing in urban areas showed a significantly lower likelihood of purchasing TFs compared to rural respondents, suggesting that traditional food consumption remains more rooted in rural environments and is closely associated with cultural proximity. Full article

The transition toward sustainable, resource-efficient production has become a key challenge for agri-food systems, particularly in emerging economies, where profitability and environmental goals must be balanced. This study aimed to examine the relationship between financial structure, macroeconomic conditions, and circular economy (CE) indicators in determining the profitability of Serbian agri-food enterprises. Using panel data for 625 firms from 2014 to 2021, a two-step system GMM model was applied to control for endogeneity and firm-specific effects. The results indicate that in agriculture, moderate leverage enhances profitability, while excessive debt reduces it. Recycling and efficiency-oriented circular practices have a positive and significant effect on financial performance, suggesting that resource-efficient management supports long-term profitability. In the food industry, profitability shows strong persistence but remains mainly driven by internal and economic factors, with CE indicators exerting weaker short-term effects. Robustness tests confirm the validity and stability of the estimates. Overall, the findings highlight that integrating circular economy principles into business strategies can contribute to both financial sustainability and more efficient resource use in the agri-food sector. Full article

The readiness of tourists to accept innovative food is investigated in this research through the prism of the Protection Motivation Theory and the Theory of Planned Behavior, combining two previously developed yet seldom researched psychological dimensions, namely, food neophobia as a restraining force and food involvement as a motivating force. The quantitative approach and the generation-by-generation analysis using partial least squares (PLS-SEM) and multiple group analysis were used to conduct the study on a sample of 985 domestic tourists in Serbia. The results suggest that food involvement eases openness toward gastronomic innovations and mitigates the negative impact of neophobia, whereas the generational differences reveal that younger tourists are more willing to be experimental, and older generations tend to be conservative in their food consumption. The study is relevant to the academic literature because it puts motivational and barrier factors into context within the PMT and TPB paradigms and provides operational implications for the design of tourism propositions that can be used to promote innovative and sustainable gastronomic experiences. The novelty of the present study is that it uses the hybrid model of food neophobia and food involvement in the generational context of a post-transition society, i.e., Serbia. Full article

Traditional food products (TFPs) hold a significant place in the cultural and gastronomic identity of Vojvodina, and consumer interest in these products is continuously growing, positioning them among the most relevant research topics in the fields of hospitality and consumer behavior. The aim of this study was to examine how consumers’ socio-demographic characteristics influence their attitudes and perception of the quality and attributes of TFPs on hospitality and tourism market. The research was conducted on a sample of 507 adult respondents from the territory of the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, nonparametric tests (Mann–Whitney U and Kruskal–Wallis) and ordinal logistic regression. The results indicate that age, gender, education level and place of residence significantly affect attitudes toward the quality, price, availability, and advantages of TFPs compared to industrial or imported products. Respondents from rural areas, those with lower education levels and lower incomes, show a greater tendency to consume traditional products. The main barriers to consumption were identified as high prices and insufficient information. The regression results showed that gender and place of residence were significant predictors of consumers’ tendency to choose dishes prepared with TFPs in hospitality establishments. The study highlights the need for tailored marketing and educational strategies to improve the accessibility, diversity, and visibility of TFPs on the market, with particular attention to their integration into the hospitality sector. However, the study is limited to the region of Vojvodina and relies on self-reported data, which may introduce response bias. Future research could explore comparative analyses across different regions or include qualitative insights into consumer motivations. Full article

Compounded medications (CMs) have become increasingly relevant in veterinary pharmacotherapy, particularly due to the limited availability of licensed veterinary medicinal products (VMPs). Despite the importance of CMs, data on their use all over the world, as well as in Serbian veterinary practice, remain limited. The aim of this study is to understand Serbian veterinarians’ attitudes towards the use of CMs and human medicinal products in small animal practice, with a focus on challenges and needs they experience related to this type of therapy. A questionnaire-based survey was conducted from January to May 2024 among licensed veterinarians, covering sociodemographics, antibiotic prescribing practices, and attitudes toward CMs. Most respondents (85.4%) reported difficulties in accessing appropriate medications, with 45.8% frequently prescribing human medications for reasons of availability and cost. While 58.3% were familiar with CMs, many emphasized their benefits in tailoring doses and formulations. A majority (65.6%) believed CMs could improve treatment outcomes, yet 87.5% expressed the need for further education. This study shows that Serbian veterinarians frequently prescribe human medications due to limited and costly veterinary medicinal products. While they see the benefits of CMs for personalized treatments, there is a clear need for improved training and clearer regulations to enhance treatment outcomes and ensure safer veterinary care. Full article

In contemporary tourism, gastronomic offerings increasingly go beyond the boundaries of mere taste enjoyment, becoming an important element of the sustainable development of destinations. At the same time, food safety is gaining importance as a key aspect of the tourist experience and trust in a destination. The research was conducted in Serbia, focusing specifically on agritourism farm stays known for their local food production and sustainable hospitality practices. This study highlights the crucial link between local agricultural practices and tourists’ perceptions of food safety, positioning food safety as a key dimension of both sustainable gastronomy and rural development. The research was conducted on a sample of 650 tourists in farm stays, using a structured survey questionnaire, with data analysed through descriptive statistics, factor analysis, Pearson correlation, ANOVA, and multiple regression analysis. The results indicate that tourists highly value food safety, particularly in the context of local and traditional gastronomy, and that there is a significant correlation between the perception of food safety and the intention to revisit or recommend a destination. This study suggests that the integration of food safety standards into sustainable gastronomic practices is essential for enhancing competitiveness and building long-term trust among individuals of various sociodemographic profiles. Full article

Drought and excess ambient temperature intensify abiotic and biotic stresses on agriculture, threatening food security and economic stability. The development of climate-resilient crops is crucial for sustainable, efficient farming. This review highlights the role of multi-omics encompassing genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and epigenomics in identifying genetic pathways for stress resilience. Advanced phenomics, using drones and hyperspectral imaging, can accelerate breeding programs by enabling high-throughput trait monitoring. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) enhance these efforts by analyzing large-scale omics and phenotypic data, predicting stress tolerance traits, and optimizing breeding strategies. Additionally, plant-associated microbiomes contribute to stress tolerance and soil health through bioinoculants and synthetic microbial communities. Beyond agriculture, these advancements have broad societal, economic, and educational impacts. Climate-resilient crops can enhance food security, reduce hunger, and support vulnerable regions. AI-driven tools and precision agriculture empower farmers, improving livelihoods and equitable technology access. Educating teachers, students, and future generations fosters awareness and equips them to address climate challenges. Economically, these innovations reduce financial risks, stabilize markets, and promote long-term agricultural sustainability. These cutting-edge approaches can transform agriculture by integrating AI, multi-omics, and advanced phenotyping, ensuring a resilient and sustainable global food system amid climate change. Full article

China holds the largest apple cultivation area globally, yet yields per hectare remain relatively low. Despite substantial government investment in modern orchard technologies, adoption remains limited among farmers. This study investigates the economic and sociological drivers of technology uptake, focusing on how information sources shape adoption behavior. Based on 382 farmer surveys across major apple-producing provinces, the study examines (1) farmers’ preferences for agricultural information sources, (2) the influence of demographic characteristics on those preferences, and (3) the differential effects of specific sources on the adoption of key technologies, including dwarf rootstocks and virus-free seedlings. Results show that agri-chemical dealers (ACDs) and farmer peers (FPs) are the most commonly used information channels. Access to advice from local experts (EXPs) significantly increases the likelihood of adopting dwarf rootstocks, while information from ACDs promotes the use of virus-free seedlings. In contrast, reliance on personal farming experience is negatively associated with technology uptake. These findings highlight the need to strengthen formal information dissemination systems and better integrate trusted local actors like ACDs and EXPs into agricultural extension. Targeted information delivery can improve adoption efficiency, promote evidence-based decision-making, and support the modernization and sustainability of China’s apple sector. Full article

In recent years, Serbia has become increasingly popular as a tourism destination, attracting travelers from the surrounding region, as well as Europe and even distant locations. The environmental impact linked with tourism activities, specifically their carbon footprints, has gained growing attention as sustainability becomes an important factor when discussing the future of tourism. This research, which is based on the DEFRA and ADEME methodologies using the Greentripper tool, examines the significance of carbon footprint estimations for incoming tourism in Serbia from a scientific standpoint. By considering the emissions produced from transportation, accommodation, and on-site activities, the results of 1,431,394,511 kg CO2e offer valuable information about the extent of carbon emissions linked to tourism movements. The primary driver of this carbon footprint is transportation (80.2%), on-site activities (15.2%), and housing (4.6%). The per capita tourism carbon footprint is 670 kg CO2e, which is lower compared to the values derived using general data and carbon emissions on a worldwide basis, which amount to 759 kg CO2e. These findings are essential for comprehending the environmental sustainability of tourism operations. Furthermore, carbon footprint assessments play a crucial role as a tool for making informed decisions and implementing initiatives to reduce carbon emissions in the tourism business. This could involve selecting environmentally friendly modes of travel, advocating for sustainable hotel choices, or integrating carbon offsetting activities into vacation packages. In addition, carbon footprint assessments promote transparency and responsibility in the tourism industry. Full article

Heat stress is a major concern for lactating dairy cows. This study evaluated the effects of heat stress on six Holstein-Friesian crossbred dairy cows exposed to three thermal conditions represented by the Temperature-Humidity Index (THI). These conditions included a baseline pre-treatment phase at THI-72, a heat stress treatment phase at THI-75 and THI-80, and a post-treatment recovery phase at THI-72. The duration of the heat stress treatment phase was 24 h. A total of four trials, each involving three cows, were conducted in an IoT-based climatic chamber to assess various physiological, hematological, biochemical, and production parameters across these phases. Compared to the baseline (THI-72), cows showed significant increases (p < 0.05) in rectal temperature (RT), heart rate (HR), respiration rate (RR), and water intake (WI) at both THI-75 and THI-80, with the highest elevations observed at THI-80 (RT: 5.1%, HR: 8.6%, RR: 23.5%, and WI: 19.1%). Feed intake declined significantly (p < 0.05) by 6.5% and 14.0%, and milk yield dropped by 5.3% and 14.7% at THI-75 and THI-80, respectively; milk fat and protein percentages decreased by 1.1-fold and 1.2-fold. Hemoglobin, platelet, and lymphocyte counts, along with biochemical parameters (excluding serum creatinine) also decreased significantly (p < 0.05). The different levels of THI influenced pairwise correlation patterns, with THI-75 showing intense interactions and THI-80 exhibiting greater variability. The findings highlight that Holstein-Friesian crossbred dairy cows are particularly vulnerable to heat stress, even with short-term exposure. This vulnerability can lead to economic losses for Bangladeshi dairy farmers rearing Holstein-Friesian crossbred cows. Full article

This study investigated the sociological dimensions informing public perceptions of water scarcity during the El Niño drought period in Colombia. We conducted this study in Santa Marta, Colombia, and surveyed 405 urban and rural residents to understand their perceptions of water scarcity, management, and the impacts of the El Niño phenomenon. The survey used a Likert scale to measure responses and employed a multivariate analysis of variance to analyze the data while considering factors such as location (urban versus rural) and gender. The study results indicated that urban residents often experience an irregular water supply all year, whereas most rural respondents noted a more consistent availability of water. The perception of water scarcity also differed notably between urban and rural areas due to their different historical and cultural experiences (habitus). Urban respondents mostly recognized the presence of water, while rural perspectives were less conclusive, likely influenced by their direct access to natural water sources. Participants across various demographics consistently reported that poor management by local, regional, and national governments contributes to the water scarcity crisis, highlighting the importance of improving communication about climate events like El Niño and water management to increase community engagement in public policies. Our research suggests that better understanding the social foundations of such perceptions using Bourdieu’s concepts of social fields, habitus, and capital forms can significantly enhance water management strategies. Full article

Gastronomic identity is a crucial segment of sustainable gastronomy and its successful positioning in the tourism market. As such, it calls for the creation of a suitable SusGastroIdentity scale that would identify influential factors. The research investigated the opinions of the employees in catering establishments in two tourist destinations in the Balkans: Fruška Gora Mountain, a tourist area in the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina in Serbia, and Jahorina Mountain, a tourist area in the Republic of Srpska entity in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The study involved 606 participants, 66% of whom work in à la carte restaurants. Of these participants, 68% hold operational roles in hospitality establishments, and 58.3% have over 5 years of experience in the hospitality industry. After conducting a survey using a questionnaire and performing appropriate statistical analysis of the responses, four factors of gastronomic identity and sustainable gastronomy were defined: geographic and cultural characteristics of gastronomy, gastro-tourism events, economic aspects of business operations, and commercial aspects of business operations. The present research has shown that employees in hospitality and tourism perceive geographic and cultural characteristics and the economic aspects of business as the significant factors of gastronomic identity that affect both the sustainability of gastronomy in tourism and the tourist destination itself. Full article