Bulletin of Natural Sciences Research

DIGITALIZATION IN THE TOURISM INDUSTRY: IMPACTS ON EMPLOYMENT, JOB SATISFACTION, AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT

Dunja Demirović Bajrami, Marija Bojić — Fri, 28 Nov 2025 13:59:28 +0100

Digitalization has significantly transformed the global tourism industry, reshaping workplace structures, job roles, and employee responsibilities. This study examines the impact of digitalization on employees in the Serbian tourism sector, focusing on changes in workplace tasks, challenges and benefits of digital tools, job satisfaction and stress levels, and concerns regarding job security and career development. Using a qualitative research approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with tourism employees across various sectors, including hotels, travel agencies, airlines, and hospitality services. Findings reveal that while digitalization enhances operational efficiency and reduces administrative burdens, it also introduces new challenges such as increased workload, digital fatigue, and job displacement risks. Automation and AI-driven tools have streamlined processes but reduced personal customer interactions, raising concerns about the loss of human-centered service. Employees expressed mixed feelings about digitalization, with mid-level and senior professionals viewing it as an opportunity for career growth, while entry-level workers feared job redundancy. The study underscores the need for structured digital training, adaptive workforce strategies, and balanced technological integration to support employees during the digital transition. These findings provide valuable insights for businesses and policymakers seeking to optimize digital transformation while ensuring workforce sustainability in the tourism industry.

A MODULAR IOT PLATFORM FOR NEXT-GENERATION SMART HOMES: ARCHITECTURE, REAL-TIME CONTROL, AND EDGE AI READINESS

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 17:43:26 +0100

Rapid technological progress and increasingly pressing needs for energy efficiency, safety, and personalised comfort have driven the development of intelligent systems for residential automation. This paper presents the design and implementation of a modular IoT smart-home system based on a microcontroller architecture with real-time data processing. The developed prototype integrates sensor modules for detecting temperature, humidity, air quality, illuminance, vibration, precipitation, and flame, as well as actuators for automated control of windows, doors, lighting, ventilation, and alarm mechanisms. The system is connected to a mobile application that enables monitoring and interactive control in real time, and users can define scenarios such as “night mode” or “away mode”. Special emphasis in the design is placed on the system’s modularity, its energy optimisation, and the ability to adapt behaviour based on historical data and user habits. The system’s functionality was tested on a physical model and in real conditions, establishing that it reacts within a time window of 1–3 seconds from the moment a change in environmental parameters is detected. The obtained results indicate significant potential for integrating microcontrollers, an IoT platform, and adaptive control algorithms in the domain of smart buildings and future concepts of urban automation. The paper also opens up avenues for further development with integrated machine-learning and artificial-intelligence algorithms aimed at achieving fully autonomous control of the residential environment. This iteration includes a fully functional physical prototype and application, while the predictive AI part is evaluated offline via simulation/emulation based on recorded logs, without on-device inference.

GEOHERITAGE SITES IN THE TERRITORIAL UNIT “NORTH OF THE AUTONOMOUS PROVINCE OF KOSOVO AND METOHIJA”

Dragan Petrović — Sun, 22 Mar 2026 10:13:16 +0100

This paper presents an assessment of geoheritage sites in the territorial unit “North of the Autonomous Province of Kosovo and Metohija”, with the objective of identifying their scientific, educational, landscape–aesthetic, conservation, functional, and tourism values. The assessment of geoheritage sites was carried out using the Geosite Assessment Model (GAM), which enables an integrated, quantitative evaluation. The analysis encompassed five representative geoheritage sites and was based on data obtained from relevant scientific literature and field investigations. The results demonstrate that all analyzed sites exhibit medium to high values for the main indicators, confirming their considerable geoheritage potential. In contrast, the additional values are predominantly moderate, primarily due to insufficient protection measures, limited promotion, and underdeveloped tourism infrastructure. The identified imbalance between the main values and the level of their valorization underscores the need for a systematic and integrated approach to geoheritage management.

MINERALOGICAL COMPOSITION AND PROPERTIES OF PELOID FROM DUČEVAC, SERBIA, TRADITIONALLY APPLIED TO HAIR TREATMENT

Sun, 22 Mar 2026 21:38:43 +0100

This study analyzes mineralogical composition and properties of two samples sourced from Dučevac, Serbia, which are traditionally used in hair treatment. This investigation provides the first systematic, multidisciplinary characterization of the specified material, comparing the samples with respect to their mineralogical phases, chemistry, and physicochemical properties. Notably, sample 1.1 is primarily calcite, with a smaller amount of clay minerals (illite, kaolinite, and smectite). In contrast, sample 1.2 showcases a blend of illite and quartz, with small amounts of other clay minerals (smectite, kaolinite, chlorite) and plagioclase. Sample 1.1 has higher amounts of CaO (9.83 wt.%) and Na₂O (2.97 wt.%) than sample 1.2; in return, sample 1.2 has higher amounts of Fe₂O₃ (4.25 wt.%) and MgO (4.61 wt.%). In terms of pH, both samples are moderately acidic, with CEC values ranging from 8 to 9 meq/100g, and SSA measurements between 66 and 75 m²/100g. The color also reflects distinct variations, with sample 1.1 registering at 583 nm and sample 1.2 at 573 nm. All analytical values align with reference peloids found in literature, enhancing our understanding of the samples' characteristics and origins. This highlights the material's geological significance and the importance of preserving traditional practices as part of the region's geoheritage.