Background and Study Aim. Although physical activity (PA) is an important determinant of physical fitness (PF) in children, studies have rarely examined the associations between PA and PF in early school-age children within narrow age spans. The aim of this study was to evaluate the associations between different intensities of PA and various indices of PF in children aged 9 -11 years. Material and Methods. The participants were 121 children aged 9 - 11 years (49 girls) who were tested for PF (anthropometrics, aerobic endurance, upper body and abdominal strength, jumping power, mobility and flexibility), and the PA was directly measured via GeneActiv triaxial accelerometers. A t test was used to define differences between sexes, while Pearson’s correlations between PA variables and PF indices and multiple regressions for PF criteria were used to calculate sex stratification. Results. Compared with girls, boys achieved better results in terms of jumping power capacity, upper body strength, and aerobic endurance, and they had a higher number of steps taken per day, and a higher amount of vigorous PA per day (all p < 0.05). The girls achieved better results in terms of flexibility and mobility. Correlations between PA-intensities and PF were weak to moderate. Multiple regression calculations revealed that vigorous PA was a significant predictor of jumping power, upper body strength, and aerobic endurance in boys (16%, 20%, and 13% of the explained variance, respectively) and jumping power in girls (18% of the explained variance). Moderate PA was a significant partial regressor of aerobic endurance in girls (13% of the explained variance). Conclusions. Tailoring physical-education curricula to gender-specific PA responses and expanding PF assessments can enhance student engagement, optimize fitness outcomes, and improve the overall effectiveness of physical education programs.

The historical industrial waste deposit Gater was used to dispose of different metallurgy wastes from lead and zinc production. The metallurgical waste deposit was situated in the open space, between the tailing waste deposit Žitkovac and river Ibar flow. Large amounts of lead-containing wastes are produced in the non-ferrous metallurgical industry, such as lead ash and lead slag generated in Pb smelting, lead anode slime, and lead sludge produced in the raw lead refining process. In addition to the lead concentration, numerous valuable components are found in the lead refinery waste from the group of Critical Raw Materials, such as antimony, arsenic, bismuth, copper, nickel, magnesium, scandium, as well as Rare-Earth Elements. Samples with eight characteristic points were taken to obtain relevant data indicating a possible recycling method. The chemical composition analysis was conducted using ICP; the scanning was completed using SEM-EDS. The mineralogical composition was determined by using XRD. The chemical analysis showed a wide range of valuable metal concentrations, from Ag (in the range from 14.2 to 214.6, with an average 86.25 mg/kg) to heavy metals such as Cu (in the range from 282.7 to 28,298, with an average 10,683.7 mg/kg or 1.0683% that corresponds to some active mines), Ni and Zn (in the range from 1.259 to 69,853.4, with an average 14,304.81 mg/kg), Sc (in the range from 2.4 to 75.3, with an average 33.61 mg/kg), Pb (in the range from 862.6 to 154,027.5, with an average 45,046 mg/kg), Sb (in the range from 51.7 to 18,514.7, with an average 2267.8 mg/kg), Ca (in the range from 167.5 to 63,963, with an average 19,880 mg/kg), Mg (in the range from 668.3 to 76,824.5, with an average 31,670 mg/kg), and As (in the range from 62.9 to 24,328.1, with an average 5829.53 mg/kg). The mineralogy analysis shows that all metals are in the form of oxides, but in the case of As and Fe, SEM-EDS shows some portion of elemental lead, pyrite, and silica-magnesium-calcium oxides as slag and tailing waste residues. The proposed recovery process should start with leaching, and further investigation should decide on the type of leaching procedure and agents, considering the waste’s heterogeneous nature and acidity and toxicity.

Introduction: Various studies conducted in the past few years have shown a causal relationship between human papillomavirus(HPV) and benign and malignant lesions on the laryngeal mucosa. There are no other studies on the association between HPV and laryngeal lesions in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of HPV infection on the development of benign and malignant lesions in the larynx. Methods: Samples for the recommended HPV analysis were taken using cotton swabs from Digene’s Specimen Collection Kit (Sample Collection Kit) from the surface of the affected area of the laryngeal mucosa with a gentle rotational movement through the directoscope. Detection of the presence of HPV in the endolaryngeal swab was performed using Digene’s HPV test-Hybrid Capture II, and results were obtained on a DML 2000 luminometer.Results: In this study, a total of 40 patients were enrolled. Among them, 17 cases (42.5%) presented with benign lesions of the larynx, whereas 23 cases (57.5%) had malignant lesions. Within the group of 17 cases with benign lesions, 5 tested positive for HPV: 2 for high-risk HPV (HR HPV), 2 for low-risk HPV (LR HPV), and 1 for both high-risk and LR HPV. Among the 23 cases with malignant lesions, 11 (47.83%) were HPV positive: 5 for HR HPV, 4 for LR HPV, and 2 for both high-risk and LR HPV. Conclusion: Our findings underscore the noteworthy influence of HPV infection on both benign and malignant changes in the laryngeal mucosa. However, future studies necessitate larger sample sizes and the identification of specific virus types.

Introduction: The impact of nutrition on human health has become a central topic in modern research. The Mediterranean diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, fish, whole grains, and olive oil, has been associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases. However, the effects of non-Mediterranean diets, particularly among students, remain insufficiently explored. This study aimed to examine differences in the dietary habits of health sciences students in two cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina (Mostar and Sarajevo) and Split, Croatia. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted between February and November 2024, including 473 students (Mostar: 125, Sarajevo: 230, Split: 118). Dietary habits were assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire and the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener. Statistical analysis included Pearson’s chi-square test, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Students from Split showed significantly higher adherence to Mediterranean dietary habits, including greater consumption of vegetables (p = 0.009), fish (p = 0.035), legumes (p = 0.036), and tomato sauce (p = 0.022). Students in Sarajevo reported the highest intake of sugary drinks (p < 0.01), while those in Split consumed the least margarine and cream-based fats (p = 0.003). No significant differences were found in fruit consumption. Conclusion: Given the importance of diet in preventing chronic diseases, targeted nutrition education programs are needed to promote healthier eating habits among students. Future research should explore the underlying causes of these dietary differences and their long-term health implications.

Comparative analysis of red mud reduction techniques was performed using both carbothermal and hydrogen-based reduction methods, combining thermochemical modeling and experimental validation. The reduction process is mostly important because of the high contamination risk assessment of soil with disposed red mud. Therefore, the minimization of red mud during the reduction process can be a novel strategy for the production of metallic iron and solid residue for hydrometallurgical treatment. Different strategies of hydrogen and carbon reduction in static and dynamic conditions were studied between 700 °C and 1700 °C. The separation of solid residue and formed iron was analyzed using magnetic separation. The main aim was to study the advantages and disadvantages of using decarbonizing technologies for the treatment of red mud, aiming to develop an environmentally friendly process. Thermochemical analysis of the reduction offered new data about mass losses during our process through the evaporation, thermal decomposition, and formation of metallic carbide.

During the lifespan, graphic products are exposed to various external factors. During their use, their properties(physical, mechanical, visual, etc.) change to a greater or lesser extent. It is necessary to observe/monitor changesand influence of external factors on their properties as soon as the product is created. The aim of this research is toexamine the impact of the aging process on the quality of inkjet printing. A different number of layers of black ink (in10 % tonal value (TV) and 100 % TV) and a different number of varnish layers were printed on PVC foil material. The samples were exposed to xenon light (λ > 300 nm) to accelerate the ageing process over a period of 72 and 216 h. They were measured by Datacolor spectrophotometer. As expected, with longer exposure time, greater changes occurred. According to the CIE ΔE*00 formula, the differences ranged from an imperceptible to a large colour change. After 72 h, the biggest changes in colour occurred in the K10 % with one ink layer and three layers of varnish. The smallest changes were in K100 % with one ink layer and no varnish. After 216 h, the greatest changes were observed in the K10 % sample with three layers of ink and two layers of varnish. The smallest differences were K10 % sample with one ink layer and without varnish.

BackgroundPostoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is the most common complication associated with higher mortality rates, prolonged hospitalization, and increased treatment costs.The aimof this cross-sectional longitudinal study is to compare the incidence of POAF after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) performed with different surgical techniques. The primary outcome is defined as a heart rhythm disorder with atrial fibrillation characteristics that lasts longer than 5 min or requires treatment due to clinical instability.MethodsThe study included 229 hemodynamically stable patients with isolated coronary artery disease who underwent elective CABG. 153 patients underwent CABG with use of cardiopulmonary bypass (ONCAB) and 76 patients without it (OPCAB). In the preoperative risk assessment with modified score, the risk of POAF was higher in the ONCAB group.ResultsPOAF occurred in 86 (37.55%) of a total 229 patients. The number of new cases of POAF is lower in the OPCAB 36 (15.72%) compared to 50 (21.83%) in the ONCAB group (p = 0.031). In the postoperative period there was a significant difference in the time of onset of the primary outcome, the time spent in the IUC and the length of hospitalization.ConclusionPOAFs are more common in ONCAB operating technique. The OPCAB technique reduces postoperative complications, shortens the stay in the IUC and the length of hospitalization, and reduces treatment costs.

The etiology of transmissible viral proventriculitis (TVP) of broiler chickens has been discussed since its initial recognition 40 years ago. Regardless of its low direct impact on mortality rate, it leads to high economic losses in the broiler industry through reduction of food conversion, weakening of birds, and their increased susceptibility to pathogens. The aim of the present study was to examine the potential presence of TVP on the broiler chicken farms in Bosnia and Herzegovina, to characterize microscopic lesions, and to investigate the viruses implicated in etiology of TVP by PCR-based methods. In total, 143 diseased broiler chickens from 16 farms in Bosnia and Herzegovina were euthanized and subjected to necropsy and subsequent histopathology of proventriculi. A representative number of proventriculi samples (n = 50) that exhibited histopathologic changes were processed for molecular detection of chicken proventricular necrosis virus (CPNV), girovirus (GyV3), chicken anemia virus (CAV), and infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) by PCR-based methods. In addition, samples of bursa of Fabricius (n = 39) and spleen (n = 50) were tested for IBDV. Histopathology revealed changes consistent with TVP in 39.8% (57/143) and LP (lymphocytic proventriculitis) in 2.1% (3/143) of samples. All 50 proventricular samples showed positivity to CPNV with Ct values ranging between 18 and 26. GyV3 was detected in eight samples (16%), with Ct values ranging from 11.1 to 27.5. The presence of CAV was more prominent (38%), with 19 positive broiler chickens (Ct ranging from 9.6 to 35.6). Pooled samples of spleen, bursa, and proventriculi from three farms were positive for IBDV. The obtained results represent the first documented data on TVP and the first record of CPNV and GyV3 presence in broiler farms from Bosnia and Herzegovina.

INTRODUCTION Acute bacterial meningitis (ABM) is a serious infectious disease and medical emergency. Given the fact of its high mortality and morbidity, detecting prognostic factors is potentially useful in improving treatment strategies. This paper aims to determine prognostic factors of short-term outcomes of patients with ABM in a developing country - Bosnia and Herzegovina, measured by the Modified Rankin Scale (MRS) at discharge. METHODOLOGY In this retrospective cohort study, 56 patients treated at the Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Clinical Center University of Sarajevo, for 11 years (2012-2022) were included. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 29.0.1.0. RESULTS The subjects' average age was 31.6 ± 27.7 years, with the youngest patient being 4 months and the oldest 75 years old. Among those, 31 were male and 25 were female. Unfavorable outcomes had 16 (28.6%) patients, including fatal outcomes in four patients and severe disabilities in 12 patients (MRS: 2-6), while 40 (71.4%) patients had favorable outcomes (MRS: 0-1). In the multivariate analysis, predictors of unfavorable outcomes included age older than 60 years, duration of symptoms longer than 24 hours, presence of neurological defects at admission, impaired consciousness, respiratory distress, and no corticosteroid use during treatment. CONCLUSIONS There is certainly a window of opportunity for patients with ABM: The shorter the time between disease onset and treatment initiation, the better the disease outcome.

Biodentine, a tricalcium silicate cement, has emerged as a retrograde root-end filling material to promote periapical lesion (PL) healing after apicoectomy. However, its underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study tested the hypothesis that Biodentine stimulates the osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) derived from PLs. The Biodentine extract (B-Ex) was prepared by incubating polymerized Biodentine in RPMI medium (0.2 g/mL) for three days at 37 °C. B-Ex, containing both released microparticles and soluble components, was incubated with PL-MSCs cultured in either a basal MSC medium or suboptimal osteogenic medium. Osteogenic differentiation was assessed by Alizarin Red staining and the expression of 20 osteoblastogenesis-related genes. Non-cytotoxic concentrations of B-Ex stimulated the proliferation of PL-MSCs and induced their osteogenic differentiation in a dose-dependent manner, with a significantly enhanced effect in suboptimal osteogenic medium. B-Ex upregulated most early and late osteoblastic genes. However, the differentiation process was prolonged, as indicated by the delayed expression of wingless-type MMTV integration site family member 2 (WNT2), bone gamma-carboxyglutamate protein (BGLAP), bone morphogenic protein-2 (BMP-2), growth hormone receptor (GHR), and FOS-like 2, AP-1 transcription factor subunit (FOSL2), compared with their expression under optimal osteogenic conditions. The stimulatory effect of B-Ex was primarily calcium dependent, as it was reduced by 85% when B-Ex was treated with the calcium-chelating agent EGTA. In conclusion, Biodentine promotes the osteogenic differentiation of PL-MSCs in a calcium-dependent manner, supporting its stimulatory role in periapical healing.

Manual microscopic differentiation of leukocytes is the primary tool for the diagnosis and monitoring of various diseases. Recently, digital optical microscopy has become a more common method, being an alternative to the conventional one, and therefore, there is a need to investigate its compatibility in more detail. The objective is to compare the results of digital and manual microscopy in the analysis of different leukocyte types and to assess the linearity, systemic and proportional differences between the methods. 109 samples were analyzed by manual and digital microscopy (Sysmex DI-60), and the comparison of the obtained results was performed by Passing-Bablok and Bland-Altman analysis. The linearity of the methods is satisfactory in all cells, except basophils and blasts. A statistically significant systemic difference was detected in segmented neutrophils, immature granulocytes, and lymphocytes, and correlations between the methods range from very strong to moderate, depending on the type of cells. Significant deviations were observed in leukocytosis and leukopenia. The results of the conducted analysis indicate a good correlation between digital and manual microscopy, but the identified systemic and proportional differences indicate the significance of the reclassification offered by the analyzer. In cases of severe leukopenia and leukocytosis, it is recommended to use manual microscopy as an additional check.

We analyze the stability of general nonlinear discrete-time stochastic systems controlled by optimal inputs that minimize an infinite-horizon discounted cost. Under a novel stochastic formulation of cost-controllability and detectability assumptions inspired by the related literature on deterministic systems, we prove that uniform semi-global practical recurrence holds for the closed-loop system, where the adjustable parameter is the discount factor. Under additional continuity assumptions, we further prove that this property is robust.

The integration of human-robot collaboration (HRC) into industrial and service environments demands efficient and adaptive robotic systems capable of executing diverse tasks, including pick-and-place operations. This paper investigates the application of Soft Actor-Critic (SAC) and Conservative Q-Learning (CQL)—two deep reinforcement learning (DRL) algorithms—for the learning and optimization of pick-and-place actions within HRC scenarios. By leveraging SAC’s capability to balance exploration and exploitation, the robot autonomously learns to perform pick-and-place tasks while adapting to dynamic environments and human interactions. Moreover, the integration of CQL ensures more stable learning by mitigating Q-value overestimation, which proves particularly advantageous in offline and suboptimal data scenarios. The combined use of CQL and SAC enhances policy robustness, facilitating safer and more efficient decision-making in continually evolving environments. The proposed framework combines simulation-based training with transfer learning techniques, enabling seamless deployment in real-world environments. The critical challenge of trajectory completion is addressed through a meticulously designed reward function that promotes efficiency, precision, and safety. Experimental validation demonstrates a 100 % success rate in simulation and an 80 % success rate on real hardware, confirming the practical viability of the proposed model. This work underscores the pivotal role of DRL in enhancing the functionality of collaborative robotic systems, illustrating its applicability across a range of industrial environments.

Machine-learning-based surrogate models offer significant computational efficiency and faster simulations compared to traditional numerical methods, especially for problems requiring repeated evaluations of partial differential equations. This work introduces the Geometry-Informed Neural Operator Transformer (GINOT), which integrates the transformer architecture with the neural operator framework to enable forward predictions on arbitrary geometries. GINOT employs a sampling and grouping strategy together with an attention mechanism to encode surface point clouds that are unordered, exhibit non-uniform point densities, and contain varying numbers of points for different geometries. The geometry information is seamlessly integrated with query points in the solution decoder through the attention mechanism. The performance of GINOT is validated on multiple challenging datasets, showcasing its high accuracy and strong generalization capabilities for complex and arbitrary 2D and 3D geometries.

This volume includes a selection of papers presented at the Workshop on Advancing Artificial Intelligence through Theory of Mind held at AAAI 2025 in Philadelphia US on 3rd March 2025. The purpose of this volume is to provide an open access and curated anthology for the ToM and AI research community.