Introduction: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are among the leading causes of disability worldwide, often resulting in pain, loss of function, and reduced quality of life. Kinesio Taping (KT) has been proposed as a supportive, noninvasive technique to enhance rehabilitation outcomes by improving neuromuscular activation, proprioception, and circulation. This research aims to evaluate the effect of KT on upper-limb functional improvement in patients with MSDs undergoing standard physiotherapy. Methods: This prospective interventional study included 57 participants divided into a control group receiving conventional physiotherapy and an experimental group receiving additional KT. Functional status was assessed using the Upper Extremity Functional Index (UEFI) at 3 time points: before therapy, mid-treatment, and after therapy. Statistical analyses included the Mann–Whitney U test, Kruskal–Wallis test, and multiple linear regression. Results: At baseline, the KT group had significantly lower functional scores (median 24.0, Interquartile Range [IQR] 19.0–27.0) than controls (median 35.0, IQR 25.0–47.0; p = 0.02). During treatment, both groups improved, but the KT group demonstrated faster functional recovery (p = 0.033). At completion, both groups achieved similar UEFI scores; however, the total functional gain was nearly twice as high in the KT group (21.5 vs. 12.5 points). Relative improvement reached 90% in the KT group compared with 36% in controls. Regression analysis confirmed that KT application was a significant predictor of upper-limb functional improvement (β = 0.552, p = 0.002). Conclusion: KT significantly accelerates upper-limb functional recovery and enhances rehabilitation outcomes when used as an adjunct to physiotherapy. Its simplicity, safety, and cost-effectiveness make it a valuable addition to standard musculoskeletal rehabilitation.

The aim of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of the shortened version of the Work Engagement Scale (UWES-9) on a sample of employees in the IT sector in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The research was conducted in two phases. In the first phase, a pilot study was carried out on a sample of 116 participants, where item analysis, reliability analysis, and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) were applied. All items demonstrated adequate psychometric characteristics, with item-total correlations ranging from .586 to .830. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was .92, indicating high internal consistency of the scale. The results of the exploratory factor analysis revealed a single dominant factor that explained 61.37% of the total variance, supporting the unidimensional structure of the scale.In the second phase of the study, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted on a sample of 334 participants (excluding those from the pilot study). The CFA confirmed a good fit of the one-factor model (CMIN/df

<p>This paper examines John Barth&rsquo;s novel The Sot-Weed Factor (1960) as an emblem of early American postmodernism with specific focus on its metafictional strategies. Written as an seventeenth-century pastiche, the novel follows and satirizes the na&iuml;ve poet Ebenezer Cooke and his blind devotion to literary classics during his voyage from England to the colonial Maryland. The analysis of Barth&rsquo;s playful engagement with self-reflexivity and historiographic metafiction is approached primarily through theoretical concepts of Patricia Waugh and Linda Hutcheon. Barth&rsquo;s metafictional game starts with mocking and parodying of exhausted and conventional literary forms of earlier traditions, such as realism, in an attempt to renew narrative possibilities and to question the role of art/literature as well as the human need to narrativize. By constantly blurring the boundaries between &ldquo;the real&rdquo; and &ldquo;invented&rdquo; events, Barth&rsquo;s historiographic metafiction deconstructs historical records, e.g. colonial narratives, as subjective narratives and fabrications used to perpetuate domination and exert power. With the analysis of The Sot-Weed Factor as a narrative game and a critical reflection on the limits of historical knowledge, the aim of this paper is to illustrate that Barth&rsquo;s metafictional strategies do not only exemplify postmodernist aesthetics but also inquire into the relationship between truth, history, and narrativization/literature.</p>

This research study examined building performance and retrofitting strategies for reducing energy consumption in existing research laboratories. Research laboratory buildings are one of the most energy-intensive building typologies due to their high energy demands, complex building systems, and significant loads for mechanical cooling and ventilation. Retrofitting may extend building lifespan and improve their performance, energy consumption, carbon footprint, and occupants’ comfort. The study examined an existing research laboratory building at the University of Utah campus, utilizing a combination of research methods, such as archival and observational studies, field measurements, building envelope and HVAC systems assessment, and whole-building energy modeling and simulations. Actual energy consumption data was collected for three years and compared against simulated data. Five different retrofitting options were considered, where four options represented low-impact retrofits (improvements to the building envelope and interior lighting) and one option represented a deep-impact retrofit (improvements to the building envelope, interior lighting, and HVAC systems). These investigated retrofit options were simulated and compared to the building’s actual and simulated energy consumption data. The results show that the deep-impact retrofit option would have the highest impact on energy use savings (more than 50% energy savings), while the four low-impact retrofit options would have lower, but comparable results (between 22% and 27% energy savings). Therefore, improvements to the mechanical systems are necessary to significantly reduce energy consumption and the associated carbon footprint of existing research laboratory buildings, besides building envelope and lighting improvements.

<p>This review article examines the concept of collocational competence in learning English as a foreign language, considering its theoretical foundations, definitional development, empirical research, and pedagogical implications. Drawing on Firth&rsquo;s principle that word meaning is shaped through its typical co-occurrence patterns and Halliday&rsquo;s concept of lexicogrammar, collocational competence is situated within contemporary theories of phraseology. The paper synthesizes findings from corpus-based studies and classroom research, which demonstrate that collocational knowledge plays a crucial role in the development of idiomaticity, fluency, and overall communicative competence across diverse educational contexts. Existing research consistently shows that collocational competence develops more slowly than vocabulary size, and that even advanced learners experience difficulties in the productive use of conventionalized word combinations. Verb&ndash;noun collocations, low-frequency and semantically opaque combinations, as well as collocations that are incongruent with learners&rsquo; first-language patterns, are particularly problematic. These findings confirm that collocational knowledge does not emerge spontaneously through exposure to language alone but requires targeted and systematic pedagogical intervention. The paper further highlights the importance of explicit, corpus-informed, and strategy-based instruction, which has proven significantly more effective than implicit learning. Successful approaches include working with authentic corpora, developing noticing and memory strategies, and integrating collocations into tasks focused on real-life language use. At the same time, key methodological and conceptual challenges are identified, including inconsistent definitions, a limited number of longitudinal studies, and insufficiently contextualized assessment models. The study concludes by emphasizing the need for integrated curricular frameworks and mixed-method assessment approaches that link collocational competence to communicative outcomes across different proficiency levels.</p>

The construction and maintenance of large dams require close integration between geodetic and civil engineering disciplines to ensure structural stability, operational reliability, and long-term safety. This paper reviews the role of geodetic techniques in supporting civil engineering processes throughout the planning, construction, and monitoring phases of dam projects. This paper highlights how continuous monitoring and data interpretation enable early detection of abnormal structural behavior, verification of design assumptions, and implementation of corrective measures.

Gingival melanin or metal tattoo pigmentation is occasionally observed and produces aesthetic problems to the patients while smiling. Among dental lasers, the Er:YAG laser used water spray minimizes the thermal changes of the irradiated soft tissue and safe and effective tool for depigmentation procedure. Microscope-assisted Er:YAG laser surgery can precisely detect and remove melanin pigmentation and metal debris embedded in the connective tissue. When using a laser device in a microsurgery, it is necessary to pay attention to safety. It is essential to wear protective goggles to protect from reflections and scattered light during treatment.

Background: The Acute Apical Abscess (AAA) represents a common endodontic emergency. The aim of this case report was to present successful root canal treatment, despite poor and uncertain prognosis. Case presentation: Despite the severity of the findings, which required a modification from standard therapeutic approach, the patient underwent immediate root canal treatment. The modified protocol involved the repeated, long-term application of aqueous calcium hydroxide paste, enhanced with methylcellulose. This formulation achieved a rapid pH increase and effective endotoxin neutralization, initiating bone healing. Conclusion: This case highlights the clinical significance of long-term calcium hydroxide dressing in the conservative management of AAA with extensive periapical bone resorption. The extended medication protocol induced bone healing, enabling the completion of the root canal treatment and resulting in a favorable long-term therapeutic outcome, contrary to the initial prognosis.

Background: Periapical lesions in adolescents present a particular therapeutic challenge due to age related anatomical and physiological characteristics, including greater susceptibility to dental trauma, higher caries risk, wide apical foramen and thin dentinal walls. At the same time, high regenerative capacity offers the possibility of successful treatment even in cases with an initially very poor prognosis. Case Presentation: This report presents a 14-year-old patient with a massive periapical lesion and an iatrogenic root canal perforation of tooth 12. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging revealed an extensive osseous defect with complete perforation of the palatal cortical plate and marked destruction of the vestibular bone. Management included sealing the perforation with MTA under an operative microscope and endodontic treatment followed by apicoectomy with bone graft augmentation and placement of a PRF membrane. After the surgery, the tooth was stabilized with a wire-composite splint until physiologic stability was restored. A four-month follow-up CBCT scan showed complete repair of the osseous defect, homogeneous graft integration, re-established cortical continuity, and preservation of a normal periodontal ligament space. Clinically, stable function and satisfactory esthetics were achieved. Conclusion: This case demonstrates that even large periapical lesions complicated by iatrogenic perforation with an initially unfavorable prognosis can be successfully managed through a combination of advanced endodontic therapy and surgical intervention. A multidisciplinary approach, precise diagnostics, and the use of bioactive materials enabled preservation of the natural tooth and complete recovery of periapical structures in an adolescent patient.

This paper defines the concepts of visual-spatial perception, visual-motor coordination, and hearing impairment. The aim of the study was to examine the characteristics of visual-spatial perception and visual-motor coordination in students with hearing impairments in comparison to their hearing peers. The research also explored whether these abilities vary depending on the degree of hearing loss and aimed to identify the factors that influence them.The Diagnostic Kit for Assessing Speech, Language, Reading, and Writing Abilities in Children –Diagnostic Material for Identifying Specific Difficulties in Reading and Writing (Bjelica-Posokhova, 2001) was used, with a focus on variables related to visual-spatial perception and visual-motor coordination. Descriptive statistics, optimal scaling regression, and linear regression analyses were used for data processing.The findings indicate that hearingstudents achieved statistically significantly better outcomes in both visual-spatial perception and visual-motor coordination compared to students with hearing impairments. Age, degree of hearing loss, educational conditions, and gender did not influence visual-spatial perception in students with hearing impairments. However, educational conditions and the degree of hearing loss did influence visual-motor coordination, while gender and age did not.Understanding how hearing impairment affects visual-spatial perception and visual-motor coordination is essential for the education and rehabilitation of children with hearing loss. These children may experience different developmental patterns in visual-motor and visual-spatial abilities, which can impact their daily functioning and academic performance. Rehabilitation and educational strategies should aim to integrate all sensory inputs to foster the development of adequate visual-spatial and visual-motor skills.Key words: visual-spatial perception, visual-motor coordination, hearing impairment

Loud noise in the workplace is a common occurrence in the labor market. Prolonged exposure to excessive noise can lead to hearing lossand the development of occupational disease. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of occupational noise exposure on the occurrence of hearing lossamong workers exposed to hazardous noise levels in the workplace and to determine the extent to which non-occupational noise exposure contributes to overall exposure and the development of occupational hearing loss. Hearing assessment was performed using subjective audiological testingpure-tone audiometry, on a sample of 72 participants. The results revealed a significant risk of hearing lossamong workers exposed to workplace noise (χ²=72.688, df=10, p=0.000<0.001). Itwas found that the degree of hearing lossincreased with the duration of work in noisy environments (t=14.449, df=70, p<0.001). No statistically significant association was found between non-occupational noise exposure and changes in the degree of hearingloss, indicating that noise outside the workplace does not represent a significant predictor of the occurrence or progression of hearing loss.Key words: occupational noise, non-occupational noise, hearing loss.

The simplest explanation of accommodation is the ability of eye to focus on objects which are close the same way as in the distance. The speed at which the eye attains this is one more aspect of human sight. Importance of speed of accommodation, the way ofinvestigation, differences in rapidity of accommodation speed to age and differences in speed of accommodation related to condition of refraction are pointed out in this work. We also strive to introduce the results of a certain research and give our opinion about it. The analysis shows that younger individuals have faster accommodation than older ones, and that myopes have slower accommodation speed compared to emmetropes and hyperopes.Key words:accommodation speed, accommodation, refraction faults

The aim of this review paper was to investigate the impact of the application of artificial intelligenceand assistive technology on the quality of life of people with visual impairments. The paper systematically reviewed research from electronicdatabases:PubMed,GoogleScholar and ResearchGate, in the period from 2015to2025.Thecriteriaforincludingtheresearchwere: only research with a specific sample was considered, that visually impaired people, i.e. blindor partially sighted peoplewereincluded,thatthepeopleusedassistivetechnologybeforeorduring the research, that the papers had undergone peer review. 60 studies were included in the triage procedure. 6 studies were included in the final analysis, whichmet the inclusion criteria. The results of the analyzed studies showed that the use of artificial intelligence and assistive technology significantly contributes to improving mobility, orientation and safety for users.The paper also points to certain limitations in theaforementionedstudies,includingsmallersamples, lack of user education and lower digital literacy, which future researchandanalysesshouldtake into account.Keywords: artificial intelligence, visual impairment, assistive technology.

This study evaluated the potential non-carcinogenic health risks for adults and children associated with the intake of heavy metals (Cu, As, Cd, Pb) through Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris subsp. cicla) consumption in the Mostar region, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The concentrations of heavy metals in Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris subsp. cicla) were within the permitted national limits (Cu: 1.06–2.8 mg/kg, As: 0.004–0.014 mg/kg, Cd: 0.025–0.051 mg/kg, Pb: <LOQ–0.047 mg/kg). No significant differences were observed among samples from different market locations.Risk assessment, based on body weight, intake rates, and reference doses, indicated low exposure levels in adults (Hazard Quotient, HQ < 1). Children showed higher Estimated Daily Intake (EDI) and HQ values, but these also remained below the safety threshold (HQ < 1).Although all concentrations complied with regulatory standards, the comparatively higher intake in children may indicate potential long-term health concerns, especially when cumulative exposure from other dietary sources (cereals, fruits, vegetables, water) is considered. These results underline the importance of ongoing monitoring and preventive strategies to reduce potential heavy metal exposure, particularly in sensitive population groups.

This paper explores the significance of olives and extra virgin olive oil in nutrition, focusing on oil quality. The study aimed to analyse the quality of extra virgin olive oil available in the market of the Herzegovina-Neretva Canton (HNK) by analyzing three key chemical characteristics: free fatty acid (FFA) content, peroxide value and total polyphenol content. Six samples of extra virgin olive oil were analyzed. The results showed that sample no. 1 had the lowest free fatty acid (FFA) content (0.5%), indicating better quality than the other samples according to this parameter. In contrast, sample no. 3 (0.89%) and no. 5 (0.9%) had elevated FFA values, which reduced both the quality and shelf life of the oil. According to Regulation on Market Standards for Olive Oil (Official Gazette of BiH 81/12), samples no. 3 and no. 5 do not meet the criteria for extra virgin olive oil due to their higher free fatty acid content. The lowest peroxide value was observed in sample no. 1 (2.83 mmol O2/kg), while the highest was in sample no. 2 (5.26 mmol O2/kg). The acceptable limit for the peroxide value in extra virgin olive oils, according to the Regulation on Market Standards for Olive Oil (Official Gazette 81/12) and harmonised with EU Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/2105, is ≤ 10 mmol O₂/kg. Regarding total polyphenols, sample no. 1 had the highest value (411.229 mg GAE/kg), while sample no. 5 had the lowest (159.278 mg GAE/kg). Polyphenols are crucial for the quality of olive oil, both organoleptically, and in terms of its nutritional and chemical properties. Statistical analysis (ANOVA test) revealed significant differences among the samples based on sensory evaluation, confirming that the quality of olive oil varies depending on the analyzed parameters. These findings highlight the need for stricter quality control of extra virgin olive oil in the HNK market, particularly concerning free fatty acid content and polyphenol levels.