Biflavonoids are an important group of flavonoids found in Juniperus species, yet their distribution and accumulation patterns remain insufficiently explored. In this study, we applied a method for the simultaneous quantification of seven biflavonoids to analyze different plant parts of J. communis, J. communis subsp. nana, and J. oxycedrus. In order to determinate the influence of growing location, we also analyzed J. communis samples collected from different locations. Four biflavonoids—cupressuflavone, amentoflavone, bilobetin, and hinokiflavone—were detected. In both analyzed J. communis varieties, amentoflavone was the predominant biflavonoid in cones and needles, while in J. oxycedrus, cupressuflavone was the most abundant in cones, with amentoflavone dominating in needles. Overall, biflavonoid content was significantly higher in needles than in cones, with total biflavonoid levels in needles exceeding 5 mg/g dw, highlighting the tissue-specific nature of biflavonoid biosynthesis within Juniperus species. Additionally, our results suggest that in J. communis, biflavonoid accumulation is significantly influenced by growing location.

Motivated by previous investigations that analyzed the boundedness of positive solutions, global stability, and the occurrence of Neimark–Sacker bifurcation in specific parameter cases, this paper comprehensively investigates the dynamics of certain second-order rational difference equation with four positive parameters and positive initial conditions. We provide a complete topological classification of fixed (equilibrium) points and examine the local behavior of orbits in the neighborhood of these points, which, to our knowledge, has not been previously studied in the entire admissible parameter space. Our research has discovered highly complex and rich dynamic behavior, ranging from the occurrence of supercritical and sub-critical Neimark–Sacker bifurcations in different parameter spaces to the appearance of codimension-2 bifurcations in the case of 1:1 strong resonance. A very interesting situation appears when one of the equilibria is nonhyperbolic in a specific parameter space; direct calculations have shown that both the first and second Lyapunov coefficients are equal to zero, implying that this equilibrium is a Hopf point of codimension at least 3. This strongly suggests the complex behavior of the studied equation, which the numerical simulations have also confirmed.

The synthesis of oxide nanopowders through ultrasonic spray pyrolysis (USP) represents a sustainable method for producing high-purity, spherical particles tailored for advanced material applications. Recent developments in USP synthesis leverage the continuous transport of aerosols from an ultrasonic generator to a high-temperature furnace, with nanopowders collected efficiently using an electrostatic precipitator. This study explored the use of USP for titanium oxysulfate and aluminum nitrate solutions derived from the aluminum industry, focusing on resource recovery and waste reduction. Titanium oxysulfate was synthesized by leaching slag, generated during the reduction of red mud, with sulfuric acid under oxidizing, high-pressure conditions. After purification, the titanium oxysulfate solution was processed using USP in a hydrogen reduction atmosphere to yield spherical titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanopowders. The hydrogen atmosphere enabled precise control over the nanoparticles’ morphology and crystallinity, enhancing their suitability for use in applications such as photocatalysis, pigments, and advanced coatings. In parallel, both synthetic and laboratory solutions of aluminum nitrate [Al(NO3)3] were prepared. The laboratory solution was prepared by leaching aluminum hydroxide oxide (AlOOH) with hydrochloric acid to form aluminum chloride (AlCl3), followed by a conversion to aluminum nitrate through the addition of nitric acid. The resulting aluminum nitrate solution was subjected to USP, producing highly uniform, spherical alumina (Al2O3) nanopowders with a narrow size distribution. The resulting nanopowders, characterized by their controlled properties and potential applicability, represent an advancement in oxide powder synthesis and resource-efficient manufacturing techniques.

OBJECTIVES Epilepsy is a chronic neurological condition with complex etiopathogenesis, treated with antiepileptics. In addition to their ability to regulate the activation threshold of neurons, antiepileptics have demonstrated a potential in shaping inflammation and the immune response. The main objective of our study was to analyze the effects of valproate, carbamazepine, and lamotrigine (commonly used antiepileptics) on viability, lymphocyte proliferation, and cytokine production by human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). METHODS PBMCs were treated with different concentrations of antiepileptics, with or without phytohemagglutinin (PHA). Cytotoxicity, assessed by viability and apoptosis/necrosis assay, was determined by flow cytometry using the Annexin V/Propidium iodide (PI) staining method. Proliferation was determined using the MTT assay, whereas cytokine levels were assessed by the ELISA assay. A selective peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) antagonist (SR-202) was used to evaluate the involvement of PPAR-γ. RESULTS Nontoxic concentrations of valproate and carbamazepine reduced the levels of three major proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6) and impaired Th1 and Treg responses, without affecting the Th2 response. Lamotrigine did not exhibit immunomodulatory properties in this model. The effect of valproate on the production of proinflammatory and Th1 cytokines was significantly reversed by inhibiting PPAR-γ. In contrast, the blockade did not modify the effects of carbamazepine. CONCLUSION Our results demonstrated that valproate and carbamazepine, although similarly modulating the immune response in vitro, utilize different signaling mechanisms, in contrast to lamotrigine, which did not exhibit immunomodulatory effects.

Drawing on the stereotype content model (SCM), this study aims to explore the types and content of different brand-related stereotypes depicted in marketing communications and their influence on consumers’ brand attitudes. It offers empirically-based insights into (a) the types of brand-related stereotypes portrayed in print advertisements of brands, (b) the deployment of warmth and competence in the communicated stereotypes, and (c) the responses of consumers in terms of brand attitudes. A two-phase, mixed-method research approach is used, involving (a) content analysis of published print ads, (b) multilevel modeling and (c) qualitative interviews with consumers. Firms rely heavily on brand stereotypes and, to a lesser extent, on brand buyer/user stereotypes; brand origin stereotypes are used rather sparingly by firms. The findings further show that while both brand competence and warmth positively impact consumer attitudes, both dimensions of the brand buyer stereotype have a negative effect on consumer attitudes. Firms can benefit from the positive influence of brand competence, brand warmth and brand origin competence on consumer attitudes. Emphasizing stereotypical dimensions of brand buyers/users is likely to be counterproductive. This is the first study using the SCM that simultaneously investigates brand-related stereotypes from a company (i.e. supply-side) and a consumer (i.e. demand-side) perspective. The findings offer insights into how communicated stereotypes (in terms of warmth and competence) of the brand origin, the brand itself and the buyer/user of the brand differentially influence consumer attitudes toward the focal brand.

BACKGROUND We aim to compare the incidence and risk factors for biliary anastomotic stricture (BAS) in patients undergoing orthotopic liver transplant (OLT) with and without transcystic externalised trans-anastomotic biliary stenting. METHODS A retrospective analysis was performed of a prospective database focused on 836 cadaveric OLT. Primary outcome measures were the incidence of BAS and risk factors related to its development. RESULTS Duct-to-duct anastomosis was the most commonly performed biliary reconstruction (90.5%). Transcystic externalised trans-anastomotic biliary stenting was performed in 420 patients (62.0%), being mostly used in patients having a duct-to-duct anastomosis (63.6%). BAS was seen in 222 (32.8%) patients, with a median time to diagnosis of 145.5 days (IQR 50.3-370.5). BAS was higher in patients with a duct-to-duct reconstruction when compared to those having a bilio-enteric reconstruction (34.3% vs. 18.7%, p = 0.02). The prevalence of BAS was not significantly different between patients who were stented and those who were not (34.5% vs. 30.0% respectively, p = 0.25). Multivariable analysis showed that older donor age, transplants performed earlier in the study period, higher MELD score, and type of biliary reconstruction (duct-to-duct) were independently associated with a higher risk of BAS. CONCLUSION Transcystic externalised biliary anastomotic stenting is not associated with a reduced biliary stricture incidence in OLT.

Matija Murko is one of the most significant foreign researchers of Bosnian folk music. In 1909, he conducted the first field research in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Since he was unable to obtain adequate recording equipment, Murko took notes in the field and kept detailed records of his observations. He received a grant from the Balkan Commission of the Royal Academy of Sciences in Vienna to study epic poetry in Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina during the summers of 1912 and 1913. In 1912, he made the first phonograph recordings in northwestern Bosnia. The following year, in 1913, he continued his research in Sarajevo and western Herzegovina. He had planned to extend his work into the summer of 1914, but the outbreak of World War I prevented him from doing so. Murko later returned to Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1930 and 1931. During a well-organized three-month research period, he traveled to eastern Bosnia and Sarajevo. Murko’s recordings provide valuable insights into the performance of epic songs accompanied by the gusle and the two-stringed tambura, as well as sevdalinka songs performed with violin and saz accompaniment. This paper examines the significance of Murko’s research in Bosnia and Herzegovina, his methodological approach, and the field materials he collected.

The paper provides a comprehensive overview of the historical development of public administration as a scientific discipline, tracing the key phases of its evolution – from the theoretical distinction between politics and administration at the end of the 19th century, through the period of affirmation of universal administrative principles, to contemporary trends marked by digitalization and the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Through seven developmental stages, the authors analyze the theoretical contributions of key public administration theorists and the institutional changes that have shaped the discipline. Special emphasis is placed on the transformation of paradigms in public administration – from traditional hierarchical models to participatory, digitally oriented, and transparent governance systems. The paper also highlights current trends in the development of public administration, such as the advancement of digital services, application of artificial intelligence, citizen participation, operational transparency, and the professionalization of administrative personnel. In conclusion, the authors stress the need for continuous research, education, and innovation in order for public administration to successfully adapt to the challenges of the 21st century and remain a reliable service to citizens in a democratic society.

Dietary acrylamide exposure potentially poses health risks, including increased cancer risk and neurotoxic effects. There is no official data on acrylamide levels in food products on the Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) market, making it challenging to assess the associated health risks. As a non-EU country, B&H lacks national regulations aligned with Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/2158, which establishes benchmark levels and mitigation measures for acrylamide. This study used GC-MS to assess acrylamide content in fifteen food products from the B&H market, categorised as potato crisps/sticks, biscuits/wafers, and coffee. Acrylamide levels in some potato crisps and sticks, tea rings, and plain biscuits exceeded benchmark values, while levels in butter biscuits, biscuits with inclusions, filling or coating, wafers, and instant coffee, remained within acceptable limits. The highest acrylamide level was in potato sticks (1048.3 μg/kg), and the lowest in butter biscuits (23.8 μg/kg). Potato crisps/sticks had the highest average acrylamide levels (677.5 μg/kg), followed by tea rings and plain biscuits (444.5 μg/kg). Potato-based snacks accounted for the highest estimated dietary acrylamide intake. Most products exceeding benchmark levels originated from B&H, suggesting local producers might not fully apply mitigation strategies. These findings emphasise the need for regulatory reform, regular market monitoring, and targeted mitigation efforts.

The Internet and digital platforms are often portrayed as public spaces, hosting both private conversations and discussions of public interest. Political campaigns are conducted and business transactions are also carried out there. This paper challenges this view by highlighting the differences between the Internet and traditional public places. Instead, it argues that the Internet increasingly resembles a mosaic of private domains controlled by a few powerful entities that dictate the flow of information. This paper examines the issue from the perspective of the benefits that public places provide in modern democratic societies and posits the debate within Habermas’s understanding of the public sphere, providing for differences in how public place is typically perceived regarding the Internet and especially digital platforms. Finally, it outlines the ongoing legislative debate in Bosnia and Herzegovina on this issue, with comparative insights from the legal frameworks of Serbia and Croatia.