Background and Objectives: The primary objective of this study is to assess the effectiveness of 18F-FDG–PET–CT in preoperative staging of cervical cancer, focusing on determining surgical operability and exploring the correlation between its quantitative parameters and clinicopathological characteristics. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included 62 cervical cancer patients treated at the Department of Gynecology, Clinic for Operative Oncology at the Institute of Oncology Vojvodina between January 2016 and January 2020, where preoperative clinical examinations and 18F-FDG–PET–CT were performed to assess the extent of cancer, followed by intraoperative and pathohistological examinations of surgically removed specimens to provide a comprehensive evaluation. Results: The mean tumor size measured by 18F-FDG–PET–CT was slightly greater than that obtained through clinical examination (26.4 mm vs. 26.0 mm), with a strong linear correlation (r = 0.678, p < 0.001) observed between the two measurement methods. The overall prediction accuracy of 18F-FDG–PET–CT for primary tumors is 88.7% (55/62) [sensitivity 86.8%, specificity 100.0%, PPV 100.0%, NPV 56.2%] and for intraoperative examination is 88.7% (55/62) [sensitivity 98.1%, specificity 33.3%, PPV 89.7%, NPV 75.0%]. The agreement with histopathological examination was good for 18F-FDG–PET–CT and moderate for intraoperative examination for primary tumors. Regarding lymph nodes, the overall prediction accuracy of 18F-FDG–PET–CT is 82.2% (51/62) [sensitivity 53.8%, specificity 89.8%, PPV 58.3%, NPV 88.8%] and for intraoperative examination 66.1% (41/62) [sensitivity 76.9%, specificity 63.3%, PPV 35.7%, NPV 91.2%]. The agreement with histopathological examination was moderate for 18F-FDG–PET–CT and poor for intraoperative examination for lymph node metastasis, highlighting that the overall accuracy of 18F-FDG–PET–CT (82.1%) was significantly higher than that of intraoperative examination (66.1%) (p = 0.002). Conclusions: In conclusion, 18F-FDG–PET–CT provides high accuracy in detecting primary tumors and superior predictive value for lymph node metastases compared to intraoperative examination, highlighting the importance of incorporating this imaging modality into the preoperative evaluation process to enhance diagnostic precision and inform treatment decisions.

The purpose of this paper is to explore how New York City is perceived as a tourist destination. The quantitative research method offered a structured approach to collecting data, allowing for the analysis and quantification of participant responses. The convenience sample consisted of 108 respondents. The aim of this study is to analyze the factors influencing both the attraction to and deterrence from visiting New York City as a tourist destination, as well as to gauge overall perceptions of the city among potential visitors. Through a comprehensive survey, key motivators such as iconic monuments, a vibrant cultural scene, and accessibility were identified as primary draws for tourists. Respondents expressed strong support for experiencing attractions like the Statue of Liberty and Broadway shows, highlighting the significance of cultural richness and unique architectural features. Conversely, the study also revealed significant barriers to visitation. The high cost of accommodation emerged as the most prominent deterrent, underscoring economic accessibility as a critical factor in tourism decision-making. Other concerns included congestion, security issues, and limited public transport options, which may dissuade potential visitors from traveling to the city. In terms of overall impressions, the results showed that a vast majority of respondents view New York City as an iconic and glamorous location with a diverse cultural landscape. Most participants expressed a willingness to recommend the city to friends and family, although a notable percentage exhibited reservations. Furthermore, the analysis emphasized the importance of affordable options for activities and attractions, suggesting that enhancing economic accessibility could positively influence visitation rates. Overall, the findings provide valuable insights for tourism agencies and local authorities. By addressing key concerns and highlighting the city's unique offerings, strategies can be developed to enhance New York City's appeal and accessibility, ultimately boosting its status as a leading tourist destination.

African swine fever virus (ASFV) is the etiological agent of African swine fever, a highly contagious hemorrhagic disease affecting both wild boars and domestic pigs with lethality rates up to 100%. Until now, the most effective measure to prevent an outbreak of ASFV was early detection. In this situation, whole genome sequencing (WGS) allows the gathering of detailed information about the identity and epidemiology of the virus. However, due to the large genome size and complex genome ends, WGS is challenging. Current WGS workflows require either elaborate enrichment methods or are based on tiled PCR approaches, which are susceptible to genetic differences between ASFV strains. To overcome this, we developed a novel approach for WGS of ASFV, using the Phi29 DNA polymerase-based multiple displacement amplification in combination with only seven primers. Furthermore, we applied an alkaline-based DNA denaturation step to significantly increase the number of viral reads, which resolves the near-full genome of ASFV. This novel isothermal WGS approach can be used in authorized laboratories for the genomic epidemiological analysis of ASFV outbreaks caused by different genotypes.

Konfiguracija institucije kolektivnoga šefa države u Bosni i Hercegovini izvorno je osmišljena da predstavlja tri konstitutivna naroda, ipak Hrvatima je u više navrata onemogućeno predstavljanje u toj instituciji, bilo iznuđenim smjenama legitimnih predstavnika, bilo nelegitimnim predstavljanjem. U radu se razmatra utjecaj nelegitimna predstavljanja na destabilizaciju političkoga sustava u oduzimanju prava Hrvatima na politički subjektivitet. Zaključuje se kako su sva nelegitimna predstavljanja, a posebice mandati Željka Komšića, izazvali duboke političke krize u Bosni i Hercegovini, ponajprije između Bošnjaka i Hrvata, što je dodatno pobudilo interese znanstvene i političke javnosti za reformom sustava vlasti. Ključne riječi: Predsjedništvo Bosne i Hercegovine; Hrvati; Bosna i Hercegovina; legitimitet

Traditional meat products that are smoked may pose health risks due to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Recently, concerns have grown about the health implications of meat products smoked under traditional, uncontrolled conditions. This study compares the levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in specimens of the dry-cured meat product “Buđola” made in traditional smokehouses versus industrial chambers. PAHs were measured upon completion of smoking and when the production was complete. The findings indicate that traditional smoking methods lead to higher PAH contamination compared to industrial methods. Among the 16 PAHs analyzed, 10 (NA, AL, FL, ANT, PHE, FLT, BA, PR, BBF, BKF) were detected in traditionally smoked “Buđola” samples, whereas only 2 (NA, AL) were found in samples smoked by industrial methods. The BP levels in all samples were undetectable. PAH4 levels in industrial smoked “Buđola” were below the quantification limit, while those in traditional products were 28.77 μgkg−1 for the surface layers and 21.14 μgkg−1 for inner layers. The total PAH16 content ranged from 4.32 μgkg−1 to 3587.83 μgkg−1. The inner layers had lower concentrations of overall and specific PAHs in relation to the product surface. The results suggest that, from a health perspective, industrially produced “Buđola” is safer for consumption than the product smoked in uncontrolled conditions.

Under some initial and boundary conditions, the rapid reaction-thermal diffusion process taking place during frontal polymerization (FP) destabilizes the planar mode of front propagation, leading to spatially varying, complex hierarchical patterns in thermoset polymeric materials. Although modern reaction-diffusion models can predict the patterns resulting from unstable FP, the inverse design of patterns, which aims to retrieve process conditions that produce a desired pattern, remains an open challenge due to the non-unique and non-intuitive mapping between process conditions and manufactured patterns. In this work, we propose a probabilistic generative model named univariate conditional variational autoencoder (UcVAE) for the inverse design of hierarchical patterns in FP-based manufacturing. Unlike the cVAE, which encodes both the design space and the design target, the UcVAE encodes only the design space. In the encoder of the UcVAE, the number of training parameters is significantly reduced compared to the cVAE, resulting in a shorter training time while maintaining comparable performance. Given desired pattern images, the trained UcVAE can generate multiple process condition solutions that produce high-fidelity hierarchical patterns.

Rapid reaction-thermal diffusion during frontal polymerization (FP) with variations in initial and boundary conditions destabilizes the planar mode of front propagation, leading to spatially varying complex hierarchical patterns in polymeric materials. Although modern reaction-diffusion models can predict the patterns resulting from unstable FP, the inverse design of patterns, which aims to retrieve process conditions that produce a desired pattern, remains an open challenge due to the nonunique and nonintuitive mapping between process conditions and patterns. In this work, we propose a novel probabilistic generative model named univariate conditional variational autoencoder (UcVAE) for the inverse design of hierarchical patterns in FP-based manufacturing. Unlike the cVAE, which encodes both the design space and the design target, the UcVAE encodes only the design space. In the encoder of the UcVAE, the number of training parameters is significantly reduced compared to the cVAE, resulting in a shorter training time while maintaining comparable performance. Given desired pattern images, the trained UcVAE can generate multiple process condition solutions that produce high-fidelity hierarchical patterns.

This paper investigates the dynamics of non-autonomous cooperative systems of difference equations with asymptotically constant coefficients. We are mainly interested in global attractivity results for such systems and the application of such results to evolutionary population cooperation models. We use two methods to extend the global attractivity results for autonomous cooperative systems to related non-autonomous cooperative systems which appear in recent problems in evolutionary dynamics.

Purpose The purpose of this study is to measure financial inclusion (FI) and to examine the role of digital financial literacy (DFL) and its components, and various socio-demographics in relation to FI. In addition, the mediating effect of digital financial attitudes (DFA) on the relationship between digital financial knowledge (DFK) and digital financial behaviour (DFB), as well mediating effect of DFA and DFB on the relationship between DFK and FI, is being explored.Design/methodology/approach Using a cross-sectional research design, we utilize a dataset from the survey of adults’ financial literacy in Bosnia and Herzegovina, collected from the representative sample of 1,096 adults in 2022. The main methodology relies on logistic and ordinal logistic regression analyses and PROCESS for mediation analyses.Findings The findings suggest that the effect of DFK on DFB is partially mediated by DFA. In addition, the effect of DFK on FI is fully mediated through three pathways: DFA, DFB, and DFA and DFB in serial mediation. Age, education, employment status and residence are significantly related to FI. Internet access is significant only for FI scores but not for adults’ banking status. Although women are almost twice as unbanked as men, we find no gender-based differences in financial product holdings, FI or adults’ banking status.Practical implications There is a need to enhance DFK and DFA to enable adults to use financial products. Financial institutions could use our results in designing and promoting their services.Social implications Policy implications are seen in the need for developing national strategies for financial education, with an emphasis on strengthening DFL, especially DFK and DFA, which will enhance the formal FI of adults. Also, governments should work on expanding Internet access.Originality/value The results make a contribution to the theory of planned behaviour. They contribute to the limited empirical evidence of the mediating role of DFA in relationship to DFB, as well as the mediating role of DFA and DFB in relationship to FI.

Background To assess the results after elbow arthroplasty it is essential to gather patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). However, the acquisition of PROMs poses a challenge because of potential low literacy, lengthiness and diversity of questionnaires, and questionnaire fatigue. Instead of a questionnaire, patient-reported outcomes can be collected using a single assessment numeric evaluation (SANE), the subjective elbow value (SEV). The aim of this pilot study is to assess the correlation between the SEV and conventionally used patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) after elbow arthroplasty. Materials and methods The SEV was added to our follow-up system in 2021, consisting of a scale from 0 to 10 in which the patients are asked to rate the overall functionality of their elbow, 0 corresponds to very poor functionality and 10 to a perfectly functional or healthy elbow. All patients who underwent elbow arthroplasty (total or radial head) and responded to the SEV question were retrospectively identified and included. The correlation between the SEV at the final follow-up and the Oxford Elbow Score (OES), and between the SEV and the Quick Disbailities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (quickDASH) score was assessed using Pearson’s r. Results In total, 82 patients responded to the SEV question and were included in the study, with a median follow-up of 5 years [interquartile range (IQR) 3–7]. Of these patients, 17 (21%) underwent radial head arthroplasty and 65 (79%) total elbow arthroplasty. The Pearson’s r for the correlation between SEV and OES was 0.502 (p < 0.001) and between the SEV and the QuickDASH −0.537 (p < 0.001), which correspond to a moderate correlation. Conclusions The SEV shows a moderate correlation with conventional PROMs, demonstrating its potential in simplifying the follow-up of elbow arthroplasty, possibly decreasing time, costs, and patients’ questionnaire fatigue compared with conventional PROM questionnaires. Evidence level: III.

This study examines climate finance context, policy context in Bosnia and Herzegovina and creating recommendations regarding national Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) system to track climate finance inflows and public expenditure. This research was prepared to answer the question, what is the best methodological approach for recording climate finance in Bosnia and Herzegovina, considering the best foreign practices as well as the specifics of the political system of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The subject of the research was the financial flows of investments in climate change, mitigation and adaptation, and the recommendation of the best way to establish a system for monitoring, reporting and verifying the relevant financial indicators. During the research, the main hypothesis was tested: H1: The existing monitoring of flows of public finances in Bosnia and Herzegovina give a clear picture of investment in climate change. The findings underscore the necessity for a robust MRV system that not only enhances transparency but also fosters accountability in the allocation of climate finance. It becomes evident that tailored strategies must be deployed to integrate these practices within the existing governance frameworks, ensuring that financial flows align with national climate objectives. Ultimately, this study seeks to contribute valuable insights and actionable recommendations toward advancing climate finance management in Bosnia and Herzegovina, advocating for a sustainable and resilient future in the face of climate change impacts.

Industrija osiguranja u Bosni i Hercegovini je neminovna sastavnica njenog ekonomskog rasta i razvoja. Njen sadržaj i forma su dio kriterija koje treba ostvariti Bosna i Hercegovina na svom putu pristupanja Evropskoj uniji. Kakvo je aktuelno stanje i kakvi su trendovi u industriji osiguranja BiH te koliko zaostajemo za industrijom osiguranja članica Evropske unije? Industrija osiguranja u BiH je kompleksne strukture. Recidiv je ne samo državnog uređenja BiH i njene ekonomske snage nego i nerazvijene svijesti odgovornih institucija i ličnosti o mjestu i ulozi osiguranja u društvu, državi, ekonomiji… SWOT analiza jasno pokazuje snage i slabosti, prilike i prijetnje industriji osiguranja u BiH u sadašnjem, a posebno budućem periodu. Naučna istina se ne uvažava dovoljno u kreiranju zakonskog ambijenta racionalnog i potrebnog sadržaja i forme osiguranja kod fizičkih i pravnih lica, životnog i radnog okoliša; stručna određenja i praktična primjena nisu na potrebnom savremenom nivou kakav je prisutan na prostorima Evropske unije. Snagom naučnih istina, savremenih trendova u razvijenim državama, posebno članicama Evropske unije, neminovno trebamo i u Bosni i Hercegovini vršiti ubrzanu tranziciju neracionalne industrije osiguranja u prosperitetnu industriju kao bitnu sastavnicu ubrzanog ekonomskog razvoja naše države i mjesto proizvodnje veće sigurnosti svih njenih građana, pravnih lica, institucija, životne i radne sredine. Brojni su izazovi industrije osiguranja u BiH u procesu integracije naše države u Evropsku uniju. Te izazove treba jasno identificirati, ocijeniti njihove pondere koji su kompleksne naravi i poduzimati konkretne aktivnosti na putu osavremenjavanja ove industrije i prilagođavanja potrebama osiguranika, društvene zajednice i države.

SUMMARY Natural killer (NK) cells are essential components of the innate immune system, with their activity significantly regulated by Killer cell Immunoglobulin-like Receptors (KIRs). The diversity and structural complexity of KIR genes present significant challenges for accurate genotyping, essential for understanding NK cell functions and their implications in health and disease. Traditional genotyping methods struggle with the variable nature of KIR genes, leading to inaccuracies that can impede immunogenetic research. These challenges extend to high-quality phased assemblies, which have been recently popularized by the Human Pangenome Consortium. This paper introduces BAKIR (Biologically-informed Annotator for KIR locus), a tailored computational tool designed to overcome the challenges of KIR genotyping and annotation on high-quality, phased genome assemblies. BAKIR aims to enhance the accuracy of KIR gene annotations by structuring its annotation pipeline around identifying key functional mutations, thereby improving the identification and subsequent relevance of gene and allele calls. It uses a multi-stage mapping, alignment, and variant calling process to ensure high-precision gene and allele identification, while also maintaining high recall for sequences that are significantly mutated or truncated relative to the known allele database. BAKIR has been evaluated on a subset of the HPRC assemblies, where BAKIR was able to improve many of the associated annotations and call novel variants. BAKIR is freely available on GitHub, offering ease of access and use through multiple installation methods, including pip, conda, and singularity container, and is equipped with a user-friendly command-line interface, thereby promoting its adoption in the scientific community. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION BAKIR is available at github.com/algo-cancer/bakir. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.

Uloga ustavnog sudstva u svakoj savremenoj demokratski uređenoj državi od nemjerljivog je značaja za očuvanje njenog ustavnopravnog poretka i osnovnih principa pravne države i vladavine prava, ustavnosti i zakonitosti. Pozicija Ustavnog suda Bosne i Hercegovine u sistemu državnih institucija zauzima posebno mjesto, zbog specifičnosti njenog državnog uređenja, stepena demokratskog razvoja i opredijeljenosti političkih aktera ka poštivanju uvodno navedenih principa. Da bi Ustavni sud Bosne i Hercegovine odgovorio svojoj zahtjevnoj ulozi “čuvara” Ustava Bosne i Hercegovine i njenog ustavnopravnog poretka, posebno je važno osigurati da u sastav Ustavnog suda Bosne i Hercegovine budu izabrani samo i isključivo nezavisni, nepristrasni, stručni i profesionalni pravnici visokih moralnih kvaliteta, bez obzira na njihovu etničku pripadnost, oslobođeni mogućnosti bilo kakvih političkih ili drugih uticaja na njihove stavove, mišljenja i odluke, osigurati objektivne i nezavisne procedure donošenja odluka bez bilo kakvih institucionalnih ili vaninstitucionalnih uticaja i pritisaka, posebno kada su u pitanju procedure donošenja odluka koje se ne mogu i ne smiju vezati za etničku ili entitetsku pripadnost pojedinog sudije Ustavnog suda Bosne i Hercegovine. Upravo kroz mehanizme etnicizacije i politizacije pitanja sastava, izbora sudija i načina donošenja odluka Ustavnog suda Bosne i Hercegovine, a posmatrajući ulogu Ustavnog suda Bosne i Hercegovine u očuvanju državnosti i državnopravnog kontinuiteta, svjedoci smo očiglednom podrivanju ustavnopravnog poretka države Bosne i Hercegovine.