Background: Stroke patients have significant disability and an increased risk of falling. Objective: To determine the incidence of falls and the degree of disability in stroke patients and to determine the correlation of falls with the degree of disability. Methods: This is a prospective study of 100 stroke patients confirmed by computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of the brain. We used a demographic questionnaire together with the Glasgow Coma Scale, Stroke Assessment Scale, Rankin Scale and Morse Scale to collect data and analyzed them using SPSS 17, including statistical measures, including Pearson correlation. Results: Hemorrhagic stroke patients had a higher incidence of falls (p = 0.06). There was no difference in the incidence of falls according to the gender of the patients (p = 0.07). Older people had a higher frequency of falls, and women and patients with hemorrhagic stroke had a higher risk of falling (p = 0.2). Patients with a stroke in the area of the anterior circulation were statistically significantly more disabled (p < 0.05). A weak positive correlation was calculated between the frequency of falls of patients after stroke and the degree of disability (r = 0.08, n = 94, p = 0.4). Stroke patients who also had atrial fibrillation as a comorbidity had a statistically significantly higher frequency of falls compared to patients with other comorbidities (p = 0.02). Conclusion: Patients with hemorrhagic stroke have a higher frequency of falls. Women, elderly people, patients with a stroke in the area of the anterior circulation and with atrial fibrillation as a comorbidity are statistically significantly more disabled after a stroke. There is a positive correlation between the frequency of falls in patients after a stroke and the degree of disability.

Background: Hydrocephalus is the accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the ventricles of the brain. Ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement is one of the most commonly performed neurosurgical procedures and is necessary for the treatment of most forms of hydrocephalus. Objective: The aim of the study was to determine demographic indicators, comorbidities, complications and outcome of patients with hydrocephalus after ventriculoperitoneal shunt implantation. Methods: This is a retrospective study. Data on the subjects' age, gender, symptoms, degree of disability, complications, comorbidities and outcome after ventriculoperitoneal shunt implantation were recorded. All patients were clinically examined by neurologists and neurosurgeons and diagnosed through unified and standardized algorithms according to established guidelines for hydrocephalus. Cognitive functionality was assessed according to the Mini Mental State Test. Urinary incontinence was assessed based on patients' subjective feelings. Data on comorbidities and complications were collected from the patients' medical records. The degree of disability was assessed using the modified Rankin scale. Results: The average age of the subjects was 58.7 years, and the highest frequency of subjects was in the age group over 61 years (62.2%). There was no statistically significant difference in age in men (X=54.69, SD=18.77), or women (X=60.88, SD=19.96); t (35)=0.8, p=0.3. A statistically significant number of patients with hydrocephalus had a lower degree of disability after ventriculoperitoneal shunt implantation (p<0.05). Hypertension was the most common comorbidity with hydrocephalus (35.1%). Pneumonia was the most common general complication in patients with hydrocephalus (8.1%). Females had a statistically significantly worse survival (p=0.01). There was no statistically significant difference in the outcome of hydrocephalus patients in relation to age groups, comorbidities, general and complications after ventriculoperitoneal shunt implantation (p>0.05). Conclusion: Patients with hydrocephalus after ventriculoperitoneal shunt implantation have a lower degree of disability, and female patients have statistically significantly worse survival. Hypertension is the most common comorbidity, and pneumonia the most common complication in patients with hydrocephalus. There is no statistically significant difference in the outcome of hydrocephalus patients in relation to age groups, comorbidities, general and complications after ventriculoperitoneal shunt implantation.

The aim of this work was to rank and select the most favorable of six sweet cherry cultivars using the web-oriented FRUITrank application, which incorporates the MARCOS (the Measurement of Alternatives and Ranking according to Compromise Solution) multi-criteria decision-making algorithm. During the ranking, 10 criteria were taken into account, one of which relates to the harvest start time, three to the physical characteristics of the fruit (including the pedicel), four to the chemical properties of the fruit, and one to the organoleptic characteristics. Alternative A3 (Kordia cultivar) was ranked as the best, the Izabela cultivar (A4) as second place, while Summit (A5) was placed at the bottom of the ranking. Considering the fact that the complexity of algorithms of various MCDM (Multi-Criteria Decision Making) methods often limits their application, based on the results obtained, it can be concluded that the mentioned and similar digital solutions solve the mentioned problem, i.e., enable wider application of MCDM techniques both in fruit production and in agriculture in general.

: With the increasing complexity of hotel selection, traditional decision-making models often struggle to account for uncertainty and interrelated criteria. Multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) techniques, particularly those based on fuzzy logic, provide a robust framework for handling such challenges. This paper presents a novel approach to MCDM within the framework of Circular Intuitionistic Fuzzy Sets (C-IFS) by combining three distinct methodologies: Weighted Aggregated Sum Product Assessment (WASPAS), an Alternative Ranking Order Method Accounting for Two-Step Normalization (AROMAN), and the CRITIC method (Criteria Importance Through Inter-criteria Correlation). To address the dynamic nature of traveler preferences in hotel selection, the study employs a comprehensive set of criteria encompassing aspects such as location proximity, amenities, pricing, customer reviews, environmental impact, safety, booking flexibility, and cultural experiences. The CRITIC method is used to determine the importance of each criterion by assessing intercriteria correlations. AROMAN is employed for the systematic evaluation of alternatives, considering their additive relationships and providing a weighted assessment. WASPAS further analyzes the results obtained from AROMAN, incorporating both positive and negative aspects for a comprehensive evaluation. The integration of C-IFS enhances the model’s ability to manage uncertainty and imprecision in the decision-making process. Through a case study, we demonstrate the effectiveness of this integrated approach, offering decision-makers valuable insights for selecting the most suitable hotel option in alignment with the diverse preferences of contemporary travelers. This research contributes to the evolving field of decision science by showcasing the practical applicability of these methodologies within a C-IFS framework for complex decision scenarios.

This research examines the integration of Ibn Khaldûn’s administrative principles within contemporary governance, challenging Western-centric narratives in public administration. Utilizing qualitative analysis of governmental reports, historical texts, and policy documents from twenty countries, the study highlights the traces and adaptations of Khaldûnian thought in governance structures. Key findings reveal the diverse interpretations and applications of foundational concepts derived from Khaldûn’s work, such as social cohesion (‘asabiyyah) and the balance between justice and economic prosperity, within varying political and administrative frameworks. The research underscores how these historical principles continue to resonate in addressing modern governance challenges, including decentralization, stakeholder participation, and the ethical integration of religious and cultural values. By bridging historical insights with contemporary practices, the study contributes to diversifying public administration theories, advocating for culturally resonant governance approaches. The comparative exploration enriches the academic discourse on inclusive and effective governance, offering policymakers practical frameworks for integrating historical insight into modern administrative systems.

Background: Posterior pericardiotomy has been proposed as a preventive strategy against postoperative pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). However, data regarding its clinical outcomes and potential associations with postoperative complications remain limited. Objective. To evaluate intraoperative and postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing off-pump CABG with concomitant posterior pericardiotomy, and to assess potential associations between perioperative variables and the development of common postoperative complications. Methods. This retrospective study included 38 patients who underwent off-pump CABG with posterior pericardiotomy. Demographic and clinical characteristics, procedural details, postoperative complications, and outcomes were analyzed. Associations between operative time, comorbidities (sex, diabetes mellitus, smoking), and postoperative complications such as atrial fibrillation, pleural and pericardial effusions, and drainage volume were statistically evaluated using chi-square and correlation analysis. Results. The study cohort had a mean age of 66.64 ± 7.28 years, with 68.1% male patients. Arterial hypertension was present in all patients, diabetes mellitus in 44.7%, and prior myocardial infarction in 65.7%. The mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 42.86 ± 10.21%, and triple-vessel disease was observed in 63.2% of patients. All patients underwent off-pump CABG. The mean operative time was 254.31 ± 59.04 minutes. Postoperative complications included new-onset atrial fibrillation in 15.7% of patients, pleural effusion in 42.1%, and pericardial effusion in 10.5%. No cases of cardiac tamponade were reported. A significant association was found between smoking and new-onset atrial fibrillation (p = 0.050), while no significant associations were observed between sex or diabetes and postoperative complications. Operative time was not significantly associated with pericardial or pleural effusion, nor with drainage volume. Complete recovery was observed in all 100.0% of patients. Conclusion. Posterior pericardiotomy performed during off-pump CABG was associated with a low incidence of pericardial effusion and no occurrence of cardiac tamponade. The procedure appears to be safe and may contribute to favorable postoperative outcomes. Smoking may be a risk factor for new-onset atrial fibrillation, warranting further investigation.

Kupres, Privor and Stolac Pramenka are indigenous sheep breeds from Bosnia and Herzegovina whose milk is traditionally used for cheese production after the lambs are weaned. The main objective was to determine the udder morphology and the changes in milk production during lactation in Kupres (n=107), Privor (n=94) and Stolac (n=121) Pramenka sheep breeds kept on pasture. Milk production, udder morphology and ewe body weight were measured, samples of milk composition (milk fat, protein, lactose and total solids-not-fat content), somatic cells and total bacterial count were collected during early (day 80-100), mid (day 140-160) and late (day 200-220) lactation in Kupres, Privor and Stolac Pramenka sheep breeds. The results of this work confirm that all the breeds studied have low milk production. In addition, milk production decreases during lactation, while the proportion of milk fat, protein and non-fat components increases. The number of somatic cells in the milk increases slightly during lactation, and their concentration shows good udder health. Compared to the Privor and Stolac Pramenka breeds, the Kupres ewes had the highest milk production and the greatest udder height and width. To conclude, the udder and teat measurements in all breeds were acceptable for machine milking, which was reflected in a low teat angle and a cistern height below the teat orifice. Udder width and height show a high positive correlation with milk yield and can be used to predict milk production in all three Pramenka group sheep breeds.

Background/Aim. External manifestations and comorbidities represent important clinical aspects of decompensated alcoholic liver cirrhosis (ALC), providing insight into disease severity and systemic involvement. The aim of the study was to examine the prevalence of external signs and comorbidities in male patients with decompensated ALC. Methods. A prospective, comparative, descriptive, and analytical study was conducted at the Clinic for Internal Medicine, University Clinical Center of the Republic of Srpska, in Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The study included 123 male patients diagnosed with decompensated ALC. All necessary diagnostic evaluations, including laboratory, microbiological, serological, radiological, and endoscopic assessments, were performed during their first hospitalization. Results. The mean age of the patients was 59.09 ? 9.32 years. The most common external manifestations were jaundice (79.67%), spider nevi (54.47%), palmar erythema (36.58%), and gynecomastia (18.69%). The most frequent comorbidities were diabetes mellitus (19.51%), congestive heart failure (17.88%), and chronic kidney disease (11.38%). A significant correlation was found between disease severity and the presence of external signs, with jaundice being the most prevalent. Conclusion. External manifestations and comorbidities are frequent in male patients with ALC, reflecting the systemic impact of the disease. Recognizing these clinical markers can aid in early diagnosis, risk stratification, and tailored therapeutic strategies.

Diabetes mellitus is one of the greatest public health challenges of the 21st century. The number of cases has been on the rise for many years, reaching a pandemic scale. The purpose of this study was to examine the risk factors relevant for the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The study was conducted at the Dorćol Primary Healthcare Facility within the Medigroup Healthcare system, with persons who had come in for preventive medical examinations over a period of six months. The study included 150 participants. Data on sex, age, arterial hypertension and pharmacotherapy were collected, and weight, height and glycaemia were measured. The Type 2 Diabetes Risk Assessment Questionnaire was used as the research instrument, in line with the recommendations of the National Guide for the Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes for primary care physicians (FINDRISC). The data were processed using IBM SPSS Statistics 22 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) software package. A higher risk for developing diabetes was observed in participants reporting irregular consumption of fruits and vegetables (38.0%), physical inactivity (34.0%), and in those with abdominal obesity (32.0%) and a positive family history of diabetes (17.3%). A timely intervention aimed at modifiable risk factors, primarily lifestyle interventions, can prevent type 2 diabetes and mitigate complications.

Nanostructured adhesives represent a paradigm shift in bonding technology, leveraging the unique physicochemical properties of nanoscale materials to enhance adhesive performance. This review examines the fundamental principles underlying nanostructured adhesive design, focusing on the role of nanoparticles, nanofillers, and nanocrystals in improving mechanical properties. Furthermore, this paper will explore the diverse applications of nanostructured adhesives across industries, including aerospace, automotive, electronics, and biomedicine, highlighting the potential for tailored adhesive solutions.

Directed Energy Deposition (DED) processes offer the advantage of producing larger parts with higher deposition rates compared to Powder Bed Fusion (PBF) additive manufacturing (AM). However, DED typically results in simpler geometries and lower resolution. When using Wire and Arc- based DED, even larger components can be manufactured at an accelerated rate, but the higher heat input may lead to undesirable microstructures, adversely affecting mechanical properties. To ensure defect-free depositions, precise process control is essential, including optimizing deposition paths, regulating inter-layer temperature, and maintaining a consistent nozzle-to-layer distance. One effective approach to improving material integrity is the application of in-situ vibrations during deposition. This technique helps reduce porosity and grain size while also enhancing surface waviness and mitigating residual stress buildup. Further refinement of material properties can be achieved through appropriate thermo-mechanical processing, leading to mechanical characteristics comparable to conventionally produced steel. This paper explores the impact of in-situ vibrations and heat treatment through case studies, analysing their effects on surface waviness, residual stress distribution, porosity, microstructure, grain size, mechanical properties, and fracture toughness. The findings demonstrate the significant benefits of these process enhancements in improving the mechanical performance of DED- fabricated components.