Network emulators are essential in testing network systems, applications, and protocols. Emulators bridge the gap between simulation setups that lack realism in results and real-world trials that are accurate but often expensive, non-reproducible, and uncontrollable. This paper describes the simulations and emulations of the national Czech QKD network. Using emulation techniques, a unique ecosystem is formed that includes the processes of generating, processing, storing, and consuming cryptographic keys. The presented tool will undoubtedly spur future development, understanding, and teaching, and it is critical for testing novel applications and protocols applied to QKD networks.

Cardiotocography (CTG) is essential for monitoring high-risk pregnancies, yet perinatal asphyxia prediction accuracy remains limited to 50–55%. Regions of artifacts (missing valid signals)-including signal processing aberrations-possibly contribute to this limitation, highlighted by 40% of FDA reports on intrapartum stillbirths. This cohort study applied causal inference to two digitized CTG databases, analyzing 36,792 labor episodes (>36 weeks) at a tertiary Australian hospital (2010–2021) and externally validating on a Czech dataset (n = 552).High rates of missing valid signals (>30% fetal heart rate signal dropout or >1% maternal-fetal heart rate coincidence) was independently associated with asphyxia (aOR 1.47, 95% CI 1.19–1.81); dropout >30% showing stronger link (aOR 1.58, 95% CI 1.13–2.20 Australian dataset; aOR 2.30, 95% CI 1.08–4.91 Czech dataset). Risk of asphyxia increased with higher dropout (>37.45%, aOR 2.21 Australian dataset; >34.01%, aOR 4.08 Czech dataset). Integrating measures of missing valid signals into fetal monitoring algorithms may improve decision-making and neonatal outcomes.

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.

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.