This paper explores both theoretical and practical dimensions of peacebuilding in post-conflict societies, with a specific focus on Bosnia and Herzegovina and the role of the High Representative, established by Annex 10 of the General Framework Agreement for Peace (Dayton Peace Agreement). By analysing the functioning of the Office of the High Representative (OHR), the study investigates the scope and limitations of the liberal institutionalist approach to peacebuilding, which dominated international intervention strategies in Bosnia and Herzegovina after 1995. The paper argues that classical institutional models failed to adequately respond to the fragmented political landscape and deep ethno-political divisions in Bosnia and Herzegovina, leading to a gradual transformation of the High Representative’s mandate from a coordinating body to a politically active institution with significant executive powers. The aim of this study is to examine the institutional evolution of the OHR and assess its contribution to state-building and peace preservation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, while also critically engaging with broader debates on the effectiveness of international peacebuilding in complex post-conflict environments. The research employs a qualitative methodology, including the analysis of primary documents (Annex 10, decisions of the OHR, legal acts), secondary sources (academic literature, international reports), and a case study approach based on a chronological review of the actions taken by High Representatives from 1995 to 2021. The analysis focuses on three core areas where the intervention of the High Representative had a decisive impact: (1) the imposition of binding decisions and laws in cases where domestic political actors failed to reach consensus; (2) judicial reforms and the annulment of rulings by domestic courts that were seen as contrary to the peace agreement; and (3) the dismissal of political officials deemed to be violating the Dayton Agreement or undermining the constitutional order. Findings indicate that this form of international tutelage contributed to short-term stabilization and institutional functionality but also raised concerns over democratic legitimacy and the limited ownership of domestic actors in the reform process. The theoretical framework links traditional liberal peacebuilding approaches with more recent critiques that emphasize the need for deeper local participation, long-term capacity-building, and context-sensitive governance. In this regard, the Bosnia and Herzegovina case illustrates the ambivalence of international interventions—balancing between ensuring stability and respecting sovereignty, and between delivering quick institutional fixes and fostering sustainable domestic governance. Scholarly and political critiques of the OHR’s role vary widely—from accusations of autocratic governance to acknowledgments of its necessity—thus exposing the ongoing tension between efficiency and legitimacy in international administration. The paper concludes that while the institution of the High Representative has played a critical role in maintaining peace and facilitating institutional development in Bosnia and Herzegovina, long-term sustainability requires a shift from external supervision to internal political consensus. The contribution of this research lies in its systematic analysis of the institutional trajectory of the OHR and its theoretical interpretation within broader debates on post-conflict international governance. The findings offer valuable insights for future peacebuilding missions in similarly complex environments.

Efficient and consistent string processing is critical in the exponentially growing genomic data era. Locally Consistent Parsing (LCP) addresses this need by partitioning an input genome string into short, exactly matching substrings (e.g.,"cores"), ensuring consistency across partitions. Labeling the cores of an input string consistently not only provides a compact representation of the input but also enables the reapplication of LCP to refine the cores over multiple iterations, providing a progressively longer and more informative set of substrings for downstream analyses. We present the first iterative implementation of LCP with Lcptools and demonstrate its effectiveness in identifying cores with minimal collisions. Experimental results show that the number of cores at the i^th iteration is O(n/c^i) for c ~ 2.34, while the average length and the average distance between consecutive cores are O(c^i). Compared to the popular sketching techniques, LCP produces significantly fewer cores, enabling a more compact representation and faster analyses. To demonstrate the advantages of LCP in genomic string processing in terms of computation and memory efficiency, we also introduce LCPan, an efficient variation graph constructor. We show that LCPan generates variation graphs>10x faster than vg, while using>13x less memory.

Efficient and consistent string processing is critical in the exponentially growing genomic data era. Locally Consistent Parsing (LCP) addresses this need by partitioning an input genome string into short, exactly matching substrings (e.g., "cores"), ensuring consistency across partitions. Labeling the cores of an input string consistently not only provides a compact representation of the input but also enables the reapplication of LCP to refine the cores over multiple iterations, providing a progressively longer and more informative set of substrings for downstream analyses. We present the first iterative implementation of LCP with Lcptools and demonstrate its effectiveness in identifying cores with minimal collisions. Experimental results show that the number of cores at the i^th iteration is O(n/c^i) for c ~ 2.34, while the average length and the average distance between consecutive cores are O(c^i). Compared to the popular sketching techniques, LCP produces significantly fewer cores, enabling a more compact representation and faster analyses. To demonstrate the advantages of LCP in genomic string processing in terms of computation and memory efficiency, we also introduce LCPan, an efficient variation graph constructor. We show that LCPan generates variation graphs >10x faster than vg, while using >13x less memory.

To assess the efficacy in relation to costs of three retention techniques: vacuum-formed retainers (VFR) with lingual-bonded braided and multistranded wire retainers in the mandible. A total of 93 participants, aged 12–21 years at the start of the retention phase (median age: 16 years; 66% females) were assessed. Analysis included retainer survival rate, costs associated with retention procedures, degree of mandibular incisor irregularity, and patient satisfaction. The cost-minimization analysis accounted for direct costs (material and production expenses, utility costs, and chair time based on personnel wages). The survival rate of retainers was 74% for VFR, 71% for rectangular wire retainers, and 62% for round wire retainers, with no significant differences among groups. Incisor alignment relapse was minimal overall but was highest in the VFR group compared to both wire types (p < 0.001). No differences in satisfaction were observed between groups. However, total retention costs varied significantly (p = 0.001), with the VFR group showing the lowest median cost (34.39 €) and rectangular wire group the highest (44.61 €). The retainers demonstrated similar survival rates, provided equal patient satisfaction, and maintained alignment effectively, with differences in stability remaining below evidence-based thresholds. However, VFR incurred 21–23% lower costs than fixed retainers, a finding with practical relevance for public or resource-limited settings. ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05121220. Registered 02 October 2021.

This article introduces a mechanistic framework to reclassify suboptimal responses to GLP-1 receptor agonists. It defines three mechanistic subtypes of incretin resistance—receptor-level, post-receptor, and secretory—highlighting their distinct pathways and therapeutic implications. This model promotes personalized care by moving beyond the oversimplified ‘non-responder’ classification.

This paper systematically analyzes the challenges of stabilizing tunnel excavations in zones with low overburden in urban environments, through an engineering-validated case study of the Kobilja Glava Tunnel. A combined approach involving the New Austrian Tunneling Method (NATM) and the pre-installation of steel pipe umbrellas was applied as the primary pre-support measure under complex geotechnical conditions. The design, drilling, grouting, and formation of the temporary support arch were thoroughly documented, along with the implementation of shotcrete, lattice girders, self-drilling anchors, and reinforcement meshes. A numerical analysis was performed using the PLAXIS 2D software package, encompassing the modeling of deformations, shear forces, axial forces, and bending moments, with precisely defined support parameters. Geodetic monitoring recorded maximum surface settlements of up to 70 mm at an overburden of less than 3 m, while deformations were reduced to 28 mm at an overburden of 20 m. The numerical model confirmed soil plasticization within a 3 m wide zone, with maximum displacements reaching 6.3 cm, consistent with field measurements. Calculated tensile strain and angular distortion were classified according to established building damage criteria, confirming minimal structural impact on adjacent buildings. The applied combination of the NATM and the pipe umbrella pre-support system proved to be an effective and reliable solution for controlling deformations and ensuring excavation stability under conditions of limited rock cover and dense urban development. The obtained results provide a verified framework and practical recommendations for future tunneling projects in similar geotechnical and urban conditions, aiming to enhance safety, stability, and cost-effectiveness.

BACKGROUND The value of intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) prior to endovascular therapy (EVT) with emergent stenting for intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD)-large vessel occlusion (LVO) is unknown. We aimed to investigate the safety and efficacy of IVT among patients with adjuvant intracranial stenting after EVT. METHODS RESISTANT is a study of consecutive acute ischemic stroke patients who underwent EVT and intracranial stenting from 36 comprehensive stroke centres in 7 countries across 3 continents. The primary outcome of interest was ordinal shift of the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at 90-days after the intervention. Secondary outcomes were excellent outcome (mRS 0-1) and functional independence (mRS 0-2) at 90-days. Safety outcomes were rates of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) at 24-hours and 90-day mortality. Adjusted multivariate ordinal and logistic regressions were performed for all outcomes. RESULTS Of 828 patients (median age 67 years, IQR 59-77; 65% male), 23% have received IVT. In the adjusted analysis, receiving IVT was not associated with mRS ordinal shift (aOR 0.8, 95%CI 0.6 -1.1), nor with functional independence (aOR 1.1, 95% 0.7 - 1.7). However, there was a positive association with excellent outcome (aOR 1.6, 95%CI 1.0 - 2.7). There were no differences in sICH rates at 24-hours (aOR 1.5, 95%CI 0.8 - 2.9), nor 90-day mortality (aOR 0.8, 95% 0.5-1.3). CONCLUSION In this multi-center study of patients who underwent EVT with emergent intracranial stenting, IVT was associated with excellent clinical outcome, possibly due to indication bias, and there were no safety concerns. Receiving IVT should not be a criterion for deferring acute stenting among patients with ICAD-associated LVO and IVT should not be routinely withheld in suspected ICAD cases.

We study strong-field ionization by quantum lights with emphasis on high-order above-threshold ionization and the intensity-dependent enhancements in the photoelectron spectra. We find that the length of the plateau in the photoelectron energy spectrum generated by such quantum lights can be extended by an order of magnitude in comparison with that generated by the classical coherent laser light and that within this plateau resonantly enhanced groups of sharp peaks appear at energies which are integer multiple of the photon energy. We relate the observed intensity-dependent enhancements to the channel closing effect. Our results are particularly interesting in the context of the recent interplay and merging of quantum optics with strong-field physics and attoscience.

The paper investigated the variability of the morphological-anatomical traits of one-year-old oak seedlings (Quercus cerris L. and Quercus rubra L.) produced in three different container types (Hiko, Plantagrah, biodegradable). A two-factorial ANOVA showed for the morphological characteristics (root collar diameter and height) statistically significant difference between the species and between the containers, too. The interaction between the variability factors (container type and species) also affects height and root collar diameter. As for the obtained results of two-factorial ANOVA for anatomical parameters (wood, bark, pith proportion, and vessel width), statistically significant differences were obtained for all of them between species, as well as between container types. On the other hand, the interaction of container type and species does not affect vessel width and bark content unlike wood and pith proportion. Comparing the species, it can be concluded that the average values of all traits, apart from vessel width, are higher in Q.rubra L. The largest dimensions of all elements regardless of the species were obtained for Hiko, then Plantagrah, and the smallest for biodegradable container.

Reproducibility in biological research and manufacturing remains constrained by the complexity of multi-step protocols, fragmented data-analysis pipelines, and the intrinsic variability of experimental execution. Here, we present Agentic Lab, an agentic-physical AI platform that unifies large language model and vision language model (LLMs/VLMs)-driven reasoning with real-world laboratory operations. Agentic Lab uses multi-agent orchestration architecture, comprising of specialized subagents for knowledge retrieval, protocol design, multimodal data analysis, and training-free segmentation and representation learning for intrinsically explainable single-cell and organoid phenotyping. These agents operate under the orchestration of a virtual principal investigator MolAgent that is linked to an augmented reality (AR)-based physical AI interface, which can bridge digital reasoning with human physical execution. Agentic Lab perceives real-world experimental activities, provides context-aware instructions, identifying procedural errors in real time for humans to correct, and continuously evolves with its long-term memory database expanding through the accumulation of experimental data logs from human scientists. This interaction allows scientists and AI agents to collaborate and co-evolve dynamically, closing the loop between planning, action, and analysis in the traditional cell and organoid research lifecycle. We demonstrate Agentic Lab in organoid differentiation from human pluripotent stem cells, where it autonomously generates protocols, monitors culture procedures, and identifies subtle morphological heterogeneity linked to growth conditions. The system interprets these phenotypes, grounds them in literature, and proposes targeted instructions for improving differentiation efficiency. By combining multi-agent reasoning with physical laboratory awareness, Agentic Lab transforms experimentation and biomanufacturing from a static workflow into an adaptive, feedback-driven, bidirectional process that integrates agentic AI into the research lifecycle. This framework establishes a foundation for intelligent laboratories that integrate design, execution, and interpretation within a unified agentic-physical system.

This longitudinal study aimed to examine the in-season variations in morphological, cardiorespiratory, muscular, and motor fitness components in junior male basketball players during an 8-month competitive season. Eighteen male basketball players (16.56 ± 0.90 years) were tested at three time points (T1, T2, T3). Assessed variables included body fat (BF), fat-free mass (FFM), muscle mass (MM), total body water (TBW), maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), final running speed in the 30-15 Intermittent Fitness Test (VIFT), maximum and average heart rate (HRmax, HRavg), squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump with arm swing (CMJmax), drop jump (DJ), 20 m sprint with 5 m and 10 m splits, T-test (TT), and Lane Agility Drill (LAD). Significant improvements were observed in body mass (T1–T3, p = 0.002; T2–T3, p = 0.039), along with reductions in BF (T1–T2 and T1–T3, p < 0.05) and increases in FFM and MM (especially T2–T3, p < 0.05). VO2max increased significantly from T1 to T2 and T3 (p < 0.01), while HRaverage decreased across all intervals (p < 0.001), and HRmax declined slightly from T1 to T3 (p = 0.031). VIFT improved significantly between T1 and both T2 and T3 (p < 0.001). Measures of explosive strength (SJ, CMJmax, DJ) and agility (TT, LAD) showed consistent improvement across the season (p < 0.001), with moderate gains from T2 to T3 (p < 0.01 for SJ). These findings suggest meaningful physical and physiological adaptations during the competitive season, highlighting the importance of structured and continuous training throughout critical phases of athletic development in junior basketball players.

The present study aims to analyze the performance discrepancies between a specified case study fighter and his opponents across 18 competitive kickboxing matches. The research involved a sample comprising of a singular subject pitted against 18 distinct opponents (n=19) in a series of competitive kickboxing bouts, all male participants possessing a minimum of five years of experience in kickboxing. A total of 40 variables were identified, of which 37 were designated to evaluate technical prowess, while the remaining 3 focused on tactics. The assessment of performance, based on video recordings, was carried out by a panel of three evaluators. To ascertain the disparities in the efficacy of technical and tactical components between the case study fighter and his opponents, the Chi-square test of total frequencies variance was employed at a statistical significance level of 0.05, utilizing the IBM SPSS 26.0 software. Standardized residuals exceeding +2.0 and falling below -2.0 were instrumental in identifying the key variables contributing to the overall divergence between the case study fighter and his opponents. The outcomes of the study revealed a significant statistical contrast between the case study fighter and his adversary across 23 variables, encompassing hand-based strikes in 6 instances, leg-based strikes in 9 instances, arm and leg defense in 4 instances, advanced defense techniques in 3 instances, method of victory in 1 instance, and tactics in 1 instance. The research findings shed light on the distinct disparities between the case study fighter under examination and his opponents, highlighting the opponents' heightened usage of hand and foot strikes as opposed to the case study fighter's superior proficiency in hand and foot defenses, alongside adept employment of advanced defensive maneuvers.

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), a culinary and folk medicinal plant used worldwide in infantile colic, bloating, and indigestion, has scarce scientific evidence.