Consumers in developed countries, when choosing food products, pay more attention to quality and food safety. A significant trend can be detected in the consumption of “light” products, of organic food or of food without genetically modified ingredients (GM). In contrast to these countries, Bosnia and Herzegovina (BH however no data has been published about consumers’ attitudes and preferences in B&H. This study examined consumer attitudes, behaviors and perception in connection with food products in different markets in the northwestern part of B&H. In the autumn 2009 we examined the factors that affect consumers’ decisions when they choose a trademark or product, as well as their attitudes concerning product origin, quality and “light” or GM labels. The data were collected in several markets in two areas (Bihac and Cazin) using survey methods. The survey included 920 consumers, of which 54.4% were female. The results showed that 81.65% of examinees decided what to purchase on the basis of quality, although 56.32% of consumers didn’t know what the product quality is. 56.44% of examinees selected domestic products while 25% preferred imported products, or checked the country of production. Only 37.71% of consumers were familiar with the meaning of the label “light”, and 45% of the label GM. There were statistically significant differences (ANOVA, Duncan's post-hoc test p < 0.05) in the attitudes and behavior of consumers depending on their gender.

INTRODUCTION Multiple sclerosis (MS) and Parkinson's disease (PD) are chronic diseases with unpredictable course causing progressive physical disability and cognitive decline, and broadly affecting the patient's life, social interaction, recreational activities and overall life satisfaction. GOALS To examine the quality of life of patients with PD and MS, and investigate the existence of differences between the degree of impairment to the quality of life in PD and MS. METHODS A prospective study was conducted at the Neurology Clinic, University Clinical Center in Tuzla in the period from December 2005 until May 2007. The study included subjects with confirmed diagnosis of MS and PD. We analyzed 50 patients with PD and 50 patients with MS, with disease duration 1-5 years without any or with mild cognitive impairment. Quality of life was assessed using the SF-36 scale comprised of 36 questions in eight health profiles. RESULTS There was no significant difference in gender frequency in our study sample of patients with PD, while in MS group of patients there were a significantly more females. The average age of the PD patients was 63.18 +/- 10.42, and in patients with MS 37.4 +/- 8.65 years. In our study the relative influence of PD and MS on quality of life was similar after controlling the duration of the disease, and there were some differences in relation to the degree for clinical disability. Subjects showed reduced QoL independently of the duration of illness (patients with PD in 88% of cases, and multiple sclerosis in 84% of cases). There are significant differences in the occurrence of poor quality of life in patients with PD were in advanced clinical stages of disease for the physical, mental dimension of the SF 36 and the total score. Respondents in stages III-V of the disease were 5.23 times (23%) likely to experience reduced QoL compared to those with less physical disability. In subjects suffering from MS reduced QoL was not related to the degree of clinical disability in physical, nor the mental dimension of the SF 36 and the total score. These results in MS patients can be partially explained by the small sample size, on the other hand it is possible that patients with MS, although they have greater physical disability seen as a very difficult diagnosis which determines the entire life. CONCLUSIONS Patients who are treated for PD and MS had a high degree (> 80%) of reduction of the overall quality of life, and there were no significant differences in the extent of QoL reduction between these groups of patients. Reduced quality of life in patients with PD is observed during severe stages of the disease, while the QoL does not depent on the degree of clinical disability in MS patients. In both groups of patients the appearance patients reduced QoL does not depend on the duration of the disease.

Abstract Corporate reputation helps customers to decide whether to buy services or not when they can’t assess the quality before buying. As the consequence, reputation is especially important for service companies with predominantly intangible offer. Companies having the ability to provide superior service are perceived valuable by customers and therefore have a significant competitive advantage. The assumption is that the perception of the value of organizational buyers is not formed solely on economic criteria. In order to investigate the influence of banks’ corporate reputation on the organizational buyers’ perceived value, research has been conducted in Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H), on the sample of 104 companies from different B&H industries. Main conclusion of the research was that influence of banks’ corporate reputation on organizational buyers’ perceived value is positive and significant. In line with research results it means that banks should necessary keep in mind customer perceived value phenomenon, but also corporate reputation, its management and permanent improvements.