Fruit spirits must have an aroma of the raw material, which is balanced by ethanol.  Since many aroma compounds are more soluble in ethanol than in water, ethanol is the most important carrier of aroma compounds. The alcohol concentration seems to be crucial for the sensory profile of spirits. Alcohol content of 40% vol is the standard alcoholic strength of fruit spirits. Regulations specify a minimum alcohol content of 37.5% vol. However, ethanol reduction can result in change in sensory profile of spirits. The aim of this research is to determine whether lowering the alcohol content of spirits may make them less acceptable to customers. On this occasion, 5 pairs of fruit spirits were sensory tested: pear, plum, apple, raspberry, and grape spirits, each with a commercial and reduced alcohol concentration to 37.5% vol. The results showed that customers can recognize the difference in alcohol content of fruit spirits and dilution to lower alcohol content led to decreasing aroma for all tastes fruit spirits.  However, typicality and intensity of fruit odour and the overall note of the spirits, were very similar perceived for Williams, plum and grape spirits whereas apple and raspberry spirits showed better characteristic at higher alcohol content.

Natriuretic peptide (NP) uptake varies in Emergency Departments (EDs) across Europe. The ‘Peptide for Life’ (P4L) initiative, led by Heart Failure Association, aims to enhance NP utilization for early diagnosis of heart failure (HF). We tested the hypothesis that implementing an educational campaign in Western Balkan countries would significantly increase NP adoption rates in the ED.

This work presents a novel masking protocol to secure the communication between a nonlinear plant and a non-linear observer. Communication is secured in two senses. First, the privacy of the plant is preserved during the communication. Second, the protocol can detect a false-data injection attack in the communication link. The masking protocol is based on the use of washout-filters in nonlinear observers and the internal model principle.

This paper studies the stabilisation problem for a class of nonlinear systems with two time scales, where only a single communication channel is available to allocate both low and high-frequency transmissions from slow and fast subsystems, respectively. A clock mechanism is proposed to govern the transmissions, and the closed-loop system is modelled by a hybrid singularly perturbed system. Singular perturbation-based analysis is used to obtain individual maximum allowable transmission intervals for both slow and fast transmissions, and also to guarantee semi-global practical asymptotic stability with respect to the minimum allowable transmission interval of slow transmissions. We illustrate the results via a numerical example.

We present rules to stabilize the origin of a networked system, where data exchanges between the plant and the controller only occur when an output-dependent inequality has been satisfied for a given amount of time. This strategy, called Event-Holding Control (EHC), differs from time-regularized event-triggered control (ETC) techniques, which generate transmissions as soon as a triggering condition is verified and the time elapsed since the last transmission is larger than a given bound. Indeed, the clock involved in EHC is not running continuously after each transmission instant, but only when a criterion is verified. We propose an output-based design of these triggering mechanisms that are robust to additive measurement noise and ensure an input-to-state stability (ISS) property. This EHC scheme naturally has a positive lower bound on the transmission interval. Additionally, we show via an example that, in presence of measurement noise, Zeno-like behavior, where events are generated near the minimum inter-event time consistently, may occur when the system is close to the attractor. We introduce space-regularization to mitigate this issue, resulting in an input-to-state practical stability (ISpS) property rather than ISS.

: This paper presents the influence of complex engineering geological and geotechnical ground conditions on the selection of combined measures for the rehabilitation of landslide on the main road M5. Field and laboratory investigations were conducted to determine the engineering geological and geotechnical conditions of the site. The road is situated on a relatively high embankment within the landslide area, under which a culvert channels a natural stream. The geological substrate is found quite deep, 7 to 8 meters below the surface. Beneath the road, there is a mixture of fill materials of different qualities, indicating that a railway used to run along this route in the past. The slope below the road is relatively steep, approximately 10 meters in height, with a poorly maintained stone wall at its base. The fundamental concept of the proposed solution involves the construction of a support structure comprising piles, a head beam, and a reinforced concrete wall. The designed rehabilitation measures ensure the stability and functionality of the roadway.

The passenger transport system in cities is the backbone of sustainable urban mobility. The problem faced by the city authorities is the question of choosing the carrier with the best bid in the public call. Services in charge of public transport are often able to choose carriers for one or more lines, and often for the entire area. The basic dilemmas are related to the type of procedure that should be carried out, whether the transport services market is open to competition, what methodology to apply if the transport services market is not declared open to competition, whether the selection procedure should end with the signing of the contract between the city government and the operator, and other questions for which answers are sought.This paper presents an analysis of practices and proposed guidelines for the development and application of the bid operator ranking model in the public selection process.

: Based on measurements and research, diagnostics of the condition of a structure aims to provide an answer to the question of what the condition of the structure is, and the necessary steps for reconstruction or rehabilitation. Masonry stone construction is one of the oldest methods of construction of building structures. In spite of that, this type of structures does not have fully defined parameters that influence its behavior. The reason for this is the fact that the properties of masonry stone structures differ depending on the basic material (stone) and binding material (mortar), as well as their combination. The paper presents diagnostics of the condition of masonry structures on the Tabija tower building. Tabija, a low tower for cannons, is a fortification structure from the Ottoman period that is the most completely preserved and was registered for the first time in the city plan from 1717. The structure is in poor condition due to a large number of natural and human factors. The paper will present a detailed visual inspection of the structure, as well as tests conducted in the laboratory and in-situ, the calculation, and decisions and proposals for the rehabilitation and/or reconstruction of the considered building of cultural and historical heritage.

Key Points Question Can multiple sclerosis (MS) be differentiated from a wide range of non-MS conditions showing brain white matter lesions using solely imaging biomarkers for cortical lesions (CLs) and central vein sign (CVS)? Findings In this cross-sectional study including 1051 participants, the presence of CLs had high specificity and low sensitivity, while application of the 40% CVS rule resulted in high specificity and moderate sensitivity for MS diagnosis. CVS and CLs outperformed the contribution of infratentorial, periventricular, and juxtacortical lesions in supporting the diagnosis of MS. Meaning The findings indicate that CVS and CLs may be valuable tools to increase the accuracy of MS diagnosis.

Purpose Explaining the sources of the differences in social performance among Islamic banks (IBs) is the motivation for this research. Consequently, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between the development of Islamic finance regulation, the development of an Islamic financial system, the proportions of affected Muslim populations and the level of competition, on the one hand, and the social performance of IBs, on the other. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first study that investigates the impact of the development of regulation and the Islamic financial system on the social performance of IBs. Design/methodology/approach A balanced panel of annual data for 40 banks from 13 countries is applied, spanning 2012–2018. A social performance index with eight dimensions is constructed and measures the social performance of IBs. The index based on qualitative and quantitative data derives from IBs’ annual reports and financial statements. The linear scaling transformation method articulates the quantitative dimensions of the index. In hypotheses testing, the authors use OLS, LSDV, FEM and Random Effect Model to estimate Model (1) and panel-corrected standard errors with Prais–Winsten transformation to estimate Model (2). Findings This unique research confirms the positive impact of the development of Islamic finance regulation on the social performance of IBs. The results show that the development of Islamic finance regulation is consistently significant on all standard significance levels. IBs’ age and the presence of Muslim populations in the country are also significant in most estimators. Research limitations/implications The results of this research highlight a significant value for regulators, shareholders and the management of IBs. Without proper regulation, these banks can hardly operate under the principles and expectations of the Islamic moral economy. Originality/value This is pioneering research that explores the development of Islamic finance regulation and market concentration as a determinant of social performance of IBs. Development of Islamic finance regulation has proved significant in all estimated models, which confirms that a new variable has been discovered among determinants of the social performance of IBs.

Abstract Introduction   The main advantage of extraperitoneal cesarean section (EXPCS) is not only less pain, faster recovery, and less potential for infection but also a possible lack of intraperitoneal adhesions. Methods   In a 3-year period from 2019 to 2022, 88 EXPCSs were performed. A comparison was made with 90 patients who underwent a standard transperitoneal cesarean section (TPCS). For both groups, the inclusion criterion was uterine inertia and prolonged labor as an indication for cesarean section. Only pregnant women from 37 to 42 weeks were included. After this, 51 patients remained in the EXPCS arm, and 49 remained in the TPCS arm. Results   No statistical difference was found in gestational weeks, newborn weight, Apgar score, erythrocyte (Er), hemoglobin (Hgb), and hematocrit (Htc) values and duration of operative time between the EXPCS and TPCS groups. Leukocytes, C-reactive protein (CRP) with fever higher than >38°C on the third postoperative day were found statistically significantly (p=0.005) higher in the TPCS group. The usage of tramadol + metamizole at 3, 6, and 9 hours after delivery and diclofenac at 6, 12, and 18 hours after surgery was statistically significantly (p<0.05) higher in the TPCS group. On the visual analog scale (VAS) 24 hours after surgery, a statistically significant difference was found (p = 0.001) between the two groups. In the small group of patients who underwent a TPCS section after an EXPCS, intraperitoneal adhesions were not found; in another group of patients who underwent a TPCS twice, adhesions were found in 12 patients; Fisher's exact test (p=0.04). Conclusion   The protective effect of EXPCS for infection could be proven in prolonged delivery. EXPCS could be a good solution in the fight against adhesions and infection in women who undergo second, third, or even fourth cesarean sections.

The aim of this paper is to identify the basic characteristics of organic production in the agricultural sector of Bosnia and Herzegovina in terms of determining the scope, trends and flows in the selected time period. In terms of competitiveness, special emphasis is placed on the position of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the region. That is, a comparative review with the countries of the region according to the available indicators of organic production within the data of the Research Institute for Organic Production (FiBL). The analysis is focused on the changes of relevant indicators for Bosnia and Herzegovina and the countries of the region in the period from 2010 to 2020. The analysis was made using methods of dynamic analysis (index numbers, average annual rate of change, trend) and comparison methods. The results of the research can be a starting point for policy makers in support of the development of the agricultural sector.

Adherence is a a term that has been prominently used and emphasized recently, representing the connection between a patient and their treatment. Medical adherence has its hierarchical structure, with roots primarily stemming from legislative bodies to the healthcare system, institutions and ultimately healthcare professionals (doctors, nurses, technicians). However, medical adherence faces a significant obstacle in achieving therapy goals and improving treatment outcomes among many patients, especially those with chronic conditions. Social and sociental conditions, as well as the state organization in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), greatly influence the healthcare system and the purchasing power of healthcare service users. Due to significant barriers and challenges regarding adherence, efforts are being made to maintain a system that supports increasing patient adherence levels. Within this research paper, three questionable theses are presented: internal and external education, improvement of the healthcare system and the implementation of systematic data collection on patient adherence. All three questionable thesis recived positive feedback from respondents (200 participants). From the first thesis, 154 respondents voted in favor, for the second thesis, 142 respondents and for the third thesis, 134 respondents agreed with the proposed suggestions. Unfortunately, in BiH insufficinet attention is given to patient adherence and there is no unified strategy to increase adherence levels. Internal and external education would be essential as healthcare workers are not adequately trained, nor are conditions created for its implementation. Increasing the level of adherence can greatly benefit healthcare workers in their daily practice if they have adequate conditions in place. Unfortunately, a significant number of healthcare employees lack the knowledge, experience and a clearly defined strategy on how to increase patient adherence. The complexity of measuring adherence only adds to the intricacy of an already complex problem and the inefficiency and sluggishness of the healthcare system hinder the creation of appropriate activities that should result in increased patient adherence. The patient’s adhrence is influenced by numerous factors for which there is no unique solution or overcoming suggestions. Also, problems in the process of identifying and measuring adherence further complicate the already complex matter and the process of increasing user adherence. Creating a strategy to improve adhrence at the state level in Bosnia and Herzegovina is almost impossible; therefore, the increase in adhrence can only be achived at the level of the patient, healthcare personnel and ideally, at the level of healthcare institutions. Unfortunately, in most cases, conditions and workload do not allow healthcare workers to spend enough time with patients, establish adequate communication and demonstrate that the patient is genuinely important to them. Providing not only the necessary care but also essential information about the illness and treatment can directly impact the level of patient adhrence. The healthcare system in developed countries, although technologically possible, lacks and adequate mechanism for collecting, processing and analyzing data related to the adherence level of patients with a specific condition or in a particular geographic region. Data is often collected based on indirect methods that do not provide accurate and precise information, posing a significant challenge in proving the role and importance of medical adhrence in the healthcare system and treatment outcomes. Considering that the adhrence level ranges from 43% to 78%, which is too high for certain treatment regimens, legislative reforms are needed. In addition to the law and its govering body, it is necssary to ensure all essential materials, from medications to specific medical supplies are provided to all healthcare institutions, hospitals and healthcare centres. Both internal and external education are crucial for patient treatment and therefore it sholud be implemented and carried out on a monthly basis. In addition to healthcare professionals, the education of patients with medical conditions is essential, considering they can be divided into those who are not familiar with using modern technologies to educate themselves and understand the role and significance of medical adherence. Moreover, there are patients who are adept at using modern tchnology to research their condition and treatment options, but they lack sufficinet knowledge and information to assess the accuracy of the available data.