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Publikacije (45390)

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K. Vranešić, S. Lakušić, M. Serdar

Urban railway tracks are the primary modes of transportation in many cities worldwide. Track vehicles mostly use DC from overhead lines, and rails are used as return conductors. Because it is challenging to fully insulate the rail and ensure high rail-to-ground resistance, current leaks from the rail to the lower part of the track. This current is referred to as stray current. To determine the detrimental effects of stray current on the rail and fastening system components, we performed a laboratory simulation of the stray current on four real-scale samples of the entire rail with all fastening components. The difference among these four samples was the type of fastening system used. Tests were performed under dry condition and at different water levels. After testing, the samples were visually inspected. Under dry conditions, corrosion occurred on the elements in contact with the concrete, and under immersed conditions, the current leaked from all components of the fastening system directly into the water, causing harmful local deterioration. The characteristics of the fastening systems are defined to satisfy other parameters, but not to prevent stray currents and ensure high rail-to-ground resistance. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the effects of stray current on the rail and fastening system and to prove the importance of providing adequate drainage of the track and using a fastening system that is insulated and does not allow the current to leak from the rail.

Background and purpose: Available data in research literature suggest that the Western Balkan countries hold a rich diversity of caddisflies. Assessment and biomonitoring of such rich diversity could be facilitated through DNA-based high-throughput approaches like DNA metabarcoding that depend on the availability of comprehensive reference libraries. Materials and methods: We assessed the status of the COI barcode sequence data for a total of 112 caddisflies species in the investigated region by determining the gaps in representative sequences in the Barcode of Life Data System (BOLD) and examining the accuracy of available records using the Barcode, Audit and Grade System (BAGS). Results: Results revealed a considerable underrepresentation of surveyed geographic region in BOLD records for the target insect group. Moreover, the large majority of the species records were rated “discordant” (72.80% grade E), and only 15.20% were classified as “consolidated concordance or basal concordance” (3.20% grade A and 12.00% B). Approximately 3.20% of the records pertaining to species occurring in multiple BINs (Barcode Index Number) and 8.80% were poorly represented (i.e., less than three specimens, grade D). A fraction of the species graded discordant were deemed concordant after detailed inspection of individual data, decreasing by 14.07%. Conclusions: The assessment of the current state of BOLD entries indicated that DNA barcoding is still not widely applied in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Slovenia, emphasizing that Croatia has the most barcoded caddisflies species. The finding that available BOLD Trichopteran records for investigated countries were mainly graded as “discordant” indicates the need for better quality control of reference libraries.

D. Žnidarčič, L. Karić

The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of cultivar and covering with nonwoven agrotextile on vegetative growth parameters and the productivity value of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.). A field experiment was conducted during the 2018 growing season, at the experimental field of the Biotechnical Faculty in Ljubljana (46° 04′ N latitude; 14° 31′ E longitude, 305 m above sea level). The soil was gravel clay with a pH of 6.7, and a soil depth of 40–60 cm. The research involved the following Slovenian cultivars of sweet potatoes: Lučka, Janja, and Martina. Distance between rows was 1.2 m, while in-row distance was 1.4 m. The experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with plots arranged factorially and replicated four times. The seedlings were planted on 20 May. A half of the plots were covered with polypropylene nonwoven textile (17 g/m2). The uncovered half of the plots served as control plots. The recommended cultural practices were performed as needed during the experiment. The temperature under the covers was on average 5.5 °C higher than in the unprotected area. The crops were harvested 132 days after planting. Covering significantly and positively affected vegetative growth – that is the height of the vines, leaf number, leaf area index, and haulm dry weight. In contrast, the nonwoven polypropylene cover had no significant effect on the number of branches per crop. The use of agrotextile significantly increased tuber length and diameter, tuber number, tuber weight, and total yield in comparison with traditional cultivation with no plant cover. Statistical analysis showed that cv. Janja had the significantly higher yield (7.49 t/ha) compared to cv. Lučka (6.68 t/ha) and cv. Martina (6.16 t/ha).

Nahla Osmanbegovic, Vijaya Chandgude, S. Bankar, M. Louhi-Kultanen

: The suspension freeze crystallization of aqueous 1-butanol solutions, synthetic acetone-butanol-ethanol (ABE) solutions, and ABE fermentation broth was studied as a novel concentration method that requires less energy than evaporation for water removal. The equimolar aqueous ABE solutions in a total molality range of 0 − 5.05 mol/kg (water) were proven to be ideal solutions based on the freezing point depression obtained. An aqueous solution of 8 wt % 1-butanol and three different types of aqueous ABE solutions (3:8:1:88 ABEW, 6:16:2:76 ABEW, and 10:17:2:71 ABEW (wt %)) were concentrated for 80 min by suspension freeze crystallization in a subcooling range from 0.24 to 1.15 ° C. Freeze crystallization enabled 1-butanol separation from the generated mother liquor, which split into two liquid phases after ice separation, i.e., a water-enriched phase and a 1-butanol-enriched phase. Ice yield values were higher for higher subcooling degrees and higher initial water content in the feed solutions. 1-Butanol yields separated from the mother liquors were 9.85%, 59.46%, and 22.46% for 3:8:1:88 ABEW, 6:16:2:76 ABEW, and 10:17:2:71 ABEW, respectively, whereas two-stage freeze crystallization of the fermentation broths resulted in water removal with a maximum relative percentage of 29.5%.

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) are incredibly common and are often related to work load. For any occupational or public health intervention, injury prevention is preferred to injury treatment. Occupational health and injury prevention research has the potential to help mitigate MSD in the workplace. The aim of this study was to determine how the work demands of ski instructors may affect the health of their musculoskeletal system. Material and Methods A cross-sectional study involved the participation of 87 ski instructors (age = 34.61 ±10.67) in Bosnia and Herzegovina (ATUS in Bosnia and Herzegovina). Observed variables were the prevalence of MSD measured using a modified Nordic questionnaire about injuries during the previous ski season (neck, shoulders, elbows, wrist, upper back, lower back, one or both hips, one or both knees, and ankle). Means and standard deviations for each of the variables were calculated, and differences between genders were examined using an independent sample t-test. Results Prevalence of MSDs in ski instructors was most common in neck (13.8%), shoulders (12.6%), elbows (4.6%), wrist (9.2%), upper back (10.3%), lower back (46.0%), one or both hips (9.2%), one or both knees (29.9%), and ankle (9.2%). The results showed statistically significant differences in MSD between genders in the neck (p=.034); shoulders (p=.017); upper back (p=.027); one or both knees (p=.003) and in the ankle joint (p=.011).

Denis Čaušević, Semir Mašić, Ivor Doder, Kęstutis Matulaitis, Seth Spicer, Ahmed Gawash

Background. As basketball constantly evolves, physical performance becomes more and more important. Physical fitness assessments are the most reliable way to find out at what level a basketball player is prepared to perform. Therefore, the main aim of this research was to determine if the speed, agility and power of under-16-year- old (U16) basketball players is related to their playing positions. Methods. The study included (n = 40) young basketball (aged 14.99 ± 0.84 years) players. The variables included height, body mass, body mass index (BMI), fat-free mass (FFM), the percentage of body fat (BF%), the counter movement jump (CMJ), counter movement jump with free arms (CMJ free arms), squat jump (SJ), 5m, 10m, 15m and 20m sprints, T-test, Illinois test and 505 test. Results. The results showed that centers are taller and heavier than other positions, while the speed, agility and power of forwards are greater than other positions. Conclusions. At the youth basketball level there are differences in anthropometric and physical fitness testing results between positions. This supports the fact that athletes may be more likely to be selected for a given position based on how their anthropometric and athletic abilities pair with the demands of a given position.

Semir Mašić, Denis Čaušević, Nedim Čović, Seth Spicer, Ahmed Gawash

Background: The positive effects of static stretching exercises (SS) on physical fitness and rehabilitation are well established, but the effect on general health and physical fitness, including muscle function, flexibility, and activities of daily living at the individual level are less well understood. Objectives: The objective of this systematic review was to compile the latest research on the effects of SS on general health and different occupational groups with regards to improving or maintaining general health. Search Methods: This review was registered on PROSPERO and followed PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, MEDLINE-Online medical articles, and Science Direct databases were searched from 2010 to 2022 (including 2022) using the search string ‘static stretching effects OR muscle stretching exercises AND rehabilitation AND injury prevention’.Selection criteria: Inclusion criteria: (1) research questions relating to the positive impact of SS on health status, (2) a sample of subjects that included healthy adults, the elderly, pregnant women, and people in the rehabilitation process. Exclusion Criteria: (1) studies related to the positive/negative impact of SS on muscle performance, (2) inappropriate methods of performing SS, (3) a sample of subjects formed exclusively from professional athletes, (4) studies that had an additional exercise protocol in addition to SS. Main Results: The database search yielded 799 articles of which 20 remained after elimination according to the selection criteria. The articles found that the effect of SS, regardless of the protocol used or whether it is active or passive, has a positive effect on the health status of the subjects. SS can reduce work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD), improve respiratory muscle function in patients after a stroke with hemiparesis, improve lung function in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and can be used in pregnancy to reduce the risk or pre- eclampsia. Conclusion: SS is an effective and safe method for improving flexibility and ROM, preventing muscle atrophy, enhancing physical functioning, and improving quality of life with minimal risk of injury.

F. Serdarevic, Mannan Luo, Irma Karabegović, A. Binter, S. Alemany, Ryan L Mutzel, M. Guxens, M. Bustamante et al.

ABSTRACT Lower fine motor performance in childhood has been associated with poorer cognitive development and neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism spectrum disorder, yet, biological underpinnings remain unclear. DNA methylation (DNAm), an essential process for healthy neurodevelopment, is a key molecular system of interest. In this study, we conducted the first epigenome-wide association study of neonatal DNAm with childhood fine motor ability and further examined the replicability of epigenetic markers in an independent cohort. The discovery study was embedded in Generation R, a large population-based prospective cohort, including a subsample of 924 ~ 1026 European-ancestry singletons with available data on DNAm in cord blood and fine motor ability at a mean (SD) age of 9.8 (0.4) years. Fine motor ability was measured using a finger-tapping test (3 subtests including left-, right-hand and bimanual), one of the most frequently used neuropsychological instruments of fine motor function. The replication study comprised 326 children with a mean (SD) age of 6.8 (0.4) years from an independent cohort, the INfancia Medio Ambiente (INMA) study. Four CpG sites at birth were prospectively associated with childhood fine motor ability after genome-wide correction. Of these, one CpG (cg07783800 in GNG4) was replicated in INMA, showing that lower levels of methylation at this site were associated with lower fine motor performance in both cohorts. GNG4 is highly expressed in the brain and has been implicated in cognitive decline. Our findings support a prospective, reproducible association between DNAm at birth and fine motor ability in childhood, pointing to GNG4 methylation at birth as a potential biomarker of fine motor ability.

J. Vojinović, I. Foeldvari, J. Dehoorne, V. Panavienė, G. Sušić, G. Horneff, V. Staņēvicha, K. Kobusińska et al.

OBJECTIVES CLIPPER2 was an 8-year, open-label extension of the phase 3 b, 2-year CLIPPER study on the safety and efficacy of etanercept in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), categorized as extended oligoarticular arthritis (eoJIA), enthesitis-related arthritis (ERA), or psoriatic arthritis (PsA). METHODS Participants with eoJIA (2-17 years old), ERA, or PsA (each 12-17 years old) who received ≥1 etanercept dose (0.8 mg/kg weekly; maximum 50 mg) in CLIPPER could enter CLIPPER2. Primary end point was occurrence of malignancy. Efficacy assessments included proportions achieving JIA American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 30/50/70/90/100 criteriaand ACR inactive disease criteria, and clinical remission (ACR criteria) or Juvenile Arthritis Disease Activity Score (JADAS) ≤1. RESULTS Overall, 109/127 (86%) CLIPPER participants entered CLIPPER2 (n = 55 eoJIA, n = 31 ERA, n = 23 PsA; 99 [78%] on active treatment); 84 (66%) completed 120 months' follow-up (32 [25%] on active treatment). One malignancy (Hodgkin's disease in 18-year-old patient with eoJIA treated with methotrexate for 8 years) was reported; there were no cases of active tuberculosis or deaths. Numbers and incidence rates [events per 100 patient-years] of TEAEs (excluding infections/ISRs) decreased from 193 [173.81] in Year 1-9 [27.15] in Year 10; TE infections and serious infections also decreased. Over 45% of participants (N = 127) achieved JIA ACR50 responses from Month 2 onwards; 42 (33%) and 17 34 (27%) participants achieved JADAS and ACR clinical remission, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Etanercept treatment up to 10 years was well tolerated, consistent with the known safety profile, with durable response in the participants still on active treatment. The benefit-risk assessment of etanercept in these JIA categories remains favorable. CLINICALTRIALS.GOV IDS CLIPPER (NCT00962741); CLIPPER2 (NCT01421069).

Enes Šunje, Ekrem Čolakhodžić, Alma Isaković, Irena Bjelica

The aim of this research was to determine the effects of a six-week preparatory period on the development of speed and agility in female soccer players of “Emina” Women’s Soccer Team of Mostar (n=18), who competed in the Premier League of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the season 2021/22. In the research, variables were applied to determine the basic characteristics of female soccer players: Age (years), Height (cm), Mass (kg), BMI (kg/m2), to assess speed ability: Sprint 5m (s), 10m (s), 20m (s) and agility: 10x5 m test (s), Zig-Zag test (s) and 505 test (s). The average age of female soccer players was 21.27 ± 4.57 years, average height 167.2 cm ± 5.82 cm and average weight 60.4 kg ± 7.36 kg. The dependent samples T-test was run to determine the statistical significance of the differences in arithmetic means between the initial and final measurements. The reported results of the T-test showed that after the six-week preparatory period, the test subjects had a lower mass (t=3.027; df=17; sig.= 0.008; p≤ 0.05) and BMI (t=2.253; df=17; sig.= 0.038; p≤ 0.05). Statistically significant differences at the level of p≤ 0.05, after the program had been completed, were reported for the agility tests 10x5m (t=3.125; df=17; sig.=0.006) and 505 test (t=3.028; df=17; sig.= 0.008). In other variables, positive changes were reported, but they were not statistically significant at the p≤ 0.05 level. We concluded that the six-week preparatory period program produced statistically significant changes in the area of ​​agility and that the training should focus more on improving speed and speed endurance in the given sample of female football players.

Lejla Šebić, Alma Suhonić, Erol Kovačević, Nedim Čović, Izet Bajramović

Insufficient physical activity and sedentary lifestyle have exposed most of the population with chronicle diseases, to higher risk of infection of COVID-19, with extremely severe consequences and exhausting and long recovery after the illness. Regular physical activity, as one way of prevention and faster recovery from COVID-19, is an important priority for improvement health and quality of life in people. The aim of this paper is to determine the connection between regular physical activity of the population with the presence of symptoms and duration of recovery from COVID-19. Total number of subjects was 100 people of both genders (male 32 and female 68) of younger age (age: 30-44) without existing chronicle diseases and healed from COVID. Data of regularity of exercising, symptoms, and recovery period were obtained by survey of this study: Active group of subjects (A=53) in continuity at least 3 months, two times a week, 60 minutes and Inactive group (N=47), who never exercised, nor they are physically active. Chi-square test was used (χ2 test differences between groups), to determine differences of extensive frequencies. Results of the research showed that there are statistically significant differences between two groups (p0.001) on the behalf of group with active subjects, in terms of severity of symptoms of COVID-19 and their recovery lasted shorter than in inactive group of subjects. Study shows that regular physical exercise has significant impact on human body and is important factor of enhancing immune system, which enables faster recovery and easier dealing with symptoms of COVID-19.

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