Many heavy metals (HMs) are essential micronutrients for the growth and development of plants. However, human activities such as mining, smelting, waste disposal, and industrial processes have led to toxic levels of HMs in soil. Fortunately, many plant species have developed incredible adaptive mechanisms to survive and thrive in such harsh environments. As a widespread and ruderal species, Geranium robertianum L. inhabits versatile soil types, both polluted and unpolluted. Considering the ubiquity of G . robertianum , the study aimed to determine whether geographically distant populations can tolerate HMs. We collected soil and plant samples from serpentine, an anthropogenic heavy metal contaminated, and a non-metalliferous site to study the physiological state of G. robertianum . HMs in soil and plants were determined using flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Spectrophotometric methods were used to measure the total content of chlorophylls a and b, total phenolics, phenolic acids, flavonoids, and proline. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to investigate the potential correlation between HMs concentrations gathered from various soil types and plant samples and biochemical data acquired for plant material. A statistically significant difference was observed for all localities regarding secondary metabolite parameters. A positive correlation between Ni and Zn in soil and Ni and Zn in plant matter was observed ( p <0.0005) indicating higher absorption. Regardless of high concentrations of heavy metals in investigated soils, G. robertianum displayed resilience and was capable of thriving. These results may be ascribed to several protective mechanisms that allow G. robertianum to express normal growth and development and act as a pioneer species.

We develop an algorithm to control an underactuated unmanned surface vehicle (USV) using kinodynamic motion planning with funnel control (KDF). KDF has two key components: motion planning used to generate trajectories with respect to kinodynamic constraints, and funnel control, also referred to as prescribed performance control (PPC), which enables trajectory tracking in the presence of uncertain dynamics and disturbances. We extend PPC to address the challenges posed by underactuation and control input saturation present on the USV. The proposed scheme guarantees stability under user-defined prescribed performance functions where model parameters and exogenous disturbances are unknown. Furthermore, we present an optimization problem to obtain smooth, collision-free trajectories while respecting kinodynamic constraints. We deploy the algorithm on a USV and verify its efficiency in real-world open-water experiments.

The effects of diabetes can be divided into short, medium and long term and various human organ systems can be effected. The present study aimed to determine how much the duration of diabetes mellitus (DM) affect the reparative ability of the body, immune response and the development of DM complications. Interleukin 1-β (IL-1β) and Interleukin 6 (IL-6) were monitored as specific indicators of inflammatory reaction and C-reactive protein (CRP), leukocyte count (WBC) and sedimentation rate (ESR) as general markers of inflammatory reaction. Tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) were observed as indicators of reparative ability and polyneuropathy. All interleukins were determined by ELISA and evaluated spectrophotometrically. Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI) is performed for neuropathy examination. Patients with diabetes mellitus were divided into 3 groups, according to duration of diabetes mellitus. IL-6 levels correlated with clinical stage of diabetic polyneuropathy at p  = 0.025 R  = 0.402; with CRP at p  = 0.0001, R  = 0.784 as well as correlation of CRP and MNSI score ( R  = 0.500, p  = 0.034) in a group of patients with DM lasting up to 10 years. The reparative ability of the body is reduced by physiological age and ages of DM duration. The immune response is weakened in DM additionally. The dual activity of cytokines IL-6 and TGF-β1 is present in long-duration Diabetes Mellitus.

The goal of this prospective longitudinal study was to explore whether co-occurrent internalizing difficulties and aggression in early childhood convey increased risk for later mental health problems in middle childhood. Participants were mothers from the Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort Study (MoBa), who provided assessments of child internalizing difficulties and aggression at ages 3 years (n = 54,644; 26,750 girls) and 5 years (n = 38,177; 18,794 girls), as measures of child depressive, anxiety, conduct-related, and oppositional defiant (OD) symptoms at age 8 years. Using latent profile analyses (LPA) of internalizing difficulties and aggression, four profiles were identified: low-symptom/normative; primarily internalizing; primarily aggressive; and co-occurrent. Among the other results, the co-occurrent group exhibited the highest levels of depressive, anxiety, and oppositional defiant symptoms at 8 years. Most children (78%) remained stable in their profile between ages 3 and 5 years. Among the transition patterns that emerged, transitions were observed both from the normative to a risk profile and vice versa. Children who remained stable within the co-occurrent profile or who transitioned from the co-occurrent profile to one of the other two risk profiles also exhibited more depressive, anxiety, and OD symptoms at 8 years of age, when compared with children who transitioned from the co-occurrent to the normative profile. The heterogeneity between early manifestation of internalizing difficulties and aggression, and specific type of later mental health symptoms not only supports a shared etiology between internalizing and externalizing difficulties but also points toward the need for person-centered monitoring in early childhood with further implications for early identification of difficulties and preventive measures.

Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) has difficulty integrating and moving closer to the goal of becoming a member of the European Union (EU). From the legal perspective, the main issue is the need to fulfil the accession criteria. The article aims to examine the relationship between the obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights and Basic Freedoms (ECHR) and the obligations related to the European Union (EU) accession process, with emphasis on Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) as an EU membership candidate country. At first sight, those two obligations are separate. However, upon close examination, a strong link between those two obligations can be established using normative research with a historical approach, statute and case-based approach. On the other hand, the constitutional system of B&H has been described as discriminatory by numerous judgments of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) and, most prominently, by the Sejdic-Finci case. B&H has difficulties implementing those judgments. Implementing those judgments is also set as one of the requirements of EU accession. Even if the two obligations seem separate at first sight, the ECHR has a special position within the law of the EU and is especially important in the accession of new Member States, including B&H. The research results show a special position of the ECHR in EU law and a link between the obligations under the ECHR and EU accession.

This paper discusses the problem of the appearance of the Serb ethnonym in the Balkans, as evidenced in the ninth-century Frankish Royal Annals and the mid-tenth-century Byzantine treaty De Administrando Imperio. Written evidence is analysed together with available archaeological information in order to criticize currently dominating ideas concerning the Serb migration in the seventh century, as well as to offer different perspectives on the origins of the early medieval Serb ethnonym in the Balkans.

<p style="text-align: justify;">There are many ways to accomplish optimization of machining process. In the experimental part of this paper, the optimization of machining process is accomplished from the aspect of cutting conditions, which are independent variables (speed, feed, and cutting depth), whereas the dependent variables refer to the surface roughness, more precisely, arithmetic average of surface heights and resultant cutting force, including<br />main cutting force, feed force and thrust force. Once the matrix of the experimental plan has been created, on the basis of a complete multifactor plan with eight points, with previously determined upper, middle and lower levels of cutting parameters for turning, the experiment followed. Once the results of surface roughness were measured by perthometer, as well as results of cutting forces by dynamometer, the optimization of<br />machining process was treated by means of predetermined methodologies,<br />described in this paper.</p>

  Silver fir is one of the most important tree species not only in Bosnia and Herzegowina, but also in whole Europe. For natural regeneration of fir the most important factors are site condition, share of fir in stand and tree species composition. The aim of this study was to determine if there are statistical important differences in the number of seedlings and height increment at different competition sitations between adult trees. Study area was located at mount Bjelašnica. Data were colected on circular plots with a radius of 12.62m for trees with dbh above 5 cm, and radius 3m for regeneration layer. The competition is expressed using Hegyis competition index, where for calculation a dominant tree from each quadrant was used. We analysed total number of fir individuals in regeneration layer and height increment for categories 50-130 cm height and 0.1-5 cm dbh. The results showed that there are no statistically significant differences in the number of for seedlings at different values of the Hegye index. Statistically significant differences were found in terms of height increment. Height increment decreased with increasing competition between trees.

This paper presents data on the diversity and distribution of Balkan endemic vascular plants on the Konjuh Mountain in northeastern Bosnia and Herzegovina. Konjuh is characterized by geological heterogeneity and a significant proportion of ophiolitic substrate, which supports the development of endemic-relict serpentinophytes. A total of 31 endemic and four subendemic taxa were recorded in the surveyed area. Among these, Caryophyllaceae, with five recorded endemic taxa, is the most abundant family. The analysis of life forms and chorological spectra showed a dominance of hemicryptophytes and taxa from the South European and Mediterranean-Sub-Mediterranean chorological groups. The majority of endemic and relict taxa in the surveyed area are serpentinophytes. A total of 18 recorded taxa are listed as threatened according to the Red List of Flora of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The species findings are presented with a distribution map. The distribution range of endemic and endangered taxa in Konjuh extends beyond the protected area. The results provide a list of locations of particular interest for further research and potential protection due to the diversity of endemic taxa.

Simple Summary Peptides are ubiquitous molecules abundantly found in nature, and their diverse functions and biological activities have been extensively examined over the years. In the past, in vitro and in vivo biological effects of flaxseed oil have been well-examined and reported in numerous studies. However, the effects of many individual components from the flaxseed are yet to be examined. Cyclolinopeptides (CLPs), one of the components, have gained significant attention due to their cyclic nature and hydrophobic properties. CLPs are isolated from flaxseed and typically consist of eight, nine, or ten amino acid residues. Experimental investigations into the biological activities of CLPs began in the 1980s and early 1990s, revealing their potential therapeutic applications. In recent years, particularly, there has been interest in examining the anticancer effect of CLPs. Diverse bioactivities and potential therapeutic CLPs aspects seek novel approaches and further investigation to maximize utility. Abstract Novel therapeutic agents to combat cancer is an active area of research, as current treatment options have limitations in efficacy and tolerability. One of these therapeutic agents in our immediate environment is cyclolinopeptides (CLPs). CLPs have several advantages that make them suitable for daily consumption and potential therapeutics in cancer research. They are natural compounds, having high specificity, low toxicity, low cost, and an overall simple extraction process. Over the years, numerous in vitro studies in cancer cells demonstrated CLPs to possess anti-proliferative, apoptotic, and anti-angiogenic effects, as well as the ability to induce cell cycle arrest and inhibit cancer cell growth in various cancer types, including breast cancer, gastric cancer, and melanoma. This paper provides an overview of the significance and potential of CLPs as therapeutic agents, emphasizing their promising role in cancer treatment based on different cancer cell lines. The mechanism of action of CLPs in cancer cells is multifaceted. It involves the modulation of multiple signaling pathways, including inhibition of protein kinases, modulation of apoptosis-related proteins, and regulation of oxidative stress and inflammation.

A higienização deficitária das próteses e dentes é uma das principais causas para o insucesso na reabilitação com próteses parciais removíveis a grampos (PPRG), visto que acarreta o aparecimento de lesões, como cárie, doença periodontal, estomatiteprotética, e hiperplasia inflamatória. O Projeto Prevenção em Prótese Removível (PPPR), fundado em 2014, na Universidade Federal do Ceará, tem como finalidade difundir o conhecimento acerca da higiene bucal e prevenção de doenças bucais, sobretudo para pacientes da Disciplina de Prótese Parcial Removível. Atualmente, o PPPR ampliou seu exercício atuando também em ambulatório endócrino, de transplante hepático e de transplante renal do Hospital Universitário Walter Cantídio. O projeto promove semanalmente reuniões, seminários internos, ações de educação em saúde nos ambulatórios e postagens de materiais de estudo nas redes sociais, além de ofertar, ao final de cada semestre, oficinas de prevenção com os pacientes da Disciplina de prótese parcial removível. O PPPR já realizou dois ciclos de palestras abertos aos acadêmicos e possui pesquisas laboratoriais e clínicas em andamento. Dado o exposto, as atividades promovidas pelo projeto têm contribuídosignificativamente para o engajamento, informação e autonomia dos pacientes acerca de sua higiene, saúde oral e cuidados com a prótese, tal como para odesenvolvimento profissional dos membros e comunidade acadêmica.

Ankylosing spondylitis is a serious ailment that affects people, and the first signs or symptoms usually occurr between the ages of 15 and 45. While the condition is mostly prevalent in men, women are not immune to this disease. This problem is diagnosed with a combination of clinical history and X-rays, pathology and HLAB27 test. The aim of this case study is to demonstrate how macroscopic and microscopic analysis can be used for identification of the disease from a forensic point of view. In April 2018, we exhumed 11 remains near the city Višegrad, twenty-five years after the last war. All the remains were completely skeletonized. The skeleton of a female was specific and shaped like a bamboo branch, with a partial knitting of vertebral bodies in the lumbar region of spine and with total knitting in the thoracic part. The spinous processes were completely knitted. Her son gave informations for verbal autopsy that she had trouble walking and doing normal activities during life. Samples for analysis and pathological diagnostics were used to determine the real bone condition for forensic purposes. To our best knowledge our case is first one in the literature which combines macroscopic and microscopic analysis of AK in exhumed skeletal remains after 25 years of death in modern era of Europe.

Improving postural control in older adults is necessary for reducing fall risk, and prefrontal cortex activation may also play a role. We sought to examine the impact of exercise interventions on postural control and prefrontal cortex activation during standing balance tasks. We hypothesized that balance would improve and prefrontal control would be reduced. We assessed a subset of participants enrolled in a randomized trial of two exercise interventions. Both groups completed strength and endurance training and the experimental treatment arm included training on timing and coordination of stepping. Postural control and prefrontal cortex activation were measured during dual-task standing balance tasks before and after the intervention. Eighteen participants in the standard strengthening and mobility training arm and 16 in the timing and coordination training arm were included. We examined pre- to post-intervention changes within each study arm, and compared them between interventions. Results did not show any pre- to post-intervention changes on standing postural control nor prefrontal cortex activation in either arm. In addition, there were no differences between the two intervention arms in either balance or prefrontal activation. While exercise interventions can improve mobility, we do not demonstrate evidence of improved standing balance or prefrontal control in standing.

The evolving customer demands have significantly influenced the operational landscape of agricultural companies, including the transformation of their supply chains. As a response, many organizations are increasingly adopting green supply chain practices. This paper focuses on the initial step of selecting a green supplier, using the case study of the Semberka Company. The objective is to align the company with customer requirements and market trends. Expert decision making, grounded in linguistic values, was employed to facilitate the transformation of these values into fuzzy numbers and subsequently derive rough number boundaries. Ten economic-environmental criteria were identified, and six suppliers were evaluated against these criteria. The fuzzy rough LMAW (Logarithm Methodology of Additive Weights) method was employed to determine the criteria weights, with emphasis placed on the quality criterion. The fuzzy rough MABAC (Multi-Attributive Border Approximation Area Comparison) method was then utilized to rank the suppliers and identify the top performer. The validity of the results was established through validation techniques and sensitivity analysis. This research contributes a novel approach to green supplier selection, employing the powerful tool of fuzzy rough sets. The flexible nature of this approach suggests its potential application in future investigations. The limitation of this study is more complicated calculations for the decision maker. However, this approach is adapted to human thinking and minimizes ambiguity and uncertainty in decision making, and in future research, it is necessary to combine this approach with other methods of multi-criteria analysis.