Cotoneaster integerrimus represents a multiploid and facultative apomictic system of widely distributed mountain populations. We used flow cytometry to determine genome size, ploidy level, and reproduction mode variation of the Balkan populations, supplemented by analysis of nuclear microsatellites in order to address: (i) geographic distribution and variation of cytotypes among the populations; (ii) variation of reproduction mode and the frequency of sexuality; (iii) pathways of endosperm formation among the sampled polyploids and their endosperm balance requirements; (iv) genotypic diversity and geographic distribution of clonal lineages of polyploids. The prevalence of apomictic tetraploid cytotype followed by sexual diploids and extremely rare triploids was demonstrated. This prevalence of tetraploids affected the populations’ structure composed from clonal genotypes with varying proportions. The co-occurrence of diploids and tetraploids generated higher cytotype, reproductive mode, and genotypic diversity, but mixed-ploidy sites were extremely rare. The endosperm imbalance facilitates the development and the occurrence of intermediate triploids in mixed-ploidy populations, but also different tetraploid lineages elsewhere with unbalanced endosperm. All these results showed that the South European populations of C. integerrimus have higher levels of cytotype and reproductive diversity compared to the Central European ones. Therefore, the South European populations can be considered as a potential reservoir of regional and global diversity for this species.

Abstract The electricity supplier, having direct contact with end consumers, has significant potential for contributing to the achievement of country’s strategic goals related to increasing the share of electricity production from renewable energy sources and promoting efficient use of electricity. This paper presents the concept of conducted analyses of energy efficiency at the customers of JP Elektroprivreda BH d.d. Sarajevo for the purpose of identifying consumers where it would be useful to apply some of the energy efficiency measures and/or peak load management, all for reducing electricity costs. The results of the analysis are presented in the paper. Special attention is given to the techno-economic analysis of the application of measures used to improve the energy efficiency. The results of the analyses show that the shortest payback period is achievable by adequate waste heat recovery in compressors and refrigeration systems, reactive power compensation, control of motor drives of pumps and fans, and the replacement of motors with a higher efficiency class.

Columnar microstructures are critical for obtaining good resistance switching properties in SiO x resistive random access memory (ReRAM) devices. In this work, the formation and structure of columnar boundaries are studied in sputtered SiO x layers. Using TEM measurements, we analyze SiO x layers in Me–SiO x –Mo heterostructures, where Me = Ti or Au/Ti. We show that the SiO x layers are templated by the Mo surface roughness, leading to the formation of columnar boundaries protruding from troughs at the SiO x /Mo interface. Electron energy-loss spectroscopy measurements show that these boundaries are best characterized as voids, which in turn facilitate Ti, Mo, and Au incorporation from the electrodes into SiO x . Density functional theory calculations of a simple model of the SiO 2 grain boundary and column boundary show that O interstitials preferentially reside at the boundaries rather than in the SiO 2 bulk. The results elucidate the nature of the SiO x microstructure and the complex interactions between the metal electrodes and the switching oxide, each of which is critically important for further materials engineering and the optimization of ReRAM devices.

Zbog svojih jedinstvenih i rijetkih kolekcija, Specijalne zbirke Nacionalne i univerzitetske biblioteke Bosne i Hercegovine (NUBBiH) su nezamjenjiv izvor za mnogostruke istraživačke projekte i naučne radove. Već dugi niz godina NUBBiH ulaže napor da putem svojih projekata naučnoj zajednici pobliže predstavi vrijedne kolekcije Specijalnih zbirki. Da bi se korisnicima osigurao brži i lakši pristup građi, a ujedno i zaštitili originalni dokumenti od njihovog daljeg propadanja, građa koja je obuhvaćena projektima digitalizira se i prezentira kroz Digitalne kolekcije NUBBiH. U ovom radu predstavit ćemo jedan takav projekt, a to je projekt zaštite i prezentacije Arhiva poljičkih isprava iz Zbirke Aleksandra Poljanića te ćemo prikazati dosadašnje rezultate, kao i krajnje ciljeve ovoga projekta. = The Special Collections of the National and University Library of Bosnia and Herzegovina (NULBIH) are an irreplaceable source for multiple research projects and scientific papers. For many years, NULBIH has been strengthening efforts to present values of Special Collections to the scientific community through its projects. To provide users with faster and easier access to the material, and at the same time to protect the original documents from their further deterioration, the materials covered by the projects are digitized and presented through the Digital Collections portal of the National and University Library of BIH. In this article, we will present the ongoing project “Protection and presentation of the Poljica Documents Archive from the Collection of Aleksandar Poljanić” and so far, the results and ultimate goals of this project.

Healthy and controlled immune response in COVID-19 is crucial for mild forms of the disease. Although CD8+ T cells play important role in this response, there is still a lack of studies showing the gene expression profiles in those cells at the beginning of the disease as potential predictors of more severe forms after the first week. We investigated a proportion of different subpopulations of CD8+ T cells and their gene expression patterns for cytotoxic proteins (perforin-1 (PRF1), granulysin (GNLY), granzyme B (GZMB), granzyme A (GZMA), granzyme K (GZMK)), cytokine interferon-γ (IFN-γ), and apoptotic protein Fas ligand (FASL) in CD8+ T cells from peripheral blood in first weeks of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Sixteen COVID-19 patients and nine healthy controls were included. The absolute counts of total lymphocytes (p = 0.007), CD3+ (p = 0.05), and CD8+ T cells (p = 0.01) in COVID-19 patients were significantly decreased compared to healthy controls. In COVID-19 patients in CD8+ T cell compartment, we observed lower frequency effector memory 1 (EM1) (p = 0.06) and effector memory 4 (EM4) (p < 0.001) CD8+ T cells. Higher mRNA expression of PRF1 (p = 0.05) and lower mRNA expression of FASL (p = 0.05) at the fifth day of the disease were found in COVID-19 patients compared to healthy controls. mRNA expression of PRF1 (p < 0.001) and IFN-γ (p < 0.001) was significantly downregulated in the first week of disease in COVID-19 patients who progressed to moderate and severe forms after the first week, compared to patients with mild symptoms during the entire disease course. GZMK (p < 0.01) and FASL (p < 0.01) mRNA expression was downregulated in all COVID-19 patients compared to healthy controls. Our results can lead to a better understanding of the inappropriate immune response of CD8+ T cells in SARS-CoV2 with the faster progression of the disease.

Abstract The main aim of this paper is to explore the factors determining Microfinance institutions (MFIs) self-sufficiency. The data on selected variables for this research were obtained from the public MIX Market Database and cover the year of 2017. The empirical model is constructed with application of a Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Logistic regression analysis. Sample is consisted of 342 MFIs from all around the world, with 21 independent variables grouped into eight factors/components, and OSS (operational self-sufficiency) as dependent variable. The obtained results suggest that higher revenue and MFIs profitability combined with decrease of credit risk lead to higher probability of MFI to be self-sufficient. These results also confirm widespread belief that MFIs will not be able to achieve their social goals without achieving sustainable profitability. In addition, results also confirm importance of MFIs core mission as with increase in outreach, probability of MFIs achieving self-sustainability also increases.

Abstract This paper explores the role of knowledge visualization in facilitating decision-making in cultural heritage management. The paper addresses the issue in the specific context of stećci - the tombstones from medieval Bosnia inscribed on the UNESCO world heritage list. Grounded in the distant reading paradigm, the paper introduces a series of visualizations of spatial, temporal, architectural, iconographical, epigraphical, and impact analyses of stećci data. Together, these visualizations should enable decision-makers to gain an enhanced understanding and knowledge of this important cultural heritage. In turn, this should help them make better decisions regarding their protection and promotion.

OBJECTIVES To test the influence of a bleaching procedure using 16% carbamide peroxide (CP) on the colour of composite materials and their consecutive subjection to discolouration in beverages. MATERIALS AND METHODS Nanocomposite Z550 (3M ESPE) and the microhybrid Z250 (3M ESPE) composite materials were selected for the research. 16% CP was applied to composite plates (15 samples each material) for seven hours a day for 14 days simulating at-home nightguard vital bleaching. The test samples were then divided randomly into three sub-groups and submerged in instant coffee, green tea and Coca Cola for 30 days. The control group (N=5) samples were kept in deionized water. Determination of the L*a*b* dimensions of colour of the polymerized discs was performed by calibrated spectrophotometer 24 hours later, after the bleaching procedure, and on days 7, 15 and 30 after immersion in the beverages. RESULTS After application of 16% CP, there were perceptible changes in the colour of both test materials, which did not exceed the boundaries of acceptability (ΔE<3.48). Coca-Cola did not cause discolouration of the tested composites, but coffee and tea changed their colour above the level of perceptibility already seven days after immersion. A statistically significant difference in the change in colour was established between the materials when they were immersed in coffee (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS 16% CP does not affect the basic colour of the composites. Immersion in a beverage led to an unacceptable change in the colour of both test materials in coffee and tea, primarily towards black. The greatest discolouration after bleaching was shown by Z550 when immersed in coffee.

Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability, which is a biologically based neurodevelopmental disorder that affects a child’s social interaction and communication skills. Core deficits are identified in two domains: social communication/interaction and restrictive, repetitive patterns of behavior. Children and youth with ASD have service needs in behavioral, educational, health, leisure, family support, and other areas. Autism is a set of heterogeneous neurodevelopmental conditions, characterized by inability to acquire social skills, repetitive behaviors and failure of speech and nonverbal communication development. Objective: To examine frequency, correlation and predictivity of communication and language skills of autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) children and their parents’ emotions. Methods: The sample consisted of 80 participants who are parents of children with ASD. The study was performed using a questionnaire made out for this research. Three groups of variables were analyzed: parental emotions variables; child’s communication variables, child’s language variables. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS, and included basic statistical parameters and multiple regression analysis. Results: The most common ways of communicate for children with ASD are: Allowing to cuddle; Recognizes familiar faces; and Makes it known when he needs help or wants an item. The most common language forms of children ASD are: Following simple instructions; Understanding connected words/phrases; Pronouncing single words; and Looking at when called by name. Parents of children with ASD expressed the greatest agreement with the following statements: “My child is more demanding than most other children”; “It seems to me that my child is very sensitive and easily upset”; “My child can’t do much of what he’s expected to know to do”, and “I often lack energy.” Conclusion: Parents of children with ASD proved that their children have significant delays in communication and language. Developed communication and language skills of the child with ASD are valid predictors of parents’ emotions/attitudes. Speech and language therapy work focused on developing the ASD child’s communication and language skills can be expected to improve parents’ emotions/attitudes.

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Background: Neurogenic stuttering is a subtype of acquired stuttering, and it is characterized by disfluencies associated with acquired brain damage. Objective: To provide an insight into pathophysiology, symptomatology, differential diagnosis, assessment, and treatment of neurogenic stuttering through a critical review of the literature. Methods: Studies published during the past and recent years were searched and analyzed on neurogenic stuttering. Results: Neurogenic stuttering is a complex disorder. The pathophysiological mechanism of neurogenic stuttering is not yet fully understood. It appears with several neurological diseases and conditions, and the use of some drugs. Differential diagnosis of neurogenic and psychogenic stuttering is a challenge for clinicians. Treatment usually requires a joint effort from speech therapists and doctors, most often neurologists Conclusion: Although research on neurogenic stuttering can be found in the literature, the complexity of this disorder still requires detailed monitoring and studying to provide the best treatment for patients.

The main goal of this paper is to determine the level of independence in performing daily activities in children and youth with cerebral palsy who are included in the regular education and rehabilitation program and to see their progress in relation to children and youth with cerebral palsy who are occasionally included or not included in the education and rehabilitation program. The research was conducted in the Center for Children with Multiple Disabilities "Koraci Nade (eng. Steps of Hope)" in Tuzla as well as in practice with the mobile team of the Centre. Total of 40 respondents were included. Respondents were divided into two groups: respondents who were included in the program and respondents who were occasionally or not at all included in the program. The results of the research indicate that the respondents who were included in the regular program of education and rehabilitation achieve better results in performing activities of everyday life in relation to the respondents who are occasionally or not at all included in the program. Key words: cerebral palsy, motor functioning, daily life activities, treatment

Abstract Background: Due to strong empirical evidence from different markets, existence of value premium became a financial theory standpoint. Although previous studies found that value stocks beat growth stocks in bearish and bullish markets, during the GFC, value stocks underperformed growth stocks. Objectives: This paper aims to examine the performance of value and growth stock portfolios after the GFC. Subjects of our analysis are constituent companies of the DJIA index, out of which portfolios of large-cap value and growth stocks have been constructed and evaluated. Methods/Approach: We measure the performance of stock portfolios, which are created based on the naïve diversification rule and random weighting approach. Statistical testing includes Levene’s homogeneity test, the Mann-Whitney U test, T-test, and the One-Sample T-test. Results: Growth stock portfolios outperform value stock portfolios after the GFC. The dominance of growth stock portfolios compared to value stock portfolios is significant, and the value premium disappears. Conclusions: Financial theory and investment management implications show that growth stocks have overtaken the dominance over value stocks since 2009. Causes might be in (1) expansionary monetary policy characterized by very low long-term interest rates and (2) high performance of the tech industry to which most growth stocks belong.