Beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) is a plant grown for its roots, which are used to obtain sugar, feed animals, and for human use. Beetroot skin, a by-product of food processing, is a significant source of bioactive compounds, including dietary fiber and antioxidants. The primary objective of this work was to utilize beetroot skin powder to produce value-added nougat. Analytical methods, like antioxidant activity tests, proximate analysis, and sensory assessments, are used to determine the impact of beetroot skin powder on the final product. The beetroot skin powder extract had a remarkable content of phytochemicals and antioxidant activity. The inhibitory effect of the extract was tested on enzymes linked to metabolic syndrome, oxidative stress, and inflammation. The beetroot skin powder extract inhibited α-glucosidase, α-amylase, lipase, and lipoxygenase enzymes. The characterization of value-added nougat illustrates the multifunctionality of beetroot peel powder within its composition, serving as a significant source of natural compounds with antioxidant, coloring, and flavoring properties. This enhances sensory attributes, including color, aroma, and texture, augmenting product diversity and consumer appeal. This is evidenced by the increase in the total content of betalains (3.77 ± 0.09 mg/g DW.) and polyphenols (69.48 ± 2.88 mg GAE/100 g DW.), which lead to high antioxidant activity (73.89 ± 3.65 mM Trolox/100 g DW.) for the nougat sample with 6% added beetroot powder. Thus, beetroot skin powder replaced chemically synthesized additives with antioxidants and natural pigments, improving life quality and implicitly capitalizing on beetroot processing by-products, supporting circular economy principles at the global level.

Abstract In the context of increasing challenges in the fight against financial crime, this paper analyzes the significance of forensic accounting in identifying suspicious transactions within the financial sector, with the aim of strengthening efforts to combat money laundering in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). Money laundering is a complex form of financial crime that can be committed by individuals or large organizations. This form of financial crime is known from individuals to large organizations, and over time, different methodologies for carrying it out have developed. The detection and prevention of money laundering and the financing of terrorist activities in BiH are regulated by the Law on the Prevention of Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorist Activities (“Official Gazette of BiH,” No. 13/24), as well as the Rulebook on the Implementation of the Law on the Prevention of Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorist Activities (“Official Gazette of BiH,” No. 41/15 and 24/23). This paper aims to identify weaknesses in the financial and regulatory oversight systems in BiH. It also explores the level of understanding of forensic accounting techniques and money laundering mechanisms within organizations in the country, and assesses their impact on the overall effectiveness of anti-money laundering efforts.

This manuscript reports the synthesis and characterization of 19 novel heterostilbene carbamates, designed as selective butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibitors with potential applications in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders, particularly Alzheimer’s disease. The compounds were synthesized from resveratrol analogs, and their structures were confirmed by NMR spectroscopy, high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS), and single-crystal X-ray diffraction for selected derivatives (compounds 1 and 4). In vitro assays demonstrated high selectivity toward BChE over acetylcholinesterase (AChE), with compound 16 exhibiting exceptional inhibitory activity (IC50 = 26.5 nM). Furthermore, compound 16 showed moderate anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting LPS-stimulated TNF-α production in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. In silico ADME(T) profiling revealed favorable pharmacokinetic properties and low mutagenic potential for the majority of compounds. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations confirmed stable binding interactions within the BChE active site. These results highlight heterostilbene carbamates as promising lead structures for developing novel therapeutic agents targeting neurodegenerative diseases.

Objectives To examine the association between cigarette price increase and youth smoking initiation in Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H), and to assess additional factors—including parental smoking, peer influence, pocket money, anti-tobacco media exposure and smoking in school environments—that potentially affect smoking initiation among adolescents. Design A pseudopanel study using WHO Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) data from two compatible surveys conducted in 2018 (Republic of Srpska) and 2019 (Federation of B&H). A split-population duration model was employed to estimate the hazard of youth smoking initiation. Setting Primary and secondary schools across two entities in B&H, covering both urban and rural areas. Participants A total of 9702 students aged 13–15 years completed the surveys. Inclusion criteria involved being enrolled in grades 7–9 of primary school or the first year of secondary school. No additional exclusion criteria were applied beyond incomplete or invalid survey responses. Interventions None. Primary outcome measure Self-reported smoking initiation, defined as having tried or experimented with cigarette smoking, even one or two puffs. Results A 10% increase in cigarette prices was associated with a 4.9% reduction in the probability of youth smoking initiation (price elasticity of −0.491, p<0.001). Exposure to antitobacco media messages was linked to a lower likelihood of smoking initiation. Conversely, parental smoking, peer influence, observing smoking within school premises and having greater disposable pocket money all showed significant positive associations with youth smoking initiation. Conclusions Raising cigarette prices constitutes an effective measure to discourage smoking initiation among youth in B&H, operating both directly and indirectly through reductions in parental and peer smoking. Nonetheless, non-price factors play a substantial role, highlighting the complexity of adolescent smoking behaviour and the necessity for a comprehensive, multifaceted tobacco control strategy. Trial registration Not applicable (observational study).

Neuroinvasive arboviruses such as tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), West Nile virus (WNV), Usutu virus (USUV), and Toscana virus (TOSV) have (re-)emerged with increasing incidence and geographic range. We analyzed the epidemiology of arboviral infections in Croatia during the 2024 transmission season. A total of 154 patients with neuroinvasive diseases (NID), 1596 horses, 69 dead birds, and 7726 mosquitoes were tested. Viral RNA was detected using RT-qPCR. IgM/IgG-specific antibodies were detected using commercial ELISA or IFA, with confirmation of cross-reactive samples by virus neutralization test. RT-qPCR-positive samples were Sanger sequenced. Arboviral etiology was confirmed in 33/21.42% of patients with NID. WNV was most frequently detected (17/11.03%), followed by TBEV (10/6.49%), USUV (5/3.24%), and TOSV (1/0.64%). WNV infections were reported in regions previously known as endemic, while in one continental county, WNV was recorded for the first time. USUV infections re-emerged after a six-year absence. In addition to human cases, acute WNV infections were recorded in 11/395 (2.78%) of horses and two dead crows. WNV IgG seropositivity was detected in 276/1168 (23.63%) and TBEV IgG seropositivity in 68/428 (15.88%) horses. None of the tested mosquito pools were positive for WNV and USUV RNA. Phylogenetic analysis showed the circulation of WNV lineage 2 and Usutu Europe 2 lineage. Climate conditions in 2024 in Croatia were classified as extremely warm, which could, at least in part, impact the quite intense arboviral season. The spreading of flaviviruses in Croatia highlights the need for continuous surveillance in humans, animals, and vectors (“One Health”).

The severity and frequency of short-term but highly damaging urban floods have increased in recent years worldwide and have been caused by climate change. The casualties of urban floods are usually not high, but the material damage and economic losses can be quite significant due to the population density of these areas and the various economic activities concentrated in urban regions. For this reason, this type of flooding is always catastrophic. This paper explores the impact of urban flooding on the tourism infrastructure in Bihać using the multi-criteria ArcGIS analysis. The results show that 55.8% of the studied area is at a low elevation and has gentle slopes, making it particularly susceptible to flooding. Annual precipitation reaches up to 1,305 mm, with 35–38% of the total rainfall recorded in the urban centre of Bihać, where the key tourism infrastructure is located. The buffer zone analysis revealed that most hospitality and accommodation facilities are situated within 20 to 100 meters of the Una River’s shoreline, making them directly vulnerable during seasonal floods. Despite this, the number of tourist arrivals has been steadily increasing – from 33,433 arrivals in 2021 to 48,330 in 2023, with foreign tourists accounting for 60% of all visitors. The research findings highlight the need for the implementation of precise spatial plans and protective measures to reduce the negative impact of floods on tourism trends in this city.

In the modern business environment, big data analytics and data mining techniques are increasingly recognized as tools for improving fiscal discipline and more efficient management of public revenues. This paper explores the possibility of applying the knowledge discovery process from databases to detect patterns of financial behavior that may indicate tax non-compliance. A quantitative approach based on the analysis of secondary data from ten joint-stock companies from the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, for which financial statements and tax debt data are available, was used. The relationship between key financial indicators (EPS, financial stability ratio, total asset turnover ratio and debt ratio) and the amount of tax debt was examined using descriptive statistics and regression analysis. The results show that lower profitability and poorer financial stability significantly correlate with higher tax debt, while high operational efficiency and debt have a more complex and statistically marginal impact. The findings confirm the possibility of using publicly available financial data for early identification of risky taxpayers, which opens up space for further development of predictive models in the domain of tax analytics.