Aquatic ecosystems in riverine wetlands are important refuges and nurseries for freshwater biota. Given the significant global loss and degradation of wetlands, regular conservation assessments of these habitats, even in not easily accessible regions, are crucial for implementing effective management. Thus, developing cost-effective approaches for rapid ecological and conservation screening of water bodies in floodplains, such as the Danube, is a priority. One potential solution is the use of UAV-based (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) ecological indicators to complement existing monitoring frameworks. This paper aims to explore whether UAV-based macrophyte data can provide a more precise indication of the trophic state and conservation indices (assessed through fish and macroinvertebrate communities) of temperate wetland lentic ecosystems, compared to traditional field surveys. The fieldwork was conducted during the summer months of 2019 at 23 sampling sites within eight lentic water bodies located in three wetland areas along the Middle Danube in Serbia. Data on aquatic vegetation, fish, and macroinvertebrate communities, and samples for water quality analysis were collected simultaneously. UAV images were acquired using an RGB camera. Orthomosaics were processed using supervised object-based image (OBIA) classification to obtain a single vector layer with macrophyte functional groups and taxa. Macrophyte cover metrics obtained during the fieldwork and UAV data processing were correlated against water quality parameters and conservation indices calculated for fish and macroinvertebrate assemblages. The study demonstrated that UAV photogrammetry can provide relatively precise measurements of macrophyte cover characteristics compared to traditional plot-based monitoring methods, making it effective for assessing aquatic ecosystems. The analysis revealed that sites with high values of fish and macroinvertebrate conservation indices, optimal oxygen conditions, and mesotrophic states were associated with UAV orthomosaic polygons showing relatively high macrophyte functional diversity and a presence of floating-rooted species. Conversely, sites experiencing eutrophication and a poor oxygen regime with species-poor fish assemblages correlated positively with a higher cover of amphibian and free-floating vegetation, as well as filamentous algae. In conclusion, UAV photogrammetry offers a cost-effective method to monitor aquatic habitats along large river floodplains, including those that are not easily accessible.

Hospitals, as highly energy-intensive buildings, significantly contribute to a country's energy consumption and CO2 emissions. The study focuses on a hospital building in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and investigates the impact of selected energy renovation measures on hospital primary energy consumption and CO2 emissions. The main goal of this paper is to develop a mathematical model for establishing relationship between primary energy consumption and CO2 emissions (responses), and the three renovation measures (factors). The research uses dynamic simulation of the building's energy performance in Design Builder, validated with the actual energy consumption. Three energy renovation measures were considered in the study: installation of thermal insulation on external walls and flat roof, and the installation of a photovoltaic power plant. The Analysis of Variance and regression analysis were used to estimate factor effects, and to develop mathematical models. The analysis revealed that the installation of photovoltaic power plant on the roof and thermal insulation on the external walls had the most significant impact on reducing the building's primary energy consumption and CO2 emissions. Installation of insulation on the roof did not significantly affect these performances compared to the other two measures. Developed models are suitable for evaluation of potential for energy and CO2 savings through the implementation of energy efficiency measures. Study results can be extrapolated to all buildings within the same category, providing a valuable tool for energy efficiency planning in the healthcare sector.

Healthy eating in preschools is a very important but challenging goal that can benefit from an adequate institutional and system approach. Five years ago, the Ministry of Education and Culture in the Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina, adopted a policy for healthy eating in preschools in the form of a rulebook and standards, whose use was not mandatory. The aim of this research was to determine the practices, perceptions, and experiences of preschool personnel related to the implementation of the abovementioned rulebook and standards. We applied a qualitative research method and conducted six focus groups: three with teachers (n = 37) and three with managers in preschools (n = 19). The qualitative data were analyzed according to the Framework Method. We found that the practice of healthy eating in public preschool settings involves a certain number of facilitators and ongoing challenges. While there are no doubts that the existing rulebook and standards are facilitating efforts in establishing healthy eating in preschools, their implementation has not been an easy-going process, and they have encountered resistance that has appeared at several levels. The participants perceived cookers as resistant and “old-fashioned” in preparing meals, which was found to be a significant challenge that requires education training and ongoing supervision with support. Experiences with limited financial resources and rigid public procurement procedures make it difficult to obtain desired food items. All the participants agreed that long-term commitment is needed to achieve the full implementation of policy recommendations, together with tripartite and convergent education programs for personnel, parents, and children. Promoting proper nutrition in preschools requires a holistic approach that addresses both feasibility and attitudes toward policies, continuous education for staff, creative strategies for implementing new eating habits, and overcoming financial challenges. Collaboration with parents and community stakeholders is crucial in creating a supportive environment for healthy eating habits in preschool settings.

Ionization of atoms by a strong laser field can be described using the improved strong-field approximation. The corresponding transition amplitude of high-order above-threshold ionization is presented in the form of a two-dimensional integral over the electron ionization time t0 and the rescattering time t. This integral can be solved using the saddle-point (SP) method and the resulting T-matrix element is expressed as a sum (over the SP times t0 and t) of the partial transition amplitudes. We address the problem of finding the solutions of the system of SP equations for the times t0 and t. For a bichromatic linearly polarized laser field with the frequencies rω and sω (r and s are integers, s>r, and ω is the fundamental frequency) we found that there are 8s2 SP solutions per optical cycle. For one half of them the velocity of the electron emitted in the laser field polarization direction changes the sign at the rescattering time (we call such solutions backward-scattering solutions), while for the other half this velocity remains unchanged (these solutions we call forward-scattering SP solutions). For very short (or even negative) electron travel time we call these solutions backward-like and forward-like scattering SP solutions. For these solutions the imaginary parts of the times t0 and t become large so that the concept of real electron trajectories becomes questionable. Having such a classification, we found additional SP solutions even for the simplest case of a monochromatic linearly polarized laser field. For a bichromatic linearly polarized laser field with s=2 and equal component intensities we presented a detailed analysis of all 32 solutions per optical cycle, showing how the SP times t0 and t and the corresponding differential ionization rates depend on the photoelectron energy. We have also analyzed the case where the intensity of the second component decreases while the sum of the component intensities remains fixed. Published by the American Physical Society 2025

<p>The COVID-19 pandemic has generated a profound psychological impact across diverse populations, exposing long-standing gaps in mental health services and intensifying social inequalities. This narrative review explores the most prevalent mental health conditions associated with the pandemic including depression, anxiety, stress, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with emphasis on population-specific vulnerabilities such as sex, age, social status, and chronic illness. Special attention is given to the bidirectional relationship between mental and physical health, the role of social support, and behavioral mediators of psychological distress. The review underscores the need for systemic, multi-level public health responses integrating mental health into pandemic preparedness, healthcare delivery, and social policy. Lessons learned from the COVID-19 crisis offer a unique opportunity to redefine mental well-being as a global public health priority.</p>

<p>This paper discusses about colorectal cancer in correlation with certain genes. Based on the etiological factors, colorectal cancer can be stratified into familial, hereditary, and sporadic. Explorations into hereditary syndromes such as familial adenomatous polyposis and hereditary non-polyposis colorectal carcinoma have unveiled genomic alterations in APC, KRAS, and TP53 genes, which are also implicated in the pathogenesis of sporadic carcinoma.&nbsp;<br />Colorectal cancer constitutes a malignant epithelial neoplasm and ranks among the most prevalent malignancies afflicting both sexes. Despite a persistently elevated mortality rate, the incidence of this carcinoma has exhibited a declining trend over the past decade, though it still represents a substantial public health concern.&nbsp;<br />Advancements in research methodologies have led to the identification of rarer syndromes and their associated genes. Investigation of APC, KRAS, and TP53 genes contributory to the genesis of rare syndromes, in conjunction with previously documented genetic instances, has unveiled the mechanistic underpinnings of carcinogenesis. This has facilitated the development of more precise therapeutic modalities.&nbsp;<br />Despite the notable plethora of newly discovered genetic alterations across various genes, it is imperative to persist in research endeavors to comprehensively elucidate the nature and significance of colorectal carcinoma development processes.</p>

<p>The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, was marked by a high incidence of thrombotic complications contributing to poor outcomes, particularly in hospitalized patients. Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), known for its antiplatelet and anti-inflammatory properties, has been widely investigated for its potential role in mitigating thrombotic events associated with COVID-19. This review explores the pathophysiological mechanisms linking SARS-CoV-2 infection with thrombosis and highlights the rationale for ASA use in this context. We analyze relevant clinical and observational studies, meta-analyses, and the results of the RECOVERY trial, which offer varying degrees of evidence regarding ASA effectiveness. While several retrospective studies suggest a reduction in thrombotic events, mechanical ventilation, and mortality among patients receiving lowdose ASA, randomized trials report mixed results, including a modest reduction in hospitalization duration, but no significant impact on overall mortality. Adverse events such as increased bleeding risk must also be considered. This review underscores the importance of individualized risk assessment and the need for further randomized controlled trials to determine the precise role of ASA in COVID-19 management.</p>

<p><strong>Introduction.</strong> Anticoagulants have the key role in prevention of thromboembolism including ischemic stroke, in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). The European Association of Cardiology (ESC) recommends new oral anticoagulant drugs (NOACs) as first choice therapy because of approved effectiveness and safety profile compared to vitamin K antagonists (VKAs). The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of prescribing anticoagulants in patients with NVAF, and the compatibility of the therapy with current recommendations for stroke prevention.<br /><strong>Methods.</strong> Our cross-sectional study, conducted from June 2023 to June 2024, included 238 patients with NVAF registered in the Primary Health Centre Banja Luka. &nbsp;Patients&rsquo; medical records were used as the data source. The CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED instruments were used for the assessment of risk of stroke and bleeding.<br /><strong>Results. </strong>The majority of respondents were aged 65&ndash;84. Patients &le; 65 years have a significantly lower risk of stroke (p=0.000). According to the CHA2DS2-VASc score, 219 patients were supposed to use anticoagulant therapy, however 73.5% of patients had adequate treatment. Mostly prescribed anticoagulants were VKAs (44.1%), followed by NOACs(29.4%), while 26.5% of patients did not use anticoagulants. The majority of patients with unregulated international normalized ratio (INR) were &gt;75 years, and those with regulated INR were 65&ndash;74 years old (p=0.03). The risk of bleeding (HAS-BLED &ge; 3) was present in 40% of patients using anticoagulants.<br /><strong>Conclusion.</strong> Stroke prevention in patients with NVAF and prescribing NOACs are partially aligned with clinical recommendations. Insufficient NOACs usage has been noticed, despite their approved advantages. Additional activities are needed aiming anticoagulant therapy optimization, particularly in elderly and those with high risk for stroke.</p>

Objectives Early diagnostic separation between glioblastoma (GBM) and solitary metastases (MET) is important for patient management but remains challenging when based on imaging only. The objective of this study was to assess whether amide proton transfer weighted (APTw) MRI alone or combined with dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC) MRI parameters, including cerebral blood volume (CBV), cerebral blood flow (CBF), and leakage parameter (K2) measurements, can differentiate GBM from MET. Methods APTw MRI and DSC-MRI were performed on 18 patients diagnosed with GBM (N = 10) or MET (N = 8). Quantitative parameter maps were calculated, and regions-of-interest (ROIs) were placed in whole tumor, contrast-enhanced tumor (ET), edema, necrosis and normal-appearing white matter (NAWM). The mean and max of the APTw signal, CBF, leakage-corrected CBV and K2 were obtained from each ROI. Except for K2, all were normalized to NAWM (nAPTwmean/max, nCBFmean/max, ncCBVmean/max,). Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves and area-under-the-curve (AUC) were assessed for different parameter combinations. Statistical analyses were performed using Mann–Whitney U test. Results When comparing GBM to MET, nAPTmax, nCBFmax, ncCBVmax and ncCBVmean were significantly increased (p < 0.05) in ET with AUC being 0.81, 0.83, 0.85, and 0.83, respectively. Combinations of nAPTwmax + ncCBVmax, nAPTwmean + ncCBVmean, nAPTwmax + nCBFmax, nAPTwmax + K2max and nAPTwmax + ncCBVmax + K2max in ET showed significant prediction in differentiating GBM and MET (AUC = 0.92, 0.82, 0.92, 0.85, and 0.92 respectively). Conclusion When assessed in Gd-enhanced tumor areas, nAPTw MRI signal intensity alone or combined with DSC-MRI parameters, was an excellent predictor for differentiating GBM and MET. However, the small cohort warrants future studies.

In this paper, the conditional phase distribution of the two-wave with diffuse power (TWDP) process is derived as a closed-form and as an infinite-series expression. For the obtained infinite series expression, a truncation analysis is performed and the truncated expression is used to examine the influence of different channel conditions on the behavior of the TWDP phase. All the results are verified through Monte Carlo simulations.

Comorbidity networks have become a valuable tool to support data-driven biomedical research. Yet, studies often are severely hindered by the availability of the necessary comprehensive data, often due to the sensitivity of health care information. This study presents a population-wide comorbidity network dataset derived from 45 million hospital stays of 8.9 million patients over 17 years in Austria. We present co-occurrence networks of hospital diagnoses, stratified by age, sex, and observation period in a total of 96 different subgroups. For each of these groups we report a range of association measures (e.g., count data, and odds ratios) for all pairs of diagnoses. The dataset provides the possibility to researchers to create their own, tailor-made comorbidity networks from real patient data that can be used as a starting point in quantitative and machine learning methods. This data platform is intended to lead to deeper insights into a wide range of epidemiological, public health, and biomedical research questions.

This paper introduces a novel statistical simulator designed to model propagation in two-way diffuse power (TWDP) fading channels. The simulator employs two zero-mean stochastic sinusoids to simulate specular components, while a sum of sinusoids is used to model the diffuse one. Using the developed simulator, the autocorrelation and cross-correlation functions of the quadrature components, as well as the autocorrelation of the complex and squared envelope, are derived for the first time in literature for channels experiencing TWDP fading. The statistical properties of the proposed simulator are thoroughly validated through extensive simulations, which closely align with the theoretical results.