Water constitutes a substantial input in food production, exerting a direct influence on the quality of the final product. Water quality affects every stage of the food value chain, from primary production to final consumption. Contaminated water can introduce impurities, unpleasant aromas, and odors, compromise the taste and appearance of the product, and, most significantly, compromise its healthfulness. Pathogens transferred through water pose a grave health risk to consumers. Consequently, ensuring the integrity of water quality is paramount to the overall quality and safety of food. Water from natural sources, including rivers, lakes, and wells, may contain a variety of contaminants that can adversely affect food quality. The treatment of water for food production involves the removal of impurities, contaminants, and bacteria that may be present in water sources. The application of diverse treatment methods can yield water that meets quality and safety standards. It is incumbent upon food manufacturers to prioritize water quality and adhere to regulatory guidelines to ensure the highest standards of food safety and quality.

The concept of decision making is considered as one of the key topics in the field of strategic management and related fields. According previous theoretical considerations and discussions of the main contributors, there is no single routine/path used by managers in strategic decision-making. Mintzberg, Raisinghani and Théorêt define strategic decisions with regard to the decision-making level as a combination of entrepreneurial activities and efficient use of resources. The process of making strategic decisions is often described as unstructured, non-routine associated with uncertainty, defining it as a set of activities, which includes the collection of information, the development of alternatives and their evaluation, and ultimately the selection of the best alternative. It is clear, therefore, that it is difficult to talk about strategic decision-making exclusively in the context of a logical sequence of activities by division makers. This type of presentation of strategic decision-making, based on the idea of rational action by top management, as the strategic management executives, is also shown in numerous management text books. In their editorial in a special issue of the prestigious Strategic Management Journal, Cyert and Williams synthesized the conclusions of the special issue contributors. Analysing the cause-and-effect relationship between strategy, strategic decision-making and the organization, emphasis is put on the importance of organizational learning. In the conditions of creating an economy based on information and knowledge, a connection is created between information, organizational structure and strategic decision-making. In complex systems, such as companies, one of the key problems that occurs when making decisions is to find out where the decision comes from and how it is realized. Strategic decisions are most often a collection of some individual decisions in the organization or a consequence of informal conversations or actions that lead to collective action. The focus of this paper is an attempt to identified a key theoretical underpinning, through an overview of relevant theories and strategic management schools. In so doing, this paper will use the concept of strategic management schools, presented by Mintzberg, Ahlstrand and Lampel in their popular book Strategic Safari.

Summary Explosive energy can be used in metal forming processes, e.g. for bulk forming, sheet forming and for other processes. This paper presents the experimental research and numerical modelling of the process of sphere deformation by explosive forming. The assembly for forming a sphere with a diameter of 210 mm was welded from flat segments and annealed after welding. The material of the sphere was steel St12 according to DIN 1629/3. The thickness of the sheet metal was 2.0 mm. The sphere was modelled in the SolidWorks program and 3D-printed with the polylactic acid (PLA) material. The Poladyn 31ECO explosive was used for the experimental investigation into the process of deep drawing of the sphere by explosion, while the LS-DYNA hydrodynamic software was used for simulation. The pressure in the sphere was measured with a pair of copper crushers. It is shown that the simulation satisfactorily reproduces the experimentally measured pressure.

Background/Aim. Patients classified as belonging to simplified pulmonary embolism severity index (sPESI) class 0 are considered to have low-risk pulmonary embolism (PE). Yet, certain laboratory and echocardiographic parameters not accounted for in the sPESI score might suggest a likelihood of worse outcomes in PE cases. This study seeks to determine if the prognostic value of the sPESI score in acute PE can be improved, refined, and optimised by incorporating brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and troponin I (TnI) levels, echocardiographic parameters, or glomerular filtration rate. Methods. The study encompassed 1,201 consecutive patients diagnosed with PE, confirmed by multidetector computed tomography (MDCT). Upon admission, each patient underwent an echocardiography exam, and blood samples were taken to measure B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), troponin I (TnI), creatinine, and other routine laboratory markers. Results. The in-hospital mortality rate was 11.5%. The patients were categorized into three groups using the three-level sPESI model: sPESI 0, sPESI 1, and sPESI ≥ 2. Statistically significant differences were found among these groups regarding mortality rates, TnI values, BNP levels, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and the presence of right ventricular dysfunction (RVD). Cox regression analysis identified eGFR as the most reliable predictor of 30-day all-cause mortality [HR 2.24 (CI 1.264-3.969); p = 0.006] across all sPESI categories. However, incorporating TnI, BNP, or RVD did not improve risk prediction beyond the three-level sPESI model. Conclusion. Renal dysfunction at the time of admission is closely related to an elevated risk of in-hospital mortality in patients with acute PE. The three-level sPESI score offers a more accurate method for prognostic stratification in these patients.

Background/Aim. Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) occurs very often in operated patients. This increasingly frequent complication compromises the recovery of operated patients, impairs the quality of life of patients and their families, prolongs the length of hospital stay, and increases the cost of treatment. The aim of the study was to examine the association between the apolipoprotein E (APOE) ?4 allele and sociodemographic and clinical characteristics with the occurrence of POCD seven days and three months after colon cancer surgery (CCS) under general anesthesia (GA). Methods. A total of 113 patients aged 18 to 87 years who underwent CCS under GA in the period from 2021 to 2023 participated in the study. Preoperative preparation, anesthesia, and postoperative treatment were uniform and standardized for all patients. The assessment of cognitive status was conducted using the Mini Mental State Examination psychometric test on the day before surgery, on the seventh postoperative day, and three months after surgery. Results. Seven days after surgery, a statistically significant impairment of cognitive functions was found in patients with the APOE ?4 allele in their genotype (p = 0.007). Patients 65 years old or above were more likely to have POCD three months after surgery compared to younger patients (80.0% vs. 52.9%; p = 0.003). Conclusion. The presence of the APOE ?4 allele is a potential predictor of the occurrence of POCD seven days after surgery, and age is a significant sociodemographic factor for the occurrence of POCD three months after CCS is performed under GA.

Regardless of the geopolitical and economic challenges the world as well as the European Union (EU) face, it appears that these issues have not, in the slightest, affected the EU's commitment to the green transition. The European Commission continues to provide strong support to member countries in implementing reforms that encourage the green transition. In conditions of sluggish economic growth, the investments in the green transition are characterized as a significant driver of economic growth. This paper analyzes and evaluates the implications of the EU's green transformation on the economic development of the Western Balkans (WB), with a special focus on the Green Deal and climate neutrality. The Green Deal represents the EU's key strategy for achieving climate goals and transitioning to a sustainable, green economy. Through an analytical approach, the impacts of the green transformation and related policies on the economic, social, and environmental aspects of the region are explored, considering the global Green Economy Index. The research methodology includes cluster analysis and analysis of the green economy index to assess the correlation between factors of the green economy and economic development, considering financial, institutional, and legal aspects of the Green Deal. Additionally, a comparison of development according to the Green Economy Index is applied to identify the position, potential, but also limitations of the Western Balkans in this context. Key indicators of the green economy, such as investments in renewable energy sources, energy efficiency, and sustainable infrastructure, are analyzed in terms of their impact on macroeconomic indicators such as gross domestic product per capita, unemployment, etc., in the Western Balkans. The paper identifies a range of opportunities for economic development, including increasing investments in renewable energy sources and developing sustainable infrastructure projects, but at the same time recognizes limitations, such as a lack of capacity, financial resources and public sector support to implement sustainable policies. Furthermore, there is a risk of increasing economic and social inequalities in the process of green transformation, as well as potential negative environmental consequences if appropriate measures are not taken.

Background: Aortic stenosis (AS) is the most common form of valvular disease in the elderly population, with degenerative calcified valves remaining the primary cause of this condition. Due to the progressive nature of the disease, a significant reduction in aortic valve area leads to increased left ventricular (LV) pressure overload, resulting in adaptive but ultimately maladaptive concentric hypertrophy and progressive myocardial remodeling. Objective: The main objectives of the study were to assess the regression of left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy, Methods: This retrospective study included 150 patients who underwent surgical aortic valve replacement (AVR) with the Sorin Freedom Solo (SFS) stentless bioprosthesis and the St. Jude Regent (STJ) mechanical valve. Patients were divided into three groups based on follow-up duration: six months, one year, and two years. changes in transvalvular gradient, perioperative outcomes, and survival rates. Results: The results showed a significant reduction in the transvalvular gradient for both valves (p < 0.0001), with a more pronounced decrease in patients with the SFS valve. The thickness of the interventricular septum (IVS) continuously decreased in SFS patients across all groups, whereas a significant reduction was observed only in Group 2 for STJ valves. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) showed a significantly greater increase in patients with the SFS valve (p < 0.024), particularly in Group 2. Overall mortality was 5.30% for STJ valves and 6.66% for SFS valves, with no statistically significant differences in Kaplan–Meier survival analysis (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The SFS valve demonstrated superior hemodynamic performance and more pronounced LV hypertrophy regression, making it a suitable option for high-risk patients. The STJ valve ensures stable long-term function and remains the preferred choice for younger patients with acceptable operative risk. These findings highlight the importance of a personalized approach in selecting valvular prostheses.

Background: Benign acute childhood myositis (BACM) is a rare complication of viral URTIs, usually occurring in winter. It is characterized by acute onset of bilateral calf pain and difficulty/refusal to walk. A prodromal phase precedes these manifestations, consisting of catarrhal and constitutional symptoms. These are associated with increased muscle-specific enzymes, usually normal inflammatory parameters, and leukopenia. Objective: Our study aimed to define the demographic, clinical, and laboratory characteristics of BACM patients and determine the etiology leading to their development. Methods: Medical charts for patients diagnosed with BACM from October to April 2023/2024 at the Pediatric Clinic Clinical Center University of Sarajevo, Department of Allergology, Rheumatology, and Immunology were reviewed retrospectively. Relevant medical information was collected for 20 patients. Statistical analysis was done in Microsoft Excel 2013. Results: Demographic analysis demonstrated male predominance (75%), with primarily school-aged children affected (median age 8.36). Most cases occurred in winter (60%). The majority of patients presented with bilateral calf pain (100%), difficulty walking (90%), and fever (100%). All cases demonstrated increased CK levels, with median values of 3779 U/L; a notable number had leukopenia (70%). The most commonly isolated pathogen was Influenza B virus (75%). Conclusion: BACM is relatively rare but presents acutely and leads to plenty of distress for both patients and their parents. A child with coryzal symptoms complicated by bilateral calf pain or difficulty/refusal to walk and an increase in CK levels should raise suspicion of BACM. The condition is self-limiting and usually resolves without complications.

Introduction: Scoliosis is a spinal deformity that affects school-age children and adolescents the most. Excessive body weight, heavy school bags, improper sitting at school desks, and reduced physical activity are significant risk factors for the development of scoliosis in children. To prevent the occurrence of scoliosis of the spinal column, the focus of attention must be on early identification and education about scoliosis. The research aims to determine the presence of risk factors for scoliosis in sixth-grade elementary school students, assess knowledge about scoliosis of the spine, and determine whether the health system can respond. Research Method: From a total of 3.600 sixth-grade elementary school students in the Tuzla canton a cross-sectional study was conducted among 350 students using anthropometric measurements, full and empty school bag measurements, and the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ). Data on the health system was collected using a retrospective method. Discussion: Obesity was recorded in 21.14% of the respondents. Based on the results obtained, in 39.43% of the respondents, the ratio of the weight of a full school bag to body weight was equal to or greater than 10%. Almost one-third of the respondents felt pain/discomfort when carrying a school bag, which indicates that only 38.57% of children carry the bag correctly. 42.86% of the respondents have the wrong posture when sitting. Based on the results collected, 52.86% of the respondents do not play sports. The results show insufficient knowledge about scoliosis among both school-age children and parents/guardians. The health system of the Tuzla Canton can respond to the presence of the risk of spinal deformity with the available resources. Conclusion: The results of the study have shown the presence of risk factors for the development of scoliosis, a low level of knowledge about scoliosis, and the unwillingness of the health system to provide treatment and prevention services. Mandatory screening examinations and education of students, parents, and teachers are necessary.

Integrating service robots into contemporary healthcare systems has significantly advanced the scope and complexity of robotic design, especially regarding the materials used in direct interaction with patients and sterile medical environments. This article investigates the pivotal role of biomaterials in shaping both the structural integrity and functional performance of service robots. A key focus was placed on the selection criteria, biocompatibility, sterilization potential, and adaptability of advanced biomaterials used in components that demand mechanical efficiency and safety. A key focus was also placed on the quantitative selection criteria for these materials, including mechanical strength (e.g., tensile strength of more than 50 MPa for polymeric joints), elasticity (Young’s modulus ranging from 10–1000 MPa depending on the application), and biocompatibility ratings based on the ISO 10993 standard.Particular attention was paid to integrating biocompatible polymers and composites that should withstand repeated sterilization cycles (up to 100 autoclave exposures without structural degradation) while maintaining antimicrobial surfaces and hypoallergenic properties. Additionally, the study explored the application of smart materials (e.g., stimuli-responsive hydrogels and shape-memory alloys), which showed response times under 5 s and deformation recovery rates above 90 %, enabling adaptive robotic behavior in dynamic contexts. The study also outlines current research trends, i.e., using responsive polymers, bioinspired composites, and additive manufacturing techniques that enable personalized robotic solutions. Additive manufacturing techniques were analyzed as enablers of rapid prototyping and patient-specific customization, with the article referencing case studies where 3D-printed biopolymer components reduced development time by 40 % and improved fitting precision in assistive robotic devices by 30 %.Emerging research trends were finally examined through bibliometric data, indicating 3.5 times increase in publications related to “biomaterials in medical robotics” from 2015 to 2024 in Scopus. Overall, the research critically examined the challenges associated with material certification processes, emphasizing that the average duration required to obtain regulatory approval typically spans between 18 and 24 months, posing a significant barrier to the timely deployment of advanced robotic systems in actual environments. By adopting an interdisciplinary perspective that combines materials science and robotics engineering, this study underscores the transformative impact of biomaterials in redefining the capabilities, safety, and personalization of medical service robots. The findings highlight technological advancements and future directions in robotic systems’ sustainable and intelligent deployment.

Background/Aim. External manifestations and comorbidities represent important clinical aspects of decompensated alcoholic liver cirrhosis (ALC), providing insight into disease severity and systemic involvement. The aim of the study was to examine the prevalence of external signs and comorbidities in male patients with decompensated ALC. Methods. A prospective, comparative, descriptive, and analytical study was conducted at the Clinic for Internal Medicine, University Clinical Center of the Republic of Srpska, in Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The study included 123 male patients diagnosed with decompensated ALC. All necessary diagnostic evaluations, including laboratory, microbiological, serological, radiological, and endoscopic assessments, were performed during their first hospitalization. Results. The mean age of the patients was 59.09 ? 9.32 years. The most common external manifestations were jaundice (79.67%), spider nevi (54.47%), palmar erythema (36.58%), and gynecomastia (18.69%). The most frequent comorbidities were diabetes mellitus (19.51%), congestive heart failure (17.88%), and chronic kidney disease (11.38%). A significant correlation was found between disease severity and the presence of external signs, with jaundice being the most prevalent. Conclusion. External manifestations and comorbidities are frequent in male patients with ALC, reflecting the systemic impact of the disease. Recognizing these clinical markers can aid in early diagnosis, risk stratification, and tailored therapeutic strategies.

Software-Defined Networking (SDN) is the actual approach in the network design, based on separating the control and data plane. Such architectural model has brought improvements in terms of network monitoring, management and troubleshooting, but has also increased risks related to network security. Security attacks can occur at all SDN layers and disrupt part or the entire network. Existing research is mostly focused on the security of the control plane, since it contains all control logic of SDN networks and thus represents their main part. Although the data plane has many vulnerabilities and can also be a significant source of security threats towards the control plane, it is only partially covered in existing research, without enough details related to differences between methods and implementation techniques which provide security enhancement. In this paper, we present a comprehensive survey on security of the data plane, focusing on the latest advanced solutions. The survey starts with an overview of attacks, threats and affected security attributes in the data plane, classified using common security models: STRIDE, CIA and AAA. After that, we present a detailed analysis of solutions explored in the literature, including the methods used for security enhancement, implementation techniques, experimental environments, their contributions in terms of vulnerabilities that they address, performance analysis and limitations. Through this analysis, we introduce the concept of adaptive security and select several mechanisms which can be used to achieve it. Additionally, we propose possible combinations of presented mechanisms to provide strong, comprehensive solution which should adapt to dynamics of network, attackers and users, and in that way protect the network from different threats and also satisfy the requirements of services which need different levels of security.