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Neutral stochastic dierential equations represent an important class of mathematical models in which the present dynamics depend on both the current state and delayed memory eects under random perturbations. In this paper, a class of neutral stochastic dierential equations with delay is studied through an eective-state formulation. Instead of analyzing only the original process x(t), the neutral expression  z(t) = x(t)-u(x(t-δ(t)), t)  is introduced as the main dynamic quantity. This eective state separates the current state, the delayed state and the neutral memory term, which makes it suitable for stability analysis. A Lyapunov-type approach is used to formulate sucient conditions for boundedness and mean-square stability of the eective state. A scalar neutral stochastic model with delay is also considered as a motivating example. The proposed framework provides a basis for further numerical approximation and computational stability testing of neutral stochastic systems.

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This paper examines country-level determinants of venture capital investment (VCI) across 22 European economies from 2013 to 2020. We combine Invest Europe VCI totals with 14 indicators from the Global Innovation Index (GII) and classify each indicator into quintile tiers. Using one-way ANOVA with Tukey HSD post-hoc tests, we assess whether VCI differs systematically across tiers for each determinant. VCI is highly concentrated: France and Germany form a persistent upper tail, followed by the Netherlands, while Romania, Bulgaria, and Greece sit at the lower end. Eleven of fourteen indicators display significant between-tier differences in VCI: business environment, government effectiveness, gross expenditure on R&D, human capital and research, ICT access, ICT use, knowledge & technology outputs, knowledge creation, patent applications, PCT applications, and university–industry collaboration. By contrast, creative goods & services, ICT services exports, and political/operational stability do not discriminate VCI within this European sample. Results are robust to alternative binning, log-VCI transformation, and exclusion of the largest ecosystems. We interpret the patterns as consistent with VCI concentrating where institutional quality is strong, innovation inputs are deep, digital readiness is advanced, and knowledge/IP outputs are abundant. The findings offer actionable priorities for policy aimed at strengthening SME finance ecosystems, while acknowledging the study’s associative design and the aggregation of VCI across stages and sectors.

Since the radiation effect manifest itself in association with other macroscopic phenomena (temperature, voltage, noise), the central topic examined in this paper is the influence of the dose of gamma radiation on macroscopic characteristics, i. e. on the ideality factor. The physical phenomena under consideration are complex because, in addition to high-energy gamma radiation, there is also a 1/f noise of low-energy radiation. In addition, in the semiconductor detector of electromagnetic radiation, all the microscopic effects characteristic of the behavior of the diode structure in the synergy of high-energy and low-energy radiation field come to the fore. Since all the effects that occur are of a stochastic nature, their influence on the macroscopic properties of the detector is expressed by the ideality factor. In the paper, stochastic phenomena of microscop discharges in a semiconductor (p-n) detector are connected with macroscopic phenomena, as well as the possibility of their statistical correlation.

This study investigates flight route optimization in a large airline network by comparing traditional path-finding algorithms with an evolutionary approach under realistic constraints. Using a real-world dataset of 6,817 routes, Dijkstra’s algorithm, the A ${}^{\ast }$ search algorithm with precomputed heuristics, and a Genetic Algorithm (GA) were implemented. All methods were evaluated on identical origin–destination pairs while enforcing an exact number of layovers, and on scenarios where direct flights were removed or newly introduced. The results show that, although Dijkstra’s algorithm always returns the optimal shortest-time route when one exists, its computation time increases rapidly as the number of required layovers increases. A ${}^{\ast }$ improved the efficiency in dense subgraphs but sometimes failed under strict layover constraints owing to heuristic misalignment. In contrast, GA consistently produced near-optimal routes with stable runtimes across varying connectivity levels and constraint settings. Route removal experiments highlighted the vulnerability of sparsely connected regions, whereas adding direct flights mainly benefited airport pairs previously linked only by long multi-stop paths. These findings indicate that evolutionary algorithms are well-suited for large-scale, dynamically changing airline networks, whereas classical algorithms remain preferable for smaller, well-structured subproblems.

Church facilities, with candlestands located within churches themselves or in their courtyards, can represent suitable larval breeding microhabitats for mosquito development. These habitats particularly favor the development of the invasive species Aedes albopictus, whose larvae characteristically inhabit small, confined water reservoirs such as candlestands. During a study conducted from September 2025 to February 2026, encompassing 25 church facilities across the territory of Belgrade, larval presence was recorded in several of these sites, with the highest larval density observed at the church in Žarkovo. These findings confirm that the species successfully develops under conditions typical of church environments, while the elevated larval abundance in September indicates more intense reproductive activity during periods with more favorable temperature regimes. In November, the number of sites with detected larvae decreased, whereas larvae were entirely absent during the December-February period.

Groundwater is the primary source of water in rural areas of Tuzla Canton (TK). Its quality varies significantly due to natural and human-caused factors, which directly affect the design of water treatment systems. This paper analyzes basic groundwater quality data to determine the most common problems and offer appropriate technical solutions. These areas lack centralized water supply systems, so the population relies on local wells and springs. Groundwater quality can be compromised by the presence of iron, manganese, nitrates, ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, and increased hardness. According to the Water Regulations, increased hardness has no reference value, yet it significantly affects water quality and the health of the population. Additionally, microbiological pollution is often present in water and is one of the most important factors affecting human health. The results show that universal systems are not sustainable; rather, treatment needs to be adapted to local conditions and water quality.

When discussing climate change, we primarily refer to global warming, that is, the increase in air temperature which directly affects other climatic elements. The Sarajevo meteorological station has a homogeneous series of observations and measurements of this climatic elements spanning 136 years (from 1888 to 2024) without interruption, which represents a highly representative period for monitoring changes in air temperature and its fluctuations in the study area. The main characteristic of the thermal regime in the Sarajevo area is warming. The mean annual temperature for the entire instrumental period is 9.8°C, with a linear warming trend of 1.7°C. In addition to the general analysis of air temperature and its fluctuations in Sarajevo over this long-term observational period, special attention will be devoted to projecting this climatic element up to the year 2100 under different climate scenarios.

Background: The aim of the present study was to determine whether differences exist in the expression of the multidimensional components of DF A among school-aged children in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Subjects and Methods: This cross-sectional observational study included mentally and physically healthy participants of both sexes, aged 8-15 years, attending a scheduled dental appointment involving either invasive or non-invasive procedures. Prior to treatment, participants completed IDAF-4C core module and the IDAF-S stimulus module independently. Behavioral responses during treatment were assessed using the Frankl Behavior Rating Scale by an independent observer. Results: The findings were presented descriptively in tables. Differences were identified in the expression of the multidimensional components of DF A assessed with the IDAF-4C module. The behavioural component demonstrated the lowest level of expression, followed by the cognitive and physiological components, whereas the emotional component demonstrated the highest level of expression (Friedman test = 238.963; p < 0.0005). Differences were also observed according to the invasiveness of dental procedures, with all components demonstrating higher (more negative) scores during invasive dental treatments: emotional component (Mann-Whitney U = 21,894.000; p = 0.004), behavioural component (Mann-Whitney U = 21,211.500; p = 0.009), physiological component (Mann-Whitney U = 23,570.500; p < 0.0005), and cognitive component (Mann-Whitney U = 20,749.500; p = 0.048). Conclusion: There were no statistically significant differences in the expression of the multidimensional components of the DF A among school-aged children in BiH between the younger and older age groups of respondents. A statistically higher level of DF A components was observed in association with invasive treatments, indicating a link between the intensity of dental fear and the presence of specific stimuli.

Decarbonizing energy-intensive and other hard-to-abate sectors remains essential for meeting climate targets, yet these sectors continue to depend on fuels for high-temperature heat, chemical feedstocks, and energy-dense transport applications. This roadmap assesses the potential role of renewable synthetic fuels (RSFs) in supporting this transition, with a primary focus on the European context and on sectors including steel, cement, glass, aviation, shipping, and power generation. It reviews the current status of RSF combustion science, the high-fidelity experimental and numerical data needed to understand fuel behavior under relevant conditions, and the emerging hybrid physics-based and data-driven modeling approaches that can accelerate progress. Particular attention is given to digital twins and related cyber-physical tools as enabling technologies for process optimization, monitoring, scale-bridging, and industrial implementation. The roadmap also examines practical deployment barriers, including fuel availability, infrastructure, safety, regulatory and policy barriers, and data integration challenges. Developed in the framework of the CYPHER COST Action (CA22151), it highlights that large-scale RSF deployment will require coordinated action across research, industry, and policy, together with stronger business cases, policies that stimulate demand, and workforce development.

Introduction: Cesarean delivery (CS) has been associated with altered neonatal physiological transition due to the absence of labor-related hormonal and mechanical stimuli, which are essential for effective cardiopulmonary and metabolic adaptation after birth. Aim: To evaluate the association between cesarean delivery and early neonatal transition disorders in term and late preterm newborns. Methods: This prospective observational study included 230 newborns ≥ 35 weeks of gestation over a 12-month period. Infants were divided into CS (n = 100) and vaginal delivery (VD) groups (n = 130). Outcomes included respiratory disorders (TTN, RDS), need for respiratory support (CPAP/HFNC, oxygen therapy), NICU admission, as well as metabolic disturbances such as hypoglycemia. Results: Cesarean delivery was associated with significantly higher rates of TTN (28% vs 9%, p < 0.001) and RDS (12% vs 4%, p = 0.02). Infants in the CS group more frequently required CPAP/HFNC (22% vs 7%, p < 0.001), oxygen therapy (34% vs 12%, p < 0.001), and NICU admission (26% vs 10%, p < 0.001). Hypoglycemia was also more common following CS (18% vs 7%, p = 0.01). Conclusion: Cesarean delivery is associated with an increased risk of early neonatal transition disorders, particularly respiratory and metabolic complications. Optimizing the timing and indications for CS, along with structured postnatal monitoring, may reduce neonatal morbidity.

Introduction: Acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) are a common cause of hospitalization, while the empirical use of antibiotics increases the need for reliable biomarkers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic value of procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in bacterial exacerbations. Methods: This retrospective study included 50 patients hospitalized due to AECOPD during the period from August to December 2025. PCT and CRP levels, as well as clinical outcomes including the need for mechanical ventilation and mortality, were analyzed. Results: Bacterial etiology was confirmed in 82% of patients, with significantly higher PCT and CRP levels (p < 0.001). PCT ≥ 0.25 ng/mL was associated with a greater need for NIV (35.3% vs. 6.1%; p = 0.013) and a trend toward higher mortality. ROC analysis demonstrated better prognostic value of PCT for in-hospital mortality (AUC 0.80) compared to CRP (AUC 0.75). Discussion: PCT and CRP play an important role in the triage of patients with AECOPD. CRP demonstrates good sensitivity, whereas PCT is a more specific marker of bacterial infection and a more accurate prognostic indicator. Conclusion: Procalcitonin and CRP are useful biomarkers in the evaluation of AECOPD, with PCT showing greater specificity and better prognostic value.

Background: Wound healing is a complex physiological process involving hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling. Erythrocyte and platelet parameters, along with erythrocyte morphology including poikilocytosis, are valuable indicators of systemic responses to injury and therapeutic interventions. Manuka honey and chlorine dioxide (ClO2) are known for their antimicrobial and reparative properties, yet systemic hematological effects following topical application remain poorly characterized. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate systemic hematological responses in Wistar rats with surgically induced wounds following the topical application of manuka honey and ClO2, compared with gentamicin treatment and untreated controls, focusing on erythrocyte and platelet parameters and poikilocytosis. Methods: Sixty Wistar rats were randomly assigned to four groups: control (C, n=15), gentamicin (AB, n=15), manuka honey (MH, n=14), and chlorine dioxide (ClO2, n=15). Under full anesthesia, a 4 cm abdominal incision was surgically induced in all rats, followed by twice-daily topical treatment for 14 days. On day 14, peripheral blood samples were collected for hematological analysis, including red blood cell count (RBC), hemoglobin concentration (HGB), hematocrit (HCT), platelet count (PLT), plateletcrit (PCT), and poikilocytosis. Statistical comparisons were performed using the Kruskal-Wallis test, significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Most hematological parameters remained within expected physiological ranges. Significant intergroup differences were observed for HGB, HCT and PLT. Post hoc Dunn comparisons showed that HGB was significantly higher in the AB group than in the C group (p=0.011), ClO2 (p=0.015), and MH (p=0.006) groups. HCT was significantly higher in the AB group compared with the C (p=0.037), ClO2 (p=0.015), and MH (p=0.011) groups. PLT was significantly higher in the ClO2 group compared with the C (p=0.041), AB (p=0.019) and MH (p=0.014) groups. Poikilocytosis was minimal in all groups, primarily absent to mild, with the most frequent forms being anulocytes and stomatocytes. Conclusion: At the evaluated endpoint, topical application of manuka honey and ClO2 did not reveal marked systemic hematological disturbances in Wistar rats with surgical wounds. ClO2 had the most pronounced effect on platelet parameters among the tested treatments. Minimal poikilocytosis further supports the relative hematological stability observed at the evaluated endpoint. These findings provide valuable insights into systemic responses to topical treatments applied to surgically induced wounds and support further studies incorporating leukocyte profiling, complementary hematological, immunological, and histopathological assessments.