We live in a rapidly changing global society, where no one can predict the outcome of the economic, social, and political structures of the world. Changes in science, technology, and economics are particularly noticeable and are closely linked to human life. These changes create new opportunities but also challenges in new areas of everyday activity in order to achieve sustainable development. For countries to compete with each other, they must be creative and innovative in all fields to cope with domestic, national, and global issues. Current economic competitiveness is based on the capabilities of a country and their respective companies to be and stay innovative. This is the main reason why many governments place innovativeness at the center of their growth strategies so that they can foster economic progress and global competitiveness in general. The recognition and need for identification of innovation as a driver of change are evident on a company level as well. This study will use secondary data collected this year from the World Economic Forum to identify critical challenges and opportunities for B&H competitiveness. Also, the results of this research identified enabling environment and markets impact the innovation ecosystem. Practical contribution relates to concrete implications and recommendations that can be used for the improvement of Bosnia and Herzegovina innovativeness.

In this chapter, a holistic model based on a newly developed combined compromise solution (CoCoSo) and criteria importance through intercriteria correlation (CRITIC) method for selection of battery-operated electric vehicles (BEVs) has been propounded. A sensitivity analysis has been performed to verify the robustness of the proposed model. Performance of the proposed model has also been compared with some of the popular MCDM methods. It is observed that the model has the competency of precisely ranking the BEV alternatives for the considered case study and can be applied to other sustainability assessment problems.

Introduction. The anterior and middle superior alveolar (AMSA) nerve block is an alternative technique of local anesthesia in the maxilla, unpredictably efficient for pulpal anesthesia. The aim of this study was to determine the anesthetic efficacy of the AMSA injection for pulpal anesthesia, using computer-controlled injection system or conventional syringe, and two local anesthetic solutions with or without adrenaline. Methods. The authors administered two AMSA injections during two separate appointments, utilizing the computer-controlled system and conventional syringe to 40 subjects, divided into two groups of 20 subjects each depending on the local anesthetic used. A pulp tester was used to test the achieved anesthesia of the central and lateral incisors, canine, first and second premolars, and the first molar in 10-minute cycles over a period of 60 minutes. Duration of anesthesia for all the mentioned teeth was also determined for both the anesthetic solutions and ways of application. Results. The AMSA injection with both types of equipment was successful, showing slow onset, satisfying intensity, and declining duration of pulpal anesthesia at the last two measurements. Local anesthetic with vasoconstrictor exhibited a significantly longer pulpal anesthesia. Conclusion. The AMSA nerve block could be recommended for achieving pulpal anesthesia of maxillary teeth from the region of the first incisor to the second premolar.

Background / Aim. MDSCs suppress immune responses via a series of inhibitory mechanisms, which ultimately could lead to tumor growth. B7-H4 expression is significantly associated with poor outcome and promotion of tumor cell proliferation, invasion and migration in patients with various cancers. Data concerning B7-H4 expression in lung cancers, either on tumor or immunological cells, are still sporadically. To estimate and correlate the number of CD14+B7-H4+MDSC in blood and lung tumor microcirculation with clinical stage, histology type of tumor, TNM stadium, nodal status and disease outspread. Methods. 44 lung cancer patients (III and IV clinical stage) and 30 healthy controls. CD14+B7-H4+ MDSC number was estimated by flowcytometry in blood and tumor microcirculation samples of each patient. Results. CD14+B7-H4+MDSC number was significantly higher in patient’s samples comparing to controls. CD14+B7-H4+MDSC was significantly increased in tumor comparing to blood sample of same patient. Clinical stage III patients had increased number of the CD14+B7-H4+ MDSC comparing to stage IV, in both type of samples. According to histology SCLC patients had the highest average CD14+B7-H4+MDSC number, significantly increased comparing to patients with squamous and large cell LC histology in tumor. Tumor size was directly associated with the number of the CD14+B7-H4+MDSC, both in blood and tumor samples. Furthermore, nodal involvement was associated with gradual increase of the CD14+B7-H4+MDSC number, being the highest in the N3 group, again both in blood and tumor samples. Finally, we have detected higher CD14+ B7-H4+MDSC number in the samples of patients without metastases. Conclusion. CD14+B7-H4+MDSC number in LC patients is significantly associated with tumor histology type, lymph node involvement, disease extent degree and tumor size. Concerning their large number in LC tumor microenvironment together with immunosuppressive capacities, CD14+B7-H4+MDSC could represent important tumor promoting factor in LC pathophysiology.