Abstract The paper presents the results of Cr, Co, Cu, Fe, Ni, Mn, Pb, Zn, and four radionuclides (226Ra,232Th, 137Cs, and 40K) determination in transplanted lichens after two, four, and six months of exposure. Lichens were sampled from the area of Mountain Igman in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) and transplanted to two locations (Pofalići and Bjelave) in Sarajevo, the capital city of BiH. The total metals content was determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). Gamma spectrometry (GS) was used for radionuclide activity determination. Content of Cr, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb an Zn in lichen after two, four, and six months of exposure ranged as follows: <LOD-0.61, <LOD-1.55, 3.85–8.08, 332.5–497.9, 19.68–31.65, 2.29–4.24, <LOD-10.30, 32.76–58.58 µg/g, respectively. Cr was not detected in exposed lichen samples. A very strong positive correlation for Cu-Cu, Cu-Fe, Cu-Pb, Cu-Zn, Ni-Ni and Fe-Fe was obtained in lichens, while a strong correlation was between Co-Zn, Co-Cu, Pb-Pb and Mn-Mn. The specific activity of 137Cs ranged from 19.95 to 56.66 Bq/kg, while for 40K ranged from 49.65 to 330.61 Bq/kg. The specific activity of 226Ra and 232Th was below the GS limit of detection.

Background/Objectives: The aim of this study was to explore the differences in physical characteristics, leg strength, and jumping performance between 3 × 3 and 5 × 5 male basketball players. Methods: Twelve elite-level 5 × 5 basketball players (26.0 ± 13.0 years; 201.4 ± 6.6 cm; 95.50 ± 11.50 kg) and twelve elite-level 3 × 3 basketball players (26.7 ± 7.3 years; 193.0 ± 5.1 cm; 98.03 ± 9.77 kg), all male, were enrolled in the study. After anthropometric measurements and standardized warm ups, countermovement jump (CMJ), drop jump (DJ) and isokinetic strength testing were conducted, respectively. Results: An independent two-sample t-test revealed that 5 × 5 athletes were notably (p < 0.005) taller, with a lower body fat percentage (11.9 ± 3.6% vs. 18.6 ± 10.9%) and higher quadricep strength (317.21 ± 36.54 N·m vs. 284.76 ± 29.77 N·m and 313.32 ± 24.08 N·m vs. 285.87 ± 31.2 N·m for left and right leg, respectively). Conversely, 3 × 3 players displayed superior CMJ performance in concentric and eccentric peak forces, peak power, and reactive strength index. In the DJ, 3 × 3 players also excelled in eccentric peak force, reactive strength index, and jump height. Conclusions: The findings indicate that while 5 × 5 basketball players excel in body physique and in the strength of their lower body, 3 × 3 basketball players outperform them in power-related metrics.

Fly ash (FA) is a low-cost industrial waste material mostly composed of oxides. These small, hard particles can be used as reinforcements in composite production. In this study, an A356.0 aluminum alloy reinforced with 4 wt.% FA was synthesized by compo casting and subsequently subjected to multiple passes of equal channel angular extrusion (ECAE) to investigate the influence of intense plastic deformation on the composite hardness and microstructure. Microstructure analysis was performed on an optical microscope and by computer tomography (CT). The as-cast alloy contains a relatively homogeneous microstructure with minor FA agglomerations and very low porosity. The severe plastic deformation induced by ECAE results in a directed structure and additional integration of FA into the matrix with the disappearance of pores. Vickers hardness measurement of aluminum/fly ash (Al/FA) composite was carried out with different indentation loads: 0.196 N (HV0.02), 0.490 N (HV0.05), 0.981 N (HV0.1), and 1.960 N (HV0.2). The results showed that hardness increases after each ECAE pass because of microstructure changes. Already after the first pass, a significant increase in hardness is achieved, ranging from 27% (HV0.05) to 62% (HV0.2). A Meyer’s index (n) value greater than 2 indicates that the hardness of single and double extruded composite depends on the indentation load. Extruded samples show a hardness enhancement with increasing applied load, so the examined composite exhibits a reverse indentation size effect (RISE).

2-acetoxybenzoic acid, also known as aspirin, is one of the most widespread and important pharmaceutical compound used in the treatment of pain, inflammation, and febrile conditions. In addition to its well-known therapeutic properties, 2-acetoxybenzoic acid is increasingly being investigated in the context of its interactions with metals, leading to new insights into potential applications in medicine, chemistry, and biotechnology. Among the metals that form complex compounds with 2-acetoxybenzoic acid, nickel is one of the most interesting due to its specific electrochemical properties and biological activity. The study of the 2-acetoxybenzoic acid-nickel complex plays a significant role in understanding the molecular mechanisms of interaction between drugs and metal ions, as well as the potential therapeutic benefits of these compounds. This research thoroughly examines the structural, chemical, and biological aspects of the 2-acetoxybenzoic acid-nickel complex, with particular emphasis on its potential application in the pharmaceutical industry and medicine. The structure of this complex was determined by various spectroscopic and analytical techniques, including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV), mass spectrometry (MS), melting point methods, and optical microscopy. These methods contributed to the understanding of the interaction mechanisms between the ligand and the nickel ion center, opening the possibility for further investigation of the pharmacological properties and potential therapeutic applications of this complex. The antibacterial and antifungal activity of the synthesized Ni(II) complex with 2-acetoxybenzoic acid was investigated, and it was found that the metal complex exhibits varying degrees of inhibitory effects on bacteria.

This study investigates innovative surface coatings’ effectiveness in enhancing spruce wood’s fire resistance (Picea abies spp.). Spruce wood samples were treated with various agents, including oils, waxes, boric acid, commercial coatings, and fire-retardant agents. The evaluation was conducted using the small flame method (EN ISO 11925-2:2020), surface roughness analysis, hyperspectral imaging (HSI), and contact angle measurements. The results demonstrated significant improvements in fire resistance for samples treated with specific coatings, particularly the Burn Block spray and Caparol coating, which effectively prevented flame spread. The analysis revealed that the Burn Block spray reduced the average flame height to 6.57 cm, while the Caparol coating achieved a similar effect with an average flame height of 6.95 cm. In contrast, untreated samples exhibited a flame height of 9.34 cm, with boric acid-treated samples reaching up to 12.18 cm. Char depth measurements and the surface roughness analysis revealed a clear correlation between the type of treatment and the thermal stability of the wood. Hyperspectral imaging enabled a detailed visualisation of surface degradation, while contact angle measurements highlighted the impact of hydrophobicity on flammability. This research provides in-depth insights into the fire-retardant mechanisms of spruce wood and offers practical guidelines for developing safer and more sustainable wood materials for the construction industry.

ABSTRACT Introduction Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant threat, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), exacerbated by inappropriate antibiotic use, access to quality antibiotics and weak antimicrobial stewardship (AMS). There is a need to review current evidence on antibiotic use, access, and AMR, in primary care across key countries. Areas covered This narrative review analyzes publications from 2018 to 2024 regarding access, availability, and use of appropriate antibiotics. Expert opinion There were very few studies focussing on a lack of access to antibiotics in primary care. However, there was considerable evidence of high rates of inappropriate antibiotic use, including Watch antibiotics, typically for minor infections, across studied countries exacerbated by patient demand. The high costs of antibiotics in a number of LMICs impact on their use, resulting in short courses and sharing of antibiotics. This can contribute to AMR alongside the use of substandard and falsified antibiotics. Overall, limited implementation of national action plans, insufficient resources, and knowledge gaps affects sustainable development goals to provide routine access to safe, effective, and appropriate antibiotics. Conclusions There is a clear need to focus health policy on the optimal use of essential AWaRe antibiotics in primary care settings to reduce AMR in LMICs.

Background and Objectives There is uncertainty about whether patients with an anterior circulation large vessel occlusion (LVO) and a low NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score (≤5) benefit from endovascular therapy (EVT) in the late time window (6–24 hours). We compared the clinical outcomes of these patients receiving EVT with those receiving medical management (MM). Methods The CT for Late Endovascular Reperfusion multinational cohort study was conducted at 66 sites across 10 countries from January 2014 to May 2022. This subanalysis included consecutive patients with late-window stroke due to an anterior circulation LVO, defined as occlusion of the internal carotid artery or proximal middle cerebral artery (M1/M2 segments), and a baseline NIHSS score ≤5 who received EVT or MM alone. The primary end point was a 90-day ordinal shift in the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score. Secondary outcomes were 90-day excellent outcome (defined as mRS scores 0–1 or return to baseline mRS score in patients with a prestroke mRS score >1) and favorable outcome (defined as mRS scores 0–2 or return to baseline mRS score in patients with prestroke mRS score >2). Safety outcomes were symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage and 90-day mortality. We used ordinal and binary logistic regression models to test for outcome differences. Results Among 5,098 patients, 318 patients were included (median [interquartile range] age 67 [56–76] years; 149 [46.9%] were female; baseline NIHSS score was 4 [2–5]). A total of 202 patients (63.5%) received EVT and 116 MM (36.5%). There was no difference in favorable 90-day ordinal mRS score shift (adjusted common odds ratio [OR] 0.77, 95% CI 0.45–1.32), excellent outcome (adjusted OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.49–1.50), or favorable outcome (adjusted OR 0.72, 95% CI 0.35–1.50) in the EVT group compared with MM. Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage risk (adjusted OR 3.40, 95% CI 0.84–13.73) and mortality at 90 days (adjusted OR 2.44, 95% CI 0.60–10.02) were not statistically different between treatment groups. Discussion In patients with an anterior LVO and low NIHSS score in the 6–24-hour time window, there was no statistical difference in disability outcomes or intracranial bleeding risk between patients treated with EVT compared with MM. The retrospective and observational design limits our findings. Ongoing randomized controlled trials will provide further insight. Classification of Evidence This study provides Class III evidence that in adult patients with anterior circulation LVO and low NIHSS score (≤5) presenting in the late time window (6–24 hours), EVT does not improve clinical outcome vs MM. Trial Registration This study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov under NCT04096248.

The water distribution system is a critical infrastructure aiming to deliver safe and clean drinking water, with pipeline materials significantly influencing water quality and efficiency. One critical factor in selecting pipeline materials is the potential for biofilm formation on the inner surfaces of pipes. This study investigates the effects of three iron salts—iron (II) sulfate heptahydrate, iron (III) nitrate nonahydrate, and iron (III) chloride on biofilm formation by Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecalis in pipeline environments, focusing on water distribution systems. While previous research has examined the effects of iron on various bacterial species, there are limited data on E. coli and E. faecalis biofilm formation in the context of water distribution systems. Results reveal that iron (III) chloride significantly inhibited E. coli biofilm formation by up to 80%, while E. faecalis biofilm growth was promoted by iron (II) sulfate heptahydrate, with an increase of approximately 45%. These findings underscore the critical role of managing iron concentrations to mitigate biofilm-related issues, which influence water quality, infrastructure durability, and microbial resistance. The study highlights the importance of integrating these insights into sustainable water management practices and advancing pipeline material innovations to enhance public health and environmental resilience.

This study investigates and compare the students’ entrepreneurial mindset dimensions and intentions from EU member countries Italy, Austria, Sweden, and Greece, and an EU candidate country Bosnia and Herzegovina, which are important for fostering start-ups, economic development, and job creation. By analyzing students’ entrepreneurial mindset dimensions, demographic and academic characteristics, and availability of resources, the research aims to identify factors that impact students’ entrepreneurial intentions. Findings provide valuable insights into how these factors vary across different educational, economic, and social contexts with guidance for enhancing education to better support students’ entrepreneurial aspirations.Machine learning Random Forest was used to analyze the impact of entrepreneurial mindset dimensions, resources, and demographic and academic characteristics on students’ entrepreneurial intentions of students from EU member countries and Bosnia and Herzegovina. SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) values were utilized to analyze feature importances and contributions to the model’s predictions. Statistical hypothesis tests were also conducted to compare differences of students’ entrepreneurial mindset dimensions, intentions and availability of resources between the EU member countries and Bosnia and Herzegovina.High values of entrepreneurial mindset dimensions have positive impact on entrepreneurial intentions in both EU member countries and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The availability of resources and orientation to innovations were the most impactful features for students in EU and Bosnia and Herzegovina, respectively. Gender and academic characteristics showed minimal influence. There are no significant differences in all dimensions between EU member countries and Bosnia and Herzegovina, except for confidence dimension and entrepreneurial intentions, which are significantly greater in Bosnia and Herzegovina.Findings suggest that tailored educational interventions focusing on key entrepreneurial mindset dimensions and resource access could significantly enhance entrepreneurial intentions among students. For policymakers and educators, this study provides a foundation for developing targeted strategies that align with the specific contexts of both EU member countries and Bosnia and Herzegovina. In this way higher education institutions can better support students’ entrepreneurial aspirations, contributing to broader economic development and job creation. This research offers recommendations for improving entrepreneurship education across diverse educational, economic, and social contexts and more balanced and inclusive economic development in Europe.

Today, as technology and games have become integral to everyday life, challenges arise in maintaining and enhancing the focus on learning. Although digital games offer excellent opportunities for innovative ways of acquiring knowledge, distraction and how best to balance the entertainment side with the education objectives also create problems. In such an environment, the main goal is to utilize games as motivational tools that engage students while contributing to the development of critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. Research is based on a survey among students and teachers from three partner countries, targeting their perception of Serious Games and AI as an educational means in which barriers and obstacles may arise when including it in the teaching and learning process. These data will help formulate recommendations on how to optimize the use of Serious Games within educational systems across three diverse cultures and educational practices.

Efficient decision-making in fruit production involves evaluating multiple criteria, such as yield, fruit quality, and resistance, to rank available alternatives. Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) methods provide a structured and objective framework for such tasks. This paper presents a web-based application named FRUITrank, designed to implement the MARCOS MCDM method for ranking and selection of plum varieties. The application uses a predefined set of criteria, whose weights were determined externally by using other MCDM methods. By leveraging a simple and intuitive interface, the application aims to overcome barriers to the practical adoption of MCDM methods among researchers and fruit producers, such as mathematical complexity and lack of accessible tools. The application was tested using a set of 11 criteria relevant to plum production, demonstrating its capability to deliver reliable and transparent rankings. This paper builds upon prior research in MCDM applications for agriculture, offering a practical solution for producers and researchers to enhance decision-making processes. Future improvements to the developed tool may include automated criteria weight calculation and broader applicability across various agricultural contexts.

The continuous growth of the world’s population and extending life expectancy, as well as frequent natural disasters and emergencies, increase the demand for health services every day. One of the crucial elements for addressing this problem is triage – a critical process that enables healthcare providers to efficiently identify patients’ needs in terms of medical treatments and resources. However, the complexity of implementing an appropriate triage process has led to the development of various systems, each offering a unique approach to address this challenge.This paper presents a comparative analysis of different patient triage systems, focusing on their key characteristics, identifying their common and unique elements, and providing an understanding of their advantages and limitations. Relying on the findings of the conducted analysis, the paper proposes a generic model of the triage process, designed around universal components that provide a foundation for standardizing the process while maintaining the flexibility to adapt to specific requirements. The proposed generic model further can be employed as a basis for exploring opportunities to enhance the patient triage process through the application of model-driven engineering concepts and techniques.