Time‐series classification is a relevant step supporting decision‐making processes in various domains, and deep neural models have shown promising performance in this respect. Despite significant advancements in deep learning, the theoretical understanding of how and why complex architectures function remains limited, prompting the need for more interpretable models. Recently, the Kolmogorov–Arnold Networks (KANs) have been proposed as a more interpretable alternative to deep learning. While KAN‐related research is significantly rising, to date, the study of KAN architectures for time‐series classification has been limited. In this paper, we aim to conduct a comprehensive and robust exploration of the KAN architecture for time‐series classification utilizing 117 datasets from UCR benchmark archive, from multiple different domains. More specifically, we investigate (a) the transferability of reference architectures designed for regression to classification tasks, (b) the hyperparameter and implementation configurations for an architecture that best generalizes across 117 datasets, (c) the associated complexity trade‐offs, and (d) KANs interpretability. Our results demonstrate that (1) the Efficient KAN outperforms MLPs in both performance and training times, showcasing its suitability for classification tasks. (2) Efficient KAN exhibits greater stability than the original KAN across grid sizes, depths, and layer configurations, especially when lower learning rates are employed. (3) KAN achieves competitive accuracy compared to state‐of‐the‐art models such as HIVE‐COTE2 and InceptionTime, while maintaining smaller architectures and faster training times, highlighting its favorable balance of performance and transparency. (4) The interpretability of the KAN model, as confirmed by SHAP analysis, reinforces its capacity for transparent decision‐making.

BACKGROUND The development and progression of prostate cancer are multistep processes involving several growth factors, hormones, and cytokines. This study aimed to measure the serum concentrations of different cytokines and determine their correlation with prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels and disease grade in patients with prostate adenocarcinoma. MATERIAL AND METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted from March 2023 to March 2024 at the Clinic of Oncology of the University Hospital Center in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Altogether, 50 male patients with prostate adenocarcinoma were included, of whom 28 had no proven metastases (PC group) and 22 had metastatic disease (MPC group). Serum concentrations of total (tPSA), free (fPSA), and complexed (cPSA) PSA were determined using a chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay, whereas serum concentrations of cytokines were measured using a flow cytometry bead-based assay. RESULTS The MPC group had higher serum tPSA, fPSA, and cPSA levels than the PC group. The PC group had significantly higher serum levels of monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)-1 than the MPC group (P=0.008). In the PC group, serum levels of interleukin (IL)-10 significantly correlated with cPSA. In the MPC group, serum concentrations of IL-1ß, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, and IL-23 significantly correlated with disease grade. CONCLUSIONS Our study emphasizes the importance of MCP-1 in the development of prostate cancer, while IL-10 was the only cytokine whose serum level significantly correlated with cPSA. Serum concentrations of IL-1ß, TNF-alpha, and IL-23 may serve as potential biomarkers for disease grade.

The paper explains the phenomenon of creativity through various implicit and explicit definitions and three theories of education through the most important characteristics of the theories and their most significant representatives. With the aim of better familiarization with the concept of creativity, the „position" of creativity in the critical-rationalist empirical, critical and spiritual theory of education is explained, and the understanding of creativity through the areas of the aforementioned theories of education is presented. The paper presents the relationship between pedagogy and creativity and highlights the importance of creativity in the field of teaching work. The need for creativity in educational work and the importance of developing creativity in that context and in the teaching of foreign languages were especially discussed. Given that educational theories talk about the empirical justification of pedagogical facts through critical-rationalist empirical theory, then about the developmental aspects of society and the way society influences scientific knowledge through critical theory and the understanding of human activity through spiritual scientific theory, it is justified to talk about the representation of creativity in the areas of activity of all three educational theories.

Worldwide, women face a disproportionately heavy health burden than their male counterparts. Yet there is a chronic lack of research attention and investment in women's health, which may explain the absence of women-inclusive, let alone women-centred, understanding of the causes, consequences, and confounding factors that shape individuals' health and quality of life. In this manuscript, by analysing the U.S. National Health Expenditure data, we show how ingrained the issue of poor investment in women's health even in the 0-18 years age group in terms of per capita health expenditure. We hope this manuscript sheds light on how early-life poor health investment in women's health might be a potential cause for women's poor health in adulthood, and in turn, underscores the importance of investing resources into better understanding and improving women's health.

The plant kingdom is a crucial component of human nutrition and, consequently, the foundation of human sustenance. Humans have long recognized that specific plant-based foods provide essential substances that contribute to health, leading to the discovery of their medicinal properties. As a result of such chemical investigations, there has been an effort to synthetically produce the same or similar compounds that could replace natural products from the plant world in medical treatment and health maintenance. Consequently, modern medicine has increasingly relied on synthetic drugs, often overlooking the therapeutic value of many plants. However, despite this neglect, there is a growing movement to reintegrate effective natural plant compounds into the treatment of various diseases, as synthetic chemical compounds cannot fully substitute for plant-derived medications. The objective of this study was to collect and identify medicinal plant species in the Konjuh Mountain area across seven locations with varying geoecological characteristics. Field research was conducted in three municipalities within the Tuzla Canton (Kladanj, Živinice, and Banovići), covering seven sites, each measuring 3,000 m², with altitudes ranging from 560 to 1,100 m. During the investigation, 109 medicinal plant species were identified, including endangered and endemic varieties. Additionally, a survey was conducted among the local population of Konjuh Mountain regarding their knowledge, recognition, and collection of medicinal herbs. Results from the survey, which involved 50 participants of various ages, indicate that alternative medicine holds a significant role in treatment approaches and is viewed as a more accessible method of healing.

Food–drug interactions (FDIs) are pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic changes in drug effects caused by the presence of specific foods. To identify and prevent FDIs, pharmacists, alongside other healthcare professionals, should possess a certain level of knowledge. This study aimed to assess knowledge of FDIs among Croatian pharmacists. A total of 206 participants were included in this cross-sectional study. The median knowledge score among Croatian pharmacists was 69.44%, with an interquartile range of 19.44. Croatian pharmacists most commonly recognized FDIs involving theophylline, warfarin, and tetracycline, while the lowest rate of correct answers was observed with digoxin interactions. Future studies should evaluate pharmacists’ clinical practice concerning FDIs. Additionally, more research is needed to develop educational programs on this topic, either at the university level or for continuing education.

Adenotonsillar hypertrophy is the most frequent cause for obstructive sleep apnea (OSAS) in children. In patients with small tonsils and where adenoid size cannot be assessed, the indication for adenoidectomy often relies on clinical symptoms. However, data on the association of clinical parameters and adenoid hypertrophy with OSAS severity in children undergoing an adenoidectomy is sparse. To investigate the correlation of patient characteristics, adenoid hypertrophy, and clinical symptoms with OSAS severity in pediatric patients indicated for an adenoidectomy. We performed a retrospective chart review of all pediatric patients at our tertiary referral center between 2018 and 2023 who underwent polygraphy (PG) for OSAS diagnostics. Adenoid hypertrophy was assessed as adenoid-choanal ratio (AC-ratio) via nasal endoscopy and clinical symptom score (CS) via physical examination and parental survey. We included all symptomatic children with mild to severe OSAS (apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) ≥ 1). Exclusion criteria were obesity according to BMI and/or the presence of systemic diseases. The patients were divided according to age in a preschool and school cohort. Patient characteristics and PG data were compared between both groups. Linear regression analysis was used to investigate the association of AC-ratio, CS and BMI with the AHI. A total of 121 patients were identified of which 81 were included in our study, resulting in 42 and 39 patients from 3–5 and 6–14 years of age, respectively. We observed a significant correlation between CS and BMI (p = 0.026) and the CS and AC-ratio (p < 0.001). Univariable regression analysis showed significant association of the AC-ratio and CS with AHI-score for the total (p < 0.001), the preschool (p < 0.001), and the school cohort (p < 0.001). In multivariable regression analysis, the significant association of AC-ratio and CS remained in the total (p = 0.014; p < 0.001), and the preschool cohort (p = 0.029; p = 0.002). However, only the CS remained as positive predictor in the school cohort. AC-ratio and clinical symptoms seem to be reliable predictors for OSAS severity in patients between 3–14 years of age. Moreover, only clinical symptoms were associated with OSAS severity in schoolchildren. Future investigation should contribute to the validation of our results

Introduction West Nile Virus, an emerging zoonotic pathogen, has been circulating in Serbia for over a decade, with its first detection in mosquitoes in 2010. Since then, the virus has led to increasing cases in both animals and humans, peaking in 2018 with 415 human cases and 36 fatalities. This study aimed to explore the phylogenetic relationships between previously sequenced West Nile virus strains from Serbia and those sequenced in this study, while also identifying possible virulence factors. Materials and methods Whole genome sequencing was conducted using a targeted approach on the MinION Mk1C platform, following a two-step process involving cDNA synthesis and amplification. Bioinformatics analysis included demultiplexing, primer trimming, and sequence mapping using tools such as iVar, Minimap2, and Samtools. Phylogenetic analysis was performed using MAFFT alignment and the Maximum Likelihood method with the Tamura Nei model in MEGA X software. Virulence factors were assessed in both structural and nonstructural proteins, focusing on key glycosylation motifs and specific mutations. Homology modeling of the E protein was also performed to evaluate potential structural changes due to mutations. Results Phylogenetic analysis revealed two major sublineages within the E subclade, representing the majority of strains from Western and Central Europe. These sublineages likely originated from Austria, Serbia, and Hungary between 2008 and 2012. The study also identified three distinct sublineages within the D subclade, which includes more diverse strains from Southern Europe. The E protein exhibited significant variations, particularly at the E159 site, which is crucial for virulence. The EI159T aa change has become dominant in recent years, replacing the previously prevalent EI159M. Additionally, changes in the NS1 glycoprotein and NS3 protein, both of which are involved in immune modulation and viral replication, were identified, with potential implications for the virus’s virulence. Conclusion The study’s findings highlight the Western Balkans and Central Europe as key regions for the mixing and dissemination of West Nile virus strains from both Western-Central and Southern Europe. These results underscore the importance of continuous surveillance and phylogenetic analysis to monitor the evolution and spread of West Nile virus, particularly in light of the frequent mutations observed in virulence-associated sites.

Abstract AIMS The aim of the study was to investigate the prognostic value of Ki-67 and histological grade in patients with estrogen receptor (ER) positive and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) negative early breast cancer. Although the proliferation activity of different tumors assessed with antigen Ki-67 was extensively studied in the last decade and showed that Ki67 expression was a useful prognostic factor in breast cancer, there is still a controversy about the utility value of Ki-67. METHODS The retrospective study covered the period from 2016 to 2022. Year included 106 patients from Brcko District, with early estrogen-positive and HER2 receptors-negative breast cancer. The average patients’ age was 62.37 ± 11.65 years. Patients were divided into groups with high/low Ki-67 and high/low histological grade. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed for disease relapse and mortality. RESULTS Patients with high Ki-67 were more frequent postmenopausal, had higher histological grade, cancer ˂2 cm, more frequent lymph nodes’ metastases, more frequently underwent to axillary surgery, and had a higher mortality rate. Patients with high histological grade were older, more frequent postmenopausal, had more frequent metastases to the lymph nodes, more frequent occurrence of high Ki-67, more frequent relapse of disease, and more frequent of death. CONCLUSION Combination of high Ki-67 with high histological grade in ER positive and HER2-negative early breast cancer is an important prognostic factor.

Background: Abdominal aortic aneurysm rupture remains a major challenge and is one of the most urgent conditions in medicine. The prevalence of abdominal aortic aneurysm is between 4.0%- 8.0% in studies related mainly to men. That is why we perform study to determine the frequency of ruptures in previously unrecognized abdominal aortic aneurysms in the total sample.Material and Methods: The study was designed involving patients of the Clinic for Cardiovascular Surgery at the Clinical Center of the University of Sarajevo, who underwent surgery for rupture of an abdominal aortic aneurysm.Results: Of the total of 71 patients admitted due to a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm, in 59 the abdominal aortic aneurysm had not been recognized, that is, 83.1%. The most common rupture position was on the left retroperitoneally, in 45 or 63.4% of cases, then on the right retroperitoneally in 16 or 22.5%. The rarest site was intraperitoneal in 10 or 14.1%. The average size of AAA in the total sample (N=71) was 8.2±1.8 cm.Conclusions: In most patients the abdominal aortic aneurysm had not been previously recognized. In the largest number of patients the position of the rupture was on the left retroperitoneally. Most patients who died had an intraperitoneal rupture.

With the increase in the need to maintain uninterrupted power supply, due to sensitive devices in modern industry, more and more attention is paid to the protection of distribution lines in atypical construction conditions. Taking into account that lightning strikes are a frequent and main cause of power interruptions, it is necessary to take into account all the factors that can affect the improvement of the performance of distribution lines. This paper introduces a novel approach by incorporating tower grounding resistance, height, type, surge arrester, and flashover models in conditions of high soil resistance without physical protection. The proposed modelling procedure is validated through simulations on the 35 kV line "Kotor - Lovćen" in Montenegro, characterized by inadequate protection and high soil resistance, using the EMTP software and adhering to IEEE 1410 - 2004 standards.

Previous investigations result with issues regarding insulators premature aging and degradation process. Recent case of an outage in power plant showed unusual pattern of insulator failure. Insulators operating under various adverse conditions including presence of water, fog, dew and other contaminants are affected by these factors in a way that field enhancement that leads to flashover activity is generated. To identify the root cause of the insulator failure, the service conditions of a polymer rod type 110 kV insulator were simulated using COMSOL Multiphysics (Mph). Simulations relate to presence of water droplets, uniform and non-uniform pollution layer on the insulator surface, and formation of dry band areas. In order to simulate various types of pollutants present on the insulator surface, the pollution layer is modeled as a conductive layer for different values of conductivity. The provided results in the paper, pointing out critical weakened spots due to presence of various contaminants, should be used as a detection tool to determine whether this type of stresses could have contributed to the unusual mechanism of insulator failure. Deeper understanding and knowledge of the failure mechanism may be useful in order to prevent early failures of insulating systems in general.

The resulting shift in load and generation profiles on the low voltage (LV) network poses new risks for distribution system operators (DSOs), including issues like congestion and power quality. To address these risks, two approaches are considered: traditional grid reinforcement or flexibility services. An emerging solution for harnessing flexibility is the development of local markets. This paper is focused on defining scenarios for testing the local market, considering different network conditions (load profiles, available capacity limits in the lines), different market clearing mechanisms, and bids. The LV network under study is a real Slovenian LV network in Luče, currently featuring 9 flexible households and one community battery, as part of the X-FLEX project (Horizon 2020, grant agreement n°863927). The second part involves testing these scenarios and conducting an analysis of the results, ensuring network constraints compliance through power flow simulation (using OpenDSS), and performing a technical analysis of the market design based on these results.

The development of more complex inverter-based resources (IBRs) control is becoming essential as a result of the growing share of renewable energy sources in power systems. Given the diverse range of control schemes, grid operators are typically provided with black-box models of IBRs from various equipment manufacturers. As such, they are integrated into simulation models of the entire power system for analysis, and due to their nature, they can only be simulated in the time domain. Other system analysis approaches, like eigenvalue analysis, cannot be applied, making the comprehensive analysis of defined systems more challenging. This work introduces an approach for identification of three-phase IBR models for grid-forming and grid-following inverters using Hammerstein-Wiener models. To this end, we define a simulation framework for the identification process, and select suitable evaluation metrics for the results. Finally, we evaluate the approach on generic grid-forming and grid-following inverter models showing good identification results.