The scientific community is continually evolving, driven by advancements, shifting priorities, and growing demands for global dissemination of knowledge. A clear example of successfully adapting to these demands is the transition from the Bosnian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences (BJBMS) to Biomolecules and Biomedicine (BB) in 2023. This strategic move symbolizes a significant step forward, expanding the journal's global reach and scientific scope.

Zlatko Ugljen’s architecture represents a profound engagement with the interplay between regional identity and universal architectural values. Through an analysis of his most significant works, this paper examines how Ugljen synthesizes traditional construction principles with modernist architectural expression, ensuring the continuity of spatial and cultural meaning. Particular attention is given to the concept of the architecture of respect, analyzed within the theoretical frameworks of critical regionalism and the phenomenology of space. Furthermore, the paper investigates the impact of socio-political contexts - ranging from socialist Yugoslavia to the post-conflict reconstruction of Bosnia and Herzegovina - on Ugljen’s architectural practice. Employing a methodological framework that integrates a comparative analysis, case studies, and a phenomenological approach, the paper explores the materiality, spatial organization, and symbolic dimensions of his architectural solutions. The findings suggest that Ugljen’s work serves as a paradigm for contemporary architectural practice, demonstrating how regional identity can be reaffirmed while simultaneously establishing universal spatial values capable of addressing the challenges posed by globalization and cultural fragmentation.

Commercial juice processing generates a wide range of citrus byproducts including Citrus reticulata pomace. Citrus reticulata pomace consists primarily of pectin, cellulose, hemicellulose, and simple sugars. The essential oil present in small amounts contributes to the characteristic citrus aroma. In this research, volatile and semi-volatiles were extracted from citrus pomace (byproduct of mandarin juice production and then encapsulated using a freeze-drying technique. The main goal was to evaluate the efficiency of different coatings such as gum arabic, maltodextrin, and carboxymethylcellulose, to encapsulate citrus aroma. To confirm encapsulation, the microcapsules were disrupted in water. In disrupted microcapsules, a total of 17 monoterpenes, 13 sesquiterpenes, and 15 other compounds were identified, while on the surface of microcapsules, only up to 7 compounds were identified. From 46 aroma compounds identified in disrupted microcapsules, the most abundant ones were limonene, linalool, and α-terpineol.

Abstract Designing optimal controllers aims to improve the performance of a control system by minimizing tracking errors,control effort, or other system-specific objectives. However, obtaining analytical solutions for optimal controllers is often intractable for highly nonlinear, coupled multi-input multi-output (MIMO) systems. While gradient-based optimization methods can be employed, they may converge to suboptimal solutions due to the presence of multiple local minima in the cost function. Metaheuristic algorithms, on the other hand, offer a way to search for global optima even in complex, nonlinear systems. This article considers a nonlinear, coupled 2-DOF SCARA robot manipulator and proposes a super-twisting sliding mode controller that generates smooth control inputs compared to conventional sliding mode controllers, which typically produce discontinuous signals. We explore the use of genetic algorithms, particle swarm optimization, and simulated annealing to automatically tune the controller parameters, with the objective of minimizing trajectory and velocity tracking errors along a predefined path.

This paper examines the operation of photovoltaic power plants (PVPP) in lightly loaded distribution networks, addressing stability challenges due to voltage and frequency fluctuations. Using DIgSILENT PowerFactory simulations, the study analyzes load profiles and PVPP interactions under low demand conditions. Results indicate that PVPP can induce overvoltage, voltage dips, and reactive power losses, reducing system efficiency. Optimization strategies, including advanced voltage and frequency regulation, are proposed to enhance stability. Findings emphasize the importance of proper PVPP controller tuning for reliable integration of renewables. Future work should explore network digitalization for improved flexibility and resilience.

In recent years, Western societies have witnessed a notable rise in populism, nationalism, and extremist ideologies, marked by the increasing dehumanization of specific social groups. This trend presents significant challenges to the preservation of civil liberties, particularly the freedom of action and speech for targeted groups, both within higher education institutions and K-12 schools. The study investigates whether access to such freedoms impacts students’ sense of belonging in school and society. Reduced belonging among certain groups diminishes social cohesion and heightens the risk of radicalization and targeted violence. Drawing from a comprehensive sample of N = 518,833 students from 18,819 schools in 68 countries or economies as defined by the OECD, this study reveals a significant insight: countries with more equitable access to civil liberties across all social groups exhibit the higher average levels of school belonging.

Particulate matter (PM) is a major health risk, particularly in indoor environments where air quality should be optimized and pollution reduced efficiently. While technical air purification systems can be costly and impractical, indoor plants offer a sustainable alternative. Using a novel methodology, four common indoor plants were evaluated for their potential to reduce PM2.5. PM2.5 was introduced via incense in a custom-designed test chamber with air circulating at 0.3 m/s. Air quality was continuously monitored with an AirGradient Open Air device (Model O-1PST), an optical particle counter. Statistical significance was confirmed by independent t-tests and ANOVA. Calcium chloride regulated relative humidity in the chamber. The plants Epipremnum aureum, Chlorophytum comosum, Nephrolepis exaltata, and Maranta leuconeura were assessed for their PM2.5-binding capacity. Nephrolepis exaltata showed the highest reduction efficiency. Maranta leuconeura with its hemispherical leaf cells was tested for the first time and proved to trap particles within its leaf structure. It is ranked second and showed a stronger dependence on ambient PM2.5 concentrations for reduction efficiency.

Abstract An experimental analysis of water pressure in the spiral casing of a Francis turbine is presented. Measurements are conducted to analyze the pressure variation in a radial section of the spiral casing in correlation wtih changes in electric generator output power. The equipment and the software used for signal acquisition and analysis are described. Pressure transducer selection and preparation are carried out to ensure acceptable accuracy for this specific experiment. Existing connectors for turbine monitoring devices are utilized as pressure measurement points in this experiment. Output power is monitored indirectly through the electric signal of the guide vanes opening, with power values used in post-processing from SCADA logs. Hydraulic pressure and pressure differences across different output power levels and operating conditions are discussed.

Water plays a critical role in broiler production. The use of contaminated water can result in infections, contamination of animal products, and is unsuitable for drug administration. This study assessed the physicochemical and microbiological quality of water used on poultry farms producing broilers in the northeastern region of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The majority of broiler farms had private wells (n =58) or public water supplies (n = 34). Mean values for turbidity (NTU), pH, KMnO4 consumption (mg/L), chlorides (mg/L), ammonia (mg/L), nitrates (mg/L), nitrites (mg/L) and, conductivity (µS/cm) were as follows: 0.16±0.04; 7.51±0.25; 1.37±0.64; 11.91±10.49; 0.09±0.31; 12.78±13.64; 0.06±0.09 and 612.61±216.40, respectively. Ammonia and nitrates exceeded the recommended standard in one sample. Total coliform, E. coli and Enterococcus sp. were detected in 41.30 %, 22.83% and 34.78% samples, respectively. We did not find significant differences in microbial load between poultry farms with public water service to private water wells. The water used on poultry farms has satisfactory physicochemical properties but a high microbial load and could represent a potential source of pathogens. This indicates that water from poultry farms needs more treatment to improve its microbiological quality. Regular monitoring of water utilized in poultry farms is essential for preventive measures.

The synthesis of oxide nanopowders through ultrasonic spray pyrolysis (USP) represents a sustainable method for producing high-purity, spherical particles tailored for advanced material applications. Recent developments in USP synthesis leverage the continuous transport of aerosols from an ultrasonic generator to a high-temperature furnace, with nanopowders collected efficiently using an electrostatic precipitator. This study explored the use of USP for titanium oxysulfate and aluminum nitrate solutions derived from the aluminum industry, focusing on resource recovery and waste reduction. Titanium oxysulfate was synthesized by leaching slag, generated during the reduction of red mud, with sulfuric acid under oxidizing, high-pressure conditions. After purification, the titanium oxysulfate solution was processed using USP in a hydrogen reduction atmosphere to yield spherical titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanopowders. The hydrogen atmosphere enabled precise control over the nanoparticles’ morphology and crystallinity, enhancing their suitability for use in applications such as photocatalysis, pigments, and advanced coatings. In parallel, both synthetic and laboratory solutions of aluminum nitrate [Al(NO3)3] were prepared. The laboratory solution was prepared by leaching aluminum hydroxide oxide (AlOOH) with hydrochloric acid to form aluminum chloride (AlCl3), followed by a conversion to aluminum nitrate through the addition of nitric acid. The resulting aluminum nitrate solution was subjected to USP, producing highly uniform, spherical alumina (Al2O3) nanopowders with a narrow size distribution. The resulting nanopowders, characterized by their controlled properties and potential applicability, represent an advancement in oxide powder synthesis and resource-efficient manufacturing techniques.

Biflavonoids are an important group of flavonoids found in Juniperus species, yet their distribution and accumulation patterns remain insufficiently explored. In this study, we applied a method for the simultaneous quantification of seven biflavonoids to analyze different plant parts of J. communis, J. communis subsp. nana, and J. oxycedrus. In order to determinate the influence of growing location, we also analyzed J. communis samples collected from different locations. Four biflavonoids—cupressuflavone, amentoflavone, bilobetin, and hinokiflavone—were detected. In both analyzed J. communis varieties, amentoflavone was the predominant biflavonoid in cones and needles, while in J. oxycedrus, cupressuflavone was the most abundant in cones, with amentoflavone dominating in needles. Overall, biflavonoid content was significantly higher in needles than in cones, with total biflavonoid levels in needles exceeding 5 mg/g dw, highlighting the tissue-specific nature of biflavonoid biosynthesis within Juniperus species. Additionally, our results suggest that in J. communis, biflavonoid accumulation is significantly influenced by growing location.

Abstract Objectives Epilepsy is a chronic neurological condition with complex etiopathogenesis, treated with antiepileptics. In addition to their ability to regulate the activation threshold of neurons, antiepileptics have demonstrated a potential in shaping inflammation and the immune response. The main objective of our study was to analyze the effects of valproate, carbamazepine, and lamotrigine (commonly used antiepileptics) on viability, lymphocyte proliferation, and cytokine production by human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Methods PBMCs were treated with different concentrations of antiepileptics, with or without phytohemagglutinin (PHA). Cytotoxicity, assessed by viability and apoptosis/necrosis assay, was determined by flow cytometry using the Annexin V/Propidium iodide (PI) staining method. Proliferation was determined using the MTT assay, whereas cytokine levels were assessed by the ELISA assay. A selective peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) antagonist (SR-202) was used to evaluate the involvement of PPAR-γ. Results Nontoxic concentrations of valproate and carbamazepine reduced the levels of three major proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6) and impaired Th1 and Treg responses, without affecting the Th2 response. Lamotrigine did not exhibit immunomodulatory properties in this model. The effect of valproate on the production of proinflammatory and Th1 cytokines was significantly reversed by inhibiting PPAR-γ. In contrast, the blockade did not modify the effects of carbamazepine. Conclusion Our results demonstrated that valproate and carbamazepine, although similarly modulating the immune response in vitro, utilize different signaling mechanisms, in contrast to lamotrigine, which did not exhibit immunomodulatory effects.

Motivated by previous investigations that analyzed the boundedness of positive solutions, global stability, and the occurrence of Neimark–Sacker bifurcation in specific parameter cases, this paper comprehensively investigates the dynamics of certain second-order rational difference equation with four positive parameters and positive initial conditions. We provide a complete topological classification of fixed (equilibrium) points and examine the local behavior of orbits in the neighborhood of these points, which, to our knowledge, has not been previously studied in the entire admissible parameter space. Our research has discovered highly complex and rich dynamic behavior, ranging from the occurrence of supercritical and sub-critical Neimark–Sacker bifurcations in different parameter spaces to the appearance of codimension-2 bifurcations in the case of 1:1 strong resonance. A very interesting situation appears when one of the equilibria is nonhyperbolic in a specific parameter space; direct calculations have shown that both the first and second Lyapunov coefficients are equal to zero, implying that this equilibrium is a Hopf point of codimension at least 3. This strongly suggests the complex behavior of the studied equation, which the numerical simulations have also confirmed.