Abstract Consumers of agricultural products represent a sensitive category of society, therefore communication with them is particularly important. Communication is influenced by a large number of factors, and in this regard, making the right decision about the way to communicate is an extremely complex job. In previous research, the emphasis was placed mostly on the entire supply chain, much more than on the method of choosing communication with end consumers of agricultural products. Therefore, this research represents an attempt to make an additional contribution to rational decision-making in this part of the agricultural supply chain. In this paper, the selection of criteria used in the process of communicating with consumers in a country was carried out by applying expert fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making. The innovative fuzzy method SiWeC (Simple Weight Calculation) was applied to evaluate ten given criteria with the aim of their selection. The subject of the research were several agricultural companies and the experts were six experts from the marketing department of the companies in question. The results show that the method of communication itself is the best evaluated criterion, as well as the delivery time, i.e. the impact of delivery speed on the demand for a particular agricultural product. Uncertainty in decision-making is reduced by applying fuzzy decision-making logic, and the results provide the basis for future research that should be directed at selecting the most favorable methods of communication when products of this type are in question, as well as the development of the existing methodology, which in this case has proven to be adequate.

The conducted research aimed to determine the dietary habits of elderly people. The research was conducted on a sample of 237 respondents differentiated by gender, 133 males and 104 females and by age 65 -89 years. Data processing was done in the SPSS program and descriptive and comparative statistics were used to obtain data. Descriptive parameters were created for the analysis of the factual state of the respondents. The collected data were analyzed using the Microsoft Excel 2007 tool, and are presented in tables. It is evident that the health status of the respondents worsens with age, and dietary habits change in a positive sense with age. Given that the world's population is aging, it is necessary to emphasize attention to certain needs and challenges faced by many older people. Nutrition is an important element of health in the elderly population and affects the aging process. Although it is a study on a relatively small number of subjects, in comparison with a larger European study, it becomes relevant for proving the present problem of malnutrition among elderly patients. It is necessary to take all measures to increase the awareness of health workers about this problem in order to successfully prevent it or stop it in time.Looking at the entire sample of respondents globally, we can conclude that overall, a significant number of respondents do not pay enough attention to the structure of foods in their diet and water consumption.In line with previous research, the results of this study highlight the importance of dietary habits in creating a healthy lifestyle and preventing chronic non-communicable diseases. Key words:eating habits, age, respondents, differences, lifestyle

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the entire personality and is most often diagnosed during school age. The Tomatis Method involves neurosensory brain stimulation through unique listening programs. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of the Tomatis Method on the attention of a child with ADHD. The listening program was tailored to the child's specific needs and was administered by a certified Tomatis practitioner. Each treatment cycle lasted 14 days. The assessment was conducted at four time points: before and after the first cycle, and before and after the second cycle of the Tomatis treatment. A software-based assessment tool specifically designed to evaluate components of executive functions was used to measure attention. The collected data were processed using IBM SPSS Statistics 21 software for statistical analysis. Basic statistical parameters were calculated. The results showed improvements in attention-related abilities, including increased response accuracy and faster reaction times. Key words:Tomatis Method, ADHD, attention.

Purpose Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) significantly affects health and healthcare costs due to chronic kidney disease complications. Given asprosin’s potential as a biomarker for disease progression, we conducted the first systematic review and meta-analysis on its relationship with DKD in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science were systematically searched. Standard mean differences (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) and Fisher’s Z transformation were used to examine the relationship between asprosin and DKD. The risk of bias was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) and its version for cross-sectional studies. Heterogeneity (I² > 50%) was analyzed with a random-effects model. Results Six studies (n = 1340) were included. Meta-analysis results indicated that T2DM patients with DKD (micro/macroalbuminuria) had significantly higher circulating asprosin levels than normoalbuminuric T2DM patients (SMD: 1.5, 95% CI: 0.69–2.32, p = 0.0003). Meta-analysis of correlation revealed a positive association of asprosin with urinary albumin excretion ratio (UACR) (Fisher’s Z = 0.4; 95% CI: 0.240–0.554, p < 0.001) and body mass index (BMI) (Fisher’s Z = 0.17; 95% CI: 0.036–0.301, p = 0.013), and a negative association with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (Fisher’s Z = −0.35; 95% CI: −0.471 to −0.239, p < 0.001). Conclusion Asprosin is elevated in T2DM patients with pre-DKD (early stage DKD) and DKD and correlates with key markers of disease severity. Additional research is required to better understand the pathophysiological mechanisms of asprosin and its role in DKD.

U radu su razmatrana trenutna i konsolidacijska slijeganja kvadratnog temelja za dvije različite geomehaničke sredine. Prvi slučaj je pjeskovito tlo ispod kojeg se nalazi sloj gline, a druga geomehanička sredina je pjeskovito tlo u mješavini sa šljunkom te ojačano cementnim prahom (30%) i staklenim vlaknima (1%) ispod kojeg se nalazi glina. Dobiveni rezultati slijeganja pokazuju dobru stabilizaciju tla i povoljne geomehaničke karakteristike ojačanog tla koji se ogledaju u manjoj vrijednosti ukupnog slijeganja temelja koja zadovoljava maksimalnu dopuštenu vrijednost definiranu Eurocode-om. U radu su prikazana slijeganja kroz vremensko razdoblje od 120 dana, prikazano je konačno, dugoročno slijeganje ispod temelja kao i diferencijalni omjer (δ/L) slijeganja temelja. Proračun trenutnog slijeganja vršen je prema teoriji elastičnosti odnosno konsolidacijsko slijeganje prema Terzaghi-ju.

Evaluation of the performance of teleoperation systems plays an important role in assessing the efficacy and reliability of such systems. The evaluation is usually performed based on factors such as stability, transparency, and user satisfaction. However, very few studies have addressed the numerical evaluation of transparency in teleoperation systems so far. This letter presents a novel method to numerically assess the transparency of teleoperation systems based on representing recorded experimental data algebraically by fitting parametric curves using Elliptic Fourier Descriptors (EFD). The EFD coefficients are used to compute the Hybrid Matrix of the teleoperation system, which provides a metric for judging how transparent a teleoperation system is. This letter validates the proposed method using real experimental position and force data for teleoperation systems with and without time delay, as well as providing an analysis of the effect of the number of harmonics on the calculation of the Hybrid Matrix.

Narrative review synthesizes the most current literature on the SARS-CoV-2 XEC variant, focusing on its genomic evolution, immune evasion characteristics, epidemiological dynamics, and public health implications. To achieve this, we conducted a structured search of the literature of peer-reviewed articles, preprints, and official surveillance data from 2023 to early 2025, prioritizing virological, clinical, and immunological reports related to XEC and its parent lineages. Defined by the distinctive spike protein mutations, T22N and Q493E, XEC exhibits modest reductions in neutralization in vitro, although current evidence suggests that mRNA booster vaccines, including those targeting JN.1 and KP.2, retain cross-protective efficacy against symptomatic and severe disease. The XEC strain of SARS-CoV-2 has drawn particular attention due to its increasing prevalence in multiple regions and its potential to displace other Omicron subvariants, although direct evidence of enhanced replicative fitness is currently lacking. Preliminary analyses also indicated that glycosylation changes at the N-terminal domain enhance infectivity and immunological evasion, which is expected to underpin the increasing prevalence of XEC. The XEC variant, while still emerging, is marked by a unique recombination pattern and a set of spike protein mutations (T22N and Q493E) that collectively demonstrate increased immune evasion potential and epidemiological expansion across Europe and North America. Current evidence does not conclusively associate XEC with greater disease severity, although additional research is required to determine its clinical relevance. Key knowledge gaps include the precise role of recombination events in XEC evolution and the duration of cross-protective T-cell responses. New research priorities include genomic surveillance in undersampled regions, updated vaccine formulations against novel spike epitopes, and long-term longitudinal studies to monitor post-acute sequelae. These efforts can be augmented by computational modeling and the One Health approach, which combines human and veterinary sciences. Recent computational findings (GISAID, 2024) point to the potential of XEC for further mutations in under-surveilled reservoirs, enhancing containment challenges and risks. Addressing the potential risks associated with the XEC variant is expected to benefit from interdisciplinary coordination, particularly in regions where genomic surveillance indicates a measurable increase in prevalence.

This study investigated the potential of high-voltage electrical discharge (HVED), as a green, non-thermal extraction technology, for recovering polyphenols from winter savory (Satureja montana L.). Key process parameters, including frequency (40, 70, 100 Hz) and extraction time (1, 5, 15, 30, 45 min), were optimized, using water as a solvent and maintaining a constant solid-to-liquid ratio of 1:100 g/mL. The extracts were characterized for total polyphenol content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant activity (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP), while individual phenolics were quantified via HPLC-DAD. Multivariate chemometric analyses, including Pearson correlation, heatmap clustering, and principal component analysis (PCA), were employed to reveal relationships between extraction conditions, polyphenolic profiles, and antioxidant activities. The results showed strong correlations between TPC, TFC, and antioxidant activity, with compounds such as quercetin-3-D-galactoside, procyanidin A2, and rutin identified as key contributors. Among the tested conditions, extraction at 70 Hz for 45 min provided the highest polyphenol yield and bioactivity. The application of HVED demonstrated its potential as an efficient and environmentally friendly technique for obtaining phenolic-rich extracts. In addition, the use of chemometric tools provided useful insights for optimizing extraction conditions and understanding the contributions of specific compounds to bioactivity. These results support future applications in clean-label product development and contribute to broader efforts in sustainable ingredient production for the food, cosmetic, and nutraceutical sectors.

The aim of this research was to determine differences in the levels of anxiety, depression, perceived stress, and quality of life among parents of children with different developmental difficulties (intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, and cerebral palsy). The sample consisted of 104 parents, the majority of whom were female (85.6%). Most parents reported that their child had an autism spectrum disorder (45.2%), while the rest reported Down syndrome (29.8%) and cerebral palsy (25.0%). The following instruments were used for the purposes of the research: Demographic Data Questionnaire, Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Family Quality of Life Scale (FQoL), Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7), and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Statistical data analysis was conducted using univariate analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results showed that parents of children with cerebral palsy exhibit statistically significantly higher levels of anxiety, depression, and perceived stress compared to parents of children with autism and Down syndrome. These findings confirm previous research on the impact of the complexity of motor impairments on the psychological state of parents and highlight the need for targeted psychosocial support for this population. On the other hand, the study did not show statistically significant differences in the perception of overall quality of life among parents, regardless of the type of their child's difficulty. This result implies that factors such as family support, adopted coping mechanisms, and the degree of acceptance of the situation may play a key role in maintaining the subjective sense of life homeostasis. Keywords:parents, developmental difficulties, anxiety, depression, quality of life.

The paper aims to identify and analyze effective strategies aimed at managing autistic behaviorand learning barriers. A qualitative analysis of the relevant scientific and professional literature published in the last decade was carried out, and after screening, 41 papers were included in thematic analysis. Strategies are divided into six categories: Behavioral interventions and behavior management, Education of children and youth with ASD and the empowerment of educators, Teaching social skills, Sensory integration therapies, Digital and assistive technologies, and Transition support. All included strategies are evidence-based practices (EBPs). The literature review confirms that there is no universal approach in working with children and youth with ASD. Still, successful intervention is based on the application of a combination of strategies adapted to the individual needs of students, the educational environment, and developmental goals. Despite the multitude of strategies at a given setting's disposal effective implementation of EBPs is often thwarted by system, school, and individual factors suchas limited resources, training, as well as consistency across environments. By addressing these challenges in a comprehensive manner—through inclusive pedagogy, adaptive technology, and collaborative support systems—we can bridge the research-practice gapand provide rich, enabling learning experiences for students with autism spectrum disorders. Key words: autism, learning strategies, behavior management, learning barriers

It can be stated that quality is an integral part of our daily life. All people constantly insist on quality in certain areas of life, which indicates that quality can be found in all segments in which a person work. The main objective of this study is to examine the satisfaction of clients/users with the services of spa centers. The basic research methods used are: synthesis, analysis, induction and deduction, comparative and statistical methods. The collection of primary data was carried out through an online survey, which contains a standardized scale (SERVQUAL). The correlation analysis confirms the general objective, so it can be concluded that the Pearson coefficient is -0.158, from which it follows that there is a very weak negative correlation between these two variables. It is concluded that sociodemographic factors do not at all influence the attitude of respondents about the quality of service of spa resorts. But, Pearson coefficient indicates a high degree of correlation between respondents' satisfaction with the quality of service in sparesorts and other factors. There is a very high degree of correlation between respondents' satisfaction with service quality and other factors -81%, which have an impact on the respondents' satisfaction with thequality of service in the spa: the first contact in the spa, the reason for coming to the spa, the distance from home to the spa, travel time and the manner the therapy is introduced. Key words: Quality, safety of services, spa resorts, Bosnia and Herzegovina

This scientific research work investigates the social and legal protection of unaccompanied and separated children from the population of migrants, refugees and asylum seekers in the municipality of Velika Kladušafrom 2019 to 2022. The research is based on data collected from government records, reports from non-governmental organizations and interviews with key actors, including social workers, lawyers and representatives of civil society organizations. The research reveals that unaccompanied and separated children in Velika Kladuša face significant challenges in accessing social and legal protection. Many of these children experience trauma, violence and exploitation during the journey, but also in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and continue to face significant risks and vulnerabilities upon arrival. Despite the established legal and political frameworks for the protection of these children, the ability of institutions and services to respond to their needs is limited, and many children fall through gaps in the system.The research highlights the need for increased resources, funding and training for institutions and service providers working with unaccompanied and separated children. It also highlights the importance of a holistic, child-centred approach to social and legal protection, which takes into account the specific needs and vulnerabilities of this population. Ultimately, this research provides important insights and recommendations for improving the social and legal protection of unaccompanied and separated children in the municipality, and contributes to broader efforts to ensure the rights and well-being of all children on the move. Key words: unaccompanied and separated children, migrants, refugees, asylum seekers, social and legal protection, risks, vulnerabilities, institutions, services, capacities, child-centred approach, resources, policy frameworks, recommendations.

Patients with post-traumatic stress disorder face increased cardiovascular risk. This study examines shared genetic regions between post-traumatic stress disorder and 246 cardiovascular conditions across electronic health records, 82 cardiac imaging, and health behaviors defined by Life’s Essential 8. Post-traumatic stress disorder is genetically correlated with cardiovascular diagnoses in 33 regions, imaging traits in 4 regions, and health behaviors in 44 regions. Potentially shared causal variants between post-traumatic stress disorder and 17 cardiovascular conditions were observed in 11 regions. Subsequent observational analysis in AllofUS cohort showed post-traumatic stress disorder is associated with 13 diagnoses even after accounting for socioeconomic factors and depression. Genetically regulated proteome expression in brain and blood tissues identified 33 blood and 122 brain genes shared between the two conditions, revealing neuronal, immune, metabolic, and calcium-related mechanisms, with several genes as targets for existing drugs. These findings exhibit shared risk loci and genes are involved in tissue-specific mechanisms. Study shows PTSD predisposition shares distinct genes and genomic regions with several cardiovascular conditions. Here the findings reveal neuronal, immune, and metabolic pathways, and repurposed drug targets that further the understanding of the comorbidity.

This study examines the agreement between health-related quality of life assessments in children with cerebral palsy and their mothers, analyzes the relationship between functional domains (daily activities, mobility, pain, fatigue, nutrition, communication) and psychosocial health of the child from the perspectives of both children and mothers, and investigates the impact of maternal education level and family socioeconomic status on the psychosocial health of children as assessed by their mothers.The study involved 61 children with cerebral palsy, aged 5 to 18 years, along with their mothers who were the primary caregivers. Data were collected using validated instruments, includingthe PedsQL 4.0 and PedsQL 3.0 questionnaires, completed by both the children and their mothers. Socioeconomic status was determined using the Hollingshead index, and statistical analysis—descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests (Wilcoxon signed-rank test, Spearman’s correlation)—was conducted using IBM SPSS Statistics 25.The results showed significant differences in quality of life assessments between children and their mothers, particularly in the domains of daily activities, school activities, mobility, and balance. Daily activities, mobility, and nutrition were correlated with the psychosocial health of children according to the children’s self-reports, while, according to mothers’ assessments, the strongest correlations were observed for daily activities and nutrition. Socioeconomic status and maternal education level did not have a significant association with the psychosocial health of children in this sample. The findings highlight the importance of considering the child’s perspective and focusing interventions on daily functioning. Keywords:cerebral palsy, quality of life, psychosocial health, daily activities, socioeconomic status