The COVID-19 pandemic negatively influenced individuals’ physical activity levels (PALs) and particularly the PAL of the elderly. However, few studies have examined the correlates of PALs in this population during the pandemic. This study aimed to evaluate the residence-specific correlates of PALs in elderly people from Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina during the COVID-19 pandemic. The participants were 211 persons older than 65 years (101 females), of whom 111 were community-dwelling residents, and 110 were nursing home residents (71.11 ± 3.11 and 72.22 ± 4.01 years of age, respectively; t-test = 0.91, p < 0.05). The variables included health status, residential status sociodemographic factors, anthropometrics (body mass, height, and body mass index), and PAL. PAL was evaluated using a translated version of the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE), and was validated in this study. PASE showed good test–retest reliability (51% of the common variance) and validity (57% of the common variance, with the step count measured using pedometers). Apart from participants’ health status and age, PAL was positively correlated with (i) community-dwelling residence (OR = 1.93, 95% CI: 1.60–2.23), and (ii) a lower BMI (OR = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.71–0.98). The pre-pandemic physical activity was positively correlated with the PAL of the nursing home residents (OR = 1.2, 95% CI: 1.02–1.45). A higher education level was positively correlated with the PAL of community-dwelling residents (OR = 1.31, 95% CI: 1.04–1.66). This study evidenced the residence-specific correlates of PALs, and enabled the identification of specific groups that are at risk of having low PALs during the pandemic. Future studies examining this problem during a non-pandemic period are warranted.

Abstract The banking sector assumes a pivotal role in the economic development of nations. The assessment of financial indicators pertaining to banks holds fundamental importance in the evaluation of bank stability and sustainability. This research employs the MEREC (Method based on the Removal Effects of Criteria) and MARCOS (Measurement of Alternatives and Ranking according to COmpromise Solution) methodologies to delve deeper into the financial landscape of the banking sector in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). Specifically, the objective is to rank banks according to their financial indicators, utilizing financial data from the year 2022. The MEREC method is applied to gauge the significance of financial indicators and ascertain their respective weights, while the MARCOS method is employed to rank banks within BiH based on their financial indicators. The examination of financial indicators within the BiH banking sector, facilitated by the MEREC and MARCOS methodologies, yields a more comprehensive understanding of the sector’s present condition. Limitations of this research, which primarily stem from its reliance on available financial data and predefined methodologies, lies within limited consideration for external factors. To provide a broader contextual perspective, the inclusion of additional financial indicators and comparative analyses with banking sectors of other nations would be imperative. The findings of this research reveal that Raiffeisen Bank exhibits the most favourable financial indicators and demonstrates the highest level of efficiency within this context. Consequently, this research offers insights into identifying exemplary banks that can serve as models for enhancing the performance of others.

Haemonchus contortus is a globally significant parasitic nematode in ruminants, with widespread resistance to benzimidazole due to its excessive and prolonged use. Given the extensive use of benzimidazole anthelmintics in Bosnia and Herzegovina, we hypothesized that resistance is prevalent. The aim of this study was to identify the presence of anthelmintic resistance to benzimidazole in H. contortus from naturally infected sheep, goats and cattle in Bosnia and Herzegovina through the detection of the Phe/Tyr polymorphism in the amino acid at position 200 of the β-tubulin protein. From 19 locations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, a total of 83 adult H. contortus were collected from the abomasum of ruminants. Among these, 45 H. contortus specimens were isolated from sheep, 19 from goats and 19 from cattle. Results showed that 77.8% of H. contortus in sheep exhibited homozygous resistant genotypes at position 200 of the β-tubulin gene, with 15.5% being heterozygous. In goats, all tested H. contortus (100%) were homozygous resistant, and no heterozygous resistant or homozygous sensitive genotypes were found. Cattle had 94.7% homozygous resistant H. contortus, with no heterozygous resistant genotypes detected. In H. contortus from sheep and cattle, 6.7% and 5.3%, respectively, displayed homozygous sensitive genotypes. This study, for the first time, highlights the presence of a resistant population of H. contortus in sheep, goats and cattle in Bosnia and Herzegovina, using the rt-qPCR method. The resistance likely spread from sheep or goats to cattle, facilitated by shared pastures and the practice of transhumance, indicating a widespread and growing issue of anthelmintic resistance.

This scoping review examines the use of CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing in glioblastoma (GBM), a predominant and aggressive brain tumor. Categorizing gene targets into distinct groups, this review explores their roles in cell cycle regulation, microenvironmental dynamics, interphase processes, and therapy resistance reduction. The complexity of CRISPR-Cas9 applications in GBM research is highlighted, providing unique insights into apoptosis, cell proliferation, and immune responses within the tumor microenvironment. The studies challenge conventional perspectives on specific genes, emphasizing the potential therapeutic implications of manipulating key molecular players in cell cycle dynamics. Exploring CRISPR/Cas9 gene therapy in GBMs yields significant insights into the regulation of cellular processes, spanning cell interphase, renewal, and migration. Researchers, by precisely targeting specific genes, uncover the molecular orchestration governing cell proliferation, growth, and differentiation during critical phases of the cell cycle. The findings underscore the potential of CRISPR/Cas9 technology in unraveling the complex dynamics of the GBM microenvironment, offering promising avenues for targeted therapies to curb GBM growth. This review also outlines studies addressing therapy resistance in GBM, employing CRISPR/Cas9 to target genes associated with chemotherapy resistance, showcasing its transformative potential in effective GBM treatments.

This eye tracking experiment tests how the brain recognizes and processes hybrid German-English word-formations and how this process compares to monolingual items. Thirty bilingual German-English adults from the Oxford area (23 females; mean age = 28.0, SD = 9.3) who were familiar with the meaning and underlying structure of the individual components had no comprehension difficulties. After fitting linear mixed effects models (95 % CI), the results showed an effect of word length and previous exposure to hybrid forms on processing times, indicated by longer fixation times and increased regressions, particularly in later stages of lexical processing. This indicates that bilingual readers have no trouble recognizing hybrid words, but may have difficulty with semantic and syntactic integration due to lack of exposure.

Does climate change influence if societies will be better or worse equipped to reduce climatic risks in the future? A society’s adaptive capacity determines whether the potential of adaptation to reduce risks will be realized. Assumptions about the level of adaptive capacity are inherently made when the potential for adaptation to reduce risks in the future and resultant levels of risk are estimated. In this review, we look at the literature on human impacts of climate change through the lens of adaptive capacity. Building on evidence of impacts on financial resources as presented in the Working Group 2 (WG2) report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Sixth Assessment Report (AR6), we here present the methodology behind this review and complement it with an analysis of climatic risks to human resources. Based on our review, we argue that climate change itself adds to adaptation constraints and limits. We show that for more realistic assessments of sectoral climate risks, assumed levels of future adaptive capacity should — and can — be usefully constrained in assessments that rely on expert judgment, and propose avenues for doing so.

Abstract Lipofibromatosis (LF) is a rare benign fibrofatty tumor of infancy and childhood with a predilection for distal extremities, poor margination, and a high local recurrence rate. We report a toddler who presented with an LF involving her right labiocrural fold. Imaging showed a soft tissue mass extending through the right labiocrural fold with possible infiltration into the underlying muscles. The mass was excised entirely, preserving adjacent structures. The histopathologic report revealed the mass to be LF. A 3-year follow-up revealed no disease recurrence. No other cases of LF in this localization have been presented in the literature. Despite its rarity, LF should be considered in diagnosing soft tissue neoplasms in children. Accurate diagnosis and proper surgical management with complete resection are essential to reduce the postoperative recurrence risk.

Introduction Inflammation can arise as a consequence of both extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) and ureteroscopy (URS) treatments. Alterations in inflammatory parameters may serve as indicators of kidney injuries and the ensuing inflammation. This study aims to investigate the effects of ESWL and URS procedures on inflammatory parameters for proximal ureteral stone treatment. Materials and methods A prospective interventional study comprised 120 patients with confirmed stones measuring less than 10 mm in the upper half of the proximal ureter. These patients were randomly assigned to either the ESWL or URS treatment groups. Laboratory analyses encompassed interleukin-6 (IL-6), leukocyte count, fibrinogen levels, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), which were assessed prior to the intervention, on the first postoperative day, and six months later. IL-6 levels in the serum were determined using a chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA). Results There was no significant difference in IL-6 levels between pre-intervention and the first post-intervention day in patients treated with ESWL (1.8 (1.4-2.59) pg/mL vs. 2.33 (1.22-3.19) pg/mL). However, for patients treated with URS, the pre-intervention IL-6 value was 2.9 (1.9-3.34) pg/mL, and it increased significantly to 7.1 (3.85-28.07) pg/mL on the first post-intervention day (p<0.001). On the first post-intervention day, levels of IL-6, CRP, leukocyte count, and ESR were significantly higher in patients treated with URS compared to ESWL (p<0.001; p<0.001; p=0.03; p=0.03, respectively). Conclusion Our research findings suggest that monitoring IL-6 levels can offer valuable insights into the degree of inflammation and tissue damage during and following observed procedures, particularly among patients undergoing URS, even within the initial days post-procedure.

The cryptocurrency market has attracted considerable attention from investors and researchers alike. This paper examines the volatility patterns of two major cryptocurrencies utilizing GARCH modeling: Bitcoin, based on a proof-of-work mechanism, and Cardano, operating on a proof-of-stake mechanism. Our findings reveal differences in the volatility structures of the two cryptocurrencies, with Cardano demonstrating a reduced long-term volatility compared to Bitcoin. This study suggests that transitioning from proof-of-work to proof-of-stake mechanisms might lead to a decrease in market volatility.

Financial performance analysis is of vital importance those involved in a business (e.g., shareholders, creditors, partners, and company managers). An accurate and appropriate performance measurement is critical for decision-makers to achieve efficient results. Integrated performance measurement, by its nature, consists of multiple criteria with different levels of importance. Multiple Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) methods have become increasingly popular for solving complex problems, especially over the last two decades. There are different evaluation methodologies in the literature for selecting the most appropriate one among over 200 MCDA methods. This study comprehensively analyzed 41 companies traded on the Borsa Istanbul Corporate Governance Index for 10 quarters using SWARA, CRITIC, and SD integrated with eight different MCDA method algorithms to determine the position of Turkey's most transparent companies in terms of financial performance. In this study, we propose "stock returns" as a benchmark in comparing and evaluating MCDA methods. Moreover, we calculate the "rank reversal performance of MCDA methods". Finally, we performed a "standard deviation" analysis to identify the objective and characteristic trends for each method. Interestingly, all these innovative comparison procedures suggest that PROMETHEE II (preference ranking organization method for enrichment of evaluations II) and FUCA (Faire Un Choix Adéquat) are the most suitable MCDA methods. In other words, these methods produce a higher correlation with share price; they have fewer rank reversal problems, the distribution of scores they produce is wider, and the amount of information is higher. Thus, it can be said that these advantages make them preferable. The results show that this innovative methodological procedure based on 'knowledge discovery' is verifiable, robust and efficient when choosing the MCDA method.

Abstract The impact of logistics performance in the era of sustainable mobility on the overall economic development of a country is inevitable. It can even be said to represent an extremely important component in identifying economic conditions and provides the possibility of defining adequate strategies. In this article, the evaluation of the member countries of the European Union was carried out on the basis of the logistics performance index (LPI) according to the latest report of the World Bank (WB). A unique and original Multiple-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) approach has been created, and it involves the application of four methods: Criteria Importance Through Intercriteria Correlation, Method based on the Removal Effects of Criteria, and Entropy and Fuzzy ROV (Range of Value). The weighting coefficients of six factors were obtained with the first three methods in crisp form, so they were converted into Triangular Fuzzy Number. The Fuzzy ROV method has been created for the first time in the literature and represents a great contribution from the methodological aspect. The results of the developed model and the applied steps show that there are certain differences in the rankings compared to the World Bank report, with a note that the best-ranked countries have maintained their positions. In addition, verification tests of the originally obtained results were created, with an emphasis on the importance of evaluation parameter values and their impact on the LPI ranking.

Understanding the concepts related to real function is essential in learning mathematics. To determine how students understand these concepts, it is necessary to have an appropriate measurement tool. In this paper, we have created a web application using 32 items from conceptual understanding of real functions (CURF) item bank. We conducted a psychometric analysis using Rasch model on 207 first-year students. The analysis showed that CURF is a dependable and valid instrument for measuring students’ CURF. The test is uni-dimensional; all items are consistent with the construct and have excellent item fit statistics. The results indicate that the items are independent of each other and unbiased towards the gender and high school background of the students.

Simple Summary Innovations in the value chain of traditional meat products, leading to higher quality or healthier products, can support the niche market for local pig breeds and contribute to their more sustainable conservation. In this context, the present study investigated whether the quality traits of smoked dry-cured ham derived from the local Turopolje pig could be improved by including acorns in the animal’s diet or by innovations in processing methods, such as smoke reduction. The results show that feeding acorns to pigs increased the processing yield but had a limited effect on the quality of the dry-cured ham, as only a few differences in the physicochemical, textural or colour parameters and volatile profile were observed. However, some sensory attributes, such as odour typicality, were affected by the acorn diet. Conversely, this innovation in processing led to a significant reduction in smoke-derived volatile compounds and an improved texture to the lightly smoked hams, as shown by both instrumental and sensory analysis. Abstract The Turopolje pig (TP) is a local Croatian pig breed that almost became extinct in the second half of the 20th century. Today, the TP is still endangered, and a new conservation strategy based on products with higher added value is needed to preserve the breed. There is little information on the quality of TP meat products such as smoked and dry-cured ham, including the impact of natural feeds or processing innovations such as smoke reduction. This study, therefore, investigated the effects of the animal’s diet (either conventionally fed or acorn-supplemented) and the processing method (standard or lightly smoked) on the quality traits of dry-cured TP ham. Twenty hams, evenly distributed among the treatments, were processed for 15 months and then analysed for physicochemical and textural traits, volatiles and sensory profile. The hams from acorn-supplemented pigs lost less weight during processing (p ≤ 0.05). Otherwise, the diet had no significant effect on most examined ham traits. The exceptions were protein content and the texture parameter hardness, which decreased (p ≤ 0.05), and the degree of proteolysis and colour parameters, which increased (p ≤ 0.05) as a result of acorn supplementation. However, these effects were generally small and varied between the inner (m. biceps femoris) and outer (m. semimembranosus) muscles. Furthermore, acorn supplementation was associated with less typical ham odour and lower sensory scores for sweetness and colour uniformity (p ≤ 0.05). The smoke reduction had no effect on the physicochemical and colour properties but resulted in a significant reduction (p ≤ 0.05) in the volatile phenolic compounds and an improved texture to the hams. This was reflected both in reduced (p ≤ 0.05) hardness, identified in the instrumental analysis, and in an increased (p ≤ 0.05) softness, solubility and moistness, identified in the sensory evaluation. To summarize, the quality of the TP ham under the conditions studied was only slightly affected by acorn supplementation, whereas reduced smoking had a more significant effect, which was mainly reflected in an improved texture.

During the COVID pandemic, research has shown an increase in candidemia cases following severe COVID infection and the identification of risk factors associated with candidemia. However, there is a lack of studies that specifically explore clinical outcomes and mortality rates related to candidemia after COVID infection.