Physical literacy (PL) is considered an important determinant of physical activity level (PAL), but studies have rarely examined the associations between PL and PAL in preadolescents. This study aimed to evaluate associatios between PL, PAL and sedentary behavior (SB) in preadolescents from southeastern Europe. The participants were 9- to 11-year-old children from Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina (n=333, 52% girls) who were tested for PL, PAL and SB. The PLAYself questionnaire was used for the evaluation of PL, while PAL was estimated by data provided throughout the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children (PAQ-C). Pearson’s correlations and multiple regressions were calculated to identify the associations between study variables. The results revealed a significant correlation between PL and PAL in the total sample (16% of the common variance) among boys (10% of the common variance) and girls (25% of the common variance), which was additionally confirmed by multiple regression calculated between the PL subdomains and PAL (R2=0.23, 0.15, and 0.31 for total sample, boys and girls, respectively). The SB was not significantly correlated with PL (<2% of the common variance; p>0.05) or with PAL (<1% of the common variance; p>0.05). The results indicated a stronger association between PL and PAL in girls than in boys, indicating the possible influence of the types of physically demanding activities children are involved in on the studied associations. To explore causality more specifically, intervention studies are warranted.

Abstract The preschool years are characterized by additional physical development changes, enhanced motor abilities, and strengthened movement apparatus in the kid. The feet undergo morpho-functional changes at that period, particularly between the ages of 3 and 6, which result in the development of their longitudinal and transverse arches. The aim of this study was to evaluate the actual causes of foot deformity and its degree of severity in preschool-aged children, as well as the distinction in deformity representation between the sexes. The "Institution for preschool education" kindergarten "Aladin" in Tuzla is the focus of this study, which involves 74 children of both sexes, ages 3-6, were measured in 2023. Foot deformities are equally present in girls and boys. Deformities in boys are particularly pronounced: pedes recti 21 (56.8%), pedes planovalgi 6 (16.2%), while in girls: pedes recti 20 (54.1%), pedes excavati 8 (21.6%). With the Chi-square test, we determined the statistical significance of the presence of foot deformities between the sexes. By looking at the size of the chi-square (Pearson Chi-Square) 5.964a and Asymp. Sig. (2-sided) .544 tells us that there is no statistically significant difference in the representation of foot deformities between the sexes and that these deformities are equally represented. Because foot deviations can lead to problems kindergarten kids' foot arches need to be continuously monitored. This allows for timely intervention and the adoption of suitable treatment procedures to avoid the development of deformities. Keywords: children, preschool strature, foot, deformity, gender.

Abstract OBJECTIVES To overcome some of the challenges of endoscopic minimally invasive valve surgery, an automated annular suturing device has been used in aortic and mitral valve replacement surgeries. The current study investigates early clinical outcomes of patients who received aortic or mitral valve replacement with the help of the RAM® device as first experiences in minimally invasive valve surgery. METHODS Between September 2020 and June 2023, 66 consecutive patients (mean age 61.8 ± 11 years) underwent endoscopic minimally invasive aortic or mitral valve replacement through right anterior mini-thoracotomy at 2 cardiac surgery referral centres in Germany. The RAM® device was used in all Patients. 3.5 and 5.0 sizes were used in 16.7% and 83.3% of patients, respectively. Aortic, mitral and double valve surgery was performed in 81.8%, 15.2% and 1.5% of patients, respectively. Clinical data were prospectively entered into our institutional database. RESULTS Cardiopulmonary bypass time and cross-clamping time were 97.9 ± 20.9 and 66 ± 15.7 min, respectively. Intensive care unit and hospital stays were 1 [1–2] and 9 [7–13] days, respectively. No paravalvular leak and no other intraoperative complications occurred. 30-day and in-hospital mortality were zero. Conversion to sternotomy occurred in 1 (1.5%) patient due to bleeding. CONCLUSIONS The usage of the RAM® device is a safe, feasible and effective approach to the endoscopic implantation of aortic or mitral valves and yield excellent early outcomes. Larger size studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of RAM® device.

Abstract This paper presents a detailed model of low-frequency oscillations and their damping within the Electric Power System (EPS) of Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H). The system is modeled using MATLAB software, analysing the steady state and dynamic responses. This research highlights the challenges and impacts of integrating renewable energy sources, such as wind farms, on grid stability and oscillation damping. The paper utilizes eigenvalue analysis to investigate the dynamic characteristics of the system, emphasizing the need for efficient damping strategies to maintain system stability. The methodology includes a comprehensive review of existing literature, the creation of a detailed EPS model of B&H, and the application of eigenvalue and oscillation amplitude analysis to determine damping ratios. The dynamic responses of hydro power plants, HPP Mostar and HPP Jablanica, to transient disturbances are analysed to validate the model and refine damping strategies. The results indicate that the B&H EPS is well-damped, with all eigenvalues possessing negative real parts, and demonstrate the system’s resilience to small disturbances. The results are compared with the technical report on the integration of the wind power plant WPP Podveležje. This comparative analysis shows consistent patterns between the modeled calculations and empirical data, confirming the robustness of the EPS model. This alignment underscores the effectiveness of current damping mechanisms and provides a foundational strategy for enhancing system stability with increasing renewable energy penetration. The findings highlight the importance of developing advanced control strategies to sustain system stability as the integration of variable renewable energy sources continues to grow.

Abstract The paper provides an overview of all freshwater red algae species recorded to date in the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Based on fieldwork and analysis of all available previously published data, it was determined that a total of 15 taxa from eight genera have been recorded to date: Bangia (1), Audoinella (3), Batrachospermum (2), Peludicola (1), Shaethia (1), Lemanea (4), Paralemanea (2) and Hildenbrandia (1). All taxa were found in clear, cold, well-oxygenated water. Bosnia and Herzegovina is very rich in different types of aquatic habitats. More than 100 sites were visited during the field research, but there are still many potential habitats where freshwater red algae can be found, which will be explored in the coming years. This work is the first step toward establishing long-term monitoring and listing of protected and threatened red algae in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Abstract This paper examines the potential for transforming the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering building in Mostar into a Net Zero Energy Building (NZEB). The study assesses the building’s current energy consumption and explores feasible upgrades to achieve complete energy independence and zero CO2 emissions. The hybrid system, composed of rooftop solar panels, wind turbines, and a heat pump, has been thoroughly analyzed in this research to identify opportunities for optimization and expansion. Using software tools such as HOMER Pro and SUNNY DESIGN, the study models renewable energy capacities and simulates system performance to determine the investment potential and economic feasibility of achieving net-zero energy status. The findings offer valuable insights into practical strategies for implementing NZEB principles in public buildings across Bosnia and Herzegovina, contributing to broader sustainability goals and energy security in the region.

Abstract This paper investigates the potential application of neural networks for predicting electricity production in hybrid systems combining photovoltaic (PV) panels and wind turbines. The research focuses on identifying key factors affecting the efficiency and reliability of these systems, including weather variability, PV panel temperature control, solar irradiation, and panel contamination by dust and other pollutants. Artificial neural network (ANN) models are used to predict power output, incorporating robust data filtering and parameter optimization techniques. Through case studies from Germany, the significant role of stochastic weather patterns on energy production is demonstrated, highlighting the need for accurate modeling and strategic management. The findings emphasize that accurate modeling and prediction are crucial for optimizing the operation and reliability of hybrid systems, facilitating a reduced dependency on fossil fuels and promoting sustainable power accessibility in remote areas. By applying a Feed Forward Back Propagation Network (FFBPN), this research demonstrates improved prediction accuracy of power outputs, which is crucial for effective integration and management of renewable sources in the power grid. The study supports ongoing refinement of predictive models and system integration strategies to fully harness the potential of hybrid renewable energy systems.

Abstract In modern power systems, reliable electricity supply is crucial. This study analyzes the impact of small hydro power plants (SHPP) and photovoltaic (PV) systems on a low-voltage network using DigSILENT PowerFactory software tool. Results show that PV systems increase total harmonic distortion (THD), while sHPP reduces THD and significantly increases short-circuit currents during faults. These findings highlight the importance of strategic integration of distributed generation (DG) sources to maintain network quality and stability.

Abstract A comprehensive analysis of optimal electric vehicle (EV) charging strategies was conducted in this paper, focusing on minimizing costs and reducing grid impact under different electricity tariffs in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the United Kingdom. Advanced mathematical optimization techniques were employed, including the development of a centralized charging algorithm that integrates real-time electricity prices and grid constraints. A comparison was made between weakly variable tariffs, such as those in Bosnia and Herzegovina and frequently variable tariffs, like the Octopus Agile tariff in London. The analysis revealed significant cost-saving potential and enhanced grid stability associated with the latter. The findings offer valuable insights for optimizing EV charging infrastructure, which could benefit both electric car owners and power system operators. Practical strategies for managing EV charging in a way that supports the stability and efficiency of the power grid are proposed.

ABSTRACT Population genetic studies have shown that the Bosnian-Herzegovinian (B&H) population is a part of the European gene pool, but there has been limited information on the genetic structure of ancient B&H populations. This study aimed to determine the frequency and distribution of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) haplogroups for a medieval Bosnian population. Thirty-four samples, excavated from medieval necropolises located within the borders of medieval Bosnia, were analyzed. Sequencing of the mtDNA hypervariable segment 1 (HVS1) region and RFLP analysis were performed for haplogroup determination. All 32 samples were identified as haplogroup H, with subhaplogroups H2a and H5 in 30 and 2 samples, respectively. The frequency of the H haplogroup was significantly different between the studied samples and previous studies of contemporary B&H populations, where the H haplogroup frequency was approximately half that of the ancient population studied here. A significant difference in H haplogroup frequency compared with other medieval populations outside of Bosnia was also observed: the ancient B&H population is most similar to ancient Italians. These results provide insight into the mitochondrial landscape of populations that inhabited the territory of present-day Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Middle Ages. Our study reveals that inhabitants of medieval Bosnia carried genetic lineages that exist today in B&H populations, suggesting continuity of mtDNA haplogroups over a long period of time, regardless of various historical demographic events that shaped the genetic structure of the modern B&H population.