Trithemis annulata (Palisot de Beauvois, 1807) is a widespread Afrotropical species that substantially expanded its range in Mediterranean Europe in the second part of 20th century and very recently in the West Balkan region. A field study was carried out from June to September 2024 in the southern parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Neretva River delta in Croatia in order to investigate the species’ presence in this area. During the survey, T. annulata was found at 14 locations, seven in each country. The observations from Bosnia and Herzegovina represent the first record of this species for the country. It was found in a wide variety of habitats, both lentic and lotic, including lakes, reservoirs, rivers, larger ponds and canals. Considering that, at several of these locations, the species was not found during surveys in 2022 and 2023, it most likely spread to this area recently. Additionally, two observations of T. annulata from North Macedonia that were found in the online databases Observation and iNaturalist represent the first documented reports for this country. These findings constitute a substantial increase in species range and abundance in the region. The species’ distribution andspread in the Balkan Peninsula is also outlined and discussed.

In early June 2023, we studied the Lepidoptera fauna of the upper course of the Neretva River, the valley of the Zalomka River in Nevesinjsko Polje and the Morina plateau between the two. In total, we registered 237 species, 63 butterflies and 174 moths. We found 53 butterfly species in the area of the Upper Neretva River, 37 in Nevesinjsko polje and five on the Morina plateau, along with 156, 40 and 20 moth species, respectively. In this study, we increased the total number of registered Lepidoptera species for the area, from 251 found in the same region during Neretva Science Week 2022, to a total of 414 (93 butterflies and 321 moths). Eight species have the status of Near Threatened and one is categorised as Data Deficient according to IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Two species are listed as Vulnerable in the Red List of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and three species are listed on the Annex II of the EU Habitats Directive. Our findings present a much-needed basic knowledge on Lepidoptera of the region, which is important for conservation activities.

The aim of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of the IGD-20 scale, developed by Pontes et al. (2014) for the assessment of Internet gaming disorder, which was translated in this study using the back-translation method and administered to a sample of gamers and eSports players in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The sample consisted of 278 participants (82% gamers and 18% eSports players), predominantly male, with an average age of 27 years. Item analysis demonstrated satisfactory discriminative power and high item-total correlations for all items. The overall reliability of the IGD- 20 scale was exceptionally high (α = 0.965). Exploratory factor analysis initially suggested a three-factor solution; however, this solution was neither interpretable nor consistent with the original structure of the instrument. A unidimensional solution, which has also been supported in recent research, proved to be the most interpretable and accounted for over 61% of the variance. In conclusion, the IGD-20 scale demons

<p>This paper aims to present a methodological framework for the development and validation of the<br />Effective Ergonomic Load Coefficient (KEEO) model, an approach that seeks to quantify total<br />workload by integrating physical, mental, organizational, and technical and technological factors.<br />Current methods, such as RULA, REBA, OCRA, SWAT, and JCQ, address only individual aspects of<br />work and thus limit insight into the entirety of ergonomic risk. KEEO is based on a multi-criteria<br />integration of methodologies for determining weights and factors that have been identified as<br />determinants of ergonomic workload. Validation includes assessment of the content validity of the<br />questionnaire, analytical boundary checking, sensitivity analysis, and Monte Carlo simulation. The<br />results obtained show stable linear behavior and proportionality between components, suggesting<br />that KEEO can serve as a basis for future integrated ergonomic workload indices. This<br />methodological work is the result of work on a doctoral dissertation on the topic "Multi-functional<br />analysis of effective workplace workload".</p>

<p>This paper investigates the relationship between organizational structure, process formalization, and innovative behavior in small and medium-sized enterprises in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Drawing on the theoretical foundations of institutional economics and organizational innovation, this research tests four hypotheses using logistic regression, multiple linear regression, and Pearson correlation analysis. The study employed a quantitative approach using data collected during 2023 from a sample of 304 SMEs operating in the manufacturing, trade, services, and ICT sectors in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The analysis applied logistic regression, multiple linear regression, and Pearson correlation to test four hypotheses. The results show that formalized career paths do not have a significant impact on innovativeness, while mentoring and training show a partial, but statistically significant effect. Also, a positive correlation was confirmed between the intensity of communication with customers and the level of organizational innovation, indicating the importance of external feedback serving to shape internal changes. Process formalization showed a partial impact on the overall level of innovation. The results obtained contribute to a better understanding of the factors shaping the innovation capacity of SMEs in transition economies and emphasize the need for a comprehensive approach that combines human capital development, flexible organizational structures, and active involvement of the external environment.</p>

As part of the research, 100 samples of different types of honey from Bosnia and Herzegovina were collected and analyzed. Melisopalynological preparations were prepared in accordance with the Rulebook on methods for the control of honey and other bee products of Bosnia and Herzegovina and in accordance with ICBB propositions. Plant species identification was performed based on micromorphological elements of pollen grains, and qualitative-quantitative analysis of honey samples was conducted. Melisopalynological analysis identified 47 distinct pollen types among a total of 30,000 pollen grains counted. In botanical terms, pollen from 24 plant families was recognized, among which the Fabaceae family had the greatest melissopalynological significance, whose pollen grains were found in as many as 86% of the analyzed profiles. Pollen grains of the Fabaceae family were identified as dominant in 22%, as accessory in 40%, as important in 21% and as minor in 3% of the palynological profiles. Based on micromorphological characters in melissopalynological spectra, species/genera from the Fabaceae family were identified: Robinia pseudoacacia L., Lotus corniculatus L., Trifolium pratense L., Trifolium repens L., Amorpha fruticosa L., Lathyrus sp., Medicago sativa L. and Onobrychis sp.

The study examined the sources of volume loss in spruce and fir roundwood resulting from the prescribed Huber’s formula, the prescribed method of diameter measurement, the prescribed method of length measurement, and the deduction of double bark thickness. The Riecke’s formula was assumed to provide the most accurate determination of log volume and was therefore used to calculate the gross volume of roundwood, serving as the reference value for quantifying the observed losses. For all analyzed sources of volume loss except when applying Huber’s formula, a dependence on diameter class was observed, with losses decreasing as diameter increased. The highest percentage of volume loss for both spruce and fir logs was found when deducting double bark thickness (ranging from 9.1% to 6.4% for spruce and from 10.7% to 7.7% for fir), followed by the prescribed method of diameter measurement (from 7.3% to 1.7%). Additional losses were associated with the prescribed volume calculation formula (from 5.3% to 1.5% for spruce and from 3.7% to 1.1% for fir) and the prescribed method of length measurement (from 3.1% to 2.1%).

Mountain lakes are sensitive ecosystems that serve as natural indicators of ecological change and conservation needs. This study presents the first ecological assessment of Lake Šator (Bosansko Grahovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina), a glacial lake situated at 1,488 m a.s.l. Field research in July and November 2021 included measurements of physicochemical parameters, water sampling, and analysis of littoral and sublittoral macrozoobenthos. The lake showed oligotrophic conditions with high oxygen saturation (101–134%), low organic load, and stable conductivity (208 µS/cm). Nitrate concentrations increased in November, reflecting seasonal dynamics. The macrozoobenthic community comprised 10 taxa in July (26 individuals) and 11 taxa in November (19 individuals). Characteristic taxa included Sympetrum flaveolum, Asellus aquaticus, Erpobdella octoculata, Limnephilus rhombicus,  Limnephilus flavicornis, Tubificidae, and water mites (Hydracarina). Functional Feeding Groups analysis revealed dominance of predators (42–46%), followed by collectors, shredders, and scrapers, indicating a balanced trophic structure. Saprobic Index values (2.24 in July; 2.14 in November) correspond to β-mesosaprobic conditions, while Shannon–Weaver Index indicated stable but seasonally variable diversity. These findings confirm the good ecological status of Lake Šator with preserved littoral dynamics. Given its sensitivity and limited prior research, the lake should be considered a priority for long-term monitoring and conservation in the Dinaric karst.

Introduction: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are among the leading causes of disability worldwide, often resulting in pain, loss of function, and reduced quality of life. Kinesio Taping (KT) has been proposed as a supportive, noninvasive technique to enhance rehabilitation outcomes by improving neuromuscular activation, proprioception, and circulation. This research aims to evaluate the effect of KT on upper-limb functional improvement in patients with MSDs undergoing standard physiotherapy. Methods: This prospective interventional study included 57 participants divided into a control group receiving conventional physiotherapy and an experimental group receiving additional KT. Functional status was assessed using the Upper Extremity Functional Index (UEFI) at 3 time points: before therapy, mid-treatment, and after therapy. Statistical analyses included the Mann–Whitney U test, Kruskal–Wallis test, and multiple linear regression. Results: At baseline, the KT group had significantly lower functional scores (median 24.0, Interquartile Range [IQR] 19.0–27.0) than controls (median 35.0, IQR 25.0–47.0; p = 0.02). During treatment, both groups improved, but the KT group demonstrated faster functional recovery (p = 0.033). At completion, both groups achieved similar UEFI scores; however, the total functional gain was nearly twice as high in the KT group (21.5 vs. 12.5 points). Relative improvement reached 90% in the KT group compared with 36% in controls. Regression analysis confirmed that KT application was a significant predictor of upper-limb functional improvement (β = 0.552, p = 0.002). Conclusion: KT significantly accelerates upper-limb functional recovery and enhances rehabilitation outcomes when used as an adjunct to physiotherapy. Its simplicity, safety, and cost-effectiveness make it a valuable addition to standard musculoskeletal rehabilitation.

Introduction: Medical biochemical laboratory professionals play a critical role in diagnostics, research, and patient care, performing complex tasks that require extensive knowledge, professional attitudes, and adherence to best practices. Understanding their knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) is essential for improving laboratory performance, ensuring quality, and enhancing patient outcomes. Despite the importance of quality control systems and international standards, the existing literature reveals a lack of validated instruments to assess KAP among laboratory professionals. This study aimed to develop and validate a comprehensive questionnaire targeting key domains of laboratory practice, with the goal of identifying operational gaps and guiding future interventions. Methods: The questionnaire was developed through a four-phase process: Literature review, item construction, questionnaire distribution, and validation. Psychometric evaluation included internal consistency testing and factor analysis to ensure reliability and validity. Results: The final instrument, titled KAP of Laboratory Professionals on Standards and Work Quality Systems, comprised 73 items across six domains. The overall Cronbach’s alpha was 0.673, indicating moderate but acceptable internal consistency. The questionnaire effectively identifies gaps in KAP related to quality control in medical-biochemical laboratories. Its results can support laboratory managers in recognizing areas for improvement, ultimately enhancing service quality and patient outcomes. Conclusion: This descriptive and analytical study presents a validated and reliable tool for assessing KAP regarding standards and quality control systems in medical-biochemical laboratories. Its application can guide targeted interventions to address deficiencies and strengthen practices in laboratory medicine.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation and destruction of cartilage, as well as by extra-articular manifestations. Rheumatoid nephropathy is a common complication of RA and its principal target is the renal corpuscle. Vitamin D and its analogs exert immunomodulatory actions throughout the body due to the widespread of their receptors. Our study aimed to compare the effects of cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) and alfacalcidol on renal corpuscle changes in pristane-induced RA model following a 28-day treatment, using geometric morphometrics. Forty female Wistar rats (190–210 g; 12–13 weeks old) were randomly assigned to four groups: the control (Cont) group (n = 10) received saline i.c., the PIA group (n = 10) was administered pristane i.c., PIA-ALF group (n = 10) was administered pristane i.c. and alfacalcidol orally, and the PIA-CH group (n = 10) was injected i.c. with pristane and received cholecalciferol orally. Pristane administration was used for RA induction. At the end of the experiment, the left kidneys were removed and processed by standard histological procedures for geometric morphometric analysis. Geometric morphometric analysis demonstrated that, compared with the control group, the architecture of the renal corpuscles was altered in the PIA (p < 0.0001) and PIA-CH (p = 0.0065) groups. In contrast, no statistically significant differences were observed in the PIA-ALF group (p = 0.3011). Geometric morphometric analysis demonstrated that alfacalcidol, but not cholecalciferol, exertedaprotective effect on the renal corpuscle architecture in pristane-induced rheumatoid arthritis in rats.

This paper explores the significance of olives and extra virgin olive oil in nutrition, focusing on oil quality. The study aimed to analyse the quality of extra virgin olive oil available in the market of the Herzegovina-Neretva Canton (HNK) by analyzing three key chemical characteristics: free fatty acid (FFA) content, peroxide value and total polyphenol content. Six samples of extra virgin olive oil were analyzed. The results showed that sample no. 1 had the lowest free fatty acid (FFA) content (0.5%), indicating better quality than the other samples according to this parameter. In contrast, sample no. 3 (0.89%) and no. 5 (0.9%) had elevated FFA values, which reduced both the quality and shelf life of the oil. According to Regulation on Market Standards for Olive Oil (Official Gazette of BiH 81/12), samples no. 3 and no. 5 do not meet the criteria for extra virgin olive oil due to their higher free fatty acid content. The lowest peroxide value was observed in sample no. 1 (2.83 mmol O2/kg), while the highest was in sample no. 2 (5.26 mmol O2/kg). The acceptable limit for the peroxide value in extra virgin olive oils, according to the Regulation on Market Standards for Olive Oil (Official Gazette 81/12) and harmonised with EU Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/2105, is ≤ 10 mmol O₂/kg. Regarding total polyphenols, sample no. 1 had the highest value (411.229 mg GAE/kg), while sample no. 5 had the lowest (159.278 mg GAE/kg). Polyphenols are crucial for the quality of olive oil, both organoleptically, and in terms of its nutritional and chemical properties. Statistical analysis (ANOVA test) revealed significant differences among the samples based on sensory evaluation, confirming that the quality of olive oil varies depending on the analyzed parameters. These findings highlight the need for stricter quality control of extra virgin olive oil in the HNK market, particularly concerning free fatty acid content and polyphenol levels.