Contributing to the literature on brand stereotyping, we draw on the Stereotype Content Model to investigate whether the content of the brand stereotype (in terms of warmth and competence) impacts consumers' perceptions of functional, emotional and social value. In doing so, we explicitly account for the brand's level of perceived globalness (PBG) and localness (PBL) as known influences on both stereotype content and value perceptions. Across two studies, we find that brand warmth consistently and positively impacts functional and emotional value, whereas brand competence enhances functional value. The impact of the stereotyping dimensions on value is subsequently reflected in increased purchase intentions and higher brand ownership. Surprisingly, none of the latter outcomes is affected by social value. Our findings corroborate previous research showing that PBG and PBL are important drivers of brand stereotype content, but also reveal that brand warmth has a stronger impact on behavioral outcomes than brand competence.

To tackle a specific class of engineering problems, in this paper, we propose an effectively integrated bat algorithm with simulated annealing for solving constrained optimization problems. Our proposed method (I-BASA) involves simulated annealing, Gaussian distribution, and a new mutation operator into the simple Bat algorithm to accelerate the search performance as well as to additionally improve the diversification of the whole space. The proposed method performs balancing between the grave exploitation of the Bat algorithm and global exploration of the Simulated annealing. The standard engineering benchmark problems from the literature were considered in the competition between our integrated method and the latest swarm intelligence algorithms in the area of design optimization. The simulations results show that I-BASA produces high-quality solutions as well as a low number of function evaluations.

Abstract The paper proposes a discrete-time sliding mode controller for single input linear dynamical systems, under requirements of the fast response without overshoot and strong robustness to matched disturbances. The system input saturation is imposed during the design due to inevitable limitations of most actuators. The system disturbances are compensated by employing nonlinear estimation by integrating the signum of the sliding variable. Hence, the proposed control structure may be regarded as a super-twisting-like algorithm. The designed system stability is analyzed as well as the sliding manifold convergence conditions are derived using a discrete-time model of the system in the δ-domain. The results obtained theoretically have been verified by computer simulations.

Abstract The paper presents results of the measurements of the tropospheric ozone (O3) concentration and meteorological parameters: temperature, air pressure, relative humidity, speed and wind direction. The data were collected from January 2016 to December 2016 at station located in locality Centre (Banja Luka), Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Ozone is one of the most harmful pollutants to plants and health and highly reactive secondary pollutant. The present study covers investigation of the relationship between the concentration of ozone and meteorological parameters as well as time variations of ozone concentration (by hours, months, seasons). This topic has not been studied up to now in this region, although the recent research data indicates that there is a correlation between them and previously obtained from the world’s relevant scientific centres, as already cited above. Statistical analysis confirms string of rolls, which shows directional connection between tropospheric ozone and meteorological parameters, specially temperature (r = 0.148), air pressure (r = –0.292) and relative humidity (r = –0.292). These parameters are the most important meteorological factors influencing the variation in ozone levels during the research. The correlation ozone concentrations with speed and direction of wind is not significant, like other parameters.

The main aim of this paper is to analyse correlation between adjacent images in a video sequence. Adjacent images with a slow or fast changeable scene in a video have high correlation which shows consistency in the video sequence therefore it can be the proof of normal reproduction of video service. Due to QoS (Quality of service) problems, especially over lossy network, appearance of different visual degradations in frames (images) during delivery of video service to end users can happen very often. In that case, adjacent images in the video sequence have low correlation which can be used as an indicator the problem occurred in some part of the network. In addition, the paper analyses correlation correspondent to polygons i.e. parts of adjacent images in the video sequence in order to discover a degree of influence visual degradations to user’s QoE (Quality of Experience). In order to check this aim, tested degraded and non-degraded video sequence was captured using IPTV system of one significant market power provider and processed in offline mod with Python script created especially for this purpose.

This paper presents some results of research of reliability of using simple and low-cost Android-based handheld measurement units for DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) loop qualification a nd/or t roubleshooting. T he g oal o f t his p aper is provide the answer on key question whether such units can be used (and if so, under what circumstances) for quick and reliable evaluation of copper local loop properties, in respect to its ability for exploitation in certain DSL applications. A particular unit has been observing in several typical loop conditions (good loop, fault loop, etc.). Collected results were compared with those obtained from professional measurement equipment. It is shown that simple unit is more unfavourable to use compared to the professional one, in respect to determination of system actual performance. All results of measurements and observations are collected on real system in operation conditions.

Background: Cancer patients are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19, partially owing to their compromised immune systems and curbed or cut cancer healthcare services caused by the pandemic. As a result, cancer caregivers may have to shoulder triple crises: the COVID-19 pandemic, pronounced healthcare needs from the patient, and elevated need for care from within. While technology-based health interventions have the potential to address unique challenges cancer caregivers face amid COVID-19, limited insights are available. Thus, to bridge this gap, we aim to identify technology-based interventions designed for cancer caregivers and report the characteristics and effects of these interventions concerning cancer caregivers’ distinctive challenges amid COVID-19. Methods: A systematic search of the literature will be conducted in PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Scopus from the database inception to the end of March, 2021. Articles that center on technology-based interventions for cancer caregivers will be included in the review. The search strategy will be developed in consultation with an academic librarian who is experienced in systematic review studies. Titles, abstracts, and full-text articles will be screened against eligibility criteria developed a priori. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses procedures will be followed for the reporting process. Conclusions: COVID-19 has upended cancer care as we know it. Findings of this study can shed light on evidence-based and practical solutions cancer caregivers can utilize to mitigate the unique challenges they face amid COVID-19. Furthermore, results of this study will also offer valuable insights for researchers who aim to develop interventions for cancer caregivers in the context of COVID-19. In addition, we also expect to be able to identify areas for improvement that need to be addressed in order for health experts to more adequately help cancer caregivers weather the storm of global health crises like COVID-19 and beyond. Study Protocol Registration: PROSPERO CRD42020196301

Introduction: The most common cause of myocardial ischemia is atherosclerotic epicardial coronary artery disease, present in 90% of patients. Risk factors positively correlate with the onset, development and subsequent complications of atherosclerotic disease. Aim: Determine the percentage frequency of classic risk factors for coronary disease in patients with non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), with regard to gender. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 600 respondents, treated for NSTEMI at the Clinic for Internal Medicine of the University Clinical Center (UKC) Tuzla, in the period from June 2016 to December 2019. Results: Overall, smoking was the leading risk factor (65%), followed by hypertension (58%), hyperlipoproteinemia (39%), overweight (33%), positive family burden (30%) and diabetes mellitus (19%). In male patients, the leading risk factor was smoking, rating at 74%, while in female patients – it was hypertension at 67%. In younger groups of patients leading risk factors were smoking and a positive family burden. Conclusion: With adequate prevention and treatment measures, a significant reduction in the prevalence of the cardiovascular disease can be achieved, since the risk factors for its development have long been known. Quitting smoking is one of the most effective secondary prevention measure since it reduces the reinfarction risk rate by 50%. Knowledge of coronary risks, as well as success in reducing them, can greatly contribute to patients’ overall sense of contentment and significantly raise their self-confidence.

Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent diseases among women worldwide and is highly associated with cancer-related mortality. Of the four major molecular subtypes, HER2-positive and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) comprise more than 30% of all breast cancers. While the HER2-positive subtype lacks estrogen and progesterone receptors and overexpresses HER2, the TNBC subtype lacks estrogen, progesterone and HER2 receptors. Although advances in molecular biology and genetics have substantially ameliorated breast cancer disease management, targeted therapies for the treatment of estrogen-receptor negative breast cancer patients are still restricted, particularly for TNBC. On the other hand, it has been demonstrated that microRNAs, miRNAs or small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression are involved in diverse biological processes, including carcinogenesis. Moreover, circulating miRNAs in serum/plasma are among the most promising diagnostic/therapeutic tools as they are stable and relatively easy to quantify. Various circulating miRNAs have been identified in several human cancers including specific breast cancer subtypes. This review aims to discuss the role of circulating miRNAs as potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers as well as therapeutic targets for estrogen-receptor negative breast cancers, HER2+ and triple negative.

Water-pipe smoking (WPS) is becoming the most popular form of tobacco use among the youth, especially in the Middle East, replacing cigarettes rapidly and becoming a major risk of tobacco addiction worldwide. Smoke from WPS contains similar toxins as those present in cigarette smoke and is linked directly with different types of cancers including lung and head and neck (HN) carcinomas. However, the underlying molecular pathways and/or target genes responsible for the carcinogenic process are still unknown. In this study, human normal oral epithelial (HNOE) cells, NanoString PanCancer Pathways panel of 770 gene transcripts and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis were applied to discover differentially expressed genes (DEG) modulated by WPS. In silico analysis was performed to analyze the impact of these genes in HN cancer patient’s biology and outcome. We found that WPS can induce the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT: hallmark of cancer progression) of HNOE cells. More significantly, our analysis of NanoString revealed 23 genes deregulated under the effect of WPS, responsible for the modulation of cell cycle, proliferation, migration/invasion, apoptosis, signal transduction, and inflammatory response. Further analysis was performed using qRT-PCR of HNOE WPS-exposed and unexposed cells supported the reliability of our NanoString data. Moreover, we demonstrate those DEG to be upregulated in cancer compared with normal tissue. Using the Kaplan–Meier analysis, we observed a significant association between WPS-deregulated genes and relapse-free survival/overall survival in HN cancer patients. Our findings imply that WPS can modulate EMT as well as a set of genes that are directly involved in human HN carcinogenesis, thereby affecting HN cancer patients’ survival.

Elaeagnus angustifolia (EA) is a medicinal plant used for treating several human diseases in the Middle East. Meanwhile, the outcome of EA extract on HER2-positive breast cancer remains nascent. Thus, we herein investigated the effects of the aqueous EA extract obtained from the flowers of EA on two HER2-positive breast cancer cell lines, SKBR3 and ZR75-1. Our data revealed that EA extract inhibits cell proliferation and deregulates cell-cycle progression of these two cancer cell lines. EA extract also prevents the progression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), an important event for cancer invasion and metastasis; this is accompanied by upregulations of E-cadherin and β-catenin, in addition to downregulations of vimentin and fascin, which are major markers of EMT. Thus, EA extract causes a drastic decrease in cell invasion ability of SKBR3 and ZR75-1 cancer cells. Additionally, we found that EA extract inhibits colony formation of both cell lines in comparison with their matched control. The molecular pathway analysis of HER2 and JNK1/2/3 of EA extract exposed cells revealed that it can block HER2 and JNK1/2/3 activities, which could be the major molecular pathway behind these events. Our findings implicate that EA extract may possess chemo-preventive effects against HER2-positive breast cancer via HER2 inactivation and specifically JNK1/2/3 signaling pathways.

Introduction: COVID-19 pandemic suddenly affected all countries and health care systems from different perspectives including severe disruption of chronic disease services including diabetes. Diabetes is a serious condition and highly present in Bosnia and Herzegovina population, so provision of diabetes care is a important part of good control. Countries had different responses to adopt diabetes care under new circumstances as well as Bosnia and Herzegovina. Aim: To investigate and evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the provision of diabetology care in Bosnia and Herzegovina from the perspective of patients and diabetologists. Methods: Online survey for diabetologists and patient organizations have been developed with adopted question for different perspectives. The survey has been conducted online early September 2020. Collected data were analyzed in SPSS software for descriptive statistics. Results: 25 diabetologists and 24 diabetes patient organizations responded. 72% of diabetologists believe that pandemic has partially altered work with patients and 56% believe that the organization of diabetes care has successfully responded to the new circumstances but 80% believe that the diabetes care system should change. 75% of patient organizations thought that the organization of diabetes care did not adequately respond and 87.5% believe system should change. Conclusion: No significant differences found between RS and FBiH when it comes to majority of questions. Both diabetologists and patients consider that system of diabetes care in Bosnia and Herzegovina should be improved in future. It has been also found that diabetologists in Bosnia and Herzegovina responded and adopted their practices similar to other countries.

Introduction: The water pipe is a form of tobacco smoking that recently become very popular among youth in many countries all over the globe. Aim: To highlight recent data collected through Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBiH) 2019, related to knowledge, attitudes and behavior of school children and youth to water pipe consumption. Methods: The GYTS questionnaire for the Federation of BiH 2019 contained 60 multiple-choice questions. The GYTS 2019 in the Federation of BiH was conducted in a total of 73 of the 75 sampled primary and secondary schools with a school response rate of 97.3%. From the 6,972 sampled students a total of 6,415 participated as eligible students in grades 8-9 of primary and 1st grade of secondary school, with a response rate for students of 92.0%. Results: Survey findings show that almost half (44.1%) of the school children confirm ever smoking the water pipe, while Current smoking of water pipe is confirmed by 16.1% school children. Conclusion: There is a substantial need for implementing of systematic and inter sectorial tobacco control measures that involves a water pipe as new public health challenge among youth.

Abstract One of the biggest challenges facing the education system in Bosnia and Herzegovina is bridging the gap between the current state of higher education and the demand for research, innovation and a robust STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) curriculum. Higher education instiutions (HEIs) face poor R&D infrastructure while companies struggle with limited resources and the lack of internal researchers, all of which affect their capabilities to utilize university knowledge and research that will lead to further collaborations and innovations in STEM. Universities are primarily seen as a source of future employees as well as as a source of knowledge and innovation. This study aims to provide an overview and systematic analysis of the current state of scientific and research infrastructure and human resources in public and private universities located in the Sarajevo Canton region. This is done by using primary data collected through semi-structured interviews and a self-reporting comprehensive questionnaire in order to identify areas where further reforms and investments are needed. An analysis of the secondary data sources, such as current strategic documents and the existing assessments of education, was conducted. Consequently, this study offers several practical implications, including policy recommendations in areas such as higher education, research infrastructure and academic excellence, cooperation with the private sector, and IT infrastructure improvements.