Regional Developmental Problems of the Rural Settlements in Bosnia and Herzegovina

The paper considers developmental problems of the rural settlements in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which are results of long-term disparity in the regional development in the period 1991-2012. In this paper it is considered the recent migration from rural to urban areas and the depopulation of the rural areas. The result of these trends reflects the development of the new infrastructure and tertiary activities. In these investigations, statistical data processed and geovisualised in GIS were used. The obtained data indicate extremely unequable regional arrangement of the population in the rural areas and socio-economic development.

Natural Caves and Architecture Carved in the Rocks in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Students of the Faculty of Architecture in Sarajevo,through the course Architecture of the Old Age,were able to get acquainted with“architecture carved in rock”,and only a very limited number of examples-the archi­tecture of ancient Egypt,ancient Greek architecture in Asia Minor(Lycia),and the architecture of ancient Persia.Many examples of this architectural expression remained unknown to them:the architecture of ancient and medieval India,the architecture of ancient and medieval China,the archi­tecture of the ancient Middle East(the area of today’s Israel,Jordan,Saudi Arabia),vernacular architecture around the world from different historical periods.As a teacher at the Faculty of Architecture in Sarajevo,the author,after switching to the education of architecture students in accordance with the“Bologna process”(2003),presented“architecture carved in the rocks”through a series of subjects,through all levels of education(undergraduate,master’s and doctoral studies),within the framework of processing narrow­er topics of architecture:constructive systems in architecture,bioclimatic architecture,architecture as an energy system,architecture in context.The complex process of creating architecture and explaining its appearance was elaborated by the author(1988)in his doctoral dissertation.The topic“Ar­chitecture Carved in Rocks”was elaborated according to this model,which on the one hand confirmed its applicability,and on the other hand enabled students to look at the highly dispersed appearance of architecture in an ex­tremely systematic way,without losing sight of its basic elements:environ­ment,man,boundaries and perspectives.The aim of this work is to show(and through examples in Bosnia and Herzegovina)that natural caves,with more or less“refining”,are still used today,and that“carving architecture into rocks”is an all-time and planetary phenomenon.

Inflammatory bowel disease in Tuzla Canton,Bosnia-Herzegovina:A prospective 10-year follow-up

BACKGROUND The incidence and prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease(IBD)vary between regions but have risen globally in recent decades.A lack of data from developing nations limits the understanding of IBD epidemiology.AIM To perform a follow-up review of IBD epidemiology in the Tuzla Canton of Bosnia-Herzegovina during a 10-year period(2009-2019).METHODS We prospectively evaluated the hospital records of both IBD inpatients and outpatients residing in Tuzla Canton for the specified period of time between January 1,2009 and December 31,2019.Since all our patients had undergone proximal and distal endoscopic evaluations at the hospital endoscopy unit,we used the hospital’s database as a primary data source,alongside an additional cross-relational search of the database.Both adult and pediatric patients were included in the study.Patients were grouped by IBD type,phenotype,age,and gender.Incidence rates were calculated with age standardization using the European standard population.Trends in incidence and prevalence were evaluated as a 3-year moving average and average annual percentage change rates.RESULTS During the 10-year follow-up period,651 patients diagnosed with IBD were monitored(of whom 334,or 51.3%,were males,and 317,or 48.7%,were females).Of all the patients,346(53.1%)had been diagnosed with ulcerative colitis(UC),292(44.9%)with Crohn’s disease(CD),and 13(2%)with indeterminate colitis(IC).We observed 440 newly diagnosed patients with IBD:240(54.5%)with UC,190(43.2%)with CD,and 10(2.3%)with IC.The mean annual crude incidence rates were found to be 9.01/100000 population for IBD[95%confidence interval(CI):8.17-9.85],with 4.91/100000(95%CI:4.29-5.54)for UC and 3.89/100000(95%CI:3.34-4.44)for CD.Calculated IBD prevalence in 2019 was 146.64/100000(95%CI:128.09-165.19),with 77.94/100000(95%CI:68.08-87.70)for UC and 65.77/100000(95%CI:54.45-74.1)for CD.The average annual IBD percentage change was 0.79%(95%CI:0.60-0.88),with-2.82%(95%CI:-2.67 to-2.97)for UC and 6.92%(95%CI:6.64-7.20)for CD.During the study period,24,509 distal endoscopic procedures were performed.The incidence of IBD was 3.16/100 examinations(95%CI:2.86-3.45)or 1.72/100 examinations(95%CI:1.5-1.94)for UC and 1.36/100 examinations(95%CI:1.17-1.56)for CD.CONCLUSION Trends in the incidence and prevalence of IBD in Tuzla Canton are similar to Eastern European averages,although there are significant epidemiological differences within geographically close and demographically similar areas。

Urbanisation and Economic Development in Bosnia and Herzegovina

The fundamental characteristics of urbanisation and economic development of Bosnia and Herzegovina at the end of 19th, and at the beginning of 20th century, have been discussed in the paper. The recent developmental urban processes have been considered through three groups of indicators： demographic, regional and socio-geographic development. Based on results of the surveys conducted in the regional economic centres in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2011, a development of urban functions in the urban centres has been shown. It has been proved that the dominant tertiary activities have a big importance and an intensive influence on urban and economic development in all urban settlements. The research included a theoretical part within which the literature on urban and economic development of settlements has been searched. For needs of the research, eight economic centres in Bosnia and Herzegovina were chosen. Analysis of the obtained results shows a different level of urbanisation in Bosnia and Herzegovina with particularly separated larger and asymmetrically distributed urban centres： Sarajevo, Tuzla, Mostar, Banja Luka, Zenica, and Biha6. The mentioned urban and economic centres are distributed along the major traffic communications. The settlements in east and west part of Bosnia and Herzegovina, in which a traffic network is poorly developed, have a lower urbanisation level. The obtained data proved the existence of a traditional difference and a different level in development of particular regions and total economy in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Low urbanisation level of a large number of settlements in Bosnia and Herzegovina, is in direct connection with economic development and density of those settlements. The achieved urbanisation level with an overall economic development is characteristic of Bosnia and Herzegovina and of the other countries in its surroundings as well.

Determination of Rutin, Quercetin, Naringenin and Hesperetin in the Honey from Bosnia and Herzegovina （B ＆ H） in Relation to the Composition of Pollen

Today, consumers and producers makes more and more requests for determining the type of honey and its variety because its technological and medicinal qualities depends on the origin. There are many factors which affect on the quality of honey, but the most important is geographical and botanical origin of which largely depends on its medicinal properties. There are several methods of dealing with the classification of honey but the most accurate is pollen analysis with some other tests, such as pH, electrical conductivity and sensory properties. Flavonoids--as one of the most important group of plant secondary metabolites, can be found in honey and its number and amount directly dependents of the origin of honey. In this study, 48 honey samples were tested, of which 29 were pollen honey, 11 were mixed and 8 were honeydew. In all samples, regardless of the type of honey, quercetin and naringenin are found, and rutin and hesperetin are found in-between 36%-50% of honey samples. The largest individual and avarages amounts of tested flavonoids are found in the pollen honey and at least in the mixed honeys.

Energy Potential of Canton of Tuzla （Bosnia and Herzegovina） and Possibilities of Its Rational Economic-Industrial Exploitation

Canton of Tuzla takes cca 2,650 km2 area of north-east Bosnia and Herzegovina. Economic structure of this geographic region, traditionally, dominates the energetic. In the last few years, this part Bosnia and Herzegovina produces near 4 million tons of coal, which is over 40% of coal producing in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Over 80% produced coal is burning away in local thermal power plants, where is producing cea 3,000 GWh electro energy. Today, Canton of Tuzla is starting the restructuration process of energetic sector towards improving its efficiency. Therefore, we expect the similar problems, as in other transition regions （e.g., closing some coal pits, ecology, reduction of labour, etc.）. Also, we should take all well known fact that investing in energy capacities last over five years, and in this propriety time, here will not be any adequate thermal power plants as a relevant substitute. According to European Energy Charter, south-east Europe is forced to give up from technological outdated and economic inefficiency productive capacities, so the situation is becoming more complicated. For its welfare, it is essential to speed up all investment and reconstruction by using all available resources, as domestic, as foreign. Hence, this paper presents technical-technological and economic analysis of the energy problems in Canton of Tuzla, and of course, it＇s possible solving in near future.

Legal Frame for Criminal Proceedings Against Juveniles in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina

The paper analyzes applicability of legal frame of international standards on the protection of juvenile rights which are expressed through the concept of protection of ＂the best interests of a child and juvenile＂, in view of the question whether the Federation of Bill performs appropriate activities and to which extent, and are there controversy points that need to be resolved separately. It points out the unknowns which the practices of the courts in the Federation of Bill have not yet completely resolved, and are related to the applicability of the new rules adopted by the Law on Protection and Treatment of Children and Juveniles in Criminal Proceedings of the Federation of Bill. Also, it presents a set of legal rules that regulate criminal proceedings against juveniles within the Federation of Bill, with a special emphasis on the basic characteristics of this process. Finally, possible solutions to the mentioned ambiguities and dilemmas are proposed in accordance with the principle of legal certainty as essential to addressees of the relevant legal norms

Land Tenure and Land Consolidation Issues in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia

Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia are post-war and post-socialist countries having partly common history and problems regarding land tenure and land consolidation, but, due to the different recent development, they are tackling detected problems in different manner. Internal problems regarding land ownership, privatization and corruption, together with negative consequences of globalization and economic crisis resulted in the downfall of land usage for food production having visible impact on prosperity of the nations. The expansion of farming area represents therefore one of the priorities for both countries. Without well kept and well managed land registers, and without the development of efficient land tenure mechanisms, the mentioned problems can hardly be solved, hence, both countries are paying great attention to solving these problems. Bosnia and Herzegovina fighting with the reducing size of uncultivated land, initiated the land consolidation activities on pilot locations in Oragje, Ravno and Trebinje after twenty years. Croatia has focused its activities on dealing with the issues related to the registration of state-owned agricultural land and on developing the efficient system for land tenure. For this purpose, different kinds of projects related to land registration, land consolidation, and finally the State agricultural land IT system establishment project have been executed. In this paper, an overview of the executed activities, the achieved results and detected problems is given indicating also further activities.

Congratulatory Letter from the Center for the Promotion and Development of Belt and Road Initiative,Bosnia and Herzegovina

To:Chinese Association for International Understanding (CAFIU)CONGRATULATIONS LETTER Dear friends,I was glad to receive the news that your institution,our long-term partner,is celebrating its 40th anniversary since the founding of the Association.In the past few years,our two institutions as part of the non-govemmental sector.have jointly done several projects aimed at getting to know each other and especially on the promotion and construction of President Xi Jinping’s big Initiative,"One Belt and One Road".

Physical and Chemical Analysis of the Fruit of Stela and Burlat Cherry Varieties in Herzegovina

The goal of this paper, based on analysis of physical and chemical characteristics of fruit itself, is to determine to what extent the introduced varieties of cherry--stela and burlat have become adaptable to agro ecological conditions of Herzegovina region. Analysis showed that regarding fruit dimensions and fruit stone mass, there are recorded larger values of stela variety compared to burlat variety. However, statistically variety stela had shorter stalk compared to variety burlat. Variety burlat had significantly larger values of most important chemical characteristics （total soluble dry matter and total acids）. Both tested varieties have one or several positive characteristics and the author can recommend them for commercial production.

Evaluation of Mechanical Properties and Surface Quality of Wood from Bosnia and Herzegovina Exposed to Outdoor Conditions

This study investigated the mechanical properties of beech(Fagus sylvatica L.)and fir(Abies alba)wood from Bosnia and Herzegovina under outdoor exposure.Samples were exposed for 3-month exposure to assess bending strength,color changes,and surface quality.Results showed outdoor exposure negatively affected mechanical properties,particularly in samples with extended finger joints,causing significant surface cracks in uncoated samples.Beech wood exhibited notable color changes under exposure,with approximately 50%darkening without coating compared to 25%under covered conditions.Coated samples displayed minimal color changes,affirming the efficacy of surface treatment.Fir wood exhibited a roughness of 8.264μm,while beechwood average roughness increased from 6.767 to 13.916μm after exposure,with micro-pore development affecting water performance.Microscopic analysis identified prevalent fungal colonies,including Penicillium,Aureobasidium,Sclerophoma,and Chaetomium,underscoring their role in organic matter decomposition.This study highlights the importance of wood exposure and treatment selection for various applications.

Optimization Model Proposal for Traffic Differentiation in Wireless Sensor Networks

Wireless sensor networks(WSNs)are characterized by heterogeneous traffic types(audio,video,data)and diverse application traffic requirements.This paper introduces three traffic classes following the defined model of heterogeneous traffic differentiation in WSNs.The requirements for each class regarding sensitivity to QoS(Quality of Service)parameters,such as loss,delay,and jitter,are described.These classes encompass real-time and delay-tolerant traffic.Given that QoS evaluation is a multi-criteria decision-making problem,we employed the AHP(Analytical Hierarchy Process)method for multi-criteria optimization.As a result of this approach,we derived weight values for different traffic classes based on key QoS factors and requirements.These weights are assigned to individual traffic classes to determine transmission priority.This study provides a thorough comparative analysis of the proposed model against existing methods,demonstrating its superior performance across various traffic scenarios and its implications for future WSN applications.The results highlight the model’s adaptability and robustness in optimizing network resources under varying conditions,offering insights into practical deployments in real-world scenarios.Additionally,the paper includes an analysis of energy consumption,underscoring the trade-offs between QoS performance and energy efficiency.This study presents the development of a differentiated services model for heterogeneous traffic in wireless sensor networks,considering the appropriate QoS framework supported by experimental analyses.

Is endoscopic ultrasound a promising technique in the diagnosis and treatment of liver diseases?

Percutaneous ultrasound has been a longstanding method in the diagnostics and interventional procedures of liver diseases.In some countries,its use is restricted to radiologists,limiting access for other clinicians,such as gastroenterologists.Endoscopic ultrasound,as a novel technique,plays a crucial role in diagnosis and treatment of digestive diseases.However,its use is sometimes recommended for conditions where no clear advantage over percutaneous ultrasound exists,leaving the impression that clinicians sometimes resort to an endoscopic approach due to the unavailability of percutaneous options.

Significance of balloon aortic valvuloplasty as palliative procedure for symptom benefit in patients with severe aortic stenosis

Aortic stenosis(AS)stands out as the most prevalent individual valvular defect globally.The onset and progression of AS mirror an active process akin to atherosclerosis,and the traditional triad of symptoms includes chest pain,breathlessness,and loss of consciousness.Prognosis takes a significant downturn when symptoms manifest,with mortality reaching approximately 50%-85% within the subsequent 5 years after symptom onset.

Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Aqueous Orange and Lemon Peel Extract and Evaluation of Their Antimicrobial Properties

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using aqueous extracts of orange and lemon peels, as a reducing agent, and silver nitrate salts as a source of silver ions is a promising field of research due to the versatility of biomedical applications of metal nanoparticles. In this paper, AgNPs were synthetized at different reaction parameters such as the type and concentration of the extracts, metal salt concentration, temperature, speed stirring, and pH. The antibacterial properties of the obtained silver nanoparticles against E. coli, as well as the physical and chemical characteristics of the synthesized silver nanoparticles, were investigated. UV-Vis spectroscopy was used to confirm the formation of AgNPs. In addition to green biogenic synthesis, chemical synthesis of silver nanoparticles was also carried out. The optimal temperature for extraction was 65˚C, while for the synthesis of AgNPs was 35˚C. The synthesis is carried out in an acidic environment (pH = 4.7 orange and pH = 3.8 lemon), neutral (pH = 7) and alkaline (pH = 10), then for different concentrations of silver nitrate solution (0.5 mM - 1 mM), optimal time duration of the reaction was 60 min and optimal stirring speed rotation was 250 rpm on the magnetic stirrer. The physical properties of the synthesized silver nanoparticles (conductivity, density and refractive index) were also studied, and the passage of laser light through the obtained solution and distilled water was compared. Positive inhibitory effect on the growth of new Escherichia coli colonies have shown AgNPs synthesized at a basic pH value and at a 0.1 mM AgNO3 using orange or lemon peel extract, while for a 0.5 mM AgNO3 using lemon peel extract.

Photocatalytic Degradation of Plastic Waste: Recent Progress and Future Perspectives

Microplastics are persistent anthropogenic pollutants that have become a global concern due to their widespread distribution and unfamiliar threat to the environment and living organisms. Conventional technologies are unable to fully decompose and mineralize plastic waste. Therefore, there is a need to develop an environmentally friendly, innovative and sustainable photocatalytic process that can destroy these wastes with much less energy and chemical consumption. In photocatalysis, various nanomaterials based on wide energy band gap semiconductors such as TiO2 and ZnO are used for the conversion of plastic contaminants into environmentally friendly compounds. In this work, the removal of plastic fragments by photocatalytic reactions using newly developed photocatalytic composites and the mechanism of photocatalytic degradation of microplastics are systematically investigated. In these degradation processes, sunlight or an artificial light source is used to activate the photocatalyst in the presence of oxygen.

Could near focus endoscopy,narrow-band imaging,and acetic acid improve the visualization of microscopic features of stomach mucosa?

BACKGROUND Conventional magnifying endoscopy with narrow-band imaging(NBI)observation of the gastric body mucosa shows dominant patterns in relation to the regular arrangement of collecting venules,subepithelial capillary network,and gastric pits.AIM To evaluate the effectiveness of a new one-dual(near)focus,NBI mode in the assessment of the microscopic features of gastric body mucosa compared to conventional magnification.METHODS During 2021 and 2022,68 patients underwent proximal gastrointestinal endoscopy using magnification endoscopic modalities subsequently applying acetic acid(AA).The GIF-190HQ series NBI system with dual focus capability was used for the investigation of gastric mucosa.At the time of the endoscopy,the gastric body mucosa of all enrolled patients was photographed using the white light endoscopy(WLE),near focus(NF),NF-NBI,AA-NF,and AA-NF-NBI modes.RESULTS The WLE,NF and NF-NBI endoscopic modes for all patients(204 images)were classified in the same order into three groups.Two images from each patient for the AA-NF and AA-NF-NBI endoscopic modes were classified in the same order.According to all three observers who completed the work independently,NF magnification was significantly superior to WLE(P<0.01),and the NF-NBI mode was significantly superior to NF magnification(P<0.01).After applying AA,the three observers confirmed that AA-NF-NBI was significantly superior to AA-NF(P<0.01).Interobserver kappa values for WLE were 0.609,0.704,and 0.598,respectively and were 0.600,0.721,and 0.637,respectively,for NF magnification.For the NF-NBI mode,the values were 0.378,0.471,and 0.553,respectively.For AA-NF,they were 0.453,0.603,and 0.480,respectively,and for AA-NF-NBI,they were 0.643,0.506,and 0.354,respectively.CONCLUSION When investigating gastric mucosa in microscopic detail,NF-NBI was the most powerful endoscopic mode for assessing regular arrangement of collecting venules,subepithelial capillary network,and gastric pits among the five endoscopic modalities investigated in this study.AA-NF-NBI was the most powerful endoscopic mode for analyzing crypt opening and intervening part.

Different Approaches to Reduce Salinity in Salt-Affected Soils and Enhancing Salt Stress Tolerance in Plants

Salt stress is one of the most harmful environmental stresses in recent times and represents a significant threat to food security. Soil salinization is caused by spontaneous natural processes of mineral dissolution and human activities such as inappropriate irrigation practices. Natural geological progressions like weathering of rocks, arid climate, and higher evaporation, as well as anthropogenic activities, including the use of brackish water for irrigation, and poor tillage operations, are the foremost causes of soil salinization. Typical characteristics of saline soils are salt stress, high pH, and lack of organic carbon, as well as low availability of nutrients. Disruption of precipitation patterns as well as high average annual temperatures due to climate change additionally negatively affects the process of soil salinization. Productivity and ability to support crop growth are reduced on saline soil. Salinity-induced stress reduces plant growth by modulating the antioxidative system and nutrient orchestration. The aim of this work is to show that the mentioned problems can be alleviated in several ways such as the addition of biochar, exogenous application of several elicitors, seed priming, etc. Research has shown that the addition of biochar can significantly improve the recovery of saline soil. The addition of biochar has no significant effect on soil pH, while the cation exchange capacity of the soil increased by 17%, and the electrical conductivity of the saturated paste extract decreased by 13.2% (depends on the initial salinity and the type of biochar raw material). Moreover, biochar enriched with silicon increases the resistance of bananas to salt stress. In addition, exogenous application of several elicitors helps plants to alleviate stress by inducing stress-related physicochemical and molecular changes (selenium, sulfur, silicon, salicylic acid). Finally, seed priming showed positive effects on metabolomics, proteomics and growth of plants subjected to abiotic stress. Priming usually involves immersing the seed in a solution for a period of time to induce physiological and metabolic progression prior to germination.

Low T3 vs low T3T4 euthyroid sick syndrome in septic shock patients:A prospective observational cohort study

BACKGROUND Both phases of euthyroid sick syndrome(ESS)are associated with worse prognosis in septic shock patients.Although there are still no indications for supplementation therapy,there is no evidence that both phases(initial and prolonged)are adaptive or that only prolonged is maladaptive and requires supplementation.AIM To analyze clinical,hemodynamic and laboratory differences in two groups of septic shock patients with ESS.METHODS A total of 47 septic shock patients with ESS were divided according to values of their thyroid hormones into low T3 and low T3T4 groups.The analysis included demographic data,mortality scores,intensive care unit stay,mechanical ventilation length and 28-day survival and laboratory with hemodynamics.RESULTS The Simplified Acute Physiology Score II score(P=0.029),dobutamine(P=0.003)and epinephrine requirement(P=0.000)and the incidence of renal failure and multiple organ failure(MOF)(P=0.000)were significantly higher for the low T3T4.Hypoalbuminemia(P=0.047),neutrophilia(P=0.038),lymphopenia(P=0.013)and lactatemia(P=0.013)were more pronounced on T2 for the low T3T4 group compared to the low T3 group.Diastolic blood pressure at T0(P=0.017)and T1(P=0.007),as well as mean arterial pressure at T0(P=0.037)and T2(P=0.033)was higher for the low T3 group.CONCLUSION The low T3T4 population is associated with higher frequency of renal insufficiency and MOF,with worse laboratory and hemodynamic parameters.These findings suggest potentially maladaptive changes in the chronic phase of septic shock.