Bosnia Research Articles

Risk Management of Preventing Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing

Abstract Aware of the danger that the risk of money laundering and terroist financing has on the whole society, and with the aim of increasing awareness of the effective fight against the same risk in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), the paper deals with the research of mechanisms for managing the risk of money laundering and terrorist financing activities. The research of this work will be focused on determining the degree of application of the requirements of the legislative and institutional framework for the fight against money laundering and terrorist financing by those obliged to apply law. Also, the paper points to the cooperation of state institutions with entities of the BiH, and examines the degree of compliance of the BiH system with international standards related to the fight against money laundering and terrorist financing. In order to assess the management of this risk as efficiently as possible, the paper will cover financial and non-financial money transfer systems, and indicate the level of measures taken in this fight by the competent institutions. For the purposes of research in the paper, the data published by the competent institutions through their reports/publications will be used, with a special focus on the data published by the Banking Agency of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina as the legal entity that reported the largest number of suspicious transactions in the analyzed period. The results of the research indicate that there is no concern regarding the management of the risks of money laundering and terrorist financing in BiH, and that the risk can be quantified in the category of moderate risk.

The Influence of Human Resources Competency Management on the Business Success of Small and Medium Enterprises

Abstract The success of the organization is based on the quality of human resources, their competencies, motivation, loyalty, and their business results. The basic aim of this research is to determine whether and to what extent human resources competency management influences the business success of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The empirical research was conducted in 234 SMEs in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina in January 2021. An original questionnaire was created for the survey, which gathered the opinions of top managers. In the paper, human resources competency management is viewed as a process consisting of: determining the required competencies, determining current competencies and the competency gap and undertaking activities to ensure and develop the necessary competencies. For the business success of SMEs, business performance was researched through four perspectives of the Balanced Scorecard (financial, customer, internal business processes and learning and growth perspective). The research results showed the correlation between the studied variables and the influence of human resources competency management on the business success of SMEs viewed from all four perspectives. The paper includes a comparison with similar research, limitations and recommendations for future research. The originality of this work lies in creating an original model of the connection between human resources competency management and business success (performance) of SMEs as viewed through four perspectives of the BSC, which has been empirically tested. Also, no such research has been conducted in B&H to investigate the influence between the human resources competency management and the business success of SMEs.

ŠLJIVA U PRIVREDI BOSNE I HERCEGOVINE (1861-1918)

Abstract Few products, which today seem so marginal, had capital importance for national well-being and the country's economy like plums. Bosnia and Herzegovina had particularly favorable climatic and pedological features for plum cultivation. These natural bene- fits and the multiple possibility of exploitation have enabled the plum to take a dominant place among Bosnian fruits. Its economic importance did not go unnoticed by the Ottoman and later Austro-Hungarian authorities, who paid special attention to it. Therefore, it should not be surprising that in the observed period the plum was a kind of national treasure, and plum growing was the most developed branch of fruit growing. The Austro-Hungarian occu- pation authorities especially improved the method of processing and the sale of plums and contributed to its beco- ming an important economic branch. Keywords Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ottoman Empire, Austria-Hungary, Posavina, Brčko, plum, prune, jam, trade

DOPRINOS ČASOPISA PRILOZI (INSTITUTA ZA HISTORIJU) BOSANSKOHERCEGOVAČKOJ HISTORIOGRAFIJI O OSMANSKOM PERIODU

Abstract In this paper, the author presents the overview of articles corresponding to the Ottoman era of Bosnia-Herzego- vina's history, published in the Institute of History's journal Contributions. Given that the main goal was to collect articles from the mentioned period, this paper contains an overview and brief references to the same, not a critical analysis. In order to clarify certain events or contexts, the author used other relevant works. Keywords Prilozi, Ottoman age, historiography, administration, military, society, culture

Memory conflicts and memory grey zones: War memory in Bosnia–Herzegovina between public memory disputes, literary narratives and personal experience

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, memories of the 1990s war remain hugely divided on political and institutional levels, constituting what we may think of as a mnemonic war. Interview-based qualitative research shows that people in Bosnia on the individual level tend to follow the dominant narrative of their own group, yet, when challenged on these viewpoints, may also admit that other narratives and different truths may exist. Indeed, this research seems to propose the existence of a memorial grey zone where more open understanding and recognition of other positions is possible. Thus, while memory politics and memory institutionalization are rigidly opposed, other types of memory mediation may challenge the ethnic divisions of the memory landscape, opening up a memorial grey zone. In this article, we study the individual reception of literary works written by Bosnian émigré writers, asking how readers interact with established yet fluid memory discourses in Bosnia. Using focus groups as an interviewing method, we explore how the texts are perceived and discussed by lay readers in the two political entities, the Bosniak–Croat Federation and Republika Srpska. We are particularly interested in how readers make sense of the memory accounts in the texts, and how this relates to personal experiences and official memory narratives within each of the two entities. We argue that the reading and discussions of literary war memories allow for complex negotiations between personal and official ‘group’ narratives, opening a memorial grey zone that transcends the sharp divisions dominating memory politics in Bosnia and creates space for alternative memory positions.

Nekropole i stećci na području općine Teočak

Abstract: The paper presents new results of field research of necropolises and stecak tombstones from the Teocak municipality. The research aimed to obtain contemporary data on stecak tombstones in the mentioned area, because in the previous scientific literature, incomplete and often different data on necropolises and stecak tombstones were found. A survey of localities, necropolises and stecaks, as well as a formal - typological analysis of shapes, decorative motifs and epitaphs were carried out through field research. Empirical data obtained from the examination of necropolises and stecaks in the area of the municipality of Teocak, the revision of data and the determination of the contemporary state of the stecaks served as a basis for questioning the way of presenting the stecaks so far. The purpose of the conducted research was to highlight, along with the topography of localities, necropolises and stecaks in the Teocak municipality, positive activities in the arrangement of individual necropolises with stecaks, as examples of preservation, protection and promotion of stecaks, and to emphasize the importance of stecaks for researching the history of the medieval Bosnian state. Keywords: Teocak, localities, necropolises, stecak tombstones, shapes, decorations, inscriptions, significance of stecak tombstones...

Genocide(s) in World War II – Towards the Genocide Convention (origins, definition, processing)

The twentieth century began and ended with the execution of genocide. At the same time, it is the century in which large-scale armed conflicts were fought, including the First and Second World Wars. The Second World War was marked, among other things, by genocides committed against peoples that were planned for extermination by Nazi projects. In the first place, it is inevitable to mention the genocide (Holocaust) against the most numerous victims - the Jews. The Holocaust resulted in millions of victims. Mass murders of Jews were carried out, but in the Second World War, about a million people who were members of other nations were also killed. The Nazis carried out the systematic extermination of Jews and other target groups in concentration camps established in Germany, but also in occupied countries. Hundreds of camps were opened throughout the occupied territories of Europe. The target groups scheduled for extermination were collected and transported by trains, most often in transport and livestock wagons, and taken to camps where a certain number were immediately killed, while another number were temporarily left for forced labor. People who were used for forced labor often died of exhaustion, and those who managed to survive the torture were eventually killed. In addition to the closure and liquidation in the camps, individual and mass executions were also carried out in other places. The large number of those killed indicated the need for quick rehabilitation, which resulted in burning the bodies on pyres or burying them in mass graves. The committed genocides encouraged the formation of the United Nations, but also resulted in the adoption of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, or for short - the Genocide Convention, which was supposed to be a guarantee for „never again“. Sanctions issued in the form of death sentences to the most notorious war criminals for the terrible crimes for which they were found responsible should have been another obstacle to „never again“. However, the participants of our time testify that it was not so. Genocidal projects have revived and genocides have been realized, as is the case with the genocide committed in the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina at the end of the 20th century. In the trial of the most notorious Nazis, known as the Nuremberg Trials, the harshest death sentences were handed down, as well as life and long-term imprisonment. The specificity of the Nuremberg process is that, in addition to proclaiming the principle of personal responsibility, it also represents a condemnation of the committed aggression, but also a political project as manifested by the condemnation of various organizations that were declared responsible for the crimes committed. At the main international military trial that began on October 18, 1945, 24 defendants were prosecuted for individual responsibility, but six criminal war organizations were also prosecuted - the leadership of the NSDAP (National Socialist German Workers' Party - NSDAP (National Sozialistische Deutsche Arbeiter Partei) headed by was Adolf Hitler - the most responsible criminal for World War II and the execution of the Holocaust), SS (Schutzstaffel - military branch of the NSDAP), SA (Sturmabteilung - Assault Squad of the NSDAP), SD (Sicherheitsdienst - Intelligence Service of the NSDAP), Gestapo (Geheime Staats Polizei - secret state police) and OKW (Oberkommando der Wehrmacht - Supreme Command of the German Army). Certain prosecutions were also carried out in the national courts of the countries that emerged victorious in the Second World War.

Real-World Management of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia in Bosnia and Herzegovina: Treatment Patterns, Molecular Monitoring, and Outcomes

Introduction Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients in low- and middle-income countries have limited access to tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapies. Long delays in the start of TKI treatment may have significant consequences on patients' outcomes; therefore, monitoring and therapy management of these patients is undoubtedly challenging. The aim of the study was to conduct a comprehensive long-term analysis of CML management in a developing country in the era of limited TKIs. Methods Newly diagnosed CML patients in chronic phase (n=265) treated with imatinib (Glivec or generics) or nilotinib (Tasigna) in the period from 6/2005 to 6/2022 in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina were included in this multicenter study. Glivec was available from 6/2005 to 9/2013, generic imatinib from 9/2013 to present, and Tasigna from 11/2011 to present. From 2005 to 2013, the waiting list was created due to the limited number of TKIs. Introduction of generic imatinib in 9/2013 led to the cancellation of the waiting list; branded imatinib was ceased and patients were switched to generics. Patient cohort consisted of 171 patients started on front-line imatinib, 60 patients on front-line nilotinib, 19 patients who died while waiting for TKI, 7 patients who discontinued therapy (pregnancy (n=3) or voluntarily (n=4)), and 8 patients did not have complete data. Patients were categorized based on the type of therapy: Group 1 (front-line imatinib, n=171) and Group 2 (front-line nilotinib, n=60). In Group 1, patients were furthermore subcategorized: Group 1a (front-line Glivec, n=83) and Group 1b (front-line generic imatinib, n=88). Patients from Group 1 and Group 2 were additionally categorized and compared according the length of wait period before therapy initiation: <6 months wait (n=120 vs. n=43), 6-12 months wait (n=20 vs. n=7), and >13 months wait (n=31 vs. n=10). BCR-ABL1 was confirmed by nested PCR/FISH/karyotype and BCR-ABL1 QPCR was evaluated every three months from 2012. Complete cytogenetic response (CCyR) was defined as <1% BCR-ABL1-positive nuclei of at least 200 nuclei by FISH or 20 metaphases using CBA. Major molecular response (MMR) was defined as ≤0.1% BCR-ABL1 expression. Standard patients' variables were collected and survival probabilities were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared with the log-rank test. The study was conducted according to the Declaration of Helsinki. Results We compared overall survival (OS), CCyR, and MMR in 265 patients based on the type of therapy (branded or generic imatinib and nilotinib) and delayed treatment. We first compared outcomes of patients based on initiating therapy alone, imatinib (Group 1, 42 months median follow-up) and nilotinib (Group 2, 45 months median follow-up). In Group 1, 39% (n=66) of patients were switched to nilotinib. In Group 2, 7% (n=4) were switched to imatinib. In Group 1, 27 patients died on front-line imatinib, 14 patients on second-line nilotinib, and one on third-line imatinib (overall 25%); in Group 2, 6 patients died on front-line nilotinib, and 1 on second-line imatinib (overall 12%). At 120 months, OS was 69% vs. 81% for Group 1 and Group 2, respectively (p=0.057); CCyR at 36 months was 73% vs. 89%, respectively (p=0.000); MMR at 36 months was 69% vs. 88%, respectively (p=0.000). Comparing the outcomes of branded (Group 1a) vs. generic imatinib (Group 1b), we found that at 72 months, OS, CCyR, and MMR were not significantly different (85% vs. 84%, p=0.876; 90% vs. 90%, p=0.051; 88% vs. 92%, p=0.11, respectively). Among imatinib treated patients, subgroups <6 months wait, 6-12 months wait, and >13 months wait showed deleterious effects on long-term patients outcomes; OS at 120 months was 78%, 76%, and 42% (p=0.040), CCyR at 48 months was 90%, 87%, and 58% (p=0.000), MMR at 60 months was 87%, 65%, and 44% (p=0.000), and MR4 at 60 months was 74%, 42%, and 37% (p=0.020). However, patients treated with nilotinib after the delay showed no significant differences in OS, CCyR, and MMR compared to immediate nilotinib treatment. Conclusion The long-term study from Bosnia showed that OS, cytogenetic, and molecular reponses were similar to previously published real-world data. Outcomes on generic imatinib were comparable to branded imatinib. However, nilotinib showed superiority over imatinib, especially in patients whose start of treatment was delayed.

Scenario Analysis of a Coal Reduction Share in the Power Generation in Bosnia and Herzegovina until 2050

This paper is effectively a scenario analysis of the energy system of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) from the perspective of the possible future reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the power generation sector, with the aim to become climate neutral by 2050, in compliance with the Green Agenda for the Western Balkan. According to the data from 2016, the share of power generation in the total GHG emissions in BiH was approximately 50%. By using the LEAP (Long-range Energy Alternatives Planning) energy model, two scenarios—the “gradual transition scenario” and the “climate neutral” scenario—have been analyzed for the period 2018–2050, and each scenario included decarbonization measures such as the extensive use of Renewable Energy Sources (RES). Unlike the climate neutral scenario, the gradual transition scenario includes the replacement of certain parts of the old, currently-in-operation Coal-fired Power Plants (CFPPs) with the new CFPP, which is more efficient. In the climate-neutral scenario, that part of the existing CFPPs is replaced by a mix of RESs. The results from the first scenario suggest that the share of CFPPs in electricity generation has gradually decreased from 69.3% to 16.3% in 2050, and CO2 emissions from the power generation sector in 2050 will be 2.2 million tons—roughly 83.5% less than in 2014. According to the second scenario, the emphasis is strongly on the growth and promotion of RESs, which have significantly taken over the roles of major producers of electricity, encouraging the low-carbon development of BiH. Analysis results show that, in 2050, there will be no CO2 emissions from power generation. It can be concluded that specifically designed energy models for the optimization of capacities and CO2 emissions through convergence towards RESs could be an optimistic and promising option for BiH to become climate neutral while meeting increasing energy demands. The results show the required RES capacities needed for achieving climate-neutral power generation by 2050, with the current rate level of power generation. Based on the results, RES investment needs can be estimated. Overall, the results of the scenarios can be used for the strategic planning of the power generation sector in BiH until 2050.

Burden of road traffic injuries in Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina – fifteen-year survey

Abstract Introduction Road traffic injuries (RTI) are among the ten leading causes of death worldwide, and they are the leading cause of death among young adults aged 15-29 years. In Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBiH), with population of 2,1 million, around 380 people die every year and additional 11.000 get seriously injured in RTI. Aim The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence and fatality rate of RTI in FBiH in the period of 2006 until the end of 2020. Methods Data source of RTI (ICD-X) incidence and fatality rate was Statistical book for Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which includes all injuries and deaths reported through Ministry of internal affairs. Fatality rate was calculated as number of confirmed deaths in total number of reported RTI. To compare frequencies of reported deaths Chi square test was used. YLD were calculated based on information on injury that was caused in road traffic accidents. Results In the last 15 years, in FBiH, total 39,455 injuries related to road traffic were reported. According to the official data, over the period 2006-2020 the peak of fatality rate (8.52% deaths among all cases with RTI) was in 2016, while it had a statistically significant decline in 2018: 6.51%; 2019: 6.35%; and 2020: 6.32% (x2=7728,584; p &amp;lt; 0,0001). It is estimated that young adults (in the age group 30 to 39 years) injured in the road traffic accidents have 197.01 patient-years of total 881.17 years to live with disabilities just based on serious RTI in 2020. Conclusions RTI pose a significant burden on the health of the population in FBiH. After implementing strict laws in the year 2017, and 2018, a significant decrease of RTI was registered, including the number of deaths due to RTI (fatality rate). This abstract is support and sponsorship by ‘BoCO-19 - The Burden of Disease due to COVID-19'. Project is coordinated/led by Robert Koch Institute and supported by the WHO Regional Office for Europe. Key messages • RTI are significant burden for health of population in FBH. Strict laws and stronger punishments and fees are decreasing number of RTI. • This abstract is support and sponsorship by ‘BoCO-19 - The Burden of Disease due to COVID-19'. Project is coordinated/led by Robert Koch Institute and supported by the WHO Regional Office for Europe.

Mortality before and during COVID-19 outbreak in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina

Abstract Background Mortality data are essential for monitoring population health and is one of the most important data for evaluation and comparison of health status at the local, national, and international level. Objective: We analysed all-cause mortality data in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBiH) for the period 2016-2021 and compared it with mortality occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, in 2020 and 2021. Methods Using data on all-cause deaths for the period 2016-2021, obtained from the Institute for Statistics of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, we compared annual number of deaths (all-ages) and death rates during the 2020 and 2021 to pre-pandemic years. Results In 2016 the reported number of death was 21,146, in 2017 was 21,942, in 2018 was 21,691, and in 2019 was 22,024, and during the pandemic period in 2020 and 2021, 26,026 and 29,086 deaths were reported respectively. In 2020, 4,115 more deaths has been reported (15,8%), and in 2021 more 6,438 death (22,1%) compared with period 2016-2019. In FBiH in 2021, the death rate per 100,000 inhabitants was 1,341.2 and it is recorded an increase compared to 2020 when it had a value of 1,208.3 while in 2016 the value was 951.7. Conclusions A large proportion of increased mortality during pandemic was probably caused directly by COVID-19. However, the pandemic also resulted in deaths that would otherwise not have occurred (indirect deaths) due lack of access to medical services when hospitals were overwhelmed and changes in health seeking behaviour. An in-depth investigation of the underlying causes of the high excess mortality should be conducted to inform changes in the health care system and efforts to prevent severe COVID-19 through vaccination of vulnerable groups should be a priority. *This abstract is support by ‘BoCO-19 - The Burden of Disease due to COVID-19'. Project is coordinated/led by Robert Koch Institute and supported by the WHO Regional Office for Europe. Key messages • During the two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, population in FBiH had a significant increase in all-cause mortality. • The direct standardized death rate for all causes and age groups per 100,000 inhabitants in 2020 for FBiH was 818.0 and it is slightly higher compared to the EU average.

A Novel Integrated PCA-DEA-IMF SWARA-CRADIS Model for Evaluating the Impact of FDI on the Sustainability of the Economic System

Today’s economic systems are, on the one hand, exposed to various risks and uncertainties with their trends changing almost daily, while on the other hand, they represent an extremely complex system with a large number of sustainable influential parameters. The challenge is to model macroeconomic parameters and achieve sustainability, yet also satisfy conflict situations with an increased level of uncertainty. The aim of this paper is to create an appropriate functional model by examining the mutual influence of various macroeconomic factors. It assesses a total of four scenarios considering mutual influences of: FDI (foreign direct investments), GDP (gross domestic product), imports, exports, inflation rate, RER (real exchange rate) and employment rate as defined parameters. First, the DEA (Data envelopment analysis) model was applied to determine the initial efficiency of two countries, Bosnia and Herzegovina (BIH) and Serbia, for the period 2005–2020. Then, PCA (Principal Component Analysis) was applied in combination with DEA to obtain more precise values. In addition, IMF SWARA (Improved Fuzzy Stepwise Weight Assessment Ratio Analysis) was applied to define weight coefficients of macro-economic parameters. Finally, the CRADIS (compromise ranking of alternatives from distance to ideal solution) model was applied for the final ranking of part of decision-making units. This developed, integrated model can be classified as a mathematical method for economic analysis and gives extended opportunities for solving different problems. The results show that 2009, 2013 and 2016 were the most favorable years in terms of the conditions set when it comes to Bosnia and Herzegovina, and 2012, 2014 and 2016 when it comes to Serbia. These years have been singled out and can be a benchmark for further handling and modeling of macroeconomic elements. In addition, correlation was tested using statistical coefficients.

Masks across borders: etiquette, threat and prevention

ABSTRACT This collaborative autoethnography addresses the cultural, social, and political issues of (un)masking during the COVID-19 pandemic. Though it may seem a simple act of wearing face masks in order to protect oneself and others from the virus, it has turned into a rather intricate phenomena for multiple reasons, including cultural attitudes, political rhetoric, and misinformation from leading health organizations. In this piece, the authors offer narrative dialogues of their experiences with mask-wearing across cultures and time, spanning from their youth in Japan and Bosnia–Herzegovina, respectively, to their current adult life in the U.S. prior to and during the pandemic. During the COVID-19 health crisis, reflections of our lived experiences across and within cultures provided us with rich qualitative data to understand the sociocultural impacts of mask-wearing (Rituparna & Uekusa [2020]. Collaborative autoethnography: ‘Self-reflection’ as a timely alternative research approach during the global pandemic. Qualitative Research Journal, 20(4), 383–392. https://doi.org/10.1108/QRJ-06-2020-0054). This work contributes to mask-wearing behaviors and larger social and cultural changes regarding empathy and respect across cultural boundaries.

An Attempted Integration of Urban Utility and Historic Value

Bosnia Herzegovina had experienced some significant events of its history during the Bosnian War. Bosnia Herzegovina was one of the epicenters of devastating war causing severe damage and casualties. In Mostar, the conflict scenario was particular during the “siege of Mostar” in 1992 and then again later in 1993 to 1994. Mostar landfill was used as a prominent dump-yard of martyrs during the war. After the historic event, Mostar has still to face many difficulties in the field of environmental management. The landfill is one of the most important sanitary landfills in Bosnia Herzegovina and holds the tearing memories of the war. At the same time, it holds both the memories of mass murders and its significance as an urban utility. Waste management is one of the primary ecological issues in post conflict areas. Due to the war affected situations and political unstable settings, environmental crisis becomes eminent. The notion of this research is to develop a probable design structure to integrate an urban utility (Landfill) and post conflict emotional correspondence. Phenomenological Qualitative research methodology was used to figure out the bridges between these two discrete phenomena.

An assessment of improving the sustainable agro-touristic offer in an emerging country using the integrative approach based on fuzzy logic

The process of improving tourism requires prior determination of the existing offer, as well as assessment of the advantages and weaknesses of the given offer. Upon the analysis, it is possible to improve the tourist offer. This study examined ways in which agro-tourism can be improved, related to the foundation of sustainability. Methodologically, this article involves the use of expert assessment, additionally supported with fuzzy logic based on the fuzzy PIPRECIA and fuzzy MARCOS methods. Using the fuzzy PIPRECIA method, the criteria and sub-criteria were weighted, while the observed agro-tourism facilities in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) were ranked according to the applied fuzzy MARCOS method. The results of the application of the fuzzy PIPRECIA method showed that for experts the most important are economic criteria, then environmental, and the latter important are social criteria. The most important sub-criterion is the quality of services. Out of the six facilities in question, the most appropriate results are achieved at the “Šadrvan” rural household, while the worst outcome is exhibited at the agro-tourism facility, (rural household) “Kovačević.” Sensitivity analysis confirmed these results. The aim of this article was to evaluate the agritourism offer in BiH, taking into consideration these six agritourism facilities. Based on that, it is necessary to determine on what advantages to build agritourism in BiH, and what should be corrected in order to be more competitive. Based on the obtained results, the facilities management should determine which sustainability criteria would need to be improved, as well as on which criteria it is desirable to build a competitive advantage, aiming to advance the tourist offer.

Prevalence of burnout among health care workers in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina during the coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic: a cross-sectional study

To investigate the prevalence of burnout syndrome among health care workers in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBiH) during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This cross-sectional study was conducted in May and June 2021 using an online survey based on Copenhagen Burnout Inventory. The questionnaire underwent forward and backward translation, preliminary pilot testing, and was assessed for reliability and validity. Personal burnout, work-related burnout, and patient-related burnout were assessed. The survey was sent to the members of the Union of Physicians and Dentists in FBIH, who were asked to forward the link to their medical technicians and nurses. A total of 77% of participants experienced some form of burnout. As many as 32% experienced all three forms of burnout. Those actively involved in tackling the COVID-19 pandemic more often experienced burnout. In personal and work-related burnout domains, higher level of burnout was reported among female respondents. Higher work-related and patient-related burnout was reported by physicians compared with medical technicians/nurses. Higher level of patient-related burnout was reported in health care workers aged 30-39 and 50-59 years, among respondents working in primary care, and among physicians. The majority of health care workers showed moderate or high levels of personal and work-related burnout, with a lower level of patient-related burnout. There is a need for further research into the causes of burnout, as well as for the implementation of organizational interventions aimed to minimize workplace burnout.

Rethinking the Basic Police Training Policy in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Abstract Several terrorist attacks have occurred in Bosnia and Herzegovina in the 21st century, and all the security agencies in the country are dealing with the prevention and counteraction of terrorism. Training of police officers is conducted in three different training centres, and law enforcement officers have an average of 25 working weeks of basic police training. The main goal of this paper is to examine the representation of the topics of prevention and counterterrorism in the curricula of basic/entry police training conducted in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BIH). The results obtained revealed that it is possible for a police officer (policeman) or criminal inspector to not have had a single lesson on the topic of terrorism during their training.

Spatial distribution and source identification of heavy metals in European mountain beech forests soils

The main objectives of this research were to (i) investigate the concentration; (ii) characterize the distribution; (iii) determine the sources apportionment; (iv) estimate environmental and health risks of heavy metals in soil from mountain beech forest. A total of 76 soil samples from 20 pure beech forest stands from Bosnia and Herzegovina (BA), Bulgaria (BG), Check Republic (CZ), Germany (DE), Italy (IT), Poland (PL), Romania (RO), Serbia (RS), Slovakia (SK), Slovenia (SL), and Spain (ES) were collected. The content of major elements was measured by X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF). The content of heavy metals was measured by inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectrometry (ICP/OES). Heavy metals had a specific concentration range, which followed in soil samples from depth 0–40 cm the common order (low to high): Hg < Cd < As < Co < Pb < Ni < Cu < Cr < Zn, and from depth 40–80 cm: Hg < Cd < As < Pb < Co < Ni < Cu < Cr < Zn. The grouping of the examined parameters according to rock types, soil types, and localities indicated the separation of carbonate rocks from other substrates, luvisol, and rendzina from other soil types, and samples from BA, SL, and IT from other localities. According to sources apportionment As, Pb and Zn are of anthropogenic origin, Cd, Co, Cr, and Ni are of geogenic origin, while the middle position of Cu and Hg indicates a combined contribution of both sources. Elements Cd and Hg indicated severe to extremely severe enrichment with a mean value of 24.3 and 70.6, respectively. Based on the determined values Ni, Cr, As and Cd do not pose a health risk.

Medical personnel occupationally exposed to low-dose ionising radiation in Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina: A cytogenetic study.

Medical radiation exposures have been reduced significantly with modern equipment and protection measures. Biomonitoring of medical personnel can provide information concerning possible effects of radiation exposure. However, chromosome aberration (CA) analysis is now recommended only when the estimated effective dose is 200 mSv or higher. In this retrospective study in Bosnia and Herzegovina, we have measured the cytogenetic status of medical workers and healthy volunteers (controls). Peripheral blood samples from 66 medical workers exposed to low-dose ionising radiation and 89 non-exposed volunteers were collected for chromosome aberrations (CA) analysis and the cytokinesis-block micronucleus (CBMN) assay. Higher rates of chromatid and chromosome breaks, acentric fragments, double minutes, micronuclei, and micronucleated binuclear cells were observed in the control group, while the rate of nucleoplasmic bridges was higher in the medical workers group.

Public leadership to foster peacebuilding in violently divided societies

ABSTRACT This paper examines public leadership for peacebuilding in divided societies emerging from severe violence. It deploys two theories of leadership: social identity and political astuteness, to investigate peacebuilding leadership processes. The paper investigates contradictions in social identity leadership, since peacebuilding leaders reach out beyond their own group to outgroups in hostile contexts. Semi-structured interviews with 32 leaders in Northern Ireland and in Bosnia Herzegovina, reveal that leading for peacebuilding exhibits inverse processes of social identity leadership and that political astuteness is also critical to navigate integration and differentiation within/across groups. Wider implications for public leadership in societies containing division are discussed.