Abstract STUDY QUESTION What are the European trends and developments in ART and IUI in 2015 as compared to previous years? SUMMARY ANSWER The 19th ESHRE report on ART shows a continuing expansion of treatment numbers in Europe, and this increase, the variability in treatment modalities and the rising contribution to the birth rates in most participating countries all point towards the increasing impact of ART on European society. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Since 1997, the ART data generated by national registries have been collected, analysed and reported in 18 manuscripts published in Human Reproduction. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Collection of European data by the European IVF-Monitoring Consortium (EIM) for ESHRE. The data for treatments performed between 1 January and 31 December 2015 in 38 European countries were provided by national registries or on a voluntary basis by clinics or professional societies. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTINGS, METHODS From 1343 institutions in 38 countries offering ART services a total of 849 811 treatment cycles, involving 155 960 with IVF, 385676 with ICSI, 218098 with frozen embryo replacement (FER), 21 041 with preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), 64 477 with egg donation (ED), 265 with IVM and 4294 with FOR were recorded. European data on IUI using husband/partner’s semen (IUI-H) and donor semen (IUI-D) were reported from 1352 institutions offering IUI in 25 countries and 21 countries, respectively. A total of 139 050 treatments with IUI-H and 49 001 treatments with IUI-D were included. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE In 18 countries (14 in 2014) with a population of approximately 286 million inhabitants, in which all institutions contributed to their respective national registers, a total of 409 771 treatment cycles were performed, corresponding to 1432 cycles per million inhabitants (range: 727–3068 per million). After IVF the clinical pregnancy rates (PRs) per aspiration and per transfer were slightly lower in 2015 as compared to 2014, at 28.5 and 34.6% versus 29.9 and 35.8%, respectively. After ICSI, the corresponding PR achieved per aspiration and per transfer in 2015 were also slightly lower than those achieved in 2014 (26.2 and 33.2% versus 28.4 and 35.0%, respectively). On the other hand, after FER with own embryos the PR per thawing continued to rise from 27.6% in 2014 to 29.2% in 2015. After ED a slightly lower PR per embryo transfer was achieved: 49.6% per fresh transfer (50.3% in 2014) and 43.4% for FOR (48.7% in 2014). The delivery rates (DRs) after IUI remained stable at 7.8% after IUI-H (8.5% in 2014) and at 12.0% after IUI-D (11.6% in 2014). In IVF and ICSI together, 1, 2, 3 and ≥4 embryos were transferred in 37.7, 53.9, 7.9 and in 0.5% of all treatments, respectively (corresponding to 34.9, 54.5, 9.9 and in 0.7% in 2014). This evolution towards the transfer of fewer embryos in both IVF and ICSI resulted in a proportion of singleton, twin and triplet DR of 83.1, 16.5 and 0.4%, respectively (compared to 82.5, 17.0 and 0.5%, respectively, in 2014). Treatments with FER in 2015 resulted in twin and triplet DR of 12.3 and 0.3%, respectively (versus 12.4 and 0.3% in 2014). Twin and triplet delivery rates after IUI-H were 8.9 and 0.5%, respectively (in 2014: 9.5 and 0.3%), and 7.3 and 0.6% after IUI-D (in 2014: 7.7 and 0.3%). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The methods of data collection and reporting vary among European countries. The EIM receives aggregated data from various countries with variable levels of completeness. Registries from a number of countries have failed to provide adequate data about the number of initiated cycles and deliveries. As long as incomplete data are provided, the results should be interpreted with caution. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The 19th EIM report on ART shows a continuing expansion of treatment numbers in Europe. The number of treatments reported, the variability in treatment modalities and the rising contribution to the birth rates in most participating countries point towards the increasing impact of ART on reproduction in Europe. Being the largest data collection on ART worldwide, detailed information about ongoing developments in the field is provided. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) The study has no external funding and all costs are covered by ESHRE. There are no competing interests.

Abstract Although prostate cancer accounts for the highest number of newly diagnosed cases of cancer in men, it represents a specific diagnostic challenge in modern oncology. The standard diagnosis of prostatic carcinoma begins with the screening of serum concentrations of PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen). If the concentration of serum PSA levels is above 4 ng/mL, the patient is further referred to a digital rectal examination in order to determine an increase in prostate volume. In cases where enlargement of the prostate is observed, the next step is biopsy of prostate tissue. This physically painful and invasive approach to confirm the diagnosis is often unnecessary because, in many cases, the patohistologic analysis determines diagnosis of benign prostatic hyperplasia, and not a tumor. In this study, we investigated the possibilities of detection and measurement of the relative level of gene expression of the KLK3 (Kallikrein-related peptidase 3), PCA3 (Prostate Cancer Gene 3) and TEMPRSS: ERG (Transmembrane protease serine2 and in-ETS erythroblostosis virus E26 oncogene homolog) genes from the urine samples of patients with prostatic diseases and healthy controls. Urine was the sample of choice because it is taken in a non-invasive manner, and could potentially serve to make better selection to biopsy. One of the selected genes (KLK3) differed significantly in the samples of various pathological conditions of the prostate, and therefore we consider that its further investigation is reasonable.

Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae (Movp) is an emerging pathogen that causes respiratory disease in small ruminants worldwide. It is considered to be difficult and time consuming to grow, which complicates diagnostic and control measures including isolation (an essential step required prior to the characterisation of strains), antimicrobial susceptibility testing and the development of vaccines. The objectives of this study were to analyse in vitro growth patterns of Movp strains, and the effects of different media used to support their growth. The study was conducted on 20 ovine and caprine Movp strains, isolated using Thiaucourt's medium. The rapid growth phase varied among the strains from 24 h to 72 h, although 60% of strains (12 of 20) reached a peak at 48 h. All strains were viable at 72 h after incubation, and declining viability was observed at 96 h (13 of 20 remained viable; 65%), 120 h (9 of 20; 45%) and 144 h (4 of 20; 20%). Growth was not detected at 168 h. All strains were able to grow in modified tryptone soy broth, while PH mycoplasma medium-Hayflick modified medium supported the growth of only two strains. Improved techniques of Movp cultivation require consideration of the growth variability among strains, the time of subculturing (during the first three days of incubation) and selection of appropriate media.

Abstract Using a person-centred statistical approach (latent class analysis) this study aims to categorise young citizens in Bosnia and Herzegovina according to their citizenship norms, level of trust in institutions and propensity toward political gender stereotyping. We employed the data from The National Survey of Citizens’ Perceptions in Bosnia and Herzegovina (NSCP-B&H) 2017, which documents the civic attitudes of a nationally representative sample of adults (18+) from Bosnia and Herzegovina. Since this study focuses on the youth, we extracted a sub-sample of 831 young individuals born between 1987 and 2001. Applying latent class analysis, we derived two distinct classes of young citizens with a unique set of beliefs, attitudes, and behaviours related to the role of citizens in modern societies, namely ‘enthusiastic citizens’ and ‘outsiders’. The findings offer valuable insights for policy-makers about the design and implementation of measures that aims to foster active citizenship in the laggard transitional economy. Also, it advances the research agenda on citizenship norms beyond the Western European context.

Abstract This study investigates the impact of perceived formal, informal and regulatory support on entrepreneurial intention. In addition, entrepreneurial capacity and fear of failure are analyzed as predictors of the propensity toward entrepreneurship. An empirical analysis of students in B&H finds that informal support perceived as support of family and friends exert a significant positive influence on entrepreneurial intentions. Fear of failure has a significant adverse impact on entrepreneurial intentions while entrepreneurial capacity enhances entrepreneurial intention. The negative relationship between the fear of failure and entrepreneurial intention is moderated by informal support. In other words, support by family and friends dampens the negative relationship between fear of failure and entrepreneurial intention. The findings were confronted with an ex-post literature review.

Abstract In the present study, several logit models were tested to identify the antecedents of entrepreneurial intention among the youth of Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H). Specifically, we explore whether demographic and socio-economic characteristic or whether perceptions of education curriculum and social and political engagement as well as the perception of media influence have an impact on the intention to start one’s own business. Data analysis was done on a sample of 3,611 young people. Education level and perception of the standard of living have an impact on the attitude towards self-employment. In addition, the perception of education curriculum and parents support in education is linked with the entrepreneurial intention. Furthermore, some campaigns of social and political engagement are significant predictors of the propensity towards starting the business. Finally, the perception of media influence impacts entrepreneurial intention positively. The findings have important implications for policymakers and universities.

The linear pattern of production-consumption-disposal of cities around the world will continue to increase the emission of pollutants and stocks of waste, as well as to impact on the irreversible deterioration of non-renewable stocks of raw materials. A transition towards a circular pattern proposed by the concept of ‘Circular Cities’ is gaining momentum. As part of this urban transition, the emergent use of Nature-based Solutions (NBS) intends to shift public opinion and utilize technology to mitigate the urban environmental impact. In this paper, an analysis of the current research and practical investments for implementing NBS under the umbrella of Circular Cities is conducted. A combined appraisal of the latest literature and a survey of ongoing and completed National-European research and development projects provides an overview of the current enabling tools, methodologies, and initiatives for public engagement. It also identifies and describes the links between facilitators and barriers with respect to existing policies and regulations, public awareness and engagement, and scientific and technological instruments. The paper concludes introducing the most promising methods, physical and digital technologies that may lead the way to Sustainable Circular Cities. The results of this research provide useful insight for citizens, scientists, practitioners, investors, policy makers, and strategists to channel efforts on switching from a linear to a circular thinking for the future of cities.

Abstract STUDY QUESTION What are the European trends and developments in ART and IUI in 2015 as compared to previous years? SUMMARY ANSWER The 19th ESHRE report on ART shows a continuing expansion of treatment numbers in Europe, and this increase, the variability in treatment modalities and the rising contribution to the birth rates in most participating countries all point towards the increasing impact of ART on European society. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Since 1997, the ART data generated by national registries have been collected, analysed and reported in 18 manuscripts published in Human Reproduction. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Collection of European data by the European IVF-Monitoring Consortium (EIM) for ESHRE. The data for treatments performed between 1 January and 31 December 2015 in 38 European countries were provided by national registries or on a voluntary basis by clinics or professional societies. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTINGS, METHODS From 1343 institutions in 38 countries offering ART services a total of 849 811 treatment cycles, involving 155 960 with IVF, 385676 with ICSI, 218098 with frozen embryo replacement (FER), 21 041 with preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), 64 477 with egg donation (ED), 265 with IVM and 4294 with FOR were recorded. European data on IUI using husband/partner’s semen (IUI-H) and donor semen (IUI-D) were reported from 1352 institutions offering IUI in 25 countries and 21 countries, respectively. A total of 139 050 treatments with IUI-H and 49 001 treatments with IUI-D were included. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE In 18 countries (14 in 2014) with a population of approximately 286 million inhabitants, in which all institutions contributed to their respective national registers, a total of 409 771 treatment cycles were performed, corresponding to 1432 cycles per million inhabitants (range: 727–3068 per million). After IVF the clinical pregnancy rates (PRs) per aspiration and per transfer were slightly lower in 2015 as compared to 2014, at 28.5 and 34.6% versus 29.9 and 35.8%, respectively. After ICSI, the corresponding PR achieved per aspiration and per transfer in 2015 were also slightly lower than those achieved in 2014 (26.2 and 33.2% versus 28.4 and 35.0%, respectively). On the other hand, after FER with own embryos the PR per thawing continued to rise from 27.6% in 2014 to 29.2% in 2015. After ED a slightly lower PR per embryo transfer was achieved: 49.6% per fresh transfer (50.3% in 2014) and 43.4% for FOR (48.7% in 2014). The delivery rates (DRs) after IUI remained stable at 7.8% after IUI-H (8.5% in 2014) and at 12.0% after IUI-D (11.6% in 2014). In IVF and ICSI together, 1, 2, 3 and ≥4 embryos were transferred in 37.7, 53.9, 7.9 and in 0.5% of all treatments, respectively (corresponding to 34.9, 54.5, 9.9 and in 0.7% in 2014). This evolution towards the transfer of fewer embryos in both IVF and ICSI resulted in a proportion of singleton, twin and triplet DR of 83.1, 16.5 and 0.4%, respectively (compared to 82.5, 17.0 and 0.5%, respectively, in 2014). Treatments with FER in 2015 resulted in twin and triplet DR of 12.3 and 0.3%, respectively (versus 12.4 and 0.3% in 2014). Twin and triplet delivery rates after IUI-H were 8.9 and 0.5%, respectively (in 2014: 9.5 and 0.3%), and 7.3 and 0.6% after IUI-D (in 2014: 7.7 and 0.3%). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The methods of data collection and reporting vary among European countries. The EIM receives aggregated data from various countries with variable levels of completeness. Registries from a number of countries have failed to provide adequate data about the number of initiated cycles and deliveries. As long as incomplete data are provided, the results should be interpreted with caution. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The 19th EIM report on ART shows a continuing expansion of treatment numbers in Europe. The number of treatments reported, the variability in treatment modalities and the rising contribution to the birth rates in most participating countries point towards the increasing impact of ART on reproduction in Europe. Being the largest data collection on ART worldwide, detailed information about ongoing developments in the field is provided. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) The study has no external funding and all costs are covered by ESHRE. There are no competing interests.

This letter concerns the problem of learning robust LQ-controllers, when the dynamics of the linear system are unknown. First, we propose a robust control synthesis method to minimize the worst-case LQ cost, with probability $1-\delta $ , given empirical observations of the system. Next, we propose an approximate dual controller that simultaneously regulates the system and reduces model uncertainty. The objective of the dual controller is to minimize the worst-case cost attained by a new robust controller, synthesized with the reduced model uncertainty. The dual controller is subject to an exploration budget in the sense that it has constraints on its worst-case cost with respect to the current model uncertainty. In our numerical experiments, we observe better performance of the proposed robust LQ regulator over the existing methods. Moreover, the dual control strategy gives promising results in comparison with the common greedy random exploration strategies.

Speaking of the biggest innovations for the manufacturing industry of the day, we are talking about intelligent production systems with “self-aware”, “self-contemplative and” self-sustaining “capabilities. Building such an intelligent system that is adapted and predictable provides the aforementioned capabilities in production, processes and machines. The intelligent system is able to combine various technologies and techniques for mixing statistical data, data, and artificial intelligence methods. Cigarette production is selected because it is highly serial. In such production, the use of expert systems in quality management in this area is not sufficiently developed, and with direct management, it generates great savings. Mistakes and errors are inversely proportional to productivity. This paper deals with the application of an intelligent system that uses the key principle of lean production. We need to build an adaptive system for predictive error and reduce the machine’s failure time in the cigarette industry.

Summary This study assessed the potential of probiotic characteristics of bacterial strains isolated from dry-cured sheep ham. It is one of the most common autochthonous processed meat products made in a traditional way on the Pešter plateau (Western Serbia). Isolates were identified as Lactobacillus curvatus (9 strains), Lactobacillus sakei (3 strains), and Enterococcus faecium (4 strains) using MALDI-TOF mass spectrophotometry. The study of probiotic characteristics of 16 dry-cured sheep ham isolates included survival rate through the gastrointestinal tract (GI), the possibility of biogenic amine synthesis, growth on medium with different concentrations of phenol,and antimicrobial activity. The results showed that in simulated gastric juice conditions, the cell number decreased after the first hour of incubation in the tested strains of Lb. curvatus, Lb. sakei and En. faecium except in the case of Lb. curvatus IIos19 where the number of cells remained approximately the same. After the second hour of incubation, the number of cells generally remained at the level of the first hour except in the case of the following isolates: Lb. sakei Ios12, Lb. curvatus IIos18 and En. faecium IIos24, where an increase in the number of cells was noticed after the second hour of incubation. In simulated small intestine conditions, an increase in the number of vital cells after 4 and 6 hours of incubation was observed in the isolates Lb. curvatus IIos4, Lb. sakei (Ios12, IIIos13), and En. faecium Ios1a. Synthesis of biogenic amines was not observed in investigated lactobacilli and enterococci. Analyzed isolates exhibited growth on media with 0.1% and 0.2% phenol, while 5 isolates exhibited decarboxylase activity. Six Lactobacillus strains, Lb. curvatus (IIos6, IIos17, and IIIos1), Lb. sakei (IIIos16, Ios12, and IIIos13) and En. faecium Ios4 inhibited the growth of tested pathogens, including Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 19115, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 and Bacillus cereus ATCC 14579.