Selecting a tractor is one of the most complex investment decisions an agricultural producer faces. There are numerous types of tractors on the market, each differing in technical, economic, and ecological characteristics. The aim of this research is to demonstrate how multi-criteria analysis methods can aid in this decision-making process, using a practical example of selecting an optimal tractor for the Myzeqe area in Albania. In this study, a decision-making model was developed based on a hybrid fuzzy methodology, combining the fuzzy LOPCOW (Logarithmic Percentage Change-Driven Objective Weighting) and fuzzy MABAC (Multi-Attributive Border Approximation Area Comparison) methods. The findings show that the determination of criterion weights is less crucial, with the T15 tractor exhibiting the best overall indicators. This research primarily contributes to developing a methodology in agriculture that enhances production outcomes.
The critical role of high-voltage circuit breakers in the power grid underscores the need for reliable and efficient methods to assess their condition and operational parameters. To support the integration of smart grid concepts and enable condition assessment during circuit breaker exploitation, non-invasive approaches are essential. Among these, methods leveraging vibration fingerprints generated during the opening or closing of circuit breakers have shown significant promise. This paper presents a comprehensive survey of state-of-the-art research in this area, systematically analyzing over 100 influential works from the past two decades. The survey categorizes these methods based on their domain-specific approaches and highlights key challenges related to signal analysis, data acquisition, feature extraction, interpretation, and reasoning. By offering a structured analysis, this survey serves as a valuable resource for researchers and practitioners, providing insights and direction for future advancements in this niche field.
This review is remembrance on occasion of 35 years of MIE ‘90 held in Glasgow which organized by UK and Scottish Association of Medical Informatics, and chaired by John Bryden and his team with support by European Federation for Medical Informatics (EFMI). It was my first participation at MIE Conferences, in that time as General Secretary of Yugoslav Association of Medical Informatics (YAMI) and officially accepted as a member of EFMI and IMIA. Besides our President of YAMI, Professor Gjuro Dezelic, one of founders YAMI (with Izet Masic, Stefan Adamic, Rajko Vukasinovic, as presidents of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovenian and Serbian Societies of Medical Informatics in 1987) participants at MIE ‘90 have been, also, our colleagues: Josipa Kern, Nada Dezelic, Silvije Vuletic, Visnja Lovrek, Miroslav Madjaric, etc. It was my first active participation at MIE Conferences, and after this meeting, year by year I continued until today. Let me say some important facts about it as my personal story -„Medical Informatics Journey“, during the last 35 years, from Glasgow 1990 until today.
Background: Date palm fruits (Phoenix dactylifera L.) are a widely available product that contains numerous macronutrients including a high sugar content. Research has shown that date fruit extracts possess antibacterial and antifungal properties, as well as antimutagenic and antiatherogenic effects. Date fruit can also have a beneficial effect on the female reproductive system. Several studies have examined the impact of date consumption during pregnancy on the outcome of labor, providing useful results. Objective: This study aims to determine the effects of date fruit consumption on the onset and progression of labor. Methods: The study included 120 pregnant women who were pregnant at GAK Sarajevo, in the period from 01.01. 2020 to 31.12. 2020. The patients were divided into two groups, the first group of 60 patients who consumed 6 dates during the last four weeks of pregnancy, and the second group of 60 patients who did not consume dates during pregnancy. Results: There was a significant positive effect of consuming date fruits on maternal outcomes in the first and third stages of labor. The group of pregnant women who consumed dates had a shortened latent phase of labor, which meant that their cervix reached maximum dilation (10 cm) faster. Pregnant women in this group gave birth 8.5 hours faster than pregnant women who did not consume dates, in whom labor lasted about 15 hours. Of the 60 pregnant women in the first group, 60% had a spontaneous natural birth, and only 40% of the patients received oxytocin, because dates enhance the effect of oxytocin, which is responsible for uterine contractions. Conclusion: This study showed a promising effect of consuming date fruits on the duration of the stages of labor. Saturated and unsaturated fatty acids found in dates stimulate the production of prostaglandins, which are necessary for labor. Dates are also rich in folic acid, vitamin K, iron, potassium, and magnesium.
Water constitutes a substantial input in food production, exerting a direct influence on the quality of the final product. Water quality affects every stage of the food value chain, from primary production to final consumption. Contaminated water can introduce impurities, unpleasant aromas, and odors, compromise the taste and appearance of the product, and, most significantly, compromise its healthfulness. Pathogens transferred through water pose a grave health risk to consumers. Consequently, ensuring the integrity of water quality is paramount to the overall quality and safety of food. Water from natural sources, including rivers, lakes, and wells, may contain a variety of contaminants that can adversely affect food quality. The treatment of water for food production involves the removal of impurities, contaminants, and bacteria that may be present in water sources. The application of diverse treatment methods can yield water that meets quality and safety standards. It is incumbent upon food manufacturers to prioritize water quality and adhere to regulatory guidelines to ensure the highest standards of food safety and quality.
Background: Minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting (MICS CABG) via left anterior thoracotomy has emerged as a less invasive alternative to conventional open sternotomy (OPEN CABG), offering potential benefits in perioperative outcomes and complication rates. Objective. The aim of this study was to compare procedural characteristics, ventilation duration, drainage volumes, and postoperative complications between MICS CABG and OPEN CABG in a single-center cohort in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Methods. This retrospective cross-sectional study included 262 patients who underwent surgical revascularization between January 2019 and June 2023. Results. MICS CABG was associated with a shorter median procedure time (2.5 vs. 3.5 hours, p<0.001) and reduced mechanical ventilation duration (11.0 vs. 14.0 hours, p<0.001). Although ICU stay was similar (3.0 days, p=0.001), total hospitalization was shorter for MICS CABG (6.0 vs. 7.0 days, p<0.001). Postoperative drainage was significantly lower at all measured time points (p<0.05), and transfusion requirements were reduced for red blood cells (0 vs. 2 units, p<0.001), fresh frozen plasma (0 vs. 2.5 units, p<0.001), and platelets (p=0.035). Use of inotropic agents was less frequent in MICS CABG, both at low (50.4% vs. 62.8%, p=0.043) and medium doses (4.0% vs. 16.0%, p=0.001). Wound infections were numerically lower in the MICS group (p=0.437). Conclusions. Compared to open sternotomy, MICS CABG demonstrated significant advantages in operative time, ventilation duration, blood loss, and complication rates, supporting its role as a safe and effective alternative for coronary revascularization.
Introduction: Scoliosis is a spinal deformity that affects school-age children and adolescents the most. Excessive body weight, heavy school bags, improper sitting at school desks, and reduced physical activity are significant risk factors for the development of scoliosis in children. To prevent the occurrence of scoliosis of the spinal column, the focus of attention must be on early identification and education about scoliosis. The research aims to determine the presence of risk factors for scoliosis in sixth-grade elementary school students, assess knowledge about scoliosis of the spine, and determine whether the health system can respond. Research Method: From a total of 3.600 sixth-grade elementary school students in the Tuzla canton a cross-sectional study was conducted among 350 students using anthropometric measurements, full and empty school bag measurements, and the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ). Data on the health system was collected using a retrospective method. Discussion: Obesity was recorded in 21.14% of the respondents. Based on the results obtained, in 39.43% of the respondents, the ratio of the weight of a full school bag to body weight was equal to or greater than 10%. Almost one-third of the respondents felt pain/discomfort when carrying a school bag, which indicates that only 38.57% of children carry the bag correctly. 42.86% of the respondents have the wrong posture when sitting. Based on the results collected, 52.86% of the respondents do not play sports. The results show insufficient knowledge about scoliosis among both school-age children and parents/guardians. The health system of the Tuzla Canton can respond to the presence of the risk of spinal deformity with the available resources. Conclusion: The results of the study have shown the presence of risk factors for the development of scoliosis, a low level of knowledge about scoliosis, and the unwillingness of the health system to provide treatment and prevention services. Mandatory screening examinations and education of students, parents, and teachers are necessary.
The concept of decision making is considered as one of the key topics in the field of strategic management and related fields. According previous theoretical considerations and discussions of the main contributors, there is no single routine/path used by managers in strategic decision-making. Mintzberg, Raisinghani and Théorêt define strategic decisions with regard to the decision-making level as a combination of entrepreneurial activities and efficient use of resources. The process of making strategic decisions is often described as unstructured, non-routine associated with uncertainty, defining it as a set of activities, which includes the collection of information, the development of alternatives and their evaluation, and ultimately the selection of the best alternative. It is clear, therefore, that it is difficult to talk about strategic decision-making exclusively in the context of a logical sequence of activities by division makers. This type of presentation of strategic decision-making, based on the idea of rational action by top management, as the strategic management executives, is also shown in numerous management text books. In their editorial in a special issue of the prestigious Strategic Management Journal, Cyert and Williams synthesized the conclusions of the special issue contributors. Analysing the cause-and-effect relationship between strategy, strategic decision-making and the organization, emphasis is put on the importance of organizational learning. In the conditions of creating an economy based on information and knowledge, a connection is created between information, organizational structure and strategic decision-making. In complex systems, such as companies, one of the key problems that occurs when making decisions is to find out where the decision comes from and how it is realized. Strategic decisions are most often a collection of some individual decisions in the organization or a consequence of informal conversations or actions that lead to collective action. The focus of this paper is an attempt to identified a key theoretical underpinning, through an overview of relevant theories and strategic management schools. In so doing, this paper will use the concept of strategic management schools, presented by Mintzberg, Ahlstrand and Lampel in their popular book Strategic Safari.
Background: Benign acute childhood myositis (BACM) is a rare complication of viral URTIs, usually occurring in winter. It is characterized by acute onset of bilateral calf pain and difficulty/refusal to walk. A prodromal phase precedes these manifestations, consisting of catarrhal and constitutional symptoms. These are associated with increased muscle-specific enzymes, usually normal inflammatory parameters, and leukopenia. Objective: Our study aimed to define the demographic, clinical, and laboratory characteristics of BACM patients and determine the etiology leading to their development. Methods: Medical charts for patients diagnosed with BACM from October to April 2023/2024 at the Pediatric Clinic Clinical Center University of Sarajevo, Department of Allergology, Rheumatology, and Immunology were reviewed retrospectively. Relevant medical information was collected for 20 patients. Statistical analysis was done in Microsoft Excel 2013. Results: Demographic analysis demonstrated male predominance (75%), with primarily school-aged children affected (median age 8.36). Most cases occurred in winter (60%). The majority of patients presented with bilateral calf pain (100%), difficulty walking (90%), and fever (100%). All cases demonstrated increased CK levels, with median values of 3779 U/L; a notable number had leukopenia (70%). The most commonly isolated pathogen was Influenza B virus (75%). Conclusion: BACM is relatively rare but presents acutely and leads to plenty of distress for both patients and their parents. A child with coryzal symptoms complicated by bilateral calf pain or difficulty/refusal to walk and an increase in CK levels should raise suspicion of BACM. The condition is self-limiting and usually resolves without complications.
Background: Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSC) is the leading malignant tumour of the head and neck. Establishing new biomarkers is extremely important because they can be important for early diagnosis and prognosis of LSC. Objective: The aim of this study was to establish the significance of cytokeratin fragment antigen 21-1 (CYFRA 21-1) in the early diagnosis and prognosis of LSC. Methods: This was prospective research involving 35 patients of both sexes with pathohistologically confirmed LSC, who were treated in the period from 2022 to 2024. The control group consisted of 30 patients who underwent surgery for other non-malignant diseases and who had a normal indirect laryngoscopy findings. The levels of CYFRA 21-1 were determined for three time periods: preoperative, four weeks after surgery, and three months after radiotherapy or concomitant chemoradiotherapy. For the statistical analysis of data we used descriptive statistics methods, the Student T-test and the χ2 test to calculate the significance of the tested differences, where differences on the level of p<0.05 were considered to be statistically significant. Results: Statistically significantly higher mean serum levels of CYFRA 21-1 were found preoperatively in the experimental group in comparison with the control group (p<0.001). Statistically significant lower levels of CYFRA 21-1 were found four weeks after surgery in the experimental group in comparison with preoperative levels (p=0.004). A statistically significant decrease in serum levels of CYFRA 21-1 was also found three months after radiotherapy or concomitant chemoradiotherapy in comparison with the preoperative levels (p=0.001). The serum levels of CYFRA 21-1 were statistically significantly higher preoperatively in patients with stage III/IV of the disease in comparison with stage I/II (p<0.001). Conclusion: Increased levels of CYFRA 21-1 are a significant indication of the presence of LSC, especially in patients with advanced stages of the disease.
Summary Explosive energy can be used in metal forming processes, e.g. for bulk forming, sheet forming and for other processes. This paper presents the experimental research and numerical modelling of the process of sphere deformation by explosive forming. The assembly for forming a sphere with a diameter of 210 mm was welded from flat segments and annealed after welding. The material of the sphere was steel St12 according to DIN 1629/3. The thickness of the sheet metal was 2.0 mm. The sphere was modelled in the SolidWorks program and 3D-printed with the polylactic acid (PLA) material. The Poladyn 31ECO explosive was used for the experimental investigation into the process of deep drawing of the sphere by explosion, while the LS-DYNA hydrodynamic software was used for simulation. The pressure in the sphere was measured with a pair of copper crushers. It is shown that the simulation satisfactorily reproduces the experimentally measured pressure.
Background: T Measles is a viral, highly contagious disease from the group of rash fevers, which mainly affects children. Persons suffering from measles are considered contagious four days before and four days during the period of the appearance of measles, which favors its faster spread. Clinical observation and laboratory diagnostics are essential for monitoring the course of the disease in order to prevent complications. Objective: Our study aimed to analyze the significance and usefulness of laboratory tests on admission to hospital in pediatric patients with measles. Methods: This prospective study included children with confirmed measles infection who came accompanied by parents to the Infectious Disease Clinic of the Clinical Center of the University of Sarajevo during nine months. Data on age, sex, symptoms and results of laboratory analyzes (biochemical, hematological and coagulation) were recorded. Results: The study included a total of 302 subjects, including 122 healthy controls and 180 measles patients. Significantly lower values observed for aPTT, absolute number of eosinophils and basophils, RBC, hemoglobin, hematocrit, MCV, MCH, MCHC in measles patients. Significantly higher values were observed for fibrinogen, D-dimer, WBC, neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, RDW and MPV in measles patients in contrast to controls. Significantly higher values were also observed for serum chloride, glucose, CRP, AST, ALT and LDH values. AST/ALT, NLR, PLR, NPR, LMR, LCR, SII and AISI also showed significant differences in measles patients compared to controls. Conclusion: The results of our study showed that laboratory tests have great significance and potential in measles in pediatric patients admitted to the hospital. Lymphocyte/C-reactive protein ratio also showed good diagnostic potential.
Background: Aortic stenosis (AS) is the most common form of valvular disease in the elderly population, with degenerative calcified valves remaining the primary cause of this condition. Due to the progressive nature of the disease, a significant reduction in aortic valve area leads to increased left ventricular (LV) pressure overload, resulting in adaptive but ultimately maladaptive concentric hypertrophy and progressive myocardial remodeling. Objective: The main objectives of the study were to assess the regression of left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy, Methods: This retrospective study included 150 patients who underwent surgical aortic valve replacement (AVR) with the Sorin Freedom Solo (SFS) stentless bioprosthesis and the St. Jude Regent (STJ) mechanical valve. Patients were divided into three groups based on follow-up duration: six months, one year, and two years. changes in transvalvular gradient, perioperative outcomes, and survival rates. Results: The results showed a significant reduction in the transvalvular gradient for both valves (p < 0.0001), with a more pronounced decrease in patients with the SFS valve. The thickness of the interventricular septum (IVS) continuously decreased in SFS patients across all groups, whereas a significant reduction was observed only in Group 2 for STJ valves. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) showed a significantly greater increase in patients with the SFS valve (p < 0.024), particularly in Group 2. Overall mortality was 5.30% for STJ valves and 6.66% for SFS valves, with no statistically significant differences in Kaplan–Meier survival analysis (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The SFS valve demonstrated superior hemodynamic performance and more pronounced LV hypertrophy regression, making it a suitable option for high-risk patients. The STJ valve ensures stable long-term function and remains the preferred choice for younger patients with acceptable operative risk. These findings highlight the importance of a personalized approach in selecting valvular prostheses.
Background/Aim. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease that can cause destructive joint disease and progressive disability. The diagnosis of RA is based on laboratory and clinical evidence, which includes the analysis of inflammatory markers, hematological, and biochemical parameters. Methods. Fifty patients diagnosed with RA without methotrexate (MTX) therapy and 50 patients with therapy (MTX, 7.5 mg/week; after three months prednisolone 10 mg/day) were included in this study. After six months of therapy, inflammatory biomarkers, hematological, and biochemical parameters were analyzed. Results. Inflammatory biomarkers: sedimentation rate (SE), C-reactive protein (CRP), and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) are significantly lower in the group of patients on therapy compared to patients without MTX therapy. Significant differences were not found for the rheumatoid factor (RF). Significant differences were not found for hematological parameters between the compared groups. Analysis of serum biochemical parameters showed significant differences for aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and iron values. In patients without MTX therapy, the incidence of anemia was recorded in 68%, which is significantly higher than the incidence of 32% in patients with therapy. Conclusion. Prescribed therapy has shown effectiveness in the treatment of RA and reduction of the inflammatory process. The success of the treatment depends on the timely diagnosis of RA. Postponement of therapy and late-detected disease prolongs therapy treatment and often requires a combination of several drugs.
: Legal metrology ensures consumer protection from inaccurate measurements by regulating numerous instruments, some under EU harmonized legislation and others governed by national decisions based on the International Organization for Legal Metrology (OIML) recommendations. Verification laboratories produce measurement reports, often in unstructured PDF formats. Exploring and analyzing these reports remains inherently tedious and error-prone due to their format as numerous unstructured PDF files. To address these challenges, we introduce ScaleVis, a system combining standard and specialized visualizations to facilitate the exploration and analysis of measurement data including spatial information relevant to eccentricity measurements. The system incorporates data cleaning to resolve inconsistencies from manual entry and provides insights into measurement trends and deviations. Focusing on non-automatic weighing instruments, we analyze verification results to identify significant deviations in linearity and eccentricity. This study focuses on the analysis of non-automatic weighing instruments from various manufacturers and application domains. Using verification results from competent laboratories, we examine the metrological behavior of these instruments, identifying the ranges of linearity and eccentricities with the largest deviations from prescribed errors. A use case with domain experts underscores ScaleVis’s potential to streamline data analysis in legal metrology, with initial feedback indicating strong utility and effectiveness.
Nema pronađenih rezultata, molimo da izmjenite uslove pretrage i pokušate ponovo!
Ova stranica koristi kolačiće da bi vam pružila najbolje iskustvo
Saznaj više