Vehicular Edge Computing (VEC) brings cloud infrastructure to the vehicular edge, resulting in better performances and avoiding network congestions. In this work-in-progress paper, the benefits of edge computing over cloud computing are discussed in a vehicular environment context, and they are leveraged by creating a Cooperative, Connected and Automated Mobility (CCAM) performance measurement framework. This measurement tool can follow vehicles by moving across different devices, enabling measurements on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) using edge computing. We already used this tool to evaluate latencies of both a stationary and driving vehicle, moving over the Smart Highway testbed in Antwerp, Belgium. When driving, smart-edge-following algorithms can be deployed to choose the nearest Road Side Unit (RSU) using broadcasted Cooperative Awareness Messages (CAMs) of the vehicle. While driving on the Smart Highway, the application monitors important performance metrics such as throughput, latency, packet loss, packet delivery rate and more. We compare short-range vehicular communications technologies on the Smart Highway (ITS-G5 and LTE-V2X PC5) against the cellular. Our preliminary results demonstrate the benefits in terms of latency by using short-range communications technologies in VEC applications. These results validate that moving applications to the edge is truly beneficial, since our results confirmed up to 90% lower latency using ITS-G5, up to 50% using LTE-V2X PC5. Future deployments of 5G in the Smart Highway are planned, which would further improve the performance edge computing technologies.

To properly orchestrate challenging services such as those deployed for Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) use cases, MANO systems need to be intelligent and automated. Network Function Virtualization (NFV) and Machine Learning (ML) provide opportunities for automating MANO operations, and this paper presents our MI-enhAnced Edge Service orchesTRatiOn (MAESTRO) algorithm that makes proactive ML-driven decisions for edge service relocation to ensure Quality of Service (QoS) guarantees for V2X services. Moreover, to validate the effectiveness of our proposed solution, we have performed the experimentation using real-life testbeds for high computing and smart mobility i.e., Smart Highway and Virtual Wall, located in Antwerp and Gent, Belgium. The contribution of our paper is two-fold: i) we study the interrelation between the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) measured at the vehicle client side, and the infrastructure metrics at the edge computing nodes and ii) we propose and evaluate an ML-based quality-aware algorithm that automates edge service orchestration to decrease average latency while guaranteeing high service availability and reliability.

Vehicular communication is a core technology of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS). Vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication still needs to develop resilience, such that communication is safe and efficient, in time-critical applications. The radio-based systems, such as cellular V2X (C-V2X) and Dedicated Short Range Communication (DSRC), which are used classically for vehicular communication suffer from performance degradation in traffic scenarios where traffic is dense. In recent years, Line of Sight (LoS) technologies such as Visible Light Communication (VLC) are considered complementary technology to Radio Frequency (RF). VLC utilizes the light-emitting diodes (LEDs) headlamps and tail lights that are standard on modern vehicles to exchange information with the predecessor and subsequent vehicle. This work-in-progress paper highlights the need to combine RF and LoS technologies to improve the stability and reliability of $V2 V$ communication. Therefore, we discuss the different LoS and RF technologies, and we present the combinations that can be used for communication. Finally, we propose a hybrid strategy that combines the best properties of individual technologies.

Premature ventricular complex (PVC) is a frequent finding in the general population. The atrial conduction time (ACT) is the period between the electrocardiographic P wave and the atrial mechanical contraction, and its prolongation indicates an atrial electromechanical delay (EMD). In our study, we compared atrial conduction parameters by echocardiographic methods between patients with frequent PVC and healthy control subjects.

Self-powered sensors are gaining a lot of attention in recent years due to their possible application in the Internet of Things, medical implants and wireless and wearable devices. Human breath detection has applications in diagnostics, medical therapy and metabolism monitoring. One possible approach for breath monitoring is detecting the humidity in exhaled air. Here, we present an extremely sensitive, self-powered sensor for breath humidity monitoring. As a power source, the sensor uses electromagnetic energy harvested from the environment. Even electromagnetic energy harvested from the human body is enough for the operation of this sensor. The signal obtained using the human body as a source was up to 100 mV with an estimated power of 1 nW. The relatively low amount of energy that could be harvested in this way was producing a signal that was modulated by an interdigitated capacitor made out of electrochemically activated aluminum. The signal obtained in this way was rectified by a set of Schottky diodes and measured by a voltmeter. The sensor was capable of following a variety of different respiration patterns during normal breathing, exercise and rest, at the same time powered only by electromagnetic energy harvested from the human body. Everything happened in the normal environment used for everyday work and life, without any additional sources, and at a safe level of electromagnetic radiation.

Background Cigarette use is one of the major risk factors for non-communicable diseases in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with 41.1% of adults being current smokers in 2019 and almost half of current smokers using more than 20 cigarettes per day. Methods This study applies the prevalence-based, cost-of-illness approach to estimate the annual economic cost of smoking in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2019. Results The study estimates that cigarette use by adults in Bosnia and Herzegovina caused between 24.4% and 42.8% of all deaths in 2019 and a total economic cost of between €367.5 and €635.1 million (2.0%–3.5% of gross domestic product). The direct costs represent the largest share of the total cost (between 1.0% and 1.7% of gross domestic product). Conclusion Cigarette use imposes a significant health and economic burden in the society of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Various tobacco control measures can be implemented to prevent and reduce tobacco consumption and the negative health consequences of tobacco use. Numerous studies have shown taxes on tobacco products are very effective in reducing tobacco use, especially among certain demographic groups, such as youth and low-income individuals. Smoke-free laws have also shown benefits. Other policy measures that can be implemented include restrictions to advertising, limitations on who can purchase tobacco products, how and where they can be purchased, etc. In addition, governments could also implement various education programmes on the negative health consequences of smoking. The results of this study provide information that calls for prompt and strengthened implementation of tobacco control measures to reduce cigarette consumption in the country and improve the health outcomes and productivity of its inhabitants.

Minarets are slender and tall structures that are built from different types of materials. Modern materials are also starting to be used in such structures with the recent developments in material technology. The seismic vulnerability and dynamic behavior of minarets can vary, depending on the material characteristics. Within this study’s scope, thirteen different material types used in minarets in Türkiye were chosen as variables. A sample minaret model was chosen as an example with nine different heights to reveal how material characteristic change affects seismic and dynamic behavior. Information and mechanical characteristics were given for all the material types. Natural fundamental periods, displacements, and base shear forces were attained from structural analyses for each selected material. The empirical period formula for each material is proposed using the obtained periods, depending on the different minaret heights taken into consideration. At the same time, fundamental natural periods for the first ten modes and 13 different types of materials used in the study were estimated with the established Artificial Neural Network (ANN) model. The real periods from the experimental analyses were compared with the values estimated by the ANN using fewer parameters, and 99% of the results were successful. In addition, time history analyses were used to evaluate the seismic performance of the minaret (three different materials were considered). In this specific case, the acceleration record from the 2011 Van (Eastern Turkiye) earthquake (Mw = 7.2) was taken into consideration. Performance levels were determined for the minaret according to the results obtained for each material. It has been concluded that material characteristics significantly affect the dynamic and seismic behavior of the minarets.

BACKGROUND: Heat-not-burn (HNB) technology by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has been classified as a modified risk tobacco product, which can be a better option for those populations who cannot give up the habit of smoking. The outlook on the effects of these products is quite controversial in the scientific world. OBJECTIVE: To present the effect of HNB tobacco products on the cardiovascular system, with reference to the existence of possible benefits of the technology. METHODS: The literature search was conducted in PubMed/Medline, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and ClinicalTrials.gov databases, with reliance on a well-defined guiding research statement. Quality appraisal was performed using the CASP checklist for randomized controlled trials. RESULTS: The search of three databases identified 167 records, and after selection process, 25 randomized controlled trials were eligible for our study’s criteria. Twenty studies investigated the effects of HNB products on biomarkers of clinical relevance. Five studies evaluated other functional heart parameters rather than biomarkers. CONCLUSION: With HNB tobacco products, significant reductions were found in biomarkers of exposure and biological effect related to pathways involved in cardiovascular disease, including inflammation, oxidative stress, lipid metabolism, platelet function, and endothelial dysfunction.

Functional recovery following incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI) depends on the rewiring of motor circuits during which supraspinal connections form new contacts onto spinal relay neurons. We have recently identified a critical role of the presynaptic organizer FGF22 for the formation of new synapses in the remodeling spinal cord. Here, we now explore whether and how targeted overexpression of FGF22 can be used to mitigate the severe functional consequences of SCI. By targeting FGF22 expression to either long propriospinal neurons, excitatory interneurons, or a broader population of interneurons, we establish that FGF22 can enhance neuronal rewiring both in a circuit‐specific and comprehensive way. We can further demonstrate that the latter approach can restore functional recovery when applied either on the day of the lesion or within 24 h. Our study thus establishes viral gene transfer of FGF22 as a new synaptogenic treatment for SCI and defines a critical therapeutic window for its application.

Purpose Hospital facilities and social life, along with the global economy, have been severely challenged by COVID-19 since the World Health Organization (WHO) declared it a pandemic in March 2020. Since then, countless ordinary citizens, as well as healthcare workers, have contracted the virus by just coming into contact with infected surfaces. In order to minimise the risk of getting infected by contact with such surfaces, our study aims to design, prototype, and test a new device able to connect users, such as common citizens, doctors or paramedics, with either common-use interfaces (e.g., lift and snack machine keyboards, traffic light push-buttons) or medical-use interfaces (e.g., any medical equipment keypad) Method To this purpose, the device was designed with the help of Unified Modelling Language (UML) schemes, and was informed by a risk analysis, that highlighted some of its essential requirements and specifications. Consequently, the chosen constructive solution of the robotic system, i.e., a robotic-arm structure, was designed and manufactured using computer-aided design and 3D printing. Result The final prototype included a properly programmed micro-controller, linked via Bluetooth to a multi-platform mobile phone app, which represents the user interface. The system was then successfully tested on different physical keypads and touch screens. Better performance of the system can be foreseen by introducing improvements in the industrial production phase. Conclusion This first prototype paves the way for further research in this area, allowing for better management and preparedness of next pandemic emergencies.

BACKGROUND: The pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) seem effective in increasing bone mineral density and promoting osteogenesis and bone healing. OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of two different modalities of PEMFs therapy in comparison with the recommended pharmacological treatment on experimental osteoporosis in rats. METHODS: The experimental model of estrogen-deficient osteoporosis induced by ovariectomy was used in this study. The animals were exposed to PEMFs of various frequencies (40 Hz and 25 Hzk), intensities (10 mT and 36.4 μ T), lengths of exposure, and the effects were compared with the standard treatment with pamidronate, vitamin D, and calcium supplementation. RESULTS: The application of PEMF 40Hz , significantly reduced the osteoporotic bone loss in female rats that were confirmed with biochemical, biomechanical, and histological analyses. These effects were more pronounced than in osteoporotic animals treated with pamidronate, vitamin D, and calcium supplementation. On the contrary, the exposure to PEMF 25Hz did not show restorative effects but led to further progression of osteoporosis. CONCLUSION: The exposure to PEMF 40Hz , significantly restored osteoporosis and attenuated bone fragility in comparison to the rats exposed to PEMF 25Hz or those treated with pamidronate, vitamin D, and calcium supplementation.

Climate factors have an impact on plant life cycle, yield, productivity, economy and profitability of agricultural production. There are not a lot of studies on understanding of influence of climate factors variation on maize yield in agro-ecological conditions of Serbia. The aim of this paper is analysis of variation of climatic factors over a long-time period, as well as assessment of impact of the examined climate parameters on maize yield in two localities in the Republic of Serbia. For the analysis of climatic factors (temperature, precipitation, sunshine, humidity) in the region of Central Serbia and Vojvodina, the data of meteorological stations Kragujevac and Sombor during two thirty-year periods (1961–1990 and 1991–2020) were used. In order to determine the existence and strength of the relationship between the observed climatic factors and maize yield, a correlation analysis of these indicators for the period 2005–2020 years, was performed. In the period 1991–2020, the average values of temperature were annually increased for 0.046 °C in Kragujevac and for 0.05 °C in Sombor, and in the same period the average value of sunshine on an annual level was increased for 1.3 h in Kragujevac and for 5.01 h in Sombor, 2020 in comparison to average values in period of 1961–1990. The humidity was decline annually for 1.3 in Kragujevac and for 3.4 in Sombor in period 1991–2020 in comparison to average humidity in period of 1961–1990. The results of the correlation analysis showed that the maize yield was significantly lower in the years with expressed high temperatures and precipitation deficit. Based on these studies, established effect of climate change on maize yield and that this demand developing adaptation agricultural practice through creating maize hybrids and varieties with greater adaptability and improvement of agrotechnic measure.