Recently, the necessity of video testing at the point of reception has become a challenge for video distributors. This paper presents a new system framework for managing the quality of video degradation detection. The system is based on objective video quality assessment metrics and unsupervised machine learning techniques that use the dimensionality reduction of time series. It was demonstrated that it is possible to detect anomalies in the video during video streaming in soft real time. In addition, the model discovers degradations based on the visible correlation between adjacent images in the video sequence regardless the quick or slow change of a scene in the sequence. With additional hardware manipulations on the equipment on the user side, the proposed solution can be used in practical implementations where the need for monitoring possible degradations during video streaming exists.

Sitagliptin, an anti-diabetic drug, is a dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP)-4/CD26 inhibitor with additional anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. In this study, we investigated for the first time the effect of sitagliptin on the differentiation and functions of human dendritic cells generated from monocytes (MoDCs) for 4 days using the standard GM-CSF/IL-4 procedure. LPS/IFN-γ treatment for an additional 24 h was used for maturation induction of MoDCs. Sitagliptin was added at the highest non-cytotoxic concentration (500 µg/mL) either at the beginning (sita 0d protocol) or after MoDC differentiation (sita 4d protocol). Sitagliptin impaired differentiation and maturation of MoDCs as judged with the lower expression of CD40, CD83, CD86, NLRP3, and HLA-DR, retention of CD14 expression, and inhibited production of IL-β, IL-12p70, IL-23, and IL-27. In contrast, the expression of CD26, tolerogenic DC markers (ILT4 and IDO1), and production of immunoregulatory cytokines (IL-10 and TGF-β) were increased. Generally, the sita 0d protocol was more efficient. Sitagliptin-treated MoDCs were poorer allostimulators of T-cells in MoDC/T-cell co-culture and inhibited Th1 and Th17 but augmented Th2 and Treg responses. Tolerogenic properties of sitagliptin-treated MoDCs were additionally confirmed by an increased frequency of CD4+CD25+CD127- FoxP3+ Tregs and Tr1 cells (CD4+IL-10+FoxP3-) in MoDC/T-cell co-culture. The differentiation of IL-10+ and TGF-β+ Tregs depended on the sitagliptin protocol used. A Western blot analysis showed that sitagliptin inhibited p65 expression of NF-kB and p38MAPK during the maturation of MoDCs. In conclusion, sitagliptin induces differentiation of tolerogenic DCs, and the effect is important when considering sitagliptin for treating autoimmune diseases and allotransplant rejection.

For prosthetic hybrid restorations on implants, different combinations of materials are used, from metal alloys, titanium, ceramics, polymers or composites. The aim of this paper is to summarize the char- acteristics and advantages of certain polymers in the production of hybrid restorations, as well as to present the protocol for treating patients with this type of restoration. Polymers based on poly-ether-ether-ketone have gained great popularity and success in the field of implant-prosthetic therapy. Among them, the most famous high-performance polymers developed by Bredent (Bredent group, Senden Germany) are BioHPP (containing 20% ceramic fillers) and breCAM.HIPC (highly cross-linked polymer composite material). Both polymers are machinable and are used to make temporary and permanent resaturations in prosthetics. They are biocompatible and non-allergenic, do not contain metal, oxide and monomer components, and also do not discolor the gingiva. They are characterized by excellent workability and elasticity, which is greater than zirconium ceramics and metal alloys, different shades of color is characteristics for breCAM. HIPC, unlike BioHPP, which is monolithic and monochromatic. Due to their characteristics, these high-per- formance polymers can be exceptional “allies” for the restorations on implants.

Insertion/deletion polymorphism of the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) gene is a key component of the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS). It has been proposed as an independent factor for hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases. Consequently, it has been extensively studied in various populations. The aim of this study is to investigate I/D polymorphism of ACE gene and its connection to hypertension in population of Tuzla Canton (Bosnia & Herzegovina). The study included 60 hypertensive subjects and 60 healthy control subjects with no risk factors for hypertension. I/D polymorphism was genotyped by polymerase chain reaction followed by gel electrophoresis and data obtained were statistically analysed using Chi square test. Odd’s ratios were calculated with a 95% confidence interval. P-value < 0.05 was considered significant. Odd’s ratios were calculated with a 95% confidence interval. P-value <0.05 was considered significant. Higher frequency of genotype D/D and allele D was determined in subjects with hypertension compared to control subjects but there is no statistical significance (p>0.05). However, statistically significant association was found in compared groups of subjects with genotypes DD + ID, in regards to genotype I/I (p<0.05). The results indicate the conclusion that ACE I/D polymorphism cannot be considered the main risk factor for development of hypertension, but its influence should be investigated together with other genetic and acquired risk factors that are associated with hypertension. This research contributes to the on-going exploration of molecular-genetic associations with hypertension.

This study investigates the influence of ultraviolet (UV) radiation on the mechanical properties of Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D printed materials, specifically polycarbonate (PC) and polylactic acid (PLA) specimens. The research involves conducting experiments on five test specimens of each material exposed to UV radiation and comparing their mechanical properties to those of five control specimens that remain unexposed. The results reveal a significant mean difference between the mechanical properties of the control and UV-exposed materials. UV radiation caused a decrease in tensile strength for the PC material, while the PLA material exhibited an increase in tensile strength. The impact of UV radiation on PLA was more substantial compared to PC. Flexural strength testing showed an enhancement in strength for the UV-treated materials, with UV treatment having a greater influence on the flexural strength of PLA compared to PC. The mechanical properties of PLA were more significantly impacted by UV radiation than those of PC. The study findings suggest that PC and PLA materials exhibit different responses to UV exposure, which may have implications for their practical applications. Further research is needed to fully understand the underlying mechanisms governing these divergent responses and to optimize the performance of each material under UV radiation.

This study evaluated the eco-efficiency of rainfed and irrigated maize production in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Environmental impact assessments were performed through energy analysis, carbon footprint, and water scarcity footprint analysis. For economic analysis, gross and net returns and benefit–cost ratios were calculated. Eco-efficiency was measured by the ratio between the net return and environmental criteria. The findings indicate that transition from rainfed to irrigated maize cultivation per unit of land results in a 53.7% higher yield and gross value of production, but also a 69.8% increase in energy input, a 22% rise in greenhouse gas emissions, and a 3.6fold increase in the water scarcity footprint. While a positive link exists in irrigated maize between higher yield and lower carbon footprint per unit of product, rainfed systems outperform in energy efficiency, productivity, profitability, water scarcity footprint, and overall eco-efficiency. Both systems rely heavily on nonrenewable energy sources, with fertilization (energy and carbon footprint), mechanization (carbon footprint), and irrigation (water scarcity) as the main contributors to the negative environmental impacts. The implementation of optimization strategies for these inputs is of paramount importance to reduce environmental impacts and promote sustainability in maize farming in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Climate change adaptation is paramount, but increasing evidence suggests that adaptation action is subject to a range of constraints. For a realistic assessment of future adaptation prospects, it is crucial to understand the timescales needed to overcome these constraints. Here, we combine data on documented adaptation from the Global Adaptation Mapping Initiative with national macro indicators and assess future changes in adaptation constraints alongside the Shared Socioeconomic Pathways, spanning a wide range of future socio-economic development scenarios. We find that even in the most optimistic scenario, it will take until well after 2050 to overcome key constraints, which will limit adaptation for decades to come particularly in vulnerable countries. The persistence of adaptation constraints calls for stringent mitigation, improved adaptation along with dedicated finance and increasing efforts to address loss and damage. Our approach allows to ground truth indicators that can be further used in climate modelling efforts, improving the representation of adaptation and its risk reduction potential.

Over the last decades, new mobility offers have emerged to enlarge the coverage and the accessibility of public transportation systems. In many areas, public transit now incorporates on-demand transport lines, that can be activated at user need. In this paper, we propose to integrate lines without predefined schedules but with predefined stop sequences into a state-of-the-art trip planning algorithm for public transit, the Trip-Based Public Transit Routing algorithm [33]. We extend this algorithm to non-scheduled lines and explain how to model other modes of transportation, such as bike sharing, with this approach. The resulting algorithm is exact and optimizes two criteria: the earliest arrival time and the minimal number of transfers. Experiments on two large datasets show the interest of the proposed method over a baseline modelling.

This work summarizes our research on synthesis, characterization and toxicity of selected UV-A filters and their antioxidant shield in commercial formulation - resveratrol. Benzophenone type of UV filters react under disinfection conditions with chlorine and form different mono- and dichlorinated products, while dibenzoylmethane derivatives, such as avobenzone, react with chlorine and form two main bridge chlorinated products followed by numerous chlorinated species at the advanced stages of the process. Resveratrol showed three main susceptible centers to chlorination, starting from the electrophilic addition to the double bond and continuing with the chlorination of the phenolic moieties. Several experiments conducted under different disinfection conditions (pool/sea water, addition of salts, irradiation) showed basically similar chlorination patters with some variations in terms of product formation. The results of toxicity assessment using different test organisms (Vibrio fischeri, microalgae, daphnids) have shown different sensitivity of testing organisms to the parent UV filters in comparison with chlorinated products as well as different toxicity for specific UV filter in comparison to the others. As the closing loop of all experiments in the laboratory, an up-scaling to the real human skin is presented.

Due to its ecological and financial benefits, earth building has gained global attention, with earth bricks being extensively used. Shrinkage and crack development have a considerable impact on the performance and quality of earth bricks. This study employs laboratory experiments to examine the shrinkage behavior of earth bricks reinforced with wheat and barley straw. In addition to this, the impact of cement and gypsum additives is examined. The obtained results indicate that increased fiber content reduces crack formation effectively. However, higher levels of cohesive soil have been shown to have a negative influence on shrinkage behavior. In general, higher fiber contents contribute to the improvement of earth brick performance. These findings offer useful insights for improving the composition and characteristics of reinforced earth bricks, resulting in enhanced performance and quality in sustainable construction practices.

Purpose This paper aims to reveal the role of two theories that impact seniors’ entrepreneurial intentions. Both the socioemotional selectivity theory (SST) and the self-determination theory (SDT) re-shape seniors’ intentions to create entrepreneurial opportunities and activities after they retire. Design/methodology/approach This paper uses secondary data resources for developing the research concept, which might leverage seniors’ ultimate goal of creating entrepreneurial activities. A comprehensive past-paper analysis was performed. One hundred papers were initially considered for inclusion in this research. However, after a rigorous synthesisation process, 80 publications were selected for further analysis. Findings This paper presents an investigation of seniors’ entrepreneurship, with a specific emphasis on the SST and the SDT. It suggests potential models that could gauge senior entrepreneurs’ propensity to engage in entrepreneurial endeavours to support the socioeconomic advancement of society. Furthermore, this research discussed the limitations of the enlightening concepts presented to scholars and decision-makers. Originality/value The originality of this paper is illuminated by its idea of integrating two theories (the SST and the SDT), suggesting that these theories can possibly better observe senior entrepreneurs’ intentions in creating an entrepreneurial venture after they retire.

The 2nd Workshop on Maritime Computer Vision (MaCVi) 2024 addresses maritime computer vision for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) and Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USV). Three challenges categories are considered: (i) UAV-based Maritime Object Tracking with Re-ideruification, (ii) USV-based Maritime Obstacle Segmentation and Detection, (iii) USV-based Maritime Boat Tracking. The USV-based Maritime Obstacle Segmentation and Detection features three sub-challenges, including a new embedded challenge addressing efficicent inference on real-world embedded devices. This report offers a comprehensive overview of the findings from the challenges. We provide both statistical and qualitative analyses, evaluating trends from over 195 submissions. All datasets, evaluation code, and the leaderboard are available to the public at https://macvi.org/workshop/macvi24.