This paper presents a fully-integrated optical sensor with SPAD and mixed quenching/resetting circuit with sensing stage based on a tunable-threshold inverter optimized for the standard 0.35-µm CMOS technology. The presented quencher features a controllable detection threshold voltage and an adjustable total dead time. The quenching circuit 5QC achieves 16.5 V excess bias voltage (five times the supply voltage). The dead time ranges from 7.5 ns to 51.5 ns, which corresponds to a saturation count rate range from 19.4 Mcps to 133.3 Mcps. The quencher is optimized for SPADs with a capacitance ranging from 50 fF up to 400 fF. Using our published measured photon detection probability (PDP) results and extrapolating them, a peak PDP of 75.6% at 652 nm and a PDP of 39.2% at 854 nm is estimated for VEX = 16.5 V. To the authors' best knowledge, the presented PDP result has never been reached before for a fully-integrated SPAD sensor in standard CMOS technology.

Sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) stems in the form of infusions and decoctions are traditionally consumed for diuretic and anti-inflammatory purposes. This study aimed to evaluate antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity of ethanolic and methanolic extract made from sweet cherry stems. Extracts are obtained by the Soxhlet extraction and maceration procedures. For the determination of the minimum inhibitory concentration, the broth microdilution method is employed, and the assessment of the microbiocidal activity of the extracts is conducted. The antibiofilm activity was tested through the tissue culture plate method, which also allowed the determination of the biofilm-forming categories of investigated strains. The final step involved the calculation of the biofilm inhibition percentage. Examined extracts with the balanced activity inhibited the growth of all microorganisms, with Gram-negative bacteria being more sensitive in comparison to Gram-positive. The values of the minimum inhibitory concentration were 125 µg/ml, and 250 µg/ml, respectfully. Candida albicans was the most susceptible and the minimum inhibitory concentration of both extracts was 62.50 µg/ml. The microbiocidal activity of the extracts was not recorded. Extracts exhibited different impacts on the biofilm-forming capacity of the investigated microbes, and both inhibition and stimulation effects are noted. The percentage of the biofilm inhibition was from 14.27% to 84.78%, with the highest inhibition recorded for the multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli, treated with the ethanolic extract. Sweet cherry stems are a valuable source of natural bioactive compounds, but their usage in the treatment of microbial infections should be correctly and carefully implemented.

The aim of this study is to present a fully automatic deep learning algorithm to segment liver Colorectal cancer metastases (lmCRC) on CT images, based on a U-Net structure, comparing nets with and without the transfer learning approach. This is a bi-centric study, enrolling patients who underwent CT exam before (baseline) and after first-line therapy (TP1). Patients were divided into training (using a portion of baseline sequences from both centers) to train the DL model, and two validation sets: one with baseline (valB), and one with TP1 (valTP1) sequences. The reference standard for the automatic segmentations was defined by the manual segmentations performed by an experienced radiologist on the portal phase of the baseline and TP1 CT exam. The best performing model obtained Dice Similarity Coefficient (DSC) of $0.68\pm 0.24$, Precision (Pr) of $0.74\pm 0.27$, Recall (Re) of $0.73\pm 0.26$, Detection Rate (DR) of 93% on the valB, and DSC of $0.61\pm 0.28$, Pr of $0.68\pm 0.31$, Re of $0.65\pm 0.29$ and DR of 88% on the valTP1. These encouraging results, if confirmed on larger dataset, might provide a reliable and robust tool that can be used as first step of future radiomics analyses aimed at predicting response to therapy, improving the management of lmCRC patients.

The use of Deep Learning (DL) algorithms in the medical imaging field is increasing in recent years. However, they require the selection of a set of parameters to properly perform. In this study we evaluated the impact of three factors (the construction of the training set, the number of network layers and the loss function) on the performance of a U-Net system in the segmentation of Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer (LARC) on Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Images from 3 different institutions and 4 different scanners were used to this scope, for a total of 100 patients. All images underwent a pre-processing step to normalize and to highlight the tumoral area. The sequences of two scanners were used to construct the networks while the remaining sequences were employed for validating the best performing systems. From our results, it emerged that Dice Similarity Coefficient is not affected by any of the evaluated factors. Conversely, the choice of loss function could bias the results towards either precision or recall and, thus, it should be properly performed according to the scope of the network. Moreover, a slightly improvement of the performances was observed using a training set based on clustering, maybe due to a better representation of the heterogeneity characterizing medical images.

Lentigo maligna (LM) based on biopsy material might be lentigo maligna melanoma (LMM) after excision.

Identifying tumor DNA mismatch repair deficiency (dMMR) is important for precision medicine. We assessed tumor features, individually and in combination, in whole-exome sequenced (WES) colorectal cancers (CRCs) and in panel sequenced CRCs, endometrial cancers (ECs) and sebaceous skin tumors (SSTs) for their accuracy in detecting dMMR. CRCs (n=300) with WES, where MMR status was determined by immunohistochemistry, were assessed for microsatellite instability (MSMuTect, MANTIS, MSIseq, MSISensor), COSMIC tumor mutational signatures (TMS) and somatic mutation counts. A 10-fold cross-validation approach (100 repeats) evaluated the dMMR prediction accuracy for 1) individual features, 2) Lasso statistical model and 3) an additive feature combination approach. Panel sequenced tumors (29 CRCs, 22 ECs, 20 SSTs) were assessed for the top performing dMMR predicting features/models using these three approaches. For WES CRCs, 10 features provided >80% dMMR prediction accuracy, with MSMuTect, MSIseq, and MANTIS achieving [≥]99% accuracy. The Lasso model achieved 98.3%. The additive feature approach with [≥]3/6 of MSMuTect, MANTIS, MSIseq, MSISensor, INDEL count or TMS ID2+ID7 achieved 99.7% accuracy. For the panel sequenced tumors, the additive feature combination approach of [≥]3/6 achieved accuracies of 100%, 95.5% and 100%, for CRCs, ECs, and SSTs, respectively. The microsatellite instability calling tools performed well in WES CRCs, however, an approach combining tumor features may improve dMMR prediction in both WES and panel sequenced data across tissue types.

This study aims to determine the effects of a program based on a progressive increase in the number of nage-komi repetitions (throws) on a specific judo fitness test (SJFT). The research was conducted on a total of 20 respondents. In SJFT for research purposes, 12 variables. Descriptive statistics and paired t-tests for dependent samples of initial and final testing were used for data processing. The results of the study showed significant statistical deviations in the number of throws in the first 15 seconds, with the pulse measured immediately after testing and the SJFT index (p <005). There is a noticeable need for a table to classify SJFT results for young judoists. Based on the obtained results, we can conclude that the programmed activity had positive effects on the results of the SJFT, ie that the index was statistically significantly lower in the final than in the initial testing. Taking into account the results obtained, calculated by the SPSS 22 t-test for dependent variables, the values ??of the young judoist index and the values ??of the senior index show noticeable differences. While their results can be classified into appropriate categories, the results of young judoists can be classifieclassifiedrity, under, ad and the rest as very bad. Some results could not even be ranked, so we conclude that it is necessary to make tables for classifying the results of young judoists. The obtained results can be used as guidelines for more efficient programming of the training process. Keywords: cadets, judo, juniors, SJFT test, training.

: This paper presents the results of research on energy performance related to the energy consumption for space heating of school buildings (primary and secondary schools) located in the south region of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (SR FBiH). The research was conducted by collecting data from detailed energy audit documents on a sample of 47 school buildings in the SR FBiH and is part of a broader study aimed at analyzing the energy performance of school buildings in the FBiH and determining their relationship to heating energy costs through the development of new models for faster estimation of heating energy costs. The results of the research indicate poor energy performance of existing school buildings in the SR FBiH. The analysis of the delivered energy for space heating showed that the actual consumption is 67% of the predicted and indicates an energy gap between the actual and predicted values of energy consumption for heating. Reduction of energy consumption for space heating can be achieved by applying measures to improve energy efficiency.

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has been challenging time for medical care, especially in the field of infectious diseases (ID), but it has also provided an opportunity to introduce new solutions in HIV management. Here, we investigated the changes in HIV service provision across Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries before and after the COVID-19 outbreak. Methods: The Euroguidelines in Central and Eastern Europe Network Group consists of experts in the field of ID from 24 countries within the CEE region. Between 11 September and 29 September 2021, the group produced an on-line survey, consisting of 32 questions on models of care among HIV clinics before and after the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak. Results: Twenty-three HIV centers from 19 countries (79.2% of all countries invited) participated in the survey. In 69.5% of the countries, there were more than four HIV centers, in three countries there were four centers (21%), and in four countries there was only one HIV center in each country. HIV care was based in ID hospitals plus out-patient clinics (52%), was centralized in big cities (52%), and was publicly financed (96%). Integrated services were available in 21 clinics (91%) with access to specialists other than ID, including psychologists in 71.5% of the centers, psychiatrists in 43%, gynecologists in 47.5%, dermatologists in 52.5%, and social workers in 62% of all clinics. Patient-centered care was provided in 17 centers (74%), allowing consultations and tests to be planned for the same day. Telehealth tools were used in 11 centers (47%) before the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak, and in 18 (78%) after (p = 0.36), but were represented mostly by consultations over the telephone or via e-mail. After the COVID-19 outbreak, telehealth was introduced as a new medical tool in nine centers (39%). In five centers (28%), no new services or tools were introduced. Conclusions: As a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic, tools such as telehealth have become popularized in CEE countries, challenging the traditional approach to HIV care. These implications need to be further evaluated in order to ascertain the best adaptations, especially for HIV medicine.

Purpose: Young people who study physical education and sport are a priori regarded as having proper body structure and body composition. It is widely presumed that young who study physical education at one of several national universities of physical education (East Sarajevo) could be characterized with proper physique and body composition. Aim of the current study was to assess and analyze the body composition of a male students Physical Education and Sport, University East Sarajevo, by bioelectric impedance analysis and determine the significance of inter correlation coefficients. Material and methods: In study the participants consist 30 male students of Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, University of East Sarajevo, the III year of study (Body Height = 182.20 ± 6.89cm; Body Weight = 80.06 ± 8.80kg; Body Mass Index= 24.03 ± 2.58kg/m²). Results: of the study showed that the body composition is within the healthy (allowed) values recommended for this population of students (Body Fat=10.90kg or 13.62%; Body Muscle= 65.74kg or 82.40%; Body Water = 61.54%; Basal metabolic rate = 2045.07kCal; Daily calorie intake = 8436.56 kCal, etc.). Inter correlation coefficients showed inverse and significantly high correlation (p=0.000) between (inter correlation coefficient Fat-Muscle = -0.945), (inter correlation coefficients Fat-Water = -0.963) while direct correlation was achieved between (inter correlation coefficient Muscle-Water = 0.986). Conclusion: The obtained results of the study defined the appropriate body composition of the students, which is a consequence of their adequate physical activity and well-designed curricula at the home faculty. In the parameters of body composition, students of physical education and sports in East Sarajevo had a higher muscle component and lower values ​​of fat component than other students as a result of their somatotype, way of studying, teaching and extracurricular physical activities.

An analysis of students’ difficulties for a curricular topic may help the educator to gain better insight into students’ reasoning about that topic which is a prerequisite for high-quality teaching. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate how distractor analysis may be used for identifying students’ difficulties in a certain topic. In order to be in position to perform invariant measurement and to easily relate students’ difficulties to their achievement levels, we decided to take a Rasch modeling approach. Our study included 14 wave optics items and 286 students from five universities in Slovenia, Croatia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Rasch modeling was used to estimate item and student measures, as well as to create option probability curves which allowed us to relate students’ achievement levels to the choice of individual distractors. It has been found that all 14 included items function in line with the Rasch model. In 10 out of 14 items there were distractors chosen by at least 25% of students. For several out of these 10 items, the option probability curves indicated that attractiveness of individual distractors depended on students’ ability levels. We could conclude that the Rasch-based distractor analysis may provide very useful information for differentiation of physics instruction.

Big Data analytics and Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies have become the focus of recent research due to the large amount of data. Dimensionality reduction techniques are recognized as an important step in these analyses. The multidimensional nature of Quality of Experience (QoE) is based on a set of Influence Factors (IFs) whose dimensionality is preferable to be higher due to better QoE prediction. As a consequence, dimensionality issues occur in QoE prediction models. This paper gives an overview of the used dimensionality reduction technique in QoE modeling and proposes modification and use of Active Subspaces Method (ASM) for dimensionality reduction. Proposed modified ASM (mASM) uses variance/standard deviation as a measure of function variability. A straightforward benefit of proposed modification is the possibility of its application in cases when discrete or categorical IFs are included. Application of modified ASM is not restricted to QoE modeling only. Obtained results show that QoE function is mostly flat for small variations of input IFs which is an additional motive to propose a modification of the standard version of ASM. This study proposes several metrics that can be used to compare different dimensionality reduction approaches. We prove that the percentage of function variability described by an appropriate linear combination(s) of input IFs is always greater or equal to the percentage that corresponds to the selection of input IF(s) when the reduction degree is the same. Thus, the proposed method and metrics are useful when optimizing the number of IFs for QoE prediction and a better understanding of IFs space in terms of QoE.

The continued development of robots has enabled their wider usage in human surroundings. Robots are more trusted to make increasingly important decisions with potentially critical outcomes. Therefore, it is essential to consider the ethical principles under which robots operate. In this paper we examine how contrastive and non-contrastive explanations can be used in understanding the ethics of robot action plans. We build upon an existing ethical framework to allow users to make suggestions about plans and receive automatically generated contrastive explanations. Results of a user study indicate that the generated explanations help humans to understand the ethical principles that underlie a robot’s plan.

We aimed to assess the association of diabetes mellitus (DM) and admission hyperglycaemia (AH), respectively, and outcome in patients with acute ischaemic stroke with large vessel occlusion in the anterior circulation treated with endovascular therapy (EVT) in daily clinical practice.

Energy transition from predominantly fossil fuel driven to renewables driven system is one of the key problems human civilization is facing. Solutions for this problem come in many forms and shapes, but most of them are often one sided and limited in perspective for such a complex problem. Modelling is of great importance and provides an opportunity to better understand the problem, still it also often provides just a view of some aspects of the issue. This literature review attempts to highlight these points and provide some perspective conclusions for future effort while focusing its scope on the case of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Western Balkans, where such lack of efforts is particularly pronounced.