This paper discusses the problem of powering a remote rural mobile base station using a standalone hybrid renewable energy system. A wind turbine and photovoltaic system are employed as the complementary power generation technologies, while the diesel generator serves as a backup power supply. A battery is required to reduce the impact of intermittency of renewable sources. On the consumption side, along with telecommunication electronic equipment, the consumption of cooling devices as a result of the ambient temperature, is also taken into account. The behavior of the base station in electrical and thermal terms is tested using the sequential Monte Carlo simulation. Adequate models have been used to generate wind, irradiance, and temperature input series, using the monthly averages for calibration, as the statistic information that is widely available in meteorological atlases, even for remote rural locations. The developed software provides all the variables of interest either in the form of chronological diagrams or probability histograms. The simulation platform can also be incorporated as a module of an algorithm for selection of optimal capacity of the generating system elements and for the optimal control of the cooling devices.

Condition monitoring is a fundamental technology that enables predictive maintenance of automation systems. However, as automation systems increase in complexity, the development of condition monitoring software becomes a challenging task that requires extensive knowledge from multiple engineering disciplines. In this context, the identification and specification of condition monitoring software requirements play a key role. Neglecting these tasks often results in costly problems during later stages of systems development. Currently, means to support interdisciplinary requirements engineering within condition monitoring software development are missing. In particular, there is a need for a systematic process that supports modeling condition monitoring requirements. In this paper, we present our solution - a profile based on the extension of the SysML, which is commonly used to engineer requirements in automation systems. The profile allows specification of condition monitoring software requirements and thus enables a more domain-specific requirements engineering approach. We illustrate this approach on a heat exchanger condition monitoring system, explain the particular modeling steps, and present lessons learned.

Aim To determine a status of systolic function in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) type 2 with ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI), to determine values of cardiac biomarkers in patients with DM type 2 with STEMI and correlate the parameters with ejection fraction of left ventricle (EFLV). Methods A total of 80 patients were divided into two groups, the study group (group I) consisting of 40 patients admitted with the diagnosis of DM type 2 and STEMI, and a control group (group II) with 40 patients with STEMI without diagnosed DM type 2. Cardiac biomarkers - creatine kinase MB fraction (CKMB), and troponin I were monitored. The EFLV was evaluated echocardiographically (using Simpson method) five days after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI). Results In the group I the EFLV five days after pPCI was significantly correlated with troponin values (with a minimum r = -0.47; p=0.002, a maximum r = -0.339; p = 0.032, as well as with an average value of r = -0.389; p=0.013), and with an average CK value (r = -0.319; p=0.045). In the group II there was a significant negative correlation of EFLV with the maximum value of troponin (r = -0.309; p=0.05). Conclusion Troponin values have an effect on the EFLV after STEMI, and thus on the left ventricular status, as well as on the pharmacological modality itself.

Introduction: Upper gastrointestinal bleeding can be a life-threatening condition and requires careful evaluation from the very first episode in order to reduce the risk of rebleeding, hemorrhagic shock and death. The outcome of a patient with upper gastrointestinal bleeding depends on resuscitation measures taken during admission to the hospital and an adequate assessment of the patient’s risk level. Aim: The aim of the study is to compare Glasgow Blatchford score and Rockall score and to identify the most accurate score used in predicting unfavorable outcomes and the need for intervention. Methods: This study involves 237 patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding. The accuracy of the scoring systems was assessed by plotting receiver-operating characteristic curves (ROC curves) and was calculated for GBS and RS with 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: As for mortality prediction, RS was superior to GBS (AUC 0.806 vs. 0.750). The GBS had a higher accuracy in detecting patients who needed transfusion units and was superior to the RS (AUC 0.810 vs.0.675). In predicting the need for intervention, RS was superior to GBS (AUC 0.707 vs. 0.636. Conclusion: GBS and RS are developed to help clinicians to triage patients appropriately in order to assess endoscopic therapy within a suitable time frame, as well as identify low risk patients for possible outpatient management. High accuracy of the GBS in predicting a need for transfusion represents an important endpoint to assess. RS was superior to GBS in predicting a need for intervention as well as mortality. Currently, a combination of these scoring systems is the best way for proper assessment.

Introduction: Microdissection testicular sperm extraction (microTESE) is considered the gold standard method for surgical sperm retrieval among patients with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA). Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between histopathological findings after failed microTESE procedure and outcomes of the „second-look“ procedure and to provide insight into the most common histopathological patterns after testicular biopsy within our population. Methods: The retrospective study included 33 selected patients with NOA, who had undergone unsuccessful sperm retrieval. The diagnosis of NOA was made after the assessment of the patient’s history data, a physical examination, semen analysis, the hormonal profile, and genetic studies. After negative sperm retrieval, histopathological report has been analyzed for „second-look“ microTESE attempt. Results: Five testicular histopathological patterns were found: hypospermatogenesis (9,1%), Sertoli cell-only syndrome (43%), germ cell maturation arrest (15%), seminiferous tubule hyalinization (15%), mixed pattern (21%). Y-microdeletions were detected in 5 patients, of which 3 patients showed AZFc region deletions. Only 3 patients (9,1%) underwent a „second-look“ procedure after the evaluation of histopathological reports. After the stimulation therapy and „second-look“ procedure, we had a positive outcome in a single patient (33,3%). Mean FSH value in patients with confirmed spermatogenesis was 17.26±3.11IU/l, while mean FSH value in patients without presence or germ cell statistically significantly exceeded and was 24.28±4.71IU/L (p=0.038). Conclusion: Histopathological reports following the microTESE procedure are obligatory for the proper selection of patients who are candidates for the „second-look“ microTESE attempt. Patients with Sertoli cell-only syndrome and hypospermatogenesis particularly can benefit from the “second-look” procedure.

Aim To evaluate a correlation of serum level of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) to the risk of the occurrence of complications in patients with the early phase of ST-segment elevation myocardical infarction (STEMI) treated with fibrinolytic therapy prior to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods A total of 54 patients with the diagnosis of STEMI treated with fibrinolytic therapy (alteplase) prior to PCI were included. Patients were admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Clinic for Heart, Blood Vessel and Rheumatic Diseases in the period January to March 2018. All patients underwent coronary angiography and PCI within the maximum of 48 hours delay after fibrinolysis, according to the hemodynamic and electrical stability and PCI availability. Blood samples were taken immediately after admission prior to fibrinolytic administration. Patients were divided into two groups according to NGAL values (less or more than 134.05 ng/mL). Results Higher values of NGAL have effect on a higher mean systolic and diastolic pressure (p=0.001 and p=0.003, respectively). Patients with higher NGAL values also have higher values of brain natriuretic peptide (p=0.0001) and highly sensitive troponin I (p=0.002). In that group relative risk (RR) for lethal outcome was 6.4 times significantly higher (p=0.002), for the development of heart failure 2.88 times (p=0.0002), for post-myocardial infarction angina pectoris 2.24 times (p=0.0158), and for ventricular rhythm disturbances (ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation) 1.96 times higher (p=0.0108). Conclusion Increased NGAL value is related to an unfavourable outcome of patients in the early phase of STEMI treated with fibrinolytic therapy prior to PCI.

In this paper, we approach the problem of ensuring safety requirements within human-robot collaborative scenarios. The safety requirements considered herein are consistent with the paradigm of speed and separation monitoring. In such a setup, safety guarantees for human operators usually imply limited robot velocities and/or significant distance margins, which in turn may have adverse effects regarding the productivity of the robot. In this paper, we propose a novel approach that minimally affects the productivity while being consistent with such a safety prescription. A comprehensive simulation study shows that our method outperforms the current state of the art algorithm.

Human coronaviruses, especially SARS-CoV-2, are emerging pandemic infectious diseases with high morbidity and mortality in certain group of patients. In general, SARS-CoV-2 causes symptoms ranging from the common cold to severe conditions accompanied by lung injury, acute respiratory distress syndrome in addition to other organs’ destruction. The main impact upon SARS-CoV-2 infection is damage to alveolar and acute respiratory failure. Thus, lung cancer patients are identified as a particularly high-risk group for SARS-CoV-2 infection and its complications. On the other hand, it has been reported that SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein binds to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2), that promotes cellular entry of this virus in concert with host proteases, principally transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2). Today, there are no vaccines and/or effective drugs against the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. Thus, manipulation of key entry genes of this virus especially in lung cancer patients could be one of the best approaches to manage SARS-CoV-2 infection in this group of patients. We herein provide a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of the role of ACE-2 and TMPRSS2 genes, as key entry elements as well as therapeutic targets for SARS-CoV-2 infection, which can help to better understand the applications and capacities of various remedial approaches for infected individuals, especially those with lung cancer.

The coexistence of humans and dogs, in addition to all positive effects, can result in negative effects on human health. A particular risk is posed by a population of stray dogs, that is, dogs without owners and veterinary supervision. A contact with dogs in addition to bites, carries the risk of viral, bacterial and parasitic zoonoses, and can also cause psychological trauma. Children, the elderly and pregnant women are the categories most susceptible to the negative effects of dogs. The aim of the paper was to make an interdisciplinary analysis of the negative effects of dogs on humans. Dog bites cause wounds and dysfunction of damaged tissue, and often lead to various infections. The risks of rabies and tetanus are particularly significant if proper and timely treatment is not performed. Ongoing training for dog owners can significantly reduce the number of bites inflicted by owned dogs, but stray dogs remain a serious social problem and pose potential health risks of some zoonosis. Timely and adequate management of bite wounds and the use of rabies-post-exposure prophylaxis as well as psycho-therapy, where indicated, significantly reduce possible adverse health effects for patients who have been bitten by dogs.

Aim To compare maternal, foetal and neonatal characteristics, and perinatal outcome of preterm and term deliveries in twins pregnancies in order to improve perinatal care in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Methods This retrospective cohort study included pregnant women with twin pregnancy who delivered during the period between 1 January 2012 and 31 December 2018 at the Clinic for Gynaecology and Obstetrics, University Clinical Centre Tuzla. Results During the seven-year period 26 734 deliveries were recorded, out of which 362 (1.35 %) were twin pregnancies, 226 (62.4%) preterm and 136 (37.5%) term ones. In the preterm group 38 (16.8%) pregnancies were assisted medical reproduction, and 16 (11.7%) of those were in the term group. The average birth weight was significantly higher for the first twin in both groups (p<0.00001). Incipient intrauterine foetal asphyxia was more frequent in the preterm group (p<0.05). The most common indication for Caesarean section was abnormalities of foetal presentation and lie, 176 (68.2%) for the overall sample. Conclusion Cornerstone of twin pregnancy antenatal care is to get correct data about amnionicity and chorionicity. Since majority of prenatal data did not have this information we call all obstetricians to declare about amnionicity and chorionicity in twin pregnancies during the first trimester ultrasound examination.

Aim To investigate clinical and obstetrical characteristics, an outcome and a prognosis for pregnant women with diagnosed and treated genital or extragenital cancer and their newborns. Methods This retrospective cohort study included pregnant and childbearing women with a history of cancer diagnosed before pregnancy during the period between 1 January 2014 and 31 December 2018. Data related to the course of pregnancy and childbirth were collected from medical records (mothers' disease history and partogram). The analysis covered clinical and histopathological characteristics of cancers, type of the treatment (surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy), demographic data, obstetric characteristics, comorbidities of women, and outcome of the newborns. Results The study recorded 18 414 deliveries, of which 30 (0.16%) were pregnancies in women who had been diagnosed and treated earlier for genital or extragenital cancer. The average age of the women at the time of delivery was 29.43±5.97 years. There were six (20%) women with genital and 24 (80%) with extragenital cancer. The most frequent extra genital cancer was Hodgkin lymphoma, in eight (26.6%) cases; ovarian cancer was the most frequent genital cancer, in four (13.3%) cases. The average time span from the cancer diagnosis and start of the treatment to the delivery was 59.2±44.4 months (5 years) (range 12 months - 15 years). Two (6.6%) women died. Conclusion Our data demonstrate a favourable obstetric and neonatal outcome for women who have survived cancer.

At the end of 2019 the world became aware of the existence of a new virus stemming from the Coronaviridae family and causing a specific disease – COVID-19. In less than three months, the virus and its consequences, developed from being a local public health problem in China to a daunting global problem we all had to face. On March 11, 2020 the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a pandemic of COVID-19. On the international scale, even in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), the response of the professionals and scientists has been rapid, although not always consistently efficient enough. Despite the selfless cooperation of scientists and practitioners worldwide, countries with developed economies, good public health and a strong scientific system have had the advantage in the fight against the disease over developing countries. Despite the fact that by these criteria BiH is not one of the most resilient countries, so far, its response to the pandemic has seemed to be satisfactory. The Academy of Sciences and Arts of Bosnia and Herzegovina (ANUBiH) was one of the first institutions of the science system to respond to the pandemic. On the initiative and under the leadership of academician Mirsada Hukić, on March 22, 2020 the development of the project "Epidemic Location Intelligence System (ELIS)" and its Geoportal began on a voluntary basis, with the task of permanently monitoring the spread of COVID-19. Theoretical and professional parts of the project in the areas of medicine, public health and informatics were completed by April 2, 2020. Thanks to the support to the project by the Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mr. Šefik Džaferović, the expert system received additional hardware support and was filled in time with data from across the country. This enabled the system to become operational as early as on April 8, 2020. The results of all these efforts are visible in this publication. Initially, the ELIS project was important for the epidemiological and public health area. The abundance of collected data and obtained virus samples enabled the extension of the project idea to the sequencing of viruses found in BiH and their typology. The transition of research to the clinical aspects of COVID-19 is the next phase in the development of the ELIS project. ANUBiH has already started the work on examining the economic and pedagogical consequences of COVID-19 in order to look at this medical phenomenon in the broadest possible context. All the results of ANUBiH in response to the epidemic challenges of COVID-19 are achieved due to the synergistic action of numerous individuals and institutions in different fields of science and public health in cooperation with government. Therefore, I believe that the ELIS project has shown the way to go in solving the burning problems of our society which we will encounter in the future.

Aim The damage caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has made the prevention of its further spread at the top of the list of priorities of many governments and state institutions responsible for health and civil protection around the world. This prevention implies an effective system of epidemiological surveillance and the application of timely and effective control measures. This research focuses on the application of techniques for modelling and geovisualization of epidemic data with the aim of simple and fast communication of analytical results via geoportal. Methods The paper describes the approach applied through the project of establishing the epidemiological location-intelligence system for monitoring the effectiveness of control measures in preventing the spread of COVID-19 in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Results Epidemic data were processed and the results related to spatio-temporal analysis of the infection spread were presented by compartmental epidemic model, reproduction number R, epi-curve diagrams as well as choropleth maps for different levels of administrative units. Geovisualization of epidemic data enabled the release of numerous information from described models and indicators, providing easier visual communication of the spread of the disease and better recognition of its trend. Conclusion The approach involves the simultaneous application of epidemic models and epidemic data geovisualization, which allows a simple and rapid evaluation of the epidemic situation and the effects of control measures. This contributes to more informative decision-making related to control measures by suggesting their selective application at the local level.