We investigate the local and global character of the unique equilibrium point of certain homogeneous fractional difference equation with quadratic terms. The existence of the period-two solution in one special case is given. Also, in this case the local and global stability of the minimal period-two solution for some special values of the parameters are given. AMS Subject Classifications: 39A10, 39A20, 39A23, 39A30.

Background and Purpose: Coppice forests have a particular socio-economic and ecological role in forestry and environmental management. Their production sustainability and spatial stability become imperative for forestry sector as well as for local and global communities. Recently, integrated forest inventory and remotely sensed data analysed with non-parametrical statistical methods have enabled more detailed insight into forest structural characteristics. The aim of this research was to estimate forest attributes of beech coppice forest stands in the Sarajevo Canton through the integration of inventory and Sentinel S2A satellite data using machine learning methods. Materials and Methods: Basal area, mean stand diameter, growing stock and total volume data were determined from the forest inventory designed for represented stands of coppice forests. Spectral data were collected from bands of Sentinel S2A satellite image, vegetation indices (difference, normalized difference and ratio vegetation index) and biophysical variables (fraction of absorbed photosynthetically active radiation, leaf area index, fraction of vegetation cover, chlorophyll content in the leaf and canopy water content). Machine learning rule-based M5 model tree (M5P) and random forest (RF) methods were used for forest attribute estimation. Predictor subset selection was based on wrapping assuming M5P and RF learning schemes. Models were developed on training data subsets (402 sample plots) and evaluations were performed on validation data subsets (207 sample plots). Performance of the models was evaluated by the percentage of the root mean squared error over the mean value (rRMSE) and the square of the correlation coefficient between the observed and estimated stand variables. Results and Conclusions: Predictor subset selection resulted in a varied number of predictors for forest attributes and methods with their larger contribution in RF (between 8 and 11). Spectral biophysical variables dominated in subsets. The RF resulted in smaller errors for training sets for all attributes than M5P, while both methods delivered very high errors for validation sets (rRMSE above 50%). The lowest rRMSE of 50% was obtained for stand basal area. The observed variability explained by the M5P and RF models in training subsets was about 30% and 95% respectively, but those values were lower in test subsets (below 12%) but still significant. Differences of the sample and modelled forest attribute means were not significant, while modelled variability for all forest attributes was significantly lower (p<0.01). It seems that additional information is needed to increase prediction accuracy, so stand information (management classes, site class, soil type, canopy closure and others), new sampling strategy and new spectral products could be integrated and examined in further more complex modelling of forest attributes.

The complex policy decision-making situation around nature conservation requires examination of the operational environment. This study develops and tests a three-phase analytical framework for the evaluation of operational environment factors influencing nature conservation policy implementation. The four important operational environment factors (legal, policy, economic, and social) have been identified, to build up a framework. The framework was tested in selected countries and includes experts’ opinions. Experts (n = 44) from five EU countries (Bulgaria, Croatia, Italy, Slovakia, and Slovenia) and four non-EU countries (Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Montenegro, and Serbia) defined and evaluated the factors and sub-factors that affect the operational environment related to nature conservation policy implementation. The results show policy changes arising from the new governance requirements introduced by changed political regime and Europeanization are key driving factors for changes in the nature conservation operational environment. For nature conservation, these wide-reaching changes have led to new political and legal frameworks, new institutional set-ups and multilevel governance frameworks, new establishment of protected areas and Natura 2000 network, and the re-allocation of financial resources and inclusion of non-state actors in policy decision-making. However, there are also some challenges and unsolved problems that need further attention from policy decision-makers and institutions, especially related to the institutional gap, sustainable financing of nature conservation, transposition of the EU Directives into legal systems, designation of sites or improving their implementation, implementation of innovative funding schemes, and a transparent participatory process. This analytical framework can be applied to various problems related to any environmental issues or other policy implementation or management, and other sectors where public decision-making is combined with stakeholders’ engagement.

Abstract The main purpose of the paper is to address the effects of digital transformation in the telecommunications markets which are characterized by network externalities. By acknowledging disruptive effects of digital transformation age, the paper highlights challenges which were created by advancement of technological capabilities. The specific aim of the paper is to present a methodological framework for measuring the information society. The research will be based on an analysis of the number of subscribers by types of telecommunication services, in developed and developing countries, in the last two decades. In this regard, increasing the number of subscribers leads to higher value of the selected network. We expect confirmation of both hypotheses respectively (H1: Digital transformation affects the simultaneously continuous growth of the number of subscribers and the continuous decline in prices of telecommunication services; H2: There are similar trends in developed and developing countries, which are related to the number of the telecommunication services subscribers). Therefore, digital transformation and the effect of network externalities contribute to increasing the number of subscribers, reducing the number of networks (distortion of the market competition) and reducing the prices of telecommunication services.

BackgroundGlobal mental health is a widely used term describing initiatives in policies, research and practice to improve the mental health of people worldwide. It has been gaining momentum over the last 10 years, reflected in increasing funding opportunities, training programmes, and publications. In light of the rising importance of global mental health and the various uncertainties about its future directions, this paper explores what the future may hold for global mental health in 30 years’ time.MethodA scenario planning method was used, involving a workshop with experts from four continents and a range of backgrounds, including clinical and academic psychiatry, psychology, art and music therapy, service user advisory role, funder of global health research and post-graduate students.ResultsSix distinct scenarios that describe potential future situations were developed: universal standards for care; worldwide coordination of research; making use of diversity; focus on social factors; globalised care through technology; mental health as a currency in global politics.ConclusionsThese scenarios consider different social, economic, scientific and technological drivers and focus on distinct aspects. Some reflect a global application of possible trends in mental health, whilst others apply general global developments to mental health care. They are not fixed forecasts, but instead may help to promote discussion and debate about further developments and decisions.

Gross hematuria caused by rupture of an artery in the urinary tract is a rare but potentially fatal condition. Iliac artery aneurysms, pelvic surgery with radiation, vascular reconstructive surgery, surgery for stenosis of the ureteropelvic junction, and transplantation are reported to be associated with this condition. In the vascular reconstructive surgery group, the most common etiology is rupture of the degenerated artery or synthetic graft in the ureter. We present a case of rupture of the small anastomotic pseudoaneurysm at the proximal anastomosis of a right iliofemoral autogenous vein extra-anatomic graft in the urinary bladder. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a rupture of an autogenous vein graft in the urinary bladder. Our patient, a 24-year-old Albanian farmer, was admitted to the emergency department in severe hemorrhagic shock induced by exsanguinating hematuria. He underwent immediate surgery, during which direct sutures to the bladder were placed and the saphenous graft was replaced with a synthetic one. The patient recovered completely, was free of hematuria, and showed no signs of pathological communication between the urinary and arterial tracts on postoperative cystoscopy and computed tomographic angiography during 2 years of follow-up. The incidence of artery-to-urinary tract fistulas is growing due to the increasing use of urologic and vascular surgery, pelvic oncologic surgery, and radiation therapy. In addition to fistulas involving a degenerated artery and ureter or synthetic grafts and ureter, they can also involve an autogenous vein graft and the urinary bladder. In our patient, the fistula was a result of erosion of the bladder from a pseudoaneurysm at the proximal anastomosis of an autogenous vein iliofemoral bypass in an extra-anatomic position. Open surgery remains the best treatment option, although there is increasing evidence of successful endovascular treatment.

Introduction: Cognitive impairment is common finding in individuals with PTSD. Dysfunctional metacognitions in variety of anxiety disorders can represent generic vulnerability for anxiety disorders, as well as elements that contribute to maintaining the disorder. There is little empirical information about metacognition in war veterans with PTSD, and its relation to cognitive and/or social, occupational and psychological functioning. Aim: to determine the values and reciprocal correlations of different aspects of metacognition, with cognitive and global functioning in outpatient war veterans with PTSD. Methods: The study was conducted on 25 war veterans (24 male), with confirmed diagnosis of PTSD by a trained psychiatrist, average age 48,5±6,2 (38-63) years, with average duration of symptoms of 9,9±4,7 (0,5-16) years. We used the Metacognitions questionnaire, Mini Mental Status Examination, and Global Assessment of Functioning Scale to assess metacognition, cognitive impairment, and global functioning. Median values of Metacognitions questionnaire subcomponents, Global Assessment of Functioning Scale and Mini Mental Status Examination were determined, and also reciprocal correlations of all parameters expressed with Spearman Rank Correlation. Results: 12 patients (48%) had impaired cognitive function. Significant negative correlation of score on Mini Mental Status Examination, and negative beliefs about worry is observed (r=-0,4278, p=0,034), as well as non significant correlations between rest of metacognition subscales and score on Mini Mental Status Examination. Cognitive self-consciousness showed high positive correlation with Global Assessment of Functioning Scale (r =0,7436, p<0,0001). Conclusion: Follow up of metacognitions, cognitive and global functioning, and its relations, may have an important role in assessment of war veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder.

Aim To explore the spatial and temporal expression patterns of DAB1 and Reelin in the developing and postnatal healthy human kidneys as potential determinants of kidney development. Methods Paraffin-embedded fetal kidney tissue between the 13/14th and 38th developmental weeks (dw) and postnatal tissue at 1.5 and 7 years were stained with DAB1 and Reelin antibodies by double immunofluorescence. Results During the fetal kidney development and postnatal period, DAB1 and Reelin showed specific spatial expression pattern and diverse fluorescence intensity. During the fetal period, DAB1 was strongly expressed in the distal convoluted tubules (DCT), with strong reactivity, and diversely in the proximal convoluted tubules (PCT) and glomeruli. In the postnatal period, DAB1 expression decreased. The strongest Reelin expression in early fetal stages was observed in the PCT. In the postnatal period, Reelin expression decreased dramatically in all observed structures. These two markers were colocalized during early developmental stages, mostly in PCT, DCT, and podocytes. Conclusion The appearance of DAB1 and Reelin during fetal kidney development confirms their potential significant role in the formation of kidney structure or function. High DAB1 expression in the DCT implies its regulatory role in tubular formation or function maintenance during development. Reelin was highly expressed in human kidneys at early fetal stages, mostly in the PCT, while at later fetal stages and postnatal period its expression decreased.

This paper investigates the influence of the fuel injector nozzle geometry on the liquid fuel contraction coefficient and Reynolds number. The main three fuel injector nozzle geometry parameters: nozzle diameter (d), nozzle length (l) and nozzle inlet radius (r) have a strong influence on the liquid fuel contraction coefficient and Reynolds number. The variation of the nozzle geometry variables at different liquid fuel pressures, temperatures and injection rates was analyzed. The liquid fuel contraction coefficient and Reynolds number increase with an increase in the nozzle diameter, regardless of the fuel injection rate. An increase in the r/d ratio causes an increase in the fuel contraction coefficient, but the increase is not significant after r/d = 0.1. A nozzle length increase causes a decrease in the fuel contraction coefficient. Increase in the nozzle length of 0.5 mm causes an approximately similar decrease in the contraction coefficient at any fuel pressure and any nozzle length. Fuel injectors should operate with minimal possible nozzle lengths in order to obtain higher fuel contraction coefficients.

Introduction. Trichinellosis is a cosmopolitan anthropozoonosis, and is a group of systemic diseases caused by larval forms of Trichinella. This is one of the oldest and most controversial parasitic zoonoses that has been in the forefront of veterinary, medical and biological research for many years. Parasites from the genus Trichinella were diagnosed in more than one hundred species of domestic and wild mammals and birds. The aim of this study was economic evaluation of a program for monitoring and controlling Trichinella in pigs. Materials and Methods. A systematic pest rodent control program deemed suitable for monitoring and controlling Trichinella in pigs was implemented in a representative test zone. The results of the pest rodent control program were analyzed using cost-benefit analysis to determine if a similar program would be suitable for a larger land area. Results and Conclusions. Prior to pest control, the incidence of Trichinella in pigs living in the test zone increased annually, while after systematic pest rodent control, the incidence of Trichinella-positive pigs decreased. These results, as well as relevant economic indicators, enabled us to design two mathematical models describing the control and monitoring of Trichinella in a larger land area. In this area, Srem Region, Serbia, a suitable Trichinella control program in pigs is clearly justified because the profit to cost ratio was positive for both models.

FEMORAL SHAFT FRACTURE AS A RESULT OF INDIRECT TENSILE FORCES DURING EPILEPTIC SEIZURE IN PATIENT WITH JOUBERT SYNDROME CASE REPORT Jure Pupi -Bakra , Martin Kaji , Marko Ostoji , Anita Ivankovi , Nataša Pejanovi Škobi 4 & Ana Pupi -Bakra 5 Department of Emergency Medicine, University Clinical Hospital Mostar, Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina Department of Surgery, University Clinical Hospital Mostar, Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina Department of Orthopedics, University Clinical Hospital Mostar, Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina Department of Neurology, University Clinical Hospital Mostar, Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina Department of Family Medicine, Health Centre Mostar, Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina

This paper provides an overview of the combined auxiliary cohorts that were settled at camp on Humac during the period of Principate (1-3 century). After the end of the Great Illyrian revolt (AD 6-9), some of the cohorts that participated in its suppression remained at this camp. Combined Hispanic cohorts (cohors I Lucensiumequitata and cohors I Bracaraugustanorum equitata) and cohors III Alpinorum equitata, that probably played a major role in the building of the camp on Humac, which served as a permanent base for Roman military forces, were among them. Cohors I Belgarum equitata took permanent garrison in the camp at the beginning of the 2nd century. Monuments left by this cohort serve as evidence about the increased participation of local young men in the Roman auxiliary troops, while officers originated from the western parts of the Empire. Also, we discussed the monuments of cohors VIII voluntariorum civium Romanorum in the Ljubuški area, which has not yet been determined with certainty as cohorts equitatae. We dedicated special attention to the issue of marriage between local girls and Roman auxiliary soldiers and officers that, in our opinion, wasn’t adequately treated in current literature. In connection with this, the case of Iulia B, the wife of decurion Flavius Aurelianus, is particularly interesting. She served as an example of Romanization, or how local girls married auxiliaries which were settled in the camp on Humac. Through careful analysis of epigraphic records with their names, we found that previous interpretations of these monuments are not scientifically justified, and that Iulia B[---] is probably from Pannonia, as well as her husband.