BACKGROUND Adverse life experiences (ALE; eg, discrimination and sexual abuse) may contribute to cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in sexual minority women (SMW), but few studies have tested whether ALE explain the association of sexual identity with cardiovascular health (CVH) markers in women. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to examine sexual identity differences in CVH among women and the role of ALE. METHODS In the Epidemiologic Study of Risk in Women, we used multinomial logistic regression to assess sexual identity differences (SMW vs heterosexual women [reference group]) in CVH markers (ideal vs poor, intermediate vs poor) using the American Heart Association's Life's Simple 7 metric and the total score. Next, we tested whether the association of sexual identity with the total CVH score was attenuated by traditional CVD risk factors or ALE. RESULTS The sample consisted of 867 women (395 heterosexual, 472 SMW). Sexual minority women were more likely to have experienced discrimination (P < .001) and lifetime sexual abuse (P < .001) than heterosexual women. Sexual minority women were also less likely to meet ideal CVH criteria for current tobacco use (adjusted odds ratio, 0.43; 95% confidence interval, 0.24-0.73) or intermediate CVH criteria for body mass index (adjusted odds ratio, 0.60; 95% confidence interval, 0.40-0.92). Sexual minority women had a lower cumulative CVH score (B [SE] = -0.35 [0.14], P < .01) than heterosexual women. This difference was not explained by traditional CVD risk factors or ALE. CONCLUSIONS Smoking, body mass index, and fasting glucose accounted for much of the CVH disparity due to sexual identity, but those differences were not explained by ALE. Health behavior interventions tailored to SMW should be considered.

This paper presents a new approach to determine the optimal number and arrangement of power quality monitors (PQMs) for voltage sag detection. It is necessary to determine the optimal number and arrangement of PQMs since their installation at all buses in a network is an uneconomical option due to relatively high price of PQMs. The appropriate mathematical model, that describes the considered optimization problem, is created by using the concept of topological monitor reach area. A new definition of the cost function is presented in the paper in order to simultaneously determine the required number of PQMs and their best arrangement. Also, the effect of setting different values of monitor's coverage control parameter on the obtained results is analyzed. Four optimization methods are implemented to solve the considered problem: Binary Bat Algorithm, Binary Dragonfly Algorithm, Binary Particle Swarm Optimization and Genetic Algorithm. The presented approach is tested on the IEEE 34-node test system. Simulations proved that the Binary Bat Algorithm has the best performance in terms of computational time, convergence and the probability rate of finding the global optimum.

This paper presents a new approach to the optimal placement of power quality monitors (PQMs) for voltage sag detection. Determining the optimal number and arrangement of PQMs is necessary since the installation of monitors at all buses in a network is an uneconomical option. The optimization problem is defined by the concept of topological monitor reach area. A new cost function is defined in order to simultaneously determine the required number of PQMs and their arrangement. Four optimization methods are implemented to solve the problem: Genetic Algorithm, Binary Particle Swarm Optimization, Binary Dragonfly Algorithm and Binary Bat Algorithm. The presented approach is tested on one part of the power distribution network in the capital city of our country. Simulations proved that the Binary Bat Algorithm has the best performance in terms of computational time, convergence and the probability rate of finding the global optimum.

In this paper impact of the tower arrangements on the mitigation of the increased values of the electric field intensity at high-voltage transmission line conductors was investigated. Several configurations of high-voltage towers (horizontal, delta, reverse delta, vertical and split-phase configurations) were analyzed. It assumed that the same height of the lowest phase conductors above the ground and the same value of the connected 400 kV voltage. The calculations were carried out for the values of the electric field intensity on the surface of the conductor and its immediate vicinity. A charge simulation method was used to calculate the electric field intensity on the surface of the stranded conductors and their immediate vicinity.

Abstract This study offers the first report on variation sequence of the mitochondrial cytochrome b (MT-CYTB) gene in populations from Bosnia (northeastern Bosnia). This study was designed on the analysis of the genetic diversity of two populations of different cultural-anthropological and genetic origin, Roma population and native/non-Roma population. The main aim of our study was to estimate the usefulness of the CYTB sequence in the analysis of genetic categorization of different populations and intergroup diversity, as well as to provide some additional information on haplogroup-associated polymorphisms within the CYTB region in defining haplogroup status. Estimation of the genetic diversity was done using intra and intergroup genetic indices. The population-specific polymorphisms have been found in both categories of the populations. The results of the analysis of genetic differentiation show significant pairwise Fst differences between the Romani and native populations. Also, registered significant genetic differentiation is illustrated on the level of genetic variation between subpopulations of the Roma and non-Roma origin. The important result in our study is the confirmation of the significance of the triad of polymorphisms T14783C-G15043A-G15301A, indicating the influence of Asian component of the maternal gene pool on the genetic structure of the studied population of the Roma. Our data show that the haplogroup polymorphisms exist in the CYTB region and can provide useful information on the haplogroups that were defined only by the control region of the mtDNA. The results of this study indicate the region of CYTB gene can be a benefit in providing some additional information in the analysis of genetic structure of human populations and can be additionally applied in population studies.

Some usual hydrological methods and the hydrological model EBA4SUB are used in the paper to determine the design peak discharge for various return periods for catchments in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The aim of the paper is to test for the first time the EBA4SUB model in the selected catchments. The results obtained by the EBA4SUB model compare well with other related methods. The advantages of the model lie in the fact that it takes into account physical processes taking place in the catchment, influencing formation of surface runoff.

This review considers the unique characteristics of Chinese cattle and intramuscular fat content (IMF) as factors influencing meat quality, including tenderness, flavor, and juiciness of meat. Due to its nutritional qualities, meat contributes to a healthy and balanced diet. The intramuscular fat content and eating quality of beef are influenced by many factors, which can generally be divided into on-farm and pre-slaughter factors (breed, sex of cattle, age at slaughter, housing system, diet, and pre-slaughter handling) and postmortem factors (post-slaughter processing, chilling temperature, and packaging). Meat quality traits can also be influenced by the individual genetic background of the animal. Worldwide, the function of genes and genetic polymorphisms that have potential effects on fattening of cattle and beef quality have been investigated. The use of DNA markers is recognized as a powerful and efficient approach to achieve genetic gain for desirable phenotypic characteristics, which is helpful for economic growth. The polymorphisms of the SIRT4, SIRT6, SIRT7, CRTC3, ABHD5, KLF6, H-FABP, and ELOVL6 genes for body and growth characteristics of cattle, and also for beef quality, are considered with the aim of highlighting the significance of beef intramuscular fat content, and that growth, body, and meat quality characteristics are polygenically regulated.

Introduction: Genital warts are a frequent form of sexually transmitted disease. Cryotherapy represents the first line of therapy. Healing occurs in 94%, and recurrence in 10% . Side effects are common during the treatment. Aim: The aim of this study is to determine the successfulness of cryotherapy of genital warts, frequency of recurrence, and side effects. Patients and methods: In a retrospective study, data from 50 women with genital warts who were treated in the Gynecological Centre “Dr Mahira Jahić” in Tuzla in a period from 2012–2018 were analyzed. Every woman was treated with cryotherapy. Treatments were repeated every 7 days, maximal number of treatments being 7. In processing of data, X2statistical method was used. Results: 50% (N-25) of genital warts eliminated after 3 treatments with cryotherapy . Genital warts are eliminated in 78% (N-39) of women, while this treatment was unsuccessful in 18% (N-9). Recurrence after 3 months in 4% (N-2). Most common side effect was exudation in 78% (N-39), swelling in 72% (N-36) and pain in 66% (N-33). PAP smears in women with genital warts in 64% (N-34) of cases were inflammatory benign changes, while in 36% (N-18) mild abnormal changes in cells ASCUS and LSIL were found. LSIL lesions of cervix are more common (p<0,01) in women with genital warts of vulva. Conclusion: Cryotherapy is a method with a high success rate in healing of genital warts, and it decreases the concentration of HPV virus and removes the trigger that allows the development of cancer.

Abstract The economic authorities of each country seek to maintain the expansion phase through the implementation of various economic policy measures, namely, to prevent or mitigate the recessionary phase in economic development. In that context, it is of considerable importance to understand how monetary policy decisions affect the movement of macroeconomic variables. The paper aims to examine and evaluate the contribution of monetary policy to mitigating the effects of the global economic and financial crisis, using the Autoregressive Distributed Lag model, by analysing the impact of the real exchange rate, reference interest rate and money supply on the level of economic activity in Poland. Econometric analysis encompasses the period from 2006 to 2017. The research results suggest that there is a significant relationship between real economic activity and the real exchange rate both in the short and long term, but not between the reference interest rate and the money supply.

SUMMARY This study aimed to investigate whether infertility and its treatment affect couple sexuality. A systematic literature review was performed, focusing on female and male sexual dysfunctions due to infertility. The method was descriptive, using a meta-synthesis of scientific research published between 2012 and 2017 in the English language. The search for suitable studies was carried out with the research databases Medline, CINAHL, PubMed and ScienceDirect using the following keywords: infertility, sexual dysfunctions, couple. It can be concluded that infertility negatively affects the sexuality of an infertile couple, which is further proven by a high percentage of sexual dysfunctions (43%-90% among women and 48%-58% among men). Couples report less satisfaction with sexuality. Since lower satisfaction and dysfunctions are closely connected with infertility and its treatment, couples might benefit from sexual therapy and support during the process of infertility treatment. Further research should focus on the evaluation of different psychological interventions that would address sexuality in couples when diagnosed and treated for infertility.

New technologies introduce more services which will call for significant advances and changes in Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) networks. Networks will have to go in the direction of network programmability, virtualization and cloud-based services. In this paper, we examined Software Defined Wide Area Network solution, its architecture and benefits of use. In order to analyze benefits of using SD-WAN two scenarios are compared: (i) Policy-based routing on WAN links in classical IP/MPLS network, and (ii) Using SDN controller to manage traffic on WAN links. Aim in both scenarios is to use the most optimal path for specific network.

Introduction: Beneficial effect of local administration of lysozyme in patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis was demonstrated, but there are no published studies focused on treatment of chemotherapy or radiotherapy induced oral mucositis with lysozyme. Aim: The aim of this study was to compare efficacy and safety of Lysobact Complete spray (lysozyme, cetylpyridinium, and lidocaine) and compounded medication for local use in the treatment of radio- and chemo-therapy induced oral mucositis. Patients and Methods: This observational, phase IV study was designed as prospective cohort investigation, and conducted at two sites, Clinical Hospital Zenica and University Clinical Center Tuzla, Bosnia & Herzegovina, from August to November, 2018. The patients with oral mucositis after radio- or chemo-therapy were treated by either registered lysozyme-based or compounded medication (standardized and bicarbonate-based) for 21 days. Results: Both lysozyme-based (Lysobact Complete Spray) spray (lysozyme, cetylpyridinium and lidocaine) and compounded medication for local use were effective in local treatment of chemotherapy and radiotherapy-induced oral mucositis. However, lysozyme-based preparation was more effective, since signs of inflammation, number of oral ulcers and intensity of pain during eating and speaking withdrew to a greater extent than with highly variable compounded medication for local use. No adverse events were recorded in both treatment arms. Conclusions: Locally administered spray with fixed combination of lysozyme, cetylpyridinium and lidocaine (Lysobact Complete Spray) is very efficient and completely safe treatment of both radiotherapy and chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis.

The purpose of this research article is to provide the fresh evidence on the link between energy consumption (ENE) and economic growth (GDP) while controlling for the impact of CO2 emissions (CO) in the case of GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) countries. To conduct the empirical study we have employed the panel VAR methodology in the period 1980-2014. The results suggest that economic growth increases the energy consumption. However, the negative link between CO2 emissions and economic growth is reported, implying the great awareness of the GCC countries on the environmental problems connected with the fossil fuels based energy. Thus, there is a serious incentive in these countries to deal with the potential environmental issues. One of the good alternatives is renewable energy. In addition, the increase in the energy efficiency is considered to be an important task in the future.