Introduction: There is continued unmet medical need for new medicines across countries especially for cancer, immunological diseases, and orphan diseases. However, there are growing challenges with funding new medicines at ever increasing prices along with funding increased medicine volumes with the growth in both infectious diseases and non-communicable diseases across countries. This has resulted in the development of new models to better manage the entry of new medicines, new financial models being postulated to finance new medicines as well as strategies to improve prescribing efficiency. However, more needs to be done. Consequently, the primary aim of this paper is to consider potential ways to optimize the use of new medicines balancing rising costs with increasing budgetary pressures to stimulate debate especially from a payer perspective. Methods: A narrative review of pharmaceutical policies and implications, as well as possible developments, based on key publications and initiatives known to the co-authors principally from a health authority perspective. Results: A number of initiatives and approaches have been identified including new models to better manage the entry of new medicines based on three pillars (pre-, peri-, and post-launch activities). Within this, we see the growing role of horizon scanning activities starting up to 36 months before launch, managed entry agreements and post launch follow-up. It is also likely there will be greater scrutiny over the effectiveness and value of new cancer medicines given ever increasing prices. This could include establishing minimum effectiveness targets for premium pricing along with re-evaluating prices as more medicines for cancer lose their patent. There will also be a greater involvement of patients especially with orphan diseases. New initiatives could include a greater role of multicriteria decision analysis, as well as looking at the potential for de-linking research and development from commercial activities to enhance affordability. Conclusion: There are a number of ongoing activities across countries to try and fund new valued medicines whilst attaining or maintaining universal healthcare. Such activities will grow with increasing resource pressures and continued unmet need.

In the modern conditions, business requires constant rationalization of all activities and processes that occur in the logistics system. One of the preconditions for ensuring the competitiveness in the market is to manage the own performance. This paper presents research that relates to the project of centralization of the warehouse in the company of paper production. Currently, any production facility has its own warehouse that is, through executed decomposition, proved like a poor solution. Any project requires certain investment funds, which are in this case over half million EUR, because it is a large and complex logistics company that employs about one thousand workers. The focus of this paper is an economic analysis of the project of centralization of warehouse. The new centralized system gives better results in the comparison with the current system of decentralization. Considering the savings, which are realized by switching to a centralized warehouse system, and required investment funds, repayment period of the same is slightly less than five years, what is relatively a short period.

Paper description: Polygonum plants possess different biological activities such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antidiabetic and neuroprotective effects. To the best of our knowledge, the antifungal effect of the Polygonum maritimum ethanol extract has not been evaluated. We examined for the first time the potential of the extract to modulate the effect of doxorubicin on hepatoma cell viability, apoptosis and cell cycle arrest and expression of antioxidant enzymes. Our study provides new insight into the potential application of P. maritimum extract as a natural fungicide and as a potential adjuvant in chemotherapy against hepatocarcinoma. Abstract: Polygonum maritimum is a traditional herbal remedy that produces abundant flavonoid secondary metabolites. The ethanol extract of P. maritimum aerial parts ( POM ) was chemically characterized and tested for antimicrobial properties and cytotoxicity. Results of LC-MS/MS analysis showed high contents of gallic acid, epigallocatechin gallate and catechin, and significant amounts of quercetin-3-O-galactoside and quercetin-3-O-glucoside. Evaluation of the antifungal properties revealed that POM induced notable growth inhibition of Alternaria alternata (34.3%), Penicillium spp. (30.6%), Fusarium semitectum (20.2%) and Aspergillus spp. (19.6%). Evaluation of cytotoxicity against human hepatoma HepG2 cells included monitoring the effects of both POM alone and its combination with cytostatic doxorubicin (Dox). Cell viability, apoptosis and cell cycle distribution and the expression of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide-dismutases SOD1 and SOD2 and catalase) were determined. A dose-dependent decrease in cell viability was detected, but a remarkably stronger effect was obtained when POM and Dox were applied in combination as compared to individual treatments. IC 50 values were determined to be 393 μg/mL ( POM ) and 2.24 μg/mL (Dox) in combination, but 1153 μg/mL ( POM ) and 12.56 μg/mL (Dox) in a single treatment. The value of the Loewe index, determined for IC 50 ,was notably lower than 1 (LI=0.51), clearly indicating synergism of POM and Dox. Additionally, POM and POM +Dox induced early/late apoptosis and G2/M cell cycle arrest. Furthermore, POM increased, while Dox decreased the expression levels of SODs and catalase. The obtained results encourage further examination of the potential use of POM in modern phytotherapy. https://doi.org/10.2298/ABS180423028J Received: April 23, 2018; Revised: June 6, 2018; Accepted: June 6, 2018; Published online: June 12, 2018 How to cite this article: Jovanovic M, Srdic-Rajic T, Svircev E, Jasnic N, Nikolic B, Bojic S, Stevic T, Kneževic-Vukcevic J, Mitic-Culafic D. Evaluation of anticancer and antimicrobial activities of the Polygonum maritimum ethanol extract. Arch Biol Sci. 2018;70(4):665-73.

The following is our collective attempt—staff- and student-centric, both in terms of outcomes and reporting—to unpack the complexities of our collaborative endeavour in 2017. We juxtapose our respective experiences of navigating the “normative hierarchical university paradigm” (Mercer-Mapstone et al., 2017, p. 18) to present a more collaborative and balanced discussion of our partnership. We reflect on our “way of doing things” (Healey, Flint, & Harrington, 2014, p. 12) so that the partnership process is more visible, particularly in relation to the challenges and negative outcomes. An ethos of reciprocity (Matthews, 2017) influenced our thinking and practice, and we were acutely aware of the complexities involved in real-life exchanges between staff and students. We discussed power openly throughout our collaboration, and here we speak about its function as equal co-authors of our empirical story. We are frank about the challenges that we faced and do not shy away from discussing failures, as well as lessons learned. We hope that this will help others to critically analyse and reflect on their own practice and, in the process, fully explore the transformative power of student partnerships for individuals and their institutions.

Predatory or pseudo journals have recently come into focus due to their massive internet expansion and extensive spam email soliciting. Recent studies explored this urging problem in several biomedical disciplines. In the present study, we identified 69 potential predatory (pseudo) pathology journals that were contrasted to 89 legitimate pathology journals obtained from the major bibliographic databases. All potential predatory journals in pathology shared at least one of the features proposed by previous studies (e.g. a poor web-site integrity, submissions via email, unclear or ambiguous peer-review process, missing names of the editorial board members, missing or pending the journal ISSN). Twenty-one (30%) of the potential predatory pathology journals had misleading titles mimicking those of legitimate journals. Only one of the identified journals was listed in the Directory of Open Access journals whereas none (0%) was indexed in PubMed/MEDLINE or Web of Science, listed in the Committee on Publication Ethics nor have they had a legitimate impact factor in the Journal Citation Reports.

Purpose Fiber tracking with diffusion weighted magnetic resonance imaging has become an essential tool for estimating in vivo brain white matter architecture. Fiber tracking results are sensitive to the choice of processing method and tracking criteria. Phantom studies provide concrete quantitative comparisons of methods relative to absolute ground truths, yet do not capture variabilities because of in vivo physiological factors. Methods To date, a large-scale reproducibility analysis has not been performed for the assessment of the newest generation of tractography algorithms with in vivo data. Reproducibility does not assess the validity of a brain connection however it is still of critical importance because it describes the variability for an algorithm in group studies. The ISMRM 2017 TraCED challenge was created to fulfill the gap. The TraCED dataset consists of a single healthy volunteer scanned on two different scanners of the same manufacturer. The multi-shell acquisition included b-values of 1000, 2000 and 3000 s/mm2 with 20, 45 and 64 diffusion gradient directions per shell, respectively. Results Nine international groups submitted 46 tractography algorithm entries. The top five submissions had high ICC > 0.88. Reproducibility is high within these top 5 submissions when assessed across sessions or across scanners. However, it can be directly attributed to containment of smaller volume tracts in larger volume tracts. This holds true for the top five submissions where they are contained in a specific order. While most algorithms are contained in an ordering there are some outliers. Conclusion The different methods clearly result in fundamentally different tract structures at the more conservative specificity choices (i.e., volumetrically smaller tractograms). The data and challenge infrastructure remain available for continued analysis and provide a platform for comparison.

RESUMO Objetivo: descrever o perfil das ocorrências obstétricas atendidas pelo Serviço de Atendimento Móvel de Urgência. Método: trata-se de um estudo quantitativo, descritivo, exploratório, com dados retrospectivos. Coletaram-se os dados por meio das fichas de atendimento do SAMU. A amostra foi composta pela análise de 301 fichas de atendimento, e os resultados apresentados por meio de dados estatísticos. Resultados: informa-se que os chamados por causas obstétricas representaram 0,40% dos atendimentos do SAMU; a idade média das gestantes foi de 25,08 anos; a maioria era primigesta, estava no terceiro trimestre gestacional, realizou pré-natal e as principais queixas foram relacionadas ao trabalho de parto (91,3%). Houve significância estatística entre o acionamento do SAMU por queixas referentes ao trabalho de parto e o terceiro trimestre gestacional indicando a pertinência dos chamados. Conclusão: conclui-se, que ao conhecer as necessidades das mulheres que buscam atendimento no serviço pré-hospitalar e traçar o perfil de atendimentos são informações essenciais para subsidiar as ações e as políticas públicas que possibilitem oferecer assistência de qualidade e reduzir a morbimortalidade materna e neonatal. Descritores: Enfermagem Obstétrica; Assistência Pré-Hospitalar; Emergências; Gestante; Enfermagem em Emergência; Serviços Médicos de Emergência.ABSTRACT Objective: to describe the profile of the obstetric occurrences attended by the Mobile Emergency Care Service. Method: this is a quantitative, descriptive, exploratory study with retrospective data. The data were collected through the SAMU service records. The sample consisted of the analysis of 301 service records, and the results presented through statistical data. Results: it is reported that obstetric calls accounted for 0.40% of the SAMU services; the mean age of pregnant women was 25.08 years; the majority were primigravida, were in the third trimester, performed prenatal care and the main complaints were related to labor (91.3%). There was statistical significance between the activation of the SAMU by complaints regarding labor and the third gestational trimester indicating the relevance of the calls. Conclusion: it is concluded that knowing the needs of women seeking care in the pre-hospital service and drawing the profile of care are essential information to subsidize public actions and policies that enable quality care and reduce maternal and child morbidity and mortality. neonatal. Descriptors: Obstetric Nursing; Prehospital Care; Emergencies; Pregnant Women; Emergency Nursing; Emergency Medical Services.RESUMEN Objetivo: describir el perfil de las ocurrencias obstétricas atendidas por el Servicio de Atención Móvil de Urgencia. Método: se trata de un estudio cuantitativo, descriptivo, exploratorio, con datos retrospectivos. Se recogen los datos por medio de las fichas de atención del SAMU. La muestra fue compuesta por el análisis de 301 fichas de atención, y los resultados presentados por medio de datos estadísticos. Resultados: se informa que los llamados por causas obstétricas representaron el 0,40% de las atenciones del SAMU; la edad media de las gestantes fue de 25,08 años; la mayoría era la primera gestación, estaba en el tercer trimestre gestacional, realizó prenatal y las principales quejas fueron relacionadas al trabajo de parto (91,3%). Hubo significancia estadística entre el accionamiento del SAMU por quejas referentes al trabajo de parto y el tercer trimestre gestacional indicando la pertinencia de los llamados. Conclusión: se concluye que al conocer las necesidades de las mujeres que buscan atención en el servicio pre-hospitalario y trazar el perfil de atención son informaciones esenciales para subsidiar las acciones y las políticas públicas que posibiliten ofrecer asistencia de calidad y reducir la morbimortalidad materna y neonatal. Descriptores: Enfermería Obstétrica; Aténcion Pre-Hospitalaria; Urgencias Médicas; Mujeres Embarazadas; Enfermeria de Urgencia; Servicios Médicos de Urgencia.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is the paradigm of systemic autoimmune diseases characterised by a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations with an unpredictable relapsing-remitting course. The aim of the present work was to identify current available clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for SLE, to provide their review and to identify physicians’ and patients’ unmet needs. Twenty-three original guidelines published between 2004 and 2017 were identified. Many aspects of disease management are covered, including global disease management, lupus nephritis and neuropsychiatric involvement, management of pregnancies, vaccinations and comorbidities monitoring. Unmet needs relate with disease management of some clinical manifestations and adherence to treatment. Many patient’s unmet needs have been identified starting with faster diagnosis, need for more therapeutic options, guidelines on lifestyle issues, attention to quality of life and adequate education.

This work presents a detailed study, characterization, and measurement of video latency in a real-time video streaming application. The target application consists of an automatic control system in the form of a control station and the mini Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) equipped with a camera, which is controllable over local area network (LAN) and the Internet. Control signal transmission and feedback measurements to the operator usually impose real-time constraints on the network channel. Similarly, the video stream, which is required for the normal system control and maneuvering, imposes further strict requirements on the network in terms of bandwidth and latency. Based on these requirements, controlling the system in real time through a standard Internet connection is a challenging task. The measurement of important network parameters like availability, bandwidth, and latency has become mandatory for remotely controlling the system in real time. It is necessary to establish a methodology for the measurement of video and network latency to improve the real-time controllability and safety of the system as such measurement is not possible using existing solutions due to the following reasons: insufficient accuracy, relying on the Internet resources such as generic Network Time Protocol (NTP) servers, inability to obtain one-way delay measurement, and many solutions only having support for web cameras. Here, an efficient, reliable, and cost-effective methodology for the measurement of latency of a video stream over a LAN and the Internet is proposed. A dedicated stratum-1 NTP server is used and the necessary software needed for acquiring and measuring the latency of a video stream from a generic IP camera as well as integration into the existing ROV control software was developed. Here, by using the software and dedicated clock synchronization equipment (NTP server), it was found that normal video latencies in a LAN were in the range of 488ms – 850ms, while latencies over the Internet were measured to be in the range of 558ms – 1211ms. It is important to note that the values were obtained by using a generic (off-the-shelf) IP camera and they represent the actual latencies which might be experienced during control over long range and across international territory borders.

This paper investigates error performance of the narrow-band (NB) power-line carrier (PLC) communication system from a distribution system operator (DSO) perspective, with measurement data collected in the rural 400 V distribution grid. The performance evaluation is founded on the three aspects: attenuation of the NB PLC channel, frequency of the signal to noise ratio (SNR) class occurrence detected in a receiver and bit error rate (BER) analysis. The true BER is estimated from the limited amount of collected data using error model based on Neyman type A contagious distribution, appropriate for communication channels with impulsive noise. Results confirmed that PRIME-based NB PLC deployments for smart metering applications are adequate in rural distribution grids, even in cases with high attenuation and articulated frequency variations in a PLC channel. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.eie.24.1.20149

UDK: 639.124(497.11) Perdix perdix L. (also known as the Grey partridge, English partridge, and Hungarian partridge) populations have been declining for years in natural habitats and areas in which this species of wildlife has been introduced. Hunting grounds at the base of Mt. Fruška Gora and Sremska Rača in the Republic of Serbia provide excellent conditions for its breeding. In addition to the data from hunting records about population quantity of the P. perdix, a direct monitoring allows a relevant inside to its' quantity in hunting associations’ hunting grounds. The decline of population quantity is mostly the result of the use of chemicals for protection of agricultural crops (10%), destruction of nests and bird eggs (12.5%), and the failure to implement failure wildlife-protection measures, by forbidding the hunt of P. perdix  (5%) , and the use of poisons on agricultural crops, such as the forbidden poison Furadan (5%). Although no significant results have been obtained on the impact of predators and abandoned animals on the reduction of P. perdix population, there is a justified concern by hunting associations’ in terms of finding ecologically and biologically viable solutions for impact on predators on feathered game, and especially abandoned dogs. The results of the study were obtained by the method of directly determining the number of P. perdix in the crop fields, in the hunting grounds of L.D. "Fazan Mala Remeta", L.D. "Fazan" Jazak, L.D. "Stejanovci" Stejanovci, L.D. "Zec" Vrdnik and L.D. "Srndać" Sremska Rača. The obtained results directly the need to introduce the principle of integral protection of P. perdix, which implies control over the implementation of measures for the protection of agricultural crops and the implementation of P. perdix protection measures during the organization of hunting on other game species in hunting grounds.

Abstract The aim of this paper is to analyze the convergence process among former Socialist countries, the Central and Eastern European (CEE), Western Balkan and Eastern Partnership countries. The relationships between the selected macroeconomic variables and per capita GDP growth rate are econometrically tested to support this research. The analyzed period is 2004-2016, with two sub-periods; 2004-2008 and 2009-2013. The subdivision is made to test if the recent financial crisis affected the absolute and conditional convergence process. The empirical findings support the economic convergence hypothesis. The results show that the recent financial crisis negatively affected only the absolute convergence process. The negative effects of the crisis on conditional convergence are not identified. The poorer countries in the analyzed group should do more to attract investment, as gross fixed capital formation has a clear positive impact on per capita growth in the examined sample of countries.