A bstractWe propose a mechanism that allows for sizeable flavour violation in quark-lepton currents, while suppressing flavour changing neutral currents in quark-quark and lepton-lepton sectors. The mechanism is applied to the recently proposed “4321” renormalizable model, which can accommodate the current experimental anomalies in B-meson decays, both in charged and neutral currents, while remaining consistent with all other indirect flavour and electroweak precision measurements and direct searches at high-pT. To support this claim, we present an exhaustive phenomenological survey of this fully calculable UV complete model and highlight the rich complementarity between indirect and direct searches.

Abstract Orchiectomy is often employed in zootechnical activities with the main objective of carcass improvement; therefore, the search for alternatives that minimize surgical trauma, operative time and mainly decrease operating costs is pertinent. The nylon clamp is a tensile strength device, well tolerated by the body and inexpensive. It has been used as a hemostatic method in several surgical procedures. The aim of this study was to evaluate the operability and functionality of this device for the preliminary hemostasis of the spermatic cord in the open orchiectomy, comparing it to the surgical nylon thread. Twenty male pigs were divided into 2 experimental groups: GI (clamp - 10 animals) and GII (surgical nylon thread - 10 animals). The surgical time, the degree of hemostasis, the size of the incision, the presence or absence of edema and secretions, besides the weight gain were evaluated. For analysis of inflammatory response, fibrinogen was assessed. Compared to surgical nylon, the clamps presented advantages over surgical time and blood loss. It was concluded that the use of nylon clamps for hemostasis of the spermatic cords of pigs submitted to orchiectomies reduced the total time of surgeries, as well as hemorrhages, when compared to hemostasis with nylon thread. Furthermore, weight gain and induction of inflammatory response were not influenced by the hemostasis method used.

In event-triggered control, the control task consisting of sampling the plant’s output and updating the control input is executed whenever a certain event function exceeds a given threshold. The event function typically needs to be monitored continuously, which is difficult to realize in digital implementations. This has led to the development of periodic event-triggered control (PETC), in which the event function is only evaluated periodically. In this paper, we consider general nonlinear continuous event-triggered control (CETC) systems, and present a method to transform the CETC system into a PETC system. In particular, we provide an explicit sampling period at which the event function is evaluated and we present a constructive procedure to redesign the triggering condition. The latter is obtained by upper-bounding the evolution of the event function of the CETC system between two successive sampling instants by a linear time-invariant system and then by using convex overapproximation techniques. Using this approach, we are able to preserve the control performance guarantees (e.g., asymptotic stability with a certain decay rate) of the original CETC system.

Continuous digitalization in the industry leads to new, highly complex systems that increase configuration costs. In particular, software and hardware changes cause major downtime. To dynamically reconfigure control system and avoid downtime, it is necessary to calculate valid or optimal deployment configurations. Previous research applies Design Space Exploration (DSE) techniques embedded into model-based design methodologies to calculate deployment configurations. However, current research either aims domains other than industrial automation or applies simple and, for real-life problems, not applicable constraints and objectives. Thus, the deployment of software components to hardware components is still an exhausting and manual task. In this work, we take first steps towards an automatically optimized deployment of the industrial automation systems. In particular, we propose applying DSE to calculate deployment configurations of IEC 61499-based control applications. In order to reduce the exploration space, we identify domain-specific constraints and objectives. Furthermore, we extend the IEC 61499 System and Application models' descriptions by proposing relevant hardware and software annotations. We exhibit the applicability of the identified annotations, constraints and objectives on the example of an Industry 4.0 relevant case study.

Image compression standards rely on predictive coding, transform coding, quantization and entropy coding, in order to achieve high compression performance. Very recently, deep generative models have been used to optimize or replace some of these operations, with very promising results. However, so far no systematic and independent study of the coding performance of these algorithms has been carried out. In this paper, for the first time, we conduct a subjective evaluation of two recent deep-learning-based image compression algorithms, comparing them to JPEG 2000 and to the recent BPG image codec based on HEVC Intra. We found that compression approaches based on deep auto-encoders can achieve coding performance higher than JPEG 2000, and sometimes as good as BPG. We also show experimentally that the PSNR metric is to be avoided when evaluating the visual quality of deep-learning-based methods, as their artifacts have different characteristics from those of DCT or wavelet-based codecs. In particular, images compressed at low bitrate appear more natural than JPEG 2000 coded pictures, according to a no-reference naturalness measure. Our study indicates that deep generative models are likely to bring huge innovation into the video coding arena in the coming years.

The demand for very high-resolution video content in entertainment services (4K, 8K, panoramic, 360 VR) puts an increasing load on the distribution network. In order to reduce the network usage in existing delivery infrastructure for such services while keeping a good quality of experience, dynamic spatial video adaptation at the client side is seen as a key feature, and is actively investigated by academics and industrials. However, the impact of spatial adaptation on quality perception is not clear. In this paper, we propose a methodology for the evaluation of such adapted content, conduct a series of perceived quality measurements and discuss results showing potential benefits and drawbacks of the technique. Based on our results, we also propose a signaling mechanism in MPEG-DASH to assist the client in its spatial adaptation logic.

Aim To investigate the association of parameters of lipid profile and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) p<60 ml/min/1.73m2 calculated by the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) in non-dialysis kidney patients. Methods The observational, case-control study enrolled patients (n=117) recruited from the Nephrological Counselling Centre of the University Clinical Centre Sarajevo and divided into two groups: group 1 eGFR (15-59 mL/min/1.73 m2 ), and group 2 (control) eGFR ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 . Concentration of lipids, lipoproteins and apolipoproteins was measured, and atherogenic index of plasma (AIP; log(TG/HDLc)) was calculated. Results High density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc) and apolipoprotein E (APOE) concentrations in serum were reduced [(1.02 (0.94-1.29) vs 1.15 (1.1-1.4) mmol/L; p=0.009 and 0.035 (0.026-0.04) vs 0.041 (0.034-0.05) g/L; p=0.002, respectively)], while AIP was higher in group 1 than in group 2 (0.19±0.03 vs 0.09±0.04; p=0.013). Values less than 1.09 mmol/L and 0.038 g/L for HDLc and APOE, or higher than 0.165 for AIP (p< 0.05) were associated with the eGFR below 60 ml/min/1.73 m2. The age [OR = 1.1; 95% CI (1.05-1.17)] and AIP [OR = 8.7; 95% CI (1.18- 65.0)] were independent positive predictors, while APOE was a negative predictor of eGFR reduction rate (OR=0.01; 95% CI (0.001-0.033; p<0.001). Conclusion Changes in parameters such as HDLc, APOE and AIP are associated with CKD. The study results imply the need of the AIP calculation as routine laboratory work due to its role along with the age and APOE in the prediction of renal function decline.

Prematurity is a risk factor for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-associated lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs), due to immature humoral and cell-mediated immune system in preterm newborns, as well as their incomplete lung development. Palivizumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody against the F glycoprotein of RSV, is licensed for the prevention of severe RSV LRTI in children at high risk for the disease. This study is a part of a larger observational, retrospective-prospective epidemiological study (PONI) conducted at 72 sites across 23 countries in the northern temperate zone. The aim of our non-interventional study was to identify common predictors and factors associated with RSV LRTI hospitalization in non-prophylaxed, moderate-to-late preterm infants, born between 33 weeks and 0 days and 35 weeks and 6 days of gestation, and less than 6 months prior to or during the RSV season in Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H). A total of 160 moderate-to-late preterm infants were included from four sites in B&H (Sarajevo, Tuzla, Mostar, and Banja Luka). We identified several significant intrinsic and extrinsic factors to be associated with the risk of RSV LRTI hospitalization in the preterm infants, including: comorbidities after birth, shorter hospital stay, admission to NICU/PICU while in the maternity ward, household smoking, low maternal age, breast feeding, number of family members, and history of family/paternal atopy. Overall, our results indicated that the risk of RSV LRTI in preterm newborns can be associated with different environmental and social/cultural factors, and further research is needed to comprehensively evaluate these associations.

Aim To investigate association of factor V Leiden, prothrombin G20210A, MTHFR C677T and PAI-1 4G/5G polymorphisms with recurrent pregnancy loss in Bosnian women. Methods A total of 60 women with two or more consecutive miscarriages before 20 weeks of gestation with the same partners and without history of known causes or recurrent pregnancy loss were included. A control group included 80 healthy women who had one or more successful pregnancies without history of any complication which could be associated with miscarriages. Genotyping of factor V Leiden, prothrombin G20210A, MTHFR C677T and PAI-1 4G/5G polymorphisms were performed by polymerase chain reaction/restriction fragments length polymorphism method (PCR/RFLP). Results Both factor V Leiden and MTHFR C677T polymorphisms were significantly associated with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) in Bosnian women while prothrombin G20210A and PAI-1 4G/5G polymorphisms did not show strongly significant association. Conclusion The presence of thrombophilic polymorphisms may predispose women to recurrent pregnancy loss. Future investigation should be addressed in order to find when carriers of those mutations, polymorphisms should be treated with anticoagulant therapy.

Abstract This study has examined the effectiveness of characteristically different cement kiln dusts (CKDs) as a partial replacement for the ground granulated blastfurnace slag (GGBFS) in the development and production of three types of blastfurnace cements (CEM III/A, B, C) according to the standard EN 197-1.27 CEM III cement blends, 9 blends per type of cement, i.e., CEM III/A, CEM III/B and CEM III/C, were prepared in the laboratory mill from industrial starting materials (Portland cement clinker, gypsum, GGBFS, CKDs). The addition of gypsum as the setting regulator was fixed at 4 mass % in all blends studied. The content of both CKDs (cement clinker dust and cement filter dust) as slag replacements was 4 mass % in all CKD blends studied. The ordinary Portland cement (OPC) type CEM I 42.5N was used as the control cement. The results have shown that the chemical composition and chemical and physical properties of prepared CEM III/A, B, C cement blends meet the EN 197-1 requirements. Strength development in these cement blends is obviously related to the Portland cement clinker-to-GGBFS ratio. When compared to OPC, the blastfurnace cement developed lower compressive strength at early ages, but equal or higher at later ages in more cases, i.e., all 9 CEM III/A and 7 CEM III/B cement blends meet, while no CEM III/C cement blend meets the EN 197-1 requirements for standard compressive strength Class 42.5N. From the perspective of strength, the presence of the cement clinker dust is more effective than that of the cement filter dust due to their different chemical and mineralogical compositions.

For companies active in various sectors, the implementation of transport services and other logistics activities has become one of the key factors of efficiency in the total supply chain. Logistics outsourcing is becoming more and more important, and there is an increasing number of third party logistics providers. In this paper, logistics providers were evaluated using the Rough SWARA (Step-Wise Weight Assessment Ratio Analysis) and Rough WASPAS (Weighted Aggregated Sum Product Assessment) models. The significance of the eight criteria on the basis of which evaluation was carried out was determined using the Rough SWARA method. In order to allow for a more precise consensus in group decision-making, the Rough Dombi aggregator was developed in order to determine the initial rough matrix of multi-criteria decision-making. A total of 10 logistics providers dealing with the transport of dangerous goods for chemical industry companies were evaluated using the Rough WASPAS approach. The obtained results demonstrate that the first logistics provider is also the best one, a conclusion confirmed by a sensitivity analysis comprised of three parts. In the first part, parameter ρ was altered through 10 scenarios in which only alternatives four and five change their ranks. In the second part of the sensitivity analysis, a calculation was performed using the following approaches: Rough SAW (Simple Additive Weighting), Rough EDAS (Evaluation Based on Distance from Average Solution), Rough MABAC (MultiAttributive Border Approximation Area Comparison), and Rough TOPSIS (Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution). They showed a high correlation of ranks determined by applying Spearman’s correlation coefficient in the third part of the sensitivity analysis.

Background There is international consensus around a core set of variables (cSLE-CRVs) to assess response to therapy with childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE) [global assessment of patient well-being (Patient-global), physician assessment of cSLE activity (MD-global), disease activity index score, urine protein to creatinine ratio (PCR), Child Health Questionnaire physical function summary score (CHQ-Phs)]. Percentage changes of these cSLE-CRVs are used in the Provisional PRINTO-ACR- EULAR Criteria of Response to Therapy of cSLE (PCI). In a small dataset, we have previously shown that the PCI and the Systemic Lupus Responder Index only have fair accuracy in detecting cSLE improvement. The Objective of this research was to 1) validate the PCI and 2) develop for Children an Index of Lupus Improvement (CHILI) as a tool to measure response to therapy, with focus on clinically relevant improvement (CRIcSLE). Methods Pediatric subspecialists (n=213) in treating cSLE were invited to define CRIcSLE and rate a total of 433 unique patient profiles for the presence/absence of CRIcSLE and various levels of improvement. Patient profiles included the cSLE-CRVs and routine laboratory tests at a baseline and follow-up time-point. To measure CRIcSLE we tested the PCI, and developed the candidate CHILI criteria that considered a) absolute and b) percentage changes of the cSLE-CRVs (baseline vs follow-up) in a trainings-dataset and initially validated these criteria in the validation-dataset. Criteria accuracy was assessed by kappa statistics (PCI) and the area under the ROC curve (AUC; range: 0–1)], respectively. Results During an international consensus conference agreement on a definition of CRIcSLE was achieved. Response rate to patient profile ratings was 91% (194/214). The PIC had no more than fair accuracy (kappa 0.92, sensitivity: >93.1%; specificity: >73.4%), respectively. Conclusions The CHILI is a new highly accurate index to capture improvement in the overall course of cSLE. This index is also useful to categorize the degree of cSLE response to therapy. Acknowledgements For the Pediatric Rheumatology International Trial Network and the Pediatric Rheumatology Collaborative Study Group; the study is supported by NIH grants 5U01-AR51868, P30-AR AR47363 and 2UL1RR026314 and the PRCSG and PRINTO Coordinating Centers. This study is also supported by grants from Fundacao de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de Sao Paulo (FAPESP 2015/03756–4 to CAS), Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cientifico e Tecnologico (CNPq 303422/2015–7 to CAS) and by Nucleo de Apoio a Pesquisa ‘Saude da Crianca e do Adolescente’ da USP (NAP-CriAd) to CAS.