Thermal shock stability plays a great role in the selection of optimal refractory material. Different methods of characterization were developed for this purpose, including the implementation of nondestructive testing. Image analysis is a very well method for characterization of different materials structures, as well as changes and occurred defects in structure caused by different influences. In this paper, possible application of image analysis will be presented related to the monitoring thermal shock behavior of selected refractory materials. Different parameters such are R parameter, level of destruction, as well as determination of morphological descriptors (area, perimeter, diameter, roundness) using Image analysis, will be presented.

The paper presents the results of the research cavitation erosion behavior of samples based on talc with addition of domestic zeolite from the Zlatokop deposit. Samples based on talc with 15 % of zeolite, from Zlatokop (Vranjska Banja), sintered at 1200ºC were used in this investigation. Resistance to cavitation was monitored by the ultrasonic vibratory cavitation set up with a stationary specimen and measuring respectively determining the specimens' mass loss. Image analysis and Young's modulus of elasticity were used to determine the level of degradation of the sample surface and sample's volume. Obtained results showed good resistance of the refractory samples based on talc and zeolite to the cavitation erosion, which indicates the possibility of application ceramic samples based on talc and zeolite in various areas of industry where the presence of destruction due to the effect of cavitation is expected.

The thermal energy sector is very important at this time of global energy transition. From the aspect of stable energy independence, this is especially important in countries whose energy system is based on fossil fuels, especially coal. This is why decarbonisation of the energy sector is necessary, with a partial and gradual substitution of coal with renewable fuels. However, the use of these fuels is not always possible in existing plants. This refers to the establishment of energy, economic and environmentally acceptable proportion of the co-firing of these fuels, i.e. a mixture of coal and renewable fuels. The success of the establishment of this process is a function of several variables, the dominant of which are the aggregate properties of the fuel, basic and their mixtures, including the ash properties of those fuels. With the motive of contributing to a more successful implementation of the energy transition in the thermal energy sector, and with the aim of obtaining new scientific knowledge about the characteristics of the combustion of lignite and brown coal with different renewable fuels, laboratory research was carried out. In particular, different mixtures of lignite and brown coal, waste woody biomass and Miscanthus as a fast-growing energy crop were subjected to co-firing with variable process conditions. In addition to changing the composition of fuel mixtures, the test regimes included a significant change in process temperature (1250-1450 °C) and the primary measure of staged air supply to the furnace. In these combustion conditions, the emission of undesirable and harmful components into the environment, the efficiency of combustion, and the tendency of the ash from the fuel mixture to possible soiling of the heating surfaces in the furnace were evaluated - an analysis of the characteristics of the ash samples from the reaction zone and samples of the slag and ash to the furnace. Here, in both cases of co-firing, lignite and brown coal with different types of biomass, it was shown that in real conditions it is possible to establish a sustainable primary energy conversion process from fuel with a low unburnt carbon content in the slag (unburnt carbon content, UBC<1%) as well as low CO emission, below 350 mg/mn 3. At the same time, the NOx emission is below 320 mg/mn 3 during the co-firing of lignite mixtures at 1250 °C, and in the case of brown coal mixtures below 740 mg/mn 3 at 1450 °C. In both cases, the net CO2 emission decreases in proportion to the proportion of biomass in the mixture, while the SO2 emission is still high, at a level of up to 2500 mg/mn 3 for lignite mixtures and up to 6400 mg/mn 3 for brown coal mixtures. None of the treated types of biomass, up to the level of applicable content in the mixture with lignite and brown coal, does not worsen the progress of the process from the aspect of possible slagging/fouling heating surfaces in the boiler.

Background: The treatment strategy for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) has not changed significantly over the past 30 years. Chemotherapeutic agents (mitomycin-C, epirubicin, etc.) and BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guerin) immunotherapy are used as adjuvant intravesical therapy. Objective: To compare the difference between adjuvant chemotherapy and adjuvant immunotherapy in their efficacy of reducing the number of tumor recurrences. Methods: In this prospective clinical study, which included 99 patients with NMIBC from March 2018.–March 2023., we publish the results for all risk groups of patients treated with intravesical chemotherapy Epirubicin or with BCG immunotherapy, after TURBT (Trans urethral resection of bladder tumor) within 1 year. Patients were stratified into 2 groups. The first group was treated with Epirubicin (1 dose within 24 hours of surgery, then 6 weekly instillations and 3 maintenance doses), and the second group was treated with BCG (2-3 weeks after TURBT 6 weekly instillations, and 3 maintenance doses). The monitoring period was 24 months. Results: In patients treated with intravesical chemotherapy, recurrence occurred in 9 patients (17.64%), and in patients treated with BCG, recurrence occurred in 7 patients (14.58%). A similar incidence of disease recurrence was observed in both groups (p=0.787). Conclusion: The results of our study show a similar therapeutic response by risk groups of patients treated with chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Since BCG production will cease in the future, the task of urologists is to introduce intravesical chemotherapy into wider use and to modernize it as a safe and effective method of adjuvant treatment for non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer.

The paper provides general information and guidelines for the development of Mobility the Hub’s Action Plan of the City of Sarajevo. The action plan will cover a short-medium term time frame and vision, establishing a series of actions and measures to look for a visible and different concept of mobility through five basic components, such as: infrastructure, electromobility, auxiliary services, renewable energy sources and digital solutions. The main purpose of the work is to reduce the negative effects of traffic on citizens and the environment, encourage the transformation of urban mobility and direct the way of thinking towards sustainable development. Above all, defining the criteria for locating mobility hubs in urban areas. The conclusion is that mobility nodes are built in places of high concentration of people, which are places of exchange of passengers and places to which a large number of people gravitate. The Mobility Hub’s concept represents an attractive location/facility that offers users options for environmentally clean and practical modes of travel. It unites infrastructure and services in one place, creating a reliable model for a new way of moving around the city that saves money, is healthier, and increases involvement in green city transportation.

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: Precision agriculture is an innovative farming method that aims to maximize crop yields while minimizing waste. One of the key technologies used in precision agriculture is computer vision, which involves using cameras and sensors to collect data on crop growth and health. This data is then analyzed using machine learning algorithms to provide insights on how to optimize farming practices and improve yields. In this article, we provide an in-depth analysis of the role of computer vision in precision agriculture, with a focus on its applications in crop monitoring, the various types of cameras and sensors utilized in computer vision systems, and the diverse machine-learning algorithms employed to analyze the data collected. Through this analysis, we aim to offer a comprehensive overview of the potential of computer vision to revolutionize the way we grow and harvest crops, and the impact it could have on the future of agriculture.

High handgrip strength in men’s artistic gymnastics is crucial, mainly for improving performance and to potentially prevent injuries, as well as for the fact that gymnasts body movements are around immovable apparatuses (pommel horse, rings, parallel bars and high bar) for the extended period of time. Since there are not so many studies that have dealt with this topic and on actual competition, we have aimed to examine the handgrip strength influence on the competition result in elite male artistic gymnasts. The sample of participants were conducted of 37 elite male artistic gymnasts (8–21 years old), from 8 different countries as national team competitors at the International Competition “Laza Krstić and Marica Dželatović” held in Novi Sad, Serbia. Basic anthropometric measurements were included (body height, body weight and Body Mass Index (BMI)), along with training experience and handgrip strength measurement (both dominant and nondominant hand). Kolmogorov-Smirnov Z test (p < 0.05) was used for distribution normality, along with regression analysis with Model 1 (participants age, training experience, body height, body weight and BMI), Model 2 (Model 1 + dominant handgrip strength) and Model 3 (Model 1 + nondominant handgrip strength). SPSS v.20 was used for all statistical analysis. Our study have revealed that there is significant influence of all 3 Models on the parallel bars final result (p = 0.33; p = 0.49; p = 0.31, respectively), in terms of all set of variables, whereas body weight Beta scores (28.6%; 30.3%; 32.7%, respectively) moslty explains the results. Both dominant and nondominant handgrip strength are influential factors only on the parallel bars final result. Since both hands are contributing equally, bilateral training is necessary. In order to expand the knowledge on this topic and completely understand the influential factors, future studies are needed on this sample. Regardless of our main findings, our results should be taken with caution.

Background: Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) represent a group of chemicals which are related to the disturbances in the human hormonal system. Due to the newest research, it was discovered that their actions did not exclusively point to the hormonal system but rather to all organs of the human body. EDCs are metabolized and may excrete the influence on human metabolism. That influence can be related to the activity of different enzymes included in human metabolism. Those effects can be classified as epigenetic effects. Objective: The aim of the study was to make analysis, evaluation, examination and determination of the possible mechanisms through which EDCs may interact with different metabolically-driven diseases. Methods: This paper represents a review article that includes original and review articles that were used being published in the following databases: Medline/PubMed, ScienceDirect, Oxford Academic, and Google Scholar. Results: EDCs interact through nuclear or steroid receptors excreting their influence onto diseases such as obesity, metabolic syndrome (MetS) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Those mechanisms are mediated through metabolic or immunological pathways. It encompasses different types of hormones, such as vistafin or inflammatory cytokines. Conclusion: It has been noticed that EDCs may influence the appearance of specifically related diseases in offspring excreting epigenetic effects. Further research must be oriented towards potential consequences and ideal pathways for prevention and treatment options.

Background: Bleeding and hematuria can be a consequence of both ESWL and URS treatment.Changes in hematological parameters may be indicative of bleeding events.Objective: The aim of the present study was to explore the hematological parameters after ESWL and ureterorenoscopy for the treatment of kidney stones. Methods: A prospective study included patients (120) with verified ureterolithiasis <10 mm in the upper half of the proximal third of the ureter. Patients were divided into two groups using the random sample method for the application of active stone removal methods ESWL or URS with contact disintegration.Patients were evaluated with routine hematological, biochemical blood parameters, and non-contrast enhanced computed abdominal tomography (CT) before the procedure.Routine laboratory analyzes were performed using standard methods and included determination of the number of erythrocytes, platelets, hemoglobin, hematocrit, glucose, INR, APTTwhich were measured preintervention, the first postoperative day and six months after the intervention. Results: The preintervention hemoglobin value in patients with urolithiasis treated with URS treatment was 140 g/L (136.2–155.7), and was statistically significantly higher compared to the measurement on the first post-intervention day [137.5 g/L (127, 2–156.7) (p<0,05)], as well as in relation to the measurement after six months [139 g/L (134.2–151.7), (p<0,05).The pre-interventional hematocrit value in patients with urolithiasis treated with URS treatment was 0.42 (0.41–0.47), but it dropped statistically significantly on the measurement on the first post-intervention day to a value of 0.41 (0.38–0, 47) (p=0.003). The hematocrit value after six months was 0.44 (0.41–0.47) and was statistically significantly higher compared to the pre-intervention measurement (p=0.002), as well as compared to the measurement on the first post-intervention day (p< 0.001). The pre-intervention INR value in patients with urolithiasis treated with URS treatment was 0.90 (0.86–1.1), and on the first post-intervention day, it increased statistically significantly to a value of 0.99 (0.89–1.1), (p=0.005).The INR value after six months continued to grow to a value of 1.02 (0.96–1.2), which was statistically significantly higher compared to the INR value measured on the first post-intervention day (p<0.001), as and in relation to the INR value measured before the intervention (p=0.007).Conclusion: The results of this study, in terms of hematological parameters, showed more favorable outcomes in patients treated with ESWL compared to URS lithotripsy. Significantly lower hemoglobin values six months after URS treatment, as well as a decrease in the number of platelets on the first postoperative day, lead to the conclusion that URS lithotripsy, which represents a more aggressive method compared to ESWL, may have less favorable consequences for patients.