ABSTRACT Executive functions (EF) play a key role in child’s development as they are necessary prerequisites for everyday functioning and later academic success. Much research has been directed at examining whether EF are unidimensional or multidimensional construct. In this study, we tested two theoretically driven models and one mathematically driven EF model based on the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Functions – Preschool Edition (BRIEF-P). The sample for this study consisted of 102 children with intellectual disability (77 boys, 25 girls), aged 40–71 months (mean age- 62.1 months, SD- 7.6 months). Early childhood special education teachers completed the BRIEF-P Teacher Version. Confirmatory Factor Analysis was used to assess the validity of different EF models. The original BRIEF-P, with a second-order, three-factor model and one-factor model were not a good fit to the data. Mathematically driven one-factor model, with the addition of correlated errors between the scales of working memory and shift, and working memory and plan/organize was a good model fit. The current study indicates that EF differentiation begins to emerge at preschool age in children with intellectual disabilities. Understanding EF structure in children with intellectual disability will help create better intervention programs for this population.

Holographic massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO), in which a spatially continuous surface is being used for signal transmission and reception, has emerged as a promising solution for improving the coverage and data rate of wireless communication systems. To realize these objectives, the acquisition of accurate channel state information in holographic massive MIMO systems is crucial. This paper proposes a channel estimation scheme based on a parametric physical channel model for line-of-sight (LoS) dominated communication in millimeter and terahertz wave bands. The proposed channel estimation scheme exploits the specific structure of the radiated beams generated by the continuous surface to estimate the channel parameters in a dominated LoS channel model. Since the number of unknown channel parameters is fixed regardless of the number of antennas, the training overhead of the proposed scheme does not scale with the number of antennas. The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed estimation scheme significantly outperforms other benchmark schemes in a poor scattering environment.

Smart lighting systems are based on sensors and tunable lighting systems are increasingly more prevalent, but collecting, analysing, and using the large data generated by these sensors are challenging. Inspired by research on evolutionary algorithms, it can be hypothesized that an adaptive lighting system can operate in real-time by adjusting its output through a decision-making algorithm based on data mining techniques. Such an adaptive lighting system requires two-order input from users; initial and continual. Initial conditions provide training to the system through human factors research investigating the interaction between humans and their environment. Continual conditions are provided by data collected through sensors in real-time, and they continuously feed into the decision-making algorithm to adjust the output to meet occupants’ biological and psychological needs. Research indicates that artificial intelligence techniques, such as evolutionary algorithms, can emerge as good candidates for this framework.

BACKGROUND Motion tracking during live surgeries may be used to assess surgeons' intra-operative performance, provide feedback, and predict outcome. Current assessment protocols rely on human observations, controlled laboratory settings, or tracking technologies not suitable for live operating theatres. In this study, a novel method for motion tracking of live open-heart surgery was developed, and evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS Three-D-printed 'tracking die' with miniature markers were fitted to DeBakey forceps. The surgical field was recorded with a video camera mounted above the operating table. Software was developed for tracking the die from the recordings. The system was tested on five open-heart procedures. Surgeons were asked to report subjective system related concerns during live surgery and assess the weight of the die on blind test. The accuracy of the system was evaluated against ground truth generated by a robot. RESULTS The 3D-printed die weighed 6 g and tolerated sterilization with hydrogen peroxide, which added approximately 13% to the mass of the forceps. Surgeons sensed a shift in the balance of the instrument but could on blind test not correctly verify changes in weight. When two or more markers were detected, the 3D position estimate was on average within 2-3 mm, and 1.1-2.6 degrees from ground truth. Computational time was 30-50 ms per frame on a standard laptop. CONCLUSIONS The vision-based motion tracking system was applicable for live surgeries with negligible inconvenience to the surgeons. Motion data was extracted with acceptable accuracy and speed at low computational cost.

Detailed characterization of medullary and extramedullary reservoirs of osteoclast progenitors (OCPs) is required to understand the pathophysiology of increased periarticular and systemic bone resorption in arthritis. In this study, we focused on identifying the OCP population specifically induced by arthritis and the role of circulatory OCPs in inflammatory bone loss. In addition, we determined the relevant chemokine axis responsible for their migration, and targeted the attraction signal to reduce bone resorption in murine collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). OCPs were expanded in periarticular as well as circulatory compartment of arthritic mice, particularly the CCR2hi subset. This subset demonstrated enhanced osteoclastogenic activity in arthritis, whereas its migratory potential was susceptible to CCR2 blockade in vitro. Intravascular compartment of the periarticular area contained increased frequency of OCPs with the ability to home to the arthritic bone, as demonstrated in vivo by intravascular staining and adoptive transfer of splenic LysMcre/Ai9 tdTomato-expressing cells. Simultaneously, CCL2 levels were increased locally and systemically in arthritic mice. Mouse cohorts were treated with the small-molecule inhibitor (SMI) of CCR2 alone or in combination with methotrexate (MTX). Preventive CCR2/CCL2 axis blockade in vivo reduced bone resorption and OCP frequency, whereas combining with MTX treatment also decreased disease clinical score, number of active osteoclasts, and OCP differentiation potential. In conclusion, our study characterized the functional properties of two distinct OCP subsets in CIA, based on their CCR2 expression levels, implying that the CCR2hi circulatory-like subset is specifically induced by arthritis. Signaling through the CCL2/CCR2 axis contributes to OCP homing in the inflamed joints and to their increased osteoclastogenic potential. Therefore, addition of CCL2/CCR2 blockade early in the course of arthritis is a promising approach to reduce bone pathology.

The aim of this international multicentre study was to review potential drug–drug interactions (DDIs) for real‐life coadministration of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19)‐specific medications.

Argumentation or reasoning is the part of rhetorical activities in which the subjects of speech make statements that support their basic thesis, or do everything to convince listeners of the truth of their own, and the falsity of the claims of others. This is done in principle in order to convince certain subjects and thus direct their actions as the speaker arguing the claims wants. By this we mean that argumentation is a means, mechanism, or art of influencing human thought and behavior. This paper deals with this issue. The paper will systematically present the importance of argumentation for legal rhetoric. First of all, special attention will be paid to some basic concepts and clarification of the terms argument and argumentation. Then we will turn to the question of the theory of argumentation, where the author of the paper will present some of his views on these issues, and in connection with legal rhetoric. There will be a discussion on the importance of argumentation of the mind in oratory, and show what the power of arguments is in legal rhetoric through the example of judicial oratory. People use rhetoric on a daily basis and give reasons that go in their favor, that is, contrary to the claims of others. This is almost the rule in everyday speech. This issue is particularly important in the field of law. As the type and manner of presenting arguments (but also argumentation errors) can significantly affect the outcome of a certain legal situation, we therefore consider it of great importance to study argumentation in legal rhetoric. I believe that this work will contribute at least a little in this field.

Sustainable technologies are being increasingly used in various areas of human life. While they have a multitude of benefits, they are especially useful in health monitoring, especially for certain groups of people, such as the elderly. However, there are still several issues that need to be addressed before its use becomes widespread. This work aims to clarify the aspects that are of great importance for increasing the acceptance of the use of this type of technology in the elderly. In addition, we aim to clarify whether the technologies that are already available are able to ensure acceptable accuracy and whether they could replace some of the manual approaches that are currently being used. A two-week study with people 65 years of age and over was conducted to address the questions posed here, and the results were evaluated. It was demonstrated that simplicity of use and automatic functioning play a crucial role. It was also concluded that technology cannot yet completely replace traditional methods such as questionnaires in some areas. Although the technologies that were tested were classified as being “easy to use”, the elderly population in the current study indicated that they were not sure that they would use these technologies regularly in the long term because the added value is not always clear, among other issues. Therefore, awareness-raising must take place in parallel with the development of technologies and services.

Regular curriculum modifications and the shift from a teacher-centered to a learner-centered paradigm in educational institutions are meant to enhance the teaching-learning process and fulfill learners' needs as successfully as possible. This study aimed to examine learners' attitudes towards learning English, their needs/wants, learning preferences, strategies, and lesson topics. Moreover, it also investigated the differences in learning preferences based on grade level.  The data were gathered from a survey administrated to 200 elementary school students in Central Bosnia and Herzegovina. The findings illustrated that the participants generally have a positive attitude towards learning English with more significant extrinsic reasons motivating them to learn it. Regarding students' needs, the analysis revealed that overall, students found writing the most challenging and speaking the most desirable language skill. Furthermore, the majority of the participants reported that they like to learn by reading texts or stories, finding the discussion in the classroom the most annoying classroom activity. While learning vocabulary by translating new words is regarded as the most beneficial method, doing written exercises at school presents the most significant way of acquiring grammar. Moreover, the study identified a significant influence of a grade level on the preferred ways of learning English.

The objective of this study was to determine and compare the antimicrobial resistance profiles of clinical Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (n = 90) and Staphylococcus aureus (n = 61) isolates from different animal species in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Among S. pseudintermedius isolates from dogs (n = 86), resistance to penicillin (87.2%) was most common followed by amoxicillin (76.7%) and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (67.4%). A total of 25 isolates were found to be resistant to oxacillin of which 21 were mecA-positive and multidrug resistant (MDR). The most frequent MDR pattern was penicillins-lincosamides-cephalosporins-macrolides-fluoroquinolones. Among the 61 methicillin-susceptible S. pseudintermedius isolates, 18 were MDR (penicillins-lincosamides-macrolides). Most of S. aureus isolates were resistant to penicillin (50.8%), followed by amoxicillin (41%) and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (31%). Resistance to cefoxitin was detected in only two isolates. All S. aureus isolates were mecA and mecC-negative. MDR was observed in six S. aureus isolates of which five were from cattle (penicillins-lincosamides-fluoroquinolones). Isolates from red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) were sensitive to most of the antimicrobials tested. The high number of methicillin-resistant S. pseudintermedius and MDR isolates in dogs exposed in this study underlines the urgent need for establishment of national antimicrobial resistance surveillance program in animals in the country, as well as for the surveillance of veterinary antimicrobial consumption.

OBJECTIVE Patients and medical professionals have a common misconception that cardiovascular diseases (CVD) predominantly affect men, which can lead to less prescribing of cardiovascular drugs to women. This study examined whether there were sex differences in the administration of cardiovascular (CV) drugs in patients admitted to the intensive care unit of the Internal Medicine Clinic of Foča University Hospital (ICFUH). MATERIALS AND METHODS The study comprised 332 patients hospitalized at the ICFUH from January 1st to June 30th, 2019. The following data on leading CVD and risks related to CV drug administration were collected: age, hyperlipidemia (HLD), diabetes mellitus (DM), chronic kidney disease (CKD), liver disease (LD), heart failure (HF), hypertension (HTN), myocardial infarction (MI), and stroke (S). The amount of the CV drugs of interest (statins, antiplatelet drugs, calcium channel blockers, ACE inhibitors, beta blockers, diuretics) administered during hospitalization was expressed as the Defined Daily Dose (DDD)/100 bed-days (BD) for patients of both sexes separately. RESULTS During hospitalization in the intensive care unit of ICFUH, female patients were less likely to be treated with statins than male patients (30.1 vs. 57.5 DDD/100 BD, P<0.05). There was no difference between sexes regarding the use of antihypertensive drugs. Women were less likely to be treated by antiplatelet therapy, more precisely by acetylsalicylic acid (30.4 vs. 36.9 DDD/100 BD, P<0.05). CONCLUSION Our study indicates that there were sex differences in CV drug administration in ICFUH. Presuming that drugs used during hospitalization were at least partially a continuation of the previous therapy prescribed by the family doctor, it is possible that such differences exist in primary care.

Background: The new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 caused a pandemic that threatened all aspects of life and health while worsening the socio-economic situation of the entire population. COVID-19 affects all organs and organ systems. The symptoms of the affected organs can last for a long time after the acute infection. About 1/3 of patients develop neuropsychiatric signs in the clinical course of the disease. The most common symptoms are mental fog, headache, cognitive changes, behavior changes, muscle weakness, anosmia and ageusia. These symptoms may develop due to a direct effect of the virus on the neurons or hyper reactive immune response. Objective: The aim of this article is to describe 2 young adults who developed neuropsychiatric symptoms in the course of Long COVID-19 syndrome. Ischemic vasculitis was proved using CT imaging. Case report: We collected data of two younger females who had previously recovered from the acute form of COVID-19 without respiratory complications. They developed in the next 1-2 months a clinical picture of a brain disorder. In both cases, CT and angiography scans of the brain showed signs of ischemic vasculitis. Neurological therapy has led to an improvement of the neuropsychiatric symptoms. Conclusion: Neuropsychiatric disorders in Long Covid syndrome are common and diverse. Two cases of young adults who developed signs of neurological disorder in the post COVID-19 period were presented, and CT scans of the brain showed signs of ischemic vasculitis.

Abstract The paper describes the function and importance of safety devices on pressure equipment, legal regulations for the necessary scope and periods of functional inspections of safety valves in thermal power plants. The mode of operation of the apparatus for in-site testing and adjustment of safety valves on pressure vessels is described, as well as a comparative presentation of the obtained test results compared to the results obtained by the conventional method that uses hydraulic pressure of the medium for valve spring load. The on-site method uses a motor drive to load the valve spring, and uses sensitive displacement, force and sound sensors to generate signals, which are processed in a suitable software application to obtain test results. Unlike the conventional method, the on-site method allows testing of safety valves without their disassembly from the installation site. A comparison of the test results obtained by the modern method with the test results by the conventional method was made on several safety valves. It has been shown that in addition to better precision, which is important for valves with lower operating pressures, the application of the on-site method shortens the test time several times.

Background: More than 50% of stroke patients have sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), mostly in the form of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). SDB represents both a risk factor and a consequence of stroke. The presence of SDB has been linked with the poorer long-term outcome and increased long-term stroke mortality. About 20 to 40% of stroke patients have sleep-wake disorders (SWD), mostly in form of insomnia, excessive daytime sleepiness/fatigue, or hypersomnia (increased sleep needs). Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the frequency of risk factors in patients with acute stroke and sleep apnea. Methods: The study included patients without cognitive impairment or with mild cognitive impairment. The diagnosis of apnea syndrome was made on the basis of the Snoring and Apnea Syndrome Questionnaire, the Epworth Sleep Scale, the Berlin Questionnaire, the Stanford Sleepiness Scale, and the General Sleep Questionnaire. The severity of stroke was assessed by the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale and the Rankin Disability Scale. Patients with a Glasgow score <8 on the day of neuropsychiatric examination were excluded from the study, as well as patients with epileptic seizures at the onset of stroke, with aphasia, with Mini - mental test <23, with verified previous dementia / cognitive impairment. Results: There is no statistically significant difference in the age of men and women, both with apnea and without apnea. In patients with apnea, heart disease was in the first place 91.8%, followed by hypertension 86.4%, Body mass index 79.1%, hyperlipidemia 50%, smoking 38.2 % and diabetes mellitus 20.9%. Hypertension was the most common risk factor in patients without apnea 83.6%, followed by heart disease 81.0%, Body mass index 60.9%, hyperlipidemia 48.21%, smoking 28.2 % and diabetes mellitus 20%. Conclusion: Heart diseases, hypertension and body mass index are significantly more frequent in patients with than in patients without sleep apnea.