Optical time-domain reflectometer (OTDR) has long been and is still considered the main test tool for characterizing fiber optic links, i.e. identify and localize refractive and reflective events such as breaks, splices and connectors, and measure their insertion/return loss. Specifically, sufficient dynamic range and thus alike signal-to-noise-ratio (SNR) enable clear far-end visibility even of long fiber links. Moreover, under such conditions, the highest achievable optical bit-error-rate (BER) floor is to the large extent determined by major reflective events such as the specific trace distortion caused by connectors and splices, each with significant return loss. Realizing this has provided the opportunity window to extend the standard OTDR capabilities list by the appropriate trace postprocessing to predict the BER floor. Accordingly, considering the SNR high, and thereby the inter-symbol interference dominant error generating mechanism, we applied the time-dispersion channel model that determines the BER floor by the rms delay spread of the (fiber) channel power-delay profile. We verified the BER floor prediction in the exemplar practical test situation, by measuring the actual BER on the same fiber link, and found the obtained values well matching the OTDR based predicted ones. Furthermore, when no dominant reflective events are identified on the OTDR trace, it implies very small time dispersion allowing the OFDM symbol cyclic prefix to always prevent inter-symbol interference. This retains the CFO to solely determine the residual BER floor and vice versa, enabling indirect estimation of CFOinduced phase distortion by simple BER testing. With this regard, we abstracted CFO with the AWGN being justified by the Central Limiting Theorem to enable efficient and quite accurate short-term BER (and so CFO phase error) predictions.

In this paper, we analyze an arbitrary heterogeneous cellular network applying stochastic geometry, and propose a modified model for assessing network spectral and energy efficiency. With this regard, we recognize that, in practice, determining Signal-to-Noise-and-Interference Ratio (SINR) as the key performance indicator, requires complex field test equipment, which might not be available or affordable. Therefore, we propose here a simple model that is based on the relatively easy measurable Bit-Error Rate (BER), whose degradation caused by various impairments is considered here as if it was due to the according additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN), thus abstracting any specific non-AWGN distortion. The proposed analytical model is verified by ns3 software network simulator, whose test results are found to match the corresponding estimated values. This indicates that both spectral and energy efficiencies of small-cell networks are higher than in larger-cell networks, even more for heterogeneous two-tier networks.

The promptness of providing services to patients directly affects the success of healthcare organizations. In this regard, the implementation of contemporary concepts in healthcare organizations is synonymous with success. Subject of research: The subject being researched in this paper is the possibility of applying the SIPOC method to the clinical process in obstetrics. A more precise application of the abovementioned method would mean a prompter implementation of activities within the clinical process (pregestational counseling, antenatal care of expectant mothers, deliveries, supervision of women during puerperium). Through the activities of the abovementioned clinical process, an effort is made to meet the health needs of expectant and new mothers. The application of the SIPOC method is not sufficiently present in clinical processes, especially the clinical process in obstetrics, and therefore this paper opens a new research area. Aim: The aim of this paper is to indicate the relevance of the SIPOC method as one of the tools within the Lean methodology, which can be used to improve the clinical process in obstetrics. Materials and methods: The following materials and methods were applied in this study: the method of analysis, the inductive - deductive method, the method of synthesis, the method of description, the method of proof. Case analysis was also used in the application of the SIPOC matrix at a gynecology and obstetrics outpatient clinic. Results: The results of the research showed that there was a positive impact on improving the efficiency of the provision of health services, through the implementation of modern methods. The SIPOC method affected the improvement of the efficiency of the clinical process in obstetrics. The review of the literature and the obtained results revealed that there is no formalized concept with instructions on the implementation of clinical process improvement methods.

Background/Aim: Sulphur mineral water is widely used in the treatment of musculoskeletal diseases. Hydrogen sulphide is an important regulator of bone metabolism and its application in the treatment of osteoporosis is intensively researched. The aim of this study was to analyse biochemical and histological effects of H2S containing mineral water of "Mlječanica" spring on ovariectomy-induced experimental osteoporosis in rats. Methods: In this experiment a 14-week-old Wistar female rats were used. The animals undergone bilateral ovariectomy (OVX groups) as an experimental model for oestrogen-deficient osteoporosis. After six weeks, animals were divided into control and the experimental group. Rats from the experimental group treated with H2S (SW group) containing mineral water ad libitum during five weeks. Biochemical parameters for monitoring sulphur water effects were concentration in serum of osteocalcin, alkaline phosphatase, calcium and phosphorus. Histological analyses of the left tibia coloured with haematoxylin-eosin were carried out. Results: Regarding the biochemical parameters, a statistically significant increase was observed in the OVX group for osteocalcin, alkaline phosphatase calcium and phosphorus compared to the sham-operated (CNT) group (p < 0.01). In SW + OVX, alkaline phosphatase was statistically significantly decreased (p < 0.01) and serum osteocalcin and phosphorus increased (p < 0.01). Calcium values were increased without significance. In the OVX + SW group, histological analyses showed numerous osteoblasts along the trabecular endosteum and the growth of young chondrocytes in the central bone zone and their migration to the peripheral parts. Conclusion: Drinking the H2S containing "Mlječanica" mineral water has led to decreased alkaline phosphatase, increased osteocalcin and phosphorus concentration in serum and stimulated the bone reparation in osteoporotic rats.

Plant extracts are widely used as biofungicides and medical bioproducts because of their eco-friendly nature and cost effectiveness. The present investigation focuses on the activity of a solvent based on industrial hemp extracts against two phytopathogenic fungi and five human pathogenic bacteria. The present study suggests the potential of the industrial hemp extracts for the development of novel broad spectrum herbal formulations used in plant protection and medicine.

Background/Aim: Hypomagnesaemia is one of the most detected electrolyte abnormalities in diabetics. Modulation of numerous cardiovascular pathophysiological processes is a potential goal for anti-diabetic therapy. Magnesium supplementation prevents subclinical tissue magnesium deficiency, thus delaying the onset of metabolic imbalance in diabetes, but long-term effects of magnesium supplementation in chronic diabetes and numerous pathophysiological processes remain unknown. Aim of this study was to determine the effects of subchronic intake of magnesium hydrocarbonate-rich mineral water on cardiometabolic markers and electrolytes in rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes. Methods: A total of 28 Wistar, male rats, body weight 160 g at start, were divided into four groups of 7 each: two controls, group that drank tap water and received a single ip injection of saline (0.9 % NaCl) (TW-C), group that drank mineral water rich in magnesium hydrocarbonate and received a single ip injection of saline (0.9 % NaCl) (MW-C); and two experimental groups with streptozotocin-induced diabetes, group that drank tap water and received a single ip injection of streptozotocin (100 mg/kg) in saline (0.9 % NaCl, 1 mL) (TW-DM), group that drank mineral water rich in magnesium hydrocarbonate and received a single ip injection of streptozotocin (100 mg/kg) in saline (0.9 % NaCl, 1 mL) (MW-DM). Results: Regarding the biochemical parameters, a decrease was observed in the MW-C group for vitamin B12 and proteins, while triglycerides were higher compared to the TW-C group. By comparing the haemostatic biomarkers between TW-C and MW-C groups, a statistically significant decrease was found for fibrinogen, while the electrolyte analysis showed an increase in phosphates for the MW-C group. Biochemical value comparison between TW-DM and MWDM groups showed that magnesium hydrocarbonate usage in diabetic rats did not significantly reduce glycaemia although the average glycaemic values were lower in the group treated with magnesium hydrocarbonate. Regarding the electrolyte values, a statistically significant decrease was observed for sodium, potassium and phosphate in the MW-DM group. The MW-DM group also showed a significant increase in iron value compared to TW-DM group. Conclusion: Subchronic intake of magnesium hydrocarbonate-rich mineral water, as a form of magnesium supplementation, did not cause a significant improvement in glycaemia or normalisation of diabetes-induced dyslipidaemia. This study showed the reduction of fibrinogen value, thus indicating the possibility of usage of this form of magnesium supplementation in different pro-thrombogenic conditions.

Background/Aim: Optimal intake of magnesium minerals is essential in maintaining the coordinated physiological functions of cells, tissues and organs. The importance of this element is reflected in the fact that it is the fourth most abundant cation in the human body, participating as a cofactor in more than three hundred enzymatic reactions. Its presence is necessary for the proper functioning of a number of vital functions, such as glycaemic control, the work of the heart and the vascular system and it can potentially play a role in the regulation of body weight. Aim of this study was to investigate the effects of subchronic intake of magnesium hydrocarbonate-rich water on changes in body weight, organ weight and cardiovascular variables in rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes. Methods: Wistar rats (n = 28) were divided into 4 groups: two control groups, on tap water (TW-C, n = 7) and magnesium hydrocarbonate-rich water (MW-C, n = 7); and two experimental groups with streptozotocin-induced diabetes, on tap water (TW-DM, n = 7) and magnesium hydrocarbonate-rich water (MW-DM, n = 7). The values of body weight, organ weight and cardiovascular parameters were compared after 6 weeks between control groups of rats on subchronic treatment with tap water (TW-C) and magnesium hydrocarbonate-rich water (MW-C) and between groups with streptozotocin-induced diabetes on tap water (TW-DM) and with magnesium hydrocarbonate-rich water (MW-DM). Results: By comparing the values of cardiovascular parameters between groups, significant (p < 0.05) positive effects of magnesium hydrocarbonate-rich water were registered on the values of systolic and pulse blood pressure in diabetic rats fed with magnesium hydrocarbonate-rich water (MW-DM) compared to those fed with tap water (TW-DM). In contrast, no significant effect of magnesium hydrocarbonate on changes in body weight and organ weight was observed. Conclusion: Based on the results, the beneficial effects of magnesium hydrocarbonate-rich water in the regulation of blood pressure can be clearly observed. Potential effects on other cardiovascular variables and body weight and organ weight should be further investigated.

Background/Aim: Type 2 diabetes is a common comorbidity in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Bearing in mind that obesity and insulin resistance are risk factors for the development of knee osteoarthritis, physical therapy and balneotherapy containing hydrogen sulphide (H2S) has a positive effect on the functional and metabolic status of these patients. This work was aimed to investigate the effect of sulphate-sulphide-rich mineral baths containing H2S on the level of serum glucose in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Methods: An open prospective randomised clinical trial included patients suffering from stage I and II of the knee osteoarthritis. Patients were divided into two groups of 40 subjects each: control group and experimental group. All subjects underwent inpatient physical treatment consisting of kinesitherapy and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) 6 days a week. Patients from experimental group, in addition to all the mentioned treatments, also took sulphate-sulphide mineral water baths once a day for 30 minutes for 7 days, unlike the patients from control group who took tap water baths, according to the same schedule. The level of serum glucose was monitored in all patients on admission, after discharge and 6 months after the treatment. The Student t-test was used for statistical data processing and p < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: Study included 80 patients of both sexes, with an average age of 67.00 ± 5.75 years. All patients had elevated serum glucose values on admission. The initial levels of glycaemia in the control and experimental groups were not significantly different (6.99 ± 1.95 and 7.88 ± 1.90 mmol/L, respectively). At discharge, patients who performed balneotherapy had a statistically significant decrease in serum glucose values compared to patients from the control group (by 1.84 vs 0.26 mmol/L, p < 0.001). This effect did not persist six months after the end of the treatment (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The application of balneotherapy with sulphate-sulphide mineral baths containing H2S as a potent gas transmitter significantly reduces serum glucose levels in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

Protests among citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina are becoming more frequent. Most often, their aim is to decry the dysfunctionality and opacity of the government, which are the result of the ethno-political structure created by the Dayton Agreement, but also a trend towards democratic regression and autocracy. A number of authors have tackled the ?JMBG? protests of 2013 and the Plenums that emerged from the February 2014 protests, from their particular disciplines. The focus of this paper is the social movement ?Justice for Dzenan,? organized by the Memic family upon the tragic death of Dzenan Memic in Sarajevo in February 2016. An in-depth study was conducted with key actors of the movement, as well as those who follow or in some way support the protests. Particular emphasis in the research was paid to the pragmatic symbiosis of the social movement and one political party. We argue that it is possible to identify a pragmatic symbiosis as a novel form (democratic innovation) of socio-political cooperation that can impede rising autocratization. Through the quest for accountability, social movements are introducing new strategic practices of mobilization and a novel type of alliance-building with external factors (new political parties as well as other social movements). The goal of the paper is to explore how the social movement ?Justice for Dzenan? interacts with political parties and approach the political sphere in BiH. Also, the idea is to examine the possibilities and functionality of this kind of cooperation with the framework of contentious politics.