Energy efficiency (EE) is an important performance metric in communication systems. However, to the best of our knowledge, the energy-efficient resource allocation (RA) problem in non-orthogonal multiple access enabled backscatter communication networks (NOMA-BackComNet) comprehensively considering the user’s quality of service (QoS) has not been investigated. In this letter, we present the first attempt to solve the EE-based RA problem for NOMA-BackComNet with QoS guarantee. The objective is to maximize the EE of users subject to the QoS requirements of users, the decoding order of successive interference cancellation and the reflection coefficient (RC) constraint, where the transmit power of the base station and the RC of the backscatter device are jointly optimized. To solve this non-convex problem, we develop a novel iteration algorithm by using Dinkelbach’s method and the quadratic transformation approach. Simulation results verify the effectiveness of the proposed scheme in improving the EE by comparing it with the other schemes.

In beyond fifth-generation (B5G) era, massive multiple-input multiple-output (M-MIMO) will be a key technology to offer higher network capacities. Due to the different frequency of uplink and downlink channels in FDD systems, the channel state information (CSI) feedback from user terminal to the base station is necessary, but this reduces the spectrum efficiency. This letter proposes a deep learning based solution to predict the downlink CSI in frequency division duplex (FDD) systems, which is termed as complex-valued three dimensional convolutional neural network (CV-3DCNN). The proposed network uses a complex-valued neural network in complex domain to deal with the complex CSI matrices, and adopts three-dimensional convolution operations for feature extraction. The proposed scheme aims to make full use of the hidden information of the complex matrices of the CSI data, and to minimize information loss caused by data processing. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed architecture can improve accuracy of the downlink CSI prediction by approximately 6 dB.

Aim Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) are a heterogeneous group of tumours with varying clinical expression and behaviour. Because of indolent behaviour of NENs, reviewing and evaluation of epidemiological characteristics is a challenge. The aim of this study was to assess prevalence of NENs at tertiary hospitals considering age, gender, location, and grade. Methods Electronic files were used for a retrospective assessment of the patients with NENs of the gastroenteropancreatic tract and bronchopulmonary system in tertiary hospitals in Bosnia and Herzegovina over the past 15 years (2005-2020). Results Among 438 patients, 291(66.4%) were males and 147 (33.6%) females; the median age was 62 years. The lungs were the most frequent site, 304 (69.4%), followed by the pancreas, 22 (5.0%), colon, 14 (3.2%), stomach, 13 (2.9%), appendix, 13 (2.9%), rectum,11 (2.5%), small intestine, eight (1.8%) and gallbladder, one (0.2%). Metastases were most frequently found in the liver, 35 (8%) and lymph nodes, 15 (3.42%). Conclusion The results were largely consistent with those in literature, including age, gender, location, and the degree of differentiation. Most metastases originated from high-grade tumours and greater impairment of the liver.

Background Cancer patients are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19, partially owing to their compromised immune systems and curbed or cut cancer healthcare services caused by the pandemic. As a result, cancer caregivers may have to shoulder triple crises: the COVID-19 pandemic, pronounced healthcare needs from the patient, and elevated need for care from within. While technology-based health interventions have the potential to address unique challenges cancer caregivers face amid COVID-19, limited insights are available. Thus, to bridge this gap, we aim to identify technology-based interventions designed for cancer caregivers and report the characteristics and effects of these interventions concerning cancer caregivers' distinctive challenges amid COVID-19. Methods A systematic search of the literature will be conducted in PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Scopus from the database inception to the end of March 2021. Articles that center on technology-based interventions for cancer caregivers will be included in the review. The search strategy will be developed in consultation with an academic librarian who is experienced in systematic review studies. Titles, abstracts, and full-text articles will be screened against eligibility criteria developed a priori. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses procedures will be followed for the reporting process. Conclusions COVID-19 has upended cancer care as we know it. Findings of this study can shed light on evidence-based and practical solutions cancer caregivers can utilize to mitigate the unique challenges they face amid COVID-19. Furthermore, results of this study will also offer valuable insights for researchers who aim to develop interventions for cancer caregivers in the context of COVID-19. In addition, we also expect to be able to identify areas for improvement that need to be addressed in order for health experts to more adequately help cancer caregivers weather the storm of global health crises like COVID-19 and beyond. Systematic review registration PROSPERO CRD42020196301

Dental academic institutions are affected by COVID-19. We assessed the perceived COVID-19 preparedness of these institutions and the characteristics of institutions with greater perceived preparedness. An international cross-sectional survey of dental academics was conducted from March to August 2020 to assess academics’ and institutional attributes, perceived preparedness, and availability of infection prevention and control (IPC) equipment. Principal component analysis (PCA) identified perceived preparedness components. Multilevel linear regression analysis assessed the association between perceived preparedness and fixed effect factors (academics’ and institutions’ attributes) with countries as random effect variable. Of the 1820 dental academics from 28 countries, 78.4% worked in public institutions and 75.2% reported temporary closure. PCA showed five components: clinic apparel, measures before and after patient care, institutional policies, and availability of IPC equipment. Significantly less perceived preparedness was reported in lower-middle income (LMICs) (B = −1.31, p = 0.006) and upper-middle income (UMICs) (B = −0.98, p = 0.02) countries than in high-income countries (HICs), in teaching only (B = −0.55, p < 0.0001) and in research only (B = −1.22, p = 0.003) than teaching and research institutions and in institutions receiving ≤100 patients daily than those receiving >100 patients (B = −0.38, p < 0.0001). More perceived preparedness was reported by academics with administrative roles (B = 0.59, p < 0.0001). Academics from low-income countries (LICs) and LMICs reported less availability of clinic apparel, IPC equipment, measures before patient care, and institutional policies but more measures during patient care. There was greater perceived preparedness in HICs and institutions with greater involvement in teaching, research, and patient care.

In the present study, we try to establish whether specific disciplines in women’s artisticgymnastics are equal and should the applicable Code of Points (COP) be revised in terms ofpoint standardization on apparatus. Our sample included all-around senior female gymnastswho participated in the qualification (C-I) competitions from 2009 to 2019. The aim of ourresearch was to determine the impact of individual apparatus D and E score in women'sartistic gymnastic in relation to the final result of all-around event. The age among seniorsrise from 2009 to 2019 for 1.88 years. In our analysis, we have found that the results achievedon each apparatus were significantly different. The average final scores on vault weresignificantly higher than on all other apparatus. Significant predictors of all-around successseem to be uneven bars D and E scores and balance beam E score. It was interesting toobserve that the vault, balance beam and floor D scores were not significant predictors.Coaches can use the results from this research in their planning of preparation tactics forgymnasts in all-around, team and apparatus competitions.

Background: Cardiac myxoma is the most common benign tumor of the heart. It presents with a variety of clinical signs and symptomatology making diagnosis frequently quite a challenge. Objective: The aim of this article is to present a case report of giant right atrial myxoma with symptoms of right heart failure in adult patient. Case report: We present a case of large right atrial myxoma which is an uncommon location for this type of heart neoplasms, discovered incidentally in a female patient 77-year-old who came to our polyclinic for cardiological exam with hypertension last 11 years and obesity. Results and Discussion: Various clinical signs and symptoms produced by cardiac myxomas have been reported in the literature. Depending on location and morphology, cardiac tumors can produce four types of clinical manifestations: systemic-constitutional, embolic, cardiac, and secondary metastatic manifestation. Echocardiography as non-invasive imaging method and Transesophageal echocardiography has superior role for precise evaluation of cardiac tumors. Transesophageal echocardiography has superior role for accurate diagnostic evaluation of cardiac mass. Surgical excision of cardiac myxoma carries a low-operative risk and gives excellent short- and long-term results. Conclusion: Myxoma is the most prevalent primary heart tumor. It is rare to find a myxoma in the right atrium, occurring only in 15-20% of myxoma cases. Clinical manifestations of myxomas consist in a triad: constitutional symptoms, embolization and intracardiac obstruction. Transesophageal echocardiography has superior role for precise evaluation of cardiac tumors. Currently, there is no effective medical treatment, and surgical excision of the tumor is necessary.

Abstract In contemporary Bosnia and Herzegovina, rural poverty is an unresolved issue, despite farming having been a poverty coping strategy for many rural dwellers, especially after the end of the Balkan war. Eradicating poverty is among the priorities of the national government that aims at EU candidacy and accession. Being the most dynamic among agricultural sectors, berry farming is a key agricultural activity at the national level and had been the subject of rural development interventions, including the establishment of agricultural cooperatives. This article provides evidence from the largest agricultural cooperative in Bosnia and Herzegovina, to inform decision making and policy planning. The article aims at describing and analyzing the status and dynamics of poverty at the farm household level while highlighting their contributing factors, as well as at proposing possible development strategies based on the voice of local actors. Given the complexity and multifaceted features of the investigated issues, the methodological approach of this study relies on a mixed-methods research design, where the quantitative findings from the analysis of poverty status and dynamics and their contributing factors are complemented by qualitative findings from participatory activities. The results of the study pinpoint the successful contribution of the cooperative to the improvement of farmers' working conditions and market access and suggest that supporting collective action among berry farmers can be an effective rural development intervention to alleviate rural poverty and prevent poverty fallouts. To date, structural characteristics of farm holdings and households and climate and market-related conditions have significantly contributed to the farmers' poverty as well as to farmers’ exposure to poverty. Furthermore, bridging the gender gap is still a challenge in Bosnia and Herzegovina which should be addressed urgently to mitigate the problem of social exclusion and to promote bottom-up innovation.

Aim To report the results of a two-stage reconstruction of septic non-unions of the upper limb using the bone-and-strut technique with a follow-up of more than two years. Methods A total of 19 patients (12 males and seven females; age 27 to 85 years) were included in this cohort study. The evaluation endpoint was set at 24 months. Radiographic union, Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) scores, pain and return to work were assessed. All patients were treated with debridement and antibiotic therapy. At a second stage, the nonunion focus was filled with a cancellous bone allograft. Stability was provided using a locking plate and a bone strut. Results After 24 months, the QuickDASH scores improved from a median of 28 (interquartile range, 13 - 35 points), to a median of 78 (interquartile range, 70 - 89 points). Mean pain scores improved from 8.1 (range, 0.3-10) to 0.6 (range 0-2). Radiographic and clinical union was seen in all patients. The majority of patients returned to work or previous activities when retired. A new neurological deficit, recurrence of infection, or other surgery-related adverse events were not observed. Conclusion The two-stage bone-and-strut technique is a safe and effective technique in the treatment of septic non-unions of the upper limb. The union rate is high, the complication rate is acceptable and return return-to-work is high. Recurrence of infectious sequelae during a follow-up period of at least two years was not seen. The patient-reported outcomes increased significantly.