Manufacturers of automated systems and their components have been allocating an enormous amount of time and effort in R&D activities. This effort translates into an overhead on the V&V (verification and validation) process making it time-consuming and costly. In this paper, we present an ECSEL JU project (VALU3S) that aims to evaluate the state-of-the-art V&V methods and tools, and design a multi-domain framework to create a clear structure around the components and elements needed to conduct the V&V process. The main expected benefit of the framework is to reduce time and cost needed to verify and validate automated systems with respect to safety, cyber-security, and privacy requirements. This is done through identification and classification of evaluation methods, tools, environments and concepts for V&V of automated systems with respect to the mentioned requirements. To this end, VALU3S brings together a consortium with partners from 10 different countries, amounting to a mix of 25 industrial partners, 6 leading research institutes, and 10 universities to reach the project goal.

In this paper, we present our work in close-distance non-verbal communication with tabletop robot Haru through hand gestural interaction. We implemented a novel hand gestural understanding system by training a machine-learning architecture for real-time hand gesture recognition with the Leap Motion. The proposed system is activated based on the velocity of a user's palm and index finger movement, and subsequently labels the detected movement segments under an early classification scheme. Our system is able to combine multiple gesture labels for recognition of consecutive gestures without clear movement boundaries. System evaluation is conducted on data simulating real human-robot interaction conditions, taking into account relevant performance variables such as movement style, timing and posture. Our results show robustness in hand gesture classification performance under variant conditions. We furthermore examine system behavior under sequential data input, paving the way towards seamless and natural real-time close-distance hand-gestural communication in the future.

This paper aims to examine the impact of digital tools in mathematics and the readiness of teachers and students applying these interactive tools in teaching. The data used in the research are obtained from the test results of 526 students, in five secondary schools in North Macedonia. The students in this research, are divided into two groups: mainly as a control group and an experimental group. The control group is the group of students who do not have access to the interactive tools at home and who use interactive tools only once a week in the school while the group of students in the experimental group have access to them and have the opportunity to use these interactive applications every day. The students in the control group and the experimental group were selected from the same year and the gender equality of the groups was taken into account. To further understand the relationship between teaching with digital tools and learning after testing was surveyed the participants. The results in our research suggest that interactive teaching tools have a positive impact on the teaching process and increase students' knowledge.

Aim To determine a status of systolic function in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) type 2 with ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI), to determine values of cardiac biomarkers in patients with DM type 2 with STEMI and correlate the parameters with ejection fraction of left ventricle (EFLV). Methods A total of 80 patients were divided into two groups, the study group (group I) consisting of 40 patients admitted with the diagnosis of DM type 2 and STEMI, and a control group (group II) with 40 patients with STEMI without diagnosed DM type 2. Cardiac biomarkers - creatine kinase MB fraction (CKMB), and troponin I were monitored. The EFLV was evaluated echocardiographically (using Simpson method) five days after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI). Results In the group I the EFLV five days after pPCI was significantly correlated with troponin values (with a minimum r = -0.47; p=0.002, a maximum r = -0.339; p = 0.032, as well as with an average value of r = -0.389; p=0.013), and with an average CK value (r = -0.319; p=0.045). In the group II there was a significant negative correlation of EFLV with the maximum value of troponin (r = -0.309; p=0.05). Conclusion Troponin values have an effect on the EFLV after STEMI, and thus on the left ventricular status, as well as on the pharmacological modality itself.

Aim To evaluate a correlation of serum level of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) to the risk of the occurrence of complications in patients with the early phase of ST-segment elevation myocardical infarction (STEMI) treated with fibrinolytic therapy prior to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods A total of 54 patients with the diagnosis of STEMI treated with fibrinolytic therapy (alteplase) prior to PCI were included. Patients were admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Clinic for Heart, Blood Vessel and Rheumatic Diseases in the period January to March 2018. All patients underwent coronary angiography and PCI within the maximum of 48 hours delay after fibrinolysis, according to the hemodynamic and electrical stability and PCI availability. Blood samples were taken immediately after admission prior to fibrinolytic administration. Patients were divided into two groups according to NGAL values (less or more than 134.05 ng/mL). Results Higher values of NGAL have effect on a higher mean systolic and diastolic pressure (p=0.001 and p=0.003, respectively). Patients with higher NGAL values also have higher values of brain natriuretic peptide (p=0.0001) and highly sensitive troponin I (p=0.002). In that group relative risk (RR) for lethal outcome was 6.4 times significantly higher (p=0.002), for the development of heart failure 2.88 times (p=0.0002), for post-myocardial infarction angina pectoris 2.24 times (p=0.0158), and for ventricular rhythm disturbances (ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation) 1.96 times higher (p=0.0108). Conclusion Increased NGAL value is related to an unfavourable outcome of patients in the early phase of STEMI treated with fibrinolytic therapy prior to PCI.

In this paper, we approach the problem of ensuring safety requirements within human-robot collaborative scenarios. The safety requirements considered herein are consistent with the paradigm of speed and separation monitoring. In such a setup, safety guarantees for human operators usually imply limited robot velocities and/or significant distance margins, which in turn may have adverse effects regarding the productivity of the robot. In this paper, we propose a novel approach that minimally affects the productivity while being consistent with such a safety prescription. A comprehensive simulation study shows that our method outperforms the current state of the art algorithm.

Introduction: Microdissection testicular sperm extraction (microTESE) is considered the gold standard method for surgical sperm retrieval among patients with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA). Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between histopathological findings after failed microTESE procedure and outcomes of the „second-look“ procedure and to provide insight into the most common histopathological patterns after testicular biopsy within our population. Methods: The retrospective study included 33 selected patients with NOA, who had undergone unsuccessful sperm retrieval. The diagnosis of NOA was made after the assessment of the patient’s history data, a physical examination, semen analysis, the hormonal profile, and genetic studies. After negative sperm retrieval, histopathological report has been analyzed for „second-look“ microTESE attempt. Results: Five testicular histopathological patterns were found: hypospermatogenesis (9,1%), Sertoli cell-only syndrome (43%), germ cell maturation arrest (15%), seminiferous tubule hyalinization (15%), mixed pattern (21%). Y-microdeletions were detected in 5 patients, of which 3 patients showed AZFc region deletions. Only 3 patients (9,1%) underwent a „second-look“ procedure after the evaluation of histopathological reports. After the stimulation therapy and „second-look“ procedure, we had a positive outcome in a single patient (33,3%). Mean FSH value in patients with confirmed spermatogenesis was 17.26±3.11IU/l, while mean FSH value in patients without presence or germ cell statistically significantly exceeded and was 24.28±4.71IU/L (p=0.038). Conclusion: Histopathological reports following the microTESE procedure are obligatory for the proper selection of patients who are candidates for the „second-look“ microTESE attempt. Patients with Sertoli cell-only syndrome and hypospermatogenesis particularly can benefit from the “second-look” procedure.

Introduction: Upper gastrointestinal bleeding can be a life-threatening condition and requires careful evaluation from the very first episode in order to reduce the risk of rebleeding, hemorrhagic shock and death. The outcome of a patient with upper gastrointestinal bleeding depends on resuscitation measures taken during admission to the hospital and an adequate assessment of the patient’s risk level. Aim: The aim of the study is to compare Glasgow Blatchford score and Rockall score and to identify the most accurate score used in predicting unfavorable outcomes and the need for intervention. Methods: This study involves 237 patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding. The accuracy of the scoring systems was assessed by plotting receiver-operating characteristic curves (ROC curves) and was calculated for GBS and RS with 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: As for mortality prediction, RS was superior to GBS (AUC 0.806 vs. 0.750). The GBS had a higher accuracy in detecting patients who needed transfusion units and was superior to the RS (AUC 0.810 vs.0.675). In predicting the need for intervention, RS was superior to GBS (AUC 0.707 vs. 0.636. Conclusion: GBS and RS are developed to help clinicians to triage patients appropriately in order to assess endoscopic therapy within a suitable time frame, as well as identify low risk patients for possible outpatient management. High accuracy of the GBS in predicting a need for transfusion represents an important endpoint to assess. RS was superior to GBS in predicting a need for intervention as well as mortality. Currently, a combination of these scoring systems is the best way for proper assessment.

Human coronaviruses, especially SARS-CoV-2, are emerging pandemic infectious diseases with high morbidity and mortality in certain group of patients. In general, SARS-CoV-2 causes symptoms ranging from the common cold to severe conditions accompanied by lung injury, acute respiratory distress syndrome in addition to other organs’ destruction. The main impact upon SARS-CoV-2 infection is damage to alveolar and acute respiratory failure. Thus, lung cancer patients are identified as a particularly high-risk group for SARS-CoV-2 infection and its complications. On the other hand, it has been reported that SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein binds to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2), that promotes cellular entry of this virus in concert with host proteases, principally transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2). Today, there are no vaccines and/or effective drugs against the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. Thus, manipulation of key entry genes of this virus especially in lung cancer patients could be one of the best approaches to manage SARS-CoV-2 infection in this group of patients. We herein provide a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of the role of ACE-2 and TMPRSS2 genes, as key entry elements as well as therapeutic targets for SARS-CoV-2 infection, which can help to better understand the applications and capacities of various remedial approaches for infected individuals, especially those with lung cancer.

The coexistence of humans and dogs, in addition to all positive effects, can result in negative effects on human health. A particular risk is posed by a population of stray dogs, that is, dogs without owners and veterinary supervision. A contact with dogs in addition to bites, carries the risk of viral, bacterial and parasitic zoonoses, and can also cause psychological trauma. Children, the elderly and pregnant women are the categories most susceptible to the negative effects of dogs. The aim of the paper was to make an interdisciplinary analysis of the negative effects of dogs on humans. Dog bites cause wounds and dysfunction of damaged tissue, and often lead to various infections. The risks of rabies and tetanus are particularly significant if proper and timely treatment is not performed. Ongoing training for dog owners can significantly reduce the number of bites inflicted by owned dogs, but stray dogs remain a serious social problem and pose potential health risks of some zoonosis. Timely and adequate management of bite wounds and the use of rabies-post-exposure prophylaxis as well as psycho-therapy, where indicated, significantly reduce possible adverse health effects for patients who have been bitten by dogs.

Aim To compare maternal, foetal and neonatal characteristics, and perinatal outcome of preterm and term deliveries in twins pregnancies in order to improve perinatal care in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Methods This retrospective cohort study included pregnant women with twin pregnancy who delivered during the period between 1 January 2012 and 31 December 2018 at the Clinic for Gynaecology and Obstetrics, University Clinical Centre Tuzla. Results During the seven-year period 26 734 deliveries were recorded, out of which 362 (1.35 %) were twin pregnancies, 226 (62.4%) preterm and 136 (37.5%) term ones. In the preterm group 38 (16.8%) pregnancies were assisted medical reproduction, and 16 (11.7%) of those were in the term group. The average birth weight was significantly higher for the first twin in both groups (p<0.00001). Incipient intrauterine foetal asphyxia was more frequent in the preterm group (p<0.05). The most common indication for Caesarean section was abnormalities of foetal presentation and lie, 176 (68.2%) for the overall sample. Conclusion Cornerstone of twin pregnancy antenatal care is to get correct data about amnionicity and chorionicity. Since majority of prenatal data did not have this information we call all obstetricians to declare about amnionicity and chorionicity in twin pregnancies during the first trimester ultrasound examination.

Aim To investigate clinical and obstetrical characteristics, an outcome and a prognosis for pregnant women with diagnosed and treated genital or extragenital cancer and their newborns. Methods This retrospective cohort study included pregnant and childbearing women with a history of cancer diagnosed before pregnancy during the period between 1 January 2014 and 31 December 2018. Data related to the course of pregnancy and childbirth were collected from medical records (mothers' disease history and partogram). The analysis covered clinical and histopathological characteristics of cancers, type of the treatment (surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy), demographic data, obstetric characteristics, comorbidities of women, and outcome of the newborns. Results The study recorded 18 414 deliveries, of which 30 (0.16%) were pregnancies in women who had been diagnosed and treated earlier for genital or extragenital cancer. The average age of the women at the time of delivery was 29.43±5.97 years. There were six (20%) women with genital and 24 (80%) with extragenital cancer. The most frequent extra genital cancer was Hodgkin lymphoma, in eight (26.6%) cases; ovarian cancer was the most frequent genital cancer, in four (13.3%) cases. The average time span from the cancer diagnosis and start of the treatment to the delivery was 59.2±44.4 months (5 years) (range 12 months - 15 years). Two (6.6%) women died. Conclusion Our data demonstrate a favourable obstetric and neonatal outcome for women who have survived cancer.