The Penal-Correctional Institution of the Enclosed Type in Zenica (Kazneno-popravni zavod zatvorenog tipa Zenica), Bosnia-Herzegovina, has been in continuous operation for over 130 years and is currently the largest and most-diverse penal institution in the country. With 714 inmates serving lengthy sentences (up to 40 years) for the variety of serious offenses (including terrorism), the issue of narcotics use, traffic and trade has been encountered and countered, particularly in the last decade. The types of drugs encountered in the institution range from prescription drugs (i.e. buprenorphine, methadone), to “heavy” narcotics (i.e. heroin, morphine, speed. The type, quantity and frequency of drug use and seizure shows certain seasonal and temporal effects and is associated with the inmate-furlough periods, awarded for good behavior. Many inmates use this privilege to bring narcotics into the facility. Some of the encountered substances have been seized from the facility visitors and even from the prison staff, in the past five years, but the charges have been generally dismissed by the prosecutors for the lack of evidence. An average seizure is about ten grams per incident, and the number of seizures has been continuous, suggesting considerable financial interest and gain for the drugs to enter the institution. There are various measures proposed to counter the traffic and limit the purchases, however the inmate population is very apt in using the current legal regulations and EU-mandates to circumvent the proposed countermeasures. This study is presenting some of the findings, directions and recommendations for combating the drug-traffic within the correctional institution.

Abnormal dopamine neurotransmission is associated with several neurological and psychiatric disorders such as Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, attention deficiency and hyperactivity disorder and addiction. Developing highly sensitive, selective and fast dopamine monitoring methods is of high importance especially for the early diagnosis of these diseases. Herein, we report a new ultrasensitive electrochemical sensing platform for in situ monitoring of cell-secreted dopamine using Au-coated arrays of micropyramid structures integrated directly into a Petri dish. This approach enables the monitoring of dopamine released from cells in real-time without need for relocating cultured cells. According to the electrochemical analyses, our dopamine sensing platform exhibits excellent analytical characteristics with a detection limit of 0.5 nM, a wide linear range of 0.01 to 500 µM, and a sensitivity of 0.18 µA/µM. The sensor also has remarkable selectivity towards DA in the presence of different potentially interfering small molecules. The developed electrochemical sensor has a great potential for in vitro analysis of neuronal cells as well as early diagnosis of different neurological diseases related to abnormal levels of dopamine.

The analysis of operations of the passenger traffic operator in the Republic of Srpska (RS) showed that the volume of passenger transport has, for the last fifteen years, been in constant decline. It is of particular importance that the operator has, year after year, recorded a negative balance of business. The way out of the current unfavorable situation in the sector of passenger traffic is based on the application of Public Service Obligation (PSO) based on the Regulation 1370/2007. In order to solve the problems, seven realistically possible variants have been identified. This paper defines the criteria for selecting the best variant, as well as a new integrated fuzzy model for the selection of the best variant that will enable the operator to make a profit. To define the weights of criteria in this paper, we have used the fuzzy PIvot Pairwise RElative Criteria Importance Assessment (F-PIPRECIA) method, while for ranking and selection of the best variant, we have used the Fuzzy Evaluation based on Distance from Average Solution (F-EDAS) method. Results show that the seventh variant: “Increase in revenue from ticket sales and PSO services and reduction in costs“ is the best solution in current conditions. Validation tests are performed with different scenarios and approaches and show that the model is stable. A validity test was created consisting of variations in the significance of model input parameters, testing of reverse rank, applying the fuzzy Measurement Alternatives and Ranking according to the COmpromise Solution (F-MARCOS), fuzzy Simple Additive Weighing (F-SAW) method, and fuzzy Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (F-TOPSIS). As a part of the validation tests, Spearman’s coefficient of correlation (SCC) in some scenarios is performed and weights of the criteria have been obtained using the Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (F-AHP) and Full Consistency Method (FUCOM).

This paper studies practical limitations of learning methods for resource management in non-stationary radio environment. We propose two learning models carefully designed to support rate maximization objective under user mobility. We study the effects of practical systems such as latency and reliability on the rate maximization with deep learning models. For common testing in the non-stationary environment we present a generic dataset generation method to benchmark across different learning models versus traditional optimal resource management solutions. Our results indicate that learning models have practical challenges related to training limiting their applications. The models need environment-specific design to reach the accuracy of an optimal algorithm.

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is common among patients on haemodialysis (HD) therapy and is an important cause of morbidity and mortality. In patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), the risks for negative outcomes are significantly higher in HCV-infected patients than in those without HCV infection, including progression to cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma and liver-related mortality. Ombitasvir (OBV), paritaprevir (PTV), ritonavir (r), and dasabuvir (DSV) are all hepatically metabolized and, therefore, require no dose adjustment in patients with any degree of renal impairment. Aims: We studied the safety and efficacy of OBV/PTV/r + DSV in a small group of HCV infected patients on haemodialysis therapy. Methods: Treatment course with ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir and dasabuvir; (3-DAA regimen of OBV/PTV/r+DSV±RBV) was analysed. Pre-treatment evaluation of HCV infection included HCV RNA, genotype, and liver fibrosis assed by transient fibroelastography (FibroScan). The stage 5 CKD was defined as an eGFR of <15 mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively; those on haemodialysis were considered to have stage 5 CKD or end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Demographic data and concomitant medication were retrieved from patients’ records. The primary endpoint was sustained virologic response at post-treatment week 12 (SVR12). We collected data on on-treatment adverse events (AEs), serious AEs, and laboratory abnormalities. Results: Among 7 treated patients, 6 were male and 1 female, all were infected with genotype 1 (5 GT1b, 2 GT1a). Patient had compensated liver cirrhosis and six patients did not have liver cirrhosis, none were liver transplant recipients. All of seven patients completed 12 weeks of treatment and achieved SVR12. Concomitant medication had to be modified with the treatment initiation in 5 out of 7 patients. One of the patients presented with a significant decrease in haemoglobin level, white blood cell and platelet count during the treatment period. The most frequent adverse events were nausea, diarrhoea. Adverse events were primarily mild, and no patient discontinued treatment due to an AE. Conclusions: Treatment with OBV/PTV/r +DSV ± RBV was well-tolerated and resulted in high rates of SVR12 (100%) for patients with HCV GT1b/1a on haemodialysis.

Background/aim To evaluate the effects of hysterectomy on rat ovaries and the possible protective role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) agonist-rosiglitazone against ovarian reserve decrement. Materials and methods Forty-five adult Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into three groups. Hysterectomy was performed (n = 15) in group 1 [H]; 1 mg/kg/day PPAR-γ agonist/rosiglitazone was used for 50 days after hysterectomy (n = 15) in group 2 [H + R]; a sham operation was performed (n = 15) in group 3 [control, C]. Blood samples were collected for anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) evaluation in all groups and simultaneous ovarian Doppler examination was performed in [H] and [H + R] groups before and after (50 days) hysterectomy. All animals were sacrificed to obtain ovaries for histological examination. Results AMH levels were found to be significantly decreased at postoperative day 50 in all groups (P < 0.05). Histopathologic analysis showed that primary, preantral, and antral follicle counts were significantly higher in the [H] group as compared to the [C] and [H + R] groups (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the [C] and [H + R] groups in terms of follicle numbers (P > 0.05). In the ovarian Doppler blood flow analysis, all parameters were significantly decreased in group [H] (P < 0.05), but not in the [H + R] group (P > 0.05) on postoperative day 50. Conclusion Hysterectomy affects the histopathological structure of rat ovaries and PPAR-γ agonist-rosiglitazone improves the ovarian Doppler blood flow parameters.

The fibrillar organization is crucial for the mechanics of osteonal bone and for its anisotropy. Different collagen fiber orientation (CFO) patterns are observed in bone and correlated to the main local loading, leading to the hypothesis that the fibers are preferentially aligned to bear specific loading types. A heterogeneous distribution of osteon morphotypes (OMs) is noticed in long bones, although the relationship between the OM spatial distribution and the local predominant loading is still unclear. This study aims to shed light on the reasons why Nature uses specific OMs in diverse stress‐dominated regions. A multimodal approach is adopted, including collagen fiber orientation mapping, numerical modeling of different OMs under tensile and compressive loading, and 3D‐printing of OM‐inspired samples, to unravel the relationship between different OMs and their mechanical behavior. Simulation results suggest a better performance of the vertical OM (VOM) under tensile loading and of the twisted OM (TOM) under compression, confirming earlier hypotheses. The outcomes of mechanical testing, conducted on 3D‐printed samples, highlight a possible buckling‐induced failure of fibers with preferential vertical orientation and provide evidence that OMs are stress‐tailored, opening new venues for the design of stress‐tuned bioinspired composites.

This study aims to explore the relationship between transformational leadership and organizational commitment in multinational companies (MNCs) in Morocco.,The study used a sample size of 256 employees to attain results regarding a relationship between transformational leadership and organizational commitment. Proposed hypotheses are tested through regression analysis.,Findings show a relationship between transformational leadership and organizational commitment. Organisations use different leadership styles and thus act differently. However, tranformational leadership shows its importance in leading organisations who aim to be constantly committed.,To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first research in North Africa that investigates the level of transformational leadership and organizational commitment in MNCs.

Ovim radom ispituje se da li i na koji način politički poredak u Bosni i Hercegovini determiniran logikom etnopolitike sadrži i producira subverzivni potencijal za vlastitu negaciju. Ideja se postepeno javljala u kontekstu različitih protesta u proteklih pet godina, ali se kao naučno pitanje ozbiljnije oblikovalo tek stapanjem protesta “Pravda za Dženana” i “Pravda za Davida” 2018. godine. Kroz proteste se od jedinstvenog matičnog broja i zdravstva preko radničkih prava i demobilisanih boraca kao politiziranih tijela par excellence pa sve do institucionalizirane instrumentalizacije smrti uočava izražena biopolitička dimenzija sa potpisom etnodeterminizma. Politološkim čitanjem odnosa između kontrahegemonijskih narativa odozdo i njihove sve vidljivije kriminalizacije odozdo, autor problematizira kako ono što se ovdje naziva biopolitikom etnodeterminizma producira narativ otpora kao mogućnost koja osvjetljavanjem naličja samog sistema dovodi u pitanje osnovu njegove legitimacije.

Abstract Purpose: To investigate contemporary results of percutaneous transluminal renal angioplasty (PTRA). Materials and Methods: A multicentre retrospective study analysing all patients treated with PTRA for primary symptomatic renal artery stenosis (RAS) between 2010 and 2013 at four tertiary centres. Procedures during the preceding four years were counted to evaluate for change in PTRA frequency. Results: The number of PTRA procedures decreased by approximately 50% from 2006 to 2013. Patients treated in the post-ASTRAL period (n = 224) had a significant reduction in mean systolic pressure (168 to 146 mmHg, p < 0.01), diastolic pressure (84 to 76 mmHg, p < 0.01), number of anti-hypertensive drugs (3.54 to 3.05, p < 0.01), and anti-hypertensive treatment index (21.75 to 16.92, p < 0.01) compared to before PTRA. These improvements were maintained at one year and at the last clinical evaluation after a mean follow-up of 4.31 years. Renal function increased transiently without sustained improvement, or deterioration, during later follow-up. Thirteen patients (5.8%) eventually required dialysis, nine of these had eGFR <20 ml/min/1.73 m2 before PTRA. There was no difference in outcomes between subgroups differentiated by different indications for PTRA. Conclusion: The frequency of PTRA has decreased, indicating a higher threshold for invasive treatment of RAS in recent years. The reduction in blood pressures, the reduced need for anti-hypertensive medication, and stabilization of renal function over time suggest a clinical benefit for most patients who are now being treated with PTRA.

COVID-19 pandemic is plaguing the world and representing the most significant stress test for many national healthcare systems and services, since their foundation. The supply-chain disruption and the unprecedented request for intensive care unit (ICU) beds have created in Europe conditions typical of low-resources settings. This generated a remarkable race to find solutions for the prevention, treatment and management of this disease which is involving a large amount of people. Every day, new Do-It-Yourself (DIY) solutions regarding personal protective equipment and medical devices populate social media feeds. Many companies (e.g., automotive or textile) are converting their traditional production to manufacture the most needed equipment (e.g., respirators, face shields, ventilators etc.). In this chaotic scenario, policy makers, international and national standards bodies, along with the World Health Organization (WHO) and scientific societies are making a joint effort to increase global awareness and knowledge about the importance of respecting the relevant requirements to guarantee appropriate quality and safety for patients and healthcare workers. Nonetheless, ordinary procedures for testing and certification are currently questioned and empowered with fast-track pathways in order to speed-up the deployment of new solutions for COVID-19. This paper shares critical reflections on the current regulatory framework for the certification of personal protective equipment. We hope that these reflections may help readers in navigating the framework of regulations, norms and international standards relevant for key personal protective equipment, sharing a subset of tests that should be deemed essential even in a period of crisis.