SMART CITY SERVICES DRIVEN BY IOT: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

The central role in development of information society is taken by smart cities and their novel services through the use of modern technology and smart solutions. The key enabler and driver of smart cities is Internet of Things (IoT). In this paper, we have conducted a systematic literature review in order to investigate proposed smart city services driven by IoT. We have formulated the review protocol to define the research question/s, search strategy, selection criteria, study quality assessment, and data extraction strategy. We have defined the following main research question: What are the reported applications of Internet of Things in the development of smart city services? The papers were categorized by the smart city services they proposed or described. We have recognized the following categories: traffic and transport; environment monitoring; accessibility & healthcare; waste management; public lighting; energy management; city infrastructure; and other

Phenotypes and genotypes of macrolide-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae in Serbia

Although macrolides are widely used for treating pneumococcal infections, an increase in macrolide resistance might compromise their use. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of macrolide-resistant phenotypes and genotypes in macrolide-resistant S. pneumoniae isolates in Serbia. A total of 228 macrolide-resistant strains isolated during the period of 2009-2012, were analyzed. Macrolide resistance phenotypes were determined by a double disk diffusion test. The presence of macrolide resistance genes was detected by PCR. Antibiotics susceptibilities were tested using the VITEK2 system and E test. Among the examined isolates, the MLSB phenotype which is linked to the presence of the erm(B) gene dominated (83.3%), while the mef(A) gene which is associated with the M phenotype, was identified in 16.7% isolates. Over 40% of isolates expressed co-resistance to penicillin. A multiple-resistant pattern was found in 36.4% strains, more frequently in children. However, all strains were susceptible to telithromycin, vancomycin, linezolid, fluoroquinolones and rifampicin. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. 175039

Characterization of macrolide-resistant non-invasive pneumococci in the pre-vaccine era in Serbia

Numerous reports have confirmed that increased macrolide use in the treatment of respiratory tract infection has contributed to the emergence of antibiotic resistance worldwide. Studies have also shown that pneumococcal vaccine can reduce pneumococcal resistance. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of co-resistance to penicillin and other antibiotics in macrolide-resistant (MR) non-invasive pneumococcal isolates and to evaluate serotype distribution in resistant strains in the pre-vaccine era in Serbia. About 80% of MR isolates expressed the MLS phenotype with very high resistance to both erythromycin and clindamycin. A total of 132 (84.1%) MR isolates were multiresistant, i.e., they were resistant to erythromycin, penicillin, tetracycline, and trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole. Among 157 MR pneumococci, 11 different serotypes were found. Four serotypes, 19F, 14, 6B, and 23F, accounted for 77.7% of all MR pneumococcal isolates. Among isolates with the cMLS phenotype, serotypes 19F and 14 were predominant, whereas serotype 6A was the most common among those with the M phenotype, followed by 14. In conclusion, co-resistance to macrolides and penicillin in our non-invasive pneumococcal isolates is high. The majority of tested strains (∼80%) belonged to the four serotypes (19F, 14, 6B, and 23F) that are included in all conjugate vaccine formulations

Role of cystatin C and renal resistive index in assessment of renal function in patients with liver cirrhosis

AIM: To evaluate the clinical significance of cystatin C and renal resistive index for the determination of renal function in patients with liver cirrhosis. METHODS: We conducted a study of 63 patients with liver cirrhosis. A control group comprised of 30 age and gender-matched healthy persons. Serum cystatin C was determined in all study subjects and renal Doppler ultrasonography was made. Estimated glomerular filtration rate from serum creatinine (GFR(Cr)) and cystatin C (GFR(Cys)) was calculated. RESULTS: We confirmed significant differences in values of cystatin C between patients with different stages of liver cirrhosis according to Child-Pugh (P = 0.01), and a significant correlation with model of end stage liver disease (MELD) score (r(s) = 0.527, P lt 0.001). More patients with decreased glomerular filtration rate were identified based on GFR(Cys) than on GFR(Cr) (P lt 0.001). Significantly higher renal resistive index was noted in Child-Pugh C than in A (P lt 0.001) and B stage (P = 0.001). Also, a significant correlation between renal resistive index and MELD score was observed (r(s) = 0.607, P lt 0.001). Renal resistive index correlated significantly with cystatin C (r(s) = 0.283, P = 0.028) and showed a negative correlation with GFR(Cys) (r(s) = -0.31, P = 0.016). CONCLUSION: Cystatin C may be a more reliable marker for assessment of liver insufficiency. Additionally, cystatin C and renal resistive index represent sensitive indicators of renal dysfunction in patients with liver cirrhosis

The clinical importance of biochemical bone markers in patients with alcoholic and viral liver cirrhosis

Background: Metabolic bone disease in patients with chronic liver disease is called hepatic osteodystrophy and is primarily a sequel to osteopenia/osteoporosis, and rarely secondary to osteomalacia: The aim of this work was to define the influence of vitamin D-3 and parathyroid hormone (PTH) in the pathogenesis of hepatic osteodystrophy, as well as the predictive significance of biochemical bone markers. Methods: This prospective study included 58 male patients with alcoholic (49) and viral (9) cirrhosis. The concentrations of serum vitamin D-3, PTH, osteocalcin and beta-carboxy-terminal cross-linked telopeptide of type I collagen (beta-CTX) were determined. Bone density was measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry in the L1 -L4 spinal segment and the femoral neck. Results: Lower bone mineral density (BMD) was measured in 41 patients (70.7%). There was no significant correlation between PTH and vitamin D3 values and T score in the femoral neck (p=0.51; p=0.063) and lumbar spine (p=0.49; 0.064). Also, no significant correlation was found between the osteocalcin values in lumbar spine BMD (p=0.944) and femoral neck (p=0.161), or with beta-CTX values and BMD in the lumbar spine (p=0.347) and femoral neck (p=0.73). Statistically significant difference was confirmed between the stage A osteocalcin (p=0.000) and beta-CTX (p=0.008) values in relation to advanced stages B and C. Conclusions: PTH and vitamin D3 do not influence the development of hepatic osteodystrophy. In patients with cirrhosis, osteocalcin and beta-CTX are not valid indicators of decreased BMD, but their values correlate with the degree of liver insufficiency

Prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease among coeliac disease patients in a Hungarian coeliac centre

BACKGROUND: Celiac disease, Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis are inflammatory disorders of the gastrointestinal tract with some common genetic, immunological and environmental factors involved in their pathogenesis. Several research shown that patients with celiac disease have increased risk of developing inflammatory bowel disease when compared with that of the general population. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease in our celiac patient cohort over a 15-year-long study period. METHODS: To diagnose celiac disease, serological tests were used, and duodenal biopsy samples were taken to determine the degree of mucosal injury. To set up the diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease, clinical parameters, imaging techniques, colonoscopy histology were applied. DEXA for measuring bone mineral density was performed on every patient. RESULTS: In our material, 8/245 (3,2 %) coeliac disease patients presented inflammatory bowel disease (four males, mean age 37, range 22-67), 6/8 Crohn's disease, and 2/8 ulcerative colitis. In 7/8 patients the diagnosis of coeliac disease was made first and inflammatory bowel disease was identified during follow-up. The average time period during the set-up of the two diagnosis was 10,7 years. Coeliac disease serology was positive in all cases. The distribution of histology results according to Marsh classification: 1/8 M1, 2/8 M2, 3/8 M3a, 2/8 M3b. The distribution according to the Montreal classification: 4/6 Crohn's disease patients are B1, 2/6 Crohn's disease patients are B2, 2/2 ulcerative colitis patients are S2. Normal bone mineral density was detected in 2/8 case, osteopenia in 4/8 and osteoporosis in 2/8 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Within our cohort of patients with coeliac disease, inflammatory bowel disease was significantly more common (3,2 %) than in the general population

Students attitudes' towards persons with mental health disorders

Uvod: Poremećaji mentalnog zdravlja učestali su i važan problem u Republici Hrvatskoj. Unatoč visokoj pojavnosti poremećaja mentalnog zdravlja, stigma je i dalje prisutan problem. Stigma utječe na kasnije traženje pomoći osoba s poremećajem mentalnog zdravlja te su samim time simptomi već uznapredovali što dovodi do kasnijeg liječenja. Cilj istraživanja: Ispitati stavove prema osobama s mentalnim poremećajima te razinu empatije kod studenata Fakulteta zdravstvenih studija Sveučilišta u Rijeci, kao i razlike između studenata i studentica u stavovima te povezanost empatije sa stavovima. Ispitanici i metode: Provedeno je istraživanje putem upitnika na prigodnom uzorku od 94 studenta Fakulteta zdravstvenih studija u Rijeci. Korištena su dva validirana upitnika: Skala za mjerenje stavova zajednice prema mentalnoj bolesti (CAMI) te Skala emocionalne empatije. Rezultati: Rezultati su pokazali da su pozitivniji stavovi prema osobama s poremećajem mentalnog zdravlja povezani s višom razinom empatije, te da studentice imaju pozitivnije stavove u usporedbi sa studentima. Razina empatije bila je viša kod studentica nego kod studenata. Zaključak: Ovo istraživanje naglašava značaj empatije kao važnog faktora u formiranju pozitivnih stavova prema osobama s poremećajem mentalnog zdravlja među studentima. Implementacija programa edukacije koji potiču razvoj empatije i osvještavanje stigmatizacije ima potencijal da doprinese promjeni društvenih normi i postizanju inkluzije i razumijevanja za osobe s poremećajem mentalnog zdravlja.Introduction: Mental health disorders are common and important problem in Croatia. Despite the high incidence of mental health disorders, stigma remains a problem. Stigma affects the later seeking for help of people with mental health disorders. Symptoms have often already advanced, which leads to later treatment. Aim: To examine the attitudes towards people with mental health disorders and the level of empathy among students of the Faculty of Health Studies, as well as the differences between male and female students in attitudes and the connection between empathy and attitudes. Participants and methods: The research was conducted through a questionnaire on a convenient sample of 94 students of the Faculty of Health Studies in Rijeka. Two validated questionnaires were used: Community Attitudes toward the Mentally Ill (CAMI) and the Scale of Emotional Empathy. Results: The results showed that more positive attitudes towards people with mental health disorders are associated with a higher level of empathy, and that female students have more positive attitudes compared to male students. The level of empathy was higher in female students than in male students. Conclusion: This research emphasizes the importance of empathy as an important factor in the formation of positive attitudes towards people with mental health disorders among students. The implementation of education programs that encourage the development of empathy and awareness of stigma has the potential to contribute to changing social norms and achieving inclusion and understanding for people with mental health disorders

Students attitudes' towards persons with mental health disorders

Uvod: Poremećaji mentalnog zdravlja učestali su i važan problem u Republici Hrvatskoj. Unatoč visokoj pojavnosti poremećaja mentalnog zdravlja, stigma je i dalje prisutan problem. Stigma utječe na kasnije traženje pomoći osoba s poremećajem mentalnog zdravlja te su samim time simptomi već uznapredovali što dovodi do kasnijeg liječenja. Cilj istraživanja: Ispitati stavove prema osobama s mentalnim poremećajima te razinu empatije kod studenata Fakulteta zdravstvenih studija Sveučilišta u Rijeci, kao i razlike između studenata i studentica u stavovima te povezanost empatije sa stavovima. Ispitanici i metode: Provedeno je istraživanje putem upitnika na prigodnom uzorku od 94 studenta Fakulteta zdravstvenih studija u Rijeci. Korištena su dva validirana upitnika: Skala za mjerenje stavova zajednice prema mentalnoj bolesti (CAMI) te Skala emocionalne empatije. Rezultati: Rezultati su pokazali da su pozitivniji stavovi prema osobama s poremećajem mentalnog zdravlja povezani s višom razinom empatije, te da studentice imaju pozitivnije stavove u usporedbi sa studentima. Razina empatije bila je viša kod studentica nego kod studenata. Zaključak: Ovo istraživanje naglašava značaj empatije kao važnog faktora u formiranju pozitivnih stavova prema osobama s poremećajem mentalnog zdravlja među studentima. Implementacija programa edukacije koji potiču razvoj empatije i osvještavanje stigmatizacije ima potencijal da doprinese promjeni društvenih normi i postizanju inkluzije i razumijevanja za osobe s poremećajem mentalnog zdravlja.Introduction: Mental health disorders are common and important problem in Croatia. Despite the high incidence of mental health disorders, stigma remains a problem. Stigma affects the later seeking for help of people with mental health disorders. Symptoms have often already advanced, which leads to later treatment. Aim: To examine the attitudes towards people with mental health disorders and the level of empathy among students of the Faculty of Health Studies, as well as the differences between male and female students in attitudes and the connection between empathy and attitudes. Participants and methods: The research was conducted through a questionnaire on a convenient sample of 94 students of the Faculty of Health Studies in Rijeka. Two validated questionnaires were used: Community Attitudes toward the Mentally Ill (CAMI) and the Scale of Emotional Empathy. Results: The results showed that more positive attitudes towards people with mental health disorders are associated with a higher level of empathy, and that female students have more positive attitudes compared to male students. The level of empathy was higher in female students than in male students. Conclusion: This research emphasizes the importance of empathy as an important factor in the formation of positive attitudes towards people with mental health disorders among students. The implementation of education programs that encourage the development of empathy and awareness of stigma has the potential to contribute to changing social norms and achieving inclusion and understanding for people with mental health disorders

Students attitudes' towards persons with mental health disorders

Uvod: Poremećaji mentalnog zdravlja učestali su i važan problem u Republici Hrvatskoj. Unatoč visokoj pojavnosti poremećaja mentalnog zdravlja, stigma je i dalje prisutan problem. Stigma utječe na kasnije traženje pomoći osoba s poremećajem mentalnog zdravlja te su samim time simptomi već uznapredovali što dovodi do kasnijeg liječenja. Cilj istraživanja: Ispitati stavove prema osobama s mentalnim poremećajima te razinu empatije kod studenata Fakulteta zdravstvenih studija Sveučilišta u Rijeci, kao i razlike između studenata i studentica u stavovima te povezanost empatije sa stavovima. Ispitanici i metode: Provedeno je istraživanje putem upitnika na prigodnom uzorku od 94 studenta Fakulteta zdravstvenih studija u Rijeci. Korištena su dva validirana upitnika: Skala za mjerenje stavova zajednice prema mentalnoj bolesti (CAMI) te Skala emocionalne empatije. Rezultati: Rezultati su pokazali da su pozitivniji stavovi prema osobama s poremećajem mentalnog zdravlja povezani s višom razinom empatije, te da studentice imaju pozitivnije stavove u usporedbi sa studentima. Razina empatije bila je viša kod studentica nego kod studenata. Zaključak: Ovo istraživanje naglašava značaj empatije kao važnog faktora u formiranju pozitivnih stavova prema osobama s poremećajem mentalnog zdravlja među studentima. Implementacija programa edukacije koji potiču razvoj empatije i osvještavanje stigmatizacije ima potencijal da doprinese promjeni društvenih normi i postizanju inkluzije i razumijevanja za osobe s poremećajem mentalnog zdravlja.Introduction: Mental health disorders are common and important problem in Croatia. Despite the high incidence of mental health disorders, stigma remains a problem. Stigma affects the later seeking for help of people with mental health disorders. Symptoms have often already advanced, which leads to later treatment. Aim: To examine the attitudes towards people with mental health disorders and the level of empathy among students of the Faculty of Health Studies, as well as the differences between male and female students in attitudes and the connection between empathy and attitudes. Participants and methods: The research was conducted through a questionnaire on a convenient sample of 94 students of the Faculty of Health Studies in Rijeka. Two validated questionnaires were used: Community Attitudes toward the Mentally Ill (CAMI) and the Scale of Emotional Empathy. Results: The results showed that more positive attitudes towards people with mental health disorders are associated with a higher level of empathy, and that female students have more positive attitudes compared to male students. The level of empathy was higher in female students than in male students. Conclusion: This research emphasizes the importance of empathy as an important factor in the formation of positive attitudes towards people with mental health disorders among students. The implementation of education programs that encourage the development of empathy and awareness of stigma has the potential to contribute to changing social norms and achieving inclusion and understanding for people with mental health disorders

Revolutionary real estate valuation : The impact of artificial intelligence on the real estate valuation process

Denna studie utforskar den transformerande potentialen hos artificiell intelligens (AI) i fastighetsvärderingsprocessen, och använder en kvalitativ intervjumetod för att fördjupa sig i fördelarna och utmaningarna med att integrera AI i detta område. AI visar förmågan att hantera stora mängder data och identifiera mönster som kanske inte är omedelbart uppenbara för mänskliga utvärderare, vilket potentiellt kan leda till mer exakta och objektiva fastighetsvärderingar. Men användningen av dessa system innebär också risker, som möjligheten att lära sig felaktiga antagandeneller att använda diskriminerande data som en del av deras träningsprocess. En av de största utmaningarna som identifierats med AI inom fastighetsvärdering är bristen på transparens i AI-modeller. För att AI-modeller ska accepteras och utnyttjas till sin fulla potential måste de varatillräckligt transparenta. Detta är särskilt viktigt inom fastighetsvärdering, där motiveringen bakom beräkningar och värderingar behöver vara tydlig. Studien noterar också den konservativa naturen hos fastighetsmarknaden och hur detta kan bromsa antagandet av nya teknologier som AI. Det förväntas att det kommer att ta tid för AI att få omfattande acceptans inom branschen. Studien drar slutsatsen att AI-tekniken ännu inte är fullt utvecklad för att användas självständigt inom fastighetsvärdering. Det kommer att ta tid för AI-system att utvecklas tillräckligt för att användas som ett verktyg inom fastighetsvärdering på ett omfattande sätt. Etiska överväganden med att använda AI i fastighetsvärdering diskuteras också, inklusive risken för att AI-system lär sig att göra felaktiga antaganden eller att använda diskriminerande data som en del av deras träningsprocess. Sammanfattningsvis, medan AI innehar löftet om att revolutionera fastighetsvärdering, finns det betydande utmaningar att övervinna. Dessa inkluderar att förbättra transparensen hos AI-modeller, ändra attityder mot ny teknik inom fastighetsbranschen, vidareutveckla AI-teknik och hantera etiska överväganden. Det förväntas att med fortsatt forskning och utveckling kan dessa utmaningar övervinnas, och AI kan bli en integrerad del av fastighetsvärderingsprocessen. Men det måste erkännas att AI är ett verktyg som kan användas på både bra och dåliga sätt, och det är upp till oss att se till att det används ansvarsfullt.This study explores the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the property valuation process, using a qualitative interview method to delve into the advantages and challenges associated with integrating AI into this domain. AI demonstrates the capacity to handle large volumes of data and identify patterns that may not be immediately apparent to human evaluators, potentially leading to more accurate and objective property valuations. However, the use of these systems also carries risks, such as the possibility of learning incorrect assumptions or using discriminatory data as part of theirtraining process. One of the major challenges identified with AI in property valuation is the lack of transparency in AI models. For AI models to be accepted and utilized to their full potential, they must be sufficiently transparent. This is particularly important in property valuation, where the rationalebehind calculations and valuations needs to be clear. The study also notes the conservative nature of the property market and how this can slow the adoption of new technologies like AI. It is expected that it will take time for AI to gain widespread acceptance within the industry. The study concludes that AI technology is not yet fully developed to be used independently within property valuation. It will take time for AI systems to develop sufficiently to be used as a tool within property valuation in a comprehensive manner. Ethical considerations of using AI in property valuation are also discussed,including the risk of AI systems learning to make incorrect assumptions or using discriminatory data as part of their training process. In conclusion, while AI holds the promise of revolutionizing property valuation, there are significant challenges to overcome. These include improving the transparency ofAI models, changing attitudes towards new technology within the property industry, further developing AI technology, and addressing ethical considerations. It is expected that with continued research and development, these challenges can be overcome, and AI can become an integral part ofthe property valuation process. However, it must be recognized that AI is a tool that can be used in both good and bad ways, and it is up to us to ensure that it is used responsibly