Advanced Technologies, Systems, and Applications

Systems thinking and complex adaptive systems theories share a number of components, namely emergence, self-organization, and hierarchies of interacting systems. We seek to integrate these schools of thought and discuss the similarities and differences of these two models, to introduce systems dynamics and agent-based modeling as methods for modeling complex systems, and how causal-loop diagrams can be used as a means to clarify the complex interactions among components (agents). We then apply a mixture of these different but similar techniques to a fly ecosystem modeling problem to demonstrate their effectiveness.

The development of new technologies has contributed to the development of robot technology. Information technologies and sensor technologies gave the largest contribution to the development of robot technology. Parallel with their development, the development of robot technology took place. The development of service robotics comes along with the development of industrial robotics. Over 300 of service robots for non-production applications have designed as result of development of information technologies as well as the advancement in sensor and servo-drive technology. Service robots are designed to perform professional job tasks as well as for service used in areas of everyday life. One of the fields for service robots application is medicine. Medicine can be categorized as a scientific, research, human discipline—and thus, application of service robots in medicine represents a scientific contribution, due to a huge application of different robotic devices for various purposes, different technological achievements in various fields of medicine. These robotic devices are used to replace missing limbs, perform complex surgical procedures, serve patients in hospital rooms, perform laboratory tests, diagnose diseases, and help in rehabilitation after stroke. This paper will review the presence of service robots in medicine, as well as the application in various areas of medicine such as: surgery, orthopaedics, rehabilitation, distance treatment, serving patients, etc. We have conducted a comparative analysis of the service robots application in medicine with the service robots application in military industry, after which conclusions have been drawn.

The electroencephalography (EEG) is an electrophysiological monitoring method to record electrical activity of the brain and is used as the method of choice for the diagnosis of epilepsy. Nowadays, we can find dozens of EEG signal analysis papers using mathematical approach and with a focus on identification of epilepsy. This paper presents some results relating to the analysis of EEG on children using the Global Wavelet Spectrum (GWS). The signals are analyzed and collected on the UKCS during 2015 and 2016 using GWS. To be able to make comparison, EEG signals are gathered from both patients with and without epilepsy. Using this approach it is possible to clearly differentiate patients with a diagnosis of epilepsy from healthy ones.

The paper discusses an important class of defense and commercial applications in the context of Ground Target (Object) Identification, Classification, and Tracking. The data base of target digital signatures is assembled and formed for a full spatial circle (360°) analysis from such sources as High Resolution Radar and Synthetic Aperture Radar. These digital signatures are analyzed from which various spatial as well as frequency (wavelet) characteristics of the targets are formed and interpreted, in order to make good estimate of target pose angle. This angle is key for tracking maneuvering targets. Various statistical measures are obtained from digital signatures to assist in pose angle estimation. We also use certain geometrical considerations to determine an initial pose estimate which is the refined using a variety of correlation coefficients. Expected precision of pose estimate is within few degrees, i.e. within few neighboring target signatures. The paper presents several real life ground target signatures as well as several simulated signatures to illustrate our approach.

In the smart grids environment, non-linear electronic devices are present to a great extent. Since these devices generate higher harmonics in the current spectrum and require high voltage quality in order to operate properly, the power quality issue becomes very important. This study deals with mathematical modelling of parameters of current and voltage harmonic distortion due to operation of PC cluster. The proposed models are developed using measurements and simulation results. Model parameters are derived in the least squares manner. The models are convenient for practical engineering application.

In this paper energy efficiency in public lighting has been presented. Electricity consumption is analyzed according to input date taken from Public Company Roads of Federation of B&H (PCR FB&H). According to the analysis major consumers are classified and measures for rational consumption of electricity in public lighting are given. Analysis is carried out by replacing the existing lighting system by modern energy efficient lighting system (LED lighting), taking into account all technical and regulatory requirements. After that a techno-economic analysis of the installation of new lighting system is carried out with the necessary investment and time required to recoup the funds expended in an investment.

This paper shows an analysis of the power consumption of PC Roads of FB&H, which currently has 63 measuring points in its jurisdiction, where electric power is received. The subjects of this analysis are consumers of Public Company Roads of Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (PC Roads of FB&H): 16 tunnels, 18 road lightings, 24 traffic lights, 4 traffic lights with additional lights and administrative building, with a total annual consumption. Electric power consumption will be classified by consumption in tunnels, road lightings, traffic lights and administrative building. This will determine the character of each consumers group and contribution of each group in the total consumption. Work and activities area of PC Roads of FB&H is the area of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, where currently two electric power companies exist: Public Enterprise Elektroprivreda B&H (PE EP B&H) and Public Enterprise Elektroprivreda HZHB (PE EP HZHB), which in the jurisdiction of JP Roads of FB&H supply electricity for different consumers. The paper presents a method of making the load curve and its basic indicators, which is presented for each category of consumers too.

The BAS Institute for standardization of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BAS) is the national (state) standardization body established under the Law on the Establishment of the Institute for Standardization of Bosnia and Herzegovina (“Official Gazette of BiH”, No. 44/04) and the Law on Standardization of Bosnia and Herzegovina (“Official Gazette of BiH”, No. 19/01). Institute is responsible for the preparation, adoption and publication of national standards, in accordance with the objectives and principles underlying BiH national standardization. In addition to the standardization activities, the Institute works on conformity assessment in the field of explosion protection in potentially explosive areas. These tasks are carried out by ExCommission whose secretary general is permanently employed at the Institute. The Institute was established and an information center. The Institute is engaged in the sale of standards as well. Within its jurisdiction, Institute is continually accomplishing its goals and objectives and actively participates in the representation of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the European and international standardization organizations. In this paper we will look at the importance of the process of preparing, adopting and publishing standards and other standardization documents, participate in the work of international and European committee/subcommittee.

Lightning overvoltage cause the majority of outages in electrical transmission lines, mainly through a back flashover in the transmission system insulation. Key factors in reducing the number of back flashovers are: selection of route in design power lines, grounding, and increase of withstand insulation voltage and installation of metal oxide surge arresters along the transmission line. Reduction of grounding impedance is one of the most efficient ways to prevent the occurrence of back flashovers. The main issues with grounding in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the region are the wide range of specific resistivity in different soil types (10–10,000 Ωm), relatively high isokeraunic levels and high voltage lightning currents (in excess of 150 kA). The paper outlines the main features of own experimental research for reducing back flashovers by lightning current.

By intensifying the promotion of wind and solar energy potential in the world, a lot international databases have been developed, mostly based on relevant satellite images or recordings. In the case of Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) some databases exist. Comparative analyses between Elektroprivreda B&H (EP B&H) measurements on wind and solar energy potential and data from available databases have been analysed and compared. According to performed analysis in this paper, available databases are characterized by an insufficient data resolution, as well as under/overestimations due to the relief structure and local conditions at the sites of interest. Further, some important experiences from the ongoing measurement campaign performed by EP B&H, particularly in terms of wind power on high altitude abandoned areas and harsh weather conditions have been given in this article. Only measurements and evaluations performed in accordance to applicable standards and guidelines create preconditions for techno-economic evaluations of exploiting wind and solar power, with the final aim of building wind and photovoltaic power plants in the country.

Differential protection have the most important role in protection of power transformers from internal faults. This paper discusses the power transformer modeling from differential protection aspect. Firstly the paper describes a low frequency transient model of power transformer and parameters of given model. Cases of inrush current, short circuit in protection zone and over—excitation were simulated. Finally, in all cases the harmonic content of the differential current is analyzed and appropriate conclusions are given regarding the performance of differential protection on the basis of these analyzes.

The introductory part of the paper gives the basic theoretical considerations of the ways of neutral point treatment in distribution grids with special reference to the method of neutral grounding of distribution transformers by a compensation coil. The second part gives the analysis of the use of compensation coil as a future choice of neutral point grounding on the particular distribution grid TS 35/10 kV Bjelasnica. Also, the paper has conducted analysis of the available data and techno-economic analysis of neutral points grounding of transformers in TS 35/10 kV Bjelašnica in case of transformer neutral grounding by low ohmic resistor and in case of resonant neutral point grounding. In addition to the analysis of the (available) measured values, the adequate dynamic models of distribution grids are made by using the EMTP software package and calculations for neutral grounding by the compensation coil are done, as well as in the case of isolated grids, and a comparison of the results of ground fault currents was made.

This paper presents a fuzzy system for management of the power distribution network reconstruction process. The proposed system is based on Mamdani type fuzzy inference which is used to model reconstruction criteria. The system considers number of customers, rate of failure and age of distribution lines as input variables and provides output values used as criteria in a decision making process. The decision making process is based on the Bellman-Zadeh method in which decision making is performed by the intersection of fuzzy goals and constraints. In this paper, fuzzy logic is introduced as a system planning tool in order to account for weaknesses and imprecision of the traditional planning methods. The proposed model is presented as a logical decision making framework which can be used to evaluate and rank power distribution network reconstruction projects according to their ability to deliver long term benefits, both to the utility and customers.

The purpose of the grounding systems is to ensure safety of substations equipment and personnel in and outside of substation at the maximum fault cur-rents. In order to properly perform their function, grounding system should have low resistance, thus limiting the potential values at the ground surface during the highest values of fault currents. This paper presents mathematical models on which developed software tool for calculation of the grounding system parameters is based. Modules of the developed software tool were used to conduct some calculations which are typical for designing of the grounding systems.

This two-part chapter presents historical overview of the development of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s (B&H) power system with its trends and challenges in the future. B&H has a very wealthy and turbulent history of power system development which went through different development phases over time. It is possible to single out some very successful and progressive phases during more than 120 years. A very interesting period in this area is the period up to the First World War, when development of B&H power industry followed the development trends in Europe and USA. Also, the period after the Second World War presents a period of intensive construction of power plants, transmission and distributions grids, and an intense increase of power consumption. At the end of the twentieth century, the B&H power system experienced a significant destruction and power consumption in 2010 came again to the level of consumption from 1991. Today, B&H power system has been renewed and became a modern power system which is the part of the European power system. Also, in this paper we present some important dates and events related to the development of B&H power system, as well as trends and challenges in the sector of power distribution and power generation systems, with presentation of related specific technical indicators.

This two-part chapter presents historical overview of the development of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s (B&H) power system with its trends and challenges in the future. B&H has a very wealthy and turbulent history of power system development which went through different development phases over time. It is possible to single out some very successful and progressive phases during more than 120 years. A very interesting period in this area is the period up to the First World War, when development of B&H power industry followed the development trends in Europe and USA. Also, the period after the Second World War presents a period of intensive construction of power plants, transmission and distributions grids, and an intense increase of power consumption. At the end of the twentieth century, the B&H power system experienced a significant destruction and power consumption in 2010 came again to the level of consumption from 1991. Today, B&H power system has been renewed and became a modern power system which is the part of the European power system. Also, in this paper we present some important dates and events related to the development of B&H power system, as well as trends and challenges in the sector of power distribution and power generation systems, with presentation of related specific technical indicators.

Energy plays an important role in the economic development. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between GDP per capita and the electricity consumption on 2000–2014 time series for some of the countries of Southeast Europe (B&H, Croatia, Greece, Serbia, Slovenia, Romania and Bulgaria). The annual data for GDP per capita and electricity consumption are obtained from several online available official databases. Comparative analysis showed that in the reference period GDP per capita (19,900 (17,600–21,500) EUR/capita) and electricity consumption (50.51 ± 3.82 TWh) in Greece was significantly higher than the GDP per capita and electricity consumption in all other analyzed countries (p < 0.005). A strong, statistically significant positive correlation between GDP per capita and electricity consumption was found in all analyzed countries except in Serbia, (\({\text{Rho}} = - 0.407; \, p = 0.131\) NS). The highest coefficient of determination [\(r\)-square (\(r^{2}\))] having a value of 0.9051 has been identified for Bulgaria, while the lowest coefficient \(r^{2}\) was identified for Serbia (0.238). Bosnia and Herzegovina has a very close relation between GDP and electricity consumption, (\(Rho = 0.885; p = 0.00001\)) while the coefficient of determination \(r^{2}\) was 0.8436. In other words, for the reference period 2000–2014, about 84 % changes in electricity consumption in B&H can be described by changes of GDP. The obtained results show a very close relationship between the GDP per capita and electricity consumption for selected countries.

In this paper we set the scene for new low power wireless sensor network protocol and architecture suitable for field implementation in the context of general wireless networking as well as Internet of Things (IoT), and a variety of security, defense or general campus applications, where the wireless sensor power expenditure is critical. The sensor network we propose is divided into sub-nets which account for sensor geographical “congregation” due to a prescribed or an ad hoc deployment, depending on the situation at hand. We consider a geographically fixed and static (not-moving-sensors) network which is a dynamic one in a sense that the relationships between the sensor nodes (local and global) is a dynamic one (such as which sensor is “in charge” at any given time). We propose (i) new approach to low power sensor wireless protocol as well as (ii) an introductory description of the simulation environment to test protocol’s effectiveness. The paper is a part of an ongoing research.

This paper investigates the possibilities and the sustainability of “biomass for power” solutions on a real power system. The case example is JP Elektroprivreda BiH d.d.—Sarajevo (EPBiH), a typical conventional coal-based power utility operating in the region of South East Europe. Biomass use is one of the solutions considered in EPBiH as a means of increasing shares of renewable energy sources (RES) in final energy production and reducing CO₂ emissions. This ultimately is a requirement for all conventional coal-based power utilities on track to meet their greenhouse gas (GHG) cut targets by 2050. The paper offers possible options of biomass co-firing in existing coal-based power plants as a function of sustainability principles, considering environmental, economic and social aspects of biomass use. In the case of EPBiH, the most beneficial would be waste woody biomass and energy crop co-firing on existing coal-based power plants, as suggested by biomass market analyses and associated technological studies including lab-scale tests. Four different options were considered, based on different ratios of biomass for co-firing: 0 %w-reference case, 5, 7 and 10 %w of biomass. The CO₂ parameter proved to be a key sustainability indicator, effecting the most decision making with regard to preference of options from the point of economy and sustainability. Following up on the results of the analyses, the long-term projection of biomass use in EPBiH has shown an increase in biomass utilization of up to 450,000 t/y in 2030 and beyond, with associated CO₂ cuts of up to 395,000 t/y. This resulted in a 4 % CO₂ cut achieved with biomass co-firing, compared to the 1990 CO₂ emission level. It should be noted that the proposed assessment model for biomass use may be applied to any conventional coal-based power utility as an option in contributing to meeting specific CO₂ cut targets, provided that the set of input data are available and reliable.

Application of numerical methods to assess the hydraulic performance of the screen Coanda-effect is investigated. This research project focused on flow observation and CFD simulation in the zone around the Coanda-effect screen. Numerical model is developed for clear water conditions. This model allows prediction of water discharge through the Coanda-effect screens, allowing to estimate the performance of the screen changes caused by variations in parameters screen design. Flow over the Coanda-effect screens can be modeled using the energy equation for spatially varied flow with decreasing discharge. Since the flow is supercritical, computations begin at the top of the screen and proceed in the downstream direction. The next phase of this PhD-research project is planned to be realized in cooperation with the Water Resources Research Laboratory, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, Denver-Colorado (USA), where is performing experimental tests for improving Coanda-effect screen Technology, as coupling numerical and physical modeling for analysis of flow in structures with Coanda-effect screens. This can provide progress in better understanding of this phenomenon of flow. This article deals with experimental research and numerical simulations of specific phenomena in fluid flow called Coanda effect, which is important engineering application in the water intake structures of the small hydro power projects.

The superstructure of roads (road and railway) is used to transmit traffic load on the subsoil. The world is increasingly used of concrete pavement during the construction of roads, and the sleeper during the construction of the railway. Applying Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) it is possible to compare the long-term economic benefits when using concrete compared to traditional materials. The use of concrete in order to build roads in Bosnia and Herzegovina still does not have a big expansion. Using the experiences and research of other countries can justify its implementation in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

This article provides a sneak peak of ongoing technology integration efforts targeting fields of computer aided design and drafting (CAD), geographic information systems (GIS) and building information modeling (BIM). CAD enables ad hoc drawing and sketching spatial plans. GIS adds geospatial component to it, making your drawings and associated objects spatially aware. BIM goes one step further and establishes relationships between the drawing objects, making them more “intelligent” and suitable for future processing and analyses. With each step data classification requirements increase dramatically, so is the time required to complete one. Most users focus merely on just a single of aforementioned components, be it CAD, GIS or BIM—as overall complexity of “tying it all up” requires considerable amount of time and effort, while most often being out of project’s scope and/or deliverables. This highly affects general data reusability on the output. Ongoing project’s aims may be reached, but its overall value will be higher if you made results more reusable.

We examine factors that differentiate more profitable from less profitable banks in Bosnia and Herzegovina. We utilize some of the profitability measures as well as some independent variables that are not vastly explored in the existing literature. The study utilizes panel data linear regression with GLS random effects to observe the relationship between four bank profitability measures on one side and bank specific, macroeconomic and additional unexplored categorical variables on the other side. Our results suggest that lower bank profitability seems to be associated with higher operating expenses as share of total assets, higher bank concentrations, lower inflation rates, higher GDP growth rates and GDP per capita levels. We also find strong evidence that banks having foreign CEOs are more likely to be less profitable than banks with local CEOs, and some evidence that foreign owned banks seem to be less profitable than the locally owned ones, as well as that logo color choice seem to make profitability difference among banks. Bank profitability determinants on this banking market is a fairly unexplored area and should be explored more in the future research.

Today’s way of life is closely linked with technology and it would be impossible without a microcontrollers. They are represented in all spheres of life: in the automotive industry, robotics, computer systems, home appliances, etc. Also, today’s life is unthinkable without computers. The combination of computer and microcontroller provides a very great possibilities, which uses the good features of both. This chapter describes the use of a computer in combination with MATLAB@Simulink, Real-time Toolbox and PIC18F452 microcontroller for closed-loop temperature control. Control and settings for temperature are in MATLAB@Simulink and they can be very easily adjusted. Also, all the information: the refrence temperature, information from controller and the measured temperature are available at any time in MATLAB@Simulink and can be processed and stored. For real-time operation is used Real-time Toolbox. The information is sent from computer over serial port to PIC18F452 microcontroller. The PIC18F452 microcontroller receives information and processes them. Information from PIC18F452 microcontroller is amplified using a transistor that works as the switch and the thyristor which is used to turn on the heater. Turning off thyristor is automatically passing supply voltage through zero. Temperature measurement is performed using the temperature sensor LM335. Output signal from the sensor is amplified by using operational amplifier LM324 and after that sent in PIC18F452 microcontroller. The microcontroller processes information and after that send it over serial port to computer. In this way the loop of temperature control is closed using a computer and PIC18F452 microcontroller.

In recent years, interest of the LED lighting is increased drastically in different applications. The reason for that are great advantages LED lighting. Advantages are: small dimensions, low power consumption, long life (up to 50,000 h), top colorful solution (RGB lighting) and ability to adjust the brightness. System enriched microcontroller can in many cases replace the man. Such system reduces dimensions of device and power consumption. Reason for that are very good features of microcontrollers: small size, can be programmed, minimum number of external components are required for normal operation, very long life, etc. In this chapter of the book, we described method of designing advertising LED system using PIC18F4550 microcontroller. LED strips are used for making letters and light-emitting diodes are used for additional effects. The PIC18F4550 microcontroller is used to control advertising LED system (on/off letters and additional effects). We conducted analysis of electricity consumption creation of advertising LED system. For additional savings of electricity consumption is integrated infrared motion sensor. In this way is enabled long-term operation advertising LED system especially in rural areas in conditions where LED advertising system is powered by battery or powered by combination of batteries and photovoltaic cells.

This paper describes process of development compact models in the case of nonlinear overvoltage protection components. Verilog-A is a language that is widely used for development compact models of nonlinear components. An implementation of MOV and GDT compact models in Verilog-A hardware description language is presented. The Verilog-A codes of modeled components are sufficiently simple and based on mathematical description of voltage-current characteristics of selected overvoltage protection components. The proposed models are added into TINA circuit simulation environment and simulations are conducted for surge pulse 8/20 μs. The aim of the paper is to describe the process of model development using Verilog-A language and conduct the simulations in TINA software tool for simulation of electronic circuits.

The crucial information about learner in an E learning system is in fact the information about learner’s level of knowledge. In everyday practice teacher must know what the student knows to adapt to learner’s individual needs, and his features. In adaptive e learning system, the system has to have information about student’s knowledge to implement learning strategies to achieve maximum effect. Many researches show that learning using e learning system shows best learning effects. This article shows how to use semi-automatic tool for teaching main concepts of programming using concept map. Concept map is used as an ontology that teachers use to construct domain knowledge that is used to asses’ student’s knowledge and construct student model. Based on student model system decides which concepts to include in teaching process. We utilize CM Tutor (Content Modeling Tutor) (Volaric in Oblikovanje modela nastavnih lekcija u inteligentnom sustavu e-učenja. Split, 2014) module to evaluate student’s performance through qualitative and quantitative means. Experiments are made on 2 generations on students of University of Mostar to evaluate the systems effectiveness and improve systems performance based on student’s feedback.

Serious games have had a great impact on education of children and especially, children with disabilities. Kockica is a first 3D serious game developed in native (Bosnian) language and as such, is culturally appropriate for B&H children. The game is intended to help children learn alphabet and improve their verbal skills in a fun and joyful way. The idea of the game is to encourage parents to participate in children’s play and learning time, and to offer teachers a new interactive tool that could potentially speed up the learning process and at the same time make it more interesting and fun. The game presented in this paper is developed in collaboration with professionals working at an NGO “EDUS—Education for All”, program devoted to evidence-based work with children with disabilities. In this paper we present a pilot study conducted with neuro-typical children, including correction feedback received from the teachers.