Odluke u javnim poduzećima ne donose se isključivo na temelju kriterija profitabilnosti, već je riječ o objedinjavanju kriterija tržišnosti i javnosti. Unatoč raznolikosti ciljeva koje projektima u ...javnom sektoru treba zadovoljiti te činjenici da se odluke donose političkim procesom pregovaranja između dionika, podloga donošenju odluka treba biti analiza troškova i koristi. Pri tome treba uključiti sve koristi: materijalne i nematerijalne, izravne i posredne. Valja imati na umu da projekt treba biti troškovno pokriven kako u fazi izgradnje, tako i u fazi korištenja i održavanja. U ovome radu analiziraju se odluke u javnom poduzeću HAC s naglaskom na upravljačke odluke pri izgradnji autoceste A1. Ciljevi izgradnje ove autoceste bili su povezivanje državnoga prostora, povezivanje s europskom mrežom autocesta, razvoj turizma te povećanje sigurnosti prometa. Ti su ciljevi ostvareni. No nisu ostvareni željeni ciljevi povećanja razvoja, posebno gospodarskoga razvoja ruralnih i slabije naseljenih područja te zadržavanja i povećanja broja stanovnika. Tržišni ciljevi projekta također nisu ostvareni. Troškovi izgradnje dionice od Bosiljeva do Splita premašili su planirane troškove za 3 milijarde kuna. Prihodi su od 2015. do 2017. godine bili u prosjeku 500 milijuna kuna manji od projiciranih. Na temelju ovih podataka nameće se pitanje je li autocestu A1 trebalo graditi s pomoću kredita ili putem javno-privatnog partnerstva. S obzirom na pogreške u projekcijama, može se pretpostaviti da bi model javno-privatnog partnerstva podrazumijevao realniju procjenu prometne dinamike, nižu cijenu gradnje, bolje upravljanje prihodima, ali i postupniju gradnju.
The Sentinel-2 satellite currently provides freely available multispectral bands at relatively high spatial resolution but does not acquire the panchromatic band. To improve the resolution of 20 m ...bands to 10 m, existing pansharpening methods (Brovey transform BT, intensity-hue-saturation IHS, principal component analysis PCA, the variational method P + XS, and the wavelet method) required adjustment, which was achieved using higher resolution multispectral bands in the role of a panchromatic band to fuse bands at a lower spatial resolution. After preprocessing, six bands at lower resolution were divided into two groups because some image fusion methods (e.g. BT, IHS) are limited to a maximum of three input bands of a lower resolution at a time. With respect to the spectral range, the higher resolution band for the first group was synthesized from bands 4 and 8, and band 8 was selected for the second group. Given that one of the main remote sensing applications is land-cover classification, the classification accuracy of the fusion methods was assessed as well as the comparison with reference bands and pixels. The supervised classification methods were Maximum Likelihood Classifier, artificial neural networks, and object-based image analysis. The classification scheme contained five classes: water, built-up, bare soil, low vegetation, and forest. The results showed that most of the fusion methods, particularly P + XS and PCA, improved the overall classification accuracy, especially for the classes of forest, low vegetation, and bare soil and in the detection of coastlines. The least satisfying results were obtained from the wavelet method.
Full text
Available for:
BFBNIB, GIS, IJS, KISLJ, NUK, PNG, UL, UM, UPUK
In this review, an overview was given of the mutual interactions between nematodes and fungi of the genus Trichoderma sp. due to the potential of these fungi to protect plant roots from ...plant-parasitic nematodes on the one hand and the influence of nematodes (fungivores) on the efficacy of the fungus on the other. In addition, an overview of the advantages of Trichoderma sp. for agricultural production was given. The basis of sustainable agricultural production is the healthy functioning of the soil ecosystem. The diversity of organisms—bacteria, protozoa, algae, metazoans (nematodes) and fungi—improves the quality and performance of the soil by maintaining biological productivity. Root exudates in the rhizosphere support microbial communities that play a key role in regulating the dynamics of organic matter decomposition and the availability of plant nutrients. The microbial activity of organisms in the soil is interconnected and interacts to form a soil food web that reflects the condition, function and health of the soil. The energy in food webs flows through trophic chains of consumers, which are divided into energy channels. Root, bacterial and fungal channels increase soil biomass, carbon (C) and energy flow through the soil food web. The structure of the nematode community is an effective tool for the biological assessment of soil quality. This is due to a number of characteristics that nematodes have, including the following: a great diversity of species, the possibility of subdivision according to different criteria such as trophic groups and c-p groups, the duration of reproduction, the ease of sampling, the identification of genera and preservation, etc. Nematodes are involved in various ecological functions in the soil, of which the interaction between them and fungi is based on antagonism or mutualism, which is the basis for a better understanding of their impact on the ecosystem. Fungi of the genus Trichoderma sp. are successful colonizers of all habitats, secondary opportunists and fast growing.
In recent years, a dramatic increase in the prevalence of
Escherichia coli
strains producing extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) has been observed — both in the community and in healthcare ...settings. This multicentric study aimed to characterize ESBLs produced by
E. coli
isolates causing hospital-onset and community urinary tract infections, as well as to compare their antimicrobial sensitivity patterns, β-lactamase content and plasmid types. Phenotypic tests for the detection of ESBLs and plasmid-mediated AmpC β-lactamases were initially pursued, followed by molecular detection of resistance genes, plasmid characterization, genotyping with pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and whole genome sequencing (WGS). The isolates exhibited high level of resistance to expanded-spectrum cephalosporins (ESC) and carried CTX-M (cefotaximase-Munich) or TEM (Temoniera) β-lactamases. All six representative isolates subjected to WGS belonged to the widespread clone ST131. In conclusion, our study demonstrated dissemination of group 1 CTX-M positive
E. coli
in different geographic regions of Croatia, but also different components of the health care systems (hospitals, nursing homes and the community) and confirmed the switch from SHV-2 (suphydril variant) and SHV-5 ESBLs to the nation-wide predominance of group 1 CTX-M β-lactamases. Different plasmids were shown to be associated with the dissemination of
bla
CTX-M
genes in different geographic regions of Croatia.
Full text
Available for:
EMUNI, FIS, FZAB, GEOZS, GIS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, MFDPS, NLZOH, NUK, OBVAL, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, SBMB, SBNM, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK, VKSCE, ZAGLJ
Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality in women. During tumor growth, periods of hypoxia are followed by reoxygenation due to neovascularisation leading to disturbed ...redox homeostasis. ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species) produced under hypoxia activate HIF1α. ROS can also activate the major antioxidant transcription factor NRF2, but also cause damage to biomolecules. Lipids are susceptible to peroxidation, as evidenced by the formation of reactive aldehydes, among which, HNE (4-hydroxynonenal) is the most studied one. Knowing that HIF1α (Hypoxia Inducing Factor 1α) is associated with breast cancer malignancy, we aimed to investigate its correlation with HNE and NRF2 (Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2). Our results show that HIF1α is activated in breast cancer, indicating an increase in ROS but not followed by HNE production. On the other hand, NRF2 was increased in all types of breast cancer suggesting that oxidative stress is present in these pathologies, but also supporting HIF1α. Interestingly, NRF2 was activated in HER2 positive and TNBC, indicating the role of stromal NRF2 in breast cancer malignancy.
Display omitted
•NRF2 is present and activate in all types of breast cancer.•HNE is present in very low levels in breast cancer.•HNE is absent in HER2 + and TNBC stroma.•NRF2 is present and activated in stroma of HER2 + tumora and TNBC.
Full text
Available for:
GEOZS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZRSKP
Aim To evaluate the impact of minimally invasive aortic valve replacement (mini-AVR) on clinical outcomes in comparison with the gold standard. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the records of all ...patients who underwent isolated AVR at the University Hospital Center Zagreb from 2010 to 2020. Patients undergoing mini-AVR were compared with patients undergoing conventional AVR (fs-AVR). The primary outcome measure was blood product consumption. Propensity score matching was used to create a balanced covariate distribution across treatment groups. Additionally, we compared the contemporary outcomes with a historical control. Results The final sample consisted of 1088 patients. In the unmatched cohorts, mini-AVR patients were younger (65 + or - 12 vs 68 + or - 10 years, P < 0.001) and had lower risk profiles (EuroSCORE2 2.8 + or - 2.0 vs 3.5 + or - 3.1, P = 0.003). After matching, mini-AVR patients required less blood transfusion than fs-AVR patients (270 0-790 vs 510 0-970 mL, P = 0.029). The incidences of stroke, dialysis, new AV block, and mortality were comparable. Cross-clamp times were longer in the mini-AVR group (71 60-87 vs 66 53-83 minutes, P = 0.013). Outcomes were improved in the contemporary mini-AVR era compared with our early mini-AVR experience across multiple metrics. Blood product consumption was reduced in the latter tercile of experience (0 0-520 vs 500 0-1018 mL, P < 0.001), and the operation was performed more expeditiously (cross-clamp times: 63 54,80 vs 74 62,88 minutes, P < 0.001) in comparison with earlier periods. Conclusions We showed that mini-AVR was associated with less blood product requirement than conventional surgery. Our data supports wider adoption of minimally invasive techniques in dedicated centers of excellence.
Full text
Available for:
DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
In this review, an overview was given of the mutual interactions between nematodes and fungi of the genus Trichoderma sp. due to the potential of these fungi to protect plant roots from ...plant-parasitic nematodes on the one hand and the influence of nematodes (fungivores) on the efficacy of the fungus on the other. In addition, an overview of the advantages of Trichoderma sp. for agricultural production was given. The basis of sustainable agricultural production is the healthy functioning of the soil ecosystem. The diversity of organisms—bacteria, protozoa, algae, metazoans (nematodes) and fungi—improves the quality and performance of the soil by maintaining biological productivity. Root exudates in the rhizosphere support microbial communities that play a key role in regulating the dynamics of organic matter decomposition and the availability of plant nutrients. The microbial activity of organisms in the soil is interconnected and interacts to form a soil food web that reflects the condition, function and health of the soil. The energy in food webs flows through trophic chains of consumers, which are divided into energy channels. Root, bacterial and fungal channels increase soil biomass, carbon (C) and energy flow through the soil food web. The structure of the nematode community is an effective tool for the biological assessment of soil quality. This is due to a number of characteristics that nematodes have, including the following: a great diversity of species, the possibility of subdivision according to different criteria such as trophic groups and c-p groups, the duration of reproduction, the ease of sampling, the identification of genera and preservation, etc. Nematodes are involved in various ecological functions in the soil, of which the interaction between them and fungi is based on antagonism or mutualism, which is the basis for a better understanding of their impact on the ecosystem. Fungi of the genus Trichoderma sp. are successful colonizers of all habitats, secondary opportunists and fast growing.
The optimal antithrombotic strategy early after aortic valve replacement surgery with a biological valve remains controversial due to lack of high-quality evidence. Either oral anticoagulants or ...acetylsalicylic acid should be considered for the first 3 months. Hypo-attenuated leaflet thickening on cardiac computed tomography has been associated with latent bioprosthetic valve thrombosis and may be prevented with anticoagulation. We hypothesize that anticoagulation with apixaban is superior to single antiplatelet therapy with acetylsalicylic acid in reducing hypo-attenuated leaflet thickening of bioprosthetic aortic valve prostheses.
In this prospective, open-label, randomized trial, patients undergoing isolated aortic valve replacement surgery with rapid deployment bioprosthetic valves will be randomized. The treatment group will receive 5 mg of apixaban twice a day for the first 3 months and 100 mg of acetylsalicylic acid thereafter. The control group will be administered 100 mg of acetylsalicylic acid once a day, indefinitely. After the 3-month treatment period, a contrast-enhanced electrocardiogram-gated cardiac computed tomography will be performed to identify hypo-attenuated leaflet thickening of the bioprosthetic valve. The primary objective of the study is to assess the impact of apixaban on the prevention of hypo-attenuated leaflet thickening at 3 months. The secondary and exploratory endpoints will be clinical outcomes and safety profiles of the two strategies.
Antithrombotic therapy after aortic valve replacement is used to prevent valve thrombosis and systemic thromboembolism. Latent bioprosthetic valve thrombosis is a precursor of clinically significant prosthetic valve dysfunction or thromboembolic events. The hallmark feature of latent bioprosthetic valve thrombosis is hypo-attenuated leaflet thickening on cardiac computed tomography. Subclinical leaflet thrombosis occurs frequently in bioprosthetic aortic valves, more commonly in transcatheter than in surgical valves. There is no evidence on the effect of direct oral anticoagulants on the incidence of hypo-attenuated leaflet thickening after surgical aortic valve replacement with rapid deployment bioprostheses.
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06184113. Registered on December 28, 2023.
Full text
Available for:
IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, UL, UM, UPUK
Croatian islands are olive growing areas characterized by poor conditions for olive trees because of karst soil and a precipitation deficiency. Under these conditions, irrigation is a very important ...factor for constant olive oil production. This paper aims to investigate the effects of different watering regimes on quantity, sensory and chemical quality and composition of Coratina cv. olive oil obtained from trees grown on ameliorate karst soil during two harvesting years. Olive trees were subjected to rainfed conditions and three different irrigation treatments (T1—deficit irrigation representing the usual producer’s practice, T2—regulated deficit irrigation in respect to phenological stages, T3—full irrigation). Irrigation treatments increased oil yield compared to rainfed conditions (T1 + 58%, T2 + 66% and T3 + 74%, representing average values for both studied years). All olive oil samples were of extra quality. Irrigation led to a decrease in carotenoids, volatiles, polyunsaturated fatty acids and linolenic acid contents, with no difference found among irrigation treatments. Total phenols and secoiridoids concentration was not affected by irrigation, indicating that similar oil quality could be achieved with less demand on the water supply. Obtained results could help producers to define a suitable irrigation management in particular conditions of ameliorate karst.