This paper analyzes higher-order ruled surfaces in terms of their application in architecture and design. The possibilities of applying their characteristic segments and cuttings in the design of ...architectural objects, as well as the possibilities of their being multiplied and combined into more complex spatial structures are considered. The suggested design solutions should in practice enable the implementation of higher-order surfaces into the geometric forms of future architectural structures, as well as their use in different areas of design. The criteria for the selection of higher-order ruled surfaces are defined in this paper while their successful research, analysis and practical application are studied.
For several decades the policymakers and academics stressed out the necessity of increasing the effectiveness, efficiency, quality and availability of public services. Recent times of public ...austerity during the global financial crisis and economic damages caused by Covid-19 crisis even furtherly stretched the quest for an appropriate response from public managers. The entrepreneurial orientation (EO) concept, which has been already proven in the profit sector may represent a valuable solution for the public sector to cope with the lack of funding and additional costly demands. The purpose of this study was to empirically prove that the EO of the city administrations may be a way to accomplish these tasks, in an innovative, proactive and (acceptable) risk-taking manner. These three components represent the salient components of the EO construct based on Miller's (1983)/Covin & Slevin (1989) conceptualization, used in this research. A survey of mayors and public servants in city administrations in Croatia proved that a medium level of EO exists. The results of a correlation and multiple regression analysis revealed that there is a statistically significant and positive link between more entrepreneurially oriented city administrations and their self-reported performance. However, the influence of the EO on city administration performance measured objectively only partially repeated this conclusion. Furthermore, cluster analysis determined the difference between the salience of the EO dimensions among entrepreneurially 'non-oriented' and 'oriented' city administrations. This study contributes to modest research opus on EO implementation within the local public sector.
Kreatori javnih politika i akademici više desetljeća ističu potrebu povećanja učinkovitosti, djelotvornosti, kvalitete i dostupnosti javnih usluga. Zahtjevi za odgovarajućim odgovorom javnog sektora su dodatno naglašeni tijekom posljednje globalne financijske krize praćene politikom javne štednje, te utjecaja ekonomskih šteta izazvanih Covid-19 krizom. Koncept poduzetničke orijentacije čija su prednosti dokazane u profitnom sektoru, potencijalno može postati rješenje za javni sektor da se nosi s nedostatkom javnog financiranja i skupim zahtjevima za dodatnim javnim uslugama. Svrhu ovog rada predstavlja empirijsko dokazivanje da poduzetnička orijentacija lokalnog javnog sektora može donijeti inovativnost, proaktivnost i prihvatljivu razinu preuzimanja rizika koja će ispuniti dodatne zadatke i traženja. Upravo ove tri komponente predstavljaju ključne sastavnice konstrukta poduzetničke orijentacije temeljenog na Miller (1983)/Covin i Slevin (1989) konceptualizaciji, korištenoj u ovom istraživanju. Anketnim ispitivanjem gradonačelnika i drugih javnih službenika, utvrđena je srednja razina poduzetničke orijentiranosti gradskih uprava u Hrvatskoj. Rezultati korelacijske i regresijske analize pokazali su da postoji pozitivan i statistički značajan utjecaj poduzetničke orijentacije gradskih uprava na subjektivno mjerene performanse. Ipak, istraživanje utjecaja poduzetničke orijentacije gradskih uprava na objektivno mjerene performanse samo je djelomično potvrdilo rezultate subjektivnog mjerenja performansi. Pored toga klaster analizom je utvrđeno da postoje statistički značajne razlike između najvažnijih komponenti poduzetničke orijentacije između poduzetnički orijentiranih gradskih uprava nasuprot onih koje to nisu. Ovaj rad doprinosi skromnom opusu istraživanja primjene poduzetničke orijentacije u lokalnom javnom sektoru.
Although numerous studies investigated service quality in online environment, the social network quality has been inadequately captured by previous empirical research. Thus, the present study focuses ...on measuring social network quality. Specifically, it aims to examine potential differences in perceived social network quality between two popular social networks, namely Facebook and Instagram. The empirical data are based on gathering primary data using questionnaire based on SNSQUAL model, developed by Phillips et al. (2016). Descriptive and bivariate statistical analysis were conducted using data collected from undergraduate and graduate students who use social networks on regular bases. The study results show significant differences in 16 out of 27 social network quality items, revealing that Instagram’s social network quality was rated significantly higher than Facebook’s. These findings may contribute to the development of service excellence approach that aims to enhance social networks’ performance.
Purpose – The purpose of the present study was to examine the relationship between service quality and customer satisfaction. The main objective was to discuss the impact of perceived service quality ...dimensions on customer satisfaction in the hotel industry in Croatia. Methodology – The data were collected using self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of three parts. First, perceived service quality was measured using modified SERVQUAL model. Second, customer satisfaction was operationalized with one variable, representing overall satisfaction measure. Third, demographic variables were included. Questionnaires were distributed to domestic and international hotel guests in the Opatija Riviera (Croatia). Descriptive analysis, factor analysis, reliability analysis, correlation analysis, and multiple regression analysis were performed to analyze the data. Findings – Factor analysis identified four dimensions of perceived service quality, namely reliability, empathy and competence of staff, accessibility and tangibles. Multiple regression analysis showed that reliability, accessibility and tangibles had a significant and positive effect on overall customer satisfaction. On the other hand, empathy and competence of staff positively influenced hotel guests’ satisfaction, but this impact was not statistically significant when other dimensions were involved. These results indicate that hotel service quality is indeed a significant predictor of customer satisfaction. Thus, improving hotel service quality, results with higher satisfaction levels of hotel guests. Value/originality – The present study focuses on determining relative importance of perceived hotel service quality dimensions in relation to customer satisfaction, reporting the findings from Croatia. Therefore, it contributes to the existing literature on service quality and customer satisfaction relationship in hotel industry.
Svrha: Svrha ovog istraživanja jest istražiti percepciju i zadovoljstvo lokalnog stanovništva turističkom ponudom odabrane otočne turističke destinacije. Cilj je istraživanja ocijeniti razinu ...zadovoljstva lokalnog stanovništva pojedinim elementima ponude te utvrditi utjecaj pojedinih elemenata ponude na ukupno zadovoljstvo lokalnog stanovništva turističkom destinacijom. Metodologija: Istraživanje se temelji na primarnim podacima prikupljenim tehnikom anketiranja. Varijable u upitniku preuzete su iz Muresan et al. (2019) i Qualitest modela. Uzorak čine stanovnici odabrane otočne turističke destinacije. Prikupljeni podaci analizirani su metodama deskriptivne statističke analize te primjenom eksploratorne faktorske analize i višestruke regresijske analize. Rezultati: Rezultati istraživanja pokazuju da lokalno stanovništvo ima pozitivan stav prema turističkoj ponudi promatrane otočne turističke destinacije. Ujedno je dokazan značajan i pozitivan utjecaj zadovoljstva pojedinim elementima turističke ponude na ukupno zadovoljstvo lokalnog stanovništva turističkom destinacijom Zaključak: Ovo istraživanje nadopunjuje jaz u literaturi razmatrajući elemente turističke ponude kao prediktore zadovoljstva lokalnog stanovništva turističkom destinacijom. Ujedno, rezultati mogu institucijama koje upravljaju destinacijom poslužiti kao izvor dodatnih informacija u kreiranju razvojnih politika i strategija.
Purpose: The purpose of this research paper was to study the perception and satisfaction of the local population with the tourism offer of a selected island tourism destination. The research objective was to assess the residents’ satisfaction level with regard to individual elements of the offer, and to determine the impact of individual elements of the offer on total resident satisfaction with the tourism destination. Methodology: The research is based on primary data collected through a questionnaire. The variables in the questionnaire were taken from Muresan et al. (2019) and the Qualitest model. The sample comprised residents of the selected island tourism destination. The collected data were analysed via descriptive statistical analysis methods, and by implementing the exploratory factor analysis and multiple regression analysis. Results: The research results show that the local population has a positive attitude toward the tourism offer of the observed island tourism destination. Also, we corroborated a significant and positive impact of satisfaction with individual elements of the tourism offer on total resident satisfaction with the tourism destination. Conclusion: This research fills the gap in literature by observing elements of the tourism offer as predictors of resident satisfaction with the tourism destination. Also, the results can serve as a source of additional information to destination management organisations in creating development policies and strategies.
Background: Regular use of evidence-based medicine (EBM) among general practitioners (GP) is insufficient.
Objective: To analyse whether knowledge and attitudes about EBM can be improved among ...mentors in general practice by involving sixth-year medical students as academic detailers.
Methods: An interventional non-randomized before-and-after study included 98 GPs (49 in the intervention group of mentors and 49 controls) and 174 medical students attending family medicine clinical rotations. A telephone survey on knowledge and attitudes towards EBM was conducted among participating physicians before, and six months after the rotation. During the rotation, each mentor chose two cases from real life, and the students' task was to form an answerable clinical question, find the evidence-based answer and to write a brief report. The mentor reviewed the report and discussed it with the student.
Results: Students' EBM detailing intervention led to significant improvement in knowledge and attitudes about EBM in the intervention group of mentors in general practice compared to control GPs (relative increase in knowledge was 20 ± 46.9% vs 6 ± 12.1%, respectively; P = 0.042). Among participants with Ph.D. or specialization in family medicine, the observed effects of the intervention were similar as in the total sample, and statistically significant, but not in the group of participants with neither scientific degree nor specialization in family medicine.
Conclusion: Knowledge and attitudes of GP mentors towards EBM can be improved by involving medical students as academic detailers. Further studies should explore the effectiveness of this method among GPs that are not mentors, and who do not have a specialization or research degree.
The purpose of this research is to measure daily tour service quality and customer satisfaction. It aims to understand the nature of relationship between these two constructs. Data were collected ...from 193 participants of daily tours in Dubrovnik city area using DAILYSERV scale. To examine the influence of daily tour service quality dimensions on overall service quality and on overall satisfaction, multiple regression analysis was performed. Significant and positive effects of daily tour service quality dimensions on overall service quality and on overall satisfaction were detected. Dimensions “activities carried out” and “transportation” have the highest impact on daily tour overall service quality. In addition, tour guide and activities carried out are the most critical daily tour features that significantly influence overall satisfaction with daily tour. Thus, daily tour operators should invest in these dimensions to enhance overall service quality and customer satisfaction.
Svrha ovog istraživanja je mjerenje kvalitete usluge i zadovoljstva klijenta dnevnim turama. Cilj je ispitati prirodu veze između ovih dvaju konstrukata. Podaci su prikupljeni primjenom DAILYSERV ljestvice na uzorku od 193 klijenta koji su sudjelovali na dnevnim turama na području grada Dubrovnika. Primjenom višestruke regresijske analize, ispitan je utjecaj dimenzija kvalitete usluge dnevnih tura na ukupnu kvalitetu usluge i na ukupno zadovoljstvo. Rezultati ukazuju na pozitivan i značajan utjecaj dimenzija kvalitete usluge dnevnih tura na ukupnu kvalitetu usluge i na ukupno zadovoljstvo. Dimenzije „aktivnosti na turi“ i „transport“ najviše utječu na ukupnu kvalitetu usluge dnevnih tura. Također, turistički vodič i aktivnosti na turi najvažniji su elementi dnevnih tura koji značajno utječu na ukupno zadovoljstvo dnevnim turama. Slijedom toga, pružatelji usluga dnevnih tura trebali bi ulagati u ove dimenzije, kako bi unaprijedili ukupnu kvalitetu usluge i povećali zadovoljstvo posjetitelja.
U ekonomiji doživljaja ljudi više ne kupuju proizvode i usluge, nego iskustva koja im pružaju snažne emocionalne i iskustvene reakcije. Iako se koncepti kvalitete usluga i zadovoljstva klijenta ...istražuju niz godina, i dalje se nalaze u fokusu znanstvenih i stručnih istraživanja. Međutim, malo je radova koji mjere i istražuju emocionalni doživljaj gostiju u restoranima. Stoga je cilj ovoga rada iscrpno analizirati dosadašnja istraživanja koja se bave ovim konceptima i razviti instrument DINEXPE za mjerenje emocionalnog doživljaja gostiju u restoranu. U tu svrhu razvijen je upitnik koji se sastoji od 35 varijabli, a u analizi prikupljenih podataka primijenjene su metode statističke analize. Uzorak čini 195 gostiju restorana koji su posjetili astronomski festival u Lovranu (Opatijska rivijera) u travnju 2018. godine. Rezultati ovoga istraživanja pomoći će voditeljima restorana u hrvatskom turizmu, pa i šire, u razumijevanju svojih gostiju te u dizajniranju kvalitete usluga koja će biti u skladu s njihovim očekivanjima.
Lymphatic filariasis is caused by the Brugia malayi parasite. Three new congeners of the depsipeptide WS9326A (1), WS9326C (2), WS9326D (3), and WS9326E (4), were isolated from Streptomyces sp. 9078 ...by using a B. malayi asparaginyl-tRNA synthetase (BmAsnRS) inhibition assay. WS9326D specifically inhibits the BmAsnRS, kills the adult B. malayi parasite, and does not exhibit significant general cytotoxicity to human hepatic cells, representing a new lead scaffold for antifilarial drug discovery.
The purpose of this study was to measure customer satisfaction and customer loyalty with news stand services, and to examine the relationship between the concepts of interest. The research was ...conducted on news stands in the city of Rijeka. Data were gathered using questionnaire. The questionnaire was created based on the studies conducted by Radman et al. (2002), Sinčić Ćorić, Vorkapić (2008) and Perić et al. (2010) and was adopted to the specific features of the present study. It consists of three parts. In first part customer satisfaction with news stand services was measured. Second par included variables for assessing customer loyalty. Third part consisted of respondents' demographic characteristics and buying habits in news stand. A total of 129 valid questionnaires were collected. Descriptive analysis and regression analyses were performed to analyze data. The findings showed high level of customer satisfaction and moderate level of customer loyalty. Furthermore, there is statistically significant relationship between attribute and overall customer satisfaction. The highest significant impact on overall customer satisfaction had staffs’ courtesy, product quality, and price. In addition, significant relationship was found between overall customer satisfaction and customer loyalty. The results of the present study may be useful to academics and practitioners in better understanding of customers’ attitudes and habits regarding the news stand services, in order to enhance the level of customer satisfaction and customer loyalty in this retail segment.
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