bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of Salt and precipitating agent effect on the specific surface area and compressive strength of alumina catalyst support
Authors: Mahmoudian Mostafa , Hemmati Alireza , Hashemabadi Hasan , Ghaemi Ahad , Shahhosseini Shahrokh
Published: August 2017

Nowadays, catalyst supports are extensively used to decrease the costs and increase the contact surface area in chemical reactions. Specific surface area, compressive strength, pore volume and pore size are some of the most important characteristics of a catalyst support. In this work, Sol-gel and peptization methods were applied to produce alumina catalyst support. Also the roles of aluminum salts and precipitating agents on the specific surface area and compressive strength of alumina catalyst support were investigated. In addition, various additives and common methods in the increasing surface area, compressive strength and adjusting the porosity and pore size are used in this study. The results show that using caustic soda as precipitating agent and aluminum chloride salt yields catalyst supports with the best compressive strength. Also, using aluminum nitrate and ammonia as precipitating agent produced alumina catalyst support with the highest specific surface area.
Obilježja i dosezi razvoja memorijalnog turizma u Hrvatskoj
Authors: Kesar Oliver , Tomas Pavle
Published: August 2017

Tijekom posljednja dva desetljeća ljudska patnja, katastrofe, tragedije i prerana smrt postale su uobičajene komponente mračnog turističkog proizvoda. Sve veća popularnost mjesta označenih kao memorijalni lokaliteti pretvorila je spomen obilježja i događanja povezana sa smrću i tragedijom, u dobro koje se može prodati i kupiti na tržištu. Rastući opus literature u ovom području otkriva snažnu vezu između putovanja, kolektivnog sjećanja i komodifikacije smrti zapakiranu kao specifičnu turističku atrakciju koja pruža raznolika turistička iskustva povezana sa smrću ljudi. Ipak, razvoj memorijalnog turizma u okviru mračnog turizma još uvijek otvara mnoga pitanja u vezi etike i epistemologije procesa komodifikacije empatije koja se veže uz masovne ljudske tragedije iz prošlosti. Pored analize obilježja i uspjeha međunarodno etabliranih memorijalnih lokaliteta, ovaj rad sadrži komparativnu analizu triju najpopularnijih memorijalnih lokaliteta u Hrvatskoj: 1) Jasenovac kao bivši koncentracijski logor iz Drugog svjetskog rata, 2) Goli otok kao bivša politička kaznionica iz vremena jugoslavenske komunističke ere i 3) Vukovar poznat kao ‘Grad heroj’, simbol hrvatskog otpora protiv vojne okupacije u Domovinskom ratu. Sva tri lokaliteta su pokazala određene snage, ali i slabosti u smislu razvoja memorijalne turističke ponude. Zaključak rada je da su vodeći memorijalni lokaliteti u Hrvatskoj, razmatrajući broj posjetitelja, ostvarene prihode i utjecaj na društvo, daleko iza vodećih međunarodno etabliranih memorijalnih lokaliteta u tom tržišnom segmentu, ali svakako predstavljaju privlačnu nekonvencionalnu turističku ponudu za kojom inozemna potražnja pokazuje konstantno rastući interes.
Temelji kvantitativne analize u društevnim znanostima
Authors: Zekanović-Korona Ljiljana
Published: August 2017

Objavljivanje knjige prof.dr.sc. Aleksandra Halmija Temelji kvantitativne analize u društvenim znanostima ( 1.izdanje ) kao sveučilišnog priručnika odobrio je Senat Sveučilišta u Zagrebu, a sufinanciralo je Ministarstvo znanosti i tehnologije Republike Hrvatske. Drugo nepromijenjeno izdanje ove knjige tiskano je u rujnu 2013. godine u izdanju Alinee iz Zagreba. Recenzenti knjige su: prof.dr.sc. Dušan Milinković, prof.dr.sc. Vlatko Previšić, prof.dr.sc. Gojko Zovko. Knjiga je usmjerena na temeljne postupke kvantitativne analize koje mora poznavati svaki istraživač društvenih pojava, kako složenih tako i višedimenzionalnih..
Putopisi u Narodnom listu u prvom desetljeću 20. stoljeća
Authors: Ražnjević-Zdrilić Marijana
Published: August 2017

In this paper have been analyzed travelogues published in the Narodni list in the first ten years of the 20th century. The aim of this paper was to examine the role of travelogues published in the Narodni list from 1900 till 1910 and its influence on the development of cultural and literary life in Zadar in observed period. Travelogues have been representing the source of knowledge for readers by introducing them to the natural, cultural and historical sights of Croatia, but also of Europe and the world. Subject of this paper were travelogues published in Narodni list from 1900 till 1910. The paper used method of qualitative content analysis, which are analyzed travelogues published in a supplement of Narodni list in observed period. By conducting the travelogues, it was found that the majority of travel writers in their journeys described our country, bringing to readers interesting information about the natural, cultural and historical sites of our country.
Samo na informativnoj razini
Authors: Lozo Nikolina , Tafra-Vlahović Majda
Published: August 2017

Corporate social responsibility (CSR), a trend that is increasingly being manifested as a global movement towards active contribution of private sector in favour of more sustainable and ethical society, has only partially been recognised in Croatia as a source of competitive advantage for a company. In general, being fundamentally democratic in its nature, CSR is based on a dialogue with a whole range of stakeholders, who, thanks to developed technology, seek information and opportunity to engage in a dialogue on web pages of companies they are interested in. Do companies in Croatia which are recognised as socially responsible by the mere fact that they have been awarded the national awards as CSR leaders by the Croatian Chamber of Economy, which makes a sample of nine companies of different sizes, indeed use this easily accessible and unavoidable channel to communicate with their external stakeholders, and how they do it is a subject that would need to be further investigated. This research paves the way by analysing the allegedly most successful among them with methods of content analysis, comparison, interview and experiment.Four hypotheses have been constructed based on four research questions about the level of usage of web pages, the tools used to communicate with stakholders, usage of dialogic potential of web pages and use of social networks, all in function of CSR. The fourth hypothesis according to which they insuffi ciently use social networks for the same purpose was also confirmed. In addition the experiment has shown unwillingness of companies to engage in a dialogue with external stakeholder of high interest and low power to affect the company. The research has shown only informative use of web pages and absence of using their dialogue potential which somehow then raises a question of validity ofembedment of CSR principles in the company practice and points to a big area of improvement. The authors propose a set of recommendations to improve company web pages to use their full potential for CSR engagement.
Političke promjene uvjetovale novi medijski sustav
Authors: Kalajžić Vesna
Published: August 2017

The paper deals with media issues in Zadar local newspapers in the first ten years of democratic changes in Croatia. This period was marked by the socio-political and cultural changes, and the hardest days the Croatian people were going through during the Croatian War for Independence.Zadar is the city of the rich media history, which dates from the Royal Dalmatian in 1806. Even in the nineties of last century, the city of Zadar continued its rich newspaper tradition. The newspapers were being issued, the new radio stations were being established as well as the local television. The aim was to explore the theme of the articles and the authors’ point of view in terms of media and media issues from 1990 to 2000, in Zadar local newspaper Narodni list (weekly), Zadarski list (weekly/daily), Zadarski tjednik (weekly), Fokus (monthly) and Zadarski regional (weekly). The paper applied the method of quantitative and qualitative content analysis. The work is based on a corpus of 390 newspaper articles.
Dosezi elektroničke trgovine u Hrvatskoj i svijetu
Authors: Babić Roko , Krajnović Aleksandra , Peša Anita Radman
Published: August 2017

U radu se istražuje uloga i utjecaj elektroničke trgovine u procesu kupnje, prodaje ili razmjene proizvoda, usluga ili informacija. Trgovina putem Interneta se smatra najprofitabilnijim oblikom trgovine zbog jednostavnosti i niskih troškova i kao takva će postajati sve značajnijom i unosnijom komponentom cjelokupne trgovine. Istraživački je rad u ovom članku fokusiran na sam pojam e-trgovine, njen pristup suvremenom marketingu, njezina obilježja i razvitak u svijetu, te na dosege primjene elektroničke trgovine u Hrvatskoj. Poseban osvrt u ovom radu daje se na razvoj e-trgovine u Hrvatskoj koji polako, ali sigurno, uzima maha, jer je prisutnost na Internetu imperativ u današnjem poslovanju. U Hrvatskoj se još uvijek na Internetu nudi tek mali dio proizvoda i usluga što može biti velika prednost i poslovna prilika za sve one koji žele proširiti svoje poslovanje i na on-line trgovinu. Rast hrvatskoga gospodarstva zasnivao se dosad u najvećoj mjeri na tradicionalnoj, "staroj" ekonomiji, dok nove tehnologije nisu dublje prodrle u državnu upravu i u realni sektor gospodarstva. Cilj rada je upozoriti na važnost trgovine putem Interneta, koja je na putu da postane primarni oblik poslovanja, kako u svijetu tako i u Hrvatskoj.
Procjena funkcije potražnje za novcem u Republici Hrvatskoj
Authors: Devčić Kristina
Published: August 2017

U radu se istražuje uloga i utjecaj elektroničke trgovine u procesu kupnje, prodaje ili razmjene proizvoda, usluga ili informacija. Trgovina putem Interneta se smatra najprofitabilnijim oblikom trgovine zbog jednostavnosti i niskih troškova i kao takva će postajati sve značajnijom i unosnijom komponentom cjelokupne trgovine. Istraživački je rad u ovom članku fokusiran na sam pojam e-trgovine, njen pristup suvremenom marketingu, njezina obilježja i razvitak u svijetu, te na dosege primjene elektroničke trgovine u Hrvatskoj. Poseban osvrt u ovom radu daje se na razvoj e-trgovine u Hrvatskoj koji polako, ali sigurno, uzima maha, jer je prisutnost na Internetu imperativ u današnjem poslovanju. U Hrvatskoj se još uvijek na Internetu nudi tek mali dio proizvoda i usluga što može biti velika prednost i poslovna prilika za sve one koji žele proširiti svoje poslovanje i na on-line trgovinu. Rast hrvatskoga gospodarstva zasnivao se dosad u najvećoj mjeri na tradicionalnoj, "staroj" ekonomiji, dok nove tehnologije nisu dublje prodrle u državnu upravu i u realni sektor gospodarstva. Cilj rada je upozoriti na važnost trgovine putem Interneta, koja je na putu da postane primarni oblik poslovanja, kako u svijetu tako i u Hrvatskoj.
Strateški menadžment i korištenje instrumenata strateškog kontrolinga u malim i srednjim poduzećima
Authors: Krajnović Aleksandra , Lukavac Sandra Lordanić , Jović Ivona
Published: August 2017

Turbulentna okolina i aktualni gospodarski uvjeti prisiljavaju poduzeća na brzo i fleksibilno prilagođavanje promjenama. Preduvjet za to je učinkovit sustav menadžmenta i kontrolinga. No mala i srednja poduzeća se, u tom smislu, vrlo često susreću s ograničenjima, izazvanima prvenstveno zbog nedostatne menadžerske i analitičke ekspertize, nedovoljnog sagledavanja strateškog aspekta poslovanja, odnosno nedostatka strateškog, a vrlo često i operativnog, kontrolinga. U ovom radu, autorice pokušavaju iznaći odgovor na pitanje koje su mogućnosti i ograničenja korištenja instrumenata kontrolinga u funkciji strateškog planiranja u malim i srednjim poduzećima, te ukazuju na to da ovakvi instrumenti, koji se najčešće koriste u velikim poduzećima i kompanijama, trebaju naći svoju primjenu i u malim i srednjim poduzećima, kao neizbježna savjetodavna pomoć menadžerima. U radu autorice, nadalje, obrazlažu specifičnost strateškog planiranja u malim i srednjim poduzećima, te istražuju relevantne čimbenike koji utječu na uspješnost strateškog planiranja u tim, manjim gospodarskim sustavima, pri čemu je nedovoljna primjena instrumenata strateškog kontrolinga tek jedna od mnoštva ograničavajućih okolnosti.
Činitelji utjecaja na zadovoljstvo studenata teorijskim kolegijima na prvoj godini dodiplomskog studija
Authors: Vojinić Perica , Stojčić Nebojša
Published: August 2017

Odnos između očekivanja studenata i njihovog zadovoljstva kvalitetom nastave i uspjehom u svladavanju pojedinih kolegija ima važnu ulogu u oblikovanju reputacije akademskih institucija. Istodobno, utječe na izbor studenata prve godine te odluku studenata viših godina studija o prelasku iz jedne u drugu instituciju. Prepoznajući važnost ovih pitanja mnoga sveučilišta polažu veliku pozornost na njih pri kreiranju smjernica za poboljšanje kvalitete postojećih i uvođenje novih kolegija. Tradicionalno, smatra se kako svladavanje gradiva sadržanog u teorijskim kolegijima prve godine dodiplomskih studija ekonomija i poslovna ekonomija zahtijeva od studenata ulaganje dodatnog napora. Ujedno, uspješno svladavanje ovih kolegija predstavlja osnovu za izučavanje kolegija na višim godinama studija iz područja teorijske te osobito poslovne ekonomije. Postojeća istraživanja ukazuju kako uspjeh studenata na ispitima iz pojedinih kolegija i njihovo zadovoljstvo ponuđenim sadržajem ovisi o individualnim karakteristikama kao i o metodama koje se koriste pri prenošenju znanja studentima. Cilj je ovog rada istražiti dubinu jaza između očekivanja i zadovoljstva studenata koji su pohađali teorijske kolegije Uvod u ekonomiju, Mikroekonomija 1 i Makroekonomija 1 na prvoj godini preddiplomskog studija Ekonomija i Poslovna ekonomija Sveučilišta u Dubrovniku u akademskoj godini 2010/2011 i 2009/2010. Za potrebe istraživanja provodi se anketa na temelju upitnika koji sadrži tri skupine pitanja. Prvom skupinom pitanja prikupljaju se podaci o općim karakteristikama studenata poput spola, srednjoškolskog obrazovanja te vrste studija koji pohađaju. Drugom skupinom pitanja istražuje se percepcija studenata o sadržaju spomenutih kolegija, njihovoj sposobnosti povezivanja prezentiranog gradiva s događajima iz stvarnog svijeta te važnosti gradiva koje su slušali u okviru kolegija za svladavanje drugih kolegija, kako iz teorijske tako i poslovne ekonomije. Konačno, u trećoj skupini pitanja studenti su zamoljeni da se izjasne o svom uspjehu u polaganju ispita iz teorijskih kolegija te da iznesu svoje prijedloge za unaprjeđenje sadržaja i načina prezentiranja gradiva unutar tih kolegija. Rezultati istraživanja obrađeni su ekonometrijskom tehnikom multinomijalnog logita.
Upravljanje čimbenicima razvoja područja Središnje Istre
Authors: Rajko Mladen
Published: August 2017

Područje Središnje Istre posebno je s obzirom na prirodne, ljudske, kulturne i povijesne resurse te je vrlo teško doći do takvog analitičko-ekonomskog institucionalnog modela razvoja koji bi bio "optimalan" i primjenjiv u svakoj situaciji i na svakome području. Bolje rečeno, može se zaključiti da takav model nije niti moguće konstruirati zbog specifičnosti svake pojedine lokalne samouprave u Središnjoj Istri. Takva tvrdnja poduprijeta je podacima do kojih se došlo na temelju istraživanja u jedinicama lokalnih samouprava u Središnjoj Istri. Osnovni cilj ovog rada bio je konstruirati takav "prihvatljivi model" kojim će se rukovoditi predstavnici javnog sektora prilikom izrade strategije razvoja svoga područja, vodeći računa o uključivanu svojih stanovnika u sve strateške projekte razvoja. Osnovni doprinos rada jest u oblikovanju takvog prihvatljivog modela razvoja koji bi trebao olakšati izradu analize stanja područja Središnje Istre, te omogućiti efikasnije upravljanje svim raspoloživim resursima.
Medicinski turizam – neki marketinški i etički aspekti
Authors: Krajnović Aleksandra , Babić Roko , Bosna Jurica
Published: August 2017

Ovaj rad istražuje područje tzv. medicinskog turizma, kao novog oblika selektivnog turizma u usponu. Medicinske usluge sve su češći motiv za putovanja, a vrlo čest razlog za to su niže cijene medicinskih usluga u nekim receptivnim zamljama u odnosu na zemlje iz kojih turisti dolaze. Ovaj rad obrađuje neke marketinške aspekte medicinskog turizma, i donosi model putem kojega se medicinske usluge uspješno mogu ukomponirati u ukupni hotelski proizvod, na primjeru suradnje zadarske stomatološke ordinacije Dentex d.o.o. i hotela Falkensteiner Club Funimation Borik u Zadru. Isto tako, s obzirom da se radi mahom o inozemnim gostima, ali i specifičnoj ciljnoj skupini, prikazuje se suvremeni primjer oglašavanja na ciljne tržišne segmente i niše preko društvenih mreža. U radu se, nadalje, prikazuje značenje turističkih posrednika u ovom procesu, koji nude "paket proizvode" koji se sastoje od hotelskih i medicinskih usluga. U radu se nadalje prikazuju usporedbe cijena izabranih medicinskih usluga između Hrvatske i nekih emitivnih zemalja, na temelju kojih se može zaključiti da medicinski turizam ima velku perspektivu za razvoj u Republici Hrvatskoj, ali i pitanja destinacijskom menadžmenta i standarda kvalitete u destinacijama medicinskog turizma. Drugi dio rada propituje neka etička pitanja vezana uz medicinski turizam na primjeru Indije, jedne od zemalja s najbržim porastom medicinskog turizma u svijetu, te se prikazuje prijedlog rješenja. Isto tako, propituju se bioetički upitna granična područja medicinskog turizma, kao što su korištenje inozemnih usluga medicinski potpomognute oplodnje i eutanazije. Autori zaključuju da je medicinski turizam u znanstvenoj teoriji i praksi još uvijek u povojima, ali da ima značajnu razvojnu perspektivu u vjetskoj ekonomiji i međunarodnom turizmu, te da se on mora značajnije afirmirati u praksi, ali i detaljnije istražiti u teoretskim raspravama.
Model za razvoj brenda u industriji hrane i pića – primjer zadarskog likera Maraschino
Authors: Krajnović Aleksandra , Strenja Ana , Bosna Jurica
Published: August 2017

Ovaj rad prikazuje mogući model razvoja brenda u industriji hrane i pića, na primjeru zadarskog likera maraskino, zasnovanog na principu IBM – Integrated Brand Model-a. Taj model je specifičan po tome, što u svojoj osnovi sadrži tzv. drivere – pokretače, podijeljene u pokretače organizacije i pokretače brenda, iz kojih proističe operativna marketinška politika, komunikacijske taktike brenda, kao i ostale operativne aktivnosti i organizacijske performanse. Kako je u prikazanom IBM modelu priča jedan od osnovnih pokretača organizacije, a principi i asocijacije na njome su zasnovani pokretači brenda, opisuje se slučaj brenda tvrtke Maraska - zadarski liker Maraskino. Riječ je o brendu izrazitog tržišnog potencijala, koji ima snažno razvijene sve tri kategorije: povijesnu priču, tradiciju, te već razvijene asocijacije u percepciji potrošača i javnosti, no, unatoč tome, taj brend u ovom trenutku nije dovoljno ekonomski valoriziran od strane klijenata, stakeholdera i šire društvene zajednice. Bolja suradnja tvornice Maraska, lokalnog stanovništva Zadarske županije, Turističke zajednice Grada Zadra i drugih dionika, mogla bi povećati prepoznatljivost ovog brenda na veću razinu, a time poboljšati prodaju i općenito vrijednost ovog brenda. U radu autori ujedno daju prijedlog nacrta strategije strategije brendiranja likera Maraschino. S obzirom na činjenicu da je Maraschino brend koji se razvija u maloj državi koja prolazi post-tranzicijsko razdoblje, a s time i povezane političke, gospodarske i društvene probleme, tvrtka Maraska trenutno nije u poziciji povećati ulaganja u ovaj liker i značajnije razviti ovaj brend.
Razvoj globalne financijske krize i utjecaj na promjene u financijskom sustavu i gospodarstvu
Authors: Ilić Miroslav
Published: August 2017

Učinci i sfere utjecaja financijske krize danas su važan interes mnogih znanstvenika, posebno u kontekstu da su posljedice krize i nedostatak adekvatnih rješenja i dalje aktualni. Financijskoj krizi je prethodio rast plasmana financijskih institucija iznad dosadašnjih razina u uvjetima kada pojedine ekonomije nisu imale dovoljnu razinu razvoja te je gospodarski rast bio financiran porastom zaduženja. Kriza se u najvećoj mjeri odrazila na likvidnost financijskog sustava i na stagnaciju ekonomske aktivnosti realnog sektora. Moguće mjere pomoći se razlikuju između pojedinih ekonomija i njihov učinak tek treba utvrditi. Članak prikazuje poveznice financijske krize s bankovnim sustavom, općom likvidnošću i realnom ekonomijom uz pregled novijih i relevantnih teorijskih i empirijskih istraživanja te relevantnih podataka.
Model optimalnog nastupa izvoznika u Jugoistočnoj Aziji
Authors: Babić Ante , Babić Tomislav
Published: August 2017

In this paper we are examining optimal approach to the markets of Southeast Asia. Croatian export has been traditionally oriented towards few neigboring countries. Countries of Southeast Asia on the other hand represent (besides China, Korea and Japan) market of almost 600 million inhabitants with relatively high growth rates, which is making them an interesting growth area that is less dependent on European trends. As Southeast-Asian countries are considerably remote and „exotic“ one has to deeply consider about optimal approach to those markets since logistic costs are high. We are offering theoretical approach as well as some successful approaches to markets in Southeast Asia.
Rangiranje čimbenika za odabir dobavljača putem TOPSIS metode
Authors: Puška Adis
Published: August 2017

Supplier’s selection is a first step in the supply chain. Supply chain except supplier’s selection includes many other activities. However, with the proper suppliers selection can be realized other objectives too within the supply chain.When selecting new suppliers each company puts specific criteria that need to fulfill and on the basis these criteria i.e. factors make the decision. Depending on which industry belongs to the company, they use a variety of factors in choosing new suppliers. These factors are diverse. This paper, unlike other papers explores the difference they make individual factors for the supplier’s selection using the expert opinion. For experts used in this study were taken from those who have published scientific papers on this topic. In this way it will be ranked factors for the new supplier’s selection using TOPIS methods of multi-criteria analysis and through expert opinions. Using this approach it will be determined what are the most important factors for new supplier’s selection.
Upravljanje globalnim brendom s osvrtom na efekt zemlje porijekla
Authors: Krajnović Aleksandra , Jadreško Ivan , Bosna Jurica
Published: August 2017

Geographical expansion is inevitable destiny of brands because it determines the growth of the brand and its ability to innovate and maintain competitive advantage in terms of economies of scale and productivity. Therefore, brand managers are trying to find out new ways and approaches in a manner to achive international expansion. The effect that has been studied for a long time in relation with brands is the effect of the country of origin. Purpose of this paper is to find out the impact of the country of origin on the contemporary brand management. Goal of the paper is to point out the end of country of origin trend in developed countries and development of this effect in developing countries. More and more companies are currently trying to cover up the country of origin of the product while brend with its image represents more important and familiar information. Generally, the effect of country of origin becomes less important while the country of the brand has a growing importance.
Primjena klaster analize u ekonomskim istraživanjima
Authors: Puška Adis , Beganović Admir I.
Published: August 2017

Odabir primjena multivarijatne analize je široka i rasprostranjena. U kontekstu multivarijatne analize postoje mnoge metode koje se mogu primjenjivati u statističkim analizama. Klaster analiza je metoda koja uspoređuje jedinice promatranja na temelju njihove povezanosti te ih razvrstava u homogene skupine. Klaster analiza rijetko se primjenjuje samostalno u ekonomskim istraživanjima. Ona se obično primjenjuje s drugim metodama multivarijatne analize. Ovaj rad nastoji objasniti primjenu klaster analize u ekonomskim istraživanjima, teorijski, metodološki i praktičnim segmentima primjene. Osim ovoga daje se i pregled primjene klaster analize u ekonomskim istraživanjima te smjernice za buduću provedbu ove metode. Na kraju rada se kroz praktični primjer predstavlja uporaba klaster analize.
Clinical and Angiographic Outcomes in Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery with Multiple versus Single Distal Target Grafts
Authors: Alherbish Aws , Norris Colleen M , Shavadia Jay , Almutawa Mohammad , Abualnaja Seraj , Nagendran Jayan , Graham Michelle M , Van Diepen Sean
Published: August 2017

Background: Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with multiple distal target (MDT) grafts requires less graft material and reduces cardiopulmonary bypass time; however, there may be a higher incidence of graft failure. A real-world analysis reporting long-term outcomes associated with MDT grafts is lacking.Material and Methods: In 6262 consecutive patients who underwent an isolated first CABG from 2004-2012, patients with MDTs were propensity matched to those with single distal target (SDT) grafts. Logistic regression adjusted for traditional, anatomical, and functional definitions of complete revascularization (CR). Outcomes included 30-day, 1-year, and long-term mortality (median 6.29 years). Results: A total of 549 (8.8%) CABG patients had a MDT graft. CR defined using traditional (96.1% versus 92.0%, P = .005), anatomical (89.0% versus 80.20%, P < .001), and functional (90.7% versus 82.6, P < .001) definitions was more frequent in MDT patients. No significant differences in mortality were observed at 30 days (2% versus 3.3%, P = .18), 1-year (3.8% versus 4.9%, P = .37), or through end of follow-up (18.0% versus 16.6% P = .52) between the MDT and SDT groups, respectively. Similarly, no differences were observed after adjustment for all definitions of CR. Graft failure in MDT and SDT patients was 37.8% and 27.6%, respectively (P = .18).Conclusion: In a contemporary population-based cohort, no differences in mortality were observed between CABG patients with MDT and SDT grafts. Our findings support the safety of MDT grafts to facilitate CR in patients and when graft material is limited.
Association between Preoperative Cardiac Left Ventricular Dysfunction and Perioperative Intraaortic Balloon Pump in Patients Undergoing Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery
Authors: Kusumoto Go , Shigematsu Kenji , Iwashita Kouhei , Tominaga Kenji , Totoki Takaaki , Yamaura Ken
Published: August 2017

Background: Prophylactic use of intraaortic balloon pump (IABP) reduces hospital mortality in patients with left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG); however, its association in patients with LV diastolic dysfunction is unclear. This retrospective study investigated the association between preoperative LV function and perioperative use of IABP in patients undergoing off-pump CABG (OPCAB) at a university hospital.Methods: 100 consecutive patients who underwent OPCAB between January 1, 2011 and August 31, 2014 were studied. Preoperative LV function was categorized into four groups based on LV systolic and diastolic function determined with preoperative transthoracic echocardiography. The use of IABP was reviewed from medical records. The Mann-Whitney test, Pearson chi-square test, or Fisher exact test were used.Results: Patients were categorized into the following groups: normal LV function (n = 43), isolated LV systolic dysfunction (n = 13), isolated LV diastolic dysfunction (n = 21), and combined LV systolic and diastolic dysfunction (n = 14). Intraoperative IABP use was significantly more frequent in patients with isolated LV systolic dysfunction, isolated LV diastolic dysfunction, and combined LV systolic and diastolic dysfunction than in those with normal LV function (P < .05). Furthermore, IABP was used more frequently in patients who developed combined LV systolic and diastolic dysfunction postoperatively (P < .05). Conclusion: Not only the presence of preoperative systolic dysfunction but also LV diastolic dysfunction in the presence of normal LV systolic function were associated with increased use of IABP during and after OPCAB.
Effects of Preoperative Tricuspid Valve Diameters on Early Postoperative Surgical Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Tricuspid Valve Surgery
Authors: Ada Fatih , Ucanok Kemalettin , Akar Ahmet Ruchan , Inan Mustafa Bahadir , Durdu Serkan , Sirlak Mustafa , Yazicioglu Levent , Uysalel Adnan , Eryilmaz Sadik
Published: August 2017

Background: Many of the previous studies on tricuspid valve surgery were on the materials that were used and the advantages and disadvantages of them. In this study, effects of preoperative tricuspid valve diameter on early postoperative outcomes were investigated. Methods: A total of 43 patients who underwent tricuspid valve repair surgery with the ring between the years 2012-2014 were included in this study. Tricuspid valve diameters and other cardiac functions of patients undergoing tricuspid intervention were evaluated with transthoracic echocardiography.Patients included in this study were divided into 2 groups: those with minimal, minimal-to-1st degree and 1st-degree tricuspid valve regurgitation found on thoracic echocardiography in the early postoperative period were considered as having a successful tricuspid repair (Group 1). Those with 1st-2nd degree and higher degrees of tricuspid regurgitation were considered as having an unsuccessful tricuspid repair (Group 2).The relationship between tricuspid valve dimensions and early tricuspid valve regurgitation was assessed with the help of preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative data.Results: Thirty patients (Group 1) were found to have a successful tricuspid valve repair in the postoperative period. The mean annulus diameter of the tricuspid valve at end-diastole in patients from Group 1 was similar to Group 2 (4.24 ± 0.44 cm versus 3.99 ± 0.40; P = .080). Also, tricuspid valve end-systolic diameter in Group 1 was similar to patients in Group 2 (3.59 ± 0.38 cm versus 3.42 ± 0.33 cm; P = .151). Conclusion: A direct relationship was not found between tricuspid valve diameter and post-operative development of moderate to severe regurgitation in tricuspid valve surgery in this study.
Randomized Trial of Sternal Closure for Low Risk Patients: Rigid Fixation versus Wire Closure
Authors: Graham Graham , Kumar Jeevan , Unai Shinya , James Diehl T , Hirose, MD Hitoshi
Published: August 2017

Background: A previous retrospective analysis of our cardiac surgery patients showed shortened ventilation time and hospital stay among patients receiving rigid sternal fixation compared to sternal wire fixation. We performed a prospective randomized study to further investigate these outcomes and determine if rigid closure can provide reduced pain after cardiac surgery.Methods: Patients undergoing cardiac surgery between July 2011 and May 2014 were prospectively randomized into wire closure (Group C) or rigid fixation using sternal plates (Group R) groups. Age above 80, emergency surgery, redo sternotomy, and immunosuppression were among major exclusion criteria precluding randomization.  Intubation time was recorded for all patients. Pain scores were determined daily from postoperative day 1 until day 5 at 6 a.m. using a numeric rating scale. Narcotic pain medication requirements from day 1 to 5 were collected and converted into intravenous morphine equivalents.Results: Of 80 patients, 39 patients were in Group R (average age 65 ± 8; 31 male and 8 female) and 41 patients were in Group C (average age 66 ± 9; 34 male and 7 female).  Group R patients had a higher body mass index than patients in Group C (Group R: 31 ± 5; Group C: 29 ± 5; P = .04). No significant differences in the end points of intubation time and postoperative pain were observed. Conclusion: This randomized study of cardiac surgery patients showed no significant benefits of rigid fixation over conventional sternal wire closure with regard to intubation time, postoperative pain, or length of hospital stay.
Concise review: Extracellular vesicles from mesenchymal stem cells as cellular therapy
Authors: Pham Phuc Van
Published: August 2017

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are microvesicles produced from cells throughout their life. From research over recent years, there has been greater understanding about EVs, including their physiological characteristics and the role they play in cell targets. Indeed, EVs carry information (in the form of RNA, DNA and protein) to cell targets. Some of their main biological properties include angiogenesis and immune-modulation. Therefore, these properties can be exploited to treat various diseases, including bone disorders, spinal cord injury and diabetes mellitus. Recently, new methods have been developed to isolate and enrich EVs with high performance and low-toxicity. Thus, EVs have emerged as the new generation of stem cell therapy. This concise review aims to highlight some recent achievements of EVs in preclinical and clinical applications.
Racial/Ethnic Disparity in NICU Quality of Care Delivery
Authors: Profit Jochen , Gould Jeffrey B. , Bennett Mihoko , Goldstein Benjamin A. , Draper David , Phibbs Ciaran S. , Lee Henry C.
Published: August 2017

BACKGROUND:

Differences in NICU quality of care provided to very low birth weight (<1500 g) infants may contribute to the persistence of racial and/or ethnic disparity. An examination of such disparities in a population-based sample across multiple dimensions of care and outcomes is lacking.

METHODS:

Prospective observational analysis of 18 616 very low birth weight infants in 134 California NICUs between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2014. We assessed quality of care via the Baby-MONITOR, a composite indicator consisting of 9 process and outcome measures of quality. For each NICU, we calculated a risk-adjusted composite and individual component quality score for each race and/or ethnicity. We standardized each score to the overall population to compare quality of care between and within NICUs.

RESULTS:

We found clinically and statistically significant racial and/or ethnic variation in quality of care between NICUs as well as within NICUs. Composite quality scores ranged by 5.26 standard units (range: −2.30 to 2.96). Adjustment of Baby-MONITOR scores by race and/or ethnicity had only minimal effect on comparative assessments of NICU performance. Among subcomponents of the Baby-MONITOR, non-Hispanic white infants scored higher on measures of process compared with African Americans and Hispanics. Compared with whites, African Americans scored higher on measures of outcome; Hispanics scored lower on 7 of the 9 Baby-MONITOR subcomponents.

CONCLUSIONS:

Significant racial and/or ethnic variation in quality of care exists between and within NICUs. Providing feedback of disparity scores to NICUs could serve as an important starting point for promoting improvement and reducing disparities.
Direct Oral Anticoagulants: A Quick Guide
Authors: Sikorska Julia ,   The Centre for Haemostasis and Thrombosis, Department of Haematology, St George’s Hospital, London, UK, Uprichard James ,   The Centre for Haemostasis and Thrombosis, Department of Haematology, St George’s Hospital, London, UK
Published: August 2017

Vitamin K antagonists, such as warfarin, have been the anticoagulants of choice for many years for patients with AF and other thrombotic conditions. The introduction of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) as alternatives represents a major advance in anticoagulation. DOACs have been found to be at least as safe and effective as vitamin K antagonists in randomised, controlled trials for stroke prevention in AF and the management of venous thromboembolism, with real-world data showing similar outcomes. With the availability of several agents, selecting the most appropriate DOAC can be challenging. The aim of the present article is to provide useful guidance on the implementation of DOAC treatment in clinical practice.
Health Literacy and Atrial Fibrillation: Relevance and Future Directions for Patient-centred Care
Authors: Aronis Konstantinos N ,   Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA, Edgar Brittany ,   Columbia University School of Nursing, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA, Lin Wendy ,   Boston University School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA, Parreiras Martins Maria Auxiliadora ,   School of Pharmacy, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Paasche-Orlow Michael K ,   Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA, Magnani Jared W ,   Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
Published: August 2017

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common cardiac arrhythmia with significant clinical outcomes, and is associated with high medical and social costs. AF is complicated for patients because of its specialised terminology, long-term adherence, symptom monitoring, referral to specialty care, array of potential interventions and potential for adversity. Health literacy is a frequently under-recognised, yet fundamental, component towards successful care in AF. Health literacy is defined as the capacity to obtain, process and understand health information, and has had markedly limited study in AF. However, health literacy could contribute to how patients interpret symptoms, navigate care, and participate in treatment evaluation and decision-making. This review aims to summarise the clinical importance and essential relevance of health literacy in AF. We focus here on central aspects of AF care that are most related to self-care, including understanding the symptoms of AF, shared decision-making, adherence and anticoagulation for stroke prevention. We discuss opportunities to enhance AF care based on findings from the literature on health literacy, and identify important gaps. Our overall objective is to articulate the importance and relevance of integrating health literacy in the care of individuals with AF.
Cardiac Magnetic Resonance in Takotsubo Syndrome
Authors: Bratis Konstantinos ,   Cardiology Clinical Academic Group, St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
Published: August 2017

Takotsubo syndrome is an acute, profound but reversible heart failure syndrome of unknown aetiology, usually but not always triggered by physical or emotional stress. Cardiac magnetic resonance has become an important tool for the non-invasive assessment of the syndrome, allowing for a comprehensive, safe and reproducible assessment of functional and anatomical myocardial properties, including perfusion, oedema and necrosis. This review focuses on the emerging role of cardiac magnetic resonance for the characterisation, differential diagnosis as well as risk stratification of patients with Takotsubo syndrome.
NIVELES SANGUÍNEOS DE BIOMARCADORES DE DAÑO GENÉTICO EN ERITROCITOS DE Lepidochelys olivacea (Cheloniidae) EN COLOMBIA
Authors: Quiroz Herrera Victor Hugo , Palacio Baena Jaime
Published: August 2017

Esta investigación se realizó en el municipio de Bahía Solano, Colombia y tuvo como objetivos: 1) detectar la circulación de eritrocitos con lesiones nucleares en 55 hembras adultas de tortuga golfina (Lepidochelys olivacea), empleando la inmunotinción de naranja de acridina y 2) correlacionar sus frecuencias con aspectos biométricos y fisiológicos. Se determinó una frecuencia de eritrocitos con micronúcleos (EMN) de 0,6 ± 0,6 y de protuberancias nucleares (EPN) de 2,1 ± 1,9.  Mediante un análisis multivariado a través de la correlación de Pearson y de Kruskal-Wallis (p<0,05), no se encontró ninguna correlación positiva entre el nivel de frecuencia de EPN ni de EMN con los parámetros biométricos y fisiológicos evaluados. Se estableció una diferencia estadísticamente significativa (p= 0,035) entre las frecuencias de EPN y de EMN. Los resultados hallados indican que esta especie presenta eritrocitos circulantes con los daños nucleares mencionados y reporta por primera vez la presencia de estrés genotóxico para la especie en Colombia. Así mismo, brinda información clave para investigaciones posteriores en el área de la ecotoxicología de especies marinas amenazadas.
Enterococcus, Myroides Y Exiguobacterium: GÉNEROS BACTERIANOS CON POTENCIAL PROBIÓTICO PARA EL CULTIVO DE TILAPIA NILÓTICA (Oreochromis niloticus)
Authors: Villamil Díaz Luisa Marcela , Esguerra Rodríguez Daniel
Published: August 2017

Se aislaron 120 morfotipos bacterianos de intestino de tilapia y se seleccionaron según su actividad antibacteriana contra patógenos como Aeromonas hydrophila, Streptococcus agalactiae y Edwardsiella tarda, su capacidad de adherencia a mucus intestinal y cinética de crecimiento. Las bacterias seleccionadas se identificaron mediante secuenciación de 16S rRNA y se identificaron como Exigobacterium sp. I9, Enterococcus faecalis I15 y Myroides odoratimimus I19. Además, se evaluó su efecto in vivo sobre el crecimiento de los peces, mediante su adición al alimento de juveniles de Oreochromis niloticus (106 UFC / g, por 15 días). Se determinó la supervivencia luego de un desafío experimental con Edwardsiella tarda por inyección intraperitoneal (100 µL 105 UFC / mL). Las tres bacterias seleccionadas incrementaron la tasa de crecimiento específica, redujeron la mortalidad de los peces durante el desafío experimental con E. tarda y no causaron mortalidad durante la adición en el alimento. Los efectos positivos in vivo se relacionan posiblemente con actividad in vitro; sin embargo, por motivos de bioseguridad se recomienda efectuar estudios posteriores a Exigobacterium sp. I9y E. faecalis I15 dado que se han reportado miembros de este género como causantes de mortalidad en peces, mientras que en el caso de M. odoratimimus I19, es necesario efectuar futuros estudios para verificar su actividad positiva a mayor escala productiva.
ESTADO ACTUAL DEL CONOCIMIENTO SOBRE MICROALGAS DEL PERIFITON Y MACROINVERTEBRADOS BENTÓNICOS EN EL DEPARTAMENTO DEL META, COLOMBIA
Authors: Moreno Rodriguez Fabian , Caro Caro Clara Ines , Pinilla Gabriel Antonio , Osorio Diana Paola
Published: August 2017

El departamento del Meta cuenta con un elevado potencial hidrológico que se traduce en oportunidades para los sectores agrícola, pecuario y ambiental. Por otra parte, se han incrementado considerablemente las actividades de la industria petrolera, lo cual ha traído nuevos retos y amenazas a la región. En consecuencia, los ríos del departamento se ven afectados por vertimientos de diferentes tipos, por captaciones y por modificaciones de los entornos de ribera y de los ambientes bentónicos. Sin embargo, es poco lo que se conoce acerca de estos sistemas y de las comunidades de microalgas y macroinvertebrados que los habitan, las cuales cumplen un papel fundamental en el funcionamiento ecológico de los ríos. Por esta razón se analizan las características más relevantes de dichas comunidades y se discuten las modificaciones que las actividades humanas provocan sobre la estabilidad ecológica de los ríos en un contexto regional. Adicionalmente, se presenta un listado de los taxones de microalgas perifíticas y macroinvertebrados bentónicos registrados para el departamento del Meta.
TOXICIDAD AGUDA DEL INSECTICIDA CIPERMETRINA (CYPERMON® 20 EC) EN CUATRO ESPECIES DE ANUROS COLOMBIANOS
Authors: Triana Velásquez Teófila María , Henao Muñoz Liliana Marcela , Bernal Bautista Manuel Hernando
Published: August 2017

El insecticida cipermetrina (CY) es usado en la agricultura para el control de plagas; sin embargo, por su acción neurotóxica puede afectar organismos no blanco como los anuros. El objetivo del trabajo fue determinar la toxicidad (concentración letal media: CL50, y algunos efectos subletales: retrasos en el desarrollo, capacidad de natación y longitud total de las larvas) del insecticida CY (Cypermon® 20EC) expuesto durante 96 horas en embriones y renacuajos de cuatro especies de anuros bajo pruebas de laboratorio y microcosmos. Los embriones de Rhinella humboldti fueron los más sensibles en condiciones de laboratorio (CL50= 6,27 mg/L) y Boana xerophylla en microcosmos (CL50= 88,32 mg/ha), mientras que los de Engystomops pustulosus fueron los más resistentes (laboratorio: CL50= 11,80 mg/L; microcosmos: CL50= 112,37 mg/ha). Rhinella marina mostró una sensibilidad intermedia. En los renacuajos no fue posible calcular los valores CL50 debido a la alta mortalidad registrada en las concentraciones experimentales en laboratorio y microcosmos, las cuales fueron 40 y 122 veces menores al valor de aplicación del insecticida (500 mg/L y 1,52 mg/ha, respectivamente). Por otra parte, se encontró una reducción significante en la longitud total y la capacidad de natación de las larvas obtenidas de los embriones expuestos a la CY, pero no en el tiempo de desarrollo. En conclusión, la exposición a la cipermetrina provocó una letalidad alta en los renacuajos y efectos subletales en estadíos tempranos del desarrollo, por lo que a las concentraciones recomendadas de aplicación, este insecticida es tóxico para las especies de estudio.
LA ONTOGENIA Y LA EVOLUCIÓN DESDE LA PERSPECTIVA DE LA TEORÍA DE LOS SISTEMAS DE DESARROLLO (TSD)
Authors: Dressino Vicente
Published: August 2017

La teoría de los sistemas de desarrollo (TSD) pretende realizar una síntesis conceptual que vincule el desarrollo ontogenético con la evolución. Sus antecedentes pueden ser encontrados básicamente en los trabajos de Waddington y de Bertalanffy quienes aportaron las bases de la canalización del desarrollo y la teoría de sistemas biológicos, respectivamente. El objetivo de este artículo es realizar un análisis conceptual preliminar de la TSD y reflexionar acerca de los aportes potenciales de la TSD como marco teórico para la biología del desarrollo en particular y la biología evolutiva en general. Para ello, se tendrán en cuenta algunos de los conceptos y propuestas que componen este marco y se trabajará sobre datos secundarios obtenidos de la bibliografía. Se concluye que la TSD: 1-logra argumentar en contra de la visión gen-centrista respecto de las explicaciones que pretenden justificar el desarrollo biológico y evolutivo; 2- argumenta de manera coherente a favor del rol de la epigenética en la ontogenia y la evolución; 3- en relación con lo anterior el rol de la selección natural se restringe a un segundo plano; 4- propone que la dicotomía naturaleza/cultura debe ser superada; y 5- constituye un posible programa de investigación metodológico compuesto de una diversidad de hipótesis y teorías no necesariamente relacionadas que pueden ser corroboradas de manera relativamente independientes del resto de la red teórica.