Epidemiology of hepatitis C in Croatia in the European context

We analyzed prevalence, risk factors and hepatitis C virus(HCV) genotype distribution in different population groups in Croatia in the context of HCV epidemiology in Europe, with the aim to gather all existing information on HCV infection in Croatia which will be used to advise upon preventive measures. It is estimated that 35000-45000 of the Croatian population is chronically infected with HCV. Like in other European countries, there have been changes in the HCV epidemiology in Croatia over the past few decades. In some risk groups(polytransfused and hemodialysis patients), a significant decrease in the HCV prevalence was observed after the introduction of routine HCV screening of blood/blood products in 1992. Injecting drug users(IDUs) still represent a group with the highest risk for HCV infection with prevalence ranging from 29% to 65%. Compared to the prevalence in theCroatian general population(0.9%), higher prevalence rates were found in prison populations(8.3%-44%), human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients(15%), persons with high-risk sexual behavior(4.6%) and alcohol abusers(2.4%). Low/very low prevalence was reported in children and adolescents(0.3%) as well as in blood donors(0%-0.009%). In addition, distribution of HCV genotypes has changed due to different routes of transmission. In the general population, genotypes 1 and 3 are most widely distributed(60.4%-79.8% and 12.9%-47.9%, respectively). The similar genotype distribution is found in groups with high-risk sexual behavior. Genotype 3 is predominant in Croatian IDUs(60.5%-83.9%) while in the prison population genotypes 3 and 1 are equally distributed(52.4% and 47.6%). Data on HCV prevalence and risk factors for transmission are useful for implementation of preventive measures and HCV screening.

Insights into hepatitis E virus epidemiology in Croatia

BACKGROUND Hepatitis E virus(HEV)is an emerging virus of global health concern.The seroprevalence rates differ greatly according to geographic region and population group.AIM To analyze the seroprevalence of HEV in exposed(animal-related professions)and nonexposed populations,as well as solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients.METHODS Forestry workers(n=93),hunters(n=74),and veterinarians(n=151)represented the exposed population.The general population(n=126)and pregnant women(n=118)constituted the control group.Transplant patients included liver transplant recipients(LTRs)(n=83),kidney transplant recipients(KTRs)(n=43),and hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients(HSCRs)(n=39).HEV immunoglobulin G antibodies were detected using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and confirmed by the immunoblot test.RESULTS The HEV seroprevalence significantly differed between groups:Veterinarians 15.2%,hunters 14.9%,forestry workers 6.5%,general population 7.1%,and pregnant women 1.7%.In transplant patients,the seropositivity was highest in LTRs(19.3%),while in KTRs and HSCRs,the seroprevalence was similar to the general population(6.9%and 5.1%,respectively).A significant increase in seropositivity with age was observed from 2.9%in individuals less than 30 years to 23.5%in those older than 60 years.Sociodemographic characteristics(sex,educational level,area of residence,and number of household members),eating habits(game meat,offal,and pork products consumption),and environmental and housing conditions(drinking water supply,type of water drainage/sewer,waste disposal,domestic animals)were not associated with HEV seropositivity.However,individuals who reported a pet ownership were more often seropositive compared to those who did not have pet animals(12.5%vs 7.0%).CONCLUSION The results of this study showed that individuals in professional contact with animals and LTRs are at higher risk for HEV infection.In addition,age is a significant risk factor for HEV seropositivity.

Risk Governance Recommendations for Unconventional Gas Development Regulatory Framework in Croatia

The following article has been retracted due to the investigation of complaints received against it. The Editorial Board found that substantial portions of the text came from other published papers. The scientific community takes a very strong view on this matter, and the Journal of power and Energy Engineering (JPEE) treats all unethical behavior such as plagiarism seriously. This paper published in Vol.2 No.4,297-303(pages), 2014, has been removed from this site.

Economics and Management of Shipbuilding Clusters： Possibilities for Integrating Croatian Shipbuilding in the EU Shipbuilding Industry

If managed properly, the shipbuilding industry could have a high multiplication effect. This is why it is often considered as the key industry in economic development in many national economies, especially those in transition. The three major players in the global shipbuilding industry are South Korea, China and Japan. Europe is positioned forth, but its market share is decreasing rapidly. This is also the case with the Croatian shipbuilding industry. This paper aims to critique the level of adaptability of Croatian shipyards to the rapidly changing environment of global industry. It also relates the question of survival and sustainable development of Croatian shipbuilding and strategic positioning of European shipbuilders. The results of this research had shown that without clusterizing the shipbuilding industry at EU integration level, and not at national levels, Europe will soon loose the struggle for market position improvement or even maintenance to the far more organized Asian rivals. Findings regarding the Croatian shipbuilding industry indicate the absence of a viable strategy on the national level. Furthermore, the paper tries to prove that success will be based on the possibility and will of Croatian shipbuilders to form strong collaborations mad business networks with subcontractors and other institutions. This should not be limited only at national level, but should incorporate different kinds of EU shipbuilding consortiums and clusters as well as other forms of strategic alliances.

Croatia:Promote More Exports to China

Croatia, a transitional country, is lo cated both in mid-Europe and Mediterranean, which boasts inborn geographical advantages. It is currently undergoing dynamic changes in its economic and social structure. Among the reform, it focuses on enlarging exports,especially the export to China, the world large and potential market. In this regard,recently, our report interviewed H.E.Boris Velic, Ambassador of Croatia to China.……

Current Status and Possibilities for the Development of the Cattle Breeding in the Primorsko-Goranska County, Croatia

At the beginning of 2007 the milk producers from the Primorsko-Goranska County, Croatia were surveyed through the questionnaire in order to determine the current status and to highlight the obstacles and the possibilities of development and improvement of the modern cattle breeding in the observed county. The questionnaire spanned 2001-2006 period and all together 260 families were surveyed. The survey aimed to get as much as possible useful information＇s that would indicate the problems concerning the cattle breeding in this area, and based on these results to give certain guidelines for the improvement of current status. Older age of milk producers, significant number of family farms with small number of cattle and difficult implementation of selective measures due to the small number of cows that were included in milk recording were determined as the main obstacles for cattle breeding development in the surveyed county. It is emphasized that development of cattle breeding in this area should be based upon the increased number of family farms with larger herds. To achieve this it is necessary to retain existing cattle fund, and then gradually increase the number of cattle in the mentioned county through the import of breeding heifers of dairy and combined breeds from neighboring European countries with highly developed cattle breeding. Besides that, it is also necessary to create conditions for the production of organic （ecological） products, which represents the future of agriculture, livestock production, bearing in mind that demanding European market has recognized the value of organic agricultural products that were produced through environment friendly production, which Primorsko-Goranska County, due to its significant natural resources, could easily assure.

The Requirements for the Development of Small and Medium Enterprises in Croatia and the European Union

Small and medium enterprises are the main institutional medium of the European economy. This is also recognized by the government of the Republic of Croatia, which emphasizes their importance and values their dynamism and capability for revitalizing the Croatian economy, and supports this by ways of subsidies. But, for all the effort, the economic position of small and medium enterprises in the terms of globalization is becoming more complex and uncertain, limited by time and more demanding. This does not correspond with the thesis which states that in the environment and conditions of the modem market economy, which is dynamised by progress in science, technology, information and communication, entrepreneurship has manifested a progressive dimension with the character and needs of all economic activity, as well as a tendency to achieve set objectives and generate change. Recently, after the repeated recession, which was encumbered by the effects of the one before, the conditions of doing business and survival for small and medium enterprises have changed significantly in a negative sense. So, there is a justified cause for questioning earlier stances about small and medium enterprises and their capability to be a motor of development of the Croatian economy, as well as to reevaluate their influence in the context of GDP growth, to focus on the importance and prevalence of certain sectors of the economy, to critically evaluate economic measures which do not lead to a reduction in unemployment and to define the requirements for future development of the small and medium enterprises, which implicates the increased economic efficiency, quality and living standards.

Implications of a Crisis on Small Businesses in the European Union and Republic of Croatia

Until the early 1990s Croatia has been neglecting, and even underestimating the significance, the role, the needs, and the results of small businesses （small and medium entrepreneurship）. Complete attention was focused on big companies. Relatively late, in 2002, small businesses, within the statutory legislation, have gotten its appropriate legal status and economic relevance. Today it is treated as a ＂basic necessity＂ of every society and a generator of economic development. But, economic crisis that has been present since 2008 has manifested all of its negativities, which has reflected on the present state of the economy, the whole society, and it is also shown from the results and some relevant indicators.

Croatia,China Hitting the Fast Lane of Cooperation

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang paid an official visit to Croatia in April, and attended the eighth leaders’ meeting of China and Central and Eastern European Countries in the Croatian seaside city Dubrovnik. During Li’s visit, the two countries signed a range of cooperation deals in several areas, and the Year of Tourism between China and Croatia was also inaugurated. Accompanied by Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, Li also inspected the project of the Peljesac Bridge, the largest-ever infrastructure cooperation project between the two countries. Under the framework of the Belt and Road Imitative, the two countries are hitting the fast lane of cooperation.

The Prospects of Rural Tourism Development in the Continental Touristic Region of Croatia： A Survey Conducted Among Younger and More Educated Respondents

The paper represents a product of mentor-graduate student cooperation, developed at the graduate study of Business Economics, major Tourism. The destinations and types of tourism are listed that exist in this area but also have room for improvement and further development. The goal is to prolong the season and not only focus on the coastal part of Croatia, following the examples of neighboring countries. The final goal of the research is to examine the behavior and opinion that participants have about Croatian tourism, what are their preferences when it comes to the choice of destination, on what grounds, how much are they familiar with rural tourism offer, and whether they think that further development would be crucial for rural tourism improvement. The research was conducted through a questionnaire on 203 respondents residing in the Republic of Croatia.

Effectiveness of Hypertension Therapy by Using Fixed Combinations and Monocomponent Drugs A Prospective Study from Croatia

Arterial hypertension is the leading risk mortality factor in the world according to the report by the World Health Organization. The aim of this research was to compare fixed-dose combination with free-drug combination therapy and prove that fixed-dose combination improve patient compliance and persistence, measuring blood pressure among hypertensive patients in a Croatian Adriatic city. Methods： The study included 202 patients, 101 women and 101 men, mean age 66.8 4- 9.4 with previous diagnosis of hypertension. Results： Mean blood pressure was 152.8 4- 18.8/87.3 4- 10.3 mmHg. Blood pressure control 140/90 mmHg） was achieved in 24.8% of patients, 13.9% of women and 10.9% of men. Mean blood pressure in the group with fixed-dose combination was 149.2 4- 17.9/86.2 4- 8.5 mmHg, and 156.7 4- 18.9/88.4 4- 11.8 mmHg in the group with free-drug combination therapy. Conclusions： Results suggest that blood pressure control was better in patients with fixed-dose combinations than in patients with free-drug combinations. Fixed-drug combination improved compliance and adherence in patients with antihypertensive therapy. Results of the study indicate that fixed-drug combination should be considered in patients with hypertension according to the guidelines.

Gender Relations in the Masculine Area of Farming： A Case Study of Croatian Farmwoman and Their Entrepreneurial Abilities

A case study of 350 farmwomen in Croatia was conducted to contribute the understudied area of farming and entrepreneurship. The study considered the sociodemographical features of farmwoman and its influence on entrepreneurial and organization skills. Field research was conducted through a questionnaire and interviews. Results showed that farmwoman were keen to start innovations, use new technologies and start new income generating farm activities but their gender roles and process of socialization hinders them in such attempts. High statistical correlations were significant for sociodemographic status to entrepreneurial abilities like farm work organization, actual professional status to involvement in decision making and farm economic status to farm economical position （income）.

Forest Reproductive Material and Conservation of Forest Genetic Resources in Croatia

Conservation of genetic diversity of forest tree species represents the foundation for sustainable forest management and preservation of natural structure of forest stands in Croatia. Diversity of geographical regions in Croatia has generated various ecological conditions and thus diverse forest communities which are directly affected by habitat degradation, various anthropogenic effects like pollution of air and water, excessive use of certain more valuable species of forest trees and by the increasing impact of global climatic changes. The need for conservation of genetic diversity is related to the species pertaining to social broadleaves—the prevailing species in terms of economic utilization as Pedunculate Oak (Quercus robur), Sessile Oak (Quercus petraea) and Common Beech (Fagus sylvatica). Among the conifers Silver Fir (Abies alba) is the most endangered species, with more than 70% of its population being seriously damaged. Other native coniferous species must be preserved from a decrease in genetic diversity as well. Conservation of the noble broadleaves should encompass a larger number of species from various genera (Fraxinus, Alnus, Ulmus, Prunus, Juglans, Castanea, Sorbus, Acer, Malus, Pyrus, Tilia). These are partially endangered because of their exposure to different pests and diseases, as well as by permanent exploitation due to their technical value. Changes in hydrological conditions of rivers have led difficulties in regeneration of the riparian forests and decreased the genetic variability of European Black and White Poplar in their habitats (Populus nigra, P. alba). In Croatia’s Adriatic coastal areas, there is a need for conservation of genetic resources of Dalmatian Black Pine (P. nigra ssp. dalmatica) and Mediterranean Oaks (Quercus ilex, Quercus pubescens). Conservation of genetic diversity of various forest tree species is conducted within the programmes that include in situ and ex situ methods with ensuring quality forest reproductive materials. In Croatia, a total of 125 seed stands have been selected, covering a total area of 3885.53 ha. The ex situ method is implemented by establishment of a total of 50 plots (clonal seed orchards, provenances and progeny trials, clonal archives), covering 114.85 ha.

冲突视角下的克罗地亚语言与民族建设

纵观20世纪初叶以来发生在克罗地亚的语言冲突,语言既是冲突的缘由,又是冲突的工具,不失为一个分析语言冲突的生动案例。克罗地亚族政治精英和知识精英利用语言的集体叙事功能,刻意将其语言与其他南部斯拉夫民族使用的语言区分开来,从语言的命名、标准化和规范化等角度为论证民族身份认同提供理据。南斯拉夫时期反复多变的语言政策以及民众对语言政策的反应,充分体现了借语言正名之力实现独立民族身份构建的意图。克罗地亚语和塞尔维亚语的关系及命名的分合,与民族情感和政治问题纠葛,贯穿克罗地亚谋求独立的历史进程。克罗地亚独立后,“塞–克语”旧称引发的学界批判和对克罗地亚语规范发展之功的争夺,反映了克罗地亚人长期以来的小族语言心态。回顾克罗地亚语言与民族建设的历程可知,语言在构建民族身份、建立独立国家方面可以发挥重要作用;语言冲突可能成为撕裂国家民族认同、导致国家分裂的重要力量。结合当前中国的现实语境,在保护各方言和各民族语言的同时,尤其要警惕损害中华民族共同体建设的“分裂型语言民族主义”及历史误读或刻意曲解;全社会需共同推进国家通用语言文字的推广普及。

克罗地亚高等教育评估中的学生参与研究——以博洛尼亚进程为背景

加入博洛尼亚进程后,克罗地亚高等教育部门积极建立学生参与高等教育评估的机制,学生在高等教育评估中的作用得以切实体现。尽管克罗地亚高等教育部门确立了有效的学生参与网络,构建了多元利益相关者的合作平台,建立并完善了有效的国际合作机制,但在学生参与机制中仍存在一些亟待解决的问题,譬如法律制度的完善、活动经费的保障以及学生委员会的独立性等。

口传史诗的口承性特征——对瓦尔特·翁提出的口传思维和表述特征的诠释与思考

参考与借鉴古典学、人类学、口头诗学等多学科的成就,以不同的历史-族群经验为支撑,瓦尔特·翁归纳出口传思维与表述的基本特征。但是这些特征在口头文学的思维与表述中并非具有完全的普适性。因此,以塞尔维亚—克罗地亚史诗与蒙古史诗《琶杰格斯尔传》为个案,反思这些特征在口头文学,特别是在口传史诗研究中的阐释力与不足。

Field evaluation of COVID-19 rapid antigen test:Are rapid antigen tests less reliable among the elderly?

BACKGROUND The global outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)leads to the development of accessible and cost-effective rapid antigen-detection tests(RATs),as quick and accurate diagnosis is crucial to curb the pandemic.AIM To evaluate the Humasis COVID-19 Ag Test(Humasis Co.,Ltd.,Gyeonggi-do,Republic of Korea)in the diagnosis of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2(SARS-CoV-2).METHODS This retrospective study was carried out at the Croatian Institute of Public Health and included patients with clinical symptoms of COVID-19 lasting no longer than 5 d prior to testing,whose nasopharyngeal swabs were primarily tested with RAT.Negative RAT samples underwent confirmatory real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR).Diagnostic efficacy was determined compared to RT-PCR.The patients were divided into three age groups(<18,19-65,>65 years).Statistical analysis was performed with the significance level set at P<0.05.RESULTSIn total,2490 symptomatic patients were tested;953 samples were positive on RAT,and 1537 werenegative.All negative RAT samples were subjected to RT-PCR;266 samples were positive andmarked as false-negative results on RAT.The calculated negative predictive value as a measure ofRAT efficacy was 82.69%.The χ^(2) test and Kruskal-Wallis test showed a significant difference in theproportion of false negatives(P<0.001)and RT-PCR cycle(Ct)values for false-negative RATs(P=0.012)among the age groups.The young age group was significantly less likely to be falsenegative,whereas the false negatives from the elderly group experienced significantly lower Ctvalues than the other two age groups.CONCLUSIONEvaluated RAT demonstrated satisfactory performance with more reliable results in youngerpatients.Humasis COVID-19 Ag RAT is potentially a valuable tool in areas where access tomolecular methods is limited;however,RT-PCR remains a gold standard for SARS-CoV-2detection.

“克罗地亚/斯洛文尼亚仲裁案”中的海洋划界问题

克罗地亚/斯洛文尼亚仲裁案"法庭基于当事各方在独立前的官方行为划分了它们在皮兰湾内的内水边界,并适用"等距离/特殊情况规则"划分了它们彼此间的领海边界。另外,仲裁庭本着公允及善良原则裁决了斯洛文尼亚与公海的连接问题。仲裁庭在克罗地亚领海内划出了一个"连接区"并规定了以交通自由为核心的特殊制度。但仲裁庭对法律的解释和适用存在一些缺陷。

国际仲裁协议的效力终止问题--斯洛文尼亚与克罗地亚领土海域争端仲裁案评析

克罗地亚和斯洛文尼亚自1991年独立后一直存在领土和海域争端,2009年两国达成了《仲裁协议》,决定将争端提交国际仲裁解决。然后,在仲裁过程中,发生了斯洛文尼亚律师单方面接触仲裁员这一违反《仲裁协议》的行为,克罗地亚因此要求终止《仲裁协议》,并不再参加仲裁。2016年6月30日,仲裁庭裁定克罗地亚无权终止《仲裁协议》,仲裁将继续进行。这一裁定对解决领土和海域争端方面的国际仲裁,包括仲裁庭的管辖权、终止条约的重大违约以及仲裁协议的特殊性等做出了重要贡献。

高等教育机构中人的竞争优势——萨格勒布经管学院人力资源管理模式探究

在萨格勒布经管学院(ZSEM)参与AACSB(国际高等商学院协会)国际认证的大背景下,文章对ZSEM人力资源管理五大职能的发挥现状进行了调研。揭示了该院的人力资源管理运作模式和该院员工及管理层对其认知情况。通过定性和定量研究,发现HRM的五大职能在ZSEM已经有所体现,但还存在如下问题:在新员工选拔方面,员工认知与实际操作有反差;在员工教育培训方面,学校提供的内部培训项目存在与员工需求不匹配的情况,还存在临时性、不系统等问题;在激励方面,员工对于学校的各种激励方式并不十分清楚;在员工开发计划方面,学校和员工都认为这是HRM中最重要的,实际操作过程中却没有成体系的开发计划;在绩效评估方面,学校每学期开展,但不够系统,而且没有把学校的使命和愿景成功转化成员工的使命和愿景,使得大家在评估的奖励上更期待物质奖励。