University of Dubrovnik

Sve brži razvitak umjetne inteligencije i širenje njezine uporabe nameće brojne prijepore, od sumnje u njezinu korisnost do upozorenja na opasnost za ljudski rod i od prihvaćanja do hvalospjeva. Analizom generatora teksta, fotografija i videa u simuliranim situacijama na strateškoj razini dokazano je da umjetna inteligencija može osmisliti kampanje u odnosima s javnošću od osnovnih elemenata poput slogana i ključnih poruka do same provedbe i analize kampanje. Komparativnom analizom kampanja, koje osmišljava umjetna inteligencija na današnjemu stupnju razvitka, također je dokazano da ne vodi dovoljno računa o kontekstu i različitim činiteljima zbog kojih ciljna javnost razumije određene poruke drukčije nego neka druga javnost. Provedene su dvije studije slučaja. U prvoj o stvaranju pozitivna imidža Sveučilišta u Mostaru ChatGPT pravilno je osmislio pojedine faze kampanje, no zbog nepoznavanja konteksta izraza Računajte na nas, predložio je potpuno pogrešan slogan. Zato je važno pri analizi sadržaja i provedbi kampanja uvijek, uz vidljivi sadržaj, tekst, provjeriti i sve ono što nije vidljivo na prvi pogled, a utječe na značenje poruke, kontekst predloženih slogana i ključnih poruka. U drugoj studiji slučaja o privlačenju ljubitelja serije Igra prijestolja u Dubrovnik, ChatGPT predložio je slogan za Dubrovnik sličan već postojećemu sloganu jedne turističke agencije. Također, predložio je slogane i za gradove u kojima je serija snimana kao i u onima u kojima nije, što znači da se još uvijek nije moguće pouzdati u njegovu bazu podataka. Zbog neuvažavanja konteksta može doći do suprotnih učinaka od željenih pa oslanjanje samo na umjetnu inteligenciju, bez ljudske provjere, još uvijek nije moguće. Umjetnu inteligenciju treba prihvatiti kao i bilo koju drugu tehnologiju jer ona može olakšati i ubrzati i jednostavne i složene aktivnosti u odnosima s javnošću i drugim područjima, ali djelovanje na emocije primatelja poruka i procjenu konteksta još uvijek mogu obaviti samo visoko obrazovani i kreativni stručnjaci. Ključne riječi: umjetna inteligencija, UI, odnosi s javnošću, kampanja, kontekst, ChatGPT

Featured Application Extracts of selected marine invertebrates show antibacterial activity and could be regarded as potential sources of novel antibiotic substances. Abstract Antibacterial resistance has become a major problem where new promising drugs are needed. The extracts obtained from marine invertebrates Mytilus galloprovincialis, Patella sp., Gibbula sp. and Arbacia lixula were tested against bacteria using the disc diffusion method. Citrobacter sp. from seawater and Paenibacillus sp., Bacillus sp. and Geobacillus sp. from soil were used as well as the reference bacterial strains Staphylococcus aureus NCTC 12981, S. aureus subsp. aureus Rosenbach ATCC 6538, Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Enteritidis ATCC 13076, Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serotype Typhimurium NCTC 12023, Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 19111, Klebsiella aerogenes ATCC 13048 and Escherichia coli NCTC 12241. The most successful bacterial inhibitors, inhibiting 8 of 13 strains were extracts of M. galloprovincialis, Patella sp., Gibbula sp., Enteromorpha sp., C. sinuosa and U. lactuca, extract of A. lixula showed antibacterial activity against five bacteria, while extract of C. officinalis showed no antibacterial activity. These results indicate the potential of these marine organisms as a source of antibacterial compounds and may serve as a basis for further research and development of new antibacterial agents.

The implementation of a system for the acquisition, transferring and processing of data essential for marine engine diagnostics is the basis of condition maintenance. Determining the most influential operating parameters, and conducting monitoring, analysis and taking action based on expert knowledge prevents downtime due to possible malfunctions. Timely corrections and replacements of worn parts based on condition diagnostics enable maintenance planning, which reduces the frequency of maintenance and the accumulation of unnecessary spare parts in warehouses. For research purposes, a system for remote data collection from electronically controlled marine engines was developed and applied. The system was installed on a four-stroke high-speed propulsion engine from a ferry, and the operating parameters of the engine were monitored during regular sailing in order to detect irregularities and possible failures at an early stage. The measurement system monitored the parameters obtained through the electronic engine control module via the J1939 protocol, and in this paper, the following relevant engine parameters were analyzed: engine speed, boost pressure, fuel consumption and engine load at the current speed. The analysis included the creation of trend diagrams to present the distribution of the minimum, median and maximum values of each parameter of all the measurements performed. This study also examined the simulation of the faults of the high-speed four-stroke marine engine model. By utilizing sensor data from critical system components, this research investigated different scenarios. The analysis aimed to elucidate the impact of these faults on engine performance. Based on the analyses of the relevant operating parameters of the engine, diagnostics were carried out.

U članku se razmatraju najvažniji instituti kaznenoga prava Dubrovačke Republike zahvaljujući brojnoj literaturi istraživača koji su historiografski obradili pojedine teme, proučavajući izvorne dokumente, uspoređujući dobivene rezultate i obogaćujući znanja o jednome drugom i drugačijem razdoblju države i prava, kakvi su nekoć postojali. Proučavajući najznačajnija znanstvena djela ovoga područja istraživanja, autor je na jezgrovit i sustavan način prikazao kako je kazneno pravo funkcioniralo, kakve su postojale kazne te kakve su bile političke i pravne prilike toga doba. Također, pokazao je koliko je jedan konzervativan kaznenopravni sustav Dubrovačke Republike različit od današnjega modernog poimanja kaznenoga prava. Ključne riječi: Dubrovačka Republika; kazneno pravo; kazne; Statut

Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) are heterogeneous group of gastrointestinal (GI) conditions characterized by chronic or recurrent GI symptoms without biochemical or structural abnormalities. Due to heterogenity of these disorders and complex pathophysiologic mechanisms, diagnosis and management still remain challenging. Current guidelines recommend stepwise and multimodality approaches, which include lifestyle changes to several classes of drugs (such as prokinetics, laxatives, antidepressants and central pain modulators). Prokinetics or “motility drugs” are compounds that stimulate gastrointestinal motility and, thereby, are clinically effective drugs for the treatment of FGIDs. According to the type of receptor they affect, they are divided into several groups: cholinergic agonists, dopamine (DA) receptor antagonists, motilin receptor agonists, ghrelin receptor agonist, 5-hydroxytryptamine (HT)4 receptor agonists, and other agents. The use of several prokinetic agents, such as cisapride and tegaserod, is associated with undesirable and serious cardiovascular side effects. This has led to restrictions on their use and withdrawal from the market by regulatory agencies which has discouraged drug development in this area. Despite that there is still a need for an effective and safe prokinetic. Drug development in this area is challenging, but a better understanding of physiological and pathophysiological mechanisms defines target receptors, leading to greater selectivity of prokinetic agents.

Introduction. Adventure sport tourism (AST) and nautical sport tourism (NST) have some similarities but may attract different segments of tourists. The aim of this study was to evaluate and differentiate sociodemographic factors associated with participation in NST and AST. Material and methods. The participants were 678 tourists (34.11 ± 7.2 years of age) who were involved in NST (n = 311) and AST (n = 367) during the summer seasons of 2023 and 2024 in Croatia. The variables included sociodemographic factors (age, gender, education level, socioeconomic status, marital status, parenthood, urban/rural living community, and physical activity-lifestyle; all predictors), and participation in AST or NST (outcome). Results. Compared with participation in AST, older age (OR = 2.41, 95% CI: 2.00-2.80), male gender (OR = 2.11, 95% CI: 1.81-2.33), and better socioeconomic status (OR = 2.01, 95% CI: 1.55-2.56) were significantly associated with a greater likelihood of being involved in NST. Compared with NST, a higher education level was associated with involvement in AST (OR = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.77-0.98). Conclusions. By understanding the characteristics of the analyzed groups, tourism operators can better design experiences that meet the specific needs and expectations of their clientele.

This study uses eye-tracking technology (ETT) to investigate discrepancies between seafarers’ perceived and actual performance during simulated maritime operations. The primary objective is to explore how misperceptions regarding the use of navigational tools—such as visual observation, radar, and ECDIS—may contribute to discrepancies in situational awareness, which is critical for safe navigation. By comparing participants’ self-reported perceptions with objective data recorded by ETT, the study highlights cognitive biases that influence navigational decision-making. Data were collected from a simulation scenario involving 32 seafarers with varying levels of maritime experience. The results reveal that participants tend to overestimate their reliance on visual observation and ECDIS, while underestimating their use of radar. These discrepancies may affect decision-making processes and could contribute to an inaccurate perception of situational awareness, although further research is needed to fully establish their direct impact on actual navigational performance. Additionally, the application of ETT identifies differences in the navigational strategies between more and less experienced seafarers, offering insights that could inform the development of training programs aimed at improving situational awareness. Statistical analyses, including Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Kruskal–Wallis tests, were conducted to assess the influence of demographic factors on performance. These findings suggest that ETT can be a valuable tool for identifying perceptual biases, potentially improving decision-making and enhancing training for real-world navigational tasks.

Background Malnutrition frequently affects older adults, increasing their risk for numerous diseases, as well as healthcare costs. Therefore, nutritional assessment and appropriate nutritional support addressed to meet individual nutritional needs and prevent malnutrition and its consequences should be a fundamental part of healthcare for older adults. This study aimed to compare the knowledge of nutrition guidelines for older adults between healthcare and non-healthcare professionals working with older adults. Methods The study was conducted during May and June 2021 using a validated “Knowledge of nutrition guidelines for older adults” questionnaire designed by Andrija Stampar Teaching Institute of Public Health, Croatia. The study participants were recruited from various institutions providing care for older adults in Split-Dalmatia and Dubrovnik-Neretva County. The final convenience sample consisted of 214 participants (163 healthcare professionals and 51 non-healthcare professionals). The obtained results were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The associations between participants’ characteristics and knowledge about the importance of nutrition in disease prevention and treatment, the assessment of nutritional status in older adults, and clinical nutrition were analyzed using multiple linear regression models. Results Participants’ overall knowledge of nutrition guidelines for older adults was moderate in both groups, with healthcare professionals scoring a median of 7.0 (IQR = 1.0) and non-healthcare professionals scoring a median of 6.0 (IQR = 2.0). Compared to non-healthcare professionals, healthcare professionals had lower knowledge about the importance of nutrition in disease prevention and treatment (β = − 0.16; p = 0.024). No statistically significant differences were found between healthcare and non-healthcare professionals in the level of knowledge about the assessment of nutritional status in older adults (β = − 0.02; p = 0.769) and clinical nutrition (β = 0.08; p = 0.267). Conclusions This study highlights gaps in knowledge regarding dietary guidelines for older adults among healthcare and non-healthcare professionals working with this specific population group. These findings suggest that targeted educational programs might be needed to improve understanding of geriatric nutrition.

Background Evidence shows harmful effects of e-cigarettes on health. There is limited data on the use of e-cigarettes among nursing students. This study aimed to investigate the usage, knowledge, and attitudes towards e-cigarettes among nursing students in Croatia, as well as their views on the role of nurses in counseling patients and assisting with smoking cessation. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted via an online questionnaire among nursing students at 10 universities in Croatia in March/April 2024. Students were asked questions about socio-demographics, knowledge and attitudes towards e-cigarettes and their views on the role of nurses in counseling patients and assisting with smoking cessation. Results The study included 1,039 participants; 89% were women, 43% were smokers; 53% used e-cigarettes and 76% used them for recreational purposes. 21% of participants agreed that e-cigarettes are an effective method for quitting smoking. More than half indicated that e-cigarettes could encourage non-smokers to start smoking. The majority (60%) reported that they had never received education on smoking cessation at university. Furthermore, 66% stated that they did not feel confident advising smokers about e-cigarettes. The majority (70%) considered physicians to be the most knowledgeable health experts to advise and educate users of e-cigarettes. There were no significant differences in attitudes between smokers and non-smokers on the use of e-cigarettes. Participants demonstrated insufficient knowledge about e-cigarettes. Non-smokers had more positive attitudes towards the role of nurses in combating smoking compared to smokers. Participants who had received education on smoking cessation were more willing to advise smokers and had clearer views on the risks and the importance of the nurse’s role in the quitting process compared to those who had not received such education. Smoking status and age were significant predictors of counseling confidence. Conclusion The study found a high prevalence of smoking and e-cigarette use among Croatian nursing students, along with limited knowledge and generally negative attitudes towards e-cigarettes. It highlighted gaps in education regarding the health risks of e-cigarettes and the lack of practical skills needed to help smokers quit, suggesting that nursing programs should update their curricula to better prepare students in these areas.

Risk assessment is pivotal to effective risk management, yet traditional approaches often overlook the complexity of interactions among multiple risks. Existing methodologies primarily focus on pairwise interactions, neglecting higher-order interactions that occur in groups of three or more risks. This oversight can lead to flawed risk assessments and ineffective mitigation strategies. To address this gap, in this paper we present a novel risk assessment framework that incorporates higher-order interactions and accounts for the dynamics of risk propagation. Using Design Structure Matrix (DSM) and logarithmic scale, we construct a comprehensive risk interaction network (RIN). Higher-order structures within the RIN are identified by simplicial complex, and a risk propagation model is developed to capture both pairwise interactions and higher-order interactions. Validation through real-world projects and experimental scenarios demonstrates that higher-order interactions profoundly influence risk dynamics, enabling more accurate and actionable risk rankings. By offering a holistic perspective, this methodology empowers managers to implement targeted, effective risk mitigation strategies.

This research explores how small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) handle supply chain disruptions, focusing on their choices between direct and indirect exporting and the pace of internationalization. While past scholars have extensively examined exporting in uncertainty and disruption, they have neglected SMEs, exposing a gap in the extant literature. Drawing on the organizational resilience concept supported by the theoretical lens of dynamic capabilities, the study focuses on resilience in preparing and reconfiguring the supply chain to manage disruptive events. The analysis of 2,484 SMEs from 23 countries reveals that SMEs engaging in direct exporting are likely to internationalize more swiftly, influenced by local factors such as corruption, informal competition, and political instability. This study examines a major weakness in the extant literature by casting light on SMEs exporting behavior in disruptive events and underscores the need for resilience-building strategies in SME supply chains to manage future face market disruptions and volatile events.

To determine the optimal conditions of pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) of polyphenols from black chokeberry leaves (BCL), temperature, time and sample-to-solvent ratio (SSR) were varied to obtain maximum polyphenols yield. The extracts were analyzed for total polyphenols (TP) as well as individual ones (UPLC ESI MS²) and antioxidant capacity (FRAP, DPPH and ORAC). Moreover, the biological activity of the selected extracts was additionally determined. The optimal PLE and MAE conditions were 150 °C, 5 min extraction time and SSR 1:30 g/mL (TP 80.0 mg GAE/g dm), and 70 °C, extraction time 5 min and SSR 1:30 g/mL (TP 36.4 mg GAE/g dm), respectively. Both methods yielded similar polyphenol profiles (43 compounds) but differed quantitatively. MAE extracts contained more flavonols and phenolic acids, while PLE extracts had higher procyanidins and flavan-3-ols. Furthermore, the PLE extract exhibited a superior antioxidant capacity. This BCL extract also showed that it can protect against oxidative and DNA damage and can induce free radical formation and DNA damage, albeit at different doses. Moreover, it had a moderate antimicrobial activity against S. aureus and B. subtilis, while no antimicrobial activity was observed against Gram-negative bacteria as well as yeasts, lactic acid bacteria and molds.

Tilapia are easily prone to degradation during the cold chain process, which is an urgent need for a transparent, efficient, and trustworthy traceability system. This paper designed and implemented a tilapia‐blockchain IoT traceability system (T‐BITS) based on Hyperledger Fabric. Intelligent sensing device and smart contracts were developed for traceability modeling and consensus optimization. Furthermore, a machine‐learning approach was used to achieve quality grading evaluation for tilapia cold chain. The GWO‐LSTM‐based key parameters prediction and PSO‐SVM‐based quality grading model were established. The results show that the T‐BITS system is more effective to capture and trace the critical ambient and quality information for tilapia cold chain. PSO‐SVM model accuracy for quality coupling grading reaches 93.33%. This work can provide decision‐making reference for tilapia quality control.

This article presents the development and implementation of the IPASIOU automated system for producing orthopaedic insoles. The IPASIOU system utilizes CAD/CAM technologies, digital scanning, and automated manufacturing processes to enhance the quality and availability of individually made orthopaedic insoles. The paper discusses the technological solution, results, and implications of the IPASIOU system, highlighting its potential for advancing the fields of orthotics and prosthetics.

This study aims to evaluate interventions and strategies used to retain junior doctors, with a specific focus on the roles of organizational climate, supportive leadership, and work engagement influenced by effective knowledge management practices. We examine how knowledge management—the systematic process of creating, sharing, using, and managing the knowledge and information of an organization—contributes to creating a favorable organizational climate and supportive leadership strategies. Engaging in a quantitative study with a sample of 950 junior doctors across four Central European countries, we explore the impact of an integrated approach that combines traditional performance-oriented climate models (rational goals model) with knowledge management practices tailored to the unique demands of healthcare settings influenced by current healthcare reforms and bureaucratic systems. Our findings suggest that not only do supportive leadership and a positive organizational climate enhance work engagement among junior doctors, but robust knowledge management practices also play a crucial role in improving retention rates by facilitating continuous learning and effective information sharing. To the best of our knowledge, our research is the first to draw on the synergy between rational goals, organizational climate, supportive leadership, and knowledge management practices to explain the antecedents of junior doctor work engagement and retention. This approach offers new insights into the dynamics of employee retention and underscores fundamental factors influencing junior doctors’ retention, paving the way for a more resilient and thriving healthcare workforce amidst the ongoing turbulence in global healthcare.

Ocean ecosystems have been subjected to anthropogenic influences for centuries, but the scale of past ecosystem changes is often unknown. For centuries, the European flat oyster (Ostrea edulis), an ecosystem engineer providing biogenic reef habitats, was a culturally and economically significant source of food and trade. These reef habitats are now functionally extinct, and almost no memory of where or at what scales this ecosystem once existed, or its past form, remains. The described datasets present qualitative and quantitative extracts from written records published between 1524 and 2022. These show: (1) locations of past flat oyster fisheries and/or oyster reef habitat described across its biogeographical range, with associated levels of confidence; (2) reported extent of past oyster reef habitats, and; (3) species associated with these habitats. These datasets will be of use to inform accelerating flat oyster restoration activities, to establish reference models for anchoring adaptive management of restoration action, and in contributing to global efforts to recover records on the hidden history of anthropogenic-driven ocean ecosystem degradation.

Eleven years after the publication of the first work applying deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) metabarcoding to zooplankton communities, the commonly known “miniCOI” barcode is widely used, becoming the marker of choice. However, several primer combinations co-exist for this barcode and a critical evaluation of their performance is needed. This article reviews the misperformance of miniCOI metabarcoding with marine zooplankton communities, comparing them to microscopy and/or other universal markers. In total, misperformances were reported for 26 zooplankton taxa, including 18 copepods and five tunicates. We report a detection failure with Class Appendicularia and contrasting performances for Oithona similis (from good correspondence to detection failure), two worldwide abundant taxa with a crucial role in the marine pelagic realm. A combination of forward primer mismatches, the presence of long poly-T inserts and a low number of reference sequences would explain the failure to detect appendicularians. However, the contrasting performance with O. similis would correspond to distinct numbers of mismatches in the forward primer in different lineages within this cryptic taxon. This is reinforced by the report of similar patterns with other locally abundant zooplankton taxa. Therefore, we strongly call for the use of miniCOI in combination with alternative methods capable of addressing these limitations.

Drone parcel delivery is an emerging topic with drone suppliers and retailers concerned due to their challenges and implications. Despite the many advantages associated with the drone delivery service, there are still obstacles to its acceptance by consumers, which is why it is necessary to understand their motivations. This study aims to analyze consumer behavior in the adoption of drone services. Specifically, the study analyzes the influence of perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and perceived privacy risk on consumers' attitudes toward drone delivery services and their intention to adopt this service. The sample, collected through a questionnaire, comprises answers from 1,108 Portuguese citizens. The Partial Least Squares method was used to test the purpose of this study. The results suggest that consumers' willingness to adopt drone delivery services is positively affected by the perception of ease of use and usefulness. At the same time, it is negatively influenced by perceived privacy risk. In addition, consumers' attitudes significantly influence consumers' intention to use these services in the future. Geographic adoption of drone delivery services is still limited. This study allows us to deepen our knowledge about the potential consumers of this service, which is very useful for its more universal adoption, and we propose to test the extended TAM model for ease of use of drone technologies by Portuguese consumers.