Hrčak - Portal of scientific journals of Croatia
Not a member yet
321498 research outputs found
Sort by
Motivations and outcomes of tourists’ engagement behaviours on social media
No full textPurpose – Social media are increasingly used by tourists for travel purposes. While social
media engagement is a complex concept, previous research simplifies it using basic metrics,
such as the count of likes or comments. This study adopts a comprehensive framework that
measures different levels of tourists’ engagement behaviours and analyses thoroughly their
motivations and outcomes.
Methodology/Design/Approach – This study collected information from a survey of 454
tourists visiting Hue City – a famous tourism destination that is widely promoted on social
media in Vietnam. The hypotheses were examined using partial least squares structural
equation modelling (PLS-SEM).
Findings – The research result reveals that recognition, information, and entertainment are
essential motives for tourists’ engagement behaviours. Furthermore, behaviours related to
consuming and producing content positively affect tourists’ destination advocacy and revisit
intention, while there is no linkage between contributing behaviours and these outcomes.
Originality of the research – This study deepens our understanding of consumer behaviour on
social media and offers valuable guidance for businesses and organisations to better optimise
their marketing strategies
Eco-tech work environment through the lens of millennial hospitality employees: A mixed-method approach
No full textPurpose – With the millennial generation making up a large share of the workforce in the
hospitality sector, it is important to determine their views on emerging technologies and
sustainable practices that affect their job-experiences.
Methodology/Design/Approach – This study adopts mixed-method approach to examine the
factors of eco-tech hospitality work environment as perceived by millennial employees via
detailed synthesis of literature with citation analysis-based literature review. Responses of 462
millennial employees of high-end hotels in India were collected by convenience sampling method.
CFA established four-dimensional millennials’ hospitality eco-tech work environment construct.
Further, ANOVA determined that differences occur among millennial employees of different
groups of gender, job levels, and operation departments about eco-tech hospitality environment.
Findings – This study provides insight into the existing knowledge related to evolving eco-tech
hospitality culture, and the findings would be useful for the hotel’s HR to develop millennial
employee-centric eco-tech work environment. Implications of the findings, as well as limitations
and directions for future studies, have been deliberated.
Originality of the research – This study is the first to establish an eco-tech work environment
measure of the hospitality industry. It also draws attention to the group of millennial hospitality
employees who influence the eco-tech work environment
SUSTAINABILITY ASSESSMENT OF CORAL REEF ECOSYSTEM IN PANJANG ISLAND, JEPARA, CENTRAL JAVA
No full textOtok Panjang, Jepara zaštićeno je područje smješteno u sjevernom dijelu pokrajine Jepara u središnjoj Javi, gdje se gospodarstvo lokalne zajednice temelji na ulovu ribe i turizmu. Međutim, ljudske aktivnosti i promjene u okolišu degradirale su ekosustav koraljnih grebena, ugrožavajući održivost otoka i izvore prihoda lokalnog stanovništva. Cilj ove studije bio je procijeniti status održivosti otoka Panjang na temelju različitih dimenzija zbog značajnih pritisaka. Korištena je deskriptivna kvantitativna metoda. Opažanja ekoloških varijabli, kao što su pokrivenost koralja i regrutacija, provedena su metodom linijskih transekata (line-intercept transect), dok su ribe na grebenima istraživane metodama podvodnog vizualnog popisa (underwater visual census), a indeksi bioraznolikosti izračunati su ručno (by hand). Društvene, ekonomske i institucionalne dimenzije procijenjene su putem intervjua i fokus grupa. Iako su ekološke, institucionalne i društvene dimenzije umjereno održive, glavni nalaz ukazuje na to da gospodarska dimenzija ostaje manje održiva. Poboljšanje sudjelovanja u zajednici, upravljanja i programa jačanja kapaciteta ključno je za podršku održivom korištenju resursa i dugoročnu zaštitu ekosustava otoka. Ovi nalazi naglašavaju hitnu potrebu za sinergijskim i holističkim strategijama upravljanja koje daju prednost poboljšanju lokalnih gospodarskih mogućnosti. Takav integrirani pristup ključan je za postizanje uravnoteženog i istinski održivog upravljanja koraljnim grebenima na otoku Panjang.Panjang Island, Jepara, is a conservation area in the northern part of Jepara Regency, Central Java, where the local community’s economy relies on capture fisheries and tourism. However, human activities and environmental changes have degraded the coral reef ecosystem, threatening the island’s sustainability and local livelihoods. This study aimed to assess the sustainability status of Panjang Island across various dimensions in response to these significant pressures. A descriptive quantitative method was employed. Observations of ecological variables, such as coral cover and recruitment, were conducted using the line-intercept transect method, while reef fish were surveyed using underwater visual census methods, and biodiversity indices were calculated manually. The social, economic, and institutional dimensions were assessed through interviews and focus group discussions. Although the ecological, institutional, and social dimensions are moderately sustainable, the main finding indicates that the economic dimension remains less sustainable. Enhancing community participation, governance, and capacity-building programmes is essential to support sustainable resource use and protect the island’s ecosystem in the long term. These findings highlight the urgent need for synergistic and holistic management strategies that prioritize the improvement of local economic opportunities. Such an integrated approach is crucial for achieving balanced and genuinely sustainable coral reef management on Panjang Island
Potential effect of nanoformulated iota carrageenan in Aβ1-42 disaggregation: an in vitro, in vivo and in silico study
No full textBackground and purpose: Alzheimer's disease is the primary contributor to neurodegenerative conditions. These pathologies are identified by the deposition of β-amyloid peptide within brain regions. It develops insoluble fibrils known as senile plaques. These plaques are associated with synaptic dysfunction, neuroinflammation, and progressive cognitive decline. Hence, the degradation and elimination of β-amyloid peptide fibrils from the body are viable therapeutic approaches for managing Alzheimer’s disease. Experimental approach: In the current study, liposomal nanoformulated iota carrageenan was synthesized and characterized using different photophysical tools. The nanoformulated iota carrageenan effectively degraded β-amyloid peptide 1-42, with 45.5 % reduction confirmed by Thioflavin T fluorescence assay. This activity was further supported by turbidity and dynamic light scattering analysis. Key results: The biocompatibility of nanoformulated iota carrageenan and its degraded β-amyloid peptide was determined using an 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol--2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), live/dead cell assay on PC12 cells. Structural disintegration of the β-amyloid peptide fibrils was validated through atomic force microscopy, revealing a significant reduction in fibrillar morphology. In silico studies also evidenced the interaction between the β-amyloid peptide and nanoformulated iota carrageenan. In addition, the neuroprotective potential of nanoformulated iota carrageenan, as evidenced by nanoformulated iota carrageenan-treated β-amyloid peptide, was supported by neurite outgrowth studies. These studies showed that differentiated PC12 cells exhibited larger neurite growth with extensive branching, indicating the reversal of β-amyloid peptide-induced neurotoxicity. CAM assay demonstrated enhanced blood vessel formation in chick embryos treated with nanoformulated iota carrageenan and its β-amyloid peptide-degraded group. Conclusion: These findings suggest that nanoformulated iota carrageenan holds potential and has nontoxic therapeutic effects for Alzheimer’s disease. Additional in vivo validation is required in future investigations
Gonadotropin regimen and dose predict superovulatory ovarian response in Ouled Djellal ewes: a stepwise regression study
No full textThis study aimed to evaluate the effects of gonadotropin regimen (PMSG alone vs. PMSG + GnRH or PMSG + hCG) and dose on superovulatory responses in 35 Ouled Djellal ewes during the breeding season. Intravaginal sponges containing 40 mg fluorogestone acetate were inserted for 14 days in all ewes. Two days before sponge removal, ewes were randomly assigned to seven treatment groups differing by regimen and dose. Outcomes were corpora lutea (CL) count, anovulatory follicles (AF), ovulation rate (OR), and serum progesterone (P4). Associations were assessed using stepwise regression analysis. Ewes receiving PMSG + GnRH or PMSG + hCG exhibited stronger ovarian responses than those given PMSG alone. Final stepwise models explained 41.3% of variance in CL, 20.5% in AF, 27.10% in P4, and 23.60% in OR. In each model, molecule type entered first and contributed more to model fit than dose, indicating that regimen exerted a greater influence than dose escalation. In conclusion, combining PMSG with either hCG or GnRH improves ovarian response parameters and overall model predictability compared with PMSG alone. These findings support evidence-based optimisation of superovulation protocols in Ouled Djellal ewes to enhance prolificacy, increase embryo yield, and accelerate dissemination of elite genetics in advanced breeding programmes
Pelvimetry of the creole goat of Santa Elena: reference parameters and values
No full textThis study evaluated the pelvic indices and diameters, pelvic area and circumference of the Santa Elena Creole goat in Ecuador. A total of 340 Creole goats between one and three years of age, with one to three parturitions, the last of which was eutocic. The indices and dimensions of the pelvis were determined and compared by means of a simple analysis of variance. Reference values for the screening range were calculated as ± 1.65 SD. The pelvic indices classify the investigated goats as concavilinear. Pelvic diameters, area, and pelvic circumference in first and second kidding oats were smaller (
Multivarijatna diskriminantna analiza parametara regionalne proizvodnje mlijeka u Africi
No full textThe importance of regional differentiation in dairy production systems lies in its ability to guide the design of appropriate development policies across Africa. This study aimed to distinguish the dairy production systems in the four major sub regions of the continent: North, West, East and Southern Africa using standardized data from the International Farm Comparison Network (IFCN) Dairy Reports of 2023 and 2024. Fifteen (15) standardized variables related to production inputs, outputs and consumption patterns were assessed using stepwise discriminant analysis. The objective was to identify the parameters most capable of discriminating regional dairy characteristics. Of the 15 dairy production variables examined, only milk consumption per capita was statistically significant (Wilks’ Lambda = 0.397; pVažnost regionalne diferencijacije u sustavima proizvodnje mlijeka ogleda se u njezinoj ulozi u usmjeravanju oblikovanja odgovarajućih razvojnih politika diljem Afrike. Cilj ovoga istraživanja bio je razlikovati sustave proizvodnje mlijeka u četiri glavne afričke podregije: Sjevernoj, Zapadnoj, Istočnoj i Južnoj Africi, koristeći standardizirane podatke iz IFCN (International Farm Comparison Network) Dairy Reports za 2023. i 2024. godinu. Petnaest (15) standardiziranih varijabli povezanih s proizvodnim inputima, outputima i obrascima potrošnje analizirano je primjenom stupnjevite diskriminantne analize. Cilj je bio identificirati parametre s najvećom sposobnošću razlikovanja regionalnih obilježja proizvodnje mlijeka. Od 15 analiziranih varijabli proizvodnje mlijeka, samo je potrošnja mlijeka po stanovniku bila statistički značajna (Wilksova lambda = 0,397; p < 0,001) u razdvajanju afričkih podregija. Sjeverna Afrika ostvarila je najvišu stopu uspješne ispravne klasifikacije (80 %), slijedi Južna Afrika (60 %), dok su Istočna Afrika (40 %) i Zapadna Afrika (16,7 %) pokazale znatno preklapanje, što upućuje na slabu regionalnu diferenciranost njihovih mliječnih sustava. Rezultati pokazuju da varijable vođene proizvodnjom, poput mliječnosti i veličine stada, nisu dovoljne za jasno razlikovanje afričkih regija. Nasuprot tome, čimbenici vođeni potrošnjom, oblikovani kulturnim vrijednostima, kupovnom moći i institucionalno-političkim okvirom, omogućuju jasnije razgraničenje. Ovi rezultati upućuju na to da su procesi na strani potražnje, osobito pristup tržištu i prehrambene navike, snažniji pokazatelji strukturnih razlika u afričkim sustavima proizvodnje mlijeka od proizvodnih pokazatelja. Razumijevanje tih potrošački usmjerenih dinamika ključno je za oblikovanje ciljanih i učinkovitih strategija razvoja mljekarstva na razini kontinenta
Effect of prostaglandin F2 analog treatment on proliferation and MAPK/ERK signaling in conjunctival tissues of glaucoma patients
No full textAim: To compare the proliferation and activation of the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway in conjunctival cells between glaucoma patients treated with prostaglandin F2 (PGF2) analogs and those who did not receive PGF2 analog treatment. We hypothesized that PGF2 analog treatment increases both processes.
Methods: We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study at the University Hospital of Split on conjunctival samples collected from PGF2-treated (PGF2-T) glaucoma patients (n = 6) and non-treated (PGF2-NT) patients (n = 4). Samples were stained for Ki-67 and phospho-ERK1/2 using immunofluorescence methods. We analyzed data using independent samples t-tests, with the significance threshold set at α = 0.05 (P < 0.05).
Results: The proliferation marker Ki-67 and P-ERK1/2, a marker of MAPK/ERK activation, were expressed in both epithelial and stromal cells of the conjunctival tissues in glaucoma patients. Ki-67 expression was significantly higher in the conjunctival tissues of the PGF2-T group (mean (x̄ ) = 8.40%, standard deviation (SD) = 1.30%, P = 0.001) compared to the PGF2-NT group (x̄ = 4.25%, SD = 1.04%). Similarly, P-ERK1/2 expression in conjunctival tissues was significantly higher in the PGF2-T group (x̄ = 17.29%, SD = 2.39%, P = 0.0094) compared to the PGF2-NT group (x̄ = 11.93%, SD = 2.53%).
Conclusions: Treatment with PGF2 analogs increases cellular proliferation and activates the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway in conjunctival tissues of glaucoma patients. This may help explain the adverse effects of these drugs. Future studies should investigate the role of MAPK/ERK signaling in conjunctival tissues and alternative pathways affected by PGF2 analogs, which may help improve glaucoma therapy and reduce adverse effects
ALLELOPATHIC POTENTIAL OF BIRTHWORT (Aristolochia clematitis L.) EXTRACTS ON CROPS AND WEEDS
No full textAllelopathic plants and their chemical compounds offer promising possibilities for sustainable weed management. This study aimed to assess the phytotoxic potential of birthwort (Aristolochia clematitis L.) on the germination and early growth of crops (wheat, barley, basil) and the weed species redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus L.). Extracts from fresh and dry aboveground biomass of A. clematitis, in different concentrations, were evaluated using a Petri dish bioassay and a pot experiment with soil. The results indicated that allelopathic effects of A. clematitis extracts depended on extract concentration, biomass type, test species, and application method. Germination and growth of the test species generally decreased as the concentration of weed biomass in the water extracts increased. In the Petri dish bioassay, extracts from fresh biomass had both positive and negative effects, while higher concentrations of dry biomass extract suppressed germination and seedling growth by up to 90 %. In the pot experiment, the allelopathic impact was less pronounced, and inhibition was observed only with the application of extracts from dry biomass. Variability in species sensitivity was also noted, with barley and A. retroflexus being the most affected. A. clematitis shows great potential as a subject for further research
