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The Influence of Dominance and Prestige Motivation on Physiological and Psychological Reactions Following Social Exclusion
No full textSocijalno isključenje smatra se jednim od najaverzivnijih iskustava koje predstavlja ozbiljnu prijetnju temeljnim psihološkim potrebama. U svrhu brze i nedvosmislene detekcije socijalnog isključenja, kroz evolucijsku prošlost razvijeni su različiti mehanizmi koji se očituju u obliku psiholoških i fizioloških reakcija. Primarna svrha ovih mehanizama obično je ponovno zadovoljavanje ugroženih potreba uslijed socijalnog isključenja, ali unatoč istom cilju, prethodna istraživanja ukazuju na širok raspon reakcija, od prosocijalnog ponašanja do agresije. Kao ključ za razumijevanje ove varijabilnosti nameću se individualne razlike među pojedincima. U kontekstu temeljne potrebe za statusom koja je također ugrožena socijalnim isključenjem, pojedinci se razlikuju prema motivima za jednu od dvije strategije dolaska do višeg društvenog statusa - dominacija i ugled. Prema tome, cilj je ovog istraživanja bio ispitati učinke socijalnog isključenja na promjenu u tjelesnoj temperaturi, percipirani stres, agresivno raspoloženje i hostilne namjere s obzirom na individualne razlike u motivima za dominaciju i ugled. Istraživanje je provedeno na prigodnom uzorku od 71 ispitanika (66 žena i 5 muškaraca), prosječne dobi 21 godine, koji su nasumično raspoređeni u uvjet socijalnog isključenja ili uključenja u virtualnoj igri dodavanja lopte Cyberball. Isključeni ispitanici izvijestili su o višim razinama agresivnog raspoloženja i hostilnih namjera dok kod temperature tijela i percipiranog stresa nije utvrđen značajan efekt. Utvrđeni su interakcijski efekti uvjeta i motiva za dominaciju na stres, pri čemu su ispitanici s višom motivacijom za dominaciju izvještavali o nižim razinama stresa u uvjetu uključenja. Drugi značajan interakcijski efekt bio je između uvjeta i namjere za prosocijalno ponašanje, gdje su obje grupe ispitanika (visoka motivacija za ugled i niska motivacija za ugled) u uvjetu uključenja iskazivale veću namjeru za prosocijalno ponašanje. Međutim, efekt je bio znatno izraženiji u skupini pojedinaca s višom motivacijom za ugled. Rezultati ovog istraživanja potvrđuju automatsku i univerzalnu prirodu procesa u pozadini reakcija na socijalno isključenje, budući da u uvjetu socijalnog isključenja nisu utvrđene različite reakcije među ispitanicima. Naposljetku treba uputiti na potreban oprez pri analizi neznačajnih rezultata u kontekstu metodoloških ograničenja, posebno efekt plafona i poda koji su mogli utjecati na osjetljivost pri utvrđivanju razlika u reakcijama.Social exclusion is considered one of the most aversive experiences, posing a serious threat to fundamental psychological needs. To ensure the rapid and unambiguous detection of social exclusion, various mechanisms have evolved throughout human history, manifesting in psychological and physiological responses. The primary purpose of these mechanisms is typically the restoration of the threatened needs following exclusion. However, despite this common goal, previous research indicates a wide range of reactions, from prosocial behavior to aggression. Individual differences emerge as a key to understanding this variability. In the context of the fundamental need for status, also threatened by social exclusion, individuals differ in their motivation for one of two strategies of attaining higher social status: dominance and prestige. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to examine the effects of social exclusion on changes in body temperature, perceived stress, aggressive mood, and hostile intentions, with respect to individual differences in dominance and prestige motivation. The study was conducted on a convenience sample of 71 participants (66 women and 5 men), with an average age of 21, who were randomly assigned to a social exclusion or inclusion condition within a virtual ball-tossing game, Cyberball. Excluded participants reported higher levels of aggressive mood and hostile intentions, while no significant effects were found for body temperature and perceived stress. Interaction effects were confirmed between condition and dominance motivation on stress: participants with higher dominance motivation reported lower levels of stress in the inclusion condition. Another significant interaction emerged between condition and prosocial intentions: both groups (high and low prestige motivation) expressed greater prosocial intent in the inclusion condition, although the effect was notably stronger among those with higher prestige motivation. These results support the automatic and universal nature of responses to social exclusion, as no differential reactions were observed among participants in the exclusion condition. Finally, caution is warranted when interpreting non-significant findings due to methodological limitations, particularly ceiling and floor effects, which may have impacted the sensitivity of detecting differences in reactions
Export procedure on the example of the company Podravka d.d. to the Polish market
No full textIzvoz proizvoda ili usluga predstavlja ključni element međunarodne razmjene koji omogućuje poduzećima proširenje svog poslovanja izvan nacionalnih granica i pristup novim tržištima diljem svijeta. U današnje vrijeme sve se više poduzeća odlučuje na sudjelovanje u međunarodnoj razmjeni koja omogućuje nove prilike za rast i razvoj poduzeća, jačanje konkurentnosti, te samim time i povećanje dobiti poduzeća. Rad analizira izvozni postupak na primjeru izlaska poduzeća Podravka d.d. na poljsko tržište, čime se želi ispitati uspješnost same izvozne strategije, dok je cilj istraživanja pružiti poduzeću Podravka d.d. smjernice za uspješan izvozni postupak na tržište Poljske. Istraživanje potvrđuje prednost primjene strategije direktnog izvoza prilikom ulaska na poljsko tržište.Exporting products or services is a key element of international trade that enables companies to expand their operations beyond national borders and access new markets around the world. Nowadays, more and more companies decide to participate in international trade, which enables new opportunities for growth and development, strengthening of competitiveness and thus the increase in the company's profit. The paper analyzes the export procedure on the example of the exit of the company Podravka d.d. to the Polish market, which aims to test the success of the export strategy itself, while the aim of the research is to provide the company Podravka d.d. guidelines for a successful export process to the Polish market. The research confirms the advantage of applying the direct export strategy when entering the Polish market
How to recognise a seriously ill child
No full textInfekcije, osobito one respiratornog sustava, predstavljaju najčešće bolesti u dječjoj dobi. Premda su u većini slučajeva blagog i samolimitirajućeg tijeka, pojedini uzročnici mogu dovesti do ozbiljnih kliničkih stanja, osobito ako se bolest ne prepozna pravovremeno i ne započne odgovarajuće liječenje. Teško bolesno dijete prepoznaje se temeljem niza nespecifičnih, ali klinički značajnih simptoma i znakova koji se identificiraju pažljivim uzimanjem anamneze i sustavnim fizikalnim pregledom. U kliničkoj praksi ključnu ulogu ima primjena ABCDE protokola, koji omogućuje brzo prepoznavanje i inicijalno zbrinjavanje vitalno ugroženog djeteta. Ovaj pristup uključuje sustavnu procjenu prohodnosti dišnoga puta, disanja, cirkulacije, neurološkog statusa i tjelesne izloženosti, redoslijedom koji omogućuje identifikaciju i liječenje najopasnijih stanja u najkraćem mogućem vremenu. Upozoravajući klinički znakovi koji ukazuju na teško bolesno dijete uključuju letargiju, odbijanje hrane, promjene boje kože s mogućim petehijama, hipotoniju, razdražljivost, visokofrekventan ili neuobičajen plač, tahipneju ili bradipneju, nepravilne obrasce disanja, poremećaje ritma i cirkulacije, produljeno kapilarno punjenje, promjene u svijesti i veličini zjenica.Infections, particularly those affecting the respiratory system, represent the most common illnesses in childhood. Although these diseases are typically mild and self-limiting, certain pathogens can lead to severe clinical conditions, especially if not recognized promptly and appropriately treated. A critically ill child is identified based on a range of nonspecific yet clinically significant symptoms and signs, which must be assessed through careful medical history taking and thorough physical examination. In clinical practice, the ABCDE approach plays a crucial role, as it enables the rapid identification and initial management of life-threatening conditions in children. This protocol involves systematic assessment of the airway, breathing, circulation, neurological status, and exposure, in a sequence that allows clinicians to detect and treat the most urgent conditions in the shortest time possible. Warning clinical signs that indicate a critically ill child include lethargy, refusal to eat, skin color changes with possible petechiae, hypotonia, irritability, high-pitched or abnormal crying, tachypnea or bradypnea, abnormal breathing patterns, rhythm and circulatory disturbances, prolonged capillary refill time, changes in consciousness and pupil size, and hypoglycemia
Urični artritis - može li promjena prehrambenih navika smanjiti potrebu za farmakoterapijom? : diplomski rad
No full textUrični artritis je kronična metabolička bolest uzrokovana nakupljanjem UA u tijelu što dovodi do hiperuricemije i taloženja urata u različitim tkivima. Prehrambene navike imaju ključnu ulogu u prevenciji i kontroli bolesti. Prehrana s niskim sadržajem purina, mediteranska prehrana, prehrana bogata vitaminom C i prehrana bazirana na namirnicama biljnog podrijetla uz ad-ekvatnu hidraciju i umjerenu konzumaciju čaja i kave mogu pomoći u kontroli hiperuricemije te u blažim slučajevima bolesti smanjiti potrebu za farmakološkim liječenjem. Promjenom prehrambenih navika možemo značajno smanjiti učestalost napadaja gihta, djelovati na kardio-vaskularne čimbenike rizika te poboljšati kvalitetu života naših bolesnika. Stoga adekvatna prehrana ima važnu ulogu u cjelovitom pristupu liječenju uričnog artritisa te je koristan saveznik u njegovom dugoročnom zbrinjavanju.Uric arthritis is a chronic metabolic disorder caused by accumulation of UA in the body,
resulting with hyperuricemia and deposition of urate crystals in various tissues. Dietary habits
have a pivotal role in prevention and management of the disease. A low purine diet,
mediterranean diet, nutrition with high intake of vitamin C, plant-based diet together with
adequate hydration and moderate intake of tea or coffee can help control hyperuricemia. These
dietary measures in milder cases of uric arthritis can reduce the need for pharmacological
intervention. Modifying dietary patterns, it is possible to significantly decrease the frequency
of gout attacks, influence on cardiovascular risk factors, and improve patients’ overall quality
of life. Consequently, appropriate nutrition is an important component of a comprehensive
approach in the treatment of uric arthritis and serves as a useful tool in its long-term
management
CRITICAL THINKING AMONG STUDENTS AND GENERAL POPULATION IN THE REPUBLIC OF CROATIA
No full textCilj ovog istraživanja bio je ispitati percepciju kritičkog mišljenja u studentskoj i općoj
populaciji u Hrvatskoj te utjecaj demografskih čimbenika. Anketnim istraživanjem na 280
ispitanika, korištenjem Upitnika kritičkog mišljenja (CThQ) i neparametrijskom statističkom
analizom, utvrđena je općenito pozitivna percepcija te vještine (Me=4,02). Rezultati su
pokazali statistički značajne razlike s obzirom na dob i trenutni studentski status, pri čemu su
ispitanici u dobi od 45 do 54 godine te oni na diplomskim i poslijediplomskim studijima
iskazali više razine kritičkog mišljenja. Nisu pronađene značajne razlike prema spolu ili
završenom stupnju obrazovanja. Zaključno, istraživanje potvrđuje da se kritičko mišljenje
visoko vrednuje, a dob i obrazovni angažman su ključni faktori, što ukazuje na potrebu za
razvojem prilagođenih strategija za njegovo poticanje.The aim of this study was to examine the perception of critical thinking among students and
the general population in Croatia and the influence of demographic factors. A survey of 280
respondents, using the Critical Thinking Questionnaire (CThQ) and non-parametric statistical
analysis, revealed a generally positive perception of this skill (Me = 4.02). The results showed
statistically significant differences with respect to age and current student status, with
respondents aged 45 to 54 and those in graduate and postgraduate studies showing higher
levels of critical thinking. No significant differences were found by gender or level of
education. In conclusion, the study confirms that critical thinking is highly valued, and age
and educational engagement are key factors, indicating the need to develop tailored strategies
for its promotion
Burnout syndrome among nurses in emergency hospital admissions
No full textUVOD: Sindrom sagorijevanja među medicinskim sestrama-tehničarima (MS/MT) na objedinjenom hitnom bolničkom prijemu (OHBP) manifestira se kroz emocionalnu iscrpljenost, depersonalizaciju i smanjeni osjećaj osobnog postignuća, te predstavlja značajan profesionalni rizik. Istraživanja pokazuju zabrinjavajuću prevalenciju ovog sindroma, s približno 30% MS/MT na OHBP-u koji pokazuju barem jednu od tri dimenzije sagorijevanja, što naglašava potrebu za razumijevanjem ovog fenomena kako bi se razvile učinkovite strategije za smanjenje stresa i poboljšanje radnih uvjeta u ovom zahtjevnom radnom okruženju.
CILJ ISTRAŽIVANJA: Cilj ovog istraživanja bio je utvrditi razinu sindroma sagorijevanja među MS/MT na OHBP-u, s posebnim naglaskom na procjenu razine ukupnog percipiranog sagorijevanja te njegovih specifičnih komponenti - iscrpljenosti i otuđenosti.
METODE: Istraživanje je provedeno na uzorku od 80 MS/MT zaposlenih u OHBP-u, pri čemu su podaci prikupljeni tijekom lipnja 2025. godine primjenom hrvatske verzije Oldenburškog upitnika sagorijevanja putem anonimne online ankete. Za procjenu razina percipiranog sagorijevanja, iscrpljenosti i otuđenosti korištena je četverostupanjska ljestvica, a podaci su analizirani metodama deskriptivne statistike.
REZULTATI: Istraživanje provedeno na 80 medicinskih sestara i tehničara zaposlenih u OHBP-u, s dominantnim udjelom žena (75%) i pretežno mlađom populacijom (51,25% mlađih od 36 godina), pokazalo je visoke razine profesionalnog sagorijevanja na svim mjerenim dimenzijama. Rezultati Oldenburškog upitnika sagorijevanja potvrđuju da čak 75% ispitanika iskazuje visoku razinu ukupnog sagorijevanja (Q1=2,62) i iscrpljenosti (Q1=2,75), dok više od polovice sudionika doživljava značajnu razinu otuđenosti od posla (medijan=2,75), čime su potvrđene hipoteze o visokoj razini percipiranog sagorijevanja i iscrpljenosti među medicinskim sestrama i tehničarima u OHBP-u.
ZAKLJUČAK: Istraživanje je potvrdilo hipoteze o visokoj razini sagorijevanja i iscrpljenosti među medicinskim sestrama i tehničarima u OHBP-u, dok je razina otuđenosti također visoka umjesto očekivane umjerene, što naglašava potrebu za sustavnim pristupom prevenciji sagorijevanja kroz moguće organizacijske promjene i podršku medicinskom timu.INTRODUCTION: Burnout syndrome among nurses and technicians in emergency hospital admissions manifests through emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced sense of personal achievement, being a significant professional risk. Research shows an alarming prevalence of this syndrome, with approximately 30% of nurses and technicians in EDs exhibiting at least one of the three burnout dimensions, highlighting the need to understand this phenomenon to develop effective strategies for stress reduction and improvement of working conditions in this demanding work environment.
RESEARCH OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the level of burnout syndrome among nurses and technicians in emergency hospital admissions, with special emphasis on assessing the level of overall perceived burnout and its specific components - exhaustion and disengagement.
METHODS: The research was conducted on a sample of 80 nurses and technicians employed in emergency hospital admissions, with data collected during June 2025 using the Croatian version of the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory through an anonymous online survey created on the Google Forms platform. A four-point scale was used to assess levels of perceived burnout, exhaustion, and disengagement, and the data were analysed using descriptive statistics methods.
RESULTS: The study, conducted among 80 nurses and technicians employed in emergency hospital admissions, revealed a high level of professional burnout across all measured dimensions, with a dominant proportion of women (75%) and a predominantly younger population (51.25% younger than 36 years). The results of the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory confirm that as many as 75% of respondents express a high level of overall burnout (Q1=2.62) and exhaustion (Q1=2.75), while more than half of the participants experience a significant level of disengagement from work (median=2.75), thus confirming the hypotheses about high levels of perceived burnout and exhaustion among nurses and technicians in emergency hospital admissions.
CONCLUSION: The study confirmed the hypotheses, high levels of burnout and exhaustion among nurses and technicians in emergency hospital admissions, while the level of disengagement is also high, instead of the expected moderate level, emphasising the need for a systematic approach to burnout prevention through organisational changes needed and support to the medical team
The Role of Oxidative Stress in the Etiology of Male Infertility
No full textNeplodnost pogađa 10-15 % parova, a u 30 % slučajeva uzrok je muški faktor. Među ključnim uzrocima muške neplodnosti nalazi se oksidacijski stres, stanje poremećene ravnoteže između oksidacije i redukcije koje rezultira stvaranjem reaktivnih kisikovih spojeva (ROS). Molekule ROS imaju važne fiziološke uloge, uključujući kapacitaciju spermija, hiperaktivaciju i fuziju s oocitom, no njihovo prekomjerno stvaranje uzrokuje štetu, poput lipidne peroksidacije, fragmentacije DNA i apoptoze. Značajne količine ROS-a nastaju u stanicama spermatogenetske loze, ali i kao nusprodukt aerobnog metabolizma te u leukocitima s peroksidaznom aktivnošću. Stanja poput varikokele, infekcija, dijabetesa, alkoholizma i pretilosti, zajedno s pušenjem, izloženosti toksinima i ftalatima dodatno pogoršavaju oksidacijski stres. Iatrogeni čimbenici, uključujući tehnike potpomognute oplodnje, krioprezervaciju i liječenje malignih bolesti radioterapijom i kemoterapijom, također povećavaju rizik. Obranu protiv oksidacijskog stresa pružaju antioksidansi koji neutraliziraju ROS. Enzimski antioksidansi, poput superoksid-dismutaze (SOD), katalaze i glutation-peroksidaze, prisutni su u spermijima i sjemenoj tekućini. Neenzimski antioksidansi, poput vitamina E, vitamina C, cinka i selena, unose se prehranom. Nedostatak antioksidansa zbog neuravnotežene prehrane povećava rizik od oksidacijskog stresa, stoga je pravilna i uravnotežena prehrana ključna za očuvanje plodnosti. Učinkovita strategija za prevenciju uključuje i smanjenje izloženosti rizičnim čimbenicima te primjenu dodataka prehrani s antioksidansima u odabranim slučajevima.Infertility affects 10-15% of couples, with male factors accounting for 30% of cases. Oxidative stress, a disruption in redox balance leading to the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), is a significant contributor to male infertility. ROS play crucial physiological roles, such as sperm capacitation, hyperactivation, and oocyte fusion, but excessive ROS levels cause damage, including lipid peroxidation, DNA fragmentation, and apoptosis. ROS are generated in spermatogenic cells, as byproducts of aerobic metabolism, and in leukocytes with peroxidase activity. Conditions like varicocele, infections, diabetes, alcoholism, and obesity, along with smoking, toxin exposure, and phthalates, exacerbate oxidative stress. Iatrogenic factors, including assisted reproduction techniques, cryopreservation, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, further increase the risk. Defense against oxidative stress is provided by antioxidants, which neutralize ROS. Enzymatic antioxidants, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and glutathione peroxidase, are found in sperm and seminal fluid. Non-enzymatic antioxidants, such as vitamins E and C, zinc, and selenium, are obtained through diet. Antioxidant deficiency due to poor nutrition heightens the risk of oxidative stress, making a balanced diet essential for fertility. Preventive strategies include reducing exposure to risk factors and, in selected cases, the use of antioxidant supplements
The Mechanisms of Chronic Inflammation in Obesity and Potential Therapeutic Strategies: A Narrative Review
No full textObesity, a global health concern of increasing significance, is characterized by chronic low-grade inflammation (LGCI) that significantly contributes to metabolic dysfunction. This narrative review explores the intricate pathophysiological mechanisms driving LGCI in obesity, emphasizing the role of adipose tissue, immune cell activation, and inflammatory signaling pathways. Hypertrophic adipocytes and infiltrating immune cells, particularly macrophages, release a cascade of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β, creating a self-perpetuating cycle of inflammation. These mediators disrupt insulin signaling through JNK and NF-κB pathway activation, leading to systemic insulin resistance, cardiovascular complications, gut dysbiosis and other metabolic disorders. The review further discusses therapeutic strategies to mitigate obesity-related LGCI, focusing on lifestyle interventions, nutritional approaches, and pharmacological agents. Physical activity, specific nutrients, and dietary patterns can modulate inflammatory responses, while anti-obesogenic medicines and bariatric procedures offer additional avenues for intervention. By understanding and addressing the root causes of inflammation in obesity, healthcare professionals can develop targeted strategies to improve metabolic health and overall well-being of individuals with obesity and, ultimately, prevent and manage the wide-ranging complications associated with this condition
Iodine and Selenium Status in Relation to Thyroid and Immune Functions—The Analysis of Their Dependencies in a Group of Women of Reproductive Age from the Southern Region of Poland
No full textObjectives: Iodine and selenium are key elements for thyroid. There is also evidence of their immunoregulatory potential. However, the current state of knowledge of potential interactions among iodine—selenium—thyroid—immune system is not sufficient. The aim of the study was to evaluate iodine and selenium statuses and examine the relationship between them and the functioning of the thyroid and immune system in a group of women of reproductive age, without previously diagnosed disease. Methods: The study involved a group of 60 women aged 19–40 from southern Poland. The concentrations of iodine and selenium were determined in serum samples using the ICP-MS and AAS methods, respectively. Thyroid function was assessed by determining serum levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (fT4), and anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies (anti-TPO) by electrochemiluminescence methods. Glutathione peroxidase 3 (GPX3) and ferric ion reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) in serum were measured by spectrophotometric methods. Immune functions were evaluated by analyzing cytokine levels using ELISA tests, including interferon-γ, interleukin-4, interleukin-17, and transforming growth factor-β. Results: No significant correlations between selenium and thyroid or immunological parameters were observed. The level of iodine in serum positively correlated with free thyroxine, indicating its importance for maintaining normal thyroid function, as well as with FRAP in serum, suggesting a protective role of iodine-mediated antioxidant activity on thyroid function. Conclusions: Our results underline the complexity of the system of correlations between iodine–selenium–thyroid–immune function. Nevertheless, understanding them may turn out to be crucial for developing preventive and therapeutic strategies in the context of thyroid diseases
The impact of EU funds on the development of entrepreneurship in Lika-Senj County
No full textU ovom diplomskom radu istražen je utjecaj fondova Europske unije na razvoj poduzetništva u Ličko-senjskoj županiji. Anketnim istraživanjem stavova lokalnih poduzetnika, utvrđeni su glavni koristi, prepreke i potrebe povezane s korištenjem EU sredstava. Analiza rezultata pokazuje da fondovi EU su pozitivno percipirani, ali imaju selektivan učinak na razvoj poduzetništva, posebno u segmentima obrazovanja, samozapošljavanja i sektorskih ulaganja. Analiza je ukazala na složenost administrativni postupaka, nedostatak informacija i institucionalne podrške kao značajnu prepreku većem uključivanju poduzetnika. Na temelju istraživanja predlaže se niz preporuka za unapređenje učinkovitosti i pristupačnosti fondova u kontekstu ruralnog i regionalnog razvoja. Preporuka za unapređenje učinkovitosti i pristupačnosti EU fondova odnosi se prvenstveno na daljnje jačanje i osnaživanje sustava potpore poduzetnicima u okviru mreže razvojnih agencija, gospodarskih i obrtničkih komora te drugih savjetodavnih tijela, posebice na lokalnoj i regionalnoj razini koja je najbolje upoznata sa specifičnostima potreba lokalnih poduzetnika. Osnovni cilj njihova djelovanja ne smije biti usmjeren samo na administrativne zadaće već na sustavnu edukativnu i savjetodavnu potporu poduzetnicima čija se konkurentnost može unaprijediti sufinanciranjem putem EU fondova.This thesis explores the impact of European Union funds on the development of entrepreneurship in the Lika-Senj County. Through a survey of local entrepreneurs’ attitudes, the main benefits, obstacles, and needs related to the use of EU funds were identified. The analysis of the results shows that EU funds are perceived positively but have a selective effect on the development of entrepreneurship, particularly in areas such as education, self-employment, and sectoral investments. The analysis pointed out the complexity of administrative procedures, lack of information, and insufficient institutional support as significant barriers to greater participation of entrepreneurs. Based on the research, a series of recommendations is proposed to improve the efficiency and accessibility of EU funds in the context of rural and regional development. The key recommendation for improving the effectiveness and accessibility of EU funds primarily refers to the further strengthening and empowerment of support systems for entrepreneurs within the network of development agencies, chambers of commerce and crafts, and other advisory bodies, especially at the local and regional level, which are most familiar with the specific needs of local entrepreneurs. The primary goal of their activities should not be focused solely on administrative tasks, but rather on systematic educational and advisory support for entrepreneurs, whose competitiveness can be enhanced through co-financing via EU funds