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Development of the test bench for irradiation influence on electronic components
No full textNeizbježnost uporabe elektroničkih sklopova u raznim tehničkim sustavima često dovodi do potrebe za ispitivanjem robusnosti i funkcionalnosti sklopova. Primjena u svemirskim, nuklearnim i medicinskim poljima rada dovodi do izloženosti elektronike ionizirajućem zračenju koje može prouzročiti sve od neprimjetnih problema koji se sami isprave do velikih havarija. Iz navedenog razloga u sklopu diplomskog rada razvijen je testni postav za ispitivanje elektroničkih sklopova, u koje ubrajamo aktuatorske (motore), senzoriku (enkodere, krajnje prekidače, senzore tlaka...) te logičke sklopove za upravljanje. Također su razvijene te proizvedene dvije tiskane pločice od kojih jedna ima funkciju ponovnog testiranja funkcionalnosti nakon ispitivanja elektronike na ionizirajuće zračenje i druga koja je zamišljena kao upravljačka tiskana pločica otporna na ionizirajuće zračenje. Kao zadnja faza diplomskog rada provedena su ispitivanja te su analizirani dobiveni podaci iz kojih je moguće interpretirati ukupnu isplativost korištenja dodanih mjera zaštite sustava od zračenja. Testirana oprema je sastavni dio manipulatorskih sustava tvrtke INETEC te je u sklopu europskog projekta RIMA provedeno ispitivanje testnog postava razvijenog u ovom diplomskom radu.The inevitability of using electronic circuits in various technical systems often leads to the need of testing the robustness and functionality of the assemblies. Application such as space, nuclear and medical often leads to exposure of the electronics to the radiation that can cause imperceptible problems but also to the major accidents. For that reason, test set-up was developed as part of the masters thesis for exposing electronic circuits to radiation, which includes actuators (motor), sensors (encoders, limit switches, pressure sensors...) and logic circuits for control. In adition, two printed circuit boards were developed and produced, one of which has the function of retesting the functionality after iradiation testing has been preformed and second which is designed as a control printed circuit board resistant to ionizing radiation. Last stage of the Masters thesis was iradiation test, which was carried out and obtained data was analised from which it is possible to interpret the overall profitability of the radiation hardened electronics. Used test equipment is an integral part of the manipulator systems of the company INETEC and iradiation testing was carried out as part of the European project called RIMA
Production and testing of skis for alpine skiing
No full textSkijaška industrija bez obzira na klimatske promjene doživljava i dalje svoj rast i razvoj. Radi se na poboljšanju svojstava samih skija, brzini proizvodnje skija, te na materijalima primijenjenim za konstrukciju skija. Jedna skupina tih materijala su preprezi koji se upotrebljavaju kao strukturni sloj skije i skijama daju određena mehanička svojstva, kao što su savojna i uvojna čvrstoća. Preprezi također utječu i na skraćivanje vremena proizvodnje samih skija, te lakše i brže sklapanje skija.
U ovom radu je opisana konstrukcija skija, te su provedena ispitivanja s NEMpreg.ply6540 prepregom. Provedena su ispitivanja samog materijala, te sklapanja skija s tim materijalom i napravljeni su prototipi skija na kojima su također provedena ispitivanja.Ski industry, despite the climate changes, experiences further growth and development. Properties of the skis, production productivity and materials used in ski industry are still in the process of development. One of the materials that experience constant improvement are prepregs. Prepregs are used as a structural layer of the ski, and they provide certain mechanical properties such as torsional and bending strength. They also shorten the production time and make easier ski assembly.
This thesis describes construction of the skis and contains results of tests that were made with NEMpreg.ply6540 prepreg. Within the tests, prepreg material was tested, ski assembly was made with new prepreg, and prototypes of the skis were tested
Skip loader body for communal container
No full textOvaj diplomski rad bavi se razvojem i konstrukcijskom razradom nadogradnje vozila s
nadogradnjom za samoutovar komunalnih kontejnera s mogućnošću pražnjenja tereta na
promjenjivim visinama. Na temelju analize tržišnih rješenja, tehničkih propisa i ograničenja,
definiran je niz funkcionalnih i konstrukcijskih zahtjeva koje je sustav morao zadovoljiti. Kao
osnova odabrano je vozilo Mercedes-Benz New Atego 1530 L, čije tehničke karakteristike
postavljaju granice unutar kojih se oblikuje nadogradnja.
U sklopu rada razrađena su različita konceptualna rješenja, od kojih su tri evaluirana pomoću
višekriterijskog sustava ocjenjivanja temeljenog na tehničkim i funkcionalnim parametrima.
Nakon provedenog vrednovanja, odabran je optimalan koncept koji omogućuje stabilno i
kontrolirano pražnjenje kontejnera na različitim visinama, uz zadržavanje pouzdanosti i
jednostavnosti uporabe.
Konstrukcijska razrada provedena je u programskom paketu SolidWorks, gdje je izrađen
cjeloviti 3D model i pripadajuća tehnička dokumentacija. Proračunati su svi ključni elementi
sustava, uključujući teleskopske ruke, hidrauličke cilindre, spojeve i stabilizatore, a odabir
materijala temeljen je na zahtjevima čvrstoće, otpornosti na habanje i sigurnosti.
Konačno rješenje osigurava mehaničku pouzdanost, stabilnost u radu i prilagodljivost različitim
vrstama kontejnera, čime je ispunjena tehnička svrha nadogradnje u skladu s važećim normama
i pravilnicima.This thesis presents the development and structural design of a skip loader truck body upgrade
with the capability of discharging containers at variable heights. Based on market analysis,
regulatory constraints, and technical requirements, a set of functional and construction-related
criteria was defined to guide the design process. The selected base vehicle is the Mercedes
Benz New Atego 1530 L, whose technical specifications determined the design boundaries of
the upgrade.
Several conceptual solutions were developed, three of which were evaluated using a multi
criteria assessment system based on technical and operational parameters. Following the
evaluation, the optimal concept was selected, one that ensures stable and controlled container
discharge at various heights while maintaining reliability and ease of use.
The structural design was carried out using the SolidWorks software package, where a complete
3D model and accompanying technical documentation were created. All key components were
analyzed, including telescopic arms, hydraulic cylinders, joints, and stabilizers, and material
selection was based on strength, wear resistance, and safety requirements.
The final solution provides mechanical reliability, operational stability, and adaptability to
different container types, thus fulfilling the functional and technical purpose of the upgrade in
accordance with applicable standards and regulations
Modular design system with room configuration support for prefabricated construction
No full textU ovom je diplomskom radu istražen razvoj modularne i parametarski konfigurabilne prostorije
za prefabriciranu gradnju, uz primjenu računalnog programa SolidWorks 2020 za izradu
popratnog 3D modela. U kontekstu sve većih zahtjeva za bržom i učinkovitijom izgradnjom,
prefabricirana gradnja predstavlja moderan pristup koji omogućuje serijsku proizvodnju
građevinskih modula u kontroliranim tvorničkim uvjetima, čime se znatno smanjuje vrijeme
izgradnje i negativni utjecaj vanjskih čimbenika.
U radu su analizirana temeljna načela modularnog konstruiranja, kao i prednosti koje proizlaze
iz primjene standardizacije i modularizacije u građevinskoj industriji. Na primjeru koncepta
prefabricirane kupaonice, detaljno je opisan postupak modularizacije konstrukcije i opreme, a
koje se pojavljuju u dvije osnovne konfiguracije: prvoj koja je kompaktnija i jednostavnija te
drugoj koja je prostranija, ali složenija. Obje konfiguracije omogućuju korisniku prilagodbu
različitih elemenata, kao što su pozicija vrata i prozora, dimenzije prostora za tuširanje,
prisutnost niše, boje i dimenzije pločica te vrsta i oblik sanitarnih elemenata.
U središnjem dijelu rada opisan je razvoj računalnog (parametarskog) modela prefabricirane
kupaonice. Parametrizacija modela omogućuje jednostavnu izmjenu geometrije prefabricirane
prostorije promjenom vrijednosti varijabli, čime se generira velik broj varijanti bez potrebe za
ponovnim modeliranjem. Poseban naglasak stavljen je na izradu korisničkog sučelja koje
omogućuje intuitivnu konfiguraciju modela prema zadanim zahtjevima.
U završnom dijelu rada provedena je analiza učinkovitosti razvijenog sustava te su predložene
mogućnosti daljnjih poboljšanja. Rad pruža smjernice za razvoj sličnih konfigurabilnih sustava
i ističe potencijal parametarskog konstruiranja kao alata za modernizaciju građevinske
industrije i srodnih sektora, u kojima je važna fleksibilnost, učinkovitost i serijska prilagodba
proizvoda krajnjim korisnicima.This thesis explores the development of modular and parametrically configurable rooms for
prefabricated construction, with the application of the SolidWorks 2020 computer program for
the creation of an accompanying 3D model. In the context of increasing demands for faster and
more efficient construction, prefabricated construction is a modern approach that enables serial
production of building modules in controlled factory conditions, which significantly reduces
construction time and the negative impact of external factors.
The paper analyses the basic principles of modular design, as well as the advantages arising
from the application of standardization and modularization in the construction industry. On the
example of the concept of a prefabricated bathroom, the process of modularization of the
structure and equipment is described in detail, which appear in two basic configurations: the
first, which is simpler and more compact, and the second, which is more spacious, but more
complex. Both configurations allow the user to customize various elements, such as door and
window position, shower dimensions, the presence of a niche, colour and dimension of tiles,
and the type and shape of sanitary items.
In the central part of the paper, the development of a computer (parametric) model of a
prefabricated bathroom is described. Parameterization of the model allows easy modification
of the geometry of the prefabricated room by changing the values of the variables, thus
generating a large number of variants without the need for remodelling. Special emphasis is
placed on the creation of a user interface that allows intuitive configuration of the model
according to the given requirements.
In the final part of the paper, an analysis of the efficiency of the developed system was carried
out and possibilities for further improvements were proposed. The paper provides guidelines
for the development of similar configurable systems and highlights the potential of parametric
design as a tool for the modernization of the construction industry and related sectors, in which
flexibility, efficiency and serial adaptation of products to end users are important
Evaluacija obilježja i trendova potrošačkog ponašanja u sektoru brze prehrane
No full textEvaluacija obilježja i trendova potrošačkog ponašanja u sektoru brze prehrane otkriva kako je brza hrana i dalje široko prisutna u svakodnevnim prehrambenim navikama, osobito medu mlađom populacijom koja cijeni praktičnost, brzinu i pristupačnost. Iako je svijest o negativnim zdravstvenim posljedicama relativno visoka, ona često ne rezultira značajnom promjenom navika zbog psiholoških čimbenika poput kognitivne disonance. Marketinške aktivnosti i promotivne ponude snažno utječu na potrošačke odluke, no postoji i rastući interes za zdravijim alternativama koje zadovoljavaju potrebe brzine i dostupnosti. Demografski čimbenici poput dobi i obrazovanja značajno oblikuju stavove i konzumaciju. Sveukupno, sektor brze prehrane prolazi kroz transformaciju u kojoj zdraviji proizvodi i edukacija igraju ključnu ulogu u oblikovanju budućih potrošačkih trendova.The evaluation of consumer behavior characteristics and trends in the fast food sector reveals that fast food remains a prevalent part of daily dietary habits, especially among younger populations who prioritize convenience, speed, and affordability. Although awareness of the negative health impacts is relatively high, it often does not lead to significant behavior changes due to psychological factors such as cognitive dissonance. Marketing activities and promotional offers strongly influence consumer decisions, yet there is a growing interest in healthier alternatives that meet the demands for speed and accessibility. Demographic factors like age and education significantly shape attitudes and consumption patterns. Overall, the fast food sector is undergoing a transformation where healthier products and education play a crucial role in shaping future consumer trends
Design of a forwarder body
No full textU ovom radu opisana je konstrukcija nadogradnje forvardera, šumskog vozila namijenjenog transportu posječenih trupaca s mjesta sječe do privremenog šumskog stovarišta. Fokus je stavljen na teretni prostor forvardera nosivosti 10 tona, koji uključuje elemente poput zaštitne pregrade, nosača, štica i njihovih međusobnih spojeva. Razvijeno je nekoliko koncepata nadogradnje, koji su zatim ocijenjeni prema više kriterija. Analizirane su funkcionalne potrebe i u obzir uzete tehničke specifikacije. Na temelju ocjena odabran je najpovoljniji koncept koji je modularan i omogućuje potencijalnu ugradnju specijaliziranih rješenja poput hidrauličke hvataljke za trupce, odnosno clambunka. Koncepti su konstrukcijski razrađeni te su provedeni svi potrebni proračuni u svrhu provjere čvrstoće i krutosti konstrukcije tijekom eksploatacije. Osim toga, dan je i prijedlog konceptualnog rješenja clambunka kao alternativne nadogradnje teretnog prostora forvardera.This paper describes the design of a forwarder body; a forestry vehicle intended for transporting
felled logs from the felling site to a temporary forest depot. The focus is on the forwarder’s 10-
ton payload load space, which includes elements such as the log gate, support frame, stanches,
and their mutual connections. Several upgraded concepts were developed and evaluated based
on multiple criteria. Functional requirements were analyzed, and technical specifications were
considered. Based on the evaluation, the most favorable concept was selected. Selected concept
has modular design that enables the potential integration of specialized solutions such as a
hydraulic log grapple, clambunk. The concepts were structurally elaborated, and all necessary
calculations were carried out to verify the strength and rigidity of the structure during operation.
In addition, a conceptual design of the clambunk was proposed as an alternative upgrade for
the forwarder’s load space
Parallel flight simulation of a fighter aircraft and an anti-aircraft missile in a selected scenario
No full textNa početku ovog rada dan je kratki opis značajki rakete lako prijenosnog raketnog protuzrakoplovnog sustava (LPRS). Napravljena je teorijska razrada 6DOF modela gibanja rakete zajedno s informacijama o relativnom gibanju glave rakete u odnosu na cilj te sustavu upravljanja rakete. Dobiva se tzv. vektor stanja, koji se sastoji od 19 komponenata (varijabli) koje služe za opis sustava leta i vođenja modela rakete. Prema postojećem modelu rakete rađenom u programskom paketu MATLAB, rađen je sustav leta i vođenja modela rakete u Simulinku. Napravljeno je deset podsustava, gdje svaki ima svoju određenu zadaću, koji su dalje spojeni u funkcionalni sustav rakete. Također, rađena je usporedba samostalne simulacije sustava rakete u odnosu na postojeći kod. Simulacija se sastojala od dva različita scenarija napada cilja, jedan gdje je cilj u dolasku i drugi kada je cilj u odlasku. Dobiveni rezultati razvijenog modela pokazali su prihvatljivo poklapanje s rezultatima postojećeg koda. Sustav rakete je dalje spojen sa sustavom aviona na simulatoru leta. Odrađena je simulacija za tri različita scenarija napada rakete na zrakoplov s pilotom u petlji, tj. napad na avion u dolasku, odlasku i s bočne strane.This thesis starts with a short description of a short-range anti-aircraft missile. Further, a theoretical development of the missile 6DOF flight model is portrayed, together with information on the relative motion of the missile head in relation to the target and the missile control system. A state vector consisting of 19 variables is used to describe this flight model along with its guidance.
Based on the existing missile model developed in the MATLAB software package, a missile flight and guidance system model was developed in Simulink. Ten subsystems were created, each with its own specific task, which were then combined into a functional missile system. Also, a comparison of the independent missile system simulation was made in relation to the existing one in MATLAB. The simulation consisted of two different target attack scenarios: one where the target is approaching and the other where the target is moving away from the launch site. The results obtained from the developed model showed an acceptable match with the results of the existing code.
The missile system model was further connected to the fighter aircraft system model in a flight simulator. A parallel flight simulation of the both systems was performed. It consisted of three different scenarios of a missile attack on an aircraft with a pilot in the loop. These scenarios involved an aircraft approaching or moving away from the launch site, as well as the site being shifted to the side
Phytochemical composition and antioxidant activity of different pepper varieties
No full textOvim diplomskim radom analiziran je sastav i ispitivano je antioksidacijsko djelovanje suhih plodova vrsta Piper nigrum, Piperaceace, Piper borbonense, Piperaceae, Piper cubeba, Piperaceae, Schinus terebinthifolia, Anacardiaceae, Zanthoxylum simulans, Rutaceae te Amomum melegueta, Zingiberaceae. Identifikacija alkaloida (piperina), derivata terpena (borneola), flavonoida (kvercitrina, izokvercitrina i rutina) i fenolnih kiselina (klorogenske, ružmarinske i kavene kiseline) provedena je prikladnom metodom TLC-a (tankoslojne kromatografije). Metoda tekućinske kromatografije visoke djelotvornosti (HPLC) korištena je za kvantifikaciju piperin u uzorcima. TLC i HPLC metodom dokazana je prisutnost piperina u bijelom, zelenom i crnom papru vrste P. nigrum, i u vrsti P. borbonense. TLC metodom dokazana je prisutnost borneola u vrsti S. terebinthifolia i A. melegueta, a prisutnost izokvercitrina, rutina i klorogenske kiseline može se potvrditi kod vrste Z. simulans. Kvercitrin, ružmarinska i kavena kiselina nisu identificirane ni kod jednog uzorka. Antioksidacijsko djelovanje potvrđeno je sposobnošću hvatanja DPPH slobodnog radikala, gdje je rezultat prikazan postotokom inhibicije DPPH radikala pri koncentraciji od 800 μg/mL: Z. simulans (sečuanski papar) = 91,47 ± 1,33 %, A. melegueta (malagueta papar) = 85,47 ± 2,08 %, S. terebinthifolia (rozi papar) = 75,50 ± 2,97 %, od vrste P. nigrum, zeleni papar = 73,55 ± 2,75 %, crni papar = 56,85 ± 0,23 %, bijeli papar = 52,12 ± 8,15 %, P. cubeba (javanski papar) = 51,94 ± 0,62 %, dok je P. borbonense (voatsiperifery papar) = 45,92 ± 5,29 %. Ovaj rad doprinosi boljem razumijevanju fitoterapijskog potencijala različitih vrsta papra.The thesis paper analyses the composition and investigates the antioxidant effect of dried fruits of the species Piper nigrum, Piperaceace, Piper borbonense, Piperaceae, Piper cubeba, Piperaceae, Schinus terebinthifolia, Anacardiaceae, Zanthoxylum simulans, Rutaceae and Amomum melegueta, Zingiberaceae. The appropriate TLC (thin layer chromatography) method is used in the identification of alkaloids (piperine), terpene derivatives (borneol), flavonoids (quercitrin, isoquercitrin and rutin) and phenolic acids (chlorogenic, rosmarinic and caffeic acids). The high-performance liquid chromatography method (HPLC) is used to quantify piperine in the samples. The presence of piperine in white, green and black pepper of the species P. nigrum, and in the species P. borbonense is proven by both the TLC and the HPLC method. The TLC method verified the presence of borneol in S. terebinthifolius and A. melegueta, while the presence of isoquercitrin, rutin and chlorogenic acid is confirmed to be present in Z. simulans. Quercitrin, rosmarinic and caffeic acids are not identified in any of the samples. The antioxidant effect is confirmed by their ability to scavenge the DPPH free radical, where the result is shown by the percentage of DPPH radical inhibition at a concentration of 800μg/mL: Z. simulans (Szechuan pepper) = 91.47±1.33%, A. melegueta (malagueta pepper) = 85.47±2.08%, S. terebinthifolia (pink pepper) = 75.50±2.97%, from the species P. nigrum, green pepper = 73.55±2.75%, black pepper = 56.85±0.23%, white pepper = 52.12±8.15%, P. cubeba (Javanese pepper) = 51.94±0.62%, while P. borbonense (voatsiperifery pepper) = 45.92±5.29%. This paper contributes to a better understanding of the phytotherapeutic potential of the different pepper species
Lokalizacija naspram modularnosti funkcija - studija slučaja oporavka kognitivnog, izvršnog i emocionalnog funkcioniranja nakon operacije tumora mozga
No full textDugo se smatralo da su određene kognitivne funkcije, poput govora, jasno lokalizirane u određenim područjima mozga. Ovaj pristup temelji se na istraživanjima posljedica lokaliziranih oštećenja mozga na osnovi kojih su razvijene teorije o uzročno-posljedičnoj vezi oštećenja ili lezija anatomskih struktura mozga i pripadajućih kognitivnih deficita. U novije vrijeme koncept lokaliziranosti funkcija mijenja se u koncept modularne povezanosti prema kojem je u osnovi kognitivnih funkcija povezani sustav neuralnih mreža. Prema tome, lezija određene strukture mozga ne mora nužno rezultirati deficitom funkcije koja je povezana s tom strukturom. U Klinici za neurokirurgiju KBC-a Zagreb postoji višegodišnja praksa operativnog liječenja u budnom stanju koje za cilj ima maksimalno uklanjanje tumora mozga uz minimiziranje deficita govora i/ili motorike. Cilj ove studije slučaja je prikazati učinak tumorske infiltracije i kognitivno, izvršno i emocionalno funkcioniranje nakon operacije tumora mozga u budnom stanju, a koji je zahvatio govorna područja u čeonom i sljepoočnom režnju lijeve mozgovne polutke kod pacijentice u dobi od dvadeset devet godina koja je kao komorbidno stanje imala i multiplu sklerozu s plakovima obostrano sljepoočno, lijevo parahipokampalno supratentorijski obostrano peritrigonalno, periventrikularno u području centrum semiovale i unutar žuljevitog tijela. Neuropsihologijsko ispitivanje provedeno je u dva navrata. Rezultati su pokazali očuvano govorno funkcioniranje nakon uklanjanja govornih područja. Rezultati su također pokazali očuvano ostalo kognitivno, izvršno i emocionalno funkcioniranje u kojem nije došlo do značajnih promjena u odnosu na predoperativno neuropsihologijsko testiranje. Obrazac kognitivnog funkcioniranja ove ispitanice nakon operativnog liječenja govori u prilog neuroplastičnosti mozga kao i postojanju kompenzatornih mehanizama u mozgu koji uslijed pojave tumora počinju i prije operacijskog liječenja i dodatno se konsolidiraju nakon neurokirurške intervencije stoga nalazi studije govore u prilog i teorije o modularnosti funkcija.Introduction
For much of the 20th century, the brain was viewed as having specialized, localized regions responsible for specific functions, and damage to these areas was thought to cause permanent deficits. This view had significant implications for surgery, suggesting that "eloquent" areas, such as Broca’s or Wernicke’s areas, were non-operable due to their critical functions. However, functional recovery observed after damage to these areas challenged this model, leading to a shift towards a more dynamic understanding of brain function. Recent theories emphasize the brain as a complex, interconnected neural network where cognitive functions are not solely dependent on individual regions but rather on the dynamic interplay between various structures, including cortical-subcortical networks and white matter pathways. Current perspectives on brain connectivity consider the brain as a network of functional areas that interact dynamically, and lesions can disrupt not only the affected region but the entire brain's functional connectivity. This shift in understanding has significant clinical implications, particularly for surgery in areas previously thought to be inoperable. The objective of this work is to explore the evolution of the concept of brain function and dysfunction, the role of brain connectivity and plasticity, and how this knowledge is applied to conditions like brain tumors and multiple sclerosis, as well as recovery following brain injuries.
Aim of the study
The aim of this case study is to examine cognitive, executive, and emotional functioning following brain tumor surgery performed while the patient was awake, where the tumor affected speech areas in the frontal and temporal lobes of the left hemisphere. The patient also had multiple sclerosis as a comorbidity. The study aims to stimulate discussion on various theories of brain processing and functional organization and to provide an overview of the latest neuroscientific perspectives on the impact of brain damage on cognitive functioning.
Methodology
Medical History: The patient is a 29-year-old woman with a co-occurrrence of multiple sclerosis (MS). In June 2021, she experienced left facial muscle weakness, which was later identified as a demyelinating lesion, prompting the diagnosis of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). A brain MRI in June 2024 revealed tumor progression in the left frontal lobe, which led to the decision for awake surgery.
Surgical Procedure: The patient underwent surgery using the "awake-asleep-awake" protocol, which involves preparation by various specialists, including neurosurgeons, neurologists, psychologists, speech therapists, and anesthesiologists. Neuropsychological testing was done before surgery to evaluate cognitive, executive, and emotional functioning. If significant cognitive impairment or anxiety was found, the surgery would be changed to general anesthesia.
Preoperative and Postoperative Neuropsychological Evaluation: Preoperative evaluation was carried out over two sessions, starting on the day of hospitalization. Cognitive issues described by the patients were occasional experience described as brain fog, difficulty recalling words, and slowed thinking. A follow-up neuropsychological assessment was conducted 14 weeks after surgery. The patient showed no significant changes in her emotional or cognitive state. The evaluation both times was performed over two sessions to minimize mental fatigue.
Tests Administered: A series of neuropsychological tests were used to assess cognitive, executive and emotional functions: Wechsler Bellevue Intelligence Scale (WB-II). Auditory Verbal Learning Test (AVLT), Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test (RCFT), Trail Making Test (TMT), Boston Naming Test (BNT), Verbal fluency Tests (FAS, animal naming), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) with additionally Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WSCT), Token Test (TT), and subtest from Boston Aphasia Diagnostic Test (BDAE) – Cookie Theft.
Intraoperative Mapping and Awake Phase: The patient underwent a left-sided frontal-temporal craniotomy, followed by the awakening from general anesthesia. The surgery was performed using bipolar stimulation to map motor and speech functions under local anesthesia. A team of neurologists, speech therapists, and psychologists conducted the testing. During the procedure, the patient was asked to count aloud and lift up her right arm to help locate these areas. After testing different cortical areas with stimulation, neurosurgeon identified the primary motor cortex posterior to the tumor, primarily located in the opercular region of the lower frontal gyrus. The tumor was successfully removed without significant damage to key areas. The procedure lasted 5 hours, with the patient being awake for one hour. Pathological analysis confirmed the tumor was an astrocytoma grade II, indicating a slow-growing and less aggressive tumor, which suggests a favorable prognosis.
Results and discussion
Before surgery, the patient exhibited mild cognitive difficulties, including reduced verbal fluency, challenges in sequential thinking and visual attention to details, and slight impairments in parallel processing speed. Fourteen weeks post-surgery, the patient underwent a follow-up neuropsychological evaluation, which revealed no significant cognitive, executive, or emotional changes compared to preoperative functioning. She performed at average levels on most tests assessing memory, verbal conceptualization, attention, visual-spatial abilities, and verbal learning. However, verbal fluency in phonetic categories and visual attention to detail remained impaired. These issues seemed more related to multiple sclerosis (MS) than the tumor's location. The patient reported returning to normal daily and work activities, expressing no significant changes in her emotional or cognitive state. Speech and motor functions were stable, and no rehabilitation was required.
Despite the tumor affecting regions involved in language processing, no significant language deficits were observed. Intraoperative mapping showed speech issues only during stimulation of certain motor cortices, suggesting functional reorganization around the tumor. Functional reorganization, particularly in glioma cases, likely contributed to the preservation of cognitive functions. The tumor's slow growth may have triggered gradual brain network adaptation, including the involvement of remote brain regions and contralateral structures. This concept supports the idea of functional recovery following surgery, which was evident in this patient as she resumed normal work and social activities within two months post-operation.
Furthermore, the patient’s MS contributed to cognitive challenges, particularly with verbal fluency, serial thinking and slightly impaired processing speed, but did not significantly worsen post-surgery. MS-related cognitive impairments tend to progress slowly, with some patients remaining stable for years. Emotional and social functioning were minimally impacted, with the patient reporting normal emotional regulation despite some anxiety and depression. Her ability to cope, family support, and the return to normal activities contributed to improvement in emotional well-being after surgery.
Conclusion
The patient's cognitive and executive functions remained stable post-surgery, with only mild improvements observed. Functional reorganization of the brain, likely triggered by the slow growing glioma, helped preserve critical functions despite tumor removal. Additionally, while multiple sclerosis (MS) contributed to some cognitive challenges, these did not worsen after the surgery. The patient successfully resumed normal social and work activities, and her emotional well-being improved postoperatively, aided by strong family support and coping strategies
Specifics of bureaucratisation of public organizations in the Republic of Croatia
No full textSvaka organizacija rezultat je procesa organiziranja. Da bi neka organizacija funkcionirala i bila uspješna prvenstveno je potrebna jako dobra organizacijska struktura. U različitim organizacijama modernog društva često se pronalazi birokracija. Termin „birokracija“ označava vrstu organizacije u kojoj njeni službenici rade po definiranim pravilima i procedurama te u sklopu jasne hijerarhijske strukture zapovijedanja. Uz mnoge druge i Hrvatska pošta predstavlja oblik javne i birokratske organizacije. U poštanskoj djelatnosti davatelji poštanskih usluga suočavaju se s novim trendovima poslovanja. Zbog pojave novih tehnologija smanjuje se broj pismovnih pošiljaka. Stoga su davatelji poštanskih usluga primorani inovirati i uvoditi nove usluge. Automatizacijom i uvođenjem novih usluga javlja se višak radne snage pa je pošta dužna optimizirati svoje kapacitete, a sve u svrhu racionalizacije i optimizacije svog poslovanja. Digitalizacija usluga donijela je i promjenu navika potrošača te pojavu e-trgovine.Every organization is the result of the organizing process. For an organization to function and be successful, a very good organizational structure is primarily required. Bureaucracy is often found in different organizations of modern society. The term 'bureaucracy' refers to a type of organization in which its officials work according to defined rules and procedures, within a clear hierarchical command structure. Along with many others, Croatian Post represents a form of public and bureaucratic organization. In the postal sector, postal service providers are facing new business trends. Due to the emergence of new technologies, the number of written mail items is decreasing. Therefore, postal service providers are forced to innovate and introduce new services. Automation and the introduction of new services lead to a surplus of workforce, so the post office is obliged to optimize its capacities, all with the aim of rationalizing and optimizing its business. Digitalization of services has also brought a change in consumer habits and the emergence of e-commerce. With the daily change in user habits, Croatian Post is trying to align its operations with the future business strategy in order to be ready to respond to market needs and demands in the future