Construction time-cost model in Croatia

The paper deals with the applicability of the time-cost model for calculating the sustainable construction time for building projects in Croatia. In this model the time is expressed as a function of money in the project, while the specific constants K and B need to be determined. These constants depend on economic characteristics of the country or a larger area, therefore had to be separately calculated for a region with similar economic characteristics. The modelling of the constants was performed for two groups of building projects - the roads and residential and office multi-storey buildings. The obtained results have been analyzed and compared to the corresponding results from abroad

AGILE ORGANIZATIONAL MODEL FOR MANAGING LOCAL GOVERNMENT PROJECTS

Local self-government units often consider project management as an accompanying activity and therefore do not accord it the appropriate level of importance. The term “agile” refers to a series of methods developed for more flexible project management. Thus, the background of an agile concept and its content are presented in this paper. Furthermore, the concept is compared with traditional project management methodologies. However, a priori implementation of agile-based model in an unrealistic solution can cause more damage than good. Hence, this paper proposes an agile-based matrix organizational model that adapts to the needs and particularities of the work environment in which it implemented, especially the various activities of government bodies. The model will define a new and flexible management structure for local self-government units based on the development of human resources, constant change of culture, and regular activities of government bodies, thereby improving their reliability and effectiveness

Development of a Hybrid Agile Management Model in Local Self-Government Units

Local self-government units (LSGUs) often view project management as an accompanying activity not really giving it the appropriate level of importance. Challenges of traditional project management where the projects are segmented into discrete paths each dependent on the completion of the previous phase but without feedback or iteration can be overwhelming in a rigid governmental organizational structures. Such could be avoided by changing the way the projects are managed and/or changing the organizational structure. In both cases agile approach can be helpful. However, a priori implementation can cause more damage than good. It is the thinking behind the Agile principles that would adapt to the needs and particularities of the work environment it is implemented in, especially in light of the variety of activities of government bodies. The proposed model, Hybrid Agile Model, aims at defining a new, flexible, management structure for local self-government units, based on the development of human resources and constant change of culture, never neglecting the regular activities of such bodies, and all while making them more reliable and effective. The model has been described in detail along with the implementation process that has been tested on LSGU City of Poreč

Prekoračenje ugovorene cijene kao funkcija prekoračenja ugovorenog vremena građenja

By establishing the model for the quick estimation of the construction time in contracted price function and the construction time overrun model in risk factor function, a logical question arises what effect this has on the contracted price when applying such models in practice. This paper analyses the procedure for establishing a model for building construction structures – new construction. This model expresses the contracted price overrun in relation to the construction time overrun caused by risk factors. The model is in the form of exponential equation whose basic advantage is its form of a natural logarithm. The logarithm transformation enables the use of a single linear regression for determining the model parameters. It is appropriate for the early planning stage under the conditions when there is a real possibility of risk factor occurrence. Due to economic differences, its application is recommended for regions where the research was conducted.Uspostavom modela za brzu procjenu vremena građenja u funkciji ugovorene cijene i modela za prekoračenje vremena u funkciji rizičnih faktora, nameće se logično pitanje što se događa s ugovorenom cijenom građenja primjenom tih modela u praksi. U ovom se radu prikazuje metodološki postupak uspostave modela za objekte visokogradnje kojim se iskazuje prekoračenje ugovorene cijene u ovisnosti od prekoračenja vremena građenja uslijed djelovanja rizičnih faktora. Pretpostavljeni model je u formi eksponencijalne jednadžbe, što je i njegova temeljna prednost. Logaritamska transformacija omogućava primjenu jednostruke linearne regresije za određivanje parametara modela. Model je prikladan za ranu fazu planiranja u uvjetima u kojima postoji realna mogućnost pojave rizičnih faktora. Zbog gospodarskih i drugih razlika njegova je primjena ograničena samo na područje istraživanja

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL BUILDINGS CONDITION ASSESSMENT: CASE OF PRIMORJE-GORSKI KOTAR COUNTY (CROATIA)

This study deals with the condition examination of elementary school buildings in Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, Croatia. For schools to be functional and of high quality, adequate maintenance is mandatory. Therefore, school maintenance programs need information on the building\u27s condition based on systematic and comprehensive assessments as a primary input. This study aims to establish a framework for assessing the condition of school buildings, based on which information can be obtained quickly and practically regarding the condition of all critical facility elements. To this end, a database on schools and their conditions was created. The conditions of school buildings in terms of damage and defects and their causes were determined. Descriptive and inferential statistical operations were performed on the collected data. A condition assessment of the buildings was performed using a questionnaire survey among the principals, based on the school buildings division model developed in this study; the model presents building elements and a systematic visual condition rating scale. According to the available data, this is Croatia\u27s first condition assessment on elementary school buildings. The main results show that on average, the examined schools are in good condition. Moreover, according to the results, the school building condition is most affected by dilapidation and lack of financial resources

The anticancer activity of propolis

Propolis and its compounds have been the subject of many studies due to their antimicrobial and antiinflammatory activity; however, it is now known that they also possess antitumor properties. This review aims to summarize the results of studies on the mechanism of activity of propolis and its active compounds such as CAPE and chrysin in the apoptotic process, and their influence on the proliferation of cancer cells. Our review shows that propolis and its presented compounds induce apoptosis pathways in cancer cells. The antiproliferative effects of propolis, CAPE or chrysin in cancer cells are the result of the suppression of complexes of cyclins, as well as cell cycle arrest. The results of in vitro and in vivo studies suggest that propolis, CAPE and chrysin may inhibit tumor cell progression and may be useful as potential chemotherapeutic or chemopreventive anticancer drugs

Estimation of the excavator actual productivity at the construction site using video analysis

Current estimates of the actual productivity of heavy construction machinery at a construction site are not supported by an appropriate and widely used methodology. Recently, for the purpose of estimating the actual productivity of heavy construction machinery, visionbased technologies are used. This paper emphasizes the importance of estimating actual productivity and presents a way (i.e. a research framework) to achieve it. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to propose a simple research framework (SRF) for quick and practical estimates of excavator actual productivity and cycle time at a construction site. The excavator actual productivity refers to the maximum possible productivity in real construction site conditions. The SRF includes the use of a video camera and the analysis of recorded videos using an advanced computer program. In cases of continuous application of SRF, a clear and transparent base for monitoring and control of earthworks can be obtained at an observed construction site

Hirschsprung’s Disease and Rehbein’s Procedure – Our Results in the Last 30 Years

Hirschsprung’s disease is congenital anomaly of the intestine and Harald Hirschsprung gave the first description of this disease1. The aim of this follow-up study was to evaluate the results of Rehbein’s procedure in the treatment of Hirschsprung’s disease in the last 30 years in Children’s Hospital Zagreb. Hirschsprung’s disease is congenital intestinal aganglionosis as the results of arrested fetal development of the myenteric nervous system. Hirschsprung’s disease is affecting between 1:5000 to 1:8000 live births. A total of 124 children underwent Rehbein’s lower anterior resection at Children’s Hospital Zagreb. The principle of Rehbein’ procedure is to remove aganglionic narrow segment and dilated sigmoid colon and anastomosis between normal intestine with rectal stump. The postoperative outcome was analysed for early and late complications like wound infections, abscesses, anastomotic insufficiency, postoperative enterocolitis, constipation, fecal incontinence, need for reoperation, ileus and mortality. On the basis of our results and data from literature we concluded that Rehbein’s procedure is an excellent method for treatment Hirschsprung’s disease