Comparison of Different Radiographic Image Receptors

The aim of this study is to compare detector plates (radiographic image receptors) used in digital radiology. Detector plates are divided into computed radiography systems (phosphor plates) and digital radiography systems (CCD, CMOS, silicon photodiodes and flat panel detector). Phosphor plates use the principle of radiation-induced photostimulable luminescence, and can be read with the help of a laser reader (digitizer). Digital radiology systems are divided into indirect and direct; indirect are those that require the conversion of x-rays into photons of visible light and use scintillators for that matter, while direct x-rays are directly converted into charges with the use of photoconductors. Out of all the scintillators, cesium iodide has shown the best properties through research, while amorphous selenium proved to be the optimal photoconductor. CCD, CMOS and silicon photodiode are exclusively indirect digital detector systems, while flat panel detector can be found in both direct and indirect format. CCD slot scan detector system with full frame signal reading mode, active pixel CMOS detector, and silicon photodiode with back-illuminated PDA have shown the best results among detectors of their kind, while indirect type flat panel detectors with cesium iodide scintillator proved to be the optimal choice in modern radiography as evidenced by research with PBU-S-3, CDRAD 2.0 and TRG phantom

ECONOMIC EFFICIENCY OF THE BEEKEEPING AND OLIVE PRODUCTION FAMILY FARM

Cilj rada bio je utvrditi ekonomsku efikasnost pčelarske i maslinarske proizvodnje i razvojnu sposobnost odabranog pčelarsko-maslinarskog obiteljskog poljoprivrednog gospodarstva (OPG) koje se nalazi na području općine Marina u Splitsko-dalmatinskoj županiji. Kalkulacijama utvrđeni troškovi i prihodi predstavljali su podlogu za izračunavanje relevantnih ekonomskih veličina i pokazatelja pčelarske i maslinarske proizvodnje, kao i poslovanja gospodarstva u cjelini. Na gospodarstvu živi ukupno 6 članova, a u obavljanju poslova u pčelarskoj i maslinarskoj proizvodnji prevladava obiteljski rad. Analizirano gospodarstvo ima mobilni pčelinjak otvorenog tipa sa 80 proizvodnih standardnih Langstroth-Rootovih (LR) košnica, te 1,55 ha maslinika sa ukupno 170 stabala masline. Na razini cijeloga gospodarstva u 2008. godini ostvaren je financijski rezultat u iznosu od 63.473,00 kn, a u 2009. godini u iznosu od 27.161,00 kn. Vrijednosti ekonomskih pokazatelja proizvodnosti rada, ekonomičnosti i rentabilnosti pokazuju da je poslovanje gospodarstva tijekom dvogodišnjeg razdoblja bilo ekonomski efikasno.The aim of the paper was to evaluate the economic efficiency of beekeeping and olive production, and the development possibilities of a selected beekeeping and olive production family farm in the area of Marina Municipality, Split-Dalmatia County. Costs and revenues deduced in the calculations represented the basis for a calculation of relevant economic indicators of beekeeping and olive production, and of the family farm business as a whole. Six family members live on the farm, where family work prevails in beekeeping and olive production. On the analysed family farm there is a mobile apiary with 80 honey producing standard Langstroth-Root (LR) hives, and 1.55 hectares of olive grove, and a total of 170 olive trees. In 2008 at the level of the complete family farm, the achieved financial result amounted to 63,473.00 HRK, and in 2009 the amount was 27,161.00 HRK. The values of economic indicators of labour productivity, cost-effectiveness and profitability show that within two working years the family farm business was economically efficient

A restrictive dose of crystalloids in patients during laparoscopic cholecystectomy is safe and cost-effective: prospective, two-arm parallel, randomized controlled trial

Purpose: There are no evidence-based guidelines for volume replacement during surgical procedures such as laparoscopic cholecystectomy. However, the administration of a restrictive volume of crystalloids could be more cost-effective and safe. This trial aimed to determine the effectiveness and safety of a restrictive regimen of crystalloids in patients during laparoscopic cholecystectomy by analyzing its cost-effectiveness and 1-year morbidity rate. Patients and methods: In this randomized, prospective study, patients were assigned to one of three groups based on the volume of fluid administered: the restrictive group received 1 mL/kg/hr, the low liberal group received 5 mL/kg/hr, and the high liberal group received 15 mL/kg/hr of Ringer’s solution intraoperatively. There were 40 patients in each group. Each patient’s hemodynamic parameters and laboratory values (arterial blood gas and lactate levels) were measured together with their consumption of crystalloids, volatile anesthetics, and analgesics. Results: Analysis of the hemodynamic and laboratory parameters revealed no signs of global hypoperfusion in any of the groups analyzed. There was no significant difference in the duration of surgery and anesthesia, but the consumption of crystalloids, volatile anesthetics, and opioids was significantly lower in the restrictive group, compared with the low and high liberal groups. Although there was no significant difference in the 1-year morbidity among the groups, heart failure was observed in one patient in the high liberal group in the early postoperative period. Conclusion: Restrictive fluid therapy during laparoscopic cholecystectomy is justified, safe, and more cost-effective than other options