The Role of the Government in Supporting SME Development in Croatia

The article focuses on the specific role of Government in the transition process with special emphasis on the policy towards the small and medium-sized enterprises (SME), as well as regional development in Croatia. Authors point out to the specifics of transitional countries, noting that the role of the Government in such circumstances should be more supportive regarding stimulation of the SME development by way of supporting the development of the economic support infrastructure. Further, the reasons for a more active role of the Government regarding SME development policy are discussed and specific policy recommendations are offered

The Role of the Government in Supporting SME Development in Croatia

The article focuses on the specific role of Government in the transition process with special emphasis on the policy towards the small and medium-sized enterprises (SME), as well as regional development in Croatia. Authors point out to the specifics of transitional countries, noting that the role of the Government in such circumstances should be more supportive regarding stimulation of the SME development by way of supporting the development of the economic support infrastructure. Further, the reasons for a more active role of the Government regarding SME development policy are discussed and specific policy recommendations are offered

A multivariate methodology for modelling regional development in Croatia

This paper proposes a multivariate statistical approach based on covariance structure analysis for assessment of the regional development level with an application to development ranking of 545 Croatian municipalities. Municipality-level data ware collected on economic, structural, and demographic dimensions and preliminary factor and principal component analysis were computed to analyse empirical groupings of the variables. Next, confirmatory factor analytic models were estimated with the maximum likelihood technique and subsequently their implied structure was formally tested. Testing was extended to a joint model including all three dimensions (economic, structural and demographic) and their covariance structure was modelled with a recursive structural equation model. Finally, scores were estimated for latent variables thereby allowing (i) estimation of the latent development level of the territorial units, (ii) ranking of all units on an interval scale in respect to their latent development level, and (iii) selection of a given percentage of units for inclusion into special state-care subsidy programme

Ro-Pax Ship for Service between Marseille and Corsica

The paper presents a design of the ro-pax ship for service between Marseille and Bastia on Corsica. The ship will be built by Brodosplit Shipyard for the French company CMN, and the ship delivery is scheduled for 2011. With 2484 lane metres on three trailer decks and a deck for 200 passenger cars, the vessel will have a higher cargo capacity than the existing ro-pax ships on the same route. The superstructure for the accommodation of 750 passengers will have the comfort level increased to the cruise-ferry style. The vessel will have a high operational speed and will be in compliance with the latest safety standards

Institutional Capacity for Regional Development in Croatia on the County Level

The paper presents some of the results of a research of the institutional capacity in all Croatian counties and county development agencies, with the aim of analysing and assessing the currently existing institutional capacity for preparing and implementing regional development projects on the county level. The research was based on an implemented survey in which all counties and county development agencies were included. Views are also given related to the importance of institutional capacity for Croatia’s regional development from the point of view of overall absorption capacity of both the EU, as well as other international and Croatian financial sources, as well as its relevance from the point of view of ensuring good governance and the implementation of effective regional development initiatives and actions on the local and regional level. On the basis of identified problems and needs in the Croatian counties in the process of preparing and implementing projects financed through, primarily, international financial sources, the paper identifies some of the necessary steps for further strengthening of institutional structures, coordination mechanisms, capacities and procedures related to planning and programming on the county level

Trends in incidence of lung cancer in Croatia from 2001 to 2013: gender and regional differences

Aim To provide an overview of the lung cancer incidence trends in the City of Zagreb (Zagreb), Split-Dalmatia County (SDC), and Croatia in the period from 2001 to 2013. Method Incidence data were obtained from the Croatian National Cancer Registry. For calculating incidence rates per 100 000 population, we used population estimates for the period 2001-2013 from the Croatian Bureau of Statistics. Age-standardized rates of lung cancer incidence were calculated by the direct standardization method using the European Standard Population. To describe incidence trends, we used joinpoint regression analysis. Results Joinpoint analysis showed a statistically significant decrease in lung cancer incidence in men in all regions, with an annual percentage change (APC) of -2.2% for Croatia, 1.9% for Zagreb, and -2.0% for SDC. In women, joinpoint analysis showed a statistically significant increase in the incidence for Croatia, with APC of 1.4%, a statistically significant increase of 1.0% for Zagreb, and no significant change in trend for SDC. In both genders, joinpoint analysis showed a significant decrease in age-standardized incidence rates of lung cancer, with APC of -1.3% for Croatia, -1.1% for Zagreb, and -1.6% for SDC. Conclusion There was an increase in female lung cancer incidence rate and a decrease in male lung cancer incidence rate in Croatia in 2001-20013 period, with similar patterns observed in all the investigated regions. These results highlight the importance of smoking prevention and cessation policies, especially among women and young people

Ro-Pax Ship for Service between Marseille and Corsica

The paper presents a design of the ro-pax ship for service between Marseille and Bastia on Corsica. The ship will be built by Brodosplit Shipyard for the French company CMN, and the ship delivery is scheduled for 2011. With 2484 lane metres on three trailer decks and a deck for 200 passenger cars, the vessel will have a higher cargo capacity than the existing ro-pax ships on the same route. The superstructure for the accommodation of 750 passengers will have the comfort level increased to the cruise-ferry style. The vessel will have a high operational speed and will be in compliance with the latest safety standards

A multivariate methodology for modelling regional development in Croatia

This paper proposes a multivariate statistical approach based on covariance structure analysis for assessment of the regional development level with an application to development ranking of 545 Croatian municipalities. Municipality-level data ware collected on economic, structural, and demographic dimensions and preliminary factor and principal component analysis were computed to analyse empirical groupings of the variables. Next, confirmatory factor analytic models were estimated with the maximum likelihood technique and subsequently their implied structure was formally tested. Testing was extended to a joint model including all three dimensions (economic, structural and demographic) and their covariance structure was modelled with a recursive structural equation model. Finally, scores were estimated for latent variables thereby allowing (i) estimation of the latent development level of the territorial units, (ii) ranking of all units on an interval scale in respect to their latent development level, and (iii) selection of a given percentage of units for inclusion into special state-care subsidy programme

Polymorphisms of Vitamin D Receptor Gene in the Population of Eastern Croatia with Psoriasis vulgaris and Diabetes mellitus

The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible association between polymorphisms in the Vitamin D receptor gene (VDR gene) and tendency for development of psoriasis vulgaris and diabetes mellitus in the population of Slavonia, which is a region in the Eastern Croatia. In order to conduct the mentioned evaluation the restriction fragment length polymorphisms (ApaI, BsmI and TaqI) in the Vitamin D receptor gene were researched in three groups of patients: patients suffering only from psoriasis vulgaris, patients suffering only from diabetes mellitus, and patients suffering at the same time from both diseases. Four most common genotypes were found in all standardized control patients: triple heterozygotes BbAaTt (in 29.3% of the studied patients), bbAaTT (in 18.6% of the studied patients), bbaaTT (in 12.9% of the studied patients) and BbAATt (in 8.6% of the studied patients). Three most common VDR 3’-RFLP haplotypes determined in this study were: three-component baT, Bat and bAT haplotype. Results of the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium showed presence of BsmI polymorphism genotype frequencies disequilibrium in the group of patients suffering from psoriasis and ApaI polymorphism in the group of patients suffering from both diseases. According to the same statistical test all conditions for TaqI polymorphism genotype frequency were fulfilled in all groups of studied patients. There was no significant difference in distribution of BsmI, ApaI or TaqI polymorphism genotype frequencies between control patients and any of the subgroup of studied patients. In studied population none of analysed polymorphisms individually was associated with the risk of development of psoriasis, diabetes or combined phenotype

Trends in incidence of lung cancer in Croatia from 2001 to 2013: gender and regional differences

Aim To provide an overview of the lung cancer incidence trends in the City of Zagreb (Zagreb), Split-Dalmatia County (SDC), and Croatia in the period from 2001 to 2013. Method Incidence data were obtained from the Croatian National Cancer Registry. For calculating incidence rates per 100 000 population, we used population estimates for the period 2001-2013 from the Croatian Bureau of Statistics. Age-standardized rates of lung cancer incidence were calculated by the direct standardization method using the European Standard Population. To describe incidence trends, we used joinpoint regression analysis. Results Joinpoint analysis showed a statistically significant decrease in lung cancer incidence in men in all regions, with an annual percentage change (APC) of -2.2% for Croatia, 1.9% for Zagreb, and -2.0% for SDC. In women, joinpoint analysis showed a statistically significant increase in the incidence for Croatia, with APC of 1.4%, a statistically significant increase of 1.0% for Zagreb, and no significant change in trend for SDC. In both genders, joinpoint analysis showed a significant decrease in age-standardized incidence rates of lung cancer, with APC of -1.3% for Croatia, -1.1% for Zagreb, and -1.6% for SDC. Conclusion There was an increase in female lung cancer incidence rate and a decrease in male lung cancer incidence rate in Croatia in 2001-20013 period, with similar patterns observed in all the investigated regions. These results highlight the importance of smoking prevention and cessation policies, especially among women and young people