University ofZagreb

An integrated, model based, approach for the quantification of

cardiac function based on cardiac imaging.

Bart BijnensSven Loncaric

Ivo Cikes

Dept. of Cardiology, Medical SchoolDept. of Electronic Systems and Information Processing, FER

University of Zagreb

University ofZagreb

Cardiac Function

active force development

within the fibres

Cavity pressure development

Ejection by wall deformation

AFTERLOAD systemic resistance elasticity

GEOMETRY shape wall thickness

The heart is a volume pump• Remodelling to maintain SV in case of altered:

• Contractility• Local geometry (e.g. infarct)• Dyssynchrony

• HF symptoms only if SV decreases

ELASTICITY FIBRE ORIENTATION

15% SHORTENING gives 60% EF !!

SEGMENT INTERACTION ACTIVATION PERFUSION

University ofZagreb

Project• Modelling Cardiac deformation

• Quantifying Cardiac images

• Clinical studies

Time [ms] Time [ms]Time [ms]0 2001000200 2001000

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PG mean (mmHg)

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AS norm

University ofZagreb

Project results

• Publications: 1 journal paper, 1 review article, 1 editorial, 2 proceedings papers

• Abstracts: 16 presentations at international conferences

• New active interdisciplinary collaboration: Medical School-FER

• New PhD students: 1 Medical, 3 Engineering

• Conference organisation: 1 Medical symposium in Dubrovnik, 1 in London, 1 Engineering conference in Istanbul

• New/enhanced International Collaboration: London, Tromso, Wuerzburg, Barcelona, Lyon,

Rotterdam, Leuven

• Teaching: Invited talks (12), Graduate + post graduate, University administration

Conclusion:

Rather good (output) value for moneydespite that some detailed aspects of the work plan are evolving slightly differently, which is

inherent to the non plan-able nature of research

University ofZagreb

Brain Gain Programme

+ Good modality to get foreign senior researchers to Croatia for a substantial period

+ Sufficient financial support for the candidate and the project+ Professional organisation and procedures+ Clear evaluation criteria − Submission/initial evaluation deadlines are not realistic,

resulting in significant delays− Rigid organisation− Unclear/contradictory definition of scientific results and priorities

University ofZagreb

University of Zagreb+ Quality of living

+ Staff with a lot of international experience

+ Welcoming for foreigners

+ Infrastructures with a lot of possibilities

± Most results obtained at/linked to stay abroad (junior exchange)

± Coffee culture

- Formalities for foreigners

- Speed in (day/day) decision making

- Systems/flexibility in administration/purchase

- Protected research time – balance with teaching

- Scientific evaluation (CC journals instead if ISI/WOS)

- Journal publications (Pubmed/WoS 2007 Zagreb (258/494) vs Leuven (707/965))

University ofZagreb

Research in Zagreb

• Research is not perceived as the most important task of the University

• As result, most of the time of (young) researchers goes into clinic work

(>80%/<15% abroad), teaching (???%/<10% abroad), part-time work

in industry (very rear abroad)

• Best PhD are made by staff doing most of the work abroad where they

have protected research time and more pressure to obtain results

• No central procurement easing purchase/administration

• Prices for equipment/consumables are far too high due to procedures

& lack of (central) negotiation

University ofZagreb

Practical Problems

• Delayed payment by fund: 4 months delay.

• Delayed transfer within the University: 2 additional months delay

• Delayed approval/contracts: late registration & payment salary

• Government administration: 6 months to register

• Croatian legislation + late registration: no proper bank account

• Procurement procedure: 3 months to order goods

• Change of mind of Government: different part of the setup to be

financed by the project + 6 months delay

= sum of daily frustrations of every Croatian researcher + lack of flexible procedures to welcome foreign researchers

University ofZagreb

Suggestions

• Promote this as a modality to attract researchers for some time to Croatia to

establish new research lines and international collaboration, but with

administrative (registration/living/purchasing) support channels.

• Flexibility in deadlines, but no gross delays in decision making (even if based on

limited information or with unfavourable results), especially where personal is

involved

• Project financing based on fair estimates. Project expenses based on good

practise due to non-predictable nature.

• Reporting focussed on scientific merits using international accepted (although not

perfect) criteria,

finances controlled for improper use of resources.

• Administrative tasks not a major component in daily work.

• Support channels for researchers.

University ofZagreb

SWOT analysis research@University of Zagreb

Strengths Weaknesses

• International experience staff• Croatian Diaspora • Solid education• Potential of the infrastructure• Attractive environment• Quality of living• Coffee culture

• Structures for procurement/administration• Research time juniors/seniors• Balance research/training• Most results obtained abroad• Concentration of work in a limited number of people

Opportunities Threats

• Attract seniors – sabbatical programme• Coordinated Course organisation• Coordinate European projects• Junior training in ‘centres’ of excellence• English education – focus on foreigners (Asia, South America)• Professionalising administration

• Coffee culture• Limited ‘active & local’ top level research• Protected research time• Balance research/teaching• Bureaucracy• Working ‘by the book’ – flexibility• Inbreeding