understanding the spectrum of electro-mechanical
TRANSCRIPT
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
mid
wal
l circ
umfe
rent
ial s
train
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-0.1
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0,1
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0 20 40 60 80 100 120
deceleration time
asym
met
ry fa
ctor
CAD neg CAD pos
0,00
0,50
1,00
1,50
2,00
2,50
3,00
3,50
4,00
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0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90
PG mean (mmHg)
T2/T
1
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