OJS (University of Applied Sciences Velika Gorica)
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Automated Analysis of SSL/TLS Certificates and Network Communication Security in Compliance With the Cybersecurity Act
Get PDFNetwork communication security is a fundamental aspect of protecting information and communication systems, with SSL/TLS certificates playing a crucial role in ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of data on the internet. However, inadequate implementation, the use of outdated protocols, and expired certificates pose significant security threats. This paper explores the possibilities of automated analysis of SSL/TLS certificates to detect security weaknesses, including the use of insecure encryption algorithms, untrusted certificate authorities, and vulnerable protocols. From a technical perspective, the paper presents a Python-based tool that enables rapid and systematic identification of encryption-related issues. From a legal standpoint, the study examines the obligations of organizations under the Cybersecurity Act, the NIS2 Directive, and the GDPR, which require the implementation of technical and organizational measures to safeguard network and information systems. Special emphasis is placed on the legal consequences of insecure encryption, including regulatory sanctions and organizational liability in cases of security breaches. The goal of this paper is to investigate how automated SSL/TLS certificate analysis can assist organizations in meeting legal requirements and improving network communication security
Crisis Communication of Public Institutions on Social Media
Get PDFThe topic of this paper is the crisis communication of public institutions during the earthquakes and the pandemic in the Republic of Croatia. The research focuses on both the challenges and the potential that social media platforms offer in times of crisis. During such periods, the demand for timely and accurate information significantly increases, and in today's digital age, social media plays a key role in message dissemination and public engagement.
This paper is based on a theoretical framework that encompasses key concepts of crisis communication, media literacy, the phenomenon of misinformation (fake news), and the role of social media in shaping public opinion. Through the analysis of real-life examples, the paper explores how Croatian institutions used digital platforms to inform the public, assess crisis events, and manage emergency situations, all of which require rapid, accurate, and reliable communication.
Special attention is given to the communication strategies employed by the Croatian Institute of Public Health (HZJZ) and the Government of the Republic of Croatia during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake in Sisak-Moslavina County. By analysing these institutions' communication strategies and key decision-making processes, the study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of their approaches and their impact on public trust in government institutions
Safety and security of chemical industrial plants
Get PDFIndustry is the driving force of the economy with which the progress is being made. It plays an important role in the global economy. Rising development of chemical industry is particulary important. In 2022, the total revenue of the chemical industry worldwide was about 5.72 trillion US dollars. The same year, the income of the chemical industry reached the highest value in the last 15 years. The chemical industry converts raw materials (fossil fuels, minerals, metals and water) into various products. Nowadays, it can be considered indispensable. Chemical products are all around us. They can be categorised into the following categories: basic chemicals, pharmaceuticals, specialty chemicals, agricultural chemicals and consumer products. Chemical production and consumption contribute significantly to global employment, trade and economic growth. On the other hand, the impacts of the chemical industry to the environment and human health must also be taken into account. Governments around the world have established guidelines or legislation to determine how to manage the transport, storage, handling, use, consumption and safety of chemicals. International organizations, through conventions and institutions, strive to warn and encourage better and more efficient management of the growing amount of chemicals, and thus of chemical factories. Choosing a suitable site for construction and standards for construction of basic facilities greatly contributes to chemical safety. A major risk in the operation of the plant itself is the human factor. This article will give an overview of risks and challenges chemical industry safety is presented with.
Key words: economy, safety, security, chemical
Introduction
With this article, we will continue to work on the topic that started last year on chemical safety, and we have expanded to the safety of chemical plants. We will present a picture of the processing industry (chemical industry) in the world and the Republic of Croatia. Data from professional scientific literature, articles and papers available on the Internet, various tables and graphs were used, which in the statistical database gave an accurate and detailed description of the industry and its development both in the world and in the Republic of Croatia. We will focus on safety in the chemical industry as well as the importance of the international organization OPCW. Industry is an important factor in the development of humanity, it is known how much it affects people's lives, either directly or indirectly. People are aware that everything around them is "chemistry", all those material things that surround them are largely the work of industry, especially the chemical industry. We must not forget that a large number of people work in the chemical industry, and this means the development and importance of it, and the concept of safety rises to a higher level. The chemical industry in Croatia and the world will be compared, as it has developed throughout history, as it is today. Today's world is digitized, and the ICT industry plays a key role through transformation through digitization and the development of technological solutions, but could it do without the chemical industry?! The international organization (Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), as well as the European Union (European Chemical Agency (ECHA) - by the REACH Regulation (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and restriction of Chemicals), Classification, Labeling and Packaging (CLP), Regulation on Biocidal Products (BPR), Regulation on Prior Informed Consent (PIC), etc., by introducing applicable legislation, they ensure the safety of the worker himself, as well as the people who are in the vicinity of the industrial plant It is important to emphasize the cooperation between all stakeholders in the chemical production process, (international communities, universities, academic communities, etc.). chemical industry, but also safety in its plant.
Work methodology
The methodology of the work explains the subject and goal of the text, shows the structure of the text, the methods and sources used to create this text. Some of the sources that will be used in the work are mostly internet sources: scientific articles, scientific papers, newspaper articles and, to a lesser extent, books. All sources will enable a detailed analysis of the work. We will also use statistical data from the State Statistical Office of the Republic of Croatia, as well as data from "Statista", a global platform for data and business intelligence with an extensive collection of statistics, founded in Germany.
A good infrastructure is essential for the safety and security of chemical plants, and therefore development, which is why it is important to invest in new technologies, which ensure the safety of workers and the environment. Human been is the key in industrial plants and every mistake he makes is a risk for everything else. Through seminars, the OPCW points out the dangers lurking in chemical plants and tries to warn people about the existence of dangers through seminars and articles. Danger also lurks through cyberattacks on chemical plants, which can lead to major unwanted consequences.
Results
We will point out that we cannot do without chemical products, and no one would chemical factories, or to put it that way, it is necessary to take risk factors into account when dealing with such an important plant. It is necessary to include all stakeholders in the entire process, including those outside the plant. It is necessary to create a legislative system that works and enables the best and most efficient production possible. Develop technologies and create new innovations and ideas to prevent accidents. It is necessary to include the ICT sector in chemical plants and in cooperation with them to enable plant safety
Strategies for managing security risk in postal traffic: Approaches, challenges and guidelines
Get PDFThe paper investigates the management of security risks within the postal system. The focus is on analysing security risks associated with key elements and processes in postal traffic, considering the likelihood of occurrence and the consequences of potential adverse events. The paper emphasizes that complete security and protection in a technical sense are neither achievable nor economical; therefore, it proposes the application of methods for risk balancing and control using the Trade-Off method. The use of the concept of risk-tolerant intensity in operational and security assessments is suggested. The paper systematizes security risks in terms of the potential for material or non-material damage due to the exploitation of system weaknesses by threats under certain circumstances
Burnout on a burning planet – How young people face climate anxiety?
No full textABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION
Climate change represents one of the most serious challenges of modern society, with far-reaching consequences for ecosystems, the global economy, and public health. Among the most vulnerable groups are children and adolescents, whose development is particularly sensitive to environmental changes and the effects of extreme weather events. The World Health Organization (WHO, 2021) warns that climate change negatively impacts children's fundamental rights, including the right to health, safety, and quality education.
Beyond physical consequences such as increased prevalence of respiratory diseases, heat strokes, and nutritional insecurity, the psychological impact of climate change is also gaining attention. The concept of climate anxiety refers to feelings of stress, fear, sadness, and helplessness that individuals experience due to ecological changes and a perceived lack of adequate action at both global and local levels (Clayton, 2020). Young people are especially susceptible to this form of anxiety due to feelings of powerlessness and uncertainty regarding their future. Recent research in Australia indicates that climate anxiety is increasingly affecting individuals of all ages, particularly children and youth, leading to various forms of distress and difficult emotions (Crandon J.T. et. al, 2024). Another research suggests that children and adolescents experience a wide range of emotions in relation to climate change, with worry and anxiety being the most frequently reported, and these emotions are positively associated with mental health outcomes (Treble M., Cosma A., Martin G., 2023).
Research suggests that young people play a crucial role in addressing climate change, both as current activists and as future decision-makers (Steffen et al., 2015). However, studies indicate that despite a growing awareness of environmental issues, there is a lack of systematic research on the attitudes and behaviors of youth in Croatia concerning climate change (Ančić, Puđak & Domazet, 2016; European Commission, 2008, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021). Existing studies on Croatian citizens generally show a positive attitude toward environmental protection, with an increasing perception of climate change as a serious issue (Šimac, Trako Poljak & Ivanović, 2021).
Moreover, while global movements such as Fridays for Future, initiated by Greta Thunberg in 2018, have mobilized young people worldwide, including Croatians in 2019, there is still insufficient research on how Croatian adolescents engage with climate action and what factors influence their environmental behavior. Some studies suggest that gender and educational background significantly impact environmental attitudes, with female students generally showing greater concern for climate change and a higher inclination toward pro-environmental behaviors than male students (Dolenec & Pejnović, 2014; Cvetković, 2017; Henn, Sloam & Nunes, 2022). Furthermore, education plays a key role in shaping environmental consciousness, yet the Croatian school system lacks a dedicated climate change curriculum, with sustainability topics primarily integrated into broader interdisciplinary themes (Hrgović, 2019).
This study examines young people's perceptions of climate change, the prevalence of climate anxiety, its impact on mental health, and behavioral responses to environmental challenges in Croatia. It explores key sources of climate information, emotional and psychological reactions, and the perceived ability to contribute to climate mitigation through individual or collective actions.
METHODOLOGY
This study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining a literature review with a quantitative survey, to provide a comprehensive understanding of young people's perceptions of climate change, climate anxiety, and behavioral responses. The literature review synthesizes existing research on climate change awareness, climate anxiety, and youth engagement in environmental action, drawing from international and Croatian studies. This contextual framework allows us to compare findings across different socio-political environments and identify gaps in previous research.
Building on insights from the literature, a survey will be conducted among high school and university students aged 16 to 25 in Croatia. The survey is designed to assess the level of awareness regarding climate change, emotional responses, and behavioral tendencies related to environmental challenges. It examines respondents' basic informations, their awareness of climate change, attitudes toward its severity, and perceived impact on daily life. The survey also investigates the emotional effects of climate change, such as worry, stress, and mental health changes and explores experiences with extreme weather events and climate-related health issues.
The data analysis will involve both qualitative and quantitative methods to ensure a comprehensive interpretation of the findings. The literature review will be analyzed using thematic analysis, identifying key themes and patterns related to climate change awareness and climate anxiety.The survey data will be analyzed using statistical techniques to examine patterns and relationships among variables. Findings from the survey will be compared with insights from the literature review to contextualize results within broader international and Croatian research. By integrating both statistical and qualitative analysis, this approach will provide a nuanced understanding of young people's perceptions, emotional responses, and behavioral tendencies regarding climate change in Croatia.
THE RESULTS
The findings of this study will contribute to a more nuanced understanding of how young people in Croatia perceive climate change, experience climate anxiety, and respond behaviorally to environmental challenges. The literature review highlights that youth worldwide are increasingly aware of climate change and its potential impacts, yet their levels of engagement and emotional responses vary across different cultural and educational contexts. While international research has demonstrated that factors such as gender, education, and media influence youth attitudes toward climate change (Dolenec & Pejnović, 2014; Henn, Sloam & Nunes, 2022), Croatian studies suggest that young people report relatively low self-assessed awareness compared to their European peers (Oliver & Adkins, 2020).
Through this study, we aim to bridge this research gap by directly examining Croatian adolescents' and young adults' perspectives for the first time. The survey results will reveal whether Croatian youth exhibit similar trends in climate anxiety and engagement as their international counterparts or whether there are unique national patterns that require targeted policy responses. By comparing our findings with prior research from other countries, it will be evaluated how Croatian youth's attitudes align with or differ from global trends and identify potential areas for intervention.
Moreover, this study will provide valuable insights for developing educational programs that address climate anxiety and foster proactive engagement. Previous studies suggest that integrating climate education into school curricula and promoting participatory environmental initiatives can enhance young people's sense of agency and resilience (Hrgović, 2019; European Commission, 2021).
By positioning the Croatian context within the broader international discourse on climate change and youth engagement, this research aims to inform policymakers, educators, and mental health professionals about the challenges and opportunities related to climate anxiety among young people. Future research should expand on these findings by exploring longitudinal trends in climate anxiety and examining the effectiveness of different intervention strategies in promoting youth resilience and environmental engagement
Private security guards or security and civil protection workers as future guarantors of safety in elementary schools
No full textAfter the latest incident at the Prečko elementary school, the level of security in elementary schools has once again become a priority security and social issue in the Republic of Croatia. Under pressure from parents and the general public, who, under the impression of the aforementioned incident, demanded strict supervision of elementary school buildings, the city of Zagreb, Pula and several other local communities hired security guards at the entrances to school buildings. However, immediately after the incident itself, doubts arose from the line ministry and several actors involved in the aforementioned issue, as to whether private security guards in schools are a sufficiently adequate and optimal solution. Following the above, in order to provide an argumentative explanation of the aforementioned dilemma, we will attempt to analyze possible threats and dangers in elementary schools, as well as the proposed security measures proposed by the ministry. In addition to the above, the subject of analysis will also be the protective activities of licensed security guards in accordance with their legal authorities, in proportion to future security and civil protection employees, in the capacity of new security officers in elementary schools proposed by the line ministry
Personal and mutual protection of citizens in the local community
No full textAnalyzing data on emergency events that marked the past decade in Zadar County, it has been determined that there is a need for increased communication and awareness among all residents of the county about the risks we live with and share our living space. New challenges for the local community caused by extreme weather events, as well as the increase in the consequencesof known risks and their consequences on human lives, material and cultural assets, agriculture, flora and fauna, represent a need to intensify cooperation of the Civil Protection Directorate with all levels of legally obligated parties to establish civil protection. In this context, we will briefly focus on emergency events in Zadar County in the period from 2014 to 2024 as a reference period of 10 years in which a significant number of emergency events occurred. Emergency events confirm the necessity of the continuous efforts of the Civil Protection Directorate to prepare the local community for potential risks and reduce the risk of disasters through preventive and preparatory activities. In most of the analyzed emergency events, the civil protection system was activated through the activities of the civil protection headquarters and its work contributed to a timely response and elimination of the consequences of the emergency event. It is necessary to think about the self-sufficiency of the local community in responding to the consequences caused by emergency situations. Can the local community, using exclusively the operational forces of the civil protection system, provide a quick and effective response in the area of its territorial jurisdiction? Are the available human capacities of the operational forces sufficient? Is there an interest among citizens to participate in activities in response to emergency events? This professional paper will provide answers to the previously raised questions by analyzing the state of the available operational forces and reactions to emergency events in the observed area. At the same time, it is intended to draw attention to the importance of knowing the risks and dangers and the procedures for citizens to behave in emergency situations. Ultimately, the aim of the paper is to explain the importance of implementing citizen education that is continuously carried out by the Civil Protection Directorate in order to raise awareness and reduce disaster risk, i.e. strengthen the resilience of the local community
Space debris – The silent environmental challenge
No full textArtificial satellites are an indispensable part of modern society, enabling telecommunications, broadcasting, navigation, and precise timing systems. They also play a crucial role in Earth observations, such as air pollution, ocean health and oil spills, glacier melting and coastal sealevel rise, supporting scientific research on environmental changes (Copernicus Program, 2025; Envisat, 2012). However, the rapid expansion of satellite-based technologies in recent decades has also raised significant environmental concerns. Distant and silent, satellites are often overlooked, making it easy to ignore the growing number of objects orbiting Earth. This paper aims to raise awareness of the ecological and operational consequences of space debris accumulation.
Since the launch of Sputnik in 1957, more than 20,000 satellites have been placed into Earth's orbit. A major concern is the high proportion of inactive satellites, which now constitute nearly half of the orbiting ones (ESA, 2025). The defunct satellites, no longer controlled or in communication with Earth, are highly vulnerable to explosions, collisions and fragmentation, generating thousands of debris fragments that can persist in orbit for decades. Incidents such as the 2009 Iridium 33-Kosmos 2251 collision and the unexpected loss of contact and the uncontrolled drift of the 8-ton Envisat satellite illustrate such hazard (Nicholas, 2009; Envisat, 2012).
Currently, scientists track over 40,000 space debris objects larger than 10 cm and estimate more than a million smaller fragments (EESA Space debris office, 2024). Travelling at velocities of several kilometers per second, they are fast enough to cause severe damage to
operational spacecrafts. The Kessler syndrome, a cascading chain reaction of collisions, once only a theoretical scenario (Kessler, 1978), is now an increasing risk, with the fast expansion of commercial satellite constellations further exacerbating this trend.
While many modern satellites are now designed for controlled deorbiting and collision avoidance, proposed solutions include mission-extension vehicles that prolong satellite functionality, as well as active capturing systems that enable targeted atmospheric re-entries of the existing space-debris. Global collaboration and strict adherence to international guidelines is essential to ensuring the long-term sustainability of space operations and the continued reliability of satellite-based services
Differentiation of Croatian Companies by Benefits as an Aspect of Employee Compensation
Get PDFThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the differences in employee benefits compensation in Croatian companies during the COVID-19 pandemic and after its ending. Accordingly, an empirical study was conducted to analyze these differences, encompassing a population of employees from the public and private sectors in the Republic of Croatia. In this regard, the research sample consisted of seventy-two respondents aged 18 to over 60 years.
The research results are divided into four sections. The first section uses descriptive statistics to outline the general and demographic characteristics of the survey respondents. The second section presents findings on employee satisfaction with the benefits offered by their current employer and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on changes in benefit options. The study concludes with an overview of respondents' opinions on the current landscape of available benefits in Croatian companies or by their employers. The analysis confirmed that the pandemic initiated changes in the structure of benefit programs. Furthermore, expanding the range of benefit options was found to positively influence overall employee satisfaction. Moreover, most respondents consider the availability of benefits to be a crucial factor when choosing an employer. However, a notable deficiency in flexible benefit programs was identified, underscoring the need to enhance and expand compensation offerings to include such benefits. Consequently, Croatian employers should consider adapting their benefit programs to more effectively meet employees' individual needs in the post-pandemic period.
One of the limitations of the study is its relatively small sample size
Extrabudgetary civil protection fund
No full textExtrabudgetary funds represent a specific financing mechanism that enables the targeted collection and allocation of resources for specific purposes. The Civil Protection System Act of 2015 stipulated that the Republic of Croatia should establish an extrabudgetary civil protection fund through a special law to secure financial resources for protection and rescue in major emergencies and disasters. A special law was supposed to regulate the establishment and operation of the extrabudgetary civil protection fund, but this was never implemented.
The extrabudgetary civil protection fund can play a key role in ensuring the security and resilience of the community in the face of extraordinary events that can escalate into major emergencies and disasters.
The civil protection system in the Republic of Croatia encompasses a wide range of activities aimed at protecting people, property, and the environment from threats and risks. Financial resources are crucial for implementing these activities, and an extrabudgetary fund can provide an additional, stable and predictable source of financing, as well as supplement existing budgetary funds—which, at the local and regional self-government levels, are often insufficient for routine activities. Such funds enable rapid action, as the resources are immediately available for procuring essential equipment, mobilizing operational forces, and providing urgent assistance.
The extrabudgetary civil protection fund can also offer support in the preparation and implementation of disaster risk reduction activities, as well as assist local government units in carrying out civil protection measures and activities within their jurisdiction.
For the management of the fund to be sustainable and transparent, it is necessary to clearly define both the sources of financing and the decision-making process for the allocation of financial resources. In the prevention phase, financial resources may be made available through calls for proposals aimed at achieving specific objectives, while in the response phase they can support the implementation of priority civil protection measures based on decisions by the competent authorities within the civil protection system.
This paper aims to demonstrate the importance, role, and challenges associated with managing the extrabudgetary civil protection fund.
Through the conducted research, the paper will present financial indicators related to the planning and expenditure of funds from budgetary sources as well as international projects at the level of local and regional self-government units, to determine the priorities for the development of civil protection that can be financed through the extrabudgetary civil protection fund.
The extrabudgetary civil protection fund can be a key tool in strengthening the community’s resilience against various threats and risks. Its effectiveness depends on transparent and accountable management, the assurance of stable sources of financing, and the cooperation of all relevant stakeholders and operational forces within the civil protection system. Through continuous improvement and adaptation, such a fund can significantly contribute to the safety and quality of life of citizens, as well as to the overall strengthening of the civil protection system in the Republic of Croatia