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The state of the turtle populations of Adriatic Sea
No full textU ovom radu opisano je stanje populacija triju vrsta morskih kornjača u Jadranskom moru: glavate želve (Caretta caretta), zelene želve (Chelonia mydas) i sedmopruge usminjače ( Dermacheys coriacea). Morske kornjače su drevni gmazovi koji nastanjuju mora i oceane i tijekom posljednjih 150 milijuna godina. Najčešća vrsta u Jadranskom moru je glavata želva. Najveća prijetnja morskim kornjačama je interakcija s ljudima. Iako su sve vrste morskih kornjača zaštićene ćesto se zapliću u ribolovne alate i tako slučajno ulove. Procjenjuje se da se pridnenim koćama u Jadranskom moru svake godine ulovi preko 5.000 morskih kornjača.In this paper it is described the state of the populations of three sea turtle species in the Adriatic Sea: loggerhead turtles, (Carreta caretta), green turtles (Chelonia mydas), and seven-striped loggerheads (Dermacheys coriacea). Sea turtles are ancient reptiles that have inhabited the seas and oceans for the past 150 million years. The most common species in the Adriatic Sea is the loggerhead turtle. The biggest threat to sea turtles is interaction with humans. Although all species of sea turtles are protected, they often become entangled in fishing gear and thus accidentally caught. It is estimated that more than 5,000 sea turtles are caught by bottom trawlers in the Adriatic Sea every year
Inventory of invasive plant species in Kraljevec and Dubravkin put forest parks (Zagreb)
No full textInvazivne biljne vrste predstavljaju značajan problem u urbanim ekosustavima zbog svoje sposobnosti brzog širenja i negativnog utjecaja na autohtone biljne zajednice. Ovaj rad istražuje ekološke karakteristike i rasprostranjenost invazivnih biljnih vrsta u dvije park-šume u Zagrebu, Kraljevec i Dubravkin put. Cilj istraživanja bio je identificirati invazivne vrste prisutne u ovim šumama, analizirati njihove ekološke preferencije i distribuciju, te procijeniti njihov utjecaj na lokalni ekosustav.
Istraživanje je provedeno u dvije faze. Prva faza uključivala je terensko prikupljanje podataka o prisutnosti invazivnih vrsta uz pomoć GPS uređaja. Druga faza uključivala je analizu ekoloških faktora, kao što su svjetlost, temperatura, vlažnost tla, reakcija tla (pH), hranjivost tla i salinitet, koristeći Ellenbergove indikatorske vrijednosti (EIV) za procjenu preferencija staništa identificiranih biljnih vrsta.
Inventarizirano je ukupno 17 invazivnih vrsta u park-šumi Kraljevec, dok je u park-šumi Dubrakin put zabilježeno znatno manje, ukupno 9 vrsta. Ovi rezultati ukazuju na visoku prisutnost i širenje invazivnih vrsta u obje park-šume. Drvenaste vrste poput Robinia pseudoacacia i Ailanthus altissima posebno se ističu svojim invazivnim potencijalom.
U park-šumi Dubravkin put, analizirani ekološki parametri pokazali su srednju (umjerenu) sklonost biljaka prema svjetlosti (L= 7,33) i umjereno toplim uvjetima (T= 6,89). Prosječna vrijednost kontinentalnosti (K= 4,22) ukazuje na suboceanske karakteristike. Vlažnost tla (F= 5.11) bila je umjerena, dok je reakcija tla pokazala kiselost (R= 3,83). Tla su bila siromašna hranjivim tvarima (N =4.22) i vrste su bile netolerantne na salinitet (S= 0). Najčešće invazivne vrste uključivale su Ailanthus altissima (pajasen), Reynoutria japonica (japanska rejnutrija) i Robinia pseudoacacia (bagrem).
U park-šumi Kraljevec, ekološke karakteristike bile su slične. Biljne vrste također su pokazivale srednju vrijednost sklonost prema svjetlosti (L= 7.33) i umjereno topla područja (T= 6.73). Prosječna vrijednost kontinentalnosti (K= 4.27) s kiselim tlima (R= 3.37) i niskom hranjivosti (N= 2.60) te vlažnosti tla (F= 5.53). Invazivne vrste poput Acer negundo (američki javor) i Ailanthus altissima (pajasen) bile su najprisutnije u sjeverozapadnim dijelovima šume.
Održavanje biološke raznolikosti i funkcionalnosti ovih urbanih šumskih ekosustava zahtijeva kontinuirano praćenje i provedbu strategija za kontrolu invazivnih vrsta. Usporedba ekoloških karakteristika i distribucije invazivnih biljaka u park-šumi Dubravkin put i Kraljevec pruža važan uvid za buduće upravljanje ovim urbanim šumskim područjima.Invasive plant species pose a significant challenge in urban ecosystems due to their ability to rapidly spread and adversely affect native plant communities. This study explores the ecological characteristics and distribution of invasive plant species in two prominent urban forests parks in Zagreb: Dubravkin Put and Kraljevec. The research aims to identify the invasive species present in these forests, analyze their ecological preferences and distribution patterns, and assess their impact on the local ecosystem.
The research was conducted in two phases. The first phase involved field data collection on the presence of invasive species using GPS devices. The second phase involved analyzing ecological factors such as light, temperature, soil moisture, soil reaction (pH), soil nutrient content, and salinity using Ellenberg indicator values (EIV) to evaluate the habitat preferences of the identified plant species.
A total of 17 invasive species have been inventoried, with 17 species recorded in the Kraljevec park-forest, while significantly fewer, only 9 species, were found in the Dubrakin put park-forest. These results indicate a high presence and spread of invasive species in both park-forests. Woody species such as Robinia pseudoacacia and Ailanthus altissima stand out particularly for their invasive potential.
In Dubravkin Put, the analyzed ecological parameters showed a moderate preference for light (L= 6.78) and moderately warm conditions (T= 6.89). The average continentality value (K= 4.22) indicated suboceanic characteristics. Soil moisture (F= 5.11) was moderate, while soil reaction indicated acidity (R= 5.44). The soils were nutrient-poor (N= 4.22), and the species were intolerant to salinity (S= 0). The most common invasive species included Ailanthus altissima (Tree of Heaven), Reynoutria japonica (Japanese Knotweed), and Robinia pseudoacacia (Black Locust).
In the Kraljevec park-forest, the ecological characteristics were similar. The plant species also exhibited a medium preference for light (L=7.33) and moderately warm areas (T= 6.73). The average value of continentality was (K= 4.27) with acidic soils (R= 3.37), low nutrient availability (N=2.60), and moderate soil moisture (F= 5.53). Invasive species like Acer negundo (box elder) and Ailanthus altissima (tree of heaven) were most prevalent in the northwestern parts of the forest.
The results indicate a high presence and spread of invasive species in both urban forests parks. Woody species such as Robinia pseudoacacia and Ailanthus altissima particularly stand out due to their invasive potential. Maintaining the biodiversity and functionality of these urban forest ecosystems requires continuous monitoring and implementation of strategies to control invasive species. Comparing the ecological characteristics and distribution of invasive plants in Dubravkin Put and Kraljevec provides valuable insights for the future management of these urban forest areas
The influence of storage temperature on the quality of edible flowers
No full textJestivo cvijeće postaje sve popularnije, a potrošači ga koriste u jelima kao sastojak ili ukras, te u pićima. Uzgajivači žele osigurati da se na tržištu plasira njihov proizvod najviše kvalitete kako bi potaknuli ponovnu kupnju, što osiguravaju dobrim skladištenjem.
Temperatura je obično najvažniji čimbenik koji skraćuje procese skladištenja. Većinu cvjetnih vrsta je najbolje skladištiti na temperaturi od 0°C, a osjetljive na 10°C.
Cilj ovog rada je istražiti utjecaj različitih temperatura od -5°C do 15°C, vlažnosti i vremena na duljinu skladištenja i kvalitetu najznačajnijeg jestivog cvijeća.Edible flowers are becoming increasingly popular, and they are used by consumers as an ingredient or garnish in dishes and drinks. Growers want to ensure that their highest quality product is placed on the market to encourage repeat purchases, achieved through proper storage.
Temperature is typically the most critical factor in shortening storage processes. Most flower species are stored at 0°C, while sensitive ones are stored at 10°C.
This thesis aims to explore the effect of different temperatures from -5°C to 15°C, humidity, and time on the storage life and quality of the most important edible flowers
Nudge theory in agricultural economic research
No full textBihevioralna ekonomija, koristi se kako bi se bolje razumjelo ljudsko ponašanje, osobito u kontekstu donošenja odluka, uključujući osobne emocije i ograničenja. U okviru bihevioralne ekonomije javlja se i pojam „nudge“ ili poticaj koji se odnosni na suptilne intervencije čiji je cilj utjecati na odluke i ponašanje pojedinaca na način koji je u skladu sa njihovim dugoročnim ciljevima. Problem koji ovaj rad istražuje odnosi se na nedovoljno istražene poticaje, koji bi mogli potaknuti poljoprivrednike na usvajanje održivih poljoprivrednih praksi i potrošače u promjeni potrošačkih navika. Osnovni cilj ovog rada je istražiti poticaje u agroekonomskim istraživanjima na temelju pregleda literature u posljednjih pet godina, te pružiti smjernice za kreiranje boljih poticajnih strategija ili intervencija. Kao neki od poticajnih intervencija navode se prilagodba informacija, jednostavnost izbora, personalizacija poruka i nagrade.Behavioral economics is used to better understand human behavior, especially in the context of decision-making, including personal emotions and constraints. In behavioral economics, the concept of "nudge" refers to subtle interventions aimed at influencing individuals' decisions and behaviors in a manner that aligns with their long-term goals. The problem this paper investigates relates to the insufficiently explored incentives that could encourage farmers to adopt sustainable agricultural practices and consumers to change their consumption habits. The main objective of this paper is to examine nudge incentives in agricultural economics research based on a literature review of the last five years and to provide guidelines for the development of better nudge strategies or interventions. The customization of information, the simplicity of choice, the personalization of messages and the rewards are mentioned as some of the nudge interventions
By fedding animals to healthier people
No full textFunkcionalna hrana primarno služi poboljšanju ljudskog zdravlja te podizanju kvalitete života.
Upravo iz tog razloga je potrebna ciljana hranidba životinja. Glavni cilj rada je ispitati kako
prilagođena prehrana životinja može dovesti do proizvodnje visokokvalitetnih animalnih
proizvoda s dodatnim zdravstvenim koristima za ljude. Funkcionalna hrana, obogaćena
specifičnim nutrijentima, igra ključnu ulogu u smanjenju rizika od bolesti i unapređenju općeg
zdravlja, pružajući zdravstvene prednosti koje nadilaze osnovnu nutritivnu vrijednost. Rad se
usredotočuje na analizu nutritivne vrijednosti mlijeka, mesa, jaja i ribe, te na mogućnosti
obogaćivanja njihove prehrane s ciljem poboljšanja zdravstvenih ishoda kod ljudi. Primjeri
uključuju obogaćivanje hrane za životinje omega-3 masnim kiselinama, selenom i vitaminom
E, što rezultira funkcionalnim proizvodima koji mogu smanjiti rizik od kardiovaskularnih
bolesti, poboljšati imunološki sustav i očuvati zdravlje kostiju. Ovaj rad doprinosi znanosti
kroz istraživanje potencijala funkcionalne hrane kao odgovora na suvremene zdravstvene
izazove. Posebna pažnja posvećena je fermentiranim mliječnim proizvodima, bogatim
probioticima, koji pozitivno utječu na crijevnu mikrofloru i opće zdravlje. Funkcionalna hrana
postaje ključna u prevenciji bolesti poput raka, dijabetesa i neurodegenerativnih poremećaja,
pružajući inovativna rješenja za očuvanje i unapređenje zdravlja.Functional food primarily serves to improve human health and raise the quality of life. It is
precisely for this reason that targeted feeding of animals is needed. The main goal of the work
is to examine how adapted animal nutrition can lead to the production of high-quality animal
products with additional health benefits for humans. Functional foods, enriched with specific
nutrients, play a key role in reducing disease risk and improving overall health, providing
health benefits that go beyond basic nutritional value. The work focuses on the analysis of the
nutritional value of milk, meat, eggs and fish, and on the possibilities of enriching their diet
with the aim of improving health outcomes in humans. Examples include fortifying animal
feed with omega-3 fatty acids, selenium and vitamin E, resulting in functional products that
can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, improve the immune system and preserve bone
health. This work contributes to science through research into the potential of functional food
as a response to contemporary health challenges. Special attention is paid to fermented milk
products, rich in probiotics, which have a positive effect on intestinal microflora and general
health. Functional food is becoming essential in the prevention of diseases such as cancer,
diabetes and neurodegenerative disorders, providing innovative solutions for preserving and
improving health
Solid and Liquid Fraction of Digestate as an Alternative Mineral Nitrogen Source: Two-Year Field Research in Croatia
No full textThis research aimed to assess the effect of applying digestate fractions and conventional mineral nitrogen (N) fertilizers on plant and soil properties, as well as potential nitrate leaching, in acidic soil over two consecutive years (2018 and 2019). The digestate fractions were obtained after the anaerobic co-digestion of maize silage and liquid cattle manure (LCM). Seven different treatments were applied to the maize crop in four replicates: unfertilized control (C), mineral fertilizer (MF), LCM, solid fraction of digestate (SFD), liquid fraction of digestate (LFD) and a mixture of SFD and LFD with MF (50% of total N from digestate fractions + 50% of total N from MF). The highest maize yields were achieved on average in 2018. Statistically, the highest dry grain yield was observed in the MF treatment (12.1 t ha−1) and in the mixtures of MF+SFD (11.0 t ha−1) and MF+LFD (11.8 t ha−1), while the lowest yield was achieved in both years in the C treatment (7.9 t ha−1). The N fertilizer replacement value was statistically highest on average in the MF treatment (100%) and in the mixtures of MF+LFD (80.5%) for both years. The experiment results could inform legal guidelines and standardize digestate application on agricultural land in Croatia and the European Union (EU)
Ecological characteristics and floristic composition of habitats along the floodplains of the Sava River in the area of the City of Zagreb
No full textEkološke značajke i floristički sastav staništa uz inundaciju rijeke Save na području grada Zagreba igraju ključnu ulogu u održavanju bioraznolikosti. Stanište, definirano kao područje gdje živi određena biocenoza ili organizam, u kombinaciji s biocenozom čini ekosustav. Uz faktore poput nadmorske visine, ekspozicije, nagiba, reljefa i tipa tla, sva ova područja zajedno utječu na vegetacijski pokrov regije. Rijeka Sava, koja teče kroz grad Zagreb, povijesno je imala značajnu ulogu u razvoju grada. Osim svoje prometne važnosti, Sava je ključni krajobrazni element koji grad dijeli na sjeverni i južni dio. U prostorno-planskim dokumentima 20. i 21. stoljeća, Sava se isticala kao sastavni dio "zelenog prstena" Zagreba, naglašavajući važnost očuvanja njenih ekosustava. Ovo istraživanje usredotočilo se na analizu ekoloških značajki i florističkog sastava staništa uz riječnu inundaciju Save, posebno one uključene u ekološku mrežu Natura 2000. Glavni cilj bio je proučiti vaskularnu floru i ekološke značajke tih staništa, s posebnim naglaskom na područja Sava – Podsused, Savica, Sava kod Hruščice i Jakuševac. Utvrđivanje agrokemijskih parametara i elementarnog sastava tla dodatno je omogućilo bolje razumijevanje ekoloških uvjeta ovih staništa. Rezultati ovog istraživanja daju nove uvide o važnosti očuvanja ovih staništa, s obzirom na njihovu važnost za bioraznolikost. Ukupno je na terenu utvrđeno i determinirano kasnije 199 biljaka na 10 lokaliteta i 21 invazivna vrsta. Laboratorijske analize su utvrdile variranja rezultata, tj. kod određivanja fosfora u uzorcima tla, najviša vrijednost je bila kod uzorka Jakuševac, a najniža vrijednost kod Savice. Kod uzoraka gdje je određivan kalij, kod uzorka s Jakuševca je bila najviša vrijednost opet kao i kod fosfora, a najniža vrijednost kod uzorka iz Hruščice. Količina humusa %, bila je kod uzorka s Jakuševca najviša, a kod uzorka iz Podsuseda – livada najniža. Količine N, C i S su analizirane i kod uzorka s Hruščice je bila najniža vrijednost N, a uzorak sa Savice je pokazao najvišu vrijednost. Kod određivanja C, uzorak iz Podsuseda – šuma je imao najnižu vrijednost, a uzorak iz Jakuševca najvišu. Kod određivanja S, opet najniža vrijednost je bila iz Podsuseda, ali ovog puta sa lokaliteta livade, a opet uzorak s Jakuševca je pokazivao najvišu vrijednost. Kod svih analiziranih uzoraka, pH je bio slabo alkalan. Inundacija rijeke Save predstavlja ključnu točku raznolikosti i pruža dom za mnoge specifične i rijetke biljne vrste. Antropogeni utjecaji, poput kanaliziranja i promjena tijeka rijeke, mogli bi dovesti do naseljavanja invazivnih biljnih vrsta, ugrožavajući autohtonu floru. U svjetlu globalne promjene i biološke invazije, važnost ovakvih studija ne može se procijeniti. Razumijevanje i očuvanje ekosustava rijeke Save ključni su za očuvanje prirodnog nasljeđa i bioraznolikosti grada Zagreba.The ecological features and floristic composition of habitats along the floodplains of the Sava River in the area of Zagreb play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity. A habitat, defined as an area where a certain biocenosis or organism lives, combined with the biocenosis forms an ecosystem. Alongside factors such as altitude, exposure, slope, relief, and soil type, all these areas collectively influence the vegetation cover of the region.The Sava River, flowing through the city of Zagreb, has historically played a significant role in the city's development. Beyond its transport importance, the Sava is a key landscape element that divides the city into northern and southern parts. In spatial-planning documents of the 20th and 21st centuries, the Sava has been highlighted as an integral part of Zagreb's "green belt," emphasizing the importance of preserving its ecosystems. This study focused on analyzing the ecological features and floristic composition of habitats along the river floodplains of the Sava, particularly those incorporated into the Natura 2000 ecological network. The main aim was to study the vascular flora and ecological features of these habitats, with special emphasis on the areas of Sava – Podsused, Savica, Sava at Hruščica, and Jakuševac. Determining agrochemical parameters and the elemental composition of the soil further enabled a better understanding of the ecological conditions of these habitats.The results of this study provide new insights into the importance of preserving these habitats, given their significance for biodiversity. A total of 199 plants in 10 localities were identified and later determined in the field and 21 invasive species. Laboratory analyzes determined variations in the results, i.e. when determining phosphorus in soil samples, the highest value was found in the Jakuševac sample, and the lowest value in Savica. In the samples where potassium was determined, the sample from Jakuševac had the highest value, as well as phosphorus, and the sample from Hruščica had the lowest value. The amount of humus % was the highest in the sample from Jakuševac, and the lowest in the sample from Podsused - meadow. The amounts of N, C and S were determined and the sample from Hruščica had the lowest value of N, and the sample from Savica showed the highest value. When determining C, the sample from Podsuseda - forest had the lowest value, and the sample from Jakuševac the highest. When determining S, again the lowest value was from Podsused, but this time from the meadow site, and again the sample from Jakuševac showed the highest value. In all analyzed samples, the pH was weakly alkaline. The floodplains of the Sava River represent a key point of diversity and offer a home to many specific and rare plant species. Anthropogenic influences, such as channeling and altering the river's course, could lead to the settlement of invasive plant species, threatening the native flora. In light of global change and biological invasions, the importance of such studies cannot be estimated. Understanding and preserving the ecosystems of the Sava River are crucial for conserving the natural heritage and biodiversity of the city of Zagreb
Analysis of soil water balance for agricultural regions of the Republic of Croatia during the period 1961 - 2020
No full textVodni režim tla analiziran je pomoću bilance vode u tlu koja predstavlja kvantitativan izraz za manjak odnosno višak vode u tlu. Ključni proces vodnog režima tla je proces evapotranspiracije koji predstavlja onu količinu vode koja se gubi isparavanjem vode s površina tla (evaporacija) i isparavanjem vode s biljaka (transpiracija). S klimatskim promjenama odnosno promjenama u godišnjem hodu temperature zraka, količine oborine i drugih klimatskih elemenata mijenja se i evapotranspiracija. Bilanciranje vode u tlu provedeno je prema metodi Thornthwaite za 9 različitih lokacija u RH (Osijek, Slavonski Brod, Križevci, Varaždin, Karlovac, Gospić, Pazin, Knin, Hvar) kao predstavnika poljoprivrednih podregija i dva različita klimatološka razdoblja (1961.-1990. i 1991.-2020.). Provedenom analizom utvrdile su se razlike u razdobljima po poljoprivrednim regijama. Ukupna prosječna stvarna evapotranspiracija u oba promatrana razdoblja se ne razlikuje previše, a najveći iznos postiže u razmaku od 6. – 7. mjeseca, te se uspoređivanjem rezultata može utvrditi da je manja u suvremenom razdoblju (1991. – 2020.) Usporedbom bilance vode poljoprivrednih regija utvrđeno je kako ukupni prosječni godišnji manjak vode postiže najveću razinu u Jadranskoj regiji, a nedostaje u Gorskoj regiji u oba promatrana razdoblja (1961. – 1990. i 1991. – 2020.). Ukupni prosječni godišnji višak vode najviše je zabilježen u Gorskoj regiji (Gospić), zatim u Jadranskoj i Panonskoj regiji.The water regime of the soil was analyzed using the soil water balance, which represents a quantitative expression for the lack or excess of water in the soil. The key process of the water regime of the soil is the process of evapotranspiration, which represents the amount of water that is lost through evaporation of water from the soil surface (evaporation) and evaporation of water from plants (transpiration). With climate changes, i.e. changes in the annual course of air temperature, amount of precipitation and other climatic elements, evapotranspiration also changes. Soil water balancing was carried out according to the Thornthwaite method for 9 different locations in the Republic of Croatia (Osijek, Slavonski Brod, Križevci, Varaždin, Karlovac, Gospić, Pazin, Knin, Hvar) as representatives of agricultural subregions and two different climatological periods (1961-1990). and 1991-2020). The conducted analysis determined the differences in the periods by agricultural regions. The total average actual evapotranspiration in both observed periods does not differ too much, and the highest amount is reached between 6 and 7 months, and by comparing the results it can be determined that it is lower in the modern period (1991 - 2020). By comparing the water balance of agricultural region, it was determined that the total average annual water deficit reaches the highest level in the Adriatic region, and is lacking in the Gorska region in both observed periods (1961 - 1990 and 1991 - 2020). The total average annual surplus of water was highest in the Gorska region (Gospić), followed by the Adriatic and Pannonian regions
Microbiological safety of spontaneously fermented sausages produced in household conditions
No full textU ovom radu prikazani su rezultati mikrobiološke analize spontano fermentiranih kobasica proizvedenih u domaćoj radinosti na području grada Županje. U uzorcima kobasica (n=20) određen je broj aerobnih mezofilnih bakterija, Salmonella spp., Enterobacteriaceae, sulfitreducirajućih klostridija i stafilokoka standardnim mikrobiološkim metodama. Također je utvrđen aktivitet vode (aw) i pH vrijednost. Broj aerobnih mezofilnih bakterija iznosio je u prosjeku 5,82 log10 CFU/g, a ukupan broj stafilokoka 2,38 log10 CFU/g, međutim u nijednom uzorku nisu utvrđeni koagulaza pozitivni stafilokoki / Staphylococcus aureus. U većini uzoraka (90 %) nisu bile detektirane enterobakterije te je u samo jednom uzorku njihov broj bio iznad 2 log10 CFU/g. Sulfitreducirajuće klostridije kao ni Salmonella spp. nisu pronađene u uzorcima kobasica. U tri uzorka kobasica (15 %) detektirana je Listeria monocytogenes. Aktivitet vode (aw) iznosio je od 0,639 do 0,909, a pH vrijednost od 6,68 do 6,89. Na temelju provedenog istraživanja može se zaključiti kako je mikrobiološka ispravnost domaće proizvedenih trajnih fermentiranih kobasica uglavnom zadovoljavajuća. Ipak, prisutnost Listeria monocytogenes u pojedinim uzorcima predstavlja zdravstveni rizik i ukazuje na potrebu za poboljšanjem higijenskih uvjeta proizvodnje i kontrolnih mjera u domaćinstvima kako bi se osigurali zdravstveno ispravni proizvodi.This paper presents the results of microbiological analysis of spontaneously fermented sausages produced in households in the area of the city of Županja. In sausage samples (n=20), the number of aerobic mesophilic bacteria, Salmonella spp., Enterobacteriaceae, sulfite-reducing clostridia, and staphylococci were determined using standard microbiological methods. Additionally, water activity (aw) and pH values were measured. The average number of aerobic mesophilic bacteria was 5.82 log10 CFU/g, and the total number of staphylococci was 2.38 log10 CFU/g. However, no coagulase-positive staphylococci (Staphylococcus aureus) were detected in any sample. In the majority of samples (90 %), no enterobacteria were detected, with only one sample showing levels above 2 log10 CFU/g. Sulfite-reducing clostridia and Salmonella spp. were not found in any of the tested sausage samples. Listeria monocytogenes was detected in three sausage samples (15 %). Water activity (aw) ranged from 0.639 to 0.909, and pH values ranged from 6.68 to 6.89. Based on the conducted research, it can be concluded that the microbiological safety of homemade dry fermented sausages is generally satisfactory. However, the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in some samples poses a health risk and highlights the need for improved hygiene conditions during production and stricter control measures in households to ensure the production of safe food products
The impact of raw material price changes on the operation of the Hercegovac biogas plant
No full textGlobalni rast cijena kukuruza značajno je utjecao na poslovanje bioplinskih postrojenja koja koriste kukuruznu silažu kao glavnu sirovinu. Navedeno poskupljenje prijeti opstanku mnogih postrojenja u Republici Hrvatskoj, što naglašava potrebu za kvantifikacijom utjecaja kako bi se izradile strategije za očuvanje njihovog opstanka. U ovom radu provedena je financijska analiza postrojenja Hercegovac u vlasništvu SLK Projekta d.o.o. korištenjem podataka dobivenih intervjuom zaposlenicima i javno dostupnih podataka s web stranica TISUP-a i CompanyWall-a, za razdoblje od 2017. do 2023. godine. Rezultati financijske analize pokazuju smanjenje vrijednosti eknomičnosti, rentabilnosti i dobiti u periodu poskupljenja zrna kukuruza koje je uzrkovalo povećanje materijalnih troškova.The global rise in corn prices has significantly impacted the operation of biogas plants that use corn silage as their primary raw material. This price increase threatens the survival of many plants in the Republic of Croatia, highlighting the need to quantify the impact in order to develop strategies to ensure their sustainability. In this thesis, a financial analysis of the Hercegovac plant, owned by SLK Projekt d.o.o., was conducted using data obtained through employee interviews and publicly available information from the TISUP and CompanyWall websites, covering the period from 2017 to 2023. The results of the financial analysis show a decrease in the plant’s profitability, efficiency, and earnings during the period of corn price hikes, which led to increased material costs