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Seasonal Shifts and Smart Stats: Improving Biodrying in Waste Management
No full textThe biodrying process is a well-established method in solid waste management for reducing the moisture content of municipal solid waste (MSW), facilitating its mechanical treatment, enhancing energy recovery efficiency, and simplifying disposal. However, challenges such as variability in drying efficiency, seasonal fluctuations, and operational inconsistencies limit its optimization and broader applicability. This study undertakes a detailed evaluation of biodrying operations using Statistical Process Control (SPC) techniques to improve process stability and identify key factors influencing efficiency. Data collected over a one-year period from a waste management facility employing Herhoff Rotteboxes® reveal an average drying efficiency of 28%, with notable seasonal trends showing reduced efficiency during summer and fall. A regression model analyzing waste load, operational parameters, and seasonal effects accounted for 25% of the variability in drying efficiency, suggesting additional factors like waste composition and microbial activity significantly impact the process. This study highlights the value of SPC tools in monitoring process stability and demonstrates how targeted optimization strategies—such as seasonal adjustments and refined loading practices—can enhance biodrying outcomes. By addressing gaps in current practices, these findings contribute to the advancement of waste management technologies and support the development of more efficient and sustainable systems for handling municipal solid waste
Novosti u području zaštite vina zemljopisnim oznakama prema Uredbi EU-a 2024/1143 od 11. travnja 2024.
No full textMeđu oznakama kvalitete nalaze se i one kojima se štite razni poljoprivredni proizvodi,
uključujući vino. Pravni režim uvođenja i uporabe tih oznaka odražava javne (gospodarske,
zdravstvene, kulturne i dr.) politike na određenom području. Zajednička poljoprivredna
politika EU-a već desetljećima ima za cilj osnažiti zaštitu kvalitete proizvoda i osigurati
konkurentske prednosti raznih poljoprivrednih proizvoda. Vina zbog svojih specifičnosti
uživaju poseban pravni režim koji je posljednjih desetak godina dobio novu dimenziju, a
nedavno je dodatno ojačan novom Uredbom EU-a 2024/1143. U radu se analiziraju nova
zakonska rješenja, ukazuje na njihov kontekst te razmatraju potencijalne prednosti i
nedostaci
Atypical Presentation of Methicillin Sensitive Staphylococcus Aureus Spondylodiscitis – a Case Report
No full textCilj: Prikazati atipičnu kliničku i radiološku sliku spondilodiscitisa izazvanog meticilin-senzitivnim sojem bakterije Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) te ukazati na važnost ranog postavljanja dijagnoze zbog pravovremenog ciljanog terapijskog pristupa i izbjegavanja komplikacija, prvenstveno epiduralnih i paravertebralnih apscesnih kolekcija. Prikaz slučaja: Prikazujemo slučaj pacijenta (77. g.) koji se na objedinjeni hitni bolnički prijam javio s nespecifičnom kliničkom slikom oštre boli u abdomenu sa širenjem prema leđima u trajanju 7-8 dana, uz nagli nastup oduzetosti obiju nogu. Kliničkim pregledom utvrđen je ispad osjeta od razine devetog torakalnog kralješka na niže uz gubitak kontrole sfinktera. S obzirom na podatak o operaciji aneurizme abdominalne aorte, učinjena je CT aortografija koja je ukazala na patološki proces na sedmom (Th7) i osmom (Th8) torakalnom segmentu, uz potpuno očuvanu koštanu strukturu kralježaka te opsežan mekotkivan supstrat paravertebralno. Indicira se hitni MR torakalne kralježnice na kojem se prikazao opsežan edem koštane srži kralježaka Th7 i Th8, prvenstveno upalnih karakteristika uz nalaz velike epiduralne kolekcije koja uvjetuje kompresivnu mijelopatiju. S obzirom na opisano pristupilo se operativnom zahvatu i dekompresiji spinalnog kanala na kojem izostaju tipični makroskopski markeri upale te se postavila sumnja na tumorski proces. Iz tkivnih uzoraka za patohistološku i mikrobiološku analizu ne potvrđuju se elementi maligne tumorske infiltracije. Iz hemokulture je izoliran MSSA. Daljnji klinički tijek kod pacijenta komplicira se razvojem pneumonije i, nažalost, smrtnim ishodom nakon šest tjedana od početka liječenja. Zaključci: Postavljanje dijagnoze spondilodiscitisa često je izazovno zbog širokog raspona kliničke i morfološke prezentacije te zahtijeva visok indeks sumnje, posebice kod starijih pacijenata s komorbiditetima zbog rizika razvoja komplikacija i fulminantnog tijeka bolesti.Aim: To present the atypical clinical and radiological findings of methicillin-sensitive strain of Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) spondylodiscitis and emphasize the importance of early diagnosis to assure timely targeted therapeutic approach and avoid complications, primarily epidural and paravertebral inflammatory collections. Case report: We present the case of a patient (age 77) admitted to the emergency hospital admission with a non-specific clinical symptom of sharp abdominal pain spreading towards the back lasting for 7-8 days, followed by a sudden onset of paraplegia. A clinical examination revealed loss of sensation from the level of the ninth thoracic vertebra downwards and loss of sphincter control. Considering the history of abdominal aortic aneurysm surgery, a CT aortography was performed, which demonstrated a pathological process involving the seventh (Th7) and eighth (Th8) thoracic segments with completely preserved bone structure of the vertebra and extensive paravertebral soft tissue mass. An urgent MRI of the thoracic spine showed extensive bone marrow oedema of Th7 and Th8 vertebra, likely inflammatory in nature, and large epidural collection resulting in compressive myelopathy. During the subsequent surgical decompression of the spinal canal no typical macroscopical markers of inflammation were observed and the suspicion of tumor process was raised. The pathohistological and microbiological analysis of the surgical specimens did not confirm malignant tumor infiltration. The MSSA was isolated from hemoculture. The future clinical course was complicated by pneumonia and unfortunately the patient died 6 weeks after starting the treatment. Conclusion: The diagnosis of spondylodiscitis is often challenging due to a wide range of clinical and morphological findings requiring high index of suspicion, especially in elderly patients with comorbidities due to risk of developing complications and fulminant course of the disease
Kennedy Terminal Ulcer – the Beginning of the End (a Case Report)
No full textCilj: prikazati rijedak slučaj promjene kože nazvan Kennedyjev ulkus (KTU), koji se javlja u bolesnika u terminalnom stadiju života te naglasiti važnost ovog entiteta u kliničkoj praksi. Prikaz slučaja: Sedamdesetogodišnjoj bolesnici, koja je bila na palijativnom liječenju u stacionaru, utvrđena je rana na sakrumu za koju se zbog njezinih posebnih karakteristika, izgleda, lokalizacije te brzine progresije posumnjalo da se radi o posebnom entitetu i vrsti rane, odnosno o Kennedyjevu ulkusu. Kennedyjev terminalni ulkus neizbježno je oštećenje kože koje se javlja kao dio procesa umiranja. Oskudna literatura sugerira da se Kennedyjevi terminalni ulkusi javljaju iznenada, obično su kruškolikog oblika, locirani u sakralno/kokcigealnoj regiji, crvenožute ili crne boje, izgledom slični abraziji, a javljaju se nedugo prije smrti. Unatoč sveobuhvatnoj njezi i svakodnevnoj brizi i tretmanu, promjena na koži vrlo je brzo progredirala u ulkus IV. stupnja, a bolesnica je nakon sedam dana preminula. Zaključak: U svakodnevnoj praksi o Kennedyjevu terminalnom ulkusu vrlo se malo zna i velik se broj takvih promjena ne otkriva te ih se pogrešno evidentira kao dekubitalne rane. Potrebna su daljnja istraživanja o fenomenu oštećenja kože kod svih palijativnih bolesnika te dodatna edukacija medicinskih djelatnika kako bi se što više pridonijelo ublažavanju boli i dostojanstvenom životu umiruće osobe, ali i ostalih sudionika uključenih u brigu o terminalnom bolesniku.Aim: to present Kennedy terminal ulcer (KTU), a rare case of skin injury that occurs in patients in their terminal stage of life, and to emphasize the importance of this entity in clinical practice. Case report: A 70-year-old woman who was undergoing palliative treatment in the hospital, was diagnosed with a wound on the sacrum. Due to its special characteristics, such as appearance, location, and speed of progression, the wound was suspected not to be an ordinary pressure ulcer but a special entity, the so-called Kennedy terminal ulcer. Kennedy terminal ulcer is an inevitable skin breakdown or deterioration that occurs as part of the dying process. Kennedy terminal ulcers appear suddenly, are usually pear-shaped, located in the sacral/coccygeal region, red – yellow, or black in colour, abrasion-like in appearance, and occur shortly before death. Despite comprehensive care and daily care and treatment, the change on the skin progressed very quickly into a grade IV ulcer, and the patient died after seven days. Conclusion: In everyday practice, very little is known about Kennedy’s terminal ulcer and a many of such changes are not detected and are incorrectly recorded as decubitus wounds. Further research is needed on the phenomenon of skin damage in all palliative patients, as well as for other members involved in the care of dying patient
Autocrine TGF-β1 drives tissue-specific differentiation and function of resident NK cells
No full textGroup 1 innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) encompass NK cells and ILC1s, which have non-redundant roles in host protection against pathogens and cancer. Despite their circulating nature, NK cells can establish residency in selected tissues during ontogeny, forming a distinct functional subset. The mechanisms that initiate, maintain, and regulate the conversion of NK cells into tissue-resident NK (trNK) cells are currently not well understood. Here, we identify autocrine transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) as a cell-autonomous driver for NK cell tissue residency across multiple glandular tissues during development. Cell-intrinsic production of TGF-β was continuously required for the maintenance of trNK cells and synergized with Hobit to enhance cytotoxic function. Whereas autocrine TGF-β was redundant in tumors, our study revealed that NK cell–derived TGF-β allowed the expansion of cytotoxic trNK cells during local infection with murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) and contributed to viral control in the salivary gland. Collectively, our findings reveal tissue-specific regulation of trNK cell differentiation and function by autocrine TGF-β1, which is relevant for antiviral immunity
The importance of tourist passenger flows for the traffic and economic system of the Republic of Croatia
No full textPromet predstavlja važan segment europskih integracija, te utječe na zapošljavanje i gospodarski rast svih država. To je najbrže rastuća industrija u svijetu u posljednje vrijeme. Kao jedna od najbrže rastuće industrije u svijetu promet putnika u ekonomske i neekonomske tj. turističke svrhe bitan je segment svakog gospodarstva u smislu funkcije koju ima te u smislu vrijednosti koju ta djelatnost producira za gospodarstvo. Sukladno tome, osnovni problem istraživanja u ovom radu je analiza specifičnosti formiranja i značaja turističkih tokova putnika za prometni i gospodarski sustav Republike Hrvatske. O značaju turističkih tokova putnika za gospodarski sustav i promet u turizmu govori činjenica da je nemoguće da turizam funkcionira bez putnika i prometa. Sukladno definiranom problemu istraživanja, u ovom se radu analiziraju specifičnosti, elementi i čimbenici formiranja turističkih tokova putnika te stanje i relevantni indikatori turističkih tokova putnika na globalnoj, regionalnoj i nacionalnoj razini. Cilj istraživanja je istaknuti relevantne značajke i čimbenike valorizacije turističkih tokova putnika te značaj turističkih tokova putnika za prometni i gospodarski sustav Republike Hrvatske.Transport represents an important segment of European integration and affects the employment and economic growth of all countries. It is the fastest growing industry in the world in recent times. As one of the fastest growing industries in the world passenger traffic in economic and non-economic i.e. tourism purposes is an important segment of any economy in terms of the function it has and in terms of the value it produces for the economy. Accordingly, the main problem of the research in this paper is the analysis of the specificity of the formation and importance of tourist flows for the transport and economic system of the Republic of Croatia. The importance of tourist flows for the economic system and transport in tourism is evidenced by the fact that it is impossible for tourism to function without passengers and traffic. In accordance with the defined research problem, this paper analyses the specifics, elements and factors of the formation of tourist flows of travellers, as well as the state and relevant indicators of tourist flows of travellers at the global, regional and national level. The aim of the research is to highlight the relevant features and elements of the tourist flows valorisation, as well as tourist flows importance for the transport and economic system of the Republic of Croatia
A comparison of detection methods for multidimensional polytomous differential item functioning
No full textMetode za otkrivanje DIF-a tradicionalno su se koristile za jednodimenzionalne mjerne instrumente, pretpostavljajući da sama prisutnost višedimenzionalnosti u podacima upućuje na prisustvo DIF-a. Međutim, brojni psihološki instrumenti su inherentno višedimenzionalni jer mjere složene konstrukte kroz različite skupine čestica, što može dovesti do netočnih zaključaka o prisutnosti DIF-a kada se koriste jednodimenzionalni modeli. Dosad je nekoliko metoda za detekciju DIF-a adaptirano za upotrebu na višedimenzionalnim podacima, no njihova učinkovitost provjeravana je samo na višedimenzionalnim dihotomnim podacima. Stoga se u ovom istraživanju učinkovitost željela provjeriti na višedimenzionalnim politomnim podacima. Pritom su uspoređivane 4 metode: omjer izglednosti iz okvira teorije odgovora na zadatak (IRT-LR), MIMIC model s interakcijom, logistička regresija s latentnom procjenom i logistička regresija s bruto rezultatima. Učinkovitost ovih metoda provjeravana je na računalno simuliranim, ali i na realnim podacima koji su dobiveni pomoću kraće verzije Upitnika emocionalne kompetentnost UEK-27. Evaluacija metoda obuhvatila je analizu stope pogrešaka tipa I i statističke snage (osjetljivosti) svake metode. Rezultati istraživanja pokazuju da je logistička regresija s procjenom latentne varijable bila najučinkovitija u otkrivanju DIF-a na politomnim višedimenzionalnim podacima, posebno efikasna u otkrivanju niskog DIF-a te otporna na stvarne razlike u grupnim sposobnostima i razlike u veličini grupa. S druge strane, MIMIC metoda s interakcijom pokazala je tendenciju povećanja stope pogrešaka tipa I. Empirijski nalazi djelomično su potvrdili rezultate simulacije, no ograničenje na jedan uzorak u empirijskom dijelu upozorava na potrebu opreznog tumačenja i generalizacije rezultata. Buduća istraživanja trebala bi nastaviti razvijati i testirati metodologije za detekciju DIF-a, proširujući njihovu primjenjivost i adresirajući postojeća ograničenja u različitim testnim situacijama i populacijama.This dissertation evaluates the effectiveness of various Differential Item Functioning (DIF) detection methods in multidimensional testing environments, particularly focusing on their application to polytomous data settings. The study aims to address the complexities that arise when traditional unidimensional approaches are used for inherently multidimensional constructs. Data for the study were gathered through both computer-simulated scenarios and real data collected via the shortened form of Emotional Skills and Competence Questionnaire (ESCQ-27). Four DIF detection methods were compared: Item Response Theory-Likelihood Ratio (IRT-LR), MIMIC with interaction, logistic regression with latent trait estimation, and logistic regression with observed total scores. The efficacy of these methods was assessed through their Type I error rates and statistical power (sensitivity). The findings revealed that logistic regression with latent trait estimation was most effective in identifying DIF in multidimensional polytomous data, efficiently detecting low DIF and demonstrating robustness against actual differences in group abilities and group sizes. Conversely, the MIMIC method with interaction tended to increase Type I error rates, indicating potential issues with false positives. Although simulated data supported the effectiveness of the logistic regression methods, the empirical results from the ESCQ-27 questionnaire emphasized the need for cautious interpretation and generalization due to the sample limitation in the empirical component of the study. The research highlights the necessity of using appropriate multidimensional DIF detection methods for complex constructs measured by psychometric instruments and recommends logistic regression with latent trait estimation for its superior performance in diverse testing scenarios. Future studies should focus on further developing and testing DIF detection methodologies to enhance their applicability and address existing limitations in different test situations and populations. This aim would improve the accuracy and reliability of psychometric evaluations across varied demographic groups
Zajedničko vlasništvo i horizontalno dioničarstvo kroz prizmu poljoprivrednog i prehrambenog lanca vrijednosti
No full textSuvremena poljoprivredna i prehrambena industrija karakterizirana je visokim stupnjem konsolidacije i koncentracije vlasništva. Uz vertikalna udruživanja s prethodnicima ili sljedbenicima u vrijednosnom lancu radi osiguranja inputa, tržišta ili ključnih resursa, česte su horizontalne integracije, bilo izravne kroz spajanja poduzeća, ili one koje imaju za cilj okrupnjavanja unutar velikih multinacionalnih korporacija (MNC). Sve je više prisutan oblik horizontalne koncentracije vlasništva posredstvom ulaganja treće nepovezane strane, institucionalnog investitora u više poduzeća u istoj industriji (horizontalno dioničarstvo, engl. horizontal shareholding). Ulaganje trećih strana u konkurentska poduzeća koja se nadmeću u istoj industriji, odnosno tzv. zajedničko vlasništvo (engl. common ownership), značajno je potaknuto investicijskim aktivnostima velikih kompanija za upravljanje imovinom i globalnih investicijskih fondova. Istraživačko pitanje usmjereno je na motive i implikacije takvih vlasničkih struktura na strateško ponašanje poduzeća. Istraženi su trendovi i tržišne dinamike, održivost i efekti zajedničkog vlasništva na ekonomiju i društvo. Efekti horizontalnog dioničarstva i zajedničkog vlasništva istraženi su na industrijama duž poljoprivrednog i prehrambenog vrijednosnog lanca. Rezultati istraživanja ukazuju na to da postoje ekonomski interesi velikih investicijskih fondova za sektor poljoprivrede i prehrambenu industriju. Interes institucionalnih investitora dovodi do opsežne konsolidacije i tržišne moći u rukama nekoliko velikih korporacija, što posljedično donosi cijeli niz negativnih posljedica za ekonomiju i društvo, od rasta cijena, povećanja nejednakosti do antimonopolskih praksi
FIRST-INSTANCE ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE
No full textVođenje upravnih postupaka odnosno donošenje upravnih akata spada u temeljne poslove tijela državne uprave koja neposrednom provedbom materijalnih zakona u brojnim upravnim područjima odlučuju o pravima i obvezama fizičkih i pravnih osoba. Upravni postupak u Republici Hrvatskoj uređen je Zakonom o upravnom postupku kao općim zakonom koji se primjenjuje u svim upravnim postupcima, bez obzira na predmet postupka, dok su pojedinim
materijalnim zakonima propisane i posebne postupovne norme. Obzirom da je poštivanje pravila općeg upravnog postupka prilikom donošenja prvostupanjskih rješenja jedan od najvažnijih jamaca njihove zakonitosti i svrhovitosti, ovaj završni rad ima za cilj analizirati i dati pregled temeljnih instituta prvostupanjskog upravnog postupka kao što su pretpostavke za vođenje upravnog postupka, njegov tijek i obilježja, rješavanje upravne stvari, utvrđivanje činjenica, odluka o upravnoj stvari i drugih.Conducting administrative procedures, i.e. passing administrative acts, is one of the fundamental tasks of the body of state administration, which by direct implementation of material laws in numerous administrative areas decide on the rights and obligations of natural and legal persons. Administrative procedure in The Republic of Croatia is governed by the Law on Administrative Procedure as a general law which applies in all administrative procedures, regardless of the subject of the procedure, while they are individual special procedural norms prescribed by material laws. Considering that compliance with the rules of the general administrative procedure when passing first-instance decisions, one of the most important guarantors of their legality and expediency, this final paper aims to analyze and provide an overview basic institutes of the first-instance administrative procedure, such as the prerequisites for conducting administrative procedure, its course and characteristics, resolution of administrative matters, determination of facts, decision on administrative matter and others
Relationship Between Gut Microbiota and the Clinical Course of COVID-19 Disease
No full textPossible early detection of people at increased risk for severe COVID-19 clinical course is extremely important so that appropriate therapy can be initiated promptly to prevent numerous deaths. Our study included 45 patients treated for COVID-19 at Dubrava University Hospital, with clinical course analysed from medical records and stool samples collected for determination of the gut microbiota diversity using 16S rRNA analysis. Sequencing was successful for 41 samples belonging to four clinical course groups (WHO guidelines): 12 samples—critical, 12—severe, 9—moderate and 8—mild group. Microbial composition was assessed between groups using two approaches—ANCOM (QIIME2) and Kruskal–Wallis (MicrobiomeAnalyst). On the genus level, two taxa were found to be differentially abundant: archaeal Halococcus and Coprococcus (for both W = 37)—the two were most abundant in the critical group (10% and 0.94% of entire abundance, respectively). Coprococcus catus was the only species identified by both methods to be differentially abundant between groups and was most abundant in the critical group. Alpha diversity indicated greater evenness of features in the critical group. Beta diversity showed clustering of samples from the critical group. A relationship between gut microbiota composition and the clinical course of COVID-19 disease was indicated, pointing towards specific distinct features of the critical group. In a broader sense, our findings might be useful in combating potential future similar pandemics and emerging virus outbreaks