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Modeliranje kontinuirane farmaceutske sinteze u svrhu vođenja procesa
No full textThis work investigates the modelling and sensitivity analysis of the Simmons-Smith reaction, a critical process for the synthesis of cyclopropanes, in a plug flow reactor (PFR) for continuous pharmaceutical synthesis. Using dibromomethane and cyclohexene as substrate, the study replaces the conventional copper catalyst with grated zinc, which represents a simplified and potentially more sustainable approach. A dynamic model was developed to predict the reaction behaviour under different operating conditions, such as temperature and flow rate, allowing better control of the reaction dynamics. The analysis showed that higher temperatures and slower flow rates improve reactant conversion and product yield, while lower temperatures and higher flow rates reduce reaction efficiency. Sensitivity tests revealed a lag between the changes in the input variables and the observable effects, emphasising the importance of understanding transient dynamics. The models for two experimental setups showed agreement with the observed data, although some deviations highlighted the need for refinements, particularly in thermal and kinetic representations.
The results emphasise the potential of PFR systems for scalable, efficient and controlled organometallic reactions. This study advances the application of continuous flow systems in pharmaceutical production and promotes sustainable synthesis technologies.Ovaj diplomski rad istražuje modeliranje i analizu osjetljivosti Simmons-Smithove reakcije, važnog procesa za sintezu ciklopropana, unutar idealnog reaktora s čepolikim strujanjem za kontinuiranu farmaceutsku sintezu. Koristeći dibromometan i cikloheksen kao supstrat, u ovom radu se zamjenjuje bakar kao konvencionalni katalizator s cinkom nudeći pojednostavljeni i potencijalno održiviji pristup. Razvijen je dinamički model za predviđanje vladanja procesa reakcije pod različitim radnim uvjetima, kao što su temperatura i protok. Analiza je otkrila da više temperature i manji protoci povećavaju konverziju reaktanata i prinos proizvoda. Testiranje osjetljivosti utvrdilo je kašnjenje između promjena parametara i vidljivih učinaka, naglašavajući važnost razumijevanja dinamičkog vladanja procesa.
Modeli koji opisuju provedene eksperimente donekle prate eksperimentalne rezultate, iako su neka odstupanja istaknula potrebu za poboljšanjima. Dobiveni rezultati naglašavaju potencijal ovakvih sustava za skalabilne, učinkovite i kontrolirane organometalne reakcije.
Ovo istraživanje unaprjeđuje primjenu protočnih reaktorskih sustava u farmaceutskoj proizvodnji, promičući održive tehnologije sinteze
Stelarc and the Posthuman Body
No full textDoktorska disertacija Stelarc i posthumano tijelo nastala je na osnovi provedenoga istraživanja i teorijske analize pojma posthumanog tijela. U istraživanju bila je korištena kvantitativna metodologija primijenjena na strukturirani intervju sa Stelarcom, analiza studije slučaja (engl. case study), dokumentiranje pomoću filmskog zapisa te metoda promatranja ili opservacije sa sudjelovanjem i analizom diskursa. Teorijskim izvođenjem i primjerima iz Stelarcovih performansa nastojala se obrazložiti ključna postavka ovoga doktorskog rada, da se zahvaljujući novim tehnologijama bitno mijenjaju i estetske odrednice umjetnosti. Uz pomoć teorijske analize pojma posthumanog tijela prikazan je put prema izvedbenoj umjetnosti u paradigmatskom primjeru suvremenog umjetnika Stelarca. Teorijskim pristupom je pokazano kako posthumanizam u svojem prevladavanju ljudske prirode napušta čovjekovu tjelesnost i sve oblike ljudskosti iz sfere osjećaja i doživljaja u smjeru neljudskoga, postbiološkoga i natprirodnoga. Cilj doktorskog rada bio je sustavno istražiti i prikazati novo određenje odnosa uma i tijela, organskoga i strojnoga, te kako dolazi do promjene granica između prirodnoga i umjetnoga zahvaljujući djelovanju strojeva u digitalnom dobu. Ukazati kako tehnologija u suvremenim umjetničkim praksama spaja umjetnost i znanost i mijenja ideju lijepog te na primjeru Stelarcovih performansa prikazati kako dolazi do radikalnog mijenjanja arhitekture ljudskog tijela kao savršenog dijela prirode. Nakon provedenog istraživanja i analize u ovom doktorskom radu postavljene su teze o stvaranju novog identiteta unutar promijenjene tehnološke okoline, na primjeru bio-techno-art umjetnika Stelarca prikazan je proces kojim tijela postaju samostalni aparati i povezuje se pojam izvedbe u kontekstu posthumanog tijela, što dovodi do obrata u razumijevanju izvedbene umjetnosti posredstvom promjena tijela u okviru postmoderne estetike. Postavljene teze su potkrijepljene znanstvenim promišljanjima i radovima citiranih teoretičara umjetnosti i suvremenih filozofa.The doctoral dissertation entitled Stelarc and the Posthuman Body we will attempt to demonstrate the shift and the sliding of boundaries between the natural and artificial, prompted by the activity of machines in the digital age. For over two decades, Australian cybernetic and performance artist Stelarc has employed his manifestos, projects, performances and experiments to demonstrate that contemporary art is exceedingly intermeshed with the latest theoretical efforts in elucidating the relationship between the human body and both information-communication technologies and biogenetics. Consequently, in so doing, he has established himself as a unique and authentic artist, exploring the boundaries between the biological and the posthuman state, therefore, it is necessary to ascertain the relationship betweentheoretical reflexion and artistic expression itself in the interstitial space between body and technology. Furthermore, the aim of this dissertation is to open up space for redefining the relationship between the mind and body, between self-development and body design, as well as many other distinctions between the traditional conceptions of the organic/organism and machines. Late 20th century was the period of pivotal discoveries in the sphere of contemporary technosicences, especially in the field of biogenetics and biotechnology, with far-reaching implications for the notion of the body. This is most easily discernible in the theoretical and practical endeavours of the representatives of transhumanism and posthumanism – the interdisciplinary tendencies in philosophy, sciences, arts and technology. Improving and perfecting the cognitive and physical abilities of the human subject introduces numerous questions about the purpose of human existence under new technological circumstances. In terms of investigative and scientific method, by examining the case of contemporary artist Stelarc, the fundamental hypothesis of the dissertation will relate to the inauguration of an entirely new bodily identity, that is, an entirely novel sort of posthuman body that is genetically modified, designed and upgraded with the purpose of prolonging human life. Shaping and creating posthuman bodies, by means of combining robotics and artificial intelligence with the human body, Stelarc using his own body as example, in an intellectually stimulating and self-reflexive way echoes an already widely present phenomenon involving an experimental form of existence of posthuman organisms. That means that the human body assumes completely new meanings since, in place of biological determination, it is under constant influence of the need for upgrading, altering, redesigning and aesthetic intervention. The dissertation will also delineate the research performed via a film essay on Stelarc, featuring Stelarc’s visit to Zagreb in 2017, a lecture he held on the occasion, the exhibition of photographs at the Technical Museum Nikola Tesla in Zagreb and the scientific panel under the title „How can theoretical research foster scientific development in Croatia?” held at Vern’ University of Applied Sciences in Zagreb. The film essay will attempt to highlight a system in which bodies with technical implants are seen as our new techno-social and cultural environment, while their purpose is to facilitate better functioning in a complex network of digital and analogue means of communication. The title of the film Stelarc and Human + alludes to the notion of perfect human bodies, heralded by the posthuman age. These are not the bodies of robots or the bodies of beings with supernatural powers, but rather bodies that have been modified and upgraded in order to achieve longer life expectancy. The performance of such a posthuman body, which mimics the original function of movement, speech and body of a human one by means of artificial intelligence, resembles art without a body.The film essay will also demonstrate how the architecture and the evolution of the human body as a perfect slice of nature change through the interpolation of science and technology. The primary aim of this doctoral dissertation is to attempt, by theoretical analysis of the notion of the posthuman body, to arrive at the possibility of performance via the paradigmatic case of contemporary artist Stelarc, therefore, the film essay about him is not included merely to illustrate the pronounced connection between idea and performance. According to the central premise, it is only with the advent of the posthuman body that it becomes possible to view the human identity as fluid and de-centred, while these same categories appear in contemporary art in reference to the exploration of the crossing of boundaries between nation-states, sex/gender and society-culture. The reactions of the posthuman body comprise a symbiosis between the human and non-human, generating a new physical identity as a complex cybernetic network system. It is necessary to trace the process by which the body – in a constant search for ways to change and perfect it, which surpass the limits of the human mind – loses its identity, becoming, as Lacan termed it, a fractal body, and finally undergoing a complete transformation. Subject to constant metamorphoses driven by new technologies, the body is undergoing vertiginous changes. Simultaneously, in philosophy, sciences and arts, we are witnessing a transition from the classical, mechanical paradigm to an informational and cybernetic one, the principal characteristic of which is the increasing technologization of life, while technology itself becomes a precondition for generating a new definition of life. Conjoining technosciences with the human body engenders entirely new entities that, as an amalgam of artificial intelligence and the human body, herald a completely new generation of posthuman organisms controlled by a control panel or the power of the mind. Such a posthuman body in symbiosis with both the human and the non-human yields an entirely new bodily identity within the cybernetic network
Robotic Process Automation: A Case Study of Process in an Insurance Company
No full textOvaj rad bavi se primjenom robotske automatizacije procesa (engl. robotic process automation – RPA) u poslovnim sustavima, s posebnim naglaskom na industriju osiguranja. Cilj istraživanja bio je analizirati učinkovitost RPA sustava u optimizaciji poslovnih procesa, smanjenju operativnih troškova i povećanju produktivnosti zaposlenika. Kroz rad su istraženi ključni izazovi i prednosti implementacije RPA tehnologije, s fokusom na sigurnost, integraciju s postojećim IT sustavima te utjecaj na radnu snagu. U istraživanju je korištena studija slučaja koja prikazuje praktičnu implementaciju RPA tehnologije u procesu klasifikacije e-mailova u osiguravajućem društvu. Analiza je pokazala kako primjena softverskih robota značajno smanjuje vrijeme obrade podataka, povećava točnost i transparentnost poslovanja te poboljšava usklađenost s regulatornim zahtjevima. Zaključno, rad potvrđuje da RPA predstavlja ključnu tehnologiju za digitalnu transformaciju organizacija, a njezina kombinacija s umjetnom inteligencijom i strojnim učenjem omogućava daljnju evoluciju i optimizaciju poslovnih procesa.This thesis explores the application of Robotic Process Automation (RPA) in business systems, with a particular focus on the insurance industry. The objective of the research was to analyze the effectiveness of RPA systems in optimizing business processes, reducing operational costs, and increasing employee productivity. The study examines key challenges and advantages of RPA implementation, with a focus on security, integration with existing IT systems, and its impact on the workforce. A case study was conducted to demonstrate the practical implementation of RPA technology in the email classification process within an insurance company. The analysis revealed that the use of software robots significantly reduces data processing time, increases accuracy and transparency, and enhances regulatory compliance. In conclusion, the study confirms that RPA is a crucial technology for digital transformation in organizations, and its combination with artificial intelligence and machine learning enables further evolution and optimization of business processes
Urban tourism in the city of Split
No full textOvaj rad istražuje obilježja urbanog turizma na području grada Splita. Cilj istraživanja bio je analiza motivacije, obilježja, aktivnosti i zadovoljstva turista posjetom Splitu, te izdvajanje tipova turista koji posjećuju Split s obzirom na ponašanje i preferencije. Podaci su prikupljeni metodom ankete među turistima koji su posjetili Split kroz čitavu godinu. Rezultati pokazuju kako su kulturna baština i znamenitosti najvažniji motivacijski čimbenik među ispitanicima. Ispitanici u velikom broju sudjeluju u aktivnostima vezanima za kulturnu baštinu, te su vrlo zadovoljni ponudom. Ističe se i motivacija sudjelovanjem u ljetnom kupališnom turizmu, što je i razlog izražene sezonalnosti. Ipak, suprotno tradicionalnim destinacijama kupališnog turizma, nešto kompleksnija ponuda grada Splita uzrok je tome da ispitanici tijekom boravka sudjeluju u različitim aktivnostima. Izazovi sezonskog pritiska ogledaju se u turističkom iskustvu, što potvrđuju najniže ocjene zadovoljstva boravkom tijekom ljeta. Stoga je nužno pažljivo usmjeravati razvoj turizma u Splitu kako bi se ublažio sezonski pritisak, očuvao identitet mediteranskog grada te osigurala dugoročna održivost destinacije.This paper explores urban tourism in the city of Split. The research aimed to analyze the motivation, characteristics, activities, and satisfaction of tourists visiting Split, and identify the types of tourists based on their behavior and preferences. A survey was conducted among tourists who visited Split throughout the year. The results indicate that cultural heritage and landmarks are the most important motivational factors - many respondents participated in related activities and express high satisfaction. Additionally, there is a strong motivation to participate in beach summer tourism, which contributes to the pronounced seasonality of tourist arrivals. Unlike traditional beach tourism destinations, the complex offer of the city of Split encourages the respondents to participate in various activities. The challenges of seasonal pressure are reflected in the tourist experience, as evidenced by the lowest satisfaction ratings during the summer. Therefore, it is crucial to direct the development of tourism in Split to mitigate seasonal pressure and ensure the long-term sustainability of the destination
Experimental analysis of a heated supersonic jet
No full textIspuštanje plina iz tlačnih spremnika, uzrokovano probijanjem stijenke, se najčešće odvija u obliku nadzvučnog mlaza. Ukoliko je tlak u izlaznom presjeku mlaznice veći od okolišnog tlaka, odvit će se naknadna ekspanzija tj. mlaz je podekspandiran. Ispušteni plinovi mogu tvoriti otrovne, zapaljive ili eksplozivne smjese. Kako bi se izbjegle nezgode, potrebno je ispitati njihovo ponašanje. U prethodnom istraživanju su izmjerene brzina zraka i koncentracija čestica u negrijanim mlazu, koji je ispušten u mirnu okolinu i model atmosferskog graničnog sloja. Ovaj rad je dio studije izvedivosti, namijenjene za daljnja istraživanja zagrijanog mlaza. Mjerenja su provedena na Institutu Von Karman u Belgiji. Profili temperature duž osi mlaza su određeni eksperimentalno sa zaštićenim termoparom, koji je pomican vertikalno pomoću linearne vodilice. Ispitani parametri su promjer mlaznice i zaustavna temperatura u spremniku, dok je tlak u spremniku konstantan i iznosi p_0= 5. Također je proučena računalna metoda korekcije izmjerenih podataka. Uočen je neočekivani porast temperature u blizini mlaznice. U slučajevima s negrijanim mlazom, temperatura mlaza je veća od zaustavne temperature u spremniku. Izmjerena temperature duž osi mlaza značajno opada, što ukazuje na činjenicu da zagrijani mlazovi ne predstavljaju opasnost mjernoj sekciji L1B zračnog tunela na VKI. Također je utvrđeno da električni grijač od 17 kW, korišten u ovom radu, nema dovoljnu snagu kako bi se postigla potrebna temperatura od 300 °C. Računalni postupak određivanja temperaturnog povrata se pokazao neodgovarajućim, pri čemu značajnu poteškoću predstavlja nedostatak podataka fizikalnih veličina u mlazu.Gas leakage from a pressurized vessel occurs in the form of a supersonic underexpanded jet. The released gas can form toxic, flammable or explosive mixtures, posing significant safety hazards. A thorough understanding of these jets is needed to accurately characterize and prevent such risks. So far, velocities and concentrations were investigated regarding ambient temperature jets, released in quiescent medium and in the simulated atmospheric boundary layer. The present work is a part of a feasibility study aimed at enabling further work regarding heated underexpanded supersonic jets. Tests were carried out in the facilities of the Von Karman Institute of Fluid Dynamics, Belgium. Axial temperature profiles, along the jet centreline were obtained experimentally with a shielded thermocouple probe, which was positioned vertically using a traverse. The varied parameters were the nozzle diameter and total tank temperature, while the tank pressure was constant with a value of p_0=5 bar. Additionally, a computational model was employed to determine the recovery factor. An unexpected increase in the jet temperature was observed in the near field region of the jet. In cases when the jet was not heated, the increase was such that the measured temperature in the jet was larger than the the total temperature in the tank. The measured temperature was found to decay rapidly, suggesting that heated jets are unlikely to pose a threat to the measurement section of the L1B wind tunnel at the VKI. Additionally, it was found that the current electric heater with the nominal power of 17 kW is not able to provide enough power to heat the air to the target temperature of 300 °C. The numerical procedure for determining the recovery factor was found to be unsatisfactory for the correction of the experimental data. This fact was further complicated by the lack of the exact data in the jet
Roman roads in northwestern Croatia with a special focus on the „Podravska Magistrala“ road
No full textOvo istraživanje analizira strukturu i funkcionalnost rimskih prometnih mreža u sjeverozapadnoj Hrvatskoj primjenom arheologije krajolika, kroz analize u geografskom informacijskom sustavu, Least Cost Path (LCP) modeliranje i evaluaciju arheološko-povijesnih pokazatelja. Cilj je bio testirati hipotezu da su rimske prometnice bile oblikovane prema optimalnim geoprometnim koridorima te procijeniti njihovu vojnu, administrativnu i gospodarsku ulogu. Fokus istraživanja bio je na Podravskoj magistrali (Poetovio – Mursa), čija je rekonstruirana trasa potvrđena kao ključna prometna osovina sa jasnim linearnim pružanjem kroz krajolik. GIS modeliranjem omogućen je detaljniji uvid u vicinalne komunikacije, u kojemu je ona također igrala ključnu ulogu, a koji su dosada bili slabije poznati i istraženi.
Rezultati su pokazali visoku podudarnost modeliranih pravaca s arheološkim nalazima. Andautonia – Aqua Viva i Siscia – Aquae Balissae potvrđene su kao važne interregionalne komunikacije, dok su unutarnje trase poput Siscia – Lentolae i Pyrii – Aquae Balissae prepoznati kao potencijalni novi elementi mreže rimskih sporednih cesta. Posebna pažnja posvećena je analizi riječnih prijelaza, pri čemu su pretpostavljeni rimski mostovi kod Narte, Mlinovca i Jelkovca identificirani kao geoprometno značajna čvorišta-položena na optimalnim pozicijama. Unatoč metodološkoj preciznosti, izazov u radu predstavljaju nedostatak in situ potvrda za pojedine dionice i trase, kao i nedostatak mogućnosti primjene dodatnih metoda u istraživanju primjerice geofizičkog karaktera. Primjerice, dodatna i ciljana LiDAR snimanja, magnetometrija i geoelektrična tomografija mogli bi značajno pridonijeti preciznijoj verifikaciji modeliranih koridora.
Zaključno, istraživanje potvrđuje važnost interdisciplinarnog pristupa u analizi rimskih prometnih mreža, omogućujući bolje razumijevanje dinamike rimskog prometnog krajolika. Buduća istraživanja trebala bi se usmjeriti na daljnju arheološku validaciju modeliranih pravaca i njihovu integraciju u šire digitalne baze rimskih prometnica, čime bi se dodatno unaprijedila rekonstrukcija i interpretacija rimske infrastrukture u Panoniji.The study of Roman roads in northwestern Croatia has a long research tradition, yet previous approaches relied heavily on historical sources and topographical interpretations, often lacking systematic archaeological verification. Despite the extensive documentation of itineraries such as the Tabula Peutingeriana, the precise positions of the routes, road stations and how they could function, remain unclear due to fragmented archaeological and historical evidence and the absence of targeted research connected with the landscape. In recent years, the development of digital archaeology and landscape analysis has revolutionised the study of ancient infrastructure, providing new methodologies for reconstructing road networks. This research integrates Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Least Cost Path (LCP) modelling to identify optimal communication corridors based on topographical, hydrological, and geostrategic factors, offering a dynamic reassessment of Roman transport infrastructure. The primary focus is on the Podravska Magistrala (Poetovio – Mursa), a major route in the Roman province of Pannonia, whose precise trajectory and functional role have remained debated. By correlating LCP-generated corridors with known archaeological data, this study aims to verify the historical alignment of key routes while identifying previously unknown vicinal roads that linked urban centres, military sites, and economic hubs. In addition to reconstructing interregional connections, this research examines the road network hierarchy, highlighting the significance of local infrastructure in facilitating trade, administrative control, and military logistics. The findings challenge traditional interpretations, suggesting that Roman engineers adapted road alignments to natural obstacles and strategic considerations rather than adhering strictly to straight-line paths recorded in itineraries. This study represents the first comprehensive digital reconstruction of Roman roads in northwestern Croatia, providing a methodological framework for further research. By integrating digital tools with archaeological evidence, the research contributes to a more refined understanding of the spatial organisation of the Roman road network, offering valuable insights for future investigations, including geophysical surveys and archaeological fieldwork. Through this interdisciplinary approach, the study advances knowledge of Roman infrastructure in Pannonia and lays the groundwork for broader comparative analyses within the Roman Empire.
The northwestern region of Croatia, bordered by the rivers Sutla, Ilova, Mura, Drava, and Sava, represents a geographically diverse and strategically significant area. Situated at the crossroads of Alpine, Pannonian, and Dinaric landscapes, this region has historically played a vital role in communication and trade within Central Europe. The natural features of this landscape have significantly influenced transport routes, settlement patterns, and economic activities, shaping its historical development. From a geomorphological perspective, the region can be divided into three primary units: alluvial plains along major rivers, gently rolling hills, and mountainous areas. These distinct landscapes dictated the organisation of transport networks, with the river valleys and lowlands facilitating major longitudinal roads, while transversal routes connected the highlands and interior regions. The presence of natural corridors through hills and valleys shaped the structure of ancient roads, ensuring efficient connectivity across the territory. Throughout antiquity, this region was an integral part of the Roman province of Pannonia, which was administratively reorganised during the reigns of Trajan and Diocletian to improve governance and logistical efficiency. Northwestern Croatia became part of Pannonia Savia, with Siscia (Sisak) serving as a major administrative and military hub. This provincial framework necessitated the development of a well-structured road network, linking key urban centres like Poetovio (Ptuj), Mursa (Osijek), and Andautonia (Ščitarjevo) to the broader infrastructure of the empire. Roman engineers designed roads to follow the natural contours of the terrain, integrating mutationes (relay stations) and mansiones (rest stations) to facilitate state-controlled communication and transport.
The Podravska Magistrala, following the Drava River corridor, was one of the most significant Roman routes in the region. While previous studies primarily relied on historical and topographical sources to reconstruct its course, modern analyses indicate that this road was not just a singular linear route but also a structured system of interconnected road stations and routes. This network provided vital connections between Panonnian settlements and extended towards Italy and the Balkans. Longitudinal routes along the Drava and Sava rivers formed the backbone of regional connectivity, while transversal roads facilitated trade and military logistics by linking interior settlements with strategic centres. The impact of the Roman road network on contemporary infrastructure is also notable. Modern highways often follow similar trajectories to their ancient predecessors, particularly in regions where topography dictated stable and efficient routes. Studies suggest that shifts in road alignments occurred mainly in river valleys, where seasonal flooding or erosion prompted adjustments over time.
Understanding the relationship between natural geography and transport development in northwestern Croatia offers valuable insights into the province’s integration into the cursus publicus, the Roman imperial transport and communication system. The layout of roads, combined with structured settlement planning and administrative organisation, underscores the strategic importance of this region within the empire. Future research integrating geophysical prospection, LiDAR surveys, and systematic excavations will be crucial for further refining the understanding of Roman infrastructure in this part of Pannonia.
The history of research on Roman roads in northwestern Croatia spans over two centuries, beginning in the late 18th century with scholars such as M. P. Katančić and I. Kukuljević Sakcinski, who relied on historical sources, epigraphy, and early archaeological observations. Their works laid the foundation for understanding the Roman road network, with a strong emphasis on the interpretation of ancient itineraries and the identification of key road stations. During the 19th and early 20th centuries, research remained primarily historiographical and topographical, with scholars utilising written sources and aligning them with archaeological findings. Notable contributions include the works of Katančić, who first proposed the location of Andautonia (modern Ščitarjevo), and Kukuljević Sakcinski, who compiled available data on Roman infrastructure in his seminal work Panonija rimska (1873). These early efforts were largely focused on defining the routes of major Roman roads, particularly the itineraries recorded in ancient sources. The methodological approach saw little change until the mid-20th century when M. Fulir and B. Vikić began incorporating systematic field surveys and archaeological reconnaissance into research. This shift marked an important transition from purely historiographical studies to more empirical, site-based investigations. The use of cartography also gained prominence, with researchers such as K. Miller and J. Klemenc providing some of the first detailed maps of Roman road systems in the region. Despite these advancements, much of the research remained focused on the identification of main itineraries rather than a broader understanding of the Roman transport network's relationship with the surrounding landscape. The late 20th and early 21st centuries introduced new technologies, including GIS and remote sensing, which allowed for more refined analyses of Roman roads. Recent studies have highlighted the need for an integrated approach that combines historical research, archaeological survey, and digital methodologies to gain a more comprehensive understanding of Roman road infrastructure. Although significant progress has been made in documenting Roman roads, major gaps remain, particularly in the validation of proposed routes through systematic archaeological excavation. The increasing application of modern landscape archaeology and geospatial analysis presents an opportunity for a more nuanced interpretation of how Roman roads were integrated into the broader settlement and economic systems of Roman Pannonia.
During the reign of Emperor Augustus and following Tiberius’ Pannonian War, the region of present-day northwestern Croatia became an integral part of the Roman province of Pannonia, requiring strategic infrastructural adaptations to its diverse geomorphological landscape. At its peak under Emperor Trajan, the Roman Empire connected vastly different terrains—from the Pannonian plains to Alpine mountain regions—through an advanced road system designed to facilitate mobility, trade, and centralised control. Roman engineers adapted road construction to geographic and environmental conditions, following natural communication corridors while implementing engineering solutions such as bridges, embankments, and drainage infrastructure to ensure road stability across challenging terrains. This study examines the hypothesis that Roman roads in northwestern Croatia were strategically aligned with natural communication routes, optimising connectivity between settlements, military outposts, and economic centers. Comparative studies from Britain, Lebanon, Spain, Portugal, Austria, and Hungary indicate that Roman engineers consistently sought to integrate roads with pre-existing routes, adapting them to local conditions rather than imposing rigid straight-line alignments. By applying GIS-based spatial analysis, Least Cost Path (LCP) modelling, and network analysis, this research reconstructs road trajectories and evaluates their correlation with known archaeological sites. Three key hypotheses guide this analysis: that Roman roads followed natural communication corridors, that rivers and wetlands were not obstacles but integrated into the transport network through infrastructural adaptations, and that spatial analysis confirms a strategic placement of roads in relation to military, administrative, and economic priorities. The objectives of this study are to reconstruct the Roman road network using digital modelling, establish a chronological framework based on archaeological correlations, analyse the influence of geomorphology on transport infrastructure, and develop a spatial model that contributes to future research. This interdisciplinary approach integrates historical, archaeological, and geospatial methodologies, offering a comprehensive framework for analysing Roman transport networks in northwestern Croatia. The findings contribute to a broader understanding of Roman mobility and infrastructure planning in Pannonia, providing a methodological model applicable to comparative studies across the Roman Empire.
The methodological framework of this study is based on landscape archaeology and archaeomorphology, integrating traditional and modern approaches to reconstructing the Roman road network in northwestern Croatia. By combining GIS analysis, Least Cost Path (LCP) modelling, and network analysis, the research identifies and verifies potential Roman routes. The study employs remote sensing techniques, LiDAR, historical cartography, and field surveys, creating a digitised and georeferenced dataset for spatial and geo-transport analysis. The research is structured into several phases, including data collection from historical sources and archaeological records, digitalisation and georeferencing of maps, GIS-based spatial analysis, and data visualisation through cartographic modelling. LCP analysis is particularly emphasized as a tool for reconstructing the most optimal movement corridors, balancing topography, distance, and terrain resistance, aligning with known archaeological sites. The study also integrates network analysis, allowing for a broader evaluation of road connectivity and strategic positioning within the Roman administrative framework. Field surveys and targeted archaeological test excavations serve as validation methods, verifying digital model predictions and confirming road traces. This multidisciplinary approach provides a dynamic and evolving model of Roman transport infrastructure, adaptable to further research and comparative studies within the broader provincial context of Pannonia.
The study of Roman road networks relies heavily on in situ archaeological remains, which provide more reliable data than historical and epigraphic sources. Scholars such as Bojanovski and Kolb emphasise that direct archaeological evidence is crucial for verifying road alignments mentioned in itineraries. This research follows the methodological framework of landscape archaeology, integrating spatial analysis with material remains to reconstruct Roman communication structures. Key archaeological indicators used in this research include direct evidence such as road remains, bridges, and milestones, as well as indirect indicators like necropolises, hoards, and settlements. The study systematically compiles and categorises these data, creating a GIS-based database for further spatial analysis. The integration of field surveys, digital cartographic sources, and previous research has allowed for a more precise georeferencing of archaeological sites, improving their usability for spatial modelling. Among the direct indicators, the study examines documented road segments, including remains in Šćitarjevo, Bjelovar, Ludbreg, and Varaždinske Toplice. Bridges and river crossings, such as the suspected Roman bridge in Jalkovec and the confirmed wooden bridge at Narta, are analysed for their strategic importance. Milestones, though rare in the region, provide additional confirmation of Roman road routes, such as those found in Jalkovec and Petrijanec. Indirect indicators, including Roman necropolises, serve as spatial markers for road placement, given their frequent alignment along transportation routes. The distribution of Roman-period hoards also correlates with major Roman roads, suggesting economic activity along these corridors. Settlements, categorised as urban centres, vici, or villae rusticae, further contribute to understanding the functionality of the road network. The research incorporates a classification of settlements, following comparative studies from other Roman provinces, and integrates data from digital resources such as the Croatian Institute of Archaeology’s BAZA database. The findings highlight the significance of GIS technology in reconstructing Roman road networks and suggest that integrating archaeological, spatial, and historical data provides a more comprehensive understanding of ancient mobility patterns. The study also underscores the need for further archaeological validation, particularly in areas where digital models suggest road alignments but in situ confirmation is lacking.
Classical sources, such as ancient itineraries, provide essential information for reconstructing the Roman road system in northwestern Croatia. Key documents include the Antonine Itinerary, the Itinerarium Burdigalense, and the Tabula Peutingeriana, which offer a historical framework for understanding road networks and identifying way stations. Epigraphic evidence, such as the milestone from Jelkovec, further corroborates the existence of these roads. This chapter analyses the topography of Roman transport infrastructure based on historical records, comparing them with field survey results and remote sensing data to refine previous interpretations. The Roman road system in this region comprised major itineraries such as Poetovio-Mursa (Podravska magistrala), Poetovio-Siscia, and Siscia-Mursa, all essential for military, administrative, and economic connectivity. Several road stations, including Halicanum, Aqua Viva, Populi, Iovia Botivum, Pyrri, and Varianae, played a significant role in facilitating Roman mobility. The study also addresses unresolved questions regarding their exact locations and functions. Moreover, the chapter highlights the importance of vicinal roads in linking local settlements to primary routes, with potential sites identified through historical sources and archaeological investigations. The integration of remote sensing, topographical studies, and fieldwork has allowed for a more precise reconstruction of these routes, emphasising their role in regional connectivity and economic organisation during the Roman period.
Further on, this work focuses on the GIS analysis and interpretation of itineraries and Roman road stations in northwestern Croatia. Despite the existence of historical sources such as the Bordeaux Itinerary, the Antonine Itinerary, and the Tabula Peutingeriana, which provide crucial information about distances and the sequence of road stations along the Roman Podravska Magistrala, the precise localisation of these stations remains an unresolved issue. The discrepancies between different ancient sources, inconsistencies in recorded distances, and the fragmentary nature of archaeological data complicate the identification of these stations. This chapter employs an interdisciplinary approach, integrating historical sources, archaeological evidence, and GIS-based spatial analysis to improve the understanding of Roman road networks. Special emphasis is placed on the relationship between road stations and the cursus publicus system, highlighting the role of mansiones and mutationes in ensuring efficient connectivity across the province. Through GIS modelling, the study evaluates the accuracy of ancient itineraries by comparing reconstructed road distances with historical records and known archaeological sites. The analysis supports the hypothesis that Roman road infrastructure was strategically planned, considering both topographical constraints and logistical requirements. However, further archaeological fieldwork and remote sensing analyses, such as LiDAR surveys, remain necessary to refine the localisation of key stations and confirm the hypothesised alignments of these ancient roads.
The relationship between land use and socio-political development was central to Roman civilisation. Land distribution and agricultural organisation were regulated through centuriation, a cadastral system that structured land in standardised units for efficient resource management and settlement planning. This study examines the link between Roman land division and road infrastructure in northwestern Croatia, with a focus on the centuriation patterns and their impact on the layout of the road network. Centuriation, as evidenced in various Roman provinces, often integrated roads as boundary markers, aligning them with agricultural divisions. This was observed in numerous case studies across Italy, Gaul, and Pannonia, where systematic land division influenced the orientation and planning of road networks. Despite the prevalence of centuriation studies in other regions, systematic research on its application in northwestern Croatia remains scarce. However, preliminary investigations indicate potential centuriation patterns around Andautonia and Varaždinsko polje, suggesting a structured approach to land and road planning in the area. Two case studies were conducted: the Dumovečki Lug region, located
The role of work-life balance satisfaction in understanding the outcomes of organizational work-life balance support
No full textDoktorski rad je usmjeren na istraživanje uloge zadovoljstva ravnotežom poslovnoga i privatnoga života u odnosu između organizacijske potpore ravnoteži poslovnoga i privatnoga života i njenih ishoda na razini zaposlenika i organizacija. U teorijskom dijelu rada sistematizirane su definicije i pojmovi u području, predstavljen je povijesni razvoj te ključne teorije. Prikazana je važnost ravnoteže poslovnoga i privatnoga života za pojedince i društvo, dok je u središnjem dijelu rada razmotrena organizacijska potpora ravnoteži poslovnoga i privatnoga života te je predstavljen konceptualni model upravljanja ravnotežom poslovnoga i privatnoga života u organizacijama. Naglasak je stavljen na zadovoljstvo ravnotežom poslovnoga i privatnoga života kao pokazatelj ravnoteže poslovnoga i privatnoga života. U empirijskom dijelu rada prikazani su metodologija i rezultati kvalitativnog istraživanja važnosti pojedinih praksi za osiguravanje ravnoteže poslovnoga i privatnoga života, a potom i rezultati kvantitativnog istraživanja uloge zadovoljstva ravnotežom poslovnoga i privatnoga života u odnosu između organizacijske potpore ravnoteži poslovnoga i privatnoga života i ishoda na razini pojedinaca i organizacija. Nalaz kvalitativnog dijela istraživanja rezultirao je popisom 38 ključnih praksi za osiguranje ravnoteže poslovnoga i privatnoga života zaposlenika, dok su kroz rezultate kvantitativnog istraživanja stečeni brojni uvidi u odnose između organizacijske potpore ravnoteži poslovnoga i privatnoga života i ishode na razini pojedinaca i organizacija uz središnju ulogu koncepta zadovoljstva ravnotežom poslovnoga i privatnoga života.The doctoral dissertation focuses on exploring the role of work-life balance satisfaction in the relationship between organizational work-life balance support and its outcomes at both the employee and organizational levels. The theoretical part of the thesis systematizes existing definitions and key concepts in the field and presents the historical development and core theoretical foundations. It highlights the importance of work-life balance for individuals and society, while the central section discusses organizational work-life balance support and introduces a conceptual model for managing work-life balance within organizations. Particular emphasis is placed on work-life balance satisfaction as an indicator of achieved work-life balance. The empirical part of the thesis presents the methodology and findings of a qualitative study on the relevance of work-life balance practices, followed by the results of a quantitative study examining the role of work-life balance satisfaction in the relationship between organizational support and outcomes at the individual and organizational levels. The qualitative research resulted in a list of 38 key work-life balance practices, while the quantitative findings provided numerous insights into the relationship between organizational support and various outcomes, with work-life balance satisfaction playing a central role
Ekspresija i pročišćavanje ljudske DNA polimeraze eta u ljudskim stanicama
No full textDNA polymerase eta (POLH) is a translesion synthesis (TLS) polymerase that enables replication across UV-induced DNA lesions. The fat mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO) is an m⁶A demethylase recently linked to the DNA damage response. This thesis aimed to investigate whether FTO physically interacts with POLH and if this interaction is influenced by UV-induced DNA damage. Constructs encoding full-length, N-terminal (catalytic), and C-terminal (non-catalytic) domains of POLH were cloned and expressed in HEK293T cells. A GST-tagged anti-mCherry nanobody was expressed and purified to isolate mCherry-tagged POLH variants via co-immunoprecipitation. Western blotting revealed that FTO co-precipitates with full-length POLH and, upon UV treatment, weakly with the C-terminal domain, suggesting the interaction depends on protein-protein interaction domains. These findings support a novel connection between RNA modifications and TLS, with potential implications for understanding genome maintenance mechanisms.DNA polimeraza eta (POLH) je translezijska polimeraza (TLS) koja omogućuje replikaciju preko UVinduciranih oštećenja DNA. Protein FTO, povezan s pretilošću, je m⁶A demetilaza koja je nedavno povezana s odgovorom na oštećenje DNA. Cilj ovog rada bio je ispitati ostvaruje li FTO fizičku interakciju s POLH i je li ta interakcija uvjetovana UV-induciranim oštećenjem DNA. Konstruirani su plazmidi koji kodiraju za puni, N-terminalni (katalitički) i C-terminalni (nekatalitički) dio POLH, a zatim su eksprimirani u HEK293T stanicama. Za izolaciju mCherry-označenih varijanti POLH proteina, metodom koimunoprecipitacije, anti-mCherry nanotijelo s GST-tagom je eksprimirano i pročišćeno. Western blot analizom pokazano je da FTO koprecipitira s punom duljinom POLH, te prilikom UV zračenja, slabo i sa C-terminalnim dijelom što sugerira da interakcija ovisi o domenama za međuproteinske interakcije. Dobiveni rezultati ukazuju na novu moguću vezu između RNA modifikacije i translezijske sinteze DNA što bi moglo pridonijeti boljem razumijevanju mehanizama očuvanja genomske stabilnosti
Analysis of adaptive and robust control of a modern fighter aircraft
No full textPredmet ovog rada je izrada sustava stabilizacije za borbeni zrakoplov nalik na Dassault Rafale u podzvučnom režimu leta korištenjem optimalne LQR metode. Dinamički model zrakoplova promatran je kao model sa šest stupnjeva slobode i zatim je lineariziran u više radnih točaka te je korišten zapis u prostoru stanja, odvojen za uzdužno i bočno gibanje. Za svaku kombinaciju Machovog broja i visine izvedena je sinteza LQ regulatora, a rezultati su objedinjeni strategijom promjenjivih pojačanja. U svrhu ocjene kvalitete upravljanja analizirani su odzivi sustava stabilizacije na poremećaje i primijenjeni kriteriji iz vojnog standarda MIL 8785C. Rezultati pokazuju da LQ regulatori uz interpolirana pojačanja osiguravaju stabilizaciju sustava i zadovoljavaju postavljene zahtjeve odziva sustava i ocjene kvalitete upravljanja.The subject of this thesis is the development of a stabilization system for a fighter aircraft resembling the Dassault Rafale, operating in the subsonic flight regime, using the optimal LQR method. The aircraft’s dynamic model was considered as a six degrees-of-freedom system and subsequently linearized at multiple operating points, using the state-space representation, separately for longitudinal and lateral-directional motion. For each combination of Mach number and altitude, an LQ regulator was synthesized, and the results were combined using a variable gain strategy. To evaluate the control quality, the stabilization system’s response to disturbances was analyzed using the criteria defined by the MIL-8785C military standard. The results demonstrate that LQ regulators with interpolated gains ensure system stabilization and meet the prescribed response and handling quality requirements
Numerical modelling of a drop test of a composite battery case
No full textDa bi ispunili sve postavljene zahtjeve, kompoziti, kao osnovni materijal, kućišta i ostali dijelovi baterije podvrgavaju se različitim ispitivanjima u skladu s relevantnim normama. U ovom radu opisana su tlačna ispitivanja kompozitnih materijala, njihovo ponašanje pri udarnom opterećenju, kao i norme koje se odnose na testove pada kućišta baterije, s obzirom na to da su takve situacije moguće tijekom životnog vijeka proizvoda.
U svrhu što bolje simulacije stvarnih uvjeta testa pada (eng. drop test), ispitane su različiti načini pada kućišta baterije. Za najnepovoljniji slučaj pada analizirani su utjecaji broja slojeva u kompozitu, orijentacije slojeva te njihov raspored na naprezanja i oštećenje. Promjenom broja slojeva, orijentacije vlakana i promjenom debljine je postignuto smanjenje vrijednosti maksimalnih naprezanja i oštećenja.In order to meet all the specified requirements, composites used as the base material, battery case, and other battery components are subjected to various tests in accordance with the relevant standards. This thesis describes the compression testing of composite materials, their behaviour under impact loading, as well as the standards related to battery housing drop tests, considering that such scenarios may occur during the product’s service life.
To better simulate real-life conditions during drop tests, various battery case drop scenarios were examined. For the most critical case, the effects of the number of composite layers, fibre orientation, and layer arrangement on stress and damage were analysed. By applying optimization techniques, a reduction in stress values was achieved. Furthermore, by adjusting the number of layers, fibre orientation, and thickness, a reduction in both maximum stress values and damage was achieved