Determination of Plot Patterns and Their Changes in\ud Slovenian Rural Areas \ud

Fields, i.e. enclosed areas of arable land, are distinguished according to parcel shape and size, land\ud fragmentation, land dispersion, and land use. The description of characteristics of a space, including a\ud field, is unique when expressed in measurable, i.e. quantifiable values (indicators or indices), and this\ud was the subject dealt with in this doctoral thesis. We designed a set of mutually independent indices\ud determined either at the level of a unit, a class, or an area. The values of the indices were determined\ud for the selected 22 fields as irregular blocks, furlongs, continuous strips, and enclosures based on the\ud 2015 data and for selected fields also the data from the Franciscan Cadastre. The analysis of the\ud obtained index values and statistical data processing showed that field characteristics are well\ud described by the parcel shape index (IOP), index of land fragmentation (K), index of land dispersion\ud (SD), and the Simpson’s Diversity Index (SIDI). The low IOP index points to irregularly shaped\ud parcels as fields in irregular blocks and enclosures. Furlongs and fields in winegrowing areas have a\ud high IOP, which points to parcels of more regular shapes. Enclosures and fields in winegrowing areas\ud have high K and SD indices, which points to small land fragmentation and land dispersion. In all other\ud types of fields, land fragmentation and land dispersion are strong (low K and SD indices). Fields in\ud winegrowing areas particularly stand out in terms of land use diversity (SIDI index). We also found\ud that using only one index it is difficult to distinguish between the types of arable land division, while\ud this is possible if we use more indices. This was confirmed using the hierarchical clustering method to\ud classify the test fields, based on the statistical values of the indices, into irregular blocks, furlongs,\ud continuous strips, and enclosures and, as a separate group, fields in winegrowing areas. Notably, due\ud to the deviation of the indices for the fields in winegrowing areas from other types of arable land\ud division, we propose that these fields are classified as a separate type of arable land division. The\ud comparison of indices in two time periods confirmed the practical application of the indices for\ud identifying the changes in space, which could be reasonably used in continuous monitoring of land\ud use. The SIDI index points to significant changes in land use in two periods, while the parcel shapes as\ud well as land fragmentation and dispersion did not change significantly. Even though the indices were\ud formed to describe field characteristics, they can be also used for describing various spatial\ud phenomena, as proposed in the final chapters of this thesis

Assessment of Microplastic Concentrations in Slovenian Watercourses and Lakes

This master thesis focuses on microplastic sampling in the Ljubljanica River and Lake Bled using three different methods through the entire water column. We have developed and tested the sampling methodology by a petrol water pump through the water column for assessing microplastic and mesoplastic concentrations. Waste legislation and regulations in Slovenia and in Europe, the main properties of plastic, the impact of plastic waste on the water environment and the impact of plastic and microplastics on the ecosystem and on humans have also been discussed. 38 samples were gathered using three sampling methods: a) surface – epi-neuston net, b) between the surface and the bottom – petrol water pump, c) sediment – Van Veen grab. The samples were examined thoroughly in a laboratory by two different methods according to the sampling method. Microplastics or mesoplastics were separated from the samples. Microplastic or mesoplastic sampling results obtained throughtout the methods used in sampling in the Ljubljanica River and Lake Bled were first compared separately. Furtheron, the results of the sampling methods between the Ljubljanica and Lake Bled were analysed. We have found out that microplastics can be identified in the Ljubljanica as well as in Lake Bled through the entire water column, mostly on the surface. On the basis of the results of this research, it can be concluded that microplastics are already present in Slovenian watercourses as well as in lakes which leads to potential ecological problems. The results show that a petrol water pump and its sampling methodology through the water column is more suitable for microplastic sampling in lakes than in watercourses. The comparison of the microplastic sampling results obtained by an epineuston net in the Ljubljanica and Lake Bled with the sampling results in certain watercourses and lakes around the world demonstrates that the results obtained in Slovenia are comparable to the ones around the world

Anthropogenic and natural impacts on Kokra basin for Jezersko and Preddvor manicipalities

The diploma thesis discusses the area of wastewater drainage. In the theoretical part of the thesis I described the factors of water pollution, legislation in this field, elements of sewerage systems and wastewater treatment options. In the analytical part of diploma thesis I analyzed the natural and social features of the Kokra basin in the municipalities of Jezersko and Preddvor and explained the impact of natural and anthropogenic factors on the environment. In case of village Mače I made a variant conceptual design of sewerage system with practical solution for reducing the pollution of surface waters from the drainage area. The first option predicts the construction of an independent sewage system with small treatment plant, while the second option consists of the sewerage system by connecting to an existing sewerage system of Preddvor. For each option I calculated total costs, based on the inventory work, operating and maintenance costs. For the subject area I determined annual intake of nitrogen and phosphorus into the environment, contributed by various sources: wastewater from households, hardened surfaces, forests, fields, roads and water treatment plants. Both elements have the excessive concentration significantly negative impact on growth in the amount of nutrients in the stream and associated eutrophication

Energy renovation of elementary school Loka extension into a nearly zero-energy building

In this diploma thesis I have carried out an energy renovation of a new extension at elementary school Loka in Črnomelj. Currently, the basic legislative document regulating the area of energy efficiency in newly constructed as also renovated buildings in Slovenia is PURES 2010 (Regulations on energy efficiency of buildings). In compliance with its requirements, calculations are made in TOST computer programme, in which I have checked the energy efficiency balance of the building in consideration. Final results have confirmed the assumption that the building does not meet the minimum requirements of PURES 2010. To improve the existing state, I have applied certain measures alone and in combination. The chosen combination of measures which lowered existing critical values to those still allowed involved installing windows with lower heat transfer coefficient, applying extra thermal insulation on external walls and installing a mechanical ventilation system. Since, after 31st December 2018, every newly built public facility will need to comply with nearly zero-energy building (nZEB) requirements, I additionally checked if the building in consideration which now meets PURES 2010 requirements also meets those of nZEB. The nZEB action plan\ud states the annual maximum permitted energy use for heating, annual primary energy necessary for the functioning of the building and the minimum share of renewable energy sources. Although implementing the measure, the building does not meet all nZEB requirements in the action plan due to the reason that, for public buildings, PURES 2010 does not set forth the annual maximums permitted neither for primary energy use nor for cooling systems

Thermal insulation under foundation slab and the impact of frost

Nowadays we have increasingly important impact on the environment. That can be significantly improved by changing the way constructions are designed and built. After 2020 energy efficient constructions will be the only proper way of designing new constructions. \ud Thermal bridging represents significant part of heat loss in building envelope. For energy efficient construction, we need building envelope that insures thermal and energy performance. The thesis illustrates thermal loses through foundation slab due to poorly designed and executed details. Nevertheless, we cannot forget the negative impact of frost on foundation slab in winter time, which can produce serious construction damages. To that end the thesis presents findings of new solutions and materials for structural assembly of foundation slab with external wall. For more detailed calculations of thermal bridges, THERM 7.4 software was used, which is based on the finite-element and can model the complicated geometries of building products

Use of BIM for parametric analysis of selected environmental sustainability aspects of buildings

Master thesis addresses to ecological aspect of building’s sustainability, based on carbon footprint and embodied energy. Within the thesis are studied parameters of environmental aspect of sustainability for four different variants of a residential building. For different variants of the building (reinforced concrete, clay brick, structural steel and wood) are compared energy consumption and release of GHG emissions throughout the whole life cycle of the building. There is also demonstrated life cycle analysis with a BIM software.\ud At the beginning of the master thesis there are introduced the issues of the global warming and the importance of sustainable design. Followed by the short description of LCA methodology, which is used for an assessment of products and objects on environment. Further on there is introduced the building and its variants. There are made BIM models for each building variant, which are executed by using BIM software ArchiCAD. For various simulations and calculations is used ArchiCAD and its plugin Ecodesigner STAR, which are also presented within the thesis. Process of energy analysis is described in details. Obtained data of energy consumption and released emissions is used for a life-cycle assessment. That is followed by the presentation of calculated carbon footprint (embodied carbon) and embodied energy of a particular building variant. Input data of material’s carbon footprint is obtained from ICE database and ArchiCAD’s material library. After studied important phases of the building’s life-cycle there is shown a comparison of carbon footprint for different variants. At the end there are given some final conclusions of conducted study

Creating the application to guide users through Slovenian hiking trails

This dissertation introduces an application for smart phones on the Android platform. The application helps users simplify orientation and navigation in the mountains and throughout other hiking activities.\ud The beginning of the dissertation addresses the most commonly used, similar applications both at home and abroad. The following description presents some basic information about hiking trails and the development of the hiking trails’ database that is under the domain of the Alpine Association of Slovenia. Further on, information about the development environment and tools used during the application’s creation is presented. The conclusion details an indepth presentation of the application, which is written with the help of the described tools and data

The use of RFID technology in waste treatment billing

This Master's degree work discusses possibilities of implementing new waste treatment billing system known as PAYT (Pay As You Throw), that enables charging based on actually collected quantity of waste. Thus the system of covering waste treatment costs is adapted to the principle »POLUTERS PAY« as close as possible.\ud We have analyzed the working process of Municipal Public Company, responsible for waste management in the area of 5 Communities in central part of Slovenia. The emphasis of analytic procedure has been put on Waste Treatment Cost Structure. \ud We have determined the costs that are inevitable for working process, but not influenced by the quantity of collected waste. The values of fixed and variable costs are a basis for Basic Charge and Service Charges (price depending on number of waste bin collections per month) for waste treatment.\ud Procedure for identification of collected bins is enabled by using RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) data collection system. Identification is basic requirement for introducing collection measurement or weighing of collected waste in waste collection process.\ud RFID transponder is installed in waste collection bin. RFID reader installed on Refuse Collection Vehicle reads and transmits the transponder serial numbers. The tag data, combined with the time and GPS data (+ weight in weighing option) is recorded to the process unit in RCV. RFID data logs can be automatically downloaded from the process unit to designated servers in Municipal company. There the transponder ID is connected with user data and this is basis for PAYT billing

Transport mechanisms and depositional processes of quaternary slope deposit in Rebrnice area

In order to understand the gravity process of recent landslides it is important to explore fossil\ud landslides, which occurred during the near and distant geological past. Fossil, especially sub recent\ud landslides can show us unstable and potentially dangerous areas to which we should pay attention\ud today. A unique insight into different slope processes in nature is certainly Rebrnice area, where you\ud can research the characteristics of the fossil landslides while observing the activity of the recent\ud landslidess. The slope deposit in the Rebrnice area were described and mapped by many authors but\ud nobody has covered the transport mechanisms and depositional processes of quaternary slope deposit\ud in detail. This doctoral thesis presents the study of slope deposit elaborated with the geologicalgeomorphological\ud approach. With the visual interpretation of the shaded digital elevation model and\ud indicator of surface roughness, which are calculated from the data of airborne laser scanning in the\ud combination of geological mapping, we can in most cases clearly identify the form of the prevalence\ud and surface characteristics of individual sedimentary bodies. On the basis of the lithological,\ud stratigraphic and architectural characteristics of the slope deposit 16 facies were separated, indicating\ud the final articles of diverse sedimentary processes within complex and often interlaced and\ud interdependent transport mechanisms. Results described in this work, and a comprehensive review of\ud the available data and literature have made it possible to understand the transport mechanisms and the\ud depositional processes of quaternary slope deposit in the Rebrnice area and thereby allow new insight\ud into slope movement throughout the northern area of the Vipava Valley

Estimation of water devides on digital road model for road inlet design

The thesis deals with the road drainage design. Effective road drainage is essential to\ud maintain the level of the road services as well as to ensure a safe road traffic.\ud The basics of rainfall-runoff modelling from urban areas are presented in the first part of the\ud thesis, followed bythe theoretical explanation of the road drainage to stress the importance of\ud coordinated design of horizontal road elements in the line with longitudinal profile and vice\ud versa. The following section presents a system of road inlets, which drains colleted rain\ud water through pipes and open ditches to the final recipients. The types of road inlets and\ud their basic characteristics as well as the most important factors to be considered in their\ud design are presented more detailed.\ud In the practical part of thesis we have developed a new software solution for calculating the\ud positions of the road inlets and determining the drainage divides between the cathcment\ud areas, based on the digital road model. Software solution was applied for the practical case,\ud showing the procedure of road design including drainage, with a combination of several\ud software solutions and the data exchange between them