Emergence of monopoly–Copper exchange networks during the Late Bronze Age in the western and central Balkans

In this paper we present the first results of an interdisciplinary research project focused on Late Bronze Age metallurgy in the western and central Balkans. The comprehensive chemical and lead isotope analysis, and a strict consideration of archaeological criteria, has provided a deeper insight into supra regional metal exchange networks between the 14th and 9th century BC in this part of Europe. Particularly interesting and surprising are results regarding the provenance of raw materials for copper production, which have a chemical composition and lead isotope ratios that closely correspond to ore deposits in the southern Alps (North Italy). Based on the examination of 57 objects of different functions, chronology and distribution, it becomes apparent that copper from the southern Alps was almost an omnipresent raw material in the territories of the western and central Balkans with only a few finds from North Macedonia to indicate alternative sources. The analyses demonstrate that the reuse of fahlore-based copper is attested for the first time in the regions under study. The remarkable fact that other archaeological parameters do not indicate such an intensive connection between the Balkan area and Northern Italy raises a number of questions. The sustained and long-lasting networks of raw material procurement stand in contrast to the expected cultural interaction between metal producing and metal consuming prehistoric societies. The results of this work also highlight the currently underestimated role of the southern Alps as one of the main copper producing areas in Bronze Age Europe, and demonstrate for the first time that the region of western and central Balkans was one of the major recipients

Eco-design in electrical and electronic products

During the last decades electronic equipment industry has experienced rapid expansion, which led to increased level of presence of electric and electronic devices in everyday life. Current trends, improvements of performance, design and new software's caused the rapid obsolescence of these products and the creation of ever larger quantities of electrical and electronic waste. To achieve the concept of sustainable development in the industry of electrical and electronic equipment one of the basic conditions is the application of the principles of eco-design. This means, firstly, identifying direct and indirect impact of products on the environment at all stages of the product life cycle. After performing a detailed analysis of the product life cycle designer should approach to choosing a strategy that will be used as the implementation of the concept of eco-design. The aim of this paper is to review the general principles of eco-design of electrical and electronic products and point out the positive results of their implementation. This paper describes a general method of Life cycle analysis of the product, as well as the basic principles of eco-design with whose implementation can be achieved significant progress in reduction of negative impacts on the environment during all phases of the products life cycle