ECONOMIC EVALUATION OF INVESTMENT IN TECHNOLOGY CHANGED BEEKEEPING IN THE FAMILY FARMS

U ovom radu su ispitana ekonomska i proizvodna obilježja obiteljskog poljoprivrednog gospodarstva koje se bavi pčelarskom proizvodnjom, u razdoblju od 2003.-2008. godine. Glavni izvor podataka su poslovne knjige gospodarstva, čiji podaci su bili osnova za procjenu glavnih činitelja ekonomske uspješnosti, procjenu opravdanosti ulaganja u sustav selenja pčelinjih zajednica i povećanje asortimana proizvoda na gospodarstvu. Predstavljena su dva modela ulaganja u kojem je na jednom zadržan stacionarni način pčelarenja dok je u drugom modelu predstavljen prelazak na seleći način pčelarenja. Investicija za prvi model iznosi 55.860 kuna, a za drugi model 119.020 kuna. Ekonomski pokazatelji govore da se stabilnim načinom pčelarenja ne mogu ostvariti povoljni ekonomski uvjeti, a glavni razlog tome su pašni uvjeti koji određuju proizvodnju kilograma meda po košnici. Selenjem pčelinjih zajednica se jedino može utjecati na pašne prilike i tako proizvesti prosječno 60 kg meda po košnici.This study examined the economic and production characteristics of the beekeeping family farm, between years 2003-2008. The main sources of information are farm financial records, whose data were the basis for assessing the main economic success factors, assessing the justification of investment in the migration system of bee communities and increase of product range on the farm. Here are presented two models of investment in which one is stationary beekeeping while in the second model is required to switch to migrational beekeeping. Investment for the first model is 55,860 kunas, and for the second model is 119,020 kunas. Economic indicators show that a stationary beekeeping can not achieve favorable economic conditions, and the main reason is that the pasture conditions determine the production of honey per hive. Only migrational beekeeping influence the pasture conditions and thus produce an average of 60 kg of honey per hive

Nanoindentation of Za-27 Alloy Based Nanocomposites Reinforced with Al2O3 Particles

Nanoindentation has been widely used for material mechanical characterization. In this study, nanocompozite of ZA-27 alloy matrix reinforced with different volume fractions of nanometric Al2O3 ceramic particles ranging from 0 to 5 %, were produces using compocasting technique. Nanoindentation tests were performed using Berkovich three sided diamond pyramid, with maximum load of 100 mN and maximum load holding time of 15 s. Indentation imprints were investigated using optical and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Average particle size was 20-30 nm. Nanoindentation tests showed that nanocomposites have higher values of hardness and lower values of elastic modulus in comparison to the ZA-27 matrix alloy. Obtained results have different values in comparison to the theoretical investigations

Magneto-dielectric properties of ferrites and ferrite/ferroelectric multiferroic composites

Ni-Zn ferrites, with the general formula Ni1-xZnxFe2O4 (x = 0.0, 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, 1.0), CoFe2O4, BaTiO3 and PbZr0.52Ti0.48O3 powders were synthesized by auto-combustion method. The composites were prepared by mixing the appropriate amounts of individual phases, pressing and conventional sintering. X-ray analysis, for individual phase and composites, indicated the formation of crystallized structure of NiZnFe2O4, BaTiO3 and PbZr0.52Ti0.48O3 without the presence of secondary phases or any impurities. SEM analyses indicated a formation of uniform grain distribution for ferromagnetic and ferroelectric phases and formation of two types of grains, polygonal and rounded, respectively. Magneto-dielectric effect was exhibited in all samples because of the applied stress occurring due to the piezomagnetic effect and the magnetic field induced the variation of the dielectric constant. For all samples the dielectric constant was higher in applied magnetic field. At the low frequency, the dispersion of dielectric losses appeared, while at the higher frequency the value of tan δ become constant (Maxwell-Wagner relaxation). Investigation of J-E relation between leakage and electric field revealed that both nickel zinc ferrite and composites have three different regions of conduction: region with ohmic conduction mechanism, region with the trap-controlled space charge limited current mechanism and region with space charge limited current mechanism

Pork as a source of human parasitic infection

Foodborne zoonoses have been estimated to annually affect 10% of the global population, among which zoonotic parasites constitute an important class of aetiological agents. The major meatborne parasites include the protozoa Toxoplasma gondii and Sarcocystis spp., and the helminths Trichinella spp. and Taenia spp., all of which may be transmitted by pork. The significance of zoonotic parasites transmitted by pork consumption is emphasized by the prediction by the Food and Agriculture Organization of an 18.5% increase in world pork production over the next 10years. Of all the porkborne parasites, the three T' parasites have been responsible for most porkborne illness throughout history; they are still endemic, and therefore are important public-health concerns, in developing countries. Although the risk of porkborne parasites, particularly helminths, may currently be considered insignificant in developed countries, the modern trend of consuming raw meat favours their re-emergence. This paper overviews the main parasites transmitted to humans by pork, and outlines the main lines of prevention

Chemical interaction, interfacial effect and the microstructural characterization of the induced zinc–aluminum–Solanum tuberosum in chloride solution on mild steel

In this study, we report the effect of Solanum tuberosum (ST) as a strong additive on the morphological interaction, wear, and hardness properties of electroplated zinc coating in chloride bath solutions. The structural and the mechanical behavior of the Zn–Al–ST coating were studied and compared with the properties of Zn coatings. Characterization of the electrodeposited coatings were carried out using scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectrometer, AFM, and X-ray diffraction techniques. The adhesion between the coatings and substrate was examined mechanically using hardness and wear techniques. From the results, amorphous Zn–Al–ST coatings were effectively obtained by electrodeposition using direct current. The coating morphology was revealed to be reliant on the bath composition containing strong leveling additives. From all indications, ST content contribute to a strong interfacial surface effect leading to crack-free and better morphology, good hardness properties, and improved wear resistance due to the precipitation of Zn2Si and Zn7Al2Si3. Hence, addition of ST is beneficial for the structural strengthening, hardness, and wear resistance properties of such coatings

Clinical pattern of ocular toxoplasmosis treated in a referral centre in Serbia

Purpose To analyze the clinical pattern of ocular toxoplasmosis (OT) in a referral centre in Serbia. Patients and methods The medical records of consecutive patients admitted for OT to the single referral centre for uveitis in Serbia between 2006 and 2010 were retrospectively analyzed. OT was diagnosed on the basis of typical fundus lesions and positive serology for Toxoplasma. Results In a total of 457 uveitis patients, OT was the third leading cause, with 59 patients (12.9%). Most OT cases (73%) were monocular. An active primary retinal lesion was observed in 36% and recurrent OT in 64% patients. Localization of lesions was central/paracentral (44%), juxtapapillar (27%), peripheral (19%), and multifocal (10%). Other ocular manifestations of inflammation included vitritis (44%), anterior uveitis (19%), and retinal vasculitis (10%). Complications included choroidal neovascularization in two and exudative retinal detachment with cataract, glaucoma, and cystoid macular oedema in one patient each. The detection of Toxoplasma-specific IgM antibodies in a single patient indicates a low rate of OT concomitant with acute infection. After treatment, the mean best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) increased significantly. However, 14 (24%) patients ended up legally blind in the affected eye, of which 2 (3%) with bilateral blindness, all with a very poor BCVA (0.047 +/- 0.055) at presentation. Visual impairment and treatment outcome were both associated with central localization of lesions (P lt 0.0001 and P = 0.006, respectively). Conclusion OT is a significant cause of posterior uveitis in Serbia. Patients should be aware of the recurring nature of OT and react immediately if symptoms occur. Eye (2012) 26, 723-728; doi: 10.1038/eye.2012.20; published online 24 February 201

Subjektivna procjena kvalitete života (WHOQOL-BREFF) u odnosu na neuroticizam (Cornell index)

It is generally agreed that personality variables have a relatively consistent influence on the subjective estimation of different situations in everyday life and the way people react to them. The aim of this review was to summarise our previously published findings on the relationship between subjective estimation of one’s quality of life and the personality trait neuroticism-emotional stability. We used the WHO Quality of Life - BREF or SF-36 questionnaires for the assessment of the quality of life, Cornell Index for the assessment of neuroticism, and The Social Readjustment Rating Scale for the evaluation of common stressors. Our results have shown that more emotionally stable participants (lower neuroticism) perceive their life better in quality and are more satisfied with their work environment. In addition, our results support the findings from other studies that women have higher neuroticism and lower quality of life scores than men.Općenito se smatra kako varijable ličnosti imaju važnu ulogu u relativno dosljednom utjecaju na subjektivnu procjenu različitih situacija u svakodnevnom životu, kao i na reakcije na te situacije. Cilj ovoga preglednog članka bio je objediniti naše objavljene rezultate o odnosu između subjektivne procjene kvalitete života i crte ličnosti neuroticizam - emocionalna stabilnost. Upotrijebljeni su WHOQOL-BREF ili SF-36 upitnici za procjenu kvalitete života, Cornell indeks za procjenu neuroticizma i The Social Readjustment Rating Scale za evaluaciju uobičajenih stresora. Dobiveni rezultati pokazali su kako osobe s izraženijom emocionalnom stabilnošću (manjim neuroticizmom) percipiraju svoj život kvalitetnijim te su zadovoljnije svojom radnom okolinom. Također je u skladu s drugim objavljenim studijama nađeno kako žene postižu više rezultate na skalama neuroticizma od muškaraca te niže rezultate na upitnicima kvalitete života

The Influence of Corrosion on the Microstructure of Thermally Treated ZA27/SiCp Composites

The influence of corrosion on the microstructure of ZA27/SiCp composites was examined. The composites were produced by compo casting technique and then subjected to the thermal treatment (T4 regime). Microstructural examinations were performed after 30-day exposure of thermally treated composites in the sodium-chloride solution. Corrosion processes have occurred in the composite matrix. Corrosion did not affect SiC particles in the composites. The local progress of corrosion in depth of the composite matrix was noticed in micro-cracks. Corrosion resistance of ZA27/SiCp composites was evaluated based on the mass loss of composite samples during the immersion test. It was found that corrosion resistance of the composites decreased with increase in content of SiC particles. The applied thermal treatment had a negative influence on the corrosion resistance of ZA27/SiCp composites

INTERGRANULAR CORROSION OF WELDED JOINTS. FORMING CONDITIONS AND PROCEDURES FOR PREVENTION

The paper describes structural changes in the welded joints, leading to the emergence of intergranular corrosion (IGC) during exploitation. The occurrence of intergranular corrosion in welded joints of austenitic, ferritic and duplex stainless steels and in welded joints of aluminium alloys and nickel alloys is analysed. Special attention was paid to austenitic stainless steels, due to their wide application in practice. In addition to sensitization in the weld heat-affected zone (HAZ), which results in degradation of the welded joint (“weld decay”), also considered is the sensitization that occurs close to the weld metal in the stabilized steel, which leads to a “knife line attack”. Considerable attention is devoted to describing the various procedures in order to prevent the sensitization of the welded joints

Risk factors for Toxoplasma infection in a reproductive age female population in the area of Belgrade, Yugoslavia

The contribution to Toxoplasma infection of known transmission risk factors such as consumption of undercooked meat, contact with soil, and contact with cats, as well as that of age, degree of education, residence in central vs, suburban city communities, and year of entry into the study, has been investigated in a group of 1157 female residents (age range 15 to 45 years) of a defined geographic area (Belgrade) during a 4-years period (1988-1991). The rate of infection increased with age, ranging from 57 % to 93 %, with an overall mean of 77 %. However, it decreased significantly over the study period (p lt 0.01). Of the potential risk factors examined, regression analysis showed that the following: age (relative risk (RR): 1.18, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.02-1.37, p = 0.022), undercooked meat consumption (RR: 2.22, 95% CI: 1.2-2.86, p = 0.001), and the year of entry into the study (RR: 0.69, 95% CI: 0.6-0.8, p = 0.000) were significantly associated with infection. However, while the consumption of undercooked meat contributed to the frequency of infection in the whole group, its significance increased with the degree of education but decreased with age, and was greater in women residing in the suburbs. In addition, in women below age 20, exposure to soil (farming, gardening) was significantly associated with infection (RR: 1.38, 95% CI: 1.12-1.97, p = 0.037). Since cats are the single source of toxoplasma oocysts, the above finding indicates that cats are an epidemiologically significant source of environmental contamination in Belgrade. However, cat ownership itself as a criterion of contact with cats was not associated with infection (p = 0.326). In the absence of a general screening in pregnancy program in Yugoslavia, these data point out the groups of pregnant women at the highest risk of infection and provide a basis for a region-appropriate educational program to prevent congenital toxoplasmosis