Preliminarno istraživanje bisfenola A u sedimentu i suspendiranoj tvari u Kaštelanskom zaljevu (Jadransko more, Hrvatska)

The occurrence, seasonal and vertical distribution of bisphenol A (BPA) was investigated in the sediments and suspended matter sampled in Kaštela Bay, Adriatic Sea, Croatia. Granulometric composition of sediment and organic matter (OM) in sediments and suspended matter were also examined. BPA was detected in all samples of sediments and suspended matter. Concentration of BPA in sediment ranged from 5.32 μg kg-1 to 15.52 μg kg-1, while in suspended matter BPA ranged from4.66 μg kg-1 to 103.06 μg kg-1. Seasonality in distribution of BPA concentrations in sediment and suspended matter was not found. The most abundant grain size fractions in sediment were silt (64.40±8.63%) and sand (26.97±9.11%) with accordingly determined sediment type as sandy silt. Average content of OM was 12.01±1.85% and 12.51±1.30%, for sediment and suspended matter, respectively. Monthly distribution of OM content showed higher values during October-March period and lower values during April-September period, while for the suspended matter situation was opposite. Statistical analysis of obtained data showed no existing significant correlation between concentration of BPA in sediments and suspended matter, or between BPA concentration and OM in sediments and suspended matter.Prisustvo te sezonska i vertikalna raspodjela BPA istraživani su u sedimentu i suspendiranoj tvari prikupljenima u Kaštelanskom zaljevu, Jadransko more, Hrvatska. U uzorcima je određena koncen -tracija BPA, granulometrijski sastav sedimenta te sadržaj organske tvari (OM) u sedimentu i suspendiranoj tvari. BPA je pronađen u svim uzorcima sedimenta i suspendirane tvari, a koncentracije BPA u sedimentu su bile u rasponu od 5.32 μg kg-1do 15.52 μg kg-1, u suspendiranoj tvari od 4.66 μg kg-1 do 103.06 μg kg-1. Nije ustanovljena sezonska raspodjela BPA u uzorcima suspendirane tvari i sedimenta. Analizom udjela pojedinih veličinskih frakcija sediment je klasificiran kao pjeskoviti silt. Prosječni udio OM u sedimentu je bio 12.01±1.85%, a u suspendiranoj tvari 12.51±1.30%. Veći udjeli OM zabilježeni su u hladnom razdoblju godine (13.13±1.32%), za razliku od toplog razdoblja kada je prosječni udio OM bio 11.56±0.54%. Raspodjela OM u toplom i hladnom razdoblju u suspendiranoj tvari bila je suprotna raspodjeli ustanovljenoj za sediment. Statističkom analizom dobivenih rezultata nije ustanovljena značajna korelacija između sadržaja OM u sedimentu i suspendiranoj tvari i koncentracije BPA

Značaj specijalizacije regija za regionalnu konvergenciju u Europskoj uniji

Konvergencija je u svim svojim pojavnim oblicima vrlo privlačna ideja s ekonomskog i socijalnog stajališta, stoga ne čudi što zanimanje istraživača za ovu temu ne jenjava već dugi niz godina. Determinante konvergencije pojavljuju se i na strani ponude i na strani potražnje ekonomije, a pojavni oblici su brojni, od ljudskog i fizičkog kapitala te njihovih različitih interaktivnih nusproizvoda. Fokus ovog rada je na istraživanju procesa konvergencije regija u Europskoj uniji s obzirom na sektorsku specijalizaciju regija. Nakon pregleda relevantnih teorijskih i empirijskih dostignuća, formuliran je metodološki okvir kojem je zadatak ispitati utemeljenost postavljene glavne hipoteze prema kojoj je realna konvergencija regija Europske unije uvjetovana njihovom specijalizacijom. Glavna radna hipoteza razrađena je na četiri pomoćne hipoteze koje su postavljene za empirijsko testiranje na podacima za 247 NUTS II regija u 14-godišnjem razdoblju od 2000. do 2013. godine. Prvom pomoćnom hipotezom potvrđeno je kako specijalizacija regija Europske unije utječe na razinu produktivnosti istih. Daljnjom analizom potvrđena je i druga pomoćna hipoteza prema kojoj su razlike u produktivnosti među regijama rezultat razlika u produktivnosti među sektorima njihovih specijalizacija. Konačno, trećom i četvrtom pomoćnom hipoteza ispitan je parcijalan utjecaj određenih sektora specijalizacije na gospodarski rast. Konkretno, trećom pomoćnom hipotezom potvrđeno je da regije specijalizirane za financijske i poslovne usluge te regije specijalizirane u sektorima visoke dodane vrijednosti ostvaruju više stope rasta u odnosu na ostale regije. S druge strane, sektor poljoprivrede je pokazao je nižu produktivnost i sukladno tome negativan utjecaj na rast, što je rezultat potvrde četvrte pomoćne hipoteze. Sintezom iznesenog zaključuje se da je potvrdom i unakrsnim ispitivanjem pomoćnih hipoteza potvrđena glavna hipoteza, što implicira generalni zaključak kako je sektorska specijalizacija relevantna za realnu konvergenciju regija u Europskoj uniji.The convergence hypothesis is very attractive idea from an economic and social point of view, hence it is not surprising that interest in research on this topic has not subside for a decades. Determinants of convergence appear both on the supply and the demand side of the economy. Those determinants are numerous and comes in a forms of human and physical capital and also in their different interactive byproducts. The focus of this research is to examine the convergence process of European Union regions regarding their sectoral specialization. After reviewing the relevant theoretical and empirical achievements, the methodological framework has been done to empirically verify the main hypothesis according to which the real convergence process of European Union regions is determined by their specialization structure. The main working hypothesis is elaborated on four supplementary hypotheses that are set to empirical testing on the data for 247 European Union NUTS II regions in the 14-year period from 2000 to 2013. The first supplementary hypothesis confirmed that specialization of European Union affects the regions level of productivity. Further analysis confirmed the second supplementary hypothesis, according to which the differences in productivity between regions arise from differences in productivity between sectors of their specialization. Finally, the third and fourth supplementary hypotheses have been tested to examine the partial influence of certain sectors of specialization on economic growth. In particular, the third supplementary hypothesis confirmed that the regions specialized in financial and business services, and in other high value added sectors achieves higher growth rates compared to other regions. On the other hand, the agricultural sector has demonstrated a lower productivity and consequently a negative impact on growth, resulting with confirmation of the fourth supplementary hypothesis. Overall, the cross-examination of supplementary hypotheses confirmed the main hypothesis, which implies a general conclusion that the real convergence of European Union regions is affected by theirs sectoral specialization

Značaj specijalizacije regija za regionalnu konvergenciju u Europskoj uniji

Konvergencija je u svim svojim pojavnim oblicima vrlo privlačna ideja s ekonomskog i socijalnog stajališta, stoga ne čudi što zanimanje istraživača za ovu temu ne jenjava već dugi niz godina. Determinante konvergencije pojavljuju se i na strani ponude i na strani potražnje ekonomije, a pojavni oblici su brojni, od ljudskog i fizičkog kapitala te njihovih različitih interaktivnih nusproizvoda. Fokus ovog rada je na istraživanju procesa konvergencije regija u Europskoj uniji s obzirom na sektorsku specijalizaciju regija. Nakon pregleda relevantnih teorijskih i empirijskih dostignuća, formuliran je metodološki okvir kojem je zadatak ispitati utemeljenost postavljene glavne hipoteze prema kojoj je realna konvergencija regija Europske unije uvjetovana njihovom specijalizacijom. Glavna radna hipoteza razrađena je na četiri pomoćne hipoteze koje su postavljene za empirijsko testiranje na podacima za 247 NUTS II regija u 14-godišnjem razdoblju od 2000. do 2013. godine. Prvom pomoćnom hipotezom potvrđeno je kako specijalizacija regija Europske unije utječe na razinu produktivnosti istih. Daljnjom analizom potvrđena je i druga pomoćna hipoteza prema kojoj su razlike u produktivnosti među regijama rezultat razlika u produktivnosti među sektorima njihovih specijalizacija. Konačno, trećom i četvrtom pomoćnom hipoteza ispitan je parcijalan utjecaj određenih sektora specijalizacije na gospodarski rast. Konkretno, trećom pomoćnom hipotezom potvrđeno je da regije specijalizirane za financijske i poslovne usluge te regije specijalizirane u sektorima visoke dodane vrijednosti ostvaruju više stope rasta u odnosu na ostale regije. S druge strane, sektor poljoprivrede je pokazao je nižu produktivnost i sukladno tome negativan utjecaj na rast, što je rezultat potvrde četvrte pomoćne hipoteze. Sintezom iznesenog zaključuje se da je potvrdom i unakrsnim ispitivanjem pomoćnih hipoteza potvrđena glavna hipoteza, što implicira generalni zaključak kako je sektorska specijalizacija relevantna za realnu konvergenciju regija u Europskoj uniji.The convergence hypothesis is very attractive idea from an economic and social point of view, hence it is not surprising that interest in research on this topic has not subside for a decades. Determinants of convergence appear both on the supply and the demand side of the economy. Those determinants are numerous and comes in a forms of human and physical capital and also in their different interactive byproducts. The focus of this research is to examine the convergence process of European Union regions regarding their sectoral specialization. After reviewing the relevant theoretical and empirical achievements, the methodological framework has been done to empirically verify the main hypothesis according to which the real convergence process of European Union regions is determined by their specialization structure. The main working hypothesis is elaborated on four supplementary hypotheses that are set to empirical testing on the data for 247 European Union NUTS II regions in the 14-year period from 2000 to 2013. The first supplementary hypothesis confirmed that specialization of European Union affects the regions level of productivity. Further analysis confirmed the second supplementary hypothesis, according to which the differences in productivity between regions arise from differences in productivity between sectors of their specialization. Finally, the third and fourth supplementary hypotheses have been tested to examine the partial influence of certain sectors of specialization on economic growth. In particular, the third supplementary hypothesis confirmed that the regions specialized in financial and business services, and in other high value added sectors achieves higher growth rates compared to other regions. On the other hand, the agricultural sector has demonstrated a lower productivity and consequently a negative impact on growth, resulting with confirmation of the fourth supplementary hypothesis. Overall, the cross-examination of supplementary hypotheses confirmed the main hypothesis, which implies a general conclusion that the real convergence of European Union regions is affected by theirs sectoral specialization

Značaj specijalizacije regija za regionalnu konvergenciju u Europskoj uniji

Konvergencija je u svim svojim pojavnim oblicima vrlo privlačna ideja s ekonomskog i socijalnog stajališta, stoga ne čudi što zanimanje istraživača za ovu temu ne jenjava već dugi niz godina. Determinante konvergencije pojavljuju se i na strani ponude i na strani potražnje ekonomije, a pojavni oblici su brojni, od ljudskog i fizičkog kapitala te njihovih različitih interaktivnih nusproizvoda. Fokus ovog rada je na istraživanju procesa konvergencije regija u Europskoj uniji s obzirom na sektorsku specijalizaciju regija. Nakon pregleda relevantnih teorijskih i empirijskih dostignuća, formuliran je metodološki okvir kojem je zadatak ispitati utemeljenost postavljene glavne hipoteze prema kojoj je realna konvergencija regija Europske unije uvjetovana njihovom specijalizacijom. Glavna radna hipoteza razrađena je na četiri pomoćne hipoteze koje su postavljene za empirijsko testiranje na podacima za 247 NUTS II regija u 14-godišnjem razdoblju od 2000. do 2013. godine. Prvom pomoćnom hipotezom potvrđeno je kako specijalizacija regija Europske unije utječe na razinu produktivnosti istih. Daljnjom analizom potvrđena je i druga pomoćna hipoteza prema kojoj su razlike u produktivnosti među regijama rezultat razlika u produktivnosti među sektorima njihovih specijalizacija. Konačno, trećom i četvrtom pomoćnom hipoteza ispitan je parcijalan utjecaj određenih sektora specijalizacije na gospodarski rast. Konkretno, trećom pomoćnom hipotezom potvrđeno je da regije specijalizirane za financijske i poslovne usluge te regije specijalizirane u sektorima visoke dodane vrijednosti ostvaruju više stope rasta u odnosu na ostale regije. S druge strane, sektor poljoprivrede je pokazao je nižu produktivnost i sukladno tome negativan utjecaj na rast, što je rezultat potvrde četvrte pomoćne hipoteze. Sintezom iznesenog zaključuje se da je potvrdom i unakrsnim ispitivanjem pomoćnih hipoteza potvrđena glavna hipoteza, što implicira generalni zaključak kako je sektorska specijalizacija relevantna za realnu konvergenciju regija u Europskoj uniji.The convergence hypothesis is very attractive idea from an economic and social point of view, hence it is not surprising that interest in research on this topic has not subside for a decades. Determinants of convergence appear both on the supply and the demand side of the economy. Those determinants are numerous and comes in a forms of human and physical capital and also in their different interactive byproducts. The focus of this research is to examine the convergence process of European Union regions regarding their sectoral specialization. After reviewing the relevant theoretical and empirical achievements, the methodological framework has been done to empirically verify the main hypothesis according to which the real convergence process of European Union regions is determined by their specialization structure. The main working hypothesis is elaborated on four supplementary hypotheses that are set to empirical testing on the data for 247 European Union NUTS II regions in the 14-year period from 2000 to 2013. The first supplementary hypothesis confirmed that specialization of European Union affects the regions level of productivity. Further analysis confirmed the second supplementary hypothesis, according to which the differences in productivity between regions arise from differences in productivity between sectors of their specialization. Finally, the third and fourth supplementary hypotheses have been tested to examine the partial influence of certain sectors of specialization on economic growth. In particular, the third supplementary hypothesis confirmed that the regions specialized in financial and business services, and in other high value added sectors achieves higher growth rates compared to other regions. On the other hand, the agricultural sector has demonstrated a lower productivity and consequently a negative impact on growth, resulting with confirmation of the fourth supplementary hypothesis. Overall, the cross-examination of supplementary hypotheses confirmed the main hypothesis, which implies a general conclusion that the real convergence of European Union regions is affected by theirs sectoral specialization

Accumulation of Phycotoxins in the Mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis from the Central Adriatic Sea

Surveys of DSP (Diarrheic Shellfish Poisoning) toxin profiles in the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis from coastal waters of the central Adriatic Sea, over the years 1995 to 2001, demonstrate that incidents of shellfish toxicity in this area are dominated by the occurrence of okadaic acid (OA) and a PTX derivative, 7-epi-pectenotoxin-2-seco acid (7-epi-PTX-2SA). Toxin composition and the relative ratio of toxic components in shellfish is in correlation with the occurrence of DSP producing organisms from the Dinophysis species along with Prorocentrum micans and Lingulodinium polyedrum. The occurrence of D. sacculus shortly before the appearance of OA in shellfish implicates its possible involvement as the source of toxicity. In the central Adriatic, the infestation period generally ranges from June to August. Augmented toxin production may shift the depuration phase to September; however, the length of decontamination period is not in correlation with increased initial toxicity. The mussel M. galloprovincialis may retain contamination with 7-epi-PTX-2SA beyond the commonly recognized infestation period, extending the risk of human poisoning from consumption of seco-contaminated seafood

Accumulation of Phycotoxins in the Mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis from the Central Adriatic Sea

Surveys of DSP (Diarrheic Shellfish Poisoning) toxin profiles in the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis from coastal waters of the central Adriatic Sea, over the years 1995 to 2001, demonstrate that incidents of shellfish toxicity in this area are dominated by the occurrence of okadaic acid (OA) and a PTX derivative, 7-epi-pectenotoxin-2-seco acid (7-epi-PTX-2SA). Toxin composition and the relative ratio of toxic components in shellfish is in correlation with the occurrence of DSP producing organisms from the Dinophysis species along with Prorocentrum micans and Lingulodinium polyedrum. The occurrence of D. sacculus shortly before the appearance of OA in shellfish implicates its possible involvement as the source of toxicity. In thecentral Adriatic, the infestation period generally ranges from June to August. Augmented toxin production may shift the depuration phase to September; however, the length of decontamination period is not in correlation with increased initial toxicity. The mussel M. galloprovincialis may retain contamination with 7-epi-PTX-2SA beyond the commonly recognized infestation period, extending the risk of human poisoning from consumption of seco-contaminated seafood

Accumulation of Phycotoxins in the Mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis from the Central Adriatic Sea

Surveys of DSP (Diarrheic Shellfish Poisoning) toxin profiles in the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis from coastal waters of the central Adriatic Sea, over the years 1995 to 2001, demonstrate that incidents of shellfish toxicity in this area are dominated by the occurrence of okadaic acid (OA) and a PTX derivative, 7-epi-pectenotoxin-2-seco acid (7-epi-PTX-2SA). Toxin composition and the relative ratio of toxic components in shellfish is in correlation with the occurrence of DSP producing organisms from the Dinophysis species along with Prorocentrum micans and Lingulodinium polyedrum. The occurrence of D. sacculus shortly before the appearance of OA in shellfish implicates its possible involvement as the source of toxicity. In the central Adriatic, the infestation period generally ranges from June to August. Augmented toxin production may shift the depuration phase to September; however, the length of decontamination period is not in correlation with increased initial toxicity. The mussel M. galloprovincialis may retain contamination with 7-epi-PTX-2SA beyond the commonly recognized infestation period, extending the risk of human poisoning from consumption of seco-contaminated seafood

A cluster analysis of Croatian counties as the base for an active demographic policy

This paper deals with Croatian counties cluster analysis as the base for developing a proactive demographic policy. Unfortunately, Croatia has no national demographic strategy and no national population policy is carried out. Some local governments are taking isolated policy measures but due to an unsystematic and distressed network at the national level it has to date given no significant effects. The Croatian nation is currently experiencing the initial process of demographic extinction. This process began even before the great emigration wave that started about a year and half ago. Since there are no financial resources for the simultaneous and complete implementation of an active demographic policy across the entire Croatian territory, this paper proposes a new approach. Namely, the main demographic indicators have been calculated and analyzed for each Croatian county. After that, using a multivariate methodology, fifteen demographic indicators that significantly differ from county to county were selected as criteria for clustering Croatian counties by k-means method. Clustering output defines several clusters consisting of a smaller number of counties with similar demographic characteristics. These clusters form a spatial county unit in which appropriate measures of an active demographic policy should be urgently implemented. In this way the process of active demographic policy can start with less financial resources and can be limited maybe only to spaces with poorest demographic characteristics. Moreover, the results of this study might very well stimulate "richer” government units to carry out the appropriate active demographic policy measures in their areas without waiting for the adoption of laws and regulations at the national state level

Utjecaj suspendirane tvari na akumulaciju kadmija u sediment Kaštelanskog zaljeva, Jadransko more, Hrvatska

Seasonal and spatial distributions of cadmium (Cd) and organic matter (OM) in sediment and suspended matter of the semi-enclosed Kaštela Bay (middle Adriatic Sea) were investigated at four stations during a one year period (April 2000 - April 2001). Samples of surface sediment and suspended matter were collected monthly. One sediment core was sampled at every station at the beginning of the sampling period. Cd concentrations in surface sediment and suspended matter were in the range of 0.082-0.904 mg kg-1 and 0.131-1.057 mg kg-1, respectively. The distribution pattern of Cd between sediment and suspended matter clarified Cd transport throughout the bay. The suspended matter acts as a collector and carrier of Cd in the bay. The higher concentrations in suspended matter were associated with lower concentrations in the sediments, which indicated that sediment resuspension has an important role in the distribution of Cd between sediments and suspended matter. The spatial distribution of Cd in the sediment and suspended matter of Kaštela Bay was in accordance with the prevailing circulation in the bay and indicated a partially anthropogenic origin of Cd. The vertical distribution revealed a decrease of Cd concentration with sediment depth, which also indicated an anthropogenic origin. Seasonal differences in the accumulation of Cd were recorded with concentrations being higher during the autumn-winter season, in accordance with a higher degree of sediment resuspension during this period.U poluzatvorenom Kaštelanskom zaljevu istraživane su prostorna i sezonska raspodjela kadmija i ogranske tvari u sedimentu i suspendiranoj tvari tijekom jedne godine (travanj 2000. – travanj 2001.). Uzorci sedimenta i suspendirane tvari sakupljani su mjesečno na četiri postaje koje su 15-30 m udaljene od obale. Na početku istraživanja na svakoj je postaji uzorkovana po jedna sedimentna jezgra. Granulometrijski sastav sedimenta u istočnom onačišćenom području je pjeskoviti silt, dok je u ostalom dijelu zaljeva pjesak. Izmjereni maseni udjeli kadmija u sedimentu bili su od 0,082 do 0,904 mg kg-1, a u suspendiranoj tvari od 0,131 do 1,057 mg kg-1. Raspodjela kadmija između sedimenta i suspendirane tvari utječe na prijenos kadmija kroz zaljev. Suspendirana tvar je „sakupljač“ i „nositelj“ kadmija u zaljevu. Resuspenzija sedimenta je značajan proces koji doprinosi povećavanju masenih udjela kadmija u suspendiranoj tvari i smanjenju u sedimentu. Prostorna raspodjela kadmija određena je cirkulacijom u zaljevu i ukazuje na antropogeno podrijetlo kadmija. Smanjenje masenih udjela kadmija u dubljim slojevima sedimenta također upućuje na antropogeno podrijetlo kadmija u zaljevu. Povećanje masenih udjela kadmija zabilježeno je tijekom jesenske i zimske sezone kada je proces resuspenzije sedimenta značajniji