Data-Based Modelling of Significant Wave Height in the Adriatic Sea

The paper deals with sea wave modelling based on available data acquired from a satellite-calibrated numerical model. The idea is to use an artificial neural network, as a flexible tool capable of modelling nonlinear processes, for significant wave height (SWH) modelling at a single point in the Adriatic Sea. The focus of the paper was not to develop a new type of ANN, but rather to use it as a modelling tool and identify the most significant input variables for SWH modelling in the Adriatic Sea, among the available data. Linear and nonlinear regression models were also developed for purposes of comparison of neural network performances with those of traditional data modelling methods. A total of 22 years of data were used - 20 years of data with a 6 h sampling step time, i.e. 30684 data samples were used to calibrate the models, while 2 years of data, i.e. 2920 data samples were used to test the models’ performances. Simulation results proved the ability of an artificial neural network to model SWH with high accuracy based on available data. Furthermore, the artificial neural network model proved to be more accurate than traditional statistical models, especially when multiple input variables were used

Lubuška jama (-508 m)

Lubuška jama smještena je u Nacionalnom parku Sjeverni Velebit u strogom rezervatu prirode Hajdučki i Rožanski kukovi. U rujnu 2000. i 2001. poljski speleolozi iz društava Bobry Žagan i Gawra Gorzow pronašli su, istražili i napravili kartu jame koja je dosegla dubinu od -521m. Vođeni idejama o daljnjem istraživanju i mogućnosti pronalaska veze između Lubuške jame i Jamskog sustava Lukina jama - Trojama, speleolozi planinarskog društva „Velebit“ organizirali su dvije ekspedicije u Lubušku jamu ljeta 2006. i 2009. godine. Posljednja ekspedicija , od 25.7.2009. do 9.8.2009., rezultirala je u dostizanju „poznatog“ poljskog dna. Međutim, hrvatski speleolozi napravili su novi nacrt prema kojem je dubina jame manja, to jest -508m. Duljina jame je 1225m (poligonska 2164m). U jami je otkrivena nova vrsta pijavica. Po svojoj morfologiji jama se razlikuje od ostalih jama Sjevernog Velebita, jer je tipa meandra presječena okomicama koje vode u dubinu jame. Buduća istraživanja trebala bi se usredotočiti na prečenje meandra. Jama daleko od toga da je u potpunosti istražena, stoga bi trebalo organizirati više istraživanja kako bi se dobio bolji uvid u njezinu specifičnu morfologiju i pronašao prolaz u jamski sustav Lukina jama - Trojama. U posljednjoj ekspediciji sudjelovalo je 76 speleologa iz 6 društava. Pridružilo im se 10 španjolskih i 3 poljska speleologa

Realization of the Highest Level of Traceability in Croatian National Laboratory for Length

Traceability of length measurement to the SI unit meter is realized by means of interferometry, and primary interferometers are used at the highest accuracy levels to perform calibration of national gauge block standards. These devices are expensive, given the fact that they are manufactured on order and used almost exclusively by national measurement institutes. Therefore, The Croatian Metrology Institute/Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture – Laboratory for Precise Measurements of Length (HMI/FSB-LPMD) decided to retrofit and modify its Zeiss gauge block interferometer. Measurements presented in this paper demonstrate substantial improvements in accuracy and ease of use. These improvements established the highest level of traceability in the Laboratory and enabled it to publish appropriate calibration and measurement capabilities (CMC) value in the BIPM (Bureau International des Poids et Mesures) key comparison database (KCDB) under the Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA)

An overview of innovations and technology for sustainable development of seaports

Seaports are important factors in global economies since most of the global trade is operated through maritime sector. Economic importance of seaports can be observed from various positive effects they produce for the area where they are located. At the same time, seaport activities create negative effects on the environment such as marine, air and soil pollution, waste production and noise generation that affect the health and quality of life of people. This paper analyses the possibility of achieving sustainable development of seaports through the development and implementation of innovations. The implementation of innovations in seaports affect the success of their operations, reduces business costs and creates conditions for maintaining a competitive position on the market; thereby affecting the economy as a whole. Moreover, innovations reduce negative effects on the environment thus affecting the ecological aspect and improve the quality of life of citizens, thus affecting the social aspect. The results of the research indicate that innovations in the maritime sector are mostly focused on the existing markets and include a discounted process of small improvements in the areas of vessel design and construction, fuel technology and port infrastructure. However, the development possibilities of seaports can also include innovations that are more focused on information and communication technologies (ICT). Innovations can address economic, social and environmental concerns and can give alternative guidelines for achieving sustainable development of seaports.Peer Reviewe