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The research problem of this paper is related to numerous open questions in the field of energy, its understanding, its use, and the challenges of the energy future. After the introductory part, in which a brief historical overview of energy literacy is provided, the paper focuses on energy literacy, its emergence, and the different approaches to its definition and measurement. The paper analyzes the energy literacy of students at the Faculty of Economics in Rijeka based on their cognitive, affective, and behavioral skills. Their knowledge about energy, energy processes, and the energy efficiency of the objects they encounter on a daily basis is examined. Their personal attitudes and values are examined through various forms of personal initiatives and active participation in energy sustainability projects. Finally, the habits and behavioral patterns that the respondents have in their daily lives and their tendencies to save energy resources and find energy-efficient solutions are examined. Despite some positive findings, the current results are not satisfactory and point to the creation of adequate public policies with a particular focus on education and the role of the corrective mechanisms of the state, but also the need for joint negotiations between policy makers, regulators, scientists, representatives of civil society, and the business community. The particular contribution of this work is reflected in being the first research of its kind conducted among Croatian economics students, as well as among Croatian students in general; in the creation of a research instrument that is conceptually consistent with the findings from the existing literature, but with an original set of questions within each energy literacy skill adapted to the cultural and sociological background of the respondents; and in a kind of progress from previous research by taking into account the quantitative aspect (in addition to the qualitative) assessment of the respondents' energy literacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite Croatia experiencing two strong earthquakes in 2020, Rijeka was not directly affected, underscoring the importance of proactive seismic assessment and strengthening in all seismic regions. This paper presents a comprehensive case study on the seismic strengthening of a 20th-century concrete building located in Rijeka, Croatia, originally designed according to Austro-Hungarian construction norms and practices. As a heritage-protected structure, the building's architectural features and construction practices were examined and contextualized within its historical background. The assessment and renovation phases of this project are discussed in detail, demonstrating the practical application of modern seismic strengthening techniques while preserving the building's historical integrity. This case study aims to highlight the need for such measures to protect heritage structures and to show the implementation of rapid and new (ad hoc) norms for earthquake-damaged buildings in Croatia. This study serves as a reference for engineers, architects, and conservationists involved in the preservation of heritage buildings, demonstrating that it is possible to enhance their structural safety without compromising their architectural authenticity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the biggest issues in railroad planning and design is determining the optimal railroad route. After the railroad route variants are determined, the major challenge is to identify and select the criteria which will be used for the analysis and evaluation of the variants. This paper is primarily concerned with the evaluation and selection of an optimal railroad route between Rijeka and Zagreb as part of the Mediterranean Corridor. The large number of criteria used to analyze solutions makes this decision-making complex. The objectives are usually in conflict with each other, and there are usually several groups of decision makers involved in the process. The aim of this paper was to analyze alternative railroad route variants using the optimization method of multi-criteria analysis. To achieve the research aim, a model comprising the defined criteria and sub-criteria including their weighting coefficients was set. To perform the analysis, the authors applied the defined model for evaluation and selection of a railway route between Rijeka and Zagreb using the PROMETHEE II method for multi-criteria ranking of alternatives and the computer software "Visual PROMETHEE". The value of the defined model is expressed by the presented methodology of multi-criteria optimization, which is used in railroad planning and designing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The implementation of renewable energy sources and heat pumps with natural refrigerants in the existing 3rd-generation district heating (DH) systems is a promising technology for the conversion to a 4th-generation DH system. This paper aims to investigate this transition through a case study for the existing DH system in Croatia. The district of Rijeka, which is considered in the case study, has an existing 3rd-generation DH system with a capacity of 9.2 MW, which was originally designed for a temperature regime of 130/70 °C and produces thermal energy from natural gas. In order to use heat pumps efficiently in such a system, the temperature of the distribution system and the energy consumption should be reduced. Trnsys software was used to perform complete dynamic simulations of the DH system. Used baseline models were validated according to the actual energy consumption reported by the heat supplier. The application of heat pumps with natural refrigerants in combination with on-site electricity production (PV system) can almost eliminate system CO2 emissions, reduce primary energy consumption and lower operation costs. Simulations were performed for 18 different scenarios that included 2 different building envelope variants. The results were compared, then discussed and conclusions were drawn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monitoring and analysis of changes in the volume and area of nourished beaches is crucial to inform any beach renourishment programme. The aim of this study is to utilise UAV surveys and SfM photogrammetry to assess the beach nourishment performance of an artificial gravel beach exposed to a range of external forcing, including storms. The paper presents results from nineteen UAV surveys conducted between January 2020 and January 2021 at Ploče, an artificial beach in Rijeka (Croatia). The beach was nourished twice and eleven storm events, ranging from weak to strong, were recorded during this period. The Agisoft Metashape software was used to obtain point clouds and digital elevation models (DEMs) from UAV images; Matlab and CloudCompare were used for further analysis of the DEMs. The accuracy and precision of the DEMs was assessed and uncertainty levels of ±5 cm were applied to all derived DEMs. The study provides new insights into the response of the emerged part of the beach to storms. Predictably, the largest changes were recorded after the first storm following beach nourishment. The longshore variability in the beach response to storms was identified from full 3D point clouds. Most of the lost sediment was from the east side of the beach, while the rest of the beach aligned with the predominant wave direction through cross-shore and longshore processes. Offshore/onshore sediment exchange between the lower and upper beach face on the western side manifested itself in beach profile steepening and berm formations. Overall, changes in beach volume and area were small, indicating that this artificial beach is relatively stable. The embayed layout following the natural coastal configuration appears to be effective in retaining nourished sediment on the beach. This work highlights the need to consider pocket embayed beaches in three dimensions, as traditional transect studies can overlook the three-dimensional behaviour. This study also highlighted the wider potential of UAVs and SfM for studies of high-resolution elevation changes on natural and artificial beaches, as well as for coastal monitoring of beach nourishment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the research is to provide a numerical evaluation of the occurrence of New European Bauhaus (NEB) principles in urban plans, using four key indicators: GI (green infrastructure), POS (public open space), PSN (public and social needs), and UR (urban reconstruction). The initial step in the research involves determining numerical quantitative indicators with target reference values, which are then used as a measure of compliance with the vision of the NEB. Indicators are modeled based on elements embedded in urban plans and implemented in a framework for evaluating these plans. Through the analysis of collected data, a comparison is made with the set goals and values of the NEB, thus enabling the assignment of ratings for occurrence and identification of areas where improvements are needed. The research results for Rijeka point to the need for planning new green areas, maintaining and developing street networks, and increasing pedestrian and park areas. Additionally, there is a suggested need to increase content to meet public and social needs and expand areas planned for urban reconstruction. The research results emphasize the importance of monitoring and adjusting urban plans to the NEB platform to achieve sustainable and balanced urban development goals, highlighting the need for continuous improvement in the quality of urban planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: The COVID-19 disease has significantly burdened the healthcare system, including all units of severe patient treatment. Non-intensive care units were established to rationalize the capacity within the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and to create a unit where patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) could be treated with non-invasive Continuous Positive Air Pressure (CPAP) outside the ICU. This unicentric retrospective study aimed to assess the efficacy of NIV Treatment in Patients of the fourth pandemic wave and how its application affects the frequency and mortality of ICU-treated patients at University Hospital Rijeka compared to earlier waves of the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, the study showcases the effect of the Patient/Nurse ratio (P/N ratio) on overall mortality in the ICU. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on two groups of patients with respiratory insufficiency in the second and third pandemic waves, treated in the COVID Respiratory Centre (CRC) (153 patients). We also reviewed a cohort of patients from the fourth pandemic wave who were initially hospitalized in a COVID-6 non-intensive unit from 1 October 2021 to 1 November 2022 (102 patients), and some of them escalated to CRC. Results: The introduction of the CPAP non-invasive ventilation method as a means of hypoxic respiratory failure treatment in non-intensive care units has decreased the strain, overall number of admissions, and CRC patient mortality. The overall fourth wave mortality was 29.4%, compared to the 58.2% overall mortality of the second and third waves. Conclusions: As a result, this has decreased CRC patient admissions and, by itself, overall mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tobacco heating systems (THS) are new products on the market, advertised as a less harmful alternative for smokers, in which tobacco is heated and not burned like in conventional cigarettes. This research explored the effect on periodontal tissues in contact with heating and burning tobacco residual products (smoke and tobacco). Methods: The sample included 66 subjects, patients of the Clinic of Dentistry in Rijeka, Croatia, aged 26–56 (median 38), 64% females. Three age- and gender-matched groups were formed (each N = 22): non-smokers, classic cigarettes smokers and THS smokers. Probing depth (PD) and clinical attachment loss (CAL) were primary research parameters. Results: Three groups differed in average PD and CAL (p ≤ 0.002), with cigarette smokers having the highest and non-smokers the lowest values (p ≤ 0.002). THS consumers generally had lower values of periodontal indices than smokers, but only CAL differed significantly (p = 0.011). Periodontal indices CAL and PD were worse in THS consumers than non-smokers, but they did not reach a level of statistical significance. Cigarette smoking was the only predictor of periodontitis (average CAL ≥ 4 mm) in logistic regression models, with an odds ratio of 4.7 (95% confidence interval 1.2–18.3; p = 0.027). Conclusions: Exposure to nicotine-containing aerosol of THS in adults has a less harmful effect on periodontal tissues, measurable through periodontal indices (PD and CAL), compared to burning tobacco of conventional cigarettes. THS, presented as an alternative product to classic cigarettes, also has a detrimental effect on the periodontium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since complex urban systems are a combination of different spatial typologies and may have various complex characteristics (human, environmental, social, economic, political, and cultural), decision-making cannot be done without a holistic approach and complex analysis and evaluation of the possible development scenarios. This is especially true in today's world, where spatial and urban planning must consider various objectives such as sustainable development, accessibility, landscape characteristics, and public interests on a strategic level. This results in the need to use appropriate decision support and decision-making tools in the strategic urban planning process of complex urban environments with Historic Urban Landscapes (HUL) characteristics to improve urban development and resilience. The proposed evaluation model, "Strategic Planning for Urban Resilience—SPUR model," is based on a holistic approach to spatial planning with an emphasis on the strategic sustainable development of urban voids as HULs and was tested on the case study of the Delta area in the City of Rijeka, Croatia. The proposed holistic approach can help in scenario building, evaluation, and selection of planning alternatives, as well as decision-making processes in urban management, by enabling the evaluation and control of complex scenarios from a sustainable development perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, the authors aimed to investigate the factors affecting the competitiveness of container seaports and apply the research results to the case study of the Port of Rijeka. The previous related research on the topic of the Port of Rijeka is valuable, however, the seaport competitiveness factors were not elaborated in detail, which also represents a research gap. As a first step, the authors identified the competitiveness factors influencing container seaports, using the literature review method. Further, the authors conducted the case study of the Port of Rijeka, using the following identified competitiveness factors: the port's geographical location, feeder connection, and maritime connectivity, infrastructure and superstructure of the container terminal, berth length, depth of the port and port area characteristics, road and railway infrastructure, port reputation, costs, customs procedure efficiency, and ICT systems. Finally, the authors propose measures to improve the competitiveness of the Port of Rijeka. The presented case study could be used as a reference point for similar container seaports, which are aware of their limited resources, but need to increase their efficiency and competitiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ships pollute bays and coves with oils daily. Although the number of major pollution events is decreasing, accidents still occur and are likely to occur in the future. Most often, pollution arises from spills of non-persistent oil in bays, mainly during the summer season. A prompt response is key to oil collection success in semi-enclosed waters. In order to ensure that oil does not reach the mainland and endanger a potentially crucial economic resource of a country, it is vital to collect it in minimal time. Furthermore, it is also essential to send response ships that minimize the cost. In practice, there may be several optimal combinations of response ships to be sent. When the response cost is considered, obtaining all possible optimal solutions (a complete Pareto front) is vital because the shortest collection time does not necessarily mean the lowest costs. For these reasons, two general optimization models are considered. The first model gives the minimum response time to collect oil from the sea's surface, while the second model gives the minimum response cost of ships participating in the clean-up operation. The supplied pseudo-codes allow for all optimal solutions to be found. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]