Latest Academic Works
Source apportionment of Pb in PM10 from the Upper Meža Vally by the use of advanced analytical techniques
Knowledge of the pollution activity at the mining and smelting sites and assessment of contamination levels at different sites is not always sufficient for reliable conclusions regarding lead (Pb) provenance and contributions from sources. Pb isotopes have long been used as ‘fingerprints’ of the source of Pb recorded in environmental …
Genetic variability and lead exposure biomarkers
The thesis investigates associations between the biomarkers of lead (Pb) exposure (and mercury (Hg), where applicable) and genetic variability in in vulnerable populations, including pregnant women and their newborns from Italy, Slovenia, and Croatia, as well as Slovenian men of reproductive age. The research utilizes data from the Public Health …
Deposition and protection mechanisms of zirconium conversion coatings on aluminium alloy, steel and zinc substrates
This thesis focuses on the development and optimisation of zirconium conversion coatings (ZrCCs) on cold-rolled steel (CRS), zinc (Zn), and aluminium alloy AA5754 substrates through a multidimensional approach. The utilization of statistical tools, specifically response surface methodology (RSM), enabled the assessment of the individual and mutual effects of various parameters …
Investigation of the environmental acceptability of geotechnical composites, made from different recycled materials investigation of the environmental acceptability of geotechnical composites, made from different recycled materials
Current and especially past industrial and mining activities, including underground and open pit mining, have often resulted in soil pollution that has become a global and alarming environmental problem. Among contaminants, heavy metals and metalloids are under environmental scrutiny due to their potential toxicity, persistence, and because they can be …
Controlled synthesis of TiO2 nanoparticles and their application in photovoltaics
Titanium dioxide (TiO2) in nanoparticle form has recently gained a lot of attention, in both the scientific and industrial communities. This is due to the fact that it exhibits various interesting chemical and physical characteristics, for example, a high photocatalytic activity and the absorption of incident UV light. Many applications …
Assessment of behavioural thermoregulation in humans: with particular reference to mild narcosis and prolonged bed rest
Behavioural responses are the most efficient thermoregulatory responses, since relatively simple actions can prevent the need to activate the more metabolically costly autonomic responses. Dependence on behavioural responses may increase in environmental conditions where the prevailing nonthermal factors (NTF) attenuate autonomic responses and alter thermal perception (Mekjavic et al., 2003; …