Latest Academic Works
Detection of food freshness and pesticides through chemical interaction of liquids or gases with surfaces
Food, water, and sleep form the foundation of human needs, all of which are indispensable. However, unlike sleep, food and water have historically been beyond direct human control. Since ancient times, hunter-gatherers have migrated in search of these essential resources. The advent of agriculture marked a turning point, allowing humans …
Tracing origin of food using stable isotopes of light and heavier elements
This dissertation examines two main topics. The first topic is focused on the potential of strontium (Sr) isotope analysis to characterise milk and truffles as selected food commodities, traditionally important for Slovenia. The 87Sr/86Sr ratio for determining the provenance of bovine milk and truffles originating from different regions of Slovenia …
Intra- and inter-trophic interactions of generalist forest predator
We are witnessing major shifts in ecosystems due to intense anthropogenic pressures on the environment in recent decades, including rapid climate change, which is one of the strongest drivers of a global biological response. Raptors, which are at the top of the trophic web, are important indicators of ecosystem health. …
Use of information and communication technologies, data and knowledge to increase the impact of digital environments on food choice
Food and eating environments play a crucial role in shaping consumers' food choices. As food decision-making shifts more into the digital environment, it is essential to understand the impact of this setting on consumer's dietary behaviours. Online platforms and mobile apps provide great opportunities for the promotion of healthier food …
Optical emission spectroscopy as a tool for monitoring cold atmospheric pressure plasma processes
Non-equilibrium atmospheric pressure plasmas are used in many areas, such as food and agriculture, plasma medicine, plasma surface modification, material synthesis and deposition. Because of their versatility, many plasma setups have been developed. Of greater interest are those that operate at atmospheric pressure, like atmospheric pressure plasma jets (APPJs). Regarding …
Food and drink image detection and recognition using deep convolutional neural networks
A healthy diet is becoming increasingly relevant as recognizing dietary deficiencies often leads to actionable results that can improve the individual’s overall health. However, to identify areas of potential improvement, tracking food intake is necessary. Manual methods have traditionally been used to perform this tracking, but these methods have a …
Mercury exposure assessment in the Slovenian population
Mercury (Hg) is one of the most toxic metals. Its toxicity depends on the route of exposure, on its chemical form and the dose to which a person is exposed. The most susceptible population are pregnant women and children. Epidemiological studies suggest neuropsychological dysfunctions in children who were prenatally exposed …