1. The impact of financial support mechanisms and geopolitical factors on the profitability of investments in solar power plants in SloveniaIztok Gornjak, Filip Kokalj, Niko Samec, 2024, original scientific article Abstract: This article examines the impact of financial support mechanisms and geopolitical factors on the profitability of investments in solar power plants within Slovenia. The European Union’s energy policy prioritizes increases in renewable energy sources, aiming to reduce dependency on unstable and volatile fossil fuel markets. Solar power plants play a vital role in this transition. The energy policy framework also includes mechanisms and support systems to operate such facilities. This article analyzes electricity price trends over the past decade and addresses which support type—guaranteed purchase or operational support—has proven more profitable for investments in solar power plants up to 50 kW in Slovenia, considering economic and geopolitical influences on the electricity market. Although the global energy market has been affected by various significant events in recent years, it was found that the COVID-19 pandemic had minimal impact on the electricity market. In contrast, the onset of the conflict in Ukraine has contributed to rising electricity prices and has influenced the support dynamics essential for the development and sustainability of renewable energy systems. Analyses from the past decade indicate a higher return on investment in solar power plants when operational support mechanisms are chosen over guaranteed purchase support. Keywords: renewable energy sources, solar power plants, support system, investment profitability factors, electricity price Published in DKUM: 16.12.2024; Views: 0; Downloads: 5 Full text (4,96 MB) This document has many files! More... |
2. Effects of a serious smartphone game on nursing students` theoretical knowledge and practical skills in adult basic life support : randomized wait list-controlled trialNino Fijačko, Ruth Masterson Creber, Špela Metličar, Matej Strnad, Robert Greif, Gregor Štiglic, Pavel Skok, 2024, original scientific article Abstract: Background: Retention of adult basic life support (BLS) knowledge and skills after professional training declines over time.To combat this, the European Resuscitation Council and the American Heart Association recommend shorter, more frequent BLS sessions. Emphasizing technology-enhanced learning, such as mobile learning, aims to increase out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) survival and is becoming more integral in nursing education.
Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate whether playing a serious smartphone game called MOBICPR at home can improve and retain nursing students’ theoretical knowledge of and practical skills in adult BLS.
Methods: This study used a randomized wait list–controlled design. Nursing students were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either a MOBICPR intervention group (MOBICPR-IG) or a wait-list control group (WL-CG), where the latter received the MOBICPR game 2 weeks after the MOBICPR-IG. The aim of the MOBICPR game is to engage participants in using smartphone
gestures (eg, tapping) and actions (eg, talking) to perform evidence-based adult BLS on a virtual patient with OHCA. The participants’ theoretical knowledge of adult BLS was assessed using a questionnaire, while their practical skills were evaluated on cardiopulmonary resuscitation quality parameters using a manikin and a checklist.
Results: In total, 43 nursing students participated in the study, 22 (51%) in MOBICPR-IG and 21 (49%) in WL-CG. There were differences between the MOBICPR-IG and the WL-CG in theoretical knowledge (P=.04) but not in practical skills (P=.45) after MOBICPR game playing at home. No difference was noted in the retention of participants’ theoretical knowledge and practical
skills of adult BLS after a 2-week break from playing the MOBICPR game (P=.13). Key observations included challenges in response checks with a face-down manikin and a general neglect of safety protocols when using an automated external defibrillator.
Conclusions: Playing the MOBICPR game at home has the greatest impact on improving the theoretical knowledge of adult BLS in nursing students but not their practical skills. Our findings underscore the importance of integrating diverse scenarios into adult BLS training. Keywords: serious smartphone game, adult basic life support, teaching, games, gaming, education, nurses, nursing, educational, mHealth, mobile health, applications, smartphones, randomized controlled trial, technology-enhanced learning, life support, knowledge retention, practical Published in DKUM: 27.11.2024; Views: 0; Downloads: 1 Full text (778,28 KB) |
3. Different deeds, different needs - Types of violence against women and social support sought onlineTinkara Pavšič Mrevlje, Vanja Erčulj, original scientific article Abstract: Women, as victims of violence, among which intimate partner violence prevails, venture online to seek a supportive community. Members of online support groups differ in the experiences and needs they have and support they seek. The objective of this research was to explore the difference in types of support sought and support received between women who self-report having been a witness/victim of violence and others who directly ask for help without explaining their circumstances. For this purpose, content analysis of 600 randomly selected starting posts from an online support community was performed. The results reveal an association between the needs expressed and the experience of violence described. Although users most frequently sought informational support, those recounting sexual violence more often asked for emotional support or were looking for an emotional release. Posts describing a different kind of violence were more likely to bring more support than short posts directly asking for help. The findings are important since women in a violent relationship tend to become more isolated or controlled by their partners, pointing to the crucial role of online support in helping and encouraging those women to take the first step in seeking help from formal institutions. Keywords: online support, support types, violence Published in DKUM: 21.11.2024; Views: 0; Downloads: 2 Full text (1,68 MB) |
4. Psychosocial and moral factors of bystanders in peer bullyingSonja Pečjak, Tina Pirc, Rene Markovič, Tanja Špes, Katja Košir, 2024, original scientific article Abstract: The aim of our study was to explore students’ bystander roles in peer bullying considering the interaction between their individual and contextual characteristics. We included social status goals (popularity, social preference and social insecurity), moral disengagement and peer support as key variables for differentiating bystander behaviour. Our sample comprised 5148 students from the 8th and 9th grades across 118 primary schools in Slovenia. Bystander roles (active and passive reinforcers, ignorants and defenders) were determined by peer nominations. Other characteristics were measured with self-report questionnaires. For each variable, we normalized students’ results with regard to their classroom to define classroom norms as the context of peer bullying resulting in “low”, “average” and “high” group. Students with similar individual and contextual characteristics were grouped into four clusters. The results showed that students from all clusters were present in all bystander roles, which indicates a highly complex interaction of various factors in bystander behaviour. Some educational implications are discussed. Keywords: medvrstniško nasilje, opazovalci, vrstniška podpora, moralnost, osnovnošolci, bullying, bystanders, peer support, morality, elementary school students Published in DKUM: 17.10.2024; Views: 0; Downloads: 2 Link to file |
5. Peer support as part of scaling-up integrated care in patients with type 2 diabetes and arterial hypertension at the primary healthcare level : a study protocolTina Virtič, Matic Mihevc, Črt Zavrnik, Majda Mori-Lukančič, Tonka Poplas-Susič, Zalika Klemenc-Ketiš, 2023, original scientific article Abstract: Introduction: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) and arterial hypertension (AH) are among the greatest challenges facing health systems worldwide and require comprehensive patient-centred care. The key to successful management in chronic patients is self-management support, which was found to be only weakly implemented in Slovenia. The aim of the study is to develop an evidence-based model of peer support for people with T2D and AH at the primary healthcare level in Slovenia, which could represent a potential solution for upgrading integrated care for these patients.
Methods: A prospective interventional, mixed-methods pilot study will begin by recruiting approximately 40 eligible people with T2D and AH through purposive sampling. The participants will receive structured training, led by a specialist nurse, to become trained peer supporters. Each will voluntarily share their knowledge and experience at monthly group meetings with up to 10 people with T2D and AH over a three-month period in the local community. Data will be collected through interviews and focus groups and questionnaires about socio-demographic and clinical data, knowledge about T2D and AH, participants’ quality of life, level of empowerment and acceptability of the intervention.
Expected results: The study will provide an evidence-based model for integrating peer support into the local community. It is expected that the intervention will prove feasible and acceptable with educational, psychosocial and behavioural benefits.
Conclusion: Peer support through empowerment of people with T2D and AH, family members and other informal caregivers in the local community could scale-up the integrated care continuum and contribute to sustainability of the healthcare system. Keywords: diabetes type 2, arterial hypertension, peer support, self-management, integrated primary, healthcare Published in DKUM: 17.07.2024; Views: 103; Downloads: 4 Full text (304,20 KB) This document has many files! More... |
6. Confronting SARS-CoV-2 infection : patients’ experience in the first pandemic wave - cross-sectional studyMaja Sočan, Vanja Erčulj, 2022, original scientific article Abstract: The aim of the study was to investigate the real-life experience of persons infected with SARS-CoV-2 in Slovenia in the first pandemic wave and how the buffering effect of social and informational support affected negative feelings. We used a self-administrated questionnaire. There were 1182 eligible notified cases with the response rate 64.9%. At least 62% of responders were able to follow the isolation rules, while 21.1% did not or could not organize their living separately from other household members. The main providers during the isolation period were close family members. The most prevalent emotion in our study was worry (70.3%) and fear (37.6%). Worry and fear during the illness were less probable for men than women, but more probable for older patients. Participants with strong emotional support had lower odds of being sad. Those who were exposed to a larger number of sources of information had higher odds of being worried. Those patients who used a higher number of more credible sources of information had higher odds of being afraid during illness. Pets did not play a special role in psychological well-being. The role of the media and public health communications should be explored further to achieve an improved response. Keywords: COVID-19, first pandemic wave, isolation, information, social support, feelings, stigma Published in DKUM: 04.07.2024; Views: 147; Downloads: 22 Full text (1,32 MB) This document has many files! More... |
7. CPR quality assessment in schoolchildren trainingKatia M. G. Oliveira, Maria José C. Carmona, Antonio P. Mansur, Julio Y. Takada, Nino Fijačko, Federico Semeraro, Andrew Lockey, Bernd W. Böttiger, Naomi K. Nakagawa, 2022, original scientific article Abstract: Whilst CPR training is widely recommended, quality of performance is infrequently explored. We evaluated whether a checklist can be an adequate tool for chest compression quality assessment in schoolchildren, compared with a real-time software. This observational study (March 2019–2020) included 104 schoolchildren with no previous CPR training (11–17 years old, 66 girls, 84 primary schoolchildren, 20 high schoolchildren). Simultaneous evaluations of CPR quality were performed using an observational checklist and real-time software. High-quality CPR was determined as a combination of 70% correct maneuvers in compression rate (100–120/min), depth (5–6 cm), and complete release, using a real-time software and three positive performance in skills using a checklist. We adjusted a multivariate logistic regression model for age, sex, and BMI. We found moderate to high agreement percentages in quality of CPR performance (rate: 68.3%, depth: 79.8%, and complete release: 91.3%) between a checklist and real-time software. Only 38.5% of schoolchildren (~14 years-old, ~54.4 kg, and ~22.1 kg/m2) showed high-quality CPR. High-quality CPR was more often performed by older schoolchildren (OR = 1.43, 95%IC:1.09–1.86), and sex was not an independent factor (OR = 1.26, 95%IC:0.52–3.07). For high-quality CPR in schoolchildren, a checklist showed moderate to high agreement with real-time software. Better performance was associated with age regardless of sex and BMI. Keywords: cardiopulmonary resuscitation, education, assessment, schoolchildren, basic life support Published in DKUM: 28.06.2024; Views: 151; Downloads: 12 Full text (292,78 KB) This document has many files! More... |
8. Depression, anxiety, stress, and coping mechanisms among parents of children with autism spectrum disorderAjda Demšar, Karin Bakračevič, 2023, original scientific article Abstract: The purpose of the present study was to determine the level of stress, anxiety, and depression among Slovenian parents of children with autism spectrum disorder and their coping mechanisms. The study included 42 parents of children with ASD who were enrolled at a specialised clinic for children with hearing and speech difficulties. We used the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS), the Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced (COPE) inventory, and a demographic questionnaire which included questions on satisfaction with life and social support received. The respondents reported no clinically elevated levels of stress, depression or anxiety. However, the mothers reported more stress and anxiety related symptoms then did the fathers. The results showed that coping strategies of positive reinterpretation and growth were positively correlated to higher perceived social support and greater satisfaction with life, and were negatively correlated with depression and anxiety. Perceived social support was highly negatively correlated with anxiety. Strategies of acceptance were used significantly more often by individuals with a higher level of education. Keywords: anxiety, autism spectrum disorders, stress coping, parents, social support Published in DKUM: 31.05.2024; Views: 176; Downloads: 18 Full text (738,61 KB) This document has many files! More... |
9. School belongingness and family support as predictors of school bullying perpetration and victimization in adolescents : are relations the same for students with an immigrant background?Katja Košir, Martina Zakšek, Ana Kozina, 2023, original scientific article Abstract: The aim of the study was to examine school belongingness and family support as predictors of bullying behavior and victimization, and the moderating role of students’ gender and immigrant background in a large representative sample of Slovenian adolescents (N = 1925; 42.50% male). The results indicated that school belongingness significantly predicted both bullying and victimization. Family support did not contribute to the incremental validity beyond school belongingness in predicting victimization. Gender was found to moderate the relationship between school belongingness and both bullying outcomes. The relationship between school belongingness and victimization was stronger for students with an immigrant background. Keywords: bullying, victimization, school belongingness, family support, immigrant background, adolescents Published in DKUM: 31.05.2024; Views: 165; Downloads: 16 Full text (891,51 KB) This document has many files! More... |
10. Social reappraisal of emotions is linked with the social presence effect in the default mode networkXiyao Xie, Teresa Bertram, Saša Zorjan, Marina Horvat, Christian Sorg, Satja Mulej Bratec, 2023, original scientific article Abstract: Introduction: Social reappraisal, during which one person deliberately tries to regulate another’s emotions, is a powerful cognitive form of social emotion regulation, crucial for both daily life and psychotherapy. The neural underpinnings of social reappraisal include activity in the default mode network (DMN), but it is unclear how social processes influence the DMN and thereby social reappraisal functioning. We tested whether the mere presence of a supportive social regulator had an effect on the DMN during rest, and whether this effect in the DMN was linked with social reappraisal-related neural activations and effectiveness during negative emotions.
Methods: A two-part fMRI experiment was performed, with a psychotherapist as the social regulator, involving two resting state (social, non-social) and two task-related (social reappraisal, social no-reappraisal) conditions.
Results: The psychotherapist’s presence enhanced intrinsic functional connectivity of the dorsal anterior cingulate (dACC) within the anterior medial DMN, with the effect positively related to participants’ trust in psychotherapists. Secondly, the social presence-induced change in the dACC was related with (a) the social reappraisal-related activation in the bilateral dorsomedial/dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and the right temporoparietal junction and (b) social reappraisal success, with the latter relationship moderated by trust in psychotherapists.
Conclusion: Results demonstrate that a psychotherapist’s supportive presence can change anterior medial DMN’s intrinsic connectivity even in the absence of stimuli and that this DMN change during rest is linked with social reappraisal functioning during negative emotions. Data suggest that trust-dependent social presence effects on DMN states are relevant for social reappraisal—an idea important for daily-life and psychotherapy-related emotion regulation. Keywords: social reappraisal, social support, social emotion regulation, social presence, default mode network, interpersonal trust, anterior cingulate Published in DKUM: 18.04.2024; Views: 357; Downloads: 248 Full text (3,54 MB) This document has many files! More... |