1. Aging and Modified Washing Process for Polyester Fabrics - Environmental ImpactAna Šaravanja, Tanja Pušić, Julija Volmajer Valh, Tihana Dekanić, 2024, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: Aging and washing factors have a direct influence on changing the properties of textile products, e.g., causing a release of textile fragments in the washing process. In this study, polyester fabrics were exposed to artificial aging under controlled conditions. Using a modified washing process, polyester fabrics were subjected to 10 washing cycles before and after the aging process. To monitor the influence of aging and the modified washing process on the polyester fabrics, the physical, structural and morphological properties of the fabrics and the composition of the collected wastewater were analyzed. The results indicate a slight degradation and increased defragmentation of the polyester fabric due to the processes used. Aging caused the phenomenon of “annealing”, photo-oxidative degradation, and the local thickening of the individual fibers. Aging and washing processes influence the change in tensile strength properties. An analysis of zeta potential and BET results confirmed that the aging process results in surface modifications that depend on the time of exposure. The physico-chemical characterization and microscopic analysis of the wastewater revealed various fragments and short, detached fibrils. The results confirmed that both aging and washing significantly affect the properties of polyester fabrics and the composition of the wastewater resulting from the washing process. The relevance of this research to environmental matters is emphasized through the parameters chosen, which reveal the influence of aging on polyester fabric characteristics and the contamination detected in wash wastewater. In conclusion, several avenues for future research have been identified, including lowering washing temperatures, choosing more appropriate detergents, and adjusting standard washing protocols. Ključne besede: polyester fabric, artificial aging, washing process, wastewater, defragmentation Objavljeno v DKUM: 20.12.2024; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 2
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2. Aging in industry 5.0 : enhancing human–robot synergy in manufacturing and logisticsThilini Ranasinghe, Eric Grosse, Tone Lerher, 2024, objavljeni znanstveni prispevek na konferenci Opis: Thanks to rapid technological developments in robotics, various automation technologies are being applied in warehouses today. Order picking, as a key process in warehouse operations, has drawn attentioThis paper presents a systematic literature review exploring the impact of human–robot (HR) systems on older workers in manufacturing and logistics industries, drawing insights into how these systems can be optimally designed to address human factors in four key areas—perceptual, physical, cognitive, and psychosocial—aligning with the goals of Industry 5.0. By analyzing 19 articles selected from the Scopus and Web of Science databases, we identified both the benefits and challenges that HR systems pose to the aging workforce. We conclude that to achieve Industry 5.0 goals, HR systems must be designed to balance automation with human skills, promoting adaptability and inclusivity tailored to the diverse responses of older workers.n in academia and practice for decades. In addition to many studies dedicated to manual and fully automated order picking, efforts have also been made to study semi-automated warehouses in which humans and robots collaborate. However, these studies mostly focused on system efficiency and ignored ergonomic aspects. Order picking was confirmed as a labor-intensive process in an environment in which workers are at a high risk of developing health problems. Therefore, this study addresses the investigation of physical human working conditions in both manual and robot-assisted order picking systems via real-life laboratory experiments and simulation modeling. We used a motion capture system to assess human working postures when working with and without robot assistance. In addition, we estimated the daily workload by applying the energy expenditure concept. Using simulation experiments, we were able to extend the results to various practical scenarios with different design variables, for example warehouse layouts, order sizes, and human-robot team configuration. Our preliminary results reveal that human-robot collaboration can reduce human workload. Posture evaluation also shows a slight improvement. Ključne besede: aging, human–robot systems, manufacturing, logistics, industry 5.0, human-centricity Objavljeno v DKUM: 21.11.2024; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 2
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3. Spermidine supplementation influences mitochondrial number and morphology in the heart of aged miceJil Messerer, Christoph Wrede, Julia Schipke, Christina Brandenberger, Mahmoud Abdellatif, Tobias Eisenberg, Frank Madeo, Simon Sedej, Christian Mühlfeld, 2023, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: Aging is associated with cardiac hypertrophy and progressive decline in heart function. One of the hallmarks of cellular aging is the dysfunction of mitochondria. These organelles occupy around 1/4 to 1/3 of the cardiomyocyte volume. During cardiac aging, the removal of defective or dysfunctional mitochondria by mitophagy as well as the dynamic equilibrium between mitochondrial fusion and fission is distorted. Here, we hypothesized that these changes affect the number of mitochondria and alter their three-dimensional (3D) characteristics in aged mouse hearts. The polyamine spermidine stimulates both mitophagy and mitochondrial biogenesis, and these are associated with improved cardiac function and prolonged lifespan. Therefore, we speculated that oral spermidine administration normalizes the number of mitochondria and their 3D morphology in aged myocardium. Young (4-months old) and old (24-months old) mice, treated or not treated with spermidine, were used in this study (n = 10 each). The number of mitochondria in the left ventricles was estimated by design-based stereology using the Euler-Poincaré characteristic based on a disector at the transmission electron microscopic level. The 3D morphology of mitochondria was investigated by 3D reconstruction (using manual contour drawing) from electron microscopic z-stacks obtained by focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy. The volume of the left ventricle and cardiomyocytes were significantly increased in aged mice with or without spermidine treatment. Although the number of mitochondria was similar in young and old control mice, it was significantly increased in aged mice treated with spermidine. The interfibrillar mitochondria from old mice exhibited a lower degree of organization and a greater variation in shape and size compared to young animals. The mitochondrial alignment along the myofibrils in the spermidine-treated mice appeared more regular than in control aged mice, however, old mitochondria from animals fed spermidine also showed a greater diversity of shape and size than young mitochondria. In conclusion, mitochondria of the aged mouse left ventricle exhibited changes in number and 3D ultrastructure that is likely the structural correlate of dysfunctional mitochondrial dynamics. Spermidine treatment reduced, at least in part, these morphological changes, indicating a beneficial effect on cardiac mitochondrial alterations associated with aging. Ključne besede: aging, focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy, mitochondria, spermidine, stereology Objavljeno v DKUM: 17.07.2024; Ogledov: 110; Prenosov: 10
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4. Sarcopenia, obesity, and their association with selected behavioral factors in active older adultsKaja Teraž, Miloš Kalc, Manca Peskar, Saša Pišot, Boštjan Šimunič, Rado Pišot, Primož Pori, 2023, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: Introduction: The number of obese people in the world is increasing, as is the number of sarcopenic people among the older adults. Although both states are concerning, they can be positively influenced by selected behavioral factors such as adequate nutrition and physical activity. We were interested in the prevalence of sarcopenic obesity in active older people and the influence of behavioral factors on this phenomenon.
Methods: The study included 38 older adults (21 women) with a mean age of 75.3 ± 5.0 years. Sarcopenic parameters were determined with different tests: Handgrip Test, Chair Stand Test, Gait Speed, Timed Up and Go Test, and Short Physical Performance Battery. Body composition was measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Physical activity level was measured using accelerometers, and nutritional status was assessed using the Mini-Nutritional Assessment and MEDLIFE Index questionnaire.
Results: Of all included active participants (the average number of steps per day was 8,916 ± 3,543), 47.4% of them were obese. Of all included women, 52.4% were obese. Sarcopenic obesity was found in three (7.9%) participants. Nutritional status correlated with strength of lower extremities and physical performance tests (gait speed, Timed Up and Go Test and Short Physical performance battery). Higher number of steps per day positively correlates with physical performance.
Discussion: Interestingly, we did not find any correlation between the main obesity parameter such as percent body fat or body mass index (and thus sarcopenic obesity) and any of the selected behavioral factors (physical activity, sedentary behavior, or dietary habits). In conclusion, reaching the recommended levels of physical activity in older adults may not be sufficient to prevent the occurrence of obesity and sarcopenic obesity. Ključne besede: aging, physical activity, nutrition, healthy lifestyle, body composition, sarcopenia Objavljeno v DKUM: 27.05.2024; Ogledov: 174; Prenosov: 14
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5. Age-related changes in lipid and glucose levels associated with drug use and mortality : an observational studyRene Markovič, Vladimir Grubelnik, Helena Blažun Vošner, Peter Kokol, Matej Završnik, Karmen Janša, Marjeta Zupet, Jernej Završnik, Marko Marhl, 2022, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: Background: The pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus is complex and still unclear in some details. The main feature of diabetes mellitus is high serum glucose, and the question arises of whether there are other statistically observable dysregulations in laboratory measurements before the state of hyperglycemia becomes severe. In the present study, we aim to examine glucose and lipid profiles in the context of age, sex, medication use, and mortality. Methods: We conducted an observational study by analyzing laboratory data from 506,083 anonymized laboratory tests from 63,606 different patients performed by a regional laboratory in Slovenia between 2008 and 2019. Laboratory data-based results were evaluated in the context of medication use and mortality. The medication use database contains anonymized records of 1,632,441 patients from 2013 to 2018, and mortality data were obtained for the entire Slovenian population. Results: We show that the highest percentage of the population with elevated glucose levels occurs approximately 20 years later than the highest percentage with lipid dysregulation. Remarkably, two distinct inflection points were observed in these laboratory results. The first inflection point occurs at ages 55 to 59 years, corresponding to the greatest increase in medication use, and the second coincides with the sharp increase in mortality at ages 75 to 79 years. Conclusions: Our results suggest that medications and mortality are important factors affecting population statistics and must be considered when studying metabolic disorders such as dyslipidemia and hyperglycemia using laboratory data. Ključne besede: diabetes, metabolic syndrome, hematological data, aging Objavljeno v DKUM: 21.05.2024; Ogledov: 204; Prenosov: 11
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6. Assistive digital technology to promote quality of life and independent living for older adults through improved self-regulation : ǂa ǂscoping reviewGaja Zager Kocjan, Tanja Špes, Matija Svetina, Nejc Plohl, Urška Smrke, Izidor Mlakar, Bojan Musil, 2022, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: Digital technologies can be a key component in helping older adults maintain their autonomy and quality of life in their homes and communities. The purpose of this scoping review was to examine the existing literature on the role of assistive digital technologies in promoting a higher quality of life and independent living for older adults by supporting their self-regulation in various aspects of daily living. The review was conducted and reported in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Major electronic databases were searched to identify relevant articles published between 2012 and 2022. A total of 972 articles were identified, of which 19 articles met all inclusion criteria. Results are presented in four categories: (i) types of digital technologies, (ii) quality of life domains, (iii) quality of life benefits, and (iv) technological aspects supporting self-regulation. Our review also showed that successful adoption of assistive technologies depends on older adults’ trust in these technologies and the perceived benefits of technological support. Early involvement of older adults in the development of assistive technologies appears to play an important role in their technological self-efficacy. The limitations of the studies reviewed are discussed, and some general guidelines for future research in this area are suggested. Ključne besede: digitalna tehnologija, podporna tehnologija, kakovost življenja, staranje, samouravnavanje, pregledni članek, digital technology, assistive technology, quality of life, aging, self-regulation, scoping review Objavljeno v DKUM: 27.02.2024; Ogledov: 348; Prenosov: 6
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7. Evaluation of the impact and fracture toughness of a nanostructured bainitic steel with low retained austenite contentMihael Brunčko, Peter Kirbiš, Ivan Anžel, Leo Gusel, Darja Feizpour, Tomaž Irgolič, Tomaž Vuherer, 2023, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: The impact and fracture toughness of a nanostructured, kinetically activated bainitic steel was determined using Standard methods. Prior to testing, the steel was quenched in oil and aged naturally for a period of 10 days in order to obtain a fully bainitic microstructure with a retained austenite content below 1%, resulting in a high hardness of 62HRC. The high hardness originated from the very fine microstructure of bainitic ferrite plates formed at low temperatures. It was determined that the impact toughness of the steel in the fully aged condition improved remarkably, whereas the fracture toughness was in line with expectations based on the extrapolated data available in the literature. This suggests that a very fine microstructure is most beneficial to rapid loading conditions, whereas material flaws such as coarse nitrides and non-metallic inclusions are the major limitation for obtaining a high fracture toughness. Ključne besede: evaluation of fracture toughness, impact toughness, nanostructured bainite, natural aging, low retained austenite content, kinetically activated bainite KAB Objavljeno v DKUM: 16.02.2024; Ogledov: 390; Prenosov: 29
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8. Protective role of mitochondrial uncoupling proteins against age-related oxidative stress in type 2 diabetes mellitusMaša Čater, Lidija Križančić Bombek, 2022, pregledni znanstveni članek Opis: The accumulation of oxidative damage to DNA and other biomolecules plays an important role in the etiology of aging and age-related diseases such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D), atherosclerosis, and neurodegenerative disorders. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is especially sensitive to oxidative stress. Mitochondrial dysfunction resulting from the accumulation of mtDNA damage impairs normal cellular function and leads to a bioenergetic crisis that accelerates aging and associated diseases. Age-related mitochondrial dysfunction decreases ATP production, which directly affects insulin secretion by pancreatic beta cells and triggers the gradual development of the chronic metabolic dysfunction that characterizes T2D. At the same time, decreased glucose oxidation in skeletal muscle due to mitochondrial damage leads to prolonged postprandial blood glucose rise, which further worsens glucose homeostasis. ROS are not only highly reactive by-products of mitochondrial respiration capable of oxidizing DNA, proteins, and lipids but can also function as signaling and effector molecules in cell membranes mediating signal transduction and inflammation. Mitochondrial uncoupling proteins (UCPs) located in the inner mitochondrial membrane of various tissues can be activated by ROS to protect cells from mitochondrial damage. Mitochondrial UCPs facilitate the reflux of protons from the mitochondrial intermembrane space into the matrix, thereby dissipating the proton gradient required for oxidative phosphorylation. There are five known isoforms (UCP1-UCP5) of mitochondrial UCPs. UCP1 can indirectly reduce ROS formation by increasing glutathione levels, thermogenesis, and energy expenditure. In contrast, UCP2 and UCP3 regulate fatty acid metabolism and insulin secretion by beta cells and modulate insulin sensitivity. Understanding the functions of UCPs may play a critical role in developing pharmacological strategies to combat T2D. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the protective role of various UCP homologs against age-related oxidative stress in T2D. Ključne besede: uncoupling proteins, reactive oxygen species, aging, age-related diseases, diabetes Objavljeno v DKUM: 23.08.2023; Ogledov: 467; Prenosov: 40
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9. Fine-tuning cardiac insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor signaling to promote health and longevityMahmoud Abdellatif, Viktoria Herbst, Alexander Martin Heberle, Alina Humnig, Tobias Pendl, Sylvère Durand, Giulia Cerrato, Sebastian J Hofer, Moydul Islam, Julia Voglhuber, Simon Sedej, 2022, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: Background: The insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) pathway is a key regulator of cellular metabolism and aging. Although its inhibition promotes longevity across species, the effect of attenuated IGF1 signaling on cardiac aging remains controversial.
Methods: We performed a lifelong study to assess cardiac health and lifespan in 2 cardiomyocyte-specific transgenic mouse models with enhanced versus reduced IGF1 receptor (IGF1R) signaling. Male mice with human IGF1R overexpression or dominant negative phosphoinositide 3-kinase mutation were examined at different life stages by echocardiography, invasive hemodynamics, and treadmill coupled to indirect calorimetry. In vitro assays included cardiac histology, mitochondrial respiration, ATP synthesis, autophagic flux, and targeted metabolome profiling, and immunoblots of key IGF1R downstream targets in mouse and human explanted failing and nonfailing hearts, as well.
Results: Young mice with increased IGF1R signaling exhibited superior cardiac function that progressively declined with aging in an accelerated fashion compared with wild-type animals, resulting in heart failure and a reduced lifespan. In contrast, mice with low cardiac IGF1R signaling exhibited inferior cardiac function early in life, but superior cardiac performance during aging, and increased maximum lifespan, as well. Mechanistically, the late-life detrimental effects of IGF1R activation correlated with suppressed autophagic flux and impaired oxidative phosphorylation in the heart. Low IGF1R activity consistently improved myocardial bioenergetics and function of the aging heart in an autophagy-dependent manner. In humans, failing hearts, but not those with compensated hypertrophy, displayed exaggerated IGF1R expression and signaling activity.
Conclusions: Our findings indicate that the relationship between IGF1R signaling and cardiac health is not linear, but rather biphasic. Hence, pharmacological inhibitors of the IGF1 pathway, albeit unsuitable for young individuals, might be worth considering in older adults. Ključne besede: aging, autophagy, cardiomyopathies, insulin-like growth factor 1, mitochondria, mouse, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases Objavljeno v DKUM: 11.08.2023; Ogledov: 495; Prenosov: 54
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10. Independence and caregiver preferences among community-dwelling older people in Slovenia : a cross-sectional studyKatarina Galof, Anja Žnidaršič, Zvone Balantič, 2019, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: Although Slovenia is becoming an aging society, very little is known about the abilities and needs of home-dwelling older people or their preferences regarding assistance. The aim of the study was to explore the need for assistance in daily activities among older Slovenian people living at home. Older adults aged between 65 and 97 years (N = 358) participated in the crosssectional survey study. A questionnaire that assessed independence in daily activities and assistance in the home environment was developed. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, a nonparametric test (Wilcoxon signed rank test), and the chi-square test. The results showed that older Slovenians were more independent in activities of daily living (ADLs)
than instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs). Independence was the highest for using the toilet, feeding, and mobility transfers, and the lowest for bathing. With IADLs, assistance was most often required with shopping and housework; this assistance was usually provided by family members. The provider of assistance was generally compatible with older people’s preferences concerning assistance at home. We found no differences in care preferences between urban and rural settings. Assistance in the home environment was predominantly provided by unpaid helpers, which reflects recent developments in health and social services that put an emphasis on a person’s social network. Due to demographic changes and the decrease in the number of adult children, reliance on close relatives might soon become a challenge. These findings can help policy makers understand older people’s choices and preferences better when planning long-term care. Ključne besede: older adults, activities of daily living, intergenerational support, long-term care, aging in place Objavljeno v DKUM: 14.07.2023; Ogledov: 518; Prenosov: 33
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