1. Energy demand distribution and environmental impact assessment of chitosan production from shrimp shellsFilipa A. Vicente, Robert Hren, Uroš Novak, Lidija Čuček, Blaž Likozar, Annamaria Vujanović, 2024, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: Step towards resilience and sustainability through exploring renewable biomass and waste streams to produce higher-added value products and energy is among key aspects for closing the loops, saving resources, and reducing the resource and emission footprints. In that respective, crustacean shells waste can offer rich spectre of valuable compounds such as proteins, chitin, carotenoids. This waste is produced in large quantities worldwide, thus allowing for commercial valorisation. An overview of technologies is undertaken for more sustainable and environmentally friendly chitosan production via chitin isolation and conversion and compared to the conventional processes. Furthermore, an assessment of the environmental burden and energy demand distribution for conventional and more sustainable alternative processes was performed, based on lab-scale experimental data. Three different chitin extraction routes and three distinct chitosan conversion processes were considered and compared for their greenhouse gas footprint, abiotic depletion, acidification, eutrophication and other potentials. Finally, the energy demand distribution was analysed considering electricity production patterns from three European countries, Slovenia, Portugal and Norway. The results showed that alternatives 3-A and 3-B (conventional eco-solvents - conventional deacetylation with 40 % and 50 % NaOH) generate the lowest environmental burden (184 g CO2 eq./g chitosan). Electricity was the main hotspot of the processes, used either for extraction, plasma treatment or deacetylation. The sensitivity analysis proved that the Norwegian electricity mix has the lowest environmental impact (4.2 g CO2 eq./g chitosan). This study highlights the impact of blue biorefineries by transforming marine waste to valuable biopolymers such as chitin and chitosan. Ključne besede: shrimp shells waste, blue biorefinery, value-added products, chitosan, sustainable production, comparative environmental assessment Objavljeno v DKUM: 08.01.2025; Ogledov: 1; Prenosov: 1 Celotno besedilo (2,16 MB) |
2. Life cycle assessment (LCA) of the impact on the environment of a cosmetic cream with gold nanoparticles and hydroxylated fullerene ingredientsRebeka Rudolf, Peter Majerič, Zorka Novak-Pintarič, Andrej Horvat, Damjan Krajnc, 2024, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: This review provides a comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of a cosmetic cream to assess the environmental impacts throughout its entire life cycle, from raw material extraction to disposal, using the methodology according to international standards. The LCA was performed using the OpenLCA 2.0.1 software, with data from the Ecoinvent 3.8 database and relevant literature. The assessment focused on multiple impact categories, including climate change, acidification, eutrophication (freshwater, marine and terrestrial), ecotoxicity (freshwater), human toxicity (cancer and non-cancer), ionizing radiation, land use, ozone depletion, photochemical ozone formation, resource use (fossils, minerals and metals), and water use. The LCA of a cosmetic cream containing gold nanoparticles revealed significant environmental impacts across critical categories. The total climate change potential was 2596.95 kg CO2 eq., driven primarily by nanoparticle synthesis (60.7%) and electricity use (31.9%). Eutrophication of freshwater had the highest normalized result (3.000), with nanoparticle synthesis contributing heavily, indicating the need for improved wastewater treatment. The resource use (minerals and metals) scored 1.856, while the freshwater ecotoxicity reached 80,317.23 CTUe, both driven by the nanoparticle production. The human toxicity potentials were 1.39 × 10−6 CTUh (cancer) and 7.45 × 10−5 CTUh (non-cancer), linked to emissions from synthesis and energy use. The LCA of the cosmetic cream revealed several critical areas of environmental impact. The most significant impacts are associated with gold nanoparticle synthesis and electricity use. Addressing these impacts through optimized synthesis processes, improved energy efficiency, and alternative materials can enhance the product’s sustainability profile significantly. Ključne besede: life cycle assessment, cosmetic cream, environmental impacts, gold nanoparticles Objavljeno v DKUM: 17.12.2024; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 8 Celotno besedilo (1,71 MB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
3. Sustainability framework for assessing urban freight transportation measuresEftihia G. Nathanail, Lambros Mitropoulos, Ioannis Karakikes, Giannis Adamos, 2018, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: The salient scope of this paper is to enable the knowledge and understanding of urban freight transportation and provide guidance for implementing sustainable policies and measures in a city. To achieve this goal, an evaluation framework for city logistics policies and measures is developed, which demonstrates the complexity of urban freight transportation systems, through selected performance indicators, taking into account divergent stakeholders’ interests, conflicting business models and operations. Evaluation follows a hierarchical process; sustainability disciplines (economy and energy, environment, transportation and mobility, society), applicability enablers (policy and measure maturity, social acceptance and users’ uptake), multiple criteria and indicators, capturing the lifecycle impact of policies and measures and multiple stakeholders. Apart from the multicriteria context, the framework embeds methodologies, including, Impact Assessment, Social Cost Benefit Analysis, Transferability and Adaptability, and Risk Analysis. To demonstrate its applicability a case study is set for the City of Graz assessing the establishment of an Urban Consolidation Center. Results show that there is an overall improvement of 2.2% in the Logistics Sustainability Index when comparing before and after implementation cases of the Urban Consolidation Center. Ključne besede: framework, logistics assessment, sustainability, urban logistics Objavljeno v DKUM: 22.08.2024; Ogledov: 49; Prenosov: 9 Celotno besedilo (1,28 MB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
4. Multilingual framework for risk assessment and symptom tracking (MRAST)Valentino Šafran, Simon Lin, Jama Nateqi, Alistair G. Martin, Urška Smrke, Umut Arioz, Nejc Plohl, Matej Rojc, Dina Běma, Marcela Chavez, Matej Horvat, Izidor Mlakar, 2024, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: The importance and value of real-world data in healthcare cannot be overstated because it offers a valuable source of insights into patient experiences. Traditional patient-reported experience and outcomes measures (PREMs/PROMs) often fall short in addressing the complexities of these experiences due to subjectivity and their inability to precisely target the questions asked. In contrast, diary recordings offer a promising solution. They can provide a comprehensive picture of psychological well-being, encompassing both psychological and physiological symptoms. This study explores how using advanced digital technologies, i.e., automatic speech recognition and natural language processing, can efficiently capture patient insights in oncology settings. We introduce the MRAST framework, a simplified way to collect, structure, and understand patient data using questionnaires and diary recordings. The framework was validated in a prospective study with 81 colorectal and 85 breast cancer survivors, of whom 37 were male and 129 were female. Overall, the patients evaluated the solution as well made; they found it easy to use and integrate into their daily routine. The majority (75.3%) of the cancer survivors participating in the study were willing to engage in health monitoring activities using digital wearable devices daily for an extended period. Throughout the study, there was a noticeable increase in the number of participants who perceived the system as having excellent usability. Despite some negative feedback, 44.44% of patients still rated the app’s usability as above satisfactory (i.e., 7.9 on 1–10 scale) and the experience with diary recording as above satisfactory (i.e., 7.0 on 1–10 scale). Overall, these findings also underscore the significance of user testing and continuous improvement in enhancing the usability and user acceptance of solutions like the MRAST framework. Overall, the automated extraction of information from diaries represents a pivotal step toward a more patient-centered approach, where healthcare decisions are based on real-world experiences and tailored to individual needs. The potential usefulness of such data is enormous, as it enables better measurement of everyday experiences and opens new avenues for patient-centered care. Ključne besede: multilingual framework, risk assessment, symptom tracking, chronic diseases, patient-centered care, real-world data Objavljeno v DKUM: 12.08.2024; Ogledov: 74; Prenosov: 9 Celotno besedilo (5,29 MB) |
5. Multi-attribute assessment of digital maturity of SMEsMirjana Kljajić Borštnar, Andreja Pucihar, 2021, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) need to keep pace with large enterprises, thus they need to digitally transform. Since they usually lack resources (budget, knowledge, and time) many countries have their support environment to help SMEs in this endeavor. To be able to ensure the right kinds of support, it is crucial to assess the digital maturity of an enterprise. There are many models and assessment tools for digital maturity, however, they are either theoretical models, partial, vendor oriented, or suited for large enterprises. In this paper, we address the problem of assessing digital maturity for SMEs. For this purpose, we developed a multi-attribute model for assessment of the digital maturity of an SME. We followed the design science research approach, where the multi-attribute model is considered as an IT artifact. Within the design cycle, the decision expert (DEX) methodology of a broader multi-attribute decision making methodologies was applied. The developed model was validated by a group of experts and upgraded according to their feedback and finally evaluated on seven real-life cases. Results show that the model can be used in real business situations. Ključne besede: digital transformation, digital maturity assessment, multi-attribute model, small and medium-sized enterprises Objavljeno v DKUM: 07.08.2024; Ogledov: 108; Prenosov: 14 Celotno besedilo (3,07 MB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
6. Critical review of the use of the Rorschach in European courtsIgor Areh, Fanny Verkampt, Alfred Allan, 2022, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: In relation to the admissibility of evidence obtained using projective personality tests arose in F v. Bevándorlási és Állampolgársági Hivatam (2018). The Court of Justice of the European Union has held that an expert's report can only be accepted if it is based on the international scientific community's standards, but has refrained from stipulating what these standards are. It appears timely for European psychologists to decide what standards should be applied to determine whether or not a test is appropriate for psycholegal use. We propose standards and then apply them to the Rorschach because it was used in this case and is an exemplar of projective tests. We conclude that the Rorschach does not meet the proposed standards and that psychologists should abstain from using it in legal proceedings even in the absence of a clear judicial prohibition. Ključne besede: psychology, law, forensic assessment, courts, professional standard, ethics, evidential value, acceptability, projective test, Rorschach Objavljeno v DKUM: 06.08.2024; Ogledov: 87; Prenosov: 6 Celotno besedilo (839,17 KB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
7. New challenges in scientific publications : referencing, artificial intelligence and ChatGPTIgor Švab, Zalika Klemenc-Ketiš, Saša Zupanič, 2023, drugi znanstveni članki Opis: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a surge in scientific publications, some of which have bypassed the usual peer-review processes, leading to an increase in unsupported claims being referenced. Therefore, the need for references in scientific articles is increasingly being questioned. The practice of relying solely on quantitative measures, such as impact factor, is also considered inadequate by many experts. This can lead to researchers choosing research ideas that are likely to generate favourable metrics instead of interesting and important topics. Evaluating the quality and scientific value of articles requires a rethinking of current approaches, with a move away from purely quantitative methods. Artificial intelligence (AI)-based tools are making scientific writing easier and less time-consuming, which is likely to further increase the number of scientific publications, potentially leading to higher quality articles. AI tools for searching, analysing, synthesizing, evaluating and writing scientific literature are increasingly being developed. These tools deeply analyse the content of articles, consider their scientific impact, and prioritize the retrieved literature based on this information, presenting it in simple visual graphs. They also help authors to quickly and easily analyse and synthesize knowledge from the literature, prepare summaries of key information, aid in organizing references, and improve manuscript language. The language model ChatGPT has already greatly changed the way people communicate with computers, bringing it closer to human communication. However, while AI tools are helpful, they must be used carefully and ethically.In summary, AI has already changed the way we write articles, and its use in scientific publishing will continue to enhance and streamline the process. Ključne besede: scientific articles, referencing, artificial intelligence, ChatGPT, peer review, research assessment Objavljeno v DKUM: 15.07.2024; Ogledov: 85; Prenosov: 14 Celotno besedilo (211,38 KB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
8. 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, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: 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. Ključne besede: cardiopulmonary resuscitation, education, assessment, schoolchildren, basic life support Objavljeno v DKUM: 28.06.2024; Ogledov: 151; Prenosov: 12 Celotno besedilo (292,78 KB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
9. Psychometric properties of the Slovenian version of the Cancer Survivors' Unmet Needs (CaSUN-SL) measure in post-treatment cancer survivorsŠpela Miroševič, Polona Selič-Zupančič, Judith B. Prins, Vesna Homar, Zalika Klemenc-Ketiš, 2022, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: Background: As the number of cancer survivors is growing, valid instruments for assessing cancer survivors' needs are required. Thus, the aim of this study was to translate and validate the Cancer Survivors Unmet Needs (CaSUN) scale.
Methods: Cancer survivors were recruited from 30 family medicine practices and separated into two samples (sample 1, n = 147; sample 2, n = 148). Factor structure was explored with an exploratory analysis in sample 1 and determined with a confirmatory analysis in sample 2. Psychometric properties were assessed with internal consistency, test-retest reliability and construct validity.
Results: A translation and cultural adaptation of the CaSUN scale resulted in 34 items being included in the final version. The factor structure confirmed the five-factors solution of the CaSUN-SL. Cronbach's alpha was 0.94 for the CaSUN-SL and ranged from 0.71-0.88 for specific domains. Test-retest reliability showed moderate-high stability over time. The CaSUN-SL significantly and positively correlated with anxiety (r = 0.49), depression (r = 0.44), health-related quality of life (r = 0.36), and negatively with self-perceived health (r = - 0.36) and resilience (r = - 0.47), which confirms the construct validity. In addition, we found a significant correlation between unmet needs and age (r = - 0.29), gender (r = 0.14), cancer stage (r = 0.20), cancer type (r = 0.19), and time since treatment (r = - 0.20).
Conclusions: Results indicate that CaSUN-SL is a valid and reliable measure to assess the Slovenian cancer survivors' unmet, met and total needs and can be used for further prospective studies. Ključne besede: Cancer survivors, needs assessment, psychometrics, anxiety, depression, quality of life, cancer, survivol, psychometrics Objavljeno v DKUM: 27.06.2024; Ogledov: 130; Prenosov: 15 Celotno besedilo (993,82 KB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
10. Factors associated with a high level of unmet needs and their prevalence in the breast cancer survivors 1–5 years after post local treatment and (neo)adjuvant chemotherapy during the COVID-19 : a cross-sectional studyŠpela Miroševič, Judith B. Prins, Simona Borštnar, Nikola Bešić, Vesna Homar, Polona Selič-Zupančič, Andreja Cirila Škufca Smrdel, Zalika Klemenc-Ketiš, 2022, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: Objective: To assess the prevalence of unmet needs in post-treatment breast cancer survivors and identify sociodemographic, clinical, and psychosocial variables associated with reported unmet needs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Materials and methods: In this cross-sectional study, 430 post-treatment breast cancer survivors, ranging between 1 and 5 years after the procedure, completed the Cancer Survivors’ Unmet Needs (CaSUN) questionnaire from September 2021 and January 2022. The multivariate logistic analysis identified factors associated with at least one reported unmet need in the total CaSUN scale and specific domains.
Results: A total of 67% of survivors reported at least one unmet need. The most frequently reported unmet needs were the lack of accessible hospital parking (43%) and recurrence concerns (39.5%). The majority of reported unmet needs relate to comprehensive care (44%), followed by the psychological and emotional support domain (35.3%). Younger age (OR = 0.95, 95% CI = 0.92–0.99; p < 0.001), three or more comorbidities (OR = 0.27, 95% CI = 0.11–0.71, p < 0.01), a lower quality of life (OR = 0.06, 95% CI = 0.01–0.47, p < 0.01) and low resilience (OR = 0.95, 95% CI = 0.93–0.99) were associated with a high level of unmet needs in the multivariate regression model. Results are presented for factors associated with a high level of unmet needs for comprehensive cancer care and psychological and emotional support domain.
Conclusion: A high prevalence found in our study could be attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic, where patients may have missed adequate follow-up care, although comparing to studies done in non-pandemic time is difficult. Family physicians should be more attentive toward younger cancer survivors and those with more comorbidities as both characteristics can be easily recognized in the family practice. Ključne besede: breast cancer, cancer survivors (MeSH term), needs assessment [MeSH], fear of cancer recurrence, quality of life, psycho-oncology, COVID-19, chemotherapy, unmet needs Objavljeno v DKUM: 27.06.2024; Ogledov: 129; Prenosov: 4 Celotno besedilo (621,32 KB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |