1. Assessing energy potential and chemical composition of food waste thermodynamic conversion products: a literature reviewAndreja Škorjanc, Darko Goričanec, Danijela Urbancl, 2024, original scientific article Abstract: This study examines the considerable volume of food waste generated annually in Slovenia, which amounted to over 143,000 tons in 2020. The analysis shows that 40% of food waste consists of edible parts, highlighting the potential for reduction through increased consumer awareness and attitudes towards food consumption. The study shows that the consumption phase contributes the most to waste food (46%), followed by primary production (25%) and processing/manufacture (24%). The study addresses various thermodynamic processes, in particular, thermal conversion methods, such as torrefaction pyrolysis and hydrothermal carbonization, which optimize energy potential by reducing the atomic ratio (H/C) and (O/C), thereby increasing calorific value and facilitating the production of solid fuels. The main results show the effectiveness of torrefaction, pyrolysis and hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) in increasing the energy potential of food waste.
Keywords: energy, thermodynamic conversions, pyrolysis, torrefaction, hydrothermal carbonization, food waste, energy potential, chemical composition
Published in DKUM: 28.08.2024; Views: 53; Downloads: 6
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2. 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, original scientific article Abstract: 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.
Keywords: aging, physical activity, nutrition, healthy lifestyle, body composition, sarcopenia
Published in DKUM: 27.05.2024; Views: 174; Downloads: 14
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3. Diversity and content of carotenoids and other pigments in the transition from the green to the red stage of Haematococcus pluvialis microalgae identified by HPLC-DAD and LC-QTOF-MSJaša Veno Grujić, Biljana Todorović, Roman Kranvogl, Terezija Ciringer, Jana Ambrožič-Dolinšek, 2022, original scientific article Abstract: H. pluvialis is a unicellular freshwater alga containing many bioactive compounds, especially carotenoids, which are the strongest antioxidants among the pigments. This study evaluates
the composition and content of carotenoids and other pigments in both stages of algae life cycle,
especially in the green vegetative stage, less studied in comparison to the red stage. To determine
the composition and content of carotenoids, a combination of HPLC-DAD and LC-QTOF-MS was
used. The content of carotenoids in the green vegetative stage was significantly lower than in the
red vegetative stage. In the green vegetative stage, 16 different carotenoids and other pigments were
identified. Among the total 8.86 mg g−1 DW of pigments, 5.24 mg g−1 DW or 59% of them were
chlorophyll a with its derivatives, and 3.62 mg g−1 DW or 41% of them were free carotenoids. After
the transition from the green to the red stage, the carotenoid composition was replaced by secondary
carotenoids, astaxanthin and its esters, which predominated in the whole carotenoid composition.
In addition to free astaxanthin, 12 astaxanthin monoesters, 6 diesters and 13 other carotenoids were
determined. The majority of 37.86 mg g−1 DW pigments were monoesters. They represented 82% of
all pigments, and their content was about 5 times higher than both, diesters (5.91 mg g−1 DW or 12%
of all) and free carotenoids (2.4 mg g−1 DW or 6% of all). The results of the study contribute to the
data on the overall pigment composition and content of H. pluvialis algae and provide the basis for
further improvement of cultivation of the H. pluvialis algae.
Keywords: antioxidants, astaxanthin, chlorophylls, bioactive compounds, algae, Haematococcus, life cycle, pigment composition, secondary carotenoids
Published in DKUM: 21.05.2024; Views: 172; Downloads: 13
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4. Gut microbiome composition in patients with chronic urticaria : a review of current evidence and dataMirela Kristo, Liborija Lugović-Mihić, Melba Munoz, Maja Rupnik, Aleksander Mahnič, Petar Ozretić, Morana Jaganjac, Diana Cesić, Matea Kuna, 2023, review article Abstract: Recent studies have linked gut microorganism composition and chronic urticaria (CU); however, the underlying mechanisms responsible for this connection are unknown. Since the human immune system is in homeostasis with microbiota, and the composition of the microbiome regulates the development and function of the immune system, it is likely that an alteration of microbiota components (a dysbiosis) could influence the course of chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU), including disease severity, patient quality of life and treatment outcome. To date, several studies have identified changes in the gut microbiota composition of patients with CSU, though only a few have exhibited metabolic abnormalities associated with gut dysbiosis. The studies on CSU patients predominantly showed that the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria was decreased (Firmicutes and Bacteroides), while that of opportunistic bacteria was increased (Enterobacteria and Proteobacteria). In addition, serum metabolome analysis revealed that gut microbiota-associated alterations in unsaturated fatty acids and the butanoate metabolism pathway may play a role in CSU. These findings are potentially associated with inflammation mediated by the imbalance of Th1/Th2/Th17 cytokines, which might contribute to CSU pathogenesis. Further research in this field could improve clinical, diagnostic, and therapeutic approaches to patients with CSU. By applying new knowledge on gut microbial communities and metabolomics, future CSU therapies could modify the microbiota composition using agents such as probiotics or other similar agents, which, in combination with current standard therapies, could hopefully lead to a reduction in symptoms and an improved quality of life for CSU patients.Recent studies have linked gut microorganism composition and chronic urticaria (CU); however, the underlying mechanisms responsible for this connection are unknown. Since the human immune system is in homeostasis with microbiota, and the composition of the microbiome regulates the development and function of the immune system, it is likely that an alteration of microbiota components (a dysbiosis) could influence the course of chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU), including disease severity, patient quality of life and treatment outcome. To date, several studies have identified changes in the gut microbiota composition of patients with CSU, though only a few have exhibited metabolic abnormalities associated with gut dysbiosis. The studies on CSU patients predominantly showed that the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria was decreased (Firmicutes and Bacteroides), while that of opportunistic bacteria was increased (Enterobacteria and Proteobacteria). In addition, serum metabolome analysis revealed that gut microbiota-associated alterations in unsaturated fatty acids and the butanoate metabolism pathway may play a role in CSU. These findings are potentially associated with inflammation mediated by the imbalance of Th1/Th2/Th17 cytokines, which might contribute to CSU pathogenesis. Further research in this field could improve clinical, diagnostic, and therapeutic approaches to patients with CSU. By applying new knowledge on gut microbial communities and metabolomics, future CSU therapies could modify the microbiota composition using agents such as probiotics or other similar agents, which, in combination with current standard therapies, could hopefully lead to a reduction in symptoms and an improved quality of life for CSU patients.
Keywords: gut microbiome, intestinal microbiome composition, chronic spontaneous urticaria, dysbiosis, metabolome
Published in DKUM: 19.02.2024; Views: 360; Downloads: 13
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5. Growth performance, haematology and serum biochemistry of West African dwarf sheep fed cassava peel-oil palm leaf meal based diets in a hot humid tropicsPeter-Damian Chukwunomso Jiwuba, Lydia Chidimma Jiwuba, Moses Udoha Onyekwere, 2017, original scientific article Abstract: The growth performance, haematological and serum biochemical characteristics of thirty-six West African Dwarf (WAD) sheep of about 10 - 12 months of age and averaged 8.53kg in weight were sourced from the College flock. Four dietary treatments designated as T1, T2, T3 and T4 were formulated to contain 0%, 10%, 20% and 30% oil palm leaf meal (OPLM) respectively were randomly assigned to the animals. The experimental animals were divided into four groups of nine animals each, with each group replicated thrice with three animals per replicate. Each group was allotted to one of the diets in a completely randomized design. The animals were weighed at the beginning of the trial and weekly subsequently and data for growth performance were generated. Blood samples were obtained from one animal in each replicate, and data generated were analyzed statistically. Average daily feed intake, total dry matter intake and average daily weight gain were significantly (P<0.05) influenced by the dietary treatment, with animals on T4 group having higher and better values. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) also differed significantly (P<0.05) with sheep on T3 and T4 (11.82 and 11.49 respectively) having the best FCR. The haematology showed that the packed cell volume (PCV), red blood cell (RBC), and mean cell haemoglobin concentration (MCV) were significantly (P < 0.05) improved at 10%, 20% and 30% inclusion levels of OPLM, respectively. Sheep in treatment groups had improved (P < 0.05) white blood cell (WBC) count than those on the control group. Serum biochemistry results showed that total protein, albumin and globulin were significantly influenced (P < 0.05) and tended to increase with increasing levels of test ingredient. Sheep in treatment groups had higher (P < 0.05) urea values than those on control. Creatinine values at 20% and 30% inclusion differed significantly (P < 0.05) with the control value. Cholesterol was significantly influenced (P < 0.05) and followed an irregular trend across the treatment groups. The results showed that inclusion of OPLM had a beneficial effect on the general performance of the WAD sheep. Therefore, 30% OPLM supplementation was recommended for optimum performance in WAD sheep.
Keywords: sheep, supplemental diets, proximate composition, oil palm leaf meal, casava peel, blood parameters
Published in DKUM: 10.10.2018; Views: 1372; Downloads: 332
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6. Exergy analysis of a Brayton cycle with variable physical properties and variable composition of working substanceMarija Živić, Antun Galović, Jurij Avsec, Mario Holik, 2016, original scientific article Abstract: The exergy analysis of a Brayton cycle is performed in the paper. The four input variables: the ratio of the compressor exit and inlet pressures, the ratio of inlet temperature of gases in turbine and inlet temperature of air in compressor and the isentropic efficiencies of the compressor and turbine are analysed. The temperature ratio is varied in a way that the compressor inlet temperature of air is maintained constant, while the turbine inlet temperature of flue gases is varied from 900 to 1200°C. In the combustion chamber methane is completely combusted with excess air ratio which is determined by the temperature of flue gases at the turbine inlet. The analysis further includes variability of the molar heat capacities of air and flue gases with temperature and variability of their heat capacity ratios. The exergy destruction in turbine, compressor and combustion chamber and also total exergy efficiency of the cycle are considered in the analysis.
Keywords: Brayton cycle, variable physical properties, variable composition of working substance, maximum work output, maximum thermal efficiency
Published in DKUM: 12.07.2017; Views: 2263; Downloads: 354
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8. Scenario development and application of basic art principles in the design of a children’s short storyTamara Domuzin, 2014, master's thesis/paper Abstract: The purpose of the Masther thesis is to gain more detailed insight into subjects of children's literature and theory of art. While researching the field of children's literature, a great importance has been given to finding the typical characters that form the cast of children stories, as well as the basic elements and development of the typical plot. These principles have been followed in the first section of empirical part - writing a children's short story. While researching the theory of art, the purpose was to gain knowledge of visual elements of composition and principles of design, that have been used in the second section of empirical part - creating illustrations for specific scenes of the story.
Keywords: children's literature, scenario development, art theory, composition
Published in DKUM: 19.02.2015; Views: 1735; Downloads: 114
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9. UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL - HISTORY, PRESENT, FUTUREKlementina Dolinšek, 2014, undergraduate thesis Abstract: While one of the greatest achievements of the United Nations has been the creation of international human rights norms and standards, its human rights protection mechanisms have failed to fulfil their mandate. In the early 2000’s, the Commission on Human Rights, as the major United Nations body working to promote and protect human rights, started to lose its credibility. It was criticised by a wide spectrum of the international community including states, non – governmental organizations and academics for its politicisation and polarisation, double standards, loss of focus, ineffectual decision making and a dubious membership composition. As a consequence of persistent negative responses, in June 2006 the Commission on Human Rights was replaced by the Human Rights Council, in an attempt to create a credible United Nations human rights body. This thesis focuses on the institutional differences between both bodies, their application in practice, and the advantages and disadvantages of the new human rights watchdog. In order to provide as comprehensive a comparison as possible, the research also includes examination of various United Nations documents, media postings, contributions made by non – governmental organizations, and academic studies.
Keywords: Commission on Human Rights, Human Rights Council, criticism, advantage, disadvantage, membership composition, politicisation, credibility, losing focus, Universal Periodic Review.
Published in DKUM: 08.05.2014; Views: 1613; Downloads: 169
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10. Bottle model of colour vision with the colour brown as an exampleMatej Erjavec, Nataša Vaupotič, 2006, original scientific article Abstract: In this paper, a model to teach colour vision is presented. Three different types of the cones that enable colour vision are visualized as bottles, and the amount the different bottles are filled is associated with the appearance of colour that is formed by the brain. It is shown that the appearance of colour depends both on the relative and the absolute filling of the bottles. We focus on the spectral composition of light reflected from brown surfaces and show that when we see brown, there is usually red, yellow, orange and green light falling into our eyes, but of low intensity. The same spectral composition of the incident light would give the impression of orange colour if the intensity of light were higher.
Keywords: colours, colour vision, brown colour, colour combinations, spectral composition
Published in DKUM: 07.06.2012; Views: 2763; Downloads: 90
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