1. Personalizing human–robot workplace parameters in human-centered manufacturingRobert Ojsteršek, Borut Buchmeister, Aljaž Javernik, 2024, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: This study investigates the relationship between collaborative robot (CR) parameters and worker utilization and system performance in human–robot collaboration (HRC) environments. We investigated whether optimized parameters increase workplace efficiency and whether adapting these parameters to the individual worker improves workplace outcomes. Three experimental scenarios with different CR parameters were analyzed in terms of the setup time, assembly time, finished products, work in process, and worker utilization. The main results show that personalized CR parameters significantly improve efficiency and productivity. The scenario in which CR parameters were tailored to individual workers, balanced the workload, and minimized worker stress, resulting in higher productivity compared to non-people-centric settings. The study shows that personalization reduces cognitive and physical stress, promotes worker well-being, and is consistent with the principles of human-centered manufacturing. Overall, our research supports the adoption of personalized, collaborative workplace parameters, supported by the mathematical model, to optimize employee efficiency and health, contributing to human-centered and efficient HRC environments. Ključne besede: human–robot workplace, collaborative workplace, human-centered manufacturing, stress index, modelling, efficiencxy Objavljeno v DKUM: 03.09.2024; Ogledov: 30; Prenosov: 6 Celotno besedilo (5,12 MB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
2. Numerical analysis of low-enthalpy deep geothermal energy extraction using a novel gravity heat pipe designUrban Gselman, Vid Peršak, Darko Goričanec, 2024, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: Geothermal energy, derived from the Earth’s internal heat, can be harnessed due to the
geothermal gradient between the Earth’s interior and its surface. This heat, sustained by radiogenic
decay, varies across regions, and is highest near volcanic areas. In 2020, 108 countries utilised
geothermal energy, with an installed capacity of 15,950 MWe for electricity and 107,727 MWt for
direct use in 2019. Low-enthalpy sources require binary systems for power production. Open-loop
systems face issues like scaling, difficult water treatment, and potential seismicity, while closed-loop
systems, using abandoned petroleum or gas wells, reduce costs and environmental impacts greatly.
The novel geothermal gravity heat pipe (GGHP) design eliminates parasitic power consumption by
using hydrostatic pressure for fluid circulation. Implemented in an abandoned well in north-east
(NE) Slovenia, the GGHP uses a numerical finite difference method to model heat flow. The system
vaporises the working fluid in the borehole, condenses it at the surface, and uses gravitational flow
for circulation, maintaining efficient heat extraction. The model predicts that continuous maximum
capacity extraction depletes usable heat rapidly. Future work will explore sustainable heat extraction
and potential discontinuous operation for improved efficiency.
Ključne besede: geothermal energy, geothermal gravity heat pipe, numerical modelling, single well closed-loop heat exchanger Objavljeno v DKUM: 03.09.2024; Ogledov: 27; Prenosov: 1 Celotno besedilo (3,23 MB) |
3. Revealing the spatial pattern of weather-related road traffic crashes in SloveniaDanijel Ivajnšič, Nina Zver, Igor Žiberna, Eva Konečnik Kotnik, Danijel Davidović, 2021, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: Despite an improvement in worldwide numbers, road traffic crashes still cause social, psychological, and financial damage and cost most countries 3% of their gross domestic product. However, none of the current commercial or open-source navigation systems contain spatial information about road traffic crash hot spots. By developing an algorithm that can adequately predict such spatial patterns, we can bridge these still existing gaps in road traffic safety. To that end, geographically weighted regression and regression tree models were fitted with five uncorrelated (environmental and socioeconomic) road traffic crash predictor variables. Significant regional differences in adverse weather conditions were identified; Slovenia lies at the conjunction of different climatic zones characterized by differences in weather phenomena, which further modify traffic safety. Thus, more attention to speed limits, safety distance, and other vehicles entering and leaving the system could be expected. In order to further improve road safety and better implement globally sustainable development goals, studies with applicative solutions are urgently needed. Modern vehicle-to-vehicle communication technologies could soon support drivers with real-time traffic data and thus potentially prevent road network crashes. Ključne besede: GIS, hot spot analyses, traffic safety, spatial modelling, weather patterns Objavljeno v DKUM: 20.08.2024; Ogledov: 74; Prenosov: 3 Celotno besedilo (1,42 MB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
4. The Lyme borreliosis spatial footprint in the 21st century : a key study of SloveniaDaša Donša, Jaša Veno Grujić, Nataša Pipenbaher, Danijel Ivajnšič, 2021, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: After mosquitoes, ticks are the most important vectors of infectious diseases. They play an important role in public health. In recent decades, we discovered new tick-borne diseases; additionally, those that are already known are spreading to new areas because of climate change. Slovenia is an endemic region for Lyme borreliosis and one of the countries with the highest incidence of this disease on a global scale. Thus, the spatial pattern of Slovenian Lyme borreliosis prevalence was modelled with 246 indicators and transformed into 24 uncorrelated predictor variables that were applied in geographically weighted regression and regression tree algorithms. The projected potential shifts in Lyme borreliosis foci by 2050 and 2070 were calculated according to the RCP8.5 climate scenario. These results were further applied to developing a Slovenian Lyme borreliosis infection risk map, which could be used as a preventive decision support system. Ključne besede: CART, climate change, MGWR, Lyme disease, infection risk, spatial modelling Objavljeno v DKUM: 12.08.2024; Ogledov: 48; Prenosov: 3 Celotno besedilo (6,40 MB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
5. The SEM model of better workers’ life in companiesMaja Rožman, Vesna Čančer, 2022, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: This paper seeks to build a model of the aging workers’ work-life quality and analyze the effect of its factors on the work engagement of elderly workers. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the effects among seven constructs. The results show that the effect of the occupational stress of elderly workers on their work engagement and work satisfaction is negative, and the effects of the friendly working conditions, maintenance of work ability, and training programs on the work engagement of elderly workers are positive. The results show that the effect of health promotion in the workplace for elderly workers on their work satisfaction is positive, and so is the effect of work satisfaction on work engagement. The findings of this research can help employers better manage elderly workers and create a healthy and safe work environment for them. A better environment leads to higher work engagement of elderly workers. Ključne besede: elderly workers, work engagement of elderly workers, structural equation modelling Objavljeno v DKUM: 03.07.2024; Ogledov: 116; Prenosov: 9 Celotno besedilo (596,71 KB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
6. Assessment of concept between rural development challenges and local food systems : A combination between Multi-criteria decision analysis and econometric modelling approachJernej Prišenk, Jernej Turk, 2022, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: This study investigates the influence of social, economic, and environmental impacts on the promotion and marketing systems of local food products from mountain areas in Slovenia. These impacts were assessed using an econometric modelling approach. Two econometric models were developed (one for production and one for marketing). The case studies of local food products were selected from Slovenian mountain regions, most of which were from less-favored areas (LFAs). A majority of the selected food commodities were of high quality, with or without protected designations. Data collection was carried out via interviews. Due to production limitation on mountain areas in Slovenia and other constraints in LFAs, the socio-economic and environmental impacts on success of production and marketing systems need to be clarified. These relations present a potential impact on the wider socio-economic development in the region. The empirical results, obtained using an econometric modelling approach, clearly show the importance of encouraging the socio-economic and environmental impacts in ensuring the marketing and production potentials of local food products. The result express good relationships, and cooperation between the actors in the food supply chains contributing to a successful marketing system and production system of local food products (small, average, large) is dependent on the available local labour in mountain rural areas. Ključne besede: local food products, mountain areas, econometric modelling, socioeconomic impacts, evironmental impacts Objavljeno v DKUM: 02.07.2024; Ogledov: 101; Prenosov: 7 Celotno besedilo (901,17 KB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
7. Small hydropower plants in Western Balkan countries : status, controversies and a proposed model for decision makingBarbara Pavlakovič Farrell, Andrea Okanovic, Bojana Vasić, Jelena Jesic, Polona Šprajc, 2022, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: Background: As the countries of the Western Balkans (WB) have committed to sustainable development, the process of regulatory and economic adjustment is underway. As part of the aforementioned fact, the WB countries have commenced exploitation of energy from renewable sources, among which hydropower is the most important. The main objective of the study is to analyse the status of renewable energy transition in the WB region, focusing on the construction and exploitation of small hydropower plants (SHPPs), as well as a proposal for an original model for decision making in this field, based on a multidimensional decision-making space. Namely, in most cases, there is resistance to the construction of SHPPs in the WB territory, as well as divided opinion among investors, companies, environmental movements, academia, and citizens on this issue. This shows that the entire decision-making process has to be reviewed and re-designed.
Results: The results of the study show that the construction of SHPPs caused damage to environmentally protected areas, living conditions of local communities, touristic and agricultural potential. All of the foregoing matters have led to mass protests by citizens and a high degree of mistrust so that the future of SHPPs in the WB is extremely uncertain. The assessment of the acceptability of existing SHPPs through the proposed model showed that 74% of SHPPs cannot be considered acceptable from the aspect of the location where they were built, and from the aspect of the impact on the quality of life of the local population. Accordingly, this paper provides suggestions for much-needed improvements.
Conclusions: The construction of SHPPs is causing numerous controversies, opposition, and resistance. To find the right solution, and contribute to sustainable energy and economic development, it is necessary to develop a fully transparent and objective policy system in this field, and to use contemporary models for decision making with emphasis on the involvement local communities in the decision-making process. Ključne besede: sustainable energy transition, small hydropower plants, environmental awareness, modelling, decision making process, Western Balkans Objavljeno v DKUM: 28.06.2024; Ogledov: 410; Prenosov: 3 Celotno besedilo (1,27 MB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
8. High strain rate hardening of metallic cellular metamaterialsNejc Novak, Matej Vesenjak, Zoran Ren, 2024, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: Strain rate hardening caused by the changed deformation mode is a fascinating phenomenon in cellular metamaterials where the material’s stiffness and energy absorption capabilities increase as the strain rate increases. This unique behaviour is attributed to a combination of micro-inertia effects, base material’s strain rate hardening and inertia effects. At high strain rates, the metamaterial’s inertia influences its deformation response, which changes to shock mode. This work briefly presents the geometry and fabrication of different metallic metamaterials. Then, it evaluates their mechanical response at different strain rates, ranging from quasi-static to intermediate dynamic and shock, determined by experimental and computational investigation. The three deformation modes can be separated into two critical loading velocities, unique for each metamaterial, which are also presented and compared in this work for various metamaterials. The investigations show that the deformation mode change in metallic metamaterials depends on their porosity. The critical velocities separating the deformation modes decrease with increasing porosity, i.e., decreased density of the metamaterial results in reduced critical loading velocities. The shock deformation mode in cellular metamaterials is thus attainable at much lower loading velocities than in homogeneous (nonporous) materials. Ključne besede: metamaterials, cellular structures, high strain rate, experimental testing, computational modelling, compression loading, mechanical properties Objavljeno v DKUM: 22.05.2024; Ogledov: 190; Prenosov: 12 Celotno besedilo (3,42 MB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
9. A computational model for analysing the dry rolling/sliding wear behaviour of polymer gears made of POMAljaž Ignatijev, Matej Borovinšek, Srečko Glodež, 2024, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: This study presents a computational model to determine the wear behaviour of polymer gears. Using PrePoMax finite element numerical calculation software, a proposed computational model was built to predict dry rolling/sliding wear behaviour based on Archard’s wear model. This allows the calculation of the wear depth in each loading cycle with constant mesh updating using the finite element method. The developed computational model has been evaluated on a spur gear pair, where the pinion made of POM was meshed with a support gear made of steel. The computational results obtained were compared with the analytical results according to the VDI 2736 guidelines. Based on this comparison, it was concluded that the proposed computational model could be used to simulate the wear behaviour of contacting mechanical elements like gears, bearings, etc. The main advantage of the model, if compared to the standardised procedure according to the VDI 2736 guidelines, is the geometry updating after a chosen number of loading cycles, which enables a more accurate prediction of wear behaviour under rolling/sliding loading conditions. Ključne besede: polymer gears, rolling/sliding contact, wear, computational modelling Objavljeno v DKUM: 12.04.2024; Ogledov: 176; Prenosov: 12 Celotno besedilo (3,67 MB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
10. Exploring factors afecting elementary school teachers' adoption of 3D printers in teachingBranko Anđić, Andrej Šorgo, Christoph Helm, Robert Weinhandl, Vida Lang, 2023, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: Owing to its advantages such as producing durable models and easy accessibility, 3D modeling and printing (3DMP) has become increasingly popular in educational practice and research. However, the results of many studies have shown that the adoption rate of 3DMP among teachers is still low, especially in elementary schools. Therefore, research is needed to expand current knowledge about what influences teachers' decisions to start and continue using 3DMP in elementary schools. To investigate factors that affect elementary school teachers' decisions to use 3D printing in teaching, this study uses a mixed methods research approach combining binary logistic regression with a qualitative thematic analysis approach. Both approaches assembled predictive constructs from a range of theories on (1) technology acceptance and (2) intentions to continue or abandon 3DMP use. Using a sample of 225 elementary teachers from Montenegro, this study empirically concluded that intentions to discontinue 3DMP was slightly more strongly correlated with the predictors (i.e., performance expectancy, effort expectancy, perceived pedagogical impact, personal innovativeness, management support, user interface quality, technology compatibility, social influence, student expectations) than was intentions to continue using 3DMP. Performance expectancy was a significant determinant of teachers’ continued use of a 3DMP approach. The remaining seven factors (constructs) were found to be insignificant predictors. Perceived pedagogical impact and technology compatibility were significantly associated with teachers' decisions to discontinue using 3DMP. Our results also suggest that the time required to use 3DMP during instruction, the impact of 3DMP on the implementation of curriculum activities, and the availability of 3D printers are all relevant factors that influence teachers’' decision to use or abandon 3DMP. Ključne besede: elementary school, binary logistic regression, continuance intentions, thematic analysis approach, 3D modelling and printing Objavljeno v DKUM: 26.03.2024; Ogledov: 255; Prenosov: 192 Celotno besedilo (807,43 KB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |