1. Understanding the impact of burnout on decision-making stylesMatea Cvjetković, Dinko Primorac, Katerina Fotova Čiković, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: Background and purpose: This study aimed to fill a gap in the literature by identifying how employee burnout shapes decision-making styles in the post-COVID-19 business environment. The main goal was to examine the impact of three dimensions of burnout—exhaustion, cynicism, and professional efficacy—on four conflict-related decision-making styles: vigilance, buck-passing, procrastination, and hypervigilance.
Design/Methodology/Approach: A total of 567 employees from various companies in Croatia participated in the online survey conducted in March 2023. Multiple regression analysis examined the impact of exhaustion, cynicism, and professional efficacy on decision-making styles under conflict.
Results: The results of the multiple regression analysis revealed that professional efficacy leads to a vigilant decision-making style, while simultaneously diminishing procrastination, buck-passing, and hypervigilance. Cynicism, in contrast, was a positive predictor of procrastination, buck-passing, and hypervigilant decision-making. Finally, exhaustion was found to have a positive impact on hypervigilance.
Conclusion: The study is significant because it contributes to the body of knowledge on the impact of burnout dimensions on professional decision-making styles in organisational settings, and it also offers practical implications of considerable importance.
Keywords: employee burnout, decision-making style, work-related stress, Croatian companies, post-COVID-19 period
Published in DKUM: 14.11.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 4
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2. Mechanical uniaxial compression of 3D-printed non-periodic ASA lattice structures using semi-controlled design modelsNebojša Rašović, Inga Krešić, Jasmin Kaljun, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: This work examines the mechanical behaviour of 3D-printed stochastic lattice structures fabricated using a semi-controlled design. A primary goal is to predict and optimize the mechanical response of these Acrylic Styrene Acrylonitrile (ASA) filament structures when subjected to compressive stress. By transitioning from a purely stochastic method to a semi-controlled tessellation approach within Rhinoceros 7 software, we effectively generated the proposed design models. This methodology results in mechanical responses that are both predictable and reliable. The design parameters, including nodal formation, strut thickness, and lattice generation based on a predefined geometric routine, are associated with the regulation of the relative density. This approach aims to minimize the effect of relative density on the actual stiffness and strength evaluation. Our findings are cantered on the compressive testing of structures, which were generated using a Voronoi population distributed along a parabolic curve. We analyzed their mechanical response to the point of failure by examining stress–strain fluctuations. Three distinct behaviour stages are observed: elastic range, plastic range, and collapse without densification. The influence of crosslink geometry on the elastic responses was highlighted, with parabolic configurations affecting the peak stresses and elastic line slopes. The structures exhibited purely brittle behaviour, characterized by abrupt local cracking and oscillatory plateau formation in the plastic stage.
Keywords: semi-controlled Voronoi tessellation, stress–strain curve, mechanical response
Published in DKUM: 03.11.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 5
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3. English Phonetic Transcription in Slovene Secondary Schools : master's thesisUrška Kajbič, 2025, master's thesis Abstract: This thesis explores the role of phonetic transcription in teaching English pronunciation to Slovene secondary school students. Pronunciation has long been marginalised in EFL classrooms, yet it is crucial for intelligibility. For Slovene learners, whose L1 is syllable-timed, the main difficulty lies in adapting to the stress-timed rhythm of English, especially in recognising word stress.
The research combined two parts: an analysis of six secondary school coursebooks and an experimental study. The coursebook analysis revealed that phonetic transcription is often limited to glossaries, leaving learners without clear guidance on stress placement. The experiment compared traditional teaching with a kinaesthetic technique—clapping for syllables. Results showed that the experimental group did not outperform the control group in transcribing -ed endings or schwa. However, this outcome points to a transitional stage: the experimental group had already disrupted Slovene stress patterns but had not yet stabilised English ones.
The findings highlight the importance of phonetic transcription as a tool that bridges segmental and suprasegmental levels, supports the shift from orthography to pronunciation, and makes hidden features such as vowel reduction and allomorphic variation visible. Combined with kinaesthetic techniques, it offers a pathway for more systematic and effective pronunciation teaching in Slovene classrooms.
Keywords: phonetic transcription, language learning, pronunciation teaching, word stress, syllable clapping
Published in DKUM: 16.10.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 11
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4. Exploring genital lichen sclerosus : navigating from pathophysiology to precise diagnostic approachesMaja Sever, Katarina Trčko, Tanja Zidarič, Tina Maver, 2025, review article Abstract: Lichen sclerosus (LS) is a chronic, relapsing skin disease that predominantly affects the perineal and genital regions, although extragenital manifestations can occur. Despite its significant impact on patients’ quality of life, particularly affecting sexual and urinary function, LS remains underdiagnosed. Multiple factors, including genetic predisposition, hormonal changes, immunological abnormalities, trauma, and urine irritation, contribute to its development and persistence. This review aims to clarify the complex pathophysiology of LS by exploring three main mechanisms: autoimmune dysregulation, sclerotic tissue formation, and oxidative stress. Autoimmune dysregulation involves T-cell infiltration and the roles of miR-155 and extracellular matrix protein 1 dysfunction, leading to chronic inflammation. miR-155 contributes to sclerotic tissue formation alongside galectin-7, promoting fibroblast proliferation and collagen synthesis. Oxidative stress results in tissue damage, autoimmunity, chronic inflammation, and an increased risk of carcinogenesis. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing targeted therapies and improving LS management. Further research is needed to unravel the genetic basis, immune responses, and interactions between key mediators, ultimately advancing innovative therapeutic strategies and precision medicine in LS.
Keywords: lichen sclerosus, autoimmune dysregulation, sclerotic tissue, oxidative stress, genital disease
Published in DKUM: 15.09.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 45
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5. How workplace friendships impact burnout among social care leaders : a job demands-resources framework analysisRéka Schutzmann, Anna Kozak, Klára Soltész-Várhelyi, Katalin Nistor, Beáta Dávid, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: Background and purpose: The purpose of this study, guided by the Job Demands-Resources Model, is to investigate the role of workplace friendships in mitigating burnout. This research is notable for its unique focus on a relatively rare sample: social care leaders. These individuals play a crucial role in shaping and influencing social services, making their insights invaluable for understanding the challenges and opportunities within this sector. Methods: Using a cross-sectional and quantitative design, data were collected from a convenience sample of Hungarian social care leaders, including sociodemographic information, the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ II), and professional core discussion network (pCDN) questions. The analysis of 449 Hungarian social care leaders employs a saturated model of moderated mediation (controlling for age and gender) to examine how stress mediates the relationship between quantitative demands and burnout and how workplace friendships moderate this mediation effect. Results: The results indicate that stress significantly mediates the relationship between quantitative demands and burnout, with workplace friendships acting as a buffer under moderate stress levels. Having at least one workplace friend reduces the impact of stress on burnout; however, this protective effect diminishes under higher stress intensities. Conclusions: These findings underscore the importance of fostering quality and balanced workplace friendships rather than merely increasing the number of supportive relationships. Given the systemic challenges in Hungarian social care, these insights are particularly relevant for leaders seeking to improve workforce resilience and well-being.
Keywords: workplace friendship, burnout, stress, quantitative demands, social care leaders, social work
Published in DKUM: 05.09.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 2
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6. School stress and anxiety among high school studentsAndreja Kozmus, Janja Kozmus, Jure Kozmus, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: School is often the main source of stress and anxiety for adolescents. While stress can be a normal response to challenges, excessive and prolonged stress may result in fear of failure, feelings of inadequacy, and anxiety, with negative effects on well being and academic outcomes. This study investigated school-related stress among 268 high school students, focusing on general school stress, experienced anxiety in school-related situations, and students' responses to school stress, and differences by gender, grade level, and academic performance. School stress is widespread among high school students, and it is particularly acute in situations involving assessments. Mathematics was identified as the most stressful subject, while fatigue and nervousness were the most common psychophysical responses to stress among high school students. Female students, those in higher grades, and those with poorer academic performance experienced the most stress. Correlation analyses further confirmed strong positive associations between general school stress, situational anxiety, and stress responses.
Keywords: responses to stress, school stress, high school, Slovenia
Published in DKUM: 04.09.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 10
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7. Structural integrity of pressure vessel heads made by incremental sheet forming from high-quality steel P460 NL1 : elektronski virNedeljko Vukojević, Zlatan Ištvanić, Fuad Hadžikadunić, Nenad Gubeljak, Amna Bajtarević-Jeleč, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: The fabrication of pressure vessel heads with large diameters necessitates the production from a starting sheet composed of two sections with weld joint. Subsequent plastic deformation may influence changes in the mechanical properties of the sheet, particularly the welded joint. The subject of this research is the effect of incremental plastic deformation (known as Incremental sheet forming) and post weld heat treatment on the mechanical properties of the heat-affected zone in the welded joint, as well as an assessment of the structural integrity. One of the goals of the work is to show that in certain circumstances heat treatment is not necessary. The researches focus on destructive and semi destructive testing of samples extracted from an actual pressure vessel head structure. The material of the vessel head is steel grade P460 NL1, and the heads are manufactured in two thicknesses: 6 mm and 14 mm. The results of the structural integrity assessment are presented in the form of a FAD diagram.
Keywords: incremental sheet forming, post weld heat treatment, residual stress, steel grade P460 NL1, structural integrity, welded vessel heads
Published in DKUM: 19.08.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 4
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8. Stress in the preschool profession : action researchTonča Jukić, Iskra Tomić Kaselj, 2024, original scientific article Abstract: Stress has become an integral part of modern humans’ busy lives. One of the professions in which stress is highly prevalent is that of a preschool teacher. Therefore, action research was conducted in a higher education context aimed at reducing preschool teacher stress. After one month of introducing changes that met teachers’ interests and needs and realizing their baseline values, teacher stress was reduced. Moreover, the research produced multiple benefits on both the personal and professional levels. The paper points to the need to organize a motivating pedagogical environment in higher education, which will make positive changes in students’ lives and in their professional development.
Keywords: experiential teaching, occupational stress, preschool teachers, values, well-being
Published in DKUM: 30.07.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 2
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9. Attitudes of secondary school students towards teaching styles before and during the COVID-19 pandemicMarijana Škutor, 2023, original scientific article Abstract: The aim of this paper was to examine students’ attitudes towards teaching styles before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mean values were calculated using descriptive statistics, and the T-test for independent samples was used to determine the existence of statistically significant differences between groups. After testing the difference in student assessment of the teachers’ style in two different school years, no statistically significant difference was found, potentially owing to student adaptation to the situation. A positive- sign correlation coefficient between the democratic and laissez-faire styles was recorded at a significance level of p<0.05.
Keywords: teaching quality, teaching skills, professional student-teacher relationship, social distance, stress
Published in DKUM: 28.07.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 2
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10. Numerical investigation of imperfection-induced secondary bending stresses in box girdersJernej Kralj, Nenad Gubeljak, Srečko Glodež, Janez Kramberger, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: Numerous studies have demonstrated that the initial out-of-plane deflection can significantly affect stress distribution along the web boundaries of steel plate girders, potentially leading to the initiation of fatigue cracks and eventual structural failure over time. Fatigue cracks in thin-walled structures commonly initiate at locations of maximum secondary bending stress, arising from the web imperfections introduced during the complex manufacturing process and further amplified by the interaction of global and local stresses. The secondary bending stress of box girders web plate has been numerically investigated in this article. Several nonlinear static analyses have been performed, using the hybrid parametric FE model, consisting of shell and beam finite elements. Vertical normal stress in the upper web boundary below rail was evaluated under different boundary conditions and geometric modifications. Considering the deflection shape of critical buckling mode 1, the directional effects of initial web imperfection and eccentric moment have been evaluated. Also, a comparison in terms of secondary bending stress at different girder spans, intermediate plate spacing and load positions are discussed. The results of this study offer valuable insights into the most and least favorable scenarios related to geometric modifications and varying loading conditions, while also highlighting existing research gaps in current design codes.
Keywords: box girder, initial web imperfection, out of plane deflection, secondary bending stress, wheel loading
Published in DKUM: 09.07.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 15
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