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Legal Aspects of Safety in Medical Procedures: International Standards And Practices
Full text linkThis paper examines the legal regulation of medical procedure safety and proposes avenues for legislative enhancement informed by international norms. A comparative legal analysis was performed utilising the cases of Bulgaria, Italy, and Kazakhstan. The study utilised a systematic methodology to evaluate legal efficacy and predictive techniques to delineate potential advancements. The findings reveal that all three countries acknowledge the right to healthcare at the constitutional level, but implementation strategies vary. Bulgaria and Italy utilise insurance-based healthcare systems that incorporate private sector involvement. Bulgaria faces challenges in harmonising its law enforcement with European norms, whilst Italy\u27s decentralised Servizio Sanitario Nazionale results in regional disparities. Kazakhstan upholds a state-centric regulatory framework but lacks comprehensive legal safeguards for patients and medical practitioners, especially concerning liability insurance. No country possesses a comprehensive legal framework for digital medicine. Key proposals include improving insurance protections, harmonising national laws with international norms, and regulating emerging medical technologies
An Autonomous Field Robot Farmbeast : The Field Robot Event 2023 Edition
Full text linkIn contemporary agricultural automation, the demand for highly adaptive autonomous systems is rapidly increasing. Addressing this need, we introduce the latest iteration of FarmBeast, an advanced autonomous robot designed for precise navigation and operation within the complex terrain of cornfields. This paper details the technical specifications and functionalities of FarmBeast, developed by a Slovenian student team from the University of Maribor for the international Field Robot Event (FRE) 2023. The enhanced version features significant hardware and software upgrades, including a completely new robotic platform, a multichannel LIDAR system, an Xsens IMU, and advanced algorithms for efficient row navigation and weed removal. These integrated technologies aim to improve the efficiency and reliability of agricultural processes, reflecting the broader trend towards digitization and precision farming. Participation in international competitions like FRE provides a valuable platform for students to apply interdisciplinary knowledge, fostering the development of practical skills and understanding the interconnectedness of various scientific disciplines. As highlighted in the results section, FarmBeast performed notably compared to other 14 robots, securing top-five finishes in navigation, plant treatment, and obstacle detection tasks, demonstrating its capabilities in dynamic agricultural settings.Avtonomni kmetijski robot FarmBeast: različica FRE2023. Zahteve sodobnega kmetijstva narekujejo potrebo po visoko prilagodljivih avtonomnih robotskih sistemih. Kot enega izmed možnih odgovorov predstavljamo najnovejšo različico naprednega avtonomnega robota FarmBeast, ki omogoča avtonomno navigacijo in natančno delovanje v zahtevnih naravnih okoljih, kot so na primer koruzna polja. Članek opisuje tehnične specifikacije in funkcionalnosti robota FarmBeast, ki ga je razvila ekipa slovenskih študentov z Univerze v Mariboru z namenom sodelovanja na mednarodnem dogodku Field Robot Event (FRE) 2023. Izboljšana različica robota vključuje pomembne nadgradnje strojne in programske opreme, kot so povsem nova robotska platforma, uporaba večkanalnega LiDAR sistema, Xsens notranje merilne enote (IMU) in napredni algoritmi, ki omogočajo učinkovito navigacijo med vrstami ter funkcionalnosti za odstranjevanje plevela. Te integrirane tehnologije izboljšujejo učinkovitost in zanesljivost kmetijskih procesov, kar odraža širši trend digitalizacije in vse večjo uporabo tehnologij preciznega kmetijstva. Sodelovanje na mednarodnih tekmovanjih, kot je FRE, nudi pomembno platformo za študente, ki ob uporabi interdisciplinarnih znanj razvijajo praktične veščine ter razumejo medsebojno povezanost različnih znanstvenih disciplin. V članku so predstavljeni tudi rezultati evalvacije razvitih rešitev, kjer se je FarmBeast m ed 14 različnimi robotskimi sistemi odlično izkazal in se uvrstil med prvih pet ekip v disciplinah navigacije, obdelave rastlin in zaznavanja ovir, kar potrjuje njegove sposobnosti za uporabo v dinamičnih kmetijskih okoljih
ANALIZA ODZIVANJA REVITALIZACIJSKEGA MODELA TERMOENERGETSKA POSTROJENJA NA RAZLIČNIH GEOGRAFSKIH LOKACIJAH
Full text linkThe implementation of renewable sources for electricity production into the energy portfolio of European countries has been a priority in recent years, especially taking into account the current geo-political changes. Even though coal is the fuel of the past, its use cannot be put aside that easily; firstly, because of the high fluctuation of electricity production from renewable sources, and secondly because of the possible negative economic impact on the economy resulting from a change in electricity prices when exiting coal. Based on the Rankine process, the authors of this paper designed a solar tower installation with a heliostat field, which enables electricity production based on solar irradiation. This combination also foresees an additional installation for flue gas desulphurisation. This combination of three processes is named the ‘revitalisation model’ for thermal power plants (TPPs). Based on the computer model and energy market parameters, the authors tested the ‘revitalisation model’ for pessimistic and optimistic scenarios. In the scope of the paper, the authors analyse the performance of the proposed ‘revitalisation model’ for three different geographical locations – Berlin in Germany, Wuwei in China, and Hyderabad in India. The results of the analysis are described and shown graphically.Uvajanje obnovljivih virov za proizvodnjo električne energije v energetski portfelj evropskih držav je v zadnjih letih postala prednostna naloga, še posebej zaradi spreminjajočih se geopolitičnih razmer. Premog je gorivo preteklosti, vendar ga ne moremo tako zlahka opustiti. Vodila razloga za to sta veliko nihanje proizvodnje električne energije iz obnovljivih virov in negativni ekonomski vpliv na gospodarstvo, ki bi ga lahko povzročila sprememba cen električne energije s prenehanjem uporabe premoga. Zraven obstoječega procesa Rankine smo zasnovali instalacijo solarnega stolpa s heliostatskim poljem, ki omogoča proizvodnjo električne energije na osnovi sončnega obsevanja. V tej kombinaciji smo tudi predvideli dodatno napravo za razžveplanje dimnih plinov. Ta tri-fazni proces smo poimenovali revitalizacijski model termoenergetskih postrojenj. Na podlagi računalniškega modela in parametrov energetskega trga smo preizkusili model revitalizacije za pesimistični in optimistični scenarij. V članku bomo analizirali uspešnost predlaganega modela revitalizacije za tri različne geografske lokacije – Berlin v Nemčiji, Wuwei na Kitajskem in Hyderabad v Indiji – ter prikazali rezultate analize v pisni in grafični obliki
OPTIMIZACIJA IN ANALIZA SINHRONSKEGA MOTORJA S POTOPLJENIMI TRAJNIMI MAGNETI
Full text linkThis paper aims to optimize an interior permanent magnet synchronous motor and analyze the operating characteristics of optimized models compared to the starting model. The optimization is done by optometric analysis, i.e., four motor parameters are selected and varied within certain boundaries, allowing new motor models to be obtained from each combination of these parameters. The best candidates are selected, i.e., models concerning the efficiency and cogging torque. The optimized models have improved efficiency and cogging torque compared to the starting model.Namen članka je prikazati optimizacijo sinhronskega motorja s potopljenimi trajnimi magneti in analizirati delovne karakteristike optimiziranega modela v primerjavi z začetnim modelom. Metoda optimizacije je optometrična analiza, kar pomeni, da so izbrani štirje parametri motorja, ki se spreminjajo znotraj določenih meja, omogočajoč nove modele motorja iz kombinacij izbranih parametrov. Izbrani so najboljši kandidati, tj. najboljši modeli z vidika izkoristka in preskočno reluktančnega momenta. Optimizirani modeli imajo boljši izkoristek in preskočno reluktančni moment v primerjavi z začetnim modelom
POLNILNE POSTAJE PRIKLJUČENE NA ELEKTROENERGETSKI SISTEM ULIČNE RAZSVETLJAVE
Full text linkStreet light grids are dense and compact networks in all cities. They power the luminaires and elements of smart cities. Recently, they have also been used to power chargers for electric vehicles. The article analyses how charging stations can be connected to public lighting networks, and gives knowledge about connecting the charger and optimising operations to increase the power delivered to vehicles. Initial installations show that the combination of luminaires, public lighting networks and chargers shows specific characteristics. The aim of the paper is to provide knowledge about the implementation of chargers in street light grids. The last part of the paper presents the results a case study, which is focused on voltage drops and limits for installing charging stations.Elektroenergetski sistemi za ulično razsvetljavo so gosta in kompaktna omrežja v vseh mestih. Napajajo svetila in elemente pametnih mest. V zadnjem času se uporabljajo tudi za napajanje polnilnic električnih vozil. Članek analizira, kako lahko polnilne postaje priključimo na omrežja javne razsvetljave, podaja znanja o priklopu polnilnika in optimizaciji delovanja za povečanje moči, ki se pretaka v vozila. Začetne inštalacije kažejo, da kombinacija svetilk, omrežij javne razsvetljave in polnilnic kaže specifične značilnosti. Namen prispevka je podati znanje o implementaciji polnilnic v omrežja javne razsvetljave. Zadnji del prispevka predstavlja rezultate študije primera, ki se osredotoča na padce napetosti in omejitev za namestitev polnilnih postaj
KONCEPTUALNA TEHNO-EKONOMSKA ANALIZA OPREME 210 MW TERMALNE ELEKTRARNE NA TEŽKO OLJE S SISTEMOM ZA SHRANJEVANJE TERMALNE ENERGIJE S POMOČJO STALJENE SOLI ZA OBNOVLJIVE ENERGIJE: ANALIZA PRIMERA TEC NEGOTINO
Full text linkThis study conducts a conceptual techno-economic analysis to explore the possibility of retrofitting a 210 MW thermal heavy-oil power plant, TEC Negotino, with a molten salt thermal energy storage system (a Carnot battery). The proposed approach enables storage of surplus or curtailed renewable electricity on the grid in the form of thermal energy. This initial exploration involves analysing the sensitivity of annual energy yield, load factor, total investment cost, annual O&M cost and levelized cost of a discharging electricity with varying discharging duration, thermal storage capacity and charging duration. The results demonstrate that the most favorable annual roundtrip efficiencies and lowest levelized cost of discharge electricity were obtained for longer discharge duration (in full load hours). This approach of the possibility of repurposing TEC Negotino not only prioritizes the potential for the comprehensive decarbonization of the thermal power plant, but also conserving the majority of jobs within the power plant, making it a sustainable and economically viable initiative.Ta študija izvaja konceptualno tehnično-ekonomsko analizo za raziskovanje možnosti naknadnega opremljanja 210 MW termoelektrarne na težko olje, TEC Negotino, s sistemom za shranjevanje toplotne energije iz staljene soli (Carnotova baterija). Predlagani pristop omogoča shranjevanje presežne ali okrnjene obnovljive električne energije v omrežju v obliki toplotne energije. To začetno raziskovanje vključuje analizo občutljivosti letnega donosa energije, faktorja obremenitve, skupnih naložbenih stroškov, letnih stroškov O&M in izravnanih stroškov odvajanja električne energije z različnim trajanjem praznjenja, kapaciteto toplotnega shranjevanja in trajanjem polnjenja. Rezultati kažejo, da so bili najugodnejši letni povratni izkoristki in najnižji izravnani stroški električne energije za praznjenje doseženi pri daljšem trajanju praznjenja (v urah polne obremenitve). Ta pristop možnosti ponovne namembnosti TEC Negotino ne daje prednosti le potencialu celovite dekarbonizacije termoelektrarne, temveč tudi ohranjanju večine delovnih mest v elektrarni, zaradi česar je to trajnostna in ekonomsko uspešna pobuda
Eksergijska analiza absorpcijskega hladilnega sistema z umetno inteligenco
No full text An artificial intelligence (AI)-based exergy analysis of an absorption cooling system (ACS), utilizing a lithium bromide–water refrigeration cycle, is presented in this paper. The ACS is characterised by the utilisation of the intermediatepressure (IP) extraction steam from the steam turbine for its operation. The exergy analysis of the ACS is detailed, based on AI modelling through a machine learning algorithm, which predicts and optimises the ACS performance. The machine learning algorithm is validated using real process data obtained through ACS measurements via the supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system. The AI results show that the ACS generates 126.71 kW of cooling for district cooling and 279.57 kW of heat, which is used for heating demineralised water. During the analysis period, the ACS consumed an average of 152.86 kW of IP steam, and operated with an average exergy efficiency of 17.3%. The study suggests that the average exergy efficiency of the ACS could be improved by using lower-quality steam, or even hot water, for operation. V tem prispevku je predstavljena eksergijska analiza absorpcijskega hladilnega sistema, ki temelji na umetni inteligenci in deluje na principu hladilnega cikla litijev bromid–voda. Za absorpcijski hladilni sistem je značilno, da za svoje delovanje izkorišča srednjetlačno odjemno paro iz parne turbine. Eksergijska analiza umetne inteligence temelji na modelu strojnega učenja, ki napoveduje in optimizira delovanje absorpcijskega hladilnega sistema. Algoritem strojnega učenja je validiran z uporabo realnih procesnih podatkov. Rezultati kažejo, da absorpcijski hladilni sistem generira 126,71 kW hladu za daljinsko hlajenje in 279,57 kW toplote, ki se porabi za ogrevanje demineralizirane vode. V analiziranem obdobju je absorpcijski hladilni sistem v povprečju porabil 152,86 kW srednjetlačne pare in deloval s povprečnim eksergijskim izkoristkom 17,3 %. Študija nakazuje, da bi lahko eksergijski izkoristek hladilnega sistema izboljšali z uporabo manj kakovostne pogonske pare ali celo z uporabo vroče vode.
A Plaidoyer on State Bankruptcy: Between Economic Reality and Legal Impossibility
Full text linkThe history of financial crises and their serious consequences have made them a key interest for both academics and policymakers. During periods of economic growth, bankruptcy was mainly viewed as a mechanism to eliminate uncompetitive firms. However, current global economic conditions, including inflation, decreased demand, rising production costs, the energy crisis, and financial collapses in certain markets, have made it difficult for many companies to service their debts. Outdated bankruptcy regulations have worsened the situation. In the context of globalization and the internationalization of business, modernizing bankruptcy laws has become essential. Various international institutions have advocated for reforms, including redefining the concept of state bankruptcy. This paper aims to analyze the role of the state in bankruptcy, focusing not on its role as a commercial creditor or debtor but as a potential subject of bankruptcy itself.
Povzetek
Zgodovina finančnih kriz in njihove resne posledice so postale ključnega pomena za akademike in oblikovalce politik. V obdobjih gospodarske rasti se je na stečaj gledalo predvsem kot na mehanizem za izločitev nekonkurenčnih podjetij. Vendar so sedanje svetovne gospodarske razmere, vključno z inflacijo, zmanjšanim povpraševanjem, naraščajočimi proizvodnimi stroški, energetsko krizo in finančnimi zlomi na nekaterih trgih, mnogim podjetjem otežile odplačevanje dolgov. Zastareli stečajni predpisi so razmere še poslabšali. Zaradi globalizacije in internacionalizacije poslovanja je posodobitev stečajne zakonodaje postala nujna. Različne mednarodne institucije so se zavzele za reforme, vključno s ponovno opredelitvijo koncepta državnega stečaja. Namen tega prispevka je analizirati vlogo države v stečaju, pri čemer se ne osredotočamo na njeno vlogo kot poslovnega upnika ali dolžnika, temveč kot potencialnega subjekta samega stečaja.
 
Protection of Workers in Relation to the Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Workplace
Full text linkThis article examines the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on all stages of the employment relationship and analyses whether the current legal framework adequately protects workers from the risks posed by the use of AI in the workplace. The focus is on Slovenian labour law, while also considering relevant international and EU legal sources such as the AI Act, the Directive on Improving Working Conditions in Platform Work, the GDPR, and the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. The author addresses legal challenges including discrimination, data protection, privacy, occupational safety and health, and liability for damages. The article finds that while some protective mechanisms already exist, none of the analysed legal sources comprehensively regulate AI use in employment relationships. To ensure effective worker protection, the author argues for either the amendment of current laws or the adoption of dedicated legislation. Since AI will play an even more significant role in Labour Law in the future, it is crucial for the law to adapt in a timely manner to the new challenges posed by AI.
Povzetek članka v slovenskem jeziku (abstract in Slovene language):
Ta članek obravnava vpliv umetne inteligence na vse faze delovnega razmerja ter analizira, ali obstoječi pravni okvir ustrezno varuje delavce pred tveganji, ki jih prinaša uporaba umetne inteligence v delovnem okolju. Članek se osredotoča na slovensko delovno pravo, pri čemer upošteva in analizira mednarodne in pravne vire EU, kot so Akt o umetni inteligenci, Direktiva o izboljšanju delovnih pogojev pri delu prek spletnih platform, Splošna uredba o varstvu podatkov (GDPR) in Listina EU o temeljnih pravicah. Avtorica obravnava pravne izzive uporabe umetne inteligence v delovnem okolju, kot so diskriminacija, varstvo podatkov, zasebnost, varnost in zdravje pri delu ter odgovornost za povzročeno škodo. Ugotavlja, da čeprav že obstajajo nekateri zaščitni mehanizmi, nobeden izmed analiziranih pravnih virov ne ureja uporabe umetne inteligence v delovnih razmerjih celovito. Za zagotovitev učinkovite zaščite delavcev avtorica zagovarja bodisi spremembo obstoječe zakonodaje bodisi sprejetje posebne zakonodaje. Ker bo umetna inteligenca v prihodnosti igrala še pomembnejšo vlogo na področju delovnega prava, je ključno, da se pravo pravočasno prilagodi novim izzivom, ki jih prinaša umetna inteligenca.
Management of newborns with congenital heart defects in Northeast Slovenia: a single-center retrospective study: Obravnava novorojenčkov s prirojenimi srčnimi napakami v severovzhodnem delu Slovenije: enocentrična retrospektivna raziskava
No full textPurpuse: To compare the epidemiological and clinical characteristics between critical and noncritical congenital heart defects (CHD), and the detection rate of CHD, time of intervention, and outcomes in Slovenia and globally.
Methods: We performed a retrospective observational study of 353 neonates with CHD who were born in the maternity ward at the University Medical Center Maribor between 2018 and 2022. Data were collected from the database at the University Medical Center Maribor and from personal patient files. We compared maternal and infant characteristics between critical and noncritical CHD. The detection rate of CHD, time of intervention, treatment options, and outcomes were also compared among infants with CHD.
Results: The overall incidence of critical CHD was 1.75/1,000 live births, while the incidence of major CHD was 4.4/1,000 live births. Genetic abnormalities were found in 21.4% (n = 3) of children with critical CHD. Critical CHD was identified prior to the patient being released from the maternity ward in 85.7% (n = 12) and after discharge in 14.3% (n = 2). All critical CHD cases were identified based on clinical condition and confirmed by echocardiography. The absence of a heart defect was detected by newborn pulse oximetry screening. A total of 27.5% (n = 97) of pregnancies were affected by gestational diabetes (GDM).
Conclusions: The management of newborns with CHD requires a trained multidisciplinary medical team, as early recognition improves morbidity and prevents mortality. Most CHDs are detected based on clinical conditions, with the diagnosis being confirmed by echocardiography. While the detection of CHD was satisfactory, some newborns with critical CHD were undiagnosed and discharged from the maternity ward. The proportion of undetected infants with CHD may increase in the future if the trend toward earlier discharge continues.Namen: Primerjati epidemiološke in klinične lastnosti med bolniki s kritičnimi in nekritičnimi prirojenimi srčnimi napakami (PSN), ob tem pa primerjati še stopnjo prepoznave PSN, čas ukrepanja in izide zdravljenja z obstoječimi podatki iz literature.
Metode: Izvedli smo retrospektivno opazovalno raziskavo novorojenčkov s PSN, ki so se rodili v porodnišnici Univerzitetnega kliničnega centra Maribor od leta 2018 do konca leta 2022, kar je skupno 353 bolnikov. Podatki so bili zbrani iz podatkovne zbirke zdravstvene obravnave bolnikov Univerzitetnega kliničnega centra Maribor in iz osebnih kartotek bolnikov. Primerjali smo lastnosti mater in otrok med skupino kritičnih in nekritičnih PSN ter čas prepoznave PSN, vrsto zdravljenja in izide zdravljenja glede na podatke iz literature.
Rezultati: Skupna incidenca kritičnih PSN je bila 1,75/1.000 živorojenih otrok in incidenca pomembnih PSN 4,4/1.000 živorojenih otrok. Genetske nepravilnosti so bile najdene pri 21,4 % (n = 3) otrok s kritičnimi PSN. Kritične PSN so bile prepoznane pred odpustom iz porodnišnice v 85,7 % (n = 12), po odpustu iz porodnišnice pa v 14,3 % (n = 2). Vse kritične PSN so bile prepoznane na podlagi klinične slike in potrjene z ultrazvokom srca, nobena kritična PSN ni bila prepoznana na podlagi presejalnega testa s pulzno oksimetrijo. 27,5 % (n = 97) nosečnic, ki so rodile otroka s PSN, je imelo nosečnostno sladkorno bolezen.
Zaključek: Obravnava novorojenčkov s PSN zahteva ustrezno izobražen multidisciplinarni zdravstveni tim, saj zgodnja prepoznava zmanjšuje obolevnost in umrljivost otrok s PSN. Večina PSN je prepoznanih na podlagi klinične slike in potrjenih z ultrazvokom srca. Stopnja prepoznave PSN je zadovoljiva, kljub temu pa še vedno nekaj novorojenčkov s kritičnimi PSN ob odpustu iz porodnišnice ostane neprepoznanih. Delež neprepoznanih kritičnih PSN bi se lahko še povečal, v kolikor se bo nadaljeval trend zgodnjega odpusta novorojenčkov iz porodnišnice