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A tribological perspective on friction and performance in Olympic snow and ice sports
No full textWith 62% of medals at the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina to be awarded in skiing disciplines and the remaining 38% in ice-based events, understanding the determinants of performance is critical. Despite extensive examination of athletes’ physiological, biomechanical, and psychological attributes, the role of tribology—particularly in understanding friction on snow and ice—has received less attention. This is a scientific perspective article outlining key tribological factors and highlighting their importance in Olympic winter sports. In skiing, optimising the ski–snow interaction requires a comprehensive understanding of how friction is influenced by snow crystal morphology, temperature, ski base material and structure, ski stiffness, skier technique, and environmental conditions. For ice-based events, friction is determined by a combination of ice surface roughness, temperature, and sport-specific preparation techniques, as well as equipment design (e.g. blade material and geometry, the running surface finish of curling stones) and athlete technique (e.g. angle of attack in speed skating, sweeping in curling). Ice preparation techniques further influence friction, with specific conditions tailored to each sport. In conclusion, advancements in Olympic winter sports have been significant. However, future breakthroughs in performance may lie in applying tribological insights to optimise the complex interactions between athletes, equipment, and the unique properties of snow and ice. This perspective article aims to guide future research by synthesising current understanding and identifying emerging challenges in winter sports tribology
The role of daily leadership in promoting playful work design
No full textThis study uses leadership and proactive motivation theories to argue that on days when leaders engage in transformational or ebullient leadership behaviors, they encourage followers to playfully redesign their work tasks – i.e., take personal initiative to make work more fun and more challenging. While transformational leaders inspire confidence in employees’ capabilities through vision, personal attention, and intellectual stimulation (fostering ‘can do’ and ‘reason to’ proactive motivation), ebullient leaders foster a positive workplace by using humor, organizing fun activities, and seizing opportunities to enhance enjoyment (fostering the ‘energized to’ state of proactive motivation). We hypothesize that both leadership behaviors are related to follower flourishing and task performance through follower playful work design. A total of 147 employees completed at least three out of five daily questionnaires (response = 75.78 %n = 689). Multilevel modeling analyses largely supported our hypotheses. When leaders demonstrated transformational or ebullient behaviors, employees were more likely to engage in playful work design, which subsequently boosted their flourishing and task performance. These effects remained consistent after accounting for previous-day levels of employee playful work design and work outcomes, underscoring the robustness of the results. We discuss how these findings contribute to the leadership and proactive motivation literatures by showing how leaders encourage their followers to proactively and playfully lead themselves. In addition, we elaborate on the practical implications for leadership training and development
Sport as an economic and social phenomenon within the labor market context
No full textČlanek obravnava povezave med športom in trgom dela na podlagi bibliometrične analize 289 znanstvenih člankov, objavljenih v revijah, indeksiranih v Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI). Z metodo analize povezovanja besed smo ugo-tovili osem tematskih grozdov, ki razkrivajo glavne razisko-valne usmeritve. Te segajo od vprašanj ekonomike profesio-nalnega športa (plačne strukture, konkurenčno ravnotežje, diskriminacija), raziskav o človeškem kapitalu in dvojni karieri športnikov do širših družbenih učinkov udeležbe v športu na zdravje, zaposljivost in socialno vključenost. Rezultati kažejo, da je šport edinstveni laboratorij za proučevanje ekonomskih in družbenih procesov ter odpira pomembna vprašanja za športne organizacije, izobraževalne institucije in oblikovalce javnih politik. Prispevek tako ponuja celoviti vpogled v razvoj raziskovalnega področja ter poudarja priložnosti za prihodnje raziskave, ki vključujejo digitalizacijo, migracije športnikov in trajnostne vidike trga dela, povezanega s športomThis article examines the intersection between sport and the labor market through a bibliometric analysis of 289 scientific articles published in journals indexed in the Social Sciences Ci-tation Index (SSCI). Using co-word analysis, eight thematic clus-ters were identified, reflecting the intellectual structure of this research field. The clusters highlight three broader themes: the economics of professional sport (wage structures, competitive balance, discrimination), sport as a generator of human capital and employability (education, dual careers, mobility), and sport as a source of social capital and inclusion (health, youth participation, inequality). The findings demonstrate that sport represents a unique laboratory for studying economic and social processes, while simultaneously raising important practi-cal issues for sport organizations, educational institutions, and policymakers. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the development of research in this area and identifies future opportunities related to digitalization, athlete migration, and the sustainability of the sport labor market
Synthesis and evaluation of quinoline-based caspase-1 inhibitors with diverse electrophilic warheads
No full textNevrodegenerativne bolezni, med katere sodita tudi Alzheimerjeva in Parkinsonova bolezen, so posledica postopnega propadanja nevronov v centralnem živčnem sistemu, pri njihovem nastanku in napredovanju pa pomembno vlogo igra kronično nevrovnetje. V fizioloških pogojih mikroglija in astrociti skrbijo za vzdrževanje homeostaze ter odstranjevanje poškodovanih celičnih struktur in patogenov, ob dolgotrajni aktivaciji pa začnejo sproščati večje količine provnetnih mediatorjev, kot so citokini, kemokini in reaktivne kisikove zvrsti, kar prispeva k okvari nevronov in nadaljnji nevrodegeneraciji. Pomemben del tega odziva predstavljajo citosolni multiproteinski kompleksi imenovani inflamasomi, ki se sestavljajo ob zaznavi za patogene značilnih molekulskih motivov in s poškodbo povezanih molekulskih motivov. Inflamasomi aktivirajo proteolitične encime – kaspaze, med drugimi kaspazo-1, ki z aktivacijo citokinov IL-1β in IL-18 ter cepitvijo gasdermina D sproži vnetje in piroptotično celično smrt. Zaradi vpliva kaspaze-1 na nevrovnetje se zaviranje kaspaze-1 obravnava kot potencialen terapevtski pristop pri upočasnjevanju napredovanja nevrodegenerativnih bolezni.
V okviru magistrske naloge smo pripravili serijo analogov kinolina kot potencialnih kovalentnih zaviralcev kaspaze-1. Kot aromatsko jedro smo uporabili kinolin-2-karboksilno kislino, na katero smo preko amidne vezi pripeli distančnike različne dolžine. Na distančnike smo uvedli etilendiaminski fragment in na terminalni amin pripeli različne elektrofilne bojne glave, ki bi se lahko v aktivnem mestu kovalentno vezale na katalitični Cys285. Identiteto pripravljenih spojin smo preverili s spektroskopskimi metodami in masno spektrometrijo, nato pa končnim derivatom preverili učinkovitost zaviranja encimske aktivnosti človeške, rekombinantne kaspaze-1. Za oceno selektivnosti smo preverili tudi vpliv končnih derivatov na človeško rekombinantno kaspazo-6 ter monoamin oksidazi A in B. Večina pripravljenih spojin ni zavirala kaspaze-1. Najverjetnejša razlaga za šibko zaviralno aktivnost na kaspazi-1 je neustrezno prileganje spojin v aktivno mesto kaspaze-1, saj lahko odsotnost ustrezne funkcionalne skupine za tvorbo interakcij v vezavnem žepu S1 prepreči, da bi se elektrofilna bojna glava postavila dovolj blizu katalitičnega Cys285 za učinkovito kovalentno vezavo.Neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, are characterized by the progressive loss of neurons in the central nervous system, with chronic neuroinflammation playing a key role in their onset and progression. Under physiological conditions, microglia and astrocytes maintain homeostasis and remove damages cellular components and pathogens. However, prolonged activation of these cells leads to the excessive release of pro-inflammatory mediators, such as cytokines, chemokines and reactive oxygen species, which contributes to neuronal damage and further neurodegeneration. An important component of this inflammatory response is the formation of cytosolic multiprotein complexes known as inflammasomes, which assemble upon recognition of pathogen-associated molecular patterns and damage-associated molecular patterns. Inflammasomes activate proteolytic enzymes of the caspase family, including caspase-1, which induces inflammation and pyroptotic cell death through the maturation of cytokines IL-1β and IL-18 and the cleavage of gasdermin D. Due to the central role of caspase-1 in neuroinflammation, it’s inhibition is considered a potential therapeutic strategy for slowing the progression of neurodegenerative diseases.
In this thesis, a series of quinoline analogues were prepared as potential covalent inhibitors of caspase-1. Quinoline-2-carboxylic acid was selected as the aromatic core and functionalized via an amide bond with linkers of varying length. An ethylenediamine fragment was introduced onto the linkers and various electrophilic warheads were attached to the terminal amine, enabling potential binding to the catalytic Cys285 residue in the active site. The identity of the synthesized compounds was confirmed using spectroscopic methods and mass spectrometry. The inhibitory activity of the final derivatives was determined against human recombinant caspase-1. To assess selectivity, compounds were also tested against human recombinant caspase-6 and monoamine oxidases A and B. Most of the prepared compounds did not inhibit caspase-1. The reason for the lack of caspase-1 inhibition is most likely to be insufficient binding affinity of the ligands towards the active site. In particular, the absence of a functional group capable of establishing key interactions within the S1 pocket may prevent the electrophilic warhead form being positioned sufficiently close to the catalytic Cys285 residue to enable efficient covalent bond formation
Ekonomski vplivi na obnašanje literarnih oseb v literaturi Toma Podstenška
No full textČlanek analizira, kako gospodarska kriza vpliva na literarne like in okolico v leposlovnih delih Toma Podstenška. V obravnavanem romanu Sodba v imenu ljudstva pride tudi do načrtnih umorov in incidentov, ki so posledica želje protagonistov po uničenju elit, vendar množica izkoriščenih v sistemu vseeno pokaže zaverovanost v gospodarske in politične voditelje. Prav ti povzročajo in ustvarjajo ekonomsko krizo, za kar pa nikoli ne odgovarjajo. Ekonomske posledice se kažejo tudi v določenih kratkih zgodbah, v katerih Podstenšek na podlagi dialogov in okoliščin prikaže slabši ekonomski položaj zlasti mladih.This article analyses how the economic crisis affects literary characters and their environment in the works of Tomo Podstenšek. In the novel Sodba v imenu ljudstva (Judgement in the Name of the People), one even sees murder and other incidents as the result of an urge to destroy the elites, but at the same time the crowds also show blind faith in them. They are creating and causing the economic crisis, but they never bear responsibility. The economic consequences of this are visible in some short stories in which the author sheds light on poor economic circumstances, especially of younger people
Vrednotenje in kanonizacija pripovedi Ivanke Hergold
No full textLiterarni opus Ivanke Hergold še ni primerno ovrednoten, zato v razpravi poskušamo vrednotiti roman Nož in jabolko (vzporedno tudi prve zbirke kratke pripovedi) in razkriti vsaj nekaj razlogov, zakaj še ni kanoniziran. Pri tem sem ugotovila, da Nož in jabolko z naštetimi inovacijami ni presegel samo slovenskih eksistencialističnih in modernističnih standardov, ampak mestoma tudi evropske: usmerjenost k avtentičnosti bivanja in izrekanja, subverzivni vstopi v simbole in podobe nonsensa, zvočnost posredovanega govora in estetska filigranskost opisov.Ivanka Hergold’s literary work has not yet been adequately evaluated, and so this discussion seeks to demonstrate the high quality of the novel Nož in jabolko (Knife andApple), together with her first collection of short stories, and to shed light on at least some reasons why it has not yet been canonized. In doing so, it was found that the innovation sin Nož in jabolko not only exceeded Slovenian existentialist and modernist standards, but in places also European ones: orientation toward the authenticity of being and saying, subversive entries into symbols and images of nonsense, melodiousness of mediated speech, and an aesthetic filigree of descriptions
Prevajanje v razvojnem in proračunskem načrtovanju Republike Slovenije
No full textPrispevek obravnava prevajanje v razvojnem in proračunskem načrtovanju Republike Slovenije. Oriše proces programskega načrtovanja proračunskih izdatkov in se v tem okviru osredotoča na prezrtost prevajalcev. Novost prispevka je predvsem obravnava prevajanja z javnofinančnega in upravljavskega vidika ter povezovanje prevajanja s cilji trajnostnega razvoja.This article deals with translation in development planning and budget planning in Slovenia. It outlines the program approach in planning budget expenditures, focusing on the fact that translators are being ignored. The innovative contribution of the article primarily lies in its consideration of translation from a fiscal and management perspective as well as the connection between translation and sustainable development goals
Podoba Čehov v slovenskem leposlovju
No full textČehi (in Moravci) so kot literarni liki v slovenski literaturi precej navzoči. Prispevek poskuša pokazati, kako se je skozi čas spreminjala njihova imagološka podoba. Pri tem se opira na ljudsko pesem, Gregorčičevi pesmi, Govekarjevo in Cankarjevo prozo, Murnikovo humoresko, iz prvih desetletij po drugi svetovni vojni na fragmente Kosmačevega in Zupanovega romana ter Šalamunovo pesem, med mlajšimi avtorji pa na Skubica, Čaterja, Cestnika in Liu Zakrajšek.Czechs (including Moravians) as literary characters have a strong presence in Slovenian literature. This article shows how their imagological character has changed over time. It relies on folk poetry, Gregorčič’s poems, Govekar’s and Cankar’s prose, and Murnik’s humor among older literature, on fragments of Kosmač’s and Zupan’s novels and Šalamun’s poetry from the first decades after the Second World War, and on Skubić, Čater, Cestnik, and Liu Zakrajšek among younger authors
Reduced cardiovascular mortality at moderate altitude
No full textAbstract Epidemiological evidence suggests that living at a moderate altitude (i.e. between 1000 and 2500 m) is associated with lower overall mortality, particularly from cardiovascular diseases. The underlying mechanisms have been scarcely investigated, although environmental and lifestyle factors likely play prominent roles. This review aims to shed light on two important modulators of cardiovascular health and mortality, that is, physical activity and body mass, and to explore how these factors interact with altitude. The lifestyle habits of people living at moderate altitudes have been shown to differ from individuals living at low altitudes. In addition the environmental conditions, notably the hypobaric hypoxia, at moderate altitudes influence the physiological parameters associated with these habits. Specifically engaging in the same physical activity at moderate altitude compared to low altitude results in enhanced cardiovascular responses and specific metabolic responses, potentially imparting benefits related to the cardiovascular system and body composition. Conversely mild hypobaric hypoxia can suppress appetite and food intake, leading to lower overall body mass and decreased risk of obesity. Exercise or sleep can accentuate the hypoxic stimuli at moderate altitudes and, like hypoxia conditioning, elicit adaptations such as improved oxygen supply, reduced dependence on oxygen and increased cellular/tissue resilience. These effects may prove beneficial for the cardiovascular and metabolic systems and contribute to lower mortality rates observed in moderate altitude residents
Finding meaning at work
No full textThis study examines the role of entrepreneurship in fostering meaningful work. Using a qualitative approach, in‐depth interviews were conducted with entrepreneurs and employees to explore differences in their perception of work meaning. The findings suggest that entrepreneurs experience higher levels of meaningfulness at work due to greater autonomy, purpose‐driven engagement, and self‐actualization opportunities. Employees, on the other hand, often experience constraints that hinder the experience of meaningfulness. This study contributes to the understanding of work meaningfulness by highlighting the distinct factors that influence the entrepreneurial and employee work experience. Additionally, the discussion explores implications for organizational design, policy recommendations, and the broader impact of work meaningfulness on well‐being, productivity, and economic sustainability. The research findings provide a deeper insight into the impact of meaningful work on individual and organizational success.Ta študija raziskuje povezavo med delom in smiselnostjo, pri čemer se osredotoča na podjetništvo kot možno pot do globljega doživljanja smisla pri delu. Na podlagi spoznanj iz organizacijskega vedenja, pozitivne in eksistencialne psihologije preučuje, kako podjetniki in zaposleni dojemajo pomen svojega dela ter kateri dejavniki prispevajo k občutku smiselnosti. Kvalitativna raziskava, ki temelji na poglobljenih intervjujih s podjetniki in zaposlenimi, razkriva, da so ključni dejavniki smiselnega dela avtonomija, kreativnost in občutek namena. Podjetniki pogosto poročajo o večji smiselnosti svojega dela v primerjavi z zaposlenimi, saj imajo večjo svobodo pri oblikovanju svojega delovnega okolja. Študija poudarja vlogo samotranscendence pri doživljanju smiselnosti ter nakazuje, da podjetništvo lahko ponuja edinstveno priložnost za posameznike, ki iščejo izpolnitev onkraj finančnega uspeha. Ugotovitve prispevajo k širšemu razumevanju smiselnega dela in imajo pomembne posledice za oblikovanje delovnih mest ter organizacijsko vedenje