123903 research outputs found
Sort by
Okoljske vsebine kot del naravoslovnih ciljev trajnostnega razvoja v 6. in 7. razredu osnovne šole v Sloveniji
No full textSlovenian science education in Grades 6 and 7 (11- and 12-year-old students) of primary school focuses on the integration of various science subjects. According to the current Slovenian science curriculum, environmental concepts, as a part of science oriented sustainable development goals, are an integral part of the subject of science. In 2026, a new science curriculum will be introduced in the education system to provide students and teachers with competences for sustainable development. Consequently, the aim of this study is 1) to analyse old (valid prior to the 2010/2011 school year) and current 6th and 7th-grade Slovenian science curriculum for primary school from an environmental and sustainability perspective, and 2) to investigate textual and pictorial material of four 6th grade and four 7th grade textbooks available for students in the current school year (2023/24) of primary school, that relate to environmental content, as well as their overall structure. The analysis of the textbooks showed that all textbooks explain some environmental topics recommended by the national curriculum. The text is supported by pictorial elements that present phenomena with realistic pictures on the macrolevel. The present study suggests that some environmental content is present in 6th- and 7th-grade science textbooks that are consistent with the learning goals of the curriculum but that a significant amount of sustainability content is missing. For this reason, the curriculum reform currently underway in Slovenia should more clearly include the implementation and thoroughly consider the integration of science-oriented sustainable development goals into the science curriculum in Grades 6 and 7.Naravoslovno izobraževanje v 6. in 7. razredu (učenci v starosti 11 in 12 let) osnovne šole v Sloveniji se osredinja na povezovanje različnih naravoslovnih predmetov. Po veljavnem učnem načrtu za naravoslovje so okoljski pojmi kot del naravoslovnih ciljev trajnostnega razvoja sestavni del predmeta naravoslovje. Leta 2026 bo v slovenski izobraževalni sistem uveden nov učni načrt za naravoslovje, ki bo vseboval tudi kompetence za trajnostni razvoj. Cilja raziskave sta: 1) analizirati stari (veljaven pred šolskim letom 2010/2011) in trenutni slovenski učni načrt za naravoslovje za 6. in 7. razred osnovne šole z okoljskega in s trajnostnega vidika2) raziskati besedilno in slikovno gradivo štirih učbenikov za 6. razred in štirih učbenikov za 7. razred osnovne šole, ki so na voljo učencem v tekočem šolskem letu (2023/24) in se nanašajo na okoljske vsebine, ter njihovo celotno strukturo. Analiza učbenikov je pokazala, da vsi učbeniki pojasnjujejo nekatere okoljske teme, ki jih priporoča trenutno veljavni učni načrt. Besedila v učbenikih so podprta s slikovnimi elementi, ki pojave prikazujejo z realističnimi fotografijami na makro ravni. Raziskava nakazuje, da je nekaj okoljskih vsebin zajetih v naravoslovnih učbenikih za 6. in 7. razred osnovne šole, ki so skladni z učnimi cilji trenutno veljavnega učnega načrta, vendar manjka precejšnji del vsebin, ki se nanašajo na trajnostni razvoj. Načrtovana reforma učnih načrtov, ki trenutno poteka v Sloveniji, bi morala jasneje implementirati naravoslovne cilje trajnostnega razvoja v učni načrt za naravoslovje v 6. in 7. razredu osnovne šole ter podati smernice, kako te cilje realizirati pri pouku tega predmeta
A survey on bipartite graphs embedding
No full textResearch on graph representation learning (a.k.a. embedding) has received great attention in recent years and shows effective results for various types of networks. Nevertheless, few initiatives have been focused on the particular case of embeddings for bipartite graphs. In this paper, we first define the graph embedding problem in the case of bipartite graphs. Next, we propose a taxonomy of approaches used to tackle this problem and draw a description of state-of-the-art methods. Then, we establish their pros and cons with respect to conventional network embeddings. Finally, we provide a description of available resources to lead experiments on the subject
The role and importance of regulatory sandboxes for artificial intelligence
No full textZ razvojem umetne inteligence, ki je vedno bolj prisotna v vsakdanjem življenju vse več posameznikov in poleg številnih koristi prinaša tudi resna tveganja, raste tudi zavedanje o potrebi po človekovem nadzoru nad njo. Evropska unija (EU) je z Aktom o umetni inteligenci, ki je začel veljati avgusta 2024, vzpostavila prvo neposredno zavezujočo pravno ureditev na področju UI, ki od držav članic EU zahteva uvedbo regulativnih peskovnikov kot nadzorovanih okolij za testiranje inovativnih umetnointeligenčnih rešitev. Učinkovitost regulativnih peskovnikov za umetno inteligenco v državah članicah EU bo nedvomno odvisna od izvedbenih aktov Evropske komisije ter od natančne zasnove posameznih peskovnikov in konkretne izvedbe testiranja v njih. Avtorja obravnavata pomen in vlogo tovrstnih peskovnikov ter smiselnost njihovega drobljenja na ravni držav članic. Poudarjata, da bi bilo v okviru EU verjetno učinkoviteje razmišljati o skupnem peskovniku ali vsaj o več skupnih peskovnikih, zasnovanih po posameznih področjih na ravni celotne EU. Za učinkovito globalno rešitev pa bi bilo smiselno oblikovati regulativni peskovnik za umetno inteligenco na globalni mednarodni ravni, na primer v okviru Organizacije združenih narodov, saj umetna inteligenca v svojem razvoju in rabi ne pozna meja. To se zdi za zdaj težko uresničljivo v kontekstu aktualnih mednarodnih odnosov. Zato bi bilo treba premisliti o vzpostavitvi globalne spletne platforme za umetno inteligenco, namenjene oblikovanju smernic in priporočil, testiranju umetnointeligenčnih sistemov ter izobraževanju o umetni inteligenci.With the development of artificial intelligence, which is increasingly present in the everyday lives of a growing number of individuals and, alongside numerous benefits, also poses serious risks, awareness of the need for human control is rising. With the Artificial Intelligence Act, which came into force in August 2024, the European Union (EU) established the first directly binding legal framework in the field of artificial intelligence, requiring Member States to introduce regulatory sandboxes as controlled environments for testing innovative artificial intelligence solutions. The effectiveness of these sandboxes in EU Member States will undoubtedly depend on the implementing acts of the European Commission, as well as on the detailed design of each sandbox and the specific methods of testing applied. This article examines the significance and role of such sandboxes and the advisability of fragmenting them at the Member State level. It argues that within the EU, it would likely be more effective to establish a common sandbox or at least several shared sandboxes dedicated to specific sectors at the EU level. For an effective global solution, it would be sensible to create a regulatory sandbox for artificial intelligence at the international level, for example within the United Nations, since artificial intelligence development and application transcend national borders. However, this appears difficult to achieve in the current context of international relations. Therefore, consideration should be given to establishing a global online platform for artificial intelligence, aimed at developing guidelines and recommendations, testing artificial intelligence systems, and providing education on their use
Population structure of genotypes and genome-wide association studies of cannabinoids and terpenes synthesis in hemp (Cannabis sativa L.)
No full textHemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is one of the oldest cultivated plants in the world. It is a wind-pollinated and heterozygous species, and diverse phenotypes can occur within population varieties. In our study, three different hemp varieties—(‘Carmagnola Selected’ (CS), ‘Tiborszallasi’ (TS) and ‘Finola selection’ (FS))—were grown. Based on visual characteristics, two, five and four phenotypes were identified within CS, TS and FS, respectively. According to Cannabis sativa L. transcriptome data from the Sequence Read Archive (SRA), 4631 single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) positions were identified to develop capture probes. DNA was isolated from 171 plants representing selected phenotypes of three cultivars. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) libraries were constructed and hybridized with capture probes for target enrichment. The population structure of the samples was analyzed using SNP data for each genotype. Based on genotype profiles, CS formed a single cluster, while TS and FS were each grouped into two clusters, with phenotypes randomly distributed among them. The GWAS results were visualized using Manhattan plots. Fourteen significant SNPs surpassing the false discovery rate (FDR) of 0.01 were identified for delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-9-THC). For cannabigerol (CBG), 12 significant SNPs were detected, and for myrcene, one SNP exceeded the 0.01 FDR threshold. However, plausible genes located 1000 bp to the left and right of the SNP position were identified for all significant SNPs
Uporabniško usmerjeni mehatronski sistemi s pnevmatičnimi aktuatorji
No full textThis paper introduces six novel mechatronic systems driven by pneumatic actuators, developed as in- structional models aimed at enhancing the education of mechanical engineering students in pneumatic power systems and automatic control. The initial system presented is an autonomous vehicle prototype powered entirely by compressed air, utilizing pneumatic artificial muscles for propulsion. Subsequently, the article presents three robotic manipulators actuated pneumatically: a delta robot equipped with a vac- uum gripper, a robotic arm with a flexible gripper, and a conveyor-based manipulator capable of obstacle avoidance. The final section focuses on two systems with potential industrial applications: a pneumatic screw drive mechanism and an automated pneumatic sorting machine designed for bean classification. Together, these six systems offer practical demonstrations of pneumatic technology in automation, pro- viding effective hands-on learning platforms for mechatronics and control engineering education
Differential effects of amphetamine on ultrasonic vocalizations and locomotor activity in a rat model of endogenous depression
No full textThe Wistar-Kyoto rat strain (WKY) is a model for treatment-resistant depression, exhibiting behaviors indicative of anhedonia. Although anhedonia is measured using the sucrose preference test (SPT), 50-kHz ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) hold promise as a complementary assessment tool. This study aimed to detect whether 50-kHz USVs differ in the WKY rats compared to control Wistar (W) rats. First, WKY and W rats were compared for their basal 50-kHz calls. Then, rats were repeatedly treated with four administrations of either amphetamine (AMPH) or morphine (MORPH), and 50-kHz calls were recorded. In addition, the drug-evoked locomotor activity, sucrose consumption in the SPT, and the time spent in the drug- vs. saline-paired compartment in the conditioned place preference (CPP) test were collected. WKY rats emitted fewer basal calls and fewer calls following the first and the fourth AMPH administration. Contrary to controls, AMPH did not affect the number of calls in WKY rats following the first administration. WKY also displayed reduced AMPH-induced locomotor activity and sucrose consumption in the SPT. MORPH did not affect USVs or locomotion in either strain. The results highlight the benefits of 50-kHz calls as a complementary behavioral marker for assessing anhedonia in preclinical models of depression
Multi-agent path planning for a fleet of automated guided vehicles in industrial setting with charging stations
No full textV članku je predstavljen pristop, ki omogoča učinkovito načrtovanje poti za več agentov. Okolje je opisano z grafom, ki predstavlja omrežje cest in križišč za vozila različnih oblik in hitrosti. Načrtovanje temelji na algoritmu za načrtovanje poti z varnimi intervali, prioritetami in varnimi mesti, kar omogoča vseživljenjsko delovanje. Algoritem je kompleten in daje skoraj optimalne poti, ki so časovno in prostorsko zvezne. Algoritem smo dopolnili z ocenjevanjem energije baterije, kar omogoča iskanje le izvedljivih planov. Z dopolnitvijo algoritma za implicitno iskanje plana do optimalnega cilja iz nabora ciljev pa lahko dosežemo izbiro varnega mesta ali polnilnice že med načrtovanjem poti. Predlagani pristop je praktično uporaben v raznovrstnih realnih industrijskih scenarijih pri nalogah razvažanja materiala znotraj industrijskega okolja, pri čemer upoštevamo, da morajo agenti med izvajanjem nalog po potrebi tudi v polnilnice. Analizirali smo tudi računsko učinkovitost algoritma glede na število vozil in velikost zemljevida. Rezultati kažejo, da je predstavljeni pristop računsko učinkovit tudi pri velikem številu vozil in v primeru velikih zemljevidov.The paper presents an approach that enables efficient multi-agent path planning. The environment is described by a graph that represents a network of roads and crossroads for vehicles of different shapes and velocities. The multi-agent pathfinding approach is based on a safe interval path planning algorithm with priorities and safe locations, which together allow for lifelong operation. The algorithm is complete and it produces near-optimal plans that are continuous in time and space. We have extended the algorithm with battery energy estimation, which allows finding only feasible plans. Since we also added an option that implicitly selects an optimal goal in a set of goals, we can achieve selection of a safe location or charging station already during planning. The proposed approach is practically applicable in a wide variety of realistic industrial scenarios for material handling within industrial setting, where charging of the agents during execution of the tasks is also considered. We also analysed the computational efficiency of the algorithm with respect to the number of vehicles and the size of the map. The results show that the presented approach is computationally efficient even in the case of a large number of vehicles and large maps
Optimizing production layout and logistics using a digital twin at Unior
No full textPrispevek prikazuje uporabo digitalnega dvojčka kot ključnega orodja za optimizacijo tlorisov in notranje logistike v podjetju UNIOR. Zaradi zaprtja ene izmed proizvodnih enot je bilo potrebno preseliti več strojev in tehnologij na dve obstoječi lokaciji, pri čemer je bil cilj zagotoviti učinkovito razporeditev brez dodatnih gradbenih posegov. Z uporabo digitalnega dvojčka smo izvedli natančne simulacije, analizirali različne scenarije in optimizirali materialne tokove, kar je omogočilo povečanje števila izvedenih operacij za več kot 320 %, skrajšanje poti materialov za 43 % ter odpravo potrebe po zunanjih logističnih storitvah. Primerjava z začetno rešitvijo, pripravljeno pred začetkom optimizacije, je pokazala, da pristop z digitalnim dvojčkom vodi do bistveno boljše učinkovitosti, boljše izrabe prostora in racionalizacije notranje logistike. Prispevek ne prikazuje le uspešnega primera reorganizacije proizvodnih kapacitet, temveč tudi dokazuje, da je digitalni dvojček nepogrešljivo orodje pri optimizaciji in reorganizaciji obstoječih proizvodnih postavitev v sodobnem industrijskem okolju.This paper presents the optimization efforts at the company UNIOR. Following the closure of one of its
production units, it was necessary to relocate several machines and technologies to two existing locations, with the goal of achieving an efficient arrangement with minimal construction interventions. Using the digital twin, we conducted precise simulations, analysed various scenarios, and optimized material flows, which enabled a more than 320% increase in the number of operations performed, a 43% reduction in material transport distances, and the elimination of the need for external logistics services. To support analysis and decision-making, we also used Sankey diagrams, which visualized the intensity and direction of material flows and significantly contributed to identifying bottlenecks and selecting the optimal layout. A comparison with the initial layout, developed based on expert knowledge without the use of simulation tools, showed that the digital twin approach leads to significantly better efficiency, improved space utilization, and more streamlined internal logistics. The paper not only presents a successful case of production capacity reorganization but also demonstrates that the digital twin is an indispensable tool for optimizing and reorganizing existing production setups in modern industrial environments
Strategic PAD positioning
No full textBackground Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is a major contributor to overall morbidity and mortality. Survival depends on several factors, including rhythm shockability and timely defibrillationfor the latter, the availability of Public Access Defibrillators (PADs) is crucial. Across countries, PADs can be a limited resource, necessitating strategic placement to ensure optimal accessibility and effective utilization. The objective of this scoping review was to analyse existing experience with PAD positioning and to identify potential for the geospatial optimisation of PAD positioning.
Methods An electronic search of PubMed and Scopus databases was performed to identify studies on PAD positioning. We included peer-reviewed articles as well as graduate and undergraduate theses, and excluded conference abstracts, books, and book chapters. Only English-language publications were considered. A Risk of Bias analysis was conducted and reported using Mixed Method Appraisal Tool. We adhered to PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Using the PCC framework, the Population was the general public, the Concept was PAD optimization, and the Context ranged from buildings to nations. Data charting was done manually. We quantitatively synthesized findings from included studies based on extracted data and Synthesis Without Meta-Analysis guidelines.
Results We included 43 works, mostly from North America. We found substantial diversity in study methodologies, outcome measures and results reporting. Within buildings, PADs are recommended to be positioned centrally or in elevators. Outside, places with high-footfall were preferred. Optimisation models most often employed the Maximal Covering Location Problem. Most studies based their models on the locations of existing and candidate PADs, alongside historical or simulated OHCA occurrences, and tried to minimise that distance.
Conclusions In this scoping review of studies optimising PAD network deployment, we found that PAD network optimisation is feasible and improves coverage of historical OHCA locations. Data-driven positioning strategies should incorporate historical OHCA locations, population health indicators, and socioeconomic variables to identify high-risk zones effectively and inform appropriate PAD density. Future studies should adopt prospective and real-world design, while adhering to guidelines for reporting results
Political trust, the challenges faced by democracies, and democratic innovations
No full textThis special issue focuses on trust in political institutions, the challenges faced by democracies, and democratic innovations. Modern representative democracies encounter multiple challenges and criticisms associated with the quality of democracy and representation. Even though public opinion polls reveal a long‑term trend of decline or low levels of trust in the most important representative bodies and satisfaction with the functioning of democracy, citizens still believe that democracy is the most suitable form of government. In recent years, with the aim of responding to these challenges debate has intensified with regard to various democratic innovations, changes in media, the education system, together with new approaches to deal with the different system problems. Alongside all of this, new technologies and artificial intelligence have emerged as a particular challenge to democracy and representation. In this special issue, we look at various aspects of trust in representative institutions and citizens’ satisfaction with the functioning of democracy, and in addition the challenges of and opportunities for increasing political trust