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Slovenska operna ustvarjalnost in slovenski roman
No full textOd začetkov slovenskega opernega ustvarjanja do leta 1980 sta bili na podlagi slovenskega romana uglasbeni le dve operi (R. Savin, Lepa Vida in M. Polič, Deseti brat). V referatu se sprašujem, ali je taka številka majhna v primerjavi z evropsko operno produkcijo, nastalo po romanesknih predlogah. Savinovo in Poličevo delo postavim najprej v kontekst zvrsti drame lyrique, ki je prispevala največ opernih predelav romanov, pri čemer pridem do sklepa, da je pravi glasbeno-zgodovinski kontekst, znotraj katerega moram razumeti Savinovo in Poličevo ustvarjanje, kriza operne zvrsti na začetku 20. stoletja, izhod iz katere je predstavljala t. i. literarna opera. Zato sklep prinaša dvoumno ugotovitev, da je bolj vprašljivo, zakaj ni nastalo več slovenskih literarnih oper kot zakaj se ni več slovenskih skladateljev lotilo operne obdelave slovenskega romana.From the beginnings of Slovene operatic productivity up to 1980, only two operas were based on Slovene novels, i.e., Lepa Vida by R. Savin and Deseti brat by M. Polič. The paper poses the question whether this number is small compared to European operatic production based on novels. Savin\u27s and Polič’s work is placed in the context of the genre of drame lyrique, which contributed the greatest number of operatic remakes of novels. The author comes to the conclusion that the real
musical-historical context necessary to understand Savin’s and Polič’s work is the crisis of the operatic genre at the beginning of the 20th c., and the so-called Literaturoper represented the only way out of this crisis. The conclusion offers an ambiguous finding that it is more questionable why more Slovene literature-operas were not composed than why more Slovene composers did not tackle the operatic treatment of the Slovene novel
Vpliv biološkega zdravljenja na simptomsko obremenitev in funkcionalno prizadetost pri bolnikih z migreno
No full textIntroduction
This study aims to assess the effectiveness of biological therapies in reducing migraine-related symptom burden and functional disability, including reductions in monthly migraine days, pain intensity, and analgesic consumption, among patients with migraine in Slovenia.
Methods
This retrospective study analysed 92 adult patients with migraine receiving prophylactic biological treatment at the University Medical Centre Ljubljana. Average number of monthly migraine days (MMD), average analgesic consumption, pain intensity (VAS), and functional disability score (MIDAS) were collected before treatment and after 3 and 12 months. Statistical analysis involved the Friedman test to assess changes over time, followed by Wilcoxon tests with Bonferroni correction for post hoc comparisons.
Results
83 patients completed 12 months of treatment. Significant reductions (p < 0.001) were observed in MMD (median 10 vs. 2 days), analgesic consumption, VAS scores (median 8 vs. 4), and MIDAS scores after 3 months (median 19 vs. 2), sustained at 12 months. Treatment discontinuation occurred in 9 patients due to inefficacy or side effects. Most patients tolerated biologics well, with mild adverse effects reported.
Conclusions
Biological therapies significantly reduced migraine-related symptom burden and functional disability, including decreases in migraine frequency, pain intensity, and analgesic use, in a Slovenian migraine cohort. These findings support the use of biologics as effective and safe options for migraine prevention in real-world clinical practice.Uvod
Namen raziskave je bil oceniti učinkovitost biološkega zdravljenja pri zmanjševanju simptomske obremenitve in funkcionalne prizadetosti pri bolnikih z migreno v Sloveniji, vključno z zmanjšanjem mesečnega števila migrenskih dni, intenzivnosti bolečine in porabe analgetikov.
Metode
V retrospektivni študiji smo analizirali 92 odraslih bolnikov z diagnozo migrene, zdravljenih z biološkimi zdravili v Univerzitetnem kliničnem centru Ljubljana. Zbrali smo podatke o povprečnem številu migrenskih dni na mesec (MMD), povprečni porabi analgetikov, intenzivnosti bolečine (VAS) in funkcionalni onesposobljenosti (MIDAS) na treh časovnih točkah: pred začetkom zdravljenja, po 3 in 12 mesecih zdravljenja. Statistična analiza je vključevala Friedmanov test za oceno sprememb skozi čas, sledili pa so Wilcoxonovi testi z Bonferronijevo korekcijo za post hoc primerjave.
Rezultati
Skupno je 83 bolnikov zaključilo 12-mesečno zdravljenje. Po treh mesecih smo zaznali statistično značilno zmanjšanje MMD (mediana z 10 na 2 dni), porabe analgetikov, bolečine po VAS lestvici (mediana z 8 na 4) ter funkcionalne onesposobljenosti po MIDAS lestvici (mediana z 19 na 2), ki so se ohranile tudi po 12 mesecih (p < 0,001). Zdravljenje je v prvem letu prekinilo 9 bolnikov, bodisi zaradi neučinkovitosti ali neželenih stranskih učinkov. Večina bolnikov je biološka zdravila dobro prenašala, pri čemer so bili poročani neželeni učinki večinoma blagi.
Zaključki
Biološka terapija slovenski kohorti bolnikov z migreno pomembno zmanjšuje simptomsko obremenitev in funkcionalno prizadetost, vključno z zmanjšanjem pogostosti napadov, intenzivnosti bolečine in uporabe analgetikov. Ti rezultati podpirajo uporabo bioloških zdravil kot učinkovitih in varnih možnosti za preprečevanje migrene v klinični praksi
Implants to treat glaucoma
No full textGlaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness and its prevalence increases with age. The most common form, primary open-angle glaucoma, is a chronic, slowly progressive optic neuropathy characterised by the loss of retinal ganglion cells and their axons, leading to irreversible visual field loss. Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is the only modifiable risk factor for glaucoma. Reducing IOP to a level that is safe for the patient\u27s eye has been shown to slow disease progression. Lowering IOP in open-angle glaucoma is achieved by eye drops, selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) and/or surgery. Many patients are treated with IOP-lowering eye drops, which require lifelong continuous instillation. However, as with other chronic, asymptomatic diseases, adherence to glaucoma treatment is poor for various reasons and is associated with faster disease progression. The purpose of this review is to discuss several sustained-release systems that have been investigated to reduce IOP over time, to address barriers to adherence and improve quality of life. Among these, non-invasive drug-eluting delivery systems such as contact lenses, punctal plugs, and conjunctival ocular inserts have not reached the market. Currently, only two intracameral implants have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for single use due to corneal safety issues. The biodegradable bimatoprost implant releases the drug continuously for 4-6 months, and its effect on IOP may extend for up to 2 years in 25% of patients. The non-biodegradable intracameral implant releases travoprost for 36 months, when it needs to be removed. However, additional data are needed to assess safety following repeated administration, as well as in broader patient populations and in combination with other treatment approaches such as SLT. Several other biodegradable intracameral implants that release prostaglandin analogues are undergoing clinical trials. In the future, intraocular implants containing genetically modified cells that secrete neurotrophic factors may potentially offer an IOP-independent neuroprotective strategy, complementing existing IOP-lowering implants in glaucoma management
Dyslipidemia in metabolic associated liver diseases and in COVID-19 patients
No full textS presnovno motnjo povezana steatotična bolezen jeter (MASLD) je najbolj razširjena oblika kronične bolezni jeter na svetu. MASLD je tesno povezana z dislipidemijo, vendar nepopolno razumevanje molekularnih mehanizmov bolezni otežuje napoved poteka bolezni ter razvoj učinkovitih diagnostičnih in terapevtskih pristopov. Dislipidemija se pojavlja tudi pri bolnikih s COVID-19, pri čemer je njen obseg povezan z napredovanjem in izidom bolezni. Zaradi visoke zdravstvene in ekonomske obremenitve, ki jo povzročata MASLD in COVID-19, je iskanje novih biooznačevalcev posamezne bolezni izjemno pomembno. Osrednji namen doktorskega dela je bila opredelitev potencialnih tkivnih in krvnih biooznačevalcev različnih stopenj fibroze MASLD ter napredovanja in poteka bolezni COVID-19. Posvetlili smo se tudi preučevanju vpliva prekinjene biosinteze holesterola na sterolno sestavo membran in vezavo virusa SARS-CoV-2 na membrane celic gostitelja.
Z analizo transkriptoma 60 vzorcev jeter bolnikov z različnimi stopnjami fibroze MASLD smo med skupinami opredelili devet diferenčno izraženih genov (AEBP1, ANKRD29, CPE, EFEMP1, ITGBL1, LUM, PTGDS, A2M, TRIM22). Na podlagi dodatnih računskih analiz ter pregleda objavljene literature smo razširili nabor tarčnih genov ter z metodo RT-qPCR na večji kohorti pacientov (N=141) eksperimentalno potrdili diferenčno izražanje 17 od skupno 27 genov. Poleg tega smo s tehnikami strojnega učenja zgradili klasifikacijski model, ki na podlagi treh kliničnih parametrov (indeks telesne mase, celokupni holesterol, število trombocitov) ter izražanju osmih genov (LUM, PTGDS, FBLN5, DPT, EFEMP1, STMN2, DCN, MMP2) razvrsti bolnike z začetnimi stopnjami fibroze MASLD (F0–F1/F2AUC=0,84).
S tarčno lipidomiko smo določili sterolni profil v serumu 62 hospitaliziranih bolnikov s COVID-19 ter podali vpogled v sterolne intermediate, predhodnike holesterola, med boleznijo COVID-19. Prišli smo do ugotovitve, da je biosinteza holesterola med potekom bolezni spremenjena. V primerjavi s pacienti, ki so imeli blag potek bolezni, so bile pri pacientih s hudim potekom COVID-19 spremembe izrazitejše, saj so bile statistično značilno spremenjene koncentracije večih sterolnih intermediatov (cimostenol, cimosterol, 24-dehidrolatosterol, dezmosterol, holesterol). S tehnikami strojnega učenja smo zgradili klasifikacijski model (N=164), ki presega obstoječe klinične ocene tveganja. Razvit model temelji na osmih lahko dostopnih kliničnih parametrih in z izjemno natančnostjo napove potek bolezni COVID-19 (AUC=0,96). Vključitev meritev podskupine sterolnih intermediatov izboljša občutljivost modela.
Vpliv prekinjene biosinteze holesterola na sterolno sestavo membran in na vezavo proteina spike z membranami smo preučevali na modelnih celičnih linijah HepG2 z izbitimi geni za encime iz poskvalenskega dela biosinteze holesterola. Z metodama LC-MS/MS in konfokalno mikroskopijo smo pokazali, da prekinjena biosinteza holesterola vpliva na sterolno sestavo preučevanih celic ter na specifično vezavo fluorescenčne različice ostreolizina A6 na lipidne rafte. Za preučevanje vezave virusnega proteina spike z membrano smo z metodama rekombinantne DNA in afinitetne kromatografije uspešno izrazili in očistili receptorvezavno domeno (RBD) virusnega proteina spike. Pokazali smo, da se izražanje receptorja ACE2 med celičnimi linijami HepG2 različnih genotipov razlikuje, vendar vpliva prekinjene biosinteze holesterola na vezavo RBD-spike z membranami celic HepG2 različnih genotipov nismo uspeli potrditi.
Raziskava je identificirala nove potencialne tkivne biooznačevalce posameznih stopenj fibroze MASLD in podala izhodišče za odkrivanje neinvazivnih biooznačevalcev bolezni v krvi. Prav tako je opredelila spremembe sterolnega profila v serumu hospitaliziranih bolnikov s COVID-19 ter izpostavila biooznačevalce poteka bolezni. Nenazadnje pa je raziskava podala tudi smernice za nadaljnje preučevanje vpliva prekinjene biosinteze holesterola na vezavo in vstop virusa SARS-CoV-2 v celice gostitelja.Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) is the most prevalent form of chronic liver disease worldwide. The disease is closely associated with dyslipidemiahowever, the limited understanding of its molecular mechanisms hinders accurate prediction of disease progression and the development of effective diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Dyslipidemia is also observed in COVID-19 patients, and its severity correlates with disease progression and outcome. Given the significant healthcare and economic burden of MASLD and COVID-19, the search for new biomarkers for both diseases is of utmost importance. The aim of the dissertation was to identify potential tissue and blood biomarkers for different stages of MASLD fibrosis and for the severity and progression of COVID-19. Additionally, we investigated how impaired cholesterol biosynthesis affects membrane sterol composition and the binding of the SARS-CoV-2 virus to host cell membranes.
Through transcriptome analysis of 60 liver samples from patients at different fibrosis stages, we identified nine differentially expressed genes (AEBP1, ANKRD29, CPE, EFEMP1, ITGBL1, LUM, PTGDS, A2M, TRIM22) across various groups. Based on additional computational analyses and a review of the published literature, we expanded the set of target genes and experimentally validated the differential expression of 17 of the 27 genes in a larger patient cohort (N=141) using RT-qPCR. In addition, using machine learning techniques, we developed a classification model trained on three clinical parameters (body mass index, total cholesterol, and platelet count) and the expression of eight genes (LUM, PTGDS, FBLN5, DPT, EFEMP1, STMN2, DCN, MMP2) to stratify patients with early fibrosis stages (F0–F1/F2AUC=0.84).
Using targeted lipidomics, we determined the sterol profile in the serum of 62 hospitalized COVID-19 patients and provided insights into sterol intermediates, the precursors of cholesterol, during the course of COVID-19. Our findings indicate that cholesterol biosynthesis is altered during COVID-19. Compared to patients with a milder disease course, those with severe COVID-19 exhibited more pronounced changes, with statistically significant alterations in the concentrations of several sterol intermediates (zymostenol, zymosterol, 24-dehydrolathosterol, desmosterol and cholesterol). Using machine learning techniques, we have developed a classification system (N=164) that outperforms existing clinical risk assessment tools. Our model is based on eight readily accessible clinical parameters and predicts COVID-19 disease progression with exceptional accuracy (AUC=0.96). Adding measurements of a subset of sterol intermediates improves the sensitivity of the model.
We also investigated the effect of impaired cholesterol biosynthesis on membrane sterol composition and spike protein binding to membranes using HepG2 model cell lines with knockout genes involved in the post-squalene part of cholesterol biosynthesis. Using LC-MS/MS and confocal microscopy, we demonstrated that impaired cholesterol biosynthesis alters the sterol composition of the investigated cells and affects the specific binding of the fluorescent variant of ostreolysin A6 to lipid rafts. To investigate the binding of the viral spike, we successfully expressed and purified the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the spike protein using recombinant DNA techniques and affinity chromatography. Our results suggest that ACE2 receptor expression varies among HepG2 cell lines of different genotypes. However, we were unable to confirm the effect of impaired cholesterol biosynthesis on the binding of RBD spike protein to HepG2 cell membranes of different genotypes.
The study identified novel potential tissue biomarkers for different stages of MASLD fibrosis and provided a basis for the discovery of non-invasive blood biomarkers for the disease. Additionaly, changes in the serum sterol profile of hospitalized COVID-19 patients were characterized and biomarkers associated with COVID-19 progression were identified. In addition, guidelines for future studies on the effects of impaired cholesterol biosynthesis on the binding and entry of the SARS-CoV-2 virus into host cells were established
Development of synthetic methods for the incorporation of non-natural fragments into polypeptide chains
No full textV okviru magistrskega dela smo se ukvarjali z razvojem metod za vgradnjo nenaravnih fragmentov, natančneje spojin razreda dikarba-closo-dodekaboranov (karboranov), v polipeptidne verige in s sintezo peptidov. Izbira karboranov temelji na njihovi potencialni uporabi v medicini, kjer lahko posnemajo karbociklična ogrodja in so zaradi visoke vsebnosti bora zanimivi za BNCT (angl. Boron Neutron Capture Therapy). Vgradnja karboranov v polipeptide je potekala na različne načine, poglaviten med njimi je temeljil na pripravi N-hidroksisukcinimid (NHS) estrov in reakcije teh z ε-aminsko skupino stranske verige aminokisline lizina (Lys). Pripravili smo dva različna NHS reagenta, ki vsebujeta karboransko zvrst in ju testirali v reakcijah biokonjugacij na modelnih peptidih, ki smo jih pripravili sami. Vgradnjo karboranov smo izvedli tudi preko aktivirane 1,7-dikarba-closo-dodekaboran-1-karboksilne kisline s sledečim spajanjem s peptidno verigo, in tudi preko priprave nenaravne aminokisline, ki je vsebovala karboransko skupino in smo jo v polipeptidno verigo uvedli z uporabo avtomatizirane SPPS (angl. Solid-phase peptide synthesis). Sočasno smo se ukvarjali z razvojem komplementarne sinteze metode za pripravo peptidov in sicer preko optimizacije priprave krajših polipeptidov z uporabo zelenih topil, nezaščitenih aminokislin in cenejših aktivatorjev.Within this thesis, we were developing methods for incorporation of unnatural fragments, specifically compounds of the dicarba-closo-dodecaborane class (carboranes), into polypeptide chains and synthesizing peptides. The selection of carboranes was based on their potential use in medicine, where they can mimic carbocyclic frameworks and are of interest for BNCT (Boron Neutron Capture Therapy) due to their high boron content. The incorporation of carboranes into peptides was carried out in various ways. The most important among them was based on the preparation of N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) esters and their reaction with the ε-amino group of the lysine side chain. We prepared two different NHS reagents containing the carborane group and tested bioconjugation reactions on model peptides, which we prepared in advance. The incorporation of carboranes into peptides was also achieved via activated dicarba-closo-dodecaborane carboxylic acid with subsequent coupling, and by the preparation of a carborane-functionalized amino acid, which was introduced into the peptide using automated SPPS. In paralel, we worked on development of method for peptide synthesis through preparation of shorter polypeptides using green solvents, unprotected amino acids, and more cost-effective activators
Realizing synergistic optimization of electrical and thermal transport properties in BiCuSeO ceramics via multi-element doping
No full textIn this study, the design of high-entropy alloys (multi-element substitution, Al▫▫/La▫▫/Sb▫▫/Y▫▫) was used to increase material entropy and improve heat scattering to further reduce thermal conductivity. Concurrently, Ca▫▫ ion hole doping was used to improve its electrical conductivity. Therefore, a series of Bi▫▫Al▫▫La▫▫Sb▫▫Y▫▫Ca▫▫CuSeO (x = 0, 0.02, 0.06, 0.10, and 0.14) ceramics was prepared using a combination of high-energy ball milling and cold isostatic pressing. The multi-element substitution of Al▫▫La▫▫Sb▫▫Y▫▫Ca▫▫ in the Bi site resulted in a minimum thermal conductivity of 0.35 Wm▫▫K▫▫, which is one-third of that of intrinsic BiCuSeO. Simultaneously, the conductivity increased up to 10–20 times that of intrinsic BiCuSeO, proportional to the amount of Ca▫▫ doping. Furthermore, the optimum component Bi▫▫Al▫▫La▫▫Sb▫▫Y▫▫Ca▫▫CuSeO exhibited an extremely high power factor of 568.55 μWm▫▫K▫▫ at 773 K, significantly higher than that of pure BiCuSeO (148.7 μWm▫▫K▫▫). Consequently, a peak ZT value of approximately 1.12 was achieved at 773 K, which was 4.48 times higher than that of the pristine BiCuSeO specimen (approximately 0.25). Our findings provide a novel strategy to optimize the thermoelectric properties of BiCuSeO and other materials
Effect of somatotropin and insulin-like growth factor-1 on JAK-STAT signaling pathway in primary human skeletal muscle cells
No full textOs somatotropina (STH) in inzulinu podobnega rastnega dejavnika-1 (IGF-1) ima ključno vlogo pri uravnavanju rasti, diferenciacije in preživetja skeletnih mišic. Kljub številnim raziskavam signalni mehanizmi osi STH/IGF-1 v človeških skeletnomišičnih celicah še vedno niso popolnoma pojasnjeni, kar otežuje razvoj ciljanih terapevtskih strategij. Skeletne mišice delujejo tudi kot endokrini in presnovni organ, kjer se signalne poti STH/IGF-1 prekrivajo s signalizacijo inzulina in interlevkina-6 (IL-6). Ta preplet signalnih poti vpliva na delovanje mišic ter odpira vprašanja o možnih interferencah v delovanju STH/IGF-1, inzulina in IL-6. Razumevanje razlik v teh signalnih poteh bi lahko omogočilo bolj ciljno usmerjene terapevtske pristope pri boleznih mišic.
V okviru magistrske naloge smo preučili učinke STH in IGF-1 na signalno pot JAK/STAT v primarnih človeških skeletnomišičnih celicah ter ocenili vpliv inzulina na signalizacijo IGF-1. Poskuse smo izvedli na primarnih človeških skeletnomišičnih celicah, ki smo jih gojili ter nato diferencirali v večjedrne mišične cevčice. Celice smo s STH ali IGF-1 tretirali različna časovna obdobja. Signalizacijo v celicah smo spremljali z metodo prenos western, s katero smo analizirali fosforilacijo proteinov STAT3, STAT1, Akt in p38 MAPK. Izražanje IGF1 in IGF1R smo določili z metodo kvantitativne verižne reakcije s polimerazo. Rezultate smo predstavili kot povprečje s standardnim odklonom.
Naši rezultati niso potrdili vpliva STH/IGF-1 na aktivacijo STAT3 in STAT1 v človeških skeletnomišičnih celicah, kljub temu pa nakazujejo, da so izooblike proteinov STAT različne glede na vrsto organizma in celični tip. Prav tako nismo zaznali vpliva STH na izražanje IGF-1 in njegovega receptorja. Po drugi strani pa rezultati kažejo, da prisotnost inzulina v mediju vpliva na signalne poti, ki jih aktivira IGF-1, kar poudarja pomen skrbne izbire eksperimentalnih pogojev za natančno oceno učinkov IGF-1 na celično signalizacijo. Ugotovitve dodatno potrjujejo, da je za razvoj učinkovitih ciljnih terapij ključnega pomena sočasno upoštevanje učinkov tako inzulina kot IGF-1.The growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) axis plays a pivotal role in regulating skeletal muscle growth, differentiation, and survival. Despite extensive research, the precise signaling mechanisms of GH/IGF-1 in human skeletal muscle cells remain incompletely elucidated, posing challenges for the development of targeted therapeutic strategies. Skeletal muscles also function as an endocrine and metabolic organ, where GH/IGF-1 signaling pathways intersect with those of insulin and interleukin-6 (IL-6). This complex interplay of signaling networks influences muscle function and raises questions regarding potential interferences in the actions of GH/IGF-1, insulin, and IL-6. Understanding the differences in these signaling pathways could enable more precisely targeted therapeutic approaches for muscle diseases.
Within the scope of the master\u27s thesis, we investigated the effects of STH and IGF-1 on the JAK/STAT signaling pathway in primary human skeletal muscle cells and assessed the influence of insulin on IGF-1-mediated signaling. The experiments were conducted on primary human skeletal muscle cells, which were cultured and subsequently differentiated into multinucleated myotubes. Cells were treated with STH or IGF-1 for various time periods. Signaling in the cells was monitored using western blotting, through which we analyzed the phosphorylation of STAT3, STAT1, Akt, and p38 MAPK proteins. The expression levels of IGF1 and IGF1R were determined using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results were presented as means with standard deviation.
Our findings did not confirm the effect of the GH/IGF-1 on STAT3 and STAT1 activation. Nevertheless, they suggest that the isoforms of STAT proteins vary depending on the organism and cell type. Additionally, GH did not influence the expression of IGF-1 and its receptor in skeletal muscle cells. Conversely, our results indicate that the presence of insulin in the culture medium modulates IGF-1-activated signaling pathways, emphasizing the necessity of carefully selecting experimental conditions to accurately assess the effects of IGF-1 on cellular signaling. The findings further support that, for the development of effective targeted therapies, it is essential to simultaneously consider the effects of both insulin and IGF-1
Shuwujeva tragedija
No full textJustin Tiwald’s reinterpretation of Mencius’ “right of rebellion” as a moral framework critical of tyrannical forms of rule instead of an “open mechanism” for bottom-up revolts has been agreed upon and supported by a range of scholars’ recent reflections. However, this new perspective still awaits further development due to the scarcity of textual sources and other empirical evidence in pre-Qin history. In the interests of specifying and substantiating historical Confucian views about political legitimacy and rebellion, this article focuses on a unique case called “Shuwu’s Tragedy” from Zuozhuan and Gongyangzhuan with a rich corpus of Neo-Confucian commentaries and debates on a minister’s “right” to denounce the monarch for brutality. Shuwu was a virtuous prince of the state of Wey who temporarily assumed the monarchical duties of his fleeing elder brother, Duke Cheng of Wey, and he successfully resolved a military conflict with the state of Jin in 632 BCE. However, Duke Cheng murdered Shuwu when Shuwu planned to return the throne to him. Wey’s minister, Yuan Xuan, thus escaped from Wey and accused Duke Cheng in front of the hegemon, Duke Wen of Jin, which eventually triggered further bloody killings and chaos in Wey’s court and family. After reviewing the Neo-Confucian commentaries, I argue that Shuwu’s case strongly supports Tiwald’s new thesis on Mencius’ “right of rebellion”. Furthermore, I discuss a fundamental question in Mencius’ political ethics: which takes priority, chastening the tyrant or restoring order?Justin Tiwaldova reinterpretacija Mencijeve »pravice do upora« kot moralnega okvira, ki je kritičen do tiranskih oblik vladanja in stoji nasproti »odprtemu mehanizmu za upore od spodaj navzgor«, je bila sprejeta in podprta v nedavnih razmišljanjih številnih teor-etikov in teoretičark. Vseeno pa ta nova perspektiva še vedno čaka na nadaljnji razvoj zaradi pomanjkanja besedilnih virov in drugega empiričnega gradiva iz obdobja pred di-nastijo Qin. Da bi natančneje opredelili in utemeljili zgodovinska konfucijanska stališča o politični legitimnosti ter uporu, se članek osredotoča na edinstveni primer, imenovan »Shuwujeva tragedija«, iz del Zuozhuan in Gongyangzhuan, ki vsebujeta bogat korpus neokonfucijanskih komentarjev ter razprav o »pravici« ministra, da obsodi monarha zara-di krutosti. Shuwu je bil krepostni princ države Wey, ki je začasno prevzel monarhove dolžnosti svojega pobeglega starejšega brata, vojvode Chenga iz Weya, in leta 632 pr. n. št. uspešno razrešil vojaški spopad z državo Jin. Kljub temu je vojvoda Cheng umoril Shuwuja, ko mu je ta nameraval vrniti prestol. Yuan Xuan, minister države Wey, je zato pobegnil in obtožil vojvodo Chenga pred hegemonom, vojvodo Wenom iz Jina, kar je na koncu povzročilo nadaljnje krvave poboje ter kaos na dvoru in v družini Wey. Po pregledu neokonfucijanskih komentarjev trdim, da Shuwujev primer močno podpira Ti-waldovo novo tezo o Mencijevi »pravici do upora«. Poleg tega pa v članku obravnavam temeljno vprašanje v Mencijevi politični etiki: ali ima prednost kaznovanje tirana ali obnova reda
Editorial
No full textThis editorial introduces the Special Issue of the Strojniški vestnik - Journal of Mechanical Engineering dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering as an independent member of the University of Maribor, and the 50th anniversary of the University of Maribor. The Faculty of Mechanical Engineering is one of the most successful members at the University of Maribor and is recognised for its excellence in education, research and collaboration with industry. Its history of development, from its early beginnings in 1959 to becoming an internationally active and research-driven institution, reflects a continuous commitment to technological progress and societal impact. The Special Issue presents a selection of articles covering applied fluid mechanics, advanced materials and metamaterials, manufacturing science, and biomedical modelling. The collected works combine experimental, numerical, and review-based approaches to address contemporary challenges in mechanical engineering. This publication not only highlights the scientific excellence achieved at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Maribor, but also celebrates its enduring mission to connect knowledge, innovation and human creativity in shaping a sustainable and technologically advanced future
Organizational readiness for co-creation of public services in the Central and Eastern European administrative tradition
No full textCo-creation of public services and policies is considered a promising practice of re-shaping the traditional relationship between the state and its citizens, businesses and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Nevertheless, there are also warnings that the implementation of the process of co-creation could fail. A possible reason is that the organization is not ready or sufficiently mature to implement the process of co-creation. This paper addresses co-creation drivers and barriers identified through systematic literature review and analysis of case studies from two Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries. The aim of this paper is to provide practitioners from CEE countries with a conceptual multi-attribute decision support model for evaluating the organizational readiness for co-creation. The methodological framework consists of three steps. The first two steps, content analysis (i.e. literature review) and case-study analysis, were used to identify and analyze drivers and barriers, which are then used in the last step to develop the conceptual multi-attribute decision support model. The developed model consists of 26 attributes grouped into three categories: capacity of the organization, drivers and barriers related to internal (public organization) co-creators, and context related drivers and barriers