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Decentralized physical infrastructure networks (DePINs) for solar energy: the impact of network density on forecasting accuracy and economic viability
No full textThis study explores the role of decentralized physical infrastructure networks (DePINs) in enhancing solar energy forecasting, focusing on how network density influences prediction accuracy and economic viability. Using machine learning models applied to production data from 47 residential PV systems in Utrecht, Netherlands, we developed a hierarchical forecasting framework: Level 1 (clear-sky baseline without historical data), Level 2 (solo forecasting using only local historical data), and Level 3 (networked forecasting incorporating data from neighboring installations). The results show that networked forecasting substantially improves accuracy: under solo forecasting conditions (Level 2), the Random Forests model reduces Mean Absolute Error (MAE) by 17% relative to the Level 1 baseline, and incorporating all available neighbors (Level 3) further reduces the MAE by an additional 34% relative to Level 2, corresponding to a total improvement of 45% compared with Level 1. The largest accuracy gains arise from the first 10–15 neighbors, highlighting the dominant influence of local spatial correlations. These forecasting improvements translate into significant economic benefits. Imbalance costs decrease from EUR 1618 at Level 1 to EUR 1339 at Level 2 and further to EUR 884 at Level 3, illustrating the financial impact of both solo and networked data sharing. A marginal benefit analysis reveals diminishing returns beyond approximately 10–15 neighbors, consistent with spatial saturation effects within 5–10 km radii. These findings provide a quantitative foundation for incentive mechanisms in DePIN ecosystems and demonstrate that privacy-preserving data sharing mitigates data fragmentation, reduces imbalance costs for energy traders, and creates new revenue opportunities for participants, thereby supporting the development of decentralized energy markets
Modelling and comparison of electricity prices in day-ahead markets using Gaussian and Student’s t processes
No full textPreizkušamo dva napovedna modela za nestabilne cene električne energije trga za dan vnaprej. Gausovi procesi delujejo dobro v običajnih razmerah, vendar se spopadejo slabo z nenadnimi skoki cen. Student-T procesi bolje obvladajo ekstremne nihanja cen, ker predvidevajo večjo volatilnost. Oba modela sledita sezonskim vzorcem in tržnim trendom. Ovrednotimo jih na evropskih trgih električne energije, zlasti v Sloveniji, s poudarkom na natančnosti napovedi, obnašanju med cenovnimi šoki, zanesljivosti negotovosti in sposobnosti zajemanja vzorcev tržne volatilnosti.We\u27re testing two forecasting methods for volatile electricity prices on the day ahead electricity markets. Gaussian Processes work well for normal conditions but struggle with sudden price spikes. Student-T Processes handle extreme price movements better because they expect more volatility. Both models track seasonal patterns and market trends. We\u27re evaluating them on European electricity markets, especially Slovenia, focusing on prediction accuracy, performance during price shocks, reliability of uncertainty bands, and ability to capture market volatility patterns
AI meets IA
No full textAs generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) reshapes job roles and creates new challenges for workforce adaptation, managers require a clear framework to navigate this transformation. This study develops a typology of GenAI-supported work grounded in individual ambidexterity (IA), which highlights employees’ capacity to balance exploration and exploitation while navigating competing demands. Through a thorough review of the literature and empirical examples, we identify four GenAI-enabled work types: Design and Innovation, Data Analysis and Insight Evocation, Customer Service and Engagement, and Content Generation and Optimization. These types reflect the interplay of two critical IA tensions – specialization (generalist vs. specialist) and task routinization (routine vs. non-routine), offering insights into how employees can adapt their skills and roles. Our findings provide actionable recommendations for workforce development, including designing targeted skill-building programs, implementing ethical guidelines, and fostering empowering organizational environments. Additionally, we address the psychological and procedural challenges of integrating GenAI into workplaces and propose strategies to align workforce transformation with policy objectives. By bridging theoretical insights with practical recommendations, this study offers managers a structured roadmap for fostering an ambidextrous and resilient workforce in the age of GenAI
Level of development of digitalization of the tax administration in Slovenia and the use of digital tools among users
No full textNamen diplomskega dela je analizirati stopnjo digitalizacije davčne uprave v Sloveniji in oceniti zadovoljstvo uporabnikov – predvsem podjetij – z uporabo digitalnih storitev Finančne uprave Republike Slovenije (FURS). Naloga obravnava razvoj digitalnih rešitev, pravne in organizacijske okvire ter primerjavo z izbranimi državami (Nemčija, Francija in Hrvaška).
V teoretičnem delu je predstavljena vloga digitalizacije v javni upravi, zlasti v kontekstu povečanja učinkovitosti, preglednosti in zmanjšanja administrativnih bremen. Opisane so ključne slovenske digitalne rešitve, med katerimi izstopajo eDavki, eIzmenjava, eVročanje, sistem davčnih blagajn in plačevanje obveznosti z uporabo QR-kod. V analizi pravnega okvira je poudarjena skladnost z evropskimi uredbami, zlasti s Splošno uredbo o varstvu podatkov in Uredbo (EU) 2018/1724.
Empirični del temelji na anketni raziskavi, izvedeni med slovenskimi podjetji, ki uporabljajo digitalne storitve FURS. Rezultati kažejo, da podjetja najpogosteje uporabljajo eDavke in eRačune, pri čemer večina uporabnikov izraža zadovoljstvo z dostopnostjo in funkcionalnostjo storitev. Kljub temu se pojavljajo izzivi, kot so počasno delovanje sistema, nejasna navodila, tehnične težave z digitalnimi potrdili in omejena odzivnost tehnične podpore. Uporabniki zato predlagajo večjo avtomatizacijo postopkov, izboljšan uporabniški vmesnik in večjo vključenost podjetij v proces razvoja digitalnih rešitev.
Diplomsko delo zaključuje z ugotovitvijo, da Slovenija dosega visoko stopnjo digitalizacije davčne uprave v primerjavi z drugimi evropskimi državami, vendar sta za izboljšanje uporabniške izkušnje potrebni nadaljnja optimizacija obstoječih orodij ter okrepitev sodelovanja med FURS, podjetji in drugimi deležniki. Ključ do uspešne digitalne preobrazbe davčne uprave je v krepitvi uporabniške usmerjenosti, stabilnosti sistemov in mednarodnem prenosu dobrih praks.The purpose of this thesis is to analyse the level of digitalisation of the Slovenian tax administration and to assess the satisfaction of users – primarily businesses – with the use of digital services provided by the Financial Administration of the Republic of Slovenia (FURS). The thesis examines the development of digital solutions, the legal and organisational framework, and compares Slovenia’s progress with selected countries (Germany, France, and Croatia).
The theoretical part outlines the role of digitalisation in public administration, particularly in enhancing efficiency, transparency, and reducing administrative burdens. It presents Slovenia’s key digital tools, such as eDavki (eTaxes), eIzmenjava (eExchange), eVročanje (eDelivery), the fiscal cash register system, and QR code payments. The legal framework is aligned with European legislation, especially the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Regulation (EU) 2018/1724.
The empirical part is based on a survey conducted among Slovenian companies that use FURS’s digital services. The results show that companies most frequently use eDavki and eInvoices, with most respondents expressing satisfaction with the accessibility and functionality of these services. Nevertheless, several challenges remain, such as system slowdowns, unclear instructions, technical issues with digital certificates, and limited technical support responsiveness. Users suggest greater automation, a more intuitive user interface, and stronger involvement of companies in the development of digital solutions.
The findings indicate that Slovenia has achieved a high level of digitalisation in its tax administration compared to other European countries. However, further optimisation of existing tools and stronger cooperation between FURS, businesses, and other stakeholders are essential to improve the user experience. The key to a successful digital transformation of the tax administration lies in user-centred design, system stability, and the adoption of best international practices
Measuring biological age
No full textBiological ageing is a systemic, multifactorial process driven by progressive molecular and cellular alterations whose complexity necessitates systems-level approaches. Advances in high-throughput omics technologies now allow simultaneous quantification of millions of biomolecules from a single specimen, enabling longitudinal, integrative profiling across multiple molecular layers. This review synthesizes recent progress in applying genomics, epigenomics, metabolomics and microbiomics to ageing research, highlighting their contributions to biomarker discovery, mechanistic insight, and translational opportunities. Genomic studies reveal genetic variants that promote extreme longevity, while epigenetic clocks provide robust predictors of biological age. The blood proteome can be used to calculate proteome-based scores and evaluate temporal changes in ageing trajectories in an organ- and sex-specific manner. Metabolomic signatures identify key metabolites reflecting ageing trajectories, and microbiome research demonstrates that gut microbial composition mirrors and modulates biological ageing, with microbiome clocks emerging. The omics approaches have further elucidated the impact of exercise and diet providing evidence that interventions can reduce biological age. The integration of multi-omics with clinical and lifestyle data, powered by machine learning and artificial intelligence, is paving the way for a holistic definition of biological age and the development of personalized healthy ageing strategies. This review highlights how the omics technologies and computational modelling are transforming ageing biology into strategies for personalized healthy ageing
A dichotomy for 1-planarity with restricted crossing types parameterized by treewidth
No full textA drawing of a graph is 1-planar if each edge participates in at most one crossing and adjacent edges do not cross. Up to symmetry, each crossing in a 1-planar drawing belongs to one out of six possible crossing types, where a type characterizes the subgraph induced by the four vertices of the crossing edges. Each of the 63 possible nonempty subsets of crossing types gives a recognition problem: does a given graph admit an -restricted drawing, that is, a 1-planar drawing where the crossing type of each crossing is in ? We show that there is a set with three crossing types and the following properties: (i) If contains no crossing type from , then the recognition of graphs that admit an -restricted drawing is fixed-parameter tractable with respect to the treewidth of the input graph. (ii) If contains any crossing type from , then it is NP-hard to decide whether a graph has an -restricted drawing, even when considering graphs of constant pathwidth. We also extend this characterization of crossing types to 1-planar straight-line drawings and show the same complexity behaviour parameterized by treewidth
α-Aminoboronic acid moieties in boro dipeptides modulate proteasome subunit selectivity and provide access to compounds with potent anticancer and anti-inflammatory activity
No full textProteasomes regulate cellular protein homeostasis and are key targets in treating cancer, inflammation, and autoimmune diseases. The two main forms, the constitutive proteasome and immunoproteasome, each contain three catalytically active subunits with distinct substrate specificities. The first approved proteasome inhibitor, bortezomib, is nonselective and causes dose-limiting toxicity. Herein, we report dipeptide boronic acids with varying P1 residues, prepared using our recently developed method for α-aminoboronic acids formation. Most compounds inhibited various immuno/proteasome subunits in the low nanomolar range, displaying inhibition profiles distinct from bortezomib, ranging from β5i/β1i-selective to β5c/β5i-directed inhibitors. Although their cytotoxicity to cancer cells was not improved compared to bortezomib, selected compounds proved less toxic to noncancer cells and with anti-inflammatory activity comparable to that of zetomipzomib (KZR-616). The presented boro dipeptides with tailored P1 residues provide a basis for designing subunit-selective compounds with boronic acid as the warhead and optimized P2 and/or P3 positions
The impact of states’ political decisions on the position of international currencies: the case of the U.S. response to the war in Ukraine and its implications for the U.S. dollar
No full textMagistrsko delo obravnava mednarodno vlogo ameriškega dolarja in politične dejavnike, ki lahko vplivajo na njegovo dolgoročno prevlado. Dolar je od konference v Bretton Woodsu temelj globalnega finančnega sistema, saj predstavlja glavno rezervno valuto, obračunsko enoto in menjalno sredstvo v mednarodni trgovini. Tradicionalno je njegova moč izhajala iz gospodarske stabilnosti in likvidnosti, v zadnjih desetletjih pa narašča pomen političnih odločitev, ki lahko omajajo zaupanje v njegovo stabilnost. Glavni raziskovalni cilj naloge je bil preveriti, kako lahko politične poteze, zlasti sankcije in uporaba valute kot zunanjepolitičnega instrumenta, sprožijo procese opuščanja mednarodnih valut, četudi to ni ekonomsko optimalno. Empirični del naloge temelji na študiji primera Rusije v obdobju 2014–2024, ko so ZDA uvedle obsežne finančne in gospodarske sankcije. Analiza kaže, da so sankcije spodbudile sistematično dedolarizacijo: zmanjševanje deleža dolarja v deviznih rezervah, krepitev imetij zlata in renminbija ter večjo uporabo alternativnih valut v trgovini. Kljub temu rezultati potrjujejo, da so učinki dedolarizacije omejeni, saj ostajajo globalni finančni tokovi in rezerve v veliki meri vezani na dolar. Raziskava tako pokaže, da je dedolarizacija predvsem politično motiviran proces, ki pa je dolgoročno pogojen z gospodarskimi realnostmi. Dolar ostaja osrednje sidro mednarodnega sistema, medtem ko se možnosti multipolarnosti razvijajo počasi in brez jasnega naslednika.This master’s thesis explores the international role of the U.S. dollar and the political determinants that may shape its long-term dominance. Since the Bretton Woods Conference, the dollar has served as the cornerstone of the global financial system, functioning as the primary reserve currency, unit of account, and medium of exchange in international trade. While its strength has traditionally been rooted in economic stability and liquidity, recent decades have underscored the growing influence of political decisions that may erode confidence in its stability. The central research objective is to assess how political actions, particularly sanctions and the instrumentalisation of currency in foreign policy can trigger processes of disengagement from international currencies, even when such moves are not economically optimal. The empirical analysis focuses on Russia in the period 2014–2024, during which the U.S. imposed extensive financial and economic sanctions. Findings indicate that sanctions have spurred systematic dedollarization: a declining share of the dollar in foreign exchange reserves, increased holdings of gold and the renminbi, and a broader use of alternative currencies in trade. Nonetheless, the results confirm that the impact of dedollarization remains limited, as global financial flows and reserves continue to be predominantly tied to the dollar. The research demonstrates that dedollarization is above all a politically motivated process, yet one constrained in the long term by underlying economic realities. The dollar remains the central anchor of the international financial system, while prospects for monetary multipolarity are advancing only gradually and without the emergence of a clear successor
Influences of cannabidiol on fetal human astrocytes
No full textKanabidiol (CBD) je fitokanabinoid, naravno prisoten v rastlinah rodu Cannabis (konoplja). Kljub njegovi naraščujoči priljubljenosti, molekularni mehanizmi njegovega delovanja še niso v celoti raziskani. Toksični učinki ∆9-tetrahidrokanabinola (THC) so znani že nekaj časa, vpliv CBD na razvijajoče se možgane pa ostaja nepojasnjen. V okviru magistrske naloge smo želeli preučiti vplive CBD na fetalne humane astrocite iz možganske skorje v kulturi. Predvidevali smo, da CBD deluje citotoksično, znižuje celični metabolizem astrocitov in vstopa v interakcije z endogenim kanabinoidnim sistemom (EKS) humanih fetalnih astrocitov. Celice smo izpostavili 0,51 ali 5 µM CBD v različnih časovnih intervalih (1 do 24 ur). Citotoksičnost smo preverjali s testom viabilnosti AlamarBlue®, z merjenjem aktivnosti laktat dehidrogenaze (LDH) zunaj celic in merjenjem aktivnosti kaspaze-3/7, določili pa smo tudi vsebnost proteinov v celicah. CBD je v vseh preučevanih koncentracijah povzročil znižanje viabilnosti celic. Aktivnost LDH je bila povišana pri višjih koncentracijah (1 in 5 µM), iz česar sklepamo, da je bila motena integriteta celične membrane, kar je značilno za nekroptozo in nekrozo. Pri istih koncentracijah je CBD povzročil upad vsebnosti proteinov in povišano aktivnost kaspaze-3/7, ki ima osrednjo vlogo v procesu apoptoze. Vpliv na celični metabolizem smo preučevali z merjenjem znotrajcelične koncentracije ATP in merjenjem sprememb mitohondrijskega membranskega potenciala (∆Ψm), pri čemer smo ugotovili, da je CBD povzročil hiter upad količine ATP ter upad ∆Ψm po 24-urni izpostavitvi. Da bi preverili, ali CBD vstopa v interakcije z EKS, smo preučili vpliv različnih koncentracij CBD na izražanje genov komponent EKS. CBD je znižal ekspresijo genov CNR1 in CNR2 za receptorje CB1 in CB2, ter zvišal ekspresijo genov TRPV1 in MGLL, ki kodirata receptor TRPV1 in encim MAGL. Zaključili smo, da CBD deluje citotoksično in znižuje presnovno aktivnost celic ter vpliva na funkcijo EKS fetalnih humanih astrocitov v kulturi.Cannabidiol (CBD) is a phytocannabinoid that is naturally present in plants from genus Cannabis. Despite its growing popularity, CBD\u27s molecular mechanisms of action are not fully understood yet. Toxic effects of ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) have been known for a while now, meanwhile possible effects of CBD on the developing brain remain unexplained. The aim of our study was to investigate possible influences of cannabidiol on cortical fetal human astrocytes in culture. We hypothesized that CBD exerts cytotoxic effects, decreases cell metabolism and interacts with endocannabinoid system (ECS) of astrocytes. Cells were incubated with 0,51 or 5 µM CBD over different time intervals (1 to 24 h). To evaluate potential cytotoxic effects, we employed a cell viability test AlamarBlue®, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity assay and caspase-3/7 activity assay, as well as measurments of protein content in cells. All CBD concentrations caused a decrease in cell viability. LDH activity was increased at higher concentrations of CBD (1 and 5 µM), suggesting the cell membrane integrity was compromised, which is a sign of necroptosis or necrosis. Furthermore, the same CBD concentrations caused a decrease of cellular protein content and an increase of caspase-3/7 activity, pointing to apoptosis. In order to assess the influences of CBD on cell metabolism, we measured intracellular ATP content and changes in mitochondrial membrane potential (∆Ψm). CBD induced a rapid ATP depletion and a decrease in ∆Ψm after 24 h of exposure. To determine whether CBD interacts with ECS, we concluded a gene expression analysis. Different concentrations of CBD downregulated the expression of CBN1 and CBN2, which encode CB1 and CB2 receptors, upregulated the expression of TRPV1 and MGLL, which encode TRPV1 receptor and MAGL enzyme, while having no significant influence on the expression of PPARG, DAGLA, NAPEPLD and FAAH. Based on our results, we conclude that CBD has cytotoxic effects, lowers cell metabolism and affects the function of ECS in fetal human astrocytes
Green transition in Slovenian cultural and creative sector through support policies
No full textMagistrsko delo obravnava vprašanje zelenega prehoda v slovenskem kulturnem in kreativnem sektorju. Izhaja iz domneve, da ima ta sektor pomembno vlogo pri uveljavljanju trajnostnih praks in družbenih sprememb. V teoretičnem delu so predstavljeni temeljni koncepti trajnosti, zelenega prehoda in zelenega zavajanja, ki so postavljeni v kontekst kulturnih politik in kulturne produkcije. Magistrsko delo temelji na vprašanju, kako kulturne politike v Sloveniji naslavljajo okoljske izzive in uresničujejo zaveze Evropske unije, zlasti v okviru transnacionalnih pobud, kot je Evropski zeleni dogovor, ter v skladu s cilji trajnostnega razvoja. Glavni cilj magistrskega dela je analizirati vključevanje trajnostnih načel v podporne mehanizme kulturnega in kreativnega sektorja v Sloveniji. Raziskava temelji na kvalitativni metodi študije primera platforme Centra za kreativnost ter na analizi obstoječih dokumentov in izbranih primerov dobre prakse. Ugotovitve kažejo, da se trajnostna načela v podpornih politikah že odražajo, vendar (še) ne vključujejo sistematičnega spremljanja učinkov ali meril, ki bi omogočila oceno njihovega vpliva. Pereča ostaja nevarnost zelenega zavajanja, ki lahko ošibi legitimnost zelenih politik. Magistrsko delo se zaključi s predlogi za nadgradnjo obstoječih pristopov.This Master\u27s thesis addresses the question of promoting the green transition in the Slovenian cultural and creative sector. It is based on the premise that this sector plays an important role in implementing sustainable practices and fostering social change. The theoretical part introduces the key concepts of sustainability, green transition, and greenwashing, and places them in the context of cultural policies and cultural production. The thesis explores how cultural policies in Slovenia address environmental challenges and fulfil the commitments of the European Union, particularly within transnational initiatives such as the European Green Deal and in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals. The main objective is to analyse the integration of sustainability principles into the support mechanisms for the cultural and creative sector in Slovenia. The research employs a qualitative methodology, including a case study of the Center for Creativity platform, an analysis of relevant policy documents, and selected examples of good practice. The findings indicate that sustainability principles are already reflected in support policies, but often without systematic impact monitoring or criteria for evaluating their effectiveness. The risk of greenwashing remains a pressing issue, as it can undermine the legitimacy of green policies. The thesis concludes with proposals for improving existing approaches