123903 research outputs found
Sort by
The Process of Embouchure Development for Brass Instrumentalists
No full textAmbažura je telesni mehanizem, ki trobilcu omogoča nadzor pretoka zraka in vibracije ustnic med igranjem. Za razvoj stabilne in učinkovite ambažure glasbeniki uporabljajo posebne metode vadbe, ki vključujejo vaje za odpravljanje tehničnih težav, kot so legato, staccato, kakovost tona, vzdržljivost, hitrost prstov, dihanje in fraziranje. Redna vadba teh metod vodi k tehničnemu napredku in višji kakovosti izvajanja v različnih glasbenih slogih, kot so klasična, jazzovska, stara in sodobna glasba ter opera. Obvladovanje ambažure je dolgotrajen in zahteven proces, ki zahteva razumevanje njene zgradbe in delovanja. Ambažura deluje podobno kot glasilke pri pevcu, kjer pravilno dihanje in nadzor zraka omogočata nastanek vibracije. Pri trobilcu vibracijo ustvarjajo ustnice, ustnik in instrument pa vibracijo usmerjata in oblikujeta zvok. Čeprav je tehnika igranja sorodna petju, je instrument tisti, ki določa značilen zvok in virtuoznost. Tesno povezavo med petjem in trobili so posebej cenili baročni skladatelji, ki so pogosto združevali sopran in trobento. Takšna glasbena povezanost je mogoča le ob stabilni ambažuri, nadzoru tona in dobro razvitih tehničnih veščinah, ki temeljijo na pravilnem razumevanju in razvoju nastavka.The embouchure is a physical mechanism that enables brass players to control airflow and lip vibration while playing. To develop a stable and efficient embouchure, brass musicians use specialized practice methods consisting of exercises designed by prominent pedagogues to address specific technical challenges such as legato, staccato, tone quality, endurance, finger speed, breathing capacity, and phrasing. Regular practice of these methods leads to technical improvement and higher-quality performance across various musical styles, including classical, jazz, early music, and opera. Mastering embouchure control is a demanding, long-term process that requires understanding its structure and function. The embouchure functions similarly to a singer’s vocal cords, which vibrate through controlled airflow supported by proper breathing. In brass playing, lip vibration replaces vocal cords, while the mouthpiece and instrument guide and shape the sound, much like the singer’s oral cavity. Although the playing technique resembles singing, the instrument ultimately determines the specific sound and virtuosity. This close relationship between voice and brass instruments was especially valued in Baroque music, where composers often paired soprano and trumpet. Such musical synergy is only possible with a stable embouchure, refined tone control, and well-developed technical skills, all of which depend on a correct understanding and development of the embouchure
Travel in the mirror
No full textTourists develop expectations and behaviors based on stereotypes about destinationshowever, the anchoring role of home place stereotypes in contrasting home with destination stereotypes - “inside” (home) versus “out” (destination) perspective remains unexplored. These differences have important implications for how travelers evaluate and select destinations. Drawing on the stereotype content model, social comparison and reference point theory, we examine empirically how home place stereotypes act as cognitive anchors shaping the comparative evaluation of destination stereotypes (warmth and competence) and in turn, how these comparisons inform travel intentions (N = 497). Contrary to the similarity-attraction paradigm, our findings reveal that greater home-destination stereotype differences strengthen the warmth/competence–visit intention link. By linking our data with secondary data, we show that destination smartness amplifies the role of competence differences in these travel intentions. These insights challenge one-sided views: travelers see destinations through the “mirror” of home-place stereotypes, with the destination\u27s environmental context shaping decisions
High-resolution characterisation of the surface moisture sensor
No full textAccurate characterisation of the surface moisture content at sub-millimetre scales is crucial in various industries, particularly in the safety-critical production of electric motors for the automotive industry, in packaging and in electronics manufacturing. Apart from moisture resolution, existing sensors often lack the necessary spatial resolution, making precise control of adhesion quality difficult. To solve this problem, we present a novel experimental setup that generates controlled micrometre-scale moisture gradients in thin polymer samples, enabling high-resolution calibration of surface-sensitive moisture sensors. Since direct measurement of the moisture profile at this scale is difficult, we validated the generated moisture gradients using computational fluid dynamics simulations and confirmed their linearity and stability. We then used this setup to determine the effective detection depth of a previously developed surface moisture sensor based on diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy. Our results show that using this experimental setup alone improves the spatial resolution of the sensor by a factor of 14 – from about 0.7 mm to effectively 48 µm. This approach fills a critical gap by providing a practical means of calibrating and characterising moisture sensors that respond to surface moisture gradients, significantly improving quality control in high-precision manufacturing processe
Wychodząc poza konieczność
No full textAim: This study focused on the interdependence of the informal economy and sustainable consumer behaviour. By using cluster analysis, it challenges traditional views that categorise the informal economyas marginal and economically backward. Methodology: A survey was used to collect the data from a group of respondents from Poland, representing generation Z (n = 115). Results: The research results made it possible to distinguish between two groups: one that actively chooses informal markets based on values, such as concern for the environment, social equality and identification with the global community, and another one that leans towards more traditional market approaches. The paper highlights that participation in the informal market involves a value-based choice influenced by ethical, environmental and ideological considerations, among others. Implications and recommendations: The findings offer valuable implications for policymakers and businesses, stressing the need for adaptive action that is in line with emerging consumer priorities and the changing role of the informal economy in sustainable development. Originality/value: This study links economic behaviour with psychological constructs. Previous research in this area focused on informal market participation to a very limited extent, mainly among marginalisedgroups (e.g. low-income populations). In turn, consumers with other characteristics, such as greater concern for the environment and a perceived need for equality, also engage in the informal economy, suggesting that ethical and sustainability considerations may guide informal market choices
Early detection of biotic and abiotic stress of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) plants using spectral imaging and artificial intelligence
No full textZgodnje zaznavanje zdravstvemega stanja rastlin je bistveno za ohranjanje njihovega zdravja in količine pridelkov ter spodbujanje trajnostnih načinov kmetovanja. Pravočasno prepoznavanje dejavnikov stresa je mogoče z uporabo spektralnega slikanja, ki predstavlja neinvazivno metodo za spremljanje odzivov rastlin na stresne dejavnike. Disertacija preučuje združitev spektralnega slikanja in strojnega učenja za zaznavanje zdravstvenega stanja krompirja, pri čemer raziskave temeljijo na multispektralnih in hiperspektralnih podatkih laboratorijskih in poljskih poskusov. Za izboljšanje natančnosti in interpretacije zaznavanja stresa smo uporabili napredne pristope modeliranja, vključno z globokimi nevronskimi mrežami, ojačevalnimi modeli in tehnikami razložljivosti, ter metodami za določanje ključnih spektralnih valovnih dolžin, povezanih s specifičnimi stresnimi odzivi. Rezultati kažejo, da modeli strojnega učenja zanesljivo razločujejo med zdravimi in rastlinami podvrženimi stresu, še preden znaki stresa postanejo vidni s prostim očesom. Modeli dosegajo F1-točnost do 0,95 pri zaznavanju vodnega stresa, do 100 % zanesljivost pri prepoznavanju rastlin in gomoljev okuženih z ogorčicami in F1-točnost 0,826 pri zaznavanju črne listne pegavosti krompirja. Kljub temu ostajajo izzivi pri razlikovanju med biotskimi in abiotskimi stresorji, zlasti pri sočasni prisotnosti več dejavnikov. Analiza je identificirala ključne spektralne pasove za zaznavanje stresa: 475–580 nm, 660–730 nm, 940–970 nm, 1420–1510 nm, 1875–2040 nm in 2350–2480 nm za vodni stres. Bližnje-infrardeči del spektra je bil najpomembnejši za zgodnje zaznavanje okužb s črno listo pegavostjo krompirja, takoj pred modrim in zelenim kanalom. Spektralno območje 1000–1200 nm je bilo povezano z notranjostjo gomoljev, napadenih z ogorčicami, medtem ko so pasovi 1500–1600 nm, 1850–2000 nm in 2300–2450 nm ustrezali njihovi zunanjosti. Ugotovitve raziskave pomembno prispevajo k razumevanju rastlinske fiziologije in napredku preciznega kmetijstva. Združitev spektralnega slikanja in umetne inteligence omogoča razvoj inovativnih orodij za zgodnje odkrivanje stresa, kar prispeva k boljši prilagoditvi na podnebne spremembe ter zaščiti pridelkov pred škodljivci in boleznimi.Early detection of plant health is crucial for ensuring crop health, optimizing yields, and supporting sustainable agricultural practices. The timely identification of stress factors is enabled through spectral imaging, which has emerged as a powerful, non-invasive tool for monitoring plant stress responses. This thesis investigates the integration of spectral imaging and machine learning techniques for detecting various stressors in potato plants, utilizing multispectral and hyperspectral data collected under both controlled and field conditions. To enhance stress detection accuracy and interpretability, advanced modeling approaches were employed, including deep neural networks, boosting models, and explainability techniques. Feature selection methods were further applied to identify key spectral wavelengths associated with specific stress responses, contributing to a deeper understanding of plant physiological changes under varying stress conditions. The results demonstrate that machine learning models can effectively differentiate between healthy and stressed plants, even before visible symptoms appear. Notably, these models achieved an F1 score of up to 0.95 for identifying water-stressed plants, 100% reliability in detecting nematode-infested potato plants and tubers, and an F1 score of 0.826 for detection of early blight infections. However, the findings also highlight the challenges of distinguishing between biotic and abiotic stressors, particularly in cases of concurrent stress factors. The analysis identified key spectral bands for stress detection: 475–580 nm, 660–730 nm, 940–970 nm, 1420–1510 nm, 1875–2040 nm, and 2350–2480 nm (water stress in potato plants). The near-infrared part of the spectrum was identified as significant for early blight detection, followed by blue and green bands. Additionally, 1000–1200 nm was linked to the insides of nematode-infested tubers, while 1500–1600 nm, 1850–2000 nm, and 2300–2450 nm corresponded to their outsides. These findings provide valuable insights into plant physiology and have significant implications for precision agriculture, offering advancements in disease detection. By integrating spectral imaging with artificial intelligence, this research contributes to the development of innovative tools for mitigating the challenges posed by climate change and plant pests and diseases
Preparation of plasmids with hsa-miR-375-3p targets and their validation using the luciferase assay in HeLa and HOS cell lines
No full textmiRNA so majhne nekodirajoče molekule, ki s svojim delovanjem vplivajo na številne fiziološke procese. Med njimi je tudi kostna prenova, kjer uravnavajo ravnovesje med razgradnjo in gradnjo kosti.
Namen naloge je bil poiskati in ovrednotiti tarčne gene hsa-miR-375-3p, ki je bila v predhodnih študijah na Katedri za klinično biokemijo Fakultete za farmacijo identificirana kot diferencialno izražena miRNA pri izpostavitvi mezenhimskih matičnih celic osteoanabolni zdravilni učinkovini teriparatidu. Z bioinformatično analizo smo določili tarčna gena FZD4 in BMPR2, ki sta vključena v signalne poti kostne prenove. Zasnovali smo mutirane in nemutirane konstrukte obeh genov in jih vstavili v plazmide pmirGLO. V celice celičnih linij HeLa in HOS smo kotransfecirali plazmide z vstavljenimi konstrukti in mimike hsa-miR-375-3p. Z luciferaznim testom smo preverili interakcijo med hsa-miR-375-3p in tarčnimi geni.
Interakcijo med hsa-miR-375-3p in FZD4 smo potrdili v celični liniji HOS, ne pa tudi v celični liniji HeLa. V celični liniji HeLa se je hsa-miR-375-3p z večjo afiniteto vezala na mutirano zaporedje BMPR2 kot na nemutirano zaporedje BMPR2. To nakazuje, da lahko ustvarjena mutacija gena BMPR2 predstavlja genetski dejavnik tveganja za razvoj kostnih boleznih. Medtem v celični liniji HOS nismo potrdili interakcije med hsa-miR-375-3p in BMPR2.
Na osnovi naših rezultatov smo ugotovili, da hsa-miR-375-3p igra potencialno vlogo v kostni prenovi, saj je tvorila interakcijo z genom FZD4, ki je vključen v signalno pot Wnt/β- katenin, ki vpliva na razvoj in delovanje osteoblastov ter gradnjo kosti.miRNAs are small non-coding molecules that influence numerous physiological processes through their activity. Among these is bone remodeling, where they regulate the balance between bone resorption and formation.
The aim of this study was to identify and evaluate the target genes of hsa-miR-375-3p, which was previously identified at the Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy as a differentially expressed miRNA upon exposure of mesenchymal stem cells to the osteoanabolic drug teriparatide. Through bioinformatic analysis, we identified the target genes FZD4 and BMPR2, which are involved in signaling pathways related to bone remodeling. We designed mutated and wild type constructs of both genes and inserted them into pmirGLO plasmids. These plasmids were cotransfected together with hsa-miR-375-3p mimics into HeLa and HOS cell lines. We used a luciferase assay to validate the interaction between hsa-miR-375-3p and the target genes.
We confirmed the interaction between hsa-miR-375-3p and FZD4 in the HOS cell line, while no such interaction was observed in the HeLa cell line. In the HeLa cell line, hsa- miR- 375- 3p bound with higher affinity to the mutated BMPR2 sequence than to the wild-type BMPR2 sequence. This suggests that the introduced BMPR2 gene mutation may represent a genetic risk factor for the development of bone diseases. In contrast in the HOS cell line, no interaction was observed between hsa-miR-375-3p and BMPR2.
Based on our results, we concluded that hsa-miR-375-3p potentially plays a role in bone remodeling, as it interacted with the FZD4 gene, which is part of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway that primarily influence the development and function of osteoblasts and bone formation
Catalytic asymmetric synthesis and evaluation of chiral reagents with 1,2-ethylenediamine moiety
No full textAsimetrična oziroma enantioselektivna sinteza je eden izmed pristopov, s katerimi se v kemijski sintezi preko napovedljivih, stereospecifičnih pretvorb iz enantiomerno nedefiniranih izhodnih spojin pridobivajo spojine z želeno orientacijo na kiralnih centrih. Selektivnost tovrstnih reakcij pogosto temelji na uporabi kiralnih katalizatorjev, ki preko prostorsko specifičnih interakcij s prokiralnim substratom, oziroma z njegovo tarčno funkcionalno skupino, generirajo določen stereoizomer.
Za sintezo 1,2-etilendiaminskih gradnikov z dvema definiranima kiralnima centroma, ki smo jih nato uporabili za sintezo katalizatorjev/ligandov za katalitske komplekse, smo uporabili pristop sinteze 5H-1,2,3-oksatiazol 2,2-dioksidov, njihovega asimetričnega transfer hidrogeniranja, ter odpiranje nastalega cikličnega sulfamidata z nukleofilnim napadom azidne skupine. Iz teh gradnikov smo sintetizirali 4 nove rutenijeve katalizatorje tipa Noyori-Ikariya, 3 nove bifunkcionalne iminofosforanske katalizatorje, poskusili pa smo tudi sintetizirati analog benzotetramizolnega katalizatorja, v katerega smo uvedli CF3- skupino. Strukture spojin smo določili z jedrsko magnetno resonanco, masno spektrometrijo, prav tako smo s kiralnimi kromatografskimi tehnikami preverili enantiomerne presežke po ključnih stereoselektivnih sinteznih korakih. Na koncu smo pripravljene rutenijeve katalizatorje vrednotili na modelni reakciji redukcije prokiralnega ketona acetofenona in določili enantiomerni presežek preko kiralne plinske kromatografije. Kot najuspešnejši katalizator se je izkazala spojina 10, ki je v več kot 94 % enantiomernem presežku kot preferenčni produkt generirala (R)-1-feniletan-1-ol, kar predstavlja primerljivo učinkovitost kot referenčni katalizator [RuCl(p-cimen)(Ts-DPEN)].
Pripravljeni katalizatorji so primerni za uporabo v načrtovanju sinteznih postopkov novih zdravilnih učinkovin, prav tako pa predstavljajo tudi način za bolj učinkovito in patentno neodvisno sintezo že registriranih učinkovin.Asymmetric (enantioselective) synthesis is one of many approaches by which chiral molecules are obtained. The concept relies on the employment of predictable, stereospecific conversions of optically impure/unspecified starting materials to chirally defined structures. The selectivity of such reactions is often enabled by the usage of chiral catalysts that interact with the prochiral substrate (i.e. its targeted functionality) in a spatially specific manner and produce a specific stereoisomer.
For the preparation of 1,2-ethylenediamine building blocks with two specified chiral centers, further used for the synthesis of new catalysts or ligands thereof, we employed the approach of asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of 5H-1,2,3-oxathiazole- 2,2-dioxides, and subsequent ring opening via azide nucleophilic attack. From these we successfully synthesized 4 novel ruthenium based Noyori-Ikariya-type catalysts for asymmetric transfer hydrogenation and 3 novel Dixon-type bifunctional iminophosphorane catalysts. In addition, we managed to, in part, develop an efficient synthetic method of potential benzotetramisole analogues harbouring a CF3- moiety. The compound structures were determined by nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry. The enantiomeric purities of the products of key stereoselective reaction steps were analysed via chiral chromatography methods (chiral high-performance liquid chromatography). Finally, the performance of novel Noyori-Ikariya-type catalysts was evaluated on a model reduction reaction of a simple aryl ketone (acetophenone reduction). The enantiomeric excess of the products was further determined by chiral gas chromatography analysis. Compound 10 was found to be most efficient, generating (R)-1-phenylethane-1-ol with more than 94 % enantiomeric excess, which is in the range of the benchmark catalyst [RuCl(p-cymene)(Ts-DPEN)].
The synthesized catalysts are applicable in the development of synthetic methodologies for novel active pharmaceutical ingredients, offering a strategy for more efficient and patent-independent synthesis of existing registered pharmaceuticals
Self-perceived spiritual care competencies among nursing and midwifery students in Slovenia
No full textAim: Spiritual care is vital to patient-centred care, yet gaps persist in nursing and midwifery education. This study presents theself-assessed spiritual care competencies of Slovenian nursing and midwifery students. Design: A cross-sectional design was used. Methods: A non-experimental, cross-sectional design was applied to a purposive sample of 319 undergraduate and graduate nursing and midwifery students. Data were collected based on the Spiritual Care Competency Self-Assessment Tool. Results: The results showed that 51.7% (n = 165) of students demonstrated a moderate level of spiritual care competence, 40.4%(n = 129) achieved a good level and only 5.3% (n = 17) attained a high level. Nursing students scored significantly higher than midwifery students (p < 0.05), particularly in intrapersonal and interpersonal spirituality. Female students reported higher competence in spiritual care planning and interpersonal spirituality compared with males (p < 0.05). No significant differences were found regarding study format, year of study, or religious affiliation. Conclusions: The findings highlight the need for targeted educational interventions to improve spiritual care training, ensuring that all healthcare students develop the necessary competencies to provide holistic, patient-centered care. Patient or Public Contribution: Nursing and midwifery students participated in this study
Language ability of bilingual children in the Slovenian language
No full textNamen predstavljene pilotne raziskave je bil primerjalno analizirati govorno zmožnost eno- in dvojezičnih otrok v slovenskem jeziku ter preučiti učinek dejavnikov družinskega okolja na različna področja govora eno- in dvojezičnih otrok. V vzorec je bilo vključenih 307 otrok, starih od 30 do 48 mesecev, in sicer 262 enojezičnih otrok, ki so bili v domačem okolju redno izpostavljeni le slovenščini, in 45 dvojezičnih otrok, ki so bili v domačem okolju vsakodnevno od rojstva dalje poleg slovenščine izpostavljeni še enemu jeziku. Govorno zmožnost vseh v raziskavo vključenih otrok smo ocenili s slovensko različico CDI-III, in sicer njihov besednjak, slovnico in metajezikovno zavedanje. Dobljeni rezultati so pokazali, da so dosežki enojezičnih otrok na ocenjenih področjih besednjaka in slovnice značilno višji v primerjavi z dosežki dvojezičnih otrok, ocenjenih le v enem jeziku, ne pa tudi na področju metajezikovnega zavedanja. Poleg tega smo ugotovile, da se družinski dejavniki (število knjig doma, pogostost skupnega branja, starost otroka ob začetku skupnega branja in izobrazba staršev) pomembno povezujejo z različnimi področji govora v slovenskem jeziku pri enojezičnih, ne pa tudi pri dvojezičnih otrocih. Ugotovitve pilotne raziskave kažejo na nekatere razlike v govorni zmožnosti eno- in dvojezičnih otrok v slovenskem jeziku, poudarjajo pomen ocenjevanja govora dvojezičnih otrok v obeh jezikih ter predstavljajo temelje za nadaljnje raziskovanje govorne zmožnosti dvojezičnih otrok v slovenskem jeziku.The aim of this pilot study was to conduct a comparative analysis of the language abilities of monolingual and bilingual children in the Slovenian language and to examine the influence of family environment factors on various aspects of language development in both groups. The sample included 307 children aged 30 to 48 months: 262 monolingual children who were regularly exposed only to Slovenian at home, and 45 bilingual children who had been exposed daily and from birth to both Slovenian and an additional language in their home environment. The children’s language abilities were assessed using the Slovenian version of the CDI-III, focusing on vocabulary, grammar, and metalinguistic awareness. The results showed that monolingual children scored significantly higher than their bilingual peers in vocabulary and grammar when only one language was assessed, but not in metalinguistic awareness. Additionally, we found that family factors—such as the number of books at home, frequency of shared reading, the child’s age at the onset of shared reading, and parents’ education levels—were significantly associated with various domains of language development in Slovenian for monolingual children, but not for bilingual children. The findings of this pilot study highlight specific differences in the Slovenian language abilities of monolingual and bilingual children, underscore the importance of assessing bilingual children’s skills in both languages, and provide a basis for further research on bilingual language development in the Slovenian context
Perception of sixth-grade students on the role of home economics subject in everyday life
No full textThe subject of Home Economics aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to meet the diverse challenges of everyday life and achieve a high quality of life. This study explored sixth-grade students’ perceptions of the role of Home Economics in the following aspects of life: (1) cooperation, tolerance, and belonging (CTB)(2) work and time management (WTM)(3) environmental aspects of sustainable development (EASD)(4) prudent consumerism and finances (PCF) and (5) healthy nutrition (HN). A total of 120 sixth-grade students from four Slovenian primary schools participated in the survey.The results showed that students considered the role of Home Economics important for all five areasof life, with the highest ratings for environmental aspects of sustainable development (EASD) and the lowest for cooperation, tolerance, and belonging (CTB). There were no statistically significant gender differences, but male students rated the role of Home Economics slightly higher in relation to work and time management (WTM). The results provide deeper insight into how students perceive the role of Home Economics in developing everyday life skills and sustainable habits. These findings highlight that students particularly associate the role of Home Economics with environmental responsibility and practical life management, offering a valuable basis for further refining content and teaching strategies to better align Home Economics education with sustainable development goals