1. Engineering concept of the VNS - a beam-driven tokamak for component testingChristian Bachmann, M. Siccinio, E. Acampora, Aljaž Čufar, Irene Zammuto, 2025, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: The qualification of in-vessel components for a fusion power plant requires a test environment with a high flux of 14 MeV neutrons over a sufficiently large surface and volume. Performance testing and qualification of the complex design and technologies of fusion nuclear components is needed, in particular that of the tritium breeding blanket (BB). Testing in relevant conditions over a relevant time will also allow gaining the necessary confidence regarding the build-up and control of tritium inventories inside the BB, which will be an important radioactive source. An option of such a volumetric neutron source (VNS) is a beam-driven tokamak. A feasibility study of the main machine components and associated plant systems is described in this article. The machine has a major radius of 2.53 m, a single-null divertor configuration, and four tangential 120 keV beamlines that generate a fusion power of approximately 30 MW and provide current drive for a steady-state plasma scenario. The plasma is small with a minor radius of a = 0.55 m to maximize the neutron wall load, up to 0.5 MW/m², similar to what is targeted in ITER. Approximately 25 m² are available for blanket testing including 4 port plugs, which offer flexibility regarding the test module operating conditions and the implementation of instrumentation. Given the small plasma, much of the tokamak's volume is made up by the neutron shielding structures that are similarly sized as in ITER. To reduce the construction risk, ITER-like concepts were adopted for many components. In some cases, however, lessons learned from ITER led to the development of customized or innovative concepts. Due to the modest fusion power the plasma will burn <1 kg of tritium per year, which can be provided from external sources.
Ključne besede: fusion reactors, volumetric neutron source, breeding blanket testing, tokamak, remote maintenance
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 27.02.2026; Ogledov: 126; Prenosov: 51
 Celotno besedilo (5,09 MB)
Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
2. Force signal alignment in dynamic testing machine calibration applicationsMiha Hiti, 2026, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Calibration of force in measuring systems where the force is time dependent i.e. dynamically changing, introduces additional complexities versus quasi-static calibration conditions. Time variable force signals necessitate accurate time alignment between concurrent signals – measurement series from unit under test and the measurement series from the reference standard need to be synchronised. Different unsynchronised measuring systems are typically used for acquisition of each calibration signal and they need to be time aligned in post- processing to eliminate as much as possible the influence of the sample misalignment from the resulting testing machine indication error. The paper focuses on the time synchronization of measurement series by using cross-correlation to determine the necessary time correction when calibrating testing machines with dynamic cyclic force excitation. Measurements are presented for calibration signals in the examples of 20 kN testing machine compression calibration for 5 kN ± 1 kN cycling force with 1 Hz, 5 Hz, and 10 Hz cycling frequencies, and 1000 kN testing machine tensile calibration for 500 kN ± 100 kN cycling force with 1 Hz cycling frequency. The standard deviation of the error distribution after time correction and clock rate compensation was below 0.2 % for both, 20 kN testing machine calibration, and 1000 kN testing machine calibration.
Ključne besede: calibration, dynamic testing systems, time-synchronization, cross-correlation
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 11.02.2026; Ogledov: 360; Prenosov: 72
Celotno besedilo (6,07 MB)
Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
3. Development and field testing of a cavitation-based robotic platform for sustainable in-water hull cleaningUroš Puc, Andreja Abina, Edvin Salvi, Vlado Malačič, Janja Francé, Riccardo Zanelli, Aleksander Zidanšek, 2026, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Biofouling on ship hulls significantly increases hydrodynamic drag, fuel consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions, while also facilitating the spread of invasive species in regional and global waters, thereby threatening marine biodiversity. To address these environmental and economic issues, we developed an innovative robotic platform for in-water hull cleaning. The platform utilizes a cavitation-based cleaning module that removes biofouling while minimizing hull surface damage and preventing the spread of detached particles into the marine environment. This paper describes the design, operation, and testing of a developed robotic cleaning system prototype. Emphasis is placed on integrating components and sensors for continuous monitoring of key seawater parameters (temperature, salinity, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, chlorophyll-a, etc.) before, during, and after underwater cleaning. Results from real-sea trials show the platform’s effectiveness in removing biofouling and its minimal environmental impact, confirming its potential as a sustainable solution for in-water hull cleaning.
Ključne besede: biofouling, ship hulls, in-water cleaning, undewater robot, sensor integration, field testing
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 27.01.2026; Ogledov: 160; Prenosov: 101
Celotno besedilo (2,38 MB)
Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
4. DFOS-based monitoring of prestressed concrete bridge girders : preliminary resultsKleo Lila, Max Herbers, Bertram Richter, Andrea Agreiter, Maja Kreslin, Petra Triller, Andrej Anžlin, Werner Lienhart, Steffen Marx, 2025, objavljeni znanstveni prispevek na konferenci Povzetek: Due to bridges’ critical role in transportation networks, the assessment and maintenance of existing bridges have become a priority. Prestressed concrete bridges constitute a significant portion of Europe’s transportation network, yet many no longer meet today’s technical requirements. This is primarily due to two factors: (i) the unforeseen increase in heavy goods traffic, and (ii) insufficient experience with early reinforced and prestressed concrete construction methods, coupled with inadequate regulations, which resulted in design weaknesses and structural deficiencies. One critical failure mechanism, identified when recalculating existing bridges based on updated guidelines, is insufficient shear load-bearing capacity, which has prompted the premature demolition of numerous bridges. A thorough understanding and rigorous monitoring of shear behavior is essential since neglecting this problem could lead to notable consequences, especially for aging infrastructure. In this paper, a distributed fiber optic sensor (DFOS) based monitoring system, inspired by shear detection concepts, is tested. A decommissioned prestressed concrete bridge girder was equipped with a DFOS grid, allowing for detailed monitoring of crack width, location, and shape. Preliminary test results confirm the successful installation and early detection of cracks, highlighting the system’s potential to identify microcrack formation, monitor crack growth, and support maintenance strategies.
Ključne besede: structural health monitoring, distributed fiber optic sensors, microcracking, crack growths, load testing, prestressed concrete
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 27.01.2026; Ogledov: 181; Prenosov: 93
Celotno besedilo (1,09 MB)
Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
5. Laboratory testing of old bridge girders : preliminary resultsMaja Kreslin, Mirko Kosič, Aljoša Šajna, Andrej Anžlin, Doron Hekič, Vladimir Požonec, Petra Triller, 2025, objavljeni znanstveni prispevek na konferenci Povzetek: This paper presents key results on the laboratory testing of old girders removed from a flood-damaged bridge located near Ljubljana, Slovenia. The structure was widened in 1989 to accommodate pedestrians and cyclists by integrating prefabricated prestressed reinforced concrete T-girders. To assess the structural behaviour of the bridge, six girders were subjected to a rigorous testing program involving bending and shear tests in a laboratory setting. The tests were performed on girders with static lengths of 12.20 meters and 9.90 meters. The program aimed to evaluate the structural performance of the girders. Preliminary results indicate satisfactory structural behaviour of the prestressed T-girders under the applied loads, with insights into their performance under both bending and shear stresses. This study contributes valuable data for assessing the long-term behaviour of bridges. The outcomes are particularly relevant for optimising resource allocation in bridge rehabilitation projects and ensuring safety and functionality in transportation networks.
Ključne besede: laboratory testing, prestressed girders, assessment, load test, operational modal analysis, damage, acoustic emission
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 22.01.2026; Ogledov: 218; Prenosov: 113
Celotno besedilo (15,91 MB)
Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
6. Non-invasive techniques in consolidation study of dolomitic lime plasters : application to wall paintingsZala Žarkovič, Andreja Pondelak, Ajda Mladenovič, Sabina Dolenec, 2025, objavljeni znanstveni prispevek na konferenci Povzetek: The consolidation of lime-based plaster materials plays a vital role in preservation of built heritage. Wall paintings are particularly vulnerable due to the fragile nature of lime-based substrates and their susceptibility to deterioration. While calcium lime plasters are frequently studied, there seem to be few studies on the consolidation of wall paintings produced with dolomitic lime. This research evaluates the effectiveness of three carbonate-based consolidants — calcium acetoacetate (CFW), Nanorestore (NR), and NanoLaq (NL) applied individually and in combinations, to assess their mechanical and aesthetic effects on dolomitic lime models. Non-invasive methods included microhardness testing, ultrasonic velocity measurements and micro-invasive method as the drilling resistance measurement system (DRMS) to measure penetration depth and change in mechanical properties. Spectrophotometry was used to monitor colour changes after the application of consolidants. This research emphasizes the significance of using advanced diagnostic tools for evaluating and improving conservation treatments for wall paintings. Results showed that combined applications of CFW with nanolimes improved cohesion and depth performance significantly more than individual treatments. The findings contribute to sustainable practices in heritage preservation and align with ongoing efforts to refine consolidant formulations for better performance.
Ključne besede: non-destructive testing, infrared thermography, historic concrete preservation, ground penetrating radar (GPR), ultrasound tomography
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 15.01.2026; Ogledov: 268; Prenosov: 132
Celotno besedilo (387,44 KB)
Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
7. Emerging trends and recent progress of MXene as a promising 2D material for point of care (POC) diagnosticsRaghuraj S. Chouhan, Maitri Shah, Drishya Prakashan, P.R. Ramya, Pratik Kolhe, Sonu Gandhi, 2023, pregledni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials with chemical and structural diversity have piqued the interest of the scientific community due to their superior photonic, mechanical, electrical, magnetic, and catalytic capabilities that distinguish them from their bulk counterparts. Among these 2D materials, two-dimensional (2D) transition metal carbides, carbonitrides, and nitrides with a general chemical formula of Mn+1XnTx (where n = 1–3), together known as MXenes, have gained tremendous popularity and demonstrated competitive performance in biosensing applications. In this review, we focus on the cutting-edge advances in MXene-related biomaterials, with a systematic summary on their design, synthesis, surface engineering approaches, unique properties, and biological properties. We particularly emphasize the property–activity–effect relationship of MXenes at the nano– bio interface. We also discuss the recent trends in the application of MXenes in accelerating the performance of conventional point of care (POC) devices towards more practical approaches as the next generation of POC tools. Finally, we explore in depth the existing problems, challenges, and potential for future improvement of MXene-based materials for POC testing, with the goal of facilitating their early realization of biological applications.
Ključne besede: MXenes, 2D nanomaterials, biosensors, POC testing
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 16.12.2025; Ogledov: 324; Prenosov: 154
Celotno besedilo (3,37 MB)
Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
8. Universal screening for familial hypercholesterolemia in preschool children and their families in Slovenia (FH-FAMILIES) : a protocol for a study of four-stage screening programMia Becker, Bernarda Vogrin, Jan Kafol, Barbara Čugalj Kern, Urh Grošelj, 2025, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is the most common metabolic disease, with prevalence estimated between 1:250 and 1:300. The affected individuals have a significantly higher risk for developing atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease (CVD) compared to non-affected individuals. Early CVD can be prevented with early detection and treatment of FH. In Slovenia we have been conducting a national three-staged program of universal screening for FH of preschoolers. Goals: Our goal is to collect data for 5000 children, which is approximately one-quarter of one generation of preschoolers for the year 2023 (n = 5000). Methods: Our study includes both prospective and retrospective components and is a non-interventional cohort study. The prospective component began in 2023, when a questionnaire was distributed to multiple community health centers and outpatient practices in Slovenia. Pediatricians or school medicine specialists completed these questionnaires. The retrospective component involves our research team collecting the remaining necessary data from existing medical records. We are going to follow our algorithm for the implementation of the universal cholesterol screening program and seek all children that will be referred to the Pediatric Lipid Clinic at the University Children’s Hospital, University Medical Centre (UCH-UMC), Ljubljana, for further genetic testing. If a child has a positive genetic result, their parents and siblings will undergo genetic testing. Conclusions: Despite being a common genetic disorder, familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is still largely underdiagnosed globally; fewer than 10% of affected individuals are thought to be identified. Early detection through effective screening is therefore essential to improve outcomes and prevent premature cardiovascular events.
Ključne besede: hypercholesterolemia, universal screening, preschoolers, total cholesterol, genetic testing
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 11.12.2025; Ogledov: 329; Prenosov: 153
Celotno besedilo (812,38 KB)
Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
9. Value of optical genome mapping (OGM) for diagnostics of rare diseases : a family case reportAnja Kovanda, Olivera Miljanović, Luca Lovrečić, Aleš Maver, Alenka Hodžić, Borut Peterlin, 2024, drugi znanstveni članki Povzetek: Optical genome mapping (OGM) is a novel method enabling the detection of structural genomic variants. The method is based on the laser image acquisition of single, labeled, high-molecular-weight DNA molecules and can detect structural genomic variants such as translocations, inversions, insertions, deletions, duplications, and complex structural rearrangements. We aim to present our experience with OGM at the Clinical Institute of Genomic Medicine, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Slovenia. Since its introduction in 2021, we have used OGM for the testing of facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy 1, characterization and resolution of variants identified by other technologies such as microarrays, exome and genome next-generation sequencing, karyotyping, as well as testing of rare disease patients in whom no genetic cause could be identified using these methods. We present an example family case of two previously undiagnosed male siblings with an overlapping clinical presentation of thrombocytopenia, obesity, and presacral teratoma. After karyotyping, microarray analysis and next-generation sequencing, by using OGM, a maternally inherited cryptic translocation t(X;18)(q27.1;q12.2) was identified in both brothers. Despite an extended segregation analysis, based on strictly applied ACMG criteria and ClinGen guidelines, the identified translocation remains a variant of unknown significance. Despite the remaining limitations of OGM, which will hopefully be resolved by improvements in databases of known benign SV variation and the establishment of official guidelines on the clinical interpretation of OGM variants, our work highlights the complexity of the diagnostic journey, including this novel method, in rare disease cases.
Ključne besede: optical genome mapping, OGM, structural variants, SV, genomic variants, rare disease genetic testing
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 04.12.2025; Ogledov: 298; Prenosov: 143
Celotno besedilo (1,06 MB)
Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
10. Gender disparity in lipid testing among over 0.5 million adults from Pakistan : females are tested much later despite higher LDL-cholesterol levelsAmjad Nawaz, Madeeha Khan, Quratul Ain, Muhammad Amjad, Jaka Šikonja, Hijab Batool, Mohammad Iqbal Khan, Urh Grošelj, Fouzia Sadiq, 2025, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Background and aims: Dyslipidemia is the major risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD); therefore, its early diagnosis and treatment is necessary. While previous studies in Pakistan focused on general lipid profiles, investigations into gender disparities in lipid testing remain scarce. Therefore, the present study aims to explore the gender disparity in lipid testing and lipid levels among the adult Pakistani population. Methods: The lipid profile data was obtained from a tertiary care hospital and a diagnostic laboratory with centers across Pakistan. Dyslipidemia was defined based on the criteria provided by the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) guidelines. Gender-based differences in lipid levels were analysed by copula decomposition, breaking down dyslipidemia differences into composition and structure effects. Results: A total of 577,489 adults were included in this study. The highest number of tests (n = 86,709, 14.6%) were conducted in individuals aged between 50 to 54 years. Greater number of males (n = 203,415, 64.3%) were tested before the age of 50 years compared to females (n = 113,030, 35.7%). Conversely, after the age of 50 years, number of tests increased notably among females (n = 137,541, 52.7%) compared to males (n = 123,503, 47.3%; p < 0.001). For all comparisons, significant differences were observed for low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides (TG), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels between males and females (p < 0.001), where average levels of LDL-C, TC and HDL-C were higher in females while average TG levels were higher in males. Conclusion: This study highlights the gender disparity in lipid testing in Pakistan, where females undergo lipid testing later in life, despite higher lipid levels compared to males.
Ključne besede: cardiovascular disease, dyslipidemia, gender disparity, lipid testing, opportunistic testing, Pakistan
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 03.12.2025; Ogledov: 787; Prenosov: 168
Celotno besedilo (1,28 MB)
Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
