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73. Development of novel digital PCR assays for the rapid quantification of Gram-negative bacteria biomarkers using RUCS algorithmAlexandra Bogožalec Košir, Špela Alič, Viktorija Tomič, Dane Lužnik, Tanja Dreo, Mojca Milavec, 2024, original scientific article Abstract: Rapid and accurate identification of bacterial pathogens is crucial for effective treatment and infection control, particularly in hospital settings. Conventional methods like culture techniques and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry are often time-consuming and less sensitive. This study addresses the need for faster and more precise diagnostic methods by developing novel digital PCR (dPCR) assays for the rapid quantification of biomarkers from three Gram-negative bacteria: Acinetobacter baumannii, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Utilizing publicly available genomes and the rapid identification of PCR primers for unique core sequences or RUCS algorithm, we designed highly specific dPCR assays. These assays were validated using synthetic DNA, bacterial genomic DNA, and DNA extracted from clinical samples. The developed dPCR methods demonstrated wide linearity, a low limit of detection (approx. 30 copies per reaction), and robust analytical performance with measurement uncertainty below 25 %. The assays showed high repeatability and intermediate precision, with no cross-reactivity observed. Comparison with MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry revealed substantial concordance, highlighting the methods’ suitability for clinical diagnostics. This study underscores the potential of dPCR for rapid and precise quantification of Gram-negative bacterial biomarkers. The developed methods offer significant improvements over existing techniques, providing faster, more accurate, and SI-traceable measurements. These advancements could enhance clinical diagnostics and infection control practices. Keywords: digital PCR (dPCR), Gram-negative bacteria, pathogen detection, respiratory infections, biomarkers, RUCS algorithm Published in DiRROS: 05.11.2024; Views: 59; Downloads: 11 Link to file |
74. Combining ultrafast laser texturing and laser hardening to enhance surface durability by improving hardness and wear performanceAbhijit Cholkar, Suman Chatterjee, Sujith Kumar, Marko Sedlaček, Bojan Podgornik, David Kinahan, Dermot Brabazon, 2024, original scientific article Abstract: Aluminum alloy 7075 is utilized widely across marine, aerospace, and automotive sectors. However, its surface wear resistance has hindered its application in certain tribological environments. Addressing this challenge, the current study examines a hybrid laser method to increase surface wear resistance by combining two techniques: ultrafast laser texturing and laser-based surface hardening. Ultrafast laser processing is conducted using 3 W laser power, 100 kHz pulse repetition rate, 4 mm s-1 scanning speed, and three different scan patterns. After the texturing operation, laser-based surface hardening is then performed on these textures using a continuous wave laser. The laser heat treatment is conducted using laser powers of 400 and 500 W with three different scan speeds of 1, 2, and 3 mm s-1 . Microhardness evaluations show a notable increase in hardness, with the hardest sample exhibiting a 17.8% increase compared to the pristine sample. The lasertextured and laser heat-treated samples exhibit a significant reduction in the average coefficient of friction and wear volumes compared to samples that were laser-textured but not laser heat-treated. The investigated laser processing strategy offers a promising approach for surface modification, enhancing both mechanical properties and wear resistance of aluminum alloy 7075 surfaces. Keywords: hardness, laser hardening, parametric modeling, surface modification, ultrafast laser texturing, wear resistance Published in DiRROS: 05.11.2024; Views: 43; Downloads: 22 Full text (4,46 MB) This document has many files! More... |
75. Overlooked intersection of gender and racial/ethnic dimensions in Slovenian academic sexual harassment & violence policiesLucija Dežan, Mateja Sedmak, Zorana Medarić, 2024, original scientific article Abstract: This article addresses the need to adopt an intersectional perspective when discussing sexual harassment and violence in academia. The introduction of an intersectional perspective is important since sexual harassment and violence in relation to racial and ethnic minorities seldom revolve exclusively around gender. Recognising the intersectional nature of sexual assault and harassment means also recognising the coexistence of racism and nationalism, the perpetuation of ethnic/racial stereotypes, the multifaceted manifestations of discrimination, and a matrix of domination that exists in our society and educational and research institutions as well. In this article, we analysed official documents of Slovenian higher education and research institutions (public and private ones) with an aim to examine whether and how they address intersectionality and racial/ethnic minorities in their policies combating sexual harassment and violence. The results revealed a significant ignorance towards intersectionality of gender and ethnicity, but also issues arising from accessibility of these policies. Keywords: sexual harassment and violence, intersectionality, gender, “race”, ethnicity, university, research institutions Published in DiRROS: 30.10.2024; Views: 143; Downloads: 62 Full text (1,28 MB) This document has many files! More... |
76. Massively parallel measurement of protein–protein interactions by sequencing using MP3-seqAlexandr Baryshev, Benjamin Groves, Cirstyn Michel, David Baker, Ajasja Ljubetič, Georg Seelig, 2024, original scientific article Keywords: proteins, proteins interactions, sequencing, MP3-seq Published in DiRROS: 30.10.2024; Views: 137; Downloads: 50 Full text (4,42 MB) This document has many files! More... |
77. Recycled red mud as an useful geotechnical materialPrimož Pavšič, Marija Đurić, Mateja Košir, Alenka Mauko Pranjić, Ana Mladenovič, Primož Oprčkal, Sara Seršen, Vesna Zalar Serjun, 2024, published scientific conference contribution Abstract: Red mud (RM) is an extractive waste from Bayer process in alumina production. The most conventional methods of RM disposal are tailing dams, or dry storage,both of which raiseenvironmental concerns due to the high alkalinity of RMandthe presence and leaching of potentially hazardous elements (PTEs).Due to its fine-grained nature and poor mechanical properties, as well as leaching of potentially hazardous substances, RM cannot be used by itself. Properties of the RM can be improved, by mixing it with hydraulic or pozzolanic binders, such as calcareous ashes or steelmaking slag, to produce mechanically stable and durable composites for earthworks. On the other hand, RMcan also serve as an immobilization additive for remediation of contaminated soils.Two different approaches for useful utilization of RMare presented based on results of laboratory research and a real case study, opening of new possibilities for conserving natural resources and reducing environmental hazards of RM deposits. Keywords: red mud, recycling, geotechnical composites, environment Published in DiRROS: 30.10.2024; Views: 135; Downloads: 50 Full text (8,18 MB) This document has many files! More... |
78. Factors influencing the emergence of heterogeneous populations of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris l.) and their potential for intercroppingEva Plestenjak, Vladimir Meglič, Lovro Sinkovič, Barbara Pipan, 2024, review article Keywords: seed coat colour, common bean, seed polymorphism, landraces, intercropping Published in DiRROS: 29.10.2024; Views: 122; Downloads: 28 Full text (1,22 MB) |
79. Lesno oglje za žar na slovenskem trguDarja Stare, Peter Prislan, 2021, professional article Keywords: gozdovi, lesno oglje, primerjava, žar, analiza kakovosti, trg, Slovenija Published in DiRROS: 29.10.2024; Views: 120; Downloads: 28 Full text (1,68 MB) |
80. Challenges and future perspectives for the European grading of pig carcasses – A quality viewMarjeta Čandek-Potokar, Bénédicte Lebret, Marina Gispert, Maria Font-I-Furnols, 2024, review article Keywords: pigs, SEUROP classification, carcass value, pork quality, consumer, pig carcass grading, quality grading, industry Published in DiRROS: 29.10.2024; Views: 110; Downloads: 32 Full text (3,35 MB) |