1. Factors affecting students’ performance on national assessments of mathematics in Italy : a random forest approachDaniel Doz, Bor Bregant, 2024, original scientific article Abstract: This paper investigates the impact of teacher-assigned grades in Mathematics and Italian, students’ gender, and geographical macroregion on students’ performance in the Italian INVALSI mathematics assessment, using Random Forest analysis across grades 2, 5, 8, 10, and 13. Findings revealed that the two most influential factors are mathematics and Italian teacher-assigned grades, followed by gender. Boys consistently achieve higher INVALSI scores, while girls receive higher teacher-assigned grades. Performance disparities are observed among the five Italian geographic macroregions, with students from northern and central Italy performing better. Linguistic abilities and gender show varying significance across grades. The role of geographic macroregion is more pronounced in high school. Results were confirmed using Boosting Regression, validating the findings. This study highlights the significance of teacher-assigned grades, linguistic skills, gender, and geographic disparities in predicting students’ performance on the INVALSI mathematics test, showcasing the value of machine learning modelsin addressing educational equity.
Keywords: INVALSI, mathematics, national assessment, random forest, grades
Published in RUP: 22.01.2026; Views: 247; Downloads: 2
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2. History and Practice of Contract Archaeology in NamibiaGoodman Gwasira, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: This article traces how contract archaeology in Namibia emerged and consolidated after 1990 at the intersection of environmental regulation, donor requirements, and large-scale development – especially mining and energy infrastructure. It shows that, for decades, practice was largely self-regulated in the absence of national guidelines, drawing authority from Environmental Impact Assessments and the National Heritage Act. Comparing regional standards (e.g. SAHRA, ASAPA), the paper argues for clear standard operating procedures, professional accreditation, and capacity building to ensure ethical, consistent work that contributes to scholarship and community engagement. It concludes that Namibia now has an opportunity to professionalise the field, leverage ‘grey literature’ for research, and align heritage protection with sustainable development.
Keywords: contract archaeology, Namibia, environmental impact assessment, cultural heritage management, heritage impact assessment
Published in RUP: 21.01.2026; Views: 184; Downloads: 1
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3. Within-session reliability and comparison in resisted sprint performance with the 1080 Sprint between belt and harness attachment pointsMatic Sašek, Nicola Reiner Volk, Nejc Šarabon, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: The application of resistance over the shoulder or hips during resisted sprints could influence performance outcomes but has not been thoroughly investigated. This study examined the within-session reliability of sprint performance measures and compared the outcomes of 1080 Sprint device between belt (hips) and harness (shoulders) attachment. Twelve student-athletes completed three 20 m sprints with resistance equivalent to 25% of body mass (14.0 to 24.7 kg). Sprint split times (5 m, 10 m, 15 m, 20 m), peak velocity, and distance at peak velocity were recorded with 1080 Sprint. Within-session reliability was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC3.1) and coefficients of variation (CV), while differences in performance were analysed using paired t-tests and effect sizes (ES). Reliability was excellent for all variables (ICC3.1≥ 0.93; CV ≤ 3.08 %) except distance at peak velocity, which showed poor reliability (ICC3.1≥ 0.32; CV ≥ 17.2 %). Sprint times and peak velocity were faster with the belt attachment (ES ≥ 0.93), while peak velocity was reached earlier with the harness attachment (ES = 0.65). Both attachment points provided reliable measurements, but the belt consistently resulted in faster 20 m sprint performance. Coaches and practitioners should consider these differences when assessing resisted sprint performance or prescribing training to ensure consistent and individualized loading strategies
Keywords: resisted sprint, resistance, sprint performance, speed assessment
Published in RUP: 30.12.2025; Views: 264; Downloads: 0
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4. The social construction of environmental reality : an analysis of life cycle assessment in the food industryPedja Ašanin Gole, Karolina Babič, Vida Sruk, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: This article offers a critical sociological-philosophical-communicological review of the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) method in the context of the food industry. While LCA has been established as a standardized tool for quantifying environmental impacts, this study analyses it not merely as a technical method but as an epistemological construct that actively shapes societal understanding of sustainability. Drawing on the theory of social construction of reality, situated knowledge, and critical theory, the article explores how methodological choices within LCA (e.g., system boundary definition and indicator selection) are not neutral but reflect specific social and political priorities. The findings reveal that standardized LCA approaches oſten lead to epistemological reductionism by homogenizing complex ecological processes and neglecting local contexts and environmental justice issues. Furthermore, the article examines the instrumentalization of LCA in sustainability communication and green marketing, where quantitative data are frequently used to legitimize existing business models rather than to drive systemic change. The discussion emphasizes the need to transcend instrumental rationality and shiſt toward transdisciplinary and deliberative approaches. The article advocates for integrating Social Life Cycle Assessment (S-LCA) and broader Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (LCSA) frameworks to address sustainability challenges in the food industry more holistically, incorporating social justice and cultural sensitivity.
Keywords: life cycle assessment (LCA), social construction of reality, situated knowledge, sustainability environmental communication, epistemology of ethics, sociology of responsibility
Published in RUP: 10.11.2025; Views: 406; Downloads: 10
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5. Reliability of postural sway measures during single-leg stance : a analysis using conventional and complementary error metricsŽiga Kozinc, Aurora Kuliqi, Iza Obal, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: This study examined the test–retest reliability of postural sway measures during single-leg stance in healthy adults. Forty-eight participants performed three 30-s barefoot trials across two sessions separated by 3–5 days, using a force platform to derive eight center of pressure (CoP) variables. Reliability was assessed using conventional reliability metrics (intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), typical error (TE), coefficient of variation (CV), and minimal detectable change (MDC)), as well as recently suggested complementary indices (mean absolute error (MAE) and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE)). Most CoP-derived variables showed good relative reliability, with ICCs ranging from 0.71 to 0.86. Sway velocity and frequency-based measures were the most consistent (e.g., sway velocity AP: ICC = 0.85), while sway area showed higher variability (ICC = 0.71, MAPE = 20.1%). Systematic improvements were observed between sessions, particularly for sway velocity (all p < 0.001) and area (p = 0.002). Absolute error metrics such as MAE and MAPE provided additional insight into individual-level variability, often exceeding values indicated by CV. The findings support the use of single-leg CoP measures in research and clinical assessments but highlight the need for careful interpretation of reliability based on both relative and absolute indices.
Keywords: reliability, center of pressure, balance assessment, measurement error, force platform
Published in RUP: 23.08.2025; Views: 692; Downloads: 23
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7. Assessment tools for non-technical skills in multidisciplinary healthcare team simulation-based education : a scoping reviewIgor Karnjuš, Kristina Martinović, Jakob Renko, Patrik Pucer, 2025, independent scientific component part or a chapter in a monograph Keywords: simulation-based education, multidisciplinary teams, assessment tools, team training, non-technical skills
Published in RUP: 23.06.2025; Views: 832; Downloads: 9
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8. Comparing the environmental impacts of wooden buildings in Spain, Slovenia, and GermanyAlberto Quintana-Gallardo, Oihana Gordobil, Erwin Andreas Meissner Schau, Eva Prelovšek Niemelä, Michael David Burnard, 2021, original scientific article Keywords: regenerative sustainability, wood frame construction, energy simulation, life cycle assessment
Published in RUP: 24.11.2021; Views: 3403; Downloads: 32
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9. Development of the school furniture suitability questionnaire (SFS-Q)Nastja Podrekar, Sølvi Therese Strømmen Wie, Kaja Kastelic, Michael David Burnard, 2021, published scientific conference contribution abstract Keywords: ergonomics, chair, classroom, desk, students, subjective assessment
Published in RUP: 24.06.2021; Views: 2472; Downloads: 76
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