1. Dealing with the complexity of effective population size in conservation practiceAncuta Cotovelea Fedorca, Joachim Mergeay, Adejoke O. Akinyele, Tamer Albayrak, Iris Biebach, Alice Brambilla, Pamela Burger, Elena Bužan, Ino Čurik, Roberta Gargiulo, Marjana Westergren, 2024, review article Abstract: Effective population size (Ne) is one of the most important parameters in evolutionary biology, as it is linked to the long-term survival capability of species. Therefore, Ne greatly interests conservation geneticists, but it is also very relevant to policymakers, managers, and conservation practitioners. Molecular methods to estimate Ne rely on various assumptions, including no immigration, panmixia, random sampling, absence of spatial genetic structure, and/or mutation-drift equilibrium. Species are, however, often characterized by fragmented populations under changing environmental conditions and anthropogenic pressure. Therefore, the estimation methods' assumptions are seldom addressed and rarely met, possibly leading to biased and inaccurate Ne estimates. To address the challenges associated with estimating Ne for conservation purposes, the COST Action 18134, Genomic Biodiversity Knowledge for Resilient Ecosystems (G-BiKE), organized an international workshop that met in August 2022 in Brașov, Romania. The overarching goal was to operationalize the current knowledge of Ne estimation methods for conservation practitioners and decision-makers. We set out to identify datasets to evaluate the sensitivity of Ne estimation methods to violations of underlying assumptions and to develop data analysis strategies that addressed pressing issues in biodiversity monitoring and conservation. Referring to a comprehensive body of scientific work on Ne, this meeting report is not intended to be exhaustive but rather to present approaches, workshop findings, and a collection of papers that serve as fruits of those efforts. We aimed to provide insights and opportunities to help bridge the gap between scientific research and conservation practice.
Keywords: Ne, effective population size, inbreeding
Published in RUP: 04.02.2026; Views: 68; Downloads: 0
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2. The health-economic burden of hip and knee periprosthetic joint infections in Europe : a comprehensive analysis following primary arthroplastyVolker Alt, Dominik Szymski, Markus Rupp, Andreas Fontalis, Danguole Vaznaisiene, Leonard C. Marais, Christof Wagner, Nike Walter, Rihard Trebše, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: Aims Periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) pose significant challenges to patients and healthcare systems worldwide. The aim of this study was to estimate the health-economic burden of reimbursement payment in Europe for PJIs following primary hip and knee arthroplasty. Methods The calculation was based on health-economic modelling using data on primary hip and knee arthroplasties for the year 2019 from the Statistical Office of the European Union (Eurostat) and published infection rates to estimate the total number of hip and knee PJIs in 30 European countries. Revision procedures were stratified into: 1) debridement, antibiotics, and implant retention (DAIR); 2) one-stage exchange; and 3) two-stage revision procedures. The cases were then multiplied by the respective healthcare system reimbursement payments. Payment data were acquired from a survey of 13 countries (Austria, Croatia, France, Germany, Italy, Lithuania, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Slovenia, Switzerland, Turkey, and the UK) and extrapolated for the remaining countries. Results In 2019, a total of 2,048,778 primary total joint replacements were performed (total hip arthroplasty (THA) = 1,147,316 and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) = 901,462), with an estimated 20,416 cases of PJIs (11,131 hip and 9,285 knee) in Europe. This results in an estimated total reimbursement burden of €346,262,026 for European healthcare systems. The breakdown for hip PJI reimbursement was €197,230,953 (€9,751,962 for DAIR procedures, €45,135,894 for one-stage revisions, and €142,343,097 for two-stage revisions). For knee PJIs, the analysis yielded a total reimbursement of €149,031,073 (€9,335,075 for DAIR procedures, €48,058,479 for one-stage revisions, and €91,637,518 for two-stage revisions). Conclusion This is the first study to evaluate the health-economic burden of PJIs in Europe, revealing a substantial impact on healthcare systems with an estimated case load of 20,414 cases and overall reimbursement of €346,262,026 for primary THAs and TKAs performed in 2019.
Published in RUP: 02.02.2026; Views: 98; Downloads: 3
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3. New advances in jellyfish anatomy : the benefits of endocasts and X-ray microtomography in the investigation of the gastrovascular system of Cotylorhiza tuberculata (Scyphozoa; Rhizostomeae; Cepheidae)Gregorio Motta, Marco Voltolini, Lucia Mancini, Diego Dreossi, Francesco Brun, Valentina Tirelli, Lorenzo Peter Castelletto, Manja Rogelja, Antonio Terlizzi, Massimo Avian, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: Historically, research on jellyfish anatomy has been viewed as secondary in impor- tance and has not benefited from technical advances that could improve the quality of the results when compared to other disciplines. The most notable example is the anatomical research on jellyfish, which has been done using conventional methods for many years. Thus far, recent studies have shown that X-ray microtomography (μCT) and resin endocasts can yield outputs with remarkably high detail quality. The application of a similar protocol to Cotylorhiza tuberculata has allowed us to rede- scribe the anatomy of this species’ gastrovascular system, providing numerous addi- tional details, among them the double constricted canal structure present in the oral arms, which was absent in previous descriptions. Additionally, functional anatomy experiments have revealed a double circulation system within these canals, featur- ing specialized oral arms’ openings for intake and outflow, as previously observed in Rhizostoma pulmo. These findings challenge the theory of a simple digestive system in scyphozoans featuring openings that acts both as mouths and anuses. Given the genetic distance between Cotylorhiza tuberculata and Rhizostoma pulmo, which belong to different suborders (Kolpophorae and Dactyliophorae, respectively), we propose that this complex gastrovascular circulation pattern may be more wide- spread among the Rhizostomeae.
Keywords: jellyfish anatomy, Cotylorhiza tuberculata, gastrovascular system
Published in RUP: 24.11.2025; Views: 371; Downloads: 3
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4. Can nuisance species profit from new materials for marine artificial structures? : A pilot study on settlement of Chrysaora hysoscella on biochar-based concreteManuela Piccardo, Gregorio Motta, Verdiana Vellani, Massimo Avian, Manja Rogelja, Stanislao Bevilacqua, 2026, original scientific article Abstract: Growing ocean-based human activities are causing the expansion of concrete structures in the marine envi- ronment, stressing the need for new solutions to minimize their ecological impact and carbon footprint. A promising approach in this perspective involves the use of biochar, a carbon-rich byproduct from thermo- chemical treatment of waste biomass, as an additive to concrete. However, the introduction of novel substrata could pose unintended threats to marine ecosystems, including the potential diffusion of nuisance species. Here, through a set of laboratory experiments, we provided preliminary evidence on the effects of biochar addition to concrete on settlement and survival of the bloom-forming jellyfish Chrysaora hysoscella. The acute 24/48-h mortality test demonstrated a very low sensitivity of planulae to biochar. At both 7 and 14 days since the exposure to colonization of planula larvae, the number of settled polyps did not differ between concrete con- taining biochar (5–10 % wt.) and conventional concrete. Once settled, polyps exhibited comparable survival regardless of the substratum. Our findings support the hypothesis that biochar-based concrete does not favor the invasiveness of this nuisance species with respect to conventional concrete, paving the way for future research on a wider range of (bio)char types and potentially harmful species, enabling broader implementations of these materials. The inherent advantages of biochar addition to concrete for marine uses, such as waste recycling and carbon storage potential, combined with its neutral effect on the spread of nuisance species, could represent a practicable and biocompatible solution to enhance the sustainability of marine artificial structures.
Keywords: Chrysaora hysoscella, polyps settlement, nuisance species, biochar-based concrete
Published in RUP: 21.10.2025; Views: 418; Downloads: 4
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5. Vibration-based serviceability and acoustic assessment of timber floorsAngelo Aloisio, Dag Pasca, Thomas Hillberger, Roberto Tomasi, Thomas Reynolds, Chiara Bedon, Sven Vallely, Rok Prislan, Kemal Edip, Mohammadreza Salehi, 2025, independent scientific component part or a chapter in a monograph Abstract: Timber floors are particularly susceptible to noise and vibration issues when compared to other construction methods, such as concrete floors. This is due to the relatively high stiffness-to-mass-density-ratio of timber floors, which enables so-called ‘lightweight’ floor constructions, in contrast to ‘heavyweight’ floor constructions consisting, for example, of concrete slabs and steel girders.
Keywords: vibrations, tall timber buildings, floors
Published in RUP: 21.10.2025; Views: 356; Downloads: 8
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6. Towards development of guidelines for harnessing implementation science for suicide prevention : an international Delphi expert consensus studySadhvi Krishnamoorthy, Gregory Armstrong, Victoria Ross, Lennart Reifels, Hayley Purdon, Jillian Francis, Jacinta L. Hawgood, Sharna Mathieu, Alexandr Kasal, Allison Crawford, Vita Poštuvan, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: Objectives Suicide research and prevention are complex. Many practical, methodological and ethical challenges must be overcome to implement effective suicide prevention interventions. Implementation science can offer insights into what works, why and in what context. Yet, there are limited real-world examples of the application of implementation science in suicide prevention. This study aimed to identify approaches to employ principles of implementation science to tackle important challenges in suicide prevention. Methods A questionnaire about promoting implementation science for suicide prevention was developed through thematic analysis of stakeholder narratives. Statements were categorised into six domains: research priorities, practical considerations, approach to intervention design and delivery, lived experience engagement, dissemination and the way forward. The questionnaire (n=52 statements—round 1; n=44 statements—round 2; n=9 statements—round 3) was administered electronically to a panel (n=62—round 1, n=48—round 2; n=45—round 3) of international experts (suicide researchers, leaders, project team members, lived experience advocates). Statements were rated on a Likert scale based on an understanding of importance and priority of each item. Statements endorsed by at least 85% of the panel would be included in the final guidelines. Results Eighty-two of the 90 statements were endorsed. Recommendations included broadening research inquiries to understand overall programme impact; accounting for resources in the translation of evidence into practice; embedding implementation science in intervention delivery and design; meaningfully engaging lived experience; considering channels for dissemination of implementation-related findings and focusing on next steps needed to routinely harness the strengths of implementation science in suicide prevention research, practice and training. Conclusion An interdisciplinary panel of suicide prevention experts reached a consensus on optimal strategies for using implementation science to enhance the effectiveness of policies and programmes aimed at reducing suicide.
Keywords: suicide prevention, Delphi expert consensus method, implementation science
Published in RUP: 26.09.2025; Views: 428; Downloads: 3
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7. The impact of Aureobasidium melanogenum cells and extracellular vesicles on human cell linesAnja Černoša, Cene Gostinčar, Marija Holcar, Rok Kostanjšek, Metka Lenassi, Nina Gunde-Cimerman, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: Aureobasidium melanogenum is a black yeast-like fungus that occurs frequently both in nature and in domestic environments. It is becoming increasingly important as an opportunistic pathogen. Nevertheless, its effect on human cells has not yet been studied. In this study, we investigated the effect of A. melanogenum cells and extracellular vesicles (EVs) on human cell lines A549 (human lung cells), HDFa (human dermal fibroblasts), and SH-SY5Y (human neuroblastoma cells). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed no direct interaction between A. melanogenum cells and human cell lines, but there were some changes in HDFa cells. As a possible cause for this change, we tested the cytotoxic effect of EVs from A. melanogenum on the same cell lines. We isolated EVs from the fungus and prepared three different pools: a non-melanin pool (containing mainly EVs), a melanin pool (containing mainly melanin nanoparticles), and a total pool (containing both EVs and melanin nanoparticles). All three pools were characterized and then added to human cell lines to test their cytotoxicity. Unlike in some other fungal opportunistic pathogens, no effects of fungal EVs on human cell viability were observed. Therefore, the opportunistic potential of A. melanogenum remains only partially understood.
Keywords: extracellular vesicles, Aureobasidium melanogenum, pathogenesis, melanin, human cell line
Published in RUP: 07.08.2025; Views: 541; Downloads: 5
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8. Preliminary assessment of alkali-resistant flax based meshes for reinforcing cementitious compositesJaka Gašper Pečnik, Laetitia Sarah Jennifer Marrot, Marica Mikuljan, Tania Langella, Matthew Schwarzkopf, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: The production of textile-reinforced concrete (TRC) requires less materials and energy in comparison with conventional concrete reinforced with steel rebars, which draws some solutions towards the production of net zero concrete that the Cement and Concrete Industry sector should reach by 2050. To go one step further, this study investigates the development of flax based meshes as basic components for a reinforcement grid in cementitious materials. Flax strands and hybrid strands (combination of flax strands and glass or basalt rovings) were impregnated with an epoxy resin to form meshes. The physical and mechanical properties of the flax based meshes were assessed and the alkaline resistance of these reinforcing materials was evaluated to determine their durability in a cementitious matrix. At isoweight of reinforcement, the flax-based meshes demonstrated the best performance in terms of specific modulus and specific strength compared to the hybrid meshes. The hybrid meshes from the control batch displayed specific properties in the same range, whether they were constituted of AR-glass or basalt. However, the use of alkali-resistant glass rovings strongly mitigated the degradation of the mechanical properties of the hybrids meshes by making them less affected by the alkaline environment, among all the reinforcement meshes. In contrast, hybrid meshes with basalt experienced an extensive reduction in tensile strength and strain after exposure to alkaline environment, due to the corrosion of the basalt fibres. Pull-out tests revealed maximum bond strengths for the flax based meshes embedded in a high-performance concrete matrix.
Keywords: alkali, cement, flax, reinforcement
Published in RUP: 25.07.2025; Views: 695; Downloads: 4
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9. Povezanost med doseganjem smernic za 24-urno gibalno vedenje in socio-demografskimi dejavniki pri odraslih : sistematični pregled literatureNejc Črnčič, Kaja Kastelic, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: Doseganje smernic za 24-urno gibalno vedenje, ki vključujejo priporo-čila za telesno dejavnost, sedentarno vedenje in spanje, je ključnega pomena za ohranjanje in krepitev zdravja. Namen tega prispevka je bil pregledati literaturo na temo povezanosti med doseganjem smernic za 24-urno gibalno vedenje in sociodemografskimi dejavniki pri odrasli populaciji. Po pregledu 746 zadetkov iz treh baz znanstvene literature (PubMed, Scopus in Web of Science) smo v analizo vključili 18 člankov, v katerih so poročali o raziskavah, izvedenih v Severni, Srednji in Južni Ameriki ter Aziji. Raziskave v splošnem kažejo, da mlajši odrasli, moški, bolje izobraženi, poročeni, osebe z višjim socialno-ekonomskim položa-jem in belopolti pogosteje dosegajo smernice za 24-urno gibalno vede-nje. Prihodnje raziskave bi morale več pozornosti nameniti proučevanju sociodemografskih dejavnikov, povezanih s hkratnim nedoseganjem vseh priporočil v okviru smernic, saj so prav te skupine izpostavljene največjemu tveganju za slabše zdravje. Manjkajo tudi raziskave, izvede-ne na evropskih tleh.
Keywords: epidemiologija porabe časa, telesna dejavnost, sedentarno vedenje, spanje, priporočila
Published in RUP: 25.07.2025; Views: 663; Downloads: 15
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10. Odnos do podnebnih sprememb in inovacijske dejavnosti slovenskih in avstrijskih podjetij v gozdno-lesnem sektorju, 2021Ana Slavec, Miguel Moreno Torres, Tobias Stern, 2022, complete scientific database of research data Abstract: Raziskava o odnosu slovenskih in avstrijskih podjetij do podnebnih sprememb in njihovih inovacijskih aktivnostih. Namen raziskave je bil razumeti vpliv podnebnih sprememb na podjetja v gozdno-lesnem sektorju, odnos podjetij do podnebnih sprememb in njihovo motivacijo za delovanje v zvezi s podnebnimi spremembami ter kako podnebne spremembe podjetja spodbujajo k razvoju novih strategij, postopkov ali produktov. Podatkovna datoteka je v angleškem jeziku in zajema tudi podatke o podjetjih iz drugih administrativnih virov: register Bizi.si (SI) in Firmeninfo.at (AT). Podatki se nanašajo na različna časovna obdobja, in sicer na sedanjost (čas izvajanja ankete) in preteklost (obdobje 2016-2018 ali obdobje 2018 do 2020).
Keywords: podatki, lesarstvo, podjetja, inovacije
Published in RUP: 13.12.2023; Views: 3004; Downloads: 36
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