Iskanje po repozitoriju

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Opis: This research explores the general and actual accessibility to cultural spaces and organizations, focusing on the network of relationships between contents, innovation, and participation. It investigates how Culture can be perceived as a normal experience, actually able to set a rich dialogue with each of us, normal ordinary people/consumers. Normality means inclusion and sharing. The proposed investigation is based on a triad of interactions among culture, economics, and design. Assuming that Culture generates its value from a cognitive approach, or from a dynamic and context-dependent value chain that is subject to a cognitive evolution, this research acknowledges that the cultural experience is subject to a double issue of access: - The horizontal question is related to complications associated with the structure. Believing that ‘culture is special’ implies the risk of progressively widening the gap between cultural supply and society. Culture is ‘locked’ in specific sites and a big slice of the world’s adult population has yet to be involved in any cultural experience. - Once physically inside the cultural structure, the vertical issue is generated by the difficulty in entering in contact with the offered contents. This research focuses only on museums and multimedia exhibitions in which the learning process has changed: the research presents itself as a conversation where both ‘those who know’ and ‘those who learn’ play equally active parts in a relative process of understanding. Starting from the existing processes, forms, previous studies and case studies, the survey yearns for their systematization in innovative models. The process, from theory to practice and vice versa, goes beyond a traditional mechanism of deduction: it moves from specific contexts to the abstraction of replicable approaches. The question of how the narration emerges guides you toward a new method of analysis, study, and cataloguing; a schematization capable of investigating not only knowledge, but also the visitor's ‘cognitive metabolism’ (how knowledge is acquired) during the multimedia experience; an innovative multipurpose tool, useful for both the museum institution and the designer. The research finally assesses and takes into account an actual experiment, the outcomes of which may prove to be useful in feeding theoretical implications with empirical experiences: RovelloDue - Piccolo Spazio Politecnico, a temporary multimedia space.
Ključne besede: audience development, cognitive accessibility, cultural addiction, culture, human, emotion, immersion, innovation, interactive exhibitions, participation, natural interfaces, normality, technologies
Objavljeno: 13.12.2018; Ogledov: 2767; Prenosov: 49
Polno besedilo (45,89 MB)

Opis: In this work, we experimentally studied the influence of photoexcitation energy influence on the charge transport in organic semiconductors. Organic semiconductors were small molecules like corannulene, perylene and pentacene derivatives, polymers such as polythiophene and benzothiophene derivatives, and graphene, along with combinations of these materials in heterojunctions or composites. The first part of this study is focused on the photoexcitation energy influence on the transient photoconductivity of non-crystalline curved π-conjugated corannulene layers. The enhanced photoconductivity, in the energy range where optical absorption is absent, is deduced from theoretical predictions of corannulene gas-phase excited state spectra. Theoretical analysis reveals a consistent contribution involving transitions to Super Atomic Molecular Orbitals (SAMOs), a unique set of diffuse orbitals typical of curved π-conjugated molecules. More, the photoconductivity of the curved corannulene was compared to the π-conjugated planar N,N′-1H,1H- perfluorobutyldicyanoperylene-carboxydi-imide (PDIF-CN2), where the photoexcitation energy dependence of photocurrent closely follows the optical absorption spectrum. We next characterized charge transport in poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) layers deposited from solution. Our results indicate that time-of-flight (TOF) mobility depends on the photoexcitation energy. It is 0.4× 10 −3 cm 2 /Vs at 2.3 eV (530 nm) and doubles at 4.8 eV (260 nm). TOF mobility was compared to field-effect (FET) mobility of P3HT field-effect transistors (OFETs). The FET mobility was similar to the 2.3 eV excitation TOF mobility. In order to improve charge mobility, graphene nanoparticles were blended within a P3HT solution before the deposition. We found that the mobility significantly improves upon the addition of graphene nanoparticles of a weight ratio as low as 0.2 %. FET mobility increases with graphene concentration up to a value of 2.3× 10 −2 cm 2 /Vs at 3.2 %. The results demonstrate that phase segregation starts to influence charge transport at graphene concentration of 0.8 % and above. Hence, the graphene cannot form a bridged conduction channel between electrodes, which would cancel the semiconducting effect of the polymer composite. An alternative approach to enhance mobility is to optimize the molecular ordering of organic semiconductors. For that purpose, we studied an innovative nanomesh device. Free-standing nanomesh devices were used to form nanojunctions of N,N′- iiDioctyl-3,4,9,10-perylenedicarboximide (PTCDI-C8) nanowires and crystalline bis(triisopropylsilylethinyl)pentacene (TIPS-PEN). We characterized the photocurrent response time of this novel nanomesh scaffold device. The photoresponse time depends on the photon energy. It is between 4.5 − 5.6 ns at 500 nm excitation wavelength and between 6.7 − 7.7 ns at 700 nm excitation wavelength. In addition, we found that thermal annealing reduces charge carrier trapping in crystalline nanowires. This confirms that the structural defects are crucial to obtaining high photon-to-charge conversion efficiency and subsequent transport from pn junction in heterostructured materials. Structural defects also influence the power conversion efficiency of organic heterostructured photovoltaics (OPVs). Anticipating that polymers with different backbone lengths produce different level of structural defects, we examined charge transport dependence on the molecular weight of poly[4,8-bis(5-(2- ethylhexyl)thiophen-2-yl)benzo[1,2-b;4,5-b']dithiophene-2,6-diyl-alt-(4-(2- ethylhexyl)-3-fluorothieno[3,4-b]thiophene-)-2-carboxylate-2-6-diyl] (PTB7-Th) from 50 kDa to 300 kDa. We found p-type hopping transport in PTB7-Th, characterized by 0.1 – 3× 10 −2 cm 2 /Vs mobility, which increases with temperature and electric field. The polymer molecular weight exhibits a non-trivial influence on charge transport. FET mobility in the saturation regime increases with molecular weight. A similar trend is observed in TOF mobility and FET mobility in the linear regime, except for the 100kDa polymer, which manifests in the highest mobility due to reduced charge trapping. The lowest trapping at the dielectric interface of OFET is observed at 200 kDa. In addition, the 200 kDa polymer exhibits the lowest activation energy of the charge transport. Although the 100 kDa polymer indicates the highest mobility, OPVs using the 200 kDa polymer exhibit the best performance in terms of power conversion efficiency.
Ključne besede: organic semiconductors, optical absorption spectroscopy, time-of-flight photoconductivity, transient photocurrent spectroscopy, organic thin film transistors, atomic force microscopy, superatomic molecular orbitals, pn heterojunction, organic nanowires, graphene, composites, charge mobility, charge trapping, temperature dependence, photodetector, photovoltaic, solar cell, organic electronics
Objavljeno: 08.10.2018; Ogledov: 4353; Prenosov: 151
Polno besedilo (4,56 MB)

Opis: The major causes of Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 (T2DM) are multi-factorial consequences of complex interactions between environmental, social and genetic factors. We investigated the genetic risk factors in Slovene patients with T2DM on a model of microvascular complication – Diabetic Retinopathy (DR). Retrospective case-control study includes a T2DM Slovene population with clinical risk factors for T2DM and DR. Only some of the candidate genes with selected single nucleotid polymorphisms (SNPs) were included: (EDN1 (rs5370, rs3087459, rs1476046), EDNRA (rs5335, rs1801708), EDNRB (rs10507875, rs4885493), NOS3 (rs869109213). By genotyping with either real-time polymerase chain reaction or standard polymerase chain reaction (PCR) we successfully identified the contribution of variable number of tandem repeats rs869109213 in DR progression (Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR)) in Slovene patients with T2DM. The joint effect of individual genotypes of rs10507875 in EDNRB and rs869109213 in NOS3 on DR onset (DR) and DR progression (PDR) was demonstrated as well. The joint effect of the two polymorphisms on DR onset (DR) and DR progression (PDR) was greater than the individual effect of each polymorphism separately in the analyzed genetic models. Despite genetic research contributions in DR, linkage studies, and Genome-wide association studies the identification of susceptible loci through candidate gene approaches still remains in its early stages. The frequent approach with an ultimate focus on SNP associations with phenotype is likely to underestimate the roles of genetics in human diseases by disregarding not only the joint effect of multiple loci but the complex interaction network between them. By identifying polymorphisms in genetic disorders in a more systematic way, we will be able to deepen our understanding of the regulatory mechanisms and disease etiology which should lead to a more effective development of mechanism-based therapies as well.
Ključne besede: endothelin 1, EDN1, endothelin receptor A, EDNRA, endothelin receptor B, EDNRB, nitric oxide synthase 3, NOS3, diabetic retinopathy, DR, diabetes mellitus type 2, T2DM, polymorphism, SNP, genetic model
Objavljeno: 07.09.2018; Ogledov: 2812; Prenosov: 155
Polno besedilo (3,06 MB)

Opis: The available classical diagnostic methods, due to many disadvantages, do not allow effective detection of pathogenic enteric viruses in environmental samples. Due to low concentrations of pathogenic viruses in the sea, it is important to develop an effective concentration procedure for their successful detection. In the first part of the doctoral thesis, we focused primarily on the development of a protocol for an effective concentration of pathogenic enteric viruses in coastal water samples. Monolithic chromatographic columns (BIAseparations) were used for the concentration of rotaviruses and noroviruses, prior to the detection with reverse transcription quantitative PCR in real time (RT-qPCR). We tested the efficiency of concentration using columns of various chemical properties and selected pathogenic enteric viruses (rotavirus and norovirus). Among them, hydrophobic interaction monolithic column (CIM® C4) was the most effective. CIM C4 was used to optimize the concentration step and tested in waters with different salinities. The presence of concentrated viruses was confirmed by RT-qPCR and transmission electron microscope. We have developed a protocol that enables rapid concentration of viruses in coastal waters of various salinities and can be used on-site. The presence of RoV and NoV was surveyed, using the developed concentration protocol, prior to one-step RT-qPCR molecular detection, in the inner part of the Bay of Koper, in mussel farming areas and a swimming area. Rotaviruses, noroviruses and fecal indicator bacteria were frequently detected in the inner part of the Bay of Koper. Rotaviruses and noroviruses were detected in the studied area, with higher rates close to the outfall of the wastewater treatment plant in the estuary of river Rižana and were also detected in the middle of the Bay of Koper and in areas used for recreation and mussel farming. The results show that water bodies, which are otherwise defined as suitable for bathing or mussel farming, based on the results of fecal indicator bacteria, still contain low concentrations of pathogenic enteric viruses. In addition to human pathogenic enteric viruses and faecal coliforms, changes in abundance of bacteria and virus particles were studied in relation to temperature, salinity, inorganic and organic nutrient concentrations in the organically polluted Rižana estuary. Preliminary results showed spatially and seasonally changes in bacterial and viral particles abundance, and bacterial composition spatially and seasonally. However, seasonality plays a greater role in bacterial dynamics.
Ključne besede: Concentration of viruses, Enteric viruses, Rotavirus, Norovirus, Feacal coliforms, Feacal contamination, qPCR, RT-qPCR, Monolithic columns, Sewage, Seasonal dynamics, Concentration, Coastal environment, Gulf of Trieste
Objavljeno: 02.07.2018; Ogledov: 3958; Prenosov: 204
Polno besedilo (1,95 MB)

Opis: The experimental work of this thesis was performed at the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) in the Human Molecular Genetics Group, under the scientific direction of Prof. Franco Pagani. The project was developed during the academic years 2014-2017. Modified U1 RNAs, also named Exon Specific U1s (ExSpeU1s) represent a novel class of small RNA-based molecules that correct exons splicing defects. To evaluate their therapeutic potential focused on Familial Dysautonomia (FD), a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by progressive degeneration of the sensory and autonomic nervous system. More than 99% of patients are homozygous for the T to C transition in position 6 of the IKBKAP intron 20 (c.2204+6T>C). This substitution modifies the exon 20 5’ splice site (5’ss) inducing exon skipping in a tissue-specific manner and reducing the total amount of IKAP protein. The molecular mechanisms underlying the IKBKAP mis-splicing are not completely clear and there are no effective treatments. In this thesis, I investigated the therapeutic potential of ExSpeU1s and the role of cis- and trans-acting factors that regulates IKBKAP splicing. Using a splicing functional assay, I identified ExSpeU1s that bind to intron 20 sequences and rescue the exon 20 skipping defect. Interestingly, their rescue activity was modulated by several splicing factors and requires a critical exonic splicing enhancer element. Transfection experiment showed the involvement of both enhancing (TIA1, PTBP1 and PTB4) and inhibitory (SRSF3, hnRNPA1, FOX and FUS) splicing factors in IKBKAP splicing. To better evaluate the ExSpeU1s therapeutic efficacy, I transduced FD patient’s fibroblasts with a lentiviral vector expressing the most active ExSpeU1. This resulted in a complete rescue of the exon skipping defect and improvement in IKAP protein expression. Most importantly, intraperitoneal delivery of ExSpeU1s by AAV9 into a transgenic mouse model, that recapitulates the tissue-specific mis-splicing seen in FD patients, corrected the aberrant splicing patterns in several tissues increasing the amount of the corresponding IKAP protein. All together, these results identify novel regulatory splicing factors involved in the IKBKAP exon 20 regulation and provide the proof of principle that ExSpeU1s delivered in vivo by AAV vectors represent a novel therapeutic strategy for FD.
Ključne besede: Familial Dysautonomia, IKBKAP, IKAP, splicing, splicing defects, ExSpeU1, U1 snRNA, mouse model, AAV
Objavljeno: 26.03.2018; Ogledov: 3636; Prenosov: 116
Polno besedilo (13,96 MB)