University of Maribor

About: University of Maribor is a education organization based out in Maribor, Slovenia. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & KEKB. The organization has 3987 authors who have published 13077 publications receiving 258339 citations. The organization is also known as: Univerza v Mariboru.

Functional Connectivity in Islets of Langerhans from Mouse Pancreas Tissue Slices

Abstract: We propose a network representation of electrically coupled beta cells in islets of Langerhans. Beta cells are functionally connected on the basis of correlations between calcium dynamics of individual cells, obtained by means of confocal laser-scanning calcium imaging in islets from acute mouse pancreas tissue slices. Obtained functional networks are analyzed in the light of known structural and physiological properties of islets. Focusing on the temporal evolution of the network under stimulation with glucose, we show that the dynamics are more correlated under stimulation than under non-stimulated conditions and that the highest overall correlation, largely independent of Euclidean distances between cells, is observed in the activation and deactivation phases when cells are driven by the external stimulus. Moreover, we find that the range of interactions in networks during activity shows a clear dependence on the Euclidean distance, lending support to previous observations that beta cells are synchronized via calcium waves spreading throughout islets. Most interestingly, the functional connectivity patterns between beta cells exhibit small-world properties, suggesting that beta cells do not form a homogeneous geometric network but are connected in a functionally more efficient way. Presented results provide support for the existing knowledge of beta cell physiology from a network perspective and shed important new light on the functional organization of beta cell syncitia whose structural topology is probably not as trivial as believed so far.

Sustainable technologies for liposome preparation

Abstract: Liposome possesses a great number of advantages and therefore they can be used for a variety of applications. Among other things, they can serve as useful drug carriers in preclinical and clinical trials. Supercritical fluids assisted technology is an appropriate method for liposome preparation because of its nontoxicity to the environment enables particle size manipulation and solvent-free production. Thus, the use of supercritical fluids (SCFs) provides advanced technology for liposome preparation and may become the dominant technology for their preparation in the future. This review discusses the classification of liposome and gives a short overview of their applications and conventional methods of preparation. Emphasis is placed on the use of various supercritical fluids assisted methods for liposome preparation and their advantages and disadvantages. The reader is also updated about recent developments in supercritical fluids assisted liposome production technology.

Factors Affecting Acceptance and Use of Moodle: An Empirical Study Based on TAM

Abstract: Advancements in web technologies and the increased influence of the World Wide Web are leading to new and innovative ways of learning. New e-learning system technologies and services enable activities that allow users to be active learners, actively participating in the on-line learning process. When an elearning system with new technologies and services is presented, it needs to be adopted by its users. The acceptance and use of an e-learning system can be influenced by different factors. The objective of this research is to examine the factors that have an impact on students’ perceptions about the use and acceptance of Moodle an open source e-learning system. In this study, the technology acceptance model (TAM) was used as an underlying theory. The data, collected from 235 students, was used to test the hypothesized research model. A data analysis was performed using structural equation modelling (SEM). The results of the analysis have revealed that the actual use of Moodle depends on two main factors: behavioural intentions and attitudes toward using Moodle. Perceived usefulness was found as the strongest and the most important predictor of attitudes toward using Moodle. Several practical and theoretical implications of the present study are discussed at the end of the paper.