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Monday, 23 December 2024 Let the New Year bring you an abundance of health and happiness!

As we step into the New Year, we hope it brings you not only wonderful opportunities but also the challenges that inspire and help you grow on your journey. Remember, each experience contributes to your unique story. 

Wishing you a joyful and magical holiday! 

     

Friday, 20 December 2024 Presentation of the topic of the doctoral dissertation - Jordan Aiko Deja

We invite you to the presentation of the topic of the doctoral dissertation Designing Augmented Reality Training Systems for Piano and Jazz Improvisation of the student Jordan Aiko Deja, enrolled in the doctoral study programme Computer Science.

The presentation will take place on Wednesday, 8 January 2025 at 11.00 in the classroom FAMNIT-MP6 and via Zoom on link:

https://upr-si.zoom.us/j/297328207?pwd=S3Zpdk1VR3pjckNtWkQwKzlvcDR5UT09

Friday, 20 December 2024 December at UP also rich in acquired projects

The end of the year brought a good start to the year ahead, with a wealth of projects - especially at the international level, with the prospect of successful international cooperation. The month is not yet over, so we may be able to report on projects won in the transition year.

At UP FAMNIT and UP IAM, we have acquired the following projects: 

ARIS - (CO-)FINANCING OF EU FRAMEWORK PROGRAMME PROJECTS - ERC PERSPECTIVE PROJECTS

  • Association Schemes, Automata and Incidence Structures, leading partner, leader at UP dr. Giusy Monzillo, UP FAMNIT

The core of the project are the schemes arising from distance regular graphs. In this project, the view of the objects will be from other theories through the lens of association schemes. More precisely, the project concerns the concepts of synchronization and separation for association schemes. These extend those defined for permutation groups which in turn developed from the theory of synchronization in finite automata. One of the more ambitious goals is to extend further concepts from group theory into the language of association schemes, starting from the case of schemes arising from distance-regular graphs.

  • Bridging genotype and phenotype to decipher the synthesis pathways of bioactive compounds in Helichrysum italicum, leading partner, leader at UP dr. Alenka Baruca Arbeiter, UP FAMNIT

Medicinal plants are valuable sources of bioactive compounds, making them desirable for cultivation. Through agronomic research, their quality, sustainability, and profitability can be significantly enhanced. Immortelle or curry plant (Helichrysum italicum) is one of the most remarkable and iconic medicinal plants of the Mediterranean area and represents an outstanding reservoir of bioactive compounds with unique biological properties. The major objective of the proposed project is to comprehensively discover the main genetic factors that direct the synthesis of bioactive compounds in H. italicum which represents the first such approach in the study of H. italicum.

  • Integer flow through vertex-transitive graphs: A study of symmetry in graphs, leading partner, leader at UP dr. Milad Ahanjideh, UP FAMNIT

The exploration of graph symmetry is important in graph theory and affects many areas. By understanding the symmetries, we can learn more aboutthe graph structures. Graphs with a high degree of symmetry, especially those like vertex-transitive graphs (e.g., Cayley graphs), typically displayregular patterns and recurrent structures, presenting opportunities for problem-solving strategies related to graph theory. This project ambitiouslyseeks not only to explore the structure and parameters of graphs exhibiting a certain degree of symmetry but also to pioneer innovativemethodologies and insights that could redefine our understanding and application of graph symmetries.

HORIZON WIDERA

LETSGROW -  Bridging Academia and Industry for Sustainable Agri-Food, partner, leading partner Universidade Catolica Portuguesa – UCP, member at T4EU, leader at UP dr. Michael Mrissa, UP FAMNIT

ARIS PARTNER PROJECTS 

  • Personalised medicine of IgA vasculitis, basic project, leading organization UL UKC, leader at UP dr. Matjaž Hladnik, UP FAMNIT
  • Integration of two indigenous breeds of small livestock into a mixed grazing system; ethology, genomics, productivity and biodiversity of grasslands, basic project, lead organisation UM, UP lead Dr. Elena Bužan, UP FAMNIT
  • Insects and microalgae: a functional feed substitute for breeding grayling for improved reproduction and resistance, basic project, lead organisation UL, UP lead Dr Elena Bužan, UP FAMNIT

​ARIS – BILATREAL COOPERATION PROJECTS

  • Distance-regularized graphs, Terwilliger algebras, linear codes and combinatorial structures, dr. Blas Fernandez, UP FAMNIT

The purpose of the project is to investigate 2-Y-homogeneous properties of distance-polynomial regular graphs and classify all 2-Y-homogeneous distance-biregular graphs. The outcomes of the research will not only be applicable in graph theory but also in other areas of mathematics such as algebraic combinatorics and combinatorial designs.

  • Directed graphs in commutative association schemes and associated codes, dr. Safet Penjič, UP IAM

In this project, we plan to construct codes from the structure of a graph that is living in a commutative association scheme. In the paper Monzillo and Penjić introduce directed distance-regular graphs, giving a definition of the P-polynomial commutative association scheme in the sense of equitable partition of a graph. We plan to obtain codes from this equitable partition in similar meaner as was done by project leader from Croatian side.

NEW PROJECTS OF BILATERAL RESEARCH COOPERATION WITH VILNIUS TECH UNIVERSITY

  • Fungal Melanin: Enemy or Friend? Evaluating its Role in Human Health and Antimicrobial Properties, leader at UP asist. dr. Anja Černoša, UP IAM

Fungal melanin, a complex biopolymer produced by many fungi, has attracted considerable attention due to its role in evading the immune system and its unclear link to virulence. While it is known that melanized fungal cells exhibit increased resistance to the body's immune defenses, it remains uncertain whether melanin directly threatens human health. Conflicting findings on its involvement in virulence emphasizes the need for further investigation.

Friday, 20 December 2024 The Department of Biodiversity UP FAMNIT hosted 11 organisations from practices

The Department of Biodiversity UP FAMNIT hosted an event titled "Practical Training for Students – Exchange of Opinions and Experiences" on Monday, December 16, 2024.

     

The event aimed to strengthen collaboration and present organizations and opportunities for students to gain work experience during their studies, particularly through internships and other forms of cooperation. Completing mandatory internships in a professional environment is a key requirement in the study programs Conservation Biology (bachelor's) and Nature Conservation (master's).

A total of 11 organizations attended the event, held at the 1.0 Building (Livade), with presentations delivered both in person and via Zoom.

"This marks the fourth year we've organized this event. Each year, I am impressed by the strong interest and openness of the organizations that participate. Collaboration with our students is a priority for them. I observe that organizations are eager to establish contact with students even before they enter the job market. We initiated these events to enhance the quality of internships and facilitate initial connections with organizations that are interested in collaborating with us and our students. This goal has been successfully achieved. Additionally, events like this offer students an invaluable first insight into the work and missions of various organizations in the fields of conservation, biology, education, and research. After all, these organizations could be their future employers," summarized Martin Senič, the internship coordinator and assistant at the Department of Biodiversity, UP FAMNIT.

We extend our gratitude to all participants and collaborators:

    

Tuesday, 17 December 2024 Invitation to the defense of the diploma thesis – Olga Pugacheva (Bioinformatics, 1st cycle)

Olga Pugacheva, a student of the study program of Bioinformatics, 1st cycle, will present the diploma thesis entitled Prediction of protein temperature factor using neural networks on Thursday, 19 December 2024 at 12:00 in the classroom Famnit-MP5.

You are all kindly invited!

Tuesday, 10 December 2024 Invitation to the defense of the Master’s Thesis - Tina Mezeg (Psychology, 2nd cycle)

On Monday, 16 December 2024, at 12:00 in the classroom Famnit-MP6, Tina Mezeg, a student of the master's study program Psychology, 2nd cycle, will present her Master's Thesis entitled Effects of a Mindfulness-Based Intervention on Interoceptive Awareness in the Context of Addiction Treatment.

You are all kindly invited!

Tuesday, 10 December 2024 Invitation to the defense of the Master’s Thesis - Adisa Hodžić (Mathematical Sciences, 2nd cycle)

On Tuesday, 17 December 2024, at 10:00 in the classroom Famnit-MP1, Adisa Hodžić, a student of the master's study program Mathematical Sciences, 2nd cycle, will present her Master's Thesis entitled Partial geometries with regular automorphism groups.

You are all kindly invited!

Friday, 6 December 2024 14th European Vertebrate Management Conference in Slovenia

The Faculty of Environmental Protection together with partner organisations (University of Primorska: The Faculty of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Information Technologies; University of Ljubljana: Biotechnical Faculty; The Julius Kühn Institute; Hunting Association of Slovenia; and the Slovenian Forestry Institute) is organising the 14th European Conference on Vertebrate Management, which will take place in Ankaran, Slovenia, between 12th and 16th May 2025.

Building on tradition with a new vision

The conference is the next step in a chain of previous meetings known as EVPMCs, but this time with an added focus oninclusivity to all vertebrate species as well as different management issues, including ecology, monitoring and conservation. EVMC 2025 will serve as a progressive platform to present insights into recent findings on vertebrate ecology, ecosystem role/value of different species, hunting, behaviour, intra- and interspecific interactions, human-wildlife coexistence, conflicts, and population management.

Expanding knowledge frontiers in vertebrate ecology

The conference will focus on the latest and the most exciting topics covering a wide range of disciplines and taxa including fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, small mammals, lagomorphs, ungulates, mesocarnivores, and large predators.

Topics

  • Ecology, physiology and behaviour
  • Taxonomy and genetics
  • Population monitoring and management
  • Human-animal conflicts and social dimension
  • (Invasive) alien vertebrates
  • Crop and urban systems
  • Health, zoonotic pathogens and parasites
  • Rodenticide resistance
  • New tools and methods

Connecting a global community

EVMC 2025 will bring together a diverse international community of experts and researchers to share experiences, present new findings and initiate collaborations that will shape the future of vertebrate management. Alongside stimulating scientific exchanges, the conference also offers an excellent opportunity to foster friendships and strengthen global networks in the beautiful setting of Slovenia’s Adriatic coast.

For more information and registration visit: www.evmc.online

Wednesday, 4 December 2024 Together we are stepping UP for the fridge of Good Heart

The cooperation between UP and Radio Capris has been going on successfully for many years, with UP being particularly associated with them at events for students (such as Orientation Days or StartUP). The campaign they run in December connects the wider community, which is why UP responded to the invitation to participate in the campaign both last year and this year. Radio Capris traditionally organises the December charity campaign "Fridge of a Warm Heart", which helps families in need in our region.

     

Last year, over 10 tons of supplies and €75,900 in financial donations were collected, brightening the holidays for as many as 940 children from the local community.

The amount of goods collected is not important - every donation is precious. 

  • food products with a longer expiry date (pasta, rice, oil, sugar, breakfast cereals, etc.)
  • treats for the festive season (chocolates, panettone, biscuits, jam, chocolate spread),
  • personal care and hygiene products (shampoos, shower gels, toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap); and
  • cleaning products.

They do not accept used toys or clothes.

The collection boxes are located in the Famnit lobby, accompanied by our joyfully decorated tree. 

Thank you for stepping up. We wish you a warm and colourful December! 

Monday, 2 December 2024 Overview of Projects Acquired in November

At the end of October, the Targeted Research Projects (CRPs) were confirmed, the parent ones had already been reported, and then we were delighted to have two more. In November, important projects were also acquired both for student research (PUŠ projects) and to continue the work of our researchers (ARIS). 

UP FAMNIT received two ARIS projects, while UP IAM received one; all are described below.

ARIS PROJECTS

The emergence and nature of compositional thought through predictive processing

Project lead: dr. Danaja Rutar

Project type: basic project

Lead organization: UP FAMNIT

ABOUT THE PROJECT: Humans are unique in their ability to think infinitely many thoughts by re-combining concepts – ability that relies on compositional representations. Compositionality means that a limited number of primitives (key operations or functions that underlie understanding of concepts) can be flexibly re-combined to produce more complex thoughts according to some combinatorial rules. Whilst a key feature of human higher cognition, interestingly, young children do not possess compositional representations. Our project aims to establish the theoretical and empirical foundations for understanding the emergence and the structure of logical compositional representations in predictive processing (PP). We will address this aim through investigating two developmental and a PP objective. Our first objective: is to examine what the structure of such pre-compositional representations is and how they develop into compositional representations. The second objective is to investigate what set of primitives and compositional rules underlies compositional representations and whether this set efficiently minimises prediction error. The third objective is to cast the findings from the first two objectives in terms of the PP mechanisms. PP is a unifying theory of cognition, perception, and action, explaining them through a single set of core mechanisms, thus promising a great explanatory power (Clark, 2013).

Linear codes through special classes of functions–relationship and design

Project lead: dr. Enes Pasalic

Project type: basic project

Lead organization: UP IAM

ABOUT THE PROJECT: The main goal of this project is to refine our understanding of certain combinatorial objects (mainly some specific classes of (vectorial) Boolean functions) and the design of linear codes that are characterized with some additional properties that are proved useful in certain cryptographic applications. To name a few, these applications may concern implementation of secret sharing schemes (using minimal linear codes) or error-correcting codes in the context of postquantum cryptography (via self-orthogonal codes). The proposed project aims at finding further connections between certain important discrete structures which may increase our knowledge about their structural behaviour.

Exploring the analgesic potential of herkinorin: an integrated approach to safer opioids

Project lead: dr. Samo Lešnik

Project type: basic project

Lead organization: UM FKKT

UP partner: UP FAMNIT

ABOUT THE PROJECT: in the acquisition of information

PUŠ in the Workplace 2024–2027

On November 15, the UP received confirmation of funding for projects under the call for Problem-Based Learning for Students in the Workplace: Business, Non-Business, and Nonprofit Sectors in the Local/Regional Environment 2024–2027, abbreviated as PUŠ in the Workplace 2024–2027. Thanks to this funding, we will implement 20 projects next year, 14 in collaboration with business entities and 7 in partnership with nonprofit organizations or institutions. > MORE

More about all UP projects > HERE