bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kvaliteta života nakon formiranja stome
Authors: Lučić Valentino , Filipović Biljana , Hošnjak Ana Marija , Smrekar Martina , Kundrata Danijela , Ledinski Sanja
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Ostomy surgery, often required due to severe health conditions such as cancer and inflammatory bowel diseases, significantly affects the lives of patients and also impacts their family members. This surgery, involving creating surgical openings in the gastrointestinal tract, necessitates significant lifestyle adjustments and complex care, often leading to profound psychological and social challenges for both patients and their caregivers.Aim: To examine the quality of life of patients with a stoma and to investigate how the stoma affects the quality of life of the families of patients with a stoma.Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 70 participants with different types of stomas including urostomies, colostomies, and ileostomies, surveyed from September 1 to October 28, 2023. A specially designed questionnaire was used to collect data on the self-reported quality of life of stoma patients and their family members.Results: The majority of the participants were over the age of 65, with 42.9% having colostomies and 35.7% ileostomies. A significant 91.2% self-reported depressionpost-stoma formation, highlighting the psychological impact of stoma. Adjustments to family life were necessary for 68.6%, indicating the substantial effect on the family’s daily routine and emotional status.Conclusion: Stoma formation adversely affects patients’ mental and social well-being, with substantial emotional and financial impacts on families. The study highlights the critical need for comprehensive postoperative support that encompasses both psychological counseling and educational interventions tailored to patients and their families to alleviate the multifaceted burdens of living with a stoma.
Utilizing the GPT model to teach physics for better learning and understanding of scientific concepts
Authors: Vrdoljak Ivana
Published: December 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly shaping the landscape of education, with models such as GPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer) offering new possibilities to enhance both teaching and learning. This paper explores the potential of GPT in teaching physics, particularly how it can assist both students and lecturers in solving complex problems while offering interactive and personalised learning experiences to gain a deeper understanding of scientific concepts. The paper highlights how GPT can generate tailored tasks, quizzes, and assignments catering to specific student competencies. Additionally, it can guide students step-by-step through solutions to difficult physics problems, offering real-time feedback and explanations that promote active learning.Beyond problem-solving, GPT’s ability to support interactive learning is investigated, allowing students to ask specific questions about topics like Newton’s laws or electromagnetism and receive instant, tailored responses. The paper also discusses the potential of GPT to complement simulations and visualisations, further helping students to fathom abstract concepts. However, the challenges associated with reliability, ethics, and the evolving role of educators in the age of AI are critically analysed. GPT’s limitations, potentially providing incorrect or incomplete information, underscore the importance of upholding the role of lecturers who can offer contextual guidance and foster critical thinking. As education increasingly adopts AI, the paper emphasisesthe need for a balanced approach, using GPT as a supplementary tool to enhance learning while ensuring students develop a deep and thorough understanding of physics based on a combination of AI and traditional teaching methods.
Medical Physics in Radiological Practice
Authors: Vrdoljak Ivana , Bradarić Antea
Published: December 2024

This paper aims to highlight the pivotal role of physics in radiology, emphasizing its critical importance in both diagnostic and therapeutic applications. Radiology relies on a variety of imaging techniques, all of which are grounded in fundamental physical principles. These techniques include X-ray imaging, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). The paper provides an overview of the core physical principles underlying these technologies, discusses their applications in medical diagnostics and treatment, and underscores the importance of radiation safety and protection. Special attention is given to the role of medical physicists in the maintenance and calibration of equipment, treatment planning, as well as the training of medical staff.
Ek Beyaz LED Aydınlatma Uygulamalarının Biber Fidelerinin Kalite Özellikleri Üzerine Etkisi
Authors: Bal Yüksel Atakan , Çilingir Tütüncü Aslıhan , Özer Harun , Pekşen Aysun
Published: December 2024

Çalışmanın amacı, gün içerisinde ışık şiddeti 100 μmol m-2 s-1'nin altına düştüğünde, gün doğumundan gün batımına kadar gün boyu doğal gün ışığına ve gün doğumundan önce 3 saat ve gün batımından sonra 3 saat (fotoperiyodun uzatıldığı) olmak üzere yapılan beyaz LED ek aydınlatma uygulamalarının biber fide kalitesi üzerine etkilerini belirlemektir. Ek aydınlatma uygulamaları, kontrol (hiçbir ek aydınlatmanın yapılmadığı doğal gün ışığı koşulları) uygulaması ile karşılaştırılmıştır. Çalışma, 2024 Mart ayında cam serada yürütülmüştür. Fide kalitesini belirlemek amacıyla fide boyu, gövde çapı, kök uzunluğu, gövde, kök ve toplam fide kuru ağırlıkları, yaprak alanı, yaprak klorofil içeriği ve stoma iletkenlik değerleri ölçülmüştür. Beyaz LED ek aydınlatma uygulamalarının kök uzunluğu, toplam fide kuru ağırlığı, gövde çapı, yaprak alanı, yaprak klorofil içeriği ve stoma iletkenlik değerleri kontrole göre istatistiksel olarak önemli düzeyde (p
Identification of Relationships Between Chemical and Agromorphological Traits in Raspberry (Rubus idaeus Linnaeus) Genotypes by Multivariate Analysis
Authors: Taş Akgül
Published: December 2024

In this study, agro-morphological characteristics of raspberry (Rubus idaeus Linnaeus) genotypes naturally grown in Çivril, the central district of Bolu province in Türkiye were determined. In the study, parameters belonging to the genotypes were determined as follows: fruit weight was between 2.52 g (Genotype 4) and 1.30 g (Genotype 2), fruit width was between 18.18 mm (Genotype 6) and 15.33 mm (Genotype 2), fruit length was between 18.45 mm (Genotype 6) and 12.87 mm (Genotype 2), seed width was between 1.30 mm (Genotype 4) and 1.10 mm (Genotype 6), seed height was between 2.37 mm (Genotype 1) and 1.84 mm (Genotype 6). In addition, in genotypes, fruit stem thickness ranged from 0.91 mm (Genotype 4) to 0.67 mm (Genotype 5), fruit stem pit depth ranged from 13.99 mm (Genotype 6) to 10.58 mm (Genotype 5), fruit stem pit width ranged from 10.08 mm (Genotype 4) to 7.82 mm (Genotype 9). Also, genotype 3 (13.80%) had the highest soluble solids content (SSC) and Genotype 9 (3.60%) had the highest titratable acidity (TA). The pH values observed in the genotypes varied between 3.06 and 3.29. Also, in color value parameters, the highest L*, a*, b*, chroma and hue° angle values were 32.22 (Genotype 8), 23.75 (Genotype 1), 12.86 (Genotype 1), 27.10 (Genotype 1) and 28.22 (Genotype 1), respectively. As a result of the study, it was concluded that various genotypes that stand out in terms of agro-morphological characteristics can be evaluated as breeding material in functional raspberry production.
Actualidad en la incorporación de Académicos en la Universidad de Sonora
Authors: Barreras Beltrán Carlos Alberto , Castillo Ochoa Emilia
Published: December 2024

The document responds to the first phase of the research project aimed at analyzing the incorporation of academics through more rigorous selection processes and its impact on academic functions. The incorporation mechanisms appear as a strategic role in the selection of professors with a high level of qualification and academic productivity, the University of Sonora as of 2017 modified its criteria for admission to the academic career according to these guidelines, this progress shows a characterization of the academics who have been incorporated. The results expose a tendency to inbreeding practices and a relationship between seniority-incorporation through promotion with differences between the divisions, likewise, it is visible that part of the academics have managed to be recognized in evaluation policies.
Docencia remota de emergencia: retos y oportunidades para el futuro de la Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM)
Authors: García-Hernández Caridad , González-Nieto Noé Abraham , Espinosa- Meneses Margarita
Published: December 2024

The implementation of social distancing in Mexico caused by the COVID-19, SARS-COV-2 pandemic forced the Metropolitan Autonomous University (UAM) to continue education in remote mode through the use of digital technologies. This fact represented a challenge for the UAM due to the secondary role of digital technology in the institution’s teaching strategy. Thus, the objective of this article is to expose the distance education process that the uam professors in the Cuajimalpa campus experienced in an emergency situation during the period from May 2020 to July 2023, in order to identify areas of opportunity in the field of teaching. A mixed methodology was implemented to explore teaching practices at uam Cuajimalpa and reflects on the university and its future perspective.
Planta académica y renovación de la gestión universitaria en la Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM): Un testimonio
Authors: Porter Luis
Published: December 2024

This article addresses the current situation of the academic staff in Mexican public universities, using the case of the uam as a reference. On the 50th anniversary of the opening of what were at the time the new universities, a cycle is completed anticipating the eminent replacement of a majority of its staff, which requires a clear renewal policy. In this sense, an analysis is carried out that puts in context a series of urgent and necessary actions to guide the future of a community made up of a majority of elder professors. The article calls to carry out a process of “self-evaluation” that opens the way towards the exercise of a renewing and revolutionary role of those interested to live a retirement period that honors its career.
Beyond the algorithm: The role of Spiritual Intelligence in fostering job satisfaction in Sri Lankan IT professionals
Authors: Peemanee Jindarat , Weerarathna Ranitha Sachinthana , Wickramasinghe Tharuka , Pathirana Geethma , Rajapakse Vageesha , Perera Yasora , Kapurage Kaveen , Samaraweera Vinuri , Ehalapitiya Sandali
Published: December 2024

Spiritual Intelligence (SI) has become a key contributor towards enhancing employee well-being and job satisfaction (JS) in the modern competitive business world. This study examines the impact of SI on JS among Sri Lankan IT professionals, considering gender’s role in this relationship. Analyzing data from 383 respondents using Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), the study reveals a strong positive correlation between SI and JS, with no moderating effect on gender. The study highlights the importance of embedding SI into HR and organizational policies to enhance workforce resilience and retention while contributing to broader industry development and global competitiveness in the IT sector.
Economic security of states in the conditions of global changes
Authors: Sukhorukov Arkadii , Yehorova-Hudkova Tetiana , Breus Svitlana , Kotsko Taras , Neustroev Yurij , Rabotin Yurij , Sukhorukova Olha , Martyniuk Volodymyr
Published: December 2024

The most important issue of economic development is the question of the real reasons for the growth of labor productivity based on innovative equipment and technologies or “closing technologies”, both directly and in the sphere of organization and management of economic systems. Organizational innovations can also be classified as “closing technologies”. For example, the creation of strategic institution, alliances and associations capable of changing the situation in the global economy, likely World Bank (WB), World Health Organization (WHO), International association Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa (BRICS) etc. This approach involves the formation of fundamental innovative solutions at all levels of the management hierarchy. The imperfection of the existing ideological and methodological paradigm, ignoring the mathematical constants of the Universe when designing economic supersystems or economic systems as integral distributed systems with complex dynamics similar to natural systems, the inefficiency of institutional intervention is the main reason for the impossibility of minimizing the structural and functional instability of the state economic system. The consequence of this is systemic violations and disproportions in the economy, risks associated with changes in the structure of the world economy and a colossal difference in the level of economic security of states and the phenomenon of crisis transfer.
A Damasian Philosophy of Biology?
Authors: Claramonte Sanz Vicente , Guarinos Rico Rodolfo
Published: December 2024

The Damasian concept of emotion and the self fits within the emotivist tradition, viewing mind and reason as embodied realities linked to the body and its social and natural interactions. Emotion, for Damásio, creates the context for reason to operate effectively, aligning with anti-Cartesian ideas. Due to the role of emotions, this may be used to suggest that living beings are not just skin-bound entities but processes integrating body and environment. Therefore, we examine both his relevance to contemporary philosophy of mind and self, and his possible contribution to naturalized metaphysics, particularly within Developmental Systems Theory.
Tourism Family Firm and Generation: Are First-Generation Firms More Conservative?
Authors: Clemente-Almendros José Antonio , Forés Beatriz , Camisón-Haba Sergio
Published: December 2024

By applying the matching technique to a sample of Spanish tourism family firms, we analyze the factors that describe the competitive strategy, asset and ownership structure, and managerial practices of first-generation family firms compared to subsequent generations. Moreover, we employ panel data methodology with the matching procedures to control the individual heterogeneity of family firms, in order to explore debt financing decisions and the particular effect of the controlling generation. The results of the study provide evidence that first-generation firms adopt more defensive strategic positioning based on efficiency and cost control, a smaller endowment of intangible assets, and less of an emphasis on professionalization and human resource management practices. The results also confirm that first-generation firms rely less on debt and adopt a more conservative capital structure.
Effect of growing pink tomato plants with LED supplementary lighting in a greenhouse covered with diffusion glass on post-harvest fruit quality
Authors: Kowalczyk Katarzyna , Mirgos Małgorzata , Sobczak Anna , Przybył Jarosław Leon , Kowalczyk Waldemar , Geszprych Anna , Kalisz Stanisław , Łaźny Radosław , Gajewski Marek , Gajc-Wolska Janina
Published: December 2024

It was found that the taste and quality of tomato fruit can significantly depend on the cultivar, growing conditions, fruit maturity stage, and post-harvest treatments. This study aimed to compare the effects of growing conditions, such as the use of diffusion glass and LED supplementary light (LED+D), with diffusion and standard glass and HPS lamps (HPS+D; HPS) on the quality and post-harvest shelf life of pink tomato fruit cv. ‘Tomimaru Muchoo F1’ in relation to fruit maturity stage and storage temperature. Fruits were harvested at three ripening stages – mature green (MG), breaker (B) and fully ripe (FR). Fruits of each maturity stage were stored under controlled conditions in a cold store at 12 °C for MG and B fruits and at 6 °C for FR fruits (at 85% relative humidity), and 20 °C for all ripening stages (at about 50% relative humidity). Physiological weight loss, dry weight, hardness of fruit, fruit color ( L*, a*, b*, a*/b*), total soluble solids, total sugars, ascorbic acid, titratable acidity, pH, lutein, lycopene, a-carotene, b-carotene were determined. Pink tomato fruits harvested from LED-lighted plants in combination with diffusion glass showed the highest shelf life and post-harvest quality compared to fruits from HPS-lighted plants and HPS-lighted crops in combination with diffusion glass. Stored pink tomato fruits from the LED+D combination were characterized by significantly higher total sugars, vitamin C and β-carotene content than fruits from the combination HPS and HPS+D. Tomato fruits, regardless of the maturity stage, at 20 °C had higher fresh weight loss and lower fruit firmness during storage compared to those stored at lower temperatures. Pink tomato fruits stored in higher temperature colored faster and contained a higher concentration of components such as total soluble solids or ascorbic acid and carotenoids.
Numerical Insights into Stress Changes Induced by Longwall Mining in Faulted Rock Masses
Authors: Tajduś Antoni , Flisiak Jerzy , Tajduś Krzysztof
Published: December 2024

Conducting mining operations in fault zones is a very challenging task, both from a technological perspective and also due to the safety of the miners. Therefore, it is essential to determine the impact of mining parameters on the possibility of fault activation, which in many cases leads to high seismic activity. The article presents the results of numerical analyses of the impact of longwall mining in the vicinity of tectonic faults on the state of stress in the rock masses. The authors demonstrated the influence of the advancement of the longwall face and its direction on the risk of rock burst, both for mining conducted in the footwall and hanging wall.
Methane Concentration Measurements in the Longwall Area as a Data Source for the Assessment of Methane Hazard
Authors: Dziurzyński Wacław , Ostrogórski Piotr , Skotniczny Przemysław
Published: December 2024

This article discusses the challenges of coal mine safety, particularly methane hazards, in the context of decreasing workforce and the need for more autonomous solutions. As hard coal production faces a phase-out due to international energy policies, the mining industry struggles with retaining skilled workers. The Sectional Methane Hazard Detection System (SDZM) is proposed as an autonomous solution to detect methane hazards by measuring methane concentrations along underground workings. The system operates using a series of algorithms that analyze the concentration data and identify hazard zones without the need for highly qualified personnel. The SDZM method involves collecting methane concentration data from different sections of the mining operation and comparing them to reference profiles to assess potential hazards. A study conducted in the 841A longwall area of KWK B mine used simulations to assess methane distribution, which was then used to test the SDZM system’s algorithms. The results show that the system can accurately detect high methane hazard levels, with sensitivity varying depending on the parameters set, such as the tolerance field for methane concentration changes. The study concluded that the SDZM system is effective in detecting methane hazards, requiring minimal additional skills from workers. The system’s performance can be enhanced by adjusting parameters like the methane concentration tolerance field, though excessively narrow tolerances could lead to false positives. Overall, the SDZM provides a valuable tool for enhancing safety in mines by autonomously identifying high-risk areas related to methane emissions.
Distinct Element Simulation of Rock Mass Deformation Near Tunnels in Complex Geological Conditions, Guided by Statistical Experimental Design
Authors: Jakubowski Jacek , Phan Tuan Anh
Published: December 2024

The mechanics of a flysch rock mass is determined by its complex discontinuity, heterogeneity, anisotropy, and diverse deformation modes. This study proposes a new methodology to simulate the deformation of Carpathian flysch in the vicinity of tunnels, employing the distinct element method (DEM), global-local modelling approach and a hybrid representation of discontinuities. The methodology enables the simulation of a wide range of structural models and properties of Carpathian flysch and reduces the computational complexity of numerical models. A global model reflects the initial stress field. Local models detail the properties of joint sets separating rock blocks and the properties of the ubiquitous joint model material inside the discrete blocks. Both direct and indirect representations of discontinuities contribute to the model response. The numerical model is addressed as a multiparameter system and examined through statistical design of experiments (DOE). The model is calibrated and validated using field measurements of displacements and convergences. The factors contributing to uncertainty in the simulation results are considered. A parametric analysis was conducted on the deformation of flysch rock mass surrounding a tunnel, evaluating the impact of bedding orientation, depth, and support stiffness. Bedding dip direction explained the asymmetry in sidewall convergence and its changes. Discontinuity stiffness and dilation, rarely studied model parameters, were found to have a significant effect on simulation error.
Impact Loading of Tendon Reinforcement Systems Used for Ground Control: A Critical Literature Review
Authors: Mottahedi Adel , Aziz Naj , Remennikov Alex , Mirzaghorbanali Ali , Marston Kevin
Published: December 2024

The present paper reports on various test methods and techniques which have been developed throughout the last decades. These methods have been used to evaluate both axial and shear performance of tendons under impact loading mode. Based on the literature review conducted on the scientific documents, published between 1992 and 2024, the developed facilities mainly work based on the direct impact and momentum transfer methods. In the direct impact method, which can be done in-situ and in the laboratory, the impact energy is applied by a mass freely falls to the test sample. In the momentum transfer method, the test assembly, consisting of both the mass and test sample free-fall at the beginning of the test until the movement of the assembly is halted by a stopper, and the momentum of the mass is transferred to the test sample. Besides, most of the current facilities are working based on the direct impact method. It was also found that less research have been conducted on dynamic shear testing, especially high-strength cable bolts, as most of the facilities have been designed for pull testing. In addition, it was found that in dynamic pull-out tests of rock bolts, two main mechanisms of energy absorption are identified: steel plastic deformation and bolt sliding within the encapsulation medium. The first impact plays a key role in energy absorption, causing significant permanent displacements, while the energy consumed in displacing the bolt is more indicative of dynamic behavior than the total input energy. According to the results, the tendons that undergo static deformations before dynamic loading are more prone to failure as some parts of their performance have already lost. Meanwhile, differences between dynamic and static shear tests suggest that dynamic tests require less energy for failure, as friction is ineffective in impact loading. Finally, the study highlights gaps in the current understanding of tendon performance under impact loading, with potential research directions aimed at improving safety in underground excavation.
Contribution to Study of Competition Between Cork Oak Crowns in the Ouled Bechih Forest (Algeria)
Authors: Touafchia Boutheyna , Rached-Kanouni Malika , Zerrouki Alia
Published: December 2024

The discipline of silviculture is rapidly developing, based on stand structures or ecosystems, in which stands are managed according to species and structures. The objective of this study is to characterize the growth of cork oak dendrometric variables, and to determine and compare the different crown parameters and their effects on natural regeneration in the Ouled Bechih forest (Algeria). Eight plots of this forest were selected and they underwent a dendrometric study. The results obtained indicated that these plots were moderately dense. The analysis of dendrometric variables by variance analysis showed that there was a significant difference (p < 0.05). The distribution of individuals by height and diameter classes indicated a large representation of individuals with heights of 10–15 m and diameters of 27.5 < d ≤ 47.5 cm. The variables selected in the descriptive analysis have a low impact on the heterogeneity of this forest on height and diameter growth. The study of the different crown parameters showed that there was a difference between the plots, and indicated that cork oak trees have a large crown depending on their surface and diameter. These results show that the cork oak in the Ouled Bechih forest is characterized by trees of large diameter with medium heights, due to the predominance of older individuals with more developed crowns. This type of structure leads to strong inter-tree competition in the stand and a low rate of natural regeneration.
Passeriformes as Indicators of Biodiversity Conservation in the Frontline Zone of Sumy Region
Authors: Yarys Olena
Published: December 2024

Passeriformes are a sensitive group of birds that play a role as indicators of biodiversity, pollution, and environmental change. The military operations taking place in the Sumy region are the main threat to the region’s biodiversity. Undoubtedly, the consequences of these threats can be reflected in a decrease in numbers, phenological changes, and changes in trophic interaction. However, due to their properties and ability to adapt, I assume that birds of the Passeriformes can respond to these environmental changes in different ways. Given the mosaic of different vegetation types and the presence of many transitional areas between them, the study area was divided into five habitats: household plots, pine forest, Vorsklytsia River, pastures, and agrocenoses. During the research period, 48 species of birds belonging to 18 families and 36 genera were identified. This study allowed us to confirm the hypothesis that similar species of birds are found in the three biotopes (pastures, agrocenoses, and household plots) and that most of them may have similar food resources in their diet. The results of grouping in the space of projections of the principal components, PC1 and PC2, taking into account the measured indicators of the number of representatives of the Passeriformes in relation to different habitats, showed a strong positive relationship between the number of bird species of the Passeriformes in pastures and agrocenoses, and the average relationship was determined for household plots and the Vorsklytsia River. A negative correlation was found for the pine forest, which shows a fairly high number of species as well as the originality of the habitat. The basis of the Passeriformes population was formed by sedentary birds. The highest proportion of sedentary species was found in household plots (31.3%) and the pine forest (31.3%). Dendrophiles were the most numerous group: in the pine forest, 95.2% (of all species), household plots, 66.7%, pastures, 50%, and Vorsklytsia River, 37.5%. Hollow-nested species had a high proportion of 57.1% in the pine forest, crown-nested species 46.7% also in the pine forest, shrubs 50% in household plots, and ground-shrubs 60% near the Vorsklytsia River. The highest proportion of species was found for entomophagous birds (30.3%) and polyphagous birds (31.4%) in the pine forest, while the phytophagous bird group had the highest proportion of 50% in the household plots.
Demographic patterns and socio-economic drivers of salt production in the Philippines
Authors: Banicod Riza Jane S. , Montojo Ulysses M. , Tadifa Gezelle C. , Ramos Charlotte Ann M. , Peralta Deserie M.
Published: December 2024

The Philippine salt industry faces multifaceted challenges which led to high dependency on imports. This study deals with demographic characteristics and socio-economic factors driving salt production. Data collection was carried-out through semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews. Findings reveal a predominantly male workforce, with substantial family involvement, limited education, and an ageing demographic that threatens long-term sustainability. The industry is fragmented and dominated by individual, small-scale producers reliant on traditional methods, with limited collective bargaining power. While there is a wealth of experience in salt production, this does not translate into regulatory compliance and modernization. Land tenure issues, which are common among tenants, impedes long-term investments in infrastructure and technology. Salt distribution and logistics are largely influenced by the country’s archipelagic geography and regulations on non-iodized salt trade. In terms of economic returns, the cooking method exhibited highest profitability despite higher labour and cost intensity, attributed to year-round production. Solar salt production using clay tiles entails high capital investment but provides long-term returns. The use of PEP sheets offers short-term investments with lower entry barriers, making it suitable for small producers. The lack of access to formal financial institutions exacerbates producers’ plight due to the investment required for salt farm development. Strategic solutions, including comprehensive educational and training programs, enhanced regulatory support, improved access to technology and financial services, and fostering cooperative models, will attract younger generations, empower producers, and create a more resilient and competitive industry.
Land use and land cover change analysis using geospatial techniques a case study of the Dayet Aoua Watershed, Middle Atlas, Morocco
Authors: El Idrissi Mohammed Chrif , Saber Er-Riyahi , Al Mashoudi Ayoub
Published: December 2024

The Imouzzer Kandar plateau, located in the Middle Atlas of Morocco, has experienced significant land use changes over the past decades, characterized by the expansion of agricultural lands and the regression of forests and wetlands. This study aimed to detect these changes and assess their impact on the wetlands of the Imouzzer Kandar plateau. To achieve this, three Landsat satellite images from 1984, 1998, and 2018 were analyzed using the diachronic method, employing a supervised classification with the Nearest Neighbour Classifier within a Geographic Information System (GIS) framework. The classification accuracy for the three dates reached 92%, providing reliable and actionable insights. Over the 34-year period, approximately 44% of the study area, equivalent to 32,097 hectares, underwent land use changes. The confusion matrix revealed a substantial increase in agricultural and rangeland areas, coupled with a decrease in forest cover and lake area within the Dayet Aoua watershed. Most wetlands, approximately 152.37 hectares, have been converted into rangeland. The analysis further highlighted the irreversible expansion of agricultural land at the expense of areas of wetlands, with 33.34% of this expansion, about 88.20 hectares, being replaced by water-intensive agriculture.
Stress within local community on the Polish-Belarusian border – a case study of the town of Włodawa, Poland
Authors: Anisiewicz Renata , Michalski Tomasz , Brosz Maciej , Grabowski Jakub
Published: December 2024

Since mid-2021, the European Union’s border with Belarus has become a place of increased migration attempts. However, the specificity of the migration crisis on the border between the European Union and Belarus lies in the fact that it was artificially triggered by the Belarusian authorities in the early summer of 2021 in response to the sanctions imposed on Belarus by the EU earlier in that year. This situation means that local communities living near the border may feel especially threatened and experience inconvenience due the implementation of a state of emergency. The COVID-19 pandemic constituted an additional stress factor. Hence, the aim of the study was to analyse the level of stress among residents of the town of Włodawa caused by the situation on the Polish-Belarusian border and by the COVID-19 pandemic. The research was conducted in the period of 01 January 2022–21 February 2022 using a survey method, with paper questionnaires. A short questionnaire with a high level of standardization was used, which consisted of nine closed questions, including three scalograms (one covering ten questions concerning the sources of experienced anxiety, another one, also a 10-item PSS-10 (Perceived Stress Scale) test, and the third one concerning the assessment of events on the Polish-Belarusian border). During the period of the study, the inhabitants of Włodawa were subjected to double stress: related to COVID-19 and resulting from the situation on the Polish-Belarusian border. The conducted research shows that the stress was of medium intensity, and was higher among women, the elderly and the poorly educated. Among the concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the exogeneous ones dominated, such as difficulties in accessing health services and the media coverage. As regards the events on the Polish-Belarusian border, respondents most often negatively perceived the arrival of large groups of migrants and the activities of Belarusian border services. Contrary to predictions, there were no synergic effects of anger at the authorities due to the imposition of restrictions (related to both COVID-19 and the situation on the Polish-Belarusian border).
The Effect of Auditors’ Tenure on Short-Term Financial Liquidity – A Conceptual Framework
Authors: Nyane Bokang M.
Published: December 2024

There is an alarming increase in audit scandals worldwide, negatively affecting financial statement users. These scandals happen soon after firms get an unqualified audit report, which would have confirmed their short-term financial liquidity. In most of these scandals, auditors have long associations with clients. The main question is whether auditors’ long association with a client affects a client’s financial liquidity. This paper aims to analyse the impact of auditors’ tenure on financial liquidity. The literature review and conceptual framework development approach have been applied as a methodology. The existing literature on the subject has been consulted, and the framework has been developed based on the reviewed literature. The paper has found no direct correlation between auditor tenure and short-term financial liquidity. Auditors’ tenure, short-term financial liquidity, company culture, board of directors, management/leadership, and mandatory rotations play a major role in the increasing audit scandals. The auditors and accountants of firms must closely monitor these variables. The audit scandal will continue if appropriate risk-mitigating strategies are not in place to control all these variables. Future research may use quantitative methodologies to further contribute to the existing literature to get the direct correlation between the auditor’s tenure and short-term financial liquidity
Leading Change by Design - Integrating Design thinking with Kotter’s 8 Step Process
Authors: Engmann Abena , Eluerkeh Eugene , Ngwakwe Collins
Published: December 2024

This paper presents a conceptual framework that facilitates a human-centered approach to implementing organizational change. It advocates for integrating design thinking with Kotter’s eight-step process for change management. Utilizing the double diamond framework, a process model developed by the Design Council (UK), in conjunction with Kotter’s eight-step process, the paper demonstrates how leaders can effectively employ a design led integrated approach to drive change. The authors’ review and juxtaposition of the design thinking framework and change process reveal that it can be applied to leading and implementing change, which, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, has not been explored in detail by previous authors. Hence, there is an opportune need to contribute to the change management process. The normative conceptual methodology for developing this extended framework shows how Kotter’s eight steps fit into the double diamond framework. Implementing change in organizations can be a daunting undertaking; however, a design-led approach facilitates a more successful execution. This paper’s key argument is that integrating design thinking with change management is a more effective approach because it allows the involvement of more stakeholders, iteration, and testing of more ideas to implement change successfully.
Leadership Styles and Employee Job Satisfaction in Nepalese Banking Sector
Authors: Lama Padam Bahadur , Aryal Narayan Prasad , Budhathoki Prem Bahadur , Shakya Sunil Man , Shrestha Rohan
Published: December 2024

This research discusses the findings of employee job satisfaction linked with leadership styles based on the evidence of Nepalese banking sector to mitigate the gaps in leadership styles in the context of Nepal. This paper investigates the impact of leadership styles on employee job satisfaction. The research adopts positivism philosophy with deductive approach for conducting the survey. The cross-sectional data collected through structured questionnaire and convenience sampling, received only 140 useful questionnaire from respondents out of 160 questionnaire distributed among employees of Nepalese banking institutions. Data analysed using descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression analysis. The reliability test adopted through Cronbach’s alpha and its value indicates the internal consistency. The result depicts that the transformational leadership, transactional leadership, and ethical leadership found positive association with employee job satisfaction and it reflects that the leadership style found positive impact on employee job satisfaction. It reveals that leadership influences the proportion of employee job satisfaction among the employees of banking sector in Nepal. The paper provides novel findings to bridge the gap in leadership literature by presenting original evidence those different types of leadership styles influences the employees level of job satisfaction. Moreover, the findings of this result paper sparks new discourse, and contributes to organizational practices and policies inclined with leadership in Nepalese context and others. Finally, these results offer invaluable guidance for organizations seeking to cultivate leadership styles. Simultaneously, it emphasizes the importance of promoting best-suited leadership and enhancing the employee satisfaction in organizational practices.
The importance of management control in the Polish public finance sector: The case of university
Authors: Bylinko Leszek
Published: December 2024

The article addresses a gap in research on management control systems, particularly the long-term impact of self-assessment on management effectiveness. While most studies focus on single-period analyses, this research emphasizes the importance of multi-year perspectives and causal relationships. The study’s primary goal was to examine the strategic use of management control in public finance sector units, with a special focus on public universities. It highlighted the role of management participation in ensuring effective operations. Conducted from 2015 to 2022, the research relied on self-assessment questionnaires, a mandatory component of management control systems, as well as reports on risk management activities from the same period. Findings revealed that conscious self-assessment significantly supports goal achievement and enhances coordination, information, and planning functions in public sector units. The study demonstrates how a long-term approach to self-assessment can improve the effectiveness of management control systems, offering practical insights for public institutions aiming to optimize their operations.
Care Benefit and Support Benefit – Assessment of Intertemporal Law
Authors: Małysa-Sulińska Katarzyna , Kledzik Przemysław
Published: December 2024

On 1 January 2024, a new support scheme for persons with disabilities and their carers entered into force. New solutions in this regard were included in the Act of 7 July 2023 on the Support Benefit, which introduced a new benefit directly for persons with disabilities and significantly modified the catalogue of benefits available to their carers. The provisions of this Act also altered the nature of the care benefit, which, until that time, had provided compensation to carers of persons with disabilities for not being able to undertake gainful activity. At the same time the legislator, subject to certain conditions, allowed for the possibility of establishing the right to the care benefit under the terms in force until 31 December 2023. This study analyses the normative regulations applicable to acquiring the right to the care benefit after 1 January 2024, based on the regulations in force until 31 December 2023.
Comment on The Judgment of the Supreme Court of 20 June 2023, I KS 15/23
Authors: Wączek Adrianna
Published: December 2024

This study focuses on the issue of evidentiary proceedings before the appellate court in Polish criminal procedure. As a result of the considerations undertaken, the author expresses approval of the position of the Supreme Court, according to which the appellate court, upon finding specific content deficiencies in certain personal and non-personal evidence, is not only authorised but also obliged to conduct evidentiary proceedings autonomously. The provision of Article 452 of the Code of Criminal Procedure serves as the fundamental criterion for assessing the validity of this view. The application of the historical method in the interpretation process indicates that the repeal of the first section of Article 452 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, which previously stated that ‘the appellate court may not conduct evidentiary proceedings as to the substance of the case,’ contributed to establishing the principle of the appellate court conducting evidence hearings on the merits. The argumentation in this regard is enriched by the joint interpretation of Article 427 § 3 of the Code of Criminal Procedure in connection with Article 452 § 2 and 3 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.
Botanical Origin and Biochemical Composition of Different Color Fractions of Bee Pollen
Authors: Anık Sema , Vardar Filiz
Published: December 2024

Bee pollen is a good nutrient storage and a natural source of phenolic acids and flavonoids with antimicrobial and antioxidant effects. Pollen color is related to flavonoids and carotenoids groups of structurally different plant pigments which are also non-enzymatic antioxidants. This study aims to indicate the biochemical differences between bee pollen of different color fractions concerning antioxidant properties. We separated the different colored bee pollens as light and dark to determine their botanical origins and biochemical compositions. According to their botanical origins, seventeen genera belonging to fourteen families were identified in the different colored bee pollen samples. Scandix sp. (Apiaceae), Arbutus sp. (Ericaceae), Trifolium sp., Caesalpinia sp. (Fabaceae), and Morus sp. (Moraceae) pollen were only encountered in dark pollen grains, whereas Betula sp. (Betulaceae), Quercus sp. (Fagaceae), and Crataegus sp. (Rosaceae) were only seen in light pollen grains. Total phenolics and carotenoids showed higher values in light color fraction however total flavonoids were higher in dark color. Four different antioxidant assays (ABTS, CERAC, CUPRAC, and DPPH) were performed for better comprehension. Although the bioactive ingredients were different based on pollen color fractions, there were no significant differences in antioxidant activities.
Stingless Bee Propolis Review as Biocosmetics for Anti-Acne, Anti-Aging, and Skin-Whitening
Authors: Paramita Swandari , Toruan Vera Madonna Lumban , Rahma Khairunnida , Zubaidah Mona , Arung Enos Tangke , Kusuma Irawan Wijaya
Published: December 2024

Data on cosmetic sales has grown significantly recently, with consumers increasingly choosing natural cosmetics or biocosmetics. The natural ingredient that has received attention recently is stingless bee propolis. Stingless bee propolis has been utilized in cosmetics manufacturing and has been extensively studied for its beneficial properties for the skin, including anti-acne, anti-aging, and skin-whitening properties. This review comprehensively analyzes the potential of stingless bee propolis for anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, antioxidant, anti-wrinkle, anti-melanogenesis, and sunscreen activity. The chemical compound that has been found in stingless bee propolis and can be used in biocosmetics, including p-coumaric acid, gallic acid, caffeic acid, ellagic acid, ferulic acid, catechin, quercetin, apigenin, kaempferol, glyasperin, broussoflavonol, rutin, methyldiplacone, nymphaeol, geranyl flavonol, oleic acid, palmitic acid, ascorbic acid, and tocopherol. The potential applications of stingless bee propolis in biocosmetics are significant, and there are numerous benefits of using it. Further research is needed to understand its potential applications and benefits for the skin.
Morphometric Identification of An Unknown Honey Bee Colony: An Example From North India
Authors: Kaur Hardeep , Ganie Sajad Ahmad , Tofilski Adam
Published: December 2024

Identification of the honey bee (Apis mellifera) subspecies is an important aspect of bee breeding and biodiversity conservation. The identification can be based on molecular or morphological markers. For some markers, including the cytochrome c oxidase subunit, there is a well-established methodology allowing consistent subspecies identification in different laboratories. In the case of morphological markers, identification is hindered by a lack of reference data and a standardized methodology to reuse it. There is the Morphometric Bee Data Bank in Oberursel, Germany, which provides reliable reference data for many honey bee subspecies; however, it must be expanded and updated. Moreover, there is a need for standardized protocols that allow reliable identification of unknown samples. We show here that reference data for the identification of honey bees based on geometric morphometrics can be saved in an XML file. The information in this file can be easily extracted by other users for the identification of unknown samples. We illustrate this procedure using ten samples from north India. The samples were identified as A. mellifera; next, they were identified as lineage C; and finally, most of the samples had high similarity to honey bees from Croatia and Slovenia. We explained what data is required for such identification and how it can be reused. The method described here works correctly only if the identified species or subspecies is well represented in the reference samples. Without reference data from America, we could not confirm the importation of honey bees to India from this region.