bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultrasound-guided serratus anterior plane block enhances postoperative analgesia and recovery in thoracoscopic surgery
Authors: Zhang Jing-Jing , Wang Shao-Lin , He Lei , Yang Ding-Dong , Qian Wei , Zhao Ying
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND

The serratus anterior muscle, located in the lateral aspect of the thorax, plays a crucial role in shoulder movement and stability. Thoracoscopic surgery, while minimally invasive, often results in significant postoperative pain, complicating patient recovery and potentially extending hospital stays. Traditional anesthesia methods may not adequately address this pain, leading to increased complications such as agitation due to inadequate pain management.

AIM

To evaluate the application value of ultrasound-guided serratus anterior plane block (SAPB) in patients undergoing thoracoscopic surgery, focusing on its effects on postoperative analgesia and rehabilitation.

METHODS

Eighty patients undergoing thoracoscopic surgery between August 2021 and December 2022 were randomly divided into two groups: An observation group receiving ultrasound-guided SAPB and a control group receiving standard care without SAPB. Both groups underwent general anesthesia and were monitored for blood pressure, heart rate (HR), oxygen saturation, and pulse. The primary outcomes measured included mean arterial pressure (MAP), HR, postoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) scores for pain, supplemental analgesic use, and incidence of agitation.

RESULTS

The observation group showed significantly lower cortisol and glucose concentrations at various time points post-operation compared to the control group, indicating reduced stress responses. Moreover, MAP and HR levels were lower in the observation group during and after surgery. VAS scores were significantly lower in the observation group at 1 h, 4 h, 6 h, and 12 h post-surgery, and the rates of analgesic supplementation and agitation were significantly reduced compared to the control group.

CONCLUSION

Ultrasound-guided SAPB significantly improves postoperative analgesia and reduces agitation in patients undergoing thoracoscopic surgery. This technique stabilizes perioperative vital signs, decreases the need for supplemental analgesics, and minimizes postoperative pain and stress responses, underscoring its high application value in enhancing patient recovery and rehabilitation post-thoracoscopy.
Evaluation of the effectiveness of preventive nursing measures for pressure injuries in patients in the neurology intensive care unit
Authors: Zhang Rong , Ma Peng-Xin , Zhang Juan-Juan
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND

Patients in neurology intensive care units (ICU) are prone to pressure injuries (PU) due to factors such as severe illness, long-term bed rest, and physiological dysfunction. PU not only causes pain and complications to patients, but also increases medical burden, prolongs hospitalization time, and affects the recovery process.

AIM

To evaluate and optimize the effectiveness of pressure injury prevention nursing measures in neurology ICU patients.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted, and 60 patients who were admitted to the ICU of the Department of Neurology were selected and divided into an observation group and a control group according to the order of admission, with 30 people in each group. The observation group implemented pressure injury prevention and nursing measures, while the control group adopted routine care.

RESULTS

Comparison between observation and control groups following pressure injury prevention nursing intervention revealed significantly lower incidence rates in the observation group compared to the control group at 48 h (8.3% vs 26.7%), 7 d (16.7% vs 43.3%), and 14 d (20.0% vs 50.0%). This suggests a substantial reduction in pressure injury incidence in the observation group, with the gap widening over time. Additionally, patients in the observation group exhibited quicker recovery, with a shorter average time to get out of bed (48 h vs 72 h) and a shorter average length of stay (12 d vs 15 d) compared to the control group. Furthermore, post-intervention, patients in the observation group reported significantly improved quality of life scores, including higher scores in body satisfaction, feeling and function, and comfort (both psychological and physiological), indicating enhanced overall well-being and comfort following the implementation of pressure injury prevention nursing measures.

CONCLUSION

Implementing pressure injury preventive care measures for neurology ICU patients will have better results.
Clinical efficacy of magnetic vibration magnetoelectric therapy in the treatment of chronic prostatitischronic pelvic pain syndrome
Authors: Zhang Zi-Heng , Chang Feng-Juan , Chen Yun
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND

The prominent symptoms of chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS) are urogenital pain, lower urinary tract symptoms, psychological problems, and sexual dysfunction. Traditional pharmacological treatments have poor efficacy and more untoward reaction and complications. Magnetic vibration magnetoelectric therapy is a non-invasive form of physiotherapy. Nevertheless, its effectiveness in improving urinary discomfort and relieving pain in patients requires further exploration.

AIM

To investigate the clinical efficacy of the magnetic vibration magnetoelectric therapy instrument in the treatment of chronic prostatitis (CP)/ CPPS.

METHODS

Seventy patients with CP/CPPS were collected from the outpatient clinic and ward of the Department of Male Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and were treated with magnetic vibration magnetoelectric therapy once a day for a period of 14 d. National Institutes of health-chronic prostatitis symptom index (NIH-CPSI), international index of erectile function 5 (IIEF-5), premature ejaculation diagnostic tool (PEDT), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), patient health questionnaire, the pain catastrophizing scale (PCS) and traditional Chinese medicine syndrome (TCMS) scores were performed before and after treatment.

RESULTS

The total effective rate of treatment was 58.5%, and the total NIH-CPSI score, pain symptoms, voiding symptoms, quality of life, IIEF-5, PEDT, GAD, PCS and TCMS scores all decreased significantly (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Magnetic vibration magnetotherapy is effective in improving urinary discomfort, relieving pain, improving quality of life, improving sexual dysfunction and relieving negative emotions such as anxiety in patients with CP/CPPS.
Efficacy and safety analysis of continued nursing of complications in discharged patients after percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage
Authors: Huang Yu-Lin , Lin Meng-Chang , Wang Bai-Yun
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND

Percutaneous hepatobiliary drainage (PTCD) is an effective method for the treatment of biliary obstruction and other diseases, but postoperative complications are still one of the important problems faced by patients. Continuous nursing is a comprehensive nursing model that plays an important role in postoperative recovery. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of continuous nursing on the incidence of complications in patients after PTCD surgery through meta-analysis and to evaluate its efficacy and safety.

AIM

To evaluate the effect of extended nursing on the incidence of complications in discharged patients after percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD).

METHODS

Randomized controlled studies on PTBD postdischarge extended care were identified in the CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, CBM, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, and other databases. The quality of the included studies was evaluated using the Joanna Briggs Institute of Australia literature quality evaluation tool, and a meta-analysis of the included studies was performed with RevMan 5.4 software.

RESULTS

Finally, 9 studies were included, with a total sample size of 854 patients (425 patients in the control group and 429 patients in the intervention group). Meta-analysis revealed that extended care effectively reduced biliary tract infection (RR: 0.42, 95%CI: 0.30-0.57), puncture wound infection (RR: 0.19, 95%CI: 0.06-0.65), catheter protrusion or displacement in discharged patients after PTBD (RR: 0.31, 95%CI: 0.18-0.54), catheter blockage (RR: 0.23, 95%CI: 0.13-0.42), skin infection around the drainage tube (RR: 0.30, 95%CI: 0.12-0.77), and catheter-related readmissions (RR: 0.34, 95%CI: 0.18-0.65) (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Compared with conventional discharge care, extended care can effectively reduce the occurrence of complications such as biliary tract infection, puncture wound infection, catheter prolapse or displacement, catheter blockage, skin infection around the drainage tube, and catheter-related readmission in discharged patients after PTBD.
Combination of manual lymphatic drainage and Kinesio taping for treating pigmented villonodular synovitis: A case report
Authors: Qu Yan-Ping , Jin Wei , Huang Ben , Shen Jie
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND

Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) is a benign proliferative disorder that affects the synovial joints, bursae, and tendon sheaths. To date, few studies have reported on the treatment of postoperative pain and edema in patients with PVNS. Herein, we present the case of a woman who developed pain and edema in the left lower limb 1 wk after synovectomy and arthroscopic partial meniscectomy and was unable to walk due to limited flexion and extension of the left knee.

CASE SUMMARY

A 32-year-old woman underwent synovectomy and arthroscopic partial meniscectomy successively and was treated with a combination of manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) and kinesio taping (KT) in our hospital to alleviate postoperative pain and edema. The following parameters were assessed at 2 wk post-treatment and 1 wk post-discharge follow up: suprapatellar circumference, infrapatellar circumference, visual analog scale score, knee range of motion, pittsburgh sleep quality index score, hamilton anxiety rating scale (HAMA) score, and hamilton depression rating scale (HAMD) score. After treatment, the postoperative pain and edema in the patient’s left knee were effectively relieved, resulting in improved sleep quality and remarkably attenuated HAMA and HAMD scores.

CONCLUSION

Combined MLD and KT may be an effective approach for relieving postoperative pain and edema in patients with PVNS.
Distribution of banana Fusarium wilt in Banyumas, Indonesia, and characterization of F. oxysporum isolates from infected bananas and taro growing on the same farm
Authors: RAHAYUNIATI RUTH FETI , KURNIAWAN RULY EKO KUSUMA , MUGIASTUTI ENDANG
Published: June 2024

Abstract. Rahayuniati RF, Kurniawan REK, Mugiastuti E. 2024. Distribution of banana Fusarium wilt in Banyumas, Indonesia, and characterization of F. oxysporum isolates from infected bananas and taro growing on the same farm. Biodiversitas 25: 1344-1351. Fusarium wilt disease is a major constraint to banana production in Indonesia. The disease has also affected banana production in Banyumas, one banana-producing region. However, information on the distribution and characteristics of Fusarium wilt in Banyumas is limited. Growing mixed bananas and taro on the same farm in Banyumas is common. During the banana wilt survey, we found that taro also showed a symptom of Fusarium wilt. Therefore, this study aims to determine the distribution of Fusarium wilt disease on bananas in Banyumas, determine the characteristics of F. oxysporum on bananas and taro that grow on the same farm, and conduct pathogenicity tests of taro Fusarium isolates on bananas. The study consists of two steps, i.e., survey and sampling using purposive sampling technique conducted at the banana-growing area in Baturraden, Rawalo, Wangon, Purwojati, Gumelar, Ajibarang, Kemranjen, and Somagede districts. The second step involved the identification, characterization, and pathogenicity test of Fusarium isolate banana compared to isolate taro. A complete randomized design was used in an experimental study. All samples with Fusarium wilt symptoms were identified morphologically as comprised of macroscopic, microscopic characters and volatile odor of isolates. The results indicated that Fusarium wilt was equally distributed in Banyumas District, with the disease incidence reaching 50%. F. oxysporum isolates, which cause Fusarium wilt of banana and taro in Banyumas District, have indicated the same characteristics as Foc, i.e., diverse colony morphology, dominated by white to purple colonies with a cottony, smooth, and dry surface. Colonies are circular, irregular, dispersed, and undispersed on the surface of the medium with a filamentous margin; the single-septate oval-shaped microconidium and typical straight to sickle-shaped macroconidium. There were no significant differences between F. oxysporum isolate banana and taro in terms of disease incubation period, disease intensity, and Area Under Disease Progress Curve (AUDPC). Generally, this study found that Fusarium wilt was equally distributed in the lowlands. The Fusarium in bananas was the same as the Fusarium on taro in the same area, and the Fusarium isolated from taro effectively infected the banana.
Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in vipers (Serpentes: Viperidae) reared in Padang City, West Sumatra, Indonesia
Authors: MAIRAWITA MAIRAWITA , HERWINA H. , HIDAYAT F. , JANRA M.N. , DINIYATI F.
Published: June 2024

Abstract. Mairawita, Herwina H, Hidayat F, Janra MN, Diniyati F.. 2024. Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in vipers (Serpentes: Viperidae) reared in Padang City, West Sumatra, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 25: 1352-1358. Vipers are widely distributed worldwide, including in the Asian region, and are currently decreasing in their natural population due to various factors. The most prominent characteristic is the exploitation of vipers for being human pets. Among other cities in West Sumatra, Padang is considerably dense with reptile hobbyists and owners who keep reptiles for their fancy, including the vipers, as this snake taxon has a colorful morphological appearance. This study aims to investigate gastrointestinal parasites in reared vipers in Padang City in terms of parasitic species inventory and their prevalence. Parasites were collected from the feces of vipers in Padang City from November to December 2021. Parasite extraction was conducted at the Animal Taxonomy Laboratory, Department of Biology, Universitas Andalas, Padang, Indonesia. Fecal samples of reared viper species were obtained from 38 individuals (five genera and 10 species. Fecal samples were then processed with a centrifugation-float method to observe the parasites and four types of endoparasites were revealed, namely Kalicephalus spp. (38.8%), Ophidascaris spp. (33.3%), Oxyuris spp. (44.4%), and Rhabdias spp. (38.8%), in their egg stage. Gastrointestinal parasites in reared vipers in Padang City are more common as single infestation cases at 63% than mixed infestation cases at 32% and not infested only at 5%.
Characteristics of probiotic lactic acid bacteria isolated from edible birds nests as antimicrobials potential
Authors: HARMAYANI ARI , MARLINA MARLINA , PURWATI ENDANG
Published: June 2024

Abstract. Harmayani A, Marlina, Purwati E. 2024. Characteristics of probiotic lactic acid bacteria isolated from edible birds nests as antimicrobials potential. Biodiversitas 25: 1521-1527. Indonesia's export commodities include Edible Bird Nests (EBN), which possess significant economic worth. EBN is a nutrient-dense functional food that offers substantial health benefits. This study assessed the antibacterial capabilities of Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) extracted from EBN. This study utilized EBN sourced from three samples in West Sumatra, Indonesia, specifically in the Agam District. Use the method of experimental and collection sample EBN and identification of LAB in vitro. The isolates were examined for their morphological and biochemical characteristics. In addition, an antibacterial test was conducted along with molecular identification of the 16S rRNA gene. The findings indicated that the LAB exhibited gram-positive features, with bacilli morphology. They were also catalase-negative and classified in the homofermentative category. Antimicrobial activity was seen in all three EBN samples. BK3 edible birds’ nest isolate exhibited the highest antimicrobial activity against Listeria monocytogenes CFSN004330, with an inhibition zone diameter of 19.53 mm. It also demonstrated significant activity against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 (18.71 mm), Propionibacterium acne (18.20 mm), and Escherichia coli 0157 (14.60 mm). The molecular identification using 16S rRNA revealed that the LAB obtained from the BK3 edible birds’ nest isolate had similarities with Lacticaseibacillus paracasei strain HBUAS6004, which possesses antibacterial properties against pathogenic bacteria. There was an expectation that LAB isolates derived from EBN may serve as natural antimicrobials, providing benefits to animal and human health benefits.
Characterization of melon (var Sky Rocket) peel pectin using microwave-assisted extraction at different powers and extraction times
Authors: AINI NUR , HERDAWAN IFTITAH SYAWALIYAH , SUSTRIAWAN BUDI , SETYAWATI RETNO , KURNIAWAN RULLY EKO KUSUMA , SULIMAN NAGEEB MOHAMMED , ARSYISTAWA HADANA SABILA , INDARTO INDARTO
Published: June 2024

Abstract. Aini N, Herdawan IS, Sustriawan B, Setyawati R, Kurniawan REK, Suliman NM, Arsyistawa HS, Indarto. 2024. Characterization of melon (var Sky Rocket) peel pectin using microwave-assisted extraction at different powers and extraction times. Biodiversitas 25: 1528-1535. Pectin is a heteropolysaccharide molecule that can be used as a thickening agent due to its ability to bind large amounts of water. Pectin can be obtained from fruit peels containing pectic compounds, one of which is melon. A modern extraction technique such as Microwave-Assisted Extraction (MAE) is appropriate because it requires a relatively short time and lower costs. The objective of the research was to determine the effect of power and time on the pectin extraction from melon peel using microwave-assisted extraction. Sample preparation was done by drying the melon peel and then crushing and sieving it to produce melon peel powder. The powder was extracted using combinations of various microwave power of 180 (D1), 270 (D2), and 360 (D3) watts and extraction time variations of 3 (W1), 5 (W2), and 7 (W3) minutes. The results showed that the best treatment combination was extraction using microwave power of 270 watts for 3 minutes, which produced melon peel pectin with a yield of 6.4%, moisture content of 8.85%, ash content of 7.73%, equivalent weight of 1,810.07 mg, methoxyl content of 2.46%, galacturonic acid content of 95.74%, and degree of esterification of 22.02%. Melon peel, usually considered waste, can be used more optimally as a source of pectin.
The relationship between Bornean orangutans’ (Pongo pygmaeus) population and land cover change in West Kalimantan, Indonesia
Authors: PARIDA IDA , SANTOSA YANTO , SURATI JAYA I NENGAH
Published: June 2024

Abstract. Parida I, Santosa Y, Jaya INS. 2024. The relationship between Bornean orangutans’ (Pongo pygmaeus) population and land cover change in West Kalimantan, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 25: 1831-1837. Orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus Linnaeus 1760) are critically endangered species under IUCN Red List and classified in Appendix 1 of CITES. Their population is declining, which is largely caused by habitat loss. This study aims to investigate the population dynamics of the Bornean orangutans and changes in land cover in West Kalimantan and to analyze the relationship between the orangutan population and land cover change. Bornean orangutan population data from 2014 to 2019 at four locations (i.e. Belaban, Bukit Semujan Semangit Menyukung Melingkung, Embaloh Sibau watershed and Sungai Putri) were obtained from Bukit Baka Bukit Raya National Park, Betung Kerihun National Park, Danau Sentarum National Park, and West Kalimantan Natural Resources Conservation Agency, and land cover data were obtained from the Directorate General of Forestry and Environmental Planning of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry. The data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics, land cover analysis, and multiple linear regression analysis to test the relationship between orangutan population and eight variables, namely forest cover, shrubs (secondary regrowth), agriculture cover, open land, water body, road density, river density and settlement density. The results showed that orangutan population in the Bukit Semujan Semangit Menyukung Melingkung and Sungai Putri locations tended to increase. On the other hand, orangutan population in the Belaban and Embaloh Sibau watersheds tended to fluctuate. The land cover in the Belaban, Bukit Semujan Semangit Menyukung Melingkung and Sungai Putri tended to fluctuate, while that in Embaloh Sibau was steady. Bornean orangutan populations have a strong relationship with the extent of forest cover and shrubs. The findings of this study suggest that conserving the remaining forest and shrubs altogether with population monitoring, inventory of feed availability, and forest area patrol are imperative to protect and conserve orangutan population.
A Study of Hygienic and Grooming Behaviors in the Iranian Honeybee (Apis mellifera meda) Colonies Against Varroa destructor
Authors: Kandi Rasol Taheri Imam , Ghafari Mokhtar , Rahimi Ataollah , Hashemi Ali
Published: June 2024

This study evaluated the grooming and uncapping & removing hygienic behaviors of the honeybee colonies of the West Azerbaijan province of Iran from April 2021 to October 2022. Eighty colonies of Iranian honeybees infected with Varroa mite from Mahabad, Urmia, Oshnavieh, and Khoy cities of West Azerbaijan province were selected and studied regarding grooming and uncapping & removing hygienic behaviors. The results showed that there is no significant difference between the studied cities in terms of grooming behavior. The results showed that the season affects the grooming behavior of honeybee colonies in the studied cities. Therefore, the grooming behavior of the studied honeybee population in summer was significantly higher than that of colonies in spring (P < 0.05). Comparing the means of uncapping & removing hygienic behaviors after 48 hours showed that the honeybee colonies of the studied cities significantly differ in terms of these behaviors (P < 0.05). So, the highest and lowest averages of uncapping & removing hygienic behaviors after 48 hours were observed in the honeybee colonies of Khoy and Oshnavieh cities, respectively. The results showed a positive correlation between hygienic behaviors and all the functional-behavioral characteristics of honeybee colonies in this research. Our finding showed that the Iranian honeybee colonies of West Azerbaijan province of Iran can defend themselves against the Varroa mite by performing both grooming and uncapping & removing hygienic behaviors. Therefore, it is possible to improve the level of these behaviors in the honeybee colonies of this province by implementing breeding programs.
Home Sweet Home: Yeasts Living in Substrates Related with Melipona scutellaris in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest
Authors: Barbosa Renan do Nascimento , Bezerra Jadson D. P. , Moura Joana C. de , Santos José Ewerton F. dos , Oliveira Junior Isaias , Souza-Motta Cristina M. de , Oliveira Neiva T. de
Published: June 2024

The interaction between stingless bees and fungi has garnered recent interest due to potential mutual benefits. In Brazil, Melipona scutellaris stands out ecologically and economically. We investigated its microbiota, focusing on yeast species in pot-honey, pot-pollen, and nest surfaces. Samples from the Atlantic Forest (Pernambuco state, Brazil) were analyzed through morphological and physiological methods and D1/D2 LSU rDNA sequence analysis. We identified 20 yeast species, comprising 15 ascomycetes and five basidiomycetes, representing 11 and five genera, respectively. All yeast species, except Blastobotrys meliponae, were reported for the first time in association with M. scutellaris. Honey exhibited the highest species richness. In this study, the species Blastobotrys meliponae, Meyerozyma caribbica, Wickerhamomyces anomalus, and Moniliella carnis were exclusively isolated from honey. The understanding of the ecological association between stingless bees and yeasts, as revealed in our research, can significantly aid in insect conservation programs. We present the first report of yeasts associated with M. scutellaris substrates living in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest.
Raising Managerial Competences in the Face of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Ścibiorek Zbigniew , Borucka Anna , Zamiar Zenon
Published: June 2024

Objectives

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on all areas of human life has been great. The prevailing disease also turned out to be a challenge for managers and the entire educational environment, which is the genesis of this article. Therefore, the aim of this article is to compare interest in the issue of improving managerial competences in the period before and after the Covid-19 pandemic and to draw conclusions in this area.

Material and methods

The article contains a presentation of the results of research relating to the need to improve competences by the management staff of the organization before the pandemic (2018) and after its end (2022). The research covered middle-level managers and small business entrepreneurs.

Results

The obtained results prove that it is necessary to constantly adapt to new market conditions and requirements, and new competences are indispensable in order to do so. Respondents see the need to improve the level of their knowledge, opting for forms that will not absorb them excessively (e.g. self-improvement). The respondents emphasize the need to know international issues and law, and the main inspiration for improving competences is the changeability of the company's operating conditions and concern for its fate. The COVID-19 pandemic emphasizes that, especially in such circumstances, improving managerial competences is indispensable.

Conclusions

The obtained results undoubtedly show significant changes that have taken place in the way of performing professional functions, including managerial ones and shaping the competencies of managers, but also the complexity of the analyzed phenomenon and the problems articulated in this area. The analysis carried out and its results constitute an important guideline for management practice, mainly in relation to people holding managerial positions.
Gen Z consumers’ inclination to engage in brand relationships in Metaverse – an empirical approach
Authors: Dewalska-Opitek Anna , Szejniuk Aleksandra
Published: June 2024

Objectives

The purposes of this study were to recognize correlates with the inclination of Gen Z customers to build brand relationship in Metaverse, as well as to recognize and categorise factors influencing Gen Z’s inclination to build and maintain brand relationships.

Material and methods

The empirical part was based on quantitative research in a form of a survey in 2023. The assumption of the sample selection was to find Gen Z respondents who had conducted any activity in Metaverse. Quota sampling was employed. In total, 97 valid questionnaires were used in the analysis. The gathered data were subject to content analysis, descriptive statistics analysis, and exploratory factor analysis (EFA).

Results

All the study participants declared leading an activity in Metaverse, mainly as gaming, education, or customer experience. Gen Zers are willing to engage in relationships with brands in a form of value co-creation, providing feedback, recommendation and brand advocacy or brand loyalty. EFA analysis allowed to identify 16 items combined in 5 categories: Inclination, Openness, Relatedness, Esteem, and Growth. Convergent validity for 5-item construct was tested and met required criteria.

Conclusions

This paper enhances our understanding of Gen Z consumers' inclination to build brand relationships in the Metaverse on both theoretical and empirical level. It responds to the need for further research in this emerging field, exploring less recognised factors and emphasizing the crucial role of the Metaverse in shaping consumer behaviour within virtual worlds. The study underscores the importance of utilizing the Metaverse for engaging customers and fostering stronger brand relationships, providing managerial insights to enhance customer experiences in virtual environments. Several limitations were addressed
Beyond the hype: a decision support framework for promoting critical thinking about the rationality of management practices
Authors: Kulikowski Konrad
Published: June 2024

Objectives

In an era of management hype, where management concepts and techniques quickly become buzzwords within the business community (e.g., chat GPT, Artificial Intelligence, pay transparency or Industry 5.0), the crucial skill of a manager is the ability to think critically about the rationality of all those new shiny management practices. To stimulate this, we present a heuristic decision support framework to assist managers in thinking more critically about management fashions - management practices that are intensively promoted and attract public attention but merely imitate rationality and progress.

Material and methods

We employ a method of conceptual analysis, drawing from Abrahamson's management fashion theory, self-determination theory, literature on management fads and evidence-based management.

Results

The proposed decision-making support framework presents a decision tree based on three steps to evaluate management practices' rationality, involving critical thinking about their goals, importance, and efficiency.

Conclusions

The framework can be used not only to assist managerial decision-making but also to teach management students to think more critically and to empower the business community to question the rationality of mainstream management practices. Our decision support framework might act as a vaccine for the so-called shiny object syndrome, the tendency to chase novel, popular, or exciting management practices without evaluating if they deliver what they promise.
The role of a leader in shaping employee behaviour in the VUCA/BANI world
Authors: Olkowicz Joanna Urszula , Jarosik-Michalak Agnieszka , Kozłowski Arkadiusz
Published: June 2024

Objectives

The challenges of the turbulent VUCA/BANI world, faced by modern organisations, have led to a different perception of the role of a leadership. The aim of this article is to identify the role of a leader in shaping employee behaviour in companies in the VUCA/BANI era.

Material and methods

The study used a diagnostic survey method. In the first stage of the research, the questionnaire was filled in by employees of enterprises from various industries. The responses were then supplemented with the information gathered during in-depth interviews with managers of the selected organisations and further empirical analyses were conducted.

Results

The leadership competencies necessary in crisis situations were identified thanks to an analysis of the literature on the subject and then it was examined how they influence the attitudes and behaviour of contemporary employees. The authors also diagnosed the characteristics and behaviours of leaders shaping both positive and negative attitudes as well as approaches of employees. Furthermore, the relationship between a leadership style and employee commitment was identified, and the dominant communication style in the supervisor-subordinate relationship in situations of uncertainty was determined. In addition, the authors identified the actions taken by leaders who prioritise the development of their team. The research is an attempt to answer the following question: what concept of leadership and what leadership opportunities and threats are present in contemporary organisations?

Conclusions

The presented results may contribute to the popularisation of knowledge about leadership in the VUCA/BANI era, enrich the literature on the subject with practical issues concerning the formation of positive employee behaviour as well as contribute to further research on this issue.
The dimensions of humanity in terms of the concept of sustainable management – the assessment from the perspective of manufacturers of technical subassemblies for means of agricultural transport
Authors: Niewiadomski Przemysław
Published: June 2024

Objectives

The aim of the article is to develop a model of key desiderata reflecting the dimensions of humanity (employees functioning in the labor market), in accordance with the idea articulated from the perspective of the concept of sustainable management.

Material and methods

Achieving the main goal requires the implementation of partial goals, among which the following have been distinguished: (C1) on the theoretical and design level - a query of the literature on the subject in direct relation to the research topic (theoretical evaluation model; (2) on the design level - discussion among purposefully selected field experts, aimed at selecting those dimensions of humanity which, in terms of the concept of sustainable management, are crucial from the perspective of manufacturers of technical components of means of agricultural transport; (3) on an empirical level - determining the level of implementation of selected factors and thus indicating what (if) shortcomings surveyed enterprises.

Results

The material collected in the research procedure allowed to verify the adopted assumptions and formulate conclusions of a general and cognitive nature. As a result of the conducted research, it was established that there are significant premises for the implementation of the concept of sustainable management and the implementation of the resulting social dimensions.

Conclusions

The proposed assessment method is part of a comprehensive approach to the holistic assessment of the eco-maturity of enterprises and the clarification of their management mechanisms. It is used to indicate strengths and weaknesses and to identify subsystems that need improvement.
Indo + Caribbean: The Creation of a Culture – An exhibition review of the great experiment of Indian indenture
Authors: Raghunandan Kavyta
Published: June 2024

The museum exhibition, Indo + Caribbean: The Creation of a Culture, which ran at the Museum of London Docklands, offers a captivating and insightful exploration of the rich heritage and diverse traditions of the Indo-Caribbean community. Through a combination of artefacts, personal miscellany, for example, jewellery, letters petitioning the government from planter Sir John Gladstone, contracts, shipping company records, postcards and papers from the Parliamentary Archives and artworks, the exhibition provides a decent, albeit not exhaustive, overview of the historical, cultural and social aspects of Indo-Caribbean identity.
Breaking the Graphic-Sonic Barrier: Abril Lamarque's Intermedial Lines in Cuban New York
Authors: McDaniel Shawn
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT: This article surveys the early intermedial work of Abril Lamarque, a Cuban illustrator, graphic designer, and art director in New York, who created the first comic strip in Spanish for newspapers in Latin America ( Monguito , 1925–1933) and the first caricature broadcast over the radio, a genre he called the "radio-cature" (1926). The article tracks the inter-American routes of the young artist between Santiago de Cuba and New York, examines the development of his caricature in print cultures and on airwaves in Cuba and the United States, and highlights the transnational networks and reading and listening publics, as well as infrastructures of empire, that his work brings into sharper relief. The following analysis of Lamarque's unparalleled genre innovations illuminates the visual and sonic imprints of Cuban diasporic cultural production in New York in the 1920s and 1930s and enhances, while also reorienting, a broader landscape of graphic modernity in the Americas. RESUMEN: En este artículo, se sondea la temprana obra intermedial del cubano Abril Lamarque, dibujante, grafista y director de arte en Nueva York que creó la primera tira cómica en español para periódicos en América Latina ( Monguito , 1925–1933), así como la primera caricatura transmitida por la radio, un género que él llamó la radiocatura (1926). Este estudio rastrea las rutas interamericanas del joven artista entre Santiago de Cuba y Nueva York, examina el desarrollo de su caricatura en la cultura impresa y en las ondas de radio tanto en Cuba como en los Estados Unidos y subraya las redes transnacionales y los públicos lectores y oyentes, así como las infraestructuras de imperio, que su obra pone de relieve. El siguiente análisis de los géneros innovadores de Lamarque ilumina las huellas visuales y sónicas de la producción cultural de la diáspora cubana en Nueva York durante las décadas de los 1920 y 1930 y, además, amplía, al mismo tiempo que reorienta, un panorama de la modernidad gráfica en las Américas.
Milan Kundera's Liberating Exile
Authors: Rupnik Jacques
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT: Milan Kundera's leaving his native Czechoslovakia was directly related to the constraints under which he had to live in the aftermath of the Soviet-led invasion of the country in August 1968. Yet the way he defined his exile in France, where he settled in 1975 and spent the second half of his life, departs from the political circumstances and the role commonly associated with political exile. This essay explores Kundera's understanding of a "liberating exile." It then looks at the significance of Kundera's choice of France as a destination for his exile. Finally, it addresses questions about the famous exile's non-return to his country of origin after the fall of communism in 1989.
Reconsidering Stravinsky in Exile: The Tangled Taxonomy of His World War II "Victory" Symphony
Authors: Horowitz Joseph
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT: In his polemics, composer Igor Stravinsky in exile insisted on the liberating autonomy of the creative act. But the tangled history of his Symphony in Three Movements, commissioned by the New York Philharmonic as a "victory symphony" in 1945, suggests a composition process that was less than fluent. This "symphony" complexly monograms its composer's layered identity, disclosing a condition of exile equally challenged and resourceful. Had Stravinsky less cause for resilience—had there been no Bolshevik Revolution, no world upheaval—he might have left a musical legacy less intriguingly textured with self-denial and reinvention, less mediated by rationalization, more sustained in the elemental energies powering his initial creative surge.
Exile and Spatiality
Authors: Bahozde Saladdin Ahmed
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT: Exile is space running out of space, an existential draining of spatiality, or permanent elsewhereness and elsewhenness. It is a site of augmenting remoteness and a state of ontological fragmentation. The expelled body perceives itself as a spatial wound burdened with memory without memorability. Political exiling intensifies existential exile by removing the subject(s) from spaces where they could habitually world the world through inhabiting and living auratically. Exiling aims to destroy spatiality, killing the exiled politically and historically. Embodying a damaged life in front of an existential abyss, the exiled is forced to reestablish a dialectics of space and time.
Aquinas on Disability, Deification, and Beatitude
Authors: Romero Miguel J.
Published: June 2024

abstract: This essay provides an approach to interpreting Thomas Aquinas on the topic of disability. That approach is brought to bear in a careful presentation of Aquinas’s speculation on the eschatological significance of bodily vulnerability, individuating bodily differences, and the redemption and perfection of our fragile flesh. According to Aquinas, Christ’s resurrection and glorified wounds reveal a surpassing beauty—a beauty relevant to theological speculation on the deification and beatitude of the blessed. In section I, the essay describes a key contemporary methodological challenge. In sections II and III, Aquinas’s Commentary on the Gospel of John sheds light on that contemporary challenge and marks out an approach to theological reflection on phenomena typically organized under the heading “disability.” In section IV, the essay presents a groundbreaking interpretation of the concepts corporales infirmitates (bodily infirmities) and corporales defectus (bodily defects) in Aquinas’s theology, which are then discussed in relation to the states of original justice, corruption, and the life of the viator . In section V, Aquinas’s teaching on beatitude and resurrection provides the terms for a set of Aquinas-conversant speculative claims about the eschatological significance of bodily infirmities and defects.
A Stand-Off Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) System for Remote Bacteria Identification
Authors: Cheng Yong , Wang Shuqing , Chen Fei , Liang Jiahui , Zhang Yan , Zhang Lei , Yin Wangbao , Jia Suotang , Xiao Liantuan
Published: June 2024

Bacteria are the primary cause of infectious diseases, making the rapid and accurate identification of bacterial species crucial for timely diagnosis and control of disease transmission. However, traditional techniques like Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) are complex, time-consuming, and pose potential infection risks due to close contact. This study utilizes a Cassegrain reflective telescope combined with Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) for remote (~3 meters) bacterial identification. After dimensionality reduction of the collected LIBS spectral data using Principal Component Analysis (PCA), the identification accuracy of two classification algorithms, Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Random Forest (RF), was compared. Five-fold cross-validation results show that the SVM model with an RBF kernel achieved a classification accuracy, recall, precision, and F1 score of 98.11%, 98.90%, 99.00%, and 0.9895, respectively. In contrast, the RF model achieved 99.81%, 99.80%, 99.79%, and 0.9979, respectively, demonstrating superior performance. This study indicates that the method of bacterial identification based on LIBS combined with machine learning has broad application prospects, providing crucial support for timely, non-contact diagnosis of infectious diseases, enhancing public health standards, and promoting advancements in medical research and technology development.
From hidden hearing loss to supranormal auditory processing by neurotrophin 3-mediated modulation of inner hair cell synapse density
Authors: Ji Lingchao , Borges Beatriz C. , Martel David T. , Wu Calvin , Liberman M. Charles , Shore Susan E. , Corfas Gabriel
Published: June 2024

Loss of synapses between spiral ganglion neurons and inner hair cells (IHC synaptopathy) leads to an auditory neuropathy called hidden hearing loss (HHL) characterized by normal auditory thresholds but reduced amplitude of sound-evoked auditory potentials. It has been proposed that synaptopathy and HHL result in poor performance in challenging hearing tasks despite a normal audiogram. However, this has only been tested in animals after exposure to noise or ototoxic drugs, which can cause deficits beyond synaptopathy. Furthermore, the impact of supernumerary synapses on auditory processing has not been evaluated. Here, we studied mice in which IHC synapse counts were increased or decreased by altering neurotrophin 3 (Ntf3) expression in IHC supporting cells. As we previously showed, postnatal Ntf3 knockdown or overexpression reduces or increases, respectively, IHC synapse density and suprathreshold amplitude of sound-evoked auditory potentials without changing cochlear thresholds. We now show that IHC synapse density does not influence the magnitude of the acoustic startle reflex or its prepulse inhibition. In contrast, gap-prepulse inhibition, a behavioral test for auditory temporal processing, is reduced or enhanced according to Ntf3 expression levels. These results indicate that IHC synaptopathy causes temporal processing deficits predicted in HHL. Furthermore, the improvement in temporal acuity achieved by increasing Ntf3 expression and synapse density suggests a therapeutic strategy for improving hearing in noise for individuals with synaptopathy of various etiologies.
Integrated study of quaternary aquifer for hydrostratigraphy and groundwater quality assessment in central Thal Doab, Punjab, Pakistan
Authors: Raza Irfan , Khalid Perveiz , Ahmad Qazi Adnan , Muhammad Shahbaz , Ehsan Muhammad Irfan , Farooq Bakhtawar , Qureshi Jahanzeb
Published: June 2024

The groundwater resources in different areas of Pakistan are heading towards depletion along with the deterioration of quality due to over-abstraction and urbanization. The main focus of this study is to map the current hydrostratigraphical and hydraulic conditions of the late Quaternary aquifers in the central part of Thal Doab of Punjab Plains. To achieve the target, a comprehensive approach was employed combining geophysical investigations using electrical resistivity surveys (ERS) and physiochemical analysis of groundwater specimens collected from the study area. Careful calibration of resistivity models was performed by comparing them with lithologs to ensure their accuracy. The current groundwater conditions were assessed through thirty vertical electrical soundings (VES) using the Schlumberger electrode configuration up to 300m of AB/2. The interpreted results revealed the presence of four to six geo-electric sublayers comprising the intermixing layers of clay, silt, sand, gravel, and kankar inclusions. These layers exhibited very low (<20 Ω-m) to very high (>230 Ω-m) resistivity zones at various depth intervals. The developed 2D/3D models of aquifer systems identify the promising areas of good/fresh quality groundwater in the regions characterized by medium to very high resistivity mainly within the sand with gravel layers. However, lower resistivity values indicate the presence of marginally suitable/fair and saline/brackish groundwater showing the existence of fine sediments such as clays/silts. Additionally, twenty groundwater samples were collected to assess various parameters including pH, TDS, arsenic, fluoride, iron, nitrate, and nitrite. The spatial distribution of these parameters was visualized using 2D maps. The suitability of the groundwater for drinking consumption was evaluated in accordance with WHO guidelines.