Journals
2026 EN
Nowak Wojciech J. · Zuba Kamila · Horodek Pawel
+1 more
Hydrogen is an element that can easily diffuse into metallic materials. This phenomenon is enhanced at elevated temperature. Diffusion of hydrogen causes alteration of properties of metallic material, e.g., causing hydrogen embrittlement, changing element diffusion by channeling, or decreasing oxide scale adherence due to formation of volatile species. Therefore, understanding hydrogen diffusion processes is of high importance. Thus, in the present article, the changes in the hydrogen distribution in depth are investigated using glow discharge optical emission spectroscopy (GD‐OES). In this work, stainless steel, pure W, and pure Ti were electrochemically charged with hydrogen or deuterium and immediately measured by GD‐OES. Some of the samples were heat‐treated after charging to investigate hydrogen/deuterium diffusion processes. The obtained results showed that variations in the electrolytical charging time cause differences in hydrogenation depths; however, the hydrogen‐rich zone is rather thin. GD‐OES depth profiles of heat‐treated samples clearly showed that the hydrogen and deuterium diffuse outward from the material. This phenomenon causes difficulties in tracing hydrogen after processes at high temperature. Nevertheless, the results obtained showed that GD‐OES is a very useful tool for the investigation of hydrogen and deuterium.
Journals
2026 EN
Svobodova Kamila · Everingham JoAnne · Mackenzie Sarah
+1 more
ABSTRACT As mining‐dependent countries confront the dual challenge of transitioning to low‐carbon economies and recovering from the COVID‐19 pandemic, the imperative to convert resource wealth into long‐term social and economic resilience has never been greater. In these contexts, sustainable development is now widely understood to be achievable only when participation occurs—when beneficiaries become active agents in shaping their futures. This demands more than technical closure planning or economic diversification. It requires inclusive, transparent, and justice‐based governance frameworks. Central to these frameworks is the design and implementation of meaningful community participation in mine closure and social transition. This article presents a structured approach to participatory design, focusing on the questions of who participates, in what, how, and when. Drawing from global practice and the authors' applied experience, we introduce practical guidance to help governments, companies, and communities navigate the complexities of mine closure engagement. To illustrate its application, we examine five examples of suitable participatory processes, each representing different stages, purposes, and levels of engagement. We argue that early, inclusive, and sustained participation enhances the legitimacy, durability, and social acceptance of closure outcomes, particularly when tailored to evolving local contexts. The article contributes to current debates on just transitions, post‐extractive futures, and sustainable development by offering both conceptual insights and practical guidance. It concludes with a call for stronger institutional support, particularly in politically constrained environments, and for companies to shift toward co‐created, community‐led closure planning as a foundation for equitable and sustainable regional transitions.
Journals
2026 EN
Augustyniak Adrian · Humme Joanna Honselmann genannt · Gliźniewicz Marta
+6 more
ABSTRACT Bacteriophages have an important role in shaping bacterial diversity in ecosystems. The same is true for biotechnological processes, where microbiological consortia are used. Cooperation between microorganisms within wastewater treatment or biogas production unquestionably impacts the success of these processes. Therefore, in this review, we discussed the possibilities of using bacteriophages in complex biotechnological setups and tried to answer how far phages can be used in bioprocess engineering and what possibilities are currently available. Potentially, bacteriophages can be applied to wastewater treatment and biogas production in different manners, including their addition at the beginning of the process, at its end, directly to the substrates or the residues. All of these inlet points have certain advantages and disadvantages, which should be considered when phages are involved in the process. Being led by that thought, we also discussed the methods for finding bacteriophages in complex biotechnological processes and describing their activity. We have also discussed the challenges and opportunities that should be addressed with the application of phages in wastewater treatment or biogas production.
Journals
2026 EN
Kaliisa Rogers · Misiejuk Kamila · López-Pernas Sonsoles
+1 more
This exploratory meta-analysis synthesises current research on the effectiveness of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-generated feedback compared to traditional human-provided feedback. Drawing on 41 studies involving a total of 4813 students, the findings reveal no statistically significant differences in learning performance between students who received AI-generated feedback and those who received human-provided feedback. The pooled effect size was small and statistically insignificant (Hedge’s g = 0.25, CI [−0.11; 0.60]), indicating that AI feedback is potentially as effective as human feedback. A separate meta-analysis focusing exclusively on studies in the domain of language and writing confirmed similar findings, with high heterogeneity persisting ( I 2 = 95%). The study further explored differences in feedback perception and found a small, negative, and statistically insignificant effect size (Hedge’s g = −0.20, CI [−0.67; 0.27]). The study advocates for a hybrid approach, leveraging the scalability of AI while retaining the deep, empathetic, and contextual features of human feedback.
Journals
2026 EN
Weaver Miles · Fonseca Ana Paula · Tan Hock
+1 more
The grand challenges encapsulated in the seventeen UN Sustainable Development Goals to be achieved by 2030, are complex, messy and interconnected. Fulfilling these goals necessitates a shift in mindset from ego-to-ecosystems awareness and an imperative for stakeholder collaboration. Systems thinking is crucial to address sustainability challenges and an agenda for sustainable development. While some management approaches, like Doughnut Economics and Circular Economy, have roots in systems thinking, there is limited research into system thinking for sustainability. Nevertheless, the authors suggest we can learn from many systems-based contributions in the environmental science/studies literature that address ecological/Earth issues (e.g., Gaia, autopoiesis) and the Operational Research/Systems literature rich in a tradition of engaging communities in analysis and taking action. We ask, “How can systems thinking help businesses to meaningfully engage their stakeholders in a shared sense of purpose, value and impact?” The “systemic sustainability” framework (SSF) is proposed to address this, extending Laszlo’s concept and incorporating traditional systems thinking principles. The SSF emphasises that organisations and their stakeholders engage at four levels of systems awareness, reflecting on organisational purpose, and balancing organisational viability with planetary pressures. Interdependence, legitimacy and thrivability are highlighted as critical concepts in systems thinking for sustainability.
Journals
2026 EN
Kolpashnikova Kamila · Kan Man-Yee
Using data from the 2003–2019 American Time Use Survey Extract (ATUS-X), we analyze the gender gap among heterosexual married Americans of working age in four categories of housework: cleaning, cooking, grocery shopping, and home maintenance. The results show that in the division of housework, the explanatory power of resource factors increased over time. Still, less than a half of the gender gap in housework time could be explained by the gender differences in resources. Thus, despite the recent developments in housework research, a considerable part of the gender gap in housework remains unexplained. The explanatory power of resource-based models increased unevenly over the analyzed years. It strengthened in more traditionally ‘feminine’ tasks, such as cooking and cleaning, but not in grocery shopping or home maintenance. The results highlight the limits of the resource-based (and generally individual-level) theories and the pervasiveness of gender inequality in housework.
Journals
2026 EN
Fialová Kamila
The article provides a comprehensive analysis of precautionary savings across several dimensions. Using data from a survey of Czech households, it identifies the primary factors influencing whether households possess precautionary savings and save regularly, their subjective perception of the optimal level of precautionary savings, and the discrepancy between this perceived optimum and their actual savings. Findings highlight the crucial effect of household income, and the way households make ends meet that shape precautionary savings behaviour, with financial strain having an adverse impact across all the examined dimensions. Low-income households are not less likely to possess any precautionary savings; however, they struggle to save regularly and to maintain a sufficient savings buffer. Additionally, these households do not necessarily encounter greater difficulties in aligning their savings with their perceived optimal level due to a lower conceptualisation of optimal precautionary savings. Ownership of a savings account positively impacts precautionary savings, whereas credit instruments disfavour it.
Journals
2026 EN
Valdez-Morales Maria T. · Carrillo-Fasio José A. · García-Estrada Raymundo S.
+3 more
The aims of this study were to identify Rotylenchulus species associated with tomatoes in Sinaloa, Mexico, as well as to determine the reproduction factor of different populations. A total of 72 soil samples were collected from nine tomato fields in Sinaloa, Mexico, and nematodes were extracted. Morphological characteristics of Rotylenchulus populations were observed by light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. For phylogenetic analyses, DNA was extracted from females and the D2–D3 expansion region of the 28S rRNA gene and a partial region of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I ( coxI ) were amplified by PCR and sequenced. Populations with the highest number of juveniles and immature females were selected by each location and were inoculated in tomato plants for the evaluation of reproduction factor (RF) at 75 days after inoculation with different inoculum concentrations (500, 1000 and 2000 individuals per plant). In total, six populations of Rotylenchulus were obtained from sampling sites located in the municipalities of Guasave (3), Navolato (2) and Culiacán (1). The three populations with the highest number of nematodes were selected for morphological and molecular identification. The morphological characteristics of the three analyzed populations were similar to the previous descriptions reported for Rotylenchulus reniformis . The phylogenetic analyses confirmed the results of the morphological characterization. The population of Culiacan showed the highest RF with values of 53, 59 and 66 for each inoculum concentration (500, 1000 and 2000), respectively; meanwhile, the population of Guasave showed the lowest RF with values of 12, 18 and 19, respectively.
Journals
2026 EN
Fidalgo Isabel · Araújo Kamila · Luz Rita
+2 more
Adoption from residential care presents significant challenges due to the children’s complex emotional needs. This study explores the perspectives of residential care and adoption professionals on the Program for Preparing Children for Adoption (PPCA) and its effects on children’s readiness for adoption as well as on professionals’ practice. We conducted 43 semi-structured interviews with residential care and adoption professionals who prepared 28 children for adoption using the PPCA, and the data were thematically analyzed. Participants reported that the PPCA facilitates children’s confidence, supports emotional expression, and enhances their understanding and openness about adoption. These factors contribute to promoting their emotional readiness and active participation in the adoption process, ultimately fostering smoother transitions into adoptive families. The participants valued the program’s structured yet flexible framework, which allows for tailored interventions. Additionally, participants perceived that the PPCA enhances their confidence and promotes collaboration among professionals. Overall, the results suggest that the program positively influences the child’s transition into adoptive families, emphasizing the importance of actively involving children in the adoption process. This study highlights the need to scale up the PPCA, including planned supervision to support professionals in managing the emotional impact of the preparation process.
Resource
2026 EN
Florek Kamila · Zimoch Wojciech · Biegus Jan
Cardiogenic shock (CS) is the most severe manifestation of acute heart failure (AHF), which is associated with one-year mortality rates of up to 60%. Inotropes are a cornerstone of CS treatment, as they improve central hemodynamics and provide time to address the underlying etiology. Therefore, their early administration, before CS progresses to the neurohumoral and inflammatory phase, is of great importance. Currently used inotropes are associated with adverse events, including tachycardia, ischemia, hypotension, and arrhythmias, and novel medications with a safer and more effective profile are needed. One of promising medications is istaroxime, characterized by a lower risk of malignant arrhythmias and a unique ino-lusitropic mechanism of action. This study aimed to describe the mechanism of action of istaroxime and present results from phase II clinical trials on its effectiveness and safety in patients with early CS. Phase II clinical trials demonstrated that istaroxime is effective in the management of early CS (hemodynamic effect). Its advantages stem from a favorable safety profile compared with traditional inotropes, along with proven efficacy in raising systolic blood pressure (SBP) and enhancing central hemodynamics. These effects are mediated through its unique ino-lusitropic mechanism, achieved without increasing heart rate.