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The processes of globalisation, the ongoing threat of the COVID-19 epidemic, the continuing war in Ukraine, and constantly emerging new technological solutions require organisations to adapt to changes constantly. Meanwhile, implemented business process management (BPM) often fails to integrate processes and knowledge resources. The awareness of the IT systems’ role in management processes is still lacking. These premises influenced the implementation of the main research goal to identify the approach of Polish private and public enterprises and various industries to the BPM integration with knowledge management (MK) in the context of using new information technologies. The presented research results justify the usefulness of building relationships between the process and knowledge resources under dynamically changing conditions using IT systems. The diagnostic survey results confirmed the key importance of developing such BPM and MK elements as evidence-based decisions, strategic goals, measurement systems, databases, digital innovations, and IT use for data processing. The presented material can support managers of various organisation types in decision-making processes by fully understanding the IT systems’ role and potential in process and knowledge management. Also, the article’s implications are a source of guidelines, helping organisations to implement management systems based on modern technologies. The value of the publication is a wide range of respondents: 107 large, medium, small, and micro-enterprises operating in Poland. The article’s research results also concern economic activities such as production, logistics, transport, banking, insurance, IT, telecommunications/ media, public administration, healthcare/pharmaceuticals, consulting, energy, and construction.

In this paper, the current state-of-art of extraction of alginates and the determination of their physico-chemical properties as well as their overall applications focussing on biomedical purposes has been presented. The quality and quantity of the alginate obtained with a variable yield prepared from brown seaweeds as a result of many factors, such as type of algae, extraction methods, chemical modification and others. Alginates are mainly extracted by using conventional alkaline extraction. However, novel extraction techniques such as microwave and ultrasound assisted extractions have gained a lot of interest. The extraction parameters (e.g., temperature and time of extraction) have critical impact on the alginate physiochemical and mechanical properties and thus, their potential applications. By controlling a chemical process makes it possible get various forms of alginates, such as fibres, films, hydrogels or foams. It is important to characterise the obtained alginates in order to their proper applications. This article presents several techniques used for the analysis of alginate properties. These natural polysaccharides are widely used in the commercial production, as a food ingredient, in the pharmaceutical industry due to their antibacterial, anticancer and probiotic properties. Their gelling characteristic and absorbable properties enable using alginates as a wound management material. Moreover, they are also biocompatible, non-toxic and biodegradable, therefore adequate in other biomedical applications.

This study examines the effect of a separate static magnetic field (SMF) and algal extract and their synergistic effect on soybean seeds germination. To our knowledge, this is the first time these kinds of factors were used for the biostimulation of soybean seeds germination. Soybean – Glycine max (L.) Merrill variety ‘Merlin’ was used in the present study. The exposure of seeds to the magnetic field was applied for 3, 6 and 12 min. The algal extract, produced from a freshwater green macroalga – Cladophora glomerata using an ultrasonic homogenizer, was used directly to the paper substrate at a dose of 10%. The highest germination ability of soybean seeds was observed in a group, where the magnetic field (12 min.) was used together with 10% of algal extract. However, it was very low – only 21%, which may have resulted from the seed dormancy. Future experiments on soybean seeds are required to confirm the stimulation effect of the magnetic field (various induction values) and algal extract on seeds germination.

In the present study, synergistic effects between the application of near-infrared radiation (NIR) and macroalgal extracts on the germination of soybean seeds were searched for. NIR is captured by special photoreceptors (i.e. phytochromes, cryptochromes and phototropins) and next plants generate a wide range of specific physiological responses through these receptors. For the study, a special system of NIR was applied to irradiate soybean seeds. To our knowledge, this is the first time this kind of radiation was used for the biostimulation of soybean seeds. Previously, the effect of other ranges of light (e.g. green, red, blue) was analysed in terms of photosynthetic activity, growth and yield of different plants, except seeds. NIR for 3 and 5 minutes was also combined with the application of macroalgal extracts used for seeds soaking. They are known as a rich source of biologically active compounds that can stimulate plant growth. These preliminary studies show that the examined factors can stimulate plant’s growth and their quality.

Purpose: The aim of this article is to present the results of research on needs and possibilities of implementing Lean Management concept at the university. Using the literature review and the results of empirical research, author proposes specific solutions (tools). Design/methodology/approach: The aim of the research was carried out on the basis of latest world literature review and empirical research conducted at a Polish university, the domain of which is practical education. The article is a case study with a proposal for the implementation of LM in a selected university. The research covered selected organizational units of universities. Findings: Recommendations for the use of selected Lean tools is the need to rationalize the activities undertaken in universities, including continuous improvement and flexibility of processes. There are economically justifiable actions to reduce waste and losses occurring in universities, as well as the integration of diversified and often non-cooperating organizational (functional) units. The proposals presented in this article may become an inspiration for universities that are thinking about implementing previously unused improvement tools. Research limitations/implications: Empirical research has been limited to one university, and the proposed methods and tools relate to selected functional areas. LM implementation requires prior analysis of the needs and capabilities of each organization. Practical implications: Due to the functioning of universities in an increasingly difficult to predict environment, they are forced to look for ways not only to survive, but above all to continuously improve the entire organization. The implemented rationalization and development measures should contribute to the improvement of the effectiveness and efficiency of management. Unpredictable changes concern the legal, socio-cultural, economic and economic environment, as well as the COVID-19 epidemic situation. These challenges are met by the concept of LM - as an inspiration and an opportunity to accelerate remedial and prodevelopment actions. Originality/value: The article is dedicated to people interested in the theory and practice of the LM concept. The use of the methods and tools proposed by the author in various functional areas of the university may bring about beneficial changes in the form of improvements in activities, time savings, as well as rationalization and greater efficiency of the implemented processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Conventional orthodontic treatment with stainless steel orthodontic wires may be detrimental to oral health, as it contributes to demineralized lesions and increases adhesion and bacterial biofilm formation, which contributes to cavity development. An alternative that has been investigated to reduce the side effects of orthodontic treatment is the use of coating materials with antimicrobial nanoparticles. This study aims to evaluate the antiadherent and antibacterial properties of TiO2-coated and TiO2:Ag-coated stainless steel orthodontic wires against S. mutans bacteria. Methods: In the sol--gel method, TiO2:Ag thin films were deposited on stainless steel orthodontic wires. Coated archwires were analyzed for their antibacterial and antiadherent properties. The evaluation of Streptococcus mutans adhesion to the orthodontic wires' surface was conducted according to the type of coating used, biofilm formation assay, and measurement of the pH of the bacterial community. Results: In the microbiological test, the TiO2:Ag coatings revealed a statistically significant difference in terms of microbial adhesion and biofilm formation by Streptococcus mutans. The TiO2:Ag coating on stainless steel wire increased pH levels in the saliva environment. Conclusions: It can be concluded that antimicrobial orthodontic wires coated with silver- TiO2 nanoparticles using the sol--gel thin film are a promising choice for improving orthodontic treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]