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Microperimetry is a subjective ophthalmologic test used to assess retinal function at various specific and focal locations of the visual field. Historically, visible light has been described as ranging from 400 to 720 nm. However, we previously demonstrated that infra-red light can initiate visual transduction in rod photoreceptors by a mechanism of two-photon absorption by visual pigments. Here we introduce a newly designed and constructed two-photon microperimeter. We provide for the first time evidence of the presence of a nonlinear process occurring in the human retina based on psychophysical tests using newly developed instrumentation. Since infra-red light penetrates the aged front of the eye better than visible light, it has the potential for improved functional diagnostics in patients with age-related visual disorders.

Background: Studies have shown the risk factors for COVID-19 severity in children, including comorbidities, but information on the infection course in children with life-limiting conditions is sparse. Aim: To describe the effect of COVID-19 on pediatric patients receiving palliative care due to life-limiting conditions. Design: We conducted retrospective cohort study. The WHO Clinical Progression Scale was used to measure COVID-19 severity. Setting/participants: Seven of the 24 invited pediatric palliative care centers participated in this study. We analyzed the medical records of children under palliative care with confirmed COVID-19 (January 2020–April 2022) Results: Records of 60 patients with COVID-19 aged 0.24 to 21.6 years (mean (SD); 9.8 (6.6)) were collected. The largest group of patients with COVID-19 was children with congenital malformations and chromosomal abnormalities (42%); the most common manifestation was fever (85%). Bacterial coinfection was confirmed in 17 (28%) children. Fifteen (25%) children required hospitalization, including four admitted to the Intensive Care Unit. Mild COVID-19 was identified in 44 (73%) children, moderate in 11 (18%), severe in 3 (5%), and death in 2 (3%). Six of the 20 eligible children were vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2, followed by 16 mothers and fathers. Conclusion: In the study population initial presentation of COVID-19 was predominantly a mild; however, the small sample size precluded definitive conclusions. For children under palliative care, we should identify if they have an advance care plan for COVID-19, such as desires for intensive care support. Further studies are needed to define the short and long-term effects of COVID-19 in children with life-limiting conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The main objective of the study is to identify the current motivations and expectations of employees who are searching for new job opportunities. The theoretical objective is to expand the understanding of motivations to change the job. The practical objective is to assist managers in retaining employees and creating a better workplace. Design/methodology/approach: Data were collected based on the online questionnaire with open-ended questions. In total 647 respondents participated in this study. Responses were gathered in 2023 from five countries: Portugal (112), Poland (139), Palestine (130), Brazil (109), and Mexico (157). Answers were analyzed using NVivo software. Findings: Empirical findings revealed seven reasons to apply for a new job post: career development, financial motivation, work environment and culture, ambition, leadership and management, work-life balance, and relocation. Moreover, in the explored countries professional development, management skills and leadership were identified as the most significant employees` expectations in relation to future employers. Other expectations are following: behavioral values, empathy, teamwork, collaboration, work environment, financial compensation, security, stability, autonomy and flexibility in a new workplace. Research implications: The study provides insights into the motives that cause employees to change jobs. As theoretical implications, revealed insights can be valuable in developing management theories. For managers recommendations were formulated to better understand and react on personal needs of employees to create opportunities for financial and personal development within the organization. Originality/value: The value of this study lies in the used method (open-ended questionnaires) that allowed to discover insights about current employees` needs. Findings may inspire researchers to develop theory and managers to redesign the personal strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Turmeric is a traditional Indian spice that has recently become very popular worldwide because it contains a powerful ingredient called curcumin, which has strong anti-inflammatory properties. Hence, dietary supplements containing extracts rich in curcumin have gained great popularity. The main problems related to curcumin-containing dietary supplements are poor water solubility and the fact that they are often faked by using synthetic curcumin instead of the plant extract. In this article, we propose the use of the 13C CPMAS NMR method to control the quality of dietary supplements. The analysis of 13C CPMAS NMR spectra supported by GIPAW computations allowed us to identify a polymorphic form present in dietary supplements (which affected the solubility of curcumin) and to point out a dietary supplement that could be faked by using synthetic curcumin. Further PXRD and HPLC investigations confirmed that the examined supplement contained synthetic curcumin instead of the genuine extract. Our method can be used for routine control, especially because the investigation is performed directly from the capsule/tablet content and does not require any special sample preparation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Working in virtual teams and realizing projects through ICT tools has become the usual way of collaboration, especially across knowledge workers. Therefore this paper has two research objectives. The first objective is to verify to what extent the virtuality level is correlated with knowledge sharing behaviors. The second objective is to verify to what extent methods of management projects are correlated with knowledge sharing behaviors in virtual teams. Methodology: To achieve research objectives empirical research was conducted. Based on the previous research, the online survey was designed. The survey was filled out by 336 members of virtual teams. They worked using ICT tools and realize technology projects in the IT industry. Collected data were analyzed by IBM SPSS Imago Pro to test hypotheses. Findings: The correlation between the level of virtuality and knowledge sharing behaviors did not confirm. The hypothesis that methods of project management are correlated with knowledge sharing behaviors in virtual teams was partly supported. Research limitations: Research was conducted in technology teams in the IT industry. Virtual team members only from European companies have taken part in the research. Practical implications: Results can be useful to manage virtual teams not according to overall beliefs but scientific evidence. Based on the results it is possible to identify which variables for knowledge sharing behaviors in virtual teams are significant and which are not. Originality/value: Only a few studies have explored knowledge sharing in a virtual context. This paper supports scientific evidence of the level of virtuality and methods of managing projects concerning knowledge sharing behaviors as not discovered in earlier research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]