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Sick leave or work sick? Examining the antecedents and conceptualizations of presenteeism and absenteeism among teleworkers during COVID-19 : a scoping review
Get PDFMany organizations have shifted to hybrid or remote work arrangements in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Illness, whether physical or psychological, can manifest during telework (remote or home-based work), leading to presenteeism and absenteeism behaviour. However, varying definitions of presenteeism and absenteeism have made measuring presenteeism, absenteeism, and their antecedents increasingly challenging. This scoping study seeks to define presenteeism and absenteeism in the (tele)workplace and systematically identify the factors contributing to their occurrence. A systematic literature search was performed on seven online databases: MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, ABI Inform Global, SCOPUS, Web of Science and Business Source Premier. We applied the PRISMA-ScR guidelines and Joanna Briggs Institute
framework to systematically collect, identify, and report studies. The inclusion criteria encompassed studies with participants aged 18 to 65 years old who currently work in a telework environment for at least 50% of their work hours. Of 826 initially identified studies, 18 studies were included after screening (11 quantitative, three qualitative and two mixed-methods studies). A total of 26,805 workers were included in this review
across 16 empirical studies. Overall, presenteeism is defined as working while ill, and absenteeism is known as being absent from work or taking sick leave. We identified three major categories for the antecedents of presenteeism and absenteeism behaviour: organizational (i.e., job demand and telework), environmental (i.e., work and home environment), and individual (i.e., poor mental health and job perception). Presenteeism and absenteeism among teleworkers manifest from organizational, environmental, and individual forces that lead to working while sick, or being absent from work, respectively. We found that each of these antecedents relates to one another through the social determinants of health framework. Our conceptual findings guide developing top-down organizational policies and strategies that address presenteeism and absenteeism behaviour, particularly in telework settings.peer-reviewe
Energy security of photovoltaic systems in the context of artificial intelligence development
Get PDFPURPOSE: This article analyzes the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) advancements on the
energy and operational security of photovoltaic (PV) systems. The rapid expansion of solar
energy brings numerous benefits but also introduces new challenges, including production
instability and operational risks. The paper highlights key AI applications in PV energy
forecasting, smart energy management, and advanced fault diagnostics. It also identifies
challenges associated with AI deployment, such as data quality, cybersecurity threats, and
regulatory issues.DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The study adopts a mixed-method approach, combining a
systematic literature review with case studies of AI applications in photovoltaic systems.
Comparative analysis was conducted using data from Poland, the European Union, and
other developed countries, allowing for the identification of both common trends and regionspecific challenges.FINDINGS: The analysis demonstrates that AI can significantly enhance the reliability and
stability of PV energy supply, provided that appropriate technological, organizational, and
regulatory frameworks are established.PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The findings are illustrated by practical implementations of AI in
energy forecasting, predictive maintenance, and intelligent grid management in European
and Polish energy companies. Case studies highlight how AI-supported control systems
enhance the stability of photovoltaic energy supply by integrating storage facilities and
demand-side management.ORIGINALITY/VALUE: This article contributes original insights into the role of AI in ensuring
both energy security and operational safety of photovoltaic installations under dynamic
market and regulatory conditions.peer-reviewe
Industrialization and labour movement in South Korea : from conflict towards labour-management relations
Get PDFPURPOSE: The systemic approach represented by Dunlop inspired the author of this article,
which is an attempt to present the changes in industrial relations and the role that Korean
trade unions have played in South Korea's economic policy. The reason for writing this
article is the belief that the role has been extremely dynamic and has undergone changes
over the decades that have corresponded with and reflected the transformation of corporate
management styles. The fundamental research objective is to demonstrate the evolving
nature of industrial relations, which have evolved from a conflict model to a collective
bargaining model.DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: Method of secondary research, analysis of documents and
data available in publications on labor relations. The presented data comes from desk
research. Analysis of historical data on the development of labour organizations in South
Korea. Verification of Dunlop's systemic approach to the analysis of industrial relations.
Presentation of changes taking place in industrial relations. Description of the role of
Korean trade unions in South Korea's economic policy. Demonstrating the evolutionary
nature of industrial relations and transforming the conflict model into a collective
bargaining model.FINDINGS: The research justifies the assumption that industrial relations are shaped in close
dependence on the relations between workers, employers and state institutions, and that their
consequences are reflected in the complex processes of production, exchange of goods and
services. According to Dunlop, the industrial relations system consists of four elements: 1)
environmental factors affecting the bargaining power in the form of technology, market and
legal conditions; 2) relations between workers, trade unions and managers, and government;
3) rules of conduct for resolving conflict situations and 4) the ideology characterising the
attitudes of the parties to labour negotiations.PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The implication of the article is to point out the possibility of
comparative analyzes of the development of trade unions. The author points to the universal
direction of the evolution of industrial relations as a common element for systemic analysis.
The literature reflects South Korea's dynamic and evolving labour relations, characterized
by ongoing tensions between economic imperatives and labour rights. Future research
highlights the need for inclusive policies that take into account different forms of employment
and promoting social dialogue.ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The text is an innovative combination of the analysis of industrial
relations with management concepts and system analysis.peer-reviewe
Exploring the spatial variability of airborne bacterial and fungal communities : a comparative study across five central Mediterranean areas
Get PDFIn this study the distribution of airborne bacterial and fungal communities was investigated in five different areas of the Central Mediterranean (Salento Peninsula and Lamezia Terme in South Italy, Albania, Malta, and Zakynthos in Greece). Advanced DNA-based approaches and compositional data analysis (CoDa) were used to explore microbial community compositions and their spatial variability associated with the different types of sampling site (urban, rural, and coastal). Analytical results revealed distinct patterns of the airborne microbial community mainly shaped by geographic and environmental features. Among the identified airborne bacterial genera, Sphingomonas was found in all the selected sites, while Brevundimonas, Geodermatophilus, and Rubrobacter were prevalent in coastal and rural locations. Among the airborne fungal genera, Cladosporium and Alternaria were abundant in rural and coastal areas. The clustering of detected samples by geographic characteristics and monitoring site type was further highlighted by the Aitchison distance-based dendrograms and principal component analysis biplots by utilizing singular value decomposition. This statistical approach allowed proving that some specific microbial genera were associated with different environmental characteristics related to the selected sampling areas. Therefore, this study points out the complex relationship between spatial variability and microbial distributions, underlining that environmental and geographic variations can significantly contribute to microbial community composition.peer-reviewe
Large language models in secondary informatics education : teachers’ perspectives
Get PDFThis study explores secondary Informatics teachers’ perspectives on integrating large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT into
their teaching practices. Twenty-one teachers teaching informatics in secondary schools participated in workshops where they engaged with LLMs
and discussed their classroom applications. Teachers identified benefits
such as enhanced student engagement, personalised support, facilitation
of complex explorations, and real-world preparation. However, challenges
emerged, such as revising assessment methods and fostering students’
critical evaluation of AI outputs. Teachers also expressed concerns about
potential overreliance on technology. Practical issues like data privacy,
access limitations, and the necessity for structured training programs
were also highlighted. While teachers see LLMs as valuable tools for enriching Informatics education, effective integration requires addressing
assessment challenges, ensuring critical evaluation skills, and providing
robust training and infrastructure. To fully realise the potential of LLMs
in Informatics education, stakeholders must prioritise assessment reform,
embed critical thinking instruction, and invest in comprehensive teacher
training and infrastructure.peer-reviewe
The impact of early life exposure to air pollution on the brain : a diffusion MRI study in 10–13-year-old children with and without ADHD diagnosis
Get PDFRecent studies indicate that air pollutants not only increase the risk of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases but also have a negative impact on the developing brain. Exposure to airborne particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) may lead to disruption of neural development by interfering with critical maturation processes. In this study, we assessed the impact of prenatal and early life PM10 and NO2 exposure on diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging (dMRI) structural measures: fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), and fixel-based analysis (FBA) on a population of 425 10-to 13-year-old children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD, n = 116), a sensitive, at-risk population, and typically developing children (TD, n = 309) from the NeuroSmog study. Unlike traditional voxel-based methods, FBA allows identification of distinct fiber bundles within voxels. We show that early life exposure to NO2 was associated with lower global FA and higher MD measures. However, despite having a large sample size and using state-of-the-art techniques, we found no significant fixel-level associations. Notably, we found no evidence that individuals with ADHD are more susceptible to the effects of air pollution. Combined with other studies, our results suggest that dMRI measures are the brain outcomes most consistently affected by air pollution.peer-reviewe
Relative sea-level changes during the upper Holocene as determined by reference to beachrock formations along the south coastline of Cyprus and their correlation with the archaeological context of the island
Get PDFThis study examines the relative sea-level changes during the Upper Holocene period along the south coastline of Cyprus through the investigation of beachrock formations and their impact on archaeological sites. Beachrock, as a natural indicator of past relative sea levels, provides valuable insights into the dynamic interplay between sea-level fluctuations and human settlements. The research integrates field observations, mineralogical and geochemical analysis, geochronological studies, and archaeological data to reconstruct past sea-level variations and their implications for coastal archaeological sites. The results reveal significant fluctuations in relative sea levels during the Upper Holocene, influencing the development and occupation of coastal archaeological sites. By elucidating the complex relationship between sea-level changes and human activity, this study contributes to our understanding of past coastal environments and their socio-cultural dynamics. Moreover, it underscores the importance of considering geological factors in archaeological interpretations and coastal management strategies in the face of contemporary sea-level rise.peer-reviewe
Returns on investments in historical coins as an alternative form of capital allocation : a comparative analysis with traditional asset classes (2000-2024)
Get PDFPURPOSE: This article investigates the investment performance of historical coins as an
alternative asset class from 2000 to 2024, comparing them to traditional and alternative
investments such as stocks, gold, REITs, bonds, Bitcoin, fine art, and luxury watches.DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: Using auction data and standardized financial metrics—
including CAGR, standard deviation, Sharpe Ratio, and correlation coefficients—the study
demonstrates that historical coins offer competitive returns with lower volatility and
significantly low correlation to major financial markets. Certified and pre-1933 gold coins
emerged as the top-performing segments, with consistent value appreciation and investor
trust driven by authenticity and scarcity.FINDINGS: The findings support treating historical coins as a legitimate component of
alternative investment portfolios. Additionally, the paper highlights the growing role of
tokenization and digitization in improving market accessibility and suggests future research
directions, including the development of a numismatic price index and regionally
comparative studies.PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Despite challenges such as limited liquidity, high transaction costs,
and valuation complexity, coins show strong potential for portfolio diversification and value
preservation, especially during macroeconomic instability.peer-reviewe
Financial market security management in conditions of global economic instability
Get PDFPURPOSE: The purpose of the article is to provide a comprehensive analysis of the determinants
of contemporary economic instability and to identify mechanisms and tools for managing
financial market security in conditions of growing global, technological, and systemic threats.
The article also presents promising practices and prospects for developing financial security
architecture at both national and international levels.DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The study uses a critical analysis of the literature, a
comparative analysis of financial regulations, and a review of reports from supervisory
institutions (European Central Bank (ECB), European Securities and Markets Authority
(ESMA), International Monetary Fund (IMF), Bank for International Settlements (BIS)). A
systemic approach to market risk assessment and a qualitative analysis of crisis management
examples from recent financial crises were employed. The research problem was formulated
as follows: How do contemporary economic, regulatory, and technological conditions affect
the level of financial market security and the effectiveness of supervisory tools? The research
hypothesis posits that effective management of financial market security necessitates the
concurrent strengthening of the regulatory framework, the development of analytical tools, and
adaptation to new technologies, as only their simultaneous use enhances the financial system's
resilience to crises.FINDINGS: The analysis indicates that contemporary financial markets operate in an
environment of permanent instability, where systemic, credit, and liquidity risks mutually
reinforce each other. Despite growing global integration, the stability of financial institutions
is strongly dependent on the quality of supervision and the adequacy of regulatory tools.
FinTech, AI, blockchain, and regtech technologies enhance the effectiveness of supervision,
but at the same time, they generate new areas of risk, particularly in the realm of cybersecurity. Examples of crisis response measures following the COVID-19 pandemic and the collapse of
selected systemic banks demonstrate that rapid coordination between regulators is crucial in
preventing crises from escalating.PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The study's results highlight the need to strengthen the
macroprudential framework, develop tools utilising data analytics, enhance the cyber
resilience of the financial sector, and further enhance crisis management mechanisms.
Regulators and supervisory institutions can utilise the article's recommendations to strengthen
the stability of the economic system.ORIGINALITY: The originality of the article lies in the integration of three perspectives:
macroeconomic, regulatory, and technological, which allows for a more comprehensive
picture of financial security. The conclusions and recommendations presented are based on
both regulatory analysis and practical international experience, which highlights their
practical applicability.peer-reviewe
A critical review of magnesium-based scaffolds for bone tissue engineering : properties, production methods, surface treatments, and multiscale evaluation techniques
Get PDFMagnesium-based scaffolds have emerged as promising candidates for bone tissue engineering due to their
biodegradability, mechanical compatibility, and osteoconductive property. However, their clinical translation
hinges on addressing critical challenges in production, surface treatment, and evaluation. This article presents a
systematically synthesized review of recent advancements and future directions across these domains. The
findings show that current production methods, including melt processing, powder metallurgy, physical drilling,
and additive manufacturing, offer distinct advantages in tailoring pore architecture but face difficulties in
harmonizing the structural complexities, mechanical properties, degradation behaviors, and biological responses
of scaffolds. Emerging hybrid preparation techniques have the potential to combine the principles and strengths
of the aforementioned methods. Surface treatments using conventional coatings are affected by stress concentration effects and hydrogen bubble retention, which cause delamination and interfacial debonding. Surface
engineering must prioritize self-healing and reconfigurable coatings that dynamically adapt to microenvironmental cues and thereby stabilize protective films. Traditional assessments fail to capture multiscale interplays,
whereas organ-on-a-chip systems and spatially resolved local techniques offer transformative solutions. Advancements in hybrid preparations, self-healing coatings, and multiscale evaluation techniques can overcome the
inherent complexities of porous architectures and thus position Mg-based scaffolds as next-generation solutions
for orthopedic applications.peer-reviewe