Knowledge Sharing Behaviour and Development of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises

The aim of the article is to indicate the knowledge sharing behavior (KSB) in SMEs. The task is to be achieved through an analysis research results on KSB. This kind of behaviour is associated in the literature with much broader knowledge management issues. This paper is an attempt to correlate the employees' statements with their work places (company’s size) and aims at research made on force of such correlation, including specific character of personnel behaviour resulting from company policy

Analysis of glycoalkaloid distribution in the tissues of mealworm larvae (Tenebrio molitor)

Solanine (SOL) and chaconine (CHA) are glycoalkaloids (GAs) produced mainly by Solanum plants. These plant secondary metabolites affect insect metabolism; thus, they have the potential to be applied as natural plant protection products. However, it is not known which GA concentration induces physiological changes in animals. Therefore, the aim of this study was to perform a quantitative analysis of SOL and CHA in the larvae of Tenebrio molitor using LC‒MS to assess how quickly they are eliminated or metabolised. In this experiment, the beetles were injected with 2 μL of 10−5 M SOL or CHA solution, which corresponds to a dosage range of 0.12–0.14 ng/mg body mass. Then, 0.5, 1.5, 8, and 24 h after GA application, the haemolymph (H), gut (G), and the remainder of the larval body (FB) were isolated. GAs were detected in all samples tested for 24 h, with the highest percentage of the amount applied in the FB, while the highest concentration was measured in the H sample. The SOL and CHA concentrations decreased in the haemolymph over time, while they did not change in other tissues. CHA had the highest elimination rate immediately after injection, while SOL slightly later. None of the GA hydrolysis products were detected in the tested samples. One possible mechanism of the detoxification of GAs may be oxidation and/or sequestration. They may be excreted by Malpighian tubules, with faeces or with cuticles during moulting. The results presented are significant because they facilitate the interpretation of studies related to the effects of toxic substances on insect metabolism

Motivational aspects of remote working – a generation z perspective

Purpose: This article aims to present the results of a survey on young people’s views on remote working concerning selected aspects of motivation. Design/methodology/approach: Many employees remember the Covid-19 pandemic period as a forced shift to remote work and a significant experience with all its advantages and disadvantages. After many months of operating in a new professional reality, employers and employees got used to working under new conditions. Still, more importantly, this period marked a new trend in the labour market by opening institutions to this way of working. This issue was addressed in a 2021/2022 student survey. Its main objective was to explore the relationship between young people’s remote learning experiences and their preference for remote working. The data were analysed using the STATISTICA software, and the Kruskal- Wallis rank ANOVA, Mann-Whitney U and Pearson’s chi-square tests were applied. Findings: The results show that remote working is becoming increasingly important and that hybrid work is recommended, regardless of whether the demotivating aspects of remote working are known or perceived. Practical implication: When analysing the percentage distribution of responses to individual questions, it can be seen that respondents’ answers on the motivational or demotivational aspects of remote working were mainly in line with the literature. However, an in-depth analysis that considers the significance tests of the differences between the individual independent variables requires a more thorough look at the results obtained. Originality/value: As Generation Z is entering the labour market it is important information for future employers, as it will be difficult to build a message for this generation that will encourage future employees to work stationary based on rational premises regarding the advantages and disadvantages of remote or hybrid work. Keywords: Generation Z, remote work, motivation. Category of the paper: Research paper.</jats:p

Sulfakinin Signalling Influences Fatty Acid Levels and Composition in Tenebrio Molitor Beetle

Background: Sulfakinins are arthropod neuropeptides that are structurally and functionally similar to vertebrate gastrin-cholecystokinin. Sulfakinins with sulfated tyrosine (sSK) or nonsulfated tyrosine (nSK) in the C-terminated heptapeptide XY(SO3H)GHMRFamide display different biological functions, including myotropic activity, inhibition of food intake, stimulation of digestive enzymes and regulation of carbohydrate and lipid content. Objective: To reveal the mechanisms by which sulfakinin signalling modulates lipid homeostasis, we analysed the changes in the level and composition of fatty acids and organic compounds in the fat body and haemolymph of Tenebrio molitor larvae after nSK and sSK treatment. Methods: Fatty acids in fat body and haemolymph of insects were analysed using Gas Chromatography - Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS). Results: The direction of the changes observed for major fatty acids, 18:1 and 18:2, and the less abundant fatty acids, 16:0, 18:0, 16:1 and 14:0, was the same for unsaturated (UFAs) and saturated (SFAs) fatty acids, and elevated after nSK application in both analysed tissues. However, the action of sSK in fat body tissue evoked distinct effects and induced either significant decreases in individual fatty acids or UFAs and SFAs. Administration of nSK and sSK significantly increased the level of total organic compounds in the haemolymph, contrary to the effect of sSK in fat body, where the level of total organic compounds decreased, although changes differ between individual chemicals. Conclusion: Sulfakinins are engaged in the precise modulation of fatty acid levels and composition, but their action depends on the presence of sulfate group on the tyrosyl residue of the peptide what determines the different roles of these peptides in insect physiology. </jats:sec