Desired Change Research Articles

Effects of a disincentive policy on behavioral changes by South Korean medical institutions that do not submit official nursing grade data.

This study aimed to determine whether the policy of imposing deductions on medical institutions in South Korea led to increased submission of nursing grade data. In Korea, medical institutions are required to report data on their nursing workforce; however, many institutions did not comply with this regulation, making it difficult to gauge their level of nurse staffing. Therefore, in 2020, a nursing fee deduction policy was introduced that penalizes medical institutions financially for failing to submit nursing workforce data. We prospectively collected data on the characteristics, nursing grade, and data submission status of 1,200 hospitals in South Korea from 2015 to 2021. We analyzed the submission rate of data related to nursing grades according to the characteristics of the medical institutions and evaluated the effect of policy change on data submission status using multiple logistic regression. The submission rate of data increased from 50.2% in 2015 to 93.3% in 2021, and 39.3% of medical institutions that had not previously submitted data did so after the policy was introduced. The submission rate of medical institutions unaffected by the policy also increased after its introduction. Compared with 2015, the likelihood of medical institutions submitting data increased by 23.69 times in 2020 and 20.47 times in 2021. The appropriate use of disincentive policies, such as financial deductions for medical institutions showing inappropriate behavior, was found to be effective in inducing desirable changes in the behavior of medical institutions. Properly planned and implemented policies can contribute to improved quality of medical services and patient safety through effective administrative control.

Breaking the Risk of Conflict Trap: Way forward for Limiting Child Soldiers’ Phenomenon

The recruitment and use of children in armed conflicts or child soldier phenomenon has inflicted much pain and suffering to thousands of children in many countries during recent decades. This article examines the pathway to protect children from predatory recruitment as well as the prevention of those who are already recruited from becoming trapped into further violence, generically termed as ‘conflict trap.” In pursuance, the current law shall be applied as an instrument of social engineering to bring about the desired change towards the protection of child soldiers alongside the use of art and science of persuasion in promoting the ideas. Therefore, to accomplish the above desired social change, this article proposes three objectives: firstly, to explain the law in plain terms and present it as a valuable instrument designed to protect children in armed conflict situations; secondly, to enumerate the serious psycho-social impact to the mental health of the child, and the ensuing disruption of the cognitive and affective development of the child, that are often irreversible; thirdly, to present reintegration program that has transformed former child soldiers into international figures like Ishmael Beah. It is premised that these three objectives, if implemented in society, would be successful strategies in imputing the desired social change, which is to rally support for the elimination of child soldiering, thus diminishing some incentives for conflict perpetuation. Therefore, these strategies would help to prevent the recruitment and use of children in armed conflicts and in the long term will aid in the breaking away from conflict trap. As child soldiers in previous conflicts will be ready to resume fighting, limiting the impact of conflict traps becomes imperative to preserve a conflict free society.

Development of a psychological health promotion intervention for ultra-orthodox Jewish mothers of children with ADHD using the intervention mapping protocol

BackgroundAttention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neuro-developmental health condition in children and adolescents, in which its associated behavior manifestations are known to negatively affect members of the family unit, especially mothers. Ultra-orthodox Jewish (UOJ) community is growing globally and mothers of children with ADHD in this community are potentially at risk for negative health outcomes. As the UOJ community is culturally conservative, maintaining a distinct separation from outside influences, they often avoid utilizing public mental health services due to stigma and a lack of culturally sensitive treatments. Thus, this study aimed to develop a theory-driven and culturally appropriate psychological health promotion intervention for these mothers using the Intervention Mapping protocol.MethodsA mixed-method design was used. Qualitative content analysis was performed on four focus groups (n=25). Additionally, descriptive statistics including the content validity index was used to measure feedback regarding the developed intervention protocol’s relevance, effectiveness, and appropriateness Theoretical models for behavior change, including the Behavior Change Wheel’s COM-B system and the Theoretical Domains Framework, and literature on ADHD in the general population and the ultra-orthodox community were integrated in the process. Intervention components were systematically derived from findings.ResultsKey determinants of health behavior change were identified, resulting in formulating intervention objectives addressing stigma reduction surrounding ADHD, increasing knowledge about the ADHD condition and treatment, awareness of the school systems’ capabilities in meeting the ADHD child’s needs, enhancing mothers’ advocacy skills, and maternal self-care. Intervention? strategies included a group setting, providing information on health consequences, social support, re-attribution, active learning, goal setting, and promoting an identity associated with the desired behavior change. Mothers’ quantitative feedback confirmed the overall relevance, effectiveness, and appropriateness of the interventions’ content (CVIavg= .86, .85, .87).ConclusionsIntervention Mapping facilitated the development of a culturally sensitive psychological health promotion intervention for ultra-orthodox Jewish mothers of children with ADHD. Further research is warranted to assess intervention feasibility and effectiveness.

Mixed-method examination of factors associated with adolescent decision-making and involvement in care in the context of advanced cancer.

Adolescents with cancer often experience significant symptom burden and aggressive treatment near end-of-life. Increased adolescent involvement in care and decision-making may benefit health outcomes. Limited research has examined factors associated with adolescents' involvement in care in the context of advanced disease. Thus, we examined the impact of background factors and decision-making perceptions on both adolescents' involvement in care and their desired change in involvement. Adolescents with advanced cancer (<60% survival or refractory/relapsed disease), ages 10-23 (n = 41; Mage = 15.37), were recruited approximately 1 month after diagnosis to complete measures of decision-making perceptions and their family role. Hierarchical regressions examined the contributions of background factors and decision-making perceptions to adolescents' frequency and desired involvement in their care. Qualitative interviews regarding decision-making were analyzed using deductive analysis. The model examining frequency of involvement in care was significant, F(5,34) = 3.12, p = .02, R2= .31. Older age was the only significant predictor (β = .13, p= .003). The model examining desired involvement was non-significant, F(5,34) = 2.22, p = .075. Qualitative analysis indicated that (1) older adolescents have more involvement in decision-making, (2) collaborative decision-making occurred between the adolescent and extended family, and (3) adolescents trusted others to make decisions. Integration of qualitative and quantitative data revealed congruence in findings. Adolescents with advanced cancer, who consider how decisions directly impact them and prefer greater autonomy, may be more involved in their medical care. Research is needed to identify other longitudinal predictors of decision-making and involvement in care. Providers should consider encouraging families to communicate their preferences and engage in shared decision-making.

Complementary Therapy: Application of Photobiomodulation in Self-Care and Patient Care

Photobiomodulation (PBM), also known as low-level laser therapy, is a non-invasive light therapy that applies near-infrared light sources near target tissues. PBM allows photons to penetrate tissues and interact with cells, promoting photophysical and chemical changes that result in desired changes at the molecular, cellular, and tissue levels (Oliveira et al., 2022; Shetty et al., 2023). This complementary therapy has garnered significant research attention both domestically and internationally. The results of recent research indicate non-invasive transcranial light stimulation can enhance high-frequency oscillations such as α and β waves, leading potentially to improved cognitive and neurological functions, memory, attention, and emotional status in healthy adults (Shetty et al., 2023). This mode of therapy is recommended as a non-pharmacological intervention for pain relief (Ross, 2022) and has been found to improve oral pain and quality of life in patients with burning mouth syndrome and in those undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (Camolesi et al., 2022; Chan et al., 2023). Also, PBM has been promoted as a method of enhancing wound healing (Oliveira et al., 2022) and of reducing the respiratory disturbance index in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (de Camargo et al., 2020). Researchers in Taiwan have also applied PBM to alleviate the pain associated with heel prick blood sampling in newborns and suggested using low-level laser therapy as a pain relief measure for full-term newborns undergoing invasive procedures (Wu et al., 2023). For the column in this issue, we have invited domestic nursing and optoelectronic scholars who have conducted extensive research in the field of PBM to explain the related mechanisms, share research findings, and introduce PBM devices that may be used in clinical, home, and school settings. Considering the impact of shift work on sleep among healthcare professionals, we also hope to provide nurses with different insights and options for self-care and patient care through the research and product introductions provided. Finally, an article on assessing aging and promoting health from a traditional Chinese medicine perspective is included to offer nursing professionals a holistic approach to self-care and preventive concepts based on natural rhythms.

A Critical Evaluation of a Racial Literacy Education Program for Police Recruits

We used a practical–participatory evaluation method to develop and critically evaluate a racial literacy education program for police recruits. The 10-h Racial Literacy Project (RLP) education was developed over the course of a year and across two training cohorts. The programming was informed by the literature and using the input of a core academic team, veteran police officers, and community members. A quasi-experimental design was used to assess the influence of the RLP intervention on a third cohort. Recruits participated in either the RLP intervention ( n = 34) or a Nonracial Diversity intervention ( n = 37). Participants’ pre- and posttest scores were compared on racial colorblind beliefs (or denial and minimization of racism) and ethnocultural empathic feelings. There were no significant differences on posttest racial colorblindness scores across the two intervention groups. Also, surprisingly, recruits in the RLP intervention group displayed statistically significant lower levels of empathetic feeling towards People of Color at posttest compared to their Nonracial Diversity intervention group counterparts. These findings suggest that 10 h of exposure to racial literacy education is insufficient to produce targeted desired changes. Several recommendations for future development of the RLP are included.

Optimizing Wavelength for Enhanced Cycling Durability of Laser‐Induced Phase Change in Sb2S3 Films: A Survey on Optical Transmission Phase Shift

AbstractThe advancement of nonvolatile reconfigurable photonic elements has led to the development of Sb2S3 as a desirable phase change material for optical phase modulation in visible and near‐infrared wavebands. However, achieving long‐lasting cycling durability of the phase change remains a formidable challenge. Traditional characterization methods like transmittance or reflectance measurement fail to provide a quantitative assessment of the degree of phase change. To address this, the study focuses on enhancing the cycling durability of complete phase change in Sb2S3 films by manipulating the wavelength of a femtosecond laser for amorphization. To accurately measure optical transmission phase shifts during phase change experiments, a novel liquid‐crystal retardance matching technique based on the Mach–Zehnder interferometer is developed. This approach allows for a direct and quantitative assessment of the degree of phase change without relying on an optical model. The findings reveal that longer wavelengths and multi‐pulse irradiation with increasing pulse energy significantly enhance the cycling durability of the phase change. Additionally, the cost‐effective customization of nonvolatile photonic elements is demonstrated using laser direct writing, eliminating the need for lithography. It is anticipated that this work will drive advancements in Sb2S3‐based reconfigurable devices and contribute to the broader field of nonvolatile reconfigurable photonic elements.

Characteristics of restricted selection indices and geometrical interpretation of restricted breeding values.

Restricted selection is used to control genetic changes in one or more characters. Three main selection indices are adopted for this purpose. First, Kempthorne's index is used to maximize aggregate breeding value (BV) with changes in some traits restricted to zero; second, Harville's index is used to maximize aggregate BV with proportional changes for some traits; and third, Yamada's index is mathematically used to achieve the relative desired changes for all traits. Kempthorne's index is equivalent to Harville's index. However, the relationship between Kempthorne's and Yamada's indices has not been clarified. In addition, the characteristics of restricted selection indices and the relationship between BV and restricted BV (RBV) are also unknown. The aim of this study was to clarify the characteristics of restricted selection indices and describe the relationship between BV and RBV by using linear algebra and geometric techniques, respectively. First, I proved that Yamada's index is part of Kempthorne's index. Second, I investigated the relationship between BVs that were estimated using an ordinary selection index (EBVs) and RBVs estimated using a restricted selection index (ERBVs) and proved that the ERBVs of the restricted traits are proportional to the relative desired changes. Third, I proved that RBV is represented by a linear function of BV and geometrically represented the relationship between BV and RBV. In this study, new findings on restricted selection indices and RBV were obtained. This useful clarification of the relationship between BV and RBV will make it possible to evaluate the response to selection using not only a restricted selection index, but also a restricted BLUP in computer simulation studies.

CRISPR/Cas9 as a Mutagenic Factor.

The discovery of the CRISPR/Cas9 microbial adaptive immune system has revolutionized the field of genetics, by greatly enhancing the capacity for genome editing. CRISPR/Cas9-based editing starts with DNA breaks (or other lesions) predominantly at target sites and, unfortunately, at off-target genome sites. DNA repair systems differing in accuracy participate in establishing desired genetic changes but also introduce unwanted mutations, that may lead to hereditary, oncological, and other diseases. New approaches to alleviate the risks associated with genome editing include attenuating the off-target activity of editing complex through the use of modified forms of Cas9 nuclease and single guide RNA (sgRNA), improving delivery methods for sgRNA/Cas9 complex, and directing DNA lesions caused by the sgRNA/Cas9 to non-mutagenic repair pathways. Here, we have described CRISPR/Cas9 as a new powerful mutagenic factor, discussed its mutagenic properties, and reviewed factors influencing the mutagenic activity of CRISPR/Cas9.

COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy: assessing the prevalence, predictors, and effectiveness of a community pharmacy based counseling intervention

BackgroundCoronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine hesitancy is a global challenge. In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), the problem has persisted despite vaccine availability and decreasing infections. In Uganda, there is still limited information on the extent and predictors of vaccine hesitancy. This study sought to assess the prevalence and predictors of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, and the effectiveness of an intervention that involved community pharmacy counseling in combating COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy.MethodsA total of 394 participants were enrolled in a 4-week prospective cohort interventional study. The study was conducted across eight community pharmacies in Mbarara City, between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM daily. The study personnel ascertained the vaccination status of all clients seeking community pharmacy services. All unvaccinated clients were consecutively assessed for eligibility, and eligible clients were systematically enrolled after receiving the community pharmacy services for which they requested. The study intervention involved structured participant counseling (within the pharmacy premise), follow-up short message service (weekly), and telephone calls (bi-weekly). Only participants who did not accept to receive the COVID-19 vaccine despite counseling were followed up for four weeks, or until they accepted to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. The effectiveness of the community pharmacy counseling intervention was determined as an increase in COVID-19 vaccine acceptance, and desirable attitudinal change towards COVID-19 disease, vaccination exercise, and vaccines. Descriptive analysis was used to summarize data, and multivariate analysis was used to determine the predictors of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsOut of 394 participants, 221 (56%) were hesitant to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Participants expressed several reasons (mean 2±1) for COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, mostly concerning vaccine safety (N=160, 47.3%). The overall COVID-19 vaccine acceptance rate increased by 25.4 percent points (43.9 – 69.3 percent points) after the study intervention. Age, religion, level of education, distance from the nearest public health facility, having a friend/family diagnosed with COVID-19, and personal suspicion of contracting COVID-19 were significant predictors of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy.ConclusionCOVID-19 vaccine hesitancy is a big challenge in Uganda. A mix of sociodemographic and COVID-19 vaccine perceptions are the key predictors of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. Although COVID-19 vaccines were not available at the time of the study, this study found that structured counseling interventions can improve COVID-19 vaccine acceptance rates. Larger prospective studies should evaluate the effectiveness of similar interventions in community pharmacies and other healthcare settings.

Action learning within the Dutch public sector: tools for facilitators

ABSTRACT During an assignment as a change leader of a complex IT change program within a Dutch public government organization, I used action learning to develop and support the desired changes and to tackle the complex problems that usually accompany such a change program. During this action learning project, I took the role of facilitator and I devised and presented the initial conceptual tools and their application to two action learning sets. Subsequently, after proposing the idea of ⁣⁣applying action learning to problem solving, the program team members including the senior managers, were prepared to apply action learning as an integral part of the IT program. We formed two action learning sets, with around 10 persons in each set. One set consisted of diverse and multidisciplinary subject matter experts, and external IT suppliers who participated as program team members. Another set was made up of managers of delivering departments, who would take the lead in adopting the solutions developed by the software development and implementation program. To shape the action learning approaches and processes within the sets during the lifetime of the change program, I developed, and we used, seven instruments (MALS) based on progressive insights, and applied them within the sets for process, quality, and improvement based on progressive insight. This paper describes the seven instruments and explains how they were used within the project.

Genetic parameters of sheep growth curve traits reared within rangelands under uncertain paternity.

This work aims to improve the selection program of the Timahdit breed through the use of the parameters of the Von Bertalanffy model as selection criteria and the treatment of uncertain paternity found in pastoral systems. A database containing 12,029 animals and a pedigree file integrating the probabilities of the parents with a total of 48,292 animals were used in the analysis. An individual estimation of the parameters of the model studied by the nonlinear regression procedure Proc NLIN of SAS was carried out, followed by the determination of the fixed effects which influence these parameters by means of a general linear model using the GLM procedure of the SAS software. The treatment of uncertain paternity is solved by an R code translating Average Numerator Relationship Matrix Model (ANRM). Then, the variance and (co)variance components were estimated by a Bayesian approach using the BRMS package. The high heritability values obtained, between 0.52 and 0.55 for the parameters studied, suggest good prospects for genetic responses to selection and the maintenance of sustained genetic progress, especially when environmental conditions are unfavorable. The positive correlations between all the parameters studied show that animals with rapid development tend to have lower weight performance. Finally, with optimal selection based on the genetic values associated with these parameters, we can make the desired changes to the growth curve by choosing breeders that achieve high weight performances as quickly as possible, and that would allow improving the feed efficiency for these animals, as well as increasing the profitability of sheep farms.

Management Consulting’s Black Holes: A Question of Time and Space

Abstract Performance improvement interventions undertaken by management consultants, like many others, can experience difficulty in ensuring that the bulk of the effort put into the intervention translates into the desired change. While consultants themselves are limited in what they can control once their work is completed, there are nevertheless activities they can carry out or at least initiate to improve the chances of change being brought about. Goal setting, self-management and action planning have demonstrated positive effects, particularly where behavioural change is required. Similarly, based on a tested model of learning transfer, other activities relating to peer support, manager support and external coaching can be encouraged and set in train.

Communication, Cognition and Competency Development in Healthcare: A Model for Integrating Cognitive Ethnography and Communication Skills Training in Clinical Interventions.

The aim of this study was to conduct and evaluate the Blended Learning communication skills training program. The key objective was to investigate (i) how clinical intervention studies can be designed to include cognitive, organizational, and interactive processes, and (ii) how researchers and practitioners could work with integrated methods to support the desired change. The method combined design and implementation of a 12-week Blended Learning communication skills training program based on the Calgary-Cambridge Guide. The training was implemented in a patient clinic at a Danish university hospital and targeted all healthcare professionals at the clinic. Cognitive ethnography was used to document and evaluate healthcare professionals' implementation and individual competency development, and support the design of in-situ simulation training scenarios. Thirteen participants completed the program. The synergy within the teams, as well as the opportunities for participants to coordinate, share, discuss, and reflect on the received knowledge with a colleague or on-site researcher, affected learning positively. The knowledge transfer process was affected by negative feedback loops, such as time shortages, issues with concept development and transfer, disjuncture between the expectations of participants and instructors of the overall course structure, as well as participant insecurity and a gradual loss of motivation and compliance. We propose a novel 3-step model for clinical interventions based on our findings and literature review. This model will effectively support the implementation of educational interventions in health care by narrowing the theory-practice gap. It will also stimulate desired change in individual behavior and organizational culture over time. Furthermore, it will work for the benefit of the clinic and may be more suitable for the implementation of communication projects than, for example, randomized setups.

A method of calculating weighted values of objective traits for BLUP of breeding values to achieve relative desired changes.

A method of calculating weighted values for objective traits from the phenotypic records of all animals in a population was devised as an alternative to the conventional method of calculating weighted values from a family selection index. The genetic improvement of this method was verified by Monte Carlo computer simulation. A base population consisting of 10 males and 50 females, and five separate generations, other than the base population that had been randomly selected, was bred for two traits with different heritabilities. The breeding values of animals in generation five were estimated using the bivariate BLUP method. The three different weighted values obtained from this method and two conventional methods for estimated breeding values of the objective traits were used to estimate aggregate breeding values for selection. The results showed that selection using weighted values calculated from all animals in a population resulted in a greater response to selection, especially when the genetic correlation between the two traits was positive, than selection using other conventional methods. The use of the method devised in this study was expected to result in a greater genetic improvement than the conventional family selection index method for pig breeding programs applied in closed herds in Japan.

학교 부적응으로 위기를 경험하는 청소년의 강점 관점 해결중심상담 사례연구

The purpose of this study is to apply strengths-based solution-focused counseling to adolescents who experience a crisis due to maladaptation at school, and to investigate the change process through a case study. In this study, strengths-perspective solution-focused counseling targets at-risk youth who are experiencing negative emotions related to deviant and delinquent behavior, due to maladjustment to school. The study was conducted through a process in which participants discovered their own strengths, resources, and support systems, and utilized them for change. The strengths-based solution-oriented counseling process was conducted a total of six times, from May 2023 to July 2023. Study participants experienced negative emotions in relationships with others due to school maladjustment, deviance, and delinquent behavior, and thus their self-esteem and sense of efficacy decreased. The purpose of this study was to focus on the changes desired by participants, and to discover their strengths and resources through solutions-oriented counseling from a strengths-based perspective. Participants made efforts to explore and act on the changes they desired. In the follow-up counseling, the participant was confident and was continuously taking action to achieve the changes discussed with the researcher. Strengths-based solution-focused counseling helps at-risk youth discover their strengths and resources, and assists in making desired changes in a short period of time. Finally at-risk youth were able to explore the changes they desired, and improve their positive self-image and sense of efficacy.

Supporting circularity in construction with performance-based deconstruction

Growing needs for sustainable consumption and production of resources call for controlling substantial amounts of waste in the construction sector. Planned dismantling of structures (i.e., deconstruction) maximizes the utilization of resources and enables Circularity in Construction (CiC). Since there is a lack of comprehensive guidance for deconstruction, this paper aims to develop a conceptual model that extracts resources from the built environment through targeted deconstruction and helps to reuse them in new construction. Qualitative and quantitative analyses were performed to identify the stakeholders' needs and requirements; factors that strongly affect deconstruction processes; technologies to be adopted; and the guidelines to follow. The quantitative study included Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Legal, and Environmental analysis, Co-occurrence Network analysis, and interaction analysis. The results unveiled 37 unified barriers to CiC across six categories; 42 deconstruction-related factors among four categories: Feasibility, processes, profitability, and environmental impact; and 32 unique synergies between deconstruction-related factors and Construction 4.0 technologies. The proposed model formalizes the link between existing facilities' resources and new construction projects for efficient decision-making in the planning and execution of deconstruction. The novelty of this model lies in considering people, processes, technology, and guidelines at every step to ensure the desired change.

Biowastes-derived enzyme-powered zinc oxide and titanium oxide nanomaterials synthesis for anticancer and eco-friendly photocatalytic activity

Biowastes derived enzyme powered zinc oxide (ZnO) and titanium oxide (TiO2) nanomaterials were prepared using a soft-chemical method and their photocatalytic dye degradation efficiencies against toxic Methylene Blue (MB - cationic) and Methyl Orange (MO-anionic) dyes were studied. The enzymes prevalent in certain biowastes (vegetable wastes and fruit peels) are derived through eco-friendly fermentation process and used for nanomaterial synthesis. The enzyme quantitative assay confirmed the presence of the enzymes viz., protease, peroxidase, cellulase, amylase and lipase in the synthesized nanopowders. The photocatalytic results showed the enhanced combined effect of the semiconductor photocatalyst (ZnO and TiO2) and the bio-catalyst (enzymes). The efficiency of the resultant photocatalysts: ZnO - 95% (60 min) and TiO2 99% (60 min). The XRD results confirm the crystallized form of enzymes in the nanomaterial. The desirable morphological changes caused by the enzyme coupling with semiconductor was evidenced from SEM images. The study showed that the synthesized material (enzyme powered ZnO and TiO2) are desirable candidates for environmentally friendly, biocompatible photocatalysis for toxic dyes degradation. The cytotoxicity studies revealed that the material may effectively destroy the lung cancer A-549 cells. The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of enzyme powered ZnO and TiO2 are 51.75 ± 0.05 μg/mL and 52.25 ± 0.05 μg/mL, respectively. Thus, the biowastes derived enzyme powered ZnO and TiO2 can be considered as promising materials for cost-effective dye degradation and anticancer activities.

Siła klątwy, magia wody i (nie)możność zmiany czasu w noweli „Jańcio Wodnik” Jana Jakuba Kolskiego

The text raises the issue of the presence of the magical sphere in the human experience. Johnnie Waterman, the protagonist of a short story and a film by Jan Jakub Kolski, experiences a mysterious force that begins to govern his life. This secret power is related to water, through which the hero begins to heal, and in short order becomes a holy man of sorts. Using this character as and example, the author poses a question about the meaning of human fate and the moral aspects of human existence. He also shows human life as dependent on mythical and symbolic meanings that in fact create reality. Johnnie Waterman, who is finally undone by his own pride, wants to turn back time, because he believes that this magical “band-aid” will repair the harm he had caused. However, it is only his understanding of who he is and what he was doing that brings the desired change and makes the hero start living together with his family. The curse that befell Jańcio on the one hand unleashed evil, on the other — it became a chance for the hero to find the truth about himself and the surrounding world.

Genetic Improvements in the Root Traits and Fertilizer Tolerance of Soybean Varieties Released during Different Decades

Root traits (RTs) of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) that can be improved through long-term genetic breeding have been identified. However, whether resistance to environmental stresses can be enhanced and more detailed information on the relationships between RTs and seed yield remain unclear. Here, we used a pot-culture experiment with 13 varieties released in different years to investigate the changes in some RTs resulting from genetic breeding-based improvements. We determined whether RTs in different varieties respond to increasing fertilization rates (FRs) differently and quantified the contributions of RTs to seed yield variation among varieties. Decades of genetic selection have resulted in significant desired changes in RTs as well as the seed yield (per plant) under different FR conditions. The RT values of soybean receiving the 1.1 g pot−1 FR treatment increased significantly by 8.20%, 8.75% and 8.68%, whereas those receiving the 2.2 g pot−1 FR treatment decreased by 14.31%, 13.28% and 5.52%, for old, middle and new variety groups, respectively, compared with the no fertilizer treatment, indicating that the tolerance of root to fertilizer stress was enhanced. The results of artificial interference analysis showed that root length at the full bloom stage, root-to-shoot ratio at the full seed stage and root activity at the beginning maturity stage were the most important factors affecting seed yield, contributing approximately 54%, 58% and 59%, respectively, to seed yield variation. Overall, our work provides a theoretical basis for future breeding, suggesting a direct selection of soybean RTs to improve soybean yield.