Functional Competence Research Articles

From asymptomatic adult patient to cardiopulmonary resuscitation – treatment of ALCAPA with total arterial myocardial revascularisation and mitral valve repair

BackgroundAnomalous left coronary artery originating from the pulmonary artery (ALCAPA), is a unique congenital anomaly, comprising only 0.24–0.46% of all congenital cardiac anomalies. Late presentations, ranging from asymptomatic cases to sudden cardiac arrest, are exceptionally rare. This unique case highlights the complexity of managing ALCAPA in adulthood and underscores the necessity of a comprehensive surgical approach addressing both coronary and valvular issues.PresentationA 34-year-old female patient, who had been diagnosed with ALPACA in her early childhood, suffered sudden cardiac arrest at work, followed by out-of-hospital resuscitation. The patient had been followed-up regularly until adolescence, however, she had refused surgery. In the diagnostic work-up following successful resuscitation severe mitral valve regurgitation was additionally revealed. Subsequently, the patient underwent surgery, involving coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), using bilateral internal mammary arteries, and mitral valve repair, with an excellent postsurgical result. At 16-month follow-up, the patient was asymptomatic and quality of life had significantly improved.ConclusionThis rare case initially presented as silent myocardial ischemia, resulting in reduced left ventricular function and secondary mitral incompetence. Surgical treatment of ALCAPA in adults poses greater challenges and a higher risk than in children. CABG procedure offers an excellent prognostic therapeutic strategy, since this procedure is a routine in adult cardiac surgery.

The Challenges of Pre-Graduation Field Practice for Students – Future Teachers

The focus of this article is the practical training of the students from the Pedagogy studies of the Faculty of Pedagogy at the Sofia University and the challenges they encounter during their pre-graduation field practice. The survey was conducted among the graduates in the academic year 2022/2023 and reveals the key role of the teacher-mentor in the formation of the functional professional competences of the future teachers. The results show satisfaction with the way the pre-graduation field practice is organized and the students’ academic preparation. The recommendations are in the direction of communication intern – teachermentor and the work between them.

Cardiac function, haemodynamics, and valve competence with exercise in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and mild to moderate secondary mitral regurgitation.

This study aimed to evaluate the clinical significance of secondary mitral regurgitation (MR) in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). We conducted a prospective study enrolling consecutively evaluated patients with HFpEF undergoing invasive haemodynamic exercise testing with simultaneous echocardiography. Compared to HFpEF without MR (n = 145, 79.7%), those with mild or moderate MR (n = 37, 20.3%) were older, more likely to be women, had more left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction, and more likely to have left atrial (LA) myopathy reflected by greater burden of atrial fibrillation, more LA dilatation, and poorer LA function. Pulmonary artery (PA) wedge pressure was higher at rest in HFpEF with MR (17 ± 5 mmHg vs. 20 ± 5 mmHg, p = 0.005), but there was no difference with exercise. At rest, only 2 (1.1%) patients had moderate MR, and none developed severe MR. Pulmonary vascular resistance was higher, and right ventricular (RV)-PA coupling was more impaired in patients with HFpEF and MR at rest and exercise. LV and LA myocardial dysfunction remained more severe in patients with MR during stress compared to those without MR, characterized by greater LA dilatation during all stages of exertion, lower LA emptying fraction and compliance, steeper and rightward-shifted LA pressure-volume relationships, and reduced LV longitudinal contractile function. Patients with HFpEF and mild or moderate MR have more severe LV systolic dysfunction, LA myopathy, RV-PA uncoupling, and more severe pulmonary vascular disease. Mitral valve incompetence in this setting is a phenotypic marker of more advanced disease but is not a causal factor in development of HFpEF.

Phacoemulsification Plus Intraocular Lens Implantation with Gold Nanoparticles for Complicated Cataract Secondary to Uveitis: Efficacy Analysis

This study analyzes the efficacy of phacoemulsification (PE) plus intraocular lens implantation (IOLI) in patients with complicated cataracts secondary to uveitis. Nanostructured photothermal ring integrated (nano)-intraocular lens (IOLs) were developed to improve the biocompatibility and optical properties of IOLs. However, data on the safety profile and effectiveness of IOLI for patients with complicated cataracts secondary to uveitis are scarce, and studies have questioned the safety of PE in patients undergoing cataract surgery. We used gold nanoparticle (AuNP)-modified commercially available intraocular IOLs combined with PE technology to treat patients with complicated cataracts secondary to uveitis. First, we found that AuNP-modified IOLs were effective in reducing macrophage and bacterial adhesion and were biocompatible with the organism. Then, 64 patients with complicated cataracts secondary to uveitis were totally selected from February 2019 to February 2022, of which 33 cases were treated with PE+IOLI (test group) and 31 with conventional small-incision extracapsular cataract extraction (SIECCE) and IOLI (control group). Intergroup comparisons based on efficacy, safety, visual acuity (VA), aqueous humor protein levels before and after treatment, and quality of life (assessed with the Generic Quality of Life Inventory-74, GQOLI-74) revealed higher overall treatment efficacy and postoperative VA, as well as lower complication rate and postoperative aqueous humor protein levels, in the test group than the control group. Moreover, the test group had higher GQOLI-74 scores in the dimensions of physical function, mental health, psychological health, and social competence than the control group. Thus, PE+IOLI is more suitable for patients with complicated cataracts secondary to uveitis than conventional SIECCE+IOLI. PE+IOLI can improve treatment efficacy and safety, as well as patient VA and quality of life.

Influence of Leadership Competencies on Implementation of Operational Strategies in Organizations in Kenya: A Case of Geothermal Development Company.

Leadership played a pivotal role in shaping organizational direction and strategy execution, especially in the face of challenges posed by dynamic environments and a diverse workforce. The study explored the influence of leadership competencies on the implementation of operational strategies within the Geothermal Development Company (GDC) in Kenya. Drawing upon various theoretical frameworks including Path-Goal Theory, Great Man Theory, Leadership-Member Exchange (LMX) Theory, and Trait Theory, the research delved into the cognitive, emotional, social, and functional competencies of leaders and their impact on strategy realization. The study, employing a descriptive research design, collected data from 78 management staff members of GDC through structured questionnaires. Findings revealed significant positive correlations between leadership competencies and the implementation of operational strategies. Specifically, cognitive competencies, encompassing problem-solving and analytical skills, were found to strongly influence strategy implementation. Emotional competencies, such as self-awareness and relationship management, also played a significant role in fostering a conducive environment for strategy execution. Social competencies, including interpersonal skills and teamwork, positively impacted the coordination and cooperation necessary for successful strategy implementation. Additionally, functional competencies, comprising communication and decision-making abilities, were identified as crucial elements in aligning resources and guiding organizational efforts towards strategic objectives. The regression analysis further validated the significance of leadership competencies in predicting the implementation of operational strategies. Cognitive, emotional, social, and functional competencies collectively explained 61.8% of the variance in strategy implementation within GDC. The study underscored the importance of developing multifaceted leadership competencies tailored to the unique contexts of organizations, especially in the public sector where challenges such as limited resources and diverse roles prevailed. These findings contributed to the existing body of knowledge on leadership and strategy implementation, particularly in the context of public entities like GDC. Practical implications suggested that organizations should invest in leadership development programs that focus on enhancing cognitive, emotional, social, and functional competencies among their leaders to drive successful strategy execution. By understanding and leveraging these competencies, organizations could navigate complexities, overcome barriers, and achieve their strategic objectives effectively.

Implementation of Merdeka Curriculum for Sundanese Language Subject Towards the Era of Smart Society 5.0

The existence of regional languages currently continues to decrease the number of speakers. Transformation into digital form as an alignment of the smart society 5.0 era is considered a preventive measure to prevent this condition from worsening. This paper aims to explain how the Merdeka Curriculum for Sundanese Language Subjects Towards the Era of Smart Society 5.0. Smart Society 5.0 was initiated to solve various kinds of issues in all fields of human life. To realize a revolution, it is necessary to have a lot of capital as a foundation, in this case improving the quality of human resources owned by Indonesia is crucial. There are 5 important domains in developing the quality of human resources: professionalism, ability to compete, functional competence, participatory excellence, and cooperation.

Reconstruction of Multiple Lip and Facial Defects With Bipaddle and Sensate Radial Forearm Free Flap.

Free flaps and their modifications are used to reconstruct multiple large defects in the lip and face. In this study, we present our results on the reconstruction of these defects using bipaddle and sensate free radial forearm-palmaris longus flaps and subsequent revision surgeries. Patient medical records of 11 patients with a mean age of 63.9 ± 12.8 years were retrospectively reviewed. Functional oral competence, lip cosmetics, lip sensation, and donor forearm scars were evaluated using the drooling rating scale, visual analog scale, Semmes Weinstein Monofilament test, and patient and observer scar assessment scale, respectively. The mean dimensions of distal and proximal skin paddles of bipaddle free radial forearm-palmaris longus flaps were 12.7 ± 9.9 and 20.5 ± 3.8 cm2. Mean lengths of the bridge and proximal pedicles were 4.7 ± 1.6 and 5.5 ± 0.7 cm. All the flaps survived. No drooling was observed in the 2 patients without lower lip defects. The mean drooling scores of the 9 patients with lower lip defects were statistically different (Analysis of Variance, pANOVA < 0.00001) at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months postoperatively. The differences between 3 and 12 months were the most significant (pANOVA < 0.00001, pTUKEY < 0.000001). The lip sensation and drooling scores showed a strong positive correlation (r = 0.8504). All patients were able to speak fluently, drink fluid without leakage, and blow a balloon easily. All patients and observers were satisfied with the lip cosmetics, with no significant difference between satisfaction scores (P = 0.087615).There was a statistically significant difference (P < 0.00001) between mean sensation scores of surrounding healthy lip (2.94 ± 0.27) and free flaps (4.15 ± 0.4). All the donor scars healed uneventfully.

Determining directions for transforming the organization's competence structure depending on its life cycle stage in the context of enabling effective operation in the market

The object of research is the process of functioning of organizations at different stages of the life cycle (LC). Papers addressing the management of organizations ignore the need for them to acquire competence to successfully solve the tasks of each stage. This directed the research to the definition of priority management tasks, determined by the nature of activity at different stages of LC, and the competencies necessary for their solution. The directions of the transformation of the structure of organizational competence due to the change in the frequency of reference by heads of organizations to its members in the process of solving tasks have been determined. The importance of functional and basic component competencies at the birth stage was noted (36.7 and 38.7 % of reference in the total number). The increase in the frequency of reference to the competencies of synergistic, key, and strategic components (3.4; 2.2; 1.66 times) at the stage of intensive growth is explained by the organization gaining authority in business circles, the possibility of its use for lobbying organizational interests. Among the competences at the stage of maturity, representatives of the synergistic and functional components prevail – the increase in the frequency of reference by 1.44 and 1.1 times, respectively. The share of reference to the competences of the basic component is also high (40 %). At the stage of decline, functional and basic competencies remained important (36.9 and 39.5 %), in particular, the competencies of managers in ensuring the most painless liquidation of the organization. A distinctive feature of the study is the addition of the procedure for determining the stage of LC with a list of priority tasks and the competencies necessary for their solution. This made it possible to understand the directions of the transformation of competence, to identify the need for the development of competences due to the organization's position on the life cycle curve or its change

Theoretical aspects of strategic development subjects of the air transport industry

The methodological principles of studying systemic, strategic interactions of subjects in the air transport industry in conditions of global challenges are not just considered but emphasized for their crucial role in understanding and navigating the complexities of the industry. Peculiarities of the interaction between airlines and airports are determined, which is related to the specifics of the organizational and management support of this process, which include instability and dynamism of the air transportation market, significant degree of differentiation of air transport services by macro-regions; high level of competition between air carriers and significant market fluctuations; low competition among airports; multivariate combination and comprehensive use of the potential and competences of airlines and airports in the performance of passenger and cargo air transportation. The article substantiates the peculiarities of the interaction of the air transport industry entities related to the specifics of organizational and managerial support of this process. The functions, works, and services performed by the enterprises of the air transport industry in the interaction process and the functional division of the main activities by the responsibility of the performers - airlines and airports - are systematized. A methodical approach to the study of strategic interaction of air transport industry entities in the context of global challenges is proposed, consisting of a logical sequence of the following stages: analysis and evaluation of functional characteristics and competencies of airlines and airports; analysis of environmental factors; assessment of problems and advantages of strategic interaction of airlines and airports; substantiation of strategic principles of interaction between airlines and airports; study of strategic alternatives and decision-making. The advantage of the proposed approach is that it considers the specific features of organizational and managerial support for the interaction of industry players. The most acute problems of the strategic development of the air transport industry of Ukraine and promising areas of interaction between air carriers and airports in the context of global challenges are not just identified but highlighted to keep the audience informed and aware of the current state of the industry. Keywords: air transport industry, air carriers, airports, airlines, strategy, a system of interaction, systemic, strategic interaction, strategic development, global challenges.

Proteomic Insights into Seminal Plasma and Spermatozoa Proteins of Small-Spotted Catsharks, Scyliorhinus canicula: Implications for Reproductive Conservation in Aquariums.

In the ex situ conservation of chondrichthyan species, successful reproduction in aquaria is essential. However, these species often exhibit reduced reproductive success under human care. A key aspect is that conventional sperm analyses do not provide insights into the functional competence of sperm. However, proteomics analysis enables a better understanding of male physiology, gaining relevance as a powerful tool for discovering protein biomarkers related to fertility. The present work aims to build the first proteome database for shark semen and to investigate the proteomic profiles of seminal plasma and spermatozoa from small-spotted catsharks (Scyliorhinus canicula) related to the underlying adaptations to both natural and aquarium environments, thereby identifying the reproductive impact in aquarium specimens. A total of 305 seminal plasma and 535 spermatozoa proteins were identified. Among these, 89 proteins (29.2% of the seminal plasma set) were common to both spermatozoa and seminal plasma. In the seminal plasma, only adenosylhomocysteinase protein showed differential abundance (DAP) between wild and aquarium animals. With respect to the spermatozoa proteins, a total of 107 DAPs were found between groups. Gene Ontology enrichment analysis highlighted the primary functional roles of these DAPs involved in oxidoreductase activity. Additionally, KEGG analysis indicated that these DAPs were primarily associated with metabolic pathways and carbon metabolism. In conclusion, we have successfully generated an initial proteome database for S. canicula seminal plasma and spermatozoa. Furthermore, we have identified protein variations, predominantly within spermatozoa, between aquarium and wild populations of S. canicula. These findings provide a foundation for future biomarker discovery in shark reproduction studies. However, additional research is required to determine whether these protein variations correlate with reproductive declines in captive sharks.

Dual targeting of TIGIT and PD-1 with a novel small molecule for cancer immunotherapy

Immune checkpoint inhibitors have unveiled promising clinical prospects in cancer treatment. Nonetheless, their effectiveness remains restricted, marked by consistently low response rates and affecting only a subset of patients. The co-blockade of TIGIT with PD-1 has exhibited substantial anti-tumor effects. Notably, there is a dearth of reports on small-molecule inhibitors concurrently targeting both TIGIT and PD-1. In this study, we employed Microscale Thermophoresis (MST) to screen our laboratory's existing repository of small molecules. Our findings illuminated Gln(TrT) 's affinity for both TIGIT and PD-1, affirming its potential to effectively inhibit TIGIT/PVR and PD-1/PD-L1 pathways. In vitro co-culture experiments substantiated Gln(TrT)'s proficiency in restoring Jurkat T-cell functionality by blocking both TIGIT/PVR and PD-1/PD-L1 interactions. In the MC38 murine tumor model, Gln(TrT) emerges as a pivotal modulator, promoting the intratumoral infiltration and functional competence of CD8+ T cells. Furthermore, whether used as a monotherapy or in conjunction with radiotherapy, Gln(TrT) substantially impedes MC38 tumor progression, significantly extending the survival of murine subjects.

The zinc finger motif in the mitochondrial large ribosomal subunit protein bL36m is essential for optimal yeast mitoribosome assembly and function

Ribosomes across species contain subsets of zinc finger proteins that play structural roles by binding to rRNA. While the majority of these zinc fingers belong to the C2-C2 type, the large subunit protein L36 in bacteria and mitochondria exhibits an atypical C2-CH motif. To comprehend the contribution of each coordinating residue in S. cerevisiae bL36m to mitoribosome assembly and function, we engineered and characterized strains carrying single and double mutations in the zinc coordinating residues. Our findings reveal that although all four residues markedly influence protein stability, C to A mutations in C66 and/or C69 have a more pronounced effect compared to those at C82 and H88. Importantly, protein stability directly correlates with the assembly and function of the mitoribosome and the growth rate of yeast in respiratory conditions. Mass spectrometry analysis of large subunit particles indicates that strains deleted for bL36m or expressing mutant variants have defective assembly of the L7/L12 stalk base, limiting their functional competence. Furthermore, we employed a synthetic bL36m protein collection, including both wild-type and mutant proteins, to elucidate their ability to bind zinc. Our data indicate that mutations in C82 and, particularly, H88 allow for some zinc binding albeit inefficient or unstable, explaining the residual accumulation and activity in mitochondria of bL36m variants carrying mutations in these residues. In conclusion, stable zinc binding by bL36m is essential for optimal mitoribosome assembly and function. MS data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifierPXD046465.

Chronic SIV-Induced neuroinflammation disrupts CCR7+ CD4+ T cell immunosurveillance in the rhesus macaque brain.

CD4+ T cells survey and maintain immune homeostasis in the brain, yet their differentiation states and functional capabilities remain unclear. Our approach, combining single-cell transcriptomic analysis, ATAC-Seq, spatial transcriptomics, and flow cytometry, revealed a distinct subset of CCR7+ CD4+ T cells resembling lymph node central memory (TCM) cells. We observed chromatin accessibility at the CCR7, CD28, and BCL-6 loci, defining molecular features of TCM. Brain CCR7+ CD4+ T cells exhibited recall proliferation and interleukin-2 production ex vivo, showcasing their functional competence. We identified the skull bone marrow as a local niche for these cells alongside CNS border tissues. Sequestering TCM cells in lymph nodes using FTY720 led to reduced CCR7+ CD4+ T cell frequencies in the cerebrospinal fluid, accompanied by increased monocyte levels and soluble markers indicating immune activation. In macaques chronically infected with SIVCL757 and experiencing viral rebound due to cessation of antiretroviral therapy, a decrease in brain CCR7+ CD4+ T cells was observed, along with increased microglial activation and initiation of neurodegenerative pathways. Our findings highlight a role for CCR7+ CD4+ T cells in CNS immune surveillance, and their decline during chronic SIV highlights their responsiveness to neuroinflammation.

Effect of asiatic acid supplementation in tris-extender on post-thaw functional competence, antioxidant enzyme activity and in vivo fertility of bull sperm.

Reactive oxygen species at supra-physiological levels trigger oxidative stress during cryopreservation, which can be neutralised by incorporating suitable antioxidants into the semen extender medium. This study was intended to explore the effect of asiatic acid (AA) as an antioxidant in semen extender on frozen-thawed sperm quality and in vivo fertility of bull sperm. Semen was collected from Holstein Friesian bulls for 10 consecutive weeks (total ejaculates = 60). Semen was cryopreserved with a Tris citric acid egg yolk-based extender supplemented with 0 (control), 20, 40, 60, and 100 μM AA. The supplementation of the extender with 40 and 60 μM AA improved (p < 0.05) post-thaw motility kinematics, plasma membrane integrity, acrosome integrity, sperm viability, and DNA integrity of bull sperm. Mitochondrial membrane potential was high (p < 0.05) with 60 μM of AA concentration in extender media. The catalase activity in seminal plasma was maintained (p < 0.05) when semen was added with 20, 40, and 60 μM of AA. The in vivo fertility was found to be significantly high with the semen extended with 60 μM AA. Conclusively, this study showed that AA supplementation in semen extender significantly improved sperm motility kinematics and cell integrity, conserved antioxidant enzyme activity, and improved in vivo fertility.

Eğitsel Süreçlerde Mesleki Yeterlik ve Yeterlik Elementlerinin Entegrasyonu

The most important of the methods used in training and development is to shape the knowledge, skills and competencies of the employees of the organization. Education is essentially the internalization of knowledge, while skills and attitude/behavior are related to each other and successive roles. The development is that this trio quickly becomes an observable action in practice as competence. In modern business discourses, the concept of skill has turned into the concept of competence. Competence is a difference in performance that distinguishes effective managers from ineffective managers in a particular organization. since the 1970s, competencies have been the main starting point for evaluating personnel performance in human resources management; competence has been defined as the successful fulfillment of critical tasks and tasks, the potential to apply and use the knowledge, skills and behaviors necessary for a specific role or position. According to a different view, competencies are an output of continuous learning adaptation, the creation of new skills and the sustainability of achievements. Education is an activity of acquiring or producing competencies that are potentially produced in the process of professional development of a person. Since the earliest historical times, the integration of learning activities of knowledge, skills and procedures, the practice, rules and impact of education have been part of the sustainability of society. In social/cultural theories, the knowledge and skills of individuals are seen as inseparable from the social world in which they think and act. Knowledge and skills are the elements that make up competence. When attitude/behavior is developed after knowledge and skills are acquired, declarative and procedural knowledge turns into implicit knowledge, and functional competence emerges, and this triple integration process is completed, the entire process turns into professional competence. The professional competencies that they must acquire by completing the knowledge-skill-attitude integration process have been defined as basic and professional (professional) competencies as a functional competence. Key Words: Educational Processes, Professional Competence, Integration of Competence Elements

Rethinking teacher training from an inclusive and community dialogical perspective

This quantitative survey using a structured questionnaire with closed questions and a sample of 340 participants from 20 courses (bachelor's and master's degrees) at public higher education institutions in the Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro region of the Portuguese university (University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro) and polytechnic (Polytechnic Institute of Bragança) subsystem aims to list a group of proposals for reflection and future implementation that can fill or mitigate gaps and weaknesses identified in the disciplines of the curricula related to internships. The analysis of the data reveals indicators indicating the need for a (formal and conceptual) rethinking of inclusive intervention in the context of supervision in the field of teacher training. These indicators include problems with operating in a multifaceted educational setting, enhancing an interdisciplinary, integrated and inclusive approach, rearranging curriculum and reconsidering the functional profiles and competencies of teaching staff. Therefore, the construction of a professional culture that favors an integrative and inclusive approach through the assumption of a broad profile of professional competence capable of training the teacher in a multidimensional educational context is crucial. We evaluate the necessity of encouraging research of this type involving additional factors, populations and samples in order to enable the extrapolation of data and findings to a national level providing significance and technological foundations for decisions made within the context of public education policy.

A Multidimensional Approach to Talent Identification in Youth Volleyball through Declarative Tactical Knowledge and Functional Fitness.

This study aimed to assess which multidimensional performance indexes were the best predictors of talent identification in volleyball. Fifty-five female players (age: 13.8 ± 1.81 years; mass: 55.12 ± 8.12 kg; height: 158.23 ± 7.62 cm) were clustered into two groups according to some physical characteristics (i.e., the first group included players with more favorable performance predictors). Musculoskeletal Fitness (MSF), Functional Motor Competence (FMC), and Declarative Tactical Knowledge (DTK) were measured as multidimensional indexes of performance. Moderate-to-large differences between groups were found for each index in favor of the first group. Regression analyses were performed to examine the variance explained by MSF, FMC, and DTK in the two groups. A model with FMC components explained slightly more variance in the group predictor variables (R2 = 0.53) than a model using only MSF components (R2 = 0.45). Among FMC components, the score of the Throw-and-Catch test resulted in the best predictor (Odds Ratio = 1.58) for determining group selection, followed by the score of the Supine-to-Stand-and-Go test (Odds Ratio = 0.02). An additional model composed by MSF and FMC significant predictors (i.e., functional fitness index) and DTK explained 63% of the variance (R2 = 0.63), and these were significant predictors of group membership (Odds Ratio = 6.32 and Odds Ratio = 1.51, respectively). A more comprehensive multidimensional analysis of youth performances is warranted to identify and monitor the best players in a youth volleyball context.

STRATEGI PENGEMBANGAN SUMBER DAYA MANUSIA BERDASARKAN IMPLEMENTASI PERMEN PANRB NOMOR 1 TAHUN 2023 TENTANG JABATAN FUNGSIONAL PADA BAGIAN PROTOKOL DAN KOMUNIKASI PIMPINAN KOTA

This research aims to determine human resource development strategies based on the implementation of PANRB Ministerial Regulation Number 1 of 2023 concerning Functional Positions in the Protocol and Communication Section of Batu City Leadership. The problem is focused on development strategies in the form of training, education and coaching. This research refers to the implementation of functional position competency development as stated in competency development in Article 46 of PANRB Ministerial Regulation Number 1 of 2023. The research method used is descriptive qualitative by analyzing human resource development strategies. Data was collected through interviews with department heads. and staff in the Leadership Protocol and Communications Section. This study concludes that the implementation of the development strategy has been implemented and improvements are needed at certain points during activities.

Induction of Fenestrae in Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Endothelial Cells for Disease Modeling.

The endothelial linings of capillaries, such as those in the kidney and small intestines, possess fenestrae that facilitate fluid and exchange of small molecules. Alterations in the size and number of endothelial fenestrae have been implicated in the pathogenesis of various diseases. The re-creation of fenestrated endothelium using human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) provides a promising avenue to investigate the involvement of fenestrae in disease mechanisms and pharmacodynamics. In this project, we aim to induce the formation of fenestrae in nonfenestrated hiPSCs-derived endothelial cells (hiPSC-ECs). Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) and phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) were used as inducers of fenestrae in hiPSC-ECs. The assessment of fenestrae formation included gene-expression analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and immunofluorescent staining. Endothelial monolayer functionality was evaluated by dextran permeability assays. Stimulation with VEGFA and PMA significantly induced expression of the diaphragmed fenestrae-associated marker, plasmalemmal vesicle-associated protein (PLVAP), in hiPSC-ECs at the mRNA, and protein levels. SEM analysis revealed VEGFA- and PMA-induced fenestrae structures on the cell membrane of hiPSC-ECs. The increased membrane localization of PLVAP visualized by TEM and immunofluorescent staining supported these findings. The induced fenestrated endothelium in hiPSC-ECs demonstrated selective passage of small solutes across a confluent monolayer with intact cell junctions, confirming functional competence. In conclusion, we present a novel methodology for inducing and regulating fenestrated endothelium in hiPSC-ECs. This innovative approach paves the way for the development of fenestrated microvasculature in human organ-on-a-chip systems, enabling complex disease modeling and physiologically relevant investigations of pharmacodynamics.

Antecedents and consequences of procurement managers' willingness to pay for sustainability: a multi-level perspective

PurposeThe role of procurement managers is crucial for diffusing sustainability throughout the supply chain. Whether or not they are willing to pay for sustainability is an important and not yet fully understood question. The authors examine antecedents and consequences of their willingness to pay (WTP) for sustainability.Design/methodology/approachThe authors develop a multi-level framework to examine the WTP for sustainability in a B2B context. The authors test this multi-level framework with 372 procurement managers from multiple sectors and countries using partial least squares structural equation modeling.FindingsThe authors find that individual values of procurement managers and institutional pressures directly, while ethical organizational culture indirectly influence WTP for sustainability. Functional and cognitive competencies of procurement managers improve the sustainability of procurement, but not WTP for sustainability. Importantly, WTP for sustainability directly influences the performance of the procurement function which in turn is positively associated with increased organizational performance.Originality/valueThe study, examining the interplay between individual, organizational and contextual factors, provides empirical evidence on the pivotal role of procurement managers in diffusing sustainability throughout the supply chain. The findings of the study, on the one hand, contribute to the literature on operations management and sustainability, and on the other hand, guide policy and managerial actions.