Anna Maria Jeszka

Herbs and spices are traditionally added to food in cuisines around the world. Antioxidant activity and content of bioactive compounds were compared in oregano, sage, basil, rosemary, and herbal mixtures. After optimization of ultrasound-assisted extraction of the ethanol–water extracts, the content of reducing compounds of the herb extracts was tested using the Folin–Ciocalteu method, and antioxidant capacity was evaluated with ABTS (2,2’-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)diammonium salt) and DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical) assays. Oregano showed the highest antioxidant activity in all tests used (2.6 mg of gallic acid equivalent (GAE) per mL in the Folin–Ciocalteu test, 4.6 mg Trolox/mL in the ABTS assay, and 3.3 mg Trolox/mL in the DPPH assay) while rosemary had the lowest antioxidant activity (1.2 mg GAE/mL (Folin–Ciocalteu), 1.5 mg Trolox/mL (ABTS), and 1.3 mg Trolox/mL (DPPH)). Apart from antioxidant properties, the content of bioactive compounds was determined with the use of high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). It was found that in all tested Lamiaceae herbs and the herbal mixes, rosmarinic acid widely predominates as a major non-volatile phenolic constituent, and its content varies from 1121 µg/g in rosemary to 10,255 µg/g in herbes de Provence. High concentrations were also observed for quinic acid in both oregano and rosemary. Interestingly, the concentrations of rosmarinic acid in the group of herbs studied are positively correlated with the results obtained in the Folin–Ciocalteu, ABTS, and DPPH tests (Spearman’s correlation coefficient 0.7030, 0.6657, and 0.7188, respectively), whereas no such correlation is observed for quinic acid. Overall, the findings indicate that these herbs share a common hydroxycinnamate-based phytochemical framework but display clear species-specific differences reflecting their intrinsic metabolism. Furthermore, the concentration of 3-caffeoylquinic acid in the Sicilian herbs (1021 µg/g) was approximately 10 times higher compared to the samples of Dalmatian herbs, herbes de Provence, and pure herbs, which demonstrates the unique chemical composition of that mixture, including the presence of dried tomatoes and tarragon, which were not included in other tested herbal mixtures.

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to identify and assess the key digital AND technical competencies necessary for effective supply chain management in the realities of Industry 5.0. under conditions of accelerated digitization. Research methodology: the study was conducted using a diagnostic survey method, based on a CAWI questionnaire addressed to a purposively selected group of 34 senior managers - directors of logistics, purchasing and owners of companies operating in Poland and abroad. Competencies were assessed using a three-point Likert scale. Results: The most frequently indicated competency was the ability to solve problems in a digital environment, considered a basic requirement for effective leadership. This included analytical, interpersonal and strategic skills. The importance of complex thinking, projective planning, general technological knowledge, and data and information analysis was particularly strongly emphasized. Both Polish and foreign market managers emphasized the need to develop competencies that allow them to operate efficiently in a complex and rapidly changing environment. Research limitations/implications: The limitation of the study remains the small, purposefully selected sample of respondents, which limits the possibility of fully generalizing the results. However, the results obtained can serve as a starting point for further quantitative and qualitative research, taking into account industry and cultural differences. Practical implications: The results of the survey can support HR departments and managers responsible for talent development in planning training programs to improve the skills of managers. Particular attention should be paid to developing digital skills linked to supply chain management in an integrated technology environment. Social implications: The study emphasizes that the development of digital competencies must go hand in hand with social skills, supporting the human-centric nature of Industry 5.0. This approach can foster a sustainable work environment. Originality/value: The article brings a new perspective to the issue of managerial competencies, highlighting their digital dimension in supply chain management in the medical equipment industry. It provides a valuable contribution to academia, business practitioners and HR departments. Keywords: digital competencies, managers, supply chain, Industry 5.0, medical equipment sector, digital transformation. Category of the paper: research paper.

In many sectors of the economy, the global changes brought about by COVID-19, the war in Ukraine and the ensuing economic crisis have challenged the hitherto used social competencies necessary to successfully manage companies in sustainable supply chains. The slogan of sustainability has now become a household word in the global economy. At the same time, the EU is moving from a 4.0 to a 5.0 economy, with increasing attention being paid to the soft competencies of future managers. This article aims to present the patterns of competencies in supply chains and to identify the relevance of specific social competencies for doing business in the face of the above challenges. The survey was conducted among selected experts from the healthcare industry, who were asked to identify the importance of social competencies. This choice was primarily motivated by certain characteristics of the industry. This work aims to determine which social competencies seem to be essential for future managers in sustainable supply chains and the transformation towards a 5.0 economy. The answer to this question is crucial for research and teaching centers aiming to educate future managers at the highest level of specific social competencies and skills in a business environment. Given the dynamic development of specific industries, it is reasonable to identify the needs in the areas of social skills.

Nettle is a common plant that offers many health benefits and is grown all over the world. The content of active compounds in roots, stems, and leaves was determined based on the extraction procedure optimized using the Central Composite Design. Flavonols, phenolic acids, trigonelline, nicotinamide, nicotinic acids, and short-chain organic acids were determined with the use of LC–MS/MS and capillary isotachophoresis. Trigonelline, which was not previously reported in the roots and stems of nettle, was found in all parts of the plant and considerable variations in its content were observed (2.8–108 µg g⁻¹). Furthermore, the Principal Component Analysis taking into account more variables demonstrated differences in the content of bioactive components between roots and aerial parts of nettle.

Celem artykułu jest uzasadnienie celowości i przydatności tworzenia schematów analitycznych w badaniach i publikacjach naukowych. Schemat analityczny, rozumiany tutaj jako koncepcyjna i metodyczna rama (zarówno samego badania, jak i późniejszych tekstów naukowych), porządkuje logiczny wywód badacza, pozwalając na prześledzenie sposobu dochodzenia do twierdzeń i ich uzasadniania. Opisując podstawowe elementy schematu oraz obrazując proces jego powstawania (na przykładzie wyłaniania się pomysłu badania łańcuchów wartości dóbr luksusowych), próbujemy udowodnić, dlaczego tworzenie koncepcyjnych i metodycznych ram badania zwiększa spójność i przejrzystość badania, co w konsekwencji podnosi jakość badań i publikacji.