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‘De-learning, to learn again’ : towards a critical environmental pedagogy in Malta
No full textThis research is a qualitative inquiry into the history and current
characteristics of environmental education in Malta. As a former British
colony, Malta’s curriculum, including environmental education, was heavily
influenced by the British standardized curriculum until the 1990s. Existing
literature suggests that this may have functioned to de-center generational
place-based knowledge and highlight the environmental knowledge and
ideologies of a colonizing group. However, there is a gap in the literature that
recognizes environmental education as a contested field in Malta and other
post-colonial regions. In this research, I use semi-structured interviews to
explore educators’ experience with environmental teaching in the formal
education system in Malta. As indicated in the results, participants identified
several challenges to environmental education in Malta, including limitations
of the formal education system, structural factors influencing teacher agency
and environmental attitudes, and perceived nature disconnectedness. I
interpret these results through a lens of critical pedagogy and post-colonial
theory, suggesting that influences of colonialism might still be reflected in
present-day environmental education, through a lasting impact of colonial
curricula and a sense of disconnection with natural spaces. I suggest that
there is reason to reconsider environmental education as a ‘neutral’ field in
Malta, and that a critically-informed environmental pedagogy has the potential to become a site of critique, resistance, and action. I conclude with
ideas for what this pedagogy might look like, built on insights from critical
pedagogy, post-colonial theory, and the experiences of educators who
participated in this research.peer-reviewe
Cognitive design of collaborative human-robot workstations in Industry 5.0 : a Kansei Engineering approach to quantifying emotions in problem decomposition.
No full textHuman-centricity is at the frontier of the novel Industry 5.0 paradigm, in which the well-being of the operator is not solely acknowledged but is actively heeded to. One application of this is in human-robot collaboration (HRC). Working in proximity to a collaborative robot has stemmed productivity, flexibility and assistance, but has also amassed concerns for safety. Designing physically safe HRC workstations is well established in scholarly work and international standards. However, attention must also be directed towards the cognitive facet of safety. Unlike physical safety requirements such as speed or distance, which are reasonably quantifiable; quantification of cognitive requirements may not be as straightforward, owing to the subjectivity of user emotions. Consequently, this work contributes a Kansei Engineering approach geared towards identification and quantification of requirements related to cognitive safety requirements in HRC workstations. The outcomes of this study shall then be implemented within a broader Axiomatic Design (AD) of a physically and cognitively safe HRC workstation, underlining the suitability of using Kansei Engineering to quantify cognitive requirements in preparation of Axiom 1 and Axiom 2 of the Axiomatic Design process.peer-reviewe
The impact of artificial intelligence on enterprise decision-making processes
No full textPURPOSE: This paper examines how artificial intelligence (AI) enhances enterprise decisionmaking. It explores the influence of AI tools on decision speed, accuracy, and managerial
effectiveness. The study also identifies key human and organizational factors affecting
implementation success.DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: A quantitative survey of 92 enterprises from multiple
industries was conducted. Data were collected via a structured questionnaire and analyzed
using descriptive and correlation methods. The approach enables identification of
relationships between AI adoption, decision efficiency, and organizational barriers.FINDINGS: Results show that 93% of companies use AI, mainly in customer service, data
analysis, and decision support. AI improves efficiency and data-driven management but faces
barriers such as employee resistance and high costs. Understanding AI mechanisms and
managing change are critical competencies.PRACTICAL RECOMMENDATIONS: Companies should strengthen change management, enhance AI
literacy, and address employee adaptation issues. Effective leadership and transparent
communication can improve acceptance and outcomes. Aligning AI tools with human decisionmaking will maximize business value.ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The paper offers one of the first quantitative assessments of AI’s role in
enterprise decision-making. It highlights the synergy between algorithmic and human intelligence. The study contributes to understanding how AI reshapes management practices
and organizational agility.peer-reviewe
Power system preparedness for the challenges of electric mobility in passenger transport
No full textPURPOSE: This article assesses the readiness of the National Power System (NPS) to support
the growing adoption of electric vehicles in Poland. It analyzes the impact of electromobility
on energy demand, grid stability, and infrastructure. The primary objective is to evaluate
whether the NPS can accommodate one million electric vehicles. The study identifies
potential risks and highlights areas requiring further development.DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The analysis is based on statistical data and industry
reports concerning both the NPS and the electric vehicle (EV) market. Two scenarios are
examined: the current situation with approximately 80,000 vehicles and a projected scenario
involving one million cars. Estimation methods based on urban population and vehicle
counts are employed. The research also considers charger capacity and the potential for grid
congestion.FINDINGS: Although the current impact of electric vehicles (EVs) on overall energy
consumption remains limited, a fleet of one million EVs could have a substantial local effect.
Large urban areas are at risk of grid congestion during peak hours, and uncoordinated
charging may reduce available power reserves. Smart charging strategies and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technologies can help mitigate these challenges.PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Expanding charging infrastructure and implementing intelligent
energy demand management are essential. Investments in smart grids and energy storage
systems are necessary to support EV integration. Operators should plan for power balance
and maintain adequate system reserves. These findings provide valuable insights for shaping
energy and urban policy.ORIGINALITY/VALUE: This article presents a technical, energy, and regulatory analysis of
electromobility in Poland. It distinguishes itself with a realistic approach based on national
data. The analysis includes a novel assessment of local grid load, providing actionable
recommendations for operators and policymakers.peer-reviewe
Environmental DNA (eDNA) for the detection of marine vertebrate diversity in Maltese waters
No full textBackground/Objectives: Environmental DNA (eDNA) is increasingly recognised as a powerful
molecular tool for biodiversity monitoring, enabling the detection of species through
trace genetic material found in environmental samples. This study investigates the utility
of eDNA analysis for identifying vertebrate marine species in the central Mediterranean,
with a focus on taxa that serve as ecological indicators to local ecosystems. Methods:
Seawater samples were collected from nine sites around the Maltese Islands between May
and August 2021, at depths ranging from 2 to 5 m. Samples were filtered and DNA was
extracted, amplified and sequenced. The resulting sequences were processed through a
bioinformatics pipeline, clustered into molecular operational taxonomic units (MOTUs)
and assigned taxonomic identities using reference databases. Results: This study led to the
detection of 70 MOTUs, including ecologically important species such as the loggerhead
turtle (Caretta caretta), the striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba) and the bottlenose dolphin
(Tursiops truncatus), underscoring the method’s effectiveness in the detection of taxa of
conservation value. Additionally, we detected a number of overlooked Blenniidae and
Gobiidae taxa and deep-water or rarely encountered species such as the ocean sunfish (Mola
mola), Cornish blackfish (Schedophilus medusophagus), Haifa grouper (Hyporthodus haifensis)
and Madeira lantern fish (Ceratoscopelus maderensis). eDNA of the invasive dusky spinefoot
(Siganus luridus) and that of the lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpus), a species not previously
recorded in Maltese waters, was also detected during this study. The latter’s detection highlights
the potential of this methodology as an early detection tool for biological invasions.
Conclusions: These findings support the integration of eDNA surveillance into marine
biodiversity monitoring frameworks, particularly within marine protected areas to monitor
native indicator taxa and assess the effectiveness of conservation measures, but also in
ports and bunkering zones, where the risk of alien species introduction is elevated, with
potential subsequent invasive species expansion that impacts native species and habitats.peer-reviewe
Immediate environment and its influence on entrepreneurship of Generation Z representatives
Get PDFPURPOSE: The aim of the study was to analyze the role of the environment in shaping
entrepreneurial attitudes among Generation Z representatives. An attempt was made to
address the question of whether decisions regarding future business activities are influenced
by the immediate environment, including family and friends. Furthermore, a hypothesis was
proposed that the sector of parental professional activity significantly impacts their children's
career plans.DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The research method used was a survey conducted using a
questionnaire developed by the authors of the current study. The study was carried out on a
group of students from disciplines within the field of sports sciences, including students of
physical education, sport, tourism and recreation, and personal training. The research was
conducted at John Paul II University in Biala Podlaska and at the Faculty of Physical
Education and Sport in Biala Podlaska, Poland.FINDINGS: The study revealed that more than half of Generation Z representatives consider
starting their own business, with the vast majority preferring micro-enterprises (50.4%). Both
work experience and the presence of entrepreneurs in their immediate environment had a
significant impact on higher self-assessment of entrepreneurial abilities and soft skills.
Students rated their communication and problem-solving skills the highest, while their
practical knowledge of starting a business was rated the lowest.PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The research results indicate low self-assessment of practical
knowledge related to starting a business. It seems beneficial to introduce practical courses
and workshops on business registration procedures. Universities should support
entrepreneurial development through business incubators, mentoring programs, and
collaboration with experienced entrepreneurs. Given the growing interest in the health sector,
universities should adapt their curricula to meet the needs of this dynamically evolving market.ORIGINALITY/VALUE: This study stands out as it provides new insights into the entrepreneurial
attitudes of Generation Z in the context of sports-related fields. The findings can be used to
design educational programs and develop tools that support entrepreneurship among students.peer-reviewe
Contemporary threats in the financial market
Get PDFPURPOSE: This article analyses contemporary cyber threats to the financial market and
identifies practical strategies for mitigating these threats in the context of increasing
digitalisation. The study focuses on assessing the nature and impact of attacks on the
financial sector and identifying measures to strengthen the resilience of economic systems.DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The article employs theoretical methods, including
literature analysis, industry reports on cybersecurity, and an examination of incidents that
impacted the Polish financial system between 2020 and 2024. The first part characterises the
roles of the financial market in the economy. It then analyses the consequences of the
digitisation of financial services in the context of emerging cyberattacks and examines the
number and value of attacks on financial institutions in Poland. The research problem is
formulated as follows: What cyber threats pose the greatest challenge to the security of the
financial market, and what strategies can provide adequate protection against them? The
hypothesis is that integrated technology-based measures are insufficient to ensure the
cybersecurity of the financial market without effective customer education, as customers are
the primary participants in this market.FINDINGS: The Polish financial market is perceived by the public as the best protected
against cyber threats. On the other hand, banks – as key players in the financial market –
remain among the most frequently targeted entities in Poland. Compared to different
industries and institutions, banks are considered leaders in cybersecurity. In this respect,
Poles rate them even higher than technology companies or uniformed services. In 2024,
there was an increase in the use of artificial intelligence to create convincing advertising
materials for fraud, the automation of fraud processes, rapid domain changes in response to
blockages, the use of current events, e.g. economic ones, and the personalisation of attacks
for specific target groups (CSIRT - Computer Security Incident Response Team, KNF - Polish Financial Supervision Authority, 2024). A shift in cybercriminals' tactics was also
observed — instead of advanced, technical attacks, they are increasingly using social
engineering (a form of fraud in which the use of psychological and social factors is crucial to
the success of the attack). This strategy involves persuading people to transfer funds to
specified accounts themselves.PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Research confirms that institutions that prioritise cybersecurity
measures not only increase their resilience to cyber threats but also improve their financial
performance and increase shareholder value. It is not the scale of investment in
cybersecurity itself that has a significant impact on economic performance, but rather the
mere disclosure of such expenditure in reports. This reflects a shift away from a reactive
approach towards integrated strategies in which cybersecurity becomes a central element of
financial planning.ORIGINALITY/VALUE: Cybersecurity education plays a crucial role in the functioning of the
financial market, serving as one of the foundations of its stability and trust. Raising
awareness among employees and customers about digital threats significantly reduces the
risk of successful attacks. Aware users are the first line of defence against security incidents,
thus contributing to the minimisation of financial, operational and reputational losses.
Systematic education in the field of cybersecurity enhances the resilience of financial
institutions to emerging digital threats, thereby constituting an integral component of their
long-term security and development strategy.peer-reviewe
Post-mining sites as drivers of geoheritage and sustainable tourism : a study of visitor dynamics in Polish underground tourist mines (2019–2024)
Get PDFPURPOSE: This study examines the development and tourism performance of mines adapted
for public access in Poland, focusing on visitor statistics and site characteristics between
2019 and 2024.DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: By analyzing data from 12 underground sites, including
UNESCO-listed salt mines and lesser-known regional attractions, the paper assesses how
mining heritage contributes to geotourism and local development.FINDINGS: The findings highlight significant growth trends, especially in the Kłodawa Salt
Mine, which experienced a record increase in tourist numbers exceeding 1,600%. The study
also emphasizes the educational and cultural potential of these sites, which serve not only as
tourist destinations but also as platforms for geological outreach, heritage preservation, and
regional revitalization.PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Furthermore, the paper discusses infrastructural investments and
marketing strategies that have supported the expansion of underground tourism in Poland,
and contextualizes these trends within European examples.ORIGINALITY: The future of mining tourism lies in diversification, innovation, and heritagebased storytelling, with sites increasingly blending traditional exhibits with multimedia,
thematic events, and immersive experiences to attract a wider audience.Publication fee was subsidized
by The National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management.peer-reviewe
The role of artificial intelligence (AI) in shaping the educational capital of students at the University of Rzeszów : a comparison with traditional teaching
Get PDFPURPOSE: The purpose of this article is to explore the potential of artificial intelligence used
in higher education and to identify the challenges and benefits associated with its
implementation in the academic environment in Poland. Particular attention was paid to the
impact of AI on the educational process of students, in the context of an analysis of its
cooperation with the traditional teaching model implemented by a human teacher.DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: In order to achieve the research objectives, the theoretical
part of the study employed a literature analysis using the narrative review method and
critical analysis of scientific sources. In the empirical part, a quantitative approach was
adopted using the diagnostic survey method. The research tool was the author’s survey
questionnaire, made available electronically through the Google Forms platform. The survey
covered full-time and part-time students of the University of Rzeszów. The analysis focused
on the perception of the use of AI tools in education, their impact on the development of
competences, the level of acceptance and the relationship between AI and traditional
academic teaching. In addition, the analyses made use of reports and databases collected by
Google Scholar and ResearchGate, as well as reports and analyses taking into account the
Polish context (e.g. stat.gov.pl, Randstad.pl).FINDINGS: Students perceive artificial intelligence as a useful support in everyday
educational tasks, especially where speed and efficiency matter. For complex tasks, such as
dissertations or assessments, they approach AI with more caution. Respondents appreciate
AI mainly in teaching technical skills and as an aid to language learning, but are sceptical
about its role in teaching soft skills. They emphasise the irreplaceable function of the teacher
in shaping relationships and values. The most preferred form of learning appears to be a
hybrid model, combining digital technologies with direct didactic contact.PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: In the context of the implementation of artificial intelligence in
academic education, it is necessary to adopt a balanced, responsible approach, adjusted to
the specificities of higher education institutions. It is advisable to develop a hybrid model,
combining traditional teaching with AI capabilities, while maintaining the role of the teacher
as mentor and guide. The implementation of AI should be done in a phased and transparent
manner, taking into account the opinions of students and staff. Raising users’ awareness of
the technology’s possibilities and limitations through workshops and practical activities is also of key importance. The greatest potential for the application of AI lies in the teaching of
technical and hard skills, while for languages and soft skills it should have a supporting
function.ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The originality of the article consists in conducting an empirical study on
the role of artificial intelligence in shaping the educational capital of students in Poland in
relation to the traditional model of teaching implemented by a human teacher, which was
verified both through a literature review and empirical research conducted among students
of a selected university. The results make a unique contribution to the literature on the
subject and provide practical recommendations for educational policy.peer-reviewe
Small states as poster children of robust governance?
Get PDFBy combining the literatures of small states and of robust governance, we argue that
small states have inherent features contributing to their robustness in response to increasing
turbulence. While turbulence is the ‘new normal’ for large states, it is a long-experienced
‘normal’ for small states. Small states’ experience shows that responding to turbulence is
supported by pragmatic prioritisation of tasks, autonomy and networks of public leaders,
vigilance, collaborative administrative culture, bricolage, multi-functionality, and liquid
professionalism, as well as high social capital and societal trust. The interlinked elements of
robust governance foster and support each other, allowing small states not only to cope with
the challenges of limited scale and reduce the vulnerability of their political, economic, and
social spheres, but also effectively respond to unpredictable, uncertain and dynamic futures.peer-reviewe