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Pregnancy outcomes among patients with inappropriate sinus tachycardia
Get PDFBACKGROUND: About one percent of the population is affected by inappropriate sinus tachycardia. Little is known about this condition during pregnancy. Our objectives were to get a deeper understanding of the natural course of inappropriate sinus tachycardia in pregnancy and to investigate maternal and foetal outcomes.METHODS: Forty-two pregnant women with symptoms consistent with inappropriate sinus tachycardia were included in this observational cohort study and compared to 42 control pregnant women.RESULTS: No significant difference was found in age, twin pregnancy, diabetes, blood pressure, and hemoglobin level while the gravida of the inappropriate sinus tachycardia group was significantly lower than control (p-Value=0.002). The symptoms resolved in the majority (83%) of cases within 2 weeks of delivery. Pregnant patients with inappropriate sinus tachycardia have higher unscheduled hospital visits (38.1 vs 9.5%; p-Value=0.002) and induction of labor (45.2% vs 23.8%; p-Value=0.039).CONCLUSION: Hospital visits and induction of labor were higher in pregnant patients with inappropriate sinus tachycardia which may not be necessary with more emphasis should be on empathic care and patient education.peer-reviewe
What do people make of “ecosystem based fisheries management”?
Get PDFThe topic of Ecosystem Based Fisheries Management (EBFM) and related terminology has attracted considerable scholarly debate and inspired regulatory interventions across Europe. Yet little attention has been paid to the general public’s awareness or understanding of this term and its implications for marine policy. We employ a unique and representative data set (n=542) from the United Kingdom (UK) and examine (i) the extent to which the public is aware of the concept of Ecosystem Based Fisheries Management, (ii) the demographic correlates of such awareness and understanding, and (iii) whether the public’s understanding converges with scientific notions and regulatory definitions. Our headline finding is that the vast majority of adults in the UK have never heard of EBFM. Participants who attempt to explain what they understood by EBFM associate it primarily with protecting the marine environment and safeguarding fish stocks. While this broadly conforms to scientific and regulatory notions, very few respondents mention socio-economic aspects, regulatory considerations, reliance on science/data or climatic issues. Examination of the correlates of awareness reveals that people who work in marine sectors, who fish more regularly, who have higher awareness of sustainability issues, and who are financially better off are more likely to have heard of EBFM. Among those who attempted a definition, older people were more likely to mention maintaining fish stocks, and people with higher marine education or whose family members worked in the marine sector, were more likely to mention regulatory aspects. Data and climate themes were less likely to be mentioned by those who had never heard of EBFM. Public support can be pivotal for successful implementation of fisheries management, but our findings suggest that there remains a significant gap to be addressed between scientific/regulatory notions and the public’s understanding of EBFM. In this regard, we offer some insights for communication of EBFM among the UK public.peer-reviewe
Environmental patriarchy in a small democracy : women politicians’ experiences of patriarchy in Manx politics
Get PDFThe Isle of Man is a small European democracy with very close ties to the United Kingdom. Despite in 1881 becoming the first jurisdiction to allow women to vote in national elections, throughout the twentieth century women have been substantially underrepresented in the Manx parliament, Tynwald. Drawing on constitutional documents and original qualitative interviews, this paper argues that two long standing environmental factors posing a challenge to more equal representation – the social and built environments – have been joined in the 21st century by a third: the online environment. All three are shaped by the characteristics of the Isle of Man as a small democracy. These key features, in particular intimacy, capacity, and the lack of strong party institutionalisation, are not shared with the UK; but are shared with other small democracies. This detailed study of the Isle of Man, then, can contribute to understanding of women and politics in small democracies. [excerpt]peer-reviewe
Proactive prevention programmes as a tool for improving urban security on the example of Warsaw in Poland
Get PDFPURPOSE: The article discusses proactive prevention programmes as an example of an
effective tool for improving security and revitalizing criminological urban space in the center
of Warsaw, Poland. A proactive approach to crime prevention can be important because it
involves pre-emptive action to identify potential threats and mitigate them before criminal
events occur.DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: On the example of the author’s experience in the
preparation and implementation of the innovative prevention programme “SEKTOR” in
Warsaw, an attempt was made to examine the relationship between a proactive approach to
security management and the effectiveness of this form of action. In addition, the
effectiveness resulting from the integration of various types of services responsible for
security and public order, local government administration and the private sector was
considered. Effective identification of threats and implementation of rapid and accurate
interventions are included. In the research process, the focus was primarily on empirical
methods, characteristic of the field of social sciences. The theoretical foundations of crime
prevention are also taken into account in the context of conclusions from the analysis of the
course of activities and innovative human resources management.FINDINGS: Referring to the results of this study based on a specific prevention programme,
attention is drawn to its impact on reducing the level of crime and increasing the sense of
security among people in the area where it was implemented. In the context of the analysis of
the effectiveness of preventive measures, the article also touches on the role of new
technologies that support security management, such as a monitoring system or integrated
communication, and enable faster response to events. It was indicated how the use of
technological solutions and interinstitutional cooperation translates into real effects in the
form of reducing crime and improving the sense of security.PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: For the effectiveness of proactive prevention, the involvement of
local institutions and extensive cooperation with relevant entities operating in the local
community is important. The importance of adapting to changing urban and social realities
is crucial for maintaining a high level of security in large cities. Proactivity — in practice
giving way to “soft” preventive methods — can give immediately visible and lasting effects if
the pursuit of improving public security and order is supported by appropriate resources and
well-motivated public services in one place and time.ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The author describes the challenges and limitations related to the
implementation of proactive actions in the context of changing threats, such as homelessness,
drug addiction, pedophilia, prostitution and common crime. The role of education and engaging residents in prevention activities was also emphasized, which in the long term can
contribute to the creation of more resilient communities. The results of the functioning of the
selected prevention programme were analysed, which, due to the use of a proactive
approach, differed significantly from classic prevention initiatives carried out, among others,
by the Police.peer-reviewe
Motivation as a driving force for achievement in micro and small enterprises : differences from the gender perspectives
Get PDFPURPOSE: The aim of the research is to compare the impact of extrinsic and intrinsic
motivation on the performance of companies established by women and by men.DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The study involved a random sample of 32 micro and small
enterprises led by women and 58 enterprises run by men. The research was conducted in
Poland, using a questionnaire-based interview, in the south-eastern part of the Wielkopolskie
Voivodship. The research covered the period from 2020 to 2022. Empirical data were
compiled using the STATISTICA software. To examine the strength of the relationship
between variables, the non-parametric gamma rank correlation method was applied.FINDINGS: The study demonstrated that the influence of extrinsic and intrinsic motivation on
the performance of female- and male-led enterprises differs. The performance of women-led
enterprises is more strongly influenced by factors related to intrinsic motivation than those
related to extrinsic motivation. In contrast, in men-led enterprises, the impact of both types of
motivation is similar.PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The findings may be useful to the business community, academia, and
policymakers. For policymakers, they provide arguments for supporting both women’s and
men’s entrepreneurship, particularly in countries with similar cultural contexts and economic
development levels to Poland.ORIGINALITY/VALUE: By offering a new perspective on the motivational factors influencing
women and men in relation to enterprise performance, the article fills a gap in the literature
and serves as a basis for further research.peer-reviewe
Multinational perspective on sports tourists’ motivations for effective event planning and management
Get PDFPURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to understand the motivations of sports tourists
participating in international running events and to examine how these motivations shape
participants’ experiences and perceptions of taking part in overseas races.DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The study was based on a qualitative methodology. Twelve
semi-structured interviews were conducted with international runners from the United
Kingdom, Germany, and Ukraine who participated in the Poznan Half Marathon 2025. Data
analysis was carried out using a thematic approach, allowing for the identification of key
motivations and experiences.FINDINGS: The findings indicate three main areas of motivation: (1) identity and lifestyle
related motivations – participation as an expression of personal narrative and rituals; (2)
socio-cultural motivations – the importance of local culture and social interactions; (3)
emotional-hedonistic motivations – emotional experiences related to the event, such as
satisfaction, stress, and joy. Together, these dimensions shape the comprehensive experience
of sports tourism.PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The study’s findings suggest that event organizers should design
running experiences that account for the diverse motivations of participants, rather than
focusing solely on physical and athletic aspects. Integrating cultural elements, social spaces,
and emotional support can significantly enhance participant satisfaction and engagement,
while also contributing to the development of sustainable sports tourism.ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The study provides insights into the multidimensional motivations of
participants in international running events, extending beyond traditional performance- or
fitness-oriented perspectives. By integrating identity, socio-cultural, and emotionalhedonistic dimensions, the research highlights the complex interplay between personal,
social, and cultural factors in sports tourism experiences. This contributes to the literature
on event management and sports tourism by emphasizing the need for holistic, participantcentered approaches in the design and promotion of international running events.peer-reviewe
A place for meetings, leisure, and activity : the multifunctionality of the Eastern Boulevard in Szczecin
Get PDFPURPOSE: The analysis of the functionality of the Eastern Boulevard in Szczecin as a public
space serving recreation, social integration, and place identity building. The focus was on
identifying the recreational behaviors of the boulevard's users and assessing the extent to
which it meets the needs of residents and tourists.DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The study employed covert and participant observation
methods, conducted systematically over a ten-month period. The primary objective was to
determine the motivations driving individuals to engage in recreational activities along the
Eastern Boulevard, along with an analysis of its strengths and weaknesses through a SWOT-TOWS framework.FINDINGS: The Eastern Boulevard serves as a multifunctional meeting and recreation space,
exhibiting strong seasonal variations in activity and a diversity of leisure-time uses. While it
holds significant recreational potential, measures are needed to mitigate the seasonality of
space utilization.PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The study findings indicate the need for further adaptation of the
boulevard's space to evolving user needs, including the expansion of gastronomic offerings,
cultural events, and recreational infrastructure. The importance of maintaining a balance
between recreational functions, social interactions, and the preservation of cultural heritage
was emphasized.ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The study provides a new perspective through long-term observation
hidden in natural conditions, enabling the capture of authentic behavior of users of urban
space. It also contributes to the development of research on the contemporary use of
waterfront spaces in medium-sized European cities.Co-financed by the Minister of Science under the “Regional Excellence
Initiative”.peer-reviewe
Position paper : advocating for a structured methodology in developing data-driven predictive models for healthcare - evidence from a large-scale national study
Get PDFBackground Despite the growing adoption of predictive models in healthcare, the development process is often inconsistent
and lacks methodological rigour. Many models are created ad hoc, without transparent handling of missing data, proper
validation, or alignment with clinical workflows. These shortcomings have undermined trust, reproducibility, and generalisability, especially in high-stakes environments like emergency care.
Objectives This position paper aims to advocate for the adoption of structured, transparent, and reproducible methodologies
in the development of predictive models for healthcare. Drawing on a large-scale national study of emergency department
(ED) visits in Malta, the paper demonstrates that methodological discipline, guided by data science principles, clinical
expertise and an understanding of human decision-making behaviour leads to safer, more trustworthy, and clinically relevant
models.
Methods Using over 32 million data points from 650,000 ED visits across six years, the study employed a structured modelling pipeline that integrated clinical and administrative data sources. The methodology included Cognitive Task Analysis
(CTA) to map triage decision-making, rigorous feature engineering based on clinical workflows, handling of missing data
through informed strategies, and robust model validation using XGBoost with stratified cross-validation and calibration
analysis. Importantly, domain experts were involved throughout the development lifecycle to ensure clinical relevance and
interpretability.
Results The structured methodology enabled the development of predictive models that reflected the real-world complexity of ED triage, achieved strong performance, and gained clinician acceptance. The models aligned with staged clinical
decision-making and were interpretable, trustworthy, and feasible to scale across healthcare environments. Through transparent documentation, robust calibration, and post-deployment monitoring protocols, the models demonstrated readiness for
clinical integration.
Conclusions The study confirms that structured, domain-informed methodologies are not only feasible at scale but essential
for the responsible deployment of predictive models in healthcare. This approach ensures safety, fosters trust, promotes
reproducibility and increases the likelihood that the model is used and adopted in real clinical settings. The authors call on
researchers, developers, and regulators to establish such methodologies as the standard for AI and data-driven approaches in
healthcare, particularly in high-stakes applications where poor model performance can lead to clinical harm.peer-reviewe
Bilingual literacy for learners with intellectual disabilities : an intersectional position
Get PDFEquitable literacy for learners with Intellectual Disabilities (ID) who are bilingual is often hindered by monolingual frameworks. This paper presents bilingual literacy as a right and a practical means to participation, rather than an optional addition. Using the Maltese context alongside international research, the paper compiles evidence on effective literacy practices for bilingual learners with ID. It reframes them through an intersectional perspective that acknowledges how disability, language, culture, and schooling systems should jointly create opportunities. The author translates this perspective into design principles for classroom practice and system leadership, highlighting common contextual difficulties, limited protected planning time, unclear language-of-instruction policies, and inconsistent preparation for bilingual, disability-responsive teaching. The author proposes solutions grounded in intersectional competence. In conclusion, a research agenda is proposed to test and expand intersectionally positioned biliteracy approaches.peer-reviewe
Comparative profitability of tobacco and field tomatoes in Poland, 2023-2025
Get PDFPURPOSE: The study aims to assess and compare the economic performance and profitability
of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) and field tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) cultivation in
Poland during 2023-2025. It identifies production, cost, and income determinants for both
crops and evaluates their potential role within the framework of sustainable agricultural
development and the European Green Deal.DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The research was conducted using data derived from two
national farm accountancy systems: AGROKOSZTY and the Polish FADN, which are partially
compatible with each other. The analysis covered eight farms growing tobacco and a group of
tomato producing farms. Cost and income accounts were compiled according to the
AGROKOSZTY system methodology, distinguishing direct and indirect costs, gross margins,
and income both with and without subsidies. Additional data were obtained from Statistics
Poland, the Agency for Restructuring and Modernisation of Agriculture, and sectoral
organisations. All financial data were converted into euros based on the National Bank of
Poland’s exchange rates.FINDINGS: Results indicate that in the research years (2023-2025) the production value of field
tomatoes (EUR 14,566–19,392/ha) exceeded that of tobacco (EUR 11,293–12,759/ha) by 29–
52%. However, tomato cultivation incurred approximately five times higher direct costs (EUR
9,031–9,877/ha) than tobacco (EUR 1,877–1,916/ha). Consequently, from production of
tobacco achieved higher and more stable incomes from activity, while tomato profitability
declined sharply after 2023. In 2025, costs represented about 90% of the tomato farm gate
price, compared with 58% for tobacco. Both crops are labour-intensive, with over 60% of total
labour provided by farmers and family members. Income from tobacco cultivation covered
family labour costs in all years, while in tomato farms this occurred only in 2023–2024.PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The findings demonstrate the economic challenges of field tomato
cultivation under Polish climatic conditions and its strong dependence on domestic processing
demand. The results of research may inform farm-level decision-making and agricultural
policy related to crop diversification, subsidy allocation, and sustainable production models.ORIGINALITY/VALUE: This study provides the first systematic comparative assessment of the
production and income structure of tobacco and field tomatoes in Poland using harmonised
AGROKOSZTY–FADN data. It contributes to the discussion on sustainable alternatives to
tobacco cultivation and offers evidence-based insights for policymakers and producers.peer-reviewe