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Line-start permanent magnet synchronous motors : evolution, challenges, and industrial prospects
Line-Start Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors (LSPMSMs) offer a hybrid solution that
combines the high efficiency of permanent magnet motors with the self-starting capability of
induction machines. This review examines their key performance characteristics, historical
development, and design approaches. Advantages such as high efficiency, improved
power factor, and operational stability are discussed alongside challenges like limited
critical inertia and synchronization issues. Design enhancements through rotor topology
optimization and cage resistance adjustment are also explored. Finally, market trends and
economic considerations are evaluated, highlighting the strong potential of LSPMSMs in
energy-efficient motor applications.peer-reviewe
Reengineering organizations in integrated transport management systems
PURPOSE: The article sequentially presents elements of technological development in
transportation and organization reengineering.DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: Τhe article aims to analyse integrated transport systems,
with an emphasis on their integration as a part of reengineering transport needs, and to
develop data flow models. Accordingly, the following research problem was formulated:
Should structural business modelling techniques be subject to organization reengineering
and teaching for future transport managers? Obtaining answers to the above questions
required the application of qualitative methods. The synthesis method and literature analysis
were used for research purposes.FINDINGS: Ιt characterizes Data Flow Diagram (DFD) models and describes the stages of
DFD modelling. It was stated that the indicated techniques can be used both for the analysis
of an existing system, to determine its functions, effectiveness, and efficiency, as well as for
collecting, describing, and modelling functions and data for a newly implemented system.PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Reengineering can be used to support the activities of transport
managers by providing timely, competition- and distortion-proof information representing an
appropriate level of information, as well as defending against various types of threats.ORIGINALITY/VALUE: A dynamically changing environment, progressing globalization,
increasing intensity of competition, and threats of crisis phenomena require the development,
improvement, and implementation of innovative management systems. The challenge lies in
skilfully selecting and implementing a management concept that is closely related to the
company's tradition, current state of enterprise, and external factors resulting from the
system's environment.peer-reviewe
Education, skills and the intensity of labour demand : a comparative study of EU countries
PURPOSE: The labour market plays a key role as one of the strategic elements of the modern
economy. Its appearance and functioning are changing under the influence of increasing
globalisation, and its importance is mainly due to the presence of human capital. The main
objective of this study was to analyse the intensity of labour demand in selected countries.DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The availability and comparability of statistical data made
it possible to calculate an indicator of labour demand intensity according to the educational
level of employees according to the ISCED classification and their level of qualification
according to the ISCO-08 classification. The research covered 24 of the 27 EU countries.FINDINGS: The components of the ISCO-08 classification for tertiary education were
characterised by higher variability. The intensity of labour demand in the group of people
with tertiary education was characterised by an upward trend. The results obtained allow us
to conclude that the labour market for tertiary graduates was characterised by a higher
intensity of labour demand irrespective of the level of the ISCO-08 classification of
occupations. Those with secondary education were more exposed to negative fluctuations in
the labour market.PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The research carried out allows for a better understanding and
analysis of the labour market situation, in particular the relationship between labour demand
and the qualifications and skills that employees possess.ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The article contributes to the development of knowledge on the
functioning of the contemporary labour market, which is undergoing a continuous process of
transformation under the influence of globalisation and the development of advanced
technology. It explains the relationship between one's education and qualifications and the
intensity of labour demand in selected European Union countries.peer-reviewe
Thermodynamic properties of non-singular Hayward black hole through the lens of minimal gravitational decoupling
In this article, we formulate three different solutions
by extending the regular Hayward black hole in
the background of gravitational decoupling, a well-known
approach to extend the existing solutions to the more generalized
domain. To do this, we consider a seed perfect fluid
spherical source and add an extra matter content in the Einstein’s
field equations. This makes the gravitational equations
more complex and thus we are required to implement
the decoupling technique, resulting in two subsystems. For
solving first of them representing perfect fluid setup, we consider
Hayward black hole. As the other system is concerned,
three constraints are taken into account to find the deformation
function which completes the solution. A particular
combination of both these solutions leads to a novel extension
analogous to the total fluid distribution. Afterwards,
we choose multiple values of the decoupling parameter to
graphically analyze the physical attributes for our resulting
solutions. Some thermodynamic characteristics are also discussed.
Finally, we conclude that the stability for all three
models remains preserved according to the specific heat and
Hessian matrix criteria.peer-reviewe
Construction of identity and transnationalism : a journey with Migrantour
Identities are formed through intertwined interactions amongst people, in the context of societal and institutional practices. Thus, experiences of migration impact the individual formation of different self-understandings, which need to navigate different cultures simultaneously. The study looks at the experiences of first and second-generation migrants who are intercultural companions in the Migrantour network. As Migrantour is a project aimed at creating a comprehensive view of cultures, combat stigma, and foster inclusion, the intercultural companions play a significant role in developing personalised narratives, mixing autobiographical and non-autobiographical testimonies with historical facts, to create a rich tour which makes everyone the protagonist of their own story. Through this acquired agency, intercultural companions develop a self-understanding of themselves, as well as a communal identity as part of a network.peer-reviewe
Financial resilience of cooperative banks : the Polish experience
OBJECTIVE: The financial resilience of a bank is the key to its stable development and a key
benchmark for the planning of its activities. Only financially resilient banks are able to
perform their functions effectively, withstand crisis and, most importantly, secure the trust of
their customers. The purpose of this article is to study the financial resilience of a
cooperative bank drawing on the example of one of the largest and oldest banks in Poland,
Poznański Bank Spółdzielczy.DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The methods of generalization, grouping, comparison,
analysis, and descriptive methods were used to analyze the activities and key indicators of
financial resilience of a cooperative bank. Statistical and graphical methods were used to
process the bank's data and arrange them in tables and figures. For the purposes of this
study, the data from the website of Poznański Bank Spółdzielczy for 2013-2023 were used.FINDINGS: The article analyzes the key performance indicators of a cooperative bank
reflecting its financial resilience. In particular, the bank's assets and its resource potential
(liabilities), as well as profitability, ROI and solvency of the bank. Based on the analysis of
these indicators, a conclusion about the overall assessment of the financial stability of a
cooperative bank has been drawn. Over the past ten years, the changes of the key
performance indicators of Poznański Bank Spółdzielczy indicates a stable development and
strengthening of its position in the financial market.PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: This article contributes to the body of literature on the peculiarities
of the cooperative banks’ operations. Besides, the study of the financial resilience of these
financial institutions allows us to better understand their ability to withstand financial
shocks, given their business peculiarities.ORIGINALITY/VALUE: A characteristic feature of cooperative banks is the possibility of
becoming an Associated Bank member. This allows them to rely on additional funding from
the Associated Bank where they need financial resources. Besides, Poznański Bank
Spółdzielczy is a member of the SGB Protection System, which was created by a group of
cooperative banks in Poland. This institution legally ensures the liquidity and solvency of the
banks in the system and can take effective measures to limit risk and ensure the resilience of
the cooperative bank. Such an internal structure of supervision over the operations of cooperative banks is a guarantee of stability and resilience of their operation and allows for
faster prevention of the impact of negative factors.peer-reviewe
A new model of public safety management in the voivodeship : the voivode's tasks
PURPOSE: The purpose of this paper is to define and analyze the role of the voivode as a local
government body responsible for protecting public safety and order, both before and after the
changes introduced in Poland by the new Act of December 5, 2024, on Population Protection
and Civil Defense. The paper aims to present the voivode's responsibilities under the new legal
system, and to indicate the extent to which this reform has strengthened their position as a key
entity responsible for coordinating activities in the sphere of public safety, order, and
population protection. The article also highlights the systemic consequences of the new
regulations and their impact on relations between the government and local government.DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The study utilizes a dogmatic legal method and an
institutional analysis, supplemented by a comparative legal approach, which allows fan
assessment of the differences between the previous and current legal frameworks regarding
the voivode's powers.FINDINGS: The analysis indicates that the provisions of the Act of December 5, 2024, on
Population Protection and Civil Defense significantly expanded the scope of the voivode's
powers in the areas of public safety, population protection, and civil defense. Compared to the
previous legal status, the voivode has become not only a coordinator but also a key authority
responsible for the organization, supervision, and cooperation of entities comprising the local
population protection system. At the same time, the provisions of the Act imprecisely regulate
the voivode's relationship with local government units, which in practice may raise doubts
about the legality of the voivode's actions and potentially excessive interference with the
constitutionally protected autonomy of local government.PRACTICAL IMPLICATION: Clarifying the scope of coordination, cooperation, supervision,
management, and collaboration between the voivode and local government authorities
appears crucial to ensuring both the effectiveness of civil protection activities and respect for
the principle of decentralization of public authority. Whether the new regulations, while
strengthening the security system in Poland, will also pose a potential threat to the autonomy
of local governments remains to be seen.ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The issue of redefining the role of the voivode within the system of security
authorities in Poland in the context of the changes introduced by the Act on Civil Protection
and Civil Defense has not been widely analyzed in the literature. This paper provides a
synthetic and comparative overview of these changes and formulates de lege ferenda postulates that can serve as a starting point for further discussion on changes that increase
the transparency and effectiveness of the security system in Poland and their effects, which
may threaten the constitutionally protected autonomy of Polish local governments.peer-reviewe
Integrating financial management with intelligent technologies : financial services companies case study
PURPOSE: The goal of the research is to investigate the role of intelligent technologies,
including Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Big Data analytics, in enhancing
financial management practices within banking and non-banking institutions. The study aims
to identify how technology adoption influences operational and economic efficiency,
financial stability and resilience, competitiveness, and strategic decision-making, while also
addressing the challenges of digital transformation in the financial services sector.DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The research methodology is based on a case study
approach that analyzes the integration of intelligent technologies into financial management
practices in digital-only, traditional, and hybrid financial institutions. The case study
integrates qualitative insights from interviews and structured questionnaires with
quantitative assessments of financial performance indicators. To evaluate the research
results and to provide a comprehensive perspective on the impact of intelligent technologies
on the effectiveness of financial management practices, SWOT analysis and weighted
evaluation models were applied.FINDINGS: The findings suggest that intelligent technologies enhance financial management
through optimized operational efficiency, economic performance and financial stability,
increased customer base and competitiveness, improved risk management, inclusivity and
institutional resilience. Digital-only financial institutions demonstrate rapid innovation and
strong customer engagement, while traditional maintain stability through a focus on
customer satisfaction with comprehensive service offerings and their trust, but with relatively
slower technology adoption. Hybrid models leverage the combination of physical and digital
channels to strengthen service delivery and expand presence on regional financial markets.
Challenges related to cybersecurity and regulatory changes, increasing competition from
agile fintech companies, investment requirements in innovative technologies and workforce
training, highlight the importance of adaptive strategies to digitally driven global financial
market.PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The research results demonstrate that strategic integration of
intelligent technologies can improve operational efficiency, financial resilience, customer
satisfaction,, while also supporting financial inclusion. Financial institutions that effectively
adopt AI and analytics are better equipped to respond to market dynamics, enhance competitiveness, and sustain long-term growth. Key enablers include investment in
technology and talent, regulatory monitoring, and fostering an innovation-driven culture.ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The study demonstrates that intelligent technologies are critical for
modern financial management and competitive positioning. By comparing digital,
traditional, and hybrid institutions, the research provides practical and theoretical insights
into how technology adoption reshapes financial performance, strategic decision-making,
and customer engagement, offering guidance for institutions navigating digital
transformation.peer-reviewe
Artificial intelligence in public health : promises, challenges, and an agenda for policy makers and public health institutions
Artificial intelligence (AI) can rapidly analyse large and complex datasets, extract tailored recommendations, support
decision making, and improve the efficiency of many tasks that involve the processing of data, text, or images. As such, AI
has the potential to revolutionise public health practice and research, but accompanying challenges need to be addressed.
AI can be used to support public health surveillance, epidemiological research, communication, the allocation of resources,
and other forms of decision making. It can also improve productivity in daily public health work. Core challenges to its
widespread adoption span equity, accountability, data privacy, the need for robust digital infrastructures, and workforce
skills. Policy makers must acknowledge that robust regulatory frameworks covering the lifecycle of relevant technologies
are needed, alongside sustained investment in infrastructure and workforce development. Public health institutions can
play a key part in advancing the meaningful use of AI in public health by ensuring their staff are up to date regarding
existing regulatory provisions and ethical principles for the development and use of AI technologies, thinking about how
to prioritise equity in AI design and implementation, investing in systems that can securely process the large volumes of
data needed for AI applications and in data governance and cybersecurity, promoting the ethical use of AI through clear
guidelines that align with human rights and the public good, and considering AI’s environmental impact.peer-reviewe
Shifting structures : promoting gender mainstreaming for structural & systemic change vol. 1
This publication is the result of a collaborative effort between the University
of Malta’s Department of Gender and Sexualities and the Human Rights
Directorate. While the University of Malta regularly hosts research symposiums
to showcase student research, this initiative marks the first symposium
dedicated exclusively to themes related to gender mainstreaming.
In early 2024, a call for abstracts was issued, inviting research contributions
that explore the intersections of gender, work, care, and social structures. The
Women and Gender Studies Symposium, held in September 2024, featured
three sessions focusing on gender roles, the dynamics of paid and unpaid
work, and the intersections of gender-based violence and sexuality. The
selected research papers examine critical themes, including gender and family
structures, the gendered dimensions of care work, well-being in professional
and institutional settings, and the interplay between care, sexuality, and
vulnerability. From the submissions received, eight pieces were chosen for
inclusion in this publication.
We extend our sincere gratitude to the Department of Gender and Sexualities,
particularly its Head, Prof. JosAnn Cutajar, for partnering with the HRD’s Gender
Mainstreaming Unit in the organization of this symposium. We also acknowledge
the dedication of all contributing researchers, whose work advances scholarly
discourse on gender equality and care work. Their contributions not only enrich
academic inquiry but also inform policy and practice in this crucial field.peer-reviewe