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Ontology and diversity of soft structures : semantic dimensions in decision-making
Get PDFPURPOSE: Scientific literature addresses the essence of the diversity of Nature, meaning its
ontology and structures (both hard and soft). Studying these structures provides
opportunities to gain knowledge about Nature for both cognitive and utilitarian purposes.
One of these purposes is broadly understood Theory of Organization and Management. This
article aims to present the role of soft structures in explaining the representation of
structures, objects, and processes expressed in formal languages—mathematics and logic.DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: In scientific inquiry, significant emphasis is placed on the
concept of information, its role, and its importance in science and everyday life. This text will
also discuss the second dimension of our reality—ourselves—our structures of thinking and
communication in social processes, and their role in management practice. These so-called
soft structures have a broad presence in reality and carry semantic significance, especially
for humans in understanding our environment. The concept of information also plays a role
in understanding hard structures and, therefore, in understanding ourselves. This study
employs a critical analysis of the relevant literature, presenting the views of various scholars
from fundamental fields of knowledge that address these issues.PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The article presents the view that fractality and generativity
introduce new perspectives on soft structures compared to classical methods. These two
scientific categories utilize formal operationalization (mathematical and logical).ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The article first discusses the content from a methodological perspective
and then addresses the form, upon which hard structures (physics, technology, and others)
are based. The originality lies in combining fractality with generativity, an approach that is
absent in the existing literature in an operational sense.peer-reviewe
An uncommon case of Cushing’s syndrome : ectopic ACTH secretion
Get PDFCushing’s syndrome (CS) is the end result of long-standing exposure to increased levels of cortisol. This can be divided into two groups: exogenous and endogenous hypercortisolaemia. The former is usually the result of prolonged exposure to synthetic glucocorticoids. On the other hand, endogenous causes result from increased release of cortisol by the adrenal glands and can be ACTH-dependent or ACTH-independent. 80% of endogenous CS is due to ACTH-dependent cortisol excess secondary to a pituitary adenoma [1]. The remaining endogenous causes of CS are due to ACTH-independent adrenal causes (adrenal hyperplasia, adrenal adenomas, and adrenal carcinomas), followed by unknown sources, and ectopic ACTH secretion by neoplasms. The authors present a case of ectopic ACTH-dependent hypercortisolism due to an aggressive metastatic neuroendocrine tumour.peer-reviewe
The logic of expression in the philosophy of religion : Deleuze and Merleau-Ponty
Get PDFAs I am writing this, an alien life grows elsewhere in my house: Pleurotus
citrinopileatus, otherwise known as the yellow or golden oyster mushroom.
It came in the form of a kit. Inside a plastic wrapper, within an outer canvas bag,
there is a substrate block. The block comes ‘fully colonised’ with the mycelium
from which the mushrooms will grow. As is well known, the fungi we normally
see are only the fruiting bodies of a vast underground mycelial network, a fungal
web. This web forms complex, often mutually beneficial relationships with the
plants and soil around it.peer-reviewe
Addressing the dual challenge : managing smoking cessation in patients with diabetes
Get PDFSmoking increases complications and mortality in people with diabetes. Quitting delivers major benefits, but
physiological (weight gain, insulin sensitivity shifts) and psychological barriers make cessation harder in this
group. Our review article examined strategies tailored to people with diabetes. All smokers with diabetes should
receive clear, personalized advice to quit, embedded in routine care. Among the available medications, varenicline
has the strongest evidence in this population. Nicotine replacement therapy and bupropion may help but have
limited diabetes-specific data, so they should be used with caution. Tobacco harm reduction (e-cigarettes, heated
tobacco products) may facilitate switching away from combustible cigarettes and reduce exposure, although the
long-term safety and efficacy in diabetes remain uncertain. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists can aid
weight and glycemic control and may indirectly support cessation. Digital tools (apps, wearables, and remote
monitoring) offer real-time support and adherence tracking, although diabetes-specific effectiveness is still being
established. Smoking cessation in people with diabetes requires urgent attention. Evidence-based interventions
should be integrated into routine care, with particular attention given to early monitoring of glucose, body weight,
and blood pressure after quitting, plus structured follow-up. More research should develop and test tailored, long-term
strategies for this high-risk group, including pragmatic trials integrating harm reduction and digital support.peer-reviewe
Family dynamics and adolescent development : exploring the influences of family support, communication, and activities
Get PDFThe family serves as a primary context for adolescent development, shaping various aspects of wellbeing through elements such as family communication, support, and activities. Thus, the family exerts a profound influence on adolescent development across various domains, including social, emotional, and cognitive functioning. Family support, communication and activities play pivotal roles in shaping adolescents' identities, behaviours, and wellbeing. This study aims to explore how adolescents in Malta perceive the functioning of their families and the relationship between these perceived family dynamics and adolescent wellbeing indicators, including life satisfaction and resilience. The study uses Malta data from the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) survey, an international research initiative that examines the health behaviours of 11-, 13-, and 15-year-olds within social contexts. In Malta, Data were collected from students in Years 7, 9, and 11 following the established HBSC methodology. This study employs correlation analysis and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) to analyse these complex relationships.
Key findings reveal negative trends in family communication, family support, and parental support as adolescents progress through school, with older students reporting less frequent communication and lower levels of support compared to their younger peers. Males perceived slightly higher levels of family support and communication compared to females. Findings can thus inform strategies and priorities to enhance awareness and resources directed towards familial relationships and support systems essential for promoting better family relationships.peer-reviewe
Epidemiological insights and survival patterns in neuroendocrine neoplasia : a geographic perspective
Get PDFNeuroendocrine neoplasms, though rare, have shown marked increases in global incidence and prevalence over the
past decade, as demonstrated by cancer registry data and studies from specialised tertiary centres. However, it
remains unclear whether this represents a true increase in incidence or enhanced detection capabilities across various
countries. This review aims to analyse and discuss recently published data on the worldwide epidemiology of
gastroenteropancreatic NEN, and bronchopulmonary NEN and explore potential trends and differences in incidence
rates between large and small nations according to demographics, primary sites, grade and stage. Following PRISMA
guidelines, 59 cohort studies published between 2014 and 2024 were analysed. Findings reveal mixed demographic
patterns, with a slight male predominance in overall NEN incidence but site-specific variations influenced by genetic,
hormonal, and environmental factors. Median age at diagnosis is 60 years, though appendiceal NENs typically affect
younger individuals. Racial disparities were noted, with higher incidence rates among Black populations in the USA,
though findings varied across studies. Globally, the incidence of NENs has increased, with the most notable surge
reported in the USA between 1973 and 2012. Similar upward trends were observed in Europe, Asia, and Australia,
though to different extents. However, variations in data collection methods present significant challenges for
cross-national comparisons. The review highlights the need for standardised methodologies and further research to
address gaps in understanding NEN epidemiology in smaller nations and underrepresented regions.peer-reviewe
Evaluating CSR reporting credibility : evidence from Athex ESG index companies
Get PDFPURPOSE: Our research aims to access the credibility of CSR and sustainability reporting
among the ATHEX ESG companies in the context of the upcoming changes expected in the
EU due to the CSRD.DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: Our research methodology is grounded on the content
analysis of secondary data from the ATHEX ESG companies’ sustainability reports.FINDINGS: We found that 40% of the ATHEX ESG companies received external assurance
for their sustainability disclosures. GRI was the most commonly adopted framework (71.7%
reported “in accordance with” the GRI standards) with 36.7% of companies receiving
external assurance for reporting “in accordance with” the GRI. On the other end of the
spectrum 11.7% of companies demonstrated limited credibility as they relied solely on the
ATHEX ESG guidelines, without following any international standard.PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The findings reveal the need for more streamlined standards in
sustainability reporting as well as assurance practices both the Greek and European
context. While the majority of the companies surveyed follow at least one international
framework for reporting (GRI, SASB, UNGC), there is a significant gap to reach full
compliance with the upcoming CSRD requirements, especially in terms of assurance. These
insights can aid policymakers, regulators and practitioners wishing to support the
transition to harmonized and reliable sustainability reporting standards within the EU.ORIGINALITY/VALUE: Our research contributes empirical evidence to the limited literature on
the communication of credibility in sustainability reporting, within the under-researched
context of Greece. The use of a content analysis research methodology is replicable and
offers a benchmark of the current sustainability reporting credibility enhancing practices
among listed companies prior to the implementation of the CSRD, enabling future
comparative studies across Europe.peer-reviewe
Book review : Higher education in small islands : challenging the geographies of centrality and remoteness
No full textHigher education in small islands raises important issues for island communities and
allows for reflection on the usefulness of universities to the communities they ostensibly serve.
Baldacchino’s foreword and the editors’ introduction set out a range of key issues concerning
recruitment practices and the nature of resultant student cohorts, the quality and/or local
relevance of courses offered, and issues of international recognition, rankings and recruitment.
The latter are significant. The issue of whether it is preferable to choose the best applicants
from a global talent pool – or, rather, the range of foreign applicants who are willing to consider
positions in universities far from home and somewhat tangential to more conventional career
choices – or else lean towards homegrown talents is crucial to the character of island
universities. At its worst, recruiting heavily from overseas can lead to a reproduction of former
colonial systems or else, a bland internationalism with minimal local address.peer-reviewe
Advancements and challenges in floating photovoltaic installations focusing on technologies, opportunities, and future directions
Get PDFFloating and offshore photovoltaic (FPV) installations present a promising solution for addressing land-use conflicts while enhancing renewable energy production. With an estimated global offshore PV potential of 4000 GW, FPV systems offer unique advantages, such as increased efficiency due to water cooling effects and synergy with other offshore technologies. However, challenges related to installation costs, durability, environmental impacts, and regulatory gaps remain. This review provides a comprehensive and critical analysis of FPV advancements, focusing on inland, nearshore, and offshore applications. A systematic evaluation of recent studies is conducted to assess technological innovations, including material improvements, mooring strategies, and integration with hybrid energy systems. Furthermore, the economic feasibility of FPVs is analysed, highlighting cost–benefit trade-offs, financing strategies, and policy frameworks necessary for large-scale deployment. Environmental concerns, such as biofouling, wave-induced stress, and impacts on aquatic ecosystems, are also examined. The findings indicate that while FPV technology has demonstrated significant potential in enhancing solar energy yield and water conservation, its scalability is hindered by high capital costs and the absence of standardised regulations. Future research should focus on developing robust offshore floating photovoltaic (OFPV) designs, optimising material durability, and establishing regulatory guidelines to facilitate widespread adoption. By addressing these challenges, FPVs can play a critical role in achieving global climate goals and accelerating the transition to sustainable energy systems.peer-reviewe
Cooperation problems and bureaucratic infighting in small states : lack of planning and unclear rules?
Get PDFThis comparative study of the seven Nordic countries supports the assumption that cooperation problems and bureaucratic infighting in small states during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic were primarily the result of insufficient planning and unclear institutional rules, rather than conflicts over scarce resources. In Norway, Sweden, and Finland, ambiguity in legal mandates, overlapping agency responsibilities, and fragmented lines of authority significantly impaired coordination. These three cases reflect well-known vulnerabilities in small-state public administrations, where limited bureaucratic capacity and multi-role institutional structures can make decision-making processes both slower and more prone to miscommunication. The cases of Denmark and Iceland underscore how administrative cohesion and leadership clarity can compensate for size-related vulnerabilities. In both cases, informal coordination and trust-based decision-making – hallmarks of small-state governance – were mobilized effectively to maintain coherence under pressure. The Faroe Islands and Greenland present a different facet of small-state crisis management. Here, the main constraint was not coordination failure but capacity fatigue. While their compact administrative structures may have helped streamline decision-making, the chronic shortage of personnel and limited logistical resources meant that sustained response efforts taxed their systems heavily. These cases suggest that very small states may face a different kind of risk during protracted crises: not fragmentation, but exhaustion.peer-reviewe