24762 research outputs found
Sort by
Law, humanities and tourism : interdisciplinay approaches to the restitution of cultural heritage
No full textThis edited volume, Law, Humanities, and Tourism: Interdisciplinary Approaches and Discussions to a Restitution of Cultural Heritage, Artworks, and Artifacts, embarks on a comprehensive exploration of these issues. Returning stolen art to its original owners or countries is motivated by ethical, legal, political, cultural, and economic factors. For instance, Slovenia's dogged pursuit of missing artworks is instructive, as many works of art were brought to safety during WWII but never returned. At the core is the ethical imperative to rectify past wrongs, particularly when art was taken during war, colonialism, or genocide. Many view the return of such works as a necessary act of justice and respect for the cultural heritage and identity of the original owners or countries. This ethical perspective is reinforced by international laws and conventions, as argued by the legal experts in this book, which prohibit illicit trade in cultural property and promote restitution. Legal obligations and proven ownership claims can compel individuals or nations to return stolen works to avoid litigation or penalties.
However, from a political perspective, returning stolen art can serve as a gesture of goodwill that strengthens diplomatic ties, promotes international cooperation, and mitigates criticism. Countries or institutions often act to demonstrate their commitment to justice and to improve their global standing, especially when faced with public pressure. Cultural motivations also play a role, as restitution can foster dialogue, understanding, and reconciliation between cultures. It is sometimes part of broader agreements that involve cultural exchange or collaboration between institutions in the form of indefinite loans. Some solutions given here are based on a perspective of tourism, marketing and branding.
Economic and reputational incentives further influence these decisions. Countries that return art may benefit from increased cultural tourism and international recognition, while museums and private collectors seek to uphold or enhance their reputations as legitimate and ethical entities. By returning stolen art, they distance themselves from the stigma of possessing looted artefacts and align themselves with global heritage preservation. Essentially, the decision to return stolen art is often shaped by ethical, legal, diplomatic, cultural, and economic motivations.peer-reviewe
The role of a controller in a company dealing in hazardous materials
No full textPURPOSE: This article analyzes the role of a controller in a company trading in hazardous
materials, particularly liquid fuels, which, as ADR goods, are subject to exceptionally stringent
organizational, legal, and safety requirements. The aim of the article is to demonstrate the
nature, scope, and importance of the controller’s role in such companies and to demonstrate
that controlling and the person responsible for it are a key element of the management system,
enabling the maintenance of efficiency, safety, and process compliance with a dynamically
changing environment. The work considers both the theoretical context related to the diversity
of definitions of controlling and the specific nature of the energy industry, where trading in
liquid fuels requires strict compliance with the requirements of the ADR convention and the
provisions of the Energy Law.DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The methodology of this article includes an in-depth review
of domestic and international literature on controlling, management, accounting, finance, and
organizational theory. The empirical section utilizes survey results conducted at liquid fuel
distribution companies with a controlling system. The research procedure also includes:
analysis of legal acts related to the subject of the study, expert verification of the research
questionnaire, in-depth interviews with decision-makers at liquid fuel distribution companies,
logical reasoning methods, and analysis and synthesis of methods.FINDINGS: The research findings demonstrate that in companies distributing liquid fuels,
controlling plays an extensive and multidimensional role, with the controller serving as a key
link between owners and the management board, and the management and executive staff. In
nearly three-quarters of the companies analyzed, the controller reports directly to the
management board, demonstrating the strategic importance of this role. The survey results
also indicate that the controller performs activities beyond traditional controlling areas,
including analysis of physicochemical properties of fuels, forecasting raw material prices on
global markets, monitoring natural losses, monitoring the impact of temperature on fuel
volume, project supervision, complaint support, transportation cost optimization, coordination
of cost and personnel budgets, transaction profitability analysis, and marketing support. The
research findings confirm that controlling in fuel companies is holistic in nature—
encompassing economic, operational, technical, and logistical aspects. The article also provides a proprietary definition of a controller in a company distributing liquid fuels, filling
a research gap in the literature.PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The practical implications of this article indicate the need to further
strengthen the role of controlling in fuel companies, as it plays a key role in ensuring safety,
regulatory compliance, and the stability of operational processes. Thanks to their broad
technological, logistical, and economic expertise, the controller significantly supports
management in making rational decisions and is also responsible for ensuring the proper flow
of information between all levels of the organization. Research findings demonstrate that
proper implementation of controlling can not only improve economic efficiency but also
enhance the safety of hazardous materials trade and minimize operational risks.ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The originality of this article stems from the lack of publications in the
scientific literature – both Polish and international – that clearly define the role of a controller
in a company distributing liquid fuels. Based on literature and empirical research, the author
formulates his own comprehensive definition of this role, taking into account its specificity,
scope of competences, and the complexity of the tasks performed. The value of this article lies
in both theoretical and practical dimensions. On the one hand, it integrates dispersed
knowledge on controlling and the development of the controller’s function, and on the other,
it provides tools, examples, and interpretations useful for managers, controllers, and
practitioners in the fuel sector. This work provides a foundation for further research on
controlling in energy companies, and the conclusions presented can be used in the design of
management systems in entities involved in the trade of hazardous materials.peer-reviewe
Human resource management in social work : the role of the manager in effective family support
No full textPURPOSE: This article aims to examine human resource management within social services
organizations, focusing specifically on the role of social workers as managers in the effective
support of families. It seeks to identify the competencies and activities required for managers
to support families in this context successfully.DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The study employed a diagnostic survey method utilizing a
questionnaire survey tool. Data collection involved a questionnaire technique complemented
by the analysis of literature sources and the observation method to provide a comprehensive
understanding of human resource management in social work.FINDINGS: The research highlights the critical competencies and managerial activities that
social services managers must possess and perform to support families effectively. These
include leadership skills, team motivation, resource allocation, and the ability to foster
collaboration within social work teams.PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The findings provide social services organizations with valuable
insights into the necessary managerial competencies for family support, offering guidelines
for professional development and human resource management practices that enhance
service effectiveness.ORIGINALITY/VALUE: This article contributes original insight into the intersection of human
resource management and social work management, focusing uniquely on social workers as
managers dedicated to supporting families. It fills a gap by clarifying managerial roles and
competences required for effective family assistance in social services.peer-reviewe
The role of fermented foods in managing food allergies in children and adults : a systematic review
Get PDFIntroduction: Fermented foods are among the oldest foods produced, and
several different health benefits are attributed to their consumption even in the
absence of concrete clinical evidence. To address this gap, this systematic review
focuses on the effects of the consumption of fermented foods on food allergies. Methods: This systematic review was conducted following the Preferred
Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses and the relevant
European Food Safety Authority guidelines. A systematic search strategy was
established and registered in a study protocol in Open Science Framework.
Scopus, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library were searched with specific strings
targeting human studies focusing on Fermented food and food allergies.
Inclusion and exclusion criteria were defined based on the People Intervention
Comparison Outcome elements. The Cadima tool was used to perform
screening and selection of articles. A standard template was used for data
extraction. Risk of bias assessment was performed using the Risk of Bias 2.0
Tool, Risk of Bias in Non-randomized Studies - of Interventions, or Newcastle–
Ottawa Scale protocols. Additionally, a narrative section was written based on
the European Food Safety Authority guidelines for the mechanism of action and
product characteristics for evidence support.
Results: From a total of 558 initial records, 10 studies were finally selected.
Fermented foods evaluated were fermented soy products, baked goods, fruit-based beverages, vinegar-treated foods, oat-based drinks, and dairy products
(yogurt, cheese). In several studies, a reduced allergenicity was reported that was
related to fermentation-mediated hydrolysis of allergenic proteins of gluten or soy.
Additional mechanisms were related to anti-allergic immunomodulatory effects
or favorable shifts in gut microbiota composition. In one case, fermented food
consumption led to aggravation of the allergic response, presumably due to the
compounds generated during soy fermentation. Risk of bias assessment revealed
that most studies were performed with important methodological limitations.
Conclusion: While fermented foods hold promise in reducing food allergenicity
and promoting tolerance, current evidence is limited to draw solid conclusions.
Rigorous, well-designed human clinical trials, complemented by mechanistic
studies in vitro and in vivo, are needed to clarify the role of fermented foods as
dietary or even clinical tools to combat food allergies.peer-reviewe
The role of management control in ensuring organisational security
Get PDFPURPOSE: This article aimed to assess the role of management control in ensuring
organisational security, identify key challenges related to its implementation, and indicate
good practices and recommendations for its improvement.DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The study is based on reviewing the literature and
analysing legal regulations and standards relating to management control. In addition, case
studies of organisations using effective risk management and internal audit mechanisms were
considered. The research problem was formulated: How does effective management control
affect an organisation's security level, and which control mechanisms are most effective in
minimising operational risk? In line with the research question, a research hypothesis was
formulated, which assumes that effective management control, including integrated risk
management, internal audit and modern technological tools, significantly increases an
organisation's security level by reducing operational risk and ensuring compliance with
regulations.FINDINGS: The analysis's results indicate that effective management control increases an
organisation's resilience to threats by implementing risk management systems, internal
audits, and modern IT tools. The main challenges include the lack of uniform procedures,
low employee awareness, and insufficient management involvement. Good practices, such as
integrating risk management into daily operations, automating control processes, and
developing an organisational culture based on transparency, increase management control's
effectiveness.PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The study's results provide valuable recommendations for
organisations seeking to improve their management control systems. Implementing modern
analytical tools, regular audits, and employee training can reduce operational risk and
increase regulatory compliance. The article also highlights the need for further research on using innovative technologies to improve the effectiveness of management control and
organisational security.ORIGINALITY/VALUE: Previous studies have focused on analysing individual elements of
management control. This paper's research gap relates to a holistic approach that integrates
mechanisms and examines their synergistic impact on organisational security and an
interdisciplinary approach that combines legal, operational and strategic perspectives.peer-reviewe
Assessing the market potential and investment trends of university-origin maritime spin-off companies
Get PDFPURPOSE: This paper examines the market potential and investment trends of university-origin maritime spin-offs, a niche yet underexplored field in academic entrepreneurship.DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The study employs keyword-based searches on Crunchbase
and PitchBook, identifying 147 maritime spin-offs. Quantitative methods are combined with
case studies (ICEYE, Daphne Technology) to analyse investment patterns, scalability, and
survival.FINDINGS: Maritime spin-offs represent only 2.3% of academic ventures but face significant
capital and regulatory barriers. Investment concentration follows a power-law distribution,
with 5% of companies capturing 63% of sector funding. Case studies highlight how dual-use
technologies and modular retrofits improve survival prospects.PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Insights are valuable for universities, investors, and policymakers in
designing sector-specific support mechanisms. Recommendations include industry-coupled
incubation, targeted investment in underfunded niches, and streamlined regulatory
pathways.ORIGINALITY/VALUE: Unlike prior studies focused on high-tech sectors, this research develops
a methodological framework and sector-specific performance indicators for maritime spinoffs, offering new tools for analysing academic entrepreneurship in traditional industries.The study was conducted as part of the project “Support for the development of
academic spin off companies as tools for effective cooperation between science and its
environment,” financed from state budget funds awarded by the Minister of Education and
Science under the “Science for Society II” Programme.peer-reviewe
Small states and the use of energy as a strategic instrument
Get PDFThis paper considers the ways that small state energy producers use their energy
resources as instruments to achieve their goals. In doing so, it challenges the conventional
view that only big powers can use energy for strategic ends. Rather, it argues that, at a time of
rapid change in regional and international security systems, small states increasingly conceive
of their energy resources in strategic terms. They think of their energy resources as ways to add
to their non-traditional sources of power, which include flexible manoeuvring, rapid institution
building, and smart positioning. This, in turn, helps them to demonstrate value and sell a
narrative in order to build resilience, consolidate political independence and distinguish their
identity from neighbours and competitors.peer-reviewe
Recent trends in the United States and Caribbean trade relations
Get PDFThis paper examines recent trends in United States-Caribbean trade relations (2021–2024),
highlighting persistent structural asymmetries and limited diversification. Goods exchanges
remain concentrated in energy, transportation, and food, while services are dominated by tourism,
leaving the region vulnerable to external shocks. Using concentration measures, the study confirms
high dependence on a narrow range of products and partners. While identifying emerging
opportunities in digital services, renewable energy, and the blue economy, it underscores the need
for comprehensive strategies to foster resilience. A companion paper by the same authors
complements this analysis by outlining policy proposals to address these vulnerabilities.peer-reviewe
Extracting notional machines for databases
Get PDFDatabase education is a cornerstone under many of the more popular topics in computer science such as machine learning and visualization. Although, in recent years, more fundamental research
into database education has come out, there are many more ways
in which it can be extended. Research on the practice of teaching
databases, namely on the educational materials and explanations of
teachers, can help us create new building blocks for fundamental
research. This working group aims to collect and present notional
machines of different types, for a wide range of database subtopics.
These materials offer and updated context for database educators to
design their courses from, as well as open up pathways of further
research into database education.peer-reviewe
Uncooled insulated monopole antenna for microwave ablation : improved performance with coaxial cable annealing
Get PDFThere is growing interest in measuring the temperature-dependent dielectric properties of bio-tissues using dual-mode techniques (scattering measurements and thermal treatment). Uncooled coaxial antennas are preferred for their direct contact with the measured medium and reduced complexity; however, they exhibit structural changes during ablation due to the thermal expansion of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). This paper presents an experimental study on PTFE expansion in an uncooled coaxial insulated monopole antenna in response to changes in the tissue’s thermal environment. Furthermore, it presents a methodology to mitigate these effects through coaxial annealing. The investigation consists of two distinct experiments: characterising PTFE expansion and assessing the effects of annealing through microwave ablation. This was achieved by simulating the thermal effects experienced during ablation by immersing the test antenna in heated peanut oil. PTFE expansion was measured through camera monitoring and using a toolmaker’s microscope, revealing two expansion modalities: linear PTFE expansion and non-linear plastic deformation from manufacturing processes. The return loss during ablation and consequential changes in the ablated lesion were also assessed. Antenna pre-annealing increased resilience against structural changes in the antenna, improving lesion ellipticity. Therefore, this study establishes a fabrication method for achieving an uncooled thermally stable antenna, leading to an optimised dual-mode ablation procedure, enabling quasi-real-time permittivity measurement of the surrounding tissue.peer-reviewe