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From consumption to creation : motivations influencing handball fans' social media
Get PDFPURPOSE: This study investigates the motivations behind social media engagement among
handball fans in Poland using the Uses and Gratifications (UGT) theory and the Consumer's
Online Brand-Related Activities (COBRA) model.DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The study surveyed 359 fans of top Polish handball clubs
through an online questionnaire in 2023, with data analyzed using descriptive statistics,
confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and structural equation modeling (SEM).FINDINGS: Our findings reveal that information and brand love significantly drive content
consumption, while empowerment influences content contribution. Integration and social
interaction primarily motivate content creation.PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: These results extend the UGT and COBRA models within the context
of sports fans, providing theoretical insights and practical recommendations for handball
club managers.ORIGINALITY/VALUE: By understanding and addressing the specific motivations of their fan
base, clubs can enhance fan engagement, loyalty, and ultimately improve marketing and
revenue outcomes.peer-reviewe
Emotional echoes of family secrecy in childhood : a grounded theory study in a Maltese context
Get PDFThis paper explores the mutual influence of emotions and family secrets, a central theme emerging from a qualitative inquiry, using grounded theory analysis, involving seven adult children who experienced family secrecy during childhood. Utilising the elements of constructivist grounded theory, the research employed in-depth interviews, which were conducted and analysed simultaneously. The findings illuminate how emotions both shape and are shaped by the presence of secrets, silences, partial truths and disclosures within families where secrecy is integral to their communication patterns. Key themes, such as loss, grief, family loyalties, attachment patterns, family dynamics and fractured relationships, are critically examined, emphasising the profound emotional impact of secrecy within the family context. The study introduces an ‘emotional rollercoaster’ diagram, which not only encapsulates the collective experiences of the participants but serves as a conceptual model for potentially guiding therapeutic interventions with individuals and families affected by such dynamics. This model offers a framework for understanding the complex emotional trajectories from childhood to adulthood within secretive family environments.peer-reviewe
A universal socio-emotional learning programme for child adjustment and peer relationships
Get PDFUniversal SEL interventions have garnered increasing attention in educational systems worldwide, including in Portuguese schools, with short- and long-term benefits for students, such as social and emotional competencies, academic performance, and positive attitudes and behaviours. Using a pre- and post-test design, the current study aims to analyse the effects of a universal SEL intervention on elementary school students’ emotional problems, behaviour problems, hyperactivity behaviours, peer relationship problems, and pro-social behaviours, as well as the quality of peer relationships in the classroom. Participants included 207 fourth-grade students (50.5% females) from Portuguese public elementary schools, aged between 8 and 13 years (Mage = 9.15, SD = 0.56). Measures comprised the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, completed by teachers, and the Classroom Peer Context Questionnaire, completed by students. Students attended a 32-week classroom-based universal SEL intervention during one school year. Results show a positive effect of the intervention on students' psychological adjustment (emotional symptoms, peer problems, hyperactivity), prosocial behaviours and mutual affection, even though small effect sizes were found. Male students reported higher peer problems and hyperactivity, which significantly improved at post intervention, while female students exhibited an increase in prosocial behaviours.peer-reviewe
The Office of State Advocate and the case
No full textIn this article Prof. Tonio Borg examines the constitutional functions
and powers of the office of State Advocate introduced in 2019. In his
view it is evident that the idea behind the establishment of this office
was to have an autonomous guardian safeguarding the legality of
State action in the public interest; and yet in practice , but also
according to recent jurisprudence, the office has been reduced to that
of legal counsel to the government of the day; he argues that the
security of tenure granted to the holder of such office is proof that
the intention of Parliament was to create an impartial guardian who
can take spontaneous action against any illegality of State action.peer-reviewe
The role of AI in mitigating the impact of radiologist shortages : a systematised review
Get PDFPurpose: This study aims to explore the application of Artificial intelligence (AI) systems in radiology departments and the
role they play in the shortage of radiologists. It examines the ethical and legal considerations for uptake of AI both in relation
to patient safety and for the profession of radiology.Methods: A systematised review was selected for this research study to collect maximum relevant evidence that provides a
comprehensive overview of AI application in radiology specifically in terms of addressing radiologist shortages in hospitals.
The search was complemented by grey literature to fill potential gaps.Results: Findings suggest that AI can read and interpret images more effectively and faster than radiologists and that it could
be more widely used to reduce the impact of the global radiologist shortage, leading to better patient outcomes and safety.
However, there are potential challenges predominantly ethical and legal. Concerns over complete radiologist replacement by
AI do not currently seem likely, but rather the use of AI to complement radiologists in their work.Conclusions: AI cannot replace radiologists, instead radiology services will need the input of radiologists, AI systems and
radiographers to provide a safe healthcare for all patients, therefore they are complementary. Radiologist jobs will most probably change to reduce repetitive tasks that can be conducted by AI. Radiologists and radiographers play a role in the provision
of quality care in both normal day-to-day events and during times of disaster. Their role in diagnosing and prognosing
diseases provides guidance during preparedness, response and recovery.peer-reviewe
White dwarf envelops and temperature corrections in exponential () gravity
Get PDFCompact stars have long served as a test bed of gravitational models and their coupling
with stellar matter. In this work, we explore the behavior of an exponential model in
f (T ) gravity through the Tolman-Oppenheimer-Volkoff equation. This is performed
for different envelope thicknesses. Finally, constraints on the models parameters are
obtained, which are comparable to the results obtained using cosmological survey
data. This consistency across the strong astrophysical and weak cosmological scales
shows reasonable viability of the underlying model.peer-reviewe
The idea of Europe in the work of popes John Paul II, Benedict XVI, and Francis
Get PDFThe papacies of Pope John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI, and Pope Francis coincided with a period of conflict and change in Europe. In the post-war period, Europe was still divided along ideological lines, with much of it having experienced invasion, occupation, and totalitarianism. Both John Paul II (1920–2005) and Benedict XVI (1927–2022) experienced the excesses of totalitarianism, profoundly affecting their outlook. Their papacies also coincided with a formative period in the post-war era: the end of the Cold War, the emergence of a new European order, and the disenchantment with that same order. Though not hailing from Europe, Pope Francis (1936–) has been an equally vital contributor to the conversation of the “idea of Europe”. This paper proposes to identify how the idea of Europe features in the work of these three popes and whether there are elements of continuity and dissonance.peer-reviewe
Incentive system in an automotive industry company
Get PDFPURPOSE: The purpose of the article is to explore and diagnose the incentive system
and distinguish the motivational factors, both financial and non-financial, used in
the automotive industry.DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: A survey was conducted among 128 employees of
two company branches located in Poland. The survey covered employees of all
departments and lower and middle management. The survey was conducted from
August to October 2024, providing respondents with a link to the online survey.
The questionnaire contained metric questions and 18 questions, where respondents
indicated the motivational factors used, assessed their effectiveness in terms of
motivating them to work or their satisfaction with the motivational tools used. A
five-point Likert scale was used for some of the questions.FINDINGS: The empirical results show that additional bonuses and rewards, which
belong to the group of financial factors, are the biggest motivator in an automotive
company. Praise from superiors, and the person of the superior, also positively
motivates employees to a large extent. Regular feedback on the results of the work
performed is also an important factor.PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The results have a practical dimension for owners/managers
of automotive industry companies, providing guidance and recommendations for
introducing more effective motivation factors and tools in this industry.ORIGINALITY/VALUE: This article identifies and analyzes the factors associated with
motivation for employees of an automotive company.peer-reviewe
Are social media platforms blurring the lines between coercive control and healthy relationship? A study investigating perceptions of coercive control
Get PDFThis study was designed to investigate the relationship between social media (in particular, TikTok) and perceptions of coercive control. Participants viewed seven TikTok videos which involved coercive control and
judged them using quantitative questions and open-ended question. The results showed that a moderate negative
correlation was observed, indicating that individuals who approved of the behaviour shown in the video held
more permissive attitudes toward CC and did not perceive the behaviour as CC, while demographical variables
were found to have a non-significant influence on CC perception. Regarding the qualitative aspect of the
research, the results showed individuals did not normalise or idolise the behaviour depicted in the videos but
instead categorised it as controlling and threatening. The most common theme in relation to what individuals
regarded as coercive control was ‘restricting freedoms’ with two subthemes: ‘restricting travel’ and ‘restricting
what an individual wears. Interestingly, individuals categorised videos depicting the use of physical violence as
abuse and more serious than videos in which physical violence was absent. The present study expands upon
previous research, offers directions for future research and highlights the value of education in raising awareness
regarding coercive control.peer-reviewe
Financial analysis in operational and strategic decisions
Get PDFPURPOSE: The subject of this study is economic entities using financial analysis to make
decisions. The main research objective of the article is to examine the role of financial
analysis in the decision-making process in enterprises. Additionally, key elements of
financial analysis that are important for operational and strategic management were
examined and indicated. The differentiation of the use of financial analysis depending on the
type of business activity, the size of the enterprise and the scope of business activity was also
determined. The study covered enterprises that met two conditions: they prepared financial
statements and declared that they were performing financial analysis activities. In the paper
three research questions were posed. 1. Is financial analysis a common tool in terms of
operational and strategic decision-making in the company? 2. Which of the following
factors: the type of business activity, the size of the enterprise and the scope of business
activity, most determines the extent to which financial analysis is used to make decisions in
the company? 3. Do enterprises base their decisions more on internal or external
comparisons?APPROACH/METHODOLOGY/DESIGN: In order to obtain answers to the research questions, a
survey form containing metrics and closed questions was sent to the respondents. The study
involved 111 companies operating in Poland, that declared preparation of financial
analyses. The sample was diversified in terms of the type of business activity, as well as size
and legal form of the company. The answers from the survey form were transferred to a
spreadsheet in which basic measures of descriptive statistics (average, median, kurtosis,
skewness) were calculated in various cross-sectional approaches to companies: main type of
activity, size and scope of operations of the companies.FINDINGS: The study confirms the widespread use of financial analysis — 93.7% of
companies use it in operational decisions, and 86.5% in strategic ones, especially in large
organizations and the manufacturing sector. Particularly intensive use of financial analysis
has been observed in the manufacturing sector, where particular attention is paid to cost and
profitability analysis, indicating the key role of financial management in building competitive
advantage in this sector. On the other hand, service companies show less propensity to use
financial analysis, which may suggest that current analytical tools are not adapted to the
specifics of their activities.PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The surveyed companies should expand the scope of their use of
financial analysis, taking into account not only their own data, but also comparisons with
competitors and industry indicators. It is worth promoting solutions that facilitate
benchmarking and access to reliable industry indicators. The service sector should develop solutions adapted to its specificity, which bases business models on human capital and
intangible assets.ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The results of the analysis and theoretical considerations included in this
article complement existing research in the field of financial analysis.This research was funded by the Nicolaus Copernicus University of
Toruń, Faculty of Economic Sciences and Management.peer-reviewe