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An analysis of contemporary terrorist acts from the perspective of social, cultural, and religious factors that prevent their prevention
Get PDFPURPOSE: While much emphasis is placed on the operational readiness of counter-terrorism
forces, intelligence services, and crisis management structures, this article focuses on
identifying additional factors—structural, social, political, and psychological—that can
either hinder or support the prevention of terrorist acts. Such a multifaceted approach is
essential for developing more resilient and adaptive security systems.DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: This article adopts a qualitative research approach
grounded in the triangulation of methods. Three primary methodologies were employed:
source analysis, factor analysis, and comparative analysis. Source analysis was used to
examine relevant academic literature, policy documents, and empirical research on the
socio-cultural and religious determinants of terrorism and radicalization. Factor analysis
was applied to identify and structure the key variables that hinder the effectiveness of
counter-terrorism efforts, with particular emphasis on those contributing to community-level
support for terrorist acts. Comparative analysis served to assess the relative influence and
interaction of these determinants across different societal contexts, including migrant
communities, stateless populations, and politically isolated states. The integrative analytical
framework enabled the identification of patterns of correlation among social, cultural, and
religious variables, thus allowing for the verification of the initial hypothesis regarding the
multifactorial nature of support for terrorism and the structural conditions that undermine
preventive counter-terrorism operations.FINDINGS: Terrorism, alongside conventional warfare, ranks among the most destructive
and lethal forms of human activity, characterized by the intentional use of violence to
achieve ideological, political, or religious objectives. Unlike warfare, which may follow
established rules of engagement, terrorism often deliberately targets civilians and critical
infrastructure to sow fear, destabilize societies, and influence decision-making processes.PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The ultimate aim of every terrorist is the successful execution of an
attack, which, when realized, often indicates a serious breakdown or shortcoming in the
functioning of institutions tasked with ensuring national and public security. Therefore,
understanding and addressing the conditions that either facilitate or prevent such acts is of fundamental importance.ORIGINALITY/VALUE: This article offers an original and interdisciplinary perspective on the
effectiveness of counter-terrorism efforts by shifting the analytical focus from operational
and tactical readiness to the broader sociocultural and religious environment in which
terrorism develops. While most existing research emphasizes institutional responses,
intelligence capabilities, or crisis management protocols, this study identifies and analyzes
the structural and psychosocial conditions that facilitate or hinder the prevention of terrorist
attacks. By integrating insights from sociology, cultural studies, and religious anthropology,
the article proposes a multifactorial model explaining how community-based attitudes and
beliefs shape the operational space of terrorist actors. The value of the article lies in its
comprehensive, system-level approach that highlights the cumulative impact of societal
determinants—often overlooked in mainstream security discourse—on the vulnerability or
resilience of communities to terrorist radicalization and activity. This novel framework
contributes to both academic understanding and the practical formulation of more socially
informed counter-terrorism strategies.This work was supported by the Polish Ministry of Science and Higher Education
under project No. RID/SP/0042/2024/01, Increasing Competences in identifying threats
related to hazardous materials, from program Regional Excellence Initiative, 2024-2027.peer-reviewe
Supporting the functioning of the ISO 9001:2015 quality management system with lean management principles
Get PDFPURPOSE: The article compares the chapters (areas) of the ISO 9001: 2015 quality
management standard with the principles of Lean Management in order to identify
opportunities for enhancing quality management systems based on this standard, both in the
context of quality management and in the context of business process management.DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The aim of the study was to identify common areas of
coexistence between Lean Management principles and the individual chapters (areas) of the
ISO 9001: 2015 standard. The theoretical and cognitive objective was to conduct a
substantive review of the literature and scholarly studies in the field of holistic quality
management. The analysis of the presented problem revealed previously unidentified
potential for applying Lean Management principles to improve the functioning of specific
areas of management structured within the ISO 9001: 2015 standard.FINDINGS: The conclusions drawn will enable enterprises operating based on the ISO 9001:
2015 quality management system to increase the likelihood of achieving both quality and
economic effectiveness in individual areas, as their functioning will be enhanced by the
incorporation of Lean Management principles.PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The principles of Lean Management have been presented in a form
that enables their practical application in enterprises operating based on the ISO 9001: 2015
quality management system. The outcome of the conceptual work is a set of
recommendations for enterprises using the ISO 9001: 2015 quality management system
regarding the potential to enhance specific areas through principles derived from Lean
Management.ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The author presents opportunities for applying principles derived from
the Lean Management concept in enterprises operating based on the ISO 9001: 2015 quality
management system. The implementation of Lean Management principles requires actions
that lead to certain changes in the functioning of specific areas within an enterprise. These
changes can contribute to the widespread elimination of waste. An organizational culture
based on Lean Management principles also has the potential to support or foster the
development of effective and modern solutions in enterprises with an implemented and
structured quality management system.peer-reviewe
Preserving the skeletons in our historic closet
Get PDFHistorical collections frequently contain artefacts composed of bone, including significant
osteological collections such as those housed at the National Museum of Archaeology in Valletta,
Malta. This paper introduces the scope of these Maltese collections, which range from ‘elongated
skulls’ to bone-clad artefacts and modern artistic pieces. It primarily discusses the conservation and
ethical considerations pertinent to human bone recovered from archaeological contexts, with
recommendations applicable to all skeletal materials (bone, ivory, antler, etc.). The composition and
structure of bone are reviewed alongside common deterioration factors. Emphasis is placed on the
crucial need for improved documentation, storage, and handling protocols, stressing the role of the
archaeological conservator in minimising post-excavation decay. Finally, the paper details
recommended environmental parameters and scientific analysis techniques essential for the long-term preservation and sustainable access to these valuable historical remains.peer-reviewe
Peace, security and the validity of international law in the 21st century
No full textThe post-World War Two international legal order was set up to
prevent future war and conflict. Article 2(4) of the United Nations
Charter (UNC) thus prohibits the use of force while article 51 of the
same document preserves a narrow right of self-defence. Under Chapter
VII, the UN Security Council is entrusted with “primary responsibility
for the maintenance of international peace and security.” Today, these
rules remain valid and indeed, ever more essential as current international
conflicts demonstrate paradoxically both the durability and also the
fragility of the international norms established to preserve international
peace and security.
This article is based on two premises: first, international law continues
to determine State conduct in vital areas such as those of protection,
accountability and humanitarian relief. It offers a narrow justification
for aggression and provides the baseline methods of conduct for when
aggression does occur. Secondly, the effectiveness of the international
legal regime is stunted by State politics and veto practices which
undermine the protective function of the regime; however, this drawback
should not negate the validity or significance of international norms.peer-reviewe
Brexit and international road freight transport to and from the UK by Polish and Irish transport companies
Get PDFPURPOSE: The aim of this article is to determine whether there has been a significant change
in the volume of international road freight transport to and from the United Kingdom carried
out by Polish and Irish hauliers after Brexit.DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: A thorough analysis of changes in freight volumes (in
thousands of tonnes) was conducted on a quarterly basis – before and after 2021. To
determine whether there was a statistically significant difference related to the new
economic, legal, and logistical situation resulting from Brexit, data published by the UK
Department for Transport were used. The data was coded such that a "1" was assigned to
negative change (i.e. crisis) and a "0" to all other cases. To assess the significance of
differences between two proportions, a quantitative methodology based on the likelihood
ratio and Fisher’s exact test were adopted.FINDINGS: In the first quarter of 2021, the transportation of goods from the UK by crosstrade trucks decreased by 52% and 37%, respectively, compared to the first quarter of 2017
for vehicles registered in Poland and Ireland. At the same time, transportation to the UK fell
by 32% and 27%, respectively. In the context of negative changes related to Brexit,
significant discrepancies were identified in the area of transport by Irish-registered trucks
(trucking to and from UK) and cross-trade transport from the UK in the case of Polishregistered trucks and to the UK in the case of Irish carriers.PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The results are important for identifying challenges and adjusting
transport strategies, particularly in the event of further changes in the terms of trade between
the EU and the UK. They are also useful for developing Brexit-related recommendations in
the area of transport policy and road transport regulation.ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The study’s value lies in the use of reliable national statistics combined
with the small-sample dependence testing method.peer-reviewe
Hospitality and tourism education in Malta : students’ reflections on the dissertations process
Get PDFThis study explores what hospitality and tourism students in Malta perceive as the biggest challenges in writing their dissertations. Balancing academic research with industry-focused skills presents difficulties. Students struggle to manage workload, meet academic writing standards, and secure effective supervision. Restricted access to academic resources, rigid institutional policies, and time constraints can present additional challenges. This study adopts a qualitative approach, gathering insights through focus groups with students from various backgrounds, academic levels, and levels of dissertation progress. The discussions focus upon concerns
about inconsistent supervision, the lack of structured academic writing support, and difficulties in obtaining research participants. Many students also express anxiety over dissertation expectations, leading to procrastination and uncertainty about their research direction. The findings offer recommendations for improving dissertation support systems, helping to enhance student confidence, engagement, and motivation in hospitality and tourism education in Malta.peer-reviewe
The brain behind the grid : a comprehensive review on advanced control strategies for smart energy management systems
Get PDFThe integration of digital technologies is catalysing a fundamental transformation of modern
energy systems, enhancing operational efficiency, adaptability, and sustainability. Despite
significant progress, the existing literature often addresses digital innovations in
isolation, with limited consideration of their synergistic potential within Advanced Energy
Systems (AES). This paper presents a systematic review of key digital technologies—such
as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, blockchain, and digital twins—employed in
AES, providing a critical assessment of their individual functionalities, interdependencies,
and collective contributions to the energy sector. The analysis highlights the capacity of integrated
digital solutions to augment system intelligence, strengthen operational resilience,
and increase flexibility across various layers of the energy infrastructure. In addressing
persistent challenges—including demand-side variability, supply intermittency, and regulatory
complexity—the coordinated implementation of these technologies enables real-time
optimization, predictive maintenance, and data-informed decision-making. The findings
demonstrate that the synergistic deployment of digital technologies not only enhances
system performance but also contributes to measurable improvements in reliability, costeffectiveness,
and environmental sustainability. The review concludes that establishing a
cohesive and interoperable digital ecosystem is essential for the development of futureready
energy systems that are robust, efficient, and responsive to the evolving dynamics of
the global energy landscape.peer-reviewe
Acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding in a child after short duration nonsteroidals
Get PDFUpper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding of any cause in children is rare (1–2/10,000 children/year). The prescription of non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) for analgesic or antipyretic purposes is one of the commoner indications. We report a child who developed self-limiting haemorrhagic gastritis after a very short course of NSAIDs, a cautionary tale. Doctors should consider the risk-benefit ratio of NSAIDS versus other drugs such as paracetamol when prescribing.peer-reviewe
Prioritizing isolation precautions : a patient-centered approach to infection prevention and control
Get PDFHealthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens present significant challenges to global health,
exacerbated by emerging threats such as SARS-CoV-2 and the growing immunocompromised population. While isolation precautions are
critical for infection prevention and control (IPC), their indiscriminate application can strain resources and impact patient well-being. This
review proposes a patient-centered framework for optimizing isolation strategies by integrating pathogen-related factors, individual patient
risks, and healthcare facility resources to optimize isolation precautions. By incorporating targeted risk assessments, advanced analytics (e.g.,
omics and machine learning), and infection preventionist leadership, this approach aligns isolation measures with clinical and operational
realities. It aims to enhance IPC efficacy while balancing patient needs and resource efficiency. We highlight strategies to ensure isolation
precautions remain evidence-based, adaptable, and sustainable within healthcare settings. A patient-focused approach to isolation improves
both infection prevention and overall quality of patient care.peer-reviewe
The impact of selected countries’ geopolitical codes on global cyber security
Get PDFPURPOSE: The aim of this study is to present the impact of selected countries’ geopolitical
codes on global cyber security. Despite the passage of time, the relationship between
territory and population, already observed in antiquity, has remained constant and has not
lost its significance to this day. The role of a state’s territory in the conduct of politics has
been recognised throughout history by many individuals ranging from ancient philosophers
to prominent figures of a more recent past such as Napoléon Bonaparte. This outstanding
military commander, who was Emperor of France, President, and King of Italy, spoke of the
importance of territory for the power of any state. A state’s geographical location has always
been, and continues to be, significant. Moreover, the strength of its influence in the world is
conditioned by the prominence and international standing of its leader.DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The evolution of geopolitics has led to the emergence of a
new dimension of threats. Based on scientific studies available in the literature, this work
characterises, among other things, the influence of the Intermarium on Poland’s geopolitical
code and the current cyber threats faced by selected countries.FINDINGS: This study formulates the most important conclusions, which include, first and
foremost, the need to maintain constant readiness to effectively counter espionage-related
cyber attacks perpetrated by the Russian Federation and China. Furthermore, it has become
crucial to strengthen security through alliances with states located in Central and Eastern
Europe, in order to repel attacks by imperial states effectively in the event of armed invasion.PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The findings can support security policies in Central and Eastern
Europe and guide NATO and EU actions, stressing the need to strengthen cybersecurity,
build alliances, and prepare for long-term cyber and hybrid threats.ORIGINALITY/VALUE: This paper links classical geopolitical codes with contemporary cyber
threats, showing how traditional concepts translate into new digital security challenges on a
global scale.peer-reviewe