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The first record of the non-indigenous Valenciennes, 1835 (Actinopterygii: Acanthuridae) in Sicilian waters suggests a rapid westward dispersal in the Mediterranean
No full textA sub-adult individual of Acanthurus xanthopterus Valenciennes, 1835 was caught from the shallow waters off the southeastern coast of Sicily, Italy, in autumn 2024. The subsequent taxonomic species identification was carried out through integrated morphological and molecular analyses. The species is recorded for the first time from Italian waters. This record, that comes just three years after its first collection from Egyptian Mediterranean waters, seems to indicate a rapid westward expansion of this tropical Indo-Pacific acanthurid from the east to the central Mediterranean Sea, although additional (and independent) introduction events could be contemplated, due to the current scarcity of distribution data for the species.peer-reviewe
Politični imperativ izobraževanja v zdravstveni negi
No full textHealth and social care systems are inherently
political (Jardin, 2001). From the allocation of limited
resources to the directions related to patients' access
to care and professional scope of practice of the
workforce, the health environment is shaped not by
clinical facts alone, but by political decisions. Yet,
for too long, nursing education has perpetuated the
practice of equipping graduates with clinical skills
while leaving them politically limited, often mute. This
omission is no longer tenable. For nursing to meet the
demands of 21st-century healthcare, nurse education
must critically integrate the politics of nursing into
educational programmes. Determining the optimal
level of delivery and identifying the appropriate
experts to lead this integration are two challenges
which require attention.Sistemi zdravstvenega in socialnega varstva so
inherentno politične narave (Jardin, 2001). Zdravstvenega
okolja namreč ne oblikujejo le klinični podatki, temveč
tudi politične odločitve, ki vključujejo razporejanje
sredstev, oblikovanje smernic v zvezi z dostopom
pacientov do oskrbe ter obseg profesionalne prakse
zaposlenih. Izobraževanje v zdravstveni negi je
predolgo poudarjalo pridobivanje kliničnih znanj
diplomantov na račun razvoja njihovih političnih
kompetenc. To je privedlo do politične nemoči stroke,
kar ni več vzdržno. Če želi zdravstvena nega izpolniti
zahteve zdravstvenega varstva 21. stoletja, mora na
področju izobraževanja medicinskih sester kritično
razmisliti o vključitvi politike zdravstvene nege v
izobraževalne programe. Pri tem posebno pozornost
zahtevata dva izziva: določitev optimalne ravni
vključevanja političnih vsebin v izobraževalni proces
ter iskanje ustreznih strokovnjakov za koordinacijo te
integracije.peer-reviewe
Multi-physics modeling of laser melted magnesium alloy : bridging melt pool dynamics to microstructure evolution
Get PDFLaser powder bed fusion (LPBF) has revolutionized modern manufacturing by enabling high design freedom, rapid prototyping, and tailored mechanical properties. However, optimizing process parameters remains challenging due to the trial-and-error approaches required to capture subtle parameter-microstructure relationships. This study employed a multi-physics computational framework to investigate the melting and solidification dynamics of magnesium alloy. By integrating the discrete element method for powder bed generation, finite volume method with volume of fluid for melt pool behavior, and phase-field method for microstructural evolution, the critical physical phenomena, including powder melting, molten pool flow, and directional solidification were simulated. The effects of laser power and scanning speed on temperature distribution, melt pool geometry, and dendritic morphology were systematically analyzed. It was revealed that increasing laser power expanded melt pool dimensions and promoted columnar dendritic growth, while high scanning speeds reduced melt pool stability and refined dendritic structures. Furthermore, Marangoni convection and thermal gradients governed solute redistribution, with excessive energy input risking defects such as porosity and elemental evaporation. These insights establish quantitative correlations between process parameters, thermal history, and microstructural characteristics, providing a validated roadmap for LPBF-processed magnesium alloy with tailored performance.peer-reviewe
The Conti bird collection : new additions to the national ornithological collections at the National Museum of Natural History, Mdina, Malta
Get PDFThis study highlights recent additions to the national ornithological collections at the National
Museum of Natural History, Mdina, Malta, originating from the historically and scientifically
significant collection of the ornithologist Themistocles ‘Temi’ CONTI. An overview of the collection’s
history is provided together with an annotated checklist of the 34 taxidermized birds, highlighting
notable specimens such as the Slender-billed Curlew Numenius tenuirostris Viellot, 1817, and the
Pacific Golden Plover Pluvialis fulva (Gmelin, 1789). The importance of consolidating and curating
the collection for scientific research and national heritage is emphasized.peer-reviewe
Generative design and additive manufacturing in assistive devices : educational strategies for human-centred solutions
Get PDFThis paper explores how Generative Design (GD), Additive Manufacturing (AM), and multi-stakeholder design approaches can inform engineering education for assistive technology innovation. Drawing on two research projects DIGICLAP and PREMIER, it analyses how these methods support the development of adaptive, personalised, and user-centred devices. The study identifies critical gaps in current curricula, particularly in co-design practice, Product–Service System (PSS) thinking, and the application of feedback-driven design. Based on these insights, it proposes targeted educational strategies that integrate GD, AM, and stakeholder collaboration into project-based and interdisciplinary learning environments. These findings contribute to ongoing efforts to align engineering education with the complex, evolving demands of human-centred assistive device design.peer-reviewe
The impact of supply chain security management on the functioning of modern organizations
Get PDFPURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to analyze the impact of supply chain security
management on the functioning of modern organizations, with a particular focus on
operational continuity, financial stability, and compliance with legal regulations. It aims to
assess how effective security management strategies contribute to risk reduction and improve
overall supply chain performance.DATA/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The research problem that serves as the starting point for
the study is formulated as follows: How does supply chain security management affect the
operational and strategic functioning of modern organizations? The hypothesis posits that
effective supply chain security management significantly enhances an organization's
operational stability, reduces financial risks, and promotes regulatory compliance, which
translates into increased competitiveness and positive financial outcomes. Appropriate
research methods were employed in the study. A comprehensive literature review on supply
chain security management, risk management models, and compliance frameworks was
conducted. Additionally, a case study was performed, and an analysis of survey reports
directed at supply chain managers across various industries was carried out. Data collected
from these sources were analyzed to identify patterns, correlations, and insights regarding
the implementation of security measures and their impact on organizational performance.FINDINGS: The study reveals that effective supply chain security management significantly
improves operational continuity by mitigating risks associated with data breaches, supply
disruptions, and non-compliance with legal regulations. Furthermore, organizations that
prioritize security within their supply chains experience better financial stability and a
stronger competitive position. The research also emphasizes that compliance with
regulations, particularly those such as GDPR and ISO 27001, is crucial for protecting both
organizational data and reputation.PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The findings highlight the need for organizations to invest in robust
security measures within their supply chains to ensure long-term operational success. It is recommended that companies conduct regular risk assessments, perform thorough supplier
audits, and align their practices with international standards and regulations. Such an
approach will help mitigate risks and ensure compliance, thereby strengthening trust among
stakeholders and customers.ORIGINALITY/VALUE: This research contributes to updating existing literature by offering a
comprehensive analysis of the relationship between supply chain security management and
organizational performance. It presents practical frameworks that companies can adopt to
enhance the resilience of their supply chains. The originality of the study lies in its focus on
the areas of security, risk management, and legal compliance, providing practical insights
for contemporary organizations.peer-reviewe
A dignity-based approach to children’s cybersecurity : a criminal analysis
Get PDFPURPOSE: With the development of social media, various forms of cyberbullying have
emerged. One of them is parental trolling, which involves parents publishing photos online
that ridicule, humiliate their children or insult their dignity. This is done at the expense of the
subjectivity of the minor, most often unaware of the consequences of such publication and
acting in trust of the parent, whose statutory task is to protect the child from violence.DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: In this article, we take note that, criminal law does not
regulate and protect the principle of the child's welfare.FINDINGS: Today we are witnessing brutal attacks on child's privacy and dignity in the
cybersphere. The contexts in which the problem in question is studied and described refer to
the category of “dignity,” thus turning us towards ethical sensitivity, morality and law. The
arrangement of problems proposed here is one of many possible, nevertheless it expresses a
certain methodological attitude and way of thinking about humans in general and the child
in particular.PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The purpose of this article is to analyse selected legal instruments
designed to protect the child from parental trolling and to combat this phenomenon by
criminalizing it. This publication uses legal acts, literature and jurisprudence, with the aim
of developing changes in criminal legislation towards effective protection of children from
such pathological phenomena.ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The publication systematizes the most important issues of cybersecurity
as the human security paradigm.peer-reviewe
Gender equality among students and PhD candidates at a technical university : a case study of Rzeszów University of Technology
Get PDFPURPOSE: The aim of this article is to analyze the state of gender equality in the academic
environment, using the example of Rzeszów University of Technology, with particular
attention to the experiences of students and PhD candidates regarding gender
discrimination.DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The study was based on both quantitative and qualitative
analysis. Surveys were conducted among a group of 876 students and PhD candidates,
alongside an analysis of recruitment data and gender structure from 2020 to 2021. The scope
of the survey covered experiences of discrimination, the process of reporting inequalities,
and the effectiveness of university policies.FINDINGS: The results indicate significant differences in gender experiences within the
academic environment. Although the recruitment process does not show considerable
inequalities, over 40% of women reported experiences of gender-based discrimination
during their studies. These manifestations include questioning competence, exclusion from
projects, and inappropriate comments. The findings highlight the need to strengthen antidiscrimination policies, improve monitoring of gender equality issues, and raise awareness
within the academic community about available support mechanisms and incident reporting
systems.PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: This article provides new data on gender equality in the context of
Polish higher education, particularly in technical fields.ORIGINALITY/VALUE: It emphasizes the importance of implementing gender equality initiatives
at technical universities such as Rzeszów University of Technology.peer-reviewe
Investment attractiveness of small towns in Poland : assessment of available labor resources
Get PDFPURPOSE: The study aims to determine the level of investment attractiveness of small towns
in Poland in terms of labour resources.DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The study spanned over period 2017-2019, and relied on
the Hellwig method which allowed to structure a synthetic metric for small towns and order
them linearly. The research covered 705 small towns in Poland. Quantitative data retrieved
from the Local Data Bank of the Central Statistical Office was used in structuring the metric.FINDINGS: It was proved that from the perspective of investors small towns in Poland are
diverse areas in terms of labour resources and the size of small urban centres has no
influence on their attractiveness. Spatial analysis conducted as part of the research showed,
i.a., that the most attractive labour resources were found in small towns in the central part of
the country (the Wielkopolskie and Mazowieckie voivodships).PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The above studies may provide some guidance for local governments
and public aid managers in Poland. This allows to draw an important conclusion on future
measures to be taken in small towns. If they are supposed to fully perform their key functions,
a dedicated development policy for the smallest Polish towns must be put in place. This is of
particular importance in view of the situation of small towns in Eastern Poland and of small
towns located far away from large cities.ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The results of the analysis and theoretical considerations in the article
complement previous research in the field of small towns.This work was supported by the Poznań University of Life Sciences
under the research program “First grant” No. 8/2023.
The publication was financed by the Polish Minister of Science and Higher Education as
part of the Strategy of the Poznan University of Life Sciences for 2024-2026 in the field of
improving scientific research and development work in priority research areas.peer-reviewe
Caring for those within : caring from the outside
Get PDFMillions of families have a member who is incarcerated. Incarceration affects not only the individual who is imprisoned but also their significant others, as those ‘outside’ often end up bearing the brunt of the criminal acts committed by those ‘within’. This article examines the experiences, difficulties, and challenges encountered by female partners of male inmates in Malta as seen through the eyes of professionals who support families of the incarcerated. Through qualitative in-depth interviewing with professionals from within the public and voluntary sectors with extensive years of experience in the criminal justice field, the study examines the distinct consequences of incarceration on female partners of male inmates as they strive to care for those ‘within’ from the ‘outside’. The challenges faced by partners/carers are multifactorial as they lead to socio-economic and financial strain, psychological and emotional burden, stigma, isolation, and communication barriers which in turn impact the dynamics of the romantic/caring relationship. They also struggle to navigate through the institutional barriers and process of correctional systems whilst also bearing the burden of care and brunt of relational maintenance. Based on the findings emerging from the study, the paper proposes recommendations for future research and improved policy development in the field within the Maltese context.peer-reviewe