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Self-regulation costs of social media among Polish and Cambodian students
Get PDFPURPOSE: To compare two complementary mechanisms underlying self-regulation costs of
social media use among students: (i) micro-structure (habitual, “purpose-free” checking) and
(ii) exposure volume (total daily time).DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: Cross-sectional analysis of two independent student samples
(Poland: N = 169; Cambodia: N = 48). The outcome is the Attention/Self-Regulation Cost
Index (ACI), a formative composite of three components—disruption of activities, task
postponement, and cognitive fatigue. Measurement invariance across language versions is
probed (configural → metric; partial scalar where required). Robust estimation is used (OLS
with HC3 errors, rank and quantile regressions), non-linearities are tested with natural splines
for time, and sensitivity checks address recoding rules and a PCA-based alternative to the
composite.FINDINGS: In the Polish sample, habituality shows a medium, stable association with higher
ACI, while the association with daily time is weaker and less precise. In the Cambodian
sample, total daily time plays a comparatively larger role, consistent with a volume-load
pathway. Results are robust to alternative ACI representations (z-score mean vs. PC1),
estimation choices, and sensitivity analyses. Exploratory spline models suggest threshold
effects for exposure time; the automaticity × time interaction indicates that longer exposure is
more detrimental when habituality is high.PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Interventions targeting micro-structure—reducing habit triggers,
batching and default-muting notifications, and introducing “entry friction” (brief pause/goal
prompt)—may deliver equal or greater benefits than blanket hour-reduction. Institutions can
support quiet defaults and digital-hygiene practices; platforms can provide transparent
time/entry metrics and low-stimulation defaults.ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The study offers a clear, decision-useful comparison of “how we use”
versus “how long we use” within an economics-of-attention frame, introduces a concise
formative index (ACI), and provides directional replication across two cultural contexts
(Poland, Cambodia).This research was funded by the University of Agriculture in Krakow and the
“Zarządzanie URK” project, supported by the state budget within the Ministry of Science’s
“Re-gional Initiative of Excellence” program. Agreement No. RID/SP/0039/2024/01.
Subsidized amount PLN 6,187,000,00. Project period 2024-2027.peer-reviewe
Efficiency of defence expenditure management in the context of escalating security threats
Get PDFPURPOSE: This article aims to assess the effectiveness of defence expenditure management in
the context of increasing threats to state security. In particular, it analyses the mechanisms of
planning, allocation, and control of budget funds in the defence sector and their adaptation
to current and future strategic challenges.DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The article is based on secondary data analysis of the
defence budgets of the European Union and NATO countries, including Poland. Methods of
comparative analysis, strategic documents analysis, and case studies of good practices in
defence finance management were used. The research problem was formulated: Does the
increase in defence spending in EU and NATO countries translate into a real strengthening
of defence capabilities, or do management and strategic planning deficits limit their
effectiveness? The hypothesis assumes that effective management of defence expenditure,
based on multi-annual programming, risk analysis and efficiency audits, has a greater
impact on improving the state's defence capabilities than the nominal increase in the defence
budget itself.RESULTS: The study showed that although defence expenditures in European countries are
systematically increasing, the effectiveness of their management is still limited by the lack of
long-term planning, fragmentation of purchases, and insufficient connection of budgeting
with risk analysis. Countries that implement multi-annual programming and efficiency audit
mechanisms achieve higher-quality investments.PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The analysis results can be used as a basis for formulating
recommendations for decision-makers responsible for defence policy. Proposed directions for
improvements include, among others, the development of managerial competencies in
defence administration, integration of budget planning with analysis of threat scenarios, and strengthening of international cooperation mechanisms in the field of joint purchases and
standardization.ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The article brings a new perspective to the discussion on the quality of
spending defence funds, pointing out the importance of not only the level of financing but,
above all, the quality of management of these funds. The analysis emphasizes that state
security depends not only on the amount of the defence budget but also on its effective and
strategic use.peer-reviewe
Changing the approach to value propositions in the business models of Polish apparel companies : the impact of digitalization, personalization, and sustainability
Get PDFPURPOSE: The paper examines the transformation of value propositions in the business
models of Polish clothing companies between 2019 and 2024. It focuses on how
digitalisation, personalisation, and sustainable development have reshaped the competitive
landscape and consumer expectations, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic.DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: A comparative case study method was applied, analysing
reports of four Warsaw Stock Exchange–listed companies (LPP, CCC, VRG, MONNARI) in
2019 and 2024. The research combines content analysis of corporate reports with secondary
industry data, identifying changes in three key areas: digitalisation, ESG practices, and offer
personalisation.FINDINGS: The results show that LPP and CCC emerged as leaders in digital transformation,
applying AI, big data, omnichannel strategies, and augmented reality, while VRG and
MONNARI lagged with only basic digitalisation. In sustainable development, LPP adopted a
comprehensive ESG strategy, followed by CCC with targeted ecological initiatives, while
VRG and MONNARI implemented only partial or minimal measures. Personalisation
developed most strongly in LPP and CCC, integrating advanced analytics, AI-driven
recommendations, and customer loyalty programmes, while VRG and MONNARI offered
only basic or limited solutions. The pandemic acted as a major accelerator of e-commerce
adoption and omnichannel integration.PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The findings provide insights for managers and policymakers into
the mechanisms of building competitive advantage in the clothing industry. They highlight
the need to invest in AI-based recommendation systems, strengthen ESG practices for
reputational and financial benefits, and assess the profitability of new business models such
as subscriptions and recommerce.ORIGINALITY/VALUE: This study provides a systematic analysis of how value propositions
evolved in Polish listed clothing companies in the post-pandemic era. It contributes to the
literature by linking digitalisation, personalisation, and ESG with value proposition design,
demonstrating how these elements jointly shape long-term competitiveness in a dynamic
environment.peer-reviewe
Prioritisation and implementation of the sustainable development goals : an international and metropolitan approach
Get PDFPURPOSE: The aim of the research is to conduct a comparative analysis of the approaches
used for SDGs implementation at the regional level in metropolises. The Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs), adopted at the UN General Assembly under Resolution 70/1,
cover a wide range of challenges faced by both developing and developed countries.
Therefore, the identification and generalisation of national approaches to the
implementation of SDGs at the regional level. This study includes a theoretical background
of the topic, which focuses on sustainability in cities and urban and metropolitan areas. Sa
well as a practical comparison of three metropolitan areas, two in the Poland metropolis
GZM and Gdańsk-Gdynia-Sopot Metropolitan Area, and one in Germany, the Ruhr
Metropolitan Area. The empirical portion of the study was conducted on the basis of survey
questions using a computer-assisted website interview method with three selected research
samples totalling 2900 respondents.DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: In the course of the research, criteria for characterising
the main goals of the SDGs during the implementation processes at the national and
metropolitan levels were proposed, approaches to SDGs institutionalisation within the
framework of national policy were compared, substantive priorities of central governments
and regional authorities were compared, and specifics of SDGs localisation and
implementation at the metropolitan level were revealed.FINDINGS: This is one of the first and largest surveys related to both the implementation and
prioritisation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) and labour
market inclusiveness. This study presents a comparative approach and practical
recommendations for metropolitan authorities and other stakeholders as well as directions
for further in-depth research.PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: As a result, differences in the formal institutional practices and
structures used, the choice of priority SDGs for localisation and implementation, and the
possibilities of resource support for managerial decisions made at the national and
metropolitan levels were revealed. Since the countries under study are at the initial process
stage of the localisation and implementation of the SDGs at the regional level, the
conclusions obtained by the authors may be useful for improving the effectiveness of the
work in this direction.peer-reviewe
T2 hypointense lesions in the parapharyngeal space : a diagnostic challenge
Get PDFThe parapharyngeal space is a complex anatomical site in the head and neck which may harbour clinically occult pathology
given its deep-seated location. The vast majority of parapharyngeal space lesions are of intermediate or hyperintense signal
on T2W sequences. This review focuses on T2 hypointense parapharyngeal space lesions which are rare and may constitute
a diagnostic dilemma. We present the differential diagnosis of these lesions, highlighting the pertinent radiological findings
and identifying a histological correlation for the low T2 signal. A brief discussion of the physics principles accounting for
these imaging features is also included. We propose a diagnostic algorithm to facilitate diagnosis and avoid unnecessary
biopsy, whenever possible.peer-reviewe
Discrimination experienced by ‘third-country national’ women working in Malta
Get PDF‘Third-country national’ (TCN) women in the EU tend to experience discrimination both as women and as migrants, in the workplace and in the ‘receiving’ society. This article focuses on a recurring cluster of issues that emerged around the theme of discrimination, over the course of 19 interviews with ‘third-country national’ women from South Asian countries working in Malta. More specifically, the study explores situatedness and lived experience through an intersectional feminist approach, taking into account the individual socioeconomic conditions as well as aspects such as gender, nationality, religion, culture, educational level, and the occupation of the informants. The data was analysed using thematic analysis and led to the emergence of four key themes relating to discrimination, which proved to be interlinked: the relationship between intersecting factors; everyday discrimination; discriminatory procedures at the local and EU level; and sexual harassment. We found that workplace discrimination and broader social discriminatory practices often co-occur and are mutually reinforcing, while having an effect on the individual’s general quality of life and personal well-being. Such discrimination also interlinks with practices, power structures, and perceptions at transnational, EU, national, organisational, and local social levels.peer-reviewe
The theological thinking in Lippmann’s and Hayek’s justification of the market order
Get PDFIn formulating their political project, neoliberal authors have proposed a clear
formulation of what they deem to be the role of the neoliberal state. The point
of departure adopted by these authors is to identify what the state should not be
if it were to follow the auspices of neoliberal thinking as proposed by the Mont
Pelerin Society. This study focuses on Walter Lippmann’s, and Friedrich August
Hayek’s concept of the free market and their opposition to planned economies.
Lippmann and Hayek both argue that the state should not have the authority
and does not have sovereign power over the market order. The premises that
they establish are that the market order is a natural order that is beyond human
control, and there is an epistemological gap between human knowledge, and its
capacity and potential, and full knowledge of the market. [excerpt]peer-reviewe
Changes in prevalence and incidence of pituitary neuroendocrine tumours : a 25-year population based study in Malta
Get PDFObjective:
Epidemiological data is essential for assessing disease health burden. The aim of
the study was to explore longitudinal trends in incidence and prevalence of
pituitary neuroendocrine tumours (PitNET) and analyse these variations.Methods:
Population based retrospective analysis on all patients diagnosed between 2000
and 2024 in a well-defined population, the Maltese islands. Main outcome
measures: Prevalence Rate 2024; Standardised Incidence rates (SIR) 2000-2024
together with other relevant descriptive epidemiological statistics.peer-reviewe
Pituitary apoplexy : epidemiology, presentation and outcomes - a population-based study in Malta
Get PDFAims and Objectives:
To determine the prevalence, incidence and outcomes of pituitary apoplexy patients
presenting acutely in Malta.Methodology:
Twenty-nine patients presenting with pituitary apoplexy between 1980 and 2023
were retrospectively identified. The prevalence and incidence rates were calculated.
Clinical presentation, endocrinological, radiological findings and outcomes of all
patients with pituitary apoplexy were analysed and compared between the two
cohorts who were treated conservatively or with early surgical intervention, taking
into consideration serum prolactin levels at diagnosis. The Pituitary Apoplexy Score
(PAS) was applied retrospectively.peer-reviewe
RCC-MRx type P damage assessment methodologies for the design of nuclear fusion reactor components
Get PDFThe RCC-MRx (Design and Construction Rules for mechanical components of nuclear installations: high-temperature, research and fusion reactors) code is developed by the French Association for Design, Construction and Surveillance Rules of Nuclear Power Plant Components (AFCEN). RCC-MRx differentiates between the different type of component damage depending on the type of load set. A constant steady load results in Type P damage while a cyclic time varying load results in Type S damage. The work presented here deals with Type P damages. Two failure modes are of interest: immediate excessive deformation and immediate plastic instability. To prevent these failure modes, RCC-MRx presents an elastic, limit analysis and an elastoplastic approach. The elastic approach is guaranteed to give a safe but highly conservative design. The limit and elastoplastic approach require more computational effort and requires the availability of the relevant material properties. The latter approach leads to less conservative but still safe designs. Having a structurally safe and less conservative design is most of the time preferred because of issues of sustainability and cost. RCC-MRx has primarily been written for fission type nuclear reactors and process pressure vessels rather than for nuclear fusion reactors. Fusion reactors differ from fission ones both in the type of loading and also in the type of geometry. Some fusion reactor components have a box type shape rather than cylindrical or spherical as in fission type reactors and process pressure vessels. RCC-MRx has a section dedicated to the assessment of box type of structures. This paper considers the Type P damage rules for negligible creep and negligible irradiation applied to a simple hollow box section, modelled in cantilever mode under the action of various load sets. The results indicate that elastic analysis is the most conservative. Also, depending on overall deformation of the structure, the results show that the elastoplastic plastic instability rule limit may be reached before that of the elastoplastic excessive deformation rule. The elastoplastic rule for excessive deformation presents several challenges in its application and is discussed in more detail together with a methodology to overcome these difficulties. The finite element software Ansys® Academic Research Mechanical, Release 2023 R2 is used as the analysis tool.peer-reviewe