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Historical dynamics of international relationships : Veenendaal and Corbett beyond comparative politics
Full text linkSmall states are not inconsequential actors on the world stage. And history can look
very different when and if it is not diluted and simplified into a dramatic, bi-polar, Cold War
dynamic. This contribution echo’s Veenendaal and Corbett (2015) insistence on the
“intellectual payoffs” of studying small states, and how this focus “augments or challenges
existing analysis”. Indeed: it can help us turn theories and histories of international relations
on their heads. Incorporating small polities into the histories of the First World War have shaken
the structural determinism of Great Power-focused narratives. And studies of early
international institutions that attend to small actors and asymmetrical relationships suggest
different roots of international cooperation. There implications of case selection in comparative
politics are huge.peer-reviewe
Emotional labour of rural teachers : practices and challenges in resource-constrained environments
Full text linkRural teachers in resource-constrained environments engage in complex and sustained
emotional labour as they navigate intersecting professional, cultural, and institutional
expectations with limited systemic support. This study investigates how rural teachers in
northeastern China perform emotional labour across classroom, school, and community
contexts, with particular attention to the strategies they adopt and the structural forces
that shape their affective experiences. Drawing on a qualitative case study design with
data collected from semi-structured interviews across three rural school sites, the research
reveals a dynamic interplay of surface acting, deep acting, and genuine emotional
expression. These strategies are shaped by institutional demands, gendered norms, and
community surveillance, and are further mediated by teachers’ gender, professional
experience, and subject specialization. The findings underscore how emotional labour in
rural teaching is not simply a personal coping mechanism, but a socially regulated process
embedded in broader systems of affective discipline. The study calls for context-sensitive
interventions—including emotional resilience training, gender-responsive support
policies, and localized mental health resources—to mitigate emotional burnout and
enhance teacher well-being.peer-reviewe
ICT and local peripheral territorial systems’ resilience in crisis conditions : a study of urban-rural communes in Poland
Full text linkPURPOSE: The aim of the paper is to draw attention to the imperative of resilience in the
context of following a local development policy, as well as the role which technological
progress plays in the process, and to characterise the assessment of the effect of ICT
availability in urban-rural communes in Poland.DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The empirical part of this study is based on the survey
research carried out with regard to all 87 units urban-rural communes in Poland. The
selection of urban-rural communes for the study was conditioned by the intention to capture
the role of small towns in the processes of local development and resilience taking into
account its links with the surrounding rural areas. Such a selection fills an important
research niche. Study considers the manifestation of resilience at the level of individual
actors of the local territorial systems. It was carried out among representatives of local
governments.FINDINGS: Results of empirical research confirmed that access to modern ICT infrastructure
proves highly relevant for territorial units during crisis, determining the unit’s pro-resilience
response.PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Crisis had a positive impact on the growth of diverse forms
electronic communication with various groups in the local community, including residents,
businesspeople and farmers. The role of ICT infrastructure was of particular significance for
peripherally-located units. Research has confirmed that local entities in peripheral
communes were characterised generally by an overall lower pro-resilience activity.
Research showed also that in spite of relatively good access to ITC, the technologies are still
employed rather narrowly.ORIGINALITY/VALUE: This finding could be explained by the reluctance of communities,
especially those in rural areas, to use ITC, as well as their in-sufficient knowledge on ITC
capabilities, particularly with reference to business activity.peer-reviewe
The effect of size and the Nordic states’ responses to the COVID-19 pandemic : reactive or proactive?
Full text linkThis paper examines whether the small size of the public administration of the seven Nordic countries affected the nature of their crisis responses, focusing on the mix between proactive and reactive strategies, during the early phases of the COVID-19 pandemic. Comparing across all seven cases, a key pattern emerges: the smaller the state – in terms of both population and administrative depth – the more likely it is to rely on reactive mechanisms at the outset. However, these same states also tend to be more flexible and socially cohesive, allowing for rapid adaptation. In contrast, larger Nordic states have broader institutional structures and more expertbased capacity; this promotes proactive planning but may be hampered by decentralization, bureaucratic silos, or institutional inertia. This study confirms that small states are more likely to begin with reactive responses due to limited resources; but their capacity for quick adaptation, voluntarism, and tight governance networks leads them to develop proactive measures over time. Thus, size alone does not determine effectiveness; it interacts with governance structures, administrative culture, and public trust. The crisis responses across the Nordic region demonstrate that proactive and reactive strategies coexist on a continuum; and that agility, learning, and institutional coordination are crucial to successful pandemic management, regardless of state size.peer-reviewe
Prognosis of breast cancer in European female adolescents and young adults (AYAs) : EUROCARE-6 retrospective cohort results
Full text linkBackground: Breast cancer (BC) is the most common malignancy in AYA (15–39 years) females and is more
aggressive than in adult women (40–69 years). However, an updated overview on BC in AYAs and how it differs
from BC in adult women is lacking.
Methods: We used data from the EUROCARE-6 study to calculate incidence rates (IRs) of BC in AYA and adult
women over the period 2001–2013 in Europe. We estimated 5-year and 10-year relative survival (RS) using
period analysis. Stage at diagnosis distribution and conditional RS (CS) were used to investigate survival differences. We also reported cumulative incidence of multiple primary neoplasms (MPNs) in AYAs.
Results: The IR of BC in Europe was ~18 per 100,000 in AYA females and more than ten-fold higher in adult
women. Most BC cases were diagnosed at Stages I-II (74 % in AYAs vs 77 % in adults). Overall, AYAs had lower 5-
year RS than adult women (85.0 % vs 89.5 %, respectively); the survival gap slightly decreased in CS. AYAs had
worse survival than adult women for early stage and Stage III but better RS for Stage IV (5-year RS 31.5 % vs.
26.3 %). Cumulative incidence of all MPNs in AYAs was ~6 % at 14 years from BC diagnosis.
Conclusions: Our findings support the more aggressive behavior of BC in AYAs. The high proportion of early stage
at diagnosis is reassuring considering that organized BC screening is not available for AYAs in Europe.
Conversely, the incidence of MPNs in AYAs is relevant and might deserve a revision of follow-up strategies.peer-reviewe
Bridging theory and practice : implementing the Maltese physical education curriculum
Full text linkThis paper offers a critical analysis of the Maltese Physical Education (PE) curriculum, examining the integration of its theoretical principles with practical implementation. The curriculum is underpinned by a robust theoretical framework, aiming to foster holistic development and physical literacy through student-centred, constructivist, and model-based approaches. However, a significant gap exists between these theoretical ideals and their practical application within schools. The analysis identifies key challenges, including teachers' predominant use of summative assessments, a lack of professional development in Assessment for Learning (AfL) and non-physical domain evaluation, and insufficient hands-on training in diverse pedagogies. Systemic and contextual barriers such as inadequate PE time, large class sizes, and poor facilities compound these issues. The low status of PE within the educational system further diminishes teacher motivation and retention, collectively undermining the subject's potential to develop physically literate and healthy youth, which contributes to high inactivity and obesity rates. The report concludes by proposing a series of recommendations, including, among others, enhancing initial and ongoing teacher training in assessment and diverse needs, addressing systemic issues by increasing PE time and improving facilities, and strategically elevating the subject’s status to ensure PE receives the necessary resources to maximise its contribution to a healthier and more active Maltese population.peer-reviewe
Updated prevalence and future projections of persons with dementia in the Maltese Islands with a focus on regionality, citizenship and costs
Full text linkBACKGROUND: The global dementia prevalence is expected to double every twenty years. Previous local estimates of persons with dementia were based upon projections that did not account for the current population growth. Moreover, the prevalence of such individuals who are non-Maltese citizens, as well as the economic cost were never estimated. The main objective of this study was to provide updated figures on local prevalence rates of persons with dementia living in the Maltese Islands.METHODS: To estimate the dementia prevalence rates, the World Health Organisation’s prevalence figures for the European region based on sex and age were used to determine the Maltese adult dementia population for each age/sex group according to data obtained from the 2021 Census. The same method was adopted to calculate the prevalence of persons with dementia who are non-Maltese citizens and for each local district. The estimates for the years 2025 to 2060 were calculated using the Eurostat population projections database.RESULTS: The number of persons with dementia in Malta for the year 2021 was found to be 7,988 (1.54% of the total Maltese population), with 5.3% being non-Maltese citizens and 29 per cent living in the Northern Harbour district. This figure is expected to increase to 21,523 persons by the year 2060. The cost of dementia in the Maltese Islands in 2021 was estimated to range between €220-€260 million.CONCLUSION: The projected increase in dementia prevalence in the Maltese Islands is being driven by population ageing and population growth with the latter becoming a significantly important contributor. Local policy makers need to increase capacity of high-quality health and social care provision and reduce the incidence of dementia by targeting modifiable risk factors.peer-reviewe
Improvements in the area of logistics processes improving company productivity
Full text linkPURPOSE: The aim of this article is to present a validation of the author's method of
productivity research with a particular focus on logistics processes.DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The article presents the results of a productivity case
studies with a special focus on logistics processes for 3 Polish enterprises. An analysis of the
literature was made to present the research gap. A productivity survey method consisting of
several steps is presented. Including proposals for the structure of indicators used to
measure the level of productivity in an enterprise by the logistics processes implemented. The
article includes a compilation of 4 case studies in a group of medium and large
manufacturing enterprises in which, based on the productivity analysis of logistics processes,
a weak logistics process was identified and improvements were implemented. The research
desk analysis aims to show the impact of the application of the approach of the presented
productivity survey method on the indicators of the productivity level in enterprises.FINDINGS: The case studies demonstrate the application of the described method and confirm
the validity of conducting productivity studies taking into account partial productivity
indicators by logistics processes.PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Verification of the presented method shows that productivity analysis
including logistics processes and their improvements bring positive results to enterprises.ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The presented method was verified excluding micro and small enterprises
due to its complexity and the requirements of detailed analysis in a team. The development of
a method for studying the productivity of an enterprise in terms of the logistics processes
implemented.peer-reviewe
The role of serum total antioxidant capacity as a diagnostic tool of male infertility and its correlation to semen parameters
Full text linkBACKGROUND: Male infertility has been linked to the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidants. ROS are harmful molecules that can cause damage to cells, while antioxidants are substances that can prevent or counteract the formation and actions of ROS. Sperm cells are especially susceptible to damage from ROS because they lack adequate protection from intracellular antioxidant enzymes. Therefore, maintaining a robust total body antioxidant capacity is crucial to safeguarding sperm health.AIM OF THE STUDY: To evaluate the impact of T-AOC on male infertility. Materials and methods: Serum T-AOC was measured by using Elabscience ELISA kit. A case-control study included fertile group as control(n= 40) and infertile group (n=50). All subjects were included in this study between October 2022 to June 2023. Diagnosis of participants were executed by medical senior on the basis of clinical characteristics, history of patients, and biochemical tests. Age, family history, and BMI were measured. Blood samples were provided by each participant for the biochemical estimation of serum T-AOC, while semen samples were collected from each participant for the seminal fluid analysis.RESULTS: The results of this study showed a decreased in the level of T-AOC in infertile men as compared with fertile men. Moreover, there was a significant difference and correlation between T-AOC and some semen parameters. There was a significant difference in BMI (p-value =0.0087) between fertile and infertile groups.CONCLUSIONS: Serum T-AOC could be used as a diagnostic tool for male infertility.peer-reviewe
Method of calculating operation models of underground gas storage
Full text linkPURPOSE: The work is devoted to the numerical implementation of the filtration model of
reservoirs and the algorithmic model of compressor stations operated at underground gas
storage facilities.DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: For this, fast-converging methods and algorithms of
minimum complexity are proposed for calculating the hydraulic parameters of the gas
filtration process in heterogeneous reservoirs with concentrated sources and modes of
operation of multi-shop compressor stations with various types of gas pumping units.
The proposed methods and algorithms became the basis for the development of
mathematical methods and software, which is operated by the dispatching service of
underground gas storages. The time parameters of the proposed methods and algorithms
made it possible to formulate the optimization problems of dispatch control of processes
at underground gas storage facilities and to solve them effectively. The developed
software are separate modules of the integrated complex that ensured: optimal planning,
analysis of UGS operating modes and calculation of technical productivity; use it for
optimal daily balancing of gas in the GTS.FINDINGS: Among the advantages of this research (compared to similar ones known at this
time), two should be highlighted, representation of the filtering area by different models and
a combinatorial optimization method with adjustable complexity was developed.PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Special attention is paid to the problems of model adaptation based
on the results of numerical experiments. The main difficulty in carrying out adaptation lies in
the significant uncertainty of the parameters of the studied facilities and, accordingly, their
models, as well as input data and parameters of empirical expressions. The performance of
the developed mathematical methods and software was confirmed by the results of numerical
experiments and work in the mode of industrial operation for six years.ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The article presents methods and tools for the effective dispatch contro of underground gas storage facilities.peer-reviewe