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Identifying factors influencing the popularization of cryptocurrencies among students in Poland in 2024
Get PDFIn recent years, cryptocurrencies can no longer be regarded as a novel or unfamiliar
phenomenon, either by researchers and practitioners or by current and prospective
users. While relatively few potential users engage in cryptocurrency use daily,
typically limited to investment activities, there is nonetheless a broad awareness of
the concept. The phenomenon of cryptocurrencies no longer carries predominantly
negative connotations; however, they have yet to achieve widespread adoption.
Therefore, a study was undertaken with the primary objective of identifying
preferences related to the perception of cryptocurrency use in the Polish economic
context. The research placed particular emphasis on the anticipated role of
commercial banks and financial institutions in promoting the adoption of this
solution.
Research into the determinants of cryptocurrency use may adopt different
approaches and perspectives. They include: considerations of factors to be taken into
account, research models or barriers to adoption of this technology. [excerpt]peer-reviewe
Inflation-driven changes in consumer behavior on the Polish market : a survey approach
Get PDFPURPOSE: The aim of this article was to identify the most important changes in Poles'
purchasing habits, which were influenced by increased inflation. In addition to the literature
review, the results of our own survey research will be presented, which assessed the level of
perception of inflation by respondents and analyzed their consumption situation with
particular emphasis on changes that occurred under the influence of increased inflation.DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The research was conducted at the end of 2023 on a sample
of 226 adult Poles. The study was conducted using an online survey. The issue of changes in
purchasing habits caused by inflation was analyzed in the context of the following research
areas: assessment of respondents' perceptions of inflation, assessment of changes in the
situation resulting from the increase in inflation, and eating habits and changes resulting
from inflation. Based on the obtained data, detailed result tables were prepared presenting
the distribution of respondents' responses.FINDINGS: As the presented research results show, changes in purchasing habits due to
inflation are varied, and their interpretation is ambiguous. It's important to note that price
increases haven't been the only factor influencing consumer decisions in recent years. As
affluence increases, product quality, brand, and country or region of origin become
increasingly important.PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The results of this research can provide important material for
developing marketing strategies and social policies aimed at mitigating the negative effects
of inflation on society.ORIGINALITY/VALUE: Inflation has forced consumers to be more cautious and consciously plan
their spending, which in turn forces companies to adapt their marketing strategies, offers,
and sales channels to meet customer expectations. This, in turn, leads to the search for new
supply markets, optimization of production, and implementation of a range of measures
aimed at customer retention.peer-reviewe
Towards explainable multimodal sensing for swimming analysis : early findings from the SWIM-360 project
Get PDFSwimming performance analysis increasingly depends on multimodal sensing systems that
capture physiological and biomechanical signals in real-world aquatic environments. While
progress has been made in sensor fidelity and automated analysis, the interpretability of
these systems remains limited, constraining their uptake in coaching practice. This paper
presents early findings from the SWIM-360 project, which investigates how explainable
artificial intelligence (XAI) can support transparent and actionable insights for swimming
performance. We report preliminary results from EO SwimBETTER and TrainRed sensors,
together with proof-of-concept outputs from video-based pose estimation. In parallel, we
introduce mock-up visualisations and interaction concepts designed to elicit coach feedback
on requirements for explainability. A qualitative questionnaire with eight professional
swimming coaches was conducted to elicit requirements for explainable feedback. Their
responses informed the design of a multimodal, coach-centred explainability framework.
Rather than providing a fully integrated model, the paper proposes a methodological
framework that combines multimodal sensing with explainability-driven design principles.
Our findings highlight both the feasibility and the challenges of translating sensor data
into interpretable knowledge for athletes and coaches. By embedding explainability at
the earliest design stage, this study proposes an explainability-driven design framework
linking multimodal sensing and user requirements. These early findings highlight how
XAI principles can guide the creation of trustworthy, coach-centred decision-support tools
in aquatic sports.peer-reviewe
Digital proficiency and educational needs of Portuguese radiation therapists
Get PDFIntroduction: As radiotherapy (RT) becomes increasingly digitised, the digital skills (DS) proficiency of
Therapeutic Radiographers/Radiation Therapists (RTTs) is essential for ensuring patient safety and
quality care. This study is part of larger sequential multi-phase mixed-methods research; previous
research by the same research team has shown that DS proficiency varies among European RTTs. The
current study aimed to assess stakeholders' perceptions of proficiency, influencing factors, challenges,
and strategies to bridge the digital gap in Portugal.
Methods: A qualitative, hybrid (inductive and deductive), descriptive, cross-sectional, prospective
design was used. Online focus group and individual interviews were performed with 16 Portuguese
stakeholders (RTTs, managers, industry representatives, students, and educators), using an interview
guide based on previous research. Interview transcripts were thematically analysed.
Results: Seven themes were identified: proficiency levels, influencing factors, challenging areas,
essential DS for practice, strategies for integration into education, concerns about technological evo lution, and impact on RTTs' roles.
Conclusion: The study underscores the critical need for DS proficiency among RTTs, emphasising gaps in
specialised areas and multifaceted influencing factors. It stresses the urgency of improving RTTs' digital
training across all educational stages. Adaptation and constant learning are imperative in radiotherapy's
dynamic landscape, ensuring optimal patient care.
Implications for practice: Addressing DS gaps is imperative for RTTs to ensure quality and safety of RT
treatments. Essential strategies include DS integration and education adaptation and CPD. Recognizing
concerns, such as job losses, highlights the need for a balanced technological approach. Patient-centred
care remains paramount in guiding RTTs through evolving roles in the dynamic field of radiotherapy.peer-reviewe
Analysis of coastal urban skyline development using digital tools : the case of Swinoujscie (Poland)
Get PDFPURPOSE: The aim of the article is to analyse the directions and nature of the transformation
of Świnoujście’s urban skyline in the context of increasing building density and vertical
pressure.DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The research utilises orthophotomaps from various time
periods and point cloud data acquired through geographic information services (GIS). Based
on this, a digital model and BIM software were used to analyse urban silhouette development
trends and determine the directions of vertical expansion and urban densification in the
context of current planning assumptions.FINDINGS: The observed increase in building intensity in Świnoujście is largely concentrated
within a single skyline unit, dominated by the Radisson Blu high-rise. This structure
redefines the proportions of the panorama, making subsequent lower-rise developments
appear visually insignificant. This creates a false sense of compositional stability and
highlights the need for localised visual analyses, rather than relying solely on averaged
statistical indicators. The study applies a segmentation method that enables a more precise
assessment of new developments in their immediate spatial context.PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The results may inform local urban policies and spatial planning
strategies, particularly regarding the balance between tourism development and protection
of the urban landscape. The adopted methodology can be replicated in other coastal cities
experiencing rapid spatial and functional transformation.ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The originality of the article lies in its combination of 2D (historical
orthophotomaps) and 3D (LiDAR/BIM) data within a single analytical model, enabling
simultaneous tracking of vertical and spatial densification processes. Working in the
ARCHICAD environment, the study creates an interactive BIM platform that supports visual
analysis, zoning scenarios (LDPs), and automated generation of quantitative data. The
segmentation approach eliminates distortions caused by dominant high-rise structures and
simplifies landscape assessment to three spatial categories: sky, built-up area, and greenery.
Additionally, the use of original indicators—built-to-sky (BS) and built-to-greenery (BG)—
provides an innovative tool to evaluate verticalisation pressure and loss of the natural buffer
zone in coastal urban areas.peer-reviewe
Ubiquinone supplementation lessens the negative impacts of occupational lead exposure by reducing inflammation
Get PDFLead occupational exposure has been increasingly reported by healthcare providers as an important challenge in industrial settings. Ubiquinone is a natural substance that has a role in the electron transport chain and oxidation-reduction pathway. In this study, we evaluated the effects of ubiquinone on inflammatory markers in workers who were exposed to lead in their routine daily work, as determined by measurement of lead levels in their blood at the start of the study, and compared to the control group. This study is a randomized, blind, placebo (control (two-month clinical trial. 61 people who had spent at least a year in an industrial environment were divided into two groups. In the ubiquinone group, 31 participants received 200 mg/day of ubiquinone-containing capsules for two months, and in the placebo group, 30 participants received a placebo capsule of starch daily for two months, At the end of the study, there was a withdrawal of one participant from the ubiquinone group and two participants from the placebo group. The inflammatory biomarker high-sensitivity C-reactive protein was measured using a turbidimetric immunoassay, while TNF-? and IL-6 plasma levels were determined using an ELISA. These measurements were done at the start of the study and after two months to compare the results of these parameters in the ubiquinone and placebo groups. After two months of ubiquinone supplementation, there was a statistically significant improvement in TNF- and IL-6 concentrations, but it did not affect CRP levels in the study participants.peer-reviewe
Hospital doctors’ attitudes to the adoption, implementation and utilisation of digital virtual consultations
No full textBackground: The digitalisation of healthcare has introduced virtual consultations as a means of improving accessibility
and efficiency. However, the adoption of this technology among hospital doctors remains slow due to concerns about
patient safety, quality of care, usability, and medico-legal implications.
Aim: This study examines hospital doctors’ perceptions of digital virtual consultations, identifying key factors influencing
their acceptance and implementation.
Design and methods: A structured survey based on the Technology Acceptance Model 3 (TAM3) was distributed to
886 hospital doctors in a tertiary hospital in Malta. A total of 133 responses were received (15% response rate), with
67% of respondents completing the full questionnaire. The survey measured key variables such as perceived usefulness,
perceived ease of use, job relevance and behavioural intention. Statistical analyses included Fisher’s exact test, Friedman’s
test and ANOVA to explore significant relationships among variables.
Results: The findings suggest that while doctors acknowledge virtual consultations as beneficial adjuncts to face to-face consultations, concerns persist regarding technological infrastructure, usability and cost-effectiveness. Job
relevance (p=0.028) and perceived external control were significant predictors of perceived usefulness and ease of use.
Behavioural intention was most strongly influenced by perceived usefulness (p<0.001). Despite the insights offered, the
15% response rate may introduce non-response bias, limiting the generalisability of findings across the wider population
of hospital doctors.
Conclusions: To enhance adoption, healthcare systems must invest in infrastructure, training, and policy frameworks.
Conducting feasibility and cost-effectiveness studies, coupled with stakeholder engagement, will be essential for successful
implementation.peer-reviewe
A review of anomaly detection in spacecraft telemetry data
No full textTelemetry data play a pivotal role in ensuring the success of spacecraft missions
and safeguarding the integrity of spacecraft systems. Therefore, the timely detection and
subsequent notification of any abnormal events related to the functionality of spacecraft subsystems
are crucial to ensure their safe operation. In recent years, several anomaly detection
methods have been developed to monitor spacecraft telemetry data and detect anomalies.
This manuscript provides a comprehensive literature review of the existing anomaly detection
methods for spacecraft telemetry data. It exposes the challenges faced by such systems,
highlights the strengths and limitations of each anomaly detection method, and assesses
and compares the performance of these approaches in detecting anomalies. Initial results
show that GCN and TCN models have achieved promising precision up to 94%. The paper
concludes with a series of recommendations and the potential research directions.peer-reviewe
Home economics contribution to UNESCO’s new social contract for education
No full textIn September 2024, the United Nations held a Summit of the Future: Multilateral Solutions for a Better Tomorrow. In this context, UNESCO is interested in the role of governance in forging a new social contract for education to replace the neoliberal, capitalistic current contract. This conceptual paper explores the potential role of home economics in the governance process inherent in creating this new social contract for education. With its focus on the family as a social institution, home economics has a unique opportunity to socialize individuals and families to become active change agents who can influence governance leading to a social contract for education predicated on education being a human right for individuals and a common good for the collective. In their proposed governance role, home economists can help families appreciate that they are a social institution, view themselves as part of a governance flotilla, learn the critical science perspective, learn participatory action skills, value a futures literacy and an entrepreneurial attitude, and draw on the human ecosystem perspective to garner the power of the interdependent collective.peer-reviewe
Perceived organizational attitudes toward counterproductive work behaviors across culture types : insights from the OCAI framework
No full textPURPOSE: The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between organisational culture
type (as defined by the OCAI model) and perceived organisational attitudes towards
counterproductive work behaviours (CWB). Particular attention is given to three dimensions
of organisational responses: the use of sanctions, tolerance, and encouragement of
counterproductive behaviours.DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The study is based on survey data collected from employees
representing organisations characterised by different culture types (clan, adhocracy, market,
hierarchy). Statistical analysis was conducted using the Kruskal-Wallis test and post hoc
analyses to assess differences in organisational attitudes towards CWB.FINDINGS: The results indicate that organisational culture type significantly differentiates the
levels of tolerance and encouragement of CWB. No significant differences were observed
regarding the use of sanctions, which may suggest the existence of a universal accountability
mechanism for counterproductive behaviours.PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Organisations should adapt their CWB prevention systems to the
specific profile of their organisational culture, especially in structures focused on efficiency
and formalism, where ethical norms may be marginalised. Strengthening ethical leadership
and fostering coherent cultural values may reduce the risk of tolerating or promoting
unethical conduct.ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The originality of this study lies in its integration of the OCAI typology of
organisational cultures with employees’ perceptions of three specific organisational
reactions to CWB: sanctioning, tolerating, and encouraging. Unlike previous research that
has focused on formal ethical codes or policy declarations, this study explores informal and
subjectively perceived cultural signals that may either foster or inhibit counterproductive
behaviours. This approach contributes a novel perspective to the field of organisational
ethics and workplace culture research.peer-reviewe