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Employee Involvement and the Efficiency of the Organization

Author(s): Halina Sobocka-Szczapa / Language(s): English / Issue: 1/2022

Keywords: employee engagement; commitment determinants; organizational effectiveness; effectiveness determinants; commitment measurement;

The concept of commitment is a very broad and ambiguous term. In the literature on the subject, there are two concepts: organizational commitment and work engagement, which are incorrectly translated together as commitment to work, because the first refers to organizational commitment, which means commitment to the organization, and the second is proper commitment to work. It should be emphasized that involvement in work is de facto organizational commitment, because proper performance of entrusted tasks significantly contributes to the sustainability of the organization’s functioning and increasing its competitiveness. Therefore, the approach represented in this study describes the involvement of employees, combining both concepts. The aim of the presented study is to analyze the relationship between employee involvement and the effectiveness of companies. For the purposes of the study, a research hypothesis was formulated: employee involvement directly contributes to the improvement of indicators that testify to the effectiveness of the company’s activity. This goal was achieved on the basis of research conducted by the Gallup Institute and other research published on the Internet. The basic method used in the study was the method of critical analysis of the literature on the subject and intuitive analyzes, resulting from the research experience.

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Expression of human cardiac-specific genes: a novel method for post-mortem interval estimation

Author(s): Sahil Thakral,Purvi Purohit,Anupama Modi,Richa Mishra,Arvind Sinha,Puneet Setia / Language(s): English / Issue: 1/2023

Keywords: cardiac troponin I; fold change expression; forensic genetics; GAPDH; N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide; post-mortem interval

In legal medicine, the determination of post-mortem interval (PMI) is not only an important but also one of the most difficult aspects. Several methods are used to estimate PMI such as physicochemical, entomological, biochemical, metabolic, autolytic, and physical methods. These methods provide a wide range of PMI as they are affected by different factors. The approach behind the present study is to calculate an accurate PMI by using mRNA degradation and fold change expression (FCE) of cardiac-specific genes viz. N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NPPB) and cardiac troponin I (TNNI3). Seventeen cadaver heart tissues were analysed within a time frame of up to 12 hours from the time since death, at different time intervals at room temperature. Gene expression was determined and the data were analysed using the value of average delta Ct (ΔCt) value of the assessed gene and housekeeping gene. Delta delta Ct (ΔΔCt) method was used to calculate the FCE at the different 7-time groups. The FCE of TNNI3 was almost stable till 15 hours of PMI and then after 15 hours, expression shows a decrease up to 24 hours after death; whereas, NPPB shows that FCE was stable till 12 hours of PMI and then after 12 hours, expression shows a decrease up to 24 hours after death. The FCE of NPPB and TNNI3 was almost stable till 12 hours. Thus, the estimation of PMI by analysis of the FCE of cardiac-specific genes can be a new promising method in forensic medicine.

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Analysis of drowning fatalities in the Vistula River in years 2011-2020 in the Lesser Poland Voivodeship

Author(s): Monika Armatys,Julita Ciuruś,Natalia Grochal,Marlena Leśniak,Tomasz Konopka / Language(s): English / Issue: 1/2023

Keywords: Vistula River; forensic medicine; drowning; emphysema aquosum; putrefaction; alcohol

Aim: The aim of the present study is to analyze drowning fatalities in the Vistula River from 2011 to 2020 in the Lesser Poland Voivodeship.Material and Methods: The material for the study consisted of autopsy protocols provided by the Department of Forensic Medicine in Cracow. Demographic data, results of post-mortem examinations and results of basic toxicological tests - levels of ethyl alcohol in the blood and urine of decedents were analyzed. The extracted data were subjected to statistical analysis using TIBCO Statistica® 13.3.0 software. χ2 and one-way ANOVA tests of independence (p < 0.05) were performed.Results: 79 cases were analyzed. The mean age was 44.2 years (SD = 16.81). The majority of the study group was male (73.1%). 57.9% of men were under the influence of alcohol (>0.5 per mille) at the time of drowning, compared to 23.8% of women (p = 0.008). Most bodies were found between the Kosciuszko and Dąbie barrages (57.0%). Spring and summer were the most common seasons for drownings (59.5%). 35.4% of victims suffered from psychiatric illnesses. Emphysema aquosum was more frequent in bodies that were not in an advanced state of putrefaction (p = 0.000). 23.1% of victims had head injuries, 14.1% - upper limb injuries, while 11.5% had lower limb injuriesConclusions: Inebriated men are more likely to be victims of drowning, which may be due to a greater tendency toward reckless behavior and irresponsible consumption of alcoholic beverages. Most drownings occur in the city center, which points to suicide as the cause of incident. The occurrence of external injuries is the result of jumping from a great height or the effect of carrying the corpse downstream.

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Review of the experiences of users of methaqualone and methaqualone derivatives. An analysis of online forums

Author(s): Patryk Kuropka,Marcin Zawadzki,Paweł Szpot / Language(s): English / Issue: 1/2023

Keywords: Methaqualone; Sedative-hypnotic drug; Online forums

The aim of this review article was to collect and analyze the available information on methaqualone and its derivatives reported by users in dedicated online forums. Methaqualone is a sedative-hypnotic drug that has been widely used for medical purposes in the past, but is now illegal in most countries due to its high abuse potential. The review collected information on doses, routes of administration, desirable and side effects of intoxication and other relevant aspects of the abuse of these compounds. The results of the study suggest that methaqualone and its derivatives continue to be used by some individuals despite their illicit status and potential health risks. The review, in the absence of other more reliable toxicological data, provides valuable insights from direct users on the use of these substances.

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COVID-19-related excess mortality – an overview of the current evidence

Author(s): Aleksander Zińczuk,Marta Rorat,Tomasz Jurek / Language(s): English / Issue: 1/2023

Keywords: SARS-CoV-2; death; global mortality; pandemic

Analysis of excess deaths, defined as the difference in the total number of deaths in an emergency compared to the number of deaths expected under normal conditions, allows a more reliable assessment of the impact on health systems caused by the global threat of SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2). So far, data for the two years of the pandemic (2020-2021) indicates the occurrence of 14.9 million excess deaths according to WHO (World Health Organization) estimates. The purpose of the analysis conducted was to define the concept and identify the causes of excess mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic. Inconsistent and unreliable death registration systems; overburdened health systems in low- and middle-income countries; reduced access to medical services for patients with health problems other than COVID-19; the introduction of social distancing and lockdown rules, which translated into increased deaths from psychiatric illnesses and addictions; political considerations and media messages that interfered with vaccination acceptance and adherence; and the additional impact of other natural disasters (hurricanes, floods, drought) were identified as the most important reasons for excess deaths occurrence. The correct identification of country-specific factors and the correct response and countermeasures taken appear crucial in terms of limiting the negative impact of the current pandemic, but also of future threats of a similar nature, in order to reduce excess deaths.

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The case of an abused child exposed to the direct danger of serious damage to health in the form of a permanent mental illness

Author(s): Piotr Engelgardt,Maciej Krzyżanowski,Monika Włodarczyk-Dudka / Language(s): English / Issue: 1/2023

Keywords: Child maltreatment; PTSD; legal qualification; mental disorders; permanent mental illness

Prolonged exposure to violence in any form takes a toll on children’s health. It may increase the risk of multiple mental disorders appearing in adult life. Such disorders may be of severe intensity, and in extreme cases, they can even disable normal functioning both individually and socially.The present case concerns an eight-year-old girl subjected to all forms of abuse (sexual, physical, psychological and negligence) in her biological family. The foster parents made a notification of a suspected criminal offence based on their multiple observations of behavioral disorders of the child.After analyzing the evidence, including observations of behavior in the foster family and a comprehensive medical-psychological examination of the subject, all forms of child abuse according to ICD-10 have been diagnosed, as well as a negative impact of violence on the child’s psychological well-being.A thorough analysis of the whole available data led to a conclusion that the girl, functioning in her biological family, was exposed to a direct danger of severe health impairment in the form of a permanent mental illness within the meaning of art. 160 of the Polish Penal Code.

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“The GRR Method”: Companion Animals as Partners in Human Stress Management Through Grounding, Relating, and Reframing Skills

Author(s): Janet Hoy-Gerlach / Language(s): English / Issue: Sp. issue/2023

Keywords: companion animals; pets; stress; mental health; coping

With the advent of the COVID pandemic and associated stressors, there is an increased need for strategies to support mental health, stress management, and coping skills.1 The biopsychosocial benefits of human-animal interaction have been identified as a protective factor for mental health and stress during the pandemic.2 Through incorporating intentional interactions with companion animals in the use of three widely recognized evidence-based coping skills—grounding, relating, and reframing—the GRR Method is delineated as a coping strategy. The GRR Method is not an evidenced-based practice or tested intervention, rather, it is a proposed application strategy for existing evidence-based coping skills through partnership and purposeful interaction with companion animals. Within this article, the human stress response is briefly reviewed to provide a framework in which to situate use of grounding, relating and reframing skills augmented by companion animal interaction. The GRR Method is presented and explicated as a One Health strategy that can benefit both people and animals; issues of animal welfare, consent, and enrichment are explicitly addressed.

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Horse Interaction as Motivation for Development of Literacy Skills in Emergent Readers

Author(s): Helen Blair McKissock / Language(s): English / Issue: Sp. issue/2023

Keywords: horses; reading; literacy; animal-assisted; equine-assisted; miniature horses

Two hundred kindergarten and first grade students participated in a program to develop early literacy skills through horse interaction. The program uses a series of three-horse interaction experiences to increase motivation to read. During the introduction to the horse, students are provided with a copy of the book they will read over the next six weeks. The students participate in horse-focused activities over the next six weeks during regular classroom instruction along with practice time reading the book. At the end of the program, students attend a field trip to a farm where they are invited to read aloud and engage in further interaction with horses as a reward for their work. Early literacy skills and literacy success indicators were measured through a pre-/post-test as well as qualitative data collected from teachers and parents. Results show statistically significant increases in literacy indicators. Students also demonstrated an increase in horse knowledge.

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Treatment of Trauma Using Horse Assisted Education in Poland

Author(s): Karolina Czarnecka,Kathleen Farkas,Jaroslaw R. Romaniuk / Language(s): English / Issue: Sp. issue/2023

Keywords: PTSD; EAGALA; metaphor; human-horse bonding; case studies

Trauma-informed care requires a sound therapeutic relationship to address trauma symptoms. People with trauma symptoms often cannot use their communication skills or do not possess the emotional stability to talk with others, and many drop out of treatment. Horse Assisted Education employs a partnership of horse and humans which leads to engagement and participation in experiential and narrative trauma treatment leading to sustained change and recovery. This paper illustrates a model of Horse Assisted Education in Poland, its application in the treatment of trauma symptoms. Three case studies are used to discuss the ways in which the human-animal partnerships foster therapeutic engagement and facilitate experiential learning and insight into trauma symptoms and recovery.

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A Competition Question: Horse Welfare, Pentathletes, and Competitive Riding

Author(s): Aviva Lauren Vincent,Ruth Burke,Kaylynn Coates / Language(s): English / Issue: Sp. issue/2023

Keywords: Human-Animal Bond; equine welfare; equestrian; Olympics; Modern Pentathlon

Equestrian sports vary in degree of human-animal bond and affiliation, from catch-ride to perceptions of ownership. The Modern Pentathlon has not garnered mainstream media coverage until the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. Unfortunately, the rise in conversation and coverage was in response and reaction to poor horsemanship, negative behavior, and aggressive coaching. The events of the 2020 Modern Pentathlon were profound in that they highlighted the extreme juxtaposition of competitions that focus on bonded relationships and catch-riding experiences. The implications are far reaching with increased critique of equestrian sports, transparency about the lack of riding training athletes engaged in prior to competition, and the omission of partnership between horse and rider. The Modern Pentathlon is discussed in the context of the human-equine bond. The standards for equine welfare and wellbeing is considered in regard to the role of the rider in supporting their equine partner in the face of competition, including the implications of emotional distress in reaction to disappointment, and tragedy. Additionally, the role of riders when they are not engaged in the competitive sport (e.g., training and general care of their equine partners). Recommendations for the process and guidelines of the sport are delineated, as well as professional opportunities to strengthen the sport.

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REMOTE WORKPLACES AS A DETERMINANT OF WORKING CONDITIONS IN EDUCATION DURING COVID-19

Author(s): Vida Davidavičienė,Janusz Rymaniak,Katarzyna Lis / Language(s): English / Issue: 2/2023

Keywords: remote work; telework; pandemic education; designing work; workplace; pandemic crisis; sustainable development;

The lockdown resulting from the COVID-19 epidemic forced employees of various vocational and social groups into working from home. The article presents the results of the research on the organisation of remote workstations in the education sector conducted in scope of an international remote work project. Unlike the dominant research topic in the literature (well-being, WLB), our research focuses on a newer endeavor: analysis from a workplace design perspective. Statistical methods such as structure indices and correlations were used in the research. The results presented concern the organizational level of the surveyed positions and the impact of external factors on employee preferences in scope of being sent away, including position financing, position time, and organizational efficiency. The study showed a specific profile of remote work of education employees. The results also indicate employees' expectations regarding the financing of physical space and household equipment by employers, as well as the legal regulations of the right to disconnect (R2D). These are the preconditions for the strategic, permanent use of remote work as a tool for organization and management because when working remotely, new forms of the educational function must be developed.

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INSTITUTIONAL QUALITY AND ECONOMIC GROWTH IN THE NON-EU POST-SOVIET COUNTRIES: DOES ENERGY ABUNDANCE MATTER?

Author(s): Ilkin Gasimov,Farid Jabiyev,Gadir G. Asgarzade / Language(s): English / Issue: 2/2023

Keywords: institutional quality; economic growth; energy-richness; post-Soviet countries; two stage least squares;

After regaining independence, most of the post-Soviet countries encountered socio-economic difficulties during the transition period. These challenges were also accompanied by low institutional quality. Some of the post-Soviet countries, such as Russia, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan, can be categorized as energy-rich, while the remaining countries are non-rich in terms of energy. Thereby, the aim of this study is twofold: first, to analyze the impact of institutional quality on economic growth in the case of non-EU post-Soviet countries, and second, to determine whether there is any difference in the link of institutional quality and economic growth between the energy-rich and non-rich sample countries. Two-Stage Least Squares reveal a U-shaped association between institutional environment and economic growth. Furthermore, the results suggest that this impact is lower in the energy-rich countries compared with their non-rich counterparts. With regards to the control variables, the findings indicate a positive and statistically significant impact of openness on economic growth. Finally, there is a negative association between the remaining control variables, such as inflation, population growth rate and the dependent variable.

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THE COMMUNICATION GAP AND THE EFFECT OF SELFPERCEPTION ON ASSESSMENT OF INTERNAL AUDITORS’ COMMUNICATION SKILLS

Author(s): Waldemar Rydzak,Joanna Przybylska,Jacek Trębecki,Miguel Afonso Sellitto / Language(s): English / Issue: 2/2023

Keywords: economic information; communication; selfperception; job satisfaction; competency assessment; internal audit;

Organizations employing internal auditors indicate communication skills among the key auditor competencies that allow for improving audit efficiency and reputation. This study, carried out with the participation of Polish internal auditors, has shown that the auditors, in particular from the public sector, who felt frustrated or unappreciated tended to give a lower rating to the general degree of usefulness of communication, as well as to the level of their own skills in this regard. This assessment changes as job seniority grows. Improving communication skills and effectiveness of audit activities requires not only organized training but also measures to increase the comfort and satisfaction with work of internal auditors -especially those with less work experience.

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SOCIO-ECONOMIC PROFILES OF COUNTRIES - CYBERCRIME VICTIMS

Author(s): Hanna Yarovenko,Agnieszka Łopatka,Tetyana Vasilyeva,Imre Vida / Language(s): English / Issue: 2/2023

Keywords: Cybercrime; cyberattack; cyberwar; socio-economic development; cluster analysis; silhouette method; association analysis;

The article analyses socio-economic profiles of countries that are victims of cybercrimes due to attacks by malicious programs and viruses spread through email applications, vulnerabilities of information systems and computer networks. The study is based on two hypotheses. The first is that powerful countries with significant global influence are both the cybercrime initiators and cybercrime victims to a greater extent than those with weak leverage. The second hypothesis is based on the fact that the level of socio-economic development of countries can be an indirect motivation for cyber criminals to commit mass cyberattacks. The proposed hypotheses were proved using cluster analysis based on the k-means and silhouette methods for the data from 93 countries. It formed 12 groups of countries based on the cyberattack volume on email applications and networks. Using the Farrar-Glauber test, the research revealed that identified vulnerabilities in information systems highly correlated with other factors. Thus, this factor was eliminated from the data set. An associative analysis was used to form a profile of the victim countries. It identified common socio-economic characteristics for each group and developed the rules of cause-and-effect relationships for them. The cluster analysis results confirm the first hypothesis that the most powerful countries, such as the USA, China, Germany, France, and others, are both victims of cyberattacks and their initiators. The analysis of profiles of countries’ clusters based on the associative rules fully confirmed the second hypothesis.

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CROSS-BORDER MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS IN THE CONTEXT OF ECONOMIC-BEHAVIORAL PHENOMENA

Author(s): Zuzana Birknerová,Beata Gavurova,Lucia Zbihlejová,Jaroslava Hečková,Alexandra Chapčáková / Language(s): English / Issue: 2/2023

Keywords: attributes of successful project implementation of mergers and acquisitions; M&APIF methodology; aims; reasons;

Mergers and acquisitions are a powerful way to modify a company's portfolio and generate both longterm value and resilience. The aim and the reasons behind M&A are among the aspects that contribute to their successful implementation, so ascertaining them is also important for the purposes of maximizing the positive effects of these transactions. The first partial objective of the research presented in the paper is to identify the links between the factors affecting the success of the crossborder merger and acquisition projects and the importance of the aims that the respondents want to achieve by selling the company. The second partial objective is to identify the links between the aforementioned factors and the importance of the reasons for which respondents consider cross-border M&A. The research was conducted on a sample of 244 managers of corporations based in 45 European countries that were the subject of a cross-border merger or acquisition in the 2016-2020 period with a market capitalization of more than €100 mil. using the M&APIF methodology. Several statistically significant correlations between the assessed phenomena were recorded. The research results imply that top managers should focus their attention on particular factors more and on others less to successfully implement a project of cross-border M&A. This study may, therefore, serve as a tool for them to do so.

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GROCERY SHOPPING BEHAVIOUR IN THE ERA OF COVID-19: PANEL DATA ANALYSIS FROM CONVENIENCE STORE SECTOR IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND AND WALES

Author(s): Maria Rybaczewska,Aneta Maria Kłopocka,Tomasz Kuszewski,Łukasz Sułkowski / Language(s): English / Issue: 2/2023

Keywords: grocery shopping; Covid-19 pandemic; consumers’ purchase behaviour; England; Scotland; Wales;

To the best of our knowledge this is the first attempt to address the consistencies and inconsistencies between the grocery shopping behaviour shifts in the era of Covid-19 across three devolved nations of the mainland UK. We address the strictness of ‘lockdown style’ closure and containment policies that primarily restrict people’s behaviour (stringency index). We use a unique dataset of transactional data (778,305 observations) drawn from 1,282 convenience stores located in England, Scotland and Wales. Panel data analysis covers the pre-pandemic (Jan 2018 – Feb 2020) and pandemic period (March 2020 – Dec 2020). This research reveals that, despite the consistent decrease of single item transactions and increase of average spend per transaction across England, Scotland and Wales, the dynamics of these shifts in time varies meaningfully. All these shifts highly correlate with the stringency index. Analysis of additional explanatory variables i.e. store size, location, affiliation shows further dimensions.

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CHARACTERISTICS OF THE ECONOMIC PHENOMENON OF HAPPINESS AND RELATED ASPECTS AMONG THE SELFEMPLOYED POPULATION IN LITHUANIA

Author(s): Viktorija Tauraitė,Akvilė Aleksandravičienė / Language(s): English / Issue: 2/2023

Keywords: Happiness; job satisfaction; life satisfaction; Lithuania; self-employed persons;

This paper presents an analysis of the characteristics of the economic phenomenon of happiness and its aspects in the self-employed population in Lithuania. This mixed empirical study uses statistical data, correlational analyzes, and the 𝑋 2 criterion. The research data are collected using the methods of questionnaire survey, time diary, and semi-structured expert interview. The concept of happiness is defined based on the results of empirical analysis, which also demonstrate that in 2019 self-employed persons in Lithuania were happy and satisfied with their work and personal life. The research results also reveal that there is a statistically significant relationship between the employed population seeking to balance work and personal life and the level of happiness.

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EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE AND KNOWLEDGE SHARING AS KEY FACTORS IN BUSINESS MANAGEMENT – EVIDENCE FROM SLOVAK SMES

Author(s): Tibor Zsigmondn,Ladislav Mura / Language(s): English / Issue: 2/2023

Keywords: knowledge sharing; knowledge management; emotional intelligence; Emotional Quotient; small and medium enterprises; Slovakia;

Over the last decades, researchers have been increasingly studying the field of emotional intelligence and knowledge management. However, the interaction between these two important factors has not received sufficient attention thus far, therefore this paper aims to assess it. The goal of this article is to assess the impact of emotional intelligence on the willingness of knowledge transfer and examine additional factors (such as gender and generation group). The research sample (N=508) consisted of employees of Slovak SMEs. The study was conducted in June-August of 2022. A two-way variance analysis and a binomial logistic regression were applied. In the case of Hypotheses 1 and 2, Emotional Quotient (EQ) figured as an independent variable, while gender and generation group were independent categorical variables. In the case of Hypotheses 3, 4 and 5, a model was set up using logistic regression, where the EQ, gender and generation group were all independent variables. The results show that gender has a real impact on the level of EQ. The willingness of knowledge transfer is influenced by both the level of EQ and gender. The importance of emotional intelligence in connection to knowledge transfer was examined during the crisis caused by COVID-19 and the Russia-Ukraine war, thus expanding the knowledge related to human resources. Previous research on the topic is quite limited and the present study is unique in considering the issue in the context of SMEs and the CEE countries.

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FINANCIAL INCLUSION IN INDONESIA: DOES EDUCATION MATTER?

Author(s): Pratiwi Ira Eka / Language(s): English / Issue: 2/2023

Keywords: financial inclusion; education; Indonesia;

This study attempts to examine education as a critical proxy for financial inclusion in Indonesia using the Global Findex 2017 database from the World Bank survey. The results showed low financial inclusion in Indonesia, indicated by the low score of the financial inclusion index. Further analysis also suggests that education attainment significantly affects financial inclusion, whose indicators include the financial inclusion index (FII), account ownership, mobile or internet banking, and borrowing from financial institutions in the past 12 months. These four indicators show that financial inclusion increases with education. The findings confirm that highly educated people are considered financially included, and the great difference in educational level may create a significant gap in financial inclusion. Therefore, more people should attain higher education to increase financial inclusion and contribute to national development.

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Non-textual Elements in Judicial Opinions: Overview

Author(s): Magdalena Wojdala / Language(s): English / Issue: 2/2023

Keywords: judicial opinion; non-textual elements; images

The objective of the article is to present the practice of using non-textual elements in judicial opinions, as well as to explain the need for a new term and the way in which it was created. In order to do so, several questions have been addressed. First, the elements actually used in judicial opinions are specified. Next, the reasons why terms such as image or visual material cannot adequately describe the phenomenon in question are presented and reasons are offered for the creation of a new term. What the elements have in common is then outlined and the concept of non-textual elements in judicial opinions is introduced. An examination of whether distinguishing this category means that these elements can be treated as a homogeneous group is then presented. Finally, whether the presence of such elements in judicial opinions is new in legal reality is considered and, if so, what their significance is to the functioning of judicial opinions.

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