https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/4610 2026-06-17T09:15:07Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147488 Title: Water security in an integrated water, hydrogen, and carbon development strategy Authors: Ziętarski, Mateusz; Witaszek, Zbigniew; Cylkowski, Jarosław; Ćwiąkała, Michał; Górka, Ernest; Woźniak, Dariusz Abstract: PURPOSE: The paper examines water security as a strategic component of sustainable development in the context of integrated water, hydrogen, and carbon-based development. It aims to highlight the role of water as a critical resource shaping economic transformation, environmental protection, and social resilience, with particular emphasis on Poland’s conditions and challenges.; DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The study is based on a qualitative and conceptual analysis of academic literature, strategic reports, legal acts, and policy documents related to water security, sustainable development, ESG principles, and resource management. Descriptive, analytical, and comparative methods are applied, supported by secondary data from national and international sources.; FINDINGS: The analysis indicates that water security is a multidimensional concept encompassing environmental, economic, social, and institutional dimensions. Effective water security requires integrated governance, long-term strategic planning, technological innovation, and alignment with sustainable development and ESG frameworks. The study highlights key challenges related to water scarcity, infrastructure deficits, climate change, and regulatory barriers, as well as opportunities arising from innovation and cross-sector cooperation.; RESEARCH LIMITATIONS/IMPLICATIONS: The paper is conceptual in nature and relies on secondary data, which limits empirical generalization. Nevertheless, it provides a comprehensive framework for future empirical research on water security, resource governance, and sustainable transformation.; PRACTICAL RECOMMENDATIONS: Policymakers and stakeholders should prioritize integrated water resource management, investment in modern water infrastructure, innovation in water technologies, and public awareness initiatives. Strengthening institutional coordination and aligning water policies with sustainable development goals are essential to enhancing water security.; ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The paper contributes to the literature by offering an integrative perspective on water security within a broader resource-based development strategy. It emphasizes water as a foundational element of sustainable transformation and highlights its strategic importance for economic resilience, environmental protection, and social wellbeing. 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147483 Title: The justice system in media narratives shaping public security (2022–2024) Authors: Koźmiński, Aleksander; Witaszek, Zbigniew; Ziętarski, Mateusz; Ćwiąkała, Michał; Górka, Ernest; Mędzelowski, Tadeusz Abstract: PURPOSE: The paper examines the role of contemporary media in shaping social perceptions of the justice system and its impact on public security. Its aim is to analyze how media narratives influence citizens’ trust in justice institutions, the subjective sense of security, and social expectations regarding reforms of the justice system.; DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The study adopts a qualitative and conceptual approach based on an analysis of media messages related to court proceedings, judicial decisions, and the activities of law enforcement agencies. The research focuses on identifying dominant mechanisms of media influence, such as selective presentation of events, amplification of high-profile cases, and the phenomenon of media “trials.”; FINDINGS: The findings indicate that media representations significantly affect public perceptions of the justice system and public security. Media play a dual role: they can strengthen trust and the sense of security by demonstrating the effectiveness of justice institutions, but they can also undermine these values through sensationalism, distortion, and premature public judgments. Media narratives influence social trust in state institutions and contribute to shaping public expectations concerning justice system reforms.; RESEARCH LIMITATIONS/IMPLICATIONS: The paper is conceptual in nature and does not rely on primary empirical research, which limits the ability to establish causal relationships. The analysis provides a basis for further empirical studies on media influence, public trust, and the perception of public security.; PRACTICAL RECOMMENDATIONS: Media organizations should adhere to principles of journalistic reliability and responsibility, avoiding sensationalism and ensuring balanced reporting on judicial matters. Justice institutions should engage in transparent communication to counteract misinformation and strengthen public trust.; ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The paper contributes to the literature by highlighting the interdependence between media communication, the justice system, and public security. It emphasizes the significance of media narratives in shaping social perceptions of justice and security, offering a framework for understanding their impact on public trust and social stability. 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147472 Title: Educational experiments in 360º environments with cognitive neuroscience tools : a bibliometric and methodological perspective Authors: Duda, Jarosław Abstract: PURPOSE: The purpose of this paper is to provide both a bibliometric and methodological overview of research combining 360-degree images and videos with cognitive neuroscience tools. The article also aims to propose a practical framework for designing and implementing experiments conducted in desktop-based virtual environments (DT VR), offering an alternative to traditional head-mounted display (HMD) VR systems.; DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The study consists of two complementary components. First, a bibliometric exploration of existing literature was conducted across major academic databases using keywords related to 360-degree media, virtual reality, eye tracking, EEG and GSR methods. Second, the paper presents a methodological model for developing experiments using game-engine-based environments, detailing technical aspects such as mapping 360º textures, camera placement, transition logic between virtual spheres, data acquisition for eye tracking, and the use of AI-driven object detection to support data annotation. The methodological part focuses specifically on DT VR research setups.; FINDINGS: The bibliometric review confirms that the use of 360-degree images and videos in cognitive neuroscience research is growing rapidly and is being applied across several domains, including perception, spatial orientation, emotional analysis and education. The methodological analysis demonstrates that DT VR can serve as a viable and less intrusive alternative to HMD VR, particularly when integrating measurement devices such as EEG and GSR. Furthermore, the study outlines how gaze data from a 2D eye tracker can be accurately transferred into a 3D spherical environment, and highlights the potential of AI-based object detection to streamline annotation processes.; PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The proposed methodological framework provides researchers with clear guidelines for constructing, managing and analysing experiments based on 360-degree content. The paper may support scholars planning to integrate VR-like experimental conditions without the need for HMD equipment, reducing participant discomfort and lowering technical barriers. The guidelines are also relevant for educational and behavioural research using immersive but non-ambulatory virtual environments.; ORIGINALITY/VALUE: This article uniquely combines a bibliometric analysis with a comprehensive methodological workflow for DT VR studies employing 360-degree media and cognitive neuroscience tools. The dual perspective fills a gap in the existing literature, which largely focuses on fully immersive VR setups and offers limited methodological detail for screen-based environments. The paper contributes practical, replicable guidelines that can enhance the design and execution of future experimental research. 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147470 Title: Disciplinary differences in students’ attitudes toward artificial intelligence in higher education : a comparative mixed-methods study Authors: Miluniec, Agnieszka Zofia; Miciuła, Ireneusz; Osmycki, Maciej Abstract: PURPOSE: Recent expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) in universities has amplified the need to understand how students from different academic fields perceive its benefits, risks, and implications for learning. This study examines discipline-specific differences in attitudes toward AI among students of Business Informatics, Public Relations and Public Management, and Fine Arts and Design. It focuses on four core dimensions identified in recent literature: adaptive learning support and personalization, ethical considerations, issues of equity and inclusion, pedagogical support and the role of teacher.; DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: A mixed-methods design was applied, combining quantitative Likert-scale questions with qualitative open-ended responses. The sample consisted of 165 students from two higher-education institutions. The survey captured experiences with AI tools, perceived opportunities and risks, and expectations regarding the role of educators. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively and comparatively across disciplines, while qualitative data provided contextualized interpretations of attitudes and concerns.; FINDINGS: Across all groups, students recognized the value of AI-supported learning, particularly in relation to personalized feedback, efficiency, and skill development. However, clear disciplinary patterns emerged. Business Informatics students emphasized analytical and technical usefulness; Public Relations and Management students foregrounded ethical communication and institutional responsibility; and Fine Arts students expressed heightened concerns over authorship, creativity, and data protection. Ethical apprehensions – especially privacy, algorithmic bias, and transparency—were present across all groups but most pronounced in artistic disciplines. Students consistently affirmed the need for human oversight and rejected fully automated instruction, supporting hybrid human-AI models that preserve interaction and mentorship. The findings suggest that AI adoption strategies should be discipline-sensitive and aligned with pedagogical expectations. Universities should prioritize transparent ethical frameworks, strengthen digital literacy, and ensure equal access to AI tools.; PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Educators may benefit from integrating AI in ways that augment, rather than replace, human guidance, with particular attention to creativity-based learning environments.; ORIGINALITY/VALUE: This study contributes novel comparative evidence showing how disciplinary cultures shape students’ perceptions of AI. It fills a gap in existing research, which has largely examined student populations as homogeneous groups. By highlighting differences across technical, managerial, and artistic fields, the study offers nuanced insights for policy design, curriculum development, and responsible AI integration in higher education. 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z