- Research Article
- 10.1016/j.cities.2025.106523
Green correction facilities: Lessons from case studies in sustainability in prisons
- Jan 01, 2026
- Cities
- Walter Leal Filho + 5 more +5
Publications from 2021 to 2026
Showing 10 of 65 papers
Green correction facilities: Lessons from case studies in sustainability in prisons
Paradigm of Artificial Intelligence Based on Conversion of Tacit to Explicit Knowledge
Aim: This paper proposes a novel paradigm of Artificial Intelligence (AI) grounded in the epistemological process of converting tacit knowledge into explicit knowledge. Drawing on the foundational philosophies of science, particularly the works of Popper, Kuhn, Lakatos, and Gospodarek, the study conceptualizes AI not merely as a computational tool but as a systemic method for epistemic transformation. The paradigm is structured as a Lakatosian Research Programme, with a clearly defined hard core asserting that AI enables the symbolic representation of internalized, experiential knowledge. Surrounding this core is a protective belt of auxiliary hypotheses derived from general systems theory, cybernetics, machine learning, and symbolic processing. The programme's heuristics guide theoretical and technological advancements while preserving its epistemological foundation. By formalizing the tacit-to-explicit knowledge conversion, this paradigm repositions AI as a critical instrument for knowledge creation, management, and application in digital and socio-technical systems. This allows one to build measures and values of generative and language models, which is important from an economic point of view. This research tries to clarify the framework of use AI models for converting tacit knowledge inside a learning data of neural network systems to explicit information requested by the asking. It is important for economic evaluation of AI systems where accuracy considered utility as a criterion. Design / Research methods: Research programme in Lakatos’ sense and multidisciplinary heuristic related to the theory of systems. Conclusions / findings: Artificial Intelligence should be understood not only as a technological artefact but as a systemic method for transforming tacit knowledge into explicit knowledge. The proposed AI paradigm adheres to the structure of a Kuhnian paradigm and a Lakatosian research programme. Its hard core is defined by the thesis that AI operationalizes the conversion of experiential, intuitive, or unconscious knowledge into symbolic, formalized, and actionable representations. Lakatosian protective belt as a dynamic epistemic layer. This AI paradigm offers a progressive problem-shift capacity by enabling novel ways of organizing, analyzing, and applying knowledge in digital and socio-technical environments. It also provides a coherent framework for developing AI systems that are more aligned with human cognitive and organizational processes. Originality / value of the article: This paper introduces: new concepts of usefulness of AI systems, new definition of AI systems based on conversion of the knowledge, original conversion paradigm and research program in Lakatos sense. It is original conceptional heuristic based on philosophy of science in relation to economic usefulness of view AI systems. JEL: C67, C18.
Read moreDirect and Indirect Costs of Prostate Cancer: A Comprehensive Assessment of Economic and Social Impact
Simple SummaryProstate cancer is the second most common malignancy among men, and the number of new cases is projected to increase substantially in the coming years. To assess the current state of knowledge on the economic burden of this disease, we conducted a literature review that included 31 studies. Our analysis focused on estimates of direct costs—such as treatment, adjuvant and neoadjuvant therapies, and supportive and palliative care—as well as indirect costs. However, the vast majority of studies addressed direct costs only, highlighting a clear gap in the literature. This accentuates the need for further comprehensive reviews and the development of standardized methodologies to enable reliable comparisons across studies.Background: Prostate cancer is the second most common malignant cancer among men, and according to the predictions, the estimated number of new cases will substantially grow in the coming years. Therefore, the costs of the disease will increase as well. Methods: We conducted a literature review of the state of knowledge about the costs of treatment and the economic burden of prostate cancer. The vast majority of studies were focused on direct costs only, which clearly shows the literature gap. Results: We focused on the estimates of direct costs, i.e., treatment of prostate cancer, adjuvant and neoadjuvant treatment, and supportive and palliative care, and indirect costs. Cost-effectiveness analyses indicated that docetaxel combined with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) was the most cost-effective strategy for metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER): USD 13,647). In contrast, novel therapies such as PARP inhibitors and whole-genome-sequencing-guided treatments were not cost-effective unless drug prices were reduced by 47–70%. In the United States, 5-year cumulative treatment costs ranged from USD 48,000 for conservative management to over USD 91,000 for radiotherapy, while out-of-pocket expenses averaged AUD 1172 in Australia. Indirect costs were also considerable, with Slovakia reporting an increase in sick leave costs from EUR 1.2 million in 2014 to EUR 2.1 million in 2022. Conclusions: Metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer and metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer were the most frequent categories for various treatment cost evaluations. A few specific combinations of drugs were cost-effective only under the condition of dropping the unit prices of a medication. Further summarizing, reviewing, and developing a methodology for standardized comparisons are needed.
Read moreLesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Clinical Competence of Medical Professionals in Poland
Abstract Introduction LGBT + individuals in Poland frequently encounter significant barriers to receiving appropriate and respectful healthcare. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical competence of Polish healthcare professionals in providing care to LGBT + patients and to identify sociodemographic factors influencing these competencies. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study involving 123 healthcare professionals from various healthcare settings in Poland. Participants completed a self-administered survey, including the LGBT + Development of Clinical Skills Scale (LGBT-DOCSS) to assess clinical preparedness, attitudes, and knowledge. We also collected data on sociodemographic characteristics, professional experience, and political views. Multivariate linear regression was used to identify predictors of LGBT-DOCSS scores. Results Experience working with LGBT + patients (β = 0.492, p < 0.05) and self-assessed knowledge (β = 0.385, p < 0.05) were significant predictors of higher LGBT-DOCSS scores. Healthcare professionals with greater experience and those who rated their knowledge as high or very high demonstrated better clinical preparedness. On the other hand, being in a relationship was associated with lower clinical preparedness (β = − 0.539, p < 0.05). Additionally, left-leaning political views were linked to more positive attitudes toward LGBT + patients (β = 0.542, p < 0.05). Conclusions These findings emphasize the importance of experience with LGBT + patients and self-assessed knowledge as key factors influencing clinical competence. Furthermore, political views significantly shape healthcare professionals’ attitudes toward LGBT + patients, suggesting the need for targeted educational interventions. Policy Implications To address gaps in clinical competence, healthcare policies in Poland should prioritize integrating LGBT + cultural competence training into medical education and ongoing professional development. Implementing mandatory workshops on bias reduction and fostering inclusive healthcare environments are necessary steps to improve the quality of care for LGBT + individuals. Public health campaigns promoting inclusive practices can help reduce barriers and improve access to care for marginalized populations.
Read moreWykonywanie zobowiązań wynikających dla Polski z prawa europejskiego a Konstytucja RP
Article 9 of the Polish Constitution establishes the obligation of respect by the Republic of Poland of international law binding upon it. This provision belongs to the fundamental principles of the Polish legal system. However, it cannot be excluded that the interpretation or application of an international agreement, to which Poland is a party, will be changed by other parties or organs of an international organisation without consent of Poland. It could cause the conflict with principles or paticular provisions of the constitution. The case law of the European Court of Human Rights and the Court of Justice of the EU, leads to the conclusion that for a certain period of time, state authorities of Poland, by legislation or interpretation, attributed to provisions of the Polish constitution the meaning incompatible with their understaning at the moment of the accession of Poland to an international agreement. The protection of the supremacy of the constitution “modified” this way is equivalent to the use of an unconstitutional interpretation in order to free government from obligation to respect international law binding upon Poland.
Read moreNew Geo- and Mining Heritage-Based Tourist Destinations in the Sudetes (SW Poland)—Towards More Effective Resilience of Local Communities
This paper explores several geotourist destinations in the mountainous area of SW Poland, either recently created or being developed right now, where the unifying theme is the emergence of a new site of interest in a place formerly inaccessible due to mining operations. We focus on five sites, including three in the territory of Land of the Extinct Volcanoes UNESCO Global Geopark, connected with the legacy of mining (coal, ores) and quarrying (solid rock, aggregates). For each locality, the history of mining is briefly outlined, followed by the presentation of its conversion into a tourist object and current use. The localities illustrate, at the same time, (a) various aspects of geoheritage and its connection with human activities, thus in line with the ABC concept promoted for geoparks and similar initiatives; (b) attempts to alleviate problems of abandoned mining grounds and their management; (c) different ways towards conversion of formerly inaccessible localities into tourist destinations; (d) ideas to increase the portfolio of (geo)tourist products at the regional scale, striving to achieve greater balance in the geographical distribution of sites of potential interest; and (e) a variety of current management challenges. Overall, it is argued that in each case, the emergence of a new site of interest is beneficial for the local community, as the visibility of the place is increasing, tourist visits grow, local identity is strengthened, and new employment opportunities arise, both directly and indirectly.
Read moreDedication
The cohesive management: the football lesson for high-tech organizations
ABSTRACT The purpose of the paper is an empirical verification of model of the cohesive management for business organizations. The cohesive management concept is a particular type of management carried out in top European football clubs. Football clubs are characterized by their far-reaching agility, operate in an extremely competitive reality (the winner takes all!), where success depends on the commitment of highly diverse talents from all over the world. Extensive literature research provided a basis for operationalizing the dimensions of cohesive management (CM) in relation to business. The hypothetical model of the CM was verified by empirical research conducted in 406 companies from Poland and the USA. Research models were tested using SEM and moderated multiple regression. The study revealed that what works in top team football is not outdated in relation to business management (CM structure was confirmed); however, it is impossible to mechanically transfer the solutions developed there (significant changes in CM dimension structures were noted). The study demonstrates the importance of CM for organizational performance, whereby the impact is significantly higher in high-tech organizations.
Read moreVirtue Ethics and Organizational Culture Management in Humanitarian Assistance
Aim: The aim of the article is to investigate the validity of virtue ethics to humanitarian organizational culture management. Methodology: The method applied is basically focused on the analyses of the relevant literature. Results: The results of the paper show that a humanitarian virtuous agency conducted by innate moral qualities can employ standards that are far beyond formal code duties or effectiveness. Implications and recommendations: Virtue ethics, by stressing the importance of motivational aspects, has unquestionable implications in analyses around humanitarian organizational culture management. Originality/value: Motivational aspects become fundamental for relief workers, especially in situations where normality means lack of normality.
Read moreSELF-COMPASSION AND THE RATIONALITY OF PRAXEOLOGICAL LEADERSHIP
The aim of the theoretical analysis is to define the connections and dependencies between the rationality of decisions made and personality determinants, in this case the construct of being good to oneself. The achievement of the intended goals was based on a systematic review of the literature on the subject, referring to the results of foreign and domestic empirical research, mainly in the field of social sciences and philosophy. The implementation of the theoretical goal complements the research gap that comes from the fact of inflation in the field of self-compassion and praxeological leadership, and their mutual functional connections. The practical usefulness of the conducted analysis is an interesting and solid contribution to asking research questions and planning further research on the participation of personality factors in decision-making processes in leadership.As a result of the critical analysis, a concept of praxeological leadership was presented, which highlighted the role and importance of self-compassion, indicating the positive and negative aspects of the analyzed correlation in the decision-making process in management and leadership.
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