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Background. Tokophobia is a type of specific phobia related to the pathological fear of natural childbirth and occurs in about 6–10% of expectant mothers. Tokophobia is multifaceted, and its underlying factors are biological, psychological, and social. There are primary and secondary tokophobia and tokophobia coexisting with depression. The crucial symptom of tokophobia is the fear of pain. Tokophobia is associated with low pain tolerance, inhibiting the endogenous mechanisms of analgesia caused by pregnancy. The basic form of treatment for tokophobia is psychotherapy. Objectives. The purpose of this article is to review the latest publications which state the methods of therapy for tokophobia. Material and methods. To assess available cognitive behavioral therapy techniques in the treatment of tokophobia, a systematic review of four electronic databases (EBSCOhost, PEDro, PubMed, and Scopus) were searched until the end of May 2023. Results and conclusions. The use of cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques for this type of specific phobia can minimize negative beliefs about childbirth and experienced pain, which can result in a reduction of negative experiences and thereby reduce the number of caesarean sections on demand. The inclusion of alternative interventions, such as the practice of mindfulness and compassion, seems to be a supportive treatment option in the case of a tendency to worry in pregnant women, as well as the experience of discomfort during pregnancy [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the relationship between the post-covid-19 pandemic quality of life (QoL), body composition and physical activity (PA), and to investigate the gender differences in this relationship among college students. The article presents the results of a study on the impact of physical activity and body composition on the quality of life after the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on sports department students. The study aims to comprehensively understand this complex phenomenon and provide significant insights for the academic community and the broader society. Design/methodology/approach: The experimental study included a group of 54 women (age 22 ± 1.63) and 89 men (age 22 ± 1.85). The study included an examination of body composition and BMI and two questionnaires on physical activity level and quality of life. Body composition and BMI analysis was performed using a SECA mBCA 515 (seca GmbH & Co. KG, Hamburg, Germany) with eight electrodes. The same group also completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Version (IPAQ-SF) and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF). Findings: The primary findings of this study highlight notable gender disparities in Quality of Life (QoL), physical activity, and body composition among college students following a series of study interruptions and one year of remote learning due to Covid-19. The research revealed that young women exhibited relatively higher levels of physical activity during the pandemic, resulting in better performance on body composition tests compared to the men in the study. Despite the adverse conditions brought about by the pandemic, including the closure of sports facilities and gyms, the authors did not observe any negative changes in women's body composition after 12 months. Conversely, significant and observable changes were noted in men's body composition. Furthermore, the women in the study reported relatively higher QoL levels compared to men in various aspects, including the physical, psychological, social relations, and environmental domains, following the Covid-19 pandemic. The findings of this research may provide valuable insights into the long-term effects of the pandemic on young individuals. It may also offer recommendations for universities, policymakers on how to support and enhance the quality of life for students as they navigate the unique challenges of a post-pandemic society. Research limitations/implications: The main limitation of the included study is a relatively small research group. In future studies, it is also possible to refer to different culturally diverse groups. In this study, the research group was culturally homogeneous, which can also be considered as a research limitation. Originality/value: The enhanced quality of life observed in women is likely attributed to their higher level of physical activity, a conclusion supported by research on body composition. Conducting gender-specific analyses of quality of life data, including studies related to COVID-19 and other specific investigations into sex differences, is of utmost importance. Having insights into these gender disparities in quality of life would serve as a crucial resource for comprehending the effects of a health crisis on both individuals and communities. It would also aid in the development of effective and equitable policies, public health initiatives, and targeted strategies necessary for achieving sustainable development. Undoubtedly, further extensive research in this area is needed to address this issue thoroughly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The article aims to provide readers with insight into the economic benefits stemming from the existence of SEZ and to indicate how these zones impact regional development. Through the analysis of these aspects, the article aims to highlight the significance and potential of SEZs as a tool supporting economic and regional development. The primary accomplishment of this paper lies in demonstrating how special economic zones can serve as zones for the establishment of clusters. Design/methodology/approach: Analysis of the economic benefits arising from the presence of SEZs. Findings: The main objective of this article is to examine and present the benefits arising from the existence of SEZs, as well as to analyze the effects that SEZs have on regional development in emerging countries, including Poland. The article also shows the specificity of cooperation within clusters in the particular economic zones in Poland. The paper focuses on identifying the positive aspects associated with the functioning of SEZs and analyzing the impact of these zones on a specific region. Paper includes examples of specific regions/ territories that have benefited from the existence of SEZs and have achieved successes in terms of economic and regional development. The research hypothesis postulates that SEZs play a constructive role in advancing regional development, specifically by facilitating increased foreign investments and reducing unemployment. Originality/value: The presented cases can serve as case studies that illustrate the real effects of SEZs in specific areas. The primary achievement of this paper is in illustrating the role of SEZs as core facilitators for the formation of clusters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of the article is to present craftsmanship as a development potential of the region, including a regional tourist product that influences the attractiveness of the Opole Voivodeship. Design/methodology/approach: A case study of craftsmen from Opole Silesia specializing in the production of handicrafts was presented, with whom in-depth qualitative interviews were conducted in April 2023. Findings: The research results present craftsmanship as a regional product that can make a significant contribution to the cultural heritage of the region and constitute a significant development potential that is not yet fully utilized. Originality/value: The article attempts to demonstrate the significance of craftsmanship in the Opole Voivodeship in terms of its impact on regional development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To assess glycemic control and safety of children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes participating in a 2-day football tournament. Methods: In total, 189 children with type 1 diabetes from 11 diabetes care centers, in Poland, participated in a football tournament in 3 age categories: 7–9 (21.2%), 10–13 (42.9%), and 14–17 (36%) years. Participants were qualified and organized in 23 football teams, played 4 to 6 matches of 30 minutes, and were supervised by a medical team. Data on insulin dose and glycemia were downloaded from personal pumps, glucose meters, continuous glucose monitoring, and flash glucose monitoring systems. Results: The median level of blood glucose before the matches was 6.78 (4.89–9.39) mmol/L, and after the matches, it was 7.39 (5.5–9.87) mmol/L (P =.001). There were no episodes of severe hypoglycemia or ketoacidosis. The number of episodes of low glucose value (blood glucose ≤3.9 mmol/L) was higher during the tournament versus 30 days before: 1.2 (0–1.5) versus 0.7 (0.3–1.1) event/person/day, P <.001. Lactate levels increased during the matches (2.2 [1.6–4.0] mmol/L to 4.4 [2.6–8.5] mmol/L after the matches, P <.001). Conclusions: Large football tournaments can be organized safely for children with type 1 diabetes. For the majority of children, moderate mixed aerobic–anaerobic effort did not adversely affect glycemic results and metabolic safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The objective of this paper is to present Chinese investment flows and the nature of participation, to analyze the differences between host countries, and to identify the determinants of Chinese FDI in Poland and the Czech Republic. Design/methodology/approach: Comparison of the specifics of Chinese direct investments in Poland and the Czech Republic. Findings: The nature of Chinese investment in Europe is changing. After years of being dominated by mergers and acquisitions, Chinese investment in Europe is now more focused on greenfield projects. In 2021, greenfield investments reached €3.3 billion, the highest ever recorded, and accounted for nearly one- third of all Chinese FDI. More recently, the volume of Chinese FDI in Europe has reached the level of European FDI in China (now constrained by restrictions and risks). It matched the level of FDI by Chinese companies in the United States before declining over the past two years, generally due to Covid-19 and the war in Ukraine. Chinese economic presence in Europe can be divided into three areas based on size, destination, and type of acquisition: The core of Europe is formed by the three major target countries (Germany, UK, France), where more capital-intensive investments are made, followed by other Western European countries (EU-15). The new member states (NMS), which joined the EU in 2004, 2007 and 2013, as well as the Western Balkan countries in the process of accession, are associated with China in the 16+1 format (with the exception of Kosovo) and form another gateway to Europe. Due to fewer market opportunities, they receive less direct investment, but China is building infrastructure (ports, highways, railroads) - segments of the Silk Road that will bring Chinese products to mature EU markets (Richtet, 2019). It is unlikely that Chinese investment in Europe will recover in 2023. The Chinese government is expected to maintain strict capital controls, financial retrenchment, and Covid-19 restrictions. The war in Ukraine and the expansion of regulations to monitor and control Chinese investments in the EU and the UK will cause additional difficulties. Originality/value: The article could be an attempt to answer the question of combining macroeconomic and institutional factors to better understand the internationalization of firms (Dunning, Lundan, 2008). There is no doubt, that the Covid-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine made it necessary to deepen the study of the phenomenon of FDI, its inflows, determinants, and related challenges in a turbulent world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of the study is to show that the craft is a form of learning organization, which in its activity takes into account the aspect of continuous training of employees and improvement of all functional areas. Design/methodology/approach: The main approach and subject of the analysis was the level of knowledge and general theoretical and state-legal findings of the information available in the literature about the craft sector and the possibilities of developing and supporting enterprises in the SME sector. The basic research method was the use of desk research, and on the basis of the information collected in this way, an analysis of the possibilities and impact of support programs for the craft sector in Poland was conducted. Findings: The article presents the idea of a learning organization from the aspect of craft enterprise development, the process of knowledge building, and the assumptions and principles of using the Polish Craft Incubator Program. The main result of this study is to illustrate the situation with regard to craft enterprises and the possibilities of their development in the current socio-economic conditions. Research limitations/implications: The data and conclusions were drawn up on the basis of an overall assessment (analysis of secondary sources) and not on the basis of facts (primary studies). The prepared applications should be a prerequisite for further research in the field of crafts in Poland. Practical implications: An additional practical result is to indicate the possibility of using the Polish Craft Incubator program as a source of obtaining financial resources in the learning process. Originality/value: The value of the paper is to increase the awareness of owners of craft enterprises, by showing them the possibility of using new organizational concepts and government programs. The article has primarily educational value and is a general concept of stimulating creative action towards building learning organizations. The content of the article is addressed to craftsmen and all cooperating entities operating in the field of supporting crafts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aging is a multietiological process and a major risk factor for chronic diseases including geriatric. In the healthy aging, the proper implementation of exercise to improve disease-related symptoms and comorbidities in the general population is a high priority. However, there is still a gap concerning studies analyzing influence of yoga in older people especially in post-menopausal women. Therefore, the aim of this mini review is a brief summary of well-established findings in yoga as an exercise intervention. In this paper, we conducted a narrative mini review of the influence of practising yoga on aging especially in post-menopausal women, searching the online databases: Web of Science, PubMed and Google Scholar, and, subsequently, discuss possible mechanisms of this action. On the basis of this review, it is evident that practising the yoga seems to be a promising intervention especially recommended for the elderly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Respiratory function is subject to the aging process, similarly to that of multiple other systems. Regular aquatic exercise favors physical development, and improves circulation and respiration, as well as overall health. Aim of Study. The purpose of the study was to assess the impact of a 12-week training program involving water aerobics on respiratory system function and aerobic capacity in post-menopausal women. Material and Methods. The study included 30 women (21 in the study group, 9 controls). Women in the study group participated in supervised water aerobics classes, twice a week for 3 months. At the beginning and end of the study, all the women underwent a spirometry test and an exercise test by an ergometer. Results. An analysis of changes after the training program demonstrated a significant increase of the maximal aerobic capacity in the study group (p < 0.05). No significant changes were found in spirometry indicators (VC) or airflow parameters in the large and small airways (MEF75, MEF50) following a 12-week water aerobics program. Conclusions. The implemented training program for healthy postmenopausal women did not improve the spirometry indicators studied, and the observed aerobic capacity increase likely resulted from improved circulatory and metabolic performance that determines an individual's exercise tolerance and health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physical effort contributes to improving the level of physical fitness and fatigue tolerance, however, may cause overtraining and/or chronic fatigue. Recovery is a regenerative process that takes place in every individual and is related to circadian rhythms. The aim of this review was to consider the factors and methods that determine and support the recovery from exerciseinduced muscle fatigue especially in older people above 60 years of age. We have searched three online databases: Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar. Based on our narrative review, there are few non-conventional methods (like mindfulness and meditations) that play an important role among numerous nonpharmacological therapies used to enhance or maintain the cognitive function of the body and mind. However, there is still a gap concerning the inclusion of mindfulness meditation as a part of recovery from exercise-induced muscle fatigue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]