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Household income is one of the most important economic categories depending on various factors, in particular on the level of education of the head of the household. Salaries are treated as the market valuation of graduates made by employers. Hence, the question arises of how the education system affects the distribution of household income, in particular in the group of people with higher education. The aim of the paper is to apply the Singh-Maddala model to describe the income distribution of people with primary, secondary and higher education in Poland and the USA. On the basis of numerical characteristics and measures of income inequality, the situation of education, in particular higher education, and its impact on household income in the analyzed countries were assessed. The study used data from the Luxembourg Income Study Database (LIS) from 2020. All analyzes were based on the Singh-Maddala model. The maximum likelihood method was used to estimate the model parameters. The analysis showed that the higher the level of education, the better the income situation of the household. In Poland, salaries in the group of people with higher education are the most unequal, while in the USA the greatest income inequalities occur in the group of people with primary education. The paper describes the issue of household income distribution and income inequality, which is an important and current socio-economic problem. To describe and analyze the economic situation of the household incomes of people with different levels of education in Poland and the USA statistical data from the Luxembourg Income Study Database (LIS) was used. Empirical studies conducted for different samples add significantly to existing knowledge on the topic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Evidence shows that 20%–30% of patients who aspirate do so silently. Research to date has not demonstrated clear evidence to indicate which patients are at higher risk of silent aspiration. Our aim was to use univariate logistic regression analysis of retrospective case review to determine potential patterns of silent aspiration. Materials and methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 455 fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) reports. The patients were divided into four groups: G1 – neurological diseases (n = 93), G2 – head and neck surgery (n = 200), G3 – gastroenterological diseases (n = 94) and G4 – other patients (n = 68). Data included the occurrence or absence of saliva penetration or aspiration, of silent fluid/solid food penetration or aspiration, type of penetration or aspiration, occurrence of cranial nerve paresis, radiotherapy and tracheostomy. Univariate logistic regression was used to evaluate independent risk factors of silent aspiration in the study population. Three models with different independent variables were considered. Results: There is a statistically significant difference in the frequency of occurrence of silent penetration and aspiration within the groups (p < 0.001), with intraglutative being most frequent. Fluid and food penetration and aspiration correlated with saliva penetration and aspiration in all groups (p < 0.001). Cranial nerve paresis (IX and X), radiotherapy and tracheostomy correlate with saliva penetration and aspiration (p = 0.020 for cranial nerve paresis; p = 0.004 for radiotherapy; p < 0.001 for tracheostomy). One hundred and fifteen patients (45.81%) in the subgroup of patients with intraglutative aspiration had cranial nerve paresis (IX, X or IX–X). Conclusions: Patients who should be prioritised or considered to be at a higher need of instrumental swallowing evaluation are those with IX and X cranial nerve paresis, tracheostomy and those who have had radiotherapy, with saliva swallowing problems, especially after paraganglioma, thyroid and parathyroid glands and middle and posterior fossa tumour surgery. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: What is already known on the subject: Clinical signs of penetration or aspiration include coughing, throat clearing and voice changes, while silent penetration or aspiration patients aspirate without demonstrating any clinical symptoms. The most common consequences of silent aspiration include aspiration pneumonia, recurrent lower respiratory tract infections and respiratory failure. Additionally, malnutrition and dehydration can be indicators of silent aspiration. Patients may unknowingly reduce their oral intake and lose weight. Retrospective studies have shown that 20%–30% of patients aspirate silently (e.g. patients after stroke, acquired brain injury, head and neck cancer treatment, prolonged intubation). Clinical examination of swallowing can miss up to 50% of cases of silent aspiration. What this paper adds to existing knowledge: Currently, silent aspiration is often discussed in neurological literature, but its applications to head and neck surgery are limited. In this study, we identify head and neck surgery patients who should be prioritised or considered to be in higher need of instrumental swallowing evaluation due to a higher risk of silent aspiration. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?: Post‐treatment structural changes can result in lower cranial nerve paresis (IX, X, XII) and face injury, in which vagus and glossopharyngeal nerves are injured. After tracheostomy and radiotherapy, patients with problems swallowing saliva need careful clinical examination, particularly cranial nerve examination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: One of the potential dimensions on which exclusion and injustice may occur in energy transitions is age. Age-based patterns of exclusion—ageism—has recently been conceptualized in the context of decarbonization as energy ageism. This paper offers a comparative empirical analysis of the senior citizens' outlook towards an imminent energy transition as well as the impact of energy poverty in two European countries: Norway and Poland. Results: Drawing on interviews and focus groups with Polish and Norwegian seniors, we present the differences and similarities between the two countries, and the determinants of energy ageism, as well as the concept's overall applicability and empirical usefulness. We find that socioeconomic conditions outweigh ageism, that is, the resilience of senior citizens in dealing with energy poverty during a transition is conditioned by their material standing and welfare state robustness rather than age based. An important factor is household heating technology, combined with economic vulnerability can push some individuals into energy poverty, while others using alternative sources of heat can navigate through energy crises unscathed. Conclusions: We note the importance of mainstreaming social inclusion considerations in energy policy and of targeted digital competence building which can enhance senior citizen integration in the energy transition. Lower levels of digital competences among senior citizens certainly play a role and need to be addressed with education programs to increase participation. In both countries, household heating is a major issue and heating sources are strong predictors of energy poverty and regulatory measures and subsidies should be designed at national, regional, and municipal level to assist vulnerable groups in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The comparison of pension systems often boils down to comparing the subjective scopes entitled to participate in the system, the number of benefits and their relation to other macroeconomic indicators or parameters of the pension system influencing system efficiency. In the comparative literature, however, less content is concerned with the principles of taxation of and accrual of contributions to age-related benefits. In view of the changes in the tax system that are currently taking place in Poland, this paper dwells upon the characteristics of solutions used in other countries, and also indicates similarities and differences, and specifies models of applying public tributes on age-related benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a comparative analysis of state special funds in Poland and Uzbekistan, focusing on their legal dimensions within the framework of financial law. State special funds play a vital role in the allocation and management of public resources, serving as targeted financial mechanisms to address specific needs and promote socio-economic development. However, there is limited comparative research examining the legal frameworks and operational aspects of these funds in different jurisdictions. This study aims to fill this gap by conducting a comprehensive analysis of state special funds in Poland and Uzbekistan, providing valuable insights into their legal frameworks, objectives, structures, and operational mechanisms. The research objectives of this study include examining the legal frameworks governing state special funds in both countries, analysing their objectives and operational mechanisms, identifying similarities and differences, and assessing their effectiveness and challenges. By achieving these objectives, this study aims to contribute to the enhancement of financiallaw practices in both jurisdictions and to provide knowledge for improving the legal frameworks and operational efficiency of state special funds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the results of a survey conducted among people walking the pilgrimage route to the shrine of St James in Santiago de Compostela. The aim of the research was to investigate how a pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago among a married couple or family affects marital or familial relationships, whether walking the trail to Compostela together influences the behaviour of family members towards each other and whether it forms positive attitudes and behaviour. The empirical basis of the study is the results of a survey among respondents who made the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage, as well as in-depth interviews conducted with 24 spouses of pilgrims along the Way of St James. The study revealed that doing the pilgrimage as a married couple or family had a positive impact on intra-family relationships. According to the interviewees, going on the pilgrimage together helped to strengthen marital bonds and trust, improve communication and mutual connection, show care and affection and improve contact with children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to establish strategies of coping with COVID-19 pandemic adopted by the clients of social assistance from the perspective of social workers. The qualitative research among Polish social workers and family assistants was conducted from September to November 2021. Based on 30 in-depth interviews with social work professionals, groups of social assistance clients' behaviours were identified and classified into the theoretical models of reactions to social change by Merton and Giddens. The following types of behaviour have been selected and categorized into four groups of reactions when dealing with social workers in a pandemic situation: coolheaded calculation, defiance, confusion, and adaptation. At the same time, reactions to the situation of social change were categorized into one of the strategies of active or passive behaviour: innovation, contestation, retreat, and acceptance. In addition, we discussed the impact of clients' coping strategies on social workers and established three attitudes of the surveyed social workers: adapting to the pandemic situation and customer behaviour, assuming the role of an emotional buffer and informant, and expecting support from superiors and coworkers. Knowing the behaviour of social assistance clients in a challenging situation makes it possible to adopt tailor-made measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study explores water resource management, including identification of similarities and differences, in Poland and Israel, countries with divergent geographical histories — Poland, historically rich in wetlands, and Israel, originating from a desert landscape. The article presents the current state of research on the level of water resources in both mentioned countries, as well as water resources management systems and who is responsible for this area. The analysis is firmly grounded in data sourced from reputable secondary publications. This work draws extensively from scientific literature, including books, papers, and reports. In addition to data-driven insights, it incorporates comparative data analysis, which allows for a nuanced examination of trends and patterns. Furthermore, the inclusion of literature analysis and deductive reasoning provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the multifaceted aspects of the subject matter. This approach not only bolsters the credibility of the analysis but also enables a more robust and informed perspective on the topic at hand. The comparison between Poland and Israel was chosen due to our specific interests and the ongoing scientific collaboration of the authors. Additionally, both countries serve as intriguing case studies given their distinct approaches to water resource management. Poland and Israel hold a special significance as our homelands, affording us a deeper understanding of the local context and water-related challenges. On the other hand, Israel stands out for its reputation for efficient and innovative management of water resources, which piqued our research interests. The comparative analysis aimed to extract best practices and potential areas for further scholarly investigation in the realm of water resource management. Through this comparative examination, we hoped to derive insights that could be valuable, contributing to sustainable water resource management practices. Poland is currently struggling with periodic and local water deficits, which will deepen due to ongoing climate change (Rączka et al., 2021, p. 8). This requires an immediate and coordinated action. Drawing on the experience of a nation like Israel, which has historically struggled with water scarcity, can provide invaluable insights needed to address this pressing crisis. A comparison of the practices of both countries, in this case Poland and Israel, as well as a comparative analysis of water resource management systems, will allow us to list practices that can be initiated to manage water resources more effectively. The subject of water resource management is wide, especially as it belongs to many scientific fields. A broader research context is recommended; the authors made a comparative analysis considering selected reports on the management of water resources. It is a limiting perspective of the research; therefore, to approach the topic holistically, it is necessary to consider other research fields, as well as to deepen the analysis with other countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Internal Security is the property of Police Academy in Szczytno and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Parcel lockers seem to be a very interesting and innovative solution for any type of city, beneficial to both customers and online stores. Accounting for the growing number of B2C e-commerce customers, this measure significantly meets their needs. Moreover, this solution solves the challenges of last-mile deliveries, which are one of the major effects of heavy traffic of commercial vehicles in the whole city area. Recipients and senders of parcels through parcel lockers are the main generators of demand for this service. Hence, assessing their satisfaction and requirements is a key indicator of the development of this area. This work focuses on the efficiency of user parcel lockers and compares the situation in Italy, Poland, and Ukraine. This paper also presents an analysis of the already existing data on the satisfaction of parcel locker users, as well as the results of a study conducted among Ukrainian consumers for this work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cities have always been places that generate problems, but also places where solutions are born. In recent years, cities have become a testing ground for finding and testing solutions to overcome the climate crisis. The subject of the paper is Nature-based Solutions (NbSs) that strengthen the resilience to climate change, influence urban spaces, and improve the quality of life of residents. The study focusses on the identification of NbSs, the diagnosis of its participation in local adaptation activities, and a comparative analysis of the activities planned and implemented in 44 large Polish cities in 2017–2023. The authors analyse data from 44 Polish cities, based on the types of NbSs implemented in European cities that carried out the URBAN GreenUP project. The results of the study show that Polish cities, while introducing sustainable urban lifestyles through NbSs, do not take advantage of all the opportunities inherent in these solutions. They focus on greening urban spaces and implement water interventions and singular green infrastructure measures to a lesser extent. There is negligible use of innovative and energy-using activities. The quantitative data obtained can be used to identify the gaps and potentials in the use of nature-based solutions in the adaptation of Polish cities to climate change and energy transformation. The aim of this work is also to identify recommendations to incorporate NbSs into urban adaptation policies in Poland. The authors conclude that the research conducted can serve to improve the knowledge on the links between NbS planning in adaptation activities and their implementation in urban spaces. An awareness of NbS gaps can influence the intensification of research on the implementation of innovative adaptation solutions, including energy-based solutions. The results obtained can also contribute to a better organisation of urban policies that aim to increase the resilience of cities to climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper aims to add to the debate on the varieties of neoliberalism and the homogenizing effects of megaproject-based urban development. It examines the acculturation of the growth imperative as the master discourse that supports the development and implementation of two projects aimed at transforming the centers of Tampere, Finland, and Ł 'od'z, Poland. The selected cities shared similar traits as industrial centers in the past, but their current socioeconomic situation is entirely different. Tampere holds the title of "Finland's most likeable city," while rapidly depopulating Ł 'od'z was labeled the "Polish Detroit." Nevertheless, both municipalities became attracted by the idea of boosting their development through implementing large-scale infrastructural investments to reshape their centers. Inspired by discursive institutionalism, which defines discourse as a set of policy ideas and values, and interactive policy communication and formulation processes, the paper reconstructs and compares the strategic visions of Tampere's "Five Star City Centre" and "The New Centre of Ł 'od'z." It demonstrates how the proponents of the projects discursively forced consent around proposed ideas. Namely, it shows how the issues of complexity, risk, and potential conflict of the two megaprojects have been addressed. On a conceptual level, the paper shows how policy convergence can be discursively facilitated in different socioeconomic, cultural, and political circumstances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the EU countries structural timber used in construction have to comply with regulations arising from the Regulation No 305/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council. One of the basic requirements for structural timber is the need for strength grading which can be performed either by visual or machine method. The paper presents the results of visual and machine grading of structural pine timber originated from Masovian-Podlaska natural forest region of Poland. Obtained results extend the database of mechanical properties of Polish structural pine timber necessary for introduction of Polish visual grades into the standard EN 1912. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper compares the character of work of migrant women and men in elderly care in Poland. Elderly care is provided mainly by migrant women. Men who work in this sector are in a clear minority. In the presented research a qualitative content analysis has been used. The paper discusses selected results of in-depth interviews conducted among 42 immigrants working in elderly care (11 men and 31 women). It was found that there are differences between sexes. Women indicated, inter alia, the following reasons for taking up work in elderly care: job knowledge, the use of migration chains and altruistic motives. Men did not refer to these factors. They said that they chose this sector because they saw a market gap. The studies showed that gender was often a decisive factor for employment in senior care men. Men are mainly employed to take care of elderly men. Gender can be an important factor in choosing the carer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main aim of this research paper is to conduct a comparative empirical study on the behavior of the stock markets in Italy and Poland. In this sense, it is examined the presence of volatility patterns using GARCH family models for the sample period from December 2008 to December 2022. The selected period covers a long-time interval, so that the effects of certain extreme events can be implicitly evaluated. Moreover, the selected stock markets are both included in the category of developed markets. Considering that Italy and Poland are both member states of the European Union it is relevant to also analyze the impact of events such as BREXIT or the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Comparative Economic Research is the property of Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Lodzkiego and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This paper investigates different uses of the Journal Impact Factor (JIF) in national journal rankings and discusses the merits of supplementing metrics with expert assessment. Our focus is national journal rankings used as evidence to support decisions about the distribution of institutional funding or career advancement. The seven countries under comparison are China, Denmark, Finland, Italy, Norway, Poland, and Turkey—and the region of Flanders in Belgium. With the exception of Italy, top‐tier journals used in national rankings include those classified at the highest level, or according to tier, or points implemented. A total of 3,565 (75.8%) out of 4,701 unique top‐tier journals were identified as having a JIF, with 55.7% belonging to the first Journal Impact Factor quartile. Journal rankings in China, Flanders, Poland, and Turkey classify journals with a JIF as being top‐tier, but only when they are in the first quartile of the Average Journal Impact Factor Percentile. Journal rankings that result from expert assessment in Denmark, Finland, and Norway regularly classify journals as top‐tier outside the first quartile, particularly in the social sciences and humanities. We conclude that experts, when tasked with metric‐informed journal rankings, take into account quality dimensions that are not covered by JIFs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The main goal of this paper is to assess the development of cultural institutions in Poland. It examines the application of selected statistical methods which have not been applied as yet for the purpose of ranking cultural institutions. To achieve this goal we identified the most appropriate variables which, in our opinion were the most adequate to describe the development of cultural institutions. We used selected linear ordering procedures and processed statistical data on cultural institutions in Poland. Design/methodology/approach: Based on the review of literature on the role of cultural institutions in a broader socio-economic landscape the authors present the application of three statistical methods: Perkal, Hellwig and TOPSIS. Findings: The study managed to review the development of musical cultural institutions in terms of the analysis of the spatial differentiation factor. We demonstrated how the three selected methods of statistical analysis can be used for ranking cultural institutions. Thus, we contributed to the research on the measurement of challenges posed by the intangible nature of creative industries. Originality/value: In the study, linear ordering methods were used to assess the development of musical cultural institutions, which had not previously been used to create rankings of cultural institutions. No such application of statistical methods was applied so far to rank cultural institutions within the context of the creative sectors development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this article was to identify the characteristics of HRM (Human Resources Management) portals that can contribute to building a smart, sustainable society in two countries: Poland and Türkiye. The analyzed countries were selected due to their similar economic situation, as well as differences in terms of culture and customs and varying degrees of ICT (Information and Communications Technology) implementation in the economy. Conducting the survey at this particular moment was intended to objectivize users' opinions on the HRM portals and their attributes that may contribute to mitigating the effects of the crisis and facilitating economic development toward the creation of a sustainable society. The survey was conducted in April 2022. It was carried out in both countries and covered a group of more than 850 respondents. The CAWI (Computer Assisted Web Interview) method was used in the survey. The differences between results were identified, and the degree of verification of the hypothesis was established and discussed in this paper. In the first stage of the study, the respondents' environment was examined, as well as their opinions on the use of HRM portals. The second phase consisted of assessing the attributes of the most well-known HRM portals that can contribute to building a smart, sustainable industry. As a result, the finally distinguished features included the characteristics that were most important to the users of the portals and those that supported the development of HRM portals due to their innovativeness. The study fills the research gap regarding the potential impact of HRM portals and their prospective use in first restoring the economic balance of a sustainable society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

E-administration became on important issues of the development of the municipal administrations. In this paper we examined the regulation of Poland and Hungary to examine the challenges of these reforms. The Polish and Hungarian municipalities have been strongly influenced by the digitalisation. In the fields of administrative decisions, decision-making and public service provision new tools and methods have been introduced. We should emphasise, that the centrally operated platforms can be even interpreted as a new, ‘soft’ tool of the centralisation. However, the Polish and Hungarian systems are similar, but there are differences which are related to the different competences and spatial structure of the municipal systems of the two countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The supplementary old-age pension system in Poland consists of group and individual plans. This research covers the latter, namely the individual retirement accounts and individual retirement security accounts that were introduced in 2004 and 2012 respectively. The main aim of the paper is to conduct a multidimensional comparative analysis of bank retirement products including the linguistic complexity of documents creating the retirement contracts offered to individuals by banks, and the costliness and profitability of such products in the period 2012-2019. Moreover, it identifies the dependencies between the linguistic and economic traits of retirement contracts offered by banks. The correlation analysis conducted using the Spearman's rank correlation coefficient showed that the more readable a document of a bank contract is, the higher the interest rate is and the higher the cancellation fees. The results of the study are relevant for both financial institutions and public bodies as they show the key characteristics that may influence the demand for individual retirement products in Poland and may serve as either a stimulator or a barrier in the development of supplementary old-age pension provision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evidence is accumulating of the negative impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic and related public health measures on mental health. In this emergent field, there has been little research into the role of risk perception on depressive symptoms and the contribution of health‐care resources to model risk perception and mental health. The aim of this paper is to describe the relationship between individual‐level perception of risk and depression, controlling for a set of confounders and for country‐level heterogeneity. A cross‐sectional and observational online survey was conducted using a non‐probability snowball sampling technique. We use data on 11,340 respondents, living in six European countries (Italy, Sweden, United Kingdom, France, Poland, Czech Republic) who completed survey questionnaires during the first months of the pandemic. We used a fixed‐effect approach, which included individual and macro‐level variables. The findings suggest that a high proportion of people suffering from depression and heightened risk perception is positively associated with reporting depressive symptoms, even if this relationship varies significantly between countries. Moreover, the association is moderated by contextual factors including health‐care expenditure as a percentage of Gross Domestic Product, hospital beds for acute care, and number of medical specialists per head of population. Investment in health care offers a concrete means of protecting the mental health of a population living under pandemic restrictions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fall of communism in Eastern Europe in 1989 marked the beginning of a new era for the countries in the region. Romania, Poland, and Hungary are the three Eastern European countries that have undergone significant transformations since the fall of communism in 1989. The post-communist period in Romania was characterized by political instability, economic hardship, and social tension. The transition from a communist system to a democratic one was a complex and challenging process that required significant political, economic, and social changes. The experiences of these countries highlight the importance of civil society, active opposition, and a commitment to economic reform and privatization in achieving a successful post-communist transformation. While the transition to democracy and a market economy is a complex and challenging process, it is essential to address a plethora of intricate challenges in order to establish a stable democracy and achieve sustained economic growth. This paper compares the post-communist transformation in Romania to that of Poland and Hungary from a political, economic, and social perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The study aimed to assess the occurrence of body posture disorders and their changes under the influence of a physioprophylactic program in children depending on body weight. Methods: In the examined children, the general and segmental body composition and body posture were determined using a physiotherapeutic assessment based on the Kasperczyk method. Mass, overall, and segmental body composition were determined using the bioelectrical impedance method using a TANITA body composition analyzer. The study group of 76 children was divided due to body weight disorders into Group I (n = 51), in which BMI and fat mass values were within the normative limits for age and gender, and Group II (n = 19), comprising children whose body weight exceeded the norm and/or fat mass exceeded normative values. The examined children underwent a physioprophylactic. The program was conducted by qualified physiotherapists for 12 weeks, once a week for 30 min. The therapeutic program was focused on physioprevention of being overweight and the correction of body posture. Results: A distal distribution of fat mass was observed in the examined group. Asymmetry in the sagittal plane was found in 35% of children. No statistically significant differences were found in the presence of asymmetry in the sagittal plane between the groups. No statistically significant differences were found in the occurrence of posture irregularities between the groups. Conclusions: There were no changes in the weight and body posture of the examined children under the influence of the physiotherapy program. The lack of correlation in the examined group between body weight and posture irregularities in 5–6-year-olds may suggest the acquisition of posture defects as a consequence of the persistence of overweight or obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The following paper summarizes the findings and conclusions of a comparative research in the CEU Center for Policy Studies (from 2020: Democracy Institute) on the institutional conditions for educational adaptation with regard to governing. Research was conducted between 2019 and 2021 in EasternEurope ("Future Challenges to Education Systems in CentralEastern European Context"). It covered five countries: Hungary, Poland, Romania, Serbia and Slovakia. The study provides an overview on the structural transformation of education governance systems in the five countries and analyses their capacity to generate schoollevel change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This present research brings into focus the figure of the prefect and wojewód seen at the crossroads between career public servants representing the interests of the Government and political agents, appointed and dismissed at the whim of the Prime Minister. This paper approaches the issue of the holder of the prefect's office in Romania and Poland employing a prosopographic analysis and applies a Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) on select items in order to identify the general trend and particularities of their profiles. This institution was structured and articulated at the confluence of some administrative and political actions and integrated in the national institutional framework as a key actor, which continues to connect the institutional capacity of the state and the political capacity of the Government. Moving beyond the legal framework and institutional design of each country, we look at the profile - involving educational, professional and political affiliation - of the people actually appointed to this position in order to ascertain the weight of each of these factors when called to serve in office. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this paper is to analyze overall technical efficiency (OTE), pure technical efficiency (PTE) and scale efficiency (SE) of both life and non-life insurance sectors in three Central and Eastern European countries (CEE), i.e. Croatia, Hungary and Poland, in 2018. Methodology: The efficiency of insurance sectors is estimated by applying data envelopment analysis (DEA), while a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) is performed to find out whether there exists any statistically significant difference between the estimated levels of the efficiency of non-life and life insurance sectors in the observed CEE countries. Results: Out of 34 non-life Polish insurers, only two (6%) were overall technically efficient, while the remaining 32 were inefficient. Croatia and Hungary achieved better results with three (20%) and seven (43.7%) efficient insurers, respectively. However, when observing the life insurance segment, half of the Croatian life insurers were efficient according to the CCR model, while six (23%) Polish and three (23%) Hungarian efficient insurers were recorded. Conclusion: Research reveals that the Hungarian non-life insurers are the most efficient ones in terms of OTE, PTE and SE. They are followed by the Croatian insurers, leaving the Polish insurers behind. Regarding the life insurance sector, the domination of the Croatian insurers is recorded, while the Hungarian ones were found to be the least efficient. Moreover, inefficiency in both life and non-life sectors (except for the Hungarian life sector) is more related to scale than to managerial inefficiency. Finally, ANOVAs and Tukey post hoc tests revealed a statistically significant difference among considered groups of insurers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this article is to investigate the common facilitators and barriers associated with the implementation of hospital-based health technology assessment (HB-HTA) across diverse hospital settings in seven countries. Through a two-round Delphi study, insights were gathered from a panel of 15 HTA specialists from France, Hungary, Italy, Kazakhstan, Poland, Switzerland, and Ukraine. Experts initially conducted a comprehensive review of the HB-HTA implementation in their respective countries, identifying the barriers and facilitators through descriptive analysis. Subsequently, panel experts ranked these identified barriers and facilitators on a seven-point Likert scale. A median agreement score ≥ 6 and interquartile range (IQR) ≤ 1 was accepted as reaching a consensus. Out of the 12 statements categorized as external and internal barriers and facilitators, the expert panel reached consensus on six statements (two barriers and four facilitators). The external barrier, which achieved consensus, was the lack of the formal recognition of the role of HB-HTA in national or regional legislations. The internal barrier reaching consensus was the limited availability of human resources dedicated to HB-HTA. This qualitative study indicates that HB-HTA still has progress to make before being formally accepted and integrated across most countries, although by building on the facilitating factors we identified there may be an opportunity for the implementation of internationally developed strategies to strengthen HB-HTA practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Cancer patients are characterised by a high prevalence of orthostatic hypotension (OH). Our study, for the first time, shows that the presence of cancer is a significant and independent predictor of OH, doubling the risk of OH compared to the noncancer population. The prevalence of OH differs depending on the type of cancer, being the highest among patients with lung cancer. The high prevalence of OH may be due to cancer itself, a consequence of oncologic therapies, or their side effects, which promote dehydration and low blood pressure. The presence of OH is considered an independent predictor of all-cause mortality in large clinical studies; therefore, its increased prevalence in cancer patients is of high clinical importance and requires particular attention. Screening and monitoring for the presence of OH is necessary and routine orthostatic challenge tests in the cancer population are recommended. Background: Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is associated with a higher risk of mortality in the general population; however, it has not been studied in the cancer population. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of OH in cancer patients compared to that in the noncancer population. Methods: A total of 411 patients (mean age 63.5 ± 10.6 years) were recruited: patients with active cancer (n = 223) and patients hospitalised for other reasons, but without a cancer diagnosis (n = 188). Medical histories were collected and an orthostatic challenge test was performed. OH was defined as a blood pressure (BP) decrease upon standing of ≥20 mmHg for the systolic or ≥10 mmHg for the diastolic BP after 1 or 3 min; or a systolic BP decrease <90 mmHg. Results: The prevalence of OH in the subjects with cancer was significantly higher than in the subjects without cancer (28.7% vs. 16.5%, respectively, p = 0.003). OH was the most common in the lung cancer patients (57.5%). In a single-variable analysis, the predictors of OH were cancer presence, age ≥ 65 years, and body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m2. In the multivariable model, the strongest independent predictor of OH was cancer status, which doubled the risk of OH, and BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 and diabetes. Conclusions: Cancer patients are characterised by a high prevalence of OH. In this population, the recommendation of routine orthostatic challenge tests should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article provides a comparative analysis of how courts have performed judicial review on supermajority rules governing courts' decision-making. Through an empirical approach, covering the cases of the United States, Peru and Poland, the article argues that the supermajority's legal source and the chronology of its establishment may influence the court's ability to review such rules and the case's outcome. Finally, the article addresses the paradox of whether courts must apply the very provision they are tasked to review. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to illustrate the convergence of sludge utilization in Bulgaria and other selected European Union countries (Hungary, Poland, Czechia, and Romania) and examine by correlation and asymmetric analysis how and to what extent the transaction costs and sludge utilization impact the use of sludge and inorganic fertilizers in agriculture. The usage of sludge from wastewater plants in the agriculture is still a widespread way of sludge utilization, even though the trend in the recent years shows a gradual regress and visible growth in other wastewater outlets. The correlation and asymmetric analyses were carried out to give insights about the role of transaction costs in sludge use and the effect of sludge disposal in agriculture to supplement the mineral fertilizers. It is noted that the agriculture is still a leading outlet of sludge disposal, the eventual transaction costs incurred by farmers to use it are not changing during last years, whereas the prices of mineral fertilizers were not perceived to boost sludge demand in agriculture. In countries such as Hungary and Poland, there is a relatively considerable symmetry between the increase in the use of inorganic fertilizers and the shrink in the sludge use in agriculture, while in Bulgaria the persistent trend of using inorganic fertilizers is supplemented by a temperate growth in sludge agriculture disposal. In turn, in Romania there is a strong asymmetry between the use of inorganic nitrogen and sludge in agriculture, however, it is attributed to lack of sludge application in agriculture in the first half of the period under consideration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study examines the influence of a diversified diet, changes in the consistency of introduced foods, and the method of meal preparation during infancy on the development of sensitization and/or allergy in toddlers. Introducing more product groups into the diet reduced the risk of allergy at 6 months of age (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.17; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.04-0.71; P = 0.015) and at 12 months (aOR = 0.14; 95% CI 0.03-0.57; P = 0.006). Children with allergy and/or sensitization had been introduced to fewer product groups at 6 months (P = 0.003; P < 0.001; P = 0.008) and at 12 months (P = 0.001, P < 0.001; P = 0.001) compared with those without allergy and/or sensitization. Children with allergy and/or sensitization were fed ready-made, ie, purchased, products significantly more often than self-prepared foods compared with children without allergy and/or sensitization (P = 0.001; P = 0.006). Allergic and/or sensitized children tended to be switched to solids later (11 vs 10 months, P = 0.041; P = 0.037) (12 vs 10 months, P = 0.013) than children without sensitization and/or allergy. The earlier introduction of a varied diet reduced the risk of allergy and/or sensitization. Delaying the introduction of solid foods and using ready-made products instead of self-prepared ones increases the risk of allergy in toddlers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Econometrics / Ekonometria is the property of Sciendo and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Simple Summary: This study investigates a promising avenue for improving the diagnosis and treatment of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), a highly aggressive form of breast cancer with limited therapeutic options. The researchers focus on the prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), known for its presence in prostate cancer but also identified in breast cancer. Using 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT, the study aims to assess PSMA's in vivo expression in TNBC patients and compare it with the standard [18F]FDG PET/CT. The findings suggest that [18F]PSMA-1007 PET/CT may outperform current methods in detecting distant metastases, especially in the brain. This research not only enhances our understanding of PSMA expression in TNBC but also hints at potential advancements in diagnostic imaging and targeted therapies for this challenging cancer type. Background: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) exhibits high aggressiveness and a notably poorer prognosis at advanced stages. Nuclear medicine offers new possibilities, not only for diagnosis but also potentially promising therapeutic strategies. This prospective study explores the potential of prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) as a diagnostic and therapeutic target in TNBC. Methods: the research investigates PSMA expression in vivo among TNBC patients using [18F]PSMA-1007 PET/CT and compares it head-to-head with the standard-of-care [18F]FDG PET/CT. Results: The study involves 10 TNBC patients, revealing comparable uptake of [18F]PSMA-1007 and [18F]FDG in primary and metastatic lesions. Nodal metastases were found in eight patients, showing similar SUVmax values in both modalities. Two patients had uncountable lung metastases positive in both [18F]FDG and [18F]PSMA-1007 scans. PET-positive bone metastases were identified by 18F-PSMA in four patients, while elevated [18F]FDG uptake was found only in three of them. Distant metastases displayed higher SUVmax values in the [18F]PSMA-1007 PET/CT, as compared to [18F]FDG. Additionally, brain metastases were exclusively detected using [18F]PSMA-1007. Conclusions: the findings provide valuable insights into the expression of PSMA in TNBC and underscore the potential clinical significance of [18F]PSMA-1007 PET/CT in enhancing both diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for this aggressive breast cancer subtype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Primary care physicians play a key role in initiating opioid therapy. However, knowledge gaps in opioid use and pain management are significant barriers to providing optimal care. This research study aims to investigate the educational needs of primary care physicians regarding opioid therapy and opioid use in pain management. Methods: A computer-assisted web interview (CAWI) protocol was used to collect data from primary care physicians. Drug selection criteria, knowledge of opioid substitutes and dosage, and practical use of opioid therapy were evaluated. Results: While 84% of participating physicians (724 respondents) reported initiating opioid treatment, only a minority demonstrated accurate opioid dosage calculations. Significant discrepancies between physicians' self-perceived knowledge and their clinical skills in opioid prescribing and pain management were observed. In total, 41% of physicians incorrectly indicated dose conversion rates for tramadol (the most frequently used drug according to 65% of responders). Conclusions: Targeted educational programs are essential to bridge the knowledge gap and increase physicians' competence in pain management. The proper self-assessment of one's own skills may be the key to improvement. Further research should focus on developing specialized educational courses and decision-support tools for primary care physicians and examining the impact of interprofessional pain management teams on patient outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although postpartum sexual problems are common, there is a poor understanding of the underlying influencing factors and the impact of the infant feeding method on the mother's sexual life. A cross-sectional control study was conducted with a group of 253 women during their postpartum period. This study aimed to investigate the effects of different infant feeding methods on female sexual life after childbirth. The study followed the STROBE guidelines for cross-sectional control analysis. The study design included a questionnaire characterizing sociodemographic, obstetric and breastfeeding variables and the PL-FSFI (Female Sexual Function Index). The authors collected the data in compliance with the CAWI (Computer-Assisted Web Interview) research methodology—an interview conducted via an Internet channel. Each respondent received and completed the survey provided to them via the same online link. This study included women in the postpartum period: 170 breastfeeding women (study group) and 83 formula-feeding women (control group). There were statistically significant difference between the groups that practiced different types of breastfeeding. Out of all the PL-FSFI-assessing domains, the highest average score for the whole group correlated with satisfaction and the lowest score correlated with lubrication use. Our findings indicate that women practicing only breastfeeding are more likely to develop sexual problems. In order to maintain sexual health and promote long-term breastfeeding, extensive and professional counseling is needed for couples about postpartum sexuality and the factors that affect it, such as breastfeeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Energy Policy Journal / Polityka Energetyczna is the property of Mineral & Energy Economy Research Institute of the Polish Academy of Sciences and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background. Knowledge of dietary patterns is crucial for dietary behaviours interventions. Objectives. The aim of the study was to describe the dietary patterns of children between the ages of 6-10 years from primary schools in Lesser Poland. Material and methods. The study was carried out between 2008-2012 and included 1,140 children and their parents. The questionnaire for parents included socio-economic questions about the family, parents' education and frequency of consuming selected food products by children. The Food Frequency Questionnaire covered 21 selected food groups, and fast food and snacking were also asked about. Based on anthropometric measurements, the body mass index (BMI) was calculated for each child. Factor analysis and cluster analysis were used to identify individual dietary patterns of children. Results. Three cluster groups were distinguished showing the eating patterns of the children. Children from cluster 1 (healthy) showed the most health-promoting model of nutrition. They often consumed butter, vegetable oils, groats, pasta and rice, wholemeal bread, fish and fish products, red meat, eggs, raw vegetables, cooked vegetables, pulses, unsalted nuts and yellow cheese. The cluster representing the mixed feeding model (2) least frequently consumed salty snacks. Children from cluster 3 (unhealthy) more often consumed chips, crisps and salty sticks than cluster 2 and were more often overweight and obese than children from cluster 1. The education level and average monthly income were significantly higher in the families of children from the healthy cluster compared with those from the unhealthy cluster. Conclusions. Dietary patterns in children are influenced by socio-economic and parental education factors. Overweight and obese children presented unhealthy nutrition behaviours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proper nutrition during the first period of life is primarily related to meeting energy needs and providing essential nutrients that ensure the infant's normal physical and psychomotor development. Improper nutrition during this period, inadequate amounts of nutrients, inappropriate timing and manner of introduction of individual foods, can permanently alter metabolism and the course of physiological processes, increasing the risk of diseases such as obesity, allergic diseases, and cardiovascular diseases. This study aimed to verify how the method of complementary feeding influences the occurrence of food neophobia between 2 and 7 years of age, as well as to assess the different nutritional aspects resulting from the process of starting feeding other than breast milk and milk formula. In this study, 490 mothers and their children aged 2–7 years participated. The research tool was a questionnaire consisting of a child's dietary assessment and standardized questionnaires assessing food neophobia among children: Food Neophobia Scale for Children (FNSC) and the Montreal Children's Hospital-Pediatric Feeding (MCH-FS). In the study group of children, 238 (48.57%) had no Baby-Led Weaning Method (no BLW) method used during complementary feeding (CF), and 252 (51.42%) children used Baby-Led Weaning Method (BLW). According to the FNSC questionnaire, a high risk of food neophobia was found in 32.65% of the children studied and a medium risk in 39.80%. The medium risk of feeding problem occured in 11.63% of children, the high risk in 6.73% of children, and the highest risk in 6.94% (MCH-FS). No statistically significant differences were observed between the BLW and NoBLW groups. High risk of food neophobia occured in 1/3 of the children studied, but there was no relationship in the study group between the mode of CF (BLW/NoBLW) and the risk of food neophobia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prevalence of intervertebral disc degeneration in the lumbar region resulting in low back pain is high. One of the treatment options is neurosurgery. Previous studies and systematic reviews demonstrate the need to identify factors that affect the health-related quality of life of patients undergoing surgery. This study aimed to analyze the sociodemographic and clinical factors that affect the quality of life of patients undergoing lumbar disc surgery. A group of 128 patients was assessed for eligibility and qualified by radiological examinations for lumbar disc surgery by a neurosurgeon in the outpatient clinic. Finally, 110 patients were studied and evaluated 24 h and 3 months after surgery. Health-related quality of life (36-Item Short Form Survey, SF-36), disability level (Oswestry Disability Index, ODI), and pain intensity (Visual Analogue Scale, VAS) were assessed. The mean pain intensity before surgery was 7.8 ± 2.3 pts and decreased significantly 24 h after surgery, with a mean score of 3.8 ± 2.4 pts (p = 0.0000). After three months, the increase in pain intensity was at 4.8 ± 2.4 pts, but the score was still significantly better than before surgery (p = 0.0024). The mean ODI score before surgery was 29.3 ± 8.4 pts (slight disability), and three months after surgery, there was an insignificant increase to a mean value of 31.5 ± 10.4 pts (p = 0.0834). There was a statistically significant increase in quality-of-life scores at three months after surgery in the following domains: physical functioning (8.7%; p = 0.0176), bodily pain (26.2%; p = 0.0000), vitality (5.8%; p = 0.0132) and mental health (6.2%; p = 0.0163), and a decrease in role limitations due to physical problems (3.8; p = 0.0013) and general health perception (6.7%; p = 0.0112). In conclusion, the surgical procedure plays an important role in improving the quality of life of patients operated on for intervertebral disc degeneration. It was effective in reducing the pain level, especially 24 h after surgery; however, surgery did not affect the disability level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Studia Iuridica Lublinensia is the property of Maria Curie-Sklodowska University in Lublin and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Motivation: Social enterprises are gaining importance in the modern economy. This entails the need for a better understanding of their mechanisms. For this reason, it is necessary to study the basic assumptions on which their effective management is based. Aim: The aim of the article is to identify the management paradigm in social enterprises, compared to commercial companies, on the basis of financial reports created by their management boards. In order to identify the management paradigm adopted in a given group of enterprises, reference was made to the concept of responsibility. The conceptualization of responsibility is based on the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) model, which includes three dimensions: social, environmental, and economic. Results: The research method is a comparative analysis of the content of financial reports of 30 selected social enterprises and commercial companies representing the dairy, trade, and insurance industries in Poland. The survey is qualitative in nature. Results confirmed that there are essential differences in the management paradigms of the two types of enterprises. The reports contain statements confirming responsibility in every dimension but compared to commercial enterprises, the social and environmental aspect in management reports of social enterprises is more often presented, has more manifestations, a broader and a deeper scope. The scope of the content of these reports allows for the conclusion that they have greater awareness of responsibility for society and the natural environment than commercial enterprises. On the other hand, the analysis of the content of management board reports of commercial enterprises shows that their dominant sense is economic responsibility. The picture that emerges from the analysis of social enterprise reports shows the regular use of elements of the humanistic paradigm, while the economic paradigm is more frequently applied in commercial companies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The aim of this study was to assess the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on the diagnosis and treatment of head and neck cancer (HNC) patients between 2018 and 2022. We analysed the medical records of 625 patients. During the COVID-19 pandemic, compared with the pre-COVID-19 pandemic period, the duration of the cancer diagnostic process was significantly longer, the proportion of patients admitted on the basis of a DILO card issued by a primary care physician was significantly higher, and the majority of cancer patients with a planned oncological treatment lived in urban areas. The aim of this study was to identify and assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the diagnosis and treatment of head and neck cancer (HNC) patients of the Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery of the 4th Military Teaching Hospital in Wroclaw for whom oncological treatment was planned by a cancer case board between March 2018 and February 2022. We analysed the medical records of 625 patients. In order to verify whether the relationships between the analysed features were statistically significant, the chi-square test of independence and the Student's t-test for independent samples were used (p < 0.05). Our analysis showed that the impact of the pandemic on the organization of health service delivery to HNC patients was not uniform. The largest difference in the number of formulated treatment plans was observed at the beginning of the pandemic (22.1% reduction compared with the year before the pandemic). During the pandemic, the proportion of patients admitted on the basis of a DILO (diagnosis and oncological treatment) card issued by a primary care physician, instead of a regular referral to hospital, issued also by a primary care physician, was significantly higher compared with the that during the pre-pandemic period. The majority of cancer patients with a oncological treatment planned during the pandemic lived in urban areas. During the pandemic, the number of patients with more-advanced-stage cancer, assessed on the basis of the type of planned treatment (radical vs. palliative), did not increase compared with that during the pre-pandemic period. However, our follow-up period was quite short. It is necessary to intensify activities aimed at promoting health and increasing health awareness in people living in rural areas and setting long-term priorities and objectives for health policies at the national, regional and local levels, with particular focus on this group of people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A healthy local government financial system lays the foundation for the ability of local government units (LGUs) to carry out public tasks at the current qualitative and quantitative level and to meet their obligations in the short and long term. A healthy financial system of local government is a system that is adequate, stable, unified, consistent, transparent, diversified, counter-cyclical, guarantees the financial independence of LGUs, and activates to take measures to increase revenues and efficiency of expenditures. The purpose of the article is to answer the question of what are the characteristics of a healthy financial system of local self-government, assess the system operating in Poland, and formulate recommendations for changes aimed at healing this system. Descriptive analysis, comparative analysis, inductive and deductive reasoning, and critical analysis of the national literature on the subject by economists and lawyers were used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Nursing is considered one of the most stressful occupational groups. Work-related stress is a major health risk for workers worldwide. Therefore, it is critical to continually monitor nurses' stress levels based on important aspects of nurses' work identified as stressors. Methods. A total of 331 nurses participated. The cross-cultural adaptation of the instrument was carried out based on six of the seven steps proposed: forward translation of ENSS, comparison of the two translated versions, blind back translation, comparison of the two back-translated versions of ENSS, pilot testing of the prefinal version of ENSS, and full-psychometric testing of the prefinal version of the translated instrument. The reliability of the scales was estimated using Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's omega internal consistency coefficients. Results. The results indicate that each of the distinguished subscales is unique, but at the same time, they are all related to each other as different dimensions of stress. Conclusions. The Polish version of the ENSS tool is a valid and reliable tool for assessing the level of stress experienced by nurses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, photovoltaics (PVs) is the main driver of the renewable energy market growth in Poland. The number of photovoltaic installations, most of which are rooftop prosumer systems, is consistently growing. Therefore, the determination of the applicability and feasibility of photovoltaic systems under different climate conditions is of great significance. This study presents the performance analysis of four prosumer photovoltaic installations situated in the Eastern part of Poland, Lublin Voivodeship. The influence of various tilt angles, ranging from 19° to 40°, and azimuths (south, east, south–east, and east–west) on the final yield have been determined under one year of operation (2022). The average yearly final yield was found to be 1022 kWh·kW−1, with the highest value obtained for the installation oriented towards the south, equal 1079 kWh·kW−1. Then, the PV systems were simulated by the use of four specialized photovoltaic software: DDS-Cad 16, PVGIS 5.2, PVSOL premium 2022, and the PVWatts Calculator 8.2.1. A comparative analysis of the measured and simulated data in terms of the final yield was carried out. The data obtained from PVGIS and PVSOL demonstrated the highest degree of overall alignment of 92% and 91%, respectively. The most significant underestimation was noticed for the DDS-Cad software, which was equal to 77%. The most accurate predictions stand out for the system oriented to the south, while the weakest was found for the E–W installation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study attempts to determine a synthetic measure of the level of implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 8 related to promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all and conducts a multivariate comparative analysis of EU countries in terms of its implementation. The statistical database contained all 9 variables characterising this goal, collected for 27 EU countries in the period from 2015 to 2020. The research method used was the method of unitarisation zeroed in the dynamic version. The results of the conducted research confirm that there have been positive changes in the implementation of SDG 8 sustainable development in most EU countries in the examined years. This is indicated by the increasing values of the calculated synthetic measure for individual EU27 countries in the examined years. However, in the last examined year, i.e. 2020, the impact of the crisis caused by the COVID 19 pandemic on the achievement of the examined Sustainable Development Goal was observed. In 2020, compared to 2015, 12 EU countries advanced their positions in the EU27 ranking, 3 countries did not change their positions, while 12 countries dropped down in the ranking. The study also assesses two selected EU countries, namely the Czech Republic and Poland (The Czech Republic and Poland are the countries of origin of the authors of this article, with a similar history, located in Central and Eastern Europe and with similar problems of socio‐economic development. These countries also joined the European Union in the same year, 2004) in terms of achieving Sustainable Development Goal 8. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives of the research: Social and emotional competencies are crucial predictors of effective human psychosocial functioning. Although research on social and emotional competencies has been carried out for many years almost worldwide, in the current era of rapid social changes, further research is necessary. Thus, it is still essential to validate international questionnaires to measure social and emotional competencies in different geographic areas, including Poland. This would make it possible to study the dynamics of the development of these competencies and to conduct comparative studies between different countries. Therefore, the aim of the study was to validate the Social and Emotional Competencies Questionnaire (SEC-Q) in Poland. Research methods: This study was conducted with the Social and Emotional Competencies Questionnaire (SEC-Q). A short description of the context of the issue: The Social and Emotional Competencies Questionnaire (SEC-Q) was completed by 1,052 students aged 9 to 16. The psychometric properties of the SEC-Q were tested through Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). Research findings: The results showed that the SEC-Q has good psychometric properties and, as in its original version, it includes four components: self-awareness, self-management and motivation, social-awareness and relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. Conclusions and recommendations: Validation of the SEC-Q will allow for more research on social and emotional competencies in Poland, including an evaluation of programs for increasing social and emotional competencies and international comparative studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]