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This review aims to explore the role of professional diagnostic rapid testing of acute respiratory infections (ARIs), especially COVID-19 and influenza, ensuring proper disease management and treatment in Europe, and particularly in Czech Republic, Poland, and Romania. The paper was constructed based on a review of scientific evidence and national and international policies and recommendations, as well as a process of validation by four experts. The development of new testing technologies, treatment options, and increased awareness of the negative multidimensional impact of ARI profiles transformed differential diagnosis into a tangible and desirable reality. This review covers the following topics: (1) the multidimensional impact of ARIs, (2) ARI rapid diagnostic testing platforms and their value, (3) the policy landscape, (4) challenges and barriers to implementation, and (5) a set of recommendations illustrating a path forward. The findings indicate that rapid diagnostic testing, including at the point of care (POC), can have a positive impact on case management, antimicrobial and antibiotic stewardship, epidemiological surveillance, and decision making. Integrating this strategy will require the commitment of governments and the international and academic communities, especially as we identified room for improvement in the access and expansion of POC rapid testing in the focus countries and the inclusion of rapid testing in relevant policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors compare the energy consumption and CO2 emissions from vehicles using internal combustion engines (ICE), battery electric vehicles (BEV), fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV), and two types of hybrid vehicles, BEV-ICE hybrid and BEV-FCEV hybrid. This paper considers several scenarios for four countries' electricity production from primary energy sources to estimate total CO2 release. Energy consumption of the vehicle per 100 km, emissions during manufacturing, battery production, and lifecycle of the vehicle are considered in the total amount evaluation of CO2 released. The results show that with current technologies for battery manufacturing, and a significant proportion of national grid electricity delivered by fossil fuels, BEV is the best choice to reduce carbon emissions for shorter driving ranges. In the case of electricity generation mainly by low-carbon sources, FCEV and BEV-FCEV hybrid vehicles end up with lower carbon dioxide emissions. In contrast, with electricity mainly generated from fossil fuels, electric vehicles do not reduce CO2 emissions compared to combustion cars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main topic of the present paper is the printed text protection against electromagnetic infiltration. There are many solutions to protect such data. One of these methods is the one that uses computer fonts that are characterized by special shapes. The suitability of the solution has to be confirmed by many tests and analyses. An important element of such researches is the class of receiving devices used. In the case of measurements of the valuable emissions arising from electronic data processing of the printed text, typical receivers that are used for measurements of electromagnetic compatibility cannot be used. They have to be dedicated devices for measuring the very low level of signal that arises unintentionally. The sensitivity of the receiver must be very high in wide measuring bands. In addition, in order to assess the method of preventing electromagnetic infiltration, it is important to verify it by independent institutions. An additional advantage is the use of different receivers in the assessment process. This paper presents the results of studies made regarding the suitability of two sets of fonts with special shapes (secure symmetrical and secure asymmetrical) in secure information processing. The analysis of the fonts was based on visual examination, a basic method of preliminary assessment of electromagnetic emissions correlated with processed text information, of the images reproduced from unwanted emissions. The tests were carried out at two independent institutions, Military Communication Institute—Poland, Special Telecommunications Services—Romania, using three different types of receivers: Tempest Test System DSI-1550A, Rohde & Schwarz FSET22 and Rohde & Schwarz FSWT. The images obtained in the two independent laboratories with different setup and test equipment confirmed thus without doubt the possibility of using special fonts as the solution against an effectiveness of electromagnetic infiltration. The above assessment is correct, regardless of the used receiver and the environment of implementation of the secure fonts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper studies the presence of the day-of-the-week (DOW) effect in the financial contagion process observed on individual economic sectors from the Post-Communist East European markets. The only markets that provide national-specific sector indices determined throughout the 2008 financial crisis are Poland, Romania and Russia. The novel methodology combines two existing perspectives from financial literature, by employing a GJR-GARCH framework on a dummy regression model that accounts for both the crisis period and the weekdays. All indices show the presence of the DOW effect during the crisis and/or non-crisis periods, thus signaling their low level of market efficiency. However, the contagion process affects only eight of these indices: the banking, IT and oil and gas sectors from Poland, the chemical, telecommunication and transport sectors from Russia and energy sectors from Russia and Romania. All of them show signs of the DOW effect in contagion: five exhibit higher spillovers on crisis Mondays, while the other three show other weekday patterns. The findings suggest that the DOW effect is not specific to certain countries or certain economic sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is a literature review that explores the importance of fault detection and state estimation in automatic control systems. It discusses the integration of advanced methodologies and technologies, such as artificial intelligence and deep learning, in these fields. The document acknowledges the challenges faced in fault detection and state estimation, including nonlinear dynamics and sensor faults, and suggests the use of machine learning techniques and diverse methods as potential solutions. It concludes by emphasizing the significance of fault detection and state estimation in industrial production processes. The document also provides a list of research articles published in the journal "Applied Sciences," covering topics such as sensor control, aircraft control, power system control, and robot control. The articles are authored by researchers from different countries, including China, Romania, and Poland, and the authors declare no conflicts of interest. [Extracted from the article]

This paper presents the validation results of Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) retrieved from the Spinning Enhanced Visible Infrared Radiometer (SEVIRI) data using the near-real-time algorithm further developed in the frame of the Satellite-based Monitoring Initiative for Regional Air quality (SAMIRA) project. The SEVIRI AOD was compared against multiple data sources: six stations of the Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) in Romania and Poland, three stations of the Aerosol Research Network in Poland (Poland–AOD) and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data overlapping Romania, Czech Republic and Poland. The correlation values between a four-month dataset (June–September 2014) from SEVIRI and the closest temporally available data for both ground-based and satellite products were identified. The comparison of the SEVIRI AOD with the AERONET AOD observations generally shows a good correlation (r = 0.48–0.83). The mean bias is 0.10–0.14 and the root mean square error RMSE is between 0.11 and 0.15 for all six stations cases. For the comparison with Poland–AOD correlation values are 0.55 to 0.71. The mean bias is 0.04–0.13 and RMSE is between 0.10 and 0.14. As for the intercomparison to MODIS AOD, correlations values were generally lower (r = 0.33–0.39). Biases of −0.06 to 0.24 and RMSE of 0.04 to 0.28 were in good agreement with the ground–stations retrievals. The validation of SEVIRI AOD with AERONET results in the best correlations followed by the Poland–AOD network and MODIS retrievals. The average uncertainty estimates are evaluated resulting in most of the AOD values falling above the expected error range. A revised uncertainty estimate is proposed by including the observed bias form the AERONET validation efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Individual differences in personality and resilience are related to a variety of social behaviors. The current study sought to answer the question of whether BMW drivers exhibit different personality profiles and resilience levels compared with drivers of other car brands. Participants and procedure: An international study was carried out in India, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and Spain on a sample of 448 athletes using the 20-item Mini-IPIP and the Resilience Scale. The results of BMW drivers (n = 91) were compared with the results of drivers of other German car brands (n = 357). Results: BMW drivers were characterized by higher neuroticism compared with drivers of other German car brands. They also showed higher resiliency, both in terms of total score and scores on the subscales of: personal coping competences and tolerance of negative emotions, tolerance of failures and perceiving life as a challenge, and optimistic attitude towards life and capacity for self-mobilization in difficult situations. The greatest difference was observed for the factor of tolerance of failures and perceiving life as a challenge. Using the Dwass-Steel-Critchlow-Fligner (DSCF) pairwise comparison test, gender differences between athletes (as BMW drivers and drivers of other German car brands, respectively) were discussed. Additionally, the results of the main logistic regression analyses emphasized that neuroticism represents a better predictor of BMW preference in the case of athletes (as drivers) than the scores obtained for resilience. Conclusions: BMW drivers differed from drivers of other German car brands only with regard to neuroticism. A higher level of neuroticism can affect mental health and the overall quality of life in athletes; aggression and distress management are essential. Athletes (as BMW drivers) also showed differences in resiliency levels. Understanding the mechanisms of behavior among BMW drivers is possible through considering their personality and individual differences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One method to reduce CO2 emissions from vehicle exhaust is the use of liquified petroleum gas (LPG) fuel. The global use of this fuel is high in European countries such as Poland, Romania, and Italy. There are a small number of computational models for the purpose of estimating the emissions of LPG vehicles. This work is one of the first to present a methodology for developing microscale CO2 emission models for LPG vehicles. The developed model is based on data from road tests using the portable emission measurement system (PEMS) and on-board diagnostic (OBDII) interface. This model was created from a previous exploratory data analysis while using gradient-boosting machine learning methods. Vehicle velocity and engine RPM were chosen as the explanatory variables for CO2 prediction. The validation of the model indicates its good precision, while its use is possible for the analysis of continuous CO2 emissions and the creation of emission maps for environmental analyses in urban areas. The validation coefficients for the selected gradient-boosting method of modelling CO2 emissions for an LPG vehicle are the R2 test of 0.61 and the MSE test of 0.77. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although conservation and development are two facets of sustainability, they are often placed in contradictory positions. In this context, planning systems are able to respond to investment pressure, especially in countries with underdeveloped institutional solutions for this purpose, and are consequently characterized by a shifting relationship between spatial planning and environmental protection. Although these issues have been relatively well conceptualized, the literature still lacks more in-depth analyses of selected case studies. In order to fill the gap, this study aimed to identify potential ways to protect the environment and natural values in urban areas from investment pressures in countries with less developed planning systems, based on a comparative Polish-Romanian perspective. The method consisted of comparing the national legal frameworks for environmental protection and spatial development and analyzing in detail two case studies from each country. The findings indicate that national protection is required in both countries to ensure the effective protection of natural areas situated within city administrative limits that provide important ecosystem services. Moreover, the results reveal the need for more research on similar areas using multi-scale interdisciplinary approaches and reviewing planning theory with respect to its efficiency in protecting nature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epipactis greuteri is an obligate autogamous orchid species. Due to large differences in the interpretation of the diagnosis of this species, it is often mistakenly identified by botanists, which results in erroneous information provided in the literature about its distribution in Europe. In the present paper we review its description, including flower details, gynostemium features, and papillae morphology and compare it to E. helleborine, with which it is often confused. Based on thorough study of herbarium material (including holotype and isotype) and field research in Greece, Romania, and Poland, we confirm that gynostemium of E. greuteri has strongly reduced clinandrium and does not produce viscidium. We also discuss taxonomic treatment of E. preinensis and E. flaminia, two recently described taxa related to E. greuteri. The results of genetic analyses, as well as the range of phenotypic variability of E. greuteri individuals from various regions of Europe were presented and discussed. The analysis based on the ITS (internal transcribed spacer) nuclear marker showed no differences among E. helleborine, E. purpurata, E. albensis, and E. greuteri, which probably indicates their close relationship. Based on the analysis of plastid regions, six haplotypes were detected in all investigated samples. An exhaustive description of morphological features of E. greuteri is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: Isotretinoin (ISO) is a systemic retinoid known for its teratogenic effects on embryos and fetuses. The aim of this study was to compare the pregnancy outcomes of women who were exposed to isotretinoin with those of women without such exposure from a teratogenic point of view. (2) Methods: A total of 1459 female patients from three clinical hospitals in Poland and Romania, segregated into two groups depending on their ISO exposure, were evaluated between January and December 2019. Medical records were screened to identify the pregnancy outcomes and congenital malformation rates. (3) Results: The congenital malformation rate for the exposed group was 1.2% (four cases), and no specific signs of Accutane embryopathy were identified. Women from the unexposed group were more likely to deliver preterm and through cesarean deliveries and had a higher rate of newborn congenital malformations as compared to women from the exposed group. (4) Conclusions: Even though we could not find a significant association between ISO exposure and teratogenic effects in newborns, effective contraceptive measures are key to preventing unfavorable pregnancy outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extent and continuity of green infrastructure can be adjusted by planning. Depending on the sense of the adjustment, the process can lead to a vicious cycle, resulting in poorer urban quality, or to a virtuous planning, thus leading to psychological wellbeing and sustainability. However, socioeconomic circumstances also play an important role in managing green infrastructure. Starting from these premises, the current study aims to take an in-depth look at the mechanisms of change in urban green infrastructure and provide concrete planning recommendations for dealing with the green infrastructure. It is based on a complex approach, combining an ecological design, including geo-statistical analyses of the structure and dynamics of different categories of green infrastructure in all Romanian and Polish cities covered by the Urban Atlas data during 2006–2018, with selected case studies for analyzing the deeper mechanisms and drivers of change in green infrastructure, and focusing on the role of different planning actors. The results indicate that green infrastructure was lost in all the cities analyzed, regardless of the different planning systems of the two countries. Based on this, specific recommendations can be phrased for all stakeholders of the planning process, including planners, local administrations, policy makers, and scientists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this research was to conduct a comparison of the push and pull factors affecting migration between Poland and Romania. The study aimed to find out which among the push and pull factors have a greater effect overall and individually on the migration activities. The study was conducted using primary data collected from migrants in both countries using a structured questionnaire. There were data from 298 and 288 surveys for Poland and Romania, respectively. The push and pull migration framework was applied to guide the study. The model suitability was confirmed satisfactory on validity, reliability and factor analysis. The hypothesis was analyzed and evaluated using multiple regression analysis. The findings of the study indicated that pull factors have a greater influence on migration in these two countries as compared to the push factors. Five out of six (economic, political and social in Poland and economic and political in Romania) pull factors were found significant as compared to two (social in Poland and in Romania) out of six push factors. Pull economic factors were significant determinants of migration in all the countries. Pull political factors were found to have the highest effect in both countries, because they influenced migrants in Romania. Economic factors are the major factors that influence migration, including the hope of finding better jobs and better life in the foreign countries, and these factors should be addressed in the effort to reduce migration. In addition, political issues such as unfair legal system, violent conflicts, underdevelopment, poverty, political instability and corruption should be addressed to control the issue of migration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The satellite based monitoring initiative for regional air quality (SAMIRA) initiative was set up to demonstrate the exploitation of existing satellite data for monitoring regional and urban scale air quality. The project was carried out between May 2016 and December 2019 and focused on aerosol optical depth (AOD), particulate matter (PM), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and sulfur dioxide (SO2). SAMIRA was built around several research tasks: 1. The spinning enhanced visible and infrared imager (SEVIRI) AOD optimal estimation algorithm was improved and geographically extended from Poland to Romania, the Czech Republic and Southern Norway. A near real-time retrieval was implemented and is currently operational. Correlation coefficients of 0.61 and 0.62 were found between SEVIRI AOD and ground-based sun-photometer for Romania and Poland, respectively. 2. A retrieval for ground-level concentrations of PM2.5 was implemented using the SEVIRI AOD in combination with WRF-Chem output. For representative sites a correlation of 0.56 and 0.49 between satellite-based PM2.5 and in situ PM2.5 was found for Poland and the Czech Republic, respectively. 3. An operational algorithm for data fusion was extended to make use of various satellite-based air quality products (NO2, SO2, AOD, PM2.5 and PM10). For the Czech Republic inclusion of satellite data improved mapping of NO2 in rural areas and on an annual basis in urban background areas. It slightly improved mapping of rural and urban background SO2. The use of satellites based AOD or PM2.5 improved mapping results for PM2.5 and PM10. 4. A geostatistical downscaling algorithm for satellite-based air quality products was developed to bridge the gap towards urban-scale applications. Initial testing using synthetic data was followed by applying the algorithm to OMI NO2 data with a direct comparison against high-resolution TROPOMI NO2 as a reference, thus allowing for a quantitative assessment of the algorithm performance and demonstrating significant accuracy improvements after downscaling. We can conclude that SAMIRA demonstrated the added value of using satellite data for regional- and urban-scale air quality monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A method development for determination of neonicotinoid residues in honey samples was developed. The proposed methodology consisted in QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe). That was used for sample preparation and UHPLC/UV (ultra-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection) utilized for chromatographic analysis. The developed method proved to be sensitive, with LOD (Limit of detection) value in the range of 60.80 to 80.98 ng/g hence LOQ (Limit of quantification) value was in the range of 184.26 to 245.40 ng/g. The method has tested on Polish honey and applied to honey from various countries (Bulgaria, Czech Republic, France, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Romania, Australia, Brazil, Cameroon, Russia, USA and Turkey). Several honey types were tested, while physicochemical properties of all honeys and were investigated. The methodology for general characterization of pollen grains originated from selected plants, to confirm the type of honey was also presented. There was a total lack of the mentioned neonicotinoids in sunflower honey. Except of this, only two samples of rapeseed and two samples of acacia honey (from Poland and Romania) were neonicotinoids free. In 19 samples the targeted pesticides were detected above LOQ. In all other investigated samples, the neonicotinoids were found at least at the LOD or LOQ level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Within the framework of the Satellite-based Monitoring Initiative for Regional Air quality (SAMIRA) project, the near-real-time (NRT) operation has been documented for an in-house developed algorithm used for the retrieval of aerosol optical depth (AOD) maps from the Spinning Enhanced Visible and Infrared Imager (SEVIRI) sensor onboard the Meteosat Second Generation (MSG). With the frequency of 15 min at a spatial resolution of roughly 5.5 × 5.5 km the AOD maps are provided for the country domains of Poland, the Czech Republic, Romania, and Southern Norway. A significant improvement has been reported in terms of modification of the existing prototype algorithm that it suits the operational NRT AOD retrieval for an extended area. This is mainly due to the application of the optimal interpolation method for the AOD estimation on reference days with the use of ground-based measurements of the Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) and the Aerosol Research Network (PolandAOD-NET) as well as simulations of the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS). The main issues that have been addressed regarding surface reflectance estimation, cloud screening and uncertainty calculation. Exemplary maps of the NRT retrieval have been presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]