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The aim of this paper is a critical verification of the late Middle Pleistocene stratigraphy in Poland in connection with stratigraphical schemes in the neighbouring countries. Although a terrestrial record of the Middle Pleistocene is almost complete in western and southern Europe, it is full of gaps in central and eastern Europe. Eight key sites in Poland and one in Belarus were selected to compile environmental and palaeoclimate data for a revised stratigraphy from the termination of MIS 12 to MIS 6, and the chronology was based on correlation with oxygen isotope stratigraphy and OSL ages. The late Middle Pleistocene record starts with the Holsteinian lake sequences, some of which have been initiated already at the end of MIS 12, persisted through MIS 11 and terminated in mid-MIS 10. In the examined sites, MIS 11 is represented also by deposits of meandering rivers in a temperate climate. In contrast, there is no evidence for deposition in most of MIS 10 and in MIS 9. A warmer and presumably wet episode at the beginning of MIS 8 lead to local erosion, followed by development of small lakes. Modest ice sheet advance into central Europe occurred in the second part of MIS 8, as reflected by a till, glaciofluvial and glaciolacustrine deposits and presumably, also by permafrost and ice wedges in western Belarus. MIS 7 seems to have been generally warm and wet when small lakes and meandering rivers could develop. Such mild conditions were interrupted with cool and probably drier episodes when braided rivers and limited pedogenesis occurred. Saalian ice sheet cover of central Europe in MIS 6 was widespread, but even more importantly, in this stage periglacial environments were dominant, as shown by continuous permafrost, intensive aeolian activity and development of ice wedges and involutions. Braided rivers developed during short wetter intervals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The paper presents, on the basis of international statistical data available and own research, the development of hydroenergetics in the world over the period 1995–2011. The energy of flowing water for a number of centuries has been an alternative to energy from fossil fuels. Hydropower can be regarded as a relatively non-invasive to the surrounding environment especially in the form of small hydropower stations, what resulted in great popularity of this segment of the green-energy sector. Next the work presents, in tabular charts, graphs and descriptive parts, the levels of utilization of hydroelectric resources for individual continents and countries. Against this background, the paper describes Polish experiences and plans concerning hydropower. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The presence of antibiotics and their metabolites in the aquatic environment exerts a negative impact on all organisms. Moreover, the easy migration of these substances to drinking water may also have serious consequences for public health, such as drug resistance. Although antibiotics and their metabolites are detected in surface waters and wastewater, there are still no systemic solutions preventing environmental pollution with these substances. The procedure for quantification of antibiotics usually involves solid-phase extraction (SPE) followed by instrumental analysis typically using liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS), which provides sensitivity, selectivity and reliability of results. Therefore, it is necessary to take decisive steps aimed at the determination of critical concentrations of antibiotics, which will make it possible to maintain safe values that will not exert a negative impact on the natural environment and human health. This work presents the current state of knowledge based on data from 2009 to 2018 (review of ten years of scientific papers) on the presence of antibiotics and their metabolites in the aquatic environment in Poland and Europe and methods used for the determination of antibiotics in different types of water (surface water and wastewater). The main strategies used for the removal of antibiotics during wastewater treatment processes in the context of antibiotics' concentrations were also presented. • Presence of antibiotics in different types of surface water and wastewater in Poland and Europe • Impact on organisms resulting from the presence of antibiotics in the aquatic environment • A literature update of analytical methods for quantification of antibiotics based on data from 2009 until today [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract High-frequency depositional cycles are often used for long-distance correlations within sedimentary basins and constructing high-resolution chronostratigraphic scales calibrated to the orbital clock. Such an approach has been used for the tropical, epicontinental Muschelkalk Sea covering most of Europe in the Middle Triassic. This paper aims at establishing the spatial extent and internal architecture of shallow-marine Muschelkalk cycles within a small (120 by 50 km) area of the Germanic Basin, to identify their local vs. regional distribution and cycle-forming mechanisms. Three groups of cycles are distinguished: 1) peritidal cycles representing a tidal flat-lagoon system which experienced longer periods of emersion; 2) shallow subtidal cycles formed around the fair-weather wave base; and 3) deep subtidal cycles developed around the storm wave base. The three cycle types differ markedly in the composition, facies homogeneity, sedimentary trends, hierarchical organization, continuity, and degree of lateral changeability and complexity, which collectively translates into the ease of cycle recognition. Despite the differences, the defined cycles do not extend laterally beyond the studied area and have laterally variable facies heterogeneities, sedimentary trends, and thicknesses. This variability resulted from more or less mosaic infilling of accommodation space, reflecting local bathymetry, physicochemical conditions, and carbonate production and accumulation rates on the platform. Accommodation space evolved by the interplay of eustatic sea-level fluctuations regional subsidence, and synsedimentary tectonic-block movements, but the contribution of these factors changed over time and was to varying degrees masked for each of the three cycle types by intrinsic sedimentary processes. The study shows that Middle Triassic cycles of the Germanic Basin have a local to sub-regional distribution and thereby are inappropriate for basin-wide correlations and chronostratigraphic inferences. It also strengthens the opinion of several workers that correlation of idealized cycles is unrealistic without checking the horizontal continuity of facies and key surfaces directly in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • H. rivularis spread very widely in Europe during recent decades. • H. rivularis is no longer a simple indicator for oligotrophic ecosystems. • H. rivularis occurs mainly in habitats with eu- and hypertrophic waters. • H. rivularis is a poor indicator of the good ecological status of waters. • Classification of H. rivularis as an endangered species in Poland is unfounded. Our knowledge about the size of benthic red alga populations inhabiting European freshwater ecosystems is still insufficient. For many years, in Europe, Hildenbrandia rivularis (Rhodophyta, Hildenbrandiaceae) was believed to be a very rare species of crustaceous red algae, valuable for oligotrophic system biomonitoring. In this paper, we challenge this assumption and show the phenomenon of H. rivularis expansion (i.e., from mountains and highlands to lowlands) in Europe based on detailed data from Poland. We collected over 311 records of H. rivularis occurring in rivers, streams and lakes (not typical habitats for this alga) across the country, including historical data. Here, we show the detailed distribution of this endangered species in Poland, one of the largest European countries. To examine the mechanism of H. rivularis population expansion, physicochemical data from 122 aquatic ecosystems were investigated. A comparison between three subperiods (1860–1944, 1945–1999, and 2000–2019) revealed an increase in the average abundance of the H. rivularis population in the lowlands area. However, the studied species seems to be disappearing in mountain and upland ecosystems. We found altitude and water flow and quality (i.e., alkalinity, oxygenation and biogens) to be the main determinants of H. rivularis occurrence within the study area. The results indicate that this red alga can be described as an expansive species, and its occurrence does not always indicate good water quality and fast water flow. Surprisingly, in contrast to observations from the last century, the population of H. rivularis in Poland currently occurs mainly in habitats with eu- and hypertrophic waters. We point out here that in the zone with temperate climate influence, H. rivularis is no longer an obvious indicator for oligotrophic ecosystems. We suggest that climate warming and eutrophication–reoligotrophication may have contributed to the increased spread of H. rivularis in Europe over recent decades. In addition, we see no reason to classify H. rivularis as an endangered species in Poland. This species most often inhabits anthropogenic water systems and occurs at high abundance in waters with high concentrations of biogens. For these reasons, H. rivularis is more ubiquitous than a cosmopolitan species (i.e., with a wide range of occurrence but associated with only a specific type of habitat and specific environmental parameters). Thus, the value of H. rivularis as a bioindicator for oligotrophic water ecosystems is very low. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper discusses the traditional ritual, medicinal and insect repellent use of Dysphania schraderiana in Poland, a plant with little ethnobotanical and phytochemical data. Our research suggests that its properties should be further studied comparing it with the related D. botrys and D. ambrosioides. D. schraderiana is an aromatic and medicinal annual herb related to D. ambrosioides and D. botrys and practically absent from historical accounts of plant uses in Europe. The aim of this work is to characterise the current use of D. schraderiana in south east Poland on the background of historical Dysphania species use in Europe. The data on D. schraderiana was collected in 2020, based on interviews with 42 people in rural areas of south-eastern Poland where the species is used today. A range of textual sources were searched including old medicinal herbals, pharmaceutical handbooks, ethnobotanical publications and culinary databases regarding all the uses of Dysphania species in Europe. In the study area D. schraderiana occurs in the whole spectrum of cultivation stages – from being intentionally cultivated to completely wild. The plant is used mainly as an apotropaic and insect repellent, blessed during Catholic church holidays (mainly Assumption Day), and sometimes used as incense in churches (and blessed on Epiphany Day). D. schraderiana rarely occurs in European historical sources, except sometimes classed as a false, inferior form of D. botrys , which has been known for centuries as a moth repellent and treatment for respiratory illness. We hypothesise that the plant was not easily distinguished from D. botrys and their uses strongly overlapped. For some unknown reason the use of D. botrys died out, whereas a relatively large semi-feral population of D. schraderiana exists in south-eastern Poland where it has remained a culturally important plant. D. schraderiana is a rare case of a non-native plant traditionally used within an area of Europe but previously nearly overlooked in European ethnobotanical literature. Historical uses of Dysphania spp. in other areas of Poland and former Poland (now western Ukraine) suggest that the genus was used more widely in regions beyond the one studied. However, a very compact distribution of use suggests that D. schraderiana may have been brought to SE Poland from a single source outside the study area. Its common name, and use as a holy incense plant, is associated it with the well-known biblical tree resin obtained from Commiphora myrrha (Nees) Engl. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The paper extends the evidence on factors determining stock prices on emerging markets by focusing on the most advanced stock market in Central and Eastern Europe, the Polish market. Besides market, size and value factors, we investigate whether liquidity is a priced risk factor, addressing the hypothesis of its particular relevance in emerging markets. Our results support existing evidence for developed markets regarding market, size, and value factors. Contrary to the expectation that liquidity is a priced factor on emerging markets, we do not find evidence supporting this hypothesis. Analyzing specific market characteristics, we consider possible explanations behind these findings. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper contains an account of UN/EEC-sponsored research on water quality monitoring and assessments in the catchments areas of Europe''s 10 transboundary rivers. In this context, water quality assessments established on the basis of monitoring data for Poland''s rivers are discussed. Consideration is also given to the water quality assessment methods recommended by the EU Directives. The problem has been exemplified by the analysis of water quality variations in the transboundary river Odra in the time span of 1973–2003. For the years 1993–2003, the trends in water quality variations are calculated and the rates of variation are analysed. The points in time when the water quality will have attained the second class purity values are predicted, taking into account the requirements specified in Polish, Czech and German standards. Analysis of the trends in the variations of pollution parameters has revealed that the achievability of good water quality depends on the limit values adopted for the assessment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The history of medical application of propolis (also known as bee glue) dates back to the times of ancient Greeks, Romans, Persians and Egyptians. Honey and other bee products, including propolis, occupy an important place in Polish folk medicine. Scientific research on propolis in Poland began in the early 1960s in Zabrze and continues until now. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of information on Polish research on propolis and its medical application with particular emphasis on studies concerning wound healing. Consequently, our goal is also to shed a new light on therapeutic potential of Polish propolis in order to support future research in the field. A systematic review of scientific literature on propolis and its medical application was performed by using the literature databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar). We paid special attention to papers describing the effect of propolis on skin wound healing as well as to Polish contribution to research on propolis. Professor Stan Scheller was the first Polish scientist dealing with propolis and its medical potential. His legacy was continued by several research teams that studied the topic in various aspects. They analyzed propolis composition, its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiapoptotic and anticancer properties as well as its application in dentistry and wound treatment. Burn wound healing physiology after propolis administration was thoroughly studied on pig model, whereas research on patients proved the efficacy of propolis in chronic venous leg ulcer treatment. Polish scientists have made a significant contribution to the research on propolis, its biological properties and influence on wound healing. Propolis ointments can effectively accelerate the healing process and improve healing physiology, so they can be recommended as a promising topical medication for wound treatment in the future clinical and preclinical trials. Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Prevalence of self-medication was around 25 % among older Europeans. • Women presenting greater odds of self-medication. • Not using medication prescribed presented a higher chance to self-medicate. • Longstanding illness is associated with higher risk of self-medication. Self-medication, despite some benefits, carries many risks, especially when practiced by older adults who are polymedicated. Information addressing the prevalence and associated factors of self-medication in older age in a European context is scarce and sometimes contradictory. This paper aims to estimate the prevalence of self-medication among older adults across Europe and to identify its predictive factors. Cross-sectional study. Micro-data from the European Health Interview Survey (2006–2009) was used. The sample comprised 31,672 community-dwelling individuals aged 65 and over living in private households in 14 European countries. The analyses explored the use, over the last two weeks, of any medicines, supplements, or vitamins that were not prescribed by a doctor. The mean self-medication prevalence was 26.3 %, being the highest in Poland (49.4 %) and the lowest in Spain (7.8 %). Greater odds of self-medication were found for women and for participants who were younger, divorced, or presented a higher educational degree. The presence of long-standing illness and physical pain or not using prescribed medication also significantly increased the possibility of self-medication. A wide variation in the odds of self-medication between countries was also observed (up to 8 times more for Poland, compared to Spain). Self-medication is a prevalent problem among older Europeans, and even though some think it is risk-free, dangers tend to be greater with advancing age. This study will help identify the groups most likely to have this behavior so that we can focus on targeted educative and preventive initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper compares lithic and faunal assemblages from Milovice (Czech Republic) and Kraków Spadzista (Poland) archaeological sites, with the aim of reconstructing temporal variations and patterning in Gravettian hunting of Mammuthus primigenius (woolly mammoth) in Central Europe. Milovice I was occupied ∼1 ky earlier than Kraków Spadzista, and is contemporaneous with Willendorf-Kostienkan sites. It is dated between 30.1 and 29.2 ka cal BP, overlapping the end of the GS 5.1 stadial in the Greenland ice core paleoclimatic record; the site was formed during cold climatic conditions. Radiocarbon dates from Kraków Spadzista indicate the site was occupied between 28.6 and 27 ka cal BP, spanning periods of significant climate instability through the GI 4 interstadial, GS 4 stadial, and the short interstadial GI 3. The two sites have fundamental differences in armature tool kits, such as raw materials and tool sizes. The hunter-gatherers at both sites had a mammoth-hunting focus, although they used different sized lithic weapon tips for hunting and thus probably had different strategies for procuring prey. The mammoth mortality profiles are significantly different at the two sites. At Milovice I, mid-life adults dominate the profile, while juveniles greatly dominate at Kraków Spadzista. We suggest that climatically mediated differences in mammoth migratory behavior, feeding behavior, population sizes, and demography influenced Gravettian people to manufacture and use different sizes of projectile points and to significantly increase the number of tool types during the most climatically unstable periods; these changes reflected tactical changes in Late Gravettian subsistence hunting in East-Central Europe. • Hunter-gatherers at Milovice I and Kraków Spadzista killed mammoths using different sizes and types of lithic weapon tips. • Climatic conditions and changes observed in lithic toolkits are clues about Late Gravettian mammoth-hunting practices in East-Central Europe. • Changes in mammoth demography, behavior, and ecology influenced human choices of sites, hunting strategies, and weaponry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Tilia pollen can cause pollen allergy in sensitive people. • In Poland, the risk of allergy to Tilia pollen occurs in June, July, and also in May. • The highest counts of Tilia pollen occur during the T. cordata flowering period. • The acceleration in the pollen season onset was almost 14 days during 18 years. • In 2018, the annual pollen sum increased by more than three times. Lindens belong to valued trees that are frequently planted in urban green areas. Nevertheless, during their flowering they can pose a risk to sensitive people in cities due to their allergenic pollen. This paper presents the results of a 3-year phenological study (2016–2018) and an 18-year aerobiological study (2001–2018) conducted in Lublin (Poland). The flowering phenology data for the following five species: T. americana , T. cordata , T. × euchlora , T. platyphyllos , and T. tomentosa , were compared with the data regarding Tilia pollen seasons. It was shown that the largest amounts of airborne Tilia pollen grains occur during the full flowering period of T. cordata and that the flowering sequence of the linden species studied is constant during the growing season: T. platyphyllos , T. americana , T. cordata , T. × euchlora , and T. tomentosa. We found pollen seasons to start earlier by 14 days and to be extended by 15 days. Throughout the study period, the annual Tilia pollen sum did not change significantly. However, in 2018 in which there was a significant increase in temperature above the average for the previous 17 years, flowering and pollen release distinctly accelerated, and the annual pollen sum increased more than three times compared to the average for the previous 17 years. In central-eastern Poland, the risk of pollen allergy due to the presence of Tilia pollen occurs in May, June, and July. We recorded the highest linden pollen concentrations in June. Due to the acceleration of flowering and pollen release in linden trees as a result of global warming, the incidence of pollen allergy in central Europe can be expected to become more intense already in the second half of May. Therefore, linden plantings in new urban green areas should be planned to be established at some distance from residential estates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]