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This study examines how various facets of social and political freedom shape the impact of political connections on bank lending. Using a new dataset covering the period 2007–2018 and more than 100 countries, we find that the establishment of political connections stimulates lending, but only in countries with constrained media freedom and restricted freedom of association and expression, as well as in those scoring low on political rights and civil liberties. These results suggest that social and political freedom constitute critical factors that limit the resource-allocation distortions caused by political connections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The content of 19 metals (chromium, cobalt, nickel, strontium, arsenic, magnesium, barium, cesium, gallium, rubidium, uranium, vanadium, zinc, lead, copper, cadmium, iron, manganese, and aluminum) in sediment in three ephemeral streams (Nahal Sansana, Nahal Revivim and Nahal Pura) with reservoirs in the Negev Desert is studied herein. The study was done in September 2016. The samples were collected from the surface layer of sediment (up to 10 cm) in the reservoirs and in the channels upstream and downstream of the reservoirs. Silt, which on average, accounted for 72% dominated in the sediment. In the spatial distribution of the particle size, sand and gravel fractions were deposited in the reservoirs. Aluminum, iron, and magnesium accounted for 99% of all analyzed metals. The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) showed that sediment in the Negev Desert channel upstream of the reservoirs had similar concentrations of metals. Similarities were also found between the analyzed reservoirs. The bottom sediment in reservoirs had higher concentrations of metals than sediment upstream and downstream of the reservoirs. The comparison of concentrations in upstream and downstream locations did not show any unambiguous trends because metal concentrations downstream from the reservoirs were not always lower than upstream of the reservoirs. The analysis of the sediment enrichment factor (EF) showed the highest value in the reservoirs and the lowest downstream of the reservoirs. The concentrations of most analyzed metals did not indicate the possibility of potential ecological risk (SQG). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxidative dehydrogenation of hydrocarbons has been gained much attention for years as the use of an oxidant allows overcoming the thermodynamic limitations of the classical dehydrogenation reaction. In this paper, the catalytic oxidative dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene in the presence of nitrobenzene was studied. In the process various metal catalysts (Fe, Co or V) supported on highly microporous activated carbon (AC) as well as unloaded AC prepared from waste material were tested. The coupled reaction was carried out at 400 °C for three hours. At the same conditions the process without nitrobenzene was also investigated. The results of catalytic tests revealed that the use of nitrobenzene allows obtaining significantly higher yield of styrene comparing with the reaction in the non-oxidative conditions. In each case, besides styrene also aniline was formed. Carbonaceous deposit was created as a by-product. For this reason, rapid decrease in catalytic activity with the time of reaction was observed. Unloaded activated carbon showed fairly good catalytic properties. Generally, the higher content of active phase supported on AC, the worse the catalytic activity of the system was noticed. It was suggested that the dispersion of metal particles can play an important role in the process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Local trust differentiation is relevant for bank activities related to lending. • Banks in high local trust areas charge lower rates on loans. • Banks compensate for lower interest incomes with reduced labor costs. • Local trust affects both bank relationships and demand for bank staff. This study investigates the impact of local differences in trust on bank lending activities. Using a novel dataset of nearly 600 local Polish banks and their socioeconomic environments, we find that banks operating in regions with high-trust scores set lower loan interest rates and have lower labor-related costs compared to those operating in low-trust regions. Therefore, the empirical evidence suggests that local differences in trust influence not only bank-borrower relationships but also the human resources needed to gather and process credit information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The proposed scheduling schemes combine periodic and aperiodic contracts and assure a wide scope of Quality-of-Service requirements. • The network configuration is optimized by integrating deterministic scheduling algorithms with genetic routing algorithms. • The scheduling efficiency is considered at the level of contract allocations. • The network configuration easily adapts to node mobility and environment changes. Planning the transmission routing and scheduling is a challenging issue in industrial wireless networks (IWN) due to high quality of service (QoS) requirements. Moreover, in many applications we face the problem of node mobility, changes of transmission conditions, node resource and powering limitations. This paper initially formulates the problem of searching optimal network configuration covering the outlined features and subsequently proposes an effective solution. It is designed for typical industrial FDMA and TDMA networks with horizontal communication. The goal of our studies is to find IWN configuration (routing, time slot and channel allocation) that maximizes the number of successfully concluded contracts. The presented method is compatible with the ISA100.11a standard and integrates relevant QoS requirements for different periodic and aperiodic contracts. Our approach is based on original deterministic algorithms for planning the traffic. They are optimized with a genetic algorithm and facilitate the adaptation to changing operation conditions of network nodes. Extensive simulation experiments have been used in the development and evaluation of the proposed algorithms. The introduced test environment and benchmarks confirmed the advantages of our approach and revealed drawbacks of other approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Machine learning methods for the identification of child sexual abuse materials (CSAM) have been previously studied, however, they have serious limitations. Firstly, the training sets used to train the appropriate machine learning algorithms were not previously annotated by a forensic expert in anthropology. Secondly, previously presented solutions have rarely used models trained using real pornographic content involving children. Thirdly, previous studies have not presented a detailed justification for the classification decisions made, which is important due to the recent guidelines of the European Commission (Artificial Intelligence Act). The aim of the study was to train convolution neural networks (CNNs) using expert-labelled CSAM images and thereby identify the elements of the body and/or the environment that are critical for classifications by the neural network. To train and evaluate machine learning models, we used 60,000 images equally divided into four classes (CSAM images, images displaying sexual activity involving adults, images of people without sexual activity, and images not containing people). We used four neural network architectures: MobileNet, ResNet152, xResNet152 and its modification ResNet-s, designed for the purpose of research. The trained models provided high accuracy of classifying CSAM images: xResNet152 (F1 = 0.93, 92,8%), xResNet-s (F1 = 0.93, 93,1%), ResNet152 (F1 = 0.90, 91,39%), MobileNet (F1 ranged from 0.85 to 0.87, accuracy ranged from 86% to 87%). The results of the conducted research suggest that using expert knowledge (in sexology and anthropology) significantly improved the accuracy of the models. In regard to further anthropological analysis, the results indicate that the breasts, face and torso are crucial areas for the classification of pornographic content with children's participation. Results suggests that the ResNet-s neural network may be a reliable tool for clinical work and to support the work of experts witnesses in the field of anthropology. The study design received a positive opinion of the Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Mechanics of the University of Warsaw. The clinical material was used for research purposes with the consent of the relevant prosecutor's offices. Authors provided free version of Windows application to classify CSAM for forensic experts, policemen and prosecutors at the OSF repository (DOI: 10.17605/OSF.IO/RU7JX). • Machine learning is believed to be the best solution for CSAM identification. • The machine learning models cannot replace human, but it can assist their work. • Neural networks are not fully explainable. • Using expert knowledge improves the explainability of the machine learning models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents results of laboratory tests on foamed concrete and results of numerical simulations of road pavement – weak soil system with a subbase layer of foamed concrete. Physical properties of foamed concrete with varying density (500-1300 kg/m 3 ) were investigated. A series of tests was carried out to examine density, porosity, compressive and flexural strengths. Furthermore, numerical simulations were performed to investigate the possibility of using of foamed concrete as a subbase layer for a pavement structure. The results of numerical simulations show that the maximal tensile stress in the lower zone of subbase layer, for the pavement structure KR5 and subgrade types G1÷G4, is lower than the flexural strength of foamed concrete with the density of 860÷1060 kg/m 3 determined in laboratory tests. It shows potential possibility of using foamed concrete layer as a subbase for pavement structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates price adjustments on the Warsaw Stock Exchange after the referendum on Brexit. Contrary to our expectations, we found that investors’ reactions were uniform with regard to the firms’ dependence on European markets or reliance on export activities in general. Other fundamental factors only moderately influenced investors’ decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The basis for initiating research in the area of innovation in seaports emerges from the fact that there are numerous innovative trends in the world, which should be identified and taken into account in the decision-making processes of seaports. The article aims to identify the most important innovation trends currently observed in seaports around the world and the most frequently implemented innovations within them. The results of this research may help port managers make decisions related to implementing innovations. An analysis of the literature has revealed 22 global innovative trends in the economy. On this basis, a survey was conducted using the LimeSurvey.com application, in which respondents (n = 203) from 49 countries, representing the largest seaports in the world, participated. The survey found that the implementation of innovations in seaports takes place in line with practically all identified global innovation trends. The most frequently implemented innovative projects in seaports included solutions that meet the following trends: innovative business models for global competitiveness, servitisation, the sharing economy and smart management - Smart Port. Among the innovative projects already implemented in seaports, the following were the most popular: social media projects for internationalisation, soft business models and productivity-enhancing solutions in the workplace. In turn, the greatest number of planned innovative projects in seaports are related to environmentally friendly technology, energy efficiency improvement, energy storage, and provision of low-carbon LNG fuel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presented new approach to the repair of partial county roads - lower technical category - in Poland. Most roads in Poland have asphalt pavement [1] . Often these were surfaces designed and made in 80 - 90s for very light cars and horse carts. Many of these roads are in operation under much greater traffic and exceeded load design values. This results in degradation and destruction of the road surface. Due to the large backlog of road repairs and many years of negligence regarding road infrastructure resulting from financial constraints of road managers, an urgent need arose to repair several kilometres of asphalt roads, colloquially speaking, at the drop of a hat. Resurfacing and overhauls were first performed on national roads and, to a limited extent, on the roads of lower functional classes. Technologies currently used leave much to be desired in terms of quality and economy. One way to reduce the cost of contracting, while increasing the quality of the work, is to search for solutions using new technologies. The article proposes the use of a new Swedish device SPRIDER in Polish conditions. This paper presents this new technology and comparing to those commonly used and the very system for evaluating the condition of roads and classifying them for repairs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies using static probing guarantee the precision of measurements and reliability of results which are of fundamental importance for the entire design process. More and more new modeling and calculation schemes and concepts using the direct results of static probing have been developed and still are being developed based on direct probing parameters, which is the result of a very rapid development of this approach, and increasingly more common use by designers and constructors in various research centers working in the field of soil mechanics, geotechnics and geoengineering. This paper presents the estimation of load bearing capacity based on direct parameters obtained from the results of static probing test of ground, which are mainly used in engineering in Poland and in Europe, and which form the basis for new ideas and concepts for calculation. The calculations of the reference pile foundation based on the results of the actual study conducted for the road overpass in the expressway currently under construction near Miłomłyn town in Warmia-Mazury province are shown in the paper using the described methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, the development of building industry and the increasing demand for building materials together compose the emergence of new warehouse centers. This trend enables building materials to be delivered more efficiently and within shorter time, thus making them more cost-attractive. At the same time, the sustainable development policy causes new materials and solutions to become more favorable by decreasing the amount of materials applied and reducing the energy consumption in industrial buildings. Concrete industrial floors must meet a number of requirements such as limited cracking, flatness and sufficient load-bearing capacity. Besides redundancy and visual aspects, the industrial floors are also required to show good thermal performance. The development and application of foamed concrete layer, due to its mechanical performance and thermal properties seem to be an adequate solution as substructure layer for industrial floors. The article shows results of numerical simulations of concrete industrial floor with foam concrete layer as substructure. It also includes a comparison of numerical results with a simplified analytical approach which is commonly used by structural engineers. Mechanical properties of foamed concrete, used in the analyses, were based on tests performed within the research project. The numerical simulations were performed with the use of ZSoil finite element software. This work was supported by the on-going research project “Stabilization of weak soil by application of layer of foamed concrete used in contact with subsoil” (LIDER/022/537/L-4/NCBR/2013), financed by The National Centre for Research and Development within the LIDER Programme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current trends in modern architecture are focused on minimising the boundaries between the external environment and interior of the building. This requires a continuous increase of the amount of translucent surfaces allowing natural sunlight to enter the building, not only in facades but also through interior structural elements. The research project on timber-glass composite beams is based on an assumption that timber and glass work together to carry external loads. Glass no longer acts as a filling, as in traditional solutions, but actively participates in load transfer. The paper presents result of numerical study on modelling of brittle failure (cracking) of glass. The influence of element geometry, element size and value of fracture energy on the structural performance were analysed. From these studies the optimum model parameters were chosen for final models of timber-glass composite beams. Subsequently, the models were validated by comparing their results with experimental studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyzes competition in Polish local bank markets based on branch geocoding. I find symptoms of synergy effects from potential collaboration between different cooperative banks. Conversely, stronger competition from credit unions, which, until recently, remained outside the official supervisory system and had poor loan portfolios, corresponds with cooperative banks’ worsened loan portfolio quality and performance. The results allow for the conjecture that leaving shadow banks outside the supervisory system may create unwanted competition and may negatively influence the stability of the banking sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Particle sources and deposition inside two historical churches, differing in size and construction were examined. The particle concentrations indoors and outdoors were monitored for at least 10 months. The air exchange rate (AER) was determined by fitting an exponential decay curve to the recorded concentration of indoor-generated CO 2 . The two-parameter mass balance equation, taking into account the particle sources and sinks in the indoor environment of churches, was used to determine the particle deposition velocities and penetration factors. Large indoor and outdoor particle concentration variability helped to separate the effects of penetration and deposition losses. For example, liturgical services regularly generated high indoor particle concentrations, owing to the burning of incense. During the particle concentration decay after the services, losses due to deposition could be reliably determined, whereas the events of high outdoor aerosol concentrations with no emission of particles indoors allowed the penetration factors to be precisely determined. The minimal AER values of 0.1 and 0.3 h −1 were observed in the closed brick and wooden church, respectively. Typically, area-averaged deposition velocities for particles of diameters 0.3–1 μm or above 1 μm were 1.5·10 −5 and 2.1·10 −5 m/s, respectively, and were very consistent between the two churches studied in spite of the differences in their design, size, construction materials and pattern of use. Penetration factors ranged from 0.7 to 0.86. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of static loading tests was performed to determine the fracture properties of foamed concrete of varying density. Beams with dimensions of 100×100×840 mm with a central notch were tested in three-point bending. Then, remaining halves of the specimens were tested again as un-notched beams in the same set-up with reduced distance between supports. The tests were performed in a hydraulic displacement controlled testing machine with a load capacity of 5 kN. Apart from measuring the loading and mid-span displacement, a crack mouth opening displacement (CMOD) was monitored. Based on the load – displacement curves of notched beams the values of fracture energy and tensile stress at failure were calculated. Subsequently, the flexural tensile strength was obtained on un-notched beams with dimensions of 100×100×420 mm. Moreover, cube specimens 150×150×150 mm were tested in compression to determine the compressive strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of static loading tests was performed to determine the fracture properties of foamed concrete of varying density. Beams with dimensions of 100×100×840 mm with a central notch were tested in three-point bending. Then, remaining halves of the specimens were tested again as un-notched beams in the same set-up with reduced distance between supports. The tests were performed in a hydraulic displacement controlled testing machine with a load capacity of 5 kN. Apart from measuring the loading and mid-span displacement, a crack mouth opening displacement (CMOD) was monitored. Based on the load - displacement curves of notched beams the values of fracture energy and tensile stress at failure were calculated. Subsequently, the flexural tensile strength was obtained on un-notched beams with dimensions of 100×100×420 mm. Moreover, cube specimens 150×150×150 mm were tested in compression to determine the compressive strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For decades, the shipping sector has been incorporated into the global decarbonization process. At present, global shipping – as a whole – aims to reduce its emission levels by 40 % by 2030 in relation to the 2008 level. In reducing greenhouse gas emissions, regulations such as the MARPOL 73/78 Convention and Energy Efficiency Design Index as well as other monitoring and managing schemes already in operation (e.g., Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan and Energy Efficiency Operational Indicator) play a crucial role in measuring fuel consumption and ship engine emission output. Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI) is another measure, projected to be ratified in 2023, in-line with decarbonization targets in which the International Maritime Organization has planned a 70 % reduction in emissions level by 2050 using the same 2008 baseline. For this to happen, ship speed may need to be reduced, a decrease of fleet capacity may also need to be considered, and new ships may need to replace older ones already in service. The costs of implementing these types of reforms are obviously significant to the sector. Such change will augment the overall shipping overhead, effecting subsequent transportation and consumer costs. This paper aims to specify the scale of the expected costs of implementing EEXI globally. The current maritime fleet has been analyzed in terms of energy demand, deadweight tonnage, and expected CO 2 emission reduction marginal abatement costs (MAC). Two pathways to achieve the desired EEXI values are presented, including the most common and available technologies to reduce demand. These technologies are subjected to MAC valuation and presented quantitatively for the world fleet. The research also investigates alternative fuel options in regard to lessening the CO 2 impact, developing wind support systems, and avoiding conventional advancements to ships (e.g., upgrading the propeller or the propulsion system). At length, the target of the work is to elucidate a realistic CO 2 reduction potential in 2030 with the long view of 2050. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We investigate long-term market reactions to politicians' nominations in firms. • In the entire sample, long-term reactions do not differ from zero. • Long-term reactions depend on the types of newly created political connections. • Nominations of low-profile politicians destroy value in the long run. • Nominations of political high-flyers are quickly and correctly priced. We investigate whether politicians' appointments to corporate boards affect firms' long-term market performance. We use two approaches to detect long-run anomalies and k-medoids clustering to classify politicians in a large dataset of listed Central European companies. We find that the long-term effects of politicians' nominations generally do not differ from zero for the entire sample. However, when we simultaneously account for the ownership structure of firms and the traits of politicians joining boards, we identify two types of political appointees that destroy value in the long run. These politicians share some key features: their professional qualifications, network connectedness, and political power are ambiguous. Consequently, it is difficult for investors to assess the value of these politicians in companies in the first place. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present the optical properties of the nanocomposite nickel - carbonaceous (Ni-C) and carbon nanotubes, palladium-fullerene (CNT- Ni-Pd) films obtained by various methods. The initial film was prepared by physical vapor deposition (PVD) method using two separated sources: fullerene C 60 (as carbon source) and nickel acetate (as metal source). Next, the initial film was modified by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) using xylene at temperature ∼ 650 °C, as a result carbon nanotubes containing inside Ni grains were synthesized. Then, on the carbon nanotubes, palladium-fullerene films were deposited using PVD process, these samples were named by us as (CNT- Ni-Pd) films. All (Ni-C) films and (CNT-Ni-Pd) films were studied by SEM. These nanostructures were analyzed by optical method using measuring the variation of the absorbance of different gases (H2, CO, NO2). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study examines the impact of political factors on the behaviour and performance of commercial banks in 11 Central European countries from 1995 to 2008. Using a unique dataset of commercial banks and political factors, we find that state-owned banks report significantly smaller net interest income ratios during the years of parliamentary elections. The proxy cumulative amount of net interest income lost by state-owned banks during the election years equals, on average, 0.38% of each country's GDP. The decrease in the profitability of state-owned banks is caused primarily by the lower interest rates charged on loans. In contrast, we document that the lending growth of state-owned banks is not affected by the political cycle. Hence, to a certain extent, this study supports the view that state-owned banks constitute a tool that serves political goals in Central European countries. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: The crista supraventricularis and septomarginal trabecula are common elements of the right ventricle, and determine many hemodynamic phenomena. The morphological analysis of both structures in regard to their mutual relations was the aim of this study. The study was carried out on the material of preserved human hearts – fetuses, children and adults. The size and development of the crista supraventricularis was carefully evaluated. The division of its lower part, and hence the possibilities of development of the septomarginal trabecula, was divided into five types (A, B, C, D and E). The most common was type B, containing two muscular trabeculae. The width of the crista varied 1/5–3/5 of the width of the interventricular septum. On the basis of this study, a conclusion of morphological unity of the septomarginal trabecula and crista supraventricularis was drawn. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Economic effects of using digital tools in the tourism industry are assessed. • A positive trend of increasing ICTs importance is observed in tourism enterprises. • ICTs desirability is increased with medium-low socio-economic development. The article discusses the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in the food and accommodation sector in the context of tourism development in EU countries. The paper is of a review and research nature. The purpose is to define a measure of the level of ICTs use in food and accommodation enterprises in EU countries, to consider the relation between proposed measure and chosen macroeconomic indicators, and finally to identify the impact of ICTs use on the development of this sector. To attain the aim of this research, a critical analysis of literature as well as desktop research has been carried out, the latter drawing on the data of Eurostat referring to companies from accommodation and food service activities. For the analysis, data for 26 EU countries over two time periods 2012–2019 and 2012–2017 were used. To assess the diversification of the level of ICTs use in the analysed sector, Hellwig's linear ordering method was utilized. Then, a fixed effects panel data model was used in order to examine the impact of the level of ICTs use on sector development, where the financial situation of enterprises (gross operating surplus) was assumed as the measure of the sector's growth. The values of the constructed taxonomic measure of development indicate the different levels of ICTs use by food and accommodation enterprises between countries. The estimated two-way panel data model confirmed a significant positive impact of ICTs use on gross operating surplus with a time lag of two years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wireless network nodes working in industrial environment or mounted on mobile machines are exposed to frequent and unpredictable temperature changes, which impact local clock accuracy resulting in synchronization problems (time offset). These issues have to be taken into account when optimizing the network to avoid higher energy consumption and traffic congestion. The time offset problem can be alleviated using temperature driven compensation. In the paper we propose an efficient algorithm to resolve this problem taking into account slow and rapid temperature fluctuations. It combines the physical model of the node oscillator with an original prediction method based on the linear regression. It can be embedded in low cost microcontrollers with limited resources. Our approach needed some experimental studies of oscillator features and microcontroller capabilities. The implemented prototype nodes and performed tests proved high clock resilience for industrial environment as compared with other approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We investigate which local markets are abandoned first by banks. • We use a comprehensive dataset regarding the polish economy. • Branch closures are more likely in local markets dominated by large banks. • Clients' internet use and bank mergers affect branch closures. • Small banks stabilize access to bank branches. The number of brick-and-mortar bank branches is decreasing. However, local banking markets are affected by this phenomenon to varying degrees. In this study, we use a comprehensive dataset on the Polish economy to establish which local banking markets banks decide to abandon first. We find that the business models of banks operating within local markets, clients' Internet use, and merger processes, all influence the rate of local bank branch closures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we examine whether political connections affect market reactions to rating changes. Using a new and comprehensive dataset on ten advanced emerging markets, we find that political connections attenuate negative reactions linked to rating downgrades. This effect is shaped by political ties involving influential politicians and concerns all sample firms and a subsample of nonfinancial companies. Moreover, we establish that state-owned companies or companies with significant state ownership do not benefit from the mitigation effect of political connections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lead is a dangerous pollutant that accumulates in plant tissues and causes serious damage to plant cell macromolecules. However, plants have evolved numerous tolerance mechanisms, including ectomycorrhizae, to maintain cellular Pb2+ at the lowest possible level. When those mechanisms are successful, Pb-exposed plants should exhibit no negative phenotypic changes. However, actual molecular-level plant adjustments at Pb concentrations below the toxicity threshold are largely unknown, similar to the molecular effects of protective ectomycorrhizal root colonization. In this study, we (1) determined the molecular adjustments in plants exposed to Pb but without visible Pb stress symptoms and (2) examined ectomycorrhizal root colonization (the role of fungal biofilters) with respect to molecular-level Pb perception by plant root cells. Biochemical, microscopic, proteomic and metabolomic studies were performed to determine the molecular status of Populus × canescens microcuttings grown in agar medium enriched with 0.75 mM Pb(NO 3) 2. Noninoculated and inoculated with Paxillus involutus poplars were analyzed in two independent comparisons of the corresponding control and Pb treatments. After six weeks of growth, Pb caused no negative phenotypic effects. No Pb-exposed poplar showed impaired growth or decreased leaf pigmentation. Proteomic signals of intensified Pb sequestration in the plant cell wall and vacuoles, cytoskeleton modifications, H+-ATPase-14-3-3 interactions, and stabilization of protein turnover in chronically Pb-exposed plants co-occurred with high metabolomic stability. There were no differentially abundant root primary metabolites; only a few differentially abundant root secondary metabolites and no Pb-triggered ROS burst were observed. Our results strongly suggest that proteome adjustments targeting Pb sequestration and ROS scavenging, which are considerably similar but less intensive in ectomycorrhizal poplars than in control poplars due to the P. involutus biofilter (as confirmed in a mineral study), were responsible for the metabolomic and phenotypic stability of poplars exposed to chronic mild Pb stress. Image 1 • Effects of Pb in non-inoculated and ectomycorrhizal roots were analyzed using OMIC tools. • Proteomic signals of intensified Pb sequestration and cytoskeletal changes were found. • More PM- and V-type H+ATPases but less 14-3-3 proteins were found in Pb-exposed roots. • Stabilization of protein turnover in chronically Pb-exposed plants was observed. • The molecular response was less intense in ECM plants due to the fungal bio-filter. Main finding of the work: Proteome adjustments, whose magnitude was reduced under ECM due to the presence of a fungal biofilter, were responsible for the phenotypic stability of poplars during chronic mild Pb stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To analyse the competitiveness of container ports, it is crucially important to identify and characterize the key factors of competitiveness. Their relative importance depends on the location of the port, the situation in the market and it can be perceived differently by different groups of stakeholders. The aim of this study was to examine factors of global competitiveness of container ports as perceived by shipping lines. The research method applied was a quantitative primary non-random social sampling. Data were collected from survey participants via a business-oriented social network. Two statistical methods were used to rank and group these factors: a Friedman test and a post-hoc analysis involving Least Significant Difference test (LSD). Shipping executives (n = 120) stressed the importance of three factors: container terminal service quality, social harmony with labour and adequate nautical accessibility. This corresponds with growing size of container ships, which require deep water container terminals and reliable port services. Shipping lines' decision makers need services of a high standard and with a low risk of labour-related disruptions to maintain their own high level of service quality. These strong views are held by decision makers of shipping lines with over 250 employees, while smaller organisations are more lenient on container terminal requirements. Survey results were also presented per continent, which clarifies any differences in importance of competitiveness factors based on geographical location. This may be useful for competitiveness gap analysis at a more granular level. Port operators and regulators should take these findings into account and address them in ports' strategic plans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leachates from municipal landfills are formed as infiltration waters flowing through the landfill. They contain toxic, dissolved products of biochemical reactions taking place in the deposit. They cause soil and groundwater pollution. It is necessary to take them out of the landfill cover and utilize toxins contained therein, in particular heavy metals. Such processes are conducted with the use of microorganisms. Due to the content of toxic compounds, introducing leachates into the process of biological purification poses a threat to the microorganisms used in these processes. An alternative to microbial co-treatment of sludge and leachate as well as soil contaminated with communal leachate is to use red hybrid of California (Eisenia fetida Sav.), an earthworm resistant to environmental toxins, in particular heavy metals. The aim of the conducted research is to demonstrate the possibility of using red hybrid of California in leachate bioutilization as a complementary or alternative method to the process of leachate utilization with the use of microorganisms. The obtained results led to the conclusion that Eisenia fetida accumulates environmental toxins well. By collecting and processing them in the tissues, it remedies the substrate and retains long life and fertility, and the ability to reproduce. The research demonstrated high dynamics of population growth (from 25 individuals in the initial deposit to 298 individuals after six months of research). These properties are related to the presence of enzyme proteins from the metallothionein group in the gastrointestinal tract cells. Packing heavy metals found in leachates into the metallothionein coat limits their toxic effect on earthworm tissues, which confirms the possibility of using earthworms in the processes of detoxification of municipal leachate. Image 1 • During the bioremediation period, the growth of juvenile earthworms was recorded. • The accumulation of heavy metals in earthworm tissues did not affect reproduction processes. • California earthworms can be used for the process of immobilization of heavy metals. The use of Californian earthworms for the immobilization of heavy metals contained in toxic leachates from landfills is justified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]