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In total, 24 brick samples for archaeomagnetic studies were taken from ten historical buildings constructed between c.1280 AD and 1630 AD in northern Poland. Eight of them are from the gothic period. The Thellier–Thellier archaeointensity protocol was used in order to determine the ancient intensity and inclination registered by the bricks. In total, 28 representative specimens from 16 bricks gave successful archaeointensity determination with category B of results quality. For 25 of them the corrections for anisotropy of thermoremanent magnetization and cooling rate were introduced. A large number of specimens classified as category C (48%) is due to a high value of relative additivity check error d(AC) caused most probably by the presence of multi-domain magnetite. The curvature parameter k exceeds the limit value in 11 specimens. However, in the same sample specimens with k higher than 0.270 have provided very similar values of archaeointensity than those with k below this limit. Corrected data are convergent with the Central European master curve of archaeointensity. The corrections of raw data reduce their dispersion at specimen/sample level in most of sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of the article is to analyze the reduction of PV generation in Germany and Poland and possible ways to solve it. Design/methodology/approach: The analysis was conducted using available secondary data and literature. The study's time scope is from Q1 2013 to Q1 2024. Findings: The answer to the challenges is the continuous modernization of the power grid towards smart grids. A necessary element is increasing the flexibility of the power system through the development of energy storage and new grid services. Research limitations/implications: Limitations apply to the Polish and German markets. Practical implications: Based on the analysis of the Polish and German markets, the authors proposed possible scenarios for the development of PV networks and possible actions aimed at continuous modernization of the power grid towards smart grids by conducting programs to support the development of national network infrastructure. Social implications: Reducing the negative impact on the environment and identifying opportunities to build smart grids. Originality/value: Few studies have examined the effects of integrating RES into power grids. The research gap detailed the analysis of grid deactivation cases in Poland and Germany. The two markets were compared due to their geographical proximity and their significant differences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The horizontal-to-vertical (H/V) method is a fundamental fast tool to estimate local site effect parameters by using the registered signals of the translational motion. The spectral ratio is mostly calculated using the Fourier Spectrum Analysis (FSA), which may lead to problems with accurate resonant frequency determination due to evident multi-amplification peaks occurrence on the spectrum. Alternatively the H/V ratio may be estimated by use Response Spectrum Analysis (RSA), where only a general amplification peak is expected. However, the fundamental limitations of the RSA assumption are related to the real impact of the events' scenario dependence (i.e., magnitude, distance, focal mechanism, etc.). The limitations and advantages of the RSA and FSA are commonly known in the case of the analysis performed for the translational signals. Therefore, the critical question is: should the RSA and FSA methods be used to estimate the H/V ratio of the recorded rotational signals of the events? The article presents horizontal-to-vertical (H/V) spectral ratios calculated for rotational and translational signals registered as an effect of mining-induced seismicity by four independent seismic stations located in Poland's Upper Silesian Coal basin. The spectral ratios of the signals were estimated using the RSA and the FSA method. The studies show that in the case of translational motion, the H/V estimations using the RSA derived clear information of the resonant frequency peak, confirming the method's usefulness in the case of multi-amplification peaks. The opposite situation was noticed in the case of the rotational motion. The derived H/V spectrum, using the RSA, produced single amplification peaks for the seismic stations, where the sensors were mounted on a small floor at a significant distance from the walls. In cases where the sensors were deployed on the building floor, a decrease in the reliability of the RSA and the FSA method was noticed. The results of the studies suggested that the possibility of the estimations of the H/V spectrum using the RSA and FSA algorithm is strongly limited for rotational motions due to the size of the floor and distance to the building walls where the sensors were mounted. The explanation of that fact is related to the effects of kinematic soil-structure interaction, which may significantly affect rotational measurements due to the tendency to obtain higher frequency content than in the case of the translations. Consequently, the values of the Zcomponent of the rotational motion may be lovered than in the free-field measurements, decreasing the reliability of the H/V estimations for rotational motion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of the article is to examine the importance of the social aspects of company's reputation assessment for individual investors in the context of their decision-making process in the field of investing in the capital market. Design/methodology/approach: Based on the concept of the multidimensional character of reputation, it was recognized how important social aspects of reputation are for individual investors in the process of making investment decisions, depending on their gender, age and investment experience. Survey research was conducted on a group of 417 individual investors operating on the Polish financial market. Research hypotheses were verified using statistical methods (Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn tests). Findings: The social aspects of the reputation of enterprises are perceived by the surveyed investors as moderately important. However, the importance of the specified aspects (criteria) varies depending on age, gender and investment experience. Research limitations/implications: Our research is limited to individual investors from one country only. Therefore, the obtained results cannot be generalized and treated as representative for this group of investors. Social implications: The results of our research broaden and supplement the knowledge in the area of reputation in relation to individual investors, indicating that the gender, age and investment experience of investors are important when assessing the social aspects of a company's reputation. Originality/value: The study is in line with previous research indicating the growing importance of reputation and its social aspects as decision-making criteria for investors. The obtained results contribute to the agency theory, confirming the attitude and expectations of individual investors towards the management boards of companies. In order to identify the importance of social aspects of reputation for individual investors, an original approach was used to define the social dimensions of corporate reputation (eight criteria were indicated that could be measurably assessed by investors). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The precise ages of Cenozoic basaltic rocks from 20 localities (24 samples) in south-western Poland were studied by means of the 40Ar/39Ar isotope method. Three phases of volcanic activity were identified in this area. The older, Ruphelian phase took place 31–29 Ma ago and the younger, Aquitanian phase occurred 22–21 Ma ago. Significantly younger ages (4.8–4.6 Ma: Zanclean phase) were obtained for the basalts cropping out in the vicinity of Lądek Zdrój only. Most of the analyzed basalts from the Ruphelian phase are classified as nephelinites. They occur in the area of Lausitz Masif, south of Sudetic Marginal Fault and in the Opole Depression. The volcanic rocks from the Aquitanian phase crop out in the wide area north of the Sudetic Marginal Fault. They are composed of alkali basalts. The youngest phase is represented by the basanites only. The deep discontinuous tectonic structures intersecting the areas of volcanic activity in SW Poland, parallel or oblique to the tectonic stress directions previously reconstructed for the Oligocene and Miocene in the Bohemian Massif, were most probably reactivated by an extension approximately parallel or slightly oblique to them, thus opening pathways for the migration of basaltic magma in the Sudetes and their foreland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: It was suspected that the COVID-19 pandemic would negatively affect health care, including cancer treatment. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the number of radiotherapy procedures and patients treated with radical and palliative radiotherapy in Poland. (2) Methods: The study was carried out in Warmia and Masuria voivodeship. The number of procedures and treated patients one year before and in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic were compared. (3) Results: In the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of radiotherapy procedures and cancer patients treated with radiotherapy in Warmia and Masuria voivodeship in Poland was stable compared to the period before the pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic has not affected the ratio of palliative to radical procedures. The percentage of ambulatory and hostel procedures significantly increased with the reduction of inpatient care in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. (4) Conclusion: No significant decrease in patients treated with radiotherapy during the first year of the pandemic in Warmia and Masuria voivodeship in Poland could indicate the rapid adaptation of radiotherapy centers to the pandemic situation. Future studies should be carried out to monitor the situation because the adverse effects of the pandemic may be delayed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The deep‐seated spontaneous coal‐seam fire occurred in the southwestern part of the Upper Silesian Coal Basin (S Poland), confirmed by oxygenated compounds emission to over‐ and underlying rocks. The fire was dated at 19.2–19.8 Ma using the 39Ar‐40Ar method and palaeomagnetism. It was initiated in the Carpathian foreland thanks to a normal faulting in response to thrust‐loaded deflections of the Carpathian foreland lithosphere during collision of tectonic plates (Alcapa and stable Europe). The orogenic loading caused this normal faulting in the foreland and triggering the flexural mechanism of foredeep subsidence and forebulge uplift. Thanks to the dating of rocks affected by the spontaneous coal fire initiated during the rapid uplift of coal‐bearing rocks, when they became exposed to the aeration zone, the age of these mountain‐building processes in the Carpathians has been precisely defined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The method based on original metric called Hydromorphological Index for Rivers (HIR) was developed in 2017 for the purpose of the monitoring of the hydromorphological status of flowing waters in Poland. It fulfils the requirements of the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD). It allows the assessment of both lowland rivers as well as mid-altitude and highland streams. The proposed system can be used to assess the natural and heavily modified rivers as well as artificial channels. The basis of the proposed system is a field survey, which is supplemented by the analysis of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data and remote sensing materials. The analysis of the GIS data and remote sensing materials already enable to estimate preliminary classification of the hydromorphological status of the non-surveyed water bodies. On the basis of the field survey, the principal HIR value can be estimated for the considered river site and comparing with the reference conditions, the hydromorphological quality status in the five-class system can be calculated. The properly selected, representative survey sites (one or more depending on the heterogeneity of the environment), enable the classification and evaluation of entire surface water bodies in the framework of the national environmental monitoring. The GIS component of the HIR proved to be useful in verifying the determination of heavily modified water bodies and in assessing the needs of river restoration. It was also applied in the development of the National river restoration program for predicting the impact of the proposed restoration measure on the state of hydromorphology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mortality rates for malignant breast cancer are rising in Poland. This is a subject of growing concern and a focus of public debate about cancer care in Poland. The following paper presents a case study--an attempt to measure and analyze waiting times for diagnosis and treatment in breast cancer. The survey was carried out in one of the regional cancer care centers in Poland. The data were collected solely from hospital information systems. The overall waiting time (mammography to treatment) was median 35,5 days. Waiting time since diagnosis (results of core needle biopsy to treatment) was median 27,5 days. The analysis has been conducted twice. In between the center implemented several organizational changes. They resulted in shortening of waiting time for mammogram description--from 4 to 1 day (median) also the waiting times for core needle biopsy result has been shortened--from 6 to 4 days (median). However, the overall waiting time has not changed significantly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Due to the multidisciplinary nature of oncological treatment, it is necessary to coordinate it properly. In response to this need, an idea emerged to create a new profession in the system of oncological care, the so-called oncological treatment coordinator. The aim of the study was to assess the actual role of coordinators in hospitals in Poland. Material and methods. The study was carried out by means of a questionnaire among persons employed as coordinators and persons who act as coordinators within additional duties. Results. The study involved 95 coordinators from various centers in Poland, half of which were recruited on purpose as coordinators. Less than half (40%) have received training on their work. The main task of the coordinators is to ensure that the documentation related to the patient's Diagnostic and Oncological Treatment Card (DiLO) is complete, to set appointments for diagnostic tests and visits to doctors' offices and to cooperate with medical statistics departments. Only half of the coordinators inform or provide non-medical support to the patient. Coordinators face very different difficulties in their work. Conclusions. Coordinators are a valuable professional group in the Polish oncological care system. However, there is a lack of clearly defined tasks, systematic training and support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Buxus sempervirens (L.) is an evergreen shrub often used in urban plantings intended for forming the trimmed hedges, as well as for creating geometrical shapes. Its decorative qualities are often diminished by the effects of pathogens colonizing the roots, shoots and leaves. The study was conducted in three consecutive growing seasons. The experimental material originated from a nursery located in southern Poland. The subjects under study were diseased leaves, stems and roots of the boxwood variety 'Suffruticosa'. Samples consisting of 720 diseased fragments of the shrub were taken for mycological examination. Mycological isolations were performed according to the standard methods used in phytopathology. A total of 1059 colonies of fungi and fungus-like organisms were isolated from the diseased boxwood plants. The fungus Alternaria alternata dominated among all the isolates. The pathogens frequently isolated from the leaves included Macrophoma candollei, Volutella buxi and Fusarium buxicola. Those frequently isolated from the shoots included: Pestalotiopsis sydowiana, Volutella buxi and Fusarium avenaceum. The root system, in turn, was colonized in large numbers by: Fusarium oxysporum, F. avenaceum, Rhizoctonia solani, Botrytis cinerea and Phytophthora cinnamomi. Results of the three-year study show a comprehensive participation of phytopathogens in the disease process affecting the boxwood variety 'Suffruticosa'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After conducting two-year observations in nurseries in the Małopolska province, Poland, the species of shrubs on which symptoms of discoloration and withering of the leaves/needles and shoots, and sometimes of whole plants, occurred most frequently were selected for further study. The species included juniper (Juniperus horizontalis 'Wiltonii', rose (Rosa 'Star Profusion'), yew (Taxus × media 'Hillii') and highbush blueberry (Vaccinum corymbosum 'Patriot'). The predominant fungus isolated from the diseased plants was Alternaria alternata (Fr.) Keissl. A pathogenicity test performed in the laboratory confirmed the pathogenic effects of A. alternata on all of the tested species of shrubs. In 2011-2014, a field experiment was conducted with A. alternata inoculum introduced into the growth substrate. The presence of the pathogen reduced considerably the annual growth of all the shrubs tested. The applied mycorrhizal inocula had an effect on some morphological characteristics of plants, such as height and number of shoots. Moreover, the plants whose roots had been treated with the mycorrhizal inocula and were grown in the substrate inoculated with the pathogen also achieved greater increases in growth in comparison with the plants treated with the pathogen as well as relative to the control. The protective role of mycorrhizal inocula against the damaging effects of the pathogen was evident in all the species of shrubs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research background: Since the Internet bubble, which took place at the turn of XX and XXI century, on the global capital markets, including Poland, one may note a growing interest in companies focusing on innovations and innovativeness. The main driver of this interest is the belief that in a longer term innovations and expenditures on research and development will translate into an increase in competitive advantage, financial results, and subsequently also the market value of companies. On the other hand, the attention should also be paid to the fact that innovative activity has also another, darker, side, which is identified with the far-reaching uncertainty about its final effects and the possibility of incurring losses, especially in financial dimension. At the same time, it should be noted that implementation of investment strategy regarding the shares of innovative companies is quite troublesome because of the lack of unified methodology for assessing corporate innovativeness and large information diversity in this area. Purpose of the article: The investment efficiency analysis of investment strategy regarding shares of companies perceived to be innovative with simultaneous focusing on the different cases of situation development in time. Methods: The research was carried out for companies listed on the main market of the Warsaw Stock Exchange, taking into consideration various time ranges of investment. The efficiency analysis of this investment strategy was conducted in the risk-return outlay with the use of such measures as: accumulated rate of return, arithmetic average rate of return, standard and semi-standard deviation, as well as coefficients of variation and semi-variation of rate of return and their inverses. Findings & Value added: The obtained results show that in shorter periods of time, investors buy expectations connected with innovative companies and therefore, the efficiency of investment in their shares is relatively high, but in the longer term expectations are revised by companies' financial results, which in turn often negatively affects the investment efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is an emerging problem in developed countries. At least 2 zoonotic genotypes of the virus (HEV-3 and HEV-4) infect human beings. There are some data suggesting that forest rangers (FRs) can be at a higher risk of contact with HEV. Objectives. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of HEV exposure markers in FRs from a single forest district in Greater Poland in relation to anti-HAV (hepatitis A virus) IgG, and anti-Borrelia spp. IgM and IgG antibodies. Material and methods. In total, 138 participants (48 FRs and 90 blood donors - BDs) were tested for anti-HEV IgM and IgG (EUROIMMUN Medizinische Labordiagnostika AG, Luebeck, Germany) and 96 individuals (48 FRs and 48 BDs) were tested for anti-HAV IgG (ARCHITECT immunoassays, Abbott Laboratories, Wiesbaden, Germany); anti-Borrelia IgM and IgG (EUROIMMUN kits) were assessed in FRs only. Results. Anti-HEV markers were detected in 3 participants (2.2%; IgM in 1 FR, IgG in 2 BDs), less frequently than anti-HAV (16 out of 96 individuals, about 17%; FRs 19% vs BDs 15%) or anti-Borrelia antibodies (18 out of 48 individuals, 37.5%) (p < 0.0001 for both). Older study participants (≥45 years of age) were more frequently HAV-seropositive (29% vs 4% of the younger individuals; p = 0.0012). Conclusions. We failed to unequivocally prove HEV exposure in FRs. The HAV seroprevalence in this study paralleled the situation in the general population. Exposure to Borrelia spp. in FRs was common. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Relative 5-year cancer survival rates in Poland are around 10% lower than the average of the whole EU. One of the likely factors for poorer treatment outcomes in Poland may be the long times between when cancer is suspected to starting treatment. This study has thus aimed to determine whether the introduced oncology reforms have succeeded in reducing such times. Materials and methods. The study survey was undertaken at 6 oncological centres on patient subjects before (n = 1373) and after (n = 431) the oncological reform (DILO) had been introduced. Data was obtained from an inhouse devised questionnaire together with patient interview and their medical history. The following waiting times were estimated: A) from suspicion of cancer, (date of first doctor visit due to appearance of symptoms, screening/ /follow-up or prevention), to diagnosis (date of histopathological confirmation), B) from suspicion of cancer to the start of treatment and C) from diagnosis to starting treatment before and after the DILO reform had been introduced. Results. The median waiting time between suspicion of cancer and treatment was 11 weeks before the DILO reform but was not significantly shortened after its introduction; the reduction being barely 3 days. This waiting time was however increased by 8 days in those patients without DILO cards. Before the DILO reform, the median time from diagnosis was 5.9 weeks, but was reduced by 8 days in patients bearing the DILO card and indeed increased in those without the DILO card by over 2 weeks. Conclusions. Cancer treatment waiting times in Poland is still somewhat long (over 9 weeks in most cases). Introducing the oncological reform has not significantly impacted on shortening the waiting times in cancer patients for receiving oncological treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy and the energy transition associated with its operation requires the creation and implementation of innovations, without which effective changes in the energy balance and greenhouse gas emissions will not be possible. This is particularly important in emerging and developing economies, which are often unable to meet modern environmental requirements. Various approaches to assessing innovation are proposed in research and literature. Nevertheless, there is a lack of holistic methods (assessing both the potential and the results of innovation), based on publicly available data and taking into account the specificity of the sector. Therefore, the objective of this article is to develop a model for evaluating innovativeness (potential and resultant) of companies in the energy sector. Additional sub-goals are: (a) using the developed model to evaluate innovativeness of seven Polish energy companies; (b) conducting a comparative analysis in terms of resultant and potential innovation for seven Polish energy companies and (c) specifying recommendations for improving the innovativeness of the examined companies and the Polish energy sector operating in a developing economy. The proposed model is based on publicly available financial data and takes into account two areas: 1. Potential innovativeness, allowing to determine the scale and type of resources supporting the creation of innovation; and 2. Resultant innovativeness, including the actual effects of pro-innovation activities. The evaluation of innovativeness in the above dimensions was carried out in 2016–2021 for seven key energy companies listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange and operating in the Polish energy market. The study found that the best innovativeness performance was achieved by multinationals and companies with a high share of renewable sources in installed capacity and in production. In addition, the identified low degree of involvement of state-owned companies in the energy transition is not conducive to improving innovativeness and strengthening innovativeness at the national level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article refers to the economic consequences of the post-war division of Europe into the capitalist West and communist East. One of the consequences of this division was the creation of peculiar crime phenomenon on the eastern side of the 'iron curtain', which consist on exploit the prices and goods availability differences between wealthy West and backward East of Europe. This being the case of illegal movement of goods, begun from the 1940s, between those two worlds. In article you can find the outline of characteristic for the whole Polish 'People's' Republic period smuggling conducts. The key subject of following text is first of all the problem of car smuggling in the 1980s, which wasn't researched by polish historians before. In this interesting for us times in Western Europe (West Germany, Austria, France) and in Scandinavia at least few groups of organized crime were active in a areas of car stealing and smuggling a luxury goods into Poland. The essence of following article are the presentation of these groups, their bosses, criminal practices and techniques and indication of the cooperation between polish car smugglers and western countries citizens. Sources for this text are based first of all on operational and investigation records of former Security Service collected in archives of the Institute of National Remembrance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reputation is a valuable, but simultaneously highly vulnerable asset and the most difficult to protect asset of enterprise. No company is able to protect itself from committing some errors and avoiding the risk of reputation loss or damage. But the point is to identify the sources and causes of risk and take appropriate action related to compensation tarnished reputation, and so choose the appropriate crisis response strategy. Against this background we present examples tarnished reputation in selected Polish companies (Wawel, Bank Pekao Group, LPP Group), its financial and nonfinancial consequences and crisis response strategies. In a summary it was concluded that moderate, small, impairment of reputation and a proper reaction of a company can be a positive experience and it can even contribute to the enforcement of reputation in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Szewczyk, J. & Nawrocki, J. 2011: Deep-seated relict permafrost in northeastern Poland. Boreas, Vol. 40, pp. 385-388. 10.1111/j.1502-3885.2011.00218.x. ISSN 0300-9483. A research borehole drilled in northeastern Poland revealed a permafrost layer at least 93 m thick within the Cretaceous sedimentary succession below a depth of 357 m. Its entire thickness has not been determined, owing to the borehole depth limit (450 m). The relict of permafrost, unexpected in this part of Europe, is in the ice-water transition phase at a temperature close to 0 °C. We estimate that the permafrost has been preserved in an area of several square kilometres located above the central part of the Suwałki anorthosite intrusion, which is covered by ∼800 m of sedimentary rocks. We show that the remnants of the Last Glaciation, which ended at c. 13.4 ka BP, can, even at present, affect the thermal regime of the outer zone of the Earth's crust. These findings are of significant importance for the reconstruction of past climate conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The magnetic susceptibility (MS) and other petromagnetic features of Early to Middle Frasnian carbonates from the Holy Cross Mountains (southern Poland) were studied. They were correlated with the Eovariscan tectonic activity and palaeoenvironmental changes. The MS logs were compared with the available geochemical and mineralogical data. A substantial paramagnetic contribution to the MS of the Frasnian carbonates is evidenced by a poor correlation of this parameter with the isothermal remanent magnetization values, and by a decrease of MS values at low temperatures. An estimation of paramagnetic input indicates the dominance of this contribution to the magnetic susceptibility in 60% of studied samples. The MS low widely documented in samples through the Palmatolepis punctata Zone is particularly due to limited input of paramagnetic mineral particles into the basin where also amounts of larger detrital grains of quartz, hematite and goethite were significantly reduced. This depression corresponds well to anomalously high carbon isotope (δ 13C) values for carbonates. Nevertheless, a transient MS rise across the E-MF boundary, linked with an increase in detrital quartz content, suggests together that both the initiation and termination phases of the punctata Event indeed coincided with increased terrigenous (?eolian) input from uplifted lands. The MS high identified in the lower part of the Palmatolepis hassi Zone coincides with higher content of detrital quartz, hematite and goethite, being accompanied by low δ 13C values. In spite of similar MS stratigraphic signatures in other basins, the increased detrital input of proximal provenance is likely connected with the first Variscan tectonic events that spread over the region and subsequently led to gradual closing of the Saxothuringian ocean segments with basement uplift in the area of the Mid-German Crystalline High. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Permian rhyodacites, melaphyres and tuffs from the Cracow area (South Poland) were sampled for the palaeomagnetic and isotope studies. Single-grain U-Pb dating of most zircon grains separated from the rhyodacites gave mean age of magma emplacement of 294.2 ± 2.1 Ma. Some zircons, however, displayed younger ages (268.7 ± 3.4 Ma), probably related to the metasomatic alterations of these rocks. Two Permian components of magnetizations related to these processes were isolated and together with previously defined Late Carboniferous–Permian palaeomagnetic poles from South Poland were used for construction of the regional apparent polar wander path (APWP). The Early Permian segment of this APWP shows a certain departure from the coeval part of the Fennoscandian APWP due to anticlockwise rotations of studied rocks most probably caused by mid-Permian sinistral tectonic movements along reactivated prominent Variscan faults of Central Europe. This sense of tectonic mobility does not support the hypothesis about transformation from Pangea ‘B’ to Pangea ‘A’ along an intra-Pangea dextral megashear during the Permian. Older than previously assumed ages of the post-Variscan igneous rocks of Central Europe reduce overlap of Gondwana's and Laurussia's parts of the Early Permian Pangea ‘A’. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Studies of the anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) were carried out in order to define the directions and strength of palaeowind during the sedimentation of the youngest loesses in Poland and western Ukraine. These sediments, like the Chinese and Alaskan loesses, appear suitable for application of the AMS method. The inclined mean minimum axes were considered as reflecting the prevailing palaeowind direction at the time of loess sedimentation. The majority of the sections studied indicate a palaeowind direction from W–SW to E–NE, with a mean azimuth of 258°. This direction corresponds to the strike of the Weichselian ice-sheet margin and is parallel to the axis of the lowland between the ice-sheet margin to the north and the Carpathian Mountains and the Podole Upland to the south. Further AMS studies of the oldest parts of loess sequences in Poland and western Ukraine may help in reconstruction of the atmospheric circulation in this part of Europe since c . 900 kyr BP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aldehyde contaminations that might accompany production of mineral water stored in PET bottles were investigated. One of the production lines of carbonated mineral water in Poland was monitored and PET bottles commonly used for mineral water storage were evaluated. Formaldehyde and acetaldehyde were the most important carbonyls identified in series of bottled water samples, but also propanal, nonanal and glyoxal were found in water samples from the production line. Aldehydes are present everywhere in the environment and can be determined even in pure water at low μg l -1 levels. It was observed that the concentration of acetaldehyde in water stored in PET bottles depended mainly on the concentration of acetaldehyde in PET material and could reach more than 200 μg l -1 . The temperature, time of storage and concentration of carbon dioxide gas contribute to the migration of aldehydes from bottle walls to mineral water. Higher pressure of the carbonated waters and not CO 2 itself or lower pH of waters seems responsible for higher concentration of acetaldehyde. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigates the carbonyl compounds in bottled waters in Poland. Migration of carbonyl compounds from bottles into mineral water; Concentration of carbonyls; Important carbonyls identified in the bottled water samples.

In recent years, corporate involvement in CSR has become increasingly important and appreciated in the context of the ideas and assumptions regarding sustainable development. Due to the specificity of the energy sector, its particular impact on the environment, the living conditions of the population, and the social involvement of energy companies is particularly desirable, therefore it is observed and assessed by many stakeholder groups. The aim of this article is to assess the CSR commitment of Polish energy companies listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange. The assessment was based on the proposed indicator model, based on the data published in the annual reports of the companies. The study uses data from the years 2016–2020. The main research question is as follows: What is the engagement in CSR activities of six Polish energy companies towards contractors, investors, employees, society, and the environment? The obtained results show that the investigated energy companies present a similar average level of engagement in CSR activities. The highest level of involvement concerns the area of contractors and the lowest levels relate to the donors of capital and the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The occurrence of subsurface karst caves can cause the development of superficial depressions which, in turn, may pose a construction hazard. Identifying such a substratum requires integrated non-invasive measurement methods. The main objective of the study was to demonstrate the effectiveness of the non-invasive ERT, TLS, and GPR survey techniques in identifying the karst floor and determining the direction of discontinuities around the cave. The paper analyzes the limitations of the methods used in the study of heterogeneous media. These limitations are related to the methodology and measurement conditions, data processing, and interpretation in the context of the resolution and depth range. The study was conducted using the example of the Jaskinia pod Świecami cave, formed in the Sarmatianal calcarenites in Poland. The research confirmed its complex karst-anthropogenic genesis. The cave was formed as a result of the infiltration of rainwater and the dissolution of limestone by groundwater, while the paleokarst forms that are characteristic of it and of the surrounding caves and occur in their vicinity, i.e., narrow ridges called "karst candles", were formed as a result of water circulation during the local permafrost degradation in the middle Pleistocene. However, these forms were modified in the Upper Pleistocene and Holocene, as indicated by ERT images. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The article presents the results of research on peats, muds and sands filling a palaeocavity within alluvial fans of the Bystrzyca River valley, in the Sudetic Foreland of SW Poland. In the 534-cm deep research profile in the central part of a palaeolake, 267 samples were collected at an interval of 2 cm and lithologically (structural and textural studies), palaeobotanically (studies of diatoms, pollen plant macrofossils and fossil wood), palaeozoologically (Cladocera, Mollusca and Ostracoda), geochemically (chemical elements and isotopes) and palaeomagnetically analyzed. The profile consists of three parts: organic with mineral layers (lower), mineral (middle), and organic (upper). The palynological diagram was divided into three zones that represent local sets of pollen zones. This diagram, although incomplete, is clearly indicative of the younger part of the Holsteinian (Mazovian: pollen III and IV periods interglacial). The upper part of the diagram consists of four local pollen zones that are correlated with stadial and interstadial periods. Analysis of several samples of fossil wood shows the widespread presence of Pinus remains and numerous fragments of rhytidome (bark) of Betula. Development of the peat layer (1.36–0.68 m depth) started with paludification of the forest with the Betula forest. Analysis of Cladocera shows the presence of chitin armor components (species: Chydorus sphaericus , Alona rectangula and ephippia of Alona rectangula) in three samples. Lithological, Cladocera and palaeo-magnetic research, supported by geochemical studies, indicate the existence of at least three main phases. The lake originated during the younger part of the Holsteinian (Mazovian) Intergalcial as an oxbow within the valley, where the deposition of variously thick (up to 1.5 m depth) peats, organic and minerogenic silts (the first stage). In the second phase, a closed, fairly deep late Holsteinian lake continued to exist under relatively warm conditions with mainly mineral deposition from the slope. The lake became shallower and wider, and then more open and better oxygenated (with through-flow). In the final phase the lake was completely filled by organic sediments under interglacial conditions. The absence of diatom, molluscan and ostracod communities indicates an acid lacustrine environment at this time. The fluvial and limnic deposits are sealed by overlaying Saalian (Odranian) till. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Devonian has long been a problematic period for paleomagnetism. Devonian paleomagnetic data are generally difficult to interpret and have complex partial or full overprints– problems that arise in data obtained from both sedimentary and igneous rocks. As a result, the reconstruction of tectonic plate motions, largely performed using apparent polar wander paths, has large uncertainty. Similarly, the Devonian geomagnetic polarity time scale is very poorly constrained. Paleointensity studies from volcanic units suggest that the field was much weaker than the modern field, and it has been hypothesised that this was accompanied by many polarity reversals (a hyperreversing field). We sampled Middle to Upper Devonian sections in Germany, Poland and Canada which show low conodont alteration indices, implying low thermal maturity. We show that there are significant issues with these data, which are not straightforward to interpret, even though no significant heating or remineralisation appears to have caused overprinting. We compare our data to other magnetostratigraphic studies from the Devonian and review the polarity pattern as presented in the Geologic Time Scale. Combined with estimates for the strength of the magnetic field, we suggest that the field during the Devonian might have been so weak, and in part non-dipolar, that obtaining reliable primary paleomagnetic data from Devonian rocks is challenging. Careful examination of all data, no matter how unusual, is the best way to push forward our understanding of the Devonian magnetic field. Paleointensity studies show that the field during the Devonian had a similar low strength to the Ediacaran. Independent evidence from malformed spores around the Devonian-Carboniferous boundary suggests that the terrestrial extinction connected to the Hangenberg event was caused by increased UV-B radiation, supporting the weak field hypothesis. A fundamentally weak and possibly non-dipolar field during the Devonian could have been produced, in part, by true polar wander acting to maximise core-mantle heat flow in the equatorial region. It may also have influenced evolution and extinctions in this time period. There are a large number of paleobiological crises in the Devonian, and we pose the question, did the Earth's magnetic field influence these crises? [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In the area of the Kończyce Wielkie quarry (middle-southern Poland), the Quaternary deposits of different genesis crop out. The lower fluvial series is overtopped with the glacigenic sediments occurring below the Matuyama–Brunhes boundary. This ice-sheet advance is correlated with the Günz and with the oldest traces of glaciations in Western Europe. Culture materials were located within layer of fluvial sands with fine-grained gravels, below the boulder pavement and diamicton – interpreted as till. Raw materials inventory are local flint and hornstone, also foreign flint, hornstone, quartzite, opalite and gneissose granite. The inventory contained macrolithic and microlithic cores, flakes and tools. The tools are made from pebbles, flakes and microlithic-flakes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The terrestrial deposit sequence of the Skala Podil''ska site in the Middle Dniester area provides high-resolution records of the older part of the Quaternary. The profile represents a unique environment of sedimentation on the undulated palaeosurface of the Podolian plateau, characterized by relatively weak intensity of loess accumulation processes, and relatively strong intensity of post-deposition processes (pedogenesis and erosion). The Skala Podil''ska succession contains fluvial, paludal–fluvial, and loess sediments, the latter with seven well-developed interglacial palaeosols which were studied in catenas. The palaeoenvironmental information is based on the results of multi-proxy studies. Based on palaeomagnetic (the MBB, the Blake event) and palaeobiologic evidence, a regional chronological scheme was made. The stratigraphic division of the Skala Podil''ska profile is tentatively correlated with the main stratigraphic units of the pre-Pleistocene and Pleistocene in Ukraine, Poland, and Western Europe. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Widespread marine red beds in the European Telychian (lower-Silurian) are one expression of an interval of unusually widespread oxic conditions in low palaeolatitude Silurian seas. This work examines in detail the geochemical and magnetic susceptibility record of cores from southern Poland, which also express the Telychian oxygenation event in grey-mudstones. The geochemical data provide an evaluation of redox conditions, palaeoweathering, sediment provenance, primary palaeoproductivity and upwelling. Sediment provenance is evaluated against possible sources on the East European Craton. The data suggest that the magnetic susceptibility is carried by both paramagnetic Fe-silicates and Fe-oxides. Magnetic data are supplemented by magnetic hysteresis and isothermal remanent magnetisations, and mineralogical data on selected samples. In Poland the oxygenation event is clearly expressed in larger Fe 2 O 3 and magnetic susceptibility, caused by enhanced palaeoweathering, changes in sediment provenance and a redox influence on the preservation of Fe-oxides. A much briefer oxygenation event is detected in the upper Rhuddanian. Palaeoproductivity fluxes indicate that the Telychian oxygenation event was caused by a reduction in primary oceanic palaeoproductivity, possibly linked to a reduction in nutrient delivery to the margin of the East European Craton, inferred to be caused by increased aridity. The increased aridity stimulated enhanced delivery of Fe-enriched aeolian dust from soils, generating a magnetic susceptibility and Fe 2 O 3 expression of the Telychian oxygenation event. • The Telychian oxygenation event is detected on the Polish margin • Telychian marine red beds are a consequence of reduced palaeoproductivity • Greater terrestrial inputs during the Telychian are from soil-derived aeolian dust • A magnetic expression of the event is clearly marked in the Polish cores • Telychian marine red beds are not synchronous across northern Europe [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetostratigraphic studies in the Silurian are absent, and what is understood about the geomagnetic polarity during this time is based on polarity bias-type data from palaeopole-type studies. We provide the first composite magnetic polarity record through the Lower Silurian (Llandovery) from the magnetostratigraphy of six sections. These are integrated with graptolite biostratigraphy and some carbon isotope chemostratigraphy. The palaeomagnetic signal is carried by both haematite and magnetite, with haematite dominating in red-coloured mudstones and mostly magnetite in non-red lithologies. The influence of possible tectonic disruption of the fabric is assessed using anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility. Only the most thermally mature section at Backside Beck shows the imprint of initial tectonic fabric formation. The Llandovery is divided into 6 major normal-reverse-polarity chron couplets (referred to as LL1 to LL6). An additional longer, exclusively normal polarity interval (referred to as WE1n), beginning in Telychian Stage slice Te3, runs into the lower Sheinwoodian. Within these five polarity couplets there are 10 further submagnetozones, and 10 tentative submagnetozones. Average reversal frequency (including the tentative submagnetozones) was ca. 3.0 Myr−1 in the Early Silurian, which is probably an underestimate, due to insufficient sampling density in some parts of the Rhuddanian and Aeronian. This reversal frequency is similar to that in the late Cenozoic, indicating the future potential utility of magnetostratigraphy for high-resolution correlation and dating in the Early Silurian. [Display omitted] • The first geomagnetic polarity timescale for the ca.10.4 Myr of the Llandovery • Five sections from England, Poland and Lithuania generated the new dataset. • The geomagnetic polarity timescale is linked to graptolite zonation. • The base Rhuddanian is very close to the base of normal magnetozone LL1n. • Primary nature of the magnetisation inferred by fold and reversal tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetostratigraphic studies of the Ordovician provide evidence for the nature of core-mantle boundary interactions, and provide means for dating and correlation across differing environmental regimes. We provide new magnetostratigraphic data from the Middle and Upper Ordovician, compiling this into a polarity chronostratigraphic scale for the Dapingian to Hirnantian interval. The new data are derived from the Backside Beck and Cheney Longville sections in Britain, the Mójcza section in Poland and two cores from Poland and Lithuania. The chronology is provided by existing biostratigraphy, principally based on chitinozoans and conodonts for the Ordovician. Correlations between sections are supported by carbon isotope stratigraphy linked to Baltic isotopic zonations, along with lithological and local magnetic susceptibility correlations in Polish cores. The palaeomagnetic signal is carried by both haematite and magnetite, with haematite dominating in red-coloured lithologies (marls and limestones) and magnetite in non-red mudstones and limestones. A positive reversal test (class C) in the Cheney Longville section and positive fold tests in the Backside Beck section provide validation of the isolation of a primary palaeomagnetic signal. Palaeomagnetic directions from cores were re-oriented using Kiaman-age and Brunhes overprints. These new datasets in combination with existing Middle Ordovician data provides a near-complete magnetic polarity chronostratigraphic scale through the Middle and Upper Ordovician. Brief normal-polarity magnetozones extend well into the later parts of what has been considered the Moyero Superchron, which started in the late Tremadocian. Reversal frequencies for the mid and late Ordovician are 1.7 and 1.5 Myr−1 respectively, although that for the late Ordovician may be an underestimate. [Display omitted] • The first GPTS through the entire ca. 23.5 Myr of the middle to latest Ordovician. • Ordovician is now the first System in the early Paleozoic to have a complete GPTS. • Our new data are from five successions covering the Dapingian to Hirnantian. • New GPTS linked to carbon isotopes zones and Baltic regional stages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing popularity of motorcycles increases the role of motorcycle accidents as a main cause of brachial plexus injuries. In view of the high social cost of treatment of the victims it seemed desirable to devise some kind of protective clothing for motorcyclists. The protective clothing devised by teams from Department of Neurosurgery, TRICOTEXTIL--and Aeronautics and Applied Mechanics Institute, consists of the following parts: cervical collar--acting against force causing lateral bending and extension of cervical spine, shock-absorptive shoulder pads--acting against the impact energy partially absorbing it and partially transmitting to the dorsal stiff bar, dorsal stiff bar and sacroiliac belt--partially immobilizes the thoracic and lumbar spine, acts against its compression, transmits the impact energy to the iliac crests and hips. The expected biomechanical effects of the cervico-brachial protector are as follows: In brachial region it should diminish the impact energy by its partial absorption and partial transmission along dorsal stiff bar to sacroiliac belt. It should act against excessive cervical spine motion--mainly against lateral bending and extension. It should act against excessive depression of the shoulder. The protective system built in the jacket should co-operate with the helmet of motorcycle driver. It should be comfortable for the driver and conform to security standards. Prototype of the protector underwent kinetic sledge tests in Industrial Motorization Institute (PIMOT), Warsaw, with the use of Hybrid Dummy II.

The authors present establishment and development of works connected with manufacturing of knitted materials for medicine in the Research and Development Centre of the Knitting Industry in Lódź. The range of products in the years of 1959-1978, the characteristic of research works and the in projects for the next years are described.