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Idiopathic scoliosis (IS) is a three-dimensional spinal deformity with an unknown etiology which, when left untreated, can have negative health consequences. Physiotherapy plays an important role in the treatment of IS, which is why physiotherapists should have adequate theoretical and practical knowledge about IS diagnosis and treatment methods. The aim of this study was to assess physiotherapists’ knowledge about IS, its diagnosis, treatment and recommended physical activities for subjects with IS. The influence of post-graduate courses, workplace, academic degree, work experience, education and membership in associations dealing with spinal deformities was also analyzed. The study involved 116 licensed physiotherapists. The research method was a diagnostic survey, and the research tool was a self-designed questionnaire. The questionnaire which included demographic questions to elicit information about the respondents and questions concerning IS, its diagnosis, treatment and recommended physical activity in the course of IS. The questions were created according to the recommendation of the Society on Scoliosis Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Treatment. In the questionnaire, the respondents’ knowledge was assessed on the percent scale (100–90% of correct answers – full knowledge, 89–60% of correct answers – good knowledge, 59–50% of correct answers – moderate knowledge,

Abstract In mammals reproduction is regulated by many factors, among others by the peptides belonging to the RFamide peptide family. However, the knowledge concerning on the impact of recently identified member of this family (QRFP43) on the modulation of the gonadotrophic axis activity is still not fully understood and current research results are ambiguous. In the present study we tested the in vivo effect of QRFP43 on the secretory activity of the gonadotrophic axis at the hypothalamic-pituitary level in Polish Merino sheep. The animals (n = 48) were randomly divided into three experimental groups: controls receiving an icv infusion of Ringer-Locke solution, group receiving icv infusion of QRFP43 at 10 μg per day and 50 μg per day. All sheep received four 50 min icv infusions at 30 min intervals, on each of three consecutive days. Hypothalamic and pituitaries were collected and secured for further immunohistochemical and molecular biological analysis. In addition, during the experiment a blood samples have been collected for subsequent RIA determinations. QRFP43 was found to downregulate Kiss mRNA expression in the MBH and reduce the level of IR material in ME. This resulted in a reduction of GnRH IR material in the ME. QRFP43 increased plasma FSH levels while decreasing LH levels. Our findings indicate that QRFP43 inhibits the activity of the gonadotropic axis in the ovine at the level of the hypothalamus and may represent another neuromodulator of reproductive processes in animals.

Introduction and purpose: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease, mainly characterized by motor impairment with symptoms including rigidity, bradykinesia, rest tremor and imbalance. It develops upon degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra associated with neuroinflammatory process initiated by alpha-synuclein deposits. Although, levodopa replacement therapy is the gold-standard treatment, majority of the treated patients develop dyskinesia as the side effect, resulting from altered function of dopamine receptors. It is thought that the abnormal pulsate release of dopamine can be prevented by antagonism of adenosine 2A receptors (A2ARs). Aim of the study: This review aims to outline the action mechanism of A2AR antagonism on motor performance, and thus evaluate the suggested implications of coffee consumption in PD. Material and method: The involvement of A2ARs in the pathology and treatment of PD has been analyzed based on the findings of many published studies examining the effects of A2AR modulation. Results: Blockage of A2ARs enhances the action of dopamine via D2 receptors on striatopallidal neurons, decreasing their hyperactivity, and exerts neuroprotective effect, suppressing the neuroinflammation. Conclusions: Istradefylline, being the only approved A2AR antagonist, was able to reduce total cumulative dose of levodopa, improve motor control, alleviate postural abnormalities, and provide a reduction in daily ‘off’ time experienced by patients. Recent findings suggest the effects of drinking one cup of coffee are comparable with ones obtained by the newly introduced medication, presumably via shared action mechanism by A2AR inhibition.

Introduction and purpose: Ethanol is still one of the most frequently consumed drugs worldwide and is a strong risk factor for more than 60 illnesses including alcoholic cardiomyopathy which is a specific heart muscle disease caused by long-term excessive alcohol consumption. The review aims to gather available data and summarize it to give better understanding of the disease, to help select patients with the condition to implement proper treatment, and to present possible future directions as the incidence of the disease is projected to persist in the future. Brief description of the state of knowledge: Alcoholic cardiomyopathy (ACM) is characterized by dilation, increased mass of the left ventricle, and reduced ejection fraction leading to end-stage heart failure. It is caused by ethanol’s direct toxicity on myocytes disturbing many different metabolic pathways. The result is a decrease in both systolic and diastolic function of the heart. The ACM development depends on factors such as genetics, gender, dietary factors and the dosage of ethanol consumption. The goal of the treatment is total alcohol abstinence, but the reduction of ethanol intake may also be beneficial. Patients should obtain a complete pharmacological treatment for heart failure. Summary: Ethanol overconsumption remains an unresolved problem, with the incidence of ACM projected to persist in the future, especially among patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD). Efforts for prevention, early detection, and effective treatment of ACM need to be established. A primary focus should be on treating AUD because it is the most effective way to halt the progression of the disease. Further research should focus on both asymptomatic and symptomatic patients with AUD to better define clinical manifestations, diagnostic approaches, and the most effective treatments for ACM.

In this study, the effect of pre-slaughter handling on the content of macro- and micronutrients in blood serum and in the breast muscle of turkeys was assessed. Four different variants of pre-slaughter handling were used in the research: no transport (N-T), transport for a distance of 100 km (T-100), transport for a distance of 200 km (T-200), and transport for a distance of 300 km (T-300). In each of them, 30 female and 30 male turkeys were used. Blood was collected from the birds before slaughter, and samples of the pectoral muscle were collected after slaughter. In the obtained biological material, the content of Mg, P, Ca, Fe, Na and K was analyzed. On the basis of the obtained research results, it can be concluded that the pre-slaughter handling negatively affects the content of macro- and microelements both in the blood serum and in the pectoral muscles of experimental turkeys. Additionally, differences due to the sex of birds were observed.

Over the last ten years, PiS has not only systematically dismantled Poland’s rule of law, but also strategically corroded the country’s media freedom. It has successfully politicized Poland’s media regulators, abused public service media for propaganda purposes, captured private media outlets and supported friendly private media, and created regulatory, legal and political obstacles for private media which criticized it. In this blogpost, I will detail three core steps that must be taken to restore media freedom in Poland in conformity with European standards. In particular, I argue for the restoration of the National Broadcasting Council (KRRiT), the constitutional media regulator, as an independent body; the dissolution of the „bonus” media regulator introduced by PiS, the National Media Council; and for reforming the status of Poland’s private media and the government’s approach to the media in general.

The European Media Freedom Act, primarily designed to safeguard the EU media market, can also serve as an important tool in preserving the rule of law in member states such as Hungary and Poland, that have experienced an alarming assault on media freedom and pluralism in the past decade. This contribution critically evaluates the potential of the proposed European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) for addressing the ongoing issues in media freedom in Poland and Hungary.

Despite numerous studies and recommendations, the acceptance of treatments involving medicinal maggots in many clinics has been slow. Several factors may account for this, including the gender of nurses administering the treatment, their level of work experience, and their perceived level of personal stress. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of selected variables (gender, work experience, stress level) on the readiness of nurses to administer maggot debridement therapy (MDT), which is a form of biodebridement. The study population was a cohort of 290 wound care nurses providing specialist care for patients with chronic wounds. It was assumed that the identified variables may determine the implementation of larval therapy in everyday professional practice. A subsample of 35 men and 35 women was further analyzed to determine if gender, work experience, and/or personal stress levels were correlated with attitudes towards the utilization of maggots in biodebridement. Assessment tools included the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) and the MDT 10 Perception Assessment Questionnaire, a protocol by which the subject ranked six wound photographs in order of repulsiveness and responded to questions regarding demographic variables, which include education and work experience. The visual perception of pictures of a wound with larvae is indirectly an indicator of the attitude towards larval therapy. Selection of the photograph with maggots on the wound as the most repulsive image was associated with a personal appraisal of not being ready to implement maggot therapy (chi-square = 8.430, p = 0.015). Low work experience (chi-square = 14.039, df = 4, p = 0.007), and low readiness for MDT (chi-square = 8.430, df = 2, p = 0.015) were also associated with unpreparedness to administer maggot therapy. Neither gender nor perceived stress level were exclusively associated with disgust for maggots or lack of readiness to implement MDT. Low professional experience and a deficit of knowledge in maggot therapy may negatively affect the readiness of nurses to administer biodebridement. Gender and personal stress levels do not affect nurses’ readiness to utilize larval therapy.

Abstract Rapidly developing nanotechnologies and their integration in daily applications may threaten the natural environment. While green methods of decomposing organic pollutants have reached maturity, remediation of inorganic crystalline contaminants is major problem due to their low biotransformation susceptibility and the lack of understanding of material surface-organism interactions. Herein, we have used model inorganic 2D Nb-based MXenes coupled with a facile shape parameters analysis approach to track the mechanism of bioremediating 2D ceramic nanomaterials with green microalgae Raphidocelis subcapitata. We have found that microalgae decomposed the Nb-based MXenes due to surface-related physicochemical interactions. Initially, single and few-layered MXene nanoflakes attached to microalgae surfaces, which slightly reduced algal growth. But with prolonged surface interaction, the microalgae oxidized MXene nanoflakes and further decomposed them into NbO and Nb2O5. Since these oxides were nontoxic to microalgal cells, they consumed Nb-oxide nanoparticles by an uptake mechanism thus enabling further microalgae recovery after 72 h of water treatment. The uptake-associated nutritional effects were also reflected by cells’ increased size, smoothed shape and changed growth rates. Based on these findings, we conclude that short- and long-term presence of Nb-based MXenes in freshwater ecosystems might cause only negligible environmental effects. Notably, by using 2D nanomaterials as a model system, we show evidence of the possibility of tracking even fine material shape transformations. In general, this study answers an important fundamental question about the surface interaction-associated processes that drive the mechanism of 2D nanomaterials’ bioremediation as well as provides the fundamental basis for further short- and long-term investigations on the environmental effects of inorganic crystalline nanomaterials.

AlSi11 matrix composites reinforced with SiC particles have been fabricated by high pressure die casting assisted by ultrasonic mixing. Severe plastic deformation process was performed on the as cast AlSi/2wt.%SiC composite using the modified channel with the twisted output (TCAP) at three temperatures of 350, 400 and 450 °C. The TCAP tool consists of helical part in the horizontal area of the channel allowing for simulation of back pressure and thus resulted in the increase of extrusion force and local plastic deformation. The most important issue of the presented investigations was to refine dendritic cast microstructure of the prepared composite during one pass of TCAP. As a result, a composite with a matrix containing equiaxed α(Al) grains of few microns depending on TCAP temperature and β(Si) particles of about 1 μm in size with twinned structure was produced. The dynamic recrystallization process during TCAP at 450 °C manifested by the grain growth of α(Al) and decrease of dislocation density was observed to affect the sample hardness causing its decrease. The mechanical properties of the composite extruded by TCAP were measured by compression testes and the maximum plastic deformation of about 35% and the compressive strength near 300 MPa were observed. These values were similar for all samples extruded at temperatures between 350 and 450 °C and generally are better comparing with AK11 alloy subjected to different plastic deformation processes.

Як відомо, шляхи польського та угорського урядів розійшлися щодо відповідей на російсько-українську війну. Однак на внутрішньому рівні обидві країни продовжують покладатися на схожі структурні зміни в медіа-середовищі, які допомагають їм впливати на виборців і підривають чесність виборів. Реакція ЄС на кризу свободи та плюралізму 3MI в Угорщині та Польщі була більш стриманою та якісно відрізнялася від реакції на кризу суддівської незалежності або загрози академічним свободам та правам меншин.

The Polish and Hungarian governments have famously parted ways over responses to the Russo-Ukraine war. However, internally, both continue to rely on similar structural changes in the media environment that help them target voters and undermine elections fairness. The EU’s response to the media freedom and pluralism crisis in Hungary and Poland has been more restrained and also qualitatively different from its answer to the judicial independence crisis or threats to academic freedoms and minority rights.

Resumo Desde a primeira descrição da tetralogia de Fallot (ToF) em 1671 por Niels Stensen e em 1888 por Étienne-Louis Arthur Fallot, vários trabalhos relataram essa anomalia juntamente com suas variantes e anomalias cardiovasculares concomitantes. A artéria subclávia direita aberrante (ASDA) é a anomalia do arco aórtico mais comum. Diferentemente da artéria subclávia esquerda aberrante, a ocorrência de ASDA em pacientes com ToF só foi relatada casuisticamente. Apresentamos dois pacientes de ToF com ASDA. É importante notar que o conhecimento da coexistência das duas anomalias tem pontos muito práticos durante correções endovasculares ou cirúrgicas de defeitos cardíacos congênitos (inclusive ToF).

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to identify the role of market dynamism in the relationship between market orientation and the performance of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) operating in technology parks (TPs) in Poland. Methodology: The two methods used for performing the quantitative empirical research are CAWI and PAPI. The research sample included MSMEs operating in technology parks in Poland. The article is the answer to the needs for systematic research of models between market orientation and firm performance. Findings: The research findings provide an insight into the level of market orientation and performance of the analyzed MSMEs operating in technology parks in Poland. It was found that MSMEs in the research sample were not a homogeneous group in this respect. It has been proven that market orientation is a significant stimulant of firm performance, while market dynamism has not been classified as a moderator of the market orientation–firm performance relationship. Implications for theory and practice: This study contributes to strategic management by identifying the key role of market orientation for enterprises wishing to benefit from this type of strategic orientation. The important role of the predictor – market orientation in shaping the results of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises operating at TPs in Poland has been proven. In practice, this means that increasing the level of market orientation is conducive to increasing positively assessed financial performance. Originality and value: Our research carried out at MSMEs operating in technology parks in Poland enriches and supplements knowledge about market orientation as a phenomenon of universal character because it also applies to smaller sized business organizations

Artykuł ma na celu przedstawienie koncepcji dobrostanu subiektywnego (szczęścia) jako propozycji dla przyszłych nauczycieli przedszkolnych i wczesnoszkolnych do stosowania w procesie wychowania do wartości. Autorka stawia tezę, że konieczne jest zdefiniowanie i zrozumienie przez studentów dobrostanu subiektywnego oraz osiągnięcie świadomości, że nauczyciel w polskiej placówce oświatowej jest zdany na samodzielną profilaktykę w tym zakresie w celu kreowania pozytywnego wzorca osobowego. W artykule zwrócono uwagę na konieczność codziennej, systematycznej oraz długoterminowej troski o dobrostan subiektywny w celu zakorzenienia się nawyku samokontroli. Efektywność działań podejmowanych z uczniami jest powiązana z subiektywnym dobrostanem nauczyciela, który nie przekazuje wyłącznie informacji, ale jest wzorem do naśladowania w zakresie nauki wartości społecznych i poznawczych.

The progressing automation of maritime transport, including the introduction of autonomous and/or unmanned ships, calls for the development of communication principles, particularly conversations currently carried out verbally. The work in this field is intended to improve the safety of maritime transport. This article describes research on automatic communication in the form that will support navigators responsible for ship conduct. The processes of inference and conversation management are described. The developed methods are based on standard marine communication phrases. The presented example conversation between navigators is supported by an automatic communication system. The work herein described aims at the creation of procedures for communication at sea between autonomous ships.

The growing environmental problems associated with the dumping of large amounts of textile waste and the demand for circular products are prompting textile waste recycling enterprises to develop circular business models (CBMs). This implies a radical change in the way some enterprises operate to obtain growth. Considering the importance of the drivers of and barriers for the adoption and implementation of CBMs in the textile recycling sector, it is claimed that the comprehension of these factors to CBMs is limited and deserves more attention in empirical research. Therefore, our research investigates the antecedents of circular business models in the textile recycling sector by highlighting influencing factors. The aim of the article is to explore the main enhancing and inhibiting factors in the development of circular business models on the example of a large enterprise operating for 30 years in the textile recycling sector. In this study, a case study design of mixed methods, including semi-structured interviews with a business practitioner and the data presented on the websites of the surveyed enterprise, is used. The results suggest that main enhancing factors are relevant regulations at the European level, appropriate technologies and digitisation, and increasing social and environmental awareness of consumers and managerial capabilities. However, inhibiting factors are supply chain complexity and supply chain collaboration in connection with a large scale of business in crisis situations, a large scope and range of geographic diversification of outlets in the perspective of the consequences of the information gap, and readiness to take the so-called “being the first in the market” risk. In practice, this means that general drivers of the CBMs may facilitate the reuse of second-hand clothing and recycling of textiles for other new products as the primary CE action. On the other hand, enterprises have to overcome a number of technological barriers, and in the case of the textile recycling sector, it is necessary to understand which barriers they face to take appropriate actions. Research findings indicate factors that may be the subject of intervention or support of managers or policymakers. This study has practical implications and suggests future study paths.

Psoriasis is a chronic recurrent inflammatory disease that may limit physical and psychosocial functioning as well as decrease the quality of life of the sick. Until recently, psoriasis has been considered a disease that involves the skin and joints only. Latest studies have showed that psoriasis is associated with a considerably higher risk of cardiovascular events, such as myocardial infarction or stroke. Moreover, a more frequent occurrence of risk factors specific for cardiovascular diseases, including arterial hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidaemia, obesity, and metabolic syndrome, is confirmed in a group of psoriatic patients. As a consequence, mortality rates in patients with psoriasis are higher, and their life expectancy is shorter as compared to the general population. Existing inflammation, dysfunctional adipokine secretion, insulin resistance, increased angiogenesis, and oxidative stress constitute a pathogenetic foundation for the link between psoriasis and cardiometabolic diseases. Given the above, patients with psoriasis should be screened for the metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular diseases, also modification of risk factors specific to these diseases should be aimed at.

Introduction: Despite medical advances, the prevention and treatment of tropical diseases continue to be a current problem for communities. Purpose: To present the public awareness of tropical diseases. Material and method: The study was conducted by using an author's questionnaire. 158 questionnaires were collected and analysed. Results: The study included women (55.7%) and men (44.3%) of varying ages, nearly half of whom were studying or are studying a medical profession. The analysis showed that 92.4% of the respondents were aware of the factors causing contagious and parasitic diseases. Only 5.0% of respondents expressed opposition to prevention when travelling to tropical countries. Every fourth person planning a trip would not go to a specialist on this issue. Nearly 90% of respondents wanted to be vaccinated before travelling. On the other hand, only 15.2% of respondents knew that malaria is not currently prevented by a vaccine, but by chemoprophylaxis. One in five respondents said there was no need for hygienic food consumption, while more than half (53.8%) had not heard of the rule "cook, steam, peel or forget". Among the most important preventive measures, respondents most often selected hand washing (50.6%), taking care of hygiene (20.2%) and immunization (17.8%). Conclusions: Most of the respondents, especially those with medical education, demonstrated basic knowledge of tropical diseases. However, there is a great need for education, especially about visiting a doctor before travelling, types of prevention and methods of hygienic food consumption. The possibility of implementing programmes to supplement knowledge should be kept in mind. Keywords: tropical diseases; contagious diseases; awareness; society.

Introduction: Bisphenol A (BPA) is a substance commonly used in industry for the production of everyday plastic products. It is also found in thermal paper. Global pollution of the environment by BPA results in constant exposure to its harmful effects. This substance penetrates the skin, respiratory tract and food into the body. BPA, due to its structure similar to estrogens, disturbs e.g. functioning of the endocrine system and increases the risk of certain cancers. Material and methods: The PubMed and Google Scholar databases were used to review the literature. Description of knowledge: Exposure of breast cancer cells to BPA results in increased aromatase synthesis and increased proliferation of ER + cells. Moreover, BPA stimulates the growth of neoplastic breast cancer cells not only at high doses but also at low doses (

ATPS Sulfurylase (ATPS) is the first of three enzymes in the sulfate reduction pathway - one of the oldest metabolic pathways on Earth, utilized by Sulfate Reducing Bacteria (SRB). Due to the low redox potential of the sulfate ion, its reduction requires activation via formation of adenosine 5′-phosphosulfate (APS), which is catalyzed by ATPS. Dispersion-corrected hybrid density functional theory (DFT/B3LYP-D3) was used to test three reaction mechanisms proposed for conversion of ATP to APS: two-step SN-1 reaction running through AMP anhydride intermediate, two-step reaction involving cyclic AMP intermediate and direct SN-2 conversion of ATP to APS molecule. The study employed five different cluster models of the ATPS active site: one containing magnesium cation and four without it, constructed based on the crystal structure (PDB code: 1G8H) solved for ATPS from Saccharomyces cerevisiae in complex with APS and pyrophosphate (PPi), where Mg2+ was not detected. The model with magnesium ion was constructed based on the representative structure obtained from trajectory analysis of the molecular dynamics simulations (MD) performed for the hexameric ATPS-APS-Mg2+-PPi complex. The results obtained for all considered models suggest that ATPS-AMP anhydride intermediate is a highly energetic and unstable complex, while formation of cyclic AMP molecule requires formation of unfavorable hypervalent geometry at the transition state. Among all tested mechanism, the energetically most feasible mechanism of the ATPS reaction is SN-2 one-step conversion of ATP to APS occurring via a pentavalent transition state. Interestingly, such a reaction is inhibited by the presence of Mg2+ in the ATPS active site. Magnesium cation forces unfavorable geometry of reactants for SN-2 mechanism and formation of pentavalent transition state. Such a reaction requires rearrangement of Mg2+ ligands, which raises the barrier from 11-14 kcal/mol for the models without Mg2+ to 48 kcal/mol for model with magnesium ion included. Keywords: Sulfate Reducing Bacteria, ATP, Sulfurylase, Density functional calculations, Sulfate reduction, Adenosine 5′-phosphosulfate, APS

Proces przekazywania wiedzy i umiejętności jest dostosowany do potrzeb użytkowych w danym kraju, do jego poziomu rozwojowego, a także zamknięty w ramach tolerancji, czy też zwyczajów kulturowych oraz religijnych społeczności. Niniejszy artykuł jest zbiorem wniosków dotyczących obecności dziedziny sztuki - muzyki, jako instrumentu edukacyjnego w szkole podstawowej Chernobaba w Manjai Kunda w Gambii, sformułowanych na podstawie jednodniowej obserwacji. Zastosowaną metodą badawczą była obserwacja etnograficzna naturalistyczna, która dostarczyła danych o uczniach i nauczycielach w codziennych sytuacjach, a jej rezultatem są spostrzeżenia i subiektywne wnioski, które mogą być inspiracją dla czytelników do wprowadzenia zmian w podejściu do przedmiotu z zakresu sztuki w szkołach podstawowych. Nauczyciele szkoły Chernobaba modelują zachowania dźwiękowo-ruchowe, a naturalną drogą uczenia się jest imitacja spontanicznych reakcji. Nauczyciele są w klasie głosem dominującym podczas realizacji sekwencji tonalnych i rytmicznych, stanowią wzorzec do naśladowania.

Objective: The purpose of this article is to analyse the moderating role of perceived organisational support (POS) in the relationship between employees’ entrepreneurial orientation (EEO) and organisational commitment (OC). Research Design & Methods: The research is aimed at determining the role of POS and EEO in explaining differences in employees’ commitment to a given organisation. The set of research proposals identifies (1) how employees’ entrepreneurial orientation and organisational commitment are related to each another and (2) how the relationship between employees’ entrepreneurial orientation and organisational commitment is moderated by perceived organisational support. The method used to carry out the quantitative empirical research was CAWI (Computer Assisted Web Interviews). The conceptual framework for this research was the theory of perceived organisational support. The project was funded by the National Science Centre in Poland (funds allocated on the basis of a decision no. DEC-2014/15/B/HS4/04326). Findings: The research provides knowledge about entrepreneurial personality in determining employees’ commitment to their organisation. At the same time, it identifies the role of POS as a moderator of the EEO-OC relationship. Implications / Recommendations: The results of the research allow for a better understanding of entrepreneurship and strengthen its theoretical foundations as an individual-level construct that determines organisational commitment. In addition, the description of the moderation effect (POS as a moderating variable) helps to better explain and predict the relationships between EEO and OC. Managers must pay more attention to the supportive organisational environment because of its effect on the strength of employees’ entrepreneurial orientation and its impact on their organisational commitment. The research results encourage further analyses on EO in vertical, horizontal and temporal dimensions in various size enterprises and their business profiles. Contribution: The article presents arguments which enable the recognition of employees’ entrepreneurial orientation as a determinant of organisational commitment and adding POS to the list of factors moderating the relationship between employees’ entrepreneurial orientation and organisational commitment. In addition, the research proves that the age of employees is positively related to their commitment to the organisation (the older they were, the more committed to the enterprise), while seniority is negatively related to organisational commitment (the more seniority employees had, the less committed they were).

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to determine the effect of dietary supplementation with β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyric acid (HMB) on live weight loss and selected blood parameters in goat kids after transportation to the slaughterhouse. The study was performed with goat kids that were weaned at 30 days of age and divided into two groups (GK): a control group and an experimental group whose diet was supplemented with HMB (at 50 mg kg−1 of BW) for 60 consecutive days. At the end of the 90-day rearing period, the animals were fasted for 12 h (with access to water) and were transported to the slaughterhouse in the following morning. Blood for analysis was sampled before transportation (BST1) and after unloading in the slaughterhouse (BST2). The animals were weighed on the same dates to determine live weight loss. Red blood cell counts (RBC), white blood cell counts (WBC), hemoglobin concentration (HGB), hematocrit (HCT), neutrophil to lymphocyte (N:L) ratio, and cortisol and glucose concentrations were determined in the sampled blood. The experimental goat kids were characterized by lower weight loss after transportation. Group of kids and BST did not induce variations in RBC, WBC, HGB, and HCT. Cortisol concentration was affected by both GK and BST. Cortisol levels increased after transportation in both groups, but this parameter was significantly higher in the control than in experimental animals at BST2. Glucose levels and the N:L ratio did not differ significantly between GK, but glucose concentration and the N:L ratio were higher at BST2 than at BST1 in both groups. The experimental goat kids were characterized by lower weight loss and lower cortisol concentration after transportation, which could point to the efficacy of HMB in boosting immunity and alleviating transportation stress in goat kids.

Objective: This article analyses the relationship between perceived organisational support and employee performance generally and in a large Polish IT enterprise. Research Design & Methods: The conceptual framework for the research was a theory of perceived organisational support. The research was intended to provide insight into the relationship between perceived organisational support and employee performance. The article focuses on insights from a survey addressed to the employees of a large Polish IT enterprise. The empirical research was done with CAWI (Computer Assisted Web Interviews). The project was funded by the National Science Centre in Poland (funds allocated on the basis of a decision no. DEC-2014/15/B/HS4/04326). Findings: The results showed that the perceived organisational support described herein is associated with employee performance. Moreover, the state of perceived organisational support and employee performance in the large Polish IT enterprise was diagnosed. Implications / Recommendations: The main implication of the research was that managers should focus on those issues which improve perceived organisational support to increase the performance of all employees in their organisations. Regarding future research directions, further research should be undertaken to analyse the relationship between perceived organisational support and employee performance in various industries across the country and longitudinally at different organisational levels. Contribution: This research generates new scientific knowledge about the role of perceived organisational support in shaping employee performance at an IT enterprise.

The energy sector is the epitome of Industry 4.0; therefore, it should be developed in line with the Industry 4.0 implementation framework and be managed according to the guidelines dedicated to knowledge-based enterprises. Under this model of evolution, the layers surrounding the technological aspects are first, knowledge management (in particular, its transfer), and then people, and culture. This study addresses two of the three identified levels by attempting to verify the organizational culture that supports professional knowledge transfer as the leading factor in effective specialist knowledge exchange in the energy sector. Recently, this sector has become highly dependent on IT solutions as the main factor for its development and security. A key role in this respect is played by IT professionals, whose attitudes and employee behavior are critical to the stability, efficiency, effectiveness, and security of IT systems in the energy companies. The purpose of this paper is to propose a theoretical construct, based on indicated norms and values as organizational culture foundation and cultural practices. This article also aims to analyze and diagnose the components that support the professional knowledge transfer in different groups of organizational stakeholders. Systematic analysis of the scientific literature, expert evaluation, and structured questionnaires were used to develop and verify the hypotheses. The research results supported the hypotheses that organizational culture tailored to the knowledge workers’ needs and expectations, influence the effective and efficient circulation of IT expert knowledge.

The family Gentianaceae consists of 1736 species, which play an important role in human being existence due to their pharmacological and horticultural values. Many species accumulate bitter iridoid substances used medicinally and in flavorings, while others are cultivated because of beauty of their flowers showing a wide range of colors and patterns. Out of 99 genera belonging to the gentian family, process of somatic embryogenesis (SE) was reported for 5. The first reports, aimed at micropropagation of ornamental cultivars and production of secondary metabolites, concerned Centaurium erythraea Rafn., Eustoma russellianum Grieseb. and Exacum affine Balf. Somatic embryos were induced on different explants cultured in the liquid Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with auxins and cytokinins. In the 1990s of the last century, significant progress in the exploration of the phenomenon of SE and its biotechnological application was made for the genus Gentiana. The process was induced on various explants and studied at the structural and ultrastructural levels. Regenerated plants were screened for genetic stability using flow cytometry, chromosome counting, and molecular markers. Besides typical indirect SE, the use of leaf fragments enabled to obtain single-cell origin of somatic embryos. On the other hand, proliferation of embryogenic callus in liquid medium resulted in the establishment of long-term embryogenic cell suspension cultures, paving the way not only to study the formation of somatic embryos and the development of regenerants but also to preserve the morphogenic potential of cell aggregates by cryopreservation. Cell suspensions re-established after storage in liquid nitrogen maintained their embryogenic character and allowed to obtain somatic embryo-derived regenerants that were true-to-type at both genetic and epigenetic levels. Another application of SE was related to genetic manipulation purposes. Efficient protocols of plant regeneration from callus-, cell suspension-, or leaf mesophyll-derived protoplasts allowed engaging procedures of somatic hybridization or protoplast electroporation for gentian genome modifications. Also, high embryogenic potential existing in the numerous gentian species enabled successful Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of G. cruciata L. and G. dahurica Fisch.

Abnormal repetitive behaviors often pose problems for dog owners. Such behaviors are considered undesirable if they pose a nuisance or a danger to humans. Ancient dog breeds are intelligent, sociable, active, boisterous and need regular outdoor exercise, but are also independent and reluctant to follow commands. This study aimed to identify factors (breed, sex, origin, housing conditions) and situations that contribute to undesirable behaviors, such as aggression towards humans and other dogs/animals, separation anxiety, excessive vocalization, and oral and locomotion behaviors in Akita, Alaskan Malamute, Basenji, Samoyed and Siberian husky. Undesirable behaviors in dogs were analyzed based on the results of 897 questionnaires. Breed influenced aggressive behavior towards other dogs/animals, aggression towards humans, undesirable oral and locomotion behaviors, and excessive vocalization. Aggressive behaviors were more prevalent in females than in males. Housing conditions were linked with aggression towards other dogs/animals, aggression at mealtime, and excessive vocalization. Undesirable behaviors were most frequently reported in Akitas, Siberian huskies and Samoyeds, and they were more prevalent in males than in females and dogs living indoors with or without access to a backyard. Aggressive behaviors towards other dogs and animals, excessive vocalization and undesirable motor activities posed the greatest problems in ancient dog breeds.

Selective Laser Melting was successfully used as a fabrication method to produce Ni-Mn-Ga and Ni-Mn-Ga-Fe ferromagnetic shape memory alloys. The starting material in a powder form with an average particle size of about 17.6 µm was produced by milling of as melt-spun ribbons. The microstructure, phase composition, and martensitic transformation behavior of both powder precursors and laser melted alloys were investigated by several methods, including high energy X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, and vibrating sample magnetometry. The as laser melted materials are chemically homogenous and show a typical layered microstructure. Both alloy compositions have a duplex structure consisting either of austenite and 10M martensite (Ni-Mn-Ga) or a mixture of 14M and NM martensitic phases (Ni-Mn-Ga-Fe), contrary to the as milled powder precursors showing fcc structure in both cases. The forward martensitic transformation takes place at 336 and 325 K for Ni-Mn-Ga and Ni-Mn-Ga-Fe, respectively, while the magnetic response is much stronger for Ni-Mn-Ga than for the quaternary alloy. The results show that Selective Laser Melting allows for producing of good quality, homogenous materials. However, their microstructural features and consequently shape memory behavior should be tailored by additional heat treatment.

Background and Objectives: This study aimed to assess the level of selected biochemical parameters in venous blood and their potential effects on the development of pressure ulcers in patients treated in intensive care settings. Materials and Methods: Fifty patients hospitalised in an intensive care unit (ICU) were enrolled for the study. The methods used included controlled observation, literature review and medical record analysis. The observation protocol applied in the study consisted of two parts comprising the basic information, sociodemographic data, results of laboratory tests (CRP, PCT, albumin, protein and haemoglobin concentrations) as well as the Braden Scale for Predicting Pressure Ulcer Risk. Results: The subjects presented moderate to high risk of pressure ulcers, reflected by the mean score of 8.18 ± 1.3 points, with minimum and maximum scores of 6 and 12 points, respectively. Normal albumin level was identified in only five subjects (10.0%) while 45 subjects (90.0%) were found with results below the norm. A statistical relationship was observed between such variables as albumin concentration (p < 0.01) and total protein level (p = 0.007). The findings show a strong correlation between the score in the Braden Scale and the level of albumins (R = 0.55). Conclusions: In our study, lower concentrations of albumins and total proteins correspond to a greater risk of pressure ulcers.

Introduction and objective Fungi belonging to various physiological and morphological groups present in the environment are potential human pathogens. Some of them are considered as emerging pathogens. Therefore, their presence in children’s playgrounds should be regarded as health risk factor. Material and Methods Sixty-eight samples of sand collected from 17 sandpits of different localities in Łódź, Poland, in autumn 2010 and 2011, and in spring 2011 and 2012 were evaluated. The fungi were isolated with classical mycological methods and identified on the basis of morphological and biochemical features. Results The prevalence of fungi in spring was 94.1% of sandpits in both layers of sand (depth 0–3 cm and 10–15 cm) and in one kindergarten sandpit, but only in a deeper layer. In autumn, fungi occurred in both layers in all sandpits (100%). The fungal concentration (CFU/g of sand) varied considerably (range 0 – uncountable) in both layers. A total of 352 isolates belonging to 80 species were found. There were 69 yeasts and yeast-like fungi isolates from 12 species (9 species in each season), and 283 filamentous fungi from 68 species: 35 species in spring and 55 in autumn, with 4 keratinolytic species. There were important causes of allergies, among them Cladosporium herbarum and Alternaria alternata , as well as of opportunistic mycoses: Cryptococcus neoformans, Aspergillus fumigatus and new and ‘emerging’ fungal pathogens e.g., Trichosporon, Rhodotorula, Fusarium and Scedosporium species. Conclusions Potentially pathogenic fungi are present in the sand taken from sandpits in Łódź. This fact poses a significant threat to child health and therefore proper maintenance and periodic checking of sandpits are of great importance.

The aim of the paper is to reveal the role of technology parks (TP) in the creation of new businesses and the expansion of existing ones. This issue is part of a study aimed at finding an answer to the question of whether there is a link between the creation of new businesses and the development of existing ones, and regional environment factors. The analysis is carried out through the identification of activity of TPS functioning in Poland. The results of the study may also be the starting point for the diagnosis on behaviours of TPS as environmental factors in a specific region and an indication of the desired directions of its changes. The subject undertaken by us draws attention to the fact that the management of existing competences and creating new ones could allow TPS to compete outside of their current arenas of competition.

The embryogenic transition of somatic cells requires an extensive reprogramming of the cell transcriptome. Relevantly, the extensive modulation of the genes that have a regulatory function, in particular the genes encoding the transcription factors (TFs) and miRNAs, have been indicated as controlling somatic embryogenesis (SE) that is induced in vitro in the somatic cells of plants. Identifying the regulatory relationships between the TFs and miRNAs during SE induction is of central importance for understanding the complex regulatory interplay that fine-tunes a cell transcriptome during the embryogenic transition. Hence, here, we analysed the regulatory relationships between AGL15 (AGAMOUS-LIKE 15) TF and miR156 in an embryogenic culture of Arabidopsis. Both AGL15 and miR156 control SE induction and AGL15 has been reported to target the MIR156 genes in planta. The results showed that AGL15 contributes to the regulation of miR156 in an embryogenic culture at two levels that involve the activation of the MIR156 transcription and the containment of the abundance of mature miR156 by repressing the miRNA biogenesis genes DCL1 (DICER-LIKE1), SERRATE and HEN1 (HUA-ENHANCER1). To repress the miRNA biogenesis genes AGL15 seems to co-operate with the TOPLESS co-repressors (TPL and TPR1-4), which are components of the SIN3/HDAC silencing complex. The impact of TSA (trichostatin A), an inhibitor of the HDAC histone deacetylases, on the expression of the miRNA biogenesis genes together with the ChIP results implies that histone deacetylation is involved in the AGL15-mediated repression of miRNA processing. The results indicate that HDAC6 and HDAC19 histone deacetylases might co-operate with AGL15 in silencing the complex that controls the abundance of miR156 during embryogenic induction. This study provides new evidence about the histone acetylation-mediated control of the miRNA pathways during the embryogenic reprogramming of plant somatic cells and the essential role of AGL15 in this regulatory mechanism.

Intravitreal delivery of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) by injection of recombinant protein or by gene therapy can alleviate retinal ganglion cell (RGC) loss after optic nerve injury (ONI) or laser-induced ocular hypertension (OHT). In models of glaucoma, BDNF therapy can delay or halt RGCs loss, but this protection is time-limited. The decreased efficacy of BDNF supplementation has been in part attributed to BDNF TrkB receptor downregulation. However, whether BDNF overexpression causes TrkB downregulation, impairing long-term BDNF signaling in the retina, has not been conclusively proven. After ONI or OHT, when increased retinal BDNF was detected, a concomitant increase, no change or a decrease in TrkB was reported. We examined quantitatively the retinal concentrations of the TrkB protein in relation to BDNF, in a course of adeno-associated viral vector gene therapy (AAV2-BDNF), using a microbead trabecular occlusion model of glaucoma. We show that unilateral glaucoma, with intraocular pressure ( IOP) increased for five weeks, leads to a bilateral decrease of BDNF in the retina at six weeks, accompanied by up to four-fold TrkB upregulation, while a moderate BDNF overexpression in a glaucomatous eye triggers changes that restore normal TrkB concentrations, driving signaling towards long-term RGCs neuroprotection. We conclude that for glaucoma therapy, the careful selection of the appropriate BDNF concentration is the main factor securing the long-term responsiveness of RGCs and the maintenance of normal TrkB levels.

Introduction and objective The contamination, seasonal and vertical distributions of Toxocara eggs in children’s recreation areas were estimated with respect to their accessibility to domestic and stray animals. Material and Methods During autumn 2011 and spring 2012, a total 88 composite samples of soil/sand (300g each) were taken twice, from 2 depths, from 11 sandpits and 11 play areas situated in the city of Łódź, Poland. From the collected material, 528 samples (20g) were tested using the flotation method. Half the sample sites were secured from access to dogs and cats, while the other half were not. Results The difference in the numbers of positive samples from sandpits and playing areas was significant (χ2=13.72, p=0.0002). The highest rate of contamination was observed in poorly-secured play areas (15.8% of positive samples and 1.2 eggs/100 g of soil/sand). The average density of Toxocara eggs in secured play areas was 6 times less than that found in unsecured areas, while secured sandpits were 3 times less contaminated than those unsecured. The contamination rate was similar in autumn 2011 and spring 2012 (6.4% and 6.8%, respectively). An inverse relationship between the sand/soil depth and number of recovered Toxocara eggs was observed. Additionally, other intestinal helminth eggs (Ancylostomidae, Ascaris spp., and Trichuris spp.) and oocysts of Isospora spp. were also detected from soil samples collected from playing fields. Conclusions The number of Toxocara eggs recovered decreased following fence construction around the examined children’s play areas, but it did not sufficiently prevent the contamination by eggs. These data indicate the necessity for educational programmes which should be implemented for the protection of the local child population from zoonotic infection.

[b]Introduction and objective[/b]. The contamination, seasonal and vertical distributions of [i]Toxocara[/i] eggs in children’s recreation areas were estimated with respect to their accessibility to domestic and stray animals. [b]Materials and methods[/b]. During autumn 2011 and spring 2012, a total 88 composite samples of soil/sand (300g each) were taken twice, from 2 depths, from 11 sandpits and 11 play areas situated in the city of Łódź, Poland. From the collected material, 528 samples (20g) were tested using the flotation method. Half the sample sites were secured from access to dogs and cats, while the other half were not. [b]Results[/b]. The difference in the numbers of positive samples from sandpits and playing areas was significant (c 2 = 13.72, p = 0.0002). The highest rate of contamination was observed in poorly-secured play areas (15.8% of positive samples and 1.2 eggs/100 g of soil/sand). The average density of [i]Toxocara[/i] eggs in secured play areas was 6 times less than that found in unsecured areas, while secured sandpits were 3 times less contaminated than those unsecured. The contamination rate was similar in autumn 2011 and spring 2012 (6.4% and 6.8%, respectively). An inverse relationship between the sand/soil depth and number of recovered [i]Toxocara[/i] eggs was observed. Additionally, other intestinal helminth eggs (Ancylostomidae, Ascaris spp., and Trichuris spp.) and oocysts of [i]Isospora[/i] spp. were also detected from soil samples collected from playing fields. [b]Conclusions[/b]. The number of [i]Toxocara[/i] eggs recovered decreased following fence construction around the examined children’s play areas, but it did not sufficiently prevent the contamination by eggs. These data indicate the necessity for educational programmes which should be implemented for the protection of the local child population from zoonotic infection.

In the study, the mediation was presented as an analytical technique allowing the explanation of significant fluctuations in size and the direction of the entrepreneurial orientation (EO)–firm performance relationship. The assumptions of analysis of mediation were discussed as the whole, pointing to the practices, which should be used in order to carry out this process properly. It was found out, that mediation, despite not being a new tool of solving the research problems in statistics, is not commonly used in the management sciences. That is why, the aim of the study is to identify mediating variables which explain entrepreneurial orientation (EO)–firm performance relationship. The studies on the effects of mediation presented in the scientific literature confirmed the usefulness of the analytical technique in the context of the EO discussion. It allowed to compile the list of the meditative factors on the relationship “entrepreneurial orientation (EO)–firm performance”.

Visual field impairment affects more than 100 million people globally. However, due to the lack of the access to appropriate ophthalmic healthcare in undeveloped regions as a result of associated costs and expertise this number may be an underestimate. Improved access to affordable diagnostic software designed for visual field examination could slow the progression of diseases, such as glaucoma, allowing for early diagnosis and intervention. We have developed Specvis, a free and open-source application written in Java programming language that can run on any personal computer to meet this requirement (http://www.specvis.pl/). Specvis was tested on glaucomatous, retinitis pigmentosa and stroke patients and the results were compared to results using the Medmont M700 Automated Static Perimeter. The application was also tested for inter-test intrapersonal variability. The results from both validation studies indicated low inter-test intrapersonal variability, and suitable reliability for a fast and simple assessment of visual field impairment. Specvis easily identifies visual field areas of zero sensitivity and allows for evaluation of its levels throughout the visual field. Thus, Specvis is a new, reliable application that can be successfully used for visual field examination and can fill the gap between confrontation and perimetry tests. The main advantages of Specvis over existing methods are its availability (free), affordability (runs on any personal computer), and reliability (comparable to high-cost solutions).

Ga⁻Sn⁻Zn eutectic alloy is a non-toxic liquid metal alloy which could be used in a multitude of applications, including as a heat transfer agent, in gas sensing, and in medicine. Alloys containing gallium readily oxidise in air, forming a thin oxide layer that influences the properties of liquid metals and which has not been studied. In this study, the oxide layer formed on Ga⁻Sn⁻Zn alloy was transferred at room temperature onto three substrates—quartz, glass and silicon. The contact angle between the liquid alloy and different substrates was determined. The obtained thin oxide films were characterised using atomic force microscopy, X-ray photon spectroscopy, and optical and transmission electron microscopy. The contact angle does not influence the deposition of the layers. It was determined that it is possible to obtain nanometric oxide layers of a few micrometres in size. The chemical composition was determined by XPS and EDS independently, and showed that the oxide layer contains about 90 atom % of gallium with some additions of tin and zinc. The oxides obtained from the eutectic Ga⁻Sn⁻Zn liquid alloys appear to be nanocrystalline.

Objectives: Yeasts may become potential human and animal pathogens, particularly for individuals with a depressed immune system. Their presence in the environment, especially in soil, may favour their spread into human ontocenoses. Materials and Methods: Eighty-four soil samples obtained from 21 children's recreational sites in Łódź in autumn 2010 and spring 2011 were evaluated. The yeasts were isolated by classical microbiological methods and identified on the basis of morphological and biochemical features. Results: The fungi were found in 73.8% and in 69.0% of the examined samples collected in autumn and spring, respectively. Among 97 isolates of yeasts, the species potentially pathogenic to humans and animals were Candida colliculosa, C. guilliermondii, C. humicola, C. inconspicua, C. lambica, C. lusitaniae, C. pelliculosa, C. tropicalis, Cryptococcus albidus, C. laurentii, C. neoformans, C. terreus, Kloeckera japonica, Geotrichum candidum, G. penicillatum, Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, R. glutinis, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Sporobolomyces salmonicolor and Trichosporon cutaneum. The most frequently isolated fungi included the genus Cryptococcus (38 isolates) and two species: Rhodotorula glutinis (15), Trichosporon cutaneum (14). C. neoformans, an etiological factor of cryptococcal meningitis, was present in the sandpits of 3 kindergartens. The Candida species were identified from park playgrounds and school sports fields mainly in autumn 2010 (14 isolates), in spring 2011 - only 1 isolate. The concentration of fungal species in particular samples varied considerably, but in the majority of samples, fungi were present at concentration of up to 1×102 CFU/1 g of soil. Conclusions: Yeasts were present in the soil of parks, schools and kindergarten recreational areas; the fact may pose a health risk to humans, especially to children, and this type of biological pollution should be regarded as a potential public health concern.

The purpose of the study was to localise neuropeptide Y (NPY) immunoreactive (ir) neurons in the hypothalamus during two phases of the oestrous cycle in the ewe. Hypothalamic tissue was collected from Polish Merino ewes (n=8) in the follicular (15th day) and preovulatory (17th day) phases of the oestrous cycle. NPY-ir neurons were detected in the hypothalamus using immuohistochemistry followed by image analysis; positive staining was expressed as the percentage of stained area and optical density. Two populations of the NPY-positive neurons were detected and evaluated in the infundibular and periventricular nuclei of the hypothalamus. The population of NPY-ir neurons located in the infundibular nucleus exhibited a prominent expression of NPY immunoreactivity in the perikarya and fibres only during the preovulatory phase. Both, percent area and the optical density of NPY immunostaining measured in this area were higher (P < 0.01) in the preovulatory than in the follicular phase. Another population of NPY-ir neurons was localised in the periventricular nucleus and did not show any changes during the two phases of the cycle. The present study suggests that NPY-ir neurons present in the infundibular nucleus can play a role in the preovulatory GnRH discharge from the median eminence.

The mere fact that a judge was appointed for the first time under undemocratic conditions does not automatically determine that the court in which that judge adjudicates lacks the necessary independence under EU law. The CJEU has answered to this effect a question of Mr. Kamil Zaradkiewicz, appointed to Poland’s Supreme Court in 2018 on recommendation of the new government-controlled National Council of Judiciary and thus lacking independence himself. Importantly, the CJEU emphasized that the referring court did not submit any evidence that may rise legitimate and serious doubts, in the minds of individuals, over independence and impartiality of the particular judge. With this decision, the Court refused to be drawn into the inner-Polish dispute about decommunization, and reinforced its jurisprudence on judicial independence standards in the EU.

Putin’s Russia is a global champion of memory laws that fabricate the state’s perennial innocence and glory and make it a criminal offense to diverge from the state-sanctioned historical narratives. The state’s propaganda has also promoted symbols that convey support for or condoning of the Russia’s war, such as the “Z”, “V”, and St. George’s ribbon. The emergence of these symbols in the public sphere has put militant democracy provisions existing in many European legal orders into the spotlight, but also propelled lawmakers in some states to adopt new provisions prohibiting the use of such symbols. We discuss the reaction mechanism in Lithuania, Germany, and Poland.

Recently, Uladzislau Belavusau with his post about a de-communization law in Poland launched a joint ASSER-Verfassungsblog symposium on what he has coined „mnemonic constitutionalism“. Aleksandra Gliszczynska-Grabias followed up on this topic by mapping the landscape of various memory laws in the recent years and unfolding the ongoing challenges to fundamental rights. With this essay, I would like to highlight another aspect of mnemonic constitutionalism, affecting various understandings of security.

Constitutional capture in Poland and Hungary and what to expect from the European Commission, the Council and the Court of Justice: an interview with Laurent Pech.

Prof. Koen Lenaerts, President of the Court of Justice of the European Union, explains why mutual trust and judicial independence are of fundamental importance to the EU Member States.

Seit Wochen streiten die Richterinnen und Richter des polnischen Obersten Gerichtshofs darüber, wer für den vakanten Präsidentenposten kandidieren soll. Am Freitag könnte die Entscheidung endlich fallen. Was genau dort vor sich geht, und was auf dem Spiel steht, erklärt ANNA WÓJCIK vom Osiatyński Archiv im Gespräch mit Max Steinbeis.