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This article presents the aims and the story of origins of the annual Research Papers of the Polish University Abroad (Third Series), published in London in 2013-2020. This is followed by a list of its sponsors, the annual's editorial profile and a quantitative and thematic analysis of its contents [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose/Thesis: The study seeks to determine whether Google Scholar allows the user to identify the most frequently cited researchers and their research papers published in Polish, and if the number of citations and the presence of keywords affect the publication's position in the ranking of the results yielded by GS. The author ranks Polish researchers and publications in the field of information science published in the period 2010-2019 to verify the hypothesis that the presence of a given publication in the search results and its position in the ranking is affected by the absence of keywords. Approach/Methods: The author verifies and analyzes the data collected from Google Scholar. The sample comprises the results of forty queries, with key terms relating to information science, as well as names and surnames of researchers in the field. Results and conclusions: The analysis of the sample disproves the hypothesis that Google Scholar search engine allows the user to identify the most frequently cited works and researchers. A significant part of scholarship indexed in GS does not appear in search results when the query is a phrase related to information science. Many frequently cited texts place very low in the ranking. The study also disproves the thesis that the number of citations determines a given publication's ranking. The vast majority of the bibliographic entries in the GS search results does not meet the user's needs. Use of appropriate key terms does not make it more likely that a given publication will be found. Originality/Value: The work refutes the increasingly popular belief that Google Scholar can be professionally used to search for the most important (or rather, the most frequently cited) scientific papers and to rely on the number of citations as a basis for evaluating the papers published in Polish and the researchers publishing mainly in this language. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose/Thesis: The aim of this paper is to study three ontologies developed in the domain of Semantic Publishing for describing academic papers - SciAnnotDoc, Scholarly Papers Vocabulary with Focus on Qualitative Analysis, Document Components Ontology. Approach/Methods: The study follows the method of ontology assessment and is based on the interpretation of meaning postulates. The study of ontologies is based on the schema: ontology's scope and domain, considerations of the ontology's context, ontological premises; furthermore, it attempts to identify of epistemic stance taken during the process of construction. Results and conclusions: The results of the study show that conceptual structures behind these the three ontologies first of all expose rhetorical or discursive elements of scholarly paper. In all of three cases, IMRaD was not the first choice for structuring the content of a publication. It was not possible to fully reveal epistemic stances taken with the regards to the three ontologies. However, when stance was identified, it was possible to discern both objectivist and interpretative approaches as well as pragmatic determinants. Originality/Value: Conceptual modeling, which is one of the initial stages of the ontology design process is affected by the epistemological approach, i.e. the attitude of the ontologists towards the reality, as they try to represent its part by the means of ontology. Revealing these epistemic stances is crucial for understanding the context of meaning postulates in these knowledge organization systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays the development and use of the computerised variant of methods is an obvious part of research and diagnosis, which is widely used in psychological practice. Will these computer-assisted tools used for this purpose replace the traditional paper-pencil tools? What are their advantages and disadvantages in comparison to traditional methods? What could such tools never provide to psychologists? The computerised tests are commonly used for assessment of a broad range of cognitive functions as well as capacities, among others for measurement of mathematical competencies and for diagnosis of deficiencies observed in the case of number processing. It allows us to measure the disorder's indices in a precise way, which is unobtainable in the case of paper-pencil tools (or it is possible only to a limited extent). This paper presents the critical review of several selected methods, which are used for assessment of children's mathematical abilities. Here we describe both traditional paper-pencil tasks as well as computer-assisted ones. The aim of this review is to compare these methods in terms of their reliability, advantages and disadvantages, as well as the details of the data provided by both type of tools used for the measurement of mathematical skills in the case of normal development and in the case of cognitive deficits (e.g. dyscalculia). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper gives a list of selected publications of Robert Elsie. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Poland, every citizen statistically produces about 300 kg of garbage per year, including more than 80 kg of waste paper. Only a third of waste paper products is reprocessed. In connection with the entry into force of the Act on maintaining cleanliness and order in municipalities there is a need to recover more recyclable materials, including recycled paper. Recovery of waste paper intended to reduce the amount of waste in landfill sites, reducing the felling of trees, as well as reducing the amount of sewage and solid waste in paper mills. The paper presents basic information about the paper industry in Poland and worldwide and the paper production process. It also shows types and characteristics of waste paper and collects data on the processing of waste paper products and product development directions for processing of waste paper products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Post-Tridentine liturgical books printed in Poland have not attracted much attention from book historians. However, given their special, sacred, and confessionally unifying status, they provide interesting material for comparative study of printing in the large European cities (e.g., Antwerp, Venice), and smaller provincial centers such as Kraków. The paper presents as products of the printing press the Psalterium, Antiphonarium and Graduale Romanum printed in Kraków in 1599-1600 by Andrzej Piotrkowczyk as well as later editions of these works. The decision to commission them in a local print shop rather than abroad came after prolonged debates within the Polish Catholic hierarchy. Materials used by the printer (paper, type, ornaments etc.) and the results he achieved (typography) are analysed at the backdrop of European printing and related to more general problems involved with the production of complex and voluminous books in the economic and cultural realities of an Eastern European city. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL), also known as sudden deafness, is defined as a rapid onset of a hearing impairment in one ear, or rarely in both ears, which occurs over a 72-hour period. The most commonly used audiometric criterion is a decrease in hearing threshold of =30 dB affecting at least 3 consecutive frequencies. The underlying cause of hearing loss remains usually unknown (idiopathic deafness). The purpose of this position paper is to provide clinicians with evidence-based recommendations in evaluating and managing patients with SHL. The primary presenting symptom of SSNHL is a feeling of fullness in the ear. In almost all patients hearing loss is accompanied by tinnitus. Dizziness is present in 30-40% of individuals. The diagnostics of SSNHL, which should precede the therapy, are based on the anamnesis, focused physical examination and audiometric tests. In case of dizziness or vertigo, should be supplemented with balance tests. Patients with symptoms of stroke would require urgent neurological consultation. Systemic corticosteroids are recommended as the first-line therapy, which is to be implemented immediately after the onset of the disease and no later than 14 days after it. Initial full doses of corticosteroids should be administered for 7 to 14 days, and should then be decreased over a similar period. Intratympanic corticosteroids can be used in patients who do not recover with systemic corticosteroids ("salvage therapy") or as an initial alternative treatment. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can be beneficial in some patients, if implemented within 14 days from the onset of SSNHL. No other drugs than corticosteroids, including antivirals, thrombolytics, vasodilators, vasoactive substances or antioxidants, should be routinely recommended to patients with idiopathic SSNHL due to a lack of documented efficacy and potential side effects. A 1/3 to 2/3 of cases of SSNHL may recover spontaneously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is to present innovative solutions to active packaging of food products. Definition, functions, division and application in food industry of active packaging is explained. Active substances, i.e. responsible for active functions, are able to absorb or emit oxygen, carbon dioxide, ethylene, flavors and aromas, regulate relative humidity atmosphere in the package and/or show the antibacterial and antioxidant effects. Active substances are placed in bags, strips or labels or they are included into packaging material. The purpose of active packaging is to extend the shelf life, the preservation of the organoleptic attributes of the products and to guarantee food safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The paper explains the action of the smart packaging. CO2 and O2 sensors, used in the MAP packaging, using colored chemical reactions in their action show the integrity of the packaging and/or the freshness and safety of a product. The mechanism of the colour change, relying on chemical and microbiological reactions, is used in time-temperature indicators: in prepackaged food that requires strict conservation temperature regime and biosensors for the detection of the presence of microbiological contamination in food. RFID tags are a separate type of labels in smart packaging, using electronic information in Wi-Fi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents the importance of electricity parameters in transient states for assessing the ability of an aircraft's power grid to self-regulate. It has been shown that the quality of electrical energy of an aircraft's power system is influenced by its operating time. Aging changes resulting from long-term operation of the power system cause deterioration of electrical energy parameters, which directly affects airworthiness and flying safety. Maintaining standard energy parameters in transient states is very important to ensure proper operation of the aircraft. The article describes the method of measuring the quality of electricity in transient states, and using the example of the DC power system of the Su 22 aircraft, the essence of its network diagnostics in transient states is presented. Also presented are sample results of research conducted by the authors regarding changes in electrical energy parameters in transient states of the Su 22 aircraft, obtained during its many years of operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, two different evaporation rates (30% and 50%) were applied to milk and banana, strawberry and cocoa milk jams were produced by adding 1.5% flavouring. This paper aims to mitigate intense heat typically used in traditional milk jam production, thereby reducing its adverse effects on the product. In addition to composition properties (dry matter, ash, fat and protein), acidity (titratable acidity and pH), HMF, total mesophilic aerobic bacteria, colour, texture, and sensory characteristics were determined at the 1st, 11th, and 21st storage days. The data indicated no change in the compositional properties of samples, while HMF values were lower in samples with higher evaporation rates (up to 50% dry matter) depending on the level of evaporation applied. Shorter boiling time of the same samples caused higher L* and hardness values. All the milk jam samples produced with varying evaporation levels and flavourings were found to have acceptable properti es. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents a short description of selected cereal species that do not contain gluten proteins, with the content of nutrients and bioactive compounds as well as cereal products used by the consumer. Gluten proteins and the importance of a gluten-free diet are discussed. It was emphasized that gluten-free cereal products contain less minerals, B vitamins and fiber, hence they should be enriched not only with pseudo-cereals, but also with other naturally gluten-free products, such as: vegetables and fruits, vegetable oils, legumes, eggs, unprocessed meat and fish, milk and natural dairy products. The safe products can be purchased not only in Poland, but also throughout Europe, and they are graphically marked with the licensed Crossed Grain mark. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the health-promoting properties of oats and their products, primarily food products, especially oat flakes. Based on a review of the literature, the basic information about this cereal and the chemical composition of oat grain are discussed, and according to the Central Statistical Office, the area, yield and harvest of Avena sativa L. Numerous studies have shown that oat products are functional foods. Scientific reports indicate that food with oats have unique health-promoting properties and should be included in the daily diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents the origin of the common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) and its nutritional value. The chemical composition of the seeds, the health-promoting properties of the fruit, and the potential for use in the food industry (groats, flour, flakes, breads, pastas, cookies), pharmaceuticals and herbal medicine (teas and herbal preparations, dietary supplements) were discussed. The health benefits of buckwheat honey are presented, as well as the use of buckwheat husk as a by-product for filling pillows, anti-decubitus mattresses, horns, bands or seats, which have a therapeutic effect. Buckwheat is a valuable agricultural crop due to its low soil requirements, high resistance to diseases and pests, high honey yield per hectare, in addition, it enriches the biodiversity of the fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ginkgo biloba is a tree species originally inhabiting eastern China. It has been used in traditional medicine in Asian countries for centuries. Due to the currently growing popularity of preparations containing active substances of G. biloba, used mainly to improve cognitive functions, the significance of the positive and negative effects of the use of these medical products should be considered. This paper reviews literature on the effects of G. biloba on human body. Particular attention was paid to possible side effects and interactions between preparations containing G. biloba and other drugs. The discussion part touched upon aspects of the pharmaceutical market and differences between individual countries in the context of indications and guidelines for the use of G. biloba preparations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses how Brazilian and Angolan national-popular songs were related in a space of cultural circulation on a transnational scale. For this goal, it takes as its object a tour of Brazilian musicians to Angola, in 1980, called Kalunga Project. It proposes an analytical path which apprehends the musical event as a heuristic object while it aims to investigate how the two national musical formations were confronted in their nationalization and internationalization strategies. It is an attempt to compare two musical realities, prioritizing an examination of the development of the Angolan national and popular music in the post-independence period, based on field study in Angola as well as an analysis of documentary and bibliographic sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The facial nerve, playing a crucial role in the expression of emotion and speech, is frequently affected by various disorders which may result in its paralysis. Facial nerve paralysis significantly affects patients' quality of life, impairing their ability to express emotions, speak, and consume food. This paper focuses on presenting methods for examining the facial nerve, as well as methods involved in the static treatment of lower facial paralysis. It also presents a detailed approach to diagnosis, including the assessment of facial symmetry and mobility, tests of motor, sensory, and autonomic functions. Furthermore, it provides an overview of treatment methods, involving static and dynamic techniques aimed at restoring facial symmetry and function. Finally, this paper emphasizes the significance of an individualized approach to each patient, as well as the relevance of a comprehensive evaluation to ensure an optimal treatment plan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article looks into the behind-the-scenes tussle accompanying the setting up of Wola Ludu (The Will of the People) as the chief organ of the Polish Peasants' Party PSL Piast, published in Warsaw in 1921-1931. It was one of several party papers that cropped up in the wake of infighting between factions led by Maciej Rataj, Jan Dąbski and Wincenty Witos. Although Wola Ludu aspired to be the key mouthpiece of PSL Piast, its history has attracted hardly any sustained research. This article examines, first of all, the politicians' memoirs and other personal sources, but it also employs the tools of media analysis to outline the profile of the Wola Ludu weekly and to find out what distinguishes it from other PSL papers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emollients are topical agents with moisturizing, lubricating and smoothing properties. The most important action of emollients is restoring the disturbed epidermal barrier. This effect is achieved by various mechanisms: occlusive properties, attraction and keeping the water within the stratum corneum and supplying the physiological lipids and peptides, that lack in the disturbed epidermis. The final effects of emollients are reduction of inflammation, decrease of pruritus and better appearance of the skin. Emollients are the essential part of the therapy of many inflammatory skin diseases with disturbed epidermal barrier. They are used in the treatment of atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, keratinization disorders, chronic eczema, pruritic diseases and many other dermatoses. Emollients are often the adjuvant therapy, which is used together with topical corticosteroids or calcineurin inhibitors. There are several possible types of therapy: continuous, intermittent or proactive. This paper summarizes the knowledge about emollients, their mechanisms of action, the indications and proper way of application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selective mutism is an anxiety disorder that is increasingly common in the preschool and early childhood population. There is a constant search for effective therapeutic, educational intervention approaches for children experiencing anxiety who cannot communicate freely in non-familial and, especially, educational settings. This paper therefore emphasises the role that educational institutions play or should play in this regard, especially in the areas of prevention, diagnosis, as well as support in relation to the social and emotional well-being and mental health of children and adolescents. The paper characterises the specificity of selective mutism. The diagnostic specifiers and aetiological factors are discussed. Potential difficulties in working with children with selective mutism, as well as forms of therapeutic and behavioural interventions that can be implemented in educational institutions are also discussed. The main conclusion of this study is that teachers, in cooperation with specialists working in schools, have a good insight and a broader view of the possibility to help students who experience anxiety in social relationships. They can support children and also their families in acquiring communication competences in the school environment, learning new adaptive skills and coping with difficult situations. This seems particularly important in a context where, unfortunately, reported research findings indicate that mental health indicators for children and adolescents are deteriorating very rapidly and the number of children in need of psychological and psychiatric support is steadily increasing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents the first Polish translation of a mini-series of six short poems about Hyella by Andrea Navagero (1483-1529). The selected works are part of Navagero's famous Latin poetry collection entitled Lusus. The translation is supplemented by an introduction and commentary notes. The Latin text reproduced in the paper is based on the edition of Lusus by Claudio Griggio (2001). The introduction presents the author's biography and includes a brief description of the whole collection. Navagero was a diplomat, a poet and the official historian of the Republic of Venice. Collected by friends in Orationes duae, carminaque nonnulla, his poems were edited posthumously in Venice in 1530. The most important part of Lusus are bucolic epigrams, a new form of Neo-Latin pastoral developed by Navagero. This minor lyric form called "pastoral play" (lusus pastoralis) gained recognition quickly and was widely imitated in 16th century. The collection also includes other literary genres - bucolic poems, elegies, and erotic poems. However, the most famous is the series of epigrams whose heroine or addressee is Hyella, a girl impossible to identify. The introduction presents a discussion about the sources and the interpretation of the love poems about Hyella (poems 21, 22, 28, 31, 32 and 37). The most important literary tradition from which Navagero draws inspiration is the Greek and Latin ancient epigram. For poem 21, the source is the Anacreontea 19, while poem 22 uses the motifs of the lamp and the night as the guardians of lovers, both popular in The Greek Anthology. For two other pieces, the direct source is the poetry of Catullus: poem 31 uses Catullus's carmen 5, while poem 32 combines motifs from Catullus's carmina 82, 92 and 109. In addition, in poem 28 we find similarities with Ausonius's epigram 9. Other important sources for Navagero were the poetry of Petrarch and the neo-Catullan poets, mostly Giovanni Pontano, Michele Marullo, and Cristoforo Landino. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper proposes at the new, detailed reading of Jan Kochanowski's Threnody XVII. While it does not aim to thoroughly challenge the previous interpretations of the text, it focuses on the significant elements, which have been largely omitted in the existing studies. Despite the fact that researchers usually pointed the presence of Job motives in the poem, they were not analyzed in a systematic way as a concise set of textual allusions, hidden in the whole cycle of lamentations. The close reading of the poem reveals the central position of the image of weighting the reason on the scales, its source being the 6th chapter of The Book of Job. In these following analyses, the image is interpreted as the fulcrum of the chiastic composition of Threnody XVII. Finally, the paper puts forth a working hypothesis that the identified set of Job motives associated with the chiastic composition could be related to the Hebrew concentric structure (inclusio), as examined by Roland Meynet. Arguably, the further, extensive research is needed to confirm such a tempting, yet still highly insecure assumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents methods of dependability assessment and safety of aeronautical engineering selected from scientific achievements of the Air Force Institute of Technology. Studying dependability and safety was preceded by the implementation of the computer system used for the support of the operational process and consisting of the following modules: recording, database and module for processing of operational information. The processing system was provided with the developed models and assessment algorithms. The dependability and safety of military aircraft are assessed by registering defects appropriately classified into causes and effects that determine certain factors and their correlation with aircraft incidents and accidents. A significant assessment factor is a failure flux parameter, damageability, and probability of performing an aircraft operation with or without failure to the aircraft. Favourable flight conditions and the occurring disruptions are taken into consideration. Correlation assessment between failure frequency and the probability of favourable operations enables us to evaluate the relationship between dependability and flight safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Paranoid states or traits can be present in various mental disorders; hence, their clarification is valuable for establishing a reliable nosological diagnosis. Clinical practice and literature on the subject highlight a range of defence mechanisms specific to the discussed nosological group. These mechanisms can impede the process of psychiatric and psychotherapeutic diagnosis and treatment. In contemporary evidence-based medical practice, the prevalent clinical approach is based on qualitative methods (e.g. free interviews and observations) complemented by standardised diagnostic tools. This approach assists the clinician in supplementing, organising, and objectifying clinical data related to the patient’s mental state. It is particularly beneficial for handling data that may be uncertain or unavailable in an observational study for various reasons. The article presents insightful and pragmatic theoretical, empirical, and case-related information on the potential application of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI-2) in the psychological diagnosis of patients with persistent delusional disorders. Methods: The paper explores theoretical issues and analyses a case study involving a female patient with a suspected diagnosis of delusional disorder and co-occurring personality disorder. In the case study, the authors employed qualitative methods, including observation and free psychological interview, and supplemented clinical data with insights gained through the use of a standardised psychometric method: the MMPI-2. Reflections and practical recommendations are divided into two groups. One group comprises the potential applications of the MMPI-2 in clinical psychological diagnosis. The other focuses on the importance of the diagnostic alliance and its roles in the process of planning the psychological diagnosis in patients with delusional disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Central auditory processing disorders (CAPD) occur in 2–7% of the population of school-age children. They are among the most severe neurodevelopmental disorders that impede learning progress irrespective of the child’s intellectual abilities, whether average or above-average. In this paper, the author delineates the unique nature of issues related to CAPD and discusses the special educational and developmental needs of pupils affected by the condition. Difficulties in children’s psychosocial and educational functioning, which may result from central auditory processing disorders, are described. In the subsequent section of the study, the author emphasises the role of the school environment in supporting and facilitating effective implementation of the assumptions of the core curriculum during early education. Following that, the author outlines the specific methodology required for working with pupils with CAPD. Children with central auditory processing disorders present with significantly more mental health problems than normally developing children in the general population. Working with children with CAPD at school requires a multifaceted approach, which may include adjustments in teaching, therapy, and emotional support. What is particularly important in this context is a personalised approach that considers individual needs and facilitates the child’s attainment of educational success. Teachers, in collaboration with psychologists and other specialists employed at school, should adjust their teaching methods to address the challenges children may face in processing sounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Echo z Polski (Echo from Poland) published in New York in 1863 was the first Polish-language newspaper to appear in the Western hemisphere. The oldest Polish humour magazine in the United States was Osa (The Wasp), started in New York by Julian Czupka in 1886. It lasted only a few months, but soon after its closure similar 'funny papers' — Bocian (The Stork), Kukuryku (Cock-a-doodle-do), Śmiech (Laughter), Zabawny Kuryerek (A Funny Little Courier), Kikier (The Squinty Eye) — sprang up in other American cities. This article outlines a history of the six oldest humour and satire magazines published for Polish readers in the USA in the 19th century and a handful of profiles of their editors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current administrative division of Poland has been in force for over twenty years in almost unchanged form, and thus seems "established" from the perspective of the third decade of the 21st century. Despite this, it continues to be assessed critically in the scientific community, and also among certain local groups. Controversies concern both the competences assigned to regional units of government, the number and area of existing units, and even the number of levels of division. Bearing in mind ideas on inclusive development (in the spatial dimension also) it is reasonable to consider perceptions of the state of affairs in place since 1999 among those who lack comparison with the previous situation, and might also be regarded as most excluded in this matter - young people associated with the Polish cities and regions recognised as marginalised by the country's current division into voivodeships (units of administration combining provincial and regional status). The work detailed in this article has thus sought to address research questions as follows: • What differences in perceptions of regional-capital characteristics can be identified among surveyed young people of school age, in line with the status of the city in which they study from the point of view of the administrative division in place currently? • Do surveyed high-school students from cities that lost "voivodeship capital" status in 1999 in fact display any "inferiority complex" towards surveyed pupils from cities that retained that status? • Are there any differences in perceptions of the city as regional centre among young people surveyed in former voivodeship cities, as opposed to currently-recognised capitals of voivodeships? And if so, in what aspects do such differences manifest themselves? • In line with the expressed opinions of the young people surveyed, are the regional functions served by the surveyed cities reflected in their actual rank in the settlement network? The necessary data were obtained via surveys conducted in 2020 by ex-students of the University of Warsaw. For this purpose, two slightly different versions of the questionnaire were constructed, assigned to cities either enjoying or not enjoying the status of voivodeship capital (Appendix 1). The selection of cities was based mainly on their potential to act as capitals of voivodeships not established after 1998, but appearing most frequently in the often-heated debate ongoing since that time. Such a criterion denotes the urban centres of Częstochowa, Kalisz, Koszalin, Płock, Radom and Słupsk (Fig. 1), given that these cities meet the criterion of having been voivodeship cities (capitals) under the administrative division present previously in Poland, and were also pointed to as regional centres in the 2030 Conception for the Spatial Development of the Country (Koncepcja Przestrzennego Zagospodarowania Kraju, KPZK). For comparative purposes, four voivodeship cities (currently recognised capitals) were included, with the selection being such as to ensure a de facto position in the settlement network similar to those taken by the 6 aforementioned centres, as well as similar demographic potential (Table 1). The cities identified on that basis were Gorzów Wielkopolski, Kielce, Toruń and Zielona Góra. The research conducted in such way provided for the drawing of a number of conclusions, some of which reflect those appearing in the public debate, as well as in other scientific studies not yet verified through more in-depth testing in actual society. For example, it is shown clearly that young people studying in voivodeship cities are more likely than peers in cities lacking that status to perceive their city as a regional capital, and at the same time, to understand the concept of the capital as perceived more broadly (Table 4). Young people in the non-voivodeship cities mostly pay attention to the capitals' administrative function, while they are less likely than their peers from the voivodeship capitals to invoke educational and cultural functions (Table 5, Fig. 3). However, the choices of the surveyed young people offered no basis to suggest the presence of an "inferiority complex" as a manifestation of social marginalisation among people from the cities not serving as capitals of voivodeships. Nevertheless, differences in a young person's perception of "their own" city could be identified clearly, in line with the status conferred by the administrative division in force. This is seen in particular in the context of migration (outflow of population), as well as the uneven distribution of funds and investments. People from the experimental group were more likely to notice that their centre was being treated unfairly in these respects than were people from the control group (appreciating that the city in which they were at school was privileged). In turn, young people studying in the voivodeship capital cities were more inclined to point to the educational offer being better in the capital as compared with other cities in the same voivodeship (Table 6). A further valuable conclusion reflects the almost complete lack of evidence for a relationship between the actual number of service facilities in the cities surveyed and respondents' answers as to the perception of functions adequate for a regional centre. This may not in fact be surprising, given that the question in the survey did not concern perceptions of the functions of the city in which respondents actually studied, but was rather aimed at discerning young people's opinions on functions adequate for a hypothetical regional capital. The testing sought to identify the impact on respondents' answers of a given city's specialisation in certain services. In the event, the existence of such a connection could not be shown. A correlation was noted between the general provisioning of services in surveyed centres and respondents' perceptions of them as regional capitals (Fig. 4), but the strength was such as to suggest that other (as-yet-unidentified) factors were also involved. The research detailed here can be seen as pioneering in a number of respects, and touches on various issues pertinent to the way in which Poland's current administrative division at provincial/regional level is perceived. More research in this area is thus required to further confirm, or deny, the relationships and conclusions presented here. It is nevertheless clear that findings of importance to the discussed issue are present in this paper, and may serve as input in what is a still-raging debate on the administrative division of Poland into voivodeships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inequalities and disparities across space are the result of an unequal distribution of resources and income in and between specific areas. It is primarily on the quality and abundance of internal resources and the level of economic use made of them that regional and local development depends. Resources constitute the competitive advantage regions enjoy and are largely responsible for determining their specialisation and economic functions. It is widely assumed that the activation of a region's internal potential has a positive effect on the living conditions of its residents and allows for the most-effective use of resources in support of regional development. Such an assumption is guided by the theoretical concepts of territorial capital (Camagni, 2008), endogenous capabilities (Scott and Storper, 2003) or local conditions and local networking (Fujita et al., 1999). The root cause of spatial inequality appears to lie in natural resources (even if this the more-general geographical location, or the more-specific presence of raw materials, or environmental conditions). These are deemed to have shaped settlement, migration flows, the development of infrastructure in regions, and their economic specialisation. The result of the outworking of all these processes and phenomena is for areas of differentiated socio-economic development to have developed. As an example, the countries of the European Union suffer from pronounced socioeconomic disparities between regions (Petrakos et al., 2005; Psycharis et al., 2020), even as it is worth noting that, while inequalities between countries are decreasing gradually, inter-regional disparities within countries are actually increasing (Perrons, 2012; Kemenyi Storper, 2020). Very pronounced manifestations concern urban versus rural areas, as it is particularly in agglomeration areas that the labour market, public infrastructure, the services and manufacturing sectors are all concentrated, with the result being a shaping of decidedly-higher wages and levels of wellbeing defined broadly, as compared with rural areas. Associated with the disparities is the concept of the area (or region) lagging behind, and thus being deemed problematic, depressed, peripheral, handicapped, etc. The connotations of these terms are such as to denote territories characterised by certain phenomena and processes that are negative, and indeed more negative than in other areas. Given that consistent negativity, this study has treated the different concepts as if they were synonyms, given that what counts is that the territories in question represent negative values on the axis of spatial inequality. In recent years, increasing scientific attention has been focused on the social and political consequences of spatial inequalities, which have gained repeat description in the context of a threat being posed to social cohesion and potentially entailing political breakdown, even as injustice and marginalisation are present. Social discontent is then reflected in the rise of populist and contesting parties that target the establishment. And so to the core purpose of the work described here, which has sought to determine the consequences of spatial inequality (disparities) as manifested in the political sphere. To that end, this paper begins with a characterisation of the way in which research approaches to problem areas and social discontent have evolved. That then leads into the analysis of voter preferences founded upon comparison of two constituencies (Electoral Districts) located in problem areas of both NW and SE Poland, by reference to the results for the Polish Sejm (Lower House) recorded at the last four elections (of 2011, 2015, 2019 and 2023). The results in these case studies were contrasted with nationwide political preferences, as well as results in a District considered one of Poland's most-developed socioeconomically. A common thesis in the literature as to the populist preferences of problem-area residents gained tentative acceptance. The study was carried out within the framework of a research project entitled "Social and political consequences of spatial inequality: a case study of Central and Eastern Europe", which has involved scientific teams from Poland, the Czech Republic and Germany. The results from the case studies (focusing on the Electoral Districts of Koszalin (in NW Poland) and Chełm (SE)) were contrasted with nationwide political orientations and results from one of the most-elite (and thus implicitly least-populist) localities in Poland, i.e. Poznań. The comparisons made were able to confirm the thesis regarding the more-populist voting preferences of problem-area residents. However, on the Polish political scene, populism cannot necessarily be said to represent a specific ideology on the left-right axis, rather showing a potential to attract voters whose preferences have developed either in local conservative or more-progressive milieus. More ideologically expressive parties, on both the right and the left, obtained comparable and higher results in problem areas than nationwide in both types of community. On the other hand, mainstream parties aware of the potential behind populist factions, are adjusting their electoral programmes to compete for the votes of the "discontented" communities in "left-behind" areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the paper was to verify the degree of success of involving stakeholders in the process of implementation and monitoring of regional operational programmes in Poland in the 2014–2020 financial perspective in relation to the horizontal partnership rule. Based on the collected research materials, a typology of the stakeholder involvement forms was established by breaking down the following: formal involvement, selective involvement, cooperative involvement, and strategic inclusivity (the latter has not yet been implemented in Poland). As shown by the ROP monitoring committees’ functioning practices, the stakeholder involvement degree varies in specific regions and the most common involvement forms are formal and selective, which unfortunately means that a culture of dialogue and cooperation between administration and external environment representatives is not yet developed in Poland. The main research finding is that specific conditions and development problems of voivodeships are the determinants of the degree of specific stakeholder class involvement in appropriate Committees. These factors determine the regional public policies profile and thereby affect the decisions of ROP managing authorities when selecting cooperation partners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osualdus de Lasko (OFM Obs, ca. 1450--1511) composed two sermon collections, which were published in print at the end of the fifteenth and the beginning of the sixteenth centuries. However, the readers of his books did not know the name of the author, who was only introduced as "quodam frater hungarus ordinis minorum de observantia". This paper considers this option for anonymity as a premise for further investigating Osualdus' identity as an author of sermons and as a preacher, intending to answer questions such as: How is Osualdus presenting or representing himself as an author/preacher? For what reasons and purpose did he compile these sermon collections? How were his homiletic works related to real preaching? Which was his ideal of a preacher? How relevant are the Franciscan affiliation and Hungarian origins for his identity? Grounded on the idea that the author is embedded in his text, this essay explores the prologues of Osualdus' works and three of his sermons that discuss precisely about preaching's agents, role, and beneficiaries. The analysis emphasizes that Osvalus' vision of the ideal preacher and self-representation as author of sermons is shaped by Franciscan concepts of humility, renunciation and imitatio Christi. Anonymity is also presented as a possible sign of humbleness, in the spirit of Franciscan values. Similarly, his understanding of the goal of spreading the Word of God follows the mission of the Friars Minor in general, and their actions in Hungary in particular: fighting heterodox beliefs, converting heretics and schismatic, defending and strengthening faith at the margins of Christendom. Osualdus' concern for the catechization of simple people might have also been a consequence of the local experience of Franciscans and their contact with the peasantry in their rural convents. The paper concludes that in Osualdus' case anonymity is not intended to hide or disguise his identity, which is clearly defined around the two elements used as a signature: the Hungarian origins and the Franciscan affiliation. His authority as a preacher and author of sermons resided in his special commission as a member of the Order of Friars Minor and his messages were mainly intended for the local public and for the safeguard of his homeland. The name of the author/preacher was most probably known to his primary audience. Only for the distant readers of his texts the author became anonymous, but they were made aware of the essential components of its identity, representative for the content as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents aspects of Stefan Szuman's activities and passions that influenced both his scientific interests and friendships. He was involved in various forms of fine arts: painting, wood carving, hand weaving, poetry writing and joint music making in small home bands. For both him and Zofia Szuman - his beloved wife - aesthetic impressions were extremely important for building up their lifestyle and creating relationships with others, including famous Polish painter - Stanisław Ignacy Witkiewicz (Witkacy), philosopher - Roman Ingarden and writer - Bruno Schulz. The paper references the old family correspondence which creates genuine and trustworthy foundation for the image of their lives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents Stefan Szuman as a multidimensional person both in his personal life and academic work. He was characterised by his academic knowledge in several areas: medicine, psychology and art. He communicated with professionals from various fields - philosophy, pedagogy, literary studies, linguistics and musicology - such as: Witkacy, Bruno Schulz or Jan Puget. In his research, he was interested in topics related to mental development (the essence of development; developmental factors; cognitive, emotional, personality changes), education, teaching (students' attention, teaching skills) and communing with art. He used different research methods: observation, conversation, quasi-experiment and tests. He presented the results of his researches using appropriate and sophisticated language. The paper shows the current remembrance of Szuman and his works both through public events (e.g. art exhibitions) and conferences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Temporary work is one form of flexible employment. In recent years, it has gained considerable importance bringing benefits to both the employee and the user employer. This paper presents the legal regulation of temporary work. It points out the essence of this form of employment and its three-party nature, describing the conditions of temporary work employment relating to the contract between the temporary employee and the Temporary Employment Agency. The paper also clarifies the contract between the user employer and the Temporary Employment Agency, the time limitations of concluding a temporary employment contract, as well as the obligations of the user employer and the Temporary Employment Agency. The final section points out the rights, obligations and entitlements of the temporary employee. It concludes with an assessment of the legal regulation of this form of employment, points out its weaknesses and possible further amendments, which in effect constitutes a presentation of the author's de lege ferenda postulates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the operation of aero-engines (turbine and piston engines), wear processes occur in tribological nodes, which significantly affect the reliability and safety of flight operations. This paper presents aspects of tribological diagnostics of aircraft engines based on periodic testing of lubricant samples in laboratories. Firstly, the object of research with its design features, operating parameters and used lubricants is presented, as well as the theoretical basis of tribological testing. This was followed by a description of the testing methods used in tribological diagnostics of aero-engines, taking into account lubricant degradation and contamination processes, standards, testing methodologies and operating experience described in the literature, including the machine failure curve. Next, the capabilities of the testing methods are illustrated with results from periodic tribological testing of turbine engines, obtained at an accredited tribological systems diagnostics laboratory. In the following section, the role of trend analysis and statistical criteria in the process of diagnosing and managing the risk of operation of aero-engines, exploited according to both their technical condition and planned maintenance, was indicated. Then, the possibility of improving the reliability of tribological diagnostics of aero-engines on the basis of experience from industry - real-time monitoring of selected tribological parameters - was signalled. In conclusion, the high efficiency and role of tribological diagnostics in maintaining the operational safety of a fleet of different aircraft types is indicated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adverse drug reactions are still a growing practical problem in pharmacotherapy. Adverse drug reactions may occur during treatment in the intensive care unit (ICU) or result in admission to the ICU, and in the latter case, pharmacotherapy should always be modified if it is a source of complications. From a practical point of view, observations from Polish ICUs indicate that the use of fluoroquinolone chemotherapeutics is not always rational. Fluoroquinolones are broad-spectrum antibacterials, also with good oral bioavailability and optimal distribution parameters. Their indications in the ICU include the treatment of urinary tract infections, pneumonia, gastrointestinal infections, and infections of the skin, subcutaneous tissue and joints. Fluoroquinolones may cause side effects with a different clinical picture, which in most cases are predictable and active prevention. The paper discusses important from the practical point of view complications that may occur during the use of fluoroquinolones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brain death is defined as the irreversible loss of all brain function, including the brainstem function in the absence of factors that may confound the assessment. The three essential findings in brain death are non-reactive coma, absence of brainstem reflexes and apnea. The diagnostic process consists of two stages. In the first of them, the cause of irreversible brain damage should be recognized and conditions interfering with the diagnostic process should be identified. In the second, a cranial nerve reflex test and an apnea test should be performed. In the event of the presence of factors preventing the full performance of the clinical examination or interfering with its result, instrumental examination should be performed. Currently, there is no uniform diagnostic procedure in the world. The WBDP attempted to create a uniform way of recognizing brain death. The results of the work in the form of a minimum diagnostic standard were published in 2020. In Poland, the last revision of the brain death criteria was made in 2019. In this paper, the main recommendations of WBDP experts were compared with Polish guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide. There has been a worrying occurrence of increasing morbidity in humans. The problem in modern cardiology is the fact that more and more often the patient's condition, as well as changes in imaging tests, are ambiguous and changeable. Therefore, in addition to known and routinely used biomarkers in cardiology, research on new diagnostic tools is constantly underway. New biomarkers are needed to predict cardiovascular events and optimize the entire decision-making process faster. A thorough analysis of their clinical usefulness is extremely important, therefore the aim of this paper is to discuss new markers used in cardiology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose/Thesis: This article introduces the Corpus of Polish Science of Science Journals (CPSSJ), a specialized corpus created to support research in the field of science of science and its development in Poland. Approach/Methods: The construction of the corpus was based on the digitization of previously non-digitized articles and the retrieval of articles from scientific journal websites and digital libraries. The documents were processed by various natural language processing methods. Results and Conclusions: The capabilities of the CPSSJ are demonstrated through a topic modeling analysis of the Nauka Polska journal. The current iteration of the CPSSJ incorporates 12 Polish science of science journals published between 1918 and 2020, comprising a total of 51,822 documents. Research Limitations: The study acknowledges limitations of the corpus, particularly in the context of natural language processing and optical text recognition. While acknowledging some limitations, the article also explores opportunities for the future development of corpus. Practical Implications: In the future, the corpus could facilitate the reconstruction of discourses related to science and higher education in Poland, thus enhancing the recognition of Polish science of science globally. Originality/Value: The construction of this corpus represents an original undertaking, involving the digitization and processing of science of science papers. This effort resulted in the creation of a unique tool for discourse analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper aims to provide an overview of the major opportunities and challenges of the fourth phase of globalization, characterized by a high level of economic and geopolitical complexity and uncertainty. AI holds tremendous potential in enabling progress in all segments of society. Rapid technological change raises urgent questions around equity, transparency, privacy and security. And while the technology governance debate is often framed around the trade-off between national security and personal privacy, a growing issue is the dominance of technology firms in the marketplace. Surveillance capitalism challenges democratic norms and departs in key ways from the centuries long evolution of market capitalism. There are many positives to technological development, but technology and AI should be designed and used in ways that respect mental autonomy, maintaining the freedom to think as we wish and to make up our minds free of hidden influences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The inspiration for the research undertaken by the authors was the thoughts and ideas found in the scientific output of the late Lech W. Zacher. At one of the scientific conferences, we had the honor of hearing for the first time the speech of this distinguished scientist. The paper delivered by the Professor dealt with many contexts of the evolution of the modern world. According to the scientist's opinion, techniques and technology are changing the whole world and each of us. The future is fraught with various states of uncertainty and a significant risk of self-destruction of the world as we know it. It is up to humans to cope with the growing number of problems. The article is divided into two parts, which are closely related. Its first part presents an assessment of economic changes in the world economy between 2000 and 2020. The study formulates a hypothesis, according to which the information technology revolution, as well as institutional and legal changes and the rise of meaning of transnational corporations have led to the activation of the process of disintegration of the existing world economic order. The study assumes that the tumultuousness and the multitudinousness of the phenomena at that time made it much more difficult to control economic processes, especially from the position of national economies. In the second part of the article, the authors present and explain the new geopolitical system taking shape in the world, which is a derivative of the economic changes described earlier. According to the authors, the current state of knowledge and observations of socioeconomic phenomena in the world allow us to formulate a thesis according to which the digital and technologized world described for many years by L.W. Zacher is becoming increasingly chaotic, fluid and unpredictable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses the origin of the Proto-Slavic ornithonym *čižь / *čižьkъ / *čižikъ m. 'common siskin, Spinus spinus L.'. The Eurasian siskin is a well known and easily recognizable songbird whose characteristic voice sounds like the repetitive chirp of čí-čí [ʧi:-ʧi:]. The onomatopoeic explanation, which was adopted many times in the literature on the subject, can only be justified after the first palatalization of the guttural consonants in the Proto-Slavic language, dated to the middle of the first millennium BCE. Thus, the Proto-Slavic term for 'siskin' is innovative from the point of view of the Balto-Slavic phonology. We cannot decide whether the ancestors of the Slavs themselves created the ornithonym *čižь / *čižьkъ / *čižikъ on the onomatopoeic basis in the late phase of the development of the Proto-Slavic language, or rather borrowed it from a foreign source. The voiced phoneme *-ž-, disturbing the native "onomatopoeic" origin, seems to support the hypothesis of foreign-language borrowing. In this article it is suggested that the source of the alleged loanword was probably the Proto-Uralic term *čičä(-kä) ~ *činčä(-kä) denoting 'little songbird' (clearly preserved in Saami, Permian, Ugric and Samoyed languages), presumably already functioning at the time of the collapse of the Uralic community (i.e. in the fourth millennium BCE), and therefore several millennia older than the Proto-Slavic term for 'siskin'. The author assumes that (in all probability) the Proto-Slavs took over this Uralism through an unidentified Finno-Ugric substrate that left various traces in the Proto-Slavic vocabulary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the author shares some comments on the exhibition Wisła królowa polskich rzek (The Vistula River: The Queen of the Polish Rivers) organized in the National Museum in Cracow (29.03.2022-4.09.2022). The curator Iwona Długopolska gathered maps, atlases, engravings and literary works from the 16th-mid 19th centuries from the collection of the National Museum. All of them deal with the Vistula River. The author focuses on the cultural dimensions of the representations of the river. At the beginning of the paper, there are remarks about the physiology of viewing. The author stresses the fact that exhibitions can be a way of carrying out historical research. In the next parts, he puts forth a classification of the interpretations of the river as a cultural phenomenon into four major groups, i.e. the economy, the war, the city and the expressions of the Polish national identity. He also links literary works by Polish authors with the visual representations of the Vistula. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reflecting the changing statistical practice in psychological research, dominated by null hypothesis testing using a decision about the level of significance of the results, the recommendations are indicated for reporting effect sizes in papers. The study presents the concept of the effect size and indicates its place in data analysis regarding to outcome’s significance. The purpose of the work is to describe selected effect size indicators and to point the need of use and their proper presentation and interpretation in social sciences empirical work data analysis reports. Considering statistical analysis approach limits based on significance level only, the study presents the possibility of including in the data analysis an indicator of a more practical use which is the size of the effect. By using the most popular analysis methods, such as, Student t-test, univariate analyses of variance in between- and within-group schemes as well as Wilcoxon test, Mann-Whitney’s U, Kruskal-Wallis H, Friedman’s test and considering analysis for qualitative data, matched to research plans indicators of the effect size were presented. The paper presents the use, calculation and interpretation of the size effect such as: Cohen’s d, Hedges g, delta, Glass’s rg, matched pairs correlation rc, eta-square, omega-square and epsilon-square, Kendall’s W and fi, Cramer’s V as well as odds ratio and relative risk. The presentation of the effect size indicators was contrasted with the corresponding research plans and the type of data collected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on the restoration of forest ecosystems highlighting the importance of ecological features. The focus is furthermore on a global perspective, with analyses taking in the main aspects of forest degradation and restoration from both theoretical and practical standpoints. Particular emphasis is placed on environmental policy as pursued currently, first and foremost in regard to the main instrument of ecosystem restoration that is constituted by the United Nations' Decade thereof, running from 2021-2030 (in accordance with UN Resolution A/Res/73/284). The article points to the linkage between policies seeking to counteract forest degradation on the one hand, and on the other to achieve the conservation of biodiversity, the protection of land, and both mitigation of and adaptation to climate change. Stress is further placed on an appropriate hierarchy of strategies seeking to improve the state of the world's forests. While conservation, restoration and reforestation are the three main directions to Sustainable Forest Management, it is the first of the three that must always be emphasised first and foremost. The study work at the heart of this article highlights a need for worldwide acceleration of the processes restoring forest ecosystems. Following the logic of interrelations between degradation and restoration, the problem of ecosystem degradation is first turned to, with an analysis of global deforestation also incorporated. Trends as regards the loss of forest and of tree cover in general over in the last 30 years are presented, with the basis for this examination being data from the FAO's Forest Resource Assessment and Global Forest Watch. Furthermore, forest degradation and deforestation have been proceeding to an advanced degree in recent decades. In this way major losses have afflicted tropical forests and the so-called Intact Forest Landscapes. Importantly, many international commitments have now been taken on, with ambitious targets set in regard to the need for both deterioration of forest and the loss of tree cover to be stemmed. However, as the New York Declaration on Forests and other instruments make clear, most of the targets set for 2020 were not actually achieved. In its consideration of the theoretical foundations of forest-ecosystem restoration, this paper reflects upon resilience, the recovery of native ecosystems, and the process of natural regeneration. The main contemporary paradigms to the theory and practice of forest-ecosystem restoration are here demonstrated, with the basis of the enquiry being formulae for the restoration of ecosystems elaborated by the Society of Ecological Restoration. Quite a large part of the study has been devoted to the Forest Landscape Restoration approach, with a presentation of the main FLR options as elaborated by the FLR Global Partnership. Two dominant types of FLR ('wide-scale' and 'mosaic restoration') are here integrated, while examples of challenging actions in the field of forest-ecosystem restoration have been provided, including AFR100, The Great Green Wall for the Sahara and Sahel, the 20 x 20 Initiative, and the Trillion Trees Campaign. Taking into account the importance of the latest EU activity in the field of nature protection, remarks are made in regard to the 2022 Nature Restoration Law. The discussion brings to light certain aspects of criticism vis-à-vis the pursuit of forest restoration, which are to be found in the subject literature. This signals a problem of the conservation of forests being overshadowed by careless application of activities driven by climate-change policies. As numerous scientists demonstrate (see e.g. the Kew Declaration on reforestation..., 2021), this practice frequently leads to the mass-planting of fast-growing trees of exotic species, sometimes even invasive. In this way a threat may actually be posed to the ecological richness and valuable landscape features the given area possesses. Indeed, the present study underlines repeatedly the significance of natural and native ecosystems. However it also puts emphasis on the multi-purpose nature of the effort, the need for a holistic approach to be taken, and the importance of context as projects seeking the restoration of forest ecosystems are planned and implemented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is to indicate how the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic may determine the key directions of urban spatial policy in Poland. Therefore, the following aspects have been analyzed: the guidelines arising from the medical point of view (in terms of health policy priorities) and the key theses of the international scientific discussion on changes in urban spatial policies. Based on the above analysis as well as on the indicated current possibilities of planning solutions in Poland, recommendations will be developed on the directional issues of urban spatial policy. The paper will determine to what extent individual postulates can be implemented in the Polish reality. Recommendations developed in this way will reflect a universal dimension – making it possible to refer to the majority of development and spatial documents of Polish cities (in particular development strategies and studies of spatial development conditions and directions). An important contribution of the paper will also be an attempt to take an interdisciplinary approach to the medical and urban planning perspective and translate it into concrete postulates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents conclusions from the observation of the First Citizens’ Assembly organized in Wrocław, Poland, in 2020. The paper starts with placing the panel within the most recent developments in the democratic theory followed by an empirical case study based on covert non-participant observation, document analysis, and personal interviews. In conclusion, the paper shows that while citizens’ assembly is a promising method for engaging citizens in decision-making processes, it poses numerous challenges, especially in terms of framing, organizing, and moderating the educational and deliberative stages of the process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alfonso X of Castile, also known as Alfonso the Wise was one of the most eminent Medieval rulers of the Kingdom of Castile and León. This paper presents selected facts from his life, especially highlighting his achievements as a patron of science and literature, as well as propagator of the vernacular language, i.e. Castilian. A special focus herein will be on the code Siete Partidas. Written under Alfonso's auspices, this text describes knightly customs and combines the features of fiction and legal documents. The paper consists of two parts: a commentary and a translation of Title XXI of Partida II. The commentary presents the essential information on Alfonso X, including his legislative activities connected to Siete Partidas, and also the significance of the code for Spanish legislation, the contents of the seven books (partidas), as well as its authorship. In order to provide some background of the knightly culture on the Iberian Peninsula in the 13th century, knighthood rights are also presented on the basis of other contemporary texts on related subjects, such as Ramon Llull's The Book of the Order of Chivalry or the French anonymous treatise L'ordene de chevalerie. The translation presented in the second part of the article is the first and the only Polish version of a fragment of Siete Partidas dealing with duties, privileges and also customs. Prepared on the basis of the critical edition by Jerry R. Craddock and Jesús Rodríguez Velasco, the translation attempts to grasp the nature of the original language and content, providing notes, which facilitate comprehension of particularly challenging problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]