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The National Library of Poland holds three historical collections with a unified visual form. The arrangement of the Wilanów collection was carried out in the first half of the nineteenth century, whereas the Krasiński collection was arranged in the early twentieth century respectively the 1950's or 1960's in the case of drawings by Norwid. This contribution describes the structure of mountings found in these collections, as well as the historical context in which they were created. It serves as a starting point to provide an outline of the history of conservation methods and preservation of prints' and drawings' collections in Poland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The National Library of Poland holds three historical collections with a unified visual form. The arrangement of the Wilanów collection was carried out in the first half of the nineteenth century, whereas the Krasiński collection was arranged in the early twentieth century respectively the 1950's or 1960's in the case of drawings by Norwid. This contribution describes the structure of mountings found in these collections, as well as the historical context in which they were created. It serves as a starting point to provide an outline of the history of conservation methods and preservation of prints' and drawings' collections in Poland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A small repository in a cathedral in Poland, storing severely damaged books, was investigated with regard to insects and fungi. Entomological and microbiological surveys were performed to estimate the extent of the infestation and the microbial deterioration of the books. Most of the books were attacked by insects although to varying degrees. They were damaged by tunnels bored by the larvae and filled with larval faeces. Some living larvae and many dead adult beetles were found in the books or in the frass. The larvae and most of the beetles were identified as the common deathwatch beetle Xestobium rufovillosum (DeGeer, 1774). The development of Xestobium rufovillosum in books is an unusual case and has rarely been mentioned in the literature. Several books in the repository were also covered by microfungi, especially by Chaetomium murorum, Ch. elatum, Myxotrichum chartarum, Stachybotrys atra and Epicoccum nigrum. The temperature in the repository varied, depending on the season of the year (2.6 °C – 26.2 °C), while the relative humidity was high (constantly above 65 %). The concentration of the fungal bioaerosol was very high (4,120 cfu/m3). The article includes a list of recommendations pertaining to the elimination of the microorganisms and insects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines digital archiving policies of open access (OA) electronic scholarly journals in Central Europe. The research sample consists of 1589 journals from nine Central European countries registered in the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ). Results show that of the 1589 journals, 69% of them have an archiving policy. In terms of the number of indexed journals, Poland ranks first with 592 journals. Switzerland is at the forefront of digital archiving with 89% of archived journals. It was also found that Portico and national libraries are the most widely used archives, and that 19% of the preserved journals are archived in more than one archive. A preliminary analysis was also conducted to investigate the possible existence of a relationship between journal rank and digital archiving. The results show a higher number of JCR indexed titles, as well as a higher ranking, among archived journals. The paper also compares the status of archiving policies among Asian and Central European countries. The results reveal that archived journals are significantly more represented in Central European countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article describes a cultural and chronological analysis of artifacts from the late La Tène period, which were discovered in the Prosna and Warta rivers in Poland. Imported items such as brooches, painted ceramics, mirrors, and knot rings were found, while coins and blacksmithing products were locally produced. Gold coins were also found in the Janków II settlement, indicating the presence of a mint. In addition, rich graves of blacksmiths and armed individuals were discovered, indicating a flourishing power center of the Celtic Rix. The findings suggest that the area between the Prosna and Warta rivers was controlled by a Celtic faction within the Przeworsk culture at the end of the La Tène period. [Extracted from the article]

The article describes the results of a materials science analysis of artifacts from Grave 89 at the cemetery of Karzec in central Poland. The findings suggest a possible specialization in the metallurgical craft of the Lusatian culture during the Late Bronze Age. Reference is also made to similar burials in the Lusatian culture. The analysis of the casting molds shows different stages of production and indicates increased mobility of the craftsman. The results of the investigations are presented in the form of spectra and tables. It is recommended to conduct further research using modern analytical methods to verify these hypotheses. [Extracted from the article]

The essay "Early agricultural settlement of the periphery of the loess uplands and its paleoecological context - a case study of the Iłża Piedmont (southern Poland)" examines the relationship between the settlement of prehistoric agricultural societies and the occurrence of local loess deposits in Central Europe. The results show that there was already a close connection between the settlement of these areas and the fertile soils, favorable geomorphological, and hydrological conditions in the early Neolithic period. The research findings indicate the flexibility and adaptability of early farmers, which allowed them to settle even less fertile areas outside the loess uplands. [Extracted from the article]

The article describes the archaeological excavations in Brzoza, Poland, which took place from 2015 to 2018. During this time, 11,000 flint objects were discovered, which are attributed to the Late Paleolithic techno-complex with flint points. The excavations focused on exploring a dune barrier to find cultural objects in the primary deposition area. The findings show similarities with the Ahrensburg and Sviderian cultures, as well as the Bromme culture. The results of the investigations suggest that the findings date back to the Late Paleolithic period and are likely from the Younger Dryas period. The Brzoza complex plays an important role in the research of the Late Paleolithic in northern Poland. [Extracted from the article]

Vor mehr als sechzig Jahren veröffentlichte J. Kostrzewski einen Artikel Ze studiów nad wczesnym okresem żelaznym w Polsce (Studien über die ältere Eisenzeit in Polen). Es war das Ergebnis jahrelanger Recherchen, Lektüren und Rückfragen, die in einer Zeit turbulenten ersten Hälfte des 20. Jahrhunderts durchgeführt wurden. Diese Arbeit ist nach wie vor eine der grundlegenden Studien zur Chronologie von Ha C und Ha D in Polen. Ein wichtiger Teil dieses Textes war die Analyse der „kuyavischen Bronzen", die in der Literatur auch als „Stanomin-Schmuckstücke" bezeichnet werden, benannt nach dem Hort von Stanomin. Neue Funde und die Ergebnisse von 14C- und dendrochronologischen Untersuchungen haben unser Bild von den kulturellen Prozessen im früheisenzeitlichen Polen erheblich verändert. Die Datierung der „kuyavischen Bronzen" und die Deutung der mit ihnen verbundenen Phänomene war bislang kein Gegenstand einer umfassenden Studie. Im vorliegenden Text konzentriert sich der Autor auf diese Fundgruppe, da er diese als eine der wichtigsten Kategorien von Metallartefakten für die Kenntnis der chronologischen Variabilität der frühen Eisenzeit in Polen betrachtet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper examines three sites of the late Bronze Age and early Iron Age Lausitz culture in northeastern Poland, as well as the interaction between humans and the environment. The circular structures of these sites have a uniform location and structure, consisting of a protective area with ditches and ramparts, as well as a central area with a flat space. It is believed that these structures were possibly used as enclosures for livestock grazing and indicate intensive agricultural use of the surrounding area. It is assumed that a stable socio-administrative-religious center for the population of the Lausitz culture developed here. The study was conducted in the Podlaskie Voivodeship. The study examines the late Bronze Age and early Iron Age in the Podlasie region. Through the use of laser scanning, 27 settlement structures were discovered, mainly located in the valleys of the Biebrza and Narew rivers. These structures have similarities in terms of location, shape, and size. They consist of a protective and a central area and can be divided into three types with one, two, or three ditches. Archaeological and geoarchaeological investigations were carried out to analyze the environmental contexts, construction, and function of selected settlement sites. The results indicate a dating to the late Bronze Age and early Iron Age. The article describes archaeological investigations at the sites of Jatwieź Duża, Kościuki, and Filipy in Podlasie, Poland. The sites show circular structures with diameters of up to 100 meters. The investigations revealed that the structures likely date from the 7th to late 5th century BC and belong to the local Lusatian culture. The sites are of great importance for the study of settlement patterns and interactions between humans and the environment in the region. Bronze Age settlements have also been discovered near the sites. The study examines the settlement patterns of the Lausitz culture in Podlasie and their interaction with the environment. Two zones with different characteristics are identified: the outer space, consisting of depressions and raised areas, and the flat center, where no settlement traces were found. The function of these sites is difficult to determine, but it is believed that they may have been used as grazing areas for livestock. Anthropogenic deforestation was limited, but locally it may have led to soil erosion and peat sedimentation. The study concludes that the Lausitz culture in Podlasie developed a stable settlement system and utilized the natural environment through the introduction of a production economy. The text contains a list of references to various scientific works and publications dealing with topics such as geomorphology, climate and environmental changes, and prehistoric settlement in Poland. The mentioned authors and works provide information on various aspects of geographical and geological development in the region. Archaeological excavations and geophysical investigations are also mentioned, contributing to the study of landscape history. [Extracted from the article]

This paper focuses on the specifics of the general and business language training in the modern business services industry in Poland. The primary research objective is to determine the relevant characteristics of the outsourcing branch in the internal, general and professional training. These are relevant in terms of adapting, updating or modifying German as a foreign language-oriented teacher training in German Philology studies in Poland. Thus innovative, contemporary tailor-made didactic solutions, methods, means and techniques can be implemented, and graduates can be provided with more efficient professional language training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A fragmentarily preserved Byzantine icon made of steatite was discovered in 2015 during regular excavations in Chełm, eastern Poland. Identified as the left wing of a diptych illustrating the Twelve Great Feasts and created at the close of the 12th century, the find is one of the most important and beautiful Byzantine artefacts to have been found in Poland. The icon was uncovered within the confines of the palace complex which was created by Daniel (Danylo) Romanovych († 1264) in Chełm in the second quarter of 13th century. The icon, even though it was found within the borders of what is now Poland, is material evidence of contact between Byzantium and the social elite of the Galicia-Volhynia lands, rather than with the Polish Piasts.In this paper we concentrated on the presentation of the archaeological context of the find, which made it possible to establish that the icon arrived Chełm before the middle of the 13th century (terminus ante quem 1253), and especially on petrographic and traceological analyses of the icon.Assuming that greenish plaques were indeed the most characteristic steatite icon type, a decision was made to examine, apart from the Chełm artefact made from white rock, a greenish icon from the National Museum in Krakow as well.Petrographic analyses were based on optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectrometry (SEM-EDS) and X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD). Both icons were carved in steatite i. e. talc rich rock but their chemical compositions indicate the presence of other components. Artifact from Chełm is white. Porous, enriched in potassium (K) and locally blistering outer rim of the icon from Chełm was formed probably during the fire event. Presence of forsterite and subordinate amount of leucite also indicate high temperature influence. Local enrichment in calcium (Ca) is related to exchange reactions with ground compounds. Accumulation of different components on the surface of the icon's surface was noted. The icon from the National Museum in Krakow is greenish probably because of the presence of chlorite.The results of the traceological analysis (icon from National Museum in Krakow was not analysed) indicate that the icon found in Chełm was created most likely by a skilled and experienced carver with access to the high-quality magnifying glass and specialist tools required for rendering minuscule objects and their details. The production of the icon also involved the use of a "mechanical" tool, probably a kind of a miller with a rotating polishing head, which also seems to point to a specialist workshop. The use-wear traces observed on artefact are limited to polish resulting from prolonged contact with human hands or storing the icon in a leather case.Most of the extant Byzantine icons are unprovenanced objects held in museum collections or church treasuries. Therefore, as the icon presented in this paper was discovered during archaeological excavations, it ranks among the few Byzantine artefacts to have been found outside of this realm. The petrographic and traceological analyses conducted are the first published natural science contributions to the study of Byzantine steatite icons and we hope they will provide the impetus for undertaking such research on other Byzantine finds, helping to develop Byzantine archaeology further. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper "Elusive Goths in northern Poland: Initial isotopic insights of the pre-Roman and Roman period populations from the Wielbark Culture cemetery in Malbork-Wielbark" examines the origin of people buried in the cemetery of Malbork-Wielbark in northern Poland. Strontium isotope analysis of the molars of 19 individuals shows that the studied group was locally settled and provides insights into the ethnic structure of the Wielbark Culture. The cemetery spanned a period of approximately 300 years and was one of the largest necropolises of the Wielbark Culture. The study also raises questions about the emergence and development of the Wielbark Culture and discusses the number of Goths in this culture. [Extracted from the article]

The treatise "Gothic Migrations: In Search of the Truth" by Andrzej Kokowski discusses the various interpretations of the Goths as a multiethnic formation. Archaeology distinguishes four Gothic cultures: the Wielbark culture, the Masłomęcz group, the Chernyakhov culture, and the Sântana de Mureş culture. DNA tests can support the thesis of multiple multiplicity. However, the author criticizes a 2019 publication that is based on untrue materials and contradicts the current state of knowledge about the chronology of the analyzed materials. The conclusions of the publication contradict the scientific output of historians and archaeologists. The authors of the article made numerous mistakes in their research at the University of Poznań. They misinterpreted the numbering of the graves and spread false information. Additionally, they did not consider the previously published results of other researchers. The authors also had difficulties determining the gender of the skeletons and made false statements. Therefore, the research results of the article should be considered unreliable. The article discusses the problems with dating archaeological finds from the Roman period. It is pointed out that the authors of the article do not have sufficient knowledge in archaeological dating and that their datings are therefore unreliable. It is emphasized that radiocarbon-based dating is only valuable when compared with archaeological datings. It is also noted that the results of aDNA analysis and the migration theories based on them are only meaningful if the graves are accurately dated. The article criticizes the lack of precision and expertise of the authors in dating finds from the Hrubieszów Basin. The article discusses the results of aDNA analysis of skeletal remains from the Wielbark culture cemetery in Masłomęcz. The authors criticize the faulty identification of the materials and the inadequate historical argumentation in the article. They emphasize that aDNA analysis can contribute interesting insights to the historical debate, but that it contradicts historical and archaeological research. The authors call for a more careful consideration of the historical context and improved editorial review of such articles. The text contains a list of publications by archaeologist Andrzej Kokowski on various topics, including the Goths and the Masłomęcz group. Other authors and their works on similar topics are also mentioned. The focus of the text is on archaeological investigations and research on these ancient cultures. The text includes a list of publications and research papers on various topics related to archaeological finds and cultures in Poland. Various authors and their works on topics such as the Goths, Oksywie culture, Chernyakhov culture, and others are mentioned. The publications cover topics such as migration, anthropological investigations, and cultural interpretations. [Extracted from the article]

The paper deals with the distribution of painted ceramics in the Upper Silesian-Lesser Poland regional group of the Lusatian culture in the early Iron Age. The focus is on previously unpublished finds of polychrome vessels from the cemetery in Dobrzeń Mały, Opole District. The painted ceramics have been discovered in various archaeological sites in Poland, including Baborów, Kalinowice, Modlniczka, Opole-Groszowice, and Kietrz. The finds provide important information about the tradition of ceramic painting in the region and display various decorative patterns. It is presumed that the painted ceramics were imported from southern areas and often found in graves together with personal jewelry. The painted ceramics from Dobrzeń Mały were likely fired in an open hearth or under a clay dome. The study expands our knowledge about this category of finds and includes a list of sources and references to various archaeological studies and publications. [Extracted from the article]

The article presents information on how to use satellite interferometry to detect linear discontinuous ground deformation [LDGD] caused by underground mining. Assumptions were made based on the properties of the SAR signal correlation coefficient (coherence). Places of LDGD have been identified based on these assumptions. Changes taking place on the surface between two acquisitions lead to worse correlation between two radar images. This results in lower values of the SAR signal correlation coefficient in the coherence maps. Therefore, it was assumed that the formation of LDGD could reduce the coherence value compared to the previous state. The second assumption was an increase in the standard deviation of coherence, which is a classic measurement of variability. Therefore any changes in the surface should lead to increasing standard deviation of coherence compared to the previous state. Images from the Sentinel-1 satellite and provided by the ESA were used for analysis. The research is presented on the basis of two research areas located in the Upper Silesian Coal Basin in the south of Poland. The area in which LDGD could occur was limited to 6 % of the total area in case 1 and 36 % in case 2 by applying an appropriate methodology of satellite image coherence analysis. This paper is an introduction to the development of a method of detecting LDGDs caused by underground mining and to study these issues further. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is to develop a systematic approach to understanding daily life at Late Palaeolithic camps and identifying its impact on broader site formation processes. Late Palaeolithic contexts are often poorly preserved, especially those found in the sandy sediments of the North European Plain. However, taphonomic obstacles may be overcome through the introduction of spatial statistics into research procedures. We illustrate our approach using a case study of Federmesser and Swiderian campsites at the site of Lubrza 10, Western Poland. The locational analysis of hearths, features that constitute the most important integrative social foci of Palaeolithic camps, provides information on activity areas, seasonality and occupational duration. Additionally, we examine the function of spatially distinct artefact concentrations and their methods of aggregation. The presented research procedure enables us to trace the contribution of individuals to group behaviour, as well as specific individual activities at both camps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Der vorliegende Artikel befasst sich mit zwei gänzlich unterschiedlichen Bestattungsarten, die vom archäologischen Standpunkt der gleichen „Kultur" angehören und höchstwahrscheinlich auch im Hinblick auf die Chronologie sehr vergleichbar sind. Die Unterschiede schließen sowohl Grabkonstruktionen als auch die Wahl der Grabbeigaben ein und sind ein Beweis für die Vielfalt der Ansätze im Bestattungsritual. Alle angesprochenen Gräber befinden sich auf dem zur Schnurkeramischen Kultur rechnenden Fundplatz Magnice im südwestlichen Polen. Der Beitrag richtet den Fokus u. a. auf Grabkonstruktionen, dem Zustand der entdeckten menschlichen Überreste und auf Gebrauchspuren beigegebener Steinartefakte. Die Annahme der Verfasser ist, dass selbst kleine Lokalgruppen gültige Regeln der Bestattungspraktika erfahren, erlernt oder erspürt haben müssen. Obwohl das Konzept des „idealisierten Grabmodels" sicherlich ein Teil der allgemein bekannten und geteilten kulturellen Regeln darstellte, zeigte die archäologisch nachgewiesene Praxis, dass diese auf unterschiedliche Weise umgesetzt wurde und dass die Umsetzungsphase auch die sozialen Verhandlungsmuster mit einbezog. The paper presents the results of two grave excavations from the Magnice region in southwestern Poland. Both graves belong to the Corded Ware cultural tradition and provide evidence for two completely different ways of burying the dead practised by the same archaeological „culture" over a similar time period. The differences are in grave construction and selection of grave goods, demonstrating a variety of attitudes towards the burial process. We focus on grave construction, biological condition of discovered human remains and on use-wear observation of lithic grave goods. We assume funeral patterns were known – learned or sensed – and shared by small local groups. Although a concept of an „idealized grave model(s)" must have been part of commonly shared social and cultural rules, archaeological evidence shows it was realised in various ways that could be socially negotiated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses the possibilities for using social media in promoting public library services and describes the changes that occurred between 2011 and 2013. The results of an analysis of a group of Polish urban public libraries for the occurrence of Web 2.0 elements and social media references are presented. Quantitative analysis included the number of Web 2.0 elements in pages, the number of references to social networking sites and the number of users of various types of Web 2.0 library profiles. Qualitative analysis concerned the extent and type of information shared through social media. This article presents the scope of changes that have occurred in the use of Web 2.0 elements by Polish urban public libraries in recent years, as well as prospects for the further use of social media. It also shows the dynamics of change in terms of how public libraries use Web 2.0 services. This comparative study shows that over the 2 years studied the number of libraries using social media increased, as did the variety of tools and the frequency of their use. The study was conducted using a specific sample of public libraries in urban areas in one Polish province. The study is not representative of all public libraries in Poland. However, the author believes that the study shows certain trends that may be characteristic not only of libraries in the studied region, but also across the whole country, and the results could be widely used in practice to improve social media activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]