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The problem of water scarcity is unfavourable for the economy, with the most significant water deficits felt by agriculture. In Poland water deficits in agriculture are occurring more frequently, causing losses in yield, not only in the Lowland areas but also in the Uplands. This paper presents an assessment of the water deficits at various excedance probability levels for four varieties of field crop and for soil types with various water retention capacity, which occur in the Małopolska Upland. Calculations were performed by balancing the amount of available soil water in the root zone. The study was based on the meteorological data from the Institute of Meteorology and Water Management for the years 1971–2010. Daily precipitation data from six rainfall stations: Borusowa, Igołomia, Książ Wielki, Miechów, Olewin and Sielec was utilised as well as average decadal air temperature, water vapour pressure, wind speed and sunshine hours from the meteorological station at Kraków–Balice. The water deficits at an excedance probability level of 20% fluctuated during the growing season from 5 mm (Phaeozems) to 190 mm (Leptosols). In the Małopolska Upland in soils with a medium capacity to retain water (110–160 mm), water deficits have occurred even in years of average rainfall (with probability 50%). This study confirms the considerable impact of the high variability of the soil and pluvial conditions in the region on the water deficits of the field crops.

The objective of this work was to analyse and establish the criteria for the course of the elevation boundaries applied in delimiting of less favoured areas (LFA) under mountain and foothill conditions. This aim was achieved by verifying of the structural data on land use in relation to an altitude a.s.l. Based on the information collected on the areas in the particular land categories, and in order to assess land use, a database was created for 99 mountain communes (NUTS-5). The regulation by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (2009) distinguishes the areas of less favourable farming (LFA, mountain), where over 50% of the agricultural land (AL) is located above an altitude of 500 m a.s.l. Previous studies have shown that the adopted limit of the average elevation for mountain LFA is too restrictive for the Polish conditions and needs correction. This is particularly clear in the case of agricultural land elevated above sea level. Support for rural development is necessary because the economic importance of agriculture in the Polish mountain and foothill regions is decreasing, and these areas are characterized by a considerably limited land use, under conditions of higher production costs. This is to do with terrain elevation a.s.l. and with the presence of large areas of significant land slopes, making it too to use normal equipment.

Określenie „idiom gitary klasycznej” szeroko stosowane jest w celu intuicyjnego sklasyfikowania zestawu cech kojarzonych z tym instrumentem. Funkcjonuje na zasadzie skrótu myślowego, a odnosi się do ogólnie pojętej specyfiki instrumentu. Intuicja często prowadzi w tym kontekście do korzeni iberyjskich oraz latynoamerykańskiej muzyki popularnej. Każda epoka przynosi jednak nowe zdobycze w zakresie praktyki wykonawczej oraz percepcji instrumentu, poszerzając definicję idiomu. Współczesne kompozycje wymagają ciągłej reewaluacji tego, co wydaje się „naturalne” i predestynowane do wykonania na gitarze. W niniejszym artykule autor prezentuje historię tworzenia się pojęcia „idiom gitarowy”; zestawia rozbieżne interpretacje znaczenia tego terminu; wskazuje czynniki konieczne w celu określenia kompozycji jako idiomatycznej; konstruuje syntetyczną definicję idiomatyczności oraz odpowiada na pytanie: czy wobec niezgodności interpretacji oraz ciągłego rozrastania się zakresu ram znaczeniowych idiomu gitarowego należy całkowicie porzucić jego zastosowanie? W tym celu zestawia spojrzenia współczesnych badaczy i artystów oraz dokonuje analizy kompozycji muzyki nowej, będących kamieniami milowymi w rozwoju idiomatycznego potencjału gitary.

Introduction and purpose: Gradual progression of cognitive and physical disability negatively affects personal, social and economic well-being of patients with multiple sclerosis. This particular group of people has a high risk of developing depressive disorders. This study reviews the prevalence, current diagnostic tools and evidence-based methods of treating depression in patients suffering from MS. Material and Methods: This paper reviews various types of research documents with a special focus on sources from the past 10 years. Works from the 1980s and 1990s were also cited to outline the progress made in exploring the given topic. Its main aim is to indicate that MS poses a risk of developing depression and to emphasize that this disorder may be mistakenly attributed to the primary disease. It highlights the need for raising awareness about the topic to ensure interdisciplinary care. Results: The study proved the connection between the prevalence of depression in MS. Characteristic somatic depressive symptoms such as chronic fatigue, sleep disturbances, can conclude either from MS or depression. Because of that prevalence of depression in MS patients is artificially altered. Conclusion: The prevalence of depression is significantly greater in patients with multiple sclerosis compared to the general population. Many somatic symptoms caused directly by neurodegenerative changes pose difficulties in differential diagnosis. Multidisciplinary treatment, including both psycho- and pharmacotherapy, remains the most effective therapeutic approach. Nevertheless, the development of new, accurate diagnostic methods is necessary in order to screen for depression in this group of patients.

Introduction and purpose: Obesity affects every age group and is associated with many negative health effects. Various diets are used to remove excess body weight. Recently, popular became two diets - intermittent fasting and ketogenic diet. Material and Method: This paper reviews various types of research documents published since 2018. Its main aim is to summarize the latest knowledge of ketogenic diet and intermittent fasting, including contraindications, side effects, impact on body weight and many diseases. It is also aimed to highlight the need for future research of the effects of both diets on various diseases and body weight reduction. Results: Both diets may be effective in weight loss and show other health benefits. Both ketogenic diet and intermittent fasting have proven to be effective in weight reduction. In the case of intermittent fasting the biggest impact on weight loss is calorie restriction. Ketogenic diet is effective as a result of calorie restriction, increased gluconeogenesis and loss of free water through increased diuresis. They can be used in the prevention and treatment of many diseases, including cardiovascular disorders, neurological disorders or potentially cancer. However, they cannot be administered by everyone and may cause dangerous side effects. Conclusion: Ketogenic diet and intermittent fasting are successful strategies for body weight reduction. Moreover, both of them may be used as an additional therapy for various diseases. However, patients should be under supervision.

The aim of the study was to identify selected forms of consumer activity in reducing food waste that refer to the idea of the sharing economy, and to determine the involvement of representatives of Generation Z – in this process. In addition to secondary sources, the results of a survey conducted in May 2023 on 303 students using the CAWI method were presented. The authors assumed the thesis that one of the ways to reduce food waste can be the sharing economy, the development of which is a kind of counterbalance to the progressive consumerism. An important role in this process should be attributed to foodsharing. The survey found that these initiatives are still not widely available and poorly publicized, with most of the interviewees admitting that they had never encountered them. A more popular form of saving food from being thrown away appeared to be mobile apps that allow people to purchase food at risk of going out of date, but only one in eight respondents on average said they used them regularly. In order to increase the popularity of this type of solution, it is necessary to intensify educational activities in various media and conduct regular public campaigns to raise awareness of the problem of food waste and its negative consequences, particularly by highlighting the problem of world hunger and the disastrous impact of discarded food on the climate.

Ozonation is an effective method of post-harvest preservation and reducing the loss of health-promoting compounds such as phenolic compounds during storage. Fruits of highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) have strong antioxidant properties, they are recognised as one of the most valuable sources of health-promoting bioactive compounds. In the present study, changes in total acidity and pH of highbush blueberry fruit depended on ozonation and storage time and genotype. The total acidity of fresh blueberries of tested genotypes ranged from 0.59 - 0,90 g·100 g−1. The highest total acidity was recorded for clone ‘21’, which was ozonated for 15 min. It was found that the application of ozone gas during storage of V. corymbosum fruit had mainly positive effect on the content of analysed bioactive compounds. Results of our study showed that ascorbic acid content varied depending on genotype, storage time and ozonation. The average content of this antioxidant in the non-ozonated fresh fruit was 22.32 mg.100 g−1, and slightly decreased with ozonated 15 min and 30 min - 21.87 mg.100 g−1 and 21.95 mg.100 g−1, respectively. Average content of total phenolic in fruits subjected to ozonation for 30 min. and stored for 15 days was higher by 10.3% in a comparison to control sample (fresh fruits). The antioxidant values of DPPH and FRAP in fruits subjected to storage and ozonation for 30 min. increased by 22.6% and 15.5%, respectively. Using ozone had a minor positive effect on the measured mechanical properties of the fruits. Throughout the different storage periods of blueberry fruits, there was a decrease in destructive energy and an increase in force.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a significant health problem with no known single cause. There is a vast number of evidence to suggest that oxidative stress plays an important role in this disorder. The author of this article reviewed the current literature in order to summarise the knowledge on the subject. In this paper, the role of oxidative stress is investigated in the context of its influence on pathogenesis, the use of oxidative stress biomarkers as diagnostic tools and the use of antioxidants in ASD treatment. Given the heterogeneity of ASD aetiology and inadequate treatment approaches, the search for common metabolic traits is essential to find more efficient diagnostic tools and treatment methods. There are increasing data to suggest that oxidative stress is involved in the pathogenesis of ASD, both directly and through its interplay with inflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction. Oxidative stress biomarkers appear to have good potential to be used as diagnostic tools to aid early diagnosis of ASD. The results are most promising for glutathione and its derivatives and also for isoprostanses. Probably, complex dedicated multi-parametric metabolic panels may be used in the future. Antioxidants show good potential in ASD-supportive treatment. In all described fields, the data support the importance of oxidative stress but also a need for further research, especially in the context of sample size and, preferably, with a multicentre approach.

Local adaptation of plants to environmental conditions is gaining attention, particularly in the context of climatic change and the microbiota that are associated with it. It should be noted that endophytes play a large role in shaping plants. These are microorganisms that reside within plant tissues without causing any apparent harm to their host. It should also be highlighted that endophytes play an essential role in ecosystems by contributing to plant health through multiple mechanisms. We suggest that endophytes affect some animals, as they are used in the ecological niche in which animals thrive. Thus, we analyzed this aspect of endophytes as persistent but impermanent inhabitants of various ecological niches. Therefore, the aim of the current review is to present the knowledge (from the last 10 years) on plant endophytes, their applicability in agriculture and endophytes affecting animals. We focused on bioproducts and biofertilizers containing endophytes, which are indirectly connected with agrobiotechnology, and the legal conditions associated with the marketing of these products, which also impact some animals, as they are used in the ecological niche in which animals thrive.

Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs) are a growing group of neurodegenerative storage diseases, in which specific features are sought to facilitate the creation of a universal diagnostic algorithm in the future. In our ultrastructural studies, the group of NCLs was represented by the CLN2 disease caused by a defect in the TPP1 gene encoding the enzyme tripeptidyl-peptidase 1. A 3.5-year-old girl was affected by this disease. Due to diagnostic difficulties, the spectrum of clinical, enzymatic, and genetic tests was extended to include analysis of the ultrastructure of cells from a rectal biopsy. The aim of our research was to search for pathognomonic features of CLN2 and to analyse the mitochondrial damage accompanying the disease. In the examined cells of the rectal mucosa, as expected, filamentous deposits of the curvilinear profile (CVP) type were found, which dominated quantitatively. Mixed deposits of the CVP/fingerprint profile (FPP) type were observed less frequently in the examined cells. A form of inclusions of unknown origin, not described so far in CLN2 disease, were wads of osmophilic material (WOMs). They occurred alone or co-formed mixed deposits. In addition, atypically damaged mitochondria were observed in muscularis mucosae. Their deformed cristae had contact with inclusions that looked like CVPs. Considering the confirmed role of the c subunit of the mitochondrial ATP synthase in the formation of filamentous lipopigment deposits in the group of NCLs, we suggest the possible significance of other mitochondrial proteins, such as mitochondrial contact site and cristae organizing system (MICOS), in the formation of these deposits. The presence of WOMs in the context of searching for ultrastructural pathognomonic features in CLN2 disease also requires further research.

The human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are ancient exogenous retroviruses that were embedded in the germline over 30 million years ago and underwent an endogenization process. They make up roughly 8% of the human genome. HERVs exhibit many physiological and non-physiological functions; for example, they play a role in the development of many diseases. They have been shown to affect carcinogenesis by modifying the expression of host genes through their functions as enhancers and promoters. Additionally, some molecules derived from HERVs may stimulate the immune system. Recently research has been focused on the effect of human endogenous retroviruses on the development of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), which is the most common cause of dementia. AD is also linked to a significant deterioration in quality of life. The article aims to highlight the potential role of HERVs in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and senescence. Moreover, it is estimated that HERVs may be potential targets for diagnosis and therapy of AD.

In this study, selected mechanical properties of fruits of six varieties of Japanese quince (Chaenomeles japonica) were investigated. The influence of their storage time and the applied ozone at a concentration of 10 ppm for 15 and 30 min on water content, skin and flesh puncture force, deformation to puncture and puncture energy was determined. After 60 days of storage, the fruits of the tested varieties showed a decrease in the average water content from 97.94% to 94.39%. No influence of the ozonation process on the change in water content in the fruits was noted. The tests showed a significant influence of ozonation and storage time on the increase in the punch puncture force of the skin and flesh, deformation and puncture energy of the fruits. In order to establish the relationship between storage conditions for various varieties and selected mechanical parameters, a novel machine learning method was employed. The best model accuracy was achieved for energy, with a MAPE of 10% and a coefficient of correlation (R) of 0.92 for the test data set. The best metamodels for force and deformation produced slightly higher MAPE (12% and 17%, respectively) and R of 0.72 and 0.88.

Sustainable development is becoming a subject of global discussion. Behaviors towards the purchase of eco-friendly products may help protect the environment and reduce the adverse effects of consumption. This article aims to provide a deeper understanding of the predictors of green purchase behavior, and, in particular, to explain the role of perceived green purchase control in shaping the intention to purchase a green product. The theoretical approach is based on the Theory of Planned Behavior. An empirical study was carried out among 650 Polish purchasers of green products; data were collected using an online survey. The research clarifies how perceived green purchase control affects the intention to purchase a green product. Intentions are positively and strongly correlated with attitudes and subjective norms. On the other hand, the relationship with perceived green purchase control is relatively weak, yet statistically significant. This study provides valuable knowledge on the factors clarifying purchasers’ behavior towards green products. It aids understanding of the importance of barriers to green product purchases and the formulation of marketing strategies to narrow the gap between positive attitudes and behavior, and trigger the effect of switching to green versions of products.

The sharing economy substitutes owning with accessing, promoting sustainable development by reducing excessive consumption and resource overuse, which harm the environment. Sharing reduces resource and energy use, lowering emissions and waste disposal costs, thus reducing environmental damage. This study identifies key factors that encourage Generation Z to embrace the sharing economy for goods and services, emphasizing its role in sustainable development. Conducted in May 2023, the study surveyed 442 Polish Generation Z individuals to examine their attitudes and behaviours regarding climate change. The research focused on this demographic due to their crucial role in addressing global issues. Data was collected using the CAWI method and analyzed with IBM SPSS and AMOS software through structural equation modelling (SEM). The analysis revealed three factors: Willingness to Share for Savings (WSS), Digital Customer Engagement (DCE), and Environmental Concern (EC). The results show that ecological concerns and digital engagement significantly influence people’s willingness to share, boosting environmental awareness and cost-saving behaviours. Generation Z’s sharing propensity and environmental consciousness are significantly shaped by digital engagement.

Background: This report focuses on the treatment histories of 21 patients diagnosed with Dravet syndrome (DRVT) under the care of the Mother and Child Institute in Warsaw. This paper aims to present typical treatment schemes for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy, as well as to highlight the influence of genetic diagnosis on pharmacotherapeutic management and to present an economic analysis of hospitalization costs. This paper will also summarize the effectiveness of the latest drugs used in DRVT. Methods: Clinical data were collected retrospectively from available medical records. The effectiveness of anticonvulsant treatment was assessed based on epileptic seizure diaries and observations by caregivers and pediatric neurologists. Results: The study group (n = 21) consisted of patients aged 3–26 years. Orphan drugs dedicated to Dravet syndrome were introduced in all patients due to the genetic diagnosis, which significantly improved the patients’ clinical conditions. The breakthrough drugs were stiripentol (in 16/21) and fenfluramine (in 3/21). Conclusions: In recent years, molecular genetics has rapidly developed in Poland, along with a steady increase in knowledge of Dravet syndrome among the medical profession. Early and precise diagnosis provides the opportunity to target treatment with drugs dedicated to Dravet syndrome with high efficacy.

The European Commission’s “Farm to Folk” (F2F) strategy recommends reducing fertilizers by at least 20% by 2030. In this aspect, the main goal of our study was to verify whether a 20 and even 40% reduction in nitrogen (N) fertilization rate would be sufficient to maintain soil fertility (expressed as dehydrogenase activity—DHA, humic acid substances—HA substances, E4/E6 ratio), and yields of wheat and rapeseed cultivated in strip-till technology. Two fields (10 ha each) were established for wheat and rapeseed cultivation, and soils (0–20 cm) were sampled before sowing and after harvesting. It was found that a 20% fertilization reduction does not adversely affect the biological activity expressed by DHA. Nevertheless, the reduction in nitrogen (N) fertilizer rates led to a slight decrease in the E4/E6 ratio, which could serve as a potential indicator of fertilization reduction. DHA, E4/E6 ratio and content of HA substances were also dependent on the crop. Following harvesting, both rapeseed and wheat exhibited a positive correlation between the E4/E6 ratio and the degree of fertilization rate (FR), as well as yield.

This paper presents the effect of the complex strain state resulting from the asymmetric rolling of TRB products on the changes and distribution of the stress state in the material. The evaluation of the stress state in the material was based on measurements of the magnetoelastic parameter (MP) using the Barkhausen magnetic noise method. The key characteristics of the material under study that enabled the use of changes in the MP parameter to assess the stress state were ferromagnetism and a lack of texture. The first of these enabled the detection of the magnetic signals produced when a magnetic field is applied to the material, causing magnetic domains to align and sudden changes in magnetization. On the other hand, the absence of texture in the material precluded the occurrence of magnetocrystalline anisotropy, which could disturb the results of measurements of the magnetoelastic parameter in the material. In order to determine these features in the material under study, its chemical composition was determined, and a phase analysis was carried out using the X-ray diffraction method. The results of these tests showed the possibility of determining the stress state of the material by means of changes in the values of the MP parameter. On this basis, it was shown that in the TRB strips studied, there is a complex state of stress, the values of which and the nature of the changes depending on the direction of the measurements carried out, as well as on the amount of rolling reduction in the studied area of the strip.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a significant health problem with no known single cause. There is a vast number of evidence to suggest that oxidative stress plays an important role in this disorder. The author of this article reviewed the current literature in order to summarise the knowledge on the subject. In this paper, the role of oxidative stress is investigated in the context of its influence on pathogenesis, the use of oxidative stress biomarkers as diagnostic tools and the use of antioxidants in ASD treatment. Given the heterogeneity of ASD aetiology and inadequate treatment approaches, the search for common metabolic traits is essential to find more efficient diagnostic tools and treatment methods. There are increasing data to suggest that oxidative stress is involved in the pathogenesis of ASD, both directly and through its interplay with inflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction. Oxidative stress biomarkers appear to have good potential to be used as diagnostic tools to aid early diagnosis of ASD. The results are most promising for glutathione and its derivatives and also for isoprostanses. Probably, complex dedicated multi-parametric metabolic panels may be used in the future. Antioxidants show good potential in ASD-supportive treatment. In all described fields, the data support the importance of oxidative stress but also a need for further research, especially in the context of sample size and, preferably, with a multicentre approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Local adaptation of plants to environmental conditions is gaining attention, particularly in the context of climatic change and the microbiota that are associated with it. It should be noted that endophytes play a large role in shaping plants. These are microorganisms that reside within plant tissues without causing any apparent harm to their host. It should also be highlighted that endophytes play an essential role in ecosystems by contributing to plant health through multiple mechanisms. We suggest that endophytes affect some animals, as they are used in the ecological niche in which animals thrive. Thus, we analyzed this aspect of endophytes as persistent but impermanent inhabitants of various ecological niches. Therefore, the aim of the current review is to present the knowledge (from the last 10 years) on plant endophytes, their applicability in agriculture and endophytes affecting animals. We focused on bioproducts and biofertilizers containing endophytes, which are indirectly connected with agrobiotechnology, and the legal conditions associated with the marketing of these products, which also impact some animals, as they are used in the ecological niche in which animals thrive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are ancient exogenous retroviruses that were embedded in the germline over 30 million years ago and underwent an endogenization process. They make up roughly 8% of the human genome. HERVs exhibit many physiological and non-physiological functions; for example, they play a role in the development of many diseases. They have been shown to affect carcinogenesis by modifying the expression of host genes through their functions as enhancers and promoters. Additionally, some molecules derived from HERVs may stimulate the immune system. Recently research has been focused on the effect of human endogenous retroviruses on the development of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), which is the most common cause of dementia. AD is also linked to a significant deterioration in quality of life. The article aims to highlight the potential role of HERVs in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and senescence. Moreover, it is estimated that HERVs may be potential targets for diagnosis and therapy of AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this case study was the evaluation of the selected metals’ concentration, potential toxic compound identification, cytotoxicity analysis, estimation of the airborne dust concentration, biodiversity, and number of microorganisms in the environment (leachate, soil, air) of the biggest uncontrolled post-industrial landfills in Poland. Based on the results obtained, preliminary solutions for the future management of post-industrial objects that have become an uncontrolled landfill were indicated. In the air, the PM1 fraction dominated, constituting 78.1–98.2% of the particulate matter. Bacterial counts were in the ranges of 9.33 × 101–3.21 × 103 CFU m−3 (air), 1.87 × 105–2.30 × 106 CFU mL−1 (leachates), and 8.33 × 104–2.69 × 106 CFU g−1 (soil). In the air, the predominant bacteria were Cellulosimicrobium and Stenotrophomonas. The predominant fungi were Mycosphaerella, Cladosporium, and Chalastospora. The main bacteria in the leachates and soils were Acinetobacter, Mortierella, Proteiniclasticum, Caloramator, and Shewanella. The main fungi in the leachates and soils were Lindtneria. Elevated concentrations of Pb, Zn, and Hg were detected. The soil showed the most pronounced cytotoxic potential, with rates of 36.55%, 63.08%, and 100% for the A-549, Caco-2, and A-549 cell lines. Nine compounds were identified which may be responsible for this cytotoxic effect, including 2,4,8-trimethylquinoline, benzo(f)quinoline, and 1-(m-tolyl)isoquinoline. The microbiome included bacteria and fungi potentially metabolizing toxic compounds and pathogenic species.

Niniejszy artykuł podejmuje temat kierunków rozwoju sonaty gitarowej po 1950 roku. Historia kształtowania się formy to proces niezwykle dynamiczny, a każda epoka przynosi wiele różnorodnych, często wzajemnie sprzecznych, punktów widzenia. W tym kontekście przeanalizowane zostały pod względem formalnym cztery sonaty gitarowe, reprezentatywne dla omawianego okresu: F. Werthmüller – Sonata A-dur op. 17, A. Ginastera – Sonata op. 47, M. Tippett – The Blue Guitar, H.W. Henze – Royal Winter Music. Jako kryterium doboru dzieł przyjęto możliwość przekrojowego omówienia głównych nurtów i spojrzeń na formę cyklu sonatowego, obecnych w literaturze gitarowej drugiej połowy XX i XXI w. W toku badań wykrystalizował się obraz sonaty jako cyklu, który daje współczesnemu kompozytorowi narzędzia do realizowania indywidualnych poszukiwań artystycznych, przy jednoczesnym zachowaniu pewnych niezmiennych cech charakterystycznych formy. W niniejszej pracy podjęto próbę zdefiniowania, czym jest owa niezachwiana tożsamość sonaty.

The purpose of this study is to examine factors affecting green food product purchase intentions and, specifically, to specify the role of past behaviour in shaping purchase intentions for these products and in switching to environmentally friendly food purchases. As for the theoretical framework, the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) was used, with certain modifications proposed; namely, additional constructs were included: past behaviour, knowledge, and trust in green food. Data were collected from 650 green product consumers in Poland. The online survey method was employed. The research revealed that past behaviour is a powerful indicator, which, to the greatest extent, explains purchase behaviours towards green food. This paper explores the fact that attitudes are also strongly linked to green food purchase intentions. Moreover, social norms, trust, and knowledge also have a positive effect on the intention to purchase green food products. Perceived behavioural control is relatively weak but statistically significant. The extended model explains 57% of the variance in green food purchase intentions. By incorporating past behaviour into the TPB, this study gives a new insight into understanding the inconsistency between positive attitudes towards green food and real purchase behaviours. The results of the study provide managers working in the food sector with relevant guidelines for the design of marketing strategies.

The study examined selected biometric and mechanical properties of fruits of three varieties of red currant (Ribes rubrum L.) from organic cultivation. The influence of the harvest date of red currant fruits, their storage time, and the use of ozone at a concentration of 10 ppm for 15 and 30 min on the water content, volume, and density, as well as the destructive force and the apparent modulus of elasticity, were determined. Fruits harvested at harvest maturity were characterized by a much larger volume and lower water content compared to fruits harvested seven days earlier. The ozonation process, regardless of the harvest date, resulted in a reduction in volume, density, and humidity. After 15 days of storage, the fruits of the tested varieties showed a decrease in the average water content from 86.15% to 83.79%. The tests showed a decrease in the destructive force and the apparent modulus of elasticity, the average value of which for fresh fruit was 76.98 ± 21.0 kPa, and after 15 days of storage, it decreased to 56.34 ± 15.96 kPa. The relationships between fruit-related parameters, harvesting, and storage conditions and fruit strength characteristics were modeled with the use of neural networks and support vector machines. These relationships are complex and nonlinear, and therefore, machine learning is usually more relevant than the traditional methods of modeling. For evaluation of the performance of the models, statistical parameters such as the coefficient of correlation (R), root-mean-squared error (RMSE), and generalization ability coefficient (GA) were used. The best models for the prediction of an apparent modulus of elasticity were developed with the use of ANNs. These models can be used in practice because the correlation between expected and predicted values was in the range 0.78–0.82, RMSE was in the range 13.38–14.71, and generalization ability was excellent. A significantly lower accuracy was achieved for models with a destructive force as the output parameter (R ≤ 0.6).

The European Commission’s “Farm to Folk” strategy recommends reducing fertilizers by at least 20% by 2030. In this context, the aim of this study was to verify whether a 20 and 40% reduction of nitrogen (N) fertilization rate will be sufficient to maintain soil chemical features, fertility, and yields in monoculture maize cultivation in the no-tillage (NT) system versus the traditional plowing (PL) system. We also examined which tillage system (PL, NT) allows the reduction of fertilization while maintaining good yields of the tested soils. Two fields (10 ha each) were established for PL and NT maize cultivation, and soils (0–20 cm) were sampled twice per year—before maize sowing and after maize harvesting. A broad range of chemical and biological parameters were monitored (i.e., pH, forms of nitrogen, phosphorus and carbon, content of selected macronutrients and humic substances, and respiration activity). It was concluded that the 20% reduction in N fertilization (after 4 years of use) did not have an adverse effect on the soil’s chemical and biological features, which mainly depended on the season of the year. The maize yield seemed to be higher in the PL system, which was mostly the result of the tillage system rather than the N dose. The study will be continued in the next vegetation season to further verify our findings, especially with regard to the maize tillage system and yields.

One of the latest ecological concepts is the occurrence of a biased rhizosphere of microorganisms recruited mostly through interactions among various components of the rhizosphere, including plant roots and the bulk soil microbiome. We compared the diverse attributes of the core microbiome of wheat rhizosphere communities with wheat (W) and legume (L) forecrops determined by three different methods in this study (membership, composition, and functionality). The conclusions of the three methods of microbiome core definition suggest the presence of generalists, i.e., some representative microorganisms from Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Hypomicrobiaceae, Bradyrhizobiaceae, Sphingomonas sp., in the wheat rhizomicrobiome. The relative abundance of the core microbiome accounted for 0.1976% (W) and 0.334% (L)—membership method and 6.425% (W) and 4.253% (L)—composition method. Additionally, bacteria of the specialist group, such as Rhodoplanes sp., are functionally important in the rhizomicrobiome core. This small community is strongly connected with other microbes and is essential for maintenance of the sustainability of certain metabolic pathways.

In this study, selected mechanical properties of fruits of six varieties of Japanese quince (Chaenomeles japonica) were investigated. The influence of their storage time and the applied ozone at a concentration of 10 ppm for 15 and 30 min on water content, skin and flesh puncture force, deformation to puncture and puncture energy was determined. After 60 days of storage, the fruits of the tested varieties showed a decrease in the average water content from 97.94% to 94.39%. No influence of the ozonation process on the change in water content in the fruits was noted. The tests showed a significant influence of ozonation and storage time on the increase in the punch puncture force of the skin and flesh, deformation and puncture energy of the fruits. In order to establish the relationship between storage conditions for various varieties and selected mechanical parameters, a novel machine learning method was employed. The best model accuracy was achieved for energy, with a MAPE of 10% and a coefficient of correlation (R) of 0.92 for the test data set. The best metamodels for force and deformation produced slightly higher MAPE (12% and 17%, respectively) and R of 0.72 and 0.88. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The crisis that Europe faced in 2015 has never been resolved and countries have adopted different strategies to deal with the influx of migrants . Some of them raise serious legal doubts for good reason. One of the new national solutions currently in the process of passing is the new migration plan announced by the United Kingdom in the Nationality and Borders Bill last year. The aim of the reform is to improve the British asylum system and to fight effectively illegal immigration and people smuggling.The aim of the article is to present the most important assumptions of the British reform in the field of grant- ing refugee status. The analysis would allow to assess the compliance of the designed solutions with international obligations, the fulfilment of which should form the basis of the asylum policy of each State being a party to the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees. The main aim of the article, however, is to draw attention to the fact that the international protection of refugees should be equated with community interests and referring to the individual interest of the State is an erroneous and dangerous assumption.