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Number of results: 30
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Abstract

Professor Ida Kurcz passed away on January 25, 2024. Polish academia has lost an exceptional scholar who was an unquestioned authority around the world. It was she who introduced psycholinguistics into the bloodstream of Polish psychology and set the tone for its development. She was hailed as the First Lady of psycholinguistics in Poland for a reason. The present text examines her biography together with her research, teaching and organizational achievements.
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Authors and Affiliations

Barbara Bokus
1

  1. profesor emerita, Uniwersytet Warszawski
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Abstract

Many millions of people around the world engage in science, so tools are necessary to support decisions about the directions of funding streams. In many countries bibliometric indicators are used for this purpose, which have become a practical "currency", enabling a simple and convenient valuation of a scientist or a scientific institution. Poland has a complicated system for evaluating, with weaknesses galore. Particular reservations concern the ranking list of scientific journals, which has been arbitrarily changed in 2021–2023 towards promoting domestic periodicals that do not stand international competition. Since December 2023 awareness of the cardinal weaknesses of the existing system of evaluating scientists has become widespread. A quick emergency solution was implemented to enable evaluation for the period 2022–2025 (as a result of mid-game rule modifications). However, rethinking of the future evaluation system is necessary. The author presents a roster of ideas related to the evaluation system and objective journal ranking (via bibliometric indices) in particular. A systematic measure reducing the probability of pathological development is badly needed.
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Authors and Affiliations

Zbigniew Kundzewicz
1

  1. Wydział Inżynierii Środowiska i Inżynierii Mechanicznej, Uniwersytet Przyrodniczy w Poznaniu
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Abstract

In this paper we analyze the phenomenon of quitting academic science and show how quitting differs between men and women, academic disciplines and over time. The approach presented is comprehensive: global, based on cohorts of scientists, and longitudinal – we observe the publication activity of individual scientists over time. Using metadata from Scopus, a global bibliometric database of publications and citations, we analyze the publication careers of scientists from 38 OECD countries who began publishing in 2000 ( N = 142 776) and 2010 ( N = 232 843). The paper tests the usefulness of large bibliometric datasets for a global analysis of academic careers.
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Authors and Affiliations

Marek Kwiek
1
ORCID: ORCID
Łukasz Szymula
2
ORCID: ORCID

  1. Institute for Advanced Studies in SocialSciences and Humanities (IAS), Uniwersytet im. Adama Mickiewicza w Poznaniu
  2. Wydział Matematyki i Informatyki, Uniwersytetim. Adama Mickiewicza w Poznaniu
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Abstract

The report includes a detailed analysis of the more recent research findings on the effects of neonicotinoids and their new substitutes and tools to reduce or eliminate future use of pesticides for the control of crop pests. This analysis is a contribution to a wider debate within the Commission and European Parliament as well as Member States on the environmental risk of pesticides. The evidence of the drastic increase in toxic load and the continued insect decline including pollinators as a result of new-generation pesticides argues for a more substantial reduction in the Commission’s 2030 target to reduce pesticide use and risk. We support the Commission’s measures to encourage an agricultural system that regards integrated pest management (IPM) based on biological rather than chemical pest control as a main tool. Substantial economic and cultural barriers exist to IPM and will require coordinated action ranging from research, training, information and advice, extension services, common monitoring, and other services, to financial incentives or regulations. Current pesticide risk indicators should include a more detailed assessment of toxic load, persistence in the environment, and toxicity to non-target organisms especially pollinators and natural enemies of pests to reduce threats to the environment, health, and biodiversity.
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Authors and Affiliations

Jerzy Lipiec
1

  1. Instytut Agrofizyki PAN im. Bohdana Dobrzańskiegow Lublinie
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Abstract

W roku 1887 Henryk Siemiradzki namalował obraz zatytułowany Chopin w salonie księcia Antoniego Radziwiłła w roku 1829. Obraz przedstawia scenę, w której gry Chopina słuchają członkowie rodziny książęcej oraz zaproszeni goście, wśród których znajduje się znany badacz przyrody Alexander von Humboldt. Siemiradzki opracował kompozycję obrazu na podstawie tekstu poznańskiego nauczyciela Marcelego Antoniego Szulca z roku 1873. Jednakże tekst Szulca jest autoryzowanym tłumaczeniem opowiadania napisanego przez niemiecką pisarkę Elise Polko w roku 1868. Obraz Siemiradzkiego był pokazywany w niektórych krajach europejskich w latach 1887–1892. W następnych latach znane były tylko kopie jego fotograwiury. Przez 106 lat obraz był uważany za zaginiony, aż pojawił się ponownie w roku 1998 w Nowym Jorku. Przeprowadzono analizę biograficzną okresów, w których Chopin, Humboldt i Radziwiłł mogli się spotkać jednocześnie. Jako miejsca spotkania tych osób rozpatrzono rezydencje księcia Radziwiłła w Berlinie, Poznaniu i Antoninie oraz Warszawę.
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Authors and Affiliations

Andrzej B. Więckowski
1

  1. Instytut Fizyki, Wydział Fizykii Astronomii, Uniwersytet Zielonogórski, Zielona Góra; Instytut Fizyki Molekularnej PAN,Poznań
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Abstract

This article provides an overview of the PASIFIC programme – Polish Academy of Sciences Innovations and Creativity. It is co-funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie-Skłodowska Curie Actions and the Ministry of Education and Science. It comprises a list of scientific disciplines of the awarded research projects, descriptions of the selected scientists and their work, networking activities bonding the PASIFIC community, offered trainings, a subjective perspective of our scientists on the implementation of the programme and what might come in the future.
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Authors and Affiliations

Jakub Urbański
1
Paweł M. Rowiński
2

  1. Biuro ds. Doskonałości Naukowej PAN
  2. Instytut Geofizyki PAN
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Abstract

This essay asks the question of the topicality of Franz Kafka's work on the centenary of the writer's death. In a contemporary era, which – like the entire passing century – is beset by violent conflicts, crises; afflicted by epidemics, ecological and climatic threats; by a widespread sense of „confusion” and the anxiety that results from it. Kafka's work not only bears witness to all these threats and fears, but also asks about the possibility of hope.
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Authors and Affiliations

Łukasz Musiał
1

  1. Uniwersytet im. Adama Mickiewicza w Poznaniu,Wydział Neofilologii
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Abstract

Drought significantly impacts the growth and yield of forage grasses, particularly its effect on Dactylis glomerata photosynthetic apparatus during the initial phase of development remains largely unknown. This study investigated the effects of drought on physiological parameters of various D. glomerata varieties. The seedlings obtained after seed germination under optimal and simulated drought conditions by PEG 6000 (three variants) were planted in small pots filled with garden substrate. Over a span of 42 days, the plants were initially kept well-watered (70% capillary water capacity, CWC), after which half of the seedlings from each variant were subjected to drought. This drought stress was applied during the tillering phase for 12 days. Subsequently, the plants were rehydrated (at 70% CWC) and allowed to recover for 14 days. Throughout both drought and recovery periods, measurements were taken. Leaf chlorophyll fluorescence parameters were assessed, and the JIP-test analysis was utilised to provide detailed insights into the functionality of D. glomerata photosynthetic apparatus under drought stress and post-recovery conditions. Several parameters were identified as indicative of the plants’ sensitivity to drought, such as performance indices PI ABS and PI tot, along with quantum yield parameters Ψ E0, φ E0, and φ P0. The results highlighted that var. Minora and Tukan exhibited greater tolerance to water deficit when compared to the other varieties studied. They showed a large increases in PIABS and PItot values after drought stress as well as after the re-watering (recovery period) compared to control plants. This suggests their potential for better adaptation to drought conditions.
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Authors and Affiliations

Barbara Borawska-Jarmułowicz
1
ORCID: ORCID
Grażyna Mastalerczuk
1
ORCID: ORCID
Piotr Dąbrowski
2
ORCID: ORCID
Żaneta Tuchowska
1
ORCID: ORCID
Hazem Kalaji
3
ORCID: ORCID

  1. Warsaw University of Life Sciences – SGGW, Institute of Agriculture, Nowoursynowska St, 159, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland
  2. Warsaw University of Life Sciences – SGGW, Institute of Environmental Engineering, Nowoursynowska St, 159, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland
  3. Institute of Technology and Life Sciences – National Research Institute, Falenty, Hrabska Ave, 3, 05-090 Raszyn, Poland
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Abstract

Soil sealing is a threat to soil and its ecosystem services. One of the main drivers of soil sealing is land degradation resulting from the expansion of urban areas, where it leads to such problems as the growing risk of flooding and local inundations, urban heat islands, or water shortages. The article focuses on analyses and quantification of the general degree of soil sealing in 2012–2018 in eight functional urban areas (FUA) in Poland, taking into account their division into the urban core (UC) and the commuting zone (CZ). We used the high resolution layer imperviousness density (HRL IMD) data to quantify soil sealing as well as data on land cover and land use with different spatial resolutions, i.e. from the European Urban Atlas project (UA) and the National Database of Topographic Objects (BDOT10k) to quantify artificial surfaces. The research determined the spatial differentiation of UCs and CZs in terms of the degree of soil sealing. We further observed higher average growth of sealed land in CZs. Quantitative and spatial analyses determined the spatial patterns of soil sealing in the FUA in Poland. Soil sealing intensified from 2012 to 2018. The process should be expected to continue in the coming years in light of the continuous transformation of vegetated areas into artificial ones. The conclusions should be considered valuable for the implementation of the spatial policy concerning sustainable land use and soil protection in suburban areas.
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Authors and Affiliations

Dawid Kudas
ORCID: ORCID
Agnieszka Wnęk
ORCID: ORCID
Ewelina Zając
ORCID: ORCID
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Abstract

Heavy metals are a crucial group of chemicals extensively used in materials to meet human needs, eventually leading to contamination of aquatic ecosystems and accumulation in organism’s tissues. Heavy metals enter the aquatic ecosystem from various sources. Those metals that pollute aquatic waters are deposited in sediments, remain dissolved in water or accumulate in the food web of aquatic organisms. Benthic biota is believed to accumulate the highest levels of these metals, while other aquatic animals, such as fish, shrimp, and macroalgae, serve as significant sources of heavy metals intake through food and the environmental exposure. Ina study conducted in and around the east Java, Indonesia, the concentration of heavy metals in commercially important fish species, shellfish, and macroalgae were evaluated using an inductive couple plasma-mass spectrometer (ICP-MS). This study is very important because fishery resources are not only vital for exports but also serve as a primary source of essential food for local communities. The results showed that heavy metal concentration (Pb, Cd, and Hg) in samples were 12.3 mg∙dm –3, 0.171 mg∙dm –3, and undetectable, respectively. This study showed that different metals were present in the samples at different levels, all of which fell within the maximum residual levels set by the EU and USFDA. The results of an analysis of food safety based on the Hazard Index showed values below 1 point, indicating that fishery products (fish, shrimp, and macroalgae) from the East Java Province are generally safe for human consumption.
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Authors and Affiliations

Sapto Andriyono
1
ORCID: ORCID
Nuning Vita Hidayati
2
ORCID: ORCID
Mirna Fitrani
3
ORCID: ORCID
Latifah A. Manaf
4
ORCID: ORCID
Ahasan Habib
5
ORCID: ORCID
Umi U. Dewi
6
Saadah Mukadar
6

  1. Universitas Airlangga, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine, Department of Marine, Kampus C Unair, Jl. Mulyorejo,Surabaya 60115, East Java, Indonesia
  2. Jenderal Soedirman University, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science, Department of Aquatic Resources Management,Jl. Dr. Soeparno, Purwokerto, Indonesia
  3. Universitas Sriwijaya, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Aquaculture, Jl. Palembang-Prabumulih Km-32 Inderalaya,Ogan Ilir, Sumatera Selatan, 30662, Indonesia
  4. Universiti Putra Malaysia, Faculty of Environmental and Forestry, Department of Environment, Serdang, Selangor, 43400, Malaysia
  5. Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Faculty of Fisheries and Food Science, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, 21020, Malaysia
  6. Office of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Department of Aquaculture, East Java Province, Jl. Ahmad Yani, 152 B, 60235, Surabaya, Indonesia
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Abstract

Lake Limboto, situated in Gorontalo, Indonesia, confronts severe threats jeopardizing its sustainability. Widespread deforestation in the watershed area has led to excessive sedimentation within the lake, consequently diminishing its water storage capacity and compromising its flood control function. This degradation has manifested itself in downstream droughts during the dry season and flooding during the rainy season. Historical data reveals a stark reduction in Lake Limboto’s size, plummeting from approximately 3,644.5 ha in 1991 to around 2,693.9 ha in 2017. This study aims to provide comprehensive examination of the interplay between the socioeconomic status of the local community and their understanding of the lake ecosystem. Furthermore, it delves into how these factors produce synergies that shape and impact community involvement in sustainable lake management initiatives. Hypothesis testing yielded significant results, affirming the existence of a positive correlation between socioeconomic status, knowledge of the lake ecosystem, and active community participation in sustainable lake management efforts. The findings underscore the critical importance of socioeconomic factors that need to be considered when designing strategies for the preservation and sustainable management of Lake Limboto. Integrating the community into conservation initiatives is necessary, given their intrinsic relationship with the lake. By acknowledging and leveraging the nexus between socioeconomic status, ecological knowledge, and active participation, stakeholders can formulate more effective and inclusive strategies for safeguarding Lake Limboto’s ecological integrity. This study contributes valuable insights for policymakers, environmentalists, and local communities alike, emphasizing the necessity of collaborative efforts to ensure the long-term resilience and vitality of Lake Limboto.
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Authors and Affiliations

Ramla H. Melo
ORCID: ORCID
Moch R. Pambudi
ORCID: ORCID
Alim Niode
ORCID: ORCID
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Abstract

The Kalina pond has been well known as a severely degraded area in the Silesia region, Poland. The environmental deterioration results from high contamination of water and bottom sediments with recalcitrant and toxic organic compounds, mainly phenol. The study was aimed at developing a bioremediation-based approach suitable for this type of polluted areas, involving microbiological treatment of water as a key and integral part of other necessary actions: mechanical interventions and the use of physical methods. During the initial biological treatment stage, autochthonous microorganisms were isolated from contaminated samples of water, soil and sediment, then subjected to strong selective pressure by incubation with the pollutants, and finally, cultivated to form a specialised microbial consortium consisting of five extremophilic bacterial strains. Consortium propagation and its biodegradation activity were optimised under variant conditions enabling bacteria to proliferate and to obtain high biomass density at large volumes allowing for the in situ application. After installing aeration systems in the pond, the consortium was surface-sprinkled to launch bioremediation and then both bacterial frequency and the contaminant level was systematically monitored. The complex remediation strategy proved efficient and was implemented on an industrial scale enabling successful remedial of the affected site. Treatment with the specifically targeted and adapted microbial consortium allowed for removal of most organic pollutants within a four-month season of 2022: the chemical oxygen demand (COD) value decreased by 72%, polyaromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) level by 97%, while the content of total phenols and other monoaromatic hydrocarbons (BTEX) dropped below the detection thresholds.
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Authors and Affiliations

Katarzyna Starzec
1
ORCID: ORCID
Emilia Stańkowska
2
Paulina Supel
1
ORCID: ORCID
Robert Mazur
3
ORCID: ORCID
Piotr Surma
2
Paweł Kaszycki
1
ORCID: ORCID

  1. University of Agriculture in Kraków, Faculty of Biotechnology and Horticulture, Department of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, al. Mickiewicza 21, 31-120 Kraków, Poland
  2. Remea Sp. z o. o., ul. Bonifraterska 17, 00-203 Warszawa, Poland
  3. AGH University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Mining Geodesy and Environmental Engineering, Department of Environmental Protection and Landscaping, al. Mickiewicza 30, 30-059 Kraków, Poland
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Abstract

Mineral fertilisers are one of the most important nutrients that plants need in large quantities, which help to greatly increase crop yields, and yeast is considered a bio-stimulator of plants. However incorrect implementation of both can make them more susceptible to pest infestations. The mealybug, Phenacoccus solenopsis (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), is an economically important polyphagous pest that destroys okra plants in Egypt. This work focused on the evaluation of mealybug infestations and okra plant productivity responses to mineral fertilisers (nitrogen and phosphorus), yeast (without and with) and their interactions. This study was executed in a private okra field (‘Balady’ cultivar) in Luxor Governorate, Egypt, during 2021 and 2022 seasons. A split plot design was applied, where two levels (with and without yeast) were used in the main plots, where seven levels of nitrogen and phosphorus were applied in the split plots. The results indicated that the addition of 286 kg N∙ha –1, 143 kg P∙ha –1 and yeast to okra plants led to a maximum increase in the population densities of pest, and this caused a decrease in the vegetative stage of okra that would affect the final yield as compared to the other treatments throughout the two seasons. However, the application of 190 kg N∙ha –1, 107 kg P∙ha –1, and yeast to okra plants gave the highest values for vegetative growth characteristics and resulting yield during the two studied seasons. This work aids farmers in improving okra production by comprehending good farming practices and avoiding the spread of mealybugs.
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Authors and Affiliations

Moustafa M.S. Bakry
1
ORCID: ORCID
Yani Maharani
2
ORCID: ORCID
R.O.H. Allam
3
ORCID: ORCID

  1. Agricultural Research Center, Plant Protection Research Institute, Department of Scale Insects and Mealybugs Research, 7, Nady El-Sayied Street, 12619, Dokki – Giza, Egypt
  2. Universitas Padjadjaran, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Plant Pests and Diseases, Jln. Ir. Soekarno km. 21, Jatinangor, 45363, Sumedang, West Java, Indonesia
  3. South Valley University, Faculty of Agriculture, Plant Protection Department, Masaken Othman Rd, 83523, Qena, Egypt
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Abstract

The use of local bacteria is preferred in bioleaching as an environmental-friendly alternative technology in gold mining. In a preliminary study, rhizobacteria were isolated and cultured from three types of hyperaccumulator vegetation from the Ratatotok gold mine, Indonesia, namely Pteris vittata L., Syzygium aromaticum L., and Swietenia mahagoni Jacq. These rhizobacteria still need to be characterised and identified. This study is aimed to cover bacterial phenotypic characterisation, assessment of bacteria resistance to tailing, and identification of bacterial strains the exhibit the highest resistance to tailings. The assessment was carried out across a spectrum of tailing concentrations, selecting the three most robust strains for molecular identification. The process involved genotypic characterisation to determine the species name by analysing the 16S rRNA gene. The results reveal that the phenotypic characteristics of the bacteria isolates vary, but all of them are the indole acetic acid (IAA) hormone producers. The highest IAA producer is the isolate from the rhizosphere of S. aromaticum. Based on the genotypic characterisation test, three most resistant isolates to tailing stress are the following strains Pseudomonas aeruginosa (RTKP1) and Stenotrophomonas geniculata (RTKP2), both from the rhizosphere of P. vittata; as well as Bacillus cereus (RTKS) from the rhizosphere of S. aromaticum. These three strains need to be further tested for their bioleaching capability to recover gold from tailings. Additionally, this study recommends that gold recovery using biological agents can combine the role of hyperaccumulator plants in phytomining and rhizobacteria in bioleaching.
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Authors and Affiliations

Tien Aminatun
1
ORCID: ORCID
Anna Rakhmawati
1
ORCID: ORCID
Sri Atun
1
ORCID: ORCID
Arifudin Idrus
2
ORCID: ORCID
Doly Risdo Simbolon
3
ORCID: ORCID
Laode Restele
4
ORCID: ORCID

  1. Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Jl. Colombo No. 1 Karangmalang (55281), Yogyakarta, Indonesia
  2. Universitas Gadjah Mada, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Geological Engineering, Jl. Grafika 2 Bulaksumur (55281), Yogyakarta, Indonesia
  3. PT Sumber Energi Jaya, Jl. Elang Laut, Ruko Boulevard No. 32-33 (14470), Jakarta, Indonesia
  4. Halu Oleo University, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Jl. HEA Mokodompit, Kampus Hijau Bumi Tridharma Anduonohu (93561), Kendari, Indonesia
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Abstract

According to various sources, between approximately 8.5 and even 10 million tons of Russian coal entered Polish market in 2022, which was mainly used for heating purposes by heating companies and private households (especially in the northern regions of the country). A ban on the continuation of these imports requires the identification of other sources of fuel – these could be either imports from other countries or an increase in mining volumes by domestic mines. However, both of these alternatives require a certain amount of time to be realized. Finding new foreign suppliers entails new contracts, which can be all the more difficult as many other countries, like Poland, no longer want to buy Russian coal. And then there is the issue of negotiating appropriate prices.
A possible decision to increase domestic mining is linked to other problems. This requires, first and foremost, that new portions of the deposits that could be mined be made available and cut in advance, which often entails several years of underground roadworks and significant financial outlays for their implementation and for the appropriate technical equipment of the newly prepared mining faces. With appropriate financial support from the state, this may be possible but not in every mine as there are a number of other considerations that determine the volume of extraction that can be achieved, particularly if there is a desire to increase it.
The aim of this publication is to present, analyse and identify factors that directly influence the volume of hard coal production, taking into account the dynamically changing market environment.
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Authors and Affiliations

Patrycja Bąk
1
ORCID: ORCID
Marian Turek
2
ORCID: ORCID

  1. AGH University of Krakow, Poland
  2. Silesian University of Technology, Zabrze, Poland
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Abstract

The global development of electromobility and the innovation of life are becoming increasingly noticeable. A direct implication of this is the increase in demand for modern products and services, their components and thus the raw materials necessary to produce them (e.g. cobalt, lithium, rare earth metals). In the European Union (EU), raw materials related to strategic sectors – renewable energy, electric mobility, defense and aerospace and digital technologies – show a very strong dependence on import throughout the entire value chain. In the case of eleven out of thirty of the so-called critical raw materials (CRM), necessary for the energy transition, the EU’s dependence on import exceeds 85%. Global supply chains, which had already been strained, were further affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and the exacerbated geopolitical situations leading to even greater shortages of critical raw materials in Europe and leaving the industry facing challenges in securing access to resources. An implication of this was the European Parliament’s position on critical raw material legislation in September 2023, which called on the EU to increase its processing capacity across the value chain and enable the production of at least 40% of the annual consumption of strategic raw materials by 2030.
Growing importance in the transition to a low-emission economy is attributed to cobalt (Co), which is an essential component both in the production of electric vehicles (EV), stationary energy storage and in the developing sectors of wind energy, fuel cell systems and hydrogen storage technologies, robotics, unmanned vehicles (drones) and 3D printing as well as in digital technologies. Securing the supply of such raw material is crucial for the European Union’s economic resilience, technological advantage and strategic autonomy.
The purpose of this article is to present and analyze the concept of value chains as strategic models of long-term development and ensuring efficiency from a sustainable perspective. According to the authors, a detailed analysis of value chains may enable defining strategic directions of action and identifying the risks of their disruption or interruption. To give a practical dimension to the presented analyses, the example of the cobalt value chain is provided and the determinants of its functioning on the current market along with development prospects are indicated.
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Authors and Affiliations

Sylwia Lorenc
1
ORCID: ORCID
Marta Podobińska-Staniec
1
ORCID: ORCID
Anna Wiktor-Sułkowska
1
ORCID: ORCID
Arkadiusz Jacek Kustra
1
ORCID: ORCID

  1. AGH University of Krakow, Poland
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Abstract

This article presents the results of a study of the determinants of energy transformation of coal-dependent regions. The case study was on the region of Silesia. This region is the main producer of hard coal and coking coal in Poland, with nineteen mines and numerous coal-fired power plants. Silesia is highly industrialized and urbanized, contributing significantly to Poland’s GDP. However, it is also a leader in terms of methane and carbon dioxide emissions. The study used an approach based on Alvin L. Bertrand’s ‘stress-strain’ theory, to investigate the socio-cultural stresses emerging as a result of the interaction of external factors and internal process dynamics within the region itself. Then, using Marc Wolfram’s systems-based analytical framework approach, the current transformative capacity of Silesia was analyzed. The theoretical framework adopted assumes that socio-cultural stress can be inferred from past situations of tension, influencing the social structure of the region and shaping accepted patterns of adaptation to change. Socio-cultural stress emerges as a key determinant of a region’s coping strategy and shapes its ability to transform in the long term. The research approach presented in this article adopts a comprehensive framework that integrates socio-cultural, socio-ecological and technological dimensions, providing a holistic view of a region’s transformation challenges and opportunities. The research was conducted using focus group interviews and a structured interview questionnaire. Participants in the research were individuals representing a diverse community of experts and activists involved in the energy transition process in Silesia, including local government officials, businesses, professional associations and social activists.
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Authors and Affiliations

Wojciech Kowalik
1
ORCID: ORCID
Wit Hubert
2
ORCID: ORCID
Monika Pepłowska
2
ORCID: ORCID
Dominik Kryzia
2
ORCID: ORCID
Lidia Gawlik
2
ORCID: ORCID
Aleksandra Komorowska
2
ORCID: ORCID

  1. AGH University of Krakow, Kraków, Poland
  2. Mineral and Energy Economy Research Institute PAS, Kraków, Poland
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Abstract

The paper presents the results of the valorization of sand and gravel aggregate deposits in Poland. The study aims to identify the most valuable deposits of potentially strategic importance that require protection. Undeveloped gravel deposits (gravel content above 70%) with resources exceeding 10 million tons and sand and gravel deposits (gravel content 25–70%) with resources above 20 million tons were selected for analysis. The valorization of deposits was carried out using two multi-criteria methodologies. The first of them was proposed by Nieć and Radwanek-Bąk (2013, 2014), while the second one was developed as part of the MINATU RA 2020 project (Galos et al. 2016). They include criteria regarding a degree of geological knowledge, raw material quality and quantity, mining attractiveness, and the accessibility of deposits for future exploitation resulting from environmental and land-use conditions. Out of 4,110 undeveloped deposits that constitute the national resource base for producing sand and gravel aggregates, only 8 gravel deposits and 64 sand and gravel deposits exceeded the threshold set for the volume of resources. As a result of the valorization, it was determined that most of the analyzed deposits, which can be considered as deposits of potentially strategic importance at the regional level, have limited availability due to environmental and land-use conditions. Only one gravel deposit and 7 sand and gravel deposits have simultaneously high resource quantity and quality and favorable geological and mining, environmental, and land-use conditions. The article also presents some recommendations regarding the need to adapt the valorization criteria to the specificity of deposits recognized for sand and gravel aggregate production.
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Authors and Affiliations

Katarzyna Guzik
1
ORCID: ORCID
Jarosław Kamyk
1
ORCID: ORCID
Alicja Kot-Niewiadomska
1
ORCID: ORCID

  1. Mineral and Energy Economy Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
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Abstract

The Sebatik Island is one of the main cocoa-producing regions in Indonesia, but its productivity has been reported to be below the potential production volume. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the sustainability index for smallholder cocoa plantations on the Sebatik Island using the multidimensional scaling (MDS), known as the RAP- SEBATIK (rapid appraisal for cocoa on Sebatik Island) that adopts from the RAPFISH (Rapid Appraisal for Fisheries). The MDS was used to evaluate the sustainability status of cocoa across six dimensions, while the leverage analysis was applied to identify the status of the most influential attributes of each dimension. The results showed that the average sustainability index value for such dimensions as ecological, economic, sociocultural, infrastructural and technological, law and institutional, as well as defence and security was 46.23, 48.58, 75.20, 40.49, 36.39, and 36.39%, respectively, based on the current conditions. According to these findings, only the sociocultural dimension was sustainable in smallholder cocoa plantations on the Sebatik Island. The main attributes that need improvement for the sake of sustainability apply to the following dimensions: ecological, economic, sociocultural, infrastructure and technology, law and institutional, as well as defence and security. Attributes that need intervention are the average age of cocoa, the community’s level of formal education, fertilisers application for cocoa, the operation of a shop for agricultural production facilities, and defence and security facilities and infrastructure.
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Authors and Affiliations

Muhamad Hidayanto
1
ORCID: ORCID
Yossita Fiana
2
ORCID: ORCID

  1. Research Center for Food Crops, National Research and Innovation Agency of the Republic of Indonesia, Cibinong Science Center, Jakarta – Bogor Highway, Km 46 Cibinong-Bogor, West Java 16911, Indonesia
  2. Research Center for Horticulture and Estate Crops, National Research and Innovation Agency of the Republic of Indonesia, Cibinong Science Center, Jakarta – Bogor Highway, Km 46 Cibinong-Bogor, West Java 16911, Indonesia
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Abstract

Yield and the course of crop vegetation are the result of the interaction between the level of cultivation technology and the course of meteorological conditions, which are a variable production factor. The aim of the study was to quantify the effect of meteorological conditions on the course of development stages and yield of winter wheat cultivated in two technological variants (A1 – medium-intensive and A2 – intensive). The paper uses data on yield and timing of winter wheat development stages from four Experimental Stations for Variety Testing (Pol. Centralny Ośrodek Badania Odmian Roślin Uprawnych – COBORU) experimental stations from 2007–2016 located within the Upper Vistula and Upper Oder River basins. To determine the dependence of the length of development stages of winter wheat on the values of selected meteorological elements, the linear regression metod, correlation coefficient. It was found that the lengths of the selected developmental stages are positively correlated with air temperature and negatively correlated with the sum and number of days with precipitation in these stages. A 1°C increase in air temperature resulted in a shortening of the shooting – heading and heading – full maturity periods by 2.5 and 2.8 days respectively. An increase of 100 mm of precipitation in the periods sowing – full maturity and heading – full maturity resulted in an increase of these periods by 5 and 10 days. Increasing the number of days with precipitation by 10 days in the sowing – full maturity and heading – vax maturity stages resulted in extending these stages by 4.1 to 4.4 and 7 to 7.5 days for the A1 and A2 cropping technologies, respectively.
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Authors and Affiliations

Barbara Skowera
1
ORCID: ORCID
Bogdan Kulig
2
ORCID: ORCID
Agnieszka Ziernicka-Wojtaszek
1
ORCID: ORCID
Wiesław Grygierzec
3
ORCID: ORCID
Elżbieta Ziółkowska
4
ORCID: ORCID
Andrzej Lepiarczyk
2
ORCID: ORCID

  1. University of Agriculture in Krakow, Faculty of Environmental Engineering and Land Surveying, Department of Ecology, Climatology and Air Protection, Mickiewicza Ave, 24/28, 30-059 Krakow, Poland
  2. University of Agriculture in Krakow, Faculty of Agriculture and Economics, Department of Agriculture and Plant Production, Mickiewicza Ave, 21, 31-120 Krakow, Poland
  3. University of Agriculture in Krakow, Faculty of Agriculture and Economics, Department of Statistics and Social Policy, Mickiewicza Ave, 21, 31-120 Krakow, Poland
  4. Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Institute of Environmental Sciences, Gronostajowa St, 7, 30-387 Krakow, Poland

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