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Euro adoption and inflation stability: Early evidence from Croatia and the Czech Republic
No full textThe purpose of the article is to explore the link between monetary policy regimes and inflation dynamics in small open economies. Croatia and the Czech Republic provide a natural experiment for examining how small open economies with different monetary frameworks respond to global and regional shocks, including euro adoption and other external disturbances. The analysis sheds light on how institutional arrangements affect the stability of inflation rates in the presence of global shocks.Methodology includes a Vector Autoregression (VAR) approach with monthly data covering the period from 2000 to 2024 and is complemented by Granger causality tests, as well as a structural break analysis to account for major events such as the global financial crisis in 2008, the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the 2022 European energy shock, and Croatia’s euro adoption.The results of the empirical analysis reveal that euro adoption is associated with reduced short-term inflation volatility but weaker responsiveness to external shocks, while monetary independence allows greater policy flexibility at the cost of heightened inflation variability. These findings provide early evidence on the inflation-stabilizing role of euro adoption and contribute to ongoing policy debates on monetary integration within the European Union
In vivo upregulation of innate and adaptive immune mechanisms in guinea pigs inoculated with Helicobacter pylori in response to Mycobacterium bovis BCG delivered by chitosan microparticles (dataset)
No full textExamples of research data, raw FTIR spectra, cytokine levels, tissue cell counts.In this study, we used the model of Cavia porcellus (guinea pig) experimentally infected with H. pylori to determine whether per os inoculation of animals with chitosan microparticles containing live M. bovis BCG, which are released in the stomach or in the intestine, or simultaneously in both localizations, can result in upregulation of innate and adaptive immune response towards H. pylori.
This experimental model of H. pylori infection in guinea pigs was developed by us previously. After H. pylori inoculation, the gastric tissue of infected animals initiates an inflammatory response similar to that observed in humans infected with these bacteria. This model enabled us to investigate the effects of H. pylori-induced inflammatory and immune responses, as well as the induction of regeneration processes in gastric tissue in response to this infection.
This study assessed the role of M. bovis BCG administered per os in chitosan microparticles (MPs) in guinea pigs in upregulating innate and adaptive immune mechanisms to neutralise H. pylori infection and related inflammatory responses.
In this study animals were inoculated per os with H. pylori alone, chitosan microparticles (MPs) loaded with M. bovis-BCG modified with Gal-NAc (MPs CHI-GalNAc-BCG) to enhance the adhesion of MPs to gastric mucin, chitosan microparticles loaded with M. bovis-BCG modified with Pluronic F127 (MPs CHI-Plu-BCG) facilitating the release of the cargo in the gut, MPs CHI-GalNAc-BCG and MPs CHI-Plu-BCG together, or first with MPs CHI-Plu-BCG alone, or MPs CHI-GalNAc-BCG and MPs CHI-Plu-BCG together followed by inoculation with H. pylori.
Concerning the low responsiveness of macrophages, which is caused by H. pylori components, and the role of M. bovis BCG in immune training of innate immune cells, we examined the macrophage infiltration in the gastric tissue of the studied animals. We assessed the phenotype of bone marrow cells based on selected surface markers of myeloid precursors (CD34/CD117/Ly6G), and the secretion of pro-inflammatory (TNF-α, IL-8) and anti-inflammatory/regulatory (IL-10) cytokines by bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM).
Using BMDM, we assessed whether inoculating animals with different variants of MPs loaded with M. bovis BCG enhances the phagocytic capacity of BMDM and whether this is accompanied by increased expression of CD11d integrin, which drives macrophage migration and extravasation and is involved in phagocytosis. Considering the concept of immune training of macrophages driven by M. bovis BCG, histone 3 lysine 4 methylation was assessed in BMDM in the study.
As innate and adaptive immune responses cooperate, we determined the production of secretory (sIgA) antibodies in the gastric tissue of studied animals and the number of lymphatic follicles with exposed germinal centers (GC) in the spleen, in association with the assessment of proliferation of spleen lymphocytes in vitro in response to H. pylori antigens or M. bovis BCG in contrast to spontaneous reaction of spleen lymphocytes.The research was financially supported by the National Science Center with the grant SONATA 18 “Assessment of the ability of Mycobacterium bovis BCG-onco bacilli to control the development of Helicobacter pylori infection,” UMO-2022/47/D/NZ7/01097
Risk Assessment in Road Transport
No full textCelem rozdziału jest identyfikacja i charakterystyka zagrożeń występujących w transporcie drogowym w sektorze TSL oraz ocena działań prewencyjnych podejmowanych przez przedsiębiorstwa. Zastosowano metodę sondażu diagnostycznego w formie ankiety skierowanej do pracowników branży TSL, co umożliwiło zebranie danych jakościowych i ilościowych. Wyniki wskazują, że najczęstszymi zagrożeniami są opóźnienia w dostawach, uszkodzenia towarów i wypadki drogowe. Główne czynniki ryzyka to brak umiejętności kierowców, zły stan techniczny pojazdów oraz niewłaściwe zabezpieczenie ładunku. Ograniczeniem badania jest ograniczona liczba respondentów. Praktyczne implikacje obejmują potrzebę szkoleń, modernizacji floty i inwestycji w infrastrukturę drogową. Społeczne znaczenie badań wiąże się z poprawą bezpieczeństwa na drogach. Wartość artykułu polega na wskazaniu skutecznych metod minimalizacji ryzyka i budowie systemu zarządzania bezpieczeństwem transportu drogowego.The objective of the chapter is to identify and characterize risks occurring in road transport within the TSL sector and to assess the preventive measures undertaken by companies. A diagnostic survey was used, in the form of a questionnaire directed at employees in the TSL industry, enabling the collection of both qualitative and quantitative data. The results show that the most frequent risks include delivery delays, cargo damage, and road accidents. The main risk factors are a lack of driver skills, poor vehicle technical condition, and inadequate cargo securing. A limitation of the study is the relatively small number of respondents. Practical implications include the need for training, fleet modernization, and investment in road infrastructure. The social relevance of the research is tied to improving road safety. The value of the chapter lies in highlighting effective methods for minimizing risk and developing a road transport safety management system
Tasks and competences of self-government administration in the field of counteracting domestic violence in family with alcohol problem
No full textDomestic violence in families affected by alcohol abuse is a complex phenomenon that has a deeply destructive impact on family members. Individuals living in such environments experience not only the consequences of alcohol dependency but also various forms of violence, leading to chronic fear, anxiety, psychological strain, and serious health and social problems. Victims often develop codependent behaviours, avoiding external help and treating family dysfunction as a private matter, which limits effective intervention. Nevertheless, the state retains a legal and moral obligation to protect fundamental rights such as life, health, dignity, and freedom. In Poland, this problem affects several million people.
A crucial role in counteracting alcohol-related domestic violence is played by self-government units, particularly municipalities, which—under the principles of decentralisation and subsidiarity are responsible for preventing alcohol problems and protecting victims at the local level. This doctoral dissertation focuses on the legal analysis of the statutory tasks and competences of self-government administration in this field and assesses whether current regulations provide adequate protection.
The central research hypothesis assumes that existing Polish legal regulations and their practical implementation are insufficient to protect victims of domestic violence in families with alcohol problems. The dissertation also examines the axiological foundations of these regulations, emphasising the protection of human rights and dignity as a legislative priority.
Using multiple research methods, including legal analysis, comparative law, and empirical studies, the dissertation evaluates existing legal instruments, identifies their shortcomings, and formulates de lege ferenda recommendations. The study concludes with proposals for legislative changes aimed at strengthening victim protection and improving the effectiveness of self-government actions in combating domestic violence linked to alcohol abuse.Przedstawiona rozprawa doktorska została częściowo zrealizowana w ramach projektu naukowego:
„Zadania administracji samorządowej w zakresie profilaktyki i rozwiązywania problemu alkoholowego a ochrona życia i zdrowia ofiar przemocy w rodzinie perspektywa prawnoporównawcza”
Inicjatywa Doskonałości – Uczelnia Badawcza Uniwersytet Łódzki Doktoranckie Granty Badawcze Numer grantu: 35/DGB/IDUB/202
Redistributive Consequences of the Value Added Tax (VAT) in Poland, 2011–2023
No full textThe aim of this article is to assess the redistributive consequences of the Value Added Tax (VAT) in Poland between 2011 and 2023, with particular emphasis on the burden faced by Polish households. The study draws on consumption data from the Polish Central Statistical Office (GUS), disaggregated by socio-economic groups and income quintiles. As an indirect tax, VAT tends to be regressive, placing a heavier relative burden on lower-income households. The analysis revealed that although differences in the tax burden among income quintiles decreased over the analysed period, they still remained significant. The paper also explores potential policy measures – such as introducing more progressive elements into the tax system – to mitigate VAT’s regressive nature. The findings suggest that implementing such reforms could contribute to greater tax equity in the tax system.Celem artykułu jest analiza redystrybucyjnych efektów podatku VAT w Polsce w latach 2011–2023, ze szczególnym uwzględnieniem obciążeń dla polskich gospodarstw domowych. Badania oparte są na danych GUS dotyczących konsumpcji podzielonej na grupy społeczno-ekonomiczne i grupy kwintylowe. Regresywny charakter podatku VAT, będącego podatkiem pośrednim, obciąża bardziej gospodarstwa o niższych dochodach. Analiza wykazała, że różnice w obciążeniu między kwintylami dochodowymi zmniejszały się w analizowanym okresie, jednak wciąż pozostawały istotne. W artykule omówiono również możliwe rozwiązania, takie jak wprowadzenie bardziej progresywnych elementów do systemu podatkowego, by złagodzić regresywny charakter VAT. Wnioski sugerują, że wprowadzenie takich reform mogłoby przyczynić się do większej sprawiedliwości społecznej w systemie podatkowym
Penal Populism Beyond the Present Day
No full textThis article aims to analyze the phenomenon of penal populism. The methodology of the paper is to first outline the definitional background of the concept of penal populism, based on the findings of other sciences, such as psychology and sociology. In the next step, the concept is assessed against contemporary lawmaking instances that are mostly described as populist. However, in an effort to emphasize the timeless and cross-systemic nature of populism, World War II populism examples are also cited.Niniejszy artykuł ma na celu analizę zjawiska populizmu penalnego. Metodyka pracy polega na zarysowaniu w pierwszej kolejności podłoża definicyjnego pojęcia populizmu penalnego. W tym celu wykorzystuje się zastosowania osiągnięć innych nauk, takich jak psychologia i socjologia. Następnie pojęcie to zderza się ze współczesnymi przejawami stanowienia prawa, które określane bywały jako populistyczne. Chcąc jednak zaakcentować ponadczasowy i ponadsystemowy charakter populizmu, przywołuje się także przykład działania populizmu w czasie drugiej wojny światowej
Le esperienze in Italia di Cyprian Norwid (1821–1883) e Teofil Lenartowicz (1822–1893)
No full textArtykuł omawia wpływy Włoch i kultury włoskiej na życie oraz twórczość dwóch poetów: Cypriana Norwida i Teofila Lenartowicza, reprezentujących trzecie pokolenie romantyków polskich. Choć łączyło ich wiele wspólnych doświadczeń i artystycznych upodobań, uprawiali zupełnie inną poezję. Inny był też ich talent – Norwid tworzył poezję intelektualną, głęboko filozoficzną, uznaną po latach za wybitną, Lenartowicz kontynuował program ludowości romantycznej. Dla obu jednak Włochy były źródłem silnych uczuć i wyjątkowych inspiracji. Norwid traktował Włochy jako symboliczną „zastępczą” ojczyznę i centrum chrześcijańskiego świata. Lenartowicz, mieszkający na stałe we Florencji, łączył w swej twórczości zachwyt ludem włoskim z tęsknotą za własnym krajem. Do jego szczególnych zasług należała też popularyzacja literatury polskiej podczas prelekcji wygłaszanych w Akademii im. Adama Mickiewicza w Bolonii. W artykule najpierw przedstawiono dzieje pobytu wskazanych autorów we Włoszech i charakter twórczości wyrosłej w efekcie tych przeżyć, a następnie podjęto próbę porównania ich wzajemnych stosunków i osiągnięć.The article discusses the influence of Italy and Italian culture on the lives and works of two poets: Cyprian Norwid and Teofil Lenartowicz, representing the third generation of Polish Romantics. Although they shared many common experiences and artistic tastes, they practised completely different types of poetry. Their talents were also different – Norwid created intellectual, deeply philosophical poetry, recognised years later as outstanding, while Lenartowicz continued the programme of Romantic folklore. For both, however, Italy was a source of strong feelings and unique inspiration. Norwid treated Italy as a symbolic ‘substitute’ homeland and the centre of the Christian world. Lenartowicz, who lived permanently in Florence, combined in his work his admiration for the Italian people with his longing for his own country. One of his particular achievements was the popularisation of Polish literature during lectures given at the Adam Mickiewicz Academy in Bologna. The article first presents the history of the authors' stay in Italy and the nature of the work that grew out of these experiences, and then attempts to compare their mutual relations and achievements
Hodnotovosť literárnej ceny Anasoft litera
No full textBadanie dotyczy laureatów najbardziej prestiżowej słowackiej nagrody literackiej, Anasoft litera, oraz uzasadnień, jakimi kierowały się jury przy wyborze zwycięskich tytułów na przestrzeni lat. Analizując dwie dekady corocznej nagrody, praca koncentruje się na wartościach podkreślanych w oficjalnym uzasadnieniu każdego laureata. Prowadzi to do diachronicznej panoramy preferencji wartościowych Anasoft litera, ukazującej jej rozwój, od zauważalnej dominacji kryteriów estetycznych na początku istnienia nagrody, po bardziej zrównoważone podejście z uwzględnieniem innych typów kryteriów (głównie społecznych) w ostatnich latach.The study deals with the laureates of the most prestigious Slovak literary award, Anasoft litera, and how the juries reasoned the winning titles throughout the years. Mapping up to two decades of the annual award, the paper focuses on values highlighted in the official rationale behind every year’s winner. This results in a diachronic panorama of Anasoft litera’s value preferences, capturing its development from the noticeable domination of aesthetic criteria at the beginning of the award to a more balanced approach with other types of criteria – mainly social – in the last years of the award
Dataset of Interview Recordings and Transcripts Collected through Ethnographic Visits to Smart Home Technology Adopters – Work Package 4 of the project “SMARTUP: Smart(ening up the modern) home – Redesigning power dynamics through domestic space digitalisation” (CHANSE Scheme)
No full textThe dataset comprises materials from ethnographic research on smart-technology adoption in Polish households, conducted as part of the SMARTUP project. It consists of:
– Methodological Guidelines document used in the field, including: (i) an interview guide for all adult household members, (ii) a prompt for a digital asynchronous task, (iii) a second-round interview guide for individual household members, and (iv) a demographic questionnaire.
– Ten (10) household folders, each representing a single participating household. These folders contain the empirical materials for that case, namely audio recording(s) of interviews and their corresponding transcript(s).
Across all households, the dataset includes 13 audio files (total duration: 15 hours, 53 minutes, 56 seconds) and 12 interview transcripts (total length: 135,398 words). Detailed information on the internal structure, file formats and contents of the dataset is provided in the README file stored with the deposited data.This dataset contains qualitative materials generated within the ethnographic component of the SMARTUP project, which examines how smart technologies are incorporated into everyday domestic life. The data come from research with ten Polish households that have adopted smart technologies. Fieldwork consisted primarily of in-person ethnographic visits, including guided “home tours” of smart devices and group interviews with adult household members, complemented by online interviews where in-person visits were not possible. All interviews were conducted in Polish.
The interviews explore residents’ reasons and expectations for adopting smart technologies; their understandings of “smart homes” and “smart living”; and how specific devices are used in the course of daily routines. Further topics include pleasures and frustrations associated with smart technologies, perceptions of competence and technological expertise, and the distribution of both domestic and digital labour within the household. The conversations also address care relations, experiences of control and monitoring, concerns about privacy and security, and imagined futures and “ideal” smart homes.The dataset is a result of the project “SMARTUP: Smart(ening up the modern) home – Redesigning power dynamics through domestic space digitalisation”. This research was funded by the National Science Center in Poland [grant number: 2021/03/Y/HS6/00250] as part of the ERA-Net Cofund CHANSE “Collaboration of Humanities and Social Sciences in Europe”. CHANSE has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 101004509