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DE-ANONYMIZATION OF PERSONAL DATA IN THE PROCESS OF USING AI MODELS. ISSUES OF RESPONSIBILITY IN THE AI VALUE CHAIN
Full text linkThis article examines the issues and risks related to the de-anonymization of personal data and the responsibility across the value chain in the development and deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) systems. Four hypotheses of potential de-anonymization of personal data during the use of AI systems are explored:(1) when the goal and intended purpose of the AI system are preserved;(2) when the goal and intended purpose of the AI system are changed;(3) when the system’s goal and purpose are preserved, but the processing purpose changes;(4) when the goal of the system and data processing remains the same, but de-anonymization occurs due to technical or behavioral evolution of the system .Each hypothesis is analyzed through the lens of the requirements of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR, EU 2016), the Artificial Intelligence Act (EU 2024), and Opinion 28/2024 (EDPB, 2024). Based on the analysis of four regulatory and technical scenarios related to the purpose, intended use, and behavior of AI systems, the article discusses technological vulnerabilities such as behavioral identification, automated self-learning, and correlation with external sources. The goal is to clarify the conditions under which de-anonymization can occur despite formal compliance, and to specify the responsibility of actors in the supplier–implementer chain, including in cases of autonomous adaptation of AI models
THE DEVELOPMENT OF GMO REGULATORY FRAMEWORK IN THE EUROPEAN UNION: ENVIRONMENTAL LAW PRINCIPLES AND BIOETHICAL CHALLENGES
Full text linkThis study investigates the evolution of the European Union\u27s regulatory framework for genetically modified organisms (GMOs), with a focus on the integration of environmental law principles. It highlights the influence of soft law mechanisms in shaping legislative processes and examines contemporary regulatory challenges posed by new genomic techniques (NGTs). The analysis addresses bioethical considerations and evaluates the impact of recent legislative developments on the enforcement of environmental law principles and the protection of the right to a healthy environment. By synthesizing legal, ethical, and environmental perspectives, this study contributes to understanding the dynamic interplay between technological innovation and regulatory governance in the EU
TRANSLATION OF FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE IN PRESIDENTIAL SPEECHES
Full text linkMetaphors, traditionally regarded as stylistic embellishments, are recognized as fundamental to our conceptual frameworks, making their translation a complex task that often requires both linguistic knowledge and creative intuition. The paper analyzes 23 speeches by the Lithuanian presidents Gitanas Nausėda and Dalia Grybauskaitė, comprising a total of over 9,700 words. A set of 57 metaphors is selected, categorized into simple and complex types, and analyzed using Newmark’s metaphor translation strategies. The findings reveal that the most frequently used strategy is reproducing the same image in the target language, applied to 18 out of 22 simple metaphors and 26 out of 35 complex metaphors. This suggests that metaphors in presidential speeches are often creative or intercultural, requiring careful preservation in translation. Other strategies, such as replacing a metaphor with standard target language images and conversion to sense, are used less frequently. No examples of translation by simile, deletion, or combination with sense are found
CORROSION TESTS OF HIGH-STRENGTH ALUMINUM ALLOYS: A REVIEW
Full text linkAccelerated laboratory corrosion tests are essential for efficiently evaluating the performance of high- strength aluminum alloys, particularly in the context of rapidly developing new materials. By adhering to established standards like ASTM, these tests not only provide valuable insights into the materials\u27 corrosion resistance but also ensure that the results are reliable and comparable to those obtained from long-term exposure studies. This duality of testing methodologies emphasizes the importance of thorough corrosion assessment in the development and application of aluminum alloys in various environments
SURFACE-ENGINEERED METALLIC AND POLYMERIC MATERIALS PROMOTE OSTEOBLAST-LIKE CELL ADHESION, GROWTH AND DIFFERENTIATION FOR ORTHOPEDIC AND SPINE SURGERY APPLICATIONS
Full text linkMaterials commonly used in orthopedic, dental and spine surgeries—including Ti-6Al-4V alloy, stainless steel AISI 316 LWM, polyether ether ketone (PEEK) Optima, and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE)—were subjected to surface modifications such as sandblasting, polishing, and coating with amorphous hydrogenated carbon (a-C:H), alone or in combination. Surface roughness, assessed by the Ra parameter, was primarily at the submicron scale for unmodified or sandblasted materials and at the nanoscale for polished samples. Wettability and the polar component of surface energy were generally higher on metallic samples and standard polystyrene culture dishes than on polymeric materials, with the exception of polished stainless steel. When seeded with human osteoblast-like MG-63 cells, the highest cell densities were observed on sandblasted Ti-6Al-4V coated with a-C:H (day 1), polished stainless steel (day 3), and polished PEEK (day 8). These cells also displayed elevated levels of adhesion and osteogenic differentiation markers, including β1-integrins (on sandblasted Ti-6Al-4V with a-C:H), αv-integrins, vinculin, and osteocalcin (on polished stainless steel), and talin and osteopontin (on polished PEEK). Furthermore, the cells on all tested materials exhibited comparable or lower levels of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), an immune activation marker, compared to those grown on standard polystyrene dishes. These findings suggest that sandblasted Ti-6Al-4V coated with a-C:H, polished stainless steel, and polished PEEK are promising materials for bone implant construction and osseointegration
PROBLEMS OF MUSIC TEACHERS IN PUBLIC EDUCATION IN POLAND
Full text linkThroughout history pedeutological reflection is accompanied by numerous controversies resulting from public discourse of social, economical and political forces. According to accepted ideologies or represented interests, these forces generate various visions of self, which should be results of educational process at school. Accuracy of visions is particularly important in times of fast and significant socio-cultural changes witnessed by us. The teacher – also the music teacher – is responsible for accomplishing them. The author tries to characterize the group of music teachers and some contexts of their functioning in modern Polish school based on literature analysis and according to results of her research conducted in years 2013-2014 and ten years later (2023-2024). The source of analytic material are primarily interviews with music teachers from different types of elementary schools in Poland. Semi structured in depth interviews were used in this research to ensure a quality encounter of two personalities during personal conversation. Interviews were conducted in 2013-2014, and in 2023-24. Music teachers\u27 problems have remained essentially unchanged over the decade. In attempt to formulate some general conclusions the author offers an assertion that the functioning of music teachers at school is vastly restrained by coercion of an institution, not compatible with present requirements, in which they operate
FROM BRAIN DRAIN TO BRAIN CIRCULATION
Full text linkIn knowledge-oriented economy, economic growth is primarily determined by factors such as human capital, research, innovation and international cooperation. Due to this reason, migration of highly qualified working forces appears as one of the most important elements that contribute to GDP growth. Intensity of migration flows related to highly qualified migrants has significantly increased since millennium started. Therefore, governments of individual countries implement programs focused not only on attraction of their own scientists working abroad, but also at foreign researchers and students. Many experts who deal with this issue warn to the fact that concept of brains leakage becomes outdated and needs to be replaced by circulation of brains concept. The aim of this paper is to define main features of brains circulation concept, to identify steps of India, China and Korea for its stimulation and to make description of some EU member countries policies focused on foreign students who are predecessors of highly qualified workers
BRAND IMAGE, IMPACT OF QUALITY, AND ECO-ATTITUDES: A STUDY ON POST-INDUSTRIAL AND POST-CONSUMER PLASTICS IN SUSTAINABLE PURCHASING IN HUNGARY
Full text linkThe rising importance of sustainability has prompted companies to integrate recycled plastics into their products to enhance environmental responsibility and appeal to eco-conscious consumers. This study investigates the differences between post-industrial and post-consumer plastic recycling, with a focus on how these influence product quality and consumer perceptions in Hungary. A mixed-method approach was applied, combining a structured literature review with a quantitative survey conducted among Hungarian consumers. The study examines how environmental awareness, perceptions of recycled product quality, and brand image influence consumer attitudes and purchasing behavior. Results show that product quality and durability are the most important factors influencing consumer trust and purchase behavior, while brand image plays a less significant role. A strong positive correlation was found between eco-consciousness and the frequency of purchasing recycled products. The findings highlight the need for high-quality recycled materials and support the alignment of green branding with evolving consumer expectations
ESG RATINGS AND INDEXES: BENEFITS AND LIMITATIONS
Full text linkIn recent years, environmental, social and governance (ESG) ratings and indices have gained increasing importance as tools for assessing corporate sustainability and guiding responsible investment. However, along with their popularity, debates about their reliability, comparability and real impact have intensified. The purpose of this paper is to critically examine the main advantages and disadvantages of ESG ratings and indices. It explores their nature, function and application in modern business and investment practice by applying comparative approach. The analysis is based on a systematic review of leading scientific publications, focusing on methodological differences between ESG ratings, issues with transparency and comparability of assessments, as well as on the specifics of ESG indices as a basis for sustainable investing. The paper presents the key characteristics of ESG ratings and indices, distinguishes their roles and analyses the challenges associated with their application, including the risk of ESG-washing and shortcomings in considering sector specifics. The need for increased transparency, harmonisation of methodologies and strengthening regulatory oversight is emphasized, for ESG ratings and indices to effectively fulfil their role in the process of promoting sustainability and good corporate governance
NATURAL ATTENUATION AND MICROBIAL DEGRADATION OF MTBE IN THE SANDSTONE MATRIX OF THE PATIÑO AQUIFER, PARAGUAY
Full text linkThis study investigates the natural attenuation and microbial degradation of methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) in the Patiño Aquifer, Paraguay, following the phase-out of MTBE in gasoline in 2016. The aquifer’s sandstone matrix, characterized by interconnected pores and redox-active minerals, facilitates microbial colonization and abiotic degradation. Sampling campaigns revealed a decline in MTBE detection from 44% to 17.8% of monitored wells, alongside increased detection of degradation products tert-butyl formate (TBF) and tert-butyl alcohol (TBA) in 72% and 21% of samples, respectively. MTBE decline in Patiño Aquifer linked to discontinued use (halting inputs), enhanced microbial degradation (aerobic/anaerobic pathways producing TBA/TBF), natural attenuation (first-order kinetics aided by hydrology/redox shifts), and minor abiotic oxidation. Adsorption was negligible due to MTBE’s low sandstone affinity. The metabolite shifts reflect reduced anthropogenic inputs, biological breakdown, and hydrogeochemical dynamics. This interplay underscores the aquifer’s capacity for MTBE transformation via integrated microbial activity, environmental conditions, and source cessation