Nuclear Energy Acceptance in Poland: From Societal Attitudes to Effective Policy Strategies -- Network Modeling Approach

Poland is currently undergoing substantial transformation in its energy sector, and gaining public support is pivotal for the success of its energy policies. We conducted a study with 338 Polish participants to investigate societal attitudes towards various energy sources, including nuclear energy and renewables. Applying a novel network approach, we identified a multitude of factors influencing energy acceptance. Political ideology is the central factor in shaping public acceptance, however we also found that environmental attitudes, risk perception, safety concerns, and economic variables play substantial roles. Considering the long-term commitment associated with nuclear energy and its role in Poland's energy transformation, our findings provide a foundation for improving energy policy in Poland. Our research underscores the importance of policies that resonate with the diverse values, beliefs, and preferences of the population. While the risk-risk trade-off and technology-focused strategies are effective to a degree, we advocate for a more comprehensive approach. The framing strategy, which tailors messages to distinct societal values, shows particular promise.Comment: preprint Energy Polic

Neonatal survival and kidney function after prenatal interventions for obstructive uropathies

Objectives: Prenatal interventions in LUTO (lower urinary tract obstruction) usually are still question of a debate between gynaecologist and paediatric nephrologist. We aimed the study to assess the early survival rate and renal outcome in LUTO foetuses. Material and methods: The study was a prospective data analysis of 39 foetuses from singleton pregnancies. All pregnant women with LUTO in the foetus were qualified for VAS based on a local practice. The mean time of first urine analysis ranged between 13–30 weeks of pregnancy. Primary end-point analysis included live birth, 28d-survival, pulmonary and renal function assessment in neonatal period. Results: From initial number of 39, six patients miscarried before the procedure was performed. Overall, 33 VAS were performer at the mean 21 week of pregnancy (range 14–30 weeks). 25/39 foetuses survived until delivery. Three neonates died in first 3 days of life. In the first month 3 children required peritoneal dialysis, but at 28 day all children were dialysis-free. Overall survival rate at 28 day was 56%. Renal function preservation of the initial group (39) turned out to be low — 18% (7/39). Conclusions: Our study showed average survival curves and complications. LUTO in the foetus had mostly unfavourable outcome in the neonatal period. The prenatal intervention did not increase it significantly and did not guarantee the preservation of normal kidney function

Diverse values of nature for sustainability

Twenty-five years since foundational publications on valuing ecosystem services for human well-being(1,2), addressing the global biodiversity crisis(3) still implies confronting barriers to incorporating nature's diverse values into decision-making. These barriers include powerful interests supported by current norms and legal rules such as property rights, which determine whose values and which values of nature are acted on. A better understanding of how and why nature is (under)valued is more urgent than ever(4). Notwithstanding agreements to incorporate nature's values into actions, including the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF)(5) and the UN Sustainable Development Goals(6), predominant environmental and development policies still prioritize a subset of values, particularly those linked to markets, and ignore other ways people relate to and benefit from nature(7). Arguably, a 'values crisis' underpins the intertwined crises of biodiversity loss and climate change(8), pandemic emergence(9) and socio-environmental injustices(10). On the basis of more than 50,000 scientific publications, policy documents and Indigenous and local knowledge sources, the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) assessed knowledge on nature's diverse values and valuation methods to gain insights into their role in policymaking and fuller integration into decisions(7,11). Applying this evidence, combinations of values-centred approaches are proposed to improve valuation and address barriers to uptake, ultimately leveraging transformative changes towards more just (that is, fair treatment of people and nature, including inter- and intragenerational equity) and sustainable futures

Functionality of the Scoring and Rating Models in the Light of Implementation of New Regulations

The paper's intention is to present the functionality of the scoring and rating models approved by the New Capital Agreement and the Capital Requirements Directive in the context of credit risk management. The know-how transfers initiated the process of superseding the traditional credit risk assessment methods by new methods. The scoring and rating models are being successfully used by foreign banking institutions. A synthesis of views on credit risk assessment methods (credit scoring and credit rating) also results from many advantages that occur as well on the side of the banking institutions as on the side of their clients. The credit scoring and credit rating models automatize the banking credit procedures by providing an objective assessment of all the credit applications. In addition, standardized scoring and rating models reduce the costs related to the credit applications analysis. The existing interest in modem methods of credit risk quantification in the period of implementing the NCA/CRD inspired the author to formulate the thesis that the scoring and rating models would continue to enjoy interest on the part of the domestic banking institutions (i.e. co-operative banks). The complicated procedures of determining the capital adequacy prescribed by the CRD will make a stimulus to implementation of the models in question by the financial institutions that have hitherto been using traditional creditworthiness assessment methods, because the new methods simplify and accelerate the analysis of credit applications and have been included in the framework of admitted credit risk quantification methods for internal ratings. The universal functionality of scoring and rating makes the models more and more popular and demanded. In the long run, automation of processes and an elastic offer adapted to the client's profile will decide on the financial institution's competitive position. Wherever there is need for automatism and maximum objectiveness, the scoring- and rating-based assessment win most probably find new advocates.

Cases Studies in Improving Interconnectivity between Passenger Transport Modes-the Context of the EU Transport Policy Objectives

AbstractThe paper deals with the problem of interconnection between long and short distance passenger transport. Conclusions presented are results of research conducted within INTERCONNECT EU project (INTERCONNECTion Between Short- and Long-Distance Transport Networks, project co-funded by the European Commission within the Seventh Framework Programme, Theme 7 Transport (www.interconnect-project.eu). Synthetic analysis of solutions allowing for better integration of transport modes is presented. Specific real life cases provide examples how theoretical solutions could be adapted in practice, what actions are plausible and what barriers are faced. The particular focus are those journeys which might benefit from more effective interconnection between different modes and services, and those situations where effective interconnection is currently hampered by institutional barriers, lack of investment or failure to innovate. The topic of interconnection has particular relevance at the European level because the transport networks’ role is compromised by poor interconnectivity and because the next generation of European transport policies will have to be sensitive to the differences between short, medium and long-term transport markets and the market advantages of each transport mode. Moreover, the improvement of interconnectivity results in greater efficiency and reduced environmental impact of passenger transport by judicious encouragement of integration, co-operation and, where appropriate, competition in the provision of local connections. In the paper authors also present synthetic results of the analysis of the outcomes of the selected case studies at a European level in the light of EU strategic policies and their implications in the different scale of transport networks and modes

Data availability for research on cost allocation practices in the new member states

CATRIN is a research project to support the European Transport Policy, specifically to assist in the implementation of transport pricing. CATRIN will increase the probability that new progressive pricing principles can be implemented which facilitate a move towards sustainable transport. CATRIN is both intermodal and interdisciplinary, emphasizes the needs of new member states, understands that different organizational forms require different recommendations, that recommendations need to be given in the short- and long-term perspective and that they have to be thoroughly discussed with infrastructure managers. This deliverable is dedicated to the area of the third work package of CATRIN covering new member states' policy and implementation problems as well as data availability. The objective of this deliverable is to review data sources and information available in new member states which can be used for cost allocation studies. It concerns both a survey of existing case studies and results of different research projects as well as review and presentation of data available in national and international statistical institutions. As a result of this study country sheets including current datasets have also been attached to this deliverable. Datasets correspond to the structure of modal chaptersCATRIN - Cost allocation of transport infrastructure cos

Mobility-as-a-Service as a Catalyst for Urban Transport Integration in Conditions of Uncertainty

Sudden events are being observed more often (pandemics, armed conflicts, high inflation, etc.). Urban transport systems are especially susceptible to sudden disruptions as manifested by sharp changes in user preferences and demand for transport services. Mobility as a service (MaaS) aims to improve the efficiency of urban transport systems and support the integration of various forms of transport. The main goal of the research is to assess the level of MaaS use and check what characteristics could influence using MaaS by different groups of users. A case study of the Tri-City, the largest urban centre in northern Poland, was used to examine the possibility of implementing MaaS. We assumed that the use of IT applications would help to reduce the challenges faced by mobility in modern cities. We hypothesised that MaaS is conducive to integrating transport in the city. Knowledge of MaaS acceptance is essential in implementing this concept and can help local authorities respond to sudden disruptions by increasing flexibility in shaping urban mobility. Poland still lacks a universal multimodal solution that would help optimise travel within the cities and actions should be undertaken to popularise digital solutions that improve the efficiency and organisation of PT

To be a new member state : What does it mean for pricing policy

This deliverable is dedicated to the area of the third work package of CATRIN covering new member states’ policy and implementation problems as well as data availability. The objective of already submitted Deliverable 5 was to review data sources and information available in new member states which can be used for cost allocation studies. This deliverable addresses the CATRIN Task 3.1 “Review of important issues in transport policy”, in which the main objective is to provide an indication on the general assumptions, preconditions and key factors for ensuring a fair and efficient pricing policy at country level.The insights from the EC transport policy prove that some characteristics as basic preconditions for the implementation of fair pricing reforms in transport can be identified. Those include: • The non-discrimination principle aiming at providing a charging system that does not discriminate between operators and/or Member States. • The transparency principle (cost allocation), implying that the required charges (to the user) should be determined in a transparent way. This has also implied, in presence of natural monopoly, the danger of anticompetitive collusion and/or the concentration of market power in particular operators, the establishment of independent authorities able to guarantee the third party right (new entrants) to a fair charging, e.g. in the case of air and rail sector. • Consultation as a general method of defining and implementing charging involving stakeholders.CATRIN - Cost allocation of transport infrastructure cos

An energy consumption approach to estimate air emission reductions in container shipping

Container shipping is the largest producer of emissions within the maritime shipping industry. Hence, measures have been designed and implemented to reduce ship emission levels. IMO's MARPOL Annex VI, with its future plan of applying Tier III requirements, the Energy Efficiency Design Index for new ships, and the Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan for all ships. To assist policy formulation and follow-up, this study applies an energy consumption approach to estimate container ship emissions. The volumes of sulphur oxide (SOx), nitrous oxide (NOx), particulate matter (PM), and carbon dioxide (CO2) emitted from container ships are estimated using 2018 datasets on container shipping and average vessel speed records generated via AIS. Furthermore, the estimated reductions in SOx, NOx, PM, and CO2 are mapped for 2020. The empirical analysis demonstrates that the energy consumption approach is a valuable method to estimate ongoing emission reductions on a continuous basis and to fill data gaps where needed, as the latest worldwide container shipping emissions records date back to 2015. The presented analysis supports early-stage detection of environmental impacts in container shipping and helps to determine in which areas the greatest potential for emission reductions can be found