The analysis of passenger air transport development in Poland over the period 2010-2018

Purpose: The aim of the conducted research was analysis of data regarding aviation activities in the field of passenger transport at Polish airports over the period 2010-2018. Design/Methodology/Approach: The Analysis of the air travel segment referring passenger transport in Polish airports is based on available literature, analysis and statistical documentation of the air transport market for the years 2010-2018. Findings: The Polish market of air services continues to be in a state of flux. The pace at which changes occur results from a combination of external and internal factors, which precondition the behaviour of air carriers and customers, and the operation of airports. When analysing air transport development forecast, we can see a further upward trend in the number of activities of all market participants. That said, in the near future we should be expecting an expansion of connections, erection of state-of-the-art infrastructure, new air services, and above all a growth of importance of Poland on the aviation map of Europe. Practical Implications: Having regard to data included in the study, without a doubt the Polish aviation market should be considered a strongly developing one, having enormous potential ensuing not only from population mobility different EU standards, but also from demographic potential of Poland, gradual wealth gaining of the Polish society, and Poland’s geographic location. Originality/Value: A comparative analysis of the potential of selected air carriers and airports with respect to the volume of transported passengers and flights performed.peer-reviewe

The Fate of Nitrogen and Phosphorus from a SImulated Highway Cross-Section

Nutrient pollution as a result of excessive fertilizer application is of major concern for Florida\u27s water resources. Excess fertilizer can be lost either via surface runoff or by leaching through the soil mass eventually reaching water bodies and leading to eutrophication. The focus of this study is to analyze the effect of low rainfall intensities and overland flow from an adjacent roadway surface on the loss of nutrients from two different fertilizers. This study focuses on the fate of the nitrogen and phosphorus present in fertilizers utilized by the Florida Department of Transportation for the stabilization of highway embankments. This research was performed on a field-scale test bed and rainfall simulator located at the Stormwater Management Academy at the University of Central Florida. The loss of nutrients was measured from two soil and sod combinations typically found in Florida and used for highway stabilization -Pensacola Bahia on AASHTO A-2-4 soil and Argentine Bahia on AASHTO A-3 soil. Two different fertilizers were analyzed, an all-purpose, quick-release 10-10-10 (N-P-K) fertilizer previously used by FDOT, and the new slow-release 16-0-8 (N-P-K) fertilizer, both applied at a rate of 0.5 lb/1000 ft2 consistent with FDOT\u27s practice. Each combination was analyzed under two rainfall intensities: 0.1 in/hr and 0.25 in/hr at a slope consistent with typical highway cross-sections found in Florida. Nutrient losses were measured by collection of runoff and/or baseflow that escaped the test bed. Additionally, from the soil samples collected throughout the testing period, the mass of the nutrients was compared to the mass balances values based on literature from a previous study on fertilizers performed at the Stormwater Management Academy. The experimental findings of this study showed that there was a reduction in total nitrogen and total phosphorus on both A-2-4 soil and A-3 soil at the 0.25 in/hr intensity as a result of switching to the slow-release 16-0-8 (N-P-K) fertilizer. Results from the 0.1 in/hr rainfall intensity, which were available only for the A-2-4 soil, showed that at this intensity there was no apparent benefit to the switch in fertilizers. Furthermore, it was found that less total nitrogen and total phosphorus was lost from A-3 soil than A-2-4 soil at 0.25 in/hr when using 10-10-10 (N-P-K). At 0.1 in/hr, there was no apparent difference in total nitrogen lost. However, less total phosphorus was lost at this intensity. The results of this study showed that there is an environmental benefit to applying slow-release fertilizers. This was more significant for the 0.25 in/hr intensity than the 0.1 in/hr intensity at which no apparent benefit was found. In addition, it was found that runoff was a greater source of nutrient loss than baseflow, although baseflow losses were substantial. Furthermore, it was found that total nitrogen tends to be lost via both pathways of runoff and baseflow while phosphorus has a lower tendency to leach through the soil but readily runs off the soil surface. It was also observed that because fresh sod tends to be heavily fertilized, applications of fertilizer could be reduced or avoided entirely after sod placement and applied as needed

Comprehensive analysis of T cell leukemia signals reveals heterogeneity in the PI3 kinase-Akt pathway and limitations of PI3 kinase inhibitors as monotherapy.

T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is an aggressive hematologic cancer. Poly-chemotherapy with cytotoxic and genotoxic drugs causes substantial toxicity and more specific therapies targeting the underlying molecular lesions are highly desired. Perturbed Ras signaling is prevalent in T-ALL and occurs via oncogenic RAS mutations or through overexpression of the Ras activator RasGRP1 in ~65% of T-ALL patients. Effective small molecule inhibitors for either target do not currently exist. Genetic and biochemical evidence link phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) signals to T-ALL, PI3Ks are activated by Ras-dependent and Ras-independent mechanisms, and potent PI3K inhibitors exist. Here we performed comprehensive analyses of PI3K-Akt signaling in T-ALL with a focus on class I PI3K. We developed a multiplex, multiparameter flow cytometry platform with pan- and isoform-specific PI3K inhibitors. We find that pan-PI3K and PI3K γ-specific inhibitors effectively block basal and cytokine-induced PI3K-Akt signals. Despite such inhibition, GDC0941 (pan-PI3K) or AS-605240 (PI3Kγ-specific) as single agents did not efficiently induce death in T-ALL cell lines. Combination of GDC0941 with AS-605240, maximally targeting all p110 isoforms, exhibited potent synergistic activity for clonal T-ALL lines in vitro, which motivated us to perform preclinical trials in mice. In contrast to clonal T-ALL lines, we used a T-ALL cancer model that recapitulates the multi-step pathogenesis and inter- and intra-tumoral genetic heterogeneity, a hallmark of advanced human cancers. We found that the combination of GDC0941 with AS-605240 fails in such trials. Our results reveal that PI3K inhibitors are a promising avenue for molecular therapy in T-ALL, but predict the requirement for methods that can resolve biochemical signals in heterogeneous cell populations so that combination therapy can be designed in a rational manner

Process management in food supply chains : a case study

Purpose: The aim of this article is to identify processes in the horses feed supply chains implemented for the needs of sporting stables, together with an indication of the factors determining their efficient management and to propose methods to improve the process. Design/Approach: The research was conducted using qualitative methods. As part of the research procedure, process analysis was carried out using the method of mapping processes in the horse feed supply chain. To analyse and evaluate the examined processes were presented in the form of graphical maps developed using the iGrafx software. Findings: The results of the study indicate that the coordination and integration of logistics processes has a significant impact on the efficiency of the feed supply chain. It is necessary to focus process management on building partnerships in the supply chain to ensure high quality horse nutrition. Practical Implications: The results can be used to improve the supply chain, which is important for owners, breeders, trainers, and animal caregivers - as well as sports, insurance, or veterinary institutions. Nutritional issues are subject to detailed analysis in the event of success and at the time of occurrence of health problems ending with surgical intervention or death of the horse. Originality/Value: Due to the growing importance of these issues for the efficient operation of the feed chain for horses, it is necessary to understand and promote the aspect of coherent, integrated process management in the scientific and practical dimension. An important element of breeding and training activities is the proper recognition of individual elements and relationships in feed supply chains, as well as the factors determining them.peer-reviewe

Environmental impact of air transport

Purpose: The investigations focus on environmental impact of air transport. The main purpose of the study was to present the core actions performed by the Kraków - Balice airport, the first airport in Poland to join the Partnership for implementing sustainable development objectives (2018), in full respect of the principles of sustainable development and the natural environment around the airport. Design/Methodology/Approach: The analysis of the actions pursued by the Polish airport within the framework of sustainable development is based on the available scientific literature and sustainable development reports issued by the studied airport between 2016 and 2018. Findings: Rapid development of air transport over the last 50 years has not gone unnoticed by the natural environment. Studies in the field have demonstrated negative effects both locally, around airports, and globally, considering climate change issues and air pollution. Practical Implications: Continuing developments in air transport entail not only an economic advantage but also stimulated investments in state-of-the-art technologies. With an increased application of know-how and innovative approaches of other sectors, there will be new opportunities to address the issue of environmental impact of air transport. However, the impact of air transport activities on climate change, noise levels, and air quality is deemed to grow year by year, which has an effect on health and life quality of the society. Originality/Value: A presentation of core actions undertaken by the airport to protect the natural environment. The variety of currently introduced activities continue to generate passenger air transport demand, which leads to a general increase of its environmental impact. Given the above, we continue to explore ways to meet environmental challenges, whilst ensuring a long-term success of air transport.peer-reviewe

The supply chain of the mining industry : the case of copper mining

Purpose: The aim of this article is to identify processes and recognise determinants in the copper mining industry supply chain creation and activity taking into account the influence of COVID-19 pandemic. Design/Approach: The research was conducted using qualitative methods. As part of the research procedure, process analysis was carried out using the method of mapping processes in the mining industry supply chain (on the example of copper mining). To analyse and evaluate the examined processes were presented in the form of graphical maps developed using the ADONIS software. A case study was used to show the specificity of the studies case (copper mining supply chain) and accompanying phenomena. Findings: The results of the study indicate that the coordination and integration of logistics processes has a significant impact on the mining supply chain. It is necessary to point out that the mining processes are separate from production processes. The individual tier of copper mining supply chain has their specific determinants that can be identified in the following groups: natural and geological, political, economic, legislative, social, environmental, and technological. The COVID-19 pandemic increased the intensity of the search for new technologies, human security, remote communication processes and process tracking tools; it also increased the need for cooperation and searching for cooperative solutions regarding sustainable development and the circular economy. Practical Implications: The results can be used to improve the operation of the supply chain. The conducted analyses have significant practical implications for the design of efficiency, security, and resilience of supply chains. Originality/Value: The comprehensive analysis of the supply chain creates opportunities for comprehensive improvement of both the entire system and its individual components.peer-reviewe

The Vibrio parahaemolyticus Type III Secretion Systems manipulate host cell MAPK for critical steps in pathogenesis

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p><it>Vibrio parahaemolyticus </it>is a food-borne pathogen causing inflammation of the gastrointestinal epithelium. Pathogenic strains of this bacterium possess two Type III Secretion Systems (TTSS) that deliver effector proteins into host cells. In order to better understand human host cell responses to <it>V. parahaemolyticus</it>, the modulation of Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) activation in epithelial cells by an O3:K6 clinical isolate, RIMD2210633, was investigated. The importance of MAPK activation for the ability of the bacterium to be cytotoxic and to induce secretion of Interleukin-8 (IL-8) was determined.</p> <p>Results</p> <p><it>V. parahaemolyticus </it>deployed its TTSS1 to induce activation of the JNK, p38 and ERK MAPK in human epithelial cells. VP1680 was identified as the TTSS1 effector protein responsible for MAPK activation in Caco-2 cells and the activation of JNK and ERK by this protein was important in induction of host cell death. <it>V. parahaemolyticus </it>actively induced IL-8 secretion in a response mediated by TTSS1. A role for VP1680 and for the ERK signalling pathway in the stimulation of IL-8 production in epithelial cells by <it>V. parahaemolyticus </it>was established. Interestingly, TTSS2 inhibited IL-8 mRNA transcription at early stages of interaction between the bacterium and the cell.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>This study demonstrated that <it>V. parahaemolyticus </it>activates the three major MAPK signalling pathways in intestinal epithelial cells in a TTSS1-dependent manner that involves the TTSS1 effector VP1680. Furthermore VP1680 and JNK and ERK activation were needed for maximal cytotoxicity of the bacterium. It was shown that <it>V. parahaemolyticus </it>is a strong inducer of IL-8 secretion and that induction reflects a balance between the effects of TTSS1 and TTSS2. Increases in IL-8 secretion were mediated by TTSS1 and VP1680, and augmented by ERK activation. These results shed light on the mechanisms of bacterial pathogenesis mediated by TTSS and suggest significant roles for MAPK signalling during infection with <it>V. parahaemolyticus</it>.</p

Biohydrogenation of 22:6n-3 by Butyrivibrio proteoclasticus P18

Background: Rumen microbes metabolize 22:6n-3. However, pathways of 22:6n-3 biohydrogenation and ruminal microbes involved in this process are not known. In this study, we examine the ability of the well-known rumen biohydrogenating bacteria, Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens D1 and Butyrivibrio proteoclasticus P18, to hydrogenate 22:6n-3. Results: Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens D1 failed to hydrogenate 22:6n-3 (0.5 to 32 mu g/mL) in growth medium containing autoclaved ruminal fluid that either had or had not been centrifuged. Growth of B. fibrisolvens was delayed at the higher 22:6n-3 concentrations; however, total volatile fatty acid production was not affected. Butyrivibrio proteoclasticus P18 hydrogenated 22:6n-3 in growth medium containing autoclaved ruminal fluid that either had or had not been centrifuged. Biohydrogenation only started when volatile fatty acid production or growth of B. proteoclasticus P18 had been initiated, which might suggest that growth or metabolic activity is a prerequisite for the metabolism of 22:6n-3. The amount of 22:6n-3 hydrogenated was quantitatively recovered in several intermediate products eluting on the gas chromatogram between 22:6n-3 and 22:0. Formation of neither 22:0 nor 22:6 conjugated fatty acids was observed during 22:6n-3 metabolism. Extensive metabolism was observed at lower initial concentrations of 22:6n-3 (5, 10 and 20 mu g/mL) whereas increasing concentrations of 22:6n-3 (40 and 80 mu g/mL) inhibited its metabolism. Stearic acid formation (18:0) from 18:2n-6 by B. proteoclasticus P18 was retarded, but not completely inhibited, in the presence of 22:6n-3 and this effect was dependent on 22:6n-3 concentration. Conclusions: For the first time, our study identified ruminal bacteria with the ability to hydrogenate 22:6n-3. The gradual appearance of intermediates indicates that biohydrogenation of 22:6n-3 by B. proteoclasticus P18 occurs by pathways of isomerization and hydrogenation resulting in a variety of unsaturated 22 carbon fatty acids. During the simultaneous presence of 18:2n-6 and 22:6n-3, B. proteoclasticus P18 initiated 22:6n-3 metabolism before converting 18:1 isomers into 18:0

Empowering Responsible Online Gambling by Real-time Persuasive Information Systems

Online gambling, unlike other mediums of problem- atic and addictive behaviours, such as tobacco and alcohol, offers unprecedented opportunities for building information systems that are able to monitor and understand a user’s behaviour in real-time and adapt persuasive messages and interactions that would fit their personal profile and usage context. Online gambling industry usually provides Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) meant mainly to enable third-party applications to network with their gambling services and enhance a user’s gambling experience. In this industrial practice and experience paper, we advocate that such API’s can also be used to retrieve gamblers’ online data, such as browsing and betting history, promotions and available offers and use it to build more intel- ligent and proactive responsible gambling information systems. We report on our industrial experience in this field and make the argument that data available for persuasive marketing and usability should, under specific usage conditions, also be made available for responsible gambling information systems. This principle would provide equal opportunities for both directions. We discuss the psychological foundations of our proposed solution and the risks and challenges typically found when building such a software-assisted intervention, persuasion and emotion regulation technology. We also shed light on its potential implications from the perspectives of social corporate responsibility and data protection. We finally propose a conceptual architecture to demonstrate our vision and explain how it can be implemented. In the wider context, the paper is meant to provide insights on building behavioural awareness and regulation information systems in relation to problematic digital media usage