The relations of the antiradical capacity to oxidative stability parameters and the contents of fatty acids, sterols, tocopherols, phenols, flavonoids, chlorophyll, Cu, and Fe were assessed in 33 cold-pressed seed oils: Walnut (7 brands of oils), rosehip (3), camelina (6), milk thistle (5), flax (6), and pumpkin (6). The antiradical capacity of oils depended strongly on tocopherol contents with a synergistic effect with polyphenols. The efficacy of tocopherols in cold-pressed oils was accompanied by a negative correlation of their antioxidant capacity with the peroxide value increase after 3 months of shelf life. This study also showed a positive correlation between the content of phytosterols and the antiradical capacity in the lipophilic fraction of cold-pressed oils rich in n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Multiple regression analysis identified groups of antioxidants naturally occurring in cold-pressed oils in relation to their fatty acid composition, which added to the cold-pressed oils could provide possible strategies to improve their stability. Achieving high stability is primarily a result of high phytosterol content exceeding the molar ratio of 1:100 for total phytosterols to α-linolenic acid. However, the molar ratios of tocopherols to linoleic acid below 1:2000 and polyphenols to linoleic acid below 1:3000 does not prevent oxidation in oils with the predominance of linoleic acid.

The article presents original, probabilistic models for the quantification of drought risk, based on generalized distribution functions for the distribution of maximum values as well as the standardized precipitation index. Using the models, a probabilistic measurement of drought risk has been made for three regions over four 5-year periods for each region. Three measurement points located in Poland were selected as a case study. The study provides an innovative approach in the field of probabilistic models of quantification; moreover, drought risk levels have been calculated for the selected locations. Furthermore, the method may be used for creating indexes for any climatic region subject to study.

There is a high demand for energy production, which is dependent on energy consumption and input. This demand affects socioeconomic development and quality of life. However, the lack of an innovative formal, legal, and organizational structure regarding public space in the European Union (EU) is problematic; one solution could be preparing and implementing grid services as part of distributed energy solutions (based on local and regional renewable resources), and involving local public, private, and profitable entities. Autonomous energy regions (AREs) are a response to this type of problem, as they can contribute to the creation of organizational and legal tools that counteract the marginalization of crisis areas, where undesirable socioeconomic phenomena intensify (and the conditions and management of the natural environments deteriorate). Investments in energy infrastructure based on distributed energy (mainly renewable energy sources) will be a tool for socioeconomic changes in affected areas. In terms of practical considerations in the energy field (i.e., keywords, barriers to energy consumption, and access to it), it is important to formulate recommendations regarding the creation, management, identification, and designation of autonomous energy regions (AREs) in the EU. In this case, postal questionnaires and a taxonomic method (Hellwig’s method) were used. It is worth emphasizing that the creation of AREs is a modern requirement in connection with global CO₂ emissions. Sustainable low-emission economies, according to the conducted research, may be introduced to the entire European Union. The lack of proposals for direction of regional development, in terms of autonomous energy regions, was indicated in this paper. There is a need to formulate specific recommendations regarding the possibility of creating and managing autonomous energy regions (AREs) in the European Union. Fortunately, there are natural, organizational, and social opportunities to begin this process. For example, local authorities may become leaders in creating a network of connections in emerging AREs, and communities might willingly make the effort to co-create AREs.

Fossil fuels, which are widely used in Poland, have negative environmental and health consequences. Photovoltaics, used especially by households, contribute to a reduction in CO₂ emissions and indirectly reduce the problem of smog. However, the high cost of photovoltaic installations forces the use of economic incentives, such as direct subsidies to the installation, under the “My Electricity” program (hereinafter referred to as the program). The development of photovoltaics is hindered by the ineffective functioning of transmission grids. In the current edition of the “My Electricity” program, the main emphasis was placed on the use of electricity at the place of generation through the use of energy storage facilities and the transition to a new billing system, so-called net billing. The program indirectly contributes to the growing popularity of heat pumps as an installation that uses electricity generated on-site. Significant changes in the program inspired the authors of the study to plan and conduct nationwide research; they assessed investment plans for energy storage and heat pumps by potential individual investors, i.e., owners of single-family houses. Based on the results obtained, the authors of the article concluded that the new version of the “My Electricity” program will almost exclusively affect the energy storage market. This impact will stimulate the development and application of this technology. In the case of the heat pump market, the current demand will remain at the same level. The program will contribute to achieving the assumed goals, especially energy consumption at the place of production and reducing so-called low emissions. The program will not affect the demand for heat pumps.

Purpose: The research provides an analysis of factors influencing the competitiveness of manufacturing companies. Design/Methodology/Approach: A review of the scientific literature from the area covered by the study was conducted. The study was conducted on a random sample of companies operating in the Silesian Province. The analysis of the survey data was carried out in two stages. In the first stage the relations between competitiveness and potential factors influencing its level in the companies were checked using the chi-square independence test. In the second stage, the analysis of correspondence between pairs of variables for which the dependence was confirmed. Findings: Analyzing the combined chart of points representing row and column profiles, we conclude that there are relatively more companies that are rather competitive among those that have maintained unchanged levels of relations in the last 5 years. On the other hand, there are more companies with poor competitiveness among those that have worsened their relations with suppliers in recent years. Practical Implications: The results can be used in efforts to improve the performance of the manufacturing sector in Poland through the development of competitive strategies based on the growth of relationships with suppliers regardless of the number of people in the company. Originality/Value: This study is an original study of manufacturing and supplier relations entrepreneurs. It serves the purpose of improving competitive activities in terms of improving business performance.

Measuring the probability of flood risk is a key issue in the economics of natural disasters. This discipline studies actual and potential effects of natural disasters on the functioning of economic systems. In traditional economic understanding, it is assumed that both the decision making processes and market processes operate within a certain level of access to information. It is also assumed that the effects of certain phenomena are predictable. However, a natural disaster is difficult to predict. It is hard to predict the time of its occurrence, its impact, direct exposure to its effects and finally, its social and economic results. Exposure to a random hazard, combined with the amount of damage resulting from its potential materialization, is called risk. In this study, the authors focus on presenting a method for quantification of the random element of flood risk. We are using measurement data for cross-border areas between Poland and Germany who witnessed a flood of the century in the 1990s. The empirical data illustrate the usefulness and universality of probabilistic quantification methods for flood risk analysis. The analysis of water level is interesting in a much broader context than the hydrological-economic one. In Central Europe, river water level is immediately connected with two other disaster-like phenomena: drought and heavy rainfall. Also, the course of the Oder river is typical for North European Plain. Therefore, the conclusions presented by the authors are universal by nature and describe certain broader phenomena. Employment of methods of probabilistic quantification using extreme values yields very interesting results: flood risk changes dynamically. Five-year period measurements themselves indicate that there are periods of relatively low exposure of the areas to the disaster (with negligible probability 0.02) and periods of disproportionately high risk increase. The risk of exceeding alarm levels and warning levels changes rapidly, reaching as much as 30% in some locations.