This review article presents a comprehensive analysis of recent advancements in sound insulating materials, focusing on the characterization of material types and their properties from 2015 to 2024. It examined the application of various natural and synthetic materials, including fibrous, porous, composite, polymeric, and advanced materials, in architectural and environmental acoustics. A systematic search in the Scopus database identified relevant articles that were classified according to the material types and their inherent properties. The analysis covered key aspects such as thermal, mechanical, chemical, and physical characteristics, and their impact on sound insulation performance. Unlike previous studies that focused on classic materials or single aspects, this review used analytical and database tools to identify recent research trends. This review highlights the development of advanced and sustainable materials for noise reduction that address challenges in both building acoustics and environmental sound pollution.

This paper examines the state-of-the-art in fire suppression technologies based on computer vision applications in the subject areas of computer science and engineering. The study involves a two-stage analysis of publications using keywords. This paper presents a bibliographic analysis of scientific literature from the Scopus database using VOSviewer software and the author’s methodological approach. General keywords were used for the initial analysis of the dataset, followed by a more detailed study with additional criteria and specific keywords. The categories considered in the article are as follows: Firefighting Robots, Fire Detection, Fire Suppression, Aerial Vehicles, and Computer Vision. It is shown that the research includes technical aspects of fire robots and systems, as well as the improvement of their software and hardware. The subsequent review highlights the important role of computer vision in improving the efficiency and effectiveness of fire suppression systems. It is noted that key advances include the development of sophisticated fire detection algorithms and the implementation of automated fire suppression systems. The study also discusses the challenges and future directions in this field, emphasizing the need for continuous innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration. This review provides valuable information for researchers, engineers, and practitioners in the field of fire safety by offering a comprehensive overview of state-of-the-art technologies and their applications in fire suppression.

This review synthesizes the state of the art on the integration of digital technologies, particularly machine learning, the Internet of Things (IoT), and advanced image processing techniques, for enhanced hazard monitoring. Focusing on air pollution, earthquakes, floods, and fires, we analyze articles selected from Scopus published between 2015 and 2024. This study classifies the selected articles based on hazard type, digital technology application, geographical location, and research methodology. We assess the effectiveness of various approaches in improving the accuracy and efficiency of hazard detection, monitoring, and prediction. The review highlights the growing trend of leveraging multi-sensor data fusion, deep learning models, and IoT-enabled systems for real-time monitoring and early warning. Furthermore, we identify key challenges and future directions in the development of robust and scalable hazard monitoring systems, emphasizing the importance of data-driven solutions for sustainable environmental management and disaster resilience.

Applicable recommendations play a key role in improving training and procedures used in civil protection. Since 1 January 2025, the Law on Civil Protection and Civil Defense has been in force in Poland. It responds to the experience of current threats, including the war in Ukraine, the 2024 floods in Western Poland, the COVID-19 pandemic, and other crises. The Act systemically regulates the problem of building social resilience, which must be developed and applied regarding today’s modern threats. The primary actor in civil protection is the fire brigade system, in which volunteer firefighters are recruited from local communities and act for their benefit. In this context, it is interesting to ask whether and what solutions should be applied in order to improve the effectiveness of the training and exercise system of volunteer fire brigades (TSOs) in the field of civil protection and crisis management. The aim of this investigation was to develop evaluations and applicable recommendations to improve the effectiveness of the training system for volunteer firefighters based on a survey of volunteer firefighters in the Cracow Poviat. Two survey diagnostic techniques were used: expert interviews and questionnaire research. The findings were compared with the results of an analysis of source documents obtained in TSO units. The expert interviews covered all chief fire officers of the municipalities in the Cracow Poviat. The paper begins with an introduction and a systematic literature review. The conclusions consist of the proposal of applicable changes in the scope of basic, specialist, and additional training. Areas of missing training are also identified. The firefighters’ knowledge of crisis management procedures is verified, deficiencies are identified, and applicable changes in the organization of field exercises are proposed.

The article focuses on the analysis of the adopted policy of the Polish government in implementing anti-crisis shields undertaken to support the economy, businesses and society during the pandemic. The authors sought to answer the following research question: how owners of enterprises judge the governmental support policy provided to enterprises in Poland during the COVID-19 pandemic in the light of its contribution to reducing the economic impact of the crisis? To answer this question, specific research problems were formulated, and it was hypothesised that government support was well received among enterprises, despite the partially ineffective allocation of aid funds. The article also discusses the objectives and scope of the support, the costs of the support and the entrepreneurs' evaluation of the support. The research methods used are survey and desk research, which involve collecting, analysing, and processing data from existing sources in order to formulate conclusions about the problem under investigation. The analysis conducted showed that anti-crisis shields were an important form of support for the whole economy during the pandemic period. Despite the costs incurred by the Polish government, the shields contributed to reducing unemployment or maintaining liquidity in enterprises.

The article critically examines the role of Volunteer Fire Brigades (VFB) from the Nowy Targ municipality during the large-scale rural fire that affected Nowa Biała in June 2021. The study combines official post-incident operational documentation, institutional reports and empirical survey data collected from 100 volunteer firefighters representing 22 VFB units and 50 residents of Nowa Biała. The findings show that the local VFB played a first-line role during the initial response: the first Nowa Biała VFB unit arrived three minutes after notification, while the first State Fire Service (PSP) resources arrived 16 min after dispatch. Nevertheless, rapid local mobilisation did not prevent extensive losses because the rate of fire propagation rapidly exceeded the suppression capacity available during the initial phase. At the peak of the incident, approximately one additional building became involved every two minutes. The response was further constrained by dense development, strong and variable wind, very high water demand, communication problems, restricted access for heavy vehicles and aerial appliances, and pressure generated by distressed residents. Survey results confirm a very high assessment of VFB performance and interagency cooperation, while also highlighting the important role of volunteer firefighters in post-fire assistance and recovery. The paper concludes with recommendations concerning reinforced initial resource mobilisation, water supply, communication resilience, joint exercises, personnel readiness, digital warning tools and psychosocial support for responders.