The obtaining of new data on the transformation of parent materials into soil and on soil as a set of essential properties is provided on the basis of previously conducted fundamental studies of soils formed on loess-like loams in Belarus (15,000 numerical indicators). The study objects are autochthonous soils of uniform granulometric texture. The basic properties without which soils cannot exist are comprehensively considered. Interpolation of factual materials is given, highlighting the essential properties of soils. Soil formation is analyzed as a natural phenomenon depending on the life activity of biota and the water regime. Models for differentiation of the chemical profile and bioenergy potential of soils are presented. The results of the represented study interpret the available materials taking into account publications on the biology and water regime of soils over the past 50 years into three issues: the difference between soil and soil-like bodies; the soil formation as a natural phenomenon of the mobilization of soil biota from the energy of the sun, the atmosphere, and the destruction of minerals in the parent materials; and the essence of soil as a solid phase and as an ecosystem. The novelty of the article study is determined by the consideration of the priority of microorganisms and water regime in soil formation, chemical-analytical identification of types of water regime, and determination of the water regime as a marker of soil genesis.

The technology known as Internet of Things, or IoT, has started to permeate many facets of our lives and offers a plethora of options and empowerment, expanding the potentials of integrating it in education. Considering how new IoT is and how it may affect education, it is now essential to investigate its potential in order to choose where to begin using it in the classroom. Examining the possible applications of IoT in education may be strongly aided by the knowledge and perspectives of professionals and experts. As a result, the present research concentrated on looking at and evaluating the viewpoints that relevant experts shared on platform (X) via a variety of tweets. The present study takes a qualitative approach, analyzing a collection of expert tweets on IoT in education on platform X using qualitative content analysis. The primary themes of the study findings, the software-based and material-based enablers of IoT in education, indicate the key potentials of IoT in education. These consist of data, sensors, interactive devices, e-learning tools, network accessibility and communications, integrating developing technologies, and system administration. The enormous individual enablers of IoT in education also include sustainability, professional growth, planning, preparing the next generation, and upholding the safety of the learning environment. The study suggested that in order to handle the IoT, classrooms and the educational environment needed to be restructured. Additionally, human resources needed to be developed in order to keep up with the educational environment’s progress.

Adequate sanitation is crucial for human health and well-being, yet billions worldwide lack access to basic facilities. This comprehensive review examines the emerging field of intelligent sanitation systems, which leverage Internet of Things (IoT) and advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies to address global sanitation challenges. The existing intelligent sanitation systems and applications is still in their early stages, marked by inconsistencies and gaps. The paper consolidates fragmented research from both academic and industrial perspectives based on PRISMA protocol, exploring the historical development, current state, and future potential of intelligent sanitation solutions. The assessment of existing intelligent sanitation systems focuses on system detection, health monitoring, and AI enhancement. The paper examines how IoT-enabled data collection and AI-driven analytics can optimize sanitation facility performance, predict system failures, detect health risks, and inform decision-making for sanitation improvements. By synthesizing existing research, identifying knowledge gaps, and discussing opportunities and challenges, this review provides valuable insights for practitioners, academics, engineers, policymakers, and other stakeholders. It offers a foundation for understanding how advanced IoT and AI techniques can enhance the efficiency, sustainability, and safety of the sanitation industry.

This study evaluates the influence of quality certificates on sustainable food production in Poland, considering economic, social, and environmental dimensions. Analyzing 25 different certificates, the research explores their criteria, procedures, and costs across various food product categories, including meat, fish, and plant-based products. The study provides a detailed review of certification processes, from initiation to audits and inspections. It identifies both commonalities and differences among certificates, each addressing unique aspects such as environmental impact, worker rights, and product origins. Despite the diversity in standards and procedures, the study underscores the need for standardized international criteria to improve transparency and meet consumer expectations, highlighting the significant role of quality certificates in advancing sustainable food production.

This article examines the legal challenges associated with the utilization of marine genetic resources (MGR) at both the national level and beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ). The legal challenges addressed are as follows: 1) MGR are located across various jurisdictions, encompassing both national and international domains. The analysis starts with an overview of the international regulations that govern the utilization of genetic resources (GR) and their influence on national legislation. It emphasizes the principle of state sovereignty over natural resources while defining MGR and determining ownership; 2) It further highlights the intersection of national and international laws, particularly in transboundary contexts and within Indigenous and Afro-descendant peoples (IADP) territories, analyzing how these regulations are interpreted and applied in such scenarios; 3) The legal challenges related to the use of MGR in international waters are examined. Special emphasis is placed on the recent United Nations (UN) Agreement concerning this issue. This includes an analysis of its impact and specific provisions related to the utilization of MGR, such as the quantity to be collected, the methodology employed, collection sites, among others. The article concludes by asserting that the equitable distribution of benefits from the use of GR should begin at the earliest stages of access to these resources, including project planning and sample collection, rather than being delayed until the patenting and commercialization phases. Early benefit-sharing is essential for promoting fairness and equity in the use of MGR.

To fight inflation, European Central Bank (ECB) announced 10 successive interest rate hikes, starting on 27 July 2022, igniting an unprecedented widening of interest rate spreads in the euro area (ΕΑ). Greek banks, however, recorded among the highest interest rate spreads, far exceeding ΕΑ median and weighted average. Indeed, we document a strong asymmetric response of Greek banks to ECB interest rate hikes, with loan interest rates rising immediately, whilst deposit interest rates remained initially unchanged and then rose sluggishly. As a result, the interest rate spread hit one historical record after another. Greek systemic banks, probably taking advantage of the high concentration and low competition in the domestic sector benefited from key ECB interest rate hikes, recording gigantic increases in net interest income (NII), and consequently, substantial profits (almost €7.4 billion in the 2022–2023 biennium). Such excessive accumulation of profits (that deteriorates the living conditions of consumers) by the banking system could be called the inflation of “banking greed”, or bankflation. This new source of inflation created by the oligopolistic structure of the Greek banking sector counterworks the very reason for ECB interest rate increases and requires certain policy analysis recommendations in coping with it.