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Celem opracowania jest omówienie wybranych aspektów agresji i przemocy ludzi wobec zwierząt. W artykule przedstawiono definicje agresji i przemocy, opisano te zjawiska oraz przytoczono wyniki wybranych badań empirycznych (dotyczących cech społeczno-demograficznych sprawców przemocy wobec zwierząt, występujących u nich najczęściej zaburzeń osobowości, zachowań przestępczych, podejmowanych wobec sprawców przemocy wobec zwierząt działań prawnych, a w wypadku dzieci i młodzieży stosujących przemoc wobec zwierząt przyczyn i korelatów zjawiska, tła motywacyjnego oraz skutków). Poddano analizie czynniki najczęściej korelujące z agresją i przemocą o charakterze osobowościowym (między innymi agresywność, lęk, samokontrolę, empatię) i sytuacyjno-społecznym (między innymi frustrację, relatywną deprywację, społeczne uczenie się) oraz psychopatię i antyspołeczne zaburzenie osobowości.

Prunus spinosa fruits (sloes), both fresh and dried, are underexplored dietary components and ethno-phytotherapeutic remedies applied to treat chronic oxidative-stress-related diseases, including diabetes. The present study aimed to evaluate drying-related changes in the antidiabetic potential of sloe extracts and some bioactivity mechanisms, which might be connected with their traditional application. The polyphenol-enriched extracts, prepared by fractionated extraction and phytochemically standardised, i.a., by LC-MS/MS, were tested in vitro using a set of biological and chemical models. The experiments revealed the significant extracts’ ability to counteract the generation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and inhibit the activity of key glycolytic enzymes, i.e., α-glucosidase and α-amylase. Moreover, they were proved to effectively scavenge multiple oxidants of physiological importance (O2•−, HO•, H2O2, NO•, HOCl), increase the non-enzymatic antioxidant capacity of human plasma (NEAC) under oxidative stress conditions induced by peroxynitrite, and protect plasma proteins and lipids against peroxidation and nitration at in vivo-relevant levels (1–50 µg/mL, equivalent to 0.03–6.32 µg polyphenols/mL). In most cases, the activity of fresh fruit extracts surpassed that of dried-based products. The correlation studies and tests on model compounds proved polyphenols as dominant contributors to the observed effects. Furthermore, the co-occurring representatives of various polyphenolic classes were found to contribute to the biological activity of sloes through additive and synergistic effects. Considering the extraction yield and activity parameters, especially the superior outcomes compared to anti-diabetic drugs aminoguanidine and acarbose in the anti-glycation and α-glucosidase inhibition tests, the methanol–water (75:25, v/v) extract of fresh fruits and its phenolic-enriched fractions revealed the most advantageous potential for functional application.

Aggression in a psychological and philosophical perspectives: Review of selected theories: The article focuses on the phenomenon of aggression. From the philosophical perspective, the views of Jean‐Jacques Rousseau and Thomas Hobbes are presented. From the psychological perspective, the definitions of aggression, with particular emphasis on the findings of Erich Fromm, and the main psychological theories: the instinct (Sigmund Freud, Konrad Lorenz), libido (John Dollard, Neal Miller, Leonard Doob, Ovral Mowrer, Robert Sears, Leonard Berkowitz) and social learning (Albert Bandura) are presented.

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In this work we developed a bi-functional Bacterial-Nano-Cellulose (BNC) carrier system for cell cultures of Chelidonium majus—a medicinal plant producing antimicrobial compounds. The porous BNC was biosynthesized for 3, 5 or 7 days by the non-pathogenic Komagataeibacter xylinus bacteria and used in three forms: (1) Without removal of K. xylinus cells, (2) partially cleaned up from the remaining K. xylinus cells using water washing and (3) fully purified with NaOH leaving no bacterial cells remains. The suspended C. majus cells were inoculated on the BNC pieces in liquid medium and the functionalized BNC was harvested and subjected to scanning electron microscopy observation and analyzed for the content of C. majus metabolites as well as to antimicrobial assays and tested for potential proinflammatory irritating activity in human neutrophils. The highest content and the most complex composition of pharmacologically active substances was found in 3-day-old, unpurified BNC, which was tested for its bioactivity. The assays based on the IL-1β, IL-8 and TNF-α secretion in an in vitro model showed an anti-inflammatory effect of this particular biomatrix. Moreover, 3-day-old-BNC displayed antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans. The results of the research indicated a possible application of such modified composites, against microbial pathogens, especially in local surface infections, where plant metabolite-enriched BNC may be used as the occlusive dressing.

Introduction: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a causative agent of the ongoing pandemic It can be transmitted among people via respiratory droplets generated while talking, coughing, or sneezing by an infected person There is no known specific treatment or vaccine to prevent the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) The most effective way of limiting the spread of the virus is physical distancing combined with proper respiratory and hand hygiene Many countries, including Poland, introduced restrictions in everyday life to control the pandemic However, it has not been examined how these measures change the incidence of other infectious diseases Material and methods: Data from biweekly reports on infectious diseases and poisonings published by National Institute of Public Health – National Institute of Hygiene (Narodowy Instytut Zdrowia Publicznego – Panstwowy Zaklad Higieny) were collected The incidence of common and serious infectious diseases in the period 1 01 2020 to 15 05 2020 was evaluated and compared to the corresponding period from the year 2019 Results: A significant drop in the number of reported infectious diseases can be seen in the middle and at the end of March These observations correlate with the time of introducing social distancing in Poland The total number of reported cases, with the exception of pertussis, in the examined period is lower than in the year 2019 Conclusions: The results indicate that keeping physical distance and proper hygiene undoubtedly reduce the transmission of various infectious agents among people However, there a long-term study is needed to observe trends in incidence of selected infectious diseases It can be assumed that before the pandemic Polish society was not aware of the importance of social distancing and did not make use of hygiene as a method of infectious disease prevention Further education should be continued and intensified © 2020 Termedia Publishing House Ltd All rights reserved

Carbon-based nanomaterials (CBN) are currently used in many biomedical applications. The research includes optimization of single grain size and conglomerates of pure detonated nanodiamond (DND), modified nanodiamond particles and graphene oxide (GO) in order to compare their bactericidal activity against food pathogens. Measurement of grain size and zeta potential was performed using the Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) method. Surface morphology was evaluated using a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and confocal microscope. X-ray diffraction (XRD) was performed in order to confirm the crystallographic structure of detonation nanodiamond particles. Bacteriostatic tests were performed by evaluating the inhibition zone of pathogens in the presence of carbon based nanomaterials. Raman spectroscopy showed differences between the content of the diamond and graphite phases in diamond nanoparticles. Fluorescence microscopy and adenosine-5′-triphosphate (ATP) determination methods were used to assess the bactericidal of bioactive polymers obtained by modification of food wrapping film using various carbon-based nanomaterials. The results indicate differences in the sizes of individual grains and conglomerates of carbon nanomaterials within the same carbon allotropes depending on surface modification. The bactericidal properties depend on the allotropic form of carbon and the type of surface modification. Depending on the grain size of carbon-based materials, surface modification, the content of the diamond and graphite phases, surface of carbon-based nanomaterials film formation shows more or less intense bactericidal properties and differentiated adhesion of bacterial biofilms to food films modified with carbon nanostructures.

Allelopathic plants can be widely used in bio-farming considering their potential role in the improvement of seed germination. The study presented in this work was designed to evaluate the effects of two extraction methods and the effects of allelopathic aqueous extracts from twenty plants as seed dressing preparations on the number of germinating and infested seeds of cauliflower (Brassica oleracea convarietas L. botrytis var. botrytis). Plant extracts (in the form of cold-soaked macerates and infusions) were used for seed dressing. The percentages of normally germinating, non-germinating, and pathogen-infested seeds were determined in a paper test. Of the 20 herbal plant species used in the study, the biopreparations extracted from Zea mays L. moles were the most effective as they evoked the most beneficial effects on both seed germination and reduction of infestation by microbial pathogens. The study also showed that infusions used for seed treatment were better at improving cauliflower seed germination than were macerates. This method of extract preparation probably enabled an increase both in the availability and activity of allelochemical compounds.

In laboratory tests, the effectiveness of water plant extracts obtained from 20 species of herbal plants on the degree of contamination of white mustard seeds (Sinapis alba L.) by fungal and bacterial pathogens was evaluated. The analysis showed that the contamination of the tested seed material was statistically significantly influenced by the plant species from which the biopreparations were obtained. However, there were no significant differences in the method of preparation of extracts for the examined traits. The tested natural preparations had a different effect on limiting the superficial growth of bacteria and fungi on seeds. However, infusion and macerate obtained from the bark of Salix alba L. were the most effective in limiting the contamination with both bacterial and fungal pathogens. The number of seeds infected with fungi after the application of these preparations was 24.25% on average, whereas in the case of bacterial colonization of the tested material, the value of this indicator was 1.00% on average.

The research presented in this article concerns Zr&ndash, C coatings which were deposited on 304L steel by reactive magnetron sputtering from the Zr target in an Ar&ndash, C2H2 atmosphere at various acetylene flow rates, resulting in various atomic carbon concentrations in the coating. The article describes research covering the change in the antibacterial and anticorrosive properties of these coatings due to the change in their chemical and phase composition. The concentration of C in the coatings varied from 21 to 79 at.%. The coating morphology and the elemental distribution in individual coatings were characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy with an energy-dispersive X-ray analytical system. X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy were used to analyze their microstructure and phase composition. Parallel changes in the mechanical properties of the coatings were analyzed. Based on the obtained results, it was concluded that the wide possibility of shaping the mechanical properties of Zr&ndash, C coatings in combination with relatively good antibacterial properties after exceeding 50 at.% of carbon concentration in coatings and high protective potential of these coatings make them a good candidate for medical applications. In particular, corrosion tests showed the high anti-pitting potential of Zr&ndash, C coatings in the environment of artificial saliva.

To fabricate porous copper coatings on titanium, we used the process of plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) with voltage control. For all experiments, the three-phase step-up transformer with six-diode Graetz bridge was used. The voltage and the amount of salt used in the electrolyte were determined so as to obtain porous coatings. Within the framework of this study, the PEO process was carried out at a voltage of 450 VRMS in four electrolytes containing the salt as copper(II) nitrate(V) trihydrate. Moreover, we showed that the content of salt in the electrolyte needed to obtain a porous PEO coating was in the range 300&ndash, 600 g/dm3. After exceeding this amount of salts in the electrolyte, some inclusions on the sample surface were observed. It is worth noting that this limitation of the amount of salts in the electrolyte was not connected with the maximum solubility of copper(II) nitrate(V) trihydrate in the concentrated (85%) orthophosphoric acid. To characterize the obtained coatings, numerous techniques were used. In this work, we used scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with electron-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), conducted surface analysis using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), and studied the surface layer chemical composition of the obtained coatings by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), glow discharge of optical emission spectroscopy (GDOES), and biological tests. It was found that the higher the concentration of Cu(NO3)2∙3H2O in the electrolyte, the higher the roughness of the coatings, which may be described by 3D roughness parameters, such as Sa (1.17&ndash, 1.90 &mu, m) and Sp (7.62&ndash, 13.91 &mu, m). The thicknesses of PEO coatings obtained in the electrolyte with 300&ndash, 600 g/dm3 Cu(NO3) 2∙3H2O were in the range 7.8 to 10 &mu, m. The Cu/P ratio of the whole volume of coating measured by EDS was in the range 0.05&ndash, 0.12, while the range for the top layer (measured using XPS) was 0.17&ndash, 0.24. The atomic concentration of copper (0.54&ndash, 0.72 at%) resulted in antibacterial and fungicidal properties in the fabricated coatings, which can be dedicated to biocompatible applications.

The objective of the paper was to show various options of using by author an automated stand with computer image analysis for control of plant germination on the example of cauliflower Brassica oleracea L. ‘Pionier” variety. The developed system consisted of a mobile platform equipped with the acquisition and image processing system based on Raspberry PL processor. Germination of cauliflower seeds was the object of observation, which in one case were sown to soil after dressing them with plant extracts (sweet flagAcorus calamusL., great burdock rootsArctium lappaL.). In the other case, undressed seeds were sown in the place of previous application of the above-mentioned extracts. The use of a robot for monitoring plant germination enabled the automated analysis of the investigated material with higher frequency than it has been possible so far. Simultaneously, higher germination was reported when seeds were treated with macerates and extracts from great burdock roots.

Modified generalized logistic functions (also known as Koya-Goshu functions) were used for mathematical description of germination. These functions constitute natural modification of traditionally used Richards' function for description of plants germination that introduces a non-linear time increase in exponent and an element related to time shift. Curves were adjusted to experimental data based on minimization of the square sum of difference between experimental data and a mathematical model (the smallest squares method). Results of simulation research show that the determined parameters of curves (e.g., values of the growth parameter, time shift or upper limit of population) describing the number of seedlings as a time function stay compliant to interpretation with regard to biology of the investigated processes. Based on the research, it was stated that for control and application of plant extracts to soil, Koyu-Gosha model has better adjustment to experimental data in comparison to the generalized logistic model.

Due to certain differences in terms of molecular structure, isoquinoline alkaloids from Chelidonium majus engage in various biological activities. Apart from their well-documented antimicrobial potential, some phenanthridine and protoberberine derivatives as well as C. majus extract present with anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic effects. In this study, the LC–MS/MS method was used to determine alkaloids, phenolic acids, carboxylic acids, and hydroxybenzoic acids. We investigated five individually tested alkaloids (coptisine, berberine, chelidonine, chelerythrine, and sanguinarine) as well as C. majus root extract for their effect on the secretion of IL-1β, IL-8, and TNF-α in human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (neutrophils). Berberine, chelidonine, and chelerythrine significantly decreased the secretion of TNF-α in a concentration-dependent manner. Sanguinarine was found to be the most potent inhibitor of IL-1β secretion. However, the overproduction of IL-8 and TNF-α and a high cytotoxicity for these compounds were observed. Coptisine was highly cytotoxic and slightly decreased the secretion of the studied cytokines. The extract (1.25–12.5 μg/mL) increased cytokine secretion in a concentration-dependent manner, but an increase in cytotoxicity was also noted. The alkaloids were active at very low concentrations (0.625–2.5 μM), but their potential cytotoxic effects, except for chelidonine and chelerythrine, should not be ignored.

This study aimed at determining the survivability of probiotic bacteria cultures in model non-dairy beverages subjected or not to the fermentation and storage processes, representing milk substitutes. The experimental material included milks produced from desiccated coconut and non-dehulled seeds of hemp (Cannabis sativa L.). The plant milks were subjected to chemical and microbiological evaluation immediately after preparation as well as on day 7, 14, and 21 of their cold storage. Study results proved that the produced and modified plant non-dairy beverages could be the matrix for probiotic bacteria. The fermentation process contributed to increased survivability of Lactobacillus casei subsp. rhamnosus in both coconut and hemp milk. During 21-day storage of inoculated milk substitutes, the best survivability of Lactobacillus casei was determined in the fermented coconut milk. On day 21 of cold storage, the number of viable Lactobacillus casei cells in the fermented coconut and hemp milks ensured meeting the therapeutic criterion. Due to their nutritional composition and cell count of bacteria having a beneficial effect on the human body, the analyzed groceries&mdash, offering an alternative to milk&mdash, represent a category of novel food products and their manufacture will contribute to the sustainable development of food production and to food security assurance.

Today, one of the greatest challenges faced by the agriculture industry is the development of sustainable and environmentally-friendly systems to meet nutritional demands of the continuously growing global population. A number of research studies have recently been undertaken with the aim to indicate types of parameters used in plant production that would be able to improve plant growth as well as the effectiveness and quality of yield, and to help plants cope with environmental stress. The aim of this study was to verify a hypothesis that the implementation of a sustainable agricultural technology, based on the use of synthetic biostimulants, will allow not only increasing crop yield and quality but also improving the cost-effectiveness of common bean cultivation. The field experiment was conducted in three growing seasons (2016&ndash, 2018). In the growing season, the plants were treated with Atonik and Tytanit biostimulants in the form of single or double spraying. We determinated biometric traits, seed yield, seed number, and 1000-seed weight. Further analyses included contents of nutraceutical potential. The economic effect of using biostimulants was also calculated. The results of our experiment allowed verifying a hypothesis that the implementation of a sustainable agricultural technology based on the use of synthetic preparations was an effective method to increase plant productivity and, consequently, economic profits to farmers.

Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) is a standard treatment for venom allergy. Our purpose was to determine if the administration of both allergen and protective vaccines during one visit is safe and if such a procedure does not deteriorate the tolerance of both vaccines. As current guidelines are based on theoretical assumptions, our aim was to establish the safety and tolerance of shortening the recommended interval between vaccinations. During two influenza seasons, 44 adult patients, with a history of systemic allergic reactions after a Hymenoptera sting, underwent 58 simultaneous allergen and seasonal influenza vaccinations (study group) while in the maintenance phase of venom immunotherapy (VIT). The control group consisted of 57 healthy adults who were vaccinated against influenza only. The conditions of the patients were monitored during hospital visits, and via telecommunication methods to evaluate the safety and tolerance of the procedure. Within the study group, there were no immediate or delayed allergic reactions after vaccinations. The presence of common, adverse influenza vaccine reactions among study group patients (29%) and control group patients (32%) did not differ significantly (p = 0.841). We did not observe a difference in the frequency of various adverse reactions in either group or a dependence of previous vaccinations against influenza on the occurrence of adverse reactions. The most frequent occurrences were local adverse reactions. All adverse reactions were resolved without treatment. These findings demonstrate the safety and tolerance of an influenza vaccination and Hymenoptera venom immunotherapy administration during one visit.

Improvement of crop cultivation technologies is focused on increasing crop productivity and improving yield quality, and at the same time on minimizing risks posed to the natural environment. The use of biostimulants contributes to the increase in the productivity of plants, especially under their exposure to stress induced by negative environmental stimuli. A field experiment was conducted in three growing seasons (2014-2016). Seeds of soybean of the Atlanta cultivar were sown in the third decade of April. Two synthetic biostimulants were used in the growing period in the form of single (stage BBCH 13-15) or double (stage BBCH 13-15, BBCH 61) spraying: Atonik (in concentrations of 0.1 and 0.2%) and Tytanit (in concentrations of 0.07 and 0.13%). Atonik, the first tested biostimulant, contained three phenolic compounds: sodium p-nitrophenolate, sodium o-nitrophenolate, and sodium 5-nitroguaiacolate. The Tytanit preparation contained a titanium complex, magnesium oxide, and sulfur (VI) oxide. This work presents a complex study addressing the action of the biostimulants Atonik and Tytanit and demonstrates their effect on the physiological traits, plant productivity, and seed yield quality of Glycine max L. The conducted experiment proved that the biostimulant type, as well as the number of its applications and its concentration, modified the biometric traits, crop productivity, as well as yield quality and the nutraceutical and antioxidative potential of soybean seeds. It was also found that by positively affecting plant growth and seed yield, the Atonik and Tytanit also resulted biostimulants decreased the protein and lipid contents in seeds. A double application of these preparations in their higher concentrations had a more positive impact on soybean seed number and soybean seed yield. The use of both Atonik and Tytanit resulted also in an increased antioxidative activity of soybean seeds. The greatest increase in this activity was observed after the application of the Tytanit preparation. Dietary fiber fraction analysis demonstrated an increase in the acid-detergent fiber, lignin, and cellulose contents in soybean seeds as a result of biostimulant application; however, the increase was greater upon the use of Tytanit. In contrast, the neutral-detergent fiber, cellulose, and hemicellulose contents were observed to decrease in all analyzed combinations of crops treated with the tested preparations.

In recent years, attempts have been made to use preparations that allow obtaining high and good quality yields, while reducing the application of pesticides and mineral fertilizers. These include biostimulants that are safe for the natural environment and contribute to the improvement of yield size and quality, especially after the occurrence of stressors. Their use is advisable in the case of crops sensitive to such biotic stress factors like low temperatures or drought. One of these is soybean which is a very important plant from the economic viewpoint. Field experiments were established in the years 2014-2016 in a random block design in four replicates on experimental plots of 10 m2. Three soybean cultivars: Annushka, Mavka, and Atlanta were planted in the third decade of April. Fylloton biostimulant was used at 0.7% or 1% concentrations as single spraying (BBCH 13-15) or double spraying (BBCH 13-15, BBCH 61) in the vegetation period. The number of seeds per 1 m2, seed yield, thousand seed weight, number of pods per plant, number of nodes in the main shoot, height of plants, and protein and fat contents in seeds were determined. The content of phenolic compounds, antioxidant capacity and antioxidant effect of soybean seeds were assayed as well. Foliar treatment of soybean with Fylloton stimulated the growth and yield of plants without compromising their nutritional and nutraceutical properties. The double application of the higher concentration of Fylloton was favorable for the plant height, seed number and soybean yield. Moreover, the highest number of pods was obtained after single treatment of plants with the lower biostimulant concentration. There was also a positive effect of using this biostimulant on the content and activity of some bioactive compounds, such as phenolics and flavonoids, and on the reducing power.

Urinary incontinence is a growing problem that affects millions of people worldwide. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in women studying nursing. Respondents completed a questionnaire assessing urinary incontinence, severity of symptoms and quality of life. Short forms to assess symptoms of distress for urinary incontinence and quality of life: UDI-6 and IIQ-7 have been used. The study's conclusions are as follows: 1) among the 113 interviewed women, stress urinary incontinence (SUI) was observed in 25% of respondents; this prevalence is similar to the age-matched population; 2) among the triggering factors mentioned in stress urinary incontinence the most frequent were: coughing, laughing and sneezing; 3) moderate impact of incontinence on quality of life has been shown, but this effect was not statistically significant.

Currently, modern agriculture aims to improve the quantity and quality of crop yield, while minimizing the negative impact of treatments on the natural environment. One of the methods to increase plant yield and quality, especially after the occurrence of both abiotic or biotic stress factors, is the application of biostimulants. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of Ecklonia maxima extract on plant growth, and the yield, nutritional, and nutraceutical properties of soybean seeds. A field experiment was conducted in three growing seasons (2014&ndash, 2016). Soybean seeds of Atlanta cultivar were sown in the third 10-day period of April. Ecklonia maxima extract was applied in the form of single or double, spraying in the concentrations of 0.7% and 1.0%. Determinations were conducted for: biometric traits, seed yield, seed number, thousand seeds weight, contents of lipids, and proteins in seeds. Further analyses included the contents of total polyphenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and reducing power. The number of seaweed extract applications and its concentration modified biometric traits, yield, and quality of crop, while also also altering the nutraceutical and antioxidative potential of soybean. The application of this preparation improved the growth and yield of soybean without any negative effect on the nutritive value of seeds.

This work depicts Otto Bauer as the main politician of the SDAP and attempts a critical-analytical interpretation of his socio-political theories, which are shown against the background of the debates within the First and Second Internationals, political events within the SDAP, the international workers’ movement, and the socio-historical processes in Austria and Europe at the time.

This work depicts Otto Bauer as the main politician of the SDAP and attempts a critical-analytical interpretation of his socio-political theories, which are shown against the background of the debates within the First and Second Internationals, political events within the SDAP, the international workers’ movement, and the socio-historical processes in Austria and Europe at the time.

This work depicts Otto Bauer as the main politician of the SDAP and attempts a critical-analytical interpretation of his socio-political theories, which are shown against the background of the debates within the First and Second Internationals, political events within the SDAP, the international workers’ movement, and the socio-historical processes in Austria and Europe at the time.

This work depicts Otto Bauer as the main politician of the SDAP and attempts a critical-analytical interpretation of his socio-political theories, which are shown against the background of the debates within the First and Second Internationals, political events within the SDAP, the international workers’ movement, and the socio-historical processes in Austria and Europe at the time.