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The aim of this paper is to show the main thesis concerning the theory of cognition of the eminent neo-Kantian Heinrich Rickert, as presented in his work “Der Gegenstand der Erkenntnis”. On the one hand, Rickert finds out that thinking is fated to “clash with nothingness”, thus creating a temptation to reject all rigours and to yield to complete discretion. On the other hand, he attributes axiological status to nothingness which subjects thinking to a particular kind of “ought”. In his view, the cognizing subject is faced with an axiological choice: either discretion or truth and argues that it is worth opting for truth. His argumentation could be an interesting point of reference for contemporary culture gradually moving away from the type of thinking rooted in objectively existing principles.

The efficiency of biocomposting of bottom silt deposits was evaluated in laboratory conditions. The biocomposting process is reproduced taking into account the main technological parameters and using lowland peat, microbial concentrate and vermiculture as basic components. The composition of the microbial concentrate includes strains of the genera Bacillus spp., Clostridium spp., Pseudomonas spp., causing biosolubilization of a complex organomineral substrate - bottom sediments. The productive line Eisenia foetida Savigny (Lumbricidae) was used as a vermiculture. The evaluation of the efficiency of biocomposting was carried out according to agrochemical characteristics. The greatest effect on the preservation of biogens was obtained during the fermentation of bottom sediments with the participation of microbial concentrate. An increase in the content of N to 1.10%, P – to 0.54%, K – to 0.42% was achieved. The use of vermiculture caused an increase in organic matter – up to 42.1% and humus – up to 14.6%. The results of the experiment allow us to consider biocompost and vermicompost obtained using bottom sediments as a source of elements necessary for plant growth and development.

The example of a service company demonstrates the need to prevent corruption risks, develop and implement a Regulation on Anti-Corruption Policy (hereinafter – the Regulation) and its implementation even in small companies. Potential corruption risks have been analyzed. The occurrence probability and the risks impact on a company’s goals and results have been assessed. The corruption risks map before and after the Regulation implementation have been developed and the expected results presented. The purpose of the study is to assess the importance of implementing anti-corruption policy for organizations of different sizes in the framework of modern socio-economic realities. The following objectives have been set: to disclose the corruption risks essence based on the analysis of the current crime situation in Russia; to analyze the specifics of a service company’s activities from the point of view of anti-corruption policy; to draw up a risk map based on a predetermined list of potential corruption risks typical for a service company; to develop a Regulation on anti-corruption policy; to assess the expected effect on the organization from its implementation. In order to achieve the stated goal and solve the specified tasks, such research methods as social audit, literature review, documentary sources study, analysis, analogy, description, synthesis, and generalization of the obtained data were used. The application of the above mentioned research methods allowed the most objective and comprehensive study and assessment of the HR corruption risks impact on a company’s objectives, its development trajectory, and the social responsibility degree to all stakeholders (employees, partners, customers, etc.).

Aronia melanocarpa is one of the many fruit types rich in polyphenolic compounds. Therefore, we used this fruit in our research as a possible natural antioxidant, which was added to pork sausages. Four groups were prepared: control group, a group with ascorbic acid, and groups with 3 and 5 mL.kg-1 of chokeberry extract. During storage, we monitored changes in pH, colour, texture and oxidative stability of pork sausages and sensory evaluation. We did not observe any negative effects of the extract on the quality of pork sausages during storage. Regarding oxidative stability, the lowest increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) was observed in the group with 5 mL.kg-1 of chokeberry extract, which was comparable to the group with ascorbic acid.

IntroductionThe analysis of health technologies in Poland has so far mainly concerned drugs assessed by the Agency for Health Technology Assessment and Tariffication, which was established for this purpose. Due to the implementation of various forms of investment (hardware, diagnostic, and organizational) in hospitals, and the growing need to properly assess the costs of implemented solutions, Hospital-Based Health Technology Assessment (HB-HTA) began to develop. In order to implement HB-HTA in the Polish healthcare system, in 2019–2022 a project was carried out, the consortium members of which were: the National Health Fund (NHF), the National Institute of Cardiology in Warsaw (NIKARD), and Lazarski University (UŁ).Purpose of the studyAnalyzing the possibilities of developing HB-HTA in Polish hospitals based on the experiences of the study participants. Presenting benefits and barriers for HB-HTA units implementation to Polish hospitals.MethodsQualitative analysis of in-depth interviews with the representatives of hospitals that participated in the HB-HTA project using the Nvivo12 program. A specially prepared questionnaire with questions regarding the pre-project, design, and post-project phases was presented to respondents from five of the seven hospitals participating in the pilot phase of the project, during which HB-HTA reports were prepared for selected medical technologies. The remaining two facilities that were invited refused to participate in the study. The Ethics Committee of the Jagiellonian University Medical College gave consent to conduct the study.ResultsHospital representatives indicate that the HB-HTA methodology allows for the assessment of investments in facilities based on appropriate data. Thanks to the project, employees of hospital units gained new skills, such as becoming familiar with literature reviews in medical bibliographic databases. However, HB-HTA in Poland has not been fully implemented because facilities do not obtain adequate benefits from the implementation of HB-HTA at the organizational and financial level. According to the study participants, the methodology itself should be modified to take into account the needs of the facility.ConclusionThe hospitals participating in the HB-HTA project are developing the field of analyzing how innovative solutions are implemented in their facilities, but not to the extent that was intended in the project design.

Contemporary reflection concerning man focuses upon man as a being living only “here and now”, it is “short-termed” in character. In this paper, going against the current of this dominant tendency, I would like to show how interesting and important is the question about the ultimate goal of human life. In my considerations I refer to the thought of Immanuel Kant and Arthur Schopenhauer – two classical authors of modern philosophy – who still seem to exert a significant influence on the European culture. Even if in their systems they depart from similar assumptions, their conclusions concerning man are radically different: for Kant, every human being has unique value and is called to create “civil society”; for Schopenhauer every individual being (including man) is volatile and devoid of meaning and value. The question remains open as to whether the ultimate message of their philosophy can be still an inspiration for us today, or whether it already sounds rather strange and unfamiliar in confrontation with the spirit of modernity.

Introduction: In Poland, the area of self-medication requires scientific and organizational evaluation. So far, no solutions sanctioning self-medication have been introduced. Therefore, the aim of this study was to recognize and analyze the practical experience of outpatient physicians regarding self-medication of their patients, as well as self-medication of children by their caregivers.Methods: This study enrolled 386 participants and used a Computer-Assisted Web Interview that was disseminated online from 4th of July 2023 to 23rd of August 2023. The survey was addressed to outpatient healthcare physicians working in Poland.Results: In doctors’ perspective the main three reasons for choosing self-medication in Poland were: taking advice from other people - family members or friends (59.1%), finding information regarding treatment online (52.9%) and ability to self-medicate in this kind of symptoms/disease (51.6%). Among adult patients, in 72.1% of cases, an independent decision to start antibiotic therapy was made. Such a decision occurred in 39.8% of pediatric patients. Children caregivers were more likely to visit the physician immediately with symptoms than in the case of adult patients (42.2% vs. 22.1%, p < 0.001).Conclusions: Self-medication in Poland requires educational and organizational support at various levels - both social (information campaigns, school education), the healthcare system (increasing the role of medical professionals, including pharmacists), and finally in the area of legislation. Two areas seem to be particularly alarming - the use of antibiotics by adults and children and the mental health of both populations.

BackgroundThere is limited insight into the current disease burden and everyday clinical management of moderate-to- severe AD in Poland, Czechia, Russia, and Turkiye. Therefore, this study aimed to get information-driven insights regarding the current disease burden and clinical management of patients with moderate-to-severe AD with common and differentiating aspects of the patient journey and establish a consensus.MethodsIn this modified 2-round Delphi panel, 133 questions were asked in total to 27 dermatologists. A consensus was achieved when 70% of the panel members strongly agreed or agreed (or strongly disagreed or disagreed) with an item. Statements with

In the conditions of innovative economy development, the formation issues of the personnel and research potential of the region at the expense of local universities’ graduates are of particular importance. The article puts forward and confirms the hypothesis that a number of socio-economic development indicators of Kemerovo region significantly affect the number of graduates of regional universities, which can be predicted considering changes in these indicators. With the help of the created model, it is possible to study the impact of each of the arguments of the model on the number of university graduates, predict their dynamics, identify targets for the management decisions development in the field of regulating the number of young specialists with higher education (necessary for the regional economy), as well as formulate strategic planning tasks and assess university development the potential. The results of the study can be used by structural divisions of the Government of Kuzbass, the leadership of universities and organizations of the Kemerovo region.

ObjectivesThis study aims to update the understanding of Alopecia Areata (AA) in Poland, Czechia, Russia, and Türkiye, focusing on the disease burden, clinical management, and patient journey. It seeks to establish a consensus on optimal management strategies for AA in these regions.MethodsA modified 2-round Delphi panel was conveyed with 23 Dermatologists (Russia; 4, Türkiye; 7, Poland; 6, and Czechia; 6). The Delphi questionnaire consisted of 61 statements and 43 questions designed to obtain an overall understanding of the perception and acceptance of available information regarding the care of patients with alopecia areata.ResultsThe study revealed that moderate-to-severe AA significantly impacts patients’ and their families’ QoL, consistent with previous studies. AA was found to cause more substantial impairment when additional lesions appeared in visible areas besides the scalp. Work and productivity impairment were notably higher in adults with moderate-to-severe AA. Diagnostic consensus highlighted the importance of skin biopsies and trichoscopy, while the need for more practical severity scoring systems was emphasized. Current treatments, including topical therapies, corticosteroids, and systemic immune modifiers, were deemed insufficient, highlighting the unmet medical need.ConclusionThe Delphi study underscores a significant disease burden and unmet medical needs in patients with moderate-to-severe AA. It highlights the necessity of access to novel treatments and further research to develop more effective therapies with a tolerable safety profile. The findings align with global research, emphasizing the psychosocial impact of AA and the need for standardized, effective treatment protocols.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to characterize the reimbursement policy for orphan drugs (ODs) in Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries in relation to the availability and impact of clinical evidence, health technology assessment (HTA) procedure, selected economic indicators, and the drug type according to indications.Materials and methods: A list of authorized medicines with orphan designation and information about active substance, Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) classification, and therapeutic area was extracted from the web-based register of the European Medicines Agency (EMA). A country-based questionnaire survey was performed between September 2021 and January 2022 in a group of selected experts from nine CEE countries (an invitation was sent to 11 countries). A descriptive and statistical analysis was conducted to determine statistical significance, correlations, between the drug or country characteristic and the positive recommendation or reimbursement of ODs.Results: The proportion of reimbursed orphan drugs differed between countries, ranging from 17.7% in Estonia to 49.6% in Hungary (p < 0.001). The odds that ODs were reimbursed were reduced in countries with a “strong” level of impact of drug safety and efficacy on reimbursement decisions (p=0.018), the presence of other additional specific clinical aspects (e.g., genomic data) considered in the reimbursement decision (p < 0.001) and mandatory (without exception) safety assessments (p=0.004). The probability that ODs were reimbursed was increased in countries with a “moderate” level of impact of drug safety and efficacy on reimbursement decisions (p=0.018), when reimbursement decisions are dependent on the EMA registration status and orphan drug designation (p < 0.001), the presence of the “positive HTA recommendation guarantees reimbursement” policy (p < 0.001), higher GDP per inhabitant (p=0.003), and higher healthcare expenditure (p < 0.001).Conclusion: We found that there are differences among CEE countries in the reimbursement of orphan drugs, and we identified aspects that may influence these differences. Safety, efficacy, and specific clinical aspect issues significantly influenced reimbursement decisions. Antineoplastic and immunomodulating agents drugs were the largest group of ODs and increased the chance of getting a positive recommendation. The higher GDP per inhabitant and healthcare expenditures per inhabitant were positively linked to the chance that an OD receives reimbursement.

BackgroundA specialized diet could be due to an allergy or other medical needs and also religious or cultural reasons. This study aimed to assess the availability and provision of special diets in kindergartens and nurseries financed by the Municipality of Kraków.MethodsThis observational cross-sectional study was based on a diagnostic survey carried out using the Computer-Assisted Web Interview method and addressed to the managers of nurseries (n = 21) and kindergartens (n = 71) and, separately, to the parents of children attending these facilities (n = 1,096). Non-parametric tests were applied for an unadjusted comparison between children at nurseries and those at kindergartens.ResultsChildren with particular dietary requirements received special diet meals in 95.2% of nurseries and 60.5% of kindergartens. The availability of special diets was associated with the type of facility (p = 0.001), the number of children who ate in the facility (p = 0.032), and the daily cost of meals served to children (p = 0.009). The cost of meals was higher in kindergartens that offered special diets vs. those that did not offer such diets (p

The relevance of the study is due to the growth of stress-related conditions of entrepreneurs’ activity in Ukraine in 2020-2023. The purpose of the study is to highlight the results of an examination of emotional intelligence, psychosocial stress, and character accentuations of entrepreneurs working in stress-related conditions. Among the key research methods is the psychosocial stress scale of L. Reeder, emotional intelligence test questionnaire of N. Hall, definition of character accentuations of Leonhard – H. Schmieschek. The professional activities of 90 entrepreneurs in the conditions of COVID-19 and 90 entrepreneurs in the conditions of war in the period 2021-2023 were examined. In both groups, the established high level of emotional intelligence was characterised by the ability to be aware of emotions and feelings, the average – by the potential for development, and the low required development. A strong correlation was identified between “emotional awareness” and “recognition of other people’s emotions”, which characterised restraint in the manifestation of emotions. Entrepreneurs working in war conditions were identified to have a reduced ability to manage emotions and low self-motivation. It was identified that psychosocial stress was manifested by psychosomatic complaints and impulsive decisions, aggressiveness, intolerance to the opinions of others, and anger. A high level of stress was accompanied by a deterioration in concentration, memory, and performance. It is proved that the tendency to accentuation due to provocative emotional factors increased to accentuation, and pedantry, hyperthymicity, emotionality create the basis for conflicts. It was determined that the pathogenetic path of conflict development was evasion as a specific social behaviour in stress-associated conditions of activity, and ignoring the problem was the basic behaviour in conflict with the desire to avoid acute situations and decisions ‒ “tactics of presence without signs of active intervention”. Two types of accentuations associated with the negative impact on the emotional intelligence of businessmen were identified: getting stuck or dysthymia in the first group, which worked during COVID-19, and the dominance of anxious and emotional traits in the second group, members of which had to work in war conditions. It is noted that in both groups, entrepreneurial activity was characterised as “rather dysfunctional and unsatisfactory”. The practical importance of the study lies in the ability to consider the identified psychological characteristics in providing assistance to entrepreneurs working in stress-related conditions.

The relevance of the study is determined by the increasing role of risks in the formation of motivation programs aimed at retaining managers of the middle and top levels of organization management. The purpose of the study was to identify risks that arise in the process of implementing motivation programs for managerial personnel. In the study, the following tasks were solved: determining the sources and risk factors; assessing the probability of risks and the level of possible consequences of a risk event; identifying the risks that are most priority for management based on building a risk map; development of ways to reduce risks that reduce the effectiveness of the implementation of motivational programs to retain managers of the organization. The work uses systematic and situational approaches, expert assessment, the survey method and the Delphi method, risk mapping. The developed measures to eliminate risks will allow organizations to prevent reputational and financial losses and analyze the effectiveness of each implemented motivational tool to retain the leaders of the organization.

Abstract Background Ovarian carcinoma is the leading cause of mortality among gynecological cancers in the world. The high mortality rate is associated with lack of early diagnosis and development of drug resistance. The antitumor efficacy and mechanism of NCX-4040, a nitric oxide-releasing aspirin derivative, against ovarian cancer is studied. Methods NCX-4040, alone or in combination with cisplatin (cis-diamminedichloroplatinum, cDDP), was studied in cisplatin-sensitive (A2780 WT) and cisplatin-resistant (A2780 cDDP) cell lines as well as xenograft tumors grown in nude mice. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) was used for measurements of nitric oxide and redox state. Immunoblotting analysis of A2780 cDDP tumor xenografts from mice was used for mechanistic studies. Results Cells treated with NCX-4040 (25 μM) showed a significant reduction of cell viability (A2780 WT, 34.9 ± 8.7%; A2780 cDDP, 41.7 ± 7.6%; p < 0.05). Further, NCX-4040 significantly enhanced the sensitivity of A2780 cDDP cells (cisplatin alone, 80.6 ± 11.8% versus NCX-4040+cisplatin, 26.4 ± 7.6%; p < 0.01) and xenograft tumors (cisplatin alone, 74.0 ± 4.4% versus NCX-4040+cisplatin, 56.4 ± 7.8%; p < 0.05), to cisplatin treatment. EPR imaging of tissue redox and thiol measurements showed a 5.5-fold reduction (p < 0.01) of glutathione in NCX-4040-treated A2780 cDDP tumors when compared to untreated controls. Immunoblotting analysis of A2780 cDDP tumor xenografts from mice treated with NCX-4040 and cisplatin revealed significant downregulation of pEGFR (Tyr845 and Tyr992) and pSTAT3 (Tyr705 and Ser727) expression. Conclusion The results suggested that NCX-4040 could resensitize drug-resistant ovarian cancer cells to cisplatin possibly by depletion of cellular thiols. Thus NCX-4040 appears to be a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of human ovarian carcinoma and cisplatin-resistant malignancies.

Rare earth elements (REE) are a class of increasingly used high-tech product components and new emerging environmental pollutants, which are accumulated, in particular, in marine biota. In this study, REE contents were estimated in shells of several molluscs common in the Black Sea. The summed REE contents in mollusc shells decreased in the following order of species: Magallana gigas = Anadara kagoshimensis > Flexopecten glaber ponticus ≥ Rapana venosa > Mytilus galloprovincialis, ranging from 0.46 to 1.9 mg·kg−1. Canonical analysis of principal coordinates allowed for the correct identification of species based on the REE composition in no fewer than 67% of the samples. The mollusc shells were anomalously enriched in Sc, Y, La, Eu and Tb, most likely due to anthropogenic contamination. The Y/Ho ratios in all samples were represented by two fit values: 23.2 (chondritic) and 67.6 (superchondritic, mainly associated with A. kagoshimensis). A new universal relationship linking the contents of three light and heavy REE in Black Sea mollusc shells was proposed: Ce0.3 Er0.7/Yb = 2.00 ± 0.46 (mean ± standard deviation).

Introduction: Since 2013, the First Care Provider (FCP) model has successfully educated the non-medical population on how to recognize life-threatening injuries and perform interventions recommended by the Committee for Tactical Emergency Casualty Care (C-TECC) and the Hartford Consensus in the disaster setting. Recent programs, such as the federal “Stop The Bleed” campaign, have placed the emphasis of public training on hemorrhage control. However, recent attacks demonstrate that access to wounded, recognition of injury, and rapid evacuation are equally as important as hemorrhage control in minimizing mortality. To date, no training programs have produced a validated study with regard to training a community population in these necessary principles of disaster response.Methods: In our study, we created a reproducible community training model for implementation into prehospital systems. Two matched demographic groups were chosen and divided into “trained” and “untrained” groups. The trained group was taught the FCP curriculum, which the Department of Homeland Security recognizes as a Stop the Bleed program, while the untrained group received no instruction. Both groups then participated in a simulated mass casualty event, which required evaluation of multiple victims with varying degree of injury, particularly a patient with an arterial bleed and a patient with an airway obstruction.Results: The objective measures in comparing the two groups were the time elapse until their first action was taken (T1A) and time to their solution of the simulation (TtS). We compared their times using one-sided t-test to demonstrate their responses were not due to chance alone. At the arterial bleed simulation, the T1A for the trained and untrained groups, respectively, were 34.75 seconds and 111 seconds (p-value = .1064), while the TtS were 3 minutes and 33 seconds in the trained group and eight minutes in the untrained groups (physiologic cutoff) (p-value = .0014). At the airway obstruction simulation, the T1A for the trained and untrained groups, respectively, were 20.5 seconds and 43 seconds (p-value = .1064), while the TtS were 32.6 seconds in the trained group and 7 minutes and 3 seconds in the untrained group (p-value = .0087). Simulation values for recently graduated nursing students and a local fire department engine company (emergency medical services [EMS]) were also given for reference. The trained group’s results mirrored times of EMS.Conclusion: This study demonstrates an effective training model to civilian trauma response, while adhering to established recommendations. We offer our model as a potential solution for accomplishing the Stop The Bleed mission while advancing the potential of public disaster response.

Актуальність. Бойова діяльність (БД) військовослужбовців відноситься до дуже важких видів професійної діяльності (ПД), яка вимагає від них значних м’язових зусиль, прояву на високому рівні відповідних фізичних якостей, рухових навичок; підвищеної активності значної кількості різноманітних органів і систем; залучення до роботи великої кількості морфофункціональних і психічних структур організму людини. Це супроводжуєть- ся витратою такої кількості енергії, якої не здатні продукувати механізми енергозабезпечення організму більшості військовослужбовців, що призводить до швидкої втрати працездатності. Підвищення рухових спро- можностей і розширення функціональних резервів організму офіцерів до рівня, що вимагає БД, відбувається під час їх навчання в академії. А його підтримання є актуальним продовж всієї професійної кар’єри офіцера. Однак, одразу після випуску з академії фізична активність більшості офіцерів знижується, а разом з нею й їх фізична підготовленість. Враховуючи, що фізична підготовленість є фундаментом для всіх інших компонентів боєздатності військовослужбовців, актуальним є пошук шляхів забезпечення належного рівня ефективності фізичного вдоскона- лення офіцерів продовж всієї їх служби. Мета роботи – визначення рівня мотиваційно-ціннісного ставлення курсантів до фізичного вдосконалення на початку їх військової служби як умови і передумови доцільних систематичних занять ними фізичними вправами. Методи – аналіз та узагальнення наукових праць, опитуван- ня. Результати. Встановлено, що в структурі мотивації до фізкультурно-спортивної діяльності (ФСД) значної кількості курсантів на момент їх вступу до академії переважають гедоністичні мотиви, а метою їх занять спортом є розвага. Виявлено, що 60,2 % курсантів на початку навчання в академії мають низький рівень мотиваційно-ціннісного ставлення до фізичного вдосконалення, якій характеризується неадекватністю оцінки своєї фізичної підготовленості, відсутністю бажання виявляти зусилля при виконанні рухової активності, що не дозволяє розраховувати на високу результативність фізичного вдосконалення. Висновки. Для підвищення ефективності фізичної підготовки офіцерів у військах потребує посилення формування в них мотиваційно- ціннісного ставлення до фізичного вдосконалення під час навчання в академії.

The aim of the study was observed selected and compared chemical components in commercial and raw chocolates. HPLC was used to determine Galic acid, Theobromin, Catechin, Caffeine, Epicatechin and Epigallocatechin 3 gallate in 17 commercial chocolates. Result shows very strong inverse correlation between Epigallocatechin 3 gallate and Galic acid. There was also observed strong positive correlation between Theobromin and Caffeine, Epicatechin and Galic acid, Epigallocatechin 3 gallate and Theobromin, Caffeine and Epigallocatechin 3 gallate. The PCA revealed that 78.83 % of the total variation embodied in five variables could be effectively condensed into and explained by first two principal components (PCs), with eigenvalues of 3.00 and 1.72, respectively. The PC1, accounting for 50.05 % of the inertia, contrasted Galic acid and Caffeine, Epigallocatechin 3 gallate and Theobromin whereas PC2, explaining 28.77 % of the inertia, clearly reflected the different content of Epigallocatechin 3 gallate and Epicatechin. The total variability depends on the tested chemical parameters. The tested raw chocolates were characterized in particular by the caffeine parameters Epigallocatechin 3 gallate.

The aim of the study was to evaluate textural changes in carrots during cooking and to find optimal cooking time of carrots. Using a TA.XT Plus Texture Analyser, texture profile analysis (TPA) of carrot hardness, springiness, cohesiveness, gumminess and chewiness after 5, 10, 15 and 20 minutes of cooking was performed. The highest value for hardness was observed in raw carrot (10167.5 g). The lowest value for hardness (1378.92 g) was observed after 20 minutes of thermal processing. Using the Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA), it was found out how carrot hardness during cooking varies with the other textural parameters from TPA analysis. The coefficient of determination was 0.9955 and it explained 99.55% of total variability for the TPA analysis results. The highest differences in hardness were observed in the first 5 minutes of cooking. The significance of the model was determined by The Fisher´s F test. The probability corresponding to the F value was lower than 0.0001, it would be taking a lower than 0.01% risk in assuming that there was no effect of the explanatory variables. The results implied that the optimal cooking time of carrots lies in range of 10 and 15 minutes.

The aim of our work was the preparation of fermented flavored whey beverages using whey, probiotic cultures and suitable flavors. Whey fermentation by lactic acid bacteria appears to be an interesting alternative to improve the properties of whey and thus to offer its exceptional nutritional value, not only because of whey protein contained, but also due to the valuable products produced by microorganisms. Pasteurized whey was enriched by the addition of sheep culture ZS-25, which was isolated from sheep cheese and contains more varieties of species Lactococcus lactis, and also by the probiotic culture containing the microorganisms of Bifidobacterium sp., Lactobacillus acidophilus, Streptococcus thermophilus. We focused our attention to select the appropriate type and concentration of flavor as well. Sensory evaluation was performed by the committee consisting of five intentionally selected professionally qualified persons. Taste of fermented whey drink was main observed property. Assessment of prepared whey drinks was repeated four times, each group consisted of 5 samples according to the following structure: sample A - whey drink with culture without flavoring, sample B - whey drink with culture and exotic flavor, sample C - whey drink with the culture and flavor of cranberry-grape-strawberry, sample D - whey drink with the culture and peach-orange flavor, sample E - whey drink with the culture and strawberry flavor. Flavored fermented whey beverages were sensorially evaluated. The order of individual samples determined by the evaluators was statistically processed by the Friedman test. Table value for this test for five evaluators and 5 samples is 8.99. The calculated values for all four sensory evaluations we performed, were higher than 8.99, so we rejected the null hypothesis and proved that among the different flavored whey drinks it is statistically significant difference. Overall, the worst evaluated was whey drink without flavoring. As the best accepted was strawberry flavor, it does not matter whether it was used sheep or cow whey, or sheep culture, ZS-25 or probiotic. We can conclude that strawberry flavor is the most appropriate to cover undesirable taste of whey.

The main aim of our work was to identify the content of mercury and nickel in selected fish species. Consumers today are increasingly aware of the association between diet and health, and thus in Europe consumes more and more fish. Fish is a valuable source of high quality protein, minerals and vitamins, and fatty fish are also rich in omega-3-polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are normally considered to be beneficial to health. In our work we determined content of mercury and nickel harvested fish in particular were the following species: Common goldfish (Carassius auratus, L.), Common roach (Rutilus rutilus, L.) and Common bream (Abramis brama, L). Concentrations of mercury and nickel was analyzed and results evaluated according to current standards and compared to the values established by the Codex Alimentarius of the Slovak Republic and the EU Commission Regulation no. 1881/2006, as well as in the EU Commission Regulation no. 420/2011 and no. 269/2008. In our research area we analysed 19 samples of fish muscle. Samples were taken from two water reservoirs – Golianovo and Vráble. The highest mercury content was in sample Rutilus 1 - 0.052632 mg/kg. Lowest mercury content was in sample Abramis 2 - 0.010431 mg/kg. Largest nickel content was in meat of Abramis - sample 2 - 0.78 mg/kg. Minimum content of nickel was in sample Carassius 1 - 0.11 mg/kg. We got out of the limit values specified: Codex Alimentarius SR - Mercury 0.5 mg/kg and Regulation of the EU Commission no. 1881/2006, no. 420/2011 and no. 629/2008. To optimize the protection of the population, it is necessary to continue to monitor the concentration of mercury in fish and fish products. Risk management strategy must focus on reducing potential exposure derived from consumption of fish. In particular, the definition of maximum levels for methylmercury, advising consumers and environmental activities oriented to reduce contamination.

In this study, oxidative stability of frozen chicken breast and thigh muscle after application of feed mixtures enriched by phytogenic additives was investigated. The 150 pieces one-day-old chicks of Cobb 500 hybrid combination were divided into three groups: C - control group, G1 – experimental group with addition 1000 mg kg-1 Biostrong 510 + FortiBac and G2 – experimental group with addition 1000 mg kg-1 Agolin Acid. The broiler chickens were fed during 42 days by ad libitum. Samples of chicken breast and thigh muscle were analysed in the 1st day and after 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th month of frozen storage at -18 °C. During testing period we recorded positive influence of phytogenic additives on oxidative stability of chicken meat in experimental groups (G1, G2). After 6th month of frozen storage, we found higher malondialdehyde (MDA) values and lower oxidative stability of breast muscle in control group (0.167 mg.kg-1) compared to experimental groups G1 (0.149 mg.kg-1) and G2 (0.145 mg.kg-1). Similar tendency of oxidative changes as in the breast muscle was recorded in the thigh muscle. At the end of frozen storage MDA average values of thigh muscle were higher in control group (0.181 mg.kg-1) compared to experimental groups (G1 - 0.163 mg.kg-1 and G2 - 0.160 mg.kg-1). Based on the obtained results we can stated, that phytogenic additives applied in chicken nutrition had positive influence of, namely on oxidation stability of fatty substances.

In the present work, the effect of the fennel and savory essential oils on oxidative stability of chicken thigh muscles during chilled storage was investigated. In the experiment were used chickens of hybrid combination Cobb 500 after 42 days of the fattening period. The obtained fresh chicken thigh with skin from left half-carcass were divided into five groups (n = 5): C - control air-packaged group; A1 - vacuum-packaged experimental group; A2 - vacuum-packaged experimental group with EDTA solution 1.50% w/w; A3 - vacuum-packaged experimental group with fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) essential oil at concentrations 0.2% v/w and A4 - vacuum-packaged experimental group with savory (Satureja hortensis) essential oil at concentration 0.2% v/w. The essential oils were applicate on surface chicken thighs. The chicken thighs were packaged using a vacuum packaging machine and stored in refrigerate at 4±0.5 °C. The value of thiobarbituric acid (TBA) expressed as amount of malondialdehyde (MDA) in 1 kg sample was measured during storage in 1st, 4th, 8th, 12th and 16th day. The treatments of chicken thighs with fennel and savory essential oils show statistically significant differences between all testing groups and control group, where higher average value of MDA measured in thigh muscle of broiler chickens was in samples of control group (0.359 mg.kg-1) compared to experimental groups A1 (0.129 mg.kg-1), A2 (0.091 mg.kg-1), A3 (0.084 mg.kg-1) and A4 (0.089 mg.kg-1) after 16-day of chilled storage. Experiment results show that the treatment of chicken thigh with fennel and savory essential oils had positive influence on the reduction of oxidative processes in thigh muscles during chilling storage and use of essential oil is one of the options increase shelf life of fresh chicken meat.

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Introduction: In Poland, the area of self-medication requires scientific and organizational evaluation. So far, no solutions sanctioning self-medication have been introduced. Therefore, the aim of this study was to recognize and analyze the practical experience of outpatient physicians regarding self-medication of their patients, as well as self-medication of children by their caregivers. Methods: This study enrolled 386 participants and used a Computer-Assisted Web Interview thatwas disseminated online from4th of July 2023 to 23rd of August 2023. The survey was addressed to outpatient healthcare physicians working in Poland. Results: In doctors' perspective the main three reasons for choosing selfmedication in Poland were: taking advice from other people - family members or friends (59.1%), finding information regarding treatment online (52.9%) and ability to self-medicate in this kind of symptoms/disease (51.6%). Among adult patients, in 72.1% of cases, an independent decision to start antibiotic therapy was made. Such a decision occurred in 39.8% of pediatric patients. Children caregivers were more likely to visit the physician immediately with symptoms than in the case of adult patients (42.2% vs. 22.1%, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Self-medication in Poland requires educational and organizational support at various levels - both social (information campaigns, school education), the healthcare system (increasing the role of medical professionals, including pharmacists), and finally in the area of legislation. Two areas seem to be particularly alarming - the use of antibiotics by adults and children and the mental health of both populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of our study was to assess the effect of nitrate-reducing bacteria and natural nitrate source on the sensory properties of dried meat biltong. Appearance, colour on the cut, aroma, taste and juiciness, acidity, sweetness, and consistency were evaluated. The members of the panel gave their ratings between 1 and 5 according to the characteristics of the samples, with 1 being the lowest rating and 5 being the best rating. In the sensory evaluation of dried meat samples without oxygen absorber packaging, the group (P2) with bacterial culture, celery powder, and NaCl showed the highest scores for appearance, taste, juiciness, acidity, and consistency. Notably, P3 samples had significantly lower consistency scores compared to P2. Additionally, sample P1, with bacterial culture and NaCl, improved the colour on the cut compared to the negative control (C) with only NaCl. The best aroma and sweetness results were in the P3 group with curing salt, although these differences were not statistically significant (P = 0.05). The sensory evaluation of dried meat samples packaged with an oxygen absorber revealed that the combination of bacterial culture, celery powder, and NaCl (AP2) had the most positive influence on appearance, colour on the cut, and consistency. The group with the absorber and curing salt (AP3) showed improved aroma, taste, and juiciness. Acidity was primarily affected by the addition of bacterial culture and NaCl (AP1), as well as by AP2 and AP3. The most pleasing sweetness was achieved by adding bacterial culture and NaCl to samples with the absorber (AP1). Samples with the best consistency when packaged with the absorber were those with bacterial culture and celery powder (AP2). In summary, among dried meat samples with oxygen absorber, those with added curing salt (AP3) had the best overall sensory evaluation compared to the negative control with NaCl (AC). For samples without an oxygen absorber, the highest overall sensory scores were in the group with bacterial culture and celery powder, surpassing the control with NaCl (C). The use of an oxygen absorber and curing salt proved to be effective in the production of biltong, but replacing the curing salt with NaCl and the addition of celery powder and bacterial culture significantly improved the sensory evaluation compared to the other groups (except AP3). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review focuses on food fraud and shows a picture of the most critical notifications reported by the Knowledge Centre for Food Fraud and Quality worldwide during the year 2023. Knowledge4Policy (K4P) is the EU Commission's platform for evidence-based policymaking. This study aims to provide an overview of the cases of food fraud focused on specific food groups - (fish and seafood, oils and fats, fruit and vegetables, honey and sugar, meat and meat products, wine, alcohol, milk and dairy products, spices and herbs, grain-based food -- cereals - bakery products, eggs, snacks, coffee, tea, cocoa, non-alcoholic beverages, dietic foods supplements, fortified food). The data on food fraud was divided based on world continents (Asia, Africa, South America, North- Central America, Australia, and Europe). The next part of our overview shows the count of food fraud incidents separately each month for 2023. Overall, 419 cases were registered worldwide in 66 countries in 2023. Most cases were registered in Europe, South America, Africa, North-Central America, and Australia. Based on our findings, we can conclude that the highest number of cases were registered in Pakistan, followed by Italy, Brazil, Nigeria, the Dominican Republic, and Australia. The most abundant was alcohol-beverages adulteration (18.13 % of the total number of cases reported in 2023 worldwide), followed by meat and meat products (15.03 %), fish and seafood (13.60 %), and grain-based food, cereals, and bakery products (11.69 %). Analysis of notification data showed that the most used type of fraud was grey market trading, mislabeling, document forgery, dilution/mixing, substitution, and unapproved enhancement. Food fraud databases serve as valuable tools for the food industry and regulatory bodies, aiding in mitigating food fraud risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leek (Allium porrum L.), a commonly grown vegetable widely used in the food industry, has gained increased interest in recent years in connection with its content of bioactive substances. Therefore, this study aimed to determine and evaluate the influence of cultivar and morphological part on the total content of polyphenols, sulfur compounds, and the antioxidant activity in the monitored morphological parts of leek (Allium porrum L.). The total polyphenol content (TPC) in the white part of analyzed leek cultivars ranged from 446.30 to 1580.55 mg GAE.kg-1 DM. TPC in the green part of analyzed leek cultivars ranged from 748.09 to 2172.78 mg GAE.kg-1 DM. TPC in the leaves of analyzed leek cultivars ranged from 2301.24 to 5477.73 mg GAE.kg-1 DM. The antioxidant activity (AA) in the white part of analyzed leek cultivars ranged from 3.70 to 14.23 mmol TE.kg-1 DM. AA in the green part of analyzed leek cultivars ranged from 6.89 to 14.38 mmol TE.kg-1 DM. AA in leaves of analyzed leek cultivars ranged from 30.85 to 106.92 mmol TE.kg-1 DM. The total sulfur content (TSC) in the white part of analyzed leek cultivars ranged from 0.25 to 0.52 %. TSC in the green part of analyzed leek cultivars ranged from 0.27 to 0.52 %. TSC in the leaves of analyzed leek cultivars ranged from 0.31 to 0.59 %. Based on the analysis of variance, we can state that statistically higher (p< 0.05) TPC, AA, and TSC were determined in the leaves of the leek. Statistically higher (p< 0.05) TPC, AA, and TSC in all morphological parts were determined in the cultivar De Carentan. The results confirmed the variability of bioactive substances and antioxidant activity in the individual monitored cultivars, but also in the monitored morphological parts of the leek. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intelligent agents are rapidly evolving from assistants into teammates as they perform increasingly complex tasks. Successful human-agent teams leverage the computational power and sensory capabilities of automated agents while keeping the human operator's expectation consistent with the agent's ability. This helps prevent over-reliance on and under-utilization of the agent to optimize its effectiveness. Research at the intersection of human-computer interaction, social psychology, and neuroergonomics has identified trust as a governing factor of human-agent interactions that can be modulated to maintain an appropriate expectation. To achieve this calibration, trust can be monitored continuously and unobtrusively using neurophysiological sensors. While prior studies have demonstrated the potential of functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), a lightweight neuroimaging technology, in the prediction of social, cognitive, and affective states, few have successfully used it to measure complex social constructs like trust in artificial agents. Even fewer studies have examined the dynamics of hybrid teams of more than 1 human or 1 agent. We address this gap by developing a highly collaborative task that requires knowledge sharing within teams of 2 humans and 1 agent. Using brain data obtained with fNIRS sensors, we aim to identify brain regions sensitive to changes in agent behavior on a long- and short-term scale. We manipulated agent reliability and transparency while measuring trust, mental demand, team processes, and affect. Transparency and reliability levels are found to significantly affect trust in the agent, while transparency explanations do not impact mental demand. Reducing agent communication is shown to disrupt interpersonal trust and team cohesion, suggesting similar dynamics as human-human teams. Contrasts of General Linear Model analyses identify dorsal medial prefrontal cortex activation specific to assessing the agent's transparency explanations and characterize increases in mental demand as signaled by dorsal lateral prefrontal cortex and frontopolar activation. Short scale event-level data is analyzed to show that predicting whether an individual will trust the agent, with data from 15 s before their decision, is feasible with fNIRS data. Discussing our results, we identify targets and directions for future neuroergonomics research as a step toward building an intelligent trust-modulation system to optimize human-agent collaborations in real time.