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Featured Application: Future 5G/6G and DTT networks implementation in the UHF spectrum. This paper analyzes practical solutions for implementing 5G/6G and Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) network coexistence in the UHF band. Two potential scenarios are explored using the case study of a nationwide DTT network: spectrum splitting and spectrum interleaving. Both scenarios are thoroughly examined based on current UHF spectrum usage and the DTT network structure based on a case study of Poland. The analysis includes potential future benefits and limitations of each scenario. The results presented in this paper can guide administrations in implementing decisions made at the International Telecommunication Union—Radiocommunication Sector, World Radiocommunication Conference 2023 (ITU-R WRC23), improving spectrum efficiency and 5G/6G networks development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Outbreaks of fowl adenovirus (FAdV) infection in chicken flocks in Poland threaten birds' health and lives and are rising in frequency. The risk of these infections in immunocompromised poultry flocks with developed clinical symptoms was analysed through virus detection in broiler chicks and correlation of cases with the birds' immune strength. Samples were analysed from four broiler farms with chicks from the same hatchery in Silesia, Poland where feeding regimes were different. A normal diet was provided to birds on the control farm; a normal diet and probiotic, prebiotic, vitamin and microelement supplementation was supplied on another farm; a normal diet and antibiotics on the third; and a normal diet and both forms of supplementation were given on the fourth farm. Amplification of the virus DNA in a PCR with hexon gene L1 loop hypervariable region 1–4 primers determined the molecular characteristics of isolates of adenovirus strains obtained from necropsy tissue samples. The amplicon sequences were analysed, the pair-wise distances were determined, the maximum likelihood estimate for the gamma parameter for site rates was produced, Tajima's D neutrality test was run and the relative synonymous codon usage and transition/transversion bias were calculated. Two species and two serotypes of fowl adenovirus – MW353018-FAdV-1/A-L-liver and MW353019-FAdV-5/B-I-intestine – were isolated in three-week-old broiler chicks on the control farm. Supplementation of broiler chicken flocks with probiotics, prebiotics, vitamins and microelements may have a significant beneficial effect on immunity and can prevent virus infection. The studies provided new information on the molecular characteristics of adenovirus strains isolated from chicks with a low level of immunity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Next to car drivers, pedestrians are the most common perpetrators of traffic accidents. One of the factors influencing the occurrence of dangerous situations on the road is the age of pedestrians. The aim of the study was to identify similarities and differences in road behavior and knowledge of selected aspects of road safety in two different age groups of pedestrians, namely those under 18 and over 65. Research problem: In two groups significantly different in age, do the propensity to engage in dangerous behavior and knowledge of risk from passenger car drivers differ ? Material and methods: The analysis is based on a study conducted using a survey questionnaire in the period December 20, 2022 – June 1, 2023. 625 people took part in the study, 268 people under 18 and 357 people over 65. Results: Research shows that both groups tend to engage in dangerous behaviors. Young people are more likely to cross the road in unauthorized places and to cross pedestrian crossings without traffic lights, using mobile phones and headphones. Older people are less likely to wear reflective elements. Awareness of selected threats in both age groups is low. Conclusions: The research shows that both young and older people do not always behave safely on the road. People under 18 are more often responsible for dangerous behavior at pedestrian crossings. Another important problem is the lack of proper knowledge about the threats to which pedestrians are exposed and the lack of awareness of dangerous situations. In this study, most respondents were not aware of the dangers, partly due to their inappropriate behavior. Most questions regarding possible threats were answered incorrectly almost every time by over half of respondents in both age groups. None of the surveyed groups has an advantage regarding road traffic hazards. People under 18 more often correctly answered questions about priority at a pedestrian crossing and the driver’s reaction time to the appearance of a live obstacle. People over 65 more often indicated the correct answer regarding the braking distance and the distance covered by a driver traveling at a speed of 50 km/h. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research focused on the determination of selected metals in tap water from Upper Silesia region (Poland) and the assessment of risk for consumers. The heavy metal pollution index and metal index were used to characterise the potential risk of heavy metals in drinking water. ICP-MS and ICP-OES have been used to measure the concentrations of Co, Mn, Cu, Ni, Pb, As, Zn and Sr. Chemometric analysis of the resulted data was accomplished using principal component analysis and cluster analysis, emphasising both similarities between the composition of the analysed samples and outliers. It was suggested that chemometric analysis can be used as a decision tool for necessary corrective action in the water distribution network, since it emphasises in a fast and intuitive way the samples with unusual chemical composition for a given context. To the best of our knowledge, such research in this area has not yet been carried out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since June 2022, the Central Museum of Prisoners-of-War (Poland) has been carrying out a multidisciplinary research project entitled "Science for Society, Society for Science at the Site of National Remembrance in Łambinowice." The aim of this article is to discuss the preliminary results of selected non-invasive and invasive archaeological and ethnographic research realized during the first months of the field activities. Additionally, they show the value of so-called community archaeology in which the participation of local inhabitants in field research is an important element of applied methodology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of the paper is to examine the impact of the economic situation in 2022 on the condition of micro-enterprises in the Silesian Voivodeship. Design/methodology/approach: A research sample of 150 micro-enterprises from the Silesian Voivodeship was selected. Research methods such as interview and survey were used. A questionnaire was used as the tool. A complete set of responses was obtained from 132 microenterprises. Findings: It was found that entrepreneurs respond in different ways to the difficult situation their micro-enterprises faced after the pandemic and during the following months of 2022. This depends on a number of factors, such as number of years the company has been on the market, the degree of specialisation in the domain handled, flexibility in re-branding, ability to obtain external financial and non-financial support, etc. These factors mean that the condition of the micro-enterprises studied is not homogeneous. Research limitations/implications: Due to the small research sample, the study results cannot be generalised and treated as a picture of the condition of all companies in the Silesian Voivodeship. Further studies, based on a larger research sample, would provide a more comprehensive picture. Originality/value: The negative impact of the 2019 global pandemic has greatly affected micro-enterprises. The military conflict in Ukraine in early 2022 has destabilised global markets. Rising inflation in Poland became even more pronounced after the outbreak of war. Many micro-enterprises faced a difficult situation. It is important to gain knowledge about the impact of constraints related to the economic situation on the operation of micro-enterprises in order to develop mechanisms to mitigate negative effects on entrepreneurship based on microenterprises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neoehrlichia mikurensis is a new emerging tick-borne Gram-negative bacterium, belonging to the family Anaplasmataceae, the main vector of which in Europe is the tick Ixodes ricinus. N. mikurensis is responsible for neoehrlichiosis, occurring mostly in patients with underlying diseases. In the present study, a total of 348 I. ricinus and Dermacentor reticulatus ticks collected in north-eastern Poland were analyzed for the prevalence of N. mikurensis. A total of 140 questing ticks (124 of I. ricinus ticks and 16 D. reticulatus) collected with the flagging method and 208 ticks (105 and 103 I. ricinus and D. reticulatus, respectively) removed from dogs were selected for the study. cDNA (questing ticks) and total DNA (questing and feeding ticks) were analyzed by qPCR targeting the 16S rRNA gene of N. mikurensis. Positive samples were further analyzed by nested PCR and sequencing. The prevalence differed between ticks collected from vegetation (19.3%; 27/140) and ticks removed from dogs (6.7%; 14/208). The presence of the pathogen in questing and feeding D. reticulatus ticks was proven in Poland for the first time. In summary, our research showed that infections of ticks of both the most common tick species I. ricinus and D. reticulatus in north-eastern Poland are present and ticks collected from urban areas were more often infected than ticks from suburban and natural areas. The detection of N. mikurensis in I. ricinus and D. reticulatus ticks from north-eastern Poland indicates potential transmission risk for tick-bitten humans at this latitude. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poland’s systemic transformation of recent decades has generated significant change in the country’s system of science. For example, there has been a clear increase in the importance of top-down funding for defined areas of applied science, as well as support for the transfer of results to the economy, in line with decision-makers’ faith in the “knowledge-based economy” concept growing in popularity in this period. The latest (post-2018) iteration of relevant reform pursued in Poland brought further and deeper formalisation of the application criterion used to evaluate scientific units, also in the context of a further-reorganised structure as regards identified fields and disciplines of science. A major sign of this was the establishment of the discipline of socio-economic geography and spatial management, offering a common institutional framework for research of a territorially sensitive nature hitherto pursued in a number of different disciplines. In line with that development, the work presented and summarised here has sought to characterise the impact of the aforementioned socio-economic geography and spatial management on its relevant environment and circles. Hitherto, there has been no academic examination of this issue, by specific reference to the set of actors (entities) which can be taken to constitute the newly-established discipline. In line with that, the main source of information utilised was the structured dataset relating to the applied performance of the said scientific bodies – as a recognised and required element in the relevant process of evaluation of activity and results. The dataset in question contains information on 17 universities and R&D institutions reporting in relation to 38 descriptive titles intended to exemplify and summarise the scientific impact exerted in socio-economic development. The descriptions in question offer information as to the issues/areas impacted upon, their geographical scale, the form of impact, the role given research entities actually play in shaping that impact, the practical functions served, and the degree to which interdisciplinarity is achieved. The acquired qualitative information of this nature was needed for the authors’ further pursuit of a method of secondary qualitative analysis that in particular entailed a comparative truth table. The results serve to confirm the important role of the newly-established discipline when it comes to activities serving the relevant social and economic environment, particularly in the programming of interventions relating to elements of territorial capital, and in the raising of the praxeological quality of policies oriented in a territorial manner. The dominance of cultural, diagnostic and decision-making functions corresponded with the main strengths noted for applied human geography and planning, i.e. territorial sensitivity, as well as an ability to integrate knowledge and coordinate the processes by which that knowledge is both generated and disseminated. At the applied level, subject matter points to cooperation with other disciplines that is both wide-ranging and of high intensity – a circumstance that would seem to bode well for the integration of the new discipline in Poland. It is worth emphasising that the results obtained here do not offer much of a depiction of totality of resources, or the capacity Polish socio-economic geography and spatial management might be in a position to bring to bear, in meeting civilisational challenges through the supply of research services. All that is represented is a mere fragment of the demand generated by the socio-economic environment, to which the discipline was able to respond. In this sense, what is involved is the most-relevant fragment, though it is possible to analyse through the prism of the specific conditions of the evaluation procedure, with a risk therefore posed in terms of over-generalisation and consistency of picture. Further research questions arise alongside the results presented. In the context of the inevitability and dynamics of anthropogenic climate change, the question of the subjectivity and causality of the research units that make up the analysed discipline seems crucial. Does its impact on the relevant environment meet the challenges identified, and attain a transformative character, or does it just serve to reproduce the dominant socio- -technological regimes? And that question implies another, regarding the efficiency of the decision-making function exercised by the actors evaluated. The discipline’s theoretical, conceptual and methodological apparatus offers various diagnostic possibilities. By its very nature, decision-making activity is fraught with risk, burdened by uncertainty regarding future events and required to address heterogeneous criteria regarding stakeholder rationality. This all denotes great challenges where the application of scientific knowledge is concerned. A third question then concerns the integration factors of the new discipline. Is it fundamental research or practical activity that is crucial to it? [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The article attempts to analyze family policy as an area for the realization of the idea of social justice, a concept which seems to be somewhat marginalized and less popular than social equality at present. Therefore, the main purpose of the article is to revisit the concept of social justice and point at the potential and importance of this perspective and its supportive role in designing, developing and evaluating family policy in particular, and social policy in general. Design/methodology/approach: This is achieved by reviewing the definition and scope of meaning of concepts and issues key to this study, their interconnectedness, and showing the legitimacy of their joint application to achieve the adequacy and effectiveness of actions designed within social policy. In terms of specific family policy tools, the article is illustrated with selected examples from Poland from the period 2015-2021. The concepts of the “tragedy of the commons” and the “free-rider problem” are also evoked, which – when applied to describe a particular way of thinking about parenthood and its economic and demographic effects - may prove useful for grasping important interactions and interdependencies within not only social policy, but socio-economic development in general. Findings: The article argues that families raising children – thus creating human capital – are the group whose contribution to welfare and socio-economic development is proportionally greater. This fact – contributing to demographic challenges we face today – has not always been adequately recognized and compensated. This began to change with the introduction of the "Family 500+" programme and with subsequent tools of family policy developed in Poland over the last few years. Originality/value: The paper proposes to approach social policy in general, and family policies in particular from the perspective of social justice with regard to human capital creation. Therefore, paper offers innovative and coherent perspective for designing, developing and evaluating social policy for those engaged in decision-making, implementation and control processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The SARS-CoV-2 virus caused a worldwide COVID-19 pandemic. So far, 6,120,834 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 116,773 deaths have been reported in Poland. According to WHO, a total of 54,662,485 vaccine doses have been administered. New variants emerge that become dominant. The aim of this study was a comparison of antibody level after infection caused by Delta and Omicron variants. The study included 203 persons who underwent mild COVID-19 despite two doses of vaccine. The obtained results indicate that a significantly lower titer was observed in patients with the Omicron variant infection. Therefore, these patients may be at risk of reinfection with new strains of the Omicron variant. Due to the possibility of reinfection, booster vaccinations are necessary. Further epidemiological and clinical studies are necessary to develop new prevention strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper relates to the paradigm of the middle income trap (MIT) and covers mid-run challenges to the Polish economic development. Our theoretical background is based on the concepts of comparative advantage and intra-industry trade, while the empirical analysis concentrates on a sample of 14 product clusters. Obtained results reveal the competitive position of the Polish goods leading in the global mid- and high-tech exports. These findings may serve for the evidence-based smart industry and trade policy-making in Poland, as well as of other emerging economies. The fundamental question is which industries could serve as the engines of international expansion and become likely winners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a few months, the SARS-CoV-2 virus caused a worldwide COVID-19 pandemic. In Poland, 6 million cases of the disease and 113,000 deaths from COVID-19 have been reported. Healthcare workers (HCWs) constitute one of the main COVID-19 risk groups. The Microblot-Array COVID-19 IgG assay was used to detect antibodies against three major SARS-CoV-2 antigens: nucleocapsid (NCP), RBD, and Spike 2 (S2). The aim of our study was to determine the seroprevalence and titer of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies—NCP, RBD, and S2—as markers of the humoral response in vaccinated and unvaccinated HCWs. The study included 203 persons who were divided into four groups: "COVID-19 Vaccinated", "COVID-19 Unvaccinated", "Non-COVID-19 Vaccinated", and "Non-COVID-19 Unvaccinated". The obtained results indicate that both seroprevalence and the antibody titer are the highest in the "COVID-19 Vaccinated" group. There is no so-called sterile vaccination, and after 6 months from the second dose of vaccine, most vaccinated people have a fairly high level of antibodies. We suggest that multiple vaccination and continuous testing are necessary. The Microblot-Array assay can distinguish between antibodies acquired after infection and/or vaccination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The functioning of patients with chronic disease is inseparably connected with the understanding of the essence of the disease, acceptance of the disease, and taking measures leading to achieving the best possible treatment results. Aim of the study: The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of patients' knowledge on their functioning in coronary artery disease, which was assessed with the aid of the tool 'The Functioning in Chronic Illness Scale' (FCIS). Materials and methods: A single-centre prospective, observational study was conducted on 202 patients hospitalized due to coronary artery disease. In the study, patients' knowledge was assessed (subjective method: self-assessment report; objective method: an APK questionnaire which assesses familiarity with symptoms, knowledge about the disease and disease prevention), as well as the functioning in a chronic illness (FCIS scale which checks the impact of a disease on the patient, the influence of the patient on the disease and the impact of a disease on attitudes). Results: The distribution of FCIS results varied depending on self-assessment regarding the level of know - ledge (p = 0.04). High result was achieved by 27% respondents who declared a sufficient level of knowledge, and 38% of those respondents who declared insufficient knowledge. The analysis of the impact of knowledge on various areas of functioning in coronary artery disease has shown that patients with a higher level of knowledge about the disease and its prevention achieved better results in the subscale which evaluates patients' opinion on the possibility of influencing the course of disease (p = 0.039). This observation was confirmed by a weak positive correlation (R = 0.193; p = 0.006). Discussion and conclusions: Reliable information about a disease, available therapeutic plans and prevention procedures help patients understand their health condition and let them take decisions with full awareness. The correlation noticed in the study between patients' knowledge resources regarding the disease and its prevention and their convictions about the possibilities of having influence on the course of the disease is a strong argument supporting the claim that conducting coordinated educational interventions for patients with coronary artery disease is a legitimate task. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic (April to May 2020), 6,169 Polish and 939 Italian residents were surveyed with an online questionnaire investigating socio-demographic information and personality traits (first section) as well as attitudes, position, and efficacy perceptions on the impact of lockdown (second section) and various health protection measures enforced (third section). Methods: The "health protection attitude score" (HPAS), an endpoint obtained by pooling up the answers to questions of the third section of the survey tool, was investigated by multiple linear regression models, reporting regression coefficients (RC) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Results: Concerns for business and health due to COVID-19 were associated with a positive attitude toward risk reduction rules. By contrast, male sex, concerns about the reliability of information available online on COVID-19 and its prevention, along with the feeling of not being enough informed on the transmissibility/prevention of SARS-CoV-2 were associated with a negative attitude toward risk mitigation measures. Discussion: A recent literature review identified two social patterns with different features in relation to their attitude toward health protection rules against the spread of COVID-19. Factors positively associated with adherence to public health guidelines were perceived threat of COVID-19, trust in government, female sex, and increasing age. Factors associated with decreased compliance were instead underestimation of the COVID-19 risk, limited knowledge of the pandemic, belief in conspiracy theories, and political conservativism. Very few studies have tested interventions to change attitudes or behaviors. Conclusion: To improve attitude and compliance toward risk reduction norms, a key intervention is fostering education and knowledge on COVID-19 health risk and prevention among the general population. However, information on COVID-19 epidemiology might be user-generated and contaminated by social media, which contributed to creating an infodemic around the disease. To prevent the negative impact of social media and to increase adherence to health protection, stronger content control by providers of social platforms is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many consumers seek long-ripening meat products. The availability of these highly distinctive cured pork varieties is continuously expanding and their safety should be subject to monitoring. One of potentially harmful substances in these products is histamine. The presence of this toxic amine is reported in many countries, even in high concentrations. However, the EU has not regulated the permissible histamine content in meat, in a situation at odds with that of regulated fish and fish products. This study established the usefulness of biogenic amine testing in long-ripening pork and furnished indicative concentrations potential useful as a background for future research in preparation for EU regulative intervention. A total of 97 samples of long-ripening meat products untreated by heat were bought from various shops in the Puławy and Lublin regions of Poland and tested for the presence of histamine using high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array. The histamine concentration ranged from below limit of detection to 346.64 mg/kg, where 3.47 mg/kg was the lowest in a positive sample. Histamine was detected in 48 samples (49.5%). The maximum amount of histamine was identified in dry ham and the minimum in traditional salami. The results of this study suggest that testing meat products for biogenic amines should be a very good indicator of the food safety of long-ripening meats. In half of the tested products, levels of biogenic amines potentially toxic to consumers were determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Well-being is recognized as a fundamental human goal and a universal human aspiration. However, some cross-country studies suggest that the desirability of the most often studied concept of well-being—personal life satisfaction—varies across countries, and we know little about the desirability of other types of well-being. Extending this novel area of research, we argue that focusing on the family (as compared to the individual) as the subject of well-being may be another important distinction in how well-being is conceptualized and valued. With data collected in four countries that tend to occupy different positions in rankings of personal life satisfaction (i.e., Canada, Colombia, Japan, and Poland), we document that, irrespective of cultural context, family well-being is valued over personal well-being. These findings suggest that policy makers and scientists may need to pay more attention to family well-being than they currently do. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In this study, we analyze the association of social isolation in the first phase of the pandemic with perceived stress among residents of Poland and Italy with a look at how these populations adjust to and comply with implemented regulations, guidelines, and restrictions. Materials and Methods: Internet survey with Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) and questions regarding mobility patterns, attitude, and propensity to adjust toward the implemented measures and current health condition was made among Polish and Italian residents (Cronbach's alpha 0.86 and 0.79, respectively). The sample size was 7,108 (6,169 completed questionnaires in Poland and 939 in Italy). Results: The Polish group had a higher stress level than the Italian group (mean PSS-10 total score 22,14 vs 17,01, respectively; p < 0.01). There was a greater prevalence of chronic diseases among Polish respondents. Italian subjects expressed more concern about their health, as well as about their future employment. Italian subjects did not comply with suggested restrictions as much as Polish subjects and were less eager to restrain from their usual activities (social, physical, and religious), which were more often perceived as "most needed matters" in Italian than in Polish residents. Conclusion: Higher activity level was found to be correlated with lower perceived stress, but the causality is unclear. Difference in adherence to restrictions between Polish and Italian residents suggests that introducing similar lockdown policies worldwide may not be as beneficial as expected. However, due to the applied method of convenience sampling and uneven study groups, one should be careful with generalizing these results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is generally accepted that it is young people who are particularly interested in information and communication technologies (ICT). Older adults remain to be considered less prepared, not only technically, but also mentally, to use the Internet. However, the development of ICT may contribute to extending life activities by facilitating everyday activities such as shopping or improving the health status of older adult generations. This is even more important in light of the latest demographic trends that indicate a rapid increase in population ageing, especially in developed countries. The aim of this study is to examine the use of the Internet by older adults in Poland, taking into account the diversity of these people in terms of belonging to a given generation of seniors and in terms of their sex. The methods include questionnaire surveys and statistical data processing. The results show that older adults are becoming more and more digital. In relation to the respondents surveyed, the hypothesis that the interest of older adults in using the Internet decreases with age was not confirmed. Furthermore, the results demonstrated that future research should focus on the comparison of the use of the Internet by older adults from different countries, and therefore, from different cultural areas or areas implementing different social policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays the demand for renewable energy sources is constantly growing. There are several reasons of such state, including requirements for energy-efficient new buildings and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. An exemplary solution that may help to reduce "traditional" primary energy consumption is local energy source utilization. The article presents a simplified feasibility study of hybrid energy system under Polish law and economic conditions for a self-government unit, that is legally obliged to apply means of energy efficiency improvement. The aim of this paper is to provide a simple algorithm to find optimal hybrid PV and wind power source sizing for a prosumer. Resource data used in analyses are imported from Photovoltaic Geographical Information System and cover a period of one year. The paper includes two different methodologies applied to solve the problem of optimal hybrid energy system sizing. The first approach is heuristic and based on monthly energy balancing while the second is iterative and takes into account hourly energy balance. The results from both methods are compared and verified by HomerPro software, that shows significant differences between two algorithms. At the end economic assessment based on Net Present Value method is performed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The definition of sulfidic material (in Polish: materiał siarczkowy) was first introduced in the 6th edition of the Polish Soil Classification in 2019, but the methods of identifying potential acid sulfate soils (PASS) using pH measurements had not earlier been applied in Poland. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to compare two simple tests approved as international standards and recommended in the Polish Soil Classification - incubation method and hydrogen peroxide tests - to identify PASS in three soil profiles in the Baltic coastal area (Reda River mouth, northern Poland). In the first test, soil pH (1:1 soil-to-water suspension) was determined in newly taken soil samples and after incubation for 8 weeks at room temperature. Initial pH values varied from 5.5 to 7.0, and after 8 weeks of incubation dropped below pH 4 in two of the three soil profiles. In the second test, freshly collected samples, after initial pH measurement, were oxidised in 30% hydrogen peroxide. Application of this strong oxidising agent drastically decreased pH values to below 2.5 in all three soil profiles. The pH measurements both after incubation and after application of hydrogen peroxide allow for an unequivocal identification of the sulfidic material, thus confirming the presence of PASS in the Reda River mouth area. Both tests based on pH measurements are easy to perform and low-cost, which implies their common application in PASS recognition. However, careful attention should be paid to some limitations of the hydrogen peroxide test - mainly, the possible overestimation of acidity in organic samples. This procedure should therefore be considered only as complementary. Because of the dominance of organic PASS materials in Polish soils, a modification of the pH criterion for the sulfidic material was proposed in accordance with the approach used in the Finnish-Swedish classification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Knowledge about urban forests in Poland is still limited, as it is primarily based on aggregate, formal data relating to the general area, ignoring the spatial dimension and informal green areas. This article describes and analyses spatio-temporal changes in the actual urban forest resources in Wrocław in 1944–2017, which covers the first period of the city’s rebuilding after its destruction during World War II and its development during the nationalised, centrally-planned socialist economy, as well as the second period of intensive and only partly controlled growth under conditions of market economy. The study is based on current and historical orthophotomaps, which were confronted with cartographic data, as well as planning documents. We found that between 1944 and 2017, the percentage contribution of informal woodlands increased tenfold (from 0.5 to 4.9% of the present total area of the city). The area occupied by such forests has grown particularly during the most recent years of the city’s intensive development. However, the forests have been increasingly fragmented. During the first period, new forest areas were also created in the immediate vicinity of the city centre, while during the second one, only in its peripheral sections. The post-war plans regarding the urban green spaces (UGS), including the current plan, are very conservative in nature. On the one hand, this means no interference with the oldest, biggest, and most valuable forest complexes, but on the other hand, insufficient consideration of the intensive built-up area expansion on former agriculture areas. Only to a limited extent did the above-mentioned plans take into account the informal woodlands, which provide an opportunity for strengthening the functional connectivity of landscape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poland is an industrialized country in which industries (especially the heavy ones) have had a tremendous influence on the environment. It is particularly visible in the Upper Silesia region, where the observed air, soil and water pollution levels are the most highest. The aim of this study was to determine the time and spatial variability in: concentrations of selected metals (Co, Ni, Zn, Cr, Mn, Pb, Cd), and, to a limited extent, of Cu, V, Al and Sr; concentrations of inorganic ions (Cl–, SO42–, Na+, K+, Ca2+ and Mg2+) and values of pH, conductivity and redox potential. The enlisted parameters were determined for the water and bottom sediments of Dzierżno Duże, a water reservoir located in Poland (Upper Silesia region). Additionally, fractions of a few characteristic metals were determined in the bottom sediments of the discussed reservoir with the BCR method. The investigation was carried out in 2017. It showed that the reservoir surface water was not polluted with the determined metal contents. However, it was highly polluted with the inorganic ions. The metal contents determined in the bottom sediments were high. If the conditions for releasing them from the bottom sediments had been favorable, this situation could have posed a potentially considerable environmental threat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mute swans (Cygnus olor) of the Anatidae family are common in wetlands of Europe. They winter in Africa, Asia and some parts of Europe. The species is exposed to many pathogens in its places of residence, including parasites possibly introduced from tropical countries by other species of birds that take long wanderings and occupy a similar ecological niche. One such case is the infection of the Sarconema eurycerca, nematode belonging to the Filarioidea family. It invades the bird's myocardium and, according to some authors, this nematode may be one of the main causes of swans' deaths. The material for the present study was an approximately 2 year old female mute swan, which during the flight fell suddenly to the ground in Pomorskie Voivodeship (Poland, 53°50′18″N 18°12′54″E) in November. During the examination and medical observation, weakness, diarrhea and infestation with lice were found. The cause of its eventual death was attributed to a failure of the circulatory system. Post mortem, two abscesses with diameters of 2-3 cm were found in its liver parenchyma. Three nematodes were visible in the epicardium and many more in myocardium. Upon cutting open the heart, small yellowish foci, about 1 mm in diameter were scattered over valves. On the basis of morphological features, infection by Sarconema eurycerca was concluded. As far as we are aware, in Poland there were no earlier reports of this parasite infecting a swan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research on the transition of post-communist economies has long been aimed at the identification of obstacles to growth. The idea behind this article relates to the paradigm of the middle-income trap and its characteristics. We adopt this conceptual framework because the economic position of Poland is determined by the nature of global value chains, its geographical proximity to Germany and the inflow of foreign direct investments which sustain cost and efficiency advantages and foster technological dependence. We embark on an analysis of trade in high-tech goods with a particular emphasis placed on Polish-German relations in the most significant sectors: machinery, electrical and electronic equipment. The results show tendencies typical for the middle-income trap, which has particular implications for the development of the semi-peripheral Polish economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main aim of the study is to present the history and the state of research in Polish medical geography. Its origins are the same as in world geography, i.e. it is associated with non-geographers. However, it was developing very slowly till the mid-1980s. Since then a slow increase in the number of publications has been noted (with a noticeable predominance of studies in disease geography over health geography). But still, it must be emphasised that medical geography in Poland is poorly developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The article cites a study which examined the association between a-actinin 3 (ACTN3) R577X polymorphism and physical abilities of male athletes performing various sports including volleyball, ice hockey and canoeing. The study results suggests that the ACTN3 gene has a greater impact on determining dynamic movements than influencing static muscle strength.

Abstract: Forty seven different brands of sparkling and still mineral bottled water were collected from supermarkets in Poland and analyzed by the use of ion chromatography and inductively coupled plasma. The database consisted of mass concentration of ions (F−, Cl−, NO3 −, PO4 3−, SO4 2−, Na+, K+, Mg2+ and Ca2+), metal content (V, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Rb, Sr, Ag, Cd, Te, Ba, Tl, Pb, Bi, Ga, Mo, U, Cr and Sb), pH and electrolytic conductivity. Moreover, declared concentration of F−, Cl−, NO3 −, PO4 3−, SO4 2−, Na+, K+ and Mg2+ were noted from the labels. Taking into account major ionic components only two brands were characterized by large concentration of Cl− and Na+, which were above the threshold values. Springs located in the Tatra Mountain and the Sudetes provided water of the highest mineralization. Three brands of water were statistically different from others in accordance with the content of trace metals. They were Słotwinka (Ba), Rasa Druskienniki (As) and Kryniczanka (Mg, Ni). The mean level of F−, Cl−, SO4 2−, Na+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+ were found as 0.3, 41.8, 26.7, 34.7, 5.0, 23.1 and 80.1mg/L respectively, which were significantly different than the mean concentration of these elements declared by the manufacturer. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Copyright of Econometrics / Ekonometria is the property of Sciendo and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The study was carried out on live bivalve molluscs available on Polish market. Samples of the molluscs (n = 124) were collected from warehouses and markets. Six different species of molluscs (mussels, oysters, vongole, scallops, Japanese clams, and razor clams) were used for the determination of saxitoxine (responsible for paralytic shellfish poisoning, PSP) by ELISA. The maximum concentration of PSP toxins (756.69 μg/kg of meat) was found in scallops. The majority of tested mussels were free from the PSP toxins or contained biotoxins bellow the permitted level (800 μg/kg). The analysis of toxicological status of raw bivalve molluscs available on Polish market indicated that they are safe for consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the results of a study of the determination of life insurance demand in Poland. A characterisation of the Polish life insurance sector is given, including a comparison with the top ten emerging markets and other CEE countries such as Hungary and the Czech Republic. The characterisation is followed by a review of the previous studies of life insurance determinants. Subsequently, factor analysis is applied to distinguish independent factors that determine demand for life insurance. Then a linear regression model is used to identify both the factors that have determined life insurance in Poland and the extent thereof. However, as opposed to previous studies of life insurance demand, only distinguished factors are used as an independent variable. The study confirms that factors of an economic and financial nature strongly stimulate the demand for life insurance, which agrees with previous studies. However, some results contradict the previous findings such as the factor that includes variables such as education level and social benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Research Papers of the Wroclaw University of Economics / Prace Naukowe Uniwersytetu Ekonomicznego we Wroclawiu is the property of Uniwersytet Ekonomiczny we Wroclawiu and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Zeszyty Teoretyczne Rachunkowości is the property of Stowarzyszenie Ksiegowych w Polsce Rada Naukowa and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Econometrics / Ekonometria is the property of Sciendo and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Wstęp. Przyjmuje się, że w Polsce przewlekłe zaburzenia żylne dotyczą łącznie około połowy populacji dorosłych. Powodują długotrwałe ograniczenie zdolności do pracy, a nierzadko są przyczyną trwałego kalectwa. W związku z tym prawidłowa oraz łatwo dostępna diagnostyka zaburzeń funkcjonowania układu żylnego, a co z tego wynika odpowiednia kwalifikacja do leczenia operacyjnego nabierają zasadniczego znaczenia wobec rosnącej roli tej patologii wśród chorób cywilizacyjnych. Celem pracy jest wykazanie, że ultrasonografia doplerowska stanowi referencyjną metodę badania układu żylnego kwalifikującą do leczenia operacyjnego żylaków kończyn dolnych. Materiał i metody. Badaniem objęto zarówno pacjentów, którzy zgłosili się do poradni z powodu dolegliwości bólowych, obrzęków oraz dyskomfortu w zakresie kończyn dolnych, jak i grupę osób zakwalifikowanych do leczenia operacyjnego na Oddziale Chirurgii Ogólnej i Onkologicznej, SPZOZ w Bolesławcu. Wyniki. W okresie od lipca 2008 r. do kwietnia 2010 r. na ultrasonograficzne badanie doplerowskie zgłosiły się 663 osoby (491 kobiet oraz 172 mężczyzn -- odpowiednio 74% kobiet i 26% mężczyzn) w wieku od 15 do 82 lat (średnia wieku 51 lat). U 126 pacjentów (19% badanej populacji) nie stwierdzono obecności patologii żylnej. Najczęstszą rozpoznawaną patologią wśród płci żeńskiej była niewydolność obu ujść i pni żyły odpiszczelowej (GSV) (125 badanych, co stanowi 25% pacjentek). Wśród mężczyzn natomiast największą grupę stanowiły osoby z niewydolnymi perforatorami podudzia (40 osób, czyli 23% mężczyzn). Do leczenia operacyjnego zakwalifikowano 227 osób (199 kobiet i 78 mężczyzn). Najmłodszy pacjent miał 16 lat (mężczyzna), najstarszy 81 lat (kobieta) -- średnia wieku 52 lata. Safenektomię wykonano u 166 kobiet i 70 mężczyzn, co stanowiło 85% wszystkich zabiegów. Wnioski. Ultrasonografia metodą podwójnego obrazowania umożliwia przeprowadzenie dokładnej diagnostyki patologii układu żylnego. Uzyskane w pracy wyniki potwierdzają dane epidemiologiczne dla krajów europejskich. Diagnostyka chorób żylnych, kwalifikacja do leczenia operacyjnego oraz możliwość zaplanowania zakresu zabiegu za pomocą ultrasonograficznego badania doplerowskiego metodą podwójnego obrazowania pozwalają na krótki okres hospitalizacji, co ma duże znaczenie, biorąc pod uwagę fakt dużej częstości występowania chorób żył w populacji (33% kobiet, 20% mężczyzn). Ze względu na nieinwazyjność badania, stosunkowo niski koszt oraz dużą dokładność badanie to powinno być metodą z wyboru w diagnostyce i kwalifikacji do leczenia operacyjnego żylaków kończyn dolnych. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Chronic venous disorders affect about half of the Polish adult population. This pathology usually results in long-term work incapacity and is often the cause of total permanent disability (TPD). Therefore, a proper and easily available method of diagnosing venous insufficiency, and thus adequate evaluation for surgical treatment, is of particular importance since this type of pathology is becoming more frequent among non-communicable diseases (NCD). The goal of this dissertation is to demonstrate Doppler ultrasonography as a referential test method eligible for the treatment of varicose veins. Material and methods. The study included the patients, who came to specialist medical private practice because of painful sensation and oedema of the lower limbs, and patients who were qualified for surgical intervention in the Department of General and Oncological Surgery of the Public Hospital of Bolesławiec. Results. In the period from July 2008 to April 2010 the study covered 663 patients (491 women and 172 men, i.e. women 74% and men 26%) aged from 15 years to 82 years (mean age 51 years). The most common pathology diagnosed among women was failure of the two estuaries and the trunks of GSV (great saphenous vein) (125 women, i.e. 25% of women). In men, the largest group were patients with leg perforator insufficiency (28% of men). In 126 patients (19%) no venous disorders were found. A total of 227 patients (199 women and 78 men) were qualified to surgical intervention in the Department of General and Oncological Surgery. The youngest patient was 16 years old (male) and the oldest was 81 years old (female) -- the mean age was 52 years. Saphenectomy was performed in 166 women and 70 men, which accounted for 85% of the total number of performed procedures. The mean duration of the hospitalization was 2 days (the shortest was one day, the longest was 3 days). Conclusions. Doppler ultrasonography with colour blood flow imaging (duplex scan) allows accurate diagnosis of the pathology of the venous system. The obtained results confirm epidemiological data for European countries. Nowadays, with the increasing tendency of shortening the time of hospitalization using this diagnostic method, which is non-invasive, relatively low cost, and high accuracy, should be the method of choice in the diagnosis and evaluation for the surgical treatment of varicose veins of the lower extremities. The accurate qualification and precise plan of the surgical procedure made by the ultrasonography examination allow varicose vein surgery to be performed as a "the same day surgery", which is very important due to the high incidence of venous diseases in the population (33% of women, 20% of men). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents selected technical and regulatory aspects of emergency call handling in communication between citizens and authorities in case of distress. Among the most important technical aspects of emergency call handling are recognition and treatment of emergency call by originating network, routing of such call to the appropriate public safety answering point (PSAP), delivering call-related information to the PSAP as well as architecture and organization of PSAPs. From the legal point of view, of importance are the obligations for the Member States and stakeholders involved in the E112 project included in the EU directives, actions of European Commission related to providing access to the location information as well as obligations concerning emergency call handling included in Polish national law. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) are an important element of sustainable development and electromobility. Even though the analysis of consumers' preferences towards AFV has already been done in various countries, the point of view of consumers from the country representing Central and Eastern Europe was missing. Within our complex, two stages survey (CATI and CAWI) we used the conjoint method to compare and balance the important factors responsible for consumers' preferences towards AFV, in one study, allowing a relative assessment to be made. As a result, we got 6 separate conjoints (depending on the type of purchase: direct purchase or leasing) and the type of vehicle (HEV, PHEV and BEV). Although each conjoint contains different sets of factors, the methodological regime is followed. The study is conducted on a large group of Polish respondents (N=1002 and N=500), and the choice of factors is based on a broad CATI survey. Our results indicate that surprisingly safety is the most important feature of a good AFV car. Then, the price, range and type of the car also matter. These findings recommend car manufactures and policy makers what they should focus on while designing and promoting AFV. • Current level of consumers exposure to AFV in Poland is very low. • Conjoint method is used is explore consumers' preferences towards AFV. • Safety and price of AFV are the most important features of a good AFV. • Range, access to charging and to the service matter for PHEV and BEV. • For HEV car segment and functionality level are vital. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tourism has recently been one of the fast developing industries in Poland and all over the world. It is an important source of job opportunities. The estimated global rate of employment in tourism management is 10% of the total employment rate. It also makes a significant contribution to the gross domestic product. Globally, it is estimated as 10%. Tourism has recently been one of the fast developing industries in Poland and all over the world. It is an important source of job opportunities. The characteristics of the contemporary labour market with regard to tourism include: • seasonal character of employment, • part-time employment, • high percentage of women employees, • demand for employees of different fields and occupations, who may be employed in tourism management directly (hospitality, catering, direct tourist traffic service) or indirectly (trade, transport, banking, administration, manufacturing of: sports and tourist equipment, foodstuffs and other) -- complementary employment in the sphere of tourist traffic service, • options of professional activity for the retired and the pensioners (seasonal character of employment), • seasonal and part-time job opportunities for pupils and students. All the characteristics of the tourist labour market must be taken into consideration by students taking up education at the faculty of tourism and recreation, when they plan their professional careers. The bachelor's degree studies at this faculty are provided by many schools: university schools of physical education, universities of economics, other universities and many private schools. According to data provided by the Central Statistical Office (GUS), the estimated number of students of this faculty is approx.28 thousand, which makes approx. 1,5 % of the total number of students in Poland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the paper Subjective Overall Workload Assessment (SOWA) method was proposed and described. A computer information system supporting the process of generating appropriate assessment questionnaires and speeding up the analysis of collected data was presented. Next, the SOWA was practically applied for assessing the subjective workload of persons employed in a Polish sport textile industry company. The obtained results from 18 employees were presented and analysed. Finally, possible advantages, disadvantages, limitations, future works, and a range of applications of the SOWA were discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large-scale failures of electric power systems (blackouts) have been the subject of intensive research in most countries for several years. This research aims primarily at seeking solutions to improve the reliability of the operation of power systems and the development of effective strategies to protect critical infrastructure from the effects of energy shortages and power cuts. In contrast, systematic research on crisis management and civil protection under conditions of prolonged blackout has been undertaken in Europe only recently, and these extremely important aspects of energy security have been delayed by the COVID-19 crisis. The ability of the Polish crisis management system to cope with the consequences of long-term, large-scale shortages and interruptions in the supply of electricity, as well as the consequences of possible failures in this field, has not been systematically examined to date. This issue is of growing strategic importance, not only from the point of view of security and defence policy, but also economic cooperation in Central and Eastern Europe. Poland's infrastructural security must be considered in a broad regional and supra-regional context. A long-term lack of electricity in a large area of Poland would undermine the stability of the entire national security system, destabilising the region and supranational security systems. Apart from objective reasons, intentional attacks on the links of such a chain cannot be ruled out. Poland is the leader of this region, a frontline country in the NATO-Russia conflict, as well as a liaison state that provides the Baltic states—being EU and NATO members—with a land connection to Western Europe. In view of the growing risk of blackout, the importance of the problem and the existence of a cognitive gap in this field, we evaluated the Polish crisis management system in terms of its ability to respond to the effects of a sudden, long-term, large-scale blackout. Methodologically, we adopted a systems approach to security management. In order to estimate the consequences of a blackout, we used analogue forecasting tools and scenario analysis. By analysing previous crisis situations caused by blackouts and local conditions of vulnerability to such events, we formulated basic preparedness requirements that a modern crisis management system should meet in the face of the growing risk of blackouts. A review of strategic documents and crisis planning processes in public administration allowed us to identify deficits and weaknesses in the Polish crisis management system. On this basis we formulated recommendations whose implementation shall improve the ability of the national security system to face such challenges in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to characterize the impact of soda ash manufacturing on the magnetic properties of soils located in the agricultural landscape in north-central Poland. Two study sites were chosen: Mątwy (SM) and Janikowo (SJ). Highly saline soils with halophyte communities were selected in order to develop an understanding of the relationship between salinization of water–soil interface and the potential contamination risk of the environment. Basic chemical and physicochemical properties of topsoil (0–25 cm) and water (surface and groundwater) samples from five locations were characterized. The characteristics of soil contamination were based on the content of selected metals, magnetic properties and salinity indices. Potential routes of contaminant migration (air and water fluxes) were analyzed. High magnetic anomalies of technogenic origin were revealed in the studied soils. A statistically confirmed relationship between high magnetic susceptibility and the content of selected metals (Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ba, Pb and Mn) showed the high utility of magnetometric techniques in soil research (diagnosis of soil transformation and contamination during technogenic impact). Three potential factors influencing contaminant migration were revealed: highly saline ground and surface water, eolian transport of fine-grained mineral fractions from waste ponds and atmospheric deposition of coal combustion products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study found that voluntary unemployment was associated with increased odds of stroke, hypertension, diabetes and obesity, whereas involuntary unemployment was related to more frequent self-reported stroke-like symptoms. It might be advisable to inform the patients on potential risks associated with quitting job and provide appropriate surveillance to the unemployed. Objective: The aim of the study is to investigate the association between the prevalence of stroke, its risk factors, and occupational status, with a differentiation between voluntary and involuntary unemployment. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study, which included 3013 individuals aged 40 to 65 years. We compared the prevalence of stroke, comorbidities, self-reported stroke-like symptoms, healthy behaviors, and knowledge about stroke among the voluntarily and involuntarily unemployed versus the employed. Results: Voluntary unemployment was associated with increased chances of stroke (odds ratio [OR], 1.92; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05–3.57), hypertension (OR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.06–1.32), diabetes (OR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.01–1.35), and obesity (OR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.05–1.29). Involuntary job loss was associated with increased odds of hypertension (OR, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.16–2.50) and more frequent self-reported stroke-like symptoms. Conclusions: We found higher chances of stroke among the voluntarily unemployed middle-aged adults, presumably because of increased prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, and obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main purpose of the study was to identify the level and factors influencing investments in renewable energy sources (RES) in basic local government units in rural areas. The specific objectives were to define the conditions for the development of renewable energy sources in Poland, to determine the directions of changes as well as the importance of renewable energy in Poland, to present the relationship between the level of expenditure on renewable energy and budget components in rural and rural-urban communes. The Świętokrzyskie voivodeship (Voivodship—a unit of the highest administration level in Poland, since 1990 a unit of the primary territorial division of government administration, since 1999 also a unit of local government, there were 16 voivodships in Poland), which is one of the centrally located voivodeships in Poland, was purposefully selected for the research. The research period covered the years 2016–2019. The sources of materials were the literature on the subject, as well as empirical materials obtained at the Voivodeship Statistical Office. The following methods were used for the analysis and presentation of materials: descriptive, tabular, graphical, Gini concentration coefficient, Lorenz concentration curve, Kendall's tau correlation coefficient and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. Poland is one of the countries with quite high dependence on hard and brown coal. Changes in the structure of energy sources are slow. Investments in renewable energy are necessary. The problem in this respect is the lack of a proper law. Despite this, investments in renewable energy are being made in rural areas. In the Świętokrzyskie voivodeship, only 28% of communes made such investments. It was found that only in urban rural communes the amount of investment expenditures in renewable energy sources was related to the level of budget expenditures and property expenditures of the commune. The amount of support from the European Union aid funds was positively correlated with the level of expenditure on investments in renewable energy. Therefore, it can be concluded that without the support from EU funds, it is not possible to invest in renewable energy in local government units. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was carried out in north-eastern Poland during two hunting seasons between 2018 and 2020. Ticks (Ixodes ricinus and Dermacentor reticulatus) were removed from wild cervids and boars and examined for the presence of Borrelia spirochetes and Rickettsiales members: Rickettsia spp. and Anaplasma phagocytophilum. The present study contributes to the knowledge of even-toed ungulates, which are an important reservoir of the above-mentioned pathogens and a potential source of infections for humans through ticks as vectors. Almost 40% of the collected ticks (191 out of 484) were infected with the following pathogens: 3.3% with Borrelia spp., 19.2% with A. phagocytophilum and 26.9% with Rickettsia spp. Only the ticks collected from cervids carried Borrelia. Typing of the species DNA confirmed the presence of B. afzelii, B. garinii, B. lusitaniae and B. miyamotoi. An analysis of Rickettsia spp. sequences using the GenBank data revealed the presence of R. helvetica, R. raoultii and R. monacensis. Monoinfections (79.1%) dominated over co-infections (20.9%). Among co-infections, the most frequent was A. phagocytophilum/Rickettsia spp. (70%), however co-infections, including B. afzelii/A. phagocytophilum, B. afzelii/Rickettsia spp., B. miyamotoi/A. phagocytophilum and B. afzelii/B. garinii/B. lusitaniae, were also noted. Significant differences were observed in the affinity of some pathogens to their vectors. Thus, Borrelia spp. and A. phagocytophilum were more frequently detected in I. ricinus (5.3% and 23.1%) than in D. reticulatus (1.2% and 15.3%). Infection frequency with Rickettsia spp. was similar (approximately 25–29%) in both tick species. The prevalence of A. phagocytophilum and Rickettsia spp. in ticks removed from cervids was 19.8% and 27.1%, and in ticks from wild boars it was 13.3% and 24.4%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From 2016 to 2018, ticks were collected from 272 dogs admitted to veterinary clinics in the city of Olsztyn (north-eastern Poland). Among 522 collected ticks, 423 were identified as Ixodes ricinus (413 females and 10 males) and 99 as Dermacentor reticulatus (62 females and 37 males). Non-engorged (86 individuals) and engorged (436 individuals) ticks were screened for the presence of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato and Anaplasma phagocytophilum DNA. Borrelia and A. phagocytophilum species detection was determined based on the sequence of the fla B and 16S RNA genes, respectively. DNA of B. burgdorferi s.l. was identified in 31.6% (165/522, 95% CI: 27.6–35.8%) of ticks (I. ricinus 151/423, 35.7%, 95% CI: 31.1–40.4%; D. reticulates 14/99, 14.1%, 95% CI: 7.9–22.6%). A. phagocytophilum was identified in 0.96% (5/522, 95% CI: 0.3–2.2%) of specimens. All positive samples were engorged I. ricinus females (5/402, 1.2%, 95% CI: 0.4–2.9%). In 85.4% (141/165, 95% CI: 79.1–90.4%) of Borrelia infected ticks, the DNA of one genospecies was revealed. The DNA of at least two different genospecies was detected in 14.5% of specimens (24/165, 95% CI: 9.5–20.8). The coexistence of B. burgdorferii s.l. and A. phagocytophilum was not detected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Although kidney transplantation is considered the best therapeutic method among patients with end-stage renal disease, only 5.5% of patients undergoing dialysis have been put on the waiting list for kidney transplantation in Poland. • Previous research conducted in the country showed that patients undergoing dialysis did not have sufficient knowledge about kidney transplantation. • The results of our pilot study also showed insufficient knowledge regarding kidney transplantation among patients who have undergone dialysis. • After the pilot study was completed, the first nationwide study of dialysis patients undergoing kidney transplantation began. This type of broad-spectrum research has not yet been performed in Poland. The knowledge and attitudes of dialyzed patients toward the best method of renal replacement treatment (ie, kidney transplantation [KTx]) may be the main factor motivating them to apply and be put on the national kidney transplant waiting list, resulting in a better prognosis. Assessment of the knowledge and attitudes of dialyzed patients toward KTx. A pilot study is considered an introductory step before the nationwide project, which will cover dialysis centers in Poland from 2023 to 2024. The authorship 4-part questionnaire, including self-assessment knowledge, attitude dimension, pain and mental evaluation section, was made available to 30 patients with hemodialysis aged 30 to 75 years. The median age of the patients was 59 years. The primary cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) was glomerulonephritis (33%). Most of the patients stayed on hemodialysis for 2 years or less (57%); 43% of the patients declared insufficient knowledge in the field of KTx, 41% of the patients were not informed at the nephrology clinic that KTx remains one of the methods of renal replacement therapy, and 65% did not receive information about the possibility of preemptive or early transplantation from a relative donor. Only 34% of the patients considered KTx to be a much better treatment option than dialysis, but only 20% of those were on the national waiting list for KTx. The pilot study showed insufficient knowledge of patients with ESRD regarding kidney transplantation as a method of renal replacement therapy. There is a need to introduce an effective educational program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]