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The steady increase in the number of road users and their growing mobility mean that the issue of road safety is still a topical one. Analyses of factors influencing the number of road traffic accidents contribute to the improvement of road safety. Because changes in traffic volume follow a daily rhythm, hour of the day is an important factor affecting the number of crashes. The present article identifies selected mathematical models which can be used to describe the number of road traffic accidents as a function of the time of their occurrence during the day. The study of the seasonality of the number of accidents in particular hours was assessed. The distributions of the number of accidents in each hour were compared using the Kruskal-Wallis and Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests. Multidimensional scaling was used to present the found similarities and differences. Similar hours were grouped into clusters, which were used in further analysis to construct the ARMAXmodel and the Holt-Winters model. Finally, the predictive capabilities of each model were assessed.

Peatlands play a crucial role in carbon storage, but drainage and climate change-induced hydrological changes drivers degrade peat soils, followed by negative vertical displacement of the soil surface, referred to in the literature as peat subsidence. Assessing peatland subsidence is an important indicator of peatland status that allows the development of peatlands to be revealed over a given period. However, traditional methods are limited in their applicability to large and inaccessible peatlands. In this study, we introduce a remote sensing framework for easily indicating peat subsidence at a large scale. Our framework utilizes the Alaska Satellite Facility (ASF) Interferometry Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) with on-demand cloud computing, employing an optimization process including a Small Baseline Set technique and seasonal-annual search approach. By implementing this approach in the Biebrza Valley, Poland, covering the period from April 2015 to April 2022, we unveiled a tragedy, an annual subsidence rate of 1.44 cm. It means a peat loss between 58.1 and 89.6 million cubic meters over seven years, an annual loss of 86.4 to 132.5 (average 109) m3, approximately 46 tons, of dry matter peat per hectare. This finding was verified through field surveys, with high accuracy. An R2 value of 0.7, and an RMSE value of 0.23 cm determine the reliability of this approach in estimating the vertical displacement. The potential of this tool as a robust method to assess large-scale peatlands would allow for the assessment of average water levels as well as greenhouse gas emissions over large areas of peatlands, even at the continental scale.

The paper presents the course of variability of the moisture content of the top layers in shallow (45 cm) and medium-deep (90 cm) peat-moorsh soil profiles in the years 2015–2019 against the background of the same meteorological conditions and a similar level of the groundwater table. The relative precipitation index ( RPI) classifies the years 2015 and 2016 as dry, 2017 as wet, and 2018 and 2019 as average. For periods of atmospheric droughts, the average daily climatic water balance ( CWB) ranged from –5.30 to –1.35 mm∙d –1. The water table did not fall below 90 cm b.g.l. during the entire study period, and the range of its fluctuations was 8 cm greater in the shallow than in the medium-deep profile. The range of moisture at different depths varied significantly and ranged from approx. 6% in periods of drought to about 80% in wet periods. Soil moisture throughout the measurement period was above the plant available water range (p F > 4.2). The occurrence of soil drought in the shallow peat-moorsh soil profile had a range of up to 40 cm, and in the medium-deep profile of up to 30 cm. The sequence of no-precipitation days and the maximum amount of daily evapotranspiration during them determine the possible timing of drought; however, it is the precipitation distribution in individual months, considered in the current CWB values, that ultimately determine the formation of soil water resources at the research site.

Abstract Recent advances in knowledge suggest that micro- and nanoplastics pose a threat to plant health, however, the responses of plants to this stressor are not well-known. Here we examined the response of plant cell defence mechanisms to nanoparticles of commonly used plastic, polystyrene. We used plant cell cultures of widely cultivated plants, the monocots wheat and barley (Triticum aestivum L., Hordeum vulgare L.) and the dicots carrot and tomato (Daucus carota L., Solanum lycopersicum L.). We measured the activities of enzymes involved in the scavenging of reactive oxygen species and nonenzymatic antioxidants and we estimated potential damages in plant cell structures and functioning via lipid peroxidation and DNA methylation levels. Our results demonstrate that the mode of action of polystyrene nanoparticles on plant cells involves oxidative stress. However, the changes in plant defence mechanisms are dependent on plant species, exposure time and nanoplastic concentrations. In general, both monocots showed similar responses to nanoplastics, but the carrot followed more the response of monocots than a second dicot, a tomato. Higher H2O2, lipid peroxidation and lower enzyme activities scavenging H2O2 suggest that tomato cells may be more susceptible to polystyrene-induced stress. In conclusion, polystyrene nanoplastics induce oxidative stress and the response of the plant defense mechanisms involving several chain reactions leading to oxidoreductive homeostasis.

Objectives These studies investigate a relationship between positive orientation, self-esteem, and attitudes towards money in young adults. The Covid-19 pandemic has left a significant mark on the lives of many people and young adults are particularly at risk because they do not have a stable position in the labour market. Material and methods The group of respondents was manually restricted to young adults, so analyses were conducted on a group of 296 people. Responses were collected online, through the Cognito Forms. Tools were used in the research: the author's sociodemographic questionnaire, the P Scale to measure the intensity of positive orientation, the Morris Rosenberg SES Self-Esteem Scale to measure self-esteem, and SPP-25 to measure attitudes towards money. Results There were 2 main hypotheses in the study: hypothesis one assuming a relationship between positive orientation and attitudes toward money, and hypothesis two assuming a relationship between self-esteem and attitudes towards money. All main hypotheses were confirmed. In addition, 9 detailed hypotheses were put forward regarding the correlation of individual dimensions of attitudes towards money and positive orientation and self-esteem. Conclusions Obtained results are of a practical nature and can be used, inter alia, in individual work with people who want to improve their financial situation. Research has shown that people with higher self-esteem and a greater intensity of positive orientation exhibit instrumental attitudes to a greater extent, and symbolic attitudes to a lesser extent. Young adults were the subject of the study, therefore results cannot be generalized to the entire population. It is justified to conduct research also in other age groups.

Abstract The breeding of insects generates waste in the form of insect excrement and feed residues. In addition, a specific chitinous waste in the form of insect larvae and pupae exuvia is also left. Recent research tries to manage it, e.g., by producing chitin and chitosan, which are value-added products. The circular economy approach requires testing new, non-standard management methods that can develop products with unique properties. To date, the possibility of biochar production from chitinous waste derived from insects has not been evaluated. Here we show that the puparia of Hermetia illucens are suitable for biochar production, which in turn exhibits original characteristics. We found that the biochars have a high nitrogen level, which is rarely achievable in materials of natural origin without artificial doping. This study presents a detailed chemical and physical characterization of the biochars. Moreover, ecotoxicological analysis has revealed the biochars’ stimulation effect on plant root growth and the reproduction of the soil invertebrate Folsomia candida, as well as the lack of a toxic effect on its mortality. This predisposes these novel materials with already built-in stimulating properties to be used in agronomy, for example as a carriers for fertilizers or beneficial bacteria.

The knowledge on benthic trophic relations is particularly important for understanding the functioning of still pristine and less studied Arctic Ocean ecosystems. This study examines the benthic food-web structure in the European sector of the Arctic Ocean and assesses if and how it differs along depth gradients in the marginal sea-ice zone during spring. Samples of the sediment organic matter were collected in May/June 2015 and May 2016 at stations representing different sedimentary habitats (fjord, shelf, slope/basin), and stable isotopes of δ13C and δ15N were used to determine macro- and meiofauna food-web structure. Our results show that the food-web structure differed both among the three studied habitat types and between macro- and meiofauna components of benthic communities, and that these differences were related to the quality and quantity of organic matter. Meiofauna in fjords and on the shelf mainly relied on the reworked sediment organic matter while macrofauna utilized more fresh organic matter, sedimenting to the sea floor. In fjords and on the shelf, benthos displayed a high degree of omnivory and non-selective feeding while on the slope and in deep basins feeding on higher trophic levels dominated. In the latter, benthos seemed also to have utilized highly reworked organic matter. As the organic matter quantity and quality were major drivers of trophic relations in all studied areas, the benthic food webs will likely face cascading effects following the modification of pelagic food webs due to climatic changes.

Abstract Background Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a frequent pregnancy complication, affecting the maternal and neonatal health. The new diagnostic strategy for GDM, proposed by the International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups in 2010 and World Health Organization in 2013, raised hope to reduce perinatal complications. The purpose of the study was to compare risk factors influencing maternal and foetal outcomes in a group of pregnant women diagnosed with GDM, and in a group of pregnant women without GDM, regardless of the adopted diagnostic criteria. Also, the aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of risk factors on perinatal results and the “cost” of reducing adverse pregnancy outcomes in patients with GDM. Methods It was a retrospective study based on the analysis of births given after 37 weeks of pregnancy at the 2nd Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Warsaw Medical University during the years 2013 to 2015. All pregnant women had a 75 g OGTT between the 24th and 28th weeks of pregnancy. The study compared risk factors for perinatal complications in 285 GDM patients and in 202 randomly selected women without GDM. The impact of selected risk factors on perinatal outcomes was analysed. Results Both the diagnosis of GDM and maternal BMI prior to pregnancy, significantly modified the risk of excessive and insufficient weight gain during pregnancy. The parameters significantly influencing the risk of the composite adverse maternal outcome were the maternal abdominal circumference [OR: 1.08 (1.04; 1.11)] and multiparity, which reduced the risk by almost half [OR: 0.47 (0.30; 0.75)]. The maternal abdominal circumference before the delivery was a strong factor correlating with the occurrence of perinatal complications in both the mother and the foetus in the entire cohort. A circumference over 100 cm increased the risk of at least one maternal complication (increased blood loss, soft tissue injury, pre-eclampsia) by almost 40% (OR 1.38, p

SARS-CoV-2 infection leads to severe multiple organ failure. The immune system is stimulated by activating the inflammatory mechanism and by releasing inflammatory cytokines. COVID-19 is able to penetrate the central nervous system, inducing neuritis and neurodegeneration. In our study, we analyzed the latest available articles. We focused on the subject of COVID-19 infection and consequences of neuroinflammation. For this study, we searched the literature available in Pubmed and Google Scholar databases using keywords. There is evidence of a common background of COVID-19 complications and neurological diseases such as Parkinson's or Alzheimer's disease. This type of complication is more frequently observed in serious cases of COVID-19, with a more intense immune response, with higher levels of CRP, ferritin and D-dimers. Organic changes in conjunction with environmental stress caused by the experience of severe illness, fear of becoming ill and social limitations, lead to neuropsychiatric pathologies, including major depressive disorders and post-traumatic stress. The neuropsychiatric implications of COVID-19 represent a severe clinical problem that deserves special attention in the treatment of COVID-19 infection. There is a need to monitor the neuropsychiatric consequences of COVID-19, in order to completely understand the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection. This knowledge is necessary to be able to confront the public health crisis created by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is a global pandemic health problem that causes a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations. Recovered patients who survive COVID-19 may continue to report a wide variety of clinical manifestations such as depression, which is named post covid syndrome. In our article, we sought to determine the frequency and possible causes of depressive symptoms and clinically-significant depression in the post COVID syndrome. We conducted a review of postcovid manifestations by searching PubMed, Scopus, World health organization (WHO) databases. The symptoms of postcovid syndrome have been shown as a weakness, cognitive impairment, sleep disturbance, and depression, among others. Persistent mental disorders among people who suffer from long-term COVID-19 may be related to psychological factors, as well as from infection and the associated neurobiological trauma. According to available studies, a significant percentage of depression symptoms is observed among people with postcovid syndrome, especially in older age groups. Also symptoms of mental, neurological and physical illness as well as inflammatory brain injury in people with post-COVID syndrome are likely to increase suicidal ideation and behavior in this patient population.

Home hemodialysis (HHD) is a discovery from 1961 that is now experiencing a revival. It is a convenient and modern method of renal replacement therapy that allows the patient to undergo hemodialysis sessions at home. Due to the growing interest in home hemodialysis, we decided to present the potential of this renal replacement method, show both its benefits and complications resulting from its use. Undoubtedly, HHD has many benefits resulting mainly from the possibility of regulating the duration of the sessions and increasing their frequency. However, this method is also burdened with numerous complications. There are training courses in the use of HHD for patients who have just been diagnosed with end-stage renal disease as well as for patients undergoing dialysis using other methods. Appropriate patient selection is an important factor for the success of home therapy. There is a fierce battle in the home hemodialysis machine market. Manufacturers are outdoing each other in innovative technologies to ensure ease of use, trouble-free operation and minimize complications. The costs of home hemodialysis include more components than the dialysis treatment itself. Home hemodialysis gives patients comfort and independence above all. This is part of nephrology that undoubtedly requires a lot of work and development, but is certainly an invention of the 21st century.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) in high-risk pregnancies is a challenge for multidisciplinary teams of doctors. Due to the fact that the disease affects both the mother and the fetus, and the course of the pregnancy. The following article reviews the literature about the interaction between pregnancy and CKD and dialysis therapy. Even pregnancy itself can lead to a worsening of kidney dysfunction. The risk of this consequence increases with the degree of renal failure, therefore renal parameters and other pregnancy test results should be monitored. On the other hand, the most common complications of chronic kidney disease in pregnancy described in the literature include pre-eclampsia, preterm labor, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) or low birth weight, surgical delivery by caesarean section and miscarriage. Dialysis therapy also leads to abnormalities in the course of pregnancy, and patients require constant monitoring during its course. Attention is also drawn to the high percentage of newborns requiring intensive postpartum care. Due to the risk for the fetus and mother mentioned in the article, nephrologists and gynecologists should cooperate closely from the pre-contraceptive period in order to reduce the risk of sequelae and better control of the underlying disease.

Arystolocholic acid nephropathy is chronic kidney disease caused by the use of substances of natural origin that contain arystolocholic acid. The effects of their use are arystolochic acid nephropathies, which include "Chinese Herbs" nephropathy. The course of the disease is very fast, resulting in progression to end-stage renal disease, and in the future it results in the development of urinary tract cancer. That is why it is so important to recognize it early and start treatment. However, due to disease progression, some patients require dialysis and even kidney transplantation. Although the World Health Organization is trying to stop the spread of the use of harmful substances, there are still reports of this nephropathy appearing in some populations. Despite warnings from the Food and Drug Administration regarding the safety of botanicals containing arystolochic acid and its classification as a human carcinogen, products containing it are still available for purchase online. The purpose of the literature review below is to analyze the latest knowledge on aristolochic acid nephropathy and its associated complication.

Background and Purpose: Low-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may offer specific advantages over high-field MRI, e.g. lower susceptibility-dependent distortions and simpler installation. The study aim was to evaluate if a novel 0.55 T MRI scanner provides sufficient image accuracy and quality for radiotherapy (RT) treatment planning. Material and methods: The geometric accuracy of images acquired at a low-field MRI scanner was evaluated in phantom measurements regarding gradient non-linearity-related distortions. Patient-induced B0-susceptibility changes were investigated via B0-field-mapping in ten volunteers. Patients were positioned in RT-setup using a 3D-printed insert for the head/neck-coil that was tested for sufficient signal-to-noise-ratio (SNR). The suitability of the MRI-system for detection of metastases was evaluated in eleven patients. In comparison to diagnostic images, acquired at ≥1.5 T, three physicians evaluated the detectability of metastases by counting them in low- and high-field-images, respectively. Results: The phantom measurements showed a high imaging fidelity after 3D-distortion-correction with (1.2 ± 0.9) mm geometric distortion in 10 cm radius from isocentre. At the edges remaining distortions were greater than at 1.5 T. The mean susceptibility-induced distortions in the head were (0.05 ± 0.05) mm and maximum 0.69 mm. SNR analysis showed that optimised positioning of RT-patients without signal loss in the head/neck-coil was possible with the RT-insert. No significant differences (p = 0.48) in detectability of metastases were found. Conclusion: The 0.55 T MRI system provided sufficiently geometrically accurate and high-resolution images that can be used for RT-planning for brain metastases. Hence, modern low-field MRI may contribute to simply access MRI for RT-planning after further investigations.

To create a framework for genetic dissection of hexaploid triticale, six populations of doubled haploid (DH) lines were developed from pairwise hybrids of high-yielding winter triticale cultivars. The six populations comprise between 97 and 231 genotyped DH lines each, totaling 957 DH lines. A consensus genetic map spans 4593.9 cM is composed of 1576 unique DArT markers. The maps reveal several structural rearrangements in triticale genomes. In preliminary tests of the populations and maps, markers specific to wheat segments of the engineered rye chromosome 1R (RM1B) were identified. Example QTL mapping of days to heading in cv. Krakowiak revealed loci on chromosomes 2BL and 2R responsible for extended vernalization requirement, and candidate genes were identified. The material is available to all parties interested in triticale genetics.

Diverse processes leading to doubled haploid (DH) plant production, such as microspore embryogenesis, gynogenesis, and distant hybridization followed by genome elimination, are based on the unique ability of plant cells to form haploid embryos without fertilization. All of these are possible because of various in vitro culture systems that enable the growth and development of tissues or single cells outside of the parental organism. The possibility of re-directing cell development from its original pathway to embryogenesis brings several benefits to many research areas, but the most important is the possibility of its implementation in breeding programs. This review summarizes the achievements of Polish research groups in studies of the mechanisms of haploid/DH embryo development and demonstrates the practical applications of these systems in basic studies and plant breeding. It shows the results of studies on economically important crops including barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.), triticale (×Triticosecale Wittm.), oat (Avena sativa L.), rye (Secale cereale L.), sugar beet (Beta vulgaris ssp. vulgaris L.), and some vegetable species, including carrot (Daucus carota L.), onion (Allium cepa L.), red beet (Beta vulgaris L.), and members of the Brassicaceae.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a condition affecting nearly 16% of the population. It is a disease that cannot be completely cured with modern medical capabilities. However, it is possible to halt the progression of the disease and postpone renal replacement therapy through pharmacotherapy. In order to monitor the progression of the disease, GFR should be determined. PURPOSE OF THE WORK: This article reviews the potential impact of typical Western diet and eating habits on the occurrence and progression of chronic kidney disease. Reducing the intake of animal protein, foods rich in sodium potassium and phosphorus, and increasing the intake of fruits, vegetables and fiber help prevent or delay end-stage renal disease. The literature on the role of a low-protein plant-based diet in patients with CKD was also reviewed. DESCRIPTION OF THE STATE OF KNOWLEDGE: In addition to pharmacological methods, whose main goal is to reduce proteinuria and control blood pressure, drug therapy can be supported by non-pharmacological methods. One of them is the use of a low-protein diet and adequate provision of macro- and micronutrients in the diet. SUMMARY: In order to support pharmacotherapy in the treatment of chronic kidney disease, the use of an appropriate diet plays an important role. According to the literature, the most important is restriction of protein supply, weight reduction in obese patients and supplementation of micronutrient deficiencies that occur.

Different pyrolysis conditions determine the properties of the biochar. The properties of biochar may affect directly or indirectly their influence on living organisms. The aim of this study was to determine the toxicity of biochar obtained under different conditions (temperature: 500 or 700 °C, carrier gas: N2 or CO2, feedstock: sewage sludge or sewage sludge/biomass mixture) after adding to the soil in long-term pot experiment (180 days). Biochars were added to the podzolic loamy sand at a 2% (w/w) dose. Samples were collected at the beginning of the experiment and after 30, 90 and 180 days. The bacteria Aliivibrio fischeri (luminescence inhibition – Microtox), the plant Lepidium sativum (root growth and germination inhibition test – Phytotoxkit F), and the invertebrate Folsomia candida (mortality and reproduction inhibition test – Collembolan test) were used as the test organisms. In the long-term perspective for most tests, changing the carrier gas from N2 to CO2 resulted in reduced toxicity of the biochar. A particularly beneficial effect of changing the gas to CO2 was observed for the solid-phase test with L. sativum. The CO2 during pyrolysis had the least beneficial effect on toxicity towards A. fischeri.

Introduction and methods Artificial Intelligence(AI) is a relatively new branch of science that studies the display of intelligent behavior by machines and its use in advanced analysis and computation. Due to the potential use of AI, it has also been introduced into medicine and nephrology. The following article is an analysis of the current knowledge on the potential of AI in nephrology and its relevance to clinicians based on the latest publications contained in the PubMed and Google Scholar databases. Stage of knowledge AI found its application in the prognosis of the development of IgA nephropathy thanks to the use of a neural network, which by analyzing the results of research and the drugs used in a large group of patients has learned to detect patients at high risk of developing severe complications at the beginning of the disease. What is more, AI makes it possible to detect DKD earlier and delay renal replacement therapy. In patients undergoing hemodialysis, artificial intelligence developed a model that calculated the appropriate duration of the procedure and adjusted drugs to control blood pressure. Another example of the use of AI is its use in relation to patients undergoing kidney transplantation. The AI calculates the beneficial concentration of an immunosuppressive drug specifically for a given patient, which allows clinicians to limit adverse effects. Summary AI is a breakthrough technology that is constantly being developed. Despite the high cost of implementing this technology, it is believed that it could represent the future of medicine and be a new way in treatment techniques and in the early detection of diseases in nephrology.

The use of the KTP 532 nm vascular laser in the treatment of erythema and telangiectasia caused by low temperature exposure - case report. A case report. The paper presents a case of effective treatment of frostbite vascular lesions in the face with the use of a 532nm KTP laser in a 55-year-old man with a long history of skin exposure to low temperatures. Aim. The aim of this study is to draw attention to the possibility of using laser therapy in the treatment of skin disorders that are a complication of exposure to low temperatures. In the article below, we present the reduction of vascular lesions of the facial skin during a series of laser treatments with the use of the 532nm laser, meeting the growing interest of patients and doctors in the use of laser therapy in the treatment of skin vascular lesions. Conclusions. The use of laser therapy with the KTP 532nm laser can be an important and effective element in the treatment of skin vascular lesions.

Introduction and purpose The COVID-19 pandemic, which has been ongoing since early 2020, has significantly affected the health care system worldwide. SARS-CoV-2 virus being the etiological factor of the disease has a high affinity for the renal organ. The purpose of this study was to provide an overview of the current knowledge of the problem of frequent AKI in the course of coronavirus infection, the impact of COVID-19 disease in patients with chronic kidney disease and on renal replacement therapy or dialysis. Review method In the process of writing, we used available articles and scientific papers in Pubmed and Google Scholar databases based on keywords: COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, AcuteKidneyInjury, ChronicKidneyDisease. State of knowledge SARS-CoV-2 virus enters target cells through the ACE2 receptor. In the pathophysiology of AKI in the course of COVID-19, a key role is attributed to secondary damage mechanisms such as cytokine storm, hypoperfusion with hypoxia, endothelial dysfunction. The incidence of acute kidney injury ranges from 5.1% to 36.6%. The development of AKI, renal transplant status, the presence of chronic kidney disease or renal replacement therapy is associated with an increased risk of severe course and higher mortality on COVID-19. Summary The COVID-19 pandemic has posed new logistical and therapeutic challenges to the health care system. Due to the high tropism of SARS-CoV-2 to the kidneys and the frequent occurrence of AKI during the course of the infection, nephrology patients, those on renal replacement therapy and those awaiting transplantation should be placed under special surveillance. Patients in these groups are at particular risk for a severe course of COVID-19.

Recently, biomass has become an increasingly widely used energy resource. The problem with the use of biomass is its variable composition. The most important property that determines the energy content and thus the performance of fuels such as biomass is the heating value (HHV). This paper focuses on selecting the optimal number of input variables using linear regression (LR) and the multivariate adaptive regression splines approach (MARS) to create an artificial neural network model for predicting the heating value of selected biomass. The MARS model selected the input data better than the LR model. The best modeling results were obtained for a network with three input neurons and nine neurons in the hidden layer. This was confirmed by a high correlation coefficient of 0.98. The obtained results show that artificial neural network (ANN) models are effective in predicting the calorific value of woody and field biomass, and can be considered a worthy simulation model for use in selecting biomass feedstocks and their blends for renewable fuel applications.

Introduction and purpose Due to the growing tendency to diagnose obesity in patients, scientists are trying to find drugs that facilitate weight reduction. An example of such a formulation is the GLP-1 analogue semaglutide. The following article is an analysis of the current knowledge on the effectiveness and safety of obesity treatment with semaglutide based on available publications in Pubmed and Google Scholar databases. State of knowledge The main mechanism of semaglutide is based on a stimulation of insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells, and inhibition of glucagon from alpha cells, inhibition of hepatic gluconeogenesis, and reduction of energy consumption with minimal impact on energy expenditure. In clinical trials, it showed the best results compared to placebo and other drugs used in weight reduction. Participants treated with semaglutide achieved a reduction in waist circumference, improvements in blood pressure parameters, HbA1c levels, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and CRP protein, and increased HDL cholesterol levels. Semaglutide is well tolerated by patients, and its main side effects come from the gastrointestinal tract, including nausea, emesis, diarrhea. Summary The analysis of the latest publications and meta-analyzes of the literature shows that the use of semaglutide is safe and effective in the treatment of obesity. The positive effect of semaglutide on weight reduction also contributes to the reduction of the risk of cardiovascular events and other obesity-related complications. It is also well tolerated by patients, which translates into possible longer use, and weekly subcutaneous injections are not burdensome for patients. Key words: semaglutide; obesity; GLP-1 analogue; overweight

The purpose of this study was to develop an efficient method of biochar modification for effective removal of Se(VI) ions from water. Commercially available biochar produced from wheat straw was impregnated by Fe(NO3)3 (0.8, 4 and 10% w/v) and pyrolyzed at 200 °C. Optimum pH, adsorption kinetics, and Se(VI) adsorption isotherms were determined for the studied biochars. The modification significantly increased biochar’s ability for Se(VI) adsorption. The biochar modified with 10% Fe(NO3)3 has the highest adsorption effectiveness. The experimentally determined maximum adsorption capacity for the biochar modified with 10% Fe(NO3)3 was 14.3 mg g−1 for pH 5, which was the optimum pH value. X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and Photoacoustic Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR-PAS) investigation confirmed the presence of iron oxides/hydroxides on the surface of the modified biochar. The modification also resulted in the formation of oxygen containing functional groups. The study proved that the proposed modification can be efficient in increasing the biochar effectiveness in removing Se(VI) from water.

The properties of biochar (BC) from crustacean chitin are relatively well understood, while there are few studies on BC from insect chitin. This study presents the characterization and phytotoxic assessment of BC produced from crickets and cricket chitin. Cricket powder (BCCR) and cricket chitin (BCCH) were pyrolyzed at 500 °C and 700 °C. Physicochemical characteristics, N ad-/desorption, FTIR, were examined. SEM images were also performed. Regardless of the pyrolysis temperature, biochars were characterized by a densely “packed” solid surface/monolithic type with a non-porous structure (0.05–0.22 m2/g) and high content of N (9.4–11.8%). BCCHs showed a higher pH (12.2–12.4) compared to BCCR (8.7–10.8). Based on the XRD analysis, BCs were characterized by an amorphous carbon turbostratic structure and a randomly oriented graphitic-like micro-crystallite structure. FTIR spectra of BCs confirmed the presence of various O2 and N-functional groups on the BC surface. BCCHs added to soil at rates from 0.5 to 1.5% significantly reduced the germination of Lepidium sativum. Stimulation of root elongation was also observed in the case of BCCR500 1.0% and BCCR700 1.5%. Thermal degradation of cricket powder and cricket chitin promotes the formation of organic N-containing heterocyclic rings, which lead to the production of N-doped carbons with potential uses in energy storage and the contaminations sorption.

Air pollution has a major impact on human health, especially in cities, and elevated concentrations of PMx are responsible for a large number of premature deaths each year. Therefore, the amount of PM10 in the air is monitored and forecasts are made to predict the air quality. In Poland, mainly deterministic models are used to predict air pollution. Accordingly, research efforts are being made to develop other models to forecast the ambient PM10 levels. The aim of the study was to compare the machine learning models for predicting PM10 levels in the air in the city of Lublin. The following machine learning models were used: Linear regression (LR), K-Nearest Neighbors Regression (KNNR), Support Vector Machine (SVM), Regression Trees (RT), Gaussian Process Regression Models (GPR), Artificial Neural Network (ANN) and Long Short-Term Memory network (LSTM). The collected data for three consecutive years (January 2017 to December 2019) were used to develop the models. In total, 19 parameters, covering meteorological variables and concentrations of several chemical species, were explored as potential predictors of PM10. The data used to build the models did not take into account the seasons. The algorithms achieved the following R2 values: 0.8 for LR, 0.79 for KNNR, 0.82 for SVM, 0.77 for RT, 0.89, 0.90 for ANN and 0.81 for LSTM. Research has shown that the selection of a machine learning model has a large impact on the quality of the results. In this research, the ANN model performed slightly better than other models. Then, an ANN was used to train a network with five output neurons to predict the approximate level of PM10 at different time points (PM level at a given time, after 1 h, after 6 h, after 12 h and after 24 h). The results showed that the developed and tuned ANN model is appropriate (R = 0.89). The model created in this way can be used to determine the risk of exceeding the PM10 alert level and to inform about the air quality in the region.

Soil moisture monitoring is crucial for a variety of activities involving soil water regime estimation. Different phenomena such as drought, exhibit impacts of a variable extent in the soil profile, requiring moisture content monitoring as well as reliable analyses of the soil properties. In the village of Solec, located in central Poland, monitoring of the moisture content was attempted for a sandy soil in order to estimate soil moisture distributions for two dry years (2015, 2016) and a wet one (2017). Simple and easily obtainable drought indices, such as dry spells, climatic water balance, groundwater table depth, soil water content and potential were estimated and related with spatiotemporal evolution of soil water conditions. Soil layers subject to drought were found to be different either from a moisture (15–45 cm) or soil water potential (10–25 cm), showing diverse physical properties and relations with the ground water table. The coherence of the analysed drought indices was proven for a light, sandy soil, which has national significance for the state, drought monitoring network. Knowledge obtained during previous studies, which omitted soil water conditions for this type of the soil was supplemented. Based on its own water content, the profile of the analysed soil (Stagnic Folic Gleysols–Arenic) exhibits a negative climatic water balance and requires irrigation practices to mitigate drought effects.

Premise of the studyWide hybridization followed by spontaneous chromosome doubling of the resulting hybrids plays an important role in plant speciation. Such chromosome doubling is usually accomplished via unreduced gametes produced by altered meiosis, the so-called 'meiotic restitution'. Unreduced gametes are expected to carry somatic chromosome numbers and constitutions. However, it has been shown recently that new allopolyploids often carry unusual chromosome constitutions which include compensating and noncompensating nulli-tetrasomies and monotrisomies, and translocations of homoeologues.MethodsWe have reanalyzed meiotic divisions in a wheat-rye hybrid by in situ probing with labeled DNA focusing on deviations from the standard pattern of meiotic restitution.Key resultsIn a typical first division restitution in a wide hybrid, there is no chromosome pairing, univalents separate sister chromatids in anaphase I, and there is no meiosis II. Here we illustrate that occasional pairing of homoeologous chromosomes in metaphase I, combined with separation of sister chromatids of univalents, generates diads with compensating nulli-disomies and associated translocations of homoeologues. Similarly, precocious metaphase I migration to the poles of some undivided univalents generates a wide range of noncompensating simple and complex nulli-disomies in the gametes.ConclusionsBoth alterations to the standard pattern of meiotic restitution tend to maintain the somatic chromosome numbers in the gametes; chromosome constitutions are variable but mostly genetically balanced. This source of variation among progeny may be an important factor contributing to greater success of natural allopolyploids.

The main locus responsible for diploid-like behavior of polyploid wheat in meiosis, Ph1, is located on the long arm of chromosome 5B (5BL). It restricts metaphase I pairing to essentially identical homologues. Introduction of 5BL into outcrossing autotetraploid rye severely reduced multivalent formation and increased the frequency of bivalents and univalents, but the key by which homologues were selected for effective pairing was not clear. We created doubled haploids of autotetraploid rye with the long arm of wheat 5BL, verified their nature by DNA markers, and analyzed metaphase I chromosome pairing. The doubled haploid nature guaranteed the presence of pairs of identical and non-identical homologues in each homologous group. The metaphase I pairing patterns were essentially the same as in plants from open pollination, with frequent bivalents and univalents and rare multivalents. The level of pairing was low and depended on the dosage of 5BL. The pairing levels show that unlike in wheat, in rye the Ph1 locus does not use homologue similarity as the criterion in selection of pairing partners. It is possible that the Ph1 of wheat and the rye chromosome pairing system are mutually exclusive. The minimum level of chromosome differences required for effective pairing in rye may be well above the maximum difference level tolerated by the Ph1 system of wheat. In other words, effective chromosome pairing in rye may be possible between non-identical chromosomes that might not normally pair in the Ph1 wheat background.

Climate change and associated modification of the ocean is a fact, however, it seems to be the most undervalued and little understood “pandemic” challenge of this century. We live in a world where environmental data is increasingly being amassed and models are generating finer scale and increasingly dense numbers of outputs, resulting in the production of high level scientific information on climate and ocean. However, the knowledge generated is often inaccessible, incomprehensible and misunderstood by society. Given that society has access to many levels of information through various forms of media, how do we better share this knowledge, and improve understanding of how society is impacting their immediate and remote surroundings and what behavioral changes are needed for reducing those impacts? In this paper, we assess the level of environmental and ocean awareness among young learners. We argue that, despite the wide range of environmental data available and a common use of a broad range of media, this group is not aware of or interested in climate related issues. This paper highlights the challenges in bringing researchers, data managers and educators together to provide consistent, up-to-date messages that can appeal to and can be understood by modern societies. It also highlights insufficiencies in environmental school education, including those concerning the “uncertainty” concept, which is a fundamental part of any scientific process. In identifying these challenges, we propose a pathway for improving societal knowledge on climate and ocean changes that takes advantage of the technological abilities for environmental data collection, storage and processing, global and regional research, as well as good practices in ocean literacy and climate and ocean education.

Observed changes in hydrological conditions indicate the need for economical use of water. This pertains to water management on a national scale, river basins and drainage systems. The outflow of water can be extensively regulated after various forms of retention in the catchment. The water level regulators presented herein enable the damming of water in drainage networks and the adjacent ground. Their advantages include their simple structure and operation principles and also the ability to adapt to currently existing devices in sub-irrigation systems. Laboratory tests were conducted to determine the hydraulic characteristics and operating conditions of three innovative regulator solutions. They focused on changing water damming heights by the closure of successively placed beams in order to obtain the required water level in the given hydrometeorological conditions. The structures of the regulators were made of plastics and rectilinear fillings for securing S-type excavations and elements of sheet piling with a developed shape in the plan of U and Z types, offering advantages compared to traditional materials (with respect to installation, operation and durability). All tested regulators were characterized by the effective flow Qe, caused by water leaks due to the lack of tightness of the regulator elements. The regulator with rectilinear beams of S-type closures offered the highest effective flow, which was 4 ÷ 5 times higher than in other regulators. U- and Z-type regulators were better at facilitating the regulation of the water table and the flow than the S rectilinear regulator. This led to both: the greater tightness of connections and the use of an overflow with a developed crest in the plan. The U and Z controllers had the highest hydraulic efficiency, expressed as the flow increase coefficient, at overflow layer heights of up to 5.0 cm. For tested fillings larger than 5.0 cm, U-type beams with a cylindrical corner shape had a lower flow increase coefficient (kq = 1.25) than Z-type beams with an angular corner shape, for which kq ∈ .

This paper discusses the visual encodings of non-normativities in the selected K-pop music videos and seeks to establish them within the aesthetic of gendered desirability that deviates from what is considered a social norm in South Korean culture. The first part presents a short history and current boundaries of Korean pop music and the construct of gender and its (inter)relation with sex and rhetoric of desire are discussed. The next section maps out the changes in the understanding of normativity and the concept of queerness. The final part of the paper relates the theories and practices of non-normative identities to the visualities from post-2007 K-pop music videos, using examples to illustrate and contextualize them. The authors focus on the representations of masculinities and show how selected texts can be read as spaces of liminality defying normative cultural and social rules.

Doubled haploids are an established tool in plant breeding and research. Of several methods for their production, androgenesis is technically simple and can efficiently produce substantial numbers of lines. It is well suited to such crops as hexaploid triticale. Owing to meiotic irregularities of triticale hybrids, aneuploidy may affect the efficiency of androgenesis more severely than in meiotically stable crops. This study addresses the issue of aneuploidy among androgenic regenerants of triticale. Plant morphology, seed set and seed quality were better predictors of aneuploidy, as determined cytologically, than flow cytometry. Most aneuploids were hypoploids and these included nullisomics, telosomics, and translocation lines; among 42 chromosome plants were nulli-tetrasomics. Rye chromosomes involved in aneuploidy greatly outnumbered wheat chromosomes; in C(0) rye chromosomes 2R and 5R were most frequently involved. While the frequency of nullisomy 2R was fairly constant in most cross combinations, nullisomy 5R was more frequent in the most recalcitrant combination, and its frequency increased with time spent in culture with up to 70% of green plants recovered late being nullisomic 5R. Given that 5R was not involved in meiotic aberrations with an above-average frequency, it is possible that its absence promotes androgenesis or green plant regeneration. Overall, aneuploidy among tested combinations reduced the average efficiency of double haploid production by 35% and by 69% in one recalcitrant combination, seriously reducing the yield of useful lines.