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The Kalina pond has been well known as a severely degraded area in the Silesia region, Poland. The environmental deterioration results from high contamination of water and bottom sediments with recalcitrant and toxic organic compounds, mainly phenol. The study was aimed at developing a bioremediation-based approach suitable for this type of polluted areas, involving microbiological treatment of water as a key and integral part of other necessary actions: mechanical interventions and the use of physical methods. During the initial biological treatment stage, autochthonous microorganisms were isolated from contaminated samples of water, soil and sediment, then subjected to strong selective pressure by incubation with the pollutants, and finally, cultivated to form a specialised microbial consortium consisting of five extremophilic bacterial strains. Consortium propagation and its biodegradation activity were optimised under variant conditions enabling bacteria to proliferate and to obtain high biomass density at large volumes allowing for the in situ application. After installing aeration systems in the pond, the consortium was surface-sprinkled to launch bioremediation and then both bacterial frequency and the contaminant level was systematically monitored. The complex remediation strategy proved efficient and was implemented on an industrial scale enabling successful remedial of the affected site. Treatment with the specifically targeted and adapted microbial consortium allowed for removal of most organic pollutants within a four-month season of 2022: the chemical oxygen demand (COD) value decreased by 72%, polyaromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) level by 97%, while the content of total phenols and other monoaromatic hydrocarbons (BTEX) dropped below the detection thresholds.

Water erosion in mountainous areas is a major problem, especially on steep slopes exposed to intense precipitation. This paper presents the analysis of the topsoil loss using the SWAT (Soil and Water Assessment Tool) model. The SWAT model is a deterministic catchment model with a daily time step. It was designed to anticipate changes taking place in the catchment area, such as climate change and changes in land use and development, including the quantity and quality of water resources, soil erosion and agricultural production. In addition to hydrological and environmental aspects, the SWAT model is used to address socio-economic and demographic issues, such as water supply and food production. This program is integrated with QGIS software. The results were evaluated using the following statistical coefficients: determination (R2), Nash–Sutcliff model efficiency ( NS), and percentage deviation index ( PBIAS). An assessment of modelling results was made in terms of their variation according to different land cover scenarios. In the case of the scenario with no change in use, the average annual loss of topsoil (average upland sediment yield) was found to be 14.3 Mg∙ha –1. The maximum upland sediment yield was 94.6 Mg∙ha –1. On the other hand, there is an accumulation of soil material in the lower part of the catchment (in-stream sediment change), on average 13.27 Mg∙ha –1 per year.

Abstract Background Like for other agricultural commodities, the bean value chain involves a series of actors including; farmers as producers, middlemen, retailers, wholesalers and exporters. The study explains the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) marketing constraints faced by smallholder bean farmers and other actors in the bean value market chain that need redress for efficient and effective bean marketing in Uganda. Specifically, the effect of farmer bean production and marketing modes, and limited knowledge about bean market requirements on the final prices received for their beans and their limited ability to demand better prices is explained by the study. A descriptive cross-sectional design was used to collect data from 127 farmers (in strata of trained and non-trained farmers), 34 traders, five input dealers and 40 consumers, using semi structured questionnaires, and interview guides. Quantitative and qualitative data were analysed using SPSS and content analysis, respectively. Results Trained farmers produced more beans in the two seasons though the mean difference was not statistically significant from the non-trained farmers. Farmers determine the quantity of beans sold and not the prices. Both trained and non-trained farmers consider the price offered by traders through consultations. Most farmers individually sold their beans with little role in determining prices. Farmers formed groups to better access inputs and improve their bargaining power. Variety, price and quality influenced consumer purchase decisions. NABE 15 K132, NABE4, Yellow and white beans were preferred varieties. Trained farmers sold beans at a higher price of USD 0.505 per kilo gram, while non-trained farmers sold at USD 0.369 per kilo gram. The records kept by majority of the farmers pertain either to dates particular activities were executed or when they received visitors, and could neither be used in determining the bean prices nor costing production. Conclusions The constraints faced by the different bean actors provide a basis for developing bean marketing models. Addressing smallholders’ marketing challenges will increase their incomes and boost production. Increase in income through increased prices for farmers will improve farmer living standards as they will be able to meet basic needs. The quantity increase in production will partly address the food insecurity problems through direct consumption and selling the excess to buy other desired foods.

Water distribution systems at KGHM S.A. are of great importance for the efficient production of copper and environmental protection. For failures leading to perforation and leakage, the corrosion processes are responsible. This paper aims to assess corrosion on the basis of the analysis of the exposure of the Hydrotechnical Plant pipelines. To this end, the system of transfer and deposition of post-flotation waste as well as the circulation of industrial water in the process of copper ore enrichment are described. Water sources as well as inflows and outflows in the water system are indicated; corrosion hazards are determined. Water is obtained from mines; it is often contaminated during the copper ore mining process. The chemical analysis of industrial (technological) water and sludge water resulting from the sedimentation of post-flotation waste showed a high concentration of inorganic salts which are responsible for the corrosive processes. Furthermore, tests were carried out to determine the corrosion rate.Additionally, possible methods to reduce corrosion have been proposed, i.e., a corrosion monitoring system has been described as a tool for reducing production interruptions and environmental pollution.

Abstract Background Promoting rural women’s agricultural entrepreneurship in the Global South has become a major policy and program priority for governments and development partners. Women’s income earning is viewed as a pathway to their empowerment and gender equality. The research goal was to understand how patriarchal socio-cultural norms and practices influence women’s participation in commercial vegetable farming (CVF) in the mid-hills of Sudurpashchim Pradesh, Nepal, and identify the specific and evolving strategies that women use to negotiate these changes. Methodology Data for the study were generated through in-depth interviews with 16 smallholder couples, eight each in Dadeldhura and Achham districts. Additionally, 17 key informants who were government agency and development organization agriculture support officials at the district and national level were interviewed. Besides in-depth interviews, focus group discussions (FGDs) with women’s groups, women leaders, development actors, and government officials at district, regional, and national level were also conducted. Interview data analysis using NVivo was complemented with field notes, observations and government agency and development organization reports. Results CVF possibilities initially motivated a few women to discuss with their husbands, organize self-help groups, and seek development program subsidies. With strong support from husbands and parents-in-law, they actively engage in CVF, generate income, form cooperatives for savings and credit, and improve household food security and their own economic status. CVF-associated groups, cooperatives, meetings, exposure visits, skill development training, knowledge sharing, counseling, and advocacy are vital tools. Through them, women build self-confidence, contest and transform entrenched socio-cultural barriers, and negotiate new socio-cultural norms and practices within and outside the household. Dissolving gender stereotypes regarding the division of labor in CVF plays a significant role in encouraging more women to join CVF and increases gender parity. However, a diminishing minority of women still struggle to overcome the legacy of prior negative experiences and subconsciously fear community backlash, especially regarding extended travel outside their village. Conclusion Socio-cultural practices restricting women’s income-generating roles can be transformed through investment in women’s group initiatives, enhancing husbands’ and wives’ communication and livelihood planning, and community members increased appreciation for women’s role in contributing household income and food security.

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is well known for its poor survival time. Clinical symptoms are painless jaundice or abdominal or back pain. Less specific symptoms often appear that make diagnosis difficult, e.g., weight loss, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, and general weakness. Only 10–20% of patients are diagnosed at an early stage. A cure is practically only possible with a radical surgical operation. In the case of locally advanced findings, neoadjuvant therapy is administered. Among the therapeutic options offered are chemotherapy, radiotherapy (including stereotactic radiotherapy—SBRT), targeted treatment, or immunotherapy. In the case of metastatic disease, of which more than half are present at diagnosis, the goal is to relieve the patient of problems. Metastatic PDAC can cause problems arising from the localization of distant metastases, but it also locally affects the organs it infiltrates. In our review article, we focus on the largest group of patients, those with locally advanced disease and metastatic disease—symptoms related to the infiltration or destruction of the pancreatic parenchyma and the growth of the tumor into the surrounding. Therefore, we deal with biliary or duodenal obstruction, gastric outlet syndrome, bleeding and thromboembolic diseases, pain, depression, and fatigue, as well as pancreatic exocrine insufficiency and malnutrition. Metastatic spread is most often to the liver, peritoneum, or lungs. The presented overview aims to offer current therapeutic options across disciplines. In accordance with modern oncology, a multidisciplinary approach with a procedure tailored to the specific patient remains the gold standard.

Aim of the study: Assessment of the revitalization process and achievement of the treatment effects intended in the process Material and methods: The author carried out selected tests and performed a process evaluation along with the other results made by the research laboratories. The research concerned measurements of bottom sediment thickness, water transparency and selected physicochemical analyzes of quality parameters of water from the reservoir during the revitalization process. Results and conclusions: The obtained results are very satisfactory, as a high level of reduction of bottom sediments was achieved at some measuring points by over 1 m. There was an improvement in water transparency, physical and chemical parameters did not show deterioration of water quality during the intensive biodegradation process of the organic fraction deposited in bottom sediments. Based on the results presented in the article, it can be stated that the microbiological revitalization processes carried out are very effective methods of purifying surface water pollution.

Aim of the study: Study of the effects of the microbiological bioremediation process carried out as part of the purification of the reservoir in Kamienna Góra. Material and methods: A number of field measurements were made, i.e. thickness of bottom sediments, light transmission, and physicochemical analyzes of waters. Activities undertaken in the bioremediation process were described. The final effects have been characterized. Results and conclusions: The microbiological bioremediation process has contributed to the reduction of bottom sediments (organic fractions) by 30 - 100% at selected measuring points. There was an improvement in the euphotic zone conditions from 70-100% in the examined points. The level of organic pollutants in water has also partially improved. The concentrations of the studied biogens did not decrease, and even in some points they increased in 2018. Despite visible changes in the water quality in the reservoir, and almost complete elimination of organic fractions in bottom sediments, an increase in nutrients in the flood waters could be expected. In the last year of research, complete elimination of algal blooms was noted and ecotones were located in places of their earlier occurrence. The reservoir is still exposed to pressure from pollutants brought in by Zadrna's waters. If sources of pollution are not eliminated, this type of treatment will have to be repeated in subsequent seasons to maintain the quality of the reservoir water.

Backgrounds: To compare keratometry (Ks and Kf), astigmatism (Ast.), and the astigmatism axes (Ax.) of the posterior surface of the cornea; the total, central cornea thickness (CCT); and the thinnest corneal thickness (TCT) measured using two different measurement methods. Methods: Patients qualified for cataract surgery at the Chair and Clinical Department of Ophthalmology, Division of Medical Science in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland, were included in the study and monitored with the following two devices: OCT-CASIA2 and Dual Scheimpflug Analyzer GalileiG6. Our work was a randomized, prospective study in which compliance with the agreement of measurements between the devices was evaluated using the Bland–Altman method. Results: A total of 110 patients (62 females and 48 males) were examined. Overall, 100 eyes of patients that qualified for cataract surgery were enrolled in the study. No statistically significant difference was observed for Total-Ks and Total-Kf. A significant difference was observable for the following parameters: total Ks-ax, total Kf-ax, the total power of astigmatism, and in all parameters of the part of the cornea and corneal thickness (CCT and TCT). Conclusions: The measurements obtained using Casia2 and the Dual Scheimpflug Analyzer GalileiG6 were significantly different and not interchangeable except for total Ks and Kf.

Aim of the study: Adaptation of MBBR technology for the treatment of highly degraded waters in small water reservoirs. Investigation of the effectiveness of organic pollutants treatment in waters with highly polluted municipal sewage (or easily biodegradable). Checking the effectiveness of nutrient removal during the process of cleaning this type of pollutants. Material and methods: The study were conducted in laboratory conditions on a technical quarter scale. Diluted municipal sewage was treated to determine the purification efficiency for each laboratory stand. The experiments were carried out in 4 research stands (Volume of wastewater in each tank were 1000 L), each was equipped with a MBBR bioreactor with moving bed (biofilm carriers) . The physicochemical parameters of pH, redox, oxygen concentration were examined and laboratory analyzes were performed to indicate changes in COD, BOD5, and selected forms of NH4 and PO4. On the basis of the obtained results, the effectiveness of the wastewater treatment was demonstrated and the hydraulic parameters of the installation were modeled. Results and conclusions: The results of experimental work indicate a significant effectiveness of the process of purifying and removing nutrients in MBBR installations. After designing a suitable floating platform, it will be possible to introduce such installations into degraded water reservoirs for their purification.

Water reservoir restoration process is of a holistic nature and requires the application of many reclamation and remediation methods. The final result should be the restoration of the state of the primary aquatic environment that occurred before the adverse anthropogenic changes. The condition of many water reservoirs in the world requires taking redegradation method to restore the water quality. Water rehabilitation activities conducted by specialized companies or expert teams are colloquially called “water restoration”. The author presented the problem of incorrect naming of water restoration processes in the aspect of “water restoration” process. He pointed to selected examples of scientific and industry articles, of incorrect use of the word "reclamation" and suggested the proper naming in relation to the nature of the corrective actions taken. Commercialization of the f “water restoration” word is undoubtedly the cause of its abuse and misuse in many activities, which in the end do not meet the objectives of lake restoration.

PurposeTo test the repeatability and reproducibility of the topography module in posterior segment spectral domain optical coherence tomography with Revo NX (new device) and to compare keratometry values obtained by a Scheimpflug tomography (Galilei G6) and a swept source OCT (Casia 2).MethodsIn this prospective study, healthy subjects with nonoperated eyes had their central corneal thickness (CCT), anterior and posterior K1/K2 corneal power measured with the new device. Two operators made 6 measurements on the new device to check intraobserver repeatability and reproducibility, and measurement on Casia 2 and Galilei G6. Bland-Altman plots were used to assess the agreement between the devices for each analyzed variable.Results94 eyes (94 patients) were studied. All devices produced significantly different mean CCT, the highest for Galilei 569.13±37.58 μm followed by Casia 545.00 ±36.15 μm and Revo 537.39±35.92 μm. The mean anterior K1 was 43.21 ± 1.37 for Casia 2 43.21 ± 1.55 for Revo NX and 43.19 ± 1.39 for Galilei G6, and the differences were insignificant p = 0.617. The posterior K1 for Revo NX was -5.77 ± 0.25 whereas for Casia 2 it was -5.98±0.22 and for Galilei G6-6.09±0.28 D p< 0.0001. The Revo NX showed intraclass correlation coefficient ranging from 0.975 for the posterior K2 surface, and 0.994 for anterior K1 and 0.998 for CCT.ConclusionsRevo NX is independent of the user and offers a high level of repeatability for the anterior and posterior cornea. The wide range of differences between the devices suggests they should not be used interchangeably.

The aim of this investigation was an assessment of the application effectiveness of three alternatives for rainwater harvesting systems for individual households, in central Great Poland climatic conditions. During the study the amount of storm water, which can be collected from the 3 different size roof areas (80, 135, 185 m2) was assessed, in relation to the needs of a four-person family, for the region of the Tarnowo Podgórne. The receivable amount of rainwater was analysed at a rate of 10, 25, 50% of total annual precipitation occurrence probability, including the lower values, appeared in the period of 1960-2008. For the financial efficiency evaluation of investment, an indicator of the average annual cost per unit (Ws) and the net present value (NPV) were used. The results show that for the Great Poland region with the average annual sum of precipitation of 550mm, only the roof surfaces of 185 m2 and bigger allow obtaining the profits from collected rainwater and reimbursement for building rainwater harvesting installations within 30 years of its operation.

The Dobczyce Reservoir on the Raba River is the main source of drinking water for the city of Krakow. This function requires very good water quality, which consequently limits other functions. The debate whether to allow certain forms of recreation has been taking place for a long time. The paper presents the results of a questionnaire survey conducted among the visitors of the area. People asked about their way of spending time over the reservoir, the most often chose the option “other” (78%), among which the most often was walk (24%). Sunbathing was mentioned by 46%, water bathing by 32% (despite the ban), angling by 18%, and water sports by 12%. The numbers do not sum up to 100, because the visitors could choose more than one option. 68% respondents regarded the cleanliness of water as very good, good or rather good. The management in the area was assessed much worse: 66% regarded it as rather unsatisfactory or unsatisfactory