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The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a significant increase in the number of mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD, leading to higher treatment costs and placing a burden on social insurance systems. The aim of this literature review was to examine the economic costs of the pandemic related to mental health and assess its impact on social insurance systems. The review also analyzed the growing demand for mental health services during different phases of the pandemic. The methodology included an analysis of scientific literature from 2020-2023, with sources from databases like PubMed, Scopus, and JSTOR. The focus was on studies that provided a detailed examination of the economic aspects of the pandemic in the context of mental health, including both direct costs (consultations, medications) and indirect costs (reduced productivity, work absences). The findings indicate significant economic burdens for both healthcare and social insurance systems. The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the cost of treating mental health disorders globally. Both WHO and OECD highlight that global indirect costs related to lost productivity amount to approximately $1 trillion annually. Additionally, the pandemic exposed weaknesses in social insurance systems, which need to be reformed to address new health challenges. Key conclusions emphasize the need for further investment in mental health care, particularly in prevention and early intervention. Such investments could lead to significant economic savings by reducing treatment costs and improving productivity. Reforming social insurance systems is also recommended to better accommodate the needs of individuals suffering from mental health disorders.

Background: The financing of nutrition in educational institutions is one of the cornerstones of the activities of local governments in Poland. Proper management of this area is crucial to ensuring that children and young people have access to wholesome meals, which directly affects their health, physical development, as well as educational effectiveness. Objective: This study aimed to examine how school principals and parents perceive the role of local governments in managing school nutrition in Poland, given the growing importance of nutrition programs for children's health. Methods: A survey was conducted with 200 school principals and 1000 parents, assessing satisfaction with the implementation, quality, and organization of nutrition programs overseen by local authorities. Results: The results revealed significant differences between the two groups. While 75% of principals expressed satisfaction with the quality of meals provided in schools, only 55% of parents shared this view. Similarly, 80% of principals rated the organization of cooperation with food suppliers positively, compared to only 50% of parents. Regarding allergen information, 65% of principals felt adequately informed, while only 30% of parents agreed. These differences were statistically significant in several key areas, including adherence to nutrition standards (p = 0.009), frequency of health inspections (p = 0.009), and availability of allergen information (p = 0.013). Conclusions: The findings highlight a need for improved communication and collaboration between schools, parents, and local governments to enhance the effectiveness of nutrition programs. It is recommended that regular informational meetings be held and that the flow of information be improved to increase parental satisfaction and the overall effectiveness of school nutrition initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aging population in Poland poses significant challenges to social and health systems. By 2050, the percentage of people over 65 in Poland is projected to reach 32.7%. Promoting physical activity among seniors is crucial for preventing chronic diseases, improving quality of life, and reducing healthcare burdens. Local governments play a pivotal role in implementing healthpromoting measures. Objective: The study aims to analyze seniors’ satisfaction with local government activities in promoting physical activity and to identify the best activities and future needs of seniors in the Silesia, Mazovia, and Pomerania regions of Poland. Material and Methods: The survey, conducted between May 2023 and May 2024, utilized the Computer Assisted Web Interviewing (CAWI) method to gather data from 1,500 seniors aged 65 and above across the Silesia, Mazovia, and Pomerania regions. The study population was carefully selected to ensure representativeness in terms of gender, age, education, and place of residence. Data analysis included chi-square tests and logistic regression to assess satisfaction levels and identify influencing factors. Results: The survey revealed regional differences in satisfaction levels. Seniors in the Mazovia region exhibited the highest satisfaction (74% positive ratings), followed by the Silesian (64%) and Pomeranian (56%) regions. Factors influencing satisfaction included gender, age, education, and place of residence. Women, older seniors, those with higher education, and urban residents reported higher satisfaction levels. The most appreciated local government activities were related to sports infrastructure and sports programs. Future needs emphasized the demand for more sports programs and better infrastructure, with regional variations in preferences. Conclusion: Seniors’ satisfaction with local government activities in promoting physical activity varies significantly across regions. Tailoring activities to regional preferences and continuous evaluation of programs are essential for enhancing effectiveness and satisfaction. Increased funding and support for physical activity programs are necessary, especially in less developed regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mental and behavioral disorders significantly impair psychophysical functioning, leading to challenges in daily activities. The increasing recognition of the importance of mental health in global development goals has resulted in its inclusion in the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. The burden of mental disorders has grown worldwide due to demographic changes, with substantial economic and social impacts. Objective: This study aimed to examine the indirect costs of mental disorders in Poland by analyzing the expenditures by the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) on work incapacity benefits and disability pensions from 2012 to 2023. The goal was to identify trends, dependencies, and the economic impact of policy changes. Material and Methods: Data were collected from ZUS reports on annual expenditures for work incapacity benefits and disability pensions. Advanced statistical methods, including linear regression and Pearson correlation, were employed to analyze trends and relationships. Student's t-tests assessed the statistical significance of the observed trends. Results: The expenditures on benefits for work incapacity due to mental disorders increased significantly over the past decade, particularly from 2020 to 2023, partly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Short-term absenteeism due to mental disorders accounted for 10.5% of the total sick leave days. A strong positive correlation was found between years and benefit expenditures. Conversely, the disability pension expenditures exhibited a downward trend, potentially reflecting improvements in public health or policy changes. Conclusions: The significant increase in expenditures on benefits related to mental disorders may reflect greater awareness, improved diagnostics, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. In contrast, the decline in disability pension expenditures could suggest improved mental health or effective policy measures. However, it is important to emphasize that the presented data are not the only factor influencing this situation. Multiple variables, including societal, economic, and healthcare system changes, contribute to these trends. Therefore, further research is necessary to fully understand the underlying causes and to guide effective policy development. Regular monitoring and continued investment in mental health are essential to managing indirect costs such as absenteeism and presenteeism efficiently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Polimery is the property of Industrial Chemistry Research Institute 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.)

Polymer matrix (MATER-BI) electrospinning tests were carried out under various process conditions. Structures with a diversified morphology have been obtained. Changing the parameters of electrospinning process (mainly voltage and solution concentration) resulted in products with different morphology.

Electrospinning of biodegradable poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) has been performed. Alternation of process parameters resulted in slight changes in the surface structure morphology of the obtained fibres which was evaluated by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

An investigation on electrospinning of polycaprolactone polymer solution was provided in different process conditions. Although, in all attempts a structure of highly surface-to-mass ratio was achieved, alternation of spinning parameters resulted in products of different geometry. This opens a new way of controlled processing highly porous materials with broad field of application.

Poly(lactic acid) electrospinning tests were carried out under various process conditions. Openwork structures with a high surface area to weight ratio have been obtained. Changing the parameters of the PLA electrospinning process resulted in products with different fiber morphology.

Copyright of Space-Society-Economy is the property of Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Lodzkiego 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 concentrations of heavy metals in soils along the motorway bypass of Wroclaw (AOW) and the Eastern Ring Road of Wroclaw (WOW), Poland, have been determined. The soil samples were collected from the levels of 0-25 cm within 2 m from the edge of the road. The mineralizates were prepared in HNO3, 60%, using the Microwave Digestion System. The content of Cu, Zn, Cr, Ni and Pb in soils were determined using FAAS method. The physicochemical parameters, the conductivity and pH of the soil solutions were measured to evaluate the salinity of the soils and their active and exchangeable acidity. The pollution indexes (WN) showing the enrichment of soils in metals have been determined. Excess of metal concentrations in soils compared to the geochemical background in uncontaminated soils of Poland has been observed. Permissible concentrations of heavy metals relative to the standard for soils, according to the Polish Ministry of Environment Regulation from September 1st, 2016, have not been exceeded.

Introduction. Over the past few months, the lives of people around the world have changed dramatically. Within a few days, they have been forced to adapt their daily behavior and habits to new conditions. The cause of this phenomenon is a state of the pandemic, introduced by the WHO in connection with the spread of the new pathogen causing COVID-19. The group particularly affected by the restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic are the people involved in remote working, including students who, since the beginning of the pandemic, have been carrying out the entire educational process or using the support of distance learning methods and techniques. Objective. the study aims to assess the level of well-being and emotions accompanying the COVID-19 pandemic among students of three large Polish public universities. Material and methods. The survey was attended by 1054 students from three Polish public universities. The study was conducted using a questionnaire including mental health interview; WHO-5 scale - Good Feeling Index developed by the Psychiatric Research Unit of WHO; Beck's scale of depression; author's multiple-choice questions about the impact of the epidemic situation on the current life of the studied population. Statistical significance was determined using the chi-quadrat, U Mann-Whitney, and Kruskal-Wallis test. Statistical significance level p=0.05 was assumed for each test. Results. The mild form of depression was distinguished: 17% of respondents in March, 28% in June/July, and October. A moderate form of depression was found: in 4% of respondents in March, 6% in June/July, and 8% in October. The risk of developing depressive symptoms is higher with each successive stage of the study, this phenomenon is particularly visible in the group of women in whom depressive symptoms are more frequent (p<0.05). Conclusion. The study group is characterized by a high risk of depression. One-third of the respondents were found to have a mild to moderate stage of the disease. It is worth noting that in the studied group no symptoms indicating a deep form of depression were observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Engaging in regular exercise is essential because it improves the efficiency of body, delays the ageing process, and makes it easier for us to perform basic everyday activities. It is important to remember that it is never too late to start health training. It has been noted that health training affects both our physical and mental health. Objectives. The aim of this study was to assess the motivation to exercise in both physically active women and men. Material and methods. The study involved 1590 health sciences students who had a moderate level of physical activity. The survey used the EMI-2 questionnaire. To assess differences in motivation for physical activity measured using the EMI-2 questionnaire, in gender groups, the Mann-Whitney U test without continuity correction (p1) and with correction (p2) was conducted. Results and conclusions. The most important motivators for undertaking physical activity are pleasure, mental regeneration, and maintaining health. The least important motivation to exercise are health pressure, social recognition, and the desire to belong to a group. For men, the most important motivation to engage in physical activity is the pleasure of doing it. Women engage in physical activity primarily owing to the desire to maintain an appropriate state of health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Previous studies have shown that inappropriate human nutrition is the common cause of eating disorders (especially orthorexia nervosa). the aim of this study was to investigate dietary habits and the risk of orthorexic behaviours among dancing school female students. Material and methods. The investigated group consisted of 400 female students aged 10-18 years who attended dancing schools. The dietary habits reported in the researched group were evaluated by collecting the data in a form of authors' questionnaire which were subsequently elaborated by using brief diet quality index (DQI). When it comes to assessing the risk of orthorexic behaviours (ORTO-15). Results. While using the DQI scale, it was stated that 45% of all subjects reported good, 43% - satisfactory, and 12% had bad dietary habits. Good dietary habits were observed among 63% of the youngest girls, 33% of the oldest female students and 30% of the thirteen-, fourteen- and fifteenyear- olds. Bad dietary habits were observed among 24% of female students representing the 13-15 age group, 18% aged 16-18, and by none of the respondents aged 10-12 years. The genuine risk of eating disorder was diagnosed among 59% of research subjects. There were students who assessed their dietary habits as good (65%), and some who considered themselves as 'too obese' (73%). Statistical inference has shown the relationship between the positive outcome of the ORTO-15 questionnaire and participants' incorrect perception of their own body image (p<0,05). Conclusions. The dancing school female students who declared increased physical activity, are marked by better dietary habits when compared to respondents with lower level of activity. The best dietary habits were reported by girls at the initial stage of learning at dancing schools. There is an actual risk of progressing eating disorders among dancing school female students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]