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The paper presents the possibility of mechanizing laser tracker measurements using a drone. Performing measurements using a laser tracker requires touching the measured surface with a probe. Usually it is done manually, even if it requires, e.g., climbing a ladder. The drone was applied as a probe carrier for the laser tracker. To measure a point, the modified drone had to land near this point. Touching the measured surface with the probe was executed using a mobile arm fixed to the drone. This solution allows performing laser tracker measurements without the need of walking or climbing difficult to access surfaces. Two consecutive experiments were performed to verify if such an approach is equally accurate as the standard one (manual measurements). Additionally, the influence of airflow generated by the drones’ propellers on a laser wavelength and the accuracy of interferometric measurements were estimated. The research proves that it is possible to mechanize laser tracker measurements using a drone. Moreover, it is demonstrated that the operating drone does not influence the laser tracker accuracy.

This paper presents new method for traceability assurance of measurements performed using hybrid measuring systems built using one system that is based on tactile point measurement method (for example: coordinate measuring machine, articulated arm coordinate measuring machine, laser tracker system) and the second one that is based on optical field measurement method (for example: structured light scanners, digital image correlation systems). Within works described in this paper a series of tests aimed at determining task-specific errors for measurements performed using such composed systems were run. Measurement tasks for which such errors were determined include length measurements and measurements of form deviations (roundness, flatness, etc). Measurements were performed using material standards representing various shapes, dimensions and geometric relations. Measurements were run in different orientations and positions of the standards. Types of standards along with orientations and positions used were chosen basing on the guidelines of the ISO 10360 standard, parts 2, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, VDI/VDE 2634 and longtime experience of authors of this paper. At the end, results of performed measurements were checked for consistency with results of material standards calibration and values of task- specific maximum permissible errors were established. Guidelines for using developed method in other hybrid systems were also presented in the paper.

Abstract Each population may have its own specific characteristics and cultural differences, which can affect perceptions of one's body, obesity, and the development of weight-related biases. The goal of our study is to (I) examine weight biases among incoming nursing students from two distinct cultures; (II) determine whether the cultural differences may be reflected in the levels of fat phobia, attitudes, and behaviors related to overweight and obesity; (III) adapt the Fat Phobia Scale and translate it into Polish. The study includes 119 Nigerian students and 120 Polish students. The following tools are used—ORK-10, ATOP, BAOP, BES and FPh. The results indicates that Nigerian students have significantly (p

The article is a gloss on a review of the monograph Pińskie błota: Natura, wiedza i polityka na polskim Polesiu do 1945 roku [The Pinsk Marshes: Nature, Knowledge, and Politics in Polish Polesia before 1945] by Sławomir Łotysz, which appears in this issue of Sprawy Narodowościowe: Seria nowa.

Fermentation is used not only to preserve food but also to enhance its beneficial effects on human health and achieve functional foods. This study aimed to investigate how different treatments (spontaneous fermentation or fermentation with the use of starter culture) affect phenolic content, antioxidant potential, and cholinesterase inhibitory activity in different kale cultivars: ‘Halbhoner Grüner Krauser’, ‘Scarlet’, and ‘Nero di Toscana’. Chosen samples were further tested for their protective potential against the Caco-2 cell line. HPLC-MS analysis revealed that the fermentation affected the composition of polyphenolic compounds, leading to an increase in the content of rutin, kaempferol, sinapinic, and protocatechuic acids. In general, kale cultivars demonstrated various antioxidant activities, and fermentation led to an increase in total phenolic content and antioxidant activity. Fermentation boosted anti-cholinesterase activity most profoundly in ‘Nero di Toscana’. Extracts of spontaneously fermented ‘Scarlet’ (SS) and ‘Nero di Toscana’ (NTS) showed cytoprotective properties, as revealed by the malondialdehyde (MDA), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione (GSH) assays. Additionally, strong anti-inflammatory activity of NTS was shown by decreased release of cytokines IL-1β and TNF-α. Collectively, the conducted studies suggest fermented kale cultivars as a potential source for functional foods.

Orthorexia nervosa (ON) is a disorder characterized by dietary restrictions and an obsessive focus on “healthy” eating. The present study analyzes two aspects of ON. One related to the inner experiences of the individual (intrapersonal). The other concerns the impact of ON on interpersonal relationships (interpersonal). The developed scale was named the Intra- and Interpersonal Effects Scale of Orthorexia (IIESO). The analysis showed an average correlation between the INTER and INTRA factors (r = 0.46). Both the INTER and INTRA scales correlated strongly with both subscales of the TOS but weakly with the ORTO-R score. Females obtained higher scores on the INTER scale (p < 0.01), while no differences were shown for the INTRA subscale or the overall scale score (p < 0.01). Subjects using supplements had higher mean scores on the INTER and INTRA subscales and for the total score. Among the analyzed results, the greatest strength effect was shown for the total score on the IIESO scale (INTER+INTRA) and the TOS scale. The questionnaires used to date have not distinguished between behaviors from interpersonal and intrapersonal perspectives. Research on these dimensions could expand our knowledge of the disorder and refine diagnostic criteria.

Measuring orthorexia nervosa is challenging due to the use of various existing tools and problems with sample representativeness. Another challenge for the Polish population is the adaptation of existing research tools and the evaluation of their relevance and research reliability. Our research aimed to adapt the TOS to the Polish language and measure pathological and nonpathological orthorexic behavior among the Polish population. The adaptation of the PL-TOS has high psychometric value and allows us to assess healthy and nervous orthorexia levels. This scale can be used not only for further research but also for diagnostic purposes in the daily work of clinicians and psychologists. Our results obtained in the present study indicate a correlation between TOS and both the use of supplements and diet. Higher TOS, ORTO_R and KZZJ_Diet Restrictions scores were obtained for individuals using dietary supplements than for those not using dietary supplements. In the future, it is worth conducting research aimed at various risk groups of individuals with orthorexia to confirm the psychometric properties of this adaptation of the TOS.

Background: Anxiety about gaining weight is strongly related to body image. Evidence indicates that body dissatisfaction is a strong predictor of eating disorder development. Although not included in DSM-V diagnostic criteria, body image dissatisfaction, and concern are clearly relevant also for individuals with binge-eating disorder (BED). Weight gain anxiety is associated with psychopathological behaviors, but existing research in this area is primarily focused on bulimia nervosa and anorexia nervosa. The goal of this present study was to investigate body image and body mass anxiety in people with BED. Methods: Women diagnosed with BED (n = 105) aged 18 to 66 were surveyed using the questionnaire developed by the authors evaluating the presence of BED symptoms based on DSM-V criteria, and two other instruments: the Body Esteem Scale (BES), and the Body Mass Anxiety Scale (BMAS-20). Statistical analyses were conducted to examine the correlations of BED with body image and body mass anxiety (Pearson’s r), to test differences between groups with greater and lesser BED symptom diversity (Student’s t-test or the Mann–Whitney U test), and to assess differences among mild-, moderate- and severe-BED groups (ANOVA with a post-hoc test). Results: A medium positive relationship was found between anxiety about getting fat (AGF) and the diversity of BED, measured as the number of BED symptoms. A larger number of BED symptoms was shown to be associated with a higher level of AGF. However, no significant differences in AGF levels were observed among BED-severity groups, specified with the frequency of binge eating episodes. No correlations were found between BED and body image. There were also no significant differences in body image between groups with a larger and a smaller number of BED symptoms. The only significant difference in body image observed among BED-severity groups was the level of weight concern. People with mild BED displayed a higher level of weight concern than those with severe BED. Conclusions: Women who binge eat experience high levels of AGF. In the present study, AGF was primarily associated with the number of BED symptoms and not the rate of recurrence of binge-eating episodes. The frequency of BED episodes, however, was linked with weight concern. On the other hand, the hypothesized relationship between disturbed body image and BED was not confirmed. The findings indicate that anxiety about getting fat should be viewed as one of the psychological costs incurred by women experiencing BED symptoms, and it should be mentioned in the next DSM version.

In our paper, we would like to present two cases of treatment of the Achilles tendon ruptures by means of surgical V-Y technique, and implementation of immediate rehabilitation and weight-bearing. V-Y plasty on ruptured tendons was performed. The continuity of the tendon was restored. The sheath of the tendon was stitched together. Dressing was put on; the foot was immobilized in a Walker-type shoe in pes equinus with heel pads and compression underwear. From the first hour after the procedure, the wound area was cooled with a Game Ready device. From the first day after the procedure, both patients were allowed to apply full weight to the limb in the shoe. The crutches were put away as soon as possible. Rehabilitation began right away on the next day; during its course, attempts were made to reduce the use of the shoe to a minimum and to achieve the full range of foot motion as soon as possible. In both patients, the full range of motion was reached approximately 2 weeks after the surgery. The video support for the article is available at: https://youtu.be/bi3xuwOT9vs

This paper presents a photogrammetry-based volume measurement framework for the particle density estimation of Lightweight expanded clay aggregate (LECA). The results are compared with computed tomography (CT) and Archimedes’ method measurements. All of the steps required in order to apply the proposed approach are explained. Next, we discuss how the interpretation of open pores affects the results of volume measurements. We propose to process the shapes obtained from different methods by applying an Ambient Occlusion algorithm with the same threshold, t = 0.175. The difference between the CT and SfM methods is less than 0.006 g/cm3, proving that the photogrammetry-based approach is accurate enough. The Archimedes’ method significantly overestimates the density of the particles. Nevertheless, its accuracy is acceptable for most engineering purposes. Additionally, we evaluate the accuracy of shape reconstruction (in terms of the Hausdorff distance). For 95% of the grain’s surface, the maximum error is between 0.073 mm and 0.129 mm (depending on the grain shape). The presented approach is helpful for measuring the particle density of porous aggregates. The proposed methodology can be utilized in order to estimate intergranular porosity, which is valuable information for the calibration of DEM models.

Measuring orthorexia nervosa is challenging due to the use of various existing tools and problems with sample representativeness. Another challenge for the Polish population is the adaptation of existing research tools and the evaluation of their relevance and research reliability. Our research aimed to adapt the TOS to the Polish language and measure pathological and nonpathological orthorexic behavior among the Polish population. The adaptation of the PL-TOS has high psychometric value and allows us to assess healthy and nervous orthorexia levels. This scale can be used not only for further research but also for diagnostic purposes in the daily work of clinicians and psychologists. Our results obtained in the present study indicate a correlation between TOS and both the use of supplements and diet. Higher TOS, ORTO_R and KZZJ_Diet Restrictions scores were obtained for individuals using dietary supplements than for those not using dietary supplements. In the future, it is worth conducting research aimed at various risk groups of individuals with orthorexia to confirm the psychometric properties of this adaptation of the TOS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Multiple myeloma (MM) is a malignancy derived from plasma cells. Bortezomib affects the concentration of reduced glutathione (GSH) and the activity of glutathione enzymes. The aim of our study was to analyze deletion (null/present) variants of GSTT1 and GSTM1 genes and their association with the levels of glutathione and its enzymes in bortezomib-treated cell cultures derived from MM patients. Materials and Methods: This study included 180 individuals (80 MM patients and 100 healthy blood donors) who were genotyped via multiplex PCR (for the GSTT1/GSTM1 genes). Under in vitro conditions, MM bone marrow cells were treated with bortezomib (1–4 nM) to determine apoptosis (via fluorescence microscopy), GSH concentration, and activity of glutathione enzymes (via ELISA). Results: Bortezomib increased the number of apoptotic cells and decreased the activity of S-glutathione transferase (GST) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). We found significant differences in GST activity between 1 nM (GSTT1-null vs. GSTT1-present), 2 nM (GSTT1-null vs. GSTT1-present), and 4 nM (GSTM1-null vs. GSTM1-present) bortezomib: 0.07 vs. 0.12, p = 0.02; 0.06 vs. 0.10, p = 0.02; and 0.03 vs. 0.08, p = 0.01, respectively. Conclusions: Bortezomib affects the activities of GST and GPx. GST activity was associated with GSTT1 and GSTM1 variants but only at some bortezomib doses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wojciech Styk,1 Szymon Zmorzyński,2 Waldemar Klinkosz3 1Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland; 2Department of Cancer Genetics with Cytogenetic Laboratory, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland; 3Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Christian Philosophy, Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University in Warsaw, Warsaw, PolandCorrespondence: Wojciech StykInstitute of Psychology, The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Al. Raclawickie 14, Lublin 20-950, PolandTel +48 78 122 2630Email wojciech.styk@gmail.comBackground: The extreme lack of perseverance in obese and overweight people is mainly associated with difficulties in holding back irrelevant thoughts or memories. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between body image and perseverance.Methods: The research was carried out amongst a cohort of 135 people with normal and overweight/obese body weight. The criterion determining body image in the study participants was an index in the form of a subjective assessment of body weight (too low/correct/too high). Perseverance was determined using a website with simple maze tasks. For the assessment of one’s nutritional status, the applied body mass index (BMI) was utilized. For the statistical analysis, the Student’s t-test and the r-Pearson correlation were used.Results: Respondents with a normal BMI were more persistent in performing the tasks, in comparison with those who possessed a BMI above the normal range. There was a positive correlation between the average time spent on one task and the BMI. People in either group of normal BMI or with an overweight BMI, who assessed their body weight as too high, had lower results of analyzed perseverance indicators than those who assessed their body weight as normal.Conclusion: This is the first study analyzing the relationship between body image with perseverance. Our results showed that perseverance is associated with body image. There was a correlation between the distractor resistance index and BMI. Lower results of analyzed perseverance indexes were observed in people perceiving their body weight as too high and not necessarily overweight.Keywords: body image, perseverance, overweight, obesity, BMI, stereotypes

Corticotroph pituitary adenomas commonly cause Cushing’s disease (CD), but some of them are clinically silent. The reason why they do not cause endocrinological symptoms remains unclear. We used data from small RNA sequencing in adenomas causing CD (n = 28) and silent ones (n = 20) to explore the role of miRNA in hormone secretion and clinical status of the tumors. By comparing miRNA profiles, we identified 19 miRNAs differentially expressed in clinically functioning and silent corticotroph adenomas. The analysis of their putative target genes indicates a role of miRNAs in regulation of the corticosteroid receptors expression. Adenomas causing CD have higher expression of hsa-miR-124-3p and hsa-miR-135-5p and lower expression of their target genes NR3C1 and NR3C2. The role of hsa-miR-124-3p in the regulation of NR3C1 was further validated in vitro using AtT-20/D16v-F2 cells. The cells transfected with miR-124-3p mimics showed lower levels of glucocorticoid receptor expression than control cells while the interaction between miR-124-3p and NR3C1 3′ UTR was confirmed using luciferase reporter assay. The results indicate a relatively small difference in miRNA expression between clinically functioning and silent corticotroph pituitary adenomas. High expression of hsa-miR-124-3p in adenomas causing CD plays a role in the regulation of glucocorticoid receptor level and probably in reducing the effect of negative feedback mediated by corticosteroids.

In the case of the energy sector (including mining companies) and the implementation of their development projects, it is necessary to obtain a social license to operate for a given project, which is associated with the involvement of various groups of stakeholders in the project and should be consistent with the company’s strategy. The basis for obtaining permission to operate is to conduct a stakeholder mapping process. Such an analysis will aid effective dialogue with all stakeholders and guide appropriate relationship building. The aim of this paper is to present the authors’ method of stakeholder mapping, which is an independent methodical idea that can be implemented in any enterprise. This paper comprehensively presents this algorithm, starting with the identification of stakeholder groups, through the determination of their level of interest and influence, ending with the construction of a matrix indicating the necessity of undertaking specific communication activities. Finally, the implementation of the created method in the form of a real business project is presented, the advantages are pointed out, and the possibilities and determinants of further development of this algorithm are presented. This method is proposed to companies from the energy sector, including those mining energy resources, as companies that have a significant impact on their social and environmental environment.

The Early Iron Age site in Bánovce nad Bebravou, Biskupice-Keblov II (western Slovakia) was excavated by Archaeological Agency in 2014. During the excavation, there was found a feature connected with spinning and weaving - one of the important activities of Early Iron Age people, which penetrated to various spheres of life. This paper concerns short evaluation of the site with spatial analyses and reconstruction of the so-called workshop feature and its respective activities. The spatial analysis is evaluated by applying virtual space. The procedure is based on 3D reconstruction of individual features and creating of possible solutions in relation to original record. Part of this procedure was based on abstract visualization from archaeological record and second part used data from 3D photogrammetry. Results includes among visualization and space distribution of individual features, possible interior proportion and hut structure which could be used in this case. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current state and development of land degradation processes based on soil monitoring system in Slovakia is evaluated in this contribution. Soil monitoring system in Slovakia is consistently running since 1993 year in 5-years repetitions. Soil monitoring network in Slovakia is constructed using ecological principle, taking into account all main soil types and subtypes, soil organic matter, climatic regions, emission regions, polluted and non-polluted regions as well as various land use. The result of soil monitoring network is 318 sites on agricultural land in Slovakia. Soil properties are evaluated according to the main threats to soil relating to European Commission recommendation for European soil monitoring performance as follows: soil erosion and compaction, soil acidification, decline in soil organic matter and soil contamination. The most significant change has been determined in physical degradation of soils. The physical degradation was especially manifested in compacted and the eroded soils. It was determined that about 39% of agricultural land is potentially affected by soil erosion in Slovakia. In addition, slight decline in soil organic matter indicates the serious facts on evaluation and extension of soil degradation processes during the last period in Slovakia. Soil contamination is without significant change for the time being. It means the soils contaminated before soil monitoring process this unfavourable state lasts also at present.

Oxidative stress and systemic inflammation are closely linked with increased risk of cancer development. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) is one of the pro-inflammatory cytokines. Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are enzymes involved in oxidative stress handling. Polymorphisms of genes encoding mentioned molecules may potentially influence the risk and the outcome in neoplastic diseases. Multiple myeloma (MM) is a hematological malignancy characterized by clonal, atypical plasma cell proliferation. In the present study we investigated the association of deletion polymorphisms in GSTT1/GSTM1 genes and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the TNF-α gene at positions −308/−238 with the risk and outcome in MM and sensitivity to bortezomib under in vitro conditions. One hundred newly diagnosed MM patients and 100 healthy blood donors were genotyped by means of multiplex PCR (for GSTs) and PCR-RFLP (for TNF-α). In a subgroup of 50 MM patients, bone marrow cells were treated with bortezomib in vitro. Patients with −238GA+AA or GSTT1-null genotypes had 2.0 (p = 0.002) or 2.29 (p = 0.013) fold increased risk of MM. The interaction effects and risk of MM were observed in GSTT1/GSTM1-null (OR = 2.82, p = 0.018), −308/−238GA+AA (OR = 5.63, p < 0.001), as well as in all combinations of −308 with GSTs. The −308/−238GA+AA genotypes in comparison to GG were associated with earlier MM onset−61.14 vs. 66.86 years (p = 0.009) and 61.72 vs. 66.52 years (p = 0.035), respectively. Patients with GSTM1-present had shorter progression-free-survival (15.17 vs. 26.81 months, p = 0.003) and overall-survival (22.79 vs. 34.81 months, p = 0.039) compared with GSTM1-null. We did not observe relationship between response rate and studied polymorphisms. The in vitro study revealed significantly higher number of apoptotic cells at 12 nM of bortezomib in GSTT1-present, GSTM1-null/present, −308GG and −238GG/GA+AA genotypes. Our findings comprise large analysis of studied polymorphisms in MM.