Comparison of Algorithms Classic and Fuzzy Inference on Example of Manager's Personnel Decision Support System

The aim of the study is to compare operation of divalent and fuzzy inference. The article contains describing the theoretical basis of operation of both algorithms and illustrated is to use each of them with a different version of the manager's decision support system. Next is shown knowledge base and accurate inference algorithm and also example of use system of classic inference in practice. The last part of the work is to describe the analysis of the similarities and differences between algorithms and of its conclusions. (original abstract

The results of external quality assessment programme on urine leukocyte and erythrocyte counting in Poland

Introduction: Urine particle analysis is an important diagnostic tool. The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of urine leukocyte (WBC) and erythrocyte (RBC) counting results obtained with manual and automated methods in Polish laboratories participating in the international external quality assessment (EQA) programme. Materials and methods: 1400 WBC and RBC counting results were obtained from 183 laboratories in EQA surveys organised by Labquality (Helsinki, Finland) from 2017 to 2019. The between-laboratory coefficient of variation (CV), the percentage difference between the laboratories\u27 results and target values (Q-score (%)), as well as modified Youden plots were analysed. Results: For automated method groups, the medians of inter-laboratory CVs varied from 14% to 33% for WBC counting and from 10% to 39% for RBC counting. For manual method groups, the medians of CV varied from 53% to 71% (WBC) and from 55% to 70% (RBC), and they were significantly higher, in comparison to CVs for most automated method groups (P < 0.001). The highest percentage of results outside the target limits (36%) and the highest range of Q-score (%) (from - 93% to 706%) were observed for laboratories which participated in the surveys for the first or second time. The percentage of deviating results and the ranges of Q-score decreased with an increased frequency of laboratories’ participation in the surveys. Conclusions: The quality of manual methods of urine WBC and RBC counting is unsatisfactory. There is an urgent need to take actions to improve laboratories’ performance and to increase harmonisation of the results

IMPLEMENTACJA „ŻYJĄCYCH FASAD” NA OSIEDLACH MIESZKANIOWYCH Z WIELKIEJ PŁYTY JAKO ELEMENT ADAPTACJI MIAST DO ZMIAN KLIMATU NA PRZYKŁADZIE WARSZAWY

The ongoing climate changes result in numerous negative effects on the human living environment. For cities it is especially challenging to address the problem of rising air temperatures that lead to stronger and more frequent heat waves. In order to readjust city space to new climate conditions, it is of key importance to research and implement adaptation strategies like nature based solutions (NBS) – actions inspired by nature which are sustainable and effective from the ecological, social and economic perspective. In this article, vines implemented on building walls are presented as an example of a nature based solution that ensures lower air temperature and higher thermal comfort. Studies conducted in a housing area in Warsaw – Bemowo district indicate that there is potential space for implementing the proposed idea and the majority of residents are supportive of it.&nbsp;Postępujące zmiany klimatyczne negatywnie wpływają na środowisko życiowe człowieka. W przestrzeniach miejskich szczególnie uciążliwy jest wzrost temperatury powietrza, który prowadzi do coraz częstszych i intensywniejszych fal upałów. W celu dostosowania przestrzeni miejskich do nowych warunków klimatycznych konieczne jest badanie oraz realizacja działań o charakterze adaptacyjnym, takich jak rozwiązania oparte na przyrodzie (NBS – nature based solutions) – inspirowane naturą, zrównoważone oraz wydajne ekologicznie, społecznie i finansowo. W niniejszym artykule przedstawiono zastosowanie pnączy na ścianach budynków jako przykład rozwiązania opartego na przyrodzie, które prowadzi do obniżenia emperatury powietrza oraz wzrostu komfortu termicznego. Przeprowadzone badania dowodzą, że dla analizowanej przestrzeni osiedlowej w dzielnicy Warszawa-Bemowo istnieje możliwość wprowadzenia proponowanego rozwiązania oraz że jest ono akceptowane przez większość mieszkańców

The effect of Cistus incanus herbal tea supplementation on oxidative stress markers and lipid profile in healthy adults

Background: Oxidative stress and dyslipidemia play a critical role in the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Regular intake of polyphenol-rich diets is associated with a reduced risk of CVDs.Methods: The present study was a pilot study with 24 healthy volunteers and was designed to determine if a 12-week administration of Cistus incanus herbal tea, containing phenolic acids and flavonoids, reduces cardiovascular risk factors including oxidative stress and dyslipidemia in healthy adults. Phenolic compounds profile and antibacterial activity of Cistus incanus infusion were also measured.Results: Herbal infusion led to improvement in lipid profile by increase (D4%, p = 0.033) high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration and decrease triglyceride (D14%, p = 0.013) concentrations. In addition, the Cistus incanus diet was associated with decreased serum concentrations of malondialdehyde (D16%, p &lt; 0.01) and advanced oxidation protein products (D18%, p &lt; 0.001).Conclusions: Cistus incanus administration decreases cardiovascular risk factors including oxidative stress and dyslipidemia and this action supports the idea of using Cistus incanus tea on a daily basis as an effective dietary component for prevention of atherosclerotic CVD

Impact of plant-based diet on lipid risk factors for atherosclerosis

Background: The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of a vegan diet on the serum lipid profile with particular regard to the parameters characterizing the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) fractions in subjects without subclinical atherosclerosis, measured by carotid Doppler ultrasonography. Methods and Results: Forty-two 23 to 38 year old subjects (21 omnivores and 21 vegans) participated in the study. Compared to the omnivores, the vegan subjects were characterized by lower parameters of lipid profile: total cholesterol (p &lt; 0.001), low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol (p &lt; 0.001), non-HDL-cholesterol (p &lt; 0.001), apolipoprotein B (apoB) (p &lt; 0.001) and phospholipids (p &lt; 0.01). Concentration of HDL-cholesterol was apparently similar between groups. Furthermore, the parameters which characterize HDL particles (con­centration of apolipoproteins AI [apoAI] and AII, HDL-phospholipids, LpAI fraction and pre-b1-HDL fraction) were not significantly different between omnivore and vegan subjects. The apoB/apoAI ratio in vegans was lower than in omnivores (p &lt; 0.01). There was no difference between serum concentration of triacylglycerols between omnivores and vegans. The activity of paraoxonase-1 and 8-iso-prostaglandin F2a concentration were also not different between the study groups. Conclusions: We suggest that a vegan diet may have a beneficial effect on serum lipid profile and cardiovascular protection, but it is not associated with changes in HDL composition