Socio-demographic determinants of the acceptance of systemic connective tissue diseases

Introduction: Socio-demographic forecasts indicate a stable increase in the population of elderly people, which gives rise to the need to examine the relationship between the acceptance of chronic illness and socio-demographic variables not only in terms of subjective negative emotions but also because of possible social consequences. The acceptance of a chronic disease is determined by factors related to its character including its severity and the discomfort it brings about but also by factors connected with the patient that is socio-demographic determinants. Objective: The objective of the study was to examine the relationship between socio-demographic variables and the acceptance of a chronic disease of locomotive organs. Material and methods: The study was conducted in the group of 150 patients diagnosed with a systemic connective tissue disease during its stable phase. A socio-demographic questionnaire as well as a standardised Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS) adapted by Juszczyński were applied in the study. The study was conducted in accordance with the recommendations of the Declaration of Helsinki. Results: In the group of 150 patients suffering from a systemic connective tissue disease the percentage of women was higher than the percentage of men (60.7% vs. 39.3%). The indicator of the acceptance of illness in the group examined reached 24.5 ±7.5. The strongest correlation was found between the acceptance level and married probants (eta = 0.26; p = 0.01), high education (eta = 0.24; p = 0.04) and working activity (eta = 0.20; p = 0.01). Conclusions: Socio-demographic factors which determine the level of illness acceptance include age, marital status, education and the source of income. The acceptance of illness in the examined group of patients with systemic connective tissue diseases reached 24.5

Determinants of air transport development

PURPOSE: The study aims to systematize the most important events and processes that determined the progress in the development of air transport. It serves to clarify the research methodology, the importance of globalization and competition, relationships, stimulators and alliances in the process of gaining advantages on the passenger air transport market.DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The configuration and scope of the research process were based on the available literature, statistical data, empirical calculations, interviews, opinions, experiences of scientists and representatives of airlines and airports. The methodology of the effectiveness of the impact of market rules in the conditions of liberalization and globalization was also used, as well as gaining a leading position in the conditions of competition and the search for economic efficiency.FINDINGS: The need to supply high-quality expected services, maintain permanent ties with former and current customers (loyalty programmes), apply incentives, promotions, discounts and awards, determining the dimensions of passenger movement between traditional and low-cost carriers, has been demonstrated.PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Reliability, comprehensiveness and universality of research become an absolute requirement for the effectiveness of analyzes and assessments. The universal research methodology presented in the study can be used in any field and in relation to any entity of transport activity.ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The research methodology adopted allows for comprehensive research, both theoretical and pragmatic. It also extends the effective search for the desired solutions. In order to gain a competitive advantage in air transport, it is necessary to improve the quality of services and service in all phases of the transport process, as well as to expand and tighten loyalty relations with customers.peer-reviewe

Ancillary revenues in air transport in the conditions of globalization

PURPOSE: Presentation of the methodology of shaping the mechanism and assessment of the effectiveness of the application of off-ticket income system in air transport.METHODOLOGY: In the study of the issues raised, the method of analyzing the available literature, statistical data, modern instruments of competition, rules of the aviation market and the results of empirical research, verified by the conducted audit, interviews with passengers and staff at airports, representatives of airlines, scientists and local administration was used.FINDINGS: In a situation of exhaustion of reserves related to both cost reduction and price increase, the importance of expanding the volume of off-ticket services as an effective instrument for improving the efficiency of air transport is growing. This is due to the constantly improving new consumer needs, the satisfaction of which enables them to gain an advantage in the conditions of increasing internal and intersectoral competition.PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The wider range of offering new, sought after by customers of offticket services becomes a key determinant of the improvement of passenger service comfort, enabling more favorable demand management and an increase in profit. This range of initiatives brings about beneficial changes in the entire passenger handling chain, ie in the design phase of the aircraft and air service, transport to the port, handling in port, in transit, handling in the port of destination and the environment of stay.ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The originality of the study of the effectiveness of the application of offticket sheet service implementation system lies in its universality. It can be used in any mode of transport, in any geographical space, for most entities and transport systems of multimodal services, it is a simplified method of identifying the expected results.peer-reviewe

Analysis of trace-elements and toxic heavy metals in honeys from Tlemcen Province, north-western

Eighteen honeys collected from various botanical and geographical sources in Tlemcen Province (north-western Algeria) were studied to determine the presence of the following fifteen trace elements and heavy metals: K, Na, Ca, Mg, Mn, Cu, Fe, Zn, V,  Cr,  Co, As,   Cd, Pb and W. Element determination was performed by inductively  coupled  plasma- mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), after digestion, by concentrated nitric acid using microwave mineralizer. The most abundant minerals were K, Ca, Mg and Na ranging within 153-989 mg/kg, 33.1-377 mg/kg, 69.1-162 mg/kg and 13.3-146 mg/kg, respectively. Fe was the most abundant heavy metal followed by Mn, Zn and Cu while Cr, Co, V, W, As, Cd and Pb were the lowest trace elements detected at level < 1 mg/kg in the honey samples surveyed. The variation in the mineral content in the honey samples studied is probably due to geochemical and geographical differences. Multivariate methods were used in order to classify honey samples according to their mineral content. The present study revealed that honeys collected from the various beekeepers apiaries of Tlemcen Province were not contaminated with toxic trace elements and therefore poses no threat to consumers

Influence of the Probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM and Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 on Proteolysis Patterns of Edam Cheese

Svrha je ovoga rada bila odrediti sposobnost preživljavanja probiotičkih bakterija Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM i Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 u siru tipa Edam, te ispitati njihov utjecaj na proteolizu parakazeina i promjenu aktiviteta vode tijekom zrenja sira. Dodatak je probiotičkih kultura L. acidophilus NCFM i L. rhamnosus HN001 neznatno utjecao na kemijski sastav sira, ali ta promjena nije bila statistički značajna. Vrijednosti su se pH mijenjale ovisno o broju bakterija Lactobacillus (R=-0,807) i udjelu dušikovih spojeva topljivih u fosfovolframovoj kiselini (R=0,775). Nakon deset tjedana zrenja najveći je udjel dušikovih spojeva topljivih u trikloroctenoj kiselini izmjeren u siru koji je sadržavao L. rhamnosus HN001 (11,87 %), a nešto manji u siru koji je sadržavao L. acidophilus NCFM (7,60 %), te u kontrolnom uzorku (6,24 %). Najveći je udjel dušikovih spojeva topljivih u fosfovolframovoj kiselini izmjeren u siru s L. acidophilus NCFM (3,48 %), a najmanji u kontrolnom uzorku (2,24 %) nakon deset tjedana zrenja. Udjel je dušikovih spojeva topljivih u fosfovolframovoj (R=-0,813) ili trikloroctenoj (R=-0,717) kiselini bitno (p<0,05) ovisio o broju preživjelih probiotičkih bakterija. Aktivitet je vode (aw) bio izrazito povezan s udjelom dušikovih spojeva topljivih u fosfovolframovoj kiselini (R=-0,824) i brojem preživjelih bakterija (R=-0,728). U svim je ispitanim sirevima bio prisutan velik broj bakterija L. rhamnosus HN001 i L. acidophilus NCFM tijekom deset tjedana zrenja.The objective of this study is to determine the viability of Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM and Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 in Edam cheese as well as the effect of probiotic bacteria on paracasein proteolysis and changes in the water activity during ripening. The use of probiotics L. rhamnosus HN001 and L. acidophilus NCFM in Edam cheese slightly changed its chemical composition, but the change was not significant. The pH values were significantly correlated with the changes in Lactobacillus count (R=–0.807) and the level of phosphotungstic acid-soluble nitrogen compounds in total nitrogen (PTA-SN/TN) (R=0.775). After 10 weeks of ripening, the highest level of trichloroacetic acid-soluble nitrogen compounds in total nitrogen (TCA-SN/TN) was observed in the cheese containing L. rhamnosus HN001 (11.87 %) and slightly lower level in the cheese containing L. acidophilus NCFM (7.60 %) and control cheese (6.24 %). The highest level of PTA-SN/TN fraction was noted in cheese containing L. acidophilus NCFM (3.48 %) but the lowest level was observed in control cheese (2.24 %) after ten weeks of ripening. The changes in the levels of PTA-SN/TN (R=–0.813) and TCA-SN/TN (R=–0.717) fractions were signifi cantly (p<0.05) correlated with the viability of probiotic counts. Water activity (aw) strongly correlated with the PTA-SN/TN level (R=–0.824) and bacteria viability (R=–0.728). All of the analyzed cheeses were characterized by high counts of L. rhamnosus HN001 and L. acidophilus NCFM during ten weeks of ripening

Opłacalność działalności turystycznej w gospodarstwach agroturystycznych środkowo-wschodniej Polski

The study was conducted in 2012 and included 30 farms located in three districts (ostrowski, siemiatycki, parczewski). The analyses included the utilisation of agrotouristic accommodation facilities in 2011 and the economic effects of such tourism activities. The results indicate that the volume of accommodation in the surveyed households was not large. In none of the households the number of guest rooms has exceed 5 and the adequate accommodation volume ranged from 6 to 20. The utilisation of accommodation averaged at 4.8%. Its highest value was recorded in the parczewski district (5.66%). The "market penetration" indicator was in the range between -9.6% and 17.53%, and in 17 agrotouristic farms (56.7%) it had a negative value. Average annual revenue from tourism was 9524.92 PLN and it was the highest in the parczewski district (11,344.52 PLN). The value of POR indicator amounted between 29,78 to 65,74 PLN, and respectively the value of PAR indicator: 0,49-5,63 PLNBadania przeprowadzono w 2012 roku w 30 gospodarstwach agroturystycznych, zlokalizowanych w 3 powiatach (ostrowskim, siemiatyckim i parczewskim). Analizowano wykorzystanie miejsc noclegowych w gospodarstwach oraz efekty ekonomiczne działalności turystycznej w 2011 roku. Uzyskane wyniki wskazują, że baza noclegowa w badanych gospodarstwach była niewielka. W żadnym gospodarstwie liczba pokoi gościnnych nie przekraczała 5, a liczba miejsc noclegowych zawierała się w przedziale od 6 do 20. Współczynnik wykorzystania miejsc noclegowych wynosił średnio 4,8%. Najwyższą jego wartość zanotowano w powiecie parczewskim (5,66%). Wskaźnik "market penetration" kształtował się w granicach od -9,6% do + 17,53%, przy czym w 17 gospodarstwach (56,7%) posiadał wartość ujemną. Roczny dochód z turystyki w gospodarstwie wynosił średnio 9524,92 zł i był największy w powiecie parczewskim (11344,52 zł). Dochód uzyskany z jednego sprzedanego miejsca (POR) wahał się w granicach 29,78-65,74 zł, a dochód przypadający na jedno dostępne miejsce (PAR) - 0,49-5,63 z

Assessment of the influence of selected developmental parameters in newborns on impoper daily blood pressure variability in hypertensive children

Wstęp Nadciśnienie tętnicze jest ważnym problemem zarówno u dzieci, jak i u dorosłych. Czynnikiem pogarszającym rokowanie i kliniczny przebieg choroby jest nieprawidłowa dobowa zmienność ciśnienia tętniczego. W świetle "płodowej teorii początku nadciśnienia tętniczego" ocena rozwojowych parametrów u noworodków może ułatwić identyfikację dzieci potencjalnie zagrożonych wysokim ryzykiem sercowo-naczyniowym, związanym z nieprawidłową zmiennością ciśnienia na wczesnym etapie choroby. Celem pracy była ocena wpływu wybranych parametrów biologicznych u noworodków związanych z występowaniem nieprawidłowej dobowej zmienności ciśnienia u dzieci z pierwotnym nadciśnieniem tętniczym. Materiał i metody W modelu epidemiologicznego badania kliniczno-kontrolnego retrospektywnej analizie poddano 106 historii chorób dzieci w średnim wieku 15,4 &plusmn; 2,0 roku z rozpoznanym pierwotnym nadciśnieniem tętniczym. Grupę badaną stanowiło 58 dzieci z nieprawidłową dobową zmiennością ciśnienia tętniczego (non-dippers), grupę kontrolną 48 dzieci z prawidłową dobową zmiennością ciśnienia (dippers). Analizę statystyczną przeprowadzono z wykorzystaniem procedur dostępnych w oprogramowaniu EpiInfo 6,0. Wyniki Nie zaobserwowano wpływu małej masy i długości urodzeniowej ciała, złego stanu noworodka według skali Apgar i wcześniactwa na występowanie nieprawidłowej dobowej zmienności ciśnienia tętniczego u dzieci z nadciśnieniem. Dzieci z grupy non-dippers charakteryzowały się znamiennie statystycznie większą średnią masą i długością urodzeniową ciała w porównaniu z dziećmi z grupy dippers, odpowiednio: 3343,5 &plusmn; 532,5 g i 3024,4 &plusmn; 611,4 g oraz 55,4 &plusmn; 3,0 cm i 52,1 &plusmn; 3,5 cm. Rodzinne nadciśnienie tętnicze nie zwiększało ryzyka występowania nieprawidłowej zmienności ciśnienia tętniczego: OR = 0,88 (95% CI: 0,35-2,23, p > 0,05). Wnioski Otrzymane wyniki sugerują brak wpływu noworodkowych wskaźników biologicznych, takich jak mała masa i długość urodzeniowa ciała, zły stan noworodka według skali Apgar i wcześniactwo na występowanie nieprawidłowej dobowej zmienności ciśnienia tętniczego u dzieci z pierwotnym nadciśnieniem. Bardziej precyzyjne określenie zależności między rozwojowymi parametrami noworodkowymi a zmiennością ciśnienia u dzieci z pierwotnym nadciśnieniem tętniczym wymaga dalszych obserwacji klinicznych.Background Hypertension is an important problem both in children and adults. Improper blood pressure (BP) variability deteriorates the clinical outcome and progress of hypertension. In the light of theory of "fetal origins of hypertension", the estimation of developmental neonatal parameters may identify the group of children with increased cardio-vascular risk related to improper BP variability in the early stage of hypertension. The aim of the study was to assess the infuence of selected neonatal biological parameters on improper daily blood pressure variability in hypertensive children. Material and methods The project was conducted retrospectively as a case-control study in 106 children (aged 15.4 &plusmn; 2.0) with primary hypertension. The study group included 58 children with improper BP variability ("non-dippers") and 48 "dippers" as the control group. The statistical analysis was performed with EpiInfo 6,0 procedures. Results No influence of low birth weight, low birth lenght, low Apgar score and prematurity on improper daily blood pressure variability in hypertensive children was observed. However, "non-dippers" had statistically significantly higher average birth weight and birth lenght than "dippers", adequately: 3343.5 &plusmn; 532.5 g vs. 3024.4 &plusmn; 611.4 g and 55.4 &plusmn; 3.0 cm vs. 52.1 &plusmn; 3.5 cm. Family history of hypertension did not increase the risk of "non-dipping": OR = 0.88 (95% CI: 0.35-2.23, p > 0.05)

EWD-P as an example of a “The Best of Good Practice” project, Journal of Telecommunications and Information Technology, 2006, nr 2

The European Document Exchange System – Poland (EWD-P), developed by Rodan Systems SA is one of the most modern electronic document exchange systems in European Union. EWD-P is a workflow system that facilitates decision-making within the state bureaucratic system, with a special brief to work out official Polish government standpoints on numerous legislative issues constantly arising within the EU. The EWD-P project has created an effective platform for electronic exchange of documents related to the EU legislative process. The intelligent workflow management functionality aims to support a complex flow of documents through the meanders of the central government administration. The EWD-P system includes a high-level classification of documents using an artificial intelligence technique for document categorization. The EWD-P system simplifies interaction between ministerial departments involved in elaboration of a final common position and facilitates a more efficient organization of work within government and other public administration institutions involved in the EU legislative process

Pentosidine, advanced glycation end product, in acute ischaemic stroke patients with and without atrial rhythm disturbances

Atrial fibrillation (AF) and atherosclerotic disease are independent risk factors for acute ischaemic stroke (AIS). The optimal biological marker which could allow differentiation between AF and non-AF AIS patients is still not available.Aim of the study. Aim of the present study was to investigate the role of pentosidine as a potential biological marker for AF in an AIS patient group.Materials and methods. Sixty-three acute ischaemic hemispheric stroke patients were recruited and divided into two groups according to the presumed underlying mechanism: with or without atrial rhythm disorders. Ten healthy volunteers were a reference group for serum level of pentosidine. Carotid artery ultrasound was performed, and common carotid artery stiffness and intima-media thickness were measured. Serum levels of pentosidine and selected routine biochemical risk factors for atherosclerosis (cholesterol and its lipoprotein fractions, homocysteine) were examined.Results. A higher serum level of pentosidine was observed in patients without atrial fibrillation (1,509 ± 485.13pmol/ml); a statistically significant difference was observed compared to the reference group (1,041.52 ± 411.17pmol/ml; p = 0.01), but not the AF patients (1,438.19 ± 495.97pmol/ml; p = 0.59). No significant difference in the non-AF group compared to the AF group for carotid intima-media thickness (IMT)/stiffness and pentosidine serum level was recorded.Conclusions and clinical implications. A higher serum level of pentosidine was observed in AIS patients without atrial fibrillation compared to the healthy volunteers. According to the results of the present study, no difference between these patients in the selected risk factors of atherosclerosis were observed. Further studies are needed to identify a reliable marker of AF that would bring added value to the standard diagnostic workup after acute ischaemic stroke

Selected factors determining the development of the tourist services market in Poland

PURPOSE: The aim of the study is to characterize and systematize selected determinants of the development of the tourist services market in Poland. It is used to present various concepts of factors, connections and stimulators of the tourism market.DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The configuration and scope of the research process were based on available literature, statistical data, empirical calculations, and experiences of scientists dealing with the tourism market. The research results of the Central Statistical Office, the Polish Economic Institute,etc. were used.FINDINGS: The need for actions to improve the functioning of the tourism market has been demonstrated, including: limiting seasonality in tourist traffic, increasing the consumption of tourist services by foreign tourists, technological innovations in the field of digitization and "big data", etc.PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The necessity, comprehensiveness and universality of research are becoming a modern requirement for the effectiveness of analyzes of the functioning of the tourism market. The issue of the impact of selected factors in the development of the tourism market in Poland presented in the study is aimed at: increasing its competitiveness compared to other countries in Europe and the world, increasing the tax revenues of the state budget from tourism, increasing the share of tourism in GDP.ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The adopted course of analysis of the impact of selected factors in the development of the tourism market shows a further need to conduct comprehensive research, both theoretical and practical. In order to gain a competitive advantage in the development of the tourism market, activities for its development in the field of new technologies, e.g. digitization and "big data" calculations, should be strengthened.peer-reviewe