SCHOOL AND AFTER-SCHOOL INTERESTS TAKEN UP BY THE DEPENDENTS OF FOSTER CARE FACILITIES (ON THE EXAMPLE OF LUBELSKIE VOIVODESHIP)

The subject of the article are school and after school interests popular among the dependants staying both in institutional care facilities as well as in family custody. A significant problem, which should be taken into consideration, is the fact that the research is not carried out among young people being brought up in their own biological families, but only among the foster care pupils what can also affect the types of activities undertaken in their free time both in the school environment and after classes. The aim of the research was to determine how different school and after school interests are shaped among dependents of various forms of foster care and what they are conditioned by. Among the indicators influencing the type of activities taken up by the pupils participating in the research the following were enumerated: environmental factors, namely: location of the facility or the family-type children's home; personal factors including age and gender of the dependents, or institutional factors such as the type of facility in which the research respondent is staying; obtained support and help from both educators and teachers.The material for the article was created as part of the project "Education, levelling developmental and educational deficiencies of children under the care of family-run children’s houses as well as the educational care centre (on the example of the selected poviats of Lubelskie, Świętokrzyskie, Warminsko-Mazurskie voivodeships)". The project was implemented by the Department of Pedagogy of Higher State School in Biała Podlaska. There were used two methods in the research: diagnostic survey and study of individual cases. The following questionnaires were used: proprietary questionnaires for charges, interview questionnaires with educators of educational care centres and family houses, an observation sheet and interviews with coordinators and directors of the examined institutions.  

The self-assessment of the health condition versus personal resources and health behaviors of homeless people

Cel pracy. Celem pracy była analiza zależności między samooceną stanu zdrowia badanych osób bezdomnych a ich zasobami osobistymi oraz zachowaniami zdrowotnymi. Materiał i metody. Badania przeprowadzono w okresie od listopada 2016 r. do marca 2017 r. w sześciu ośrodkach dla bezdomnych w Polsce. Do zebrania danych wykorzystano: oryginalne kwestionariusz autorski, profil zdrowia Nottingham (NHP), inwentarz zachowań zdrowotnych (IZZ), wielowymiarowe umiejscowienie kontroli zdrowia (MHLC) oraz ogólną skalę poczucia własnej skuteczności (GSES). Badania przeprowadzono wśród grupy 58 osób bezdomnych Analizę danych przeprowadzono metodą t-Studenta, test U Manna - Whitneya i korelację rho Spearmana. Poziom istotności został przyjęty jako równy p=0.005. Wyniki Osiągnięte wyniki wykazały, że osoby bezdomne oceniają swój stan zdrowia jako średni lub wskazując jakość lepszą niż średnia. Mimo to osoby te wskazują niższe wartości wskaźników zachowań zdrowotnych niż średnie wartości w grupie normalizacyjnej. Właściwe nawyki żywieniowe, zachowania profilaktyczne i korzystne dla zdrowia praktyki znacznie rzadziej dotyczą osób bezdomnych niż pozostałych osób. Bezdomni deklarują poczucie zewnętrznej kontroli nad swoim zdrowiem a także niskie poczucie skuteczności. Osoby z niskim poczuciem własnej skuteczności czuły się bardziej wyobcowane niż osoby z wysokim poczuciem własnej skuteczności. Wnioski. Z punktu widzenia zdrowia osoby bezdomne wymagają profesjonalnej pomocy wielu przeszkolonych specjalistów, takich jak na przykład pielęgniarki. Istotne jest wzmacnianie poczucia skuteczności bezdomnych oraz kształtowanie pozytywnych nawyków zdrowotnych.Aim. The goal of the paper was to analyze the convergence between the self-assessment of health condition and personal resources as well as health behaviors of homeless people. Material and methods. The research has been carried out between November 2016 and March 2017 in six centers for the homeless in Poland. The following have been used to collect data from a group of 58 homeless people: an original survey, Nottingham Health Profile (NHP), Health Behavior Inventory (IZZ), Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC), and General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES). The data analysis has been carried out with the use of the t-Student method, Mann-Whitney U test, and Spearman’s rho correlation. The level of significance has been accepted as a=0.05. Results. The achieved results have showed that homeless people assess their health condition as average or indicating a quality better than average. Despite that, these people indicate lower values of health behavior indicators than the average values of the normalization group. Proper eating habits, prophylactic behaviors, and health beneficial practices apply to homeless people much more rarely. Homeless people declare a sense of an external control over their health and a low sense of efficacy. People with a lower sense of own efficacy felt more socially alienated, whereas those with a higher sense of own efficacy were characterized by a higher positive mental attitude. Conclusions. In terms of their health, homeless people require professional help of many trained specialists, such as for example nurses

Development of the VISAGE enhanced tool and statistical models for epigenetic age estimation in blood, buccal cells and bones

DNA methylation is known as a biomarker for age with applications in forensics. Here we describe the VISAGE (VISible Attributes through GEnomics) Consortium’s enhanced tool for epigenetic age estimation in somatic tissues. The tool is based on eight DNA methylation markers (44 CpGs), bisulfite multiplex PCR followed by sequencing on the MiSeq FGx platform, and three statistical prediction models for blood, buccal cells and bones. The model for blood is based on six CpGs from ELOVL2, MIR29B2CHG, KLF14, FHL2, TRIM59 and PDE4C, and predicts age with a mean absolute error (MAE) of 3.2 years, while the model for buccal cells includes five CpGs from PDE4C, MIR29B2CHG, ELOVL2, KLF14 and EDARADD and predicts age with MAE of 3.7 years, and the model for bones has six CpGs from ELOVL2, KLF14, PDE4C and ASPA and predicts age with MAE of 3.4 years. The VISAGE enhanced tool for age estimation in somatic tissues enables reliable collection of DNA methylation data from small amounts of DNA using a sensitive multiplex MPS assay that provides accurate estimation of age in blood, buccal swabs, and bones using the statistical model tailored to each tissue

Troska o zdrowie w aspekcie społecznym. Cz. 1

Praca recenzowana / peer-reviewed pape

Specificity of cholesterol and analogs to modulate BK channels points to direct sterol–channel protein interactions

The activity (Po) of large-conductance voltage/Ca2+-gated K+ (BK) channels is blunted by cholesterol levels within the range found in natural membranes. We probed BK channel–forming α (cbv1) subunits in phospholipid bilayers with cholesterol and related monohydroxysterols and performed computational dynamics to pinpoint the structural requirements for monohydroxysterols to reduce BK Po and obtain insights into cholesterol’s mechanism of action. Cholesterol, cholestanol, and coprostanol reduced Po by shortening mean open and lengthening mean closed times, whereas epicholesterol, epicholestanol, epicoprostanol, and cholesterol trisnorcholenic acid were ineffective. Thus, channel inhibition by monohydroxysterols requires the β configuration of the C3 hydroxyl and is favored by the hydrophobic nature of the side chain, while having lax requirements on the sterol A/B ring fusion. Destabilization of BK channel open state(s) has been previously interpreted as reflecting increased bilayer lateral stress by cholesterol. Lateral stress is controlled by the sterol molecular area and lipid monolayer lateral tension, the latter being related to the sterol ability to adopt a planar conformation in lipid media. However, we found that the differential efficacies of monohydroxysterols to reduce Po (cholesterol≥coprostanol≥cholestanol>>>epicholesterol) did not follow molecular area rank (coprostanol>>epicholesterol>cholesterol>cholestanol). In addition, computationally predicted energies for cholesterol (effective BK inhibitor) and epicholesterol (ineffective) to adopt a planar conformation were similar. Finally, cholesterol and coprostanol reduced Po, yet these sterols have opposite effects on tight lipid packing and, likely, on lateral stress. Collectively, these findings suggest that an increase in bilayer lateral stress is unlikely to underlie the differential ability of cholesterol and related steroids to inhibit BK channels. Remarkably, ent-cholesterol (cholesterol mirror image) failed to reduce Po, indicating that cholesterol efficacy requires sterol stereospecific recognition by a protein surface. The BK channel phenotype resembled that of α homotetramers. Thus, we hypothesize that a cholesterol-recognizing protein surface resides at the BK α subunit itself

Association of Lipidome Remodeling in the Adipocyte Membrane with Acquired Obesity in Humans

The authors describe a new approach to studying cellular lipid profiles and propose a compensatory mechanism that may help maintain the normal membrane function of adipocytes in the context of obesity

Single parenthood according to mothers

Cel: Artykuł poświęcony jest analizie opinii matek dotyczących samotnego rodzicielstwa. Istotnym celem badań była próba znalezienia odpowiedzi na pytanie o to, jak samotne matki postrzegają swoje rodzicielstwo. Jak oceniają swoją sytuację oraz jakie wskazują trudności w zakresie samotnego wychowywania dzieci i prowadzenia gospodarstwa domowego. Metody: Badania z wykorzystaniem metody sondażu diagnostycznego i techniki ankiety przeprowadzono w grupie 159 kobiet. Wyniki: W artykule zaprezentowano wyniki badań dotyczących takich kwestii, jak sytuacja ekonomiczna rodzin niepełnych oraz problemy i trudności wynikające z samotnego macierzyństwa. Uzupełnienie artykułu stanowią swobodne wypowiedzi respondentek na temat samotnego rodzicielstwa. Wypowiedzi te uporządkowane zostały w kategorie ukazujące, jak samotne matki postrzegają swoją sytuację życiową. Opinie te podzielono na następujące kategorie: samotne macierzyństwo jako źródło problemów finansowych i wyrzeczeń, samotne macierzyństwo jako źródło dyskryminacji społecznej i problemów związanych ze zbyt niskim poziomem wsparcia dla matek, samotne macierzyństwo jako brak wsparcia ze strony ojca dziecka, samotne macierzyństwo z wyboru, samotne macierzyństwo jako wyzwanie i radość. Wnioski: Na podstawie przeprowadzonych badań można wnioskować, że samotnym matkom brakuje wsparcia dostosowanego do rzeczywistych potrzeb ich samych, jak i ich rodzin. Badania zaprezentowane w niniejszym opracowaniu nie mają charakteru zamkniętego. Nadal prowadzone są wywiady, których celem jest pogłębienie wiedzy na temat funkcjonowania rodzin samotnych matek oraz wypracowanie kierunków pomocy umożliwiającej takie wspieranie kobiet, by nie zakłócać ich podmiotowego funkcjonowania i samodzielnego decydowania o życiu swoim oraz swoich dzieci.Aim: The article concerns the analysis of mothers's opinion regarding single parenthood. The significant purpose of the research was the attempt to find the answer to the question how single mothers perceive their parenthood, how they assess their situation and what kind of difficulties concerning single upbringing of a child and running a household they indicate. Methods: The research based on diagnostic survey method and a questionnaire were conducted within the group of 153 women. Results: The article presents results of the research concerning the economic situation of one-parent families and problems and difficulties resulting from single motherhood. Free comments of respondents concerning single parenthood are supplement information to the article. These comments were arranged according to categories which prove how single mothers perceive their life situation. These opinions were divided into the following categories: single motherhood as the source of financial problems and renunciations, single motherhood as the source of social discrimination and problems concerning insufficient assistance provided to mothers, single motherhood as no father's support, single motherhood by choice, single motherhood as the challenge and happiness. Conclusions: According to the conducted research the following conclusions have been reached: single mothers lack the relevant support adjusted to their own real needs and the needs of their families. The research presented in this article has not been completed, yet. Still, the inquiries are being conducted, the purpose of which is to extend the knowledge regarding existence of single-mother families and to develop the methods of assistance which will provide women with support so that their life and independent decisions concerning themselves and their children would not be interrupted

Can single mothers have free time? Do they want to have it?

The article is an attempt to answer the question how single women bringing up children consider their free time. The research and the analysis of the results have been based on the methodology of grounded theory referred to the nature and assumptions of symbolic interactionism theory and they are a part of the project (Non)independent motherhood. Between reliance on social assistance and becoming independent. The research was conducted in the group of 17 mothers. It involved partially structured qualitative interview. The results prove the significant diversification of perceiving free time by mothers. Based on the conducted interviews, the following categories were identified: intentional free time, “unconscious” free time – time “passing by”, free time is the time of my children, “non-existing” free time

A comparative study of paper's sheets

Celem wykonanej pracy było porównanie składu chemicznego papierów niestarzonych oraz papierów starzonych sztucznie, prześledzenie zmian zachodzących w składzie chemicznym dla stanu wyjściowego i końcowego przy pomocy wybranych metod analitycznych oraz ocena możliwości zastosowania użytych metod do analizy porównawczej badanych próbek papieru oraz oszacowania wieku badanych papierów. Przeprowadzono pomiary dla badanych próbek papieru niestarzonego oraz starzonego (35 dni) przy użyciu takich metod analitycznych jak spektrometria w podczerwieni, fluorescencja rentgenowska oraz spektrometria emisji optycznej z plazmą wzbudzaną indukcyjnie. Na podstawie uzyskanych wyników stwierdzono, że nie można oszacować wieku badanych dokumentów. Otrzymane wyniki pozwalają jednak na wskazanie dwóch grup w badanych próbkach papieru. Do pierwszej należą papiery gdzie wypełniaczem użytym do ich produkcji był węglan wapnia, a do drugiej grupy te, gdzie wypełniaczem był kaolin. Zmiany zachodzące w wyniku przeprowadzonego sztucznego starzenia są trudno zauważalne na widmach IR i XRF. Widoczne są natomiast zmiany w cechach fizycznych papieru. Badania techniką ICP-OES są najbardziej obiecujące, ponieważ uzyskane wyniki wskazują na ubytek masy próbki podczas procesu starzenia.The purpose of this work was to compare the chemical composition of untreated and artificially aged paper, to trace changes in the chemical composition for the initial stage and for the final stage using selected analytical techniques and to assess the applicability of the techniques used for comparative analysis of the paper samples and to estimate the age of the examined papers. Measurements of untreated and aged paper samples were performed using analytical methods such as infrared spectrometry, X-ray fluorescence, and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. Based on the results, it was found that the age of the examined documents cannot be estimated. The obtained results allow to indicate two groups of tested paper samples. The first is the papers where the filler used for their production was calcium carbonate, and to the second group where the filler was kaolin. The changes that occur as a result of artificial aging are hardly noticeable in the IR, and XRF spectra. However, changes in the physical characteristics of paper are evident. The ICP-OES study is most promising because, based on the results, it indicates the loss of sample mass during the aging process

Lobbing as a method of influence to the political decisions.

W poniższej pracy omówiono zagadnienia lobbingu oraz grup nacisku. Głównym jej celem, było ukazanie jaki element demokracji stanowią grupy. Przedstawiono w niej, jakim sposobami dochodzi się do kompromisów i wywiera nacisk na władze polityczne. Omówiono także, w jakim celu powstają grupy i jakie korzyści z uczestnictwa w takich organizacjach czerpią jej członkowie. W pracy uwzględniono także rozwój tych zjawisk na przestrzeni lat. W niniejszej pracy, autor stara się przedstawić lobbing i grupy interesów w sposób pozytywny i uzasadnić, iż są one efektem rozwoju demokratycznego. Zjawisko to postrzegane jest jako naturalny udział obywateli w życiu publicznym.This work discussed the issue of lobbying and pressure groups. Its main purpose was to show which element of democracy constitute groups. It also shows what methods called up to compromises and putting pressure on the political authorities. It discusses what purpose groups are formed and what benefits from participation in such organizations can be derive its members. The work also included the development of these phenomena over the years. The author tries to present lobbying in a positive way and justify that it is the result of democratic development. In this study, This phenomenon is seen as a natural citizen participation in public life