Connecting Competition and Integration. A Concept of New Organizational Framework for Polish Local Bus Transport

At present Polish local bus transport (outside cities) requires radical changes. Up till now solutions based on market deregulation, lack of active transport authorities and a number of operators competing ‘on the road’ have stopped being effective – the decisive factors are rising costs, ever increasing market requirements and related declining incomes. It gives rise to the challenge of joining the existing potential of competing operators to a greater engagement of local authorities which will be forced to finance public service – expanding the transport offer, improvement of quality and subsequently also integration of fares, information and timetables. Another difficulty is that local governments do not possess competences enabling them to create public transport authorities and implement a ‘London’ model, which also succeeds in a number of Polish towns (Wolański, 2008). This paper is dedicated to an attempt to find the optimum solution to the existing problem. It is based on a project carried out at the turn of 2007 and 2008 at the request of Polish Chamber of Road Transport and Forwarding (PIGTSiS), which unites many local bus carriers, mainly deriving from the split of a former state-owned enterprise PKS. The expertise was obtained from a team consisting of: Prof. Olgierd Wyszomirski (head), Krzysztof Grzelec, Ph.D., Hubert Kołodziejski Ph.D., Marcin Gromadzki, Mariusz Józefowicz and Michał Wolański.Institute of Transport and Logistics Studies. Faculty of Economics and Business. The University of Sydne

Videodermoscopy in the Assessment of Patients with Ocular Demodicosis

Introduction: There is growing evidence of the potential uses of dermoscopy in diagnostics of demodicosis. No previous studies have analyzed dermoscopic features in patients with ocular demodicosis. Objectives: To evaluate the potential usefulness of videodermoscopy in diagnostics of ocular demodicosis. Methods: It was a single-center prospective observational study in which results of videodermoscopic examination of the eyelids were compared to the results of classic microscopic examination in patients with suspected ocular demodicosis and healthy volunteers. Results: Study group included 16 women and 15 men. In fifteen (48.4%) patients, microbiological examination of epilated eyelashes was positive. The results of forms filled by the patients concerning known subjective clinical symptoms of ocular demodicosis revealed no significant differences between the group with positive and negative results of microscopic examination. The presence of Demodex tails and madarosis observed during dermoscopic assessment correlated positively with positive results of microscopic examination. At least one Demodex tail was found in 86.7% (13/15) cases with positive results of microscopic examination. In the two remaining cases microscopic evaluation showed the presence of Demodex brevis. In 37.5% (6/16) of patients with negative results of microscopic examination, videodermoscopy showed the presence of Demodex tails. Conclusions: Videodermoscopy may facilitate the diagnostics of ocular demodicosis. Patients reporting clinical symptoms suggesting ocular demodicosis but negative results of videodermoscopic examination should be referred to classical microscopic examination to exclude the presence of Demodex brevis. In patients with negative microscopic examination results and symptoms suggesting ocular demodicosis, dermoscopy-guided microscopic re-evaluation could be considered

Analysis of the possibility of using key-value store NoSQL databases for IFC data processing in the BIM-GIS integration process

The article discusses the possibility of using Redis key-value NoSQL database to process building data in diferent BIM-GIS integration solutions. Whichever data integration model is adopted, it will require an eficient serving of building data in Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) format. The author proposed a method of processing building data in the Redis database to support the process of feeding IFC data to his own concept of an integrated BIM-GIS database. However, other approaches to BIM-GIS integration, including the import of IFC data to CityGML, or the construction of an integrated BIM-GIS solution based on data integration at the application server level or client application in client-server environments, also require an eficient IFC data serving mechanism. This article describes three methods of storing IFC data in a Redis database using diefrent data types and formats. The author conducted performance tests of the proposed methods in the processing of fourteen test BIM models. The article contains detailed results of the model processing tests in the Redis database

A Unified Database Solution to Process BIM and GIS Data

For many years, the objective of spatial databases created using Geographic Information System (GIS) technology was to provide information about large spaces and areas outside of buildings. Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology focused mainly on small spaces, indoor and outdoor, targeted at other users and slightly different applications, was developed simultaneously for several dozen years. The significant development of GIS technology and new tools for quick data acquisition (e.g., laser scanning) and growing user needs resulted in the geoinformation modeling of the space inside buildings as well. BIM, on the other hand, began to be used for increasingly larger spaces outside buildings. Technology developers, users, and scientists started to notice that works turned out to be repetitive and that combining two different technologies is necessary; however, it is not simple. The research presented in the article is another attempt at connecting the world of BIM and GIS. The proposed integrated database environment of BIM/GIS spatial data makes it possible to store GIS and BIM data, enabling the use of the same data by both types of systems simultaneously and in a consistent manner. This allows BIM systems to to obtain simultaneous access to BIM and GIS data, which may be needed in, for example, the process of analyzing a building and its immediate surroundings. At the same time, GIS can obtain up-to-date building data necessary for spatial analyses, building management, or route mapping in navigation applications. The concept proposed in this article assumes a pragmatic approach, which is based on sharing Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) and CityGML schemas from a single database for BIM and GIS applications in their practically original form using an additional integrated BIM-GIS schema, called BIGI-S. The research joins some other works in this field, complementing them and adding a new perspective. This paper describes the concept of this solution, including specific data structures, data conversion algorithms, and a prototype solution. The tests carried out by the authors prove the robustness of the adopted concept and its technical feasibility

Analysis of the possibility of using the IFC model to describe infrastructural objects on selected examples

Standardy wykorzystywane w modelowaniu budynków są dojrzałe, ale aktualnie nie obejmują metod modelowania obiektów infrastrukturalnych. Należy się zatem spodziewać rozszerzenia standardu IFC o nowe klasy obiektów reprezentujących obiekty infrastrukturalne w najbliższym czasie. Zanim jednak to nastąpi będą pojawiały się modele BIM obiektów infrastrukturalnych wykorzystujące dostępne obecnie klasy IFC. Analiza dostępnych autorom modeli BIM obejmujących obiekty infrastrukturalne wykazała, że do budowy modelu są wykorzystywane klasy obiektów stanowiących elementy budynku. W procesie analizy modelu BIM, jak również w procesie integracji danych BIM i GIS należy uwzględnić sytuację, w której klasy obiektów nie będą odzwierciedlały rzeczywistości. Ponadto istniejące już modele BIM obiektów infrastrukturalnych najprawdopodobniej nie zostaną przebudowane po wprowadzeniu rozszerzonego modelu IFC, zatem semantyka tych modeli będzie niepoprawna. Budowa spójnych systemów informacji przestrzennej obejmujących dane pochodzące z modeli BIM musi zatem uwzględniać konieczność translacji klas użytych w tych modelach do ich właściwych odpowiedników.The standards used in Building Information Modelling are mature, but currently they do not include methods for modelling of infrastructural objects. It is expected that the IFC standard will be extended with new classes of objects representing infrastructural objects in the near future. However, before this happens, BIM models of infrastructural objects will appear that will use the currently available IFC classes. The analysis of BIM models available to the authors, including infrastructural objects, showed that the classes of elements of a building are used to build the model. When the BIM model is analysed, as well as when BIM and GIS data are integrated, attention should be paid to such cases when object classes will not reflect the reality. In addition, existing BIM models of infrastructural objects are unlikely to be rebuilt after the introduction of the extended IFC model, so the semantics of these models will be incorrect. Development of coherent spatial information systems including data from BIM models must therefore take into account the need to translate the classes used in these models to their respective counterparts

Landscape information modelling: an important aspect of BIM modelling, examples of cubature, infrastructure, and planning projects

Land Information Modelling (LIM), increasingly popular among landscape architects and urban planners, is based on the use of urban space data that can be obtained from GIS systems. New models of buildings are simultaneously developed in BIM technology. This provokes an increasing need for integration of data from both areas for the use of shared BIM and GIS data in landscape design. The increasing popularity of the BIM technology not only forces designers to develop BIM models of buildings but also other land management objects, including infrastructure objects. Whereas it is possible to develop a model of an infrastructure object in specific BIM tools, the IFC data model for standardised exchange of BIM data does not offer the possibility to record data on objects other than buildings and their furnishings, and elements of land management are treated in a very general way. Transferring such a model by means of the IFC model requires the application of substitute classes of objects that are not relevant to the actual image of the model. Considering the above, the buildingSMART consortium conducts works on the expansion of the IFC model to permit modelling data on infrastructure objects. Provided the availability of valid spatial data from GIS systems and data concerning infrastructure objects already at the stage of design, systemic BIM and LIM can become a powerful landscape design tool based on current data and data concerning designed objects

A Simplified Method of Cartographic Visualisation of Buildings’ Interiors (2D+) for Navigation Applications

This article proposes an original method of a coherent and simplified cartographic presentation of the interior of buildings called 2D+, which can be used in geoinformation applications that do not support an extensive three-dimensional visualisation or do not have access to a 3D model of the building. A simplified way of cartographic visualisation can be used primarily in indoor navigation systems and other location-based services (LBS) applications. It can also be useful in systems supporting facility management (FM) and various kinds of geographic information systems (GIS). On the one hand, it may increase an application’s efficiency; on the other, it may unify the method of visualisation in the absence of a building’s 3D model. Thanks to the proposed method, it is possible to achieve the same effect regardless of the data source used: Building Information Modelling (BIM), a Computer-aided Design (CAD) model, or traditional architectural and construction drawings. Such a solution may be part of a broader concept of a multi-scale presentation of buildings’ interiors. The article discusses the issues of visualising data and converting data to the appropriate coordinate system, as well as the properties of the application model of data

A Case Study on Building Information (BIM) and Land Information (LIM) Models Including Geospatial Data

Landscape information modeling (LIM) is a new trend in spatial projects made using BIM technology. Elements of land development are, not only in the opinion of the authors, just as essential as the element of a building object. In turn, GIS data can be used to model larger areas based on combined data from GIS and BIM models. The lack of the strict integration of BIM and GIS (ISO/TR 23262:2021 covers GIS/BIM interoperability, ISO 19166 is in preparation) prevents the modeling of land development objects, both existing and planned, in many cases. The modeling process using the current and known BIM tools and processes were presented to efficiently develop a model of a building object with its surroundings. Modeling took place using best practices that are collected and used in the Polish reality. The work presents an object-oriented approach to modeling elements of spatial development with the preservation of the so-called occupational hygiene. By applying the above principles, it is possible to develop a “good” LIM model that fits the current trends and developments in BIM

Longitudinal Analysis (1994–2020) of Prevalence and Trends of Underweight in Polish Children

Nutritional status disorders are a worldwide problem. Approximately 5.9 million children under the age of five die each year, and 45% of these deaths are related to malnutrition. The aim of the study was to analyse the prevalence of underweight children aged between 6 and 7 years old, living in the Gdańsk, Poland, in the years 1994–2020. The anthropometric parameters of 67,842 children were analysed. BMI (Body Mass Index) value <5 percentile (pc) was defined as underweight. The BMI value was compared to the WHO (World Health Organization) centile charts and the OLAF (research project PL0080) national reference charts. The prevalence of underweight children in relation to the WHO charts was 1.9%; underweight status was found to be more significant in the group of boys (2.1%) than the group of girls (1.7%) (p < 0.001). According to the OLAF centile charts, the underweight figure among all of the study population was 2.1% and no statistical significance between boys (2.1%) and girls (2.0%) was found (p = 0.670). The occurrence of underweight indviduals in the studied group slightly increased in the years 1994–2020. We found a statistically significant increasing linear trend in the analysis of underweight children in our group (p < 0.001), in group of boys (p < 0.001), but not girls (WHO p = 0.603; OLAF p = 0.787). This points to the need to conduct regular screening systems for children and adolescents

Trend Observations in Home Parenteral Nutrition. Prevalence, Hospitalizations and Costs: Results from a Nationwide Analysis of Health Care Provider Data

Background: The population of patients on home parenteral nutrition (HPN) worldwide is growing. Since only a few counties provide data from national registries long-term observations are valuable to address this specific area of nutrition support. This study is a nationwide analysis determining the trends in the epidemiology of HPN (prevalence, age distribution, death rates), indications for HPN, causes for hospitalizations, and cost analysis of HPN reimbursement in Poland between 2010–2020. Methods: A retrospective analysis of data obtained from the national health fund (NHF) of Poland on adult patients on HPN. Results: The prevalence of adult patients on HPN in Poland in 2020 was 53.26 per million citizens with a 2.99-fold increase and a growing trend observed from 2010. Significant decrease in the percentage of patients between 18–34, 45–54 and an increase in patients between 65–74 and patients over 75 years old was observed. Trend analysis showed an increase in new patients between 65–74 and a decrease between 35–54. Malnutrition (34.28%), postprocedural disorders of the GI tract (19.61%), intestinal malabsorption/other intestinal diseases (20.41%) and GI obstruction due to cancer (17.36% as primary and 23.16% as secondary diagnosis) were mostly reported as the primary indications for HPN. Cancer patients were mostly gastric, ovarian and colon cancer (34.74%, 17.83% and 12.3%). HPN and total health cost reimbursement increase was 2.6 and 2.57—fold respectively. Costs of HPN and total health care costs in 2020 per patient were € 10,015 and € 16,038, respectively. Overall death risk rate during the first year of nutrition was 0.59 with a significant increase in the observation period p-trend < 0.004. A significant increase in the death rate was observed in patients above 75 years old (estimate 1.629, p-trend < 0.030). Cancer, infection, malnutrition and GI symptoms were the most common indications for hospitalizations of HPN patients. The rate of patients with a maximal length of HPN of 5 months in 2010 was 54.9% and was growing up to 78.1% in 2020. Conclusions: The prevalence of HPN in Poland is growing. Trends of age distribution show increasing numbers of patients with more advanced age and shorter survival. Costs of HPN are comparable with other European data