Search Results (248)

Background: Primary care overload, limited access to physicians, and rising antimicrobial resistance highlight the role of pharmacists in managing minor ailments such as sore throats. We evaluated pharmacy-based counseling in Poland supported by point-of-care testing and symptomatic therapy. Methods: Multicenter, prospective observational study across 23 community pharmacies. Adults (≥18 years) with sore throat underwent group A streptococcus (GAS) rapid antigen testing. Patients with a positive test result were referred to physicians, while others received pharmacist counseling and ketoprofen throat spray. Standardized questionnaires captured symptom severity, perceived effectiveness, onset/duration, convenience, adherence, and patient-reported outcomes. Results: 142 patients were included. Among ketoprofen users, 98.4% reported improvement, and 75% rated relief ≥8/10. Compared with prior remedies, 88.3% judged ketoprofen more effective, and 86.7% reported faster onset. The spray was convenient for 91.4% of participants; no overdosing occurred. Qualitative feedback emphasized rapid relief, easier swallowing/speaking, and return to daily activities without physician consultation. Conclusions: Polish community pharmacy practice, an integrated sore throat pathway combining point-of-care RADT with structured pharmacist counseling and symptomatic treatment, was feasible, acceptable, and without notable safety concerns. As a pilot, these practice-based findings warrant larger comparative and economic studies to confirm clinical effects and assess potential impact on antibiotic use. Full article

Silicon carbide (SiC) is widely used in high-power, high-frequency, and high-temperature electronic devices due to its excellent physical and chemical properties. However, its high hardness and chemical inertness make it difficult to achieve efficient and damage-free ultra-smooth surface processing with traditional polishing methods. This paper proposes a novel ultrasonic-assistance microarc plasma polishing (UMPP) method for high-quality and high-efficiency polishing of 4H-SiC. This study introduces a novel Ultrasonic-assisted Microarc Plasma Polishing (UMPP) method for achieving high-efficiency, high-quality surface finishing of 4H-SiC. The technique innovatively combines ultrasonic vibration with microarc plasma oxidation in a neutral NaCl electrolyte to overcome the limitations of conventional polishing methods. The UMPP process first generates a soft, porous oxide layer (primarily SiO₂) on the SiC surface through plasma discharge, which is then gently removed using soft CeO₂ abrasives. The key finding is that ultrasonic assistance synergistically enhances the oxidation process, leading to a thicker and more porous oxide layer that is more easily removed. Experimental results demonstrate that UMPP achieves a remarkably high material removal rate (MRR) of 21.7 μm/h while simultaneously delivering an ultra-smooth surface with a roughness (Ra) of 0.54 nm. Compared to the process without ultrasonic assistance, UMPP provides a 21.9% increase in MRR and a 28% reduction in Ra. This work establishes UMPP as a highly promising and efficient polishing strategy for hard and inert materials like SiC, offering a superior combination of speed and surface quality that is difficult to achieve with existing techniques. Full article

Monitoring air pollution remains a significant challenge for both environmental policy and public health, particularly in parts of Eastern Europe where industrial structures are undergoing transition. In this paper, we examine long-term air quality trends in Poland between 1990 and 2023, drawing on multiple sources: satellite observations (from 2019 to 2025), ground-based stations, and official national emission inventories. The analysis focused on sulfur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), and particulate matter (PM₁₀, PM_2.5). Data were obtained from the Sentinel-5P TROPOMI sensor, processed through Google Earth Engine, and monitored by the Chief Inspectorate of Environmental Protection (GIOŚ, Warsaw, Poland) and the National Inventory Report (NIR, Warsaw, Poland), compiled by KOBiZE (The National Centre for Emissions Management, Warsaw, Poland). The results show a decline in emissions. SO₂, for instance, dropped from about 2700 kilotons in 1990 to under 400 kilotons in 2023. Ground-based measurements matched well with inventory data (correlations around 0.75–0.85), but the agreement was noticeably weaker when satellite estimates were compared with surface monitoring. In addition to analyzing emission trends, this study examined the relationship between pollution levels and meteorological conditions across major Polish cities from 2019 to mid-2024. Pearson’s correlation analysis revealed strong negative correlations between temperature and pollutant concentrations, especially for SO₂, reflecting the seasonal nature of pollution peaks during colder months. Wind speed exhibited ambiguous relationships, with daily data indicating a dilution effect (negative correlations), whereas monthly averages revealed positive associations, likely due to seasonal confounding. Higher humidity was consistently linked to higher pollution levels, and precipitation showed weak negative correlations, likely influenced by seasonal weather patterns rather than direct atmospheric processes. These findings suggest that combining different monitoring methods, despite their quirks and mismatches, provides a fuller picture of atmospheric pollution. They also point to a practical challenge. Further improvements will depend less on sweeping industrial reform and more on shifting everyday practices, like how homes are heated and how people move around cities. Full article

Artificial (technical) snow production is an increasingly common practice in alpine regions, yet little is known about its role in shaping microbial communities at the molecular level. In this study, we combined culture-based methods with high-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing and functional trait prediction (FAPROTAX) to investigate bacterial communities across the full technical snowmaking cycle in one of Polish ski resorts. The molecular profiling revealed that technical snow harbors dominant taxa with known cold-adaptation mechanisms, biofilm-forming abilities, and stress tolerance traits (e.g., Brevundimonas, Lapillicoccus, Massilia, with a relative abundance of 2.95, 2.14, 3.38 and 5.61%, respectively). Functional inference revealed a consistent dominance of chemoheterotrophy (up to 38% in relative abundance) and aerobic chemoheterotrophy (up to 36%), with localized enrichment of fermentation (6.9% in cannon filter and 6.5% in sediment) and aromatic compound degradation (3.7% in source waters, 3.8% in cannon filter and 4.6% in sediment). Opportunistic and potentially pathogenic genera (e.g., Acinetobacter, Flavobacterium, Nocardia) persisted in sediments (7.4%, 21.4% and 3.5%) and meltwater (34.9% and 2.31% for the latter two), raising concerns about their environmental reintroduction. Our findings indicate that technical snowmaking systems act as selective environments not only for microbial survival but also for the persistence of molecular traits relevant to environmental resilience and potential pathogenicity. Our study provides a molecular ecological framework for assessing the impacts of snowmaking on alpine ecosystems and underscores the importance of monitoring microbial functions in addition to taxonomic composition. Full article

Background: To overcome the esthetic limitations of dental monolithic zirconia restorations, multichromatic systems were developed to combine improved structural integrity with a natural shade gradient that mimics the optical properties of natural teeth. In response to the clinical demand for time-efficient, i.e., chairside fabrication of zirconia restorations, rapid sintering protocols have become necessary to adjust clinical efficiency along with material performance. This study addresses the challenges of a rapid sintering protocol related to optical performance and phase transformation of the final restoration and the zirconia–cell interaction. Methods: The influence of a rapid sintering protocol on the color stability of the final dental restoration was evaluated by the CIE L*a*b* color space. Phase transformation was assessed through X-ray diffraction analysis. Cellular behavior was evaluated by measuring wettability, the material’s surface energy, and a cell mitochondrial activity assay on human gingival fibroblasts. Results: Optical measurements demonstrated that the total color change in all layers after rapid sintering was above the perceptibility threshold (ΔE* > 1.2), while only the polished enamel layer (ΔE* = 3.01) exceeded the acceptability threshold (ΔE* > 2.7), resulting in a clinically perceptible mismatch. Results of X-ray diffraction analysis, performed for fixed occupancy at Z_0.935Y_0.065O_0.984, revealed that rapid sintering caused a decrease in the cubic (C-) phase and an increase in the total amount of tetragonal (T-) phases. Conventionally sintered zirconia consists of 54% tetragonal (T-) and 46% cubic (C-) phase, whereas in the speed-sintered specimens, an additional T1 phase was detected (T = 49%; T1 = 27%), along with a reduced cubic fraction (C = 24%). Additionally, a small amount of the monoclinic (M) phase is noticed. Although glazing as a surface finishing procedure resulted in increased hydrophilicity, both polished and glazed surface-treated specimens showed statistically comparable cell adhesion and proliferation (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Rapid sintering induced perceptible color changes only in the enamel layer of multichromatic zirconia, suggesting that even layer-specific alterations may have an impact on the overall esthetic outcome of the final prosthetic restoration. Five times higher heating and cooling rates caused difficulty in reaching equilibrium, leading to changes in lattice parameters and the formation of the metastable T1 phase. Full article

Background: Fixed-dose combination medications (FDCs) are recognized methods of increasing adherence to polytherapy in chronic diseases. However, the role of FDCs in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) associated with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) remains uncertain. We designed this study to assess persistence, adherence, and patient satisfaction with FDCs recently introduced to the Polish pharmaceutical market, which contain tamsulosin (an α1-adrenergic receptor antagonist) in combination with solifenacin (a muscarinic receptor antagonist) or dutasteride (a 5-α reductase inhibitor). Methods: The analysis included 50,435 men (67.8 ± 8.8 years old) managed by urologists for BPH-associated LUTS, who had been on combination therapies for at least 3 months. Two study visits, with an interval of 2.1 ± 1.4 months, were conducted between February and December 2024. Results: Single-component drugs (83.1%) were more common forms of therapy compared to FDCs (16.9%). ARAs (α1-adrenergic receptor antagonists) with 5-α reductase inhibitors comprised 70.2%, while ARAs with muscarinic receptor antagonists or β3-adrenergic agonists comprised 29.5%. Persistence with therapy across two visits was 82.0% for single-component drugs and 93.6% for FDCs (p < 0.001); OR = 1.31 (95% CI: 1.02–1.63). Similarly, adherence was better in patients treated with FDCs (96.6% vs. 91.0% at visit 1, p < 0.001; 99.3% vs. 97.9% at visit 2, p < 0.05). Patients prescribed FDCs were satisfied with therapy more often than those prescribed single-component drugs (62.6% and 76.8% vs. 50.6% and 67.5% at visits 1 and 2, respectively; p < 0.001). Conclusions: 1. Combination therapies are still more commonly administered as separate tablets than FDCs in patients with BPH-associated LUTS. 2. The use of FDCs increases short-term satisfaction and persistence with therapy, with a mild effect on adherence. Full article

This study examines the portrayal of Ukrainian refugee women in Polish media, specifically in Gazeta Wyborcza and Rzeczpospolita, over three years of the full-scale Russian–Ukrainian war (24 February 2022–24 February 2025). Using an interdisciplinary approach that combines gender studies, critical discourse analysis, and migration studies, the research aims to identify dominant narratives, stereotypes, and framing strategies in media representations of Ukrainian refugee women. A mixed-methods analysis was conducted, incorporating both qualitative and quantitative techniques. A total of 235 articles were manually examined and categorized using a coding scheme that analyzed attitude of voice (positive, neutral, negative), dominant narratives (e.g., victimhood, resilience, economic impact), descriptors (e.g., hard-working, dependent, caring), and framing strategies (humanitarian, security, economic, cultural). Additionally, the study examined how a range of contextual factors—including political discourse, economic conditions, and social dynamics—influenced the framing and specificity of media coverage related to Ukrainian women refugees in Poland. The findings reveal key trends in the representation of Ukrainian refugee women, including their portrayal as victims, economic contributors, or burdens to society. By analyzing the construction of these narratives, this research contributes to a broader understanding of media-driven stereotypes and their impact on social attitudes and policymaking in Poland. Full article

Efficient and cost-effective biomass logistics remain a significant challenge due to the dynamic and nonlinear nature of supply chains, as well as the scarcity of comprehensive data on this topic. As biomass plays an increasingly important role in sustainable energy systems, managing its complex supply chains efficiently is crucial. Traditional logistics methods often struggle with the dynamic, nonlinear, and data-scarce nature of biomass supply, especially when integrating local and international sources. To address these challenges, this study aims to develop an innovative modular artificial neural network (ANN)-based Biomass Delivery Management (BDM) model to optimize biomass procurement and supply for a fluidized bed combined heat and power (CHP) plant. The comprehensive model integrates technical, economic, and geographic parameters to enable supplier selection, optimize transport routes, and inform fuel blending strategies, representing a novel approach in biomass logistics. A case study based on operational data confirmed the model’s ability to identify cost-effective and quality-compliant biomass sources. Evaluated using empirical operational data from a Polish CHP plant, the ANN-based model demonstrated high predictive accuracy (MAE = 0.16, MSE = 0.02, R² = 0.99) within the studied scope. The model effectively handled incomplete datasets typical of biomass markets, aiding in supplier selection decisions and representing a proof-of-concept for optimizing Central European biomass logistics. The model was capable of generalizing supplier recommendations based on input variables, including biomass type, unit price, and annual demand. The proposed framework supports both strategic and real-time logistics decisions, providing a robust tool for enhancing supply chain transparency, cost efficiency, and resilience in the renewable energy sector. Future research will focus on extending the dataset and developing hybrid models to strengthen supply chain stability and adaptability under varying market and regulatory conditions. Full article

This paper presents a control method for achieving precise robotic contact on complex and curved surfaces in manufacturing and automation. The method combines smooth trajectory planning with contact force control to improve finishing accuracy while reducing processing time. It integrates a Bézier curve with a simplified hexic polynomial implemented through a position-based impedance controller that is enhanced by a novel force corrector unit. The model is referred to as the Adaptive Bézier–Based Impedance Constant Force Controller (ABBIFC), where the Bézier curve length is calculated using Simpson’s rule, and surface orientations are interpolated using quadratic quaternions. A hexic polynomial velocity profile ensures consistent motion speed throughout the process. This method effectively regulates both contact force and positional accuracy, resulting in high-quality surface finishes. Simulation studies and real-time polishing experiments demonstrate the system’s capability to accurately track path, speed, and force, with significantly reduced force errors. This approach advances robotic automation in applications such as polishing, grinding, and other surface finishing tasks by ensuring smooth motion and precise force control. Full article

The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of additive manufacturing parameters, specifically using laser powder bed fusion (LPBF), and surface finishing methods on the corrosion rate and behavior of maraging steel M350 components. Samples were fabricated via LPBF employing varying laser powers (80 W, 100 W, and 120 W) and subsequently subjected to mechanical polishing. Corrosion performance was evaluated through 450 h immersion tests in a 3.5% aqueous NaCl solution and potentiodynamic polarization measurements. Microstructural characterization and surface topography assessments were performed using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), and profilometry. The results demonstrate a strong influence of temperature, manufacturing parameters, and polishing on corrosion processes. At room temperature, higher laser power reduced corrosion rates due to better powder consolidation and lower porosity, whereas at 45 °C, the trend reversed, with the highest corrosion rates observed for samples produced at 120 W. Mechanical polishing significantly reduced surface roughness (Ra from ~7–10 μm to ~0.6–1 μm) but did not improve corrosion resistance; in some cases, it increased corrosion rates, likely due to stress redistribution and exposure of subsurface defects. Potentiodynamic tests confirmed that higher laser power reduced corrosion current density for unpolished surfaces, but polishing increased current density at 80 W more than twofold. The findings indicate that optimizing LPBF process parameters is crucial for improving the corrosion resistance of M350 steel. High laser power (≥120 W) is beneficial at ambient conditions, while lower powers (80–100 W) perform better at elevated temperatures. Mechanical polishing alone is insufficient for enhancing resistance and should be combined with stress-relief and porosity-reduction treatments. These results provide guidelines for tailoring additive manufacturing strategies to ensure reliable performance of M350 steel in chloride-rich environments. Full article

This study investigates the tribological behavior and wear mechanisms of Q235 steel components subjected to abrasive interaction with rice, a critical challenge in agricultural machinery performance and longevity. We employed a comprehensive multi-scale framework, integrating bench-top tribological testing, advanced Discrete Element Method (DEM) coupled with a wear model (DEM-Wear), and detailed surface characterization. Bench tests revealed a composite wear mechanism for the rice–steel tribo-pair, transitioning from mechanical polishing under mild conditions to significant soft abrasive micro-cutting driven by the silica particles inherent in rice during high-load, high-velocity interactions. This elucidated fundamental friction and wear phenomena at the micro-level. A novel, calibrated DEM-Wear model was developed and validated, accurately predicting macroscopic wear “hot spots” on full-scale combine harvester header platforms with excellent geometric similarity to real-world wear profiles. This provides a robust predictive tool for component lifespan and performance optimization. Furthermore, fractal analysis was successfully applied to quantitatively characterize worn surfaces, establishing fractal dimension (Ds) as a sensitive metric for wear severity, increasing from ~2.17 on unworn surfaces to ~2.3156 in severely worn regions, directly correlating with the dominant wear mechanisms. This study offers a valuable computational approach for understanding and mitigating wear in tribosystems involving complex particulate matter, contributing to improved machinery reliability and reduced operational costs. Full article

Additive manufacturing (AM) enables the production of complex components but often results in poor surface quality due to its layer-by-layer deposition process. To improve surface finish, postprocessing methods like abrasive flow machining (AFM) are necessary. However, conventional AFM struggles with achieving uniform polishing in intricate regions, especially at internal corners. This study proposes a liquid metal-driven abrasive flow (LM-AF) strategy designed for polishing complex internal channels in AM parts. By combining experimental and numerical simulations, the research investigates surface roughness variations, particularly focusing on the Sa (Arithmetic Average Surface Roughness) parameter. Experimental results show that conventional AFM leaves significant roughness at internal corners compared to adjacent areas. To address this, a hybrid GA-NN-GA (Genetic Algorithm–Neural Network-Genetic Algorithm) optimization model was developed. The model uses a neural network to predict Sa based on key parameters, with genetic algorithms applied for training and optimization. The optimal process parameters identified include a NaOH concentration of $1\mathrm{m}\mathrm{o}\mathrm{l}/\mathrm{L}$, a voltage of 50 V, abrasive concentration of $10\mathrm{\%}$, and a frequency of 428.3 Hz. With these parameters, LM-AF significantly reduced roughness at internal corners of flow channels, achieving uniformity with Sa values reduced from $25.365 \mathsf{\mu }\mathrm{m}$ to $15.780 \mathsf{\mu }\mathrm{m}$, from 22.950 $\mathsf{\mu }\mathrm{m}$ to $15.718 \mathsf{\mu }\mathrm{m}$, and from $10.933 \mathsf{\mu }\mathrm{m}$ to $10.055 \mathsf{\mu }\mathrm{m}$, outperforming traditional AFM methods. Full article

With the increasing demand for high-performance ceramic guideways in precision industries, accurate flatness measurement of large-scale, rough ceramic surfaces remains challenging. This paper proposes a novel method combining oblique-incidence laser interferometry and sub-aperture stitching to overcome limitations of conventional techniques. The oblique-incidence approach enhances interference signal strength on low-reflectivity surfaces, while stitching integrates high-resolution sub-aperture measurements for full-surface characterization. Numerical simulations validated the method’s feasibility, showing consistent reconstruction of surfaces with flatness values of 1–20 μm. Experimental validation on a 1050 mm × 130 mm SiC guideway achieved a full-surface measurement with PV 2.76 μm and RMS 0.59 μm, demonstrating high agreement with traditional methods in polished regions. The technique enabled quick monitoring of a 39-h lapping process, converging flatness from 13.97 μm to 2.76 μm, proving its efficacy for in-process feedback in ultra-precision manufacturing. Full article

This study seeks to develop and evaluate a methodological framework for assessing the tourism potential of hillforts, by using a selected sample of 25 of these heritage resources located in the Lower Silesia Voivodeship. This region, as one of Poland’s most popular among domestic and international tourists, is increasingly confronting overtourism at its primary attractions. Concurrently, it possesses underutilised cultural assets, notably 250 remnants of gords/hillforts (grodziska in Polish) spanning various historical periods and dispersed across the whole area. Thus, to ensure the universality of the method, samples of hillforts from three main topographic zones of Lower Silesia were selected. In addition to the aim of testing the method, a secondary objective of the research involved conducting a preliminary assessment of selected hillforts’ tourism potential in different parts of the voivodeship. The methodology combined desk research and field studies across all selected archaeological sites. Concerning the primary objective, the developed assessment tool effectively replicated the multidimensional analytical framework characteristic of established methodologies, yielding reliable outcomes for evaluating gords’ tourism potential. However, modifications to the scoring system are recommended to enhance methodological precision. Regarding analysis of the 25 surveyed hillforts, the results indicate that objects from all zones mainly demonstrate high tourism potential, suggesting an opportunity for transformation into tourist attractions. The integration of hillforts into existing tourism infrastructure could significantly contribute to localised sustainable development across the region. The primary significance of these heritage resources lies in their capacity to facilitate the diversification of tourism offerings across distinct areas of the voivodeship. This development holds particular strategic value for northern poviats currently peripherally engaged in tourism economy. Moreover, by leveraging hillforts, communities obtain assets important in the process of building a common identity around cultural/historical place while safeguarding monuments. Concurrently, the most attractive southern poviats will benefit from the new attractions as they can help in mitigating overtourism pressures at overcrowded places, being an interesting alternative to the top attractions. This approach aligns with strategies to disperse tourist flows through specialised archaeological tourism products, thereby balancing economic benefits and local communities’ well-being with heritage preservation. Full article

Background/Objectives: Nurses play a vital role in healthcare, yet their demanding working conditions, including long hours, shift work, and stress, can negatively impact health behaviors. In Poland, empirical data on nurses’ eating habits and body composition remain limited. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate body composition and dietary habits among nurses, and to identify significant relationships and associations between these variables. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 460 Polish nurses. The mean age of the respondents was 45.07 years (SD ± 11.98). Body composition was assessed using the Tanita MC-780 PLUS MA analyzer, and eating behaviors were measured with the standardized My Eating Habits questionnaire (MEH). Advanced statistical analyses including k-means clustering, ANOVA, chi-square tests, Spearman’s correlation, ROC curves, decision tree modeling, and heatmap visualization were used to identify associations. Results: The MEH scores among nurses indicated average eating behavior. However, excess body fat, overweight/obesity, shift work, and holding multiple jobs were significantly associated with emotional overeating, habitual overeating, and restrictive eating. Decision tree analysis identified Body Mass Index (BMI), fat-free mass (FFM) and comorbidities as key predictors of problematic eating patterns. Interaction effects showed that shift work combined with higher BMI further increased the risk of maladaptive behaviors. Heatmaps confirmed the strongest MEH scores in participants with elevated BMI and FFM. Conclusions: The findings underscore the need for targeted workplace interventions promoting healthy eating and weight control among nurses. Recognizing risk factors such as excess weight or multiple job holding can aid in designing effective prevention and health promotion strategies tailored to healthcare professionals. Full article