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Geological structure of the salt rock mass and its more than 700-year-old exploitation make the 'Wieliczka' Salt Mine an important monument of material and natural values. One of the most interesting objects in the mine are the Crystal Caves, which are globally unique, because of salt crystals (halite) which are covering ceiling and sidewalls. Due to its uniqueness, caves are protected by law and a subject of preventive measures. Because of the tightening forces of excavations (convergence) Crystal Caves must be periodically monitored. It is estimated that the speed of convergence is from 0 to 2 mm/year. In order to monitor changes in the geometry of the excavation and deformation of crystals in the 1960s of twentieth century photogrammetric measurements were performed. They require a lot of work and time, and adversely affect the microclimate in the Crystal Caves. Presented in the article modern geodetic measurement techniques (laser scanning, total station) allow to obtain comprehensive data in a short time. It helped to receive an accurate analysis of the changes in geometry of caves. Proposed in the article measurement procedure determines the range of research, which was carried out in order to fully monitor the tested object. Due to the estimated speed of convergence and the accuracy of the applied technologies measurement series on an annual basis are planned. Comparative analysis of the data obtained in the future, give specific conclusions about the current impact of the rock mass on the Crystal Caves and help to improve prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Behaviours causing harm to the individual are generally called self-destructive behaviours. For some time now, direct/acute self-destructiveness has been distinguished from indirect/chronic self-destructiveness. Indirectly self-destructive behaviours occur not only in healthy people (examined in most of the studies) but also in mentally ill individuals, which has not been researched. The aim of this study has been to explore psychopathological (clinical) predictors of indirect self-destructiveness in patients with schizophrenia. Research was conducted among 200 patients suffering from paranoid schizophrenia (Sc) (according to ICD-10); average age: 37.15 (27-58) years. To assess indirect self-destructiveness, the Polish version of the 'Chronic Self-Destructiveness Scale' was applied, whereas, to examine psychopathological characteristics, the Polish version of the 'Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2' was used. The correlation-regression procedure was followed. There were many statistically significant correlations, among which the strongest association occurred between indirect self-destructiveness and Sc and paranoia (Pa) scales (0.522 and 0.435 respectively). Significant predictors were found to be schizophrenia (Sc; R: 0.545; β: 0.412), lack of ego mastery, conative (Sc2b; R: 0.633; β: 0.632), and persecutory ideas (Pa1; R: 0.506; β: 0.335). schizophrenic disorders were a predictor explaining the indirect self-destructiveness syndrome in the patients. That aspect of psycho(patho)logical functioning, i.e. indirect self-destructiveness, which is strongly associated with schizophrenic and paranoid symptoms/disorders, should be considered in therapeutic work as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study is to examine the gender (sex) differentiation of indirect self-destructiveness and its manifestations as well as its relationships with suicide attempt methods in females and males. The study was conducted among 147 persons (114 females, 33 males) who attempted suicide. The research instrument was the polish version of the Chronic Self-Destructiveness Scale including Transgression and Risk, Poor Health Maintenance, Personal and Social Neglects, Lack of Planfulness, and Helplessness and Passiveness in the face of problems. Differences testing and correlation analyses were applied. Females scored higher on poor health maintenance and males scored significantly higher on personal and social neglects, lack of planfulness, and helplessness. Noteworthy is that the intensity of indirect self-destructiveness in females reached the same magnitude as in males. A number of statistically significant correlations were found between indirect self-destructiveness, or its manifestations, and the methods of suicide attempt in the two groups. Among these categories, the highest contribution was of helplessness and passiveness (both of groups), poor health maintenance (males), and personal and social neglects (females). Results of this study can be useful in the therapeutic efforts and prevention of not only indirectly self-destructive behaviours but also possible suicide attempts. Both preventive and therapeutic activities can take into account the specificity of those phenomena resulting from one's sex/gender. It is important to adapt preventive and therapeutic measures to psychological (personal) features that arise from an individual's sex/gender. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]