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Objectives. The aim of the study is to determine the scale of interregional migrating patients’ hospitalizations in Poland in 2013–2017, as well as their demographic and medical factors, total costs and time changes. Materials and method. Data from the NHF (National Health Fund) regarding hospitalizations in a given province of patients registered in another province in Poland in 2013–2017 were statistically analyzed. Times series analyses as well as coefficients of correlation, determination and variation were used. Results. The number of patients hospitalized outside their regional registration and the cost of their hospitalization increased from year-to-year during 2013–2017. There was a large variation in provinces in terms of inflow of patients and costs of their hospitalization, while there was only a small variation in terms of outflow of patients and costs of their hospitalization in the analyzed years. Among the patients hospitalized outside the province where they were registered, there were more women then men, while the age group was dominated by 60-year-olds and their share in the subsequent years increased, while the share of other age groups remained unchanged or decreased. The most and increasingly more from year-to-year hospitalizations outside the regional registration were due to neoplasms and diseases of the circulatory system. Conclusions. The results of the study may significantly contribute to the proper planning of securing the health needs of the inhabitants of particular regions, and to improving the quality and economic efficiency of health services in individual NHF branches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents the design of positioning unit acting in a different way with respect to the known methods of controlling the positioning devices. The prototype positioning unit consists of a double-acting cylinder and electromagnetic brake. The proposed hybrid positioning unit allows to free programming of the displacement of the actuator. In the illustrated solution significant disadvantages which often occur in the positioning pneumatic drives were eliminated. The proposed hybrid positioning system provides to maintain the desired position, shorter positioning times, a higher average speed of the piston and a higher positioning accuracy. The fulfilment of such parameters provide a construction of accordingly developed unit which consist of pneumatic drive and control system. Element of control system is the measuring card NI PCI-6221 for data acquisition and control system positioning. LabVIEW allow to control the object, carrying out the visualization of the process control and analysis of measurement data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the results of research on improving the efficiency of the mechanical agglomeration through optimising the distance to which the ram approaches the die face in the final position. The focus of this study is the influence of the compression length on the value of the ultimate stress in the process of mechanical agglomeration of crystallized carbon dioxide. The first part of the paper proposes a model describing the influence of the geometric parameters of the residual amount of material which must remain in the cylinder on the value of axial force during subsequent compression phase of the process. The research part of the paper presents the empirical research results to verify the proposed model. The results of the work will be used to determine the influence of the described geometrical parameters of the dry ice residue on the axial force value. The derived mathematical model will be used for defining the design requirements as the starting point for the design and building of dry ice compression and granulation machines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research on the application of magnetorheological elastomers (MREs) is one of the key areas of search for structural materials having new, improved properties. These are intelligent composite materials with properties sensitive to the effect of magnetic field. In order to describe the response of a material to the applied forces and the effect of magnetic field we need to derive an adequate mathematical model. This paper presents the results of studies of the behaviour of such composites under compression and the effect of static magnetic field. It also presents the attempts to use rheological models for describing MREs. This modelling method relates to macro-scale and is based on the behaviour of the material under controlled excitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a method for processing the data obtained from Microsoft Kinect device fitted with Nyko Zoom attachment. This system is used to obtain the dimensions of items placed in the workspace of prototype glue spraying machine. The presented data acquisition method allows to describe the shape of the surface and accurately determine the item position. The paper deals with processing of information on the registered object changed by the used attachment. The lens allowed to increase the angle of view of the Kinect device while reducing the minimum working distance. Included in the working method of correction is the solution to the problem presented to the constant exposure of the background. The described solution is used as a subsystem for the identification of seats and can be used in designing a subsystem to calculate the trajectory of the spraying head. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous reports point to Demodex mites as the aetiology of certain eye and skin conditions, hence it is highly probable that infestation with these mites may also play a role in the aetiology and pathogenesis of pterygium. Therefore here we present a hypothesis: whether the presence of Demodex mites in eyelash hair follicles significantly correlates with the presence of pterygia, which could point to a potential role of these mites in the development of such lesions. We present preliminary data for supporting this hypothesis. These results were collected from a group of 69 subjects, including 39 with pterygium. Subjects were studied for the presence of Demodex folliculorum and/or D. brevis within eyelash follicles. The sample was defined as positive if at least one parasite, larva or egg were present. Preliminary statistical analyses were performed, and indicated a significant relationship between Demodex mite infestation and the presence of pterygium (p<0.05). This suggests that demodicosis could be one of the factors causing pterygium and significantly contribute to its development. Subjects who had both pterygium and Demodex infestation formed a dominant group. The proportion of subjects with both pterygia and Demodex presence is high at 93.33%, while the proportion of subjects without pterygia who have mites is low at 20.51%. Aforementioned results support our working hypothesis that infestation with Demodex mites may result in pterygium development and therefore patients diagnosed with pterygium should be assessed for the presence of Demodex to verify our preliminary results. In the present paper, we discuss potential influence of Demodex on conjunctiva and propose a hypothetical pathological mechanism linking the development of pterygia with demodicosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main goal of presented research is to confirm efficiency of nonlinear characteristic of frequency increase during start with full load of stepper motor. This paper discusses about characteristics commonly used during start of stepper motor and proposes nonlinear characteristic. Presented results are compared to criteria of total angular acceleration. Proposed acceleration characteristic use real torque-speed characteristic taken from stepper motor. Described method is applied to a machine that glues elements of complicated geometry. Usage of non-linear characteristic reduces productive time. Presented research was accomplished on prototype machine build for company, which produce seats for mass transportation. Due of diversity of elements in this process, the glue layer must always have the same parameters and setup time need to be as short as possible. Non-linear characteristic with variable frequency change is used to accelerate ball screw, which shift spraying system alongside machine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the results of static compression tests of concentrated crystallized carbon dioxide. Included results of test describe relation between the agglomerating stress and density of compressed dry ice. Quality of dry ice pellet is determined by value of density. Results of research allow to determine the effective value of stress during the agglomeration process. Due to the fact that the crystallized carbon dioxide has temperature equal minus 78.5 °C and sublimates under normal conditions of the test was proposed the methodology which allowing performance the tests. In first stage of research has been determined value of bulk density of dry ice snow. This value is initial boundary condition of relation between compression stress and density of agglomerated material. In second stage of the research has been investigated influence of compression stress on to density variation of the agglomerated dry ice. Results of both stage of research allow for formulation of function which approximate relation between density of agglomerated dry ice and compression stress. Results will allow for formulation of assumptions, which will be one of main point to create a more efficient machine for agglomeration process of solidified carbon dioxide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The term motor should be understood as the converter of an electrical energy into a mechanical energy. The stepper motor converts electrical signals in form of impulses, for the angle of rotation. The relationship is proportional, so that the stepper motor rotation speed is dependent on the frequency of the control impulses. The research concerns developed prototype of glue distributing machine. Its task is to glue coating parts and seats used in machines and mass transit vehicles. Parts to be bonded are characterized by great variety and complicated geometry. Due to the high requirements for constant quality of applied adhesive layer and the shortest possible operation time, it is necessary to apply specialized propulsion and control system. The article presents the results of research regarding the identification of torque characteristics in a function of rotational speed of the stepper motor. In addition, torque variations for different values of the supply current of motor coils where determined. Actual characteristics of stepper motor were necessary due to the frequency increase selection method applied in the project. This will enable the accurate control of the stepper motor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to evaluate the role of genetic polymorphisms in the emergence of lipoatrophy or lipodystrophy in HIV-infected patients with antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Thailand. Position 455 upstream of the Apolipoprotein C3 gene (ApoC3 T-455C, rs2854116), codon 64 of the Beta3 adrenergic receptor gene (ARJÌ3 Tcod64C/ rs4994), and position 670 upstream of the Fas gene (Fas A-670G, rsl 800682) were genotyped in 829 HIV-infected Thai patients who had started ART. Crude and adjusted incidence rate ratios (IRR) were calculated using Poisson regression. The serum levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) were also analyzed. Multivariate analysis revealed an association between the Fas - 670AA genotype, but not the ApoC3 - 455 or ARJÌ3 cod64 genotypes, with the incidence of lipoatrophy after adjusting for gender and stavudine (d4T)-containing regimens (IRR = 1.72, 95% 0 = 1.20-2.45, p = 0.003). However, ApoC3 -455C homozygous patients showed elevated serum levels of triglycerides, while this genotype did not affect serum total cholesterol, HDL, or LDL levels in patients with lipoatrophy or lipodystrophy. In contrast, the AR/33 cod64 genotype did not show any significant association with the serum levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, or LDL. In conclusion, Fas -670AA affected the incidence of lipoatrophy in HIV-1-infected Thai patients, while the ApoC3 -455C allele affected the serum levels of triglycerides. These results confirmed the role of genetics in the development of ART-related metabolic disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored the association between cognitive and executive dysfunction and level of physical activity 1 year after stroke. Cognition before stroke and cognitive and executive function in the acute phase and at 1 year after stroke were assessed in 74 subjects. Physical activity was assessed at 1 year after stroke. Factors that appeared to predict low level of physical activity at 1 year after stroke were impaired global cognition before stroke, visual neglect and impaired logical deductive ability in the acute phase, and impaired global cognition, executive function, and visual memory 1 year after stroke. Our findings underscore the importance of identifying stroke patients with impaired cognitive and executive function who are at risk for developing inactivity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The presented results concern mnieralogic-petrographical investigations (XRD analysis, SEM analysis, microscopic observations in polarized light) of rock samples from drilling cores of Budziszewice structure (Zaosie and Buków boreholes) as a potential CO2 storage site for Belchatów Power Plant, which is the largest in Poland and Europe brown coal combustion Power Plant. Examined samples represent Lower and Middle Jurassic rocks from potential reservoir formations (vari-grained quartz sandstones) and cap rocks (laminated mudstones and claystones), from depths of 838–1436 meters. Also the geochemical modeling with use of Geochemist’s Workbench 7.0.1. package in two stages was performed. The main aim of the modeling was to determine the changes rock matrix and the reservoir parameters, that could occur due to CO2 injection. The simulations allowed to determine the suitability of the formation for carbon dioxide storage. The first one was aimed at simulating the immediate changes in the aquifer and insulating rocks impacted by the beginning of CO2 injection (100 days), the second–enabling assessment of long-term effects of sequestration (20000 years). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: It was showed results of CO2 storage capacity estimation in aquifers and hydrocarbon deposits in Poland, which were achieved within realization of 6 FP project EU GeoCapacity. CO2 storage capacity was calculated in Mesozoic aquifers at regional scale (Lower Cretaceous–7,647 Mt, Lower Jurassic–43,826 Mt, Lower Triassic–26,494 Mt) and for selected 18 geological structures (3,522 Mt). Storage capacity calculated for Polish hydrocarbon fields, using an assumption of 1:1 volumetric replacement of hydrocarbons with supercritical CO2, is 764.32 Mt and storage capacities of particular fields are diverse. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

An interview with Polish professor Andrzej K. Tarkowski about his interest in experimental mammalian embryology is presented. Tarkowski recalls the time when his interest in natural science developed as well as his reason for studying developmental biology. He explains how he came up with the idea to study the regulative potential of mammalian embryo. He expresses his opinion on the most intriguing and still unanswered question about the mammalian embryo.

In this article, we describe the history (between the XIX century and World War II) of embryological research conducted at Warsaw University, together with current research activities being carried out at the Department of Embryology. During the partition of Poland, the Imperial (Russian) Warsaw University conducted research on avian embryology (and to a smaller extent, on reptilian embryology). When Poland regained independence in 1918, these studies were continued under the Chair of Comparative Anatomy headed by Professor Jan Tur. A new Department of Embryology created in 1954 was first headed by Professor Stanislaw Bilewicz and since 1964 by Professor Andrzej Tarkowski, who in 2003 was succeeded by Dr. Marek Maleszewski D.Sc. During the last 45 years, embryological research at Warsaw University has concentrated mainly on mammalian development with special emphasis on the regulative capabilities of early embryos and also on experimental chimaeras, nucleo-cytoplasmic interactions in oogenesis and early embryogenesis (including regulation of DNA replication and transcription), experimental parthenogenesis and fertilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]