Search

The consequence of the current economic development model is the generation of large amounts of waste and energy losses. One way to change this negative trend is a more rational use of raw materials reducing the amount of generated wastes. Biowaste, which may be divided into garden and kitchen waste, constitutes the main part of municipal waste. At the household level, it can be managed through composting—the most sustainable way of biowaste management. In this context, this paper aims to assess the economic and environmental effects of implementing the home composting incentive program introduced by one of the municipalities near Warsaw (Poland). The study is based on the estimation of the amount of biowaste generated in the commune, as well as on the number of households with the potential to compost biowastes. The effects of implementing the composting program were evaluated at different participation levels. The cartographic-based methods (GIS) were used in the analyses. Additionally, willingness to accept home composting by residents and its main determinants were examined. The results of the study indicate that the changes in the current household biodegradable waste management model are practicable and generate positive economic and environmental effects. However, the promotion of home composting requires active support from the local authorities, both in the financial dimension and by increasing residents’ environmental awareness.

The major objective of the article was to assess how farmers perceive the environmental impact of agriculture and to identify the characteristics of farms managed by farmers differing in terms of environmental awareness. The studies covered 600 commercial farms across Poland, participating in the FADN. Awareness of farmers in this area was assessed using the Likert scale. Depending on the included element of the natural environment, from about 30 to 60% of the farmers were aware of the negative environmental impact of agricultural production. According to the farmers surveyed, the main motive justifying a need to protect the environment is care for health – relatively few farmers associate a need to protect the environment with the conditions of economic activities. The analyses carried out also showed that farmers aware of the negative environmental impact of agricultural production managed farms with the higher production potential on average, higher intensity and better economic results. The higher level of awareness of farmers from farms conducting the more intensive production contradicts the argument that intensively farming farmers do not see environmental problems.

In this paper, we test to what extent Food Quality Schemes (FQS, including Geographical Indications and organic products) contribute to the social and economic sustainability of farmers and regions through employment and education. Through employment, FQS may counter the urban migration trend affecting rural regions, and help retain economic and social capital in the local region. Indeed, as FQS are often small and specialised sectors, the economic inefficiency of such businesses may translated into greater employment and social sustainability. Separately , by requiring a higher-level of quality and hence skills, FQS may encourage greater local educational attainment or skilled immigration. To test these propositions , we analyse the employment and educational outcomes of 25 FQS. Our results show that the FQS products examined have a 13% higher labour usage (labour-to-production ratio) compared to reference products, indicating that they provide greater employment. Additionally, wage levels are 32% higher in FQS compared to references. Despite providing greater employment and higher wages, profitability of FQS (i.e. how much turnover/profit is generated per employee) is nevertheless 32% higher for FQS compared to reference products, due to the ability to attract higher product prices. Finally, there is no clear link between FQS and greater (or lower) education attainment in the supply chain. Overall, our results suggest that FQS can provide a strong contribution to local employment, employee income and business profits, strengthening the social and economic sustainability of producers and regions.; Dans cet article, nous testons dans quelle mesure les systèmes de qualité alimentaire (FQS, y compris les indications géographiques et les produits biologiques) contribuent à la durabilité sociale et économique des agriculteurs et des régions grâce à l'emploi et à l'éducation. Grâce à l'emploi, le FQS peut contrer la tendance à la migration urbaine qui affecte les régions rurales et aider à conserver le capital économique et social dans la région locale. En effet, comme les FQS sont souvent des secteurs restreints et spécialisés, l'inefficacité économique de ces entreprises peut se traduire par un meilleur emploi et une plus grande durabilité sociale. Par ailleurs, en exigeant un niveau plus élevé de qualité et donc de compétences, le FQS peut encourager un meilleur niveau de scolarité local ou une immigration qualifiée. Pour tester ces propositions, nous analysons les résultats en matière d'emploi et d'éducation de 25 FQS. Nos résultats montrent que les produits FQS examinés ont une utilisation de la main-d'œuvre (rapport travail-production) de 13% plus élevée que les produits de référence, ce qui indique qu'ils fournissent un plus grand emploi. De plus, les niveaux de salaire sont 32% plus élevés dans FQS que dans les références. Malgré un meilleur emploi et des salaires plus élevés, la rentabilité du FQS (c'est-à-dire le chiffre d'affaires / bénéfice généré par employé) est néanmoins 32% plus élevée pour FQS que pour les produits de référence, en raison de la capacité d'attirer des prix de produits plus élevés. Enfin, il n'y a pas de lien clair entre le FQS et un niveau d'éducation supérieur (ou inférieur) dans la chaîne d'approvisionnement. Dans l'ensemble, nos résultats suggèrent que FQS peut apporter une forte contribution à l'emploi local, aux revenus des employés et aux bénéfices des entreprises, renforçant ainsi la durabilité sociale et économique des producteurs et des régions.

Improving the eco-efficiency of food systems is one of the major global challenges faced by the modern world. Short food supply chains (SFSCs) are commonly regarded to be less harmful to the environment, among various reasons, due to their organizational distribution and thus the shortened physical distance between primary producers and final consumers. In this paper, we empirically test this hypothesis, by assessing and comparing the environmental impacts of short and long food supply chains. Based on the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) approach, we calculate eco-efficiency indicators for nine types of food distribution chains. The analysis is performed on a sample of 428 short and long food supply chains from six European countries. Our results indicate that, on average, long food supply chains may generate less negative environmental impacts than short chains (in terms of fossil fuel energy consumption, pollution, and GHG emissions) per kg of a given product. The values of eco-efficiency indicators display a large variability across analyzed chains, and especially across different types of SFSCs. The analysis shows that the environmental impacts of the food distribution process are not only determined by the geographical distance between producer and consumer, but depend on numerous factors, including the supply chain infrastructure. This research received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program STRENGTH2FOOD under grant agreement no. 678024 and title: “Strengthening European Food Chain Sustainability by Quality and Procurement Policy”.

The paper discusses the efficiency and effectiveness of academic teaching. A review of the relevant domestic and international literature is included. The article presents also the results of research for twelve faculties of the Warsaw University of Life Sciences – SGGW. The analysis covers the period from 2014/2015 to 2015/2016. None of the faculties included in the study was characterized by full efficiency and effectiveness. There is a need to continue research on a larger, but internally homogeneous research sample.

Background Bacterial reinfection of dental cavities remains an unsolved clinical problem. The search for methods enabling the limitation of the bacterial factor has become the fundamental goal of the dental materials research. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are used as disinfection agents. An incomplete polymerization of the polymer resins combined with AgNPs, along with the increase of the release of the unbound monomers, have been found. Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the vitality of the human dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) in response to a disinfection agent containing silver and gold nanoparticles (NPs), different bonding systems, glass-ionomer cement (GIC), and their combinations with the disinfection agent. Also, the influence of these materials both on the secretory function of DPSCs and on their antibacterial properties was established. Material and methods Cytotoxicity (MTT assay) and genotoxicity (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay - ELISA) assays were used in the study. Antibacterial features were assessed with the optical density (OD) measurement of the bacteria (Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus salivarius and Lactobacillus acidophilus) kept in dental materials. Results The disinfection liquid proved to be biocompatible. However, it relevantly interfered with the total-etch bonding system in terms of vitality, which may have serious clinical implications. Its combination with the self-etching system was biocompatible, yet it impaired the antibacterial action of the system. An enhancement of antibacterial action of GIC with AgNPs was found. Conclusions The disinfection liquid and GIC were biocompatible toward the DPSCs in terms of cytotoxicity and genotoxicity. Simultaneous usage of AgNPs with other dental materials did not affect the biocompatibility of the used materials. The disinfection liquid and GIC acted as antibacterial agents against all studied bacteria species. Used together with GIC and the total-etch bonding system, the disinfection liquid seemed to be efficient toward bacteria, yet it relevantly impaired the antibacterial action of self-etching systems.

The objective of this study was to obtain a material composite with antifungal properties for dentures to be used as an alternative protocol in denture stomatitis treatment and prevention. Denture stomatitis is still a clinical problem in patients particularly vulnerable to this disease. Composites of PMMA and doped ZnO-NPs (weight concentrations, 2.5%, 5%, 7.5%) and PMMA with sprayed solvothermal and hydrothermal ZnO-NPs were tested. The following investigations of newly formed biomaterials were undertaken: influence on Candida albicans solution, biofilm staining, XTT analysis and a quantitative analysis of adhered C. albicans. These studies evidenced the antifungal activity of both nanocomposites PMMA-ZnO-NPs and the efficacy of sputtering of zinc oxide nanoparticles on the PMMA. The study of the biofilm deposition on the surface showed that antifungal properties increase with increasing concentration of ZnO-NPs. The XTT assay in conjunction with testing the turbidity of solutions may indicate the mechanism by which ZnO-NPs exert their effect on the increased induction of antioxidative stress in microorganism cells. The denture base made of the aforesaid materials may play a preventive role in patients susceptible to fungal infections. Based on the results obtained a modified treatment of stomatitis Type II (Newton's classification) complicated by fungal infection was proposed.

Invasive aspergillosis (IA) is a severe infection with a 70% mortality rate. Aspergillus fumigatus is responsible for over 90% of those infections. The diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis is based on clinical sample culture and detection of fungal hyphae in histopathological examination. Additional tests may include the detection of the galactomannan antigen and of fungal genetic material in serum and bronchoalveolar washings. The present study was to assess the use of these two rapid tests in the diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis: serological one – to detect the galactomannan antigen (ELISA assay), and real-time PCR, and to establish a possible correlation between these two methods.

Solid organ transplant recipients are at high risk of fungal infections, because of ongoing immunosuppressive treatment. There are three post organ transplant phases: early, intermediate, and late, all of them at risk of Candida infections. Since conventional tests are insufficient, specific secondary diagnostic tests are still being explored. Serological tests are currently the most common choice. The present study was to determine the usefulness of mannan antigen and anti-mannan antibody detection in diagnosing invasive candidiasis in liver or kidney transplant recipients. The levels of mannan and anti-mannan antibodies were assessed with Platelia Candida Ag Plus, and Platelia Candida Ab Plus (Biorad, Marne-la-Coquette, France) commercial tests, according to manufacturer's guidelines. Sixty six serum samples were obtained from 25 patients (9 liver transplant recipients, 7 kidney transplant recipients, and 9 patients prepared for a kidney transplant), 29 serum samples from 15 patients tested positive for mannan antigen. Serum samples were obtained from 14 patients tested positive for anti- mannan antibodies. Fungal antigen detection in blood serum in patients under immunosuppression, especially with neutropenia, suggests that antifungal treatment should be administered. Serological tests, especially mannan and anti-mannan ones, are very useful for confirmation or exclusion of invasive candidiasis in high-risk patients.

Culturing strains from clinical samples is the main method to diagnose invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. Detecting the galactomannan antigen in serum samples is an auxiliary examination. The goal of this study was to determine the frequency with which Aspergillus fumigatus was cultured in clinical samples taken from patients hospitalized in the the Infant Jesus Teaching Hospital in Warsaw, Poland, in the period of 2013–2014. Specimens from the respiratory tract and blood were cultured for mycological and serological assessments. Strain isolation was performed in chloramphenicol Sabouraud agar. Species identification was based on morphological traits in macro-cultures and on microscopic examination. The galactomannan antigen was detected by ELISA method. Out of 2000 clinical samples with positive mycological results, 200 were obtained from the respiratory tract. A. fumigatus was cultured in 13 cases from the respiratory group. Ten cases were cultured out of tracheal aspirates and three from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. The galactomannan antigen was detected in a serum sample from only one out of the 13 patients with cultures positive for A. fumigatus. It also was detected in serum samples of three other patients in whom A. fumigatus culture yielded a negative result. We conclude that culture-confirmed invasive pulmonary aspergillosis represents a scarce finding. A. fumigatus cultured from clinical samples may not always be confirmed by ELISA assay and vice versa a positive ELISA result does not attest the successful culture.

Yeast-like fungi and gram-negative bacilli are the most frequent potential pathogens of the respiratory tract isolated from the denture plaque of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Dominant species among yeast-like fungi are Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis. Significant frequency is also exhibited by Klebsiella pneumoniae and Klebsiella oxytoca. The purpose of this study was to analyze genetic diversity of the strains of C. albicans, C. tropicalis, and Klebsiella spp. present in patients in stable phases of COPD. The analysis was conducted by the random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) method on clinical strains isolated from patients with COPD and control patients in overall good health. Forty one strains of Candida albicans, 12 of Candida tropicalis, as well as 9 strains of K. pneumoniae and 7 of K. oxytoca were scrutinized. The dominant species in clinical material from COPD patients was Candida albicans with a substantial degree of variations of genetic profiles. On the basis of affinity analysis, 19 genetic types were identified within this strain. An analysis of the banding patterns among C. tropicalis strains indicated the existence of 6 genetic types. A considerable diversity of genetic profiles among Klebsiella spp. also was established. The genotype diversity of Klebsiella spp. strains may indicate the endogenic character of the majority of infections, regardless of the therapy applied for the underlying condition.

Solid organ transplant recipients are at high risk of fungal infections, because of ongoing immunosuppressive treatment. There are three post organ transplant phases: early, intermediate, and late, all of them at risk of Candida infections. Since conventional tests are insufficient, specific secondary diagnostic tests are still being explored. Serological tests are currently the most common choice. The present study was to determine the usefulness of mannan antigen and anti-mannan antibody detection in diagnosing invasive candidiasis in liver or kidney transplant recipients. The levels of mannan and anti-mannan antibodies were assessed with Platelia Candida Ag Plus, and Platelia Candida Ab Plus (Biorad, Marne-la-Coquette, France) commercial tests, according to manufacturer's guidelines. Sixty six serum samples were obtained from 25 patients (9 liver transplant recipients, 7 kidney transplant recipients, and 9 patients prepared for a kidney transplant), 29 serum samples from 15 patients tested positive for mannan antigen. Serum samples were obtained from 14 patients tested positive for anti- mannan antibodies. Fungal antigen detection in blood serum in patients under immunosuppression, especially with neutropenia, suggests that antifungal treatment should be administered. Serological tests, especially mannan and anti-mannan ones, are very useful for confirmation or exclusion of invasive candidiasis in high-risk patients.