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On February 24, 2022, the Russian Federation launched an invasion in Ukraine, which was the first military conflict in Europe from almost 80 years. Despite the diplomatic actions taken by the European Union and NATO countries, Russia’s military activity remains unchanged. In the face of the growing threat, many countries and international communities have decided to impose sanctions covering the economic, financial, as well as cultural and media spheres. In the article the authors analyzed content posted on Twitter after the invasion began, using Quaero, an advanced anti-disinformation tool. The article presents observations on information activities in social media undertaken during an armed conflict. As part of the research, pro-Russian, anti-Ukrainian and anti-American accounts were listed, and attention was also paid to the techniques and tools of manipulation in the information sphere. During the research, particular attention was paid to the botnets which play significant role in disinformation process. The very word bot refers to the word robot and it is a program whose main task is to perform actions instead of humans. Many entities in cyberspace, such as Facebook, Messenger or Google, use such programs to improve their activities and protect IT channels against the possibility of their violation.

Plastic surgeons aim to achieve symmetry in breast surgeries, which is the main determinant of chest aesthetics. The aim of this study was to verify if preoperative breast asymmetry is a predictor of postoperative asymmetry in women undergoing breast reduction. In this prospective study, we enrolled 71 women (the mean age 37 years, SD 10 years) with breast hypertrophy who underwent reduction mammaplasty. We collected clinical data including age, height, weight, weight of the resected tissues, and performed pre and postoperative photographic documentation. The following measurements of both breasts were analyzed: volumes (vol), nipple–sternal notch distance (A-sn), difference between nipples’ levels (A-A’), nipple–midline distance (A-ml), difference between inframammary folds levels (IF-IF’), distance between inframammary fold and nipple (IF-A), distance between inframammary fold apex and midline (IF-ml). All measurements were performed preoperatively and 6 months after the surgery and asymmetries of all variables were calculated (asy-vol, A-A’, asyA-sn, asyA-ml, IF-IF’, asyIF-A, asyIF-ml). Postoperative asymmetry of breast volumes and nipples position was not associated with any of the analyzed clinical variables. Postoperative asymmetry of nipples’ level was associated with preoperative asymmetry of IF-ml; however, logistic regression did not detect any preoperative measurement influencing postoperative volume and nipples’ level asymmetry. Moreover, we found that preoperative asyIF-ml increased the risk of postoperative volume asymmetry, which is above the average (52 cc) (OR = 2.04). Postoperative breast asymmetry after breast reduction is not related neither to preoperative asymmetries nor clinical variables; however, asymmetry of inframammary fold apex to the midline may be the factor affecting postoperative volumetric asymmetry.

Purpose: The subject of research presented in this article is to analyze society in the face of digital propaganda, methods and instruments used, which ubiquity affects changes in the behavior of community members, which adversely affect social cohesion. Disrupting internal controlling processes pose a threat to state security. Design/Methodology/Approach: The main research method is literature review due to the theoretical form of conducted research. Conclusions: The result of the research is a conclusion distinguishing the most critical factors detrimental to the preservation of the autonomy of the system (state) due to the influence of external cyber propaganda. Practical implications: The conducted research aims to provide the basis for working out strategic recommendations for strengthening the state's information security and creating assumptions for training the staff of the state administration, social organizations, and economic entities in this field. Because without rational shaping of the infosphere, the state, its economy, and armed forces cannot function. Originality/Value: The article presents a systemic analysis of the phenomenon of social control in the face of external propaganda with its methods and instruments, fake news, manipulation formulating the recognition of the causes of influence, and susceptibility of users to fake news.

David Radek: Bolek V. Opolský (okolo 1400—1460). Život a legenda. Opava, Slezská univerzita v Opavě, 2018, ss. 310

Purpose: Using System Dynamics approach together with Lanchester and SIR models for modeling information war. Theoretical considerations. Approach: Due to the theoretical form of conducted research the main research methodso were a literature review and simulations based on developed model. Conclusions: The result of the research is the model of information war based on System Dynamics approach. The model focuses on how socjety wealth and counterdisinformation campaings affect on war efficiency. One of the key conclusion from the simulations results is that one of the main goals of attacking side should be elimination or taking control over public media of attacked one. Practical implications: The model of information war which was developed during the researche, gives a possibility to get new knowledge about war information procesess. It allows to predict causes and effects of disinformation campaings and helps to make proper decisions connected with countermeasuers that are taken. Presented article appoints directions which needs to be explored in connection with information wars. Orginality: Presented researches are pioneerign and in such form on this field was not conducted so far. Using Lanchester equations, connected with epidemic spread model and System Dynamics approach they provide new knowledge about the phenomenon of information war., peer-reviewed

We prove that every conformal submersion from a round sphere onto an Einstein manifold with fibers being geodesics is—up to an isometry—the Hopf fibration composed with a conformal diffeomorphism of the complex projective space of appropriate dimension. We also show that there are no conformal submersions with minimal fibers between manifolds satisfying certain curvature assumptions.

Cloud computing, big data, wearables, the internet of things, artificial intelligence, robotics, and virtual reality (VR), when seamlessly combined, will create the healthcare of the future. In the presented study, the authors aim to provide tools and methodologies to efficiently create 3D virtual learning environments (VLEs) to immerse participants in 3600, six degrees of freedom (6DoF) patient examination simulations. Furthermore, the authors will discuss specific methods and features to improve visual realism in VR, such as post-processing effects (ambient occlusion, bloom, depth of field, anti-aliasing), texturing (normal maps, transparent, and reflective materials), and realistic lighting (spotlights and custom lights). The presented VLE creation techniques will be used as a testbed for medical simulation, created using the Unity game engine.

In this chapter, the authors detail how six commercial products have sought to provide 3D spatial media solutions for the planning domain, and set out their own approach to developing an interactive, multi-platform city information model (CIM) for desktop/WebGL (on a PC), VR (HTC Vive), and MR (Microsoft HoloLens) for Dublin informed by user requirements elicited through interviews with professional urban planners. They demonstrate how a Unity game engine solution can be used to build and manage a multi-platform CIM project from initial stage to the final build. They discuss issues concerning the handling geographic data, data integration, UI development, multi-platform support, interaction types (controllers, gestures, etc.), and potential application. They present core interactive simulations, including shadow analysis, flood resilience, visibility analysis, importing building models, and run-time modeling tool, which are crucial for city information modeling.

Introduction . Streptococcus constellatus are opportunistic microorganisms. When immunocompromised patients with concomitant systemic diseases are infected with S.constellatus, the bacteria may cause sepsis. Case study. A patient was admitted to hospital due to septic shock and multi-organ dysfunction in the course of neck phlegmon. The microbiological system identified S. constellatus in the patient who worked as a dog groomer. These facts confirmed that this aetiological factor may have caused such a serious infection because S. constellatus is a bacterial species found in dogs. It is most likely that the bacteria colonised the patient. Zoonotic transmission of microorganisms is particularly important for the development of infections in dogs and humans. Knowledge about how to treat deep cervical infections is necessary in the daily practice of a maxillofacial surgeon. The right antibiotic can applied only when the strain causing the infection has been identified.

Background: A number of studies have reported breasts have high fluctuating asymmetry (FA:|Right-Left|), suggesting that they contain evolutionary and clinical information (e.g., high FA correlates with breast cancer risk). Here we focus on breast FA in women with a wide range of breast sizes, including participants with macromastia and/or gigantomastia. Material and methods: The sample included 65 women (mean age 33.97 ± 12.1 years). Thirty were randomly selected students and/or patients who regarded their breast size as small, normal or average and who had not undergone or intended to have any breast surgery. The remainder (n = 35) were qualified for breast reduction due to macromastia and/or gigantomastia. In all participants we measured/calculated weight, height and BMI, as well as took chest photographs. Breast volumes and nipple areola complex FAs were evaluated in a specifically-designed software. Results: Breast size significantly positively correlated with breast volume FA in all women (t = 5.17, p < 0.0001) and in women with macromastia/gigantomastia (t = 2.32, p = 0.027). All nipple location FAs correlated positively with breast size. Conclusions: In women with different breast sizes, breast size correlates with FA calculated from breast volume and nipple location FAs. In women with macromastia and/or gigantomastia, breasts present higher FA than “normal” breasts. This observation may give a rationale for earlier and more frequent prophylactic breast imaging in women with macromastia and/or gigantomastia.

We continue our study of the mixed Einstein–Hilbert action as a functional of a pseudo-Riemannian metric and a linear connection. Its geometrical part is the total mixed scalar curvature on a smooth manifold endowed with a distribution or a foliation. We develop variational formulas for quantities of extrinsic geometry of a distribution on a metric-affine space and use them to derive Euler–Lagrange equations (which in the case of space-time are analogous to those in Einstein–Cartan theory) and to characterize critical points of this action on vacuum space-time. Together with arbitrary variations of metric and connection, we consider also variations that partially preserve the metric, e.g., along the distribution, and also variations among distinguished classes of connections (e.g., statistical and metric compatible, and this is expressed in terms of restrictions on contorsion tensor). One of Euler–Lagrange equations of the mixed Einstein–Hilbert action is an analog of the Cartan spin connection equation, and the other can be presented in the form similar to the Einstein equation, with Ricci curvature replaced by the new Ricci type tensor. This tensor generally has a complicated form, but is given in the paper explicitly for variations among semi-symmetric connections.

The aim of this report is to present a case of a patient who developed unusual systemic hypersensitivity reaction to a red-pigmented tattoo and to discuss diagnostic difficulties in case of systemic reactions to tattoo ink. The patient reported erythroderma on his arms and chest accompanied by plaque elevation of red parts of his most recently performed forearm tattoo as his primary symptoms. His health condition entailed a prolonged topical and intravenous immunosuppressive therapy, which proved ineffective. Over a year after emergence of initial symptoms, he presented to the Plastic Surgery Clinic with generalized erythroderma, systemic lymphadenopathy, elevation and granuloma formation in red tattoos on his forearm and complaints of fatigue and inability to participate fully in work-related and social activities. The patient underwent six staged excisions with direct closures, flap plasties and full-thickness skin grafts. Following completion of each surgical resection, the patient’s symptoms gradually subsided. We find this case illustrative of a clinical challenge that delayed hypersensitivity reactions to red tattoos may pose. Furthermore, we provide insights on management of hypersensitivity reactions. This report underlines the importance of social awareness of and public health approach to tattoo complications as key to successful prevention, identification and treatment of adverse reactions to tattoos.

Periorbital infections lead to severe condition of the orbital abscess, and eventually to sight loss, and even death. Current study aims in reviewing the literature regarding orbital abscess in adult patients and presenting 2 original cases. A surgical intervention to drain the abscess and a revision of the orbital was required. A review of literature is also reported focusing on aetiology and treatment options dealing with an orbital abscess.

The design of video games including the planning and integration of various 3D assets that build up the game model and map will be discussed. There are various types of structures: terrain, foliage, lights, UI and other elements that are needed to create the engaging game world. In this chapter, the development of an interactive user interface (UI) in Unity including menus, extra features and tools will be explained. To enhance the quality in the game, real-time shadow and sun simulation to control the day and night cycle and shaders for real looking rivers will be presented. The authors will discuss the importance of narration and game logic enhanced by artificial intelligence (AI) in level design. Artificially generated terrain structures are a big part of the modeling of virtual environments for the video games industry and in military training simulations. Without them, we could not enjoy an open space world in many games like The Witcher, The Elder Scrolls, Fallout etc. In this chapter, we will focus on faster ways to generate terrain structures using height map algorithms and modify them according to our needs. The Unreal Engine Blueprint (UEB) system to generate procedurally parameterized trees and interactive gameplay features like force reaction, chopping and dynamic wind will be discussed. Utilizing the UEB system to implement the recursive surface align algorithm that can be used to create surface aligned vines, ropes, fences and other assets will be presented. The chapter contains four parts which were built independently and they may be used as a roadmap to develop interactive games following different approaches.

Social media, Instagram included, are more and more often used by enterprises to promote their own products. Year by year there has been an increase in the rate of the use of the analysed channels of marketing, which seem to be one of the most basic forms of spreading information about their products for enterprises active in the field of superfood products. Superfoods are products containing elements characterised by a wealth of nutritional values, e.g. chia seeds or goji berries. The article presents a short characteristic of social media and defines the eponymous superfood category. The research section of the publication analyses the Instagram activity of three Polish producers of food containing superfood elements, namely Chias – a snack producer, ZmianyZmiany – a producer of plant bars, and PowerWaters – a producer of water with caffeine. The current state of affairs with respect to Instagram profiles of the three discussed brands are studied comprehensively and several applicable recommendations are presented. The research also touches upon the issue of improving customer engagement levels as well as the issue of barter exchange as a way to increase sales and brand awareness in the virtual world.

Introduction. Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide. The introduction of novel diagnostic and treatment methods has resulted in decreasing mortality rates; however, an increase in morbidity is observed. Severe inflammation plays an important role in many aspects associated with carcinogenesis. Neoplasia and inflammatory response are mutually related. Aim. The aim of the study was to evaluate the association between preoperative serum C-reactive protein levels and total leukocyte count in colorectal cancer patients in comparison with postoperative histopathological findings depending on whether there was neoplastic infiltration of the local adipose tissue or not. Material and methods. The study population included 50 patients with colon cancer. Exclusion criteria were distant metastases, neoadjuvant therapy and a past history of cancer diagnosis. Blood findings were compared with histopathology. Patients were divided into two groups – with and without neoplastic infiltration of fat tissue in histopathology. Results. Serum C-reactive protein levels were evaluated in all patients. The tested indicator was higher in the group with infiltration, but was not statistically significant. Additionally, the WBC count was normal in both groups, but it was lower in the group with infiltration, and the result was statistically significant. Conclusions. C-reactive protein level and total leukocyte count can be a helpful and supportive marker in staging in colorectal cancer patients. Owing to the wide availability and low cost of the above mentioned blood tests, they may be easily performed in daily medical practice. The decrease in the total leukocyte count was proportional with higher cancer stage; therefore, it needs to be further investigated.

The paper proposes the computing environment which allows building forecasts based on System Dynamics models. The environment is equipped with GUI for building dynamic models according to Forrester’s methodology. The unique feature of the application is that the created models can be calibrated with the help of optimization procedures tailored for solving nonlinear least squares problems with differential–algebraic equations. Furthermore, the application enables verification of decision rules inherited in System Dynamics models by solving problems associated with the models dynamic optimization—then the model with optimal decision rules can be simulated to build forecasts of interests. To illustrate the functionalities of the environment, the example of the model of drug prevalence is discussed in some detail.

We continue our study of the mixed Einstein–Hilbert action as a functional of a pseudo-Riemannian metric and a linear connection. Its geometrical part is the total mixed scalar curvature on a smooth manifold endowed with a distribution or a foliation. We develop variational formulas for quantities of extrinsic geometry of a distribution on a metric-affine space and use them to derive Euler–Lagrange equations (which in the case of space-time are analogous to those in Einstein–Cartan theory) and to characterize critical points of this action on vacuum space-time. Together with arbitrary variations of metric and connection, we consider also variations that partially preserve the metric, e.g., along the distribution, and also variations among distinguished classes of connections (e.g., statistical and metric compatible, and this is expressed in terms of restrictions on contorsion tensor). One of Euler–Lagrange equations of the mixed Einstein–Hilbert action is an analog of the Cartan spin connection equation, and the other can be presented in the form similar to the Einstein equation, with Ricci curvature replaced by the new Ricci type tensor. This tensor generally has a complicated form, but is given in the paper explicitly for variations among semi-symmetric connections.

Conformal submersions are a natural generalisation of Riemannian submersions, introduced by O'Neill (1966). Some existence conditions for conformal submersions were obtained by Gudmundsson (1990) through comparison of curvatures of the domain and the image of the submersion. Baditoiu and Ianus (2002) derived such conditions for a Riemannian submersion with totally umbilical fibers from the formula for mixed scalar curvature of its domain. We show how in case of a conformal submersion with totally umbilical fibers these two approaches yield partial differential equations for the dilation of such submersion. From these equations we obtain some obstructions to existence of conformal submersions with totally umbilical and totally geodesic fibers.

Substancje promieniochronne, inaczej nazywane filtrami UV, są dodawane do kosmetyków w celu ochrony skóry przed szkodliwym promieniowaniem ultrafioletowym. Wskutek szerokiego stosowanie filtrów są one w wielu krajach wykrywane zarówno w ściekach, wodach powierzchniowych, jak i tkankach organizmów wodnych. Niektóre filtry, np. benzofenony, działają na układ dokrewny (działanie estrogenne), co zostało potwierdzone w wielu testach in vitro oraz in vivo. Celem naszych badań wykonanych w ramach projektu NCN była analiza działania genotoksycznego wybranych filtrów organicznych UV w krótkoterminowych, skriningowych testach bakteryjnych. W teście Ames’a wykazano brak działania mutagennego i fotomutagennego 12 badanych związków. Natomiast kwas metoksycynamonowy i jego ester 2-etyloheksylowy pod wpływem promieniowania UV działały genotoksycznie na bakterie w teście umu-test z aktywacją metaboliczną s9.

The traditional project management tools and methodologies are based on the assumption that dividing project on several stages, which could be better understood (than a whole project), is the way to tackle large projects. General rule is that more detailed model is, the more accurate schedule can be prepared. Whereas, there has been even a tendency to build sophisticated network-based models, experience and surveys reveals that more than 50% (some sources even says about 100%) of large technological development projects fails to meet their cost and schedule targets. An alternative view of a project is offered by system dynamics which concentrate on the whole project. That new approach focuses mainly on relationships between particular project elements. So far, system dynamics has been mainly applied in a industry projects, providing many useful lessons for managers. This paper describes the way how, system dynamics could be applied to IT (Information Technology) project management.

We directly prove that the foliation of the sphere S2n+1, the leaves of which are intersections of all complex linear 2-dimensional subspaces of ℂn+1 translated by a constant vector p, defines a submersion that is horizontally conformal if and only if p=0. We generalise this result to the cases of S4n+3 and S15 with foliations constructed using quaternionic and octonionic structure (resp.) in an analogous way

The objective of this paper is a 3D shape construction that benefits from discrete and continuous modelling approaches. The proposed solution addresses the problem of automated modelling of virtual structures such as caves, buildings and clouds and presents an alternative solution in the form of a hybrid system. Parallel realizations of these solutions are tested on various processors of graphic cards with the use of NVIDIA ‘CUDA’ technology. This paper describes the implementation of algorithms (approaches) and their parallel speedup, efficiency, throughput. Modelled structures are geometrically complex, with an inner graph structure more optimized than in the classical CSG approach. Moreover, they can be rendered up to very high levels of visual realism. In this paper we mainly focus on the description of the algorithm. We also propose very useful measures that can be used to verify the model geometry.

The paper presents endoscopic surgical technique used in the treatment of hormonally active pituitary adenomas and assessment of the method in terms of its effectiveness and safety.In 217 cases the surgery was performed due to pituitary adenomas applying the technique developed by Jho and Carrau, with our own modifications. 70 patients were treated for hormonally active adenomas. The group consisted of 36 somatotrophic adenomas, 21 prolactinomas and 13 corticotrophic adenomas. There were 51 females and 19 males with mean age of 42.6 years (range 11-77 years). The follow-up period was between 7 and 56 months (mean - 34 months). The effectiveness and occurrence of complications were confirmed on the basis of neurosurgical, laryngological, endocrinological, ophthalmological examinations and neuroimaging.Biochemical and neurosurgical criteria for complete resection were obtained in 21 (58.3%) of 36 patients with all somatotrophic adenomas. In the group of prolactinomas complete resection was achieved in 17 (80.9%) of 21 patients. Of the 13 patients with Cushing's disease 11 (84.6%) were cured. In the studied group there were no deaths. In the postoperative course only 2 (2.8%) patients suffered liquorrhoeas and new anterior lobe pituitary insufficiency was noted in 8 (11.4%) cases. Meningitis was noted in 1 (1.4%) case and another 1 (1.4%) patient had epistaxis which required repeated endoscopic surgery.Endoscopic technique is an effective method of treatment of hormonally active pituitary adenomas. It is characterised as being minimal invasive and has a low severe complication rate.

A risk of haemorrhage in arteriovenous malformations (AVM) of the brain is estimated as 2-4% per year. A mortality rate from this reason is estimated as 1% per year and morbidity 10-20%. The methods of treatment ofAVM are: microsurgical treatment, radiosurgery, endovascular treatment. The aim of this work is presentation of our results of surgical treatment of AVM and comparison with the results of radiosurgical and endovascular treatment presented by other authors in the literature.Between 1990-2002 in the Department of Neurosurgery of Medical University of Silesia in Katowice 31 patients were operated with AVM's of the brain. Among them there were 10 female and 21 male at the age from 10 to 69 years. The average age was 36.1. The first sign was intracranial haemorrhage in 19 cases and epileptic seizures in 9 cases. In all cases the cerebral angiography was performed and all patients were assessed as I to III score according to the Spetzler-Martin scale. All patients were operated on using microneurosurgical techniques. The total removal of the tumour was assessed using the intraoperative Doppler examination. The state of the patients at the discharge was estimated according to Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS).In all cases the malformations were removed totally. In 2 cases (6.4%) we noticed the deterioration of neurological condition after operation. The state of 28 patients (90.3%) was assessed as very good and good (I or II score) according to GOS at the discharge. We didn't notice any mortality in our group of patients.In the conclusion we want to emphasize the advantages of surgical treatment of AVM's of the brain especially these including in I to III score according to Spetzler-Martin scale comparing with the results ofradiosurgical and endovascular methods of treatment.

166 patients with arterio-venous malformations (AVM) were treated in the Department of Neurosurgery at Silesian School of Medicine from 1987 to 2002. There were 30 (18%) patients diagnosed as cavernous angioma (CA). The oldest treated patient was 73 years old and the youngest one was 5 years old. 16 (55%) male and 14 (45%) female were examined and the results of this examination are presented below. The location of CA was as follows: supratentorially--19 patients (64%), infratentorially--6 patients (20%), extracranially--5 patients (16%). During the admission the clinical status of patients were evaluated according to Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and Hunt-Hess scale (H-H). Epilepsy occurred in 5 patients (16%), neurological focal deficits--14 (45%), intracranial hemorrhage--7 (23%). All patients were examined using CT (computer tomography) scan, cerebral angiography was carried out in 15 (50%) patients and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) in 16 (55%). All patients were operated on in our medical centre. The results of treatment were presented according to Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS).

The aim of this study is to present a new endoscopic transnasal transsphenoidal method of surgical treatment of pituitary adenomas and to evaluate the results and complications of the method.From October 2001 to June 2003 in the Department of Neurosurgery of the Medical University of Silesia in Katowice 88 operations of pituitary adenomas were performed using the transnasal transsphenoidal endoscopic method. The group of patients consisted of 50 females and 38 males. The youngest patient was 11 years old and the oldest was 79 years old. Patients were operated on using the 4-mm diameter endoscope with 0- and 30-degree angled lenses, using a method of operation according to Jho and Carrau with own modifications. At the time of surgery the operation team included 2 neurosurgeons, an anesthesiologist and a laryngologist.In the group of 51 nonfunctioning adenomas, in 32 cases we obtained the total removal of the tumor, which amounts to 63%. Among 37 of hyperfunctioning adenomas there were 11 prolactinomas, 19 GH secreting adenomas and 7 ACTH secreting adenomas. In all cases of prolactinomas the tumor was removed totally and in the cases of GH secreting adenomas and ACTH secreting adenomas the total removal of the tumor was performed in 58% and 86% of the cases, respectively. One patient within our group died after the operation. It was the patient with a huge nonfunctioning macroadenoma, with hydrocephalus and preoperative disturbances of consciousness. The permanent diabetes insipidus occurred in 2 cases, which amounts to 2.3% of all operated patients. In this group we noticed the intraoperative CSF leakage in 20 cases but we did not observe the postoperative CSF leakage or any rhinological complications.The endoscopic transnasal transsphenoidal approach is an efficient method of surgical treatment of pituitary adenomas. The advantage of this method is low invasiveness and a small number of serious complications.