Showing papers by "Kazimierz Wielki University in Bydgoszcz published in 2019"

Survey on AI-Based Multimodal Methods for Emotion Detection

Abstract: Automatic emotion recognition constitutes one of the great challenges providing new tools for more objective and quicker diagnosis, communication and research. Quick and accurate emotion recognition may increase possibilities of computers, robots, and integrated environments to recognize human emotions, and response accordingly to them a social rules. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the possibility of automated emotion representation, recognition and prediction its state-of-the-art and main directions for further research. We focus on the impact of emotion analysis and state of the arts of multimodal emotion detection. We present existing works, possibilities and existing methods to analyze emotion in text, sound, image, video and physiological signals. We also emphasize the most important features for all available emotion recognition modes. Finally, we present the available platform and outlines the existing projects, which deal with multimodal emotion analysis.

Er3+-to-Yb3+ and Pr3+-to-Yb3+ energy transfer for highly efficient near-infrared cryogenic optical temperature sensing

Abstract: Here, the very high thermal sensing capability of Er3+,Yb3+ doped LaF3 nanoparticles, where Er3+-to-Yb3+ energy transfer is used, is reported. Also Pr3+,Yb3+ doped LaF3 nanoparticles, with Pr3+-to-Yb3+ energy transfer, showed temperature sensing in the same temperature regime, but with lower performance. The investigated Er3+,Yb3+ doped LaF3 nanoparticles show a remarkably high relative sensitivity Sr of up to 6.6092% K−1 (at 15 K) in the near-infrared (NIR) region, in the cryogenic (15–105 K) temperature region opening a whole new thermometric system suitable for advanced applications in the very low temperature ranges. To date reports on NIR cryogenic sensors have been very scarce.

Priorities and Interactions of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with Focus on Wetlands

Abstract: Wetlands are often vital physical and social components of a country’s natural capital, as well as providers of ecosystem services to local and national communities. We performed a network analysis ...

The third Sandia fracture challenge: predictions of ductile fracture in additively manufactured metal

Abstract: The Sandia Fracture Challenges provide a forum for the mechanics community to assess its ability to predict ductile fracture through a blind, round-robin format where mechanicians are challenged to predict the deformation and failure of an arbitrary geometry given experimental calibration data. The Third Challenge (SFC3) required participants to predict fracture in an additively manufactured (AM) 316L stainless steel bar containing through holes and internal cavities that could not have been conventionally machined. The volunteer participants were provided extensive data including tension and notched tensions tests of 316L specimens built on the same build-plate as the Challenge geometry, micro-CT scans of the Challenge specimens and geometric measurements of the feature based on the scans, electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) information on grain texture, and post-test fractography of the calibration specimens. Surprisingly, the global behavior of the SFC3 geometry specimens had modest variability despite being made of AM metal, with all of the SFC3 geometry specimens failing under the same failure mode. This is attributed to the large stress concentrations from the holes overwhelming the stochastic local influence of the AM voids and surface roughness. The teams were asked to predict a number of quantities of interest in the response based on global and local measures that were compared to experimental data, based partly on Digital Image Correlation (DIC) measurements of surface displacements and strains, including predictions of variability in the resulting fracture response, as the basis for assessment of the predictive capabilities of the modeling and simulation strategies. Twenty-one teams submitted predictions obtained from a variety of methods: the finite element method (FEM) or the mesh-free, peridynamic method; solvers with explicit time integration, implicit time integration, or quasi-statics; fracture methods including element deletion, peridynamics with bond damage, XFEM, damage (stiffness degradation), and adaptive remeshing. These predictions utilized many different material models: plasticity models including J2 plasticity or Hill yield with isotropic hardening, mixed Swift-Voce hardening, kinematic hardening, or custom hardening curves; fracture criteria including GTN model, Hosford-Coulomb, triaxiality-dependent strain, critical fracture energy, damage-based model, critical void volume fraction, and Johnson-Cook model; and damage evolution models including damage accumulation and evolution, crack band model, fracture energy, displacement value threshold, incremental stress triaxiality, Cocks-Ashby void growth, and void nucleation, growth, and coalescence. Teams used various combinations of calibration data from tensile specimens, the notched tensile specimens, and literature data. A detailed comparison of results based of these different methods is presented in this paper to suggest a set of best practices for modeling ductile fracture in situations like the SFC3 AM-material problem. All blind predictions identified the nominal crack path and initiation location correctly. The SFC3 participants generally fared better in their global predictions of deformation and failure than the participants in the previous Challenges, suggesting the relative maturity of the models used and adoption of best practices from previous Challenges. This paper provides detailed analyses of the results, including discussion of the utility of the provided data, challenges of the experimental-numerical comparison, defects in the AM material, and human factors.

Comparison of Retinal Microvasculature in Patients With Alzheimer's Disease and Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma by Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography.

Abstract: Purpose Comparison of retinal microvasculature within the macula and the optic nerve head in the eyes of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), and in a healthy control (HC) group, using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). Methods In this cross-sectional study, 27 patients with AD, 27 with POAG, and 27 healthy controls were enrolled. The Mini-Mental State Examination test was used to assess cognitive function. Ophthalmic examination included OCTA, which was used for the imaging of vascular flow within the layer of radial peripapillary capillaries (RPCs), and also in the superficial vascular plexus (SVP) and deep vascular plexus (DVP) of the retina. Results In the AD group, the density of vessels in DVP was significantly reduced and the foveal avascular zone was increased when compared to POAG and HC groups (P < 0.001). Patients with POAG had a significantly reduced vessel density in RPCs and SVP as compared to AD and HC groups (P < 0.001). The average thickness of peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer was correlated with the vessel density in SVP in patients with POAG (Pearson's r = 0.66; P = 0.0002) and was significantly lower in POAG and AD groups than in the HC group (P < 0.001). Conclusions AD and POAG are neurodegenerative diseases associated with apoptosis of nerve cells and impairment of microvasculature. Despite the fact that in both diseases there are abnormalities of the entire retinal vascular system, significant microcirculatory impairment in POAG patients affects superficial vessels, whereas in AD patients it affects vessels located in the deeper retinal layers.

Biodegradable, Flame-Retardant, and Bio-Based Rigid Polyurethane/Polyisocyanurate Foams for Thermal Insulation Application

Abstract: This article raised the issue of studies on the use of new bio-polyol based on white mustard seed oil and 2,2'-thiodiethanol (3-thiapentane-1,5-diol) for the synthesis of rigid polyurethane/polyisocyanurate (RPU/PIR) foams. For this purpose, new formulations of polyurethane materials were prepared. Formulations contained bio-polyol content from 0 to 0.4 chemical equivalents of hydroxyl groups. An industrial flame retardant, tri(2-chloro-1-methylethyl) phosphate (Antiblaze TCMP), was added to half of the formulations. Basic foaming process parameters and functional properties, such as apparent density, compressive strength, brittleness, absorbability and water absorption, aging resistance, thermal conductivity coefficient λ, structure of materials, and flammability were examined. The susceptibility of the foams to biodegradation in soil was also examined. The increase in the bio-polyol content caused a slight increase in processing times. Also, it was noted that the use of bio-polyol had a positive effect on the functional properties of obtained RPU/PIR foams. Foams modified by bio-polyol based on mustard seed oil showed lower apparent density, brittleness, compressive strength, and absorbability and water absorption, as well as thermal conductivity, compared to the reference (unmodified) foams. Furthermore, the obtained materials were more resistant to aging and more susceptible to biodegradation.

The Use of Waste from the Production of Rapeseed Oil for Obtaining of New Polyurethane Composites

Abstract: This article presents the results of research on obtaining new polyurethane materials modified by a by-product from vegetable oils industry—rapeseed cake. The chemical composition of rapeseed cake was examined. Rigid polyurethane-polyisocyanurate (RPU/PIR) foams containing a milled rapeseed cake in their composition were obtained as part of the conducted research. Biofiller was added in amount of 30 wt.% up to 60 wt.%. Effects of rapeseed cake on the foaming process, cell structure and selected properties of foams, such as apparent density, compressive strength, brittleness, flammability, absorbability, water absorption, thermal resistance and thermal conductivity are described. The foaming process of RPU/PIR foams modified by rapeseed cake was characterized by a lower reactivity, lower foaming temperature and decrease in dielectric polarization. This resulted in a slowed formation of the polyurethane matrix. Apparent density of RPU/PIR foams with biofiller was higher than in unmodified foam. Addition of rapeseed cake did not have a significant influence on the thermal conductivity of obtained materials. However, we observed a tendency for opening the cells of modified foams and obtaining a smaller cross-sectional area of cells. This led to an increase of absorbability and water absorption of obtained materials. However, an advantageous effect of using rapeseed cake in polyurethane formulations was noted. Modified RPU/PIR foams had higher compressive strength, lower brittleness and lower flammability than reference foam.

Occupational Exposure to Mycotoxins in Swine Production: Environmental and Biological Monitoring Approaches.

Abstract: Swine production workers are exposed simultaneously to multiple contaminants. Occupational exposure to aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) in Portuguese swine production farms has already been reported. However, besides AFB₁, data regarding fungal contamination showed that exposure to other mycotoxins could be expected in this setting. The present study aimed to characterize the occupational exposure to multiple mycotoxins of swine production workers. To provide a broad view on the burden of contamination by mycotoxins and the workers' exposure, biological (urine) samples from workers (n = 25) and 38 environmental samples (air samples, n = 23; litter samples, n = 5; feed samples, n = 10) were collected. The mycotoxins biomarkers detected in the urine samples of the workers group were the deoxynivalenol-glucuronic acid conjugate (60%), aflatoxin M₁ (16%), enniatin B (4%), citrinin (8%), dihydrocitrinone (12%) and ochratoxin A (80%). Results of the control group followed the same pattern, but in general with a lower number of quantifiable results (

Wastelands: their attractiveness and importance for preserving the diversity of wild bees in urban areas

Abstract: Urban wastelands are important substitute habitats for many insect species, but their value for the protection of wild bees is still poorly studied. We assessed species richness, abundance, and the diversity of wild bees in wastelands that differed in area (2–35 ha), stage of ecological succession, location (suburbs or closer to the city centre), and history of land use. In the investigated plots, we recorded 42% of all bee species reported from Poland. The attractiveness of wastelands was positively correlated with the coverage of blooming herbs, coverage of shrubs and low trees, and the area of the wasteland. An increase in isolation of the habitat patches, the percentage contribution of alien species, annuals, and low grasses (< 25 cm) negatively affected the diversity of Apiformes. Considering the history of land use, we found that the bees were most attracted to wastelands resulting from extractive industry (sand and clay pits), and grassy habitats located in the suburbs, e.g. at sites grazed earlier by sheep. Wastelands in areas directly influenced by the chemical industry were the least attractive to bees. Analyses of quantitative and qualitative similarity of bees in various habitat types showed that three habitat types were the most similar to grasslands in the suburbs (the least disturbed habitats): degraded grasslands located closer to the city centre, extraction pits, and old fields. The presented results indicate that urban wastelands, including some post-industrial sites, can be important secondary habitats for wild bees. Thus, proper management of urban natural resources should cover both the formally managed areas and the so-called unproductive spaces, which have been undervalued so far.

Correction to "Hole Trapping Process and Highly Sensitive Ratiometric Thermometry over a Wide Temperature Range in Pr3+-Doped Na2La2Ti3O10 Layered Perovskite Microcrystals".

Abstract: We demonstrate a potential optical thermometric material, Pr3+-doped triple-layered perovskite Na2La2Ti3O10 microcrystals, which promises a remarkable performance in temperature sensing over a wide temperature range (125-533 K), with a maximum relative sensitivity of 2.43% K-1 at 423 K. Both temperature and high-pressure dependent photoluminescence measurements were performed for this compound. It turns out that the Pr3+-Ti4+ intervalence charge transfer state is the primary cause for the very efficient thermometric characteristics in the 296-533 K range. In the 125-300 K range, 3P1 and 3P0 levels of Pr3+ can be exploited as thermally coupled energy levels for temperature sensing with high sensitivity at and below room temperature. A significant enhancement of the Pr3+ ions' luminescence observed in the 4.5-300 K range is ascribed to an efficient, thermally activated energy transfer process from the host to Pr3+ ions. Carrier recombination on Pr3+ related hole traps was proposed in the studied system. The thermoluminescence properties are investigated, and possible mechanisms for the interpretation of the experimental results are discussed as well. This work may provide a perspective approach to design a high-performance, self-calibrated optical thermometer operating over a wide temperature range.

Determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and other organic pollutants in freshwaters on the western shore of Admiralty Bay (King George Island, Maritime Antarctica)

Abstract: Organic contamination in freshwater samples has never been investigated at the western shore of Admiralty Bay. Therefore, the presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in five different sites distributed along a shore running from the Arctowski Station to the Baranowski Glacier was studied. Moreover, organic compounds such as n-alkanes, toluene and ethylbenzene were also noted. Increased ΣPAHs in late Austral summer 2016 are the result of long-range atmospheric transport of air masses from South America, confirmed by 10-day backward air mass trajectories analysis. The presence of n-alkanes and other hydrocarbons, as well as the evaluation of PAH indices (e.g. ΣLMW/ΣHMW* > 1), shows the use of fuel and indicate local human activity. As a final conclusion, our analysis indicates a mixed origin of PAHs (global and local). The presence of PAHs and other hydrocarbons in the water environment may constitute a potentially negative effect on the Antarctic ecosystem and it should be investigated in detail during further research (//*ΣLMW—sum of low molecular weight PAHs (two- and three-ring PAHs); ΣHMW—sum of high molecular weight PAHs (four- and five-ring PAHs)//).

Effects of virtual reality-based cognitive training in older adults living without and with mild dementia: a pretest–posttest design pilot study

Abstract: Modern technologies are increasingly used in the development of cognitive interventions for older adults. Research into possible applications of virtual reality in such interventions has begun only recently. The aim of present study was to evaluate the effects of 8 sessions of VR-based cognitive training using the GRADYS game in healthy older adults (n = 72; aged 60–88) and older adults living with mild dementia (n = 27; aged 60–89). Older adults with mild dementia demonstrated worse baseline cognitive performance than participants without dementia. Both groups showed progress in training, which was greater in healthy older adults. There were also significant differences in cognitive functioning before and after the training. However, positive changes were revealed almost exclusively in the group of older adults without dementia. Based on the findings, we can recommend the GRADYS game for cognitive enhancement and as a possible counter-measure for cognitive decline experienced in normal cognitive ageing. Our results provide also support for the usefulness of VR technology in cognitive interventions in older adults. The use of the GRADYS game in persons living with dementia, however, would require several of the hardware and software modifications. Trial registration ISRCTN17613444, date of registration: 10.09.2019. Retrospectively registered

The Effect of Accelerated Aging on Polylactide Containing Plant Extracts.

Abstract: In this study, natural extracts of plant origin were used as anti-aging compounds of biodegradable polymers. Coffee (0.5⁻10 wt%), cocoa, or cinnamon extracts were added to the polylactide matrix. The obtained materials were subjected to an accelerated aging process (720, 1440, or 2160 h) at 45 °C and 70% relative humidity under continuous UV radiation. The effectiveness of the tested extracts was compared to a commercially available anti-aging compound, 2 wt% of butylated hydroxytoluene. Visual evaluation, scanning electron microscopy, melt flow rate, thermogravimetry, differential scanning calorimetry, tensile strength, and impact tensile tests were performed. We show that the use of smaller amounts of tested extracts is particularly advantageous, which do not adversely affect the properties of polylactide-based materials at low contents. At the same time, their effectiveness in stabilizing tested properties during the accelerated aging process is mostly comparable to or greater than the reference compound.

Peripapillary Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness in Patients with Alzheimer's Disease: A Comparison of Eyes of Patients with Alzheimer's Disease, Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma, and Preperimetric Glaucoma and Healthy Controls.

Abstract: BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to assess and compare peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), preperimetric glaucoma (PPG), and healthy controls with the use of Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography (SD-OCT). MATERIAL AND METHODS Thirty patients with AD, 30 patients with POAG, 30 patients with PPG, and 30 healthy controls were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Only 1 randomly selected eye of each patient was analyzed. Every subject underwent a thorough ophthalmological examination and OCT of the optic disc. The peripapillary RNFL thickness in each of the 6 sectors and globally was analyzed. RESULTS The RNFL was thinnest in patients with POAG. The mean RNFL thickness value was 60.97±12.97 µm and it was significantly lower than in healthy controls (106.30±8.95 µm), patients with PPG (93.20±12.04 µm), and AD patients (95.73±13.52 µm). Mean RNFL thickness in patients with AD was significantly lower when compared to healthy controls, and was higher compared to eyes with POAG, while there were no significant differences compared to patients with PPG. CONCLUSIONS Neuronal damage in the central nervous system (CNS) also affects to retinal axons. A major problem is to distinguish the cause for a moderate decrease in the RNFL thickness. This is particularly true for patients with glaucoma who have not been diagnosed with changes in the visual field. It is not possible to distinguish the cause of a mild decrease in the RNFL thickness based on the SD-OCT. This may result in misdiagnosis of glaucoma, unnecessary use of anti-glaucoma eye drops, and a delayed diagnosis of AD.

Assessment of Photodegradation and Biodegradation of RPU/PIR Foams Modified by Natural Compounds of Plant Origin

Abstract: Four types of rigid polyurethane-polyisocyanurate foams (RPU/PIR) were obtained. Three of them were modified by powder fillers, such as cinnamon extract (C10 foam), green coffe extract (KZ10), and cocoa extract (EK10) in an amount of 10 wt %. The last foam was obtained without a filler (W foam). The basic properties and thermal properties of obtained foams were examined. All foams were subjected to degradation in the climatic chamber acting on samples of foams in a defined temperature, humidity, and UV radiation for 7, 14, and 21 days. The physico-mechanical properties of foams were tested. The compressive strength of degraded foams after 7, 14, and 21 days was compared with the compressive strength of nondegraded foams (0 days). The chosen properties of degraded foams, such as cellular structure by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and changes of chemical structure by FTIR spectroscopy were compared. The obtained foams were also subjected to degradation in a circulating air dryer in an increased temperature (120 °C) for 48 h. Additionally, W, C10, ZK10, EK10 foams were placed in a soil environment and subjected to 28 days biodegradation process. The biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), the theoretical oxygen demand (TOD), and the degree of biodegradation (Dt) of foams were determined in this measurment. Test results showed that the compressive strength of foams decreased with the longer time of foam degradation in the conditioner. The foam subjected to degradation darkened and became more red and yellow in color. The addition of natural compounds of plant origin to foams increased their susceptibility to biodegradation.

Effect of up-conversion luminescence in Er3+ doped phosphate glasses for developing Erbium-Doped Fibre Amplifiers (EDFA) and G-LED's

Abstract: The (NPbPEr) glasses of the composition (20-x) Na2SO4–20PbO–60P2O5-xEr2O3 (x = 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, 1.0 mol %) are synthesized by melt quenching process. The basic characterization studies like XRD and EDS have confirmed amorphous nature and contents of the samples. The spectroscopic studies viz., optical absorption, photoluminescence (PL) and decay profiles were carried out. The PL spectra exhibited an intense sharp green emission peak at 544 nm due to 4S3/2 → 4I15/2 transition of Er3+ ions both in down-conversion (DC, λexc = 377 nm) and up-conversion (UC, λexc = 977 nm) PL spectra. The spectra also exhibited a broad intense NIR band at 1532 nm ascribed to 4I13/2→4I15/2 transition of Er3+ ions at λexc = 977 nm. The analysis of the spectra indicated 0.5 mol% of Er2O3 is the optimal concentration for achieving maximal PL output both in the green and in NIR regions. The CIE color coordinates and the corresponding CCT (K) values were estimated from both UC and DC emission spectra. Overall analysis of the results suggested that the investigated glasses are potential candidates for getting intense green light emission and are quite suitable as optical fibre amplifiers in the green and NIR (around 1.5 μm) regions.

Selected Healthy Behaviors and Quality of Life in People Who Practice Combat Sports and Martial Arts.

Abstract: Background: The quality of life of a society is conditioned by many factors, and depends, among other things, on preferred behavior patterns. Combat sports (CS) and martial arts (MA) have a special educational potential in the area of shaping positive behavior patterns and transmitting moral values which could help reduce aggression in society. The aim of the work was to determine the relationship between health behaviors and the quality of life of people who practice combat sports and martial arts (CS and MA) recreationally, in addition to practicing other sports, and as competitors at the master level. Methods: The research embraced 543 people who practice combat sports and martial arts. Three groups were selected: recreational (n = 362), people who reconciled practicing various sports (n = 115), and competitors who practiced combat sports or martial arts at the master level (n = 66). The average age of the respondents was 24.49 ± 7.82. The standardized WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire and another questionnaire for a lifestyle survey were applied. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare several independent samples. In the case of determining statistical significance of differences the Mann-Whitney test was employed, and for the qualitative data analyses the trait frequency and the independence chi-square test were used. The effect size was calculated for each test ( E R 2 , rg, Cramer's V). The value of p ≤ 0.05 was assumed to be statistically significant. Results: The highest quality of life (in the physical, psychological and environmental domains) was characteristic of the competitors, who practiced only combat sports and martial arts. They also displayed the most health-oriented behaviors. The surprising results were: lower quality of life in the assessment of nondrinkers and nonsmokers, and higher among people who were overweight. Conclusions: We have found positive correlations between practicing CS and MA, health behaviours and higher scores in quality of life self-evaluation, particularly where practitioners are exclusively focused on CS and MA and practice these at a competitive level. Our findings thus support the growing evidence that competitive level CS and MA are an effective means of improving people's quality of life. Future research needs to clarify whether CS and MA can also be recommended to recreational and non-competitive practitioners as a means to improve their subjective quality of life.

Treating irritable bowel syndrome through an interdisciplinary approach.

Abstract: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional disorder with a multifactorial etiology and a complex clinical picture. The recent discovery of the dysregulation of the gut-brain axis as an important pathogenetic mechanism for the development of IBS is a kind of breakthrough in the understanding of IBS and prevalent comorbidities. Nevertheless, IBS treatment still causes many problems and often turns out to be ineffective or brings only short-term effects in reducing symptom severity. In reference to the characteristics of IBS, including new findings regarding etiopathogenesis, an interdisciplinary treatment approach is proposed and the roles of medical and psychological interventions are underlined. The literature search was conducted using electronic databases with a focus on the latest publications. The review may be useful for matching the best strategy of IBS management.

Analysis of the level of selected parameters of inflammation, circulating immune complexes, and related indicators (neutrophil/lymphocyte, platelet/lymphocyte, CRP/CIC) in patients with obstructive diseases

Abstract: Introduction Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an inflammatory disorder of the airways. An important element of COPD assessment is the evaluation of immune mechanisms involved in non-specific and specific response to ongoing inflammation. Aim of the study To evaluate the level of selected inflammatory and immunological parameters in patients with COPD, including C-reactive protein (CRP) and circulating immune complexes (CIC), as well as CRP/CIC index. Material and methods The study group consisted of 49 patients with obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD, asthma, and asthma-COPD overlap syndrome) hospitalised in the Department of Pulmonary Diseases, Kuyavian-Pomeranian Pulmonology Centre in Bydgoszcz. Patients with COPD were divided into two subgroups, taking into account the severity of the disease according to the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD; stages B and D). The control group consisted of 30 healthy persons. Levels of CIC were determined by the method of Haskova, and the concentration of CRP in serum by the standard immunoturbidimetric method. Results The median values of examined parameters (neutrophils, lymphocytes, platelets, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio - NLR, platelet/lymphocyte ratio - PLR, CRP, CIC, and CRP/CIC index) were significantly higher among patients with obstructive diseases than in the control group. A tendency towards higher lymphocyte count, CRP, and CRP/CIC index in COPD stage D, compared to stage B, was observed. Conclusions Based on our results, we suggest that the role of non-specific inflammatory mechanisms may increase in more advanced COPD stages (D), compared to less advanced stages (B).

Motion analysis of elite Polish soccer goalkeepers throughout a season.

Abstract: The study aims were to determine the distance covered by goalkeepers during matches in the context of game duration and result, to identify the area of their most frequent activity, and to assess goalkeepers' involvement in games finished with a win, draw, or loss. The investigation was based on two innovative tools: the goalkeeper's activity index (GAI) and an analysis of 5-min periods. A video tracking system was used to monitor 17 goalkeepers from Polish National League teams during 15 matches. The GAI was applied to assess their involvement in the game. Elite goalkeepers covered 72.7%, 25.8%, and 2.5% of the distance during the game by walking/jogging, running, and sprinting, respectively. The distances covered in lost, won, and drawn matches turned out similar (mean ± SD: 4800 ± 906 m, 4696 ± 1033 m, and 4660 ± 754 m, respectively). There were no significant differences between the distances covered in the first and second halves. The area of most frequent activity was the middle sector of the penalty area between the goal and penalty area lines. ANOVA results showed that in drawn matches, goalkeepers' activity significantly differed in mean values of the GAI in comparison with that in won and lost games (p = 0.034, p = 0.039, respectively). It was noted that goalkeepers tended to intervene more often in games where their team was winning rather than in those with a losing result. Their direct involvement in defending the goal was the lowest in drawn games.

Computer Assisted Activating Methods in Education

Abstract: Mathability, according to its definition, combines machine and human cognitive capabilities essential for mathematics. However, the notion can be extended to methods of processing information in a structural way in consideration with any science. In this paper, we describe the need of constructive learning aided with smart devices. The brief characteristic of Millennials is presented and some forecasted changes of the labor marked are outlined. Finally, an example of constructive learning is given.