Effect of using deflector in the distributor head of a pneumatic seed drill on the oat seed sowing unevenness.

This paper presents an innovative solution for a distributor head equipped with a deflector (controlled plate)-intended to change the tilt angle (realignment) of the pneumatic seed drill distributor head cover. We compared two qualitative parameters of seed sowing, coefficient of variation and coefficient of lateral unevenness of seed sowing (δ). Values were obtained on the test stand with an innovative deflector built into the distributor head at three angles of inclination (0°, 5° and 10°). Statistical analyses revealed a significant effect of airflow velocity and deflector angle, which corrects the deviation from the vertical plane of the distributor head, on the uniformity of seed sowing. In addition, regression equations were determined to predict the quality of the seed sowing process. The developed and manufactured innovative distributor head with a deflector that tilts in two planes, designed to improve the distribution evenness of the air stream transporting seed to individual coulters in pneumatic seed drills, received a positive review. The use of a deflector with automatic control of its position angle, correcting the deviation of the distributor head from a vertical plane in pneumatic seed drills improves the uniformity of seeding. Therefore, it is reasonable to use this solution for new pneumatic seed drills and those in use on soils with different relief (undulating surface). Moreover, the solution fits in with modern agricultural manufacturing in accordance with the ideas of precision agriculture.

Assessment of the Physical and Energetic Properties of Fuel Pellets Made from Sage Waste Biomass with the Addition of Rye Bran.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of rye bran addition on the pelleting process of sage waste biomass, and the quality and energetic properties of fuel pellets. The pelleting process was conducted on an SS-4 test stand equipped with a P-300 pelletizer with flat die roller compactors. The addition of 20% rye bran reduced the pelletizer's power/energy consumption from 3.75 kW/107 kWh t-1 (0% rye bran content) to 3.19 kW/91 kWh t-1, decreased physical and bulk density, and increased the pellet durability index (PDI). The higher heating value-HHV (19.39 MJ kg-1 at 10% humidity) and the lower heating value-LHV (18.17 MJ kg-1) of sage waste biomass indicate that this plant material is highly suitable for heat generation. The addition of 20% rye bran decreased HHV by 2.07% and LHV by 2.67%.

Socioeconomic Determinants of the Anthropometric Characteristics and Motor Abilities of Polish Male University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study Conducted in 2000-2018.

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the relationships between socioeconomic factors, anthropometric characteristics and motor abilities of male university students. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted from 2000 to 2018 on 2691 male university students aged 19.98 ± 1.05 years, who were randomly selected from students attending obligatory physical education (PE) classes. The participants' body mass and height were measured, and students participated in 13 motor ability tests that assessed their speed/agility, flexibility, strength and endurance abilities. Multiple independent samples were compared with the Kruskal-Wallis test or the mean-ranks post-hoc test when significant differences were observed in the participants' motor abilities. Results: Factors such as the place of permanent residence, students' monthly budget, and mother's and father's educational background, significantly (p < 0.05) influenced the body mass, BMI and motor abilities of first-year university students. The participants' motor abilities (speed/agility, flexibility-partly, strength, strength endurance, and endurance) were most frequently and most significantly determined by their monthly budgets, and were least frequently and least significantly determined by their place of permanent residence. Conclusions: The students' body height, BMI and motor abilities generally increased with a rise in population in the place of permanent residence, monthly budget, and the parents' educational attainment.

International Standards for the 3-Minute Burpee Test: High- Intensity Motor Performance.

The aim of this study was to develop international standards for evaluating strength endurance with the use of the 3-Minute Burpee Test. The results of 3862 women (Poland - 2502, Great Britain - 500, Hungary - 412, Serbia - 448) and 5971 men (Poland - 4517, Great Britain - 500, Hungary - 451, Serbia - 503) aged 18-25 (mean age of 20.36 ± 0.94 and 20.05 ± 1.25 y, respectively) were collated between 2004 and 2018. The students' strength endurance was evaluated in the 3-Minute Burpee Test. The results were expressed on a uniform scale with the 3-sigma rule which was used to develop the T-score scale for the 3-Minute Burpee Test. Men completed 56.69 cycles/3 min and women - 48.84/3 min on average. The best male participant completed 82 burpees, and the best female participant - 73 burpees. The majority of male and female participants (66.71% and 68.18%, respectively) were characterized by average strength endurance in the 3-Minute Burpee Test (range of scores: 47-66 and 37-60 cycles/3 min, respectively). Very good strength endurance (76-85 and 72-83 cycles/3 min, respectively) was noted in the smallest percentage of male and female participants (0.52% and 0.26%, respectively). Similar studies should be carried out in other countries and in different age groups to develop objective international classification standards for variously-aged individuals.

The effect of prolonged thermal stress on the physiological parameters of young, sedentary men and the correlations with somatic features and body composition parameters.

Little is known about the effect of prolonged thermal stress on the physiological parameters of young and sedentary men. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of prolonged thermal stress on the physiological parameters of young men and the correlations with somatic features and body composition parameters. Forty-two sedentary men aged 20.24 ± 1.68 years were exposed to 10-, 12- and 14-minute sauna sessions (temperature: 90-91 °C; relative humidity: 14-16%). The participants' body composition parameters were determined pre-sauna exposure, and their body mass and blood pressure were measured pre and post-sauna treatment. Physiological parameters were monitored during each sauna session. Heart rate, energy expenditure, oxygen uptake, excess post-exercise oxygen consumption, respiratory rate, and blood pressure differed significantly between 10-, 12- and 14-minute sauna sessions. The increase in physiological parameters during sauna sessions (10, 12 and 14 minutes, respectively) was not significantly correlated with somatic features or body composition parameters. The only exception were the values of blood pressure (systolic and diastolic), which were significantly correlated with body mass, body mass index, body surface area, waist-hip ratio and the initial values of blood pressure pre-sauna exposure. Every additional two minutes of exposure to thermal stress induces significant changes in the physiological parameters of young and sedentary men. Whilst changes in physiological parameters following heat exposure are not significantly correlated with somatic features or body composition parameters, excluding blood pressure. Given the marked physiological changes observed in this study, it is recommended that sauna bathing of longer durations be investigated in order to elucidate the thermal stress response among varying body types.

Correlations between Repeated Use of Dry Sauna for 4 x 10 Minutes, Physiological Parameters, Anthropometric Features, and Body Composition in Young Sedentary and Overweight Men: Health Implications.

BACKGROUND: The effect of thermal stress on the physiological parameters of young overweight and sedentary men who sporadically use the sauna remains insufficiently investigated. AIM: The aim of the study was to determine the effect of sauna bathing on the physiological parameters of young overweight, physically inactive men and to test the correlations between physiological parameters versus anthropometric features and body composition parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-five overweight and sedentary men aged 20.76±2.4 y were exposed to four sauna sessions of 10 minutes each (temperature: 90-91°C; relative humidity: 14-16 %) with four 5-minute cool-down breaks. Body composition was determined before sauna, and body mass and blood pressure were measured before and after sauna. Physiological parameters were monitored during four 10-minute sauna sessions. RESULTS: A significant (p<0.0001) increase in all analyzed physiological parameters was observed during four successive 10-minute sauna sessions. Heart rate, energy expenditure, blood pressure, and body mass loss were most strongly correlated with anthropometric parameters (body mass, body mass index, and body surface area) and body composition parameters (percent body fat, body fat mass, and visceral fat level). The 60-minute treatment resulted in a significant reduction in body mass (0.65 kg). CONCLUSIONS: Repeated use of Finnish sauna induces significant changes in the physiological parameters of young sedentary overweight men, and these changes are intensified during successive treatments. Deleterious cardiovascular adaptations were most prevalent in men characterized by the highest degree of obesity and the largest body size.

The effect of subcutaneous methotrexate on markers of metabolic syndrome in psoriatic patients - preliminary report.

INTRODUCTION: Methotrexate (MTX) has anti-proliferative and anti-inflammatory effects in psoriasis. Moreover, low doses can reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. It turns out that psoriasis and atherosclerosis have a similar pathogenetic mechanism: the same pro-inflammatory cytokines, Th1 and Th17, are involved in both diseases. AIM: To evaluate the effects of metabolic markers, protective cytokines (interleukin 10 (IL-10), transforming growth factor ß (TGF-ß)) and a marker of endothelial damage (endocan) in patients with plaque psoriasis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 24 patients aged 27-69 years (9 female, 15 male) with plaque psoriasis. The metabolic syndrome according to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) was evaluated. The laboratory tests were performed under fasting conditions: C-reactive protein (CRP), glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), uric acid, endocan, IL-10, and TGF-ß. After 12 weeks of treatment with MTX injections 15 mg/week, every patient was assessed with the same laboratory tests. RESULTS: After treatment we observed a statistically significant increase of endocan and IL-10, but no significant differences in the titer of TGF-ß. C-reactive protein was reduced by approximately 54.7%. No improvement of lipid profile was observed, and even a significant increase in triglycerides was noted. Similarly, no significant difference was seen in the case of glucose and uric acid prior to and after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Methotrexate in low doses in short-term treatment decreases CRP (anti-inflammatory effect) and increases endocan and IL-10 (potential protective role). Methotrexate is characterized by good efficacy and tolerability in therapy of patients with psoriasis.

Trends in alcohol drinking among university students at the Polish University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn.

AIM: This article presents cross-sectional data collected from the population of first-year students at the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn in 2000-2016. The aim of the study was to investigate changes in the following trends among university students after Poland's accession to the European Union (2004): (1) alcohol consumption, (2) alcoholic beverage preferences, and (3) attitudes towards alcohol. METHOD: The study relied on data from anonymous surveys conducted every two years between 2000 and 2016 among a representative sample of first-year university students. A total of 9778 individuals (4264 males and 5514 females) completed anonymous questionnaires during the period under analysis. Statistical analyses were performed by comparing the frequency of answers given by male and female students in the first and last year of the study. RESULTS: There was a steady linear decrease in the percentages of abstainers of both genders and a regular linear increase in the number of female students abusing alcohol to blackout level in the analysed period of 2000 to 2016. The respondents' preferences for alcohol brands became more diversified (with foreign types of strong liquors becoming more popular), and their attitudes towards alcohol availability on campus were liberalised. CONCLUSIONS: Our data complement the gaps in empirical research on alcohol consumption among university students in European countries. They point to greater homogenisation of Polish drinking culture and convergence in male and female drinking behaviours.

Application of pigeon circovirus recombinant capsid protein for detecting anti-PiCV antibodies in the sera of asymptomatic domestic pigeons and the potential use of a combination of serological and molecular tests for controlling circovirus infections in pigeon breeding flocks.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the serologic status of domestic pigeons not infected and asymptomatically infected with the pigeon circovirus (PiCV) with the use of an enzyme-linked assay based on PiCV recombinant capsid protein as a plate antigen. Recombinant PiCV capsid protein was produced by transforming E. coli BL21 (DE3) Rosetta colonies with expression plasmids.Blood samples and cloacal swabs were collected from 171 asymptomatic pigeons. The birds were divided into two groups (infected and not infected with PiCV) based on the results of Sybr Green real time PCR screening for the presence of PiCV genetic material. Approximately 70% of the pigeons tested positive for anti-PiCV antibodies regardless of their infection status. Antibody levels, the coefficient of variation and standard deviation were significantly higher in the group of infected pigeons.The results indicate that ELISA is a highly useful test that complements molecular methods in evaluations of PiCV infection status in domestic pigeons. The spread of pigeon circovirus infections can be controlled by keeping breeding flocks free of PiCV, which can only be achieved by subjecting birds to real time PCR and serological tests.

Empty alcohol containers and breath alcohol analysis measures of alcohol consumption at a college volleyball championship.

OBJECTIVE: This article provides information on the amount of alcohol consumed by students during college sports events. It examines the relationship between alcohol consumption and the rank of the match, sex of the players (male vs. female league), and sex of the spectators. METHOD: The study was carried out during an interdepartmental volleyball championship (cup system) at the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn (Poland), which included 16 matches (in both male and female leagues). The research sample consisted of 2,683 students between ages 19 and 24 years (including 1,768 men and 915 women) who came to cheer on their peers at the matches. Two objective measurements of alcohol consumption were used: (a) the number of empty alcohol packages left behind by the spectators at the sports facilities after each match and (b) breath alcohol analysis tests given to volunteering spectators after each match (in which 323 persons consented to participate). RESULTS: Male league games were accompanied by more alcohol consumption than were female league games, and male spectators drank more than female spectators. The most drinking occurred among men watching the male league, and the least amount of drinking occurred among women watching the female league. Alcohol intoxication increased with the rank of the match mostly among men watching the male league. CONCLUSIONS: The sex of players and spectators seems to be a mediating factor in the relationship between the rank of a match and the amount of alcohol consumed.

The prevalence and genetic characterization of Chlamydia psittaci from domestic and feral pigeons in Poland and the correlation between infection rate and incidence of pigeon circovirus.

Chlamydiosis is a zoonotic disease caused by Chlamydia psittaci that occurs in a wide range of bird species. High infection rates with C. psittaci are found in pigeons, which can act as vectors transmitting this bacterium to poultry and humans. Chlamydia shedding by pigeons is intermittent and can be activated by stressors or immunosuppression. The most common immunosuppressive factor for pigeons is a pigeon circovirus (PiCV) infection. The main aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of C. psittaci in Polish populations of domestic and feral pigeons (Columba livia) in the context of its correlation with PiCV infections. The second objective was to determine the genetic characteristics of Polish C. psittaci isolates. The study was conducted on 377 pigeon samples (276 domestic and 101 feral pigeons) collected from pigeons from different regions of Poland. The average prevalence of C. psittaci in the Polish pigeon population was determined at 6.8%, and it was higher in domestic than in feral pigeons. This is the first ever study to suggest a potential correlation between C. psittaci and PiCV infections, which could be attributed to the fact that there are 2 to 3 times more pigeons infected with C. psittaci and coinfected with PiCV than pigeons infected with C. psittaci alone. This trend was observed mainly in the population of sick pigeons. As many as 88.2% of isolates were recognized as belonging to genotype B, and the remaining isolates were identified as belonging to genotype E. The isolates analyzed in this study demonstrated low levels of genetic variation (96-100% homology among the isolates and in relation to reference strains). Chlamydia psittaci could be expected to spread across pigeon populations due to the high probability of mutual infections between birds and the increasing number of PiCV infections.

Sauna-induced body mass loss in young sedentary women and men.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and body mass loss (BML) induced by thermal stress in a dry sauna. The study was conducted on a group of 674 sedentary students, 326 women and 348 men aged 19-20. The correlations between BMI scores and BML were determined. The subjects were placed in supine position in a dry sauna for two sessions of 10 minutes each with a 5-minute break. The influence of BMI on the amount of BML in the sauna was determined by nonlinear stepwise regression. The smallest BML was noted in underweight subjects; students with normal weight lost more weight, whereas the greatest BML was reported in overweight and obese subjects. Persons with a high BMI are at higher risk of dehydration, and they should pay particular attention to replenishing fluids during a visit to the sauna. The proposed equations for calculating BML based on a person's BMI can be useful in estimating the amount of fluids that should be replenished by both men and women during a visit to a dry sauna.

Habits and attitudes of first-year female students at Warmia and Mazury University: a call for implementing health education programme at universities.

INTRODUCTION: Entering university frequently brings about considerable changes in the students' lifestyle, which often affect negatively their health. Therefore, it seems to be of great importance to promote pro-health habits and attitudes particularly among 1st-year-students and thus, it is necessary to accurately assess their lifestyles and needs in this regard. AIM: The aim of the study was to assess the habits and attitudes towards healthy lifestyle of 762 first-year female students enrolled at the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn so as to detect health risks and ultimately present the need for remedial measures. METHODS: Female students were randomly selected from all the groups attending obligatory physical education classes. The students filled in an anonymous questionnaire, which contained questions referring to their physical activity, nutrition, tobacco and alcohol use, and stress. RESULTS: The research demonstrated a worrisome picture of the students' habits and attitudes with regard to health. It showed that the female students took keener interest in daily body care than in proper nutrition and an adequate level of physical activity. What is also alarming is the excessive amount of alcohol they consumed on a regular basis. CONCLUSIONS: The research findings call for a specially designed pro-health programme to be implemented during the time of the studies in order to raise the female students' awareness of leading a health-conscious lifestyle.