Technologies in eHealth Sector

Mining of minerals is associated with waste that needs to be dealt with, e.g., safely deposited or, if possible, reused. From 2010 to 2016, 6,182,277 Mg of waste was deposited during mining of rock raw materials in the Lower Silesia region in Southwest Poland. Extraction activities were responsible for 46.95% of that waste, while mineral processing was responsible for 53.05% of that waste. This study analyzed the spatial and temporal distribution of waste resulting from mining rock raw minerals in Poland’s Lower Silesia region. In the study, an inventory of waste deposited during rock raw mineral mining and processing was prepared. Then, a geographic information systems (GIS) database that included information on the quantity and quality of waste generated during rock raw mineral mining and processing during the 2010–2016 study period was created. It was used for assessment of the variation of waste distribution and density in time and space with GIS kernel density estimation (KDE) functions. Spatial context of mining waste production and distribution over a period of 7 years in Lower Silesia were analyzed and presented graphically. The study revealed increasing accumulation of mining waste and helped to identify spatial clusters of its deposition in the region. Based on a literature study and the identified main waste types, the potential of selected types of this waste for re-use was analyzed and prospective uses were proposed. The methodology of quantitative and spatial analysis used in this research can be applied to studies in other regions coping with the problem of a large amount of mining waste.

Background and Objectives: Patients living with HIV (PLWH), especially those diagnosed too late or not receiving treatment with antiretroviral drugs in the stage of advanced immunodeficiency AIDS for various reasons, develop additional opportunistic infections or AIDS-defining diseases that may contribute directly to the death of these patients. Material and Methods: In this work, we focused on disorders of the central nervous system (CNS) by retrospectively analyzing the symptoms, clinical and autopsy diagnoses of patients diagnosed with HIV infection who died in the provincial specialist hospital in the Lower Silesia region in Poland. Results: The autopsy was performed in 27.4% cases. The cause of death was determined to be HIV-related/AIDS-associated in 78% patients. The most common AIDS-defining CNS diseases in our cohort were toxoplasmosis and cryptococcosis. Conslusions: The presented results of the most common causes of changes in the central nervous system among deceased HIV-infected patients are comparable to the results of studies by other scientists cited in the publication.

The proposed paper is going to be an analysis of communication management during local elections campaigns in Poland in 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018. The 2002 was chosen as the starting point of the analysis because of the following facts: 1) those were the first direct local elections for mayors/municipality heads; 2) the number of council members was reduced by law all of which heralded an interesting competition. The high turnover rate of candidates for councillors across different regions of Poland in 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014 and 2018 local government elections has been attributed in part to the volatility caused by greater media and public interest in council issues. The paper is based on: the theory analysis, qualitative and quantitative research (questionnaires), statistical analysis (questionnaires and reports) and content analysis (selected papers; radio/TV stations; web pages). Surveys were carried out in: 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014 and 2018. The survey was followed at the region of Lower Silesia. In this paper there is presented detailed data from the study of Dzierżoniów county. There were chosen varied types of communes: periphery and centre of the region. The group of around 2500 respondents was analysed.

IntroductionIn recent years the failure of standard therapy for Helicobacter pylori infections has been observed, which results primarily from the increasing resistance of H. pylori strains to antibiotics. The aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance of H. pylori strains isolated from adult symptomatic patients with primary infection in the Lower Silesia Region in Poland.Material and methodsOne hundred and seventy-eight adults aged 19–89 years with dyspeptic symptoms suggesting gastroduodenal pathology were enrolled in the study. The study was performed in the years 2008–2011. Fifty H. pylori strains were isolated from gastric biopsy samples of examined patients. Antimicrobial susceptibility to 6 drugs (amoxicillin (AM), clarithromycin (CH), metronidazole (MZ), tetracycline (TC), levofloxacin (LEV), and rifabutin (RB)) was tested by the gradient-diffusion method (E-test method).ResultsThe incidence of H. pylori infection among examined patients was 35%. From 50 isolated H. pylori strains, 24% showed resistance to CH, 42% to MZ and 8% to LEV alone. Multidrug resistance was detected in 26% of strains, whereas 20% of isolates were resistant to MZ and CH. Examined strains were fully susceptible to AM, TC and RB.ConclusionsResistance to clarithromycin strains isolated from adults of the Lower Silesia Region in Poland is high and is almost always associated with resistance to metronidazole (CH + MZ). It is necessary to continuously monitor H. pylori resistance to drugs used in therapy, especially to clarithromycin. Verification of the existing recommendations of eradication therapy is also needed.

IntroductionUnderstanding the anatomy of root canal systems and being aware of their variations is crucial for successful endodontic treatment. Specifically, the intricate and diverse nature of the root anatomy in maxillary third molars poses a significant challenge for dental clinicians. The study analyzed the morphology of the root canal system in maxillary third molars among residents of the Lower Silesia region in Poland using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).Material and methodsThis retrospective cross-sectional imaging study was conducted at the X-Ray Diagnostics Laboratory of the Academic Dental Polyclinic of Wroclaw Medical University, Poland. The study evaluated 316 CBCT scans and included 196 maxillary third molars. They were obtained from 118 females and 78 males over the age of 18, in the period from January to April 2022 (three consecutive months). The number of roots, root canals, and root canal configurations according to Vertucci’s classification were analyzed.ResultsThree-rooted maxillary molars were found most often (64.29%), followed by single-rooted (24.49%), two-rooted (7.65%), and four-rooted (3.57%) teeth. Among all the roots examined, Vertucci Type I root canals were the most prevalent. Our research found that single-rooted forms (40 teeth, 33.89% vs. 8 teeth, 10.26%, p = 0.0013) of maxillary third molars were significantly more common in females than in males. However, three-rooted forms (62 teeth, 79.49% vs. 64 teeth, 54.24%, p = 0.0013) of maxillary third molars were significantly more common in males than in females.DiscussionIn the Lower Silesia region, the typical maxillary third molar in the Polish population has a three-rooted structure with Vertucci Type I root canal configuration. We noted a sex-dependent correlation in maxillary third molar morphology, with single-rooted forms more prevalent in women and three-rooted forms in men.

The paper introduces the principles of the System of Environmental-Economic Accounting-Ecosystem Accounting. The aim of the work is to present the application of the conceptual framework of linking ecosystem services, benefits and economic sectors. The analysis relates to years 2012 and 2018. The case study area represents five municipalities that cross borders with the Ślężański Landscape Park and its buffer zone in the Lower Silesia region in Poland. Results show that cropland-related ecosystem services contribute to 17% and 14 % percent of all companies operating in the case study area. The direct link between agricultural benefits and five economic sectors was established. The ecosystem extent account is created, and the land cover flows analysed. The applicability of ecosystem accounting to local governance is discussed.

The main objective of this study was to determine the driving forces behind landscape change and the perceptions of change by the residents of selected research areas. The communities used for the study were Mysłakowice and Jelenia Góra, located in the Lower Silesia region in Poland. Mysłakowice is a rural community, and Jelenia Góra is an urban community. The landscape of both municipalities is dominated by forest-covered mountains surrounding dispersed built-up and agricultural areas. The time range of the analysis was 2005–2020, covering the period after Poland’s accession to the European Union, and was divided into the following three time periods: 2005–2010, 2010–2015, and 2015–2020. The research methodology consisted of the following three stages: (1) the identification of landscape changes on the basis of land cover data and the calculation of the landscape change index (LCI), (2) the characterization and classification of the identified landscape changes, and (3) the identification of the driving forces of landscape changes through surveys with the residents of both municipalities. The results obtained based on the surveys were often consistent with the results from the GIS analysis. The respondents were able to identify the most important changes and proposed the driving forces affecting them. According to the residents of Mysłakowice and Jelenia Góra, the changes in the landscape between 2005 and 2020 were primarily the result of political and socio-economic driving forces, accompanied by forces from other groups. However, each time period was distinctive. The analysis showed which types of changes in the landscape were viewed positively and negatively by the people during the analyzed periods of time, and what the influence of the different driving forces was on the formation of changes in the landscape.

The eHealth sector has witnessed significant growth due to technological advancements, facilitating care delivery in patients' homes and moving away from traditional hospital settings. Blockchain and the Internet of Things (IoT) play pivotal roles in enhancing healthcare services, offering features such as remote patient monitoring, streamlined electronic medical record (EMR) management, drug traceability, and effective disease control, particularly during events like the COVID-19 pandemic. The growing utilization of IoT devices brings about security challenges, including concerns related to data integrity and device authentication. This paper proposes the integration of blockchain technology as a robust solution. Leveraging its decentralized and tamper-resistant features, blockchain establishes trust among diverse IoT devices, ensuring the integrity of IoT data. Additionally, smart contracts enhance device authentication, fortifying overall security by addressing vulnerabilities associated with centralization. Regarding the management of eHealth, this survey begins with an overview of the industry, highlighting IoT-related challenges in healthcare. It explores various IoT applications in eHealth and discusses how blockchain can effectively address obstacles in healthcare management through IoT. Notably, the paper provides insights into examining consensus algorithm parameters within blockchain systems, clarifying the methodology used to assess and optimize these critical components. The survey extends to a thorough review of existing research on integrating blockchain-based IoT in eHealth. Finally, it presents an overview of challenges and potential solutions for implementing blockchain-based IoT in the eHealth sector. This comprehensive survey aims to empower stakeholders by providing insights to enhance patient care in this dynamic and evolving field.

Background: The presence and level of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in PLWH from the Lower Silesia region in Poland. Material and Methods: A total of 216 serum samples of both sexes, aged 21–77, and treated with TDF or TAF together with FTC and INSTI at two points of time. Anyone who did not experience COVID-19 symptoms. Samples were checked for the presence and levels of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies regarding CD4 + T and CD8 + T cells counts, the ratio of these cells, age, sex, VL, and type of tenofovir used. Results: The average level and prevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies during the first wave were 65.81 IU/mL and 4.17%, while during the second wave, they were 125.98 IU/mL and 14.29%, respectively. There was a significant correlation between the number and type of lymphocytes and the presence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. We did not find the same correlation regarding anti-SARS-CoV-2 levels. The average level of antibodies was higher during the second wave. There was no difference between the type of tenofovir used and the humoral response, as well as no correlation of anti-SARS-CoV-2 levels with age, gender, or VL. Conclusion: PLWH can have asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection, which can influence the presence, but not levels, of anti-SARS-CoV-2 Ab. No correlation with type of tenofovir was observed.

Introduction: With advances in hemophilia care, persons with hemophilia (PwH) live significantly longer and more often develop age-related comorbidities, including cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Managing CVD in PwH is challenging due to the necessity of maintaining a delicate balance between the risk of thrombosis and the risk of bleeding caused by hemophilia, as well as the potential undesirable effects of anticoagulant therapy. Aim: This study aimed to assess cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) in PwH based on medical history, physical examination, laboratory findings, and cardiologic evaluation. Material and methods: This study included 100 PwH without inhibitors (mean age, 37.48 years; range, 19–68 years) and 50 controls (mean age, 42.0 years; range, 21–66 years). Both groups were subdivided into two subgroups ≤40 and >40 years of age. Results: Hypertension (HTN) was found in 26% PwH, but it was significantly more frequent than in controls only in the subgroup aged ≤40 years (p <0.02). HTN persisted in 26% of PwH, despite 41% of the entire PwH group receiving antihypertensive medication. Obesity was present in 11% of PwH and in 18% of controls, and the body mass index was significantly lower in the entire PwH group (p <0.0001) and in the subgroup aged >40 years (p <0.01) compared with controls. Hypercholesterolemia was found in 33% of PwH and in 40% of controls, but this difference was not significant. Other lipid parameters did not differ between the overall PwH group or subgroups and the controls; however, hyperglycemia, present in 9% of PwH, was significantly more frequent than in controls among individuals aged >40 years (p <0.04). Discussion: Electrocardiographic abnormalities were observed in 33% PwH, including nonvalvular atrial fibrillation in 6%. The echocardiographic changes were found in 20% PwH, the most prevalent was mitral valve prolapse with or without regurgitations in seven persons, and the grade I diastolic dysfunction in five. Conclusions: The prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors, congenital or acquired cardiac abnormalities, and age-related comorbidities in PwH is comparable to that in the general population. It is essential to raise awareness of these issues among various specialists, promote cardiovascular research, and develop effective diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for PwH.

The problem of negative environmental influence of agriculture and its lightening is generally known in scientific literature. The state disposes many instruments that aim to support environmental issues. The accession to the European Union have expanded it by the CAP. The purpose of the study is to point out position of the Lower Silesia region in the process of implementation of the CAP instruments aiming to support environmental functions of agriculture. The implementation of agri-environmental scheme, especially organic farming, soil and water protection and protection of permanent grassland have been analyzed. The study leaded to the conclusion that protection of the environment by the agri-environmental packages in Lower Silesia is visibly smaller than in other regions in Poland.

A Monte Carlo simulation model has been set up to analyze the inequalities in access to emergency medical services (EMS) in Lower Silesia Region in Poland.In the former studies carried on by one author the differences between different evaluative criteria measuring the effectiveness of emergency system in the selected number of communes in one of the Polish South-West regions have been assessed.The goal of this paper is to examine, using a stochastic simulation Monte Carlo model, the influence of the predicted demographic changes (fluctuations of population number) and epidemiological changes (fluctuations in EMS events: calls-for-service passed to the dispatcher of EMS system) on the access to emergency care.

The aim of the paper is to determine which socio-economic determinants influence seniors’ choice of tourism organizers. The study distinguished five basic types of tourism organizers: local travel agencies, senior clubs, parishes, nationwide travel agencies and foreign travel agencies. To answer the question of what the impact of selected socio-economic factors on seniors’ choice is, a survey among 1000 seniors living in the Lower Silesia region in Poland was conducted. Descriptive statistics were calculated, chi-square and Mann -Whitney U tests were performed, and binary logit models were created showing how socioeconomic variables affect the probability of using specified tourism organizer. The results show that seniors most often travel with senior clubs and least often with international travel agencies. The main factors affecting the choice of tourism organisers are income, education, age, professional status and family situation. Higher income is connected to the higher probability of travelling with a parish/ pilgrimage office or nationwide travel agency. Instead, those with lower income travel with senior clubs. Women often choose senior clubs, while men choose parish/pilgrimage offices as frequently as senior clubs. The percentage of those who use nationwide travel agencies decreases with age. However, the relationship is reverse for senior clubs.

In our article we will present some good examples of non-conventional education project in Poland. Next we will present the results from our project called ‘Modelling prosumers' behaviour on the energy market’. This research investigates the social acceptance of renewable energy sources (RES) from households’ perspective in Lower Silesia region in Poland. In our research we identified the correlation between the behaviours of households and their willingness to install RES, and between some features (including attitudinal variables) and pro-ecological behaviours. We identify segments of the energy end-users who have more pro-ecological behaviours. They are mainly people with the secondary and higher technical education. Therefore, we would like to propose them an appropriate educational course at technical universities. Thus, additionally we conducted survey among students of the Wroclaw University of Science and Technology (WUST) and the Wroclaw University (WU) to verify their pro-ecological attitudes and their knowledge of energy conservation. We created the guidelines for education process at university level, which could be useful to create one-semester course. This solution could influence the social acceptance of RES implementation which is especially important in Poland, where energy and ecological awareness is at low level.

ObjectiveTo assess the incidence of Chlamydia pneumoniae respiratory tract infection in children and adolescents in the Lower Silesia Region in Poland in 2009.Materials and methods641 throat swabs obtained from 326 girls and 315 boys, aged 11 months to 18 years, were assessed diagnostically. The patients enrolled into the study were treated on an outpatient basis due to various, non-specific respiratory ailments. The most common presenting clinical symptom of a respiratory problem was dry cough, which occurred in 295 studied subjects, followed by runny nose and cough with discharge in 176 subjects, and other minor symptoms in 35 subjects. The assessment was conducted by an indirect immunofluorescence antibody (IFA) Chlamydia Testing kit (Cellabs, Sydney, Australia).ResultsOverall, Chlamydia infection was detected in the respiratory tract in 43.1% (276/641) of the children, with no clear gender differences. Of the 295 subjects presenting with dry cough, 122 (41.4%) had positive tests for Chlamydia. Of the 176 subjects with runny nose and cough and the 35 subjects with other symptoms, 83 (47.2%) and 8 (22.9%) had positive tests for Chlamydia, respectively. In the asymptomatic children who had direct contact with a Chlamydia infected person, there were 29.6% (8/27) positively tested cases, whereas in the children presenting symptoms, the percentage of positive tests was 48.3% (29/60).ConclusionsIn children living in the Lower Silesia Region of Poland, there is a substantial ~50% rate of Chlamydia infection, transmitted via airborne droplets. The finding of Chlamydia infection should be the signal for testing other subjects from the child's closest environment.