Nicolaus Copernicus University Research Articles

“Secular trends (2001–2020) in physical fitness as a health component in physiotherapy students from Bydgoszcz (Poland)”

The aim of this study was to assess changes in the components of physical fitness that are conducive to the health of young people surveyed between 2001 and 2020. Hypotheses were formulated about an increase in the thickness of skinfolds, especially among women, the deterioration of the results of fitness tests and the lack of conditioning of the examined changes with socioeconomic factors. Every year, physiotherapy students at the Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń (Poland) were examined for body height and mass, skinfold thickness, flexibility, static strength, abdominal muscle strength, functional strength and endurance. The results were obtained from 1161 female students and 464 male students. Similar trends were observed for most of the studied characteristics in people of both sexes. In male students, secular trends towards a decrease in the thickness of biceps skinfolds (R2 = 0.455, p = 0.002) and lower leg skinfolds (R2 = 0.314, p = 0.015) were found. In female students, secular trends towards an increase in the body mass (R2 = 0.41, p = 0.003), a decrease in the thickness of skinfolds over the biceps (R2 = 0.477, p = 0.001) and decreased flexibility (R2 = 0.283, p = 0.023) were found. Male sex and the thickness of suprailiac skinfolds were frequent predictors of the, assessed motor abilities and socioeconomic factors did not significantly affect their maintenance. The obtained results, except for a few secular trend examples of the somatic features (male student’s age and calf skinfold, female student’s body mass, male and female student’s biceps skinfold) and flexibility in women, showed their stability and the lack of conditioning by social factors and by the fitness test. Attention to the appropriate level of the observed components is justified, especially in light of the identified trend that showed their deterioration.

Excavations of the Crypts of St. Dominic’s Church in Płock as Part of the Project “At the Intersection of Faiths and Cultures – Research on the History of St. Dominic’s Church in Płock” – Report

The post-Dominican St. Dominic’s Church in Płock is one of the oldest sacral buildings in the city. Together with the adjacent monastery, it bears witness to the functioning of the so-called “Górki” community, comprising three denominations: Catholics, Protestants, and the Orthodox. The Romanesque complex was erected no later than the third decade of the thirteenth century, and it held significance on the map of medieval and modern Płock. The buildings themselves have undergone little change over the centuries, making the church and monastery locations with great research potential. Regrettably, the building has not yet been subjected to comprehensive archaeological research, preceded by a source query. Rectifying this situation was the primary goal of the project “At the Intersection of Faiths and Cultures – Research on the History of St. Dominic’s Church in Płock” funded by the “Grants4NCUStudents” budget. As part of it, a research team from the Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń conducted preliminary archaeological research of the crypts under St. Dominic’s Church in 2022. During a series of field trips, numerous boreholes were made in the crypt space as well as in the cellars under the east wing of the monastery. The backfill of the northern entrance hole was also cleared. The preliminary work facilitated further exploration of the strata undisturbed during the cleaning work carried out in the crypt in the twentieth century. The research led to the discovery of the remains of approximately 120 people, with the bones of 16 people deposited in an ossuary made of a wooden box. Artefacts of material culture were also recovered, which allowed to date the moment and sequence of changes occurring in the crypts. The results of the conducted research enabled the precise development of a further research strategy for the post-Dominican complex in Płock.

Toruń University Ethnology in Relation to Museology Education

The initiator of Toruń university ethnology and the person who shaped its profile for many years was Professor Maria Znamierowska-Prüfferowa. She came to Toruń from Vilnius, where the ethnographic museum was part of Stefan Batory University. She also brought with her the idea of Prof. Cezaria Baudouin de Courtenay-Ehrenkreutz, which emphasised the crucial role of museum experience in the education of ethnology students. This idea has been consistently present in the study programmes offered by the Department of Ethnology and Cultural Anthropology at Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń. These programmes are implemented in constant collaboration with Maria Znamierowska-Prüfferowa Ethnographic Museum in Toruń, the Museum of the Mazovian Countryside in Sierpc, and several other institutions. Graduates of the Toruń university work in ethnographic museums across Poland, often holding managerial positions, and collaborate with the Department in teaching museology to successive generations of students.

Organization of Mega Events based on the FIFA World Cup in Qatar

This article is the result of research conducted as part of the diploma thesis entitled "Organization of Mega Events based on the FIFA World Cup in Qatar", defended at the Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń in 2023. The article focuses on the issue of organizing mega events, using as a case study FIFA World Cup in Qatar. The analysis covers various aspects of managing such large sports events and identifies the benefits and threats arising from the role of the organizer of a championship tournament. Additionally, as a result original research using a survey questionnaire, participants' opinions were collected regarding the assessment of the organization of the entire event from the viewer's perspective. The main aim of the article is to present various strategies for managing championship events and to identify key aspects influencing the effective management of mega events. The first chapter is an introduction to the basic issues related to the organization of events, including the types, features and goals of these events, as well as the characteristics of mega-events. The following chapters focus on the analysis of organizational aspects and controversies related to the FIFA World Cup and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the role of the organizer of a championship tournament, including the management of communication and technical infrastructure and fan groups. In the last chapter, research was conducted using a survey questionnaire to understand fans' impressions of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. The research results were described and summarized, shedding light on the overall impressions and opinions of event participants.

Long-term changes in physical fitness components determining the motor performance of young people studying physiotherapy in 2001–2020

The aim of the study is to assess changes in basic somatic features and motor components of physical fitness of physiotherapy students in the years 2001–2020. Hypotheses were made about the lack of a secular trend in body height and weight, the deterioration of motor efficiency and the lack of conditioning of the examined changes by social factors. Every year, students of physiotherapy at Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń (Poland) were examined in terms of height, weight, chest circumference, balance, speed, power, agility and endurance. The results were obtained from 1161 female students and 464 male students. There was weight gain in the group of women (R2 = 0.41, p = 0.00314), deterioration of speed (for women R2 = 0.579, p = 0.001; for men R2 = 0.301, p = 0.0185) and deterioration of power (for women R2 = 0.51, p = 0.001, p = 0.001; for men R2 = 0.0432, p = 0.00303). The stability of the remaining features was also found, as well as the lack of their conditioning by social factors. Predictors of maintaining motor fitness were identified, i.e. male gender, fitness exam qualifying for studies and chest circumference. The creation of conditions and requirements encouraging greater care for the appropriate level of motor fitness of people undertaking physiotherapy studies seems justified. This observation may apply to other academia providing training for the profession of physiotherapist.

Analysis of social and economic conditions of microenterprises based on taxonomy methods

The situation of microenterprises on the market is difficult as they are faced with barriers and competitiveness imposed by larger units. We used data from the REGIOGMINA project to assess the situation of microenterprises. The REGIOGMINA project was implemented by a consortium of Kujawsko–Pomorskie Voivodship, the SGH Warsaw School of Economics and the Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń in the scope of the GOSPOSTRATEG initiative. This data set was complemented by data provided by the Local Data Bank of Statistics Poland. The analysis describes the situation in Kujawsko-Pomorskie Voivodship. The information from both sources illustrates the situation of microenterprises at a local level (gmina) in the years 2019–2020. A cluster analysis based on taxonomy methods was performed. The aim of the research is to expand the knowledge and contribute to a better understanding of the social and economic problems that microenterprises are confronted with at a local level. The study covers the period before the COVID-19 pandemic and the first year following its outbreak, which makes it possible to assess the effects that the measures taken against the pandemic had on the situation of microenterprises at a local level.

Difficulties in merging methodological demands and artistic conventions—"Artist's Neurophysiology in Performance" project case

Contemporary development of research methods and tools is often conducive to ambitious art studies, in which the research methodology and study protocol are the result of negotiations between creative and research strategies. The article discusses the key sources, possibilities, and threats of interdisciplinary projects often referred to as practice-as-research. The following comparison of the orders of the scientific methodology and the artistic convention allows one to show the similarities and potential points of contact between science and art, which are independent of the different values and methods of evaluation in both of these areas. The research-based practice model by Pil Hansen and Bruce Barton is also presented as a solution that takes these issues into account. It is also used to present the project of Interdisciplinary Center for New Technologies of the Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń and the Art & Science Research Foundation om—organisms and machines in culture (FUNom) the project "Neurophysiology of the Artist in Performance", which is a bold example of the transdisciplinary activities of scientists and researchers. Its content is analyzed through the reports of artists, researchers, and participants taking part in public presentations of the project.

Relationship of the occurrence of self-reported anxiety and depression symptoms and achievement of cardiovascular risk factors control

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun. Introduction Anxiety and depression influence lifestyle and therefore interfere with preventive measures aimed at eliminating or reducing the severity of modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Aim The study aimed to evaluate the influence of self-reported anxiety and depression symptoms on achieving the control of cardiovascular (CV) risk factors in patients without a history of atherosclerotic coronary heart disease (CHD). Methods A total of 200 patients from the Polish arm of the EUROASPIRE V were included. The median age was 52.0 years (IQR 43.0-60.5). Patients were assessed regarding the control of major CV risk factors: blood pressure, BMI, waist circumference, physical activity, smoking, and the concentration of LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood glucose. Risk factors were considered adequately controlled when the therapeutic target was achieved. The number of controlled CV risk factors was assessed for each individual, as well as the rate of patients who achieved the therapeutic target for particular risk factor was analyzed. Total CVD risk was analyzed with the SCORE scale. The level of anxiety and depression was evaluated based on the results of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), which consists of two subscales (HADS Anxiety and HADS Depression). For each subscale obtained score indicated normal, borderline, or abnormal level. Results The median score of anxiety (HADS Anxiety) and depression (HADS Depression) levels were 3.0 (IQR 2.0-6.0) and 3.0 (IQR 1.0-5.0), respectively. In the studied group the median of adequately controlled CV risk factors was 4.0 (IQR 3.0-5.0) and the median SCORE result was 2.0% (IQR 1.0-3.0%). No relationship between the level of anxiety or depression and the CVD risk measured by the SCORE sale was observed (Table 1.). Patients with self-reported anxiety or depression symptoms (borderline and abnormal level) had a significantly lower median number of adequately controlled CV risk factors (HADS Anxiety p = 0.0014; HADS Depression p = 0.0304) (Table 1.). A significantly lower rate of patients with adequate waist circumference (HADS Anxiety p = 0.0464; HADS Depression p = 0.0200) and with regular physical activity (HADS Anxiety p = 0.0431; HADS Depression p = 0.0055) was observed in groups with anxiety or depression symptoms (Table 2.). In patients with anxiety symptoms, a significantly lower rate of normal BMI (p = 0.0218) and adequate triglycerides concentration (p = 0.0278) was found (Table 2.). Conclusion The occurrence of anxiety and depression might influence the achievement of therapeutic targets regarding the control of CV risk factors in patients without a history of CHD.

Internet-Based Lifelong Learning: Implications for Language Teaching and Semiotic Structure Principles in Media Sociology and Religion Sociology

In the course of science theory, when we deal with the subject of language teaching in the context of semiotic structure principle developments as well as in the course of the media culture and religious sciences, it shows that in numerous contributions concerning this subject area there is a complaint that the aporetic treatment and integration of language and religious history [Sprachgeschichte/Religionsgeschichte] in the sense of an internal and external language and religious history should be taken into account [1]. The associated diachrony of historical linguistics is said to be not only relevant but also sufficiently socially systemic and imminently codependent for its constitution [2]. There is talk of a "step child," of "marginal permanence," and even of a malicious deletion from facultative curricula since the international history of language and language teaching is said to be hardly fruitful, especially in view of a problem-oriented approach, obviously not having any relevance for the present constantly transforming, media- and religion-sociology-oriented reality of life and work (paper presented at the Ecumenical and Pedagogy of Religion Colloquium, "Dimensions of Education," at the Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, on October 11, 2007, in Torun). The author of this paper does not wish to join in this lament about the "Geschichtslosigkeit und Religionslosigkeit" [historical unawareness] regarding time and language, with its sustainable effect on international language and religion teaching, since in recent years, there have been some astonishing changes in perspective, signaling a big opportunity in terms of a substantial paradigm shift for international language teaching – the subject of lifelong learning.

Interactive Games and Plays in Teaching Physics and Astronomy

Physics is a difficult subject in which to trigger interest in pupils, particularly in junior high school classes: this reflects in the results of maturity exams. Therefore, teachers, educators (and authorities deciding on CV contents) should search for new efficient methods, techniques, and contents corresponding to particular topics in physics. What can be done at the level of a single university (even if big) or school is to enrich standard lessons with new elements and observe how the responses of pupils change. In this article, the results of an implementation of interactive plays and games are presented for enhancing pupils’ interest and rate of understanding in physics, astronomy, and engineering. The games were designed by authors and the contents were developed jointly at Nicolaus Copernicus University, Poland and al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Kazakhstan. Implementation was carried out both in schools (a secondary school in Almaty and one primary school in Torun) and in extra-school (secondary school students in Almaty, elementary and secondary school students in Torun, during university-based activities) environments. A preliminary analysis of the didactical efficiency is given. We observed a positive reception of the majority of the didactical means that we proposed. These observations will serve us for further (and possibly permanent) enrichment of forms and contents of teaching physics and astronomy.

What education?Social and civic attitudes in the core curricula of general education

The subject of the presented analysis is the core curricula of general education for all stages of education and compulsory education subjects in terms of the presence of learning outcomes related to attitudes within social and civic competences. This document was treated as an interpretation of the assumptions of the state about what kind of person should be formed by the Polish school. The presented results are part of a research project carried out at the Department of School Education at Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toru in the years 2018-2021. The research consisted in analysing existing sources (core curricula) using the quantitative and qualitative approaches. This article asks the question about what vision of education emerges from the core curricula of general education. The analysis of general and specific requirements makes it possible to formulate a fundamental conclusion that the attitudes and values characteristic of a conservative vision of education, focusing on the nation/Poland and tradition, are promoted in the core curriculum of general education, and by the absence of such notions as solidarity, justice, and equality education is given an excluding direction. On the other hand, the domination of reconstructive and adaptive attitudes among the learning outcomes may lead to passivity in social life.

Aplikacja mobilna oparta na grywalizacji jako narzędzie zarządzania procesem kształcenia na poziomie studiów wyższych

The aim of this article is to present the stages of development of the gamified mobile application “Gra o dyplom” (Play for your diploma), created at Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń. It presents its functionalities (especially game-like elements, such as points, badges, feedback, levels, and rankings) and the potential for managing the students’ educational path. The application described in this article is a sensation on the Polish application market. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that it is not designed to gamify a specific subject or group of subjects, but the entire educational path.

Designing the “NCU Information Portal” — analysis of the mockups of the website based on the elements of user experience and information architecture

The study aimed to compare three mockups (static graphic designs) of the Information Portal of the Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń in terms of user experience and information architecture indicators and identify the best one to use for creating an active website. The research used an eye-tracking method, usability tests, observations and surveys. Most respondents indicated that mockup no. 3 was the best of the three proposed static website page designs. The respondents justified their choice, among other things, by the fact that it was clear and easy to use, had a functional layout of information and an appropriate colour scheme. The design chosen by respondents has been improved to reflect their suggested modifications. Its final version can be viewed at https://portal.umk.pl/.

Remote usability testing carried out during the COVID-19 pandemic on the example of Primo VE implementation in an Academic Library

The article presents usability tests of Primo VE carried out as part of the implementation of the Alma library services platform at the Nicolaus Copernicus University Library. Remote usability tests were carried out during the COVID-19 pandemic.The aim of the tests was to assess the ease of use of selected system functionalities and the ease of learning how to use them by users.The method of remote usability testing using the Office365 application package, including MS Teams, was used.The tests allowed for the preparation of a report that took into account the identified problems and became the basis for introducing modifications to the configuration of the system's functionality and some elements of its interface, as well as for the preparation of instructional materials.The results indicate a fairly high level of intuitiveness of the interface and the analyzed functionalities. Test participants had no major problems with using Primo, apart from handling facets and full record services.

O.21.2 - Photography as a psychooncological intervention and communication medium in post-mastectomy patients: Presenter(s): Oliwia Kowalczyk, Nicolaus Copernicus University Collegium Medicum, Poland

O.21.2 - Photography as a psychooncological intervention and communication medium in post-mastectomy patients: Presenter(s): Oliwia Kowalczyk, Nicolaus Copernicus University Collegium Medicum, Poland

The Well-Being of the Academic Community During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Since 2020, the entire world has been struggling with the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. The constant increase in the number of sick and dying people and the need for quarantine and social distancing have significantly affected the functioning of people, regardless of their background, age and activities. This article aims to examine the level of well-being among the academic community of Nicolaus Copernicus University in Poland based on the concept of Ken Wilber. To this end, a self-administered questionnaire was developed to assess the overall well-being, as well as the respondents’ well-being related to emotions, relationships, health, and the sense of security and satisfaction experienced during the pandemic. A total of 1,164 university employees and 1,601 doctoral and other students participated in the study. Teachers represented the highest levels of overall well-being, scoring higher than doctoral students and undergraduates. The older the respondents, the higher the perceived levels of overall well-being. These findings indicate that doctoral and other students are struggling with reduced levels of well-being and a reduced sense of the quality of life, displaying signs of emotional difficulties, anxiety and fear.

Księgozbiór Johanna Graumanna (1487–1541) w zbiorach Biblioteki Muzeum Warmii i Mazur w Olsztynie – charakterystyka kolekcji

The library of the Museum of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn has a rich collection of old prints. Among them, volumes once belonging to the Königsberg preacher Johann Graumann (1487–1541), known under the pseudonym Poliander, have been identified. There are 28 volumes with 157 bound titles. The theologian’s private library numbered nearly 1,000 copies. After his death, it was handed over to the care of the Königsberg City Council. In accordance with his will, the volumes initiated the Königsberg City Library (Stadtbibliothek Königsberg). After the end of the Second World War, the Königsberg book collection was dispersed. As a result of a campaign to secure cultural property in the former East Prussian territories, several dozen volumes of Königsberg provenance found their way to the MWiM Library in Olsztyn. The rest of J. Graumann’s book collection was transported, among others, to the University Library of the Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń.

Digital Skills and Online Collaborative Learning: The Study Report

This paper discusses digital skills and their role in collaborative distance learning. Collaboration is considered to be one of the most effective, yet challenging, methods of teaching and learning. Many learners avoid collaborative tasks, for different reasons. We believe that the level of digital skills may be a key to understanding their attitude. A study was conducted at Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Poland. The respondents assessed, amongst other items, the level of their own digital skills. Based on this assessment, three groups of students with different skill levels were distinguished. Further analyses showed that students with different level of digital skills vary according to their own experiences in collaborative online learning, but not in terms of views on the phenomenon, technologies used, or computer hardware. Most differences are between the low and high skill groups. However, they are also present between the low and average, and the average and high skill groups. These results contribute to the discussion on the need to individualise the teaching and learning process and highlight the roles of digital competence development for all participants in the learning process.

Przyjęty ślub ufności. Przyczynek do biografii naukowej i duchowej doc. dr Ludmiły Roszko

Ludmiła Roszko (1913-2000) was a researcher at the Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń for almost 40 years.She was also a student of the priest Michał Sopoćko (Vilnius’s confessor of Sister Faustina Kowalska), belonging to the “Vilnius Six” – the first community of the Order of Divine Mercy, organized according to the indications of Sister Faustina.Today she is recognized as a co-founder of the Institute of Divine Mercy, founded on the diocesan law of the consecrated secular community.The key moment in her life was analyzed: the trial and conviction for “leading a church organization that is secret to the state”. The consequence was the end of a scientific career; the reason – as she testified – vows confidence. The text is a contribution to a broader biography of the precursor of this form of life in the Church in Poland, but also presents, more precisely, an example of determiningthe validity’s hierarchy of spiritual (including concealment of one’s own consecration) and professional (including the areas of apostleship) matters.

Endoscopic treatment of pancreaticopleural fistulas.

IntroductionPancreaticopleural fistula (PPF) is a serious complication of acute and chronic pancreatitis.ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of various endoscopic techniques for the treatment of patients with PPFs.MethodologyProspective analysis of the results of endoscopic treatment of 22 patients with PPF due to pancreatitis was conducted at the Department of General, Gastroenterological, and Oncological Surgery, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, between 2018 and 2021.ResultsPPF was diagnosed in 22 patients (21 men and 1 woman; mean age 49.52 [30–67] years) with pancreatitis. In 19/22 (86.36%) patients, PPF communicated with the left pleural cavity and in 3/22 (13.64%) patients with the right pleural cavity. Chronic pancreatitis was diagnosed in 14/22 (63.64%) patients. Symptomatic pancreatic fluid collections were found in 15/22 (68.18%) patients with PPF (pancreatic pseudocyst in 11 and walled-off pancreatic necrosis in four patients). Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography was performed in 21/22 (95.45%) patients, confirming the diagnosis of PPF. All 21 patients underwent endoscopic sphincterotomy with prosthesis implantation in the main pancreatic duct (passive transpapillary drainage). In 1/22 (4.55%) patients, active transmural/transgastric drainage of the PPF was necessary due to inflammatory infiltration of the peripapillary region, precluding endoscopic pancreatography. Endoscopic transmural drainage was performed in all the 15 patients with pancreatic fluid collection. Clinical success was achieved in 21/22 (95.45%) patients. The mean total time of endotherapy was 191 (range 88–712) days. Long-term success of endoscopic treatment of PPFs during one year follow-up period was achieved in 19/22 (86.36%) patients.ConclusionsEndoscopic treatment is effective for managing post-inflammatory PPFs. The preferred treatment method is passive transpapillary drainage (prosthesis of the main pancreatic duct). If transpapillary drainage is not feasible, transmural drainage of the PPF remains the preferred method. Endoscopic transmural drainage leads to closure of the fistula canal in patients with pancreatic fluid collection complicated by PPF.