Journals of Rzeszow University - Open Journal System
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Suicide Forums in the Dark Web: Psychosocial Dimensions, Youth Vulnerability and Prevention Strategies in Cybersuicidal Greece and Slovakia
This essay examines the phenomenon of suicide forums in the dark web using material from recent studies published at the widely accessible part of the Internet (surface web). Namely, we clarify the terms “cybersuicide” and “Werther effect”, examine the personality traits that are linked to suicidal tendencies, and analyse the differentiation between the terms “deep web”, “dark net”, and “dark web”, which often get mixed up in everyday use. At the same time, we examine the way suicide is propagated to young people through the dark web forums, report on the basic conversation topics that take place there, study the profiles of the people who constitute them, the motives behind user participation, but also the possibilities for preventing young people’s exposure to these web-sites. The aim of this essay is to achieve a critical understanding of the ominous but real phenomenon of online communities involved in the issue of suicide in Greece and Slovakia and to shed light on the dangers that lurk for young people who navigate the side of the Internet that hosts as much information as it does dangers
Impact of combat trauma on motivational types in military personnel facing life-threatening danger
Introduction and aim. The motivation of soldiers actively fighting during war is very important. Long-term participation in battles do not have a positive effect on maintaining motivation. The purpose of this study was to determine the motivational types of military personnel with different attitudes toward danger in conditions of a real threat of death after participating in long-term intensive battles.
Material and methods. A cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted among military personnel from the Ukrainian De fense Forces (225 males, 40.73±9.81 years). The Mississippi Scale for Combat-Related Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (MSCRPTSD) was used to diagnose posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the “Disadaptation Express Questionnaire” (DEQ) to identify signs of a violation of the adaptability of the soldier’s personality, the ‘Resilience to Combat Mental Trauma Questionnaire” (RCMTQ) was used to assess the impact of combat stress, as well as the ‘Perspectives assessment of professional motivation in Military Personnel Questionnaire” (APPMMPQ) for a comprehensive assessment of military personnel, including the attitude to danger in conditions of a real threat of death.
Results. The relationships between motivational characteristics of conscious attitude towards danger of military personnel and indicators of posttraumatic stress and resistance to combat mental trauma were determined. Two groups (motivational types) of CAD were identified, to which 214 (95.11%) of the participants were assigned: group 1 with low profile 191 (84.89%) and group 2 with a medium-high profile 23 (10.22%). The profile of negative emotional reactions and states of group 2 was located mainly in the range of 1.5–3.5 points with peaks on the scales of “Anxiety”, “Unwillingness to communicate” and “Irritability”. The profile of subgroup 1.2 was located in the range of 2-4 points and was quite close to the profile of group 2 with peaks on the scales of ‘Anxiety’ and “Distrust of commanders”.
Conclusion. A high level of motivation for a conscious attitude toward danger can reduce the risk of injury to military person nel. Unformed or depleted motivation for a conscious attitude to danger under the conditions of a real threat of death of mili tary personnel increases the risk of mental trauma
Harnessing therapeutic potential of vitamins and microelements to mitigate testicular damage caused by drugs or chemical toxins ‒ a review
Introduction and aim. Exposure to drugs and chemical toxins has been a common cause of structural and functional impairment of the male gonad (or testis), often leading to male reproductive disorder and infertility. Health concerns due to drugs or chemical-induced testicular damage have increased the exploration of potential therapeutic agents including vitamins and microelements. This review summarizes therapeutic role of vitamins and microelements against drugs or chemical toxins in preclinical studies.
Material and methods. Relevant articles published on scientific databases like PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science were retrieved and critically reviewed for this study.
Analysis of the literature. The mitigating effect of essential vitamins (such as vitamin B2, vitamin B9, vitamin B12, vitamin B17, vitamin C, vitamin E) and microelements (such as zinc and selenium) has been demonstrated on testicular damage caused by exposure to drugs and chemical toxins in preclinical studies and associated with their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties. This was further characterized with reparation of testicular histopathology, suppression of testicular oxidative damage, improved sperm parameters, elevated testicular antioxidants and testosterone level, upregulation of steroidogenic gene, inhibition of sperm DNA damage.
Conclusion. Vitamins and microelements exert therapeutic effect against drugs and chemical-induced testicular damage
Implications of labor analgesia on labor outcomes – a systematic review
Introduction and aim. Labor analgesia is a key component in ensuring maternal comfort during childbirth and impacts several maternal and neonatal outcomes. The selection of pharmacological and nonpharmacological analgesic methods significantly affects labor progression, delivery methods, neonatal health, and maternal satisfaction. This systematic review sought to assess the implications of labor analgesia on these outcomes by synthesizing evidence from various study designs.
Material and methods. Searches on the following electronic databases comprehensively: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, and CINAHL; Using Boolean operators and MeSH terms, six studies were included. These comprised randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, and observational studies that assessed maternal and newborn outcomes in the presence of labor analgesia. Data on types of analgesia, onset times, maternal hemodynamic outcomes, labor durations, delivery modes, neonatal Apgar scores, adverse events and maternal satisfaction were extracted. The exclusion criteria were studies that did not meet the inclusion criteria, such as reviews, editorials, and non-human studies.
Analysis of the literature. The analysis involved a wide range of studies employing analgesia methods such as epidural, com bined spinal-epidural (CSE), programmed intermittent epidural bolus (PIEB), and non-pharmacological interventions. Ropiva caine (0.1–0.2%) with fentanyl (7.5–25 µg/mL) was the most commonly used combination. The onset times ranged from imme diate to 200 minutes for prolonged durations of PIEB. Labor durations were variable. Some techniques, such as peripheral nerve blocks, reduced second stage labor by 33.8 minutes, whereas epidural analgesia prolonged labor duration in some cohorts. The modes of delivery outcomes were characterized by relatively minimal variations in cesarean rates between techniques, while operative vaginal deliveries were more likely with routine epidurals. Neonatal outcomes were otherwise favorable with nor mal Apgar scores, although some studies reported lower 1 minute Apgar scores with epidurals. Adverse events, such as motor blockade and postdural puncture headaches, were usually technique-dependent and minimal. Maternal satisfaction was high in all methods, with ultrasound-guided CSE, PIEB, and nonpharmacological methods receiving particularly positive feedback.
Conclusion. Labor analgesia showed overall safety and efficacy but varied impacts on labor duration, mode of delivery, and neonatal outcomes with the technique used. Although most of them had high maternal satisfaction and stable maternal he modynamics, some increased operative deliveries or adverse newborn outcomes. These results underscore the importance of tailoring analgesic strategies to individual clinical needs to optimize maternal and neonatal outcomes
Comparative evaluation of morphological and chemical characteristics of bone after performing osteotomy with a piezoelectric device, hard tissue laser, and low-speed handpiece
Introduction and aim. Osteotomy procedures play a crucial role in achieving the desired osseous contour and elimination of the pocket. Traditional instruments such as chisels, files, and rotating burs have limitations including heat generation and tissue dam age. Novel instruments like piezoelectric and hard tissue lasers offer potential advantages in terms of precision and reduced tissue trauma. The aim of this study was to compare the chemical and morphological characteristics of bone surfaces after osteotomy procedures performed with three different instruments: piezoelectric, hard tissue laser, and low-speed handpiece.
Material and methods. Fifteen fresh cadaver bone specimens were randomly assigned to three groups: group A (piezoelectric), group B (hard tissue laser) and group C (low-speed handpiece). Osteotomy procedures were performed according to standard ized protocols. The specimens were determined under an energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Results. Analysis of morphological and chemical characteristics revealed significant differences in bone surface characteristics between groups. Groups A and B exhibited the smoothest surface with minimal tissue damage and microfractures. Group C showed the roughest surface with prominent microfractures and tissue damage.
Conclusion. Hard tissue laser and piezosurgery have shown better results due to greater precision as they preserved the bone mor phology, with less microfracture and chemical demineralization after osteotomy preparation compared with low-speed handpiece
Fall risk and avoidance behavior due to fear of falling in elderly nursing home residents
Introduction and aim. Falls in the elderly affect their daily activities, causing a decrease in their quality of life and may even lead to death. This study aims to examine the risk of falling and the relationship between fear of falling and avoidance behaviors in elderly nursing home residents.
Material and methods. Data were obtained using the “Fall Risk Assessment Scale (FRAS)” and the “Fear of Falling Avoidance Behavior Questionnaire (FFABQ)”.
Results. The average age of the participants was 70.70±5.23 years. Total mean scores of FRAS and FFABQ were significantly higher in participants who could partially meet their daily needs on their own, had chronic diseases, used continuous medi cation, had problems with walking or balance, had vision or hearing problems, used walking aids, had fear of falling, and had experienced falls in the last three months. It was found that their average was significantly higher. It was determined that there was a strong and significant positive relationship between the FRAS and FFABQ total score averages.
Conclusion. It was determined that elderly residents of nursing homes have a high risk of falling and that increased risk is as sociated with an increase in avoidance behaviors due to fear of falling
Doxorubicin-induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in HL-60 leukemia cells – a narrative review
Introduction and aim. Doxorubicin is an anthracycline widely used in cancer therapy. Although the complete mechanism of action of doxorubicin is not fully understood, it is known to effectively destroy cancer cells by intercalating into DNA. This article aims to evaluate the anticancer effect of doxorubicin with particular emphasis on HL-60 leukemia cells and cell cycle/apoptosis.
Material and methods. This narrative review contains a collection and evaluation of peer-reviewed publications on the anticancer properties and therapeutic applications of doxorubicin. It focuses on doxorubicin-induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in HL-60 leukemia cells, with particular emphasis on toxicity and resistance. A literature review was conducted using the following databases: PubMed and Google Scholar.
Analysis of the literature. Doxorubicin exhibits potent anticancer activity against many cancer types. Unfortunately, due to serious side effects, primarily related to the cardiotoxicity of the drug, its potential cannot be fully exploited.
Conclusion. In recent years, many approaches have been developed to circumvent the limitations of doxorubicin. Identifying all the pathways of doxorubicin action is important for planning combination therapy, mitigating side effects, and developing new drugs. However, further clinical studies are needed to determine their long-term safety and efficacy
Holistyczne podejście do nauczania programowania w technikum informatycznym: studium przypadku skuteczności kształcenia opartego na projektach w przygotowaniu do egzaminu INF.03
The article presents the results of observation (2022-2025) on the effectiveness of project-based programming education in an IT technical school with a group of 21 students. The holistic approach, integrating various web technologies within comprehensive projects, achieved a 76.2% pass rate for the INF.03 exam (compared to the estimated national average of 64.71%) while developing professionally relevant competencies: independence, ability to use documentation, and integration of different technologies. The observations indicate that the project method is an effective alternative to the traditional educational model based on repetitive exam tasks.Artykuł prezentuje wyniki obserwacji (2022-2025) efektywności nauczania programowania metodą projektową w technikum informatycznym na grupie 21 uczniów. Holistyczne podejście, polegające na integracji różnych technologii webowych w ramach kompleksowych projektów, pozwoliło osiągnąć 76,2% zdawalności egzaminu INF.03 (wobec szacowanej średniej krajowej 64,71%) przy jednoczesnym rozwijaniu kompetencji istotnych zawodowo: samodzielności, umiejętności korzystania z dokumentacji i integracji różnych technologii. Obserwacje wskazują, że metoda projektowa stanowi efektywną alternatywę dla tradycyjnego modelu kształcenia opartego na powtarzaniu zadań egzaminacyjnych
Mikrokontrolery využívané na ovládanie stavebníc Lego
The paper presents the first results of using BBC Micro:bit microcontrollers to control Lego building sets. The authors present the principle of operation of the control unit, which was developed to allow some models from the building set to be controlled by a simple program. The developed system is intended for students at primary or secondary vocational schools for teaching programming and control of technical systems.Príspevok prezentuje prvé výsledky využitia mikrokontorlerov BBC Micro:bit na ovládanie stavebníc Lego. Autori uvádzajú princíp činnosti riadiacej jednotky, ktorá bola vyvinutá na to, aby sa jednoduchým programom dali ovládať niektoré modely zo stavebnice. Vyvinutý systém je určený pre žiakov na základných alebo aj stredných odborných školách pre výučbu programovania a riadenia technických systémov