The role of non-uniform magnetization texture for magnon-magnon coupling in an antidot lattice

We numerically study the spin-wave dynamics in an antidot lattice based on a Co/Pd multilayer structure with reduced perpendicular magnetic anisotropy at the edges of the antidots. This structure forms a magnonic crystal with a periodic antidot pattern and a periodic magnetization configuration consisting of out-of-plane magnetized bulk and in-plane magnetized rims. Our results show a different behavior of spin waves in the bulk and in the rims under varying out-of-plane external magnetic field strength, revealing complex spin-wave spectra and hybridizations between the modes of these two subsystems. A particularly strong magnon-magnon coupling, due to exchange interactions, is found between the fundamental bulk spin-wave mode and the second-order radial rim modes. However, the dynamical coupling between the spin-wave modes at low frequencies, involving the first-order radial rim modes, is masked by the changes in the static magnetization at the bulk-rim interface with magnetic field changes. The study expands the horizons of magnonic-crystal research by combining periodic structural patterning and non-collinear magnetization texture to achieve strong magnon-magnon coupling, highlighting the significant role of exchange interactions in the hybridization.

Modeling of Charge Injection, Recombination, and Diffusion in Complete Perovskite Solar Cells on Short Time Scales

A model of charge population decay upon ultrafast optical pulse excitation in complete, working perovskite solar cells is proposed. The equation, including charge injections (extractions) from perovskite to contact materials, charge diffusion, and charge recombination via first-, second-, and third-order processes, is solved using numerical simulations. Results of simulations are positively verified by broadband transient absorption results of mixed halide, triple-cation perovskite (FA0.76MA0.19Cs0.05Pb(I0.81Br0.19)3). The combined analytical and experimental findings reveal the best approaches for the proper determination of the crucial parameters that govern charge transfer dynamics in perovskite solar cells on picosecond and single nanosecond time scales. Measurements from both electron and hole transporting layer sides under different applied bias potentials (zero and close to open circuit potential) and different pump fluence (especially below 5 μJ/cm2), followed by fitting of parameters using numerical modeling, are proposed as the optimal methodology for describing the processes taking place in efficient devices.

Reconfigurable Magnonic Crystals Based on Imprinted Magnetization Textures in Hard and Soft Dipolar-Coupled Bilayers

Reconfigurable magnetization textures offer control of spin waves with promising properties for future low-power beyond-CMOS systems. However, materials with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) suitable for stable magnetization-texture formation are characterized by high damping, which limits their applicability in magnonic devices. Here, we propose to overcome this limitation by using hybrid structures, i.e., a PMA layer magnetostatically coupled to a low-damping soft ferromagnetic film. We experimentally show that a periodic stripe-domain texture from a PMA layer is imprinted upon the soft layer and induces a nonreciprocal dispersion relation of the spin waves confined to the low-damping film. Moreover, an asymmetric bandgap features the spin-wave band diagram, which is a clear demonstration of collective spin-wave dynamics, a property characteristic for magnonic crystals with broken time-reversal symmetry. The composite character of the hybrid structure allows for stabilization of two magnetic states at remanence, with parallel and antiparallel orientation of net magnetization in hard and soft layers. The states can be switched using a low external magnetic field; therefore, the proposed system obtains an additional functionality of state reconfigurability. This study offers a link between reconfigurable magnetization textures and low-damping spin-wave dynamics, providing an opportunity to create miniaturized, programmable, and energy-efficient signal processing devices operating at high frequencies.

Effect of age of Japanese quail on physical and biochemical characteristics of eggs

The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of age of birds on egg quality in Japanese quail. The eggs were randomly selected from among all eggs laid on the same day when the birds were 15, 23 and 31 weeks old. At each time point, 90 fresh eggs were evaluated for their physical and biochemical characteristics. Egg weights were similar over time. At 23 and 31 weeks, the eggs had less shell than at 15 weeks. Crude fat and ash contents of the eggs increased with the age of the birds. Crude protein was also highest in eggs of the oldest quail. At 31 weeks old, the eggs were lowest in pH of yolk and white. Quail that were 23 and 31 weeks old laid eggs with significantly higher polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) and lower saturated fatty acid (SFA) contents. The lowest cholesterol content was in egg yolks from 23-week-old quail. The oldest birds had the highest contents of sodium, potassium, zinc, selenium, copper, and manganese. The content and activity of lysozyme decreased with ageing of the birds. From the consumers’ point of view, eggs from older birds appeared to be the most valuable. At the same time, as the quail ages, the antibacterial properties of eggs deteriorate, which may indicate a shorter shelf life.

Do Internet influencers exert positive effects on health behaviours of their followers?

Background

Internet lifestyle and fitness influencers (ILFI) are able to motive millions of followers. Due to their popularity, they achieve soaring revenues through the distributions of various health- and fitness related. Still, the impact of websites run by ILFI on health behaviours (HB) of their users has not been studied thoroughly yet. The study aimed at the analysis of the association between the use of such websites and HB of young adult women in Poland.

Methods

An online survey was carried out in the representative sample of 1030, 18-35 years old, women. The questionnaire used in the study consisted of 53 items asking about the use of ILFIs' websites, HB, health (HL) and e-health literacy (eHL), and socioeconomic (SE) status. The effects of ILFI on HB were assessed with logistic regression models after adjusting for HL, eHL and SE variables.

Results

The mean age (standard deviation) of respondents was 26.09 (4.85) years. There were 52.52% (n = 541) users of ILFI websites in the study group. The number of active smokers was 37.9% (n = 390) and of e-cigarettes users - 36.6% (n = 377). Of respondents, 42.5% (n = 437) consumed alcohol at least once weekly, 42.5% (n = 437) undertook some form of physical activity at least several times a week, and 43.9% (n = 452) consumed five portions of fruits and vegetables daily at least several times a week. The use of ILFI's websites was associated with higher physical activity (OR, 95%CI: 2.28, 1.66-3.13) and consumption of fruits and vegetables (1.72, 1.29-2.29), but not with smoking (1.04, 0.78-1.40) and alcohol consumption (1.12, 0.84-1.48). Interestingly, the followers of ILFI were more prone to use e-cigarettes (1.58, 1.08-2.31)

Conclusions

Women accessing the websites of ILFI show more favourable patterns of HB than non-users. Although ILFI are driven by economic motivation, they may be seen as allies in achieving health promotion goals.

Key messages

The use of Internet influencers’ websites is related to more favourable health behaviours. Commercial lifestyle and fitness websites may play an important role in the promotion of healthy lifestyle.

The association between Internet use and health outcomes in the population of older adults

Background

The Internet has become one of the primary sources of health-related information. Less is known about the impact of Internet access and use on health-related outcomes in the older population, which frequently suffer from a digital divide. The main objective of this study was the assessment of the associations between Internet use and variables reflecting health status, the use of health services and health behaviours in the population at least 50 years old.

Methods

The analysis was carried out on the data set from the telephone-based survey in a sample of 1000 respondents representative for targeted age strata of Polish society. The effects of Internet use were assessed with logistic regression models after adjusting for key socioeconomic variables.

Results

Mean age (standard deviation) of respondents was 64.2 (9.6). In the study group, 51.1% respondents were Internet users, 19.4% - persons with disabilities, 21.2% were hospitalised at least once, and 51.0% visited health care facilities at least six times in preceding 12 months. The respondents being Internet users less frequently reported chronic diseases (OR, 95%CI: 0.21, 0.16-0.30), disability status (0.52, 0.37-0.72) and higher self-assessed health status (1.64, 1.24-2.16). They also less often used health services in the preceding 12 months (0.77, 0.60-0.99. Internet use was not associated with hospital admission in the preceding year (1.04, 0.76-1.41) and most of the health behaviours (smoking: 1.06, 0.77-1.45, physical activity: 0.85, 0.63-1.15, the consumption of fruits and vegetables: 0.73, 0.50-1.07). Interestingly, Internet users drunk more alcohol (1.52, 1.14-2.02).

Conclusions

In the population of older adults, the use of the Internet is associated with variables reflecting health status and the utilisation of health services. Higher health status and lower prevalence of chronic conditions among Internet users were found after adjusting for age and other socioeconomic factors.

Key messages

It was shown that Internet use may be related with more favourable health outcomes. The reported association should trigger further research on the impact of Internet in elderly persons.

The determinants of non-smokers’ opinions about increased health insurance rates for smokers

Background

The rates of obligatory health insurance available to Polish citizens do not depend on their health behaviours. However, there are opinions suggesting that the rates should be increased for those who show risky health behaviours. This study aimed at the assessment of determinants of non-smokers' opinions about the introduction of increased health insurance rates for smokers.

Methods

The analysis was carried out on the data originating from the telephone-based survey on the representative sample of 1000 adult Polish citizens. Responses from non-smokers in the moment of the study were retrieved from the data set. A dichotomised variable derived from the item asking about the opinion about increased insurance rates for smokers was used as a dependent variable in uni- and multivariate logistic regression models. Sociodemographic characteristics, health status, prior use of health care resources, and history of smoking were included as independent variables.

Results

The study sample included 779 respondents; of them 60.1% (n = 471) never and 0.39.9% (n = 308) smoked in the past. There were 45.0% and 34.4% of supporters of higher rates in these subgroups. Increased insurance rates were supported by older respondents (OR, 95%CI: 1.01,1,001-1.03) and those with higher income (2.17, 1.27-3.70, and 2.23, 1.34-3.71, for the comparisons of two higher income categories with referential category of net income <1500 PLN). Past smokers (0.51, 0.36-0.74), Internet users (0.49, 0.27-0.90), respondents admitted to hospital in preceding year (0.57, 0.36-0.91), and those who reached higher levels of education (0.49, 0.29-0.84, and 0.50, 0.28-0.90 for comparisons between persons with higher levels of education with those with the lowest level) expressed an opposite view.

Conclusions

Not only earlier experience of tobacco smoking but also higher education level, prior hospital admission and Internet use are related to lack of the acceptance for increased health insurance rates.

Key messages

Determinants of opinions about increased insurance rates may be counterintuitive. The use of health services or higher education levels are not associated with the support of higher rates for smokers.

The impact of Internet use on mental wellbeing and health behaviours among persons with disability

Background

Disability is frequently related to the digital divide. However, the Internet may be also an opportunity for many people with disabilities, especially for those who suffer from difficulties in involving in social activities. For some of them, it is also a tool for undertaking professional tasks. The aim of the study was the assessment of the impact of the Internet on selected aspects of psychological wellbeing and undertaking health behaviours in persons with disabilities.

Methods

From the data set of the biannual Social Diagnosis survey, data of respondents confirming the status of disability were extracted. They were used for the development of multivariate logistic regression models for self-assessment of life, the prevalence of suicidal thoughts, feeling lonely, the use of psychological support and health behaviours. The impact of Internet usage was adjusted for sociodemographic variables. Weights provided by the study team were used in the analysis.

Results

The responses from 3231 respondents were used in the analysis. There were 33.1% of Internet users in the study group. Respondents with a mild disability made 25.3%, with moderate 39.4%, with severe 24.2%, and without an established degree of disability 11.1%. Logistic regression modelling revealed that Internet users more frequently assessed their lives as happy (odds ratio, 95% confidence interval (OR, 95%CI): 1.40, 1.13-1.75) and undertook some form of physical activity (2.32, 1.84-2.91). They also less frequently excessively consumed alcohol (0.51, 0.33-0.80). No relation was found for experiencing loneliness (0.89, 0.71-1.12), suicidal thoughts (0.998, 0.77-1.29), receiving psychological care (0.84, 0.62-1.14) and smoking (0.83, 0.66-1.04).

Conclusions

Although persons with disabilities suffer from digital divide, Internet use may exert a beneficial impact on their wellbeing and favour more beneficial health behaviours.

Key messages

Internet access and use among persons with disabilities may be an opportunity for improved wellbeing. Persons with disabilities who are Internet users assess their lives as more happy and demonstrate more favourable health behaviours.

Association between LEPR and MC4R genes polymorphisms and composition of milk from sows of dam line

The polymorphisms of LEPR and MC4R genes are involved in appetite control mechanisms and indirectly associated with level of fat content in pig carcasses. Therefore, the aim of our study was to determine if both polymorphisms have an effect on components of colostrum and milk of sows. In our study we used gilts of two Polish breeds: Polish Landrace and Polish Large White, which belong to dam-line in Polish breeding. Colostrum and milk of sows were collected in 7, 14 and 21 day of lactation to assay solids, total protein, fat and lactose. The obtained results showed, that the observed mutation (G/A 1426 MC4R) had a significant effect mainly on the fat and solids content of colostrum. Animals with the MC4R (AA) genotype had 2.13 and 1.91 % (P ≤ 0.01) lower fat content of colostrum compared to sows with the MC4R (GG) genotype and heterozygous MC4R (AG). The presence of the MC4R (A) allele in the animals' genotype contributed to a decrease in fat and solids content of colostrum. The LEPR/HpaII mutation was found to have a considerable effect on the level of most colostrum components (fat, protein and solids) in both pig breeds. Significant decrease in the value of the colostrum components (except lactose) was observed only for animals with the allele LEPR (B). The results obtained suggest that these genes might be used in selection of dam-line pigs as genetic markers of milk quality.

The history of treatment for scoliosis in the Wielkopolska and Lubuska regions

This article presents the history of treatment for scoliosis in the Wielkopolska and Lubuska regions of Poland between 1840 and 2003. Surgical treatment for scoliosis was initiated by I. Wierzejewski, who worked in the first orthopedic Hospital in Poznań between 1913 and 1930. Here in 1923 the first University Department of Orthopedics in Poland was organized. Scoliosis management was one of the chief topics of therapeutic and scientific interest in this institution. After the Second World War, the treatment of scoliosis was developed to two centers: the University Department of Orthopedics in Poznan (Prof. Wiktor Dega) and the Orthopaedic-Rehabilitation Sanatorium in Swiebodzin (Dr. Lech Wierusz). Contemporary methods of treatment were used: the Harrington method, the Cotrel-Dubousset method, and the anterior approach. Orthopedic braces and spinal implants were manufactured in the local orthopedic workshops. Instruments and implants for the C-D method were manufactured in Zielona Góra by the by LfC Company. The results achieved with scoliosis patients in the Wielkopolska and Lubuska regions are comparable with those of the best orthopedic centers in the world.