The results of research into obtaining an ecological wetting agent for wildfires are presented. First, measurements of the equilibrium and dynamic surface tension for anionic and non-ionic commercial surfactants and their binary mixtures were conducted. Next, the parameters of adsorption facilitating a quantitative description of the process in both binary systems as well as single-component solutions were estimated. In addition, the static and dynamic contact angles on model surfaces with different hydrophobicity were studied (glass, polyethylene, pressed peat). In a few mixed systems, a synergism in reducing the critical micelle concentration and/or a synergy of the ability to wetting model surfaces was identified. Next, research into the sorptivity and wettability of peat (loose and pressed) was conducted. It was found that non-ionic and anionic surfactants exhibit different abilities in respect of foaming and moistening of peat. From an analysis of the preliminary results, the surface-active components were selected to obtain a wetting agent composition. The wettability and adsorption characteristics and an evaluation of the foaming ability using solutions of the prepared compositions were tested. The effectiveness of the wetting composition thus obtained was confirmed in the laboratory and in field firefighting. The test results confirmed the better wettability and sorptivity on peat and the effectivity for combating wildfires, compared with some typical commercial products.

Currently, there is no technology for the storage of green coffee (GrC), that results in obtaining high-quality roasted coffee (RC). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of storage temperature (− 10, 5, 10, 18, 20 °C), postharvest treatment method (natural (N), washed (W)) and type of packaging material (GrainPro (G), jute (J) bags) on the content of chlorogenic acids (CQAs), caffeine and trigonelline as well as the sensory profile of RC from the specialty sector after 12 months of regulated storage. Sensory analysis showed that natural coffees have better taste and higher quality than washed coffees after 12 months of storage. The highest total scores were obtained from the natural coffee stored in a GrainPro bag at − 10 °C followed by coffee stored in a jute bag at 10 °C which had the smallest decreases compared to the initial recorded values. No notable differences among CQA contents in washed coffees stored in either type of bag was seen but natural coffees stored in jute bags at 10 °C and 18 °C displayed the lowest drops relative to the initial values.

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Currently, there is no technology for storing green coffee (GC), which results in obtaining high-quality roasted coffee (RC). The aim of this study was evaluating the effects of storage temperature (-10, 5, 10, 18, 20ºC, uncontrolled), post-harvest treatment method (natural (N), washed (W)) and type of packaging material (GrainPro (G), jute (J) bags) on content of chlorogenic acids, caffeine and trigonelline as also on sensory profile of GC from “specialty’ sector after 12 months of measured storage. HPLC results showed that GrainPro bags preserve considered compounds better than jute. Exception was 10oC chamber, where in the samples from jute have been reported higher contents of all analyzed compounds. Also natural way of grain processing retains more assayed compounds. The best results were obtained in 10oC for jute both, natural and washed, where the highest level of all considered compounds were noted. The tendency was supported by the sensory analysis.

Introduction. In most countries, abortion is allowed to save woman's physical and mental health. In Poland, women have no right to abortion on demand; the procedure is illegal and punishable by imprisonment up to 3 years. In the neighbouring country of Belarus, induced abortion on demand is legal through the 12 th week of pregnancy, while for social reasons and on demand, through the 22 nd week of pregnancy, in governmental hospitals only. Abortion deserves the name of one of the most serious contemporary ethical dilemmas and constitutes one of the most difficult problems in medical ethics. Performing abortion continues to be opposed by many individuals and communities.Aim. The study of the attitude of women in Poland toward the problem of induced abortion and the comparison of their attitude with that of women in Belarus.Material and methods. The method used to conduct this study was a diagnostic survey using a questionnaire designed for the purpose of this work. The study was conducted among women in Poland and Belarus. The group surveyed was comprised primarily of young women of reproductive age, with the desire to conceive, have families or plan to have families. Two hundred surveys, properly filled out, 100 from Poland and 100 from Belarus, qualified for the analysis.Results. The comparative analysis of the responses of the women surveyed in Poland and Belarus demonstrated that in both countries attitudes toward the problem of induced abortion and women's opinions on the use of induced abortion are still divided.Conclusions. Women of Belarus are more supportive of abortion and they consider it less shocking and more common than women from Poland.