The aim of this research was to evaluate the applicability of the attenuated total reflectance Fourier-transform infrared (ATR FT-IR) spectroscopy in the quantitative analysis of the moisture content in cellulose (from 0.5 to 11.0 wt.%). Innovatively, this work describes the variations in both absorbance and wavenumber of 16 absorption bands plotted as a function of cellulose water amount measured with Karl-Fischer titration. Different regression models were investigated (simple linear, semilogarithmic, power) and the adjusted coefficient of determination (R²) was given for each calculation. While model exhibited R² > 90%, the standard error of calibration (SEC) was presented and an external validation has been performed. Regarding the absorbance-water content relationship, data recorded for sixteen peaks was successfully fitted with linear functions exhibiting R² > 90%. The highest value of R² = 98.7% and standard error of prediction SEP = 0.3wt.% have been assigned to the maximum from 3339 to 3327 cm⁻¹ (–OH), proving ATR FT-IR usefulness in quantitative analysis.

Background: Breastfeeding is the gold standard in infant nutrition. Successful breastfeeding depends on many factors, including the help of medical personnel in teaching breastfeeding, the need for professional work, and breastfeeding-friendly places in public spaces. The main goal was to identify various barriers among mothers to breastfeeding. Methods: This study used a quantitative descriptive research design. We recruited 419 mothers aged at least 18 years old through social media. Results were analysed using Pearson’s chi-squared and Fisher’s tests of independence for pairs of dependent and independent variables. Results: Most often, women gave birth at the age of 25–30, had one or two children, and attended higher education. Almost half of them lived in a large city and gave birth to a child by caesarean section. A total of 83.1% of mothers planned to breastfeed, but not all of them were able to do so for various reasons. One-third of them felt sorry for themselves that they had to change their feeding method. The majority of mothers did not receive sufficient help in the hospital in terms of learning how to breastfeed (61%), did not use the help of a lactation consultant (67%), and answered that there was no lactation consultant in their place of residence (65%). Only 43.2% of mothers returned to work without ceasing breastfeeding. A total of 42% of mothers experienced feelings of embarrassment when breastfeeding in a public place. The most frequently indicated barrier to breastfeeding in a public place was the lack of a suitable location where a woman would feel comfortable, calm, and intimate. Conclusion: There are various barriers towards breastfeeding: too few lactation consultants, problems with breastfeeding when the mother wants to return to work, and unfriendly places for breastfeeding in public spaces. Efforts must be made to support mothers in breastfeeding.

The study was conducted to determine whether the origin of medicinal plants (conventional vs. organic cultivation) may affect the content of selected bioactive ingredients. This work complements the current state of knowledge on this subject by analysing the content of selected groups of bioactive compounds in four popular herb species (Mentha piperita, Melissa officinalis, Salvia officinalis, Urtica dioica). The aim of the study was to compare the total polyphenol (TPC) and flavonoid (TFC) content, antioxidant activity (AA) and phenolic compound profile in herbal extracts of organic and conventional origin. For all species examined, it was demonstrated that water-ethanol extracts from organically grown herbs contain statistically (p << 0.05) significantly more TPC, TFC and AA than water-ethanol extracts from conventionally grown herbs. Among the analysed extracts, the highest TPC was found in organic M. officinalis (7023.3 mg GAE/100 g d.m.), while the extract of this species from conventional cultivation contained only 3679.4 mg GAE/100 g d.m. TFC in the extracts of organic and conventional M. piperita was 1607.6 and 499.4 mg QE/100 g d.m., respectively. Based on GC-MS analysis, between 15 and 25 phenolic compounds were identified, depending on the species of herbal plant. Almost all the identified compounds were phenolic acids. The studies conducted indicate a statistically significantly higher content of antioxidant compounds in herbs from organic farming compared to conventionally grown herbs, and thus their greater health-promoting potential.

Batch rectification of agricultural distillates is a process in which the separation of volatile compounds depends both on their physicochemical properties and the composition of the purified mixture. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of initial ethanol concentration on the separation of selected congeners during batch rectification of rye agricultural distillates. Three agricultural distillates were rectified at initial ethanol contents of 40, 45, 50, 55, and 60% v/v, with four independent processes conducted for each variant and seven successive fractions collected. The content of volatile compounds was determined by the GC-FID method, and their distribution was assessed based on concentrations, recoveries, and their share in individual fractions. The effect of initial ethanol concentration varied among compounds and distillates. Acetaldehyde and ethyl acetate were recovered mainly in the head fractions, while C4 and C5 alcohols were shifted towards later rectification fractions. Methanol was present in all collected fractions and its total recovery was close to 100%, while 2-propanol stayed mostly in the main heart fraction. In all variants, the recovery of 1,1-diethoxyethane exceeded 100%, indicating that physical separation alone could not explain its behaviour. None of the initial ethanol concentrations tested in the still pot were the most favourable for the separation of all analysed volatile compounds across all three agricultural distillates.