The use of polymer materials in various fields has increased significantly due to their ease of thermoforming and relatively low production costs. The production volume of these materials is extremely high, and according to forecasts from global statistical centers, it is expected to continue rising in the future. However, the extensive use and easy availability of polymeric materials have caused significant ecological problems. The world faces large amounts of polymer waste and environmental pollution. Plastic recycling remains challenging due to issues related to sorting polymer waste and separating it according to polymer types. Recycling certain plastics requires only a quarter of the energy needed to produce new plastic. To address this, circular economy principles should be applied to 3D printing products made from polymeric materials. A particularly wide application of these technologies is found when polymeric materials are used due to their low cost, low melting temperatures, and other advantageous properties. This paper investigates the impact of plastic recycling on the quality of 3D-printed products. During the research, samples were 3D printed and tested using both virgin and recycled PLA, ABS, and PET-G materials. The samples underwent static and dynamic tests to determine their mechanical properties, such as tensile strength, elongation, and impact resistance. The research results showed that the properties of recycled polymer materials deteriorate, with relative elongation of recycled and 3D-printed materials decreased by 16–45%. Despite this, recycled polymer materials can still be used, but it is necessary to account for the reduction in plasticity when creating products that will be exposed to dynamic loads. The impact strength is reduced by 6% for PLA, 54% for ABS, and 58% for PET-G. Additionally, the research included tests on samples printed with 3D printing technology that were exposed to UV irradiation. The results indicated similar dependences, as UV exposure also affects the reduction of material plasticity. After 66 Wh/m² of UV radiation, the tensile strength of PET-G and PLA decreased by 17%, while ABS showed a reduction of about 5%.

The article analyzes the challenges of small and medium-sized farms related to the development of the "Farm-to-school" model in the Klaipėda region. The research aimed to reveal the possibilities of involving farmers from the Klaipėda region in cooperation with educational institutions to provide them with farm products/services. During the focused group discussion with representatives of small and medium-sized farms in the Klaipėda region, questions relevant to the study were discussed: Are farmers interested in production and providing services to educational institutions? How do they evaluate the public procurement system? What are the possible cooperation opportunities and obstacles, etc. The results showed that the needs and expectations for cooperation of Klaipėda region farmers, municipal employees, and educational institutions as buyers of services basically coincide. Research participants agreed that food from local growers is good, and they would like children to be fed quality food from local farms in schools. However, the results of the study assumed the insufficient literacy of small and medium-sized farmers to effectively develop cooperation with educational institutions. Therefore, the article aims to raise awareness among representatives of small and medium-sized farms and all interested groups about the "Farm-to-school" model, which could have an impact on better involving farmers and strengthening the connection between local farming communities and educational institutions.

Background and Objectives: In clinical practice and research, it is necessary to use a standardized measurement tool to accurately determine dietary adherence in adults with celiac disease. The aim of this study is to validate the Celiac Dietary Adherence Test (CDAT) in the Turkish patients with celiac disease. Methods: The CDAT was translated using forward-backward translation method, reviewed by experts, and tested for comprehensibility. The final revised version of the CDAT was completed by 97 adults diagnosed with celiac disease and following a gluten-free diet. Construct validity was assessed using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Reliability was evaluated via internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha) and test–retest reliability (Pearson correlation) after re-administration within 2 weeks. Results: Exploratory factor analysis yielded a Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) value of 0.69, with Bartlett’s test of sphericity being significant (p < 0.001). EFA indicated a single-factor structure, explaining 55% of the total variance. CFA showed acceptable fit indices for the model (χ²/df = 1.45, CFI = 0.93, TLI = 0.90, RMSEA = 0.07, GFI = 0.94, AGFI = 0.88). Reliability analyses indicated Cronbach’s alpha of 0.70, and a test–retest correlation of 0.92. Items 5 and 6 were removed from the Turkish version of the CDAT because their factor loadings were below 0.40. Conclusions: The Turkish CDAT is valid and reliable for rapid, standardized assessment of adherence to a gluten-free diet in adults with celiac disease.