This paper presents a non-invasive measurement method for simultaneous characterization of diameter and refractive index of transparent fibres. The method is based on scattering of a polychromatic beam of light by a side-illuminated fibre under study. Both quantities of interest are inversely calculated from the scattering far-field region in the vicinity of the primary rainbow. The results of practical measurements are examined with the use of a novel optical system for laboratory-level tests. An analysis of prediction errors for 20– 120 μm thick fibres having various refractive indices helps to assess the outcome of the measurement data. The results show a clear route to improve the measurement process in on-line industrial process control.

Predicting the aging process of residential buildings carried out using traditional technologies is necessary when planning refurbishment works in these buildings. The article presents a picture of the changes in the technical condition of a not refurbished building constructed in traditional technology, in the form of a function describing the aging process according to the PRRD (Prediction of Reliability according to Rayleigh Distribution) model developed by the author. The results of analyses of the relationships between the function of the intensity of damage and the function of unreliability, as well as the function of changes in the performance characteristics of a building which had not undergone refurbishment during the entire course of its use are presented. Three levels of damage intensity during subsequent years of using the building were determined: safe, critical and unacceptable intensity.

This study is aimed at investigating the functionality of Visual Performance Management (VPM), along with determining the necessary features such a method should demonstrate to be an effective and meaningful tool for the development of Lean Management in an organisation. Based on the analysis of a case study in a large manufacturing organisation, a crosscutting assessment of such a system was made, a literature review proves the lack of such a comprehensive study. Six critical features of VPM were identified, they are very practical and giving many interesting insights into studied Lean method. The view emerged from empirical investigated shows VPM as of the wider functionality then only visual information exchange methodology. The VPM serves as cascade information exchange system and has substantial potential to support employee’s participation.

The joke is a kind of text of unknown origin, oral, popular and brief, to which scholars have paid very little attention. In this work, we depart from the children´s jokes to draw some lines of analysis that would allow us to deal with the joke in the frame of a general theory of laughter. According to us, this cannot be understandable without referring to the interdiscourse, the set of mechanisms to which we do not have direct access but which determine what we do, think or say.

The article presents, on the basis of data from the POL-on system and the European Statistical Office, the trajectories of women's scientific careers in technoscience – particularly in engineering and technology. It also describes the results of a qualitative study, which comprises an analysis of twelve biographical interviews with female professors who represent various disciplines of technoscience. The article then outlines possible solutions for increasing the representation of women in technoscience.