The article presents selected types of phase change materials (PCM) and their properties in terms of applications in construction and concrete technology. The purpose of using PCM is to allow the technological barrier to be exceeded in hot and dry climate conditions, enabling the construction of non-cracking concrete structures. Methodology of the multi-criteria decision-making process with the use of a relatively newdecision-making tool in construction – the Analytical Hierarchical Process (AHP) is presented. Theoretical aspects of the method and an example of its practical use for the selection of the best material variant and concrete care method in the dry Syrian climate are presented. The conclusions resulting from the presented article concern two areas, i.e. the advisability of using phase change materials for temperature regulation in the maturing fresh concrete in dry climate conditions and the attractiveness of the AHP method justifying the advisability of choosing the maintenance methods in such conditions.

Each work of literature creates its own world of fiction and presents a series of events that bring that world to life. Such a world is initially evoked by its author, but subsequently continues to exist supported by collective memory and imagination of the readers and critics. Altogether Roman Ingarden admits four metaphysical categories: the real, the ideal, the mental and the intentional world. A puzzling question arises if we inquire how various objects are included into any of these categories. Is it necessary that they meet some qualitative criteria, or is it possible that they are placed in a suitable category by being freely ascribed to it? The author chooses the second option and argues that this is compatible with the eminent role that Ingarden assigned to works of literature.