Areas Of Central Poland Research Articles

Salt-pillow formation during inversion of evaporite-filled half graben – Insights from seismic data interpretation and integrated analogue-numerical modelling

The Mid-Polish Anticlinorium is a regional structure that formed during Late Cretaceous inversion of the Permian-Mesozoic Polish Basin. Within the anticlinorium, local salt pillows built of the Upper Permian (Zechstein) evaporites are often located above reverse faults that accommodated basement inversion. Seismic data from the Szubin area in central Poland were used to guide a combined analogue and numerical modelling study to test whether locally thicker evaporites deposited within a half-graben, could indeed give rise to a salt pillow formed above the half-graben's hanging wall during its inversion. The results of the two approaches are internally consistent and prove that such a genetic relationship is fully viable, with the most important variables being the size of the half-graben, the viscosity of the salt, and the presence of any erosion of the pillow structure. Thus, the existence of salt pillows along the major inversion zones of the Mid-Polish Anticlinorium could possibly be used as indicators for the location of syn-depositional half-grabens during deposition of the Zechstein evaporites. This in turn might suggest that even in the basin center, shallower areas might have existed above the footwalls of such half-graben during Zechstein deposition, characterized by smaller thicknesses and somewhat different facies arrangement. Similar concepts likely apply to other intracontinental salt basins that experienced rifting and then inversion.

Nest size parameters of Great Tits and Blue Tits: a long-term study

Nest construction behaviour is widespread among bird species. Causes for the occurrence and great variation in nest characteristics between and within populations are still poorly understood. In this study, we present results concerning nest parameters of Great Tits Parus major and Blue Tits Cyanistes caeruleus over a period of 11 breeding seasons (2012–2022) in two structurally and floristically contrasting study areas in central Poland. The nest depth differed significantly between young (yearlings) and older females (≥ 2 years after hatching) in Blue Tits (but not in Great Tits): younger females tended to build deeper nests. The size and mass of the nest were very variable in both tit species. Blue Tits tended to build deeper and heavier nests than Great Tits. The depth of the nest was positively correlated with nest mass in Great and Blue Tits. In Great Tits, the nest mass (but not nest depth) differed between study sites, with nests being heavier in the forest and the nest depth differed between years; in Blue Tits, there was an interaction between year and study site that affected nest depth. The nest mass (but not depth) from the same nestbox tended to be consistently similar within species in Great Tits and Blue Tits. We argue that the large amount of variation in nest parameters between and within populations of both tit species may be a multi-factorial result of female age, breeding area, breeding season, individual predispositions and the size of the nestbox/natural hole.

The Diversity of Small Mammals along a Large River Valley Revealed from Pellets of Tawny Owl Strix aluco.

The Vistula River is one of the largest European semi-natural rivers of high ecological value that functions as an ecological corridor. To assess the structure of small mammal communities along the Vistula River, an analysis of the diet of an opportunistic predator, the tawny owl Strix aluco, was used. A total of 6355 individuals of 19 species were found, including 5 soricomorph species, 12 rodents, 1 carnivore, and 1 bat species. Tawny owls most frequently caught Apodemus agrarius, Clethrionomys glareolus, Apodemus flavicollis, and Microtus arvalis. Rodents dominated small mammal communities (90%), followed by soricomorphs (8%), and the share of Chiroptera was significant (2%). Using Ward's method in cluster analysis, three clusters of sites with similar mammal communities were identified. The cluster that included 17 study sites with the dominance of agriculture habitats was inhabited by diverse mammal communities with a high number of species. In the cluster composed of three suburban forest sites, mammal communities had the lowest diversity, although the high species richness and the highest shares of the forest species (A. flavicollis, C. glareolus, and Nyctalus noctula). Mammal communities in the cluster were composed of three urban sites were dominated by A. agrarius and M. arvalis. The study indicates the high species richness of small mammals in floodplains of the Vistula River and the adjacent areas in central Poland. The floodplain offers suitable habitats for species associated with forests, water bodies, agricultural land, and developed areas. The data collected confirms earlier model predictions about the presence of well-connected local populations of forest mammals along the Vistula River.

Biological and chemical contamination of illegal, uncontrolled refuse storage areas in Poland

This study focused on assessing the microbiological and chemical contamination of air, soil and leachate in uncontrolled refuse storage areas in central Poland. The research included an analysis of the number of microorganisms (culture method), endotoxin concentration (gas chromatography-mass spectrometry), heavy metals level (atomic absorption spectrometry), elemental characteristics (elemental analyser), cytotoxicity assessment against A-549 (human lung) and Caco-2 (human colon adenocarcinoma) cell lines (PrestoBlue™ test) and toxic compound identification (ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight ultrahigh-resolution mass spectrometry).Microbial contamination differed depending on the dump and the group of tested microorganisms. The number of bacteria was: 4.3 × 102 – 1.8 × 103 CFU m−3 (air); 1.1 × 103 – 1.2 × 106 CFU mL−1 (leachate); 1.0 × 106 – 3.9 × 106 CFU g−1 (soil). Respectively, for air and soil the number of fungi was: 2.2 × 102 – 4.6 × 102 CFU m−3; 1.8 × 102 – 3.9 × 103 CFU g−1.Metal levels (Fe, Mn, Pb, Zn, Al, Hg, Cd, Cu, Cr) were higher than in the control sample; however, the average concentrations did not exceed the permissible standards.The cytotoxicity of soil and leachate samples depended on the dump, sample and cell line tested. The leachates were more cytotoxic than soil extracts. Compounds belonging to pesticides, surfactants and biocides, chemicals and/or polymer degradation products, medicinal drugs and insect repellents were found.The detection of potential pathogens in the air, soil and leachate, the presence of toxic compounds and the confirmation of the cytotoxic effect of leachate and soil on human cell lines justify the need for further research on the risks posed by illegal dumps. These studies should aim at developing a unified assessment method and a method to minimise the risk of contaminants spreading in the environment, including harmful biological agents.

Cultural Landscape as Both a Threat and an Opportunity to Preserve a High Conservation Value of Vascular Flora: A Case Study

This study aimed to show the influence of cultural landscape structure on species richnessand the conservation value of vascular flora.The analyses are based on 3201 original floristic lists (relevés) and 83,875 floristic data collected since 1994 within Gopło Millennium Park (Nadgoplański Park Tysiąclecia) in a rural area in central Poland. Descriptions of landscape composition in grid cells (0.5 km × 0.5 km) include land use structure, mean deviation of uneven proportions of various land use types, and Shannon index of diversity (H’). Vascular plant diversity was described using total species richness and contributions of groups of native and alien species. Assessment of floristic conservation value was based on qualitative and quantitative floristic index (Wfj and Wfi), mean coefficient of conservatism (C), and floristic quality index (FQI). Floristic analyses were conducted in relation to the whole study area and within grid cells, basing on numbers of species and number of floristic data. The results suggest that species richness in grid cells depends more strongly on diversity and evenness of contributions of land use types, irrespective of which land use types were present. Species richness is strongly dependent on land use structure. Larger contributions of arable fields and built-up areas are linked with a decrease in species richness of nonsynanthropic native plants and species of floristic conservation value. Regularity in this respect is very well illustrated by indices excluding the influence of species richness on floristic value (quantitative floristic index Wfi and mean coefficient of conservatism C). According to the algorithm of FQI, the most valuable floras are characterized by a large number of species with a high contribution of conservative ones. In the study area, this condition was met by floras of surface waters and wetlands.

Late Glacial development of lakes and wetland vegetation in a dune area in Central Poland

This study investigated the history of the development of six, paleo-lakes, which are at present filled with sediments, in a dune area in Central Poland, based on multiproxy paleoecological analyses and accelerator mass spectrometry radiocarbon dating. The aims of the paleoecological studies were: i) to determine the initial age of lakes development, ii) to reconstruct the local and regional plant succession, as well as iii) to reconstruct the environmental conditions during the initial stage of the development of lakes and peatlands. The obtained results indicated that: the former lakes in dune depressions were developed during the Bølling and Allerød when sparse vegetation allowed strong aeolian activity. Climate warming in Bølling led to the development of a denser plant cover, inhibition of sand transportation and the formation of mid-dune reservoirs with the accumulation of organic sediments. As indicated by 14C dating, mid-dunes basins were formed between 14 686 ± 60 cal. yr BP and 13 421 ± 60 cal. yr BP. The results of the paleobotanical analysis suggested that the reservoirs were shallow, oligo-mesotrophic, inhabited by pioneer calcicole vascular plant species such as: Chara sp., Hippuris vulgaris, Potamogeton natans, Potamogeton fresii, Potamogeton alpinus and Potamogeton filiformis, and mosses such as: Pseudocalliergon trifarium, Calliergon sp. and Calliergonella cordifolium. The area next to the reservoirs was covered with sparse pine forests combined with birch, which is typical of the Late Glacial period. The open areas were dominated by psammophilic and steppe vegetation, including Poaceae, Artemisia and Hippophae rhamnoides. Geochemical analysis revealed that Ca2+ and Fe3+ were in high concentrations, which could have influenced the presence of taxa preferring soil with high Ca2+ content. The accumulation of calcium in sediments confirms that the reservoirs were fed by groundwater originating from the progressive degradation of permafrost associated with thermal changes.

Why Did Brown Hare Lepus europaeus Disappear from Some Areas in Central Poland?

Brown hares originated in the open steppe grasslands of Eurasia and have adapted very successfully to a mixed, arable agriculture environment. In the last decades of the 20th century, a decline in brown hare populations has been observed in many European countries. In this study, we documented a long-term (1965–2018) decline in the hare population in a field and forest mosaic in central Poland (from over 30 ind./100 ha in the mid-1960s to 1–2 ind./100 ha in the past decade). We showed that the recent autumn densities were the same as compared to the preceding spring densities (suggesting a low recruitment rate) and that the recent densities recorded in the fields were no longer higher than in the forests (probably due to a decrease in the habitat quality of arable lands). We also showed that the share of hares in a red fox diet was now very low (0.1% vs. 13% in the past). We compared the recent (2004–2018) population estimates to another area that was located 70 km east (with a similar habitat structure, a community of predators and climate conditions, but with less intense agriculture), where the hare population was increasing. We suggested that the farming practices were the most important factor for the hare population decrease in our study area.

Past Disturbance–Present Diversity: How the Coexistence of Four Different Forest Communities within One Patch of a Homogeneous Geological Substrate Is Possible

Understanding the relationship between disturbance and forest community dynamics is a key factor in sustainable forest management and conservation planning. The study aimed to determine the main factors driving unusual differentiation of forest vegetation into four communities, all coexisting on the same geological substrate. The fieldwork, conducted on the fluvioglacial sand area in Central Poland, consisted of vegetation sampling, together with soil identification and sampling, up to depths of 150 cm. Additional soil parameters were measured in the laboratory. A Geographical Information System was applied to assess variables related to topography and forest continuity. Vegetation was classified and forest communities identified. Canonical Correspondence Analysis indicated significant effects of organic horizon thickness, forest continuity, soil disturbance and soil organic matter content on vegetation composition. We found that the coexistence of four forest communities, including two Natura 2000 habitats, a Cladonia-Scots pine forest and an acidophilous oak forest (codes–91T0 and 9190 respectively), resulted from former agricultural use of the land followed by secondary succession. The lowest soil-disturbance level was observed within late-successional acidophilous oak forest patches. Nearly complete soil erosion was found within the early-successional Cladonia-Scots pine forest. We propose that both protected habitat types may belong to the same successional sere, and discuss the possibility of replacement of the early- and late-successional forest habitat types in the context of sustainable forest management and conservation.

VDR polymorphisms effect on bone mineral density in Polish postmenopausal women.

Purpose: Osteoporosis is the most widespread systemic disease of the skeleton. According to estimated data for Poland, it affects ca. 3 million people. Although the disease is multifactorial, with significant influence of environmental factors on the increase of the risk of its occurrence, genetic factors play an important role in its pathogenesis. The aim of this study was an analysis of the relation of the ApaI, BsmI and TaqI polymorphisms of the VDR gene, with bone mineral density measured in lumbar spine and/or in proximal femur in a group of polish women. Methods: The study included 135 women at the postmenopausal age from the area of central Poland. BMD was measured at the hip and/or at the lumbar spine, using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The influence of the selected VDR genotypes on bone mineral density was studied using the ApaI, the BsmI and the TaqI restriction enzymes. Lifestyle information was obtained via questionnaire. Results: Women with the 'bb' genotype showed lower BMD values of the hip (Total BMD value) comparing to patients with 'BB' or 'Bb' genotypes. We did not observe similar correlation for the lumbar spine. The remaining polymorphisms (ApaI and TaqI) did not demonstrate a significant relation with the differentiation of the mean BMD values obtained from the hip nor from lumbar vertebrae. Conclusion: The present study has demonstrated that the BsmI polymorphism of the vitamin D receptor gene is a factor of bone mineral density changes in postmenopausal women from Poland.

Potentially toxic elements in fen peatland soils located near lignite-fired power plants in Central Poland

The Grójec Valley (GV) peatland area in Central Poland is located close to lignite-fired power plants, which could be sources of potentially toxic elements (PTE). The aims of this study are: (1) to determine the effect of the lignite-fired power plants on soil pollution, (2) to evaluate pollution indices and magnetic susceptibility methods for determining the origin and distribution of PTE in soils, and (3) to demonstrate the importance of appropriate geochemical background (GB) selection for pollution studies in peatland soils. In order to comprehensively assess the soil pollution, four pollution indices (calculated using various types of GBs), and the mass-specific magnetic susceptibility method were used. The low content of analyzed PTE (Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn), the calculated pollution indices, and the magnetic susceptibility values (overall >20 × 10−8 m3 kg−1) indicated generally low pollution levels in the studied soils. This would suggest that power plants have had a minor impact on the fen soils, although exceptions were observed in the southernmost part of GV, the highest content of Cr (6.87–9.11 mg kg−1), Ni (7.11–10.3 mg kg−1) and Cu (14.1–19.5 mg kg−1). In addition, based on the Potential Ecological Risk (RI) and Contamination Security indexes (CSI), this area showed the highest potential ecological risk (81.9–102) and limit of toxicity (0.59–0.67) among the studied plots, respectively. The Enrichment factor (EF) and Contamination Security index (CSI) values were the most comparable, thus we consider that, in combination with magnetic susceptibility measurements, they comprise a useful set of tools for fen soil contamination studies. Furthermore, we suggest the application of an local organic GB (i.e. PTE content in the deeper organic layer) in such studies.

Conceptual Model of Drainage-Sub Irrigation System Functioning-First Results from a Case Study of a Lowland Valley Area in Central Poland

The search for simple models of drainage–irrigation systems functioning and management has still been an important research objective. Therefore, we presented a conceptual model based on groundwater dynamics equation along with proper assumptions on water equivalent of transient porosity-i.e., storage in the soil profile based on the long-term experience of the research on drainage-sub-irrigation systems. Several parameters have been incorporated in the model to effectively and comprehensively describe drainage/irrigation time, leakage from the soil profile, the soil moisture content in the root zone, and the shape of the groundwater table on the drainage–sub-irrigation plot. The model was successfully validated on groundwater level data in ditch midspacing on an experimental site located within a valley sub-irrigation system with the advantage of a relatively simple representation of flows through the soil profile. The robust character of the conceptual equation of groundwater dynamics, as well as the approach to its’ parameters, were proved through a close match between the model and observations. This promotes the capacities of the proposed modeling procedure to conceptualize drainage-irrigation development with the impact of external and internal sources of water. The potential was offered for the evaluation of water management practices in a valley system influenced by horizontal inflows from surrounding areas as indicated by calibration results. Future challenges were revealed in terms of water exchange between the plots and validation of soil moisture content modeling.

Correlates of Alcohol Consumption Among a Socially-Disadvantaged Population in Poland

Alcohol consumption at a level exceeding existing recommendations is one of the leading risk factors for death and disability worldwide. The aim of the study was to identify correlates of alcohol drinking among a socially-disadvantaged population in Poland. The cross-sectional study covered 1644 adult social assistance beneficiaries from the Piotrkowski district (rural area in central Poland). A detailed questionnaire filled in during a face-to-face interview allowed for the collection of socio-demographic, lifestyle-related (including alcohol consumption) and health status data. About 42% of the participants, including 67% of the men and 30% of the women, exceeded the recommended level of alcohol consumption. In the adjusted model, the men tended not to follow recommendations for alcohol consumption more frequently than the women (OR = 4.5, p < 0.001). The higher odds of not following alcohol-related recommendations were also observed for the subjects declaring having a permanent or temporary job compared to the unemployed participants (OR = 1.2, p = 0.04). A lower healthy lifestyle index (indicating an unhealthy lifestyle related to a diet, body mass index (BMI), physical activity, and tobacco smoking) was associated with not following recommendations for alcohol consumption (OR = 1.1, p = 0.04). Our study indicates that being men, having a permanent or a temporary job, and coexistence of other unfavorable lifestyle-related factors are important correlates of not following recommendations for alcohol consumption among the beneficiaries of government welfare assistance.

Environmental exposure to persistent organic pollutants measured in breast milk of lactating women from an urban area in central Poland

Mothers’ milk is considered a channel by means of which new-borns are exposed to polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (dl-PCBs), environmental pollutants entering food chain and accumulating in fat-rich tissues. In this study, the concentrations of selected PCDDs, PCDFs, and dl-PCBs (a total of 29 substances) in milk samples of 110 breast-feeding women from an urban area were analyzed using the high-resolution gas chromatography/high-resolution mass spectrometry method. Environmental exposure to these substances was expressed by means of the World Health Organization Toxicity Equivalent (WHO-TEQ2005) using the Toxicity Equivalent Factor values from van der Berg et al. (Toxicol. Sci. 93: 223-241, 2006). Concentrations and WHO-TEQ2005 values were then searched for plausible relationships with selected demographic and diet-related factors. The total WHO-TEQ2005 toxicity equivalent for all 29 substances was (mean ± SD) 10.57 ± 4.57 pg/g fat, while the WHO-TEQ2005 levels of PCDDs/PCDFs and dl-PCBs were 7.90 ± 4.17 pg/g fat and 2.67 ± 1.36 pg/g fat, respectively. The concentration and WHO-TEQ2005 toxicity equivalent of dl-PCBs correlated significantly with the mothers’ age (rP = 0.3814, p < 0.00005; rP = 0.2817, p < 0.005, respectively). The total WHO-TEQ2005 toxicity equivalent for all analyzed substances was found to be positively associated with the frequency of consumption of fish and dairy products (p < 0.05 for both associations). These outcomes must, however, be interpreted cautiously due to limited size of the study. The results of this paper may provide a basis for further studies on the exposure to PCDDs, PCDFs, and dl-PCBs, and mechanisms underlying their action.

Displacements of Object Founded on Expansive Soils—A Case Study of Light Construction

The paper presents results of observations of a light structure damaged by irregular vertical and horizontal deformations on Neogene expansive clays, typical for area in Central Poland. The sensitivity to environmental changes of humidity in such subsoils can activate volume changes, which causes the destruction of many objects susceptible to deformation. Detailed geotechnical investigations, including seasonal fluctuations of natural moisture content, were carried out for over a year, describing the dynamism of conditions of clays in the foundation zone. Parallel geodetic measurements of vertical and horizontal displacements were carried out, using classical precision leveling and the coordinate method of the Leica TDRA 6000 laser station. The network of measurement points has been specially designed and implemented to follow the spatial displacements of the structure. The network points were placed at the bottom of pillars and on the flooring of the structure located in the upper part. In the paper, the results of the vertical and horizontal periodical measurement of displacements of an investigated construction over the year were discussed to identify the main factors influencing the mechanism of damage of the observed structure.

Comparing Trophic Niches of Sympatric Raptors in Agricultural Landscape in Central Poland

According to basic ecological principle, species that share the same niche do not occupy the same environment for a long time, and sympatry of two or more such species provides an interesting field for the analysis of their trophic niche differentiation. To examine the potential differences in the dimensions of the trophic niche we studied the diet of three sympatric avian predators that prey on colonial Microtus rodents. The study area in central Poland is located in an agricultural landscape, composed of crop fields, as well as meadows and pastures located within a small river valley. The pellets of long-eared owl (Asio otus), barn owl (Tyto alba) and kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) were collected from the 750 m2 study site including church building and its surrounding in the spring of 2016 and 2017. The analysis of pellets provided data on a total of 4128 vertebrate prey individuals (1914 from barn owl, 1749 from long-eared owl, and 465 from kestrel). The most important prey group of all three predators were small mammals (90%, 14 species) and the most frequently preyed species was Microtus arvalis (making up 72% of vertebrate prey of long-eared owl, 59% of kestrel and 53% of barn owl). Despite the general similarity in the diet composition, there were differences in the contribution of several prey species (e.g. Soricomorpha, M. arvalis, Mus musculus, Rattus norvegicus, and Apodemus spp.) and the diversity of the diet between the predators. We conclude that the trophic niches of the studied sympatric species differ in several dimensions, including diel activity, prey size and taxon-specific feeding preferences.

Dynamic range expansion leads to establishment of a new, genetically distinct wolf population in Central Europe

Local extinction and recolonization events can shape genetic structure of subdivided animal populations. The gray wolf (Canis lupus) was extirpated from most of Europe, but recently recolonized big part of its historical range. An exceptionally dynamic expansion of wolf population is observed in the western part of the Great European Plain. Nonetheless, genetic consequences of this process have not yet been fully understood. We aimed to assess genetic diversity of this recently established wolf population in Western Poland (WPL), determine its origin and provide novel data regarding the population genetic structure of the grey wolf in Central Europe. We utilized both spatially explicit and non-explicit Bayesian clustering approaches, as well as a model-independent, multivariate method DAPC, to infer genetic structure in large dataset (881 identified individuals) of wolf microsatellite genotypes. To put the patterns observed in studied population into a broader biogeographic context we also analyzed a mtDNA control region fragment widely used in previous studies. In comparison to a source population, we found slightly reduced allelic richness and heterozygosity in the newly recolonized areas west of the Vistula river. We discovered relatively strong west-east structuring in lowland wolves, probably reflecting founder-flush and allele surfing during range expansion, resulting in clear distinction of WPL, eastern lowland and Carpathian genetic groups. Interestingly, wolves from recently recolonized mountainous areas (Sudetes Mts, SW Poland) clustered together with lowland, but not Carpathian wolf populations. We also identified an area in Central Poland that seems to be a melting pot of western, lowland eastern and Carpathian wolves. We conclude that the process of dynamic recolonization of Central European lowlands lead to the formation of a new, genetically distinct wolf population. Together with the settlement and establishment of packs in mountains by lowland wolves and vice versa, it suggests that demographic dynamics and possibly anthropogenic barriers rather than ecological factors (e.g. natal habitat-biased dispersal patterns) shape the current wolf genetic structure in Central Europe.

Predictors of E-Cigarette Use Susceptibility-A Study of Young People from a Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Rural Area in Poland.

Identification of the youth at risk of e-cigarette use is crucial for development of effective prevention strategies. The current study aims at evaluation of predictors of susceptibility to e-cigarette initiation and experimentation among adolescents. This cross-sectional study included 1693 students (non-current users of e-cigarettes) attending 21 schools in Piotrkowski district (a socially disadvantaged rural area in central Poland). The regression models were applied so as to study factors linked to susceptibility to e-cigarette use among never users (n = 1054) and ever users (n = 639) of e-cigarettes, with susceptibility defined as the absence of a firm decision not to use these products. A high proportion of the youth was susceptible to e-cigarette use (68% of never and 78% of ever e-cigarette users). The adjusted model confirmed the following risk factors: smoking parents and friends (never users: OR = 3.0; p < 0.001; OR = 2.0; p < 0.05; ever users: OR = 2.2; OR = 2.2; p < 0.01), alcohol consumption (never users: moderate drinking OR = 2.9; p < 0.001; binge drinking OR = 2.2; p < 0.01; ever users: moderate drinking OR = 4.2; p < 0.001), cigarette smoking (never users: OR = 14.1; ever users: OR = 11.3; p < 0.001), and perception that e-cigarettes are less harmful than traditional cigarettes (never users: OR = 1.8; p < 0.001). The youth whose mothers had a medium and high educational level (never users: OR = 2.7; p < 0.01; OR = 2.7; p < 0.05; ever users: OR = 5.4; OR = 4.4; p < 0.001), those who perceived girls who use e-cigarettes as more attractive (never users: OR = 4.1; p < 0.001; ever users: OR = 2.9; p < 0.01), and secondary school students (ever users: OR = 5.6; p < 0.001) had higher odds of susceptibility to e-cigarette use. The youth who had more money per month were less susceptible to e-cigarette experimentation (OR = 0.4; p < 0.001). A multi-level intervention approach, considering vulnerable populations, is required to prevent the youth from e-cigarette initiation and experimentation.

Correlations between air pollutant concentrations in selected urban and rural areas in Poland

Correlations between concentrations of selected air pollutants were analyzed in different areas in central Poland from 2012-2016. Three neighboring voivodeships (Lower Silesian, Lodz, and Masovian), were selected for which specific measurement locations were designated in urban and rural areas. The characteristics of the location of monitoring stations allowed to distinguish the following types of measurement stations: “urbantransport”, “urban-background", "suburban-background", "town-background", and "rural-background". Therefore, using the Pearson's linear correlation coefficient, it was possible to analyze the interrelations between the occurrence of air pollution in various types of areas. It was found that the coefficient changed along with the type of area. Moreover, it turned out that the coefficient decreased in each voivodeship along with a decrease in the population density of the analyzed areas. In addition, concentrations of various air pollutants in given areas were compared. Also, it was observed that the strongest correlations occur between the results of calculations from measurement stations located in the same province.

Forecasting of Surface Ozone Concentration by Using Artificial Neural Networks in Rural and Urban Areas in Central Poland

This paper presents the development of artificial neural network models for the prediction of the daily maximum hourly mean of surface ozone concentration for the next day at rural and urban locations in central Poland. The models were generated with six input variables: forecasted basic meteorological parameters and the maximum O3 concentration recorded on the previous day and number of the month. The training data set covered the period from April 2015 to September 2015. An analogous data set of input variables, for the 2014 year, not used during the process of training the networks, was used as test data to examine the quality of these models. From the results of simulations for the year 2014, the average relative error values were equal to 15.3% and 15.7% for Belsk and Warsaw stations, respectively. The mean error (ME) value indicates a tendency to overestimate the predicted values by 4.8 µg/m3 for Belsk station and to underestimate the predicted values by 0.9 µg/m3 for Warsaw station. The analysis of days when the relative error value was &gt;50% revealed that all predictions with extremely high relative error value were associated with relatively low daily maximum surface ozone concentration values that occurred suddenly due to a sharp drop in day-to-day ozone concentration values.

The incidence of some components of the metabolic syndrome in children in medium sized town and rural area in Poland

Introduction. The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of chosen components of the meta­bolic syndrome in Caucasian children and adolescents living in small town and rural area in central Poland. The parents’ knowledge on eating habits and level of physical activity of their children was also analyzed. Material and methods. We measured anthropometric parameters, fasting blood glucose, systolic and dias­tolic blood pressures in 842 school children aged 7 to 16 years. Questionnaire was used to assess the parents’ knowledge about the eating habits and physical activ­ity of the children. Results. In studied populations the prevalence of obe­sity was higher in boys than in girls. Blood pressure ≥ c95 was observed significantly more often in obese individuals. There was a positive correlation between obesity and abdominal obesity. Increased waist circum­ference was observed more frequently in boys in the youngest age group. Elevated blood pressure was most frequently seen in children with abdominal obesity. Adolescents aged 16 years spent the most time in front of the TV/computer, and those most often consumed “fast foods” meals. Both in small town and rural areas girls were less physically active than boys. Over 50% of parents in both populations regarded the physical activity of children as normal, and almost 90% of the parents accepted children’s dietary habits. Conclusions. Our results point out the key role of envi­ronmental factors and gender in the development of overweight and obesity. It seems necessary to take all preventive measures to reduce the risk of complica­tions of obesity in the future life. (Clin Diabetol 2017; 6, 6: 195–203)