City Of Bydgoszcz Research Articles

Markov chain as a tool for forecasting daily precipitation in the vicinity of the city of Bydgoszcz, Poland

The crop yield depends on numerous weather factors, but mainly on the rainfall pattern and course of air temperature during vegetation period. Investigating the dependence of yields on rainfall, apart from its amount, there also should be taken into account dry spell periods. The two-state Markov chain was considered as a precipitation pattern in the investigation, since it is generally recognized as a simple and effective model of the precipitation occurrence. Based on the daily precipitation totals from the period 1971—2013, the Markov chain was designated. The data were derived from a measuring point of the University of Science and Technology in Bydgoszcz, Poland. As one of the objectives was to determine the order of the Markov chain examined describing the change of precipitation in subsequent days. Another aim was to investigate rainfall dependencies on a month of a year. An analysis of this data leads to the conclusion that the chain is second order. This is confirmed by the two criteria used: BIC (Bayesian Information Criteria) and AIC (Akaike Information Criteria). The research regarded the precipitation volume dependence on a month of the year.

Wplyw wieloletniego nawozenia azotem i obornikiem na zmiany wybranych wlasciwosci materii organicznej gleby lekkiej

The aim of the research was to assess the effect of long-term application of different doses of nitrogen fertilizers with or without manure to changes in the total organic carbon content, total nitrogen content, evaluation of dissolved organic carbon content and the value of absorbance coefficient (A4/6) in sandy loam soil. The base of research was the long-term field experiment, established in 1979 at the Wierzchucinek Experimental Station close to Bydgoszcz city - Poland. The experiment was carried out in the three-course crop rotation, potato, rye, rye in randomized split-plot design. The experimental treatments were four levels of N fertilizers in 0, 47, 93, and 140 kg∙ha-1∙yr-1 (N0, N1, N2, N3) as a 1st factor of experiment, and the same doses of N fertilizers with farmyard manure application (30 t∙ha-1) as a 2nd factor. After 36 years of experiment the content of total organic carbon was 26% lower and the content of total nitrogen 13% higher compared to the values determined before the experiment foundation (1979). The consequence of changes in the content of organic carbon and total nitrogen, are changes in the ratio of organic carbon content and total nitrogen content. It was noticed that the use of manure and different nitrogen doses resulted in a decrease of organic carbon content and total nitrogen content value. After application of different nitrogen doses, organic carbon content ranged from 122.4 to 152.2 mg∙kg-1. The same nitrogen doses applied simultaneously with farmyard manure increased the organic carbon content, which ranged from 133.5 to 166.7 mg∙kg-1. The changes of the organic carbon content did not effect on percentage of this fraction in the total organic carbon. Percentage of organic carbon content in total organic carbon content was on averaged 1.6%. After the application of different nitrogen doses, humic acids of analyzed soils were characterized by lower average value of A4/6 (5.4). However, the application of nitrogen doses with manure brought a higher - 6.3 - A4/6 value. Farmyard manure application caused the formation of humic acids of lower molecular weight and a low humification degree.

Forms and mobility of trace elements in soils of park areas from the city of Bydgoszcz, north Poland

AbstractIncreasing human activity affects urban ecosystem, including soils. The objective of the study were examine the content of lead, cadmium, copper, zinc, and manganese in soils of city parks and green areas from Bydgoszcz agglomeration, north Poland, estimate their forms and mobility, characterize distribution within soil profile, and estimate their origin – anthropogenic or natural. Three green areas from the older part of the city were selected for the study. Multistep sequential extraction method was conducted for the separation of seven metal fractions. It is concluded that soil studied were contaminated mainly by zinc and lead. These metals exist mainly in relatively non mobile forms i.e. associated with amorphous and crystalline iron oxides and with soil organic matter. The distribution within soil depth varied due to the elution process and variation of mixed soil material and additives.

POTENCJAŁ RZEK JAKO ELEMENT ZRÓWNOWAŻONEJ POLITYKI MIEJSKIEJ – PRZYKŁAD BYDGOSZCZY

Celem artykułu jest analiza potencjału rzek i jego wykorzystania w kontekście prowadzonej w Bydgoszczy polityki miejskiej. W badaniu przeanalizowano wpływ rzek na rozwój Bydgoszczy oraz możliwości wykorzystania potencjału trans-portowego i społeczno-gospodarczego wody. W Bydgoszczy znajduje się kilka cieków, m.in. Wisła, Brda, Kanał Bydgoski i Flis Północny – ich długość razem wynosi około 100 kilometrów. Od pewnego czasu obserwuje się „powrót miast nad wodę”, w tym także Bydgoszczy. Dlatego też rzeki wraz z terenami nadbrzeżnymi (waterfronty) są coraz częściej objęte działaniami rewitalizacyjnymi mającymi na celu nadanie im nowych funkcji w przestrzeni miejskiej. Stają się obiektem zainteresowania mieszkańców, tury-stów i inwestorów. W związku z tym odnowa waterfrontów stała się ważnym elementem polityki miejskiej wpisującym się w ideę zrównoważonego rozwoju, przemiany re-witalizacyjne czy nawet działania z zakresu tzw. smart city.

Assessment of Selected Heavy metals and Enzymes in Soil within the Range of Impact of Illegal Dumping Sites

The paper demonstrates the result of changes in the physicochemical and biological properties in soil as a result of the operation of illegal dumping sites. Soil was sampled from the research points located on the outskirts of the city of Bydgoszcz (Poland) from the site not affected by illegal dumping sites (control C), within the dumping sites, having removed the waste layer (W), and 10 m away from the dumping sites (W 10). In the soil the content of phosphorus, potassium, magnesium and sulphur, total content of copper, zinc, lead and nickel as well as the activity of enzymes were assayed. The content of Pb, Zn, Cu and Ni in the soil samples qualifies the soils as representing the soil category with natural content. The greatest activity of all the enzymes analysed was identified in the soil sampled from the control point affected by waste, whereas the highest content of macroelements was reported in the soil from the dumping sites (W 10). A high variation in the enzymes under study in soils confirms a high value of the coefficient of variation (CV >36%). The analysis of correlation confirmed the relationship between the content of organic carbon compounds and the content of zinc, lead, nickel. The soils show a slight value of the coefficient of contamination for heavy metals (CF<1). The contamination degree (Cdeg) ranged from 1.993 to 5.116, which points to a low level of soil contamination with Zn, Cu, Pb and Ni.

Profile distribution of mercury in selected urban soils / Profilowe rozmieszczenie rtęci w wybranych glebach miejskich

Abstract With the expansion of urbanization, the increase of pollutants in air, soil and water is observed. The major source of Hg in urban soils is fossil fuel combustion, and these soils become important indicators of contaminants in the soil environment. The aim of the research was to determine the distribution of mercury in urban soil profiles on the basis of their physicochemical properties and origin. Analysed soils come from the city centre of Bydgoszcz, from park and square areas intended for recreation. Research was conducted on four soil profiles: Mollic Regosol (Technic), Skeletic Regosol (Technic), Eutric Regosol (Loamic), Eutric Regosol (Endoclayic). Determined in most profiles artefacts were pieces of bricks, concrete, glass, garbage, slag, asphalt, tar, and charcoals in proportion up to 25% of the volume. In soil samples basic soil parameters and the total content of mercury were determined (using atomic absorption spectrometer AMA-254). Determined parameters and the total mercury content of analysed soils of Bydgoszcz city were typical for urban areas, and the soils were classified as noncontaminated of this metal (total Hg content 0.009-1.114 mg.kg-1, mean 0.218 mg.kg-1). In most analysed soils the source of Hg was atmospheric deposition and addition of human-made materials. It was confirmed by significant correlation coefficient -0.415 (p&lt;0.05), calculated between Hg content and percent of course fragments (Ø&gt;2mm), among which artefacts were very common. Profile distribution of mercury was mainly the result of antropopression but also the concentration of Hg in parent material. Spatial differentiation of Hg content between tested soil profiles was related with localisation (vicinity of heavy traffic roads).

Structure and population dynamics of Pterostichus spp. beetles (col. Carabidae) in three types of wetland

This study presents research on communities of Pterostichus spp. beetles found in 2001 and 2003 in three types of wetland: elm and ash riparian forest (RF), poplar monoculture (P) and extensively managed meadow (M). All sample plots were located near the city of Bydgoszcz (53?, 9?N18?E) on the Vistula River floodplain. During both years, 11 species of genus Pterostichus spp. were found. In 2001, from all sample plots 886 beetles were collected; in 2003, 5 963. In both years, most specimens came from plot RF (636 in 2001 and 3 544 in 2003). From plot P, 1 862 specimens of Pterostichus spp. beetles were collected and from plot M, 807 specimens. No statistically significant influences of the marshland habitat type and year of research on communities of Pterostichus spp. beetles were revealed.

Monitoring of the Aquatic Environment of an Industrial Area with Multiple Sources of Pollution

Abstract Chemical plants are important objects of hydrogeological research, due to their potentially large impact on the soil and water environment. The topic of this paper is one of the oldest chemical plants in northern Poland, owned by the ‘Zachem’ company and located in the city of Bydgoszcz. The plant is located on a 500 ha property. This area has isolated about a dozen landfills for different types of wastes. In order to make a proper estimation of the influence of a chemical plant on its environment we must first identify the geological and hydrogeological conditions, and also the character of its land-use. Field investigations must be preceded by in-depth historical studies of the plant’s development and the technologies used within, and an identification of historical and present contamination sources. The author describes the current condition of the plant’s groundwater monitoring and indicates the direction of modernization and further development. This paper presents the problems faced when designing a groundwater monitoring network for industrial areas.

Nest Reuse by Eurasian BlackcapSylvia atricapilla

Reusing old nests for breeding might provide birds with benefits such as saving the time and energy needed to build a new nest, or by decreasing the risk of predation while building a nest. Despite these benefits, many species use their nests only once. This study aimed to determine how frequently Eurasian Blackcaps Sylvia atricapilla, which build delicate open cup nests that are particularly susceptible to damage, might reuse their nest within a season and if extensive damage to a nest limited its reuse. I conducted the study in 2002–2008 in forests next to the city of Bydgoszcz in central Poland. I examined 479 Blackcap nests after the failure or success of the nest was known. Nests were classified as damaged or undamaged (73.7% of the sample). Only four nests were reused, representing 0.8% of all nests and 1.1% of the undamaged nests. The large number of undamaged but inactive nests indicated that the extent of damage was unlikely to be the reason that nests were rarely reused. The study also showed th...

Intra-urban daily mobility of disabled people for recreational and leisure purposes

This paper presents findings from an empirical study of everyday trips made within urban space by disabled but working people, for recreational and leisure purposes. The study was conducted in the city of Bydgoszcz, Poland, while the subsequent analysis is based on the authors’ inventory of selected public buildings and interviews. 450 individuals with disabilities, plus 150 non-disabled members of the same households, were sampled and surveyed across the city. The results indicate that, in general, there are great differences between people with disabilities and their able-bodied counterparts. Disabled inhabitants choose forms of recreation not involving substantial financial inputs. As fares, availability and accessibility have the strongest impact on leisure activities, the preferred forms of recreation among disabled people are meetings with relatives and friends, the spending of free time at home or on an allotment, or walking. The biggest differences in behaviour between the two categories of respondent are in turn found to arise in the case of participation in sporting activities.In-depth research into the accessibility of recreation sites shows that some areas (such as the city centre) are mainly chosen by persons without serious mobility problems. Disabled people with a lower level of mobility (needing to use walking sticks, crutches, or wheelchairs) choose the attractive outskirts of the city where the opportunity for open-air recreation exists, or else spend their free time visiting relatives and friends. This attests to availability to some extent determining the spatial behaviour of persons with disabilities.

Daily mobility of disabled people for healthcare facilities and their accessibility in urban space

This paper presents findings from an empirical study of diurnal trips made by disabled people to healthcare facilities distributed across urban space. The study was carried out in the city of Bydgoszcz, Poland, while the subsequent analysis is based on the authors’ inventory of healthcare facilities and interviews. Data gathered from interviews with 450 disabled people plus 150 able-bodied members of the same households bring out great differences in daily mobility between the two social categories. The daily mobility of disabled people in relation to healthcare is much more tangible than that involving their non-disabled counterparts. Disabled people opt to commute further and for a longer time to the establishments providing comprehensive medical services of high quality, even if the architectural availability of some of these facilities is unsatisfactory. In contrast, their able-bodied counterparts mostly choose general practitioners situated near to their home areas, rather than travelling to more-distant specialists.

The sense of coherence (SOC) as an important determinant of life satisfaction, based on own research, and exemplified by the students of University of the Third Age (U3A)

The SOC is an important determinant of life satisfaction of elderly people. It determines the level of coping with various difficult situations, which accompany an old age stage. The aim of the study was to determine the connection between the SOC levels and life satisfaction among the U3A students. Another analyzed relationship was the SOC level against the background of socio-demographic factors. The study comprised 257 students of the U3A in Poland, located in the city of Bydgoszcz. The study group consisted of 237 women and 20 men, at the average age of 64.54 ± 6.01 years. The vast majority of the study group included individuals at the secondary education level, as well as married individuals. Just over half of the group claimed to be in good health, and have no afflictions. All of the respondents were fully mobile. The study was conducted with the diagnostic poll method, using the standardized questionnaires: The Scale SOC-29, WHOQOL-Bref, and the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-bref version). The average value of global SOC was 128.77; the standard deviation 21.04; discrepancy 153 (minimum 50 and maximum 203). The SOC indicated significant relationship with quality of life (QoL) in the mental domain, social relationships, and environmental domain; no significant correlation in the physical domain was observed. The QOL reached about 70% of maximum result value, showing equal levels in its specific areas. A moderately decreasing ( r = −0.375, p < 0.01) relation η = 0.376, between global SOC values and depression occurrence, as well as its non-existence was shown in the study. Individual SOC components were also negatively correlated with depression. Another observation was weak correlation between the sense of coherence and the individuals’ level of education. No statistically significant effect of age, gender and marital status on the SOC levels of U3A students was found. Higher parameters of SOC and level of education shape significantly higher effects of life satisfaction, and result in better adaptation to old age stage as a phase of multiple challenges, and increasing life difficulties.

Evaluation of quality of life (QoL) of students of the University of Third Age (U3A) on the basis of socio-demographic factors and health status

In times of the modern global societies, concern for QoL is a priority for gerontology, being an interdisciplinary field. The aim of this study was to assess the QoL of students of the U3A based on socio-demographic factors, subjectively reported diseases and/or discomfort, and well-being. The study comprised 257 students of the U3A in Poland, located in the city of Bydgoszcz. The study group consisted of 237 women and 20 men at an average age of 64.54 ± 6.01 years. The vast majority of the study group were married individuals and individuals with a secondary education. Just over half of the group stated that they are in good health and have no afflictions. All of the respondents were fully mobile. The QoL was assessed using the Polish version of the WHOQOL-Bref and the geriatric depression screening (GDS) scale. The QoL in its different areas balanced out at a medium level (average range: 13.30–13.87). The level of education of the U3A students proved to have a significant relation ith the environmental domain of QoL. No significant influence of age, gender, or marital statues on the QoL of the U3A students was found. A significant relation between subjectively reported diseases and/or discomfort with the QoL was demonstrated in the physical domain. Nearly 75% of the respondents showed no signs of depressive moods. The occurrence of depression indeed disrupted the QoL in all the studied domains, although least in the physical domain. Elderly individuals participating in permanent education display, in the face of progressive senile involution, average and at the same time stable parameters of QoL in all areas of functioning, which can be considered satisfactory, given this phase of life. The level of QoL of the U3A students significantly denotes the level of education of respondents, existing illnesses and afflictions, and the presents of depression.

The influence of habitat type on the population dynamics of ground beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) in marshland

This study presents qualitative and quantitative research on communities of ground beetles (Carabidae) occurring in 2001 and 2003 in three types of habitats located near Bydgoszcz city, Poland (UTM CD19), on the Vistula river floodplain: elm and ash riparian forest (RF), poplar monoculture (P), and unintensively-farmed meadows (M). During both studied years 57 species of ground beetles were found in riparian forests (RF), 56 species in plot P and 47 in plot M. In 2001 from all sample plots 3845 beetles were collected; in 2003- 9589. In both years most specimens came from plot RF (3123 in 2001 and 6224 in 2003). From plot P 2656 specimens of ground beetles were collected and from plot M 1430 specimens. Statistically significant differences were found in the abundance of Carabidae, among sampling areas and the years of study.

THE POLISH ENIGMA CONFERENCE AND SOME EXCURSIONS

The city of Bydgoszcz, Poland, held a conference on Enigma in honor of Marian Rejewski, one of the 1932 solvers of that cipher machine who was born and brought up in that industrial city. I then visited several sites in Poland connected with cryptology.