Changes In Poland Research Articles

Fusarium Species Shifts in Maize Grain as a Response to Climatic Changes in Poland

Maize, along with wheat and rice, is the most important crop for food security. Ear rots caused by Fusarium species are among the most important diseases of maize. The distribution of Fusarium species provides essential epidemiological information for disease management. The effect of weather conditions, climate change and geographic localization on the Fusarium population in Poland was evaluated between 2015 and 2018. Grain samples (n = 233) were collected from hybrids at 16 locations (L1–L16). The differences in altitude between locations ranged from 39 to 243 m above sea level, longitude varied between 15°55′ and 23°12′ E, and latitude spanned from 50°12′ to 54°01′ N. Isolates were identified using molecular techniques. The highest Fusarium species frequency was recorded for 2016 (30.70%) and 2017 (28.18%), and the lowest for 2018 (5.36%). F. verticillioides and F. temperatum were the most frequent. Altitude has an effect on F. vericillioides frequency: F. graminearum showed a negative correlation with both latitude and longitude. In Polish conditions, from silking to harvesting, the number of days with higher precipitation and lower temperatures is associated with an increased frequency of F. verticillioides, F. temperatum, F. graminearum and F. avenaceum. This suggests that the Fusarium presence in Poland is significantly influenced not only by climate change but also by extreme weather changes.

Urban transport during the COVID-19 pandemic: a case study of Poland

AbstractOngoing improvement in the quality of public transport calms and slows road traffic while causing desirable changes in the transport behaviours of residents and the urban structure of city centres. These efforts were thwarted by the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in a significant decrease in public transport ridership. Its scope varied with the passage of time and with the dynamics of the pandemic itself, which were significantly different for individual cities. This article undertakes an analysis of these changes in Poland and identifies factors describing public transport accessibility that may influence them. The novelty of this article is examining the correlation of changes in public transport ridership in 17 Polish cities caused by the COVID-19 pandemic with the presented range of factors and conducted longitudinal studies. A multiple regression analysis was made possible by collecting data describing various aspects of public transport and populations. The introduction of remote work and learning also had a noticeable impact in public transport ridership during this period. In some sectors and fields, they have proven to be at least as efficient, but less expensive than their traditional forms, which suggests that they may have an impact on reducing the public transport ridership after the end of the pandemic.

The Culture of Social Security of Migrants in Poland in View of Challenges and Threats on the Example of COVID-19 and the War in Ukraine

Contemporary reasons for migration are diverse and they are treated as the most active factor of human activity. Highlighting the scale of migration processes that generate challenges and threats in the modern world seems fully justified. Analysis of the experience of the influx of Ukrainian immigrants for economic purposes as a result of the migration crisis of 2015–2018, the mass influx of foreigners during the crisis on the Polish-Belarusian border and the specific exodus of war refugees from Ukraine as a result of the military conflict triggered profound changes in Poland’s migration policy. This article presents the expansion of the causes and effects of the above phenomena on state security in the social and economic dimensions. The role of migration policy in the new and changing security architecture was also highlighted.

Association of Polish Electrical Engineers and the Chamber of Licensed Experts

At the beginning of the year 2024, 65 years will have passed since the establishment of the Chamber of Experts of the Association of Polish Electrical Engineers (SEP). During this period, SEP underwent significant changes. Particularly serious changes in the conditions for practicing association expertises have occurred in recent years, along with dynamic economic and political changes in Poland. Expertise is strongly based on economic conditions and the ways in which scientific, technical and industrial competences are expanded and available in the society. In the past, these highest competencies were quite strictly limited to well-organized professional communities related to scientific and technical associations such as SEP, and federal bodies such as NOT. Competencies were also generated in the best industrial centres associated with academic polytechnic centres. Today the role of expertises in electrical, electronics and ICT engineering is undergoing significant changes.

International Benchmarking as a Method for Building a Learning Organisation in Public Administration. A Case Study of Phytosanitary Services in Europe

The project analysed the functioning of the State Plant Protection and Seed Inspection Service (SPHSIS), and this article presents a study of the international benchmarking of public administration (6 seed Inspections from European Union countries were analysed). The research question posed by the authors of this article is: how did this tool help in the development and strategy planning of a public administration unit? The project used a number of research steps, both directly dedicated to benchmarking and interviews with Service recipients or Inspection staff. The following recommendations for Inspections emerge from a comparative analysis: 1) the introduction of the digitalisation of services, which may enable an increase in customer orientations, 2) legal changes in Poland’s Inspection Service – increasing powers and building a single, national Food Agency. 3) Seed Inspection Service clients suggest increasing pro-export attitudes among officials.

Odwołanie do Boga w przysiędze strażników więziennych w Polsce na przestrzeni wieków

Aim: The aim of the study is an attempt to analyse references to God in the oath rote of prison guards from the Middle Ages, through the First Polish Republic, the Kingdom of Poland, the Second Polish Republic, the People's Poland, to the present day. Methods: In order to carry out the investigative research, we chose the method of document analysis. Archival sources stored in state and establishment archives, including personal files of prison guards and legislative sources of various ranks of state authorities were examined. Results: As a result of the study, it was found, among other things, that after the Second World War, when prison staff were linked by the communists to the public security system, the oath was replaced by a vow and took on a completely secular character. Nowadays, it is possible to voluntarily add the words "So help me God" at the end of the rote being recited. Conclusion: Giving the proper importance to the oath of prison officers came only after the democratic changes in Poland. Currently, its taking is accompanied by a solemn ceremony. Taking the oath in a symbolic dimension is an act of joining the ranks of the state formation, whose mission is to honourably serve the society. Originality: The history of the penitentiary system, with few exceptions, is not a primary subject of interest for contemporary researchers. The oath of prison guards from the earliest times to the present day in the Polish lands has not yet been the subject of research, and in the penitentiary literature one searches in vain for wider reports related to the reference to God in the wording of their oaths. Keyword: Reference to God, oath, affirmation, rota, ceremonial, prison guards

Rola i znaczenie Kościoła katolickiego w PRL i Cerkwi prawosławnej w ZSRR w procesie przemian systemowych u schyłku lat 80. XX w. Przyczynek do analizy

The participation of the Catholic Church in the systemic changes in Poland is unquestionable. The significant role of church hierarchs, middle- and lower-level pastors in accelerating the erosion of the communist dictatorship in Poland over the years, and especially in the last decade of the Polish People’s Republic, is unquestionable. Analogous processes of political, social, economic and cultural changes taking place in neighboring countries where Catholicism was the dominant religion were also stimulated to a large extent by representatives of the clergy. However, the issue of the importance of the Orthodox Church in the Soviet Union for the systemic changes at the end of the 1980s remains slightly more complicated. Therefore, the article compares two powerful Churches, Catholic and Orthodox, from the point of view of analogy and diff erences in the role, influence and importance of these institutions for the collapse of both authoritarian systems.

The impact of demographic changes in Poland on the development of the aesthetic medicine market

The phenomenon of an "aging Polish society" is a multi‑faceted problem which includes, among others, an increase in average life expectancy, an increased proportion of older people in the population, as well as migration to large cities. These changes, which have been taking place for many years, have impacted the development of the aesthetic medicine market. Through analyzing the general population demographics against the demographics of the aesthetic medicine market, we believe that in the coming years there will be an increased demand for aesthetic treatments in people over 50 years of age, especially in offices located in large urban centers.

Physically Present but Spiritually Distant: The View of the European Union in Poland

AbstractThe Polish people remain staunchly in favour of the concept of a European Union. Paradoxically though, there has been strong and continued electoral support for Law and Justice (PiS), its ruling party, despite its insistence on precipitating and then continuing multifaceted conflicts with EU institutions. This article examines the internal structural changes in Poland and the attitudes to the EU of Poland’s leaders; the article will argue that those attitudes have deepened pre-existing divisions over integration. By fusing the triple modernization theory of European integration with a two-dimensional concept of party-based Euroscepticism, the article shows how PiS’s ambiguous discourse on European integration, combined with an increasingly instrumental approach to the EU by the Polish electorate—and that electorate’s deepening polarization—have secured steady support for PiS from ostensibly Europhile voters.

Man-Made Changes in the Flora and Vegetation of Poland: Current Review

This paper presents the main directions and range of man-made changes to the vascular flora and their effects at the vegetation level. The native flora of Poland, located in the temperate zone of Central Europe, comprises approximately 2639 species. The effect of human pressure, which began in the Neolithic and has intensified in the last 200 years, has caused changes in the native flora and has included an inflow of 975 alien species, 560 of which have become permanently established. Currently, at least 704 native species are recognized as endangered, and only 623 are recognized as being able to occupy habitats that were created or strongly transformed by humans. Native species (apophytes) and aliens (anthropophytes) have co-created completely new plant communities in these habitats. Among the alien plants, neophytes (399 species) outnumber archaeophytes (161 species). Additionally, many neophytes (123 species) can penetrate seminatural and natural communities. Research has shown that the proportions of apophytes, alien plants, and declining species can be used to clearly differentiate plant communities and be used as an indicator of anthropogenic changes. A comparison of the man-made changes in Polish flora and vegetation in other countries showed that the changes in Poland are part of the global process of environmental degradation and are aggravated by the country’s economic development.

Szkolna lekcja religii – założenia a rzeczywistość

Socio-political changes in Poland resulted in the return of religious education to the public school system in 1990, which triggered a widespread social discussion, involving educators, parents and students. This elaboration demonstrates the results of a survey conducted among primary school pupils presenting their opinions on religion lessons, as well as the expectations directed towards a religious professional. The results of the analyses indicate that pupils perceive the importance of religion lessons for their moral development, and that participation in religion lessons provides an opportunity to encourage pupils to practice religion. The effectiveness of religion lessons depends on the religion teacher, his/her preparation and the way the didactic and educational process is implemented. Keywords: religious education, religion lesson, religious professional, pupil.

Statistical analysis of chosen aspects of population shifts in Poland 2011-2021 as a component of sustainable urban development systems

The aim of the study is to conduct a statistical analysis of population changes in Poland's municipalities in 2021 compared to 2011 using national censuses data. Population changes in cities and their surroundings play a crucial role in shaping urban environments, economies, and societies. Monitoring these changes is essential for various reasons, including urban planning, resource allocation, and environmental conservation. Firstly, understanding population trends empowers city officials and planners to make well-informed decisions that promote sustainable urban growth. Secondly, effective resource allocation is dependent on accurate population data. By tracking the changes in the population, city administrators can ensure equitable distribution of resources, such as healthcare, education, and public safety. Thirdly, monitoring population changes enables cities to gauge the economic and social impacts of demographic shifts. The conducted study takes into account the analysis of changes in the population in two dimensions. The first is the analysis of population changes in relative terms. The second dimension refers to identifying patterns in population changes. Determining the main directions of population shifts will identify those areas where an influx of population will be associated with challenges for local authorities related to new investment needs in public infrastructure, and areas where a decline in population will be associated with a decline in income for local authorities and difficulties in implementing both current policies and future investments.

Regional reindustrialization and deindustrialization on the example of Poland

Purpose: The aim of this paper is to assess the diversity of changes in Poland's industrial sector, distinguishing the ICT section, on a regional basis, and to classify the regions according to the value of the location quotient index. Design/methodology/approach: The article uses the following methods: critical analysis of the literature and analysis of statistical data using selected statistical tools. On the basis of the data, obtained from the Local Data Bank (GUS), the dynamics and share of production and employment in the industrial sector were calculated, also including the ITC sector. The analysis covered 16 provinces from 2000 to 2021. Findings: Analysis of selected variables in the analyzed years confirmed the existence of regional disparities in Poland, the presence of both reindustrialization and deindustrialization processes and the leading role of the Mazowieckie voivodeship in the ITC sector. Research limitations/implications: The research conducted in the article represents only one aspect of the assessment of regional disparities. In the course of a broader, more detailed study, it is possible to conduct research at a more local level and to apply additional indicators and methods to evaluate the economic situation of the regions. Practical implications: Knowledge of the mechanisms and regularities of regional development is the basis for shaping policies that would ensure, on the one hand, high and sustainable development dynamics, and, on the other hand, lead to the reduction of regional inequalities. Social implications: A situation of excessive inequalities can lead to conflicts and tensions within communities. Therefore, one of the goals of the state's economic and social policies should be to reduce regional disparities, in favor of sustainable development and improving the quality of life in the country. Originality/value: The article analyzes using the most current statistical data of selected variables and statistical tools. Thus, it can provide another element towards learning about the regularities of regional inequality in the Polish economy. Keywords: reindustralisation, deindustralisation, regional disparities, location quotient. Category of the paper: Research paper.

The evolution of maternity attitudes in Polish society: A longitudinal perspective

Individual attitudes toward motherhood depend on one’s particular culture, values and beliefs. These, however, are usually transformed in the public’s opinion into aspects related to maternity and the image of a child. The negative attitudes toward maternity, in turn, affects the current demographic crisis in many countries in Europe. The study evaluated the changing attitudes toward motherhood in Poland in recent years (2009- -2015) on the basis of the Social Diagnosis longitudinal data. To show family-related behaviour and the changes over time, the author adopted latent mixed models to characterise the two groups of individuals (with a different number of states) at the beginning of the period of observation and to follow their evolution over time. The analysis of the changing propensity of childrearing in Poland seems to be pertinent especially because of the changes in Poland’s new child benefit programme, i.e. extending to one-year the length of maternity and paternity leaves, Family 500+, the first of which entered into force in the analysed period. Hence, the study presents the initial and transition probabilities estimated for five recognized states in two groups of Poles (one with traditional, and the other with more modern attitudes to motherhood). Despite the extension of social benefits, the author observed the negative tendency to childrearing of Polish society in the analysed period of time.

Starodruki i rękopisy związane z Józefem Wybickim w zbiorach Biblioteki Naukowej PAU i PAN w Krakowie

Old prints and manuscripts related to Józef Wybicki in the Scientific Library of the PAAS and the PAS in Cracow collections In relation to the announcement of the Polish Sejm made on 14 October 2021 that one of the patrons of the year 2022 shall be Józef Wybicki (1747–1822), a politician, poet, play-writer and the author of the Polish national anthem, we decided to make a review of the keepsakes after him gathered in the Special Collections of our Library. As a result of a broad query, one hand-written letter has been found, written by Wybicki to Hugon Kołłątaj on 2 June 1810. The other nine groups of manuscripts contain either copies of Wybicki’s works or notes and texts related to him, gathered by 19th and 20th c. researchers, and finally an interesting motion to set up a monument of Wybicki, funded by private contributors, submitted in 1904 by Stanisław Witkiewicz. These scriptures are not consistent with each other as they are pieces of some greater manuscript legacies. Eight of them come from different donors, two were purchased in 1958–1960 in antiquarian bookshops in Cracow. They are of marginal significance as far as the research of Wybicki’s achievements is concerned. What was much more interesting, were the results of an old prints query. The Wybicki’s literary legacy is represented by thirteen 18th c. titles and three from the beginning of 19th c., bearing twenty two shelf marks. This vast amount of keepsakes related to Józef Wybicki results from Cyprian Walewski’s testamentary legacy, from which sixteen shelf marks come. Some of the political scriptures assigned to Wybicki have been published anonymously, therefore the question of their authorship remains open. The overview of publications is presented in chronological order. First three works come from 1870s and are related to the beginnings of Wybicki’s political activity to support king Stanisław August, by counsellor Andrzej Zamoyski’s side, and discusses the necessity of social and political changes in Poland. As this project failed, in year to come Wybicki backed out from politics and devoted himself mostly to writing plays, which are represented by one comedy and three operas. The works from the last decade of 18th c. show Józef Wybicki as a person who was active wherever the issues most significant for Poland were decided. These are political scriptures from the period of the Four-Year Sejm, an appeal issued in Warsaw during the Kościuszko uprising and a brochure in French issued in exile in Paris after the Third Partition of Poland. Wybicki’s lesser known interests are represented by a geography textbook published in 1811, containing one of the first descriptions of the geography and economy of the Duchy of Warsaw. The last writing to be discussed includes Wybicki’s views on political systems, which was published three years before his death. Although these sixteen pieces constitute only a part of Wybicki’s work, they seem to well represent its character as well as illustrate the author’s interests and his patriotic engagement.

Obywatelska inicjatywa uchwałodawcza mieszkańców jednostek samorządu terytorialnego w Polsce

One of the consequences of the political changes in Poland after 1989 was granting citizens the right to initiate legal acts. It has activated society’s participation in public life and contributed to building a civil society. In 1994, a citizens’ constitutional initiative was established, and, in 1997, a citizens’ legislative initiative was undertaken. The aim of the study was to present the citizens’ initiative of resolution of the inhabitants of local government units in Poland. Originally, it functioned without a statutory basis and was established by the local government units themselves. This raised doubts as to its legitimacy, which was also reflected in the judgments of voivodeship administrative courts. The practice was in favor of its universal establishment, and it also became increasingly popular, especially in communes. In 2018, all local government laws were amended to grant the residents of all local government units in Poland the option of submitting a citizens’ initiative, and it is only up to their activity whether they will exercise this right.

URBANISTYKA DZIAŁKA PO DZIAŁCE. OBSZAR WOKÓŁ DAWNEJ RZEŹNI W KRAKOWIE

The main objective of this research is to map the morphological changes in the selected area of Krakow after the political changes in Poland and Eastern Europe in 1989. The development described was conditioned by changes in urban law in Poland, which led to a situation of no general rules at Masterplan level, what we have termed plot by plot urbanism.

President Biden's administration towards the quality of democracy and the rule of law in Poland

RESEARCH OBJECTIVE: The aim is to analyze and evaluate the attitude of the American administration to the issue of compliance with the principles of democracy and the rule of law in Poland in the context of the war in Ukraine.
 THE RESEARCH PROBLEM AND METHODS: The main question is whether the war in Ukraine influenced the approach of President Biden’s administration to the issue of the quality of democracy and the rule of law in Poland? The analysis is carried out in the perspective of the concept of quality of democracy. The author interviewed American researchers and used the method of analyzing the content of text sources.
 THE PROCESS OF ARGUMENTATION: The first part covers a theoretical framework for the quality of democracy and the rule of law. The second part presents a synthetic presentation of the main elements of the dispute in Poland around these values. The next two parts cover the approach of the American administration to legal changes in Poland affecting the quality of democracy and the rule of law.
 RESEARCH RESULTS: The war in Ukraine silenced American criticism of Poland. This is because the US strategic security interests take precedence over other values and interests. However, when the war in Ukraine is over, this problem may return and weigh heavily on Polish-American relations, especially if Democrats remain in power.
 CONCLUSIONS, INNOVATIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS: The political and legal dispute in Poland concerning the quality of democracy and the rule of law contributes to the international discussion on this topic. In the mainstream Western literature, there is a serious criticism of the actions of the Polish authorities, sometimes conducted without taking into account the weaknesses of contemporary liberal democracy. The illiberal trend in Poland and other countries in the region, especially in Hungary, fuels criticism of these actions.

„Strajk Kobiet”. Zmiany społeczno-kulturowe jako efekt protestów w Polsce

This paper is devoted to the analysis of the socio-political changes that occurred in Poland in 2016 as a result of the outbreak of the so-called black protests. The protests, which later became known as the All-Poland Women’s Strike, were activated several times in the following years, as a result of subsequent events related to the provisions regulating the right to abortion in Poland. The empirical findings contained in this text result from the analysis of statistical data (CBOS reports), dedicated to the research of political party electorates, which was carried out in 2015, 2017 and 2021. Moreover, the article presents own research conducted in the period from April to July 2021 using the method of analysis of the content published on social media by entities established after 2016. The results of the research confirm that the outbreak and the subsequent periodic activation of protests, supported by the activities of entities promoting the right to abortion, initiated two significant changes in Poland. The first is the clear polarization of political party electorates regarding the right to abortion, and the second is the intensification of the discourse on the very right to abortion, introducing new arguments regarding termination of pregnancy to the agenda (as well as other topics related to the situation of women and broadly understood sex education). Both of the indicated outcomes resulted in the phenomenon of abortion being visible in the public discourse, especially in social media. The following analysis is part of the trend of social research devoted to the importance of socio-political protests in democratic countries and the role of social media as an immanent tool used in the activity of new social movements.

„Błogosławione pieśni malinowe. Fragmenty Norwidowskie” op. 43 Henryka Mikołaja Góreckiego – inspiracje, konteksty, determinanty stylistyczne

Henryk Mikołaj Górecki’s Blessed Raspberry Songs. Norwid Fragments, Op. 43: inspirations, contexts and stylistic determinants Norwid’s inspirations in the works of Henryk Mikołaj Górecki were expressed in the 1980 cycle of Blessed Raspberry Songs. Norwid fragments for voice and piano op. 43. The aim of the article is to analyze the textual and musical layer of the work and to show the meaning of these songs against the background of Polish music at the turn of the 70s and 80s of the twentieth century. The cycle Blessed Raspberry Songs consists of four songs: 1. Blessed raspberry songs, 2. Each morning, when the shadows recede, 3. Compassion, 4. Oh! God …. Three songs have a two-part AB form, while the first song has a segmental structure with elements of the rondo form. The texts of the individual songs of the cycle are usually short excerpts from various works by Cyprian Kamil Norwid. Sacred connotations are visible both in the text and in the musical layer of Blessed Raspberry Songs. The melody and rhythm of the individual songs of the cycle contain allusions and reminiscences of Polish church songs. In the rhythmic and melodic layers of the song Compassion, one can also find reminiscences of the Polish national song Hej strzelcy wraz sung during the January Uprising. In all four songs of the cycle op. 43 there is a reduction of the rhythmic layer, visible especially in the vocal part. The melody of the vocal part, dominated by second intervals, is also limited. In the song cycle Blessed Raspberry Songs, three sources of inspiration are noticeable: songs by Karol Szymanowski and Mieczysław Karłowicz and, above all, Polish national song. The turn of the 1970s and 1980s was a period of social and political changes in Poland and events of great importance for Poles (the election of the Polish Pope, the rise of the resistance movement, the establishment of the Independent Self-Governing Trade Union “Solidarity”), which echoed in the works of Polish composers. A number of works composed by Henryk Mikołaj Górecki also belong to the trend of politically engaged music. They include, among others the Psalm Beatus vir dedicated to Pope John Paul II and Miserere, a work written in response to the Bydgoszcz events in March 1981. In 1980, Norwid’s text about the loss of spirit by the Polish nation under partitions, used in the song Compassion, gained a new, contemporary context, consisting in the introduction of an allusion to the times of the communist regime ruling in Poland. In Henryk Mikołaj Górecki’s Blessed Raspberry Songs the characteristics of the composer’s individual musical style are visible (using such tempos as Lento and Largo, dynamic contrasts). The limitation of the rhythm in combination with the sparing motives indicates the use of technical procedures of minimalistic provenance. The combination of minimalist procedures with elements of musical tradition places Górecki’s work within the framework of works representing postminimalism in European music.