Consumption In Poland Research Articles

Arsenic in Rice and Rice-Based Products with Regard to Consumer Health.

Most articles on the exposure to arsenic (As) associated with rice and rice products come from Asia where these products are consumed in the largest quantities; relatively few of the articles have focused on European consumers. Since rice products can represent a significant contribution to overall arsenic exposure, the aim of the study was to determine the total arsenic content (tAs) in rice and the most commonly-consumed rice products available on the Polish market. The tAs determination was performed by hydride generation coupled to inductively-coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (HG-ICP-OES). Because an inorganic form of As (iAs) is mutagenic and carcinogenic and about 100-fold more toxic than the organic form, an additional aim of the study was to assess the risk of its ingestion, assuming that it constitutes 67.7%, 72.7%, or 90% of tAs. In all products tested, the calculated iAs content was below the maximum permissible levels, and no threat was found for any of the analyzed Polish consumers, based on the mean rice consumption in Poland and the mean calculated iAs content. However, a potential health risk was noted among infants and young children, assuming maximum iAs levels and threefold higher consumption (16.2 g d-1). To avoid a risk of developing cancer, infants up to one year of age should consume no more than 32.2 g of the studied products per week, children under three years of age up to 68.7 g, and adults 243 g. Consumers should strive to include a variety of cereals in their daily diet and choose products shown to have low arsenic contamination levels based on testing and inspection rankings.

Fish Consumption Frequency in the Adult Population in Poland

Fish provide energy, protein, and other important nutrients, including n-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and iodine. However, some species of fish could contain contaminants such as mercury and dioxins. The aim of the study was to assess the frequency of fish consumption in Poland, including of sea and freshwater fish species, referring to some socio-economic determinants. The frequency of consumption was assessed using Food Propensity Questionnaire data from 1489 adults (722 males, 767 females) in 2019–2020. The fish consumption frequency in Polish adults was lower than the recommendation (at least twice a week). About 80% of respondents consumed fish less frequently than recommended. Sea fish were mostly consumed less than once a month (31.8%) or 1–3 times a month (30.9%). Most subjects (44.8%) consumed freshwater fish less than once a month. Consumption also depended educational level, economic status, place of residence, declared health status, and BMI value or BMI status. However, taking into account sex, the occurrence of these relationships was different between men and women. It seems that educational activities and dissemination of proper nutrition principles is necessary in order to increase the consumption of fish in Poland. It is important to emphasize the health benefits of fish consumption in relation to the possible adverse effects of their contamination.

Less power when more is needed. Climate-related current and possible future problems of the wind energy sector in Poland.

Heat waves, combined with an increasing share of weather-dependent renewable energy sources, lead to disruptions in the operation of energy systems. This paper estimates how energy consumption in Poland changed during four heat waves (2010-2022). It also analyzes how often wind conditions may occur in the summer, that interrupt energy production by land-based wind farms. Moreover, authors are looking at future changes of climate indices responsible for increased energy consumption and possible reduction of energy production in wind farms. During the 2010 heatwave, the increase in energy consumption during the hottest days did not exceed 4%. Later summer demand increased; in 2019, it was 8% higher than during the 2015 heatwave. In 2016-2022, energy consumption at the average daily air temperature above 26°C was over 8% higher on working days than at 18°C. Recently, even in regions with favorable wind conditions, the number of summer days with low wind speed (2 ms-1) exceeds 14. For Poland, the number of days with low wind speeds will increase by about ten. Therefore, the increasing demand for energy on hot days, combined with their more frequent occurrence, may have a negative impact on the stability of the energy system in the future.

Exploring Cashew Nuts Consumption in Poland. Prospects for Tanzania

Exploring Cashew Nuts Consumption in Poland. Prospects for Tanzania

State Capitalism as a Crisis of Imagination. Factory Farms in the Polish People’s Republic in the 1970s


 
 
 In this article I will discuss the first, failed attempts to introduce factory farming in Poland in the 1970s and locate them within historical changes in social meat-related imaginaries. My main hypothesis is that the spread of wide-scale meat consumption in Poland was a consequence of emulating Western, capitalist patterns of food production and its accompanying discourse. I argue that the logic of capitalism that dominated food production in the 1970s dramatically changed interspecies relations and promoted meat as something unlimited, available on a daily basis.
 
 

EXPENDITURE ON FOOD AND FOOD CONSUMPTION IN HOUSEHOLDS IN POLAND DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

The COVID-19 pandemic influenced many areas of human life, one of those areas is expenditure on food and food consumption in households. The paper aims to identify changes in household expenditure on food and food consumption in Poland in the span of the COVID-19 pandemic. The analysis covers the period from 2015 to 2021 (2022 when available). Based on data from Statistics Poland, percentage changes of nominal and real values as well as shares were presented. The results show that from 2015 to 2020 in real terms the value of household total expenditures increased and decreased after 2020. Households in Poland in 2020 spent more than earlier on food and non-alcoholic beverages and less on eating outside the house. The consumption of selected food products also changed in 2020 regarding the previous periods (2015-2019), but the majority of those changes were only temporary turmoil. Only the consumption of some dairy products in households in Poland increased during the COVID-19 pandemic and stayed at a heightened level.

Global and Local Approaches for Forecasting of Long-Term Natural Gas Consumption in Poland Based on Hierarchical Short Time Series

This study presents a novel approach for predicting hierarchical short time series. In this article, our objective was to formulate long-term forecasts for household natural gas consumption by considering the hierarchical structure of territorial units within a country’s administrative divisions. For this purpose, we utilized natural gas consumption data from Poland. The length of the time series was an important determinant of the data set. We contrast global techniques, which employ a uniform method across all time series, with local methods that fit a distinct method for each time series. Furthermore, we compare the conventional statistical approach with a machine learning (ML) approach. Based on our analyses, we devised forecasting methods for short time series that exhibit exceptional performance. We have demonstrated that global models provide better forecasts than local models. Among ML models, neural networks yielded the best results, with the MLP network achieving comparable performance to the LSTM network while requiring significantly less computational time.

Energy-related carbon dioxide emission factors from combustion of gaseous methane fuels

Abstract The topic of this paper concerns energy-related carbon dioxide emission factors from the combustion of gaseous methane fuels. It is a very current subject, as methane fuels, mainly of fossil origin, are one of the primary energy carriers used in industrial and municipal applications for energy purposes. Consequently, the emitted carbon dioxide contributes to the intensification of the greenhouse effect in the atmosphere. The problem of the quantities characterising emissions from the combustion of methane fuels is complicated by the diversity of these fuels. This paper presents background information on the gaseous hydrocarbon fuels and the composition of the main types of natural gas. The structure of natural gas consumption in Poland, depending on the sectors of application for particular types of natural gas, is presented. On the basis of the existing data, aggregated energy-related carbon dioxide emission factors were estimated and analysed. The analysis was carried out for high-methane natural gas (HM), colliery gas (CG) and nitrified natural gas (N)—for the years 1988–2021. Trends in fuel consumption and energy-related carbon dioxide emission factors were determined for the years 1988–2021.

Institutional quality and renewable energy transition: Empirical evidence from Poland

This study investigates the impact of institutional quality as measured by the corruption perception index, income, CO2 emissions, and trade openness on renewable energy consumption in Poland from 1996 to 2021. The Canonical Cointegrating Regression (CCR) technique was employed for empirical analysis. The analysis results revealed that the corruption perception index, income, and CO2 emissions have a positive and statistically significant effect on renewable energy consumption, while trade openness has an insignificant impact. The positive influence of institutional quality on renewable energy consumption highlights the significance of implementing policies that contribute to environmental sustainability and energy security.

Analysis of the Mercury Content in Fish for Human Consumption in Poland.

Mercury (Hg) is a metal with toxic effects on the environment, including living organisms. Organic Hg derivatives readily penetrate biological membranes and pose a particular health risk. Food of aquatic origin is the main source of human exposure to methylmercury (MeHg). In Poland, the consumption of fishery and aquaculture products has been gradually increasing. The aim of this study was to determine the content of Hg in fish intended for human consumption and purchased in Poland. The total Hg content of the edible parts of different species of marine and freshwater fish was analysed. The range of Hg content in all fish was 0.004-0.827 mg/kg, with an arithmetic mean of 0.084 mg/kg. The concentration of Hg in marine fish (0.100 mg/kg) was higher than in freshwater fish (0.063 mg/kg). The highest concentration of Hg was found in tuna. The Estimated Hazard Quotient (EHQ) calculated for the tuna samples analysed was >1. This may represent a potential health risk for consumers. The consumption of the other fish analysed was considered safe on the basis of the EHQ. The Hg content of the analysed fish samples did not exceed the current limits for food.

Native vs. Unique Fruit Popularity: Exploring the Sustainable Fruit Consumption in Poland—Research Report

As nutritional statistical data in Poland have provided very general information on this topic, the purpose of this online questionnaire survey was to investigate the trend of fruit consumption through the prism of consumers’ awareness of the sustainability of fruit production (ecological cultivation and production—certified organic farming). Our research is based on a questionnaire prepared by the authors; it was supported by the desk research method. This study used descriptive analysis involving a summary of historical data and diagnostic analyses focusing on the causes of past events. Pivot tables created in Microsoft Excel, the chi-2 test, and content analysis were used in the analysis of the data. One of the main conclusions was that the aspect of sustainability was less significant than the convenience of purchasing fruits. The research also showed an imbalance in fruit consumption, which indicated the need to promote the positive aspects of fruit consumption, as well as the need to increase social education in terms of current knowledge about the beneficial aspects of a more balanced diet.

Decoupling Analysis of Energy-Related Carbon Dioxide Emissions from Economic Growth in Poland

This paper addresses the conditions behind energy-related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in Poland following its accession to the European Union. The study analyzed some energy, fossil fuel, economic, and environmental indicators, such as energy use, CO2 emissions, driving factors, decoupling elasticity status, and decoupling effort status. It relied on the Kaya identity and Logarithmic Mean Divisia Index (LMDI) in determining the drivers of CO2 emissions. As shown by the results, between 2004 and 2020, energy consumption in Poland grew at an average annual rate of 0.8%, while fossil fuel carbon emissions declined at 0.7% per year. Energy intensity was found to be the key force behind the reduction in CO2 emissions, whereas rapid economic growth was the main driver of CO2 emissions. While other factors, i.e., carbon intensity, energy mix, and population, also contributed to reducing the emissions, they had a much smaller—if not marginal—effect. In turn, the decoupling elasticity analysis showed that Poland mostly witnessed strong decoupling states, which means a strong decoupling of CO2 emissions from economic growth. Furthermore, it follows from the decoupling effort analysis that strong decoupling effort statuses prevailed throughout the study period, suggesting that the changes in the considered factors significantly contributed to reducing CO2 emissions. However, both the decoupling elasticity indices and the decoupling effort indices revealed the presence of an adverse trend. The above means that Poland witnessed a decline both in the strength of decoupling CO2 emissions from economic growth and in the efficiency of policies and measures designed to reduce CO2 emissions.

Green Public Procurement as a Tool for Sustainable and Secure Food Policy: Evidence from Poland

This research article aims to investigate green public procurement as a tool for sustainable and secure food policy on the example of Poland. The practical objective of the study is to present the application of an analyzed wide range policy tool supporting sustainable food consumption in Poland. First, the systematic literature review of regulatory and market-based tools with an overview on policy rationale was carried out. Second, to assess consumers’ preferences on green public procurement, the exploratory survey with CAWI method in period from 1.01 to 31.03.2022 was conducted. Third, to quantify the survey results, one-way ANOVA analysis was applied. Fourth, to deepen only statistically significant dependencies between customers and green public procurement, Cluster Analysis was used. There are plenty interesting and applicative findings from the study. In a short time-horizon, the results show that there is a growing interest in market-based instruments on the food market expressed by consumers. Moreover, the consumers favor those that are less coercive and do not directly affect their freedom of food choice. The study found a high degree of match between green public procurement and established consumer clusters, which can be applied by state authorities in a long-time horizon.

Increased Access to Immunoglobulin Replacement Therapy for Patients with Primary Immunodeficiency in Poland Based on Clinical Usage Data of Immunoglobulin G over a 5-Year Period

Owing to the rising popularity and demand for immunoglobulins (IgG), obtaining supplies and rationalizing IgG use have become challenging. Herein, IgG consumption in Poland was analyzed through total IgG use and number of patients reported to the National Health Fund between 1 January 2016 and 31 December 2020. Total IgG used within 5 years increased by 27.48%, IgG use/1000 inhabitants/year was 23.13 g (2016) and 29.61 g (2020). In 2020, 35.5 % of IgG used was for neurological conditions, 25% for primary immunodeficiencies (PID), and 39.3% for all other indications. Within 5 years, 1,121,168.75 g IgG was used in PID; the use increased by 72%, from 783 in 2016 to 1153 patients in 2020. The proportion of patients who received subcutaneous immunoglobulin (SCIG) replacement therapy (IgRT) increased to 78% (2020). Within 5 years, 1,783,534.81 g IgG was used in neurological drug programs (+42.44%) and 2,327,513.88 g (+1.25%) outside neurological indications and outside PID. The annual IgG amount decreased in adult anesthesiology and intensive care (-46%), internal medicine (-55%), pneumonology (-50%), pediatric clinical immunology (-50%), and gynecology and obstetrics (-48%) and increased in dermatology (+178%), rheumatology (+103%), and clinical transplantation (+82%). IgG use significantly increased in Poland, mostly owing to PID. Subcutaneous IgG administration is currently the most common mode of IgRT in PID patients. An increase in SCIG administration may be expected for other indications. Implementing evidence-based clinical guidelines is key to prioritizing and rationalizing IgG use for immunomodulatory indications and secondary immune deficiencies.

Caffeine Consumption in Polish Adults: Development and Validation of a Polish Questionnaire for Assessing Caffeine Intake

Objective: Caffeine is one of the oldest natural substances consumed by people. Its consumption in Poland has not been well described. The aim of this study was to design and validate an online food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) on caffeine intake and to use it to estimate caffeine consumption in Polish adults. Method: The FFQ was prepared and validated in a pilot study. The intake assessment was conducted in 2019–2020 on 372 respondents, aged 18 to 60 years. The FFQ included products such as coffee, tea, energy drinks, and carbonated drinks, as well as supplements and chocolate. Results: We showed good repeatability of the FFQ and it was considered a valid tool. The mean total caffeine intake among all participants was 426.7 mg ± 283.4 mg/day of all sources; in women, it was 446.4 mg ± 306.2 mg/day, while in men, it was 394.1 ± 236.4 mg/day. Forty-three percent of the respondents consumed more than 400 mg of caffeine/day. Coffee was the main source of caffeine and contributed to 65% of total caffeine consumption. Women consumed 90% more green tea than men (p < 0.01). Overweight and obese people have 20% greater total caffeine intake (p = 0.01) and consumed 20% more coffee (p = 0.02) and 30% more black tea (p = 0.01) than people of normal weight. Conclusions: Average caffeine consumption among Polish adults slightly exceeds the safe consumption dose established by the European Food Safety Authority. Body weight status can differentiate caffeine intake.

The comparison of the impact of military and non-military government spending on GDP and consumption in Poland

Purpose – The purpose of the article is to compare the macroeconomic effects of military and non-military government spending on the Polish economy, which is particularly relevant in the context of the rapid rise in military spending after the outbreak of the war in Ukraine. Research method – The research is based on a new-Keynesian dynamic stochastic general equilibrium model estimated for the Polish economy. The model developed for the study takes into account differences between 3 types of government spending – military spending, non-military current spending and non-military investment. Results – On the one hand, the empirical results show that in the short and medium term, increasing military spending is a more effective method of stimulating GDP than rising non-military spending. On the other hand, the impulse response functions indicate that increasing non-military spending is a better tool for enhancing effective consumption. Originality / value / implications / recommendations – This is the first research exploring the macroeconomic effects of military spending in a CEE country, which is based on stochastic general equilibrium model accounting for heterogeneity of government spending. Assessing these effects at a time of unprecedented growth in military spending in Poland is an important added value of the study. The main implication of the research is to recommend increasing military spending to boost GDP, while rising non-military spending to stimulate effective consumption.

Metodologia badań służących szacowaniu skali nielegalnego rynku napojów spirytusowych

Illicit spirit drink market is a very complex social phenomenon. The existing estimates of the scale of the unofficial alcohol consumption differ a lot. The European Commission, the World Health Organization and health institution researches indicated Poland as the leader of unregistered alcohol consumption in the European Union. On the other hand, Polish tax authorities and the Supreme Chamber of Control estimate unregistered spirits consumption on a much lower level. The aim of the paper is to present various research methods that can help estimate the scale of this phenomenon. Standardized methodologies are necessary conditions to reduce the disproportions in the previous estimation of unregistered alcohol consumption in Poland. The need of new quality approach is justified due to the fact that illicit spirits market causes individual and social health problems, public finance losses and contributes to corruption and other illegal activities. Comprehensive and reliable tools and scientific approach which at least allow to verify the dynamics of changes in the illegal spirit drinks market, will allow to perform periodic regulatory impact assessments. Thanks to this, it will be possible to recommend changes to the provisions that may discourage violations of the law.

Local Approach to Forecasting Household Gas Consumption in Poland: A Comparison of ARIMA and ETS with Fuzzy Methods

In this study, the objective was to determine which forecasting approach, either fuzzy or statistical, is more effective for predicting household gas usage in Poland at the commune level. The data utilized were sourced from various geographical areas within Poland. Those dataset are characterized by short length of single time series.

Reducing craving and lapse risk in alcohol and stimulants dependence using mobile app involving ecological momentary assessment and self-guided psychological interventions: Protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

The prevalence of alcohol consumption in Poland is estimated to be as high as 80% of the adult population. The use of stimulants is the second most common reason for seeking addiction treatment. However, treatment outcomes remain unsatisfactory, as 40-85% of individuals who complete various treatment programs relapse and fall back into addiction within 2 years following program completion. The 13-armed randomized controlled trial aimed to assess the effectiveness of a mobile app-based self-guided psychological intervention delivered via a smartphone app (Nałogometr) in reducing craving and lapse risk in problematic alcohol or stimulants use. Participant recruitment and data collection will be performed from June 2022 to September 2022. The 4-week mobile intervention program will include short-term and long-term intervention modules based mainly on mindfulness and cognitive-behavioral therapy. Intervention effectiveness assessment will include Ecological Momentary Assessment. That is, we will collect longitudinal data on a set of characteristics of day-to-day functioning. The primary outcomes will include a self-reported number of lapses and addiction craving level. In contrast, the secondary outcomes will be the severity of problematic substance use, anxiety and depression scores, and life satisfaction scores. This study will establish how mobile app-based self-guided psychological interventions can help reduce craving and lapse risk in alcohol and stimulant dependence. If successful, this randomized controlled trial (RCT) may provide an innovative, easily available, and cost-effective mHealth approach for craving and lapse risk in substance addictions. [https://clinicaltrials.gov/], identifier [NCT054 34429].

New Trends in Consumption in Poland as Shown by the Example of a Freeshop Concept

Current socioeconomic and environmental problems require radical solutions, including applying the circular economy and a zero-waste concept to customer behavior. One such solution is the concept of freeshops. A freeshop is a place where one can leave things one does not need and take useful items. The main purpose of this concept is to reuse things and thus prevent overproduction. The article is based on a survey carried out among students of the University of Gdańsk (n = 381). An affinity analysis was used to evaluate the data. The main aim of the paper is to discover a major set of factors that influence consumers choosing freeshops’ offer. In general, there were two groups of factors: economic (i.e., saving money) and connected with environmental protection (e.g., recycling). The primary result is that economic factors are more important for surveyed students than those related to environmental protection.