Different Regions Of Poland Research Articles

Optimization of Potato Cultivation Through the Use of Biostimulator Supporter

Seed potato treatment is vital for plant protection, yield enhancement, and product quality. In the conducted research, the plant biostimulator Supporter was applied to evaluate its impact on potato yields and its structure. Supporter contains both synthetic and SL amino acids, which promote plant growth by enhancing nutrient utilization and fostering the development of a more effective root system. Such a formulation allows to maintain better resistance to environmental stresses, which may include drought or nutrient deficiency, among others. The field study was conducted in 2015–2017 in four towns located in different regions of Poland (Barankowo, Głubczyce, Kędrzyno, and Ryn) using a randomized complete block design with a split-plot design. Varieties (‘Innovator’, ‘Lilly’, ‘Lady Claire’, and ‘Verdi’) were tested. The experiment compared the cultivation technology using Supporter biostimulator with which seed potatoes were treated compared to conventional cultivation (control object) by soaking the tubers in distilled water before planting. The total yield of potato tubers after Supporter application was higher by 13.3%, while the commercial yield increased by 21.1% compared to the traditional cultivation method. The most productive, regardless of cultivation technology and years of research, in terms of total tuber yield was the ‘Lilly’ variety with an average yield of 47.95 t∙ha−1, while the least productive variety was the ‘Innovator’ variety with an average yield of 29.93 t∙ha−1. The ‘Lady Claire’ variety had the highest commercial tuber yield, while the ‘Innovator’ variety had the lowest.

Plant-parasitic nematode Xiphinema parataylori Lazarova et al., 2019 (Nematoda: Longidoridae) from Poland: first report outside the place of species original description

Plant-parasitic nematodes of the genus Xiphinema Cobb, 1913 constitute a group of soilinhabiting, polyphagous ectoparasites of plant roots, some of which are also vectors of nepoviruses. In this study, 1237 soil samples were taken from different regions of Poland. In two of these samples (0.16% of all collected) Xiphinema parataylori Lazarova et al., 2019 was present, which constitutes not only the first record from Poland but also the first report outside the Czech Republic and Slovakia, where this species was initially described. Specimens from Poland were largely similar to those from the original description except for a slenderer body (maximal body thickness in two populations found 44.8 and 46.8 vs 54, 55 and 56 μm resulting in higher ‘a’ index: 50.0 and 50.8 vs 37.8, 40.7 and 41.2). Specimens from the Polish populations were also characterized based on the ITS1 molecular marker. Finally, both populations recorded from Poland were associated with wild pear (Pyrus pyraster) extending the number of known host plants.

Weight Impact on Comparative Evaluation of Topographic Data

The paper addresses the problem of weighting in an analysis that supports the selection of a categorical data set according to user needs. Using the Relative Change (RC) of the Compound Correspondence Index (CCI), it is shown that weights have a significant impact on user choice – reaching extreme values in both urbanized and forested areas. Decreasing the weights from 0.25 to 0.17 in forested and built-up areas resulted in the maximum variations that were seen in the hot spot maps, with cold areas generally corresponding to builtup regions and hot areas to forested areas. The analysis covers seven counties that are located in different regions of Poland: Pomerania, Podlasie, Mazovia, Greater Poland and the Beskidy Mountains.

Rapid assessment of solar PV micro-system energy generation in Poland based on freely pvlib-python library

Abstract Poland has experienced a remarkable growth in renewable energy adoption, notably in photovoltaic (PV) solar systems. The majority of installations are prosumer PV micro-installations, exceeding predicted capacity targets outlined in the Energy Policy of Poland until 2040. Despite the significant growth in installed PV capacity, there is still a lack of comprehensive research focusing on fast assessment of energy generation capacity for solar PV micro-systems. This study aims to address this gap by providing a comprehensive analysis of energy production potential across different configurations and locations in Poland. Using geocoding techniques, solar irradiation data from PVGIS database and pvlib-python library, a methodology was developed to rapidly estimate energy generation from 1 kWp solar PV systems . Results reveal spatial disparities in energy yield from solar PV micro installations in Poland, influenced by factors such as geographical location and panel orientation and inclination. Recognizing that the presented energy indicators provide valuable initial parameters for determining solar PV system power output, this data can serve as a critical reference point for stakeholders, assisting them in estimating potential energy generation capacities in different regions of Poland.

Foraging Habitat Availability and the Non-Fish Diet Composition of the Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea) at Two Spatial Scales.

Habitat structure on foraging ground is one of the crucial factors determining diet diversity in colonially breeding avian predators. Quantifying the habitat and diet composition at different spatial scales (regional and local inter-colonial) can help provide understanding of the drivers of diet composition. In this study, we examined the composition of the non-fish diet of an opportunistic predator, the Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea), based on pellets. We compared pellets from 21 colonies in two different regions of Poland that differing in composition of foraging habitats. Multivariate statistical techniques were used to analyze the relationship between diet and habitat compositions in a 20 km radius around these colonies. Significant inter-regional and inter-colony differences in Grey Heron diet and habitat composition were detected in foraging areas. However, some prey were present in the diet only from one of the regions. Around the heronries with a predominance of farmland habitats, the European water vole (Arvicola amphibius) and terrestrial invertebrates were present in relatively low frequencies, and the striped field mouse (Apodemus agrarius) was present in high frequencies. Voles (Microtus sp.) were more frequent in colonies with prevalence of non-irrigated arable land around the colony, in contrast to the bank vole (Myodes glareolus), which was less common in heronries with a higher contribution of this habitat type. Remains of aquatic invertebrates were less abundant in colonies surrounded by extensive forests. The results of our research indicate the opportunistic character of the non-fish part of the diet of the Grey Heron adapted to the local foraging habitat and prey availability.

Equine coital exanthema – Eradicated or underdiagnosed disease?

SummaryEquine coital exanthema (ECE) is a contagious, sexually transmitted disease affecting horses. It manifests itself as painful papules, vesicles, pustules and ulcers on the external genitalia in both mares and stallions. While widespread, the disease is generally not classified as reportable in most countries and is not considered a significant threat to the equine industry. ECE is endemic in horse breeding populations internationally. The absence of comprehensive epidemiological data can give a false sense of security, which increases the risk of local transmission. Lack of surveillance programmes or routine control in risk group (reproductive stallions and mares) leads to unawareness and lack of proper biosecurity measures. An outbreak in breeding facilities may result in significant economic consequences. Although ECE has not been officially confirmed in Poland, equine practitioners have noted isolated clinical cases resembling the disease in farm horses in the last decades. This study aims to confirm the presence of ECE in Poland. Clinical diagnosis has been made based on characteristic lesions. Positive diagnosis was confirmed in two out of four outbreaks by real‐time PCR on genital swabs. The presence of the disease has been confirmed in different regions in Poland in farm horses bred as meat animals. Confirming EHV‐3 infection in the Polish equine population through laboratory examinations marks a significant milestone. It is now crucial to raise awareness among owners, breeders and equine practitioners about the current epidemiological status of the disease.

ANALIZA I ZARZĄDZANIE ROZWOJEM ORGANICZNEGO ROLNICTWA W KRAJACH EUROPY WSCHODNIEJ

The study analyses trends in domestic markets and international trade in organic products in some Eastern European countries based on a multifactorial comparative analysis in the regional context and estimates of yield losses about traditional agricultural land processing technologies. Prospects for the development of organic farming by region and in general are determined based on unused reserves of agricultural land suitable for this. The study assessed the organic production development in different regions of Poland and Ukraine: the annual growth rate of transitional and organic lands should be at least +13.3% to meet the strategic goal of reaching 3% of the total agricultural land by 2030.

Honey differentiation with FTIR-ATR spectroscopy – Comparison with physicochemical parameters of a Polish honey sample set

The varietal discrimination of honey is important because its bioactive properties, as well as specific characteristics, depend on the botanical origin. The present study aimed to verify the discriminatory power of Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) for differentiating Polish honeys and compare the results with the discrimination power of a model built on the basis of selected physicochemical parameters. For this purpose, buckwheat, rape, acacia, heather, goldenrod, and coniferous honeydew honeys were collected from trustworthy apiaries in different regions of Poland. The samples were further authenticated using pollen analysis and tested by means of FT-IR and the attenuated total reflection (ATR) technique. Basic psychochemical parameters were also assessed. The obtained data were analyzed by means of principal component analysis (PCA) and linear discriminant analysis (LDA). The obtained models were validated with a leave-one-out cross-validation (LOOCV) procedure. PCA analysis confirmed the usefulness of the ATR FT-IR method as a honey differentiation tool. The LDA for the FT-IR model allowed to correctly classify 26 out of 32 samples (81.3% accuracy), which was only slightly lower than for data the model based on the physiochemical characteristics (27 out of 32 samples and 84.4% accuracy), revealing a certain potential of FT-IR as fast evaluation method.

Hospital distribution in Polish provinces as a factor of smart living

The primary aim of this research paper is to investigate the distribution of hospitals across different regions in Poland. It provides an in-depth analysis of hospital distribution in Poland, emphasizing the significance of taking into account factors such as population size and accessibility when assessing the quantity of hospitals as a determinant of quality of life in a smart city. This analysis is based on data concerning hospital operations in Poland spanning the years 2012 to 2021. It explores a range of indicators, including the number of hospitals per province, the ratio of hospitals per 1,000 square kilometers within a province's geographical area, and the relationship between the availability of hospitals and the GDP per capita. One noteworthy aspect of this paper is its utilization of cluster analysis to identify groups of provinces that exhibit similarities with respect to these indicators. Surprisingly, the research findings challenge the conventional division of regions into "Poland A" and "Poland B" based on wealth. Instead, the study reveals an unexpected outcome: a positive correlation of 0.81 between the number of hospitals and GDP per capita. This suggests that more prosperous provinces tend to have a greater number of hospitals available.

Unmet non-medical needs of cancer patients in Poland: a quantitative and qualitative study

PurposeCancer itself and its treatment have a multifaceted impact on patients’ daily lives. The aim of the study was to determine unmet non-medical needs among Polish cancer patients.MethodsSurvey research using a 23-item Needs Evaluation Questionnaire (NEQ) was carried out among 1062 cancer patients from different regions of Poland. Quantitative and qualitative analyses were performed.ResultsThe quantitative analysis showed that 48% of the NEQ items (11/23) were expressed as unmet needs by at least half of patients. Unmet information needs were indicated by patients most often: information about their diagnosis, exams, treatment, future condition, funding and economic support. Cancer patients would like to get more attention from medical staff. Unmet needs were most frequently expressed by respondents who were men, with a lower level of education, living in village, pensioners. Qualitative analysis showed that each need may be understood in a variety of different ways across the cohort. Some patients added comments that the completing NEQ helped them to notice their non-medical needs.ConclusionPolish cancer patients have some unmet non-medical needs, especially informative needs.

Factors Limiting the Location Possibilities of Photovoltaic and Wind Power Plants in Poland

This article focuses on factors limiting the development possibilities of Poland's photovoltaic and wind power plants. Technical, environmental and legal conditions were found and indicated as a result of research based on legal acts and literature on location possibilities of renewable energy installations under discussion. Also, formulas that can show limiting factors in absolute value are proposed. These formulas consider all limiting factors and allow for comparison between different regions of Poland concerning location impossibilities.

Dynamics of dialect change in urban communities: Analysis of linguistic variation and evolution of Polish urban dialects based on data from local libraries

The relevance and necessity of the study of this topic lies in the fact that, in comparison with other lexical groups, dialectal linguistic units are peripheral and can easily be lost. The purpose of this study was to thoroughly examine and analyse the emergence and development of dialects in different regions of Poland. The study employed structural-functional and dialectical methods, the method of synthesis, logical and comparative analysis, the method of generalisation, as well as comparative, statistical, and system analysis. As a result, it was found that linguists distinguish three urban dialects of Polish: Warsaw, Poznan, and Krakow. The Warsaw dialect is the most widespread urban Polish dialect. Over the past few decades, the Warsaw dialect has undergone considerable changes. These changes can be noticed on several levels: the mazurka has disappeared, the accent and intonation have been simplified, and some terms are pronounced differently. Simple past tense forms are used more often than complex ones, and the grammar generally becomes simpler. The number of English and Russian borrowings is growing. Conventional phrases and expressions are becoming less common, while slang and colloquial terms are becoming more common. Unfortunately, Polish urban dialects are under threat of extinction. Local libraries are crucial for the preservation of dialects, as they collect resources on urban dialects and hold events to promote their use. The study is practically important, since all the theoretical provisions, conclusions, and recommendations can be used by philologists to improve their knowledge of the dialectical vocabulary of Poland

Nettle pollen - an important taxon of the summer pollen flora of Polish urban areas in the 2023 season

New significant clinical studies suggest the enormous preventive and therapeutic capabilities of Urtica dioica L. Despite being already known as multi-purpose plant, it is still underestimated and relatively poorly researched in regards to its allergenic potential. The aim of the study was to compare nettle pollen season in 2023 in ten cities located in different regions of Poland: Bialystok, Kraków, Kielce, Lublin, Olsztyn, Piotrków Trybunalski, Szczecin, Warszawa, Wrocław and Łódź. Nettle pollen grains were collected using Burkard or Lanzoni Hirst-type volumetric samplers. The 95% method was used to determine the duration of the pollen seasons. The nettle pollen season in 2023 began in June. The earliest onset of the pollen season was recorded in Kielce (June 15th), in Wrocław (June 16th) and Warszawa (June 17th). In most of the monitored cites maximum daily pollen concentrations were registered in the middle of September. Mean seasonal pollen index (SPI) reached the value of 8579. The highest total values (SPI) were in Lublin (14,387) in Kielce (13,424) and in Wrocław (12,304). The lowest total values level (SPI) was in Białystok (3434) and in Łódź (4935). But in Łódź in October 2023, thanks to favourable weather, many Urtica dioica L. plants bloomed again. Unfortunately, aerobiological research was no longer carried out at that time.

Analysis of Artemisia pollen season in selected cities of Poland in 2022

Artemisia pollen is an important source of allergens responsible for inhalant allergy symptoms in late summer. The aim of this study was to compare the characteristics of the Artemisia pollen season in 2022 in selected cities located in different regions of Poland: Bialystok, Cracow, Lublin, Olsztyn, Opole, Piotrków Trybunalski, Sosnowiec, Szczecin, Warsaw and Wroclaw. Pollen concentrations were recorded using the volumetric method with a Hirst-type sampler operating in continuous volumetric mode. The beginning of Artemisia pollen season was in the second half of July in all monitored cities, and the end of the season at the latest at the end of the first half of September (14th in Piotrkow Trybunalski). The average length of the pollen season, determined with the 98% method, was 45 days. In all cities, maximum daily pollen concentrations were recorded in the first half of August, with Cracow, Lublin, Olsztyn, Sosnowiec and Warsaw in the first decade of the month. The highest daily concentration was recorded in Opole (78 pollen/m3), followed by Szczecin (72 pollen/m3). The average SPI for the Artemisia season was 486.7. Artemisia pollen production in analyzed cities in 2022 was lower than in years 2018–2020.

Tasting of traditional Polish fermented cucumbers: Microbiology, morpho-textural features, and volatilome

In the present study, naturally fermented and unpasteurized cucumbers (Cucumis sativus L.) collected from 4 producers located in different regions of Poland were studied. The fermented cucumbers were characterized by significant nutritional features in terms of polyphenols content and antioxidant activity. Microbiological analyses revealed active bacterial populations of lactococci, thermophilic cocci, lactobacilli, and coagulase-negative cocci. The microbiological characterization of cucumber and brine samples through metataxonomic analysis allowed the dominant species to be detected, being Lactococcus and Streptococcus in cucumbers, and Lactiplantibacillus, Leuconostoc, Pediococcus, Secundilactobacillus, and Lentilactobacillus in brine. The isolation activity offered a clear picture of the main active lactic acid bacteria at the end of fermentation, being Pediococcus parvulus and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum group. All the studied isolates showed a good attitude in fermenting a cucumber-based broth, thus suggesting their potential application as starter or adjunct cultures for guided cucumber fermentation. Moreover, for the same isolates, strong aminopeptidase activity (due to leucine arylamidase and valine arylamidase) was observed, with potential effect on the definition of the final sensory traits of the product. Only a few isolates showed the ability to produce exopolysaccharides in synthetic medium. Of note, the presence of the hdcA gene in some Pediococcus ethanolidurans isolates also confirmed the need for a thorough characterization of starter candidates to avoid undesired adverse effects on consumer’s health. No isolate showed the production of bacteriocins against Listeria innocua used as surrogate for Listeria monocytogenes. Based on the results of Headspace Solid-Phase Microextraction-Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry analysis, a rich and complex volatilome, composed by more than 80 VOCs, was recognized and characterized. In more detail, the detected compounds belonged to 9 main classes, being oxygenated terpenes, alcohols, terpenes, ketones, acids, aldehydes, esters, sulfur, and sesquiterpenes.

Healthy and sustainable school meals - proposal for a new quality index SMI-LE.

Provision of healthy and high-quality school meals is an important solution to improve children's health and well-being. Moreover, the meals provided at schools should not only meet dietary guidelines but also questions of sustainability. The aim of the study was to develop a new index to assess the quality of school meal menus, specifically their accordance with actual regulations, dietary guidelines and some sustainability goals. The School Meal Index-Lunch Evaluation (SMI-LE) is an originally created index to evaluate the quality of 5-day school menus. The general idea is to reflect the healthy and sustainability issues that should be present in school canteens according to WHO and EU recommendations. The index was tested in a real-life situation and fifty 5-day school menus available online from primary schools located in different regions of Poland, in rural and urban areas, were assessed with SMI-LE. The median value of SMI-LE equaled 52 /140 points. Most of the analyzed menus (72%) were classified as 'Medium' quality according to SMI-LE. The menus classified as 'Low' were characterized by the lowest energy value, the lowest content of calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, and folates, while the highest of sodium. Menus from the 'Good' category had the highest nutritional value, as well as the lowest sodium content. A novel tool to has been provided for measuring the quality of school meals that addresses health and sustainability issues. It responds to the need for new indices that would consider changes in dietary guidelines and increasing knowledge about the impact of food systems on the environment.

The first report on Hepatozoon canis in dogs and wolves in Poland: clinical and epidemiological features

BackgroundCanine hepatozoonosis caused by Hepatozoon canis is a common infection in dogs, with frequent case reports from the Mediterranean region and more recently from several Central European countries, such as Hungary and Germany. Despite the high prevalence of H. canis in red foxes, no infections have been reported to date in dogs in Poland. We describe here the first autochthonous cases of H. canis infection in dogs, including their clinical features, and report the prevalence of H. canis in grey wolves from different regions of Poland.MethodsThin smears prepared from blood samples collected from dogs were evaluated by microscopic examination. A total of 60 wolves and 47 dogs were tested. Infections were confirmed by PCR and sequencing.ResultsGamonts of H. canis were found in > 50% of the neutrophils of two dogs and in < 10% of the neutrophils in another five dogs. Molecular typing by PCR sequencing of the 18S ribosomal RNA gene fragment confirmed infections in 11 dogs from different regions of Poland, in 2.7% of dogs attending veterinary practices in central Poland and in 35% of wolves from various geographical regions of Poland. Clinical features manifested mostly in older dogs, and the most common signs were anaemia and apathy. Young dogs usually remained asymptomatic.ConclusionsThis is the first report of H. canis infection in dogs and wolves in Poland. Although the exact vector of the parasite is not known, veterinary practitioners should be aware of this new parasitosis and should consider appropriate diagnostics to confirm/exclude this infection. Further studies are needed to understand the transmission routes of H. canis in domestic and wild canids in Poland.Graphical

An unequal reaction of housing starts to house prices in different regions of Poland

In this article, we examine the developer’s decisions regarding construction under process in relation to prices in the 16 voivodeship capital cities, i.e. the biggest real estate markets in Poland. Our aim is to determine whether developers react in a similar fashion in different voivodeship capital cities, or whether significant differences can be observed. The problem of housing availability is important for the mobility of workers and, therefore, is an important factor of sustainable regional development for Poland. We study the correlation of leads and lags of cycles in house prices in the primary and secondary market and wages with the cycles of new construction under way. We find that for the biggest markets there is a strong correlation between the lags of secondary housing market prices with construction under way. However, no clear pattern can be observed for the smaller markets, which calls for further research.

Whole Genome Sequencing and Comparative Genomic Analysis of Chlamydia gallinacea Field Strains Isolated from Poultry in Poland.

Chlamydia gallinacea is an intracellular bacterium belonging to the Chlamydiaceae family. Poultry is considered to be the major reservoir of this agent, which has worldwide distribution and a particularly consistent worldwide occurrence in chicken flocks. The bacterium has been linked to respiratory disease in humans but without definitive confirmation; nevertheless, while it has not been proved to be the cause of human respiratory disease, a recent report from Italy verified its bird-to-human transmission. This aspect being significant for public health, more research is needed to gain insight into the infection biology of C. gallinacea. In this study, the genomes of eleven novel C. gallinacea field strains from different regions of Poland were analyzed comparatively. It was confirmed that C. gallinacea strains are closely related, with at least 99.46% sequence identity. They possess a conservative genome structure involving the plasticity zone with a complete cytotoxin, the type three secretion system, inclusion membrane proteins, polymorphic membrane proteins, hctA and hctB histone-like proteins, and the chlamydial protease-like activating factor exoenzyme, as well as plasmids. Genetic diversity seems to be restricted. However, some genetic loci, such as ompA and multi-locus sequence typing target genes, are diverse enough to enable high-resolution genotyping and epidemiological tracing.

Comparison of Land Cover Categorical Data Stored in OSM and Authoritative Topographic Data

This study aims at a comparative analysis of quantitative data, namely, OSM and BDOT10k. Analyses were conducted in a 1 km2 hexagonal grid, in seven test counties located in different regions of Poland, differing in the degree of urbanization, land cover and natural environment. It is assumed that the authors’ consolidated regional classification of the Compound Correspondence Index CCIRn is attributed to the geometric mapping unit based on TOPSIS values, and their statistical measure of dispersion enables the comparison of datasets for individual geographically disjointed areas according to uniform criteria, e.g., the number of topographic features stored in analyzed datasets, both polygonal (buildings, forests, surface water) and linear (roads, watercourses, railroads). The final results of the regional assessment outperform the local classification giving a higher level of data compliance. Overestimation of regional concordance ranges from 9 to 20% of the county area, with an average of 3% reduction in the area where the two datasets (BDOT10k and OSM) have comparable information ranges. Areas of medium and high nonconformity are decreased by an average of 2.4%.