North-eastern Part Of Poland Research Articles

Multi-aspect analysis of measures to reduce the building's energy demand

Issues related to reducing the energy demand of residential buildings are still relevant in the light of the energy transition and ongoing climate change. A single-family house from the early 1990s with a heated area of approximately 177 m2, located in the north-eastern part of Poland, was used as a case study. The article contains the results of nine years of measurements that included energy consumption for heating and domestic hot water preparation. It was estimated that the annual final energy consumption was 128.2 kWh/m2 [462 MJ/m2]. After insulating the building envelope and replacing the windows with triple-glazed ones, this value reduced to 68.2 kWh/m2 [246 MJ/m2]. The measurement results were used to build a statistical model, based on multiple regression, to calculate the energy demand of a similar building to the one analysed in this article in any given location. The article presents the second, more advanced, energy simulations model made in the DesignBuilder environment, which enabled additional analysis of the operation of the heating and ventilation system. The scope of this study also included a multi-variant economic analysis of the building energy renovation, in which the Life Cycle Cost (LCC), Net Present Value (NPV) and Internal Rate of Return (IRR) values were determined.

History of Environmental and Climatic Changes Recorded in Lacustrine Sediments—A Wigry Lake Case Study

Wigry Lake represents one of the most beautiful and valuable postglacial lakes that is located in the north-eastern part of Poland. It has been an object of scientific interest for over a century, but the most intense period of research started in 1997 and resulted in the production of numerous papers of a multidisciplinary range. The lake is especially well analyzed in terms of its sediments, which were studied using geophysical methods and using traditional lake cartography based on the sampling of sediments and their geochemical characterization. Nearly two decades of research has resulted in the extraction of over 1200 sediment samples, which facilitated the analysis and the description of five main sediment types that can be found at the bottom of Wigry Lake, i.e., carbonate gyttja, lacustrine chalk, clastic sediment, fluvial-lacustrine sediment, and organic gyttja. A very thorough vertical as well as spatial examination of Wigry Lake sediments, together with paleobiological research and isotopic dating, allowed researchers to analyze the history of environmental changes in the lake and its immediate vicinity, including anthropogenic changes. Wigry Lake had been preserved as a pristine lake for a long time, and, despite the significant growth of anthropopressure, which began in the 17th century and intensified in the 20th century, it retained its natural character to a large extent. This was possible mainly due to the favorable morphometry of the lake (large depth and capacity of the reservoir) and different forms of active and passive protection, introduced mainly after the establishment of the Wigry National Park in 1989.

Cechy charakterystyczne i parametryzacje dochodzącego promieniowania fotosyntetycznie czynnego w środkowym basenie Biebrzy = Characteristics and parametrisations of the photosynthetically active radiation incoming in the Middle Biebrza Basin

The availability of light is one of the most important factors that determine the photosynthesis process. Wave bands of solar radiation from 400 to 700 nm are called photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) because of their ability to stimulate the process of photosynthesis. The limited data availability and the regional and local PAR dependence cause the need for independent research, especially in areas of high natural value. The main goal of the work is to characterize the incoming photosynthetically active radiation in the Middle Biebrza Basin on the basis of a 9-year measurement series (2013-2021) from the Kopytkowo site (53°35'30.8”N, 22°53'32.4"E). The analysis was carried out for both instantaneous values and daily totals. In addition to the basic statistical characteristics, attention was paid to radiation on clear days and to the relationship between the PAR values on the Earth's surface and at the top of the atmosphere. Due to the limited availability of empirical data, simple parameterizations of PAR radiation were proposed for use in environmental studies. The research was carried out in the north-eastern part of Poland on the outskirts of Biebrza National Park in the Middle Biebrza Basin (Fig. 1). The area can be characterised as natural, almost unchanged, and uninhabited wetlands overgrown by swamp vegetation. The measurement site is located around 350 m north of the small village Kopytkowo with only a handful of permanent residents. The PQS1 PAR Quantum Sensor by Kipp & Zonen mounted at height 2.7 m a.g.l. was used to collect data (Fig. 2). The sensor is part of the eddy-covariance system that measures the exchange of greenhouse gases between the ecosystem and the atmosphere. Data were sampled every 10 seconds and then stored in datalogger (CR500) as 5-minute averages. The results are shown as photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) with micromole per square metre per second (µmol∙m⁻²∙s⁻¹) as unit and were collected in Central European Time (CET).

Dynamics of zooplankton in a lake undergoing restoration

This study investigated the zooplankton community structure in Gołdap Lake, located in the northeastern part of Poland. Due to the many years of uncontrolled inflows of pollutants, the ecological condition of the lake has deteriorated. Despite many remedial actions in the catchment, the internal nutrient load of the lake was too great to improve its condition. This goal required additional in-situ activities. The restoration of Gołdap Lake started in 2017. The substance which was used for restoration purposes was Phoslock®. It is lanthanum-modified clay that can bind phosphate into insoluble rhabdophane-(La). Water and zooplankton samples were collected from September 2017 to August 2021. A total of 70 species, including 44 rotifers, 16 copepods, and 10 cladocerans species, were detected during the research period. The whole zooplankton community was divided into 7 functional groups: rotifer filter feeders (RF), rotifer carnivores (RC), small crustacean filter feeders (SCF), mid-sized crustacean filter feeders (MCF), mid-sized crustacean carnivores (MSC), large crustacean filter feeders (LCF) and large crustacean carnivores (LCC). The most abundant were species from the rotifer filter feeder functional group. This study showed a significant correlation between dominant zooplankton groups and environmental variables such as nitrite nitrogen, water temperature, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, biological oxygen demand, and dissolved organic carbon. According to the values of zooplankton-based indices, the ecological state of Gołdap Lake hadn't changed during the research period. The major driving factors which affect the structure of zooplankton were: poor quality of food base, top-down pressure of planktivorous fish, and competition between zooplankton groups.

Seroprevalance of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in the IgG class in hospitalized children in the north-eastern part of Poland in 2021.

In children, SARS-CoV-2 infection may manifest with symptoms of fever, cough, muscle pain, diarrhea or waste smell and taste. However, in most cases it is mild or asymptomatic. Determination of the level of anti-SARS CoV-2 IgG antibodies in children enables to assess retrospectively the incidence of the SARS-CoV-2 infection among children. The aim of the research was to analyze the results of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in the IgG class contained in children hospitalized in north-eastern Poland in 2021. The material for the study was venous blood collected once from children hospitalized in Children's University Hospital in Białystok in 2021. The results obtained from 615 children aged from 1 month to 11 years were analyzed. Determination of the level of antibodies was performed using the automated SARS-COV-2 IgG II test on the VIDAS® analyzer. The analysis of the results of the anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG value showed that half of children (52%, n=319) had contact with SARS-CoV-2 virus of which approximately 15% (n=47) had documented infection with this virus. There was no difference in the frequency of infections among boys and girls, antibodies were detected in 51% and 53%, respectively. The highest percentage of positive results was observed in children aged 7 to 10 years, 62% (91/147). The least children with a positive result were in the group below 1 year of age, 24% (4/17). High values of the antibody index (>15.00) were most often found among younger children, aged 1-2 years. The presented results showed that infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus does not depend on the sex of children but the value of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies decreased with the age of the child.

Transnational families: The experiences of Polish stayers from a lifelong perspective

AbstractIn migration research, the voice is usually given to those who move, but in this article, those who stay are at the centre of attention. The study aims to present the stayers’ practices of everyday life in transnational families in an attempt to highlight the experience of staying and understand the stayers’ role in the migration project. The study is based on semi‐structured life story interviews conducted in 2020 with people who in the 1980s stayed in the northeastern part of Poland when their relatives migrated internationally. In the almost four‐decade perspective, staying appears as a powerful condition and an active process, closely interrelated with migration. Also, the migration project does not appear dependent so much on the range and availability of communication technologies – limited in the 1980s – but on transnational families’ engagement in that project and desire to accomplish it.

Optimising Photovoltaic Farm Location Using a Capabilities Matrix and GIS

Renewable energy sources provide an important solution in environmental protection activities and in the process of shaping sustainable development. The search for optimal locations enabling full exploitation of the energy intensity of real estate presents a significant challenge in terms of geoinformation analysis methods in a GIS environment. The aim of the study was to develop a capabilities matrix for the location of photovoltaic farms and, based on this, to compile a map of decision alternatives for these locations. The first stage involved the determination of the spatial features (stimulants and destimulants), which were significant in the context of photovoltaic (PV) farm location. During the analysis, the scope of the necessary data and their sources, which included topographic vector studies, aerial images, and the OpenStreetMap open data, were determined. The next stage was to determine the weights of the features which were significant in the context of photovoltaic (PV) farm location. To this end, the Multicriteria Decision Making (MCDM) method, including the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method, was employed. For the verification of the results, the entropy measure was also used. Entropy was calculated based on the diversity of previously identified geospatial features that shape the optimum conditions for their location, based on the photovoltaic farms already existing in Poland. A total of 555 photovoltaic farms were analysed. The next stage assumed the performance of geoinformation analyses using GIS tools and the development of a capabilities matrix for the PV farm location for the selected commune in Poland. The final stage involved the compilation of a PV decision alternative map for the selected commune based on the capabilities matrix. As a result, as an example, a ranking of plots was developed as decision-making alternatives for the municipality of Czarnia located in the northeastern part of Poland. It shows which parcels of land primarily have the dimension of spatial features that are favourable for the location of PV. More than 6900 parcels were analysed, in which 176 presented the highest value of the index of optimal PV location generated using the AHP method. This method provides a basis for further work by identifying optimal locations taking into account existing spatial conditions. The analyses carried out can be an important document in the future for spatial management, in particular for the location of new PV farms. As a continuation of the research, the authors will work on expanding the scope of the analyses and automating the entire process.

Comparative Effectiveness of Various Eradication Regimens for Helicobacter Pylori Infection in the Northeastern Region of Poland.

Purpose: Due to the lack of systematic data on antibiotic sensitivity, the treatment of the highly prevalent and pathogenic Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection still poses a significant problem. Therefore, the aim of our study was to compare the efficacy of the three most commonly used anti-H. pylori therapies in northeastern Poland. Patients and Methods: This was a retrospective, single-center study performed on 289 outpatients with an H. pylori infection. Patients received one of the following three treatment regimens: (1) bismuth quadruple therapy (BQT) for 10 days, (2) metronidazole-based triple therapy (M-TT) for 10 or 14 days, and (3) levofloxacin-based triple therapy (L-TT) for 10 or 14 days. Results: BQT, M-TT, and L-TT accounted for 93.2% of prescribed anti-H. pylori therapies. The overall success rate for all treatment regimens was 84.1% (243/289). The effectiveness of first- and second-line therapy was similar and reached 83.8% and 86.2%, respectively. The efficacy of the individual treatment regimens was as follows: (1) BQT—89.4% (84/94), (2) M-TT—80.6% (112/139) and 78.8% (26/33) for 10 and 14 days, respectively, and (3) L-TT—84.6% (11/13) and 100% (10/10) for 10 and 14 days, respectively. The overall duration of treatment and type and dose of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) had no effect on the treatment efficacy. Conclusions: In the northeastern part of Poland, 10-day BQT and 10- or 14-day L-TT are effective treatment regimens for H. pylori eradication and have appear to be superior to M-TT. Practitioners in our clinic followed mostly local anti-H. pylori therapy guidelines.

Energy and Economic Efficiency of the Thermomodernization of an Educational Building and Reduction of Pollutant Emissions—A Case Study

The study presents an investigation of thermal energy consumption for heating in an educational building located in the north-eastern part of Poland in 2017–2020, after deep thermomodernization. An evaluation of the actual energy effects was made based on measurements carried out over a 4-year operational period. They were compared with the results of theoretical calculations included in the energy audit and an attempt was made to describe the reasons for the discrepancies. The planned and achieved economic efficiency indicators were assessed and the amount of reduction of pollutant emissions was determined. The performed analysis allowed for an assessment of the impact of deep thermomodernization in terms of reducing heat energy consumption for central heating purposes, as well as reducing greenhouse gas emissions such as CO2, SOx, NOx and benzo(a)pyrene to the atmosphere. The implementation of thermomodernization in buildings led to savings of about 43% in terms of heat energy consumption for heating and a reduction in pollutant emissions. The theoretical savings based on the audit were 50.4%. The obtained results show that deep thermomodernization contributes to the improvement of energy and ecological efficiency in educational buildings, however, without the possibility of using subsidies, the investment is unprofitable. All the obtained results were discussed with the available literature sources and have been summarized with appropriate conclusions.

Analysis of the Impact of Climate Change on Surface Water Quality in North-Eastern Poland

This article presents the influence of climatic conditions on surface water quality. The research methodology, including physicochemical analysis from the Gołdapa and Bludzia rivers, is presented. The research lasted for two years. The results of the physicochemical studies of the Gołdapa and Bludzia rivers in early spring, spring, and autumn show that each of these seasons impacts the quality of surface waters. Moreover, it was proven that all the parameters are strongly correlated with the air temperature, the sum of daily precipitation, and water levels. For detailed analysis, the obtained results of own research were compared with meteorological and hydrological data from the last 15 years (2005–2021) for the region of north-eastern Poland. It was proven that temperature changes contribute to increased surface water pollution in the north-eastern part of Poland. Waters from areas that humans have not developed are of better quality than those that drain the urban area, which is reflected in the case of the superior quality of the Bludzia river compared to the Gołdapa river. The upward trend in temperature in the Gołdap region indicates that global warming will continue.

Cadmium and Lead Content in Selected Fungi from Poland and Their Edible Safety Assessment.

Mushrooms are able to accumulate toxic trace elements. This study investigates the content of cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) in selected species of fungi (Boletus badius, Boletus edulis, and Cantharellus cibarius) from the northeastern part of Poland and estimates their edible safety. The amount of Cd and Pb was determined by flameless atomic spectrometry using the iCE 3000 Series-Thermo. The mean content of Cd in analyzed mushrooms ranged from 0.370 to 2.151 mg/kg d.w., while Pb was found at the level of 0.243–0.424 mg/kg d.w. Boletus edulis was characterized by the highest content of Cd, whereas Cantharellus cibarius contained the biggest amount of Pb. Estimated exposure to the Cd intake expressed as percentage share in TWI (Tolerable Weekly Intake) was at the highest level in Boletus edulis (30.87%), which could be associated with the risk of excessive Cd accumulation in the body.

Profile of a Modern Hunter and the Socio-Economic Significance of Hunting in Poland as Compared to European Data

Hunting is a unique form of activity in rural areas with a high proportion of forest areas, which involves nature conservation and meets social needs for recreation and the preservation of traditions while being an important part of economic activity. The presented study results, based on a literature review and questionnaire surveys conducted among hunters associated in hunting clubs in the north-eastern part of Poland, provide the basis for a discussion on the socio-economic significance of hunting, both in the country and throughout the European continent. Based on the results presented in the paper, it can be concluded that the number and density of hunters differ in individual countries. Moreover, hunting is practised in Europe by almost 7 million people, of which 127,000 are in Poland, and is a typical male activity. Most hunters in Poland and other European countries are professionally active inhabitants of rural areas, aged approximately 50 years, with several years of shooting experience and an income exceeding average values. Hunting is an important part of socio-economic activities, particularly in rural areas. It is estimated that in the EU alone, hunting can be worth approximately EUR 16 billion, and creates 100–120 thousand jobs. The most recent results of studies conducted in certain EU countries and the wide range of services provided by the hunting sector indicate that these values may be considerably higher. Regarding Poland, despite the centralised game resource management system, there are no extensive studies of the economic significance of hunting, and the official data are limited to a few basic indices related to hunting statistics. As indicated by the study results presented in this paper, in Poland, hunting-related expenditures are clearly lower than the European average and, thus, the economic significance of hunting is relatively low in this country. Despite this, it is a hunting community that, as a result of the adopted system solutions, is responsible for the functioning of reasonable game management while significantly affecting the management of the vast majority of rural areas.

Association between air pollution and case-specific mortality in north-eastern part of Poland. Case crossover study with 4,500,000 person-years of follow-up

Abstract Background Recent studies have reported associations between air pollution and daily mortality. The majority of them are conducted in highly polluted areas. Taking into consideration the scarce number of surveys from cities with moderate air quality we decided to conduct a study in this type of region. Purpose To assess the short-term impact of air pollution on cardiovascular (CVD), coronary artery-related (CAD), and cerebrovascular-related (CbVD) mortality. Methods The analysis with almost 4,500,000 person-years of follow-up with a time-stratified case-crossover design was performed. Results are reported as odds ratio (OR) associated with an increase in interquartile range (IQR). Results The analysed region was inhabited by almost 500,000 residents. From 2008 to 2017 in Bialystok, Lomza, and Suwalki we recorded 49,573 deaths – 34,005, 8,082, 7,486, respectively. The median daily concentrations of PM10 (23.8 μg/m3, IQR=16.9) was the highest in Lomza, Median daily concentration of PM2.5 was the highest in Bialystok (16.2 μg/m3, IQR=15.9). In the case of Suwalki, daily median PM2.5 concentration was 9.8 μg/m3 (IQR=8.7), and PM10 – 18.0 μg/m3 (IQR=14.3). The IQR increase in PM2.5 (OR 1.036, 95% CI 1.016–1.056, P<0.001) and PM10 concentration (OR 1.034, 95% CI 1.015–1.053, P<0.001) was associated with increased CVD mortality on lag 0 and this effect persisted on following days. The effects of PMs were more expressed in association with CAD-related mortality (OR for PM2.5 = 1.045, 95% CI 1.012–1.080, P=0.008), (OR for PM10 = 1.044, 95% CI 1.010–1.078, P=0.011) and CbVD mortality (OR for PM2.5 = 1.046, 95% CI 1.013–1.080, P=0.006), (OR=1.041 for PM10, 95% CI 1.002–1.082, P=0.038). Additionally, IQR increase in NO2 concentration was associated with increased CAD-related mortality at lag 0–1 (OR=1.055, 95% CI 1.004–1.108, P=0.032). The highest OR for PMs was noted in Suwalki compared to Bialystok and Lomza. The trend was noted regardless of the cause of death from lag 0 to lag 0–3. In a comparison of seasons, we noted higher CVD mortality OR in the cold season for PM10 in Suwalki (P=0.047) and Bialystok (p=0.001). However, the impact of NO2 (P=0.02) and PM10 (P=0.03) on CAD related mortality was higher in the warm season. Conclusions The impact of air pollution on CVD mortality is also observed in moderately polluted areas. PMs and NO2 had the greatest impact on CAD-related mortality. Differences in effect size and seasonality may depend on the source of air pollution. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

The level of selected organochlorine compounds residues in popular edible mushrooms from north-eastern Poland

Although DDT, γ-HCH and PCBs have been almost completely withdrawn from world production and use, they are still present in the environment. Mushrooms are eagerly collected and consumed local raw material in north-eastern part of Poland. The aim of the study was to determine the content of DDT, γ-HCH and PCB residues in popular species (Boletus badius, Boletus edulis, Cantharellus cibarius) and to estimate the human exposure of uptaking of these compounds with mushrooms. The content of γ-HCH, DDT and PCB was determined using gas chromatography. The presence of analyzed compounds was observed in all the species under study. The highest content of γ-HCH and ΣDDT was determined in C. cibarius − 7.19 and 180.37 µg/kg of lipids, respectively, whereas the highest amount of ΣPCB was observed in B. edulis − 20.89 µg/kg of lipids. The contents were low and did not pose a threat to human health.

Association Between Air Pollution and Case-Specific Mortality in North-Eastern Part of Poland. Case-Crossover Study with 4,500,000 Person-Years of Follow-Up (PL-PARTICLES Study)

Background: Recent studies have reported associations between air pollution and daily mortality. The majority of them are conducted in highly polluted areas. Therefore, we aimed to assess the short-term impact of air pollution on cardiovascular (CVD)-, coronary artery-related (CAD)-, and cerebrovascular-related (CbVD) mortality in moderately polluted cities. Methods: The analysis with a time-stratified case-crossover design was performed. Findings: The interquartile range (IQR) increase in PM2.5 (OR 1×036, 95%CI 1×016–1×056, P<0×0001) and PM10 concentration (OR 1×034, 95%CI 1×015–1×053, P<0×0001) was associated with increased CVD mortality on lag 0 and this effect persisted on following days. The effects of PMs were more expressed in association with CAD-related mortality (OR for PM2.5 =1×045, 95%CI 1×012–1×080, P=0×01), (OR for PM10 =1×044, 95%CI 1×010–1×078, P=0×01). Additionally, IQR increase in NO2 concentration was associated with increased CAD-related mortality at lag 0-1 (OR=1×055, 95%CI .1×004–1×108, P=0×03). This effect is no longer observed when using the multi-pollutant model. The highest OR for PMs was noted in Suwalki compared to Bialystok and Łomza. In a comparison of seasons, we noted higher CVD mortality OR in the cold season for PM10 in Suwalki (P=0×047) and Bialystok (P=0×001). However, the impact of PM10 (P=0×03) on CAD-related mortality was higher in the warm season. Interpretation: The impact of PMs on CVD mortality is also observed in moderately polluted areas. This adverse health effect was more apparent in CAD mortality. Differences in effect size and seasonality may depend on the source of air pollution. Funding: None to declare. Declaration of Interest: None to declare. Ethical Approval: This study was approved by the ethics committee of the Medical University of Bialystok (R-1-002/18/2019) and was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04541498).

Who applies for afforestation subsidies? Analysis of the age of beneficiaries of the Rural Development Program from 2004–2018

Abstract In Poland, the afforestation rate is slowing down from year to year. An analysis of the demographic structure of land owners suitable for afforestation may contribute to a better recognition of trends and needs in order to increase the effectiveness of National Programme for the Augmentation of Forest Cover implementation, and thus increase interest in RDP activities. The aim of the study was to verify whether interest in afforestation among farmers is the same across the country in different age groups. The data presented in the publication come from the resources of the Agency for Restructuring and Modernization of Agriculture (ARiMR). The data covered the years 2004–2018 and were sorted by: voivodships (16), age group of beneficiaries of subsidies (4 groups), year of submitting the application (15 years) and the number of applications submitted. Beneficiaries were divided into four age groups: up to 30 years old, 31–40 years old, 41–60 and older than 60 years. Interest in afforestation changed in the period after Poland’s accession to the European Union. In recent years, there has been a significant decrease in the number of applications for afforestation subsidies submitted. There are also significant differences between the voivodships in the number of applications submitted. Farmers from eastern and southern Poland are more active in submitting applications for afforestation, and will reduce the so-called Recovered Territories in the western, northern and north-eastern part of Poland. Most afforestation in the entire analysed period is carried out by farmers aged 41–60 years. In the initial period, more applications were submitted by farmers of age over 60 years. In recent years, however, young farmers, that is, up to 40 years, are more interested in afforestation, than other groups. To increase interest in afforestation, more support should be directed to young farmers who, as part of farm specialization, may receive additional incentives for afforestation of land that is less useful to them.

Analysis of the birch pollen seasons in the selected Polish cities in 2020

The aim of the study was to compare the birch pollen seasons in selected 12 cities in Poland in 2020. The volumetric method of sampling was used to collect pollen samples. The estimation of the seasonal parameters was based on descriptive statistics. The clear differences among SPIn values at all sites were recorded. The lowest value was recorded in Bialystok (1.863 pollen/m3), whereas the highest one in Lublin (16.253 pollen/m3). The thermal conditions in the north-eastern part of Poland were the least favourable for birch pollen seasons.

Opinions of Followers of Judaism Residing in the Northeastern Part of Poland on Organ Donation

BackgroundFamilies of deceased potential donors often object to organ harvesting on religious grounds. The aim of this study was to learn the attitudes and opinions of Judaism followers regarding organ donation. Material and MethodsThe study included 97 Judaism followers living in the northeastern part of Poland. The research used the diagnostic survey method. ResultsA fairly large percentage (approximately 92%) of respondents accepted treatment using organ transplantation. The removal of organs for transplantation from a loved one after his death was accepted by about 90%. After his death, 14.43% expressed opposition to organ removal. About one-third of respondents did not talk to the family about their organ donation attitude. The average age of people who talked to their family about their will to donate was 49.69 ± 13.95 years. In total, 91.75% of the respondents had a positive attitude toward organ transplantation, 6.19% negative, and 2.06% indifferent. According to respondents, the most common reasons for a family’s refusal to collect organs from the deceased are death-related emotions (53.61%), religious beliefs (36.08%), and fear of misuse of organs (22.68%). ConclusionJudaism believers mostly accept treatment with organs taken from living and deceased people. In a larger percentage, young people with higher and secondary education more often accepted organ donation.

Factors affecting admixed pedunculate oak growth under heavy browsing by deer: benefits from inter- and intraspecific neighbourhoods

One of the most important ecosystem processes, especially in temperate and boreal forests, is herbivore browsing. In this study, we tested five hypotheses: (H1) oak tree density would positively affect their height; (H2) despite severe browsing pressure, the height of oaks would increase with the age after planting; (H3) oaks growing among the planted pines would be taller than those among the sown ones; (H4) the growth of single oak saplings or of oak nests would be positively affected by the height of the pines growing in the immediate neighbourhood of the oaks; and (H5) the oak height would be affected by the location within a nest and oaks growing in the central zone would be taller than the others. The study was conducted in the Piska Forest in the north-eastern part of Poland. We established three variants of experiment. In the first variant, oaks were planted individually. In the second and third variants, oaks were planted in small nests. The second and third variants differed in the spacing of the nests: 8 × 8 m and 6 × 6 m, respectively. The division into the sub-variants referred to type of pine regeneration. In the first sub-variant, Scots pine was planted. In the second, pine was sown. In general, oaks growing within nests were significantly taller than those planted individually in the Scots pine rows. Despite heavy browsing, oak height consistently increased during the course of the study. Oak height also depended on the type of pine regeneration, and the mean height of oaks surrounded by planted pines was significantly higher than that of oaks surrounded by sown pines (which, in average, was shorter). That was because the planted pines were taller than the sown ones. We found that Spearman’s correlation coefficients were positive and significant between pine and oak heights in variants 2 and 3. Growth of oaks did not depend on their location within a nest. The results of the regeneration method of oak (single vs nest and few vs many nests) are modified by browsing. The best method found in the heavy browsing circumstances was planting oaks in many nests within successful pine regeneration (providing the oaks with protection against the browsing). The pine will provide the most efficient protection if regenerated a few years before the oaks.

The Land Transfer from the State Treasury to Local Government Units as a Factor of Social Development of Rural Areas in Poland

Sustainable rural development (with the development of social functions) is currently one of the basic objectives of the rural areas policy in Poland. The main purpose of this article is to determine the level of social development of rural areas and to examine whether the National Support Center for Agriculture (NSCA) activities (in the form of transferring land to communes for the implementation of social goals) have an impact on that development, and to what extent. In this article, an assessment of the social development level of rural areas using the Hellwig method was carried out. The research covered the years 2005 and 2018, on the districts of the Warmian-Masurian voivodship located in the northeastern part of Poland. The detailed analysis also covered the rural and rural-urban communes of Lidzbark, Kętrzyn, and Bartoszyce districts. The obtained results were compared with the area of land transferred by the NSCA Regional Office Olsztyn to local government units in 2004–2017, for the implementation of social goals. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used for a comparison. The results are presented in tabular form and visualized using GIS software in the form of carto-diagrams (diagram maps). Results show a positive influence of NSCA on social development of rural areas.