Polish Academy Research Articles

"He was a European, an educated man". Foreign contacts of Professor Adam Schaff (1913-2006) based on provenance analysis of selected copies from his book collection

The article presents the results of the research conducted on the topic “The private book collection of Professor Adam Schaff in the collections of the Joint Libraries of the Faculties of Philosophy and Sociology of the University of Warsaw, Institute of Philosophy and Sociology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, and the Polish Philosophical Society”[1]. Professor Adam Schaff (1913–2006) gathered an extensive book collection during his many years of academic work, falling during the Polish People’s Republic period. After his death, it was transferred to the Joint Libraries of WFiS UW, IFiS PAN, and PTF[2]. A. Schaff maintained contact with many foreign scholars specializing in philosophy and sociology, which directly influenced the analyzed collection. The article contains a qualitative, quantitative, and provenance analysis of this book collection. Provenance and bibliographic methods were used to study the characteristics of selected copies, making it possible to reconstruct Schaff’s contacts with the foreign scientific community. [1] Master’s thesis, supervisor: Prof. Jacek Puchalski, University of Warsaw, 2023. [2] Joint Libraries of the Faculties of Philosophy and Sociology of the University of Warsaw, the Institute of Philosophy and Sociology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, and the Polish Philosophical Society (PB WFiS UW, IFiS PAN, and PTF) is the proper name of the institution established in the 1950s, which consisted of 3 combined libraries, with joint staff and premises, but separate assets and thematically complementary book collections in philosophy and sociology.

"Hommage bien amical". Foreign contacts of Professor Barbara Skarga (1919-2009) based on provenance analysis of selected copies from her private book collection

The article presents the effect of the research conducted on the subject “Private book collection of Professor Barbara Skarga within the library collection of the Joint Libraries of the Faculties of Philosophy and Sociology of the University of Warsaw, Institute of Philosophy and Sociology of the Polish Academy of Sciences and the Polish Philosophical Society”. During many years of her scientific career, Professor Barbara Skarga (1919–2009) gathered a vast and diverse book collection. After her death, following her final will, it was handed over to the Joint Libraries of the WFiS UW, IFiS PAN, and PTF and included in the Institute of Philosophy of the Polish Academy of Sciences library resources. Barbara Skarga cooperated with many institutions that gathered researchers specializing in philosophy, as well as sociology and theology, which influenced the contents of her book collection. This article includes qualitative, quantitative, and provenance analyses of Skarga’s book collection. Using the provenance and bibliographical methods allowed us to recreate the history of the book collection and Skarga’s contacts with, among others, the French scientific community.

The Research and Development Efficiency of Institutes of the Polish Academy of Sciences and the External Factors Affecting It

The Research and Development Efficiency of Institutes of the Polish Academy of Sciences and the External Factors Affecting It

LOFAR PL610 Station Data Product Specification

ABSTRACT Since 2017, the Space Research Centre of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Warsaw, Poland, has measured and gathered over 35,000 hours of observations with the use of the LOw Frequency ARray (LOFAR) radio telescope. This paper outlines the Standard Data Product acquired from the LOFAR PL610 station located in Borówiec, Poland. Within this context, we detail the data products that are accessible, provide metadata descriptions for them, and include an example of the data under both quiet and disturbed ionospheric conditions.

Music in a vanished kingdom: medieval polyphony in the Teutonic Order state in Prussia

Abstract The state of the Teutonic Order in Prussia, or Ordensstaat (1228–1525), belongs to those ‘vanished kingdoms’ which—devoid of any contemporary heirs—remain on the margins of historical narratives about music. The aim of this article is to describe polyphonic practices in medieval Prussia on the basis of archival and musical sources. Although the information they contain is of a fragmentary character, referring mainly to the first half of the 15th century, it does indicate that a variety of music was cultivated: from simply polyphony in chant notation to international Ars Nova. Outside the major ecclesiastic centres, conditions for the cultivation of polyphony could have existed at the court of the Grand Master, at which musicians—mostly instrumentalists—from across Europe appeared. Particular attention is devoted in the article to fragments from the Gdańsk Library of the Polish Academy of Sciences (Ms. 2153a) which contain works in the style of Central European polyphony, belonging to the genres of motet, cantio and rotulum. These and other sources indicate that the culture of medieval Prussia should be seen from the perspective of various European connections, and not as Germanic or Polish culture, as has often occurred in the past.

Laser Observations of GALILEO Satellites at the CBK PAN Astrogeodynamic Observatory in Borowiec

The laser station (BORL) owned by the Space Research Centre of the Polish Academy of Sciences and situated at the Astrogeodynamic Observatory in Borowiec near Poznań regularly observes more than 100 different objects in low Earth orbit (LEO) and medium Earth orbit (MEO). The BORL sensor’s laser observation range is from 400 km to 24,500 km. The laser measurements taken by the BORL sensor are utilized to create various products, including the geocentric positions and movements of ground stations, satellite orbits, the components of the Earth’s gravitational field and their changes over time, Earth’s orientation parameters (EOPs), and the validation of the precise Galileo orbits derived using microwave measurements, among others. These products are essential for supporting local and global geodetic and geophysics research related to time. They are crucial for the International Terrestrial Reference Frame (ITRF), which is managed by the International Earth Rotation and Reference Systems Service (IERS). In 2023, the BORL laser station expanded its list of tracked objects to include all satellites of the European satellite navigation system GALILEO, totaling 28 satellites. During that year, the BORL laser station recorded 77 successful passes of GALILEO satellites, covering a total of 21 objects. The measurements taken allowed for the registration of 7419 returns, resulting in 342 normal points. The average RMS for all successful GALILEO observations in 2023 was 13.5 mm.

The Polish Young Academy

One of the important tasks of the Polish Academy of Sciences is to foster the careers of young scientists by involving them in various initiatives, including those related to the functioning of the Academy itself.

Digital Anthropology

Prof. Dariusz Jemielniak, Vice President of the Polish Academy of Sciences, discusses the dynamics of online communities and the study of digital interactions.

A Place Rediscovered

The research station of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Kosewo Górne is undergoing extensive modernization. This overhaul is part of a carefully planned strategy that will open up new opportunities for the facility’s development, benefiting both the scientific community and the local population. Once revitalized, the center will be poised for dynamic growth in near future.

Methodology of Mosaicking and Georeferencing for Multi-Sheet Early Maps with Irregular Cuts Using the Example of the Topographic Chart of the Kingdom of Poland

The Topographic Chart of the Kingdom of Poland (pol. Topograficzna Karta Królestwa Polskiego, commonly referred to as ‘the Quartermaster’s Map’, hereinafter: TKKP) is the first Polish modern topographic map of Poland (1:126,000, 1843). Cartographic historians acclaim its conception by the General Quartermaster of the Polish Army, noting its editorial principles and technical execution as exemplars of the early 19th-century cartographic standards. Today, it stands as a national heritage relic, furnishing invaluable insights into the former Polish Kingdom’s topography. Although extensively utilised in geographical and historical inquiries, the TKKP has yet to undergo a comprehensive geomatic investigation and publication as spatial data services. Primarily, this delay stems from the challenges of mosaicking and georeferencing its 60 constituent sheets, owing to the uncertain mathematical framework and irregular sheet cuts. In 2023, the authors embarked on rectifying this by creating a unified TKKP mosaic and georeferencing the map to contemporary reference data benchmarks. This endeavour involved scrutinising the map’s mathematical accuracy and verifying prior findings. The resultant product is accessible via the ‘Maps with the Past’ platform, developed by the Institute of History of the Polish Academy of Sciences The dissemination of raster data services adhering to OGC standards such as WMTS (Web Map Tile Service), ECW (Enhanced Compression Wavelet), and COG (Cloud Optimized GeoTIFF) facilitates the swift and seamless integration of the generated data into web and GIS tools. The digital edition of the TKKP emerges as a pivotal resource for investigations spanning natural and anthropogenic environmental transformations, sustainable development, and cultural heritage studies.

Advancements in Structural Biology – How to See Molecules of Life?

Structural biology is focused on understanding the architecture of biomolecules, such as proteins and nucleic acids. Deciphering the structure helps to understand their function in the cell at a very precise – molecular level. This makes it possible to not only determine the basis of diseases but also to propose therapeutic strategies and tools. Such a strong motivation for the development of structural biology has led to the development of a number of methods, which enable determination of the structures of the molecules of life. The continuous progress has been enabled by the integration of biology, chemistry, physics, and computer science, making structural biology extremely interdisciplinary. In its 35-year history, the Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Poznan has become one of the key Polish institutions conducting research in the field of structural biology. On one hand, the research has brought international recognition, and on the other hand, it has forced the implementation and development of cutting-edge methods. This review discusses the methods used in structural biology at the Institute.

Krew i kamienie. Potencjalne eksponaty Muzeum Ziemi PAN

The author points to the presence of potential artifacts in the Earth Museum of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Warsaw: fragments of the ruins of Warsaw monuments and the bloodstain of a Warsaw insurgent imprinted in marble. She analyzes the implications of placing these objects in a geological context and what we can see in them through a non-anthropocentric interpretive stance. The author also shows how the combination of these contexts can have the potential to lead to a critical opening of narratives and an appreciation of the Other. Key-words: non-anthropocentrism, geology, debris, blood, museum, critical discourse

Special issue of J. Magn. Magn. Mater., “Physics of Magnetism 2023 – Special issue in memory of professor Roman Micnas”, consisting of articles presented at The European conference Physics of Magnetism 2023: In memory of Professor Roman Micnas

The European Conference PHYSICS OF MAGNETISM 2023 (PM’23) was held on June 26–30, 2023 in Poznań, Poland. It was the 17th in a series of conferences organized by the Faculty of Physics of the Adam Mickiewicz University and the Institute of Molecular Physics of the Polish Academy of Sciences. The PM’23 conference was dedicated to the memory of Professor Roman Micnas, a long–time co-organizer of the conference, and its co-chairman since 1993. The preface presents basic information about the topics and events related to the PM’23 conference.

CHARAKTERYSTYKA WYBRANYCH PARAMETRÓW POROZY DANIELI ZWYCZAJNYCH ( ˙ DAMA DAMA) HODOWANYCH W POLSCE

The aim of the study was to estimate antler parameters (mass, volume, density) of fallow deer (Dama dama) kept in in the Research Station of the Institute of Parasitology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kosewo Górne. The study involved 25 stags divided into 4 age groups: 2 years old (n=4); 3 years old (n=4); 4 years old (n=12); 5 years old (n=5). Antlers were cut before rutting when animals already rubbed velvet off. The analyses showed the significant differences in the mass and volume between age groups. Mass and volume increase with age while density was levelled.

Physical Activity and Dietary Habits in Young Females with Varying Levels of Body Fat and Fat Distribution

Abstract Introduction. Physical activity and good diet are the primary determinants of body weight. The aim of the study was to compare physical activity and eating behaviours of overweight and obese females (taking into consideration their body fat distribution) with individuals with normal levels of body fat. Material and methods. The study included females aged 20-35. The study group consisted of 449 subjects, who were categorised into groups based on their body fat percentage: underweight, normal body fat, overweight and obese. The WHR index was computed in individuals who were overweight or obese. The assessment of physical activity levels was conducted using data obtained from the IPAQ, while eating behaviours were examined using the Dietary Habits And Nutrition Beliefs Questionnaire developed by the Polish Academy of Sciences. Results. Females who were overweight or obese exhibited greater values of the examined physical characteristics in comparison to individuals with normal levels of body fat. Subjects with fat tissue in the abdomen area had higher values of somatic characteristics. There were no statistically significant differences in physical activity levels between individuals with normal body fat and overweight or obese females. However, when the second group was divided into those with abdominal fatness and those with peripheral fatness, it was observed that individuals with abdominal fatness had lower levels of physical activity, including both total activity as well as vigorous and moderate activity. There were no significant differences in eating behaviours found between the groups. Conclusions. The amount and placement of fat tissue in young females is more closely linked to their levels of physical activity rather than their eating habits and knowledge about food and nutrition.

Gliwice Scientific Meetings as a forum for discussion of research projects.Personal impressions.

The article has been written for the occasion of 25 Anniversary of Gliwice Scientific Meetings (GSN). For this reason, I am going to present scientific contacts of the Institute of Oncology at Gliwice with the Institute of Human Genetics of the Polish Academy of Sciences at Poznań not only at conference occasions but also in regular research manner.

Satellite Surveillance of the Sea

Prof. Mirosława Ostrowska from the Institute of Oceanology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Vice President of the Academy, discusses how satellites are being used to study phenomena occurring in seas and oceans.

Raising awareness on global environmental challenges by bringing polar research closer to the society

The effects of climate change are much more rapid and visible in the Arctic than in the rest of the globe. The Arctic is extremely attractive scientifically and cognitively. Therefore, polar regions may serve as some of the most captivating natural settings capable of engage society in discussions on environmental changes. The primary objective of this paper is to present selected initiatives implemented by the Institute of Geophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences that aimed to connect polar research with schools and society, and show evidence on their effectiveness, with special focus on pupils from primary and secondary schools. In this paper, an overview of the educational and science communication initiatives undertaken by the Institute of Geophysics PAS for schools and whole society is presented, with the focus on polar research. Next, some results of the evaluation studies for those projects, that conducted detailed impact assessment, are discussed. Based on the evaluation studies and on general not-structured feedback received from diverse audiences of Institute’s activities, positive impact of bringing polar research closer to the society was observed. Using the Arctic and polar research as a vehicle to inspire interest in science and to raise societal awareness of the environmental challenges in various groups of non-specialists may be a very effective mean of science communication.

Psychiatric premises for abortion in Poland - ethical, legal and clinical issues

IntroductionAfter judgment of the Constitutional Tribunal of 22.10.2020, there are two premises for abortion: when pregnancy was caused by rape or pregnancy is the threat for health and life of a mother. Then some people indicated that the latter should be interpreted more broadly. So far, jurisprudence has interpreted health threats only in relation to physical health, currently – cases classified as mental health threats are included.Objectives The aim of this paper is first to analyze different aspects of this phenomenon: clinical, philosophical, including ethical and legal. The second goal is to point out the best actions for psychiatrists.MethodsThe methodology of this paper corresponds to the pastoral paradigm: diagnosis, reflection, action. At first, the arguments of opponents and proponents of the concept of psychiatric premises for abortion were extracted. Then they were assessed from a logical and essential point of view. Finally, some conclusions and guides were included to enable psychiatrists to act appropriately, including ethical, clinical and legal aspects.Results Statements and letters from various institutions and societies were analyzed, including the Presidium of the Supreme Medical Council, Polish Pediatrics Society, the Expert Team on Bioethics of the Polish Bishops’ Conference, the Bioethics Committee of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Patient’s Rights Ombudsman, Commissioner for Human Rights. The key arguments for psychiatric premises are presented in the Table 1. Table 1.ArgumentDescriptionEtiologicalthe only cause of mental disorders during pregnancy is the pregnancy itself or fetal diseasesTherapeuticalabortion is a method of treating mental disorders during pregnancyPrognosticpossible long- and short-term complications after the abortion procedure do not pose a significant threat to the woman’s life and healthConsultation-Liaison the task of the consultant psychiatrist is to indicate what actions other doctors should takeEthicalthe value of the fetus’s life is negligible compared to values such as the mother’s mental state or well-being Politicalsuch conduct is beneficial to state policy and the good of societyLegalsuch procedures are legalAccording to opponents, using the premise of mental health risks to terminate a pregnancy would be an example of the psychiatrization of life and the abuse of psychiatry for political purposes. There would be a danger of associating psychiatry as a tool for performing abortions, which would perpetuate the phenomenon of stigmatization – of both doctors and patients. Each of the arguments for this has been negated.ConclusionsThis problem illustrates an attempt to replace the paradigm of traditional personalistic ethics with utilitarianism. The concept of psychiatric premises for abortion is contrary to the principles of double effect and proportionality. It is also against the Polish Code of Medical Ethics: art. 39 and art. 54.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

An Unknown Fragment of the Late Medieval Chełmno Gradual L 2 from the Diocesan Library in Pelplin Discovered in the Antiphoner Akc. 7889 from the Gdańsk Library of the Polish Academy of Sciences

An Unknown Fragment of the Late Medieval Chełmno Gradual L 2 from the Diocesan Library in Pelplin Discovered in the Antiphoner Akc. 7889 from the Gdańsk Library of the Polish Academy of Sciences