Silesia Region Research Articles

Genealogy in social media: navigating time and space

ABSTRACT Driven by the increasing use of social media by people seeking to reconstruct family histories and preserve historical, cultural, and societal legacy, genealogy-based online communities are experiencing a surge in popularity. This study explores how trauma-affected communities use online communities to reconstruct their identities and histories, demonstrating the resilience and adaptability of these groups in the digital age. Based on the theory of Knowledge Co-Creation, this paper presents a novel conceptual framework designed to categorize the content in such communities. This framework is composed of two axes. The first axis, ‘Time,’ reflects the evolving character of participants’ involvement, starting with an exploration of immediate family history and gradually expanding to encompass a broader interest in ancestral and communal history of the past. The second axis, ‘Space,’ explores the interplay between online interactions and offline activities. To demonstrate the applicability of this framework, the paper focuses on the case study of the WhatsApp community dedicated to collaborative research of the descendants of annihilated Jewish communities of the Upper Silesia region of southwestern Poland.This research contributes to the literature on digital genealogy and online communities by offering a structured approach to analyzing the dynamics of trauma-affected populations engaging in collaborative genealogical research.

Inoculation with Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Supports the Uptake of Macronutrients and Promotes the Growth of Festuca ovina L. and Trifolium medium L., a Candidate Species for Green Urban Infrastructure.

Green roofs and walls play an important role in promoting biodiversity, reducing the urban heat island effect and providing ecosystem services in urban areas. However, the conditions on green walls/roofs (low nutrient and organic matter content, drought, high temperatures) are often unfavorable for plant growth. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can improve the growth and development of plants under stress conditions as they can increase nutrient and water uptake. In a 6-month pot experiment, we investigated the effect of AMF inoculation on the growth and NPK uptake of Festuca ovina L. and Trifolium medium L., which are used for green roofs and walls. Two variants of mycorrhizal inoculation were used in the experiment: a commercial mycorrhizal inoculant AM Symbivit (Symbiom Ltd., Lanskroun, Czech Republic) and a mycorrhizal inoculant collected from calcareous grassland in the Silesia region (Poland). Funneliformis mosseae was the most abundant species in the roots of F. ovina and T. medium with IM inoculum. In the CM variant, a dominance of F. mosseae was observed in the roots of F. ovina. In contrast, Archaeosporaceae sp. node 317 dominated in the roots of T. medium. Both inoculations had a positive effect on the increase in dry weight of the shoots of T. medium, but only the commercial inoculum had a positive effect on the growth of F. ovina. Both inoculations improved the P uptake by the roots and the P and K uptake into the shoots of T. medium. In addition, both inoculations improved the K uptake by the roots of F. ovina and the N, P and K uptake into the shoots. In conclusion, both AMF communities included in the inoculations had a positive effect on plant growth and nutrient uptake, but the effect depends on the plant and the mycorrhizal fungus species.

Prevention of cancer-Melanoma development and its diagnosis among Silesian Voivodeship residents: Preliminary results.

Melanoma is a malignant tumor with the highest growth rate in the incidence and is the leading cause of death due to skin cancers. In Poland, approximately 1500 cases of melanoma are detected annually in advanced or metastatic stages. Intensive preventive measures can contribute to its early-stage diagnosis, consequently reducing the number of fatalities. The aim of the study was to assess the occurrence of melanoma risk factors among the residents of Silesia region and their knowledge about the diagnosis and prevention of this cancer. An original questionnaire was used in the study, and its completion was anonymous. The study was conducted among the residents of the Silesian Voivodeship. A total of 400 (100%) individuals were examined. Among them were 243 women and 157 men. The participants' ages ranged from 16 to 84 years (mean age = 34.38 ± 18.39). The participants were burdened with melanoma development risk factors such as fair skin complexion (235; 58.75%), having more than 50 pigmented lesions (158; 39.50%) and sunburns (105; 26.25%). Over 40% (166; 41.50%) of the participants had never examined their pigmented lesions. A staggering 78% (311; 77.75%) of the respondents had never undergone dermatoscopic examination, and over 50% (215; 53.75%) did not know what this examination entailed. Just under 16% (63; 15.75%) of the participants stated that their family doctor had examined their pigmented lesions, and almost % (154; 97.47%) of those with numerous pigmented lesions had never been referred to a dermatologist for dermatoscopy. The surveyed residents of the Silesian Voivodeship were burdened with numerous risk factors for melanoma development, with the most common being fair skin complexion, having more than 50 pigmented lesions, and sunburns. The knowledge of the participants regarding the diagnosis and prevention of melanoma development was insufficient, thus highlighting the necessity for conducting systematic educational initiatives in the mentioned field. These initiatives should ultimately lead to the preservation of health and life, as well as the maintenance of its high quality.

Is Maternal Selenium Status Associated with Pregnancy Outcomes in Physiological and Complicated Pregnancy?

Selenium is essential for the synthesis and function of various selenoenzymes, such as glutathione peroxidases, selenoprotein P, and thioredoxin reductase. These enzymes play a critical role in both antioxidant defense and in limiting oxidative damage. Numerous studies have reported associations between serum selenium concentration, obstetric complications and pregnancy outcomes. The aim of this study was to determine whether the dietary intake of selenium, its serum concentration, and the activity of glutathione peroxidase in subsequent trimesters of pregnancy affect the birth condition of newborns. This was assessed based on the APGAR score in the 1st and 5th minute of life, birth weight, body length and head and chest circumference in both physiological and complicated pregnancy courses. Twenty-seven pregnant women, with a mean age of 29.6 ± 4.8 years from the Lower Silesia region of Poland, participated in the study. Fifty-five percent of the study group experienced pregnancy complications. The median reported selenium intake and serum selenium content for Polish pregnant women in the first trimester was 56.30 μg/day and 43.89 μg/L, respectively. These figures changed in the second trimester to 58.31 μg/day and 41.97 μg/L and in the third trimester to 55.60 μg/day and 41.90 μg/L. In the subgroup of pregnant women with a physiological pregnancy course, a weak, positive correlation was observed in the first trimester between Se intake and the length (R = 0.48, p = 0.019) and the birth weight of newborns (R = 0.472, p = 0.022). In the second trimester, a positive correlation was noted with the APGAR score at the 1st (R = 0.680, p = 0.005) and 5th minutes (R = 0.55, p = 0.033), and in the third trimester with the APGAR score at the 1st minute (R = 0.658, p = 0.019). The glutathione peroxidase activity had a strong positive correlation with the APGAR score at the 1st min (R = 0.650, p = 0.008) in the second trimester and with the birth weight of the newborns (R = 0.598, p = 0.039) in the third trimester. No correlation was found between newborns' birth measurements and serum selenium concentration. In the subgroup of pregnant women with complications, a strong, negative correlation was found between Se intake in the second trimester and gestational age (R = -0.618, p = 0.032). In the third trimester, a positive correlation was noted between Se concentration in serum and head circumference (R = 0.587, p = 0.021). The results indicate that maternal selenium status during pregnancy, including dietary intake, serum concentration, and glutathione peroxidase activity, correlates with anthropometric parameters of the newborn, such as birth weight, length, and APGAR score, especially in pregnancies with a physiological course. However, these relationships diminish in importance when pregnancy complications occur.

The first isotopic evidence of Early Iron Age lead ore exploitation in the Silesian‐Krakow upland, Poland: a provenance study of Lusatian culture lead ornaments

AbstractThe Bronze and Early Iron Ages witnessed a significant increase in trade relations driven by the search for valuable metals. This paper presents new insights into the use of galena from the Silesia and Krakow Upland region in southern Poland, known as the ‘Olkusz ore deposits’, within the context of metal ores in prehistoric Europe. Eleven lead‐based ornaments from Lusatian Urnfield Culture cemeteries were examined using lead isotope analysis. The majority of these ornaments were found to be made from local ore, which provides evidence for the early exploitation of Olkusz lead deposits dating back 1,000 years earlier than previously known from archaeological artefacts.

Analysis of Lyme infections among children hospitalised in the Provincial Specialist Children’s Hospital in Olsztyn in 2013–2018

Introduction and objective: Lyme disease is the most common chronic, infectious, multisystem, multiform disease. The region of Warmia and Mazury, as well as Podlasie, and the region of Lower Silesia are endemic areas for Lyme disease in our country. The aim of the study was to analyse the prevalence of Lyme disease among children from the Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship hospitalised in the Provincial Specialist Children’s Hospital in Olsztyn. Materials and methods: The study group consisted of 109 patients admitted to a hospital with Lyme disease diagnosis. The study used a retrospective method based on the analysis of the medical history of patients admitted to the hospital in the period from January 2013 to December 2018. Results: More than half of the cases (56.88%) were elective hospital admissions, while 43.12% were emergency admissions. The largest number of patients complained of headaches (68.81%). In about half of the patients (54.13%), the first symptoms of the disease appeared in less than 3 months. Conclusions: Among hospitalised patients diagnosed with Lyme disease, urban school age girls were significantly more likely to be affected. Most patients hospitalised due to Lyme disease denied a tick bite. The majority of patients hospitalised during the study period presented with non-specific symptoms of Lyme disease. The time between symptom onset and the diagnosis of Lyme disease was significantly shorter in children under 7 years of age. The time of hospitalisation of children under the age of 7 years was significantly shorter than in other age groups.

Силезский Демонический Топос В Номинативной Специфике. Топография . = The Silesian Demonic Topos In The Nomination Perspective. The Topography

The aim of this paper is to determine the conceptual system of the Silesian mythological beliefs that is reflected in the names of demonic figures. These names are not only typical for the region of Silesia but they often refer to other parts of Poland (close or further to/from Silesia). The paper deals with the names of the figures and with their meanings. These meanings are the starting point to determine the features which are helpful for describing figures (and the set of their characteristic features) and for the presentation of the whole conceptual system. The fundamental elements of this system are the four basic categories – spatial locations, outward appearance, functional features (typical actions and roles) and harmfulness/harmlessness to a man. All the features of the demonic figures are presented here according to the levels being the manifestations and projections of these four basic categories.

Sowing Date as a Factor Affecting Soybean Yield—A Case Study in Poland

Soybean is the crop of the future, especially for countries with a high demand for food and feed protein. Therefore, soybean cultivation is moving north to countries at higher latitudes, where temperatures, photoperiodism, and rainfall distribution are not always able to meet soybean requirements. The aim of this study was to evaluate three sowing dates as a factor influencing soybean cultivars yield and seed chemical composition in agroclimatic conditions of south-western Poland. In the years 2016–2019, a field experiment was conducted in Lower Silesia region, near Wroclaw, with three sowing dates: early (mid-April), 10-day delayed (at the turn of April and May), and 20-day delayed (first half of May), and two soybean cultivars: Merlin and Lissabon. In this location, soybean sowing is recommended in mid-April, possibly at the turn of April and May. The cultivars tested differed in yield and yield component values in the years of research, but generally, the Lissabon was better suited to local conditions. Results were discussed with findings of other domestic research, to investigate the problem of the soybean sowing date in Poland. The recommended sowing date for soybean was found to vary from region to region. These differences are due to the length of the growing season in each location and the varied adaptation of cultivars to the local climatic conditions.

Seasonal toxicity of urban road dust in runoff process-studies in Poland

Urban road dust (URD) is one of the most important non-point sources of pollution in agglomerations. The aim of this study was to assess the seasonal toxic effects of URD runoff in two regions of Poland. The concentrations of elements in URD and leachate were studied. The impact of pollutants in URD runoff on water organisms was evaluated using Daphtoxkit F and Rotoxkit F (LC50). The acute toxicity tests for crustaceans and rotifers were selected as the response of these taxa reflects the impact on zooplankton, a key component of aquatic ecosystem and the basis of most food webs. The concentrations of elements were found to vary depending on the site, although URD samples collected in Katowice agglomeration (Upper Silesia) had higher values of elements (Mn, Cu, Zn, As) compared to Wrocław (Lower Silesia). The concentrations of Mn, Zn, As, Cr, and Mg in water-soluble fraction of URD were higher in summer and winter in the Upper Silesia region due to rainwater runoff resulting from traffic, industries, post-industrial waste, and the presence of old heating systems. When comparing the content of elements in the water-soluble fraction between seasons, Zn, As, Cr, and Al concentrations were slightly higher in winter. The highest mortality of Daphnia magna and Brachiouns calyciflorus was observed in URD from both agglomerations in winter. However, the mortality is likely due to the concentration of elements or/and the coexistence of an unknown compound or a synergistic effect of the studied elements. This study highlights the alarming seasonal sources of elements in URD runoff, which will directly enter the food chain and affect the entire ecosystem, and human health.

Lacto-fermented garlic handcrafted in the Lower Silesia Region (Poland): Microbial diversity, morpho-textural traits, and volatile compounds

The aim of the present study was to provide a first characterization of lacto-fermented garlic manufactured by local small-scale artisanal producers in the Lower Silesia Region (Poland). The lacto-fermented garlic samples showed high nutritional features in terms of antioxidant activity. A total of 86 compounds, belonging to various chemical classes, were identified by headspace solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC/MS). Most of these compounds belonged to six main classes, being sulfur compounds, esters and acetates, oxygenated monoterpenes, monoterpene hydrocarbons, and alcohols. Aldehydes, acids, ketones, furans, and phenols were also identified. In the analyzed samples, counts up to 8 log cfu g−1 were observed for lactic acid bacteria. Metataxonomic analysis revealed the presence of Levilactobacillus, Lactiplantibacillus, Latilactobacillus, Secundilactobacillus, Weissella, Leuconostoc, Lactococcus, Pediococcus, and Lacticaseibacillus among the major taxa. These results were confirmed by the isolation and characterization of viable lactic acid bacteria. Indeed, the presence of the closest relatives to Lacticaseibacillus casei group, Pediococcus parvulus, Levilactobacillus brevis, Levilactobacillus parabrevis, and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum group was observed. A good acidification performance in salty garlic-based medium was observed for all the isolates that, between 8 and 15 days of fermentation, reached pH values comprised between 4 and 3.5, depending on the tested species. Of note, 15 out of the 37 lactic acid bacteria isolates (Levilactobacillus parabrevis, Pediococcus parvulus, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum group, and Lacticaseibacillus casei group) showed the presence of the hdcA gene of Gram-positive bacteria encoding for histidine decarboxylase. Furthermore, for 8 out of the 37 isolates the in-vitro exopolysaccharides production was observed. No isolate showed inhibitory activity against the three Listeria innocua strains used as surrogate for Listeria monocytogenes.

Human costal cartilage, tooth cavities, and femur nutrient canals—new niches for insects used in forensic entomology

Abstract The study aimed to analyze the entomological material collected during 13 autopsies performed on the unidentified cadavers revealed at different stages of decay in the Upper Silesia Region (Poland) over 2016–2022. During the preparation of human tissues for genetic identification, we revealed larvae, puparia, and adult insects in previously undescribed locations: costal cartilage, femur nutrient canals (foramen nutrients), and tooth cavities. The taxonomical assessment was done using morphological examination or DNA barcoding, where necessary. Based on our observations, we conclude that the apical constriction, foramen, and cavities may serve as migration paths inside teeth, and the femur nutrient canals to the bone marrow. The study also revealed that Necrobia ruficollis (Fabricius, 1775) and Pyralidae Latreille, 1802 (Phycitinae) moths can form pupal chambers inside the costal cartilage, indicating that these insects can complete their life cycle inside this cache. We believe that the newly reported locations of carrion insects in human remains may be relevant to forensic entomology, as they provide new opportunities to collect insect evidence.

How can “Katowice as European City of Science” change Silesia region: Recognising perspectives of private companies

The study analyses, the perception of the European City of Science (ECS) initiative planned event in Katowice in the context of the city and region's development in the eyes of private companies. It has been argued that this honour may change the city's prestige and become the source of the city and the region's development, not only through building the city's recognisable brand but also its social capital. Using focus research as a method enables not only to collect empirical data but can also be treated as a form of public participation. The study results contribute to the growing body of literature on public engagement and co‐creation as well as place branding. The study's findings show the companies' expectations concerning the role of universities and their participation in the region's development. They were the foundation for preparing a set of suggestions for local governments to successfully implement the ECS initiative. This paper is the first to examine the process of preparing a city to become an ECS, as demonstrated through the case study of Katowice.

Plant Species and Functional Diversity of Novel Forests Growing on Coal Mine Heaps Compared with Managed Coniferous and Deciduous Mixed Forests

(1): The Upper Silesia region of Poland is one of the most extensively altered regions of Europe due to human activity, especially coal mining. (2): We used cluster analysis to examine the floristic composition of three classified forest communities: forests developed on post-coal mine mineral heaps (HF), mixed deciduous forests (DECI), and managed secondary coniferous forests (CON). Vegetation data were collected from 44 randomly selected plots, and plant traits connected with persistence, dispersal, and regeneration were taken from commonly used plant trait databases. (3): Higher species richness, species diversity, and evenness (36, 2.7, and 0.76, respectively) were calculated for HF plots compared with those plots from DECI (22, 1.9, and 0.62) and CON (18, 2.0, and 0.71) plots. Higher functional richness (0.173, 0.76) and functional divergence were determined for HF compared with those calculated for DECI (FRic 0.090, FDiv 0.71) and CON (FRic 0.026, FDiv 0.69). In contrast, the substrate from HF forests had significantly lower soil respiration (0.76 mg-CO2 h/m2) compared with substrates from both CON and DECI forests (0.90 and 0.96 mg-CO2 h/m2, respectively); (4): A set of complex abiotic stresses which plants suffer from on coal mine spoil heaps shaped different patterns of taxonomic and functional diversity. These findings demonstrate the importance of investigating successional aspects and carbon dynamics of de novo forests which have developed on post-coal mine spoil heaps in urban industrial areas.

Microbiological treatment of post-industrial water: Example of efficient bioremediation of the heavily polluted Kalina pond, Poland

The Kalina pond has been well known as a severely degraded area in the Silesia region, Poland. The environmental deterioration results from high contamination of water and bottom sediments with recalcitrant and toxic organic compounds, mainly phenol. The study was aimed at developing a bioremediation-based approach suitable for this type of polluted areas, involving microbiological treatment of water as a key and integral part of other necessary actions: mechanical interventions and the use of physical methods. During the initial biological treatment stage, autochthonous microorganisms were isolated from contaminated samples of water, soil and sediment, then subjected to strong selective pressure by incubation with the pollutants, and finally, cultivated to form a specialised microbial consortium consisting of five extremophilic bacterial strains. Consortium propagation and its biodegradation activity were optimised under variant conditions enabling bacteria to proliferate and to obtain high biomass density at large volumes allowing for the in situ application. After installing aeration systems in the pond, the consortium was surface-sprinkled to launch bioremediation and then both bacterial frequency and the contaminant level was systematically monitored. The complex remediation strategy proved efficient and was implemented on an industrial scale enabling successful remedial of the affected site. Treatment with the specifically targeted and adapted microbial consortium allowed for removal of most organic pollutants within a four-month season of 2022: the chemical oxygen demand (COD) value decreased by 72%, polyaromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) level by 97%, while the content of total phenols and other monoaromatic hydrocarbons (BTEX) dropped below the detection thresholds.

Retrospective study of the morphology of third maxillary molars among the population of Lower Silesia based on analysis of cone beam computed tomography.

Understanding the anatomy of root canal systems and being aware of their variations is crucial for successful endodontic treatment. Specifically, the intricate and diverse nature of the root anatomy in maxillary third molars poses a significant challenge for dental clinicians. The study analyzed the morphology of the root canal system in maxillary third molars among residents of the Lower Silesia region in Poland using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). This retrospective cross-sectional imaging study was conducted at the X-Ray Diagnostics Laboratory of the Academic Dental Polyclinic of Wroclaw Medical University, Poland. The study evaluated 316 CBCT scans and included 196 maxillary third molars. They were obtained from 118 females and 78 males over the age of 18, in the period from January to April 2022 (three consecutive months). The number of roots, root canals, and root canal configurations according to Vertucci's classification were analyzed. Three-rooted maxillary molars were found most often (64.29%), followed by single-rooted (24.49%), two-rooted (7.65%), and four-rooted (3.57%) teeth. Among all the roots examined, Vertucci Type I root canals were the most prevalent. Our research found that single-rooted forms (40 teeth, 33.89% vs. 8 teeth, 10.26%, p = 0.0013) of maxillary third molars were significantly more common in females than in males. However, three-rooted forms (62 teeth, 79.49% vs. 64 teeth, 54.24%, p = 0.0013) of maxillary third molars were significantly more common in males than in females. In the Lower Silesia region, the typical maxillary third molar in the Polish population has a three-rooted structure with Vertucci Type I root canal configuration. We noted a sex-dependent correlation in maxillary third molar morphology, with single-rooted forms more prevalent in women and three-rooted forms in men.

Diagnosis of the Development of Energy Cooperatives in Poland—A Case Study of a Renewable Energy Cooperative in the Upper Silesian Region

Renewable energy sources (RESs) offer key transformative potential from a societal point of view due to their modularity and ability to generate energy at the local level, allowing for the development of grassroots democratic and participatory initiatives. The paper aims to share insights into the processes of creating RES cooperatives in Poland. One of the first cooperatives to be established in the Upper Silesian region in Poland was the energy cooperative (EC) “Our Energy”. This study presents an in-depth empirical analysis of a community-based renewable energy cooperative. The study employed a case study methodology, including a SWOT analysis framework, to describe the research subject and identify its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Key findings indicate that members benefit from stable energy prices and full recovery of the energy produced, and the cooperative is at the forefront of energy-sharing practices that minimize costs through direct transactions with the local municipality. The strategic goals of the EC focus on expanding membership, increasing the number of photovoltaic installations, implementing energy balancing, combating energy poverty, and reducing emissions. Challenges such as financial constraints and a lack of real-time monitoring of energy distribution are acknowledged, and carbon footprint reduction innovations and stakeholder engagement are highlighted as forward-looking approaches. The study highlights the role of cooperatives as a model for community-led sustainable energy initiatives. However, the study acknowledges the limitations of its small sample size, suggesting the need for broader research to understand the impact of collaborative energy on decarbonization. Future research directions are proposed, focusing on the long-term sustainability and socioeconomic impacts of energy cooperatives. This study contributes to the scholarly discourse on renewable energy cooperatives by offering insight into their potential to bridge the gap between energy producers and consumers and support sustainable community development. The main novelty of this paper lies in its detailed examination of a specific renewable energy cooperative, incorporating SWOT analysis, stakeholder perspectives, quantitative assessments, and a forward-thinking approach. This multifaceted analysis contributes to the existing literature on renewable energy initiatives, providing a valuable reference for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners in the field.

Use of physical pretreatment and biodegradation for the removal of antidepressants and psychiatrically active substances from wastewater

The occurrence of pharmaceutically active compounds in wastewater is very problematic, especially due to the high persistence of some substances in relation to standard treatment technologies. These substances can further contaminate the environment through receiving water or sewage sludge. The occurrence of antidepressants and psychiatrically active substances in wastewater has increased significantly in recent years. This study focuses on the possibility of removing selected antidepressants and psychiatrically active substances from wastewater. Specifically, citalopram, venlafaxine, lamotrigine, carbamazepine and its metabolite carbamazepine 10,11-epoxide using physical-biological methods. Samples were collected from three wastewater treatment plants in the Moravian- Silesian Region. The patented equipment EP2388068 at the T.G. Masaryk water research institute in Ostrava was used for physical pretreatment. The samples were exposed to an electrostatic field and a mixed bacterial culture of the genus Rhodococcus, namely Rhodococcus erythropolis, Rhodococcus rhodochrous and Rhodococcus degradans, was used for subsequent biodegradation. The presence of drugs and their quantity was verified by HPLC/MS/MS analysis.

The Wild, Wild Promised Land of Upper Silesians: Panna Maria and Its Cultural Heritage

In the mid-19th century, a small number of families from the Upper Silesia region of Poland emigrated to Texas and established Panna Maria, which many historians have identified as the oldest enduring Polish settlement in the United States. The current study focuses on the cultural identity of these settlers and their descendants. It also discusses various aspects of the lasting cultural impact that the Panna Maria story has had on the two areas involved, Texas and Upper Silesia itself. The approach will draw on the theoretical frameworks of cultural and ethnic studies.

Determinants of environmental technology development in transition regions – case of Silesia region

Determinants of environmental technology development in transition regions – case of Silesia region

A Fuzzy Multicriteria Model of Sustainable Tourism: Examples From the V4 Countries

The variability of the decision-making problems in the tourism sector is increasing and, thus, it requires studying several dimensions at the same time. Its complexity is also putting pressure on the use of demanding decision-making methods and algorithms that open a field for further investigation. The main goal of this article is to develop a fuzzy multicriteria model for evaluating the level of the image of the destination based on the dependence between costs, the number of days of stay, and the satisfaction of tourists as well as taking into account the levels of sustainable development of the example regions of the V4 countries. The model is verified and adjusted on the real data of 2343 tourists for the period 2017–2021 for the regions of the V4 countries; an approbation example is given on fragments of the data from 126 experts after a trip in 2020 in the three regions: the Žilina region (Slovakia), the Moravian–Silesian Region (the Czech Republic), and the Lesser Poland Voivodeship (Poland). The article results provide a valuable analytical platform for policy-makers, who have, thus, obtained a tool not only to evaluate the image and current sustainability of a region but also to forecast sustainability development.