Silesia Province Research Articles

Phase and chemical composition of historical Zn-Pb slag from the dump in Ruda Śląska (Silesian Province, southern Poland)

Phase and chemical composition of historical Zn-Pb slag from the dump in Ruda Śląska (Silesian Province, southern Poland)

The Impact of the Epidemiological Situation Resulting From COVID-19 Pandemic on Selected Aspects of Mental Health Among Patients With Cancer-Silesia Province (Poland).

ObjectiveThe study aimed to assess the level of disease acceptance as well as the wellbeing and emotions that accompany cancer patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.Materials and MethodsThe study involved 1,000 patients of the oncology centers (Silesia, Poland). The following questionnaires were used for the study: WHO-5–Well-Being Index, BDI–Beck Depression Inventory, disease acceptance scale, and proprietary multiple-choice questions regarding the impact of the epidemic situation on the respondents’ lives so far. The questionnaire study was conducted twice: in March-October 2020 (the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in Poland) and March-October 2021 (renewed tightening of sanitary restrictions in Poland). The differences between the given periods were statistically analyzed.ResultsAt the time of the study, the respondents felt mainly anxiety related to the possibility of contracting COVID-19, the possibility of infecting a loved one, or staying in quarantine. Anxiety was also caused by the vision of poorer access to health services. Along with the duration of the epidemic, the acceptance of neoplastic disease has decreased and the incidence of depressive symptoms has increased.ConclusionThe wellbeing of the respondents deteriorated significantly during the pandemic. The respondents, in their daily functioning, were mainly accompanied by anxiety. The risk of depression has increased and the acceptance of the disease has decreased significantly.

Exposure of domestic dogs and cats to ticks (Acari: Ixodida) and selected tick-borne diseases in urban and recreational areas in southern Poland

The public health problem of tick-borne diseases has attracted much attention in recent years due to an increasing incidence in humans and animals. The aim of this study was to compare the risk of exposure to ticks and tick-borne infections in dogs and cats in recreational and urbanized areas in the Lesser Poland and Silesian Provinces. For molecular testing for the presence of the selected pathogens, 207 I. ricinus females collected from 119 dogs and 50 cats, and 2 I. hexagonus females collected from 2 domestic dogs, were examined. Overall, A. phagocytophilum was found in 3.7% of the I. ricinus specimens, B. microti in 27.1%, and B. burgdorferi s.l. in 0.9%. In urban areas of both provinces, A. phagocytophilum was found in 4.8% of the I. ricinus specimens, B. microti in 41.6% andB. burgdorferi s.l. in 3.9%. Pathogens were detected B. microti in both studied I. hexagonus specimens. These findings may indicate the important role that these animals play in the circulation of these pathogens in nature.

Long-term outcomes in patients after left atrial appendage occlusion: The results from the LAAO SILESIA registry.

The benefits of oral anticoagulation (OAC) therapy are undeniable. However, such treatment is contraindicated in 2%-10% of patients. According to the latest guidelines, percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) may be considered in stroke prevention. We analyzed the data of patients from the Polish population, who had undergone LAAO procedures in the Silesian Province based on limited reports. The data from the SILCARD database of all patients who underwent LAAO between 2006 and 2019, and the data from the databases of the centers performing the procedures in the Silesian Province were included in the LAAO SILESIA registry. We analyzed the efficacy and safety of the procedure and its relationship with the occurrence of stroke and bleeding in the post-hospital follow-up. We analyzed 649 patients with the mean values of CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED scores of 4.1 and 3.2, respectively. The predominant indication for LAAO was a history of bleeding during OAC. The most frequent in-hospital major adverse cardiac events were anemia, which required blood transfusion (5.5%), and pericardial effusion, which was treated either conservatively (0.9%) or interventionally (1.2%). During hospitalization, stroke was detected in 4 patients and three patients died of any cause. LAAO reduced the annual risk of stroke by 84% and the annual risk of bleeding by 27%. Based on a "real-life" cohort of patients from the Silesian Province, we concluded that LAAO is related to low in-hospital major cardiovascular adverse events. In the long-term follow-up, LAAO reduced the rates of stroke and bleeding.

Transcatheter Versus Surgical Valve Replacement: A 24-months Propensity-matched Analysis of the SILCARD Registry.

BackgroundData concerning the comparison between transcatheter aortic valve implantation and surgical aortic valve replacement in a real-world setting are scarce and in Central and Eastern Europe no such data exist. In this study, we aimed at analyzing retrospectively the characteristics and outcome of patients with aortic stenosis treated either with surgical aortic valve replacement or transcatheter aortic valve implantation between 2006 and 2016 in the Silesian Province, Poland in a representative real-world cohort.MethodsIn the Silesian Cardiovascular Database we retrospectively identified 5186 patients who received either transcatheter aortic valve implantation or surgical aortic valve replacement in 1 of 3 tertiary cardiovascular centers. Baseline characteristics, including relevant clinical history, and outcomes were compared before and after propensity-score matching of both groups, with 348 pairs of patients constituting the propensity-matched study cohort. The primary end-point was 24-month all-cause mortality. ResultsPreoperative characteristics of propensity-matched groups were similar. There was no difference between transcatheter aortic valve implantation and surgical aortic valve replacement groups with respect to the death rate at 2 years (19.9% vs. 15.6%; P = .479). In the transcatheter aortic valve implantation group, cardiac resynchronization therapy devices were more frequently implanted after the procedure (3.7% vs. 0.0, P < .001). The groups had similar rates of myocardial infarction, stroke, and re-hospitalization. Hospital stay in the matched groups was shorter after transcatheter aortic valve implantation: 14.1 versus 15.7 days (P < .001).ConclusionsAt 24 months, transcatheter aortic valve implantation patients had similar outcomes as surgical aortic valve replacement except for a higher rate of cardiac resynchronization therapy device implantation and shorter hospital stay.

Multigene characterization of 'Candidatus Phytoplasma ulmi'‐related isolates associated with elm yellows disease of Ulmus minor Mill. in Poland

Abstract‘Candidatus Phytoplasma ulmi’, associated with elm yellows, shoot proliferation and dieback of elm (Ulmus) species trees was reported in United States of America and in many European countries. Until now its presence in elm trees in Poland has not been detected. In 2017–2018, during visual inspection of elm trees grown in four areas of southern Silesia Province leaf yellowing, shoot proliferation, phloem necrosis and dieback of branches were observed on European field elm trees grown in nature reserve close to the border with the Czech Republic. Phloem tissue from shoots collected from six symptomatic and twenty asymptomatic trees was used for extraction nucleic acids. Nested PCR with primer pairs amplifying 16Sr RNA sequences of phytoplasmas resulted in specific products for samples from six symptomatic trees however the restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and phylogenetic analyses of the sequenced products did not allow to clearly classify newly detected isolates within the elm yellows group (16SrV). The isolates found in Poland clustered on the boundary of the 16SrV‐A and 16SrV‐C ribosomal subgroups. Sequence analyses of less conservative genes rpl22‐ rps3 and secY confirmed the affiliation of the phytoplasma isolates found in Poland to ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma ulmi’; however, the significant nucleotide changes in signature sequences for all three genes were shown compared with EY1T reference strain. Surprisingly, the newly detected isolates shared a common origin and were phylogenetically closer to EY1‐SRB and EY10‐SRB strains from Serbia as well as NK16 strain from Croatia strains than to the EYCZ1 strain from the Czech Republic. This is the first report on detection and molecular characterization of ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma ulmi’ in Poland based on sequence analysis of three genetic locus.

Mites occurring in farm buildings as allergic agents and indicators in forensic analyses

Storage mites, especially several species in the families Acaridae, Glycyphagidae, and Chortoglyphidae are commonly found in farming and occupational environments. They are a source of clinically important allergens, and may also have a significant impact on forensic analyses. They may be of use in forensic situations, particularly as allergenic taxa, in relation to workers who are occupationally exposed to mites. Additionally, because many of them are present through all stages of vertebrate decomposition, they may provide valuable information as indicators of time and circumstances of death. This study aimed to investigate the possible occurrence and abundance of allergenic mites in farm buildings, as well as to examine and analyse collected material samples in relation to forensic medicine. A total of 58 samples from 15 farms in the Żywiecki district (Silesian Province, Poland) were examined as potential sources of allergenic mites in farm buildings with a special reference to forensic acarology. Mites were found in all the examined samples. A total of 4,473 specimens were isolated and 22 mite species were identified. Most of them were found in barns and pigsties. The species composition of the acarofauna was varied across the particular types of farm buildings examined. Generally, the dominant species were representatives of families Acaridae and Glycyphagidae (Astigmatina). This knowledge may be useful in a variety of cases or situations in the field of forensic medicine.

A forgotten shield boss from Brodno, Lower Silesia, Poland. A contribution to the study of Roman influences in ‘barbarian’ armament in the Roman period

In the National Archives in Wrocław, in the Department of the Province of Silesia are kept documents about the protection and conservation of historical monuments, and specifically information on archaeological finds from the areas around the town of Środa Śląska (German: Neumarkt). One of those artefacts was an iron shield boss of the Roman period, found at the cremation cemetery belonging to the Przeworsk Culture in Brodno, Lower Silesia. It is most probably of Scandinavian origin, and is closely related to the finds from Scandinavia and the Black Sea coast, but the form of the shield boss confirms the Roman inspiration behind ‘barbarian’ military equipment. Chronologically the boss from Brodno should be placed within phase C1b, i.e. roughly in the mid-3rd century A.D. The analogies from other sepulchral sites suggest that the boss might have been an element in the inventory of a well-equipped warrior, perhaps a member of a travelling band. The presence of such an artefact in a cemetery of the Przeworsk culture in the Oder river basin is proof of intense contacts between various communities which inhabited vast areas of “barbaric” Europe between the Baltic and the Black Sea at that time.

Birds breeding in the urban centre of Gliwice (Silesian province) in the years 2016–2017 and the changes of breeding bird communities in Polish town centres at the turn of 20th and 21st century

Birds breeding in the urban centre of Gliwice (Silesian province) in the years 2016–2017 and the changes of breeding bird communities in Polish town centres at the turn of 20th and 21st century

Wiatr z Północy. Dyskursywne konstruowanie Heimat na przykładzie gmachu dawnej Królewskiej Szkoły Rzemiosł Budowlanych w Katowicach i jego wystroju

Wind from the North: The Discursive Construction of Heimat Exemplified by the Edifice of the Former Royal School of Building Crafts (Königliche Baugerwerkschule) in Katowice and its Decoration The paper examines the edifice of the former school of building crafts (Baugewerkschule) in Katowice, Upper Silesia, which opened in 1901, and its decoration. The works of architecture, painting and sculpture were interpreted as carriers of a discourse calculated to construct Heimat, located within the borders of the Prussian Silesian Province. The building’s forms, reminiscent of the brick Gothic of northern Germany, were characteristic of the milieu of the Technische Hochschule in Hannover, where the designers of the edifice were educated. The city’s coat of arms was depicted on the facade, the vaulted ceiling of the auditorium was decorated with dragon and gryphon motifs of Scandinavian origin, and its walls painted with images of St. Hedwig ‒ the patron saint of Silesia, viewed here as a deconfessionalized personification of the land ‒ the Prussian eagle, and four iconic monuments of historic Silesian architecture. Thus, references were made to various levels of identity ‒ local, regional, national, and the mythologised Germanic North. The narrative constructed in this way fits into the cultural nationalism of the educated German bourgeoisie (Bildungsbürgertum), which grows out of the Romantic tradition. At the same time, the emphasis on the opposition of the North and South can be seen as a strategy for overcoming the peripheral status of Silesia in a world organised by the West-East axis. The school’s building in Katowice exemplifies how the elites of the German Empire used visual means to construct modern imagined communities.

Using meteorological data to estimate heat stress of construction workers on scaffolds for improved safety standards

The analysis of susceptibility of construction workers to heat stress, the results of which are presented in this paper, was an important research module of the large research project focused on safety of workers on construction sites. The paper assesses the possibility of using different sets of data gathered in full scale on the scaffolding and on the meteorological station to estimate the heat stress of people working on scaffolding. The main purpose is to check if the use of public data from meteorological stations can provide reliable estimation. A simplified formula of Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI*) is used in analyses. The values of UTCI* calculated on the basis of two sets of input parameters are compared to each other and analysed. The measurements and UTCI* calculations are presented for 24 scaffolding structures located in Poland in Łódź and Lower Silesian provinces. Test results based on construction sites and meteorological stations data are different, but statistical analysis shows their correlation. A stronger correlation occurs for scaffolding structures located in Łódź province, while it is weaker for the results obtained in Lower Silesian province. The results show the possibility of simplified evaluation of comfort/discomfort of people working on scaffolding on the basis of publicly available environmental data measured at meteorological stations.

Clay mineralogy fingerprinting of loess-mantled soils on different underlying substrates in the south-western Poland

Loess may be integrated into slope deposits at different soil depths and may influence related physical, chemical and mineralogical soil properties. Therefore, tracking the border between deposited loess and underlying materials and estimating the depth of loess penetration is a challenge. Five soils from the Lower Silesia province in south-western Poland having different types of geologic substrate and being covered by loess deposits of various thicknesses were chosen to: 1) trace the origin of phyllosilicates in these heterogeneous soils (loess vs. underlying bedrock); 2) determine the influence of the geologic substrate and the loess mantle on clay mineral transformation in the soil; and 3) relate clay mineralogical traits to soil morphology. The loess consisted of long-distance and local aeolian sources as shown by the Ti/Zr ratios and heavy mineral composition. Geochemical and mineralogical traces of loess were easily detected in the mixed zone and in part also in the basal layer. The loess deposits are characterised by mica, chlorite, kaolinite, interstratified mica-vermiculite or hydroxy-interlayered vermiculite, vermiculite and a minor amount of smectite. Aeolian silt admixture was an important source of chlorite at all sites. The vertical distribution of mica indicated two types of sources — loess input and substrate. Smectite, however, has mostly been inherited from the underlying bedrock (serpentinite, glacio-fluvial deposits and basalt slope sediment) or was formed in the soils from mica or chlorite. Where present in the loess, smectite was only found in small amounts. The presence of kaolinite, HIV and mixed layered mica-vermiculite could be derived either from aeolian input or neoformation and thus actively occurring mineral (trans)formation reactions. Similar to mica, vermiculite was derived from both aeolian input and the geological substrate. The widespread loess deposits in this region rejuvenated the soil formation process, as evidenced by their mineralogical and chemical composition.

Personality Type D, Level of Perceived Stress, Insomnia, and Depression Among High School Teachers in Poland.

Teaching is inherently connected with specific burdens that may imply stressful situations. The goal of this study was to explore the prevalence of type D (distressed) personality in teachers. This is known to cause depressive episodes and sleep disorders, which not only have direct physical health effects, but can also impact the wellbeing of individuals and hence adversely affect their job performance. The participants consisted of 412 high school teachers from the Silesian Province, located in the south of Poland. Using the following research tools: Type D Scale (DS14), Perceived Stress Scale, Athens Insomnia Scale, and Beck Depression Inventory, it was found that type D personality was observed in a large percentage of teachers (30.1%). It was reported that teachers with distressed personality suffered from insomnia and depression significantly more often. Findings from the current study indicate the need to implement preventive activities focused on reducing psychosocial risk factors in the work environment in order to reduce the frequency of depressive disorders among teachers.

Direct analysis of wines from the province of Lower Silesia (Poland) by microplasma source optical emission spectrometry

New microplasma source optical emission spectrometry (OES) for the determination of Na, K, Mg, Ca, and Zn in wine was developed. As the microplasma source, a solution anode glow discharge (SAGD) or a solution cathode glow discharge (SCGD) were employed. The diluted samples solutions (0.5–2%) were directly analyzed (no acid digestion required) and the detection limits of Na, K, Mg, Ca, and Zn were 0.015, 0.03, 3, 12, and 0.1 µg L−1, respectively. The developed method was used for the analysis of wine samples from the province of Lower Silesia (Poland). It was found that 1) red wines were characterized by a higher content of K and Mg, 2) it was possible to discriminate between Regent and Pinot Noir grape varieties (both red) by the concentrations of K and Ca, 3) the concentration of Na in the analyzed wines was lower than that found in wines from other European countries.

The Role and the Importance of Social Capital in the Green Transition of an Industrialized Region during Crisis Economy

Purpose: The objective of the presented study is to diagnose the readiness of Polish society for a economic transition. Design/Methodology/Approach: The primary research methods applied in this article are analyzing domestic and foreign subject literature, strategic documents, and available statistical data. In order to better illustrate the issue of the social capital significance for the transition, a survey was used among the inhabitants of the Silesian Province. The survey was conducted as part of the statutory research of the Department of Social and Economic Policy at the University of Economics in Katowice at the turn of 2019/2020. Using the questionnaire survey method, the study was carried out by a specialized research unit of the University of Economics in Katowice: Research and Development Centre. It was conducted based on a sample of 300 inhabitants of the province. Findings: The survey performed among the inhabitants of the Silesian Province allowed for assessing the current level of environmental awareness. Analyzing the research results, it can be concluded that nature, as an essential value, exists in the minds of the inhabitants of the Silesian Province. Nonetheless, this awareness is not necessarily related to the readiness to act for the benefit of nature protection. The indicated state of affairs is a vital challenge in terms of environmental education of the province's inhabitants under study, especially in the implementation of the Regional Just Transition Plan for the Silesian Province 2030. Practical Implications: The results of research and analyses presented in the article may be helpful in the context of the implementation of green transition programs in Poland, especially the Regional Just Transition Plan for the Silesian Province 2030. Originality/Value: So far, the issues discussed in this study (especially about the Silesian Province) have not been the subject of broader interest in the economic literature. The research results shown in the text have not been previously published.

Chemical and mineral composition of ashes from wood biomass combustion in domestic wood-fired furnaces

The paper presents the results of studies on ashes produced from burning wood biomass in closed wood-fired furnaces, in individual household furnaces (Silesian Province, Poland). Dry sieve analysis and detailed granulometric analysis were performed with the Analysette 22 Micro Tec plus analyser. Content of the basic elements (Al, Si, P, Na, K, Mg, Ca, Fe) and potentially toxic elements (As, Pb, Cd, Zn, Cu, Ni, Cr, Hg) was determined by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Relative enrichment factors (REFs) were calculated for the elements (Pb, Cd, Zn, Cu, Ni, As, Hg, and Cr), and the emissions (E) of Pb, Cd, Hg, and As to the environment were estimated. The carbon content (40.2%–45.8%), H (3.7%–6.1%), O (46.2%–50.2%), N (0.12%–0.32%), and S (0.11%–0.96%) in wood biomass varies and depends on the wood species and drying period. The content of volatile parts in wood biomass ranges between 69.3 and 81%. Ash content varies between 2.6 and 18.3%. The wood calorific value ranges from 13.6 MJ/kg to 17.4 MJ/kg. Moisture content in the wood biomass ranges from 13.7% (briquette) to 46.7% (fresh birch). Identification of mineral composition and phases yields a high share of calcite, monetite, fairchildite, and quartz in the examined ashes. The combustion of wood biomass in fireplaces results in increased emissions of Pb and Cd to the atmosphere and may be the cause of introducing pollutants to waters and soils during ash storage.

A remarkable teratological case in Carabus violaceus L. (Coleoptera: Carabidae) from Poland

Background and purpose: Teratological cases in insects can be of different characteristic, quite often they are bifurcations, for example of antennal segments or parts of the legs. The aim of this paper is to report a remarkable case of leg duplication in Carabus violaceus L. Materials and methods: In the context of an interdisciplinary monitoring in the frame of a conservation project on the European bison (Bison bonasus (L.)) in Poland the carabid fauna (Carabidae) on areas grazed by this species was studied using pitfall traps in the Pszczyna forest, located in Silesia Province, to the south of the town Tychy. The traps were located inside a mixed fresh coniferous forest, with domination of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.). Results: Among the carabids gathered a remarkable teratological female specimen of the species Carabus violaceus L. with repeated anatomical duplications on the right front leg was collected. Conclusions: The repeated incident of bifurcation suggest a genetic base of the teratology. An increased rate of teratological cases may have potential as bioindicator.

Analysis of nutritional status of children aged 10–13 in selected areas of the Silesian Province of Poland and assessment of their parents’ knowledge on child nutrition guidelines

Aim of the study: In this study, we analysed the nutritional status of children aged 10–13 years living in selected areas of the Silesian Province of Poland and assessed their parents’ knowledge of dietary guidelines. Materials and methods: The study was conducted in a group of parents of children aged 10–13 years in selected primary schools in the Silesian Province, Poland. Approximately 1,000 paper copies of an originally developed questionnaire were distributed among the respondents. The survey included questions about children’s anthropometric measurements, family structure and parents’ knowledge of guidelines regarding their children’s nutrition and physical activity. Statistical analysis was performed on 589 questionnaires. Results: The problem of obesity was present in 26.35% of children, while 16.44% were found to be overweight. In the study group, 21.84% of children were undernourished. Approximately half of parents know that a balanced child diet should consist of at least five meals a day. Only 7% of parents are aware of the appropriate level of milk and dairy product consumption by children, less than 9% of daily fruit and vegetable consumption and more than 51% of the combined consumption of meat, fish and eggs. On average, one in three parents do not know what the recommended share of the basic nutrients in the daily energy intake of a child is. More than half of the surveyed parents do not know the calorific value of fat, carbohydrates, protein, ethyl alcohol and fibre. Over 43.4% of the respondents know that a child should have 30–60 minutes of moderate physical activity daily. Conclusions: The knowledge of basic guidelines regarding nutrition and physical activity of children aged 10–13 years from selected areas of the Silesian Province among their parents is insufficient. Parents do not have the necessary knowledge regarding the recommended quantity and quality of food eaten by their children. It is necessary to implement educational programmes in primary schools addressed to both pupils and their parents.

The analysis of the degree of 10\u201313-year-old children\u2019s nutrition, dietary habits and physical activity in the selected rural and urban areas of Silesian Province (Poland)

BackgroundThe nutrition disorders in the children’s population, in the form of malnutrition, as well as overweight and obesity constitute a significant clinical problem in the contemporary world. As a result of the improper way of children’s nutrition, their physical and mental development becomes dysfunctional, which leads in their adult life to serious health consequences, among others, complications of cardiovascular system, metabolic and endocrinological and disorders, improper development of osteoarticular system and mental diseases and social withdrawal.ResultsFive hundred eighty-nine parents of children aged 10–13 participated in the survey questionnaire, where 304 respondents were constituted by girls (51.61%); however, the remaining 285 people were represented by boys (48.39%). It turned out that overweight and obesity concern approximately 44% of respondents; however, approximately 22% of children have too low body weight in relation to age and sex. While analysing dietary habits, it was observed that main meals are not consumed by all children; breakfast is consumed by approximately 90% of respondents, packed lunch just by 70% and lunch and supper by 90% of respondents. In the course of subsequent analyses, it turned out that over ¾ of respondents declared that their child drinks mineral water every day, only approximately 44% of them drink milk every day; however, almost 18% of children reach for sweet drinks. Children eat sweet or salty snacks too often (over 55% every day or several times a week), resigning from consuming fruit and vegetables (just half of respondents every day), fish and brown bread (below 30% of children eat these products less than once a week); every fifth child dedicates less than 3 h to physical activity, 39% of respondents do exercise from 3 to 5 h a week, the next 25% from 5 to 10 h.ConclusionsIt was observed in the analysed population that over half of them struggle with the degree of nutrition disorders in the form of overweight and obesity or malnutrition. We may conclude, based on the obtained results, that children have inappropriate dietary habits, consuming too small quantities of fruit and vegetables, brown bread, fish and drinking improper quantities of water and milk. Repeatedly, they replace these full-value products by consuming sweets and salty snacks and by drinking sweet drinks, they also more and more often reach for processed food in fast food bars. What is worrying, it was also observed that in the analysed population, children dedicate too little of their free time to physical activity and additional physical activities.

Energy-Related Behaviour of Consumers from the Silesia Province (Poland)—Towards a Low-Carbon Economy

The issue of energy behaviour among Polish consumers, and especially the motives and attitudes they manifest, is relatively under-researched. This article attempts to identify individual attitudes and beliefs of energy consumers using the example of the residents of the province of Silesia (Poland). The authors conducted the expert segmentation of respondents in terms of their motivation for saving energy, based on the results of their proprietary survey. The second stage of the study involved using a classification model that allowed for the characterisation of the obtained groups. Psychological and financial factors were of greatest significance, which is confirmed by the results of other studies. Nonetheless, the obtained results explicitly indicate the specificity of the region, which requires transformation towards a low-emission economy. Despite the initial stage of changes both in the awareness of the consumers and the public interventions of the authorities, it should be emphasized that a majority of the respondents—at least to a basic extent—declared taking energy-saving measures. Financial motives are predominant among the respondents, although pro-environmental motives can also be noticed, which might translate into increased involvement and concern for the environment and climate.