South Poland Research Articles

Experience of final exam stress from Polish high school students. The narrative of COVID-19 Pandemic Generation

Introduction: For many students worldwide, school achievements and final exams results are a significant challenge and are understood as determinates of their future college and university education, as well as their professional career. The COVID-19 pandemic not only forced schools to close and a ban on gatherings, but also introduced many new solutions and measures regarding the conduct of final exams, for which students had been preparing for years. In Poland, the government shut schools in 2020, two months before the usual time for final exams. This significant factor required modification in the manner and course of the final stage of preparation for the ‘maturity’ exam, which resulted in limited contact with teachers and peers, leading to intense emotions and personal challenges. Method: The study aim was to point out the specific COVID-19 stress experience of high school students who were on the verge of graduating. 120 high school students from South Poland [40 men (33%) and 80 women (66%), aged 18-19 years], who were preparing for the final high school exam in Poland in 2020, participated in the online survey. Phenomenological content analysis of the structured open-ended questionnaire was used. Results: It was found that the subjective experiences of students were mostly negative to Covid-19 restrictions and remote learning, expressed not only as negative emotions to the new, surprising, and hence fearful situation, but also as negative attitude s towards routine changes. The strong need to develop new adaptation mechanisms necessary to cope with the isolating circumstances was also explored. Conclussions: The study provides new supplements on mental health prevention (not only during pandemic) in students who were on the verge of graduating.

Bacterial communities inhabiting the ascomata of the ectomycorrhizal summer truffle (Tuber aestivum)

This paper continues the studies on the role of bacteria in the environment of summer truffle (Tuber aestivum), focusing on ascomata at three sites in the Nida Basin (southern Poland). Bacterial taxa and the number of OTU sequences identified were determined based on analysis of peridium and gleba collected in 2017 and 2018. The aim of the presented work is to learn the structure of bacterial communities associated with the ascomata of the summer truffle T. aestivum forming in specific stands in south Poland and fine roots of surrounding trees. Sanger DNA sequencing, and next-generation sequencing (NGS) were used. NGS sequencing platforms short-read (300 bases) was selected, using a MiSeq Illumina. The Kruskall-Wallis test was used for alpha diversity analysis and the PERMANOVA test for beta diversity. Alpha and beta biodiversity analyzes were performed using various indices (Chao1, Simpson, Shannon, Faith's phylogenetic, observed OTUs, Heip's evenness measure - alpha diversity; UniFrac, Jaccard, Bray–Curtis - beta diversity).The Sanger method identified six bacterial taxa that were dominant in the community: Bacillus (86.7 %), Pseudomonas (51.5 %), Stenotrophomonas (15.5 %), Paenibacillus (7.9 %), Rhizobium (7.3 %), and Chryseobacterium (8.5 %). In contrast, NGS results showed the dominance (at OTUs >10,000) of taxa: Bradyrhizobiaceae, Sphingobacteriaceae, Micrococcaceae, Yersiniaceae, Sphingomonadaceae, Rhizobiaceae, Flavobacteriaceae, and Comamonadaceae. The PERMANOVA test for the Bray-Curtis and Jaccard indices showed dissimilarities between samples from two of the sites with respect to beta diversity. Significant differences were found in the bacterial communities colonizing the ascomata of T. aestivum and in the root communities with T. aestivum ectomycorrhizae the purpose of this study. The results obtained may be helpful in selecting and monitoring sites suitable for the formation of ascomata of T. aestivum.

Risk analysis for groundwater in the area of the municipal waste landfill in Sosnowiec, South Poland

Abstract Risk assessment for groundwater allows for preventive activities in the field of environmental monitoring. The risk assessment for groundwater in the area of the municipal waste landfill in Sosnowiec was carried out using the Nemerov Index (NPI) and the Enrichment Index (EF), as well as a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis and a risk matrix. It was performed on the basis of the database from 2014-2019 for ten piezometers belonging to the landfill’s observation network. In the case of the risk matrix, 20 risks were identified regarding climatic conditions, landfill infrastructure and employees. The SWOT analysis considered the strengths and weaknesses of the facility as well as opportunities related to technological development and threats related primarily to the location of the facility within the landscape. The risk assessment indices were calculated for the following parameters: electrolytic conductivity, Na, Mg, K, Ca, Mn, Fe, TOC, HCO3, Cl, SO4, and NH4. The highest values of the NPI index exceeded 3,500 (in a single measurement), while for the EF index the values reached almost 500. These prove the impact of this facility on the quality of groundwater. However, hydrochemical background value and the value of the immobile parameter are also important. This article uses limit values for the first class of groundwater quality. The results of above mentioned methods indicate a medium risk to groundwater, and the opportunities and strengths of the facility outweigh the negative aspects of the plant’s operation. Further research should include the identification of additional risk factors and the likely response to risk.

Rocks in the medieval edifices of Małopolska (Lesser Poland; south Poland)

Rocks in the medieval edifices of Małopolska (Lesser Poland; south Poland)

New records of Colletes hederae Schmidt & Westrich, 1993 (Hymenoptera, Apiformes) in Poland

The ivy bee Colletes hederae was recorded in the west and south of Poland in September 2023. While C. hederae is expanding its range in Europe, these are most probably the first records of the species in this country. The two localities, Górzyca (at the Polish-German border) and Kraków (S Poland), are situated about 450 km apart from each other. This suggests that the species is colonising the territory of Poland simultaneously from Germany, as well as from the Czech Republic and/or Slovakia.

The colonial village of Radomierowice and its sacral buildings as an example of typical rural architecture during the Frederick colonization

The article presents an overview of half-timbered construction in Opole Silesia (south Poland). Its unique forms on the example of the church of N.M.P. in Radomierowice. It shows the genesis of the Prussian colonial style (log construction). Influence of colonial settlements and types of wooden folk architecture in Opole Silesia from the 17th century. The article presents an analysis of frame structures on the example of the church of N.M.P. in Radomierowice by architect Christian Isemer. Which were used in religious architecture during the Friderite colonization (the turn of the 18th and 19th centuries). Was presented a result of the analysis, the problem of the disappearance of the historical substance of monuments from the landscape of the Silesian countryside.

Diurnal migration of birds in the Carpathian Mountains – characteristics, barrier effect and comparison with other regions in Poland

Despite the development of technically advanced methods of studying bird migration, classical visual observations remain a source of valuable data allowing a broad analysis of the picture of diurnal migration at a given site. We employed visual observations to investigate the spatial and temporal pattern of diurnal migration of birds in the Polish part of the Carpathians. During autumns 2011-2013, 28 localities distributed over the area were surveyed by experienced observers, while 12 localities were researched in spring 2015. The data collected allowed the determination of passage intensity indices and the timing of migration for more than 100 species in autumn and about 70 species in spring. Mean passage intensity was more than 3 times higher in autumn than in spring, with the highest recorded in the first half of October and mid-March, respectively. Compared to autumn, the peak of diurnal migration was shifted to later hours in spring. The passage occurred primarily along the N-S axis, followed by the NE-SW axis. No consistent evidence of a barrier effect of the Carpathians – expressing as a reduction in passage intensity in intra-mountain locations or in higher elevated areas – has been detected in this study. The cluster analysis showed that the assemblage structure of migrants in the mountain regions located in the south of Poland (Carpathian Mts., Karkonosze Mts., Świętokrzyskie Mts.) were more similar to each other than to a region situated far to the north on the Baltic coast.

Remaining service time prediction for corroded shell of a steel tank used for liquid petroleum fuels storage

A numerical example allowing for effective forecasting of the remaining service time for corroded steel shell of a tank used to store liquid petroleum fuels is presented. This time is interpreted here as a period of time counted from the moment of an obligatory tank shell inspection to the moment of the anticipated shell failure understood as the loss of the capacity to safely resist the loads applied to it. Reaching the limit value of failure probability, i.e. the highest probability of failure acceptable to the tank user, is in this approach a determinant of such failure. The detailed considerations pertain to a typical on-the-ground storage tank equipped with a floating roof, located in one of fuel depots in the south of Poland. The forecast has been prepared based on measurements of the random thickness of tank shell weakened by corrosion and measured after 27 years of service time. In the recommended analysis fully probabilistic computational procedures have been applied. This led to a more credible and less conservative service time assessment than the one usually determined via the traditional standard approach. For comparative purposes qualitatively different but formally corresponding safety measures have been applied to describe the obtained results.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in water and bottom sediments of a shallow, lowland dammed reservoir (on the example of the reservoir Blachownia, South Poland)

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in water and bottom sediments of a shallow, lowland dammed reservoir (on the example of the reservoir Blachownia, South Poland)

The potential impact of land use changes on heavy metal contamination in the drinking water reservoir catchment (Dobczyce Reservoir, south Poland)

The potential impact of land use changes on heavy metal contamination in the drinking water reservoir catchment (Dobczyce Reservoir, south Poland)

Changes in the flow and quality of water in the dam reservoir of the Mała Panew catchment (South Poland) characterized by multidimensional data analysis

Changes in the flow and quality of water in the dam reservoir of the Mała Panew catchment (South Poland) characterized by multidimensional data analysis

Weigh-in-Motion Site for Type Approval of Vehicle Mass Enforcement Systems in Poland.

The need to protect road infrastructure makes it necessary to direct the mass enforcement control of motor vehicles. Such control, in order to fulfil its role, must be continuous and universal. The only tool currently known to achieve these goals are weigh-in-motion (WIM) systems. The implementation of mass enforcement WIM systems is possible only if the requirements for their metrological properties are formulated, followed by the implementation of administrative procedures for the type approval of WIM systems, rules for their metrological examination, and administrative regulations for their practical use. The AGH University of Krakow, in cooperation with the Central Office of Measures (Polish National Metrological Institute), has been conducting research in this direction for many years, and, now, as part of a research project financed by the Ministry of Education and Science. In this paper, we describe a unique WIM system located in the south of Poland and the results of over two years of our research. These studies are intended to lead to the formulation of requirements for metrological legalisation procedures for this type of system. Our efforts are focused on implementing WIM systems in Poland for direct mass enforcement. The tests carried out confirmed that the constructed system is fully functional. Its equipment with quartz and bending plate load sensors allows for the comparison of both technologies and the measurement of many parameters of the weighed vehicle and environmental parameters affecting weighing accuracy. The tests confirmed the stability of its metrological parameters. The GVW maximal measurement error does not exceed 5%, and the single axle load maximal measurement error does not exceed 12%. The sensors of the environmental parameters allow for the search for correlations between weighing accuracy and the intensity of these parameters.

HELiPOD—Revolution and evolution of a helicopter-borne measurement system for multidisciplinary research in demanding environments

The helicopter-borne measurement system HELiPOD is a platform for atmospheric and other environmental measurements to investigate local and regional phenomena. It can be operated in remote areas, as from a research vessel with a helicopter, without the need for a runway. This article presents the current design concept, technical details, and sensor package of HELiPOD, which was completely renewed for the deployment during the MOSAiC (Multidisciplinary drifting Observatory for the Study of Arctic Climate) expedition across the North Polar Ocean in 2019/2020. It was updated for the deployment in the methane campaigns METHANE-To-Go-Poland to study methane emissions from coal mines in South Poland, and METHANE-To-Go-Nordstream, a follow-up campaign to study methane emissions from the Baltic Sea after the NordStream pipeline leaks in 2022. The HELiPOD has the dimensions of 5.2 m × 2.1 m × 1.2 m and a weight of around 325 kg. It provides the possibility for flight patterns on a horizontal scale of typically 100 m–100 km and at altitudes from 10 m up to 3 km. HELiPOD employs distributed data acquisition and central data synchronization, equipped with sensors relevant to five fields of research: atmospheric dynamics, trace gases, aerosols, radiation, and surface properties. The focus of this article is the technical realization, in particular the data acquisition system for about 60 sensors, as well as concepts for energy supply and thermal management. It describes the complementary use of different measurement principles and redundant sensors for improved data quality. Operational procedures are also discussed.

Variability in the occurrence of thermal seasons in Poland in 1961–2020

AbstractThe article analyses the variability of thermal seasons in Poland in 1961–2020. Based on the average monthly air temperature values from 55 stations, the onset and end dates as well as the duration of the six thermal seasons were calculated. Taking into account the thermal thresholds of 0°C, 5°C and 15°C for each year, early spring, spring, summer, autumn, early winter and winter can be distinguished. A significant spatial differentiation of the dates of the beginning and duration of the thermal seasons in Poland was observed. The influence of continentalism (in the east) and oceanic climate (in the west) and the influence of the Baltic Sea are noticeable, and in mountainous regions, altitude above sea level is the main factor. The air temperature in Poland increases at the rate of 0.3°C–0.4°C/10 years. This causes significant changes in the occurrence and duration of the thermal seasons. An early beginning of early spring and spring was observed. Summer arrives earlier and is significantly longer, becoming the longest season of the year (above 110 days in the south of Poland). Autumn and early winter are delayed and get shorter, whereas winter comes much later. Throughout the country, winter is 44 days shorter, and in the north‐west it does not occur at all. Changes in the onset of thermal seasons are a clear indicator of progressing global warming. They have also a decisive impact on the environment and human activity.

Recognition of the flysch substrate using the electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) method to assess the effectiveness of the injection process

During the construction of a section of the S-7 Lubień – Rabka-Zdrój dual expressway, located in the area of the Carpathian flysch (Carpathian Flysch Belt, South Poland), damage to the embankment was observed, as well as cracks and depressions in the new pavement. An analysis of the geological and engineering conditions in the area of the road section under construction showed the existence of a complex tectonic structure of the flysch formations, a shallow groundwater table, and numerous landslides. In order to stabilize the road substrate, it was decided to carry out injections, and the locations of these injections were initially geotechnically tested. However, due to the high variability of the geological structure, the target method employed was electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), which performed the survey in two stages. In Stage I, the geoelectrical/geochemical structure of the near-surface zone was identified, and the probable causes of road damage were indicated. This stage was completed by performing the stabilization and sealing process of the ground with an injection mixture. In Stage II, studies were carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of the injection process. The ERT method effectively identified the shallow geological structure and, in particular, delineated the zone of strong fractures in the flysch and areas associated with faults. Using the electrical resistivity tomography method, it was also possible to determine the injection mixture’s approximate penetration depth and the loosening zone’s degree of filling.

Multiclass method to determine emerging pollutants in bats using a non-invasive approach based on guano matrix

Emerging pollutants have been ubiquitously found in environmental compartments, while there is scarce information about these substances and their effects on health status in wild terrestrial mammals. Bat species are very sensitive animals to any changes in the environment and are considered one of the best bioindicators of the quality of the environment to terrestrial wildlife. To acquire a better knowledge of the environmental exposure to these animals, a multiclass method is proposed to determine 20 emerging pollutants (six perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), four parabens (PB), four benzophenones (BP), a plasticizer (BPA), and five surfactants (four linear alkylbenzene sulfonates (LAS) and nonylphenol (NP)) in bats using a non-invasive approach based on guano matrix. Sample treatment involved ultrasonic solvent extraction and dispersive solid phase extraction prior to analysis in a single run with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The main variables affecting the extraction and clean-up steps were evaluated using single and multivariate strategies. Under the optimized conditions, satisfactory analytical characteristics in terms of linearity, recoveries (>80 %), precision (RSD < 24 %) and method quantification limits (from 0.01 to 64 ng/g dry weight) were obtained. Furthermore, and as a proof of concept, guano samples from a bat reference population were collected from a colony located in Brenna village, in south Poland. The results confirm the exposure of wild bats to emerging pollutants (LAS, PFAS, and PB compounds were frequently detected in the samples) and the suitability of the bat guano matrix for understanding the environmental exposure in terrestrial mammals.

Preferences of Young Adult Visitors to Manor Parks in South Poland: A Study on Ecosystem Services and Scenic Quality

Manor parks are characteristic cultural features in Polish agricultural landscapes. About 10,000 manor parks are estimated to exist in Poland, and due to their high natural, historic and scenic value, these features represent potential in terms of ecosystem services. To properly manage these sites, it is advisable to determine the preferences of its visitors. The present study presents the results of a quantitative survey based on a group of 352 young visitors to manor parks in south Poland. The results show that visitors with higher monthly incomes have a statistically significant higher awareness as far as caring for the authenticity and preservation of the natural and historical heritage of manor parks and forests. Conversely, for visitors with lower incomes, additional touristic promotion attractions (e.g., souvenirs, guided visits) are increasingly important. The results of the study provide an important basis of information for local authorities, as well as private owners, with regard to preserving the natural and historical values (which are closely connected with the scenic values) of these sites, as well as local tourism development. The values of nature, sustainability, tourism and the improvement of life quality are linked to the enhancement of manor parks, as these facilities are providers of ecosystem services.

The Activity of “Błyskawica” Partisans on the Polish–Slovak Borderland: Of Spisz and Orawa in the Years 1945–1947

After the Second World War the Polish-Slovak borderland became a zone of serious tensions. Particularly controversial is the activity of the Polish partisan group “Błyskawica”, led by Józef Kuraś “Ogień”. The soldiers are responsible for takings of private property and acts of violence carried out in villages in South Poland that were inhabited mostly by Slovaks. This paper – based mainly on the query at the Archives of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance – aims to present the scale and circumstances of those activities. The work takes wider historical context into account and uses selected anthropological and sociological theories. In this perspective, it seems justified to explain the analyzed events through the mechanism of revenge, widespread in the post-war period of anomie and crisis. Sources indicate that the Polish partisans’ actions from the years 1946–1947 were not attempts to pacify the Slovak separatists (although some authors claim so) but rather repressions for the earlier actions of members of that nation.

Usage Patterns, Exercise Motives, and Perceived Benefits and Limitations of Outdoor Gyms: A Case from a Provincial City in South Poland

Installing outdoor gyms (OGs) has become popular in many countries worldwide. To date, data about the perceptions and behaviours of its users are still being determined. Therefore, this study aimed to determine who and how uses the facilities and how their users perceive them. The sample comprised 1,036 exercisers aged 44.1±16.1 years. For over 85% of users, OGs are the facilities where they follow their planned exercise programme, with 56.2% declaring exercising solely there. The main perceived advantages of OGs are free-toaccess (42.6%) and outdoor location (40.4%), while disadvantages are dependence on the season (57.2%) and the technical condition of devices (24.9%). The predominant motive for using OGs is to maintain and improve their health (38.6%) and stay fit (27.9%). OGs are an essential alternative to indoor gyms in situations of limited availability under pandemic conditions. For many people, they are even the only place to exercise.

An Annotated Bibliography of Published Works Concerning the Culture of Wilamowice and the Wymysorys Language, 1945–2000 and 2020–2022

This paper, the second part of a comprehensive Vilamovian bibliography, contains a list of 89 publications (1945–2000 and 2020–2022) concerning the history, culture and language of Wilamowice, a small town in the south of Poland, populated by descendants of medieval colonists of Germanic origin. The town is well known for its unusual folk costume and the critically endangered minority language known as Wymysorys. Although the bibliography mainly covers academic works (monographs, book chapters and journal articles) and popular science publications, it also includes a section listing literary works published in Wymysorys. Each entry provides bibliographic information, keywords and a brief description of the publication. Additionally, links to online versions of the works are provided where possible.