Southeast Poland Research Articles

The atmospheric circulation conditions of the occurrence of heatwaves in Lublin, southeast Poland

Characteristics of heatwaves in Lublin in the years 1951–2015, along with a description of the circulation conditions of heatwaves, are discussed in this paper. A heatwave is defined as the occurrence of at least 3 consecutive days with an air temperature Tx > 30 °C. It can be affected by circulation patterns, which are presented in the form of average distribution maps (i.e. sea level pressure and air temperature in the lower troposphere over the European continent). The occurrence of heatwaves in Lublin is determined by anticyclone stagnation to the east of Poland as well as the surface low‐pressure gradient patterns located over western and central Europe. In recent years, the recorded numbers of days with Tx > 30 °C and the persistence of hot weather have increased (compared to the period 1971–1990). Moreover, extreme values (i.e. when Tx > 35 °C) are observed more frequently in contrast with previous decades.

Television viewing time among statin users and non-users. The Polish Norwegian Study (PONS).

Sedentary behavior has emerged as an independent cardiovascular disease risk factor. Uncertainty exists about the behaviors of statin users, who may exhibit either a healthy adherer or a false reassurance effect. We conducted this study in order to assess and compare TV viewing among statin users and nonusers.We used data from a cross-sectional study of 12,754 participants, from south-east Poland, age 45 to 64 years in 2010–11. Statin use during last 30 days was recorded by trained nurses. Participants reported time spent viewing TV/week.There were 1728 (13.5%) statin users of which 628 (36.34%) had cardiovascular diseases. The prevalence of viewing TV ≥ 21 h/week was higher among statin users (29.72%) compared to non-users (23.10%) and remained 15% higher after adjusting for age, sex, education, smoking, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and other chronic diseases (prevalence ratio, PR 1.15, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.25). We found a similar pattern in both those with and without prevalent cardiovascular disease.In conclusion, we found a higher prevalence of prolonged TV-viewing among statin users than non-users. Future studies are needed to explore innovative behavioral interventions and patient counseling strategies to reduce TV viewing among statin users.

Vector and Serologic Survey for Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus in Poland.

In contrast to animals, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) causes a severe disease in humans with a high mortality rate. The etiological agent, CCHF virus (CCHFV), can be transmitted by argasid and ixodid ticks, but arachnids of the genus Hyalomma, followed by Rhipicephalus and Dermacentor serve as the major vectors of this virus. The goal of the study was to assess the epidemiological situation of CCHFV infection in cattle in south-east Poland, and survey for potential tick vector species. A total of 592 bovine blood samples from animals located in the southernmost region in Poland were tested by IgG sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Ticks (n = 993) from south-east Poland were collected from dogs, cats, cattle, and horses and tested by RT-PCR. All 592 serum samples were negative for IgG antibodies to CCHFV. Of the ticks collected, 125 were Dermacentor reticulatus and 868 represented Ixodes ricinus, both species are regarded as potential vectors of CCHFV. All tick samples were negative for the presence of CCHFV. Considering the zoonotic nature, public health importance, and the virus increasing spread, it was prudent to assess the seroprevalence of CCHFV in the south-east area of Poland, bordering with CCHFV endemic areas. It seems unlikely that CCHFV infection will suddenly spread in Poland, but considering the multiple possibilities of the virus introduction, serosurveys and vector biosurveillance should be conducted at regular intervals.

Knowledge on neoplastic diseases among young rural inhabitants

The objective of the study was to analyze the level of knowledge on tumours and their prevention among rural inhabitants. The research involved 500 residents of villages in Podkarpackie Province in south-east Poland. The age of the researched ranges from 18-30 years; mean age - 26.96±0.84 (range [18, 30], median 25.95%CI [18, 9, 29, 01]). The researched group was represented in 47.59% by women in 52.41% by men. In order to obtain the research material, a standardized questionnaire was applied which included questions focused mainly on assessment of the level of knowledge on tumours (causes, symptoms, ways of treatment, prevention), as well as questions with both spontaneous and prompted answers. 34.72% of respondents confirmed the occurrence of tumours in their family; the most frequently occurring was a lung tumour (9.4%). While assessing the degree of relationship it was proved that among parents' of the respondents, neoplastic disease had occurred in 3.22% of cases, and in 22.36% of cases it affected grandparents. In self-assessment, a low level of knowledge was indicated by 35.35% of respondents: average by 30.45%, hard to determine by 32%, while 2.18% stated that their level of knowledge was high. The most frequently enumerated risk factors were: smoking (36.61%), improper diet (15.03%), and improper lifestyle (9.83%). UV radiation was a risk factor for 16.18%; however, a solarium only for 1.93% of respondents. For 37.94%, a medical examination was a diagnostic method in neoplastic disease. According to self-assessment, every third respondent stated having a low or average level of knowledge. The most frequently used source of knowledge was the Internet, and much more rarely a doctor or a nurse. Very few of the respondents could enumerate the tests applied in the early detection of neoplastic diseases.

Applying numerical modeling for designing strategies of effective groundwater remediation

Selection of effective groundwater remediation scenarios is a complex issue that requires understanding of contaminants’ transport processes. The effectiveness of cleanup measures may be verified by fate and transport numerical modeling. The goal of this work was to present the usefulness of fate and transport modeling for planning, verification and fulfillment of effective groundwater remediation methods. Selection methodology was developed, which is based on results of numerical flow and transport modeling. A field site located in south-east Poland was selected as a case study, in which groundwater contamination of trichloroethene and tetrachloroethene was detected. The results indicated that “pump and treat” was the most effective among the studied remediation methods, followed by permeable reactive barrier and in situ chemical oxidation. Natural attenuation-based remediation was demonstrated to be the least suitable, as it requires the longest time to reach predefined remediation goals, principally due to low sorption capacity and unfavorable hydrogeochemical conditions for biodegradation. Fate and transport numerical modeling allowed simulating different remediation strategies, and thus the decision-making process was facilitated.

Rapid strip tests as a decision-making tool about antibiotic treatment in children – A prospective study

BackgroundAlthough three quarters of seasonal infections of the upper respiratory tract in children are of viral etiology, majority of the patients are unnecessarily prescribed antibiotics despite the availability of rapid diagnostic tests differentiating between infections. This study aimed to assess the relation between the use of rapid strip tests which detect the antigens of group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes) in pharyngitis and/or tonsillitis and the frequency of antibiotic use in children and adolescents aged 2–15 years. MethodsThe data were collected from 1307 children from the region of southeast Poland who then were divided into a sample group (n=581) in which patients received a rapid strip test before treatment plan was established by the physician, and into a control group (n=726) in which the decision whether to administer an antibiotic was made without the use of the rapid test. Based on statistical decision-making method, a pharmacoeconomic analysis of costs and effectiveness of strip tests was performed. ResultsThe use of the rapid strip test resulted in identifying the streptococcal infection in 31.7% of children and allowed to lessen the antibiotic use by 5.1%. The number of follow-up visits decreased (86.4% vs. 96.0%) and the anticipated cost of treatment decreased by 17%. ConclusionsRapid diagnostic tests used by the family physicians in initial diagnostics of seasonal upper respiratory tract infections in children allowed to differentiate between the type of infection as well as reduce the number of follow-up visits. Also, the antibiotic spending reimbursed by the insurer decreased by 17%.

Differentiation of vulnerability to parasitic infections in various breeds of sheep in the Lubelskie region

The aim of the study was to compare the prevalence and intensity of parasitic invasions between Uhruska sheep (a local breed protected in a genetic resources protection program) and two synthetic sheep lines: BCP and SCP. The sheep were kept in the same flock in a combined indoor-pasture management system with unified feeding and environmental conditions. The observed farm is located in south-east Poland. The study animals were 210 mother ewes of similar age (Uhruska breed – 70 sheep, synthetic prolific-meat BCP line – 70 sheep, SCP synthetic line – 70 sheep). The study material was faeces collected from the rectum of every mother ewe in autumn (November), winter (January), spring (April) and summer (June). On the basis of the obtained results, the following parasites were detected: Eimeria spp. and nematodes from the family Trichostrongylidae, as well as the genera Capillaria and Nematodirus. It was shown that in almost all cases the invasion intensity was similar, while the prevalence of parasitic invasion was significantly lower in local Uhruska breed sheep than in synthetic lines. This could stem from the better adaptation of the animals to the environmental conditions. The results of the observations indicate a need for further studies on the resistance of local breeds to parasitic invasions. The use of resistance breeds may be helpful in effective breeding work aimed at reducing the risk of infection. Such activity could lead to better growth and fewer deaths, which would certainly contribute to an improved profitability of sheep production.

Emergency interventions due to weather‐related hypothermia

This paper presents the analysis of medical rescue team interventions related to cases of hypothermia over the period 2008–2012 in a selected area of the Lublin Region, in southeast Poland. We compared the interventions to weather conditions, based on the bioclimatic Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI). This paper focuses on cases of hypothermia on days with at least slight cold stress, when the UTCI value is < 9°C. The results show that the most frequent interventions in cases of hypothermia are during relatively low heat load involving cold stress, corresponding with air temperatures (at low wind velocities) oscillating around zero (approximately ±5degC). Although we can prevent hypothermia and cold‐related diseases, even in the twenty‐first century there are people suffering due to cold. This paper contains advice for policymakers assisting the prevention of hypothermia in the most vulnerable groups of society.

The Cemetery of Tarnobrzeg Lusatian Culture in Korytnica 5/3, in the Southeast of Poland

The Cemetery of Tarnobrzeg Lusatian Culture in Korytnica 5/3, in the Southeast of Poland

Imprints of Natural Phenomena and Human Activity Observed During 10 Years of ELF Magnetic Measurements at the Hylaty Geophysical Station in Poland

Current human activity produces strong electromagnetic pollution. The power spectrum in the extremely low frequency (ELF, 3–3000 Hz) range is mainly polluted by anthropogenic narrow spectral lines at 16.66, 50, and 60 Hz and their harmonics. Meanwhile, signatures connected with natural phenomena appearing in the Earth’s atmosphere, ionosphere and magnetosphere are also observed in the same frequency range. This paper presents the amplitude behaviour of the anthropogenic lines in the years 2005–2014 based on the 10 years of activity of the Hylaty station situated in southeast Poland. The analysis includes, i.a., an assessment of the correctness of the choice of the Bieszczady mountains as a location for the installation of an ELF station for long-term geophysical and climatological studies.

Application of GIS and Remote Sensing Techniques in Multitemporal Analyses of Soil Properties in the Foreland of the Carpathians

The paper presents a spatial and temporal analysis of the distribution of the soil salinity and its pH level of south-east Poland depending on selected environmental factors. The area under examination (Carpathian Foredeep, Carpathians flysch) is distinguished by its specific hydrological and geological conditions (the Vistula and the San valley). The research works were performed in relation to parameters that had been measured in-situ in 1995, 2000, 2005, and 2010. Using specialist GIS software, proper interpolation procedures were performed, which enabled visualization in the form of raster and vector maps for the spatial distribution of the examined soil properties. Moreover, an analysis of remote sensing data was completed. Based on the analysis, it was discovered that the biggest changes in all examined soil parameters took place in 2010 - changes in the soil salinity and its pH level, as well as in the content of potassium (K) and sodium (Na). Those changes occurred mainly in the north and south parts of the examined area. The underlying reason for those changes might have been the flood, which hit the region in June 2010.

LABOUR INPUT IN POLISH AGRICULTURE AGAINST SIZE OF AGRICULTURAL HOLDINGS - SPATIAL ANALYSIS*

The aim of this paper is to present the analysis of spatial diversifi cation in the labour input in agriculture on the basis of these selected indicators: annual work unit (AWU) per 100 ha agricultural acreage; number of people per AWU; and comparison of labour input to EU-15 standards (LI-EU). Agricultural holdings have been categorised by size into three groups: 0-10 ha (small), 10-20 ha (average), and over 20 ha (large). Labour resources were subject to a comparative study of the density rates of AWUs per 100 ha agricultural acreage in Poland and the EU (EU-15). The analysis covered all of Poland with consideration of the administrative division into sixteen voivodeships (tabular analysis) and 314 poviats (townships and country districts together, including regional offi ces of the Agency for Restructuring and Modernisation of Agriculture (ARiMR); cartographic analysis). The results of the Agricultural Census of 2010 were used in the study. It demonstrated a signifi cant spatial diversifi cation in labour input in agriculture in general and in each holding size group. Predominantly, the diff erences are related to historical and political factors. The analysis corroborated agrarian overpopulation in south-east Poland.

Rubus zielinskii (Rosaceae), a new species from Poland

Rubus zielinskii M. M. Wolanin & M. N. Wolanin, a new species from south-east Poland is described and illustrated. Rubus zielinskii is a tetraploid (2n=28) belonging to the series Sprengeliani based on morphology. It is most similar to Rubus sprengelii from which it differs in the inflorescence, being leafy to the apex, the larger flowers, paler colour of the vegetative stem and straighter prickles. The species occurs mostly along forest roads, ditches and forest edges. A species conservation assessment for Rubus zielinskii determines its threat status to be Least Concern.

Serological Survey for RHD Antibodies in Rabbits from Two Types of Rabbit Breeding Farms.

Seroprevalence studies of RHDV antibodies in domestic rabbits were conducted between 2008-2014. A total of 12,169 sera from the provinces of central, southern and south-east Poland, including 7,570 samples collected from mixed-breed rabbits reared in smallholder farms and nearly 4,600 sera taken mainly from unvaccinated rabbits kept in industrial farms, were examined using ELISA tests. Additionally, cross-reactivity of selected tested and control archival sera using both classic RHDV and RHDVa antigens was determined by HI assay. The overall seroprevalence was 13.3%. In rabbits with unkown history of immunisation or RHD infection which came from small farms, RHDV antibodies were detected in 6.1% ranging between 1.0% to 17.2% of animals. In rabbits of the same group, but with a declared vaccination status, or confirmed exposure to an infectious virus, or coming from exposed females, the seroprevalence ranged from 83% to 100%. Among unvaccinated meat rabbits aged 71 to 90 days from industrial farms, low (1.85%, 4.17%, 11%), medium (34%, 54%) or high rates (98.7%) of seropositivity were detected. The seroconversion recorded in adult vaccinated females from industrial farms was 70% and 95%. Generally, the antibody levels examined by ELISAs and HI were comparable. However, a number of sera from the rabbits from small farms, as well as archival sera, showed clear differences. Several-fold differences in antibody titers, evidenced mainly in the postoutbreak sera, indictaed the contact of animals with RHDVa antigen. The overall results of the survey revealed a great proportion of seronegative rabbits potentially highly susceptible to RHD infection. In combination with the emergence of a novel pathogenic RHD virus type (RHDV2), it poses a severe risk of a next wave of fatal disease cases spreading in the native population of domestic rabbits, especially in farms with a traditional system of husbandry.

Molecular Epidemiology of Streptococcus pneumoniae Isolates from Children with Recurrent Upper Respiratory Tract Infections.

A total of 125 isolates were recovered from adenoids and/or nasopharynx of 170 children aged 2 to 5 from south-east Poland; they had undergone adenoidectomy for recurrent and/or persistent symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections. Pneumococcal isolates were analyzed by phenotyping (serotyping and antimicrobial resistance tests) and genotyping together with the clonality of the pneumococcal isolates based on resistance determinants, transposon distribution and multilocus sequence typing (MLST). Serotypes 19F, 6B and 23F constituted 44.8% of the isolates. Among all of the strains, 44.8% showed decreased susceptibility to penicillin and resistance to co-trimoxazole (52.8%), tetracycline (38.4%), erythromycin (53.6%), clindamycin (52.8%) and chloramphenicol (27.2%) was observed. Tn6002 was found in 34.8% of erythromycin-resistant isolates while composite Tn2010—in 16.7% of erm(B)-carrying isolates that harboured also mef(E) gene. Tn3872-related elements were detected in 27.3% of erythromycin-resistant strains. In the majority of chloramphenicol-resistant catpC194-carrying isolates (79.4%), ICESp23FST81-family elements were detected. The genotyping showed that pneumococcal population was very heterogeneous; 82 sequence types (STs) were identified, and the most frequent contributed to not more than 8% of the isolates. Nearly 44% STs were novel, each of them was recovered only from one child. Four STs belonged to one of the 43 worldwide spread resistant pneumococcal clones currently accepted by Pneumococcal Molecular Epidemiology Network (PMEN), i.e. Spain 9V-3, Spain 23F-1, Norway NT-42 and Poland 6B-20, accounting for 12 (16.7%) of the 75 nonususceptible isolates, and five STs were single-locus variants of PMEN resistant clones (England 14–9, Spain 9V-3, Spain 23F-1, Greece 21–30, Denmark 14–32), accounting 9 (12%) of nonsusceptible isolates. A few MDR clones belonging to 6B and 19F serotypes found among preschool children emphasizes rather the role of clonal dissemination of local strains in the community than international clones spreading in the increase of resistance among pneumococcal strains.

Natural and anthropogenic indicators of fluvial system changes, the Bobrza Valley (Holy Cross Mts) as an example.

Abstract Transformations of a fluvial system are caused both by natural factors and human pressure. These factors model the system independently at different times and with different intensities or they affect it simultaneously. The aim of this study is to identify the transformation of the Bobrza river valley system occurring under natural conditions and that occurring under the influence of human activity. The identification was based on specific indicators The study was conducted in the valley mouth of the Bobrza River (Holy Cross Mountains), where three research sites were located. The investigation concerned the relief of the valley and the mineral and organic deposits. A wide range of research methods were used during the study e.g. analysis of LiDAR data, macronutrient analysis, and radioactive dating. The analyses enabled the natural and anthropogenic transformations of the Bobrza river system to be distinguished using the following indicators: morphometric and sedimentological characteristics of the palaeomeander (natural transformation), the sequence of mineral and organic deposits in exposures on the contemporary floodplain (natural and anthropogenic transformation) and transformation associated with the operation of a water mill (anthropogenic transformation). In addition, it is worth mentioning that the Bobrza channel is the location which has provided the only fossils of Juncus subnodulosus in south-east Poland.

The response of population and hybrid wheat to selected agro-environmental factors

The field experiment was conducted in the years 2011–2014 at three localities (Przeclaw, Dukla, Lubliniec) of south-east Poland with changing environmental conditions. Population cultivars (Batuta and Bogatka) and hybrid cultivars (Hybred and Hymack) of winter wheat and cultivation technologies (extensive, low-input, medium-input, high-input) were studied. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of cultivation technology levels and en vironmental conditions on the grain yield and protein composition in the grain of population and hybrid wheat cultivars. Higher grain yield, the contents of protein, gluten and fraction of gliadins and high molecular weight (HMW)-glutenins were observed in the case of wheat growing in gleic fluvisol and at precipitation of 453–776 mm than in haplic luvisol and at precipitation of 599–805 mm. The high-input technology affected an increase in grain parameters (yield, protein, gluten) and the amount of gluten proteins by 6.6 (medium-input) and by 26.5% (extensive). The population cv. Bogatka showed higher crude protein and gluten content, the grain yield amounted to 6.6 t/ha and the amount of gluten proteins was 51.7 mAU . s. The hybrid cv. Hymack was characterized by the high est grain yield (7.2 t/ha) but the lowest amounts of protein, gluten and allergenic subunits α/β, γ, ω-gliadins.

Multiculturalism in a Transnational Regional Community: EU Subsides and Cultural Heritage in Southeast Polad

The Bieszczady region of southeast Poland contains many traces of former multiethnic communities, and the transnational forces that destroyed them. With increasing frequency, the European Union logo marks EU involvement in cultural heritage projects throughout the region. In this article, I explore the interconnections among ethnicity, culture, and politics revealed in the ways Bieszczady residents make use of EU subsidies designated for the promotion of regional cultures. I argue that local agents cater to a vision of multiculturalism that bolsters EU values of cross‑border cooperation and tolerance for diversity, but they do so in pursuit of regional goals. Ethnographic examples show they want to increase regional pride and promote development of the regional tourist sector so that residents will feel less compelled to emigrate in search of employment. Although “transnational regional community” sounds like an oxymoron, it is an apt characterization of the Bieszczady region (and by extension other borderlands of the EU) because the transnational institution of the European Union provides the context in which particular kinds of regional identities become salient, albeit in multiple and fragmented ways.

Beaver ponds' impact on fluvial processes (Beskid Niski Mts., SE Poland)

Beaver (Castor sp.) can change the riverine environment through dam-building and other activities. The European beaver (Castor fiber) was extirpated in Poland by the nineteenth century, but populations are again present as a result of reintroductions that began in 1974. The goal of this paper is to assess the impact of beaver activity on montane fluvial system development by identifying and analysing changes in channel and valley morphology following expansion of beaver into a 7.5km-long headwater reach of the upper Wisłoka River in southeast Poland. We document the distribution of beaver in the reach, the change in river profile, sedimentation type and storage in beaver ponds, and assess how beaver dams and ponds have altered channel and valley bottom morphology. The upper Wisłoka River fluvial system underwent a series of anthropogenic disturbances during the last few centuries. The rapid spread of C. fiber in the upper Wisłoka River valley was promoted by the valley's morphology, including a low-gradient channel and silty-sand deposits in the valley bottom. At the time of our survey (2011), beaver ponds occupied 17% of the length of the study reach channel. Two types of beaver dams were noted: in-channel dams and valley-wide dams. The primary effect of dams, investigated in an intensively studied 300-m long subreach (Radocyna Pond), was a change in the longitudinal profile from smooth to stepped, a local reduction of the water surface slope, and an increase in the variability of both the thalweg profile and surface water depths. We estimate the current rate of sedimentation in beaver ponds to be about 14cm per year. A three-stage scheme of fluvial processes in the longitudinal and transverse profile of the river channel is proposed. C. fiber reintroduction may be considered as another important stage of the upper Wisłoka fluvial system development.

Spatial distribution and risk assessment of heavy metals in bottom sediments of two small dam reservoirs (south-east Poland)

Abstract Sediments of two dam reservoirs in SE Poland, Zalew Zemborzycki (ZZ) and Brody Iłżeckie (BI) were studied. The sediments from both reservoirs were sampled in the transects perpendicular to the shoreline, at the river inflow and the frontal dam. The total concentration of Mn, Zn, Pb, Cd, Cu, Cr and Ni was determined by ICP-EAS method after the sample digestion in the mixture of concentrated HNO3 and HClO4 acids. The statistical analyses: value intervals, mean values, variation coefficient, the median and the skewed distribution were performed. To estimate differences between the means for transects, Tukey’s test was applied with least significant difference (LSD) determination. The maps of the metal spatial distribution were drawn and sediment quality according to the geochemical and ecotoxicological criteria evaluated. Differences between the reservoirs in terms of heavy metals concentration in bottom sediments, and regularities in their spatial distribution were found. In the ZZ sediments the concentration was at the level of geochemical background (Zn, Cr), slightly (Cd, Cu, Ni) or moderately (Pb) contaminated sediments. The metal concentration in the sediments of the BI was up to eight times higher as compared to the ZZ. Moreover, sediments from the BI reservoir showed a greater variability of metal concentration than those from ZZ, which resulted from the dredging operation performed in the part of the reservoir. Metal concentration in sediments of the dredged part was ca. 2–5 times lower than in the undredged one, which indicates that after the dredging operation, accumulation of these metals was slight. The concentrations of Zn, Pb and Cd from the undredged part of BI were at the level of contaminated sediments and exceeded the probable effects level (PEL). In the ZZ, the greatest accumulation of metals occurred in the upper part of the reservoir and at the frontal dam, and the lowest in the middle part of the reservoir. In BI, the lower outflow of water in this reservoir caused a lower metal concentration in the sediments at the frontal dam, as compared with the other sediments in the undredged part of the reservoir. The results indicate that in small and shallow reservoirs, areas of accumulation of heavy metals depend on such factors as a parent river current, reservoir depth, water waving, reservoir shape (narrowing, coves/bays), and type of water outflow.