Warsaw Region Research Articles

On City-Region Relations. Towards the Urban-Rural Region of Warsaw

Since 1989 Warsaw [Warszawa] has been marked by considerable functional change, accompanied by modernisation of its physical tissue. Yet, there are some factors that can retard Warsaw’s future development. Among them, the most important appears to be the persisting social and economic disparities between the city and its surrounding region. This problem is discerned in strategic spatial policy documents and tends to be addressed in two ways: One of these aims at the generation of spill-over of economic activity towards the peri-urban zone and an enlargement of the city labour market via investment in transportation infrastructure. Another approach is to promote functional polycentricity at the regional level by focusing on the development of the so-called sub-regional centres – several medium-sized cities situated within the radius of ca. 100–120 kilometres from Warsaw, with the goal of strengthening interurban, intra-regional linkages. In this paper some limitations of the above-mentioned approaches are exposed, and an alternative path for the evolution of the city-region relations is outlined, based on the concept of the urban-rural region. This concept emphasises the importance of environmental assets as factors in attracting migrants and economic activities including knowledge- intensive functions to peripherally situated, smaller urban and rural places. In the case of the Region of Warsaw with its extensive, amenity-rich rural countryside, such a development perspective may seem especially relevant. Against this background, in the paper some results are presented and interpreted that are derived from a research project conducted by the author focusing on the development of cultural-cognitive functions in selected small and medium-size towns in the Region.

Twenty four year time trends in fats and cholesterol intake by adolescents. Warsaw Adolescents Study

The objective of this study was to determine time trends ( 1982–2006) in total fat intake and changes in fatty acid structure intake in adolescents from Warsaw in view of increasing prevalence of obesity. Data come from four successive surveys randomly selected samples of adolescents (aged 11–15 years old), from Warsaw region. In total 9747 pupils have been examined, with response rate varying from 55% to 87% depending on year. Surveys were done always in the spring season of the year. Food intake was assessed by using 24 hours recall method of consumption by the pupils all products, including enriched, dishes and beverages as well as diet supplements, in the last 24 hours preceding the examination. The content of energy and nutrients was calculated by means of own computer softwares (DIET 2 and 4), taking into account successive revisions of the tables of food composition and nutritional values, as well as current Polish DRI. A significant decreasing trend was found in intake of total fat, of saturated fatty acids (SFA) and cholesterol. The percentage of energy from total fat, also decreased both in boys (to 35,1%) and girls (to 33,7%), what failed to reach the desired level below 30% of energy from fat which is recommended. Also significant decrease of SFA consumption was not satisfactory enough to approach the values <10% of energy recommended as was from 13% to 15%. Decreasing trends in fat intake was not in accordance with the trend in obesity prevalence in the adolescents as average BMI is going up. To stabilize the health-oriented changes especially in the diets of adolescents, further activity is desired from professionals working with prevention of adolescents obesity.

Comparison of the charge moment change calculated from electrostatic analysis and from ELF radio observations

AbstractWe compare the results of two methods of calculation of the charge moment change (CMC, also called the dipole moment change) of the cloud‐to‐ground lightning discharges. The first method uses multistation ground‐based measurements of the E field change for the purpose of the lightning flash location and charge analysis. Our six stations, called the Local Lightning Detection Network (LLDN), were set up in the Warsaw region. The second method is based on measurements of the horizontal magnetic field component of electromagnetic waves generated by atmospheric discharges in the ELF (extremely low frequency) range. Our ELF station is equipped with two magnetic antennas, east‐west and north‐south and is located in a sparsely populated area of the Bieszczady Mountains in Poland (49.19°N, 22.55°E). We present and discuss the results obtained by both methods, focusing on the negative return stroke (RS) and the return stroke with continuing current (RS and CC) lightning discharges. Results show a good correlation between the CMC obtained by the two methods. For the negative RS and CC and RS the correlation coefficient is equal to +0.50 and +0.80, respectively.

Occurrence of antidepressant residues in the sewage-impacted Vistula and Utrata rivers and in tap water in Warsaw (Poland)

Antidepressants, even at low concentrations, can reveal some adverse effects on aquatic life due to disturbing homeostasis throughout the central and peripheral nervous system both in vertebrates and invertebrates. To date there have not been any reports regarding the presence of these pharmaceuticals in surface and tap waters in Eastern Europe. Therefore the aim of this study was to determine the presence of 21 antidepressant pharmaceuticals at specific points of the main Polish river – the Vistula, a smaller river of the Warsaw region – the Utrata, as well as in tap water samples of Warsaw. Samples were collected twice at one month intervals and analysed using solid-phase extraction (SPE) technique coupled with the liquid chromatography–electrospray ionisation–tandem mass spectrometer (LC–MS/MS) method operated under the multiple reaction monitoring mode (MRM).This is the first study where active compounds such as moclobemid or trazodone in the environment have been investigated.Environmental risk assessment of antidepressants in Poland was estimated on the basis of annuals sale data extracted from the NFZ (Narodowy Fundusz Zdrowia—National Health Service) base of reimbursed pharmaceuticals1. Predicted environmental concentration (PEC) of target pharmaceuticals were compared with their measured concentration (MEC).Moreover, the application of the EMEA/CHMP guideline for environmental risk assessment of the antidepressants was discussed. The highest concentration of antidepressants was observed in the small river Utrata. In tap water only trace amounts of antidepressants including citalopram (up to 1.5ng/l), mianserin (up to 0.9ng/l), sertraline (<3.1ng/l), moclobemid (up to 0.3ng/l) and venlafaxine (up to 1.9ng/l) were detected. However this highlights their inadequate elimination in the drinking waste treatment facility. The presence of antidepressants in drinking water and the aquatic environment could have long-term effects even at low exposure level, especially since synergy amongst pharmaceutical pollutants may occur.

Predictive factors of proximal advanced neoplasia in the large bowel.

IntroductionThe aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of sex, age, family history and distal findings on the risk of proximal advanced neoplasia (cancer or advanced adenoma) in the large bowel.Material and methodsRecords for 10 111 asymptomatic participants of the Colonoscopy Screening Program (CSP), recruited from the Warsaw region between 2000 and 2004, were analyzed. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to estimate the impact of sex, age, family history and most advanced distal lesions on the occurrence of proximal advanced neoplasia. To enhance comparability of the study two definitions of the proximal colon were applied – either the splenic flexure (1st) or the bend between the descending and sigmoid colon (2nd definition) represented the boundary.ResultsOne hundred and thirty-three (1st) and 167 patients (2nd definition) were found to have at least one advanced neoplastic lesion in the proximal part, respectively. Eleven and 14 patients were found to have carcinoma, while in 130 and 163 patients at least one proximal advanced adenoma appeared. Men were at twice as high risk of having advanced neoplasia in the proximal colon than women (OR = 1.94, 95% CI: 1.31–2.87, p = 0.001 or OR = 1.69, 95% CI: 1.20–2.40, p = 0.003, respectively). The presence of distal advanced neoplastic lesions was associated with 3.5 times higher risk of proximal advanced neoplasia (OR = 3.58, 95% CI: 2.00–6.43, p < 0.0001 or OR = 3.41, 95% CI: 1.95–5.96, p < 0.0001), respectively.ConclusionsThe results may confirm some limitation of flexible sigmoidoscopy in the screening settings in comparison with colonoscopy, at least in men and people with distal advanced neoplasia.

Warsaw urban-rural region - an alternative development perspective?

In this article questions are posed concerning the spatial structure of the Warsaw region and its development trends. These are presented against recent conceptual approaches to the study of metropolitan regions. Alternative hypotheses are discussed related to continuing spatial polarization, the emergence of polycentric urban patterns, as well as growing functional interdependence between the urban and the predominantly rural areas within the region. This is placed in the context of public policy objectives concerning both territorial cohesion and socio-economic growth; the latter hidden under the region’s competitiveness label. Empirical findings from a comparative analysis of the location behavior of selected firms in the advanced services sector are referred to in the discussion. It is argued that in projecting the region’s development path into the future, the concept of the urban-rural region is of particular relevance. Such an approach may also be adopted for use in developing spatial policy.

The Occurrence of the Viruses in Tulip Crops in Poland

Abstract The viruses infecting tulips have a big influence on the yield and the quality of bulbs and forced flowers. Commercial bulb production is based on clonal propagation, which leads to the accumulation of viruses. Among 22 viruses occurring in tulips, the most common and the most dangerous are Tulip breaking virus, TBV; Tobacco necrosis virus, TNV; Lily symptomless virus, LSV; Cucumber mosaic virus, CMV and Tobacco rattle virus, TRV. The aim of the research was to check which viruses occur most often on Polish tulip plantations. The research was done on two tulip (Tulipa L.) cultivars ‘Strong Gold’ and ‘Leen van der Mark’ grown at 3 farms situated in different parts of Poland (Warsaw Region, Pomerania and Podlasie) during 2006-2007, and then at 2 farms located in Warsaw Region during 2008-2011. Five of the most important viruses infecting tulips (TBV, TNV, LSV, CMV, and TRV) were detected by double antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (DAS-ELISA) in leaves and in bulbs during the period 2006-2010. In the last year of the research two different strains of TRV were detected (TRV-J and TRV-F) and Tulip virus X (TVX) as well. Search for viruses showed that most often TBV virus was detected both in the leaves and the bulbs regardless of the year and plantations. Yellow flowering cultivar ‘Strong Gold’ was infected by viruses more often than in bi-coloured (with red) ‘Leen van der Mark’, because of the difficulties with effective roguing of infected plants due to inconspicuous symptoms of virus infections on yellow coloured flowers. Other viruses were detected sporadically, however increasing occurrence of LSV and TRV was noticed from year to year. In 2011, TVX virus was detected in a few plants of ‘Strong Gold’ and it was the first case of detection of this virus in tulip in Poland.

Liquidity gaps in financing the SME sector in an emerging market: evidence from Poland

PurposeAccess to finance appears to be the largest challenge for entrepreneurial firms from the small to medium‐sized enterprise (SME) sector in Poland. To address this concern, the government embarked on a program to yield financial and know‐how assistance to the SME sector. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate public intervention in this area.Design/methodology/approachThe study focuses on the analysis of primary data. The sampling frame for the study consisted of 278,088 firms from the SME sector in the Warsaw region. The sample size was equal to 500 firms from the SME sector. Questionnaires from 262 respondents were included in the study, for an effective response rate of 52 percent.FindingsThe study concludes that there are still pronounced liquidity gaps for firms in the SME sector in Poland and that the government programs are not effective in closing these liquidity gaps.Originality/valueProblems with access to capital continue to be a challenge to developing a vibrant SME sector in Poland and a lack of access to capital is consistently quoted as the major obstacle to the development of the SME sector in Poland. The paper offers three policy recommendations in relation to closing liquidity gaps in the SME sector.

Proximal shift of advanced adenomas in the large bowel – does it really exist?

During the last decades, the proximal shift in the distribution of colorectal carcinomas (CRCs) has been described. It is uncertain whether the shift is the result of actual changes in CRC incidence or reflects population aging. Most CRCs develop as a result of malignant progression of benign epithelial neoplasms--advanced adenomas (AA). The aim of the study was to investigate whether the proximal shift of AA occurs over time. Two databases were used. The first one (RETRO) included consecutive patients of the Department of Gastroenterology treated between the years 1981 and 1994. The secondone (Colonoscopy Screening Program--CSP) included asymptomatic participants of the colonoscopy screening program recruited between 2000 and 2004 from the Warsaw region. Only patients with AA who underwent total colonoscopy were included in the analysis. AA was defined as adenoma of 10 mm or more in diameter, with high-grade neoplasia, and villous or tubulovillous morphology, or any combination of the above features. The analysis was conducted using 2 different definitions of the proximal segment in the large intestine--either splenic flexure or the bend between the descending and sigmoid colon. To compare the distribution of AA, a multiple logistic regression model was used. 41 of 200 patients (20.5%) in RETRO and 122 of 430 patients (28.4%) in CSP group, respectively, were found to have AA located proximally to the splenic flexure. No proximal shift of AA was found after age and sex adjustment (P>0.1). The risk of having proximal AA was similar in both groups. The results suggest the lack of proximal shift in the distribution of advanced colorectal adenomas.

Evaluation of multiple ground flash charge structure from electric field measurements using the local lightning detection network in the region of Warsaw

During three summer months from 16 June to 16 September 2009, the Local Lightning Detection Network (LLDN) set up in the Warsaw region was successfully operated. Seventeen events of multiple cloud-to-ground (CG) lightning flashes have been recognized which caused E-field variations recorded simultaneously by all the LLDN six stations. A dedicated software package has been developed for the purpose of the E-field analysis and calculations of the three-dimensional location of the lightning point electric charge source. The location has been determined by the source coordinates x, y, z in a local Cartesian coordinate system and besides the magnitude of the electric charge, Q, involved in a CG return stroke or continuing current, has been obtained. Several examples of the spatial and temporal development of the multiple CG flashes initiated in different meteorological situations are presented and discussed in the paper.

Nontuberculous mycobacterial infections among patients suspected of pulmonary tuberculosis

The purpose of this study was to present a retrospective analysis of the frequency of nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM)-related pulmonary infections among the AFB-positive and/or culture-positive patients in the Warsaw region who were suspected of tuberculosis (TB) and hospitalized in the university hospital between 1999 and 2005. All the AFB-positive pulmonary samples were examined with a molecular method using the Amplicor MTB test (Roche) for detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex, and all mycobacterial isolates were speciated by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis of mycolic acids. Patients who met clinical, radiological, and bacteriological criteria of mycobacteriosis were classified according to the American Thoracic Society (ATS) guidelines for diagnosis of NTM related disease. Among the 445 smear-positive or/and culture-positive patients, 142 subjects (31.9%) were found to be infected with M. tuberculosis. Among 303 non-TB patients, mycobacteriosis was found in 27 (8.9%) subjects. The frequency of NTM-related lung disease as compared to the bacteriologically-confirmed lung TB was estimated at 1:5. The rapid, precise methods of NTM speciation are necessary for progress in diagnostics of NTM related diseases.

New Lightning Detection Networks in Poland – LINET and LLDN

Lightning detection in Poland is performed by means of a PERUN (Safir 3000) system operated by the Institute of Meteorology and Water Management. Poland is also partly covered by a VLF/LF lightning detection system (CLDN, Central Lightning Detection Network). Both sources of lightning data have their limitations resulting from detection technique, limited number of sensors and geographical configuration, with the consequence of shortcomings in the data quality. For this reason, a new network has been installed in Poland and started continuous real-time operation in May 2006. It is LINET that covers entire Poland and is complemented by numerous sensors positioned in surrounding countries. In 2007 additional LINET sensors have been installed in Poland in order to allow exploitation of reduced baselines for efficient achievement of total lightning. In the frame of the COST P18 Action “Physics of Lightning Flash and Its Effects” another new Polish project started in 2006 related to regional lightning location. At present, the Local Lightning Detection Network (LLDN) undergoes installation in the region of Warsaw. LLDN will consist of six individual stations equipped with E-field antennae and digital recorders synchronized with GPS time signals. The aim of LLDN installation is complement other networks covering region of Warsaw (PERUN, LINET) and to provide an additional source of lightning CG data with high sensitivity in a relatively small area. In the paper are described general characteristics of LINET in Poland, as well as basic characteristics and assumed performance of LLDN, which will start operation in 2008.

Urban and Peri-urban Population Dynamics in Case Study Cities within Europe

This article deals with population dynamics in chosen European locations with different age structures, future expected growth developments and urbanization prospects. The case study approach was chosen in order to depict spatially relevant details and characteristics of a small region with an urban core. The populations are subjected to a set of four possible futures, which are called scenarios. The demographics of each are different, and these variations are shown by means of population projections. The results show that in Koper, Slovenia and the Warsaw region, Poland the cities undergo dynamics that is very sensitive to the age structure of the population, future fertility, mortality and international migration prospects. The degree of urbanization further depends on local movement of population, which can be muffled by daily work-migration. Data availability on the local level is proven to be a challenge for detailed demographic studies, as is future uncertainty with respect to migration, be it local or international. Despite the uncertainties in the future levels of migration, it can be seen that age-structure and current low fertility levels have a long-standing impact on the demography of a region.

FOREIGN INVESTORS AS SIGNPOSTS OF CHANGE?

The new market economies in Eastern Europe give a unique opportunity to study how agglomeration occurs due to the shift from a planner- constructed to a firm-driven economy. This paper it is investigated how foreign direct investment affects the existing economic geography. How are these changes taking place within the existing landscape of agglomerations inherited from socialism? Do foreign investors sustain existing patterns of agglomeration or are they signposts of change? A conditional logit model is implemented on a representative dataset combining the firm and regionallevel. Controls are made for region- and firm-specific factors such as market access, pre-existing industrial concentrations, regional policy and firm size. The results suggest that foreign investors are agents of both gradual and radical change in a new market economy such as Poland. With the exception of the capital region of Warsaw, past agglomerations are on the reverse and new ones are emerging; however, industrial inertia is quite strong outside Warsaw. Results also show that agglomeration economies in the make are significantly affected by cognitive distance. Foreign firms are more likely to go where other proximate peers (in terms of home country, industry and both) are going or have already gone.

Efficacy and safety of surgical treatment of PDA in VLBW neonates. Warsaw region multicenter collaboration

Efficacy and safety of surgical treatment of PDA in VLBW neonates. Warsaw region multicenter collaboration

A multidimensional acoustic analysis of vowels in two Polish dialects

In this paper, we attempt to examine the acoustic (oral) vowel spaces of two main Polish dialects: the Polish spoken in Cracow and that spoken in the wider region of Warsaw. A semi‐spontaneous corpus consisting of four speakers (two male, two female) of each dialect was recorded with approximately 2000 vowel occurrences for each speaker. The segmentation was performed manually and was subsequently corrected with an intensity‐based algorithm. The tokens were submitted to acoustic analyses, and two multidimensional representations were then prepared, one based on formants (accompanied with bandwidths and amplitudes) and the other on critical bands. Both representations included measurements for duration, F0, spectral center of gravity, skewness, and kurtosis. These values served as input for discriminant and principal component analysis which allowed us: (a) to compare the relative weight of each cue, (b) to isolate those parameters that allow a differentiation of the members of a vowel system (in a language such as Polish, F1 and F2 are traditionally the sole cues regarded as relevant), and (c) to detect any (dis)similarities between the two dialects in the three aforementioned aspects.

Leeser Rosenthal and 'Das Lied von der Glocke'

Heide Warncke Bibliotheca Rosenthaliana's founder, Leeser Rosenthal (1794-1868), was a fascinating man. Born in the Warsaw region of Poland, he enjoyed a traditional Jewish upbringing. As a young man he felt a longing to extend his intellectual horizons. He travelled to Berlin and Paderborn where he learned German, acquired a broad education in Haskalah literature and the German classics, as well as world history and the social aspects of life. From his love oflanguage, his receptive nature and critical stance emerged Rosenthal the author. Among the items he left at his death is a small writing book that he had filled around 1817 while in Paderborn. It contains poems, parables, short stories, definitions of Hebrew synonyms and even a few riddles in this language. Perhaps less well known is that he also translated a number of poems by Friedrich von Schiller (1759-1805) into Hebrew. For Rosenthal, who had only recently learned German, it must have been a considerable challenge to attempt the sublime, flowery language of this classic poet.

Epidemiology and characterization of Bordetella parapertussis strains isolated between 1995 and 2002 in and around Warsaw, Poland

The aim of the study presented here was to analyze parapertussis infections occurring in the region of Warsaw, Poland, between 1995 and 2002 and to characterize the Bordetella parapertussis isolates using macrorestriction digestion of genomic DNA. Fourteen of the 17 patients with confirmed Bordetella parapertussis infection were between the ages of 5 and 9 years, and 14 had documented vaccination with the diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis whole-cell vaccine; for the remaining three patients vaccination data was not available. DNA fingerprinting performed using recommended standard methodology revealed a close relationship between the examined strains and reference strain ATCC 9305, thus confirming the conservative nature of Bordetella parapertussis.

Allele frequencies for 10 STR loci in a population from central Poland

Allele frequencies of 10 STR loci included in the Amp FlSTR SGM Plus Kit (PE Applied Biosystem) was obtained a simple of 222 unrelated individuals residing in Warsaw (Poland) region.

Relationships between primary and secondary parasitoids of cereal aphids

Abstract: The aim of the study was to compare relationships between primary and secondary parasitoids associated with cereal aphids on winter as well as on spring crops. The study was carried out between 1991–1994 in two regions in Poland, 400 km apart (vicinities of Warsaw and Wrocław). It has been found that in both regions, there occurred three cereal aphid species Sitobion avenae F., Rhopalosiphum padi L. and Metopolophium dirhodum Walk. The groups of parasitic Hymenoptera associated with cereal aphids, and mainly with S. avenae which showed a highest degree of parasitization, were similar in both regions. Although more species of parasitoids were found in the Wrocław region (nine species of primary and 11 species of secondary parasitoids) as compared to the Warsaw region (six and nine, respectively), the species composition was similar in both regions. There were big differences in proportion between primary and secondary parasitoids on spring and winter cereals at both localities. In the case of winter cereals, there were more hyperparasitoids among parasitic Hymenoptera reared from mummified aphids. The primary parasitoids constituted 30% on average while the hyperparasitoids constituted 70%. Aphidius uzbekistanicus Luzh. predominates over other primary parasitoids and Dendrocerus carpenteri Curtis is a dominant species among hyperparasitoids. In the case of spring cereals, the primary/secondary parasitoid ratio is different (primary parasitoids make up to 72% on average, with the secondary parasitoids 28%). Most often, A. uzbekistanicus is a dominating species but in certain years the dominance is not as clear as in winter cereals. The dominance hierarchy within hyperparasitoids is different in different years. The presented results demonstrate that in spite of a great distance between the study areas, the relationships between the cereal aphids' primary and secondary parasitoids show similar trends.