Search Results (58)

Upper Silesia, historically shaped by hard-coal mining and coal-based energy production, is undergoing a critical phase of just transition under the European Union’s 2050 climate-neutrality objective. This study examines the legal, institutional, and spatial conditions shaping this process and assesses declared social acceptance in seven mining subregions of the Silesian Voivodeship comprising 64 municipalities. The research combines structured desk research on European Union, national, and regional policy and legal instruments with a CATI survey of electricity consumers in the transformation area (N = 602). Particular attention is given to regulatory barriers affecting the revitalization and redevelopment of post-mining and post-industrial land. The document analysis reveals fragmented institutional responsibilities, weak coordination between sectoral strategies, and insufficient integration of mine-closure, revitalization, and spatial-planning regulations. The survey findings indicate that public support for the energy transition is conditional rather than unconditional. Respondents generally acknowledge the need for change; however, they expect the principal financial burden to be borne by the state budget and energy companies, while direct household financing receives only marginal support. The results also show that the survey measured self-reported familiarity with the term “energy transition” rather than objectively tested knowledge. The study contributes an integrated analytical framework linking governance, legal-regulatory constraints, post-mining land regeneration, and declared social acceptance in a coal region undergoing structural transformation. Full article

It would be a critical omission to disregard the role of information dissemination in shaping public perception of sustainable forest management during Silesian Voivodeship’s transformation. Media exposure is often assumed to enhance environmental awareness, but complex internal mechanisms link information sources, public awareness, and ecosystem service valuation, especially in highly industrialized regions. This study investigates how discrete information sources (Media) are associated with public perceptions of forest ecosystem services (ES Perception) and investigates the mediating role enacted by Environmental Awareness (Awareness). Data were collected using a computer-assisted web interviewing (CAWI) survey conducted with a representative sample of 509 residents of Silesian Voivodeship in Poland. Path analysis (a form of structural equation modeling) was performed with 5000 bootstrap iterations to test the direct and indirect relationships within the Value–Awareness–Perception framework. The findings revealed a significant positive direct relationship between Media and ES Perception (β = 0.288, p < 0.001). However, a notable discrepancy emerged: media exposure showed a significant negative association with Awareness (β = −0.245, p < 0.001). Awareness was significantly and negatively linked to ES Perception (β = −0.229, p < 0.001), partially mediating the total effect. These results indicate a complex decoupling: while media consumption is associated with higher general service perception, it appears to be inversely related to functional Environmental Awareness regarding ecosystem threat. Full article

The evolution and spatial dissemination of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron subvariants have been characterized by rapid lineage replacement and complex transmission dynamics influenced by regional connectivity. This study presents a comprehensive discrete phylogeographic analysis of 90,136 SARS-CoV-2 sequences collected in Poland from 2022 to 2024 to reconstruct the dispersal dynamics of major Omicron lineages, including BA.1, BA.2, BA.5, CH.1, XBB.1, and JN.1. Utilizing Bayesian statistical frameworks, we identified significant viral transitions between the 16 Polish voivodeships and established variant-specific dominance windows ranging from 2 to 4 months. Our findings reveal a highly dynamic epidemic landscape with shifting regional epicenters. The initial BA.1 wave was primarily driven by the Mazovian voivodeship, accounting for 36.1% of outward migration events. This pattern shifted dramatically with the rise in BA.2, which was centered in the industrial Silesian region in the south-west, a densely populated area with strong economic ties to neighboring countries, potentially reflecting a different introduction or transmission dynamic. Furthermore, the epidemic landscape continued to reconfigure during the BA.5 wave, marked by the emergence of new transmission hubs in eastern border regions such as Lublin. Subsequent lineages exhibited distinct geographic signatures: BA.5 spread broadly along the Baltic-central corridor, CH.1 was centered in the north-east, XBB.1 re-emerged in the west-central region of Greater Poland, and JN.1 was driven overwhelmingly by Lesser Poland. These transitions highlight that regional transmission hubs are transient and influenced by local factors such as population density, cross-border mobility, and socio-economic connectivity. This study underscores the critical value of dense genomic surveillance in identifying evolving dispersal routes to inform adaptive, region-specific public health interventions. Full article

Many countries rely on coal for energy security during renewable transitions. This study conducts a technical, economic, and environmental analysis of hybridizing a supercritical coal-fired power unit with photovoltaics (PV) to create a sustainable hybrid system at a plant in Silesian Voivodeship, Poland. The goal is to assess costs and optimal operating conditions for a coal–PV hybrid under varying scenarios, using a decision-support model that integrates fuel prices, CO₂ emission charges (EUA), and technical parameters. Two main scenarios are modeled. In auxiliary-only PV (112 MW system), real-time power supplies pumps and fans, cutting coal consumption without storage; LCOE decreases with annual hours (2800–7000), outperforming conventional coal across EUA prices (20–50 EUR/t). In PV surplus export, excess generation (1300 h/year) is grid-fed for revenue, amplifying LCOE reductions—hybrid superiority emerges above 34 EUR/t EUA, per equivalence thresholds. Results show coal electricity exceeds low-emission costs above 34 EUR/t CO₂, with maximum disparity at 50 EUR/Mg. The hybrid leverages existing infrastructure, mitigates solar intermittency via auxiliary supply, ensures baseload continuity, boosts flexibility, and prolongs asset life—reducing >123,000 EUA/year at 145,000 MWh PV output. This sustainable hybrid promotes energy transition, reduces fossil fuel dependence, and aligns with global sustainability goals. Full article

The wheat cultivar significantly influences the quality of grain and malt, which are used to produce wheat beers, determining their potential for use in brewing. The brewing process influenced the quality of wheat beers obtained from selected winter wheat cultivars (Elixer, Lawina, Gimantis and Rockefeller cultivars) from three growing seasons. Wheat beers obtained from malt from the Rockefeller and Gimantis cultivars were characterized by the highest real extract values, ethyl alcohol content (4.14 and 4.05% v/v, respectively), and therefore the caloric content of the finished beer product (the lowest energy value was obtained for the Lawina cultivar—43.19 kcal·100 mL⁻¹). Furthermore, wheat beers obtained from malt from the Gimantis cultivar were characterized by the lightest color and the lowest bitterness perception (14.8 IBU). The highest quality wheat beers were obtained with grain from the second growing season, regardless of the cultivar used. Cluster analysis of all quality characteristics of wheat beers obtained from malt derived from winter wheat grain grown in field experiments showed that the Gimantis cultivar, and to a lesser extent the Rockefeller cultivar, was characterized by the lowest quality variability among wheat beers brewed from malt derived from cereals from three growing seasons in the Lower Silesian Voivodeship. Full article

Purpose: This paper takes an original approach to the topic of social entrepreneurship. The purpose of this study is to identify and analyze social entrepreneurship capital resources in rural areas based on farms located in rural areas of the Silesian Voivodeship (region in Poland). The research presented in this paper covers the characteristics of local change leaders in the context of building a sustainable foundation for the development of pro-social and economic activities. Methodology: The first stage of this project, a literature review, involved identifying the social entrepreneurship environment in rural areas. The second stage of this research involved an analysis of the initiative potential of change leaders. The empirical research used a survey method, in-depth interviews, and participant observation. Findings and implications: The most important findings of this research concern the possibilities for the development of social entrepreneurship in rural areas with the participation of local change leaders (agents). This article analyzes the characteristics of the initiative potential of change leaders in the context of their role as animators of social life and creators of sustainable mechanisms for implementing innovative social practices. The conclusions formulated in this article are of an applied nature. This paper highlights the need to create a system of real support through the effective activation of organizations operating in rural areas, strengthening the role of change leaders as animators of local life, local partnerships and equal opportunities. Full article

This paper analyses the operation of a water supply system located in the Silesian Voivodeship, serving six small localities covering a rural area of about 50 km² with a total population of 6130. The region’s varied elevation presents challenges to system performance. A hydraulic model was developed in EPANET, then validated and calibrated based on selected measurement points. Previous studies revealed that the network operates under unstable conditions. Although all users receive water under average demand, some areas experience excessive pressure. During peak demand, water shortages occur due to limited inflow to the main reservoir, which the existing pumping system cannot compensate for. In response, the validated model was used in this study to propose a reconstruction strategy to ensure a reliable water supply under all demand conditions. The analysis focused on the introduction of new water intakes, identifying their required capacity and optimal locations. It has been demonstrated that the inclusion of a new water intake positively impacts the stability of the water distribution network, and that a hydraulic model is a valuable tool for supporting the selection of its location. Hydraulic convergence of the model was necessary to optimize and evaluate the proposed solutions. As part of the selection criteria, two parameters were analysed: the percentage of nodes with pressure below 20 m H₂O, and the percentage of nodes where the pressure exceeds 55 m H₂O. Among the evaluated options, the most effective solution was intake no. 1, directly connected to a DN 160 transmission pipe supplying the area with the lowest recorded pressure. The upgraded system operates stably and meets the demands of all users. The obtained results provide valuable support for water utility management in making decisions on the development and operational optimization of water supply networks. Full article

This study assesses energy management practices in the automotive sector of Poland’s Silesian Voivodeship, a highly industrialized region. Using structured interviews with 40 manufacturing firms, it examines the adoption of energy monitoring, submetering, Energy Performance Indicators (EnPIs), audits, and energy efficiency investments. The research addresses the problem of persistent energy waste and the difficulties many firms face in integrating ISO 50001-aligned energy management into daily operations, where declared policies often outpace actual practices. Results show that 92.5% of firms monitor total energy consumption, but only 40% implement submetering, and 45% use EnPIs. Half have conducted energy audits, and 85% report taking energy-saving actions such as lighting upgrades, equipment modernization, and thermal improvements. However, no companies reported measurable energy or cost savings, and few track investment outcomes quantitatively. While energy awareness is widespread, many practices appear to be implemented in a tactical manner, potentially lacking strategic integration or consistent performance tracking. Larger firms are more likely to use audits and EnPIs, while smaller firms face barriers such as limited resources or technical expertise. The findings highlight a need for formalized EMS adoption, standardized energy governance, and greater use of performance-based tools such as EnPIs. By exploring EMS-aligned behavior without referencing management systems directly, the study provides a unique lens on the operational maturity of industrial firms. Full article

The Lower Silesian Voivodeship is one of 16 Polish voivodeships—it covers the Lower Silesia region. The area was chosen for this study due to its location at the crossroads of three countries (Poland, the Czech Republic, and Germany), centuries-old traditions in terms of the tourist function, wealth of nature, and the specificity of its demographic potential (almost total replacement of the regional community after World War II). The article identifies the main components of the settlement network and refers to the 11th Sustainable Development Goal. The purpose of this article is to analyze demographic changes and the evolution of the tourist function in Lower Silesia, with particular focus on their correlations and spatial diversification. The conducted analyses were based on the statistical data provided by the Local Data Bank of the Statistics Poland (LDB SP). Synthetic measures of development were used to analyze the tourist function. The research period varies depending on the particular stage and results from the availability of statistical data. The core of the research covers the years 1946–2023. It was established that Lower Silesia is characterized by a developed tourist function but, simultaneously, has been experiencing an increasingly pronounced demographic crisis. The research findings point to divergent choices made by the users–residents and users–tourists. The leaders in terms of the tourist function include, i.e., the Karkonosze County and Jelenia Góra city with county rights and, at the same time, the rapidly depopulating areas. The leading cities of Lower Silesia are not developing in an even manner; in this respect, the region is moving away from the 11th Sustainable Development Goal. Full article

This article compares the socio-economic development of the two industrial EU regions, the Silesian Voivodeship Poland and the Düsseldorf District in North Rhine–Westphalia, Germany, in the last 20 years of the 21st century. The Ninth Cohesion Report, the EU Regional Competitiveness Index 2.0, and the two concepts of the regional development trap and just transition in the EU were used. It investigated whether the applied EU regional policy, cohesion policy, had the expected effect of strengthening sustainable growth in the regions. This article aims to compare development trajectories, identify development traps and barriers, consider the just transition in the analyzed regions, and provide recommendations for regional policy. Those heavily industrialized regions must respond to the demographic challenges of labor shortages and an aging population. In the case of the Silesia region, the indicated course of action includes labor activation of women and migration management. For both regions, improving productivity is the key. The vital economic challenges include: for the Silesian Voivodeship—strengthening innovation; for the Düsseldorf region—maintaining innovation momentum and increasing resilience. Developing skills that meet industries’ needs is essential. Regarding social cohesion, the Silesia region should focus on equality measures. On the other hand, the Düsseldorf region should strengthen social protection against poverty. Full article

Background/Objective: The aim of this study was to assess stress-coping patterns among Polish doctors, taking into account their degree of resilience and sociodemographic characteristics. Methods: This study involved 832 (100%) Polish physicians working in the Silesian Voivodeship, Poland. All respondents gave their informed and voluntary consent to participate. This study was conducted using an original questionnaire and the Resilience Measurement Scale (SPP-25) Stress Coping Inventory (Mini-COPE). Results: Women used the strategies: Seeking Emotional Support and Seeking Instrumental Support significantly more often than men. Positive Re-evaluation strategy was used more often by doctors working in surgical wards, who also declared more frequent use of psychoactive substances. Younger doctors (≤30 years) were characterized by lower mental resilience compared to other age groups and doctors with high psychological resilience were characterized by higher scores in strategies belonging to the group of active coping with stress. Conclusions: The examined doctors with high resilience were mostly characterized by the use of active methods of coping with stress, in contrast to doctors with low resilience. Actions should be taken to increase the awareness of healthcare system employees in the field of active stress coping techniques and their adverse effects on health. Full article

The aim of the article was to compare the landscape and cultural value of cemeteries located around wooden churches on the Polish–Czech border in the Lower Silesian Voivodeship. Research regarding the history of the villages was undertaken, describing their development and the construction of the churches and the cemeteries so as to compare changes in cemetery spatial layout, architecture, and landscape. The villages involved were Grzmiąca, Kamieńczyk, Międzygórze, Nowa Bystrzyca, Rybnica Leśna, and Zalesie. The following analyses were conducted: assessment of the visual aspects of the landscape, evaluation of the architectural value, and assessment of land use. In the landscape of Lower Silesia, churchyard cemeteries, which bear witness to the rich past of this region, are gradually but remorselessly deteriorating. Adverse changes are occurring to their spatial layout, to church buildings, as well as in architecture and greenery. The article presents a new approach to the subject of sacred sites through multi-faceted research aimed at protecting the fragile and changing religious landscape. Full article

The labor and energy inputs for milking and milk cooling, the preparation and distribution of feed, and manure removal were analyzed on eight farms in the Masovian, Podlaskie, Lower Silesian, and Kuyavian–Pomeranian voivodeships. In these facilities, milking was carried out using milking robots, which were also employed during feed preparation and discharge. The cleaning of manure channels and walking corridors were also automated. Based on labor, fuel, energy consumption, weight of machinery and equipment, and building area, the cumulative energy intensity of the farms was calculated, taking into account the average density of cow herds. The lowest energy input, 0.974 kWh∙LU⁻¹∙day, and the lowest cumulative energy intensity, amounting to 19.601 MJ∙day⁻¹∙LU⁻¹ were observed in a farm with AF-AM5 technology, that is, an automated milking system (AMS) and an automated feeding system (AFS). The second lowest total energy intensity was measured in a farm utilizing the AF-AM7 technology and amounted to 22.505 MJ∙day⁻¹∙LU⁻¹. The highest cumulative energy intensity was measured in a farm practicing conventional milking in a fishbone milking parlor, with a traditional feeding wagon powered by an agricultural tractor. A high level of cumulative energy intensity, for the majority, was connected with a high energy and fuel consumption, especially during the preparation of feed and feed distribution. Full article

This article presents a comprehensive analysis of the occurrence of innovative solutions in accordance with CSR in various companies. It turns out that 71% of medium-sized enterprises (50–249 people) and 64% of smaller companies (10–49 people and up to 9 people) declare the introduction of innovative solutions in CSR strategies, which proves that innovations are not limited to large companies. A responsible approach to business can affect competitiveness and positive public perception. The implementation of a CSR strategy increases profits, improves image, increases customer loyalty, attracts media attention, and opens up new markets. The hindering factor is the additional cost of implementing CSR activities, insufficient knowledge and awareness of CSR, and unclear regulations and market conditions, as well as the need to adapt the organizational structure and culture. CSR strategies are important for the success of enterprises and society, and solving potential problems allows for effective introduction of responsible practices. In order to obtain the presented data, two research methods were used: an analysis of the international literature sources and a survey by manufacturing firms in the Silesian Voivodeship. Full article

This study presents findings from an empirical investigation into households’ decisions to further invest in renewable energy sources (RES). In the Lower Silesian Voivodeship, the survey gathered responses from 300 single-family homeowners who had already invested in RES. Notably, household income emerged as a significant influencer, with higher income levels correlating to a greater inclination for RES investment. Surprisingly, owning photovoltaic batteries was associated with reduced intent for further RES investment, potentially indicating contentment with prior outcomes. Moreover, many respondents reported decreased energy costs post-RES investment, underscoring its economic viability. Nonetheless, results also revealed a perceived shortfall in government financial support, suggesting a need for more effective support mechanisms. Economic factors, including financial accessibility and perceived profitability, were pivotal drivers for RES investment. Policy interventions should account for these factors to bolster green energy adoption, particularly for low-income households. Future research should probe the reasons behind perceived government support insufficiency and discern the roles of different forms of financial assistance. These endeavors could refine policy frameworks and invigorate energy transition efforts. In conclusion, the study highlights households’ keen interest in RES investment in the Lower Silesian Voivodeship. Household income stood out as a critical determinant, underlining economic factors’ sway over investment decisions. An intriguing observation was that prior photovoltaic battery ownership might temper enthusiasm for future RES investments. Most respondents experienced energy cost reduction, reinforcing RES benefits, though calls for improved government support remain. Economic considerations drive RES investment and warrant policy attention. Future research could probe the causes of perceived support shortfalls and untangle financial aid impacts for more targeted approaches to energy transition. Full article