bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
River Floodplains as Habitat and Bio-Corridors for Distribution of Land Snails: Their Past and Present
Authors: Horáčková Jitka , Podroužková Štěpánka , Juřičková Lucie
Published: January 2016

River floodplains of Czech rivers serve as refugia to woodland or hydrophilous gastropods, in current intensively agriculturally utilised, urbanised and largely fragmented landscape. This habitat often form one of the last refuge and replace the natural habitat of these species. River floodplains also represent linear bio-corridors in landscape and allow gastropods to spread through the landscape in both directions, up and down the stream. We showed based on available fossil mollusc successions that development of the floodplain mollusc fauna took place quite different way in various river floodplains, depending on their specifics and geographical location, because especially the ones situated in the chernozem area of the Czech Republic had very different history in comparison with those in higher altitudes. The species richness and composition of recent floodplain malacofauna arises from historical development of particular area/site and depends also on environmental factors such as an elevation, humidity gradient, vegetation type and its biomass, light conditions of the site and soil reaction. Recently, the invasive plants represent a serious problem for current floodplain ecosystems; species richness and abundances of terrestrial mollusc floodplain assemblages are changing due to their effect. The impact on gastropods is species-specific and was described for the following species: Impatiens glandulifera, Fallopia japonica subsp. japonica, F. sachalinensis, F. ×bohemica.
Assessment of 3D-RANS models for the simulation of topographically forced shallow flows
Authors: Safarzadeh Akbar , Brevis Wernher
Published: January 2016

In this work the performance of Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) simulations to predict the flow structure developed by the presence of a sidewall obstacle in a uniform open-channel shallow flow is discussed. The tested geometry was selected due to its important role in several fluvial applications, such as the control of riverbank erosion and the creation of improved ecological conditions in river restoration applications. The results are compared against experimental laboratory velocity fields obtained after Large Scale Particle Image Velocimetry (LSPIV) measurements. It is shown that the length of reattachment of the separated shear layer generated by the obstacle is well predicted by a Reynolds Stress Model, while classical two-equation models show important limitations. All the performed RANS simulations are unable to properly predict the formation of a secondary gyre region, which develops immediately downstream the obstacle.
Infiltration and water retention of biological soil crusts on reclaimed soils of former open-cast lignite mining sites in Brandenburg, north-east Germany
Authors: Gypser Stella , Veste Maik , Fischer Thomas , Lange Philipp
Published: January 2016

Investigations were done on two former open-cast lignite mining sites under reclamation, an artificial sand dune in Welzow Süd, and a forest plantation in Schlabendorf Süd (Brandenburg, Germany). The aim was to associate the topsoil hydrological characteristics of green algae dominated as well as moss and soil lichen dominated biological soil crusts during crustal succession with their water retention and the repellency index on sandy soils under temperate climate and different reliefs.

The investigation of the repellency index showed on the one hand an increase due to the cross-linking of sand particles by green algae which resulted in clogging of pores. On the other hand, the occurrence of moss plants led to a decrease of the repellency index due to absorption caused by bryophytes. The determination of the water retention curves showed an increase of the water holding capacity, especially in conjunction with the growth of green algae layer. The pore-related van Genuchten parameter indicate a clay-like behaviour of the developed soil crusts. Because of the inhomogeneous distribution of lichens and mosses as well as the varying thickness of green algae layers, the water retention differed between the study sites and between samples of similar developmental stages. However, similar tendencies of water retention and water repellency related to the soil crust formation were observed.

Biological soil crusts should be considered after disturbances in the context of reclamation measures, because the initial development of green algae biocrusts lead to an increasing repellency index, while the occurrence of mosses and a gain in organic matter enhance the water holding capacity. Thus, the succession of biocrusts and their small-scale succession promote the development of soil and ecosystem.
Variability of snow line elevation, snow cover area and depletion in the main Slovak basins in winters 2001–2014
Authors: Krajčí Pavel , Holko Ladislav , Parajka Juraj
Published: January 2016

Spatial and temporal variability of snow line (SL) elevation, snow cover area (SCA) and depletion (SCD) in winters 2001–2014 is investigated in ten main Slovak river basins (the Western Carpathians). Daily satellite snow cover maps from MODIS Terra (MOD10A1, V005) and Aqua (MYD10A1, V005) with resolution 500 m are used.

The results indicate three groups of basins with similar variability in the SL elevation. The first includes basins with maximum elevations above 1500 m a.s.l. (Poprad, Upper Váh, Hron, Hornád). Winter median SL is equal or close to minimum basin elevation in snow rich winters in these basins. Even in snow poor winters is SL close to the basin mean. Second group consists of mid-altitude basins with maximum elevation around 1000 m a.s.l. (Slaná, Ipeľ, Nitra, Bodrog). Median SL varies between 150 and 550 m a.s.l. in January and February, which represents approximately 40–80% snow coverage. Median SL is near the maximum basin elevation during the snow poor winters. This means that basins are in such winters snow free approximately 50% of days in January and February. The third group includes the Rudava/Myjava and Lower Váh/Danube. These basins have their maximum altitude less than 700 m a.s.l. and only a small part of these basins is covered with snow even during the snow rich winters.

The evaluation of SCA shows that snow cover typically starts in December and last to February. In the highest basins (Poprad, Upper Váh), the snow season sometimes tends to start earlier (November) and lasts to March/April. The median of SCA is, however, less than 10% in these months. The median SCA of entire winter season is above 70% in the highest basins (Poprad, Upper Váh, Hron), ranges between 30–60% in the mid-altitude basins (Hornád, Slaná, Ipeľ, Nitra, Bodrog) and is less than 1% in the Myjava/Rudava and Lower Váh/Danube basins. However, there is a considerable variability in seasonal coverage between the years. Our results indicate that there is no significant trend in mean SCA in the period 2001–2014, but periods with larger and smaller SCA exist. Winters in the period 2002–2006 have noticeably larger mean SCA than those in the period 2007–2012.

Snow depletion curves (SDC) do not have a simple evolution in most winters. The snowmelt tends to start between early February and the end of March. The snowmelt lasts between 8 and 15 days on average in lowland and high mountain basins, respectively. Interestingly, the variability in SDC between the winters is much larger than between the basins.
Mantle rock exposures at oceanic core complexes along mid-ocean ridges
Authors: Ciazela Jakub , Koepke Juergen , Dick Henry J.B. , Muszynski Andrzej
Published: January 2016

The mantle is the most voluminous part of the Earth. However, mantle petrologists usually have to rely on indirect geophysical methods or on material found ex situ. In this review paper, we point out the in-situ existence of oceanic core complexes (OCCs), which provide large exposures of mantle and lower crustal rocks on the seafloor on detachment fault footwalls at slow-spreading ridges. OCCs are a common structure in oceanic crust architecture of slow-spreading ridges. At least 172 OCCs have been identified so far and we can expect to discover hundreds of new OCCs as more detailed mapping takes place. Thirty-two of the thirty-nine OCCs that have been sampled to date contain peridotites. Moreover, peridotites dominate in the plutonic footwall of 77% of OCCs. Massive OCC peridotites come from the very top of the melting column beneath ocean ridges. They are typically spinel harzburgites and show 11.3–18.3% partial melting, generally representing a maximum degree of melting along a segment. Another key feature is the lower frequency of plagioclase-bearing peridotites in the mantle rocks and the lower abundance of plagioclase in the plagioclase-bearing peridotites in comparison to transform peridotites. The presence of plagioclase is usually linked to impregnation with late-stage melt. Based on the above, OCC peridotites away from segment ends and transforms can be treated as a new class of abyssal peridotites that differ from transform peridotites by a higher degree of partial melting and lower interaction with subsequent transient melt.
Sedimentological interpretation and stratigraphical position of glacigenic deposits in the Napęków area (Holy Cross Mountains, Poland)
Authors: Ludwikowska-Kędzia Małgorzata , Pawelec Halina , Adamiec Grzegorz
Published: January 2016

The identification of depositional conditions and stratigraphical position of glacigenic deposits in the Napęków area is important for the genetic and stratigraphical interpretation of Quaternary deposits in the central part of the Holy Cross Mountains, as well as for a revision of the course and extent of Middle Polish (Saalian) glaciations. These deposits comprise a series of diamictons which occur between sandy-gravelly deposits. Based on results of macro- and microscopic sedimentological investigations, analysis of heavy mineral composition, roundness and frosting of quartz grains, as well as OSL dating, this complex must have formed during the Odranian Glaciation (Drenthe, Saalian, MIS 6). Sandy-gravelly deposits are of fluvioglacial and melt-out origin. Diamictons represent subglacial traction till. Their facies diversity is a result of variations in time and space, complex processes of deposition and deformation, responsible for their formation at the base of the active ice sheet. This glacigenic depositional complex was transformed by erosion-denudation and aeolian processes in a periglacial environment during the Vistulian (Weichselian, MIS 5d-2).
Stability conditions of the Vistula Valley attained by a multivariate approach – a case study from the Warsaw Southern Ring Road
Authors: Kaczmarek Łukasz , Dobak Paweł
Published: January 2016

Localised landslide activity has been observed in the area of the plateau slope analysed, in the vicinity of the planned Warsaw Southern Ring Road. Using calculation models quantitative and qualitative evaluations of the impact of natural and anthropogenic load factors on slope stability (and hence, safety) are made. The present paper defines six stages of slope stability analysis, leading to an indication of optimum slope design in relation to the development planned. The proposed procedure produces a ranking of factors that affect slope stability. In the engineering geological conditions under consideration, the greatest factors impacting degradation and failure of slope stability are changes in soil strength due to local, periodic yielding and the presence of dynamic loads generated by intensification of road traffic. Calculation models were used to assess the impact of destabilisation factors and to obtain mutual equivalence with 3D-visualisation relations. Based on this methodology, various scenarios dedicated to specific engineering geological conditions can be developed and rapid stability evaluations of changing slope loads can be performed.
Reconstruction of the pre-compactional thickness of the Zechstein Main Dolomite in northwest Poland
Authors: Semyrka Grażyna , Gancarz Marzena , Mikołajewski Zbigniew
Published: January 2016

Our reconstruction of the pre-compactional thickness of the Main Dolomite strata from the so-called Grotów Peninsula (northwest Poland) was based on macroscopic observations of drill cores from three wells: Mokrzec-1, Sieraków-4 and Międzychód-5. These wells are located in various palaeogeographical zones of the Main Dolomite and cored rocks represent a range of microfacies. The amount of compactional reduction in thickness of the Main Dolomite was estimated by summing the total heights (Wst) of all stylolites encountered in logs of these wells. For calculations, a generalised model of a drill core was developed, which embraced all types of stylolite seams present in the Main Dolomite succession studied. Also the method of stylolite dimensioning was demonstrated. The number of stylolites in the drill cores studied varied from 511 in the Sieraków-4 well to 1,534 in the Międzychód-5 well. In all cores studied low-amplitude macrostylolites predominated, but the reduction of thickness was controlled mostly by the low- and medium-amplitude macrostylolites. The largest number of stylolites was found in the grainstone/packstone microfacies. The turnout of stylolites depends of microfacies. The highest density of stylolites was documented in mudstones/wackestones (24 stylolites per metre of rock thickness) and the lowest in boundstones (14 stylolites per metre of rock thickness). The low-amplitude stylolites appear most frequently in the mudstone/wackestone microfacies (15 stylolites per metre of rock thickness); in grainstones/packstones, rudstones/floatstones and boundstones middle-amplitude stylolites are rare (3 stylolites per metre of rock thickness). The degree of compaction of the Main Dolomite succession studied varied from 6 to 10%; hence, its calculated initial thickness also varied in the wells studied: from 41.3 m in the Sieraków-4 well to 56.9 m in the Mokrzec-1 well and to 97.1 m in the Międzychód-5 well. The volumes of reservoir fluids expelled during compaction of 1 m3 of Main Dolomite carbonates were estimated as 56 l in the Sieraków-4 well, 90 l in the Mokrzec-1 well and 97 l in the Międzychód-5 well.
Implementation of the Energy Efficiency Directive: Opportunities and Challenges
Authors: Zīgurs A. , Sarma U.
Published: January 2016

Discussions in Latvia are ongoing regarding the optimum solution to implementing Directive 2012/27/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 October 2012 on energy efficiency, amending Directives 2009/125/EC and 2010/30/EU and repealing Directives 2004/8/EC and 2006/32/EC (Directive 2012/27/EU). Without a doubt, increased energy efficiency contributes significantly to energy supply security, competitive performance, increased quality of life, reduced energy dependence and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. However, Directive 2012/27/EU should be implemented with careful planning, evaluating every aspect of the process.

This study analyses a scenario, where a significant fraction of target energy efficiency is achieved by obliging energy utilities to implement user-end energy efficiency measures. With implementation of this scheme towards energy end-use savings, user payments for energy should be reduced; on the other hand, these measures will require considerable investment. The energy efficiency obligation scheme stipulates that these investments must be paid by energy utilities; however, they will actually be covered by users, because the source of energy utilities’ income is user payments for energy. Thus, expenses on such measures will be included in energy prices and service tariffs.

The authors analyse the ways to achieve a balance between user gains from energy end-use savings and increased energy prices and tariffs as a result of obligations imposed upon energy utilities. Similarly, the suitability of the current regulatory regime for effective implementation of Directive 2012/27/EU is analysed in the energy supply sectors, where supply tariffs are regulated.
Justification of the Utility of Introducing Smart Meters in Latvia
Authors: Kunickis M. , Dandens A. , Bariss U.
Published: January 2016

Automatic data reading from smart meters is being developed in many parts of the world, including Latvia. The key drivers for that are developments of smart technologies and economic benefits for consumers. Deployment of smart meters could be launched in a massive scale.

Several pilot projects were implemented to verify the feasibility of smart meters for individual consumer groups. Preliminary calculations indicate that installation of smart meters for approximately 23 % of electricity consumers would be economically viable. Currently, the data for the last two years is available for an in-depth mathematical analysis. The continuous analysis of consumption data would be established, when more measurements from smart meters are available.

The extent of introduction of smart meters should be specified during this process in order to gain the maximum benefit for the whole society (consumers, grid companies, state authorities), because there are still many uncertain and variable factors. For example, it is necessary to consider statistical load variations by hour, dependence of electricity consumption on temperature fluctuations, consumer behaviour and demand response to market signals to reduce electricity consumption in the short and long term, consumer’s ambitions and capability to install home automation for regulation of electricity consumption.

To develop the demand response, it is necessary to analyse the whole array of additional factors, such as expected cost reduction of smart meters, possible extension of their functionality, further development of information exchange systems, as well as standard requirements and different political and regulatory decisions regarding the reduction of electricity consumption and energy efficiency.
Efficient Use of Cogeneration and Fuel Diversification
Authors: Kunickis M. , Balodis M. , Sarma U. , Cers A. , Linkevics O.
Published: January 2016

Energy policy of the European Community is implemented by setting various goals in directives and developing support mechanisms to achieve them. However, very often these policies and legislation come into contradiction with each other, for example Directive 2009/28/EC on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources and Directive 2012/27/EU on energy efficiency, repealing Directive 2004/8/EC on the promotion of cogeneration based on a useful heat demand.

In this paper, the authors attempt to assess the potential conflicts between policy political objectives to increase the share of high-efficiency co-generation and renewable energy sources (RES), based on the example of Riga district heating system (DHS).

If a new heat source using biomass is built on the right bank of Riga DHS to increase the share of RES, the society could overpay for additional heat production capacities, such as a decrease in the loading of existing generating units, thereby contributing to an inefficient use of existing capacity.

As a result, the following negative consequences may arise: 1) a decrease in primary energy savings (PES) from high-efficiency cogeneration in Riga DHS, 2) an increase in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the Baltic region, 3) the worsening security situation of electricity supply in the Latvian power system, 4) an increase in the electricity market price in the Lithuanian and Latvian price areas of Nord Pool power exchange.

Within the framework of the research, calculations of PES and GHG emission volumes have been performed for the existing situation and for the situation with heat source, using biomass. The effect of construction of biomass heat source on power capacity balances and Nord Pool electricity prices has been evaluated.
Carbon dioxide emissions embodied in international trade in Central Europe between 1995 and 2008
Authors: Vlčková Jana , Nosek Vojtěch , Novotný Josef , Lupíšek Antonín
Published: January 2016

Climate change and environmental policies are widely discussed, but much less is known about emissions embodied in goods traded internationally, and the distinction between emission producers and consumers. The carbon dioxide emissions embodied in international trade in Central European countries are subject to examination in this paper. As a result of industrial restructuring and environmental legislation, air pollution has improved significantly in Central European countries since the 1989 transition. On the other hand, economic growth has been accompanied by a rise in consumerism. Despite the increasing role of exports, the Visegrad group countries have become net importers of carbon dioxide emissions between 1995 and 2008. This seems to be the ‘standard trajectory’ of a country’s transition toward a more developed and consumption-oriented economy. The global patterns of carbon dioxide emissions embodied in manufacturing exports are also mapped, using network analysis and constructing ‘product space’. The analysis confirms that industrial re-structuring played an important role in lowering the production of carbon dioxide emissions in the Visegrad countries.
Labour productivity of agricultural business companies and cooperatives in the Czech Republic: A micro-regional level analysis
Authors: Ženka Jan , Žufan Petr , Krtička Luděk , Slach Ondřej
Published: January 2016

Drawing on empirical evidence from the Czech Republic, differences in agricultural labour productivity at the micro-regional level are examined. The role of geographical factors: natural conditions, landscape fragmentation, localisation and urbanization economies, are discussed. In addition, we also test the effects of farm size structure to capture the results of internal scale economies. The key importance of natural conditions is confirmed: they were significantly more important than farm characteristics such as size structure, ownership status and mode of production. Regional agricultural labour productivity was positively influenced by the nominal price of agricultural land and population density. Surprisingly, micro-regions dominated by large farms performed at lower productivity levels than micro-regions with fragmented farm size structure in the Czech Republic.
The reurbanisation concept and its utility for contemporary research on post-socialist cities: The case of the Czech Republic
Authors: Ouředníček Martin , Šimon Martin , Kopečná Martina
Published: January 2016

The concept of reurbanisation is discussed in this article from theoretical and methodological perspectives. Reurbanisation has been defined as one of the stages of urban development recently, but it is also tied to processes of gentrification, or perceived as a policy aimed at the revitalisation of inner cities. The main objective of this contribution is to discuss three principal and different perspectives of reurbanisation: firstly, reurbanisation as defined on the macro-scale of settlement system development; secondly, the concept as elaborated at the micro-scale of the transformation of inner cities; and, thirdly, reurbanisation viewed as a specific urban policy at the local government scale of analysis. The authors’ singular understanding of the reurbanisation process – as suburban-to-urban migration – is then presented as an alternative conceptualization of reurbanisation. This paper presents and evaluates the use of the reurbanisation concept in research on residential environments in current conditions in the Czech Republic and relates it to the broader domain of research on post-socialist cities.
Creative industries in the capital cities of the Baltic States: Are there innovations in urban policy?
Authors: Tafel-Viia Külliki , Terk Erik , Lassur Silja , Viia Andres
Published: January 2016

The transformation of urban policy, resulting from ‘creative industries’ policy developments, is explored in this article, with respect to the Baltic capitals. Policy initiatives in the creative industries in Central and Eastern European cities have predominantly developed through policy transfers from Western Europe, with its long-term market economy experience. How adaptable are such policies for post-socialist cities? Using the concept of social innovation, this article describes mechanisms that facilitate policy acceptance and examines whether and how the development of creative industries has resulted in urban policy renewal in the Baltic capitals.
The changing role of migration and natural increase in suburban population growth: The case of a non-capital post-socialist city (The Krakow Metropolitan Area, Poland)
Authors: Kurek Sławomir , Wójtowicz Mirosław , Gałka Jadwiga
Published: January 2016

The evolution of population distributions in the Krakow Metropolitan Area (KMA) in Poland is subject to analysis in this contribution. Changes and recent reversals in the relationships between the main components of total population growth (natural increase and net migration) are examined in order to determine the level of development of suburbanisation processes in zones of the KMA, with the use of the Webb typology. Research was carried out in four time points: 1988, 1995, 2002 and 2012, covering the year just before the collapse of the socialist regime, the first decade of political and socio-economic transition, and the period before and after accession to the EU. The analysis of differentials in natural increase and net migration is conducted within the context of residential suburbanisation in the KMA, using as a background context recent population developments in Poland and Polish cities. Implications for urban policy arising from changes in the spatial concentration of the population in the metropolitan area are discussed.
Practical Model of Cement Based Grout Mix Design, for Use into Low Level Radiation Waste Management
Authors: Radu Lidia , Saca Nastasia , Mazilu Claudiu , Gheorghe Maria , Petre Ionela
Published: January 2016

The cement based grouts, as functional performance composite materials, are widely used for both immobilisation and encapsulation as well as for stabilization in the field of inorganic waste management. Also, to ensure that low level radioactive waste (LLW) are contained for storage and ultimate disposal, they are encapsulated or immobilized in monolithic waste forms, with cement –based grouts.

The paper includes some research data referring to cement based grout mix design for use as encapsulating/immobilizing system for low level radioactive waste. The work includes cement-based-grout mix design method used practically into establishing of the optimum grout mix based on the water/cement ratio, cement/sand ratio in order to achieve application requiered values of fluidity, segregation resistance, shrinkage and mechanical strengths. These engineering grout characteristics present relevance for simulation experiments of radionuclide leaching from LLW – cement grout encapsulation system.
“My” “Musical” “Language” ?
Authors: Augustyn Rafał
Published: January 2016

The problem associated with the musical “language” of a particular composer can be understood either literally, i.e. with some possible analogies to natural language, or metaphorically, as a substitute of style, technique, or manner. I try to combine both usages. In fact, my approach to composing music is not so much - to develop a consistent language ready for use in multiple instances and thus to attain a recognisable personal style, but rather - to try to build a tool for use in one particular composition on many levels of musical “grammar”. Another basic problem is the proportion between impulse and design as defined in a well-known book by Andrzej Panufnik.

The examples discussed illustrate some core problems of the music creation process, such as the deliberately incomplete ‘‘monadic’’ form (Gamma from String Quartet No. 3); the evolution of style in the process of composition and its dependence on the medium (Rondeau for wind quintet); and purely intuitive composition (Con tenerezza from Cinque pezzi diversi).
Witold Szalonek Seen Through His Own Views
Authors: Cichy Daniel
Published: January 2016

Witold Szalonek (1927-2001) did not limit himself in his artistic activity to composing instrumental, vocal and vocal-instrumental works. He was also very active as a pedagogue, music promotor and musicologist-theorist. His writings reflect the tendency (popular among composers in the 2nd half of the 20th century) to comment on the aesthetic phenomena of historical and contemporary music culture, with particular emphasis on his own works. His views on art and selfcommentaries are contained in published and unpublished articles and manifestos. With regard to character and function, the writings that he left behind can be divided into four categories. Among the nearly thirty texts, printed mostly in Poland, we can thus distinguish: 1) essays on general musical subjects, commenting on elements of the European musical heritage important for this composer and on inspirations from non-European cultures; 2) artistic manifestos, in which sonoristic concepts play a major role; 3) self-analyses and self-commentaries on selected works, which are of major value to performers interpreting his pioneering scores; 4) critical texts on current subjects and events, coming from the first years of Witold Szalonek’s artistic work, when he was active as a music critic.
Between the Lines: Reading Into Marek Stachowski’s Self-Reflections
Authors: Draus Agnieszka
Published: January 2016

Marek Stachowski: composer, teacher, and vice-chancellor, one of cultural Kraków’s most outstanding figures, died prematurely in 2004. The tenth anniversary of his death is an occasion to review the works he left behind as well as his extensive reflections on his own output and on the state of art in general. Reading into the numerous opinions regarding his own activity as a composer, we have found significant statements that confirm three distinctive qualities of Marek Stachowski’s artistic personality. First and foremost, his deep conviction of being predestined for the profession and an awareness of his aesthetic roots; secondly, the ability to analyse his own creative achievements; and finally, the rationalisation of the creative act while maintaining a distance towards his own work.

Marek Stachowski’s oeuvre comprises 56 catalogued compositions, both small- and large-scale, vocal and instrumental, reflecting the various paths of Polish music in the second half of the 20th century: from sonoristic avant-garde to the “New Classicism.” Throughout these transformations, however, we can perceive some stable individual qualities of his musical language, namely: clarity of structure, sophistication of sound and the leading role of expression.
Integration Attempts Paweł Mykietyn and the Composer’s Self-Reflection
Authors: Gmys Marcin
Published: January 2016

In this paper, the author attempts to reconstruct the aesthetic views of Paweł Mykietyn, a leading Polish composer of the middle generation. Since Mykietyn has never presented his views comprehensively, the author reconstructs his opinions on the basis of published interviews with the composer, focusing on his ideas regarding musical and nonmusical inspirations, the significance of mathematical procedures in the compositional process, traditional musical forms, the role of quotations and self-quotations, experimentation with microtones and musical time, as well as the concept of music as autobiography.
The Musical Language of Kazimierz Serocki in the Light of the Composer’s Self-Reflection
Authors: Lindstedt Iwona
Published: January 2016

The article is an attempt to reconstruct the fundamental elements of Kazimierz Serocki’s musical language on the basis of his own statements concerning his music. Those statements come first and foremost from his lectures prepared for the Meisterkurs für Komposition at the Musik-Akademie in Basel (1976), whose manuscripts are now held in the Polish Composers’ Archive of the University of Warsaw Library. The lecture texts (Notations- und Realisationsprobleme, Klangfarben als Kompositionsmaterial, Chance der offenen Form) present a whole set of problems which Serocki considered as the most important for his method of composition. The central place among these problems is occupied by the idea of “composing with sound colour” (“mit Klangfarben komponieren”). Sound colour plays a decisive role in the creative process, as it constitutes self-sufficient material for composition. Sound colour has a form-shaping role in the musical work, since it can build sequences of sound structures in various configurations, which perform various functions in the piece. The idea of composing with sound colour is presented by the composer in the context of an adequate way of notating sound phenomena and the possibility of performing music from such notation. This idea was also related in the lectures to the principles of constructing polyvalent open forms (mehrdeutige Form) out of small- and large-scale components. Pitch organisation, on the other hand, remains of secondary interest in the composer’s commentaries. Serocki’s self-reflection provides us with original and innovative answers to the most important problems that contemporary composers have had to face in their work. It also provides significant and hitherto frequently little-known insights into the components of the unique style of the author of Pianophonie, and these insights can be effectively utilised in the course of future research on Serocki’s work.
The Strategy of “Controlled Reception” in Witold Lutosławski’s Commentaries on his own Works
Authors: Krajewski Marcin
Published: January 2016

Witold Lutosławski’s commentaries on his own music are often defective in many regards. These defects could be explained as resulting from a strategy according to which the aim of a commentary is not to provide a truthful description of musical phenomena but to form a desired image of a composition or a musical style in the minds of the listeners. This idea of ‘controlled reception’ was clearly outlined by the famous Polish writer Witold Gombrowicz (whose writings Lutosławski knew and highly appreciated) and is especially noticeable in the composer’s remarks on “controlled aleatoricism”, “thin textures” and the connections between his music and the twelve-tone technique. The view of reception of art common to Gombrowicz and Lutosławski could be characterised in the writer’s own words: A style that cannot defend itself before human judgment, that surrenders its creator to the ill will of any old imbecile, does not fulfil its most important assignment. [...] the idiot’s opinion is also significant. It also creates us, shapes us from inside out, and has far-reaching practical and vital consequences. [...] Literature [art in general - note by M.K.] has a dual significance and a dual root: it is born of pure artistic contemplation [...], but it is also an author’s personal settling of accounts with people, an instrument in the battle waged for a spiritual existence.
The Poetics of Unism in Music
Authors: Szwajgier Krzysztof
Published: January 2016

Zygmunt Krauze is the founder of a new current in art: unistic (unitary) music. He developed this concept in the first period of his artistic work, inspired by the unistic paintings of Władysław Strzemiński. Traces of this style are also detectable in Krauze’s later post-unistic works. Unistic music is characterised by a paradoxical unity in diversity. Most of the composer’s statements collected in this paper refer to specific features of unism in music. Other, more general comments concern the essence of music, the composer’s personal stance, the creative process, the autonomy of the composer, the audience and the performers, etc. Two longer texts by Zygmunt Krauze have been quoted in full. One can be considered as a unistic manifesto, while the other is a kind of personal credo.
Marcin Stańczyk’s Afterimages and Aftersounds – Reflections and Self-Reflections
Authors: Tabakiernik Marta
Published: January 2016

One of the most frequently recurring topics in Marcin Stańczyk’s (b. 1977) self-commentaries is the idea of translating the phenomenon of afterimages into music, in the form of his original concept of aftersounds. Direct inspiration for this concept came from a cycle of solarist paintings by Władysław Strzemiński entitled Afterimages of the Sun. The concept of aftersounds can be considered on the level of music material (resonances and reflections of various kinds, contrasts on the sound level) as well as metaphorically (when the composition becomes an afterimage of an external phenomenon). Particularly important to Stańczyk’s work as a composer are explorations in the field of music perception and the theatricalisation of performance, which turns every gesture of the performers into a meaningful element of the composition, as well as an element of expression. This paper aims to present an outline of the ways in which Stańczyk implements the idea of aftersounds in music. The text is based on the composer’s own statements as well as on characteristic examples from his works.
Review of the methods of cartographic presentation of warfare
Authors: Augustyniak Jacek , Kuźma Marta , Pędzich Paweł
Published: January 2016

Maps, depicting the warfare, are elaborated according to the rules developed over the years. Although, they are not free of errors. The authors draw our attention to the diversity of methods related to the cartographic presentations, which are shown on the historical maps. This is quite understandable, because every such a map introduces an individual point of view on the historical facts. It is noted, that the most commonly used methods are the qualitative ones, among which, for instance, first of all, the method of signature is frequently used.

In the case of historical maps displaying an event in the specific sequence of times, a loss of cartographic information always occur. This is connected both with the complexity of historical facts and with the difficulty in reading a map, which should present the dynamics of this phenomenon in a complete way. The dynamic variables, such as the time of exposure, duration, frequency, order, degree of change and synchronisation, should be taken into account on the maps of warfare.

The use of information technology makes it possible to develop not only the simple maps presenting the course of warfare in the statistic and schematic ways, but also the maps, which are rich in various types of multimedia information.

Multimedia cartographic presentations can be enriched with the photos and panoramas showing the direct effects of warfare and the pseudo three-dimensional visualization showing the battle from a selected direction. The proprietary software let to combine the sequence of photos into a presentation, allowing to take a virtual tour of the areas directly affected by the hostilities. Network services, such as WMS, WFS, WCS, provide the integrated data from the different sources for us. So, we can connect the archival maps with the contemporary satellite images, defining, thus, the location of a specific place in the terrain.

The authors do not cover the issue of complexity connected with the elaboration of maps presenting the combat operations. The most important problems, which have not been discussed in this article, are the following ones: lack of base maps from the period to which the presented issues related, deliberate distortion of map contents, historical and cartographic imprecisions presented on the maps, appropriate selection of the methods of cartographic presentation related to the phenomena, which are presented on the maps.
Comparison of Lymphatic System Staging Classifications in Patients with Gastric Cancer
Authors: Spychała Arkadiusz , Nowaczyk Piotr , Murawa Dawid
Published: January 2016

Despite an observed decrease in the incidence of gastric cancer, it still remains an important clinical problem. It is the fourth most common cancer in the world and the second cause of death in cancer patients. The quality of lymphadenectomy procedure and the number of analysed lymph nodes are both important factors influencing the treatment of the patient.

was to compare the lymph node ratio staging system with the 6

A group consisting of 493 patients who underwent surgery in 1998–2010 due to gastric cancer was used to compare the staging systems. Following statistical analysis, the following cut-off points were adopted for the lymph node ratio for the purpose of comparison: 0, from 0.05 to 0.3, from 0.3 to 0.5 and over 0.5. Subsequently the homogeneity (using chi-square test for linear trend) and the predictive value of the different classifications (using Akaike information criterion) were assessed in order to compare the lymph node ratio staging system with the 6

The lymph node ratio classification has a higher discriminatory value than the TNM classifications (higher linear trend result). What is more, the lymph node ratio classification (LNR) had a lower Akaike information criterion value, which means that it has a higher prognostic value than the other classifications. ROC curves and the area under the curve (AUC) were utilised for the analysis of predictive value of the different classifications in patients with gastric cancer.

One may conclude, therefore, that the lymph node ratio staging system is the best classification of the lymphatic system in the presented group of patients.
The Use of the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Protocol in Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Surgery for Colorectal Cancer – A Comparative Analysis of Patients Aged above 80 and below 55
Authors: Pędziwiatr Michał , Pisarska Magdalena , Wierdak Mateusz , Major Piotr , Rubinkiewicz Mateusz , Kisielewski Michał , Matyja Maciej , Lasek Anna , Budzyński Andrzej
Published: January 2016

Age is one of the principal risk factors for colorectal adenocarcinoma. To date, older patients were believed to achieve worse treatment results in comparison with younger patients due to reduced vital capacity. However, papers have emerged in recent years which confirm that the combination of lap-aroscopy and postoperative care based on the ERAS protocol improves treatment results and may be particularly beneficial also for elderly patients.

was to compare the outcomes of laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer in combination with the ERAS protocol in patients aged above 80 and below 55.

. The analysis included patients aged above 80 and below 55 undergoing elective laparoscopic colorectal resection for cancer at the 2

Group 1 comprised 34 patients and group 2, 43 patients. No differences were found between both groups in terms of gender, BMI, tumour progression or surgical parameters. Older patients typically had higher ASA scores. No statistically significant differences were found with regard to the length hospital stay following surgery (5.4 vs 7 days, p=0.446481), the occurrence of complications (23.5% vs 37.2%, p=0.14579) or hospital readmissions (2.9% vs 2.4%). The degree of compliance with the ERAS protocol in group 1 and 2 was 85.2% and 83.0%, respectively (p=0.482558). Additionally, recovery parameters such as tolerance of oral nutrition (82.4% vs 72.1%, p=0.28628) and mobilisation (94.1% vs 83.7%, p=0.14510) within 24 hours of surgery did not differ among the groups. However, a smaller proportion of older patients required opioids in comparison with younger patients (26.5% vs 55.8%, p=0.00891).

Similar levels of compliance with the ERAS protocol may be achieved among patients aged ≥80 and younger patients. When laparoscopy is combined with the ERAS protocol, age does not seem to be a significant factor that could account for worse utcomes. Therefore, older patients should not be excluded from perioperative care based on ERAS principles.
Quality of Life Aspects Determining The-Bio-Psycho-Social Functioning of Patients in The-Perspective of a Planned Extensive Sphincter’s Repair Procedure
Authors: Żelazny Dorota , Romaniszyn Michał , Wałęga Piotr
Published: January 2016

Damage to the sphincter, regardless of its pathogenesis, consists in the impossibility to control the physiology, or the so-called faecal incontinence. This implies changes in the whole bio-psycho-social functioning of the patients, and thus affects the satisfaction with their quality of life, conditioned by their health status. The problem affects around 5 to 7% of the population. Often enough, the only hope for those patients are repair procedures of the sphincter mechanism.

was to evaluate key aspects of quality of life which determine the psycho-social status of patients with endogenous or iatrogenic sphincter damage in the perspective of a planned extensive sphincter’s repair procedure.

The study group consisted of 52 people, 26 women and 26 men, aged 19–72. The scale by Rockwood – Fecal Incontinency Quality of Life – was used as the basic research tool which evaluates the quality of life in four aspects: 1/behavioral (Lifestyle) 2/cognitive (Coping) 3/emotional (Depression) 4/overall self-assessment (Embarrasment). The degree of incontinence was determined based on point scales of Jorge Wexner (JW scale) and the Fecal Incontinenece Severity Index (FISI scale). Structured diagnostic interview was also used in the study.

The results show that lack of control over the basic physiological functions disintegrates the quality of life in all evaluated aspects related to somatic, psychological and social functioning. FIQL: Lifestyle (LS) – 1.96 pts Coping (C) – 1.67 pts Depression (D) – 2.1 pts Embarrasment (E) – 1.79 pts

The FIQL results presented explain the fact that among 52 patients followed, 50 decided to conduct extensive reconstructive procedures, although the results are not statistically optimistic and the risk of complications is relatively high.
Surgical Trap of a Routine Procedure. Scrotal Hernia with Concomitant Sliding of the Urinary Bladder – Case Report
Authors: Cybułka Bartosz , Podgórny Marek , Rapeła Jacek , Wach Andrzej
Published: January 2016

The content of the hernial sac may comprise peritoneal cavity elements, such as small and large bowel loops, visceral adipose tissue, the greater omentum, appendix (amyand hernia), and Meckel's diverticulum. The sliding of part of the urinary bladder wall to the inguinal canal is rare, being observed in 1%-4% (0.5%-3%) of inguinal hernia cases. Complete migration of the urinary bladder to the scrotum is considered a rare anomaly. As of today, 100 such cases have been described.