Seasonal mortality patterns and regional contrasts in Portugal

Seasonal mortality patterns and regional contrasts in Portugal

Author(s): Ricardo Almendra,Paula Santana,Elisabete Freire,Joao Vasconcelos / Language(s): English / Issue: 32/2016

Keywords: winter mortality; seasonal mortality; respiratory diseases; circulatory diseases; Portugal

The main aim of this study is to identify the geographical seasonal mortality patterns in Portugal and, for the first time, to assess the relationship between seasonal and overall mortality. Monthly data from the Portuguese mortality database (2000-2009) by major cause of death were analysed and standardized to 30 days with adjustments for leap years. The chi-square goodness-of-fit test was used to compare the observed monthly deaths with deaths that could be expected if mortality were randomly distributed throughout the year. The seasonal burden was measured using the excess winter deaths (EWD) rate and the seasonal impact of winter on mortality was assessed through the EWD Index. The regions were clustered according to the overall mortality rate and the seasonal impact: 1-low seasonality and high values of overall mortality; 2-high seasonality and high values of overall mortality; 3-low values of seasonality and low overall mortality; 4-high seasonality and low overall mortality. Significant seasonal mortality increases were found in all causes of death. There were 86,000 EWDs, mostly through circulatory and respiratory diseases. 73% of the population lives in regions with high winter vulnerability to respiratory mortality and 60% in regions with high winter vulnerability to circulatory mortality. This study reinforces the idea that vulnerability to cold weather may play an important role in the public health in Portugal. This knowledge may be used to construct a set of regulations or policies designed to implement better health planning procedures and more effective warning systems.

How to assess quality of life. Theoretical and methodological research aspects in cross-border regions

How to assess quality of life. Theoretical and methodological research aspects in cross-border regions

Author(s): Martin Angelovič,Robert Ištok / Language(s): English / Issue: 32/2016

Keywords: quality of life; border; border region; methodology; scale

In our paper we deal with both the theoretical and methodological aspects of our research, which focuses on the quality of life in cross-border regions. The aim of the paper is to draw on the methodological system for assessment of the quality of life in those regions, taking into consideration both the objective and subjective dimension. The first part of the paper contains the use of qualitative methods when assessing the quality of life, which, in our understanding, are not sufficiently applied in the process of assessment of quality, not only in the field of Geography. We also focus on the definition of the key terms related to our work, such as 'quality of life, border and border-region/neighbour'. The main emphasis of our work lies in the formulation of the theoretical and methodological model of the quality of life assessment in the cross-border regions. The methodological outline of researching this issue is presented in the chart. The scale of the region is a key element we take into consideration, since it is significant when choosing the appropriate method of life quality assessment. We also distinguish between the application of both the qualitative and quantitative research methods on various scales. In our opinion, the representation of the qualitative methods in research should increase with the increase in the scale of the area researched. In the conclusion we provide selected outcomes of our research at various scales, which confirm the validity of our theoretical basis, since we came to various findings, depending on the scales researched.

Creative Clusters in Visegrad Countries: Factors Conditioning Cluster Establishment and Development

Creative Clusters in Visegrad Countries: Factors Conditioning Cluster Establishment and Development

Author(s): Magdalena Bialic-Davendra,Pavel Bednář,Lukas Danko,Jana Matošková / Language(s): English / Issue: 32/2016

Keywords: cluster; cluster organisation; creative industries; development; Visegrad countries (V4)

Since the accession of the Visegrad Group of countries (V4) to the European Union, the importance of clusters has increased. With growing global competitiveness and EU 12 trends, a gradual awareness of creative industries is observed in V4 countries. Therefore, this article analyses creative clusters and factors conditioning their establishment and development. On the basis of a literature review and a questionnaire survey, a mapping of creative clusters was conducted. In addition, catalysts, main motives and key factors in the process of their establishment were identified, as were the activities and factors hampering their development. The scheme of cluster development is presented as the outcome of the qualitative analysis, along with a comparison to findings of other studies. Research findings show that trust building and administrative obstacles are among the main barriers, especially for design clusters and cultural clusters.

Demographic development of Zachodniopomorskie voivodship in the years 2000-2012 in the light of transportation network accessibility

Demographic development of Zachodniopomorskie voivodship in the years 2000-2012 in the light of transportation network accessibility

Author(s): Elżbieta Chądzyńska / Language(s): English / Issue: 32/2016

Keywords: Demographical development; Webb's typology; transportation network

The area of Zachodniopomorskie voivodship is characterized by specific features, resulting from its position in space. The location of the regional capital Szczecin at the mouth of the River Odra and near the Polish-German border, in the close vicinity of well-developed Nordic countries, and on the outskirts of the region creates special conditions for development. At the same time, the considerable remoteness of most small towns from the capital region and the inadequate network of connections in a natural North-South direction make it difficult to work with the assets of larger centres of development like Szczecin and Koszalin. The present approach is based on Webb's typology for the gminas of Zachodniopomorskie voivodship compared with the analysis of the characteristics of the transportation network. Traffic volume of real transportation network was simulated by using a model based on the idea of intervening opportunities. Two categories of movements were analysed: movements to work and, due to the specificity of the region, tourists' movements.

'Close to the city centre, close to the university'. Are there symptoms of studentification in Gdańsk, Poland?

'Close to the city centre, close to the university'. Are there symptoms of studentification in Gdańsk, Poland?

Author(s): Maja Grabkowska,Jan Frankowski / Language(s): English / Issue: 32/2016

Keywords: studentification; gentrification; post-socialist city,; Gdańsk

Students are increasingly recognised as important actors of urban change in contemporary cities. The article presents an analysis of incipient studentification processes in Gdańsk. Its general aim is to reveal patterns of students' presence and activity which translate into spatial and socio-economic transformations of a post-socialist city at the level of neighbourhoods. The study consists of a survey on students' residential behaviour, complemented by field and desk research. According to the results, due to the fact that Polish students' housing and lifestyle choices are limited by their low purchasing power, student-dedicated services have a rather negative impact on the quality of urban space. Furthermore, under these conditions studentification may not be regarded as a stimulus to the gentrification process, which is rather driven by hipsters and affluent foreign students.

The Art of Difficult Dialogue

The Art of Difficult Dialogue

Author(s): Leonidas Donskis / Language(s): English / Issue: 03 (08)/2013

Keywords: Zygmunt Bauman;Russia;Eastern Europe;Europe

The art of dialogue is always difficult. The ability to listen and hear is accompanied by a sincere wish to check one’s own premises and to examine one’s own life. An unexamined life is not worth living, while an unlived life is not worth examining.

Katyń before the European Court of Human Rights

Katyń before the European Court of Human Rights

Author(s): Ireneusz C. Kaminski / Language(s): English / Issue: 03 (08)/2013

Keywords: Katyn;European Court of Human Rights; Russia; Poland

On September 21st 2004, Russia officially closed its investigation into the 1940 Katyń massacre without any official result or admission. The case as to whether Russia investigated the massacre thoroughly has now been brought before the European Court of Human Rights – the results of which could have far-reaching consequences.

A Festival of Jewish (Polish) Culture

A Festival of Jewish (Polish) Culture

Author(s): Janusz Makuch / Language(s): English / Issue: 03 (08)/2013

Keywords: Polish-Jewish relations;Jewish fesitval;Poland;Kraków

We, as Poles, must admit that Jews have made and still continue to make a fundamental contribution to the development of Polish – and more broadly European – culture. Thus,we are especially obliged to take care of this Jewish heritage,and to constantly commemorate it.

Political Change and the Performing Arts in Central and Eastern Europe

Political Change and the Performing Arts in Central and Eastern Europe

Author(s): Geza Kovács / Language(s): English / Issue: 03 (08)/2013

Keywords: Performing arts; Hungary; Central Europe; political transition

The performing arts have been an essential part of the whirlwind of historic change in Central and Eastern Europe. While they have not been completely removed from the social and political change in Western Europe and America, the difference in how much they have been involved is remarkable.

Shadows of Joseph Stalin

Shadows of Joseph Stalin

Author(s): Ana Dabrundashvili / Language(s): English / Issue: 03 (08)/2013

Keywords: Georgia;Stalin;Memory

Georgian sympathies towards Stalin have strong nationalistic roots,but they are not in line with the image Georgia strives to create internationally. De-Sovietisation is part of Georgia’s efforts to join the European Union, but is Georgian society typically European?

The Spectre of Berehynia

The Spectre of Berehynia

Author(s): Harriet Salem / Language(s): English / Issue: 03 (08)/2013

Keywords: Ukraine;Women;Gender equality

Sixty metres above Kyiv’s Independence Square stands a garish`copper green and gold plated statue. Known to locals as Baba (woman), the female figure of Berehynia has its origins in Slavic pagan mythology, later emerging as a symbol of Ukrainian matriarchy. Berehynia’s mythology, however, no longer lives up to the reality of women’s issues in Ukraine today.

Obama’s Wasted Potential?

Obama’s Wasted Potential?

Author(s): Filip Mazurczak / Language(s): English / Issue: 03 (08)/2013

Keywords: Barack Obama;US Foreign Policy;Poland

Despite being widely revered across Europe, US President Barack Obama’s Foreign Policy in Central and Eastern Europe is much less engaged than his predecessor. As a result, both the United States and the region are losing out on the potential for strong economic cooperation and democracy promotion.

V4 Upgrade: Polish presidency in the Visegrad Group

V4 Upgrade: Polish presidency in the Visegrad Group

Author(s): Wojciech Przybylski / Language(s): English / Issue: 03 (08)/2013

Keywords: Visegard Group;V4;Poland;Hungary;Czech Republic;Slovakia

The Polish presidency of the Visegrad Group concluded on June 30th 2013 and has brought a number of unprecedented results. Out of the four members, none has emphasised the importance of the V4 more over the last 20 years as Poland did during its last term. Was this just a hangover effect of Poland’s European Union Presidency of 2011? Or a completely new foreign policy direction altogether?

Religion in Russia’s Foreign Policy

Religion in Russia’s Foreign Policy

Author(s): Alicja Curanović / Language(s): English / Issue: 03 (08)/2013

Keywords: Russia;Orthodoxy;Religion;Foreign policy

Religious diplomacy allows a state to use certain aspectsof religion and religious symbols in international affairs.The instrumentalisation of religion for political aims has a long and rich tradition in Russia, which is evidenced in Russia’s foreign policy today.

Armenia as a Strategic Satellite of Russia in the South Caucasus

Armenia as a Strategic Satellite of Russia in the South Caucasus

Author(s): Ilgar Gurbanov / Language(s): English / Issue: 03 (08)/2013

As one of the most landlocked countries in the world, Armenia lacks both natural resources and access to the sea. This has led to the country reinforcing its strategic alliance with Russia. Unless Armenia breaks from its dependence on Russia and makes a constructive step in the solution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, it will find itself becoming more isolated from its neighbours.

The Dumping Ground of the Steppe

The Dumping Ground of the Steppe

Author(s): Zbigniew Rokita / Language(s): English / Issue: 03 (08)/2013

Keywords: Kazakhstan;reportage;demographics

Kazakhstan is country with a history of mixed nationalities and exemplifies the Soviet ethnic experiment. But it is also a country that has inherited the demographic mess left by the Soviet Empire.

Three Hours on a Train to Ternopil

Three Hours on a Train to Ternopil

Author(s): Annabelle Chapman / Language(s): English / Issue: 03 (08)/2013

Keywords: Reportage;Ukraine;train journey;travel account

There is nothing exceptional about the three-hour train journey from Lviv to Ternopil, in western Ukraine. It is a routine journey between two cities, home and work, past and future. It is not even a train, in the strict sense of the word; just an elektrychka, a local train linking villages to the city like an umbilical cord.

Songs of Freedom

Songs of Freedom

Author(s): Jonathan Bousfield / Language(s): English / Issue: 03 (08)/2013

Keywords: history;Baltic states;Singing revolution

It is 25 years since the Estonian artists and activist Heinz Valk coined the phrase “Singing Revolution” to describe the wave of patriotic gatherings sweeping the country, which then spread to the other Baltic republics. Of all the things that happened during the Singing Revolution, however,it is the singing that is the least remembered.

A Nation of Cossacks

A Nation of Cossacks

Author(s): Roman Kabachiy / Language(s): English / Issue: 03 (08)/2013

Keywords: Cossacks;Ukraine;History

The Cossack myth is the backbone of the Ukrainian nation. Over the centuries the myth has passed into history, but has recently seen a revival as Ukrainians seek to strengthen their nation and brand.

“Give me, oh God, a hard life, but a beautiful, rich and exalted one”

“Give me, oh God, a hard life, but a beautiful, rich and exalted one”

Author(s): Paweł Śpiewak / Language(s): English / Issue: 03 (08)/2013

Keywords: Janusz Korczak;Ghetto diary;Holocaust

He was a Jew who adored light, who blessed the world. He was a Jew, but went to the ghetto in the uniform of a Polish officer. He was a Polish writer and an individual. He neither looked for nor needed straightforward answers to the question of who he was.