This study outlines the diversification of social and economic development in selected municipalities of Konecki Poviat of the Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship. It is based on statistical data contained in available statistical sources published by the Polish Central Statistical Office (GUS). Social and economic development has been assessed in connection with characteristics of population and economy. The period of transformation triggered numerous phenomena facilitating development of rural areas; however, it also introduced negative social and economic processes. The analysis emphasized the existence of numerous alarming demographic and social phenomena, which are the strongest on the outskirts of the Konecki Poviat. The population has dropped, partially due to declining birth rate. Moreover, in the analyzed period of time the outflow of population has decreased, presumably due to slumping urban labour market. Furthermore, in the area of this study ageing of population has been discovered as a result of decreased fertility and longer life expectancy. Social and economic transformations have considerable impact on changes in the labour market. With decreased industrial employment, the rate of unemployment has risen. Within all unemployed the most numerous group is composed of people at the age of 25-34. Unfavourable unemployment structure is preserved due to educational barriers for ...
Wildlife crossings are resource-demanding structures constructed to minimalize impacts of human-made barriers (e.g. road and railway corridors) on the natural environment. Therefore monitoring of functionality of these engineering constructions is vital. The aim of monitoring is to control if implemented technical and biological solutions have been accepted by the wildlife. The paper concerns functionality analysis of wildlife overpass crossings constructed in the area of S3 expressway junction with A3 motorway. The research method was direct observation bats flight activity through gateway area at reference sections. It shows that constructed section of S3 motorway disturbed natural bat migration routes. The flights of bats at collision elevation 4 m over road level are 20% of total flight frequency occurring outside gateway sections. Efficiency of bat flight guiding on wildlife crossings depends on many factors e.g. biometric parameters of trees, road surface level declination in comparison with surrounding terrain level at the crossing area, location of clearings in the vicinity of crossings.The wildlife crossing analyzed in the paper is accepted by bats, however its functionality should be improved both by implementing technical modifications - increasing width of gates, decreasing of road surface level in comparison with terrain level and by ...
