<abstract xml:lang="en"><title style='display:none'>Comparison of Values of Pearson's and Spearman's Correlation Coefficients on the Same Sets of Data</title>Spearman's rank correlation coefficient is a nonparametric (distribution-free) rank statistic proposed by Charles Spearman as a measure of the strength of an association between two variables. It is a measure of a monotone association that is used when the distribution of data makes Pearson's correlation coefficient undesirable or misleading. Spearman's coefficient is not a measure of the linear relationship between two variables, as some "statisticians" declare. It assesses how well an arbitrary monotonic function can describe a relationship between two variables, without making any assumptions about the frequency distribution of the variables. Unlike Pearson's product-moment correlation coefficient, it does not require the assumption that the relationship between the variables is linear, nor does it require the variables to be measured on interval scales; it can be used for variables measured at the ordinal level. The idea of the paper is to compare the values of Pearson's product-moment correlation coefficient and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient as well as their statistical significance for different sets of data (original - for Pearson's coefficient, and ranked data for Spearman's coefficient) describing regional indices of socio-economic development.</abstract>

Comparison of Values of Pearson's and Spearman's Correlation Coefficients on the Same Sets of Data

<abstract xml:lang="en"><title style='display:none'>Socio-Economic Development and its Axiological Aspects</title>The article presents notions and issues concerning socio-economic development in an axiological perspective. Their presentation is limited to those the present author considers valid, and ignores their wider context as expounded in the various theories of socio-economic development.Underlying the axiological approach to socio-economic development is the opinion that the character of and research on socio-economic development are not neutral axiologically because values are an inherent component of human activity; they stimulate it and give it a direction. The knowledge concerning human activity makes use of evaluative concepts and judgements.The article discusses: (1) the concept of socio-economic development, (2) basic axiological notions, and (3) axiological problems of socio-economic development.</abstract>

Socio-Economic Development and its Axiological Aspects

<abstract xml:lang="en"><title style='display:none'>Multiplier Effects in Local and Regional Development</title>The aim of the paper is to outline demand-driven multiplier mechanisms, the theory behind them, and applicable quantification methods (aggregate models and incremental methods). The authors discuss a number of key problems related to multiplier effects as fundamental mechanisms of local and regional development. The study of the magnitude, industry structure, spatial distribution, and key determinants of those effects can help understand growth mechanisms in local and regional economies and evaluate the advantages and disadvantages associated with new, e.g. foreign, investment. Furthermore, the results of earlier empirical studies of the magnitude, spatial distribution and determinants of multiplier effects are presented together with the outcomes of the authors' own study.</abstract>

Multiplier Effects in Local and Regional Development

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>The paper presents a review of contributions to the scientific discussion on modern methods and tools for public participation in urban planning. This discussion took place in Obrzycko near Poznań, Poland. The meeting was designed to allow for an ample discussion on the themes of public participatory geographic information systems, participatory geographic information systems, volunteered geographic information, citizen science, Geoweb, geographical information and communication technology, Geo-Citizen participation, geo-questionnaire, geo-discussion, GeoParticipation, Geodesign, Big Data and urban planning. Participants in the discussion were scholars from Austria, Brazil, the Czech Republic, Finland, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, the United Kingdom, and the USA. A review of public participation in urban planning shows new developments in concepts and methods rooted in geography, landscape architecture, psychology, and sociology, accompanied by progress in geoinformation and communication technologies. The discussions emphasized that it is extremely important to state the conditions of symmetric cooperation between city authorities, urban planners and public participation representatives, social organizations, as well as residents.</abstract>

Selected Modern Methods and Tools for Public Participation in Urban Planning – A Review

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>A<sc>bstract</sc></title>
The main goal of the article is to present the morphological changes that occurred in the Old Town of Wrocław in the post-war period. Morphological transformation is a natural process that shapes the external and the internal structure of a city. The damage inflicted during World War II interrupted the natural development of the burgage cycle and deeply altered the landscape of the city. Through the analysis of building coverage within street blocks, a classification of street blocks was obtained. On this basis, eight areas that underwent analogous phases of the burgage cycle in particular blocks were distinguished; this made it possible to identify the processes that can affect changes in morphology. The main analysis of the study was conducted using cartographic materials from 1934 to 2019 (through Conzenian methods), which visualised the distribution of buildings within street blocks.
</abstract>

Morphological Transformations of the Old Town in Wrocław

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> Transport is a very important part of activities in the tourism sector. In addition to the transport of tourists to and within a destination, transport itself can be a tourist attraction. The aim of this paper is to analyse selected problems of railways in Slovakia (a decrease in the importance of railways for passenger transport in Slovakia in the past 20 years, discontinued passenger transport on certain railway tracks and the modernisation of other tracks, and zero-fare public rail transport services for certain categories of passengers), and to present good examples of the use of narrow-gauge railways for the purposes of tourism (the Tatra Electric Railways and the Kysuce-Orava Forest Railway).</abstract>

Role of Railway Transport in Tourism: Selected Problems and Examples in Slovakia

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>A<sc>bstract</sc></title>
Land cover change and its consequences such as environmental degradation and biodiversity loss pose significant global challenges, including in Nigeria’s Anambra River Basin. This study focuses on monitoring, predicting and understanding land cover changes in the basin from 1987 to 2018, with projections up to 2030. It explores the intricate relationship between population growth and land cover dynamics, aiming to contribute to sustainable land management practices and align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030. Using a combination of neural network classification and the CA-Markov model, the study analyses historical land cover data to identify significant transformations. Between 1987 and 2018, bare lands increased by 29%, vegetation increased by 14%, built-up areas increased by 128% and waterbodies increased by 10%, whereas there was a 58% decline in the extent of wetlands. The most significant transformation occurred in the wetlands, with a total of 1819.46 km2 being converted to various land cover types. The results demonstrate remarkable shifts characterised by rapid urbanisation, substantial wetland loss and a decline in vegetation cover. Expectedly, population growth is found to be closely linked to the expansion of built-up areas while negatively impacting other land cover types. These findings underscore the urgent need for sustainable land management strategies that balance the demands of growing populations with the preservation of natural ecosystems and biodiversity. Furthermore, the study provides future projections that offer crucial insights for decision-makers involved in land use planning, biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.
</abstract>

Dynamics of Land Cover Change in the Anambra River Basin of Nigeria and Implications for Sustainable Land Management

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>A<sc>bstract</sc></title>
The article’s topic reflects climate scientists’ presence and communication in the public sphere, while the main focus is on the two ways a society may respond to the climate scientists’ communicative efforts: by denying the scientific messaging (climate change denial) and by engaging in relation-building communication (climate change dialogue). Those aspects were explored from the point of view of American and Polish climate scientists through the method of in-depth interviewing. According to the scientists, as the study results show, the most effective way to enhance science-society dialogue on climate change is to detangle from unproductive denial narratives and truly embrace the dialogic model of science communication by opening it to feedback, including honest societal scepticism.
</abstract>

Moving (The Focus) from Denial to Dialogue: The Recommended Directions for Communicating Climate Change to Non-Expert Audiences Based on the Analysis of Climate Scientists’ Communicative Experiences

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>A<sc>bstract</sc></title>
Recognising the degree of climate transformations in the Arctic becomes vital, especially in times of rapid global climate change. The 21st century has seen a renaissance in Arctic coastal research. Here, we aim to present this recent progress. Moving from the European Arctic through the Siberian part and ending with the Canadian Arctic Archipelago (CAA), we describe how the region’s coasts have transformed. This work is mostly focussed on progress in coastal geomorphology, geohazards, and reconstructions of the paleoarchives, although we also address the future research challenges of cold region coastal environments.
</abstract>

Progress in Arctic Coastal Geomorphological Research in Times of Rapid Climate Warming

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>A<sc>bstract</sc></title>
Older adults have a long-time perspective when it comes to the perception of changes in local climate and are uniquely vulnerable to these developments in terms of health. The discussed in-depth, qualitative study is based on interviews with people from the age group over 65 years (N = 10; five females), who live in different regions of Poland, concerning their views on climate change and its mitigation. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to create a map of their observations and attitudes. Results indicate the importance of perceiving climate change in specific and local categories as well as show frequent identification of this issue with traditional environmentalism focussed on pollution and littering. This foregrounds difficulties in understanding invisible greenhouse gases and how they work. In terms of mitigation, the study has revealed little faith in climate action undertaken by fellow citizens and the government, as well as a sense of limited agency, which is also disproportionally projected onto children and young adults. However, through everyday observations, older adults appear to be profoundly aware of how climate change impacts the environment. Contrary to stereotypes, they also declare high emotional engagement in this issue. Consequently, despite being overlooked with respect to this subject, older adults can play an important role in promoting climate awareness and climate-friendly policies.
</abstract>

In the Past, Winter was Winter, and Summer was Summer: Climate Change in the Eyes of Older Adults from Poland

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>A<sc>bstract</sc></title>
This paper describes the foundations of the periglacial concept beginning from the introduction of this term by Łoziński in 1909 and 1912. Its etymology along with the meaning and definitions that change over time are analysed in the present paper. Originally derived from geology, periglacial now functions as a geomorphological term. It has been compared with other terms used in the characterisation of cold geographical environments; the role of freezing and ice has been especially emphasised for periglaciology, and the most important types of ice have been highlighted. The present paper aims to show that with the increasing specialisation of research and the evolution of the meaning of the term periglacial, it is still seen as playing an important integrating role. The relation of the periglacial environment and ice to the glacial environment is also presented, showing the places of mutual overlapping of both environments. Old and newly introduced terms related to this concept such as periglacial facies, periglacial landscape, paraglacial, and cryo-conditioning are critically assessed. Finally, a short description of the permafrost in Poland, occurring in two remote and specific places, is presented: the active mountain permafrost covering the alpine belt of the Tatra Mountains about 1900 m a.s.l. and the relict permafrost in the Suwałki area, located in the northern lowland of Poland at a depth of 357 m and below.
</abstract>

Periglaciology: Review and Discussion of Modern Concepts and its Relation to the Research in Poland

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>A<sc>bstract</sc></title>
Changes in land cover (LC) are continuously growing due to natural and human factors, and they are even occurring within protected areas. In Europe, one such place is the Tatra region (southern Poland), which is the area of the presented research. Dynamic landscape transformation in a valuable natural area can negatively affect both environmental quality and sustainable land use planning. Appropriate recommendations and treatments can be introduced to prevent negative effects. To do this, it is necessary to understand the dynamics and character of these transformations. Therefore, the purpose of the article is to analyse changes in LC, its causes and their spatiotemporal dynamics, as well as the resulting landscape fragmentation. For this purpose, a set of landscape metrics and GIS (Geographic Information System) tools were used. The main data source in the study was the CORINE Land Cover (CLC) database. The results indicate a significant landscape transformation with a negative impact on the region’s environment, even in protected areas. Landscape fragmentation, which causes disturbances in ecosystems, increased across the entire study area. In turn, in the spatial development, it can introduce chaos and spatial disorder, and lead to the phenomenon of urban sprawl.
</abstract>

The Landscape Fragmentation: Analysis of Land Cover Transformation in High Mountains Environment on the Example of Tatra Region (Southern Poland)

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>Urbanization is a global phenomenon and currently more than half of the world’s population lives in urban areas. Studies on geomorphological heritage and the development of specific methods of investigation (assessment, inventories, cartography) are, however, relatively rare and limited. This paper first describes the relationships between urbanization and geomorphology. Secondly, it presents an overview of the main works on the urban geomorphological heritage. Then, the main methods of investigation are presented. Finally, we discuss the challenging issues concerning the protection and the promotion of the urban geomorphological heritage.</abstract>

Urban Geomorphological Heritage. An Overview

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>Especially since the Fukushima nuclear catastrophe (2011), Germany has expanded its renewably sourced energies. Nuclear power is to be phased out by 2022. What is central to federal policy is the expansion of wind-generated energy. Plans for new wind farms have, however, faced opposition. And the transportation of electricity from the windy north to the high-use south entails an expansion of the existing power grid, which also provokes conflict. The article scrutinises dominant patterns of discourse on these issues. Based on current discourse theory, the research sheds light on the argumentative power of citizens’ initiatives with respect to nature conservation, landscape, health and economics.</abstract>

Conflicts around Germany’s <italic>Energiewende</italic>: Discourse patterns of citizens’ initiatives

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract.</title>
 Early definitions of <italic>geotourism </italic>stressed tourism related to geology and geomorphology, though some drifted into other concepts such as education, sustainability, conservation and more. Later definitions, largely fostered by National Geographic<italic>, </italic>treat the topic as related to geography, or more simply place, and concentrate on the extraneous topics such as sustainability, conservation and so forth which should be part of any form of tourism. The earth science community is liable to lose its influence on creation and interpretation of geosites and related topics because the concept has been broadened to include everything. <italic>Geodiversity </italic>is a copy-cat adaptation of biodiversity, but while biodiversity might be a measure of the health of an ecosystem, the value of geological and geomorphic sites does not depend on diversity. Many geological and geomorphic features are restricted to a single rock or feature, which enhances their value. Geodiversity might be useful as a way of recording diverse features within a given area, but it should not be treated as a value-judgement on the significance of individual sites. The whole area of geoheritage is under threat from the redefinition of geotourism, and the mis-application of the concept of geodiversity
</abstract>

Problems of geotourism and geodiversity

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>The Padma river is widely known for its dynamic and disastrous behaviour, and the river has been experiencing intense and frequent bank erosion and deposition leading to the changes and shifting of bank line. In this paper, a time series of Landsat satellite imagery MSS, TM and OLI and TIRS images and are used to detect river bank erosion-accretion and bank line shifting during the study period 1975–2015. This study exhibits a drastic increase of erosion and accretion of land along the Padma river. The results show that from 1975 to 2015, the total amount of river bank erosion is 49,951 ha of land, at a rate of 1,249 ha a−1 and the total amount of accretion is 83,333 ha of land, at a rate of 2,083 ha a−1. Throughout the monitoring period, erosion-accretion was more pronounced in the right part of the river and bank line had been shifting towards the southern direction. The paper also reveals that the total area of islands had been increased significantly, in 2015 there was about 50,967 ha of island area increased from 20,533 ha of island area in 1975, and the results evidence consistency of sedimentation in the river bed.</abstract>

Mapping and Monitoring Erosion-Accretion in an Alluvial River Using Satellite Imagery – The River Bank Changes of the Padma River in Bangladesh

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>Demnate commune and High-Tessaout valley are located in the Moroccan central High-Atlas. They have a great and much diversified geological and geomorphological heritage and exceptional landscapes of high mountains. The data obtained from the current work indicate that the studied area present high tourist vocation, in the fact that this territory preserves a large number of geosites linked to many witnesses fossils of extinct animals such dinosaurs footprints, outcropping rock formations of the Precambrian and Mesozoic. Further, it has many remarkable landforms and geosites such as canyons, natural bridge, spectacular waterfalls and scree slopes. The findings support that the area attracts many tourists every year. However, this number remains restricted due to the lack of tools of promotion and mediation of its geoheritage and also due to the low exploitation of the geodiversity. Regarding this situation, geotouristic routes represented on touristic map appear as an essential tool for geotourism promotion and as an efficient means of geosciences popularisation. This paper illustrates three geotouristic routes describing the main geosites in rural areas of Demnate and High-Tessaout valley. These geotourism itineraries can help to explain the high potential interest of the studied areas in geotourism terms.</abstract>

Mapping Geosites as Gateways to the Geotourism Management in Central High-Atlas (Morocco)

<abstract>
 <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
 The paper presents the outcomes of the uncertainty investigation of a long-term forest cover change analysis in the Polish Carpathians (nearly 20,000 km2) and Swiss Alps (nearly 10,000 km2) based on topographic maps. Following Leyk et al. (2005) all possible uncertainties are grouped into three domains - production-oriented, transformation- oriented and application-oriented. We show typical examples for each uncertainty domain, encountered during the forest cover change analysis and discuss consequences for change detection. Finally, a proposal for reliability assessment is presented.
 </abstract>

Institute of Geography and Spatial Management, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Poland

Research Unit Landscape Dynamics, Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL, Birmensdorf, Switzerland

Uncertainty in Historical Land-Use Reconstructions with Topographic Maps

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Quaestiones Geographicae

The Journal of Adam Mickiewicz University

Quaestiones Geographicae was established in 1974 as an annual journal of the Institute of Geography, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Poland. Its founder and first editor was Professor Stefan...

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Quaestiones Geographicae was established in 1974 as an annual journal of the Institute of Geography, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Poland. Its founder...