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Residents' perceptions of ecosystem services in an urbanizing basin: A case study in the Guanting Reservoir basin, China
Full text linkUnderstanding stakeholders' differences in perceptions of ecosystem services (ES) is crucial for guiding ecological conservation and planning. However, the variations of ES perception among different types of residents in urbanizing areas along an urban-rural gradient are still poorly understood. Combining the questionnaire-based survey, redundancy analysis, and statistical tests, we delineated the urban-rural gradient according to local residents' socio-economic characteristics, and investigated the differences in local residents' perceptions of ES and potential factors affecting them in the Guanting Reservoir basin, a rapidly urbanizing basin in China. The results showed that residents living in urban-rural transitional areas attached great importance to provisioning services of providing food and domestic water, regulating services of carbon sequestration and air purification, and cultural service of providing education and training, which was 0.7%-13.1%, 0.7%-9.1% and 2.5%-21.2% higher than that of residents in other areas, respectively. Age and occupation were major factors affecting residents' perceptions. In terms of land-use types that deliver ES, the difference in perceptions of ES delivered by grassland was the greatest among residents. Our results support recommendations for policymakers to take account of stakeholders' diverse perceptions, thus promoting residents' sense of gain on ES.O
Teaching Aids in Technical Education in the Context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution
No full textPříspěvek je zaměřen na téma učebních pomůcek v odborném technickém vzdělávání. V době čtvrté průmyslové revoluce se rychle mění požadavky na technologii výuky odborných technických předmětů na středních školách v oblasti učebních pomůcek. Příspěvek si klade za cíl popsat specifika učebních pomůcek v odborném technickém vzdělávání v podmínkách čtvrté průmyslové revoluce. Dále potom shrnout hlavní výzkumná zjištění v oblasti výzkumu učebních pomůcek ve vybraných oborech odborného technického vzdělávání na středních školách v České republice.Ke zpracování výsledků byly využity metody analýzy nejnovějších dostupných informačních pramenů k řešené problematice s následnou syntézou a kritickým vyhodnocením autora. Dále potom polostrukturovaný rozhovor zaměřený na učební pomůcky v oblasti výuky strojírenských a elektro-technických odborných předmětů na středních školách.The contribution is focused on the topic of teaching aids in vocational technical education. In the era of the fourth industrial revolution, the requirements for the technology of teaching vocational technical subjects in secondary schools in the field of teaching aids are changing rapidly. The contribution aims to describe the specifics of teaching aids in vocational technical education in the conditions of the fourth industrial revolution. Next, summarize the main research findings in the field of research on teaching aids in selected fields of vocational technical education at secondary schools in the Czech Republic. To process the results, methods of analysis of the latest available information sources were used for the problem being addressed, followed by a synthesis and critical evaluation of the author (synthesis of research). Next, a semi-structured interview focused on teaching aids in the field of teaching engineering and electrical technical subjects at secondary schools.Published Versio
The influence of false heartwood of European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) on tensile shear strength of lap joints
Full text linkThe aim of this research was to investigate the effect of false heartwood of beech wood on the shear strength of glued joints for thermoplastic and reactoplastic adhesives for plywood production. The tensile shear strength of the lap joints was tested for four different types of adhesives according to EN 204 (2016) and EN 205 (2016). The results showed that for lap joints assembled with polyvinyl acetate, urea-formaldehyde, and phenol-formaldehyde adhesives, there was no significant difference in shear strength between beech sapwood and false heartwood. However, for joints bonded with polyurethane adhesive, the shear strength was lower for heartwood compared to the reference sapwood, particularly after exposure to water immersion.O
Early overyielding in a mixed deciduous forest is driven by both above- and below-ground species-specific acclimatization
Full text linkBackground and Aims Mixed forest plantations are increasingly recognized for their role in mitigating the impacts of climate change and enhancing ecosystem resilience. Yet, there remains a significant gap in understanding the early-stage dynamics of species trait diversity and interspecies interactions, particularly in pure deciduous mixtures. This study aims to explore the timing and mechanisms by which trait diversity of deciduous species and competitive interactions influence yield, carbon allocation and space occupation in mixed forests, both above and below ground.Methods A forest inventory was conducted in planted monocultures, two-species and four-species mixtures of European Acer, Tilia, Carpinus and Quercus, representing a spectrum from acquisitive to conservative tree species. Effects of competition were assessed with linear mixed-effects models at the level of biomass and space acquisition, including leaf, canopy, stem and fine root traits.Key Results Early above-ground growth effects were observed 6 years post-planting, with significant biomass accumulation after 8 years, strongly influenced by species composition. Mixtures, especially with acquisitive species, exhibited above-ground overyielding, 1.5-1.9 times higher than monocultures. Fine roots showed substantial overyielding in high-diversity stands. Biomass allocation was species specific and varied markedly by tree size and the level of diversity and between acquisitive Acer and the more conservative species. No root segregation was found.Conclusions Our findings underscore the crucial role of species trait diversity in enhancing productivity in mixed deciduous forest plantations. Allometric changes highlight the need to differentiate between (active) acclimatizations and (passive) tree size-related changes, but illustrate major consequences of competitive interactions for the functional relationship between leaves, stem and roots. This study points towards the significant contributions of both above- and below-ground components to overall productivity of planted mixed-species forests.OA-hybri
Garcinol in gastrointestinal cancer prevention: recent advances and future prospects
Full text linkGastrointestinal cancers continue to pose a significant global health challenge, with millions of new cases diagnosed each year. Despite advancements in treatment, the prognosis for many patients remains poor. This article explores the potential of garcinol, a polyisoprenylated benzophenone found in various Garcinia species, as a therapeutic agent against gastrointestinal malignancies. The objective is to review recent research on garcinol's anticancer properties, its mechanisms of action, and safety aspects. Garcinol exhibits anticancer effects in esophageal, gastric, colorectal, pancreatic, and liver cancers by inhibiting metastasis, inducing apoptosis, and targeting key molecular pathways in cancer progression. Nanotechnology is explored as a means to enhance garcinol delivery and efficacy. Safety assessments suggest a promising toxicity profile. Garcinol shows significant potential as a natural therapeutic agent for gastrointestinal cancers, and future research is needed on optimizing its delivery, exploring synergistic combinations, and conducting clinical trials to validate its efficacy and safety for clinical applications.O
Direct microwave treatment enhances antioxidant and antibacterial properties of the seed extracts of Kékfrankos grapes
Full text linkThe Kékfrankos is the most frequently cultivated wine grape in Hungary, with a significant national and regional impact, resulting in considerable amounts of byproducts (e.g. pomace, seeds). To the best of our knowledge no research has been conducted on the antioxidant and antibacterial properties of its seed extracts (GSE). A novel apporach of applying direct microwave treatment on grape seeds was implemented for the first time to enhance antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of GSE. Antioxidant properties were assayed using the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), FRAP (Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power) and TPC (Folin-Ciocâlteu's Total Polyphenol Content) methods. Profile and content of polyphenols was studied using high-performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry. Antibacterial properties were evaluated using Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus (SA), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (ST239) (MRSA) and Gram-negative Escherichia coli (EC) bacteria strains. Results proved that the mild direct microwave treatment of grape seeds significantly increased total polyphenol, (+)-catechin, (MINUS SIGN )-epicatechin as well as antioxidant capacity levels by 20-30 % compared to untreated samples and resulted the best antibacterial properties based on bacterial growth curves (SA and MRSA: 0.015625 mg/mL, EC: 0.25 mg/mL). Results justify the importance of further pharmacological investigations on Kékfrankos grape seed extracts and that the direct microwave treatment of grape seeds is an innovative approach for the fast and cost efficient improvement of the antibacterial properties of grape seed extracts.O
How storage time affects sensory, chemical, and physical characteristics of flavored olive oil
Full text linkThe objectives of this study were to evaluate sensory, chemical, and physical characteristics of olive oil prepared by three flavoring methods and analyze changes during storage (0, 3, and 6 months). Favored olive oil was prepared by three flavoring methods (fresh, dried, and essential oil). Selected sensory, chemical, and color parameters were monitored based on international standards. The color was determined by spectrophotometer. The results confirmed that storage time and flavoring method affect sensory characteristics of the oil. Fresh garlic oil had significantly lower (p < .05) fruity smell. The level of pungent taste significantly increased (p < .05) in the dried rosemary oil, rosemary essential oil, and fresh and dried garlic flavored oils. The intensity of rosemary smell in the sample flavored with essential oil significantly decreased (p < .05) during storage. Opposite effect was observed in the sample flavored with dried rosemary, where the smell significantly increased (p < .05) during storage. The intensity of taste significantly increased (p < .05) in samples flavored by dried rosemary during storage. The peroxide value of all flavored oils samples increased (p < .05) during storage compared to unflavored oil where peroxide value did not change. Color indicators L*, a*, and b* show that addition of fresh rosemary causes the greatest change in olive oil color. The color change, especially the turbidity, was not perceived positive by tasters.O
Synergistic antibacterial action of the iron complex and ampicillin against Staphylococcus aureus
Full text linkObjectives: Resistance to antibiotics among bacteria of clinical importance, including Staphylococcus aureus, is a serious problem worldwide and the search for alternatives is needed. Some metal complexes have antibacterial properties and when combined with antibiotics, they may increase bacterial sensitivity to antimicrobials. In this study, we synthesized the iron complex and tested it in combination with ampicillin (Fe16 + AMP) against S. aureus. Methods: An iron complex (Fe16) was synthesized and characterized using spectroscopy methods. Confirmation of the synergistic effect between the iron complex (Fe16) and ampicillin (AMP) was performed using ζ-potential, infrared spectra and FICI index calculated from the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) from the checkerboard assay. Cytotoxic properties of combination Fe16 + AMP was evaluated on eukaryotic cell line. Impact of combination Fe16 + AMP on chosen genes of S. aureus were performed by Quantitative Real-Time PCR. Results: The MIC of Fe16 + AMP was significantly lower than that of AMP and Fe16 alone. Furthermore, the infrared spectroscopy revealed the change in the ζ-potential of Fe16 + AMP. We demonstrated the ability of Fe16 + AMP to disrupt the bacterial membrane of S. aureus and that likely allowed for better absorption of AMP. In addition, the change in gene expression of bacterial efflux pumps at the sub-inhibitory concentration of AMP suggests an insufficient import of iron into the bacterial cell. At the same time, Fe16 + AMP did not have any cytotoxic effects on keratinocytes. Conclusions: Combined Fe16 + AMP therapy demonstrated significant synergistic and antimicrobial effects against S. aureus. This study supports the potential of combination therapy and further research.O
Small Farms in Poland and Czechia: Development Paths
Full text linkThe aim of this study was to identify the long-term tendencies regarding the land use in farms of different sizes in Poland and Czechia, with special focus on small-scale farms. The article answers the question about functioning of small farms in Poland and Czechia, as they represent different structures of land use among farms. On the one hand, the land fragmentation in Poland, and on the other hand, domination of large farms in Czechia, with a lower share of small farms. To achieve the aim, the study used data from the Farm Structure Survey (FSS) and Agricultural Census (2010, 2020) from Eurostat for six periods (2005, 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2020) and selected data for recent years from the World Bank database. In the period under analysis, it can be observed that there is a significant decline in the number of small farms both in Poland and Czechia, while the decrease in utilized agricultural area was smaller. Hence, the average area of farm increased which helped them to improve the land productivity, while increasing the standard output per hectare of utilized agricultural area. The analysis showed that there are two different models of the position of small farms in the Polish and Czech agricultural sectors, however, some positive and desired tendencies occur in both systems.O
Redescription of Tachyura (s. str.) ferrugata (Reitter, 1895) (Coleoptera, Carabidae), with the comments on the availability of varieties described by Johan Reinhold Sahlberg in Tachyina
Full text linkTachyura (s. str.) ferrugata (Reitter, 1895) is redescribed and figured in detail, in cluding male and female genitalia, and a lectotype is designated. Photographs of the type specimens, including labels, are presented. The female gonocoxites are figured for the first time. A review of varieties described by Johan Reinhold Sahlberg in Tachyina is presented, with comments on their availability. The following varieties are treated as unavailable infrasubspecific names: Tachys (Tachyura) quadrisignatus var. caramanicus J.R. Sahlberg, 1913, Tachys (Tachyura) sexstriatus var. brunneicol lis J.R. Sahlberg, 1913, and Tachys scutellaris var. obscurus J.R. Sahlberg, 1913.O