2957 research outputs found
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Searching for the DNA of urbanisation. A material perspective
Get PDFBroadly accepted categorical differentiations of urbanisation understand cities as well-defined objects containing urban spaces in contrast to their hinterlands. However, urbanisation's multidimensional complexity challenges these approaches in the context of increasing social issues marked by rapid urban expansion, uneven development, ways of life, inequality, commodification, etc., that require fresh scientific answers grounded in innovative empirical evidence. Here, we analysed the population-based and the land-use/land cover-based categorical understandings of urbanisation, looking at their origins and main shortcomings. Our analysis makes a generalised description of urbanisation's spatial complexity, with an emphasis on the problematic spatial delimitation of urban boundaries; urbanisation occurring in remote wild areas; and the missing third spatial dimension. We discuss these shortcomings based on recent scientific developments, providing reasons why the categorical approach needs to be changed and how. We propose a continuous indicator of urbanisation which is based on the accumulation of anthropogenic materials, a physical, rather than a spatial or demographic characteristic. Our proposal allows the analysis of socio-ecological systems' spatial organisation, pursuing comparative studies across geographies and times, informing globally generalisable patterns of urbanisation processes and giving a material body to address claims for sustainable urban development.OA-hybri
Effects of Wood Particles from Deadwood on the Properties and Formaldehyde Emission of Particleboards
Get PDFThe volume of deadwood increases annually because of changes in environmental, climatic, and hydrological conditions. On the other hand, during the last decade, manufacturers of wood-based boards have been facing an acute problem of a shortage of conventional raw materials. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the possibility of using wood particles from deadwood in the production of particleboards. Three-layer particleboards with different content of deadwood particles (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, 100%) were produced. Conventional urea-formaldehyde (UF) resin was used for gluing the particles. The physical and mechanical properties of the boards, as well as the formaldehyde content in the boards, were determined. In addition, the effect of adding melamine-urea-formaldehyde (MUF) resin to UF adhesive on the properties of the boards was investigated. Replacing conventional sound wood particles with deadwood particles leads to deterioration of the physical and mechanical properties of the boards. The boards from deadwood particles absorb more water and swell more. The bending strength (MOR), modulus of elasticity in bending (MOE), and internal bonding (IB) values for boards with 100% deadwood particles are reduced by 26.5%, 23.1%, and 72.4%, respectively, compared to reference boards from sound wood particles. Despite this, a significant advantage is that boards made from 100% deadwood particles are characterized by 34.5% less formaldehyde content than reference boards made from conventional sound wood. Moreover, adding 3% of MUF resin to UF adhesive increases MOR, MOE, and IB by 44.1%, 43.3%, and 294.4%, respectively.O
Dual Infection of an Open Fracture Caused by Mycobacterium setense and Clostridium celerecrescens
Get PDFInfections caused by Mycobacterium setense or Clostridium celerecrescens are extremely rare. In this report, for the first time a dual infection with these two pathogens is described. An 18-year-old female suffered multiple injuries, including an open comminuted fracture of the right humeral diaphysis after falling from a fifth-floor balcony in January 2019. Five months after the accident, a fistula appeared in the scar, reaching the bone tissue. M. setense and C. celerecrescens were cultured from sinus swabs and subsequently from perioperative samples. The patient was initially treated with a combination of intravenous antibiotics (ATBs): imipenem, amikacin, and ciprofloxacin. One month after the fracture fixation with a titanium nail, C. celerecrescens was again detected; therefore, metronidazole was added to the therapy. A triple combination of oral (PO) ATBs (trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, moxifloxacin, and metronidazole) followed, 8 weeks after the initial intravenous therapy. C. celerecrescens was cultured again two times, most recently in November 2019, when surgical debridement was supplemented by the topical administration of cancellous bone impregnated with vancomycin. Signs of bone healing were found at follow-ups and ATB treatment was finished in March 2020 after a total of 9 months of therapy. To this day, there have been no signs of reinfection. This case thus illustrates the need for a combination of systemic and individualized local therapy in the treatment of complicated cases of dual infections with rare pathogens.O
Will the removal of the recreational symbol of Jeseniky Mountain summit parts, the dwarf pine forests, affect the ecosystem functions of the hills?
No full textThe study evaluates how the removal of the dwarf pine from the forest stands of the summit parts of the Jeseníky Mountains will affect the performance of their ecosystem functions. The primary interest of the study is the assessment of the effect of the removal of the dwarf pine on the runoff conditions of the investigated locations, however, their recreational function is also considered. It is obvious that the dwarf pine has historically become one of the symbols of the local landscape in the summit parts of the Jeseníky Mountains. The results achieved by the author's team indicate that the removal of the dwarf pine will not significantly affect the functions of the forests in the monitored area compared to their current functionality. However, the social perception of this intervention will probably be very significant, both in the professional sphere (foresters) and in the sphere of the public (recreationists). It turns out that currently, the social significance of interventions implemented in socially exposed localities is as serious as its ecological and technical significance.Published Versio
Windbreaks as an important eco-stabilising and soil-protective elements in the landscape of South Moravia
No full textSouth Moravia is one of the most popular and frequently visited areas for tourism and recreation. Cyclists can take advantage of the dense network of cycling paths of local, regional as well as European importance, which connect interesting localities in the area. Various landscape elements also contribute to the attractiveness of the landscape, among which vegetation linear elements have an irreplaceable function. Historically, windbreaks have been planted in the landscape of southern Moravia as protection against the adverse effects of wind. Their importance is growing, especially in view of the adverse effects of climate change. However, the health of many of the elements is often no longer satisfactory, which can cause serious problems. This is illustrated by the extreme weather event of 24 June 2021, when the area between Breclav and Hodonín was hit by a tornado, which caused enormous damage to the property and health of the inhabitants of the municipalities but also had significant destructive effects on the countryside. At the same time, a number of hiking and cycling routes pass through the area affected by the tornado. The present paper deals with the assessment of the condition of linear vegetation elements in the affected area. A total of 10 cadastral areas that were directly affected by the tornado were analysed. The analysis of the area will be useful for further proposals for the restoration or implementation of new windbreaks to mitigate the risk of wind erosion and other climatic extremes in this area, to increase the permeability and attractiveness of the landscape, and to support the construction of a new network of field roads, bicycle paths, and walk trails.Published Versio
Nano/microparticles in conjunction with microalgae extract as novel insecticides against Mealworm beetles, Tenebrio molitor
Get PDFThe intensive use of insecticides in global agricultural production has attracted much attention due to its many adverse effects on human health and the environment. In recent years, the utilization of nanotechnology has emerged as a tool to overcome these adverse effects. The aim of this work was to test different microparticles (zinc oxide (ZnO MPs) and silicon dioxide microparticles (SiO2 MPs)), and silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) and to study their toxicity on a model organism, Tenebrio molitor. A comprehensive comparative study, which included more than a thousand mealworms divided into nine separate groups, was conducted. In addition to pure nano/microparticle solutions, the effect of particles mixed with the microalgae extract Chlamydomonas reinhardtii was also observed. Pure Ag NPs and SiO2 MPs resulted in larval mortality of more than 70% compared to that of pure ZnO MPs, in which the mortality rate was approximately 33%. A mixture of the algal extract with zinc oxide microparticles resulted in mortality that was double compared to that observed with pure ZnO MPs. In parallel, atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) was used to determine the difference in the concentration of trace elements in the bodies of dead and live larvae.O
Teaching text for the subject database systems processed by microlearning method
No full textPříspěvek prezentuje základní principy tvorby učebních textů vytvořených metodou microlearning, která je uzpůsobena současným elektronickým zařízením a osobním komunikátorům. Příklady různých typů mikroúloh, kterých jsou pro jeden předmět použity řádově stovky, vychází z vytvořeného učebního textu pro oblast databázových systémů. Vytvořený učební text byl využit ve výuce na řešitelském pracovišti a příspěvek prezentuje první dosažené výsledky a výsledky jak kvalitativního, tak kvantitativního výzkumu uskutečněného mezi studenty předmětu. Kvalita a využitelnost vytvořeného učebního textu byly prokázány, ale ukázalo se, že zatím není vhodné používat učební texty vytvořené technologií microlearningu jako jedinou učební oporu pro studenty.The paper presents the basic principles of creating learning texts created by the microlearning method, which is adapted to current electronic devices and personal communicators. Examples of different types of microtasks, of which hundreds of them are used for one course, are based on the created teaching text for the field of database systems. The created microlearning course was used in teaching at the research work and the paper presents the first achieved results and the results of both qualitative and quantitative research conducted among students of the subject. The quality and usability of the created teaching text have been proven, but it has proven that it is not yet appropriate to use teaching texts created by microlearning technology as the only teaching support for students.Published Versio
Growth Response of Sessile Oak and European Hornbeam to Traditional Coppice-with-Standards Management
Get PDFResearch Highlights: The influence of litter raking and livestock grazing on the development of juvenile sessile oak and European hornbeam sprouts as well as on sessile oak standards were studied. Such experiments are very rare, especially in central Europe where these activities have been prohibited for several decades. Little is known on how these ancient management activities affect tree growth. Background and Objectives: Traditional management practices in coppice forests such as grazing and litter raking have been abandoned, but have recently been studied as to whether these practices can substantially contribute to an increase in the species diversity of coppices. The important question is, however, how these practices influence the growth of coppice-with-standards. Therefore, this study focused on the effect of grazing, litter raking, and their combination on both sprouts and adult trees in a coppice-with-standards system one year after harvest. Materials and Methods: The experiment was carried out in the area of the Training Forest Enterprise Masaryk Forest Křtiny, Czech Republic, in a forest stand dominated by sessile oak and European hornbeam. We analyzed 132 oak polycormons, 132 hornbeam polycormons, and 163 oak standards. Results: The number of sprouts per stump was affected by the stump size and management practice: (A) coppice-with-standards, litter raking, and sheep grazing; (B) coppice-with-standards and sheep grazing; (C) coppice-with-standards and litter raking; and (D) coppice-with-standards), but not by tree species. The number of the sprouts as well as their height increased with the stump size. In contrast, grazing resulted in a smaller height of the sprouts while thinner sprouts were found under a combination of grazing and raking. When comparing the species, the oak sprouts were higher and thicker when compared to the hornbeam sprouts. The increment of standards increased after stand harvest. This, however, was not the result of grazing or raking, but the response to the reduction of tree number and thus of competition between neighboring trees. Conclusions: The results showed that there were rather negative impacts from the implemented traditional management practices on the growth of sprouts. This may lead to the question of whether ecological diversity resulting from the traditional practices may prevail their negative effect on the growth of the coppices.O
Traditional coppice managements at the landscape level along with recreational use
No full textOur current goals in forestry involve safeguarding the land and environment, optimizing the forest's ability to absorb CO2, maintaining the health and integrity of forest ecosystems, and preserving biodiversity and landscape variety. Ensuring the long-term productivity, socio-economic viability, and environmental functions of European forests and woodlands, including coppice woodlands, is crucial. Addressing these challenges can be effectively achieved by utilizing a combination of various management methods. The main focus of this study is on traditional forms of management such as coppicing, grazing, and litter raking. To facilitate this research, designated plots were established within the Training Forest Enterprise Masaryk Forest Křtiny. These plots, where sheep grazing and litter raking have been implemented since 2018, are exceptional and provide exemplary illustrations of diverse coppice management practices in Central European coppices.Published Versio
Effect of Biochar Application Rate on Physical and Hydro-physical Properties of A Dystric Cambisol
Get PDFThe field trial evaluating the effect of biochar on physical and hydro-physical properties of a Dystric Cambisol was carried out at the Research Grassland Station Vatín. The observed variants of the biochar experiment were as follows: 1) the control without biochar, 2) the biochar rate of 15 t/ha applied to the topsoil, 3) the biochar rate of 30 t/ha applied to the topsoil and 4) the biochar rate of 45 t/ha applied to the topsoil. It was found out that even the highest rate of biochar 45 t/ha did not affect saturated hydraulic conductivity of the topsoil at the depth of 0.05-0.20 m. When monitoring bulk density, it was confirmed that the biochar rate of 45 t/ha significantly reduced bulk density from 1218 kg/m3 to 1169 kg/m3. In the crop rotation without manure and clover growing the application of biochar at the rate of 45 t/ha resulted in the relevant decline in the average value of bulk density from 1197 kg/m3 to 1138 kg/m3. In the Norfolk crop rotation there were the inconclusive differences in bulk density. The rate of 45 t/ha had a highly noticeable impact on porosity. It increased from 53.75% (0 t/ha) to 55.60%. The biochar doses did not affect the value of field capacity. The application of biochar at the rate of 45 t/ha caused the significant increase in the average value of aeration from 31.90% to 34.45%.O