2957 research outputs found
Sort by
Solar Park: Opportunity or Threat for Vegetation and Ecosystem
Get PDFSolar parks are currently considered a new source of energy generation and one of the methods for reducing the usage of fossil fuels. The studies related to the influence of solar parks on vegetation structure are not yet sufficient. The aim of this paper was to evaluate the structure of vegetation biodiversity within a solar park. The vegetation assessment took place in the solar park, located in the cadastral territory of Tišnov (Czech Republic). A total of 85 taxa of vascular plants were found. The vegetation of the solar park is species-rich and significantly fragmented. Perennial grasses and perennial dicots dominate between the panels, whereas annual grasses and annual dicots have more coverage under the photovoltaic (PV) panels. The influence of the solar park microclimate is seen in a higher representation of species with the indication of characteristics mid-continental, and species with the indication of characteristics mid-ocean are more represented among within the PV panels. The vegetation of the solar park is noteworthy from the perspective of biological importance in the agricultural landscape and has a substantial potential to perform ecosystem functions.O
Population dynamics of the common shrew (Sorex araneus) in Central European forest clearings
Get PDFThe population dynamics of shrews (Soricidae) are not well known even though they form an important part of forest ecosystems and represent suitable bioindicators of ecosystem quality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the population dynamics of shrews in mountain and upland forest clearings in four study areas within the Czech Republic and to reveal how climatic factors influenced fluctuations in their abundance for a decade (2007-2017). In total, we trapped 7,538 individuals of 18 small mammal species. From 760 individuals of seven shrew species, the common shrew (Sorex araneus) was significantly dominated in all study areas. We did not observe any significant, regular multi-annual cycles of the common shrew. However, a cross-correlation in density fluctuation of this species was detected in all mountain areas indicating the influence of environmental factors acting on a larger geographical scale. The autumn abundance of shrews was dependent on the subset of climatic variables, together explaining 56% of the variance in the linear regression model. Except for the length of the snow cover of GREATER-THAN OR EQUAL TO 5 cm, all other significant variables were associated with North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO). Longer duration of snow cover during the winter before trapping, higher average NAO value during months before trapping, and NAO value in September influenced negatively the autumn abundance of shrews, contrary, higher value of NAO in May and October increased the abundance. Our results demonstrate the sensitivity of shrews to winters with a longer period of snow cover and to climatic oscillations associated with the NAO, whose effect is monthly dependent and probably indirectly influencing shrews through their prey.OA-hybri
Methodological options for evaluating of the landscape recreational potential
No full textThe proposed methodology for evaluating of the landscape potential for recreation is grounded on the basic values of the territory, which make the area more attractive for visit in leisure time. For the purposes of the methodology, the landscape potential for recreation is the system of natural and cultural-historical elements of the area and its aesthetic values, which together create a harmonious complex, and can fulfill the ability of the landscape to provide opportunities for recreation. The proposed method of evaluating the potential for recreation was tested by the GIS on two chosen areas (the surrounding of the town Mladá Vožice in South Bohemia region and the surrounding of the town Mikulov in South Moravian region) and subsequently subjected to a critical assessment.Published Versio
Conditions of emergence of the Sooty Bark Disease and aerobiology of Cryptostroma corticale in Europe
Get PDFThe sooty bark disease (SBD) is an emerging disease affecting sycamore maple trees (Acer pseudoplatanus) in Europe. Cryptostroma corticale, the causal agent, putatively native to eastern North America, can be also pathogenic for humans causing pneumonitis. It was first detected in 1945 in Europe, with markedly increasing reports since 2000. Pathogen development appears to be linked to heat waves and drought episodes. Here, we analyse the conditions of the SBD emergence in Europe based on a three-decadal time-series data set. We also assess the suitability of aerobiological samples using a species-specific quantitative PCR assay to inform the epidemiology of C. corticale, through a regional study in France comparing two-year aerobiological and epidemiological data, and a continental study including 12 air samplers from six countries (Czechia, France, Italy, Portugal, Sweden and Switzerland). We found that an accumulated water deficit in spring and summer lower than -132 mm correlates with SBD outbreaks. Our results suggest that C. corticale is an efficient airborne pathogen which can disperse its conidia as far as 310 km from the site of the closest disease outbreak. Aerobiology of C. corticale followed the SBD distribution in Europe. Pathogen detection was high in countries within the host native area and with longer disease presence, such as France, Switzerland and Czech Republic, and sporadic in Italy, where the pathogen was reported just once. The pathogen was absent in samples from Portugal and Sweden, where the disease has not been reported yet. We conclude that aerobiological surveillance can inform the spatial distribution of the SBD, and contribute to early detection in pathogen-free countries.O
Possibilities of using new technologies in cultural tourism in the post Covid era
No full textThe study "Possibilities of using new technologies in cultural tourism in the post-Covid era" deals with the analysis of different ways of using IT technologies in cultural tourism with a special focus on the effects of Covid19. As part of the study, the method of literary research was chosen, enabling the analysis of the possibilities of using new technologies, including the assessment of their potential. Based on the study, it was confirmed that the potential for the use of new technologies in the field of cultural tourism is diverse. Due to the impact of Covid19 on global tourism, a massive development of digitization in the cultural tourism sector can be expected. The use of new technologies in cultural tourism could help make tourism accessible to a wider range of users. Based on the results, it can be concluded that the direction of the development of new technologies is influenced not only by the creators of IT technologies, but also by the demand from users and their IT skills.Published Versio
Recent advancements in nanotechnology application on wood and bamboo materials: A review
Get PDFWood and bamboo are the greenest renewable materials used for construction, furniture, and decor from the ancient ages. However, wood and bamboo have intrinsic faults like durability, ductility, physical and mechanical strength, and stability, limiting their applications in the industry. On the other hand, nanotechnology is a popular technology having numerous applications in different fields, resulting in a significant increase in expectations among academics, investors, the government, and industries. In contrast, nanotechnology can protect wood and bamboo from extreme conditions (bacteria, climate, etc.) by improving physicochemical characteristics because of its unique features. Nowadays, the trend of merging nanotechnology and forest industries to overcome the limitations mentioned above and get economically sustainable materials for construction, furniture manufacturing, flexible sensors developments, energy storage, battery manufacturing, and many more is increasing. Presently, several reviews on wood and bamboo modification by nanoparticles and nanomaterials have already been published. But, at this time, this study is essential because it aims to provide a brief guide about the recently developed eco-friendly sustainable materials from wood and bamboo, their uses, and how they can affect people's daily life and helps to point out the gap of the current knowledge. In addition, we briefly describe the conventional and modern modification methods, including the influence of nanomaterials on wood and bamboo structures. This article is outlined as follows: The first phase of the review deals with wood and bamboo modification methods. The second phase explains how the modification method improves the properties of wood and bamboo materials, and the last step will describe the recent innovation of wood and bamboo materials.O
Potential for the Accumulation of PTEs in the Biomass of Melilotus albus Med. Used for Biomethane Production
Get PDFIn this paper, a possible use of white sweet clover (Melilotus albus Med.) for phytoremediation was assessed. The plants were grown on soils with naturally occurring concentrations of potentially toxic elements (PTEs). First, the content of PTEs was determined in plant biomass and in soil samples using: (a) Optical emission spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma to determine Sb, As, Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Se, and (b) thermal decomposition, amalgamation, and atomic absorption spectrometry to determine Hg. The effectiveness of Melilotus albus Med. (M. albus) for phytoremediation was evaluated using the bioconcentration factor (BCF). The phytoextraction potential of M. albus was determined using bioaccumulation factor (BAC) and translocation factor (TF) values. The highest concentration of PTEs in roots was detected for zinc (10.56 mg/kg of dry weight, DW) and copper (5.128 mg/kg of DW). Similarly, the highest concentration in above-ground parts of the plant was detected for zinc and copper (12.638 and 4.0 mg/kg of DW, respectively). Although the values were relatively high, the effectiveness of the absorption of these PTEs by plant biomass from the soil was relatively very low. BAC and BCF were always lower than 1. On the other hand, the results suggested that M. albus effectively transports PTEs (only for Zn, Pb and Hg) from roots to shoots, because TF was always higher than 1. However, the accumulation of PTEs from soils with a natural abundance of PTEs was not excessive in comparison to conventional maize silage. Therefore, there is no potential risk of biomethane production in biogas plants when biomass from M. albus is used.O
Mortality reduces overyielding in mixed Scots pine and European beech stands along a precipitation gradient in Europe
Get PDFMany studies show that mixed species stands can have higher gross growth, or so-called overyielding, compared with monocultures. However, much less is known about mortality in mixed stands. Knowledge is lacking, for example, of how much of the gross growth is retained in the standing stock and how much is lost due to mortality. Here, we addressed this knowledge gap of mixed stand dynamics by evaluating 23 middle-aged, unthinned triplets of monospecific and mixed plots of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) repeatedly surveyed over 6-8 years throughout Europe. For explanation of technical terms in this abstract see Box 1. First, mixed stands produced more gross growth (+10%) but less net growth (MINUS SIGN 28%) compared with the weighted mean growth of monospecific stands. In monospecific stands, 73% of the gross growth was accumulated in the standing stock, whereas only 48% was accumulated in mixed stands. The gross overyielding of pine (2%) was lower than that of beech (18%). However, the net overyielding of beech was still 10%, whereas low growth and dropout of pine caused a substantial reduction from gross to net growth. Second, the mortality rates, the self- and alien-thinning strength, and the stem volume dropout were higher in mixed stands than monospecific stands. The main reason was the lower survival of pine, whereas beech persisted more similarly in mixed compared with monospecific stands. Third, we found a 10% higher stand density in mixed stands compared with monospecific stands at the first survey. This superiority decreased to 5% in the second survey. Fourth, the mixing proportion of Scots pine decreased from 46% to 44% between the first and second survey. The more than doubling of the segregation index (S) calculated by Pielou index (S increased from 0.2 to 0.5), indicated a strong tendency towards demixing due to pine. Fifth, we showed that with increasing water supply the dropout fraction of the gross growth in the mixture slightly decreased for pine, strongly increased for beech, and also increased for the stand as a whole. We discuss how the reduction of inter-specific competition by thinning may enable a continuous benefit of diversity and overyielding of mixed compared with monospecific stands of Scots pine and European beech.OA-hybri
Tree-ring width and variation of wood density in Fraxinus excelsior L. and Quercus robur L. growing in floodplain forests
Get PDFOven-dry wood density variations are reported for European ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.) and English oak (Quercus robur L.) trees growing in floodplain mixed forests in South Moravia, Czech Republic. Two sites with different water regime conditions were selected along the Dyje (site A) and the Morava (site B) Rivers. In total, 20 dominant, healthy trees were chosen to determine the tree-ring structure and the oven-dry wood density (ρ0) along the radius of the stem cross section. The tree-ring width followed the common trend of a general decline as the trees aged. After removing the age influence, significant differences were observed in the tree-ring structure, recorded several years after water regime treatments. The European ash and the English oak ρ0 were found to be 677.3 kgBULLET OPERATORm-3 and 618.2 kgBULLET OPERATORm-3, respectively, significantly differing between the sites, for both species. High variability of ρ0 was also noticed along the stem radius in both species and sites.O
Solvent Accessibility Promotes Rotamer Errors during Protein Modeling with Major Side-Chain Prediction Programs
Get PDFSide-chain rotamer prediction is one of the most critical late stages in protein 3D structure building. Highly advanced and specialized algorithms (e.g., FASPR, RASP, SCWRL4, and SCWRL4v) optimize this process by use of rotamer libraries, combinatorial searches, and scoring functions. We seek to identify the sources of key rotamer errors as a basis for correcting and improving the accuracy of protein modeling going forward. In order to evaluate the aforementioned programs, we process 2496 high-quality single-chained all-atom filtered 30% homology protein 3D structures and use discretized rotamer analysis to compare original with calculated structures. Among 513,024 filtered residue records, increased amino acid residue-dependent rotamer errors─associated in particular with polar and charged amino acid residues (ARG, LYS, and GLN)─clearly correlate with increased amino acid residue solvent accessibility and an increased residue tendency toward the adoption of non-canonical off rotamers which modeling programs struggle to predict accurately. Understanding the impact of solvent accessibility now appears key to improved side-chain prediction accuracies.OA-hybri