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Wind erosion in context: from theory to practice
No full textTato souhrnná publikace se zabývá problematikou větrné eroze na území České republiky, která zejména v posledních obdobích vlivem změn klimatu nabírá na důležitosti. Hlavním cílem je komplexní analýza rizik působení větrné eroze na území České republiky, jak z pohledu půdních a klimatických charakteristik, tak z pohledu prostorové struktury větrolamů a jejich efektivity v rámci stávajících i navrhovaných prvků protierozní ochrany. Práce navazuje na dlouhodobé studium potenciálu rozvoje větrné eroze a metody prostorového vyjádření náchylnosti území k větrné erozi. První část knihy prezentuje postup vytvoření nové mapy potenciální ohroženosti zemědělské půdy větrnou erozí se zohledněním prostorového uspořádání stávajících vegetačních bariér a vlivu jejich ochranných zón. Mapa zohledňuje potenciální ohroženost zemědělské půdy větrnou erozí podle půdních a klimatických charakteristik. Z půdních charakteristik zohledňuje ohroženost jak lehkých, tak i těžkých půd, z klimatických charakteristik vliv stavu povrchu půdy (přísušky), větrné podmínky a vliv klimatických podmínek v zimním období, které ovlivňují erodibilitu těžkých půd. Mapa také zohledňuje náchylnost zemědělských pozemků k větrné erozi na základě jejich délky ve směru převládajících erozně nebezpečných větrů a vliv ochranné zóny vegetačních bariér ve směru převládajících erozně nebezpečných větrů. Druhá část knihy je zaměřena na hodnocení vlivu prostorové struktury větrolamů na míru jejich účinnosti. Pro hodnocení účinnosti větrolamů byly využity tři přístupy: 1) stanovení pevných zón dle charakteru vegetační bariéry, 2) stanovení ochranných zón s využitím optické porozity, dle regresní rovnice a 3) stanovení ochranných zón s využitím rovnice využívající optickou porozitu a výšku větrolamu. Publikace dále představuje interaktivní webovou aplikaci s názvem Řízení rizika větrné eroze. Jedná se o webovou aplikaci na Geoportálu VÚMOP. Aplikace obsahují nástroje pro podporu navrhování větrolamů. Součástí publikace je také ukázková případová studie vyhodnocení ohroženosti větrné eroze na příkladu území zasaženého tornádem dne 24. 6. 2021. Poslední kapitola byla věnována kvalitativnímu hodnocení půdních částic unášených větrem s využitím strojového učení.The book deals with the issue of wind erosion in the Czech Republic, which has been gaining importance especially in recent periods due to climate change. The main objective of the work was a comprehensive analysis of the risks of wind erosion in the Czech Republic, both in terms of soil and climatic characteristics, as well as in terms of the spatial structure of windbreaks and their effectiveness within the existing and proposed elements of erosion control. The work builds on a long-term study of the potential for wind erosion development and methods of spatial expression of the susceptibility of the territory to wind erosion. The main objective of the first part of the book was to create a new map of potential vulnerability of agricultural land to wind erosion, considering the spatial arrangement of existing vegetation barriers and the influence of their protection zones. The map takes into account the potential vulnerability of agricultural land to wind erosion according to soil and climatic characteristics. Of the soil characteristics, it accounts for the vulnerability of both sand and clay soils. In terms of climatic characteristics, the map regards the influence of the soil surface (subsidence), wind conditions and winter conditions, which affect the erodibility of heavy soils. The map also factors in the susceptibility of agricultural land to wind erosion based on its length in the direction of the prevailing erosion hazard winds. In addition, the map takes into account vegetation barrier protection zones in the direction of prevailing erosion hazard winds. The second part of the work was focused on the evaluation of the influence of the spatial structure of windbreaks on their efficiency level. Three approaches were used to evaluate the effectiveness of windbreaks: 1) determination of fixed zones according to the nature of the vegetation barrier, 2) determination of protection zones using optical porosity, according to a regression equation, and 3) determination of protection zones by an equation using optical porosity and windbreak height. The publication also presents an interactive web application called Wind Erosion Risk Management. The applications contain tools to support the design of windbreaks. The publication also includes a sample case study of the evaluation of the risk of wind erosion on the example of the area affected by the tornado on 24/06/2021. The last chapter was devoted to the qualitative evaluation of wind-borne particles using machine learning.Published Versio
Treatment of Vulvovaginal Laxity by Electroporation: The Jett Plasma Medical for Her II Study
Full text linkIntroduction: Vaginal laxity is a widespread and undertreated medical condition associated especially with vaginal parity. Aim: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of electroporation therapy treatment of vulvovaginal laxity by the Jett Plasma for Her II device. Methods: The Jett Plasma for Her II Study is a multicentric, prospective, randomized, single-blinded, and controlled study. Women presenting with vaginal laxity were randomized to receive electroporation therapy delivered to the vaginal tissue (active-82 patients) vs. therapy with zero intensity (placebo-9 patients). Results: A total of 91 subjects whose average age was 48.69 +- 10.89 were included. Due to the results of a one-way analysis of variance, it may be concluded that in the case of the vaginal laxity questionnaire (VLQ), there is a statistically significant difference between actively treated patients and the placebo group (F1,574 = 46.91; p < 0.001). In the case of the female sexual function index (FSFI), a one-way ANOVA test also showed a statistically significant difference between the actively treated patients and the placebo group (F1,278 = 7.97; p = 0.005). In the case of the incontinence impact questionnaire-7 (IIQ-7), a one-way ANOVA test showed a statistically significant difference between the actively treated patients and the placebo group (F1,384 = 15.51; p < 0.001). It confirms that improvement of vaginal laxity is conjoined with benefits in symptoms of urinary incontinence. Biopsy performed after the end of the treatment shows an increase in the vaginal mucosa thickness by an average of 100.04% in the active group. The treatment was well tolerated with no adverse events. No topical anesthetics were required. Conclusions: Treatments of vulvovaginal laxity by electroporation therapy achieved significant and sustainable 12-month effectiveness. Responses to the questionnaires also suggest subjective improvement in self-reported sexual function, incontinence, sexual satisfaction, and urogenital distress.O
Sustainability and Outreach in the Microfinance Sector of Ghana
Full text linkThe recent finance sector clean-up in Ghana led to the collapse of a number of microfinance institutions (MFIs), which reignited the discussion of whether MFIs can achieve much-needed financial sustainability while also meeting the goal of reaching out to the poor. In that regard, this paper explores the potential for MFIs to improve the breadth of outreach by fostering financial inclusion and to deepen the depth of outreach by targeting the poor while simultaneously pursuing self-sufficiency and profitability. Using data from the MIX database for 89 MFIs over a 20-year period, we employed fixed and random effects models to show that among other results, outreach is improved when MFIs are financed more by debt than equity and that the pursuit of profitability is a disincentive to outreach. Overall, the results suggest that with improved efficiency in the pursuit of sustainability, MFIs in Ghana stand better chances of achieving outreach both in depth and breadth.O
Methodology for assesing honey bee diversity using microsatellite markers
No full textCertifikovaná metodika je detailní popis laboratorní analýzy založené na molekulárně-genetickém přístupu využívající panel mikrosatelitů pro hodnocení genetické variability včely medonosné v České republice. Byl sestaven panel 10 validních, vysoce polymorfních lokusů vhodných pro rutinní testování metodou fluorescenční multiplexní polymerázové řetězové reakce (PCR).The certified methodology is a detailed description of a laboratory analysis based on a molecular genetic approach using a panel of microsatellites to assess the genetic variability of honey bees in the Czech Republic. A panel of 10 valid, highly polymorphic loci suitable for routine testing by fluorescence multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was assembled.Published Versio
Electoral consequences of globalization for social democratic parties across European regions
Full text linkThe paper investigates the influence of regional import shocks from low-wage countries on electoral support for European social democratic parties in 289 NUTS2 regions (2002-2022). The estimates suggest that a one standard deviation increase in the import shock from low-wage countries over an election period may lead to a decline in support for social democratic parties between 0.6 and 1.2 percentage points. Similar results also apply to imports from Asian economies, such as China and India. The negative impact on electoral support for social democratic parties is amplified in moderately industrial and predominantly rural regions. For the former, the decline in industrial employment led to a shift of social democratic voters to the radical right. In contrast, in the latter case, the relatively slower growth of employment in the tertiary and quaternary sectors and the peripheral position of these regions caused a shift to the radical left.OA-hybri
Landscape-Scale Long-Term Drought Prevalence Mapping for Small Municipalities Adaptation, the Czech Republic Case Study
Full text linkDrought is a phenomenon that is strengthening with the progress of climate change. Many fields of human activities such as agriculture, forestry, ecology, economy, water supply, or energy production are affected. Municipalities are one of the most important actors, because final adaptation often takes place at this level. However, planning measures is challenging for small municipalities, with adaptation capacity being lower than in big cities. A model working with data from the Global Change research Institute CzechGlobe and the Czech national drought monitor Intersucho allows for information to be obtained at the landscape scale about drought, and their utilization for small municipalities is introduced. In addition to detailed maps for the years 1991-2014, the model enables long-term prediction of drought prevalence for the years 2021-2040 and 2041-2060. GIS-integrated Random Forest regression and twelve climate, topography, and land use/land cover variables were involved in the model construction. The tuned model could explain 70% of reference data variability, and was used for drought prevalence mapping in 20 m spatial detail. Utilisation of overlay and visualisation tools and consultation of actual spatial planning maps helped create maps for spatial decision-making support in precautionary measure and landscape management within the municipalities.O
Topographic indices and ERA5-Land data to describe soil moisture variability in a Central European beech forest
Full text linkStudy region: Temperate beech forest in central Germany's low mountain range. Study focus: Soil moisture is essential for ecosystem functioning, influencing hydrological, biological, and biogeochemical processes. It regulates water, energy, and carbon cycles, supporting ecosystem organization, biodiversity, and vegetation resilience. However, climate change and human activities increasingly disrupt soil moisture dynamics, altering spatio-temporal variability due to altered precipitation, rising temperatures, and droughts, making prediction attempts a challenge. This study examines a temperate beech forest in central Germany's low mountain range, aiming to: (1) analyse spatio-temporal variations in soil moisture and temperature, (2) assess correlations with topographic indices across seasons, and (3) validate ERA5-Land retrievals. We employed 62 automatic sensors and manual measurements at 236 sites within a 900 x 600 m area. Field data were merged with ERA5-Land reanalysis and topographic indices, including depth-to-water and topographic position indices, to assess their performance in predicting soil water content spatial patterns. New hydrological insights for the region: Temporal variation exceeded spatial variation by 3.60-3.68 times. While soil moisture was associated with mesorelief (topographic position index), the correlation was weak. Flow accumulation-based indices were ineffective in capturing spatial soil moisture variation and failed to model spatio-temporal variability. This suggests that model results need to be reconsidered, and suitable indices developed. Insights from this study contribute to improving soil-vegetation-atmosphere models and support sustainable forest management in a changing climate.O
Metallothionein-3 is a multifunctional driver that modulates the development of sorafenib-resistant phenotype in hepatocellular carcinoma cells
Full text linkBackground & aims Metallothionein-3 (hMT3) is a structurally unique member of the metallothioneins family of low-mass cysteine-rich proteins. hMT3 has poorly characterized functions, and its importance for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells has not yet been elucidated. Therefore, we investigated the molecular mechanisms driven by hMT3 with a special emphasis on susceptibility to sorafenib.Methods Intrinsically sorafenib-resistant (BCLC-3) and sensitive (Huh7) cells with or without up-regulated hMT3 were examined using cDNA microarray and methods aimed at mitochondrial flux, oxidative status, cell death, and cell cycle. In addition, in ovo/ex ovo chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assays were conducted to determine a role of hMT3 in resistance to sorafenib and associated cancer hallmarks, such as angiogenesis and metastastic spread. Molecular aspects of hMT3-mediated induction of sorafenib-resistant phenotype were delineated using mass-spectrometry-based proteomics.Results The phenotype of sensitive HCC cells can be remodeled into sorafenib-resistant one via up-regulation of hMT3. hMT3 has a profound effect on mitochondrial respiration, glycolysis, and redox homeostasis. Proteomic analyses revealed a number of hMT3-affected biological pathways, including exocytosis, glycolysis, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and cellular stress, which drive resistance to sorafenib.Conclusions hMT3 acts as a multifunctional driver capable of inducing sorafenib-resistant phenotype of HCC cells. Our data suggest that hMT3 and related pathways could serve as possible druggable targets to improve therapeutic outcomes in patients with sorafenib-resistant HCC.O
Zooplankton Biomass in Ponds - Determination of Biovolume and Dry Weight
Full text linkThe aim of this study was to evaluate the possibility of using simple screening methods to determine zooplankton biomass in ponds. Among the applicable methods, we selected sedimentation determination of wet biomass and dry biomass determination. Of the 369 samples analysed, the median volumetric zooplankton biomass was 0.012 ml.l-1and the median dry weight of the samples was 0.44 mg.l-1. There was a relatively close relationship between the volumetric biomass determination and the zooplankton dry weight determination, allowing only one of these methods to be used. Due to the variation of results over a wide range of values, it is more appropriate to use a logarithmic expression for the correlation. No statistically conclusive relationship was found between the zooplankton biomass determined and any of the other physico-chemical or production parameters. Nevertheless, it was possible to trace the influence of fish production, altitude and nutrient content (nitrogen and phosphorus) on the size of zooplankton biomass. The use of screening determination methods can be recommended especially for long-term monitoring of sites to get a quick overview of zooplankton biomass in ponds.O
The Image of the Czech Agriculture Based on the National Television News in the Period of Adaptation of Czechia into the European Union: Regional Perspectives
Full text linkAgriculture represents one of the most important economic activities that co-creates the qualities of landscapes. While topics such as food production, land utilization, or the development of rural regions are typically taken into account when analysing agriculture, regionally differentiated media portrayals of agriculture constitute a largely innovative approach. The main objective of this paper is to analyse and interpret agriculture-oriented news about individual self-governing regions in Czechia that were broadcasted in the framework of the national TV reporting. The paper is conceived as a historical study of the creation of the image of agriculture in the period from 2004 to 2011, which we define as the period of adaptation of Czech agriculture to the EU. The article includes both quantitative and qualitative dimensions. In summary, the media portrayals of agriculture largely differ from real conditions in Czech self-governing regions. Important themes, such as common agricultural policy or organic farming, have been mostly ignored within regionally focused national TV coverage. On the contrary, TV news is typically focused on one or a few phenomena of unusual or negative character, which is consistent with the gatekeeping conception.O