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Global intercomparison of polyurethane foam passive air samplers evaluating sources of variability in SVOC measurements
Full text linkPolyurethane foam passive air samplers (PUF-PAS) are the most common type of passive air sampler used for a range of semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs), including regulated persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and emerging contaminants (e.g., novel flame retardants, phthalates, current-use pesticides). Data from PUF-PAS are key indicators of effectiveness of global regulatory actions on SVOCs, such as the Global Monitoring Plan of the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants. While most PUF-PAS use similar double-dome metal shielding, there is no standardized dome size, shape, or deployment configuration, with many different PUF-PAS designs used in regional and global monitoring. Yet, no information is available on the comparability of data from studies using different PUF-PAS designs. We brought together 12 types of PUF-PAS used by different research groups around the world and deployed them in a multi-part intercomparison to evaluate the vari-ability in reported concentrations introduced by different elements of PAS monitoring. PUF-PAS were deployed for 3 months in outdoor air in Kjeller, Norway in 2015-2016 in three phases to capture (1) the influence of sampler design on data comparability, (2) the influence of analytical variability when samplers are analyzed at different laboratories, and (3) the overall variability in global monitoring data introduced by differences in sampler configurations and analytical methods. Results indicate that while differences in sampler design (in particular, the spacing between the upper and lower sampler bowls) account for up to 50 % differences in masses collected by samplers, the variability introduced by analysis in different laboratories far exceeds this amount, resulting in differences spanning orders of magnitude for POPs and PAHs. The high level of variability due to analysis in different laboratories indicates that current SVOC air sampling data (i.e., not just for PUF-PAS but likely also for active air sampling) are not directly comparable between laboratories/monitoring programs. To support on-going efforts to mobilize more SVOC data to contribute to effectiveness evaluation, intercalibration exercises to account for uncertainties in air sampling, repeated at regular intervals, must be established to ensure analytical comparability and avoid biases in global-scale assessments of SVOCs in air caused by differences in laboratory performance
Aquatic occurrence of phytotoxins in small streams triggered by biogeography, vegetation growth stage, and precipitation
Full text linkToxic plant secondary metabolites (PSMs), so-called phytotoxins, occur widely in plant species. Many of these phytotoxins have similar mobility, persistence, and toxicity properties in the environment as anthropogenic micropollutants, which increasingly contaminate surface waters. Although recent case studies have shown the aquatic relevance of phytotoxins, the overall exposure remains unknown. Therefore, we performed a detailed occurrence analysis covering 134 phytotoxins from 27 PSM classes. Water samples from seven small Swiss streams with catchment areas from 1.7 to 23 km(2) and varying land uses were gathered over several months to investigate seasonal impacts. They were complemented with samples from different biogeographical regions to cover variations in vegetation. A broad SPE-LC-HRMS/MS method was applied with limits of detection below 5 ng/L for over 80% of the 134 included phytotoxins. In total, we confirmed 39 phytotoxins belonging to 13 PSM classes, which corresponds to almost 30% of all included phytotoxins. Several alkaloids were regularly detected in the low ng/L-range, with average detection frequencies of 21%. This is consistent with the previously estimated persistence and mobility properties that indicated a high contamination potential. Coumarins were previously predicted to be unstable, however, detection frequencies were around 89%, and maximal concentrations up to 90 ng/L were measured for fraxetin produced by various trees. Overall, rainy weather conditions at full vegetation led to the highest total phytotoxin concentrations, which might potentially be most critical for aquatic organisms
Suger di Saint-Denis e la materia saphirorum : un’indagine fra cromonimi medievali, gemme e pigmenti
No full textIn due passi del De Administratione, Suger, abate di Saint-Denis, celebra le vetrate policrome del coro della sua abbaziale, menzionando la spesa profusa per la materia saphirorum fornita ai maestri vetrai, con riferimento al blu intenso che fortemente caratterizza le vetrate. Questo articolo si propone di indagare i possibili significati dell’espressione materia saphirorum, tradotta in maniera discordante e non soddisfacente nelle moderne traduzioni esistenti e si propone, inoltre, di ricondurre il suo significato al più ampio contesto in cui si inserisce l’opera di Suger, tenendo in considerazione il valore spirituale che l’abate assegnava alle vetrate policrome del coro e alle pietre preziose dell’arredo liturgico, entrambe variamente interpretate come prefigurazioni materiali della Gerusalemme celeste. L’analisi sarà condotta nel contesto più ampio degli studi sul colore, che coinvolge aspetti linguistici, culturali ed antropologici. Saranno inoltre considerate le questioni relative ai cromonimi in uso nel Medioevo, la nomenclatura delle pietre preziose e gli studi sui pigmenti per vetrate, ricorrendo all’analisi di diverse fonti scritte medievali (testi esegetici, trattati tecnici, lapidari, enciclopedie) e ai risultati delle analisi archeometriche eseguite su vetri da finestra risalenti al XII secolo.Ve dvou pasážích knihy De Administratione Suger, opat ze Saint-Denis, oslavuje polychromovaná vitrážová okna na chóru svého opatství. chóru svého opatství, zmiňuje se o velkých nákladech na materia saphirorum. dodávané sklářským mistrům, s odkazem na intenzivní modrou barvu, která je silně charakteristická pro sklářskou výrobu. vitráže. Cílem tohoto článku je prozkoumat možné významy výrazu Tento článek si klade za cíl prozkoumat možné významy výrazu materia saphirorum, který je ve stávajících moderních překladech nesourodě a neuspokojivě překládán. existujících moderních překladů, a také se snaží propojit jeho význam s širším kontextem, v němž se nachází. kontextu Sugerova díla, s přihlédnutím k duchovní hodnotě, kterou opat jeho dílu přisuzoval. hodnotu, kterou opat přisuzoval polychromovaným vitrážím na chóru a drahým kamenům liturgického vybavení. liturgické vybavení, obojí různě vykládané jako hmotné předobrazy nebeských Jeruzalém. Analýza bude provedena v širším kontextu barevných studií, zahrnující jazykové, kulturní a antropologické aspekty. Zohlední také Analýza bude provedena v širším kontextu studia barev a bude zahrnovat lingvistické, kulturní a antropologické aspekty. nomenklatura drahých kamenů a studie o vitrážových pigmentech. písemné prameny (exegetické texty, technická pojednání, lapidária, encyklopedie) a výsledky archeometrických výzkumů. archeometrické analýzy okenního skla z 12. století.In two passages of De Administratione, Suger, abbot of Saint-Denis, celebrates the polychrome stained-glass windows of the choir of his abbey, mentioning the profuse expenditure for the materia saphirorum supplied to the master glassmakers, with reference to the intense blue that strongly characterizes the stained-glass windows. This article aims to investigate the possible meanings of the expression materia saphirorum, translated in a discordant and unsatisfactory way in existing modern translations. and proposes, in addition, to trace its meaning to the broader context in which the context in which the work of Suger is inserted, taking into account the spiritual value that the abbot assigned to the polychrome stained-glass windows of the choir and to the precious stones of the liturgical furnishings, both of which were interpreted both variously interpreted as material prefigurations of the heavenly Jerusalem. The analysis will be conducted in the broader context of color studies, which involves linguistic, cultural and anthropological aspects. The following will also be considered questions related to the chromonyms in use in the Middle Ages, the nomenclature of precious stones nomenclature of precious stones and studies on pigments for stained glass, using the analysis of various written sources sources (exegetical texts, technical treatises, lapidaries, encyclopedias) and the results of archaeometrical analyses carried out on analyses carried out on window glass dating back to the 12th century. liturgical furnishings, both variously interpreted as material prefigurations of the heavenly Jerusalem. heavenly Jerusalem. The analysis will be conducted in the broader context of color studies, which involves linguistic, cultural and anthropological aspects. The following will also be considered questions related to the chromonyms in use in the Middle Ages, the nomenclature of precious stones nomenclature of precious stones and studies on pigments for stained glass, using the analysis of various written sources sources (exegetical texts, technical treatises, lapidaries, encyclopedias) and the results of archaeometrical analyses carried out on analyses carried out on window glass dating back to the 12th century
Vyjmenovaná slova s Radkou a Kájou a pejskem Ottou
Full text linkIlustrovaná učebnice vyjmenovaných slov s ohledem na potřeby dětí se sluchovým postižením. Učebnice vznikla jako součást studentské závěrečné práce ve spolupráci s katedrou speciální pedagogiky Masarykovy univerzity.Illustrated textbook of enumerated words with regard to the needs of children with hearing impairment. The textbook was created as part of the student's final thesis in cooperation with the Department of Special Education at Masaryk University
Consumer protection in contractual practice of supply of digital content and digital services
No full textThe aim of this article is to showcase the Czech and EU law that regulates supply of digital content and services and assess its’ general usefulness with regards to contractual practice and consumer protection. This is achieved primarily by analysis of the present and upcoming law that regulates said topic and its’ comparison with contractual practice on the market.. The article concludes, that in the digital market, consumer has little control over the contracts he can enter into. Many of these contracts are consumer-unfriendly or even illegal. The law offers several ways the consumer can defend their rights on the market, but these are not cost-effective.Cílem tohoto článku je prezentovat české a evropské právo upravující poskytování digitálního obsahu a služeb, a posoudit jeho užitečnost s ohledem na smluvní praxi a ochranu spotřebitele. Toho je dosaženo především analýzou platného a připravovaného práva, které uvedené téma upravuje, a jeho srovnáním se smluvní praxí na trhu. Článek dochází k závěru, že na digitálním trhu má spotřebitel malou kontrolu nad smlouvami, které uzavírá. Mnohé z těchto smluv jsou spotřebitelsky nepřívětivé nebo přímo protizákonné. Zákon nabízí několik způsobů, jak může spotřebitel hájit svá práva na trhu, ty však nejsou efektivní vzhledem k nákladům
As time goes by, the same sentiments apply? Stability of voter satisfaction with democracy during the electoral cycle in 31 countries
Full text linkPopular consent is an essential element for success and stability of democracies. Research has repeatedly demonstrated that “electoral winners” (i.e. voters casting a ballot for government parties) are more satisfied with democracy than supporters of the opposition parties. However, little is known about the dynamics of satisfaction during the electoral cycle: Do winners become happier and losers even more discontent over time? We approach this question by utilizing an interview date in the European Social Survey (rounds 1–8) to position individuals within the different stages of electoral cycle. The results based on 199,207 responses from 199 surveys in 31 countries suggest that satisfaction with democracy stays relatively stable during the electoral cycle across various electoral systems if the political development is predictable. However, if actions of the parties are uncertain, namely the alternations of governments tend to be frequent, partial, and opened to all parties, and hence neither winners nor losers know how steady their status is with respect to the political development in the country, their satisfaction tend to fluctuate over time. Therefore, the conclusion reached is the more stable West European democracies have limited generalizability to the low-predictable systems in Central and Eastern Europe
Plant-based and immunostimulant-enhanced diets modulate oxidative stress, immune and haematological indices in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Full text linkThe aim of this study was to investigate the effects of three commercial diets, standard, immunostimulant-supplemented (β-glucan, vitamins C and E) and plant-based, on the degree of oxidative stress in tissues of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Selected immune and haematological indices were measured and challenge with Aeromonas salmonicida was conducted. The plant-based diet systemically modulated all oxidative stress biomarkers (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances; reduced and oxidised glutathione and their ratio) in the intestine. The ratio was elevated in all organs (liver, kidney, muscle and intestine) and an enhancement of respiratory burst and complement activity was observed even in the control fish. With the standard diet, an elevation of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances in the intestine and a decrease in some immune indices appeared after challenge. Less distinctive changes and the lowest mortality rate (the highest being with the plant-based feed) were obtained with immunostimulants. Increased total immunoglobulin, relative lymphocytosis and a decrease in the phagocyte count were observed. This study contributes especially by a thorough examination of oxidative stress indices in different tissues. The exact composition of these commercial diets is a trade secret; however, knowledge of their effects is extremely important for fish farmers using them; therefore, this study has a great practical impact
What explains immigrant-native gaps in European labor markets: The role of institutions
Full text linkThe understanding of how institutional and policy contexts affect immigrant integration is essential for any effort to foster a sustainable and effective migration and integration policy framework. Immigrant-native labor market gaps may arise due to differences in human capital or other socio-economic and demographic characteristics, but also due to differentiated impacts of institutions and policies on otherwise similar immigrants and natives. Different integration policy approaches are needed to close the gaps arising through these different mechanisms. This paper exploits the variation across Europe to study the institutional and policy determinants of immigrant-native gaps in host labor markets. Using the EU Labor Source Survey as the primary source of data and a novel analytical approach we study immigrant-native gaps in labor force participation, unemployment, low-skilled employment and temporary employment and measure the contribution of institutional and policy contexts to the part of these gaps that cannot be explained by immigrant-native differences in characteristics. Our findings confirm that institutional and policy contexts play a significant role in immigrant integration, and highlight the importance of tailoring policy approaches with regard to the causes of immigrant-native gaps
Břeclav - Pohansko X. Sídelní areál na Severovýchodním předhradí : archeologické výzkumy v letech 2008-2016
Full text linkKniha je výsledkem mnohaletého výzkumu archeologů z Ústavu archeologie a muzeologie FF MU v prostoru Severovýchodního předhradí Pohanska u Břeclavi. Publikace přibližuje odborné veřejnosti sídlištní strukturu předhradí, nálezový fond i první interpretace archeologických pramenů získaných terénními výzkumy v letech 2008–2016. Monografie obsahuje kapitoly, ve kterých jsou analyzovány a interpretovány jak nemovité, tak movité archeologické prameny. Například, na základě prostorové distribuce keramiky, kuchyňského odpadu a mazanice se podařila jasná identifikace raně středověkých nadzemních staveb, které by za jiných podmínek nebylo možné odhalit. Studie obsahuje dílčí závěry a interpretace výsledků devítiletého archeologického výzkumu. Vše je doplněno podrobným textovým katalogem prozkoumaných terénních reliktů, doprovázeným bohatou obrazovou a plánovou přílohou.This book is the result of many years continual research of the archaeologists from Department of Archaeology and Museology FA MU in the area of the Northeast Suburb at Pohansko near Břeclav. Publication is aimed at archaeology professionals or students and describes in some detail the settlement structure of the suburb, the inventory of finds and the first interpretations of the archaeological sources gathered by excavations carried out in the 2008–2016 period. The monograph contains chapters in which immovable and movable archaeological sources are analysed and interpreted. For instance, the authors were successful of the functional interpretation of the individual excavated settlement sectors based on the using the spatial distribution of pottery, kitchen waste and daub. One of the important results of the method employed is the relatively unambiguous identification of early medieval above-ground buildings which could not have been revealed under different conditions. There is an additional detailed text catalogue of the investigated field relics accompanied by an extensive supplement with images and plans
Dvacet let od obnovení krajského zřízení. Jak reprezentativní jsou krajská zastupitelstva?
Full text linkČlánek se zabývá proměnou složení krajských zastupitelstev v České republice z hlediska pohlaví, vzdělání, věku, bydliště a povolání v letech 2000 až 2020.Topics focused on the descriptive representation of elected bodies in the Czech Republic are currently on the rise. The article analyzes the composition of regional councils in the Czech Republic regarding gender, education, occupation, residence, and age from 2000 to 2020. We used the proportionality ratio (residence) and other statistical methods to analyze the composition of regional councils in view of the changing political composition