bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spergilli on Building Partitions Infested with Moulds in Residential Housing and Public Utility Premises
Authors: Piontek Marlena , Łuszczyńska Katarzyna , Lechów Hanna
Published: May 2018

Aspergilli constitute a serious risk to the health of the inhabitants of infested rooms. Mycological analysis conducted in buildings infected with moulds in the area of the Lubuskie province (Poland) demonstrated the presence of 9 species of Aspergillus moulds: A. carbonarius A. clavatus, A. flavus, A. fumigatus, A. niger, A. ochraceus, A. terreus, A ustus and A. versicolor. The highest frequency (4 - frequently) was observed in the case of A. versicolor, while frequency 3 (fairly frequently) was characteristic of such species as A. flavus and A. niger. A. ustus was encountered with frequency 2 (individually), while frequency 1 (sporadically) referred to four species: A. carbonarius, A. clavatus, A. fumigatus and A. terreus. Because Aspergillus versicolor occurs with the highest frequency in buildings, and as a consequence of this, synthesizes toxic and carcinogenic sterigmatocystin (ST), it constitutes the greatest risk to the inhabitants of the infested premises. All species of Aspergillus present on building partitions are able to synthesise mycotoxins, are pathogens and may cause allergies.
Refinement of the normal Eötvös matrix and its influence on the estimation of the deflections of the vertical
Authors: Manoussakis Gerassimos , Korakitis Romylos
Published: May 2018

The elements of the Eötvös matrix, usually determined by torsion balance measurements, are useful in many geodetic applications. We present a method for the computation of the elements of the normal Eötvös matrix at a point on the Earth’s physical surface, resulting in an improvement in the determination of the deflection of the vertical at intermediate points of a network. In the process, we also present analytical expressions for the computation of the components of the deflection of the vertical. From those expressions and using also a numerical example, we show that the proposed refinement is not completely negligible.
On inverting gravity changes with the harmonic inversion method: Teide (Tenerife) case study
Authors: Pohánka Vladimír , Vajda Peter , Pánisová Jaroslava
Published: May 2018

Here we investigate the applicability of the harmonic inversion method to time-lapse gravity changes observed in volcanic areas. We carry out our study on gravity changes occured over the period of 2004–2005 during the unrest of the Central Volcanic Complex on Tenerife, Canary Islands. The harmonic inversion method is unique in that it calculates the solution of the form of compact homogeneous source bodies via the mediating 3-harmonic function called quasigravitation. The latter is defined in the whole subsurface domain and it is a linear integral transformation of the surface gravity field. At the beginning the seeds of the future source bodies are introduced: these are quasi-spherical bodies located at the extrema of the quasigravitation (calculated from the input gravity data) and their differential densities are free parameters preselected by the interpreter. In the following automatic iterative process the source bodies change their size and shape according to the local values of quasigravitation (calculated in each iterative step from the residual surface gravity field); the process stops when the residual surface gravity field is sufficiently small. In the case of inverting temporal gravity changes, the source bodies represent the volumetric domains of temporal mass-density changes. The focus of the presented work is to investigate the dependence of the size and shape of the found source bodies on their differential densities. We do not aim here (yet) at interpreting the found solutions in terms of volcanic processes associated with intruding or rejuvenating magma and/or migrating volatiles.
Investigation Of Infrared Drying Behaviour Of Spinach Leaves Using ANN Methodology And Dried Product Quality
Authors: Sarimeseli Ayse , Yuceer Mehmet
Published: May 2018

Effects of infrared power output and sample mass on drying behaviour, colour parameters, ascorbic acid degradation, rehydration characteristics and some sensory scores of spinach leaves were investigated. Within both of the range of the infrared power outputs, 300–500 W, and sample amounts, 15–60 g, moisture content of the leaves was reduced from 6.0 to 0.1±(0.01) kg water/kg dry base value. It was recorded that drying times of the spinach leaves varied between 3.5–10 min for constant sample amount, and 4–16.5 min for constant power output. Experimental drying data obtained were successfully investigated by using artificial neural network methodology. Some changes were recorded in the quality parameters of the dried leaves, and acceptable sensory scores for the dried leaves were observed in all of the experimental conditions.
An updated distribution of Solidago × niederederi (Asteraceae) in Poland
Authors: Pliszko Artur , Łazarski Grzegorz , Kalinowski Paweł , Adamowski Wojciech , Rutkowski Lucjan , Puchałka Radosław
Published: May 2018

In this paper, an updated map of the distribution of Solidago ×niederederi, a natural hybrid between S. canadensis and S. virgaurea, in Poland is presented using the ATPOL cartogram method. A compiled list of 55 localities of the hybrid within 40 cartogram units (10-km squares) is provided and its negative impact on S. virgaurea is highlighted.
Further notes on the distribution of Dittrichia graveolens (Asteraceae) in Poland
Authors: Pliszko Artur , Kocián Petr
Published: May 2018

The paper presents a new record of Dittrichia graveolens in Poland. This alien species was found growing on roadside verges in Głogoczów, West-Beskidian Piedmont, southern Poland, in 2016. An updated map of distribution of D. graveolens is provided based on the ATPOL cartogram method, and its pathway of spread along the roads is highlighted. Moreover, the Polish vernacular names “omanowiec” and “omanowiec wonny” are proposed for the genus Dittrichia and the species D. graveolens, respectively.
Does Free Will Require Alternative Possibilities?
Authors: Rychter Pablo
Published: May 2018

In this introductory study I discuss the notion of alternative possibilities and its relation to contemporary debates on free will and moral responsibility. I focus on two issues: whether Frankfurt-style cases refute the principle of alternative possibilities, and whether alternative possibilities are relevant to grounding free will and moral responsibility. With respect to the first issue, I consider three objections to Frankfurt-syle cases: the flicker strategy, the dilemma defense, and the objection from new dispositionalism. With respect to the second issue, I consider the debate between Alternative Possibilities views and Actual Sequence views, as framed by Carolina Sartorio in her Causation and Free Will. I then explain how these two issues are relevant to the papers included in this volume.
Alternative Possibilities and Causal Overdetermination
Authors: Huoranszki Ferenc
Published: May 2018

This paper argues against dismissing the Principle of Alternative Possibilities merely on the ground of so-called Frankfurt-style cases. Its main claims are that the interpretation of such cases depends on which substantive theory of responsibility one endorses and that Frankfurt-style cases all involve some form of causal overdetermination which can be interpreted either as being compatible with the potentially manipulated agent’s ability to act otherwise or as a responsibility undermining constraint. The paper also argues that the possibility of such scenarios can support the truth of classical compatibilism as much as the truth of semicompatibilism.
Is Semicompatibilism Unstable?
Authors: Cyr Taylor W.
Published: May 2018

Recently, John Maier has developed a unified account of various agentive modalities (such as general abilities, potentialities, and skills). According to him, however, adopting the account provides an alternative framework for thinking about free will and moral responsibility, one that reveals an unacceptable instability in semicompatibilism (the view that the freedom required for moral responsibility is compatible with determinism even if the freedom to do otherwise is not). In this paper, I argue that Maier is mistaken about the implications of his account and sketch a semicompatibilist proposal that can, without countenancing any instability, accept Maier’s unified account of the agentive modalities.
A Modest Classical Compatibilism
Authors: Hart Matthew J.
Published: May 2018

The advent of Frankfurt-style counterexamples in the early 1970s posed a problem not merely for incompatibilists, but for compatibilists also. At that time compatibilists too were concerned to hold that the presence of alternative possibilities was necessary for moral responsibility. Such a classical compatibilism, I argue in this paper, should not have been left behind. I propose that we can use a Kratzer-style semantics of ‘can’ to model ‘could have done otherwise’ statements in such a way that the truth of such expressions is both (i) evidently consistent with determinism, and (ii) clearly such that Frankfurt-style counterexamples do not count as cases where the agent could not have done otherwise.
African Independent Churches in Zambia (Lusaka)
Authors: Mildnerová Kateřina
Published: May 2018

The African Independent churches (AICs) in Zambia, as elsewhere in Africa, from their very beginning formed a protest movement against the cultural imperialism undertaken by the missionary representatives of the historic mission churches and also played an important role in the anti-colonial political struggles. In Zambia, the early AICs were closely related to witchcraft eradication movements such as the Mchape, or socially and politically oriented prophet-healing churches such as The Lumpa church of Alice Lenshina. Since the 1970s and in particular in the 1990s the Christianity in Zambia has been significantly marked by the proliferation of the African Independent Churches - both of Pentecostal and prophet-healing type. These churches that started mushrooming particularly in urban settings became part of the strengthening charismatic movement, particularly within Protestantism. A typical feature of AICs is focus on spiritual healing and religious syncretism - the local traditional customs and beliefs in dangerous ghosts, ancestral spirits, or witches are placed within the biblical religious framework where the Holy Spirit (Muzimu Oyela) is considered to be the only source of healing whereas other ‘inferior spirits’ are labelled as demons. The traditional methods of healing are creatively combined with Christian healing by means of prayers, spiritual blessings, laying on of hands on patients and demon exorcism - it is believed that only a body rid of bad spirits can receive the Holy Spirit, and thus be healed. The paper draws on both secondary literature concerning African Independent Churches and primary data issued from fieldwork in Lusaka (2008-2009).
Limitations and Challenges of Building Democracy in the Conditions of Multiethnic Society in Zambia
Authors: Lenč Jozef , Hrivíková Tatiana
Published: May 2018

Some politicians in Europe ever more frequently claim that multiculturalism has failed. Others assert that it is primarily the current model of democracy which is in crisis. On the other hand Africa is generally perceived as a continent without experience with either democratic tradition or even liberal concept of multiculturalism. But is that really the case? What do we know about the diversity of the African continent in Central Europe? A potential positive example of successful democratisation and multiculturalism forming processes in Africa could be presented by Zambia. Where are then the limitations and challenges in the process of building a democratic system within the framework of African multiculturalism?
Study Possibilities of Present-Day Ethnic Revitalization of German Woodsmen in the Little Carpathians
Authors: Nováková Katarína Slobodová
Published: May 2018

The article discusses the influence of macro-social processes and issues of assimilation, acculturation, ethnic and linguistic revitalization on the example of one particular group of German woodsmen in the social context of Western Slovakia. It attempts to analyse how historical and political changes during the 20th century influenced changes in the structure, system of values and hierarchy of ethnic group and whether that helped or prevented the assimilation of the group’s members. The article also attempts to indicate the possibilities of today’s ethnic and linguistic revitalization.
Bioindication as challenge in Modern Environmental Protection
Authors: Jóźwiak Małgorzata Anna , Jóźwiak Marek
Published: May 2018

Research into and diagnosis of environmental change prior to the introduction of bioindicator methods were linked primarily to apparatus. Drawing attention to the reactions of organisms sensitive to that change and using them in environmental quality control have opened new opportunities for development of a new scientific discipline, known in the literature as bioindication. Bioindication combines several scientific disciplines, including biology, broadly conceived geography, and chemistry. It thus combines in a comprehensible manner apparatus-derived measurements (chemical analysis results) and areas of bioindicator exposure (situation and distance from the emitter), translating these parameters into bioindicators' anatomical and morphological reactions. The development of bioindicator methods progresses rapidly, and - as is usually the case under such circumstances - it is difficult to ensure that they are transparent and that no chaos ensues. In view of the above, it seems necessary to embark on a discussion of these issues and consider compiling lists of most applicable indicator organisms for examination of particular environmental toxins in particular environments.
Methods Applied for Measurement and Visualization of Changes in Biodiversity
Authors: Łagód Grzegorz , Chomczyńska Mariola , Montusiewicz Agnieszka , Malicki Jacek , Stransky David
Published: May 2018

The article presents the possible methods for determining biological or statistically significant differences between taxocenoses compared with respect to biodiversity. To obtain a complete description of biological differences between the compared hypothetical communities, the following indices were calculated: S (taxon richness), H (the Shannon index), Hmax
(the maximum value of the Shannon index for the richness of taxa represented by the same number of individuals), Vd
(a percentage value of covering the structural capacity of community, “evenness deficiency”), E (the MacArthur index - a taxon number (S) in a community for which the observed value of H equals Hmax
), and Ps
(a taxon richness shortage in percents). Moreover, a graphic profile method (Дд, Tj, and Lj profiles) was used for comparing the diversity of the communities. To obtain information about statistically significant differences in biodiversity between the analysed communities, rarefaction curves were applied. The curves are based on the null models and the Monte Carlo method. The rarefaction method resulted in determination of the statistical significance of the differences between taxon richness and Shannon's index values for the compared communities. The Vd
and Ps
indices and the profile method allowed concluding about the significance of the biological differences between taxocenoses, even when their values of Shannon's H indices were numerically similar.
Sustainable Approach to Mitigation of CO2 Emission
Authors: Xiaoping Zhu , Baran Stanisław , Cel Wojciech , Cao Yucheng
Published: May 2018

The discussion about greenhouse gases emission mitigation focuses on the reduction of fossil fuels usage, which is extremely costly from the economic and social viewpoint. The analyses of CO2 and CH4 fluxes in the environment showed that intensifying natural photosynthesis and respiration process may significantly contribute to the mitigation of greenhouse gases emission. It has been proven that the intensity of photosynthesis in land ecosystems could compensate for the increase of CO2 emission from anthropological sources.
Heavy rains in Brno Region (The Czech Republic)
Authors: Knozová Gražyna
Published: May 2018

This study evaluates occurrence of the heavy rains at urban areas on the example of Brno agglomeration. Extreme precipitation events are studied with the help of 1-minute records from three urban sites in the Brno and one site in the rural region. Additionally data from nine Hellmann rain gauges from Brno and surroundings were used. The event of torrential rains was evaluated according to Wussow’s method. The study found that torrential rains occurred in Brno in the season from April to November. The fifteen-year long observation of the phenomenon at Brno-Žabovřesky station shows varying frequency of torrential rainfall - from none in 2007 to four in 2004 and 2010. The most extremal was catastrophic downpour on July 15, 2009 when precipitation sum reached total up to 42.7 mm in 52 minutes and the maximal rainfall intensity was 4.1 mm/min. This phenomenon occurs only one day after downpour on July 14, 2009. The overall number of torrential episodes is not very high, but it is compensated by the fact that they can repeat in a relatively short period of time, due to specific synoptic conditions. Maximum rainfall intensity during torrential rains reaches values of about 3 mm / min and the average proportion of torrential rain in the daily precipitation sum is around 70%. The phenomenon of heavy rains represents a significant problem for densely populated urban areas because such extreme rainfall has a large impact on the hydrological system of cities.
Some Lessons Learned: The ReCLes.pt CLIL Project in Higher Education
Authors: Arau Ribeiro María del Carmen
Published: May 2018

This paper draws together a number of best practices identified over the course of the national ReCLes.pt CLIL project. Developed by Portuguese Higher Education Institutes (HEIs) associated in the Network Association of Language Centers in Higher Education in Portugal (ReCLes.pt, http://recles.pt), the project promoted pilot teacher training courses in Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL). Ultimately, 33 CLIL course modules were implemented in six participating HEIs, impacting over 600 students. Over the course of three years to reach this initial long-term goal, the ReCLes.pt CLIL researchers collaborated to review the literature and work through the resulting debates. The resulting overarching course of action is reflected in the teaching manual, written collaboratively and published with the related data-gathering tools for the study partially funded by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology. The best practices focused on in this article include promoting the perspective of FL learners as FL users, the practical implementation of communities of practice and learning, and the development of CLIL modules to include scaffolding and ICT.
Managing Customer Satisfaction In The Restaurant Industry: A Word From Managers
Authors: Ivkov Milan , Blešić Ivana , Stefanović Vidoje , Raljić Jovanka Popov
Published: May 2018

The present paper studies managers’ perception of factors that influence customer satisfaction in the restaurant industry and their attitudes towards conducting a research on customer needs. In particular, we studied the managers’ perception of the importance of restaurant experience elements of customer satisfaction. The research involved 50 restaurant managers in Serbia. Through descriptive and ANOVA analysis, we differentiated two main profiles of restaurant managers in terms of age and professional education. Also, we found through LSD Post hoc test statistically significant difference among managers in regards to customers’ needs data collection. Restaurant managers need to obtain education in the hospitality industry and to pay more attention to customer needs in order to provide quality service.
Seasonal Work in Hungary in the Light of Seasonal Work Directive / Sezónna Práca V Maďarsku Vo Svetle Smernice Pre Sezónnu Prácu
Authors: Ács Vera
Published: May 2018

The Seasonal Work Directive forms part of the EU’s sectoral immigration policy, as there is a permanent need for unskilled labour within the EU. The Directive introduces the common admission standards with simplifi ed entry procedures and the prospect of returning in a subsequent season in the sectors which are identifi ed seasonal - most notably agriculture, horticulture and tourism - where work undertaken mostly by third country nationals. As safeguards against economic and social exploitation the Directive also establishes a common set of rights to which third country seasonal workers are entitled during their stay, which, at the same time, also protects EU citizens who are seasonal workers from unfair competition. Today, Hungary is not a target country for seasonal employment. The Directive not only gives an obligation to the Member States but also gives a good chance to make their country more attractive for temporary migration
The growth and flowering of Rhodohypoxis baurii (Baker) Nel cultivars depending on rhizome weight
Authors: Salachna Piotr , Zawadzińska Agnieszka , Piechocki Rafał , Wośkowiak Andżelika
Published: May 2018

Rhodohypoxis baurii is an ornamental plant recommended for pot and garden cultivation. The aim of this study was to determine the relationships between rhizome weight and the growth, flowering and rhizome yield in two cultivars (‘Dusky’ and ‘Ruth’) of R. baurii grown as pot plants. The rhizomes were sorted into three groups by weight: 0.10-0.20 g, 0.21-0.30 g and 0.31-0.40 g. The study revealed that the plants developed from the largest rhizomes were the highest, the widest, produced the most leaves, inflorescences per rhizome, flowers per inflorescence and were the first to flower. The plants developed from rhizomes of 0.21-0.30 g and 0.31-0.40 g did not differ in their flowering rate, flower diameter or the weight of rhizomes at the end of the growing season. Flowers developed in all of the plants grown from rhizomes weighing at least 0.2 g. A comparison of cultivars showed that 'Dusky' plants were higher, wider, had more leaves, inflorescences and flowers per inflorescence, flowered earlier and produced rhizomes of greater weight than 'Ruth' plants, which had a higher greenness index and larger flowers. Both cultivars did not differ in their flowering rate. Rhizome weight gain after the cultivation period depended rather on the cultivar than on the size of the planted rhizomes.
Plant thin cell layers: update and perspectives
Authors: Teixeira da Silva Jaime A. , Dobránszki Judit
Published: May 2018

Thin cell layers (TCLs) are small and versatile explants for the in vitro culture of plants. At face value, their morphogenic productivity may appear to be less than conventional explants, but once the plant growth correction factor and geometric factor have been applied, the true (potential) productivity exceeds that of a conventional explant. It is for this reason that for almost 45 years, TCLs have been applied to the in vitro culture of almost 90 species or hybrids, mainly ornamentals and orchids, but also to field and vegetable crops and medicinal plants. Focusing on 12 new studies that have emerged in the recent past (2013-2015), this paper brings promise to other horticultural species that could benefit from the use of TCLs.
Evaluation of the factors influencing business bankruptcy risk in Poland
Authors: Korol Tomasz
Published: May 2018

This article is devoted to the issue of assessing the causes of business failure. The presented studies answer two research questions – what are the causes of corporate bankruptcies in Poland and how to more effectively predict the scale of bankruptcies in the country. The author has conducted a study to analyze the specific endogenous and exogenous causes of company bankruptcy depending on the type of the bankruptcy with consideration of the three different phases of the crisis in enterprises. The research is based on 185 companies (60 bankrupt and 125 non-bankrupt firms) listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange. For each company the author has calculated 14 different financial ratios for each of the six years before classifying the firm as bankrupt or non-bankrupt.

The author has also done research to identify specific macroeconomic variables affecting the bankruptcy process of the companies in Poland. This provided specification of the manner and how strongly the various factors affect the quantity and intensity of bankruptcy applications in this region of Europe. Additionally, with the use of selected macroeconomic variables the author programmed a fuzzy logic model to forecast the general intensity of bankruptcies in Poland. This study is the first attempt at using fuzzy logic to predict the risk of bankruptcy in a macro aspect. The results demonstrate the great potential of this method. The received effectiveness of the fuzzy logic model is at the level of 84%.
Understanding financialization: standing on the shoulders of Minsky
Authors: Whalen Charles J.
Published: May 2018

Since Hyman Minsky’s death in 1996, much has been written about financialization. This article — by means of the synthesis, interpretation, and assessment of an extensive literature — explores the issues that Minsky examined in the last decade of his life and considers their relationship to the financialization literature. At the heart of those issues is what Minsky called money manager capitalism, which he viewed through the lens of a theory of capitalist development inherited from Joseph Schumpeter. Advancing our understanding of the history of financial economics, the article shows how Minsky contributed to — indeed, anticipated much of — the study of financialization. The article also identifies two sources of Minsky’s insightfulness: his treatment of economics as a grand adventure, and his willingness to step beyond the world of theory and interact with the world of practice. Today, scholars with a Minsky perspective face formidable challenges, but, the author concludes, within Minsky’s writings is also a glimmer of hope: Economic systems are not natural systems; we can reshape them to achieve a more humane world.
Household financialization – sense and scale of this phenomenon on the example of poland
Authors: Kata Ryszard , Chmiel Justyna
Published: May 2018

The subject of the study is the phenomenon of household financialization. In the first part of the article a sense of this situation and its influence on the different functioning areas of the households (income, expenses, financial decisions) is described. What is more, the positive and negative effects of this process for the households’ financial stability were defined. The next part of the article contains an analysis of the households financialization processes in Poland in the years 2005-2015. On the side of household savings, the analysis included the level and the structure of financial assets. The second area of evaluation of the household financialization processes was bank debt analysis, including mortgage debt. In the elaboration comparative analysis was used, which means that Polish household structure of financial assets and the level of debt were compared to the European Union countries.
Challenges for central banks in a changing payments landscape
Authors: Iwańczuk-Kaliska Anna
Published: May 2018

The aim of the paper is to discuss key challenges facing central banks due to evolution of payment systems. The author distinguishes two aspects of the problem. The first one considers the implications of changes in payments for the roles of central banks in national payment systems, namely their role as operators, oversight authorities and catalysts. The second question is how evolution of payment systems influences the nature of central banking. The study is based on the literature review and the analysis and assessment of the information coming from the reports of international institutions. It also uses the results of the author’s survey, which was conducted among central banks of eleven countries.

The research leads to the conclusion that the challenges for central banks concern among others: monitoring and assessing innovations and new mechanisms of payments, information policy in the area of payments, promotion of standardization and interoperability of systems, effective oversight and operational activities of central banks. The changing payments landscape also requires consideration of long-term implications for monetary policy and central banks’ revenues.
The Effects of Defective Spatial Structure on the Agricultural Property Market
Authors: Bielska Anna , Budzyński Tomasz , Krupowicz Wioleta
Published: May 2018

Rural areas in Poland are distinguished by one of the worst spatial structures of individual land properties in the European Union. The least favourable structure occurs in the southern and south-eastern part of the country, where it results in farms losing 20-30% of their agricultural revenue. The bad spatial organisation of land is also reflected in transaction prices obtained for agricultural land. Considering criteria such as: land management, parcel area, width, and elongation (length to width ratio), and soil bonitation value, this paper determines the effect of each of the criteria separately on the development of transaction prices of agricultural land in the years 2009-2014 in selected villages in the southern part of the Cegłów (Mińsk district, Mazowieckie province), distinguished by the unfavourable spatial structure of agricultural land. Meeting this objective involved the application of the analytical capacity of the Geographic Information Systems (GIS), cadastral data base, soil-agricultural map vector, study of the conditions and directions of the spatial management of the Cegłów area, and the property price and value register. The obtained study results suggest that in areas with particularly defective spatial structure, land with parameters permitting its efficient use, i.e. with proper width and elongation is particularly valuable. Another parameter determining the level of obtained prices is the bonitation value, although it is of less importance for the analysed area than for agricultural areas with proper management conditions.
The Application of Asymmetric Liquidity Risk Measure in Modelling the Risk of Investment
Authors: Garsztka Przemysław , Hołubowicz Krzysztof
Published: May 2018

The article analyses the relationship between investment risk (as measured by the variance of returns or standard deviation of returns) and liquidity risk. The paper presents a method for calculating a new measure of liquidity risk, based on the characteristic line. In addition, it is checked what is the impact of liquidity risk to the volatility of daily returns. To describe this relationship dynamic econometric models were used. It was found that there was an econometric relationship between the proposed measure liquidity risk and the variance of returns.
Seasonal dynamics of saproxylic beetles (Coleoptera) occurring in decaying birch (Betula spp.) wood in the Kampinos National Park
Authors: Sawoniewicz Michał
Published: May 2018

The aim of the study was to identify the seasonal changes in the number of saproxylic beetles connected with birch in the Kampinos National Park. The research was conducted for 12 consecutive months in research areas representing 10 different site types. The beetles were collected from wood using photoeclectors. The largest number of species was collected in April and the lowest in January. An increase in number occurred during spring and summer months for species associated only with rotting wood, fructifications of tree fungi, the subcortical environment and hollows. In the same period the number of species not associated or potentially associated with decaying trees and wood decreased. During winter months, the differences in the number of trapped specimens were the smallest. The proportion of zoophagous species amongst the collected specimen increased in autumn and winter. The share of saprophagous species was the highest during the summer-autumn period and the share of mycetophages (jointly with myxomycophages) was the highest during spring and summer. We distinguished two separate groups of Coleoptera with the first one (‘summer group’) including species trapped during late-spring and summer months, while the second one (‘winter group’) includes species found in autumn, winter and early-spring months. In the ‘summer group’, an average of 55.8 species was trapped each month with 331.2 specimen of Coleoptera, while in the ʻwinter group’ an average of 56.1 species with 228.4 Coleoptera specimen were caught.
Phosphorus content and distribution and the activity of phosphatases in Arenosols in a forest affected by long-term exposure to the effects of the Anwil S.A. nitrogen works in Włocławek
Authors: Lemanowicz Joanna
Published: May 2018

This paper presents the results of research examining the soil content of total and available phosphorus (PE-R), taking into consideration the activity of alkaline and acid phosphatases. For this study, three soil profiles were sampled in Arenosols at a distance of 0.8, 2.0 and 2.5 km from a nitrogen fertiliser manufacturer, Anwil S.A. A control profile was taken from the Tuchola Forest. The soils’ reaction ranged from acidic to very acidic. The humus content in the surface horizons of the sampled profiles was average (1.26–2.61%). The lowest PE-R content was found in the profile taken closest (0.8 km – profile I) to the factory. The distribution index (DI) calculated for available phosphorus pointed towards moderate accumulation, whilst at the same time, the availability index (IM) confirmed low availability, especially in profile I. The activity of alkaline and acid phosphatases, which are the enzymes responsible for phosphorus transformation in the soil, varied depending on the distance from the nitrogen works. The inhibition of alkaline phosphomonoesterases and the stimulation of acid esterases, which were both connected to the examined soil reaction, were observed. The activity of phosphatases, as well as total and available phosphorus content, decreased steeply along the soil profiles. Furthermore, a significant correlation between organic carbon and the activity of alkaline and acid phosphatases (r = 0.94, p < 0.05 and r = 0.67, p < 0.05, respectively), as well as between the content of PE-R and the activity of alkaline phosphatase (r = 0.67, p < 0.05) were recorded. The results suggest the need for further research and monitoring of the Arenosols in the forest affected by the nitrogen works.
Białystok inhabitants’ preferences concerning forest recreational services – the need for landscape diversity
Authors: Smoleński Marcin
Published: May 2018

This paper deals with the market segmentation of recreational forest services using the concept of ‘sensation seeking’ to describe expectations of town dwellers towards recreation. In this approach, the variable of landscape dissimilarity is evaluated based on the landscape preferences of town dwellers for recreational purposes. The urban agglomeration of Białystok and the Knyszyn Forest (North-Eastern Poland) were chosen as the target for this case study. The results of the research suggest that the potential market of recreational forest services of the urban agglomeration of Białystok includes and provides for about 30% of the inhabitants. The emerging true market of the recreational services of the Knyszyn Forest reaches only about 22% of the inhabitants of Białystok. These market limitations and the characteristics of the forest landscape are inacceptable for outdoor recreation for the majority of town dwellers.
Economic methods for the utilisation of logging residues
Authors: Gałęzia Tomasz
Published: May 2018

There are several ways of using logging residues, and the two most common ones in the State Forests are wood chip production for energy purposes by mobile machinery and crushing by tractor-powered crushers. In this research, an economy-based approach was used to compare these methods and assess whether chip production is superior to crushing for clearing a felling area. The average revenues from the sale of wood biomass in the form of wood chips and the average costs of crushing in the Pomorze Forest District were analysed for the period from January 2012 until June 2014. Both revenues and costs (such as fuel, operator’s wage, piling costs, depreciation, insurance and garaging costs) were extracted from the State Forests’ database using data-mining software.

The highest price for wood biomass was achieved in 2012 (104.00 PLN m−3), and the lowest one was reached in 2014 (16.00 Pln m−3). Revenues amounted to 1,353.87 PLN ha−1 on an average, whilst the average logging efficiency was 25.60 m3 ha−1 with a share of logging residues compared to the total logged volume of 11.14%.

The highest costs for crushing (1,894.14 PLN ha−1) incurred for clearing gaps in a stand after removing spruces infested with bark beetles. Labour productivity in this case was 0.07 ha pmh−1. Significantly lower costs (1,256.42 PLN ha−1) and greater productivity (0.16 ha pmh−1) were achieved when clearing clear-cut areas.

Considering the above results, it is recommended to compress the logging residues into chips instead of crushing them. The removal of the residues from clear-cut sites may additionally affect forest health positively.
Effects of catchment area forestation on the temperature of river waters
Authors: Ptak Mariusz
Published: May 2018

The objective of this paper was to analyse the effects of catchment area forestation on the temperature of river waters. Two rivers, Czerna Wielka and Szprotawa, were covered in this research project and both are located in south-west Poland, running through the largest compact forest complex in the country, Bory Dolnośląskie. Both of the rivers are located within the same climatic region, and are similar in terms of their hydrology. Land use in the catchment area however is very diverse with 71.6% forest cover in the case of the Czerna Wielka River and direct contact of the forest with the river occurs over 68.3% of its length. For the Szprotawa River, the indices amount to only 39.3% and 21.6%, respectively. Data on the daily water temperatures for both of the rivers were obtained from the Hydrological Yearbooks of Surface Waters for the period 1969–1983. The mean annual water temperature in the analysed period in the case of the Czerna Wielka River amounted to 8.0°C, and in the case of the Szprotawa River it equalled 9.2°C. During the cooler half of the year (November-April), the mean water temperature for the entire examined period amounted to 3.8°C for Czerna Wielka, and 3.6°C for Szprotawa. Higher variability was recorded for the warmer seasons (May-October), where mean temperatures amounted to 12.1°C and 14.7°C, respectively. The obtained results concur with other similar research conducted around the world, and in the context of climate change are of practical value. The important role of forests in the moderation of thermal conditions is evidently unquestionable. Therefore, minimising the impact of unfavourable climatic changes on river ecosystems and their surroundings requires striving for appropriate forest management in the near-bank (buffer) zone along banks of both larger rivers and their tributaries
Recreational activities impact on the amount and characteristics of woody debris in the Fandoghlou forests, Northwestern Iran
Authors: Behjou Farshad Keivan , Sefidi Kiomars
Published: May 2018

In this research, the volume and composition of woody debris (WD) were inventoried by line intersect sampling (LIS) in recreational and conservative parts of Fandoughlou forests in Northwestern Iran. Based on the pre-study qualitative assessments of WD properties, 60 transects in conserved part including 60 ha tract and 60 transects in recreational part including 60 ha and 60 transects were set up for WD survey. In each area, a systematic series of sampling points was located in the inventory of WD. At each sampling point, we performed line-intersect sampling (LIS) with a line length of 100 m with random orientation of sample lines. Estimates of the total volume of WD across recreational and conservative parts of the forest ranged from 0.70 m3 ha-1 to 1.49 m3 ha-1. The results of independent t-test indicated that the amount of CWD and FWD in conserved part is significantly higher than CWD and FWD in recreational part (t4, 0.05 = 4.26, p = 0.013; t4, 0.05 = 2.69, p = 0.05). The number of tree species of CWD composition was higher in conserved area, more than 5 species including (hazel, beech, hornbeam, oak, maple, and other species). In the conserved part, CWD in highly-decayed classes accounted for 75% of total CWD volumes, but in the recreational division, CWD in the early decayed classes accounted for 79% of total WD volumes. Our results suggest preserving the current conserved forests and maintaining the structural and functional integrity of WD.
New problems in dendropathology – new and invasive pathogens
Authors: Drenkhan Rein , Adamson Kalev , Drenkhan Tiia , Agan Ahto , Laas Marili
Published: May 2018

During the last decades, several new and invasive tree pathogens have arrived in the northern Europe, damaging forest and verdant trees. New and invasive species (e.g.Lecanosticta acicola,Dothistroma septosporum, Diplodia sapinea,Hymenoscyphus fraxineus) are considered to cause economic loss and be an important threat to biodiversity. Once the alien species have entered into ecosystem, then it is very difficult to eliminate them. Therefore, it is important to discover new and invasive pathogens from forests and from imported plant material as early as possible. For that reason, the research team of Estonian forest pathologists has worked out a survey strategy with permanent plots across Estonia – for early detection of new pathogens, which essentially includes molecular monitoring of pathogens. An important task in developing of early detection methods for new and invasive pathogens is working out of quick detection methods by creating original PCR primers. Crucial is also the analyses of pathogens biology, of their spreading and finding of all their potential hosts in new for them environment in northern Europe. In cooperation studies with our foreign partners, the Estonian forest pathologists have analysed populations ofD. septosporum,L. acicolaandH. fraxineus. The population genetic methods give data about the pathogens diversity, vitality and betray potential pathways of them to northern Europe. This information serves for building up the control strategy and helps to find and test resistant tree species progenies. Early detection, molecular monitoring and pathways detection of new and invasive pathogens are currently the most important research tasks of the forest pathology team working in Estonian University of Life Sciences.
Investigating Potential Sources of Toxoplasmosis for Humans From Slaughtered Food Animals in Ibadan, Nigeria
Authors: Ayinmode A. B. , Abiola J. O.
Published: May 2018

The consumption of undercooked meat by humans is a potential infectious source for Toxoplasmosis. This study was aimed at finding potential infectious sources of Toxoplasma gondii for humans by investigating the seroprevalence of T. gondii in animals slaughtered in the Ibadan municipal abattoir. Serum samples from 1337 slaughtered animals (477 cattle, 267 sheep, 139 goats, and 454 pigs) were analyzed for the presence of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii. Serological studies using the ELISA method demonstrated the prevalence of T. gondii antibodies in cattle, sheep, goats and pigs as 38.9%, 1.9%, 3.6% and 45.2%, respectively. Univariate statistical analysis detected an association between T. gondii seropositivity and sheep, goat and sex (P < 0.05). In the multivariate logistic regression model, only sheep, goats and pigs had an association with T. gondii seropositivity, while sex was a confounding factor. The detection of varying levels of antibodies to T. gondii infection in these food animals highlights their potential as a source of T. gondii for humans. Efforts should, therefore be directed at preventing the infection during the production and the processing of meat for food.
Demographic ageing in the old industrial regions – specifics and links on the example of the Ústí nad Labem Region (N Czechia)
Authors: Kačírek Petr
Published: May 2018

Through this paper, the author would like to raise a discussion on possible specific effects of current demographic trends (namely the demographic ageing) in low-performace regions of Central and Eastern Europe. The article focuses on the current tendencies of the demographic development of the Ústí nad Labem Region (N Czechia), an old industrial region undergoing the economic transition since 1990s. The demographic development in the Ústí nad Labem Region is put in the context of the demographic development of the world, Europe, and the Czech Republic. Population development in the Ústí nad Labem Region copies the tendencies at the level of the territorial units of higher level. The differences in values of the demographic indicators, especially when compared to the Czech Republic, are mainly caused by specific demographic, economic, and social structures of the inhabitants of the region. The most important and discussed tendency of the population development in last decades is the process of the demographic ageing. The change will be slow but growing stronger with the ageing process becoming more powerful. It would be necessary to prepare for the process, particularly in the economic and social field, at the level of the regional government, otherwise the demographic ageing may further restrict the speed of economic and social transition in the region.
The reliability of long – term energy forecasts
Authors: Boryczko Bożena , Kolenda Zygmunt , Nowak Wojciech
Published: May 2018

The paper demonstrates that the possibilities of producing reliable long-term energy forecast are limited. Global economic growth is so dynamic that the changes resulting from scientific and technological progress, which we experience, do not allow for the identification of goals over longer time intervals. For this reason, forecasting up to 2035, 2040, 2060 is devoid of its fundamental value, which is the reliability of results obtained. Are predictions to be conservative (this applies to richer countries) or are they to produce a paradigm shift by, for example, strongly imposing the requirement of increasing energy security, which is important for our country? In light of the broadness of the issues, this paper is limited to considerations relating to forecasting the primary energy demand. Detailed examples are presented for the Polish energy system.
Zinc borate production with boron mineral source: effect of process parameters on yield and hydrophobicity
Authors: Acarali Nil Baran , Ozturk Emre , Bardakci Melek , Piskin Mehmet Burcin , Tugrul Nurcan
Published: May 2018

Streszczenie

Celem tego artykułu jest synteza boranu cynku przy użyciu węglanu cynku, kwasu borowego, referencyjnego boranu cynku (ZB) jako substancji aktywnej oraz badanie efektywności tego procesu modyfikowanego odczynnikami i parametrami reakcji na hydrofobowość i wydajność syntezy boranu cynku. Dotyczy to działania różnych czynników modyfikujących hydrofobowość i parametry reakcji: glikol propylenowy (PG) (0−6%, kerozyna 1−6%, kwas oleinowy (OA) 1−6% oraz rozpuszczalniki: alkohol izopropylowy (IPA), etanol i metanol. Po pierwsze, badano jak wpływają następujące parametry reakcji na uzysk boranu cynku: czas reakcji (1−5 h), wskaźnik reaktywacji (H3BO3 : ZnO), (2−5), udział zarodków krystalizacji (0−1,5%) w odniesieniu do kwasu borowego, temperatura reakcji (50−120°C), temperatura chłodzenia (10−80 °C), szybkość mieszania (400−700 obr./min). Ponadto, reakcje były przeprowadzone w określonych warunkach mieszania mechanicznego i magnetycznego. Wytwarzany boran cynku ze względu na hydrofobowość badano metodami: dyfrakcji rentgenowskiej XRD, spektroskopii FT-IR oraz pomiarami kąta zwilżania. Reasumując, stwierdzono, że boran cynku można otrzymać z powodzeniem z różnymi rozpuszczalnikami wpływającymi na jego hydrofobowość.