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Human development and induced activities significantly affect the natural functioning of ecosystems and hence landscape connectivity. Ecological corridors are essential for maintaining structural as well as functional connectivity in cultural landscapes for wildlife, while providing interchange between core areas. In two pilot areas in the north-western and eastern part of Austria, ecological corridors were delineated using a geographic information system (GIS). The pilot areas are key to preserving ecological connectivity and are located along important international migration corridors (Bohemian Forest-Northern Alps corridor, Alpine-Carpathian corridor). Both areas are situated in highly human-altered and therefore dissected as well as fragmented landscapes. A one-year monitoring campaign using camera traps was carried out at selected locations along proposed ecological corridors in the cultural landscape and at wildlife crossings structures (WCSs) at intersections with road infrastructure. The monitoring was focused on mammals with a total of 18 species being observed. The most abundant species were roe deer, European hare and wild boar. European otter, European beaver, golden jackal and wildcat have only rarely been observed. Mammal species richness was positively correlated with the presence of vegetation cover and the coefficient of ecological stability (CES). The insights obtained can be used for recommendations and support in planning the planting of vegetation (use of grasslands, scattered and continuous woody vegetation, agroforestry systems) on the sites and in the vicinity of ecological corridors. The green bridges (wildlife overpasses) were used more frequently as well as by a larger number of mammal species compared to other studied WCSs showing characteristics that are less favourable for animals. The effectiveness of WCSs is mainly influenced by human activities, resulting in the recommendation to limit them on WCSs located along the routes of ecological corridors. We point out that actual wildlife migration corridors are likely to differ from designated data-driven ecological corridors generated by spatially explicit models, because these generally do not take into account all factors relating to the effectiveness of corridors. Our results suggest, that the application of the concept of functional connectivity is able to enhance the quality of ecological corridor designations, since usually they are based only on the concept of structural connectivity. For this reason, further studies are needed to help understanding factors and their specificities influencing the interplay between structural and functional connectivity of ecological corridors.

Abstract Challenge 10 of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030) calls for the restoration of society's relationship with the ocean. Research suggests that the relationship people have with marine environments can influence their depth of engagement in marine citizenship action, and the important role for ‘marine identity’ in driving that action. Although identity is well‐researched, marine identity is a concept novel to academia and a baseline understanding is required, both to grasp the scope of the concept, and to support research into its role in transforming the human‐ocean relationship. Here, a transdisciplinary study, endorsed as a UN Ocean Decade Activity and by the EU Mission Ocean & Waters, brought together a multinational community of marine researchers and practitioners to co‐produce a baseline conceptualisation of marine identity, drawing on photovoice and deliberative methodology. This paper presents the findings of the co‐production process and offers a first introduction in the literature of the multiple variations and formations of marine identity. We find marine identity to be a complex and multidimensional concept, suffused with individual experiences and understandings of the marine environment, based on social and cultural understandings of the ocean, contemporarily and historically. We present real‐world examples of marine identity to illustrate key themes that were developed through co‐production. Policy implications: We propose marine identity as a catalyst for understanding existing multifaceted and caring relationships with the ocean, as well as the restoration of society's relationship with the ocean. Marine identity research should, therefore, be prioritised in research seeking to contribute to the UN Ocean Decade Challenge 10, as this will support integration of non‐material values of the ocean into marine planning processes and policy making, enabling effective responses to Challenge 10's emphasis on integrating traditional/cultural ways of knowing and valuing the marine environment, through diverse marine identities. We welcome research efforts that will further develop the marine identity concept and empirically investigate the relationships between marine identity, marine citizenship, and people's relationships with the ocean. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

This study compares the efficiency of commercially available sorbitol-based clarifying agent (NA) and varying amounts of long chain-branched polypropylene (LCBPP) acting as a specific α-nucleating agent for linear polypropylene (PP). The sorbitol-based clarifying agent, 1,3;2,4-bis(3,4-dimethyl benzylidene)sorbitol (Millad 3988), in concentration 0.2 wt%, and LCBPP in the concentration of 1, 2, 5 and 10 wt% were mixed into PP. The comparison of the effect of NA and long branches under isothermal conditions on the crystallization process, crystallinity and polymorphic composition was realized by differential scanning calorimetry and wide-angle X-ray scattering. The addition of long chain-branched polypropylene, even at the lowest concentration, performs better at higher crystallization temperatures and has a superior effect on the crystallization process, crystallization rate and overall crystallization than the addition of NA.

Abstract Engagement with institutions from migrants’ country of origin, both in the destination country and in the country of origin, is distinct transnational behaviour. This study investigates the impact of geographical distance on the institutional engagement of migrants from Czechia in five global regions. We examine how geographic (physical) proximity to Czechia shapes institutional engagement with the country of origin and identify factors beyond distance influencing institutional engagement. We analyzed survey data from Czech emigrants (N = 940) in neighbouring countries, Western and Northern Europe, Southern and Eastern Europe, overseas Anglo-Saxon countries, and other countries. We found that respondents from all more distant regions have higher levels of institutional engagement in the destination country than those from neighbouring countries. Length of stay and education were relevant factors for all selected regions, while place of residence (living in a metropolis) and the level of transnational behavior had varying impacts across regions. Concerning institutional engagement in origin country, the level of transnationalism was consistently the strongest predictor across. Transnational studies should incorporate geographic variables, such as physical distance into their conceptual frameworks. We expect our findings to be generalizable to other countries similar to Czechia, i.e. high-income countries whose citizens benefit from liberal visa regimes.

Abstract Background Plant-parasitic nematodes are economically important pests responsible for substantial losses in agriculture. Researchers focusing on plant-parasitic nematodes, especially on finding new ways of their control, often need to assess basic parameters such as their motility, viability, and reproduction. Traditionally, these assays involve visually counting juveniles and eggs under a dissecting microscope, making this investigation time-consuming and laborious. Results In this study, we established a procedure to efficiently determine the motility of two plant-parasitic nematode species, Heterodera schachtii and Ditylenchus destructor, using the WMicrotracker ONE platform. Additionally, we demonstrated that hatching of the cyst nematode H. schachtii can be evaluated using both the WMicrotracker ONE and by assessing the enzymatic activity of chitinase produced during hatching. Conclusions We present fast and straightforward protocols for studying nematode motility and hatching that allow us to draw conclusions about viability and survival. Thus, these methods are useful tools for facilitating fast and efficient evaluation in various fields of research focused on plant-parasitic nematodes.

Abstract Multiferroic Ba2CuGe2O7 was anticipated as a potential member of the exciting group of materials hosting a skyrmion or vortex lattice because of its profound Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction (DMI) and the absence of single ion anisotropy (SIA). This phase, however, could not be evidenced and instead, it exhibits a complex incommensurate antiferromagnetic (AFM) cycloidal structure. Its sister compound Ba2MnGe2O7, in contrast, is characterized by a relatively strong in-plane exchange interaction that competes with a non-vanishing SIA and the weak DMI, resulting in a quasi-two-dimensional commensurate AFM structure. Considering this versatility in the magnetic interactions, a mixed solid solution of Cu and Mn in Ba2Cu1−x Mn x Ge2O7 can hold an interesting playground for its interactive DMI and SIA depending on the mixed spin states of the transition metal ions towards the skyrmion physics. Here, we present a detailed study of the micro- and macroscopic spin structure of the Ba2Cu1 − x Mn x Ge2O7 solid solution series using high-resolution neutron powder diffraction techniques. We have developed a remarkably rich magnetic phase diagram as a function of the applied magnetic field and x, which consists of two end-line phases separated by a potentially quantum-critical phase at x = 0.57. An AFM conical structure at zero magnetic field is demonstrated to persist up to x = 0.50. Our results provide crucial information on the spin structure and magnetic properties, which are necessary for the general understanding and theoretical developments on multiferroicity in the frame of skyrmion type or frustrated AFM lattice where DMI and SIA play an important role.

The success of machine learning (ML) models in object or pattern recognition naturally leads to ML being employed in the classification of the microstructure of steel surfaces. Light optical microscopy (LOM) is the traditional imaging process in this field. However, the increasing use of ML to extract or relate more aspects of the aforementioned materials and the limitations of LOM motivated us to provide an improvement to the established image acquisition process. In essence, we perform style transfer from LOM to scanning electron microscopy (SEM) combined with “intelligent” upscaling. This is achieved by employing an ML model trained on a multimodal dataset to generate an SEM-like image from the corresponding LOM image. This transformation, in our opinion, which is corroborated by a detailed analysis of the source, target and prediction, successfully pushes the limits of LOM in the case of steel surfaces. The expected consequence is the improvement of the precise characterization of advanced multiphase steels’ structure based on these transformed LOM images.

The period of compulsory school attendance is a mentally very challenging period for children in foster care, which can be impacted by complex developmental trauma stemming from the child's experience in foster care with cumulative and chronic traumatic events in his/her biological family. These events have taken place over a long period of time in interpersonal relationships usually related to caregivers, in the form of abandonment of the child by the caregiver, changing caregivers, lack of safe space and necessary support for the child from the family and school, and/or deficiencies in the provision of coordinated health and social care for both the child and the foster parents. The paper presents research findings supported by a statistical analysis of health and school difficulties in children in foster care related to their school attendance. The purpose of the research was to support the quality and coordination of services of non-profit organizations providing social, health and educational services to foster families and their children during school attendance to support the school success and well-being of children. The study was implemented as part of a dissertation at the University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice in the Czech Republic on the topic of promotion of the health, social and psychological well-being of school-aged children in the context of their school and family environment. The authors carried out a questionnaire survey in the Czech Republic among a selected sample of respondents, who were foster parents of children aged 6 to 15 attending primary school in the Pardubice Region. In a total sample of 102 respondents, we identified two different groups. One group – 64 respondents with healthy children and another group – 38 respondents with children with health difficulties. The aim of the research was to compare the assessments of the intensity of school difficulties of children in foster care in groups of respondents with or without a child with health difficulties or mental illness in their foster care. The hypothesis of a difference in assessments of school difficulties in children with/without health difficulties was formulated and statistically tested (H0: ratings of the intensity of difficulties are the same in both groups). Statistical testing of the hypothesis utilised the non-parametric Mann-Whitney test with the test results being significant at the level of significance p

V textu se zabýváme Psaním na vodní hladině, což je podkategorie umělecko-výzkumného projektu Pedagogika pro rozšířené-mezidruhové naslouchání. Zaměřujeme se na mořsko-vodní prostředí, jeho specifika a edukativní možnosti v oblasti venkovní pedagogiky a epistemologie mořské krajiny. Text reflektuje rozmanité časové rámcování, včetně ekologických časů, rytmy a vzorce vodní hladiny. Děti se setkávají s jinými časy, které nejsou pouze lidské ani zvířecí, a tato doba vyvolává fascinující dotazy a nabízí mnoho her a pohybů. Uvolnění od času strukturovaného a vnímání živých časů nám umožňuje lépe vnímat a reagovat na výzvy naší budoucnosti.

Introduction: Isolated genital burns are not frequent injuries; more often, they are part of larger surface-area burn injuries. Aetiology and mechanisms of genital burn injuries differ regarding country, age and patients’ socioeconomic status. Aim: The aim is to describe a rare case report of a 69-year-old man who incurred a deep penile burn after using an electrothermal sexual device. Methods: The patient was admitted to the Department of Urology (blinded for review) with deep penile burn a week after the injury. Debridement, conservative therapy, and deferred reconstruction due to extensive lymphoedema were performed. Due to numerous small, contracted skin scars of penile corpus arising from multiple healed burns caused by self-mutilation by repeatedly using an electrothermal sexual device, the penile defect reconstruction was performed. A local ventral foreskin skin flap in combination with a full split-thickness graft was done in order to avoid extensive scar contracture with possible penile deviation. Results: There were no complications in postoperative care in the follow-up period of 26 months, with satisfactory aesthetical and functional results. Conclusion: In the case of penile wounds, the reconstruction technique depends on the injury's size, depth and localisation of the damage.

The study aims to analyze and decompose the qualitative parameters of wood chips in Poland. The European Green Deal brings the new framework to support sustainability and elimination of emissions. The Wavelet coherence and Wavelet Discrete Decomposition are used for determination of relations among significant qualitative parameters. Thus, the possible uses are discussed. For the obvious relationship between moisture and calorific value there is evidence of strong correlation. The behaviour of these interrelations are different at frequencies in the long and short time. The wood chip price is inter-transmitter from moisture parameter to calorific value in a positive (in-phase) relationship. At both low and high frequencies there is evidence that the variables of moisture and calorific value are highly correlated. The transient effect of linkage is presented at values between 0.1 and 0.3 in coherence map. The empirical findings provide implication for local producers and policymakers.

This paper presents a contribution to the field of numerical solutions for contact problems, which pose significant challenges in engineering and simulations. Specifically, we address the intricate task of connecting bodies that have been discretized using non-conforming and non-overlapping meshes. Our primary focus lies in investigating the efficacy of the mortar method with a segment-to-segment approach. In this context, we provide a concise overview of the underlying theoretical framework and present our implementation in the MATLAB programming environment. To ascertain the reliability and accuracy of our proposed methodology, we conduct a rigorous validation study by comparing the outcomes obtained from our implementation with those derived from the widely adopted commercial software, ANSYS. To enable a comprehensive evaluation, we select specific benchmark problems that involve the interaction of two elastic bodies. Through a meticulous analysis and comparison of results, we demonstrate the effectiveness and robustness of our approach. The findings of this study contribute substantively to the advancement of numerical techniques for solving contact problems. The validated methodology not only establishes a solid foundation for future research endeavors but also offers a reliable framework for conducting simulations in this domain. Furthermore, the insights gained from this study can potentially facilitate the development of more efficient and accurate computational algorithms for addressing contact problems encountered in various engineering applications.

Bursaphelenchus mucronatus was detected in association with the pine sawyer beetle (Monochamus galloprovincialis) during the implementation and testing of cross traps with insect attractants as an efficient tool for detection survey for pine wood nematode (Bursaphelenchus xylophilus) in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Georgia in 2017 and 2018, respectively. This nematode was characterized by morphological, morphometric and molecular features. This is the first report of B. mucronatus in association with a M. galloprovincialis in Bosnia and Herzegovina and in Georgia.

RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM) is driven by small RNAs (sRNAs) complementary to the nascent transcript of RNA polymerase V (Pol V). sRNAs associated with ARGONAUTE (AGO) proteins are tethered to Pol V mainly by the AGO-hook domain of its subunit NRPE1. We found, by in silico analyses, that Pol V strongly colocalizes on chromatin with another AGO-hook protein, SPT6-like (SPT6L), which is a known essential transcription elongation factor of Pol II. Our phylogenetic analysis revealed that SPT6L acquired its AGO-binding capacity already in the most basal streptophyte algae, even before the emergence of Pol V, suggesting that SPT6L might be a driving force behind the RdDM evolution. Since its emergence, SPT6L with the AGO-hook represents the only conserved SPT6 homolog in Viridiplantae, implying that the same protein is involved in both Pol II and Pol V complexes. To better understand the role of SPT6L in the Pol V complex, we characterized genomic loci where these two colocalize and uncovered that DNA methylation there is more dynamic, driven by higher levels of sRNAs often from non-canonical RdDM pathways and more dependent on chromatin modifying and remodeling proteins like MORC. Pol V loci with SPT6L are highly depleted in helitrons but enriched in gene promoters for which locally and temporally precise methylation is necessary. In view of these results, we discuss potential roles of multiple AGO-hook domains present in the Pol V complex and speculate that SPT6L mediates de novo methylation of naïve loci by interconnecting Pol II and Pol V activities.

IntroductionThis study aims to provide a systematic literature review on the sustainability of shared economy in the food, agricultural, and hospitality sectors. We assess relationships between the sharing economy and sustainability in the examined industries. Furthermore, we identify gaps in knowledge and recommend possible research directions for future studies.MethodsThis study provides a systematic literature review on sustainable sharing economy in the hospitality and agri-food sectors. We applied the Procedure for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Based on the mentioned methodological procedure, we conducted a literature search through scientific databases Scopus and Web of Science. The research period is 2014–2023.ResultsUsing the Procedure for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), we extracted 2185 scientific articles from the Scopus and Web of Science databases published between 2014 and 2023. A total of 117 studies met the eligibility criteria. Based on the review, we identified the following frequently researched areas in the literature: sustainable housing sharing, urban and community sustainability, energy efficiency and carbon footprint, public sector regulation and sustainability, food sharing, exchanges and networks, food waste-reducing platforms, and food-based applications.ConclusionThe studies reviewed confirmed growing research interest in the sustainability of the shared economy in agri-food and hospitality. The number of studies in the Web of Science and Scopus databases has increased over the last decade. Our systematic review indicates that shared accommodation and food sharing are dominant topics in the literature. The sustainability of shared accommodation has been examined in previous studies, mainly concerning the impacts on cities and communities. In food sharing, we identified relevant linkages between food waste and sharing platforms.