Abundance of common shrew (Sorex Araneus) in selected forest habitats of Moravia (Czech Republic)

Abundance of common shrew (Sorex araneus) was evaluated on selected forest sites in Moravia, Czech Republic. Six types of habitats were assessed: forest clearings and mature forests in lowlands (173 - 233 m), uplands (360 - 600 m), and mountains (600 - 1200 m). Data were collected over five.year.long periods; 2006 - 2010 (uplands) and 2007 - 2011 (lowlands and mountains). Small terrestrial mammals were captured using snap traps laid in lines. In total, 200 individuals of common shrew were trapped. Relative abundance among different habitats was statistically evaluated. The highest relative abundance was found in mountain forest clearings (n = 132, rA = 0.719). Lower abundance was in upland forest clearings (n = 15, rA = 0.384), in mature mountain forests (n = 32, rA = 0.355), and in the lowland forest clearings (n = 9 rA = 0.109). The lowest abundance was in mature upland forests (n = 9, rA = 0.031) and in mature lowland forests (n = 3, rA = 0.011). Differences between sites were statistically significant. Among all altitudes, shrew populations in plantations were significantly more numerous than those in mature forests. Mountain forest clearings with dense herb layer proved to be the most suitable habitat while mature lowland forests with less developed herbaceous layer were the least suitable. Forest clearings proved to be an important refuge for the populations of common shrew.O

Management Intensity and Forest Successional Stages as Significant Determinants of Small Mammal Communities in a Lowland Floodplain Forest

The conversion of forests from complex natural ecosystems to simplified commercial woodlands is one of the major causes of biodiversity loss. To maintain biodiversity, we need to understand how current management practices influence forest ecosystems. We studied the effects of forest successional stage and management intensity on the abundance, species richness, and assemblage composition of small mammals. Our results show that management intensity significantly contributes to reducing the number of species after clearcutting. We revealed that intensively managed clearings can make the dispersal or foraging activity of small mammals diffcult and hence negatively influence their abundance and species richness. The significantly higher species richness of small mammal species was recorded within more extensively rather than intensively managed clearings. In contrast, we did not observe significant changes in species richness and abundance after intensive management in old-growth forests. Species Clethrionomys glareolus and Apodemus flavicollis reached the greatest abundance in old-growth forest patches. On the other hand, Microtus arvalis and Microtus subterraneus were species mainly associated with the successionally youngest forest stands. Our analysis suggests that intensive management interventions (i.e., vegetation destruction by pesticides and wood debris removal by soil milling) in clearings produce unhostile environments for majority of the small mammal species.O

Rodent Damage to Natural and Replanted Mountain Forest Regeneration

Impact of small rodents on mountain forest regeneration was studied in National Nature Reserve in the Beskydy Mountains (Czech Republic). A considerable amount of bark damage was found on young trees (20%) in spring after the peak abundance of field voles (Microtus agrestis) in combination with long winter with heavy snowfall. In contrast, little damage to young trees was noted under high densities of bank voles (Myodes glareolus) with a lower snow cover the following winter. The bark of deciduous trees was more attractive to voles (22% damaged) than conifers (8%). Young trees growing in open and grassy localities suffered more damage from voles than those under canopy of forest stands (χ2 = 44.04, P < 0.001). Natural regeneration in Nature Reserve was less damaged compared to planted trees (χ2 = 55.89, P < 0.001). The main factors influencing the impact of rodent species on tree regeneration were open, grassy habitat conditions, higher abundance of vole species, tree species preferences- and snow-cover condition. Under these conditions, the impact of rodents on forest regeneration can be predicted. Foresters should prefer natural regeneration to the artificial plantings

Population dynamics of the common shrew (Sorex araneus) in Central European forest clearings

The population dynamics of shrews (Soricidae) are not well known even though they form an important part of forest ecosystems and represent suitable bioindicators of ecosystem quality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the population dynamics of shrews in mountain and upland forest clearings in four study areas within the Czech Republic and to reveal how climatic factors influenced fluctuations in their abundance for a decade (2007-2017). In total, we trapped 7,538 individuals of 18 small mammal species. From 760 individuals of seven shrew species, the common shrew (Sorex araneus) was significantly dominated in all study areas. We did not observe any significant, regular multi-annual cycles of the common shrew. However, a cross-correlation in density fluctuation of this species was detected in all mountain areas indicating the influence of environmental factors acting on a larger geographical scale. The autumn abundance of shrews was dependent on the subset of climatic variables, together explaining 56% of the variance in the linear regression model. Except for the length of the snow cover of GREATER-THAN OR EQUAL TO 5 cm, all other significant variables were associated with North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO). Longer duration of snow cover during the winter before trapping, higher average NAO value during months before trapping, and NAO value in September influenced negatively the autumn abundance of shrews, contrary, higher value of NAO in May and October increased the abundance. Our results demonstrate the sensitivity of shrews to winters with a longer period of snow cover and to climatic oscillations associated with the NAO, whose effect is monthly dependent and probably indirectly influencing shrews through their prey.OA-hybri

Utjecaj vlažnosti na populacije sitnih sisavaca u poplavnim šumama južne Moravske (Češka republika)

Changes of the moisture regime and its influence on the dominance of selected species of small mammal communities were studied in floodplain forests in southern Moravia (river Dyje). In period of typical floodplain regime characterized by groundwater table fluctuation (1968–1972, with high groundwater table level or floods in spring) dominance of Apodemus flavicollis (Mel.) was 42%, Myodes glareolus (Schreb.) 33% and Sorex araneus L. 15% of the total small mammal communities. In period 1982–1987 after cessation of floods by river regulation, rapid groundwater drop and changes in the herb layer, the dominance of Apodemus flavicollis and Myodes glareolus increased. Also the dominance of Apodemus sylvaticus (L.) increased, but that of Sorex araneus collapsed. Further revitalization measures were applied by systems of channels supplying the water to root system of forest trees but not to the herb layer. In 2002–2006 decreasing moisture condition further influenced the dominance of Apodemus flavicollis reaching mean dominance 62%, Myodes glareolus dominance decreased to 20% and that of Sorex araneus remain to be low. All estimated changes were correlated with moisture regime changes and were significant. Thus the changes in the forest moisture regime significantly affect the community of small terrestrial mammals.Promjene režima vlažnosti i njegovog utjecaja na zastupljenost određenih vrsta sitnih sisavaca, praćeni su u poplavnim šumama u Južnoj Moravskoj (rijeka Dyje). U razdoblju od 1968. do 1972. godine u vrijeme tipičnih poplavnih režima karakteriziranih fluktuacijama razine podzemne vode (s visokom razinom podzemne vode ili poplavama u proljeće) zastupljenost žutogrlog šumskog miša (Apodemus flavicollis /Mel./) bila je 42 %, šumske voluharice (Myodes glareolus /Schreb./) 33 % i šumske rovke (Sorex araneus L.) 15 %. U razdoblju od 1982. do1987. godine nakon prestanka poplava regulacijom rijeke te naglog pada podzemne vode i promjena u prizemnoj vegetaciji, zastupljenost žutogrlog šumskog miša i šumske voluharice se povećala. Također je porasla i zastupljenost šumskog miša (Apodemus sylvaticus /L./), dok se zastupljenost šumske rovke srušila. Daljnji zahvati revitalizacije vodnog režima su primijenjeni uvođenjem kanala koji su vodom opskrbljivali korijenje drveća, ali ne i prizemnu vegetaciju. Od 2002. do 2006. godine opadanje vlažnosti dalje je pogodovalo porastu dominacije žutogrlog šumskog miša dosegnuvši 62 %. Zastupljenost šumske voluharice smanjuje se na 20%, dok brojnost šumske rovke ostaje niska. Sve dobivene promjene zastupljenosti sitnih glodavaca su u signifikantnoj korelaciji s režimom vlažnosti. Iz navedenog proizlazi da promjene režima vlažnosti u šumi signifikantno utječu na zajednicu sitnih sisavaca

Utility of cytochrome c oxidase I for the deciphering of unstable phylogeny and taxonomy of gorals, genus Nemorhaedus Hamilton Smith, 1827 (Bovidae, Ovibovina)

Gorals represent ungulate mammals of the Palearctic and Indo-Malayan realms that face habitat destruction and intense hunting pressure. Their classification has been the subject of various (mainly genetic) assessments in the last decade, but some results are conflicting, hampering some conservation-based decisions. Genetic sampling of gorals has increased considerably in recent years, at least for mitochondrial (mt) DNA. Results based on two mt genes (cytochrome b and the D-loop) are currently available. Still, the utility of cytochrome oxidase subunit I remains unanalysed, even though it belongs among the gene markers that enable a correct species identification in mammals. This study examines phylogenetic relationships and species delimitation in gorals using all currently available cytochrome oxidase subunit I sequences, including the not yet analysed goral population from Pakistan. Our results of various phylogenetic approaches, such as maximum parsimony, likelihood and Bayesian inference, and exploration of species boundaries via species delimitation support the validity of six species of goral, namely N. baileyi, N. caudatus, N. cranbrooki, N. evansi, N. goral, and N. griseus. This result accords well with results based on other mt genes, especially the cytochrome b from the highly exhaustive data sampling. Our study also summarises common sources of errors in the assessment of goral phylogeny and taxonomy and highlights future priorities in understanding goral diversification

Populations of &lt;em&gt;Clethrionomys glareolus&lt;/em&gt; in three isolated forest complexes in rural southern Moravia (Czech Republic)

&lt;strong&gt;Abstract&lt;/strong&gt;&#13; In rural landscapes, the dynamics of bank vole (&lt;em&gt;Clethrionomys glareolus&lt;/em&gt;) populations were studied from 2002 to 2005 in three large isolated forest complexes which differed in tree composition and food supply. Populations fluctuated markedly during the four years of research. Extra seed crop in 2003 and probable niche vacation - the density of the dominant &lt;em&gt;Apodemus flavicollis&lt;/em&gt; lowered in 2004 -, determined two years (2004-05) of higher bank vole population densities. The relative abundance of &lt;em&gt;C. glareolus&lt;/em&gt; was higher in the most variable biotope (RB), consisting of an intensive pheasantry. Also the body mass of adult individuals, particularly females, was higher in RB. The influence of seed crop on the weight of individuals was statistically significant. During winter 2004/2005 a strong impact on the forest regeneration in tree plantings was reported. We argue that vole&#13; abundance prediction by periodical monitoring is needed to prevent damage.&#13; &lt;strong&gt;Riassunto&lt;/strong&gt;&#13; &lt;strong&gt;Popolazioni di &lt;em&gt;Clethrionomys glareolus&lt;/em&gt; in tre complessi forestali di un’area agricola della Moravia meridionale (Repubblica Ceca)&lt;/strong&gt;&#13; La dinamica di popolazione di &lt;em&gt;C. glareolus&lt;/em&gt; è stata indagata in tre complessi forestali relitti in ambiente rurale, differenti sia per aspetti vegetazionali sia riguardo la disponibilità di risorse alimentari. L’abbondanza relativa (rA) dell’arvicola rossastra ha mostrato ampie oscillazioni nei tre siti, in parte da ricollegare a una produzione eccezionale di ghiande nell’autunno 2003 e a un decremento di &lt;em&gt;A. flavicollis&lt;/em&gt; (specie dominante) nel 2004, che hanno determinato due anni consecutivi (2004-05) di rA elevate per &lt;em&gt;C. glareolus&lt;/em&gt;. Nel complesso, i valori di rA sono risultati maggiori nel biotopo più diversificato, così come anche la massa corporea degli adulti, in particolare delle femmine. La produzione di semi del 2003 ha anche influito significativamente sul peso degli individui dell’anno successivo. Nell’inverno 2004-05 è stato registrato un forte impatto dell’arvicola nelle aree di riforestazione. La stima predittiva dell’abbondanza della specie basata su monitoraggi periodici può rappresentare un’azione efficace di prevenzione

Thermodynamic cycles used in power engineering

Energetika je jednou z nejdůležitějších průmyslových oblastí. Mimo jiné se totiž zabývá výrobou elektrické energie, bez které si mnozí z nás život už nedokážou ani představit. Všechna energetická zařízení mohou být popsána na základě různých termodynamických cyklů. A právě těmito termodynamickými cykly se tato práce zabývá. Jsou v ní uvedeny jak nejdůležitější cykly, jako např. Rankin Clausiův cyklus, který je základním oběhem většiny elektráren, tak i méně známé, resp. téměř nové termodynamické cykly. Důraz celé práce je zaměřen i na výhody a omezení daných cyklů, a také na jejich aplikaci v praxi.Power engineering is one of the most important parts of industry. Among other things, it deals with production of electricity, without which many of us can no longer even imagine life. All energy devices can be described on the basis of different thermodynamic cycles. And with these thermodynamic cycles this thesis deals. It lists both, the most important cycles, such as Rankin Clausius cycle, which is the basic cycle of most of the power plants, as well as less known, resp. almost new thermodynamic cycles. The emphasis of the whole work is also focused on the advantages and limitations of the stated cycles and on their application in practise, too.

Aerial Appliances with the Rescue Height up to 30 Meters

Cílem této bakalářská práce je porovnání výškové techniky využívané u HZS ČR a zhodnocení možnosti nasazení při výjezdech. V první části bakalářské práce je popisováno, co to výšková technika je, jaké jsou její druhy a využití. V další části je analyzován počet výjezdů za poslední 3 roky. Data byla získána ze statistických ročenek vydaných Hasičským záchranným sborem České republiky. V druhé části bakalářské práce je vypracován přehled výškové techniky u Hasičského záchranného sboru České republiky v jednotlivých krajích. Dále je uvedeno umístění výškové techniky na požárních stanicích podle vyhlášky číslo 247/2001 Sb., ve znění pozdějších předpisů. Následně je uváděno správné značení požární techniky dle vyhlášky číslo 53/2010 Sb., ve znění pozdějších předpisů. V bakalářské práci jsou také charakterizovány firmy, které vyrábějí a dodávají automobilové plošiny a žebříky do České republiky. V poslední části jsou porovnávány nejčastější typy výškové techniky v ČR a to z hlediska komfortu, obsluhy, nároku na ustavení techniky, průjezdnosti a výbavy. Jsou zde také uvedeny a zhodnoceny nové typy výškové techniky. Závěrem práce je snaha o dodání nových poznatků, společně s uvedením výhod a nevýhod při rozhodování mezi nákupem plošiny nebo žebříku na stanice s ohledem na dislokaci.This bahelor thesis deals with comparion of high – rise vehicles used by the Fire and Rescue Brigade of the Czech Republic and evaluation of deployment options during operations. In the first part of the thesis is described the term of high-rise vehicle, what types are used and analyzed the number of operations over the last three years. Data were obtained from the statistical yearbooks issued by the Fire and Rescue Brigade of the Czech Republic. In the second part of the thesis is drawn a overview of Fire and Rescue Brigade of the Czech Republic high – rise vehicles in individual regions of the country and dislocation of this kind of vehicles at the fire station in according to decree 247/2001. This part of the thesis deals with labeling of the vehicles, according to decree 53/2010. The third part of the bachelor thesis characterized manufacturing companies that manufacture and supply high – rise vehicles to the Czech Republic. The next part of the thesis compare the most common types of high - rise vehicles according to comfort, service, demands on stability, rideability at the streets and equipment, and new types of high-rise vehicles was listed anf reviewed. The aim of this thesis is to set new pieces of knowledge with the advantages and disadvantages of purchase different kind of high – rise vehicles, especially ledder of working flat, according to dislocation of fire stations.030 - Katedra požární ochranydobř