On the Asymptotic Distortion Behavior of the Distributed Karhunen-Loève Transform

All rights reserved.Investigation of sexual dimorphism patterns give us insight in how organisms adapt to fulfill their roles (reproductive, ecological, social) and enhance fitness. We examined sexual size and shape dimorphism in traits related to locomotion of nine anuran species from Serbia and Montenegro (Hyla arborea, Bombina variegata, Bufotes viridis, Rana temporaria, R. graeca, R. dalmatina, Pelophylax kl. esculentus, Pelobates fuscus and P. syriacus). Sexual size dimorphism in studied species ranges from female and male-biased, to absence of dimorphism. Sexual shape dimorphism was most pronounced in the forelimbs while the differences were small or did not exist in the hindlimbs and sacral traits. Males of most species were characterized by longer proximal parts (humerus and radioulna) and shorter distal forelimb parts, while the opposite pattern was observed in females. Also, some cases of significant intersexual shape differences are size-dependent. This indicates that these male traits are under stronger selective pressures to increase relative to body size, which may allow them to outcompete other males. Different types of behaviour can indirectly shape the limb morphology and lead to differences between the sexes. More data on the ecology and natural history of these animals are needed to explore the factors underlying the observed sex differences.Folia Zoologica (2017), 66(1): 11-2

Long Range Hydration Effects in Electrolytic Free Suspended Black Films

The force law within free suspended black films made of negatively charged Aerosol-OT (AOT) with added LiCl or CsCl is studied accurately using X-ray reflectivity (ca. 1{\AA}). We find an electrolyte concentration threshold above which a substantial additional repulsion is detected in the LiCl films, up to distances of 100 {\AA}. We interpret this phenomenon as an augmentation of the Debye screening length, due to the local screening of the condensed hydrophilic counterions by the primary hydration shell.Comment: 4 pages, 4 figures, to be published Phys. Rev. Let

Identification and Perceived Value of Ecosystem Services of Urban Green Areas. Case Study: Kamenički Park in Novi Sad, Serbia

Urban parks, as one of the most significant urban green areas (UGA), bring many direct or indirect benefits, including but not limited to ecosystem services (ES) (Mexia et al. 2018). These services are often generalized, unquantified and poorly supported by empirical evidence and their negative consequences – disservices are rarely mentioned (Roman et al., 2021; Pataki et al., 2011). In order to improve planning, design and management of UGA that can increase their environmental benefits (Xie et al. 2019), better understanding and additional field research of ES and disservices is required. As a result of a survey of employees of the Institute for Nature Conservation of Vojvodina Province that manages the park and on-site users, this study represents a research of the perceived value of generated ES on the example of Kamenički park in Novi Sad, as there are no studies on the actual value of those ES. After identifying major ES, the employees and users evaluated them by their perception on a scale of 1 – the ES is well provided, 2 – service is provided but can be enhanced and 3 – the service is not provided, but has potential. Employees mainly emphasized regulation and supporting services (regulation of air quality, noise reduction, wind protection, maintaining biodiversity), but also cultural services (educational role, recreation and enjoying nature, spiritual peace and prosperity). Users opted mainly for cultural services (recreation and enjoying nature and inspiration for culture, art and design), but also for supporting services like maintaining biodiversity. The specific location, valuable natural and cultural-historical characteristics of Kamenički park contribute to the provision of numerous ES, but also offer the opportunity to develop additional ones that are currently not represented or are not sufficiently provided. The opinions and needs of stakeholders and users regarding ES can be a guideline in planning in accordance with the ES, which is a step to sustainable cities. Quantifying the degree to which various ES are related to plant diversity and structure would provide evidence of the ability to manipulate designed ecosystems to maximize the benefits they provide to urban landscapes (Nighswander et al. 2021)