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Deciphering aeromagnetic data for sustainable sedimentary and structural insights in Obudu Plateau, Ikom Mamfe embayment and Oban Massif, southeastern Nigeria
(Nature Publishing Group : London, 2025) Eze, Ohara E.; Ekwok, Stephen Eguba; Thompson, Cherish E.; Odey, Eunice Irmia; Okiwelu, Anthony A.; Abdelrahman, Kamal; Fnais, Mohammed S.; Andráš, Peter; Eldosouky, Ahmed Mohammed
Aeromagnetic data acquired over the Obudu Plateau, Ikom Mamfe embayment, and Oban Massif was analyzed to evaluate the study area’s structural pattern and sedimentary thickness. Data filtering and other enhancement methods with 2-D forward modeling were applied to total magnetic intensity (TMI) data to evaluate the structural pattern, possible mineralization potential, sedimentary thickness, and basement framework disparity. To achieve this aim, several data enhancement techniques such as first vertical derivative (FVD), second vertical derivative (SVD), total horizontal derivative (THD), tilt angle derivative (TAD), analytic signal (AS), upward continuation (UC), low pass filter (LPF), high pass filter (HPF), Centre for Exploration Targeting (CET) and 2-D forward modeling were performed on the TMI data from which the buried subsurface structural lineaments and trends were unraveled. The structural lineaments delineated from the various enhancement operations revealed the major structural orientations of NE-SW. In contrast, the minor geologic structures trend in NNE-SSW, NW-SE, N-S, and E-W directions. These high frequency magnetic anomalies (geologic structures) are caused by post-depositional magmatic intrusions occurring at shallow depth and they have significant control over mineralization. They serve as migration pathways for hydrothermal fluids and accumulation zones for minerals. The depth estimation techniques like source parameter imaging (SPI), standard Euler deconvolution (SED) and 2D forward modelling employed in this study, revealed predominantly shallow depths (< 1400 m). These thin sedimentations are attributed to the widespread presence of Precambrian basement rocks in the Oban Massif and Obudu Plateau as well as the significant basaltic intrusions of Ikom-Mamfe Embayment. Furthermore, the 2-D forward model along the SW-NE profile revealed sediment thickness of 0–700 m overlying intruded metamorphic basement with magnetic susceptibility values ranging from 0.00001 to 0.00625 SI. The model which is highly undulant, revealed two sub-basins separated by the magmatic intrusion.
Ionome dynamics in grapevine leaves
(Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute : Basel, 2026) Kováčik, Jozef; Vydra, Marek; Husáková, Lenka; Piroutková, Martina; Dresler, Sławomir; Dekan, Martin; Duchoň, František
Despite extensive studies, global patterns governing the accumulation of essential and non-essential elements in grapevine leaves remain insufficiently understood. Therefore, a comprehensive literature survey of 148 studies (selected according to PRISMA 2020 guidelines) was compared with authentic elemental analyses of young and mature leaves of the white cultivar Rhein Riesling and the red cultivar Cabernet Sauvignon to identify the major drivers of grapevine leaf ionome composition. In unstressed grapevine leaves, macroelements followed the concentration order Ca > K > Mg > P, whereas microelements decreased in the order Fe > Mn > Cu > B > Zn > Mo. Seasonal development was associated with opposite trends between Ca and Mg versus K and P. Geographic origin and berry color were associated mainly with differences in Ca, P, Mn, Cu and Fe concentrations. In our authentic samples, potentially toxic elements occurred at substantially lower concentrations than commonly reported in the literature (mainly Pb, Co, As, Cd, Cs, Al, Sr, Ba, Li and Zr). Mature leaves accumulated higher levels of non-essential elements than young leaves, although bioaccumulation from soil remained generally low. Correlation analyses further demonstrated cultivar-dependent relationships among elements, particularly involving Mg. Multivariate analyses revealed that leaf developmental stage represented the primary factor shaping elemental composition, while cultivar-specific effects constituted a secondary but detectable source of variation. Our results identify phenological stage as a dominant factor controlling ionomic composition and suggest that Mg-, Fe-, Zn-, and Cu-associated processes may contribute to the regulation of the accumulation of toxic elements in grapevine leaves.
Students' knowledge of plant anatomy and physiology as a reflection of interest in the teaching profession
(Nature Publishing Group : London, 2026) Kováčik, Jozef; Vydra, Marek
Not only in Slovakia, there is a debate about the low interest in the teaching profession and the decline in students’ knowledge in international tests. The aim of this work was to find out what knowledge in the field of botany high school graduates (ISCED 3 A) have and compare their results with those of first-year biology teaching students at universities (ISCED 5 A). Students from seven high schools/gymnasiums (n = 96 respondents) had significantly better knowledge of plant anatomy and physiology than first-year students from three universities (n = 95 respondents): however, there was no interest in becoming a teacher among the former group. Some questions yielded a success rate of only a few percent among university students, indicating an insufficient basis for university studies. On the contrary, high school students preferring socially attractive fields of study (medicine or pharmacy) achieved higher scores in our test (up to 14% of the absolute score) but no significant difference was observed between high school students who plan to study abroad (27% of our respondents) and those who want to study at a Slovak university. Despite this partly pessimistic result, the finding that plant biology knowledge improves during university studies was positive, as evidenced by comparison of our students in the beginning and final year (23% increase in absolute score). In addition to the identified botanical shortcomings, we also discuss the socio-economic causes of low interest in the teaching profession and possibilities for improvement.
Efficient implementation of single particle Hamiltonians in exponentially reduced qubit space
(Verein zur Förderung des Open Access Publizierens in den Quantenwissenschaften : Viedeň, 2026) Plesch, Martin; Friák, Martin; Mohammad, Ijaz Ahamed
Current and near-term quantum hardware is constrained by limited qubit counts, circuit depth, and the high cost of repeated measurements. We address these challenges for solid-state Hamiltonians by introducing a logarithmic-qubit encoding that maps a system with N physical sites onto only ⌈log2N⌉ qubits while maintaining a clear correspondence with the underlying physical model. Within this reduced register, we construct a compatible variational circuit and a Gray-code-inspired measurement strategy whose number of global settings grows only logarithmically with system size. To quantify the overall hardware load, we introduce a volumetric efficiency metric that combines the number of qubits, circuit depth, and the number of measurement settings into a single measure, expressing the overall computation costs. Using this metric, we show that the total space--time sampling volume required in a variational loop can be reduced dramatically from N2 to (logN)3 for a hardware-efficient ansatz, allowing an exponential reduction in time and size of the quantum hardware. These results demonstrate that large, structured solid-state Hamiltonians can be simulated on substantially smaller quantum registers with controlled sampling overhead and manageable circuit complexity, extending the reach of variational quantum algorithms on near-term devices.
Large language models as semantic evaluators of embedded correlation substructures
(Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute : Basel, 2026) Dudáš, Adam; Babic, Peter
Graphical methods of correlation analysis, such as correlation n-ptychs or hotspots, focus on the identification of the strength and direction of functional relationships between sets of attributes in multidimensional datasets. Since these correlation structures only take into account values of the attributes, situations arise when the relationship is coincidental, meaning that there is no real-world causality between the values of the observed attributes but these values still exhibit significant correlation. This problem of correlation analysis as a whole motivates the need for semantic evaluation of significant relationships identified using its methods—a task that could potentially be time- and resource-intensive when conducted manually. However, modern results in the large language model area provide tools for the automatization of such tasks. Hence, this work focuses on the design and implementation of a novel large language model-based method for semantic evaluation of correlation structures embedded in a correlation graph, specifically correlation n-ptychs for 𝑛∈{3, 4, 5} and correlation hotspots. In the method, the large language model is automatically prompted to assess the semantic nature of relationships in the set of correlation substructures of the dataset, identify their real-world relevance, and visualize the result in the form of a Semantic evaluation card. The proposed approach is evaluated using two benchmarking datasets focusing on the visualization method used in the model, large language model interaction with the correlation substructures, and comparative analysis with previously used tools in the area.
Flexible tactile sensor system based on piezoresistive layer: technology and construction
(Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute : Basel, 2026) Novák, Viktor; Volf, Jaromír; Hrmo, Roman; Kvasnová, Petra; Ryženko, Vladimír; Novák, Daniel; Očkajová, Alena
SITSCAN CS is an original tactile system, which was primarily developed to investigate pressure distribution on uneven surfaces, e.g., chairs; however, due to its flexibility and modular conception, it can be utilized in other industrial or medical applications too. It consists of a flexible, PET-based PCB print-made sensing plate with active area of 50 × 50 cm with a placed matrix of 50 × 50 individual sensors. It uses the piezoresistive effect of the conductive ink layer as the transducing technology between the applied pressure and the output electrical signal. The tactile system further consists of control electronic circuits which process the measured data with up to 1000 fps with a maximal possible resolution 80 × 80 sensing points. The acquired data can be visualized, stored and further processed by means of the respective PC control program. The article describes the theoretical basis for the tactile system, as well as its development, construction, technical specifications and the testing process.
Evaluation of a digital geography textbook by secondary school students in Slovakia through the expectation confirmation model
(Taylor & Francis : Philadelphia, 2026) Žoncová, Michaela; Madleňák, Tibor; Škodová, Martina; Mihoková, Michaela
Geography is among the scientific disciplines with a subject of study that dynamically changes across space and time. This characteristic necessitates the continuous updating of educational materials in terms of content. At the same time, contemporary developments offer expanded possibilities for their creation, primarily through digital technologies. Geography teaching materials in the twenty-first century should reflect the topicality of the content, stimulate student engagement, and effectively convey geographical knowledge, with particular emphasis on the integration of multimedia elements. The focus of this study is on online digital teaching materials entitled Current Issues of Europe. The aim of the article is to analyze and evaluate their pedagogical effectiveness from the perspective of secondary school students in Slovakia, with a focus on their perceptions of the quality, relevance, and usability of these materials in geography education. This evaluation was conducted using the expectation confirmation model, which is based on the technology acceptance model. The questionnaire was the main data collection tool from a sample of 203 students at secondary schools. The results showed that expectation positively affects perceived playfulness and usefulness in digital-textbook-integrated classes. The hypotheses related to satisfaction and the continuance intention to use digital textbooks were not confirmed, however.
Synergizing remote sensing, support vector machine, and aeromagnetic data for precise lithological and mineral potential mapping: a case study from Egypt
(Taylor & Francis Group : Abingdon, 2026) El-Desoky, Hatem M.; Abdel-Rahman, Ahmed M.; El-Awny, Hamada; Fahmy, Wael; El-Qassas, Reda Abdu Yousef; Abdelrahman, Kamal; Alzahrani, Hassan; Andráš, Peter; Amer, Yahia Z.; Eldosouky, Ahmed Mohammed
Precise lithological mapping is not only a strong key for exploring new mineralized areas but also could help in achieving the optimal exploitation of mineralized regions. In the present case, cause lithological mapping may provide advice not only to the distribution of possible placer deposit occurrences within the study region but also to small-scale blocks of gold-bearing rocks that are not specifically described in prior geological maps. Therefore, we effectively mapped the exposed rock units in the Hamash region of the Eastern Desert of Egypt by using Support Vector Machine (SVM) to Sentinel 2 data through executing machine learning algorithms (MLAs). This goal involves extensive fieldwork, petrographical examinations, and image processing remote sensing techniques to accurately reveal the exposed lithologies distribution besides the potential relic areas. Moreover, the results disclosed several occurrences of the gold-bearing rocks (e.g. alkali feldspar granites) within the study area besides highlighting the distribution of placer deposits that are mainly concentrated around the old mining workings. The lithological overall allocation accuracy (93.8%) was assessed through a confusion matrix, ground truth rock samples, and previous geological maps. Additionally, the airborne magnetic data were processed and interpreted to detect the main lineament structures controlling the favorable locations with high potential for gold mineralization and associated minerals. Also, the Center for Exploration Targeting (CET) porphyry map depicts the significant gold mineralization zones, which are regarded as targets for follow-up and ground studies. The current contribution greatly encourages further investigations for brownfields as their results could at least enhance a considered area of economic placer deposits, if not highlighting non-exploited lithological blocks.
Revealing the photochemical activity of fluorographene towards organic transformations: selective aerobic photooxidation of sulfides to sulfoxides
(The Royal Society of Chemistry : Cambridge, 2026) Tabussi, Alessandro; Serviou, Stamatis K.; Medveď, Miroslav; Hrubý, Vítězslav; Filo, Juraj; Lazar, Petr; Cigáň, Marek; Chronopoulos, Demetrios D.; Otyepka, Michal; Kokotos, Christoforos G.
Carbon-based materials have been widely applied as metal-free and effective photochemical promoters or catalysts for organic transformations, significantly advancing synthetic chemistry and enhancing the sustainability of the reactions. In this study, fluorographene (FG) was successfully employed as an efficient two-dimensional and non-metal photochemical promoter for the selective aerobic oxidation of sulfides to the corresponding sulfoxides in methanol under blue light at 456 nm and air as the oxidant. The application of the aforementioned protocol in a broad range of organic sulfides provided the corresponding sulfoxides in moderate to excellent yields. The catalytic mechanism was elucidated by the performance of several control experiments and theoretical calculations, confirming the predominant roles of singlet oxygen and superoxide anions for the successful oxidation of sulfides.
Color change of beech mature wood and false heartwood through accelerated ageing process
(Technická univerzita vo Zvolene, 2026) Dzurenda, Ladislav; Dudiak, Michal; Očkajová, Alena
The differences in the surface color of beech mature wood and false heartwood in the process of simulated aging induced by UV radiation in a Q-SUN Xe-3-HS xenon test chamber for 360 hours are presented in the paper. Color measurement in the color space CIE L*a*b* on exposed surfaces of beech wood samples was performed with a Color Reader CR-10 colorimeter. During exposure, the course of changes in individual coordinates (L*, a*, b*) of the color space CIE L*a*b* was recorded. The resulting change in wood color was evaluated through the overall color change. The surface of mature beech wood darkened from a light white-gray color with a yellow tinge to a red-brown color shade during exposure to UV radiation in a xenon test chamber. On the contrary, the surface of beech false heartwood slightly lightened from the original red-brown color to its paler shade. The magnitude of color changes on the surfaces of beech mature wood and false heartwood caused by UV radiation indicates the values of the total color difference for mature wood ∆Emw* = 15.8 and for false heartwood ∆Efhw* = 10.
Place-based learning during the "field course abroad" in higher education of geography
(Routledge : London, 2026) Žoncová, Michaela; Madleňák, Tibor; Gajdoš, Alfonz
University-level geography education benefits from direct, field-based learning beyond traditional lectures. For nearly three decades, the elective university course Field Course Abroad (FCA) has offered students intensive multi-day excursions to foreign regions. This paper presents the long-term concept, organizational framework, and didactic value of FCA, alongside feedback from 31 participants across fourteen iterations. Most respondents were students or graduates of teacher education programs. Qualitative analysis using MaxQDA revealed three core clusters. The organizational – social cluster highlights the preparatory phase, destination selection, and the role of teamwork and group dynamics. The didactic cluster emphasizes place-based and peer learning, enhancing geographical knowledge and understanding of spatial relationships. The critical cluster reflects individual concerns, such as accommodation, food, and program intensity. Students rated the course highly, valuing both its academic relevance and socio-emotional benefits, including informal learning, interpersonal interactions, and supportive teachers. The FCA’s long-term success demonstrates that this model of preparation and implementation provides an effective framework for higher education institutions aiming to integrate international field-based learning into their curricula.
Soil contamination at the dump-field of abandoned Cu-deposit Libiola, Italy
(North University of Baia Mare, 2026) Andráš, Peter; Midula, Pavol; Andráš, Peter Jr.; Ševčíková, Janka; Eldosouky, Ahmed Mohammed; Kmeťová, Jarmila; Masný, Matej; Drímal, Marek; Janštová, Jana; Tomaškin, Ján; Kharbish, Sherif
In the past centuries significant and now closed Libiola copper deposit in Liguria (Northern Italy) can be considered one of the most important mining areas of the Apennine Peninsula. The environmental risk is caused by the character of the dump matter, whose average pH is 4.03 and whose shows a high proportion of sulphidic sulphur (in average 0.30 %) in comparison with sulphate sulphur (in average of 0.10 %), so it has still great potential to create acidity and release potentially to the country components (soil, water, atmosphere, and biota) potentially toxic elements. The average concentrations of these elements are: Fe 16.37 %, Cu 3.753, Ni 771, Pb 35, As 12, and Cd 1.5 mg·kg-1. To characterize the mineralogical composition of the dump matter was used X-ray diffraction analyses. The risk is increased by the absence of carbonates, which could neutralize the acidity. On the other hand, the soil colloids have negative surface charge which facilitates the sorption of metals released into the solution and thus cause their partial immobilization. This article also presents the potential distribution of main potentially toxic elements, processed as an interpolation model in GIS.
Integration of landscape ecological data in spatial planning in Slovakia
(Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute : Basel, 2026) Izakovičová, Zita; Petrovič, František
This paper is focused on the evaluation of the implementation of landscape ecological documents in spatial planning processes in Slovakia. The implementation of landscape ecological regulations in spatial planning is a necessary condition for ensuring sustainable land use. The basic tools in Slovakia can be considered the landscape ecological plan and the territorial system of ecological stability, which are also enshrined in legislation. The landscape ecological plan is more complex. It represents a complex process of mutual coordination of the spatial requirements of human activities with the landscape ecological conditions of the territory. This paper presents the position of landscape ecological planning in legislation, presents basic theoretical and methodological approaches to the processing of landscape ecological documentation, barriers to the successful implementation in real practice, and also defines basic measures to improve the situation. Slovakia has a good theoretical and methodological basis for processing landscape ecological studies and also legislative support, but its implementation in real practice in spatial development is weaker. The specifics and strength of landscape ecological planning in Slovakia are the bridging of the sectoral approach to landscape management and its replacement with an integrated approach.
Historické vodné nádrže - klauzy v Nízkych Tatrách (Slovensko)
(Výzkumný ústav vodohospodářský T. G. Masaryka : Praha, 2026) Cimbala, Jakub; Hronček, Pavel; Hrončeková Gregorová, Bohuslava
Príspevok analyzuje vývoj historických vodných nádrží (klauz) v oblasti Nízkych Tatier na základe interpretácie mapových diel od polovice 19. storočia po súčasnosť. Klauzy v minulosti slúžili ako súčasť systému na splavovanie dreva do povodí riek Hron a Váh. Predstavovali kľúčový vodotechnický prvok, ktorý významne ovplyvnil vodný režim tokov a formovanie horskej krajiny. Identifikácia historických klauz bola založená na analýze máp II. vojenského mapovania (1836–1852), ktoré boli porovnané so súčasnými mapovými podkladmi (Základná báza údajov pre geografický informačný systém – ZBGIS, Ortofotomapa SR) a overené terénnym výskumom. Na historických mapách bolo identifikovaných 14 klauz. Ich celková historická rozloha predstavovala 6,28 ha (II. vojenské mapovanie), z ktorých sa len malá časť zachovala dodnes s rozlohou 2,19 ha (ZBGIS – súčasné mapovanie). Výsledky poukazujú na výrazný úbytok historických vodných plôch, pričom časť klauz zanikla v dôsledku poškodenia hrádze, sedimentácie, sukcesie, alebo zmien využívania územia, zatiaľ čo iné sa zachovali len vo forme reliktov hrádzí, príp. boli transformované na nové retenčné nádrže. Príspevok zdôrazňuje význam historických klauz nielen z hľadiska historicko-geografického výskumu, ale aj v kontexte súčasných adaptačných opatrení na zmenu klímy v horskej krajine.
Rational divergence measures on intuitionistic fuzzy sets
(Balgarska akademiya na naukite : Sofia, 2026) Kobza, Vladimír
This paper investigates the theoretical foundations and practical applications of rational divergence measures within the framework of fuzzy set theory. Unlike traditional distance metrics, rational divergence measures are characterized by their functional form, typically expressed as a ratio of membership functions or set cardinalities, which allows for a more nuanced quantification of the "informational gap" between fuzzy sets. The study explores the axiomatic properties of these measures, focusing on their ability to handle non-linearity and uncertainty in complex data structures. By examining rational forms of divergence, such as those derived from the Jaccard-like ratios or specialized f-divergences, this work demonstrates how these measures overcome the limitations of standard Euclidean distances in high-dimensional fuzzy spaces. Key emphasis is placed on their role in multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) and pattern recognition, where the rational expression of divergence provides a more stable and intuitive measure of dissimilarity. Furthermore, the paper provides a comparative analysis of different rational divergence formulations, evaluating their sensitivity to membership fluctuations and their performance in clustering algorithms. The results suggest that rational divergence measures offer superior discriminative power, making them a tool for modeling expert knowledge and imprecise information in modern intelligent systems. Many authors investigated the possibilities how two fuzzy sets can be compared. The basic study of fuzzy sets theory was introduced by Lotfi Zadeh in 1965. We discuss the divergences defined on more general objects, namely intuitionistic fuzzy sets (IFSs). We have focused on special class of divergences, since some restriction conditions are necessary. This approach to the divergence measure is motivated by class of the rational similarity measures between fuzzy subsets expressed using some set operations (namely intersection, complement, difference, and symmetric difference) and their scalar cardinalities. In this study, we have considered the value of divergence between IFSs as a Σ-count of two scalar cardinalities, i.e. as a pair of real numbers.
Deer keds (Diptera: Hippoboscidae) as potential vectors of bacterial and protozoan pathogens in Slovakia
(Elsevier B. V. : Amsterdam, 2026) Švirlochová, Klaudia Mária; Víchová, Bronislava; Syrota, Yaroslav; Oboňa, Jozef; Heglasová, Ivana; Vargová, Lucia; Stanko, Michal; Csanády, Alexander; Čisovská Bazsalovicsová, Eva; Zubriková, Dana
Deer keds are ectoparasitic flies of wild ruminants and are increasingly recognised as potential vectors of various pathogens. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of selected vector-borne pathogens in wingless deer keds collected from 13 red deer and 2 fallow deer, as well as in host-seeking keds across multiple localities in Slovakia. In total, 240 flies identified as Lipoptena spp. were obtained from cervids, and 542 host-seeking deer keds were collected. Individual flies were screened using molecular methods for the presence of Borrelia spp., Bartonella spp., Rickettsia spp., haemotropic Mycoplasma spp., Anaplasma phagocytophilum, piroplasmids, and Kinetoplastida. In wingless Lipoptena spp., high DNA prevalence rates were detected for Bartonella spp. (88.33%), piroplasmids (60.83%), Anaplasma phagocytophilum (24.58%), and Kinetoplastida (20.42%). Haemotropic Mycoplasma spp. DNA was confirmed in 4.56% of flies, while DNA of Borrelia spp. and Rickettsia spp. was not detected. Among host-seeking keds, Bartonella spp. DNA was detected in 7.38%, Rickettsia spp. DNA in 0.92%, and haemotropic Mycoplasma spp. DNA in 0.37%, whereas the remaining pathogens were not detected. Regression analysis indicated significantly greater pathogen-group richness in deer keds collected from cervids, as host-seeking keds harboured an average of 1.76 fewer pathogen types than host-derived individuals. The probability of detecting Bartonella spp. and haemotropic Mycoplasma spp. was markedly lower in host-seeking keds. Overall, this study highlights the epidemiological relevance of Lipoptena spp. and underscores the need for further research on their vector competence and potential implications for animal and public health.
Artificial neural network-based optimization of CO₂ laser cutting parameters for beech plywood and HDF: A kerf geometry perspective
(University of Zagreb, 2026) Ružiak, Ivan; Der, Oguzhan; Kubovský, Ivan; Adijans, Imants; Kučerka, Martin; Richvalská, Jana; Gajtanska, Milada; Tudor, Eugenia Marianna; Todaro, Luigi; Štefančin, Lukáš
This study presents the results of Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) predictions with the aim of optimizing the process of beech plywood and HDF laser cutting. A survey is given of the results of predictions of cutting kerf parameters made by Artificial Neural Networks to cover a wide spread of CO2 laser parameters, as well as the results of experimental cutting with maximum laser power (P) equal to 135 W and maximum feed rate (v) equal to 20 mm/s. Validity of the best neural network was checked versus overfitting of the best neural networks, confirmed according to r value of the model (minimum 0.971), MAPE (%) (maximum 6.21 %) and compared with the results of other authors. The article also presents the effect of energy density values E on values of cutting kerf parameters and their variance. The results show that the optimal value of laser power (P) and feed rate (v) for beech plywood are (200-300 W; 10-15 mm/s), while for more dense and more homogenous high-density fibreboard (HDF) they are (300-500 W; 5-10 mm/s). Optimal energy densities (E) are then 133 MJ/m2 for beech plywood and 433 MJ/m2 for HDF. Similar as for other wooden materials, it follows that more dense species of wood should be cut with higher values of energy densities. The results can be applied to reduce the material and energy demands by optimizing the quality of cut with minimum symmetrical kerf widths.
People and bears: Evaluating public attitudes to foster human-carnivore coexistence in Slovakia
(Associazione Teriologica Italiana : Rím, 2025) Franchini, Marcello; Švajda, Juraj; Uhrín, Marcel; Prokop, Pavol
The brown bear (herein, bear) Ursus arctos has been exhibiting an increasing population trend in Slovakia. This rise in population has led to human–bear conflicts (HBCs), mainly in the form of livestock predation and agricultural damage. In this study, we provide one of the first assessments of public attitudes toward the presence of bears in Slovakia to suggest management and conservation strategies. From January to March 2022, we randomly distributed 1,000 anonymous electronic questionnaires among people living in areas with either bear presence or absence within Slovakia. Data were subsequently analyzed using Cumulative Link Models. Women, despite showing greater fear of bears than men, were more sensitive to the need for mitigating HBCs. Older and less–educated respondents predominantly exhibited a negative attitude toward the presence of bears compared to younger and more–educated individuals. Respondents living in areas with bear occurrence exhibited lower trust in organizations responsible for bear management, demonstrated more negative attitudes toward bear presence, and were more in favor of lethal control or translocation of problematic individuals. Educational activities that explain the important role carnivores play in maintaining ecosystem functionality, as well as their economic benefits through tourism, should be emphasized to enhance bear acceptance, particularly among individuals residing in areas with permanent bear populations. Furthermore, the engagement of scientists on social media is crucial to prevent negative portrayals of bears, which could influence human attitudes toward their presence. Conservation campaigns should provide guidance on recommended human behaviors (e.g., proper waste disposal) to minimize the attraction of bears to urban areas and strategies for reducing the risk of human–bear encounters in natural settings.
Semantic causality evaluation of correlation analysis utilizing large language models
(Tech Science Press : Henderson, 2026) Dudáš, Adam
It is known that correlation does not imply causality. Some relationships identified in the analysis of data are coincidental or unknown, and some are produced by real-world causality of the situation, which is problematic, since there is a need to differentiate between these two scenarios. Until recently, the proper−semantic−causality of the relationship could have been determined only by human experts from the area of expertise of the studied data. This has changed with the advance of large language models, which are often utilized as surrogates for such human experts, making the process automated and readily available to all data analysts. This motivates the main objective of this work, which is to introduce the design and implementation of a large language model-based semantic causality evaluator based on correlation analysis, together with its visual analysis model called Causal heatmap. After the implementation itself, the model is evaluated from the point of view of the quality of the visual model, from the point of view of the quality of causal evaluation based on large language models, and from the point of view of comparative analysis, while the results reached in the study highlight the usability of large language models in the task and the potential of the proposed approach in the analysis of unknown datasets. The results of the experimental evaluation demonstrate the usefulness of the Causal heatmap method, supported by the evident highlighting of interesting relationships, while suppressing irrelevant ones.
Universal minimal flows from a homotopical perspective
(Springer-Verlag : Heidelberg, 2026) Dirbák, Matúš
We study universal minimal flows of connected and locally contractible topological groups by means of tools from homotopy theory and dynamical cohomology. We provide methods for computing their first cohomotopy groups and illustrate them by computations related to connected Lie groups and identity components of homeomorphism groups of compact connected surfaces with or without boundary. Since metrizable spaces have countable first cohomotopy groups, these methods serve as a useful new instrument for proving nonmetrizability of various universal minimal flows. In this way we reprove several results in this direction known before and also prove some new ones. Finally, we indicate how our methods can be used to construct finite-dimensional minimal spaces for infinite-dimensional topological groups, having all orbits of first category.

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