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Why are we not on the road to save the Earth and us? Indirect drivers of the anthropogenic impacts on environment
(Warszawa : Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Kardynała Stefana Wyszyńskiego, 2024) Sabo, Peter; Sabová, Ľudmila; Turisová, Ingrid; Plašienková, Zlatica
The growth of anthropogenic impacts on environment rapidly acelerated since 1950s and led to overshooting of several planetary ecological thresholds, decreasing the Earth´s ability to support our civilization. Even the concept of sustainability did not lead to recognition of necessary limits to this growth. These limits define the framework of our study on the roots of the current environmental crisis. Numerous studies have been devoted to environmental degradation, but analyses of its indirect driving forces are often fragmentary and confusing. We have attempted to provide a systemic assessment of three groups of indirect drivers by reflecting new physical ones and adding the paradigmatic drivers – such as the mechanical heritage and low reflection of life´s awesome complexity. A paradigm shift is required, as the current paradigm is incompatible with the reality of the Earth´s life support systems erosion. We also strived to contribute to much debated value-based category analysis. This underlines complexity of the driving forces of the crisis. Moreover, some absurd theories of how to come out of the crisis were mentioned. We stress the opportunity for Christians to put into practice the biblical messages to become caring stewards of nature in the God's image.
The geographical distribution, trophic modes, and host preferences of Fomitopsis pinicola in Central Europe: a comprehensive review
(Zvolen : Národné lesnícke centrum, 2025) Gáper, Ján; Gáperová, Svetlana; Pristaš, Peter; Šebesta, Martin; Kollárová, Patrícia; Gallay, Igor; Slobodník, Branko
Fomitopsis pinicola [Sw.] P. Karst. is one of the most common wood-decaying macrofungi which is adapted to growth under different environmental conditions, but little is known about its intraspecific variation in spatial distribution, function and substrate specificity in different habitats. To understand how the geographical distribution, trophic mode and host specificity of this fungus vary across different habitat categories, we analysed its habitat and trophic preferences using Slovakia (Central Europe) as an example. For this purpose we studied and compared the archived material (fungarium items and field notes) from 1954 to present, obtained from own collections and external sources. The occurrence of F. pinicola in forests and quasi-natural habitats is related to the distribution of Norway spruce. Contrariwise, sites with its presence in public urban spaces are scattered throughout the whole territory of Slovakia. The occurrence of F. pinicola as a saprotroph is highest in forests and lowest in public urban spaces, where it accounts for 90.1% and 27.7% of the total number of records, respectively. F. pinicola was also shown as an important pathotroph of broadleaves in public urban spaces, where pathotrophy concerns as high as 72.3% of relevant records. Prunus species are the most frequently infested woody plants, accounting for 81.3% of these records. In silico analysis of available F. pinicola ITS sequences indicates its genetic homogeneity in Central Europe and the adjacent regions. Thus, the observed differences in trophic modes and host preferences of F. pinicola from different habitats cannot be explained by its intraspecific genetic variability.
Differences in frequency of selected risk factors of overweight and obesity in adolescents in various social environments within Slovakia
(Amsterdam : Elsevier B.V., 2025) Malobická, Eva; Zibolenová, Jana; Baška, Tibor; Bakalár, Peter; Madleňák, Tibor; Štefanová, Eliška; Ulbrichtová, Romana; Hudečková, Henrieta
Objectives: Analysis of subnational regional differences in frequency of selected risk factors of overweight and obesity in adolescents in Slovakia. Study design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: Health Behaviour in School-aged Children is an international cross-sectional questionnaire study using the standard protocol to create representative samples of adolescents. We analyse subnational regional differences in the occurrence of selected risk factors of overweight and obesity among 10-12-year-old (n = 4194) and 14-16-year-old (n = 3806) respondents of a survey conducted in Slovakia in 2022. Results: Overweight and obesity dominated especially in the regions with the Hungarian minority among boys aged 10–12 years (29.2 %) and 14–16 years (34.0 %). Consumption of energy (24.9 % of girls and 29.9 % of boys) and sweetened (25.0 % of girls and 27.1 % of boys) drinks dominated among 14-16-year-old respondents in the poverty regions with socio-economic problems. Skipping breakfast was most widespread among 14-16-year-old girls from regions with a Hungarian minority (72.6 %). Insufficient physical activity was most frequent among 10-12-year-old respondents, namely, in the poverty regions (85.0 % of girls) and the Hungarian minority (79.6 % of boys) regions. The differences also remained significant after weighting for a possible confounding effect of family socioeconomic status. Conclusions: The regional social environment is associated with selected aspects of adolescents’ behaviour related to overweight and obesity, namely, the poverty regions and Hungarian minority environments, and can be considered as an independent determinant regardless of a family background.
Choosing the right close-range technology for measuring DBH in fast-growing trees plantations
(Amsterdam : Elsevier B.V., 2025) Skladan, Michal; Chudá, Juliána; Singh, Arunima; Masný, Matej; Lieskovský, Martin; Pástor, Michal; Mokroš, Martin; Výbošťok, Jozef
Recently, the cultivation of fast-growing tree (FGT) plantations has gained importance due to the growing energy and climate crisis. FGT plantations have the potential to reduce carbon footprints and lower greenhouse gas emissions by utilization of local renewable energy sources. Effective monitoring of above-ground biomass (AGB) is crucial for the successful management of these plantations. Standard methods for estimating AGB rely on easily measurable parameters, such as Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) and tree height, which are highly correlated with AGB. Traditional methods for measuring DBH include measuring tapes and calipers; however, these techniques can be labor-intensive, time-consuming, and limited when assessing large areas. Innovative approaches, such as photogrammetry, terrestrial laser scanning (TLS), mobile laser scanning (MLS), and iPhone LiDAR scanning, can complement these traditional methods by generating point clouds that can be used for extracting dendrometric parameters. This study evaluates the effectiveness of TLS (RIEGL VZ-1000), MLS (Stonex X120 GO), iPhone LiDAR (iPhone 13 Pro MAX), and terrestrial photogrammetry (iPhone 13 Pro MAX) for estimating DBH in a Paulownia plantation. Each technology has limitations: while TLS offers high accuracy, it is also expensive and time-consuming. Similarly, MLS is relatively costly. On the other hand, iPhone LiDAR and terrestrial photogrammetry are more affordable alternatives; however, the iPhone LiDAR has a limited scanning range, and photogrammetry requires considerable time and expertise for data collection and processing. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate these technologies based on their accuracy in DBH estimation, ease of use, data collection, processing time, and cost within the ideal conditions of a Paulownia plantation (characterized by the absence of understory, level ground, and uniform tree shape and spacing). The aim was to determine whether traditional methods could be replaced with more efficient, quicker, easier, and cost-effective alternatives. Results indicated that TLS, MLS, and photogrammetry provided similar DBH estimation accuracies, with root mean square error (RMSE) values between 0.7 and 0.72 cm and relative RMSE values between 2.87 % and 2.95 %. In contrast, the iPhone LiDAR was the least accurate, with an RMSE of 1.7 cm and an rRMSE of 6.96 %. This study demonstrates that all evaluated technologies offer sufficient accuracy for DBH estimation, although TLS and MLS capture additional parameters at a higher cost. Therefore, TLS is impractical for DBH estimation in plantation environments due to its high cost, time, and labor demands. While less expensive, terrestrial photogrammetry also requires significant time investment and operator expertise. Despite its cost, MLS achieved the best results among all the evaluated technologies and proved to be the fastest and relatively simple. If cost is a concern, the best solution for DBH estimation in an FGT plantation environment would be iPhone LiDAR scanning. It represents the most affordable option with satisfactory accuracy and ease of use.
Prospective study on time-to-tertiary care in alcohol-associated hepatitis: space-time coordinates as prognostic tool and therapeutic target
(Oxford : Oxford University Press, 2025) Skladaný, Ľubomír; Žilinčanová, Daniela; Kubánek, Natália; Adamcová - Selčanová, Svetlana; Havaj Daniel, Ján; Lafférs, Lukáš; Žilinčan, Michal; Islam, Alvi Husni; Arab, Juan-Pablo; Koller, Tomáš
Background and aims: Alcohol-associated hepatitis (AH) frequently triggers acute decompensation (AD) in cirrhosis, with severe AH linked to high short-term mortality, especially in acute-on-chronic liver failure. Current corticosteroid treatments have limited efficacy, highlighting the need for new therapies. We hypothesized that severe AH outcomes are influenced by early specialized care; thus, we examined the impact of time-to-tertiary care (TTTc). Methods: Adults with cirrhosis or advanced chronic liver disease were enrolled (RH7, NCT04767945). AH was diagnosed using National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism criteria. Primary admission site, TTTc, and adverse outcomes (death or liver transplantation) were analyzed. Patients admitted directly to tertiary care were assigned a TTTc of zero.Results: Of 221 AD-AH patients, 107 were transferred from secondary care to tertiary care (TTTc >0) and 114 were admitted directly (TTTc = 0). TTTc >0 patients were younger (48.3 vs. 52 years, P = .008) and had more severe disease, as shown by model for end-stage liver disease scores (25.5 vs. 20.8, P < .001) and Maddrey’s discriminant function (59.3 vs. 40.6, P < .001). Propensity-score matching yielded 49 case pairs. The Cox model showed that transfer from secondary care was not associated with increased risk, but delayed transfer (days, hazard ratio = 1.03, 95% confidence interval 1.01–1.05) independently predicted adverse outcomes. Conclusions: Delayed initiation of specialized care adversely impacts outcomes in AD-AH. If validated, timely care bundles could improve AH survival, similar to sepsis or vascular syndromes.
Teacher characteristics influencing plant biology education: age, perception, and practical engagement
(Cham : Springer Nature Switzerland AG, 2025) Vydra, Marek; Kováčik, Jozef
Plants are less attractive for students compared to other areas of biology, and teachers may improve this negative scenario. We aimed to investigate the influence of several characteristics of the teacher (e.g. gender, age or technical equipment) on (i) the activity of teaching plant biology, (ii) a number of physiological experiments used in teaching and, (iii) deficiencies in the knowledge of students in plant biology. For this purpose, data were extracted from previous more complex survey and analyzed by General Linear Model. The age, the teachers’ perception of the students’ knowledge and the teachers’ awareness of the importance of the aids significantly correlated with the teachers’ activity in education. Similarly, three teachers’ characteristics (age, school’s equipment and awareness of the importance of the aids) correlated with the number of implemented physiological experiments. In addition, two teachers’ characteristics (age and perception of the students’ knowledge) significantly correlated with the numberof identified gaps in students’ knowledge. In particular, we found that 51-yr-old (or above) teachers use more practical activities and physiological experiments, which may be the reason why they identified fewer gaps in students’ knowledge. Therefore, these more active teachers should be replaced by young teachers of the same quality after their retirement to keep the quality of education.
The expanded theory of planned behavior for energy saving among academics in Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey, and Slovakia
(London : Nature Publishing Group, 2025) Puiu, Silvia; Yilmaz, Sidika Ece; Udriștioiu, Mihaela Tinca; Raganová, Janka; Raykova, Zhelyazka; Yildizhan, Hasan; Ameen, Arman
Given the escalating global energy consumption and the concurrent economic and energy crises, energy-saving behaviour must be adopted on a large scale. Universities that are energy-intensive institutions should be one of the institutions where energy-saving behaviour is widely adopted. Academics devote a substantial portion of their time to their offices, which leads to increased energy usage. However, no study has investigated academics’ energy-saving behaviours in the literature. Most studies focus on students or employees in various organizations. Our study tries to cover the gap by examining the energy-saving behaviour of academics in four countries (Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey, and Slovakia) based on the expanded Theory of Planned Behaviour. A questionnaire was distributed to 228 academics from the four countries to gather data. The research hypotheses were tested using partial least squares structural equation modelling. The findings show that individual factors (attitude and perceived behaviour control) influence the energy-saving intention of academics but not the organisational factors due to the weak identification with their universities. The study offers valuable insights for policymakers seeking to promote energy-saving programs in academic institutions. The academics can be seen as role models for their students which emphasizes the need to study more their sustainable behaviours.
Effectiveness of mass marking of juvenile sterlet (Acipenser ruthenus) with alizarin red S stain on field detection
(Hoboken : John Wiley & Sons, 2025) Šindler, Martin; Buřič, Miloš; Plesch, Martin; Franta, Pavel; Drozd, Bořek
Sterlet (Acipenser ruthenus), one of the last sturgeons in the Danube basin, is regularly stocked in national and international restoration programs, but the efficacy of stocking has not yet been evaluated. Effectiveness of stocking should involve marking and evaluating growth and survival of juveniles. Chemical marking with alizarin red S (ARS) was evaluated to establish optimal ARS staining approaches for juvenile sterlet. Bathing in a 100–200 mg l−1 ARS concentration for 12 h had no affect on fish mortality or growth. Use of a green laser on the upper five external structures (dorsal, lateral, and ventral scutes and rostral and anal plates) allowed easy detection for at least a year. Simultaneous use of multiple external structures was effective for distinguishing stocked from wild fish without harm or sacrifice. We conclude that ARS staining enabled a cost-effective, quick, and labour-nonintensive way to mark sterlet, with a high-field detectability and minimal previous experience required.
The use of a spreadsheet in the inquiry-based activities
(Bristol : IOP Publishing, 2025) Spodniaková Pfefferová, Miriam; Hruška, Martin
Physics is the part of science where you need to work with mathematical concepts expressed by mathematical equations and graphs and understand mathematical modelling. For a clear and better understanding of physics by students, it is very important that they understand these equations and graphs. One option is to create simulations in a spreadsheet to explore physical phenomena. The aim of this paper is to show one of the possibilities of using them in inquiry-based activities focused on mechanics - uniform and non-uniform motion, periodic motion, etc. The simulations are mainly intended for a basic physics course for college students in non-physics degree programs and have been tested in an online physics course during the two academic years of the pandemic. The feedback obtained during the classes was used to finalize the simulations.
Čo sa môžeme naučiť z (paleo)limnologického výskumu jazier Strednej Ameriky?
(Limnologický spravodajca, Slovak Limnological Society, 2017-02) Hamerlík, Ladislav
First record of the genus Heterotrissocladius (Chironomidae: Orthocladiinae) from the Neotropical Region
(NTNU University Museum, Norway, 2018) Hamerlík, Ladislav; Da Silva, Fabio Laurindo
Here we report the occurrence of Heterotrissocladius (Diptera: Chironomidae: Orthocladiinae) for the first time in Central America, as well as in the Neotropical region. The report is based on sub-fossil chironomid head capsules from surface sediments of a high elevation lake, Lago Magdalena, Guatemala.
Chironomidae (Insecta: Diptera) of Ecuadorian high altitude streams: a survey and illustrated key
(Florida Entomological Society, 2018) Hamerlík, Ladislav; Da Silva, Fabio Laurindo; Jacobsen, Dean
Chironomidae (Diptera) are among the most diverse and widespread aquatic insects, with roughly 5,500 described species inhabiting an enormous variety of aquatic ecosystems, ranging from moist soils to lakes and rivers, and even marine ecosystems. Despite its ubiquity, the group remains underrepresented in studies addressing aquatic insect assemblages of high-altitude systems, either glacier-fed or non-glacial, particularly in South America. Glacier-fed streams possibly are one of the harshest ecosystems in nature, and present a distinct downstream pattern in species distribution and diversity away from the constraining influence of the glacier. In this context, the goal of our study was to provide data on the chironomid fauna of glacier-fed streams, together with neighboring non-glacial streams in Ecuador, in order to contribute to the overall knowledge of tropical fauna in high Andean regions. Also, we sought to provide an identification key and photography material for future studies. Collections of non-biting midges were made in Ecuador during Jan 2008. In total, 1,412 specimens belonging to 16 genera and at least 23 species within the subfamilies Chironominae (3 taxa), Diamesinae (3 taxa), Podonominae (3 taxa), Orthocladiinae (13 taxa), and Tanypodinae (1 taxon) were found. The subfamilies Podonominae and Orthocladiinae predominated in terms of abundance. Parochlus was the most widespread genus of Chironomidae, while Cricotopus was the most diverse. This study contributes to the knowledge of the chironomid fauna in the high-altitude streams in Ecuador, and hopefully will motivate further studies in the area.
Sub-fossil Chironomidae (Diptera) from lake sediments in Central America: a preliminary inventory
(Zootaxa, Magnolia press, 2018) Hamerlík, Ladislav; Da Silva, Fabio Laurindo; Wojewódka, Marta
The chironomid diversity of Central America is virtually underestimated and there is almost no knowledge on the chironomid remains accumulated in surface sediments of lakes. Thus, in the present study we provide information on the larval sub-fossil chironomid fauna from surface sediments in Central American lakes for the first time. Samples from 27 lakes analysed from Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras yielded a total of 1,109 remains of four subfamilies. Fifty genera have been identified, containing at least 85 morphospecies. With 45 taxa, Chironominae were the most specious and also most abundant subfamily. Tanypodinae with 14 taxa dominated in about one third of the sites. Orthocladiinae were presented by 24 taxa, but were recorded in 9 sites, being dominant in only one site. Podonominae were collected only in one locality. Head capsules of Heterotrissocladius found in the high elevation lake Magdalena, Guatemala, represent a first record for the Neotropical region. Both relative abundance and species richness of Chironominae and Orthocladiinae showed significant relationship to elevation, while Tanypodinae were indifferent. Hopefully, the list of taxa provided by our study will be a base line for future limnological and paleolimnological investigations using chironomid remains in the region.
Subfossil Chironomidae (Diptera) in surface sediments of the sinkholes (cenotes) of the Yucatan Peninsula: Diversity and distribution
(Vydavateľstvo PAGEPress, 2018) Hamerlík, Ladislav; Wojewódka, Marta; Zawisza, Edyta; Cohuo Duran, Sergio; Macario Gonzalez, Laura; Pérez, Liseth; Szeroczyńska, Krystyna
Cenotes (sinkholes), formed by the dissolution of the carbonate rock, are the most common waterbodies on the Yucatan Peninsula. Despite their unique features and great amount in the region, our knowledge on the biota of cenotes remains fragmentary. Within the present study we analysed chironomid remains from surface sediment of ten cenotes situated in SE Mexico. In total, 20 taxa of 17 genera were recorded, and the total diversity was estimated to ~30 taxa. The most common taxa were Polypedilum (Tripodura) sp., Tanytarsus ortoni-type, Fittkauimyia sp., Labrundinia sp. and Endotribelos sp. There was a great variability in head capsule abundance among cenotes, ranging from 1 to 64 individuals per site with significantly higher number of remains recorded in open cenotes compared to the closed, cavern types. The results indicate that beside ecological features, such as low trophy, oxygen depletion, simplified habitat structure and fish predation, there are also taphonomical processes connected to the specific nature of cenotes that can hinder the accumulation of biological remains in the sediment. We conclude that due to poor sedimentation and preservation of remains, cenotes have limited potential for palaeolimnological studies.

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