scholarly journals Dead or Alive: Drivers of Wind Mortality Initiate Multiple Disturbance Regime in a Temperate Primeval Mountain Forest

Forests ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (11) ◽  
pp. 1599
Author(s):  
Ivana Vašíčková ◽  
Pavel Šamonil ◽  
Jakub Kašpar ◽  
Andrea Román-Sánchez ◽  
Tomáš Chuman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tree Mortality ◽  
Driving Forces ◽  
Life Stage ◽  
Mountain Forest ◽  
Key Factors ◽  
Spatial And Temporal Patterns ◽  
The Czech Republic ◽  
Forest Reserves ◽  
Tree Resistance ◽  
Multiple Disturbance

The driving forces of tree mortality following wind disturbances of mountain mixed European temperate forests belongs among issues not comprehensively resolved. Hence, we aimed to elucidate the key factors of tree resistance to historical severe disturbance events in the Boubínský Primeval Forest, one of the oldest forest reserves in the Czech Republic. By using spatially explicit tree census, dendrochronological and soil data, we study spatial and temporal patterns of past disturbances and mathematically compared selected characteristics of neighboring trees that were killed by a severe storm in 2017 and those that remained undisturbed. The tendency of trees toward falling was primarily driven edaphically, limiting severe events non-randomly to previously disturbed sites occupied by hydromorphic soils and promoting the existence of two spatially-separated disturbance regimes. While disturbed trees usually recruited in gaps and experienced only one severe release event, surviving trees characteristically regenerated under the canopy and were repeatedly released. Despite the fact that disturbed trees tended to reach both lower ages and dimensions than survivors, they experienced significantly higher growth rates. Our study indicates that slow growth with several suppression periods emerged as the most effective tree strategy for withstanding severe windstorms, dying of senescence in overaged life stage. Despite the selective impact of the Herwart storm on conifer population, we did not find any difference in species sensitivity for most characteristics studied. We conclude that the presence of such ancient, high-density wood trees contributes significantly to the resistance of an entire stand to severe storms.

scholarly journals Measuring capability wellbeing in adults at different stages of life for use in economic evaluation of health and care interventions: a qualitative investigation in people requiring kidney care

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Mark Mitchell ◽  
Samantha Husbands ◽  
Sabina Sanghera ◽  
Fergus John Caskey ◽  
Jemima Scott ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Life Stage ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Health Conditions ◽  
Economic Evaluations ◽  
Qualitative Investigation ◽  
Key Factors ◽  
Younger Adults ◽  
Patient Groups ◽  
The Life Course ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Purpose Capability wellbeing measures, such as the ICECAP measures, have been proposed for use in economic evaluations to capture broader outcomes of health and care interventions. The ICECAP measures have been developed to reflect capabilities at different stages of life. Some patient groups include patients of different ages and at different stages of life, so it is not always apparent which ICECAP measure is most relevant. This study explores the impact of age and life stage on completion, where both ICECAP-A and ICECAP-O were completed by the same patient. Methods A think-aloud study, and an associated semi-structured interview were conducted with people receiving kidney care as a renal outpatient, kidney transplant outpatient, or through receiving facility-based haemodialysis. Qualitative analysis focused on (1) differences in responses across measures by individuals, where attributes had conceptual overlap, (2) key factors in self-reported capability levels, and (3) measure preference. Results Thirty participants were included in the study, with a mix of older and younger adults. Attributes with similar wording across measures produced similar responses compared to attributes where wording differed. Age and health were key factors for self-reported capability levels. ICECAP-A was slightly preferred overall, including by older adults. Conclusion This study suggests use of ICECAP-A in patients with certain chronic health conditions that include a mix of adults across the life course. This study highlights the importance of considering the stage of life when using capability measures and in economic evaluations of health and care interventions more generally.

scholarly journals The development of regional differentiation of office construction in the Czech Republic: 1990–2010

2015 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-33
Author(s):  
Pavel Domalewski ◽  
Jan Baxa
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Distribution ◽  
Czech Republic ◽  
Questionnaire Survey ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Capital City ◽  
Office Building ◽  
Regional Differentiation ◽  
Key Factors ◽  
The Czech Republic ◽  
Dominant Position

Abstract The factors that were crucial for the construction of administrative buildings in the regional capitals of the Czech Republic are subject to examination in this article. One primary question is whether the development of office construction reflects the qualitative importance of the cities, or whether there are some other regularities in the spatial distribution of construction. To identify the key factors, controlled interviews with experts professionally involved in the construction of administrative buildings were carried out, and these data were then extended as part of a large-scale questionnaire survey with other experts on the issue. The results have confirmed the dominant position of the capital city of Prague in terms of its qualitative importance, as the remaining regional capitals have less than one-tenth of the volume of modern office building areas. The greatest differences in the construction of administrative buildings have been noted in Brno and Ostrava, despite the fact that they exhibit similar characteristics when considered in the light of respondent-determined factors.

scholarly journals Relation of selected factors of further education in organizations development and profitability of organizations

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pavel Pudil ◽  
Irena Mikova ◽  
Lenka Komarkova ◽  
Vladimir Pribyl
Keyword(s):  
Empirical Study ◽  
Financial Performance ◽  
Talent Management ◽  
Further Education ◽  
Education Evaluation ◽  
Key Factors ◽  
The Czech Republic ◽  
Education Industry ◽  
And Training

Purpose – further education and training play an important role in organizations development. The paper aims to analyze its relation to the financial performance of organizations, particularly to find which factors of further education are significantly related to the organization profitability indicators. Research methodology – it is an empirical study based on 142 profit-oriented organizations operating in the Czech Republic. Multiple median regression was used to investigate the correlation among organization profitability and talent management, long-term strategy, education evaluation, investments into education, industry sector, organization size and its owner. Findings – the results provide evidence that talent management, education evaluation, investments into education are significantly related to the considered profitability indicator ratios (ROA, ROE, ROCE, ROS). Research limitations – follow from the size of the research sample, its extension is planned for the continuation of our research. Practical implications – the results of the research could stimulate organizations to pay more attention to the key factors of further education in their development so as to improve their financial performance. Originality/Value – the authors are not aware of any other empirical study from the post-transformation economies analyzing the relation of further education and the organization´s financial performance. It extends our pilot study presented at ECMLG 2017 in London. The results provide a suggestion for organizations which steps to take in order to gain the most from further education.

The Conduct of Gazprom in Central and Eastern Europe: A Tool of the Kremlin, or Just an Adaptable Player?

2018 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 818-844 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Jirušek ◽  
Petra Kuchyňková
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Policy ◽  
Eastern Europe ◽  
Key Factors ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Russian Government ◽  
The Czech Republic ◽  
Strategic Approach ◽  
Dominant Market Position ◽  
South Eastern Europe ◽  
Security Indicators

This article presents the results of evidence-based research into the behaviour of Gazprom and the relevant behaviour of the Russian government in selected countries of Central, Eastern, and South-Eastern Europe (the Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Moldova, and Belarus). The authors’ aim was to determine the scope of involvement by the Russian government in problems that have arisen in supplying these states, and the degree to which these issues have been linked with Gazprom’s conduct and Russia’s foreign policy toward the countries. Another interest was to seek out the key factors that may determine this behaviour in particular environments. To address these goals, the authors monitored specific indicators defined by the strategic approach to energy security (indicators that uncover governmental support, the linking of foreign policy to gas supplies, and misuse of a dominant market position). The core of the research underlying the paper was organized as a set of individual idiographic, theory-guided case studies. Data were gathered from official documents, statistics, articles, analytical studies, and from semi-structured interviews with experts. The exploration revealed that Gazprom has behaved in such a way as to indicate that it is being used as a tool of foreign policy, but the primary factor controlling its behaviour remains the environment in which the company is operating. Two points were crucial: implementation of the IEM rules and—above all—the diversification of sources.

Holocene forest transformations in sandstone landscapes of the Czech Republic: Stand-scale comparison of charcoal and pollen records

The Holocene ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (9) ◽  
pp. 1468-1479 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jan Novák ◽  
Vojtěch Abraham ◽  
Petr Šída ◽  
Petr Pokorný
Keyword(s):  
Driving Forces ◽  
Forest Succession ◽  
Environmental Gradients ◽  
Silver Fir ◽  
Pollen Record ◽  
Fire Dynamics ◽  
The Czech Republic ◽  
The Holocene ◽  
Ecosystem Changes

Stand-scale palaeoecology in sandstone landscapes provides insight into contrasting Holocene forest succession trajectories. Sharp geomorphological gradients in this investigated area, which in addition have never been deforested during the Holocene, provide a good model for upscaling the local vegetation histories to the wider territory of Central Europe. In three sandstone areas – Bohemian Paradise, Polemené hory and Broumov – we compare (1) anthracological records from archaeological stratigraphies under rockshelters with (2) pedoanthracological sequences from nearby locations in valleys, rocks and plateaus; and with (3) pollen analyses carried out in nearby peat accumulations. Taphonomical vectors discriminate the source vegetation of each proxy, however thanks to proximity of all sampling sites pollen record and charcoals from rockshelters integrate the signal from pedoanthracology. The results show that past distribution of individual arboreal taxa is clearly related to the position within local environmental gradients. All basic habitats – valleys, rocky edges and plateaus – started with the dominance of pine forest in the early Holocene. Middle Holocene witnessed expansion of spruce inside valleys and oak on plateaus. Pine has maintained its dominance on rocky edges. In the late Holocene, silver fir and beech expanded into valleys, while oak stands remained dominant on plateaus. In the High Medieval and Modern Ages, human impact triggered general spread of fir. Records indicate site-specific local histories connected to various human activities, fire dynamics and erosion. Against the background of these immediate driving forces, the long-term process of ecosystem changes has been influenced by climate of the Holocene.

Institutions and Discourses on Childcare for Children Under the Age of Three in a Comparative French-Czech Perspective

2017 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 120-142 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hana Hašková ◽  
Radka Dudová
Keyword(s):  
Czech Republic ◽  
Expert Knowledge ◽  
The Political ◽  
Formal Care ◽  
Framing Analysis ◽  
Key Factors ◽  
Policy Changes ◽  
The Czech Republic ◽  
Political Economic

The article compares the development of policies pertaining to care for preschool children in the course of the second half of the 20th century in France and in the Czech Republic. It aims at identifying the key factors that led to the differentiation of the policies and institutions in the two countries, especially with respect to support for extra-familial care and formal care institutions (nurseries). We build on the theories of ‘new’ institutionalisms and we apply framing analysis, which allows us to understand the formation of ideas that precede policy changes. Specifically, we discuss the role of expert discourse and the framings of care for young children in the process of social policy change. We argue that expert knowledge in interaction with the political, economic, and demographic contexts and how it has been presented in public have had a fundamental impact on the formation of childcare policies and institutions in the two countries.

Biotic mortality factors affecting emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) are highly dependent on life stage and host tree crown condition

2015 ◽  
Vol 105 (5) ◽  
pp. 598-606 ◽  
Author(s):  
D.E. Jennings ◽  
J.J. Duan ◽  
P.M. Shrewsbury
Keyword(s):  
North America ◽  
Natural Enemies ◽  
Life Stage ◽  
Emerald Ash Borer ◽  
Agrilus Planipennis ◽  
Host Tree ◽  
Tree Crown ◽  
Crown Condition ◽  
Mortality Factors ◽  
Tree Resistance

AbstractEmerald ash borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis, is a serious invasive forest pest in North America responsible for killing tens to hundreds of millions of ash trees since it was accidentally introduced in the 1990s. Although host-plant resistance and natural enemies are known to be important sources of mortality for EAB in Asia, less is known about the importance of different sources of mortality at recently colonized sites in the invaded range of EAB, and how these relate to host tree crown condition. To further our understanding of EAB population dynamics, we used a large-scale field experiment and life-table analyses to quantify the fates of EAB larvae and the relative importance of different biotic mortality factors at 12 recently colonized sites in Maryland. We found that the fates of larvae were highly dependent on EAB life stage and host tree crown condition. In relatively healthy trees (i.e., with a low EAB infestation) and for early instars, host tree resistance was the most important mortality factor. Conversely, in more unhealthy trees (i.e., with a moderate to high EAB infestation) and for later instars, parasitism and predation were the major sources of mortality. Life-table analyses also indicated how the lack of sufficient levels of host tree resistance and natural enemies contribute to rapid population growth of EAB at recently colonized sites. Our findings provide further evidence of the mechanisms by which EAB has been able to successfully establish and spread in North America.

scholarly journals Assessment of attractiveness of the wine-production industry in the Czech Republic

2011 ◽  
Vol 59 (2) ◽  
pp. 89-98 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helena Hejmalová ◽  
Radka Šperková
Keyword(s):  
Czech Republic ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Key Factors ◽  
Wine Production ◽  
The Czech Republic ◽  
Competitive Position ◽  
Market Growth ◽  
Ge Matrix ◽  
Wine Sector ◽  
Technical Innovations

The paper is focused on evaluation of attractiveness of the wine sector in the Czech Republic and on the competitive position assessment of company Věstonické sklepy, s. r. o. using the assessment of key factors and applying the GE matrix. Wine-production can be described as very attractive, favorably developing industry with significant potential for growth and expansion. In particular, the growing popularity of wine consumption, increasing consumption and production, increasing competitiveness, introduction of new technical innovations and introduction of innovative changes in production, storage and sales, are aspects that have a positive impact on the attractiveness of the sector.The permanent trend of development and market growth represent a well-verifiable criterion that implies there still is a significant share of the untapped potential. Assessment of the competitive position indicates relatively good strategic situation of the company in the attractive environment, but it is necessary to invest considerable financial resources with an uncertain impact on maintaining the position. Main problems of the company namely include the financial situation which is specifically addressed by utilizing short-term liabilities. The company can be described as prosperous in terms of established technologies and implementation of innovative changes, human resource management, use of production and storage capacities, marketing factors, selection of the appropriate type of promotion, and contracting reliable customers.The strategy based on the position in the GE matrix suggests that the company should focus on production of quality wines and on the offer of specialties to penetrate stronger into the market and with a better competitive advantage. The company should not forget the completion of the proper functioning of the website, which should lead to an increase of the number of potential customers.

scholarly journals Numerical Modelling of Lithospheric Block-and-Fault Dynamics: What Did We Learn About Large Earthquake Occurrences and Their Frequency?

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alik Ismail-Zadeh ◽  
Alexander Soloviev
Keyword(s):  
Numerical Modelling ◽  
Driving Forces ◽  
Fault Zones ◽  
Stress Generation ◽  
Plate Motion ◽  
Recurrence Time ◽  
Key Factors ◽  
Fault Dynamics ◽  
Dynamics Models ◽  
Large Earthquakes

AbstractDynamics of lithospheric plates resulting in localisation of tectonic stresses and their release in large earthquakes provides important information for seismic hazard assessments. Numerical modelling of the dynamics and earthquake simulations have been changing our view about occurrences of large earthquakes in a system of major regional faults and about the recurrence time of the earthquakes. Here, we overview quantitative models of tectonic stress generation and stress transfer, models of dynamic systems reproducing basic features of seismicity, and fault dynamics models. Then, we review the thirty-year efforts in the modelling of lithospheric block-and-fault dynamics, which allowed us to better understand how the blocks react to the plate motion, how stresses are localised and released in earthquakes, how rheological properties of fault zones exert influence on the earthquake dynamics, where large seismic events occur, and what is the recurrence time of these events. A few key factors influencing the earthquake sequences, clustering, and magnitude are identified including lithospheric plate driving forces, the geometry of fault zones, and their physical properties. We illustrate the effects of the key factors by analysing the block-and-fault dynamics models applied to several earthquake-prone regions, such as Carpathians, Caucasus, Tibet-Himalaya, and the Sunda arc, as well as to the global tectonic plate dynamics.

scholarly journals Ground Pressure Changes Caused by MHT 8002HV Crawler Harvester Chassis

2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariusz Kormanek ◽  
Jiří Dvořák
Keyword(s):  
Longitudinal Axis ◽  
Mountain Forest ◽  
Ground Contact ◽  
The Czech Republic ◽  
Active Length ◽  
Ground Pressure ◽  
Pressure Changes ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Contact Pressures ◽  
Made In

Ground contact pressures exerted by elements of the machine chassis on the ground in the forest are associated with the machine impact on the soil during its operation. In the case of a crawler system, determining the ground contact pressure appears simple, which is not entirely true. The aim of the study was to analyze the loads on the ground (forest soil) exerted by the MHT 8002HV crawler harvester chassis. The measurements were made in Forest School Enterprise in Kostelec nad Černými Lesy, Central Bohemia Region in the Czech Republic, on brown soil made of clay on stony formations, fresh mixed mountain forest (FMMF), with the use of a hydraulic scale when extending the harvester crane forward along and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the machine. The calculations were carried out with a simulated load of the crane on the tree in question, assuming that the impact on the ground of the crawler system is heterogeneous and that the point impact comes from the crawler support wheels. As it was shown, the average ground contact pressures under the crawler track of the analyzed harvester generally do not exceed 70 kPa. The crane extension with a simulated load, which would have caused the crawler track to act on the ground with an average pressure exceeding 70 kPa, was limited by machine stability. On the other hand, high ground contact pressures may occur under a more loaded section of the crawler track if the active length of the crawler track is shortened. As it was shown in the case of a weak track tension, the course of ground contact pressures exerted on the soil deviates from the assumed usually homogeneous impact over the entire length of the crawler.

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