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The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in coagulation tests, haptoglobin concentrations and leukocyte counts in rabbits with right-ventricle pacing medicated with acetylsalicylic acid (ASA). Blood was collected from 35 non-anaesthetised males from the jugular vein at baseline, one and two months after pacemaker implantation. Animals were divided into two groups: non-medicated and medicated with ASA. Total leukocyte and platelet counts were measured on an automatic veterinary flow cytometry haematological analyser. Prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, fibrinogen levels and D-dimers were determined from citrated blood. We found significantly elevated activated partial thromboplastin times and prothrombin times in ASA in comparison to the control group, but not within the ASA group over time. We also observed a decrease in platelet counts in the control group over time, but not in comparison to the ASA group. No significant changes in total leukocyte counts and haptoglobin concentrations were detected. Medication with ASA may alter coagulation profiles in rabbits with permanent transvenous pacing.

Romania is also included among the European Union countries where deforested areas have radically increased in recent years, with mountain areas being the most affected. The pressure on the forest fund was analysed in the Maramureş County, as one of the most deforested counties of Romania. In view of assessing the forest area evolution, forested and deforested areas have been calculated for the period 2001-2012, using the Global Forest Change 2000-2012 database provided by the Department of Geographical Sciences, Maryland University. The economic pressure quantification was monitored by developing a database on economic activities based upon the loggings carried out in the period 2001-2012. This database comprises the number of companies, their turnover, profit and the number of employees for the economic sectors causing pressure on the forest fund. The outcomes show a dramatic increase in deforested areas, amounting to over 16,500 ha in the Maramureș County. Nearly 5,000 ha have been deforested in Borșa, the commune with the largest deforested areas in the period 2000-2012, causing major imbalances to the local ecosystem.

Excise duties are an important source of the government revenue and their rates change relatively often in the Czech Republic. Reforms of excise duties change the prices of goods, a change to which the households respond by adjusting their expenditures. In the contribution, there are used detailed Czech Statistical Office data and the estimates of own- and cross-price and income elasticities for the individual households to create a microeconomic simulation model that enables to simulate the impact of changes in excise duties on the households' demands. There is shown the distributional impact of the current excise duties and then the impact of the hypothetical increases of 10 per cent in each of them is simulated. Further, there is simulated the impact of certain approved or proposed changes in the excise duties including the unsuccessful 2012 proposal to introduce an excise duty on wine.

Seedlings of ten Lr near-isogenic lines (NIL) and four wheat lines with enhanced resistance to Puccinia triticina were treated with overdosed neonicotinoid insecticides. The enzyme of Lr 20 gene accelerated thiacloprid degradation while Lr 29 gene accelerated thiamethoxam degradation according to NILs upper plant parts lengths reduction by 6% or 10% six days after the last of three daily treatments. Lr 27 and Lr 33 effects were intermediate on thiamethoxam but only in the driest conditions. Among other NILs the growth was increased 1-5% by N faster release of S or Cl. The accumulation of Lr 20 and Lr 9 facilitated treatment in the late grain filling period when the amount of their circled residues in seed was permissible. In semiarid regions, when thiamethoxam was applied before June, respecting the adequate leaf area duration of prevalent varieties, interaction with Lr 29 could be also practical through simultaneous release of fungi reducing elements.

Maximum aphid numbers on wheat are positively related to the length of the period elapsed from immigration to the population peak. We predicted that maximum abundances on late maturing cultivars would be greater than on early ones. This was tested using 8 spring wheat cultivars that differed in the length of time to senescence. In a 4-year experiment, numbers of aphids were checked at weekly intervals. Maximum abundances on late-maturing cultivars were significantly greater than those on early cultivars. However, the length of the vegetation period affected maximum abundances less than did the annual variation in aphid abundance. Genetic disposition for early ripening thus tends to decrease aphid numbers, but manipulation of this character is unlikely to become an important source of aphid resistance.

Several multivariate methods including partial least squares (PLS) regression, principal component regression (PCR) or multiple linear regression (MLR) have been applied to predict wine quality, based on the definition of chemical and phenolic parameters of grapes and wines harvested at different ripening levels. Three different models including grape phenolic maturity parameters (grape), wine phenolic parameters (wine) and a combination of grape and wine phenolic parameters (grape + wine) were analysed for each of the wine sensory attributes. The grape parameter model has been presented as the best test to predict wine quality based on sensory scores. On the other hand, wine models showed lower accuracy. The combination of grape and wine parameters presented intermediate results showing sometimes good predictability. Moreover, PLS and PCR appeared as more accurate multivariate methods compared to MLR. Although MLR showed higher correlation coefficients, lower RPD values were observed, displaying thus its lower prediction accuracy. Multivariate calibration statistics appeared as a promising tool to predict wine sensory quality in an easy and inexpensive way.

The fucoidans were obtained by extraction with water and gradient precipitation with different concentrations of ethanol. The main structural characterisations and bioactivities were achieved. Four fractions of water-soluble crude fucoidans with different molecular weights - SPC60, SPC70, SPH60, SPH70 - were extracted from S. pallidum collected from the Yellow Sea, China, using cold water and hot water extraction, and fractional precipitation with gradient concentrations of ethanol. Chemical analysis demonstrated that all of these fucoidan fractions consisted of fucose, rhamnose, xylose, mannose, glucose, and galactose with different monosaccharide mole ratios. Fractions SPC60, SPC70, and SPH70 showed moderate cytotoxic activity against P388 murine leukaemia cells. Fucoidan is a kind of bioactive polysaccharide from the brown algae. This study provides a fast and feasible method to obtain fucoidans from S. pallidum, which can be used as pharmaceutical material and functional food.

The effect of foliar application of selenium (Se) fertilizers (sodium selenite and selenate) in two different Se doses (10 and 20 g/ha) on grain yield, Se content and mechanical and technological parameters of winter wheat grain was investigated in the field fertilization experiment. Foliar spray application of Se was applied at the growth stage of the 2^nd node on the main stem (32 BBCH). Selenate foliar applications in dose 10 g Se per ha showed a significant increase of grain yield in comparison to control treatment without Se application. The mechanical and technological parameters of wheat grain were not significantly affected by both selenite and selenate foliar application. The average Se concentration was significantly lower in 2007/2008 (grain yield 8.72 t/ha) than 2006/2007 (yield 6.35 t/ha) growing season (0.133 versus 0.189 mg Se/kg dry matter). The grain Se absorption efficiency at foliar application of 10 and 20 g Se/ha of selenite and selenate were 1.35-1.45% and 13.24-15.14%, respectively.

Breeding of hybrids between wild boars and domestic pigs is in the consumer interest because of the need to ensure food security and diversification via widening the genetic basis of animals reared for meat. To expand the knowledge about their nutritional requirements, this study aimed to investigate hindgut fermentation in these animals. Caecal and colon cultures were incubated for 12 h in vitro with or without wheat bran as a supplementary substrate. Short-chain fatty acids, ammonia, methane, and total gas production were determined. The total concentrations of short-chain fatty acids in unincubated caecal and colon samples were 93.1 and 115 mmol/kg, respectively. The short-chain fatty acid profile in fresh hindgut contents was characterized by a high molar proportion of acetate (74.8-75.0 mol%), followed by propionate (18.2-18.5 mol%) and butyrate (5.4-5.5 mol%). The presence of wheat bran lowered acetate and increased butyrate, propionate, and valerate molar proportions. The ammonia level remained low (1.3-2.43 mmol/kg) regardless of the addition of the substrate. The relatively low pH and ammonia concentration in wild boar/pig hybrids may be caused by the low level of crude protein in diet of these animals. The rate of methanogenesis increased during the fermentation simultaneously with an increase in the production of gases after wheat bran addition. Methane production in the caecal and colon samples incubated with the substrate reached 15.6 and 16.1 mmol/kg, respectively. The hindgut fermentation pattern in wild boar/pig hybrids generally resembled that described earlier in domestic pigs, although some observed dissimilarities may be caused by distinct microbial activity.

The fruiting of 23 apple progenies, in total 756 genotypes grafted on M 9 rootstock, was evaluated for 11 years (2005-2015). The most precocious was the progeny obtained by the crossing of genotype HL1737 and Pink Lady cultivar, seedlings of which achieved fruiting stage just between the first and second year after planting. The least precocious was the progeny Freedom × Antonovka o.p., in which seedlings started fruiting on average just in the 5^th and 6^th year after planting. The most productive in the study was the progeny HL782 × Topaz, having a mean rating of 5.33 points on a 1-9 scale. Behind this leader, in decreasing order, were the progenies HL782 × HL665, Resista × Pink Lady, Resista × HL2219 and HL665 × HL782. The progenies Resista × Benet and Idleless × HL665 were distinguished with the highest level of biennial bearing (above 81%). The most valuable for utilisation in breeding is the progeny HL665 × HL782. Other noteworthy donors to be considered for distinctly more regular cropping are the cultivars Pink Lady, Discovery and HL2219.

The aetiology of Crohn's disease and paratuberculosis are the subjects of intensive study and also frequently, of dispute. However, a number of other nosological entities have a similar history, namely type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, sarcoidosis, asthma, psoriasis, spondylarthritis, Blau syndrom etc. The zoonotic risk of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) has been discussed for more than one hundred years. "The problem remains open, further research is needed", is the sentence which seems to be obligatory in the conclusions of many scientific articles. A number of hypotheses have been suggested, all with a grain of truth in them. The infection hypothesis has many supporters and opponents, but it does not fit to all Crohn's disease cases. The contribution of the genetic factor has been admitted a long time ago and has been experimentally confirmed by recent excellent studies. An environmental factor is expected and has been often mentioned, but has yet to be discovered. Muramyl dipeptide, derived from peptidoglycans of the bacterial cell wall is one of the triggers, mentioned in connection with chronic inflammatory diseases. The immunomodulatory ability of this compound has been recognised for decades and is exploited in Freund's adjuvant. A critical amount of muramyl dipeptide can affect immunity during some bacterial infections but the long latent period between infection and onset of the clinical form of the disease could explain why a causative relationship between the primary infection and chronic inflammation is not considered. Different species of mycobacteria can be found in the environment, in water, dust, soil and aerosol. Although severe infections with mycobacteria have been described, these species are not thought to be typical zoonotic pathogens. Muramyl dipeptide derived from mycobacteria obviously plays a starring role as a bacterial trigger in the aetiology of many autoimmune and autoinflammatory diseases. Paratuberculosis in cattle and other ruminants is a source of enormous contamination of the environment but also of milk and meat by MAP. Muramyl dipeptide from mycobacteria, namely MAP, and Crohn's disease as a representative of diseases often called civilization threats, are important pieces of the gigantic puzzle. Mycobacteria in the environment and foodstuffs have to be acknowledged as a public health risk, which can never be completely eliminated. There is no reason to push the panic button, but we must learn how to live together with this microorganism, how the pool of immunomodulator sources can be diminished, and how the pathogenic relationship between triggers and target tissues can be disrupted. The dissemination of knowledge, the availability of rapid and inexpensive tools for identification of mycobacteria in different matrices, and the establishment of a maximal allowed limit for mycobacteria in milk and meat should contribute to food safety and consumer protection.

An intact male, six-month-old Hanwoo bull calf (native Korean beef breed) was presented to the Animal Medical Centre, Chonbuk National University because the owner had noticed a conjunctival and corneal abnormality in the left eye (OS). On ophthalmic examination, a small, elevated and skin-like mass lesion, containing hair was found on the ventronasal cornea and the conjunctiva of the third eyelid. In the light of its characteristic appearance, the lesion was classified clinically as a corneal dermoid. Under general anaesthesia, superficial lamellar keratectomy and conjunctivectomy was performed to remove the abnormal tissue. As the owner could not apply topical medications regularly, a drug-filled osmotic pump (Alzet; Alza, Palo Alto, CA) was implanted subconjunctivally under the upper eyelid and connected to a catheter at the lateral limbus. The catheter was fixed to the conjunctiva with 3-0 polyglactin 910 (Vicryl^®; Ethicon, Johnson and Johnson, Somerville, USA) and a partial temporary tarsorrhaphy was placed. In order to determine the efficacy of medication delivery, a sample of aqueous humour was collected via aqueocentesis from the anterior chamber at two weeks and four weeks after implantation of the pump. The presence and concentration of ciprofloxacin was determined via mass spectroscopy. Aqueous concentration of ciprofloxacin was 0.093 µg/ml at two weeks and 0.107 µg/ml at four weeks. The calf healed without incident and returned to normal function six weeks following the procedure.

We report here the clinical presentation and successful surgical management of flail chest caused by bite wounds in a toy breed dog. Surgery was decided on, based on physical, radiographic and computed tomography (CT) examination findings which included thorax deformity, inward displacement of the end of a fractured rib and suspected lung injuries. Interfragmentary wiring, basket-weave fashion sutures and latissimus dorsi flap for thoracic wall reconstruction were performed to correct the flail chest and augment the thoracic wall stability. There was no evidence of respiratory distress 16 months post-operatively. This is the first case report describing detailed clinical information together with computed tomography evaluation and a successful surgical procedure to correct flail chest in a toy breed dog using interfragmentary wiring and basket-weave fashion sutures.

Preference of biotopes and selection of food by wild herbivores are more complicated in a cultural landscape used for agriculture than in natural conditions. Agricultural management significantly affects the feeding as well as cover conditions of the environment and changes in quality and accessibility of food sources occur throughout the year. We studied the consumption of agricultural crops and impact on tree shoots by herbivores in a mosaic landscape. Large herbivores utilized the food supply on the lands outside the forest environment during winter and early spring and in summer. In summer the cereal grains were preferred by herbivores and accounted for a significant share in their diet. The intensity of shoot browsing differed between the localities and between the studied woody species but was not lower due to the presence of attractive crops near the forest. The utilization of food outside the forest may help the animals to survive the winter but the potential of this food for reducing tree browsing in the forest is low.

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is concluded to be the principal reservoir of Pea streak virus (PeSV, genus Carlavirus) which induces necrotic streaking symptoms in pea. This virus is prevalent in pea growing areas in the USA, but in Europe it was recorded only once almost 60 years ago. Recently, filamentous virus particles 600-700 nm long have been observed in examined plant sap of alfalfa with leaf malformation, local necrotic lesions and yellow spots on leaves. Four kilo base pairs nucleotide sequence of PeSV including partial replicase gene, triple gene block, and capsid protein (CP) gene has been determined. On the nucleotide level, the sequence of the CP has about 80% identity with the North American isolates of PeSV, however, on the amino acid level the sequence has more than 94% identity. This is the first sequence-based proof of PeSV presence in Europe.

The technology of a functional fermented buttermilk-based beverage was developed and the impact of beverage consumption on the health parameters of young volunteers was studied. Three functional beverages were made on the basis of buttermilk, which differed in the composition. The beverage containing the buttermilk-skimmed milk-milk protein concentrate (0.3%) as a product with the preferred quality characteristics (synaeresis, viscosity, sensory properties, and acceptability) was used for further studies regarding the impact on human health. The medical nutrition experiments did not show any statistically significant effect on the biochemical blood parameters of 25 young volunteers after a 21-day period of the consumption of fermented buttermilk beverage with milk protein concentrate, although some of them (e.g. total, low- and high-density cholesterol, triacylglycerol concentrations, etc.) slightly decreased. The anthropometric and body composition, arterial blood pressure, and pulse evaluation indicators of recipients did not change significantly.

The article describes the use of the recently commercially available technique of microwave induced plasma optical emission spectrometry with plasma gas (nitrogen) generation for the determination of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium in Mehlich 3 extracts. The specifics of the analysis of the agricultural samples for soil fertility assessment mean there are often a great number of samples to analyse in laboratory (the daily throughput of 500 or more samples). The analytical procedures were adapted to special requirements by the use of the new multielemental instrumental techniques. The detection limits were 0.43; 0.86; 0.20 and 0.06 mg/L; the precision for real sample analysis: 4.6; 1.0; 1.8 and 1.0%; the mean accuracy 97; 92; 107 and 100% for P, Ca, Mg and K, respectively, the real throughput reached 100 samples per hour.

Eggshell quality is one of the most significant factors affecting poultry industry; it economically influences egg production and hatchability. Eggshell consists of shell membranes and the true shell that includes mammillary layer, palisade layer, and cuticle. Measurements of eggshell quality include eggshell weight, shell percentage, breaking strength, thickness, and density. Mainly eggshell thickness and strength are affected by the time of egg components passage through the shell gland (uterus), eggshell ultra-structure (deposition of major units), and micro-structure (crystals size and orientation). Shell quality is affected by several internal and external factors. Major factors determining the quality or structure of eggshell are oviposition time, age, genotype, and housing system. Eggshell quality can be improved through optimization of genotype, housing system, and mineral nutrition.

The aim of this study was to compare the cardiovascular and respiratory effects and the bispectral scale index (BIS) as well as the recovery period characteristics in response to treatment with a propofol/alfentanil admixture of different concentrations in dogs undergoing splenectomy. We conducted a prospective, randomised, blinded experimental trial. Anaesthesia was induced and maintained by continuous-infusion anaesthesia of propofol and alfentanil or a propofol/alfentanil admixture after premedication with acepromazine (0.03 mg/kg). Dogs were assigned to receive different concentrations of the admixture. Changes in BIS value, heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (f_R), non-invasive arterial blood pressure, pulse oximetry (SpO₂), end-tidal carbon dioxide concentrations (ETCO₂) and rectal temperature (RT) were recorded at predefined time points during anaesthesia. Data [mean ± standard deviation (SD)] were analysed by analysis of variance (ANOVA) for repeated measures followed by a Dunnett's test and Student's t-test (P < 0.05) and where necessary, the Mann-Whitney U-test. No significant differences were found between groups with respect to age, body mass, SpO₂, ETCO₂, f_R, systolic, diastolic and mean arterial blood pressure (SAP, DAP and MAP). BIS values were significantly lower in Group 2 when compared to Group 1 at T7, T8, T9. The HR of Group 2 was significantly lower at T2 to T9 when compared to Group 1. The propofol and alfentanil admixture provided satisfactory results in dogs undergoing splenectomy. Thus, an admixture of propofol/alfentanil may be used for total IV anaesthesia in dogs at the infusion rates determined in this study.

The study reports the results of a comprehensive clinical evaluation of 18 racehorses with a history of inadequate athletic performance. The poor performance evaluation included general physical examination and laboratory screening, respiratory examination including upper airway endoscopy at rest and during maximal treadmill exercise, cardiac examination, post-exercise serum biochemistry and bronchoalveolar lavage cytology. A definitive diagnosis was established in 15 horses (83.3%). The most frequent findings were upper respiratory tract disorders, with dorsal displacement of the soft palate being most often diagnosed (eight horses) followed by axial deviation of the aryepiglottic folds (two horses) and recurrent laryngeal neuropathy (two horses). Inflammatory airway disease was diagnosed in two horses and exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage in one horse. Subclinical myopathy was detected in two horses. Ten horses (55.6%) had multiple concomitant problems that may have contributed to their inadequate athletic performance; therefore, a comprehensive approach is required to diagnose the cause of decreased athletic capability.

The aim of the paper is to describe the land ownership relations in the area of the current Czech Republic since the foundation of Czechoslovakia. The description of the history of changes of land ownership in the Czech Republic is important for the perception of the current nature of the land use and land market. Land use and ownership was always related to the historical context and political regime. The time periods are divided by the important historical events: after 1918 (foundation of the Czechoslovak Republic), 2nd World War period, after 1948 (takeover of the power by the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia and the centrally planned economy period) and after 1989 (foundation of the market economy). During this era, three land reforms took place. The main role was played by the political apparatus the aim of which was to enhance its economic and political influence, and international interests. It can be concluded that the ownership of land in the Czech lands was always uneven. During the period, the state expropriated land from different society spheres and reallocated it to others. No other property in private ownership underwent so many ownership changes in the legal organization of the state.

The efficacy of superficial tillage as a sustainable tool to reduce the emergence of Digitaria sanguinalis, Setaria viridis, and Sorghum halepense was evaluated with field experiments. Seeds were buried at 1, 2, 5, and 10 cm of depth to simulate seed vertical distribution caused by autumn superficial tillage. Seedling emergence was monitored weekly for two years after sowing. The highest emergence was obtained in the first year after sowing and from 1 and 2 cm. Sorghum halepense was only slightly affected by seed burial, with 15% of emergence from 10 cm of depth, while D. sanguinalis was strongly affected, with 4% of emergence from 5 cm. The efficacy of superficial tillage as control tool could vary according to local weed flora.

Soil testing in the Czech Republic is based on the use of the Mehlich 3 method for determination of macronutrients and diethylentriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) and hot-water extraction for determination of micronutrients. Since inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometers have become commonly used in soil testing laboratories, Mehlich 3 extractant could be used very effectively also for a simultaneous micronutrient determination. To take full advantage of the universal Mehlich 3 extractant, new criteria for evaluation of the content of micronutrients in this extractant are needed. The criteria presented in this study were obtained by a simple calculation of criteria from the relationships between the Mehlich 3 extractant and the extraction methods for which the criteria were available (DTPA for copper, zinc, manganese, iron and hot-water extraction for boron). The first calculated estimates of the criteria were pre-validated and slightly adjusted to minimize the difference between the frequency of the samples in each category after determination and evaluation by the compared methods. Further adjustment of the presented critical values with respect to the field and pot experiments will be necessary in the future.

The paper deals with gaseous emissions generated in biomass combustion in water boilers. It provides results of analyses of gaseous emissions and boiler efficiency in combustion of branches of apple trees from spring pruning, spruce cuttings and corn cobs obtained from kernel harvest. Measurements were done in laboratory conditions. Average CO emission values observed in combustion were from 334.7 to 650.18 mg/m³ and average NO_x emission values were low, between 50.1 and 157.2 mg/m³. Boiler efficiency in applewood combustion was lower - this was caused by its higher moisture.

The aim of this study was to design and implement a Seroprevalence Map based on Business Intelligence for Mycoplasma gallisepticum (M. gallisepticum) in broilers in Comunidad Valenciana (Spain). To obtain the serological data we analysed 7363 samples from broiler farms over 30 days of age over the course of two years (3813 and 3550 samples in 2009 and 2010, respectively, from 189 and 193 broiler farms in 2009 and 2010, respectively). Data were represented on a map of Comunidad Valenciana to include geographical information of flock location and to facilitate the monitoring. Only one region presented with average ELISA titre values of over 500 in the 2009 period, indicating previous contact with M. gallisepticum in broiler flocks. None of the other regions showed any pressure of infection, indicating a low seroprevalence for M. gallisepticum. In addition, data from this study represent a novel tool for easy monitoring of the serological response that incorporates geographical information.

New requirements regarding agriculture production together with the increased pressure on environmentally friendly practices leave almost no space for the routine agriculture production. Innovations that include environmental changes are therefore essential. Agricultural research faces various challenges associated with the quality and effectiveness of agriculture production and recently also with the environmental and sustainability issues. The paper provides a case study focused on the environmental and social evaluation of a biological asset that constitutes an agricultural innovation. This paper also shows a concrete example of how the social and environmental reporting can be constructed and implemented by providing an evaluation of a Bumblebee Nest. As a result, the total value consisting of the market, ecosystem and aesthetic value is provided. Although the market value comprises the largest proportion of the total value, it does not exceed 64%.

We tested the suitability of Landsat images to track defoliation by insect herbivory with focus on the oak leaf roller, Tortrix viridana (Lep.: Tortricidae). Landsat images from the period before (2002) and after the T. viridana infestation (2007, 2014) were compared in oak forests of Zagros in western Iran. The Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) was calculated for the test area from Landsat 5, 7, and 8 images. Because the red and near-infrared spectral bands of Landsat 8 OLI sensors are different from the other two, a model for the calibration of Landsat OLI NDVI was developed. The proposed model with a correlation coefficient of 0.928 and root mean square error of 0.05 turned out to be applicable and the NDVI decreased significantly during the observation period. Taking into account the protection status of the area and small fluctuations in temperature, the decrease in NDVI could be attributed to T. viridana damage.

Toxic metals (cadmium, lead, and mercury) in the tissues of common carp fished from three reservoirs (Pilská, Domaninský, and Matějovský) in the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands were measured in the period from April 2013 to September 2014 and the risk of consuming the fish from these localities was evaluated. During this project 25 fish specimens from each locality were analysed. The concentration of metals in muscle tissue and liver was determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. A variation in the content of heavy metals in fish samples and fish tissues was demonstrated and discussed. Higher concentrations of cadmium in the fish tissue were found in 50 samples of carp liver. Because the fish liver is not commonly consumed, common carp from the Moravian-Moravian Highlands does not pose any health risk for consumers. Concentrations of the other monitored toxic metals in fish tissue were low and were complying with the maximum residue limit in all cases.

Stable isotope ¹⁵N tracer technique was used in combination with artificial rainfall simulation to study the influence of interflow and surface-flow on nitrogen (N) migration loss of soil-plant systems on typical red soil sloping uplands. This study also investigated the utilization efficiency of fertilizer N during different peanut plant growth stages. The results indicated that soil N loss was predominantly via interflow and erosive sediment. Fertilizer N loss during the initial growth stage was mainly through surface runoff, while that occurred as interflow increased from less than 5% to around 16% during the middle and late growth stages. The loss of fertilizer N through surface runoff, erosive sediment and interflow accounted for over 18% of the total N application. The utilization rate of fertilizer N by peanut plants was around 45% through its life cycle, and that 70% of N absorbed by this plant derived from the soil. This highlighted the importance of adopting effective methods to reduce nutrient loss through interflow and surface-flow, the need to increase the utilization rate of fertilizers, and the importance to maintain soil fertility at a relatively high level.

A system for evaluating outdoor recreation as a cultural agroecosystem service is presented. Every agroecosystem presumably has the potential for providing some kind of outdoor recreation. Two approaches to mapping the recreation potential were used and compared - the Social Values for Ecosystem Services (SolVES) model and the regional model (RegMOD). From the possibilities of recreation activities, hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing were chosen. The comparison of the two approaches showed that the RegMOD incorporates a wider range of categories than the SolVES model, particularly for hiking. The robust character of the SolVES model is reflected by narrowing the spectrum of categories of this recreation activity. The differences in the map view are marked in the case of biking and cross-country skiing. Overall, the grasslands of the study area in Slovakia offer mainly medium relevant capacity (53.90% by the results of the SolVES, 64.90% by the results of the RegMOD) for providing selected outdoor recreation activities. The less productive (53.88% of all non-productive grasslands by the results of the SolVES, 48.00% by the results of the RegMOD) and non-productive grasslands represent a higher relevant capacity (41.18% of all non-productive grasslands by the results of the SolVES, 54.40% by the results of the RegMOD) for providing outdoor recreation activities. This brings about a new view of their management as well as use. The RegMOD developed in this paper is replicable and could be applied by managers mainly at the regional level on condition of their proficiency in geographical information systems.