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Aluminium (Al) mobilisation in the forest soils is a serious problem due to the soil acidification. The rate and magnitude of leaching of Al and other elements and compounds from soils can be examined by means of percolation experiments. Aluminium elutriation was studied under laboratory conditions using undisturbed samples of forest topsoil from the Paličník area in the Jizera Mountains (Czech Republic), which originated under two different vegetation covers: European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) and Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst). Ponding infiltration was performed using three subsequently applied solutions. KCl solution was used to simulate the soil solution. Solutions with sulphates and nitrates addition (of two different pH values) were used to simulate acid rainfall. Passing liquid phase was analysed with respect to Al content and aluminium speciation. Differences were found in Al content and transport between different soils under spruce and beech covers. The soil sample under the spruce forest (SF sample) had a higher initial Al content than the soil sample under the beech forest (BF sample). As a result, the aluminium leaching from the spruce soil sample and the final content of water-extractable Al in the soil (Al content after the leaching experiment) were higher compared to the beech soil sample. This suggests that Al mobility and potential toxicity in the beech forest are grater than those in the spruce monoculture when studied in the acidification endangered areas.

The paper deals with assessment of biogas yield from mixtures of Reynoutria substrates and livestock manure. The aim was to perform laboratory experiments and suggest suitable fermenter operating conditions (dry matter content, pH, share of substrate components, thermic regime) for metanogenic digestion, then to determine its quality and assess the usability of such produced biogas.

The occurrence of 10 lower taxa within species Pyrus pyraster L. (Burgsd.) was confirmed in Slovakia. Among 507 of the evaluated plants on 64 localities, there were recorded 2 sub-species of the wild pear - Pyrus pyraster subsp. pyraster and Pyrus pyraster subsp. achras . Subspecies pyraster was represented by 4 varieties (pyraster, elongata, pénzesiana, brachypoda ) and 5 forms (populifolia, cordifolia, rhomboidea, ovata, slovenica ). All lower taxa were visually classified according to the leaf and fruit characteristics. Numerical classification based on discriminant analysis according to quantitative traits was done. Some discrepancies were found up to 16.7% between visual and numerical classification on particular levels of the lower taxa identification.

In 2008 and 2009 the effects of quassin and neoquassin (oxygenated triterpenes) on apple sawfly (Hoplocampa testudinea Klug, 1814) were studied. In the Czech Republic, monitoring was carried out in small-plot trials and in one laboratory experiment. The extract containing quassin and neoquassin was made by boiling wood chips of a tropical shrub Quassia amara L. (Sapindales: Simaroubaceae). The experimental dosages were 3, 4.5, 6, and 9.25 kg of wood chips/ha. Spray treatment with the quassia extract was carried out just before most larvae hatched out. It was statistically proven that the extract from the wood of Q. amara reduced the apple sawfly infestation of fruitlets. Extract in the dosage corresponding to 3-4.5 kg of quassia wood chips for 1/ha appeared as optimal. The efficacy of these dosages was approximately 40-50%, and the efficacy above 80% was record.

A six year old crossbred male dog presented with non-pigmented, pale pink, unhaired, ulcerative tumor of the medial canthus and upper eyelid region. As treatment, surgery was proposed. During the surgery complete excision of the tumor was performed. The extent of skin loss, especially in the upper eyelid required plastic reconstruction by pedicle flap transposition. The soft skin of the cheek was chosen as a graft donor site. The postoperative period proceeded without any complications and ended with successful engraftment. The soft cheek skin did not impede movement of the upper eyelid. Histopathological examination indicated histiocytoma and tumor-free excisional margins were confirmed. There has been no recurrence during the subsequent 12 month period.

The soft palate plays a critical role in the oral and pharyngeal phases of swallowing. Congenitally cleft soft palates (palatoschisis) in calves are rare and pose a serious challenge for surgical correction due to high complication rates. The main obstacles to repairing palate defects are obtaining complicated access to the soft palate, and reducing the tension on the repair so that the sutures hold. A 21 day old female Simmental calf was submitted to our clinic with a history of frequent episodes of coughing and milk dripping from its nostrils after suckling. After clinical examination, a congenital cleft palate was diagnosed. Surgery was performed under general anaesthesia. First, lateral buccotomy was performed to improve the intraoral approach. The palatal defect was repaired using polypropylene mesh and palatal mucosal flap. An oesophageal tube was placed and anchored to the skin using a Chinese finger trap suture technique. Antibiotic treatment was continued through seven days and a transoesophageal feeding tube was fitted at the end of the surgery allowing the calf to be fed with milk during the postoperative period. Postoperatively, the caudal aspect of the repair broke down resulting in persistent mild bilateral nasal discharge. A combination of the two described techniques can be a good option for resolving palatal defects. However, adequate exposure and repair are still difficult to achieve and these approaches often result in serious postoperative complications.

A 2-year field experiment was conducted under light enrichment and shading conditions to examine the responses of seed yield and yield components distribution across main axis in soybean. The results showed that the maximum increase in seed yield per plant by light enrichment occurred at 27 plants/m², while the most significant reduction in seed yield per plant by shading occurred at 54 plants/m². Light enrichment beginning at early flowering stage decreased seed size on average by 7% while shading increased seed size on average by 9% over densities and cultivars, resulting in a fewer extent compensation in seed yield decrement. Responses to light enrichment and shading occurred proportionately across the main axis node positions despite the differences in the time (15-20 days) of development of yield components between the high and low node positions. Variation intensity of seed size of three soybeans was dissimilar as a result of changes in the environment during the reproductive period. The small-seed cultivar had the greatest stability in single seed size across the main axis, followed by moderate-seed cultivar, while large-seed cultivar was the least stable. Although maximum seed size may be determined by genetic potential in soybean plants, our results suggested that seed size can still be modified by environmental conditions, and the impact can be expressed through some internal control moderating the final size of most seeds in main stem and in all pods. It indicates that, through redistributing the available resources across main stem to components, soybean plants showed the mechanism, in an attempt to maintain or improve yield in a constantly changing environment.

This paper compares two different housing systems for laying hens producing table eggs, namely a conventional cage system and an aviary, during three summer months, starting from the 20^th week of the production cycle. Research was focused on airborne bacteria, fungi and dust levels and on the bacterial eggshell contamination. Levels of airborne bacteria determined in the aviary system were many times higher and ranged from 6.2 × 10⁴ CFU/m³ to 8.9 × 104 CFU/m3, and the levels of airborne fungi ranged from 1.6 × 10⁴ to 1.9 × 104 CFU/m³, while the levels of airborne bacteria and fungi determined in the conventional cage system ranged from 1.6 × 10⁴ to 2.5 × 10⁴ CFU/m3 and from 0.8 × 10⁴ to 1.3 × 10⁴ CFU/m³, respectively. Microbial air contamination was associated with eggshell contamination, with the levels in the aviary ranging from 5.4 × 10³ to 9.6 × 103 CFU/eggshell and those in the conventional cage system ranging from 2.3 × 10³ to 3.6 × 10³ CFU/eggshell. Airborne dust levels in the aviary and conventional cage system ranged from 3.2 to 4.6 mg/m³ and from 0.7 to 1.2 mg/m³, respectively. From the aspect of animal welfare and behavioural requirements, alternative systems, i.e. aviaries, appear more acceptable; however, they are not satisfactory from hygienic aspects because of a higher content of airborne pollutants which can represent a greater risk of horizontal contamination of the egg content.

The present study was aimed at determining the origin, course and distribution of the celiac artery in eight adult red falcons, using a latex injection and dissection method. The celiac artery was ascertained to originate from the aorta at the level of the last 2-3 costae. The celiac artery was determined to split into two main branches, namely, left branch of the celiac artery and right branch of the celiac artery, in between the proventriculus and gizzard, and in the proximity of the lien. Prior to the indicated bifurcation, the celiac artery was observed to give off an esophageal artery and superior proventricular artery. In seven of the red falcons examined, splenic arteries, varying from two to four in number, were determined to spring from the celiac artery. Both the left and right hepatic arteries were ascertained to stem from the left branch of the celiac artery. The terminal branch of the left branch of the celiac artery, namely, the left gastric artery, was determined to have a fan-like distribution to the left surface of the gaster. The artery of the gall bladder was demonstrated to emanate from the left branch of the celiac artery in all of the red falcons examined, excluding one. The right branch of the celiac artery was determined to ramify into its terminal branches, namely, the right inferior gastric artery, ileocecal artery, pancreaticoduodenal artery, duodenojejunal artery and gastroduodenal artery, in the proximity of the pylorus which constitutes the gastro-duodenal passage.

An 8-hour-old Andalusian colt was referred to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the University of Cordoba due to weakness, lateral recumbence, diarrhoea and absent sucking reflex. At admission the foal was obnubilated, with cold limbs, pale mucous membranes, tachycardia and diarrhoea. Laboratory results revealed increased hematocrit and total protein concentration, hyperfibrinogenemia, leukopenia, azoetemia, hypertrygliceridemia and a decreased IgG level. A diagnose of failure of passive transfer of immunoglobulins and hyperlipaemia was made. On the third day of hospitalization the foal presented painful and swollen joints, abdominal distension and fever. The ultrasonographic study at this point showed abundant hypoechogenic free fluid content in the peritoneal cavity. Abdominocentesis demonstrated a high peritoneal creatinine:serum creatinine ratio. Culture of the peritoneal fluid was Clostridium spp. positive. Necropsy revealed a tear in the internal umbilical remnant. The final diagnosis was uroperitoneum secondary to rupture of the urachus associated with a Clostridium spp. infection. New emerging aetiologies responsible for uroperitoneum, either by septic urachitis or omphalophlebitis, are emerging. Nonetheless, cases of uroperitoneum induced by Clostridium spp. infection are rare and constitute a new and important finding for equine neonatal medicine. In addition, the hyperlipaemic status in this animal could be a plausible cause leading to septicemia and subsequent uroperitoneum.

Differences between the oak lepidopteran communities were studied in Slovakia in 1993 and 1994. Sampling was undertaken between April and October on 3 oak species. Biological traits of larvae were examined in order to explain differences in seasonal guilds among oaks. Cluster analysis shows similarities between communities in the flush feeder guild where the results were influenced mainly by temporal variability; in the late spring guild mainly by site; factors influencing summer feeder and autumn feeder similarities remain unclear. Detrended Correspondence Analysis (DCA) was used to investigate the main gradients explaining variability in communities. Results indicated that the host specificity along axis 1 (A1) and larval ballooning along axis 2 (A2) were important in the flush feeder guild; larval feeding strategy along A1 and the degree of defoliation by Lymantria dispar along A2 were important in late spring feeders; the year of study along A1 and host specificity along A2 were important in the summer feeder guild; and adaptation to lower quality of food along A1 and host specificity along A2 for the autumn feeder guild. The results are discussed.

: In 2009, the IASB and FASB started a public discussion and commenced work on a project referring to the recording of leasing in financial statements of companies using the International Accounting Standards for reporting. Contrary to most national regulations, the current solution of the IAS and US GAAP require a completely different recording of operative and financial leasing in financial statements, and consider the transfer of risks and leasing rewards as the main criteria for their division. Such an approach, however, has been repeatedly criticized by many users of financial statements, because transactions that are very similar or even identical economically are caught up in a completely different manner depending on whether the recording entity evaluates the leasing subjectively. It may even lead to the manipulation of recording according to the requirements and intents of the recording entity. This contribution analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of some discussed procedures, in particular of those which could replace the current standards in the future (recording based on the use of the concept of right to use), and various effects on the report on the financial situation and profit or loss development when using the current methods or the newly suggested methods during the existence of leasing. The impact is demonstrated on a specific example of business premises leased by an entity conducting business in agriculture. We also focus on different approaches of the IASB and FASB to some related issues, for example concerning the update of the applied incremental interest rates, the conditioned parts of rent and the guarantees for the residual value.

Soil microbial biomass is a dynamic force driving soil phosphorus cycling in soils. The temperature, time and method for killing soil organisms in soil biomass P determination are so important factors that affect the results. The aim of this study was to compare some methods of soil sterilization and soil microbial P (Pm) release in extraction with NaHCO₃. Five samples of calcareous soils in three replicates were incubated in field capacity and 28°C. The texture of soils differed from loamy sand to sandy loam. They had 10-15% equivalent calcium carbonate, 1-3% organic carbon and 40-90 mg/kg available P content. After 1, 10, 30, and 50 days of incubation a portion of each soil was sterilized by five methods (chloroform fumigation, autoclaving at 121°C for 0.5 h, oven drying at 70°C for 48 h, oven drying at 180°C for 2 h, and ultrasonification). Phosphorus of the sterilized and control soils were extracted with 0.5M NaHCO₃ (pH 8.5) and determined spectrophotometrically as blue molybdate-phosphate complexes under partial reduction with ascorbic acid. Results showed that the method of soil sterilization and soil type had significant effects on biomass P estimated in soils (P < 0.01). There were no significant differences between extracted biomass P at chloroform fumigation, autoclaving at 121°C for 0.5 h, and oven drying at 70°C for 48 h. However biomass P was significantly more extracted from soil by oven drying at 180°C for 2 h and by ultrasonification. Fixation of Pm in soil during the extraction period can reduce the precision of biomass P estimates. This effect was more obvious in biomass P determination by fumigation and oven drying at 70°C for 48 h. Biomass P determined by these methods and autoclaving had positive and significant correlations with soil sand contents, respectively due to long sterilization period and temperature. Ultrasonification released more P from these calcareous soils especially at the start of soil incubation. It released higher microbial P and reduced P sorption in soils; biomass P determined by this method compared to other methods had relatively higher correlations with fungi, glumales spore and P solubilizing bacteria numbers in soil.

The aim of this study was to compare the degree of root rot damage in two large complexes of Norway spruce stands established on former agricultural land at fertile sites. The root rot infection was observed on the stump cutting area on both intended and salvage clear fellings. Stands in Kružberk area in the Nízký Jeseník Mts. established on arable land showed very poor stability and large root rot damage at the age of 40-50 years. In contrast, stands in Lužná area in the Javorníky Mts., founded on former sheep pastures, were markedly much less damaged at the age of 90-110 years and proved to be able to provide quality timber, although they were damaged by the root rot as well.

Twenty fungal species were isolated from sclerotia of ergot (Claviceps purpurea) originating from rye. In in vitro tests with the anamorphic stage of ergot (known as Sphacelia segetum) high mycoparasitic activity was exhibited only by two of them - Clonostachys rosea and Trichoderma harzianum, moderate mycoparasitic activity was detected in Ulocladium sp., Clonostachys catenulata, Trichoderma hamatum, and Trichothecium roseum. In in vitro tests of mycoparasitic activity with sclerotia of the fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum their rapid and total destruction was brought about only by the fungi Clonostachys rosea and Trichoderma harzianum. The viability of overwintering ergot sclerotia in the soil was influenced by their placement, age, depth of placement and treatment with a conidial suspension of the fungus Clonostachys rosea. The highest viability values were reported in fresh one-year-old sclerotia. In two-year-old sclerotia their viability was reduced and their sensitivity to microbial activity was higher. The sclerotia aged 3 years or more did not germinate and were all microbiologically degraded in the soil. More than 80% of degradation of sclerotia which were 1 to 2 years old was caused by the fungus Clonostachys rosea. The degradation of sclerotia aged 3 to 4 years was brought about by bacteria, soil edafauna (mites, nematodes) and fungi of the genera Trichoderma, Fusarium, Clonostachys, etc.

The composition of high molecular weight (HMW-GS) and low molecular weight (LMW-GS) glutenin subunits was examined in a collection of 86 Czech registered winter wheat varieties. These proteins were analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. An inter-varietal polymorphism of the HMW and LMW glutenin subunits was detected. Twenty-one different patterns for HMW were identified, and eighteen for the LMW-glutenins. The different alleles encoded at the six glutenin loci were determined. Three, six, and four alleles were observed, respectively at the Glu-A1, Glu-B1, and Glu-D1 loci (encoding high HMW-GS). Three, eight, and three alleles of LMW-GS were found, respectively, at the Glu-A3, Glu- B3, and Glu-D3 loci. The evaluated varieties were split into four categories of baking quality, and these variety groups were analyzed for the presence of different HMW-GS and LMW-GS alleles. While the alleles Glu-B1c (7+9), and Glu-D1d (5+10) were detected exclusively in bread wheat varieties, the alleles Glu-B1d (6+8), Glu-D1a (2+12), and Glu-A3e/f only occurred in those varieties that are not suitable for bread-making.

A study was conducted (I) to determine rumen degradability (in sacco) of dry matter (DM) and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) of the most important grass species grown in the Czech Republic, (II) to compare grass species (n = 5) according to calculated degradation parameters, and (III) to establish prediction equations for degradation parameters from chemical composition. Forty samples of the most important grass species (Dactylis glomerata, Phleum pratense, Lolium perenne, Festuca arundinacea, Felina hybrid) were harvested in 2004 and 2005 and analyzed for chemical composition, and DM and NDF in sacco degradability. Results from the in sacco method were used to calculate DM and NDF degradation parameters. Linear and stepwise multiple regression analyses were used to develop prediction equations for DM and NDF degradation parameters from nutrient concentrations. The highest DM and NDF degradation parameters were found for Lolium perenne. DM and NDF rumen degradation parameters were successfully predicted from chemical composition, with a single predictor adequate for most parameters. For all parameters R²-values increased with addition of more predictors into regression equations. Effective degradability (ED) of DM calculated at a rumen outflow rate (k) of 0.05 h^-1 was the best predicted by NDF (R² = 0.878), and ED of NDF at k = 0.02 h^-1 by crude protein (CP) (R² = 0.653).

The settlements situated on broad flat floodplains of rivers are threatened by floods during increased water flows in the rivers. The floodplain of the Dyje river situated in the area between the Nové Mlýny water reservoir and Břeclav has been protected from former annual floods since the 70s of the last century due to the water-management measures. The realised measures including the construction of the new floodway protect the town of Břeclav as well. A long-term research into the soil water regime of the floodplain forest is underway in the region. The results obtained document its historical evolution and current status. Only in the early April of 2006 (i.e. after 34 years), an unexpected "flash flood" occurred again due to a specific climatic situation. The combination of the high snow cover in higher parts of the basin and a rapid warming up caused an intensive runoff. The so-called dry polder (floodplain forests, meadows and fields) above Břeclav protected the town and its infrastructure from potential catastrophic consequences.

Fresh and frozen seafood products (fish, shellfish, crustaceans, molluscs) in wide use in Croatia and typical of the Mediterranean diet, were examined for the presence of microbiological contamination through the winter and summer seasons. Total bacterial counts of aerobic mesophilic bacteria (AB), aerobic psychrophilic bacteria (AP), Salmonella spp., Enterobacteriaceae, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, sulphite-reducing clostridia (SRC), Listeria monocytogenes, Vibrio cholerae and V. parahaemolyticus were measured. The microbiological quality of individual samples varied widely between animal species and also between winter/summer seasons regarding total counts of aerobic mesophilic and psychrophilic bacteria. The poorest quality was for (both summer and winter) fish samples, where 66.6 % of fresh and frozen fish were found unacceptable by Croatian standards. The overall prevalence of V. parahaemolyticus was 5%. Its recovery rate was higher in fresh/frozen shellfish in both seasons than in other specimens or other storage/season conditions. Fresh crustaceans sampled in winter demonstrated significantly higher aerobic mesophilic counts than frozen ones. Unacceptable Enterobacteriaceae levels were obtained in 40% of the fresh fish summer samples. The results of this survey constitute an indicator of bacteriological contamination of a variety of seafood. The findings could serve as a basis for future testing of seafood, and possibly as a template for developing a regional/Mediterranean testing scheme on the microbial contamination of seafood in order to establish data with comparative epidemiological and statistical values.

Papers on mycobacteria in food, feed and water, published between 1945 and 2010 and indexed in the database Web of Science^® (Thomson Reuters) were ranked according to authors, institutions, countries and source titles. The total number of papers on mycobacteria and food and mycobacteria and water were 1486 and 1419, respectively. More than 40% of papers have been published in the last five years. In addition to publications in peer reviewed journals the archives of ProMED-mail and the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed of the European Union were also searched. It is evident that much attention is being paid to mycobacteria in food, feed and water as they likely pose a public health risk.

In 2005, 2006 and 2008 the virulence of wheat leaf rust population was studied on Thatcher near-isogenic lines with Lr1, Lr2a, Lr2b, Lr2c, Lr3a, Lr9, Lr10, Lr13, Lr15, Lr17, Lr19, Lr21, Lr23, Lr24, Lr26 and Lr28. Samples of leaf rust (141 in total) were obtained from different parts of Slovakia. Resistance gene Lr9 was effective to all tested isolates except three isolates from 2008. No virulence was found to Lr19 and genes Lr24 and Lr28 were also highly effective. Low incidence of virulence to Lr2a was observed. Sixty-five winter wheat cultivars registered in Slovakia were tested with seven leaf rust isolates in the greenhouse. Cultivar Bona Dea was the most resistant of all.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of organic (cattle manure) and inorganic fertilizers [composite NPK (15:15:15)] and natural zeolites on soil properties, vegetative growth and yield of apple plants grown on vertisol under Cacak conditions (Western Serbia). The results showed that the combined fertilization induced a decrease in acidity, an increase in humus content, a partial increase in total nitrogen (NTOT), and, primarily, a rise in available phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) levels. A highly significant (P < 0.01) interactive effect of the apple cultivars and nutrients on one-year-old shoot length and trunk cross-sectional area (TCSA) and a significant effect (P < 0.05) on yield per tree and yield per hectare were determined.

In Europe, Rumex obtusifolius L. is the most problematic grassland weed species, especially under the conditions of organic farming. The aims of this study were (1) to investigate the effectiveness of repeated mechanical weeding of R. obtusifolius from the permanent sward, cut two or three times per year, by digging the plants out from 5 cm below the soil surface, and (2) to test the effect of nutrient availability on the effectiveness of mechanical weeding. In 2007, the manipulative experiment was established on permanent grassland infested by R. obtusifolius using the following fertilizer treatments: control, P, N, NP and NPK. Plants of R. obtusifolius were removed eight times during three vegetation seasons. No significant decrease in the density of R. obtusifolius was recorded after three vegetation seasons and density was not significantly affected by fertilizer treatment. The cover of R. obtusifolius decreased slightly, but significantly, over the study period from 7.5% to 4.5%. The cover of R. obtusifolius was only marginally affected by fertilizer treatment. Mechanical weeding by digging the plants out from 5 cm below the ground is not a sufficient method of control for R. obtusifolius in infested fertile grasslands, even when applied eight times during three vegetation seasons.

The goal of this study was to compare the growing degree-days (GDD) and predictive equations for alfalfa quality (PEAQ) for the prediction of lucerne quality and to test their accuracy and suitability in the first cut period in Central Bohemia. Several additional stand parameters were verified in order to increase the accuracy of the quality estimate under these environmental conditions. In 2004-2007, the measurement and sampling were repeatedly realized from the late vegetative to the early bloom stage in six replications. For the GDD model across the years, the obtained R² for NDF, ADF and CP were 0.40, 0.57 and 0.65, respectively. It seems that the forage quality response to accumulated GDD was related to the stand development and it could be the reason for low R² across all the years. For the PEAQ model, R² were 0.62, 0.92, and 0.85, respectively. Similarly like in the GDD model, the effect of stand development across the years on changes in the slopes of equations was observed. The accuracy of the model combination was not higher in comparison with the PEAQ model. The count of stems per plant, density of stems per m², dry matter yield and average stem weight improved the NDF content prediction within a four-year period. In these models, variables which represent the stand development should be taken into account.

We report three pigeons euthanized in a small household breeding facility, where there was suspicion of an avian tuberculosis outbreak. For rapid identification of Mycobacterium avium subsp. avium direct conventional multiplex PCR was used. Nodular lesions were found on the livers of all three birds, the intestine of one bird and the kidney and ovaries of another. The liver samples and a further 18 tissue samples were examined. Acid-fast rods were detected in all the tissue samples after Ziehl-Neelsen staining. Isolation and diagnosis of M. a. avium (serotype 1 containing IS901) from 17 tissue samples was confirmed using conventional multiplex PCR.

Bird skin has a number of specific properties. The uropygial gland is a significant skin gland in many species. The secretion of this gland is particularly necessary for maintaining physical characteristics, including feather waterproofing. In some bird species this gland secretion has a repellent effect against potential mammalian predators; in other species it affects the final colour of feathers. In the investigated species of storks (genus Ciconia), secretions of the uropygial gland have been found to be mixtures of monoester waxes, diester waxes, triester waxes and triglycerides. Wax diesters were also found in the red knot Calidris canutus (order Charadriiformes). Lipid substances in the secretions of the rock dove (Columba livia) consist mainly of unsaturated fatty acids (59% secretion; mostly oleic acid - 37%, linoleic acid - 6% and arachidonic acid - 7%). Free fatty acids, which are decomposition products of epidermal lipids, can regulate microbial colonization of skin (e.g., by modification of pH); a shift of these values was detected in poultry in battery husbandry. Analysis of fatty acids from lipids shows the influence of age, diet, and also the relationship to feather pecking - the individual composition affects the smell and taste, and thus the attractiveness to other individuals. The antibacterial activity of skin secretions has been demonstrated. Secretions of the hoopoe (Upupa epops) have besides the function of maintenance of physical properties of feathers also a repellent effect on parasites and predators. Its active substance is a peptide bacteriocin, produced by strains of Enterococcus faecalis. This substance is active against a number of both G + and G-bacteria and helps to sustain the nest hygiene, it is also effective against Bacillus licheniformis that produces keratin-decompositing enzymes. A similar antimicrobial activity of uropygial secretion against bacteria which degrade feathers was demonstrated in the wild house finch Carpodacus mexicanus. Changes in skin microflora have been demonstrated in parrots kept for breeding in comparison with those living in the wild, which may have significance for husbandry practices and veterinary care. Passerines of the genus Pitohui and Ifrita living in New Guinea store in their skin and feather batrachotoxins, which they receive from food - beetles of the genus Choresine. These toxins are active against parasites (e.g. lice - Phthiraptera). In contrast, substances that act as potential attractants for hematophagous insects (e.g. mosquitoes of genus Culex) were found in the skin of chickens. Alcohols, ketones and diones were detected in these substances. The composition of uropygial gland secretions may be a guide in assessing the relatedness of bird species. Feather waxes can be analyzed also from old museum specimens. Lipid-enriched organelles, multigranular bodies in the epidermis mean that zebra finches (Taeniopygia castanotis) are facultatively waterproof, which appears to have a function in protecting the organism against dehydrating when water is unavailable.

The paper shows difficulties in the evaluation of the forest status when considering forests with different height structure (uneven-aged forests). It is the main problem in categorizing such forests. Concerning the actual forest management conception in Slovakia, it is assumed that the area of forests with close-to-nature management system will increase. It leads to more structured forests, as for the tree species, age, height, as well as the spatial structure. The typical vertically homogeneous forests account for only 50% of all Slovak forests, according to results from the National Forest Inventory in Slovakia (NFI SR). During the processing of NFI data the stands were divided into 2 classes as follows: (i) vertically homogeneous stands, which are classified into nine growth stages; (ii) vertically heterogeneous stands, which are classified into two growth stages (lower and advanced), and stands in the process of regeneration. New approaches are not based on the visual subjective estimation of forest homogeneity, but on objective analyses of measured values from inventory plots (tree heights, diameters, and age). The paper shows a new approach to the classification of forest stands on an example of the variability of measured heights on inventory plots from NFI.

The article describes the concentration process, structural changes and competitiveness in the German agri-food sector over the last decade. This descriptive analysis aims to outline the developments at the individual stages of the food chain and to identify the challenges the sector will face in the upcoming years. The study is based mainly on the data published by the German Statistical Office and the ZMP1, and the evaluation of the primary and secondary literature sources. The data shows that small and medium-sized enterprises were sustainable alongside the large ones and have played an important role in the German agriculture and food processing sectors in the recent years. Various business strategies can be expected to make the coexistence of small and large-scale enterprises also possible in the future.