Central Slovakia Research Articles

Some safety aspects of enterococci isolated from Slovak lactic acid dairy product "žinčica".

In Slovakia, dairy products made from ewes' milk have a long tradition. These products include the lactic acid product called "žinčica" which is a by-product occurring during the preparation of ewes' lump cheese. There is no information in the literature regarding the special properties of the microbiota, especially lactic acid Firmicutes, which can survive in "žinčica." From the safety aspect, enterococci are a controversial group of bacteria, and those from "žinčica" have never been tested for their properties. The "žinčica" used in our study was supplied by several different agrofarms producing ewes' lump cheese in central Slovakia. The species Enterococcus faecium (strains EF30E1, EF32E1, EF34E1, EF34E5) and Enterococcus faecalis (strains EE30E4, EE35E1, E31E2, altogether 7) were detected in samples from "žinčica" identified using MALDI-TOF spectrometry with secure genus identification/probable species identification and then confirmed by means of PCR. Enterococci were hemolysis-negative and the genes of the typical enterococcal virulence factors were mostly absent; the gelE gene was found in two E. faecium strains (EF30E1 and EF32E1), the agg gene was detected in E. faecalis EE35E1, and the esp gene was found in two E. faecalis strains (EE30E4 and EE31E2). No strains harbored the cytolysin A gene. Biofilm formation was detected in four strains (EF30E1, EF32E1, EF34E1, and EF34E5), indicating highly positive and low-grade positive biofilm formation. Enterococci were mostly susceptible to antibiotics tested for their phenotype. This is the first study to analyze enterococci in "žinčica."

The Bioindication Evaluation of Ground Beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) in Three Forest Biotopes in the Southern Part of Central Slovakia

Abstract Ground beetles (Carabidae) were used to evaluate the bio indication environmental incidence. The ground beetle material (2,341 individuals, 30 species) was collected between 2015 and 2017 using pitfall traps in three types of forest habitats with different disturbance rates. The comparison of carabid’s sensitivity as bio indicators has been evaluated by using three methods: (i) community index of ground beetles (IKS), (ii) ellipsoid biovolume (EV) and (iii) flight ability of the carabids. Using the Monte Carlo permutation test, we did not record the statistically significant changes in IKS values, nor does a change in the representation of carabids in the bioindicative group A, E and R. On the contrary, we confirmed the statistically significant changes in the average values of ellipsoid biovolume in biotopes and between biotopes (the Friedman and Kruskal-Wallis test -ANOVA (p-value = 0.00)). A higher number of macropterous species were recorded in biotopes with high disturbance as compared to the biotopes with low disturbance.

Troglodytes troglodytes – probable destructor of eggs of Cinclus cinclus

Interspecific or intraspecific destruction of eggs by other small bird species (Passeriformes) is a relatively rare behaviour. It is known from studies of several new world species from families Mimidae and Troglodytidae, but it has never been documented in the Eurasian wren (Troglodytes troglodytes). While studying the breeding biology of the white-throated dipper (Cinclus cinclus) in northern part of Central Slovakia, we documented seven events (frequency 1.8%) when Eurasian wren occupied a dipper’s nest during the breeding season. None of these breeding attempts by the dippers was successful. In all cases, the breeding pairs abandoned their nest. Except of these seven cases, we also found an abandoned nest (situated in the nest box under a bridge) with damaged eggs of the white-throated dipper. According to the intact nest bottom, we hypothesise that the nest was not predated. Here we probably describe the first case of egg destruction by the Eurasian wren in Europe.

What are the main drivers affecting the pattern of bryophyte life history traits at two contrasting spoil heaps?

In this paper we analysed the relationship between chemical elements (Hg, Cu, Pb, Zn, Ni, Co, As, Cd, Cr, Fe, Al, Ba, Mn, P, Ca, Mg, K and Na) recorded in the upper soil (10 cm from surface) in each relevé plot, 11 environmental variables (coverage of tree, shrub, herbaceous and bryophyte layers, elevation, slope, proportion of rocks, soil depth, soil temperature, soil moisture and soil pH) and bryophyte life history traits at two spoil heaps with different mineralogical composition in Central Slovakia (Hg-spoil heap Veľká Studňa and Cu-spoil heap Podlipa). Vegetation composition and environmental data were sampled by stratified random sampling in defined physiognomic vegetation types. The results of the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed that at both spoil heaps, bryophyte functional traits were mostly arranged along the successional gradient, which may also be interpreted as a moisture gradient. The results of the Redundancy Analysis (RDA) showed that at both heaps, the statistically most significant environmental variables explained a similar portion of the overall variability (20.6% at Veľká Studňa and 21.3% at Podlipa). Similarly to the PCA analysis, the proportion of rocks and the coverage of tree layer had the most significant effect on the functional traits of bryophytes at both sites. Other significant factors included soil temperature and coverage of herbaceous layer for the Hg-spoil heap, and elevation for the Cu-spoil heap. Our results also suggest that the acrocarpous (i.e. erect) mosses are more metal-tolerant than pleurocarpous (i.e. prostrate). Analysis by bryophyte traits seems to be an appropriate approach to analyse successional processes and factors that influence them in various habitat types, inculding spoil heaps.

Risk Analysis of the Motorway Routes in Landslides Area

During monitoring measurements of the slope stability performed before construction of the D1 motorway in central Slovakia, a significant activation of landslides was observed in a motorway section long about 2 km. Such deep and active landslides were not taken into consideration during design stage. Therefore, it was decided to reassess the realization of the motorway in the originally designed route and to assess the possibility of choosing more favourable alternative route. To decide which alternative is the best one, a risk analysis of feasibility of the original (surface variant V1) and a newly proposed route (tunnel variant V2) were performed. In the article, the risks are assessed in detail - such as qualitatively or quantitatively expressed functions of probability of occurrence of certain hazards and magnitude of its adverse consequences on vulnerable motorway sections and objects (vulnerability) within a certain time period (exposure). The considered exposure is usually the construction period or the service life of the motorway and its objects. The analysis focused on geological, geotechnical and hydrogeological risks. However, the decisive risk was the interference of the motorway route with the landslide area. Risks of the variant V1 were evaluated for 10 sections and in the V2 variant four sections have been evaluated. The results of the risk analysis revealed that 35.5% of the V1 route was classified to the highest risk, grade 5. In variant V2 only 8% of the route was classified to grade 5. So, it was advisable to consider changing the original motorway route with the alternative one. In the present, works to begin building the motorway in the new route, which was also recommended by the risk analysis, are underway.

Origin and behavior of radionuclides in sediment core: a case study of the sediments collected from man-made reservoirs located in the past mining region in Central Slovakia

The analyzed sediments were taken from the man-made reservoirs (Velka Richnava, Rozgrund and Vindsachta) located in an area intensively mined for polymetallic ores since the end of the eleventh century (Banska Stiavnica region, Central Europe). The aims of this study were to determine the radioactivity of natural (226Ra, 228Th, 210Pb) and artificial (137Cs and 241Am) radionuclides, compare the radionuclides’ distribution, and indicate the correlation of radioisotopes and their origin related to sediment properties. Two analytical techniques were used. 228Th, 226Ra, 241Am, and 137Cs were measured by means of gamma spectrometry and 210Pb was determined by its daughter radionuclide 210Po using alpha spectrometry. The results showed that the highest mean level of 226Ra (42.6 Bq·kg−1), 228Th (49.7 Bq·kg−1) and 210Pb (75.2 Bq·kg−1) was in the sediments collected from Rozgrund. The radioactivity of 137Cs and 241Am were present at a higher level in the layer related to Chernobyl (1986) accident and nuclear weapon test (1950/1960). The distribution of natural radionuclides was quite similar in all reservoirs. Chemometric analysis confirmed the radionuclides’ origin and correlation between the analyzed parameters.

Analysis of The Joint Impact of Synchronous Discharges in Estimating the Flood Risk: Case Study on Hron River

The paper presents the methodology of bivariate statistical analysis of the joint impact of synchronous discharges in estimating the flood risk on Hron River and its tributary Slatina in Central Slovakia. Basic statistical analysis approach gives satisfactory results in the case of simple systems, for example, where the main river does not capture major tributaries. These conventional approaches may not give satisfactory results for the evaluation of flood risk in situations where floods occur on two or more rivers and join together at the same time. As input data mean daily discharges were used. Some Archimedean copula functions as a mathematical tool for joint as well as conditional probability distribution calculation of the synchronous variables were used. This class of copulas is popular in empirical applications for flexibility, easy construction and includes a whole suite of closed-form copulas that covers a wide range of dependency structures, including comprehensive and non-comprehensive copulas, radial symmetry and asymmetry, and asymptotic tail dependence and independence. The first part of the paper presents the preparation of the input data and choice of appropriate marginal probability distributions. The next part, presents the testing and selection of the appropriate copula function for the bivariate joint statistical analysis of the synchronous discharges. Tested Archimedes copula functions have achieved relatively equal calculated distribution probabilities. Probabilities calculated using the Gumbel-Hougaard copula function achieved the least error of the estimation. This copula function has been selected as the most appropriate for illustrating the joint distribution probability and consequently to determine the joint probability of occurrence of the synchronic discharges. The results showed that the joint probability of maximum discharges is relatively low, but not unlikely. In the context of climatic extreme events, statistical techniques such as event coincidence analysis will be relevant for investigating the impacts of anthropogenic climate change on human societies and ecosystems worldwide. The results obtained by the bivariate analysis of the variables which characterize the hydrological regime can contribute to a more reliable assessment of the flood risks.

RELIEF RELICS OF HISTORICAL MINING NEAR ĽUBIETOVÁ (CENTRAL SLOVAKIA) –POSSIBILITIES FOR MONTANISTIC (MINING) RESEARCH USING AIRBORNE LASER SCANNING (LIDAR)

The study deals with the history of Cu (±Ag)- and locally Fe- ore mining in the locality Peklo near Ľubietová in central Slovakia.  The emphasis is on the evidence of mining in the local landscape relief during the period of 16th to the 19th century. Anthropogenic landscape changes were examined on the basis of written archival documents, cartographic sources and field research. An important part of the investigation was the use of data obtained from aerial laser scanning (LIDAR) to research mining anthropogenic relics in the contemporary landscape. The study deals with the identification of these shapes in situ, their morphological and morphometric properties. The conclusion points to the positives, but also the negatives of the methodical use of LIDAR data in the mining research of historical relief relics. Keywords: LIDAR, laser scanning, mining research, historical relief relics   DOI 10.35180/gse-2019-0023

Доходная база районных городов в Словацкой Республике

The primary self-governing unit of the local self-governing body in the Slovak Republic is a municipality. Its fundamental role is to take care of the comprehensive development of the municipal territory and the needs of its inhabitants. Currently, there are 2,890 municipalities in Slovakia, of which 140 are towns. Since these towns/cities play an increasingly important role in the economic, social and cultural development of the state, we deal with the evaluation of the economic results of the district towns in our article. We definethe assumption that the level of financial self-sufficiency is influenced by the level of economic maturity of the territory where the city is located. The research findings suggest that the indicator of financial independency achieves the highest values in those towns located within the territories of Western and Central Slovakia, thus, in the most economically advanced areas of the country. The towns located within these areas are more populated because of better employment opportunities and low unemployment rates. The fiscal decentralization assumed an increase of own tax revenues of local self-government, however, the goal has only partially been fulfilled. The most significant item of tax revenue is personal income tax, which is the only one with the character of a share tax. The redistribution amount and criteria of this tax are beyond the power of the towns, although the revenues from this tax are included in their own tax revenues. Since there are considerable differences in the economic levels of parts of the country and there are changes in the demographic structure and natural conditions, there is a need to re-assess the redistribution criteria of this tax into the budgets of the towns in Slovakia. We assume that this will result in a reduction of the differences in the scope and quality of provision of public services provided by these towns.

Selenium-Rich Ag–Au Mineralization at the Kremnica Au–Ag Epithermal Deposit, Slovak Republic

Selenium-rich Au–Ag mineralization has been discovered in the Kremnica ore district, central Slovakia. The mineralization is hosted by a single quartz–dolomite vein hosted by Neogene propyllitized andesites of the Kremnica stratovolcano. Ore mineralogy and crystal chemistry of individual ore minerals have been studied here. The early base-metal ore mineralization composed of pyrite, sphalerite, and chalcopyrite lacks selenium, whereas the superimposed Au–Ag paragenesis is Se-enriched. The Au–Ag alloys, uytenbogaardtite, minerals of the galena–clausthalite series, acanthite–naumannite series, diaphorite, miargyrite, pyrargyrite–proustite, polybasite group, minerals of the tetrahedrite group and andorite branch (andorite IV, andorite VI, Ag-excess fizélyite), freieslebenite, and rare Pb–Sb sulphosalts (scaiinite, robinsonite, plagionite) have been identified here. Besides selenides, the most Se-enriched phases are miargyrite, proustite–pyrargyrite, and polybasite–pearceite, whose Se contents are among the highest reported worldwide. In addition, one new phase has been found, corresponding to a Se-analogue of pearceite containing 2.08–3.54 apfu Se. The style of mineralization, paragenetic situation, and chemical trends observed in individual minerals are comparable to those of Au–Ag low-sulphidation epithermal Au–Ag mineralizations of the Kremnica and neighboring Štiavnica and Hodruša-Hámre ore districts. However, the pronounced enrichment in selenium is a specific feature of the studied vein only.

Carabid communities (Coleoptera, Carabidae) in differently managed forage legume stands in the Podpoľanie region (Central Slovakia)

Abstract The paper presents the results of studies on the communities of Carabids from the land registry area of the Očová village (Podpoľanie region, Central Slovakia). The research was carried out in two consecutive vegetation periods on two different agricultural plots with alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.): the first of them (locality Nadhájniková) was managed intensively, and the second one (locality Koteľnice) was characterized by a nature-friendly, low-input agro-environmental management form, without application of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. On the studied sites, the observed species composition of Carabidae was similar. Neverthe-less, the higher total number of individuals and the higher species richness were typical for the nature-friendly managed plot in Koteľnice. On both plots, the highest abundances were reached in Poecilus cupreus, Pterostichus melanarius and Pseudoophonus rufipes. On the intensively managed plot in Nadhájniková, however, the abundances of all these species were markedly lower. Our results suggest that the studied component of epigeic fauna finds better ecological conditions on the sites with the nature-friendly management form.

The highest documented occurrence of Crocidura leucodon in the Western Carpathians (Eulipotyphla: Soricidae)

Abstract A dead individual of C. leucodon was found in the Lower Tatra Mts. (Central Slovakia, Western Carpathians). The site is situated in the westernmost part of the main ridge of this mountain range at the altitude of 1,150 m a. s. l. The prevaling habitat is a mountain meadow surrounded by spruce and beach-maple forests. In Central Europe, the species usually occurs in lowland and hilly areas, records above 600 m a. s. l. are very rare. The finding of C. leucodon in the mountain ridge at this extraordinary altitude is the highest documented occurrence of the species in the Western Carpathians and Central Europe as well. It is probably related to expansion of the species range in the recent decades and its spreading to higher altitudes, which is more common at the southern border of its distribution area.

Finding equilibrium in continuous-cover forest management sensitive to interest rates using an advanced matrix transition model

Continuous-cover forestry is a management alternative that seeks to provide more diverse forests for continual multi-purpose benefits. Whether there is an economically-optimal equilibrium of uneven-aged forest can be tested deterministically by varying interest rate i. To answer this question, optimisation focused on maximising the net present value for the long-term period was performed using the Subplex algorithm integrated within a density-dependent stand-level matrix transition model. A regular-grid inventory of mixed uneven-aged forests in the West Carpathians, Central Slovakia, was used to parameterise the model. The results showed that a steady state can be reached that is characterised either by a near equilibrium at an i of 1% and higher, or by a continuous fluctuation at an i of 0% and 0.5%. When starting optimisation with a real stand situation with i of 2% and higher, deviations from an equilibrium state appeared both at the beginning and end of the optimisation run. The conclusion is therefore to only interpret the middle-stabilised sequence from the long-term optimisation results as a real equilibrium. Considering the individual target diameter specific for crown size and stem quality of trees within the extended matrix model improved the financial results by 7%. Crown size, representing tree vigour and growth potential, was more important for the improvement of financial results compared to stem quality related to timber price.

The role of organo-zeolitic material in supporting phytoremediation of a copper mining waste dump

The effect of applying organo-zeolitic (OZ) amendment in supporting phytoremediation of a copper mine waste dump, using a substrate obtained from Ľubietová, Central Slovakia, was studied. Three plant growth substrates were prepared: (i) the untreated substrate sample from the contaminated site (D–O), (ii) the contaminated sample treated with OZ material, with 82% D–O and 18% OZ (DO + OZ), (iii) the soil from a reference site (R). The largest amount of dry biomass was obtained from the DO + OZ sample. Whole plants grown on the original substrate (D–O) were accumulating a high concentration of Cu (3057 mg kg−1). The plants root grown on DO + OZ sample accumulated highest Cu concentrations (3127 mg kg−1), but in their aerial part, only 83.54 mg kg−1 was accumulated. The translocation factor’s lower than the unit values prove that these plant species do not transfer heavy metals from root to shoot, this is why their heavy metal excluder role is evident. The value of the bioconcentration factor of the DO + OZ root/substrate obtained to be greater than the unit for Cu, Pb, Zn, Cd, Co, Ni, and Mn, suggests the OZ material’s positive contribution in the phytoremediation process that can be applied for these waste dumps.

Urban facilities in the quality of life research: a case study of Banská Bystrica city (Central Slovakia)

Urban facilities in the quality of life research: a case study of Banská Bystrica city (Central Slovakia)

Succession pattern at two mineralogically different spoil heaps in Central Slovakia

Plants colonize post-mining areas such as spoil heaps even without human interference, by spontaneous succession. Knowledge of this process, its direction and role in shaping the vegetation is desirable not only from an ecological point of view but also in the application of remediation techniques of such environmental burdens. The aim of our study was to analyse plant species composition and to describe a succession pattern at two mineralogically different spoil heaps near the city of Banska Bystrica (central Slovakia). Hierarchical cluster analysis was used in PC-ORD software to classify physiognomic vegetation types (PVT) at heaps and synoptic tables were generated in Juice software according to species percentage of frequency and their median cover. At the Hg-heap Veľka studňa we recorded a total of 335 taxa of vascular plants and 83 taxa of bryophytes within 21 identified PVT, which were grouped into 4 clusters (forest, wetland, grassland and ruderal cluster). A total of 111 taxa of vascular plants and 76 taxa of bryophytes were recorded at the Cu-heap Podlipa and here 9 PVT formed 3 clusters (initial, non-forest and forest cluster). At both heaps PVT, represented as individual successional stages, formed a distinct continuum along the moisture gradient (in dry and wet areas). We can consider both heaps as species-rich with different diagnostic and constant species and a development of various microhabitats. In addition, bryophytes greatly contribute to species composition and richness and their assamblages in initial stages of succession can be important towards the higher ones.

Lungworm infections in dogs from Central Europe

Angiostrongylus vasorum and Crenosoma vulpis are parasites in the respiratory tract of domestic and wild carnivores. Recently, an increasing number of lungworm infections in dogs has been recognized in Europe. In this report, the results of the first copro-epidemiological study of A. vasorum and C. vulpis in dogs from Slovakia are presented. The Baermann technique and the modified flotation method with zinc sulphate solution (specific gravity 1.2) was used for lungworm detection. In addition, conventional PCR was performed for species confirmation. The majority of lungworm infections were found in the eastern part of the country. A relatively high prevalence (4.13%) of A. vasorum was detected in different parts of Slovakia. Infection was detected most frequently incidentally in asymptomatic dogs. Within this study, crenosomosis was detected for the first time in dogs from Slovakia. Since one infected dog had no travel history, the case is considered autochthonous. An autochthonous case report of angiostrongylosis in a Hanoverian hound puppy from central Slovakia is also described.

Veronico beccabungae-Mimuletum guttati, a new plant community in Slovakia

Vegetation with high coverage by the alien species <em>Mimulus guttatus</em> was studied in the hilly regions of central Slovakia in 2015 and 2016. The floristic composition of these stands was recorded in ten phytosociological relevés corresponding to the <em>Veronico beccabungae-Mimuletum guttati</em> (alliance <em>Glycerio-Sparganion</em>) association. This association was reported for the first time in Slovakia in this study. This association was found to be closed or almost closed (mean coverage value of herb layer = 92%) and formed relatively species-rich stands (15 species per relevé), usually in narrow and small patches along the upper parts of streams and their spring areas in uplands at altitudes from 561 to 1,048 m. Localities with the <em>Veronico beccabungae-Mimuletum guttati</em> association were characterized by typical mountain climates, with both relatively low mean annual air temperature (5.5°C) and high mean annual precipitation (885 mm). While water temperature (~13°C) of these habitats varied considerably among streams (7.4–19.9°C), their herbaceous vegetation preferred neutral to slightly alkaline water (pH = 6.1–7.5) with low amounts of soluble mineral matter (~72.6 μS cm<sup>−1</sup>). This kind of vegetation was most often developed on sites with coarser sediments (stone, gravel, and sand) formed from crystalline bedrock. A comparison of vegetation data of the <em>Veronico beccabungae-Mimuletum guttati</em> association across Central Europe demonstrated considerable floristic variability among regions.

Influence of tree species and soil properties on ground beetle (Coleoptera: Carabidae) communities

Although Carabidae is among the best-studied families of beetles in Europe from the faunistic point of view, there is still a lack of available information on the ecological requirements of the particular carabid species. The habitat preferences that determine the distribution of species are largely influenced by habitat structure and microclimate. In addition to other factors, these habitat parameters are influenced by the nature of the vegetation. Therefore, our study investigated the influence of tree species on carabid beetle communities. We conducted the research at 9 stands in the Borová Hora Arboretum (Zvolen, Central Slovakia). Each studied site represents a monoculture of one of nine tree species. At each site, some soil and leaf litter attributes (pH, conductivity, and content of H, C, N and P) were evaluated. Ground beetles were collected by pitfall trapping during the vegetation periods in 2008–2011. In total, 3012 individuals of 29 species were obtained. Significant differences in the total dynamic activity and species richness of the carabid beetle communities among the compared forest stands were revealed. The results of the research confirmed statistically significant relationships among 1) the soil conductivity and both the richness and Shannon diversity of the ground beetle communities, 2) the litter and soil N content and richness, the Shannon diversity and the species composition of the ground beetle communities. The Shannon diversity and richness were negatively related to the soil conductivity and positively related with the N content. Our research showed that dominant tree species indirectly influence diversity and composition of carabid communities via the soil properties.

What are the principal environmental filters driving species composition and succession on mineralogically different spoil heaps?

ABSTRACTThe relationship between selected environmental variables and plant species composition was studied on two mineralogically different spoil heaps (Hg and Cu) in Central Slovakia with contrasting reclamation approaches. Data on plant species composition were collected by stratified random sampling in defined physiognomic vegetation types. A detrended correspondence analysis showed that most of the variability in species composition was related to the succession gradient from open communities with a low cover of vascular plants to forest vegetation, and to the moisture gradient. Variance partitioning by canonical correspondence analysis revealed that most of the variability in plant composition was related to the content of various heavy metals (27.8% at the Hg-spoil heap and 28.3% at the Cu-spoil heap), but a significant relationship was found only for Mn. Other significant factors comprised soil moisture, pH and P content for the Hg-spoil heap and soil temperature and Ca content for the Cu-spoil heap. Although heavy metal content explained most of the variability in species composition, the relationship was caused by the correlation of heavy metal content with other environmental variables rather than by a direct causal relationship.