Central European Region Research Articles

Raw material trade and/or itinerant artisans? Data for a diachronic study of the trade in copper raw materials and finished products in the Carpathian Basin

AbstractCopper is one of the most important raw materials in the Carpathian Basin, and its extraction, processing and trade can be traced at least from the Bronze Age to the Middle Ages and beyond. Drawing on a variety of sources and research methods, the authors explore the patterns of distribution of this raw material in Europe. The aim of the diachronic analysis is to uncover the networks of connections – commercial, cultural, and migratory – that can be traced over the long term in the Central European region. It also draws attention to other, less stable links in the Carpathian Basin, which have also influenced the history of the region in certain periods.

Etnocentrizam među potrošačima u odabranim zemljama srednje Europe

By employing surveys, this paper aims to conduct a cross-national comparison of ethnocentric behaviour in three neighbouring countries in the Central European region. The level of ethnocentrism, expressed by a reduced CETSCALE, is measured and assessed using six demographic indicators and four products. Responses to the reduced CETSCALE show that Polish respondents are more ethnocentric than Czech and Slovak respondents and that Slovak respondents are more ethnocentric than Czech respondents. However, only the differences between Czechia and Slovakia, and between Czechia and Poland are statistically significant. The strongest level of ethnocentrism among Poles is also evident when analysing consumer opinions on the four selected products. As far as possible differences in the ethnocentric consumer behaviour of the population are concerned, the analysis revealed that age and permanent residence in the three selected countries are discriminating factors. The study is original in that it combines two levels of investigation and examines three neighbouring countries simultaneously.

Improving Agri-environmental Schemes: Suggestions from Farmers and Nature Managers in a Central European Region

Agri-environmental schemes (AES) are important policy instruments within the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) of the European Union for environmental protection. Due to the voluntary nature of AES, their attractiveness to farmers and stakeholders involved in nature management and protection (nature managers) is essential for high participation levels. This study aims to assess farmers’ and nature managers’ ideas to improve agri-environmental schemes. We analyzed suggestions of 825 farmers and 118 nature managers for improvements of AES collected in a large-scale survey in Bavaria, Germany. A content analysis was applied to categorize and compare suggestions by farmers (differentiated into two groups through a cluster analysis) and nature managers. The results reveal that stakeholders were highly willing to share ideas and made detailed suggestions for improvements and individual measures. They were aware of the importance of protecting nature and promoting biodiversity in agricultural landscapes and acknowledged the necessity of (financial) support programs. Farmers placed more emphasis on the practicability and profitability of measures on arable land, while nature managers tended to propose policy-related ideas focusing on nature protection, biodiversity, and specific species. Among farmers, suggestions differed with farm characteristics such as the operation mode (full-time, part-time). These findings can support the design of future AES, accounting for different background situations and thereby increasing acceptability. This includes considering perspectives from different stakeholder groups and creating regionally adapted programs with varying levels of flexibility and practicability.

Agricultural land succession rules in the Visegrád countries and the relevant case-law of national constitutional courts

This study aims to review and compare the agricultural land succession rules in four countries of the Central European region, namely Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Poland, and Hungary (the Visegrád countries), using a comparative method. The results show that, in the case of Slovakia and the Czech Republic, there are no specific rules on the inheritance of agricultural land; the general succession rules of civil law shall be applied. The same is true in Poland, where there are no specific regulations that differentiate the inheritance of agricultural property or farms from other types of property. However, some specific rules can be found in the Act of April 11, 2003, on the Shaping of the Agricultural System. On the contrary, in the case of acquiring ownership of agricultural land by inheritance, in addition to acquiring it by testamentary disposition, the Hungarian legislator introduced several special rules for acquiring it by intestate succession. Furthermore, in connection with the research topic, the inheritance tax issues, and the relevant case-law of the national constitutional courts are examined in detail.

Utjecaj tehnologije proizvodnje na preživljavanje i rast jednogodišnjih sadnica Quercus pubescens na rubu Panonskog bazena

Querqus pubescens has relatively wide distribution in Europe, but dominated forests are quite common in South Europe, while they are confined to warm microclimatic conditions in central Europe. On the edge of the Panonnian basin Q. pubescens is mainly found on the edge of its native range, in isolated populations which have an important role in examining the adaptive potential, especially considering that the forest-steppe and sub-mediterranean climate is predicted to be the dominant climate in some regions of Central Europe in future. There are very limit knowledge about Q. pubescens forest establishment and restoration in continental climate today. This study provides information about stocktype effect on seedlings success after outplanting in very competitive conditions. Although bareroot seedlings were larger in the nursery, container seedlings had better survival and growth on the field. Generally, low survival rate for both stocktypes (mean survival 47.60 %; container seedlings 55.41%; bareroot seedlings 41.41%) can be assessed as consequence of uncompetitive seedlings and lack of vegetation control.

Hop cultivation vs. weather – an eternal theme

The course of weather conditions during the growing season, but also beyond it, decides the economics of hop cultivation every year. Ongoing climate changes manifested by more frequent occurrence of compound hot and dry waves affect hop cultivation not only in the Czech Republic, but in the entire region of Central Europe. The paper evaluates the harvest results (yields, alpha acid content) of four Czech hop varieties in the period 2019–2022 with a focus on the weather diametrically opposed vintages 2021 and 2022 on a specific agricultural farm in the Žatec (Saaz) hop-growing region. While the 2021 vintage was rich in precipitation in the decisive vegetation phase, the 2022 vintage was very dry and hot. The age of the plants significantly influenced the alpha acid content of the varieties Saaz, Sládek and Premiant independently of the vintage. Young growths of the Saaz variety contained at least 60% rel. more alpha acids than older growths (more than 5 years old), while the increase in the Sládek variety was 30–40% rel. and in the Premiant variety 20–25% rel. In the case of the variety Agnus, the age of the plants did not have a demonstrable effect on the content of alpha acids. In 2021 the yields of all varieties were negatively affected by the calamitous occurrence of downy mildew. In 2022, the rainfall deficit was so large that it could not be fully compensated even by the maximum use of drip irrigation. Of the evaluated varieties, the Agnus variety coped best with the different weather conditions of the assessed vintages. This shows that the cultivation of climate resistant varieties is one of the promising but time-consuming ways to face the expected climate changes. Other options include regular renewal of hop growths, consistent regionalization, i.e. planting hop in locations that are suitable for the given variety and efficient use of irrigation systems.

Primary Localized Cutaneous Amyloidosis in Central Europe: A Retrospective Monocentric Study on Epidemiology and Therapy.

Amyloid deposits can be the cause of many chronic diseases. Primary localized cutaneous amyloidosis (PLCA) is a chronic dermatologic condition with amyloid deposits in the papillary dermis. The most common types of the keratinocyte-derived form of PLCA include macular (MA), lichen (LA), and biphasic (BA) amyloidosis. The estimated prevalence of PLCA in the Asian population is 0.98/10,000, which is higher than in the European population; thus, epidemiologic data on PLCA in the Caucasian population are limited. We performed a retrospective single-center study analyzing epidemiologic characteristics of a Central European PLCA population. Epidemiologic data regarding age, sex, skin phototype (Fitzpatrick scale I-VI), disease duration, comorbidities, history of atopy, and family history of PLCA were collected. Clinical characteristics, localization of PLCA lesions, applied therapies and treatment outcomes were also analyzed. Dermoscopic characteristics were also evaluated. A total of 41 patients diagnosed with PLCA were included, with 22 presenting with macular, 18 with lichen, and 1 with biphasic amyloidosis. The male/female ratio was 16/25, and mean age at diagnosis was 54.6 ± 15.2 years (range 27-87 years). The mean age at the onset of PLCA was 53 ± 16.1 years (range 19-79 years) in MA, 46.7 ± 18.2 years (range 14-73 years) in LA, and 26 years in BA. The interscapular region in MA and the extensor surface of the lower extremities in LA proved to be localization-related areas. In our center, a wide range of therapeutic options was applied, with the most prescribed being topical corticosteroids in all types of PLCA. We presented a retrospective, monocentric study on the epidemiology of PLCA in the Central European region. By examining the medical data of a significant number of PLCA patients, we compared our epidemiologic data with that of the Asian PLCA population. Due to the rarity of the condition, further randomized controlled trials and guidelines are needed to improve therapeutic outcomes.

An investigation of the influencing factors of value added tax collection effectiveness in EU Member States

AbstractTax evasion is reducing the revenues of public budgets of many European Union (EU) Member States (MS). To improve the effectiveness of tax collection, during the last decade authorities in several MS have taken measures to reduce the value added tax (VAT) gap (i.e., revenue received as a percentage of theoretical liability). In the Central and Eastern European region, VAT gap reduction measures have been implemented effectively in Hungary and Poland, whereas in Romania the effectiveness of these measures is very low: Romania has been the worst-performing EU MS in collecting VAT for more than 10 years. Our study analyses the factors influencing this VAT gap. Our analysis relied mainly on a fixed effects panel regression model, using for a balanced panel an individual and time fixed-effects with cluster-robust standard errors model, and for the unbalanced panel the fixed-effects regression with individual-specific slopes. Our results show that the size of the VAT gap is primarily influenced by five variables: the transparency index, the tax collection ratio, the law enforcement index, the VAT revenues ratio and the digitisation index.

The effects of temperature on pathogenicity of entomopathogenic fungi for controlling larval populations of the European grapevine moth (Lobesia botrana) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)

The European grapevine moth (Lobesia botrana) is currently the most damaging pest in many viticultural regions of South and Central Europe and is highly responsible for the development of secondary infections by Botrytis cinerea to both table and wine grapes. Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) are considered as substantial biological control agents of insect pests. However, they are able to infect their hosts only under a narrow spectrum of environmental conditions. In this study, the effects of temperature on pathogenicity of EPF for the control of L. botrana are reported. Among a collection of 33 EPF isolates, six virulent isolates were selected for the experiments. The bioassays took place at controlled conditions, under the temperature regimes of 20, 22.5, 25, 27.5, 30, and 32.5 °C. A conidial concentration of 1 × 108 conidia/ml was prepared for each isolate, and fungi were applied by spraying them on third-instar larvae (L3) of L. botrana. Both factors, fungal isolate and temperature, significantly affected mortality of L. botrana. Most fungal isolates exhibited their highest larval mortality rates seven days post-treatment at the temperatures of 25 and 27.5 °C. Some isolates caused considerably high larval mortality that exceeded 90% under specific temperature conditions. Overall, EPF showed great potential as bio-control agents for controlling larval populations of L. botrana.

Limitations of precipitation reconstructions using equilibrium-line altitudes exemplified for former glaciers in the Southern Black Forest, Central Europe

Abstract To further elucidate the Late Pleistocene glacial history of mid-elevation mountainous regions in Central Europe, 10Be cosmic-ray exposure (CRE) dating was applied to moraines in the Zastler Tal Valley in the Southern Black Forest. Periods of glacier recession from moraines in this valley began no later than 16 ka, 15 ka, and 13 ka. CRE ages of moraines in this and other parts of the Southern Black Forest cluster around 17–16 ka and 15–14 ka, thus suggesting a common forcing of glacier recession. Equilibrium-line altitudes (ELAs) during moraine formation were calculated for precipitation reconstruction. Observed spatial discrepancies in ELAs at ca. 15–14 ka are explained best by the size of snow-contributing areas. The reconstructed annual precipitation at the ELA for ca. 16 ka and ca. 15 ka is affected by large uncertainties, representing a wide range from ~50% to ~150% of present-day values. Due to various factors, such as drifting snow, the lower bounds of the estimates appear most realistic, thus concurring with the common hypothesis of less precipitation during the last glacial termination than today in Central Europe. Further research is needed before ELAs of small ice masses can be employed for precise precipitation estimates.

Międzysektorowe powiązania produkcyjne Europy Środkowej i Wschodniej z Chinami po wprowadzeniu Cyfrowego Jedwabnego Szlaku

Cross-sectoral production links of Central and Eastern Europe with China after the introduction of the Digital Silk Road China increasingly marks its presence in the global economy through services that enrich traditional manufacturing (servitization of manufacturing). In this article, the Central and Eastern European (CEE) region is analysed in the context of this phenomenon. Because of the ongoing development of the relevant economies, only advanced services were examined, equating these with ICT services. The aim of the article is to assess the share of Chinese ICT services in the industrial production of CEE, in particular in the computer, electronic, and electrical equipment industry after the introduction of the Chinese Digital Silk Road. The study confirms that China is increasingly enriching CEE manufacturing with its services; however, the intensity differs depending on the economy considered.

European larch sapwood: A model for predicting the cambial age and for a more accurate dating

European larch (Larix decidua Mill.) holds significant importance as a forest tree species throughout the Alps and in certain regions of central Europe. Its extensive use as construction timber has made it a subject of substantial interest in dendroarchaeological studies aimed at understanding the long-term interactions between human societies and forests. Precise dating of felling phases, accurate estimation of the age of harvested wood, and information on the geographical origin of wood play a crucial role when it comes to characterize these interactions. In this study, we compiled a large dataset of L. decidua samples from across the European Alps to provide a robust statistical model that predicts the cambial age of L. decidua trees based on the number of heartwood rings. By extension, this model can be used to estimate the number of sapwood rings so as to approximate the felling date and to more precise date archaeological larch timber. The model requires almost complete heartwood sequences (<5 missing rings) to achieve accurate estimations. Our results also evidence that the ratio between the number of sapwood and heartwood rings varies across the Alps. At the same time, the indicator developed in this work is not suitable for a determination of wood origin, raising doubts about the effectiveness of attempts aimed at dendroprovenancing L. decidua based on sapwood.

Political Effects on FDI in the CEE Region: Two Cases of Connectivity and Decoupling from the West

The article studies two cases of political impacts on FDI in the Central and Eastern European (CEE) region. The first case covered 15 CEE countries focusing on FDI sensitivity to democracy and elections during their connectivity with the West from 1991–2019. The panel data multi-factor linear regression method gives some arguable results that show that the fall of democracy increases FDI in CEE economies. It is explained by the FDI’s priority of economic scale and growth over the level and direction of democratic development. At the same time, Western connectivity provides an environment for economic growth in the CEE economies. The second case describes the political effects of decoupling from the West on the China–Belarus Industrial Park (CBIP) in 2020–2022. Based on the event study methodology and field survey of 21 residents of the CBIP, the findings show the negative effects of decoupling on the volume of Chinese capital, the number of registered residents, their profit, payback period, and reliance on government support. Both the cases also demonstrate the drop in FDI during election years. JEL Classification F21, P16, O52

Ecological solutions for freight trains

The article presents the potential of freight railway transport in terms of saving of emissions and maximizing the efficiency of operation. Attention is paid to the transport of freight trains on electrified lines with higher gradients (up to 25‰), alternatively with the possibility of a trip to non-electrified lines and sidings, which generate significant extra costs in the operation of trains and are often a reason for the carrier to deploy a locomotive of independent traction (diesel-electric) even in electrified line sections, even at the cost of increased operating costs and increased emissions. There are many such lines and possibilities of use within the Central European region and the Czech Republic.In the first part of the article, the basic categorisation of dual-mode freight locomotives and their suitability for individual operating programmes is presented. This part also describes current situation on the rolling stock market in general and directions of development taken by various locomotive manufacturers.Case studies of deployment of real freight locomotives on chosen Czech railway lines are used in the next part to present the possibilities for energy and cost savings when replacing a vehicle with independent traction by an electric or dual-mode locomotive, at least in sections equipped with overhead catenary. The pros and cons of using several possible solutions are described in detail. Further considerable savings can be achieved by, among other things, using regenerative braking and returning the generated electricity back to the catenary system when driving downhill. In this respect, however, it is also necessary to cooperate with the infrastructure manager, who must also adapt the railway lines to the operation of these vehicles.Finally, general rules for operational deployments on which the replacement of a conventional vehicle by a dual or pure electric vehicle can be considered are formulated.

Rhynchostreon oyster assemblages across the Central European region: Three types of environment and an alternative view in the intraspecific variability of Rhynchostreon suborbiculatum (Lamarck, 1801)

The morphological variability in Rhynchostreon suborbiculatum (Lamarck, 1801) is a well-known phenomenon in the Cretaceous palaeobiology. The current study focuses on two morphotypes differentiated by the presence/absence of radial ribs on the apical part of the left valve, while the fusion of palaeoecological and morphological results allows the study of the evolution of R. suborbiculatum under specific environmental conditions. Based on analyses of grain size, concentration of major oxides and oyster taphonomy in five Cenomanian–Turonian oyster-bearing localities, three habitats that differ in substrate, energy level and salinity regime were recognised: the dynamic Cenomanian nearshore environment (environment B), the Turonian hemipelagic environment (environment C) and the Cenomanian–Turonian marginal marine environment influenced by river dynamics (environment A). An analysis of the size distribution and morphotype structures of three palaeopopulations of R. suborbiculatum shows lithofacial dependence in morphotype distribution, indicating substrate granularity and level of environmental energy. The higher prevalence of ribbed morphs in smaller size classes as well as in fine-grained deposits suggests that apical ribbing is an adaptive trait with a stabilising effect, especially during the early growth stages or when colonising low-energy environments with very soft substrates. The distribution of the large size classes, combined with the shell thickness and vaulting, suggest that the compensation provided by the ribs is insufficient in high energy environments, where strong waves, turbulent flow, and higher sedimentation rates are the main selection pressures. Thus, other adaptations, such as body size and massiveness of the shell, become more critical for the survival of individuals.

Demographic dynamics between 5500 and 3500 calBP (3550-1550 BCE) in selected study regions of Central Europe and the role of regional climate influences.

With their rich Late Neolithic to Early Bronze Age archives, the Circumharz region, the Czech Republic/Lower Austria region, and the Northern Alpine Foreland are well-suited for research on potential links between human activities and climate fluctuations of this period with pronounced archaeological changes. In this paper, we reconstruct the rate and density of the available 14C data from 5500 to 3500 calBP (3550-1550 BCE). We ask to what extent population patterns varied over time and space, and whether fluctuations in human populations and their activities varied with local/regional climate changes. To answer these questions, we have compiled an extensive list of published radiocarbon dates and created 14C sum calibrations for each region. We also compare population dynamics with local and regional palaeoclimate records derived from high-resolution speleothems. At the regional scale, the results suggest a causal relationship between regional climate and population trends. Climate and associated environmental changes were thus at least partly responsible for demographic trends. These results also allow us to question the motivation for the construction of so-called "Early Bronze Age princely tombs" in the Circumharz region during a period of population decline. Among other things, it can be argued that the upper echelons of society may have benefited from trade relations. However, this process was accompanied by ecological stress, a cooling of the winter climate, a decline in the total population and an increase in social inequality.

Mental health of older parents with migrant adult-children in Europe

Abstract Background As migration patterns continue to shift across Europe, an increasing number of older parents are experiencing the departure of their adult children. This phenomenon has been linked to higher levels of stress, isolation, and loneliness among left-behind parents, which may lead to poor mental and physical health. This study aimed to investigate whether adult children's outmigration is associated with the mental health of older parents in different regions of Europe. Methods The Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) Wave 8 was used to investigate the impact of adult child migration on depression of older parents in four European regions: Western, Northern, Southern, and Central and Eastern Europe. Results A total study sample was 23,185 older parents composed of Western (5,458), Central and Eastern (10,397), Southern (4,063), and Scandinavian (3,267) Europe. Preliminary results showed that there was a regional difference in the health effects of adult children outmigration in Europe. From the bivariate analysis, older parents in Central and Eastern (F = 4.756, p = 0.003) and Southern (F = 4.675, p = 0.003) regions showed significant differences according to their adult children's migration status while Western and Northern Europe regions did not show the difference in depression levels. According to a multiple regression model, compared to those having no migrant child or all children lives within 500km, those in Central and Eastern Europe region with all (p &amp;lt; 0.001, β = 0.423) or some (p &amp;lt; 0.001, β = 0.309) of adult children were over 500km away were statistically more depressed even after considering extensive other factors. Conclusions The outmigration of adult children can profoundly affect the mental health of older parents left-behind in Central and Eastern Europe, emphasizing the need to recognize left-behind parents as a vulnerable population at risk for developing mental health issues.

Prioritization of spatial protection of Šumava National Park, Czechia: comparing reality and the model

ABSTRACT Natural processes and biodiversity are under pressure, especially in the human-dominated region of Central Europe. Therefore, an effective approach is needed for the conservation of the last fragments of valuable habitats. Šumava National Park is one of the biggest relatively natural forested areas within the cultural landscapes of Czechia and Central Europe. It has been protected since 1991 as a National Park, but management has been changed several times; thus, we would like to create a map with nature protection prioritization based on objective procedures and data to help manage the National Park with regard to its goals. We used occurrence data for 50 selected key fauna and flora species and made habitat suitability models; furthermore, data derived from the habitat mapping layer describing the quality of habitats were prepared. These data were inputs for prioritization ZONATION software resulting in a prioritization map, which could be compared with the current zonation of the National Park.

Longitudinal trend of urolithiasis incidence rates among world countries during past decades

IntroductionThis study explores the trend of urolithiasis in various countries and categorizes the countries in terms of how their urolithiasis incidence rate has changed over time.MethodsThe incidence rate of urolithiasis in 204 countries from 1990 to 2019, extracted from the Global Burden of Disease study, has been analyzed.ResultsAccording to the results, all regions had experienced an increasing trend in urolithiasis rate, except for Eastern Europe, Central Europe, and Southeast Asia regions (decreasing rates of -71.4, -56.2, and -9.2 per 100000, respectively). Moreover, the Caribbean region had the highest increasing trend of urolithiasis rates, and Central Asia was in the next rank (increasing rate of 48.3 and 34.3 per 100,000, respectively, p-value < .05). Also, African regions revealed significant increasing trends over time (p-value < 0.05). The outstanding findings in cluster analysis showed that Afghanistan, Andorra, and Comoros had the most decreasing trend in urolithiasis rates over time (decreasing rate of -128.2 per 100000, p-value < .001). Cuba, Cyprus, Czechia, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Denmark, and Djibouti were in the next rank in terms of decreasing rate (decreasing rate of -92.3 per 100000, p-value < .001). In addition, urolithiasis rates in Congo, Eswatini, Gabon, and Grenada have the most increasing trend (increasing rate of 116.1 per 100000, p-value < .001).ConclusionThe trend of urolithiasis rates was significantly increased in most countries, and Congo, Eswatini, Gabon, and Grenada had the highest trend among others. Also, Afghanistan, Andorra, and Comoros revealed the most decreasing rates, and the trend has dropped remarkably in several other countries.

Significance of Phosphate Nano-Fertilizers Foliar Application: A Brief Real-Field Study of Quantitative, Physiological Parameters, and Agro-Ecological Diversity in Sunflower

One of the challenges in agriculture practices is guaranteeing an adequate and bioavailable phosphorus supply for plants on phosphorus-deficient soils. A promising alternative lies in the utilization of phosphate nano-fertilizers (NFs) through spray applications. Therefore, this short-term study aimed to investigate the yet undetermined widespread impact of P-NFs on crops characterized by broad leaves, an intensive rate of photosynthesis, and belonging to the oilseed plant, sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.). To achieve this, NFs were applied at lower concentrations of various phosphate-based NFs, including (i) nano-hydroxylapatite (nano-Hap) and (ii) a mixture of nano-calcium zinc phosphate and macro-sized parascholzite (nano/macro-ZnPhos), in comparison to the NF-free control. The study was carried out under authentic field conditions during the 2022 vegetation season at the Dolná Malanta site within the Central European Region. The empirical evidence presented herein indicates that the utilization of biocompatible and bioactive nano-Hap, initially engineered for biomedical applications, and nano/macro-ZnPhos, now foliarly applied at reduced concentrations, elicited a statistically significant elevation in quantitative parameters and seasonal physiological responses. The parameters analyzed included head diameter, dry head weight, seed yield per hectare, nutritional seed oiliness, etc. as well as the physiological normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), stomatal conductance index (Ig), and crop water stress index (CWSI). In terms of agro-ecological terrestrial bio/diversity, it was evident that the nano/macro-ZnPhos was the most hospitable variant for the terrestric insect community, but surprisingly, the agronomically more popular nano-Hap showed only statistically insignificant changes in the diversity of the detected communities. However, the relevance of outcomes highlighted using nano-fertilizers, supporting the concept of precision and sustainable agriculture under field conditions.