Central European System Research Articles

Environmental impact of an anthropogenic groundwater temperature hotspot

Heat emitted by buildings and other infrastructure accumulates in the subsurface. This additional heat can cause a pronounced shift in thermal boundary conditions of the important groundwater ecosystem. Shallow groundwater systems in Central Europe are often inhabited by communities of fauna adapted to cold and stable conditions as well as microorganisms, whose activity is dependent on ambient temperatures. At a local groundwater temperature hotspot of up to 23 °C, caused by a water park, we assessed the environmental impact of this thermal alteration on the shallow groundwater system. The results show that the overall groundwater quality at the site is influenced by anthropogenic land use, compared to wells in a nearby water protection zone. However, neither hydrochemical nor ecological characteristics of groundwater from wells in the vicinity of the water park indicate any significant dependence on temperature. Hence, we conclude that in this eutrophic and anoxic aquifer moderate heat stress does not lead to significant alterations in terms of hydrochemistry as well as microbiological properties. Due to the overall low oxygen concentrations (<1 mg/l), stygofauna is present only occasionally and cannot be used as bioindicators. These results have to be verified for other aquifer types and would benefit from a more in-depth analysis of microbial community composition.

John Paul II and Opposition Activities in Soviet Bloc Countries

The purpose of this article is to present the role of Pope John Paul II in the overthrow of the Communist system in Central Europe based primarily on the scientific literature on the subject and the published documents. The author’s attention is focused, for obvious reasons, on Poland, as well as on neighbouring countries with a significant number of Catholics within their borders: Czechoslovakia, Hungary and the Republic of Lithuania within the Soviet Union. John Paul II’s visit to the People’s Republic of Poland on 2–10 June 1979 went down in history as “nine days that changed the world”. The pilgrimage was the catalyst for changes in social awareness in Poland, leading to the creation of Solidarity in 1980. In the following years, the pope sustained the spirit of resistance in Polish society during the harsh period of martial law and beyond. Under his inspiration, the church played a mediating role in the 1989 Round Table talks between the authorities and the opposition. The election of Karol Wojtyła, a cardinal from a neighbouring country, and the subsequent activities of the new pope had a profound impact on the revival of the religious life of Catholics in Czechoslovakia and Lithuania. Breaking the barrier of fear resulted in more substantial involvement of Catholics in opposition activities. The revival of the Church in Hungary was less successful, but the personality and teaching of John Paul II encouraged Catholics in that country, too, in opposition activities against the Communist regime.

Paretic complications of tick-borne encephalitis and Lyme neuroborreliosis in the Czech Republic: Characteristics and clinical outcome

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) and Lyme neuroborreliosis (LNB), the most common tick-borne diseases of the central nervous system in Central Europe, are frequently associated with pareses. The aim of this study was to characterise paretic complications in patients with TBE and LNB, including their severity, persistence and impact on the patients' quality of life. Our retrospective observational study included patients with aseptic CNS infection due to TBE virus or Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato. Paretic complications were evaluated in the acute phase and the patients were followed up until complete regression or long-term stabilisation of any neurological deficit. The severity of the neurological deficit was graded according to the modified Rankin Scale (mRS).A total of 823 patients (582 with TBE, 241 with LNB) was included. Paretic complications were diagnosed in 63 TBE patients (10.8 %) and in 147 LNB patients (61.0 %). In TBE, the most common neurological deficit was brachial plexus paresis in 21 patients (33 %) and bulbar symptoms in 18 patients (29 %). In LNB patients, facial nerve palsy was the most frequent neurological deficit (117patients; 79.6 %), followed by lower limb paresis in 23 patients (15.6 %). Forty-nine TBE patients and 134 LNB paretic patients completed follow-up. Paresis resolved within 3 weeks in 16 TBE patients (33 %) and 53 LNB patients (39.5 %), but the proportion of patients with paresis persisting for more than 12 months was significantly higher in TBE (34.7 vs. 3.7 %, p < 0.001). The mean mRS was significantly higher in TBE paretic patients compared to LNB (p < 0.001).Paretic complications are significantly more common in LNB than in TBE but pareses associated with TBE last longer than in LNB and considerably reduce the quality of life of patients. Prevention remains the only way to influence the long-term motor deficits of TBE.

Strategies for Continuous Balancing in Future Power Systems with High Wind and Solar Shares

The use of wind power has grown strongly in recent years and is expected to continue to increase in the coming decades. Solar power is also expected to increase significantly. In a power system, a continuous balance is maintained between total production and demand. This balancing is currently mainly managed with conventional power plants, but with larger amounts of wind and solar power, other sources will also be needed. Interesting possibilities include continuous control of wind and solar power, battery storage, electric vehicles, hydrogen production, and other demand resources with flexibility potential. The aim of this article is to describe and compare the different challenges and future possibilities in six systems concerning how to keep a continuous balance in the future with significantly larger amounts of variable renewable power production. A realistic understanding of how these systems plan to handle continuous balancing is central to effectively develop a carbon-dioxide-free electricity system of the future. The systems included in the overview are the Nordic synchronous area, the island of Ireland, the Iberian Peninsula, Texas (ERCOT), the central European system, and Great Britain.

Planning for wolf-livestock coexistence: landscape context predicts livestock depredation risk in agricultural landscapes.

Extensive pastoral livestock systems in Central Europe provide multiple ecosystem services and support biodiversity in agricultural landscapes but their viability is challenged by livestock depredation (LD) associated with the recovery of wolf populations. Variation in the spatial distribution of LD depends on a suite of factors, most of which are unavailable at the appropriate scales. To assess if LD patterns can be predicted sufficiently with land use data alone at the scale of one federal state in Germany, we employed a machine-learning-supported resource selection approach. The model used LD monitoring data, and publicly available land use data to describe the landscape configuration at LD and control sites (resolution 4km*4km). We used SHapley Additive exPlanations to assess the importance and effects of landscape configuration and cross-validation to evaluate the model performance. Our model predicted the spatial distribution of LD events with a mean accuracy of 74%. The most influential land use features included grassland, farmland and forest. The risk of livestock depredation was high if these three landscape features co-occurred with a specific proportion. A high share of grassland, combined with a moderate proportion of forest and farmland, increased LD risk. We then used the model to predict the LD risk in five regions; the resulting risk maps showed high congruence with observed LD events. While of correlative nature and lacking specific information on wolf and livestock distribution and husbandry practices, our pragmatic modelling approach can guide spatial prioritisation of damage prevention or mitigation practices to improve livestock-wolf coexistence in agricultural landscapes.

Integrating Interwar Czechoslovakia. A view from Slovakian Roads

Before 1918, modern-day Slovakia was part of the Kingdom of Hungary within the Austro-Hungarian Empire. In 1918, Slovakia became part of the new state of Czechoslovakia. This change necessitated, and produced, a wholesale transformation of its infrastructure. Trunk roads were redirected from Budapest westwards to Prague. In the new system builder’s visions, infrastructure alone had the power to bring Czechs and Slovaks together into one nation. From the 1930s onwards, as Germany started the construction of its motorway network, some engineers, entrepreneurs and politicians presented Czechoslovakia as a bridge between Eastern and Western Europe. Automobiles and motorways were modern and promising technologies also with economic importance. In my paper, I will show how roads as a technology were thus used by Czechoslovak politicians and engineers to achieve the integration of their young nation-state into a Europe reshaped by the conflict. This account illustrates the development of infrastructure systems in Central Europe from World War I to the interwar period

Impacts of monoculture cropland to alley cropping agroforestry conversion on soil N2O emissions

AbstractMonoculture croplands are a major source of global anthropogenic emissions of nitrous oxide (N2O), a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to ozone depletion. Agroforestry has the potential to reduce N2O emissions. Presently, there is no systematic comparison of soil N2O emissions between cropland agroforestry and monoculture systems in Central Europe. We investigated the effects of converting the monoculture cropland system into the alley cropping agroforestry system on soil N2O fluxes at three sites (each site has paired agroforestry and monoculture) in Germany, where agroforestry combined crop rows and poplar short‐rotation coppice (SRC). We measured soil N2O fluxes monthly over 2 years (March 2018–January 2020) using static vented chambers. Annual soil N2O emissions from agroforestry ranged from 0.21 to 2.73 kg N ha−1 year−1, whereas monoculture N2O emissions ranged from 0.34 to 3.00 kg N ha−1 year−1. During the rotation of corn crop, with high fertilization rates, agroforestry reduced soil N2O emissions by 9% to 56% compared to monocultures. This was mainly caused by low soil N2O emissions from the unfertilized agroforestry tree rows. Soil N2O fluxes were predominantly controlled by soil mineral N in both agroforestry and monoculture systems. Our findings suggest that optimized fertilizer input will further enhance the potential of agroforestry for mitigating N2O emissions.

Early Development Survival of Pelophylax Water Frog Progeny is Primarily Affected by Paternal Genomic Input.

Hybrid taxa exist in nature, but their fitness can vary greatly. Hybrids are usually thought to have lower viability and survival rate than parental species due to the occurrence of two different genomes and divergent evolution in each species. On the other hand, the hybrid vigour of the F1 generation may give hybrids an advantage in mixed populations where they have to live and compete with parental taxa. Post-zygotic selection with endogenous genetic mechanisms may be a significant evolutionary force in hybrid formation. Here we tested principles of post-zygotic reproductive dynamics in mixed populations of Pelophylax water frogs that would help us understand the origin and maintenance of such systems. Within experimental crosses, we combined various diploid Pelophylax genotypes resulting in 211 families. Statistical analysis of progeny was used to measure fertilization success, the rate of embryonic/tadpole mortality and the overall survival of the progeny till the time of metamorphosis. Using Generalized Estimating Equations models and variables defined by a mother/father included in mate pairs, we tested which factor best explains the successful embryonal development. The development of Pelophylax offspring significantly varied in survival rate and morphological malformations. These post-zygotic reproductive dynamics were driven by parental combinations of species pairs. The best values in the proportion of developing eggs, embryos, tadpoles and overall survival showed progeny of homospecific P. lessonae crosses. Total survival rates were relatively similar between L-E and R-E population systems but much lower than homospecific crosses in parental taxa. However, once the early stages passed this period, tadpoles mostly of hybrid hemiclonal origin performed even better than pure P. ridibundus progeny. Hybrid × hybrid crosses showed the highest mortality values. Statistical testing revealed that high mortality affected paternal genetic input. Combined three water frog taxa and both sexes provided patterns of post-zygotic reproduction dynamics of early development in the widespread population systems in Central Europe. The results further showed high survival rates of hybrid F1s created de novo from parental species despite significant divergence between P. ridibundus and P. lessonae DNA. Potential conservation measures of sexual-asexual systems in natural populations are discussed.

Variability of Nitrogen and Phosphorus Content and Their Forms in Waters of a River-Lake System

River-lake systems in Central Europe represent the majority of surface water system forms. In these systems lakes play an important role in river water quality. Published reports on the quality of surface waters in Europe indicate progressive deterioration of their quality, resulting mainly from increasing eutrophication. This study analyzed the content of two biogenic elements—nitrogen and phosphorus—and their mineral forms in the Głuszynka river, representative for the river-lake systems of Central Europe. The research was conducted in the hydrological years 2016–2018. The ecological status of the Głuszynka river, due to the “poor” status of both biological elements and physicochemical elements (content of phosphorus and nitrogen compounds), was classified as “poor.” In the period analyzed an increase in the content of nitrogen compounds was recorded in the hydrological year 2018. However, during the growing period a significant decrease in the content of total and nitrate nitrogen was observed, which was related to the activity of primary producers. For phosphorus compounds a slight increase of their content was observed during this period. This was associated with high tourist and recreational pressure on the analyzed system. Analyzing the spatial variability of biogenic compounds it was observed that along the course of the river the content of nitrite and nitrate nitrogen as well as total nitrogen increased at successive sampling points. An opposite trend of change along the river course was observed for phosphorus compounds (content of P-PO4 and total phosphate decreased by 14 and 15.9%, respectively). Statistical analyses carried out highlighted the relationship between water quality and land use in the direct catchments of lakes included in the river-lake network. Arable land was associated with higher the content of orthophosphorus phosphate, grassland total nitrogen, nitrite and nitrate nitrogen, while urbanization was strongly associated with ammonium nitrogen.

Russian-German Relations and the Resignation of Otto von Bismarck

The resignation of the first chancellor of the German Empire, Prince Otto von Bismarck, has been studied by German historians for a long time and from various points of view, but at the same time, due to the diversity of causes and controversial consequences, it is still a debatable problem. The relevance of the history of bilateral Russian-German relations remains unchanged, and even becomes significant at the present stage of European history. No one has specifically dealt with the issue of Russian-German relations and negotiations, as well as the identification of particularly acute issues that occupied both sides in the midst of the chancellor crisis in the winter-spring of 1890, and this article is intended to fill this gap. The main sources of the work were the reports, letters and telegrams of the Russian ambassador Count P. A. Shuvalov to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Empire N. K. Girs, stored in a special folder in the Secret Archive of the Minister of the Archive of the Foreign Policy of the Russian Empire (AVPRI). An analysis of these documents, some of which are being introduced into scientific circulation for the first time, shows: Russia&amp;apos;s main task was to achieve an extension of the Reinsurance Treaty, which would expired in the summer of 1890. The treaty ensured the stability of bilateral relations, which was one of the cornerstones of the security system in Central Europe and the Balkans. The more specific issue of the “Bulgarian loan” and the provocative activity of Austria-Hungary in Bulgaria, which Russia was extremely concerned about, was also connected with the Balkan region. The non-renewal of the Reinsurance Treaty, which was a result of Bismarck&amp;apos;s resignation, marked the beginning of the rapprochement between Russia and France and, consequently, the folding of the Entente, which meant that the main Bismarck&amp;apos;s fear — the “nightmare of coalitions” — came true and the further narrowing of mutually beneficial contacts between Russia and Germany, which single-handedly were the guarantee of peace in Europe.

Effects of wildflower strips, landscape structure and agricultural practices on wild bee assemblages – A matter of data resolution and spatial scale?

Agricultural systems in Central Europe were redesigned during the last century to attain maximum yields. The results often lead to homogeneous landscapes with only few structures of ecological value and have concurrently exacerbated habitat fragmentation. Perennial wildflower strips have become a significant agri-environmental measure (AEM) to counteract the ecological consequences for wild bees and other pollinators in agricultural landscapes. The effectiveness of AEMs depends on the landscape context, but information about geodata sources and spatial scales relevant for the analysis of landscape effects on wild bees is lacking. This study uses data from various sources on land cover and agricultural practices to assess their applicability in an evaluation of perennial wildflower strips as AEM for wild bees in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany. We investigated the relationships of wild bee species diversity and abundance to the landscape context at spatial scales from 200 m to 10 km considering several factors: land cover/land use, protected areas, crop types, agri-environment schemes/greening, intensity of agriculture, and intensity of grassland farming. In general, our results revealed that landscape effects were more relevant for solitary than social wild bees on flower strips, pointing to a higher limitation of solitary wild bees in nesting resources as compared to social wild bees. Numbers of wild bee species and individuals benefitted from bare soil and ecological focus areas in the surroundings up to 3 km distance, whereas the share of Red List solitary bee species was positively influenced by a variety of factors (e.g., wood structures and grasslands) especially at large scales up to 10 km. The comparison of models based on different land cover data sources showed that the lack of geodata resolution can mask landscape effects on wild bees. Altogether, our results suggest a high potential of data from the Basic Digital Landscape Model (DLM), together with the Integrated Administration and Control System (IACS), to indicate effects of landscape structures and agricultural practices on the species composition and distribution of wild bee assemblages in Germany.

Sheep in the Vineyard: First Insights into a New Integrated Crop–Livestock System in Central Europe

The multiple land use of agricultural areas is a building block for increased land use efficiency. Unlike monoculture, integrated crop–livestock systems optimally improve ecosystem services, making it an important field of research and application for adapting land use and food systems that have sustainability deficits. The integration of sheep in viticulture production is described as a promising example of an integrated crop–livestock system. While some studies of the integration of sheep into vineyards are already available for other parts of the world, there is still no research on its implementation in Central European viticulture systems. In order to fill this gap of knowledge, we conducted standardized interviews with 34 winegrowers who already graze sheep in their vineyards. The method allowed a wider overview of the implementation of the integrated crop-livestock system than would have been possible with other approaches. Furthermore, the authors kept sheep in their own vineyard for three years to evaluate the statements of the survey participants. The period during which sheep graze in vineyards is quite heterogeneous in Central Europe. Some farms use sheep only during vine dormancy; others also let sheep graze during a certain period in summer. There are also viticulture training systems where grazing is almost continuously possible. In Central Europe, summer grazing normally requires operational adjustments such as lifting the wires of the training system and branches of the vine; otherwise, the vines could be damaged. This option seems to be tailored to the training system in use. Some interviewees mentioned that sheep not only use the accompanying vegetation as fodder and therefore control the undervine growth, but in some cases, they were also able to replace other work processes, such as defoliating the grape zone or cleaning undesired vine shoots near the ground. However, a high additional workload due to livestock keeping was also mentioned by some survey participants. Some of the interviewees cooperate with shepherds, which could help to solve this challenge. Finally, we summarize possible opportunities and risks of this integrated crop–livestock system. Integrating sheep in vineyards seems to be quite feasible in the period of vine dormancy, whereas more information and considerably more effort is needed to integrate sheep during the vegetation period. Further research is needed to answer open questions especially for the necessary adaptions of the common vine training system or the implementation of alternative systems more suitable to combine with livestock keeping. Some practitioners found opportunities to merchandize the use of sheep in wine sales. This potentially unique selling point could be a solution for a broader consideration of sheep in vineyards.

Does the winter storm-related wind gust intensity in Germany increase under warming climate? – A high-resolution assessment

Destructive winter storms cause recurring major damage to physical, biological, human, and managed systems in Central Europe. Therefore, detailed knowledge of their future development in many areas of human life is of great importance for planning strategic management decisions. One feature to characterise the winter storm intensity is the daily maximum gust speed for a 10-yr return period (GS10yr). In this study, the development of GS10yr under the representative concentration pathways RCP45 and RCP85 in the near future (2019–2049), mid future (2044–2074), and far future (2069–2099) was assessed. Gust speed projections were derived from 19 regional climate models (RCM) available from the EURO-CORDEX initiative. The GS10yr estimates were first bias-corrected and then combined with the historical winter storm atlas for Germany (GeWiSA) yielding highly resolved (25 m × 25 m) GS10yr grids. The results which are available on a monthly basis, indicate a significant increase in winter storm-related wind gust intensity in October under RCP45 and in November and December under RCP85 towards the end of the 21st century. The proposed methodology allows the quantification of the uncertainty associated with winter storm projections and the development of climate-sensitive storm damage models.

Labour Market Success of Initial Vocational Education and Training Graduates: A Comparative Study of Three Education Systems in Central Europe

ABSTRACT This paper compares within-country programmes of initial vocational education and training (IVET) in Austria, the Czech Republic and Germany and their outcomes. Specifically, it aims to analyse and compare the labour market success of graduates of different tracks at the ISCED 3 level in both early and later stages of their careers. The comparison is based on the analysis of PIAAC 2013 OECD study data. A composite multidimensional indicator was constructed to measure labour market success and subsequently used as a dependent variable in regression models. The results indicate that in the systems with dual IVET at the ISCED 3 level (Germany and Austria), graduates are indeed more successful at the labour market than their counterparts with other ISCED 3 tracks. However, their advantage diminishes in later stages of the career. Additionally, in Austria, the success of dual education young graduates is mediated by individual characteristics. In the system with only school-based IVET (the Czech Republic), this track does not guarantee substantively higher labour market success for young graduates compared to other ISCED 3 tracks and also to those with lower education. Czech apprentices in the later stages of career succeed even less than those with below ISCED 3 education.

The\xa0Ponto-Caspian parasite Plagioporus cf. skrjabini reaches the River Rhine system in Central Europe: higher infestation in the native than in the introduced Danubian form of the gastropod Theodoxus fluviatilis

The introduction of non-indigenous organisms in new areas in the context of host-parasite interactions is still poorly understood. This study aimed at a parasitological and histopathological comparison of two phylogenetically distinct forms of the freshwater snail Theodoxus fluviatilis in the River Rhine system: the native Northern-European form, which showed a decline for unknown reasons and is nowadays extinct in the River Rhine, and the non-indigenous Danubian form, which was introduced via the Main–Danube canal. We histopathologically examined populations of Northern-European T. fluviatilis from three smaller rivers of the Rhine system and of Danubian T. fluviatilis from the River Rhine, after confirming the phylogenetic background of the respective population genetically. Results showed differences in the prevalence of trematodes and histopathologic organic alterations between the two snail forms. Both were infected with an opecoelid trematode Plagioporus cf. skrjabini, whereby its prevalence was significantly higher in the Northern-European than in the Danubian form. The parasitic trematode is, to our knowledge, a new trematode species in the River Rhine system, presumably co-introduced through the invasion of its second intermediate and final hosts, i.e. Ponto-Caspian amphipods and gobies. Its impact on native populations of Northern-European T. fluviatilis needs to be subject of future studies.

The Late Carboniferous deeply eroded Tharandt Forest caldera\u2013Niederbobritzsch granite complex: a post-Variscan long-lived magmatic system in central Europe

Samples and documentation of outcrops and drillings, facies analysis, whole rock geochemistry and radiometric ages have been employed to re-evaluate the Late Carboniferous Tharandt Forest caldera (TFC) and the co-genetic Niederbobritzsch granite (NBG) in the eastern Erzgebirge near Dresden, Germany. The c. 52 km2 TFC harbours strongly welded ignimbrites with a preserved minimum thickness of 550 m. Composition of initial fallout tephra at the base of the TFC fill, comprising lithics of rhyolitic and basic lava, and of silica-rich pyroclastic rocks, suggests a bimodal volcanic activity in the area prior to the climactic TFC eruption. The lower part of the TFC fill comprises quartz-poor ignimbrites, overlain by quartz-rich ignimbrites, apparently without a depositional break. Landslides originating from the collapse collar of the caldera plunged into the still hot TFC fill producing monolithic gneiss mesobreccia with clasts ≤ 1 m in a pyroclastic matrix. Aphanitic and porphyritic rhyolitic magma formed ring- and radial dykes, and subvolcanic bodies in the centre of TFC. Whole rock geochemical data indicate a high silica (most samples have > 73 wt% SiO2) rhyolitic composition of the TFC magma, and a similar granodiorite–granitic composition for the NBG. Based on drillings and caldera extent, a minimum volume of 22 km3 of TFC fill is preserved, the original fill is assumed at about 33 km3. This estimate translates into a denudation of at least c. 210 m during Late Paleozoic to pre-Cenomanian. Telescopic subsidence of the TFC took place in two, perhaps three stages. A possible TFC outflow facies has been completely eroded and distal TFC tuff has not been recognized in neighboring basins. New CA-ID-TIMS measurements on two TFC samples gave mean zircon ages of 313.4 ± 0.4 Ma and 311.9 ± 0.4 Ma; two samples from NBG resulted in 318.2 ± 0.5 Ma and 319.5 ± 0.4 Ma. In addition, for one sample of the ring dyke an age of ca. 314.5 ± 0.5 Ma has been obtained. These ages, together with field relations, allow for a model of a long-standing evolution of an upper crustal magmatic system (~ 5 Ma?), where pulses of magmatic injection and crustal doming alternate with magmatic quietness and erosion. Together with the Altenberg–Teplice Volcanic Complex, located some 10 km to the southeast, the TFC–NBG Complex represents an early post-Variscan magmatic activity in central Europe.

Critical Tectonic Limits for Geothermal Aquifer Use: Case Study from the East Slovakian Basin Rim

The Pannonian basin is a major geothermal heat system in Central Europe. Its peripheral basin, the East Slovakian basin, is an example of a geothermal structure with a linear, directed heat flow ranging from 90 to 100 mW/m2 from west to east. However, the use of the geothermal source is limited by several critical tectono-geologic factors: (a) Tectonics, and the associated disintegration of the aquifer block by multiple deformations during the pre-Paleogene, mainly Miocene, period. The main discontinuities of NW-SE and N-S direction negatively affect the permeability of the aquifer environment. For utilization, minor NE-SW dilatation open fractures are important, which have been developed by sinistral transtension on N–S faults and accelerated normal movements to the southeast. (b) Hydrogeologically, the geothermal structure is accommodated by three water types, namely, Na-HCO3 with 10.9 g·L−1 mineralization (in the north), the Ca-Mg-HCO3 with 0.5–4.5 g·L−1 mineralization (in the west), and Na-Cl water type containing 26.8–33.4 g·L−1 mineralization (in the southwest). The chemical composition of the water is influenced by the Middle Triassic dolomite aquifer, as well as by infiltration of saline solutions and meteoric waters along with open fractures/faults. (c) Geothermally anomalous heat flow of 123–129 °C with 170 L/s total flow near the Slanské vchy volcanic chain seems to be the perspective for heat production.

On the structural complexity of central European agroforestry systems: a quantitative assessment using terrestrial laser scanning in single-scan mode

Agroforestry systems provide important ecosystem functions and services. They have the potential to enrich agricultural monocultures in central Europe with structural elements otherwise absent, which is expected to be accompanied by a surplus of ecosystem functions. Here we used quantitative measures derived from terrestrial laser scanning in single-scan mode to describe the structural complexity, the canopy openness, the foliage height diversity and the understory complexity of four common agroforest systems in central Europe. We accessed silvopasture systems with grazing ponies and cattle as well as fellow deer, short rotation forests with agricultural use between the tree rows, tree orchards with grazing sheep and Christmas tree plantations on which chickens forage. As a reference, we used data for 65 forest sites across Germany, representing different forest types, various dominant tree species, stand ages and management systems. We found that overall stand structural complexity is ranked as follows: forest > silvopasture systems > short rotation forest > tree orchard > Christmas tree plantation. Consequently, if overall structural complexity of an agricultural landscape shall be enriched, there is now strong evidence on how this may be achieved using agroforests. However, if the focus lies on selected structures that serve specific functions, e.g. dense understory to provide animal shelter, specific types of agroforests may be chosen and the ranking in overall structural complexity may be less important.

Niektoré paradoxy ústavnoprávneho vývoja strednej Európy v medzivojnovom období

The paper deals with the constitutional development of the Central European countries in the interwar period. It focuses on Austria, Czechoslovakia, Hungary and Poland. With exception of Hungary every country adopted new constitution in 1920/1921. Hungary, which had traditionally non-written (organic) constitution, officially returned to the prewar and prerevolutionary constitutional system. The Hungarian parliament regulated in the Act I. from 1920 only the position of the provisional head of state (Miklós Horthy), because the country was monarchy without king. This act served also as small provisional constitution. The paper focuses on the four main issues: 1. the constitution making in early period, 2. the role of first women in parliaments, 3. the position of the head of state in the political system, and 4. electoral systems in Central Europe. Sometimes the political development produced interesting and non-traditional situations. E. g., the most democratic constitution was adopted in Czechoslovakia by non-elected parliament. This country preserved its democratic system in the interwar period with the help of very disciplined and corrupt parties. The authoritarian tendencies were strong in Hungarian Kingdom, but the original position of provisional head of state was relatively weak in the first decade of period. The Austrian constitution designed by Hans Kelsen did not protect the democracy in Austria. Very democratic Polish constitution changed many times in the interwar period and the trend of amendments was always authoritarian.

The study of crustal structures in the southwestern part of the Baltic Sea by modeling of gravity data

The southwestern part of the Baltic Sea, including parts of the central European system, the Torne European Suture Zone, and the Ringkobing-Fyn High, is one of the most attractive areas for geoscientists due to its complicated geological structure caused by different tectonic events. In this paper, a local three-dimensional model of the crustal structures was developed based on interactive forward modeling of gravity data in the southwestern part of the Baltic Sea. The model considers sedimentary layers, upper crust, lower crust, and part of the upper mantle and applies the information of the area, including crustal thickness and Moho topography. Seismic sections and existing models in the area were used as the primary information to generate an appropriate initial model to reduce the problem of non-uniqueness, which is recognized as an inherent problem in potential fields modeling. The results indicated that the crustal thickness in the study area varies from 20 to 35 km. The thickest part is located in the Precambrian Baltic crust in the northeastern part of the region, and the thinnest part is in the margin of the Northern German Basin. The depth of Moho discontinuity in this area also varies from 26 to 42 km and shows significant changes on the sides of the Tornquist Zone.