Brno University Research Articles

Assessment of Visitor Preferences and Attendance to Singletrails in the Moravian Karst for the Sustainable Development Proposals

An optional leisure activity in forest areas for mountainbikers is the subject of discussion in this article. Cycling has become a popular leisure time activity, not only in the Czech Republic but internationally. A bicycle offers the user an unparalleled freedom that seems to have great appeal in these globalized, modern times. A singletrail is a narrow single-directional path for mountain bicycles in the landscape, in contrast to the two-lane forest roads mainly intended for the industrial purposes of forest management. The singletrails of Moravský kras (Moravian Karst) are built on the land owned by the Mendel University in Brno (Masaryk Forest Enterprise Křtiny) near the Jedovnice municipality of the Czech Republic. The aim of the article is to assess the attendance of the area using automatic counters, and to analyse the results, especially according to the illegal transits in the area of interest. The preferences of visitors were evaluated using questionnaires as well. Hypotheses were defined, and the chi-square test and Mann-Whitney testing methods were used to validate or improve them. Separate preferences for men and women were analysed in order to detect the differences or similarities of preferences. According to the results, women notably prefer the medium to easiest level of difficulty of the trails while men mainly prefer the trails of medium difficulty, although they use the most difficult trails too. Contact with nature is important for both the target groups. Training on singletrails is not as important for women as for men, but physical activity is very important to both groups. Women mainly ride on the singletrails for the joy of movement, which they consider to be a more important reason than men. The results of this study will be used to improve the area for mountainbikers as well as singletrail design for newly planned areas. Both human preferences and environmental needs will be taken into account.

The Centennial of Mendel University in Brno and its Faculty of Agrisciences (Editorial)

Abstract The paper describes the development of Mendel University in Brno and its Faculty of AgriSciences during last 100 years. It shows the present state of the University and Faculty, including facilities used for educational, scientific and other activities. The journal European Countryside owned by the University has been established 10 years ago. It is a highly cited per review periodical in the field of rural development. This special number gave the opportunity to the members of the Advisory Board to co-celebrate the anniversary by means of their own topic related scientific article.

Renewable Energy Supply for Remote Station Located in Antarctica – Simulations Based on Real Measured Data

Photovoltaic (PV) installation with energy control and energy storage systems (ESS) are becoming more popular to be used inside buildings. They can assure stable energy supply as well as energy savings. A proper system design is necessary to ensure optimal energy supply and cost savings. The present work describes current energy demands and sources of Johann Gregor Mendel Station operated by Masaryk University in Brno and suggests a new generation sources based on PV. The energy for the station is being provided by oil generators, PV system and wind turbines. Since the beginning of 2018 a new system for measuring detailed energy demand, irradiation and wind speed has been installed in that location. Thus, based on the in-site collected data, possible system sizes are suggested in order to make the station fully operating by means of renewable energy sources.

11th International Scientific Conference of Civil and Environmental Engineering for PhD. Students and Young Scientists

PREFACEThe 11th International Scientific Conference of Civil and Environmental Engineering for the PhD. students and young scientists below 35 years under auspices of the dean of the Civil Engineering Faculty of the Technical University of Košice assoc. prof. Peter Mésároš.The event was held in Tatranské Matliare, the High Tatras, Slovakia on 25th - 26th of April 2019. The traditional meeting of PhD. students, their supervisors and young scientists working in the field of civil engineering and environmental science was organised by the Faculty of Civil Engineering of the Technical University of Košice, Slovakia.The Young Scientist 2019 offered an international platform for the dissemination of original research results; provide a pleasant environment to present new, great ideas of young researchers and discovered advances in the field of civil engineering and related interdisciplinary topics. The conference provided an opportunity for PhD. students and young researchers to discussed scientific topics and research results of topical issues in civil engineering, to share their knowledge and experiences, to collaborate in innovative designs and proposals. In addition, the valuable presentations were extended by a social program including the interesting field trip in the High Tatras.The Conference assembled more than 50 delegates, from the Slovakia (Technical University of Košice, Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava), the Czech Republic (Czech Technical University in Prague; Brno University of Technology, Mendel University in Brno, VSB-Technical University of Ostrava), from the Croatia (Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek) and from the Poland (Cracow University of Technology of Cracow) including PhD. students and other representatives from the universities. The scientific contributions involved a wide range of research fields: Building Physics and Services, Sustainable Architecture and Energy Efficiency, Statics, Dynamics and Modeling, Structural Engineering and Bridges, Transport and Geotechnical Engineering, Construction Technology, Organization and Management, Construction Economics, Marketing and Management, Building Information Modeling, Innovations in Construction Design and Technology, Environmental Engineering, Healthy Indoor Environment, Material Engineering and Recycling as well as Sustainable Water Management.Forty contributions have been selected to be published in the volume of IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering. The organizing committee appreciates the enormous work of the both the editorial board and reviewers in the preparation of this volume. Many thanks also to all authors for their flexibility and meeting deadlines.prof. Dušan Katunskýassoc. prof. Peter Mésárošassis. prof. Vlasta Ondrejka Harbul’áková

Test of the tensile load capacity of a timber structure joint with an inserted nail plate

The aim of this paper was to determine the axial tensile load capacity of timber structure elements with inserted metal plates with welded nails. The tests were performed on three specimens in the laboratory of the AdMaS centre of the Faculty of Civil Engineering, Brno University of Technology. The tensile force was applied on the specimen by increasing the force up to the specimen failure. The inductive displacement transducers continuously measured the displacement of the inserted joint plates with regard to timber prisms. The tensile load-bearing capacity of the tested joint was determined at 205.0 kN. Due to the advantages, the tested joints with inserted nail plates seem to be appropriate for joining suitable timber elements.

Air Purification from CO<sub>2</sub> Gas Using a Scrubber and Suggestions to Reach a Better Efficiency

This thesis deals with the testing of our wet scrubber by a laboratory at the Faculty of Chemistry, Brno University of Technology. On this wet scrubber, the CO2 capture efficiency is tested with a splash liquid consisting of 1 % NaOH. An overview of the system, which could increase the capture efficiency of CO2 from the gas mixture or other harmful particulates in the air, could be improved after introduction. The thesis also deals with finding methods to better capture efficiency of solid particles and gases on the wet scrubber.

Characterization of two novel lactic acid bacteria isolated from the intestine of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss, Walbaum) in Slovakia

An effective probiotic must comply with criteria, which determines its effect. The aim of this work was to isolate lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from the intestinal content of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), subsequently potentially used as probiotics in order to improve health status of fish during fish farming. Selection criteria were used to obtain suitable probiotic candidates for aquaculture of salmonid. A total of 6 lactic acid bacteria isolated from intestines of rainbow trout belonging to the genus Lactobacillus were included in this study, and encompassed the following species: L. plantarum (n = 3), L. fermentum (n = 2), and L. brevis (n = 1). Antimicrobial susceptibility test has been performed on the basis of Guidance on the assessment of bacterial susceptibility to antimicrobials of human and veterinary importance by the EFSA. Sensitivity or intrinsic resistance of the isolated LAB to a recommended set of antibiotics make them safe for use as probiotics in aquaculture. All six autochthonous isolates showed the antagonistic activity against both salmonid pathogens Aeromonas salmonicida subsp. salmonicida CCM 1307 and Yersinia ruckeri CCM 6093. Determined in vitro survival conditions in the gastrointestinal tract of rainbow trout, and taking into account the previous results, two isolates - Lactobacillus plantarum (R2) and Lactobacillus fermentum (R3), which showed the highest level of tolerance to different pH values, bile, temperature, and the best growth properties, were selected as candidates for probiotics. These two strains have been sent to the Czech Collection of Microorganisms (CCM) of Masaryk University in Brno for purposes of Patent Procedure under the Budapest Treaty.

Analysis of von Willebrand Disease in the South Moravian Population (Czech Republic): Results from the BRNO-VWD Study.

von Willebrand disease (VWD) is an inherited bleeding disorder caused by a quantitative (type 1 and 3) or qualitative (type 2) defect of von Willebrand factor (VWF). The heterogeneity of laboratory phenotyping makes diagnosing difficult. A cross-sectional, family-based VWD study in a collaboration between University Hospital Brno (Czech Republic) and Antwerp University Hospital (Belgium) to improve the understanding of laboratory phenotype/genotype correlation. A total of 205 patients with suspected VWD were identified from historical records. Complete laboratory analysis was established using all available VWD assays including VWF multimers and genetic analysis. Based on the current International Society of Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH) - Scientific and Standardization Committee VWD classification and type 2A sub-division into 2A/IIA, IID, IIC and IIE, the majority was characterized as a type 1 VWD, followed by type 2. Proposed laboratory phenotypes were confirmed by their multimeric pattern within 98% of this cohort. All type 2, 3 and 75% of type 1 VWD patients were confirmed by underlying causative mutations. Forty-six different causal mutations (117 not previously described in the literature) could be identified. Fifty per cent of all cases was represented by eight individual mutations, mainly p.Pro812ArgfsX31. Thirteen patients had a large heterozygous gene alteration. Although an extensive panel of tests was used, VWD classification and (sub)typing remains difficult and fluid. This study provides a cross-sectional overview of the VWD population in the Czech Republic and provides important data to the ISTH/European Association for Haemophilia and Allied Disorders VWD mutation database in linking causal mutations with unique VWD (sub)types. It also identifies new, as not previously described in the literature, causal mutations.

Column Stability during Welding

This research is part of the project of strengthening of steel members under load using plates welded parallel to the member axis. Buckling load resistance of columns has to be checked during welding under compressive load. A part of a cross-section is ineffective due to high temperature near the weld. The centre of gravity is shifted and the decisive cross-section is loaded by additional bending moment. Moreover, the weld causes deformations, which are higher than in case of regular welding. This paper presents authors’ method determining the buckling load resistance of the compressed member during welding. The method takes into account the column cross-section, slenderness, and effective intensity of the welding heat source. The column is treated as a stepped member and its Euler’s critical load is decreased. The deformation of the column and the stress are determined with regards to second order effects. The method is validated by experiments performed in the laboratory of Department of Metal and Timber Structures at Brno University of Technology in November 2017. Columns with cross-sections HEA 100 and SHS 100×5 with the length of 3 m were loaded by the maximal force determined using the analytical method and under this constant load, the weld bead was being laid from the bottom of the column to 15 cm above the mid-height. Then, still during welding, the force was gradually increased until the column failed via flexural buckling. Measured values of load resistance, deformations and temperatures are compared with the authors’ analytical method. All six specimens resisted the maximum calculated load and failed at slightly higher loads.

Millennials’ Awareness and Approach to Social Responsibility and Investment—Case Study of the Czech Republic

We live in a new era with contradictory views on society, industries, and the whole world. Raising consumerism is compensated by raising the responsibility of the new generation, the so-called Millennials. The paper deals with the awareness of Millennials of corporate social responsibility (CSR), and their attitude to sustainable and responsible investment (SRI). The research is focused specifically on students of economically oriented higher education institutions (HEI), studying in the Czech Republic. For the purpose of general awareness of the term CSR, a sample of 1073 HEI students from different institutions was analyzed and evaluated. For the evaluation of their attitude to SRI, 213 respondents from Mendel University in Brno were interviewed. The research brought surprising results—bachelor’s degree students have a better awareness of the term than master’s degree students. This surprising fact can be explained by the fact that CSR courses have been incorporated into studies in recent years. Another important finding from the second research is that 57% of respondents are willing to sacrifice part of their return in the case of an investment in socially responsible instruments. This fact can be used for the design of an investment strategy offered by investment institutions.

Evaluation of stress in laboratory rabbits used for teaching purposes

This study was intended as a contribution to the argument about possible suffering of animals used for demonstrative purposes during teaching at universities. Pharmacology lectures at the University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Czech Republic were selected for this experiment. The study focused on stress assessment using haematological and biochemical indices. Blood samples were drawn from 20 rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculusf.domesticusL.) 10 days after arrival at the institute (before the first practical lesson), and then in the 7thand 12thweeks of the semester with practical lessons. The haematological and biochemical indices were compared between the experimental group (n = 10) used for practical demonstrations and the control group (n = 10) which was kept in its hutch. Practical lessons included manipulation with rabbits, health examination, topical or total application and observation of the drugs’ effects. All the acts were carried out by students. Significant changes were detected in some of haematological (erythrocytes, haemoglobin, haematocrit) and biochemical (glucose, total protein, enzymes aspartate aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase) variables compared to the control group. The values obtained from the last blood sampling indicate a possible habituation process in the experimental group between the 8thand 12thweek. The results were compared between the experimental and control group and also with the results of other studies with different stressors. In conclusion, the stress the rabbits used for teaching purposes at universities are exposed to, is tolerable.

Causes of lower urinary tract disease in Czech cat population

This study was done to investigate epidemiological data and to report causes of lower urinary tract disease in a population of cats presented at the Small Animal Clinic of the University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno. Cats presented with lower urinary tract disease signs that had undergone a thorough physical examination and urinalysis (dipstick, urine specific gravity, urine sediment and dipslide urine culture) were included in the study. Urine samples were collected only by cystocentesis or sterile catheterization. Bloodwork, abdominal ultrasound, and abdominal radiographs were performed in 118 (66%), 170 (96%) and 9 (5%) patients, respectively. Cats that were treated with antibiotics or glucocorticoids during an episode of feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) or during the foregoing month and which had undergone perineal urethrostomy or catheterization in private practice, were excluded. The study population consisted of 177 cats. Forty-one (23%) cats were diagnosed with a urethral plug, 26 cats (14%) with a urinary tract infection (UTI), 9 cats (5%) with urolithiasis and 101 cats (57%) with feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC). The cats diagnosed with UTI were significantly older than the cats with FIC, urethral plugs and urolithiasis. Urinary tract infection was diagnosed significantly more often in patients older than 10 years, and in female cats. The diagnosis of urethral plug was made significantly more often in males. Feline idiopathic cystitis and urethral plugs are the most common causes of FLUTD, and the causes are significantly age and sex-related.

An Experimental and Numerical Study of the Load Distribution Effect on Composite Slab Shear Resistance

The design codes prescribe “a close simulation” of the uniformly distributed loads for bending tests, since, applying an ideal uniform load on the slab surface, is not technically as simple as applying concentrated loads by spreader beams. The 4-point bending test used in both standard methods m-k and PCM to determine the shear resistance of composite slabs is currently the most conventional loading arrangement. This article presents the comparison between the 4-point bending and uniform load results, obtained from both experimental tests and numerical simulations. Two groups of specimens, made with a common trapezoidal steel profile and concrete, including short and long spans, have been tested under the two loading setups. The numerical analysis of these slabs has been carried out through modelling the realistic interaction of steel and concrete. For the 4-point bending simulation, predefined vertical cracks are modelled representing the real crack inducers, whereas, for the uniform load case, the Willam-Warnke model is used. Both the experimental and the numerical results indicated that the 4-point bending test provides higher shear strength than uniform load. The experimental part was conducted by LERMA (Universitat Politecnica de Catalunya – BarcelonaTech) in collaboration with AdMaS-BUT at Brno University of Technology. The 3D FEM of composite slabs has been made through ANSYS software.

International Scientific Conference “People, Buildings and Environment 2018 (PBE)”

ForewordThe 13th edition of the International Scientific Conference PEOPLE, BUILDINGS AND ENVIRONMENT (PBE2018) was organized by the Brno University of Technology, Faculty of Civil Engineering in cooperation with the Riga Technical University. The conference was held in Brno, Czech Republic from 17th to 19th October 2018.PBE is a middle-sized conference, convened biennially in order to address current research issues related to two main specific areas which are Economics and management of sustainable construction and Water and landscape engineering.Conference started with a welcome reception, followed by two keynote lectures, parallel oral presentation sessions, poster session and social part of the event. Keynote speeches were delivered by Prof. Juris Smirnovs from the Riga Technical University, Latvia, and Prof. Anca Constantin, from the Ovidius University in Constanta, Romania, respected researchers in the main conference fields. Prof. Smirnovs gave an engaging lecture about “Road Traffic Safety in Latvia” and Prof. Constantin spoke about “Considerations on Water Pumping Station Operation in the Context of Sustainable Development”.

The influence of green walls on interior climate conditions and human health

In recent years, many researchers have addressed the issue of interior climate and how it affects human health. Investigations performed at schools and office buildings have found that CO2 concentrations often exceed the limit value of 1500 ppm given in Decree No. 20/2012 Coll., on technical requirements for buildings. In addition, interior space often exhibits very low relative humidity. This results in poor conditions that are detrimental to human health and not conducive to studying and work. One means of improving the interior microclimate is implementing green walls. These walls can help generate a much better climate and greatly enhance the mental well-being of the inhabitants. In addition, they greatly improve dust levels and acoustics in the room. The research compared the interior conditions in two classrooms at the Faculty of Civil Engineering, Brno University of Technology. One had a green wall installed while the other was in its original configuration. CO2 concentration, temperature, and relative humidity were measured. A survey was conducted to assess the influence of the green wall on students and teachers (mental well-being, efficiency, productivity, creativity, etc.). Results obtained thus far show that the room with the green wall provides far better interior conditions, mainly in terms of lower CO2 concentration and higher relative humidity, improving students’ and teachers’ mood and health (as confirmed by the survey as well).

MOBILIZACE CHEMICKÝCH SLOŽEK STRUSKOVÉ DEPONIE V NÁRODNÍ PŘÍRODNÍ REZERVACI RUDICKÉ PROPADÁNÍ

The Rudice swallow hole (Rudické propadání) National Nature Monument is a locality affected by occasional mass movements and landslides. During exceptional rainfall events, the slag material from the slopes of a small valley called “Ve struskách” (“In the Slags”) slides into an episodic stream, which enters the local karst system near the swallow hole of the Jedovnice Creek (Jedovnický potok).The slag was dumped in the locality in consequence of the past processing of iron ore in blast furnaces, which had been built near Jedovnice by the princely Salm family in the 19th century. Even though the blast furnaces were closed down a hundred years ago, the slag components leaking into the Rudice stream sink cave system still demonstrably damage the speleothems. This was the majorimpulse for us to have a closer look at the geochemical properties of the slag.The chemical composition was determined by silicate analyses carried out in the Institute of Geological Sciences at the Faculty of Sciences of the Masaryk University in Brno and in the ACME laboratories in Canada. The ACME laboratories determined heavy metal contents by atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) and by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The petrographic characterization of the slag and its enclosures was conducted based on point analyses by a wavelength dispersive X ray (WDX) electron microprobe. Predictions regarding the geochemical behavior of the slag components in an aqueous environment were made using the sequential extraction analysis (SEA) according to Tessier (1979).We have found the expected spatial variability of the basic chemical composition of the slag dumps, as well as the presence of heavy metals (cadmium and especially zinc are present at high concentrations).The slag material exhibits a glassy amorphous structure containing occasional mineral crystals, droplets of pure or oxidized iron and fragments of other materials (such as charcoal or blast furnace bricks). The ongoing weathering of the slag is accompanied by oxidation of crude iron and formation of limonite. Apart from that, the material is not subject to signifi cant secondary transformations. The results of the sequential extraction analyses of slag and soil samples suggest that Cd and Zn are chemically bound to the “carbonate fraction”, which, in general, tends to dissolve under acidic conditions. Even though the environment of the carbonate rock cave systems is typically alkaline, there is a persisting risk of mobilization of heavy metals by acid soil solutions. From the environmental point of view, the slag deposition primarily represents a source of clastic material, which contaminates the cave system and damages speleothems by mechanical abrasion.

The Protection of Masonry Blocks with Using Hydrophobization Before Load Due to Increased Moisture

The Faculty of Civil Engineering (Brno University of Technology) has for several years been developing and researching the properties of modern building materials. One area of research is the development and modification of the properties of masonry elements, particularly masonry blocks that are able to withstand increased moisture loads. These masonry blocks can be used as protection in buildings in flood areas or buildings that may be prone to damage from natural disasters. Increased moisture is one of the most common problems encountered in building structures. Most problems concern moisture in liquid form, which can have significant effects on changing the properties of materials and structures. If the structure of brick blocks is changed by moisture in liquid form due to porosity and water absorption, thereby affecting load, it can reduce the service life of masonry blocks. This paper investigates the use of special silicone products on the surface layer of ceramic masonry elements. The application of these silicone agents forms a protective surface layer on masonry blocks, protecting them via hydrophobisation and the effects of increased humidity. Hydrophobisation reduces water absorption into masonry blocks and eliminates the negative effects of moisture on the properties of masonry blocks. Through hydrophobisation, masonry blocks can be extremely effective for use as preventive protection in case of failure or damage on the part of conventional waterproofing measures.

Fibrous Materials Prepared by Centrifugal Force Spinning

Centrifugal force spinning is a method of preparation fibrous materials by extrusion of viscous liquid material thru thin orifices or needles of rotating spinneret simply by centrifugal force. Due to basic simplicity of the process, the low amount of process parameters needed to control the fiber production leads to easier and potentially more scalable utilization than conventional electrospinning which can be overcome in the field of deposition rate, material variability and also by the possibility of spinning from melt. This contribution gives examples of fibrous materials prepared by this method at the Department of Electrical and Electronic Technology at Brno University of Technology together with showing the possible utilization of force spun fibers in energy storage.

Quantification of the influence of Písek City Forests Ltd. on the local economy of the region

The aim of this paper is to highlight the possible way of quantification of the impact of forest enterprise and forest management on the economic and social development of the territory by using the methodology of the local multiplier calculation and identifying potential cash flows associated with the implementation of socioeconomic functions of forest ecosystems. The economic indicators to be analysed are the local expenditures of Písek City Forests Ltd. on suppliers and employees in 2015. The local multiplier is a specific microeconomic indicator which enables quantification and evaluation of socioeconomic benefits of the selected operator for the local people and entrepreneurs. The results of the specific university research project of Mendel University in Brno with the title: Quantification of the Influence of the Selected Forestry Enterprise on the Local Economy of the Region will allow us to evaluate the effect of the special-purpose forest enterprise and forest management on the economic and social development as well as to identify the potential cash flows related to the fulfilment of socioeconomic functions of the forest ecosystems in the area of interest of Písek City Forests Ltd.

Long-Distance Passenger Transport: Geography, Infrastructure, Competition – A Conference Report

Charles University in Prague and Masaryk University in Brno have been organising a one-day international conference held in Prague biennially. In the previous two conference years, it was devoted first to competition in passenger railways in CEE countries (in 2014) and then to HSR in CEE countries (in 2016). This year conference took place on the 25th May 2018 at the Faculty of Social Sciences (Charles University in Prague) and was dedicated to long-distance passenger transport. The aim of the conference was to document changes that the long-distance market has undergone especially in Central Europe due to increasing mobility, policy challenges, infrastructure investment and service innovations and to analyse its impact on national and European transport markets. The conference was divided into three sessions. The first one was focused on British, French and Central European experience, the second session to Swedish, Italian and Swiss case and finally the third to the detailed Polish and Slovak experience.