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Introduced tree species have become increasingly important in the context of the ongoing climate change. This paper focuses on the dendrochronology of the most widespread introduced tree species in the British Isles – Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis [Bong.] Carr.) – in comparable soil conditions in England, Czechia, and Slovakia. The research aims to evaluate the growth dynamics and the influence of climatic factors on this tree species while comparing it with economically main tree species in Europe – Norway spruce (Picea abies [L.] Karst.). Based on the analysis of 150 increment cores, the radial growth of Sitka spruce was on average 24.2% higher than that of Norway spruce. The highest increments in 52 to 62-year-old stands were achieved in England by both Sitka spruce (8.7 mm) and Norway spruce (7.0 mm). In terms of negative pointer years (NPYs), there was no difference in the number of years with a significantly low increment between the two species at any site. The lowest effect of climatic factors on growth was found in Czechia, while the highest was in England. Higher resistance to climate was found for Sitka compared to Norway spruce. In general, the main limiting factor for the growth was the lack of precipitation in the previous year’s vegetation season, or heavy frost in England. In Central Europe, due to low precipitation, Sitka spruce will not be a substantial introduced tree species in the future, but on suitable sites, it can achieve high production potential and play a significant role for increasing stand diversity in the face of climate change.

Black alder (Alnus glutinosa [L.] Gaertn.) is an important component of riparian and wetland ecosystems in Europe. However, data on the growth of this significant broadleaved tree species is very limited. Presently, black alder currently suffers from the pathogen Phytophthora and is particularly threatened by climate change. The objective of this study was to focus on the impact of climatic variables (precipitation, temperature, extreme climatic events) on the radial growth of alder across its geographic range during the period 1975–2015. The study of alder stands aged 46–108 years was conducted on 24 research plots in a wide altitude range (85–1015 m) in 12 countries of Europe and Asia. The most significant months affecting alder radial growth were February and March, where air temperatures are more significant than precipitation. Heavy frost and extreme weather fluctuations in the first quarter of the year were the main limiting factors for diameter increment. Within the geographical setting, latitude had a higher effect on radial growth compared to longitude. However, the most important variable concerning growth parameters was altitude. The temperature’s effect on the increment was negative in the lowlands and yet turned to positive with increasing altitude. Moreover, growth sensitivity to precipitation significantly decreased with the increasing age of alder stands. In conclusion, the growth variability of alder and the number of negative pointer years increased with time, which was caused by the ongoing climate change and also a possible drop in the groundwater level. Riparian alder stands well supplied with water are better adapted to climatic extremes compared to plateau and marshy sites.

Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco), one of the most commercially important tree species in western North America and one of the most valuable timber trees worldwide, was introduced to Europe in 1827. It became a major species for afforestation in Western Europe after WWII, currently grows in 35 countries on over 0.83 million ha and is one of the most widespread non-native tree species across the continent. A lower sensitivity to drought makes Douglas-fir a potential alternative to the more drought-sensitive Norway spruce so its importance in Europe is expected to increase in the future. It is one of the fastest growing conifer species cultivated in Europe, with the largest reported dimensions of 2.3 m in diameter and 67.5 m in height. Pure stands have high productivity (up to 20 m3 ha−1a−1) and production (over 1000 m3 ha−1). The species is generally regenerated by planting (initial stocking density from less than 1000 seedlings ha−1 to more than 4000 ha−1), using seedlings of European provenance derived from seed orchards or certified seed stands. As the range of end-uses of its wood is very wide, the rotation period of Douglas-fir is highly variable and ranges between 40 and 120 years. When the production of large-sized, knot-free timber is targeted, thinnings are always coupled with pruning up to 6 m. There is an increasing interest in growing Douglas-fir in mixtures and managing stands through close-to-nature silviculture, but the species' intermediate shade tolerance means that it is best managed through group selection or shelterwood systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most academic papers on the disinformation examine the current form of that dangerous phenomenon. The presented study focused on this phenomenon through the study of archival documents and was devoted to one of the main work methods of 1.st Administration of the National Security Corps, which was the Intelligence Agency of the Communist Czechoslovakia, and its implementation of the so-called active measures. The text focused mostly on concrete, so far unpublished, active measures, focusing in particular on operations carried out in the interest of cooperation between the former services of the former Eastern Bloc. Presented were mainly operations whose target was the "main enemy", the United States and NATO, and the operations against its allies. The study was based on the assumption that, with the apparent personnel continuity within the Russian secret services, there was a continuity of thinking, and thus also a continuity of intelligence activity approaches. The results confirmed this assumption and demonstrated the actual continuity of disinformation phenomenon, which only uses new technologies today, yet combined with former approaches. Therefore, the use of available archival documents should not be ignored in nowadays recognition and combat of the phenomenon of misinformation. Comparative archival approach can be used today in education and information to improve safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The article deals with modern Italian neo-fascist political and social movement CasaPound Italia. The movement promotes social policies applied in Mussolini's Italian Social Republic (1943-1945). These days, CasaPound Italia also strongly opposes the immigration and European Union. It draws attention to the problems of contemporary Italy by many original ways. The article describes historical development, ideology, political program and activities that constitute the agenda of this movement. Part of the article also deals with youth organization of CasaPound Italia Blocco Studentesco which is very popular among Italian secondary school and university students. The last chapter focuses on susceptibility of the members of the movement to perpetrate violence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Forestry Journal (03231046) is the property of Sciendo and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)