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Abstract Speciation is a continuous process driven by genetic, geographic, and ecological barriers to gene flow. It is widely investigated in multicellular eukaryotes, yet we are only beginning to comprehend the relative importance of mechanisms driving the emergence of barriers to gene flow in microbial populations. Here, we explored the diversification of the nearly ubiquitous soil cyanobacterium Microcoleus. Our dataset consisted of 291 genomes, of which 202 strains and eight herbarium specimens were sequenced for this study. We found that Microcoleus represents a global speciation continuum of at least 12 lineages, which radiated during Eocene/Oligocene aridification and exhibit varying degrees of divergence and gene flow. The lineage divergence has been driven by selection, geographical distance, and the environment. Evidence of genetic divergence and selection was widespread across the genome, but we identified regions of exceptional differentiation containing candidate genes associated with stress response and biosynthesis of secondary metabolites.

The paper outlines the understanding of emergence in Ontic Structural Realism of James Ladyman (and his co-author Ross). First, the notion of emergence is explored, surveying the various distinctions associated with it (ontological vs. epistemological, diachronic vs. synchronic, weak vs. strong). It turns out that Ross and Ladyman’s notion of emergence is that of weak epistemological emergence compatible with ontic reduction. Particular notions of emergence are associated with the objection embodied in the Generalized Causal Exclusion Argument. The latter is sketched and the solution of Ross and Ladyman is presented: first, in general, the notion of weak emergence is not threatened by this objection. Causal reduction associated with it ensures that there are no competing causal explanations, so no overdetermination arises. Second, there is a peculiar feature of Ross and Ladyman’s theory; namely, there is no causation on the fundamental level, only pattern dynamism. Causation emerges only on higher levels of special sciences. Hence, there is no problem of causal overdetermination.

Summary: The filamentous cyanobacterium Microcoleus is among the most important global primary producers, especially in hot and cold desert ecosystems. This taxon represents a continuum consisting of a minimum of 12 distinct species with varying levels of gene flow and divergence. The notion of a species continuum is poorly understood in most lineages but is especially challenging in cyanobacteria. Here we show that genomic diversification of the Microcoleus continuum is reflected by morphological adaptation. We compiled a dataset of morphological data from 180 cultured strains and 300 whole genome sequences, including eight herbarium specimens and the type specimen of Microcoleus. We employed a combination of phylogenomic, population genomic, and population-level morphological data analyses to delimit species boundaries. Finally, we suggest that the shape of the filament apices may have an adaptive function to environmental conditions in the soil.

The paper deals with Thomas Aquinas’s (1225–1274) theory of predication. Aquinas’s numerous works contain passages devoted to the issue of how predication works, usually in various theological or philosophical contexts. Assuming Aquinas’s account of predication was sufficiently uniform in relation to essential and accidental predications, there are several distinct interpretative models of predication possible in relation to the texts. They differ in ascribing different semantic roles to the copula. The first model sees the copula as expressing inherence of a form expressed by the predicate term in the entity denoted by the subject term. The second model interprets the copula as designating identity. The third model incorporates inherence with the fact that Aquinas combines predicative and existential functions of the copula. I argue that the identity model is closest to what Aquinas has in mind when speaking about predication as opposed to extensional truth conditions.

The effect of simultaneous intercropping of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) with different legumes of faba bean (Vicia faba L.), pea (Pisum sativum L.), and purple clover (Trifolium incarnatum L.) on selected production and qualitative parameters of wheat was evaluated in field trials conducted both in organic and conventional cropping systems, in comparison with pure sown wheat. Wheat intercropped with legumes achieved higher grain yield compared to pure sown wheat for an average of two years. However, in organic cultivation, the positive effect of intercropping on wheat yields was more pronounced. In addition, a strong influence of the year was noted. In 2021, in the organic cropping system, the most yielding intercropped wheat (especially with pea and bean) achieved 114-117% higher yields compared to pure sown wheat (in the previous year of 2020, it was usually only about 102-106%). In the conventional cropping system, the effect of intercropping on wheat yield was significantly weaker, and in 2021, wheat intercropped with legumes reached even lower yields than pure sown wheat in some cases. In terms of sowing methods (both in organic and conventional cropping systems), mixed sowing with individual legumes significantly exceeded the yields of wheat grown with legumes in separate, alternating rows. As regards quality parameters, wheat intercropped with legumes reached in comparison with pure sown wheat usually had higher crude protein content in wheat grain dry matter and higher values of Zeleny sedimentation.

In the post-socialistic space, old, industrialised regions are not only dealing with problems with the regeneration of industrial brownfields but also with the occurrence of post-agricultural brownfields. The main objective of this paper is to identify and interpret how a successful network of cooperating actors was formed that participated in the process of transforming an agricultural brownfield into a successful rural business zone. From a methodological perspective, the article is based on the findings derived from a set of written memories with ten key actors who were involved in the redevelopment process. The studied regeneration project, which was implemented thanks to the successful cooperation of network of actors both from different hierarchical levels (local, regional and central level) and from the different sectors (public, private and non-profit sector), regenerated an area of 10.4 hectares thanks to both public and private investments of approximately CZK 240 million. Regeneration contributed to the creation of approximately 450 new jobs, and thanks to this project, the population in Třanovice also increased significantly in the transition period (1991–2021), which the studied community positively distinguishes from the shrinking urban centres and rural communities in the post-industrial neighbourhoods.

Abstract Cyanobacteria are crucial primary producers in soil and soil crusts. However, their biodiversity in these habitats remains poorly understood, especially in the tropical and polar regions. We employed whole genome sequencing, morphology, and ecology to describe a novel cyanobacterial genus Argonema isolated from Antarctica. Extreme environments are renowned for their relatively high number of endemic species, but whether cyanobacteria are endemic or not is open to much current debate. To determine if a cyanobacterial lineage is endemic is a time consuming, elaborate, and expensive global sampling effort. Thus, we propose an approach that will help to overcome the limits of the sampling effort and better understand the global distribution of cyanobacterial clades. We employed a Sequencing Read Archive, which provides a rich source of data from thousands of environmental samples. We developed a framework for a characterization of the global distribution of any microbial species using Sequencing Read Archive. Using this approach, we found that Argonema is actually cosmopolitan in arid regions. It provides further evidence that endemic microbial taxa are likely to be much rarer than expected.

Plastic spacers create a linear and systemic weakening of the structure. The extreme loading of the structure tests the structure itself to its load-bearing limit or even locally exceeds this limit, thus revealing all its weak points, which are the spacers. Nevertheless, the influence of the spacers is not included in the design calculation of the reinforced concrete element. In addition, products intended as spacers for the placement of reinforcement do not belong to the specific families of construction products covered by a harmonized standard of European parliament regulation. For these reasons, it is not required to demonstrate any characteristics of these products. This fact allows the use of arbitrary spacers’ shapes and materials. As shown by the experiment carried out, the use of commonly used plastic liners will result in a weakening of the cross-section. The normal assessment of the ultimate or serviceability limit state is not affected by this weakening. An example of an experiment carried out where this problem was captured is the subject of this paper. With Europe’s current deteriorated safety situation, understanding the influence of spacers in blast-loaded reinforced concrete structures on structural failure is important, and it is appropriate to further address this issue. Based on this experiment, it is not possible to accurately identify the causes of the explosion cracks. In order to determine with certainty the effect of spacers on the strength of the structure under abnormal blast loadings, research needs to focus on this area. In the field experimental measurements and numerical simulations, it was found that the use of linear spacers has an effect on crack formation under the blast action of the tested slab.

The regulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in plants is ensured by mechanisms preventing their over accumulation, and by diverse antioxidants, including enzymes and nonenzymatic compounds. These are affected by redox conditions, posttranslational modifications, transcriptional and posttranscriptional modifications, Ca2+, nitric oxide (NO) and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways. Recent knowledge about protein-protein interactions (PPIs) of antioxidant enzymes advanced during last decade. The best-known examples are interactions mediated by redox buffering proteins such as thioredoxins and glutaredoxins. This review summarizes interactions of major antioxidant enzymes with regulatory and signaling proteins and their diverse functions. Such interactions are important for stability, degradation and activation of interacting partners. Moreover, PPIs of antioxidant enzymes may connect diverse metabolic processes with ROS scavenging. Proteins like receptor for activated C kinase 1 may ensure coordination of antioxidant enzymes to ensure efficient ROS regulation. Nevertheless, PPIs in antioxidant defense are understudied, and intensive research is required to define their role in complex regulation of ROS scavenging.

Topics focused on the descriptive representation of elected bodies in the Czech Republic are currently on the rise. The article analyzes the composition of regional councils in the Czech Republic regarding gender, education, occupation, residence, and age from 2000 to 2020. We used the proportionality ratio (residence) and other statistical methods to analyze the composition of regional councils in view of the changing political composition.

The incorporation of plasmonic core-shell nanostructures at the grain boundaries of perovskite films reduces the charge recombination loss through photo-brightening of trap states.

Aquaponics is a food production system that combines aquaculture with hydroponics. The simultaneous existence of fish, beneficial bacteria and plants in the same water loop predisposes the fish and bacteria to a possible detrimental effect of plant protection products. Additionally, there is an inadequate exploration of scientific studies on the impact of pesticides on fish and bacteria in aquaponics systems. This study investigated the effects of three commercial insecticides based on the following active ingredients: pyrethrum, azadirachtin, and spinosad, on aquaponics systems. Due to ethical concerns in animal testing, applying insecticides directly to aquaponics setup was impossible. Therefore, three separate experiments were conducted: (1) Pesticide runoff rate – in which insecticides were applied to basil (Ocimum basilicum) plants grown in two hydroponic systems: media bed and floating raft. The concentrations of applied insecticides were measured in the water of nutrient solutions of the hydroponics after 1, 3, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, 72 and 96h to establish a pattern of degradation of insecticides. The result from this experiment showed that pyrethrum and spinosad were detected in unquantifiable concentrations in the nutrient solutions. Hence, further experiments were conducted only with azadirachtin. In a biofilter trial (2) – azadirachtin, at three concentrations (1.5 µg L-1; 7.5 µg L-1; and 15 µg L-1), was added to a running biofilter to investigate the effects on nitrifying bacteria. Mild effects were recorded in the nitrification and bacteria microbiome. In the third trial (3) – Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) were exposed to similar concentrations of azadirachtin for seven days (and the same period for recovery) to investigate effects on fish hematology, blood biochemistry, antioxidative enzymes in the brain, gills, muscle, liver and intestine and histopathology of gills and liver. Results showed mild effects in hematology and biochemistry profile in fish and higher levels of lipid peroxidation in the liver during the exposure. The results indicate a safe use of pyrethrum and spinosad in aquaponics setup, while azadirachtin has to be used with care, especially in coupled aquaponics systems.

The sympatric occurrence of closely related lineages displaying conserved morphological and ecological traits is often characteristic of free-living microbes. Gene flow, recombination, selection, and mutations govern the genetic variability between these cryptic lineages and drive their differentiation. However, sequencing conservative molecular markers (e.g., 16S rRNA) coupled with insufficient population-level sampling hindered the study of intra-species genetic diversity and speciation in cyanobacteria. We used phylogenomics and a population genomic approach to investigate the extent of local genomic diversity and the mechanisms underlying sympatric speciation of Laspinema thermale. We found two cryptic lineages of Laspinema. The lineages were highly genetically diverse, with recombination occurring more frequently within than between them. That suggests the existence of a barrier to gene flow, which further maintains divergence. Genomic regions of high population differentiation harbored genes associated with possible adaptations to high/low light conditions and stress stimuli, although with a weak diversifying selection. Overall, the diversification of Laspinema species might have been affected by both genomic and ecological processes.

The aim of this contribution is to refer to the exceptional function of the Franciscan, so-called “Stabile” Cadastre in landscape description of the first half of the 19th century. The Franciscan Cadastre is an outstanding piece of work, both for its high historic and aesthetic value as well as for its detailed depiction of not only land use but also elementary description of social and economic aspects of the settlements during the beginnings of the Industrial and the Agricultural Revolution in the Czech lands. The Franciscan Cadastre is a perfect tool for research on landscape structures, as it consists of the map records in which the actual landscape situation was recorded with the assistance of precise cartographic techniques, and thus allows us to study its spatial structure; the written records provide us with quantitative information about land use and way of farming. The essence of this contribution is the data analysis making use of the Franciscan Cadastre of Dolní Kounice, and creating a compact “picture” of the area on the basis of social, material-technical and economic situation, which is described in the written records of the Franciscan Cadastre of the town. The pillar of such picture is the data concerning population and its way of living, farming methods, crops cultivated and animals bred. Specific attention is paid to ten categories of land use in Dolní Kounice, which are delimited in the written records of the Franciscan Cadastre. They are: arable land, pastures, vineyards, gardens, builtup areas, forest, arable land with fruit trees, pastures with fruit trees, pastures with trees and shrubs, and crop-fallow rotation, with which we can further on specify the way of farming, proprietary relations and the size of land blocks, using the map cadastral records. The landscape structure described in the Franciscan Cadastre (1841) is compared with the data from 1845 that is used when studying long-term changes of land use based on the statistical data (LUCC UK Prague database). Krajina Dolních Kounic z pohledu autorů Františkánského („Stabilního“) katastru Stabilní katastr, podle panovníka který inicioval jeho vznik též Františkánský katastr, je ucelené, na svoji dobu maximálně objektivní a přesné dílo o kvantitativním i kvalitativním stavu půdního fondu a ekonomiky v Č echách, na M oravě a ve S lezsku, ale i R akousku a Dalmácii. Unikátní je svojí podrobností, rozsahem věcným i územním a jednotnými pravidly, podle nichž vznikal a které usnadňují porovnatelnost jeho výstupů i v mezinárodním kontextu. Velice cenný je precizně zpracovaný mapový operát Stabilního katastru, ze kterého doposud ještě vychází 70 % současných katastrálních map (Pešl 2001), což hovoří za vše. Písemný operát je bohatý na detailní historickogeografická data o celém katastrálním území, jež by se dala seřadit do tří kategorií: údaje o sídle a katastru, informace o zemědělské výrobě a využití půdy, údaje o průmyslové výrobě, obchodu a živnostech. Krajina Dolních Kounic, jak ji zachytil stabilní katastr, je krajinou na přelomu barokní a novověké éry. Stále se zde plně neprojevila zemědělská revoluce v podobě systému střídavého hospodářství a dalších intenzifikačních opatření, ale z pohledu průmyslu je tomu naopak, průmyslová výroba se zde již rozvíjí, nejvýznamnějším podnikem je textilní továrna a cihelny, město je hospodářským a obchodním centrem pro blízký region. Krajinné pokrývce dominuje mozaika polí, vinic a pastvin, která je zejména na levobřežní části katastru velmi drobná a pestrá. Z mapového operátu je patrná snaha o využití každého možného pozemku – pastviny jsou v údolích vodotečí i na velmi strmých svazích, neobhospodařované zůstávají prakticky jen holé skály. Město je determinováno reliéfem a řekou, která ho dělí i významově na jádro (centrum města na pravém břehu) a periferii na levém břehu. Špatné dopravní napojení a poloha Dolních Kounic mimo hlavní obchodní cesty a železnici vedla v pozdější době k jeho stagnaci. Srovnatelnost dat o využití půdy vedených v rámci Stabilního katastru, tedy z roku 1841, a z katastrálních výkazů z roku 1845 není v případě Dolních Kounic jednoznačná, protože byly použity z části jiné kategorie využití půdy (některé upřesňující, jiné naopak generalizující) a zřejmě i odlišné postupy při hodnocení jednotlivých ploch. Z porovnání vyplývá, že tyto dva datové soubory nelze mezi sebou porovnávat na základě základních kategorií land use, ale jen pomocí souhrnných kategorií (zemědělský půdní fond, Lesní plochy a jiné), podobně jak to popisuje metodika použitá tvůrci databáze LUCC UK. Vzhledem k přesně danému postupu při torbě Stabilního katastru i při pozdější tvorbě katastrálních výkazů lze očekávat podobné nesrovnalosti také v ostatních katastrálních územích.

Iron superoxide dismutase 1 (FSD1) was recently characterized as a plastidial, cytoplasmic, and nuclear enzyme with osmoprotective and antioxidant functions. However, the current knowledge on its role in oxidative stress tolerance is ambiguous. Here, we characterized the role of FSD1 in response to methyl viologen (MV)-induced oxidative stress in Arabidopsis thaliana. In accordance with the known regulation of FSD1 expression, abundance, and activity, the findings demonstrated that the antioxidant function of FSD1 depends on the availability of Cu2+ in growth media. Arabidopsis fsd1 mutants showed lower capacity to decompose superoxide at low Cu2+ concentrations in the medium. Prolonged exposure to MV led to reduced ascorbate levels and higher protein carbonylation in fsd1 mutants and transgenic plants lacking a plastid FSD1 pool as compared to the wild type. MV induced a rapid increase in FSD1 activity, followed by a decrease after 4 h long exposure. Genetic disruption of FSD1 negatively affected the hydrogen peroxide-decomposing ascorbate peroxidase in fsd1 mutants. Chloroplastic localization of FSD1 is crucial to maintain redox homeostasis. Proteomic analysis showed that the sensitivity of fsd1 mutants to MV coincided with decreased abundances of ferredoxin and photosystem II light-harvesting complex proteins. These mutants have higher levels of chloroplastic proteases indicating an altered protein turnover in chloroplasts. Moreover, FSD1 disruption affects the abundance of proteins involved in the defense response. Collectively, the study provides evidence for the conditional antioxidative function of FSD1 and its possible role in signaling.

The study aimed to evaluate the effect of the straw mulch and compost application on the soil losses in potatoes cultivation. The three-year (2016-2018) exact field plot trials with the potato cv. Dicolora was carried out at the experimental station in Prague-Uhříněves. Wheat straw mulch in two doses 2.5 t/ha (SM1) and 4.5 t/ha (SM2) was applied on the soil surface; the compost in a dose of 20 t/ha (CM) was shuffled to the surface soil layer. Both straw mulch and compost application contributed to the significant reduction of the soil losses compared to control untreated (C). In the average of 2016-2018, the lowest soil loss 17.54 g/m2 (amount of the soil sediment caught) was found for the variant with the straw mulch treatment (SM2); it means the decrease of soil losses by 71.9% compared to C. Variant SM1 (lower rate of straw mulch in dose 2.5 t/ha) showed the soil loss 18.6 g/m2 (the decrease by 70.2% compared to C). The similar results for both variants indicate that for effective soil protection, it is not necessary to use the high doses of the straw mulch. Regarding the distribution of precipitation during the vegetation season, intensive precipitation during the short time, especially when they came after the longer period of drought led to higher soil losses compared to the precipitation distributed regularly.

In the 2017-2018 mushrooming seasons at the (Bohemian-Moravian Highlands near Dolní­ Roží­nka) a total of 505 mushrooms belonging to 9 species were collected, and analyzed by gamma spectrometry for 137Cs activity. The maximum 137Cs activity of 575 Bq.kg-1 was detected in Boletus edulis species, what in native state, is just below the allowed limit. In contrast, in mushroom Imleria badia, which is reported to be associated with the highest cumulative capability from all fungi species, detected activity level was only 316 Bq. kg-1. However, differences in mean contamination values were not significant due to high variability. It was shown, that activity concentration is not dependent on the weight (size) of Imleria badia. Our results also confirmed generally well known lower 137Cs activity in the Russula species representatives belonging to the group of gills or lamella bearing mushrooms.

The reliability of numerical simulations of the structural response of nonhomogeneous materials to high velocity loadings is highly dependent on the used material model and parameters. For nonhomogeneous materials, such as fibres, reinforced concrete is widely used for the Winfrith model, but the question of appropriate material parameters for Ultra-High Performance Fibre Reinforcement Concrete (UHPFRC) under high velocity loadings is still open. The article deals with possible method of inverse identification of material parameters of a UHPFRC slab under blast loading for a Winfrith material model. Possible application is in the field of numerical simulation of protective or critical infrastructure response to blast loading. Experimental measurement of the time–deflection curve through laser scanning using the triangulation method gave us input data for an inverse identification phase conducted in Optislang software. Obtained material parameters from a given range are optimized for blast loading and their Pearson’s correlation coefficient provides us information about their significance for simulation.

The frequent occurrence of years with extreme drought leads to the investigation of measures for mitigation of their impacts. The efficiency of organic mulch materials - straw and compost application as the preservation of potato production in drought conditions were verified in this study. Three mulching treatments were verified during the three experimental years (2016-2018) in an exact field trial with potatoes cv. Dicolora. Wheat straw mulch in the rate of 2.5 t/ha (SM1) and 4.5 t/ha (SM2), compost in the rate of 20 t/ha (CM), and control block without any treatments (C) were used. The yield of marketable tubers (tuber over 40 mm) showed a significant increase by 21.2% at the straw mulch treatment (SM2) in comparison with control. As for the straw mulch (SM1) and compost mulch (CM), tubers yields increased by 12.8% and 10.1%, respectively, compared to control.

In the present study, Finka and Katka potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) varieties were used at two localities (Leškovice and Uhříněves) and the effects of the surface mulching on chlorophyll content (SPAD values), soil water potential (SWP) and tuber yield of potato (YWP) were observed. Two mulching treatments (chopped grass and black polypropylene mulch) were used in the study. The results showed that plastic mulch can be an important factor for potato cultivation on localities with dystric cambisol soil type currently facing lack of precipitation. Organic mulching (with chopped grass) significantly influenced YWP. It favorably increased the fresh weight of tubers (over 60 mm) per plant by 81.4% in comparison with control. Additionally, it has been found that the type of mulching or varieties can be expressed by different SPAD-yield relationship. Whereas the values of SWP and SPAD values too were not significantly affected by organic mulch, they were significantly correlated with the YWP (r2= 42.4%, P

The study aimed at evaluating the total content of polyphenols (TPC) and phenolic acids (TPA) in grain of 4 spring einkorn, 4 emmer, 4 spelt and 4 common wheat genotypes cultivated under organic cropping system in two-year trials. The TPC and TPA were significantly affected both by genotype, wheat species and crop year (weather conditions). At the same time, TPC and TPA were mainly affected by the crop year while the effect of genetic factors was lesser. The TPC ranged from 618 mg/kg DM (dry matter) (common wheat cv. Annie) to 792.37 mg/kg DM (Triticum monococcum GEO) and TPA from 700.66 mg/kg DM (cv. Annie) to 874.74 mg/kg DM (Schwedishes einkorn) in an average of two-year results. Related to the wheat species, total content of polyphenols was in order einkorn > emmer > common wheat > spelt, total content of phenolic acids in order einkorn > spelt > emmer > common wheat. Higher TPC and TPA were observed in the very dry year 2018.

Drivers of the speciation in bacteria, including geographical isolation and horizontal gene transfer, are still poorly understood. Here, we characterized a new lineage within an anciently diverged thermophilic cyanobacteria. We sequenced the whole genome of a strain Thermostichus vulcanus isolated from the Rupite spring (Bulgaria), which is closely related to Theromstichus strains JA-2-3Aa and JA-2-3B′a(2-13). We performed phylogenetic inference, horizontal gene transfer estimation, and CRISPR/Cas system characterization. We found that the Rupite strain is a distinct species from strains JA-2-3Aa, and JA-2-3B′a(2-13). Furthermore, the horizontal gene transfer seemed to be more frequent among the geographically distant species than between the two species within the same hot spring. The CRISPR/Cas system had variable complexity among the species of Thermostichus in terms of both the number of spacers and genes. The Rupite strain had the highest, and JA-2-3Aa the lowest number of spacers among the analyzed strains, and the CRISPR spacers were only rarely shared among the strains. We conclude that the CRISPR/Cas system size varied among the lineages as well as the gene flow.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are signaling molecules essential for plant responses to abiotic and biotic stimuli as well as for multiple developmental processes. They are produced as byproducts of aerobic metabolism and are affected by adverse environmental conditions. The ROS content is controlled on the side of their production but also by scavenging machinery. Antioxidant enzymes represent a major ROS-scavenging force and are crucial for stress tolerance in plants. Enzymatic antioxidant defense occurs as a series of redox reactions for ROS elimination. Therefore, the deregulation of the antioxidant machinery may lead to the overaccumulation of ROS in plants, with negative consequences both in terms of plant development and resistance to environmental challenges. The transcriptional activation of antioxidant enzymes accompanies the long-term exposure of plants to unfavorable environmental conditions. Fast ROS production requires the immediate mobilization of the antioxidant defense system, which may occur via retrograde signaling, redox-based modifications, and the phosphorylation of ROS detoxifying enzymes. This review aimed to summarize the current knowledge on signaling processes regulating the enzymatic antioxidant capacity of plants.

Anaerobic digestion (AD) plants undoubtedly represent an integral and irreplaceable element in rural energy transition and sustainable waste management. In our study, we focus on an advanced understanding of the dynamics behind the changing perceptions of AD plants in host communities in Poland, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic. The surveyed AD plant case studies were selected to represent best-practice examples of AD plant operations in their countries. By means of a comparative survey in three host communities, we seek to learn more about the shift in perceptions of AD plants between their planning and operational phases. We find that, although our cases are considered best-practice examples of AD plant operations, their overall support in their communities dramatically dropped in the operational phase consequent to real-life experience with living in the neighbourhood of an AD plant. Additionally, our findings indicate that respondents who reported the most severe deterioration of AD plant perceptions were, surprisingly, those who had participated in the planning process more than other respondents. The most frequently mentioned type of participation in the planning phase was reported to be visits to the local administration office to inspect an AD plant’s planning documentation. We argue that deteriorating perceptions of best-practice examples of AD plant operations negatively impact the further development and acceptance of the biogas sector in Eastern Europe. The element of acceptance by the locals of AD plant operations urgently requires reflection in the definition of best practices to inspire and upgrade both existing and planned biogas energy projects.

Annexin 1 (ANN1) is the most abundant member of the evolutionary conserved multigene protein superfamily of annexins in plants. Generally, annexins participate in diverse cellular processes, such as cell growth, differentiation, vesicle trafficking, and stress responses. The expression of annexins is developmentally regulated, and it is sensitive to the external environment. ANN1 is expressed in almost all Arabidopsis tissues, while the most abundant is in the root, root hairs, and in the hypocotyl epidermal cells. Annexins were also occasionally proposed to associate with cytoskeleton and vesicles, but they were never developmentally localized at the subcellular level in diverse plant tissues and organs. Using advanced light-sheet fluorescence microscopy (LSFM), we followed the developmental and subcellular localization of GFP-tagged ANN1 in post-embryonic Arabidopsis organs. By contrast to conventional microscopy, LSFM allowed long-term imaging of ANN1-GFP in Arabidopsis plants at near-environmental conditions without affecting plant viability. We studied developmental regulation of ANN1-GFP expression and localization in growing Arabidopsis roots: strong accumulation was found in the root cap and epidermal cells (preferentially in elongating trichoblasts), but it was depleted in dividing cells localized in deeper layers of the root meristem. During root hair development, ANN1-GFP accumulated at the tips of emerging and growing root hairs, which was accompanied by decreased abundance in the trichoblasts. In aerial plant parts, ANN1-GFP was localized mainly in the cortical cytoplasm of trichomes and epidermal cells of hypocotyls, cotyledons, true leaves, and their petioles. At the subcellular level, ANN1-GFP was enriched at the plasma membrane (PM) and vesicles of non-dividing cells and in mitotic and cytokinetic microtubular arrays of dividing cells. Additionally, an independent immunolocalization method confirmed ANN1-GFP association with mitotic and cytokinetic microtubules (PPBs and phragmoplasts) in dividing cells of the lateral root cap. Lattice LSFM revealed subcellular accumulation of ANN1-GFP around the nuclear envelope of elongating trichoblasts. Massive relocation and accumulation of ANN1-GFP at the PM and in Hechtian strands and reticulum in plasmolyzed cells suggest a possible osmoprotective role of ANN1-GFP during plasmolysis/deplasmolysis cycle. This study shows complex developmental and subcellular localization patterns of ANN1 in living Arabidopsis plants.

For several decades, researchers are working to develop improved major crops with better adaptability and tolerance to environmental stresses. Forage legumes have been widely spread in the world due to their great ecological and economic values. Abiotic and biotic stresses are main factors limiting legume production, however, alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) shows relatively high level of tolerance to drought and salt stress. Efforts focused on alfalfa improvements have led to the release of cultivars with new traits of agronomic importance such as high yield, better stress tolerance or forage quality. Alfalfa has very high nutritional value due to its efficient symbiotic association with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, while deep root system can help to prevent soil water loss in dry lands. The use of modern biotechnology tools is challenging in alfalfa since full genome, unlike to its close relative barrel medic (Medicago truncatula Gaertn.), was not released yet. Identification, isolation, and improvement of genes involved in abiotic or biotic stress response significantly contributed to the progress of our understanding how crop plants cope with these environmental challenges. In this review, we provide an overview of the progress that has been made in high-throughput sequencing, characterization of genes for abiotic or biotic stress tolerance, gene editing, as well as proteomic and metabolomics techniques bearing biotechnological potential for alfalfa improvement.

The aim of the study was to evaluate total antioxidant activity (TAA) and total content of carotenoids (TCC), anthocyanins (TAC), phenolics (TPC) and phenolic acids (PAs) in grain of selected pigmented wheat genotypes and traditional control cultivar cultivated under organic and conventional cropping systems in two-year trials. All of the evaluated parameters were significantly affected both by genotype and evaluated environmental factors. While in TPC, PAs and TCC the effect of years prevailed, TAC was affected mainly by genotype. The effect of genotype and year in TAA was comparable. TPC ranged from 581.71 mg/kg (control cv. Annie) to 723.60 mg/kg (cultivar with purple pericarp PS Karkulka), total PAs content from 711.77 mg/kg (cv. PS Karkulka) to 849.47 mg/kg (cv. Skorpion with blue aleurone). TCC varied from 1.56 mg/kg (cv. PS Karkulka) to 5.32 mg/kg (cv. Citrus with yellow endosperm). The highest TAC (63.23 mg/kg) was found in cv. Skorpion, the lowest (12.70 mg/kg) in cv. AF Jumiko with purple pericarp. Anthocyanins were not detected in cvs. Annie and Citrus. TAA varied from 162.68 mg/kg in cv. Annie to 226.71 mg/kg in breeding line KM 53-14 with blue aleurone. Higher TAA and antioxidants contents and lower grain yields were observed in organic cropping system and in drier year 2016.

Facilities for generating renewable energy form important elements in the rural landscape of the Czech Republic. The distribution of these facilities is highly uneven due to various natural and socio-economic factors. In our paper, we are focusing our attention on one of the important facilities for the generation of renewable energy in the Czech Republic; anaerobic digestion (AD) plants. In 2016, more than five hundred AD plants could be found in the country with a total installed capacity of 360 MW. By means of analyses of data on location of individual AD plants, quality of soils, size of agricultural farms (in which majority of AD plants is incorporated) we found that agricultural AD plants in the Czech Republic tend to concentrate in areas with larger agricultural farms and also in areas with average and slightly below average conditions for agricultural activities. Core areas where agricultural AD plants are the most densely located were also identified. In these areas, large farms with AD plants tend to crowd out smaller farms. Pressure to grow maize for ADs significantly competes here with growing of other agricultural crops for food. This finding is in strong contradiction with the official national agricultural policy where support for small farms is systematically emphasized. Core areas with AD plants make a belt that mostly covers sub-mountainous central parts of the Czech Republic where traditional agricultural plants are now significantly being displaced by maize to feed AD plants.

Fortification structures, both military and civilian, are designed to resist a blast explosion to some extent. Their technical condition after a blast load must be assessed in a fast and reliable way to enable the users’ decision about the future use of the structure. Preferably, for the assessment of the protective structure, the non-destructive testing method should be used. To assess the suitability of ultrasound testing method for fortification structures built from steel fiber reinforced concrete, an investigation in a laboratory and in situ was conducted, together with numerical simulation and statistical evaluation. The numerical simulation of the blast load of a steel fiber reinforced concrete slab was conducted using multiphysics simulation software with the aim to verify basic parameters of the field experiment. During the field tests, several slabs were loaded by plastic explosive and changes in the structure of the slabs, before and after the blast load, were examined using the ultrasound pass-through method. After the field tests, the slabs were subjected to a destructive laboratory test to determine their residual strength. Subsequently, the data sets obtained from the measurements were tested using functional data analysis. The results from the ultrasound pulse method show that specimens after a dynamic blast load can in some cases increase the strength of their cement matrix.

Our paper deals with a micro-study of one residential building in the city center of Brno (Czech Republic) where we strived to identify and better understand the main factors behind the successful implementation of environmentally friendly solutions during the regeneration process. We followed the unique, complicated, and often conflictual story of the regeneration (conducted during the years 2010–2020) of the residential building, which was originally built in the 1930s. In total, 18 solutions were discussed—all four solutions on the state level of centralization were realized, only two of six solutions on the building level of centralization were materialized, and six of eight decentralized solutions were realized during the regeneration process. In the field of energy savings requiring high investments, a significant dominance of centralized solutions (on the state level) was identified. Centralized solutions on the building level such as heat pumps or solar panels were not realized. In the area of waste management and care for community greenery (that did not require large investments), we see as the most beneficial the promotion of decentralized solutions in the form of community-funded communal composting or the planting of new greenery. The formation of various regeneration options, which is discussed in detail, appeared as an integral instrument for dealing with conflicts among residents during the planning phase.

This paper brings an innovative processing route of manganese deep-sea nodules, which results in completely new grades of alloys. Deep-sea nodules were processed by aluminothermic method without the extraction of individual elements, producing complexly alloyed manganese-based “natural alloys”. Three levels of the amount of aluminum were used for the aluminothermic reduction, and hence the alloys differ strongly in the amount of aluminum, which has a significant effect on their phase composition. The alloys have very high wear resistance, comparable with tool steel. The disadvantage of low-aluminum alloy is the susceptibility to local thermal cracking during friction, which occurs especially in the case of a dry sliding wear against the static partner with low thermal conductivity.

Green marketing is possibly the newest type of marketing. Recently, it has also been the most discussed one by organizations, companies and even states. Green marketing tries to produce, promote and recycle products that are friendly to the environment. Green marketing is a global concern and it is going to have a better future. However, this type of marketing meets a few problems such as much effort to replace conventional products and a lack of confidence. Many companies produce and promote such products as much as possible. In spite of this, the public is still sceptical. The paper presents the theoretical important knowledge on green marketing, its definitions, customer behaviour formulas, and its potential.

This study elucidated the stage-specific roles of FGF2 signaling during neural development using in-vitro human embryonic stem cell-based developmental modeling. We found that the dysregulation of FGF2 signaling prior to the onset of neural induction resulted in the malformation of neural rosettes (a neural tube-like structure), despite cells having undergone neural induction. The aberrant neural rosette formation may be attributed to the misplacement of ZO-1, which is a polarized tight junction protein and shown co-localized with FGF2/FGFR1 in the apical region of neural rosettes, subsequently led to abnormal neurogenesis. Moreover, the FGF2 signaling inhibition at the stage of neural rosettes caused a reduction in cell proliferation, an increase in numbers of cells with cell-cycle exit, and premature neurogenesis. These effects may be mediated by NUMB, to which expression was observed enriched in the apical region of neural rosettes after FGF2 signaling inhibition coinciding with the disappearance of PAX6+/Ki67+ neural stem cells and the emergence of MAP2+ neurons. Moreover, our results suggested that the hESC-based developmental system reserved a similar neural stem cell niche in vivo.

Currently, due to the elapsed time and the nature of the Chernobyl accident, the only artificial radionuclide present in the soil is 137Cs, with a physical half-life conversion of 30.17 years. The 137Cs is quickly integrated into a biological cycle, similar to potassium. Generally, radionuclides are characterized by their mobility in soil. Contamination of materials and food by radionuclides represent a serious problem and has a negative impact on human health. The threat of international terrorism and the inability to forestall the impact of natural disasters on nuclear energetic (Fukushima accident), are also reasons for continuous monitoring of food safety. According screening measurement performed in European countries, high radioactivity levels were reported in the wild boars muscles from Sumava (Czech Republic). Seasonal fluctuation of 137Cs activity in the wild boar meat samples was observed in the forests on the southern Rhineland. Monitoring of 137Cs activity in the wild boar meat samples in the hunting grounds in Slovakia was initiated based on the reports on exceeding limits of the content of radiocaesium in the meat of wild boar from the surrounding countries. The aim of this study was to determine the 137Cs post Chernobyl contamination of wild boars population in different hunting districts of Slovakia during 2013 - 2014. A total of 60 thigh muscle samples from wild boars of different age categories (4 months - 2 years) were evaluated. 137Cs activity was measured by gamma spectrometry (Canberra). Despite the fact Slovakia is closer to Chernobyl as Czech Republic and Germany, the 137Cs activity measured was very low and far below the permitted limit. The highest radiocaesium activity level measured in muscle was 37.2 Bq.kg-1 ±4.7%. Wild boar originated from Zlate Moravce district. The measurement results show, that 137Cs contamination levels of game in Slovakia are low. Radiocaesium activity in examined samples was very low and therefore consumption of wild boar meat does not represent a health risk problem.

TPX2 (Targeting Protein for Xklp2) is an evolutionary conserved microtubule-associated protein important for microtubule nucleation and mitotic spindle assembly. The protein was described as an activator of the mitotic kinase Aurora A in humans and the Arabidopsis AURORA1 (AUR1) kinase. In contrast to animal genomes that encode only one TPX2 gene, higher plant genomes encode a family with several TPX2-LIKE gene members (TPXL). TPXL genes of Arabidopsis can be divided into two groups. Group A proteins (TPXL2, 3, 4, and 8) contain Aurora binding and TPX2_importin domains, while group B proteins (TPXL1, 5, 6, and 7) harbor an Xklp2 domain. Canonical TPX2 contains all the above-mentioned domains. We confirmed using in vitro kinase assays that the group A proteins contain a functional Aurora kinase binding domain. Transient expression of Arabidopsis TPX2-like proteins in Nicotiana benthamiana revealed preferential localization to microtubules and nuclei. Co-expression of AUR1 together with TPX2-like proteins changed the localization of AUR1, indicating that these proteins serve as targeting factors for Aurora kinases. Taken together, we visualize the various localizations of the TPX2-LIKE family in Arabidopsis as a proxy to their functional divergence and provide evidence of their role in the targeted regulation of AUR1 kinase activity.

We report on the fabrication of metasurface phase plates consisting of gold nanoantenna arrays that generate Laguerre-Gaussian modes from a circularly polarized Gaussian input beam. The corresponding helical phase profiles with radial discontinuities are encoded in the metasurfaces by the orientation of the nanoantennas. A common-path interferometer is used to determine the orbital angular momentum of the generated beams. Additionally, we employ digital holography to record the detailed phase profiles of the Laguerre-Gaussian modes. This method allows a simple and direct quantitative comparison of the measured phase profiles of the generated Laguerre-Gaussian beams with the theoretically expected phase profiles. Experiments with different laser sources demonstrate the broadband operation of the metasurfaces.

The rapid spread of invasive plants makes their management increasingly difficult. Remote sensing offers a means of fast and efficient monitoring, but still the optimal methodologies remain to be defined. The seasonal dynamics and spectral characteristics of the target invasive species are important factors, since, at certain time of the vegetation season (e.g., at flowering or senescing), plants are often more distinct (or more visible beneath the canopy). Our aim was to establish fast, repeatable and a cost-efficient, computer-assisted method applicable over larger areas, to reduce the costs of extensive field campaigns. To achieve this goal, we examined how the timing of monitoring affects the detection of noxious plant invaders in Central Europe, using two model herbaceous species with markedly different phenological, structural, and spectral characteristics. They are giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum), a species with very distinct flowering phase, and the less distinct knotweeds (Fallopia japonica, F. sachalinensis, and their hybrid F. × bohemica). The variety of data generated, such as imagery from purposely-designed, unmanned aircraft vehicle (UAV), and VHR satellite, and aerial color orthophotos enabled us to assess the effects of spectral, spatial, and temporal resolution (i.e., the target species' phenological state) for successful recognition. The demands for both spatial and spectral resolution depended largely on the target plant species. In the case that a species was sampled at the most distinct phenological phase, high accuracy was achieved even with lower spectral resolution of our low-cost UAV. This demonstrates that proper timing can to some extent compensate for the lower spectral resolution. The results of our study could serve as a basis for identifying priorities for management, targeted at localities with the greatest risk of invasive species' spread and, once eradicated, to monitor over time any return. The best mapping strategy should reflect morphological and structural features of the target plant and choose appropriate spatial, spectral, and temporal resolution. The UAV enables flexible data acquisition for required time periods at low cost and is, therefore, well-suited for targeted monitoring; while satellite imagery provides the best solution for larger areas. Nonetheless, users must be aware of their limits.

The coal has been mined in the Karviná area for more than 150 years. During the course of time mining areas were continuously extended at the expense of the settled areas. At the beginnings the mining was limited, but later, namely under conditions of centrally planned economy in the period between 1950s and 1980s, it was heavily intensified. Then, as a result of economic restructuring of the Czech Republic mining was reduced in the region to be re-developed in the last decade again. The expansion of coal mining has been continuously affecting the socio-economic structure of local population (huge working immigration, industrialisation, construction of mass housing for miners – miners dormitories, later housing estates etc., displacement of settlements), surrounding landscape (subsidence of terrain, undermining, hydrological changes and formation of artificial lakes, occurrence of plenty of post-mining brownfields after the reduction of mining etc.), but also contemporary outward, image and socio-spatial structure of cities (dominance housing in housing estates, effects of communists spatial urban planning etc.). Currently, negotiations about expansion of coal mining are in progress in this region, namely the city parts of Karviná (Staré Město) and Orlová (Výhoda) should be affected. In the introductory parts of this paper social, economical and environmental aspects of coal mining on the development of regions and connected problems are discussed and both cities are shortly presented. The questionnaire survey focused on perceptions of after-mining renewal and potential expansion of mining in the area of cities of Karviná and Orlová was conducted (n=1000). As the most important predictor that influences perception of mining and renewal, employment in mining companies has been identified. The higher education respondents achieved, the higher level of opposition against mining was manifested. The correlation was also found between the level of income and the agreement with expansion of mining. It can be concluded that employees of mining company, less educated population and people with higher income agreed with economic development of the city that is based on mining.

This article deals with the issue of brownfield redevelopment for the needs of solar energy projects from different perspectives. Attention is first paid to a brief characterisation of the data and information available both for brownfields and for solar energy projects in the Czech Republic. Then there is description from the most important results of GIS analysis, which (based on a comparison of aerial images from different years) identified the previous uses at the 127 solar power plants with an output of over 1 MWp in the South Moravian Region. The results of the quantitative analyses are accompanied by knowledge from a qualitative survey conducted on selected actors participating in this kind of brownfield regeneration for solar energy development. The conclusion contains proposals which could contribute to the more intensive future use of brownfields for the needs of solar energy in the Czech Republic (a similar process to what has already successfully been realised in Germany). The research results can be inspiring not only for the Czech Republic but also for other EU-member counrties where brownfields have not been re-used for the needs of solar energy projects or where brownfields have been used in this way only marginally.

The possible use of leaching residue from leaching deep-sea nodules in SO2/H2SO4/H2O medium as a low-cost adsorbent of heavy metals (Pb(II), Cd(II), Cu(II), Ni(II), Co(II), As(V)) was studied. The leaching residue was found to be an effective adsorbent for all of the tested elements; however, it was inactive in the solution containing As(V). The chemical activation of adsorbent in 10 vol. % HCl resulted in the greatest improvement of adsorption properties, while the activation in 10 vol. % HNO3 and heat treatment at 250 °C did not significantly affect the sorption characteristics of treated adsorbents compared with the original leaching residue. After HCl activation, the maximal adsorption capacities for lead (12.0 mg/g at pH 5.0 after 1 h), nickel (3.1 mg/g at pH 5.5 after 4 h) and cobalt (2.0 mg/g at pH 5.0 after 2 h) were achieved. Additional mechanical treatment connected with HCl activation provided the highest adsorption capacities for cadmium (11.5 mg/g at pH 4.0) and copper (5.7 mg/g at pH 4.5). Coprecipitation of Fe/Al-based particles on the surface of the leaching residue increased As(V) removal of the adsorbent. Surface coating based on AlIII was extremely effective, causing the increase of the adsorption capacity from 0 with the original leaching residue, to 28.1 mg/g (pH 7.0, 24 min). Kinetics studies showed the rapid progress of adsorption for Pb(II), Cd(II), and As(V) in tens of minutes, while the adsorption of Cu(II), Ni(II) and Co(II) approached a steady state after 2 h.

In this study, processes based on roasting-leaching-crystallization steps and condensation-precipitation steps for Li2CO3 separation from spent Li/MnO2 batteries and lithium-containing wastewaters were developed and verified on a laboratory scale. Spent Li/MnO2 batteries were roasted under reduced pressure at 650°C, which split the castings and deactivated the batteries by reduction of LiMnO2 and MnO2 with residual lithium metal and graphite to form MnO and Li2CO3. The resultant lithium carbonate was selectively solubilised in water with manganese remaining in the leach residue. Li2CO3 of 99.5 % purity was obtained after evaporation of 95 % water. Processing of lithium-containing alkaline wastewaters from the production of liquid rubber comprises condensation up to lithium concentration of 12-13 g/l Li and a two-step precipitation of lithium carbonate using CO2 as a precipitation agent. Sparingly soluble Li2CO3 was produced in the second step at 95°C, whilst most impurities remain in the solution. Obtained lithium carbonate products contained on average more than 99.5 % Li2CO3. The lithium precipitation efficiency was about 90 %.

The influence of ultrasound and microwaves on extraction of copper, nickel, and cobalt from manganese deep-sea nodules by reductive ammoniacal leaching in the presence of ammonium thiosulfate as a reducing agent was studied. The ultrasonic ammoniacal leaching provides higher metals extraction, while the effect of microwaves on the metals extraction under the studied leaching conditions is insignificant. In general, increasing leaching temperature increases significantly extraction of the metals of interest. At high temperatures, extraction efficiencies of copper, nickel, and cobalt decrease over longer leaching duration as a result of decomposition of the metals amino-complexes and reverse precipitation of metals. However, during the ultrasonic leaching at a temperature of 85 °C, the extraction of nickel remains almost unchanged over longer leaching durations and does not follow the decreasing course, observed in the extraction of copper and cobalt. The finding suggests that nickel can be selectively extracted from the nodules by the ultrasonic leaching. The maximal extraction efficiency of copper, nickel, and cobalt was 83%, 71%, and 32%, respectively, when the reductive ultrasonic ammoniacal leaching was carried out at 85 °C for 90 min. In the presence of microwaves, the maximal extraction efficiency of copper, nickel, and cobalt was 67%, 48%, and 8%, respectively, when the reductive ultrasonic ammoniacal leaching was carried out at the output power of 60 W for 210 min.

We present three cases of pneumopericardium following blunt chest trauma injury. All three patients were victims of road traffic accidents. All had multiple associated injuries and pneumopericardium was found as the additional finding. Pneumopericardium was treated conservatively with thoracic drains placement and patients observation. Transesophageal echocardiography was used as a method of choice for exclusion of cardiac air tamponade. All three patients survived.

Methanogenic archaea produce methane as a metabolic product under anoxic conditions and they play a crucial role in the global methane cycle. In this study molecular diversity of methanogenic archaea in the hyporheic sediment of the lowland stream Sitka (Olomouc, Czech Republic) was analyzed by PCR amplification, cloning and sequencing analysis of the methyl coenzyme M reductase alpha subunit (mcrA) gene. Sequencing analysis of 60 clones revealed 24 different mcrA phylotypes from hyporheic sedimentary layers to a depth of 50 cm. Phylotypes were affiliated with Methanomicrobiales, Methanosarcinales and Methanobacteriales orders. Only one phylotype remains unclassified. The majority of the phylotypes showed higher affiliation with uncultured methanogens than with known methanogenic species. The presence of relatively rich assemblage of methanogenic archaea confirmed that methanogens may be an important component of hyporheic microbial communities and may affect CH4 cycling in rivers.

It has long been assumed that cyanobacteria have, as with other free-living microorganisms, a ubiquitous occurrence. Neither the geographical dispersal barriers nor allopatric speciation has been taken into account. We endeavoured to examine the spatial and temporal patterns of global distribution within populations of the cyanobacterium Microcoleus vaginatus, originated from three continents, and to evaluate the role of dispersal barriers in the evolution of free-living cyanobacteria. Complex phylogeographical approach was applied to assess the dispersal and evolutionary patterns in the cyanobacterium Microcoleus vaginatus (Oscillatoriales). We compared the 16S rRNA and 16S-23S ITS sequences of strains which had originated from three continents (North America, Europe, and Asia). The spatial distribution was investigated using a phylogenetic tree, network, as well as principal coordinate analysis (PCoA). A temporal characterization was inferred using molecular clocks, calibrated from fossil DNA. Data analysis revealed broad genetic diversity within M. vaginatus. Based on the phylogenetic tree, network, and PCoA analysis, the strains isolated in Europe were spatially separated from those which originated from Asia and North America. A chronogram showed a temporal limitation of dispersal barriers on the continental scale. Dispersal barriers and allopatric speciation had an important role in the evolution of M. vaginatus. However, these dispersal barriers did not have a permanent character; therefore, the genetic flow among populations on a continental scale was only temporarily present. Furthermore, M. vaginatus is a recently evolved species, which has been going through substantial evolutionary changes.