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Small-scale biogas technology in Southeast Asian countries: current state, bottlenecks and perspectives
Roubík, Hynek ; Banout, Jan (advisor)
Biogas produced via the anaerobic digestion (AD) of organic waste materials is considered as an important technology in improving the environment because it solves waste management problems and simultaneously produces biogas as a main product and digestate as a by-product, which can also be used as a fertilizer.
Within the rising expectations for the substitution of fossil energy with renewable energy as one of the solutions to cope with climate change, the environmental aspects of small-scale biogas plants, as widely used method for energy creation, should be evaluated in a holistic and systematic way. The use of small-scale biogas plants is mostly common for energy creation from waste in Southeast Asia.
This source of energy is mainly lauded for its low costs, clean production and high fertilization effects of digested matter for crops. There are number of advantages of small-scale biogas production on farms, including also savings on firewood or fossil fuels and reduction in odour and greenhouse gas emissions from using other fuels. However, biogas plants are often poorly managed and there is lack of proper distribution systems for biogas. That results in methane being release inadvertently through leaks in digesters and tubing, and intentionally when production exceeds demand. As methane has a global warming potential 25 times higher than that of carbon dioxide, environmental advantages of small-scale biogas plants might be compromised.
This dissertation intends to provide in-depth understanding about the issue with taking into accounts possible risks. Investigating of such a topic is within continuing concern about small-scale biogas technology in rural areas of developing countries. For this reason technical, social, economic and environmental assessment of small-scale biogas technology will be done. Methods of data collection will consist of questionnaire survey and focus group discussions among randomly selected owners of biogas plants, semi-structured personal interviews with local authorities and facilitators and observation. Furthermore, prediction of future development of this technology will be created.
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Influence of low-cost banks on banking trade in the CR
Krejčová, Alena ; Steininger, Michal (advisor) ; Ondřej, Ondřej (referee)
The aim of the thesis is to analyse in what ways the entry of the low-cost banks in the banking market in the Czech Republic influenced the fee policy of the large banks. The intermediate aim of the thesis is to find the most appropriate bank for a particular client. The theoretical part of the thesis deals with the situation and the development of the banking in the market economy, with the banking system, the financial market, the general overview and the bank products specification. Basic terms closely connected with the bank account are explained. In the practical part low-cost banks working in the Czech banking market are introduced. Here is where their basic market results are compared and the development of the clients number of the low-cost banks in the course of time is presented. In the analytical part the comparison of bank fees related to the use of the current account is shown on the examples of model clients (passive, average and active client) with the three largest banks in the banking market in the Czech Republic before the entry and after the entry of low-cost banks. Hereafter the fees between particular banks on the present conditions in the market are compared. From the analysis follows that the most suitable institution offering the considered services free are Fio Bank and Air Bank with the profile Passive Client and UniCredit Bank and Equa bank with the profiles Average and Active Client.
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Spatial distribution and mobility of critically endangered Rock Grayling in the area of Orlik Reservoir
Váňová, Anežka ; Kadlec, Tomáš (advisor) ; Petr, Petr (referee)
The critically endangered grayling (Hipparchia hermione, syn.: alcyone) is one of the rapidly declining diurnal butterfly species which occupies only few remaining localities in the Czech Republic. Currently, its remaining local populations can be found in the central Povltavi area where they inhabit mostly sparse light oak forests with low cover of the herb layer. As a diploma thesis, the study was conducted during the season 2015. The populations of H. alcyone were researched around the Orlik water reservoir. The occurrence was confirmed at six localities out of which two had been unknown until then. Within four dense populations have been using the capture-recapture method evaluated the mobility and dispersal abilities of the species. The populations differed in their dispersal abilities. Various average long distances across localities and sexes were detected. The average long distances varied (males 142to300 m, females 78to261 m) across all locations. The flight probability were ascertained with two methods: the inverse power function (IPF) and the negative exponential function (NEF). The NEF method fitted better the flight probability at all localities. The interchanges of individuals between localities were noted only in a case of two closest populations. These one-way interchanges (three males and two females) were always directed from dense to smaller population. The adults of H. alcyone were typical by very low dispersions between separate populations, probably due to lower densities of populations and innapropriate structure of migration paths. Three overflights of males and two overflights of females to the neighbouring location were recorded. With respect to the size of local population and the structure of migration routes, the individuals expand with difficulties. In order to maintain and support habitats of new H. alcyone biotopes, the more open canopies and creation of a larger number of small clearings in the neighbourhood of the H. alcyone localities is necessary.
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Changes to the contents of proline and relative electrolyte leakage of the selected genotypes of poppies depending on the influence by low temperature
Kudrna, Jiří ; Hnilička, František (advisor) ; Orsák, Matyáš (referee)
The object of this thesis is to study the effect of low temperatures, proline content and relative elektrolyte leakage in a selected range of varieties of opium poppy.
Experiment included 18 poppy varieties with different contents of morphine. Poppy seeds for this experiment were provided by GB Oseva Pro s r.o., o.z.VÚO Opava a Český mák s.r.o.
Poppy seeds were sown in containers of a size of 7,5x7,5 cm. Used cultivation medium is mixture of garden substrate A with quartz sand in a ratio of 2: 1. Plants were grown under controlled conditions in grow chamber Conviron E8. Before starting the experiment, the temperature was at 10 ° C during day and 5 ° C over night. Light cycle was 13 hours light and 11 hours darkness. The maximum value of irradiance was 800 micromol. The experiment was initiated in phase of rosette develoment. At this developmental stage were the plants exposed to frost temperatures (-5 ° C) over night and chill temperatures (10 ° C) duringthe day. After a week the plants were regenerated for 1 week at 5 ° C over night and 10 C during the day.
All tested plants were in two day intervals measured of proline concentration after exposure to low temperature stress. At the same intervals as proline, were measured the values of relative elektrolyte leakage (Rel%).The obtained results show that the influence of low temperature causes increase of proline level. Control winter-crop variety Zeno exhibited the high kontent of proline (693.33 microg.g -1) in comparison with the spring poppy varieties. After regeneration were afected varieties Lazur, Opal, Buddha, Korneuburger Weisser, Aplaus, Major, Sokol, Zeno reduced the content of proline under the influence of higher temperatures. On the other hand the varieties Ofeus, Tatranský, Opex, Orbis, Maraton, Florián, Marianne and Albin were reversed with an increase of proline level. Proline concentration levels were constant and unchanged in case of varietes Postomi and Akvarel. Values of relative elektrolyte leakage were increased proportionately with length of exposure to low temperatures on the tested plants. The lowest value of membrane damage was after exposure to low temperatures observed in case of variety Zeno (23.53%). In the case of spring varieties was lowest membráně damage estimated in a variety Korneuburger Weisser (44.88%), while the highest was in the variety Orfeus (53.15%). It demonstrated the different responses of individual poppy varieties at low temperature. Most sensitive to low temperature were varieties Orfeus, Postomi, Akvarel, Orbis, Sokol and Marianne. As less sensitive to stress caused by low temperature seems to be spring varieties Opex, Buddha, Korneuburger Weisser, Albín.
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Changes in gas exchange of selected genotypes of poppies depending on the influence by low temperature
Málek, Jan ; Hnilička, František (advisor) ; Orsák, Matyáš (referee)
The Czech republic is one of the biggest Opium poppy producers. In 2015, this plant was grown in an area of approx. 32 650 ha. Since the poppy is usually sown quite soon in the spring, it can be damaged (or negatively affected) by low temperatures. The main objective of this Bachelor thesis was to determine the speed of gas exchange in several poppy species affected by low temperatures.
In this research, altogether 12 various genotypes of Opium poppy (Papaver somniferum L.) were included in (development phase 35 BBCH). These were concretely following poppy species: CM 112, Sokol, Major, Opál, Florián, Albín, Postomi, Marianne, Budha, Lazur, Aplaus and Orbis. Under controlled conditions of a clima-box (Conviron), the plants were exposed (within 1 week) to daily temperatures of 10 °C and night temperatures of -5 °C. After one week, the night temperature was increased to 5 °C, while the daily temperature remained the same (i.e. 10 °C). In following two weeks, there was measured the photosynthesis- and transpiration- speed (using the infrared gas analysator LDpro+SD).
Base on measurements made, there was stated, that there could be noted quite big differences in photosynthesis- and transpiration- speed in particular poppy genotypes involved. This fact proves the existency of obvious differences in gas exchange speed of particular poppy species included in this research. Between the particular measurement terms, there could be also noted differences in photosynthesis- and transpiration speed, which proves the influence of low temperatures on photosynthesis- and transpiration speed.
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Formation of yield and dry matter with genetic resources of opium poppy (Papaver somniferum L.)
Slowiaczek, Lukáš ; Hnilička, František (advisor) ; Jan, Jan (referee)
Diploma thesis with the topic: Formation of yield and dry matter with genetic resources of opium poppy (Papaver somniferum L.) was worked out at the Department of botanics and plant physiology, Faculty of agrobiology, food and natural resources ČZU in Prague. The purpose of this thesis was to determine genotype and ontogenetic differences in amount of yield, production of dry mass, and value of growth-analytic characteristics in certain species of opium poppy. Diploma thesis was based on the fact that most of the studies about opium poppy (Papaver somniferum L.) are focused on the content of alkaloids and other substances present in poppy seeds. Due to this facts, it is necessary to describe the genotypes of poppy plants and their genetic resources from the physiological point of view.
Following species of opium poppy were chosen for the experiment: Akvarel, Albín, Buddha, Florian, Korneuburger Weisser, Lazur, Major, Marianne, Opál, Postomi, Sokol, Tatranský. These species were chosen according to their content of alkaloids, especially morfine very low content, low content, medium content and high content of morfine. All of the tested genotypes are tested as object of study of genetic poppy resources. Seeds were supplied by GB Oseva Pro s.r.o., o.z. VÚO Opava and company Český mák.
Field experiments were established at the research laboratory FAPPZ ČZU in Prague, in Červený Újezd. This location is in Prague-West division, in area of Middle Bohemia. The altitude of this location is 401 metres above the sea level. The size of the field for testing was 2 m2. The experiment was based in 4 repetitions by the method of Latin square. Winter wheat was used as the preceding crop. Opium poppy was planted according to agrotechnical principles of planting.
Content of dry mass in individual plant organs was measured in certain ontogenetic stages of opium poppy (35, 45, 49, 52, 54, 62, 81 BBCH). Size of leaf area was assessed by the image analysis WinDias. Yield of seeds was assessed as well. Growth-analytic characteristics were calculated from the values of wieght of dry mass and size of leaf area.
The results confirmed that the size of plants is influenced by its ontogeny and also by its species. The results also confirm, that the height of plants is not influenced by the content of morfine. Connection between the colour of seeds and height of plant was not confirmed either. Increase in weight of above-ground biomass depending on ontogenetic stage and influence of plant species was confirmed. There are differences in production of yield in species of poppy with different contents of morfine because the average weight of yield in species with very low content of morfine was 112,36 g, in species with low content of morfine 110,41 g, in species with middle content of morfine 12167 g and in species with high content of morfine 123,16 g. It was approved that ontogeny of plants influences the leaf area index (LAI) as it increases until blooming and then it decreases as a result of senescence and falling off the old leaves. Differences in leaf area index were detected among the species of opium poppy, depending on the content of morfine. It was detected that crop growth rate (CGR), relative crop growth rate (Rw) and relative growth rate of assimilation area (RA) are influenced by the ontogeny of plants. It was detected that species with high content of morfine in poppy seeds (Buddha, Postomi, Lazur) and species with white seeds Sokol and Albín have lower yield than species with middle content of morfine.
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Genetic Diversity of Semi-captive Population of Western Derby Eland (Taurotragus derbianus derbianus) in Senegal and Phylogenetical Relationships between Western Derby Eland (T. d. derbianus) and Eastern Giant Eland (T. d. gigas)
Zemanová, Hana ; Lukešová, Daniela (advisor) ; Jarmila, Jarmila (referee)
Representatives of family Bovidae are subjects of many studies concerning with their phylogeny, phylogeography, time of divergence or genetic diversity. Taxonomy is solved by comparison of morphological characteristics or by genetic approaches, genetic diversity could be solved by pedigree or by genetic analyses too. Tragelaphinae number nine species of two genera, Tragelaphus sp. and Taurotragus sp. The antelopes of the genus Taurotragus (T. derbianus and T. oryx) belong to the largest antelopes of the world. Derby eland (Taurotragus derbianus) has two subspecies, Western Derby eland (T. d. derbianus) and Eastern Giant eland (T. d. gigas), which are distinguished on the basis of morphological characteristics. Western subspecies (T. d. derbianus) is classified as critically endangered. There lives the only population in Niokolo Koba National Park in Senegal, which numbers fewer than 200 individuals. For the conservation, the semi-captive breeding programme has been established in 2000. It was created by six founders (one male and five females), which are presumed to be non-related. The population within this programme had 95 living individuals in 2013, living in seven herds in Bandia and Fathala reserves in Senegal. The population is under breeding management, which efforts to minimize kinship of the individuals. Studbook was established for the Western Derby eland (T. d. derbianus) in 2008 and is published annually. It acts about small population with low number of founders and no gene flow, which is threatened by inbreeding and genetic drift. Genetic diversity of the population was evaluated by means of microsatellite markers and the results were compared with the results of pedigree analysis. Pedigree analysis showed the highest genetic diversity in the generation of founders (FOUNDERS). It decreased in the generation of founders' offspring (OFFSPRING 1; born in season 2007/2008), due to the fact, that the only male took part in the reproduction. And it increased again in the generation of offspring of founders' offspring (OFFSPRING 2; born in the season 2009/2010), because more individuals were included into the reproduction. Fifteen individuals and five polymorphic microsatellite loci (from the total number of 13 tested loci) were chosen for the genetic study. The parameters of genetic diversity (HE and HO, Ar and deviations from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, and FIS and FST) were evaluated. Not any deviations from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium were found out. The results of genetic analysis confirmed the highest genetic diversity in the population of founders (Ar = 2.79; HE = 0.664; HO = 0.750; FIS = --0.154). In both generations of offspring values of allelic richness and observed and expected heterozygosity decreased (Ar = 2.15; HO = 0.580; HE = 0.586 in OFFSPRING 1 and Ar = 2.14; HO = 0.370; HE = 0.480 in OFFSPRING 2). Contrary to the results of pedigree analysis, there was not been observed any improvement in OFFSPRING 2. The resultant values of genetic diversity parameters were quite satisfactory, despite of the low number of founders and mating of related individuals.
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Utilization of biological and chemical amelioration treatments for restoration of anthropogenic degraded locality near Boleboř village in Ore Mts.
Kouba, Martin ; Podrázský, Vilém (advisor)
This dissertation contains evaluation of the growth dynamics and nutritional status of tree species plantations after application of biological and chemical amelioration treatments, impact of trees on quality of soil and on the accumulation of surface humus. There were evaluated: Norway spruce (Picea abies L.), Blue spruce (Picea pungens Engelm.), Birch (Betula spp.), European larch (Larix decidua Mill.), Gray alder (Alnus incana Moench.), Lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta Dougl.), Eastern White pine (Pinus strobus L.) and Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia L.).
On 4 research plots in Boleboř (Ore Mts.) was measured height, thickness of root collar, breast-height diameter. Were taken samples of soil, weed and assimilation apparatus. There was determined yellowing, browsing, plants mortality and calculated amount of accumulated surface humus.
Application of fertilizer Silvamix Forte on spreading windrows reduced mortality and increased increment for the first 3 years, the effect is evident even after 10 years. It was not confirmed the attractiveness of plants for wildlife after Silvamix Forte application. Silvamix Mg fertilizer application had minimal effect on the growth dynamics and nutrient contents in needles. Positively impacted soil characteristics, increased the value of the cation exchange capacity, decrease in hydrolytic acidity, increase the saturation of sorption bases, decrease of aluminium ions Al3+ and decrease of Fe2O3. On fertilized plots increased content of available nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium and magnesium, increase of the total supply of nitrogen, calcium and magnesium. The rapid increase in the content of Ca and Mg is related to the liming in 2002. Fertilizer application significantly supported the development of ground-weed on plots of Colorado blue spruce mixed with birch, while in pure stands of Colorado blue spruce led to a reduction in aboveground biomass.
For the Colorado blue spruce mixed with birch plot compared with only Colorado blue spruce plot were documented favourable soil properties, increased supply of total nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Rowan tree on an intact soil surface exhibits the lowest reaction pH as humus and in the mineral, high hydrolytic acidity, extremely sorption unsaturated soil state, high content of ion Al3+ and low content of available calcium, although was applied liming. Technical and biological reclamation (Boleboř III.) has a long-term positive effect on the average height and breast-height diameter of Colorado blue spruce and white pine. The growth dynamics of European larch and Lodgepole pine were affect only at the beginning. Meliorated stand of Gray Alder has very good growth dynamics, comparable with Larch and Lodgepole pine. The big problem is the game impact, especially in Lodgepole pine, which led to the destruction of all individuals. Colorado Blue spruce in terms of biological reclamation is totally inappropriate. This Spruce has reduced resistance to abiotic factors, which often suffer uprooting and breakage. During the 21 years the Clorado Blue spruce mixed with birch accumulated of 66,09 t.ha-1 humus matter with better properties also in the deeper horizon. Colorado Blue spruce accumulated 54,11 t.ha-1 of humus matter. Rowan tree accumulated on the intact soil largest amount of humus matter (194,98 t.ha-1), however acidifies the deeper horizons. The stand of Norway Spruce occurred during the reporting period a decrease of 47% to 107,03 t.ha-1. The decline may be associated with more open stand and due to air liming.
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Černý, David ; Malaťák, Jan (advisor) ; Mašek, Jiří (referee)
Organic wastes represent available replacement for crops grown specifically for biofuel production. However, the combustion of solid biofuels is often accompanied by technical problems. Biofuels made of organic wastes require the source of which do not contain hazardous substances that could be their combustion in simple combustion sources came into the atmosphere as emissions.
This thesis is focused on the assessment of technical and operational parameters of small combustion plants while burning biofuels and also of the measurement of emission concentrations of CO and NOX in the flue gas and its subsequent analysis. Samples were selected as solid fuel in the form of a lump, briquettes and pellets made from advanced materials. Incineration was realized in the fireplace with a grate furnace and automatic stove.
The bark briquettes could appears to be a suitable substitution for coal or wooden briquettes, and during combustion in grate emission concentrations of CO were achieved with a value of 560.8 +/- 98.9 mg.m-3,on the contrary NOX levels were relatively high
1 193.6 +/- 141.7 mg.m-3. In case of this work, when using the furnace the briquettes were made from compost , whose emission levels are higher: CO 1 487.8 +/- 418.8 mg.m-3, NOx levels were somewhat lower 330.8 +/- 26.3 mg.m-3 than the briquettes bark.
An experimental sample of sewage sludge, which has been modified by hydrothermal carbonisation, was burned on the grate furnace and the measured emission levels for CO
1 493.3 +/- 237.3 mg.m-3 and NOX levels 544.8 +/- 20.2 mg.m-3, positive because it was achieved the rated output of the combustion equipment and the heat of combustion of the sample is very low 12.61 MJ.kg-1.
The most efficient combustion of 80.8 +/- 2,7 % was achieved using automatic stove, during burning waste wood pellets certificate ENplus A1, the very low levels of emission and a very low emission levels for CO with a value of 117.5 +/- 14.4 mg.m-3 and values NOX
110.3 +/- 2.9 mg.m-3 were measured. Following experiments on this device were intended to increase the efficiency of a combustion plant by installing a hot-air heat exchanger and preheating combustion air. Method with preheating combustion air caused an increase in the emission concentration of CO.
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Socially Excluded Localities and Their Revitalization. Case Study: Ústecký Region.
Zoubková, Věra Thea ; Maier, Karel (advisor) ; Jakub, Jakub (referee)
The dissertation deals with the incidence and revitalization of socially excluded localities in a defined study area. The aim of this contribution is to identify and visualize the situation of the Ústecký Region in order to find common patterns of urban deprivation occurrence and to establish the guiding principles of revitalization policies in the Czech Republic. The research took place from September 2010 to June 2015. It combined qualitative and quantitative methods, in-situ and desk research. An analysis of primary and secondary data revealed 130 excluded localities in 42 towns and cities out of 354 in the region. The majority of deprived localities (87 %) can be found in highly urbanized areas. Two thirds of localities are small areas with up to 100 inhabitants. Socially excluded areas emerge in the centre, residential districts as well as on the outskirts of towns; however, three fifths of localities are not spatially segregated. Prefabricated housing estates are the largest and most populated deprived areas. Every other inhabitant of socially excluded localities in the Region lives in a prefabricated house. Brick houses are the most proliferated type of housing facility used as accommodation for socially excluded people. They can be found in every other deprived area. Vast majority of them was built before 1989. Family houses are deprived very scarcely; however, they belong to the most dilapidated part of socially excluded housing estate. Two thirds of localities have developed naturally, while the other third has been created by a regulated relocation of socially excluded people. Vast majority of deprived areas have existed for more than 5 years. Private property prevails. Half of the localities have entered the process of revitalization to improve the urban environment, human resources and security. Applied policies aim to keep the inhabitants in place and improve the quality of public space and service. However, involvement of residents in local regeneration policymaking is weak and ineffective. The renewal process depends on grants and subsidies. Europeanization is strong especially in big cities; nevertheless, most localities are small and therefore don't qualify for the sources of the built environment programs which prefer large areas of intervention. Results of revitalization process differ from one locality to another. Areas of housing and employment fall behind in particular. As far as property regeneration is concerned, the best owners are municipalities, house unit owners associations and housing associations. Not in one case, however, reaches the share of regenerated housing units 50 % of deprived properties. In any case, the market prices of local flats stay low compared with those of correspondingly equipped properties elsewhere in town.
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