Filters
How temperature affects the body size of terrestrial tardigrades
Abstract Many vertebrates, both homeo- and poikilothermic, show a significant relationship between body size and environmental temperature. Whether such an association may exist in microscopic invertebrates has been less explored. Therefore, we decided to analyse terrestrial Tardigrada from various habitats worldwide to examine whether these animals reveal any relationship pattern between body size and environmental temperature. Data on minimum, maximum, and mean body sizes were extracted from original descriptions or sometimes from later re-descriptions of the species. Minimum, maximum, and mean temperature data from the type localities of the species were retrieved from WorldClim 2. In general, accounting for geographic and phylogenetic confounding factors, the body size of terrestrial tardigrades decreased as the environmental temperature increased. The same tendency was observed for most of the genera when additional analyses were carried out separately for each genus. This is the first biogeographical analysis demonstrating that terrestrial tardigrades generally conform to the temperature–size rule.
Determining macrophyte species richness and dark diversity sources – A novel approach to improve the biodiversity estimation based on species traits
Herbicidal ionic liquids containing double or triple anions as a new potential tool for weed control including herbicide-resistant biotypes
Bioethanol Production Efficiency from Sorghum Waste Biomass
The problem of global warming is still a major issue, alongside shrinking oil reserves. A great alternative to fossil fuels is offered by biofuels, such as bioethanol from lignocellulosic plants. The sorghum biomass can be effectively used in many industrial directions. It is possible to use every part of this plant; the grain can be used for food production and straw can be used for energy purposes, i.e., for bioethanol. The aim of this study was to analyze the possibilities of bioethanol production from five varieties of sorghum biomass, which is a waste product of seed harvesting. The yields of sorghum cultivars in a three-year vegetation period; the amount of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin in the biomass of sorghum; and the amount of ethanol obtained per hectare were evaluated. It was observed that the highest average yield for all cultivars, except GK Emese, was found in the second year of the study. The bioethanol yield per hectare from this biomass was the highest for Sweet Caroline and was 9.48 m3∙ha−1. In addition, significant differences were found in the content of lignin and hemicellulose for the varieties tested in all years of the study and for the content of cellulose in the first and third years. The discussed results were confirmed by detailed statistical analyses, including combined matrices of Pearson correlation coefficients (crp) varieties and cluster analysis. In summary, the usefulness of the biomass of the studied sorghum varieties for the production of bioethanol was demonstrated.
Potential of Pine Needle Biomass for Bioethanol Production
Currently, fossil fuels are used to produce fuels and electricity, which are finite sources and have a negative impact on the natural environment. An excellent alternative to these fuels is biofuels, such as bioethanol from waste forest biomass. Pine needles are one of the most important available forest biomass materials with s significant impact on local understory vegetation. Forest waste biomass, which is a rich source of lignocellulose, can be used in various ways, such as for the eco-economical production of bioethanol. The aim of this study was to analyze the possibilities of bioethanol production from pine needle biomass obtained from forest land following different soil preparations and logging residue management. The pine needle dry matter yield, chemical components of pine needle biomass (cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin), and the amount of ethanol yield per hectare were evaluated. The highest average yield pine needle equal to 6.17 Mg∙ha−1 was observed. Bioethanol yield per hectare from this biomass was the highest for plowing with the LPZ-75 plow and was 1.08 m3∙ha−1. The discussed results were confirmed by detailed statistical analysis. To sum up, the researched pine needle biomass turned out to be an interesting raw material with the potential for bioethanol production.
The effect of hypomagnetic field on survival and mitochondrial functionality of active Paramacrobiotus experimentalis females and males of different age
Even for tardigrades, often called the toughest animals on Earth, a hypomagnetic field (HMF) is an extreme environment. However, studies on the effect of HMF on tardigrades and other invertebrates are scarce. Mitochondria play an important role in an organism’s response to extreme conditions. The effect of HMF on the mitochondrial inner membrane potential (Δψ), a well-known marker of mitochondria functionality, shows that mitochondria are very sensitive to HMF. To measure the HMF effect on Paramacrobiotus experimentalis, we calculated the tardigrade survival rate and Δψ level after HMF treatments of different durations. We also estimated the relationship between the age and sex of the tardigrade and the HMF effect. We observed age- and sex-related differences in Δψ and found that Δψ changes after HMF treatment were dependent on its duration as well as the animal’s age and sex. Furthermore, active P. experimentalis individuals displayed a high survival rate after HMF treatment. The data may contribute to the understanding of tardigrade aging and their resistance to extreme conditions including HMF, which in turn may be useful for future space explorations.
Stability analysis of spring oat genotypes in south-west Poland
Summary Oat is a grain in high demand, due to its physiological and nutritional attributes as a functional food. Oat is rich in β−glucans, and high in tocopherol and other dietary fibre components. It is also used for forage, fodder, chaff and as a major component of infant foods. In the present study, oat yields from six experimental stations in south-western Poland, obtained in 2019–2022, were analysed using three different linear mixed models that can be associated with three different stabilities. It is shown that the genotype Perun had the highest mean yield among the tested genotypes, while the genotype Armani was the most stable. Armani and Pablo had the lowest values of the GSI index, making them the most favourable genotypes for cultivation in that region.
Genotype–Environment Interaction in Shaping the Agronomic Performance of Silage Maize Varieties Cultivated in Organic Farming Systems
Organic production systems impose strong environmental constraints on silage maize, yet the relative contributions of genotype, environment and their interaction (G × E) to key performance traits remain insufficiently resolved. This study evaluated six maize cultivars across 11 organically managed environments (location × year combinations) in Poland, assessing weed infestation, plant height, fresh matter yield, dry matter content and dry matter yield. Genotype × environment interaction was explicitly analyzed using AMMI-based models, and cultivar adaptability and stability were evaluated using complementary indices. Environmental effects consistently dominated all traits, explaining 78–91% of total variation, while G × E interactions, though smaller, were significant and altered cultivar rankings. Weed infestation ranged widely across environments, from below 10% to over 90%, and was almost entirely environment-driven. Yield-related traits followed a strong precipitation gradient, with Pawłowice and Śrem showing the highest biomass potential. SM Perseus produced the greatest dry matter yields (13.53 t·ha−1), whereas SM Mieszko combined high dry matter content (37.73%) with outstanding stability. Mega-environment analysis identified distinct adaptive niches, confirming that no genotype performed consistently best across all conditions. These findings close a key knowledge gap regarding cultivar performance under organic management and demonstrate the necessity of multi-environment evaluation that integrates performance, stability and adaptability analyses to support site-specific cultivar recommendations that enhance biomass productivity and silage quality in ecologically managed maize systems.
Assessment of Early, Mid-Early, and Mid-Late Soybean (Glycine max) Varieties in Northern Poland
The soybean crop (Glycine max) is known for its high oil and protein content, making it a valuable resource for animal feed and a crucial ingredient in vegan and vegetarian food products. Soybean is a thermophilic short-day plant, demanding specific climatic conditions for successful cultivation. In an effort to expand soybean cultivation to northern regions, a variety of trials were conducted. The aim of this study was to determine the most suitable soybean varieties for cultivation in Northern Poland. The field trials were conducted in nine locations, in the years 2020–2022. Yield, fat content, and protein content were the observed characteristics. Results for 13 varieties had been collected and were analysed using the AMMI model. The genotype–environment interaction provides information that supports estimations of the stability of certain varieties. AMMI-adjusted means, WTOP3, WAAS and GSI indices were calculated in order to assess the suitability of those varieties for cultivation in Northern Poland. It was shown that the Amiata variety had the highest mean yield among the tested varieties, whilst the Erica variety was the most stable. The Abelina variety had the lowest value of the GSI index. For fat content, the Ambella variety had the highest mean and the lowest values of the GSI index, whereas the ES Comandor variety was the most stable. For protein content, the Nessie PZO variety had the highest mean, the Aurelina variety was the most stable and had the lowest values of the GSI index. Thus, the Abelina, Ambella, and Aurelina varieties are the most favourable varieties for cultivation in that region.
Material, Functional, and Aesthetic Solutions for Urban Furniture in Public Spaces
Urban furniture is a wide collection of objects of different sizes and geometries, performing different functions in the city. The paper describes the history and contemporary development trends of urban furniture. It analyses the construction materials most often used in their production, as well as functional and aesthetic solutions. A questionnaire survey, exploring the issue of urban furniture from the view point of the student population, was statistically analysed. It showed the preferences and expectations of current and future users of urban furniture, which can be helpful in achieving harmony between the creation of a positive image of the city and the comfort of public spaces for its residents. In the study of the preferences of urban furniture users, contingency tables were used for questions with a possible single answer. The results of questions with possible multiple answers were illustrated using Venn diagrams or equivalent UpSetR charts.
The Energy Potential of White Mulberry Waste Biomass
White mulberry (Morus alba L.) is a tree growing up to 15 m in height. It is a plant whose cultivation is historically associated with silk production. Mulberry leaves are the only food source of the mulberry silkworm caterpillars (Bombyx mori L.). The cultivation of this tree has recently gained renewed importance. Due to the content of numerous bioactive substances, mulberry is a valuable raw material for the food, pharmaceutical and herbal industries. This article presents the results of tests on pellets from 1-, 3- and 5-year-old branches, which are waste biomass remaining after pruning mulberry shrubs cultivated to obtain leaves to feed silkworms. Additionally, analyses of pellets from mulberry leaves were also carried out. For the specified mulberry biomass yield, analyses of chemical composition of mulberry biomass (branches and leaves) were carried out, and energy properties (heat of combustion and calorific value) and energy potential were calculated. The heat of combustion of pellet from mulberry branches was, on average, 19,266 MJ∙Mg−1, and the calorific value was 17,726 MJ∙Mg−1. The energy potential, on the other hand, was, on average, 159 GJ∙ha−1 and 44 MWh∙ha−1. The obtained results indicate the possibility of the effective use of mulberry branches after the annual pruning of bushes in plantations for energy purposes.
Comparison of the Foraging Activity of Bats in Coniferous, Mixed, and Deciduous Managed Forests
The aim of this study was to compare the foraging activity of bats in coniferous, deciduous, and mixed forests and to test whether this activity was subject to seasonal variation. Sample points were selected in stands of similar spatial structure in coniferous (Pinus sylvestris L.), in mixed (Pinus sylvestris and Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl.), and in deciduous (Quercus petraea) managed forests in western Poland. Bat calls were recorded using automated ultrasound recording devices (Batcorder 3.0, ecoObs, Nürnberg, Germany) during five consecutive nights from May to September in each of the six stands. A total of 4250 bat passes were recorded. Overall, 63.1% of bat passes were identified to species, 31.6% were identified to genus or sonotype group, and 5.3% remained unidentified. In total, eight species of bats and seven sonotype groups were recorded. The dominant species in all types of forests were Pipistrellus pygmaeus (44.5% of recorded bat passes), followed by Nyctalus noctula (10.3%) and Pipistrellus nathusii (5.7%). There were no significant differences in the total activity of bats between the three types of forests; however, high seasonal fluctuations in bat foraging activity were found. This study demonstrates that when coniferous, deciduous, and mixed stands with similar spatial structure are compared, forest type does not affect the foraging activity of bats.