Marie Prášilová

Influence of selected factors on the content and properties of starch in the grain of non-food wheat

Three non-food cultivars of winter wheat (Biscay, Clarus, Rapsodia) were grown at four locations in the Czech Re public with different agro-ecological conditions in the years 2005–2008 and two levels of nitrogen fertilization – 90 and 120 kg N/ha were used. The influence of growing conditions (year, location, cultivation technology) on grain yield, starch content, protein, gluten, share of amylose in starch, falling number and amylographic characteristics. All qualitative indicators were significantly affected by the weather. Wheat grown in the areas 500 m a.s.l. had lower grain yield of 2.8 t/ha (8.4 t/ha), higher starch content of 2.1% (69.0%) and lower content of proteins by 1.8% (10.2%) in grain than wheat grown in the fertile conditions (below 300 m a.s.l.). The cv. Biscay had the highest starch content of 68%; the proportion of amylose in the starch was in the range 22–27%. The content of proteins was negatively correlated with starch content (r = –0.89). The level of damage of starch α-amylase was most affected by wet weather during ripening – falling number was 62 s, with a very low amylographic gelatinization maximum (30–155 Brabender units) and a low gelatinization temperature at the maximum (67–74°C). The respective values recorded in dry conditions were ca 300 s, AU 600 and 90°C. Most damaged starch was recorded in the cv. Clarus.

Waste Production as One of the Problems of Postmodern Society

Abstract The principle of sustainable development is based on the three pillars of sustainability; on the alignment of economic, environmental and social aspects of every development programme. Sustainable development as a guiding principle of environmental policy is reflected in sectoral policies (energy, transportation, agricultural, industrial). One of its criteria is the minimizing of waste generation, the promotion of economic advantages of environmentally-friendly procedures and improving natural and human capital. The largest corporate producers of waste in the Czech Republic are construction and manufacturing industries and activities related to wastewater management and sanitation activities.. Production of municipal waste is increasing. Its disposal via incineration is decreasing, and we have seen an increase in landfill disposal. Information, public education, upbringing and training are also amongst the resources of the environmental policy. This paper analyses the development of relevant waste management indicators in the Czech Republic. The research was carried out via a questionnaire survey of randomly selected households in the regions of the Czech Republic. Research has shown that only the consistent application of the legislation in manufacturing operations and active interest of citizens in environmental quality will lead to the sustainable development of the entire society

Households’ Level of Living in the Capital of Czech Republic☆

Abstract The level of living is one of the most important aspects in the life of an individual. In spite of its considerable importance the concept does not have a single objective indicator facilitating its quantification and a unique assessment. From the viewpoint of economics the level of living is defined by consumption of goods and services and it is measurable by means of macro-economic indicators. When conceived by sociology, it is the quality of life as assessed by indicators of non-material nature whose quantification is very difficult. Hence, a need arises here to set up indicators combining elements both of material and non-material nature that compose the level of living. The paper analyzes the development of selected level of living indicators as related to households of the Capital of Czech Republic and further it compares levels of special index numbers within EU. Distribution of wealth of the society is assessed using the Gini index number and the level of living is valued by means of the HDI (Human Development Index). The HDI is subdivided into the partial index numbers of health, education and income and the partial index numbers next give rise to the resulting HDI using gross domestic product. The region of the Czech Republic Capital presents very good results from the viewpoint of development tendencies and levels of the indicators assessed. Data sources have been obtained from the data banks of Czech Statistical Office, Eurostat and World Bank and have been processed using statistical methods from time series and index analysis area.