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The present study investigated the properties and antimicrobial activity of silver nanoparticles synthesised through a green method using Salvia officinalis. Extracts were obtained from sage at two different temperatures, and these extracts were then used to synthesise silver nanoparticles through a reaction with AgNO₃. The characteristics of resulting silver nanoparticles and their antimicrobial effects on foodborne pathogenic bacteria were examined. During the synthesis, the colour of the silver nanoparticle solution changed from yellow to dark brown, and a significant absorbance peak was observed at 360 nm. The sizes of the synthesised silver nanoparticles were found to be 53.77 and 57.08 nm for the two different extraction temperatures, respectively. The nanoparticles exhibited spherical-rod shapes with silver contents of 83.91% and 84.38% and crystal sizes of 37.15 nm and 34.81 nm, corresponding to the two temperatures. The reduction of silver ions involved functional groups like C=C or C=O. The antimicrobial activity of the synthesised silver nanoparticles was evaluated at concentrations of 10 and 25 mg·mL–1 using the paper disc method against several foodborne pathogenic bacteria. Notably, the sage extract displayed antimicrobial efficacy against Salmonella Typhi, Listeria monocytogenes, and Staphylococcus aureus. However, no significant antimicrobial effect was observed against Escherichia coli O157:H7. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The early detection of pests in plants and crops is essential for the production of good quality food. Computer vision techniques can be applied for the early detection of pests and which can minimise the pesticides used on the plants. Among many pests, white flies, mites, aphids and thrips are the most hazardous pests that affect the leaves. This paper presents an automated approach for the detection of different types of pests from leaf images of plants. The images of the plant leaves were acquired using a digital camera. Image pre-processing techniques, such as noise removal, filtering and contrast enhancement, are used for improving the quality of the images. Then, the k-means clustering method and global thresholding were used for segmenting the pests from the infected leaves. Textural features are extracted from those segmented images by statistical feature extraction methods. Artificial Neural Network (ANN) and Binary Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifiers were used to classify the unaffected leaf images from the pest affected leaf images and a multi-SVM classifier was used to identify the different types of pests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing the proportion of broadleaved trees in stands during regeneration raises questions about how these trees will be reflected in the economics of forest owners and whether these owners can influence certain economic aspects during stand management. In this respect, the paper focuses mainly on the revenue side of forestry and, crucially, analyses the selling prices of assortments of tree species groups as offered in public tenders of state forests under the outsourcing business model. The price level of spruce is used as a benchmark for comparisons in the analyses. It is clear that the cultivation of species-diverse forests entails an increase in the representation of a higher number of tree species and, presumably, increased stand stability. However, a concomitant consequence may be an increase in costs and a reduction in returns for forest owners. Here, the revenue from timber sales can be improved by appropriate adjustment of the species composition through educational interventions. All this is in the context of the economic viability of forestry, as declared in a number of strategic and forest policy documents, which essentially depends on the timber production function of forestry and the subsequent processing of timber. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The European Union (EU) provides both financial and expert support for sustainable forest management initiatives and also boosts compliance with such initiatives in Africa. Thus, there is a need to monitor the progress of implementing such initiatives. The objective of this paper is to describe the role of timber harvesting entities in environmental impact discussions, and to also identify the role of EU institutions in promoting forest sustainability in Sierra Leone. Data were collected in a controlled survey from four communities, using a questionnaire formulated according to guidelines recommended by Babbie and Mouton (2010). The reliability test shows a 0.68 internal consistency among the latent variables (Cronbach alpha test). The selected four communities were Bambawo, Dia, Basara, and Menima, with a population of 6 000, 5 400, 7 500, and 5 600 inhabitants, respectively (Stats SL 2021). A Confirmatory Factor Assessment (CFA) was used for a descriptive statistical analysis of the data. The results showed that the environmental impact has an eigenvalue of 1.08, where only variables with a factor loading exceeding 0.5 were used. The paper concludes with discussions and relevant recommendations on mitigating the impacts of timber harvesting on the environment within the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drip irrigation is a highly efficient method for watering crops, as it delivers water directly to the roots and minimises wastage due to evaporation or runoff. This paper presents the development and implementation of a low- -cost drip irrigation control system that uses both time- and soil sensor-based approaches. The system’s efficiency was compared through a field experiment of melon growing, divided into three categories and four replications using a completely randomised design. The treatments include: T1 [time-based irrigation (TBI)], T2 [soil moisture-based irrigation (SMI)], and T3 [hand watering irrigation system (HWI)]. Results indicated that the TBI technique resulted in faster plant growth compared to the other treatments, as evidenced by increased leaf widths, lengths, numbers, and stem diameter. All irrigation techniques showed significant differences in yield characteristics, with TBI and SMI producing no differences in the first flowering day of female fruit widths, lengths, and weight of melon. However, the HWI treatment resulted in lower fruit length and weight yields. Cost analysis showed that the system is beneficial as a very low-cost device that is affordable, precise, and useful for measuring and controlling irrigation-related parameters for melon cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the external shock represented by COVID-19 has caused significant fluctuations in global corn prices. Based on the weekly data on international corn prices from 2020 to 2023, this paper constructs autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity (ARCH) class and time-varying parameter - vector autoregression (TVP-VAR) models. After analysing the characteristics of corn price fluctuations, it further analyses the influence of external uncertainties such as COVID-19, international finance, the corn futures market, and international exports of corn on corn price fluctuations. The results show that international corn price fluctuations always have significant asymmetry. Nevertheless, the influence of past changes on the future will gradually disappear, and the corn market is not characterised by high risk and high return because of the phenomenon of flat or declining absolute returns during the periods of high volatility. All the selected external shocks also have a time-varying impact on corn price fluctuations, and there are differences in the impact size, impact direction, and impact duration. The external shocks led by COVID-19 had a transmission effect on other factors and then affected corn price fluctuations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on helping smaller companies in the manufacturing industry who need to know the viscosity of their products or raw materials and do not have the funds to invest in expensive rotary rheometers. We developed a calibrated simple cup. It has replaceable nozzles designed so that dripping liquids cannot distort discharge times. The calibration of the cup is based on the relationship between kinematic viscosity and outflow time, which is valid for the laminar flow regimes. Here we described calibration and measurement procedures and methods for detecting non-Newtonian flow behaviour and the viscoelasticity of measured liquids. The maximum measurement error of 3% is defined for cases where all distractions are removed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research investigates the intricate connection between indigenous knowledge and sustainable forest management, with two main objectives. It seeks to explore and outline indigenous knowledge, elements, and practices that support sustainable forest management (SFM). It aims to uncover the invaluable traditional insights and practices that have helped preserve and ensure the responsible use of forest ecosystems. Also, it investigated global environmental policies that support indigenous knowledge since the inception of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). A narrative review method was employed to review and analyse peer-reviewed contents and reports to deduce ancestral or traditional wisdom, knowledge, practices, and beliefs from existing studies. The paper extracted data from existing literature from scholarly peer-reviewed journals. It aims to provide useful information for policy-makers, forest managers, and indigenous communities, to promote SFM and the sustainable development goals related to a sustainable environment. The study found that indigenous knowledge (IK) which includes ethnobotanical knowledge and plant selection, mixed land use, seed banks, and cultural beliefs such as sacred groves and taboos are some traditional practices, beliefs, and cultural knowledge that support SFM and can be integrated into international and national environmental management policies which the two-eyed seeing framework (TESF) seeks to promote. The framework highlights the potential of implementing IK into SFM. Also, the Akwé: Kon Guidelines, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), and the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), are some global environment policies that recognise traditional people and indigenous knowledge since the commencement of the CBD in the nineties. The paper recommends, for a future study, investigating the applicability of the Akwé: Kon Guidelines in international and national projects and programs that impact traditional sacred lands, forests and rivers, and indigenous people. Also, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement need to fully acknowledge the supporting role of indigenous knowledge and people in climate change mitigation and adaptation solutions, especially in Africa, since the majority of the world's population constitutes indigenous people who inhabit healthy standing forests and ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study assesses 24 European Union countries in terms of food security in 2021. In this paper, we develop a composite food security index considering various weights of indicators. The data were obtained from the FAOSTAT and Eurostat databases. The weights of 10 input indicators were estimated using a principal component analysis-based factor analysis model. The results showed that the harmonised index of consumer prices -- food had the greatest impact on the food security index, while the impact of median equivalised net income and moderate or severe food insecurity had the lowest impact. Ireland achieved the highest ranking according to the Food Security Index. Bulgaria experienced the most unfavourable situation among EU countries. Slovakia ranked 22nd out of 24 countries due to its lowest protein supply, including animal-derived proteins. As part of the analysis, our research compared the food security index with the official Global Food Security Index. The Spearman's rank correlation coefficient of 0.84 indicated a robust correlation between the two indexes. Consequently, this newly developed Food Security Index is appropriate for assessing the food security status of European Union countries. Furthermore, it broadens the assessment of food security by including countries that are not in the commonly used Global Food Security Index (GFSI). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pseudomonas aeruginosa poses a significant threat to both immunocompetent and immunocompromised individuals, often resulting in life-threatening infections. With increasing antimicrobial resistance, novel therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. Although animal models are crucial for preclinical studies, limited data are available for porcine models, more specifically for P. aeruginosa complicated skin and soft tissue infections (cSSTIs). This study presents a novel porcine model inducing and sustaining cSSTI for 14 days. Six pigs (120 wounds) were used for the development of infections, and within this group, two pigs (40 wounds) were used to evaluate the progression of the cSSTI infection. The model demonstrated bacterial loads of more than 107 CFU/gram of tissue or higher. The cSSTI fully developed within three days and remained well above these levels until day 14 post-infection. Due to the immunocompetence of this model, all the immunological processes associated with the response to the presence of infection and the wound healing process are preserved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper deals with a new method of innovative assessment of the supported effects and ecosystem services of forests using the actual amount of their increased costs. Among the most important research findings and signifi- cance of the new method is that it contributes to the body of knowledge on valuation and payment for ecosystem services. The focus of the research task is to help address the current difficult economic situation of forest owners resulting from the impacts of climate change. The study aims to determine what work quantifies the amount of compensation for the provision of supported ecosystem services that is sufficient for owners by using hypothesis testing. The evaluation of the supported effects was carried out in a case study in the area of the Chrudim-Podhůra Recreational Forests in the Czech Republic. The results of the evaluation were quantified in two experimental spreadsheets of the results, a comparative analysis of the evaluation results was performed, and hypothesis testing was conducted. The innovative methodological approach to the assessment of supported effects can be easily modified and used to assess the actual amount of increased costs of other ecosystem services of the forest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural subsidy policy can improve the planting enthusiasm of rural households by increasing their income. It is of great significance to assess and summarise the effect of the soybean and cotton target price subsidy policy and to determine future policy direction. Using the national rural fixed-observation point socioeconomic survey data from 2009 to 2017, the study employed the difference-in-differences (DID) method to evaluate the impact of the target price policy (TPP) on rural household income in China. TPP had no significant impact on the total income of rural households. Specifically, TPP increased the farm income of rural households but simultaneously reduced the wage income and had no significant impact on the other income. Moreover, the impact of TPP on rural household income varied with the planting scale and income level; the effect of TPP was strong among the non-poor or scale operation rural households. TPP implementation affected rural household farm and wage income by affecting farmers' allocation of working time and cost input. Therefore, implementing TPP should consider farmers' participation in non-farm employment, further adjust the subsidy intensity and scope, and combine direct subsidies with the poverty reduction effect in poor areas. The contribution of this article is to explore the implementation effect of target price subsidy policies from the perspective of farmers' income, to deconstruct farmers' income, and explore the mechanism of policy action. This paper provides a theoretical basis and policy inspiration for China to improve and adjust the agricultural subsidy policy, mobilise farmers' enthusiasm to cultivate, and ensure national food security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines changes in soil physical and chemical properties in relation to tree proximity on different slopes. Topsoil and subsoil were sampled at 12 research plots on four slope types, the soil pits being placed at the base of a tree (near tree, NT) and between the test tree and an adjacent tree (between trees, BT). We observed a significant decrease in vertical topsoil response to slope on lower, middle and upper slopes, and a decrease in fine roots (R < 2 mm) on flat ground. Overall, middle and lower slopes showed the highest similarity, and upper slopes and flat ground the least, with the greatest subsoil changes observed mainly on middle slopes and least on lower slopes. There was clear topographic dependence between subsoil water stable aggregates (WSA) and C dynamics, with BT total carbon (Ctot) higher on flat ground and lower on middle slopes; unlike topsoil, where the strongest WSA correlation was with distance from the tree. The highest N: OM (organic matter) ratios occurred on middle slopes facing north-west, and lowest on lower slopes facing north and flat ground. Our findings confirm the influence of slope type on soil characteristics, with NT soil supporting soil formation by transporting water to deeper layers, especially on slopes > 5°. These observations contribute to a better understanding of the dependence of soil properties on slope type and tree position when planning sustainable forest management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary objective of this paper was to compare the nutrient content (N, Ca, S, K, P, Mg) of bilberry biomass, both aboveground and underground, growing in different habitats along the altitudinal gradient. The research was conducted in protected areas of the High Tatras National Park (Slovakia). Two different habitats subjected to study, namely spruce forest stands affected by disturbances (D - disturbed forest stands) and stands unaffected by disturbances (U - undisturbed forest stands), were located at different altitudes: 1 100 m a.s.l., 1 250 m a.s.l., and 1 400 m a.s.l. We found significant differences in the soil nutrient content along the altitudinal gradient. The highest content of nutrients was detected mostly at the highest altitudes in both habitats. The minimum reached 0.01 g·kg-1 (phosphorus), while the maximum was 8.33 g·kg-1 (nitrogen). In the case of the bilberry biomass, we found statistically non-significant differences in the content of nutrients among the altitudes within both habitats (D vs. U). The principal component analysis (PCA) showed that the aboveground biomass of bilberry had a significantly higher nutrient content compared to the underground biomass. Nutrient content in aboveground and underground biomass ranged from 1.00 g·kg-1 (phosphorus) to 13.49 g·kg-1 (nitrogen) and from 0.38 g·kg-1 (magnesium) to 7.55 g·kg-1 (nitrogen), respectively. The biological absorption coefficient (element content in dry biomass/element content in soil) reached the highest values mostly at the lowest altitude for both aboveground and underground biomass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper studied the response of rice yield and soil nitrogen (N) cycling microorganisms to the combined application of animal slurry and mineral fertiliser. A pot experiment was conducted on typical yellow-brown paddy soil. There were five treatments: (1) CK -- no N fertilisation; (2) S0 -- mineral fertilisation; (3) S30 -- 30% slurry with 70% mineral fertilisation; (4) S60 -- 60% slurry with 40% mineral fertilisation; and (5) S100 -- slurry application. Rice yield, yield components, and soil properties were investigated at harvest. The abundance of soil N cycle functional genes abundance was quantified via quantitative real-time PCR. The rice yield reached a high level when the proportion of slurry used to replace mineral fertiliser was 30--50%. The yield in response to mineral fertiliser (S0) was equivalent to that in response to no N fertilisation since the formation of effective panicles was inhibited. With the slurry replacement ratio increase, the available phosphorus and potassium contents in the soil improved, but the nitrate content decreased. Considering the entire soil N cycle, nitrogen-fixing microbes (nifH), ammonia-oxidising archaea (AOA amoA) and nitrite-reducing microbes (nirS and nirK) had greater abundances, reaching 108 copies. Compared with those in the S0 treatment, the abundances of most N cycle functional genes in the S30 treatment, except for napA, significantly increased from 31.2% to 100.9%, and the increase in the abundance of nirS and nosZ in the S100 treatment reached 4 times, which was obviously greater than that of the other genes. Correlation analysis revealed that high soil pH promoted N fixation and nitrification, while NH4+-N had the opposite effect on N fixation and nitrification, and available phosphorus and potassium actively influenced denitrification. These results showed that a 30-50% slurry application ratio was recommended for rice, which was beneficial for maintaining high yields and high abundances of soil N cycle functional genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is also implemented in agriculture, where larger agricultural holdings have a higher influence. We focused on them and situated our study to a country with a large average farm acreage -- the Czech Republic. The aim of the paper is to assess to what extent large agricultural holdings perceive socially responsible behaviour as being important and how it is manifested in their relationship to the stakeholders and the behaviour in economic, social and environmental areas using Carroll's pyramid and concept of 3 'P'. It is also examined if the higher perception of CSR influences the assets. Firms were grouped according to the perceived CSR by a cluster analysis. The highest economic responsibility in cluster 1 corresponded to the relatively high value of the assets, but the highest was in cluster 2 and 3 with important legal and ethical responsibilities. Cluster 4 had the lowest CSR, the same as the value of the assets, but further investigation is needed. The most important stakeholders were the owners and employees, but also the range of activities was provided for the locals. CSR and the importance of the stakeholders in large Czech agricultural holdings were highly perceived, especially on an economic level and in the social area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Weed control and replenishing soil moisture and fertility are important areas in fruit production. The number of studies focused to determine whether living mulches in tree rows can fulfil these tasks increases recently. In the paper the results of an 11-year experiment on the effect of two such mulches (Trifolium repens L. and Agrostis capillaris L.) on the growth, yield, and fruit quality of three pear cultivars ('Alfa', 'Dolores', 'Amfora') in relation to herbicide fallow are presented. In the experiment, a single sowing of covering plants without additional treatments was used. A statistically significant reduction in yield (20-22%) was found for both mulches used, which was related to weakening the vegetative growth of trees. The average fruit mass did not change significantly, but the percent share of large fruits increased significantly (about 17%) in the A. capillaris mulch. Fruits from trees growing in T. repens contained significantly more soluble solids and Ca. However, that mulch became heavily infested with weeds after a few years. The obtained results allow us to recommend the use of the living mulch A. capillaris in the tree rows of a commercial pear orchard. The 'Dolores' and 'Amfora' cvs are particularly recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exogenous polyamines can elevate postharvest fruit cold resistance and alleviate cold injury. However, the mechanism, by which polyamines mediate cold tolerance, is still to be explored. So in this paper, the conjugated polyamines in tonoplast and vacuole conformation were illuminated in the flesh cells of peach fruit subjected to cold stress, which were pretreated with exogenous putrescine. The results showed that under cold condition, fruit firmness decreased and flesh browning area increased, and vacuole conformation changed. The cold injury could be alleviated by pretreatment with exogenous putrescine, as judged by stabilization of the vacuole conformation, increased fruit firmness and reduced flesh browning area. Furthermore, the cold alleviation was coupled with the increases in the levels of covalently conjugated putrescine and non-covalently conjugated spermidine and spermine in the tonoplast. The results suggested that these conjugated polyamines in tonoplast and vacuole conformation might be involved in putrescine-mediated cold tolerance. The suggestion was further verified by applications with inhibitors, phenanthroline and methylglyoxal-bis (guanylhydrazone) (MGBG). Phenanthroline and MGBG could restrain the putrescine-induced increases in covalently and non-covalently conjugated polyamines mentioned above in the tonoplast, respectively, and increase flesh browning area, decrease fruit firmness and vacuole conformation stabilization. So, we can conclude that exogenous putrescine alleviates cold injury in peach fruit via elevating the contents of the polyamines conjugated to the tonoplast and thereby maintaining vacuole conformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Detailed performance testing of agricultural machinery is very important in determining its value in use. These measurements cannot be limited to laboratory tests, such as braking the power take-off (PTO) shaft of a tractor or performing dynamic tests of implements in a soil bin. Field tests are the ultimate way to test the capabilities of agricultural machinery. However, during such field tests, there are many parameters that can interfere with and affect the test results, such as inhomogeneity of the soil and tyre characteristics. In order to minimise these effects as much as possible, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (MATE) Institute of Technology, Agriculture Engineering Labs. has developed a dynamometer vehicle with an electronic brake control system that is suitable for measuring the traction characteristics of agricultural tractors and other terrain vehicles. It is also capable of testing different track systems and tyre-soil interactions. This paper introduces this special test vehicle by presenting measurement results and also describes other interesting applications for the agricultural community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study, centred on customer online shopping behaviours, aims at analysing the frequency of vegetable acquisition and its main determining factors, while considering different methods of payment, i.e. cash, debit card, and bank transfer on the Romanian market. Using data obtained from a questionnaire applied nationwide, a descriptive analysis and logistic regression were performed. An immature market in terms of digitalisation, characterised by the customers' mistrust in online bank transfers, but also in products sold online was observed. In addition, the income, education, gender, and size of the household appeared to be significant in relation to the frequency of online orders for vegetables. Moreover, our results indicated that a higher customer readiness for a high price, large quantity, and a monthly delivery subscription comes bundled with a higher frequency of acquisition in the case of bank transfers. Our findings are especially focusing on the vegetable local producers' promotion process, with its main desideratum of properly responding through adaptation to the continuously changing customers' requirements, particularly when special contexts like the pandemic appear. Accordingly, our paper intended to offer several concrete responses in this regard, indicating some possible paths for better managing the communication process on the vegetable market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the effect of rootstock (Gisela 6, PiKu 1 and SL 64) on the total phenol content, total anthocyanin content, the content of the individual phenols and the antioxidant activity in fruits of two sweet cherry cultivars, 'Kordia' and 'Regina'. The total phenolic content determined by the spectrophotometric method using Folin-Ciocalteu reagent varied from 34.84 to 149.28 to mg GAE/100 g FW depending on the cultivar/rootstock combination. The concentration of total anthocyanins was determined by using the pH-differential method and it ranged from 0.46 to 11.54 mg CGE/100 g FW. Highest level of the total phenolic content and concentration of the total anthocyanins content was detected in the cultivar 'Regina' grafted onto the Gisela 6 rootstock. Neochlorogenic acid, catechin, chlorogenic acid and quercetine-3-O-glucoside were detected using HPLC method. Significant variation of detected individual polyphenols in sweet cherry fruits grafted on different rootstocks was observed. The lowest content of individual polyphenols was measured in 'Regina' cultivar grafted on the SL 64. Ferric reducing antioxidant power assay indicated that all investigated fruits possessed similar antioxidant activity. There was a statistically significant correlation observed between the total phenolic content and antioxidant activity (correlation coefficient 0.972, P-value below 0.01), as well as between the anthocyanins and antioxidant activity (correlation coefficient 0.855, P-value below 0.01). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, desorption isotherms of two jerky products were studied (whole-muscle jerky -- sample 1 and minced jerky -- sample 2). The work focused on the comparison of the Dynamic Dewpoint Isotherm (DDI) method and the Saturated Salt Slurry (SSS) method and testing the newly applied model for modelling desorption isotherms for dried meat. Data were statistically processed using 8 models [Guggenheim-Anderson-de Boer (GAB), Double Log Polynomial (DLP), Henderson, Chin, Smith, Oswin, Hasley, and newly applied model] and statistically evaluated using coefficient of determination (R2), root mean squared error (RMSE) and mean relative percentage deviation (P-value). The DLP model (25 °C) reached R² ≥ 0.999, P-value ≤ 1.84 for DDI, and R2 ≥ 0.998, P-value ≤ 4.37 for SSS method. The GAB model reached R² ≥ 0.997, P-value ≤ 2.58 for DDI, and for SSS method the GAB model reached R² ≥ 0.998, P-value ≤ 5.47. The new model reached P-value ≤ 5.73 for DDI and P-value ≤ 3.48 for SSS method. All models reached the P-value < 10% except for Smith and Chin models. The DDI method and newly applied model prove to be a suitable and precise approach to the evaluation of isotherms of dried meat products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil pore is an important part of soil structure. According to the causes of formation, soil pores can be divided into biological pores formed by animal movement and plant root development and non-biological pores formed by dry-wet and freeze-thaw alternation or artificial tillage. The soil pore structure affects the migration of water, gas, nutrients and so on in the soil, especially the macropores can also produce water or solute preferential migration. Studying soil pores is of great significance for predicting soil hydraulic properties, reducing groundwater pollution and soil nutrient loss. Based on previous studies on soil pore structure, this paper systematically summarized the role of soil pores, influencing factors and the advantages and disadvantages of various research methods. This paper not only introduces traditional methods (including direct and indirect methods), but also summarizes the new research on soil pores combined with computed tomography (CT) technology and other science and technology in recent years. Finally, the prospect and development trend of soil pore research in the future were predicted, so as to provide reference for further research on soil pore structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sri Lanka, as a developing tropical country, faces serious environmental challenges. Forests, as important ecosystems of Sri Lanka, are under pressure from intensive human activities and climate change. Invasive species represent a great hazard to autochthonous plant species and ecosystems, which are, at the same time, hosts to extraordinarily high biodiversity, of which a high percentage is endemic. In this paper, we reviewed the most challenging environmental problems of Sri Lanka and suggested the improvement of a number of them through silvicultural measures and cooperation with international experts, namely Czech foresters. We also reviewed the main forest biomes and addressed the specific problems and management of different forest types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice cropped policy has been constantly changing, affecting the value of irrigated land. This study aims to examine distribution patterns of irrigated land value from a new perspective of uncertainties in single- and double-cropped rice policies in China. The real options approach was employed to calculate irrigated land value under policy uncertainty, and Moran's index was applied to identify the spatial distribution characteristics of irrigated land value at the provincial level. The empirical results were as follows: significantly positive spatial correlations existed between the land value under two cropped rice policies. The northeast region of China had a low-value clustering effect based on geographical characteristics. In contrast, the southern provinces of China had a high-value clustering effect based on the criteria of administrative regions. This study considered policy uncertainty when evaluating the economic effect on irrigated land when revealing spatial correlation in land value. We provide a theoretical and empirical basis for the formulation of cropped rice policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enhancing the resilience of rural households against the impacts of risks and moulding their enduring strength despite modest scale holds paramount contemporary significance for a multitude of developing nations, including China. This study uses the microdata of the China Labor-Force Dynamics Survey (CLDS), systematically measures the rural household resilience index for the first time, analyses the impact of the digital economy on the resilience of rural households, and dissects the group differences and mechanism of action. We found that from 2012 to 2018, the Chinese rural household resilience index had significant differences in time and space, and village market, gentry assistance, economic organisation, and income from collective operation were the most important indicators affecting the rural household resilience index. The improvement of the digital economy index, to some extent, suppressed the improvement of the rural household resilience index. Meanwhile, heterogeneity analysis suggested that depending on family size and housing property rights, the impact of the digital economy on the resilience of rural households will be divided. Moreover, mechanism analysis showed that the digital economy further affected the resilience of rural households through the employment comprehensive effect, income structure effect and member security effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the bidirectional impact of Chinese agricultural subsidy policies on agricultural efficiency and farmers' income. It employed panel data from 2004 to 2020 across 31 Chinese provinces, and the three-stage least squares method was used for simultaneous estimation. Different regions and farmer types were analysed separately. The findings revealed a significant bidirectional impact of the agricultural subsidy policy on agricultural efficiency and farmers' income, signifying a strong positive feedback loop. Varied types and levels of subsidy policies differently impacted regions and farmer categories, showcasing diverse outcomes and adaptive responses to subsidy policies. The ratio of total subsidy to GDP (SUBGDP) positively impacted production efficiency and per capita disposable income. This result suggests that the subsidy policy helped enhance agricultural production efficiency and increased farmers' income levels. Conversely, the ratio of various subsidies to the total subsidy manifested different directions and degrees of impact on production efficiency and per capita disposable income, suggesting areas where the subsidy policy framework can be optimised. In addition to presenting a theoretical discussion on agricultural subsidy policies, this study provides theoretical insights and policy recommendations for the formulation and implementation of an optimal agricultural subsidy policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with the verification of models for the calculation of the contact area with the soil using data measured during the testing of a tractor-and-trailer unit. The main emphasis was put on the method of calculating the contact area by means of a super ellipse. The comparison included calculation models with the input parameters of contact length and contact width of the tyre. These parameters were compared with values measured in the field where the main variables were tyre dimensions, inflation pressure and load. Results of comparisons show that the method of calculating the contact area using a super ellipse exhibited the best match with the measured values of all compared calculation models (81% in super ellipse with measured half-axes and 75% in super ellipse with calculated half-axes). As to trailer tyres, the match of measured values and those calculated using a super ellipse was even 95%. In the second step, also some empirical models for calculating the contact area were compared with the measured data, not entered by contact length and contact width as variables. Some of these models show a very good match with the measured data, which can be compared, or it is even higher than the calculation by means of a super ellipse. With the specified tyre deformation, however, we consider the model of calculation using a super ellipse as more appropriate for determining the size of contact area as it focuses on the geometry of tyre contact with the ground. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on panel data from 2010 to 2020 of 151 A-share listed food-related enterprises in China, this research uses a fixed-effect model to analyse the impact of digital transformation on total factor productivity (TFP) in food--related enterprises. Our findings indicated that digital transformation has a positive and significant catalytic effect on TFP improvement in food-related enterprises. The mechanism test revealed that both cost-saving and innovation capacity enhancement effects of digital transformation contributed to the promotion of TFP improvement in these enterprises. Moreover, our heterogeneity analysis suggested that digital transformation is more effective in enhancing TFP in state-owned enterprises (SOEs) in the food-related industry, indicating that SOEs play a representative role in promoting advanced productivity in agricultural development. We also found that capital-intensive and technology- intensitve food-related enterprises were experiencing productivity paradox traps. Our results confirmed that digital transformation brings catch-up effects to labor-intensive food-related enterprises and those located in major grain production regions. Overall, this research can provide valuable insights for policymakers to upgrade the digital- -enabled food industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amorphophallus spp. is an important group of crop and medicinal plants, but it is susceptible to infection by soft rot disease during both field growth and storage stages. This results in huge economic and yield losses, which must be properly addressed. Combined applications of Biological Control Agents (BCAs) and compatible chemicals have been recently considered as a more effective and reliable method to control bacterial soft rot. In the present study, we investigated the control effects against soft rot pathogenic bacteria Pectobacterium aroidearum MY11, using a BCA strain (i.e. Bacillus velezensis BCP6) and screening for three different bactericides, i.e. Jinggangmycin (JGM), Thiodiazole copper and Qingkulike. After exploring a joint application of BCP6 with chemicals, we found that JGM was the most effective and compatible bactericide to be compounded with BCP6. First, in the in vitro experiment, the mixture of JGM (34 mg/L) and suspension of BCP6 (1.0 × 108 cfu/mL) at 4:6 volume ratio performed with the strongest inhibitory effect on P. aroidearum MY11 (53.40%) and synergistic effect (1.78); this combination also significantly increased the biofilm production by BCP6, and constrained the swimming motility of P. aroidearum MY11 in agar plates and inhibited activities of cell wall-degrading enzymes. Second, the combined application of JGM and BPC6 reached up to 95.81% of control efficacy against P. aroidearum MY11 in a greenhouse experiment, and compared to JGM or BCP6 alone, combined application effectively increased konjac plant resistance to soft rot in the field, showing a synergistic action. Collectively, these results provided an alternative method for the management of soft rot disease in konjac planting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salinomycin, belonging to ionophore antibiotics, has been used as a feed additive for poultry for its coccidiostatic effect. Poisoning by ionophore antibiotics has been reported in cattle and other sensitive animals due to the replacement of medicated feed and/or accidental overdoses. The aim of this paper is to report the toxicity of salinomycin for fallow deer and to describe the different levels of sensitivity of cervids to this substance. In the presented case study, a medicated feed containing ivermectin used for deworming red deer and fallow deer was accidentally contaminated with sodium salinomycinate in a concentration of 252.6 mg/kg. The contaminated feed was consumed by the animals over a period of four days. The mortality of fallow deer within 12 days was 58%. No mortality was recorded in the red deer. In the affected animals, clinical signs associated with acute and congestive heart failure were observed. The biochemical examination indicated prerenal azotaemia caused by circulatory insufficiency and ion imbalance. The histological examination revealed pronounced focal acute cardiomyopathy and massive subacute myopathy in the skeletal muscles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grasslands are the predominant land use type in China, which is currently encountering significant desertification issues. Consequently, restoring grassland vegetation has important implications for terrestrial carbon (C) levels and, consequently, the global C balance. This study focused on Salix cupularis, the primary plant used for desert control on the eastern edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. We analysed the rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soil up to the depth of 60 cm after Salix cupularis growth for 0–24 years, examining soil total organic carbon (TOC) and its labile fractions. Following restoration, there was a gradual increase in TOC and its labile fractions, with the most significant changes observed in the rhizosphere soil at a depth of 0–20 cm. After 24 years of restoration, the TOC content in both rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soil had increased by 141.74% and 39.44%, respectively. Labile organic C in the rhizosphere soil increased more rapidly and pronouncedly compared with the TOC. Specifically, dissolved organic C and easily oxidised organic C in the rhizosphere soil saw substantial increases of 211.03% and 217.65%, respectively. Meanwhile, compared with the 4 years of restoration, soil C pool management index of the 8–24 years soils increased, ranging from 15.70% to 132.21%. Therefore, long-term vegetation restoration on the eastern margin of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau can significantly enhance TOC and its labile fractions, as well as improve soil C sink capacity and quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When 2-chloro-6-(trichloromethyl) pyridine (nitrapyrin) is applied alone, it typically does not significantly increase crop yield. Therefore, we combined gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) with nitrapyrin to address the limitations of nitrapyrin in enhancing yield. We conducted indoor incubation experiments and pot experiments in Chernozem and Calcic Kastanozem, respectively. The results demonstrated that GABA exerted an influence on the effectiveness of nitrapyrin by altering its degradation rate. In Chernozem, GABA accelerated nitrapyrin degradation, whereas, in Calcic Kastanozem, the results were the opposite. The pot experiment results showed that the combination of nitrapyrin and GABA increased rice total biomass by 5%, grain yield by 18 ± 2%, and plant nitrogen (N) uptake by 9 ± 1% compared to nitrapyrin applied alone. The increase in yield was attributed to the combined effect of nitrapyrin and GABA, which elevated root biomass and leaf area. In contrast, the effect of GABA on yield through altering the degradation rate of nitrapyrin was weaker. Therefore, the combination of nitrapyrin and GABA combined with urea increases rice yields in Chernozem and Calcic Kastanozem. The aim of this endeavour was to foster the development of a novel fertiliser product that offers both favourable agronomic outcomes and environmental benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to increased climate change, crop productivity worldwide is in danger. Drought stress is considered one of the major environmental factors in relation to world food security. Previous studies showed that arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) inoculation alleviates drought stress in various plants. However, whether AMF inoculation efficiency is based on gas exchange or water status and whether the effects differ among plants and AMF species remain unclear. To evaluate the effect of AMF on drought stress alleviation, a meta-analysis was conducted based on random-effect models accounting for effect size variation. Results revealed that photosynthetic rate had the highest effect size among gas exchange traits compared to stomatal conductance and transpiration rate. Our results also showed a significant positive impact on relative water content, water potential, and water use efficiency in AMF-inoculated plants compared to non-inoculated plants. Furthermore, among AMF species, Funneliformis mosseae, followed by Rhizophagus irrgularis, was an efficient AM fungi for drought stress alleviation. Therefore, this study suggests that a higher water use efficiency supports water transport to the leaf surface and keeps the stomatal opening, enhancing photosynthetic responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A three-year field experiment was carried out to investigate the methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions and calculate the global warming potential (GWP) according to all energy input in response to the nitrogen (N) rate in the typical rice-wheat rotation system in Jiangsu, China. Four N treatments, including R220W180 (local practice), R220W140 (cutting 10% total N in wheat season), R180W180 (cutting 10% total N in rice season) and R180W140 (cutting 20% total N in rice and wheat seasons separately), were designed in the study. Results showed that annual CH4 emission was decreased by 25.7% in response to cutting 20% N, which was ascribed to the 24.6% reduction of CH4 emission in rice season (P < 0.05) compared to local practice. The mitigation of N2O emissions in R220W140 and R180R180 treatments contributed to the 8.5% and 15.7% decrease in annual N2O emission, which was the 23.5% decrease in cutting 20% N treatment compared to local practice, respectively. Specifically, under the same amount of N rate condition (10% N cutting), the transfer N from rice season (R220W140) to wheat season (R180W180) led to the 8.5% increase in N2O emission (P < 0.05). In the end, the cutting of 20% N decreased GWP and yield-scale GWP by 19% and 17%, which mainly originated from CH4 and N2O emissions. However, cutting N did not significantly decrease grain yield (P > 0.05). These results suggested that the 180 kg N/ha for rice and 140 kg N/ha for wheat in one rotation season were the beneficial N rate to achieve the co-benefit of yield and GWP in the typical rice-wheat rotation system in Jiangsu, China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the influence of poly-glutamic acid (PGA) on ascorbic acid (AsA) and glutathione (GSH) metabolism in leaves of wheat seedlings under cadmium (Cd) stress. The results showed that Cd stress enhanced ascorbate peroxidase, dehydroascorbate reductase, monodehydroascorbate reductase, glutathione reductase, gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase and L-galactono-1,4-lactone dehydrogenase activities, and increased AsA and GSH contents. Whereas Cd reduced AsA/dehydroascorbic acid (DHA) and GSH/oxidised glutathione (GSSG) ratios and increased malondialdehyde (MDA) content and electrolyte leakage (EL). Meanwhile, Cd stress improved Cd accumulation and nonphotochemical quenching (qN) and decreased soil and plant analyser development (SPAD) value, net photosynthetic rate (Pn), maximum photochemical efficiency of PSII (Fv/Fm), photochemical quenching (qP), quantum efficiency of PSII photochemistry (ΦPSII), wheat height and dry biomass. Compared to Cd alone, PGA plus Cd stress reinforced AsA and GSH metabolism via the above enzymes and increased AsA and GSH contents and their redox status. PGA plus Cd stress also decreased MDA content and EL. Besides, PGA plus Cd stress decreased Cd accumulation and increased SPAD value, Pn, qN, Fv/Fm, qP, ΦPSII, wheat height and dry biomass. Moreover, PGA alone showed positive effects on the indicators mentioned above. Our results clearly indicated that PGA enhanced wheat Cd tolerance by preventing Cd uptake and enhancing AsA and GSH metabolism. Therefore, PGA can be applied to enhance wheat Cd tolerance in production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated, under field conditions and during four years (2018–2021) the effects of five irrigation levels (T1: 100% of crop water requirement; T2: 80% of T1; T3: 60% of T1; T4: 40% of T1, and T5: 0% of T1 – rainfed) in interaction with three planting densities (PD1: 54 900, PD2: 64 900, and PD3 75 200 plants/ha) on the yield, yield components and water use efficiency (WUE) of maize in Srem, Serbia. The results indicate a large year-to-year variability, mainly due to the total amount and distribution of rainfall. Water regime and PD interacted significantly. Irrigation increased grain yield 28, 34, 30 and 18% for treatments T1, T2, T3 and T4, respectively, compared to the T5; and significantly influenced the yield components. Planting density had significantly lower effects on grain yield compared to irrigation (+1.4–1.8%). WUE is maximised (3.436 kg/m3) at T4 under 75 200 plants/ha. Grain yield and WUE increased significantly with increasing PD, while the number of grains per ear and the weight of 1 000 grains decreased with increasing PD. In conclusion, limited irrigation at T2 under PD2 may be a viable method to maximise production efficiency and maize yield under the environmental conditions of this study and at sites with similar soil and climatic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using probiotics represents a potential solution to post-weaning diarrheal diseases in piglets on commercial farms. The gastrointestinal tract of wild boars serves as a promising reservoir of novel lactic acid bacteria with suitable probiotic characteristics. In this study, we isolated eight bacterial strains from the intestinal content of wild boars identified as representatives of the species Bifidobacterium apri, Lactobacillus amylovorus, and Ligilactobacillus salivarius. These isolates underwent in vitro analysis and characterisation to assess their biological safety and probiotic properties. Analysis of their full genome sequences revealed the absence of horizontally transferrable genes for antibiotic resistance. However, seven out of eight isolates harboured genes encoding various types of bacteriocins in their genomes, and bacteriocin production was further confirmed by mass spectrometry analysis. Most of the tested strains demonstrated the ability to inhibit the growth of selected pathogenic bacteria, produce exopolysaccharides, and stimulate the expression of interleukin-10 in porcine macrophages. These characteristics deem the isolates characterised in this study as potential candidates for use as probiotics for piglets during the post-weaning period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Determination of the urinary protein-to-creatinine ratio (UPC) is an important tool in the quantification of proteinuria in animals. However, the result may be affected by the different methods of determining the urinary protein concentration. The aim of this study was to compare the turbidimetric method using benzethonium chloride and the colorimetric method using pyrogallol red in the measurement of the urinary protein concentration in dogs, cats, guinea pigs and horses. A total of 464, 192, 216 and 119 urine samples from dogs, cats, guinea pigs and horses were examined in the study, respectively. The group consisted of animals of both sexes and different ages, and, in the dogs and cats, it included both healthy animals and those with various health problems. In the group of horses and guinea pigs, only clinically healthy animals were included. A total of 347, 185, 103 and 100 samples from the dogs, cats, guinea pigs and horses were used in the statistical analysis; the other values were excluded as they were below the detection limit. According to the Passing-Bablok analysis, there was a significant constant and proportional difference in the horses. In the dogs, cats and guinea pigs, there was a significant constant difference, but no proportional difference. The Bland-Altman method showed significant bias between the two methods in the horses and cats, but not in the dogs and guinea pigs. In the dogs and cats, the agreement between the two methods was tested and expressed as Cohen’s kappa (κ). In the cats, it was almost perfect for the proteinuric samples (κ = 0.823 3) and significant for the non-proteinuric samples (κ = 0.804 9). In the dogs, the agreement was significant for the non-proteinuric samples (κ = 0.621 5) and only moderate for the proteinuric samples (κ = 0.527 5). The influence of the method used to determine the urinary protein concentration should be taken into account when evaluating the UPC. Repeated examinations in one patient should be performed with the same method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to evaluate the wound-healing activities of a Cannabis sativa L. plant extract and cannabidiol on incision wounds. An incision was created and sutured in rats under anaesthesia. Routine wound care procedures were applied for 10 days, followed by histological wound examinations. The cellular bioactivities of the hemp extract and CBD were assessed for MCP-1, EGF, BFGF, IL-8, and COL-1 using ELISA on the rat skin wound healing activity. A one-way ANOVA was used for the data analysis. The EGF values in the plasma were similar in the povidone-iodine, hemp seed oil, and hemp essential oil groups (P > 0.05). However, the EGF levels were lower in the CBD group compared to the other groups (P < 0.001, P < 0.005). The MCP-1 values in the hemp seed oil, hemp essential oil, and CBD were similar (P > 0.05), whereas povidone iodine exhibited lower MCP-1 levels compared to the other groups (P < 0.001, P < 0.005). It was determined that the plasma BFGF, IL-8, and COL 1 values of the groups were similar (P > 0.05). To our knowledge, this study is the first to evaluate the effects of CBD, seed oil, and hemp leaf extract on incision wound healing. It demonstrates that hemp extract holds greater potential benefits for wound healing compared to CBD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement is an important free trade agreement in the Asia Pacific region. The implementation of RCEP is greatly significant for ensuring the effective supply of agricultural products to member states. On the basis of the analysis of the agricultural product trade structure among China, Australia and New Zealand since 2000, we summarise in this article the potential consequences of tariff reduction for the agricultural products among the three countries under the RCEP framework. The Global Trade Analysis Project model has been used to analyse the effects of RCEP on the macroeconomic indicators, agricultural products trade and domestic agricultural output of the three countries. The research findings indicate that agricultural product trade among the three countries has grown rapidly since 2000. The results of the Global Trade Analysis Project simulations revealed that implementing RCEP will foster macroeconomic growth in the three countries. China's imports of beef and dairy products and wheat from Australia and New Zealand will substantially increase, and China's domestic production of this agricultural sector will decrease. Furthermore, India's potential participation in RCEP will further affect China's imports and exports of grain. These findings could guide the policymakers in the three countries in designing future agricultural production and trade strategies according to the different scenarios of international trade among the three countries and considering the potential of India joining. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The widespread application of Internet technology in rural development has significantly facilitated the modernisation of agriculture and profoundly and positively impacts sustainable rural development. This study empirically investigates the effect of Internet access on farmers' participation in farmer professional cooperatives based on a sample of 3 349 participants from the 2020 China Rural Revitalization Survey (CRRS), using both probit regression and instrumental variable probit (Ivprobit) regression models. The results indicate that, firstly, Internet access significantly enhances farmers' participation in farmer professional cooperatives. Secondly, Internet access influences farmers' decisions to join professional cooperatives differently, with older farmers, those with less education, and non-cadre individuals being more significantly affected in their willingness to participate. The findings deepen the understanding of the relationship between digital technology and organisational participation in rural development and provide empirical evidence for formulating more targeted rural development policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unique challenges have been elicited by climate change, demanding the utilisation of effective adaptation strategies that are both environmentally and economically sustainable. Regrettably, the agricultural sector has not been spared from the effects of climate change, but it is among the largest employers and the primary source of food security globally. The situation is worse in Pakistan, where poverty, hunger, and malnutrition are reported to be prevalent. The complexity of risks posed by climate change has called for climate-smart agriculture (CSA) technologies, which potentially could augment cost efficiency and yield in wheat production. Surprisingly, previous studies have largely overlooked this crucial aspect. Therefore, our research seeks to address two fundamental questions: What is the comparative cost efficiency between adopters and non-adopters of CSA practices in wheat production? And what are the yield effects associated with CSA adoption, particularly compared to non-adopters? To this end, a multi-stage sampling technique was employed to randomly select 400 farm households in a climate risk hotspot province in Pakistan, on which the stochastic frontier analysis (SFA) and endogenous switching regression (ESR) were applied. The results revealed that CSA adoption was associated with improved cost efficiency and yield. Interestingly, if non-adopters decided to adopt CSA, they would increase their wheat yield by about 20%. Given the importance of wheat for food security, this would contribute to poverty and hunger eradication. Therefore, our study conforms to the aspirations of the 2030 agenda by promoting rethinking food production through possible improvement in cost efficiency and yield in the face of a changing climate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advancing agricultural carbon emission efficiency and farmers' income simultaneously is crucial for the sustainable progress of agriculture. Our study centered on 31 provinces and cities in China and investigated regional variances and the dynamic evolution aspects of coordinated development in farmers' income and agricultural carbon emission efficiency, utilising panel data from 2005 to 2021. The analysis revealed the following trends: Firstly, China's overall agricultural carbon emission efficiency was steadily increasing, mainly because of technological advancements. Secondly, the correlation between farmers' income and agricultural carbon emission efficiency in China had notably improved from 0.318 to 0.775. Throughout the observation period, disparities in the levels of coordinated development were observed in various provinces with a diminishing fluctuation, indicating regional disparities as the primary instigator. Thirdly, the level of coordinated development highlighted positive clustering attributes, demonstrating an 'east high, west low' pattern; the evolution of coordinated development levels exhibited stability in maintaining the current status. This study holds significant value for developing countries in enhancing farmers' income and agricultural carbon emission efficiency in a coordinated manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In response to the decline of Central European spruce monocultures driven by various factors, the Demonstration Object of Reconstruction of Spruce Forests (DORS) was established in Husárik locality, Javorníky Mts., northwestern Slovakia. The area includes the Husárik trial site, where the applicability and efficiency of different artificial regeneration methods are studied. The trial was established on a 24-ha area cleared following the outbreak of spruce bark beetles in 2011. Its altitude is 800 m a.s.l., aspect NW, slope 30%, the soil is Ranker on the soft flysch sandstone bedrock. Our study covered 4 conifers - Norway spruce (spruce), European larch (larch), silver fir (fir), and Douglas fir (doug fir). Each species was regenerated using 4 different approaches: planting of commercial bareroot transplants (BR), planting of container transplants (CON), direct seeding (DS) and vegetative cell seeding using seed shelters (VCS). Results concerning the nine-year development of transplants and seedlings, along with the calculation of cost-efficiency, are presented. As to the species, BR and CON transplants of spruce and larch reached the best survival and height. The DS larch was the most cost-efficient method of establishment of a successfully established plantation (survival > 50%; stem height > 2/3 of the weed height; ratio of damaged individuals < 50%) with a total cost of 2 372 EUR·ha-1. On the contrary, the slow initial growth of fir and Douglas fir and their extensive damage resulted in the incomparably higher cost of establishment of their successfully established plantation, such as 4 980 EUR·ha-1 for five-years-old BR fir transplants. Our findings documented that current efforts related to the restoration of salvage-felled clearings remained difficult, especially in the case of introduction or reestablishment of coniferous tree species more vulnerable to open site conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Czechia, harvesters contributed 43% of the total annual timber production in 2022. It is assumed that harvester technology will continue to be used intensively in the future, even though there is a change in the tree species composition of forests after the recent bark beetle outbreak and an increase in the use of close-to-nature forest management. The aim of this study was to analyse the over- and under-bark volume estimates of European larch timber produced by a harvester in Czechia. This study used the M3s price category for volume estimation. This volume was compared with the M3toDE price category. The M3toDE price category underestimated the over-bark volume by 5.59% compared to the M3s price category. However, for use in forestry practice in Czechia it is currently necessary to use the M3toDE price category. Therefore, the M3toDE price category was used to compare under-bark volumes according to different bark deduction methods. Differences were found between all the five methods investigated. Understanding this sub-issue will help in training operators, acquiring comprehensive knowledge about the functioning of harvester software and maximising the economic effect of the sale of larch timber. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the fermentation duration in relation to the effectiveness of tannin levels in mangrove (Sonneratia alba) fruit during the fermentation process using Aspergillus niger. The tested durations were 7, 10, 13, and 16 days in anaerobic conditions. The outcomes measured included crude fat, crude fibre, and nitrogenfree extract digestibility. Microbial biomass, protozoa population, and methane gas production were also recorded as responses to the rumen microbial activity. The results showed that 16 days of fermentation gave the highest average for all responses. The protozoa population reached around 4.07 × 105 cells/ml and methane gas amounted to 33.9 ml/g of dry matter (DM). This is caused by a decrease in the anti-nutrient tannin content in mangrove (S. alba) fruit due to fermentation by A. niger according to treatment. The conclusion of this research is that the 16-day fermentation treatment (T4) of mangrove fruit is the optimal time to be used as a source of concentrate feed for livestock in terms of the increase in nutritional value and gastrointestinal microbes represented by total protozoa population, crude fibre digestibility, crude fat digestibility, and the highest nitrogen-free extract digestibility. However, microbial biomass and methane gas production were not significantly different in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sheep milk production is a complex process that is influenced by various factors. This study aims to investigate how the litter size (single vs. twins), birth type (male vs. female), age of the ewes and body weight affect the milk composition and fatty acid profile of milk fat. Milk samples were collected from 119 Najdi ewes that were the subject of this study. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MASS) was used to quantify the fatty acids (FAs). The results showed that the twins birth type (female/female) has a significant influence (P < 0.05) on the concentration of linoleic acid (LA), alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), behenic acid (C22:0) and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA). On the other hand, saturated fatty acids (SFA), docosahexaenoic acid (C22:4; DHA), and odd-chain fatty acids (OCFA), such as C15:0-antiso and C19:1-cis 10, increased significantly (P < 0.05) with the increasing age and body weight of the ewes, while the ALA and unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) significantly decreased (P < 0.05). The principal component analysis (PCA) revealed a positive association between the age and the OCFA, ALA and small-chain fatty acids (C6:0 and C8:0). In addition, the type of birth showed a positive association with the fat, lactose and palmitoleic acid C16:1 cis9. Conversely, there is a negative association between the UFA, monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and PUFA. In addition, the body weight (BW) and litter size were negatively associated with the protein, SFA and medium-chain fatty acids (C10:0, C12:0, C14:0 and C16:0). The physiological factors generally suggested that the milk quality and essential FA, such as ALA, were influenced by the type of the lamb’s birth and the age of the ewes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drunken horse grass (Achnatherum inebrians (Hance) Keng) is a toxic perennial bunchgrass native to Northwestern China. Epichloë endophytic fungi infection could enhance the stress tolerance of drunken horse grass. However, there is a scarcity of literature regarding the effects of intraspecific competition. As a result, we anticipated that the intraspecific competitive dynamics between endophyte-infected (EI) and endophyte-free (EF) plants would become more transparent for four years by planted as the proportions of 2: 1, 1: 1, and 1: 2. The results showed the EI plants exhibited more biomass, seed yields, and survival rates than EF plants. Endophyte infection also facilitated a competitive advantage by enhancing photosynthesis and soil nutrition. Our findings constituted the inaugural investigation into the influence of the intraspecific competitive ability of grass infected with Epichloë endophyte fungi. EI plants caused them to become stronger and stronger, while EF became weaker and weaker by timing and planting proportion increasing, and EF drunken horse grass could be replaced by EI. These conclusions were instrumental in elucidating why the endophytic fungal infection rate of drunken horse grass is 100% observed in natural wilderness. Epichloë endophyte could reduce plant diversity and enhance the dominance of EI plants in intraspecific competition; drunken horse grass may be threatening the persistence of native plant species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clarifying the effects of meteorological factors on the growth and development of fresh maize after delayed sowing is important for selecting appropriate sowing dates and improving yield. Six sowing dates (B1 (March 10); B2 (March 20); B3 (March 30); B4 (April 9); B5 (April 19), and B6 (April 29)) and three fresh maize cultivars (A1 (Wan Nuo 2000); A2 (Nongke Nuo 336), and A3 (Caitian Nuo 6)) were chosen for experiments conducted between 2021 and 2022 in Guiyang, Qingzhen City, China. The results showed that the whole growth period and sowing-silking period were significantly reduced with delayed sowing, while the grain-filling period was relatively stable. Delayed sowing was beneficial in increasing the number of endosperm cells and the weight of the hundred kernels. The graining filling rate and the activities of four key starch synthesis enzymes (sucrose synthase, ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase, starch branching enzyme, and starch debranching enzyme) were significantly influenced by light, temperature, and precipitation, and they mainly affected the hundred kernel weight. The yield tended to increase with delayed sowing, and the correlation analysis between precipitation and yield at different sowing periods showed a significant effect of precipitation on yield. Delaying the sowing to mid-early April was more favourable for grain filling, enhanced key enzyme activity, and increased the kernel weight and yield. These results highlight the importance of choosing excellent cultivars and matching them with the most suitable sowing date to fully exploit climatic resources and achieve high-yield and high-efficiency cultivation of fresh maize. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]