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Recycled paper is commonly used in food packaging industry, especially for disposable products. The material coming into direct contact with food products must not represent a source of contamination for food in accordance with the Framework Regulation (EC) No. 1935/2004 containing the general requirements on all food contact materials. In the present study, the microbial purity of 31 paper-based materials with different contents of recycled matter (0-100%) was evaluated using a standard method based on the disintegration of paper. The results of the present study indicate the existing relation between the use of recycled fibers and the content of microorganisms. The increased amount of recycled fibers significantly increased the amount of bacteria in the paper samples. The highest content of microorganisms was observed in the case of paper with the highest recycled fiber content. Total counts of bacteria ranged from 5.0 x 101 to 1.2 x 105 CFU/g. Moulds were detected only in three paper samples. As the microorganisms present in food packaging may penetrate into foodstuffs (particularly those with high contents of water or fat) and have an adverse effect on end-consumers' health, microbial criteria for food packaging should be included into the EU legislation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant root system architecture (RSA) has an important role in crop production, particularly for water and nutrient uptake under limiting conditions. In the last few years, several root phenotyping methods have been developed. Here we present a new technique which has been developed for non-destructive, inexpensive and high-throughput root growth studies and RSA analyses. To illustrate the potential applications, this method was tested in an experiment with nitrogen and phosphorous deficiencies in a nutrient solution, affecting RSA parameters of two spring barley varieties (Bojos and Barke). This technique is based on root growth on vertically positioned black filter paper (30 × 60 cm) placed between two black plastic (PVC-P) foils and micro-irrigation systems providing the recirculation of nutrient solution. The pre-germinated seeds were placed in the slit between two plastic bars which carry the filter paper and plastic sheets and fix the plant in the vertical position. This system allows easy repeated non-invasive access to roots for their measuring and sampling. Eighteen days after transplanting the root imaging was done using an RGB digital camera. To evaluate the root architecture parameters the "SmartRoot" software was used. The results revealed that the system is able to detect changes in RSA which are caused mainly by P deficiency (particularly changes in lateral root length and total root area). It can be concluded that this technique has a great potential for non-destructive root growth studies, RSA measurement and root sampling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biochar (BC) is used as a soil amendment to enhance plant growth by improving mainly soil chemical and hydrophysical properties. In this work the effects of two types of BCs on soil water retention properties were analysed. The first type of BC was made from sugarcane bagasse. It was added to a clay "Shimajiri Maji" soil at an application rate of 3 w%. The second type of BC was made from paper fiber sludge and grain husks. It was added into a loam soil at rates of 3.6, and 7.3 w%. It was assumed that the effect of BC amendment will be more pronounced in coarse-grained soil than in fine-grained one. Therefore, the second type of BC was applied additionally in the silica sand, in a textured contrast material compared with the loam soil. The BC amendment caused statistically significant increase of water content in the transmission pores of the clay soil, in the storage pores of the loam soil, and in the macropores and the storage pores in the silica sand. Despite of the positive effect on soil water retention, statistically significant increase of available water capacity (AWC) was identified only in the loam soil with the larger BC amendment rate. Possible reasons are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we construct a rating credibility model of red wine by the Analytic Hierarchy Process, achieve the classification of red grapes through the evaluation results of red wine and cluster analysis method and analyze the correlation of the physical and chemical indicators between red grapes and red wine. Thus, the paper demonstrates that aromatic substances play an important role in the quality of red wine, so we cannot evaluate the quality of wine only by the physical and chemical indicators of wine grapes and wine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the paper, there is analysed one particular approach to the modelling uncertainty in the project management through an original version of the fuzzy CPM (Critical Path Method). First there is shown the relevance of using the fuzzy CPM in agriculture and the related branches and present the basics of the methods used. Then, there are described the imperfections of the work which is discussed and the impacts of the previously-published approach when applied in project management practice are emphasised. In the original paper, the author uses only the discrete fuzzy numbers for activity time durations which could be considered inappropriate for the time scheduling in project management. Consecutively, the direct application of the extension principle on the comparison of continuous durations could lead to the situation when both numbers can be greater than the second one with possibility equal to one. Moreover, the simple transformation of durations to the costs by linear equations with a positive slope does not respect the current project management theory and practice. Finally, the missing comparison of project fuzzy costs among individual variants of the project is calculated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different slurry volume of imidacloprid insecticide on the physiological potential during the storage of seeds of three soybean cultivars. A completely randomised experimental design was adopted, in a 6 x 3 x 2 factorial scheme, which treatments were six slurry volumes with imidacloprid insecticide (0, 200, 500, 800, 1 100 and 1 400 mL/100 kg of seeds), 3 soybean cultivars (SYN15630, M5947, and NS5959) and 2 storage periods (0 and 30 days after seed treatment), with four replications. The treated seeds were stored in kraft paper bags with controlled temperature and humidity. The physiological potential of the seeds was evaluated by standard germination test, electrical conductivity, accelerated aging, seedling emergence in the sand seedbed, and the field. The germination and vigor of soybean seeds were reduced during storage, especially with the increase in the volumes of the insecticide solution. [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]

The possibilities of improving starch/water batter foam properties by additions of inorganic and organic compounds, waste sawdust and waste paper pulp were investigated. The most suitable ratio between starch and water was set to 2:3. The best results were obtained when calcium stearate was added to the starch/water tray because it filled the matrix of the tray and improved the surface. The addition of calcium stearate and a low amount of waste paper pulp and/or waste sawdust also brought good results. Higher amounts of waste sawdust and calcium stearate did not produce the compact and smooth surface of starch trays. The addition of polyvinyl alcohol improved these parameters. [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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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 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]

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]

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]

Vegetables and their products have a low caloric value. Root vegetables are rich in bioactive compounds such flavonoids, polyphenolic acids, carotenoids. It also contains a some percentage of other functional components that can significantly affect human health.In order to achieve a high yield, excessive fertilization with nitrogen fertilizer is performed, which worsens the quality of vegetables. The aim of this paper is to analyze the impact cultivation system on the content of total phenolics and flavonoids, as well as a comparative assessment of their antioxidant activity in selected samples of vegetables. The antioxidant activity was studied using DPPH, and ABTS assays. The total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) of the extracts were determined using Folin-Ciocalteuand and Aluminium chloride colorimetric methods, respectively. The highest content of total phenolics was determined for parsley from conventional production (427.38 mg GAE/100 g fresh sample), parsley from organic production the richest source of flavonoids (54.92 mg GAE/100 g fresh sample). Other samples of vegetables from conventional production had a lower flavonoid content compared to organic production. It was confirmed that the antioxidant activity of the analyzed vegetables in the maximum correlation with the content of total phenolics (R2 = 1). Organic samples of vegetables were characterized by a significantly higher content of flavonoids compared to vegetables grown conventionally. Organic production could be a good method to increase the concentration of bioactive compounds with antioxidant properties in vegetables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench.) seed, produced in three locations, was used in the present study. Seed was stored in paper, glass, wood and PVC packing materials under room temperature conditions (18°C) for five years. The following parameters of seed quality were observed: viability, germination, dormancy and a 1000-seed weight. Standard laboratory methods were applied in the studies. The lowest viability after harvest was recorded in seeds stored in glass or PVC packing materials. All factors pointed to a great significance in the expression of viability, germination and seed weight maintenance. The highest value of germination (99%) was recorded in seeds produced in the location Karbulovo after two-year storage in the paper packing material. In the second year of storage, seed dormancy in paper packing material amounted to 0-0.1%. The seed weight changed during the storage period from 33.9 g to 24.4 g. The weight loss was the lowest in seeds stored in the paper packing material. The germination decline was slower in large than in small seeds. Obtained results indicate the importance of packing material for maintenance of seed qualitative traits. According to the gained results, seeds packed in paper packing material mostly retained their physiological and morphological traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper aims to identify the changes and intensity of the factors influencing consumers' purchasing decision- making process in the food market. The research offers a unique comparison of the situation between the years 2007 and 2022 and reveals the emerging factors affecting consumer decisions. The authors conducted a representative questionnaire survey (N = 686) to determine the influence of individual factors. The data were processed using factor analysis, which allowed for the reduction of the number of factors (20) to four determinants covering 61% of the total variability in the dataset. The determinants of consumer purchasing decisions include traditional promotional elements, product parameters, newly formed factors based on sustainability and health awareness trends, and price discounts. Consumer behaviour appears to be influenced by a wide range of short- and long-term factors, and it is necessary to look at it comprehensively over a longer time horizon, taking current trends into account. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sustainability of the family business mirrors the business success and functionality of the family. Sustainability cannot be ensured without sufficient business profitability, solvency and financial stability. A company unable to pay its obligations on time is insolvent and, therefore, unhealthy. The paper’s main goal is to evaluate the impact of selected economic aspects on the sustainability of family farms in Slovakia. The Finstat database serves as the source of input data for the research. For the economic analysis of the family and non-family sets of companies, Grünwald's bonity index (GIB) was chosen for its universality. According to the Ministry of Economy of the Slovak Republic, family businesses can be considered less risky, especially considering the conservative way of management and the effort for long-term sustainability. However, the results of our research may differ. Family businesses show higher profitability of total and mainly equity capital but also low current liquidity and an under-capitalised state. The most increased noncredit current liquidity was achieved in family businesses in the pandemic years 2020 and 2021. The family businesses we monitored are more profitable than non-family businesses, they do not show an excessive increase in investments, and most of them seem to have a targeted and purposeful high level of short-term liabilities. [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]

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]

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]

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]

Farms generally produce products with low differentiation. To reach an increase in the profit and sales, product differentiation is one of the potential strategies that could be successfully applied. This paper identifies "Intermediate Consumption/Total Output" as a simple and user-friendly indicator for farm product differentiation performance and comparison assessment in the Czech Republic, based on a two-step cluster analysis performed on 1 225 farms with different operating conditions and reproduction process characteristics in the Czech Republic. The data are sourced from Farm Accountancy Data Network (FADN CZ). Four farm clusters based on product differentiation levels are identified and described from the point of view of the production process and conditions. The resulting cluster profiles, in general, indicate the production conditions and process affecting the resulting product differentiation. Nevertheless, farms deliver extraordinary product differentiation values in fields with less favourable conditions and production processes. Those have the potential to be an inspiration for farms with lower product differentiation values. The result of this paper provides hope, less favourable conditions are not a limit for formidable performance. This paper result can be practically applied by anyone aiming to easily identify, evaluate, and compare farm product differentiation levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the advent of the era of big data, data mining methods show their powerful information mining ability in various fields, seeking the association information hidden in the data, which is convenient for people to make scientific decisions. This paper analyses the butterfly effect in the agricultural product industry chain from the perspective of producer and consumer by using multidimensional time and space theory and proposes a new price forecasting method. We consider that the price change of agricultural products is not only affected by the balance of market supply and demand but also by the factors of time and space. Taking the pig industry chain of Sichuan Province as an example, this paper explores and excavates the data from 2010 to 2020 in the time dimension. Interestingly, we found that the price changes in pork in the market are generally highly correlated with the prices of slaughtered pigs, piglets a few weeks ago and the prices of multiple feed a few months ago. Based on the precise time-space factors, we improved the price forecasting model, greatly improved the accuracy of price prediction, and proved the effectiveness of multidimensional spatiotemporal association mining. The research in this paper is helpful to establish a brand-new agricultural product price prediction theory, which is of great significance to the development of the agricultural economy and global poverty alleviation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of small farms in agricultural production is particularly important for less developed economies, with a high share of agriculture in GDP and a lower level of national income. These economies have a high share of small-scale farms in the total number of registered farms, measured by the size of an agricultural holding. The paper thoroughly analyses the distribution channels of the agricultural products of Moldova (MDA), Romania (ROM), and Serbia (SRB). The data sources for this analysis are taken from the survey conducted on 1 608 small-scale farms in the above-mentioned countries in 2019. The aim of the paper is to develop a model that could enable the structured analysis of distribution channels. Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) method was used for efficient assessment and as a criterion for choosing the most appropriate distribution channel. The results of the analysis show that small-scale farms mostly place their products in green markets and processing plants and that the quality and the price of agricultural products are the dominant criteria for the selection of a channel. The results of the applied model indicate that the model is stable and that small-scale farms can choose the optimal distribution channel by using this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geographical indication (GI) represents the specific good quality and reputation of the regional characteristics of agricultural products, which is a positive approach for stabilising the export of agricultural products, realising high quality and high prices for agricultural products and rural revitalisation. Based on the China-EU Geographical Indications Agreement, this paper discusses the differences between China and the European Union (EU) in terms of GI protection from three aspects: the institutional framework, the operational system, and the operational status of GIs. The purpose of the study is to identify the differences between China and the EU in the protection of GIs, China's shortcomings, and gaps, and to propose policy recommendations for China to protect GI products better, exploit the economic impact of GIs and enhance the competitiveness of China's exports. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work discusses the differences in the removal efficiency of heavy metals in soils along the China-Russia crude oil pipeline in different vegetation backgrounds. In this paper, two representative forest types, birch forest and larch forest, were selected for replicated sampling and experimental study in the soil of disturbed and undisturbed areas along the pipeline, respectively. The results showed that after ten years of vegetation restoration, the amount of heavy metals in the soil of birch and larch forests decreased, the Cu content in the soil under the background of the birch forest was higher than that of the larch forest, while the Zn, Mn and Pb contents were lower than that of the larch forest. The order of decreasing magnitude was Mn, Pb, Zn and Cu, and the overall decreasing rate of heavy metal content in larch forest soil was more obvious. The above conclusions indicate that vegetation restoration is an effective measure to alleviate soil heavy metal pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the latest environmentally friendly methods in soybean production technology is the pulsed electromagnetic field of low frequencies (PEMP). The paper presents the results of the influence of electromagnetic stimulation of soybean seeds on grain yield, protein and oil yield, depending on different agroclimatic conditions, exposure time and frequency. In the 2012-2017 research period, the soybean cv. Valjevka was used in the Institute of Field and Vegetable Agriculture experimental field, Novi Sad, Serbia. Immediately before sowing, the seeds were subjected to PEMP treatment, with a pulse generator and a tape applicator, in the following variants: electromagnetic field frequencies of 16, 24 and 30 Hz, and exposure time of 0, 30 and 60 min. The most successful variant of seed stimulation for all three examined parameters was at 16 Hz and 30 min, where the research results show that this measure can increase the examined parameters by more than 10%. The average yield of grain for all years of research with seed stimulation was 4.85% (3 338 kg/ha) compared to the control (3 203 kg/ha). The average grain protein yield in the treatments with PEMP was 1 315 kg/ha, which was 4.26% higher compared to the variant without PEMP (1 260 kg/ha), and the treatment was 4% higher in the average oil yield, 703 kg/ha compared to the control 676 kg/ha. Also, the analysis of the mutual dependence of the indicators is in a positive correlation, which is essential for plant breeding and the development of new technologies, which have economic justification, are safe for use and have a positive impact on adverse effects such as drought. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The most crucial individual tree variables in forest management are diameter at breast height (DBH) and height of trees (H). Projection of stand development over time relies on accurate height-diameter functions. The main aim of this paper is to define the best usable model for tree height prediction from diameter at breast height. We explore the place where the Macedonian pine was discovered in the Baba Mountain in the Pelister National Park in North Macedonia. Thus, we established 48 experimental plots (EP) with a circle shape, a radius of 12.62 m and an area of 500 m² each. The EP were established in pure Macedonian pine stands in an elevation gradient between 950 m a.s.l. and 1 700 m a.s.l. Every tree in the EP was attributed with data for diameter at breast height, tree height, and stand characteristics data (elevation, slope, aspect, coordinate) as well. For predicting the tree height, we used 40 models from many authors which are the most usable in forest practice. Also, we prepared evaluations and tests for all models, in order to choose the best responsive model for the Macedonian pine forest. For predicting the best tree height model for Macedonian pine, we decided on Mamoun's equation, with a high correlation value of 0.85 with 73% out of the observed data. Also, this model showed a lower root mean square error of 32.65, a lower model prediction accuracy of 6.77, and a lower mean absolute percent error of 11.73%. Finally, it can be concluded that the nonlinear connection between DBH and tree height is the most responsive regression model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most empirical studies evaluating efficiency in the agricultural sector estimate cost efficiency, assuming homogeneity across firms. However, achieving the goal of profit maximisation requires both minimising costs and maximising revenue. Unlike cost efficiency, the concept of profit efficiency considers the errors on both the input side and the output side, and thus, it is more appropriate for evaluating the overall performance of firms. This paper estimates profit efficiency and its determinants in the agricultural sector in Spain using a Bayesian stochastic frontier model with random coefficients. This methodology adequately captures the heterogeneity across firms in the industry. The results reveal, firstly, that agricultural firms in Spain are operating with an average profit inefficiency of 35.78% and, secondly, that this inefficiency is affected, albeit unevenly, by the size and age of the farm. Finally, the implications of these results for managers and public policies are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper deals with the genomic evaluation of retained placenta (RP), metritis/endometritis (MET), and cystic ovarian disease (CYS) and their involvement in the selection programme of Holstein cattle. A procedure for the estimation of genetic parameters and genomic breeding values was proposed. The dataset included farmers' records of 127 000 lactations from 109 farms for RP, 185 000 lactations from 131 farms for MET and 115 000 lactations from 87 farms for CYS. The lactational incidence was 6.9% (RP), 12.8% (MET) and 9.2% (CYS). The single-trait animal model equation included fixed effects of herd-year-season of calving and parity of the cow, random direct additive genetic effect, random permanent environmental effect and residual effect. The single-step genomic prediction (ssGBLUP) was based on more than 50 000 SNP-genotyped individuals. Heritability for all traits did not exceed 2%. Favourable correlations were found between reproductive disorders resistance, fertility and longevity traits. The correlation between CYS and milk protein yield indicated a genetic predisposition to cystic ovarian disease in high-producing cows. All significant correlations between health traits (clinical mastitis, claw and feet disorders, reproductive disorders) were positive, indicating that the selection for improvement of one health trait would induce a favourable selection response in the others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work aims to differentiate the rural land of Slovakia in view of the possibility of effective sunflower growing. The differentiation is based on pedo-climatic and production-economic parameters. Soil categorisation took into account the correlation between the site properties (soil and climatic conditions) and the biological and agrotechnical requirements of the crops. Sunflower requirements were included in yield databases using software filters such that a given site property excluded or limited sunflower growing, which was reflected in predicted production. The prediction was subsequently interpolated into four suitability categories: soils unsuitable for sunflower growing, less suitable soils, suitable soils and very suitable soils. A map of categories of soil suitability for sunflower growing was created using a Geographic Information System on the distribution of soil parameters in Slovakia. According to our calculation in Slovakia, 18.8% of farmland is very suitable for sunflower growing, 24.9% is suitable, 16.6% is less suitable, and 39.7% is unsuitable for sunflower growing. These categories are characterised and specified in detail in the paper in terms of geographical, soil, climatic, production and economic parameters. The analysis of the actual sowing of sunflowers between 2018 and 2021 showed that 51% of the areas were located in very suitable soils, 32% in suitable, 10% in less suitable soils and 7% in unsuitable soils for cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the results of a two-year trial on the yield, total phenolic and flavonoid contents and total antioxidant capacity of the ‘Willamette’ red raspberry under organic and conventional farming. A trial was conducted in a commercial plantation of ‘Willamette’ raspberries located in the southwestern part of Serbia. The total phenolics and flavonoids in the raspberry fruits were determined by the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent and aluminium chloride assay, respectively. The ferric reducing antioxidant power assay was used to evaluate the total antioxidant capacity of the raspberry fruits. The results of this study showed that the raspberry yields were significantly affected by the different farming systems. The raspberry yield in conventional farming was higher than that of organic farming. Contrastingly, the raspberries from the organic farming contained higher levels of the total phenolics and flavonoids and also had a higher total antioxidant activity compared to those from the conventional farming in both 2021 and 2022. This study also showed that the total phenolic and flavonoid contents of the ‘Willamette’ red raspberry have a significant and positive correlation with their total antioxidant capacity, indicating that the phenolic compounds play an important role in the antioxidant activity of the raspberry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The construction sector has a high environmental impact throughout the entire life cycle of buildings. One way to reduce the impact is to use building materials with the lowest possible environmental impact - such as wood. The use of wood-based building materials can improve the overall environmental balance of buildings. Compared to other materials, wood probably has the best environmental performance. These findings are particularly significant in the context of the environmental and legislative situation in Europe and the Czech Republic and may be one of the reasons for the increasing number of new wood-based buildings. The main reason for the research is to highlight the potential of wood as an ecological renewable material with multiple applications in all sectors of the national economy, especially in the construction industry. This paper aims to deepen the knowledge of the environmental specifications of building materials, especially wood, highlight its benefits and verify that building with natural and eco-friendly materials is less costly with lower environmental impacts. To illustrate the environmental impact of the construction industry, a case study comparing house variants was conducted to find the most suitable combinations of materials in terms of economic, environmental, and social aspects. It was found that from a sustainable development perspective, building with green materials generally means lower environmental impacts measured e.g. by global warming potential and embodied energy. This is particularly evident in the case of wood, which is not only a renewable material with advantageous thermo-technical and construction properties despite its low weight, but also stores carbon as it grows. The findings show that wood in the structure can reduce the cumulative environmental impact of the whole structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forests cover almost one half of European land. Therefore, land taxes, including taxes from forests, are essential for a municipality's income. The land tax system is implemented on different levels, mainly nationally and locally. Therefore, many land tax features are settled by federal law, and others differ according to the local tax administrators. The objective of the paper is to compare the current laws and principles and the implementation process of forest land in Slovakia and Portugal. We have selected countries from different geographical areas of Europe. Even though the forest compositions and forest ownership differ, we aimed to identify whether the forest land tax systems can be similar. We analysed the legislation and strategic documents on the national level that helped us to describe the land tax system and its general features (e.g. taxpayer, tax rate, tax base, exemption options, tax period, or penalties). In both countries, the national tax law governs the tax implementation and settles any basic processes related to tax collection. The municipalities have the right to revise both the tax rates and exemptions. The results also show that forest owners in Slovakia have more options for tax exemptions than in Portugal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research paper addresses the hypothesis that the peptidoglycan recognition protein 1 (PGLYRP1) gene polymorphism (Tyr76His; dbSNP ID: ss104796364) has an influence on some performance traits and causes of culling in Polish Holstein-Friesian red-white cows. The study involved 134 cows kept on a farm in the southwest of Poland. PGLYRP1 genotypes TT, CT, and CC were detected. It was shown that compared with cows with genotypes CT and TT, the individuals with genotype CC were characterised by higher lifetime yields and higher amounts of lactation milk, fat, and protein. A beneficial effect of genotype CC, compared with genotype TT, was also noted in the case of the lifespan and, consequently, the length of the productive life and the average number of lactations. Diseases of the musculoskeletal system (genotypes CC and TT) and disorders of the reproductive system (genotype CT) were the most common causes of culling. An essential practical observation was the potentially higher susceptibility of cows with genotype CC to mastitis, which resulted in the necessity to cull over one-fifth of the animals in this group. Simultaneously, no cows in this group were culled due to low performance or metabolic, gastrointestinal, and respiratory diseases. Therefore, the PGLYRP1 gene seems to be a promising potential herd health marker; however, to consider it the main gene, it is necessary to extend the investigations to include more individuals and other breeds of dairy cattle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) region is one of the most important players in global agricultural trade. They have vast potential to strengthen their position as a result of the region's opportunities to increase agricultural production when combined with growing global demand, which could help the region's economy thrive. To discover the LAC potential agricultural trade pattern, this paper aims to analyse the determinants of LAC agricultural bilateral export for the period 1995-2019. The gravity model of trade was employed by estimating various Poisson pseudo-maximum likelihood (PPML) models including zero trade flows for panel data. The findings show that importers' GDP of LAC countries has a greater impact on agricultural trade compared to LAC exporters. Cultural similarities (common language) and countries' participation in Southern Common Market [Mercado Común del Sur (MERCOSUR)] stimulated agri-food export. Conversely, distance (transportation), past colonial links, and North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) raised trade costs, having a negative impact on the export of agricultural products. The impacts of environmental regulations are ambiguous. This paper contributes to the literature by investigating the factors of agri-food export in LAC countries, which can be an important instrument for decision-makers adjusting agricultural trade policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Turn of the month (ToM) effect is a calendar anomaly when the majority of returns of an asset are concentrated into several days around the end of the old month and the start of the new one. Until now, the investigation of the ToM effect has mainly been focused on the stock markets. However, this paper investigates the presence of the ToM effect in eight key agricultural commodity markets (cocoa, coffee, corn, cotton, rice, soybean, sugar, wheat), using three different alternatives of the ToM window, during the 2001-2021 time period. The results show a statistically significant ToM effect in the rice, coffee, and sugar markets. Further results show that the ToM pattern changed during the COVID-19 pandemic, and that, in the case of commodities with a statistically significant ToM effect, the ToM effect can be efficiently used to beat the buy & hold investment strategy convincingly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent decades, farmland markets have risen sharply due to their attractiveness as safe investment and savings allocation instruments. This growth has occurred globally at different rates due to the uneven expected returns, and potential land uses in different regions. This paper provides evidence of the convergence of Italian farmland markets between 1990 and 2019 by using data on average land prices with a geographically detailed resolution that considers both administrative and altitude aspects of territories. The analysis combines traditional economic convergence approaches with spatial data exploration techniques. The results are consistent and show that territorial disparities in Italian farmland markets tend to increase over the study period. This proves that divergence patterns reflect the well-established North-South dualism and disparities in socio-economic characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]