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During the period 2016-2020, a study was conducted to determine the suitable selection criteria in triticale breeding for higher yields in Sadovo ecological conditions. Correlation, path-coefficient and principal component analyses were applied to 7 triticale genotypes. Field trials were performed in a randomized block design, with four replications. According to the results, the relationships between the grain yield and all of its components were significant and positive. The results of the path-coefficient analysis indicated that the plant height, grain number per spike, mass of thousand grains and spike length have the highest direct effect on yield. Principal components analysis shows that Olympus, Orbital and Falko have positive values for first PC. These cultivars were characterized by high yield, high plant height, high spike length, high grain number per a spike, high grain mass per a spike and high thousand grains mass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, 9 non-parametric stability methods were used to evaluate the environment interaction on grain yield of 8 triticale varieties. The genotypes were evaluated for grain yield in the region of Sadovo for 5 years. A combined analysis of variance, non-parametric stability statistics and rank correlations among them were determined. Significant differences were detected between genotypes and their EGIs. Different non-parametric stability statistics were used to determine stability of the studied genotypes. The level of association among the statistics was assessed using Spearman's rank correlation. Rank-correlation coefficients between yield and some non-parametric stability statistics were highly significant. Genotypes mean yield was significantly correlated to the non-parametric stability statistics NP(4) (r = 0.833*), NP(3) (r = 0.762*) and S(3) (r = 0.738*). In conclusion, based on most non-parametric stability statistics, the genotypes Indiana and Orbital were found to be the most stable and high yielding. These genotypes can be used for the improvement of adaptation and high yielding in triticale breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Micro and small wood-processing enterprises represent the heart of European forest-based industries, being among the key drivers of economic growth in rural, mountainous, and poor regions. Their economic efficiency is of fundamental importance for their existence and the provision of income for the local population in rural areas. Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) is used in the current research, which is a nonparametric, linear-programming-based approach that is commonly used to analyse the efficiency of organisational units. The main objective of this study was to investigate and evaluate the economic efficiency of micro and small wood-processing enterprises in EU countries and reveal the hidden inputs that facilitate efficiency generation. The economic efficiency evaluation was carried out on the basis of the official statistical data for the micro and small wood-processing companies in EU member states for the period 2015–2020 by performing a two-stage DEA analysis. The data used were standardised by value per employee. In addition to the first stage of DEA, a fractional regression probit and logit models with four contextual variables were used to reveal the influence of the hidden inputs in the model. The results showed that the micro and small wood-processing enterprises can be regarded as more scale-efficient than technically efficient entities. The only contextual variable affecting the economic efficiency was Investments per Person Employed, improving the efficiency by 2% per 1% increase in the investments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A collection of 15 triticale varieties (Triticosecale) grown in Bulgaria, 17 varieties grown in Poland, 1 variety grown in France and 3 variety grown in Germany were analyzed using sodium dodecilsuphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) to describe allelic variability in the storage proteins encoded at the Glu-1 (Glu-A1, Glu-B1 and Glu-R1), Glu-3 (Glu-A3 and Glu-B3), Glu-B2 and Gli-R2 loci. Thirty-two alleles were identified. These alleles formed 40 allelic configurations including 37 specific for one cultivar each. Two new allelic forms for high-molecular weight (HMW) - secalins were found in Glu-R1 loci and one new allelic form of 75K γ-secalins (named "new") was found in Gli-R2 loci. 83% of the triticale cultivars were homogenous, only 17% showed two or more diagrams respectively in HMW glutenin subunits, low-molecular weight (LMW) glutenin subunits and 75K γ-secalins. Thus, the total number of genotypes in the study increased to fifty-four. Twenty-nine varieties possessed allele b and seven varieties commonly grown in Bulgaria possessed allele 'a' in Glu-A1 loci. These alleles are associated with good bread-making qualities. According to the data on the allelic composition, the cultivars were classified depending on their origin; it was found out that all analyzed accessions from Poland, Germany and France, as well as those developed in Bulgaria, fell within the same group, namely the group of triticale varieties of winter type developed through European germ plasma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wood colour metrics are increasingly being used in wood technology and ecology studies. Researchers usually determine the colours of the wood after treatment or in different habitats. There is very little research dedicated to the problem of colour variations among one specific species harvested in different forests or regions. The main purpose of the current research is to reveal and estimate the colour variability of oak species. For this study, a total of 89 samples were taken from the heartwood of seven oak species (Quercus robur L., Quercus cerris L., Quercus rubra L., Quercus pedunculiflora K. Koch., Quercus pubescens Willd., Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl., and Quercus palustris Muenchh.). The CIELAB system was used for the assessment of the colour differences. To determine the colour groups and variations, K-means clustering was used. The results show that colour variations do exist. According to the cluster analysis, at least five types of oak wood can be distinguished (because in some clusters, very few samples were present) in the investigated forests. The differences are mainly observed in terms of the lightness (L*) and yellowness (b*). Redness is not a feature by which oak wood differs, but the wood can be brighter or more yellow in some of the samples. The density of the Romanian oaks in the sample does not influence the colour coordinates. The only coordinate affected is a*, but with a very small probability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study were fractionated and characterized reserve endosperm proteins, hordeins of seven spring barley genotypes with different origin: Zernogradskii (Russia), Bodega, Fink, Scarlett, Barke (Germany), Josefin and Astoria (France) by SDSPAGE electrophoresis. On the basis of the obtained spectra are identified 19 bands (D + C + B) with different relative electrophoretic mobility and intensity. The electrophoresis profiles of the groups D-, C- and B-hordein are designated as separate types (models) using the index corresponding to hordein blocks. We have established one profile type for D-hordein (D1), two- for C-hordein (C1, C2), and five - for B hordein (B1, B2, B3, B4, B5). Based on these results are constructed hordein formulas (configurations) of accessions, which enable the expression of specific varietal characteristics and prove the existence of the inter-allelic variation (hordein polymorphism) due to the presence or absence of protein components and their different electrophoretic mobility in the profiles of D-, C- and B-hordein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study is to identify needed support for increasing the productivity of private forestry, focusing on the decision-making process in the case of women -- private forestry owners in countries of the Danube region. The data used is from a survey in the frame of the project "Forest in Women's Hands". The methods applied are Regression Ordinary Least Squires (OLS) model and logistic regressions. Statistical correlations are measured to check the impact of some factors affecting female management decisions in turn to outline the needed support. The results, along with others, show that women involve friends, family members, and spouses in the forest to support them in decision-making, but the requested support is not directed explicitly to increasing productivity. The support provided by the forest associations and government institutions is not effective enough for forest utilisation and productivity. The conclusion that could be drawn is that the needed support is training the private female owners. On the other hand, the study identifies some differences between countries with prevailing private ownership and others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Innovative products, including wood plastic composite, point to the potential of using the principles of the circular economy. The increasing share of plastic waste combined with wood raw material creates great potential for meeting the environmental criteria of wood plastic composite products. The aim of the paper is to present a proposal for modifications of the standard methodological overhead cost calculation with the subsequent comparison of the results of the innovative methodological calculation, based on the investment plan for the production using recycled wood-plastic raw materials. The application of the Calculation of Machine Hours Rates requires precise identification of the production capacity in terms of machinery hours and composition of the calculation formula. Although the results of the comparison of price differentiation did not reveal a fundamental change in the cost allocation, it may differ for variations in other surface and volume product dimensions, changed wood-plastic component proportions or subsequent final surface treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to generate information on interrelationships of some important productivity elements, direct and indirect effects of grains per spike and height of the plants. The study was conducted in the IPGR -- Sadovo, during the period 2018-2020 and included 13 two-row winter barley accessions with Bulgarian origin. In all tested barley accessions was found statistically proven strong correlation (r = 0.896) between yield and number of spikes per m2. Path-coefficient analysis shows that the traits number of spikes per m2 and grain mass per spike have the highest direct effect on yield. Principal components analysis shows that Kuber and Asparuh have positive values for first PC. These cultivars were characterized by high yield, high plant height, high spike length, high grain number per a spike, high grain mass per a spike and high 1000 grains mass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potential of addition of calcium lignosulfonate as an eco-friendly additive with a phenol-formaldehyde (PF) resin, at different ratios, to produce medium-density fibreboards (MDF) with acceptable properties, was investigated in this work. The fibreboards were fabricated in the laboratory with low PF resin percentage (3%, 4%, 5%), while the addition levels of calcium lignosulfonate varied from 5% to 15% (on the dry fibres). The physical and mechanical properties of the fibreboards were evaluated, and further statistically analysed in order to determine the optimal values of PF resin content and lignosulfonate addition for fulfilling the European standards. It was shown that at the low PF resin content (3%), addition of lignosulfonate should not exceed 10% to avoid deterioration in the mechanical properties. It was concluded that PF resin content of 3.5% can be recommended for the production of lignosulfonate-PF bonded MDF panels to comply with the EN standard requirements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fourteen two-rowed winter barley genotypes were assessed for characteristics of main agronomic and technological traits which are important for the breeding and production. The study was conducted in the Institute of Plant Genetic Resources - Sadovo, during the period 2014-2016. It was found that in the group with the highest yield were the cultivars Asparuh - 6490 kg/ha and Kuber - 6390 kg/ha. The traits, which contributed positively to PC1 were spike length, grain number per a spike and yield. Considering diversity pattern, agronomic and technological traits researched in this study the cultivars Aparyh, Kuber, Kristi and Potok from first cluster and Orfey, Odisey and Zagorets from second might be selected aspromising genotypes for future hybridization program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shortage of wood raw material and the considerable amounts of agricultural waste and residues are one of the main environmental challenges today, which justify the relevance of studying the possibilities of utilization of non-wood lignocellulosic raw materials in production of wood-based composites. This article presents the study on the impact of including different non-wood lignocellulosic raw materials in the composition of MDF on their exploitation properties. Three types of non-wood lignocellulosic raw materials - maize stalks, industrial hemp stalks and thin bamboo stalks - were used for the purpose of the study. The materials were refined in laboratory conditions using defibrator disc mill. The panels were manufactured by using industrial wood-fibre mass and variation of non-wood raw materials from 10 to 40%. The main exploitation properties of MDF were determined and analysis on the possibilities of including the studied lignocellulosic raw materials in the composition of the panels was made. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of occupational safety and health (OSH) management practices (in terms of comprehensive risk assessment) on the rate of work-related accidents in the Bulgarian furniture industry, and to identify the main occupational hazards. Materials and methods: The research was performed on basis of the officially published statistical data of occupational accidents in Bulgaria and the developed risk assessment questionnaire, tailored to the specific furniture industry characteristics. K-means clustering analysis was used for data interpretation and analysis. Results: The adoption of strict OSH legislation and the implementation of risk assessment procedures resulted in drop in occupational accident rate in the Bulgarian furniture industry by 76.9% during the studied period, from 2001 to 2017. The questionnaire and k-means analysis revealed different OSH awareness levels among the studied furniture enterprises. Conclusions: The findings of the study can be applied for sustainable improvement of the existing OSH measures and initiatives in the Bulgarian furniture industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of present study was to investigate the comparative analysis of the yield of spring barley and the coefficient of ecological valence in the regions of Sadovo and Karnobat. Seven spring barley cultivars were planted in the first and second decade of march, in comparative cultivars trials on the block method in four repetitions of an area of 10 m2, with sowing rate of 450 germinating seeds per m2 in the region of Sadovo and Karnobat. They were assessed against IASAS used standard french variety Josefin. The statistical processing of the results was carried out by ANOVA. The coefficient of ecological valence (W) is fixed on the model of Wricke. The analysis can be concluded that the varieties grown in the region of Sadovo showed better ecological plasticity, but gave lower yields, in the region of Karnobat were more productive but difficult to adapt to environmental conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of present study was to identified the reserve endosperm proteins in promising spring barley cultivars by SDS-PAGE electrophoresis. The material object of this study were seven cultivars of spring barley with different origin: Zernogradskii (Russia), Bodega, Fink, Scarlett, Barke (Germany), Josefin and Astoria (France). Cultivar Igri was used as a standard for biochemical analysis. Hordeins are divided into four groups based on their amino acid composition and electrophoretic mobility: A-, B-, C- and D-. The most significant allelic polymorphism was identified in B-hordein. The standard variety was characterized by six band with a different intensity. Two majors and four minor band were well expressed in the spectra of varieties Bodega, Fink and Barke. Electrophoretic profiles of Zernogradskii, Josefin and Astoria established a major, and between five and six minor subunits with a different intensity of color depending on the methodology used for fractionation of hordein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]