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This study aimed to use lactic acid bacteria isolated from piglet faeces to develop probiotics, allowing for the effective control of Escherichia coli and Salmonella. Lactic acid bacteria were isolated from the faeces of suckling piglets and identified by 16S rRNA sequencing, then examined for haemolysis; gelatinase activity; and resistance to acid, bile, and pancreatin. The antimicrobial activity of selected lactic acid bacteria isolates was examined for 8 E. coli and 7 Salmonella strains. One-hundred and sixty-four lactic acid bacteria isolates were identified from 118 piglet faecal samples, and 13 lactic acid bacteria isolates were selected from analyses of haemolysis; gelatinase activity; and resistance to acid, bile, and pancreatin. Of the selected 13 lactic acid bacteria isolates, Limosilactobacillus reuteri PF20-3 and PF30-3 strains had the highest antibacterial activity against E. coli and Salmonella.

Tillage operations in dry soil conditions have increasingly been used in Iran in recent years. However, due to the recent droughts, the choice of suitable implements to reduce the clod and draught force is still under investigation. This study was aimed at determining the effect of the geometry of a bent leg tillage implement on the soil pulverisation and draught force in dry soil conditions. The treatments included three bent leg tillage depths (10, 15, and 20 cm) and three forward speeds (6, 9, and 12 km·h^–1). The effect of the bent leg tillage implement on the clod mean weight diameter (MWD) and draught force was studied using a split plot experiment with three replications. The results showed that the tillage depth and forward speed affected the MWD and the draught force. Increasing the tillage depth from 10 to 20 cm increased the MWD and draught force by 24.9 and 35.1%, respectively. Increasing the forward speed from 6 to 12 km·h^–1 decreased the MWD by 7.4% and increased the draught force by 40.0%. These findings show that the bent leg tillage technology has the potential to reduce the MWD and draught force at higher forward speeds. Therefore, a bent leg tillage implement can be suggested as a proper implement for tilling in dry land conditions.

Kaliurang is one of the local taro cultivars in Indonesia, potentially due to its high productivity and delicacy. This study analysed morpho-genetic variation between one diploid and three tetraploid Kaliurang taro clones from in vitro polyploid induction after plantlet acclimatization in the greenhouse for 6 weeks. Plants’ morphological characters were analysed using the unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) method based on 50 characters according to the taro descriptor from the International Plant Genetic Resources Institute (IPGRI). Furthermore, a morphometric characterization based on the Euclidean distance of 17 digitations from mature leaves, was analysed with the Analysis Phylogenic and Evolution package in R software. DNA band pattern was also performed with ISSR to analyse the clone’s genetic variance. The results showed morpho-genetic character diversity in diploid and tetraploid plants. A plant morphological study revealed that 22 out of 50 characters were distinct, with similarity coefficients ranging from 0.35 to 0.78. Leaf geometric morphometric analysis showed changes in five digitations and formed three clusters. Twelve ISSR primers out of twenty amplified the sequence of the Kaliurang taro genome to yield two clusters with a similarity coefficient of 0.71–0.83. Based on these three characterization approaches, tetraploid clones (K2 and K3) consistently differed morphologically from diploid clones (K0).

The choice of variety, sowing time and optimum nutrition are important management options to optimise the seed yield. Accordingly, an experiment comprising of 18 treatments was conducted during the winter 2017–2018 and 2018–2019 in a factorial randomized block design, replicated three times to assess the response of pea genotypes (DPP-SP-6, Him Palam Matar-1 and Pb-89) to the seeding time (26th October and 10th November) and nutrient levels (0, 100 and 125% of the recommended NPK). The individual treatment effects revealed that early sowing, application of 125% NPK and DPP-SP-6 were significantly superior for the seed yield and related traits. The interaction effects indicated a significant response of the 125% NPK on the early sown crop for the seed yield, harvest index and NPK uptake. Significantly highest soil available NPK were obtained at 125% NPK with a respective increase of 41.54, 5.90 and 30.82 kg/ha, respectively, over the initial status. Early sowing of DPP-SP-6 with an application of 125% NPK is a better preposition for enhancing the productivity of peas.

Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) has been implicated in mammalian testicular and epididymal development. This study aimed to investigate ERK expression in the immature and mature testes and epididymides of bulls. We evaluated ERK expression using immunoblot analysis and immunohistochemistry. Immunoblot analysis revealed that immature bull testes and epididymides had higher phosphorylated ERK (pERK) expression than mature bull testes and epididymides. pERK immunoreactivity was higher in immature epididymides than in immature testes. pERK was localised mostly in spermatogonia, undifferentiated sustentacular (Sertoli) cells, and interstitial (Leydig) cells in immature testes, as well as in some spermatocytes and spermatids in mature testes. In immature epididymides, the body and tail had higher pERK expression than the head, whereas pERK was broadly distributed throughout the stereocilia, basal cells, and connective tissues. pERK distribution in the head of mature epididymides was similar to that in immature epididymides, whereas few connective tissue cells were expressed in the body and tail of mature epididymides. Collectively, these results suggest that ERK is expressed in the testis and epididymis of immature and mature bulls with varying intensities, and the role of ERK in male reproductive organs may include the specific function of its development.

Corn stover is one of the potential lignocellulosic biomasses as the raw material of biogas production. Pretreatment of lignocellulose substrates can enhance biodegradability and biogas yield. This study investigates the effect of oxalic acid pretreatment on biogas production during batch anaerobic digestion of corn stover. First-order, logistic, modified Gompertz and transference models predicted kinetic parameters during biogas production from pretreated corn stover. Results showed that oxalic acid pretreatment significantly affected biogas production (P < 0.05). The highest cumulative biogas yields of pretreated and untreated corn stover were 95.14 mL/gVS and 57.55 mL/gVS, respectively. Pretreated substrates improved biodegradability by 165%. Four kinetic models provided the determination coefficients R² higher than 0.9. The logistic model and modified Gompertz provided the best deviation of 1.57 and 3.75%, respectively. The logistic model proved the best fitting in predicting cumulative yields and simulating the kinetic model of anaerobic digestion of pretreated corn stover among the three models.

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.

Soil aggregate stability (SAS) is an important factor for soil quality and fertility. There are limited possibilities to influence this soil property, but one investigated method is the application of additives which have the potential to improve SAS. We established a four-year field experiment on a clay-loam Luvisol with poor soil structure to monitor SAS following the application of additives and grassland revegetation. Treatments included: (1) the untreated control; (2) compost; (3) biochar; (4) liming; (5) cattle manure; (6) woodchips; (7) woodchips + fungi inoculation; (8) pellets; (9) pellets + fungi; (10) hydrogel and (11) the change of arable land to grassland. The lowest 23.39% average SAS value was recorded for the untreated control, and then 23.92% for lime treatment, and the highest 27.69% average value was for hydrogel treatment, followed by woodchips with 27.22% and woodchips + fungi with 27.02%. A significant SAS increase of more than 200% was evident on the grassland two years after the trial’s establishment, and this was also associated with other improved physical and chemical soil properties. Finally, while most of our applied soil additives were relatively ineffective in agricultural practice, grassland revegetation is highly recommended for its rapid increase in soil aggregate stability.

The research was performed to investigate the effect of high hydrostatic pressure low temperature (HHPLT) on Listeria innocua in Ringer's solution (RS) and raw milk (RM). The physicochemical properties of RM were studied at 300 MPa and 10 °C. Compared with the control, protein and lipase activities were reduced at HHPLT in RM. The L-values (luminance) of LHPLT applied RM were significantly (P < 0.05) decreased for colour Pressure application at 300 MPa for 90 min totally inactivated L. innocua at –20 °C in both RS and RM. L. innocua showed resistance to low pressure (200 MPa) in RM. Overall, increasing the pressure with applications at –20 and –30 °C resulted in a higher (P < 0.05) inactivation of L. innocua than at 10 and 20 °C. HHPLT applications to frozen RM resulted in the retention of textural characteristics.

Thirteen adult healthy captive skinks, six Gidgee spiny-tailed skinks (Egernia stokesii), three Hosmer’s spiny-tailed skinks (Egernia hosmeri) and four tree crevice-skinks (Egernia striolata), were submitted to the study. The weight of the animals ranged from 28 g to 146 g. All skinks were explored during their putative mating season, which is December. Lizards were restrained manually and positioned in ventral recumbence. Cloacoscopy was performed with the rigid endoscope, protecting channel, endocamera and recording system Telepack-Pal (Karl Storz Endoskope, Tuttlingen, Germany). While the endoscope was gently introduced into the cloaca and advanced into the coprodeum sterile saline was flushed into the cloaca through the protecting channel. The endoscope was then slowly withdrawn to allow visualization of the main structures of the urodeum and proctodeum. Male skinks are characterized by the presence of urethral papillae and only one horizontal septum which divides the chamber of the urodeum into two subchambers. Female skinks are characterised by the presence of two septa. The central-dorsal fold that divides the urodeum into two pouches in female skinks is absent in males. Cloacoscopy proved an effective method of sex identification and can be considered a valuable method for breeding and conservation in monomorphic skink lizards.

The present study compares the six crop residue management techniques in main plots (since 2008) and three split nitrogen (N) levels, i.e., 75, 100 and 125 kg N/ha in subplots for rice crops for two years, i.e., 2019 and 2020, in sandy loam soil under field conditions. This experiment evaluated the long-term effect on rice productivity, soil organic carbon content and nutrient requirement in rice-wheat cropping system. The results revealed that different crop residue management practices and N levels significantly influenced rice growth, yield and yield attributes and improved nutrient uptake by grain and straw. Maximum grain yields of 20.8% and 17.8% higher over the conventional (no straw) treatment during 2019 and 2020, respectively, were recorded where the rice and wheat residue was retained or incorporated. The rice grain yield without residue responded significantly up to 125 kg N/ha. Whereas, with rice and wheat residue, rice grain yield did not respond to the application of N beyond 75 kg N/ha during both years.

This study is to explore the effects of natural tannin (NBT) on intestinal injury in piglets challenged with enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC). Thirty-two 7-day-old piglets were divided into four groups: I) control group, piglets were fed a basic diet without challenge; II) ETEC group, piglets were fed a basic diet and challenged with enterotoxigenic E. coli; III) NBT + ETEC group, piglets were fed a basic diet with supplementation of 2 g/kg NBT and challenged with enterotoxigenic E. coli; and IV) ZnO + ETEC group, piglets were fed a basic diet with supplementation of 3 g/kg ZnO and challenged with enterotoxigenic E. coli. Results showed that diarrhoea rate was significantly increased in ETEC group, whereas it was decreased after NBT supplementation (P < 0.05); NBT supplementation significantly increased the average daily gain of ETEC-infected piglets. ETEC group showed damaged intestinal morphology (as indicated by decreased villus height, surface area and increased crypt depth) and barrier function (as indicated by decreased d-xylose content and increased diamine oxidase activity), induced oxidative stress (as indicated by increased myeloperoxidase activity) while supplementation of NBT had an obvious impact on the recovery of intestinal function and alleviated the oxidative damage. Further analysis showed that NBT could decrease the expression of genes related to intestinal injury (matrix metalloproteinase-3), and specifically upregulate the expression of oxidative stress-related genes (nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 and hypoxia inducible factor-1). Overall, dietary supplementation of NBT relieved intestinal injury and oxidative stress in piglets challenged with ETEC. NBT could be an alternative to ZnO as a feed additive in piglet diet.

Eighteen 5 months old veiled chameleon females (Chamaeleo calyptratus) were used in the study. Seven females received subcutaneous implants with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH) deslorelin acetate whereas eleven females were used as control animals without any implants. Females were kept in five terraria, in groups of four females (in 3 terraria) and groups of three females (in 2 terraria), respectively. A minimum of one female with GnRH implants was present in each terrarium. They were kept under standard husbandry conditions. Females of both groups (females with GnRH and controls, respectively) were monitored for three years. No differences between females with GnRH implants and females without GnRH implants were observed with respect to the presence of large ovarian follicles, number of eggs/female, or number of clutches/female. GnRH implants did not prevent spontaneous reproductive activity in any of the 7 females with implants. Ovariectomy was performed in 8 females (4 females with GnRH implants and 4 control females). Ten females (3 females with GnRH implants and 7 control females) had to be euthanised. In 17 of 18 female veiled chameleons of this study histologic examination revealed heterophilic granulomatous oophoritis. The use of GnRH agonist implants did not prove to be an appropriate method for the control of reproductive function in captive female veiled chameleons.

A 2-year-old, spayed female, Bichon Frise dog was presented with reluctance to exercise, back pain, and frequent sitting down. Multiple osteolysis, periosteal proliferation, and sclerosis of the vertebral endplates of T11–13 were observed in the radiography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. The bacterial culture of the urine specimen, the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of the blood, and the antibody tests were positive for Brucella canis. Accordingly, discospondylitis caused by B. canis was diagnosed and doxycycline was administered. The clinical signs resolved and the culture and PCR results were negative afterwards. Doxycycline was discontinued after 6 months. The clinical signs recurred 2 weeks later, and the combination treatment of doxycycline and enrofloxacin was initiated. Though no clinical signs were observed after 9 months and the bacterial cultures and PCR were negative, the antibody titre remained at 1 :  200 or more. The dog will continue taking antibiotics until the antibody titre drops. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of a clinical infection of B. canis associated with canine discospondylitis in the Republic of Korea. Although the clinical signs of brucellosis might improve with antibiotic treatment, the disease cannot be cured due to Brucella’s various strategies to evade host immune systems. Specifically, it can proliferate and replicate within the host cells, resulting in an environment that makes treatment less effective. Furthermore, owing to its zoonotic potential, owners and veterinarians should consider lifelong management or euthanasia.

By choosing appropriate candidate reference genes (CRGs) and standardizing qPCR data, more accurate experimental data can be obtained. Herein, the expression stability of alpha-tubulin1 (TUA1), beta-tubulin (TUB), beta-tubulin 1 (TUB1), beta-tubulin 5 (TUB5), actin 1 (ACT1), actin 97 (ACT97), molecular chaperone dnaj (DNAJ), adenine phosphoribosyl transferase (APT), and histone H4 (HIS4) genes from Paulownia fortunei (Seem.) Hemsl. under different experimental conditions (different tissues, drought, salinity, Cd, and Cr treatments) was assessed with four statistical tools: RefFinder, BestKeeper, NormFinder, and geNorm. Notably, TUA1 and TUB5 were identified as CRGs for different tissues, ACT97 and TUB1 for drought treatment, ACT97 and APT for salinity treatment, TUB1 and ACT97 for Cd treatment, and DNAJ, TUB1 and TUB5 for Cr treatment. Furthermore, the results of “total” group, V₄/V₅ > 0.15 and V₅/V₆ < 0.15 revealed that the CRGs or gene combinations, which could meet all the test conditions, were not easy to identify. To further verify the reliability of CRGs, the expression levels of paulownia fortunei cellulose synthase A catalytic subunit2 (PfCesA2) and paulownia fortunei glutathione reductase (GR) genes were analysed. The expression patterns were different when the unstable CRGs were used for normalization compared to when the stable CRGs and combination were used for normalization. This study will lay a foundation for study on the expression levels of key genes from P. fortunei seedlings.

An intracranial arachnoid cyst (IAC) is a rare developmental disorder that is consistent with cerebrospinal fluid accumulation between the brain and the arachnoid membrane. A quadrigeminal cyst is a specific type of cyst that is identified based on its localization. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report on this type of pathology in a Brussels Griffon. This case study describes an 11-month-old female Brussels Griffon with symptoms of reluctance to lower the head and eat from a bowl placed on the ground, combined with episodes of vocalization. The patient was subsequently diagnosed with a quadrigeminal cyst during a low-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exam, and she tested positive for toxoplasmosis in the blood test. Arachnoid cysts are often described as incidental findings, but the characteristics of neurological symptoms in the presented patient suggest that the cyst was clinically significant. The currently known options of pharmacological and surgical treatment give some hope for symptomatic patients, although their definitive success rate is not yet fully known.

The gliding arc cold plasma treatment of wheat seeds is an alternative to chemical seed dressing, but this treatment is not very effective. This study was focused on testing the addition of salt, water and nitrogenous compounds during plasma treatment to increase the efficiency of the plasma seed treatment. The additives were not supplied in the gaseous state, as usual, but in an aqueous solution by spraying under a plasma nozzle during the treatment. The phytosanitary effect of the plasma treatment was evaluated based on the germination of Tilletia caries spores from artificially infected seeds on water agar. The viability of the seeds, growth and yield characteristics of the plasma-treated seeds were evaluated in the laboratory, greenhouse and even in field experiments with the primary goal of reducing spore vitality. The germination of T. caries spores was mostly limited to the variant with the addition of water during plasma treatment, where spore germination reached only 32.7% of the control variant while maintaining sufficient growth properties. The experiment demonstrated the suitability of using the addition of various substances during plasma treatment in the form of aqueous solutions and increasing the effectiveness of this treatment.

The potential of the framework of precision agriculture points towards the emergence of site-specific weed control. In light of the phenomena, the search for a cost-effective approach can help the discipline to accelerate the practical implementation. The paper presents a near-infrared data-driven machine learning model for real-time weed detection in wide-row cultivated maize (Zea mays) fields. The basis of the model is a dataset of 5 120 objects including 18 species of weeds significant in the context of wide-row crop production in the Czech Republic. The custom model was subsequently compared with a state-of-the-art machine learning tool You only look once (version 3). The custom model achieved 94.5 % identification accuracy while highlighting the practical limitations of the dataset.

Particle drift happens during herbicide application when droplets travel outside the intended site. Different nozzles produce various range of droplets, so they play a very important role in coverage and drift occasions. When nozzles produce small droplets, the potential for off-target movement is very high. Another important factor determining particle drift is the distance between crops. Wind velocity gives the energy to herbicide particles to move away from the target place. Therefore, a drift simulation of herbicide (mesotrione and rimsulfuron plus thifensulfuron-methyl mixture) was done in a wind tunnel, using different nozzles Extended Range (XR) and Turbo TeeJet Induction (TTI). The wind speed was set at 4.4 m/s, representing the least favourable conditions where applications are possible. In the wind tunnel, eight crops (cantaloupe, cotton, green bean, pumpkin, soybean, sunflower, wheat, and watermelon) were positioned at 4, 6, 9, and 12 m downwind distances from the nozzle, and drift was simulated. Following treatments, plants were returned to a greenhouse for 28 days, and biomass reduction was recorded. Artificial collectors (Mylar cards) and water sensitive cards were positioned alongside plants. According to obtained results, spraying with XR nozzle influences higher injuries than TTI nozzle. Tracer deposition was higher at all distances when XR nozzle was used. Accordingly, droplet numbers, covered area, Volume Median Diameter (VMD), and deposition were higher on water sensitive cards when spraying were done using XR nozzle. As a consequence, higher biomass reduction occurred using the XR nozzle. The most sensitive crops were cantaloupe, pumpkin and sunflower, while the most tolerant were soybean and wheat.

This study was conducted to determine the individual types of crystallisation structures of cervical mucus (arborisation phenomenon) in sheep and changes in the types of these structures during oestrus. A total of 80 ewes aged between two and eight years were included in the study. Oestrus synchronisation was performed using intravaginal sponges, and samples of cervical mucus were collected 55–57 h after the removal of intravaginal sponges and subsequently evaluated. The crystallisation structures of the cervical mucus of sheep exhibit the same sequence during oestrus as in cattle. The most frequently occurring types of crystallisation in the observed sheep included twig-shaped (33.33%), twig-shaped-clubmosses (24.00%) and clubmosses (14.67%). The least common type was fern frond crystallisation (1.33%). A statistically significant difference was found between the representation of individual types of crystallisation (P < 0.01). As with cattle, it is possible to use the evaluation of the crystallisation of cervical mucus to determine the optimum time for insemination, especially in groups of animals with previous synchronisation/induction of oestrus. Establishing the correct time for insemination or natural mating with a ram makes it possible to optimise breeding management and improve pregnancy rates, which are crucial in breeding these seasonally polyoestrous animals. Based on the results, it can be stated that insemination should take place 57+ h after the removal of intravaginal sponges and the application of hormonal treatments for oestrus induction and synchronisation (equine chorionic gonadotropin).

The aims of this study were to examine bacterial communities in relation to the rumen digestion of rice straw and to understand how concentrate supplements affect gut bacteria involving the digestion of a rice straw-based diet. The substrates were rice straw (RS) alone (experiment 1) and RS with 25% concentrates (barley and kidney beans) (experiment 2). The genomic DNA was collected to determine bacterial diversity by conducting denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). V6–V8 region group-specific (Clostridium and Bacteroides) primers were employed in the analyses. The DGGE band pattern was subjected to cluster analysis to demonstrate the similarity and difference between dietary treatments and solid-liquid fractions. Fibre digestibility, gas production, and volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentration were increased with incubation time. The differences between solid and liquid fractions were great in total bacteria, Clostridium, and Bacteroides communities. Clostridium and Bacteroides communities appeared unaffected by incubation time, whereas great differences existed between solid and liquid fractions throughout incubations (experiment 1). Barley and kidney bean supplements increased gas production and lowered rumen fluid pH, whereas changes in VFA concentration were significant only for kidney bean supplement. The Clostridium, and Bacteroides groups were affected by barley and kidney beans in the liquid fraction. However, the solid fraction was stable (experiment 2). These results indicate a rigid and stable community structure of Clostridium and Bacteroides groups involved in the digestion of rice straw-based diets in the rumen. Distinctive differences between solid and liquid fractions were described; hence, separate analyses of two fractions may greatly help understand the relationship between fermentation patterns and microbial communities in the rumen.

Marek’s disease (MD) is a huge problem for researchers due to the significant losses in bird flocks, but more importantly, the virus’s mutagenic potential. The purpose of this study was to describe non-classical gross lesions observed in broilers and laying hens that suggest the disease emergence and re-emergence. The survey was conducted on 10 broiler and 4 laying hen flocks. All of the dead birds were necropsied in order to obtain a comprehensive diagnosis of lesions, analysing both macroscopic and microscopic alterations. Marek’s disease occurred in 80% of cases in broilers and 100% of cases in layer hens. The disease struck 26-day-old broilers and hens at 2 weeks of age, causing a total mortality of 6% and 15%, respectively. There were no clinical indications of the classical neurological form of the disease in either rearing type, and tumour lesions were mostly detected in the liver, spleen, and ovarian follicles in layers, and in the proventriculus in broilers. These findings demonstrated that MD is widespread and that its resurgence is primarily manifested in visceral rather than neurological manifestations. Despite MD immunization, biosecurity remains critical.

The aim of this study was to map the spectrum of microorganisms belonging to the genus Acinetobacter in domestic animals with a specific focus on the prevalence of Acinetobacter pseudolwoffii. Additionally, the susceptibility of isolates to antimicrobial agents was determined. In the period from January 1, 2014, to August 31, 2015, a total of 9 544 samples originating from gross lesions and pathological processes of animals exhibiting clinical symptoms of the disease were examined across 41 districts in the Czech Republic. The examinations were carried out using culture methods involving meat-peptone blood agar and Endo agar under aerobic conditions at a temperature of 37 ± 1 °C for 18–24 hours. Isolates were confirmed using molecular phenotypic method MALDI–TOF MS with the MBT Compass Library Revision L 2020 covering 3 239 species/entries (9 607 MSP) from Bruker Daltonics company. Out of the 108 isolates (prevalence 1.13%), 14 species of Acinetobacter spp. were identified, with 5 isolates remaining unclassified as species. A. pseudolwoffii was the predominant species isolated in 25 cases (prevalence 0.26%). Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined for 12 antimicrobials by the disc diffusion method, with A. pseudolwoffii isolates exhibiting the lowest susceptibility to ceftazidime (32%) and co-trimoxazole (60%).

Water activity (a_w) is a key factor influencing dry-cured meat products' safety. However, the standards for determining a_w do not specify how the laboratory sample for self-analysis should be prepared and adjusted for determination in this type of food. This work aimed to verify whether the place of sampling and method of sample preparation of dry-cured meat products can influence the measured value of a_w. For this purpose, samples of dry-cured heat-treated and fermented meat products were purchased from the local market. Samples before analysis were taken from the edges and centre of the meat products, and preparation consisted of: i) homogenisation; ii) dicing (4 × 4 × 4 mm); iii) slicing. The results of this work indicate that a_w is significantly affected by both the part of the product from which the sample is taken and the method of preparation of the sample itself (P < 0.05). The highest measured values of a_w were determined in samples prepared by slicing, and the lowest values were determined in homogenised samples. The place of sampling significantly affects the a_w, especially for dry-cured heat-treated products.

The clinical implications and efficacy of newly developed modified cellulose materials were evaluated in an acute wound animal model. In the current study, sixty male rats were divided into four groups. A full-thickness circular excision wound was created in the suprascapular area. Newly developed matrices (acidic partially carboxymethylated cellulose; acidic partially carboxymethylated cellulose impregnated with a povidone-iodine solution) were applied in two test groups, while fifteen animals were used as a control group without any primary dressing. Aquacel Ag, a clinically used dressing, was selected as the reference material. To compare the efficacy in vivo, the wound size and production of selected cytokines and growth factors (TNF-α, TGF-β1, and VEGF), which play a key role in the healing process, were measured at two, seven, and fourteen days after surgery. The activity of matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9, which actively participate in cell signalling and are essential for tissue remodelling, was determined in wound tissue by gelatin zymography. A positive effect of the newly developed dressing materials on the healing process, tissue granulation, and wound re-epithelialisation was demonstrated.

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.

This study aimed to isolate and characterise the pathogen associated with Alternaria leaf spot on broccoli and to evaluate the inhibitory effects of fungicides against it. We isolated and identified the fungal pathogen as Alternaria sp. using morphological and cultural methods. Based on the aligned sequences of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and molecular phylogenetic analysis by the neighbour-joining method, the isolates (Ab1 and Ab2) were confirmed as Alternaria alternata. The conidia of the isolates were dark brown, cylindrical, obclavate to muriform. The conidiophores were olivaceous brown, septate, and branched. The conidial morphology of the isolates ranged from 52.4-92.4 × 10-20 μm with 2-6 transverse and 0-3 longitudinal septa. Both isolates yielded positive results in the pathogenicity test on broccoli leaves by developing brown and circular spots with concentric rings on the leaves surrounded by yellow halos. The culture studies revealed that the maximum growth of the pathogen was obtained at 30 °C and pH 6.0. Tilt 250 WC showed the highest potential in suppressing the mycelial growth of the A. alternata in vitro at a concentration as low as 50 µg/mL. The results from this study contributed to the positive identification of the pathogen and characterised A. alternata as a destructive pathogen of broccoli which may be successfully controlled by the fungicide Tilt.

This work aims to investigate whether and for which products the Campania region, as compared to other Italian regions, has managed to exploit the opportunities resulting from the gradual opening of MTC (Mediterranean third countries) markets which took place following the 1995 Euro-Mediterranean Conference in Barcelona. The results obtained through the use of a relative specialisation index show that Campania, compared to other Italian regions, enjoys a competitive advantage resulting from relative specialisation in the sale of processed and preserved fruit and vegetables and of bakery and flour products on MTC markets. Of great interest is the result, that the performance recorded by Campania with reference to the MTCs regarding the production of processed and preserved fruit and vegetables did not entail the repositioning of the same region on other European markets. Ultimately, the results highlight a strong specialisation and competitiveness of Campania in the production of processed and preserved fruit and vegetables and how the region has managed to fully exploit the gradual opening of MTC markets positioning itself on the markets and without being affected by the other main markets of MTC competition.

Expansion of the wolf in the Czech Republic results in an increasing conflict between nature conservationists and other landscape users. In March 2020, the Ministry of the Environment of the Czech Republic issued the "Wolf Management Programme". The document provoked negative reactions from organisations of farmers, breeders, and hunters. The article deals with the key issues triggered by the conflict and the attitudes of actors involved. We want to clarify to what extent the solutions designed by individual parties help to mitigate the conflict and how the financial demands related to this issue have been evolving. The problem may seem marginal in the Czech Republic, but the wolf population density in some regions may already be close to its bearable maximum. Key problems are the identification of specific target numbers of wolves, the absence of zoning as a future option, and clear rules for dealing with direct encounters of wolves with humans. The benefit of wolf management is primarily the sum of preventive measures it aims to address, but the relationship with other main actors and the area of education and promotion is debatable as it represents a further increase in the absorption of public funds without guarantees of effectiveness.