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Selenium is an essential trace element in the human body, mainly obtained from the daily diet. Producing selenium-rich agricultural products through selenium-rich cultivation is an important cultivation method. Selenium-rich agricultural products can effectively supplement the selenium element needed by the human body in daily life. In this study, we conducted research on selenium-rich cultivation techniques for garlic, and different concentrations of sodium selenite solutions were used for garlic field treatment. We tested the related agronomic traits, nutritional indicators, and selenium content of garlic sprouts and garlic bulbs. The yield of garlic sprouts (37.08 t/ha) and garlic bulbs (25.31 t/ha) and total selenium content of garlic sprouts (61.00 μg/kg) and garlic bulbs (2 930.00 μg/kg) of T3 treatment (120 mg/L Na2SeO3) were significantly increased, compared with the yield of garlic sprouts (30.66 t/ha) and garlic bulbs (20.90 t/ha) and total selenium content of garlic sprouts (6.33 μg/kg) and garlic bulbs (75.00 μg/kg) of the control (CK). Furthermore, selenium treatment improved the activity of antioxidant enzymes and reduced the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in garlic sprouts during winter, and promoted the absorption of soil nutrients by garlic. Taken together, our research indicates that garlic, especially garlic bulbs, has strong selenium-rich ability, and selenium-rich cultivation techniques could significantly improve the yield and quality of garlic products.

The aim of this study was to identify and quantify the relationships between the nutrient content and the DM (dry matter) content of various maize hybrids (Zea mays L.) in the dynamics of vegetative maturity and various soil-climatic growing conditions. Over the course of 7 growing seasons (years), a set of 1 972 samples of whole silage maize plants consisting of 206 different hybrids grown in two contrasting regions (lowland and foothill areas) was analysed. The focus was on DM content and the content of key energy nutrients (WSC – water soluble carbohydrates, starch, NDF – neutral detergent fibre) and their interactions. Results show that the transformation of WSC into starch has four key points: (i) it begins at a DM content of 150 g/kg; (ii) it peaks at a DM content of approximately 235 g/kg; (iii) it begins to decrease significantly from a DM content of 300 g/kg; and (iv) it practically stops rapidly after exceeding a DM content of 350 g/kg. In the dynamics of vegetative development of maize plants, the DM content is very closely related to the WSC content (R² = 0.728) and the starch content (R² = 0.873). With the gradual increase in vegetative maturity and DM content in maize plants, the transformation of WSC into starch dynamically increases. These characteristics, with small deviations, were also confirmed at different levels of evaluation (all analyses, regions, seasons and individual hybrids). These results show that a DM content of 300 g/kg to 350 g/kg can be considered the optimal harvesting window for maize ensiling and the optimal phase of silage maturity for whole maize plants, because once the DM content exceeds 350 g/kg; the transformation of WSC into starch stops and the drying phase of plants begins.

Ichthyophthiriosis, caused by Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, is a major threat in salmonid aquaculture. This study evaluated the efficacy of orally administered standard doxycycline and controlled-release doxycycline formulations in experimentally infected brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis). Fish received medicated feed for 10 days starting seven days post-infection. Controlled-release doxycycline achieved the highest survival rate (84.2%), followed by standard doxycycline (73.7%), while no control fish survived after day 25 post-infection. Both drug formulations eliminated trophonts from the skin and gills by 20 days post-treatment. Despite a 2.5-fold lower dietary dose, the controlled-release doxycycline achieved a tissue concentration equivalent to ~32% of that of standard doxycycline, with similar retention rates. Levels of doxycycline residues in water declined over time for both groups, indicating limited environmental release. These results demonstrate the effective mitigation of ichthyophthiriosis with orally administered doxycycline and the enhancement of antiparasitic efficacy and reduction of drug load in tissues and the environment via controlled-release technology, supporting its potential as a sustainable medicated feed strategy in salmonid aquaculture.

This study evaluated the effects of hybrid, vegetation period duration, weather conditions, and harvest timing on sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) yield and technological quality under short-rotation cropping systems in the Western Forest-Steppe of Ukraine. Field experiments were conducted in 2022–2024 on commercial fields using six industrial hybrids and five harvest intervals from late September to mid-November. Root yield, sugar content, sugar yield, α-amino nitrogen, K⁺ and Na⁺, invert sugars, and the technological quality index (Iq) were assessed using ANOVA, correlation analysis, and principal component analysis (PCA). Extending vegetation from 185 to 200 days increased root yield by 11–12% and sugar yield by 0.8–1.2 t/ha. The optimal harvest window (10–25 October) provided the highest performance, with root yields of 68–73 t/ha, sugar content of 16.2–16.6%, and sugar yields of 14.6–16.3 t/ha. Early harvest resulted in reduced sugar content and Iq, whereas harvesting after 10 November did not increase yield and caused deterioration of technological quality due to elevated α-amino nitrogen and molasses-forming ions. PCA showed that over 85% of the total variation was explained by technological quality and moisture-related factors. Strube hybrids demonstrated greater stability under extended vegetation compared with KWS hybrids. These results define an optimal harvest window for maximising sugar beet productivity and quality under temperate meteorological conditions.

Global warming has altered regional temperatures and precipitation, potentially leading to deviations from planned biofuel production and emission-reduction targets. This study revisits the market equilibrium of agricultural and biofuel production under climate risk, using updated IPCC projections. It employs a two-stage stochastic programming model to examine the overall effect of climate change on Taiwan's biofuel production. The results indicate that biofuel production depends on the level of climate impact and emission prices. In addition, total input use is generally between 2.79 and 4.72 million tonnes. The higher the gasoline price, the sooner the producer will exhaust its production capacity. While Taiwan could sustain biofuel production when gasoline and emission prices are high, a substantial land-use change would occur. Approximately 74 500–81 900 hectares of idle land will return to production. However, the increase in cropland supply may not lead to biofuel expansion, as it has a limited ability to offset emissions.

Annatto seeds possess antimicrobial properties, but extraction methods may degrade bioactive compounds. This study investigated the impact of pH-adjusted microwave-assisted extraction using distilled water on antibacterial activity to obtain safe food-grade extracts. Extractions were performed at pH values of 4, 7, and 9 for extraction times of 2, 4, and 6 min, using a microwave power setting of 100 W. The antimicrobial activity of the extracts was assessed against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus through inhibition zone analysis and viable bacterial cell count reduction. In parallel, the total phenolic content of each extract was quantified to examine the correlations between phenolic concentration and antibacterial activity. The findings revealed that extraction at pH 4 for 2 min yielded the most pronounced antibacterial activity with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 5%. The application of a 20% annatto extract resulted in the lowest viable cell counts of both E. coli and S. aureus. Variations in pH and extraction time did not result in significant differences in total phenolic content, suggesting that antimicrobial efficacy may be influenced not only by phenolic concentration but also by the specific profile of active compounds.

Thawed meat is usually of lower quality and less expensive than chilled meat, which some dishonest people may exploit by fraudulently marketing it as chilled. This study focused on methods for detecting and distinguishing frozen meat from chilled meat. The activity of the enzyme aconitase in the eluate was determined, and the mineral cations (Na⁺, K⁺, Mg²⁺) as well as the concentrations of organic acids (acetic, citric, and lactic) were analysed in chilled and thawed meat stored for 7, 14, and 150 days at −18 °C. After 150 days of storage, aconitase activity increased from 47.2 ± 7.2 U·L^–1 to 395.3 ± 59.2 U·L^–1 in pork, from 45.8 ± 11.5 U·L^–1 to 133.3 ± 31.8 U·L^–1 in beef, and from 17.2 ± 8.6 U·L^–1 to 143.6 ± 41.5 U·L^–1 in chicken. The mineral content decreased during storage in meat samples, especially Na⁺ and K⁺ cations (P < 0.05). The results for organic acids were less conclusive. Principal component analysis (PCA) of the data confirmed a clear separation between chilled and thawed meat for all species, with a high variability of nearly 72%.

In Central Europe, soybean is typically sown in narrow rows, whereas wide‑row precision planters offer more accurate within‑row spacing and greater flexibility for inter‑row cultivation and targeted applications. We evaluated whether soybean established with a 500‑mm precision planter responds to changes in seeding rate. A two‑year on‑farm strip trial (2023–2024) was conducted in Czechia with two determinate cultivars Satelia and Tertia in four target seeding rates (20, 40, 60, 80 germinating seeds/m²). Plant morphology, seed yield, and seed composition were assessed. Branch number (3.1–1 pcs/plant for Satelia; 2.4 – 1.1 pcs/plant for Tertia), pod number (54.2 – 22.6 pcs/plant for Satelia; 53.4 – 28.8 pcs/plant for Tertia), and fertile nodes (11.6 – 9.3 pcs/plant for Satelia; 12.2 – 9.7 pcs/plant for Tertia) all decreased linearly with increasing seeding rate in both tested cultivars, indicating strong morphological compensation at low plant densities. Seed yield dry mass and seed composition were not significantly affected by seeding rate within the tested range, while year and cultivar effects were more pronounced for several seed quality components. These results suggest that soybean yield and quality are largely buffered against variation in plant population.

The non-destructive estimation of the corn kernel moisture content is essential for determining the optimal harvest period. Although various spectrometer sensors are currently available, their predictive performance differs due to variations in the spectral resolution and wavelength coverage. This study compared the performance of several portable spectrometer sensors with different wavelength ranges for predicting the corn moisture content. Spectral data and reference moisture content were used to develop the prediction models using partial least squares regression (PLSR) and an artificial neural network (ANN). Based on the PLSR modelling, the AS7265X and C12880MA sensors produced the best performance, with coefficients of determination (R²) for training and testing reaching up to 0.90. Furthermore, the ANN modelling yielded improved predictive accuracy, with the highest R² value of 0.95 obtained using the same sensor combination. These results demonstrate that portable spectrometers show strong potential for the non-destructive field-based prediction of the corn moisture content and can serve as a reliable indicator for determining the optimal harvest timing.

To efficiently identify powdery mildew (PM) severity in mungbean leaves, we developed a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) approach and validated its effectiveness against human evaluation. We fine-tuned an EfficientNet-B3 pre-trained model, which, in our related studies, performed better than re-implemented Inception V3 models. The CNN was trained on 90% of the images (2 880) for training and 10% (320) for validation, with data augmentation applied using Python and TensorFlow. The model obtained 82.10% and 73.03% as training and validation accuracies after 14 epochs, respectively. Further analysis with an additional 15 datasets revealed PM disease indices ranging from 2.03 (resistance) to 6.45 (high susceptibility). The concordance between AI-predicted and human-assessed PM severity was 74.4% (adjusted R²: 72.4%), with an average root mean squared error (RMSE) of 0.854 and a mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.715, indicating moderate predictive error. Comparison of our developed AI-based application prototype on smartphones with expert evaluations yielded a strong correlation (r = 0.992**, R² = 0.984), suggesting that this tool can effectively estimate PM severity across mungbean cultivars. The application shows considerable promise, and further optimisation and strategic dissemination efforts will enhance its adoption among farmers. 

The green peach aphid Myzus persicae (Sulzer) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) is an essential pest of pepper (Capsicum annuum L.). This study was conducted in 2015–2016. In this study, we collected data using 1 linear and 6 non-linear temperature-dependent development models, development parameters, and a life table of M. persicae at 6 different temperatures (18 °C, 22 °C, 25 °C, 28 °C, 30 °C, and 32 °C) on pepper. The development threshold temperature was 3.9 °C, and the thermal constant was 174.0 degree/day. The minimum, optimum, and maximum growth temperatures were calculated as 14.27 °C, 27.5 °C, and 35.5 °C, respectively. The shortest growth period of M. persicae was found to be 8.14 days at 28°C. The raw data obtained at the end of the study were analysed according to the age-stage, two-sex life table method. The highest intrinsic rate of increase (r) and the highest finite rate of increase (λ) were 0.25 d^–1 and 1.28 d^–1 at 25 °C, respectively. The highest net reproductive rate (R0) was 61.64 nymphs/female at 22 °C, and the highest mean generation time (T) was 20.92 days at 18 °C. According to the models applied, the optimum temperature for pest development is 27.5 °C, but the intrinsic rate of increase (r) calculated from the life table parameters was statistically higher in the 22 °C and 25 °C test groups. In this study, we investigated the effect of temperature on the pest's growth and development. Based on the observations, the temperatures at which the plants were not negatively affected and the insect's activity was limited, were determined from the reproduction, development, and life table parameters obtained under different temperatures in this study. This information may help effectively control pests without using, or minimise the use of, pesticides and emphasise the temperature factor, especially in places such as greenhouses where controlled climatic conditions are provided.

Although it is known that land cover affects soil water and thermal regimes, the influence of different land covers on soil water content and temperature in urban areas is rarely explored. Five soil surface treatments were selected in this study: bare soil, concrete paving, bark mulch, mown grass, and unmown grass. Soil water contents and temperatures were measured at five depths (5, 10, 25, 50, and 80 cm) over one year. The highest water contents were recorded under mulching. Under grass, water contents were lower and showed greater oscillations due to precipitation and evapotranspiration, while under mown grass, values were higher than under unmown grass. Similarly, near-surface bare soil water contents also fluctuated. The water content under the concrete remained almost constant. While the soil under concrete paving, bare surfaces and even mown grass warmed up considerably during the day because of the absorption of solar radiation and cooled down at night due to the emission of stored heat, the soil under bark mulch and unmown grass cover showed smaller temperature fluctuations, mainly due to the low thermal conductivity of the surface layer and surface shading. The effects revealed throughout the entire soil profiles decreased with depth.

Passion fruit (Passiflora edulis) is a highly perishable climacteric fruit that is susceptible to rapid postharvest deterioration including pericarp shrinkage and pulp separation. In this study, six preservation treatments were assessed for maintaining the quality of 'Qinguo No. 9' passion fruit: control (20 °C), water + 20 °C, 4 °C alone, water + 4 °C, CaCl₂ + 20 °C, and their combination (CaCl₂ + 4 °C). The lowtemperature treatments markedly decreased significantly reduced cumulative weight loss and maintained higher edible rates, with 4 °C alone showing the strongest effect in reducing weight loss. In terms of nutritional attributes, the CaCl₂ + 4 °C treatment produced the highest soluble sugar content during the middle stage of storage. In addition, both CaCl₂ + 4 °C and CaCl₂ + 20 °C treatments significantly delayed flavonoid degradation and maintained elevated total phenolic levels during late storage, suggesting a synergistic interaction between calcium and low temperature in regulating secondary metabolism. Rather than simply optimising individual quality indicators, the combined treatment effectively balanced water retention, sugar accumulation, and antioxidant preservation throughout storage. These results indicate that CaCl₂ + 4 °C treatment represents a feasible strategy for extending the commercial shelf life of passion fruit while preserving both sensory and nutritional properties, particularly through improved mid-term sugar retention and enhanced latestage phenolic maintenance.

This study is based on analytical data on mycotoxin contamination in ruminant feeds in the Czech Republic over a ten-year period (2013–2023), specifically deoxynivalenol (DON), zearalenone (ZEN), T-2 toxin (T-2/HT-2), and ochratoxin A (OTA). Analyses were performed in accredited State Veterinary Institutes using validated immunochemical and chromatographic methods. Samples included forage and concentrate feeds for dairy cows, calf feed, and fattening cattle feed. During the monitoring period, DON was detected at higher concentrations, reflecting the susceptibility of field crops to Fusarium infection under local environmental conditions. Forage feeds showed significantly higher concentrations of DON (472.6 ± 13.2 µg/kg), ZEN (61.7 ± 4.4 µg/kg), and T-2/HT-2 toxin (36.7 ± 2.7 µg/kg) than concentrates for dairy cows (P < 0.05). Additionally, ZEN levels differed significantly between concentrates for dairy cows (17.1 ± 2.3 µg/kg) and calf feed (16.2 ± 3.3 µg/kg) (P < 0.05). Although mycotoxin concentrations generally remained below recommended limits, a small proportion of samples exceeded guideline values for DON (0.13%) and ZEN (0.56%). These findings highlight the importance of continued monitoring and preventive strategies to manage mycotoxin risks.

Wildfires can greatly impact the hydraulic properties of soil. This study aims to utilise laboratory experiments to simulate burned soil conditions under a range of slope angles and rainfall intensities to address the research question: How does the presence of ash after the first rainfall event impact the hydraulic properties of burned soil in complex terrain? Sandy loam soils for this study were sourced from a mixed conifer forested area in the San Juan Mountains of southern Colorado, USA. Measurements of soil hydraulic properties in experimental microplots were taken (1) before burning, (2) after burning, and (3) 24 hours after a rainfall simulation. A total of 15 experimental microplots with ash applied were run through rainfall simulations at slope angles ranging from 10° to 30°. Results found ash eroded had no significant relation to slope angle, but there was a significant reduction in field saturated hydraulic conductivity of samples with ash after rainfall simulations. To build on the findings presented here, future research should conduct field-based studies across various ecosystems and soil types to observe post-fire soil changes over time.

This study examines the factors influencing adherence to the Mediterranean diet from a socioeconomic perspective, focusing on Italy as a representative Mediterranean country. The observed decline in adherence to this diet in favour of Western dietary patterns highlights the need for a deeper understanding of the factors influencing this trend. Specifically, the analysis investigates sociodemographic and economic variables that may influence adherence to the Mediterranean diet. On the other hand, it assesses the role of individual characteristics related to environmental concerns and pro-environmental behaviours, considering that the Mediterranean diet is widely recognised not only as a healthy but also a sustainable dietary model. The study utilises secondary data from the Italian National Institute of Statistics, based on a representative sample of 34 151 individuals, employing an ordinal logistic regression model. The findings reveal that sociodemographic factors – such as gender, age, education, economic status, family structure, and region of residence – significantly and positively affect adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Regarding environmental concerns and behaviours, the study finds a strong association between environmental awareness and higher adherence. Therefore, policy interventions and educational campaigns aimed at promoting the Mediterranean diet should adopt a holistic approach that includes the environmental dimension.

This study evaluates the approach to public communication within economic entities managing ecclesiastical forest properties. Following the extensive property restitutions in the Czech Republic after 2012, forests owned by the church and religious societies now account for more than 5% of the country's total forest area. The communication practices of these entities were assessed through a questionnaire survey of 221 respondents (comprising forest visitors as part of a general sample), nine in-depth interviews with employees, and, in addition, a detailed analysis of communication methods used by five selected forestry subjects. The results indicate that the general public does not expect a specialised communication approach despite the ecclesiastical nature of the property. Furthermore, foresters themselves do not perceive the need for a specific philosophy or approach based on church principles in their professional activities. No specialised communication strategies exist for church-owned forest properties, and employees are neither familiar with nor utilise Pope Francis's 2015 encyclical, Laudato si'.

The processes and mechanisms that determine the growth and yield of crops in different environments are necessary to increase agricultural production, since they guide us in the choice of the most appropriate management practices. The aim of the study was to evaluate, during the years 2018, 2019, 2020, the performance of Physalis philadelphica, Physalis angulata and Physalis pubescens as a function of leaf area index, light extinction coefficient and radiation use efficiency. Research was carried out at the Center of Research and Advanced Studies of the Autonomous University of the State of Mexico. Results revealed that the environmental conditions of 2018 positively influenced the expression of leaf area index and radiation use efficiency, increasing the average production of Physalis sp. (10.65 t/ha) compared to 2019 (9.67 t/ha) and 2020 (8.13 t/ha). P. philadelphica produced the greatest amount of fruit (16.69 t/ha), followed by P. angulata (10.46 t/ha) and P. pubescens (1.33 t/ha). Genotype × environment interaction in 2018 stimulated the expression of the eco-physiological attributes of P. philadelphica, achieving a yield of 18.83 t/ha.

Octopus (Octopus sp.) is highly perishable marine species for which efficient drying is essential to extend shelf life in tropical climates. The anatomical heterogeneity of the octopus complicates consistent drying. This study systematically evaluated the performance of a mixed solar dryer (MSD) and open solar drying (OSD) across distinct anatomical regions (head, mantle, and tentacles), with emphasis on drying kinetics and quality attributes. Five thin-layer models were applied to characterize moisture reduction, and product quality was assessed by measuring browning, protein, fat, and ash content. The MSD achieved a 20% higher temperature and 29% lower humidity, resulting in a 74% increase in drying rate relative to OSD. The Hasibuan and Daud model exhibited the highest predictive accuracy (coefficient of determination (R²) = 0.9965; root mean square error (RMSE) = 0.0168; sum of squared errors (SSE) = 0.0058). Significant interaction effects between anatomical region and drying method were observed for browning and ash content (P < 0.05), whereas protein and fat content were primarily influenced by anatomical characteristics. Overall, the MSD produced products with reduced browning and enhanced nutrient retention. These results support the implementation of MSD technology by small-scale processors to improve both drying efficiency and product quality in octopus preservation.

This study examined the feasibility of using artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) as a non-traditional substrate for kombucha fermentation and evaluated its effects on fermentation performance, functional properties, and sensory quality. Fermentation with artichoke supported pronounced SCOBY development by day 21, alongside progressive utilisation of soluble solids, increasing total acidity, and a concomitant decrease in pH. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents increased significantly during fermentation, reaching peak values at day 14 [342.47 ± 16.89 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)·L^–1 and 44.54 ± 3.35 mg quercetin equivalents (QE)·L^–1, respectively], which coincided with enhanced antioxidant activity as assessed by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) assays. The fermented beverage also demonstrated antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Vibrio cholerae, and Staphylococcus aureus, together with moderate α-amylase inhibitory activity. Sensory evaluation showed higher overall acceptability for artichoke-based kombucha compared with the conventional tea-based formulation. Collectively, these findings indicate that artichoke can be effectively utilised as a substrate for kombucha fermentation, resulting in a beverage with promising in vitro functional properties and favourable sensory quality.

The present study aimed to formulate novel labneh variants containing freeze-dried fruit pieces or fruit flavour and to evaluate their influence on physicochemical properties, microbiological quality, and sensory acceptance during storage. For this purpose, fruit-piece labneh was prepared by incorporating 6% freeze-dried strawberry, blackberry, or kiwi pieces, while fruit-flavoured labneh was formulated by adding 0.01% colouring and 0.1% fruit flavour derived from strawberry, blackberry, or kiwi juice. The labneh variants developed in this study were subjected to additional post-fermentation pasteurisation followed by hot filling. Samples were analysed on days 1, 7, 15, and 30 of storage for selected physicochemical, microbiological and sensory parameters. Compared with plain labneh, fruit-piece samples showed increased dry matter content, except for those containing kiwi. Conversely, water activity and fat content decreased, and variations in titratable acidity and pH were influenced by the type of fruit added. Microbiological analyses based on classical indicator microorganisms revealed low levels of total aerobic mesophilic bacteria ranging from 1.5 × 10¹ to 8.1 × 10¹ CFU·g^–1. The Enterobacteriaceae, Escherichia coli, yeasts and moulds were not detected, indicating good product safety. Notably, structural defects such as syneresis and increased bitterness were determined in kiwi-piece samples during storage. Sensory evaluation indicated that strawberry-flavoured, blackberry-flavoured, and strawberry-piece labneh were the most preferred by panellists. Overall, fruit- or flavour-enriched labneh produced with an additional post-fermentation heat treatment represents an attractive option for product diversification in the dairy industry. Based on their satisfactory safety, good microbiological stability and high sensory acceptance, these variants offer a strong potential for industrial application.

Testicular blood flow and haemodynamics play a critical role in maintaining spermatogenesis and thermoregulation in bulls. The assessment of the testicular blood flow provides detailed insights into the reproductive function in male animals. This study aimed to characterise the testicular perfusion pattern using pulse wave Doppler ultrasonography in the Shweta Kapila breed of indigenous cattle reared in their native habitat on the Indian west coast. Healthy Shweta Kapila bulls (n = 8) maintained under semi-intensive systems were examined. A digital Pulse Wave Doppler ultrasound system equipped with a linear array probe was used to assess peak systolic velocity (PSV), end diastolic velocity (EDV), resistive index (RI) and pulsatility index (PI) along the spermatic cord part of the testicular artery (sTA), marginal region (mTA), and intra-testicular branches (iTA) of the testicular artery. Mean PSV ranged from 4.93 cm/s to 12.32 cm/s, EDV ranged from 3.63 cm/s to 5.14 cm/s, RI ranged from 0.23 to 0.58 and PI ranged from 0.68 to 1.05 across different arterial segments. Significantly higher mean PSV values (P < 0.05) were recorded in the proximal sTA compared to distal arterial segments. RI demonstrated low within-bull variability and repeatability suggesting its potential as a reliable indicator of testicular perfusion. The stable and low intra-testicular RI values also suggest enhanced vascular adaptation and thermoregulatory efficiency. These findings establish the first baseline reference values for testicular perfusion and haemodynamics in native Shweta Kapila cattle. Pulse wave Doppler ultrasonography provides a reliable, non-invasive and real-time tool for evaluating vascular function and reproductive soundness in indigenous cattle reared under coastal tropical climate.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the dietary effect of condensed tannins (CT) from red quebracho (Schinopsis lorentzii) and broiler age on the physicochemical properties, mineral composition, and amino acid content in the meat of broilers challenged with Eimeria spp. Broilers were randomly assigned to four dietary groups: CT1 and CT2 received 10 and 20 g CT/kg, respectively; the control (C) group received a basal diet; and the R group received a basal diet with a coccidiostat. Meat quality indicators were assessed at 35 and 42 days of age. Supplementation with the higher CT level (2%) reduced carcass weight, particularly at 42 days (P < 0.05), and affected physical meat quality indicators, including cooking loss, pH, and shear force, although the relationships among individual indicators were not fully consistent. Broiler age significantly influenced most of the physical traits, with older birds showing higher cooking loss and shear force in breast meat and altered meat colour (P < 0.05). Both CT and age modified mineral composition, with significant differences in macro- and microelements depending on muscle type and fattening duration (P < 0.05; P < 0.01). CT supplementation consistently increased total essential (EAA) and non-essential amino acids (NEAA) in leg meat (P < 0.05), whereas in breast meat, a significant effect was observed only for NEAA in the CT1 group at 42 days of age. Extending fattening from 35 to 42 days did not affect total EAA or NEAA in either muscle (P > 0.05), although minor age-related differences were detected for several individual amino acids (P < 0.05; P < 0.01). Overall, dietary CT supplementation and broiler age significantly influenced meat quality, including mineral content, amino acid composition, and functional physical properties.

Forest ecosystems provide multiple ecosystem services (ES), including timber production, carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation, soil protection, and cultural functions. Integrating these often conflicting objectives into forest management planning represents a complex multi-criteria decision-making (MCDA) problem. This study proposes a practical MCDA framework for evaluating selected ecosystem services within the Czech forest management planning system (LHP/LHO). The framework integrates forest growth simulation, ecosystem service indicators, GIS data, and MCDA methods. Five indicators were evaluated: wood production, carbon stock, erosion risk, biodiversity, and cultural ecosystem value. Criteria weights were derived using the analytical hierarchy process (AHP), while management scenarios were ranked using TOPSIS (Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution) and PROMETHEE methods. A pilot simulation over a 100-year horizon compared four forest management scenarios: clear-cutting, shelterwood, selective, and non-intervention management. Selective management achieved the highest multifunctional sustainability [composite sustainability index (CSI) = 0.855], combining relatively high production with strong ecological and cultural performance. Clear-cutting management maximised short-term production but showed higher erosion risk and lower biodiversity. The study demonstrates the potential of MCDA to support transparent multifunctional forest management under Central European conditions.

The wheat seed gall nematode Anguina tritici is a scientifically interesting nematode due to its aerial parasitic behaviour and ability to survive for years under desiccated conditions in seed galls. However, Anguina's life cycle and its correlation with host-plant growth and environment are poorly understood. Here, we conducted a microplot study at IARI, New Delhi, India, to examine the effects of early and late sowing dates on the life cycle of the wheat seed gall nematode using growing degree days (GDD). The study confirmed the presence of juvenile stages in the soft, undifferentiated floral mass and the upper one-third part of the stem. During the early stage of floral differentiation, the plant ovary develops into milky grains, while the galls (false ovules) become fully green. An increase in size and gonad cell development was observed when nematode J2S entered the floral tissue. The count of adult females in galls marginally surpasses that of adult males, and the female: male ratio ranged from 1.46 : 1.00 to 1.48 : 1.00. After GDD and cGDD (cumulative growing degree days) calculation, we found that the nematode completed its life cycle in 90 to 140 days, depending on the wheat sowing dates and change in temperature. The study also showed that nematode development was in sync with wheat plant growth and development. The information developed from the study such as the cumulative GDD and it's correlation with Anguina's life cycle, presence of nematode in stem, flower and gall, it's migration from collar to flower, presence of various stages of nematode in different plant tissues, and it's undergoing the anhydrobiotic process in seed galls may be used to determine the best time to intervene and manage nematode infestations.

Erosion control on slopes and embankments is a global concern, with vetiver planting emerging as an effective solution. This study investigated vetiver grass as a potential alternative for reducing runoff and soil erosion in protecting road embankments. In a small-scale model on a 1 V : 2 H slope, simulated rainfall was applied through a perforated sheet. The runoff was collected, and the eroded soil samples were dried using the sand bath method. The runoff and soil loss were compared with and without vetiver grass. The results showed that the vetiver grass significantly reduced the soil erosion, preventing about 87% more soil loss than the bare soil. During 60 min of simulated rainfall, the bare soil plot lost 27.056 kg.m^–2 per unit area, whereas the vetiver-covered plot lost only 3.606 kg.m^–2. This soil retention is due to vetiver's strong, deep root system and its hedge-like structure that effectively holds the soil. Additionally, the runoff was reduced by 14% in the plots covered with vetiver. For the 60 min of cumulative rainfall, the total runoff in the bare soil micro-plot was 81.15 cm, compared to 70.35 cm in the vetiver micro-plot. Therefore, vetivers are expected to be a sustainable and eco-friendly solution for runoff and erosion control within the lowland haor context.

Arginine (Arg) is an essential amino acid that can improve the reproductive capacity, intestinal development, and growth performance of pigs. N-carbamylglutamate (NCG) and N-acetylglutamate (NAG) can activate carbamyl phosphate synthetase I and the Δ1 pyrrolin 5 carboxylate synthetase in mitochondria, promoting the synthesis of citrulline from glutamine and proline, citrulline is the main precursors for the synthesis of Arg, and subsequently increasing the endogenous synthesis of Arg to produce nitric oxide (NO) and polyamines. Compared with Arg, NCG has a longer half-life and does not inhibit the absorption of basic amino acids such as histidine or lysine; thus, it has been developed as a feed additive. This paper reviews the application of NCG as a feed additive in pig production and its possible theoretical mechanism.

In vitro embryo production (IVP) is a valuable technique for advancing cattle breeding and reproductive biotechnology. Nevertheless, embryos produced in vitro often display reduced developmental competence and cryotolerance compared with their in vivo counterparts. Vitamin D is known to regulate many cellular functions, including growth and antioxidant defence. This study evaluated the impact of vitamin D supplementation during in vitro culture on bovine embryo development and post-thaw recovery. Oocytes were matured and fertilised in vitro and presumptive zygotes were cultured with 0 (control), 25, or 50 ng/ml of 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃. Supplementation of 25 ng/ml vitamin D did not significantly alter cleavage or blastocyst rates; however, it increased the expression of IGF2R and SOD2. In contrast, 50 ng/ml impaired embryonic development. the VD/VD group showed higher blastocyst hatching rates, lower mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, increased IGF2R expression and reduced BAX expression and BAX/BCL2L1 ratio (P < 0.05). Overall, these findings suggest that the low-dose vitamin D supplementation may support embryonic recovery from cryo-induced stress, potentially through the modulation of the oxidative balance and growth-related pathways, rather than by enhancing the pre-freezing developmental competence.

Enhancing cropland carbon efficiency (CCE) is vital for carbon-neutral and sustainable agricultural development. In this paper, we use the minimum distance to strong efficient frontier with undesirable outputs model and survey data from wheat–maize farmers in the Yellow River Basin of China in 2020 to investigate the effect and mechanism of different tillage practices on CCE. The results show that the average CCE in the study area is 0.592 6, which has large potential for improvement. Among the tillage practices, reduced tillage with straw returning (RTS) achieves the highest mean CCE, followed by no-tillage with straw returning (NTS), and conventional tillage with straw returning performs the worst. Both NTS and RTS are positively associated with higher CCE, with a stronger effect for NTS. Mechanism test results indicate that these practices enhance CCE primarily by increasing yield and net carbon sequestration. NTS improves CCE by reducing energy use and emissions, and RTS tends to increase fertiliser and energy inputs, partially offsetting its efficiency gains. Heterogeneity analysis results further indicate that the positive effects are stronger among small-to-medium-scale, less-educated and elderly farmers. These findings provide micro-level evidence that conservation tillage can promote low-carbon and efficient agricultural production in China.

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has caused serious disruption to agricultural markets, affecting both food prices and food security. In our study, we examine how global economic problems, such as COVID-19 or wartime conditions, affect corn prices and their predictability. We used deep neural network models [Recurrent Neural Network (RNN), Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM), Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU)], experimenting with both simple and hybrid versions, as well as univariate and multivariate types. The results show that the GRU model outperformed the other models in predicting corn prices. It was also found that multivariate models tended to yield more accurate results than their univariate counterparts, suggesting that forecast quality can be significantly improved by including additional variables. In the robustness analysis, it was shown that the COVID-19 crisis in 2020 and the Russia–Ukraine war in 2022 led to a deterioration in model performance. The research contributes to the development of forecasting methods for the corn market and provides a basis for decision-making strategies for market players. To ensure methodological rigour, the forecasting results were statistically validated using the Diebold–Mariano test.