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Agronomic bio-fortification is one of the main approaches for mitigation of micronutrient shortage in human populations and endorses sustainable production of food and feed. Studies related to agronomic bio-fortification of crops are mainly focused on single or rarely two micronutrients application, and no attempt has made to study the combined effect of zinc (Zn), iron (Fe) and selenium (Se) on forage sorghum. Therefore, this research was accomplished to evaluate the effect of Zn, Fe and Se bio-fortification on diverse sorghum accessions. The field experiments were conducted in a randomised complete block design with a split-plot arrangement. The treatments comprised of Zn (10 mg/L as ZnSO₄∙5H₂O), Fe (7 mg/L as FeSO₄∙7H₂O), Se (3 mg/L as SeSO₄) and CK (control) were applied to five sorghum accessions: G₁ (Y-16), G₂ (YSH-166), G₃ (YSH-134), G₄ (YSS-98) and G₅ (YSH-132). According to our results, the sorghum accession G₅ showed superiority over all other accessions and produced maximum values of all growth and quality traits except grains number per panicle and 1 000-grain weight. All applied micronutrients (Zn, Fe and Se) enhanced the growth, quality and uptake of nutrients in sorghum accessions. However, Se recorded the highest plant height, stem diameter, 1 000-grain weight and Zn produced the maximum protein, oil and starch contents. Conclusively, it can be concluded that G₅ with Se must be used to achieve the optimum values of agronomic traits, while G₅ with Zn found more effective to improve the quality traits of sorghum.

The aim of the present study was to optimize the conventional method of sperm freezing in liquid nitrogen (LN₂) vapour for successful cryopreservation of Wallachian ram sperm, the genetic resources of the Czech Republic. Sperm in straws were frozen using the conventional freezing method via a static exposure of sperm doses to LN₂ vapour, or by four different modified freezing methods. Under modified freezing, straws were frozen by a discontinuous, time-dependent decremental change in the distance between the straws and the surface of LN₂. The viability of sperm was evaluated by flow cytometry after sperm equilibration, and immediately after thawing. Besides the observed inter-sire and daily variation, the obtained results suggest the methodological weakness of the conventional freezing method via the static exposure of sperm doses to LN₂ vapour. With the use of the optimized freezing procedure, all parameters of thawed sperm were significantly (P < 0.05) improved in comparison with the conventional method: percentage of thawed sperm viability increased up to 48.3%, percentage of sperm with plasma membrane damage after thawing decreased to 6.58%, percentage of sperm with acrosome damage decreased to 24.4%, and percentage of sperm with deteriorated mitochondrial activity decreased to 6.28%. In conclusion, our results suggest that an optimized freezing procedure should be routinely used instead of the conventional method to cryopreserve Wallachian ram sperm.

Ornamental cabbages are cultivars of cabbages grown for decorative purposes due to the varied shape and colour of their internal leaves. The aim of the study was to determine the course of growth and to assess the decorative and nutritional value of two cultivars of ornamental cabbage ('Pigeon Red', 'Coral Prince') grown in a flowerbed along with annual plants: the French marigold (Tagetes patula nana L.) and flossflower (Ageratum houstonianum Mill.), using a pine bark mulch. The impact of the marigold and flossflower on the cabbage height and foliage changed with the plant growth. Cabbages growing without the proximity to the other species had the smallest diameter and formed the least leaves; and the plant's height was lower in September. The cabbage height, foliage and leaf colour were modified by the weather in the subsequent years of research. The proximity of the marigold or flossflower and mulching of the soil with bark did not affect the colour of the leaves. The nutritional value of the ornamental cabbage was high, and the content of the mineral components in the leaves depended largely on their colour. The coloured leaves were more abundant in nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and magnesium, while the green leaves contained more calcium and sulfur, and slightly more dry matter.

The effect of agrotechnical elements (crop rotation, fertilisation, irrigation) on maize yield and various chemical characteristics of the soil (pHH2O, pHKCl, hydrolytic acidity (y1)) were examined in a long-term experiment (established in 1983) on calcareous Chernozem in the Hajdúság region of Hungary. The yield obtained in 2019 showed the favourable water supply of the crop year and outstanding nutrient utilisation of maize. In the control (non-fertilised) treatments, maize yield was 8 t/ha in monoculture, 11 t/ha in biculture and 12 t/ha in triculture, while the highest yield obtained with the optimum fertiliser treatment increased to 13, 13.5 and 14 t/ha, respectively. In the long-term experiment established 35 years ago, the pH values of the soil greatly decreased in comparison to the initial value. The following ranges were observed in monoculture: 5.57-6.49 (pHH2O), 4.69-5.34 (pHKCl), in biculture: 5.22-6.62 (pHH2O) and 4.36-5.68 (pHKCl), and in triculture: 5.46-6.29 (pHH2O), and 4.56-5.24 (pHKCl). Hydrolytic acidity values (mono y1 = 7.75-14.75, bi y1 = 11.50-23.00, tri y1 = 10.13-18.38) showed strong soil acidity. In the long-term experiment, a moderate (0.512xx, LSD0.01=xx) correlation between fertilisation and yield and a moderate (0.397xx) correlation between crop rotation and yield could be established on Chernozem. A moderately negative (pHH2O = -0.594xx, pHKCl = -0.543xx) correlation was found between the yield and pH values, while a moderately positive (y1 = 0.409xx) correlation was found between the hydrolytic acidity and yield.

Currently, it is difficult to identify correct data on wood sources and their consumption in the Czech Republic. Official statistics of wood production are relatively limited to obtaining data that accurately captures the objective wood production, which would enable the observation of the direction or consumption of particular tree species or products. This uncertainty is then transferred to the wood flow for industrial and energy processing, and it is not possible to compose a detailed picture of how much wood and which sources enter into the wood processing and how large the total material flow is. The aim of this paper is to present an option for how to determine this lack of valid information that enables clear outcomes necessary for decision making by means of the recalculation of wood sources consumed in the Czech Republic, using the data of processing capacities and foreign trade. The reverse model better expressed a conversion value of roundwood into the products and allowed optimal approximation in the wood sources assessment.

The EU has a historical deficit of plant protein and is heavily reliant on imports to sustain domestic livestock production. Using an economic model of global agricultural markets, this article investigates three policy drivers that could have an influence on the increased production of protein-rich crops in the EU, namely coupled payments for protein-rich crops, investment in research and development leading to higher yields, and phasing out of imported high indirect land-use change risk biofuel feedstocks. Results indicate that a one per cent annual increase in yields over the medium-term has a much larger effect on EU domestic protein production than additional coupled payments of EUR 75 per ha. Moreover, phasing out palm-based biodiesel only has a small impact on protein self-sufficiency. A significant unknown is how costly it will be to increase the yields on protein crops grown in the EU.

This study was designed to determine the effect of storage duration and processing conditions on pasting characteristics of Ofada rice and to determine the optimum pasting parameters for the production of boiled and mashed rice. The interactions of variables (storage, soaking, parboiling and drying) were studied using response surface methodology and pasting responses (final viscosity, trough, setback viscosity, breakdown, pasting temperature and pasting time) were analysed. The coefficient of R² and adequate precision ranged between 0.994-0.7374 and 26.825-5.375, respectively, which indicate good fitness of the model. Parboiling temperature, drying temperature and storage duration significantly influenced the pasting properties of grain as revealed by positive coefficients in the model. The pasting requirements for boiled rice are storage of paddy for nine months, soaking for two days and 19 h, parboiling at 90.42°C and drying at 30°C, while for mashed rice storage of paddy for one month followed by soaking for five days, parboiling at 80°C and drying at 54.22°C are required.

The aim of this clinical retrospective study was to analyse the prevalence of common disorders in 529 captive bearded dragons that were presented to three exotic animal clinics in Central Europe (Austria and Czech Republic) over a period of three years. A diagnosis was made on the basis of the presenting clinical signs and physical examination in 30.8% of the cases, whereas various additional diagnostic tests were performed in the other cases (69.2%). These included diagnostic imaging (radiography, ultrasound and computed tomography), examination of faecal samples for the presence of parasites, a blood-profile analysis, histological, as well as bacteriological and mycological examinations and necropsy. Gastrointestinal diseases (42.67%) like endoparasitism, constipation, sand ingestion, tympany and meteorism were the most common disorders. In 51.92% of the cases of constipation, endoparasites were present, whereas in 38.46% of the cases of constipation, metabolic bone diseases and imbalances in calcium and phosphorus levels were detected. Most of the analysed faecal samples (83.27%) were positive for the presence of endoparasites (48.7% pinworms, 25.39% coccidians and 16.06% flagellates). Dermatological problems (22.4%) contained skin tumours, which were observed in adult lizards (age range from three to eight years) and included spindle cell tumour on the eyelid, as well as spindle cell sarcoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma on the trunk. Osteodystrophy, limb fractures and various types of necrosis on the limbs and tail were frequently observed musculoskeletal disorders (18.93%). Over half of all animals (57.14%) that underwent a blood test, showed a deviation in the calcium-phosphorus ratio, 63.98% showed hypocalcaemia and 26.71% hyperphosphataemia. Diseases of the urogenital system (9.47%) included renal diseases and dystocia. Neoplastic diseases besides skin tumours included two cases of leukaemia in 4-year-old bearded dragons, one of these with lymphoma in kidneys, lungs and liver and one ganglioneuroma in the body cavity of a bearded dragon of unknown age. Orthopaedic surgeries were most frequently performed to amputate the limbs or tail, whereas soft-tissue surgeries most often included the treatment of skin wounds and correction of cloacal prolapse, in addition to ovariectomy, salpingotomy or salpingectomy in female bearded dragons. Similar to the situation in Australia and the USA, infectious as well as non-infectious diseases are common in captive bearded dragons in Central Europe. Due to the high occurrence of endoparasitism, skin diseases and metabolic bone diseases in this present study, regular veterinary controls in bearded dragons including parasitological faecal examinations and optimisation of feeding and housing are necessary to improve the standard of health of bearded dragons kept as pet lizards in Europe.

The study evaluates how sixty years of application of organic manures and mineral fertilizers (ten fertilizer treatments altogether), planting of cultivars with different length of stem (long- and short-stem cultivars) and preceding crops (potatoes and alfalfa) affected grain and straw yields of winter wheat in the Prague-Ruzyně long-term fertilizer experiment (RFE). Fertilizer treatments did not affect grain yield during the first ten years of the RFE experiment (1959-1968), but influenced straw yield. The grain yield ranged from 5.08 (control) to 5.43 (farmyard manure) t/ha, straw yield varied from 6.02 t/ha (control) to 8.31 t/ha (poultry slurry (PS) + N₄P₂K₂). In the last ten years of the RFE experiment (2004-2013) grain yield ranged from 7.01 t/ha (control) to 8.88 t/ha (stale + N₄P₂K₂), while straw yield decreased and varied from 3.12 (control) to 6.21 t/ha (PS + N₄P₂K₂). Comparing the potatoes and alfalfa as preceding crops, the grain yield was 0.5 t/ha higher after alfalfa, but straw yield was 1.3 t/ha higher after potatoes. Introduction of short-stem cultivars increased average grain yield about 2 t/ha and decreased average straw yield about 0.85 t/ha.

The aim of the study was to evaluate total antioxidant activity (TAA) and total content of carotenoids (TCC), anthocyanins (TAC), phenolics (TPC) and phenolic acids (PAs) in grain of selected pigmented wheat genotypes and traditional control cultivar cultivated under organic and conventional cropping systems in two-year trials. All of the evaluated parameters were significantly affected both by genotype and evaluated environmental factors. While in TPC, PAs and TCC the effect of years prevailed, TAC was affected mainly by genotype. The effect of genotype and year in TAA was comparable. TPC ranged from 581.71 mg/kg (control cv. Annie) to 723.60 mg/kg (cultivar with purple pericarp PS Karkulka), total PAs content from 711.77 mg/kg (cv. PS Karkulka) to 849.47 mg/kg (cv. Skorpion with blue aleurone). TCC varied from 1.56 mg/kg (cv. PS Karkulka) to 5.32 mg/kg (cv. Citrus with yellow endosperm). The highest TAC (63.23 mg/kg) was found in cv. Skorpion, the lowest (12.70 mg/kg) in cv. AF Jumiko with purple pericarp. Anthocyanins were not detected in cvs. Annie and Citrus. TAA varied from 162.68 mg/kg in cv. Annie to 226.71 mg/kg in breeding line KM 53-14 with blue aleurone. Higher TAA and antioxidants contents and lower grain yields were observed in organic cropping system and in drier year 2016.

Exploration of genetic variance has mostly been limited to additive effects estimated using pedigree data and non-additive effects have been ignored. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) marker models in the mixed and orthogonal framework including both additive and non-additive effects for estimating variances and genomic prediction in four diabetes-related traits in heterogeneous stock mice. Models have performed differently in detecting SNPs affecting traits. Dominance variances explained over 14.7 and 3.8% of genetic and phenotype variance in a Genomic prediction and variance component estimation method (GVCBLUP) framework. Reliabilities of additive Genomic best linear unbiased prediction model (GBLUP) in different traits ranged from 44.8 to 66.6%, for GVCBLUPs framework including both additive and dominance effects (MAD), and 46.1 to 69% for the model including additive effect (MA). Dominance GBLUP reliabilities ranged from 6 to 26.4% for MAD and from 22.5 to 50.5% in the model including dominance (MD). MA and MD had higher reliability for additive and dominance GBLUPs compared to MAD. Reliabilities of GBLUPs in MAD and MA for all traits were not significant except for growth slope (P < 0.01). In orthogonal framework models, epistasis variances accounted for a greater proportion (87.3, 89.1, 95.5, and 77.2%) of genetic variation for end weight, growth slope, body mass index, and body length, respectively. Heritability in a broad sense was estimated at 1.12, 1.67, 3.64, and 2.0%, in which non-additive heritability had a significant contribution. Genetic variances explained by dominance using GVCBLUPs were 16.8, 29.4, 14.6, and 14.9% for the traits. Generally, the non-additive models had a lower value of deviance information criterion (DIC) and performed better in estimating the variance component. Comparing the estimated variance by orthogonal framework models confirmed the results previously estimated by GVCBLUPs, with the difference that the estimates were shrinking. Following significant SNPs affecting diabetes-related traits by post-genome-wide studies could reveal unknown aspects and contribute to genetic control of the disease.

The aim of this research is to estimate the influence of a bioeffector (BE) application on dry matter yield and nutrient content (P, K, Ca, Mg, S) in maize (Zea mays L.). Between 2014 and 2016, a field experiment with silage maize as a testing plant was realized on sandy loam Cambisol. The application of Pseudomonas sp. in combination with phosphorus (rock phosphate (RP) or triple superphosphate (TSP)) and nitrogen fertilizers (ammonium nitrate with urea, ammonium nitrate with limestone, calcium nitrate or ammonium sulfate with a nitrification inhibitor) and with different application strategies was studied. The effects of a bioeffector application on the increase of dry matter yields were not confirmed. An important influence on the BE application and its activity was probably those of soil and site conditions and competition of the researched microorganisms with other present microorganisms. Higher yields of dry matter were shown in treatments where P fertilizers were applied. There was almost no difference between the application of RP and TSP. This could be caused by the fact that the soil had a slightly acidic pH value. In this case, the RP showed similar results to the TSP. The application of bioeffector significantly increased Mg, K and S contents in maize above-ground biomass. An increase of the Ca content was almost significant and a tendency towards a higher average content of phosphorus was also recorded.

Determining the effects of progressive drought (PD) on dry matter production, partitioning, and grain yield of maize will help in designing a suitable strategy for water management. Though influences of drought on maize growth and development have been investigated extensively, few of them focused on the effects of different duration and occurrence stage of PD on yield formation of maize. Six variations of PD, in the form of withholding irrigation for varying lengths of time from jointing or tasselling, were tested in the field, using a mobile rain shelter, in terms of their effects on aboveground biomass accumulation, partitioning, and grain yield in 2015-2016. The results showed that grain yield was significantly reduced by PD during either vegetative or reproductive stage, and the reduction in grain yield from reproductive PD (41.6-46.6%) was greater than that from vegetative PD (18.6-26.2%). The decrease in grain yield was largely caused by the decrease in kernels per ear (r² = 0.88, P < 0.001). This research implied that guaranteeing water supply for maize during reproductive stage is crucially important to avoid the reduction in kernels per ear and grain yield.

The habitus of oilseed rape and its yield component values can be strongly affected by the structure of its stand. Field experiments took place in Central Bohemia in years 2013-2015 aiming at determining the influence of row-spacing (12.5, 25, 35 and 45 cm) on the yield components. Chosen parameters (the number of plants per unit area, the number of pods per plant, the number of seeds per pod and yield) were evaluated at the monitored stands (30 seeds/m² sowing rate, cv. DK Exquisite). The study confirmed the statistical significance of the influence of row-spacing on some winter oilseed rape yield components. Widening of the row-spacing has led to a decrease in the number of pods per plant and the number of plants per unit area and an increase in the number of seeds per pod parameter. 1000 seed weight was not affected. This study did not confirm a positive effect of sowing oilseed rape in rows wider than 12.5 cm. Therefore, such an agronomical decision cannot be recommended as a way to achieve higher seed yield.

The disulfide bonds and sulfhydryl in gluten were evaluated to investigate the effects of structural characteristics on the quality of white noodles. The free sulfhydryl concentration increased significantly, but disulphide bonds decreased initially, and then became stable with increasing sodium sulfite concentration. With a decrease in disulfide bond concentration from 56.78 μmol/g to 20.01 μmol/g in gluten added to noodles, microstructural graphs verified that the cross-section and surface of noodles became rougher and looser with more holes generated; optimal cooking time decreased from 4.4 min to 3.3 min for fresh noodles and from 10.11 min to 9.19 min for dried samples; water absorption and cooking loss increased from 159% to 203% and from 5.26% to 9.06%, respectively. A decreasing trend and marked differences were observed for hardness, springiness, chewiness as well as resilience of fresh and cooked noodles, but the cohesiveness of fresh noodles exhibited no significant changes (P < 0.05).

The effect of artificial conditions of a short daylight period (16 h darkness (D): 8 h light (L)) and exogenous melatonin on milk yield parameters of sheep during spring and summer was examined to determine the impact of using sheep for milk on the secretion level of gonadotrophic hormones. The research was conducted on 60 sheep lambed in February. After raising the lambs, the sheep were divided into 3 groups and assigned for dairy use (May-September). The mothers in the control Group 1 (G1) were maintained under natural daylight conditions. The sheep in Group 2 (G2) were maintained under conditions of an artificial photoperiod (16 h D : 8 h L). Meanwhile, the mothers in Group 3 (G3) were given melatonin implants. A 6-hour collection of blood from 6 sheep of each group was performed every 4 weeks. The concentrations of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in plasma were measured using radioimmunoassay. The average LH concentration in G1 gradually increased since May (5.32 ± 0.2 ng/ml), reaching the highest value in August (6.70 ± 0.2 ng/ml). In G2, the increase in LH occurred 4 weeks after the introduction of the 16 h D : 8 h L condition (6.26 ± 0.2 ng/ml). The maximum LH concentration in G3 was noted in August (7.31 ± 0.2 ng/ml). The average FSH concentration in G1 gradually increased since May (6.59 ± 0.2 ng/ml), reaching the highest value in August (10.50 ± 2.6 ng/ml). In G2, there was a significant increase in the FSH concentration in June (9.00 ± 0.3 ng/ml). In the final period during lactation, the FSH concentrations in G2 (13.51 ± 1.3 ng/ml) and G3 (13.60 ± 1.9 ng/ml) were higher than in G1. The results indicate that using sheep for milk does not inhibit the secretion of gonadotropic hormones induced by the simulation of short daylight conditions and exogenous melatonin.

An effective realization of breeding programs in zoos is strongly determined by completeness of animal pedigree information. The knowledge of pedigree structure allows to maintain optimal genetic variability of a given population. The aim of this study was to estimate the parameters describing the pedigree structure of American bison housed in zoos in the context of further management of the population. Finally, 4269 American bison were analysed (1883 males, 2217 females, and 169 with unknown sex). The registered animals were born between years 1874 and 2013. The following pedigree parameters were estimated: number of fully traced generations, number of complete generations equivalent, index of pedigree completeness, individual inbreeding coefficients, increase of inbreeding for each individual, effective population size, and genetic diversity. The maximum number of fully traced generations was 3 (the mean value is 0.693). The mean inbreeding coefficient for the population studied was 3.26%, whereas individual increase in inbreeding ranged from 0 to 25.12%. Although the pedigree parameters (including the inbreeding level) in the American bison obtained in the present study seem to be acceptable (from the perspective of other wild animal populations), they can be over/underestimated due to incomplete pedigree.

The paper presents the results from three different experimental plots in mountain areas in Slovakia. Annual interception losses varied in mature forest stand in Poľana Mts. (850 m a.s.l.) in mixtured (spruce, fir, beech) from 10.6 to 23.5%, in spruce from 20.5 to 35.5% and in beech forest from 8.8 to 26.9%. Horizontal precipitation reduces long-term average of interception loss by 3.2% (mixtured and spruce) and 2.9% for beech forest. Decline process in supramontane spruce forest has significant influence on interception process in climax spruce stand in Červenec. Mean biweekly interception loss in the central crown zone near the stem during growing seasons was 76.9% in living and 69.2% in dead forest. In the gap canopy interception loss was observed 11.7% in living and 17.9% in dead forest, in the dripping zone under the crown periphery 11.1% in living and 25.7% in dead forest. Results from the experimental catchment Lomnistá dolina showed that forest ecosystems increase the variability of rainfall amounts infiltrated to the soil environment in mountain watersheds, interception loss varied in a wide range: from 42 up to -10% due to altitudinal influence, tree species composition, stand age, and horizontal precipitation occurence.

Genic male sterility (GMS) is one of the most important economic traits for cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) hybrid seed production. The GMS trait conferred by two recessive alleles ms5 and ms6 in homozygous constitution is widely used for cotton hybrid seed production in India. Identification of molecular markers closely linked to the ms5 and ms6 alleles would be useful in effective transferring in a short time male-sterility genes into cultivars or elite lines using marker-assisted backcrossing. Here, we describe a quick method to identify markers for GMS genes using bulk segregant analysis (BSA) in the interspecific (G. hirsutum × G. hirsutum) biparental population. The parents and bulks were genotyped with a cotton single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) 63K array that contains 63 058 SNP markers including 45 104 intraspecific and 17 954 interspecific SNP markers. Four SNP markers were found to be linked with the Ms5 and Ms6 genes. The markers i23493Gh and i46470Gh linked with the Ms5 gene, and other two markers i08605Gh and i08573Gh linked with the Ms6 gene are located on chromosome 12 and 26, respectively. A simple and cost effective tetra-primer amplification refractory mutation system PCR (tetra-primer ARMS-PCR) assay was optimized for screening a large number of breeding samples with the identified SNP markers in a short time. The molecular markers developed in this study will facilitate the marker-assisted selection (MAS) and accelerate the development of new GMS lines to use in cotton hybrid seed production.

The experiment included testing of rheological properties of dough as well as the baking quality of bread flour and bran obtained by grinding coloured wheat grains with purple pericarp (cultivars Rosso, Konini and PS Karkulka) and blue aleurone (cv. Scorpion). Common wheat cv. Mulan was used for comparison. Formulas containing 10, 15 and 20% of bran were prepared. The addition of bran increased the water loss during baking by an average of 1.28%, specific volume of bread decreased by 2 to 10 mL, and the ratio number decreased from 0.57 to 0.51. The dynamic oscillatory rheometry simulated processes occurring during baking. A higher content of bran increased the complex viscosity of dough. In the initial stages of heating, the increasing presence of bran promoted dough weakening. Starch gelatinization was also influenced by the content of bran.

The design of animal housing and manure management systems are key factors in livestock farming. Frequent removal methods, in fact, allow for the reduction of gasses produced from fermentations of the organic matter contained in manure, that affect animal welfare and farmer health and are emitted from animal housings into the atmosphere as a consequence of ventilation. The present study aims to evaluate the performance of a Robotic Scraper (RS) operating on the floors in a full-scale, operative free-stall dairy barn. The research is focused on the evaluation of gaseous emissions from the two types of floors (concrete and rubber mat coated), and with and without RS operation. The floors with rubber coating demonstrated higher emission rates of ammonia (NH₃), carbon dioxide (CO₂), nitrous oxide (N₂O), and methane (CH₄) compared to the uncovered concrete floors, both before and after RS operations. The operation of RS, furthermore, determined significant reduction of greenhouse gasses (GHG) but did not have relevant effect in terms of NH₃ emission, which reduced only of 1.4% from concrete floors, but increase of 12.7% from rubber coated floors.

The objective of this study is to estimate stand development stages (SDS) and stand crown closures (SCC) of forest using different classification methods (maximum likelihood, support vector machine: linear, polynomial, radial and sigmoid kernel functions and artificial neural network) based on satellite imagery of different resolution (Landsat 7 ETM+ and IKONOS). The results showed that SDS and SCC were estimated with Landsat 7 ETM+ image using the artificial neural network with a 0.83 and 0.78 kappa statistic value, and 92.57 and 89.77% overall accuracy assessments, respectively. On the other hand, SDS and SCC were predicted with IKONOS image using support vector machine (polynomial) method with a 0.94 and 0.88 kappa statistic value, and 95.95 and 91.17% overall accuracy assessments, respectively. Our results demonstrated that IKONOS satellite image and support vector machine (polynomial) method produced a better estimation of SDS and SCC as compared to Landsat 7 ETM+ and other supervised classification methods used in this study.

In the current investigation, the potential utility of cinnamaldehyde obtained from cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) bark powder in enhancing the antioxidant capacity of dark chocolates was evaluated. To this end, the effects of conventional solvent extracts (CSE) and supercritical fluid extracts (SFE) on total phenolic contents, physical and sensory attributes of cinnamaldehyde-enriched chocolates were determined over the course of 60 days of storage. The addition of 0.5% nutraceutical_SFE and 1% nutraceutical_CSE extracts significantly increased the total phenolic contents of the chocolates to 15.62 ± 0.35 mg GAE/g and 13.31 ± 0.26 mg GAE/g in T₂ and T₁, respectively. In terms of texture (hardness), 0.5% extract resulted in softer chocolates (64.87 ± 2.41 N) as compared to the control (70.91 ± 2.83 N). At storage termination, colorimetric results revealed a whitening of the chocolate surface that resulted in incremental increases in L* and b*, whereas a* exhibited a declining trend. Moreover, the sensory results showed a better hedonic response for the enriched products. Taken together, cinnamaldehyde enrichment is beneficial for both the functional as well as oxidative stability of chocolates. Chocolate, as the most commonly craved food product, is gaining much attention from the manufactures as a potential vehicle for the delivery of functional health benefits. In this study, we used cinnamaldehyde and maltitol (sugar replacer) to prepare functional chocolates with a special emphasis on diabetic patients, an approach that will open new horizons for innovative product development. We also optimised and characterised the extraction conditions for bioactive components using green extraction technology, i.e. a supercritical fluid extraction technique which is cost-effective and environmentally friendly.

The molecular prevalence of Ancylostoma caninum was determined in stray and pet dogs in Lahore, Pakistan from July 2014 to August 2015. A total of 500 dog faecal samples were first evaluated using a sedimentation technique and further through a PCR assay targeting the ITS-2 region of the A. caninum genome. Overall, 130 (26%) samples were positive for hookworm infestation by microscopic examination. Only microscopically positive samples were processed for PCR and 89 (17.6%) were positive for A. caninum. Sequence analysis of amplicons showed 100% homology with A. caninum and the genotypes clustered in one clade with Brazilian A. caninum hookworms. There was a significantly (P < 0.05) increased prevalence in male dogs younger than six months old. Labrador retrievers had higher A. caninum incidence compared to German shepherds and other breeds. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the molecular prevalence of A. caninum in dogs in Pakistan. The novel results of the present study allow us to conclude that A. caninum is more prevalent in pet dogs, especially puppies, and this can be a potential threat for humans that come into contact with such animals. Therefore, the routine monitoring of pets, especially the more susceptible breeds, is essential for disease control.

The Antisense 4CL gene was transfected into alfalfa through Agrobacterium-mediated transfer. The test results indicated that the antisense 4CL gene was successfully integrated into the genome DNA of alfalfa and was stably transmitted to the offspring. Compared to the wild-type plants, the lignin content of T₀ and T₁ generation plants was reduced by 45.77% and 31.97%, respectively; there were no significant differences in height and weight of T₀ and T₁ plants, compared to the wild-type plants. However, the transgenic plant differed from the wild-type plant by softer stems and leaves, larger leaves, fewer flowers and a fewer seeds. The T₀ line was susceptible to disease infection, but significantly improved in the second year. The results suggest that the 4CL gene from Amorpha fruticosa can be used to regulate lignin biosynthesis in transgenic forage crops.

This study assessed the gross calorific values (GCV) of crop and bio-energy residues. In addition, it assessed the calorific values of sweet sorghum to clarify its potential as energy crop in the region. Furthermore, it statistically analysed the ash remaining after burning three bio-energy residues, bagasse, oil cakes and fermented sludge of biogas production, to identify their potential for agricultural use. Finally, the study calculated alkali content based on nutrient content and GCVs. Significant differences were found among the GCVs of the investigated materials. Among the crop residues, the least significant difference (LSD) (P ≤ 0.05) of the calorimetric values was 76.26 kJ/kg, and among the by-products of bio-energy production, it was 20.80 kJ/kg. Significant differences were also found in nutrient content. In the case of the alkali content of bio-energy residues, the LSD was 0.04 kJ.kg^-1. For the bagasse and compost, the study recommends some technical operations to avoid slagging.

The effects of a simple saline solution prepared using two different pH (4.4 and 8.5) on sperm motility in burbot were investigated. Results were recorded during a 96-hour chilled storage (4°C) in 24-hour intervals. Measurements were focused on the detailed characteristics of motility using 12 parameters obtained from the Computer-assisted Sperm Analysis (CASA). Significantly higher progressive motility (pMOT), distance average path (DAP), distance curved line, distance straight line (DSL), average path velocity (VAP), curvilinear velocity, straight line velocity, and beat cross frequency (BCF) were observed with the activating solution buffered at pH 8.5 in comparison with pH 4.4. Already after 24 h a significant reduction was measured in pMOT (0 h: 49 ± 24%, 24 h: 12 ± 7%). Similar decreasing tendency was recorded only after 72 h in DAP (0 h: 26 ± 4 µm/s, 72 h: 19 ± 9 µm/s), DSL (0 h: 21 ± 5 µm/s, 72 h: 17 ± 8 µm/s), VAP (0 h: 59 ± 9 µm/s, 72 h: 43 ± 21 µm/s), and BCF (0 h: 28 ± 2 Hz, 72 h: 18 ± 10 Hz). The response of different investigated CASA parameters to different treatments varied in our experiments. According to our studies, numerous burbot sperm motility parameters are sensitive to chilled storage and to low pH of the activating solution. Our results could support the effective sperm quality assessment and successful artificial propagation process in burbot.

The present study has been done to evaluate the impact of pure ash stand and mixed stand with beech on the herb layer biodiversity and soil properties in the forests of Noor city. There is a unique stand of ash in the forests of Noor city and at 1,900-2,100 m a.s.l., which is rarely seen like that in the northern forests of Iran. Shannon-Wiener diversity indices (H'), Simpson index of dominance (D), Margalef richness (R₁) and Pielou's evenness were used to analyse biodiversity. Sampling was also conducted to investigate physical and chemical properties of soil (bulk density, acidity, electrical conductivity, soil moisture, soil lime, nitrogen and organic carbon) in each sample plot and at two depths (10 and 20 cm). The total number of 26 soil samples (13 soil samples at either depth) in pure ash stand and 24 soil samples (12 soil samples at either depth) from this type of stand mixed with beech were taken. The results of plant species biodiversity showed that between the pure ash stand and the stand mixed with beech there is a significant difference at the 99% probability level in Shannon-Wiener diversity, Margalef richness, and Simpson dominance. There is also a significant difference at the 95% probability level between the two stands under study in Pielou's evenness index. The results of soil factors also showed that at the depth of 10-20 cm acidity factor showed a significant difference from its adjacent stand at the 99% probability level. There is also a significant difference at the 99% probability level in acidity (0-10 cm) and soil moisture at the depth of 10-20 cm between the two areas, but there is not any significant difference between the areas under study in electrical conductivity and lime factors at the two depths and also in moisture content at the depth of 0-10 cm. It should be noted that between the stand and soil nitrogen, organic carbon and bulk density parameters at both depths (0-10 and 10-20 cm) a significant difference at the 95% confidence level is shown.

Rational soil phosphorus (P) management is significant to crop production and environment protection. Little information is available on soil Olsen-P balance and critical values in double-crop rice in China. The main aim of the study was to relate soil Olsen-P to apparent P balance and to determine Olsen-P critical value for early and late rice using data from a 29-year study (1984~2012) at the Jiangxi province. The results showed that Olsen-P decreased by 0.12~0.26 mg/kg/year without P addition and increased by 0.56~2.52 mg/kg/year with P fertilization. Olsen-P decreased by 0.30 mg/kg for CK and NK under an average deficit of 100 kg P/ha, and increased by an average of 9.10 mg/kg in treatments with organic manures and were 4.55 times higher than chemical fertilizers with 100 kg/ha of P surplus. The critical values for early and late rice were 22.70 and 22.67 mg/kg, respectively. The average Olsen-P content is 90.89 mg/kg after 29-year application of chemical fertilizer and manures. Therefore, decreasing the amount of total P input and increasing the compost portion should be recommended to improve food production and protect environment in red paddy soils in south China.

We propose a sensitive and selective spectrofluorimetric method for the determination of flavonoids as expressed in 'quercetin equivalent' in apple juices. The method is based on the strong emission of the aluminium(III)-quercetin complex at 480 nm with excitation at 420 nm, and it is successfully applied for the determination of flavonoids in commercial apple juices and compared with results obtained in reference spectrophotometric determination. The flavonoid content in commercial apple juices was found to range from 5.53 to 15.55 mg/l quercetin equivalent. The very good agreement between the two methods indicates the suitability of the proposed spectrofluorimetric method for the precise and accurate determination of flavonoids. In addition, the total polyphenol content was determined spectrophotometrically using the Folin-Ciocalteu (FC) method and the antioxidative activity of the tested juices was tested in a DPPH assay and these values were correlated with each other. The obtained profiles of compounds with antioxidative ability lead us to conclude that fruit juice labels based only on fruit % might sometimes misinform consumers.