Fulltext search in archive

To study the effects of straw return and aeration of the water layer on oxygen and redox status in the water column and at different depths in paddy field soil, a short-term incubation experiment was conducted with four treatments: (1) no straw return (NS); (2) straw return without aeration (S); (3) straw return and 30 minutes of aeration per day (SO30); and (4) straw return and 90 minutes of aeration per day (SO90). Compared to NS, S decreased dissolved oxygen (DO) and redox potential (ORP) by 23-58% and 47-53 mV, respectively, and increased active reducing substance (ARS) by 21-46% in the water and soil layers. The aeration treatments increased DO and ORP by 25-120% and 11-86 mV, respectively, and reduced ARS by 5-16% compared to S. The results indicated that straw return to paddy fields exacerbated hypoxia and reducing conditions in the soil. SO90 achieved better effects than SO30 in alleviating the negative impact of straw return by supplying more oxygen, but the effects weakened over time and with soil depth.

The functional role of the insect pathogen fungus Metarhizium anisopliae strain NCAIM 362 against the white grub cockchafer (Melolontha melolontha) larvae and southern European marshland pyralid (Duponchelia fovealis) larvae in a sweet potato cultivation was tested under greenhouse conditions. As a positive control, the effect of the same strain of M. anisopliae were compared with the effect of the synthetic insecticide alpha-cypermethrin. According to the results, alpha-cypermethrin was more effective against both the Coleoptera and Lepidoptera larvae, a lower number of surviving individuals as well as less damaged tubers were detected after the chemical treatment, compared with M. anisopliae.

Aceh Province is known by the central production of not only Gayo coffee but also Robusta coffee. They are produced on the southwest coast and east coast for cocoa commodities. Meanwhile, there have been changes in lifestyles, especially in the millennial generation, including at Aceh Province. To reach the opportunity it is very urgent to realise a new product development based on beverages. Focuses of this research were to obtain a coffee-cocoa blend formulation that is suitable for consumers and economical to develop by agroindustry. The design of experiments was formulated for an Aceh Robusta coffee-cocoa mix with percentages of 20 : 80, 40 : 60, 60 : 40, and 80 : 20. The hedonic analysis was done to find out consumer preference by aroma, colour, flavour, and texture parameters. A feasibility study was calculated by R/C ratio (Revenue/Costs), BEP (break-even point; EUR) analysis. The result of the study shows that the Robusta coffee-cocoa formulation (RK4) was liked the most by panellists with flavour description as moderate bitter and strong cocoa aroma (RK3), meanwhile based on colour and texture aspect, the panellists prefered RK1 formulation. Whereas R/C ratio 1.19, BEP (EUR) 0.7 explain that the business deserves to be developed.

This study aimed to produce yogurt with Ganoderma lucidum residues and selected probiotic bacteria. To select the most potent GABA-producing strain (GABA - γ-aminobutyric acid), nine probiotic bacteria were subjected to the glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) activity assay. Limosilactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 was selected and used in preparing fresh yogurts, with and without supplementation of Ganoderma residues obtained after water extraction [GW (Ganoderma waste) 2% (w/v)]. A decrease in pH during fermentation and the occurrence of syneresis were investigated. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) viability and anti-Escherichia activity were estimated. Further, the cytotoxic effect of yogurt extracts on the human colon cancer cell line (HCT116) was surveyed. Besides functionality, the sensory attributes were evaluated. The pH values did not significantly change with the GW addition while increasing the LAB counts [up to 9.76 ± 0.11 log colony-forming units (CFU) mL^-1] and the cytotoxic effect on HCT116 cells. Yogurt produced with selected bacteria and GW had the most valuable anti-coli effect against E. coli 0157: H7 and E. coli ATCC 35218 (American Type Culture Collection, Rockville, Maryland) (4.81 ± 0.62 and 5.64 ± 0.29 CFU mL^-1, respectively). Although the added GW increased the yogurt functionality, it had a slightly negative effect on the taste and texture of the partially modified recipe. Yogurts fortified with GABA-producing strain and GW could potentially reduce relapse rates of depressive disorders.

The effect of soil selenate application to two different soils (Phaeozem and Cambisol) on biomass yield and selenium (Se) uptake by spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) was investigated in a pot experiment. Additionally, organic amendment (fugate, i.e. liquid by-product from the biogas plant) was applied to assess (i) the effect of organic matter on the bioavailability of Se and (ii) the fugate (containing 2.3 mg/kg of Se) as a potential source of Se for plants. Selenium was applied at two levels: 6.4 µg/kg (Se1) and 32 µg/kg (Se2) of soil. The efficiency of biofortification and the distribution of selenium within individual plant compartments were assessed in this case. The highest Se contents in the grain were achieved in the treatments receiving NPK fertiliser together with selenate, 455 µg/kg (Se1) and 2 721 µg/kg (Se2) when wheat was planted in Phaeozem. Fugate in co-application with selenate significantly reduced Se content in wheat plants as compared to treatments enriched solely with selenate. The lower Se contents in the wheat plants growing in Phaeozem were due to the biodilution effect, whereas in Cambisol, the decrease in wheat Se uptake was not clearly driven by a particular factor.

To study the difference among cytoplasm at the different nitrogen conditions, a research experiment was conducted using five different cytoplasmic male sterile (CMS) hybrid rice with nitrogen levels at N0, N1, N2, and N3; the nitrogen application rates were 0, 90, 180, and 270 kg/ha, from 2018 to 2019. Results showed that among tested cultivars of CMS hybrid rice, JW (J803A × Chenghui727) showed the highest yield in both years for the low nitrogen and high nitrogen treatments. The dry matter accumulation and translation of JW type in nutritive organs were higher than that of others during the low nitrogen level (N1). We concluded that the nutrient translocation within plants organs and dry biomass accumulation were highly dependent on CMS type and nitrogen application. This research indicates that selecting a rice cultivar with greater efficiency of nitrogen is favourable for raising the number of grains per panicle, grain yield, and nitrogen use efficiency. JW cytoplasm displayed great efficiency in low nitrogen, which is a potential cytoplasmic resource.

Unstable conditions in the milk market in the Czech Republic (CR) and in the European Union (EU), mainly due to volatility of milk prices, are increasing pressure on dairy farmers to maximise production at the lowest possible production costs. Break-even point (BEP) analysis is a useful tool in dairy herd management for determining minimum requirements for profitability. BEP values for milk yield and milk price were calculated based on data obtained from 95 dairy farms in the CR. BEP values were estimated also for another eight EU countries based upon production and cost data from the EU Farm Accountancy Data Network (FADN). With the milk price ranging from EUR 28 to EUR 38 per 100 L and while excluding subsidies, zero profitability would be achieved on Czech dairy farms with milk yields ranging from 6 706 L to 13 151 L per cow and from 7 450 L to 14 088 L per cow in Czech Fleckvieh (C) and Holstein (H) herds, respectively. In order to achieve 5% profitability, the milk yield would need to increase by 21%. Considerable variability exists among EU countries in estimated BEP values depending upon average milk yields, input prices, and milk prices in different countries.

The leucine-rich repeat receptor-like kinases (LRR-RLKs) compose a large gene family in plant genomes and implement essential functions in diverse plant physiology progress, including defence against pathogens. However, a systematic analysis of LRR-RLKs has not been accomplished in the economically important cucumber. 189 LRR-RLK genes were identified in the cucumber genome and further divided into 22 subgroups based on the sequence similarities in this study. A total of 31 segmental duplication events and 15 tandem duplication events were present in the genome, indicating that the two duplications were the main driving forces for the expansion of the LRR-RLK family in the cucumber. The expression profile analysis revealed that most of the CsLRR-RLKs were upregulated during a downy mildew infection, and resistant cucumbers comprised more upregulated CsLRR-RLKs than the sensitive lines. Taken together, our results provided information on the LRR-RLK gene family in the cucumber and contributed valuable information for the further research of CsLRR-RLKs.

An 8-year-old, neutered male Yorkshire Terrier dog presented with left ventromedial canthus swelling over a one-month period, refractory to pharmacological therapy. There was no history of trauma. On ultrasonography, the lesion had a cystic character filled with anechoic fluid and hyperechoic sedimenting debris. The computed tomography (CT) and CT-dacryocystography showed a cystic lesion protruding from the lacrimal sac fossa and occupying a defect in the orbital plate and an ethmoidal ectoturbinate surrounded by a bony structure with an intact nasolacrimal system. The dog underwent the surgical resection of the cyst and its fluid content was aspirated. Ethmoid mucocele was diagnosed based on the CT, cytologic examination, bacterial culture and histopathologic findings. This case describes the imaging characteristics of an ethmoid mucocele and highlights the importance of CT and CT-dacryocystography in dogs with ventromedial canthus swelling that had poor response to medical treatment.

An 11-year-old intact female Pomeranian dog was referred for jaundice, anorexia, and vomiting. The blood analysis revealed increased alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase. The serum canine pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity was within the normal reference range. The radiography revealed no significant findings. On ultrasound, the gallbladder was enlarged with a markedly distended common bile duct (CBD) measuring up to 6 mm in diameter. The pancreas had an irregular contour, a hypoechoic peripheral rim, multiple hyperechoic foci with acoustic shadowing, and showed increased echogenicity of the adjacent mesentery. Based on these results, an extrahepatic biliary obstruction secondary to the presumed chronic pancreatitis was diagnosed. The computed tomography (CT) images showed a hypoattenuating pancreatic parenchyma compared to the liver in the early phase, as well as multiple calcifications. A laparotomy was performed to reserve the patency of the CBD. The histopathological examination of the pancreas revealed exocrine pancreatic adenocarcinoma. While various appearances of exocrine pancreatic adenocarcinoma on CT have been reported in humans, CT features of pancreatic adenocarcinoma have not been well-established in dogs. The purpose of this report is to describe the atypical imaging features of pancreatic adenocarcinoma that are similar to those of chronic pancreatitis in a dog.

Acetyl-coenzyme A (CoA) is a key metabolite produced by the acetyl-CoA synthetase (ACS) gene in energy metabolism and biosynthetic pathways. ACS is speculated to be the branching site of monacolin K (MK) and citrinin production and related to the metabolite production of Monascus. In this study, the ACS expression was inhibited by ribonucleic acid interference (RNAi). T7 was selected for a follow-up analysis of the lowest ACS expression, which was 0.401 times higher than that of the wild-type strain. The effects on the colony morphology of Monascus were determined. The morphological characteristics of mycelia and spores were observed under a scanning electron microscope. The contents of secondary metabolites, namely, MK and citrinin, were determined through high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Colour values were measured with a spectrophotometer. Results showed that the low ACS expression could inhibit the growth of Monascus colonies and the hypha and affect the formation and morphology of Monascus M1 spores. It could also inhibit the production of the main secondary metabolites, namely, MK, citrinin, and pigment.

Many studies showed that afforestation increases carbon storage and it can have effects on physical, chemical and biological properties of soil. Afforestation can affect local and regional climate and these effects differ between tropical, temperate and boreal areas. Forests are also efficient in protecting soils against erosion and their flood mitigation functions or other benefits are described in different publications. In this study, the pattern of air temperatures (20 cm, 40 cm and 60 cm above the surface) was studied 10 years after the afforestation of agricultural land (warm, mild dry region of the Czech Republic) with a mixture of broadleaved tree species (Quercus robur L., Quercus rubra L. and Acer platanoides L.) or monospecific Pinus sylvestris L. stand. The aim of our study was to find out the pattern of air temperatures (20 cm, 40 cm and 60 cm above the surface) on two plots (one of the plots ‒ old beech trees, the other plot ‒ clearing) in a beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) forest in a mildly warm, mildly wet region of the Czech Republic. The afforestation of agriculturally used land led to air temperature cooling and to a reduction of the amplitude of maximum and minimum temperatures. The average air temperature (from April 2021 to the beginning of November 2021) decreased by 0.7-1.1 °C on the afforested plots compared with the agriculturally used plot. In the beech forest, the average temperature decreased on the plot with clearing compared with the old beech trees (from the middle of September 2021 to the middle of November 2021). Our results confirm the benefits of afforestation to climate change mitigation; buffering of extreme temperatures is important for the human thermal comfort.

A frost occurred in spring following high temperatures in Michigan in 2007. It caused important crop losses. In this study, the damage the frost had on the flower buds of some cherry cultivars on 'Gisela 5' at the Southwest Michigan Research and Extension Center (SWMREC) and different cherry scion/rootstock combinations at the Clarksville Horticultural Experiment Station (CHES) were determined. In cherries, the frost damage at SWMREC varied from 26.7% to 99.3% depending on the cherry cultivar while it varied from 41.9 to 99.3% at CHES depending on the cherry combinations. 'Rainier/Gisela 6' at CHES and 'NY119' at SWMREC were promising. The bud development stage during the freeze, the cultivar, the rootstock, the ages of the trees and the low temperature level were effective in the spring frost resistance.

In most developing countries, the agricultural industry has the potential to alleviate poverty at a faster rate compared to other sectors. As such, many governments have initiated policies and programme to improve agricultural performance. However, some of these projects have not achieved success because the local agricultural markets are often controlled by a small group of stakeholders who tend to hide information in the market despite having huge market power. This paper aimed to determine the issues and impacts of the lack of market information in developing countries and to provide strategies for solving such problems. Results show that the presence of an oligopsonic market system, current information and communication technology (ICTs), the lack of market infrastructure and gender limitations are the main issues related to a lack of information. In turn, lack of information leads to an inefficient agricultural market, causes negative impacts on market participants, and ultimately leads to harmful socio-economic effects. Thus, to solve these problems, it is necessary to improve capacity building, increase access to ICTs and improve market infrastructure.

This study aimed to develop a bamboo culm flour (BCF) to be used in the formulation of cookies, replacing 15% and 30% of wheat flour (WF). The parameters analysed for bamboo flour and cookies were moisture, ash, protein, fat, fibre and carbohydrates. For the flour, the water absorption index (WAI) and water solubility index (WSI) were also determined. BCF is a good source of protein, with a low lipid content and high fibre content, presenting the potential to be used in several food products. For the cookies produced, hardness, sensory analysis and purchase intent were analysed. In the sensory analysis of acceptability, the samples that showed better acceptance were the control formulation and the 15% BCF cookie; in the same sample, crude fibre increased from 5.92 g (100 g)^-1 to 11.64 g (100 g)^-1 compared to the control, and the intention to purchase the 15% sample was worse than for the control but still good: the majority of tasters said they certainly or maybe would buy. Thus, it is possible to conclude that the use of BCF is considered an excellent option to enrich cookies while keeping them acceptable nutritionally.

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of midazolam-ketamine alone or in combination with dexmedetomidine or tramadol in a constant rate infusion (CRI) on the minimum infusion rate (MIR) of propofol and the cardiorespiratory function in cats undergoing an ovariohysterectomy (OH). This was a prospective, randomised, blinded clinical study. Twenty-four healthy female mixed-breed cats were premedicated with ketamine and midazolam. Propofol was used for the induction and maintenance of the anaesthesia (starting at 18 mg/kg/h). Cats were assigned to groups (n = 8) to receive one of the following intravenous treatments: midazolam-ketamine group (MKG; ketamine 0.6 mg/kg/h); midazolam-ketamine-dexmedetomidine group [MKDG; ketamine 0.6 mg/kg/h and dexmedetomidine loading dose (LD) 1 mg/kg, CRI 1 mg/kg/h)] or midazolam-ketamine-tramadol group [MKTG; ketamine 0.6 mg/kg/h and tramadol (LD 2 mg/kg, CRI 1 mg/kg/h)]. During the OH, the propofol infusion was adjusted based on the clinical signs to maintain adequate anaesthetic depth. Selected variables were measured before (T0) and after (T1) the anaesthesia induction and during six surgical time points (T2-T7). The mean arterial pressure was higher and the heart rate was lower in MKDG at T1 (than in MKG and MKTG). The mean ± SD MIR of propofol were 17.4 ± 3.2, 15.0 ± 2.8 and 12.6 ± 3.5 mg/kg/h for MKG, MKTG, and MKDG, respectively. We conclude that, compared to midazolam-ketamine alone, midazolam-ketamine-tramadol and midazolam-ketamine-dexmedetomidine reduced the MRI of propofol by 13.8% and 27.5%, respectively, without significant changes in the selected indicators.

In a contemporary globalised world, assuring food security in the conditions of developing a food self-sufficient economic structure represents not only a challenge in terms of the changing agricultural paradigm, but also an important instrument in assuring, in a long-term manner, societal resilience. However, while achieving self-sufficiency in food, China still faces challenges in terms of establishing sustainable food security and transitioning to a zero hunger state. Rapid economic growth and urbanisation have resulted in shifting food consumption patterns from crops towards more nutritious meat and dairy products and higher-qualitative imported foods. In this study, the current state of food security and production and trade in food and agricultural products in China during 2000-2020 have been analysed and an overview of the strategic directions of the domestic sustainable development, food security, and zero hunger policies are highlighted. The main aim of the study is dedicated to identifying the critical shortcomings and gaps in combating hunger and food insecurity in China and proposing policy recommendations regarding improving the stability of the food supply in the country and deigning new possible strategies to achieve it. The results highlight the major trends and shifts of the food security paradigm in the process of developing a food self-sufficient economy.

The introduction of new varieties in fruit production should consider consumer attitudes regarding the appearance and taste of the fruits. In order to evaluate the consumer attitudes in Serbia and Bosnia & Herzegovina (B&H), on the most important characteristics of cherry fruits, an online survey was conducted with 402 respondents. Participation in the survey was taken by 53.23% of respondents from Serbia and 46.77% from B&H, most of which were women (54.23%). Consumers expressed their views on the most important external (fruit colour, fruit shape, fruit size, presence of a stalk on the fruit, length of the stalk and the presence of damage to the fruit) and internal (fruit taste, fruit firmness) characteristics of the fruit. According to the results, the attitude toward the fruit size, the presence of a stalk and the stalk length, as well as fruit firmness was dependent upon respondents' residence. Both male and female respondents had similar attitudes toward the cherry characteristics except for the fruit taste and the most important cherry characteristics. The age of a respondent influenced the attitude toward the fruit size and the presence of a stalk, as well as the fruit firmness.

In this study, Shewanella oneidensis MR-1, an iron (Fe)-reducing bacterium, was inoculated to a red soil, which was then incubated. Soil samples were taken regularly to analyse the variation of iron oxides and phosphorus (P) fractions. The results showed that the MR-1 inoculation increased the content of the free iron oxides, but decreased the activity of the iron oxides in the soil, and had no significant influence on the amorphous iron oxides. The MR-1 inoculation increased the resin-P and residual-P, decreased the NaHCO₃-extracted inorganic P (NaHCO₃-P_i) and NaOH-extracted inorganic P (NaOH-P_i), but did not significantly influence the diluted HCl-extracted inorganic P (D.HCl-P_i) and concentrated HCl-extracted inorganic P (C.HCl-P_i). The presence of MR-1 influenced the correlation between the free iron oxides and NaOH-P_i. In the CK where deactivated MR-1 was applied, there was a significant positive correlation between the free iron oxides and the NaOH-P_i; in the treatment with the live MR-1 inoculation, there was no correlation between them. In addition, there was a significant positive correlation between the free iron oxides and the C.HCl-P_i, and there was a significant negative correlation between the NaHCO₃-P_i, resin-P, and residual-P. Therefore, the MR-1 inoculation improved the P availability by decreasing the activity of the iron oxides and consequently improved the P use efficiency in the red soil.

The exact determination of the rotation period is still a current and important essential issue of forestry. It attracts the attention of forest economists, managers and owners worldwide, not only of forest economists but also of forest managers. The rotation period is defined by physical, technical or financial parameters of forest management. Therefore, it is necessary to distinguish between the biological and the economic optimal rotation period. A fundamental challenge in forest management is the need for appropriate determination of the rotation period. The primary interest of our research was to compare the effective legislation for the determination of the rotation period in the Czech Republic and in the Slovak Republic. Scientific methods such as document analysis and questionnaire survey were applied. The results of the legislation analysis and other related documents were compared with the expert opinions of the relevant stakeholders. Those who affect the decision process related to the problem and those where are "affected" by the problem were involved in the study. Results show that respondents do not agree with the regulation of rotation period according to effective law. Moreover, they consider it as not usable as the conditions in forest ecosystems have changed recently, which is not considered in the legislation.

Little cherry virus 1 (LChV1) of the genus Velarivirus is an important pathogen associated with the little cherry disease. It infects various species of the genus Prunus, mainly the sweet cherry and the sour cherry. Recently, plums and apricots have also been reported as natural hosts. In the present work, the LChV1 isolate causing chlorotic mosaics in almonds is characterised. The nearly complete (+)ssRNA genome sequence of the Alm138 isolate, obtained by Sanger sequencing, is 16 878 nt long showing a typical velarivirus structure with 8 ORFs. Among them, the taxonomically important ORFs, ORF1a/1b encoding the polyprotein is 8 421 nt long, with a 0/+1 frameshift position at 6 923; ORF3 encoding the heat shock protein HSP70h is 1 656 nt long, and ORF6 encoding the coat protein duplicate is 1 989 nt long. The genome sequence showed its highest identity with LChV1 isolates Apr184R (96.2%), 19SP003B (92.2%) and Kyoto-2 (92.1%). A similar situation was also found for the ORF1, HSP70h, and CP nucleotide and amino acid sequences. A phylogenetic analysis identified Alm138 as a member of the G5 phylogenetic group, supporting its close relationships with the Czech Apr184R apricot isolate and the other members of this group. This report describes the first little cherry virus 1 isolate infecting almonds and confirms the presence of isolates of the G5 phylogroup within Europe.

A two-year-old female Prague Ratter dog was presented for evaluation of cough, exercise intolerance and worsening dyspnea. A previous treatment with antibiotics did not resolve the clinical signs. A diagnostic approach revealed peripheral eosinophilia, endoscopic bronchial changes, and bronchoalveolar lavage with eosinophilic inflammation. Thoracic radiographs revealed a solitary mass and bilateral interstitial lung pattern. These radiographic findings were confirmed by computed tomography and ultrasound-guided biopsy of the lung mass. Treatment with prednisolone and azathioprine was initiated. Two months afterwards, the granuloma was no longer detectable radiographically. All medication was gradually discontinued after nine months and currently, after almost three years, the dog remains free of clinical signs.

This study provides the first insight into the biologically active potential (total phenolic compounds, flavonoids, tannins and antioxidant activity) of Moldavian сarob beans and pod pulp in comparison with carob grown in Algeria, Spain, and Italy. The results showed that the samples of Moldavian carob contain significant amounts (P ≤ 0.05) of biologically active compounds, the content of some of these compounds is far exceeding that of сarob from the above-mentioned regions. Thus, the total content of phenolic compounds in Moldavian carob samples is 1.4 times higher, of flavonoids 1.9 times higher compared to the imported ones. The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) antioxidant activity of Moldavian carob samples proved to be about 10-12% higher than the antioxidant activity of samples from other regions. It has been proved that Moldavian carob pod pulp and beans have a high biologically active potential making them possible ingredients for functional food products.

Blast disease caused by Pyricularia oryzae is one of the most destructive fungal diseases of rice in Malaysia. Utilisation of resistant varieties is the most efficient management approach towards reducing yield losses. The line IRTP21683 with the Pi9 gene has shown strong resistance against the isolate MPO988.3 of pathotype P_0.0, the most prevalent P. oryzae pathotype in Malaysia. Crossing of IRTP21683 was undertaken with the recurrent parent MR220, a susceptible elite Malaysian rice variety, using a marker assisted backcrossing technique with two simple sequence repeat markers, RM19776 and RM7311, as the tag for the Pi9 gene. Twenty BC₃F₄ lines with the Pi9 gene were resistant when challenged with MPO 988.3. The cluster analysis based on seven agronomic parameters showed that the resistant BC₃F₄ lines could be divided into four groups, of which the members in group 1 and 2 have shown comparable or better performance than MR220. Five lines in group 1, B220PI9-3-48, B220PI9-3-76, B220PI9-3-77, B220PI9-3-79 and B220PI9-3-82 showed outstanding yield performance with early maturation.

To assess the response of two safflower genotypes to auxin foliar application under late-season drought stress using a factorial split-plot experiment with the randomised complete block design, a two-year experiment (2016-2017 and 2017-2018) was conducted in Iran. The watering regime as specified in two levels including, regular irrigation and drought stress in main plots and two safflower genotypes and auxin foliar application in two levels including non-foliar application (control) and auxin foliar application at a concentration of 30 ppm were categorised in subplots. Drought stress at the seed filling stage reduced the safflower seed and oil yield. Moreover, a significant drought-induced decrease in linoleic acid, palmitic acid and behenic acid content, as well as an increase in oleic acids, was observed in two safflower genotypes. Among two safflower genotypes, the early maturing genotype less affected by drought and Goldasht had higher seed yield than the Padideh by 814 kg/ha, respectively. Auxin foliar application alleviates the adverse effects of drought, which led to an 18% increase in seed yield and components. However, the auxin application had no effect on the safflower seed oil content but palmitic acid content was affected by auxin foliar application. Generally, safflower along with auxin application can be recommended to develop safflower cultivation in semi-arid areas.

The rhodinol content is an essential component in determining the citronella oil qualities. This study aimed to develop a model calibrated to predict the rhodinol content in citronella oil using near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy. This research is the initial stage in developing a spectral smart sensor system that predicts the rhodinol content of citronella oil in the distillation and fractionating process. Citronella oil samples were scanned by NIRFlex liquid N-500 with a wavelength of 1 000-2 500 nm having an absorbance value (log 1/T). The accuracy of the prediction was achieved using the partial least square (PLS) model. Based on the NIR spectrum at a peak of around 1 620 nm, the rhodinol content in the citronella oil was estimated. The finest model to predict the rhodinol content was y = 0.9874x + 15.6439 with a standard error of the calibration set (SEC) = 2.78%, a standard error of the prediction set (SEP) = 2.88%, a ratio of the performance to the deviation (RPD) = 9.23, a coefficient of variation (CV) = 16.81%, and the correlation coefficient (r) = 0.99. The NIR and PLS models are possible to use for the initial stage in developing a spectral smart sensor system to determine the rhodinol content of citronella oils.

Soils that contain rock fragments (particles > 2 mm in diameter) are distributed all over the world. The presence of these small rock fragments can have a great impact on soil water retention properties, as well as on the soil-water infiltration and vegetation restoration in semi-arid regions. To quantitatively describe the transport of water in stony soils, repacked soil cores were used to determine the infiltration rates for different rock fragment contents (0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40%) and rock fragment sizes (2-5, 5-8, 8-11, and 2-11 mm). The results showed that both the content and size of the rock fragments and their interaction significantly affected the infiltration process. The infiltration rates over time and the saturated hydraulic conductivity (K_s) decreased with an increasing rock fragment content to an observed minimum value for a 40% rock fragment content. The soil-water infiltration processes were accurately described by the Kostiakov model. The measured and calculated K_s values decreased with an increasing rock fragment content, which was in accordance with the published data and in accordance with the K_s obtained by five empirical methods. The variations in the measured K_s were likely due to the variations in the soil properties caused by the soil sample repacking. The results of this study may improve the understanding of the effects of the rock fragment content and size on the infiltration processes in arid and semi-arid desert steppes.

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 study was embarked upon to assess forest guards' Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) behavioural change sequences in Nigeria lowland forest reserves using a structural equation modelling approach. Two research questions were raised and corresponding hypotheses were tested. From the data analysed, it was revealed that both knowledge and attitude variables significantly predicted the behaviour of the forest guards' towards the management of the forest and its resources. Although the attitude variable on its own did not significantly predict the forest guards' behaviours (t = 1.401, P > 0.05), it can be stated that the knowledge of the forest guards towards the forest is a better predictor to their environmental behaviours and their behavioural change sequence (AKP) is inclined towards developing affinity to the forest. Hence seminar and symposiums should be organized for all forest guards with the objectives of having better efforts and persistence, preparation for action, better visualization of success, reduce stressors, and fewer intrusive negative thoughts in managing the forest and its resources. This will help boost their affinity to the forest and self-efficacy as the study revealed that the Attitude-Knowledge-Practice (AKP) sequence explains better the behaviour of the forest guards in protecting the forest reserves.

A 9-month-old Holstein heifer with a history of severely poor growth presented with diarrhoea. On physical examination, a metallic pinging sound was heard on the simultaneous percussion and auscultation of the left trunk. On the cranial abdominal radiography, the contour of a gas-filled balloon-like abomasum wall was delineated, which elevated to the dorsal abdomen. Radiopaque sand at the bottom of the abomasum had been pulled up caudodorsally by the gas-filled abomasum. After surgery, the gas-filled balloon-like appearance of the abomasum wall disappeared and the radiopaque sand was located in the normal position. To our knowledge, no reports on a displaced abomasum on plain radiographs are available. The radiographic findings described herein are characteristic imaging findings of a displaced abomasum. Abdominal radiography could be a new option as an auxiliary diagnostic approach for a displaced abomasum.