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The present study aimed to apply a multi-residue method for the screening and quantification of pesticide residues in ciders, low alcoholic beverages made by fermentation of apple juice. Twenty bottled craft cider samples purchased from the Czech market were analysed for pesticide residues. The residues of pesticides were extracted from samples using the QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe) procedure in combination with additional solid-phase extraction (SPE) sample clean-up to achieve the lowest detection limit possible. In this study, targeted screening of pesticide residues in the samples was performed with the Q-Orbitrap mass spectrometry instrument. We identified 18 pesticides in cider samples analysed by screening method using an accurate-mass database of about 500 pesticide compounds, including their retention times, empirical formulas, and characteristic fragments. Additionally, liquid chromatography with high-resolution tandem mass spectrometer (LC-HRMS/MS) was used for re-analysis of positive findings of pesticides in samples and allowed to quantify compounds of interest at 0.2 µg L^–1 concentration level. The monitoring scheme was applied to the set of craft ciders, and the results revealed the presence of pesticide residues in most of the samples at trace levels ranging from 0.5 to 5 µg L^–1 and rarely at a level higher than 10 µg L^–1.

The degree of the phenotypic similarity and differences between 61 seedless vine varieties was studied by grouping them according to economically important phenological, agrobiological and technological indicators. A multidimensional statistical approach is applied – a cluster analysis, which provides possibilities of establishing relatively homogeneous groups (clusters), based on a set of certain indicators. As the cluster analysis does not perform any tests for the statistical significance of the results, it is combined with a factor analysis, which provides information on the reasons leading to the distribution of the individual varieties in different clusters and the merging of others into one cluster. The applied factor analysis transformed all the studied indicators into seven main components, explaining 76% of the total variance. The transformation of these traits to the corresponding number of factors and the indicators in them, which explain that the varieties belong to the separate clusters, was established. The limits of the phenotypic similarity and differences between the studied seedless vine varieties and the conditional parameters of the polymorphism with their economically significant ampelographic characteristics were determined. The presented grouping can be used for taxonomic purposes, as well as in the selection to create new seedless vine varieties. By applying targeted agro-technical measures, the desired change in the indicators of the first and second factors in the individual groups of traits can be actively influenced.

While even-aged forestry is the dominating forest management system in Sweden, there is an increasing interest in Continuous Cover Forestry. Consequently, the conversion of even-aged stands into uneven-aged ones using e.g. selection cutting can be expected to become more common in Sweden. However, there are no up-to-date studies available on harvester productivity during selection cutting under Nordic conditions. Studying harvest intensity during selection cutting is of interest because lighter harvest intensities lead to higher volume growth and better-preserved forest ambience than heavier intensities. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of harvest intensity on harvester productivity during selection cutting. The field study entailed harvesting either 14%, 28% or 48% of a mature stand’s basal area. Harvester productivity was mainly explained by piece size (stem volume), while other factors, including harvest intensity, had only minor effects. This reality means that during selection cutting (thinning from above), piece size increases with decreasing harvest intensity, which in turn increases harvester productivity. Moreover, we observed a mild tendency that operators could select the stems’ felling directions and order more freely when fewer trees are harvested. This amelioration increases productivity additionally during lighter harvesting intensities.

Glyphosate is a widely used agrochemical. Nevertheless, only a few studies have investigated its effect on bees, specifically its influence on their foraging activity. This article provides a summary of the prominent research results on this issue, published in journals in the field of experimental biology. The effect of commonly used concentrations of glyphosate on honey bee navigation has been evaluated in several studies, as well as concentrations that are reportedly sublethal. Exposure to this herbicide increases the flight time back to the hive and affects the flight trajectories of these bees. These results imply that glyphosate at certain concentrations reduces their sensitivity to nectar rewards in associative memories. The contact of bees with non-lethal concentrations of glyphosate results in sublethal effects that affect foraging. In the future, the behaviour of glyphosate and its effect on bees in their natural environment need to be explored.

This study identified three soil bacteria (NRRU-BW3, NRRU-BW3, and NRRU-TV11) that degrade chlorpyrifos, produce indole-3-acetic acid, and exopolysaccharides under pesticide stress. The results revealed that soil bacteria were identified as Priestia megaterium NRRU-BW3, Bacillus siamensis NRRU-BW9, and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens NRRU-TV11. These strains showed the ability to produce indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and exopolysaccharides (EPS) in chlorpyrifos. Moreover, these bacteria can degrade chlorpyrifos (CP) in an aqueous medium, and a 33–52% degradation rate was observed after 14 days of incubation. Inoculation with the NRRU-TV11 significantly increased (P < 0.05) plant height, root length, biomass and vigour index of rice seedlings compared to uninoculated controls in chlorpyrifos-contaminated soil. The findings demonstrated the beneficial effects of indigenous NRRU-TV11 on rice seedling development and chlorpyrifos degradation and recommended this strain as a potential replacement for plant growth improvement and environmental bioremediation of pesticide-contaminated agricultural soils.

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

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

In some cases, it is difficult to promote climax tree species in the forest stand composition. In the Czech Republic, silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) is a typical example. This study offers an evaluation of the use of two improving compounds for tree plantations in the initial stage of growth in Central Bohemia. In the experiment, we measured the initial growth performance of a young fir plantation treated with a brassinolide compound (concentration 1 : 100 and 1 : 200) and Bio-Algeen^® prior to planting and compared it with control treatment: we assessed height, root collar diameter, vitality and mortality rate during the period 2014–2019. Cumulative mortality rate of the plantation reached 25% at the end of the monitoring period, without any significant differences between variants. Height increment of the variant treated with Bio-Algeen^® was significantly (P < 0.05) lower than the growth of brassinolide-treated variants, all treated variants were comparable with the control variant. The plantation underwent a drought-stress period in 2014 and 2015, which resulted in worsened vitality and colour across variants. As a result of the simple economic analysis, the most expensive inputs are planting stock and labour, therefore the price and application of additional substances should not affect decision-making.

Dried fruits are popular ready-to-eat snacks. However, due to cross-contamination or contact with infected persons, Escherichia coli could be present, of which some strains are pathogenic, thus, the consumption of contaminated dried fruits could pose a public health risk. Microbial cells subjected to stress factors such as osmotic shock, radiation and antimicrobials could induce complex stress response systems and adaptation. Radiation and antimicrobials have been shown to cause an SOS response in E. coli, which affects cellular metabolism, such as the enhanced ability to repair DNA and mutagenesis. Studies have shown that glucose plays a critical role in the down- or upregulation of locus for enterocyte effacement (LEE)-encoded virulence of E. coli. Gamma radiation could also cause the formation of viable but nonculturable (VBNC) cells. If these cells are present in a sample, the number of viable cells will be underestimated by the plate count method leading to the false conclusion that the product is germ-free. We have reviewed in this article how stressors such as high sugar content, gamma radiation, and antimicrobials affect the survival of E. coli in dried fruits.

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

Endocrine disruptors, also known as endocrine-disrupting chemicals, could mimic or interfere with the body's hormones. Indeed, naturally occurring endocrine disruptors have been widely identified in daily foods. Moreover, industrialisation has resulted in increasing synthetic endocrine disruptors being produced and used as food additives or in food package materials, which makes exposure to endocrine disruptors become more common. Although the safety of synthetic chemicals has been extensively evaluated before entering into the food industry, increasing evidence has also highlighted that long-lasting exposure might influence long-term metabolic outcomes and be associated with the prevalence of obesity. Therefore, this review summarised the sources, detection methods, obesogenic effects and possible mechanisms of endocrine disruptors commonly found in foods, as well as discussed possible underlying mechanisms by which endocrine disruptors contribute to the increased risk of obesity. In conclusion, the review may provide useful information for understanding the association between endocrine disruptors and obesity, which could provide a new angle of view for preventing obesity prevalence.

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

The intensification of Alopecurus myosuroides Huds. (black-grass) is becoming a major problem due to its growing resistance to a broad spectrum of acetolactate synthase (ALS)-inhibiting herbicides. Hence, the present study was conducted to evaluate the resistance level of a black-grass population to iodosulfuron plus mesosulfuron and to identify the underlying resistance mechanism. Dose-response studies revealed that the resistance population is 22 times less sensitive to iodosulfuron plus mesosulfuron than the susceptible population. The probable resistance mechanism identified was the target-site substitution of proline (Pro) by threonine (Thr) at the 197^th position of the ALS enzyme. Furthermore, whole plant response bioassay experiments demonstrated that this population is also resistant to pinoxaden, chlorotoluron, diflufenican plus pendimethalin plus chlorotoluron, fenoxaprop and flufenacet plus diflufenican. In summary, the current findings recommend using alternative herbicides in integrated weed management to interrupt the possible evolution of herbicide resistance in these species.

Wheat flour is one of the most important sources of nutrients, and it is widely consumed worldwide as a raw ingredient in bread and other pastries. High heavy metal concentrations in the consumed wheat products could induce higher health risks. This study evaluated the heavy metal concentrations in the most available foreign and domestic wheat flour in Sulaimani, Kurdistan Iraq. The wheat flour samples were collected from different locations, and the heavy metal concentration was measured by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The mean values in wheat flour samples were roughly within the permissible limit set by Iraqi standard (IQS), GCC Standardization Organization (GSO) (GCC – Gulf Cooperation Council), Codex, and FAO/WHO. Heavy metals were detected in the descending order copper (Cu) > lead (Pb) > arsenic (As) > chromium (Cr) > nickel (Ni) > cadmium (Cd) > cobalt (Co). The results showed that wheat flour samples from the Sulaimani markets were slightly contaminated with Ni, and one domestic wheat flour sample with Pb was probably linked to fertiliser and soil contamination. It is concluded that wheat flour could be a source of chronic exposure to toxic heavy metals such as nickel and lead, resulting in adverse health issues later. Consequently, regular monitoring of soil contamination, water quality, and use of recommended levels of fertilisers and pesticides in the agricultural areas of Sulaimani are recommended.

White asparagus is a highly appreciated, high-value crop with a distinguished economic relevance among vegetables. Freshly harvested asparagus is available only during a short part of the year and the demand varies. The produce is perishable and only proper handling can ensure its quality after a reasonable shelf life. In this study, we investigated a new method to reduce one of the most important reasons for quality decline: fresh matter losses. The potential benefits or disadvantages of moist asparagus packaging for unpeeled white asparagus (cv. 'Gijnlim') was tested. We used polythene sleeves or bags, lined with cellulose fleece to hold added water for moisturizing. 500 g bunches of spears were filled in the bags. Spears were partly covered by the sleeves or totally covered by the bags. All spears were stored for 3 to 11 days at the temperature of 2°C, 8°C and a combination of 2°C/22°C.The last temperatures were to simulate retail conditions. In wet bags spear fresh weight increased, losses in bags with dry fleece were low. Maintaining of fresh weight in wet bags coincided significantly with higher bending firmness, and lower shear force, which points to less fibrousness. Wet storage also reduced the incidence of dried cut surfaces but promoted the incidence of lengthwise fractures and, in combination with higher temperature, grey-brown discolouration and colour saturation. Wet packaging may be beneficial primarily under low temperature and low air humidity storage conditions.

The tillage depth plays a critical role in solving soil compaction - a global problem of soil degradation. However, to date, there are few research reported about tillage depth, and the standard of optimum tillage depth is lacking. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to quantify the effect of tillage depths on crop yield across a global scale, and then to analysis their influence factors such as local climate, soil properties, and managements. Moreover, a global distribution of the optimal tillage depths was estimated by using a random-forest model. Overall, our result demonstrated that crop yield first increased within tillage depths from 25 to 35 cm, and then reduced under higher depth of deep tillage compared to conventional tillage, according to 1109 wheat, maize and soybean (WMS) yield observations from 202 studies and 109 publications. Visibly, 35 cm hence became the optimum tillage depth of WMS across the world, while it varies with different regions. Furthermore, higher crop yields observed in areas with a humid climate, high clay contents, and large bulk density under the optimal depth 40, 35 and 45 cm, respectively. In contrast, a lower yield was observed in areas with arid climates, silty and sandy soils, and lower bulk density within optimal depth of 25 cm, 30 cm, and 25 to 35 cm. Human management efforts, including fertilizer addition, irrigation, straw returning, and changing of cropping system or crop species mostly increased the crop yield under deep tillage. Particularly, our meta-analysis indicated that straw returning needs a greater depth. Finally, we predicted the distributions of optimum depths, which showed that 30 and 35 cm were the optimum tillage depths in the temperate and tropical regions, and the total crop yields of global WMS increased by 2689 million tons per year under the optimal tillage depth, compared with the conventional tillage.

Advocating proper phosphorus (P) fertilisation is necessary to save this limited natural resource and to save the investment in rice cultivation. This study aimed to evaluate changes in phosphorus availability, total phosphorus in soil, phosphorus buffering capacity, and phosphorus saturation in the long-term phosphorus fertilisation in the paddy rice system. Soil samples were collected in the harvest stage after seven consecutive crops over three years at Can Tho city, Vietnam. The applied phosphorus fertiliser rates were: no phosphorus fertilisation (P0), 17.4 kg P/ha (P17.4), and 26.2 kg P/ha as farmer’s practice (P26.2). The results showed that the soil phosphorus buffering capacity in P0, P17.4 and P26.2 treatments was 9.49, 9.08 and 9.04 mg/kg, respectively. The degree of phosphorus saturation of P17.4 and P26.2 treatments ranged from 17.7% to 25.5%, showing the medium to high risk of phosphorus leaching. This study indicated that the application of phosphorus rate higher than 17.4 kg P/ha might result in the reduced soil phosphorus buffering capacity in the intensive rice cropping system in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta region. Our results implied that the application of a rate lower than 17.4 kg P/ha/crop could be extended to the other rice-growing (double/triple rice) areas in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta region or other paddy rice on alluvial soils in Asia.

Today, there is widespread concern about the potential health effects on populations from consuming contaminated leafy plants and vegetables. In this study, heavy metal content is present in commonly consumed leafy plants (Atriplex hortensis, Spinacia oleracea, Urtica dioica, Beta vulgaris, and Brassica oleracea) from the mining area near Tuzla in Bosnia and Herzegovina was determined. After the preparation of the samples by wet digestion with HNO3, the flame and graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry was used. According to the results, the lowest concentration in leafy plants was obtained for Cr 0.08 mg/kg (Brassica oleracea) and the highest for Fe 539.15 mg/kg (Spinacia oleracea). The novelty of this study was to estimate health risk assessment for selected leafy plants. The estimated daily intake (EDI) of Pb, Mn, Zn, and Cd from consuming leafy plants was higher than the maximum tolerated daily intake. For adults, the total target hazard quotient (THQ) calculated based on EDI of the heavy metals was found to be > 1 for Pb and Cd due to all leafy plant consumption and for the children risk level of THQ was observed for most heavy metals. The hazard index due to the intake of toxic metals from ingesting leafy plants was much > 1. According to the total carcinogenic risk index for adults and children, the carcinogenic risks for all samples were higher than the tolerable range. Based on the results of this study, there is a significant non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risk to the population associated with the consumption of leafy plants cultivated in the mining area.

The present study was aimed at measuring the concentration of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in the milk of Holstein Friesian cows, its effect on the milk quality and seasonal trends, as well as to investigate the efficacy of a commercial clay-based toxin binder. For this purpose, milk samples from dairy cows (n = 72) were collected and assayed for AFM1 before employing a clay-based toxin binder. The milk samples (n = 72) were collected from selected animals, revealing that 69.4% of the milk samples had AFM1 levels above the United States permissible limit (0.5 µg/kg). The incidence of AFM1 in milk during the winter and summer was 82.5% and 53.1%, respectively. Owing to the presence of AFM1, the level of milk fat, solids-not-fat, and protein were found to be low. Subsequently, the affected animals were divided into two groups, i.e., AFM1 positive control (n = 10) and the experimental group (n = 40). The experimental group of animals were fed the clay-based toxin binder at 25 g/animal/day. A progressive decrease of 19.8% in the AFM1 levels was observed on day 4 and on day 7 (53.6%) in the treatment group. Furthermore, the fat, solids-non-fat and protein increased significantly in the milk. In conclusion, a high level of AFM1 contamination occurs in the milk in Pakistan, affecting the quality of the milk production. Clay-based toxin binders may be used to ensure the milk quality and to protect the animal and consumer health.

Oriental beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky) is the most important and valuable industrial wood species in the Hyrcanian forests in the north of Iran mainly used for furniture, veneer, composite, and papermaking industries. The present research was conducted in 2014 aimed at investigating the physicochemical changes of the felled oriental beech stumps over a 2-25 year period, and likewise the feasibility of using the given stumps as an alternative resource for wood pulp production. To do so, the effects of in-situ decay of beech stumps on their physical (wet and dry weights of wood, wet apparent density, and dry apparent density) and chemical (cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, extractives, and total mass of carbohydrates) properties over a 2-25 year felling period were studied. The effects of the given decay period were also studied on the obtained Kraft pulp yield and Kappa number. The results indicate that the wet and dry apparent densities as well as the wet and dry weights of the wood samples decreased over the study period. Also, the results show that approximately 30% of the total mass of carbohydrates was degraded by the ambient fungi over the initial two years of felling, whereas the same property was reduced by 60% after 25 years. The Kraft pulp yields obtained from 2- and 25-year decayed stumps were 22.5% and 8.4%, respectively. The fungal degradation of wood chemical compounds could considerably reduce pulp yield and Kappa number by 62.8% and 74.2%, respectively. The results of a stepwise multivariate regression model evidence that cellulose not only affects the Kappa number but also owns a greater share (vs. lignin) in modelling the Kappa number. This reveals that the intensity of cellulose degradation, due to fungal exposure, is significantly higher than that of the other components of beech stumps in the studied forest area.

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

In this study, the first observation of Thanasimus femoralis was conducted in Türkiye. Adults of T. femoralis and Thanasimus formicarius were collected from pheromone traps together with Ips sexdentatus, Ips acuminatus, Ips mannsfeldi and Scolytus intricatus in forest nurseries located in the Western Black Sea Region, between 2021 and 2022. The clerid and bark beetles were morphologically described. The aedeagus and antennae of T. femoralis were observed by scanning electron microscopy.

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

The effects of long-term various organic fertilisers application on ecosystem respiration components and net carbon budget have rarely been investigated in a hillslope agricultural ecosystem. Hence, we measured the rates of plant autotrophic (R_a) and soil heterotrophic respiration (R_h) from 2011 to 2012 with five treatments: no fertiliser (CK); mineral fertiliser (MF); MF combined with swine manure (MFS); MF combined with crop straw (MFC), and swine manure (SM). Our results confirm that R_a was found to be more temperature-moisture sensitive than R_h, whereas R_h was more temperature sensitive than R_a. Soil microbial biomass carbon (MBC) is a major factor influencing the temperature sensitivity coefficient of Rh (Q₁₀), thereby application of organic fertilisers combined with mineral fertilisers (MFS and MFC) significantly increased annual by 19.3% and 17.2% compared with MF treatment. Annual carbon emissions via R_h and R_a under MFS, MFC and SM treatments were increased by 24.6, 28.5, 48.8% and 6.6, 10.6, 1.8%, respectively compared with MF treatment (4.6 and 23.2 t C/ha/year). Net primary production (NPP) under MFS, MFC and SM treatments were increased by 5.4, 6.01, and 15.6% relative to MF treatment (13.6 t C/ha/year), respectively, and the corresponding net ecosystem carbon budget (NECB) increased by 121.2, 172.8, and 342.4%. Our findings establish that long-term organic fertilisers application increase plant autotrophic, heterotrophic respiration and net ecosystem carbon budget, which can increase the carbon sink function. Overall, crop straw combined with mineral fertiliser is a feasible agronomy practice to increase carbon sink function, reduce soil erosion and maintain crop yield.

This study focused on drying moringa leaves using a cabinet dryer. The impact of the 40, 50, and 60 °C drying air temperatures on the moisture content of the leaves at a constant air velocity with variation in weight (40, 80, and 120 g) was considered. Ten drying models were fitted to the drying data to describe the drying parameters of moringa leaves. The best model was chosen based on the highest coefficient of determination (R²), and the lowest sum of square error (SSE) and root mean square error (RMSE) values. The Henderson and Pabis model best described the drying characteristics of the moringa leaves having the highest R² (0.9888) and lowest SSE (0.0401) and RMSE (0.0604). The effective moisture diffusivity increased with the temperatures ranging from 8.72 × 10^–9 to 1.40 × 10^–8 m²·s^–1. The activation energy ranged from 90.4636, 40.4884, and 22.7466 KJ·mol^–1 for 40, 80, and 120 g, respectively.

Land use changes together with riverbed regulations to avoid the annual floods affect the ecosystem of floodplain forests. Later subsequent revitalization measures, transboundary controlled river management, wetland restoration, and integrated planning were realized to reduce the negative effect of groundwater dropping and other environmental problems. This study aimed to follow the dynamic of groundwater level, soil properties and forest vitality as affected by climate change. The continuous dataset (2019–2022) of soil physical and hydrophysical parameters and tree radial growth parameters were obtained. Groundwater level was evaluated by z-score and the means, and standard deviation values were considered. The monthly assessment of soil and climatic conditions showed that the uneven distribution of rainfall and the increase in temperatures have significantly affected the soil hydrological regime and forest growth. Continual monitoring is necessary to prepare projection models, which can help better understand both the soil and tree growth parameters in the changing environment.

The last years have seen a momentous transformation in Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). The focus of interventions has shifted from production toward rural development but recognising the role of farmers. Although the attitudes of farmers to CAP have long been previously studied, little attention has been focused on the views of citizens. Using data from the ‘Special Eurobarometer 520: Europeans, Agriculture and the CAP’, we sought to provide a clearer understanding of citizens’ opinions about the future of agriculture and rural areas in the European Union. In particular, we assessed rural-urban differences and examined disparities across countries, paying attention to the importance of rural development in the planned expenditure under CAP 2023–2027. The results showed that the perceived importance is higher for respondents living in rural areas and that there are disparities across countries. From a policy perspective, targeted efforts should be made in each country to address the specific challenges each country faces.

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.

The improvement of rice production to meet food needs for the increasing population is a general problem faced in wetland development for agriculture. The use of industrial waste, such as coal fly ash (CFA), could effectively improve the soil properties of wetlands. In this study, CFA with an amount of 2% (weight/volume) or 240 g was added to 12 L of three different soils collected from the rice fields (peatland, swampland, and rainfed field) in a 15-L pot, and then incubated in the greenhouse for 15 days. The soil pH, concentrations of NH₄⁺-N, NO₃^–-N, exchangeable calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) and available phosphorus in the soil were quantified following the completion of the incubation. Rice seedlings were planted in each pot, and after 90 days, the growth and yield variables were observed. The results showed that CFA application enhanced the concentrations of NH₄⁺-N, NO₃^–-N, and available phosphorus in peatland and swampland, the rice fields that contain high organic carbon (C), which ultimately leads to increasing rice growth and yield. The application of CFA to rice fields containing low organic carbon did not improve available nitrogen and phosphorus nor enhance the growth and yield of rice. Results of this study indicate an important role of soil organic C content in the rice fields in controlling the effect of CFA on nutrient availability, growth and yield of rice.

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the occurrence and range of refractive errors in dogs of different ages. A total of 99 clinically healthy, mixed-breed mesocephalic dogs were included in the study and divided into three different age groups according to the current human/pet analogy chart: 40 adults (23 males, 17 females, 1–8 years old, 3–70 kg), 21 seniors (14 males, 7 females, 6–11 years old, 7–42 kg), and 38 geriatrics (22 males, 16 females, 8–13 years old, 5–45 kg). All the dogs underwent an ophthalmic examination, including Schirmer tear test, tonometry, biomicroscopy, and ophthalmoscopy. Neither eye drops nor pharmacological sedatives were administered before the autorefractometry. The refractive states were assessed bilaterally using a hand-held Retinomax 3 (Righton) autorefractor. The results underwent statistical analysis using Statistica v12 software (ANOVA and t-test). A P-value < 0.05 was considered as significant. Emmetropia, defined as a refractive state > −0.5 D and < +0.5 D, was found in 36% of the adult, 43% of the senior, and 38% of the geriatric patients. Anisometropia was found in 1% of the adult, 9.5% of the senior and 5.5% of the geriatric dogs when the refractive power of the two eyes differed ≥ 1.0 myopia ≤ −0.5 D and hyperopia ≥ +0.5 D were found in 23% and 41% of the adult eye globes as well as 24% and 33% in the senior dogs and 15% and 47% in the geriatric dogs, respectively. The maximal values of the myopia in the adult and geriatric dogs were −2.5 D and −2.75 D, respectively. The maximal values of the hyperopia in the adult and geriatric dogs were 1.75 D and 2.5 D, respectively. No statistically significant correlation was found between the groups. Ametropia is a common refractive state for dogs of different ages. The most frequent refractive state in ametropic mixed-bed dogs in all age groups is hyperopia.