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In recent decades, Norway spruce (Picea abies) stands have become increasingly vulnerable to frequent droughts and associated outbreaks of secondary biotic pests, resulting in significant degradation of forest ecosystems. To preserve their production and ecological functions, it is necessary to apply well-adapted silvicultural practices that mitigate the risk of stand decline. This study examines the effects of two thinning intensities (moderate and heavy) on stand productivity and resilience under varying site conditions. Three long-term research sites with paired differently thinned plots located within and outside the natural range of Norway spruce in the Czech Republic were analysed. Tree-ring width measurements were used to calculate radial growth trends and four resilience indices (resistance, resilience, recovery and average relative growth reduction). Across sites Blaník (BL), Tetřeví Boudy (TB) and Železná Ruda (ZR), basal area increment (BAI) differed significantly between thinning intensities (BL: P = 0.044; TB: P = 0.0076; ZR: P < 0.001), with moderate thinning showing higher BAI at BL and TB, whereas heavy thinning reduced growth at the waterlogged TB site. Site-specific differences in tree growth responses to negative pointer years were evaluated, particularly concerning drought events. Resilience metrics computed for five drought pointer years (1976, 2000, 2003, 2015, 2019) showed no consistent differences between thinning intensities; however, at ZR, heavy thinning yielded higher resilience (Rs) and resistance (Rt) in 2015 and 2019. During drought years, the average relative growth reduction (ARGR) ranged from 3% to 31%, with the lowest values under moderate thinning. Overall, moderate thinning enhanced stand productivity and resilience, whereas heavy thinning had adverse effects at the waterlogged site. These results highlight the need to adapt silvicultural practices to local ecological conditions to ensure long-term stability and productivity.

Lab-grown cells (also known as cell-based or cultured meat) are novel food innovations that face uncertain consumer acceptance. This review examines recent research (2020–2024) on consumer perceptions of lab-grown cells, focusing on three main areas: (1) public awareness and familiarity, (2) psychological and cultural aspects shaping perceptions, and (3) the impact of information on acceptance. Results show that the awareness of lab-grown cells varies widely across regions; in countries with high meat consumption, such as the USA and Australia, or where culinary delights are highly valued, such as France, respondents rated lab-grown cells lower than in those countries where meat consumption is now rising, for example, China or Mexico. The knowledge of lab-grown cells positively impacted attitude, while psychological barriers (e.g. food neophobia) and disgust emerged as key deterrents. The information provided to respondents significantly influenced their willingness to accept, buy, try, eat, and pay premium prices. Personal (mainly health-related) benefits significantly increased the acceptance of lab-grown cells, while societal benefits (e.g. benefits to the environment or animal welfare) had less prominent effects than expected. At the same time, information regarding production technology (high-tech, laboratory, artificial) resulted in lower ratings from respondents. The conclusion is that overlooking the positive attributes of meat and focusing on the unproven advantages of lab-grown cells may lead to misleading results. On the other hand, effective communication – especially messages highlighting personal benefits – can substantially improve the consumer openness.

In Eastern Europe, near-natural forest patches are decreasing and are gradually replaced by non-native plantations. Tree plantations are commonly thought to be simple ecosystems with low conservation value, although this conclusion is mainly based on simple taxonomic diversity indices, which ignore functional and phylogenetic diversity. In this study, our objective was to compare species composition, diagnostic species, taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic diversity, as well as naturalness status between two near-natural forest types (Quercus-Tilia and Populus alba) and two common plantation types (non-native Pinus sylvestris and non-native Robinia pseudoacacia) in the Deliblato Sands, Serbia. Our results showed that the species composition significantly differed in the four habitats. Each habitat had some species that were significantly concentrated in them. Most of the diagnostic species in the Quercus-Tilia forests were forest specialist plant species, while those in Populus alba forests were species associated with warmer and drier habitats, whereas the plantations hosted diagnostic species with broader ecological tolerances. Native species richness, total species diversity, and functional and phylogenetic diversity were similar in the four studied habitats, which can be explained by the combined effects of light regime and naturalness. We assessed low naturalness (i.e. high degradation) in plantations, which can be expected to reduce diversity. However, higher light availability was probably able to compensate for this effect. Non-native plantations, especially Robinia pseudoacacia plantations, were the most degraded and hosted the highest non-native species richness, implying that they are ecologically undesirable. In light of our results, we suggest that near-natural forest stands should be protected and efforts to restore these forests should be given high priority. Furthermore, it is advisable to continue with a forestry strategy that involves replacing non-native plantations with native ones, such as Tilia tomentosa, in the Deliblato Sands.

The four-year field trial was conducted at the Rolnicze Gospodarstwo Doświadczalne Brody (Brody Experimental Farm), Poznań University of Life Sciences, Poland. This study aimed to assess how different doses of gypsum and potassium (K) fertilisers influenced the nutritive value of the alfalfa-grass mixture. The following two experimental factors were duplicated: gypsum fertilisation – two levels (0 and 500 kg/ha) and K fertilisation – four levels (0, 30, 60, and 120 kg/ha). The sward was harvested three times at the full budding phase of alfalfa. The content of nutritive components: crude protein (CP), crude fibre (CF), crude ash (CA) and water-soluble sugars (WSC) by NIRS technique was assessed. The combined application of gypsum and K significantly increased the yields obtained only in the 1st and 3rd harvests of the sward. In the case of CP and WSC, the application of gypsum and K showed no significant effect on the content of these components in the sward. At the same time, it significantly influenced the higher content of CF and CA only in the case of the 2nd harvest. Analysing the influence of only the effect of K on the results obtained, a response of increasing CF content in the sward under the influence of increasing doses of this nutrient was noted. The average potassium content of the sward increased from a K0 fertilisation level to an application rate of K60. In the case of CA content, there was a successive increase with the application of successive fertilisation rates from K0 to a rate of K120. Based on the average yield results, a similar response was observed for the increase in yields obtained with increasing potassium fertilisation rates from K0 to K120. CP content increased due to gypsum fertilisation, as did the achieved sward yields of the alfalfa-grass mixture. The biomass of the alfalfa-grass mixture without gypsum fertilisation contained more WSC than the fertilised one.

With the increase in the life expectancy of domestic animals and their increasingly affectionate relationship with their owners, it is possible to observe an increase in cases of neoplasms in these animals. Mammary neoplasia mainly affects older females who have not been castrated, due to hormonal dependence for the development of the tumour. The main form of treatment is surgery. This study aims to carry out an updated review on mammary neoplasms in female dogs covering the anatomy, physiology, prevalence, causes, diagnoses, treatments, prevention and prognosis, based on scientific articles by renowned researchers.

The negative benefits derived from the long-term separation of agriculture and animal husbandry in China have hindered the sustainable development of agriculture and the transformation of agricultural modernisation. The relationship between agriculture and animal husbandry is reconstructed from separation to reintegration. Focusing on the micro-agricultural production level, it relies on farmers to moderately adjust the existing family management structure and choose the family management mode combining planting and breeding. Structural and synergistic contradictions exist between agricultural economic development and ecological protection in the main corn-producing areas. Therefore, based on the micro-survey data of Jilin Province, China, the paper analyses the factors and mechanisms that influence farmers' choice of the combined management mode of planting and breeding. The results showed that the scale of land management, the stability of cultivated land management rights, the policy insurance of animal husbandry, the average profit of beef cattle head, and the cognition of income growth of animal husbandry were positively correlated with farmers' choice of the combined management mode. The spatial distance between farming and animal husbandry was negatively correlated with farmers' choice of management mode. There are mediating effects of animal husbandry breeding technology in farmers' choice of combined management mode, and there is regional heterogeneity in farmers' choice of combined management mode. Therefore, the reconstruction of the relationship between agriculture and animal husbandry should rely on large-scale farmers, optimise the planting structure of the main corn-producing areas, take multiple measures to stabilise the management right of cultivated land, and further improve the policy insurance and breeding technical support system of animal husbandry. This study can provide a theoretical framework and practical reference for reconstructing the relationship between agriculture and animal husbandry in China and other developing countries.

This study investigates advancements and trends in Fleckvieh breeding research using the Web of Science Core Collection database to collate articles published since 1994. Through CiteSpace 6.4.R1, we conducted systematic analyses to visualise research trajectories, identify seminal domains, and delineate emerging patterns. Our methodology encompassed publication profiling, scientific collaboration network mapping, co-citation analysis, and keyword co-occurrence/clustering techniques. The findings reveal that the current research frontiers focus on: Genomic applications in genetic selection, Reproductive efficiency optimisation, Environmental adaptability mechanisms, Thermotolerance management strategies, Cross-disciplinary methodological integration. Germany, Czech Republic, Austria, and Switzerland emerged as leading contributors, with institutions including the Technical University of Munich and University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, demonstrating a particular scholarly influence. Knowledge mapping effectively delineated thematic concentrations and temporal evolution patterns, providing actionable insights for future research prioritisation. The field is progressing towards holistic, interdisciplinary frameworks underpinned by robust international consortia. This work introduces novel analytical perspectives to refine breeding protocols and enhance practical implementation.

Aquaculture is an essential and growing component of agricultural and global ecosystems worldwide. Aquaculture provides more than 25% of the total aquatic food consumption by humans. The development of the aquaculture industry should be followed in successive industrial years, and therefore it is necessary to pay attention to the management and type of farming system that is compatible with the environment. The use of antibiotics for disease control has been criticised for their negative effects, including the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, the suppression of the immune system and the environment, and the accumulation of residue in aquatic tissues. The use of these products reduces the need for treatments, enhances the effect of vaccines, and, in turn, improves production indicators. Medicinal plants have increasingly been used in recent years as a disease control strategy in aquaculture, boosting the immune system of aquatic animals and helping to develop strong resistance to a wide range of pathogens. Therefore, this review aims to provide an overview of the recent evidence on the beneficial use of medicinal plants to promote growth and strengthen the immune system in farmed aquatic animals.

This review cites 137 reports from 25 countries. The highest citation numbers originate from the USA (14), China (14), and Italy (14). In contrast, only one reference is from Hungary, Iran, Morocco, and the United Kingdom. The references are divided into 16 topics. Results or conclusions of each study are briefly described, ranging by year of publication and alphabetical order of authors. The most important topic is physiological research, which includes 31 references. Referring to the years, the most productive was 2019 with 55 references, whereas the least prolific was the previous year 2018, providing only 33 references. One report was published in cooperation with authors from two countries.

At present, the assessment of pig welfare quality has gained significant importance, prompting the exploration of novel biomarkers for this purpose. Traditionally, these biomarkers have been monitored in the blood; however, blood sampling is considered an invasive procedure. Currently, non-invasive methods for collecting samples are emerging as viable alternatives for assessing these biomarkers. This article aims to present the current knowledge regarding the use of non-invasive methods for analysing pig welfare biomarkers, specifically focusing on the saliva, hair, faeces, and urine as matrices to determine these biomarkers. The saliva analysis encompasses various biomarkers, such as cortisol, alpha-amylase, chromogranin A, the total esterase, oxytocin, acute phase proteins, adenosine deaminase, immunoglobulins and parameters of redox homeostasis. Cortisol, a specific biomarker, can be determined in the hair, urine and faeces, while urine samples allow for the analysis of catecholamines as non-invasive markers of pig welfare.

Tomato is a major global crop, extensively cultivated in China. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying its responses to high-temperature stress remain poorly understood. This study investigates these mechanisms by examining a heat-resistant tomato variety, Hm 2-2 (R), and a heat-sensitive variety, BY 1-2 (S), under high temperature (40 °C). Total RNA was extracted from samples taken at 0 and 24 h post-treatment, followed by RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq). Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened based on the criteria of |log₂ fold change| ≥ 2 and false discovery rate ≤ 0.05. Gene ontology (GO) function annotation and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) metabolic pathway enrichment analysis were performed to explore the biological significance of these DEGs. The results revealed 6 038 upregulated and 2 866 downregulated DEGs in the R-0 (Hm 2-2 plants treated at 40 °C for 0 h) vs. R-24 (Hm 2-2 plants treated at 40 °C for 24 h) group and 5 297 upregulated and 3 920 downregulated DEGs in the S-0 (BY 1-2 plants treated at 40 °C for 0 h) vs. S-24 (BY 1-2 plants treated at 40 °C for 24 h) group, respectively. GO enrichment analysis indicated that the majority of DEGs were associated with biological processes, followed by cellular components and molecular functions. KEGG pathway analysis identified 130, 131, 89, and 115 regulatory (or altered) pathways in the R-0 vs. R-24, S-0 vs. S-24, S-0 vs. R-0, and S-24 vs. R-24 group comparisons, respectively. Notably, pathways related to protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum and plant hormone signal transduction were significantly enriched, suggesting their critical roles in the tomato’s response to heat stress. Moreover, 156 transcription factors (TFs) implicated in heat stress response were identified, spanning various TF families such as MYB, AP2-EREBP, b-ZIP, bHLH, NAC, and WRKY. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis of 14 randomly selected DEGs validated the RNA-seq results confirming the reliability of the data. In summary, this study provides valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms of tomato’s responses to high-temperature stress, laying a crucial foundation for future research in this area.

The Yellow River Delta, an important area of reserved arable land resources in China, is faced with the problem of crop productivity being typically limited by low soil quality. Developing techniques that raised crop yield without environmental damage was critically needed. To date, the knowledge about the joint impacts of biochar (C) and phosphorus (P) addition on soil properties and maize production under different weather conditions in this area is seriously lacking. Consequently, a full factorial field experiment including three biochar intensities (0 (C0), 5 000 (C1), and 10 000 (C2) kg/ha), three phosphorus fertilisation levels (0 (P0), 60 (P1), and 120 (P2) kg P/ha), and their combinations was conducted in Binzhou, Shandong province of China from 2021 to 2022. Compared to 2022, the maize yield was dramatically reduced in 2021 (with a 35% mean decrease) due to excessive rainfall in the maize reproductive growth stage (P < 0.01). C addition caused greater proportions and contributions of dry matter and nutrient remobilisation from pre-anthesis vegetation organs to grain. Subsequently, maize yield was much more promoted in 2021 (23%) than in 2022 (5%) by adding C, in which the discrepancies between C1 and C2 were relatively small and insignificant. On the other hand, these corresponding effects of P and C × P were relatively modest. From the soil perspective, soil physical (hydraulic conductivity (Ks) and bulk density) and chemical properties (soil organic carbon, total N, and soil available N) were significantly improved by C addition (P < 0.01). More importantly, we detected negative interactions of C × P on soil available P and phosphorus activation coefficient (P < 0.01), as soil available P was lowered with more input of C and P together (particularly under P2 series). The two-year outcomes suggested that C addition could enhance maize growth and ensure crop yield stability. Still, the combined incorporation of this kind of C and P (especially for C2P2) was not recommended in the saline-alkali land. The present study delivered useful insight into the rational utilisation of C and P fertilisers in the Yellow River Delta.

Many companies depend on debt sources; they use them to finance their needs. Bank loans are the main debt sources to which companies have access. However, financing only with this source is associated with many risks. The paper’s main goal is to assess and quantify the indebtedness of wineries in Slovakia for 2013–2021 through individual debt ratios. The influence of financial leverage on return on equity (ROE) was tested. The data were drawn from the Register of Financial Statements. From the point of view of the total debt ratio, wineries show values higher than 65%. The presence of short-term debts, especially short-term liabilities, prevailed. The average share of equity reached a very low value of 11%. The average share of bank loans on financing operating activities was very low at the level of 8.53%. The return on assets (ROA) was lower than the cost of debt in most wineries, which means that increasing indebtedness had a negative effect on ROE.

This study examines the prevalence of helminthic infestations, risk factors, and odds ratios in 1 300 cattle, revealing significant patterns in parasite distribution and influencing factors. Overall, 60.3% of cattle were infested with one or more types of parasites, with Moniezia spp. being the most prevalent (46.9%), followed by Fasciola spp. (36.9%), Paramphistomum spp. (26.8%), and Avitellina spp. (10.8%). Among the seasons, winter exhibited the highest infestation rate (66.1%), and calves under one year of age were more commonly infested (64.2%) than older cattle (over three years: 51.1%, OR = 0.584 1). Distinct seasonal and age-related patterns were observed for specific parasites. Fasciola spp. was most prevalent in winter (45.09%) and among the youngest cattle (47.87%), while Paramphistomum spp. and Moniezia spp. showed less variation across seasons. Avitellina spp. had the lowest infestation rates in the spring, and cattle older than three years were affected. Co-infections were common, notably between Fasciola and other parasites, with the highest co-infestation rate observed between Avitellina spp. and Moniezia spp. Analysis of deworming efficacy indicated higher treatment success for Fasciola spp. and Paramphistomum spp., lower odds of response for Avitellina spp., and no significant treatment effect for Moniezia spp. Microscopic and pathological examinations were also conducted. These results demonstrate the necessity of thorough deworming procedures along with targeted parasite control to reduce significant health hazards in cattle populations.

This study investigated the effects of coriander seed powder and Lactobacillus acidophilus solution (LAS) on the growth, nutrient digestibility, blood parameters, and intestinal health of growing rabbits under subtropical conditions. Forty Californian rabbits, aged 35 days with an average body weight of 588 ± 34 g, were randomly assigned to four groups: a control group fed a standard diet, a group (T1) receiving the basal diet supplemented with 1.5% coriander seed powder, a group (T2) receiving the basal diet with oral LAS at 1 × 10⁹ CFU/kg, and a group (T3) receiving both coriander seed powder and LAS. The study measured body weight, daily weight gain, feed conversion ratio, mortality rate, blood metabolites, nutrient digestibility, and intestinal histomorphology. Results showed that rabbits fed with 1.5% coriander seed powder had significant improvements in body weight gain, feed conversion, and a reduction in mortality compared to the control. Both coriander seed powder and LAS improved blood metabolites, nutrient digestibility, and intestinal health. However, the combination of both additives did not provide additional benefits over the individual treatments. The findings suggest that either 1.5% coriander seed powder or LAS can enhance growth performance and health in rabbits under subtropical conditions.

The pathogenicity of bacterial strains isolated from pathological processes and lesions of horses, strategies for their treatment and the choice of appropriate antimicrobials are frequently a challenging problem for private veterinarians who seek help in our laboratory. Therefore, the aim of this study was to map genera and species of Gram-negative aerobic and microaerophilic microorganisms isolated from pathological processes in horses and to identify the most effective antimicrobial agents for therapy based on antibiotic susceptibility. Between 2009 and 2014 a total of 449 clinical samples (n = 449) were examined; 229 (51%) of them were obtained from the respiratory tract, 121 (27%) from the skin, 40 (8.9%) from the digestive tract, 40 (8.9%) from the eyes, eight (1.8%) from the urinary system, six (1.3%) from the musculoskeletal system, four (0.9%) from the lymphatic system and one (0.2%) from milk. The examination was performed using conventional microbiological culture methods. The identification of isolates was confirmed using MALDI-TOF molecular phenotyping (Bruker Daltonics GmbH, Bremen, Germany). From the 276 Gram-negative isolates (prevalence of 61.5%), the most frequently detected strains were Enterobacter spp., Escherichia spp., Acinetobacter spp., Pseudomonas spp. and Actinobacillus spp. with prevalence rates of 7.6%, 6.7%, 6.7%, 6.0% and 5.8%. In addition, another 20 genera of microorganisms were detected. Susceptibility to antimicrobial agents was determined using the disc diffusion method. The most effective agents were gentamicin (94.1%), enrofloxacin (91.7%), colistin (87.0%), florfenicol (86.2%), neomycin (85.5%), streptomycin (82.4%) and tetracycline (78.5%). A good knowledge of the spectrum of bacterial species participating in pathological processes and lesions in horses and their antimicrobial susceptibility may be of great importance not only in treatment but also in deciding which prophylactic antibiotics to administer after surgical interventions.

Soil microorganisms play a main role in the nutrient cycle and they also play an important role in soil health. This article studies the influence of three rates of biochar (0.5, 1 and 3%) in comparison with control (0 biochar) in two different soils (Valečov and Čistá) on soil microbiota activities. The biochar was prepared from 80% of digestate from Zea mays L. and 20% of cellulose fibres by pyrolysis (470°C, 17 min). The biochar ability to influence microbial processes in soil was determined by respiration and nitrification tests. There were no significant differences between basal respiration of control samples and biochar-amended samples. Basal respiration in the Valečov soil reached average amounts from 1.32 to 1.52 mg CO₂/h/100 g. In the Čistá soil, basal respiration reached average amounts from 1.40 to 1.49 mg CO₂/h/100 g. No significant differences were proved also in nitrification tests of both soils. Nitrifying potential was the highest in 3% rate of biochar amendment. There were no negative changes in the measured soil parameters. CO₂ efflux was not higher in biochar-amended soil.

The effect of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP 1 - 80% O₂ + 20% CO₂ and MAP 2 - 90% CO₂ + 10% N₂) on selected chemical and sensory parameters of common carp steaks stored at 3 ± 0.5°C, and determination of the shelf life of the products was studied in this research. Samples were analysed on day 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, and 17. An increase in TVB-N values in carp steaks followed the order: MAP 2 < control < MAP 1. From day 9 of storage FFA concentrations were higher (P < 0.01) in MAP 2 samples compared to control and MAP 1 samples. The presence of oxygen (MAP 1 and control) resulted in an increase in TBA values in comparison with samples packaged in the absence of oxygen. According to sensory evaluation, it was concluded that carp steaks packaged in modified atmosphere with 80% O₂ + 20% CO₂ remained acceptable up to 15 days of storage, whereas samples packaged under 90% CO₂ + 10% N₂ as well as samples kept on flaked ice remained unchanged until the end of the experiment.

To understand the hydrological outcomes of interception by gravel mulches, rainfall simulation experiments were conducted in the loess regions of northwestern China. The rainfall interception decreased with gravel size but increased with the thickness of the gravel mulch layer, following two exponential functions. Interception was 15.1% of the gross rainfall at 1 cm thickness, followed by 17.2, 20.9, 30.5 and 45.6 % at 3, 5, 7 and 10 cm thickness, respectively. For the equivalent gravel grain size of 3.43 mm, relative interception was 45.6%, which was about 1.1, 1.2, 1.4 and 2.3 times higher than that for the equivalent grain size of 11.01, 19.31, 32.8 and 43.72 mm, respectively.

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.

Monitoring of species spectrum of true bugs (Heteroptera) on apple trees without pest management was conducted in 2010-2011. Two sites were selected - an abandoned orchard and a road alley near the village of Velké Bílovice (Břeclav district, Czech Republic). The capture of true bugs with a fogger device (Pulsfog) on five selected trees in each site was performed. The effective substance deltamethrin at concentration of 0.0025 g/l was applied to the tree crowns. Three collections (28/4, 20/5, and 9/7) in 2010 and two (11/5 and 23/6) in 2011 were done. Out of 55 detected species of true bugs, 43 species occurred in the alley and 29 in the orchard. Thirty-two species were predatory or partly predatory (58.18%), 22 species were phytophagous (40%), and one mycetophagous (1.82%).

The Norik of Muran, a unique draught horse bred in Slovakia, belongs to country's biodiversity treasures. The genetic diversity of this horse type was evaluated on the basis of indicators derived from the common ancestry and the probability of gene origin. The pedigree file of the analyzed horses involved 115 individuals (15 stallions and 100 mares). The number of complete generations was 4.49 on average. The maximum number of ancestor generations at the examined population of living horses was 5.38 and the equivalent number in the generation of ancestors was 5.14. The highest average length of the generation interval was 10.97 years in the father-son direction compared to father-daughter (9.74), mother-son (10.87), and mother-daughter (8.99 years - the lowest average length). The generation interval overall average length was 10.14 years. The total coefficient of relatedness was 1.72% on average. The efficient number of core ancestors evenly used in breeding in comparison with the core ancestors mildly decreased to 198. Therefore the Austrian Norik incorporation in the breeding program is the opportunity how to maintain genetic diversity.

The effects of wheat flour replacement at different levels (5, 7.5, 10, and 20%) by celery root and sugar beet pulp powder on rheological parameters and quality properties of enriched pasta were studied. Sensory evaluation was also investigated. Incorporation of fibre powders increased water absorption and prolonged dough stability and dough development time. Enriched pasta had higher moisture content than control pasta. Addition of fibre powders also modified the cooking quality of pasta (cooking loss and water absorption were increased and optimal cooking time was reduced). Moreover cooked pasta with the higher addition level of celery root powder was characterised by higher intensity of vegetable taste and had pleasant flavour and colour. Sensory evaluation showed that pasta with the addition of 7.5% celery root powder was the most acceptable for assessors.

The boron (B) availability and uptake were studied in relation to different phosphorus rates applied into soils in a three-year field experiment (2015-2017). The experiment was carried out at the experimental station at Humpolec (Bohemian-Moravian Highlands, Czech Republic). Three rates of phosphorus (20-40-80 kg P/ha) were applied as triple superphosphate. The crop rotation was spring barley-winter oilseed rape-winter wheat. No systematic fertilization with B was used and the response of natural boron soil content to the different phosphorus supply was studied. The crop yields, B content in plants, B-uptake, and content of B (extracted by Mehlich 3 and NH₄ acetate methods) were determined. Spring barley and winter wheat B uptake was about one order of magnitude lower in comparison with oilseed rape. Significant differences in B content in soils, in crop tissues and B-uptake, were found mainly under higher phosphorus doses (40 and 80 kg P/ha). NH₄ acetate method showed better correlations between P and B contents in soils than Mehlich 3 method from the second experimental year. The P-fertilization may affect negatively the B-uptake by plants, particularly if the highly nutrient demanding crop is grown.

Mechanical transplanted seedling must meet the requirements of standard seedling block with uniform distribution of seedlings and inter-twisting roots for rolling. This study was conducted to identify the effect of growing media on mat type seedling raised for mechanical transplanting at Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI), Gazipur during the period of 2012-2014 covering two dry and cold seasons (Boro) and one wet season (Aman). Seedling were raised on plastic tray using sandy loam and clay loam soil mixed with decomposed cow-dung, mustard cake, rice straw organic fertilizer, rice bran, poultry litter and vermicompost at the rate of 0.0, 10, 20, 30 and 40%. Rolling quality of the seedling mat decreased and seedling height increased with the increased of mixing rate of organic fertilizer except rice bran and mustard cake. Averaged across three seasons, 10 to 30% cow-dung, rice straw organic fertilizer, vermicompost, 10% poultry litter and 20 to 30% rice bran with both types of soil was found suitable for seedling mat and seedling height. However, seedling varied among the organic fertilizers with both types of soil in the order of cow-dung > rice bran > vermicompost > poultry liter > rice straw organic fertilizer > mustard cake. Clay loam soil showed better performance on rolling quality over sandy loam soil.

There are several reports in the veterinary literature on tracheal assessment; however, there is a lack of studies on the trachea in voluntarily breathing dogs. The aim of this study was to describe the natural shape of the trachea in awake dogs and to assess tracheal dimensions and the width-to-height ratio. Thoracic computed tomographic images of awake small breed dogs without any signs of respiratory malfunction (n = 19) were evaluated. Each trachea was categorised into one of four different shapes: circular, horseshoe, crescent or focal dorsal invagination. The circular shape was prominent, particularly in the thoracic inlet and intrathoracic area, while the horseshoe shape was also normally present. In this group of normal dogs, there were no crescent-shaped tracheas, but focally invaginated tracheas were observed. The mean tracheal heights at five locations, namely the caudal endplate of the fourth cervical vertebra, cranial endplate of the seventh cervical vertebra, mid-body of the first thoracic vertebra, mid-body of the third thoracic vertebra, and 1 cm cranial to the carina were 9.12, 8.96, 9.34, 9.88 and 10.16 mm, respectively. The widths at these same sites were 12.26, 10.42, 10.07, 9.82 and 10.23 mm, respectively. The width-to-height ratios of each tracheal location were 1.38, 1.20, 1.10, 1.01 and 1.03, the last two of which are consistent with the circular shape of the intrathoracic trachea. Multi-detector computed tomography under non-general anaesthesia is a non-invasive and unparalleled imaging tool for describing tracheal appearance in healthy awake dogs.

Traumatic brain injury occurs frequently in dogs and cats due to motor vehicle accidents, falls and crush injuries. The primary lesion occurs at the time of injury and causes direct, irreversible damage to the brain parenchyma and vasculature. Secondary lesions occur in the minutes following the trauma due to a combination of physical and biochemical changes that lead to intracranial hypertension. Therefore, knowing the pathophysiology of the cranioencephalic trauma is essential for treatment directed at minimising secondary damage. The approach to the patient affected by traumatic brain injury is based on the ABCD of trauma, guided by the neurological examination with the aid of imaging exams and adequate therapeutic measures. The treatment of patients with cranioencephalic trauma is still in many ways controversial. For that reason, this literature review aims to address the main points regarding the pathophysiology of this disease and to describe the clinical and surgical therapeutic options currently available.

Monitoring of visitor arrivals is one of the tools which help to ensure good-quality and suitable management of the respective area. This paper is aimed at the monitoring of visitor arrivals when the visitors are counted automatically using a field counting device, namely a pyroelectric sensor. In 2015, visitor arrival monitoring using a pyro sensor was conducted on the selected forest roads in the Křtiny Training Forest Enterprise of Masaryk Forest. Since this method should be employed in another project, it was necessary to find out whether the pyroelectric sensor is a reliable tool and whether it can be used for further research. The aim of this paper is to perform a regression analysis of the data collected at the selected site in order to determine whether the pyroelectric sensor provides relevant information. Two data sets acquired during the first week of the monitoring of visitor arrivals at the single site will be compared. The one set includes data obtained by automatic monitoring using the pyro sensor, the other set contains data gained by means of manual counting by students of the Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology. Two directions of visitor flows were monitored - in and out. The data were statistically processed using the ADSTAT software. Results of the regression analysis show that the results of the visitor arrival monitoring carried out using a pyro sensor differ just slightly from those gained by manual counting.

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of four different drugs used for anaesthesia premedication on intraocular pressure and pupil size in dogs. A prospective, randomised, double-blind clinical study was carried out. The subjects were forty client-owned healthy dogs (20 males and 20 females), aged 8.0 ± 2.9 years, with body weights of 11.8 ± 8.5 kg (mean ± SD) and without ocular abnormalities that were scheduled for periodontal treatment. Animals were randomly allocated into four groups and received intravenously either medetomidine 0.01 mg/kg, acepromazine 0.02 mg/kg, fentanyl 0.01 mg/kg or butorphanol 0.2 mg/kg. Intraocular pressure, pupil size, heart rate, respiratory frequency and systolic and diastolic arterial pressures were measured prior to (baseline) and at five and 10 minutes after premedication (T5, T10). Data were analysed by Anderson-Darling, Bartlett's, ANOVA and Dunnett's tests (P < 0.05). Significant increases of intraocular pressure were observed at T5 and T10 in the fentanyl group. Significant decreases of pupil size at T5 and T10 were detected in the fentanyl, butorphanol and medetomidine groups. In the fentanyl group, heart rate dropped significantly at T10, while respiratory frequency was elevated at T5 and T10. In the medetomidine group, heart rate and respiratory frequency were decreased at T5 and T10. In the butorphanol group, systolic arterial pressure was decreased at T5 and diastolic arterial pressure was decreased at T5 and T10. In the acepromazine group, systolic arterial pressure was decreased at T10. Within ten minutes after intravenous administration in healthy dogs, fentanyl significantly increased intraocular pressure and fentanyl, butorphanol and medetomidine decreased pupil size.

The method of establishing directly sown annual flower beds has its benefits as well as problems. One of them is particularly surface weeding before sowing. The aim of the experiment was to find a solution to this problem, i.e. whether covering sowing substrates can suppress the germination and growth of weeds and improve growth parameters of annuals. The certified seed mixture of annuals and three variants of substrates that differed in ability to retain water were chosen for the experiment. Substrate A contained 70% vol. of sand and 30% vol. of peat; substrate B 50% vol. of sand, 20% vol. of siliceous marlite, 30% vol. of peat; and substrate C 30% vol. of sand, 40% vol. of siliceous marlite, 30% vol. of peat. In the control variant annuals were sown directly into the soil. The experiment was established in two different sites. Development of the mixture was monitored and evaluated all the season; the coverage with annuals and weed, the height of annuals and flowering time were evaluated. According to the results the use of sowing substrates ensured the successful development of mixtures of annuals, particularly in the initial stand development.