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Plant's nitrogen (N) requirement that is not fulfilled by available N in soil has to be supplied externally through chemical fertilizers. A reliable estimate of soil N-supplying capacity (NSC) is therefore essential for efficient fertilizer use. In this study involving a pot experiment with twenty acidic soils varying widely in properties, we evaluated six chemical indices of soil N-availability viz. organic carbon (C_org), total N (N_tot), acid and alkaline-KMnO₄ extractable-N, hot KCl extractable-N (KCl-N) and phosphate-borate buffer extractable-N (PBB-N), based on their strength of correlation with available-N values obtained through aerobic incubation (AI-N) and anaerobic incubation (ANI-N), and also with the dry matter yield (DMY), N percentage and plant (maize) N uptake (PNU). In general, the soils showed large variability in NSC as indicated by variability in PNU which ranged from 598 to 1026 mg/pot. Correlations of the N-availability indices with AI-N and ANI-N decreased in the order: PBB-N (r = 0.784** and 0.901**) > KCl-N (r = 0.773** and 0.743**) > acid KMnO₄-N (r = 0.575** and 0.651**) ≥ C_org (r = 0.591** and 0.531**) ≥ alkaline KMnO₄-N (r = 0.394** and 0.548**) > N_tot (r = 0.297** and 0.273*). Of all the indices evaluated, PBB-N showed the best correlations with plant parameters as well (r = 0.790** and 0.793** for DMY and PNU, respectively). Based on the highest correlations of PBB-N with biological indices as well as plant responses, we propose PBB-N as an appropriate index of N-availability in the acidic soils of India and other regions with similar soils.

: The study evaluates production parameters (height, diameter at breast height, volume) of Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii [Mirb.] Franco) at mesotrophic sites of the Křtiny Training Forest Enterprise in mature stands. In total, 29 mixed stands were assessed with the registered proportion of Douglas fir at an age of 85 to 136 years. Comparing the 10 largest Douglas firs with the 10 largest spruces or larches higher, and as a rule markedly higher, production potential of introduced Douglas fir was found in all assessed stands. There were also groups of trees where the volume of Douglas fir was twice to 3 times higher than the volume of spruce or larch (see Tabs. 5 to 10). For example, in stand 177B11, the mean volume of 9.12 m³ was recorded in the 10 largest Douglas fir trees but the volume of spruce reached only 3.17 m³ and the volume of larch was 3.70 m³. Differences in mensurational parameters of Douglas fir found on the one hand and of Norway spruce (Picea abies [L.] Karst.) or European larch (Larix decidua Mill.) on the other hand compared by ANOVA tests were statistically highly significant. Annual ring analyses have shown that at present the volume increment of particular Douglas fir trees ranges from 0.12 to 0.16 m³ per year in mature stands (i.e. about 1.5 m³ every 10 years).

Currently, recreation is the most common use of protected areas and there are scarce data on the users and their opinion. The research was focused on visitors to the Blaník Protected Landscape Area (hereafter referred to as PLA), a well-known recreational area where data on visitors, important for PLA management, are missing. Therefore, the aim of the paper is find out: what kind of visitors comes to the study area; the type of forest trails and tourist facilities the visitors prefer. A questionnaire survey of forest visitors was used. Results show that the visitors mostly prefer maintained trails. According to forest visitors' opinion, the most convenient facility to place near the forest tourist trail is the nature trail panels. Furthermore, based on the acquired data, it was possible to create a visitor's profile which is important for respective research and other case studies in similar areas, and for managers of protected landscape areas to comply with both the visitors' needs and the needs of the protected area.

The utilisation of food consumption databases is widespread and involves for example, the risk assessment, understanding of consumers' food consumption trends, health education, and planning of prevention projects. Harmonisation of national consumption data for international comparison is an important and challenging work. First attempts started in the 70's and have been continuing up to now. The present study gives an overview of the collection methods, types and utilisation of food consumption data, as well of the most important phases of the international harmonisation work. As this study shows, it is crucial to harmonise the surveys parameters like the time of the data collection, method, number of participants, and number of the analysed days for an internationally comparable consumption database. From this point of view, the efforts of the EU menu project are promising.

We describe Dirofilaria immitis occurring in the peritoneal cavity of a dog from Korea. Two worms were found in the fat of the umbrical cord area during operation for an umbrical cord hernia in a dog (four year old, female, Maltese). In gross findings, the worms were slander white and measured 132 mm (female), 111 mm (male). The tail of the male was spirally coiled. In light microscopy, the uterus was filled with not fully developed eggs. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the cuticule was smooth on the head but those of the tail exhibited complex cuticular striation in the male. Head papillae were located in a cephalic plate forming a rectangular pattern dorsoventrally, with 4 inner labial papillae and four outer cephalic papillae. The mouth opening was very small and the bursal cavity was absent. Laterally there was a pair of amphids.

A four-year-old cross-breed and neutered bitch weighing 24 kg, was presented with vaginal bleeding for one month and a vaginal mass identified two previously. An ovariohysterectomy operation was performed at two years of age; however, mating subsequently continued. Vaginal bleeding and an irregular-shaped, oedematous vaginal mass (12 × 9 × 7 cm) were detected on clinical examination. The bitch also exhibited leukocytosis and erythrocytopenia. Abundant erythrocytes together with neutrophils, lymphocytes, intermedier cells and transmissible venereal tumour cells were observed in vaginal cytology. Abdominal ultrasonography showed cystic ovarian tissue (2.42 × 1.36 cm) next to the right kidney. Chemotherapy was performed once a week for six weeks leading to a gradual declined in the size and oedema of the mass and to a stop in bleeding. Subsequently, the vaginal mass was extirpated and the ovarian remnant tissue was removed via laparotomy on the same day. The bitch was found to be healthy on examination fourmonths later.

he study was undertaken to determine a possible role of polyamines (putrescine, spermidine, spermine) as antioxidants in salt tolerance of Chamomilla recutita and Origanum majorana. Salinity generally induced variable changes in growth, contents of oil and flavonoids of both plants; foliar application of any polyamines counterbalanced the effects of salinity. In general, the degree of stimulation differed according to the type and concentration of the used additive and the type of the plant.

The aim of the study was to collect seeds of wild oat from the fields where, in spite of the applied herbicides, the weed is very poorly controlled, and to determine under greenhouse conditions if any resistant biotypes are present. In the years 2008-2011, 34 samples of wild oat were collected from fields where the weed was poorly controlled. The biotypes were analyzed in greenhouse experiments to determine if they are resistant to herbicides. Among five resistant biotypes three of them (R3, R4 and R5) were resistant only to iodosulfuron and mesosulfuron, and biotype R2 - only to propoxycarbazone-sodium. Biotype R1 exhibited multiple resistance to iodosulfuron + mesosulfuron and pinoxaden. The use of sulfometuron proves that the mechanism of resistance of two biotypes of wild oat (R1 and R4) to acetolactate synthase inhibitors is associated with target-site mutation. The curve of biotypes R3 and R5 controlled with iodosulfuron + mesosulfuron shows a relatively low resistance index and control of those biotypes with sulfometuron indicates a metabolic resistance.

The three-notch black pressed teat-cup liners were selected into the set of the analysed teat-cup liners, and, for comparison purposes, teat-cup liners produced from silicone mixture. Wall thicknesses of the analysed teat-cup liners were adjusted by smoothing of the middle working part in length of 30 mm. The working part thickness thus changed from the original 2.37 to 0.41 mm for a teat-cup liner produced from black mixture and from the original thickness of 2.30 to 0.40 mm for a silicone teat-cup liner. A possibility of maximum closure of teat-cup liners in the pressing tact was assessed at the working suction of 50 kPa, the flow of distilled water through a measurement device reached the value of 4.4 l/min. Under laboratory conditions, with the above criteria fulfilled, the following stress relations were detected at teat tips: black teat-cup liner 30.25 kPa, silicone teat-cup liner 23.14 kPa. From the acquired results follows that the silicone teat-cup liner showed, from the aspect of suction loss, a more favourable value by 7.11 kPa. Physical-mechanical qualities of the analysed teat-cup liners were further used for the computer simulation of the teat-cup liners stress and strain tensor.

This study evaluates the effect of the identified pathogenic races E1, E2 and E3 of the leaf rust Melampsora larici-populina on some growth traits and biomass yield in the species Populus nigra. A field trial was conducted with 8 clones of P. nigra using fungicide-sprayed and unsprayed treatments in 3 replications of 4 plants. In the course of three years the occurrence of the rust was evaluated on a six-point scale. The plant height and stem diameter were measured during the trial. In the last year the plants were harvested and the dry weight was determined. In the untreated plants a significant negative correlation was found between the intensity of rust occurrence and the values of stem diameter and dry matter yield (P < 0.05). A decline in dry matter yield caused by the rust was low (below 9%) or zero in a half of the clones while it ranged between 19% and 28% in the other half of clones. In some clones the yield decline was relatively low although the expression of rust symptoms was rather high which could be attributed to a tolerance to the given pathogen.

The paper presents the results of laboratory tests aimed at the study of storage place, storage manner and storage time in relation to mechanical properties of briquettes made from spruce shavings. A BrikStar 50 briquetting press with a pressure chamber 65 mm in diameter of the Briklis firm was used for the briquette production. All briquettes were made at the constant adjustment of all parameters of the briquetting press. The briquette properties were evaluated by determination of their density and rupture force. Moreover, mechanical durability, gross calorific value, total mois­ture and ash content were determined. It follows from the results of tests that at briquette storage in a well closed plastic bag neither place nor storage time influenced significantly their life time. At briquette storage in a net plastic bag various intensive damage to briquettes occurred, mainly depending on their storage place and storage time.

A growing need for the evaluation of prospects and sustainability of forest resources calls for the availability of harmonized data on forest distribution. We described and evaluated nine datasets providing such information: Corine LandCover, four European forest maps and four tree species distribution maps. Apart from providing a condensed overview of these datasets, we focused on the match between selected forest maps and forest management plans (FMPs) of Slovakia, which can be thought of as highly accurate information on forest distribution. The degree of match between forest and species area, within 306 forest administrative districts of Slovakia, was used as an indicator of accuracy. In addition, the match between the total forest and species area in Slovakia, given by FMPs and by evaluated datasets, was addressed. We found a high degree of match for the datasets on forest distribution (R-square 0.77-0.93, depending on the dataset), as well as strong agreement in total forest area (± 5%). Both indicators are worse in the case of forest type evaluation (coniferous and broadleaved). Poor results were obtained for tree species maps, which under- or overestimated species areas by tens of per cent, although differences were highly variable among species. The obtained results are valid mainly for temperate forests.

Caciottina massaggiata di Amaseno, a typical dairy product of the Lazio Region prepared from buffalo milk, was analysed for moisture, fat, protein, pH, and acidity content at different storage (0, 3, 6, and 9 months after production). Cheeses were also evaluated for various sensory attributes (taste, flavour, texture, and overall acceptability) during storage. We evaluated the flavour profile and acceptability of Caciottina cheeses of varying maturity using a descriptive analysis. Descriptive sensory profiles of selected cheeses were determined using a trained panel (n = 12) and an established cheese flavour sensory language. In quantitative descriptive analysis a trained panel rated the cheeses for colour, odour, taste and texture. In the affective tests the panellists evaluated the samples for overall quality. The results proved that months of production had significant effects on the sensory quality of the cheeses.

The aim of this study was to evaluate a new double-channel system for ultrasound-guided transvaginal intrafollicular treatment in cattle. The system is equipped with separate aspiration and treatment channels facilitating the aspiration of a small part of follicular fluid followed by the immediate injection of the same amount of treatment solution. In Experiment 1 an intracystic injection was performed successfully in all cows (6/6). In Experiment 2 saline was administered to dominant follicles with an overall success rate of 87.5% (14/16). This new double-channel system represents a reliable method for intrafollicular treatment preceded by an aspiration of the necessary amount of follicular fluid without an increase in intrafollicular pressure.

Experiments on the preying capability of different stages of larvae of coccinellid and syrphid flies on the mustard aphid, Lipaphis erysimi (Kalt.), were conducted in a laboratory during the winter cropping seasons of 2009-2010 and 2010-2011. Results revealed that grubs of the Coccinella septempunctata Linn. preyed the highest number of mustard aphids (average 61.42 aphids/day) followed by Syrphus confrater Wied (34.81 aphids/day), Syrphus balteatus Deg. (32.26 aphids/day) and Ischiodon scutellaris Fab. (27.76 aphids/day) during their larval span. Among the larval stages of the coccinellid and syrphid predators, it was also analysed that the last juvenile stage of the predators was proved the mightiest devourer against the aphid L. erysimi. These predators could be used effectively for the management of L. erysimi on rapeseed-mustard crop.

Gastric dilatation and volvulus syndrome is associated with changes in haemostatic profiles. The aims of this study were to compare selected haemostatic and fibrinolytic parameters between healthy dogs and dogs with gastric dilatation and volvulus syndrome, estimate the incidence of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), and determine the most sensitive test for detection of DIC in these patients. Blood was collected from 22 dogs with gastric dilatation and volvulus syndrome, and nine healthy control dogs. Platelet counts, prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, fibrinogen concentrations and fibrin/fibrinogen degradation products were measured in all control dogs and patients with gastric dilatation and volvulus syndrome, before and after surgery. Significant differences between control dogs and patients were seen in activated partial thromboplastin time and fibrin/fibrinogen degradation products before surgery and all measured parameters after surgery. The incidence of DIC was 59%. The most sensitive tests for detection of DIC before surgery were those for activated partial thromboplastin time and fibrin/fibrinogen degradation products.

The frequent presence of rye translocation 1B/1R in common wheat is well known as well as its unfavourable effect on bread-making quality. These translocated materials make up more than one tenth of all wheat varieties registered in the Czech Republic and due to their lower technological value they are predominately used for livestock feeding in spite of the lack of information about their desirability for monogastric animals. Our study was aimed at a general effect of 1B/1R translocation, including other grain characteristics in model feeding tests with laboratory rats. Triennial evaluation of selected chemical and technological characteristics of winter wheat grain, including feeding characteristics in the model set of 18 DH lines with/without 1B/1R translocation, confirmed a highly significant effect of year on evaluated parameters. Wheat lines with the presence of 1B/1R translocation showed a significantly higher value of relative viscosity, crude protein content and higher proportion of the albumin + globulin fraction. This was manifested negatively in the technological characteristics of the gluten index (GI) and the Zeleny sedimentation test of these wheat lines. Detected values of relative viscosity, grain hardness (PSI) and albumin-globulin fraction were significantly influenced by the genotype of the wheat line. The relationships of evaluated grain characteristics to the results of feeding test were not unequivocal. The presence of 1B/1R translocation significantly decreased the values of balance in these characters: net protein utilization (NPU) and biological value of proteins (BV), however the effect of the 1B/1R translocation on protein efficiency ratio (PER) was not confirmed. Correlation analyses showed low mutual relationships among the parameters of balance and growth tests. A lower but significant positive correlation of the albumin + globulin fraction and a negative correlation of storage proteins with growth parameter PER were also observed. It is possible to summarize that individual relation between albumins + globulins and gluten protein composition of grains influenced the values of PER more significantly than the presence of 1B/1R translocation.

The hypothesis that relocation of cows with a housing change temporarily decreases their milk production and affects cows' behaviour in the milking parlour has been proved. Forty-one Holstein cows on the 1^st and 2^nd lactation were relocated from the tie-stall barn into the free-stall barn. Cows were milked in a 2 × 5 herringbone parlour twice a day. Individual milk yields, order, and used parlour side were recorded electronically during 50 (milk) or 22 (order and side) milking sessions. Milk yield after cows' relocation (23.76 kg) significantly decreased if compared to that reached on the day preceding relocation (30.97 kg; P < 0.001). Milk production approached the level of the last day on days 3 and 4 (30.72 and 30.72 kg, respectively) after relocation. Milk yield exceeded that before relocation on day 13 (31.82 kg). There were significant differences between parities during the whole observation period except for the first day after relocation - cows on the 2^nd parity yielded more (P < 0.001). Multiparous cows entered the parlour earlier than primiparous, equally during morning and evening milkings (P < 0.01). Generally a left-side preference was found in the observed cows, while it was more prominent in primiparous than in multiparous cows during evening milkings (P < 0.05). Relationships between milking order and milk performance were on days 5-11 negative and significant (P < 0.01). We may conclude that although temporarily, relocation with housing and milking changes significantly affected the milk yield.

A litterbag experiment was conducted to investigate the changes of tannins and nutrients in branchlets at different decomposition stages of Casuarina equisetifolia in southern subtropical coastal zone, China, using the colorimetric assays. The time required for the loss of half of the initial dry weight (t₅₀) was 9.13 months. Total phenolics (TP), extractable condensed tannins (ECT), protein-bound condensed tannins (PBCT), total condensed tannins (TCT) and protein precipitation capacity (PPC) of branchlets litter decreased rapidly, while fibre-bound condensed tannins (FBCT) increased during decomposition. Nitrogen and phosphorus concentration of the branchlet litter both increased gradually during decay. Negative correlations between TP and nitrogen or phosphorus, as well as TCT and nitrogen or phosphorus were found. These chemical changes enhanced the current knowledge on the potential ecological role of nutrient transformation in tannins in C. equisetifolia plantations.

As the tree age increases, the formation of heartwood takes place in the central part of the tree. Since there is a large difference in the moisture content between sapwood and heartwood in conifers, the proportion of heartwood expressed in percentage is one of the most important factors influencing the average moisture of trunk wood. The aim of the research was to find out the changes in parameters of heartwood proportion and the changes in average trunk wood moisture parameters, depending on the age of the tree. To evaluate and compare the heartwood proportion in pine and spruce trunk and its moisture, sample plots were established throughout the territory of Latvia in 2011. These sample plots were established in stands of different ages (37-143 years). The total number of sample plots was 61-29 for pines with 246 sample trees and 32 sample plots for spruces with 270 sample trees. With the increase in the tree age from 60 to 140 years, the heartwood proportion increases and the average moisture content of trunk wood decreases. With an increase of the heartwood proportion in pine from 18% to 39%, the average moisture of trunk wood decreases from 108% to 86%, but with an increase of the heartwood proportion in spruce from 30% to 49%, the average moisture content of trunk wood decreases from 107% to 81%.

Wheat, apple, potato, and bamboo fibres were applied at 1 and 3% content to bread wheat flour and these additions were studied for the quality of dough and bakery products characterised by farinograph parameters, laboratory baking tests, firmness, and sensory analysis. The addition of fibre caused a decrease of loaf volume, also a change of crumb colour and a slight increase of bread crumb firmness. On the other hand, the addition of fibre affected the farinograph parameters, significantly decreased the specific volume especially at 3% fibre (P < 0.05). A statistically significant difference (P < 0.05) in firmness was found out between products with added wheat and bamboo fibre. Statistically highly significant differences (P < 0.001) were found among the other pairs of products with fibre. The best sensory properties were detected when examining the products with an addition of wheat and potato fibre. The enrichment of bread with fibre at 1% or 3% increased the dietary fibre content in bread with slightly adverse effects on bread quality.

The biochemical properties of proteases from the digestive system of the fig tree skeletonizer moth, Choreutis nemorana, were determined. Gut extracts of C. nemorana larvae were analysed using different specific peptide substrates and proteinase inhibitors. The optimal pH and temperature for proteolytic activities using azocasein as substrate were obtained as pH 11 and 45°C, respectively. In the case of N-benzoyl-l-arg-p-nitroanilide as substrate, the enzyme showed the maximum tryptic activity at pH 11. The kinetic parameters of trypsin-like proteases indicated that the K_m and V_max values of trypsin in the gut of C. nemorana were 0.157 ± 0.006mM and 0.188 ± 0.005 µmol/min/mgprotein. Using specific proteolytic inhibitors, the inhibitors including phenyl methane sulfonyl fluoride, N-p-tosyl-l-lys chloromethyl ketone and ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid showed the greatest inhibitory effect on total proteolytic activity. These results indicated that serine proteinases accounted for the major proteases in the gut of C. nemorana. Inhibition assays and zymogram analysis showed that only small amounts of cysteine proteases are present in the digestive system of C. nemorana.

Functional capacity is the physical ability to perform a defined task. In humans it can be evaluated by using exercise testing, for instance sub-maximal exercise tests. Walking tests are widely used variations of sub-maximal exercise tests and in human medicine are considered to be realistically related to daily physical activity and prognosis in patients with heart failure. The aim of this study was to assess a sub-maximal exercise test in dogs with varying degrees of heart disease. The 6-minute walking test was used to test the functional capacity in healthy dogs and dogs with heart disease (degenerative mitral valve disease). Three groups of untrained owned dogs were compared. Two groups were dogs had mild and moderate degenerative mitral valve disease (ME-1 and ME-2, respectively) and the third group comprised healthy dogs with the same age and size conditions. Both groups of dogs with mitral valve disease walked shorter distances during 6 min (control 448.92 m; ME-1: 406.89 m; ME-2: 350.04 m). The influence of the test on the heart rate, electrocardiography and blood pressure was also evaluated. Although the 6-minute walking test has already been tested in healthy dogs, dogs with chronic pulmonary disease and dogs with artificially induced heart disease, this is the first time that this test has been validated in elderly dogs with naturally acquired heart disease. Thus, we demonstrate here that this test can be used reliably for assessing functional capacity in dogs with heart disease.

Fast-growing woody plants that can be grown under short-rotation systems offer an alternative to food production on arable land, and serve as a potential source of renewable energy. In order to establish the feasibility of future large scale production under the conditions of the Czech-Moravian highland, a high density experimental field plantation including a range of available clones of Populus sp. and Salix sp. with the total area of 1.5 ha was established in early 2001 in Domanínek (Czech Republic, 49°32'N, 16°15'E and altitude 530 m). The clone experiment of Populus sp. covered 0.3 ha in the center of the plantation and included 13 clones in total, with hardwood cuttings of only 6 clones available in numbers allowing 4-replicate experiment. The plantation was established on agricultural land and the trees were planted in a double row design with a density of 10 000 trees/ha. The trial was weeded by mechanical methods, and no irrigation, fertilization, or herbicides were applied. The experiment site was harvested at the end of 2006. It was found that the biomass yields of the tested clones of Populus sp. were in the higher range of results from national and European studies in case of hybrid clones. The satisfactory survival rate in the first year, when mortality tends to be highest, was supported by relatively wet weather conditions after plantation establishment. At the end of the first rotation, the highest yields were obtained from clones J-105 and J-104 (P. nigra × P. maximowiczii) and P-494 (P. maximowiczii × P. berolinensis) with J-105 showing a mean annual increment of dry matter close to 14 t/ha. Additional experiments seem to suggest that well managed poplar plantation might produce even better values if higher survival rates can be achieved.

The objectives of present study were to determine the residual and cumulative effects of zinc (Zn) fertilizer on cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in a silt loam Typic Haplocambid soil (< 0.05 mg/kg diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA)-Zn). The study comprised of two years field experiments where first cotton crop received zinc sulphate (ZnSO₄∙H₂O) at five rates (0, 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5 kg Zn/ha) in a randomized complete block design with four replications. After harvest, each plot was divided into two sub-plots. To study the residual effect, one sub-plot of all plots did not receive Zn fertilizer for the subsequent crops; however, the other sub-plot received all Zn rates for 2005-06 wheat, 2006 cotton, and 2006-07 wheat. Fresh applied, residual as well as cumulative Zn application significantly (P ≤ 0.05) increased crops production for both experimental years. Residual effect of 5.0 kg Zn/ha optimized the 2006 cotton yield; however, wheat productivity was optimized with residual effect of 7.5 kg Zn/ha in 2005-06 and of 10.0 kg Zn/ha in 2006-07. Optimum yield of both crops was attained with a lesser fresh-applied and residual Zn rate than cumulative Zn rate. Total Zn uptake by wheat (134.9-289.6 g/ha) was much greater than by cotton (92.3-192.5 g/ha). It is concluded that one application of 7.5 kg Zn/ha proved adequate for optimizing two cycles of the cotton-wheat production system. Two-year repeated use of 5.0-7.5 kg Zn/ha did not depress crop yields.

The paper focuses on the evaluation of the contemporary situation of two economic sectors in the frame of the European Union, namely the wholesale and retail of agricultural and food products. For these industries, the structural profile with the indicators of turnover, value added and employment was elaborated. Hereafter the costs, productivity and profitability indicators ranking of the top 5 Member States were compared to the EU-25 averages. After a 3.1% increase in the turnover index in 2000, the evolution of sales for the agricultural wholesaling sector recorded a series of small increases and decreases in the turnover, ranging from - 0.6% in 2002 to 1.5% in 2004. Between 2000 and 2005, the agricultural wholesaling sector generally recorded a slower rate of expansion for turnover than the wholesale trade average. The specialised in-store food retailing sector generated EUR 120.4 billion of turnover in 2003. The wealth creation of the specialised in-store food retailing was valued at EUR 23.8 billion; equivalent to 6.5% of the retail trade and repair total, while this activity employed 1.4 million persons, some 9.0% of the retail trade and repair workforce. Half (49.9%) of the turnover in the specialised in-store food retailing sector in the EU was generated by enterprises selling fruit, vegetables, meat, fish or bakery products.

The foliar nutrient status was examined in a degraded Greek fir (Abies cephalonica Loud.) forest in Mount Parnitha near Athens, Greece. The examination lied in comparing the foliar concentrations of Ca, Mg, K, N, P, Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu with the critical values referring to conifers and the elemental percentages with regard to N of the forest with the corresponding percentages of a healthy Bulgarian fir (Abies borisii regis) stand, the closest relative of the Greek fir. It was found that the needles of the Greek fir had significantly lower concentrations from the N and P critical values. Significant differences were found for the Ca/N, Mg/N, P/N, Fe/N and Mn/N percentages. Significant correlations for the Greek fir were found between needle weight and foliar N as well as between needle weight and the percentages Ca/N and Fe/N. It is highly probable that N and P in the Greek fir are in short supply.

The possibilities of improving starch/water batter foam properties by additions of inorganic and organic compounds, waste sawdust and waste paper pulp were investigated. The most suitable ratio between starch and water was set to 2:3. The best results were obtained when calcium stearate was added to the starch/water tray because it filled the matrix of the tray and improved the surface. The addition of calcium stearate and a low amount of waste paper pulp and/or waste sawdust also brought good results. Higher amounts of waste sawdust and calcium stearate did not produce the compact and smooth surface of starch trays. The addition of polyvinyl alcohol improved these parameters.

in recent years, great attention has been paid to the quality of eaten meat and its products. There have been launched a lot of promotional campaigns aimed at providing opportunities for the consumption of traditional products. Based on the experiment, a significantly higher protein content was found in sausages produced by large producers (24.73 ± 1.98%). The fat content was significantly higher in traditional ham (16.25 ± 14.47%), compared with local ham (4.38 ± 2.26%) and the mass (9.29 ± 5.25%). The samples of traditional and local ham had a significantly higher salt content (3.31 ± 0.72 and 2.90 ± 0.54%, respectively). No dye compounds were detected in any of the tested samples. There were no statistically significant differences in hydroxyproline and l‑glutamic acid content between traditional and conventional samples of meat products. Analysis of nitrate (V and III) showed a statistically significant difference in the average contents of these compounds. Significantly higher levels of nitrates were revealed only in traditional ham samples (12.60 ± 8.08 mg NaNO(V)/kg and 17.53 ± 27.91 mg NaNO(III)/kg of the product, respectively), wherein there was a large variation in the content of these compounds in the samples.

Some species of invertebrates especially bryozoans (Bryozoa syn. Ectoprocta) and marine sponges (Porifera) are very important sources of pharmacologically exploitable compounds. These substances are probably produced to protect themselves from fish predators and may be an advantage in competition. The real sources of compounds with these antipredatory effects are probably not marine invertebrates themselves, but microscopic symbionts or food which they feed on. Bryostatins from bryozoan species Bugula neritina are produced by a bacterial symbiont called Candidatus Endobugula sertula. They have significant anti-cancer effects, but also other therapeutic benefits. Compounds with the structure of bryostatins were also discovered in some other invertebrates. Sponges are a source of many compounds, e.g., ara-A (vidarabine), manzamine, lasonolides, spongistatins, peloruside and others with antimicrobial, anti-cancer, immunosuppressive and similar activities. Other important sources of compounds with medical effects are tunicates (Tunicata syn. Urochordata) and some snails (Mollusca). One drug was developed from tunicates - Yondelis against refractory soft-tissue sarcomas. Certain other drugs originate from snails: e.g., prialt, which acts against chronic pain in spinal cord injury.