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This research investigated the influence of the storage duration on the health promoting tyrosine, tryptophan and total phenolics in potato tubers. In the course of storage, the total amount of accumulated compounds in the dry mass of organically grown potato tubers increases. This is determined by individual properties of potato variety, storage time, and interaction of these two factors (P < 0.05). Organic potato tubers show increased total phenolic compounds in their dry matter during storage. This is due to a variety of characteristics, storage time and the interaction of these two factors (P < 0.05). A more pronounced increase in total phenolic compounds during storage was observed in 2022 than in 2021.

Soil salinization is one of the most widespread soil degradation processes, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. In such climatic conditions, soluble salts accumulate in the soil, leading to deterioration in soil properties and ultimately reduced crop yield. The purpose of this study was to analyse the relationship between the level of soil salinity and the main spectral indicators obtained from Landsat satellite data. The studied area was the Maisky district, which is located in the southeastern part of the Pavlodar region of Kazakhstan. The variants of the research were agricultural lands using sprinkler irrigation and flood irrigation, as well as sites without irrigation. To analyse the relationships, we used the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), salinity indices (SI) and soil indices such as SI 1, SI 2, SI 3, SI 4, normalized difference salinity index (NDSI), soil adjusted vegetation index (SAVI), and brightness index (BI). The normalized difference salinity index (R-NIR)/(R + NIR), using a quadratic statistical relationship, showed the best correlation with the laboratory data. The vegetation index NDVI showed the weakest correlation due to dryness or poor crop growth. As a result of the lack of clear control over irrigation and agrotechnical measures, the indicators of cation exchange capacity in irrigated plots using the flooding method were higher than in other irrigation methods. During irrigation, it is necessary to ensure clear rules, according to which the supplied water and fertilizers will have a positive effect on the soil and the entire agroecosystem. The methods used in this research can be useful in mapping and studying saline soils using satellite data in natural and climatic conditions of arid and semi-arid regions.

This research investigates the high prevalence of morphological defects in the sperm of a particular rabbit breed, namely the Zemplin rabbit (ZR). We tried to uncover the possible causes and consequences of the observed abnormalities. Ejaculate samples from ten adult males were divided into two qualitative groups according to the motility parameters revealed by CASA (computer-assisted sperm analysis). Group A contained samples with total motility (TM) above 50% and progressive motility (PM) above 30%. Group B contained samples with TM and PM below these values. Viability (SYBR-14/DRAQ5^TM and SYTOX^TM Green/DRAQ5^TM staining) and apoptosis (YO-PRO ^TM-1/DRAQ5 ^TM stainig) analyses through flow cytometry served as an additional insight into the characteristics of the qualitative groups. In both cases, we noted significant differences (P < 0.05) between groups which corresponded to motility values. Both groups showed an increased incidence of abnormal spermatozoa, and we did not observe any significant differences between them. Simultaneously, we assessed the practical implications of these sperm defects on artificial insemination (AI), and also, we did not notice any significant differences in these parameters. The use of transmission electron microscopy enhanced our understanding of the morphological defects at the ultrastructural level. In summary, the study provides an understanding of the qualitative differences in rabbit semen, highlighting variations in quality parameters. While these differences exist, they may not necessarily translate into significant variations in AI outcomes. Our study shows higher values of cytoplasmic droplets in ZR semen, but it also shows that these conditions do not necessarily mean a fundamental obstacle to fertility in the case of AI.

Increased levels of the non-essential hazardous metalloid arsenic (As) in rice grains pose a threat to human health and the sustainability of the rice industry. In several counties, the average As contamination in polished rice has been detected to range from 0.002 to 0.39 mg/kg, which is above the safe limit of 1 mg/kg as recommended by the World Health Organisation. Beyond this limit, the digestive tract, circulatory system, skin, liver, kidney, nervous system and heart can be affected. Humans can develop cancer from consuming or inhaling As. In addition, long-term exposure to drinking water contaminated with arsenic has also been linked to a dose-response relationship with an increased risk of hypertension and diabetes mellitus. Rice has been shown to be an indirect source of arsenic accumulation in human bodies. Under flooded paddy soil, trivalent arsenate (AsIII) occupies 87–94% of the total As, while under non-flooded soil, pentavalent arsenate (AsV) predominates (73–96% of the total As). This review aims to provide a thorough and interdisciplinary understanding of the behaviour of As in the paddy soil and transportation to rice grain and further investigate efficient ways to limit arsenic contamination. Supplementation of soil with specific mineral nutrients such as iron (Fe), sulphur (S) and silicon (Si) can significantly decrease the arsenic accumulation in rice grain by minimising its uptake and translocation. The hydrogen bonding potentials of uronic acids, proteins and amino sugars on the extracellular surface of soil microorganisms facilitate the detoxification of arsenic species. Further, rice is absorbed less when exposed to aerobic water management practices than anaerobic ones since it reduces the build-up of As in rice, and the solution is immobilised as in the soil.

South African ‘Hass’ avocado fruit harvested early season are vulnerable to colour desynchronisation with softening during ripening, reducing their international and local market aesthetic value. So far, research has proven that ‘Hass’ avocado fruit exocarp colour desynchronization is an early season conundrum. However, there is insufficient literature on underlying factors causing exocarp colour desynchronisation. Therefore, the study aimed to investigate the ripening temperature effect on early season ‘Hass’ avocado fruit exocarp colour development and pigments during ripening. Early season ‘Hass’ avocado fruit were stored at 5.5 °C for 28 days thereafter, ripened at 16, 21 and 25 °C and evaluated for firmness, visual and objective colour (L*, C* and h°), total chlorophyll and anthocyanin content. The results showed that the visual colour of fruit ripened at 25 °C was significantly higher compared to 21 and 16 °C after 2 and 4 ripening days. This study found that ripening temperature had no significant influence on chlorophyll degradation. However, fruit ripened at 25 °C accumulated significantly higher exocarp anthocyanin concentration compared to lower ripening temperatures. In conclusion, ripening early season ‘Hass’ avocado fruit at 25 °C resulted in improved exocarp colour development and anthocyanin accumulation.

Species of the genus Xanthium (cocklebur) are invasive plants widespread all over the world. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, Xanthium orientale L. was an invasive species, while Xanthium spinosum L. was an economically harmful weed species. The reason these species are spread over vast areas and across various climate conditions must be attributed to their biology, particularly the biology of their seeds. Germination of populations of X. orientale and X. spinosum at a temperature range of 15 °C to 40 °C over 2 to 20 days ranged between 15.0% (X. spinosum) and 90.0% (X. orientale). By means of the application of a statistical model, a positive correlative dependence of temperature and time on seed germination was determined (X. orientale = 80.70%, X. spinosum = 62.20%), which provided a possibility of modelling the seed germination of Xanthium species in various ecological conditions. The optimal germination temperature for both cocklebur species was 30−35 °C. As the germination of seeds was recorded at all researched temperatures (15, 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40 °C), it points to a wide ecological valence for the considered abiotic factor. These results suggest that the unique germination biological characteristics of the Xanthium genus made it extremely easy for the species to form monodominant communities in new habitats and climate-changing environments quickly.

Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus L.) is grown in tropical and temperate regions and an economically important crop. Characterization studies of watermelon may provide valuable information for breeding and research programs. The objectives of this study were to determined of morphological, phytochemical, genetic diversity and population structure among the watermelons. Morphological and phytochemical variations including sugar contents were determined in 96 watermelon genotypes grown in the field. The average number of fruits per plant was determined as 2.52 ± 0.06, and the average yield was determined as 6.2 ± 0.11 kg/m2. The mean total sugar was determined as 6.27 ± 0.12 %, and the lowest value was measured in genotype 234 (1.1%); the highest value was measured in genotype number 184 (8.66%). A total of 62 SSR (Simple Sequence Repeat) primers were used in the molecular characterization study. The similarity coefficients among the 96 genotypes varied between 0.23 and 0.99. This study indicates that there is a wide morphological and sugar parameters variation among watermelon genotypes but narrow molecular genetic diversity. It also provides useful information for watermelon breeding studies.

This study focused on the hydrophysical characteristics of an abandoned limestone quarry in Czechia. Six sites were examined; two sites were undergoing natural succession (the Quarry Wall and Reed Canary Grass plots, which had undeveloped arboreal layers) and four sites were undergoing managed forest reclamation. Of the four forest reclamation sites, three were classified as prospering (the Prospering Lime, Prospering Maple and Prospering Lime + Oatgrass plots) and one was in decline (the Declining Larch + Lime plot). The arboreal layer included small-leaved lime (Tilia cordata Mill.), sycamore maple (Acer pseudoplatanus L.), and European larch (Larix decidua Mill.). Our results showed that Lime + Oatgrass plot retained more water than other plots. Field soil moisture measurements indicated that throughout the 1096-day monitoring period, only the soils at the successional sites reached the wilting point (Quarry Wall plot: 159 days; Reed Canary Grass plot: 43 days). Soil heterogeneity in the reclaimed areas was due to variation in the soil profile depth, disturbance from mining activities, reclamation efforts, and the availability of quality soil material. Soil conditions and the dynamics at the quarry created less than ideal conditions for tree regeneration. This primarily relates to limiting and significantly heterogeneous successional plots.

The efficiency of poultry production plays a crucial role in ensuring food security and maintaining human health sustainability. Although extensive research has been done on the largest poultry-producing countries, the European Union’s contribution has not been thoroughly investigated, especially in Central and Eastern Europe. This study aims to fill this gap by analysing the technical efficiency of poultry farms in Hungary and Poland. We use the stochastic metafrontier approach to Farm Accountancy Data Network (FADN) data from 2010 to 2015. The results suggest that both countries have technical inefficiencies. The meta technical efficiency (MTE) was higher in Poland than in Hungary, driven by both a higher technology gap ratio (TGR) and higher (country-specific) technical efficiency (TE) in Poland. In both countries, returns to scale were increasing, which suggests that policies that increase scale of operation could increase efficiency. Furthermore, the study highlights the importance of technological gaps for several farms both in Poland and Hungary; therefore, policies should also focus on supporting investments in technology adoption and innovation. This could involve providing subsidies or grants for the adoption of advanced farming technologies, such as automated feeding systems or data analytics for optimizing production processes.

Yellow rust (YR), caused by Puccinia striiformis f.sp. tritici (Pst), is a global threat to wheat production. In this study the response of 46 wheat and triticale cultivars to Pst at the adult plant stage (APS) was evaluated during two successive growing seasons at Sulaimania, Iraq. Also, we used a molecular analysis to find the yellow rust resistance (Yr) genes present in the individual cultivars. The results revealed large differences in the response to Pst between the cultivars. Most of the cultivars were susceptible to YR; the mean coefficients of infection (CI) varied from 0.23 in cv. Sarah to 83.33 in Hsad. High resistance levels were found in Al-Wand, Kalar 1, Rezan, and Sarahat APS, while Al-Rashid, Charmo, Faris 1, Maaroof, Rabiea, and Iratom displayed moderate resistance. The level of Yellow rust infection was higher in 2023 than in 2022 in most tested cultivars. Molecular analysis revealed the highest number of Yr genes (Yr2, Yr5, Yr7, Yr9, Yrvav, Yr15, Yr24, Yr26, and Yr32) in the cv. Al-Wand, followed by Sulaimani 2 with eight Yr genes (Yr2, Yr5, Yr7, Yr9, Yr15, Yr24, Yr26, and Yr32). Only one Yr gene was found in Iratom and Tamuz 3. Yr2 was the most frequently identified gene, present in the majority of tested cultivars (87%), followed by Yr7 (76%) and Yr9 (74%), respectively.

This work presents the advantages and risks of selected soil quality criteria using data from the monitoring of agricultural soils in the Czech Republic. Soil samples were taken from 71 sites covering various soil types. Basic soil parameters and mid-infrared spectra were measured. Indicators describing the quality of soil organic matter (SOM), and soil were calculated. The results show that soil types differ significantly in the qualitative indicators of soil organic matter. More acidic soils with lower clay content contain lower proportions of aromatic and higher proportions of aliphatic organic compounds than neutral soils with higher clay particles content. These soils differ little in total carbon content and C/N ratio but considerably in C/clay ratio. Cambisols are the least degraded soils in the Czech Republic in terms of C/clay ratio, which is controversial in many respects. The results indicate that more aliphatic organic matter is important for the SOM content in the upper part of the agricultural soil, and more aromatic organic matter is mainly bound to the clay fraction. The results raise questions about the suitability of uniform C/clay target values proposed in European legislation as a criterion for assessing soil degradation due to carbon loss.

The present experiment studied the effects of egg composition (egg yolk content; Y) of two different chicken genotypes (selected by computed tomography; CT) on hatched chick growth performance, slaughter traits, and meat quality. Three thousand five hundred eggs per genotype were scanned by CT. Then, for each genotype, eggs were selected according to their Y content: low (21.0 ± 0.88 – 350 eggs), medium (24.5 ± 0.15– 350 eggs) and high (28.3 ± 0.98 – 350 eggs). The remaining eggs were excluded from the study. At 11 weeks of age, 15 chickens per group were slaughtered, carcasses were dissected and breast and legs were excised and dedicated to meat quality evaluations. Many parameters were influenced in the meat-type (EE) chickens, including slaughter, breast and leg weights, and abdominal fat content, whereas only the breast incidence on slaughter weight was affected in Tetra-H hybrid. In neither genotype were the meat traits affected by Y content. Two exceptions were represented by leg thawing loss, higher in low Y group compared to medium and high Y group, and by tibia length, longer in high Y content group than in the medium one, both for EE chickens. Similar findings were observed for the meat fatty acid (FA) profile, as only some single FA were influenced by Y content, however, apparently without a specific physiological meaning. The present work demonstrated that the Y content, measured by CT, allowed to select high-quality meat-type animals characterised by the best productive performances in terms of growth rate, live weight, slaughter weight, breast and thigh weights, and with lower abdominal fat content. These findings would bring positive advantages to hatcheries in terms of chick quality and also to farmers in terms of economic revenues: They would rear robust animals that would guarantee a higher probability of survival in the first rearing period and would be characterised by a high slaughter weight at the end of the productive cycle.

Natural regeneration is a crucial factor in improving the economy of forest estates. The presented study analysed the economic parameters of three different approaches to forest regeneration: (i) artificial regeneration with Norway spruce, (ii) a 25% admixture of soil-improving and stabilising species (SSTS), and (iii) natural regeneration. The expenses for these specific operations related to individual regeneration methods were derived. These variants were investigated before the bark beetle calamity (2014) and after the outbreak (2023) for management sets (MS) 531, 551, 571, and 591, i.e. for acidic, nutrient-rich, gleyed, and waterlogged sites of higher elevations. In all cases, natural regeneration decreased expenses by approximately 2 000 EUR·ha^–1 (50 000 CZK·ha^–1) to 6 000 EUR·ha^–1 (150 000 CZK·ha^–1). The 25% admixture of SSTS increased the expenses. The proportion of natural regeneration subsequently decreased due to the bark beetle calamity from roughly 40% to 10% in recent years, which is comparable with the Czech Republic as a whole.

The development of intelligent systems for the tracking of free-range livestock is a challenge to both information and communication technology (ICT) scientists and those in the animal sciences. Cyber-physical systems make it possible to track and control processes involving intelligent objects from the physical and virtual worlds. In the case of free-range grazing, it is necessary to manage processes in two domains ‒ that of the intelligent pasture management and that of the animals. Due to the differences in the conditions of different types of pastures – plain or high land and the characteristics of the cattle breeds, ready-made models cannot be used, but it is necessary to build a specific multi-aspect model for the behaviour and life cycle of cows. Our team organised their research on cows from two different breeds (Rhodope Shorthorn Cattle and Bulgarian Rhodope Cattle) raised in similar technologies, grazed on two different types of pasture. The aim of the study is to develop a comprehensive model for determining cattle behavioural activities on pastures using sensor groups, by incorporating physical observations and appropriate statistical models.

Standard roses are a widely used ornamental plant in urban landscapes, valued for their attractive flowers and adaptability to various environmental conditions. This study investigated how different substrate types affect the growth and development of standard roses and their potential to improve the ecology of urban landscapes. Nine substrate conditions (rotted corn stover, decomposed shiitake mushroom residue, perlite, and combinations) were compared with field soil as a control treatment. The physical and chemical characteristics of each substrate were analysed, and the growth and development of standard rose plants were observed over six months. The results indicated that the substrate T4 (70% rotted corn stover, 15% decomposed shiitake mushroom residue, 15% perlite) achieved the highest evaluation index, leading to superior plant growth compared to other substrates. This combination provided optimal water retention, aeration, and nutrient supply, making it the most effective substrate for cultivating standard roses. Additionally, the use of these substrates can improve soil quality and reduce environmental pollution, offering a sustainable option for urban landscape management.

Sweet cherry juice rich in phenols and anthocyanins is highly perishable and typically undergo thermal pasteurisation, which can diminish its nutritional composition. High pressure processing (HPP), a non-thermal technique using pressure to inactivate the microbes while preserving nutrients, offers a more effective alternative for extending the shelf life of fruit juice. Accordingly, present study evaluated comparative impact of high pressure processing and thermal pasteurisation on phytochemicals, antioxidant activity, microbial and sensory attributes of cherry juice during storage. For study, cherry juice subjected to two different HPP levels (400 and 600 MPa) for 5 min and thermal pasteurisation (95 °C) for 30 s, followed by storage (60 days at 4 °C). Results showed HPP and thermal pasteurisation had significant impact (P < 0.05) on phenolics, flavonoids, and antioxidants compared to control, however, thermally pasteurised juice showed rapid deterioration compared to HPP juice, whereas anthocyanin and cyanidin-3-glucoside levels remarkably different in both groups. Microbial findings revealed safety of HPP pasteurisation juice with shelf life (45 days) however, better sensory acceptability for HPP treated juice. In nutshell, HPP pasteurisation is pragmatic approach for enhancing shelf life with better nutrients for cherry juice and findings useful for beverage industry and health professionals.

Agriculture and energy are intricately connected, with agriculture being a significant energy consumer and supplier. In this comprehensive study, SPSS and Jupyter Notebook were used to model and predict the energy requirements of potato plants during cultivation. A system using deep learning methods, specifically the Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), was also developed to accurately predict the classification of potato plant growth phases using image data. The CNN model, developed with 100 epochs and 5 layers, used 1 125 image data of potato plants, categorising them into two classes: the vegetative phase, with an energy requirement of 4 195.80 MJ·ha^–1, and the generative phase, with an energy requirement of 746.45 MJ·ha^–1. The model‘s accuracy in reflecting the actual data, with a mean absolute error of 0.11, mean square error of 0.01, and root mean square of 0.13, indicates no significant issues. The test predicted categorization with 99% precision, underscoring the thoroughness and validity of this study and reassuring the audience about the accuracy of the results. The study findings not only validate the use of deep learning in agriculture but also inspire the development of applications to predict the energy demand for each growth phase using plant image data.

Inner Mongolia Cashmere Goat fleece is derived from a heterogeneous coat. The guard hair is produced by primary hair follicles, and the down hair is produced by secondary hair follicles. Reports have focused on research related to the different hair follicle types, but no related study has addressed the difference in the proteins of down hair (DH) and guard hair (GH), and whether the protein composition of these materials differs remains to be studied. The protein composition of DH and GH was studied. A total of 108 proteins were identified in DH, and 116 proteins were identified in GH; 39 proteins were differentially expressed, of which 18 proteins were upregulated and 21 proteins were downregulated in DH versus GH. In this study, through the measurement of DH and GH samples from Inner Mongolia Cashmere Goats, the diameter of DH relative to GH was downregulated (P < 0.05), a property that may be related to the KRT38 protein. Moreover, the strength of GH was significantly higher than that of DH (P < 0.05), a property that may be affected by the KRTAP8-1 protein. GO analysis showed that the different traits of DH and GH from Inner Mongolia Cashmere Goats are affected by keratin, actin, and calcium-binding proteins. This study uses a nonlabelled quantitative proteomics method to study the proteins in DH and GH, aiming to identify the keratin family in Inner Mongolia Cashmere Goats and to provide a new direction for studying DH and GH traits at the protein level.

The negative consequences faced by the entire planet, the intensification of natural disasters, global warming, lowering the level of groundwater, deforestation, deterioration of corals and the underwater world, soil degradation, and the change of species diversity, testify to the necessity of introducing reforms in the agricultural-food complex. Fulfilling such a goal and creating added value of innovation potential can only be created in the conditions of functioning structures strengthened by system support, which requires reviewing and introducing change in food systems. The recent financial crisis, later the pandemic, and the current going military conflict in Ukraine, caused problems in supplier-customer relations, and made humanity feel how the issue of food security and self-sufficiency can be easily and quickly disrupted. If farmers and food producers are to be able to respond to challenges and at the same time ensure the EU’s strategic goals, it is necessary to have support in research and innovation. Agricultural research and innovation in the EU is characterised by a long-term strategic approach that focuses on creating value from the land through sustainable primary production and strengthening rural innovation. It is an important tool in the fight against challenges such as climate change, environmental degradation, and biodiversity loss. In view of the above, it is necessary to transform food systems, apply regenerative agriculture, introduce alternative land-saving farming systems, observe the principles of sowing procedures and greater diversification of crops in the sowing procedure, reduce the consumption of agrochemicals, naturally integrate plant and animal production into agricultural business entities in relation to the circular economy, use farm waste for bioenergy production, protect agricultural land, implement measures to retain water in the country and support regions

The present study was to determine the genotypic and environmental variability and stability in seed yield, oil content, oil yield, oleic and linoleic acid of 10 safflower lines derived from a cross of Dinçer 5-18-1 × Montola 2000 together with six cultivars under six environments at five locations. The effects of genotypes, environments and genotype × environment interactions were highly significant (P < 0.01) for seed yield and oil content. Averaged across all environments, the seed yield was lowest in the cultivar Olas (2 352 kg/ha), and highest in the line Bay-Er 5 (2 869 kg/ha). According to mean (x_i) and regression coefficient (b_i) values, the Bay-Er 16 was better adapted to unfavourable environmental conditions, whereas the Bay-Er 1, Bay-Er 5 and Bay-Er 14 were better adapted to favourable environmental conditions. The highest oil content across environments, over 35%, was recorded in the line Bay-Er 15 and the cultivars Olas and Linas. The best adaptability to the environments was observed in the cultivar Olas. The oleic acid content of genotypes increased and the linoleic acid contents decreased from the north to the south latitudes. The oil content of genotypes grown in Southeastern Anatolia was higher than in the other regions. Within the regions, seed yield and oil content was higher after autumn sowing than after spring sowing.

Breadfruit's substantial carbohydrate content makes it a viable starch source, specifically resistant starch (RS) that helps prevent chronic diseases. This study investigated the effects of enzyme hydrolysis and microwave treatment (MT) on enriching type III RS in breadfruit. It also determined its structural and functional properties, including swelling power, solubility index, water absorption capacity, oil binding capacity, and syneresis. MT at 30 W·g^–1 for 3 min resulted in the highest RS content of 74.8%, significantly surpassing pullulanase hydrolysis (1.0 U·g^–1 dry basis for 12 h) at 17.3% RS. The breadfruit starch granules exhibited a regular shape, approximately 7.9 µm in length, whereas modified granules were less than 11 µm, along with observable deformation in their structural shape. In conclusion, the study demonstrates the efficacy of MT for enhancing RS content in breadfruit, highlighting its potential as a healthy functional ingredient and starch substitute.

In the present study, a field establishment was initiated in 2018 with eight treatment conditions using biochar application rates of 0, 10, 20, or 30 t/ha and nitrogen application rates of 0 or 150 kg/ha. After two years, the impact of biochar on carbon-nitrogen distributions, soil aggregate stability, and wheat yields was then assessed. The predominant mechanical aggregates after two years were > 5 mm and 2–5 mm granular aggregates, with notable increases in the amounts of these aggregates following the application of biochar with or without nitrogen that coincided with an increase in soil aggregate mechanical stability. Relative to control conditions, aggregate mean weight diameter (MWD) and geometric weight diameter (GMD) values rose by 17.6% and 24.3% for biochar with nitrogen treatment (N: 150 kg/ha; biochar: 20 t/ha), respectively. Biochar application alone and the application of both biochar and nitrogen fertiliser were associated with 6.4–20.2% and 20.7–42.7% increases in spring wheat yields, respectively. Overall, the results of these analyses highlight the value of applying biochar to improve soil quality and boost crop yields proximal to the study site. This study provided the scientific basis for the rational fertilisation and scientific management of biochar combined with nitrogen fertiliser in the irrigation area of Northern Xinjiang, China.

Dairy cows enter the negative energy balance in the early post-partum period, which negatively affects milk yield, health status and reproduction. This study aimed to determine if milk yield (MY) and fat/protein (F/P) ratio could be used as reliable indicators for predicting the quality of aspirated oocytes and their further use for in vitro fertilisation. A secondary goal was to compare different periods before oocyte aspiration to determine which period had the most significant impact on the oocyte development in donor cows. All tested Holstein cows were at their first lactation (n = 68). The first ultrasound-guided follicular aspiration in donor cows was done on average at 58.7 days in milk (DIM). Usually, a second aspiration followed a week later if no problems were detected. In total, 102 aspirations were performed. Three model equations with different F/P ratio distributions and variants of MY production were tested in statistical evaluation. On average, 3.6 oocytes were retrieved per donor per aspiration, with a minimum of 1 and a maximum of 12. The maturation rate was 62.2%, with a high probability of reaching metaphase II (90.45%). The highest number of oocytes was obtained from low-yielding cows with a low F/P ratio in all evaluated periods (P < 0.01). The quality and expansion of cumulus-oocyte complexes were unaffected by the metabolic status. However, a tendency for better quality oocytes in donors with lower MY and F/P ratios was observed in all models. Our preliminary results showed that the prediction of oocyte quality in a homogeneous group of the first-lactation cows was related to the chosen data acquisition model. Data about milk yield and F/P ratio obtained from on-farm systems provide a valuable source of information for the selection of oocyte donors.

Advancements in technology have recently enabled to assess soil aggregate stability (SAS) using digital devices. To address the need for a faster and more efficient method of measuring SAS, we have developed a simple yet effective approach using a specialized device. The innovative method named SlakeLight involves measuring the changes in light transmittance as aggregates undergo slaking. The device consists of the measuring chamber, which is placed on a LED light source with a surface-homogeneous distribution of luminosity. During the disintegration process of aggregates immersed in water, reduction in the light emitted to the photodiodes is proportional to SAS. The functionality of the device was tested using topsoil samples from two field fertilization trials. The recorded SAS_trans values were compared with the wet sieving method (WSA) and SLAKE test. The new method showed a strong correlation with both reference methods (r = 0.89 for WSA, r = –0.86 for SLAKE). The device was able to detect a statistically significant differences in SAS between the grassland and the cropland at both sites. Although differences in SAS_trans were not significant between different fertilization treatments unlike WSA, the simplicity and speed of the measurement increase the potential of the method for practical implementation in agriculture, surpassing the limitations of traditional and labor-intensive laboratory techniques.

In Thailand, vibration problems often occur with rice combine harvester automatic header height adjusting systems. This study aimed to identify parameters for reducing the vibration and managing response time for harvesting speed configuration. An experimental combine harvester header model was designed to automatically adjust three parameters: total movement time, time ratio, and final phase distance within vertical movement ranges of 200, 250, or 300 mm. These parameters were controlled using a proportional flow control valve and a professional learning community (PLC) control unit. The results showed that increased time ratio, final phase distance, and total movement time significantly reduced average vibration amplitude. Higher time ratios corresponded to lower vibration amplitude during changing stages but higher amplitude during stopping stages. Vibration amplitudes during starting, changing, and stopping stages ranged from 0.622 to 1.373 mm, 0.042 to 1.097 mm, and 0.132 to 0.902 mm, respectively, for 200, 250, and 300 mm vertical movement distances. To reduce vibration in the first and second wave phases, precise control of start and final speeds through time ratio and total movement time was necessary. Minimizing the time ratio and final phase distance effectively reduced vibration amplitude in the third wave phase.

Heart rate variability analyses using Poincaré plots can be useful for evaluating the autonomic nervous system function. However, the interpretation of the quantitative indicators of Poincaré plots remains controversial. Thus, few studies have verified the effectiveness of the quantitative indicators in veterinary medicine. This study aimed to verify the reliability of Poincaré plot indicators using pharmacological models in dogs. Four healthy beagles were used in this study. Each dog was treated with propranolol, atropine, and propranolol–atropine to block the sympathetic, parasympathetic, and sympathetic–parasympathetic functions, respectively. The quantitative indicators of the Poincaré plots were calculated based on data from 300 electrocardiogram beats collected before and after the administration of each drug and statistically analysed. The quantitative indicators of the Poincaré plots, such as the standard deviation perpendicular to the major axis (SD1), standard deviation along the major axis (SD2), and SD1 × SD2, significantly decreased after the drug administration in both the parasympathetic and sympathetic–parasympathetic blockade models. However, no significant differences were observed in SD1/SD2 between the groups. The Poincaré plots reflected the changes in the autonomic nervous system of dogs. In dogs, SD1, SD2, and SD1 × SD2 can detect a state in which parasympathetic nerve activity is suppressed.

Old plant communities are of utmost importance for nature conservation, carbon sequestration, as well as gene pool maintenance. Shrub populations occurring in extreme environments beyond abiotic tree-lines provide diverse ecosystem services and have potential as proxy archives because they often inhabit areas with scarce and short instrumental records. We provide dendrochronological insight into one such population made up of prostrate Juniperus communis shrubs in the northern Scandinavian tundra (Norway), growing on a competition-free boulder field. We dated and provided a growth chronology of the oldest living shrub population (190 ± 148 years) from Scandinavia with the oldest individual being 683 years old. This is a conservative estimate, as shrubs in extreme environments do not form even a single row of cells in some years. The cross-dating issues of poorly growing shrubs do not fully allow to rely on climate sensitivity of the juniper population studied, although the species' potential for dendroclimatological reconstructions is generally considered high, also because the common juniper is an abundant woody species distributed globally. Old populations present an important gene source in plant recruitment, particularly in the context of the present environmental change.

This paper investigates the effect of rootstock (Gisela 6, PiKu 1 and SL 64) on the total phenol content, total anthocyanin content, the content of the individual phenols and the antioxidant activity in fruits of two sweet cherry cultivars, ‘Kordia’ and ‘Regina’. The total phenolic content determined by the spectrophotometric method using Folin-Ciocalteu reagent varied from 34.84 to 149.28 to mg GAE/100 g FW depending on the cultivar/rootstock combination. The concentration of total anthocyanins was determined by using the pH-differential method and it ranged from 0.46 to 11.54 mg CGE/100 g FW. Highest level of the total phenolic content and concentration of the total anthocyanins content was detected in the cultivar ‘Regina’ grafted onto the Gisela 6 rootstock. Neochlorogenic acid, catechin, chlorogenic acid and quercetine-3-O-glucoside were detected using HPLC method. Significant variation of detected individual polyphenols in sweet cherry fruits grafted on different rootstocks was observed. The lowest content of individual polyphenols was measured in ‘Regina’ cultivar grafted on the SL 64. Ferric reducing antioxidant power assay indicated that all investigated fruits possessed similar antioxidant activity. There was a statistically significant correlation observed between the total phenolic content and antioxidant activity (correlation coefficient 0.972, P-value below 0.01), as well as between the anthocyanins and antioxidant activity (correlation coefficient 0.855, P-value below 0.01).

Bromus sterilis L. (barren brome) is one of the most economically important noxious grass weeds in the winter cereal fields of Europe. Its ecological behaviour in this agro-climatic region should be assessed for effective weed control strategies. The present study was conducted to assess the dormancy and germination response of the B. sterilis population from the Czech Republic under thermal, light, and stress conditions. The dormancy loss experiment revealed that seeds exposed to the light regime showed a remarkably lower percentage of germination, and under alternating temperatures of 10/20 °C in dark conditions, rapid loss of primary dormancy was observed. This population was found to germinate across a wide temperature range of 5–35 °C, with the highest germination rate at 25 °C (T50 = 1.14 days in dark, 1.21 days in light) and the germination time increased with decreasing temperatures below 25 °C. Further, due to fitness advantage, herbicide-resistant (R) biotypes were found to be more stress-tolerant than susceptible (S) biotypes under salinity and drought conditions. In the highest stress conditions, the germination of S biotypes was negligible, while R biotypes can germinate under high stress, but germination decreased below 25 °C. The current findings may add value to effective weed control strategies using prediction models based on seed dormancy and germination values under different hydrothermal conditions.

Enhancing the resilience of rural households against the impacts of risks and moulding their enduring strength despite modest scale holds paramount contemporary significance for a multitude of developing nations, including China. This study uses the microdata of the China Labor-Force Dynamics Survey (CLDS), systematically measures the rural household resilience index for the first time, analyses the impact of the digital economy on the resilience of rural households, and dissects the group differences and mechanism of action. We found that from 2012 to 2018, the Chinese rural household resilience index had significant differences in time and space, and village market, gentry assistance, economic organisation, and income from collective operation were the most important indicators affecting the rural household resilience index. The improvement of the digital economy index, to some extent, suppressed the improvement of the rural household resilience index. Meanwhile, heterogeneity analysis suggested that depending on family size and housing property rights, the impact of the digital economy on the resilience of rural households will be divided. Moreover, mechanism analysis showed that the digital economy further affected the resilience of rural households through the employment comprehensive effect, income structure effect and member security effect.