bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wyznaczanie prędkości filtracji w gruncie antropogenicznym pochodzącym z recyklingu destruktu betonowego z wykorzystaniem metod analitycznych
Authors: Sas Wojciech , Dzięcioł Justyna
Published: July 2018

The article presents methods for estimating the selection of sample size for selected geotechnical parameters. The authors focused on the filtration process and the selection of the sample size needed to correctly estimate the filtration coefficient for a given hydraulic gradient. Various sample sizes were analyzed, and the assessment of the percentage amplitude of the discrepancy allowed to estimate the optimal number of tests performed to agree on the appropriate average filtration coefficient. The applied statistical methods were analyzed and evaluated in terms of the best fit to the studied process. It was used to build an equation allowing to determine the flow velocity at successive gradients not tested and the limits of the applicability of the formula were determined.
Local climates of Vardar, Struma and Mesta valleys (Balkan peninsula) according to the modified Köppen climate classification
Authors: Popov Hristo
Published: July 2018

The K?ppen classification is commonly used and helpful for characteristics of
different climate types and their changes. Available maps based on this
classification are dealing with continental and worldwide zones. This is the
reason mountainous territory of the Balkans to be defined as zones with cold
or high mountain climate without further details. The main aim of the study
is detail classification of the territory of Vardar, Struma and Mesta in the
view of the K?ppen system and establishing the inner zones variability
trough time. In order to achieve this goal we use the SAT (surface air
temperature) and precipitation data from meteorological stations located in
key areas of the valleys. We build 30 year moving average to present climate
fluctuations in these areas according to the modified K?ppen classification.
Results show that index changing is variable through the different periods
but there has a tendency for general reduction of the annual precipitation
in the whole period of observation.
Environmental terrorism - victimological aspects and preventive mechanisms
Authors: Batricevic Ana , Paunovic Nikola
Published: July 2018

Defined extensively as committing ecological criminal offences with the
intention to achieve political goals, environmental terrorism is a global
threat to environment, human life, safety and health, as well as to the
survival of flora and fauna. Environmental terrorism contains the elements of
environmental crime and the elements of terrorism, which makes the position
of its victims particularly complex. The subject of this paper includes
defining environmental terrorism, analysing its phenomenology. Since this
form of crime simultaneously harms and endangers environment, material goods,
human life, safety and health, flora and fauna, the subject also comprises
the study of the specific position of its victims. It is emphasised that
longlasting and extensive consequences of ecological criminal offences make
it difficult to determine promptly the victims of this form of crime, as well
as that its victims are victimised twice: due to terrorist attack and due to
negative consequences of ecological criminal offences (such as severe health
damage) often emerging after several years. The subject covers the analysis
of current international legal mechanisms for the prevention and protection
of environmental terrorism victims? rights, including those dealing with
terrorism in general as well as those relevant to the protection of
environment from negative anthropogenic factors. Finally, the subject
contains a critical analysis of legislative framework of the Republic of
Serbia pertinent to the prevention and sanctioning of environmental
terrorism, with focus on the provisions of current Criminal Code prescribing
ecological criminal offences and terrorism. In order to achieve more precise
tracking of the scope and dynamics of environmental terrorism and more
adequate sanctioning compatible with its social hazard, the authors propose
its incrimination as an independent criminal offence against humanity and
other values protected by the international law. The purpose of this paper is
to define environmental terrorism, analyse its forms and to examine current
mechanisms for the prevention of victimisation from environmental terrorism
and the protection of its victims? rights on international and national
level. Moreover, the authors seek to contribute to the improvement of the
quality of tracking and to the efficiency of prevention of victimization from
environmental terrorism in Serbia by suggesting its incrimination as an
independent criminal offence.
Does integrated information lack subjectivity?
Authors: Nesic Janko
Published: July 2018

I investigate the status of subjectivity in Integrated Information Theory.
This leads me to examine if Integrated Information Theory can answer the
hard problem of consciousness. On itself, Integrated Information Theory does
not seem to constitute an answer to the hard problem, but could be combined
with panpsychism to yield a more satisfying theory of consciousness. I will
show, that even if Integrated Information Theory employs the metaphysical
machinery of panpsychism, Integrated Information would still suffer from a
different problem, not being able to account for the subjective character of
consciousness.
Effect of storage time and temperature on stability of bioactive compounds in aseptically packed beverages prepared from rose hips and sea buckthorn berries
Authors: Andersson Staffan C , Ekholm Anders , Johansson Eva , Olsson Marie E , Sjöholm Ingegerd , Nyberg Lena , Nilsson Annika , Rumpunen Kimmo
Published: July 2018

Rose hips and sea buckthorn berries contain high amounts of beneficial bioactive compounds. In this study the content and stability of natural vitamins and antioxidants were investigated in two fruit beverages made from rose hip powder, sea buckthorn berry purée and white grape juice concentrate, and wheat germ oil in one of the beverages. Beverages were formulated, pasteurised and filled aseptically in Tetra Brik packages and stored up to 35 days at 4 °C or 22 °C. Samples were analysed for the content of ascorbic acid, carotenoids, major phenolics, tocochromanols, total phenols and total antioxidant capacity as ferric reducing ability. The largest changes occurred during the first 5 days of storage, thereafter mainly ascorbic acid decreased. In the wheat germ oil supplemented beverage, α-tocopherol was more rapidly degraded. Negative correlations between the decrease of some carotenoids and tocochromanols, and the increase of some phenolics, suggest relationships of redox reactions specific to the amount of oil supplemented. From the present study we can conclude that additions of oil to beverages should be carefully selected to avoid oxidations of bioactive compounds. Furthermore, packaging of the beverages should be carried out at higher temperatures and thereafter it should be stored at low temperatures (4 °C), which decreased oxidation of all bioactive compounds except ascorbic acid.
Effects of copper glycine chelate on liver and faecal mineral concentrations, and blood parameters in broilers
Authors: Kwiecień Małgorzata , Winiarska-Mieczan Anna , Piedra Jose Valverde , Bujanowicz-Haraś Barbara , Chałabis-Mazurek Agnieszka
Published: July 2018

The aim of the study was to determine the influence of Cu-glycine chelate on the chemical composition of the liver and blood parameters of broiler chickens. A total of 250 one-day-old Ross 308 male chicks were allotted into 5 groups with 5 replicates of 10 birds each. Rearing of birds lasted 42 days. In the experiment Cu was added to the premix in the form of CuSO4 (16 mg, 8 mg Cu), and in the form of Cu glycine chelate (16 mg, 8 mg, 4 mg Cu). The parameters in the chickens’ blood remained within the range of physiological norms when lower levels of the analyzed elements were added. Adding lower levels of Cu (8 or 4 mg kg-1) in comparison with the recommended doses (16 mg kg-1) for broilers, in the form of highly assimilable organic sources, did not reduce the content of minerals Cu, Fe, and Zn in the chickens’ liver, but reduced the faecal Fe, Cu and Zn concentrations compared to CuSO4.
Phytic acid, inorganic phosphorus, antioxidants in bread and durum wheat and their associations with agronomic traits
Authors: Branković Gordana , Dragičević Vesna , Dodig Dejan , Knežević Desimir , Kandić Vesna , Šurlan-Momirović Gordana , Sečanski Mile
Published: July 2018

The phytic acid (PA), inorganic phosphorus (Pi), yellow pigment (YP), water soluble phenolics (WSPH) and free protein sulfhydryl groups (PSH) of 15 Triticum aestivum and 15 Triticum durum wheats grown at six different environments were evaluated for variability, intra- and inter- relations with agronomic traits. The most variable properties in bread wheat were YP and WSPH with coefficients of variation (CV) amounting to 14.59% and 14.10%, respectively, while in durum wheat those were PSH and YP with CV of 17.59% and 15.02%, respectively. PA in durum wheat showed the least variability (CV 3.61%). Among others, positive associations were obtained between WSPH and YP in bread and durum wheat, YP and PSH, WSPH and PSH, yield (YLD) and WSPH, YLD and PSH in durum wheat, while negative associations were recorded for PA and YP, PA and WSPH, YLD and antioxidants (YP and WSPH) in bread wheat, PA and antioxidants, PA and YLD in durum wheat.
Spatial and temporal variation in weather events critical for boreal agriculture: I Elevated temperatures
Authors: Peltonen-Sainio Pirjo , Pirinen Pentti , Mäkelä Hanna M , Hyvärinen Otto , Huusela-Veistola Erja , Ojanen Hannu , Venäläinen Ari
Published: July 2018

Variation in temperature challenges crop production and animal farming. Elevated temperatures are often harmful, though may also open opportunities at high latitudes. Impacts depend on the vulnerability of the object, production system and their resilience to climatic variability. The station-wise temperature observations from the Finnish Meteorological Institute for a time period of 54 years (1961‒2014) were interpolated to a regular 10 km × 10 km grid covering the whole country. Several successive time slices were used to measure the likelihood for: 1) elevated temperatures of a) ≥1 °C above normal for three weeks, b) ≥2 °C above normal for two weeks and c) ≥3 °C above normal for one week, and 2) heatwaves with daily maximum temperature >25 °C for: a) 5 days (short) or b) 14 days (long episode). We also estimated the likelihood of warm winds in the early growing season which may enhance pest migration. We found large spatial and temporal variations in the likelihoods of elevated temperatures with many impacts on crop production, animal farming and welfare. In fact, only 1 °C temperature elevation may already be harmful, though in some cases also beneficial depending on region and vulnerability or adaptation of the object and production system. Though we show only some examples of the potential impacts of temperature variation on high latitude agro-ecosystems, these data are valuable as such for much wider applications in agriculture and beyond that.
Spatial and temporal variation in weather events critical for boreal agriculture: II Precipitation
Authors: Peltonen-Sainio Pirjo , Pirinen Pentti , Mäkelä Hanna M. , Ojanen Hannu , Venäläinen Ari
Published: July 2018

There is great temporal and spatial variation in precipitation in Finland. Both drought episodes and repeated, abundant rains may interfere with crop growth, yield and quality formation, and many agricultural operations (such as tillage, sowing, crop protection and harvesting). The windows for optimal operations are often narrow due to the short growing season and variable weather conditions. Field traffic at high soil moisture may e.g. cause soil compaction. Also, the high environmental footprint on agriculture under high latitude conditions is often attributable to fluctuations in precipitation. The station-wise precipitation observations from the Finnish Meteorological Institute for the time period of 54 years (1961‒2014) were interpolated to a regular 10 km × 10 km grid covering the whole country. Several successive time slices were used to calculate the likelihood of: 1) drought periods and 2) periods with repeated rains with above normal precipitation sum so that both of these lasted for at least a) two weeks or b) three weeks. We demonstrated substantial spatial and temporal variation in the likelihood of drought and repeated rains: drought episodes were common during the early half of the growing season, while again repeated rains with high accumulated precipitation (lasting for two weeks) became common in the latter part of the growing season. Though, we highlighted in this paper some examples of how these events may affect agriculture and their environmental impacts, the datasets published here may be applied for many other assessments.
Boron fertilisation of organically managed grass-clover swards on coarse-textured soils: effects on botanical and element composition
Authors: Linse Lisbeth , Dahlin A. Sigrun , Nadeau Elisabet , Forkman Johannes , Öborn Ingrid
Published: July 2018

Three trials were performed on two organic farms with dairy and suckler cows and using home-produced forage and feed crops, predominantly grass-clover ley, in order to determine whether boron (B) is a limiting factor for legumes on coarse-textured soils in an area predisposed to low B soil concentrations. The effects of B fertilisation (applied as sprayed liquid) on biomass yield, botanical composition and plant macro- and micronutrient concentrations relative to soil concentrations and livestock requirements were investigated. Boron fertilisation (i) did not affect any yield, (ii) increased the white clover percentage significantly in forage on one farm and (iii) increased B concentrations in plants and soil on both farms, and (iv) did not affect concentrations of other nutrients in forage on either farm. Thus, B was not an obvious limiting factor on these farms. Effects of management practices on interactions and ratios between B, calcium (Ca), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg) and sodium (Na) and their implications are discussed.
Performance and meat quality of Nordic Red and Aberdeen Angus bulls offered faba bean or field pea based whole crop legume-cereal silages
Authors: Huuskonen Arto Kalevi , Pesonen Maiju , Honkavaara Markku
Published: July 2018

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of silage plant species (faba bean and field pea based whole crop legume-cereals vs. grass) on performance and meat quality of growing Aberdeen Angus (AA) and Nordic Red (NR) bulls. A 2×3 factorial design was used. The experiment comprised 30 AA and 30 NR bulls. Both breeds were randomly allotted to the three feeding treatments. The compositions (g kg-1 dry matter) of diets were: 1) grass silage (650) plus rolled barley (350), 2) faba bean-wheat silage (650) plus rolled barley (350) and 3) pea-wheat silage (650) plus rolled barley (350). The experimental diets were offered as total mixed rations ad libitum. The AA bulls grew faster, had better feed conversion rates and superior dressing proportion and carcass conformation compared to the NR bulls. Replacing grass silage by whole crop legume-cereal silages in the diet did not have remarkable effects on animal performance, carcass characteristics or meat quality.
Pest status and incidence of the honey bee tracheal mite in Finland
Authors: KORPELA S.
Published: July 2018

Colonies of honey bees (Apis mellifera L.) were surveyed for the presence of the honey bee tracheal mite (Acarapis woodi Rennie) in Finland between 1991 and 1997. Colony background information and winter loss data were obtained from beekeepers who had taken tracheal mite infested samples. A total of 2116 samples from honey bee colonies of 402 beekeepers were investigated. Infestations were found in 8% of the beekeeping operations and in 10% of the samples inspected. In the last years of the survey more than 20% of apiaries were infested. This increase may be partly explained by tracheal mite infestations found in commercial queen-rearing apiaries. A field experiment with colonies infested at different levels showed that colonies in which 20% or more of bees are infested with tracheal mites have an increased risk of dying during the winter under Finnish conditions. This infestation level was found among colonies in 92% of the infested apiaries. Comparison of the tracheal mite prevalence in apiaries with their winter losses indicated that infestations were associated with colony mortality. The results of this survey point to the high pest potential of the tracheal mite in Finland, in contrast to findings on tracheal mites from elsewhere in Europe. Therefore, strategies to prevent further spread of the mite are highly recommended and methods for effective control should be sought.;
Effects of fertilisation and irrigation practices on yield, maturity and storability of onions
Authors: SUOJALA T. , SALO T. , PESSALA R.
Published: July 2018

The study aimed to establish whether a high onion yield and good storage performance could be obtained with low fertilisation rates if irrigation was applied when necessary. Two-year experiments investigated the effects of three NPK fertiliser levels (N 50, 100, 125/150 kg/ha), with and without irrigation, on yield, advancement of maturity, storage losses and shelf life. High fertilisation advanced maturity but irrigation had no effect. High fertilisation increased yield only in 1996 (5B7%), but irrigation increased the yield noticeably: by 33.5% in 1995 and 8.5% in 1996. There was no interaction between fertilisation and irrigation. The low fertilisation optimum is attributed to the mineralisation of soil nitrogen, as the soil was rich in organic matter. At the low fertilisation level, plants took up twice as much nitrogen as present in the fertiliser, and with increased fertilisation the nitrogen uptake increased markedly. The foliage nitrogen content was low, evidently as a result of late harvesting. Treatments had only a minor effect on the storage performance and shelf life of onions. The results suggest that fertilisation rates could be reduced in onion production. Irrigation during warm and dry periods is essential to achieve the maximum yield potential and does not impair the storage quality of onions.;
Timing incorporation of different green manure crops to minimize the risk of nitrogen leaching
Authors: KÄNKÄNEN H. , KANGAS A. , MELA T.
Published: July 2018

Seven field trials at four research sites were carried out to study the effect of incorporation time of different plant materials on soil mineral N content during two successive seasons. Annual hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth), red clover (Trifolium pratense L.), westerwold ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam. var. westerwoldicum) and straw residues of N-fertilized spring barley (Hordeum vulgare) were incorporated into the soil by ploughing in early September, late October and the following May, and by reduced tillage in May. Delaying incorporation of the green manure crop in autumn lessened the risk of N leaching. The higher the crop N and soil NO3-N content, the greater the risk of leaching. Incorporation in the following spring, which lessened the risk of N leaching as compared with early autumn ploughing, often had an adverse effect on the growth of the succeeding crop. After spring barley, the NO3-N content of the soil tended to be high, but the timing of incorporation did not have a marked effect on soil N. With exceptionally high soil mineral N content, N leaching was best inhibited by growing westerwold ryegrass in the first experimental year. ;
Effect of anionic salts in concentrate mixture and calcium intake on some blood and urine minerals, acid-base balance and feed intake of dry pregnant cows on grass silage based feeding
Authors: TAURIAINEN S. , SANKARI S. , PYÖRÄLÄ S.
Published: July 2018

Twelve Ayrshire and eight Friesian cows were randomly assigned to one of four prepartum diets in a 2 x 2 factorially designed experiment to determine the effect of anionic diet and calcium (Ca) intake on Ca metabolism, acid-base status and feed intake of grass silage based diets during the dry period. Four diets provided either 34 g or 74 g total dietary Ca/day, and were either anionic or cationic. Dietary cation-anion balance (DCAB), calculated as milliequivalents [(Na+ + K+) - (Cl- + S2-)], was -247 mEq/kg dry matter (DM) in the low DCAB group and +34 mEq/kg DM in the high DCAB group. DCAB was formulated using NH4Cl, (NH4)2SO4 and MgCl2 as anionic salts. Cows received grass silage (5.2 kg DM), hay (0.9 kg DM) and concentrate mixture (1.6 kg DM) until calving. Blood and urine samples were collected 4, 3, 2 and 1 week before the expected calving date, at calving, the day after calving and 1 week following calving. The results indicate that the reduction of cation-anion balance induced mild metabolic acidosis and increased the ability of the cow to maintain blood Ca concentration. However, DCAB should be higher since urinary pH decreased markedly (< 6) and so remarkable changes in some blood electrolyte concentrations were noticed.;
Association between protein feeding and reproductive efficiency in the dairy cow: specific emphasis on protein feeding in Finland
Authors: SHINGFIELD K.J. , JOKELA M. , KAUSTELL K.
Published: July 2018

Associations between protein feeding and reproductive efficiency in the dairy cow are reviewed. Examination of published data indicated that reproductive responses assessed as days open, services per conception or conception rate following changes in protein feeding tend to be inconsistent. Discrepancies can arise due to between-study variations in experimental design, statistical analysis, sample population size, uterine health, cow age, parity, reproductive management or nutrient intake. Detri-mental effects on reproductive efficiency following periods of excessive protein feeding are often attributed to increases in tissue urea and ammonia oncentrations leading to impaired reproductive hysiology, modified endocrine function or exacerbated postpartum negative energy balance. Examination of data collected from Finnish dairy herds (n = 16 051) participating in the national milk recording scheme during 1993 indicated that milk production was maximised in herds fed diets containing 180 g crude protein/kg dry matter. In contrast, no consistent relationships were identified between increases in on-farm protein feeding necessary to secure higher milk production and herd reproductive efficiency assessed as calving interval, first service interval and number of inseminations per calving. Further examination of data derived from 5 437 herds within the National recording scheme indicated that on-farm reproductive efficiency was independent of large variations in the mean annual urea concentration of bulk tank milk. It is concluded that increases in the crude protein content of Finnish dairy cow rations from 150 to between 170 and 180 g/kg dry matter would allow improvements in milk production to be realised without leading to significant reductions in reproductive efficiency.;
Effect of milk coagulation properties of herd bulk milks on yield and composition of Emmental cheese
Authors: IKONEN T. , RUOTTINEN O. , SYVÄOJA E.-L.
Published: July 2018

Tutkimuksessa selvitettiin tankkimaidon juoksettumis-ominaisuuksien vaikutusta Emmental-juuston määrään sekä juuston ja juustoheran koostumukseen ja laatuun.Juustokoetta varten kerättiin 26 lypsykerran tankkimaidot yhteensä kahdeksasta karjasta,jotka muodostivat kaksi neljän karjan ryhmää .Ryhmän A karjat olivat tuottaneet kohtalaisen hyvin juoksettuvaa maitoa ja ryhmän B karjat huonosti juoksettuvaa maitoa.Hyvin juoksettuvaa maitoa tuottaneessa ryhmässä A a s1 -kaseiinin C-alleeli,ß -kaseiinin A 1 -ja B-alleelit sekä . K-kaseiinin B-alleeli olivat yleisem- piä ,friisiläislehmien suhteellinen osuus oli suurempi ja maidon . K-kaseiinin,a -laktalbumiinin ja ß -lak- toglobuliinin pitoisuudet olivat korkeammat kuin ryh- mässä B. Kummankin karjaryhmän tuottamasta maidosta valmistettiin kaksi Emmental-juustoa.Kunkin juuston valmistamiseen käytettiin noin 740 l maitoa.Ryhmä A hyvin juoksettuneesta maidosta saatiin keskimäärin 2 kiloa enemmän juustoa kuin ryhmän B huonosti juoksettuneesta maidosta.Tämä johtui pääosin siitä, että hyvin juoksettuneen maidon heraan hukkaantui vähemmän kaseiinia ja rasvaa kuin huonosti juoksettuneen maidon. Tankkimaidon juoksettumisominaisuuksissa esiintyy runsaasti vaihtelua karjojen välillä .Tankkimaitojen juoksettumisominaisuuksilla oli vaikutus maidon käyttö kelpoisuuteen juuston valmistuksessa. Tämän vuoksi maidon juoksettumisominaisuuksien pysyvä parantaminen on yksi edellytys juustontuotannon tehostumiselle.;
Responses of yield and N use of spring sown crops to N fertilization, with special reference to the use of plant growth regulators
Authors: PIETOLA L. , TANNI R. , ELONEN P.
Published: July 2018

The role of plant growth regulators (PGR) in nitrogen (N) fertilization of spring wheat and oats (CCC), fodder barley (etephon/mepiquat) and oilseed rape (etephone) in crop rotation was studied in 19931996 on loamy clay soil. Carry over effect of the N fertilization rates (0180 kg ha-1 ) was evaluated in 1997. N fertilization rate for the best grain/seed yield (120150 kg ha-1 ) was not affected by PGRs. The seed and N yields of oilseed rape were improved most frequently by recommended use of PGR. The yields of oats were increased in 199596. Even though PGR effectively shortened the plant height of spring wheat, the grain yield increased only in 1995. N yield of wheat grains was not increased. Response of fodder barley to PGR was insignificant or even negative in 1995. The data suggest that PGRs may decrease some N leaching at high N rates by improving N uptake by grain/seeds, if the yield is improved. The carryover study showed that in soils with no N fertilization, as well as in soils of high N rates, N uptake was higher than in soils with moderate N fertilization (6090 kg ha-1 ), independent of PGRs. According to soil mineral N contents, N leaching risk is significant (1535 kg ha-1 ) only after dry and warm late seasons. After a favourable season of high yields, the N rates did not significantly affect soil mineral N contents. ;
Photosynthesis and Rubisco kinetics in spring wheat and meadow fescue under conditions of simulated climate change with elevated CO2 and increased temperatures
Authors: HAKALA K. , HELIÖ R. , TUHKANEN E.-M.
Published: July 2018

Spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.cv.Polkka)and meadow fescue (Festuca pratensis Hudson cv. Kalevi)cwere grown in ambient and elevated (700 µl l -1 )carbon dioxide concentration both at present ambient temperatures and at temperatures 3°C higher than at present simulating a future climate.The CO2 concentrations were elevated in large (3 m in diameter)open top chambers and the temperatures in a greenhouse built over the experimental field.The photosynthetic rate of both wheat and meadow fescue was 31 37%higher in elevated carbon dioxide (eCO2 )than in ambient CO 2 (aCO2 )throughout the growing season.The enhancement in wheat photosynthesis in eCO2 declined 10 13 days before yellow ripeness,at which point the rate of photosynthesis in both CO 2 treatments declined.The stomatal conductance of wheat and meadow fescue was 2336% lower in eCO2 than in aCO2 .The amount and activity of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase-oxygenase (Rubisco) in wheat were lower under conditions of eCO2 ,except at elevated temperatures in 1993 when there was a clear yield increase.There was no clear change in the amount and activity of Rubisco in meadow fescue under eCO2 at either elevated or ambient temperature.This suggests that adaptation to elevated CO2 at biochemical level occurs only when there is insufficient sink for photosynthetic products.While the sink size of wheat can be increased only by introducing new,more productive genotypes,the sink size of meadow fescue can be regulated by fitting the cutting schedule to growth.;
Pathogen derived resistance to Potato virus Y: mechanisms and risks
Authors: MÄKI-VALKAMA T. , VALKONEN J.P.T
Published: July 2018

Since the concept of pathogen derived resistance (PDR) was proposed in 1985, genetic transformation of plants to express virus-derived sequences has been used to engineer resistance to many viruses. This paper reviews PDR approaches to Potato virus Y (PVY, type member of the genus Potyvirus). PDR to viruses operates often through RNA-mediated resistance mechanisms that do not require protein expression. Studies on the RNA-mediated resistance have led to the discovery of post-transcriptional gene silencing (PTGS), a mechanism that controls gene expression in eukaryotic cells and provides natural protection against virus infections. Viruses, in turn, can suppress the PTGS with some of their proteins, such as the helper component-proteinase protein of PVY. Expression of PVY proteins in transgenic plants entails a risk for heterologous encapsidation or synergism with viruses that infect the PVY-resistant transgenic plant. These risks are avoided using RNA-mediated resistance, but a risk still exists for recombination between the transgene transcript and the RNA genome of the infecting virus, which may create a virus with altered properties. The harmful consequences can be limited to some extent by removing functional motifs from the viral sequence used as a transgene.;
Feeding levels during the growing phase affect the production of primiparous Finnish Landrace ewes
Authors: SORMUNEN-CRISTIAN R. , JAUHIAINEN L.
Published: July 2018

The effect of different feeding levels on the performance of primiparous ewes was studied in 31 Finnish Landrace ewes bred to lamb at the age of one year. Ewe lambs, initially weighing on average 19.2 kg (SEM 0.63), were placed on a low (L), standard (S) or high (H) level of feeding from 2 months of age to the end of mating and from 2 months pre-partum to the end of 8-week lactation. Changes in live weight were affected by the diet. During rearing, the ewe lambs on L diet gained significantly less (18.0 vs. 24.1 kg/lamb, P
Maintenance of male sterile germplasm in Brassica rapa by in vitro propagation
Authors: GUO Y.-D. , NIEMELÄ T. , TULISALO U.
Published: July 2018

An efficient tissue culture system for plant regeneration, from mature cut branches, was established to maintain male sterile material in Brassica rapa L. The new-growth immature pods from the cut branches were used as explantsresults in callus initiation (37 calli from 25 explants) and shoot formation (17 shoots from 75 explants) than flower buds and branch stems. Auxin [2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), 2 to 5 mg l-1] and cytokinin [6-benzylaminopurine (BA), 2 to 4 mg l-1] were essential in callus and shoot formation, respectively. Callus initiation and shoot regeneration capacities were genotype dependent. The regenerated plants were male sterile and were used in breeding programs.;
Response of P, K, Mg and NO 3 -N contents of carrots to irrigation, soil compaction, and nitrogen fertilisation
Authors: PIETOLA L. , SALO T.
Published: July 2018

Soils ploughed in autumn were loosened by different tillage tools, or compacted to a depth of 25-30 cm by a tractor weighing 3 Mg (once or three times) before seed bed preparation for carrot under moist soil condition. Sprinkler irrigation was also applied to mineral soils when the soil moisture in top soil was 50% of plant-available water capacity, and the response of additional N application of 30 kg ha-1 was studied in an organic soil. Higher soil moisture tended to promote nutrient uptake, as the P content of carrot tap roots was increased by irrigation in loam. Compaction of organic soil low in P increased P and K contents and uptake by carrot roots and shoots. In severely compacted clay soil, the nutrient use decreased by increasing soil compactness. NO3-N contents were the highest in early season (25-30 mg kg-1 fresh matter) and decreased with advancing season. In loam, NO3-N content was increased by irrigation or loosening. Increasing the N fertilisation of organic soil from 30 kg ha-1 to 60 kg ha-1 increased the NO3-N content 30%. Soil type and its nutrient status, weather conditions, and growth stage had much more significant influence on the P, K, and Mg contents of carrots than soil treatments.
Effect of two microbial phytase preparations on phosphorus utilisation in broilers fed maize-soybean meal based diets
Authors: VALAJA J. , PERTTILÄ S. , PARTANEN K.
Published: July 2018

The present study was carried out to determine the effect of two microbial phytases, Aspergillus niger (FINASEâ FP-500, 291 PU (phytase units)/g) and Trichoderma reesei phytase (FINASEâ P, 5880 PU/g) on phosphorus (P) and calcium (Ca) utilisation and ileal P and Ca digestibility in broiler chickens fed diets based on maize and soybean meal. A total of 96 Ross broiler chickens housed four birds to a cage were used. Four dietary treatments consisted of a positive control supplemented with dicalcium phosphate (17 g/kg), a negative control without inorganic P, basal diet without inorganic P supplemented with Aspergillus niger phytase (2.6 g/kg) and basal diet without inorganic P supplemented with Trichoderma reesei phytase (0.13 g/kg). Both phytases provided 750 PU/kg feed. P retention per unit intake was lowest and P excretion highest in birds fed the positive control diet with inorganic P (P
Saltiness of coarsely ground cooked ham with reduced salt content
Authors: RUUSUNEN M. , SÄRKKÄ-TIRKKONEN M. , PUOLANNE E.
Published: July 2018

When the salt content of food is reduced a lack of flavor is anticipated to be the greatest problem related to consumer acceptance. The aim of this study was to examine how much the salt content of cooked ham can be reduced without a significant effect on sensory saltiness. Hams made up of coarsely ground pork with added phosphate were prepared and the cooking loss was determined. The salt content of the hams were 1.1, 1.4, 1.7, 2.0, 2.3 and 2.6% NaCl. The saltiness intensity of cold hams was rated against a reference ham (1.7% NaCl) using a relative-to-standard scale. The cooking loss in ham made with 1.1% added salt was higher than in the other hams. The ham with 1.7% NaCl was rated as salty as the hams with 2.0 and 2.3% NaCl (P>0.05), but saltier than those with 1.1 and 1.4% (P0.05). The results of this study suggest that based on saltiness evaluations it is possible to reduce the salt content of cooked ham to 1.7% NaCl.;
Can protoplast production from in vitro cultured shoots of Tanacetum vary during the season?
Authors: KESKITALO M.
Published: July 2018

Two different experiments were carried out to study the production of protoplasts and the variation of protoplast yield from in vitro cultured shoot tips of tansy (Tanacetum vulgare L.) and pyrethrum (Tanacetum cinerariifolium (Trevir.) Schiltz-Bip). In the first experiment, light had more pronouced effect for tansy than for pyrethrum. When the donor tissues of tansy were cultured under high light intensity the leaves contained anthocyanin and became brown during enzyme maceration. In contrast, donor tissues cultured under low light intensity produced leaves without anthocyanin. Depending on the light intensity of donor tissues, on average 5.8 - 6.8 x 106 and 3.4 - 4.3 x 106 protoplasts were isolated from one gram of mesophyll leaves of tansy and pyrethrum, respectively. In the second experiment, the production of protoplasts from tansy and pyrethrum varied seasonally. The most successful season for the production of protoplasts from in vitro cultured shoot tips was between December and April, when also the highest number of protoplasts could be isolated. It was not possible to state whether Tanacetum species have rhythms, which could cause physiological or chemical changes for the in vitro grown shoot tips. However, some external or internal, possible seasonal-dependent stimuli may have caused variation in the number of protoplasts isolated from tansy and pyrethrum and favoured protoplast production during winter and spring.
Reducing grain damage in naked oat through gentle harvesting
Authors: KIRKKARI A-M. , PELTONEN-SAINIO P. , RITA H.
Published: July 2018

The caryopsis of naked oat is sensitive to mechanical damage at harvest, especially at high grain moisture content. For producing high quality naked oat seed, it is recommended that harvesting be carried out at as low grain moisture content as possible. This reduces mechanical damage to the grain and promotes germination. Under northern growing conditions, grains are often harvested at 20% moisture content or higher. In this study, reduced grain resulted from using gentler settings on the combine harvester. Two naked oat cultivars and one conventional oat were harvested at different grain moisture content using three combine harvester settings: the first setting that recommended for conventional oat, the second a reduced cylinder speed and the third a narrow concave clearance. The greater the grain moisture content of naked oat at harvest, the more damage was caused by threshing. Lower cylinder speeds tended to result in better germination than higher speeds, even under moist conditions. Narrowing the concave clearance did not affect germination.
Weeds in spring cereal fields in Finland - a third survey
Authors: SALONEN J. , HYVÖNEN T. , JALLI H.
Published: July 2018

A survey of weeds in spring cereal fields was conducted in 16 regions of southern and central Finland in 1997-1999. Data were collected from conventional and organic farms, both of which applied their normal cropping practices. A total of 690 fields were investigated by counting and weighing the weed species from ten sample quadrats 0.1 m2 in size in late July - early August. Altogether 160 weed species were found, of which 134 were broad-leaved and 26 grass species. The total number of weed species ranged from 41 to 84 between regions. In organically farmed fields, the average species number was 24 and in conventionally farmed fields 16. The most frequent weed species were Viola arvensis 84%, Stellaria media 76% and Galeopsis spp. 70%. Only 18 species exceeded the frequency level of 33%. The average density of weeds was 136 m-2 (median= 91) in sprayed conventional fields, 420 m-2 (374) in unsprayed conventional fields and 469 m-2 (395) in organic fields. The average air-dry above-ground biomass of weeds was 163 kg ha-1 (median=63), 605 kg ha-1 (413) and 678 kg ha-1 (567), respectively. Weed biomass accounted for 3% of the total biomass of the crop stand in sprayed conventional fields and for 17% in organic fields. Elymus repens, the most frequent grass species, produced the highest proportion of weed biomass.
The effect of clinoptilolite on 137 Cs binding in broiler chickens
Authors: VITOROVIC G. , SLAVATA B. , STOSIC K.
Published: July 2018

The objective of this study was to evaluate the 137 Cs binding capacity of clinoptilolite.In the first in vitro experiment we investigated sorption of 137 Cs to natural and modified forms of clinoptilolite in highly acid solution,prepared to be similar to that of the gut of pigs (pH =2 3)at 37 ºC.In the second in vivo experiment 137 Cs binding to a modified form of clinoptilolite was studied in orally contaminated broiler chickens.137 Cs sorption in the high acidity solution depended on clinoptilolite concentration and varied between 30 85 %of the initial activity.In the chickens,three hours after 137 Cs administration,there was 67%and 63%lower accumulation of 137 Cs in meat and edible organs (respectively)and seven hours after 137 Cs administration,there was 69% and 49% lower accumulation of 137 Cs in meat and edible organs (respectively)compared to the controls with no clinoptilolite added in food. Natural and modified forms of clinoptilolite have been shown to high sorption efficiency towards 137 Cs ions and could be recommended as possible radiocaesium binders in domestic animals.;
Timing applications of growth regulators to alter spring cereal development at high latitudes
Authors: RAJALA A. , PELTONEN-SAINIO P.
Published: July 2018

Plant growth regulators (PGRs) are commonly used in commercial farming to control lodging in cereals. PGRs have been shown to alter yield formation and plant stand structure, other than the straw length. To study their potential in Northern growing conditions PGRs and their application time impacts on plant stand structure and yield formation in tall and short statured cultivars of barley, oat, and wheat were studied in the field. Crop stands were sprayed with the gibberellin biosynthesis inhibitors CCC [chlormequat chloride CCC], Moddus [Trinexapac-ethyl TE], or with ethylene-releasing Cerone [ethephon ETH] at the recommended times or at an earlier growth stage. CCC applied at Zadoks growth scale (ZGS) 13-14 increased and ETH applied at ZGS 39-40 reduced grain yield of oat by 370 kg ha-1 and 270 kg ha-1, respectively. In wheat, CCC applied at ZGS 31-32 reduced grain yield by 480 kg ha-1. This yield reduction was associated with lower grain yield production by the main head and particularly lower single grain weight. In barley cv. Kymppi, ETH and TE treatments promoted yield formation, whereas in cv. Saana they tended to reduce yield. Early applied PGRs reduced stem height at 14 days after treatment irrespective of species or stem stature, but at maturity no constant PGR effect was noted. Excluding the stem length, PGRs did not modify plant stand structure or yield formation markedly.
The soil quality concept and its importance in the study of Finnish arable soils
Authors: PALOJÄRVI A. , NUUTINEN V.
Published: July 2018

Arable soil is a functional unit whose condition is vital to crop production, but also to ecosystems at large owing to the significant role of soil in global nutrient cycles and balances. The soil quality concept recognises the concern for the sustainability of current arable land use practices. It integrates soil chemical, physical and biological properties, and takes account of the interaction of soil with water and air. This paper reviews the soil quality concept and its applications and discusses the importance of the concept for the assessment of Finnish arable soils. Many aspects of the chemical quality of arable soil are already well known in Finland. In contrast, follow-up of the physical and biological soil components, which are increasingly seen as important features of soil quality, is rudimentary. For monitoring of the soil quality at different scales  field, regional, national and global  a suitable set of indicators needs to be identified. In this paper particular attention is paid to the potential importance and usefulness of selected biological indicators. It is clear that more basic research is needed to provide scientists and advisors with a solid basis for transmitting reliable information on soil quality. While the soil quality concept has been justifiably criticised, it has clear merits in the integrated handling of the soil entity and in highlighting the environmental aspects of arable soil quality.;
Yield and quality of winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) seeds in response to foliar application of boron
Authors: Jankowski Krzysztof Józef , Sokólski Mateusz , Dubis Bogdan , Krzebietke Sławomir , Żarczyński Piotr , Hulanicki Paweł , Hulanicki Piotr Stanisław
Published: July 2018

This paper presents the results of a 3-year field experiment conducted on soil with moderate levels of boron (B) in north-eastern Poland to determine the influence of foliar application of B (0, 150 and 300 g ha-1) on the yield components, yield, mineral composition, nutritional value and feed value of winter oilseed rape seeds. Foliar application of B at the beginning of bud formation in winter oilseed rape increased seed yield by 0.19 (3%) at the lower B fertilization level to 0.26 Mg ha-1 (4%) at the higher B fertilization level. The observed increase in the yield of winter oilseed rape seeds in response to foliar application of B can be attributed to this micronutrient’s positive influence on seed production in siliques. Foliar fertilization with B increased B content and decreased Zn and Fe levels in the seeds of winter oilseed rape. When B fertilizer was applied at the rate of 150–300 g ha-1, the N and Ca content of the evaluated seeds increased. The fertilizer improved the nutritional value (crude fat content, fatty acid concentrations) of seeds, but deteriorated their feed value (total protein content, acid detergent fiber concentrations, neutral detergent fiber concentrations, quantitative and qualitative composition of glucosinolates).
Faba beans in diets for growing-finishing pigs
Authors: PARTANEN K. , ALAVIUHKOLA T. , SILJANDER-RASI H.
Published: July 2018

Two experiments were carried out to study the effects of using the new faba bean (Vicia faba L.) cultivar Kontu as a domestic protein source for growing-finishing pigs.In Experiment 1,120 pigs were used with a body weight (BW)of 25110 kg to study the effects of replacing 0, 25, 50, 75,and 100%of rapeseed meal with faba beans in barley +rapeseed meal based diets. Restrictedly fed grower and finisher diets contained 137317 and 114260 g kg1 faba beans, respectively. A barley +soya bean meal based diet was included as a control. The replacement of rapeseed meal with faba beans exerted a quadratic effect on daily weight gain and on the feed conversion ratio of pigs in the growing period and during total fattening (P
Conceptualising the economics of plant health protection against invasive pests
Authors: HEIKKILÄ J. , PELTOLA J.
Published: July 2018

Threats to animal and plant health by invading organisms are increasing due to trade liberalisation and increased movement of goods and people. This paper conceptualises an economic approach to protecting plant health against invasive organisms, specifically addressing a multidisciplinary audience involved in plant health research and in governmental policy-making process. We discuss the conceptual framework and present some generally available management options. We also build a basic model dealing with pre-emptive and reactive control, followed by a numerical illustration to the case of Colorado potato beetle in Finland. The analysis undertaken supports the notion that pre-emptive control is a viable strategy. Reactive control should be considered only if very low invasion magnitude combines with a low level of damage. However, the strategy choice implies also distributional impacts that warrant attention. The analysis results in a solution for a given set of numbers only. Uncertainty is incorporated through sensitivity analysis. The approach presented demonstrates the basic economic thinking behind the issue, and the concepts described allow further development of more sophisticated forms of analysis.;
Effect of liming on yield and quality of peppermint and Sachalin mint in fine sand soil of Northern Finland
Authors: AFLATUNI A. , UUSITALO J. , EK S.
Published: July 2018

Soil acidity commonly limits plant production in the fine sand soil of Northern Finland, which often has a low pH (5.5-6.5) and contains low levels of Ca and Mg. The effect of five liming (10% Mg and 19% Ca) levels, 0, 4, 8, 12, and 16 tons ha -1 , on the herb and essential oil yield and menthol and menthone content of two mint species (peppermint, Mentha x piperita, a variety of Black Mitcham and Sachalin mint, Mentha arvensis var. sacchalinensis) cultivated in fine sand soil in Northern Finland (6440N and 2505E) was studied during 1998-2000. Liming clearly increased the pH levels and the Ca and Mg content of the soil. The dry matter content, essential oil quantity, and the menthol or menthone content in mints were not affected by liming. In comparison with no liming however, liming at a rate of 4 t ha -1 doubled the herb yield. The highest yield was achieved in Sachalin mint by liming at 4 or 8 t ha -1 in the second and third year (soil pH 6-6.5) (Ca 725-871 mg l -1 and Mg 122- 219 mg l -1 ), and in peppermint by liming at 4, 8 or 16 t ha -1 (soil pH 6-6.6) (Ca 725-1272 mg l -1 and Mg 122-245 mg l -1 ). Therefore, we conclude that a higher peppermint and Sachalin mint yield is achieved by increasing soil pH to values above 6.0 in the fine sand soil of Northern Finland.;