This paper investigates the potential of using linden (Tilia spp.) as an alternative commercial species in afforestation and plantation production in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with a particular focus on the impact of planting material prices as a potential limiting factor. The research includes a qualitative analysis of data from forestry company bulletins on the occurrence of pathogens associated with climate change, as well as a quantitative analysis of planting costs and market relations of wood product prices. A linear regression model was used to analyze the relationship between the prices of oak and beech wood products. The results indicate that the price of planting material is not a key factor in the selection of species for afforestation. Also, linden shows certain advantages over traditional species, including a shorter production cycle and greater resistance to the negative impacts of climate change. The results suggest that linden has significant potential for wider application in future sustainable forest management strategies. The research provides a basis for further research and development of recommendations regarding the introduction of this species into commercial production.

The aim of this work is to calculate the nutrient and economic loss associated with different extract rate (ER) flours for use in the production of flat Arabic bread (Kmaj), and to come up with recommendations for decision makers on the feasibility of raising the ER of the flour used in its production. A review of literature was undertaken through a comprehensive search of pertinent work using keywords: wheat purification, whole wheat bread, white bread, Arabic bread in the databases of PubMed, Scopus and Google scholar. The levels of protein, vitamins, minerals and fiber content of the various ER levels of Hard Red Winter wheat flours, obtained from published literature were tabulated and averaged. Loss of the nutrients based on the nutrient content of this flour was calculated and graphically represented from the tabulated data. Analysis of Variance was performed with means separated by Duncan Multiple Range Test using SPSS program. Correlations between the different variables, and prediction equations of nutrient losses from the extraction rates of this flour were constructed. The review, supported with figures, concluded that using higher ( ER) flour in bread production would result in its improved nutritional value, and in economic savings especially for countries which rely on wheat imports to feed their populations. The millers welcomed the suggestion to increase the ER of the straight grade flour to 80%, while bakers had reservations about the idea citing negative impact of the bran and the resulting consumer rejection of the bread. Based on these results, it is recommended to increase the extraction rate of the flour used in the production of the subsidized flat bread to at least 80%.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of two drying methods on the physicochemical and microbiological quality of Octopus vulgaris. Samples were dried using sun drying (SD) at 28 ± 0.75 °C and convective air drying (CAD) at 30 ± 0.12 °C. Drying and rehydration kinetics were investigated. Physicochemical analyses included pH, water activity (aᵥ), color parameters, total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N), and trimethylamine (TMA), while microbiological quality was assessed through total viable count (TVC) and yeast and mold (YM) enumeration using standard methods. Quality attributes of the dried products were analyzed and compared using analysis of variance (ANOVA). CAD resulted in a significantly higher drying rate, whereas no significant differences were observed in rehydration behavior between the two drying methods. Drying led to the inhibition of yeasts and molds in both treatments, while lower total viable counts were observed in CAD-treated samples. TVB-N content increased after drying, from 5.1 ± 1.2 mg N/100 g in fresh samples to 6.0 ± 0.59 and 9.46 ± 1.81 mg N/100 g in CAD- and SD-treated samples, respectively. A similar trend was observed for TMA levels. Sun-dried octopus exhibited higher total color difference (ΔE) and browning index (BI) values, indicating more pronounced color changes and intensified non-enzymatic browning reactions. Overall, low-temperature convective air drying at 30 °C appears to be a suitable method for preserving the quality of dried octopus.

This study investigates the effects of wheat straw-derived biomethanol–diesel blends on the performance and emission characteristics of a diesel engine. Four fuel blends were tested: pure diesel (D100) and biomethanol blends at volumetric ratios of 5%, 10%, and 15% (B5, B10, B15). Experiments were conducted on a single-cylinder diesel engine under four load conditions (25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%). The results show that although the lower heating value of biomethanol increased specific fuel consumption (from 308 g/kWh to 346 g/kWh at full load), its high oxygen content and latent heat of vaporization significantly improved key emission parameters. Under full load, the B15 blend reduced exhaust gas temperature by 29 °C, soot emissions by 25%, and CO emissions by approximately 21% compared to D100. Conversely, nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions increased from 2165 ppm to 2420 ppm, attributed to the ignition delay characteristics of biomethanol. Overall, blending biomethanol with diesel is an effective strategy for reducing soot and CO emissions; however, further optimization is required to address the trade-off between NOx emissions and fuel consumption.

Calcareous soils, primarily characterized by the presence of calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) and associated carbonate minerals, play a fundamental role in regulating soil chemical equilibrium, pH regime, buffering capacity, nutrient availability, and structural stability. Through these interconnected mechanisms, calcareous conditions exert a direct influence on agricultural productivity as well as on broader environmental outcomes. Elevated soil pH values and the abundance of bicarbonate ions in calcareous systems promote the precipitation of phosphorus (P) and the reduced solubility or strong surface adsorption of essential micronutrients such as iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), and manganese (Mn). These processes frequently result in lime-induced chlorosis, yield reductions, and quality losses, particularly in fruit crops and nutritionally sensitive field crops. In contrast, acid soils, where carbonate content is absent or extremely limited, occupy a substantial proportion of the world’s arable land. Under such low-pH conditions, nutrient availability is constrained, aluminum and manganese toxicity may occur, and the solubility of potentially toxic elements increases, leading to distinct limitations on crop growth and root development. In these systems, liming represents a classical and indispensable soil amelioration practice, as it raises soil pH, increases base saturation, improves cation exchange processes, enhances soil aggregation and structural resilience, and stimulates microbial and biological activity. Beyond agricultural production, soil inorganic carbon (SIC) associated with carbonates constitutes one of the largest carbon pools in terrestrial ecosystems and plays a complex role in greenhouse gas dynamics and climate regulation. Whether SIC functions as a net atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) sink or source depends largely on the origin of calcium, fertilization intensity, and land management strategies. In acid soils, liming is commonly regarded as a practice that directly generates CO2; however, the accompanying increase in soil pH may simultaneously reduce nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions by altering nitrogen transformation pathways, while excessive liming can enhance ammonia (NH₃) volatilization. In this context, the use of biomass-derived ashes with low heavy-metal content and silicate-based materials such as feldspar and perlite offer promising integrated management options by improving nutrient availability while contributing to long-term CO2 sequestration. Consequently, sustainable agriculture in both calcareous and acid soils should move beyond short-term yield-oriented approaches and adopt integrated environmental soil management strategies that explicitly account for greenhouse gas emissions, carbon sink potential, and climate change mitigation.

The quality of frozen-thawed semen in stallions is an important component of equine reproduction and can be influenced by various intrinsic and environmental factors. This study investigated the effects of stallion breed and freezing month on post-thaw semen quality. A total of 96 ejaculates were collected from Arabian, Arab-Barb, and French Saddle stallions and frozen between November 2023 and March 2024 using a stantardized cryopreservation protocol. Post-thaw semen quality was evaluated based on sperm motility, viability, morphology (head, midpiece, tail defects and cytoplasmic droplets), membrane integrity, and sperm head area. The freezing month significantly affected sperm motility and membrane integrity (P < 0.05), with the highest values recorded in January and March. Midpiece and tail defects, as well as cytoplasmic droplets, varied significantly across months (P < 0.05), whereas sperm viability and head area were not affected (P > 0.05). Breed had a significant influence on semen quality. Arab-Barb stallions showed lower sperm motility and higher rates of head and midpiece defects compared to Arabian and French Saddle stallions (P < 0.05). However, sperm viability and membrane integrity were not affected by breed (P > 0.05). In conclusion, both breed and freezing month influenced post-thaw semen quality. January appeared to be a particularly favorable period for semen cryopreservation. These findings highlight the importance of considering breed- and season-related factors when optimizing semen cryopreservation protocols to improve reproductive efficiency in stallions.

The volume of by-products produced by the shrimp industry in the Sultanate of Oman is approximately 6,000 tonnes annually, posing environmental risks while representing a lost economic opportunity. These by-products, contain a lot of chitin that can also play an important role in the Oman’s Vision 2040, as far as the circular economy and economic diversification are concerned. This study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys of 373 fishermen and qualitative interviews with five, to evaluate the sector's readiness, current preservation and extraction practices, and the key barriers hindering valorization.

The quantitative survey of 373 fishermen and qualitative interview of five production managers, The mixed-methods approach used in this study represents a key methodological strength, as it enables a comprehensive understanding by integrating quantitative and qualitative insights. The quantitative findings indicated that the mean scores of capacity (mean = 3.18), waste conservation (mean = 3.23), and extraction capacity (mean = 3.04) are not high, and this is very opposite to the high level of perceived barriers (mean = 3.57). These qualitative data support a high preference for freeze-drying as the method of preserving the quality of chitin that is economical but viable in comparison with other less efficient techniques, such as hot air drying (60 o C). Other environmental issues that have been linked with the practice of chemical extraction include wastewater pollution. These obstacles are the absence of a regulatory environment and insufficient financing. In conclusion, technological, regulatory, and financial barriers restrict the use of shrimp by-products in Oman. It suggests what is to be recommended on how to develop an effective regulatory framework to provide support on high-tech dry processing (freeze-drying), to invest in research to develop other more sustainable extraction methods (enzymatic hydrolysis), and to convert this waste source into a strategic resource.

Freshly baked, two pocket breads, prepared from whole wheat (WWF) and straight grade wheat flours (SGWF), were purchased from a local bakery in Amman / Jordan in the month of September / 2023. Sensory quality of the two breads was evaluated by 46 trained-member taste panel for the quality parameters used for evaluation of bread in general, and this bread type in particular, including general appearance, texture, crumb and crust color, taste and flavor, pocket formation, rolling and folding and overall acceptance. Willingness of the panelists to pay for the two bread types was also evaluated by asking them whether they would buy each bread type. Results showed that there was no significant ( P≤0.05) difference between the two bread types in all quality attributes, except the mouth feel, smoothness and softness of the texture and pocket formation where SGWF bread had higher scores than WWF bread. WWF bread, on the other-hand, had higher score than straight-grade bread with respect to rolling and folding. The panelists showed significantly more favorable attitude towards buying the WWF bread as compared to the SGWF type.

Previous studies have demonstrated promising potential and interest in the application of Metschnikowia pulcherrima in sequential fermentations in co-culture with Saccharomyces cerevisiae for the production of ale-style craft beer. This technique has yielded favorable results for top-fermenting beers, while its application in lager-style fermentations remains more limited. For this purpose, the indigenous S. cerevisiae 31 and M. pulcherrima 62 strains, isolated respectively from the grape varieties Shesh i Zi and Kallmet, were used to ferment a Pilsner-style beer in sequential inoculation. As a reference, a fermentation was prepared using the commercial lager strain S. pastorianus S-23 as a single starter. Fermentation kinetics and key physicochemical parameters were evaluated. The results showed that co-inoculation with M. pulcherrima 62 facilitated the completion of fermentation of S. cerevisiae 31, unlike the fermentation carried out with S. cerevisiae 31 alone. Furthermore, the co-cultures exhibited similar final alcohol content and pH values to those observed with the commercial strain S-23. However, higher levels of acetaldehyde were detected in beer obtained by sequential inoculation, while, glycerol concentrations were lower compared to beer obtained with S. pastorianus S-23. These preliminary findings suggest that the use of local non-Saccharomyces yeasts in Pilsner-style bottom fermentations is technologically feasible. Although not yet equivalent to commercial strains in performance, these findings are promising and provide a basis for the development of novel beer profiles using locally isolated starter cultures.

Ficus lyrata (fiddle-leaf fig), belonging to the Moraceae family, is a plant species of significant commercial value among indoor ornamentals due to its large, glossy leaves and attractive appearance. Its durability and decorative quality have made it highly demanded in both domestic and international markets. However, conventional vegetative propagation methods exhibit low rooting rates, slow multiplication, and considerable morphological variation among the produced plants. Therefore, in vitro propagation through tissue culture offers an important alternative for producing large quantities of genetically uniform and disease-free plant material. One of the common problems observed in Ficus lyrata plants propagated under in vitro conditions is the development of thin and weak stems accompanied by excessive elongation, which negatively affects overall plant form, reduces seedling quality, and decreases acclimatization success. To address these issues, this study investigated the dose-dependent effects of paclobutrazol (PBZ), a gibberellin biosynthesis inhibitor, on the morphological quality of F. lyrata during both the multiplication and rooting stages under in vitro conditions. Shoot tip explants derived from the 3rd subculture of aseptic stock cultures were cultured on Woody Plant Medium (WPM) supplemented with four PBZ concentrations (0.05, 0.10, 0.25, and 0.50 mg L⁻¹) alongside a control group, with five explants per treatment (n = 5). Cultures were incubated for four weeks at 25 ± 1°C under a 16-hour photoperiod. Shoot length, stem diameter, leaf area, leaf width, and color vividness were evaluated and data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's HSD test (p < 0.05). The 0.10 mg L⁻¹ PBZ treatment produced the most favorable morphological response in both stages, yielding compact shoots with increased stem diameter and expanded leaf area. Higher concentrations (0.25-0.50 mg L⁻¹) significantly suppressed growth, causing leaf deformation and chlorosis, while the lowest dose (0.05 mg L⁻¹) had limited effects. These results indicate that low-dose PBZ application is an effective strategy for enhancing plant quality in the in vitro propagation of F. lyrata, offering a valuable biotechnological approach for improving both production efficiency and market quality in the ornamental plant industry.

Türkiye is one of the world’s leading countries in terms of plant biodiversity due to its geographical location at the intersection of three major phytogeographical regions (Euro–Siberian, Mediterranean and Irano–Turanian), as well as its diverse climate types and topographical structure. Approximately 12,000 plant taxa are recorded in Türkiye, with a remarkably high level of endemism. Within this rich flora, sumac (Rhus spp.), which occurs naturally, stands out as a plant of both economic and ecological importance. Sumac is the common name given to nearly 150 species belonging to the genus Rhus within the family Anacardiaceae. In Türkiye, two main species occur naturally: Rhus coriaria L. (Sicilian sumac) and Rhus cotinus L. (smoke tree). Among these, R. coriaria L. is primarily used as a spice and is widely distributed in the temperate–subtropical regions of the Mediterranean basin. Naturally distributed sumac species in Türkiye are utilized in various sectors, particularly in food, medicinal–aromatic plants, ornamental horticulture, and health-related industries. The aim of this study was to identify local Rhus coriaria L. genotypes with high yield potential and superior morphological characteristics in terms of ornamental value. In this context, a two-year field study including site determination, sampling, and morphological observations was successfully conducted in Kahramanmaraş, Mersin, and Adana provinces. Plant materials obtained from the study were evaluated based on the “Sumac Variety Characteristic Document” published by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (2024). Morphological and technological characterization of the genotypes was carried out, taking their potential use as ornamental plants into consideration. A total of ten morphological traits were measured and observed, including branching structure, plant growth habit, cluster density per plant, fruit density per cluster, fruit color, leaf length, leaf width, cluster length, cluster width, and cluster weight. The observed variation offers significant potential for selecting ornamental plant candidates with high aesthetic value and constitutes a strategic resource for the conservation of local genetic resources and the development of sustainable production systems. This study highlights the importance of sumac not only in terms of food and industrial uses but also for biodiversity conservation and its evaluation as a landscape ornamental plant.

This study was conducted under field conditions in 2024 to determine the effects of certain essential oils on enhancing the pollination efficiency of honeybees in hybrid sunflower seed production. In the study, nanoemulsions (NEs) of lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus), lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), and sage (Salvia officinalis) essential oils were prepared at a 5% concentration and applied via drone at doses of 1000 and 2000 ppm to the male and female sunflower parent lines at the beginning of the flowering period. At 50% flowering, the highest bee activity was observed in the plots treated with 2000 ppm C. citratus essential oil NE, while bee visits in plots treated with 1000 ppm R. officinalis and S. officinalis essential oil NEs and Tween-80 - chitosan NE were similar to the control. Applications of essential oil NEs resulted in increases of up to 28% in the filled seed ratio, 34% in seed number, and 38% in seed yield. The study concluded that 2000 ppm C. citratus NE enhanced bee activity, thereby improving seed set in sunflowers, and can be practically used in hybrid sunflower seed production.

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is an important plant species globally due to its economic value and nutritional content. The YABBY gene family plays a significant role in the growth and development of plants. A review of the literature reveals that there has been no prior study conducted on the YABBY gene family in chickpea. Based on this gap, the aim of this study is to perform a comprehensive analysis of the YABBY gene family in chickpea (C. arietinum L.) and to evaluate the transcript levels of these genes under drought stress. This study aims to uncover the potential roles of YABBY proteins in drought tolerance. YABBY proteins were identified and classified using chickpea genome data through bioinformatic approaches. Phylogenetic analysis, motif structure, chromosomal localization, and gene structure were examined. The expression levels of YABBY genes under drought stress were visualized in the form of a heat map using in silico techniques. As a result of the analyses, 8 CaYABBY family members were identified in the chickpea (C. arietinum L.) genome. These proteins range in length from 97 to 221 amino acids. The isoelectric points (pI) of YABBY proteins range from 5.15 to 9.58, covering both acidic and basic ranges, and their molecular weights vary between 10.90 and 24.62 kDa. CaYABBY gene family could be classified into the INO, YAB5, YAB2, CRC and FYAB3 subgroups. The genomic distribution of YABBY proteins in chickpea (C. arietinum L.) is irregular, although they share similar motif structures. According to our RNA-seq data, YABBY proteins may potentially play a role in the molecular adaptation processes of chickpea (C. arietinum L.) under drought stress. These results give a good starting point for more research on how chickpeas work and suggest possible ways to make them more resistant to drought by using breeding or genetic methods.

High oleic sunflower oil (HOSO), palm super olein (PSO), and refined pomace oil (RPO) are widely used in food processing. This study compared their crystallization behavior under identical differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) conditions. Thermal transitions were measured between +30 °C and -80 °C. Distinct cooling thermograms were obtained for each oil. Two crystallization peaks were detected for HOSO with onset temperatures of -18.09 °C and -40.49 °C and enthalpy values of 0.72 and 47.28 J.g-1. Three peaks were detected for RPO at -12.72 °C, -30.77 °C, and -45.51 °C with enthalpy values of 2.43, 0.39, and 11.76 J.g-1. PSO showed a dominant crystallization event at 0.08 °C with an enthalpy of 23.64 J.g-1 and two additional transitions at -22.24 °C and -54.98 °C. DSC cooling thermograms differentiated the refined oils based on crystallization onset temperature and enthalpy values. Results indicate that DSC cooling thermograms can support characterization and authenticity assessment of refined edible oils.