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Found 6341 publications
Control of western corn rootworm with entomopathogenic nematodes in maize monoculture
Publication Name: Bio Web of Conferences
Publication Date: 2024-08-23
Volume: 125
Issue: Unknown
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
Western corn rootworm is one of the most dangerous pests of maize, and both the larvae and the imagoes thereof may cause significant damage to the plants. The options of controlling these pests have recently become highly limited, thus creating a great demand for new control methods complying with sustainable plant protection. These requirements are met by the natural enemies of these pests, such as entomopathogenic nematodes (e.g. Heterorhabditis bacteriophora, Gerritsen, 1994). The objective of this study was to determine whether the viability and larvicide effect of a single injection into the soil of 2 billion nematodes using various amounts of water (50, 100 or 200 L/hectare) was maintained even with the lower quantities. Our studies proved that the entomopathogenic nematodes retain their viability and larvicide effect when applied using 50 L/ha of water. The efficacy of the biological agent did not differ from that of Force 1.5G, a product containing Tefluthrin as active ingredient, which was used as positive control.
Open Access: Yes
Status of Agricultural Irrigation in Hungary
Publication Name: Bio Web of Conferences
Publication Date: 2024-08-23
Volume: 125
Issue: Unknown
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
Some prediction models indicate climate change will have a more pronounced impact on Hungary than previously anticipated. Traditionally, Hungarian agriculture is based on dryland farming, with irrigated farming practiced in a few areas. Land degradation is a significant concern. However, the loss of arable land due to water scarcity could be more widespread. One potential solution is to irrigate, which could maintain soil fertility for decades. Utilizing modern irrigation techniques is a crucial approach to making irrigation as sustainable as possible while ensuring yield and quality. This study aims to provide an authentic picture of irrigation in Hungary, past and present. It also aims to provide suggestions for the near future, drawing on examples from abroad.
Open Access: Yes
Factors influencing the leasing fees of hunting grounds in Hungary
Publication Name: Bio Web of Conferences
Publication Date: 2024-08-23
Volume: 125
Issue: Unknown
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
The history of hunting customs and traditions, as well as game management, in Hungary is long and rich, forming an essential part of Hungarian culture. By the end of the 20th century, changes had been introduced to the political and social structures, as had been the case in the field of hunting. In Hungary, the right to hunt is an integral part of land ownership. Those who own land that is classified as hunting land are entitled to exercise this right. Furthermore, landowners may lease this right within the boundaries of the hunting area established by the relevant hunting authority. The lease shall be concluded by a lease contract between the parties, namely the landowner and the hunters' association. The Hungarian Parliament enacted Act LV of 1996, which modernised the decree on game protection, game management, and hunting. Furthermore, the act delineates the fundamental elements of a hunting lease contract, yet it lacks sufficient detail regarding the leasing fee. Since 1996, a method for determining the leasing fee for hunting has been lacking. This is despite the fact that there has been a need for such a method for more than 25 years. The current situation is such that the contracting parties and the public authorities are unable to determine the leasing fee for hunting in a realistic manner. This lack of clarity has resulted in disagreements between the contracting parties. Furthermore, the current situation is such that there is no accurate and useable method for determining the leasing fee for hunting. A nationwide data collection has commenced among Hungarian hunting associations, based on a literature review and the methodology. The objective is to determine which factors influence the leasing fees and to what extent. The hedonic price method, which has already proven its worth in previous similar research, has been employed to draw up a multivariate regression equation of national validity. This permits the examination of the situation in all counties, and thus the establishment of whether the leasing fee used in the leasing contract of a particular hunting ground matches its characteristics. The objective of this research is to develop a comprehensive and transparent model for the determination of leasing fees for hunting, based on a synthesis of national and international literature.
Open Access: Yes
Analysis of early warning signal of land degradation risk based on time series of remote sensing data
Publication Name: Bio Web of Conferences
Publication Date: 2024-08-23
Volume: 125
Issue: Unknown
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
This study explores the spatio-temporal dynamics of the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) to detect early signs of land degradation. Utilizing high-resolution NDVI data from the Google Earth Engine, spanning from 2004 to 2023 with a 30-meter resolution, this research analyzes monthly variations. To illustrate these dynamics, the study focuses on Sabzevar County, located in northeastern Iran, which extends over 7,217 km2and is approximately 220 kilometers distant from Mashhad. Validation of the NDVI data was performed using field observations from strategically located vegetation plots. One square meter plots were systematically established along 100-meter transects (10 transects in total), where the vegetation coverage in each plot was quantitatively assessed by experts. Comprehensive statistical analysis incorporated Kendall's tie test, alongside measurements of autocorrelation, coefficient of variation, and standard deviation, using R software to assess the trends and intensities of NDVI changes. The findings revealed a critical breakpoint in 2020, with increases in all three statistical indices—autocorrelation 0.82, coefficient of variation 0.65, and standard deviation 0.58—indicative of accelerating degradation prior to this year. Furthermore, the intensity of NDVI changes varied significantly across the study area, ranging from 0.05 in central and northern regions to 0.76 in the western parts. This research underscores the value of integrating field data with remote sensing technology to provide a robust analytical tool for early detection of land degradation. This method enables precise, timely assessment and proactive management of vulnerable ecosystems, particularly in arid regions.
Open Access: Yes
Quantitative comparison of some faecal bacterial communities in groups of Mangalica and commercial pigs
Publication Name: Bio Web of Conferences
Publication Date: 2024-08-23
Volume: 125
Issue: Unknown
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
Different housing technology, breed, age and nutrition can contribute to changes in the composition of microbial communities in pigs. Faecal samples from groups of Mangalica and commercial pigs were collected and analysed by qPCR in order to identify changes and differences regarding the quantity of total faecal bacteria, Prevotella genus, Lactobacillus spp., Bifidobacterium spp., Enterococcus spp. and the family Enterobacteriaceae. In both Mangalica and commercial pig samples, quantities of total faecal bacteria increased from weaner pigs to lactating sows. The relative quantity of total bacteria was larger (p<0.05) in Mangalica growers and lactating sows compared to commercial pigs. The ratio of Prevotella genus in total bacteria was higher (p<0.05) in Mangalica growers and lower in Mangalica lactating sows compared to respective commercial groups. The ratio of Lactobacillus spp. was largest (p<0.05) in samples of Mangalica boars, whereas ratios of Bifidobacterium spp. were greater (p<0.05) in Mangalica weaners, growers, and boars. Faecal samples of Mangalica growers contained a higher ratio of Enterobacteriaceae in total bacteria, whereas Enterococcus spp. was more prevalent in commercial weaner pigs and boars (p<0.05). Considerable changes in faecal bacteria communities were observed in association with different age and utilization.
Open Access: Yes
The use of biostimulant microalgae to influence the growth and development of ornamental plants
Publication Name: Bio Web of Conferences
Publication Date: 2024-08-23
Volume: 125
Issue: Unknown
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
The article discusses the use of biostimulant microalgae, known for their bioactive compounds. Understanding the positive impacts of biostimulants is essential for future applications. Research conducted in the Department of Plant Sciences at the Széchenyi István University has revealed that algae produce plant hormones and possess beneficial properties that influence the water, soil and plant systems. The effects of microalgae on various ornamental plants are being studied with a focus on improving root and general plant development. The methodology involves testing different algae extracts in ornamental plants in controlled environments. Data collection includes measuring plant height, leaf and bud numbers, chlorophyll content and other plant parameters through laboratory and destructive tests. The results indicate positive changes in plant parameters after treatments with biostimulant microalgae. In conclusion, biostimulant microalgae offer a promising and eco-friendly alternative to synthetic chemicals in the cultivation of ornamental plants. Continued research and innovation in this field is crucial to realise the full potential of biostimulants in sustainable agriculture.
Open Access: Yes
Compressibility of expansive soil mixed with sand and its correlation to index properties
Publication Name: Heliyon
Publication Date: 2024-08-15
Volume: 10
Issue: 15
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
Prior research has primarily focused on Atterberg limits, void ratios, and/or water content, often disregarding the impact of coarse material percentage in the soil, which significantly affects compressibility behavior. This paper examines the effects of sand content, initial degree of saturation, and initial dry unit weight on the compressibility behavior of expansive soils. Ninty-six oedometer tests were performed in order to accurately predict the compressibility behavior of expansive soils. The previous studies have attempted to correlate compressibility with different index properties separately, but no single study has taken into consideration all properties influencing compressibility behavior, especially for expansive soils. The findings show that compressibility is greatly influenced by the sand content, initial degree of saturation, and initial dry unit weight. Increasing the initial dry unit weight specifically lowers the compression index and permeability while raising the recompression index for the same percentage of added sand. Moreover, since swelling reduces with increasing initial saturation, raising the saturation degree also lowers the permeability, recompression index, and compression index. The results indicate that a sand content of more than 30 % is recommended for achieving desired properties in expansive clayey soil. This is a result of sand taking the dominant role in the soil mixture, which lowers soil suction and improves soil properties by reducing swelling, permeability, and compressibility. Symbolic regression equations were created to predict the compression and recompression indices, outperforming previous models in accurately predicting the compressibility behavior of expansive soils, considering the percentage of sand. The validation of these equations demonstrates their predictive capabilities.
Open Access: Yes
Perception and social acceptance of 5G technology for sustainability development
Publication Name: Journal of Cleaner Production
Publication Date: 2024-08-15
Volume: 467
Issue: Unknown
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
This research was carried out to enable a better understanding of the attitudes of Hungarian consumers and future users towards 5G technology. The development of 5G technology supports social, economic and environmental sustainability together. Among other things, innovative communities, economic progress and a reduction of the carbon footprint can be positive outcomes of 5G. For example 5G benefits the environment in two ways: it helps telecom operators reduce their energy usage, thus lowering their environmental impact, and it provides tools that telecom companies can use to assist others in reducing their environmental footprint. The Partial Least Squares (PLS) regression method was used to establish the correlations between the five factor groups. Research indicates a prevalent skepticism among Hungarian consumers toward 5G technology, characterized by apprehensions regarding health risks and a lack of perceived competitive advantages or inherent business benefits to adopting 5G. This hesitancy must be countered by transparently addressing health concerns, debunking myths, and building a foundational trust in 5G technologies through comprehensive educational and awareness-raising initiatives, aligning technological advancements with consumer confidence and acceptance. 5G must be demystified so that consumers will come to trust the technology and embrace its adoption. Due to the similar technological conditions and historical backgrounds of the Central European Countries (CEC), the results of this research will prove useful to policymakers throughout the region.
Open Access: Yes
Cultural Influence on Sustainability Discourse: A Comparative Analysis of CEO Letters in the Cosmetics and Fashion Industry
Publication Name: Journal of Ecohumanism
Publication Date: 2024-08-03
Volume: 3
Issue: 4
Page Range: 2779-2792
Description:
The national cultural background of a company's founders and managers significantly influences corporate culture and communication. Over the past two decades, the link between culture and sustainability practices has been demonstrated, including how sustai nability embeddedness is reflected in CEO letters. This study examines if companies in the cosmetics and fashion industries reveal cul tural influences on sustainability in their CEO letters. These letters, the most influential part of annual reports, convey the CEO's vision, operations, and performance. Using quantitative and qualitative content analysis, the research investigates whether national culture influences the content of CEO letters by analysing letters from 15 companies across 10 countries. The study found no statistically significant correlation between Hofstede's cultural dimensions and sustainability narratives in CEO letters. However, feminine cultures tend to have stronger sustainability orientations. These findings suggest that companies should adapt their sustainability communication to align with local cultural values, thereby enhancing stakeholder engagement, particularly for multinational beauty and fashion companies.
Open Access: Yes
