EJPAU, 2006, Volume 9, Issue 4

One-day old 224 Hubbard Flex male broiler chickens were assigned to four groups and fed either prestarter mixtures composed according to: content of amino acids, crude protein and energy in yolk sac residues model (I), NRC (1994) (II), PPNR (1996) (III) and Hubbard ISA recommendations (2004). The diets contained differed crude protein amounts (varied from 207.1 g·kg^-1 to 249.4 g·kg^-1), amino acids and density of metabolizable energy (varied from 11.58 to 13.04 MJ·kg^-1) level. In days 1, 3, 5, and 7 of life a body weight, and in lyophilized yolk sac the crude protein, fat and amino acids content were estimated. The body weight of chickens was similar in groups fed mixtures composed according to yolk sac model, NRC and Hubbard recommendations. In group fed mixtures balanced on yolk sac composition was registered greater yolk sac weight losses during first week of life and faster fat utilization from yolk to 3rd day of life and better protein absorption between 3rd to 5th day in comparison to tested practical recommendations. Use in chickens nutrition mixtures balanced with high protein level positively influenced on some amino acids disappearance to 72 hours of life, but the effect of diversified prestarter diets on composition of amino acids of yolks protein at 5th and 7th days was not clear.

Agritourism has taken an important role in the policy of multifunctional and sustainable rural development which has been launched in Poland for more than ten years now. It is supported by numerous economic and non-economic advantages resulting from rural tourism development, such as: generating new jobs, improving the income situation of farm families and other inhabitants, enhancing entrepreneurial attitudes, and developing rural infrastructure. Tourism development in rural areas may add to solving, or at least lessening many problems faced by rural areas and individual farmers.

Possibilities to develop rural/ agritourism are considerable because of outstanding natural and cultural qualities of rural Poland as well as constantly increasing interest of city dwellers in this form of recreation and holiday making. A survey carried out in the Section for Cultural Heritage and Tourism, at Warsaw Agricultural University, and in other research centres indicate, that these possibilities have not been fully developed. It is necessary to increase promotion, educational, advisory, and promotion measures, as well as financial support for farmers and other rural inhabitants establishing businesses in the field of agritourism in order to develop these resources.

The results of the present research indicate considerable regional importance of the harvesting of non-wood forest products and of the income from their sale for an improvement in the financial situation of households. A significant relation was found to exist between family size (considered with relation to the administrative division of Poland) and the harvesting and sale of forest fruit as well as between unemployment level and the income from the sale of the harvested forest products. No significant relation was found between the harvesting or sale and the forestage of regions. The results received indicate the need to continue the research concerning, among others, the influence of the size of the towns and villages of the families under research on the importance of non-wood forest product harvesting.

The paper presents results of simulation studies on the choice of cereal seeders depending on the length of the agricultural period and the size of the cultivation. The studies also considered different outputs and the time of the yearly utilization of the aggregate. The selection of the best seeders was made according to the criterion of minimizing the unit costs of exploitation and minimizing energy inputs borne for seed sowing. The results can be used to determine the maximum number of ha that can be sown using a definite type of a seeder in the assigned time of sowing. They also make it possible to choose the cheapest seeder for the cultivation of a known area and an adopted agricultural period.

The aim of the study was to assess the impact of the season of the year in which the pruning of large-branched pine trees was carried out on their biological response to this operation. The experimental material derived from a plantation which was established in 1984 on which pine trees at 4 x 4 m spacings were planted. In 1994, during tending cutting, the spacing arrangement was loosened to 8 x 8 m. The trees were pruned during three different seasons of the year: in spring and summer of 1995 and in winter 1996. Investigations were conducted on the material collected 7-8 years after the pruning of pine trees. The total of 354 knots derived from 20 trees was examined.

The thickness of knots without bark in the pruned trees ranged from 3 to 70 millimetres. All the examined knots were healthy. Knots pruned in spring occluded the fastest (90% of all knots occluded within 7 years), while those pruned in winter – slowest (after 7 years only 53% of knots became occluded).

Numerous branches of industry deal with granular materials such as pills and powders in the pharmaceutical and food industries or mineral powders in the construction businesses. Efficient handling and processing of large amounts of these materials require understanding of their mechanical behaviour. Process of optimization is based on knowledge of material properties that depends on properties of individual grains, interparticle friction, contact geometry and load history.

Objective of performed project was to determine and compare values of the modulus of elasticity E of rapeseeds, obtained using two methods: uniaxial compression and acoustic testing. Research was carried out for rapeseed beddings of four levels of moisture contents 6, 9, 12 and 15%. Uniaxial compression was used, as proposed by Sawicki [12]. Vertical reference pressure of 100 kPa was applied. With this method E was found to decrease from 9.0 to 6.6 MPa, with an increase in moisture content. Values of E determined using acoustic method, based on measurement of shear wave velocity, were higher then those found in uniaxial compression and decreased from 62 to 3 MPa in a range of hydrostatic pressure. Values of E from acoustic method varied in larger extent with change in moisture content and were dependant on hydrostatic pressure.

Plants emit volatile chemicals, which may attract insect herbivores and associated predators or parasitoids. Insect feeding or mechanical injury may influence the release of these chemicals. Five types of plant wounding were imposed after the Zadoks 32 growth stage was reached and volatiles were collected from the main stem. The volatile collection sequence used was two consecutive ten-hour collections to obtain the samples in either daylight or darkness. The first sampling period was immediately after the injury, followed by sampling at 2 and 4 days. The volatiles collected were analyzed by coupled gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Damage to wheat stems or leaves increased the production of the secondary metabolites, linalool (C₁₀H₁₈O) and linalool oxide (C₁₀H₁₈O₂). The amount released was greater during the day, and was also influenced by the type of the injury. In some cases, enhanced volatile chemical production continued for 4 days following the injury.

In this paper, the authors characterize problems concerning distribution of vegetable seeds on the Polish market. They discuss creating distribution channels and managing them. The research results were based on information received from seed companies and other participants in vegetable seed distribution systems. The research was done for the years 2001-2004.

The obstacles used at events for Hucul horses are specific since they examine the qualities of the mountain, primitive horse. The objective of the study has been to determine which obstacles in the Hucul Path are the most difficult for the horses. The results of 3233 trials of passing 179 obstacles by 77 horses at four competitions at preliminary and sport versions of the Path have been analyzed. The obstacle kind, competition and version of the Path considerably influenced the results. The obstacles which involved the least number of faults were the following: gate with a lock, steep descent, passage through a river channel and stretch of road going steeply. The artificial obstacles like zigzag, tyres, labyrinth and jump in-and-out were the most difficult to pass correctly. In the view of the breeding, the results of various competitions and versions should be compared with regard to the high differentiation of the Paths.

The cases of engineering work the investment period, date of its finishing (and beginning of the exploitation as well) and costs are subjects of frequent changes – most often out of investor’s accord. The costs are getting higher and the investment-period is being prolonged. The research concerning that topic all around the world show that significant percent of realized investments exceeded planned budget and time-limit as well. The analyses of chosen investments in Poland from the point of view of planned and actually realized costs and time-limits are shown in the paper. The research support the data from worldwide literature and show that the problem of exceeding scheduled costs and time-limits of engineering investments in Poland may refer to significant share of realizing investments.

Extrusion, a popular method of cereal processing, increases the amounts of phenolic acids in cereal grain. These compounds protect the human body from oxidation stress and prevent the development of chronic diseases. The present study determined the composition of phenolic acids in rye bran after extrusion and defined the antioxidant activity of the extrudates. The bran was obtained through the laboratory milling of the grain of three rye cultivars, namely Amilo, Rostockie and Agrikolo. Extrusion was performed in a single-screw laboratory extruder Brabender 20 DN equipped with a 3:1 screw and a 3 mm die. Screw speed was maintained at 190 rpm while two temperature profiles, 80-100-120°C and 120-160-180°C, were applied. Prior to extrusion, the moisture of the rye bran to be processed was equilibrated to 14 or 20%.

The main phenolic acid found in rye bran was ferulic acid. Irrespective of rye cultivar and the parameters of processing, the ferulic acid and diferulic acid contents increased two times, and the p-coumaric acid content increased by 70% due to extrusion. The levels of other phenolic acids and apigenin decreased or did not change. The exception was caffeic acid whose amount in extrudates was higher than in bran for the Amilo and Rostockie cultivars and was lower for Agrikolo. Using a 14% moisture of the original material and a temperature of 120 or 180°C as parameters of the extrusion process produced the highest antioxidant activity of rye bran extrudates.

One-day old 224 Hubbard Flex male broiler chickens were assigned to four groups and fed either prestarter mixtures composed according to: content of amino acids, crude protein and energy in yolk sac residues model (I), NRC (1994) (II), PPNR (1996) (III) and Hubbard ISA recommendations (2004). The diets contained differed crude protein amounts (varied from 207.1 g·kg^-1 to 249.4 g·kg^-1), amino acids and density of metabolizable energy (varied from 11.58 to 13.04 MJ·kg^-1) level. In days 1, 3, 5, and 7 of life a body weight, and in lyophilized yolk sac the crude protein, fat and amino acids content were estimated. The body weight of chickens was similar in groups fed mixtures composed according to yolk sac model, NRC and Hubbard recommendations. In group fed mixtures balanced on yolk sac composition was registered greater yolk sac weight losses during first week of life and faster fat utilization from yolk to 3rd day of life and better protein absorption between 3rd to 5th day in comparison to tested practical recommendations. Use in chickens nutrition mixtures balanced with high protein level positively influenced on some amino acids disappearance to 72 hours of life, but the effect of diversified prestarter diets on composition of amino acids of yolks protein at 5th and 7th days was not clear.

In 2000-2002 a field experiment carried out at the Pawłowice Agricultural Experiment Station, in the vicinity of Wrocław, investigated the effect of N fertilization and the date of harvest on the accumulation of nutrients in two pea morphotypes: Agra – leafless and traditional Rola cultivars. The dry weight accumulation in pea seeds, pod-shells and stems was determined by seed ripening, weather course and pea cultivar-specific factor, however it did not depend on the N fertilization. In the period from green to full maturity the plants demonstrated some changes: the share of seeds in seed yield increased, whereas the share of pod-shells and stems decreased; the content of total protein, fat, fiber and crude ash as well as P, K, Mg in seeds decreased and the share of NFE increased. In pod-shells and in stems the content of total protein, fat, NFE, P and the energy value decreased, while the content of fiber – increased. The share of seeds, pod-shells and stems in organic and mineral nutrients accumulation differed and dependent on the development phase and was cultivar-specific.

The aim of the study was to estimate the frequency of occurrence, a degree of intensity and time and space variability of atmospheric drought periods during vegetation season of plants determined on the basis of relative precipitation index (RPI) and hydrothermal index (K) in north-west Poland. The material was mean-monthly values of air temperature and monthly total precipitation for the vegetation season (from April to September) over 1965-2004 from 12 IMGW stations situated in Pomerania. Occurrence of drought in Pomerania is a phenomenon which is remarkably space-variable and it applies to all Pomerania. However, the area located in the south-west can be considered as the most threatened with drought, and the area situated in the north of Pomerania as the least threatened. In the centre and east part of Pomerania the month with the most frequent occurrence of drought of different severity according to RPI was April, and in the western part – it was July. In almost all Pomerania drought occurred the least frequently in August, only along the Baltic coast – in September. In 1965-2004 no statistically significant tendency of RPI index variability was recorded. The values of the K hydrothermal index showed a downward tendency in subsequent years in April and May, which was significant at the level α <0.1 in April – in the south and north of Pomerania, and only in the south – in May.

The location of stacked wood yards in outskirts of the town of Mielec (southeastern Poland) in 1998, near forests of the Mielec Forest District, caused the occurrence of severe damage to crowns of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) by the pine shoot beetles (Tomicus piniperda L. and Tomicus minor Hartig). A study was carried out during 1999 – 2002, and included felling of trees and determination of the crown damage index in 19 sample plots situated along 4 lines running in the interior of stands situated in the neighborhood of stacked wood yards. The range of crown damage caused by adult beetles during their maturation and regeneration feedings was determined on the basis of results of the proportion test. In the fifth year since establishment of wood yards the crown damage reached as far as 800 m inside stands situated east of the yards, i.e. 1800 m from the places of wood storage.

The research was focused on the capability of eight Geotrichum candidum strains to produce hydrolases, which can be useful for beta-glucan degradation. The evaluation of synthesis character, in synthetic media with sugar beet pulps and with malt, barley and sugar beet pulp, was checked. The degradation of barley glucan and its monitoring by HPLC of the reaction products was performed.

The yeasts were able to the secrete of enzymes degradation laminarin, lichen and beta-glucan, and the activity of those enzymes reached satisfactory level. The products size of beta-glucan hydrolyze showed the that enzymes of Geotrichum candidum mainly attack the endogenous bonds in glucan structure.

Prediction of reservoir silting should also determine distribution of bottom sediments. Existing methods of predicting sediment distribution most frequently concern large reservoirs. In result of many-year measurements of silting of the reservoir at Krempna on the Wisłoka river the rate of its capacity reduction was determined. Results of silting measurements allowed for an assessment of distribution of sediment trapped in the reservoir. Distribution of the reservoir bottom sediments was described by Dendy’s method and potential application of Roseboom-Annandale method for predicting sediment distribution in a small reservoir was estimated. Computations using the field data on sediment volume deposited in individual segments of the reservoir at Krempna were conducted to verify Roseboom-Annandale method. Basing on sediment volume trapped in the reservoir the degree of its silting was calculated for subsequent years of its operation. On this basis the rate of silting the reservoir at Krempna was calculated and the change of silting degree was determined during its operation time.

The study of the dynamics of nitrogen mineral forms release (to soil solution) and changes in the number of bacteria of the family Enterobacteriaceae (Salmonella) was carried out on the base of a model incubation experiment. The research was conducted in three soils: weak loamy sand (I), sandy loam (II) and moderate loam (III). The reaction of the soils used in the experiment decreased gradually, irrespective of applied fertilization and liming. The highest content of N-NH₄⁺ in soils was recorded in initial periods of the study, which was an effect of organic matter mineralization process. An increase in N-NO₃‾ content applied to all the soils tested, and the rate of N-NO₃‾ growth after applying sewage sludge and farmyard manure was the largest in weak loamy sand. Applying the mixture of sewage sludge with peat resulted in a decrease in growth rate of nitrate nitrogen content in the soils tested. Limited uptake of nitrate anions may result in washing out this nitrogen form from the rhizosphere. The population of bacteria of the genus Salmonella decreased to the level indeterminable after 64 days of incubation.

A morphological structure of hairs in the roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) from the Beskid Sšdecki range of the Carpathians (southern Poland) is analyzed. Coat samples were taken from 20 different places on the body of 20 individuals (10 in summer and 10 in winter). It was found that hairs in roe deer are considerably diversified in respect of structure (length, thickness, proportion between the medulla and the cortex, occurrence of contraction behind the bulb, size of cuticular scales). These differences in hair structure reflect the seasonal variation as well as variation depending on the sampling place on animal’s body. The hair structure diversification is an indication of adaptation of this species to habitat. Only length and thickness of hairs may serve as characteristic features when making comparison between seasons (summer or winter coat) or within one season.

This paper contains a discussion of the development of the main financing sources of enterprise activity in Poland, with emphasis on bank credit and its availability. Bankers and entrepreneurs opinions about the role of banks in improving enterprise competitiveness were compared. Their perceptions of bank credit availability are strongly different. Moreover, it is a common opinion that banks are hampering economic development in Poland because enterprises cannot rely on banks as business partners. Banks do not pay enough attention to constructing a long-term strategy of positioning enterprises on the market according to survey results.

The effects of temperature (20°C, 25°C, 30°C) and photoperiod (16D:8N, 12D:12N, 8D:16N) on larval body weight, food consumption, egg production, and survival of Gastroidea viridula Deg. (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) were determined. Temperatures and photoperiods affected insect development time, larval body weight, and survival. Larvae continued development while 60 days at temperature of 20°C and photoperiod of 8D;16N, but only while 30 days at 30°C, 16D:8N and 12D:12N. Photoperiod not affected the oviposition period and number of eggs produced. Results show that both temperature and photoperiod significantly affects larval body weight and survival.

The present research aimed at defining the effect of selected Umbelliferae plant water extracts on Colorado potato beetle feeding and development. Under lab and field conditions water extracts from the following plants were analysed: fennel (Foeniculum capillaceum Gilib.), garden angelica (Archangelica officinalis Hoffm.), common caraway (Carum carvi L.), garden lovage (Levisticum officinale Koch.) and coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.). It was found that the extracts tested affected the feeding effectiveness and the development potential of beetle significantly. Under lab conditions there was observed an inhibition of larva and beetle development and a decrease in feeding effectiveness of all the extracts tested. The highest antifeedant activity was shown by the extracts from Carum carvi and Archangelica officinalis. The extracts studied also decreased the number of larvae incubated and affected the pupation process. Under field conditions all the extracts analysed limited oviposition by Colorado beetle females on potato plants significantly. The overwintering beetles and larvae were most affected by the extract obtained from Coriandrum sativum.

A new variation-analytical method for the rotor systems with dynamic vibration absorber (DVA) is proposed. The essence of the method is to introduce few parameter models providing the effective analyses of differential equations for flexible rotor. The presence of DVA may significantly affect the dynamic and improve the characteristics of rotor system.

The results of previous studies revealed that the nutritive value of myofibrillar protein isolate (MPI) is very high and significantly predominates over that of mechanically recovered meat (MRM). Little, however, is known on the post-production contamination of MPI. Consequently, the purpose of our study was to evaluate the microbiological quality of MPI and to compare it with those of raw turkey breast and MRM. The samples of MPI, MRM and turkey breast (30 of each assortment), manufactured under industrial conditions by one of the poultry plants, were subjected to the experiment. The counts of psychrotrophic and mesophilic bacteria as well as the numbers of Enterobacteriaceae, proteolytic bacteria, lactic acid bacteria, coagulase-positive staphylococci, Pseudomonas spp. and saprophytic fungi were determined in material studied. Moreover, the samples were tested for Salmonella spp. and anaerobic sporogenic bacilli. The latter two groups of microorganisms were not found in any of the samples analyzed. Additionally, coagulase-positive staphylococci and saprophytic fungi were not detected in MRM, whilst neither saprophytic fungi nor proteolytic bacteria were isolated from the samples of turkey breast. The average counts of psychrotrophic and mesophilic bacteria, proteolytic bacteria, lactic acid bacteria and Pseudomonas spp. in MPI and MRM were significantly higher compared to raw turkey breast. Consequently, our study revealed that the microbiological quality of MPI manufactured of turkey meat is relatively low. Accordingly, efficient reduction of the post-production contamination of MPI is necessary for the safe use of this valuable product in food industry.

Potassium exchange-equilibrium parameters were outcome from quantity-intensity (Q/I) isotherms, i.e. K equilibrium activity ratio (), equilibrium potential buffering capacity for K (), K labile (K_Lab), free energy of K replenishment (); non-specific (K_x) and specific (ΔK_equ) potassium, preferential factor () and the Gapon selectivity coefficient (k_G). It was found that soils did not generally differ in their exchangeable potassium (K_ex) but did for % K saturation as an estimate of K lability. Potassium was differently controlled by soil properties of which organic carbon (C_org) exhibited weak relationships with most of Q/I parameters. Potassium activity () was controlled more by silt (r = 0.97^**** P < 0.001), Fe (DCB and Ox, r = 0.81^*** and r = 0.71^***, P < 0.005, respectively) and Mn (DCB and Ox, r = 0.70^*** and r = 0.71^***, P < 0.005, respectively) than by the cation exchange capacity (CEC) and exchangeable cations (r = 0.50^*, P < 0.05, on average). Of mineral soil constituents, it was found that Fe and Mn oxides also significantly influenced the free energy of changes ( with 0.75^***≤ r ≥ 0.63^**). This implies that studies on potassium dynamics of soils should additionally consider the level of Fe and Mn, as well. Most of the Gapon selectivity coefficients (k_G) (i.e. 80%) fluctuated within the range 3.87-4.96 (dm³·mol^-1)^1/2, suggesting that the relative affinity for K was quite similar, irrespective of the degree of K saturation. The latter one along with the pool of labile K (K_Lab) indicated that soils will sufficiently support plant cropping without any threat of K shortage, as stated by the values.

Tenderness of meat qualifies the cooking quality of meat. This parameter results from the structure of meat that depends of many pre-slaughter elements (genotype, age, gender) Functional properties and increasing of water-absorbing creates as results of post mortem transformations of meat. The processes have significant influence on tastiness of meat, because of increasing of free and soluble amino acids and short peptides.

The aim of work was trying to increase the tenderness of beef meat using microbiological enzymatic preparations obtained from culture of Yarrowia lipolytica PII6a yeasts. Two enzymatic preparations, coming from Yarrowia lipolytica yeasts but rising on selective substratum, were tested. The first one (YI.O.) was obtained after the centrifuging of cultivation of yeasts that increased in the substratum where carbon came from sunflower oil, in the second one (Yl.G) glucose was the source of carbon.

Enzymatic preparations Yl.O was more effective against beef meat proteins than Yl.G. Both yeast preparations had better proteolytic activities than pepsin. All enzyme preparations showed different activity against beef meat proteins in different acidity of environment. Lengthening of tenderization time of beef meat to 48 hours had a significant influence on muscle proteins degradation. Although the degradation was the most intensive during first twenty-four hours. The best result of tenderness of beef was obtained after using Yarrowia lypolityca enzymes with oil as a carbon source and pH of environment 5.8.

A long-term variation of effective sunshine duration in the Beskid Sadecki Mountains during 1971–2005 is presented. It is based on measurement and observation data from six meteorological stations situated in this area, and representing the convex and concave terrain forms, situated at height 300–1100 m above sea level. The long-term mean annual sum of the effective sunshine duration was 1861 hours with deviation of 203 hours, which made 44% of the potential insolation in this part of the Carpathians. The highest long-term mean monthly sum of the effective sunshine duration in the Beskid Sadecki mountain range falls on August, amounting to 225 hours, and the lowest falls on December – 70 hours. General solar qualities of the Beskid Sadecki belong to very favorable ones. The comparison of results of this study with results of studies carried out during 1950–1970 indicated a visible improvement of solar conditions, especially in spring, i.e. April and May. On the basis of the forecast of the actual insolation in the Beskid Sadecki made on the basis of data for the period 1971–2005 no conclusion about a directional change of this element may be made with a required accuracy.

The field experiments were conducted in 2003, 2004, and 2005 to evaluate a direct effect of the dock leaf beetle (Gastroidea viridula Deg., Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) releasing on mossy sorrel (Rumex confertus Willd.). Significantly greater amount of larvae was recorded on plants on which adults were previously released. Also greater leaf damage index and lesser height of mossy sorrel plants were observed on those plants in comparison to control.

Sound is important property used for consumer for food quality evaluation. Most of the sound created during eating is bone-conducted. In this research a contact acoustic emission together with puncture test are used for observation of changes of apples quality during shelf-life.

The new device for acoustic emission measurements during puncturing of apple tissue allows obtaining acoustic parameters simultaneously with firmness and toughness. The acoustic events (number of bursts) and acoustic energy correlates with the mechanical parameters, however they are more sensitive for shelf-life storage than the mechanical one. It was confirmed that fresher and stored in better conditions apples emit louder (higher AE energy) and more dense (higher number of events) sound. The sound created during puncturing has wide range of frequencies. In general, the relationships obtained are similar using audio or ultra sound band. However, using both of them gives advantage of controlling unexpected background noise affecting measurements.

The activity of proteolytic enzymes connected with the albumin fraction of proteins in frozen green French bean cv. Fana as well as the process of inhibition of their activity as result of adding selected chemical compounds (glutathione, Tris, PMSF, EDTA, selected metal ions, diamins, trypsin inhibitor; raw extract of inhibitor isolated from French bean) were determined in the study. Of all the substances tested in the present study silver and mercury ions showed the greatest inhibiting effect on proteases isolated from French bean. Among the organic inhibitors reduced glutathione and PMSF showed the strongest inhibiting activity. Diamins showed the least inhibiting activity (used in the amount ten times higher than in the case of mercury and silver ions they gave a relatively low percentage of inhibition). The protease inhibitors from French bean isolated were inhibitory to their own proteolytic enzymes (extracted with Tris-HCl buffer, pH = 7), as well as to trypsin and pepsin activity, but they showed activating effect on bromelain, that increased along with increasing the amount of the inhibitor extract.

The aim of this study was an analysis of rigidity-strength numerical models based on the finite elements method of housed tenon joints subjected to torsion. The experiments aimed at selecting models which would allow effective solution of various verification tasks associated with the strength and optimisation of constructions in which connections are subjected to significant torsional loads. The research concerned beam and brick model. The results of dislocation provided by brick model in conditions of pure torsion were verified using the results of identical laboratory investigations. Then the dislocations obtained using both models in a complex state of loads were compared. The research proved that the beam model of the housed tenon connection can be employed to simulate torsional deformations of this connection in strength verification and optimization of furniture skeletons. Whereas the observed similarity between the laboratory experiments and the results of numerical calculations arrived at using the brick model allows to believe that the this model can be used successfully for the stress analysis and dimension optimization of connections in skeleton furniture. The distribution of stresses in the constructional node was determined using brick model.

There are a wide range of procedures used in the treatment of retained placenta in cows. Manual removal of the placenta, while administering antibiotics, is still commonly used in local practices. When veterinarians decide to manually remove the fetal membranes, the most important task is to remove it gently in its entirety or, at least, as much as is feasible. Some cases of fetal membrane retention in cows may prove complicated even during the actual process of removal for a number of reasons. There may be a tearing of the membranes, and considerable portions, particularly those lying deeply within the uterus may literally be out of reach of the operating veterinary surgeon. For these cases of fetal membrane retention in cows a new instrument was devised. The aim of this study is to assess the practical use of the prototype instrument. The practical aspects, and values of selected parameters of reproduction were analyzed in 16 cows which were being treated for fetal retention and the results then compared with the mean results of the control group; cows in the same herd undergoing normal delivery. The instrument was shown to be useful in these cases. It allows for the detection and removal of the rest of these membranes from the deeper parts of the uterus. The value of mean parameters of fertility in tested cows was acceptable.

A comparative evaluation of the attractiveness of lakes for angling was carried out on 23 lakes, covering a total area of 616.5 ha, all situated in the communes of Liniewo and Nowa Karczma. The method of synthetic measures was applied in the study. Ten characteristics were analysed, all of which determined the natural conditions of the lakes for angling and the state of angling management of the natural water bodies. The highest angling attractiveness index was scored by Gackie Lake in Liniewo commune and Lubańskie Lake in Nowa Karczma commune. The state of the hydrotechnical facilities in the ecosystems of the lakes implies a very low level of man-made conversion of the shore zones. This parameter, together with a large contribution of helophytes to the total shoreline length, is the main factor which limits the shore accessibility. The analysis of the structure of fish stockings shows that lakes were stocked mainly with species which are attractive to anglers. The evaluation of the level of angling management of the lakes, against the background of their natural assets, suggests that the recreational potential has not been fully taken advantage of, which means that there is room for further improvement of tourism in the both communes: Liniewo and Nowa Karczma.

Results of measurements of a vertical deformation of soil of four forest site types, i.e. fresh mixed coniferous forest (fMCF), boggy mixed pine forest (bMPF), moist mixed broadleaved forest (mMBF), and moist broadleaved forest (mBF), using a plate bevameter and taking into account different moisture variants, are presented in this paper. The moduli k_c, k_φ, and n of Bekker’s equation were determined. The soils were grouped according to their resistance to vertical deformation through agglomeration using the Ward’s method. The Bekker’s equation moduli were determined once again for separated clusters.

Classification plays a significant role in the simplification of data visualisation. Instead of individual values, which number can be thousands, there can be obtained only few classes with known range and number of values in it. That results in clear and easy-interepretable thematic map. Hence the quality of data classification carried out automatically in GIS software packages is of great importance. The purpose of the paper is to compare the tools that the researched programs deliever in order to carry out data classification as well as analysis of quality of data classification performed.

The article presents results of analytical and numerical investigations on the effect of reinforcement on the load-carrying capacity and bending rigidity of combined I-beams made of timber and OSB board. The reinforcement effect was achieved by combining, with the assistance of the gluing technique, of a CFRP type carbon composite with wooden elements of the beam. The obtained results were presented in the form of fields of combined states of stresses and deformations in individual beam elements. Calculations were performed on numerical models employing the finite elements method (FEM).

In the presented work we focused on Jerusalem artichoke tubers pre-treatment influence from the point of view of ethanol fermentation efficiency. The influence of pH, acid, temperature and time on hydrolysis yield of the Jerusalem artichoke tubers was investigated. The complete hydrolysis of the Jerusalem artichoke inulin was attained at pH 2.0, adjusted with sulphuric acid, after 1 h at 100°C. The possibility of applying inulinase from Aspergillus niger and commercial invertase to hydrolyse Jerusalem artichoke inulin was also investigated. The results showed that inulinase, in a relatively low dosage, effected 84% hydrolysis of total reducing sugars during time and temperature usually used for fermentation in Polish distilleries (30°C, 72 h). The invertase hydrolysed only 47% of sugars in those conditions.

Jerusalem artichoke tubers might be used as an efficient raw-material in the distillery industry, when commercial yeast or bacteria Zymomonas are used, but the adequate acid pre-treatment of the tuber mash or the addition of the inulinase to the fermentation is necessary.

The examination was performed on 81 fecal samples, collected from swine, which came from three farms located in Dolnoslaskie and Wielkopolskie provinces, and on 42 samples from dogs from experimental breeding and dogs belongs to private owners. With both methods, as well Fülleborn’s method as Fecalyzer method, infection in swine of coccidia (Coccidia) and nematods: Oesophagostomum spp. and Ascaris suum was detected. While, in dog feces the eggs of large roundworm Toxascaris leonina and whipworm Trichuris vulpis was detected. Method with Fecalyzer turned out slightly more sensitive than Fülleborn’s method in case of infection of A. suum in swine and T. vulpis in dogs, and differences in prevalence of infection with this parasites amounted suitably 1.2% and 2.4%. Besides, method with Fecalyzer was characterized by smaller labour intensity and was less time-consuming than Fülleborn’s method. Optimal, recommended time after which should be made result reading in this method, should be at least 10 minutes.

The caeca of 140 long-tailed ducks (Clangula hyemalis) (87 males:9 immature and 78 adults; 53 females: 13 immature and 40 adults) collected in 1993-2000 in the western part of the Polish Baltic coast were examined. A particular attention was paid to relationships between 4 metric characters: left caecum length (CLL); right caecum length (CRL); left caecum weight (CLW); right caecum weight (CRW) and three characters describing body size: weight (BW), length (BL), and sternum length (SL). The fluctuating asymmetry (FA) in the caecum length and weight was explored by means of the fluctuating asymmetry coefficient (FAC = 1-r^2,; where r is the correlation coefficient of a correlation between parameters selected). Fluctuating asymmetry of paired organs may reflect changes in the homeostasis of wild animals that are affected by various environmental factors; hence FAC may be a valuable proxy of the habitat quality.

The Long-tailed Ducks examined showed mean CLL, CRL, CLW, and CRW to be 90.7 cm; 78.4 cm; 0.47 g; and 0.42 g, respectively. No significant correlations between mean values of BW, BL, and SL with any of the caecum character analysed. Length and weight asymmetries of the caecum showed a pronounced pattern: the left caecum in 127 individuals (90.7%) was longer and in 115 individuals (82.1%) heavier than the right one. The FAC values for the caecum length and weight were 0.472 and 0.437, respectively.

In this paper the capability of eight strains of yeasts Geotrichum candidum for cellulases and xylanases production in two mineral media with addition of various components was examined. Mineral media were supplemented with four different sources of carbon, such as sugar beet pulp, wheat grain, CMC or glucose. Geotrichum candidum strains were characterized very different level of cellulase and xylanase biosynthesis. The highest cellulase activities for 6 strains from 8 ascertained in Saunders medium with sugar beep pulp and in MGP medium with a CMC. However highest xylanase activities observed in both media with CMC. Some strains produced cellulases and xylanases in mineral medium when glucose used as carbon sources.

An instrumental method was elaborated to calculate growth curves of two bacterial strains, Escherichia coli and Weisella viridescens, metabolically active and growing in the same mixed culture. The method allows for: quantitative differentiation of above mentioned strains in any time points in the growth curves, estimation of metabolically active counts of bacteria in food samples according to “detection time” principle or to direct investigation of mutual influence of metabolically active strains to dynamics of their growth. Above method relays on spectro-photometric examination of mixed cultures grown in a medium containing rezazurin. Many measurements of absorbance are taken during growth in mixed culture with use of many wave lengths and obtained data (spectro-photometric spectrums) are analyzed with use of rough-sets exploration system and neural network, thus very precise bacterial counts are calculated in effect.

Research has been conducted to determine the effect of fat substitution with buckwheat preparation on colour and lipid stability during 30 days of storage at 4°C in aspect of preparation usefulness as fat replacement in comminuted meat products. The results indicate the influence of fat substitution with buckwheat preparation on the colour changes of comminuted meat products as well as lipid oxidation. The reduction of fat level decreased the lightness and increased the redness, although yellowness was only slightly affected. During the storage of meat products slight changes of CIE L*a*b* parameters were noted. TBA values increased for all options after 10 days since the production but decreased for options with fat substitution with buckwheat preparations after 20 days since the production and increased for controls.

In many ornamental plants species the light colour can, more or less considerably, modify growth and flowering. Literature offers information on the growth inhibition of seedlings, transplants and cuttings of ornamental plants exposed to blue light.

In the present experiment Chrysanthemum × grandiflorum (Ramat.) Kitam. ‘Boulou White’ was exposed to blue and day light (control), at 3 quantum irradiance levels: 90, 110 and 140 µmol·m^-2·s^-1. The source of light was made up by 36 W fluorescent lamps.

During the cultivation in controlled climate conditions a long day and a short day, each time 4-week long, were applied.

It was demonstrated that the blue light of the highest quantum irradiance both under long- and short-day conditions inhibited the plant growth. The blue light applied under short-day conditions slightly decreased the number of chrysanthemum leaves.

The standard is that the consistency states of cohesive soils are evaluated on the basis of laboratory tests. This method is accurate, but time-consuming and expensive because of the necessity of sampling the soil specimens. Because of financial considerations, the investors decide to identify the geological conditions of a subsoil mainly on the basis of field research. Only in doubtful situations, when some weak strata or another disadvantageous factors in the zone of the interaction of a building are being occurred, the soil parameters are being verified through laboratory tests. The in situ tests are more popular, because they are fast and relatively cheap way to identify many parameters, including the liqudity index I_L. To evaluate the state of a soil, the formulas basing on the cone resistance q _c are used more and more frequently in piezocone tests CPTU [8]. In this paper, the flat dilatometer testing (DMT) is proposed to evaluate the consistency state of fine-grained soils. The paper presents the analysis of factors affecting the liquidity index I_L. The scaling of the flat dilatometer was carried out on the basis of I_L index, obtained from the laboratory tests. The investigation was made on the heavily overconsolidated Pliocene clays from Warsaw region.

A study was performed on rapeseed cultivars whose oil, depending on the purpose of their production, would be characterized by suitable fatty acid composition. The study, carried out in the years 2001-2003 on Lirajet, Lisek, Rasmus, Kaszub and Contakt rapeseed cultivars, showed that the fatty acid composition and its profile can be controlled through adjusting the harvest time.

The aim of present investigations was to determine the effect of dried yeasts and a preparation isolated from cell membranes of beer yeasts (MOS) on the yield and composition of milk from Polish Holstein-Friesian cows during the first 100 days of lactation (variety Red-and-White), fed according to the PMR system. The development of the rumen microflora was also taken into consideration. The experiment was conducted on 75 Polish Holstein-Friesian cows maintained in tied stalls. The cows calved during the summer season. The experimental design included two experimental and one control group (Table 1). The number of protozoa and bacteria were determined in the rumen fluid of 8 cows selected at random from each group at the end of the experiment (24 animals in total). The addition of dried beer yeast preparations (dried yeasts – 80 g per head per day and extract of yeast cell membranes – 20 g MOS) to the feed of high-producing dairy cows resulted in a statistically significant increase in milk yield in comparison to animals of the control group, (by 3 and 2.2 kg milk per day). A significant (by 34-39%) increase was observed in the number of bacteria in the rumen fluid, what indicates that the feed additives used lead to a more efficient utilisation of fibre from the daily ration, improved the energy balance and the use of nutrients for milk production with a simultaneous decrease of the Somatic Cell Count (SCC). These results confirm that the yeast preparations offered positively stimulated the immunological system.

The modification of a garden single-seed drill for sowing in troughs is presented in this paper. Necessary construction changes made to adapt the driving of the tractor with the drill alongside the troughs with sowing sections working in the troughs are described. Switching of the modified drill from work in troughs to sowing under field conditions requires a short period of time. Single-seed sowing of Scots pine was carried out, and it was compared with hand sowing. Also the evaluation of sowing and morphological characteristics of seedlings was made.

The aim of auxin application in thinning of flowers and young fruits is to reduce the number of set fruits and to obtain a high quality fruit yield. Six-year old plum trees ‘Stanley’ and ‘Iroquois’ cultivars treated with a solution of potassium salt of alpha-naphtaleneacetic acid (NAA) after blooming were used in the experiment. The applied concentrations varied from 30 to 160 mg NAA l^-1. Microscopic preparations of flowers and young fruits were made using fluorescence and paraffin methods. There was noted a slight stimulating effect of NAA treatment on the fertilization process. It was also found that the applied auxin induced callose saturation and clogging up of conductive bundles and the chalazal part of the ovule. The inhibition of assimilate translocation to the ovule due to the clogging up of the chalazal part brought about an inhibition in endosperm development and resulted in embryo degeneration.

The paper presents results of 3-year experiment (2001-2003) on the effect of different previous crops (winter wheat, pea, spring barley) and tillage systems (conventional tillage and direct drilling) on the incidence of fungal diseases of leaves, ear, stem base and roots of winter wheat. The highest infection percentage and index for the take-all and brown foot rot diseases were found when winter wheat was sown directly into the stubble. Significantly higher infection with the stem base and root diseases occurred after cereals (spring barley, winter wheat) than after pea. The conventional tillage increased the incidence of leaf and ear diseases of winter wheat as compared with direct drilling, except for the dry year. The occurrence and severity of wheat diseases depended on the previous crops and environmental conditions.

The objective of the study was the identification, on the basis of its chemical composition, of a spring rapeseed cultivar most suitable for rapeseed oil production for use in fuels. The study involved the following spring rapeseed cultivars – Bosman, California, Capio, Liciassic, and Pomorzanin, harvested in the years 2003 and 2004. On the basis of conducted research, it was stated that rapeseed of the Bosman cultivar is characterized by the most favourable composition of unsaturated fatty acids in terms of fuel production.

The paper has been devoted to a review of problems associated with designing voltammetric biosensors dedicated for the food processing industry. Such biosensors are based on techniques of the cyclic voltammetry and amperometry. Voltammetric biosensors can be obtained by the immobilisation of the biological agents (e.g. enzyms) specific for a given substance on the working electrode of the traditional measuring system of the voltammograph. Short characteristics of the voltammetric methods, the salient features of redox mediators and conducting polymers and their applications in construction of voltammetric biosensors are described. Moreover, the mechanism of action and some examples of the manufacture of voltammetric biosensors are presented. The observed development of research on voltammetric biosensors allows assuming that in future they will find application alongside conventional analytic methods in qualitative and quantitative studies of food products.

The paper presents and analyses the results of the research on hydraulic resistance in pipe aerators for waters from Tertiary and Quaternary periods, under conditions of technical exploitation of water treatment plant. Hydraulic resistance investigation was conducted in concurrent pipe aerators filled with the Białecki rings of 12 and 25 mm diameters. The research methodology comprised of measuring hydraulic resistance in the case of clean rings (after the start of water treatment plant operation) and in the case of silted ones (after some two years of water treatment plant operation). On the basis of that researches, some hydraulic phenomena occurring in pipe aerators filled with the Białecki rings were recognized and exploitation rules for this kind of aerators were established.

The studies were carried out in orchard of the Agricultural and Pomicultural Experimental Farm in Przybroda owned by the Agricultural University of Poznań.

On the area of the replanted orchard, the occurrence of 8 nematode families or types was identified in a very diversified number. Temik was the only one that limited significantly number of nematodes both from the genus Pratylenchus and from the other genera and families. The total number of nematodes depended on the applied soil moisture level. The most safe locality under apple-tree orchard regarding the number of harmful nematodes was a soil where apple trees never had been grown before.

The effect of different doses of nitrogen fertilization on the usefulness of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) cultivated for seeds for long-term use was studied in a field experiment. A negative correlation of seed yield and the length of use was found. The strongest reduction in seed yielding occurred in the fourth year, which mainly resulted from a decrease in the number of generative tillers and the number of seeds per spike. In the first and second year of full use, nitrogen fertilization in a dose of 60 kg·ha^-1 was sufficient. In the third year, increasing the dose by 30 kg N·ha^-1 prevented a decrease in perennial ryegrass plant productivity, but it did not prevent the yield reduction in the fourth year after sowing. Germination energy and germinability was the lowest in the third year of cultivation; a level of nitrogen fertilization did not affect the seed sowing value.

The objective of studies was estimation of the number of fungi and actinomycetes as relate to the methods of replant disease prevention in the conditions of diversified soil moisture. The number of fungi and actinomycetes in the soil of replanted orchard was related to the date of sampling, combination of the irrigation soil and disease prevention methods. The number of fungi and actinomycetes was different according to the date of soil sampling (spring or autumn). The applied methods of replantation disease prevention as well as irrigation had an effect on the number of fungi and actinomycetes.

The object of the investigation were bacteria in the soil in diversified conditions of orchard irrigation and with the use of different methods of soil disease prevention. Samples for the estimation of the number of bacteria were taken in spring and autumn.

During the study the following results were obtained: the total number of bacteria in the replanted orchard was lower than in the soil where apple trees had not been cultivated before.

The irrigation did not increase of bacteria population in the soil, whereas the ammonium phosphate increased it. On the number of bacteria in the soil had influence also the application of the Alliette 80 WP and ammonia phosphate which decreased Azotobacter number in comparison with the control. The use of ammonia phosphate increased the number of Azospirillum in soil.

The chemical composition of halloysite - aluminosilicate from Polish deposits and its applicability as feed supplement was investigated. Halloysite was introduced to diet in the amount of 1 and 2%. Its effect on microbiological quality of feeds in the period of storage and utilization of nutrients by growing-finishing pigs was studied. The obtained results showed that halloysite supplemented in the amount of 2% resulted in reduction of bacteria and aflatoxin B₁. It did not influenced fungi counts. Fatteners fed with diet containing this aluminosilicate, caused significantly better utilization of protein, fat, fiber and mineral components, such as calcium, magnesium, zinc and copper in comparing of control group.