Search Results (204)

This study evaluated the effects of including spray-dried porcine plasma (SDP) in nursery diets and enzymatically hydrolyzed plasma (EHP) in drinking water on piglet growth performance and post-weaning diarrhea (PWD). Four treatments were tested: CONTROL (soy protein concentrate, SPC), P1SDP (5% SDP in phase 1), P1 + P2SDP (5% SDP and 2% SDP in phases 1 and 2), and EHP (0.88% in water during phases 1 and 2). No significant differences among treatments were observed during phase 1. During phase 2 (14–28 days) pigs fed SDP or pigs provided EHP in water had higher average daily gain (ADG; p = 0.001) and feed conversion (GFR; p = 0.013) versus the other groups. Pigs fed SDP in the first two phases had an average d-42 body weight that was 1.54 kg heavier than controls. Post-weaning diarrhea was not observed at any time during the study. These results support the use of SDP and EHP as effective nutritional strategies to enhance the growth and resilience of pigs during the post-weaning period. Both ingredients contribute to sustainable pig production by improving efficiency and promoting circular economy practices through the valorization of animal by-products. Full article

Efficient irrigation management is critical for improving irrigation water productivity and producing high-quality planting material in fruit tree nurseries. This study evaluated the effects of irrigation and fertilization on peach nursery performance through a two-year field experiment conducted in a commercial nursery in northwestern Romania. The experiment included two cultivars (‘Redhaven’ and ‘Cresthaven’), four irrigation depths (0, 10, 20, and 30 mm for each irrigation event), and two fertilization levels (N₀P₀K₀ and N₈P₈K₈) arranged in a factorial design. Irrigation significantly improved graft establishment and nursery survival compared to rainfed conditions. Optimal irrigation (20 mm) resulted in the highest nursery survival and provided the best balance between plant productivity and irrigation water productivity. Higher irrigation inputs increased total water consumption but reduced irrigation water productivity. Regression analysis revealed nonlinear relationships between water consumption and nursery performance, indicating diminishing returns at higher irrigation levels. The results suggest that moderate irrigation can enhance nursery productivity while improving water use efficiency. These findings provide practical guidance for optimizing irrigation strategies in commercial peach nursery systems. Full article

This paper presents the results of exploratory research conducted as part of a university specialisation course for future support teachers in nursery schools during ICT (Information and Communication Technology) workshops. The main objective of the study was to investigate the role and potential of visual education in teaching–learning processes in academia, particularly in educational contexts aimed at building inclusive and innovative skills. In line with the studies by and, the research analysed how the integration of digital visual tools, multimedia narratives and gamification practices can affect motivation, engagement and the development of digital, communication and pedagogical skills. The results confirm the educational value of visual education as a lever for building inclusive and reflective skills. The methodological approach adopted is inspired by the learning by doing paradigm and active learning, promoting participatory and innovative teaching, consistent with the latest reflections on academic innovation. Full article

Critical congenital heart disease (CCHD) is a major cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Pulse oximetry screening enables early detection, potentially reducing complications and improving outcomes. This study evaluated pediatric residents’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to CCHD screening in Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional survey was distributed to pediatric residents across Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire assessed knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding CCHD screening. A total of 123 pediatric residents in training were included in the study. Of these, 57 (46.3%) were male, and 66 (53.7%) were female. A progressive increase in mean scores was observed with advancing training years (p = 0.010). A significant difference was observed in knowledge scores based on completion of a cardiology rotation (p = 0.006). A progressive increase in attitude scores was observed with each successive year of training. Current year in training showed a statistically significant association with attitude scores (p < 0.001). Completion of a newborn nursery or NICU rotation was also significantly associated with higher attitude scores (p = 0.027). Similarly, attitude scores were significantly higher among those who had completed a cardiology rotation (mean = 12.99, SD = 1.52) compared to those who had not (mean = 11.60, SD = 1.84; p < 0.001). While practice scores were not statistically different across most groups, senior residents demonstrated better adherence to screening. Residents exhibit increasing awareness and positive attitudes with experience; however, practical implementation remains inconsistent. Targeted education and standardized protocols are necessary to improve outcomes. A positive correlation was observed between knowledge and attitude scores (r = 0.346, p < 0.001). Full article

Moringa oleifera (Lam.) is a multipurpose agroforestry tree cultivated worldwide for its nutritional, medicinal, and economic value, and it is increasingly grown commercially in subtropical regions, including Nepal. While vegetative propagation is feasible, large-scale production relies predominantly on seeds, making efficient germination critical for seedling establishment, uniform growth, sustainable production, and preservation of genetic diversity. Seed pre-treatments are widely recognized as a simple and effective approach to enhance germination, early seedling vigor, and nursery performance. This study evaluated the effects of seven pre-sowing treatments under controlled nursery conditions to determine the most effective method for improving Moringa oleifera seedling production. A total of 2100 seeds were used, with 100 seeds per treatment and three replicates, arranged in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Treatments included control (no pretreatment), normal water soaking (12 h and 24 h), alternating wetting (water) and drying cycles (12 h each), hot water soaking (60 °C for 5 min), cow urine soaking (1:2 of urine to water proportions for 12 h), and hydrochloric acid soaking (35% for 20 min). All pre-treatments were conducted at room temperature, and the seeds were subsequently sown in controlled nursery conditions. Seed germination was monitored twice daily for 30 days, and data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s HSD test to identify significant differences in germination performances. Results demonstrated that alternating wetting and drying produced the highest germination percentage (89%), shortest mean germination time (8.44 days), and strongest seedling vigor, outperforming all other treatments. Conversely, cow urine and acid treatments completely inhibited germination. This study recommends alternating wetting and drying as a simple, low-cost, and chemical-free pre-treatment to optimize Moringa oleifera seedling production in nurseries. These findings provide practical guidance for commercial and smallholder farmers, contributing to sustainable agroforestry, food security, and climate-resilient livelihoods in resource-limited habitats. Full article

Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus) core, an abundant renewable byproduct rich in cellulose and hemicellulose, has emerged as a candidate to replace or supplement peat and coco coir in soilless culture. This review synthesizes the physical, chemical, and biological performance of ground kenaf core and benchmarks it against conventional substrates. Kenaf core exhibits low bulk density (0.06 to 0.15 g cm⁻³), high total porosity (approximately 90%), and substantial plant available water (approximately 42%), supporting root aeration and water supply. Its pH (6.0–7.2) is near optimal for most crops, whereas electrical conductivity (EC) (3.2–4.7 dS m⁻¹) can exceed recommended ranges for salt-sensitive species, which necessitates pre-leaching or blending. Growth studies show comparable shoot and root performance in blends containing 20 to 70% kenaf, with composted kenaf often outperforming raw core. Pure kenaf generally requires more frequent irrigation and may shrink at high proportions. We outline processing variables such as core purity, particle size, composting, and leaching that govern stability and plant response, identify critical data gaps (including standardized EC and pH methods, and long-term shrinkage), and frame a sustainability agenda. Practically, studies to date indicate that pre-leached kenaf core, incorporated at up to about 70% by volume into peat or coir-based blends with structurally stable components such as perlite, can maintain growth and quality for several ornamental and bedding crops under greenhouse and nursery conditions. At the same time, reports of poor performance in some conifers and early suppression in direct-sown vegetables underscore that the suitability of kenaf-based substrates remains crop specific and dependent on material processing and management. Full article

Objectives: Early childhood caries (ECC) remains a significant global health issue. COVID-19 disrupted protective factors such as in-office parental support and routine dental screenings. This study investigates caries prevalence and severity in Hungarian toddlers (<3 years) born during the lockdown, compared with pre-pandemic data from 2019. Methods: A serial cross-sectional study was conducted through nursery-based dental screenings and a parental questionnaire. Key indices (caries prevalence; average number of decayed, missing, and filled tooth—dmf-t index; Significant Caries Index—SiC-index; and Restorative Index—RI) were calculated and analyzed in relation to parental education and knowledge of caries etiology. The results were compared to 2019 data. Results: A total of 636 children were examined; 274 (mean age: 29.37 ± 4.56 months) were part of the 2024 cohort. Caries prevalence decreased from 15.46% in 2019 to 13.87%. The mean dmf-t index also declined significantly (0.685 ± 2.20 vs. 0.383 ± 1.29; p = 0.025). Initial feeding practices, such as exclusive breastfeeding, were positively linked to later liquid intake habits (p < 0.01). Prenatal information did not affect caries rates or cariogenic liquid consumption. While parental education level was significantly related to caries prevalence and feeding practices in 2019, its influence was less marked in the 2024 cohort. Conclusions: ECC prevalence declined slightly among children born during the pandemic but remains high. Prenatal education did not promote healthier feeding-related oral health behaviors or outcomes. The reduced impact of parental education post-lockdown may suggest that heightened general health awareness during the pandemic lessened education-based disparities. Full article

This study provides a field evaluation of a deep container-based nursery system for tropical dry forest species. Deep containers are expected to improve seedling quality for dryland restoration, but their applicability to tropical dry forest species remains poorly documented. This study examined species-specific responses of five tropical dry forest species to two contrasting nursery systems, including a deep container system, under practical conditions. Five tropical dry forest species in Myanmar were raised in two nursery systems: conventional vinyl pots (18 cm depth) filled with soil-based media amended with manure and deep M-StAR containers (60 cm depth) filled with coconut peat and supplied with chemical fertilizer. Seedling morphology was assessed in the nursery, and survival and growth were monitored after outplanting. Seedlings raised in the deep container system exhibited substantially greater growth in the nursery phase across all species, attaining a several-fold larger size than conventional seedlings, and this size advantage persisted for 16 months after outplanting. However, higher survival was observed only for Tamarindus indica raised in this system (76%) compared with the conventional system (21%), whereas the other four species showed high survival (>80%) regardless of the nursery system. The observed benefits reflect the combined effects of the deep container system, and early post-planting survival may be species-specific and related to drought strategies. Full article

Rapid and accurate diagnosis of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) is crucial for Hydrangea macrophylla nursery management. Traditional methods are time-consuming, and existing non-destructive studies rarely target ornamental plants or support joint N-P diagnosis at the early growth stage. A total of 339 RGB images were captured from potted hydrangeas grown under varying N and P levels at the seedling stage, with 65 phenotypic traits (color, texture, and morphology) extracted. Nutritional status (deficient, optimal, and surplus) was categorized with reference to plant nutrition indices. Discriminant models were then developed using four machine learning algorithms: convolutional neural network (CNN), support vector machine (SVM), random forest (RF), and probabilistic neural network (PNN). The model performances were evaluated using overall accuracy, precision, recall, F1-score, and Cohen’s Kappa coefficient (κ). As a result, CNN achieved 82.65% accuracy (κ = 0.7392) for N classification, and SVM reached 83.65% accuracy (κ = 0.7357) for P classification. Color-related traits dominated the top five contributing features, indicating a stronger correlation with N and P status. This work offers a practical solution for real-time, low-cost, and non-destructive nutrient diagnosis, supporting precision fertilization and enhancing environmental sustainability in nursery production. Full article

This study investigates the influence of varying cold stratification durations (0–165 days) on the germination performance and early seedling development of Rudbeckia fulgida. Seeds were divided into 11 groups at 15-day intervals, using a total of 1320 seeds. For each stratification duration, an equivalent number of seeds stored at room temperature served as non-stratified controls. Results demonstrated a clear and significant increase in germination percentage with longer stratification periods (Kruskal–Wallis, H = 57.03, p < 0.001), with the highest germination observed at 135 and 165 days (96.7%). In contrast, seeds kept at room temperature exhibited low and inconsistent germination. Strong positive correlations were detected between stratification duration and both germination percentage (r = 0.914) and post-stratification seed weight (r = 0.419). Furthermore, a Response Surface Methodology (RSM) model was developed to predict germination behavior, achieving an exceptionally high 99% predictive accuracy. The RSM analysis confirmed that cold stratification duration is the dominant factor shaping germination responses in Rudbeckia fulgida Aiton. Overall, the study demonstrates that cold stratification is essential for breaking seed dormancy in R. fulgida, substantially improving propagation efficiency and offering valuable insights for nursery production, landscape practices, and restoration ecology. Full article

Forests play a strategic role in global sustainability, and restoration is essential to meet ESG targets. Seedling quality strongly influences reforestation success, but standardized evaluation protocols are often lacking. This study aimed to identify and prioritize critical technical parameters of forest seedlings and determine the highest-priority factor affecting field performance. A total of 100 seedlings of Handroanthus impetiginosus and Sparattosperma leucanthum were evaluated using Quality Function Deployment (QFD), considering reforestation as the client to translate field performance requirements into nursery-level technical parameters. Seedling characteristics were compared to standards based on the literature and nursery best practices. QFD analysis revealed that stem thickness and integrity, absence of borers, well-developed and firm roots, and complete and healthy leaves were the most critical attributes. Hardiness, combining structural robustness, disease resistance, and vigor, emerged as the central factor. Observed non-conformities included disease (15%), stem bifurcations (10%), and substrate deficiencies (12%). These results demonstrate that QFD is an effective tool for systematically identifying and prioritizing seedling attributes. The study provides a structured approach for nursery evaluation and quality control, supporting informed decision-making to enhance the success of forest restoration projects. Full article

Understanding how cultivated xerophytic shrubs physiologically regulate canopy water loss under anomalously wet conditions is crucial for predicting ecohydrological responses and for providing practical guidance in landscape restoration under the ongoing warming–wetting trend on the northern Loess Plateau. This study tested hypotheses concerning the hierarchy of atmospheric and soil-water controls on canopy transpiration (E_c), stomatal conductance (g_s), the strength of canopy–atmosphere coupling, and species-specific soil-water sensitivities and water-use strategies in Caragana korshinskii and Salix psammophila. Concurrent measurements of branch-level sap flow, meteorological variables, and soil water content (SWC) at multiple depths were conducted in two adjacent stands during the wet season of a climatically wet year (July–September 2017). Meteorological factors, particularly vapor pressure deficit (VPD), were the dominant drivers of daily E_c and g_s, whereas SWC exerted secondary but species-specific influences. Both shrubs were strongly coupled to the atmosphere, with consistently low decoupling coefficients (Ω ≈ 0.11–0.15) on daily scales. C. korshinskii maintained stable water use through access to deeper soil, whereas S. psammophila responded sensitively to fluctuations in shallow SWC. These contrasting patterns indicate depth-partitioned water-use strategies and a context-dependent continuum between isohydric and anisohydric behavior rather than fixed species traits. The findings support improved parameterization of shrub water use in ecohydrological models, more effective water-use management, and informed species selection and nursery practices for landscape restoration in semi-arid regions experiencing warming–wetting climatic shifts. Full article

Non-starch polysaccharides (NSPs) in plant-based swine diets can reduce nutrient availability, and the use of exogenous NSP-degrading enzymes has been proposed as a practical approach to improve digestive utilization. This study examined the effects of a commercial enzyme mixture through both in vitro assessment and an in vivo trial in nursery pigs. The in vitro evaluation of seven commercial diets showed that enzyme supplementation increased dry matter, crude protein, crude fat, and crude fiber digestibility, with the most notable improvements observed in finisher, gestating, and lactating diets. In the in vivo experiment, pigs fed the enzyme-supplemented diet showed higher average daily gain (464 vs. 361 g/d; p = 0.07) and an improved feed conversion ratio (1.82 vs. 2.39; p = 0.07), together with numerically greater cecal butyrate concentration (2.13 vs. 1.06 mmol/dL; p = 0.10) and increased villous height in the jejunum and ileum. Although these responses did not reach statistical significance, they represent consistent trends that align with the in vitro findings and suggest potential benefits in nutrient utilization and gut morphology. Overall, the results indicate that NSP enzyme supplementation may support digestive function under specific dietary conditions, particularly in diets containing moderate to high NSP levels, and provide useful information for its practical application in swine nutrition. Full article

The use of convolutional neural networks in nursery production remains limited, emphasizing the need for advanced vision-based approaches to support automation. This study evaluated the feasibility of detecting chip-budding graft sites in apple nurseries using YOLO object detection and segmentation models. A dataset of 3630 RGB images of budding sites was collected under variable field conditions. The models achieved high detection precision and consistent segmentation performance, confirming strong convergence and structural maturity across YOLO generations. The YOLO12s model demonstrated the most balanced performance, combining high precision with superior localization accuracy, particularly under higher Intersection-over-Union threshold conditions. In the segmentation experiments, both architectures achieved nearly equivalent performance, with only minor variations observed across evaluation metrics. The YOLO11s-seg model showed slightly higher Precision and overall stability, whereas YOLOv8s-seg retained a small advantage in Recall. Inference efficiency was assessed on both high-performance (RTX 5080) and embedded (Jetson Orin NX) platforms. YOLOv8s achieved the highest inference efficiency with minimal Latency, while TensorRT optimization further improved throughput and reduced Latency across all YOLO models. These results demonstrate that framework-level optimization can provide substantial practical benefits. The findings confirm the suitability of YOLO-based methods for precise detection of grafting sites in apple nurseries and establish a foundation for developing autonomous systems supporting nursery and orchard automation. Full article

Deep planting of young trees—defined as the burial of the root collar below soil grade—is widely recognized by practitioners as an improper technique that can impair tree development and establishment. Despite this knowledge, research has shown that urban trees are frequently planted too deeply. To better understand the impacts of planting depth on the urban forest, we conducted a literature review of peer-reviewed and professional studies relevant to the effects of planting depth in urban trees. Most studies reported effects on tree establishment (34%), growth (23%), and root development (22%). A general conclusion across reviewed articles was evident: trees planted too deep exhibited higher mortality, slower establishment, and reduced growth, primarily due to poor root development. Effects of planting depth were also species-specific—Norway Maple (Acer platanoides L.), Turkish Hazel (Corylus colurna L.), White Ash (Fraxinus americana L.), and Green Ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica Marshall) showed minimal differences in performance when deeply planted, while Baldcypress (Taxodium distichum L. Rich), which tolerates anoxic conditions, performed better at or below grade than when planted above grade, although the findings in these studies only measured the effects of planting depth relative to limited measured parameters. We also compiled a reference table that links tree species to their performance based on planting depth. These findings highlight the critical role of planting depth in shaping root architecture and long-term success, emphasizing the need for adherence to best practices concerning proper planting, tree maintenance (e.g., mulching), and production in the nursery. Full article