There is a lack of empirical knowledge about the complex factors that shape a farmer's decisions to participate in rural development (RD) measures. The objective of this study was to develop and test the suitability of an original typology that identifies distinct groups affected by the thematic objectives of the European Union's RD policies. The results are based on empirical data (n = 277) drawn from two case study areas in Germany, where information related to farm structures was collected along with the self-assessment statements of farmers. The paper emphasizes the description and reasoning of the methodological steps performed to achieve this typology. First, factor analysis was used to reduce datasets and to exclude multicollinearity problems. A two-step cluster analysis was then applied to classify farms into representative types within the derived typology. Finally, farmers' self-perception statements were analysed in relation to the farm typology by using qualitative description methods.

A novel approach has been successfully developed to synthesize Pd@Au core/shell nanosheets by using lemon extract as a biological reducing agent and microwave heating. This approach is suggested to be an eco-friendly, rapid and simple method for the synthesis of Pd@Au core/shell nanosheets. The Au shells that covered the Pd nanosheet surfaces were formed at 80 W in microwave for 20 min. The prepared Pd@Au core/shell nanosheets were characterized by UV–vis spectrophotometry, X-Ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray, energy dispersive X-ray elemental-mapping and energy dispersive X-ray line profile. A highly self-assemblage surface-enhanced Raman scattering methodology was developed by applying Pd@Au core/shell nanosheets for trace fluorescent dye detection. The highest R6G signal was attained with an Au layer of about 3 nm thickness. The results show that the SERS technique is able to detect trace fluorescent dye within a wide concentration range from 10−8 M to 10−17 M, with an extremely low limit of detection of 10−17 M. The study offers a low-cost route to the fabrication of sensing devices capable of use for monitoring cancer progression in natural matrices such as blood.