International Anatolian Agriculture, Food, Environment and Biology Congress

Antidiabetic Activity of Fraxinus xanthoxyloides Wall ex. DC Bark Extract in Alloxan-induced Diabetic Rats

Tahira Younis — 2024-10-15

Fraxinus xanthoxyloides Wall. ex DC is a small tree of dry hills present in Northern parts of Pakistan. Leave, stem and bark of F. xanthoxyloides are used locally for the treatment of jaundice, malaria and pneumonia, internal injuries, rheumatism and bone fracture. In vitro and in vivo anti-diabetic activity of F. xanthoxyloides bark was explored for the first time, considering it a potential source of drug candidate. Powder of F. xanthoxyloides stem bark was extracted with methanol to obtain the crude extract and resultant was fractionated with solvents in escalating polarity. The evaporation of respective solvents was done and extract/fractions were dried and stored at 4°C for further investigation. Among all the extract/fractions, n-hexane fraction (FXBH) showed the powerful inhibition of α-amylase (IC₅₀ =33.38 μg/ml) comparable to the Acarbose (35.8 μg/ml) as well as powerful inhibition of α- glucosidase (IC₅₀ =245.6 μg/ml) comparable to Acarbose (12.53 μg/ml). HPLC-DAD analysis of FXBH showed the presence of Gallic acid, Catechin, Caffeic acid, Ferulic acid and Querctin. In vivo antidiabetic potential of FXBH extract was evaluated through a trial of 15 days on Sprague Dawley rats. Biochemical parameters like serum Triglyceride, Low-density lipoprotein, Cholesterol, Lipase, Amylase, Alanine aminotransferase, Aspartate aminotransferase, Creatinine, Urea and C-reactive protein levels were decreased along with HBAIC while serum High-density lipoprotein was increased in rats treated with FXBH when compared to diabetic control. Histopathological analysis of pancreas of rats demonstrated the restoration of beta cells. In conclusion, F. xanthoxyloides bark has clinical potential for the treatment of diabetic diseases.

The Growth Characteristic and Condition factor K of Red Tilapia (Oreochromis.sp) reared in Jijel farms, Algeria

Ryma Foughalia — 2024-10-16

The present study describes characteristics of growth and condition factor of Red Tilapia reared in the Jijel fish farm, in Algeria. This study was carried out from September 2022 to Juin 2023, the Total lengths measured was ranged from 15cm to 23cm while total weight varing from 38 g to 120g , the relationship was calculated using the equation P = a.LFb and the condition factor using the equation K = (100 P ⁄ LF). The value of the allometry coefficient was1.6. These allometry coefficients was significantly different from the standard value of 3 (p < 0.05), reflecting a minor allometry in red tilapia species, this is mean that fish grows faster than it gets fatter. Also, the correlation coefficient of 0.70 indicates a strong correlation between the weight and the size of the fish. Additionally, The condition factor varies from 0.38 to 0.48 in males and from 0.42 to 0.72 in females. These results provide a database on the length-weight relationship and condition coefficient of the red tilapia species in Jijel fish farm.

Ethnobotanical Study And Inventory Of Medicinal Plants Used To Treat Children In Algeria

Azdinia Zidane — 2024-10-16

Medicinal plants have a long history of use in therapy, and are an important part of traditional medicine. As Algeria's flora is very rich and diverse, phytotherapy is considered to be particularly attractive in Algeria. Although the use of traditional herbal medicine in adults is very widespread, it has not been well documented in the paediatric population. Hence the importance of this study, that aims to identify the medicinal plants used in paediatric pathologies, and to assess the way in which they are used and their relative importance in the Algerian population. Ethnobotanical surveys were carried out using 2000 questionnaires. The results showed that 66.25% of users were women and only 33.75% were men. For 50% of informants, the use of medicinal plants was ancestral knowledge. In 30.25% of cases, the pathologies treated were gastric troubles, and (24.4%) respiratory ones. The survey identified 136 species belonging to 62 botanical families, the most represented being Lamiaceae, Asteraceae, Apiaceae and Fabaceae. The leaf was the most commonly used part of the plant (34%). The most common method of preparation was decoction (37%), which was mainly administered orally (79%). The dosage used was random (95%) and for a short period (77%). Allergies seemed to be the most common undesirable effect of using certain plants by children. 87% of the informants used herbal medicine exclusively, without any combination with other medicinal treatments. The PCA showed strong correlations between the different regions of the country, with regard to the use of certain medicinal plants. This work could serve as a basis for further pharmacological studies, aiming to assess the therapeutic efficacy and safety of plants used by children in Algeria.

Key words: ethnobotany, paediatric population, medicinal plants, pharmacology, Algeria.

A Comparative Study between Two Wastewater Treatment Systems: a Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) and a Lagoon Station

Laid Bouchaala — 2024-10-16

Water resource pollution is a major global issue primarily caused by human activities. To mitigate this pollution and preserve our water resources, purification systems have been developed. This study compares the efficiency of biological treatment of wastewater between a Wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) in Sidi Marouane and a lagoon station in Boughrara Saoudi. The aim is to analyze the performance of both systems for various physicochemical parameters (temperature, pH, BOD5, COD, nitrate, nitrite, phosphorus, etc.) and microbiological parameters (fecal coliforms, total coliforms, fecal streptococci, etc.).

The results demonstrate that biological treatment at the outlet of the WWTP is more effective than that of the lagoon station in reducing pollutant levels. However, some parameters do not comply with reuse and environmental preservation standards. DBO5 and COD values exceed Algerian standards, as does the microbiological load.

It is concluded that the natural lagoon system alone is insufficient to produce purified water suitable for agricultural reuse or environmental preservation. The addition of planted filter beds or sand and gravel beds downstream of the natural lagoon is recommended to improve water purification. Despite these challenges, both biological treatment systems remain effective solutions for pollution control, although the WWWTP is generally more satisfactory and cost-effective than the lagoon station.

In conclusion, this study emphasizes the importance of selecting appropriate purification technologies to ensure compliance with environmental standards and the reuse of wastewater.

Drug Resistance Patterns Of Some Enterobacteriaceae Isolated From Chicken In The West Of Algeria

Mohammed Salih Barka — 2024-10-16

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria may arise and proliferate as a result of the overuse of antibiotics in the chicken business. Antibiotics may be less effective in treating human illnesses if humans eat chicken products that include antibiotic-resistant bacteria or their genes. Determining the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) patterns of E. coli isolates obtained from poultry in different regions of the west of Algeria, is the goal of the current investigation.

In order to isolate E. coli, samples from chicken (kidney, bones, and intestines) were gathered and prepared for culture using conventional microbiological techniques. While isolated E,coli was typed for O1, O2, and O78 antigens using slide agglutination with certain antisera, isolates were identified biochemically using API 20E. In accordance with CLSI guidelines, all isolates were identified and analyzed using the Kirby Bauer disk diffusion technique against 26 antibiotic disksTo find transferable resistance characteristics in 75 carefully chosen E. coli isolates, conjugative plasmid transfer, plasmid incompatibility, and colicin assays were employed.

A total of 150 distinct species of E. coli were isolated. Fifty two agglutinable E. coli isolates with O78:K80 (n = 28), O1:K1 (n = 15), and O2:K1 (n = 9) were found using serotyping. E. Coli resistance to nalidixic acid (95.6%), tetracyclin (79.2%), streptomycin (73.5%), nitrofurantoin (71.4%), ampicillin (53.6%), ticarcillin (39.7%), piperacillin (37.9%), and chloramphenicol (21.3%) was highly prevalent when it came to antibiotic susceptibility.

Salmonella present a resistance of 59.62% to nalidixic acid, ofloxacin and ciprofloxacin and 29.54% to streptomycin. The Klebsiella species shows no resistance for gentamicin, amikacin and kanamycin, but 73% ciprofloxacin 48% ofloxacin, and a total resistance to ampicillin and tetracyclin

All the Enterobacter isolated were resistant to ampicillin, cefoxitin and cefazolin, however no resistance was observed for gentamicin, amikacin and kanamycin.

Multidrug resistance, or resistance to more than four antibiotic classes, was present in 81.8%. of the isolates. The predominant plasmid-mediated resistance markers in 75 E. coli isolates, as determined by conjugative transfer, are ASTeSuTmp (25.8%) and SSuTmp (13.6%).

Regarding the clustring of plasmids only 9 plasmids were not grouped out of the 67 tested (Com1 and F1). The colicin test shows that 5 transconjugants were colicin positive, these results let us suppose that colicin production and antibiotic resistance are two characters carried by the same plasmid structures.

This work demonstrates that these antibiotic resistance characteristics may be easily transferred by plasmids, which has important health consequences for humans. It also confirms that meat chicken in the western region of Algeria has multidrug resistance E. coli.

Anti-inflammatory and gastro protective activity of sigoise olive leaves extracts from Algeria: in vivo and in silico evidence

Sarra Metlef — 2024-10-16

The number of inflammatory diseases and gastric pathologies is continuously increasing, secondary effects of synthetic drugs have led researchers to focus on compounds of vegetable origin, of which olive leaves are part. In this context our study aims to evaluate some biological activities ( anti-inflammatory and gastroprotective) of Algerian Sigoise extracts of olive leaves in vivo and in silico using molecular docking modeling. The anti-inflammatory activity of olive leaves extracts was highly significant, with an inhibition percentage of inflammation of 79%, close to that of the reference drug ibuprofen (82%). The in silico study showed a high affinity between oleocanthal , hydroxyterosol and tyrosol of sigoise olive leafs with COX-2 where the recorded interaction energies were of the order of -7.1 kcal/mol, -4.9 k cal/mol and -3.4 kcal/mol respectively. These values are relatively close to that of ibuprofen (G = -8.2 kcal/mol). The interaction energy of COX-2 with its reference ligand SC-588 is equal to -10.1 kcal/mol, the lowest RMSD values (1.02) was recorded with oleacanthal. At the same way, olive leaves extract have a gastroprotective activity wich was manifested by the protection of rats stomachs against ethanol alterations. This was clearly demonstrated by ANAPATH, which showed that the tissues of the stomachs treated with the extracts were not ulcerated and was similaire to those treated with drugs and even those of controls.

The Antioxidant And Antihemolytic Activities Of Scilla maritima Leaf Extracts

Karima Saffidine — 2024-10-16

There is a growing interest in finding new plant-derived antioxidants that are safer than synthetic products. These natural antioxidants are recongized for their health benefits and can be used in food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. The present study reports the evaluation of antioxidant and antihemolytic activities of leaf extracts (CrEL: crude extract, EaEL: ethyl acetate fraction and AqEL: aqueous fraction) from Scilla maritima, a medicinal plant widely used in the treatment of many deseases. Total polyphenols and flavonoids of different extracts were determined by Folin-Ciocalteu and Aluminum chloride colorimetric assays, and ranged from 44.3 to 166.48±5.89 EAG/g and 7.27 to 10.28 µg EQ/mg, respectively. The antioxidant activity of these extracts was performed using DPPH free radical scavenging, β-carotene bleaching, reducing power and ferrous ion chelating methods. Potent DPPH scavenging activity was exhibited by EaEL and AqEL (IC₅₀of 10.98±0.23 and 46.93±1.44µg/ml), and these fractions were either the most active in inhibition of β-carotene oxidation (89.83 and 80.88%). While, EaEL and CrEL displayed the greater reducing power (EC₅₀= 43.4±0.58 and 55.4±0.59 µg/ml) and CrEL showed the strong chelating activity (IC₅₀= 93.8±2.83 µg/ml). Finally, all extracts have significant potential in protecting red blood cells against free radicals. These results support the use of this species in traditional medicine and could be a potential source of natural antioxidants.

Enumeration and Identification of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium Species Isolated from Probiotic Food Supplements and Their Antibiotic Resistance

Seda Seyirt — 2024-10-17

This study aimed to evaluate the content of Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacterium spp. in ten probiotic food supplements, along with assessing the antibiotic resistance of isolated probiotic cultures. Thirteen isolates were identified to the species level using both phenotypic and molecular methods. Antibiotic resistance was determined using the disk diffusion method. Results indicated discrepancies between the labeled and actual viable bacterial counts, with two out of the ten products containing fewer viable bacteria than stated. Interestingly, none of the products labeled to contain monocultures of Bifidobacterium spp. actually contained bifidobacteria. Moreover, two products were found to be incompatible with the bacterial species claimed on their labels. Furthermore, all Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains exhibited resistance to methicillin and vancomycin. Lactobacillus spp. strains showed resistance to cefazolin (37.5%) and ciprofloxacin (50%), while Bifidobacterium spp. strains were resistant to cefazolin (80%), clindamycin (20%), and ciprofloxacin (20%). These findings underscore the need for stringent quality control measures in the probiotic food supplement industry, particularly regarding bacterial content accuracy and monitoring antibiotic resistance. Further research is necessary to explore the implications of antibiotic resistance in probiotic strains and its potential impact on human health.

Leveraging Microalgae Biomass For Eco-Friendly Biofertilizers: A Path Towards Greener Practices

Nassira Charef — 2024-10-17

In an era where the urgency to address environmental challenges looms large, the intersection of technology and nature offers promising solutions. Among the myriad issues facing humanity, the depletion of natural resources, climate change, and the burgeoning global population stand as formidable obstacles. However, amidst these challenges lies a beacon of hope in the form of microalgae, particularly the resilient Chlorella species. With their rapid growth rate and adaptability to harsh environments, Chlorella presents itself as a versatile candidate for addressing pressing concerns, particularly in the realm of food security. Rich in proteins, essential and non-essential amino acids, lipids, sugars, and vitamins, Chlorella biomass holds immense potential for revolutionizing the agricultural landscape. The fabrication of biofertilizers from nutrient-rich microalgal biomass signifies a paradigm shift towards sustainable practices. By harnessing the inherent fertility-enhancing properties of Chlorella and other microalgae, biofertilizers offer an eco-friendly alternative to conventional chemical fertilizers, thereby mitigating environmental degradation and promoting soil health. Bloom collected from Bird Lake (lac des oiseaux) in October 2022.Chlorella sp were isolated then cultured using BG11 medium in a culture room at 25 ± 2C then we monitored the growth rate by cell counting using Malassez counting cell. Exponential growth is allowed, and after 25 days, a concentration of 8.6×10^5 cells/ml and 9.8×10^5 cells/ml respectively is reached. The culture is then harvested by centrifugation, and the biomass is freeze dried then preserved at -80°C until further analysis. Chlorella biomass in addition to other microalgae strains will be used for the fabrication of the agriculture fertilizer.

Aquatic macrophyte as a natural factor for reducing cyanotoxins

Fatma Zohra Tamer — 2024-10-17

Cyanobacteria are found in a wide variety of environments environments, both aquatic and terrestrial. They can be found in freshwater reservoirs, oceans, hot and cold springs and lakes. and lakes. Over the years, periodic blooms of cyanobacteria have been observed. However, with the with the recent increase in municipal and industrial waste production freshwater reservoirs have undergone eutrophication, characterized by an excessive accumulation of nutrients. This eutrophication has contributed to an increase in the frequency and extent of cyanobacterial proliferation. Certain strains of cyanobacteria, such as M. aeruginosa, produce toxins to which humans can be exposed through recreation, drinking water and food. The elimination of cyanobacteria and their toxins is a crucial approach approach to controlling harmful algae. Recently, macrophytes have been as promising tools for biological control of harmful cyanobacterial proliferation. They release metabolites, called allelochemicals, into water, and allelopathy has been proposed as one of the main one of the main mechanisms by which macrophytes control phytoplankton biomass and taxonomic composition in aquatic ecosystems. In our study, we used bioactive compounds extracted from the roots of Nymphaea alba to study their effect on the growth of Microcystis spp.

The results suggest that the cell density of cell density of Microcystis spp. decreased compared with the control group, indicating that these compounds could be recommended as a remedy against contamination of water bodies by harmful blooms.

key words: Microcystis sp, Nymphaea alba, cyanobacteria, macrophytes, blooms

Phytoremediation of phytoplankton and their toxins

Fatma Zohra Tamer — 2024-10-17

Harmful cyanobacterial blooms are a serious environmental concern in aquatic ecosystems worldwide. Eutrophication and climate change stand out as the primary factors driving the escalation and expansion of harmful blue-green algae blooms. The Microcystis genus is widely recognized as the predominant cyanobacteria responsible for forming harmful blooms .These blooms lead to substantial degradation of water quality, primarily through scum formation, toxin release, hypoxia, and the generation of unpleasant tastes and odors.
In recent times, macrophytes have garnered significant attention as a novel reservoir of bioactive compounds and an effective alternative to traditional methods for controlling the growth of cyanobacteria. In our study, we used bioactive compounds extracted from the roots of Nymphaea alba to study their effect on the growth of Microcystis spp. The findings indicate a decrease in the cell density of Microcystis spp. compared to the control group, suggesting that these compounds could serve as a potential remedy for mitigating contamination of water bodies caused by harmful blooms.

Key Words: Harmful cyanobacterial blooms, Nymphaea alba, Microcystis spp , contamination , aquatic ecosystems

Synergistic anti-inflammatory activity of combination of shrimp shells derived chitosan with Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus (L.) polyphenols

Sadoud Meyem — 2024-10-17

Inflammation is a symptom associated with many diseases. This symptom is treated with steroidal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which can cause severe side effects when used as long-term treatments. Natural products are an alternative source of new compounds with anti-inflammatory activity. The present work investigates the anti-inflammatory activity of chitosan extracted from shrimp shells waste, both alone and combined with polyphenols of Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus (C. scolymus). First, Shrimp shells were washed, dried, and ground. Second shrimp shells flour was demineralized and deproteinised to prepare chitin. Finally, Chitosan was obtained by deacetylation of chitin and then analysed based on its moisture, ash, protein, molecular weight and degree of deacetylation. The polyphenols of C. scolymus were prepared using methanol as solvent. The total phenolic and flavonoid content of C. scolymus were determined using spectrophotometric methods. The anti-inflammatory activity of Chitosan and C. scolymus extract alone or in combination was assessed using in vitro (Inhibition of protein denaturation and human red blood cell membrane stabilization methods) and in vivo (carrageenan induced mouse paw edema) methods. Results have shown that the amount of chitosan extracted was 5.80 ± 1.09 %; it contains 4.43±0.57, 1.32±0.62 and 0.18±0.04 % of moisture, ash and protein, respectively. Its molecular weight is 859.48±21.62 KDa and its degree of deacetylation is 75%. The combination of chitosan and C. scolymus extract resulted in the most effective in preventing protein denaturation and erythrocytes membrane injury. Furthermore, the combination significantly inhibits the inflammation induced by injection of carrageenan to mice (83,66±21,21%) in comparison with chitosan (63,67±17,14) and C. scolymus extract (51,11±20,9) when used alone. This suggests that chitosan, in conjunction with C. scolymus polyphenols might be used to prevent inflammation.

Cyanobacteria Magic: Cultivation Sustainable Solutions For Agriculture

Nassira Charef — 2024-10-17

In the dynamic realm of sustainable agriculture, attention increasingly turns to microalgae as a catalyst for positive change. These tiny organisms, prized for their renewable attributes and nutritional richness, offer a promising avenue for revolutionizing traditional farming methods. Leveraging the inherent capacity of microalgae to convert sunlight into nutrient-dense biomass through photosynthesis, a natural alternative to chemical fertilizers emerges. By cultivating microalgae, often utilizing organic waste or wastewater, proponents advocate for circular and sustainable resource management practices. Among these, Spirulina sp, a filamentous cyanobacterium renowned for its nutrient profile, takes center stage in addressing nutritional deficiencies. Harvested from Oubeira Lake and carefully cultivated, Spirulina biomass, alongside other microalgae strains, becomes integral to the development of eco-friendly agriculture fertilizers. The overarching objective of this endeavor is clear: to pioneer biofertilizers that minimize reliance on environmentally damaging chemicals, promoting the well-being of ecosystems, animals, and human health. Bloom collected from Oubeira Lake in October 2022, spirulina sp were isolated then cultured using Zarrouk’s medium in a culture room at 35 ± 2C. The culture is then harvested by centrifugation, and the biomass is freeze dried then preserved at -80°C until further analysis. Spirulina biomass in addition to other microalgae strains will be used for the fabrication of the agriculture fertilizer.

Isolation of histamine producing Enterococcus strains from white cheeses

Simge Aktop — 2024-10-17

Enterococcus-associated biogenic amines are frequently found in foods such as cheese, fermented beverages, and fish. Histamine, tyramine, cadaverine, and putrescine are commonly detected biogenic amines in food items. Consumption of certain levels of biogenic amines can lead to symptoms like migraines, hypertension, nausea, and vomiting. Given these adverse health effects, our study aimed to investigate the histamine-producing capabilities of Enterococcus strains isolated from cheese using qualitative, quantitative, and molecular methods. In this study, 452 cheese samples obtained from markets and bazaars were analyzed. Suspicious Enterococcus spp. colonies were identified in 391 samples based on morphology. Amino acid decarboxylase activity test was performed to determine whether enterococci isolates were histamine producers. Of the isolates analyzed, 276 were found to produce histamine. Biochemical identification tests were performed on these histamine-producing isolates, revealing that 25 strains exhibited strong histamine production. Histamine concentrations produced by selected Enterococcus strains were determined through HPLC analysis, yielding concentrations ranging from 14,874 to 26,239 mg/L. Moreover, 16S rDNA sequence analysis was employed to identify 25 Enterococcus strains at the species level, and the presence of the amino acid decarboxylase gene region was investigated. Among these strains, 7 (28%) were identified as E. faecalis and 18 (72%) as E. faecium. The gene regions responsible for histamine production were detected in all 25 strains. These findings highlight the importance of maintaining stringent hygiene conditions during cheese production and storage, as the presence of Enterococcus strains capable of producing high levels of histamine underscores the need for increased vigilance in food safety practices.

Comparative Genomics of Sunflower MYB Transcription Factors and their Role in Drought Stress

Mahmood-ur Rahman — 2024-10-17

Sunflower is the 3^rd most important oil seed crop in the world. In Pakistan, sunflower is mainly cultivated in spring season and is badly affected by drought due to scarcity of irrigation water. Epicuticular wax act as a first line of defense to protect the plants from drought stress by sealing the areal parts of land plants to prevent them from non-stomatal water loss. The myeloblastosis (MYB) transcription factor (TFs) proteins are involved in various biotic and abiotic stresses. A comprehensive analysis of the sunflower and Arabidopsis MYB gene family was carried out to uncover the functions, gene structure, evolutionary history and expression pattern of these genes in sunflower. As the genome of sunflower has recently been sequenced and no such study was conducted in this crop. A blast search was used to find the relevant genes in sunflower. Physiochemical propertied indicated that these MYB genes were present throughout the genome however, subcellular localization indicated that most of these genes were located in nucleus. Phylogenetic analysis showed that MYB proteins were divided in four clades.

The in vitro evaluation of antioxidant properties of two flavonoids compounds isolated from medicinal plant.

Zerargui Fatima — 2024-10-17

Purpose: The aim of this study is to evaluate the antioxidant activities of two compounds, isolated from Varthemia iphionoids (Asteraceae family) methanol extract.

Methods: The plant material (19 kg) was extracted with ethanol at room temperature (7 days). The ethanol extract obtained was evaporated under vacuum and the resulting crude residue (1 kg) was dissolved in the presence of 10% aqueous methanol and delipidated with hexane. The aqueous methanol extract was evaporated to give a gummy residue (660 g). By column chromatography (silica gel, 400 mesh) and TLC followed by identification by NMR. Two flavonoids compounds were obtained.

Results : The antioxidant activities of tow identified flavonoids: kumatakillin (1) and Penduletin (2) were determined. The results indicated that the compounds showed a potent scavenging activity with DPPH radical and H₂O₂ in which was comparable to quercetin as standard, and had the ability to prevent the oxidation of β-carotene. In anti-hemolytic assay, the two compounds gave a TH₅₀ higher than standard and the best result was shown with (2) (TH₅₀= 60.14 ± 0.72). Moreover, the evaluation of anticoagulant and thrombolytic potential showed that, the compounds had significantly prolonged the clotting time and exhibited an important thrombolytic activity compared to the control (*** p <0.001) .

Conclusion:These results are promising for further studies of the biological and pathological effects of these natural products.

Salmonella spp. Prevalence in Raw Chicken Meat

Esra Şentürk — 2024-10-17

Salmonella spp., one of the main causes of foodborne diseases worldwide, poses a major threat about public
health and food safety with its high mortality rate. Salmonella infections, known as salmonellosis, one of the
most reported foodborne illnesses worldwide, are one of a leading cause of acute diarrheal disease and are
generally associated with the consumption of food products contaminated with Salmonella spp. Foods of animal
origin, especially chicken and poultry products, are the most common sources of contamination for Salmonella
spp. Investigating the prevalence of Salmonella spp. found in chicken and poultry products, which are frequently
consumed due to their high nutritional value and affordable price, is important because of food safety as well as
the serious economic losses caused by the treatment, prevention and control of the disease. In this study, the
prevalence of Salmonella spp. in 140 different raw chicken samples obtained from butchers and markets in
various districts of Ankara was investigated using TS EN ISO 6579 norms. Possible Salmonella spp. colonies
were observed in 68 of the 140 samples examined. 68 isolates identified after biochemical confirmation tests
were identified at the molecular level by 16S rRNA sequence analysis. As a result of molecular isolation, 4 out
of 68 isolates (5.8%) were identified as Salmonella enterica.

Modelling Climate Change Impact on Soil Loss in Tokat

Saniye Demir — 2024-10-19

Understanding the potential impact of climate change requires implementing effective planning strategies in hillside terrain and mountainous areas. Many studies have been carried out with erosion models in the Tokat region, much less with the WEPP model. Thus, keeping this in view, the study aims to estimate the possible impact of projected climate change scenarios on soil loss and erosion vulnerability using the Statistical Downscaling Model (SDSM), MarkSim Weather Generator, and Water Erosion Prediction Project (WEPP) model. The present study downscaled four climate scenarios on the near future, noted the 2020 s (2010), mid-future, 2035 s, and 2065, far-future, and 2095 s under GFLD-CM3 with four Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP), 2.5, 4.5, 6.5 and 8.5 scenarios. GFLD-CM3 and RCP scenarios predicted increased temperature and annual rainfall depth during the 21st century. The calibrated WEPP model was used to simulate future soil loss. The study's findings showed a possibility for climate change to increase the rate of soil loss unless conservation strategies or proper land use plans are implemented.

The B-lactamases of Gram negative bacteria

Hanane ABED — 2024-10-19

Along with the recent spread of multidrug-resistant bacteria, outbreaks of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) and carbapenemase-producing bacteria present a serious challenge to clinicians. β-lactam antibiotics are the most frequently used antibacterial agents and ESBLs, and carbapenemases confer resistance not only to carbapenem antibiotics but also to penicillin and cephem antibiotics. Therefore, resistance to carbapenems presents a significant threat to patients who are immunocompromised and are therefore susceptible to infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria all over the world.The mechanism of β-lactam resistance involves an efflux pump, reduced permeability, altered transpeptidases, and inactivation by β-lactamases. Various ESBLs and carbapenemases have been reported in the Enterobacteriaceae including Enterobacter, Klebsiella, Escherichia coli and other opportunistic species such as Serratia, Acinetobacter, and Pseudomonas. many different types of ESBLs and carbapenemases have emerged with different enzymatic characteristics. it is essential for clinicians to understand the characteristics of infecting pathogens. we summarize the current knowledge on carbapenem resistance by ESBLs and carbapenemases with the aim of aiding critical care clinicians in their therapeutic decision making.

Key Words: Multidrug resistance, Enterobacteriaceae , β-lactamases, β-lactams , Classification

Agriculture with Modern Technologies: Progress and Potential Drawbacks

Prodipto Bishnu Angon — 2024-10-19

The production of agriculture has undergone new modifications as a result of agricultural technologies. These not only boost agricultural output but may also significantly raise the caliber of produced food, cut labor expenses, boost farmers' incomes, and achieve agricultural modernization. The research status and current agricultural technology achievements are carefully summarized in this study. In-depth discussions of thirteen significant agricultural technologies are provided in this article. Finally, some fresh concepts for each technology are offered and potential issues in establishing such sophisticated technologies are identified.

Biodegradation of Hydrocarbures by Indigenous Hydrocarbonoclastics Bacteria isolated from the East-Algerian Littoral

ZIDANE BRANES — 2024-10-19

The environments contaminated by hydrocarbons contain indigenous micro-organisms which have developed resistance and potential biodegradation of this polluants. The objective of our work is to isolate and identify indigenous hydrocarbonoclast micro-organisms from the East-Algerian coastline and evaluate their potential of biodegradation.

After isolation, biochemical, and molecular identification with RNA 16S, 53 strains of microorganisms have been isolated. We selected four strains; Vibrio alginolyticus PB-WC 11099, Exiguobacterium aurantiacum strain NB11_3A, Halomonas venusta strain NY-8 and Dietzia sp CNJ898 PLO4 for the growth test in the presence of different classes of hydrocarbons: alkanes-mono-aromatics and refined hydrocarbons as unique source of carbon and energy. A total hydrocarbon assay was carried out before and after each growth by a visible UV spectrophotometer at a wavelength 436 nm after extraction with pentane, removal of the polar substances, and evaporation of the extraction solvent and an oxidative decomposition of sample.

The results of total hydrocarbon rates achieved after growth of the four selected autochthonous bacteria with the hydrocarbons tested show that all the strains appear to degrade the hydrocarbons with different rates. Thus, the maximum degradation is obtained with Exiguobacterium aurantiacum strain NB11_3A in the presence of benzene 02.21 mg/l, followed by the degradation of heptane of Halomonas venusta strain NY-8 with a rate of 3.12 mg/l and Vibrio alginolyticus PB- WC 11099 with a value of 3.76 mg/l. With Exiguobacterium aurantiacum strain NB11_3A we have the lowest degradation rate in the presence of cyclohexane, namely 21.23 mg/l.

Vibrio alginolyticus PB-WC 11099 gave the best results with all the hydrocarbons tested (alkanes and mono-aromatics). The degradation of refined petroleum gasoline was also observed with all bacterial species selected with different rates. Dietzia sp CNJ898 PLO4 and Vibrio alginolyticus PB-WC 11099 use a wide range of hydrocarbons as the sole source of carbon and energy.

Environmental Impact of Agrochemicals in Contemporary Agriculture

Jamia Jahan Khan — 2024-10-19

The success of modern agriculture in increasing crop yields, ensuring global food security, and promoting economic growth in the agricultural sector is largely dependent on agrochemicals. Yet they can have a detrimental effect on the environment. Agrochemicals in bulk storage may provide serious threats to the environment and/or human health because many of them are hazardous, especially in the case of unintentional spillage. The extensive use of agrochemicals to combat agricultural pests and disease vectors poses major risks to human health and the environment, including depletion of soil, pollution of water supplies, and harm to organisms that are not intended targets, such pollinators and aquatic life. Unjudicious use of agrochemicals is responsible for the majority of the negative consequences, since it breeds pesticide-resistant insects and reduces biodiversity through biotransformation. Pesticides pose a risk to the environment's sustainability and the stability of the world economy. The article aims to address various types of agrochemicals, their applications, and their harmful consequences on environmental issues, particularly those involving groundwater supplies and ecological systems. The article also explores agrochemical substitutes for a future with less environmental impact.

Reproduction of Mollusks From Different Localities in The Southern Mediterranean Coast

Cherif ABDENNOUR — 2024-10-19

Mediterranean Sea biota is under great stress due to the discharges made by different activities. Mollusks are used to monitor environmental health. For this reason, a study was carried out to investigate the status of reproduction of the bivalves Donax trunculus along Annaba Mediterranean Gulf subjected to different anthropogenic ejections. Individuals have been collected in the first three months of the year from a location prone to contamination and localities subjected to organic and industrial contaminations. The sex ratio of Donax trunculus is macroscopically identifiable in February and March because gonad differentiation is possible only during the period of sexual activity. Testicular tissues showed histopathological modification in bivalves obtained from the organic and industrial polluted localities during January, February, and March. On the other hand, results demonstrated that the testicular structure of animals collected from the non-polluted site appeared unaffected. In summary, testicular histological profiles of D. trunculus have been altered by the two types of contaminations during the study period.

Functional Properties And Usage Area Of Coffee By-Products

Esra Pırıltı — 2024-10-19

In this study, the bioactive properties of coffee by-products and their use in foods were investigated. Coffee is among the most widely consumed beverages today. The coffee fruit goes through many stages and many by-products are formed until it becomes consumable. Apart from the seed, the coffee fruit produces silver skin, parchment shell, pulp and husk. Coffee by-products have high phenolic compound content and antioxidant activity. For this reason, coffee by-products are also very valuable consumption products with their high phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity. Coffee by-products have many positive effects on human health. It is suitable for direct consumption; It is also possible to add it to many food formulations. Thanks to its integrability into foods, its consumption area can be expanded today. Coffee by-products are also used in neutraceutical and pharmaceutical fields. Coffee by-products are used in many industrial areas besides food. Evaluation and availability of by-products; It is very important for recycling and the environment.

Sulama Durumu Tahmini için Makine Öğrenimi Algoritmalarının Karşılaştırmalı Analizi

Betül DEMİR — 2024-10-19

Şunu söyleyebiliriz ki, yönetim verimlilik açısından kritik bir faktördür. Doğru sulama, bitki üretimi ve verimlilik açısından hayati öneme sahiptir. Bitkilerin ihtiyaç duyduğu su miktarının bir şeklinin belirlenmesi, su mühendisliğinin etkin kullanımı ve yönetimin üretkenliğinin maksimize edilmesi açısından doğru bir şekilde büyük önem taşır. Sulama kararları genellikle karmaşıktır ve çeşitli paylaşımlarını sağlar. Makineyi çalıştırabilirim; Çok çeşitli ve dinamik faktörleri dikkate alarak, sulama tahminleme işlemlerini oldukça yüksek bir doğrulukla gerçekleştirebilir. Makine tabanlı tabanlı sulama durumunun tahmin edilmesi, su yapısının daha verimli olmasını sağlar ve bitki yönetimi ve yönetim ilişkilerinin arttırılmasını sağlar. Geleneksel kesme ve nesnelerin internet tabanlı yöntemlere kıyaslaması, makine kullanımı ile temizleme sistemlerinin, daha hassas sulama kararlarının verilabildiği tespit edilmiştir.

Bu, Kaggle'dan elde edilen sulama veri seti kullanılarak sulama durumu tahmini için makine geliştirmeleri kullanıldı. Veri setinde eksik ve yanıltıcı veriler düzeltilmiş, bağımlı (sulama durumu) ve bağımsız (hava sıcaklığı, nemi, toprak nem değeri, yağış durumu) etkisi elde edilmiştir. Güneydoğu Anadolu Bölgesi'ndeki illere (Adıyaman, Batman,Diyarbakır,Gaziantep, Kilis, Mardin, Siirt, Şanlıurfa ve Şırnak) odaklanılarak farklı kişilerin sıcaklıklarının doğrulukları test edilmiştir. Her il için ayrı ayrı yapılan analizlerde, makine geliştirmei programlarından; Karar Ağaçları (Karar Ağacı), Destek Vektör Makineleri (SVM), Rastgele Orman (Random Forest), Naive Bayes, Gradyan Artırma (Gradient Boosting), Doğrusal Regresyon (Lineer Regresyon), K-En Yakın Komşu (KNN) ve Yapay Sinir Ağı model kullanılarak sulama tahminleme işlemi gerçekleştirilmiştir.

Veri kümesi üzerinde yapılan tahminler sonucu elde edilen doğruluk oranları karşılaştırılmış ve etkili büyümelerin; Rastgele Orman (%95) ,Karar Ağacı (%97), Gradyan Artırma (%93) ve Yapay Sinir Ağı (%98) modeli ile tüm şehirlerde %90'ın tahmininde artırıldı. Diğer uygulamaların da yüksek doğruluk oranları ile (%75 üzeri) kaydedilmemiş değer performansı sergilenmiştir. Her bir il için yapılan analizlerde, seçilen performans sıralamasının benzer olduğu belirlendi. Sonuç olarak, bu çalışma makinesi geliştirmelerinin yönetimi sulamada oldukça yüksek bir performansla kullanılabildiği görülmektedir.

Utilisation of Roughages (Rice Strauw) Treated with Mineral Feed to Cattle in Tandjilé Province, Chad

Keiba Dar — 2024-10-19

The study was conducted in Tandjilé Province Chad (GPS coordinates: 9° 39’ 45° 25” N latitude and 16° 43’ 24° 46” E longitude). The aim of the study was to determine the effect of treating roughages with minerals feed to cattle in dry season in Tandjilé. Thirty six Arab Zebu bulls weighing between 254-255 kg and aged 5- 6 years were assigned into three (3) treatments (T1, T2 and T3) with 12 replication per treatment in completely randomize design. The bulls were fed the experimental diets after returning from natural free grazing pasture and water provided ad-libitum. Data generated were subjected to analysis of variance. The results of the experimental feed indicated that the total weight gain (22.00kg), average daily weight gain (244g/head/day) were observing in T2. Daily dry matter intake and total dry matter intake were significantly higher (P˂0.05) in group of bulls receiving rice straw treated with urea mixed with groundnut haulm plus cowpea haulm and cotton seedcake (T2). Lower values were obtained on group (T3) of bulls fed untreated rice straw mixed with groundnut haulm plus cowpea haulm and cotton seed cake (T3). However, the final weight gain were significant different among all treatments. The treated of rice straw with organic and inorganic mineral supplemented with groundnut haulm and cowpea haulm and cotton seedcake increased the weight gain and dry matter intake of bulls. It is recommended that grazing bull diets be supplemented with treated rice straw containing Doom fruit salt, poultry manure or urea mixed with cotton seedcake, groundnut and cowpea haulm during dry season for an improved performance.

Stem cells Stem Cells in Fish

Semra Küçük — 2024-10-19

In 2022, the production of fisheries and aquaculture reached 187 millions tonnes in Turkey. Three different fish species (sea bass, sea bream and rainbow trout) have been becoming important in this sector growing 16% in the last 10 years.

Stem cells are classified as undifferentiated cells. They have the potential for self-renewal after becoming the specialized cells. The first study is begun in 1992 on zebra fish, Danio rerio. In this study, it is going to give some information on definition, classification, resources, characteristics, application areas and explanation of some previous studies about stem cells.

Clinical and molecular determinants of ataxia-telangiectasia in Pakistani ethnicity

Rabia Akram — 2024-10-22

Cerebellar ataxia is characterized by nystagmus, tremor, dysarthria, and cognitive impairment. An autosomal recessive condition called ataxia-telangiectasia (AT) is characterized by immune system abnormalities, telangiectases, cerebellar ataxia, and a propensity for cancer. It results from a homozygous or compound heterozygous mutation in the ATM gene at chromosome 11q22. The ATM encodes for the ATM protein, which is one of the proteins that phosphorylates important substrates involved in cell cycle regulation and/or DNA repair in response to damage to DNA. Due to a lack of integrated registries and genetic testing capabilities, prevalence data for cerebellar ataxia are sparse in some Asian countries, most notably Pakistan. The purpose of this research is to shed more light on the genetic and clinical signs of hereditary ataxia in a family from Pakistan. We investigated a Pakistani family that displayed clinical signs of ataxia telangiectasia using whole exome sequencing. On the family members that were available, a segregation analysis was done. The proband's symptoms began at the age of five years old and included muscular weakness, telangiectasia, severe dysarthria, slurred speech, and difficulty walking. We identified a homozygous frameshift variation c.3503dup (p.Cys1168TrpfsTer11) in ATM. The findings of this study contribute to a better knowledge of the genetic architecture and phenotypic diversity of the illness in the Pakistani community.

Indoor Air Quality, Personal Care Products and Bioherbicides based on Essential Oils

Eda Keskin Uslu — 2024-10-20

The unclear content of most essential oils, which are readily available in cosmetic stores, local markets and neighbourhood bazaars, the lack of a legal framework for upper and lower limits of safe use, the unintentional use by non-specialists ignoring the principles of aromatherapy, and the lack of a legal control and law sanction mechanism to monitor their purity have a negative impact on confidence in aromatherapeutic applications. The aim of this review is to provide a risk assessment of diffusers, personal care products and bioherbicides containing different essential oils marketed to consumers of all ages under the labels natural, organic, herbal, etc.

Determination of Evapotranspiration and Optimum Irrigation Schedule For Cotton in Çukurova Region Using CROPWAT Model

Usman Muhammad Umar — 2024-10-20

The agriculture sector is actively looking for the most effective ways to manage water resources. Proper water management is crucial for increasing agricultural productivity and optimizing the region's water usage efficiency. The aim of this study was to estimate the irrigation water requirement, reference and crop evapotranspiration and irrigation schedule for cotton in Çukurova region over a 31-year period (1990-2020) using the CROPWAT model. To ensure appropriate water utilization and planning, information regarding the climate data was obtained from the Adana station of Turkish State Meteorology Service. The soil and crop data were sourced from Turkey's Ministry of Food, Agriculture, and Livestock. The CROPWAT 8.0 model was used to determine the irrigation dates, irrigation amount, effective rainfall, net irrigation requirement (NIR), and yield reduction for rainfed and various irrigated circumstances. The findings indicated that the average reference evapotranspiration (ETo), crop evapotranspiration (ETc) for cotton and effective rainfall were 804 mm, 731 mm, and 27 mm respectively. It was also estimated that the dates of irrigation after planting (DAP) were 72 days, 101 days, 131 days and 170 days. The total amount of irrigation water used during the growing period at critical depletion and user defined were 700 mm and 545 mm respectively, thus 155 mm of water was saved (22%). Data of maximum crop yield obtained at critical depletion by CROPWAT was associated with data from Turkish Statistical Institute (TUIK) (2014-2020) and TUIK data is compared with CROPWAT data which was estimated under rainfed condition. According to the result 51% of yield reduction was simulated when irrigation was not applied.

Key Words: CROPWAT, Evapotranspiration (ETo), Net Irrigation (NIR), Effective rainfall, Crop yield

The Effects of Spray Drying Parameters on The Functional Properties of Safflower Protein Isolate

Fatma KORKMAZ — 2024-10-20

This study aimed to investigate the effect of spray drying parameters on the functional properties of safflower protein isolate. Safflower protein was extracted using the alkaline extraction and isoelectric precipitation method and then spray dried at different inlet air temperatures (160, 170, 180 °C), aspiration rates (44, 52, 60 m³/h), and feed flow rates (16, 18, 20 mL/min). In the spray drying of safflower protein, increasing the aspiration rate had an increasing effect on the solubility of the protein, while increasing the inlet air temperature had a decreasing effect.

The water holding capacities of safflower protein isolate increased with increasing inlet air temperatures. However, increasing the feed flow rate was found to have a decreasing effect on the water retention capacity of proteins (from 1.67 g water/g protein to 1.47 g water/g protein). Increasing inlet air temperature from 160 to 180 °C resulted in an increase from 2.40 to 2.60 g oil/g protein in the oil binding capacities of safflower protein isolates. The increasing aspiration rate had a significant decreasing effect on the foaming capacity of the samples (p<0.05), while the effects of inlet air temperature and feed flow rate were insignificant (p>0.05). The emulsion activity and stability values of safflower protein isolates changed in a range of 49.75-54.50% and 81.28-87.51%, respectively. The effect of spray drying parameters on the emulsion properties of the samples was found to be insignificant (p>0.05). As a result, it was found that spray drying parameters affected some functional properties of safflower protein isolate. Thus, determining the spray drying parameters in the production of safflower protein isolate is crucial in providing the functional properties needed for different food applications.

This research was supported by the Turkish Scientific and Technological Research Council (TÜBİTAK, Project No: 222O238).

Effect Of Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority Irrigation Technologies Usage On Rice Farmers Output In Kwara State, Nigeria

John Oyetoro — 2024-10-20

The water crisis being experienced is not about having too little water to satisfy human needs especially in agriculture but a crisis of proper utilization. Irrigation activities in Nigeria have been put into practice on small-scale irrigation schemes and the utilization on large scale production level needs to be investigated. The study therefore, assessed the effect of Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority (LNRBDA) irrigation technologies usage on rice farmers output in Kwara State, Nigeria. A multistage sampling procedure was employed in selecting 178 respondents for the study. The data collected for the study were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency counts, percentages, mean, Weighted Mean Score (WMS) and standard deviation, while Paired T-test analysis was used to test significance difference between the output of rice per hectare before and during the LNRBDA irrigation technologies. The study showed that LNRBDA irrigation technologies were beneficial to rice farmers by aiding their financial buoyancy. Also, the result of paired t-test analysis showed significance difference between the output of rice per hectare in 2016 (Pre-LNRBDA irrigation technologies) and in 2019 (during utilization of irrigation technologies) by the rice farmers (p=0.000, t= 8.642). It was concluded that LNRBDA irrigation technologies obviously led to increase in the output of rice farmers. Therefore, there is the need for concerned stakeholders such as rice farmers’ groups and extension experts to collaborate with LNRBDA thereby organizing trainings to sensitize and improve their knowledge on the use of the available LNRBDA irrigation technologies, as this is expected to enhance their production level.

Yield and soil status disparity under rice-wheat cropping system: A 40 years Journey

Abhisek Shrestha — 2024-10-20

Long-term soil fertility experiment is valuable for evaluating the effects of continuous cropping on the capacity of a soil to sustain nutrient supply and the productivity. Thus, experiment was conducted to know the impact of different dose and source of fertilizers on crop yields under rice-wheat system in Directorate of Agricultural Research (DoAR), Bara. The experiment was carried out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with 12 treatment and three replication from 1991 to till date. In this study, we used the latest seven years data viz. 2015. 2016. 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021 for evaluating the yield and yield attributes of rice. The result showed that 50%N +FYM treated plot fb 100:30:30 NPK provided stable yield 3670-3835 kg/ha in rice and 2505-2694 kg/ha in wheat. However, inherent soil nutrient capacity still supporting more than 1999±550 kg/ha yield without any fertilizer application. The use of NPK plot had higher yield in decreaing trend and decreasing soil status. The pH was highly reduced in other treatment to average 5.4 but remain slightly decline in control from initial. The organic matter , N,P, and K was constantly high in FYM treated plot but notice declined in other plot So, this concluded that use of organic matters with reduce N could provide stable and higher yield and enhance soil status over long period of time.

Utilization of Organic Wastes for the Production of Bacterial Polyhydroxyalkanoates

Habibullah Nadeem — 2024-10-20

Due to their incapability to degrade, synthetic plastics can no longer be used forever and have become a global problem. Disposable plastics that are biodegradable and biocompatible and have comparable properties to traditional plastics are replacing conventional plastics. The current study was focused on using cost-effective carbon sources, such as industrial and organic wastes. Four bacterial species were used with the different carbon sources such as potato and banana peel extract (0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0%, 2.5%), corn and dairy industry effluent (2.0%, 4.0%, 6.0%, 8.0%, 10.0%) for PHA production. With potato peels, Alcaligenes sp., B. subtilis, B. cereus, and P. aeruginosa yielded 91%, 91%, 93%, and 63% PHA. Alcaligenes sp., B. subtilis, B. cereus, and P. aeruginosa produced 95%, 93%, 91%, and 92% of their respective growth rates with banana peels extract. When Alcaligenes sp., B. subtilis, and B. cereus were tested on cheese whey, the results were best at 10% concentration, producing 94%, 98%, and 98% PHA, respectively. Using 2%, 4%, and 8% cheese whey, P. aeruginosa yielded 97% PHA. As a result, the maximum PHA yield in effluent from the dairy industry was achieved after 24 to 48 hours of incubation. The isolated biopolymers were analysed by FTIR, revealing that the extracted powder is PHA and PHB. FTIR spectra of obtained PHA powder showed absorption bands at 3375.09 cm^-1, 3251.92 cm^-1, 2923.63 cm^-1, 2922.39 cm^-1, 2853.38 cm^-1, 2852.42 cm^-1, 1801 cm^-1, 1743.08 cm^-1, 1742.51 cm^-1, 1644.59 cm^-1, 1633 cm^-1, 1462.79cm^-1, 1462.54 cm^-1, 1460.53 cm^-1, 1461.80 cm^-1, and the rest of the peaks were lying in the region between 1100 cm^-1 and 600 cm^-1.

Physical Properties of Chestnut Honey-Pollen Powders Obtained by Different Drying Methods

Ceren MUTLU — 2024-10-20

Honey and bee pollen of chestnut botanical origin are special among beekeeping products due to their rich bioactive components. Although these natural products can be directly consumed, they can be converted into different products to increase their consumption. Honey powder is a product that has been studied in recent years, and obtained by drying honey with various carrier substances such as gum arabic, starch, and maltodextrin. Moreover, the use of bee pollen as a carrier material has positive effects on the potential benefits of honey powders.

Herein, it was aimed to research the effect of spray and vacuum drying on bulk density, flowability, solubility, hygroscopicity, wettability, particle microstructure, and color properties of chestnut honey (Castanea sativa pollen: 93.28%) and bee pollen (Castanea sativa pollen: 82.75%) powder. Chestnut bee pollen, gum arabic, and water (1:1:10 w/w/v) were mixed at 400 rpm for 10 min and that mixture was added to chestnut honey and mixed at the same conditions. The prepared mixture was dried with spray (140°C, 14 mL/min flow rate, and 82% aspiration) and vacuum (45-60°C, 200 mbar) drying systems.

Carr index values as flowability indicator of spray and vacuum-dried samples were 42.02% and 33.70%, respectively. The flowability of honey powders was low due to the stickiness among particles. While the vacuum-dried sample had a low wettability time due to larger particle size, it was much longer in the spray-dried sample. Furthermore, the vacuum-dried sample had a lower hygroscopicity value (30.04%) than the spray-dried sample (37.26%), and chestnut bee pollen (32.58%). However, the spray-dried sample particles had a more homogeneous microstructure. The results highlighted that honey powder can be obtained by adding bee pollen as a carrier material with both drying methods, but the physical properties of powders should be improved by changing the product formulation and/or optimizing the drying conditions.

Effects of Humic Acid Applications along with Reduced Nitrogen Fertilization on Potato Tuber Yield and Quality

Arif ŞANLI — 2024-10-20

This research was conducted in 2020 to determine the effects of leonardite-derived humic acids (Humas-15, Liquid Humus and Humico Maximix-K) with different properties, along with reduced nitrogen fertilization, on tuber yield and quality in potatoes (cv. Van Gogh). In the study, chemical fertilizer applications were made as basic fertilization (20 N 10 P 10 K), reduced fertilization I (15 N 10 P 10 K) and reduced fertilization II (10 N 10 P 10 K). Humic acids were applied twice with irrigation water, at the beginning of the flowering period and 15 days later. Humas-15 and Liquid Humus were applied at 1.0 and 2.0 lt/da doses, and Humico Maximix-K was applied at 400 and 800 g/da doses. A total of seven traits (tuber number per plant, tuber yield per plant, marketable tuber yield, total tuber yield, dry matter content, reducing sugar content and total sugar content) were measured. Reducing nitrogen applictions with humic acid applications significantl effcted all the traits studied. Humic acid applications combined with reduced nitorgen fertilization increased number of tubers per plant by up to 13%, marketable tuber yield by up to 18% and total tuber yield by up to 16% compared with the control. Total and reducing sugar contens varied between 1.27-1.58% and 159-389 mg/100g fw, respectively depending on the applications. In the study, the highest tuber yield was obtained from 1.0 and 2.0 L/da Humas-15 and 2.0 L/da Liquid Humus applications applied together with reducing nitrogen applictions which have close values to the recommended fertilization applications.

Assessment of Inorganic Phosphorus Fractions of Fruits and Vegetable Dumpsite Soils as a Strategy for Mitigating Eutrophication Hazard

Rejoice Ibrahim Solomon — 2024-10-30

Phosphorus is essential for plant growth, but mishandling phosphorus-rich waste can harm the environment. This study assessed inorganic phosphorus fractions in fruit and vegetable dumpsite soils and their relation to soil properties. Soil samples were collected from the study site using simple random sampling at depths of 0-15cm, 15-30cm, and 30-60cm and were analyzed for calcium-bound phosphorus (Ca-P), reductant soluble phosphorus (RS-P), Fe-bound Phosphorus (Fe-P), aluminium-bound phosphorus (Al-P), and Soluble/loosely bound P. The data obtained was subjected to the student’s t-test to compare the different fractions in fruit and vegetable dumpsite soils. The results showed no significant differences between fruit and vegetable dumpsite soils in all the inorganic P fractions. However, vegetable dumpsite soils recorded higher soluble P, Al-P, Fe-P, RS-P, and Ca-P levels of 11.65, 36.29, 41.95, 40.75, and 41.35 mg/kg, respectively. These values were not significantly different from 9.75, 34.01, 39.28, 37.11 and 41.03 mg/kg recorded by fruit dumpsite soil for soluble P, Al-P, Fe-P, RS-P and Ca-P respectively. Also, the concentration of the inorganic P fractions for vegetable dumpsite soil is in the order; Fe-P> Ca-P>RS-P>Al-P>soluble P, while that of fruit dumpsite soil is in the order; Ca-P>Fe-P> RS-P>Al-P>soluble P. Although soluble phosphorus significantly impacts eutrophication due to its rapid release into the surrounding environments, its low levels in fruit and vegetable dumpsite soils are not a major concern. However, in vegetable dumpsite soil, Fe-P would pose a greater threat during anoxic events while in fruit dumpsite soil, Ca-P would contribute more to eutrophication due to its high concentrations, especially in alkaline conditions.

Impact of Foliar-Applied Essential Oils on Growth, Yield and Quality of Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)

Arif ŞANLI — 2024-10-20

In this study, effects of sage (Salvia officinalis L.), oregano (Origanum onites L.), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.), dill (Anethum graveolens L.), cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.), fennel (Foeniculum vulgare var. dulce L.) and Echinophora tenuifolia L. subsp. sibthorpiana (Guss.) essential oils applied to plant leaves at different doses on potato growth, tuber yield and quality were investigated. Essential oils were applied to the upper parts of the plant by spraying at doses of 300, 600, 900 and 1200 ppm three times at 15-day intervals, starting 15 days after the completion of emergence. The number of main branches, number of tubers per hill, tuber yield per hill, marketable and total tuber yield, chlorophyll content, starch content, reducing and total sugar content parameters were examined. The effects of essential oil applications on tuber yield and quality were found to be statistically significant, and this effect varied according to application doses. Compared to the control, essential oil applications increased the marketable tuber yield by approximately 38% (300 ppm rosemary essential oil) and the total tuber yield by up to 28% (600 ppm rosemary essential oil). However, rosemary and oregano oils caused phytotoxicity and reduced tuber yield when applied in high doses. Except for sage and oregano, other essential oils positively affected chlorophyll synthesis. Essential oil applications reduced the accumulation of reducing sugar, which negatively affects tuber quality, and the lowest reducing sugar contents were detected in tubers to which fennel and oregano essential oils were applied. In the study, it was understood that tuber yield in potatoes could be increased significantly with the applications of 300 and 600 ppm rosemary essential oil and 300 ppm cumin essential oil.

Improvement Of Bacillus Subtilis Natto Viability By Alginate And Xanthan Gum As A Wall Material

Han Le — 2024-10-20

In this study, Bacillus subtilis natto was encapsulated by alginate with (coated or mixed) or without xanthan gum as a supplement component and evaluated for survival in simulated gastric fluid (SGF) and simulated intestinal fluid (SIF). The results showed that B. sublitis natto biomass had a thrombolytic ability compared to the control sample. The viability of encapsulated B. subtilis natto was improved, and alginate 2% (w/v) had a high encapsulation efficiency. There was no difference between the samples with or without the xanthan gum supplement. In SGF and SIF tests, the B. subtilis viability in samples supplemented with xanthan gum was higher than that of the samples using only alginate, and there was no significant difference between containing xanthan gum mixing or coating. The results indicated that adding xanthan gum is necessary to increase alginate's protective effect on B. subtilis natto

Assessment of eggshell color and yolk fatty acid profiles in two laying hen strains housed with or without access to legume or aromatic plant species outdoor

Brian Tainika — 2024-10-21

Plant species vary regarding aspects including taste, palatability, and bioactive compounds. Consequently, the intake of different plant species by laying hens results in the consumption of associated nutrients and the expectation is the modification of shell color and fatty acid profiles of egg yolk. Here, we investigated the effect of housing environment on shell color and yolk fatty acid profiles of Lohmann Sandy (LS) and Lohmann LSL Classic (LW) strains. Housing environments included deep litter (DL), free access to outdoor Mentha piperita (M. piperita), Petroselinum crispum (P. crispum), and Medicago sativa (M. sativa). 260 four-week-old birds were randomly distributed to DL and outdoor plant-associated groups, with four and three replicates, respectively, and 10 birds per replicate. Range accessibility was granted at 12 weeks of hen age for outdoor plant-associated groups. Shell color and yolk fatty acid profiles were analyzed at 25 weeks of hen age. There was greater variability among the housing environments regarding the shell color: redness (a*) and yellowness (b*) at the broad end, lightness (L*), a*, b*, and shell color (∆E*) at Centre and pointed end (P<0.01; P<0.05). The overall ∆E* was also significantly highest in eggs collected from M. sativa and P. crispum hens and lowest in eggs from M. piperita hens. Palmitic (C16:0), stearic (C18:0), oleic (C18:1n9c), linoleic (C18:2n6), and alpha-linolenic (C18:3n3) fatty acids were significantly higher in eggs obtained from M. sativa and M. piperita than DL and P. crispum hens, each category with similar values (P<0.01; P<0.05). While the total saturated fatty acids were highest and lowest in M. sativa and P. crispum, respectively, total unsaturated fatty acids were highest and lowest in P. crispum and M. sativa, respectively (P<0.01; P<0.05). No differences were observed in myristic acid (C14:0) and arachidonic acid (C20:4 n-6) among the housing environments (P>0.05). Additionally, all the fatty acid contents in yolks were similar between the laying hen strains (P>0.05). It was concluded that most of the fatty acid contents in egg yolk could be modified when hens are granted free access to outdoor M. sativa and M. piperita. Genetic influence on fatty acid profiles needs further studies.

Keywords: aromatic plants, eggshell color, fatty acid profiles, free-range system, laying hen

Physio-Biochemical Responses of Maize Genotypes to Salinity Stress

Arpita Rani Roy — 2024-10-21

Global crop productivity, especially that of maize (Zea mays L.) is severely impacted by salinity, a significant abiotic stressor. Various physio-biochemical reactions are involved in how salinity affects maize genotypes. With an emphasis on some physiological and biochemical features, this study attempts to assess how salinity affects three genotypes of maize. This study examined the physio-biochemical characteristics of three maize varieties (BARI Hybrid Maize-9, BARI Hybrid Maize-12 and BARI Hybrid Maize-13) grown in the first phase of salinity in the grill house next to the Department of Crop Botany at BAU. NaCl was used to simulate the salinity stress (12ds/m), while no NaCl was applied to the control group. The pot experiment, which included four replications and 20L pots with 17kg of air-dried soil each, was conducted using the CRD method. On day 20, the plants were fully salted, and on day 30, they were harvested following ten days of intense stress. Different physiological (viz. stomatal conductance and photosynthesis rate) and biochemical (viz. carotenoids content, phenolics content and chlorophyll-b content) parameters were studied. From the study, it was found that the changes in stomatal conductance and photosynthesis rate were not that much significant but carotenoids, phenolics, and chlorophyll-b content were altered greatly by salinity stress. Based on a comprehensive analysis of all the parameters and overall performance, BARI Hybrid Maize-13 seems to be the most resistant variety to salinity stress because of its significant increase in chlorophyll-b and phenolics content, which are essential for photosynthetic effectiveness and adaptation to stress.

Genome Wide Identification of NPR-1 like Gene Family in Theobroma Cacao (Cacao) in Response to Biotic Stress

MUHAMMAD RASHEED — 2024-10-21

Cacao (Theobroma cacao), the source of chocolate, faces critical production challenges due to the harmful Cacao swollen shoot virus (CSSV). This virus causes substantial yield losses, threatening the global chocolate supply chain. Salicylic acid (SA) is a crucial plant defense signal molecule that triggers immune responses via the NPR1 protein. Upon SA activation, the cellular environment changes, leading to the reduction of disulfide bonds within the NPR1 complex. This releases NPR1 monomers, allowing them to activate defense genes in the nucleus. This study employed in-silico methods to identify and characterize NPR-1 like genes within the cocoa (Theobroma cacao) genome. Using computational methods, three NPR1-like genes (TcNPR1, TcNPR2, and TcNPR3) are discovered. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that TcNPR1 and TcNPR2 cluster with known SA signaling genes in Arabidopsis, suggesting they may play similar roles in cacao's defense pathways. Interestingly, TcNPR3 formed a distinct evolutionary group, hinting at possible unique functions. Further analysis revealed the presence of conserved motifs essential TGACG motif for NPR1 function in all TcNPRs proteins. Transcriptomic analysis showed increased expression of TcNPR2 in response to Phytophthora megakarya infection, highlighting a potential role in defense activation. The identification of miRNAs targeting TcNPR3 raises the possibility of CSSV suppressing cacao's immune response by downregulating this critical gene. Our study helped to elucidate the understanding of NPR1-like genes in cacao and provides crucial insights into their potential roles in defense against. These findings lay the foundation for developing strategies to enhance disease resistance in cacao, ensuring the sustainable production of this economically vital crop.

In-silico investigation of the potential role of PBS3 gene in salicylic production in Cacao

aiman malik — 2024-10-22

Badnaviruses, especially Cacao swollen shoot virus (CSSV), is a major threat to cacao plants. Dispersed by insects, these DNA viruses cause swollen shoots, stunted growth, resulting in reduced yields, negatively impacting chocolate production worldwide. Salicylic Acid, A Plant's Built-in Alarm System Against Viruses, activate PR-genes in plants. Homology analysis with Arabidopsis thaliana suggests the potential involvement of PBS3 (avr-PphB Susceptible 3) gene family in salicylic acid (SA) biosynthesis. PBS3 protein attaches Glutamate to Isochorismic acid (ICA) to produce Isochorismate-9-Glutamate, then which produces salicylic acid. This study employed in-silico methods to identify and characterize PBS3 genes within the cocoa (Theobroma cacao) genome. This study analyzes gene structure, chromosomal location, protein motifs, phylogeny, synteny, transcriptome expression, and potential microRNA targets to elucidate the structural and functional characteristics of the PBS3 family in T. cocoa. Our findings revealed 24 PBS3 genes distributed across three chromosomes in T. cocoa. The abundance of PBS3 genes suggests extensive dispersion through segmental duplications (paralogous events) compared to tandem duplications (orthologous events). Transcriptomic analysis indicated high expression of PBS3 genes in response to Phytophthora megakarya inoculation, a fungal pathogen of T. cocoa. Additionally, Phylogenetic analysis with Arabidopsis thaliana identified five subfamilies within the GH3 family, encompassing both T. cocoa and Arabidopsis genes, sharing functional characteristics Further exploratory investigation of PBS3 gene and its underline mechanisms involved in SA production will enhance scientific knowledge of researchers in development of disease tolerance in cacao cultivars. However, further investigation is needed to validate the present results and to further understand the mechanisms controlling upregulation and downregulation of PBS3 and associated genes in plant stress tolerance.

Keywords: Theobroma cacao, Disease resistance, Badnavirus, Salicylic acid, PBS3 gene family

Usage of Eastern Black Sea Region Plants in The World Ornamental Plants Sector and Ongoing Studies Towards Their Utilization in Our National Sector

Ümmü Özgül Karagüzel — 2024-10-22

Consumer demands are constantly changing in the world ornamental plants sector. Hundreds of ornamental plant varieties are grown and marketed every year. While more attractive flowers were preferred in the past, natural flowers have started to be preferred in recent years. Turkey is one of the countries with the richest biodiversity in the world and the ornamental plants sector has a high development potential. However, due to the insufficient number of domestic varieties in the sector, it is dependent on foreign production inputs, especially plant materials. The Black Sea Region is one of the regions with the highest genetic resources of plants used as ornamental plants in the world. In this study, information about the subcategory of the world ornamental plants sector in which some natural ornamental plant species in the Eastern Black Sea region are evaluated and the studies carried out for the evaluation of these plants in the ornamental plants sector of our country are given.Turkey is one of the countries with the richest biodiversity in the world and the ornamental plants sector has a high development potential due to its climate where production can be made all year round. However, due to the inadequacy of the number of domestic varieties in the sector, it is foreign-dependent for production inputs, especially plant materials. Consumer demands in the world ornamental plants sector are constantly changing. Hundreds of ornamental plant varieties are grown and marketed each year. While more attractive flowers were preferred in the past, natural flowers have started to be preferred in recent years. The region with the highest concentration of genetic resources that can be considered as ornamental plants is the Black Sea region. In this study, there is information about which sub-category of the sector can be evaluated for some natural ornamental plant species in the Eastern Black Sea region, which includes Artvin, Rize and Trabzon provinces.

Determination of Biogas Production Potential of Aegean Region from Animal Waste

Nesrin Dursun — 2024-10-22

Greenhouse gases resulting from the intensive burning of fossil fuels bring serious environmental problems. These anthropogenic impacts cause environmental concerns such as air pollution and global warming. Moreover, the fact that fossil fuels are expensive and will be depleted in the near future has led researchers to seek economic and renewable energy alternatives. In this respect, biogas, one of the renewable energy alternatives, is obtained anaerobically from almost any kind of organic waste or residue according to the operating parameters. Biogas is one of the most popular biofuels, typically produced using animal waste as feedstock. This study determined the daily manure amounts according to animal class by obtaining the number of cattle, ovine, and poultry in the Aegean Region from the Turkish Statistical Institute. Accordingly, dry fertilizer amounts were determined and biogas production potential was calculated. Finally, the energy obtained based on the biogas production potential was determined. In the study, it was determined that the cattle class has a biogas production potential of 1199862 m³ per day, the ovine class 83264.1 m³ per day, and the poultry class 478279.1 m³ per day. Annual energy in the Aegean Region was calculated as 552699.4 TOE.

Bee Products, Shelf life Changes In Qualıty Parameters Durıng The Shelf Lıfe Of Honey And Non-Honey Bee Products

Serap Altındaş — 2024-10-22

From past to present, beekeeping products have taken their place among the most used natural products due to their strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral and antitumor properties. Chemical composition of bee products; It may vary depending on geographical conditions. The bee product that is most difficult to standardize in this regard is propolis. Bee products have a chemical composition rich in proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and phenolic substances. Bee products rich in bioactive components are honey, propolis, royal jelly, bee pollen and bee bread. It is important to maintain the quality and ensure stability of these products throughout their shelf life. It is stated by the Turkish Food Codex that propolis should be used in its extracted form, not its raw form. There are no studies on the changes and differences in the structure of propolis during its shelf life. The formation and increase of HMF and the decrease of diastasis in the shelf life of honey is an important quality problem. HMF and Diastase are two important parameters in controlling the quality of honey. Proline, the main amino acid of honey, is a parameter that indicates the maturity of honey. It has been stated that with correct storage conditions, the shelf life of honey can be determined as 3 years on average. Although it is possible to consume bee pollen fresh, it is more common and recommended to consume it after drying in order to prevent fermentation, maintain stability and prevent microbial spoilage. 10-HDA fatty acid, which is an important compound in the high water content capacity and structure of royal jelly, is an important quality parameter in its shelf life. It has been observed that 10-HDA concentration decreases throughout shelf life. Bee bread (perga) should be stored in a cool environment and consumed quickly. While honey should be kept dry and protected from direct sunlight at a temperature not exceeding 25 °C, royal jelly, bee pollen and bee bread should be stored in raw form at +8 °C and below.

The Sanitization of Wastewater with Active Carbon by Sodium Hypochlorite

elbar djenette — 2024-10-22

In a world facing growing challenges in water management and preservation of the environment, the efficient treatment of wastewater has become a priority indisputable.

Innovative and sustainable techniques are sought to respond to this growing demand (treatment wastewater) may involve physical (settling, flotation, etc.), biological (anaerobic digestion, activated sludge, trickling bed, etc.) or physic-chemical/chemical (precipitation, disinfection, adsorption, etc.) processes.

Among these, adsorption is one of the most used processes around the world with a view to eliminating various pollutants in wastewater networks. That's why our study focuses on this method.

Where our works present a double environmental aspect, on the one hand a valuation of natural products in case the agricultural residue (Palm leaves) and secondly study the effectiveness of activated carbon adsorbent from these residues. We have developed a material rich in carbon from the carbonization of homogenate obtained from agriculture residue at 700 °C for a residence time of 60 minutes, were used as adsorbents for Sewage.

To improve the adsorption capacity of carbons from agriculture residue has undergone a chemical treatment with sodium hypochlorite at a concentration of 5 N for a one day. Indeed, the effectiveness is evaluated through the following factors: contact time 24 hours, ratio

(Solid mass/ volume of liquid) (1/10), stirring speed (200 tour/min), and ambient temperature.

Once the optimum conditions are determined, this activated carbon (AC) is used for the purification of wastewater in the main purification treatment, while its adsorption capacity for chemical compounds is high. The results concerning the biological oxygen demand (BOD⁵) lesser with 68% and chemical oxygen demand (COD) reduce by 63% and the concentration of NH4+ decrease by 20%, compared to the initial concentrations of these ingredients BOD₅, COD and NH⁴⁺ are satisfactory and encouraging to make other applications, the purifying of wastewater using activated carbon will allow us not only to reduce the cost of purification but also to contribute to the preservation of the environment.

Detection of Somaclonal Variation in Tissue-Cultured Turkish Tea Genotypes Using SSR Markers

Ayşenur Eminoğlu — 2024-10-22

Somaclonal variation is defined as genetic or epigenetic changes that occur in vitro between clonal regenerants and their corresponding donor plants. Genetic alterations involve cytogenetic abnormalities and changes in specific DNA sequences. Epigenetic changes refer to alterations in gene expression without modifying DNA sequences. Regardless of the mechanisms involved, somaclonal variation has been reported in several plant species. While the emergence of somaclonal variation in tissue culture negatively impacts the rapid production of clonal plants from elite varieties, it may also stimulate the creation of new horticultural plant genotypes. In the study presented here, the presence of somaclonal variation was evaluated in subculture explants of 12 new variety candidate tea genotypes obtained through selection and propagated via tissue culture. SSR-PCR reactions were conducted using 8 selected SSR markers previously constructed by Ma et al. (2014). Among these markers, TM586 (an SSR marker associated with EC, ECG, and EGCG groups) and TM560 (an ECG group SSR marker) exhibited high polymorphism. Notably, genotype 53KA10 (a white tea variety candidate) showed the highest number of somaclonal variations at the SSR locus.In the somaclonal variation analyses conducted on subculture explants of the 61HA52 genotype, varying degrees of polymorphism were observed in all markers except TM412 (an EGC group marker) and TM399 (an ECG group marker). Interestingly, among all the genotypes analyzed for somaclonal variation, only the 53ÇE184 genotype (a green tea variety candidate) exhibited genetic stability across all markers, with no somaclonal variation detected. Notably, the SSR marker TM399 (associated with Epicatechin gallate, or ECG) showed the lowest level of somaclonal variation in the regenerated explants. Based on the study data, it was suggested that tissue cultures should prioritize genotypes resistant to genetic alterations and stress conditions.

Determination of Important Park Features that Encourage Physical Activity and Social Interaction of Park Usage Purposes of Elderly Individuals: Ihlamur Park Example

Sertaç Güngör — 2024-10-22

Parks and public open green spaces are open spaces for all segments of the society. These places, which are important recreation areas, enable the elderly to renew themselves, to breathe a little in the open air, to be alone with nature even in the city. These opportunities provided by parks are utilised by elderly users. Today, the population of elderly individuals is increasing day by day due to the slowdown in population growth rate. In this study, it is aimed to determine the park usage purposes of the elderly and important park features that encourage physical activity and social interaction. Within the scope of the research, 96 elderly individuals were interviewed with 96 elderly individuals within the scope of face-to-face survey study by going to the park at random times on weekdays and weekends on a voluntary basis by using the questionnaire form prepared for revealing the user profile of individuals aged 40 and over in Ihlamur Park in Selçuklu District, determining the preference times of the park, determining the duration and times of park use, determining the reasons for park preference and selection, and evaluating park user satisfaction and expectations. The findings showed that parks are an important social space for elderly people and therefore require careful planning and implementation in the design, management and use of parks. With the landscape designs to be made in line with the findings, it will be possible for elderly individuals to benefit more from the parks and have a more enjoyable time.

Prediction of Liver Cancer Using Tp53 Polymorphisms: A Comparison of Advanced Machine Learning Models

Saba Zafar — 2024-10-22

Globally, liver cancer ranks second in terms of cancer-related deaths and is the sixth most common type of cancer diagnosed. Most initial liver malignancies (70%–90%) are hepatocellular carcinomas. The early detection of HCC can be challenging, as it tends to develop without obvious symptoms. Liver cancer has several risk factors like other cancer forms, both preventable and unavoidable. The risk factors for liver cancer may be demographic, environmental, clinical, and genetic.

We investigated single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the Tp53 gene with liver cancer in the southern Punjab population of Pakistan. Two SNPs of Tp53, rs9895829 and rs9891744 were selected to investigate their impact on liver cancer development. We additionally investigated several clinical and demographic factors, such as age, diabetes, BMI, cancer family history, smoking, HCV, HBsAg, and haplotypes affected by liver cancer. We recruited 100 individuals for this study including cases and controls. Tetra-Arms PCR polymerase chain reaction technique was used for genotyping. The impact of genetic and non-genetic factors on the development of liver cancer was predicted by using artificial neural networks (ANNs) machine learning models, the multilayer perceptron model, and the radial basis function neural network model. Further, factor importance is also predicted by using the classification regression tree (CRT) model. Our results indicated that age, smoking, BMI, and SNP of Tp53 rs9891744 (C/T) may be the most contributing risk factors for causing liver cancer in the population of Southern Punjab, Pakistan. This information may help the medical practitioner to predict the development of liver cancer and help for the generation of personalized medicine.

Effect of Hydropriming Treatment On Seed Germination Parameters, Growth and Yield Components of Corchorus olitorius (Jute Mallow)

Habiba Maikudi Muhammed — 2024-10-22

A field experiment was conducted during the 2023 cropping season in Biology Department Botanical Garden, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Niger state, to investigate the effect of hydropriming treatment on seed Germination parameters, Growth and Yield Components of Corchorus olitorius. The Objectives are to determine the effect of hydropriming treatment on seed Germination parameters, Growth and Yield Components of jute seed and to know which gives the highest germination percentage at intervals of 0,12,24,36 and 48 hours duration. The treatments were arranged in a Complete Randomized design (CRD) in five replications. Data collected were, Germination percentage (%), Germination index, Plant height (cm), Number of leaves per plant, Number of branches per plant, Number of flowers per plant, Number of fruits per plant and fruit length (mm). Germination index was significantly highest when seeds were primed for 36 hours when compared with 0, 12, 24 and 48 hours priming duration with the lowest germination index recorded in the control were seeds were not primed. A similar trend was observed for number of leaves per plant and number of branches per plant. Hydro primed seeds for a duration of 36 hours resulted to better germination percentage, germination index, growth and yield than untreated (unprimed seeds). Hydropriming Corchorus olitorius . seed for a duration of 36 hours is recommended for optimum germination, growth and yield of the crop.

Valorization of Pardoglossum Cheirifolium (L.) E. Barbier & Mathez. (Boraginaceae) as a Source of Bioactive Molecules Within a Circular and Sustainable Bioeconomy

Houari Benamar — 2024-10-22

Pardoglossum cheirifolium is an Algerian medicinal herb used to treat acne, diarrhea and ulcer (Boussalah, 2020), yet there is little information available concerning its bioactive composition and its potential economic value has not been explored. The aim of this research was to study, the extract composition of whole plant of P. cheirifolium and its coherence with antioxidant and antiacetylcholinesterase activities in order to prove its possible use as potential natural source for human health. Phenolic compounds were distinctively profiled in the different extracts using TLC and standard phenolics. The antioxidant activity was evaluated by the DPPH, ABTS, DMPD, nitric, hydroxyl, superoxide and singlet oxygen radicals, β-carotene bleaching, CUPRAC, ferric reducing, and metal chelating activity methods. Maceration in ethyl acetate and methanol allowed recovering the highest flavonol (9.52 and 4.04 mg QE/g DE, respectively) contents. The phytochemical analysis led to the identification of several phenolic compounds that were dominated by chrysophanol, emodin, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid and quercetin-3-O-sophoroside. The ethyl acetate and methanol extracts showed potential antioxidant activity in the different assays and this could be attributed to their polyphenol, tannin, and flavonoid contents. The ethyl acetate and methanol extracts exhibited also acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity (IC₅₀ values of 1.94 and 0.58 mg/mL, respectively). Owing to its phenolic profile and biological activities, P. cheirifolium could be considered as potential functional ingredient for pharmaceutical applications.

Investigation of Important Park Features that Encourage Park Visiting, Physical Activity and Social Interaction Among Teenagers with the Case of Ihlamur Park

Sertaç Güngör — 2024-10-22

Today, the rapid increase in urbanisation and the concentration of population density in urban centres have increased the need for individuals to be in touch with nature. In this context, urban use areas such as urban parks play an important role in meeting the physical and social needs of teenagers. Parks are not only spaces that encourage physical activity, but also spaces that increase social interaction, strengthen community ties and support physical activities. Ihlamur Park in Konya is an important living space where teenagers show great interest, offering various activities and social opportunities. However, detailed information on the purposes for which teenagers use the park and which features of the park encourage this use has not been fully identified. The aim of this study is to examine the purposes of use of Ihlamur Park by teenagers and to identify the features of the park that encourage physical activity and social interaction. For the research, 116 teenagers were surveyed face-to-face on the basis of the law on the protection of personal data and voluntary participation of park users by visiting the area on random days on weekdays and weekends. The survey was carried out with the approval of the Ethics Committee of Selçuk University, Faculty of Architecture and Design. By determining the level of use of teenagers, it is the preparation of a resource that park users can reach. The research also provides a comprehensive evaluation to understand the park usage habits and motivations of teenagers, and in this context, it has contributed to the development of recommendations for the design and management of parks. Thus, the importance of park features that allow teenagers to lead a more active life and increase their social interactions is emphasised

The impact of polyphenols on nutrition and health

Eda Adal Karakaya — 2024-10-22

Polyphenols are plant-sourced compounds that exhibit important dietary features on human health. They have been defined and used either as a food source or as a raw material in the food industry to enhance functional properties and nutritional quality. They have significant positive bioactivities as; antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic, cardiovascular health protection, immune supporter, and also benefits on digestion and brain functioning. The effects and bioactivity ranges were studied in the literature which has been discussed in the review to emphasize the importance of these natural compounds to provide insight into health and well-being.

Behavioral Toxicity Assessment of Cypermethrin on Drosophila melanogaster

Selda Öz — 2024-10-22

Piretroidler yüksek insektisidal aktiviteleri nedeniyle yaygın olarak kullanılan insektisitlerdir. Günümüzde insektisitlerin hedef dışı organizmalar üzerindeki toksik etkilerine ilişkin artan endişeler bulunmaktadır. Bu çalışmanın amacı piretroid grubundan bir insektisit olan cypermethrin’in Drosophila melanogaster üzerindeki davranışsal toksisitesinin değerlendirilmesidir. Davranışsal toksisiteyi değerlendirmek için pupa oluşturma başarısı, pupadan çıkış başarısı, ergin birey ağırlığı ve negatif jeotaksis deneyleri gerçekleştirilmiştir. Oregon R+ yabanıl soyuna ait bireylerden elde edilen 72±4 saatlik larvalar üzerinde 0.01-30 ppm doz aralığında yapılan deneyler sonucunda probit analizi ile LD₅₀ değeri 0.31 ppm olarak tespit edilmiştir. Davranışsal toksisite çalışmaları LD₅₀ değerine göre belirlenen dört farklı cypermethrin dozu (0.01, 0.05, 0.1, ve 0.3 ppm) ile gerçekleştirilmiştir. Uygulamalardan elde edilen sonuçlar cypermethrin’in 0.1 ppm ve 0.3 ppm dozlarının pupa oluşturma ve pupadan çıkış başarısı üzerinde istatistiksel olarak anlamlı değişikliklere neden olduklarını göstermiştir. Negatif jeotaksis deneyinden elde edilen sonuçlar 0.3 ppm cypermethrin dozunun bireylerin uçma kabiliyetlerinde istatistiksel olarak anlamlı azalmaya neden olduğunu göstermiştir. Ergin birey ağırlığı deney sonuçları cypermethrin’in bireylerin ağırlıklarında istatistiksel olarak anlamlı değişikliğe neden olmadığını göstermiştir.

VOLVDCFNNP Valorization of Low Value Dates as a Commodity for Nutritional and Natural Products.

elbar djenette — 2024-10-22

This work focuses on the development of nutritionally balanced treats, covering the energy needs of the human body. The food formulation is based on local products from phoeniciculture which are Algerian dates of low commodity value. where these common dates are in most date-producing countries thrown away or partially incorporated into animal feed, their use in human food remains very little explored outside of a few traditional applications. With many food technology processes meeting global food and nutritional standards that make this product possible. Where this product can enter the food markets through its open door as an alternative product to some sweets that are contain chemical ingredients such as adjuvants and colorings, which are considered carcinogenic foods.
Concerns the preparation of treats based on dry date flour whatever the variety. Given its richness in sugar, which can replace marketed white sugar (icing or crystallized) and their valorization could represent strong added value on the socio-economic impact. For these reasons, the incorporation of this date flour into a food formulation which is candy. The high sugar content of the powder, notably fructose, makes it an excellent partial or total substitute for the sugar usually added in the food industry to which the negative effects are attributed.
The good exploitation of the excessively high energy of this date flour is closely linked to the supplementation and the nutritional balance by three sources. The first is the supplementation with sesame seeds where sesame has antioxidant properties and is rich in several micronutrients that appear to have interesting effects on human health, the second is made with sunflower oil and lemon zest to adjust the taste of this candy. This integration will be evaluated by physicochemical, microbiological and sensory analyzes in order to verify its effect on the properties of the formation developed.
Finally, these date candies are intended for everyone, and should be a good snack for children.

Effect of Egg Weight and Genotype on Egg Quality in Brown and White-Egg Layer Pure Lines Housed in Enriched Cage System

Gökay Günay — 2024-10-22

This study investigated the effect of egg weight and genotype on egg quality traits in brown-egg (Line-54, RIR 1, RIR 2, COL, BAR 1, and BAR 2) and white-egg (D-229, Brown, Blue, Black, and Maroon) layer pure lines reared in enriched cage system. 20 eggs from each pure line were collected in one day at 33 weeks of hen age and classified into four different weight groups: small (S: ≤ 52 g), medium (M: 53-63 g), large (L: 63-72 g), and extra-large (XL: ≥ 73 g) according to Turkish Food Codex Communiqué on Eggs and Egg Products before the analysis of physical egg quality traits. It was identified that brown-egg pure lines differed regarding the shell-breaking strength, shell thickness, albumen index, and Haugh unit, all greatest in RIR 2 eggs and yolk color score, highest in BAR 2 eggs (P<0.05; P<0.01). White-egg pure lines only varied regarding yolk color score, highest in Blue pure line eggs (P<0.05), and the genotype effect on meat-blood inclusions in the yolk approached a significant level (P=0.065), the highest number of eggs with inclusions in D229 pure lines. For egg weight, while only the Haugh unit (P<0.05) varied among egg weight groups in brown-egg pure lines; highest in M and L eggs, the shape index, shell breaking strength, shell thickness, and yolk index differed greatly among the egg weight groups in white-egg pure lines (P<0.05; P<0.01). The egg weight did not significantly affect meat and blood inclusion in the yolk and albumen in both pure line groups (P>0.05). In conclusion, while brown-egg pure lines differed in several egg quality traits, the white-egg pure lines varied in only the yolk color score. The egg weight and genotype effect on egg quality traits need to be refined. The egg quality traits of the white-egg pure lines seemed to be significantly affected by the egg weight. Egg weight seemed to affect egg quality majorly in white-egg pure lines.

Some Medicinal and Aromatic Plants at Kastamonu

ilknur şahin — 2024-10-22

Medicinal and aromatic plants have been a treatment method frequently used by human beings for a long time. These plants are still taken as food supplements and/or medicines today. In this context, raspberry, hawthorn, aronia, bearberry, honeyberry, blackberry, wild strawberry, tamarind, mulberry, currant, giraburu, jujube, kumquat, black elderberry, buckthorn, black berry, cranberry, goji berry, bird apple, rose hip, licapa. Biochemical properties, usage areas and growing conditions of medicinal and aromatic plants such as , medlar, mountain ash, sloe and wild buckthorn ... are examined. These plants, which grow widely in the Black Sea region, are considered a source of healing. The place where these plants grow, geographical conditions and climatic conditions are discussed. It is thought that new research conducted in the light of this information will contribute to the literature.

Navigating the Manure Maze: Sustainable Livestock Management for Future

Md. Farhan Hasin — 2024-10-22

Livestock production is increasing significantly because the demand for livestock food to meet the requirements is also growing. Livestock are essential components of the global nutrition chain, producing dairy products, eggs, and meat while contributing to gender equity, sustainable income, and meeting the SDG goals. However, contrary to sustainability, they generate a substantial quantity of waste. From livestock operations, billions of tons of trash are generated annually. Poor waste management contaminates water, air, and soil, which is hazardous for the environment and public health. The article aims to create a balanced future where manure is valued as a resource rather than a waste product. This paper investigates strategies that convert manure into nutrient-rich fertilizer and pure biogas. By converting animal waste into valuable resources, we can advance toward a sustainable future free of pollution.

The Biopotential of Bacterial Bioagents Isolated from Compost in Suppressing Botrytis cinerea and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum

Raziye Koçak — 2024-10-22

Ülkemizdeki atık sorununun çözümünde, bitki artıklarının çeşitli proseslerle geri dönüştürülmesi, çevrenin ve ekosistemlerin korunmasına katkı sağlaması açısından büyük önem taşımaktadır. Kompostlama, bitki artıkları için en önemli geri dönüşüm yöntemlerinden biridir. Kompostlar sadece doğal olmakla ve toprak verimliliğini artırmakla kalmaz, aynı zamanda mantarların miselyum ve spor çimlenmesi üzerinde fungitoksik özellikler de gösterir. Bu çalışma, çeşitli tarımsal ve evsel organik atıklardan elde edilen komposttan bakteriyel biyoajanları izole etmek ve bunların in vitro koşullarda önemli bitki patojenleri Botrytis cinerea ve Sclerotinia sclerotiorum'a karşı antagonistik potansiyellerini değerlendirmek amacıyla yürütülmüştür. Bacillus spp.'ye ait olduğu belirlenen toplam 8 bakteri izolatı elde edilmiştir . Bu bakteri adaylarının fitopatojenik mantarların miselyum büyümesini engelleme potansiyelini değerlendirmek için ikili kültür testleri kullanılmıştır. In vitro denemeler, 6 bakteri izolatının B. cinerea'nın miselyal büyümesi üzerinde değişen derecelerde antagonistik etki (23,3% - 63,3%) gösterdiğini ortaya koydu . Test edilen bakteriler arasında, iki izolat S. sclerotiorum'a karşı etkiliydi ve %80 ila %83,3 arasında değişen antifungal aktivite gösterdi. Sonuçlar, kompostların antagonistik potansiyeli olan mikroorganizmalar için uygun bir ortam sağladığını, bu tür yetiştirme ortamlarının tarımda fungal patojenlerin biyolojik kontrolünde önemli bir rol oynayabileceğini göstermektedir. Sonuç olarak, bu çalışma organik atıkların daha verimli kullanılmasını sağlayarak sürdürülebilir tarımsal uygulamaların geliştirilmesine katkıda bulunmaktadır.

The Effect of Feather Condition on Blood Parameters and Egg Quality Traits in Brown Commercial Laying Hens Housed in Enriched Cages

Muhammed Talha İnce — 2024-10-22

The study's objective was to investigate the effect of feather condition on blood and egg quality traits of laying hens. A total of 45 Lohmann brown laying hens were randomly selected at 60 weeks of age and grouped based on total feather scores obtained from scoring 6 different body regions of the birds: the head, neck, breast, back, wings, and tail. According to the total feather score, the experimental groups consisted of low (6 - 12, L), moderate (13 - 17, M), and high (18 - 24, L). The number of lymphocytes, monocytes, heterophils, eosinophils, basophil cells, and heterophil/lymphocyte (H/L) ratio were determined at 61 weeks of hen age. Quality traits of eggs were analyzed at 68 weeks of hen age. The results indicated that feather condition significantly influenced monocytes, and heterophils (P<0.01). However, the impact on H/L ratio, lymphocytes, and eosinophils was not significant (P>0.05). There were differences in the egg weight, redness of eggshell, shape index, and shell thickness among the feathering groups (P<0.01; P<0.05). Shell-breaking strength, albumen index, Haugh unit, yolk index, and yolk color score were similar among the feathering groups (P>0.05). In conclusion, the findings of this study revealed that moderate feathering was not negatively associated with a stress response in the birds. Furthermore, while the feather condition can modulate some external egg traits, it does not lead to variations in any internal egg quality traits. However, further studies over a longer duration are required to refine these findings.

Evaluation of Exposure to Essential Oils in Terms of Potential Health Risks

Buket Aydeniz-Guneser — 2024-10-19

The protection and sustainable use of natural resources is essential to ensure the ecological integrity of all living species. Essential oils are considered one of nature's oldest and most valuable natural resources. Hundreds of species of essential oils or essential oil blends have been used for healing purposes since ancient times and should not be ignored when considering how, how often and at what concentration to use them. The aim of this review is to examine the current data on the possible health risks of essential oils, which can be absorbed into the body by different methods and for different purposes and can reach all body tissues through the bloodstream.

Chitosan-Coated Nanoparticles of Calotropis Procera Escalate Functional Rehabilitation in a Mouse Model of Peripheral Nerve İnjury

Tehreem Iman — 2024-10-22

Patients with peripheral nerve injuries (PNIs) struggle with prominent and difficult health issues. These are the most common types of injuries. The majority of peripheral nerve injuries result from trauma and affect the upper limbs. The professionals on the subject of peripheral nerve injury (PNI) include the scientific community, plastic surgeons, neurologists, and neuroscientists. Despite efforts, full functional recovery is still not promised. Many therapeutic plants have demonstrated varying degrees of efficacy and impact on various neurological and other conditions. The function of Chitosan-coated nanoparticles of Calotropis procera (Calotropis procera/Cht-NPs) was investigated in a mouse model used to sustain peripheral nerve damage. It was the goal of this study. Experimental models of sciatic nerve injury have been developed to study the development of peripheral nerve damage in rodents. The mice were divided evenly into two groups following the acclimation period. While the normal group (group 1) was gavaged with distilled water, the treatment group (group 2) received C. procera/Cht-NPs at a dose of 2.5 mg/kg/day. Both groups were given normal chow and ad libitum water. Animals had their right sciatic nerve mechanically crushed. Behavioral analyses (hot plate, grip strength, SFI, and pinprick test) were used to assess the recovery of sensorimotor function. Blood was extracted to evaluate oxidative stress. After the PNI, it was shown that C. procera/Cht-NPs assist in the recovery of motor and sensory functions with a statistically significant difference (p<.05). It was concluded that C. procera/Cht-NPs demonstrate an impact that enhances function restoration. More thorough research for their use as a therapeutic agent is highly suggested.

Effect of Edible Mushroom on The Development of Lactic Acid Bacteria

Elif Yürümez Canpolat — 2024-10-23

Currently, many products for human health are available in the market as prebiotics and probiotics. Prebiotics are defined as indigestible dietary fibres and oligosaccharides that promote the growth of lactic acid bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. With evidence showing that the microbiota is undoubtedly linked to overall health, the discovery of new prebiotics acting on functional foods and beneficial bacteria is important. Mushrooms are well known for their organoleptic qualities as well as for harbouring many different bioactive substances with beneficial health effects. Fungi are of increasing interest as a potential source of prebiotic substrates. Developing a new potential prebiotic from inexpensive and abundant materials such as mushrooms is one of the aspects to be considered. Prebiotic compounds obtained through fungal extraction have been used in numerous research as non-digestible dietary ingredients to show that they inhibit pathogenic organisms and promote probiotic growth. It will take more thorough research to ascertain the metabolic pathways that are triggered in the process of probiotic strains utilizing fungal polysaccharides. Future projections for the food industry indicate that mushrooms will become even more significant. This study examined mushrooms' potential as a prebiotic source and provided a detailed description of its theory and use

Socio-Economic Impact of Rice Mill Industry in the Selected Areas of Dinajpur District

Babor Ahmad — 2024-10-23

The rice milling industry in Dinajpur District, Bangladesh, plays a crucial role in the local economy, given the region's substantial rice production and the central role of rice in the Bangladeshi diet. This study examines the socio-economic impact of rice mills in this region, considering both the benefits and challenges associated with the industry's growth. The research highlights that the rice milling industry significantly contributes to economic growth, employment generation, and poverty alleviation. It provides direct and indirect job opportunities, enhancing income levels and living standards for many households. However, the industry also poses environmental challenges and socio-economic issues, including poor working conditions, job insecurity, low wages, and gender discrimination. The study's objectives include understanding the industry's socio-economic impact, assessing income generation, and evaluating the socio-economic status of mill employees. Data collection involved both primary and secondary sources, with a sample of 245 employees from Dinajpur's sadar upazila. Analysis using descriptive statistics and OLS regression revealed significant findings, such as the positive impact of job patterns on income and the negative effect of higher education levels. The study concludes with recommendations for enhanced support systems for migrant workers, better job and training opportunities, addressing gender disparities, and ensuring fair compensation for extended working hours. These insights aim to inform policymakers and stakeholders to promote sustainable and inclusive development in Dinajpur's rice milling sector.

Determinants of Food Security and Dietary Diversity Among Small Scale Rice Farmers in Dinajpur District of Bangladesh

Babor Ahmad — 2024-10-23

Agriculture plays a crucial role in food security and economic stability in developing nations like Bangladesh by enhancing food availability and household income. The study examines the socioeconomic conditions of 399 small scale rice farmers, analyzing factors such as age, education, household size, farm size, and access to markets, credit, and agricultural information. Results indicate that larger household sizes negatively impact dietary diversity, while both income diversification (measured by the Simpson Diversification Index) and crop diversification (measured by the Crop Diversification Index) positively affect dietary diversity and reduce food insecurity. Specifically, income diversification shows a significant positive correlation with dietary diversity but also a slight increase in food insecurity, possibly due to reliance on diverse low-income sources. Crop diversification significantly enhances dietary diversity and decreases food insecurity. Key determinants of food security include household size, income and crop diversification, market access, and agricultural information. Membership in organizations and proximity to markets also influence food security, highlighting the complex interplay of various socioeconomic factors. The findings emphasize the importance of diversified farming practices and income sources in improving food security among small-scale farmers. This study provides insights into policy interventions needed to support agricultural diversification and socioeconomic development in rural Bangladesh.

Keywords: Crop diversification, Dietary diversity score (DDS), Food security, Rice farmers

Socio-Economic Impact and Profitability of Litchi Cultivation in Bangladesh: Challenges, Opportunities, and Policy Recommendations

Babor Ahmad — 2024-10-23

Litchi cultivation in Bangladesh, particularly concentrated in regions like Dinajpur, contributes significantly to the agricultural sector and rural economy. This study explores the socio-economic impact of litchi cultivation, focusing on its role in income generation, employment creation, and community development. Litchi, a prized subtropical fruit, faces challenges such as limited market access, post-harvest losses, and inadequate storage facilities. Despite these challenges, litchi remains a profitable venture for small-scale farmers, as evidenced by its high demand and market value. Using primary data collected from 120 respondents in Dinajpur district, this research employs descriptive and econometric analyses to assess the profitability and socio-economic conditions of litchi farmers. Results indicate that litchi cultivation offers substantial economic returns, with a net profit estimated at Tk. 379,747 per acre per season. Moreover, the study identifies key factors influencing litchi farming, including land tenure, access to credit, and participation in cooperatives. The findings underscore the need for strategic interventions to enhance litchi production and marketing. Policy recommendations include investments in infrastructure development, such as modern storage facilities and improved transportation networks, to minimize post-harvest losses and ensure fair market prices. Furthermore, promoting diversification into value-added litchi products and strengthening farmer cooperatives can enhance market stability and profitability. This study contributes valuable insights into the socio-economic dynamics of litchi cultivation in Bangladesh, providing a basis for policy formulation and strategic planning to sustainably enhance the sector's contribution to rural livelihoods and national economic growth.

Keywords: Litchi, litchi production, profitability, socio-economic conditions, Bangladesh

Antihyperglycemic potential of (2E)-3-Phenyl-1-(3-pyridinyl)-2-propen1-one in alloxanized hyperglycemic rats

Ammara Tehreem — 2024-10-23

Diabetes mellitus is a life threatening disorder due to defects in insulin secretion, action or both. The present study was designed to explore and evaluate the antidiabetic activity of synthetic derivative of chalcone named (2E)-3-Phenyl-1-(3-pyridinyl)-2-propen1-one. In this study, fifty albino rats were divided into five groups, each containing ten rats. Diabetes was induced by single administration of alloxan monohydrate intraperitoneally (130mg/kg). After induction of diabetes, group 1 was marked as negative control, group 2 as diabetic group, and group 3 was treated with synthetic antidiabetic drug glibenclamide (10mg/kg). Group 4 and group 5 were treated with graded doses (5ml/kg and 10ml/kg) of synthetic research compound respectively.Treatment continues for whole month. Physical parameters were recorded during parameters. After four weeks of treatment, and all groups were subjected to decapitation. Serum and tissues samples were collected. Serum analysis was performed. Resulting data was investigated and subjected to ANOVA and DMR. Histopathalogical examination was conducted and photomicrographs were investigated. On the basis of histopathological and biochemical analysis, it is concluded that chalcone derivative possess strong antioxidant and antihyperglycemic activity. Statistical report of data confirmed that results are significance (P<0.05).

Energy equivalent potential of olive (Olea europaea L.), which forms a raw material for agricultural biomass energy

Yazgan Tunç — 2024-10-23

The sustainability of energy sources has been among the world’s most important issues from past to present. Existing fossil energy sources are limited and cause significant environmental damage. Consequently, interest in renewable energy sources continues to increase. Biomass energy is one of the primary sources used to provide energy sustainably without harming the environment. Biomass is obtained from various sources such as specially cultivated plants, algae, grasses, agricultural residues, forest products, industrial waste, and animal manure.

This study aims to determine the olive biomass energy potentials in Türkiye between the years 2014 and 2023. For this purpose, separate calculations were made for Türkiye in general and for the regions and compared with each other. The average dry biomass energy values were found to be as follows: Aegean Region (5.137,10 TEP; 59,75 MW), Marmara Region (1.881,59 TEP; 21,88 MW), Mediterranean Region (1.666,63 TEP; 19,38 MW), Southeastern Anatolia Region (948,30 TEP; 11,03 MW), Central Anatolia Region (29,05 TEP; 0,34 MW), and Black Sea Region (3,19 TEP; 0,04 MW). It was determined that the Aegean (53.15%), Marmara (19.48%), and Mediterranean (17.23%) regions have a significant share in Türkiye’s average olive-based agricultural biomass energy equivalent of 9.665,86 TEP; 117,42 MW.

Usage of Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture

Hatice Dilaver — 2024-10-23

This study investigates the application of various artificial intelligence (AI) techniques in agriculture. The materials used consist of plant leaf images, field images, agricultural production data and climate data obtained from agricultural research institutes and open access databases. The AI techniques applied in this study include fuzzy logic for modeling uncertain data, artificial neural networks for tasks such as disease classification and energy consumption estimation, genetic algorithms for optimization problems, expert systems for diagnosing agricultural problems and ant algorithms for path optimization. The methodology includes several main steps. First, data needs to be collected and preprocessed for AI model training. In this step, the data collection and preparation process is of great importance. In the second step, it is aimed to apply various AI methods to specific agricultural problems. In the third step, the training of the models on training datasets and the evaluation of their performance on test datasets with metrics such as accuracy and F1 score are carried out. Finally, the results are analyzed and interpreted. In this step, the focus is on the analysis of model performance, discussion of successful findings and highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of AI techniques in agricultural applications. The study demonstrates an approach to comprehensively use AI to increase productivity in agriculture, optimize resource use, and improve decision-making processes in agricultural practices.

Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Synergistically Promote Zinc Uptake and Antioxidant Profile in Pepper Plants Subjected to Drought Stress

Muhammad Asad Ullah — 2024-10-23

Drought is one of the major environmental problems that severely affects plant development and yield. Several methods are currently being investigated to mitigate the harmful effects of drought stress on plants. The use of nanoparticles in agriculture is becoming increasingly popular globally. In this study, the zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) were synthesized and structurally characterized using scanning electron microscopy and X-ray crystallography. The effectiveness of foliar spraying of ZnO-NPs was analyzed to increase zinc uptake in peppers and reduce oxidative stress during drought. The seedlings were treated with foliar spraying of synthesized ZnO-NPs at 0, 150, and 300 ppm doses under control and stress conditions. Zinc content in pepper roots and leaves and the activity of antioxidant enzymes, such as glutathione reductase, reduced glutathione, ascorbate peroxidase, peroxidase, catalase, dehydroascorbate reductase, and monodehydroascorbate reductase were analyzed. The accumulation of reactive oxygen species was associated with an increase in oxidative damage. However, treatment with ZnO-NPs reduced oxidative damage by promoting antioxidant enzymes and improved zinc uptake under all tested conditions, with the 300 ppm ZnO-NPs treatment depicting the greatest efficacy. The use of synthetic ZnO-NPs is a feasible approach to mitigate the negative effects of drought on the antioxidant systems and the ability to uptake zinc in pepper plants.

The effect of genotype on tonic immobility and walking ability in broiler chickens

Kadir Erensoy — 2024-10-23

This study was conducted to determine the changes in fear stress level and walking ability at 6 weeks of age in broiler pure lines with different growth levels and to determine the relationship between them. Five ANADOLU-T broiler pure lines (A1, A2 and A3 dam lines and B1 and B2 sire lines) with different growth characteristics and ROSS-308 hybrids were used in the experiment. Individual body weight was determined in 90 broilers of each genotype and tonic immobility (TI) duration, number of TI inductions and gait score traits were determined in 4 female and 4 male broilers at 6 weeks of age. The analysis of traits was performed using two-way analysis of variance and the main effects of genotype and sex were included. Kendall's tau b correlation was used to determine the relationships among the traits. The body weight was significantly different among the genotypes (P<0.001). ROSS-308 hybrid (3279.5 g) had the highest body weight followed by B1 (3035.2 g), B2 (2905.8 g), A2 (2560.8 g), A1 (2548.9 g) and A3 lines (2461.7 g). In addition, males (3176 g) were heavier than females (2551.1 g) (P<0.001). Genotype had no effect on the duration of TI and the number of TI inductions, but females had higher values than males (P<0.001). Males (262.5 s) showed longer TI duration than females (145.7 s) (P<0.05). Genotype and sex effects on gait score were significant (P<0.001). While walking ability was the worst in B1 line, it was the best in A1 line and female birds showed better walking ability than males. Significant correlations were determined between body weight and number of TI inductions (r=-0.36), TI duration (r=0.22) and walking ability (r=0.43). As a result of the study, higher body weight had a negative effect on walking ability in broiler chickens at 6 weeks of age, while stress level due to physiological compulsion was higher and walking ability was lower in male broilers. In broiler breeding, selection of birds with high resistance to stress factors and gait problems, especially in male individuals, may provide permanent solutions for a more profitable and sustainable production.

Melissopalynological, Physicochemical properties, Multi-Element Content, and Volatile Organic Compound Profiling of Nigerian Honey (Apis mellifera L.): A Tool for Authenticity and Adulteration Detection

Okwong John Walter — 2024-10-23

Adequate knowledge of the flora of honeybees is important for beekeeping. This study aimed to assess the roles of pollen grains, nectar, and volatile organic compounds in the authenticity of honey samples. Six samples were collected from different regions of Nigeria and analyzed for pollen and spore content, proximate composition, heavy metal content, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). A total of 24,481 pollen grains and spores were identified, representing 38 different plants types and 22 plant families. Notable pollen types included Terminalia catappa, Vitex doniana, Brachystegia sp., Nauclea sp., Protea sp., Hagenia abyssinica, Albizia zygia, Parkia biglobosa, Senna sp., and Tridax procumbens. The honey samples were found to be multifloral, derived from various plant species, except for Kabba and Owo. The Heavy metal analysis revealed variations in the samples, with five elements being detected Cu, Zn, Cd, Mn, and Pb. A total of 166 VOCs including alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, esters, terpenes, furans, and lactones, were detected. These compounds serve as floral markers and contribute to the distinct aromas of each honey variant. This study provides information on the botanical origins of honey samples, as well as their degree of contamination and overall purity. This information can help consumers make informed decisions when purchasing honey. Additionally, it can help regulatory agencies take appropriate measures for environmental and consumer protection, as heavy metal concentrations in honey are influenced by environmental pollution.

Genomic analysis, evolution, and expression profiling of the BPC genes family revealed their conserved role in regulating abiotic stress in Tomato

Muhammad Asad Ullah — 2024-10-23

Global crop yield and sustainable agriculture are seriously threatened by the combined effects of heat and drought stress, with tomato plants being especially vulnerable to these environmental conditions. Plant development and responses to abiotic stressors are known to be significantly regulated by the BASIC PENTACYSTEINE (BPC) gene. Its precise role and the biological mechanisms underlying it in tomato are still unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the SlBPC gene's function in providing tomato plants with abiotic stress tolerance. Five potential SlBPC gene family members were found that were consistently positioned onto five chromosomes. The SlBPC genes were divided into three subgroups employing phylogenetic studies by incorporating BPC members from Arabidopsis, rice, wheat, soybean, and tomato. A comprehensive analysis of SlBPCs revealed that individuals belonging to the same subgroup shared similar patterns, gene structures, and cis-regulatory regions. Several members have components linked to hormones, stress reactions, and developmental processes. Using data from the NCBI database, the expression patterns of SlBPC genes in seedlings and leaves under heat and drought stress conditions were analyzed. Under heat stress, expression levels peaked after 12 hours, and during the first day of the drought, SlBPC genes reached their maximum. RNA-seq analysis showed significant differential expression in the vein and intervein during drought (T1). In the vein, SlBPC1 and SlBPC4 were upregulated, while SlBPC2 and SlBPC5 were downregulated, and in the intervein. The implication is that SlBPCs play a role in facilitating plant adaptation to abiotic stress conditions by responding to abiotic stressors. The findings, taken together, provide a framework for functional research of SlBPCs in tomato, particularly for controlling heat and drought stress.

Investıgatıon of the Effects of Agrıcultural Waste and Nıtrogen Doses on Corn Plant

Songül ÇİFTÇİ — 2024-10-23

The increasing cultivation of corn has led to a growing demand for plant nutrients. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of applying plant residues and liquid animal manure as fertilizers on corn plant growth.Therefore, it was aimed to investigate the effects of using plant residues and liquid animal waste as fertilizer on corn plants. In the research, the characteristics of corn plant such as tassel emergence time, plant height, first node diameter, stem thickness in the plant, number of leaves in the plant, total leaves area above with cob leaf, cob length, thousand grain weight, and grain yield were investigated. It was recorded that the examined characteristics that plant height, upper cob leaf area, cob length, thousand grain weight, grain yield values of the corn plant showed statistically significant differences in terms of agricultural plant waste, fertilizer applications, and agricultural plant waste x fertilizer application interaction. It was determined that the diameter of the first internode according to the agricultural plant residues, while the days to tassel emergence, stem thickness, and leaf number were not affected by the applied factors. According to the research results, it was determined that chickpea straw, which gave the highest results in terms of many features, can be used in corn cultivation as agricultural plant waste in terms of organic agriculture. When the effects of liquid animal waste and urea fertilizer on corn cultivation were examined, it was recorded that the 40 kg da^-1 dose of nitrogen fertilizer gave higher values than the liquid animal waste doses.

Key Words: corn, liquid animal waste, plant waste, fertilizer.

Evaluation of wheat genotypes for heat tolerance in late sown condition of Nepal

Koshraj Upadhyay — 2024-10-23

To study the effect of higher temperature on the yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes, two field experiments (normal and late sown condition) were conducted from November 2021 to April 2022 at the Research farm of Rampur campus, Khairahani, Chitwan, Nepal. Twelve wheat genotypes were experimented in alpha lattice design with 3 replications. Observations for days to heading, days to maturity, plant height, grain filling period, thousand kernel weight, and grain yield were recorded, and analysis was done at 0.05 probability level. The performance of grain yield and other studied traits were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher in the normal season compared to the late season. Highly significant effects (p ≤ 0.001) of genotypes, season, and genotype by season interaction on grain yield and other traits were obtained. Genotype MYT1718-24 was one of the top grain yielding genotypes in both the environmental condition, while genotypes MYT1718-06, MYT1617-22172 were high yielding genotypes in late sown condition and MYT1819-08, MYT1819-19 were high yielding genotypes in normal season. The relative heat tolerance of the genotypes ranged from -13.99% to -57.64%. The genetic variability found in germplasms is adequate for developing heat-tolerant wheat varieties.

Examination of Open Green Areas in Terms of Human Health and Psychology

Ruhugul Ozge Gemici — 2024-10-23

Open green areas undertake functions that improve and healing people's living conditions. This research was conducted to understand the role of open and green areas in urban life and to evaluate the contributions of these areas to the quality of life. The study was conducted with people living in Selçuklu district of Konya province. These people visited urban open green areas in Selçuklu district and spent time in those places. The survey method was used in the study. The survey results reveal that open green areas have significant and positive effects on human health and psychology. The majority of the participants stated that they visited open green areas with sufficient frequency and that these areas met both their physical and mental needs. These findings emphasize the positive effects of open green areas on human health and psychology and support the need to protect and increase these areas.

Examination of Environmental Awareness of Students Studying in Landscape Architecture Departments

Ruhugul Ozge Gemici — 2024-10-23

The discipline of landscape architecture plays an important role in many environmental issues such as increasing green areas in urban areas, supporting biodiversity, and managing water resources. This study was conducted to determine the environmental awareness levels of landscape architecture students in Turkey and to understand how educational programs affect this awareness. In the study, first of all, all universities and faculties providing undergraduate landscape architecture education in Turkey were examined, and then landscape architecture departments in different universities and faculties were included in the scope of the research. Surveys were administered to students studying in the landscape architecture departments of the specified faculties to measure their environmental awareness levels. In addition, it was analyzed how the courses taken by landscape architecture students affected their environmental awareness. Thus, effective strategies were developed and suggestions were presented to increase environmental awareness in landscape architecture education.

Statistical Evaluation of Some Micro Elements (Li, Mn, Ni and Ba) Accumulated in Sediments of Turkish Straits Watersheds

Cem TOKATLI — 2024-10-23

Çanakkale and İstanbul Straits are known as the Turkish Straits and they are two of the most significant international marine habitats located in the north-western Türkiye. There are many fluvial and lacustrine components in the watersheds of both these straits. As many aquatic habitats, they are expose to a significant pollution stress. This study was carried out to evaluate the lithium, manganese, nickel and barium accumulations in sediments of Çanakkale and İstanbul Straits Basins components from a statistical perspective. Eleven fluvial and four lacustrine ecosystems were defined in the watersheds and sediment samples were collected in dry and wet seasons of 2022 – 2023. Pearson Correlation Index (PCI), Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Cluster Analysis (CA) were applied to data to categorize the investigated habitats and define the sources of investigated micro elements. According to the results of applied PCI, statistically significant positive correlations were determined among the investigated parameters. According to the results of applied PCA, two factors named as "Agricultural – Domestic factor (F1)" and "Industrial factor (F2)" explained 83% of the total variance. According to the results of applied CA, two clusters, named as "Relatively less contaminated zone (C1)" and "Relatively more contaminated zone (C2)", were formed.

Chemical Oxygen Demand Levels in Streams of Çanakkale Strait Basin (Türkiye)

Cem TOKATLI — 2024-10-23

In this study, the spatial distributions of Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) levels a significant pollution indicator in water of lotic ecosystems in the Çanakkale Strait (ÇS) watershed were determined. 7 fluvial habitats flowing into the ÇS (total of 20 stations from up-streams to down-streams) were defined in the basin. Surface water samples were collected in the spring season of 2023. Then they were tested for the COD parameter. The determined spatial mean values of COD levels in water of the investigated riverine habitats in ÇS watershed were 8.62 mg/L for Munipbey Stream, 4.93 mg/L for Bağlar Stream, 41.60 mg/L for Kayaaltı Stream, 19.83 mg/L for Umurbey Stream, 17.35 mg/L for Çanakkale Stream, 15.70 mg/L for Hamamlık Stream and 9.96 mg/L Küçük Menderes Stream. It has been determined that the COD levels of the investigated rivers increase from the up-stream to the down-stream stations and Kayaaltı, Umurbey and Çanakkale streams were recorded as the riskiest component for the ÇS watershed.

Antibiotic Resistance in Salmonella enterica Isolated from Water Sources in Kaduna State, Nigeria: Susceptibility Patterns and Resistance Genes Detection

Olajoke Alalade — 2024-10-23

The presence of antibiotic resistant bacteria and the genes responsible for resistance in water sources has gained attention of researchers over the years. This because of the risk of transfer of such genes to pathogens in humans, worsening the problem of antibiotic resistance. This study aimed at subjecting Salmonella enterica isolated from water of Kaduna state, Nigeria, to susceptibility tests using ten commonly used antibiotics namely: Ampicillin (10µg), Gentamicin (10µg), Amoxycillin (10µg), Tetracycline (30µg), Ciprofloxacin (5µg), Augmentin (30µg), Cefotaxime (30µg), Nalidixic acid (30µg), Chloramphenicol (30µg) and Sulphamethoxazole-trimethoprim (25µg), using standard methods. The isolates were further screened for antibiotic resistance genes (tetA, tetB, sul1 and blaTEM) using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) method. Of the six (6) isolates used in this study, 2 (33.3 %) were susceptible to all antibiotics tested. Three isolates were resistant to Tetracycline alone, and one was resistant to tetracycline, nalidixic acid and sulphamethoxazole-trimethoprim. Interestingly, this isolate was obtained from treated pipe borne water. The genes detected included the tetA and sul1 genes, while the tetB and blaTEM were not amplified in any of the isolates. The presence of these organisms harboring these genes is of public health importance because water has been shown to serve as a reservoir of antibiotic resistance. Furthermore, this highlights the problem of antibiotic misuse in the study area. These findings indicate that focus should be placed on ensuring the safety of these water sources by the government and policy makers of Nigeria.

Enhancing Animal Feed Efficiency Using Organic Acids: Effects on Poultry Production

YUSUF ISHAQ — 2024-10-23

Abstract

Organic acids have been the common one used in animal feeds. Organic acids have contained both carboxylic and fatty acids in structure with acidic properties. There are selected organic acids used for feed additives in poultry feeds. The main aim of this review was to examine animal feed efficient using organic acids with focus on poultry production. The study identified the various forms of organic acids, their application in poultry production, beneficial and detrimental effects. The common organic acids used in poultry feeds are fatty acids with short chain structure such as formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid, while other acids in carboxyl form like citric acid, lactic acid, malic acid, and fumaric acid are also in use within the poultry sector due to their physical and chemical attributes. The study concluded that although organic acids are significant to poultry birds in terms of nutrient digestion, feed consumption, feed efficiency ratio, immunity, and overall growth and performance, they also have negative effects if not properly used in poultry feed. There is need for animal scientist to recommend specific level of organic acids in poultry feed to achieve the best result in overall growth and development of the poultry birds.

Keywords: Animal, Poultry, Feed, Organic acids, Efficiency

Evaluation of The Current Situation of Goose Breeding in Türkiye at the Aspect of Production and Consumption

Abdul Naser Amiri — 2024-10-23

This research was conducted to evaluate the current status of goose breeding in Turkey in terms of production and consumption. For this purpose, 147 enterprises were selected from all over Turkey and especially from regions where goose breeding is intensive, taking into account the density of geese. An online survey was applied to the selected enterprises. In the research, 45% of the goose breeders reported that they only raise geese and 55% reported that they raise turkeys, ducks and chickens in addition to geese. 35% of the participants stated that raising geese was their main source of income. In this research, the participants stated that the number of breeding geese held was 7 or more with a rate of 88.5%. It was revealed that 93% of the goose chicks were obtained from the enterprises' own resources. It was determined that 57% of the varieties used by goose breeders were white, 35% were grey, 26% were piebald and 2% were black. In this study, it was determined that 63% of the geese were raised in open areas and 37% were raised in closed areas. In terms of feeding, it was found that 81% of geese graze on pasture and 99.5% of geese grazing on pasture receive supplementary feeding. 88% of supplementary feeding was done with concentrated feed. 88.5% of the participants reported that disinfection was applied in goose shelters. It was concluded that the breeding period of geese is 3-4 years at 73% and the number of eggs obtained annually is 20 or more at 72%. It was known that 79% of goose breeders find goose production profitable, 49% send geese to slaughter at 6-8 months of age. 68% of the participants reported that they produce goose meat to meet the needs of their families and sell it, 29% to sell it and 3% to meet the needs of their families. As a result, although goose breeding is largely done under extensive conditions, intensive and semi-intensive enterprises have been opened in recent years. The fact that goose products have become sought-after products among the public with the studies conducted is an indication that the sector has growth potential.

Evaluating the Impact of Cooking and Fermentation Processes on the Nutritional Quality and Health Benefits of Seafood

Sumaia Akter — 2024-10-23

Seafood has long been recognized for its significant role in promoting human health, and it is rich in essential nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, high-quality proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Seafood consumption has been linked to numerous health benefits, including enhanced cardiovascular health, reduced inflammation, and improved cognitive function. Fish and shellfish, like salmon, clams and shrimp, are particularly high in protein plus vitamins and minerals, like vitamin B12, selenium and zinc. Clams and wild-caught salmon are highly nutritious seafood choices with notable health benefits. A 3-ounce (85-gram) serving of cooked clams delivers over 3,500% of the Daily Value (DV) for vitamin B12, 99% for selenium, 21% for zinc and 13% for iron. Conversely, a half-fillet (154-gram) serving of wild-caught salmon provides 196% of the DV for vitamin B12, 131% for selenium, 85% for vitamin B6 and 21% for potassium. These findings emphasize the remarkable nutritional benefits of both clams and salmon, illustrating their important role in a balanced diet. Seafood is low in fat, low in calories, and rich in essential minerals, vitamins, and protein. Effective preservation of seafood is crucial for maintaining its quality and extending its shelf life. This paper explores preservation techniques: cooking methods and fermentation. Cooking methods- boiling, steaming, grilling and preservation methods- canning, freezing, drying, pickling, and curing affect seafood's chemical and microbial properties, enhancing its safety and shelf life by killing pathogens and inactivating spoilage enzymes. Fermentation, on the other hand, leverages microbial activity and pH changes to preserve seafood. By combining these techniques, seafood preservation can be optimized, balancing safety, quality, and longevity. This article provides a comprehensive understanding of how these methods impact seafood preservation, facilitating the development of tailored strategies for maintaining seafood quality.

Effect of dietary supplementation of Monotheca buxifolia leaf powder on the growth performance of broiler chickens

Alagbe John — 2024-10-23

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation of Monotheca buxifolia leaf powder on the growth performance of broiler chickens. A total of 250 -1-day old broiler chicks (Ross 308) were randomly distributed into five treatments with five replicates and each replicate consists of ten birds. Prior to the arrival of birds, basal diet adequate in all nutrients was formulated according to the requirement of birds by Nutritional Research Council in 1994. Birds in treatment one was fed basal diet without Monotheca buxifolia leaf powder, those in treatment two, three, four and five were fed same diet with Monotheca buxifolia leaf powder at 100 g, 200 g, 300 g and 400 g respectively. The experiment lasted for 42 days and birds had unrestricted access to clean water and feed. A completely randomized experimental design was adopted and all management practices was strictly adhered to. Result on the phytochemical content of Monotheca buxifolia leaf powder flavonoids (863.2 mg/g), phenols (511.8 mg/g) and terpenoids (102.3 mg/g) were the most prominent compounds followed by saponins (72.56 mg/g), tannins (62.34 mg/g), alkaloids (41.88 mg/g) and steroids (30.41 mg/g). Average daily weight gain and average daily feed intake values which varied from 41.24 – 51.37 g/b and 103.7 – 107.5 g/b were higher among birds fed Monotheca buxifolia leaf powder (treatment two, three, four and five) relative to treatment one (P<0.05). Similarly, feed conversion ratio whose value ranged from 2.09 – 2.50 were significantly (P<0.05) influenced by the treatment. In conclusion, feeding broilers Monotheca buxifolia leaf powder up to 400 g/kg diet does not pose any detrimental effect on the performance of birds.

The effect of Adhatoda vasica as a herbal supplement on the performance, nutrient digestibility, and blood profile of weaned pigs

Alagbe John — 2024-10-23

A 60-day trial was conducted to gain insight into how Adhatoda vasica as a herbal supplement affected the performance, nutrient digestibility, and blood profile of weaned pigs. 40 crossbred male pigs (Yorkshire × Landrace) with an initial body weight of 10.21 ± 0.03 kg were grouped into four treatment groups of ten pigs each. Upon arrival, the animals were quarantined for two weeks and fed a basal diet that is balanced in all nutrients, according to NRC (2012). Pigs in treatment 1 were fed a basal diet without Adhatoda vasica leaf powder, whereas those in treatments 2, 3, and 4 were provided the same food supplemented with Adhatoda vasica leaf powder at doses of 200 g, 400 g, and 600 g/kg. A completely randomised design approach was used, and the animals had unlimited access to clean, fresh water and food. The concentration of phyto-constituents in Adhatoda vasica leaf powder was found to be greater in flavonoids (102.1 mg/g) and lowest in steroids (30.41 mg/g). The average daily weight gain was higher for pigs fed treatments 3 and 4, intermediate for treatment 2, and lowest for treatment 1. The method of treatment significantly altered average daily feed intake, feed conversion ratio, and mortality (P<0.05). The treatment had a significant effect (P<0.05) on digestibility of dry matter, ether extract, crude protein, and crude fibre. There were significant differences (P<0.05) in red blood cell, pack cell volume, mean platelet volume, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, white blood cell, and total protein levels among treatments, with the exception of aspartate amino transferase, alanine amino transferase, and alkaline phosphatase (P>0.05). However, all levels fell within the recommended range for healthy pigs. Finally, Adhatoda vasica leaf powder can be added to pigs' diets without affecting their growth or health.

The Effect of fertigation on tissue nutrient status of Kinnow mandarin.

Marie Grace Uwisize — 2024-10-23

A field experiment was conducted at Division of Fruit and Horticultural Technology, Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi, during 2010-2011, on 5-year-old plants, to find out the effect of fertigation on nutrient acquisition of Kinnow. The data on leaf nutrient status were collected after two fertigation cycles and at the end of experiment. Standard dose of fertilizers were 600g of N, 300g of P, and 400g of K per tree per year, scheduled in three splits during the period of February (300g N, 75g P and 100g K), April (150g N, 112.5g P and 150g K) and August (150g N, 112.5g P and 150g K) respectively. The treatments were T₁: Ring irrigation with standard N, P, K as soil application; T₂: Drip with 100 per cent N, P, K as soil application; T₃: Fertigation with 100 per cent N and P, K as soil application; T₄: Fertigation with 75 per cent N and P, K as soil application; T₅: Fertigation with 50 per cent N and P, K as soil application; T₆: Fertigation with 100 per cent N, P, K; T₇: Fertigation with 75 per cent N and 100 per cent P, K fertigation and T₈: Fertigation with 75 per cent N, P, K. Fertigation treatments resulted in significant variation in leaf nutrient content in the leaves of Kinnow during the both sampling intervals. Higher nitrogen (2.85%), phosphorus (0.17%), manganese (61.33 ppm) and copper (14.85 ppm) were recorded with fertigation with 100 per cent N, P, K, while higher potassium (1.84%) and zinc (64.83 ppm) were in leaves of the plants fertigated with 50 per cent N and 100 per cent P, K as soil application. There was no significant effect of fertigation on leaf iron content during both sampling stages. Fertigation with 75 per cent N and 100 per cent P & K (450 g N, 300g P and 400 g K) can be recommended for application in three splits during February (225N:75P:100K), Apri1(112.5N: 112.5P: 150 K) and August (112.5N: 112.5P: 150 K) for young Kinnow orchards.

The Application of hydrogen in food processes improves the sensory and physicochemical ‎properties and extends the shelf life of the product

Duried Alwazeer — 2024-10-23

Food is prone to many spoilage phenomena, causing undesirable changes in its quality, loss of nutritive value, and shortening its shelf life. Our team studied the effect of hydrogen application in different food processes on the quality attributes of products. In food drying, including hydrogen in the drying atmosphere allowed for the protection of the nutritional and sensory properties of the product (apricot and apple). Additionally, incorporating hydrogen in the atmosphere of the food package allowed for the protection of the physico-chemical and nutritional properties of various foods, including strawberries, fish, and fresh cheese, with an extended shelf life. The results show that the use of hydrogen in food processes can be useful for the preservation of freshness and quality attributes of foods.

The Application of Hydrogen in Food Processes Enhances Product Safety

Duried Alwazeer — 2024-10-23

KHADIDJA IDIONI The effect of sodium fluoride on the reproductive system

Khadidja Idioni — 2024-10-23

Previous studies have shown that daily exposure to sodium fluoride (NaF) has a direct effect on the reproductive organs, which in high doses and over the long term can lead to infertility associated with increased oxidative stress and changes in enzyme activity. In the present study, we tested the effects of this toxic substance on selected adult male rat genitalia and sperm count and morphology for just one month. In the present study, we investigated how the effect of this toxic substance, for only one month, would be on some reproductive organs of adult male white rats, as well as on the number and morphology of spermatozoa. The control group of male rats did not show any pathological changes in the normal structure of the tissues of the reproductive system. Twenty male rats were used and divided into two groups. The first group was used as an untreated (normal) control. The second group received NaF at a concentration of 150 ppm via mineral drinking water for a period of thirty days every day. The animals weights and reproductive organs were calculated at the end of the experiment, and showed no significant difference in weight.The results showed, in the second group, atrophy and a stop of growth in the genital organs, as well as an almost total destruction of the connective tissue with deformation and decrease of the number of spermatozoids. The combined results indicate that daily exposure to sodium fluoride leaves side effects on the tissue of the genital tract of rats, which leads to sterility, even if it is in a very small amount, which leads us to search more for solutions that treat this damage.

Challenges and Opportunities for Tea Brand Marketing in Domestic Market

GAYANI UPEKSHA RANASINGHE RANASINGHE ARACHCHILAGE — 2024-10-23

Tea production is one of the main sources of foreign exchange for Sri Lanka. The total domestic demand for tea exceeds the recorded figures. The quality of locally available tea varies widely, with most of the tea sold in bulk form, and only small quantities available as value-added products, either in branded or unbranded packages. The success of tea brand marketing in the local market depends on consumers' acceptance of these brands. This study was conducted to identify the challenges in tea brand marketing concerning the marketing mix, supply and demand, and to explore opportunities for brand marketing. A case study was undertaken in the Kadugannawa area, Central Province of Sri Lanka, to understand the expectations of tea producers and retailers regarding the introduction of tea brand marketing in the local market. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire, and a descriptive approach was used to analyze the data. The results revealed several challenges to tea brand marketing, including low product quality, weak brand awareness, low demand, and high competition in the domestic market, limited product diversification, and high prices relative to product quality. From the producers’ perspective, marketing good quality tea, maintaining a strong product line, and using effective marketing strategies were considered the most important objectives of brand marketing, representing both challenges and opportunities in the market.

Pod Characteristics of Pea Varieties at Different Planting Times

Kazım Emre GÖKTAŞ — 2024-10-23

The pea plant, which has an important place in human nutrition, is of great importance in our culinary culture thanks to both its flavor and nutritional value. The pod structure of the pea determines its agronomic and industrial use potential. Therefore, pod characteristics of Elena, Deren and Irmak 01 pea varieties grown in Kahramanmaraş conditions with five different planting times were investigated. In the research, pea varieties were planted at five different times, one month apart from November to March, taking into account climate and soil conditions. In the study, pea varieties were planted at five different times, starting from November and including March, once a month, taking into account the climate and soil conditions. First pod height, pod number, pod length, pod width, grain number per pod, pod weight and pod grain weight of the pea varieties used were examined. At the end of the research, first pod height, pod length, pod width, number of grains per pod, and pod grain weight showed statistically significant differences according to the pea varieties used. The effect of planting times on the other traits, except pod width, was found as significant. As a result of the study, it was recorded that the first pod height varied between 21.4-79.33 cm, pod number varied between 3-14.2 pieces, pod length varied between 5.48-7.38 cm, pod width varied between 8.99-11.49 mm, grain number varied between 4.86-6.98 pieces per pod and grain weight varied between 0.64-1.26 g. It was determined that higher pod weight was achieved in Deren and Irmak 01 varieties, and pod weight was higher in December, January and February plantings than in other planting times.

Secondary Bacterial Symbionts in Aphids

Gülay Olcabey Ergin — 2024-10-23

Aphids are important agricultural pests that feed on plant sap and can reach high population densities in short time, causing plant quality and yield losses. Almost all aphids host symbiont bacteria that allow them to easily adapt to their environment. It is known that the primary symbiont Buchnera aphidicola synthesizes some essential amino acids and vitamins that its host needs, while the secondary symbiont bacteria have a wide range of effects, including protecting the host under stress conditions and resistance against natural enemies. Aphids have become a model system for studying insect-bacteria interactions. To date, secondary bacterial symbionts have been identified in many aphid species, and a significant literature bank has been provided on this interaction in natural populations. Knowing the role and importance of symbiont bacteria in aphid metabolism is very important in the control of these pests. This study reports that secondary symbionts hosted on aphids play important roles in aphid metabolism, therefore bacterial symbionts can be used effectively in controlling the aphids.

The Effect of Aphis gossypii Glover (Hemiptera: Aphididae) Honeydew on Fungal Growth

Gülay Olcabey Ergin — 2024-10-23

Honeydew is a sugar-rich, sticky substance secreted by many plant-feeding hemiptera and some lepidoptera. Aphids, on the other hand, feed on nitrogen-poor, carbohydrate-rich phloem sap and excrete excess carbohydrate as honeydew through their siphinculi. The aphids, constituting the main material of the study were sampled from the Catalpa bungei tree located in the central campus of Niğde Ömer Halisdemir University and then preparation procedures were carried out for species identification under laboratory conditions. According to the identification key organized according to the host plant, the samples were identified as Aphis gossypii Glover, (1877). The honeydew of A. gossypii, known as the cotton aphid, was collected from the host plant and the effects of two different concentrations of the honeydew (10 and 20 g/L) on fungal growth were determined using both solid and liquid media. Different Trichoderma species and Beauveria bassiana molds were used to examine fungal growth. Fungal growth in the prepared nutrient media was determined as the amount of biomass (gram). The honeydew content (phenolic substance, sugar and amino acid amounts) was determined and supported by FTIR analyses. The growth of fungal species in the PDA medium, which was preferred as the control medium, and the medium containing dilute honeydew was compared. It has been determined that fungal growth is better in the medium containing honeydew, and therefore honeydew increases fungal growth. With this study, it is predicted that aphid honeydew can support the growth of both fungal agents used in biological control and plant pathogens.

Investigation of the effects of vegetable oil based nanoemulsions as colloidal delivery system on different food matrices

Yilmaz UCAR — 2024-10-24

It is known that using nanoemulsions as preservatives in food products is appropriate. However, there are very few studies on nanoemulsions against microorganisms in foods. In addition, there are insufficient studies in the literature on the comparative effect of nanoemulsions on different food matrices. This project focused on the application of nanoemulsion-based delivery systems to improve the quality, safety, nutritional profile, and sensory properties of muscle foods such as meat and fish. Red meat, chicken, and sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax), which has high economic value and is widely cultivated, were used in the study. Nanoemulsions obtained using olive and sunflower oil as vegetable oils were applied to meat samples. In the study, meat samples treated with nanoemulsions were stored in the refrigerator at 2±2^oC, and sensory, chemical, and microbiological analyses were performed at regular intervals to determine quality parameters.

The data obtained from the study showed that nanoemulsion application preserved the quality of meat materials stored in cold storage. In sensory evaluation, it was determined that nanoemulsion removes the classic odor of meat. Nanoemulsion treatment groups were preferred by panelists compared to the control group. During storage, the values of chemical parameters were generally found to be lower in nanoemulsion-applied groups. Among the treatment groups, it was observed that olive oil-based nanoemulsion groups gave better results than sunflower-based nanoemulsion groups in all three materials. The fastest bacterial growth was observed in the control group and it was determined that nanoemulsions had a significant inhibitory effect on bacteria. It was determined that the nanoemulsion prepared using sunflower and olive oil preserved the quality by delaying the spoilage in meat, chicken, and fish. Therefore, the use of nano-fixed oil is recommended to reduce microorganism spoilage, delay lipid oxidation, and ultimately increase the shelf life of meat products stored in the refrigerator.

Formulations and characterizations of vegetable oil-based nanoemulsions prepared for use as colloidal delivery systems

Yilmaz UCAR — 2024-10-24

Although the food industry has a high potential to benefit from nanotechnology, it is still very limited. However, in recent years, the world food industry has started to search for ways to benefit from this technology and nanotechnology-based techniques have been introduced to the food industry to provide solutions to food safety-related problems. Nanoparticles have great importance in extending the shelf life of foodstuffs due to their antimicrobial properties without causing any change in flavor or color. Nanotechnology is a technology focused on the characterization, production, and processing of biological and non-biological structures smaller than 100 nm. Nanoparticles have great importance in extending the shelf life of foodstuffs due to their antimicrobial properties without causing any change in flavor or color. Recently, there has been increasing interest in the application of innovative nanoscience-based technologies to improve the health, safety, and quality of food products. A major breakthrough in this area has been the use of nanoemulsions. Because nanoemulsions can be easily formulated with existing food ingredients and technologies. In particular, oil-in-water nanoemulsions consisting of small oil droplets (<200nm) dispersed in water are used as delivery systems for various hydrophobic substances in foods, such as nutraceuticals, antioxidants, antimicrobials, colorants, and sweeteners.

Encapsulation of hydrophobic substances in nanoemulsions can greatly increase their water dispersibility, chemical stability, bioavailability, and bioactivity. As a result, they have several advantages over traditional emulsions for certain applications, including increased resistance to aggregation and gravitational separation during storage, as well as higher bioavailability after ingestion. For these reasons, nanoemulsions are particularly suitable for encapsulating hydrophobic bioactive substances and subsequently incorporating them into food and beverage products. Therefore, the aim of this project includes the formulation, production, and characterization of nanoemulsion-based delivery systems for use in food products.

In current study, characterization studies of nanoemulsions prepared using vegetable oils (sunflower and olive oil) were carried out and their physical properties such as viscosity, thermodynamic stability, droplet size, and surface tension were determined.

IFPD: An R Package for Indonesia Food Prices Data

Fadhlul Mubarak — 2024-10-24

The IFPD package aims to introduce food price data in Indonesia to the world where the food price data in Indonesia no longer has missing values because LOCF imputation has been carried out so that it can be directly used in time series or panel analysis.

The Physiological features of yield formation of sunflower breeding samples in arid conditions of the Ukrainian steppe

Igor Aksyonov — 2024-10-24

The conducted investigations allowed to determine physiological factors and properties of plants that determine the level of formation of the weight of seeds of the head and the yield of sunflower. The weight of seeds of the head is determined by the amount of soil moisture consumption per unit of net productivity. Between the indicators of soil moisture consumption per unit of net productivity at the stage of formation of the head - the beginning of flowering, a direct negative correlation interdependence was established. Sunflower varieties with a minimum consumption of soil moisture per unit of net productivity of photosynthesis of 1.01-1.05 m³/g/m² per day form in arid conditions of the Steppe of Ukraine the maximum level of weight of seeds of the head of 58.7-78.7 g, which ensures obtaining a high yield within 2.68-3.49 t/ha¹. The conducted assessment of genotypes by indicators of soil moisture consumption per unit of net productivity made it possible to create highly productive varieties of sunflower Emelard, Igolya, Orlik.

Evaluating the Efficacy of Cassia fistula L. Based Nanoparticles of CuO, ZnO and their Nanocomposites for Mitigating Drought Stress in Lentil (Lens culinaris)

Farah Deeba — 2024-10-24

Amaltas (Cassia fistula L.), which belongs to Fabacea family is widely used in medical, cosmetic and agricultural field. Its seeds and leaves are thought to be beneficial parts of plants because of the presence of variety of active compounds in them. The primary objective of this study was to assess the effect of Cassia fistula-derived nanoparticles on lentil as nanobiofertilizer. For this purpose, ZnO, CuO nanoparticles and their bimetallic nanocomposites were synthesized using Cassia fistula leaves extract and characterized using UV-Visible Spectrophotometry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Dynamic light scattering (DLS) and X-ray Diffraction analysis (XRD) to assess the chemical and physical properties of these nanoparticles. Three types of nanoparticles were then applied on lentil plants for mitigating drought stress in present investigation. Two types of stress were applied to the plants i.e., moderate and severe stress. Synthesized nanoparticles were applied in three concentrations i.e., 100 mg/l, 250 mg/l, 500 mg/l on plants. Morphological and biochemical traits were studied to evaluate the results. It was observed that stress caused increase in root fresh and dry weight, root length, and number of lateral roots but when nanoparticles were applied, plant roots recovered from this effect depending upon the concentration of applied nanoparticles. Comparing the results of three concentrations of nanoparticles, maximum of root parameters were observed in plants with 100 mg/l concentration and minimum were observed by plants with 500 mg/l concentration. Shoot parameters including shoot length and shoot fresh & dry weight gave maximum readings in control plants and minimum were observed in plants with 500mg/l concentration of nanoparticles. In stressed condition, biochemical parameters like catalase and peroxidase activity and hydrogen peroxide content in plants increased but when nanoparticles were applied on these plants, their concentration decreased showing a positive impact on plants condition. This study is a pathway in unraveling the potential of plant-derived nanoparticles as nanobiofertilizers offering significant benefits to the agricultural sector in future.

Phenotypic Characterization Of Lactobacillus Autochton And Evaluation Of Their Technological And Probiotic Potential

FATIMA HACEN — 2024-10-24

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the biochemical and physiological characteristics, as well as the technological and probiotic properties of certain autochthonous Lactobacillus isolates.We first confirmed that these bacteria belonged to the genus Lactobacillus by observing their macroscopic appearance, the catalase test and Gram staining. We then studied their biochemical and physiological characteristics, followed by their technological properties. Finally, to assess their probiotic potential, we tested the antibacterial activity of some of these isolates against a pathogenic 'S. Aureus isolated from a urine sample of a patient suffering from a urinary tract infection. The results showed that the majority of the isolates are homofermentative, capable of growing under hostile conditions. Lactobacilli also have good acidifying, proteolytic and lipolytic properties. They produce flavours and EPS and have strong antibacterial properties.

In conclusion, the Lactobacillus isolates tested have good technological properties and could therefore be used in the food industry, especially in the dairy industry. In addition, their use in probiotic treatment, especially in the treatment of urinary tract infections, could represent an alternative to the use of antibiotics.

Households’ Willingness to Pay for the Conservation of Debre-Libanos Monastery Forests of North Shewa Zone, Ethiopia

Tadele Anagaw Zewdu — 2024-10-24

This research investigates households’ willingness to pay for the conservation of the Debre-Libanos monastery forests in the North Shewa Zone, Oromia region, Ethiopia. Utilizing primary data collected from 215 households, the study employed the Tobit model to identify the determinants of maximum willingness to pay and a seemingly unrelated bivariate probit model to estimate the average willingness to pay for conservation efforts. The Tobit regression results reveal that factors such as household sex, education level, annual income, households’ perception, and training positively influence willingness to pay, while age and initial bid price have a negative impact. The average willingness to pay, estimated at 33.52 Birr per year, underscores the importance of such assessments in providing policymakers and forest managers with crucial insights for designing effective conservation strategies, resource allocation, and promoting sustainable forest management.

Nutrient Composition of Soybean in response to Phosphorus Fertilizer Concentrations

Racheal Okunade — 2024-10-24

ABSTRACT
The types and amount of nutrient applied to the soil are key factors in crop production. A field experiment was carried out at the out – station of the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T), Ikenne, Ogun State to examine the effect of different Phosphorus Concentrations on yield, protein, mineral and vitamin content of Soybean Seed. The experiment was laid out in the Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replicates. Each replicate measured 11.2 x 2m2 separated by 1m apart consisting of 4 plots of 2 x 2.4m2 separated by 0.5m. The treatment were different rates of phosphorus fertilizer applied at 20kg/ha, 40kg/ha, 60kg/ha and at zero level. Soybean seed used was TGX 1440 – IE. Cultural practices were carried out and data taken. At maturity soybean grains were harvested, threshed and weighed in kg/ha. The grains were analyzed for proximate and mineral composition. The result showed that application of 60kg P/ha significantly (p<0.05) gave the highest grain yield of 190.76 kg/ha than other treatments. Proximate analysis result showed that soybean treated with 60kg/ha of phosphorus had the highest protein content (39.50%). While crude fat, was not affected by application of phosphorus. Phosphorus at zero levels gave high values of iron and calcium content (18.01mg/kg and 324.02Cmol/kg respectively) while 20kg/ha level of phosphorus gave highest value for magnesium content (338.74Cmol/kg). The study therefore recommends application of Phosphorus at the rate of 60kg/ha for optimum soybean grain yield with high protein content.
Key words: Soybean, Phosphorus, Grain, Yield, Promate

The Effects of Nanoemulsion Film Coatings Containing Essential Oils on the Storage Quality of Sugar Beets (Beta vulgaris L.)

Fatma Zehra Ok — 2024-10-24

This study was carried out under controlled conditions in order to determine the effects of chitosan based nanoemulsion film coating formulations formed using different essential oils on storage quality of sugar beet root during the storage period. In the study, roots of Conviso Smart (KWS) sugar beet variety were coated with nanoemulsion film formulations formed with thyme (Thymus vulgaris), clove (Szygium aromaticum), ginger (Zingiber officinale) and tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) essential oils at 250, 500 and 1000 ppm doses immediately after harvest and stored in plastic case under controlled conditions (+ 8-10 ^oC, 85-90% relative humidity) for 90 days. Weight loss in beet root was determined at 30-day intervals starting from the beginning of the storage period, and at the end of the storage period, firmness, dry matter ratio, brix value, polar sugar, reducing sugar, alpha amino nitrogen and glycine betaine contents and fungal infection developments in beet roots were determined. Film coating applications significantly affected postharvest weight and quality losses in sugar beet roots. Applications significantly reduced root weight losses in the storage period compared to the control. The highest dry matter ratio, Brix values and firmness were obtained from film coating applications containing 1000 ppm cinnamon and thyme essential oil. While polar sugar ratio was higher in root which film coated compared to the control, alpha amino nitrogen, glycine betaine and reducing sugar contents showed significant decreases. White mold and green mold infections developing on root showed significant decreases especially with film coating applications applied at high doses. In the study, it was concluded that by coating sugar beet roots with nanoemulsion film formulations containing essential oils, weight and quality losses and fungal disease development during the storage period could be significantly reduced.

Determination of In-Vitro Antifungal Activities of Essential Oils Against Fungal Pathogens

Fatma Zehra Ok — 2024-10-24

This study was carried out to determine the in-vitro antifungal activities of essential oils obtained from thyme (Thymus vulgaris), Turkish pickling herb (Echinophora tenuifolia subsp. sibthorpiana), clove (Syzygium aromaticum), cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum), eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus), dill (Anethum graveolens), juniper (Juniperus communis), and ginger (Zingiber officinale) against Rhizoctonia solani and Fusarium solani infections. Essential oils were added to autoclaved potato dextrose agar (PDA) medium at 0, 500, 1000 and 2000 ppm doses. Mycelium disks of both fungi with a diameter of 5 mm were transferred to the center of petri dishes and incubated at 24±2 °C for 7 days. By measuring the mycelial development diameters of fungi, the biocontrol efficiencies of essential oils were calculated. Essential oil applications showed significant antifungal activity against R. solani infection and cinnamon, thyme and clove essential oils at 1000 ppm, and dill essential oil at 2000 ppm doses completely inhibited mycelial development. The biocontrol efficiencies of juniper (%2.4-12.6), eucalyptus (%2.8-26.6) and ginger (%18.2-37.3) essential oils against R. solani were found to be low. While clove and thyme essential oils completely inhibited F. solani mycelial development at 2000 ppm dose, the biocontrol efficiencies of ginger (%1.6-3.7), eucalyptus (%1.2-7.4) and dill (%2.9-9.8) essential oils were found to be low. It was concluded that especially clove, thyme, cinnamon and Turkish pickling herb essential oils showed high in-vitro antifungal activity against both phytopathogens and may have the potential to be used as an alternative to synthetic fungicide active substances.

The use of Polymerase Chain Reaction in the Detection of Reoccuring Salmonella in Frozen Food Samples from Local Stores in Abeokuta Nigeria.

Amina Badmos — 2024-10-24

Food-borne salmonellosis has been identified as one of the major causes of gastroenteritis worldwide. The need for more rapid and accurate techniques for the detection of food-borne pathogens has led to the development of novel molecular techniques. Though the conventional culture technique still stands as the golden standard for pathogen detection, it has proved to be laborious and takes 3 to 7 days to get a positive result. Rapid molecular techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) have been developed to produce more specific, sensitive, and accurate results within a shorter period. This study was performed to detect the presence of Salmonella in beef, pork, egg, prawn and chicken samples purchased from retail stores in Abeokuta Nigeria. The presence of Salmonella was assayed using the conventional culture technique and PCR with Salmonella Enteritidis primers specific to the sefB gene. Both culture and PCR were unable to detect Salmonella from the food samples. Probable reasons for this were discussed.

Key worss: Food safety, Pathogens, Salmonella spp. Cultural methods, Polymerase chain reaction.

Bacterial and Fungal Contamination of Commercially Prepared Fresh-Cut Fruits in Wudil, Nigeria and Implications for Consumer Health.

Olajoke Alalade — 2024-10-24

The regular consumption of fruits and vegetables is crucial for health. In Nigeria, there's a growing trend of purchasing fresh-cut, washed, and packaged fruits for consumption. This study evaluated the microbial quality of such fruits sold in Wudil, Nigeria. A total of forty-five (45) samples of different fruits (Pawpaw (Carica papaya), coconut (cocos nucifera l.), Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus), Pineapple (Ananas comosus) and sugarcane (Saccharum Officinarum) were collected from vendors from different parts of Wudil town. Furthermore, swabs of the vendors’ hands and samples of the water used for washing the fruits were collected for bacteriological analysis. The bacterial and fungal counts of the fruit samples were obtained and Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were isolated from the fruits, hand swab and water samples using standard methods. The bacterial and fungal counts of the coconut samples (3.55 × 10⁵ and 6.36 × 10⁵ cfu/g) were significantly higher than those of all other fruits (P ≤ 0.05). Alarmingly, E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus were identified from all the fruit samples. Similarly, they were also isolated from almost all the vendors’ hand swabs and water samples. About 66.7 % of the vendors utilised water from boreholes, while the others used pipe borne and well water for washing their fruits. These results highlight the safety issues associated with consuming these fresh-cut fruits, and show that they could be a health hazards to consumers. It is recommended that the vendors be educated on the need for proper hygiene and handling of the fruits.

Production of Black Onion: Health Effects and Benefits

Halil İbrahim BİNİCİ — 2024-10-24

Onion (Allium cepa L.) is a key component of the Mediterranean diet and is widely used globally. Originating from Central Asia, this plant has been recognized throughout history for its medicinal properties. Particularly, members of the Allium genus contain biofunctional compounds that are effective in preventing various types of cancer. Recently, the food industry has developed black onion, a product obtained by processing onions from the Allium genus under controlled temperature and humidity conditions. This maturation process reduces the pungency and bitterness of fresh onions, resulting in a sweet and pleasant flavor. Black onion is commonly used in gourmet cuisine and has a longer shelf life compared to fresh onions. Although research on black onion is limited, some in vitro studies suggest that it may possess anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, studies on the bioaccessibility of polyphenols and organosulfur compounds in both black onion and fresh onion indicate that black onion may offer potential benefits in managing diabetes and related diseases. While further research is needed to fully understand the nutritional and phytochemical composition of black onion, existing evidence suggests that this product may have positive health effects.

Determination of Prunus necrotic ringspot virus (PNRSV) and Apple mosaic virus (ApMV) Infections on Rose Plants (Rosa spp.) in Konya Province

ADİLE TUĞÇE ORHAN — 2024-10-24

Roses, which are known for their different colours and fragrances, have found a wide place in both aesthetic landscaping and industrial uses and have both economic and cultural value for our country. Prunus necrotic ringspot virus (PNRSV) and Apple mosaic virus (ApMV) are important plant viruses that cause significant infections in rose (Rosa spp.) plants and can negatively affect plant growth, flower quality and general health. No previous study has been conducted to detect virus diseases in rose growing areas of Konya province. Within the scope of this study, leaf, branch and flower samples were collected from 94 rose plants of different varieties showing symptoms similar to the symptoms of virus diseases such as mosaic, deformations, chlorotic patterns, chlorotic ring spots on leaves, color breaks and deformations on flowers from various rose growing areas in Konya province in 2023. Rose plant samples collected from parks and gardens were tested using the DAS ELISA method, a serological diagnostic method. It was determined that PNRSV was present in 12.76%, ApMV in 11.70% and PNRSV + ApMV mixed infection in 2.12% of the tested rose plant samples. The total infection rate in the province was determined as 24.46%. It is thought that the results obtained from this study will contribute to the literature on rose virus diseases and will be an important source of information for rose producers, agricultural engineers and plant pathologists in the region. In addition, in the control of these two virus diseases in roses, the issues that producers should pay attention to such as vector insect control to control the spread of viruses and the plant material used for vegetative propagation should be free of viruses were emphasized.

Key Words: ApMV, DAS-ELISA, Konya, PNRSV, Rose

Investigation of the Bioactive Compounds of Wild Grown Prickly Pear (Opuntia Ficus-Indica L.) Fruits and Peels in the İskenderun Region

Fatma ERGÜN — 2024-10-24

Due to global warming, there is an increasing interest in plant-based foods that have low water requirements and contain valuable compounds. The aim of this study is to determine the total phenolic and flavonoid content of prickly pear (Opuntia Ficus-Indica L.) fruits (M) and peels (K), which are recognized as promising sources among healthy foods, and to evaluate their antioxidant activity. For this purpose, samples were first extracted with methanol. The total phenolic content was determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu method, while flavonoids were assessed using the aluminum nitrate method. The phenolic content in the extracts was found to be 835.66±21.12 mg GAE/100 g for K and 760.66±17.61 mg GAE/100 g for M. The total flavonoid content was calculated as 222.00±4.35 µg KE/g for K and 204.76±0.87 µg KE/g for M. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using two different methods: free radical scavenging activity (DPPH) and copper (II) reduction capacity (CUPRAC). The IC50 values of the fruit and peel extracts were calculated, showing that K had the closest value to the standard BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene). The reducing capacities were determined to be 28.67±1.14 µg TE/mL for M and 59.26±1.58 µg TE/mL for K.

In conclusion, prickly pear fruits and peels possess significant amounts of phenolic and flavonoid compounds, as well as high antioxidant activity. The higher content of bioactive compounds in the peels positively influences antioxidant activity, particularly showing a greater reduction capacity in the peel extract. Further studies on prickly pear, which is among the tropical fruits used in folk medicine, are necessary. Increasing the recognition of the fruit may contribute to a rise in demand and production. Additionally, it can be considered as an alternative in health-promoting food production.

In vivo potent hepatoprotective effects of F. indica and S. aromaticum against hepatotoxicity induced by Mercuric chloride.

Umm-e-Habiba Akram — 2024-10-24

Human’s largest body organ is liver which performs significant function including detoxification, synthesis of protein and metabolic function. Hepatotoxicity has become one of the major health issue worldwide and increases rapidly due to infectious and non-infectious agents. Mercuric Chloride is non-infectious agent that causes hepatotoxicity when taken in high dose by elevating liver enzymes and disrupting its functions. Green medicine have been used to cure various diseases from the ancient times. So, the aims of this research was to examine the hepatoprotective potential of medicinal plants F.indica and S. aromaticum. Methanolic extracts of both plants were prepared and analyzed through antioxidant activities initially and then in vivo hepatoprotective analysis was conducted on experimental rats. In vitro results indicated that both plants have antioxidant potential but among of them F.indica showed high TFC, TPC and % inhibition of DPPH as compared to S.aromaticum. Moreover, the hepatoprotective effects of these plants against mercuric chloride were measured and compared to standard drug Allopurinol. Blood serum samples were collected and analyzed for hepatoprotective potential in which LFT’s were examined. Both plants showed hepatoprotective properties by recovering increased levels of liver enzymes. It was revealed from histopathological results that both plants have potency to recover vacuolization and necrosis of hepatic cells which was occurred due to mercuric chloride in comparison with allopurinol. This study lays the door for future therapeutic applications addressing oxidative stress-related diseases, representing a significant step forward in the intersection of herbal medicine and healthcare innovation.

Osteoanabolic Effects of Carrot (Daucus carota) Roots on Ovariectomy-Induced Osteoporotic Rats

Abubakar Abdullahi — 2024-10-24

Abstract

Estrogen depletion leads to bone loss (osteoporosis) mostly seen in postmenopausal women and ovariectomized rats. Osteoporosis is a silent disease with high mortality among elderly people. Several therapeutic treatments employed to correct/manage this disease were found to have specific adverse effect. The present study evaluated the effect of Carrot roots (CRT) on some bone remodeling biomarkers and anthropometrics parameters in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. Twenty-four (24) female Wistar rats weighing between 115 to 120 g, were Ovariectomized and six (6) were sham operated, the rats were divided into five groups, six rats per group: group one (sham control), group two (OVX untreated control), group three (OVX + 200 mg/kg body weight (b.w) CRT), group four (OVX + 400 mg/kg b.w CRT) and group five (OVX + 5 mg/kg b.w Alendronate) and treated daily for six weeks. The result elucidated that, oral administration of 200 and 400 mg/kg CRT for 6 weeks significantly (P<0.05) reduced over expression of remodeling biomarkers (Osteocalcine, Bone Alkaline Phosphate and RANKL), endometrial atrophy of the uterine histology, and elevated the serum estradiol level of the OVX rats (P<0.05) compared to OVX untreated rats. Moreover, oral administration of CRT for 6 weeks significantly reduced the loss of femur dry weight and femoral thickness of OVX rats. Hence this results suggested bone health benefit of carrot roots.

Agricultural Management and Ecological Recycle in the World

Wadah Elsheikh — 2024-10-24

Agriculture holds economic significance for both developed and developing countries. As the world population continues to grow and the demand for agricultural goods increases, agroecological approaches are increasingly recognized as potential solutions to address these pressing issues. Modern agricultural practices are well-known for their substantial environmental impact, influencing nutrient cycles, soil erosion, carbon sequestration, and various ecological patterns. Introducing more organic matter into agricultural practices can help mitigate these detrimental effects by preserving natural cycles and supporting environmental recovery. Ecological recycling has emerged as a crucial modern process, gaining popularity for several reasons, foremost among them being its environmentally friendly nature. Therefore, this study aims to explore Agricultural Management and Ecological Recycling on a global scale. Recycling techniques can effectively break down organic waste, thereby reducing waste volume, pathogens, and unpleasant odors. This process also increases nutrient content and helps minimize environmental contamination. Innovative approaches and new methods are driving trends towards sustainable farming systems, not only enhancing agricultural productivity but also significantly improving the quality of life for many farmers in an environmentally friendly manner.

The Importance of Aquaculture Production in Africa

Wadah ELSHEIKH — 2024-10-24

Aquaculture is a significant agricultural endeavor that has the potential to eradicate global undernourishment and provide food security. In Africa, fish farming has witnessed remarkable growth in the past period, especially in Egypt, Nigeria, and Uganda. Given the availability of water bodies, some institutional commitment, and a strong demand for fish, among other factors, these countries have very prospective aquaculture sectors. Despite the enormous potential of the aquaculture sector and the notable successes of some countries, the industry faces a number of obstacles, including low adoption of advanced technologies, a lack of fingerling supply, ineffective management practices, high infrastructure and feed costs, and a lack of knowledge about existing innovations. Therefore, this study is to highlight the importance of aquaculture in Africa and clarify the basic function that it plays in the continent's food security and economic relevance. Moreover, identify the opportunities and challenges faced by this important African business. Africa has significant potential for growth and improvement in the aquaculture sector. Considering the great potential and opportunities in this industry, several African countries have made progress in developing their aquaculture industries. Including aquaculture in regional food systems needs to be a bigger priority in Africa. Furthermore, there is an urgent need for action to address problems affecting the African aquaculture industry and secure funding for sector growth.

Tropical Tree Associations in the Anthropocene

Abdelfadeel Khalafallah Abuelgasim — 2024-10-24

In the Anthropocene, tropical tree associations are undergoing unprecedented changes driven by deforestation, climate change, and other human activities. To move from description to a deeper understanding, it is essential to focus on the functional roles of tree species and their contributions to ecosystem services. This knowledge is crucial for developing strategies that preserve tropical forest ecosystems and mitigate the impacts of the Anthropocene on biodiversity and human well-being.

The Effect of Climate Change on Ecological Life Cycle of Pakistan

Maliha Afreen — 2024-10-24

Ecosystem comprised by the combination of Humans, animals, plants, microorganisms and several abiotic factors. Humans completely depends on their ecosystem for food, fuel, fiber and regulatory functions like climate regulation and disease management. This ecosystem is becoming effected day by day due to increasing climate change. Climate change cause rise in temperature, elevation of caron dioxide, green house gas emissions, glaciers melting, rise in sea level. These factors cause loss of biodiversity which is important for maintenance of Agroecosystem and human environment interaction. In this article we are discussing about effects of climate change on Ecological Life Cycle of Pakistan. Pakistan is a developing country and more vulnerable to Global warming and climate changes. Pakistan blessed with rich agricultural land but this land going to become disturbed because of rising temperature, irregular pattren of rainfall, causing water shortage for crops. This leads to shortage of crop production and food deficiency in Pakistan. Disturbance of ecosystem cause migration and extinction of many plant and animal species. The most effective areas of Pakistan ecosystem includes Indus river belt and coastal areas of Karachi.There should be some starategies from institutes and policymakers to keep balance in all components of ecosystem to mitigate the effects of climate change.

The Negative Effects of Pesticide Use in Agricultural Production on Aquaculture

Maliha Afreen — 2024-10-24

Pesticides are used to increase Agricultural food crop productions to fulfill the food requirement of growing population. However these pesticides can cause contamination in aquatic ecosystem through different ways like leaching , runoff and drift spray. These contaminants produce toxicity in aquaculture which becomes threatening to aquatic organisms. For example changing behaviour of fish feeding and movement and even leads to fish mortality. Toxic compounds which were reported includes Atrazine, endosulfan, profenofos, diazinon (organophosphorus) and carbofuran (carbamate). These compounds have severe toxicological effects on fish with different concenterations and even sometime in combination. These toxic compounds also cause eradication of inhabitants in aquatic ecosystem so aquatic organisms also become more vulnerable for predators. Reproductive system of fish also disturbed. For instance, pyrethroid pesticides impact fish reproduction-related systems, The capacity of adult male salmon parr (Salmo salar) to recognize and react to the female priming pheromone prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) was shown to be decreased when exposed to low amounts of cypermethrin. Most Agricultural pesticides undergo physical, chemical, and biological transformations that gives one or more transformation products. When the concentration is high enough to provide such an impact, aquatic creatures may be exposed to both the original compound toxicity and the transformation products. However these transformed products could be more harmful than the original molecule.

Production, Foreign Trade, Use, and Support Policies of Chemical Fertilizers in Türkiye

Arif Semerci — 2024-10-24

In this study, the production, trade, usage, and support policies of chemical fertilizers in Türkiye are examined. Chemical fertilizers are inorganic materials that provide essential nutrients to improve plant productivity and quality. In 2022, a total of 207 million 175 thousand 748 tons of chemical fertilizers were produced globally, with Türkiye accounting for 0.83% of this production. Nitrogenous and phosphorous fertilizers are prominent in fertilizer use, and due to domestic production not meeting demand, Türkiye holds a significant position as an importer. According to foreign trade data, Türkiye lags considerably in terms of exports, yet ranks as the 6th largest importer of nitrogenous fertilizers and 14th in the import of phosphorous fertilizers. The major challenges associated with chemical fertilizer use include environmental impacts, ecosystem degradation due to improper use, and soil and water pollution. To prevent these issues, the adoption of soil analysis and good management practices is necessary. Moreover, government policies and support mechanisms play a critical role in promoting the sustainable use of chemical fertilizers. The study also examines the relationship between fertilizer costs and government subsidies in Türkiye and discusses the effects of these subsidies on agricultural enterprises. The findings highlight the importance of chemical fertilizers for agricultural production and productivity, while indicating that farmers do not find these fertilizer subsidies sufficient and that a balance must be established between environmental sustainability and economic efficiency.

Seed Production, Foreign Trade, and Support Policies in Türkiye

Enver Ken — 2024-10-24

Bu çalışmada Türkiye'de tohum üretimi, ticareti ve destekleme politikalarının önemi incelenmekte, özellikle tarımsal üretimde sertifikalı tohumların rolüne odaklanılmaktadır. Tohumlar, tarımın en temel girdilerinden biri olup ürün kalitesini, verimliliğini ve sürdürülebilirliğini artırmada kritik bir etkiye sahiptir. 2023 yılında Türkiye'nin toplam tohum üretimi 1,3 milyon tona ulaşmıştır. Buğday, patates ve mısır gibi stratejik ürünler tohum üretiminin önemli bir kısmını oluştururken, son yıllarda istikrarlı bir artış eğilimi görülmektedir. Uluslararası ticaret açısından bakıldığında tohum ithalat değeri 249.563 bin TL, ihracat değeri ise 326.756 bin TL olarak gerçekleşmiş olup, Türkiye'nin tohum üretiminde önemli bir kapasiteye sahip olduğunu göstermektedir. Devlet teşvikleriyle desteklenen sertifikalı tohum kullanımı, tarımsal verimliliği ve kaliteyi artırmada en önemli faktörlerden biridir. Ancak birçok üretici bu destekleri yetersiz bulmakta ve memnuniyet düzeyleri düşük kalmaktadır. Araştırmada, sertifikalı tohum kullanımının verimliliği ve çiftçi gelirini artırdığı vurgulanırken, daha üretici odaklı destek politikalarına ihtiyaç duyulduğu vurgulanmaktadır. Üreticilerin sertifikalı tohumların faydaları konusunda bilinçlendirilmesi için eğitim ve yayım faaliyetleri düzenlenmeli, böylece tarımsal sürdürülebilirlik ve verimlilik artırılmalıdır.

Effects of Climate Change on Growth Characteristics of Lambs and Kids

HACER TÜFEKCİ — 2024-10-24

Climate change is currently an indisputable fact and the recent increase in ambient temperature is one of the indicators of the changing climate scenario. Various effects of climate change directly and indirectly affect ruminant livestock farming negatively, resulting in negative economic consequences for producers. Heat stress, which has effects on physiological, hormonal and behavioural responses in livestock, is one of the most important factors affecting the health, performance, welfare and physiological responses of livestock, especially with the emergence of climate change that causes temperature increase in different parts of the world. Animals experience heat stress when ambient temperature, humidity or other environmental variables exceed the upper limit of the thermo-neutral zone and animals are unable to dissipate sufficient heat to maintain homeothermy. The negative impact of heat stress not only affects the performance of animals, but also causes an increase in oxidative stress and alters immune functions. An animal's growth is influenced by environmental and genetic factors. In general, animals under temperature stress reduce their growth, production and reproductive performance to adapt to high ambient temperature conditions. In association with heat stress, reduced feed intake and decreased anabolic activity due to increased tissue catabolism are the main causes of growth retardation in livestock. It is known that the most important factor affecting productivity in sheep and goat breeding is offspring yield. In ovine breeding, lamb and kid incomes depend on the level of fertility, the proportion of lambs and kids raised and the live weight of lambs and kids. The high number of lambs and kids at birth is only meaningful with the low lamb and kid mortality until weaning or marketing period. For this reason, reproductive efficiency measures are economically valid according to the growth results. In this study, it was aimed to investigate the effects of climate change on growth characteristics of lambs and kids.

Bulgur: Üretim Süreci, Beslenme ve Sağlık Açısından Önemi

Mehmet Köten — 2024-10-24

Bulgur, dünya çapında birçok ülkede önemli bir gıda maddesidir. Orta Asya, Türkiye, Orta Doğu ve Kuzey Afrika mutfaklarında oldukça popüler olan bulgur, kaynatılıp kurutulmuş ve kısmen kepeksiz bir buğday ürünüdür. Bulgur, B vitaminleri, diyet lifi, mineraller, doymamış yağ asitleri ve folat içeriği nedeniyle yaygın olarak sağlıklı bir gıda olarak kabul edilmektedir. Rengi, lezzeti, aroması, dokusu ve hem besinsel hem de ekonomik değeri nedeniyle birçok insan tarafından istikrarlı bir gıda olarak sürekli olarak beğenilmekte ve yeniden keşfedilmektedir. Üretim tekniklerine ve hammaddelere bağlı olarak dünyada birkaç bulgur türü bulunmaktadır. Bu çalışma, bulgur üretimi ve bulgurun beslenme ve sağlık açısından önemi hakkında bilgiler içermektedir.

Spatial Distribution of Natural and Anthropogenic Areas in Kastamonu Province (Northern Turkiye)

Celalettin Duran — 2024-10-24

Identifying parts of terrestrial ecosystems that are vulnerable or remote to human influence; It is extremely important for long-term land use planning such as conservation, sustainability and resource management. In this study, the spatial distribution and density of natural/anthropogenic areas within the administrative borders of Kastamonu province were examined. Factors reflecting human impact; It was determined as settlement areas and density, population density, current land use and road density. These four basic factors were transformed into spatial factor maps with the help of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The resulting map of the distribution and density of the member layers suitable for the fuzzy logic model was obtained by the fuzzy overlay method. Accordingly, a large part of the province is open to human influence. Settlements and agricultural activity areas in their immediate surroundings are the areas where anthropogenic impact is most intense. However, two large mountain ranges (Küre and Ilgaz Mountains) and parts of the rugged terrain have remained free from human influence. It is expanding its area with human-induced change areas, road construction, mining and forestry. Areas suitable for economic activity are areas of potential human-caused degradation.

Effect of chitosan enriched with orange essential oil on the quality of refrigerated fish burger

Wadah Elnager Abdelrazeg Elsheikh — 2024-10-25

Seafood has a limited shelf life and is very perishable. Endogenous chemical and enzymatic reactions are just a few of the numerous reactions that occur during storage and cause quality changes. Shelf life and safety are associated with the presence of pathogenic microorganisms, and food decomposition impacts both shelf life and safety. In fish preservation, we frequently use synthetic additives to extend the shelf life while ensuring safety and quality. Studies have demonstrated the replacement of synthetic antimicrobials with naturally occurring preservatives derived from plants, animals, and microorganisms. Plant-produced antimicrobials have the potential to reduce lipid oxidation and increase fish shelf life. In addition to improving food quality, edible films and coatings have the ability to extend the shelf life of nearly any food system. The fish burger is one of the most popular processed fish flesh products, offering a simple taste and adding a variety of flavors to fish eating habits. The goal of this study is to mix chitosan films with orange essential oil (OEO) and look into how they affect the chemical make-up, microbiological, and sensory analysis of refrigerated fish burgers. To prevent oxidation and maintain the chemical and microbiological quality of fish burgers, we used OEO emulsions with chiotsan. To achieve this, we covered fish burgers with chitosan films prepared from OEO emulsions, monitoring their organoleptic properties over time to account for chemical and microbiological changes. Incorporating OEO into the coating enhanced its antioxidant characteristics. For sensory analysis, the chitosan with EOs coating treatment achieved the highest scores in both color and scent, surpassing even the control group. Acquired taste and acceptance declined gradually. Adding OEO to the chitosan coating increased its antioxidant properties, giving the fish burgers a better color and taste.

Toxic effects of some inert dusts on Agonoscena pistaciae (Psyllidae: Hemiptera)

İDRİS İNAL — 2024-10-25

Pistachio psyllid Agonoscena pistaciae Burckhardt and Lauterer (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) has emerged as a significant pest of pistachio in recent years. This pest feeds on pistachio trees (Pistacia vera) from the Anacardiaceae family during its nymph and adult stages, leading to a reduction in both the quality and quantity of the product. Although various insecticides belonging to different groups have been used to control this pest, alternative control methods are needed due to concerns over the environmental impact of insecticides and residue issues. In this study, the toxic effects of inert dusts (diatomite, kaolin, sepiolite, borax, halloysite, and zeolite) obtained from Türkiye were investigated against the pistachio psyllid. The inert dusts at the concentration of 7.5% (w/v) were applied to third-instar nymphs by using a hand sprayer. The mortality results were recorded at 24-hour intervals for 144 hours. Among the tested inert dusts, kaolin and diatomite (Detech® 95 WP) caused mortality in the nymphs, while no mortality was observed with the other inert dusts throughout the incubation period. Detech® 95 caused 95% mortality in the first 24 hours, and the mortality rate increased to 100% by the end of the 48-hour incubation period. While no mortality was observed with kaolin treatment in the first 48 hours, 7% mortality rate was recorded at 72 hours and this increased to 10% at 96 hours. This study showed that the commercial formulation Detech® 95 WP, containing diatomite, has potential for use in controlling pistachio psyllid nymphs.

Standardisation in Gocmen Cheese Production, Evaluation of Microbiological Quality and Sensory Properties

Derya SAYGILI — 2024-10-25

Gocmen cheese, one of the leading flavours of Balkan cuisine, is among the local products produced and consumed in Türkiye. The flavour known as Gocmen cheese is also known by names such as Soka, Long, Pepper pickle, Pepper curd, Pepper curd cheese and pickled pepper with milk. Traditionally produced by Balkan immigrants with different production methods, this flavour is a traditional dairy product that has not been commercialised. The aim of this study was to evaluate the microbiological quality and sensory properties of different recipes in addition to the definition of standard recipes in the production of Gocmen cheese produced in the central districts of İzmir province. In the study, taste, odour, consistency and general taste characteristics of the products produced with 4 different recipes as curd, yoghurt, curd-yoghurt and curd-milk were evaluated with hedonic scale (1-9). For the curd, yoghurt, curd-yoghurt and curd-milk samples, the average of general appreciation were 7.63, 4.32, 6.63 and 7.84, respectively. Similarly, the Lactobacillus counts are 8.18; 6.11; 6.41 and 7.34 cfu/g, the Lactococci counts are 7,44; 7,51; 7,35 and 7,36 cfu/g and the yeast counts were 4.41; 5.61; 4.71 and 2.85 cfu/g respectively, E. coli counts of curd, yogurt, curd-yoghurt and curd-milk were determined as 4.06, 0.00, 3.78 and 3.58 cfu/g, respectively. S. aureus counts in traditional products produced with curd, yoghurt, curd-yoghurt and curd-milk were detected 2.06, ˂10, 3.78 and 2.58 cfu/g, respectively. E. coli was reported as ˂10 cfu/g in all samples searched. Gocmen cheese, which is important as a fermented milk product among traditional products, is a cultural heritage transported from the Balkan lands to Anatolia. It is important that standard recipe studies focus on local tastes in order to protect the food culture that reflects the societies, to transfer it to future generations, and to revive gastronomy tourism.

Determining and predicting the current potential and future distribution of Mediterranean fruit fly [Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann)] in Niğde and its region using maximum entropy algorithm

Ece Kahraman — 2024-10-25

Mediterranean fruit fly [Ceratitis capitata Wied. (Diptera: Tephritidae)] is one the important pests of fruit and vegatables found in the world and Türkiye. It is predicted that this pest will spread in different regions of Türkiye due to the effect of climate change. This study was carried out in apple orchards in Çamardı, Altunhisar and Merkez districts in 2022-2023 in order to determine the presence of Mediterranean fruit fly in Niğde province. Mass trapping (Decis trap – Bayer®) were used to determine the population density of Mediterranean fruit fly in the region. Mass trapping were placed in the southeastern part of the trees, 1-1.5 m above the ground in the direction of the prevailing wind, 1/4 of the inner part of the crown projection, in a way that would represent the entire orchards and at different points. Adult populations of the pest were checked week intervals throught June –October. The presence of the species in the region was detected in both years. In this study, Maximum Entropy Modeling (MaxEnt – 3.4.4) algorithm produced maximum entropy models for the distribution areas of Mediterranean fruit fly due to global climate change in the period of 2050 (for the average of 2041-2060) and 2070 (for the average of 2061-2080). As a result of the study, it was determined that the flights of Mediterranean fruit fly, which is known to have high damage on peach and pear fruits in Niğde province, first started in July. It was observed that the density of the pest increased in mid-September and maintained its situation until the end of October, and that it was found on apple fruit because it could not find another suitable host in the region during this period. However, the pest did not cause any visible damage in apple orchards in the current situation. The presence of Mediterranean fruit fly was high in the region where the study was conducted. Therefore, it is thought that the damage rate may increase in the near future years. This study is the first record of Mediterranean fruit fly presence in Niğde province and will have an important place for its future distribution.

Efficacy of various insecticides and bio-control agent (Trichogramma chilonis) against tobacco budworm (Helicoverpa armigera) infesting flue cured virginia tobacco

Muhammad Salim — 2024-10-25

An experiment regarding the efficacy of synthetic insecticides and biocontrol agent (Trichograma chilonis Ishii) against tobacco budworm (Helicoverpa armigera) was carried out at Gohati village, Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa under field conditions during the year 2023. For this purpose, seedlings of tobacco cultivar “K-399” having 10 cm heights were transplanted into the field in the month of March. The experiment was laid out in RCBD having 5 treatments (Thiamethoxam, Chlorantraniliprole, Emamectin benzoate, T. chilonis and control) replicated three times. A total of three spray were done during the crop growth period. Results revealed that after 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd spray of applications, significantly lowest mean numbers of tobacco budworms (0.97, 0.77 and 0.56) larvae plant^-1 were recorded from tobacco plots treated with Emamectin benzoate, followed by Chlorantraniliprole, Thiamethoxam, and T. chilonis, respectively where (1.76, 1.31, 1.13) (1.89, 1.36, 2.70) and (3.03, 2.70, 2.58) mean numbers of budworm larvae were recorded respectively. However, statistically highest mean numbers of tobacco budworms (6.25, 11.09 and 17.92 larvae plant¹) were recorded from control plot. Similarly, data regarding time intervals showed that statistically lowest mean number of tobacco budworm (1.42, 2.25 and 3.27 larvae plant^-1) was recorded 1-day post-treatment time interval, while significantly highest mean number of tobacco budworm (4.44, 5.28 and 6.71 larvae plant^-1) was recorded after 14 days of treatment application. The interaction demonstrated that significantly maximum number of tobacco budworm (8.86, 13.20 and 21.20 larvae plant^-1) was recorded from the interaction of control with 14 days post-treatment application, while significantly minimum number of tobacco budworm (0.31, 0.10 and 0.08 larvae plant^-1) was recorded from the interaction of emamectin benzoate with 1-day post-treatment application. Mean data regarding the efficacy of various synthetic insecticides and T. chilonis on mean percent plant damaged by H. armigera showed that after of 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd sprays statistically lowest mean percent damage (2.37%) was recorded from Emamectin benzoate treated plants. While, statistically highest mean percent damage (12.72%) was recorded from Control plot. The plot treated with T. chilonis resulted in 6.19% mean percent damage. Statistically maximum leaf area (789.65 cm²) and number of leaves (24.72 leaves plant^-1), Grade index (74.14%), Sugar content (18.11%), Nicotine content (2.44%) and cured leaf yield (3271.2 kg ha^-1) was recorded from Emamectin benzoate treated plots. The plot treated with T. chilonis resulted in 684.70 cm² leaf area, 21.40 numbers of leaves, 66.20% grade index, 14.31% sugar content, 2.00% nicotine content and 2721.90 kg ha^-1 yield. While significantly minimum leaf area (609.86 cm²), number of leaves plant^-1 (20.07 leave plant^-1), Grade index (53.68%), Sugar content (12.02%), Nicotine content (1.76%), and yield (2319.7 kg ha^-1) was recorded from control plot. Emamectin benzoate was found to be significantly effective among tested treatments against budworm infestation and hence can be used in combination with T. chilonis against tobacco budworm in tobacco fields.

Host Preference Study of Fruit Fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) (Diptera: Tepritidae) and Parasitism Potential of Diachasimimorpha longicaudata dn Different Hosts under Laboratory Condition

Muhammad Salim — 2024-10-25

The present study was conducted at Agriculture Research Institute (ARI) Swat-Mingora under controlled laboratory condition during 2021. The research was focused on the host preference of fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) (Diptera: Tephritidae) and parasitism potential of Diachasmimorpha longicaudata on different hosts. The B. dorsalis adults were reared individually on peach, mango, zucchini and bitter gourd and the life parameter were recorded. The results showed that the peach was noted as the most preferred host as compared to other hosts by recording maximum numbers of male and female fruit flies of B. dorsalis (42.75 and 47.50), followed by mango and zucchini, while lower number of male and female fruit flies were recorded on bitter gourd (4.50 and 6.50) respectively. The results further showed that highest numbers of punctures fruits were produced by B. dorsalis when reared on peach (17.00), followed by mango (12.50) and bitter gourd (7.50), while the least numbers of punctures (3.75) were recorded in zucchini. Similarly, significantly maximum mean numbers of pupae (61.50), deformed adults (31.75) and pupal weight (14.61mg) of B. dorsalis were obtained in peach followed by zucchini, mango and bitter gourd. The results further showed that significantly maximum percent parasitism of D. longicaudata was recorded on B. dorsalis reared on peach (33.92%) followed by mango and zucchini with 28.12% and 18.67% respectively while minimum was recorded on bitter gourd (10.01%). The present study reveals that the B. dorsalis preferred peach host for oviposition. Also D. longicaudata parasitoids reported maximum parasitism of B. dorsalis when reared on peach. Therefore, peach can be used as a host for rearing of B. dorsalis and mass culturing of D. longicaudata under laboratory conditions.

Research on the Use of Basil Plant Extract (Ocimum Basilicum Odoratum) in the Incubation of Chukar Partridge (Alectoris Chukar) Eggs

Demirel ERGÜN — 2024-10-25

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of basil plant extract (O. basilicum odoratum) on incubation outcomes and the behavior of chukar partridges (Alectoris chukar) during the prenatal and postnatal periods. A total of 160 eggs were collected from chukar partridges aged 14 weeks. The eggs were divided into groups based on the application of basil extract via spraying: control (K), distilled water (F0), 1% extract (F1), and 5% extract (F5). The incubation yields for the groups (K, F0, F1, and F5) were determined to be 70.66±1.51%, 75.00±0.01%, 78.33±2.88%, and 81.00±1.00%, respectively. The hatching success was highest in the F5 group at 98.41±1.12%, while the lowest was observed in the K group at 93.00±1.00%. No significant effects were noted on hatchling weight. The F5 group achieved the highest scores for Tona (98.92±0.23) and Pasgar (9.57±0.08). In conclusion, the application of 5% basil plant extract to partridge eggs enhances incubation yield and hatching success, reduces the rate of malformations, and has a positive effect on chick quality. Furthermore, results from open field and runway behavior tests indicated a potential reduction in fear and stress in newly hatched chicks.

Effects of Basil (Ocimum basilicum odoratum) Plant Extract Application on Japanese Quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) Eggs

Demirel ERGÜN — 2024-10-25

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of spraying basil (Ocimum basilicum odoratum) plant extract on the incubation performance, chick quality, and chick behaviors of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) eggs. A total of 160 Japanese quail eggs were randomly divided equally into four groups. The groups consisted of a negative control group with no treatment (NK), a positive control group sprayed with distilled water (PK), distilled water + 1% extract (F1), and distilled water + 5% extract (F5). At the end of the incubation period, the F5 group showed a significant increase in hatching success (HS), chick hatching weights (CHW), and chick quality (CQ), while improvements were observed in embryo mortality, malformation (MF), and malposition (MP) rates. Additionally, results from behavioral tests indicated that the application of a low dose of plant extract (F1 group) reduced fear and stress in chicks, whereas the high dose application (F5 group) positively contributed to feeding behaviors, such as food searching and reaching for feed, compared to the other groups.

The Effect of Using Enzyme-Added Wheat Instead of Corn in the Diet on the Performance and Slaughtering Characteristics of Broilers

Seyit Ahmet GÖKMEN — 2024-10-25

This study was conducted to determine the effects of diets containing 50 and 100% wheat supplemented with 300 g/ton enzymes (phytase, xylanase, glucanase, amylase and protease) instead of corn on the performance, carcass characteristics and visceral weights of male broilers. In the study, 120 male Ross 308 chicks of day-old age were distributed into 3 treatment groups with 4 subgroups of 10 birds each. Treatment groups were composed of diets containing corn as the grain source (Wheat0), wheat with 300 g/ton enzyme added as 50% of corn (Wheat50) and wheat with 300 g/ton enzyme added as 100% of corn (Wheat100). Performance parameters were determined on the 10^th, 25^th and 42^nd days, and carcass and visceral weights were determined at the end of the study (42^nd day).

The effect of using enzyme-added wheat in the diet on feed intake was statistically insignificant except for the 0-10^th days period (P>0.05). Compared to the control group (Wheat0), body weight and feed conversion ratio were improved with the use of enzyme-added wheat in the diet (P<0.05). The use of enzyme-added wheat instead of corn in the diet reduced the relative abdominal fat weight, and the relative liver weight increased in the Wheat100 group (P<0.05), but other slaughtering parameters were not affected by the treatment groups (P>0.05). According to the results of this study, it was determined that the use of wheat instead of all corn (100%) with the addition of enzymes in male broiler diets improved performance and reduced fatness.

The Future of Green Nanobiotechnology for Wheat Blast Control

Arup Ratan Basak — 2024-10-25

Wheat is one of the most important staple crops globally. Being a destructive fungal disease, Wheat Blast caused by the pathogen Magnaporthe oryzae pathotype Triticum (MoT) has become a significant agricultural concern in South Asia, particularly in Bangladesh and parts of India. As of 2024, wheat blast continues to seriously threaten wheat production in South Asia. It first appeared in Bangladesh in 2016 and has since spread across South Asia. The disease can wipe out entire wheat fields under favorable conditions, which include high temperatures and humidity. Controlling blast pathogens raises the production cost and harms the environment. Therefore, biological based crop protection strategies must be considered to combat this pathogen. Smart innovations like nanobiotechnology are strongly required for agricultural growth to face global food security challenges and climate change. Historically, various endophytic bacteria have been explored as possible antagonists against various plant infections. Microbe-based NPs are advantageous over chemical and physical approaches because they are less poisonous and environmentally friendly. However, there is little evidence of the inhibitory effect of green synthesis of nanoparticles on the wheat blast pathogen. This article focuses on microbiology and nanobiotechnology to prevent further outbreaks and mitigate the economic impact on wheat farmers across the region. The article will also address various biosynthesized metal nanoparticles that can enhance the resistance against wheat blast pathogens.

Microalgae- Role In Development Of Bio (H2, Ethanol And Diesel) Fuels

Dr. Sara Janiad — 2024-10-25

Equilibrium between financial, agriculture and ecological progress could be made by using substitute fuel which should be economically inexpensive, technically feasible, readily obtainable and environmentally satisfactory. Biohydrogen, bioethanol and biodiesel obtained from biomass of renewable raw material has all the above mentioned properties. Microalgae (Chlorophytes) also known as 3rd generation biofuel producers are the photosynthetic organisms. Biodiesel is monoalkyl esters of long chain fatty acids, and several microalgal species have diverse types of lipids for production of biodiesel. Microalgae are direct ethanol secretors in the medium, also well known to produce biohydrogen. Thirty-three different microalgae isolates were obtained from different geographic regions of Pakistan. Lipids were extracted and quantified by transesterification. Light, Fluorescent and Confocal microscope was used for the observation and detection of lipids by using lipid staining dyes. FTIR analysis was also performed for the detection of lipids. Gas Chromatography was also performed for the lipids analysis. Biodiesel obtained from the isolates was also measured. Biohydrogen and bioethanol production potential of the strains was investigated under various culturing conditions (i.e., dark and light, glucose supplementation, nitrate effect). The maximum biodiesel productivity (120 mg L^-1 day^-1) was observed in the Chlorococcum sp. SM-MFUM-16 in nitrate-less BG11 media.7.61 μm³ lipid droplets were measured in the cells of Gloeocystis sp. SM-MFUM-4. Maximum biohydrogen production was obtained as 357 µmol mg Chl-a^-1 h^-1 by Chlorella sp. SM-MFUM-22. UV treated Dunaliella sp. SM-MFUM-41 enhanced 380% H₂ production as compared to the respective unmutated strain. Maximum bioethanol secretion was 482 mg L^-1 acquired by Chlorella sp. SM-MFUM-22. Hence, the microalgal isolates showed varying ability to produce the three types of tested biofuels under different conditions.

Seroprevalence of Newcastle virus in backyard poultry of Ardabil province, Iran

Aidin Azizpour — 2024-10-25

Backyard poultry can cause spread Newcastle virus to industrial poultry as reservoirs and vectors. The aim of this study was to survey seroprevalence of Newcastle virus in rural domestic poultry of Ardabil province, northwest of Iran. In this study, 943 blood serum samples were randomly collected from backyard poultry of 40 villages. The hemagglutination inhibition (HI) test was performed on the serum samples according to OIE protocol to detect Newcastle virus. In this study sera with titers ≥4 (i.e. log2) were considered positive. Out of 40 sampled villages, 57.5 % villages and out of 940 birds sampled, 23.5% birds were positive for ND virus. Among different bird species, the highest sero-positive prevalence belonged to chickens.The results of this study showed that seroprevalence of Newcastle virus and its circulation in rural domestic poultry of Ardabil province. The implementation of disease prevention and control measures such as compliance biosecurity principles, vaccination and continuous monitoring of circulating viruses in rural poultry to reduce the contamination of domestic poultry and prevent the spread of the virus to industrial poultry are necessary.

Keywords: Newcastle virus, rural poultry, HI, Ardabil province

Healthy Snacks: Chocolate

BERNA AYDIN — 2024-10-25

Bu çalışma, kakao ve çikolatanın tarihsel, kimyasal ve sağlık açısından önemini ayrıntılı olarak ele alarak lezzetli ve pratik çikolatalı atıştırmalıkların sağlık üzerindeki bilinen olumlu etkilerini vurgulamayı amaçlamaktadır. Kakao ve çikolatanın şifa yolculuğu, Olmekler, Aztekler gibi eski medeniyetler tarafından ritüel ve terapötik amaçlarla kakaonun kullanılmasına, Kolomb'un Amerika'yı keşfetmesine ve popüler bir yiyecek haline geldiği Avrupa'ya gelmesine kadar uzanır. Kakao bileşimindeki feniletilamin, teobromin, kafein gibi birçok aktif bileşen, çikolatanın sağlık üzerindeki olumlu etkilerini destekler. Bu bileşenler, çikolatanın antioksidan, anti-inflamatuar, kardiyovasküler ve nörolojik sağlığı olumlu yönde etkilediğini göstermektedir.

İnsan sağlığına fayda sağlayan ek besin maddeleri veya bileşenlerle zenginleştirilmiş gıdalar olarak tanımlayabileceğimiz fonksiyonel gıdaların ürün yelpazesi oldukça geniştir. Örneğin, probiyotikler, vitaminler veya minerallerle zenginleştirilmiş atıştırmalık çikolatalar bağışıklık sistemini güçlendirebilir veya kemik sağlığını destekleyebilir. Bu nedenle, çikolatanın mevcut fizikokimyasal özelliklerini iyileştirmek için çeşitli fonksiyonel çikolatalar ve bu çeşitliliğe katkıda bulunacak yenilikçi üretim teknikleri kullanarak önemli fırsatlar yaratmak ve insan sağlığına faydalarını artırmak esastır. Fonksiyonel çikolataların geliştirilmesi yalnızca sağlık yararlarını iyileştirmeye değil, aynı zamanda tüketicilerin alışkın olduğu duyusal özellikleri ve tadı korumaya da odaklanmalıdır. Bu nedenle, fonksiyonel çikolataların geliştirilmesi ve yaygınlaştırılması sağlıklı beslenme alışkanlıklarını teşvik etmede ve kronik hastalıkları önlemede önemli olacaktır. Tüketici kabulüne yapılan bu vurgu, izleyicinin gıda endüstrisinde yapılan tartışmaya ve alınan kararlara dahil olduğunu hissetmesini sağlar. Sonuç olarak, kakao ve çikolatanın sağlık açısından önemi göz önüne alındığında, fonksiyonel çikolataların geliştirilmesi ve yenilikçi üretim tekniklerinin uygulanması hem tüketicilerin hem de gıda endüstrisinin geleceği için büyük bir potansiyele sahiptir.

Effects of Hatching Systems and Flock Ages on Incubation Results and Chick Quality in Broiler Eggs

Ahmet UÇAR — 2024-10-25

The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of 3 different hatching systems and 3 different flock ages on hatchability, embryo mortality, chick weight, hatching time, chick length and chick quality score. A total of 1350 eggs (450 from each flock) obtained from 30-week-old (Young: “G”), 40-week-old (Prime: “O”) and 55-week-old (Old: “Y”) parent flocks of Ross 308 genotype were used in the study. In 3 consecutive trials, eggs completed their development in the same machine (37.8 ºC temperature and 55% relative humidity) during the first 18 days of incubation. After the elimination of candling infertile eggs, the remaining eggs were transferred to brooder (B), brooder with hatcher (BH) and hatcher (H) hatching systems in equal numbers. In the last 3 days of incubation, the temperature was applied equally in all systems as 37.5 ºC. During the hatching period, relative humidity was 40% in B and 60% in BH and H. Eggs belonging to each group were marked as 8 replications and hatching results were analyzed accordingly. Chick characteristics were measured individually. While hatchability was highest in BH system (94.7%), B and H systems (90.5 and 90.4%) had similar means (P<0.01). According to flock age, hatchability was ranked from high to low as O (96.2%), G (94.8%) and Y (84.6%) (P<0.01). Late embryo mortality was lowest in BH system, again lowest in O age flocks (P<0.01). Hatching time was latest in H system and Y flock, while earliest hatching occurred in BH system and G flock (P<0.01). While the hatching system did not affect the chick weight (P>0.05), the lightest chicks were obtained from G flock (P<0.01). The highest chick length was obtained from BH system and O flock, while the lowest averages were found in H system and Y flock (P<0.05). There was no difference between flock ages in terms of chick quality score (P>0.05). According to the hatching systems, the quality score was calculated from high to low in BH (%97.1), H (%96.1) and B (%95.8) systems, respectively (P<0.01). As a result, it was determined that the best hatching system and flock age in terms of hatching results and chick quality was BH and O.

Examples of Drought-Resistant Plants from the Lamiaceae Family for Use in Landscape Design Projects

Gülden Sandal Erzurumlu — 2024-10-25

In urban areas, plant selection is largely planned and designed based on their aesthetic and functional characteristics. In natural environments, it is important to create natural communities that are ecologically appropriate, considering the positive and negative attributes of plant species. Selecting natural plant species through a design that utilizes ecological interactions between species and applying them in an urban context not only appears aesthetically pleasing but can also reduce maintenance issues and enhance plant performance and resilience. Agricultural practices have long recognized the benefits of using species interactions to improve plant and soil health, deter pests, and increase resource use and diversity. However, the benefits of community-level plant design are rarely applied in urban contexts. In my study, planning and design practices that take advantage of natural species selection and interactions between species in urban environments are considered important for ecological sustainability. In this context, five key principles (efficient use of water, plant selection, appropriate design, species diversity, and plant-soil interactions) are prioritized. Selected species are proposed on how these principles are used in design areas.

Improved Tomato Varieties and Farm Size: Major Determinants of Level of Output of Tomato Crop in Ondo State, Nigeria

Olanrewaju Oladoyin — 2024-10-26

The study aimed to evaluate the economic viability and profitability of cultivating improved tomato varieties in Akure North and Ifedore Local Government Areas of Ondo State, Nigeria. Primary data were collected through a well-structured questionnaire, with a sample size of 150 farmers selected using snowball sampling through a multi-stage procedure. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, farm budgeting techniques, and multiple regression. Findings revealed that 36.7% of farmers were within their active working age. Most of the farmers (71.3%) were female, and 73.3% were married, with an average household size of seven. Around 40.7% of the farmers had higher education (HND/B.Sc.), and 68.7% were members of farming associations. Economic analysis indicated a total cost of N208,374.04 and a net income of N601,625.96, yielding a return on investment (ROI) of 3.89, meaning N2.89 profit for every N1 invested. The study also highlighted that farm size, farming experience, educational level, and agrochemical applications significantly influenced tomato production. Challenges identified included unfavourable climate, theft, price instability, poor seed supply, and inadequate capital. The study recommended government support in providing subsidies and resources for farm expansion and better extension services to ensure a steady supply of improved tomato varieties.

The Effect of Organic Acids Addition to the Diets on Fattening Performance of the Awassi

Esma PAYDAŞ — 2024-10-27

In this study, it was aimed to investigate the effect of formic acid and malic acid supplementation on performance of Awassi lambs fed with finishing diet. In the study, 36 heads male Awassi breed aged 3 months old. lambs were used. The animals were divided into 4 groups, one control and the other three experimental groups (each group consisted of 3 subgroups containing 3 animals and a total of 9 animals) considering their weight, so that there would be no statistically significant difference between the groups. No additives were added to the concentrate feed of the control group, and three experimental diets were prepared by adding 1.5g/kg formic acid, 4g/kg malic acid and 1.5g/kg formic acid + 4g/kg malic acid to the diets of the experimental groups, respectively. Animals were fattened for 56 days. During the trial, care was taken to ensure that the animals had constant access to clean drinking water and were fed adlibitum with concentrated feed and hay. Live weight of lambs during fattening period was determined by weighing on an empty stomach on the 0th, 14th, 28th, 42nd and 56th days of the experiment. While daily live weight gain and feed conversion was the highest in formic acid group (p<0.05), no significant difference was observed between the groups in terms of body weight and feed consumption (p> 0.05). In conclusion, the addition of formic acid to the diet of lambs had a positive effects on performance of lambs. However, malic acid supplementation did not show any effect on performance on fattening performance.

Genomic analysis, evolution, and functional profiling of GASA family genes revealed their conserved role in enhancing growth and development in cabbage

M Hassaan Mehboob Kalyar — 2024-10-27

Gibberellic acid stimulated arabidopsis (GASA) gene family play an important role in plant growth and development. However, little information is available on these cysteine-rich short proteins in different plant species. This is the first comprehensive strategy to use available genomic data to explore the GASA gene family in B.oleracea. GASA proteins regulate several developmental processes, including organ growth, cell division, fruit ripening, bud dormancy, stem development, blooming time, and seed generation. The gene structure, promoter region, expression and phylogenetics of all BoGASAs were analyzed. This study reported fifteen different members of the BoGASA gene family, which were mapped onto five chromosomes. The phylogenetic and sequence composition analysis incorporating GASA members from Arabidopsis, sunflower, peanut, soybean and cabbage distributed the fifteen identified BoGASA genes into five well-conserved subgroups. A conserved GASA domain was found in all identified BoGASA genes and exhibited similar characteristics. The cis-acting element analysis implied that cabbage GASA genes contained many cis-elements associated with hormone, Light and growth response. To check the expression of BoGASA genes towards cuticular wax biosynthesis, the two types of B.olearacea: the wild type and the glossy mutant (nwgl) were comparatively analysed. Expression profile analysis derived from transcriptome data showed that the genes BoGASA1, BoGASA2, BoGASA12 were upregulated from the wild-type to mutant type, while the expression of other genes showed downregulation. The BoGASA2 showed maximum upregulation while BoGASA5 showed maximum downregulation from wild to mutant varierty.

Keywords: GIBBERELLIC-ACID STIMULATED ARABIDOPSIS (GASA); gene expression; genome wide; chromosomal mapping

Evaluating the efficacy of natural deep eutectic solvents in biocontrol of Alternaria alternata

Teodora Kukrić — 2024-10-27

The excessive and widespread use of synthetic fungicides has raised numerous environmental and health-related concerns. In response, there has been a growing global interest in the use of natural plant-derived products for plant protection. A promising area of research in this field is the development of natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES). These solvents, composed of natural compounds, offer a sustainable alternative for extracting bioactive compounds from plants, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of natural pesticides and antimicrobial agents. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy (E%) of different NADES based on menthol, thymol, and camphor. Antifungal activity was tested against Alternaria alternata. Due to volatility of terpenoids, the experiment was conducted in the vapour phase in Petri plates. The incubation lasted seven days at 26 ± 1 degree Celsius, with the plates sealed and covered with parafilm. At the end of the experiment (7th day), the diameter of A. alternata mycelium was measured, and the inhibition percentage was calculated into E%. Among the menthol-based NADES, Menthol:Thymol stood out with an E% ranging from 58-100%, while for the thymol-based NADES, Thymol:Caprylic acid achieved an inhibition of 52-100%. However, the camphor-based NADES did not reach 100% efficacy. Such studies are crucial for selecting NADES that could be used for the biocontrol of A. alternata, offering a potentially sustainable alternative to synthetic fungicides.

Investigation of Herd Management, Production and Socio-Economic Status of Dairy Cattle Farms Using Robotic Milking System and Traditional Milking System: Konya Province (Çumra, Ereğli and Karapınar districts)

İbrahim Cihangir Okuyucu — 2024-10-27

The aim of this survey study was to evaluate the (i) herd management, (ii) production and (iii) socio-economic status of dairy cattle farms producing with robotic milking system (RMS) and conventional milking system (CMS) in Konya province (Çumra, Ereğli and Karapınar). In the study, survey data conducted with farm owners in dairy farms were used. No statistical comparison was performed in the available data, and mean and frequency values were given. It was determined that the livestock farming experience of RMS and CMS farm owners was 17.3 and 19.5 years, respectively. It was determined that concentrated feed was offered during milking in farms with RSS (4 kg/day), while no feeding was offered during milking in farms with CMS. In addition, the average number of milkings per day in farms with RMS and CMS were 4.25 and 2.75. In addition, it was determined that there was no use of labor in milking in farms with RMS. While 75% of RMS farm owners stated the acclimation period of primaparous cows to milking as 7 d, 100% of CMS farm owners stated this period as 2 d. While the mastitis cases observed in cows were determined by the robot based on the electrical conductivity parameter in farms with RSS, they were determined by the farmers’ own observational assessments in farms with CMS. Before RSS, 50% of farmers stated that they used the rapid exit milking system. In addition, RMS farm owners stated that they have 1 or 2 robot units on their farms and that a single robot unit can milk approximately 66 cows. Farmers emphasized that the average cost of RSS in the first year of installation was approximately 242 500.00 €. As a result, all farmers using RMS emphasized that they were satisfied with the system because it reduced the labor force in some milking protocols. However, due to the high installation cost of the system, its economic efficiency should be carefully investigated.

Liposomal Coating Technology and Food Applications

Ayşe Semra Aksoy — 2024-10-28

The word "liposome" is derived from the combination of the words 'lipos' (fat) and 'soma' (structure or body). Liposomes are spherical structures composed of surfactants (mostly phospholipids) that can spontaneously form bilayers in aqueous solutions, with two molecular layers where non-polar groups face each other. The diameter of liposomes can vary between 20 nm and 20 μm.

Liposome structures can consist of small and large unilamellar structures or multilamellar structures. In fact, some liposomes can be composed of spherical structures containing multiple multilayers.

Liposomes can be produced by various methods. Traditional production methods include thin film rehydration, detergent removal, injection, heating, and sonication. Each of these methods comes with its own advantages and disadvantages.

There are four common and important stages in the preparation of liposomes: drying of lipids dissolved in an organic solvent, exposing the lipid to an aqueous environment, purifying the formed liposome, and analyzing the final product.

Liposomes are used in the food industry for the transport and controlled release of bioactive substances. This ensures that these components reach the targeted areas in the digestive system and increases their effectiveness. Encapsulation of functional components within liposomes enhances the stability of these substances, reduces their interaction with the environment, and preserves their effectiveness for longer in environments that could lead to degradation, thereby extending shelf life through natural components. Liposomes can mask unwanted tastes and odors in some foods, providing a more pleasant consumption experience. Additionally, liposome technology increases the bioavailability and storage performance of vitamins (C, D, E). Today, liposomal C and D vitamins are preferred as dietary supplements with a bioavailability rate of up to 80%.

A Bibliometric Review on Food and Artificial Intelligence

Adem Savaş — 2024-10-27

The global population is increasing at a significant rate, both in our country and worldwide. Indeed, it is projected that the global population will reach ten billion by 2050, with the population of Türkiye reaching 105 million. In light of the aforementioned data, it is evident that the significance of food and its derivatives will continue to grow. In this context, it is imperative that existing food resources be utilized in the most efficient manner possible. The quality of food is of great consequence to the maintenance of adequate and balanced nutrition. A substantial body of evidence suggests that nutritional factors play a significant role in the aetiology of numerous diseases. Over the past decade, there have been significant advancements in technology. The use of developing technology in the field of food is increasing. Artificial intelligence (AI) is one such technological application, employed in numerous fields. The term "artificial intelligence" is defined as the imitation of human intelligence by a system or machine. In the field of food, artificial intelligence is employed for a variety of purposes, including the imitation of natural products, the adulteration of foodstuffs, the measurement of toxin levels, and the classification of food items. Furthermore, in this research, bibliometric analysis has been employed to evaluate the applications of food and artificial intelligence. The present review study compiles information on the potential applications of artificial intelligence in the field of food science and technology, as well as an overview of existing studies in the literature.

Niğde Organized Industrial Zone Landscape Design Project

Gülden Sandal Erzurumlu — 2024-10-27

The importance of industry and industrialization in achieving our country's economic and social goals is immense. Industrial areas built within urban zones play a significant role in the development of a region. To achieve economic development and create qualified job opportunities, our country, which has a young population, is making significant progress in transitioning from industry to an innovation and design-centered model. However, we observe that the progress made is not sufficient in our rapidly evolving world. The purpose of this study is to bring together industrial facilities to ensure industrial efficiency and orderly urban settlement in cities, and to develop proposals that can minimize the negative environmental impacts of industrial enterprises. It is aimed to create green, spacious areas in specially planned regions that are also included in zoning plans, where employees can have more enjoyable and productive breaks. In the design, plant species that are resistant to air pollution, car exhaust emissions, noise pollution, etc., have been selected.

Key Words: Organized Industrial, Landscape Design, Green Space, Industry

Eating Disorders: Symptoms, Causes, and Effective Treatment Methods

Ayşe Semra Aksoy — 2024-10-28

Eating habits are essential human needs influenced by both physiological and psychological processes.While food consumption is necessary for survival, modern life has altered these habits. Eating behaviors are not only influenced by physiological factors but also by social environment, family habits, and cultural norms.

Eating disorders are especially prevalent among adolescents and can result in detrimental eating patterns. These disorders encompass anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. Anorexia nervosa is marked by severe restrictions on diet and exercise driven by an intense fear of gaining weight. Bulimia nervosa is characterized by periods of uncontrollable eating followed by purging or other compensatory actions to manage weight. Binge eating disorder is identified by episodes of overeating, accompanied by feelings of remorse. Addressing the symptoms, causes, and treatment of these disorders requires a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach.

Early identification and intervention are crucial in safeguarding both the physical and mental well-being of individuals with eating disorders. Without prompt recognition, these conditions can escalate into severe health issues and diminish quality of life. Hence, it is essential for healthcare providers, educators, and families to recognize the warning signs and take action early.

A multidisciplinary approach is crucial in the treatment of eating disorders. Working together, dietitians, psychologists, psychiatrists, and other healthcare professionals help individuals achieve a healthy weight and restore psychological well-being. Treatment should address both physical and mental health needs, taking into account emotional states and life circumstances. This comprehensive care enhances the likelihood of successful outcomes.

Raising awareness about eating disorders and developing effective treatment strategies is of great importance for public health. Research on the causes, symptoms, and treatment methods of eating disorders plays an essential role in improving individuals' quality of life. Therefore, efforts to prevent and treat eating disorders should be supported, and public health must be protected.

Investigation of the Effects of Potato Golden Cyst Nematode on Plant Development in Potato Clones and Varieties

Gülten Kaçar AVCI — 2024-10-28

Potato Cyst Nematodes cause major losses in the potato (S. tuberosum) industry worldwide. Potato Golden Cyst Nematode, Globodera rostochiensis is a pest that is quarantined, has no chemical control, cannot be isolated from the soil it is infected with for many years, and causes serious decreases in potato yield. In this study, the effects of Potato Golden Cyst Nematode on plant development in the Desiree and Bettina varieties were investigated in the materials belonging to Niğde Potato Research Institute (Ünlenen, Leventbey, Muratbey, PAE 13-08-07) under field conditions. The field study was established in a randomized plot design and observations were taken during two years of potato production season. Potato varieties were planted in the same field in plots with and without nematicide application. While potato varieties were affected in certain proportions in terms of plant maturity time and plant height, the most affected were determined as yield loss per decare and decrease in the number of large tubers.

Antibacterial and Antifungal Properties of Opuntia ficus-indica

Amira Sakhraoui — 2024-10-28

Phytotherapy, which offers natural remedies, is well-tolerated by the body and is currently experiencing significant growth in Western countries. This is largely due to concerns over the side effects associated with pharmaceutical drugs, prompting many to seek gentler, alternative forms of medicine.

Our research focused on Opuntia ficus-indica, commonly known as the prickly pear, a plant widely used in phytotherapy. We aimed to investigate its potential antibacterial and antifungal properties. This species, a xerophyte from the cactus family, has been the subject of numerous studies worldwide, highlighting its various bioactive compounds with promising applications in several fields.

In our study, we examined the antibacterial and antifungal activities of acetonic crude extracts and essential oils extracted from the seeds of Opuntia ficus-indica. These tests were conducted against several pathogenic bacterial strains (including Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Enterococcus faecalis, and others) as well as pathogenic fungal strains (such as Phytophthora infestans, Aspergillus parasiticus, Penicillium sp., and two yeast species, Candida albicans and Candida glabrata), using the agar diffusion method.

Our findings revealed that the acetonic extract exhibited notable antibacterial effects against strains like Bacillus cereus, Enterococcus faecalis, and Staphylococcus aureus. The essential oil extracted from the seeds also demonstrated significant activity against Micrococcus luteus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Antifungal tests showed activity against most fungal strains, except for Penicillium sp. and Phytophthora infestans, likely due to the plant's high content of phytosterols, particularly beta-sitosterol, and secondary metabolites.

In vitro Antifungal Effects of Various Essential Oils against Aspergillus Crown Rot of Peanut

Merve KARA — 2024-10-28

Synthetic fungicides that combat plant pathogenic fungi can enhance crop yields, ensuring stable crop production and market quality. However, the increase in the use of fungicides has led to the development of fungicide-tolerant pathogen strains and the accumulation of fungicide residues in the food chain above safe limits. This underscores the need for improved fungal disease management through alternatives to synthetic fungicides. These alternatives include plant-derived compounds such as essential oils and extracts. Essential oils are known to be potent antifungal activity against both human and plant pathogens. Aspergillus niger is a toxin-producing fungal disease agent that causes Aspergillus crown rot in peanuts. In this study, the antifungal activities of nine different essential oils (EOs) from Foeniculum vulgare, Lippia citriodora, Origanum majorana, Origanum minutiflorum, Origanum onites, Origanum syriacum, Origanum vulgare, Salvia aramiensis and Thymus syriacus plants were evaluated against Aspergillus niger under in vitro conditions. These essential oils were assessed based on their impact on the mycelial growth of A. niger. The spore suspension of the fungus was spread on PDA medium, essential oils were absorbed into antimicrobial sensitivity test discs and their antifungal activities were determined. Among the nine essential oils tested, O. vulgare EO exhibited the highest antifungal activity with an inhibition zone diameter of 49.33 mm. The essential oils of T. syriacus, O. onites, O. syriacum and O. minutiflorum, however, expressed antifungal activity at the relatively lower diameter of inhibition zone (48.67, 47.00, 46.33 and 43.33 mm, respectively). The results of this study indicate that plant essential oils could be valuable in promoting research aimed at developing new agents for fungal disease management. However, further analyses are needed to optimize in vivo application conditions against A. niger.

The Success Rate of Frozen Jersey Embryos in Rwanda: A case Study of Songa RAB Cattle Farm in Huye District

Innocent Rwamuhizi — 2024-10-28

Milk and animal products are in high demand as the population grows and the economy prospers. Embryo technology is one of the technologies recommended for expanding access to improved dairy cattle. Challenges of the Rwanda dairy industry include low-producing cattle genetics, which results in the need to import live animals, semen, and embryos. This study investigated the embryo success rate at the Songa RAB farm between March and August 2024. Out of 62 potential recipients, 41 met experimental study parameters, including cycling, body condition score, body weight, reproductive history, and age. The cows and heifers that met selection criteria were treated with hormones to induce oestrus heat and only 17 animals had a suitable corpus luteum size to receive embryos. The pregnancy rate was determined at 90 days after implantation using ultrasonography. The collected data were analyzed via SPSS. 23. The study's findings revealed that only 29.4% of embryo transfers resulted in pregnancy. In the present study, size of the corpus luteum, recipient age, and frequency of observed heat signs were strongly correlated with a higher success rate. Despite its relevance in lowering the cost of importing live cows, minimizing animal disease transmission, and providing other economic benefits, ET technology is not commonly used, particularly in developing countries. Even though embryo technology has financial and technical barriers, it can still be recommended as an alternative method of integrating pure breeds into Rwanda's dairy development strategies.

Farklı Gelişme Dönemlerinde Hasat Edilen Yonca (Medicago sativa L.) Çeşitlerinin Ot Verimleri ve Bazı Kalite Özelliklerinin Belirlenmesi

Mustafa Avcı — 2024-10-28

Bu araştırmada beş farklı yonca (Medicago sativa L.) çeşidinin (Nimet, Elçi, L-7-2, Magna-601 ve Magnum-5) üç farklı gelişme döneminde (vejetatif, çiçeklenme başlangıcı ve tam çiçeklenme) hasat edilmesi sonucu elde edilen yaş ot, kuru ot verimleri ile bazı ot kalite özellikleri (% ham protein, % ADF ve %NDF) tespit edilmiştir. Araştırma da tarla çalışmaları Doğu Akdeniz Tarımsal Araştırma Enstitüsü Müdürlüğü’nün araştırma sahasında yürütülmüştür. Tesadüf Bloklarında Bölünmüş Parseller Deneme Desenine göre 4 tekrarlı olarak planlanan çalışmada çeşitler ana parselleri, hasat dönemleri ise alt parselleri oluşturmuştur. Araştırma sonuçları, incelenen özellikler açısından çeşitler, biçim dönemleri ve kalite değerleri arasında istatistiksel olarak çok önemli farklılıklar bulunduğunu ortaya koymuştur. Farklı dormansi oranlarına sahip çeşitlerin dört yıl sürdürülen tarla çalışmalarında kuru ot verimleri yıllara, biçim dönemlerine göre oldukça farklı bulunmuş ve aktif (Non-dormant) sınıfta yer alan Nimet, Elçi ve L-7-2 nolu çeşitlerinin kuru ot verimleri, yarı-dormant olan Magna-601 ve dormant olan Magnum-5 çeşidine göre daha yüksek bulunurken, kalite özellikleri açısından Magnum-5 çeşidi daha üstün değerlere sahip olmuştur. Aktif özellikte (Non-dormant) çeşitlerin özellikle sonbahar döneminde dormant ve yarı dormant çeşitlere göre önemli derecede yüksek ot verimi sağladıkları tespit edilmiştir.

Investigation of Thermal Tourism Areas in Terms of Design Criteria for Healing Gardens: The Case of Eynal Thermal Tourism Centre (Simav-Kütahya)

Necmettin Gür — 2024-10-28

Tourism is a concept that has different branches and subjects within itself. Health tourism is one of these subjects. Within health tourism, thermal tourism is an important component of this branch of tourism. Thermal tourism has a wide range of users in every season of the year. Therefore, landscape design and planning should be made in accordance with the design criteria of healing gardens based on health. For this purpose, Eynal Thermal Tourism Centre, which has important geothermal resources in Simav district of Kütahya province, was selected as a sample area. As a result of the literature review, the design criteria of healing gardens were determined. Afterwards, the sample thermal tourism area was examined and observed on-site within these criteria. Compliance with the criteria was evaluated in many basic qualities such as the use of plant material, spatial and landscape area diversity, pedestrian circulation network, walking paths, sports areas. Although there are many positive uses in the area, many negative effects and uses such as lack of sensible walking surface and monotony were also observed. After determining the deficiencies and correction needs in the area, suggestions for the area were listed and suggestions were made for the design criteria of improvement gardens for thermal tourism areas.

An Ethnobotanical Research on Woody Ornamental Plants Used in Landscaping of Recreation Areas in Çanakkale City

Necmettin Gür — 2024-10-28

As one of the most important parts of urban open-green spaces, plant material has many aesthetic, functional and ecological advantages. From past to present, builders have utilized plants for many different purposes such as medicine, food, furniture making, etc. The concept of ethnobotany, which expresses the place of plants in the human-nature relationship, appears as an umbrella concept in economic, ecological and cultural terms. Many ornamental plants that we encounter in urban recreation have ethnobotanical use and the use of these plants may differ from region to region. For this purpose, existing woody ornamental plants in four recreation areas with different qualities in Çanakkale province, which has been an important settlement of many civilizations since ancient times, constitute the main material of the study. Within the scope of the study, 2 coastal landscaping areas, 1 city park and 1 university campus were determined as research areas and the ethnobotanical uses of woody ornamental plants in these areas were examined. As a result, it was determined that 97 ornamental plant taxa had ethnobotanical uses in the areas. The majority of these plants were found to have medicinal (34.56%) and food (26.74%) uses. Considering the high ethnobotanical use potential of plant material used in urban recreation areas, these plants should be promoted, and awareness should be created. As a final result of on-site observations and statistical evaluations in the study, suggestions were made for the ethnobotanical uses of ornamental plants in urban recreation areas.

Modeling the impacts of climate change on wheat yields within DSSAT

ömer vanlı — 2024-10-28

As the world's population grows, food consumption is reaching a breaking point. Consequently, the importance of agricultural production has increased. But in addition to its significance now, a lot of environmental issues have surfaced. Climate change has the potential to significantly affect agricultural productivity by changing crop growth conditions and planting, harvesting, and storage dates. Unfortunately, there is no turning back from the current unfavorable climatic situation that the world is currently facing in terms of ecosystems and economics. Farmers must adjust to changing weather patterns as a result of the expanding effects of climate change on agricultural systems. For this reason, many scholars have tried a variety of approaches to gauge agricultural output at different levels of detail. Observing how extremely big agricultural areas are affected and assessing scientific predictions are two ways to gauge how much climate change affects agricultural production and to take action.

In several nations, crop simulation models (CSMs) have been employed as a versatile instrument for a wide range of applications. Numerous scientific techniques are currently being researched for effective model yield simulations under heterogeneous climatic and soil conditions, as DSSAT conducts homogenous field-based simulations but CRAFT uses a cell-based simulation technique instead of a field-based simulation. DSSAT includes dynamic crop growth simulation models for more than 42 crops, including wheat crops. DSSAT has addressed numerous real-world concerns and broad agricultural problems, including genetic modeling, precision farming, on-farm management, regional evaluations of the effects of climate variability and change, economic and environmental sustainability, and food and nutrition security.

DSSAT application for climate change in agriculture that enables variable input data for crop masks, weather, soil, and management at varying resolutions. In order to prepare diverse spatial local data sets, these tools may also require to make use of decision support systems like Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Remote Sensing (RS), and Machine Learning (ML) techniques.

The Power of Citrus Peel Waste: Natural Antioxidant Essential Oils Preventing Fish Oil Oxidation

Aslı Aslan — 2024-10-30

In developing countries, food production and processing result in high costs and the generation of significant amounts of fruit waste, which harm the environment. These fruit wastes contain numerous beneficial components, including proteins, lipids, starch, micronutrients, bioactive compounds, and dietary fibers. Among these fruit wastes, citrus fruits play a vital role in providing various health benefits. Citrus species from the Rutaceae family are widely consumed as fresh fruits and juices worldwide. Citrus peel waste (CPW) constitutes approximately 60% of processed citrus fruits, making it a promising resource in the food production industry. CPW is rich in polyphenols and essential oils, holding importance in terms of nutritional value and pharmaceutical applications. It is known that essential oils derived from CPW (CPEo) prevent the oxidation of lipids, influenced by environmental conditions. With the harmful effects of synthetic antioxidants becoming more evident in recent years, the potential of CPEo as a natural alternative has gained attention. This study evaluates the results of research on the preservation of oxidation-sensitive fish oil using essential oils obtained from different citrus peels and their potential application areas. The volatile components playing a significant role in the antioxidant activity of CPEo include D-limonene, γ-terpinen, α-pinen, β-pinen, and linalool. D-limonene, the most abundant component in citrus oils, reduces oxidative stress by scavenging free radicals and protects cell membranes from lipid peroxidation. γ-terpinen is recognized for its effective free radical scavenging properties and its ability to inhibit lipid peroxidation, while α-pinen and β-pinen mitigate oxidative damage by neutralizing free radicals and reducing inflammation. Linalool stands out for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. The antioxidant activities of these volatile compounds contribute to cellular defense mechanisms through mechanisms such as free radical scavenging, inhibition of lipid peroxidation, and reduction of oxidative stress-related cellular damage, ultimately promoting overall health.

Effect of Genotype and Storage Period on Hatchability results in Layer Parents

Suzan Yusuf Mohamed — 2024-11-01

Breeder factors that affect hatchability include strain, health, nutrition, age of the flock, egg size, weight and quality, egg storage duration and conditions. Hatchability is of considerable economic importance for all hatcheries and therefore must be given appropriate attention inbreeding programs for commercial layers. The variability between and within strains will tell us whether reproductive performance can be improved by selection within specific lines. Fertility and hatchability are the most important determinant for producing more chicks from given number of breeding stock within a stipulated period. Fertility and hatchability performance of eggs depend on the number of factors like genetic, physiological, social and environmentall. The principal objectives of the commercial hatchery are to secure the maximum number of quality day-old chicks out of the eggs set for hatching. Several researchers reported that genotype of breeder hen had significant effect on hatchability of egg Fertility and hatchability are 2 major parameters that highly influence the reproductive performance of chicken breeds. In commercial poultry production, storage of hatching eggs is an indispensable part of hatchery operation and long egg storage times are sometimes unavoidable due to flock logistic issues and market availability. It is well known that an increase in the storage duration increases incubation duration and decreases hatchability and chick quality

Importance of Weed-Tolerant Potato Cultivars

Ahmad Omid Siddiqui — 2024-10-28

Potato plants are highly susceptible to weed interference, which can severely reduce crop productivity and quality. Efficient weed management is crucial for maintaining high yields, but current approaches have limitations. Mechanical and biological weed control methods often lack efficiency and are costly, while herbicide use poses environmental risks and contributes to herbicide-resistant weed species, thereby limiting herbicide options for potato producers. There is a growing need for alternative strategies, such as identifying potato cultivars that can naturally tolerate weed pressure while maintaining high yields. This study investigated the weed tolerance and yield stability of several potato cultivars when subjected to weed competition. Results revealed considerable variation in weed tolerance across the cultivars, with certain cultivars showing superior performance. The key traits associated with weed-tolerant potato cultivars included greater plant height, enhanced canopy coverage, and higher yield potential under competitive conditions. These traits enable certain cultivars to outcompete weeds and maintain productivity. Incorporating such weed-competitive potato cultivars into integrated weed management (IWM) systems could reduce the dependency on herbicides, thereby minimizing environmental impacts and lowering management costs. This approach represents a critical step toward more sustainable agricultural practices, offering an environmentally friendly and economically viable solution for potato producers facing weed management challenges.

Keywords: Potato, weed competition, non-chemical weed control, competitive cultivars.

Using Artificial Intelligence in the Food and Beverage Industry

EMRE HASTAOĞLU — 2024-10-27

Artificial intelligence has been used in almost all areas of life in recent years and is a technology with multiple robotic data that is becoming increasingly important. While artificial intelligence makes life easier, it also has its own disadvantages. The food and beverage industry is also renewing and changing day by day in parallel with consumer expectations. The fact that artificial intelligence acts in a way that mimics the human mind increases its presence and usability in labor-intensive sectors. In the restaurant and café sector, the use of labor is inevitable, especially at the service stage. Although vending machines have been in use for many years, unmanned service techniques in self-service and a la carte services are still new in this sector. Unmanned services such as robot waiters, robot cooks, robot cashiers and services with intelligence have taken their place in this sector. In addition to these applications, in the coming years, artificial intelligence is expected to be used in processes such as food preparation by predicting customer-based eating habits, plate designs according to the compatibility of nutrients, food storage, hygiene controls, reducing food waste and waste management. In this study, the use of artificial intelligence in the food and beverage industry, its advantages and disadvantages are investigated in detail and recommendations are presented.

Geographically Registered Food and Beverages in Sivas and Registration Potential

EMRE HASTAOĞLU — 2024-10-28

A geographical indication is a quality mark that indicates and guarantees for consumers the origin of the product, its characteristic features and the connection between the said characteristic features of the product and the geographical area. With the registration of a geographical indication, the protection of products that have gained a certain reputation due to their quality, tradition, raw materials obtained from the region and local qualities is ensured. It is a sign indicating a product identified with the region, area, region or country of origin in terms of a distinctive quality, reputation or other characteristics. Geographical indications are registered as a designation of origin or a designation of origin. Food, agriculture, mining, handicrafts, industrial products can be subject to geographical indication registration. Sivas is an important city that provides most of its livelihood from agriculture and animal husbandry and has rich vegetation. There are 21 geographically registered products in Sivas, 15 of which are in the food and beverage group. The gastronomy product range in Sivas, which has a large surface area and has hosted many civilizations, is also extremely wide. In addition to the foods and beverages that have been geographically registered so far, there are also very important gastronomic elements belonging to this region. Local people and local administrations should cooperate in revealing this potential of Sivas. In this study, foods and beverages of Sivas that have the potential for geographical indication registration have been compiled.

Isolation of Plastic Degrading Microorganisms from Soils Contaminated with Industrial and Municipal Waste

Mishal Subhan — 2024-10-29

Plastics are the synthetic polymers formed by hydrocarbons. Their versatile properties and usage led to their massive production. This massive production and its improper disposal ultimately resulted in the plastic pollution. In the present study soil samples were collected from multiple dumpsites of Multan. The polymers targeted for degradation studies were PET, PVC and PE. Clear-zone plate assay was performed to isolate the plastic degrading fungi on media supplemented with PEG-6000. On the basis of plastic degradation potential one fungal isolate from each sample was selected for further studies. Liquid culture assay and soil burial simulation test were conducted with selected strains (named as F7 and F8) for the period of 60 days. In weight loss test, F8 showed cumulative better weight loss results as compared to other strains and consortia over a period of 60 days in both setups. Moreover, enzyme plate assays including amylase, protease and lipase were also conducted. The best cumulative activity for esterase with all four polymers was observed for F8 when analyzed by spectrophotometry. Salinity and temperature tolerance were also evaluated, where F8 gave the highest salinity tolerance of 15% while F9 was able to grow at maximum temperature of 50⁰C. FTIR results showed that F7 treated PET had formed new C-H and alcoholic O-H bonds while F8 treated polymer had new acidic O-H bonds. F7 treated PVC showed C-O bond breakage while F8 treated PET showed acidic O-H bonds breakage and also C=O and C-O bonds breakage. F7 treated PE film showed CH bonds breakage while F8 treated PE had more intense peaks showing increased number of bonds in treated polymer. Changes in thermal characteristics was observed using TGA-DSC where PET treated with F8 had increased weight loss in comparison to other selected strains. When PVC film was treated with F7, it had lower Tm than other strains. F8 treated PE had more change in Tm as compared to F7. Degradation analysis for liquid cultures were better as compared to the films treated by soil burial test mimicking the natural environment. Among the isolated strains F8 proved to be the efficient degrader of various polymers selected in the study.

Asfand Diallel analysis for combining ability for yield and fiber quality traits in upland cotton (G. hirsutum L.)

Asfand Yar Rahim — 2024-10-29

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) is an important fiber crop, grown in tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. During 2022-23, cotton contributed approximately 0.3% to GDP and 1.4% to the value addition in agriculture of Pakistan. Seed cotton yield in Pakistan is lower as compared to other countries, emerging challenges of climate change, declining land and water resources require exploration of new breeding approaches like heterosis breeding for sustainable cotton production. For this purpose, a research was conducted in experimental area of Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad. Three parent genotypes, i.e. CIM-663, FH-305 and BS-49 during winter season in glasshouse collected from seedbank of department and crosses made with full diallel mating design. Evaluation of six F₁ genotypes and three parent varieties were proceed in field by following randomized complete design with two replications during Kharif season 2023. The data for various quantitative traits like plant height, sympodial branches, boll weight, number of bolls per plant, number of nodes per plant, first fruiting node, seeds per boll, seed index, seed cotton yield, lint mass per plant, ginning out turn, fiber length, fiber strength, and fiber fineness were recorded. Recorded data subjected to analysis of variance and analyzed by using Griffing’s approach for estimation of GCA and SCA. Among the parents FH-305 and BS-49 exhibited superior GCA for most of the traits. Among the crosses FH-305 × BS-49 showed high specific combining ability. Furthermore, SCA variance found to be better than GCA variance and RCA variance for most of the genotypes. In this study, most of the traits found under the control of dominance gene action. These best performing parents can be further utilized in future breeding programs for varietal improvement purpose.

Green production of eco-friendly AgNPs and evaluation of larvicidal activity against Cydia pomonella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)

Onur Aker — 2024-10-29

Cydia pomonella (L.) is an important apple pest and causes irreversible damage to apples if not controlled. Therefore, different control methods are intensively applied against this lepidopteran pest in apple orchards. Since the larval stage of the pest is very harmful for apples, many studies focus on this life stage and new control techniques are developed every year. After the production of metallic nanoparticles as a new nanotechnological product through green synthesis, it has been proven to be highly effective against the larval stage of many pests in recent years. This study covers the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from the extract of Windmill palm (Trachycarpus fortunei (Hook.) H. Wendl.) fruits and the efficacy of this synthesised product in larval control of this lepidopteran pest. The morphological and functional structure of the synthesised AgNPs were determined by characterisation tests (UV-Vis, FT-IR, XRD, SEM, TEM, EDS) and it was determined that the synthesised AgNPs were approximately 10-20 nm in size and had high silver ion ratios. The synthesised AgNPs were applied to the 4th stage larvae of the pest by spraying method at 6 different doses (25, 50, 75, 100, 125 and 150 ppm) and larvicidal activity was evaluated in terms of mortality rates depending on the days after application. According to the results obtained, 18% mortality rate was reached at the lowest dose at the end of the 4th day, mortality rate increased as the dose increased and 100% mortality rate was reached at the highest dose. This study proved that the synthesised AgNPs were highly effective against this lepidopteran pest and provided a basis for similar nanotechnological studies in the future.

Quality Characteristics And Udditas Health Of Raw Cow Milk In Banaz (Uşak) And Altintaş (Kütahya) Districts

Sibel ALAPALA DEMİRHAN — 2024-10-29

Milk is an indispensable nutrient in people's daily nutrition, especially for healthy milk consumption, quality and safe production is an indispensable element. The health and genotypic characteristics of animals directly affect productivity. For this purpose, efficient production is possible with correct animal feeding. However, in order to implement a correct nutrition program, it is necessary to know how the health status of cows and nutrition affect milk content. In this context, the study aimed to determine the udder health and milk composition of animals in Altıntaş district of Kütahya and Banaz district of Uşak. Milk samples were collected from 77 cows from 3 villages in Altıntaş and 49 cows from 2 villages in Banaz. The composition of milk was compared in terms of fat (%), dry matter (%), density (%), protein (%), lactose (%), salt (%), freezing point (°C), conductivity (ms/cm) and the prevalence of mastitis was investigated with the CMT test. According to the obtained data, while mastitis was not found in the majority of the enterprises, it was determined that the cows with mastitis symptoms were generally cows raised in the same enterprise. Among the districts, it was determined that the cows in Altıntaş district had lower fat ratio (3.51), higher dry matter ratio (9.26) and higher protein ratio (3.33). In Banaz district, it was determined that the milk had lower lactose ratios (4.78), lower density (28.08) and higher conductivity (4.95). It was determined that the cows raised in Çayırbaşı village had the highest values in terms of milk quality among the villages. It was observed that this was due to the high level of awareness of the producers, contracted production and attention to hygiene conditions.

The Effect Of Herbal Product Addıtıon On The Chemıcal And Physıcal Propertıes Of Yogurt

Mubin Koyuncu — 2024-10-29

With the developing technology, diversity in food types is increasing. These increases are based not only on consumers' food preferences but also on the fact that it is organic. The diversification and significant increase in the variety of artificial or processed foods in recent years increases the demand for high quality products by consumers. The fact that fermented products are beneficial for health and are highly preferred by consumers increases the demand for yogurt and yogurt combinations in food-based products. Yogurt is a fermented dairy product produced by S. thermophilus and L. Bulgaricus and consumed globally for health purposes. While traditional yogurt production was made using milk and yogurt cultures, the use of plant products in yogurt production has been increasing in recent years. Yoghurt fortification has an important value to improve the nutritional, sensory, functional and health-promoting effects of yogurt. In this context, vegetables, fruits, fibers, seed extracts and herbs are frequently used in yogurt production.

Antidiabetic Effects of Milk-Derived Bioactive Components

Mubin Koyuncu — 2024-10-29

Milk is a rich source of important nutrients that have been shown to have positive effects in the management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). Recent intervention studies suggest that milk-derived bioactive proteins, peptides and fatty acids provide beneficial effects in the prevention and management of T2DM. Milk bioactive components include casein, casein-derived peptides, whey proteins and whey protein-derived peptides. These bioactive components exert anti-diabetic effects through various mechanisms. These mechanisms include improving insulin sensitivity, regulating glucose metabolism and reducing inflammation. Intervention studies in humans have demonstrated that these milk-derived bioactive components lower fasting blood glucose levels and increase insulin sensitivity. This study provides a comprehensive review of recent studies examining the anti-diabetic effects of milk-derived bioactive compounds (proteins, peptides and fatty acids) and their mechanisms of action in the management of T2DM. Thus, it provides a perspective on the potential benefits and clinical applications of milk bioactive components on T2DM.

Bakır Stresi Altındaki Buğdayda Triakontanolün Antioksidan Sistem Üzerine Etkileri

Deniz Tiryaki — 2024-10-29

Özet

Bitkinin veya bitki organlarının büyümesinde, gelişmesinde, verimliliğinde azalmaya neden olan faktörler stres olarak bilinir. Stresli koşullar altında bitkilerde önemli hasarlar ortaya çıkar. Daha ileri seviyede stres durumunda ise bitkinin yaşamsal faaliyetleri son bulur. Ağır metaller, tuzluluk, kuraklık, aşırı sıcaklık, radyasyon gibi abiyotik stresler tarımsal verimliliğin azalmasına sebep olur. Bu stres etkilerini azaltmak stresle mücadele etmek için birçok yöntem kullanılmaktadır. Bizde çalışmamızda bakır stresinin etkisini gidermek için bitki büyüme düzenleyicisi olarak bilinen triakontanol kullandık. Öncelikle buğday (Triticum aestivum L.) tohumunun Ay yıldız çeşidi saksı ortamına ekilmiştir 7. günde 50, 100 ve 200 µM CuSO₄ uygulanmış bir hafta sonra da yapraklara triakontanol (10, 20 ve 40 µM) püskürtülmüştür. Üç gün sonra yapraklar hasat edilmiştir. Hasat edilen yapraklardan katalaz (CAT), peroksidaz (POX), süperoksit dismutaz (SOD) gibi antioksidan enzim aktiviteleri belirlenmiştir. Bunlara ilave olarak lipid peroksidasyon (LPO) seviyesi de belirlenmiştir. Triakontanol uygulaması enzim aktivitelerini artırırken tek başına bakır uygulamaları ise aktiviteleri düşürmüştür. Bakır+triakontanol uygulamaları ise dozlara bağlı olarak enzim aktivitelerinde değişiklik göstermiştir. LPO seviyelerine baktığımızda ise tek başına bakır uygulaması LPO miktarını artırmış, yalnızca triakontanol uygulaması ise LPO seviyesini düşürmüştür. Tek başına bakır uygulamaları ile bakır+triakontanol uygulamaları karşılaştırıldığında triakontanolün LPO seviyesini düşürdüğü görülmüştür.

Sonuçlar değerlendirildiğinde bakır stresine maruz bırakılan buğdaya triakontanol uygulaması CAT, POX, SOD enzim aktivitelerini genelde artırırken LPO seviyesini düşürmüştür. Sonuçta bitki büyüme düzenleyicisi olarak bilinen triakontanol bakır stresine maruz bırakılmış buğdayda antioksidan enzimlerin strese cevap mekanizmasında önemli rol oynayabildiği ileri sürülmüştür.

Anahtar Kelimeler: Triticum aestivum, antioksidan enzimler, triakontanol, bakır, LPO

Yerli Ekmeklik Buğday Çeşitlerinden Soğuğa Karşı Hassas Buğday Genotipinin Seçilimi ve Antioksidan Enzim Aktivitelerinin Belirlenmesi

Büşra Tosun — 2024-10-29

Gramineae (Poacea) familyasına ait ekonomik önemi en yüksek bitkilerden biri olan Ekmeklik buğday (Triticum aestivum L.), dünya genelinde ekilen arazinin %22'sini kaplayan ve en çok ekilen 3. tahıl ürünüdür(Acevedo et al. 2002). Aynı zamanda yeryüzünde tüketilen protein ve kalorinin %20’lik kısmını teşkil etmesiyle de Birleşmiş Milletler ’in “Açlığa Son” başlığıyla deklare ettiği 2 numaralı kalkınma amacı ile doğrudan ilişkilidir. Ekmeklik buğday çeşitlerinde soğuğa dayanıklı Alparslan genotipi ile soğuğa duyarlı 5 referans genotip (Aldane, Kirik, Daphan, Nevzatbey ve Tosunbey) soğuk uygulamalarına (+4 °C, 0 °C, -4 °C, -15°C ve -17 °C) tabi tutuldu. Bu uygulamalar sonrasında soğuğa karşı en hassas olan buğday genotipinin seçilimi için morfolojik ve fizyolojik analizler yapıldı.

Fizyolojik analizler için Katalaz (CAT), Süperoksit dismutaz (SOD), Peroksidaz (POX) aktiviteleri ölçüldü.Sonuçlar değerlendirildiğinde Katalaz (CAT) enzim aktivitesinin Alparslan, Daphan, Nevzatbey genotiplerinde yüksek olduğu, Kirik, Aldane, Tosunbey genotiplerinde ise aktivenin azaldığı görülmüştür. Süperoksit dismutaz (SOD) aktivitesi yalnızca Alparslan genotipinde artarken diğer genotiplerde aktivitenin azaldığı görülmüştür. Peroksidaz (POD) aktivite sonuçları değerlendirildiğinde ise Kirik genotipi haricindeki genotiplerde aktivitenin arttığı görülmüştür. Yapılan bu analizler sonucunda soğuğa karşı en hassas Ekmeklik buğday genotipinin Kirik olduğu belirlenmiştir.

Anahtar Kelimeler: Buğday , Antioksidan enzimler, Soğuk stresi

Synthesis of Visible-light-Induced Sulfanilic-based composites for the degradation of Azo dyes

Kousar Parveen — 2024-10-29

The effluent discharge from the textile industry contains dyes that are harmful to the environment and human beings. This effluent requires a effective treatment method before release into the environment. Photocatalytic degradation of dyes emerges as an alternate option to replace conventional methods such as coagulation, oxidation, etc. Keeping in view, the current study is designed to study the photodegradation of Congo Red and Malachite Green. For this purpose, three sulfanilic-based composites were synthesized i.e., sulfanilic-based composite with graphitic carbon nitride, sulfanilic-based composite with manganese, and sulfanilic-based composite with cobalt using the solvothermal method. FTIR spectrum of sulfanilic acid showed different absorption bands at 2703cm^-1and 2858cm^-1 was assigned to -CH (symmetric and antisymmetric vibration) of sulfanilic acid. The absorption band at 1497cm^-1 represented the benzene ring of the compound. FTIR spectrum of sulfanilic base composite with graphitic carbon nitride showed an absorption band at 3190 cm^-1 assigned to the NH₂group of graphitic carbon nitride. The absorption bands at 1753cm^-1 and 1361cm^-1 are assigned to -C=N, C-N confirming the composite formation. The bands at 980cm^-1 are assigned to the vibration of the metal-oxygen bond (Co-O and Mn-O) and these bands are very sharp and prominent. XRD pattern showed peaks at 8° and 26° assigned to 100 and 002 planes of g-C₃N₄. SMn showed sharp peaks from 30° to 60° assigned to manganese nanoparticles and SC showed peaks at 31°, 33°, 38°, 48° and 54°, between 30° to 60° indicating the cobalt nanoparticles. The synthesized sulfanilic-based composites with manganese showed a good 98% photocatalytic degradation of Congo red at 1mg/L and pH 10 within 180 minutes. Meanwhile, sulfanilic-based composites with graphitic carbon nitride showed 91% photocatalytic properties for Malachite green at 1mg/ L, pH 8, and 100mg catalyst dosage within 220 minutes.

Effect of Some Halotolerant Bacteria and Archaea Applications on Protein Metabolism of Alfalfa Under Different Salinity Conditions

Dilara Kaynar — 2024-10-29

Alfalfa is an important forage crop grown widely worldwide. However, its productivity and quality can be significantly affected by various environmental stresses such as high salt levels in the soil (Athar et al, 2022). Salt stress can negatively affect the growth, development and physiology of alfalfa plants, leading to reduced yields and reduced nutritional value (Khan, et al 2019). One of the main metabolic pathways affected by stress in plants is protein metabolism, and alleviating the negative effects of stress factors on protein metabolism through various applications is one of the main strategies to increase plant yield today (Ramadoss et al 2013). In this study, the effects of different halotolerant bacteria (Salicola marasensis, Halobacillus trueperi, Salinicoccus amylolyticus) and different halotolerant archaea (Haloarcula japonica, Halorubrum californiense, Haloterrigena thermotolerans) on protein metabolism of alfalfa grown in the presence of NaCl at different concentrations (0, 50, 100, 200 and 400 mM) added to Hoagland medium were investigated. For this purpose, seedlings grown for 14 days at 25/15^oC day/night temperature and 14 hours of natural daylight were collected at the end of the experiment and ground in liquid nitrogen in a mortar. The ground plant samples were then homogenized again by adding 4 times the dry matter PBS-t pH 7.4 with an ultraturrax homogenizer, and total protein level analysis with the BCA method (He, 2011) and protein profile analysis with the SDS-PAGE method (Laemmli, 1970), which are the main methods used to examine changes in protein metabolism in these homogenates, were performed.

While the total protein level of the alfalfa in the control group was determined to be 8.62 g/100 g, it was determined that the total protein amount increased with increasing salt concentration and reached 9.48 g/100 g at 50 mM NaCl concentration, 9.51 g/100 g at 100 mM NaCl concentration, 10.10 g/100 g at 200 mM NaCl concentration and 11.30 g/100 g at 400 mM NaCl concentration.

As a result of SDS-PAGE analysis, 18 individual proteins between 10.3 kDa and 374 kDa were found. Of these individual proteins, the protein with a molecular weight of 25.7 kDa was not expressed at all with salinity, while proteins with a molecular weight of 10.3 and 12.9 kDa were overexpressed. As a result of SDS-PAGE analysis, it was determined that general protein synthesis was suppressed with salinity, but overexpression of the 10.3 kDa protein increased the total protein concentration. As a result, when the total protein amount and protein profile were evaluated together, it was determined that all bacterial and archaeal applications used in the experiment could alleviate the negative effects of salt stress on alfalfa seedlings. However, at 50 mM salt concentration, Salicola marasensis, Halobacillus trueperi, Haloarcula japonica; at 100 mM salt concentration, Salicola marasensis, Halobacillus trueperi, Haloarcula japonica, Halorubrum californiense; At 200-400 mM salt concentration, Salicola marasensis, Halobacillus trueperi, Haloarcula japonica were found to be the most effective in reducing stress. These findings suggest that halotolerant bacteria or archaea applications may be a promising approach to reduce the negative effects of salinity on alfalfa production.

Bioactivities and Health Benefits of Ximenia americana L.: A Wild Edible Fruit

Aisha Idris Ali — 2024-10-29

Ximenia americana is one of the most valuable wild edible fruits in the world, but it is still neglected and underexplored. The fruit is reported as indispensable source of phytochemicals and health imparting components. However, review on the bioactivities of X .americana is still scarce. X. americana contain many bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols, anthocyanins and flavonoids. Many studies have shown that X. americana possess various bioactivities and health benefits, such as free radical scavenging, antioxidant, antiinflammatory, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, antitrypanosomal, antiviral, anticancer and analgesic activities. It was demonstrated that the fruit's antioxidant activity was correlated with its anthocyanin, flavonoid, and polyphenol contents. They are also used as food source for the native people. Therefore, X. americana has the potential to be developed into functional foods or pharmaceuticals to enhance, prevent and treat a variety of chronic diseases. In this study, we review researches regarding the bioactivities and health benefits of X. americana, which is important for its exploitation and utilization. The therapeutic efficacy of X .americana is no longer in doubt. It is anticipated that this review will aid researchers, herbal medical practitioners and agriculturists, and it will also improve the plant's optimal utilization for its several benefits.

Optimization of the extraction process of phenolic compounds from eggplant peel

Mehmet Güldane — 2024-10-29

In this study, the extraction process of phenolic compounds from eggplant peels, an important industrial waste, with the help of ultrasound was optimized by Taguchi method. Experiments were carried out according to Taguchi L₉ (3³) experimental matrix. Ethanol ratio (50, 70, 90% (v/v)), sonication time (15, 30, 45 min) and sonication temperature (30, 40, 60 °C) were selected as independent variables. In this study, which aimed to maximize the total phenolic matter (TPM) content of the extracts, the optimum conditions were determined as 70% ethanol ratio, 45 min sonication time and 60 °C sonication temperature. ANOVA results showed that ethanol ratio (83.06%) and sonication temperature (14.38%) were the most significant parameters contributing to the process. According to the validation experiments carried out to verify the optimum conditions, 66.02% improvement was achieved in the TPM content obtained under optimum conditions compared to the initial process conditions.

Analysis of Rubber Farming Income using Stimulants in Tebo District

Fadhlul Mubarak — 2024-10-29

This study aims to describe the rubber farming of farmers who use stimulants in Tebo District. The number of samples of farmers who use stimulants is 48. Sampling is done using the method purposiveor intentionally. This study was conducted from March to May 2024. The results of the study showed that based on the problems and phenomena that occurred, the decline in rubber prices and low production caused low income, so farmers used stimulants to increase their productivity with the aim of meeting needs and increasing farmers' income. In this study, the use of stimulants did have an impact on the production and income of farmers in Tebo District.

Proliferation and nutritional profile of wheat and maize derived hydroponic fodder produced at small scale farmers’ level

Patrick RUGWIRO — 2024-10-29

In Rwanda, livestock is a key sector playing an important role in the economic development of the country and community wellbeing. Livestock subsectors provide meat, milk, and eggs that are necessary to meet the nutritional requirements of a rapidly growing population. Despite its role in community development, the livestock subsector in Rwanda is still challenged by numerous factors, including but not limited to poor animal genetic potential, animal diseases, and poor nutrition in both quality and quantity. Hydroponic production is an ideal solution responding to the need for good-quality livestock fodder despite the high cost of establishing the required infrastructure. This study was conducted to assess the proliferation and nutritional profile of wheat and maize-derived hydroponic fodder produced at small-scale farmers’ levels. By using locally available materials, small-scale hydroponic infrastrure were constructed, and two cereal grains were used as treatments: maize and beans in Randomised Complete Block Design (RCBD) with 6 replicates. Growth parameters like shoot length, leaf width, and root length data were collected daily from day 1 up to day 8, and 6 parameters of nutritional composition were tested in the laboratory. The results indicated that at 8th day shoot length, leaf width, and root length were 16.7, 12.3, and 1.7 cm, respectively, for maize and 17.8, 14.5, and 1.5 cm, respectively, for wheat shoot length, leaf width, and root length. For nutritional composition; the dry matter (DM) content was 19.30% for maize and 12.84% for wheat; protein and crude fibre were respectively 14.69% and 14.50% in wheat and 12.00% and 4.97 in maize, while other parameters, ash content, were 2.22% in maize and 2.12% in wheat; calcium residues were 0.08% in maize and 0.17 in wheat; and phosphorus were 0.10% in maize and 0.35 wheat. The study results revealed that locally available materials can be used to produce high-quality hydroponic fodder to be fed to livestock. To farmers, this study recommend the adoption of hydroponic production for the purpose of decreasing cost of production which is mostly associated with feeding.

Dr Effects of Tree Species on Mental Wellbeing and Physical Health Conditions of Community Dwellers around Oluyole Forest Environment, Oyo State, Nigeria

Adebayo ADEOYE — 2024-10-29

This study assessed the effects of tree species on mental wellbeing and physical among community dwellers in the selected study area. A three-stage procedure was employed for sampling of the study with 1^st stage being a purposive selection of 4 wards selected from 10 wards in Oluyole Municipality. The 2^nd stage was systematic selection of houses from each ward and the 3^rd stage was a random selection of 2 household heads from selected houses with a final sample size of 82 respondents. Structured questionnaires were used to obtain data for the study. Data was analysed with frequencies, percentages, Chi square, PPMC and linear regression. Majority of household heads were mostly male (72.0%), active age (67.6%), had tertiary education (61.0%), were indigene (64.6%) and about 46.3% practiced farming as major occupation. Different trees species were identified with most residents having benefited and agreeing to their impact on their health. The ethnicity (χ²=5.109) and land acquisition (χ²=8.064) had significant association with perceived impact of trees on residents’ health at α_0.05. In addition, age, marital status were extant factors that influenced the dependent variable. Policy instrument of government through incentives to residents’ participation in conservation practices and clogging sharp practices of government officials would suffice for optimal benefits of community trees.

Common Skeletal Problems in Broiler Breeding

Ömer Çimen — 2024-10-29

A high portion of the protein need in human nutrition is met by white meat production. It is preferred for reasons such as high red meat prices, low fat level, easy access to white meat and cheap prices. A large part of white meat production is met by broiler chicken breeding which is grown intensively. As a result of intensive selection and genetic studies in commercial broiler breeding, hybrids with a slaughter weight of 42 days and 2500 g slaughter weight were obtained. As a result of this selection made as a result of various needs, the desired yield level has been achieved and rapid growth has been achieved in chickens due to intensive feeding. As a result of rapid growth, problems such as foot problems, feed eating disorder, gait disorder, difficulty in meeting water requirements are encountered in broilers. The most common problem encountered in foot problems is TD, Valgus-varus deformation. As a result of these problems, conditions such as decrease in carcass quality, decrease in live weight loss and decrease in welfare level are observed. This study focuses on the skeletal structure and the problems that arise due to intensive feeding, its effect on health protection, its effect on stress factors, and aims to contribute to the industry and the research that can be done by utilizing the important findings obtained from the existing literature and these findings.

Ön Titanyum Dioksit Uygulamasının Şekerpancarı (Beta Vulgaris L) Genotipinde Tuz Stresi Altında Çimlenme Ve Fide Gelişimi Üzerine Etkisi

Gamze Betül Ünal — 2024-10-29

Yapılan birçok araştırma sonucu abiyotik stres faktörleri içerisinde yer alan tuz stresinin bitkilerin çimlenme, büyüme, gelişme ve ürün verimini önemli ölçüde sınırladığını göstermiştir. Bununla birlikte, nanopartikül uygulamalarının ise çeşitli çevresel streslerin oluşturduğu olumsuz etkilerin düzenlenmesinde; fizyolojik ve biyokimyasal mekanizmalar üzerine, hücre yapısını ve hücre fonksiyonunu olumlu yönde etkilediği ortaya konmuştur. Bu çalışmada, tuz stresi (0, 50, 100 ,150 ve 200 mM) altındaki şekerpancarı (Bernache) çeşidine ait tohumlara Titanyum dioksit (TiO2) uygulaması (600, 1200 ve 1800 mg/l ) yapılmış olup, fizyolojik özellikler üzerindeki görünür etkileri incelenmiştir. Tuzluluk stresi altında titanyum dioksit (TiO2) uygulanan şekerpancarı tohumunun farklı tepkiler verdiği belirlenmiştir. Çalışmada şekerpancarında çimlenme oranı, çimlenme süresi, çimlenme indeksi, kök - gövde uzunluğu ve kök - gövde yaş ağırlığı gibi bitkinin fizyolojik özellikler incelenmiştir. Araştırma sonucunda: 100 mM tuz konsantrasyonuna kadar sürgün uzunluğu değerinin arttığı 200 mM seviyesinde ise sürgün uzunluğunun azaldığı, en yüksek değerin, 41,33 mm ile 100 mM tuz konsantrasyonundan elde edildiği gözlemlenmiştir. En yüksek yaş gövde, yaş kök ağırlığının ve gövde uzunluğunun 100 mM NaCl dozu uygulamasından elde edilmiştir. Titanyum dioksit (TiO2) uygulamalarının, incelenen tüm karakterler üzerinde olumlu etkilerinin olduğu ve artan konsantrasyon seviyelerine bağlı olarak bu etkinin de pek çok parametrede arttığı gözlemlenmiştir. Bu sonuçlara göre, şekerpancarı bitkisinde tuzun meydana getirdiği olumsuz etkiler Titanyum dioksit (TiO2) uygulamasıyla azaltılabileceği görülmüştür.

Impact of Extraction Solvent On the Antimicrobial Potential of the Root of Verbascum Blattaria

WAJID KHAN — 2024-10-29

Different solvent extracts of the root of Verbascum blataria were screened for antimicrobial activity in the present study. Extracts of the root were prepared in various solvents and tested against fungal and bacterial species (Klebsiella pneumoniae, Bacillus atrophaeus Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Citrobacter freundi, Salmonella typhi, Agrobacterium tumefaciens, Alternaria solani, Aspergillus fumigatus, Candida albicane,). Antifungal and antibacterial assays were performed by well diffusion and disc diffusion methods. The screening of the different solvent-extracted samples revealed that methanol extract was more effective against B.subtillus, B.atrophus, A. tumefaciens, C. freundi, K. pneumoniae, A.solani, and A. fumigatus. Methanol extract formed the maximum zone of inhibition of 67% ZI at 3000µg/disc against B.atrophus than other tested microorganisms. The hexane extract produced a maximum zone of inhibition against B.subtillus (32% ZI), E.coli (54 % ZI), and A. tumefaciens (52% ZI) while the ethyl acetate extract reduced the growth of P. aerugenosa with high potential than other extracts.

The Use of Marine Collagens: Applications and Benefits

Fathia A. H. Lazrag — 2024-10-29

Collagen is an important structural protein found in the human body, functioning as a fibrous protein that provides durability, flexibility, and strength. Additionally, it serves as a fundamental building block that holds cells and tissues together, maintaining their integrity and resilience. Various types of collagen perform different functions in the body. Type I collagen is found in the skin, bones, tendons, connective tissues, and organs, providing durability and flexibility. Type II collagen, on the other hand, is located in cartilage and is essential for maintaining joint health. Type III collagen surrounds muscles, organs, and blood vessels, supporting tissue repair and elasticity. Type IV collagen is a component of the basal membranes beneath cells, providing cellular support.

Marine collagens are proteins obtained from fish and other marine organisms and stand out as environmentally friendly and sustainable sources. In recent years, marine collagen has become a significant component in the health, beauty, and dietary supplement industries. It is particularly widely used in areas such as skin health, joint support products, and wound healing.

Marine collagen has a smaller molecular structure compared to other animal-based collagens, making it more easily absorbed by the body and known for its higher bioavailability. These properties make marine collagen an effective supplement that provides quick results.

Primarily obtained from fish and shellfish, fish are among the most common sources of this protein. Fish skin, scales, bones, and fins, often considered waste, are utilized for collagen production. Species such as cod, salmon, tuna, and tilapia are frequently preferred for this purpose. Additionally, shellfish, such as crabs and shrimp, contribute to collagen production, and some species of jellyfish are also rich in collagen.

Marine collagen possesses hypoallergenic properties, meaning it has a lower risk of allergic reactions compared to animal-based collagens derived from cattle and pigs. This makes it a safer option, particularly for individuals without seafood allergies. Furthermore, marine collagen exhibits antioxidant effects, protecting the skin from damage caused by free radicals, which can help keep skin cells healthier and delay signs of aging.

All these properties contribute to the growing preference for marine collagen as a key ingredient in health and beauty products.

Antifungal Potential of Some Volatile Oils Against Saprolegnia parasitica

Şenol PARUĞ — 2024-10-29

Aromatic plants containing volatile oils are used in various fields due to their phytochemical properties. In aquaculture, they have the potential to be used as anesthetics, antifungals, antiseptics, and ectoparasiticides as alternatives to various synthetic chemicals. This study investigates the effects of lavender oil, thyme oil, marjoram oil, rosemary oil, and eucalyptus oil on the fungal species Saprolegnia parasitica, which causes diseases and deaths in fish and fish eggs during incubation, under in vitro conditions. The agar dilution method was applied as a quantitative susceptibility test, and the fungus was inoculated onto Sabouraud Maltose Agar (SMA), which was kept at 20°C for 5 days. Lavender, thyme, rosemary, and eucalyptus oils were added to the SMA at concentrations of 1, 5, 25, and 125 µL/L, while marjoram oil was added at concentrations of 2, 10, 50, and 250 µL/L, all oils were dissolved in 96% ethanol at a 1:1 ratio. The negative effects of these oils at different concentrations on the growth of Saprolegnia parasitica were examined in triplicate and compared with a control group. The MIC values were determined as 25 µL/L for rosemary oil, over 25 µL/L for eucalyptus oil, over 50 µL/L for marjoram oil, and 125 µL/L for lavender oil, while thyme oil showed no effect at the tested concentrations. As a result of the relatively low concentrations showing positive effects, it is suggested that rosemary oil and eucalyptus oil may also be tested on incubating eggs and fish frequently experiencing fungal infections.

An Economic Study On Shifting Boro Rice to Maize Production in Northern Region of Bangladesh

Rozina Yeasmin — 2024-10-29

This study investigates the shift from Boro rice to maize cultivation in northern Bangladesh, specifically in the Lalmonirhut and Dinajpur districts, focusing on profitability, production efficiency, and sustainability. Data were gathered from 300 farmers and agricultural laborers using surveys, focus group discussions (FGDs), and key informant interviews (KIIs). The research analyzed factors influencing farmers' decisions to switch to maize, including education, profitability, credit availability, high demand, training, land type, and seed access. Probit regression and SWOT analyses were used to evaluate the findings. The results show that maize farming is considerably more profitable than Boro rice. The total cost of maize cultivation was lower (Tk. 111,649.9/ha) compared to Boro rice (Tk. 128,726.3/ha). The average net return for maize was Tk. 32,824.33/ha, much higher than Boro rice's Tk. 9,516.60/ha. Farmers in Dinajpur achieved greater profits than those in Lalmonirhut. Maize's Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR) was 2.06, surpassing Boro rice's 1.60, reflecting higher profitability due to lower costs and higher demand. Despite the profitability, maize farmers were operating below their maximum production capacity, with potential production increases of 41.9%. The technical efficiency was below optimal, but the economic incentives continue to drive the shift toward maize. While the transition offers significant economic benefits, it may also impact food security, especially for poorer communities. The study suggests that public interventions are needed to mitigate negative consequences and ensure that vulnerable populations are not adversely affected by this agricultural transformation.

Examination of The City Parks in terms of Landscape Design Criteria

Orhun Soydan — 2024-10-29

Urban parks, which ensure the sustainability of cities and create quality and comfortable living spaces for urban people, affect the users they address in line with their landscape design features. Both positive and negative aspects of compliance with design criteria concern not only the urban park but also its users and the city as a whole. Spaces without any recreational activities, without comfort, without a green texture do not add anything positive to the city and do not create physical, social and cultural interaction for the people of the environment in which they are located, and will cause stagnation and restlessness on the psychology of the city people. However, the urban park applied within the scope of landscape design criteria will provide quality, comfort, and tranquility to the user it addresses. Urban parks that are intertwined with nature, include active and passive recreational activities, are in harmony with their surroundings, create a safe environment, appeal to all age groups and meet the wishes and needs of users increase the level of satisfaction by affecting the living standards of the city. In this study, firstly, it was planned to observe, identify and analyze the current conditions of 5 urban parks in the central district of Niğde. The study aims to determine the suitability of some parks that provide services at the urban scale within the borders of Niğde; landscape design criteria (accessibility, suitability for all age groups, equipment elements, water elements, parking, barrier-free space use, year-round usability, climate suitability, security, night use, vegetative design, space use, size, contribution to urban aesthetics and harmony with the environment. In this context, it is planned to determine the suitability of the parks in terms of landscape design according to the landscape design criteria determined and to make evaluations to analyze the current situation of the parks. As a result of the evaluation, solutions will be proposed for the problem of the current situation by the landscape design criteria.

Effect of Different Planting Times on Pod Characteristics of Pea Varieties

Kazım Emre GÖKTAŞ — 2024-10-29

The pea plant has an important place in human nutrition and culinary culture. The pod characteristics of the pea determine its purpose of use. Therefore, pod characteristics of Elena, Deren and Irmak 01 pea varieties grown in Kahramanmaraş conditions with five different planting times were investigated. In the research, pea varieties were planted at five different times, one month apart from November to March, taking into account climate and soil conditions. In the study, pea varieties were planted at five different times, starting from November and including March, once a month, taking into account the climate and soil conditions. First pod height, pod number, pod length, pod width, grain number per pod, pod weight and pod grain weight of the pea varieties used were examined. At the end of the research, first pod height, pod length, pod width, number of grains per pod, and pod grain weight showed statistically significant differences according to the pea varieties used. The effect of planting times on the other traits, except pod width, was found as significant. As a result of the study, it was recorded that the first pod height varied between 21,4-79,33 cm, pod number varied between 3-14,2 pieces, pod length varied between 5,48-7,38 cm, pod width varied between 8,99-11,49 mm, grain number varied between 4.86-6.98 pieces per pod and grain weight varied between 0,64-1,26 g. It was determined that higher pod weight was achieved in Deren and Irmak 01 varieties, and pod weight was higher in December, January and February plantings than in other planting times.

Evaluation of Linear Type Traits of Simmental (Fleckvieh ) Cattle in a Private Farm in Karacabey District of Bursa Province

Nazif Uzun — 2024-10-29

In this study, linear type traits of Simmental (SIM) cattle of Austrian and German origin, raised in a disease-free private cattle farm with the capacity of 550 heads in Karacabey District of Bursa Province, were evaluated. The overall means of linear type traits for body structure, rump height (RH), rump length (RL), rump angle (RA), rump width (RW), back length (BL), body depth (BD), chest length (CL), muscularity (M); for udder structure, fore udder attachment (FUA), teat length (TL), teat tickness (TT), front teat placement (FTP), fore udder length (FUL), rear udder length (RUL), udder depth (UD), central ligament (CL), rear teat angle (RTA), rear teat attitude (RTA), rear teat placement (RTP), rear udder height (RUH); for foot-leg structure, hock agularity (HA), hock development (HD), hoof angle (HFA), hoof height (HH) and ankle angle (AA) were determined as 142.73±0.207 cm, 43.66±0.164 cm, 5.13±0.039, 20.02±0.114, 85.15±0.384 cm, 75.31±0.194 cm, 5.76±0.033, 5.41±0.038, 5.23±0.055, 5.47±0.060 cm, 3.49±0.025 cm, 4.01±0.043, 5.44±0.043, 5.11±0.041, 3.40±0.059, 4.66±0.066, 4.49±0.045, 4.62±0.048, 4.80±0.057, 5.60±0.049, 4.89±0.041, 4.94±0.050, 4.29±0.033, 4.31±0.32 cm ve 5.57±0.035, respectively.

In this study, the averages calculated in terms of linear type traits were similar to the results obtained in many studies, and it was determined that there were significant differences between the BD, TT ,UD, HA, HH, and HFA characteristics and the literature, and that these differences were due to the farm. Since there are not enough studies on the evaluation of the SIM breed cattle according to linear type traits, it is thought that this study will contribute to the literature.

Effects of Adding Organic and Inorganic Form of Copper at Different Levels to Diets of Breeding Quail on Performance and Hatching Parameters

Şükrü GÜNER — 2024-10-29

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of diets supplemented with different levels of inorganic and organic copper sources on the performance and hatchability of breeding Japanese quails. In the study, a total of 360 Japanese quails (female:male ratio, 2:1) aged 7 weeks were fed with diets supplemented with copper in inorganic (CuSO₄.5H₂O) or organic form (Cu-amino acid chelate) at levels of 0, 10, 20, 40 and 80 mg/kg for 5 periods of 28 days. Ten treatments consisting of two copper sources and 5 copper levels were used in a 2x5 factorial experimental plan. Each treatment had 6 replications, each replication consisting of 4 female and 2 male quails. The study lasted 140 days and feed and water were provided ad libitum to the quails throughout the experiment. According to the study results, feed intake and feed conversion ratio were lower in the group fed with organic Cu than in the group fed with inorganic Cu (P<0.05). The effect of different Cu sources on other performance parameters and hatchability characteristics was similar. The effect of dietary Cu levels on performance and hatchability characteristics was statistically insignificant (P>0.05). Copper source x levels interaction had a significant effect on egg weight and chick weight of hatchability (P<0.05). Other measured performance and hatchability characteristics were not affected by the interactions.

The study results show that the use of organic Cu sources in breeder quail diets reduced feed intake and improved feed efficiency. It can be said that adding 20 mg/kg of Cu to the diet may improve performance, but it does not cause a significant difference in hatchability parameters.

Effects of iodine on visual color quality of sweet pepper under salinity stress

MEHMET SAİT KİREMİT — 2024-10-29

The quality of the pepper's color was assessed by examining the intensity and consistency of its outer pigmentation, which reflects the ripeness and overall marketability of the fruit. This study investigated how three different doses of iodine (0, 50, and 100 µM) affected the visual color quality of peppers under varying levels of salinity stress (2, 4, 6, and 8 dS m^-1). The L* value ranged from 40.6 to 52.2, the a* value varied between -17.1 and 23.8, the b* value fluctuated between 18.5 and 32.5, and the chroma value shifted between 44.6 and 57.3. The application of foliar iodine had a significant impact on the L*, a*, b*, and chroma values of pepper fruits. However, the L*, a*, and b* values decreased with higher salt stress, with the highest values observed at a salinity level of 2 dS m^-1. The chroma value of pepper fruit decreased with foliar iodine application and further reduced with increasing salinity stress. The best visual color quality was achieved with a foliar application of 100 µM iodine and a salinity stress level of 2 dS m^-1. Under salinity conditions of 6 and 8 dS m^-1, foliar iodine did not significantly improve the visual color quality of pepper fruits. Therefore, foliar iodine is recommended for use under low soil salinity conditions. In future studies, iodine could be combined with different regulators to enhance the quality of pepper fruits under high salinity stress.

Gıda Lezzetini Arttıran Kimyasallar

Sandra Öz — 2024-10-29

Lezzet artırma, mutfak sanatlarının önemli bir yönüdür ve gıdaların keyif ve lezzetine önemli ölçüde katkıda bulunur. Bu çalışma, gıda aromalarını geliştirmek için yaygın olarak kullanılan maddeler ve kimyasallar hakkında kapsamlı bir inceleme sunmayı amaçlamaktadır. Gıda algısında lezzetin önemine genel bir bakışla başlayan makale, monosodyum glutamat (MSG), tuz, sükroz, nükleotidler, maltol, etil maltol ve siklomat dahil olmak üzere çeşitli lezzet arttırıcı kategorilerini incelemektedir. Her bölümde bu lezzet arttırıcıların kimyasal özellikleri, etki mekanizmaları, mutfak uygulamaları ve potansiyel sağlık etkileri incelenmektedir. Ayrıca, bu alanda devam eden araştırma çabalarını vurgulayarak, lezzet arttırma konusunda ortaya çıkan eğilimleri ve yenilikleri tartışmaktadır. Bu derleme sayesinde okuyucular, lezzet arttırmanın ardındaki bilimi ve lezzet arttırmanın mutfak yaratıcılığı ve tüketici memnuniyetindeki çok yönlü rolünü daha iyi anlayacaklardır.

Usability of pea, rice and soy proteins in the production of protein-rich pasta

AYŞENUR ACAR — 2024-10-29

Proteins are special components that contain the building blocks of life. Therefore, it is necessary to take them at a certain level with the daily diet. According to different authorities, the amount of protein that should be consumed daily depending on age and health status is between 20 and 50 g. Animal foods are seen as the main source of protein by many consumers. However, according to the evaluations made in our country, the main source of protein for a large part of the society is cereal products such as bread and pasta. These products contain an average of 10 g/100 g of protein. However, in addition to their protein content, their high carbohydrate content is a significant disadvantage. Considering the social consumption habits, it does not seem possible to give up these products. Therefore, it is important to make these products more nutritious by enriching them with proteins. For these reasons, the aim of this project is to enrich pasta with vegetable proteins. For this purpose, pea, rice and soy proteins were used. As a result of the project, pasta with high sensory acceptability and at least 20 g/100 g protein was produced. The use of vegetable proteins was preferred within the scope of the project for economic reasons. In fact, vegetable proteins are much more economical than animal proteins. Thus, it was evaluated that the competitive advantage of the products produced would be high. Therefore, a product that is beneficial for both food producers and society has been produced.

Keywords: Pasta, protein, pea seed isolate, rice protein isolate, soy protein isolate

A Case Study For The Unıversıty Efforts To Reduce Carbon Footprınt - Dokuz Eylül Unıversıty Tınaztepe Campus İn İzmir, Türkiye

Elif Duyuşen Güven — 2024-10-29

This study aims to calculate the carbon footprint of Tınaztepe Campus, the central and largest campus of Dokuz Eylül University, and to comprehensively evaluate the environmental impacts of the campus during this process. The study provides a detailed analysis of carbon emissions resulting from the campus's energy consumption, transportation, water usage, and other resources. In this regard, carbon emissions were determined by using data on fuel consumption for transportation and heating (gasoline, diesel, and natural gas), electricity consumption, and water usage at the university. Additionally, the contribution of the university's solar energy system, used as a renewable energy source, to reducing carbon emissions, as well as the carbon sequestration capacity of the university's forested land, were also taken into account to calculate the total carbon footprint of the campus. The calculations were carried out using the United Nations' IPCC Model Tier 1 approach. As a result of the calculations, the annual total carbon footprint of Tınaztepe Campus was found to be 2,669.83 tons of CO₂. Moreover, the annual per capita carbon footprint was calculated to be 0.064 tons of carbon. According to the findings of the study, the largest share of carbon emissions comes from natural gas consumption, while the smallest share originates from water consumption. Based on this data, various strategic recommendations were developed to reduce the campus’s carbon footprint. These recommendations include increasing energy efficiency, adopting more sustainable transportation methods, and reducing water consumption. The results of this study provide valuable insights that universities can consider when developing their sustainability policies.

Antimicrobial Activities, Proximate and Mineral Analysis of Selenium Enriched Functional Food (Cheese)

Gbemisola Elizabeth Ogunleye — 2024-10-29

Functional foods are foods that offer additional health benefits that extend beyond their nutritional values. Cheese a nutritious dairy product; have garnered significant attention due to their nutrient-rich profiles, including high-quality protein, essential vitamins and minerals. Lactobacillus paracasei is a lactic acid bacterium that plays a crucial role in cheese production. Selenium deficiency can lead to various health issues, and optimal intake appears to have protective effects against certain diseases. This study aimed at enriching cheese with selenium, investigating the nutritional values and the antioxidant potential of the cheese produced. Cheese samples were produced with L. paracasei and enriched with selenium using standard procedures. Viability tests were done using pour plate method. Proximate and mineral content were analysed. Antioxidant activity measured using DPPH assay. L. paracasei remained viable in 4 mM concentration of selenium and cheese was produced. Proximate analysis revealed variations in moisture, crude protein, fat, ash, crude fiber, and carbohydrate content among the cheese samples. Selenium enriched cheese had higher content of ash (0.70%), crude fiber (16.13%), protein (22.40%) and moisture content (26.75%). Mineral analysis showed significant differences in selenium, calcium, iron, potassium, and sodium levels, with selenium-enriched cheese. Antioxidant activity demonstrated a concentration-dependent increase in scavenging capacity. The cheese enriched with Selenium demonstrated improved nutritional composition and extended shelf life.

Occurrence of Fusarium sp. and Lasiodiplodia sp. Causing Root Rot in Grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) in Sri Lanka

Chamika Gunathilake — 2024-10-29

A decline of various grapevines (Vitis vinifera L.) associated with root rot symptoms was observed during a field survey conducted from January to March 2024 in vineyards in the Jaffna district, Northern Province, Sri Lanka. Despite the significance of identifying the causative agents for effective disease management, no prior reports exist on the pathogens responsible for grapevine root rot in Sri Lanka. In this study, based on morphological characterization, we identified Fusariumsp. and Lasiodiplodia sp. as potential causal agents of grapevine root rot. Koch’s postulates were confirmed by the successful re-isolation of both pathogens from healthy plants inoculated with the conidial suspensions under controlled conditions. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of Fusarium sp. and Lasiodiplodia sp. causing grapevine root rot in Sri Lanka. This study highlights the need for species-level identification using molecular data and lays the foundation for future research aimed at developing sustainable disease management strategies.

Research on Feeding Dynamics and Ecological-Economic Control of Lobesia botrana ([Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775]) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) Species

serap özer — 2024-10-29

Lobesia botrana ([Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775 (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) species is commonly called “Grass Moth”. Although its main host is grapevine; L. botrana is a polyphagous species that also meets its nutritional needs with plants such as laurel, jujube, blackberry. This study, which is based on the determination and control process of the feeding dynamics of L. botrana; was carried out in two different vineyard areas where Emir and Parmak grape varieties were located in 2021-2022. Delta type traps were used to follow the biological process of the taxon. The traps were hung on the vines determined before the flowering period and after the temperature reached 12 degrees. The study was carried out in thermohygrographic values were taken from the observation trench in the vineyard area and these values were compared with the phenological values of the grapevine. As a result, it was seen that the nutrition and economic-ecological control of L. botrana are directly related to plant phenology and ecology. Here, it was also determined that the control process of the species varies according to the years and that grapes, which are considered as the main food of L. botrana, are effective on the development and density of the moth in the context of changes in plant biology caused by ecological factors such as temperature, disease and precipitation during the year.

Microbial diversity of fruit and vegetable market dumpsite soils in Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria

Aishatu Mala MUSA — 2024-10-29

A study was conducted to study the bacterial and fungal biodiversity in fruit and vegetable dumpsite soils of the main fruit and vegetable market in Yola, Adamawa State Nigeria. The dumpsites were chosen based on their significant contribution to the local waste disposal system in the market. The biological properties of the dumpsite soils were assessed by investigating microbial abundance and diversity of bacteria and fungi only. Plate count was carried out to quantify their population in the samples and statistical analysis using Dunnett's test revealed that there were significant (P < 0.05) differences in bacterial and fungal counts between the fruit and vegetable dumpsite soils. Bacterial count in the fruit dumpsite soil was 7.23 X 10⁵Cfu/g while in the vegetable dumpsite it was 5.63 X 10⁵ Cfu/g and 1.50 X 10⁵ Cfu/g in the control pot. The fungal count was 5.14 X 10⁵Cfu/g, 4.14 X 10⁵ Cfu/g and 1.40 X 10⁵Cfu/g for fruit dumpsite soil, and vegetable dumpsite soil and control respectively. Based on the combination of biochemical characteristics, different isolates of bacteria were identified such as Escherichia coli, Klebsiella sp., Pseudomonas sp. and Proteus sp while some fungal isolates such as Aspergillus niger, Mucor species, Aspergillus flavus, Penicillium species, Aspergillus fumigates and Fusarium species were identified in both of the dumpsites. The present study has revealed some of the bacteria and fungi that thrive in the market dumpsite known to be associated with organic waste degradation however, the presence of potential pathogens like Escherichia coli and Aspergillus flavus raises concern for more caution in organic waste disposition especially near waterways and its subsequent use in Nigeria.

Keywords: Fruit, vegetable, bacteria, fungi, dumpsite soil

Antioxidant Potential, Proximate and Mineral Analysis of Selenium Enriched Functional Food (Cheese)

Gbemisola Elizabeth Ogunleye — 2024-10-30

The Determining Factors for Adopting a Food Safety Management System in Algerian Agri-food Businesses

Nouara BOULFOUL — 2024-10-30

This article analyses the main factors influencing implementing a food safety management system (FSMS) in Algerian agri-food companies. Our study focuses on 218 companies operating in the agri-food sector. We used the questionnaire and face-to-face interviews to facilitate data collection. We conducted a statistical analysis of linear correlation and a linear logistic model to assess the factors influencing the adoption of systems in these companies. The results of our study indicate that several key factors significantly influence the adoption of FSMS practices in food companies. This includes the age of the company, the age and education level of its leaders, the industry sector of the agri-food businesses, their target market, and the company's size. The results of our study indicate that companies established for 5 to 15 years have a probability of 43.5% and p-value = 0.043 of adopting the FSMS system, while those established for 15 to 25 years have a probability of 37.0% and p-value =0.012. Managers with a university education are very likely (91.3%) to implement an FSMS, with a p-value of 0.043. The analysis also shows that limited liability companies (LLCs) have the highest likelihood of adoption (50.0%, p=0.019) and that businesses targeting both local and international markets have a significant probability of adoption (10.6%, p=0.020). These results highlight the importance of experience, training, and market reach in promoting a Food Safety Management System (FSMS) in the agri-food sector.

Isolation and Identification of Pesticides and Heavy Metals Degrading Bacteria and Fungi from Contaminated Soil of Peach Orchards in District Swat

WAJID KHAN — 2024-10-30

The current study screens heavy metal-contaminated soil of peach orchards in district swat for the presence of soil microbial flora. The sampling was random and performed in 20 different locations. In the preliminary screening, different bacterial and fungal isolates were identified. Bacterial isolates were identified based on the morphological features of culture, gram staining, and biochemical tests. Fungal isolates were studied and identified on morphological features. A total of eleven different types of bacterial isolates were identified with different frequencies of occurrence. Highest frequency of occurrence was noted for the genus Bacillus (26.5%) followed by Streptomyces (22.44 %,). The lowest frequency of occurrence was shown by both E.coli and Staphylococci (2.04%). On the other hand, fungal isolates of seven different genera were also recovered with different frequencies of occurrence from heavy metal-contaminated soil of peach orchards. The species of genus Aspergillus and Trichoderma showed the same and high frequency of occurrence (19.6%) followed by Geotrichum spp (17.64%). The most dominant genera among fungi were Aspergillus spp., Trichoderma spp., Geotrichum spp., and Fusarium spp., accounting for approximately 72% of all fungal isolates. The effects of pH and temperature on the growth of the selected microorganisms were investigated. Bacterial isolates showed maximum growth in slightly acidic to neutral environments with an optimum temperature range from 30 to 40°C.

Review on Biomaterial Characters of Silk Proteins

AYSEL KEKİLLİOĞLU — 2024-10-30

Abstract

Insects include important species in the animal kingdom in terms of biodiversity, economic impact and ecological role. Bombyx mori (L., 758) (Insecta: Lepidoptera), known as the silkworm, is one of the most important insect species that has maintained these characteristics for centuries and is the main production source of silk. Silk is a natural polymer synthesized by the epithelial cells of silkworms and spiders. Silk, which is used especially in the textile sector, is also used in the production of biomaterials in the biotechnology age we are in. Today, raw silk obtained from silkworm cocoons is used in many different areas such as silk fabric, silk carpet, surgical and parachute cord, souvenirs, and military bulletproof vest manufacturing. Silk consists of two main proteins called fibroin (fibrous protein) and sericin (globular, gluing protein). Silk fibroin; It is quite suitable for biomaterial production due to its properties such as biocompatibility, permeability, high mechanical properties, controllable biodegradation rate, and processability in aqueous solutions. Approximately 75% of unprocessed silk consists of fibroin. Silk sericin is a globular protein that wraps fibroin fibers with its adhesive properties and sticks them together in the cocoon and is necessary to add shine to the fabric. Sericin is an inflexible, brittle substance. It is also antibacterial, resistant to ultraviolet wavelength rays, and has a structure that can take and give moisture. As a result, the scope and content of this study consists of the analysis of silk proteins and biomaterial characters.

Key Words: Bombyx mori, Biomaterials, Silk, Sericin, Fibroin

Impact of ISO 45001 Implementation on Occupational Health and Safety Management: A Case Study of NCA Rouiba.

Nouara BOULFOUL — 2024-10-30

This research explored the impact of ISO 45001:2018 implementation on occupational health and safety (OHS) management at NCA Rouiba, a company specializing in the production of non-alcoholic beverages. Questionnaires were distributed to 100 employees out of 434, representing all levels of the organization across three professional categories : managers, supervisors, and operational staff. The results showed that the adoption of ISO 45001 significantly improved OHS performance indicators, including the reduction of workplace accidents. The standard reinforced existing prevention measures and introduced new ones, improving overall risk prevention practices. Employees' perception of safety in the workplace improved after the implementation of ISO 45001, as confirmed by the responses to the questionnaire. The structured approach of ISO 45001 has enabled NCA Rouiba to strengthen its preventive measures, increase employee involvement and create a safer working environment. While progress in OHS management is evident, the study underlines the importance of continuous improvement efforts to maintain and build on these achievements, aiming for excellence in workplace safety at NCA Rouiba

Correlation analysis of achene yield in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) to study genetic variability

Asfand Yar Rahim — 2024-10-30

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is an important edible oilseed crop which contain 35-50% oil content. Achene yield is 1.3 tons hectare¹ in Pakistan which is low as compare to other sunflower growing countries. Therefore a study was conducted in experimental field of Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad. Eighty sunflower accessions were planted following a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) during 2022-23 season. Data were collected on several yield-related traits, including 50% flowering, plant height, number of leaves per plant, achene yield per plant, maturity, head angle, leaf area, and oil content. Recorded data was subjected to genetic variability, correlations and path coefficient analysis. Results revealed that genotype L11 stood out with the highest yield (43.5g), while genotype L1 had the lowest yield (24.66g). Genotypes included L-1 for days to 50% flowering, L-10 for plant height, L-61 for number of leaves, L-11 for head diameter and achene yield, L-41 for maturity, and L-31 for oil content showed better results. Achene yield per plant strongly correlated with head diameter, oil content, and leaf area, while plant height correlated positively with head diameter and correlated negatively with 50 % flowering initiation. Analysis of variance showed highly significant variation among genotypes for traits studied. Accession numbers L-11, L-21, L-10, L-31, L-61, L-41, L-71, L-51, L-30, L-20, L-9, L-60, L-50, L-70, L-80, L-40, and L-19 exhibited strong performance across both seasons., and others, which consistently performed well across different sowing times and seasons. These findings offer valuable resources for future breeding programs that enhance sunflower yield and productivity.

Next Generation Food Approaches:3D Printed Food Items Benefits And Challenges

ELIF TUGCE AKSUN TUMERKAN — 2024-10-30

Three-dimensional food printing is a new technique that has potential uses in personalized nutrition, texture alteration, and sophisticated food design.Extrusion is the most commonly utilized process, especially for cereal derivatives and chocolate.This technology provides prospects for nutritional content customization, addressing unique dietary demands, and potentially resolving malnutrition disorders. However, obstacles remain, including as microbiological contamination, customer acceptance, and regulatory issues. Additional research is needed to determine the impact on nutrient density, bioavailability, and overall diet quality. Despite these obstacles, 3D food printing offers prospects for novel business methods and enhanced sustainability in the food supply.Future improvements could include merging 3D printing with cooking procedures and the introduction of 4D printing.3D food printing is a novel technology with potential applications in individualized nutrition, sustainability, and creative food design. It enables the development of sophisticated geometric structures as well as customized foods based on individual nutritional requirements, textures, and flavors.Extrusion, inkjet, binder jetting, and selective sintering are some of the processes used in this technology.While 3D food printing has advantages in terms of customization and waste reduction, it has obstacles such as assuring nutritional quality, food safety, and consumer acceptance.Furthermore, there is still room for improvement in terms of production scale and printing resolution.Despite these challenges, 3D food printing has the potential to transform food innovation and manufacturing, addressing concerns such as malnutrition and sustainability in the food sector. In this review, the benefits and potential challenges of 3-D printed food items were thoroughly examined.

Interactive Effect of Plant Spacing and Phosphorus Concentration on Yield and Yield Components of Soybean (Glycine max. L.)

Racheal Okunade — 2024-10-30

Determination of the optimum plant population necessary for optimum yield is a major agronomic goal. Phosphorus nutrition is the main and most common constraint behind poor soybean productivity. A field experiment was conducted at Ibadan Nigeria (transition between Rain forest and Guinea savannah zone)during 2015 cropping season to evaluate the effect of Phosphorus application and soybean plant population on the productivity of soybean The trial was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with split plot arrangement, replicated three times. The main plots consisted of four Phosphorus (P) levels (0, 20, 40 and 60 kg/ha) while four soybean populations (666700, 333333, 222200 and 166700 plants/ha) were the sub plots. Data collected include: number of branches, number of pods produced per plant, actual grain yield, seed weight, number of seed per pod, pod length and threshing percentage. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance and significant means separated using Least Significant Difference (p<0.05). It was discovered that application of 60kg P/ha produced significantly (p=0.05) higher soybean yield (1103. kg/ha) with a yield advantage of 53.33% over Zero kg P /ha. also, plant population of 222200 plants/ha had significantly (p=0.05) higher soybean yield (1,188kg/ha) with a yield advantage of 33.33% and 18.01% over 666700 and 333333 plants/ha respectively. It was concluded that combination of 60kg P/ ha planted at 15 cm spacing produced optimum soybean yield and yield components. Hence, application of 60kg/ha of Phosphorus to soybean planted at15 cm is recommended for optimum yield and yield components of soybean.

Kongo Kırmızısı ve Bromofenol Mavisi Boyalarının Adsorpsiyonunda Hiper Çapraz Bağlı Polimerlerin Performansları

KUTALMIŞ GÖKKUŞ — 2024-10-30

Su kirliliği sadece çevreye ciddi zararlar vermekle kalmaz, aynı zamanda önemli geri döndürülemez mali kayıplara da yol açar. Boyalar ve organik kirleticiler, su kirliliğine neden olan en önemli kirletici gruplarından ikisidir. Çünkü her yıl, gıda, kâğıt, kozmetik, boya, tekstil, deri, pestisit ve gübre gibi birçok endüstriden gelen tonlarca boya ve organik kirletici kontrolsüz bir şekilde su kaynaklarına boşaltılmaktadır. Endüstride kullanılan boyaların çoğu anyonik boyalardır ve hastalığa neden olan ve kanserojen gruplar içerirler. Ayrıca, çok düşük konsantrasyonlarda bile su kaynaklarının fiziksel ve kimyasal özelliklerini değiştirebilirler. Dolayısıyla su kaynaklarının sürdürülebilirliği için ciddi şekilde boyar madde içeren atıksuların verimli şekilde arıtılmasına ihtiyaç vardır.

Su kaynaklarını korumak için, boyaların ve organik kirleticilerin arıtımı için birçok yöntem geliştirilmiştir. Ancak, bilim dünyasında, kolaylık, enerji verimliliği ve ucuzluk gibi avantajları nedeniyle adsorpsiyonun en umut verici ve başarılı yöntem olduğu kabul edilmektedir. Boya kirliliğine karşı inorganik ve organik birçok adsorbent geliştirilmiştir. Bu çalışmada Kongo kırmızısı (CR) ve bromofenol mavisi (BPB) boyalarının adsorpsiyonuna yönelik geliştirilen hiper çapraz bağlı polimerik adsorbentlerin gösterdikleri performansların ortaya konması amaçlanmaktadır.

Appraisal of Awareness and Adoption Level of Biosecurity Practices for Disease Prevention and Control among Poultry Farmers in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State, Nigeria

Vihi Samuel Keghter — 2024-10-30

ABSTRACT

This study evaluates the awareness and adoption levels of biosecurity practices for disease prevention and control among poultry farmers in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State, Nigeria. A total of 120 poultry farmers were randomly selected, and data were gathered through questionnaires and interviews. The results showed that 100% of the respondents were aware of key biosecurity practices such as hand washing, daily cleanliness, and vaccination. However, lower levels of awareness were found for practices such as disinfecting visitors and vehicles (76%) and keeping records of farm visitors (46%). The adoption of biosecurity practices was also uneven, with vaccination against infectious diseases being the most widely adopted practice, with a mean score of 3.8 on a 4-point scale, followed by the isolation of infected birds (3.7). Practices like quarantining new birds (2.7) and providing farm-specific clothing for workers and visitors (2.3) had lower adoption rates. The logit regression analysis revealed that education (P = 0.001), household size (P = 0.017), stock size (P = 0.012), and farm income (P = 0.012) were significant factors influencing the adoption of biosecurity practices. Age had a marginally significant negative effect (P = 0.057), suggesting that younger farmers are more likely to adopt these practices. The study concludes that while awareness of biosecurity practices is generally high, adoption is uneven, particularly for practices perceived as more complex or costly. It recommends targeted education and financial support to increase the adoption of underutilized biosecurity measures.

Proximate Composition, Functional and Qualitative Analyses of Sweet Detar (Deterium Senegalense)

Zahrau Bamalli Nouruddeen — 2024-10-30

Detarium microcarpum also known as sweet detar tree, is an underutilized tree legume that grows natively in the drier parts of West and Central Africa. Referred to as taura in Hausa language. Proximate composition, functional and qualitative phytochemical analysis was determined on the three parts of the sweet deter fruit (Bark, flesh and whole fruit). The result shows no significantly in the moisture content of the whole fruit (9.29%) and bark (9.30%) compared to the fruit pulp (8.95%). Ash contents should no significant difference between the pulp (1.87%) and the bark (1.92%). High protein content was observed in the fruit pulp (9.94%), while high fiber content was observed in the whole fruit. The fruit showed a significantly low fat content (2.49, 2.98 and 2.70%) respectively. Water absorption capacity shows a significantly different result with the highest in the pulp (8.90%) and the lowest in the bark (7.08%). The pH of both samples where acidic (5.5, 5.6 and 5.5), respectively. The fruit pulp gelatinized higher with about 70% compared to the other samples (bark and whole fruit). Flavonoids was found in abundance in the pulp, while moderate in the bark and the whole fruit. Alkaloids where mild in all the samples. Steroids where observed in abundance in all the samples, but no tannins where observed.

The Effect of Chemical and Organomineral Fertilizer Treatments on the Yield and Some Yield Parameters of Wheat Plants

BEDRİYE BİLİR — 2024-07-05

For sustainable agriculture in harmony with the ecological balance, the use of organic matter and organomineral fertilizers (OMG) is required. In recent years, use of OMG has become widespread. In this study, the effects of OMG and chemical fertilizer use on yield and quality characteristics of wheat plant in 2018-2019 growing period were investigated. In the research, as chemical fertilizers 20-20-0+(25SO₃) and 15-15-15+(20SO₃) base fertilizers and as top fertilizer urea (46% N) were used. As OMG 16-15-0+(10SO₃)+15OM and 12-15-5+(10SO₃)+15OM base fertilizers and fertilizer with 26% N content [(urea + ammonium sulphate) + OM] as top fertilizer were used. Experiment were carried out according to the random blocks. According to the data obtained, when plant height, spike length, spike number in spike, grain number in spike, grain weight in spike, protein content in grain, there is no significant difference between them. But average highest values was found OMG [(16-15-0+(10SO₃)+15OM + (%26 N + OM)] application. The highest protein value in straw was obtained in OMG [12-15-5+(10SO₃)+15OM + (%26 N+OM)] application. In terms of thousand grain weight, the highest average value was obtained in chemical fertilizer 15-15-15+(20SO₃) + (%46 Urea) application. The difference between grain yield (kg da^-1) and biomass yield (biomas) values obtained from chemical fertilizer applications with OMG is statistically significant, and the highest grain yield was obtained in the application of the [(16-15-0+(10SO₃)+15OM + (%26 N + OM)]. When the data are evaluated in general, it has been observed that organomineral fertilizer applications in wheat plants yield better results than chemical fertilizer applications.

Review of Research on School Gardening

Burçin Aysu — 2024-10-30

Early childhood education is critical and is an important process for developing habits and practices towards sustainability. It can be said that environmental education programs conducted outdoors, which provide the achievement of the goals of environmental education, have significant effects in order to promote sustainability. At this point, it is very important to develop environmental awareness in the school environment, especially in school gardens, through agricultural practices. Agricultural practices in schools need to be increased, and preschool agricultural practices need to be widespread and included more in research in order to become a part of teacher education and the applied curriculum. In order to achieve these goals, it is important to first determine the distribution of studies conducted at the international level. Based on this idea, this research aims to determine the development process of research conducted on agricultural practices in school gardens, which are considered innovative practices, and to discuss them in the context of early childhood education and child development. Since the research reveals the distribution of articles, it is descriptive and has a screening model type. Articles published on agricultural practices in schools with the keyword “school gardening” in the Web of Science database were included in the research. The articles were transferred to the computer and analyzed according to many variables such as the number of publications by year, the distribution of authors, countries and journals in which the articles were published, and the frequency of keywords. The data is in the analysis phase and will be discussed with the support of sources.

Ali Evaluation of milk adulteration and mastitis in samples collected from selected regions of Punjab

Ali Hassan — 2024-10-30

Milk is a fundamental diet for all age groups, but in developing countries like Pakistan, milk adulteration is common due to poor transportation conditions. Milk contains a wide range of nutrients, but to increase its quantity, other adulterants are added. The research was done at Daily Technology Laboratory (NARC). The samples were collected from selected regions from Punjab. Selected regions were Bhakkar, Layyah, Khushab, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad and Lahore. Samples were brought to the lab for analysis of composition and adulterants and mastitis tests were performed at the dairy forms. In composition fat 4.87%, protein 3.61%, total solids 11.92% and ash 0.61% were observed. Adulterants were H2O2, starch, skimmed milk powder, dalda ghee, water, vegetable oil, formalin, benzoic acid, salicylic acid, sugarcane, glucose, neutralizers, NaCl, pulverized soap and urea considered for analysis. Water was the most common adulterant observed with 89% of total samples and after that glucose was the second most adulterant observed with 8% of total samples. Mastitis observed highest in Rawalpindi region with 25% and lowest in Khuashab 15%. To ensure milk quality, quality tests was conducted at dairy laboratories and food technology labs to control adulteration and mastitis disease. This study aims to evaluate these issues and ensure the safety of milk consumption. Statistical analysis data showed that compositional, adulterants and mastitis parameters observed from selected regions were significantly different (P<0.05).

Potentials of Senna tora (L.) Roxb. as Source of Functional Food and Bioactive Compounds with Antioxidant, Antimicrobial and Anti-Inflammatory Activities

Aisha Idris Ali — 2024-10-30

Senna tora (L.) Roxb. is an important ethno-medicinal plant from time immemorial. Different parts of the plant have found applications in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. There is a reputation for the food application and therapeutic properties of the plant’s leaves and seeds. The purpose of this review is to ascertain the potential of Senna tora (L.) Roxb. as a source of functional food as well as drug candidates against oxidants, inflammation, and microbial infection. Based on the previous literature, the discoveries of bioactive compounds including phenols, flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, saponins, steroids, alkaloids, glycosides and reducing sugar seem to rationalize the proposed use of Senna tora (L.) Roxb. as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial agents. Furthermore, the young leaves are cooked and eaten as a vegetable or cook with pulses while the roasted seeds are used as a substitute coffee, also, the seed gums are used as thickener in foods. It can be concluded that Senna tora (L.) Roxb. is rich in numerous bioactive compounds that have the potential to fight against oxidants, inflammation, and microbial infection as potential drug candidates. In addition due to its numerous bioactive compounds, Senna tora can find profound application in the development of functional foods and nutraceuticals.

Seasonal soil respiration in burned and unburned black pine forests as affected by compound effects of fire types and aspect

Renato Sabanal Pacaldo — 2024-10-30

Climate change impacts increased occurrences of wildfires worldwide, accelerating the release of large quantities of CO₂ sequestered in the aboveground biomass and forest litter. Mitigating the CO₂ emissions after wildfires requires a detailed understanding of the different components of carbon cycling, particularly soil respiration (Rs) rates, the main pathway through which the stored C in the belowground biomass and soil returns into the atmosphere. Despite much research on Rs, the compound effects of multiple factors affecting Rs remain uncertain. Whether the seasonal Rs in the post-fire areas significantly change as affected by fire intensities and aspects is a critical question that needs to be better understood. This study aims to determine the effects of crown fire, surface fire, aspects, and their combined effects on seasonal Rs rates. We established a field experiment in a three-year-old post-fire black pine (Pinus nigra Arnold) forest at the Taskopru Forest Directorate, Turkiye. We measured Rs in a 15-day interval for a year using an automated soil respiration machinery (Li-Cor BioSciences, NE, USA). We also measured the air and soil temperature and moisture contents with the Rs. Results revealed that irrespective of factor combinations, the Rs ranged from 0.41- to 1.19-µmol s^-1 m^-2 in winter, 1.06- to 2.07- µmol s^-1 m^-2 in spring, 2.71- to 3.27- µmol s^-1 m^-2 in summer, and 1.20- to 2.00- µmol s^-1 m^-2 in autumn. The proportional percentages contribution of each season to the total cumulative annual CO₂ emissions were 12.7 %, 23.2 %, 42.7 %, and 21.4 % for the winter, spring, summer, and autumn seasons, respectively. The crown fire exhibited the lowest Rs during winter but the highest during summer. Our study highlights the importance of analyzing multiple factors affecting Rs to increase the accuracy of analyzing the impacts of wildfires on Rs rates

Studies on the Composition and Biological Activity of Bee Pollen from Sivas Province

Şeyda KAYA — 2024-10-30

Bee pollen is an important nutrient for bees, especially for meeting the needs of adult and larval bees in terms of protein, vitamins, and minerals. Since the protein content of pollen meets the essential protein requirements for bees' nutrition, it should be collected in sufficient quantities for the hive and stored under appropriate conditions. Similarly, bee pollen has nourishing and therapeutic properties for human health. Various studies have been conducted in different countries to evaluate the physicochemical properties and determine the physicochemical composition of bee pollen, which is widely used in apitherapy, the pharmaceutical industry, the food industry, and the cosmetics industry. However, it has been observed that bee pollens obtained from hives can differ in terms of physical properties such as color and odor, as well as content profiles such as ash, moisture, cellulose, protein, sugar, carbohydrate, fat, vitamins, and minerals, depending on the climate, and floral structure conditions of the beekeeping region. Additionally, it has been found that the biological activity characteristics of bee pollen, as determined by various in vitro and in vivo studies, can also vary based on its content values. In this study, bee pollen samples were collected from certain districts of Sivas Province. The aim was to investigate the physical characteristics of the pollen samples, such as color properties, and to investigate their chemical contents like cellulose amounts, and their biological activity features, such as antioxidant activity. According to the results of the study, it was determined that bee pollens collected from different districts within Sivas Province showed differences both in terms of content and antioxidant activity.

The Abstract Type Traits of Primiparous Holstein-Friesian and Red-Holstein Cows Raised Together in a Farm in Aydın Province

Frederic Ndihokubwayo — 2024-10-30

The aim of this study was to compare the type traits of Holstein-Friesian (HF) and Red-Holstein (RH) cows that are in their first lactation and reared mixed in a private farm in Aydın province, Türkiye. In this study, 120 heads composed of HF and RH primiparous cows were used and the effects of breed, calving year (2023 and 2024) and calving age (<26 mo and 26 mo ≤) on type traits were also investigated. Five non-linear 100 score traits and 18 linear type traits were measured. The effect of breed on Chest Width (CW; P<0.01), Rump Angle (P<0.05), Body Condition Score (P<0.01), Rear Legs Set Angle (RLA; P<0.01), Real Legs Knee Structure (P<0.05), Rear Udder Width (P<0.01), Udder Depth (UD; P<0.01), Central Ligament (P<0.05), Rear Udder Height (P<0.01), Fore Teat Length (P<0.05) and Mammary Acuity (P<0.01) were found statistically significant and the overall mean scores for these traits were 5.32±0.13, 6.97±0.17, 4.83±0.09, 4.87±0.08, 5.04±0.09, 5.74±0.09, 4.73±0.04, 5.37±0.08, 8.35±0.08, 5.38±0.08 and 7.32±0.17, respectively. Also, the effect of calving year on Body Depth (P<0.01), UD (P<0.05) and Rear Teat Placement (P<0.05) and the effect of calving age on CW (P<0.05), RLA (P<0.05) and Rear Teat Placement (P<0.05) were found statistically significant. For non-linear 100 scores, the breed effects on Dairy Strength (DS; P<0.01), Foot & Legs (FL; P<0.05), Udder (P<0.01) and Total Score (TS; P<0.01) were significant and the means were 82.30±0.17, 83.12±0.15, 81.63±0.11, 83.98±0.09 and 83.03±0.07, respectively. As result, the significant breed effect found in some type traits shows that HF and RH genotypes, which differ only in color genes, have been considered and reared as different breeds since the 1950s, causing significant differences in some type traits of these two genotypes.

Innovative Approach in Cracker Formulation: Fortification with Cherry Laurel (Laurocerasus officinalis) Seed Powder

Fatma Burcu Karakoç — 2024-10-28

Karadeniz Bölgesi'nde yetiştirilen defne, besin değeri yüksek popüler bir meyve olup, gıda ve gıda takviyesi formülasyonlarında kullanılabilen iyi bir antioksidan kaynağıdır. Türkiye'de defne meyveleri, yaprakları ve tohumları mide ve sindirim sistemi rahatsızlıkları, bronşit, cilt rahatsızlıkları ve hemoroid için halk ilacı olarak yaygın olarak kullanılmaktadır. Bu çalışmada, defnenin (Laurocerasus officinalis ) konik sert tohumlarının tozu, kraker üretim formülasyonunda buğday unu yerine %0, %10 ve %20 oranlarında ikame edilmiştir. Kraker örnekleri fiziksel (renk özellikleri, çap, kalınlık ve yayılma oranı) ve dokusal (sertlik ve kırılabilirlik) özellikler açısından değerlendirilmiştir. Diğer krakerlerle karşılaştırıldığında %20 defne çekirdeği tozu içeren krakerlerde daha düşük L * (parlaklık) değeri ve daha yüksek a * (kırmızılık) değeri bulunmuştur. Kontrol krakerleri en düşük b * (20,99) değerini göstermiştir. Tohum tozu ilave edilmiş krakerlerin doygunluk indeksi ve renk açısı değerleri sırasıyla 21.04 ve 94.31 ile 25.90 ve 75.37 arasında değişmiştir. Tohum tozu ilave edilmiş krakerler kontrol örneğine göre daha iyi nitel özellikler göstermiştir. Kontrol örneğinin kalınlık değeri 3.65 iken, %20 toz ilave edilmiş örnekte bu değer 3.20 olarak belirlenmiştir. İkame oranının artırılması krakerlerin kalınlık değerini düşürmüştür. Krakerlerin sertlik değeri 1474.16 ile 2165.29 arasında değişmiştir. Kiraz defnesi tohumu tozu krakerlerin sertlik değerini düşürmüştür. Tohum tozunun yüksek ikame seviyeleri örneklerin kırılabilirlik değerini artırmıştır. Bu değer kontrol örneğinde 16.54, %20 tohum tozu ilave edilmiş örnekte ise 18.98 olarak belirlenmiştir. %10 tohum tozu ilavesi krakerlerin genel kabulünü artırmıştır. Bulgular, kiraz defnesi çekirdeği tozunun kraker formülasyonlarında fonksiyonel bir bileşen olarak kullanılabileceğini göstermiştir.