Cornus mas L. (Cornaceae) ve Rosa canina L. (Rosaceae) Anadolu’da doğal olarak büyüyen bitki türlerindendir. Her iki bitkinin meyveleri antosiyaninler, fenolikler ve vitaminler bakımından zengin olup; şurup, meyve suları, reçel ve marmelat gibi çeşitli geleneksel ürünlerin üretilmesinde kullanılmaktadır. C. mas ve R. canina’nın yaş ve kurutulmuş meyvelerinden elde edilen ekstraktların, bazı biyoaktif içeriklerinin yanı sıra antimikrobiyal aktivitesi araştırılmıştır. Ayrıca C. mas ve R. canina yaş ve kuru meyve ekstraktlarının GC-MS analizi sonucunda, farklı sayıda yağ asidi belirlenmiştir. Her iki türün ekstraktlarındaki başlıca yağ asitleri, palmitik, oleik ve linoleik asitin değişen oranlarıyla tespit edilmiştir. Biyoaktif madde içerikleri ve antimikrobiyal aktiviteler, ekstraksiyon metoduna göre farklılık göstermiş ve kuru meyvelerden elde edilen metanolik ekstraktlar; yaş meyvelerden suyla elde edilen ekstraktlara göre daha iyi sonuçlar ortaya koymuştur. Bitki örneklerinin antimikrobiyal aktivitesi 8 bakteri ve 1 maya üzerinde oyuk agar metoduna göre test edilmiştir. Sonuçlara göre her iki bitki örneği de B.subtilis ve MRSA hariç tüm test mikroorganizmaları üzerine değişen oranlarda inhibisyon göstermiştir.

The main source of seed filling results from the photosynthesis of the green tissue closest to the seed sinks in the capitula. To evaluate the role of different leaf strata and capitula in seed yield and its components of Safflower genotypes, a field study was performed as a factorial experiment based on RCBD in 3 replicates in East Azarbaijan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center in 2008. The used factors in this experiment were: two Safflower genotypes including (Mahalli Esfahan and Goldasht) and defoliation in five levels: defoliation of plants in lower 1/3, middle 1/3, upper 1/3 of the stem, capitulum covered with aluminum paper and control (without defoliation). The results showed that defoliation did not affect plant height and number of pods. But, there was a highly significant difference between strata in terms of number of seeds per pod, number of seeds per plant, 1000 seeds weight, oil percentage and oil yield. The interaction of genotype×strata treatments in seeds yield and harvest index was significant. Among the defoliation treatment levels in both genotypes, the highest decrease in the seed yield compared to the control were observed in the upper 1/3 defoliation levels, whereas the lowest decrease was observed in the lower 1/3 defoliation level. The rate of seed yield reduction in Mahalli Esfahan was higher than Goldasht. The change in Goldasht seed yield was mostly due to changes in the number of seeds per plant and the number of seeds in the head. In addition, net photosynthesis, strata leaf area, and photosynthesis contribution of the upper strata compared to the lower ones were higher, and removal of the upper strata had the highest effect on seed yield through the reduction in the total photosynthesis of the whole plant. Also, covering the capitulum caused a significant decrease in the seed yield. So, head photosynthesis has a major contribution to Safflower seed yield.

Labneh is one of the most consumed dairy products in the Lebanese community, on breakfast, as a snack or on dinner, plane or mixed with herbs. Its various health benefits plus its acceptability among people makes it an important part of the Lebanese diet. In both its synthetic and homemade forms, several additives are usually incorporated to enhance its flavor and offer a variety of tastes. The problem with Labneh is its short shelf life, as well as its sensitive sensory profile. That is why most industries mix chemical additives with Labneh to prolong its shelf life and conserve its taste. The aim of this research is to preserve Labneh naturally by adding Moringa Oleifera dried leaves to extend its shelf life and inhibit rapid spoilage. Working on a natural preservation of Labneh instead of chemical preservation will be assessed by the survey’s results and prepare for studying the overall acceptability of the product by making a sensory analysis. The results of the questionnaire showed that the Lebanese community which is not totally aware of Moringa Oleifera benefits and availability, is willing to try fortified Labneh with Moringa as a new product with extended shelf life and more health benefits. The results of the sensory analysis showed that the sensory attributes of the samples with Moringa after 21 days of storage, where not significantly different than normal plane Labneh, which indicate that adding Moringa did not affect the sensory attributes of Labneh giving it more acceptability to consumers.

High morbidity and mortality rate associated with pneumococcal infection globally is of major concern most especially among infant. This burden is equally worsened by multidrug resistance strains due to indiscriminate consumption of antibiotics. Hence, need for constant search for cheap and effective bioactive compounds as alternative antimicrobials for the treatment of pneumococcal infection. Bioactive compound profiling and in-vitro antibacterial activity of ginger methanol extract against two predominant pneumococcal agents; Streptococcus pneumonia and Haemophilus influenza were investigated. Gas Chromatography Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS) was used for the identification and quantification of bioactive compounds in the ginger methanol extract. The antibacterial activity and Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of the extract was determined using Agar well diffusion. Twenty-seven (27) matched bioactive compounds were detected in the sample. Zingerone (17.70%), α-zingiberene (13.30%), (6)-shogaol (10.84%), α-Farnesene (6.26%), β-Funebrene (5.61%), 6-gingerol (5.18%), α-curcumene (4.15%) were the major compounds present. All other identified compounds had less than 4% composition by peak area each. The antibacterial activity of the ginger crude methanol extract against S. pneumonia and H. influenza were 2.33 mm and 9.33 mm. MIC of the extract against the isolates was 10%. In conclusion ginger crude methanol extract contain an array of bioactive compounds and the extract exhibited antibacterial activity against predominant pneumococcal agents. Ginger extract can be harnessed for the production of new antimicrobials to combat pneumococcal infection.

In this study, the effects of UV B (50 µW/cm2) radiation at 306 nm on oil-in-water emulsions (O/W) using canola oil, soybean oil and linoleic acid were investigated. The oxidation rates of emulsions incubated at pH 7.0 and 37°C in the presence and absence of Cu (II) ions were determined by using iron (III) thiocyanate and thiobarbituric acid methods for the determination of primary and secondary products, respectively. The UV B-induced oxidation rates followed the order LA / Cu (II) > LA > Canola Oil / Cu (II) > Canola Oil > Soybean Oil / Cu (II) > Soybean Oil for both crops. Simultaneously, structural studies were performed using gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS). It was found that 18-carbon polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) and monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) contents have an important role in canola and soybean oil oxidation. The unsaturated fatty acid contents of small carbon numbers increased for each emulsion sample, while the oxidation of fatty acid changes did not follow a regular order.

The aim of this study is to contribute to the valorization of the cocoa bean varieties “Mercedes” and “Forastero” grown in Côte d’Ivoire. A comparative characterisation of phenolic compounds and minerals in the beans of the “Mercedes” and “Forastero” varieties from two major cocoa production areas of Côte d’Ivoire were determined. The phenolic compounds of cocoa beans were determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and the minerals by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The study showed that a significant difference at the 5% level was observed in the averages of minerals, cinnamic acid, protocatechic acid, quercetin, coumaric acid, rutin, ellagic acid, veratric acid, epicatechin, ferulic acid and naringenin. On the other hand, no significant difference at the 5% level was observed in the averages of arbutin, catechin, vanillic acid and caffeic acid in the bean kernels analysed in the Divo and Abengourou regions. The proportion of cinnamic acid is (6.18±0.63 mg/100g “Mercedes” Divo), that of ellagic acid is (18.48±0.44 mg/100g “Mercedes” Divo) and that of naringenin is (5.95±0.35 mg/100g “Mercedes” Divo). The amount of potassium is (7569.97±1.51 mg/kg “Forastero” of Abengourou) and that of iron is (179.9 ± 0.70 mg/Kg “Forastero” of Divo). The phenolic compounds and minerals in the cocoa bean samples analysed are highly correlated and rich in antioxidants. They would be beneficial for many biological functions. They can be recommended in pharmacology and cosmetics to fight against oxidative stress and cardiovascular diseases.

The farming technique of radical terracing is one of the new agricultural technologies introduced in Rwanda to enhance farming activities in the highland areas. The study was designed to analyze the applicability of the adoption and diffusion model of farm innovation on adopting radical terraces in Rwanda. It adopted a descriptive correlational research design to the farmers owned radical terraces in Nyamagabe District. The purposive sampling technique was applied to select 19 Key Informants and 192 farmers. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected through questionnaires, face-to-face interviews, direct observation and documentary sources. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for quantitative data analysis whereas thematic and narratives content analyses were used on qualitative. The research outcomes show that the level of farmers' adoption was medium. Besides, the farmers’ access to agricultural information; and farmers’ participation were found to have a positive influence on the applicability of the adoption-diffusion model on the adoption of radical terraces. The study showed that the adoption of radical terraces in Nyamagabe depended on the compatibility with the existing values and practices among farmers based on the information-contagion model and the social participation model that is widely used in the agricultural context. The study recommended the government continue sensitizing farmers on the importance of adopting radical terraces for better use and maintenance as a modern farming practice. Further research should focus on the applicability of technology characteristics user's context model on the adoption of radical terraces in Rwanda.

This work aimed to develop a formulation of pumpkin seed paste and to evaluate its nutritional, sensory and textural properties. In the study, a delicious product was tried to be obtained with raw materials with high functional properties. Pumpkin Seed Cream was produced in four groups as roasted, roasted and cinnamon added, unroasted, unroasted and cinnamon added. The roasting process was carried out for 12 min. at 160°C. The effect of roasting pumpkin seeds and adding cinnamon to the formulation on cream samples produced within the scope of the study were investigated. Firmness, consistency, cohesiveness and spread ability properties were investigated of samples. It was determined that the roasting of pumpkin seeds used in the formulation created a statistically significant difference in the spreadability properties of the samples. As a result of the color analysis of the samples, the brightest and greener color intensity was detected in the unroasted group. The appearance, odor, texture and flavor profiles of samples were examined in sensory analysis. In terms of general taste, the unroasted and cinnamon-free group was most appreciated.

Lemna minor L. is an aquatic plant that is resistant to hard conditions, is a fast growing, rapidly multiplying vascular floating macrophyte, and is widely distributed in wetlands in our country and around the world. Lemna minor L., also known as duckweed, contains essential nutrients such as proteins, carbohydrates and fats, as well as various secondary metabolites that are beneficial for humans. Therefore, it is a remarkable source of alternative food. In addition to its traditional medical use, it is thought that taking into account in the development of herbal medicines and cosmetics today in the light of scientific studies will be beneficial in terms of developing value-added products and bringing them into the economy. In this review, studies and articles on the usability of Lemna minor L. in the field of health and nutrition are reviewed and presented with an overview.

This study assessed the intensity of adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices (CSA), identified determinants of the adoption, and examined adoption synergies and trade-offs among the practices in Ethiopia. The study used cross-sectional data collected by the Ethiopian Central Statistical Agency with the support of the World Bank in 2018/2019. The analysis was done using descriptive statistics and multivariate probit model. Widely promoted CSA technologies i.e. conservation tillage, manure, crop residues, compost, and soil and water conservation practices were considered in the study. The study found soil and water conservation practices were the most widely adopted technologies (77% of farmers) followed by manure application (56% of farmers), and residue cover (54% of farmers). Among the adopters, 43% and 13% of them used conservation tillage and applied compost on their farms respectively. Area-based intensity of adoption of soil and water conservation practices, residue cover, conservation tillage, manure, and compost were 63%, 25%, 18%, 14% and 3%, respectively. The study indicated improvements in government services such as extension, credit, market and watershed programs enhance adoption of CSA practices. Adoption of manure and compost, residue cover and compost, and residue cover and conservation tillage had a positive and significant correlation, implying that adopting one practice increases the likelihood of adoption of the other practice for the same farmer. In conclusion, the government needs to use the opportunity of complementarity effect among adoption decision of the practices and work on driving factors identified to enhance the adoption and build resilient agriculture.