Enhancing crop productivity is essential for increasing farmer incomes, and application of ethephon along with proper pruning practices could provide effective approaches for improving yield of cucurbit crops. A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of ethephon and pruning practices on sex expression and yield of cucumber cv long green at Rupandehi, Nepal from April to July 2022. The experiment used a two-factor factorial RCBD, with 2 doses of ethephon (300 ppm & control spray) as one factor and pruning practices (3G, 2G & no pruning) as the other, resulting six treatments which were replicated four times. Morphological and phenological parameters such as plant height, days to flowering, number of male and female flowers per plant, M: F ratio, fruit length, fruit weight, fruit number per plant, and yield were recorded. It was observed that ethephon @ 300 ppm produced the highest yield (65.59 t/ha) with increased fruits per plant (13.19) and individual fruit weight (497.31 g). Highest fruit yield (66.97 t/ha), fruit number (13.47 per plant), and individual fruit weight (497.20 g) was observed with 3G pruning. Ethephon @ 300 ppm delayed male flowers, but female flowers were observed significantly earlier (34.21 DAT), with a similar effect observed in 3G pruning. Both ethephon @ 300 ppm (39.89) and 3G pruning (41.99) significantly increased the total number of female flowers in comparison with other treatments. Control spray of ethephon resulted in highest fruit length and application of ethephon @ 300 ppm resulted to highest fruit width. Pruning did not significantly influence fruit length but increased fruit width. The study revealed that a spray of 300 ppm ethephon and 3G pruning can enhance femaleness and productivity of cucumber.

Bu çalışmada, ozon gazının Listeria spp. (tavuk işletmeleri ve tavuk etlerinden izole edilen) üzerine antibakteriyel etkilerini tahmin etmek amacıyla %99.99 doğruluk oranına sahip bir XGBoost tabanlı tahmin modeli geliştirilmiştir. Makine öğrenimi süreci öncesinde, deneysel verilerden elde edilen 75 adet veri üzerinde çeşitli ön işlemler gerçekleştirilmiş ve verilerin %70’i eğitim, %30’u test seti olarak rastgele ayrılmıştır. Çalışma kapsamında varsayılan ayarlarla beş farklı makine öğrenmesi algoritması denenmiş ve modellerin performansı karşılaştırılmıştır. R² skoruna göre en başarılı modelin XGBoost algoritması olduğu tespit edilmiştir. XGBoost modelinin doğruluk performansını artırmak amacıyla hiper-parametre optimizasyonu yapılmıştır. Araştırma sonucunda ozon gazı uygulamasının süresinin artmasıyla birlikte Listeria spp. üzerindeki antibakteriyel etkinin arttığı gözlemlenmiş, özellikle 20 dakika sonunda Listeria ivanovii, Listeria monocytogenes ve Listeria innocua türleri tamamen inhibe edilmiştir. Sonuç olarak, ozonun Listeria spp. üzerindeki antibakteriyel etkisinin türden türe değişebileceği ve ozon uygulamasının gıda güvenliği pratiklerinde etkili bir antibakteriyel yöntem olarak potansiyel taşıdığı tespit edilmiştir. Elde edilen bulgular, gıda güvenliği alanında prediktif modellerin endüstride uygulanabilirliğini göstermektedir.

Domates, dünyada üretilen en önemli sebze türlerinden birisidir. Hem tarla hemde serada domates yetiştiriciliğinde başlangıç materyali olarak genellikle tohumdan ziyade fide kullanılmaktadır. Bu çalışmanın amacı, farklı dozlarda mikoriza, vermikompost ve gübre uygulamalarının domates fidelerinin gelişimi üzerindeki etkisini araştırmaktır. Çalışmada Cuma F1 domates çeşidi kullanılmıştır. Araştırma, tesadüf parselleri deneme desenine uygun olarak 3 tekerrürlü olarak gerçekleşmiştir. Çalışmada, domates fidesi yetiştiriciliği için %70 torf %30 perlit karışımı olan ortamlara EC 0.5-1.00 ile hem mikorizalı hemde mikorizasız şekilde farklı oranlarda vermikompost (% 0, 10 ve 20) dozları uygulanmıştır. Fideler bir buçuk ayda sökümü yapılmıştır. Bu araştırmada, domates bitkilerinin şu morfolojik (fide boyu, hipokotil uzunluğu, gövde çapı, yaprak sayısı, yaprak yaş ağırlığı, yaprak kuru ağırlığı, kök yaş ağırlığı ve kök kuru ağırlığı) özellikleri incelenmiştir.  Çalışma sonucunda, vermikompost ve mikoriza uygulamalarının ortamda bulunması birçok parametre bakımından önemli farklar oluşturmaktadır. Tam gübre (EC1)  dozlarında fide kalitesinin arttığı ve düşük gübreleme (EC 0.5) dozlarında ise ortama vermikompost ilave edilmesinin fide gelişimini olumlu yönde etkilediği görülmüştür.

A study conducted in Phalelung rural municipality, Panchthar, Nepal, in 2023 examined agricultural practices and the economic analysis of large cardamom. A total of 60 households were randomly selected, and data were collected through primary and secondary sources using surveys, focus group discussions, key informant interviews and field observations to assess the large cardamom economy, package of practices and various challenges faced by farmers. The study revealed that 28% of farmers grew the Ramsai cultivar, with over 82% having access to irrigation. Most farmers (77%) managed shade well and maintained their orchards effectively. However, only 50% used specialized harvesting tools, and 63% employed improved kiln (bhatti), though more education is needed. 68% of farmers received subsidies for constructing improved kiln (bhatti). Notably, 70% of farmers lacked knowledge about cardamom grading, and 90% were unaware of value-added practices. Farmers predominantly used jute bags for packaging. Major issues identified included plant wilt, furkey, rhizome rot, and stem borer infestations. The total production cost was NPR. 114,460.5 per hectare, with a BC ratio of 1.54.  Having high market value, large cardamom provides promising opportunity to uplift the economic and social condition of farmers and stakeholders. This study provides an overview of the status of large cardamom production, processing practices, best cultivation practices to be adopted, disease pest incidence on large cardamom, storage, grading with various cultural practices to be adopted and feasibility of large cardamom cultivation area. This study would help both governmental and non- governmental agencies to make effective plans for large cardamom cultivation to meet Phyto-Sanitary status and minimum requirements to enter export and import system of cardamom in global market.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of palm oil, African walnut oil and their blends on hematological, inflammatory, and some oxidative stress markers in high fat diet (HFD) obese-induced Wistar rats. Obesity was induced for 60 days and treated for 28 days using edible oils [palm oil, African walnut oil, palm oil: African walnut oil (50:50) and palm oil : African walnut oil (60:40)] and orlistat (10 mg/Kg). Thereafter the animals were sacrificed, blood was collected for hematological studies and the preparation of the serum, while the organs harvested were used to prepare organ homogenates. Serum and organ homogenates were used for the evaluation of inflammation and oxidative stress markers. Results showed that the oils utilized were confirmed to be of high quality through their good stability indices (peroxide value: 2.52-3.87meq O2/Kg; p-anisidine value: 8.24-12.33, TOTOX value: 13.37-19.46,). Looking at the haematological study, animals that received the HFD presented the lowest (p<0.05) hematocrit and Platelet. PO:WO (50:50 and 60:40) significantly (p<0.05) decreased the granulocytes concentration in the blood of rats. PO:WO (50:50) significantly (p<0.05) increased the lymphocyte concentration while 100% PO increased the mid-size white blood cells level in the animals. Serum levels of inflammation markers were higher (p<0.05) in the negative control group (354.44-385.82 pg/mL) compared to the other groups (147.22-271.55 pg/mL). The analysis of oxidative stress parameters revealed that the administered oils and orlistat generally exhibited good protections compared to the normal and negative control groups, which might be due to the presence of omega-3 fatty acids and bioactives such as β-carotene and vitamin E which have good antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It can be concluded that these oils have a role in protecting against obesity through their effects on oxidative stress, hematology, and inflammatory cytokines.

Developments in Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing (RS) technologies and innovative approaches emerging in deep learning (DL) supported analysis methods have an important place in disaster research as in every field. Convolutional neural networks such as Mask RCNN, U-NET, one of the deep learning methods for disaster damage impact assessment and classification, have started to show successful results. However, high-resolution geospatial imagery and drones provide faster and more accurate detection of structural damage.  In this study, damaged building detection was performed using Göktürk-1 satellite images from 6 February 2023 using Mask-RCNN architecture. In this study, deep learning methods were used to detect the collapsed buildings in the city of Malatya during the 6 February 2023 earthquakes. The study aims to emphasize the significance of GIS and remote sensing for the timely and efficient evaluation of building damage after a disaster. Considering this, high quality images of Malatya city before and after the earthquake were analyzed and data sets were created by masking using Mask RCNN deep learning method through ArcGIS Pro 3.4.0 software. According to the results of the research, it quickly detected damaged buildings with an accuracy rate of 70% according to satellite images after the earthquake. As a result, GIS and deep learning models were used to detect and map the initial damage after the earthquake.

This study aims to comprehensively evaluate land consolidation studies carried out in Türkiye between 1961 and 2004. Data from 509 land consolidation and on-farm development services projects carried out in 33 provinces of Türkiye were examined using statistical analysis methods. It was determined that land consolidation projects significantly contributed to more efficient use of agricultural lands, reducing the number of parcels and reaching more suitable sizes of agricultural enterprises. The results show that the average consolidation rate of the examined projects was 35.76% and an average increase of 81.45% occurred in parcel sizes. In the regional evaluations, it was determined that the Black Sea Region had the highest consolidation rate. In contrast, relatively lower success rates were obtained in the Eastern Anatolia and Southeastern Anatolia regions. These differences are related to land structure, property relations and agricultural enterprise sizes. It has been observed that technological developments, especially computer-aided mapping techniques and tools such as Geographic Information Systems, have increased the success of consolidation projects. As a result, it has been determined that land consolidation studies play a critical role in the sustainability of agricultural production. Still, more strategic planning should be made by considering regional characteristics. This study is essential for evaluating the historical development and impacts of land consolidation studies in Türkiye. It is also considered a guide for institutions carrying out consolidation studies.

This study was conducted to determine the effects of using Spirulina and Chlorella instead of fish meal on the growth, feed utilization, digestibility and digestive enzyme activity of common carp (Cyprinus carpio). For this purpose, 25% fish meal was added to the control diet, 25% Spirulina to the SP diet and 25% Chlorella to the CL diet as the main protein source. In the 3×3 planned experiment, fish with an average weight of 1.98±0.10 g were fed with isonitrogenous and isolipidic formulated diets until satiation for 60 days. At the end of the experiment, higher final body weight and specific growth rate were obtained in the groups fed with diets containing Spirulina and Chlorella (p<0.05) and feed conversion was not affected by the main protein source in the diet. Lipid content in muscle tissue of fish fed with control diet was lower than that of the group fed with Chlorella containing diet (p<0.05). Microalgae addition to the diets significantly (p<0.05) increased dry matter, protein and lipid digestibility, as well as protease and lipase activity. The results obtained showed that Spirulina or Chlorella in Cyprinus carpio diets increased growth, nutrient digestibility and activity of digestive enzymes, and therefore, based on these parameters examined, Spirulina and Chlorella could be used instead of the entire 25% fish meal in the diet.

In dairy farms, water is crucial for the health, productivity, and welfare of animals. Water is a fundamental component in all biological processes, and insufficient water intake can negatively impact milk production, reproductive health, and overall animal welfare. The water requirement for dairy cattle depends on various factors such as age, weight, milk yield, environmental temperature, and nutritional status. An adult dairy cow can consume approximately 80-150 liters of water per day. This requirement increases in high-yielding cows. Adequate water intake directly affects milk production, as approximately 87% of milk is composed of water. The quality of water is as crucial as its quantity. This study investigates the quality of drinking water in dairy farms within Niğde Province, Turkey, focusing on its implications for livestock health and productivity. Water samples were collected from 11 livestock enterprises, encompassing water tanks and troughs, and analyzed for electrical conductivity (EC), pH, nitrate (NO₃), nitrite (NO₂), and phosphate phosphorus (PO₄) concentrations. Results showed EC values averaging 0.803 dSm⁻¹, within acceptable standards for livestock, although high concentrations in certain tanks raised concerns regarding mineral content and potential health impacts. The pH ranged from 7.27 to 8.20, remaining suitable for all livestock classes. NO₃ concentrations averaged 21.834 mgL⁻¹, with no samples below the 10 mgL⁻¹ threshold, highlighting risks from prolonged exposure. In contrast, NO₂ concentrations averaged 0.251 mgL⁻¹, remaining within safe limits. PO₄ concentrations were minimal, averaging 0.056 mgL⁻¹, and posed no significant risks. The findings underscore the importance of periodic water quality monitoring in livestock farms to mitigate risks of contamination and ensure optimal health and productivity. These findings highlight the necessity for customized water management techniques to fit particular farm settings and advance our understanding of the complex effects of water quality on livestock performance.

The aim of the present study was to determine the the effects of carazolol injection during mating following progestagen + eCG administration on conception rate in breeding season Lacaune ewes. Sixty-two Lacaune ewes were used in the study. On day 0, an intravaginal sponge containing 20 mg flugestone acetate was inserted and left in place for 10 days. On day 10, the sponges were removed, and each ewe received an intramuscular injection of eCG at a dose of 480 IU. Ewes in estrus were mated with a proven rams (ewe:ram ratio of 5:1). Fifty-nine mated ewes were randomly assigned into two groups: control and treatment. In the carazolol group (n = 30), ewes received an intramuscular injection of carazolol (0.01 mg/kg; Simpanorm, Fatro, Italy) on the day of estrus, post-mating. In the control group (n = 29), ewes were not administered any treatment. Pregnancy diagnosis was conducted in all ewes on days 30 and 60 post-mating using transabdominal ultrasonography with a Hitachi EUB-405 device equipped with a 3.5 MHz convex probe. The estrus rate, conception rate, total pregnancy rate, and early fetal death rate were evaluated across all groups. The study results indicated no statistically significant differences between the control group and the carazolol group regarding conception rates (62.1% vs. 66.7%) and total pregnancy rates (79.3% vs. 83.3%). In addition, as a result of repeated ultrasound examinations, no early fetal death was found in the study. In conclusion, carazolol injection during mating following progestagen + eCG administration did not increase on fertility in breeding season Lacaune ewes.