Abstract:Sustainable agriculture plays an important role in agricultural productivity in that it seeks to reduce chemical fertilizers use and promote the use of alternative, low-cost and environmentally friendly sources. In this sense, basalt dust has shown potential to improve soil fertility and crop nutrition. Thus, an experiment was carried out with the goal to evaluate the potential impact of a basaltic rock flour "Farina di Basalto" type XF on growth parameters of tomato crop under greenhouse. Total leaves content of flavonoids, polyphenols and antioxidant activity were also investigated. Experiments were carried out in a pot system using substrate drenches to apply the basalt flour at different levels, (0%, 1.5%, 3% and 4.5%). The growing media chosen for the trials consisted of a mixture of soil, perlite and potting soil (1:1:1:). The results showed that increasing basalt flour to 4.5%, increased significantly growth parameters of tomato plants. However, for plant height and shoot length, increasing dose from 3% to 4.5% was not significant. Results showed also that leaves dry matter, flavonoids and polyphenols contents were negatively affected when increasing dose to 4.5%. Although, applying of 3% of basalt flour was the most effective in improving antioxidant compounds in tomato plants, the higher antioxidant activity was obtained by applying of 4.5% basalt flour. These results showed the usefulness of basalt flour in improving plant growth parameters and phytochemical compounds offering the possibility of using it as both a natural fertilizer and a biostimulant in sustainable agriculture.
Abstract:This study is grounded in the idea that methods such as Collaborative and Resilience-Oriented Practices (CROPs) can boost resilience in both teachers and students. By exploring how schools in the Israeli community coped with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, we delved into the educational landscape of adolescents to understand the development of resilience. This article provides a comparative analysis of nations identified in research literature as having a collectivist social culture (Japan, Thailand, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Taiwan), alongside countries recognized in diverse indices for their individualistic social culture (Louisiana in the USA, Canada, Spain, Germany). Subsequently, the Israeli case study is explored in this comparative context. To ensure a diverse representation within the school population, a purposive sampling method was utilized to select interviewees based on specific criteria, resulting in interviews with seven school principals representing various social demographics. The research uncovers a lack of support for education staff during the COVID-19 crisis in Israel, indicating a reactive rather than proactive approach that predominantly prioritizes students. Emphasizing the importance of implementing CROPs in education, the study underscores the significance of preparing youth as ambassadors of resilience in the community.
Abstract:The leaves of P. symmeria were subjected to maceration using chloroform, ethanol, and aqueous. The various extracts were subjected to qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analysis. Theantioxidant activity was measured by their ability to scavenge 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2?-azino-bis-(3- ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), and superoxide anions (O2�(-)) radicals. An antibacterial susceptibility test was performed against the bacterial strain Escherichia. coli (ATCC-25922), Bacillus subtilis (ATCC-11447) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (ATCC-10031) using disc diffusion method. The Minimum Inhibitory concentration (MIC) was performed using the broth microdilution method, and the Minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) was determined by plating samples from the well of MIC and above concentration on a new agar plate. Various phytochemicals, such as tannins, terpenoids, steroids, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, and phlobatannins, were present in the various extracts of P. symmeria. Phytochemical analysis by LC-MS revealed the presence of 34 major compounds. The ethanol extract exhibited the highest total phenolic and flavonoid content and showed the lowest IC50 value, making it the most potent radical scavenger. The various extracts of P. symmeria also suppressed the growth of the organisms tested in a concentration-dependent manner. Therefore, our results suggested that P. symmeria extracts contain various phytochemicals that possess anti-radical and anti-bacterial activities.
Abstract:Industrial heritage buildings are cultural buildings that carry the social, cultural, historical and architectural characteristics of their period to the present day and should be preserved. Buildings such as the Alsancak Tekel Factory, which used to operate in the industrial field and serve as a production facility, have lost their original function by losing their use value over time and have become idle. These settlements symbolize the periods of the past and carry a historical meaning. It is important in terms of sustainability that industrial heritage buildings are preserved and put into use by both functionalizing them and transforming them into areas that different users can visit. It is necessary to restore industrial heritage buildings with appropriate interventions and functions, taking into account their cultural values and spatial potentials, and to transfer them to new generations within the discipline of conservation. This article aims to examine the process of re-functionalization of an old factory from the perspective of preserving the architectural heritage value of industrial buildings and its contribution to urban life through the example of ?zmir Culture and Art Factory. The transformation of Alsancak Tekel Factory, which was used as a production facility in the past, into a culture and arts center is examined in detail by addressing issues such as the history of the factory, its location, restoration process and new functions added. The positive effects of the building on the city life and the values it has brought to the city life are discussed in detail with the improvement, consolidation and strengthening applications brought to the factory. As a result of this process, the effects of the building on people are evaluated by considering the contributions of new areas such as museums, libraries, art workshops and recreation areas and contemporary-artistic activities to the economic, cultural and social dimensions of people.
Abstract:The present study evaluated the efficiency of two feeding techniques (broadcast feeding and mechanical feeding) during the fattening of whiteleg shrimp Litopennaeus vannamei in a semi-intensive system. Six growing ponds pertaining to the Practica Veracruzana aquaculture production unit were used to test each technique. Two stocking densities (32 and 35 organisms per square meter) were used for each treatment in each pond, which measured one hectare in area. The production parameters used as a reference during the present study were weekly shrimp growth, survival rate, and feed conversion ratio (FCR). The same type of feed was used for both treatments throughout the experiment, with only the feeding technique changed. The non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test (?:0.05) was used to analyze the growth and FCR results, while a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to analyze the survival results obtained. Both analyses revealed no statistically significant differences between the treatments in terms of weekly growth (P= 0.89), FCR (P=0.11), or the percentage of survival (P= 0.88). On the other hand, the financial analysis conducted found that broadcast feeding generates greater financial benefits throughout the lifetime of the culture, with cost-benefit analysis showing that, for every peso spent, the broadcast feeding technique obtained 0.22 pesos more in profit than the mechanical feeding technique.
Abstract:Background: Green tea\'s beneficial health effects are largely ascribed to its polyphenolic chemicals, particularly its catechins, of which EGCG is the most prevalent and potent. Regularly consuming excessive amounts of green tea may lead to the loss of mature, elongated spermatids, which can hamper spermatogenesis. This study aims to evaluate the effects of green tea on the sexual qualities of male hamsters and to discover whether the liver, epididymis, and testis can be examined histologically. Methods: green tea effectives on reproductive tract of hamster rats were investigated throughout 35 male hamster rats. They were divided into 5 groups. A group of different concentrations was prepared (2%–4%, 6%–8%). After exposing the hamsters to different doses of green tea for 35 days, they were anesthetized and dissected, and a sample of some tissues of liver, testis, and epididymis for histological examination. The semen sample was collected and transferred to the laboratory for analysis the sperm number, account, motility and morphology. Results: The concentration of sperms is significantly (P≤0.05) increased at different concentrations (2%, 4%, 6%, and 8%) when compared to the control group. The sperm motility of group 4% is significantly (P≤0.05) increased. A significant rise on the number of sperms in addition to normal of morphological properties of sperm in each individual lumen for all dosed groups as compared to the control group. The significant enlarged liver of treated groups with green tea compared with control. Conclusion: According to the study\'s findings, green tea benefits the tissues in the reproductive organs of male hamster rats. The study discovered a specific correlation between higher sperm count, motility, and morphology with green tea concentrations. Whereas liver enlargement was detected regarding all treated groups with green tea compared to control.
Abstract:Gut content analysis helps to understand the feeding habit of a fish and the availability of food in that habitat. The present study deals with the gut content analysis of Macrognathus aral. In the study it is observed that M. aral has an RLG value that ranges from 0.64 (±0.04) to 0.64 (±0.06) in different length groups of fishes which indicates that the fish is carnivorous. The gastrosomatic index of Macrognathus aral peaks in the premonsoon season and declines in the postmonsoon season. Sand, soil, molluscs, annelids, crustaceans, zooplankton, and other food items have been observed in the gut of Macrognathus aral during the study period.
Abstract:Sorghum and Pennisetum were installed in 2013 in a complete random block. Mowing at the vegetative stage was carried out at 30 cm for sorghum and at 60 cm for Pennisetum. There is a very strong correlation between these two parameters (r= 0.75***). The milky pasty stage is reached at 112 days for Pennisetum and at 119 days for sorghum; height of 3 m while sorghum does not exceed 2.5 m, which offers the best green and dry yield for Pennisetum (r=0.60**). At the same pasty milky stage of sorghum, digestibility varies between 45.09%-57.44% for the Sudanese population, 52.72%-53.28% for Hamra and 58.78%-53.92% for the Beida. At the hard grain stage, the digestibility of sorghum is close to the values of Pennisetum at the milky pasty stage. Such ecotypes can play a role in the conservation and enhancement of fragile soils.
Abstract:Mango, water apple, and banana fruits are the staple fruit crops in Asia, Europe, America, and also all over the world. Fruits are mainly used as fruit, juice, and a source of different food products. These are traditional and common fruits with health benefits and nutritional, pharmaceutical, and medicinal value. The study evaluated the carbohydrate content represented by glucose, fructose, total soluble solids, carotenoids, flavonoids, antioxidants, and phenolics. pH and minerals are micro-macro nutrient content in mango, water apple, and banana. 48 fruits were collected: mango, water apple, and banana. Samples were collected randomly following the completely randomized design. An atomic emission (AE) spectroscopic multi-element analyzer was used for minerals, and GC-FID was used for sugar analysis. Fruit fructose and glucose were higher in bananas and mangoes than in water apples. pH content was found higher in apples than in mango and banana. In addition, total soluble solids (TSS) content was the highest in mango. Potassium content was higher in bananas and mangoes than in mangoes. However, Phosphorus and calcium content were the highest in bananas. Moreover, magnesium (Mg) content was higher in water apples than in bananas and mango. Comparatively, more micronutrients were found in bananas and water apples than in mangoes. Fe, Zn, Na, and Mn were higher in water apples and mangoes than in bananas. The highest fiber and moisture were found in bananas. Flavonoids and carotenoids were found higher in water apples than in other fruits. Antioxidant and phenolic content were higher in mangos compared to the others. The results conclude that banana and water apples contain better biochemical (glucose, TSS, and pH) content than mango, and bioactive compound (flavonoid, phenolic, and carotenoids) was found higher in mangos and water apples, which can be used in the pharmaceutical industry for biomedicine production.
Abstract:The study was conducted to evaluate the effect of different concentrations of NAA (naphthalene acetic acid) on seedless okra production, vitamin C, carotenoids, flavonoids, antioxidants (DPPH), phenolic, and mineral content. The micro-syringe injection in flower stigma was an innovative method of application and was used in this experiment rather than spray as a common and traditional method. The flower stigma injection method was applied on the flower stigma after the anthesis of the flower of the okra plant using NAA at different concentrations. The lowest concentration (25 mg/l) of NAA greatly increased the pod setting compared to the higher concentrations and control. NAA application at 25 and 50 mg/l concentrations induced higher values of pod length, diameter, size, weight, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), and soluble solid content over the control. The chlorophyll content in leaves was affected significantly by different concentrations of NAA. It was found that 25 and 50 mg/l concentrations of NAA significantly increased chlorophyll content, fiber, moisture, flavonoid, carotenoid, antioxidant (DPPH), minerals and phenolic content compared to the other concentrations and control. In addition to that control and 25 mg/l concentrations of NAA, had increased the production of healthy seeds compared to the 50 and 100 mg/l. Moreover, 50 and 100mg/l of concentrations showed higher aborted seed (seedless) than the other concentration and control. Therefore, it seems that 25 mg/l is the best concentration for pod growth and development as well as 100mg/l is the best for seedless okra production.