The interconnected Epe and Badagry Lagoons in Nigeria are vital ecosystems supporting fish cage culture, but they may be at risk of toxic element contamination, posing threats to aquatic life and human health. This study conducted a preliminary ecological risk evaluation, focusing on arsenic, boron, selenium, silicon, and sulfur concentrations in water, sediment, and Heteroclarias tissues using standard analytical methods. Contamination levels and ecological risks were assessed using contamination factor (CF), enrichment factor (EF), bioaccumulation factor (BAF), and the index of geo-accumulation (Igeo). Sediment consistently showed the highest concentrations of all analyzed elements, with arsenic levels in Badagry Lagoon (0.4426 ± 0.0731 mg kg⁻¹) exceeding those in water and fish tissues, and a sediment-dominant pattern was observed for boron, selenium, silicon, and sulfur. Arsenic bioaccumulation factors in Heteroclarias from Epe Lagoon were significantly high (62.29 ± 0.36 for water and 1.26 ± 0.73 for sediment), while EF values for arsenic were highest in Badagry Lagoon (29.80), and selenium showed the highest EF in Epe Lagoon (224.64). Despite negative Igeo values indicating no significant sediment contamination, elevated arsenic concentrations and bioaccumulation in fish tissues raise potential health concerns for aquatic life and human consumers, emphasizing the need for regular monitoring and management strategies to mitigate toxic element contamination in the Lagos Lagoon system.

In this survey, we compare the effect of two anesthetics, clove and tobacco, on the harvest stress and quality of rainbow trout fillet kept at 4°C for 7 days. The fish sample groups (weighed 200 g) included a control, a group anesthetized with clove (750 mg/l) and a group anesthetized with tobacco (800 mg/l). The results showed that anesthesia with tobacco and clove significantly affects blood lactate and glucose (p<0.05). Fish anesthetized with clove showed less stress during harvesting. Also, the amount of glucose and lactate in their blood was less than those anesthetized with tobacco. There were also some significant changes in Thiobarbituric acid (TBA) and Total Volatile Basic Nitrogen (TVB-N) parameters during the storage of samples in the fridge. The lowest amount of Thiobarbituric acid, Total Volatile Basic Nitrogen, mesophilic, and psychrophilic bacteria during the survey belonged to samples treated with clove. The results also suggest that the fish anesthetized with clove stayed fresh longer in the fridge.

Yapay resifler, deniz ekosistemlerini restore etmek, biyoçeşitliliği artırmak ve sürdürülebilir bir çevre oluşturmak için geliştirilen yenilikçi ve insanoğlunun son yüzyılda bulduğu en önemli buluştur. Yapay resiflerin su ortamında yaşayan türlerin devamlılığı, sürdürülebilir balıkçılık faaliyetleri ve çevresel etkilerinin yanı sıra açıkça gözlemlenebilen sosyo-ekonomik faydaları vardır. Yapay resif oluşturulurken kullanılacak malzemenin, dayanıklılığının uzun süreli olması, toksik maddeler bulundurmaması ve ekonomik olması gibi bir takım özel standartları olmasının yanında yenilikçi ve farklı bakış açıları ile geliştirilmiş olması ekosisteme katkı sağlayabileceği gibi insan hayatına da dokunabilecektir. Bu bağlamda nötr pH sağlayan beton türleri ve geri dönüştürülebilir malzemelerin kullanımı, projelerin çevresel etkisini azaltabileceği gibi disiplinler arası iş birliğine dayalı yapay resif projeleri, sanatın insan ve doğa arasındaki ilişkiyi güçlendirme potansiyelini daha da artıracaktır. Böylece hem ekosistemlerin korunmasına hem de insanları çevresel sürdürülebilirliğe teşvik eden bir bilinç yaratmaya hizmet edebilecektir. Ayrıca yapay resiflerin sanatsal, ekolojik ve toplumsal faydalarının bir araya getirildiği projeler, gelecekte çevresel koruma ve kültürel üretim arasında daha güçlü bağlar kurulması için ilham kaynağı olacaktır.

The reliance on expensive synthetic hormones and the ethical concerns of sacrificing potential breeders for pituitary gland (PG) extraction in African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) induced spawning necessitate exploring cost-effective and ethical alternatives. This study evaluated the efficacy of PG extracts from eel-tailed catfish (Tandanus tandanus) and Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) compared to African catfish PG. Twelve mature African catfish (approximately 500 g each) were divided into three treatment groups (n=4 per group), each receiving PG extracts standardized by donor fish weight. Spawning latency was recorded and analyzed using ANOVA and post-hoc tests. Results demonstrated that eel-tailed catfish PG (13.54 h) exhibited comparable spawning latency to African catfish PG (11.88 h), while Nile tilapia PG resulted in significantly longer latency (17.59 h). This suggests that eel-tailed catfish PG is a viable and cost-effective alternative to synthetic hormones and traditional PG extraction, offering a sustainable solution for African catfish hatcheries.

Statistical Process Control (SPC) is a critical methodology within the medicinal chemical industry, employed to guarantee the safety, efficacy, and consistency of chemical products. SPC facilitates the identification of deviations from established specifications, thereby minimizing process variability and waste, and ultimately enhancing customer satisfaction. L-aspartyl-L-phenylalanine methyl ester, an artificial sweetener characterized by its low caloric content, represents a manufacturing process that necessitates diligent monitoring and control. Despite its inherent advantages, the implementation of SPC presents certain challenges, including the judicious selection of appropriate data, the accurate interpretation of analytical results, and the seamless integration with existing quality management systems. Data corresponding to selected inspection attributes were imported into Minitab version 17.1.0 for subsequent statistical analysis. Descriptive statistics, encompassing metrics such as mean, standard deviation, skewness, and kurtosis, were calculated for each parameter to provide an initial characterization of the data distribution. The Anderson-Darling test was employed to formally assess the normality of the data distribution. In instances of non-normal data, various transformations, including square root, logarithm, reciprocal, Johnson, and Box-Cox transformations, were explored. The Anderson-Darling test was reapplied to the transformed data to evaluate the effectiveness of these transformations in achieving normality. For data that remained non-normal after initial transformation attempts, the Box-Cox transformation with a lambda (λ) value of 0.5 was applied using Minitab’s “Identify Distribution” feature. A comprehensive Process Capability Six-pack Report was subsequently generated for each parameter (specifically, optical rotation, loss on drying, and assay) following the transformation process, utilizing Minitab’s “Process Capability Six-pack” functionality. This report comprises six distinct graphical representations and detailed statistical outputs summarizing process performance. Analysis of the optical rotation data indicated a process that, while statistically stable, lacked the necessary capability to consistently meet specifications, suggesting a clear need for process improvement. The study of loss on drying for L-aspartyl-L-phenylalanine 1-methyl ester revealed a process that was neither stable nor capable in the short term, with observed instability and excursions noted in the control chart components of the report. The assay data, which demonstrated a lognormal distribution, indicated a process that was neither statistically stable nor capable of meeting the required specifications, underscoring the imperative for significant process enhancement. To improve long-term process capability for all parameters, it is essential to identify and systematically eliminate the underlying factors contributing to process variation, coupled with the implementation of continuous monitoring and control strategies. The implementation of reinforced monitoring protocols and the application of continuous process assessment utilizing advanced statistical methodologies can substantially contribute to improved quality assurance outcomes and enhanced process efficiency within the medicinal chemical industry.

This study aimed to examine the relationships between grain color parameters and functional markers of color-controlling genes in wheat. Grain color parameters (L*, a*, b*, C* and h°) of the segregated genotypes in the F2 generations of Byrd (red) × Tosunbey (white) and Kayra (red) × Cumhuriyet 75 (white) hybrids were measured. The F2 genotypes with parents were screened with wheat grain color SSR marker (Xgwm155) and functional color markers (Tamyb10-A1, Tamyb10-B1 and Tamyb10-D1). The color alleles possessed by the parents were determined by functional markers. While the parents with white color (Tosunbey and Cumhuriyet 75) were determined to be homozygous recessive in terms of all three-color alleles, Byrd variety with red grain color was found to have the R-B1b allele, and Kayra variety was found to have the red color allele in terms of all three loci. In terms of color parameters, the average color parameter values in the F1 generation and F2 population of both hybrid combinations gave results closer to the parent with red grain color. In the Byrd × Tosunbey F2 population, the interaction of two markers (Xgwm155 × Tamyb10-B1) in the L* color parameter and the Xgwm155 marker in the Hue angle (h°) parameter were found to be important and explained the observed variation by approximately 11%. In the Kayra × Cumhuriyet 75 F2 population, the Tamyb10-B1 marker in the L* parameter and Tamyb10-D1 in the b* and C* parameters were determined to be important and explained approximately 5% of the observed variation.

To analyze the temporal trends and patterns of COVID-19 cases and deaths in Bangladesh, to identify potential seasonal variations in COVID-19 morbidity and mortality, to visualize the relationship between new cases, new deaths, and time, to prioritize factors or periods based on case and death frequencies and to apply statistical process control charts to monitor the stability and identify significant variations in daily case and death rates. COVID-19, caused by a novel coronavirus, has become a global public health emergency since its emergence in late 2019. Bangladesh, a densely populated and low-resource country, faced many challenges in responding to the pandemic. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on public health in Bangladesh by analyzing the trends and patterns of morbidity, mortality, and future scenarios which mean the implications of the historical analysis for the potential direction the pandemic might take, while acknowledging the variables and the plan for a dedicated future projection study. The analysis used data from the WHO COVID-19 dashboard, covering 1st January, 2020 to 1st January, 2023. Minitab 17.1.0 was used for analysis and visualization. The data was cleaned and transformed to create new variables like season and case fatality rate. A surface plot was used to show the relationship between new cases, new deaths, and date reported. Trending charts with upper and lower control limits were also created.Results showed an initial surge in cases and deaths peaking in mid-2021, followed by declining death rates. Seasonal variations were observed, with summer and winter having higher cases (summer: 50.3% of total cases; winter: 22.1%) and deaths (summer: 59.1%; spring: 16.8%) compared to spring and autumn. Pareto analysis of cases showed that July 2021 accounted alone for about 16.5% of the total incidents. The study highlights seasonal trends and the critical role of vaccination and healthcare capacity. Public health authorities should prioritize pre-peak-season interventions, enhance real-time monitoring using statistical tools and address systemic vulnerabilities to mitigate future outbreaks.

Bu çalışma, Kastamonu ilinin süt sığırcılığı açısından öne çıkan üç ilçesi olan Daday, Taşköprü ve Merkez ilçelerinde, 2019-2024 yılları arasında Kastamonu Köy Kalkınma ve Diğer Tarımsal Amaçlı Kooperatifler Birliği’ne üye işletmelerde yetiştirilen Simental ırkı süt sığırlarına ait aylık, mevsimsel ve yıllık süt verimi ile süt yağ oranı değişimlerini ortaya koymak amacıyla yapılmıştır. Çalışmada 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 ve 2024 yıllarına ait veriler kullanılmış, süt yağı ve süt miktarları özelliklerinde aylar ve mevsimsel değişimlerin etkileri varyans analiz ve Duncan çoklu testleri ile değerlendirilmiştir. Değerlendirme sonuçlarına göre Kastamonu-Merkez ve Taşköprü ilçelerinde süt miktarlarının yıllara göre önemli (P<0.01) farklılık gösterdiği belirlenmiş, Daday ilçesinde ise süt verimi bakımından yıllara göre herhangi bir farklılık tespit edilmemiştir. Sütteki yağ oranı her üç ilçede de yıl faktörüne göre istatistiki olarak önemli olmuştur (P<0.01). Mevsim ve ay faktörlerine göre üç ilçede süt miktarı istatistiki olarak önemli farklılık göstermiş (P<0.01), Merkez, Daday ve Taşköprü ilçelerinde en yüksek süt miktarı yaz mevsiminde elde edilmiştir. Sütteki yağ oranı değişkenine göre, Daday ilçesi mevsimlere göre anlamlı farklılık göstermezken, Merkez ve Taşköprü ilçelerinin istatistiki olarak önemli farklılık gösterdiği (P<0.01) belirlenmiştir. Hem Merkez (3,83) hem de Taşköprü (3,99) ilçelerinde sütteki yağ oranının en yüksek olduğu mevsim sonbahar olmuştur. Altı yılın süt miktarı ortalamalarına göre Merkez ilçede en yüksek süt veriminin Haziran ve Temmuz aylarında, Daday ilçesinde Mayıs-Haziran-Temmuz ve Ağustos aylarında, Taşköprü ilçesinde ise Haziran ayında olduğu saptanmıştır. Süt yağ oranı değişkeni üzerinde ay faktörü, Merkez ve Taşköprü ilçeleri için istatistiki anlamda önemli farklılık gösterirken, Daday ilçesi için sütteki yağ oranı aylara göre farklılık göstermemiştir. Merkez ilçesi verilerine göre en yüksek yağ oranı Ekim-Kasım-Aralık ve Ocak aylarında elde edilirken, Taşköprü ilçesinde en yüksek yağ oranı Ekim-Kasım-Aralık aylarında tespit edilmiştir.

Çanakkale koşullarında üç farklı nane tür ve tipinde (Mentha × piperita L. var Mitcham, M. piperita ve M. spicata), 3 farklı azot dozu (Kontrol, 4 kg/da ve 8 kg/da) ve 3 farklı fosfor dozunun (Kontrol, 3 kg/da ve 6 kg/da) verim ve tarımsal özellikleri üzerine olan etkinin araştırıldığı bu çalışma 2021-2022 yıllarında Çanakkale ili Sarıcaeli Köyünde gerçekleştirilmiştir. Çalışmanın ilk yılında bitki boyu ve uçucu yağ oranları, ikinci yıla göre daha düşük olmuştur. Araştırmanın ikinci yılında ise; yeşil herba verimi, drog herba verimi, kuru madde oranı ve uçucu yağ verimi, daha fazla olmuştur. Denemede bitki boyu genellikle 4 kg’lık azot dozuna kadar artış göstermiş, bu dozdan sonra azalmıştır. Bitki boyu olarak en yüksek değer M. piperita’da kg azot 3 kg fosfor uygulamasından elde edilmiştir. Yıllar ortalamasına bakıldığında uçucu yağ oranına açısından en iyi sonuç M. spicata’da 4 kg/da azot ve 3 kg/da fosfor uygulamasından elde edilmiştir. En fazla uçucu yağ verimi 4 kg azot ve 3 kg’lık fosfor dozunda (M. piperita L. Mitcham 5,95 l/da, M. piperita 5,55 l/da ve M. spicata 5,80 l/da) belirlenmiştir, Çanakkale koşullarında M. spicata tipi nane için en yüksek verimin alındığı 4 kg/da azot 3 kg/da fosfor dozunda gübre kullanılarak üretilmesinin uygun olacağı ve alternatif olarak ta M. piperita L. Mitcham tipi nanenin yer alabileceği ortaya çıkmıştır.