Lignosulfonate Treating Bauxite Residue Dust Pollution: Enhancement of Mechanical Properties and Wind Erosion Behavior

Water, Air, & Soil Pollution - Lead is known to be a highly toxic metal; it is often found in soils with the potential to be incorporated by plants. Here, the bioaccumulation of lead by...     

Eco-geographic distribution of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cicer isauricum</Emphasis> P.H. Davis and threats to the species

Wild Cicer species are considered as useful genetic resources for resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses due to limited resistance in cultivated chickpeas. As a wild perennial species in the genus Cicer L., Cicer isauricum P.H. Davis is an endemic species to Turkey and endangered status according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature criteria. Here we report on its eco-geographic distribution and environmental stresses that affect the species, and advocate for its in situ and ex situ conservation. A new population of the species was discovered in Geyikbay?r?, Güllük Mountains in Antalya, Turkey. Cicer isauricum not only suffers from significant biotic stresses such as ascochyta blight [Ascochyta rabiei (Pass.) Labr.], pod borer (Helicoverpa armigera Hübner) and broomrape (Orobanche sp.), but is also subjected to drought and heat stress in its habitat. Infection with ascochyta blight in natural habitats was diagnosed by molecular techniques, and pod borer and broomrape were observed only phenotypically. PCR amplification of the internal transcribed spacer region of genomic DNA from cultured fungal isolates, yielded sequences with 100% nucleotide identity with the corresponding sequence in GeneBank for Didymella rabiei Kovachevski (anamorph: A. rabiei). The pathogen may have co-evolved with C. isauricum in the newly discovered site. Because C. isauricum is exposed to drought and accompanying heat stress in its natural habitat, it appears able to tolerate heat stress up to 45 °C during podding stage and terminal drought in late summer from its woody, deep rooting. C. isauricum bears multiple flowers per axil, a potentially useful trait in cultivated chickpea. In conclusion, C. isauricum is a potential genetic source for resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses, in need of greater protection due to its endangered status.     

Effects of vitamin E and selenium on tissue bio-element status in organophosphate toxicity of rats

The present study was designed to investigate the effects of vitamin E (vit E), selenium (Se) and vit E + Se against organophosphate (OP) toxicity in tissues’ trace and major element levels and erythrocyte antioxidant enzyme activities of rats. Trace and major element concentrations in the tissues were measured by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy. Erythrocyte antioxidant enzyme activities were studied by using spectrophotometer. Antioxidant enzyme activities such as superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase increased in the fenthion-treated groups (control) more than that of sham group subjects. Heart and pectoral muscle tissue Se and Zn concentrations in the control group were higher than sham group. However, jejunum, kidney, liver and pancreas Se and Zn concentrations in the control group were found to be lower than those in the sham group. The Mn concentrations in the all of the tissues were lower in the control group when compared with the sham group. Brain, heart, jejunum, kidney and pancreas Fe concentrations and heart, jejunum, liver, pectoral muscle and pancreas Cu concentrations were found to be lower in the control group. The treatment of vit E, Se and vit E + Se were increased bio-element levels in the many tissue. In conclusion, the results of the present study demonstrate that the tissue trace and major element concentrations and enzymatic antioxidant system were significantly affected OP toxicity. Furthermore, we have shown an association between bio-elements and antioxidant enzymes in OP toxicity. In addition, administration of vit E, Se and vit E + Se might regulate some trace and major element levels in the many tissues.     

Characterizing races of Meloidogyne incognita, M. javanica and M. arenaria in the West Mediterranean region of Turkey

A total of 95 samples of Meloidogyne incognita (60), Meloidogyne javanica (28) and Meloidogyne arenaria (7) collected from West Mediterranean region of Turkey were tested for identifying races of the nematodes using the North Carolina Differential Host Test. Races 2 and 6 of M. incognita were identified in 58 and 2 samples, respectively. Race 1 of M. javanica was identified from all 28 samples. Races 2 and 3 of M. arenaria were identified in 5 and 2 samples, respectively. The results also showed that two races of M. incognita and all races of M. javanica did not attack on pepper cv. California Wonder. These findings may contribute to improving resistant varieties and may also provide basis for developing a cropping system to control root-knot nematodes.     

Determining the uniformity coefficient and water distribution characteristics of some sprinklers

The basic aim of the sprinkler irrigation method, as in other irrigation methods, is to apply irrigation water as uniformly as possible to the root zone. The uniform distribution of the applied water in sprinkler irrigation depends on factors such as sprinkler type, number and size of nozzles, arrangement of sprinklers, working pressure and the speed and direction of the wind. Sprinkler and lateral spacing should be determined by also taking the speed and direction of the wind into consideration. The aim of this study was to determine the application limits and the curves of water distribution under different working pressures, spatial arrangement and nozzle diameters under field conditions of some irrigation sprinklers which are widely used in Turkey. The objective was to determine the most appropriate system arrangement by using a computer program called CATCH3D. Five sprinklers were tested in the experimental area of Ondokuz Mayis University Campus and their water distribution characteristics identified. The most suitable operating parameters for Bereket 3: 12 x 18 m, Bereket 2: 12 x 18 m, Egeyildiz 6 x 18m, Goktepe 6 x 12 m and for Atesler sprinkler 12 x 18 m arrangement type were determined.     

The effects of deltamethrin on some serum biochemical parameters in mice

Sixty white male mice were used in this study. Three groups, each comprising 20 mice were established. The control group (Group 1) was provided ad libitum pellet feed. On the other hand, the experimental groups, namely, Groups 2 and 3 were given pellet feed containing deltamethrin throughout the day, so that the animals were administered doses of 7.5 and 30 mg/kg/body weight/day, respectively. Blood samples were collected from all groups on the 15th, 30th, 45th, and 60th days of the experiment for measurement of serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), alcaline phosphatase (ALP), amylase and cholinesterase activities, and levels of glucose, urea, creatinine, triglyceride, cholesterol, calcium, phosphor, sodium, potassium, and chloride. According to data obtained, on the 15th day of the study, compared to the control group, statistically significant increase in urea, cholesterol, ALP, cholinesterase, calcium, and potassium levels/activities, and significant decrease in SGOT activity and chloride levels in Group 2, and significant increase in cholesterol, ALP, cholinesterase, calcium, potassium and chloride levels/activities in Group 3, and significant decrease in SGOT activity in Group 3 were determined. On the 30th day of the study, in comparison to the control group, triglyceride and cholesterol levels and ALP activity were determined to be significantly increased in the Group 2, whereas SGOT activity were significantly reduced in Group 2, and triglyceride and cholesterol levels were demonstrated to be significantly increased and SGOT activity was significantly reduced in Group 3. On the 45th day of the study, compared to the controls, significant increase in cholesterol and sodium levels, and significant decrease in triglyceride levels and ALP activity in Group 2, significant increase in creatinine, cholesterol and sodium levels and cholinesterase activity, and significant decrease in glucose, SGPT, ALP and phosphor levels/activities were detected in Group 3. On the 60th day, in other words, in the last period of the study, ALP activity, and triglyceride, calcium, and phosphor levels were determined to be significantly increased and significant decrease in amylase activity in Group 2. Furthermore, significant increase in triglyceride, ALP, amylase, calcium, phosphor, and potassium levels/activities, and significant decrease in glucose and creatinine levels were observed in Group 3. However no correlation was determined to exist between the changes were found to be statistically significant, and the administration dose and duration of deltamethrin in all periods and groups.     

Enhancing the dyeability of poly(lactic acid) fiber with natural dyes of alizarin,lawsone, and indigo

To dye poly(lactic acid) (PLA) fiber with natural dyes has gained importance in recent years due to the production of the fully eco-friendly textile products. In this study, pure and modified PLA fibers with two different POSS nanoparticles, namely N-phenyl aminopropyl POSS (AP-POSS) and octa (aminophenyl) polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (OAPPOSS), are dyed with three different natural dyes including alizarin, lawsone and indigo. The effects of the dyeing conditions including dyeing temperature and time, POSS nanoparticle concentration, natural dye types and concentrations are investigated on the dyeability properties of the PLA fiber samples. The wash and light fastness of the fiber samples are also investigated. According to the dyeability results, it is concluded that POSS nanoparticles are effective for increasing the dyeability of the PLA fiber with all natural dyes used in this study. As the added amount of the POSS nanoparticle increases, the dyeability of the PLA fiber increases. When the performances of the POSS nanoparticles are compared, it is seen that OAP-POSS is more effective than the AP-POSS nanoparticle.     

Effect of injecting with dexamethasone and progestagen-PMSG on reproduction and rearing of lambs in semi-intensive conditions

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of different doses dexamethasone and progestagen-PMSG on fertility and prolificacy in Kivircik ewes during the breeding season. For the experiment, 100 ewes were divided into four groups, with 25 females in each group. Groups were fluorgestone acetate (FGA, 30 mg), administered via intravaginal sponges. Experimental groups 2, 3 and 4 mL dexamethasone injection were given 72 h before mating season. The fertility rates control, 2, 3 and 4 mL were 88.0, 92.0, 100.0 and 100.0%, respectively (p<0.05). The prolificacy rates for the same groups were 122.7, 130.4, 144.0 and 156.0%, respectively (p<0.01). The injections dexamethasone significantly increased lamb birth weight and daily weight gain for 60 days (p<0.05).     

Using empirical equations to determine appropriate furrow length under field condition

In this study, some of the empirical methods such as USDA-SCS and volume balance equations were used for determining furrow length. The main purpose was proving empirical equations application possibility. According to results, USDA-SCS and Volume Balance Equations can be used for determining furrow length at the Bafra Plain, Turkey. The field experiment and Volume Balance results are very close to each other. Experimental results are different from USDA-SCS equation results, but there is a relationship between both. There is a coefficient between field results and USDA-SCS equation result for furrow length. The coefficient (0.41) can multiply by UDSA-SCS result is 73 m which is very close to the field experimental result of 71 m.