Showing papers by "Atatürk University published in 2022"

Structural, mechanical, radiation shielding properties and albedo parameters of alumina borate glasses: Role of CeO2 and Er2O3

Abstract: In this study, the effect of CeO2 and Er2O3 on the physical, structural and mechanical properties of the B2O3-Na2O-Al2O3 glass composition, according to the formula [75-(x+y)]B2O3-20Na2O-5Al2O3-x(CeO2)+y(Er2O3) (where x+y=1, mol %) were investigated. The half-value layer (HVL), neutron removal cross-section (R), effective atomic numbers (Zeff), mean free path (MFP), mass attenuation coefficients (MAC), and radiation safety efficiency (RPE) of the prepared glass structure were experimentally tested and theoretically determined for radiation shielding properties. The MCNP5 code was also used to measure the mass attenuation coefficients of glasses. At 59.54 keV, the glass system's albedo number, energy, and dose were determined by examining Compton and coherent peaks in XRF spectra. The XRD analyses showed that CeO2 and Er2O3 doped alumina borate glasses had a completely amorphous structure. Optical band gap ( E opt ) values decreased according to pure glass because of the replacement of RO oxides in the glass matrix. Luminescence spectra had red emission correspond to 640–690 nm region through 4F9/2→6H11/2 transition. Good agreements were also observed between WinXCOM and Monte Carlo simulation results for MAC values. It was observed that doping 1 mol% of Er2O3 decreased the reflectivity of the gamma rays of the alumina borate glass by 30.9% compared to the doping 1 mol% of CeO2. In addition, the structural and mechanical properties of the CeO2 and Er2O3 doped borate glasses were examined, and comparisons were made.

A novel “turn-off” fluorescent sensor based on cranberry derived carbon dots to detect iron (III) and hypochlorite ions

Abstract: A novel fluorescent carbon dots (CDs) have been prepared for the quantitative determination of iron(III) (Fe3+) and hypochlorite (ClO−) ions separately. Firstly, CDs were successfully synthesized using a hydrothermal treatment which is a green and simple method from cranberry as a novel natural resource. They were precisely characterized using advanced instruments. Secondly, CDs were separately studied by absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy as a fluorescence sensor for various metal cations and anions, respectively. As a result of spectroscopic data, it was showed that CDs were effectively quenched with Fe3+ ions among various cations and ClO− ions among various anions, respectively. The fluorescence intensities of CDs were quenched by forming a non-radiative complex between Fe3+ and CDs, and LOD for Fe3+ was calculated as 0.75 nM in the range of 1.6 nM to 22.8 nM. Furthermore, their fluorescence intensities are quenched by oxidizing of the hydroxyl groups on surface of CDs with ClO− ions, which have strong oxidant properties, and a detection limit (LOD) for ClO− was calculated as 1.60 nM in the range of 9.9 nM to 78.0 nM. Also, the proposed method to detect Fe3+ and ClO− ions was successfully applied in real natural spring and tap water samples. All data showed that these novel CDs could be used as a highly selective and sensitive, and instantaneously responsive “turn-off” fluorescence sensor for Fe3+ and ClO− ions.

Investigation of an auxiliary option to meet local energy demand via an innovative small-scale geothermal-driven system; a seasonal analysis

Abstract: Regarding the decrease in energy supply in urban areas at the peak periods of seasonal consumption, this study is steered towards working on an auxiliary option supporting the required energy load of the urban sector. Since the fluctuations in local energy demand should be addressed via local capabilities, this study focuses on geothermal energy as the renewable energy-based option to design a novel seasonal multigeneration system. The designed small-scale system consists of a flash-binary geothermal cycle (producing electricity) whereby its waste heat is recovered by a regenerative organic Rankine cycle (producing electricity), a desalination unit based on thermal processes (producing freshwater) together with a single-effect absorption chiller and a heating production unit for addressing the warm and cold weather conditions, respectively. The system is comprehensively analyzed from the 3E concept (energy, exergy, and economic) and optimized using a genetic algorithm both thermodynamically and economically. Also, a net present value (NPV) method is used to predict the revenue and payback period of the system. Based on the outcomes, the sensitivity of the performance criteria undergoes a principal variation with the geothermal water inlet temperature. Also, the genetic algorithm estimated that the highest energy and exergy efficiencies and lowest total unit cost of products are respectively 56.04%, 67.25, and 9.37 $/GJ in summer and 57.57%, 68.42%, and 8.73 $/GJ in winter.

The effects of nitrite, sodium ascorbate and starter culture on volatile compounds of a semi-dry fermented sausage

Abstract: This study investigated the effects of nitrite level (0, 50, 100 or 150 mg/kg), sodium ascorbate (with or without) and starter culture (Lactobacillus plantarum GM77 + Staphlyococcus xylosus GM92 or without starter culture) on the volatile compounds of heat-treated sucuk, a type of semi-dry fermented sausage. The volatile compounds of each final product were analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) with solid-phase microextraction (SPME). Aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons, alcohols, aldehydes, esters and terpenes were not affected by sodium ascorbate. 3-hydroxy 2-butanone was significantly affected by the nitrite level. Starter culture addition reduced the hexanal level. The starter culture also resulted in a decrease in diallyl disulfide in heat-treated sucuk. The use of sodium ascorbate lowered the 2- pentyl-furan, butanoic acid and propanoic acid level. According to PCA results, the nitrite level of 100 mg/kg was the most associated with volatile compounds than with other treatments.

Effects of Supplemental Chromium Nanoparticles on IFN-γ expression of Heat Stress Broilers

Abstract: The aim of present study was to investigate the beneficial effect of chromium (III) picolinate (CrPic) and chromium (III) picolinate nanoparticles (NCrPic) addition on growth performance, stress-related hormonal changes, and serum levels of various immunity biomarkers, as well as the gene expression of IFN-γ in broilers exposed to heat stress conditions. Treatments included T1 which received the basal diet with no feed additive; T2 exposed to heat stress; T3, T4, and T5 containing 500, 1000, and 1500 ppb CrPic; as well as T6, T7, and T8 containing 500, 1000, and 1500 ppb NCrPic, respectively. After 2 weeks from CrPic and NCrPic supplementation, IFN-γ mRNA expression was assayed using the RT-PCR technique. The results showed that the lower body weight, daily weight gain, daily feed intake by heat stress, and the feed conversion ratio were recovered remarkably by CrPic and NCrPic supplements. The stress-elevated levels of cortisol and immunoglobulin were reduced significantly using CrPic and NCrPic supplementation (P ≤ 0.05). The gene expression profile showed that the upregulated expression of IFN-γ was regulated by the addition of CrPic and NCrPic, in particular, to the diet; however, a full downregulation of IFN-γ expression was observed after week 2 of NCrPic supplementation. In conclusion, the results indicated that nanoparticle supplementation could be effective in reducing heat stress-induced detrimental alterations, thereby attributing to substantial changes to the immune system, including IFN-γ expression.

Microbial extremozymes: Novel sources and industrial applications

Abstract: It is very important to use enzymes in protein structure for industrial purposes, and most of the enzyme market is based on microbial enzymes. Their rapid reproduction, resistance to environmental conditions, and their high efficiency have increased their use as an enzyme source in the industrial market. Extremophilic microorganisms have increased the use of Microbial Extremozymes in the catalysis of difficult reactions in different industries, as they are resistant to extreme environmental conditions (extreme low/high acidic or basic pH, temperature, high ionic density, radiation, metal ion concentration, etc.) and do not lose their activity in the enzymes they produce extracellularly. In addition, these extremozymes form the basis for the improvement of environmentally friendly and sustainable new generation industries. In this chapter, Extremophilic (Thermophilic, Piezophilic, Acidophilic, and Halophilic) microorganism originated industrial enzymes (Pectin lyase, Phytase, Laccase, …), the share of these industrial enzymes in the market and their biotechnological applications, their place in nanotechnology, and future prospects will be discussed.

Evaluation of Nutritional Content in Wild Apricot Fruits for Sustainable Apricot Production

Abstract: Apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) trees are common from Asia to North America and have been used for delicious and nutritious fruits for centuries. Wild apricot trees show great environment plasticity and are free of pest and disease traits, both of which are important for sustainable apricot production. However, wild apricots are more common in Asia and North African countries. Wild apricot trees and fruits show great variability due to seed propagation characteristics. Seeds of wild apricots are used as rootstocks for apricot cultivars, in particular in main apricot producer countries such as Turkey, Uzbekistan, and Iran. Fruits of wild apricots are also an important food in wild apricot growing countries and add value as a sustainable nutrition source. In the present study, a total of 14 wild apricots widely grown in inner Anatolia were characterized by morphological (fruit weight, flesh/seed ratio, fruit firmness, and color index), nutritional (individual sugars and organic acids) and nutraceutical (total phenolic, total flavonoids, total carotenoid, and antioxidant activity) features. The obtained results showed that wild apricot genotypes differed from each other for most of the morphological, nutritional, and nutraceutical characteristics. The genotypes were found pest- and disease-free and had fruit weight, flesh/seed ratio, and fruit firmness of between 18.24 and 27.54 g; 8.96 and 12.44; and 4.05 and 6.03 kg/cm2, respectively. Citric acid was the dominant organic acid for fruits of all wild apricot genotypes, and ranged from 923 to 1224 mg/100 g. Sucrose was the highest soluble sugar in fruits for all wild apricots, and ranged from between 6.80 and 8.33 g/100 g. Moreover, the level of nutraceutical parameters also varied among genotypes and high amounts of total phenol and antioxidant activity were obtained in fruit extracts of IA8 genotype as 81.4 mg gallic acid equivalent per 100 g and 2.44 μmoL trolox equivalent per g, respectively. Different wild apricot genotypes are rich in certain nutritional and nutraceutical compounds, with significant variations in their levels being observed. The aim of the study was to evaluate fruits of wild apricot genotypes in terms of their total phenolics, antioxidants, and other bioactive compounds for use in future breeding programs and sustainable food and pharma industries.

Biodegradation α-endosulfan and α-cypermethrin by Acinetobacter schindleri B7 isolated from the microflora of grasshopper (Poecilimon tauricola)

Abstract: Extensive use of pesticides has led to the contamination of ecosystem. Therefore, it is important to isolate potential new pesticide-degrading bacteria. For the biodegradation of α-endosulfan and α-cypermethrin, a new bacterium was isolated from the body microflora of grasshopper (Poecilimon tauricola). Based on biochemical, morphological, and 16S rRNA sequence analysis, the isolated strain B7 was identified as Acinetobacter schindleri. This bacterial strain was screened for its α-cypermethrin and α-endosulfan degrading potential with minimal salt medium (MSM) and non-sulfur medium (NSM), respectively. When glucose was added to non-sulfur medium containing α-endosulfan (100 mg/L) and minimal salt medium containing α-cypermethrin (100 mg/L), both pesticide degradation and bacterial growth were increased. Acinetobacter schindleri B7 was able to degrade 67.31% of α-endosulfan and 68.4% of α-cypermethrin within 10 days. The degradation products of pesticides were determined by HPLC. As a result, A. schindleri, a Gram-negative bacterium, can inevitably be used in the biological treatment of environments exposed to pesticides.

The role of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) in the evaluation of lung parenchymal involvement in COVID-19 patients

Abstract: The inflammatory balance is an important factor in the clinical course of COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, which has affected over 300 million people globally since its appearance in December 2019. This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) level and parenchymal involvement in COVID-19. The study included 106 patients with the delta variant of COVID-19 identified by real-time PCR as well as 40 healthy control groups between October 2021 and March 2022. The patients were analyzed in three groups: moderate COVID-19 (group 1), severe COVID-19 without macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) (group 2), and severe COVID-19 with MAS (group 3). FeNO and CT scores were significantly higher in groups 2 and 3 at admission and discharge compared to group 1 (p = 0.001 for all). In addition, CT score at admission and CT score and FeNO level at discharge were higher in group 3 than in group 2 (p = 0.001 for all). It was found that the FeNO levels were higher in Groups 2 and 3 than in the control group (p = 0.001) during the admission. FeNO and CT scores showed strong positive correlation at admission and discharge (r = 0.917, p = 0.001; r = 0.790, p = 0.001). In receiver operating characteristic curve analysis for prediction of MAS, FeNO at a cut-off of 10.5 ppb had 66% sensitivity and 71% specificity. COVID-19 causes more severe lung involvement than other viral lower respiratory tract infections, leading to the frequent use of chest CT in these patients. FeNO assessment is a practical and noninvasive method that may be useful in evaluating for parenchymal infiltration in the diagnosis and follow-up of COVID-19 patients.

Influence of sodium pentaborate (B5H10NaO13) additive in plasma electrolytic oxidation process on WE43 magnesium alloys

Abstract: In recent years, the effects of adding various nanoparticles and chemicals dissolved in electrolytes to these chemicals have been investigated. In this paper, the idea of the effect of the sodium pentaborate (B5H10NaO13) in the NaAlO2 + KOH electrolyte PEO coating on the WE43 magnesium alloy was proposed. The tribological and corrosion properties of the grown coatings were investigated. Coating morphology, tribological properties, adhesion, and corrosion properties of the grown coatings were investigated by using SEM-EDS, ball-on-disc wear testing, scratch testing, and potentiodynamic corrosion testing. The results evidence that B5H10NaO13 additive, grown on magnesium substrate, supports the formation of hard oxide compounds such as MgAl2O4·BxOy. These structures grown on the WE43 alloy were determined to provide similar corrosion protection with non-additive PEO coatings and approximately 30 times lower wear rate than non-additive PEO coatings. Experimental results evidence the B5H10NaO13 can be used as an electrolyte additive to the PEO process in the field of advanced functional coating materials for tribological applications.