Ejons International Journal on Mathematic, Engineering and Natural Sciences

The Biology and Economic Value of Fritillaria fleischeriana Stearn & P.H.Davis

2025-03-20T22:37:00+03:00

Fritillaria fleischeriana Stearn & P.H.Davis is a rare and endemic geophyte species belonging to the Liliaceae family. This plant is mainly distributed in the southern Anatolian region of Türkiye and typically grows in gypsum and calcareous soils. Morphologically, it has a bulbous structure, with a stem length ranging from 10 to 30 cm, and usually bears a single, rarely two, pendulous flowers. The flowers are dark brownish-purple in color with yellowish veins on the inner surface. Ecologically, F. fleischeriana is adapted to arid and rocky environments, thriving in soils with low nutrient content. However, its population is under threat due to habitat destruction, overgrazing, and climate change. Despite these threats, the species holds potential economic value as a medicinal and ornamental plant. Alkaloids found in Fritillaria taxa are known for their pharmacological importance, and the medicinal properties of this species remain open to further research. This study aims to examine the morphology, ecology, and potential economic value of F. fleischeriana, while also proposing conservation strategies for its protection.

Human Health and Selenium

2025-05-12T18:27:55+03:00

Selenium (Se) is a trace element essential for human reproductive and growth functions. The term " Se" originates from the Greek word selene, meaning "moon." Se is represented by the chemical symbol Se, has an atomic number of 34, and an atomic mass of 78.96. It is located in period 4 and group 6A of the periodic table. In nature, Se exists in various oxidation states, including -2, +2, +4, and +6. The -2 oxidation state is typically found in selenides, the +4 state in selenites, and the +6 state in selenates. Additionally, a +1 state can be observed in some sel Se enium compounds, such as s Se elenium chlorides. Plant-based foods contain Se primarily in its organic form, selenomethionine (SeMet), which has a bioavailability of approximately 90%. Inorganic forms such as selenate and selenite also exist in foods and are known for their high bioavailability. The antioxidant properties of selenoproteins play a crucial role in preventing cellular damage caused by free radicals. It is estimated that there are approximately 30–50 selenoproteins in the human body. Of these, about 12 are believed to be involved in processes related to viral infections, cancer, and immune function. The primary Se -containing protein in tissues is glutathione peroxidase (Gpx), which serves as a key biomarker for determining Se status at the cellular level. Furthermore, Gpx plays a vital role in protecting cells from oxidative stress-induced damage.

Lutein’s Protection Against Cisplatin’s Pulmonary Toxicity

2025-05-12T18:33:19+03:00

One of the biggest problems of cancer treatment is the harmful effects of these drugs on the healthy tissues and organs of the organism. The aim is to determine the possible protective effects of Lutein (L) against Cisplatin (CS) toxicity in rat lungs by biochemical tests. In our study, lutein (L) (orally, 100 mg/kg) was administered for CS-induced lung toxicity (intraperitoneally (i.p.), 10 mg/kg). The study was completed with a total of 28 rats from 4 groups, each consisting of 7 subjects. Control, L, CS and CS + L. Lung damage induced by CS was a dose-limiting side effect of CS and caused an increase in PCO2 level and a decrease in PO2 and SaO2 levels. In our study, a significant decrease in PCO2 levels and an increase in SaO2 and PO2 levels were observed in L application (p< 0.05). In the CS + L group, there was an increase in CAT, SOD and GSH levels and a decrease in MDA levels compared to the CS group. A significant decrease in body weight was observed in the CS-treated group compared to the control. L supplementation in these rats caused a significant increase in body weight, bringing this value closer to normal (p< 0.05). It is understood from the study that L alleviates the results of oxidative stress, increases antioxidant functions and positively supports lung functions. It also demonstrates the ability of L to prevent CS-induced lung damage. Ultimately, L appears to be a applicable pharmacological agent in this injury.

Foods Containing Vitamin C and Their Health Benefits

2025-05-12T18:31:06+03:00

Vitamin C (VC) is a water-soluble vitamin essential for human health. Since humans lack the ability to synthesize VC endogenously, it must be obtained through dietary intake. Absorption primarily occurs in the small intestine. When administered at pharmacological doses, VC has been shown to alleviate oxidative stress and inflammation, thereby contributing to the restoration of endothelial and organ function. In cases of deficiency, a potentially fatal disease called scurvy can develop, which is characterized by impaired collagen synthesis. This condition is effectively treated only through VC supplementation. This study focuses on the antioxidant properties of VC and its roles in immune function, as well as its effects on common colds, sepsis, and organ damage. Additionally, the health benefits of VC-rich vegetables and fruits particularly rose hips, citrus fruits, parsley, and tomatoes are highlighted.

Determination of Muscimol Alpha Amanitin and Metal Ions in Some Poisonous Mushrooms

2025-05-21T14:21:33+03:00

Mushrooms are an important nutritional source due to their richness in proteins, carbohydrates, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. They offer numerous health benefits, including blood pressure regulation, antitumor activity, immune system enhancement, cholesterol control, antioxidant properties, and the regulation of heart rhythm. However, cases resulting in severe bodily harm and even death have been reported due to the consumption of wild mushrooms by individuals lacking expertise in mushroom identification and relying on hearsay or inaccurate information. Even low doses of certain mushroom toxins can lead to poisoning. Given that the levels of compounds such as muscimol, alpha-amanitin, and various metals vary depending on the mushroom species and their growing environment, this study was conducted. Used for centuries as poisons, medicines, and food, mushrooms are now recognized as an indispensable source of protein. In addition to mushroom toxins, heavy metals present in mushrooms can damage various organs, lead to more severe health outcomes, and accelerate death. In this study, a quantitative analysis of different toxins and the metal content in various mushroom species was carried out. For this purpose, both edible and toxic mushroom species were analyzed, including Agaricus bisporus (J.E. Lange) Imbach, commonly consumed as a cultivated mushroom, and the toxic species Amanita phalloides (Vaill. Ex Fr.) Link, Amanita pantherina (DC.) Krombh., and Amanita muscaria (L.) Lam., collected from the provinces of Rize, Trabzon, and Düzce. The toxins alpha-amanitin in Amanita phalloides and muscimol in Amanita pantherina and Amanita muscaria were analyzed using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC).The concentrations of elements Ag (ng/kg), Al (μg/kg), As (ng/kg), Ba (ng/kg), Ca (μg/kg), Cd (ng/kg), Co (ng/kg), Cr (ng/kg), Cu (ng/kg), Fe (μg/kg), K (μg/kg), Mg (μg/kg), Mn (ng/kg), Mo (ng/kg), Na (μg/kg), Ni (ng/kg), P (μg/kg), Pb (ng/kg), Sb (ng/kg), Sn (ng/kg), Sr (ng/kg), Ti (ng/kg), V (ng/kg), and Zn (ng/kg) in mushrooms were measured using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), while Hg (μg/kg) was analyzed using graphite furnace Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). Additionally, the elemental composition C, N, H, S, and O in terms of percentage was determined using an elemental analyzer. The binding forms of the metals were identified using X-ray Diffraction (XRD).

Effects of The Mixture Rates of Italian Ryegraas (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) and Small White Clover (Trifolium nigrescens Viviani) on The Forage Yield

2025-05-21T19:16:49+03:00

This research, which will be carried out in order to determine effects of the mixture rates of Italian Ryegraas (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) and small white clover (Trifolium nigrescens Viviani) on the forage yield in Şanlıurfa conditions, will be carried out in 3 replications in Harran University Osmanbey Campus Agricultural Research and Application Field at 2021-2022 winter crop breeding period. In the study, Effects of the mixture rates of Italian Ryegraas (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) and small white clover (Trifolium nigrescens Viviani) on the forage yıeld, plant height (cm), wet grass yield (kg/da), dry grass yield (kg/da), dry matter yield (kg/da), crude protein ratio (%), crude protein yield (kg/da) will be examined. According to the results of the analysis using the yield characteristics obtained from the research, it was determined that the effects of pure and mixed applications on fresh grass yield (kg/da), dry grass yield (kg/da), dry matter yield (kg/da), crude protein ratio (%) and crude protein yield (kg/da) were significant.

Effect of Ti/Cr Ratio on Wear Performance of (Ti,Cr)N Coatings

2025-06-06T00:01:27+03:00

The wear performance of CrN, TiN, and (Ti,Cr)N coatings on Cr12MoV steel was thoroughly investigated. This research also delved into the impact of the Ti/Cr ratio within the (Ti,Cr)N coating, as well as the effects of the applied wear test load and sliding speed on the wear behaviour. The wear behaviours in CrN, TiN, and (Ti,Cr)N coatings was sought through the examination of their hardness, steady friction coefficient, and wear rate. TiN coating showed superior hardness compared to CrN. The CrN coating consistently demonstrated the lowest friction coefficient, whereas TiN coating showed the highest. Despite its high hardness, the TiN coating exhibited the highest wear rate due to its high friction. The CrN coating, with lower hardness, showed the highest wear resistance. The hardness of (Ti,Cr)N coatings was significantly influenced by the Ti/Cr ratio. (Ti,Cr)N coatings enabled friction control, and reducing the Ti/Cr ratio led to a decrease in friction coefficients. This, combined with their high hardness, resulted in a notably competitive wear performance.

Soilless Agriculture in Indoor Ornamental Plant Production

2025-06-21T10:52:27+03:00

Indoor ornamental plants are plants found in most environments we live in. There are plant species with very different leaf, flower and stem characteristics in indoor ornamental plants. In every stage of indoor ornamental plant production, soilless agriculture provides convenience. Solid media used in soilless agriculture are widely used as rooting, seed germination and seedling production media. Substrate culture, which we call solid media, is divided into two as organic and inorganic solid media. Organic solid media include many organic substances such as peat, coconut shells (cocopeat), burnt rice hulls, tree barks, sawdust, plant leaves. Inorganic solid media include many inorganic substances such as rockwool, glass wool, perlite, sand, pumice stone, volcanic tuff. In addition to solid media, water culture is also widely used in ornamental plant production. The nutrient solution to be used in solid media or water culture is also very important. When preparing the nutrient solution, the EC and pH values of the nutrient element sources may vary depending on the EC value of the water used and the chemical compositions. These values may vary depending on the indoor ornamental plants to be produced.

Evaluation of Occupational Safety Risks in Air Cargo Operations

2025-06-04T00:41:28+03:00

With the ongoing globalization and technological advancements, the civil aviation sector, particularly air cargo transportation, has gained critical importance. However, the increasing complexity of operations, coupled with human factors and process deficiencies, elevates occupational safety risks and may lead to accidents within the industry. This study systematically analyzes the current occupational safety risks associated with air cargo operations, highlighting the impacts of human factors, procedural shortcomings, and environmental conditions on risk levels. Employing multi-criteria decision-making methods such as the ARAS and CIMAS techniques, the effectiveness of risk factors and proposed solutions were quantitatively and qualitatively assessed. Furthermore, a comprehensive risk management model tailored to the sector’s specific needs was developed based on expert opinions and literature review. The findings indicate that a majority of adverse events during loading, unloading, and maintenance processes stem from personnel errors, and that strengthening safety protocols, training, and supervisory mechanisms can significantly mitigate these risks. The novelty of this work lies in the integration and application of an holistic risk management approach, fostering the dissemination of a sustainable safety culture within the industry. The results provide practical and scholarly guidance for the adoption of personnel training, technological innovations, and risk-oriented practices across the sector. Consequently, this research makes a valuable contribution both academically and practically, establishing a robust framework for enhancing safety and operational reliability in air cargo transportation.