Environmental degradation as a security threat: The challenge for developing countries

The developments after industrial revolution have brought environmental degradation to the stage as a threat to human security in the last few decades. It has become obvious that the shortage of natural resources or negative changes in environmental conditions may lead different forms of conflict between states. Since environmental degradation may directly or indirectly cause a conflict, it will have a significant impact on international security. This problem mostly challenges developing countries on the edge of making a choice between rapid industrialism and environmental conservation. This paper analyzes this challenge by discussing the details of it and offering both national and international level solutions. The zeal for economic growth, enclosure of land and knowledge, and disenfranchisement compose the major challenges for developing countries. There is no easy way to meet those challenges; however, this study offers regional economic integration by cooperation with regional environmental issues, the avoidance of politics leading degradation, dealing with disenfranchisement, environmental education, protection of global commons more seriously, and strict legislation and sanctions against environmental crimes as the steps against environmental threat

Phytocontact dermatitis due to Ranunculus arvensis mimicking burn injury: report of three cases and literature review

Ranunculus arvensis (corn buttercup) is a plant species of the genus Ranunculus that is frequently used in the Far East to treat rheumatic diseases and several dermatological disorders. In Turkey, the plant is seen in the eastern and southeastern Anatolian highlands, which are underdeveloped areas of the country. Herein, we report three patients who used Ranunculus arvensis for the treatment of arthralgia and osteoarthritis. A distinctive phytodermatitis developed on the right thumb in one patient (48-year-old male), on the anterior aspect of both knees in another patient (70-year-old female) and all around both knees in a third (59-year-old female). The patients were treated with topical antibiotics and daily wound dressing, and none of them experienced any complications. Ranunculus arvensis was confirmed as the cause of the phytodermatitis in the three cases. Poultices of plants applied to the skin demonstrate beneficial effects on many dermatological and rheumatic diseases; however, they have several adverse effects that should not be ignored. In this study, we also present a review of 25 cases reported in the literature

Shark cartilage (SC) and shark liver oil (SLO) treatment for lung damage via formaldehyde (FA) exposure

Formaldehyde reacts with amino acids in living organisms to form toxic intermediates that cause epithelial cell damage. In past epidemiological studies, a statistically significant relationship was found between FA and leukemia risks and occupational inhalation exposure. As a complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) technique or alternative medicine, shark cartilage (SC) and shark liver oil (SLO) are presented as a new and different alternative source in this study. In this study, the toxic effects of formaldehyde (FA) on lung and the protective effects of SC and SLO against these toxins have been investigated.  For the experiment, 40 rats were classified as follows: 4, control group (experiment control); 6, the group that received FA but was not treated (treatment control); 15, the group that was given FA and SC for treatment; and the last 15 were the group that was given FA and SLO for treatment. Negative effects of FA on lung were evaluated biochemically, genetically and pathologically. In terms of therapeutic efficacy, SLO appears to be more effective in improving lung injury on the basis of genetic, pathological and biochemical findings, against to FA administration. The toxic effect of FA in lung and the therapeutic effect of SLO and SC were determined and we believe that our experimental model provided the desired goal and success on the basis of our work

Determination of modulus of rupture and modulus of elasticity on flakeboard with fuzzy logic classifier

In this study, a model based on fuzzy logic classifier was created in order to determine the values of modulus of elasticity (MOE) and modulus of rupture (MOR) of flakeboards. MOR and MOE are the most important mechanical features of wood-composite panels. The most appropriate mixture ratios to be used in production of wood based boards were determined experimentally. These experiments are very expensive for the manufacturers and require time. For this purpose, MOE and MOR values were measured depending on flakes mixture ratios of manufactured boards. Using these values, input and output values and rule base of fuzzy logic classifier were created. With the fuzzy logic classifier model prepared in Matlab Simulink, MOR and MOE values for flakes mixture ratios were predicted. It was observed that the fuzzy logic classifier predicted MOR and MOE values with 95-97% accuracy. With this system, for the manufacture of wood-composite materials, the most appropriate chip mixture amount required by the manufacturer could be determined. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved