Rotational Dynamics of Organic Cations in CH3NH3PbI3 Perovskite

Methylammonium lead iodide (CH3NH3PbI3) based solar cells have shown impressive power conversion efficiencies of above 20%. However, the microscopic mechanism of the high photovoltaic performance is yet to be fully understood. Particularly, the dynamics of CH3NH3+ cations and their impact on relevant processes such as charge recombination and exciton dissociation are still poorly understood. Here, using elastic and quasi-elastic neutron scattering techniques and group theoretical analysis, we studied rotational modes of the CH3NH3+ cation in CH3NH3PbI3. Our results show that, in the cubic (T > 327K) and tetragonal (165K < T < 327K) phases, the CH3NH3+ ions exhibit four-fold rotational symmetry of the C-N axis (C4) along with three-fold rotation around the C-N axis (C3), while in orthorhombic phase (T < 165K) only C3 rotation is present. Around room temperature, the characteristic relaxation times for the C4 rotation is found to be ps while for the C3 rotation ps. The -dependent rotational relaxation times were fitted with Arrhenius equations to obtain activation energies. Our data show a close correlation between the C4 rotational mode and the temperature dependent dielectric permittivity. Our findings on the rotational dynamics of CH3NH3+ and the associated dipole have important implications on understanding the low exciton binding energy and slow charge recombination rate in CH3NH3PbI3 which are directly relevant for the high solar cell performance

The effects of storage temperature and position on embryonic mortality of ostrich (Struthio camelus) eggs

The present study was carried out with the aim of determining the effects of storage temperature and storage position on embryonic mortalities in ostrich eggs. A total of 229 ostrich eggs was collected from two commercial ostrich farms. The effects of storage temperature on embryonic mortality differed. Embryonic deaths (totalled for early, medium and late incubation) were determined at respectively 28.6, 32.0, 42.9% in groups of eggs from stored immediately after collection for seven days at 16 °C, 21 °C and 25 °C. Embryonic mortality was not affected by storing eggs for one week at 16 °C in either the vertical position (with the aircell at the top, or the aircell at the bottom) or the horizontal position. The percentage of embryonic mortalities was 25.8, 26.7, 24.1 for the different storage positions, respectively. These results indicate that ostrich eggs must be stored at 21 °C or less after collection to maximise hatchability and that embryonic survival is not affected by storing position

Comparison of Behavioral Time Budget and Welfare Indicators in Two Local Laying Hen Genotypes (Atak-S and Atabey) in a Free-Range System

Simple Summary It is known that laying hens kept in cage systems without access to enrichment have more welfare and behavioral problems. Therefore, alternative systems for egg production have gained popularity, e.g., free-range and organic systems, as they improve the birds' possibilities to perform important specific behavior and thereby increase the welfare conditions in commercial farms. This study aimed to compare of the behaviors and welfare of two layer genotypes used in Turkey, Atak-S (brown) and Atabey (white), in a free-range system from 19 to 72 weeks of age. We evaluated multiple welfare indicators, including behavioral time budget, fear level, plumage condition, keel bone damage, and other body lesions. The birds were scored at 24, 40, 56, and 72 weeks of age. The Atabey hens showed more preening, walking-standing, and resting behavior, and they had a longer duration of tonic immobility. The Atak-S hens tended to perform more feather pecking and explorative pecking, and they had more foot lesions, plumage damage, skin injuries, and keel bone damages. Current results can be beneficial for the choice of genotype to use in free-range systems. Free-range systems are considered to improve bird health and welfare, thereby satisfying consumer demands. Behavioral time budget, fear level and clinical welfare indicators were compared for two Turkish laying hen genotypes, Atak-S (brown) and Atabey (white), reared in a free-range system. A total of 420 laying hens (210 Atak-S, 210 Atabey) were studied between 19 and 72 weeks of age. Higher percentages of eating and drinking behavior, feather pecking, and explorative pecking were observed for Atak-S hens, whereas Atabey hens were preening, walking-standing, and resting more. The duration of tonic immobility was longer, and the number of inductions was lower in Atabey compared with Atak-S hens. Atabey hens had less keel bone damages and better plumage conditions on the breast, wing, and tail at 56 and 72 weeks of age than Atak-S hens. Footpad dermatitis was more common in Atabey hens at 40 weeks, whereas Atak-S hens had a higher prevalence of footpad dermatitis with moderate lesions at 72 weeks of age. These findings indicate that free-range Atak-S hens may be more prone to keel bone damage and development of feather pecking, but they showed less foot lesions and were less fearful

Comparison of Performance, Egg Quality, and Yolk Fatty Acid Profile in Two Turkish Genotypes (Atak-S and Atabey) in a Free-Range System

Simple SummaryIn recent years, consumers have shown increased interest in healthy and safe food produced under improved animal welfare standards. Therefore, production systems proving outdoor access have gained popularity, increasing the need for knowledge on genotypes suitable for free-range systems. This study aimed to investigate the suitability of two Turkish layer genotypes, Atak-S (brown) and Atabey (white), in a free-range system. We evaluated laying performance, egg quality parameters, and yolk fatty acid profile. The egg production was higher in Atabey than Atak-S, whereas the eggs from Atak-S hens tended to be heavier and had a stronger shell structure than eggs from Atabey hens. Furthermore, eggs from Atabey hens had improved egg yolk and albumen content compared to eggs from Atak-S hens. The total saturated fatty acid content in yolk was higher in Atabey eggs than in Atak-S eggs at 56 weeks of age, whereas a higher yolk color score was observed in Atak-S eggs than in Atabey eggs. Our results could help free-range egg producers to improve production, as well as satisfy consumer demands regarding egg quality in organic production.Consumer interest in buying eggs from animal welfare-friendly systems with outdoor access is increasing, leading to an increase in the need for knowledge on genotypes suitable for free-range systems. Two Turkish laying hen genotypes, Atak-S (brown, n = 210) and Atabey (white, n = 210), were reared in a free-range system from 19-72 weeks of age, and their suitability for the system was assessed based on laying performance, egg quality, and yolk fatty acid profile. Mean hen-day and hen-housed egg production were found to be higher in Atabey than Atak-S (p < 0.01). The brown eggs from Atak-S hens tended to be heavier than the white eggs from Atabey hens (p < 0.01). Brown eggs obtained from Atak-S hens had a stronger shell structure (p < 0.01), while white eggs from Atabey hens had higher mean yolk index, albumen index, and Haugh unit than brown eggs (p < 0.05). At 56 weeks of age, total saturated fatty acid content in yolk was higher in white eggs than in brown eggs (p < 0.01). These findings related to genotype could help free-range egg producers in their choices for more profitable production and for meeting consumer demands on egg quality and egg yolk fatty acid levels

Single coronary artery incidence in 215,140 patients undergoing coronary angiography

Background: The aim of our study is to determine the incidence of single coronary artery (SCA). SCA is a rarely seen coronary anomaly in which the right coronary artery and the left main coronary artery arise from single aortic sinus. Although SCA has a benign course in most cases and its clinical significance is unknown, in some autopsy studies it was shown to be related to sudden cardiac death. Materials and methods: SCA patients detected among 215,140 coronary angiographies (CAG) performed between 1998 and 2013 in SANKO Hospital were included in our study. The classification of CAG was made according to the two different classifications defined by Smith and Lipton and colleagues. Results: A total number of 215,140 patients who underwent routine CAG were included in the study, and SCA was detected in 67 (0.031%) patients. There were 6 (9%) type R-I, 23 (34%) type R-II, 10 (15%) type R-III, 16 (24%) type L-I and 12 (18%) type L-II patients according to the angiographic classification. Conclusions: SCA is rarely seen during routine cardiac catheterisation and its incidence is 0.014–0.066% in angiographic series. In our study, the incidence was shown to be similar to the previous studies.

Quality characteristics and oxidative stabilityof chicken kavurma formulated with chicken abdominal fat as beef fat replacer

Kavurma is a traditional cooked ready-to-eat meat product that mainly produce in Middle East countries. In kavurma formulation, main ingredients are beef/mutton meat, beef/mutton fat and salt. In this regard, fat has high influence on product’s general characteristics. Due to increasing demand on poultry products, food industry working on novel formulations include chicken meat and chicken abdominal fat. Chicken abdominal fat is an important by-product of chicken meat industry and rich in mono and polyunsaturated fatty acids. For this reason, chicken abdominal fat could be used to improve healthier products. In this study, effects of using chicken abdominal fat (CAF) in chicken kavurma formulation as partial beef fat (BF) replacer on pH, color, textural and sensorial quality and oxidative stability during cold storage (4°C) for 3 months was studied. For this purpose, one control (C: 100% BF) sample and four modified samples, P1 (87.5% BF+12.5% CAF), P2 (75% BF+25% CAF), P3 (62.5% BF+37.5% CAF) and P4 (50% BF+50% CAF), were produced. Proximate composition and texture profile analysis of samples were determined after production whereas pH, lipid oxidation parameters, color and sensory properties of samples were performed on days 0, 30, 60 and 90. Using CAF in kavurma formulations more than 25% resulted higher pH drop during storage, and resulted lower taste and general acceptability scores compared to C samples at the end of storage. P2, P3 and P4 samples had lower TBARS value compared to C during storage period probably result of antioxidative antioxidative ingredients in chicken fed. As expected, due to the semi liquid characteristic of CAF, using this fat type resulted softer products. To sum up, using CAF as BF replacer resulted lower TBARS compared to C, but it had some negative influence on sensory and quality characteristics at high ratio

Effect of α-Tocopherol, Storage Temperature and Storage Time on Quality Characteristics and Oxidative Stability of Chicken Kavurma, traditional Turkish cooked meat product

During storage of meat products, 4°C storage temperature is recommended however temperature in retails could rise to 15°C and maintaining quality of products becomes a challenge at higher temperatures. Thus, the aim of present study was determining the effects of antioxidant usage and storage temperature on some quality characteristics and lipid oxidation stability of chicken kavurma during 4-month storage at 4°C and 10°C. For this purpose, two different kavurma sample (C: without antioxidant, A:with 300 ppm α-tocopherol) were stored at 4°C and 10°C. Chemical composition, salt, texture profile analysis, color and lipid oxidation (peroxide values and TBARS values) of samples were monitored.  Using α-tocopherol in formulation did not affect the chemical composition and texture of samples, all parameters were found within standards. Storage time has significant influence on pH, color and lipid oxidation of samples. Using α-tocopherol and higher storage temperature resulted higher peroxide values. During 4-month storage, lipid oxidation results significantly increased, the lowest TBARS value was found in 4A sample. Storage temperature affected only a* values while antioxidant usage affected only b*  values of samples. As a result, using 300 ppm α-tocopherol can help maintaining quality and oxidative stability of chicken kavurma sold in retails

Pathological and Ultrastructural Findings of Sphaerospora dicentrarchi (Myxosporea: Bivalvulida) infection in European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) farmed in Turkey

Sphaerospora dicentrarchi is typically histozoic parasite of the wild and cultured European sea bass (Dicentrachus labrax) of the Mediterranean coastal countries. In this study, pathological and ultrastructural findings of the Sphaerospora dicentrarchi infection in European sea bass were firstly investigated in Turkey. For this purpose, the 862 European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax L) were collected and evaluated from eight cultivation fish farms (offshore floating cages) in four different locations of Aegean Sea of Turkey (three farms from Kazıklı, one farm from Çandarlı, two farms from Taşburun and two farms from Güllük Regions). It was observed that the parasite was especially intense in adult fish and in the June-October period when the water temperature increased. Microscopically, the parasites were seen as the most intensive in the stomach, intestines, gall bladder, pancreas, heart and testis, respectively. Stomach was the most commonly infected organ. In the transmission electron microscopy examination, a bag-like group of mature couple spores were seen surrounded by polar capsules. As a result, it was determined that Sphaerospora dicentrarchi infection is very common in adult sea bass in the Aegean region of Turkey, as in Greece, Spain, Portugal and Italy

Boron Stress Responsive MicroRNAs and Their Targets in Barley

Boron stress is an environmental factor affecting plant development and production. Recently, microRNAs (miRNAs) have been found to be involved in several plant processes such as growth regulation and stress responses. In this study, miRNAs associated with boron stress were identified and characterized in barley. miRNA profiles were also comparatively analyzed between root and leave samples. A total of 31 known and 3 new miRNAs were identified in barley; 25 of them were found to respond to boron treatment. Several miRNAs were expressed in a tissue specific manner; for example, miR156d, miR171a, miR397, and miR444a were only detected in leaves. Additionally, a total of 934 barley transcripts were found to be specifically targeted and degraded by miRNAs. In silico analysis of miRNA target genes demonstrated that many miRNA targets are conserved transcription factors such as Squamosa promoter-binding protein, Auxin response factor (ARF), and the MYB transcription factor family. A majority of these targets were responsible for plant growth and response to environmental changes. We also propose that some of the miRNAs in barley such as miRNA408 might play critical roles against boron exposure. In conclusion, barley may use several pathways and cellular processes targeted by miRNAs to cope with boron stress

Ankara Sulu Koşullarında Yetiştirilen Silajlık Sorghum Çeşitlerinde Farklı Azotlu Gübre Dozlarının Verim ve Bazı Tarımsal Karakterlere Etkileri

Bu araşt ı rma Ankara Üniversitesi, Ziraat Fakültesi, Tarla Bitkileri Bölümü deneme tarlas ı nda 1998 ve 1999 y ı llar ı nda yürütülmü ştür. Ara şt ı rman ı n amac ı Ankara sulu ko ş ullar ı nda denemeye al ı nan en uygun silajl ı k sorgum çeşidi ve gübre dozunun belirlenmesidir. Ara şt ı rmada Early Sumak, Leoti ve Rox silajl ı k sorgum çeşitleri ile 0, 5, 10, 15 kg N/da azotlu gübre kullan ı lm ışt ı r Araşt ı rmada gübre dozlar ı n ı n, bitki boyu, sap kal ı nl ığı , yeşil ot verimi, kuru ot oran ı ve verimi, ham protein oran ı ve veriminde etkisi her iki y ı lda da önemli bulunmu ştur. En fazla yeş il ot verimi ilk y ı lda 3395,1 kg/da, ikinci y ı lda da 3006,1 kg/da ile 15 kg N/da azot dozundan elde edilmi ştir. Çeşitler aras ı nda yeşil ot verimi bak ı m ı ndan farkl ı l ı k bulunmam ışt ı r