Analysis of the semileptonic Λb→Λℓ+ℓ−\Lambda_b\rightarrow \Lambda \ell^+ \ell^- transition in topcolor-assisted technicolor (TC2) model

We comparatively analyze the flavor changing neutral current process of the $\Lambda_b \rightarrow \Lambda \ell^+ \ell^-$ in the standard model as well as topcolor-assisted technicolor model using the form factors calculated via light cone QCD sum rules in full theory. In particular, we calculate the decay width, branching ratio and lepton forward-backward asymmetry related to this decay channel. We compare the results of the topcolor-assisted technicolor model with those of the standard model and debate how the results of the topcolor-assisted technicolor model depart from the standard model predictions. We also compare our results on the differential branching ratio with recent experimental data provided by CDF and LHCb Collaborations.Comment: 29 Pages, 16 Figures and 8 Table

Determination of trace metals in waters by FAAS after enrichment as metal-HMDTC complexes using solid phase extraction

A method has been described for the determination of Cu(II), Pb(II), Ni(II), Cd(II), Mn(II) and Fe(III) by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) after preconcentration on Amberlite XAD-16 resin, using hexamethyleneammonium-hexamethylenedithiocarbamate (HMA-HMDTC) as a chelating agent, and NH3/NH4Cl buffer solution (pH 9). Influences of various analytical parameters such as pH, concentration of nitric acid, amount of analytes, diverse ions and sample volume were investigated. The relative standard deviation (RSD) and the detection limit (LOD) were found in the range of 0.8-2.9% and 0.006-0.277 mug/mL, respectively. Recoveries obtained by the column method were quantitative (>95%) at optimum conditions. The method was applied to the determination of some metal ions in seawater and wastewater samples. A high preconcentration factor (about 150 for seawater and 75 for wastewater samples) and simplicity are the main advantages of this suggested method

Ranking irrigation schemes based on principle component analysis in the arid regions of Turkey

ArticleWater is a scarce resource and thus irrigation schemes in arid regions have become more important. The irrigation sector which uses most of the water resources has to cope with global warming, disasters and water scarcity around the world, particularly in the Mediterranean countries, including Turkey. Irrigation schemes, which were built by DSI (State Hydraulic Works) and whose operation and maintenance management was transferred to water user associations, play a crucial role in irrigated agriculture in Turkey. In order to improve the performance, weakness and strengths of irrigation schemes are determined by performance indicators (system operation, financial and production efficiency) which show the overall information about them. In the present study, seven irrigation schemes located in an arid region of central Anatolia were chosen to assess the irrigation performance using principal component, correlation and cluster analysis while quality index showed the rank of the irrigation schemes. We found that the average total annual volume of irrigation supply was 7648.58 m3 ha−1 and the average relative water supply was 1.91 during the 11 years between 2006 and 2016. In this region, higher inverse correlations were due to using surface irrigation methods (51.3%). As of 2017, the irrigation schemes have weak water distribution systems, on an average, consisting of 55.5% open canals, 22.5% canalette and only 10% pipes. According to the quality index, financial and system operation indicators are more effective than that of production efficiency indicators. In conclusion, average irrigation ratio (55.68%) can be increased by improving the water distribution system, and the technology used on both management and farm levels

Effect of Compression Wood on Leaching and Fixation of CCA-C Treated Red Pine

In this study, we investigated the effect of compression wood on the release rate of chromium, copper, and arsenic elements from red pine (Pinus resinosa Ait.) and the rate of fixation of hexavalent chromium in the wood. Wood blocks from red pine, some containing compression wood and some with normal wood, were treated with a 1.0% CCA-C solution and then allowed to fix at 23°C ± 2 (74°F ± 4) for 0, 6, 24, 48, 96, 192, and 336 h. After each fixation period, sets of blocks removed from the conditioning room were subjected to 336 h of leaching. The percentage of hexavalent chromium reduced to the trivalent state was determined for solution pressed from matched sets of blocks. The blocks containing compression wood released significantly less chromium and copper elements. For chromium, the biggest effect was seen after the 192- and 336-h fixation periods. In the normal wood blocks fixed for 336 h, the average chromium release rate after 6 h of leaching was almost five times greater than that of the compression wood blocks. Copper and arsenic release was also affected by compression wood, but for these two elements, the effect diminished during the later stages of fixation. A higher percentage of hexavalent chromium was reduced to trivalent chromium in compression wood compared with that in normal wood after most fixation periods, and this difference was significant after 0, 48, 96, and 192 h

Harmonic analysis of precipitation, pressure and temperature over Turkey

Monthly averages of temperature, precipitation and pressure values from ground-based measurements for long-term data observed in different geographical regions in Turkey have been investigated. The main purpose of this study is to define the role of small- and large-scale phenomena (local and synoptic fluctuations) on precipitation, pressure and temperature variations and their periods. Hence, the Fourier transformation analysis of the monthly average value of meteorological parameters has been considered, and phase angles and amplitudes have been calculated. The first-order harmonics of temperature, precipitation and pressure values show large-scale effects, while higher-order harmonics show the effects of small-scale variations. The variations of first–sixth-order harmonic amplitudes and phases provide a useful means of understanding the large- and local-scale effects on meteorological parameters. The phase angle can be used to determine the time of the year when the maximum or minimum of a given harmonic occurs. The analysis helps us distinguish different precipitation, pressure and temperature regimes and transition regions. Local- and large-scale phenomena and some unusual seasonal patterns are also defined. This analysis also shows strong annual variations of precipitation in the Southern and Western part of Anatolia and that strong semi-annual fluctuations are predominant in the eastern part of Turkey. Strong annual influence on pressure variations is mostly observed in the coastal part of Turkey. The dominance of the first three harmonics of pressure is smaller over most of the terrestrial stations. Temperature variations are mostly influenced by the annual fluctuations in eastern and south-eastern Anatolia. The urban heat Island caused by developing metropolitan areas refers to local warming effects and heat islands. The local effects are observed in the western part of Turkey

Mapping performance of irrigation schemes in Turkey

Water is a crucial resource and approximately 70% usage of it in the agriculture sector in Turkey. Water user associations are in charge of irrigation water management. The core aim of this study is to assess water user associations have command area more than 1,000 ha (WUAs) within the districts of DSI (State Hydraulic Works) and to create spatial maps to show the distribution of the performance indicators used constantly by researchers especially around Mediterranean countries during the period from 2011 to 2015. Frequency and panel data analysis are used to figure out the relationship among performance indicators and attributes such as water diversion type, management type, source of water and district no. Panel data analysis was applied to examine statistical assessment over time. As a result, current performance indicators show that excessive irrigation water used due to low technology and management problem. Performance indicators show high differences among districts due to climate, water resources, and crop pattern. Moreover, low irrigation efficiency can be increased with a transition to pressurized irrigation systems, so more are can be irrigated with less water

Weatherability and Leach Resistance of Wood Impregnated with Nano-Zinc Oxide

Southern pine specimens vacuum-treated with nano-zinc oxide (nano-ZnO) dispersions were evaluated for leach resistance and UV protection. Virtually, no leaching occurred in any of the nano-ZnO–treated specimens in a laboratory leach test, even at the highest retention of 13 kg/m3. However, specimens treated with high concentrations of nano-ZnO showed 58–65% chemical depletion after 12 months of outdoor exposure. Protection from UV damage after 12 months exposure is visibly obvious on both exposed and unexposed surfaces compared to untreated controls. Graying was markedly diminished, although checking occurred in all specimens. Nano-zinc oxide treatment at a concentration of 2.5% or greater provided substantial resistance to water absorption following 12 months of outdoor exposure compared to untreated and unweathered southern pine. We conclude that nano-zinc oxide can be utilized in new wood preservative formulations to impart resistance to leaching, water absorption and UV damage of wood

Investigating of Mechanical Properties of Mortars Based on Fly Ash and Blast Furnace Slag Activated with Alkali

Alkali activated mortars obtained from granulated blast furnace slag and fly ash were used instead of Portland cement by activating with alkali. Sodium silicate and sodium hydroxide were activated blast furnace slag and fly ash. Mortar samples were prepared 40x40x160 mm as prismatic samples according to TS EN 196-1 and they were cured at room temperature. Compressive and flexural strength of the mortar samples including blast furnace slag and fly ash were investigated by experimenting