Celal Bayar University

About: Celal Bayar University is a education organization based out in Magnesia ad Sipylum, Turkey. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Heat transfer. The organization has 2960 authors who have published 6024 publications receiving 100646 citations.

Determination of properties of Althaea officinalis L. (Marshmallow) fibres as a potential plant fibre in polymeric composite materials

Abstract: The mechanical, thermal, chemical, crystallographic and morphological properties of althaea fibres, extracted from Althaea officinalis L. , was examined for the first time in this study. A. officinalis L. was obtained from Mordogan, Izmir (Turkey). After extraction process, lignin, cellulose and hemicellulose contents of althaea fibres were identified. Fourier transform infrared and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were utilized for surface functional groups of althaea fibres. By using X-ray diffraction analysis, CI value for althaea fibre is obtained to be 68%. The images of scanning electron microscopy were taken for observation of morphology of althaea fibres. The tensile modulus and tensile strength values of althaea fibre were obtained by single fibre tensile tests as 415.2 MPa and 65.4 GPa, respectively. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that thermal degradation of the fibre begins at approximately 220 °C. Besides, by pulling out the althea fibre from the embedded high density polyethylene, interfacial shear strength value was determined to be 8.16 MPa. The results suggest that the althaea fibre can be used in composite applications as a natural reinforcement material.

The Use of Wild Edible Plants in Western and Central Anatolia (Turkey)

Abstract: In this study, 121 wild edible plants used as food in Anatolia were surveyed to determine the plant parts used and their detailed preparation methods. The results of this study show that the plants may be boiled, fried in fat, and eaten raw or as rolled vegetables. They may also be consumed as pickles, fruits, sweets and spices, and drunk as cold and hot drinks. Thirty species (8 genera) were identified as belonging to the Lamiaceae family, 15 species (15 genera) belong to the Asteraceae family, 13 species (5 genera) belong to the Rosaceae family, 8 species (7 genera) belong to the Brassicaceae family, 6 species (3 genera) belong to the Orchidaceae family and 5 species (5 genera) belong to the Apiaceae family. The genera represented by the highest number of species in the study are as follows:Sideritis L. is represented by 13 species, Origanum L. by 7 species,Rubus L. by 5 species,Thymus L. by 4 species andRumex L. by 4 species.

Health inequities: lower socio-economic conditions and higher incidences of intestinal parasites

Abstract: Intestinal parasitic infections affect child health and development and slow down growth, while reducing adults' productivity and work capacity. The aim of the present study was to determine and compare the incidences of intestinal parasitic infections and the socio-economic status of two near primary school children in Manisa, a western city of Turkey. A total of 352 children were involved a questionnaire study from a private school (Ulkem Primary School – UPS, 116 children) and a community-based school (Sehzadeler Primary School – SPS, 236 children). Of these, stool samples could be obtained from a total of 294 students; 97 (83.6%) from UPS, and 197 (83.5%) from SPS. The wet mount preparations of the stool samples were examined; samples were also fixed in polyvinyl alcohol and examined with modified formalin ethyl acetate sedimentation and trichrome staining techniques. Data were analyzed using SPSS for Windows version 10.0. The chi-squared test was used for the analytic assessment. The percentages of the students found to be infected with intestinal parasites, were 78 (39.6%) and 13 (13.4%) in SPS and UPS, respectively. Totally 91 (31.0%) of the students from both schools were found to be infected with at least one intestinal parasite. Giardia lamblia was found to be the most common pathogenic intestinal parasite and Blastocystis hominis was prevalent independently from the hygienic conditions. The factors which significantly (p < 0.05) increase the incidence of intestinal parasites were uneducated and unemployed mother, lower social status of father, living in crowded houses with insufficient indoor spaces, using the tap water as drinking water, and living at shanty areas. Intestinal parasitic infections in school children were found to be a public health problem that increased due to lower socio-economic conditions. We conclude that organization of education seminars including the topics such as prevention of the infectious diseases, improving general hygienic conditions, and application of supportive programs for the parents may be suggested not only to reduce intestinal parasitic infections, but also to elevate the socio-cultural levels.