MAS Journal of Applied Sciences

A Preliminary Study on the Effect of Different Phosphorus Levels on the Grain Yield and Some Yield Characteristics of Narbon Vetch (Vicia narbonensis)

Duygu Aleyna TURGUT, Hakan GEREN — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0100

This study was conducted to determine the effect of phosphorus levels on the grain yield and some yield parameters of narbon vetch (Vicia narbonensis). The experiment was carried out at Ege University, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Field Crops, from October to June as a pot experiment grown outdoor. In the experiment, different fertilization levels of phosphorus (0, 40, 80, 120, 160 and 200 kg P ha^-1) were applied to the narbon vetch crops and data on plant height, biological and grain yield, and grain crude protein (CP). Results shown that the rate of phosphorus had a significant effect on all of the measured traits and the grain yield of narbon vetch except for CP content. Application of phosphorus at the rate of 120 kg ha^-1 can be recommended for obtaining the maximum grain yield in narbon vetch under Mediterranean ecological conditions of Izmir.

Effects of Different Nitrogen Doses on SPAD Values of Italian Ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) at Pre-Flowering and Full Flowering Stages

Zübeyir AĞIRAĞAÇ, Talha KİTAPÇI , Şeyda ZORER ÇELEBİ — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0100

This study was conducted in 2022 at the experimental field of the Department of Field Crops, Faculty of Agriculture, Van Yüzüncü Yıl University, using the Master cultivar of Italian ryegrass. The objective was to investigate the effects of different nitrogen doses (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 kg da⁻¹) on SPAD values. During the experiment, three harvests were taken, and SPAD measurements were performed at both the pre-flowering and full-flowering stages of the plants. The results revealed that increasing nitrogen doses significantly and consistently enhanced chlorophyll content. At the pre-flowering stage, the highest SPAD values were recorded in the second harvest with 56.467 at 20 kg da⁻¹ and 55.333 at 15 kg da⁻¹ nitrogen applications, while the lowest value was observed in the first harvest in the control plots. Based on harvest averages, the second harvest produced higher values compared to the others. A similar trend was observed at the full-flowering stage, where rising nitrogen doses caused a gradual increase in SPAD values. Compared to the control, the application of 20 kg da⁻¹ nitrogen resulted in the greatest increase in SPAD values at both growth stages, demonstrating that chlorophyll content in Italian ryegrass varies depending on both nitrogen levels and phenological stages. Based on these findings, the role of increasing nitrogen doses in enhancing SPAD values, regardless of pre- or post-flowering stages, should be considered, and harvesting can be scheduled according to chlorophyll content.

Structural and Photovoltaic Enhancements in Cu-Doped Sb₂S₃ Thin Films via Chemical Bath Deposition

İpek BALNAN — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0100

Antimony sulfide (Sb₂S₃) is a promising absorber for low-cost optoelectronic applications but suffers from limited near-infrared absorption and charge transport. In this study, a simple chemical bath deposition approach was employed to enhance Sb₂S₃ thin films through copper (Cu) doping. The introduction of Cu plays a decisive role by improving crystallinity, narrowing the bandgap from 1.72 to 1.69 eV, and enhancing visible-light absorption. Structural and optical analyses confirmed successful Cu incorporation without secondary phases and with reduced defect states. Photovoltaic tests further demonstrated an increase in short-circuit current density (16→18 mA cm⁻²) and a 12.5% efficiency improvement. These results highlight that Cu doping is not only a practical route to overcome the intrinsic limitations of Sb₂S₃ but also a scalable strategy to optimize its performance for efficient optoelectronic and photovoltaic applications.

Investigating the Factors Affecting Turkey’s Wheat Flour Export Leadership with K-Means Clustering and Discriminant Analysis

Merve ÇALIŞKAN GÜLER, Deniz EFENDİOĞLU — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0100

Some countries have important roles in the production of certain agricultural products depending on their geographical conditions. However, the rankings of countries may change over time due to natural factors (temperature, rainfall) and political reasons (wars, economic situation). Turkey holds an important position in the world in wheat production and is also among the leading countries in wheat flour exports. This study examines the main factors influencing Türkiye's role in wheat flour exports and evaluates their impact on export strategies. Data from Trade Map and other international databases covering 2023 wheat flour trade for 105 countries were analysed using multivariate statistical methods (MSM), including Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA), K-Means Clustering (KMCA), and Discriminant Analysis (DA). HCA was applied to group and examine the data more accurately and to determine the number of clusters. After dividing the data, K-Means Cluster Analysis was applied for optimization and separation the countries into 6 clusters. Discriminant Analysis was then used to identify the functions and indicators, most effective in forming these clusters. The sequential analyses provided more accurate interpretations and evaluations. Both K-Means Cluster Analysis and Discriminant Analysis results were compatible, showing that the factors most affecting Türkiye's wheat flour exports are population and currency change rate. These findings offer valuable insights for trade and economic policymakers aiming to strengthen Turkey’s strategic role in global wheat flour exports.

Sustainable Waste Management: A Comparative Environmental Performance Analysis of Landfills and Wild Landfills

Seyhmus TUMUR — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0100

This paper examines a critical contemporary environmental issue, waste management, and provides a comparison of conventional and illicit disposal methods for sustainability The study examines numerous elements, including the environmental repercussions of both approaches, their strain on natural resources, effects on human health, and long-term expenses. The merits and demerits of both systems, along with their technical specifications and regions of application, are elucidated comprehensively. Pollution of air, water, and soil, biodiversity loss, greenhouse gas emissions, and the direct and indirect environmental effects of conventional and wild storage systems are illustrated with both quantitative and qualitative evidence. The long-term economic effects of these approaches are evaluated by comparing their installation, operational and decommissioning expenses. The discussion encompasses sustainable waste management options, including trash reduction, recycling, recovery, and energy production, along with its advantages versus conventional and uncontrolled landfilling. This essay concludes that designed landfilling is a more environmentally sustainable practice than unregulated dumping. Nonetheless, it is highlighted that conventional storage techniques may also result in environmental concerns; so, a comprehensive approach should be implemented in waste management.

Distribution of Boron Element in Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) Plants and Its Effect on Leaf Quality

Korhan ÖZMEN, Sıdıka EKREN — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0100

The study investigated the distribution of boron and its effect on leaf quality in flue-cured (virginia) tobacco, and the obtained data were evaluated. The experiment was conducted as a pot trial under controlled conditions at Ege University Faculty of Agriculture in 2024, using a randomized block design with three replications. In the study, boron dose applications were made as control (B0), 0.05% B (B1), 0.1% B (B2), and 0.2% B (B3). Plant height (cm), number of leaves (number/plant), leaf width (cm), leaf length (cm), fresh and dry leaf weight (g/plant), total alkaloid (nicotine) (%), total reducing sugar (%), crude ash (%), N (%), P (%), K (%), Ca (%), Mg (%), Mn (ppm), Fe (ppm), Cu (ppm), Zn (ppm), and B (ppm) were examined. The highest boron dose was achieved in nicotine and crude ash at B2 doses and in total reducing sugar at B3 doses. A quadratic increase occurred in the applied boron doses in terms of macro and microelements. Based on the results obtained from yield components, some chemical quality characteristics, and macro-microelement contents, the most suitable boron dose for tobacco plants was determined to be 0.05% (B1).

Efficient Congo Red Photodegradation via Fe-Doped CdS@Carbon Quantum Dots under Visible Light Irradiation

Taha OĞUZ — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0100

In this study, a novel Fe-doped CdS@CQDs nanocomposite was successfully synthesized via a facile one-pot hydrothermal method for the photocatalytic degradation of Congo Red (CR) dye under visible light. Structural analyses confirmed the formation of hexagonal CdS nanocrystals (8.5-10.9 nm) coupled with amorphous carbon quantum dots (CQDs). The Fe-doped CdS@CQDs nanocomposite demonstrated significantly enhanced photocatalytic performance, achieving approximately 90% degradation of CR in 120 minutes, whereas pristine CQDs achieved only 45% under identical conditions. This superior activity is attributed to the synergistic effects of Fe-doping, which introduces defect states that promote charge separation, and CQDs, which improve light harvesting and electron transport. Kinetic analysis revealed a pseudo-first-order reaction mechanism and a substantially lower activation energy for the Fe-doped CdS@CQDs (16.2 kJmol⁻¹) compared to CQDs (24.8 kJmol⁻¹). These findings highlight the potential of Fe-doped CdS@CQDs as a highly efficient and promising photocatalyst for treating dye-contaminated wastewater.

Phenolic Analysis and Antimicrobial Potential of Glycyrrhiza glabra L. Plant Root Extract

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0100

In many countries, traditional herbal medicines are gaining traction as potential alternative treatments for a variety of ailments. Medicinal plants have gained wider acceptance in recent years due to the belief that natural products are more effective and have fewer side effects than their synthetic counterparts. Glycyrrhiza glabra (G. glabra), commonly known as licorice root, a member of the Leguminoceae family, has been used as a medicinal plant in folk medicine since ancient times. A sugar-bearing plant, G. glabra contains five times more sugar than a typical plant. It contains many different bioactive sugars, including polysaccharides, flavonoids, terpenes, simple sugars, amino acids, and mineral salts. In research, we aimed to determine phenolic compounds by LC-MS/MS screening technique and to investigate its antimicrobial effect by MIC method using G. glabra methanol root extract. The inhibitory effect of G. glabra methanol extract on the growth of yeast (C. albicans) and pathogenic bacteria (E. coli, P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, and B. subtilis) was determined using the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) method. A total of twenty-two compounds were identified as a result of the study. The main compounds detected in the sample were cynarin (11.62 µg g⁻¹), chlorogenic acid (8.75 µg g⁻¹), and p-coumaric acid (3.88 µgg⁻¹). The extract was determined to exhibit highly effective inhibition against C. albicans yeast, effective inhibition against P. aeruginosa, and mild inhibition against other bacteria. The findings showed that licorice root may be a natural alternative to drugs because it contains a large number of biochemicals, is selectively toxic, and inhibits the growth of some pathogenic bacteria.

Comparison of Colour and Brightness Values of Different Varnishes Applied to Woods Used in Manufacturing Wooden Yachts

Mehmet ÇOLAK, Murat ALTIPARMAK — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0100

This study investigated the colour performance of various varnishes used in wooden yachts under rapid ageing, focusing on brightness and salt fog effects. Limba (Combretaceae terminalia superba) and chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) and sapele (Entandrophragma cylindricum) test wooden were created for the samples. Yacht, polyurethane and epoxy varnish were used as varnish types in the experiments. As a result of the rapid test, the most significant color change among the tree species was found in sapele, while the least color change was found in limba. Among the varnishes, the highest colour change was observed in epoxy varnish. The highest brightness value was observed in the limba tree and the lowest in the sapele tree. The highest gloss value among the varnishes was obtained in the epoxy varnish, while the yacht varnish resulted in the lowest gloss value. The highest colour change among the tree species under the salty water effect was observed in the sapele wood and the lowest colour change occurred in the limba wood. The highest colour change was observed in the epoxy varnish and the difference between polyurethane and yacht varnish was not statistically significant. It has been observed that selecting the appropriate varnish according to the tree species used in yacht construction has an enhancing effect on the protective layer performance on the wood surface.

Analyzing the Effectiveness of Wireless Sensor Networks in Smart Agriculture with OPNET

Abiodun Olamilekan AKINLEYE — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0100

High rate of technological development in the agricultural systems has led to the embracement of smart farming where technology as represented by wireless communication network is highly involved in data collection and interpretation. The paper focuses on the analysis of performance of a Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) with Smart Agriculture using OPNET Modeler 14.5. The research will be able to assess the effectiveness of WSNs in measuring key agronomical attributes such as soil moisture, temperature and humidity of the soil that are crucial in attainment of optimum crop yield and preservation of environmental resources. In the simulation, the sensor nodes are placed in a virtual farmland to collect and transmit the environmental information to sink node in the center where it is to be analyzed. The critical key performance indicators such as network throughput, end to end delay, packet delivery ratio and the consumption of energy are put to the test under variations of the node densities and communication ranges. The assumption is that the results will show impacts of the network design on the efficiency and reliability of communication of data in smart agriculture systems. This study will be applied in the development of the energy efficient and cost-effective network models in coming up with precision agriculture, therefore, aid sustainable agriculture and improved environmental management. The paper is able to fill the gap existing between the agricultural production and the new communication technologies.

Effect of Leonardite Doses on Straw Quality of Narbon Vetch (Vicia narbonensis L.)

Mehmet Arif ÖZYAZICI, Semih AÇIKBAŞ — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0100

This study was carried out in the Research and Experimental Land of Siirt University Faculty of Agriculture during the 2021-2022 vegetation period in order to determine the effects of different leonardite doses on the straw quality of the narbon vetch (Vicia narbonensis L. cv. Karakaya) plant. In the study where 0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 kg da^-1doses of leonardite were considered as factors, the field trial was established according to the randomized block design with 3 replications. Within the scope of the research, crude protein (CP), acid detergent fiber (ADF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), total phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium analyses were carried out in the straw samples and the relative feed value (RFV) of straw was determined. The study results revealed that leonardite significantly affected the absolute CP, ADF, NDF, RFV and mineral element content. It was determined that CP ratio and RFV increased, while ADF and NDF ratios decreased in parallel with the increase in leonardite doses. Additionally, leonardite applications increased the mineral element content of the straw of narbon vetch compared to the control. As a result of the research, when all quality parameters were evaluated together, it was seen that 100 kg da^-1 leonardite dose was effective in obtaining high quality narbon vetch straw.

A Termite-Inspired, Seasonal Approach to Window-to-Wall Ratio Design for Thermal Comfort in Office Buildings in Nigeria's Temperate Dry Region

Muhammad Aminu MUSA — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0100

It is common knowledge that buildings in tropical countries are often affected by thermal discomfort. As a result, different window sizes and positioning strategies have been explored to mitigate this issue. Consequently, many studies have been conducted to determine the optimal window-to-wall ratio (WWR), a critical factor influencing thermal comfort in tropical regions. For example, research has shown that buildings with a WWR above 20% do not provide comfortable temperatures in tropical climates. The International Energy Conservation Code (2012 IECC) recommends a different value of 30%, while a study conducted in Singapore’s temperate dry climate found the optimal WWR to be 24%. However, none of these studies achieved consistent thermal comfort indoors, primarily because they did not account for seasonal variations, instead applying their findings uniformly throughout the year. Recent studies suggest that the optimal WWR varies by season. For instance, a 25% WWR was found to be optimal during the dry season, while 35% was ideal for the wet season. Interestingly, termite mounds maintain a stable internal climate despite fluctuating external conditions, making them an excellent model for improving thermal comfort in buildings. Research has revealed that termite mounds employ adaptive WWR modulation, using 30% WWR in the wet season and 25% in the dry season for thermoregulation. This study investigates the impact of seasonal WWR adjustments (10%, 15%, 20%, 30%) on thermal comfort in Nigerian office buildings through simulation, addressing the gap in climate-responsive design. It compares the WWR strategies of termite mounds and human buildings by evaluating WWR performance during hot and cold seasons. A prototype building was simulated using SketchUp, Revit, and DesignBuilder on hypothetical sites in Abuja, free from surrounding structures and trees. The generated data were analyzed using MANOVA, bar charts, column charts, graphs, and tables, with a significance threshold of 0.05. The findings revealed that the optimum WWR in office buildings in temperate dry climate of Nigeria are 15% WWR in hot season and 20% in cold season, which inversely mirror termite mound strategies of 30% in hot season and 25% in cold season. While human buildings prioritize minimizing heat gain, termite mounds utilize controlled ventilation for passive cooling.

Effect of Heat Treatment on the Physical Properties of Iron-Nickel Based Metallic Glass (Fe39Ni39Mo4Si6B12)

Ali PEHLİVANLI , Recep ŞAHİNGÖZ — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0100

This study investigates the physical properties of an iron-nickel based metallic glass alloy (Fe₃₉Ni₃₉Mo₄Si₆B₁₂) which was initially fabricated in an amorphous state using the Planar Flow Casting Method, after being subjected to heat treatment at 500 ^oC for periods of 1, 5, and 30 minutes. The resulting structural and physical changes, particularly the transition from amorphous to crystalline, were analyzed using X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray Fluorescence (XRF), and Vickers hardness testing. Both XRD and SEM analyses consistently showed that crystallization and associated phase transformations become more evident as the heat treatment duration increases, a process visually documented by the SEM images showing the amorphous-to-crystalline sequence. Furthermore, the Vickers hardness measurements revealed a clear increase in hardness resulting from the heat treatments, which was measured for each step of heat treatments. The presence of the constituent elements was confirmed via XRD and XRF analyses. Based on these experimental observations, it is concluded that the Fe₃₉Ni₃₉Mo₄Si₆B₁₂metallic glass alloy is a promising candidate for applications in magnetic sensors and transmitters.

Induction of Adventitious Bulb Regeneration via Leaf Explants of Muscari neglectum

Muhammet Anil AYDIN, Gülsüm ÖZTÜRK — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0100

In this study, shoot organogenesis and micropropagation were derived from in vitro from leaf explants of Muscari neglectum. Leaf explants were cultured in Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium containing TDZ (Thidiazuron) and BA (Benzyladenine) at concentrations of 0.1-0.5 mg L^-1 combination with 0.25 mg L^-1 NAA (α-naphthalene acetic acid) in cytokinin medium for adventitious bulblet regeneration. The highest means were obtained in 0.5 mg L^-1 TDZ + 0.25 mg L^-1 NAA in terms of shoot number (23.0), shoot length (1.9), root number (1.0) and root length (1.1 cm). The shoots developed from leaf explants were sub cultured in rooting. The media containing 1.0 mg L^-1 indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) had the highest mean for plantlets number (3.0), plantlets length (6.3 cm), root number (5.0) and root length (2.0 cm). Then regenerated plantlets from in vitro were acclimatized under ex vitro in the greenhouse.

Source Rock Characteristics of Cretaceous Bituminous Shale and Effects of Redox Conditions (Adıyaman/Türkiye)

Derya KOCA — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0100

The study area is located 30 km northwest of Adıyaman province in Southeast Anatolia region of Türkiye. In the region, from the Cretaceous to the Neogene, geological units formed in different periods. Karababa and Karaboğaz Formations belong to the Cretaceous aged Mardin Group and Adıyaman Group respectively and represent our work examples. Analyzes were conducted to determine organic content and element contents on 30 samples collected from these formations. Total organic carbon content was determined to be between 1.04-7.09% for Karaboğaz Formation, 0.1-3.22% for Karababa Formation, and to have an immature-early mature and good oil resource rock potential according to the adhering pyrolysis analysis. The relationships between the C_org-S-Fe of the studied samples were generally found to be compatible with each other. This indicates that it provides the appropriate conditions for the preservation of organic matter in the depositional environment and that the environment is oxic-dysoxics. It was concluded that the samples examined with parameters such as C-S-Fe, Ni/Co, V/Cr and V/(V+Ni), U/Th, V/Sc, Th/ have depositional environment effects with variable redox conditions.

Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Methacrylate AMPS Copolymer

Hülya ELMALI GÜLBAŞ, Nevin ÇANKAYA — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0100

In this article, the synthesis and characterization of a new copolymer of 2-(bis(cyanomethyl)amino)-2-oxoethyl methacrylate (CMA2OEM)-co-2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid (AMPS) are described. The synthesis of the copolymer CMA2OEM-co-AMPS consists of two parts. In the first part of the copolymer synthesis, 2-(bis(cyanomethyl)amino)-2-oxoethyl methacrylate (CMA2OEM) monomer was resynthesized and characterized. In the second part of the copolymer synthesis, the copolymer CMA2OEM-co-AMPS was synthesized by free radical polymerization of 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid (AMPS) monomer in an inert atmosphere. The structure of novel oligomeric copolymer CMA2OEM-co-AMPS has been characterized by using classical spectroscopic methods (FT-IR and 1H-NMR). The molecular weight and polydispersity of the synthesized oligomeric copolymer CMA2OEM-co-AMPS were determined by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) method.

Evaluation of Biological and Nutrient Qualities of Nigerian Soybean (Glycine max)

Halid Sheriff ADEGBUSI — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0100

This study assessed the nutritional and biological properties of Nigerian soybean. Methods: Soybean seeds were treated into flour, soybean flour (SBF), and used for nutrients composition evaluation. SBF was modified into pellet diet (SBD) for a 14-day feeding study with healthy male Sprague Dawley rats. Key metrics such as body weight, feed intake, and feacal output were monitored over the last four days. Findings: Soybean flour had a higher energy percent for protein (38.24 E%), lipid (40.20 E%), but lower energy percent for carbohydrate (21.56 E%) compared with the recommended values. Also, in the findings, moisture, ash, fibre content, and the density of iron, zinc and calcium were within recommended range, the biological quality was considerable for net protein ratio (2.19), true digestibility (85.25%), but not substantial for protein efficiency ratio and protein digestibility corrected amino acid score. The sulphur amino acid was the limiting amino acid. Conclusion: The current study had demonstrated that soybean is a rich source of protein, lipid, iron, zinc and calcium, but with low carbohydrate content. Thereby giving the insight into the potentiality of soybean protein as an alternative for animal protein in making a protein-rich-source food through complementation with poor plant-based food.

On γ–β–I Open and Closed Sets in Ideal Topological Spaces

Sare ÇAKIR KARTAL , Hürmet Fulya AKIZ — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0100

The purpose of this paper is to extend the concept of γ–β–open sets to the framework of ideal topological spaces and to investigate the fundamental properties that arise from this generalization. Motivated by earlier studies on generalized open sets, such as γ–open, β–open, γ–semi–open, and I–open sets, we introduce and analyze γ–β–I open and γ–β–I closed sets within an ideal topological space (X, τ, I). Several characterizations, inclusion relations, and closure and interior type operators associated with these new classes of sets are obtained.