Thermal–optical analysis (TOA) is a widely used technique that fractionates carbonaceous aerosol particles into organic and elemental carbon (OC and EC), or carbonate. Thermal sub-fractions of evolved OC and EC are also used for source identification and apportionment; thus, oven temperature accuracy during TOA analysis is essential. Evidence now indicates that the “actual” sample (filter) temp...

The aim of the present investigation was to determine the allelopathic effect of aqueous extract from either fresh or oven dried leaves and root of unstressed or water stressed maize plants on soybean growth and its effects on rhizosphere soil treated with maize plant extract. The extracts were applied for 10h to soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] as seed soaking treatment prior to sowing. The ap...

OBJECTIVES The objective of this study was to assess sperm quality and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) integrity of coke oven workers exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) as compared to control subjects. MATERIAL AND METHODS The coke oven workers (N = 52) and administrative staff (N = 35) of a steel plant served as the exposed and control groups, respectively. Exposure to PAHs was a...

Coke-oven workers are exposed to high concentrations of coke-oven emissions, which are comprised mainly of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. We conducted a pilot study to determine the time changes in urinary 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) concentrations, as a metabolite of pyrene, in coke-oven workers after exposure to a benzene-soluble fraction (BSF) of total particulates. Thirteen subjects, includi...

Various traditional and industrial coke making techniques were discussed based on their limitations and production capacities, and the criteria such as the quality and size of coke production, amount of coke crumb, amount of investment, amount of operational costs, labor force and mechanization. In this work, the rankings of various traditional and industrial coke making techniques were carried...

Exploring the associations between genetic polymorphisms of metabolic enzymes and susceptibility to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH)-induced chromosomal damage is of great significance for understanding PAH carcinogenesis. Cytochrome P450, glutathione S-transferase, microsomal epoxide hydrolase, NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase, and N-acetyltransferase are PAH-metabolizing enzymes. In this s...

The effects of different drying methods (freeze drying, vacuum oven drying, and shade drying) on the phytochemical constituents associated with the antioxidant activities of Z. officinale var. rubrum Theilade were evaluated to determine the optimal drying process for these rhizomes. Total flavonoid content (TFC), total phenolic content (TPC), and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity were measured ...

Orphanides A., Goulas V., Gekas V. (2013): Effect of drying method on the phenolic content and antioxidant capacity of spearmint. Czech J. Food Sci., 31: 509–513. The changes in total phenolics, hydroxycinammic acid derivatives, and antioxidant properties of spearmint after five drying treatments (convection oven drying, freeze-drying, microwave drying, and air drying with the sun exposure and ...

Many host factors or biomarkers are involved in the process of early DNA damage induced by occupational exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) as seen in coke-oven workers. This paper aimed to identify complicated causal interrelationship of various biomarkers using the path analysis. In this analysis, we included 235 subjects (166 coke-oven workers and 69 nonexposed controls) whose...