Influence of Rootstocks (Gisela 5, Gisela 6, MaxMa, SL 64) on Performance of ‘0900 Ziraat’ Sweet Cherry
Pages 60-66
Erdal Ağlar and Kenan Yıldız

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1927-5129.2014.10.09

Published: 12 March 2014

Abstract: This study was carried out in order to determine the effect of rootstocks (Gisela 5, Gisela 6, MaxMa 14 and SL 64) on performance of sweet cherry cultivar ‘0 900 Ziraat’ during 2010-2013 years. The trail in randomized block design was established as to factorial design. Each graft combination included 20 trees. The trees was trained as Spanish Bush training system. At the end of study, effect of rootstocks on vegetative growth was found significant. It has been determined that the trees grafted on SL 64 and MaxMa 14 rootstocks were more vigorous than the those grafted on Gisela 5 and Gisela 6. The rootstocks formed significant differences at the precocity. While the first blooming on the trees grafted on Gisela 5 and Gisela 6 rootstocks occurred at the second year after planting, the first blooming on the trees on MaxMa 14 and SL 64 rootstocks occurred at fourth year after planting. It has been determined that occur significant differences on yield per tree and yield efficiency among rootstocks. In terms of yield per tree and yield efficiency, While the lowest value was in SL 64 rootstock, the highest value was recorded in Gisela 5, and it has been determined that the differences between three rootstocks (Gisela 5, Gisela 6 and MaxMa 14) were not significant. While fruits weight varied according to the rootstock used in study, the trees grafted on Gisela 5 had the smallest fruit. Accompanied with differences between MaxMa 14 and SL 64 rootstocks were not significant, the biggest fruits were produced on trees grafted on SL 64 rootstock. As a result of the statistical analysis, it has determined that the rootstocks that used in trial did not create significant differences on soluble solids content (SSC) value. One of the most significant diagnosis was 6 % mortality rate that occurred on trees grafted Gisela 5 and Gisela 6 rootstocks.

Effect of Biofertilizer Addition on Nitrous Oxide Emission
Pages 44-52
Endah Retnaningrum, Irfan D. Prijambada, Sukarti Moeljopawiro and Budi S. Daryono

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1927-5129.2014.10.07

Published: 05 March 2014

Abstract: Application of nitrogen fixing biofertilizer, such as Azotobacter, has a potential for reducing nitrous oxide (N₂O) emission. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of nitrogen fixing biofertilizer addition to common practices of urea and fresh cattle manure usages for maize (Zea mays L.) growing on N₂O emission. The field experiment was conducted at GunungKidul, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The treatments were addition of fresh cattle manure (M), fresh cattle manure added with nitrogen fixing biofertilizer (MB), urea (U), urea added with nitrogen fixing biofertilizer (UB), and control (no N fertilizer added). Nitrogen contents of the added urea and fresh cattle manure were adjusted to be equal. Urea and fresh cattle manure were given three times throughout the experiment period, i.e. 12, 30, and 48 days after planting (DAP). Urea was given at a rate of 44, 29, and 15 kg.ha^-1, respectively while fresh cattle manure was given at a rate of 6000, 4000, and 2000 kg.ha^-1, respectively. The emitted N₂O was collected using a closed-chamber method at 24, 42, 60, and 72 DAP and were determined using Gas Chromatograph. Soil properties including available N (NH₄⁺-N and NO₃^--N) and organic C contents were also analyzed. On the harvesting time, the harvest index and the grain yield were determined. Biofertilizer addition influence decomposition process of cattle manure and urea that led to mineralization and nitrification of residual organic matterand hence to cause soil NH₄⁺N in the order concentration of M treatment > MB > U > UB>C, and soil NO₃^--N of MB treatment > M > U > UB>C. Reduction of NO₃^-N was resulted in the highest N₂O emission of M >U>MB>UB>C(P < 0.01). The grain yield, and harvest index of maize wereresulted in the order value of MB> UB > U > M>C treatments.Available mineral N and soil organic C contents strongly affected N₂O emission (P < 0.01).The results suggested that biofertilizer addition to common agricultural practices reduce N₂O emission and simultaneusly increased grain yield, and harvest index of maize.

The Impact of Technology in Mathematics Education: A Case Study of Pakistan
Pages 67-72
M. Arif Hussain, Mujeeb Ahmed Khan, Shaheen Abbas, M. Ilyas, Bulbul Jan and M. Rashid Kamal Ansari

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1927-5129.2014.10.10

Published: 12 March 2014

Abstract: As we know that computers have become fountain pens of twenty first century. This paper discusses Computer Algebra System (CAS)activities used as part of a study conducted by the authors using Mathematica. It also emphasizes the use of Matlab for students and researchers for the purpose of verification of results of the problems at hand. This study will attempt to show the positive effect of the use of technology on students’ motivation by taking three examples from calculus, advanced algebra and sequence and series problems. The graphic illustration of functions helps students towards a proper understanding of mathematical science problems. The work carried out will be useful for students, researchers, and teachers understand both theory and use of computer applications in order to become master of the subject.

A Survey of the Relationship Between Serum Cholesterol and Triglyceride to Glaucoma: A Case Control Study
Pages 33-38
Mohammad Hossien Davari, Toba Kazemi and Azame Rezai

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1927-5129.2014.10.06

Published: 20 February 2014

Abstract: Purpose/Aim:primary Open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is an asymptomatic, progressive optic neuropathy characterized by enlarging optic disc cupping and visual field loss. POAG is a major cause of blindness and is characterized by progressive degeneration of the optic nerve and is usually associated with elevated intraocular pressure.

Regarding the fact that dyslipidemia has a relationship with some ophthalmic diseases such as cataract,it sounds that the same relationship also exists with POAG. Therefore, it was decided to study the relationship between serum cholesterol and triglyceride to POAG.

Methods:The present study was done on 40 primary Open-angle glaucoma (POAG) patients (cases) and 40 healthy individuals (controls). In order to diagnose POAG, Intra ocular pressure (IOP) was measured by means of Applanation tonometry, and then was confirmed through perimetry and ophthalmoscopes. The controls were patients' attendants who had referred to Birjand Valli-e-asr clinics but did not have POAG. After a fasting of 12 hours, blood samples were derived to determine serum level of triglyceride and cholesterol levels. Then, the results of the tests together with the participants' demographic information were individually registered in a questionnaire.

The obtained data was analyzed by means of SPSS software (version 15) and statistical tests including T-test and Chi- square.

Results:Mean levels of cholesterol (211.18± 51.91mg/dl in cases, 162.38±39.56 mg/dl in controls) and triglyceride (165.92±88.58 mg/dl in cases, 99.46± 43.08 mg/dl in control) were significantly higher in cases than in controls. Hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia were significantly higher in the cases compared with the controls. There was a positive association between POAG and dyslipidemia (OR=7.14 [95% CI: 2.3-22.2] for Hypercholesterolemia and OR=16.9 [95% CI: 2.1-14.8] for hypertriglyceridemia.

Conclusion: Hyperlipidemia can be a risk factor of getting POAG.