Showing papers by "Dicle University published in 2017"

A Multicenter Study of 1144 Patients with Cerebral Venous Thrombosis: The VENOST Study.

Abstract: Background Based on a number of small observational studies, cerebral venous sinus thrombosis has diverse clinical and imaging features, risk factors, and variable outcome In a large, multicenter cerebral venous thrombosis (VENOST) study, we sought to more precisely characterize the clinical characteristics of Caucasian patients Methods All data for the VENOST study were collected between the years 2000 and 2015 from the clinical follow-up files Clinical and radiological characteristics, risk factors, and outcomes were compared in terms of age and sex distribution Results Among 1144 patients 68% were women, and in older age group (>50 years) male patients were more prevalent (166% versus 278%) The most frequent symptoms were headache (894%) and visual field defects (289%) in men, and headache (861%) and epileptic seizures (268%) in women Gynecological factors comprised the largest group in women, in particular puerperium (183%) Prothrombotic conditions (264%), mainly methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase mutation (63%) and Factor V Leiden mutation (51%), were the most common etiologies in both genders 81% of patients had infection-associated and 52% had malignancy-related etiology that was significantly higher in men and older age group Parenchymal involvement constitutively hemorrhagic infarcts, malignancy, and older age was associated with higher Rankin score Epileptic seizures had no effect on prognosis Conclusions Clinical and radiological findings were consistent with previous larger studies but predisposing factors were different with a higher incidence of puerperium Oral contraceptive use was not a prevalent risk factor in our cohort Malignancy, older age, and hemorrhagic infarcts had worse outcome

Nanoceria supported palladium(0) nanoparticles: Superb catalyst in dehydrogenation of formic acid at room temperature

Abstract: Highly efficient dehydrogenation of formic acid (FA) at room temperature was achieved using palladium(0) nanoparticles supported on nanoceria (Pd 0 /CeO 2 ) as catalysts. Pd 0 /CeO 2 was prepared by impregnation of palladium(II) ions on the surface of ceria followed by their reduction with sodium borohydride in aqueous solution at room temperature. Pd 0 /CeO 2 was isolated from the reaction solution by centrifugation and characterized by a combination of advanced analytical techniques. The catalytic activity of Pd 0 /CeO 2 samples with various Pd loading in the range 1.0–5.0% wt was tested in dehydrogenation of formic acid plus sodium formate with a molar ratio of FA/SF = 1/9. Pd 0 /CeO 2 with Pd loading of 2.27% wt shows superb catalytic activity in dehydrogenation of FA with a turnover frequency (TOF) value of 1400 h −1 at 25.0 ± 0.1 °C. The superb catalytic activity of Pd 0 /CeO 2 is ascribed to the reducible nature of ceria during the decomposition of FA (HCO 2 H → CO 2 + H 2 ). The kinetic data, obtained by measuring the volume of pure H 2 gas, could be converted to the change in concentration of FA by considering the equilibrium between the formate ion and formic acid (HCO 2 H ⇋ HCOO − + H 3 O + ). The FA concentration versus time data fit to the first order kinetics with respect to the FA concentration.

Emotion recognition based on EEG features in movie clips with channel selection.

Abstract: Emotion plays an important role in human interaction. People can explain their emotions in terms of word, voice intonation, facial expression, and body language. However, brain-computer interface (BCI) systems have not reached the desired level to interpret emotions. Automatic emotion recognition based on BCI systems has been a topic of great research in the last few decades. Electroencephalogram (EEG) signals are one of the most crucial resources for these systems. The main advantage of using EEG signals is that it reflects real emotion and can easily be processed by computer systems. In this study, EEG signals related to positive and negative emotions have been classified with preprocessing of channel selection. Self-Assessment Manikins was used to determine emotional states. We have employed discrete wavelet transform and machine learning techniques such as multilayer perceptron neural network (MLPNN) and k-nearest neighborhood (kNN) algorithm to classify EEG signals. The classifier algorithms were initially used for channel selection. EEG channels for each participant were evaluated separately, and five EEG channels that offered the best classification performance were determined. Thus, final feature vectors were obtained by combining the features of EEG segments belonging to these channels. The final feature vectors with related positive and negative emotions were classified separately using MLPNN and kNN algorithms. The classification performance obtained with both the algorithms are computed and compared. The average overall accuracies were obtained as 77.14 and 72.92% by using MLPNN and kNN, respectively.

The burden and epidemiology of community-acquired central nervous system infections: a multinational study

Abstract: Risk assessment of central nervous system (CNS) infection patients is of key importance in predicting likely pathogens. However, data are lacking on the epidemiology globally. We performed a multicenter study to understand the burden of community-acquired CNS (CA-CNS) infections between 2012 and 2014. A total of 2583 patients with CA-CNS infections were included from 37 referral centers in 20 countries. Of these, 477 (18.5%) patients survived with sequelae and 227 (8.8%) died, and 1879 (72.7%) patients were discharged with complete cure. The most frequent infecting pathogens in this study were Streptococcus pneumoniae (n = 206, 8%) and Mycobacterium tuberculosis (n = 152, 5.9%). Varicella zoster virus and Listeria were other common pathogens in the elderly. Although staphylococci and Listeria resulted in frequent infections in immunocompromised patients, cryptococci were leading pathogens in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive individuals. Among the patients with any proven etiology, 96 (8.9%) patients presented with clinical features of a chronic CNS disease. Neurosyphilis, neurobrucellosis, neuroborreliosis, and CNS tuberculosis had a predilection to present chronic courses. Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, M. tuberculosis, and S. pneumoniae were the most fatal forms, while sequelae were significantly higher for herpes simplex virus type 1 (p < 0.05 for all). Tackling the high burden of CNS infections globally can only be achieved with effective pneumococcal immunization and strategies to eliminate tuberculosis, and more must be done to improve diagnostic capacity.

Investigation of cutting parameters affecting on tool wear and surface roughness in dry turning of Ti-6Al-4V using CVD and PVD coated tools

Abstract: There are some problems in the machining of titanium alloys with excellent properties such as high strength, good corrosion resistance, long service life and low weight. The leading problem appears to be the fast tool wear and the bad machining surface. Therefore, in this study, it was investigated whether cutting parameters have effect on tool wear and surface roughness by turning under dry cutting condition of Ti-6Al-4V alloy with excellent properties. CVD (TiCN + Al2O3 + TiN) and PVD (TiAlN) coated WC tools were used in the experiments. Then the Ti-6Al-4V alloy turned with the combinations of the different cutting speed, feed rate, cutting long and depth of cut. We observed that the tools wear in both CVD and PVD coated WC tools increased with increasing the cutting speed, feed rate, depth of cut and cutting length. However, while tools wear increased with increasing cutting speed, the surface roughness reduced to an optimum level. Especially, the surface roughness was worsened above the optimum level changing with increasing the feed rate, cutting length and depth of cut. The tool wear with PVD coated WC tools was observed to be less than the CVD coated WC tools. However, the values of the surface roughness obtained with PVD coated WC tools with increase in depth of cut, feed rate and cutting length has given us higher values when compared to CVD coated WC tools.

Assessment of Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activities of Nepeta trachonitica: Analysis of Its Phenolic Compounds Using HPLC-MS/MS

Abstract: Continuing our work on the sources of natural bioactive compounds, we evaluated the antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of Nepeta trachonitica as well as its major phenolic content using the high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) technique. For antioxidant activity, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and cupric ion reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) methods were performed to measure the reducing power and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay was employed to evaluate the radical scavenging activity of the sample. For antimicrobial activity, three Gram-positive and four Gram-negative microbial species as well as three fungi species were tested. N. trachonitica appeared to have reasonable antioxidant activity and decent antimicrobial activity as indicated by the inhibition of the organisms' growth. The most susceptible species were Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633 and Escherichia coli ATCC 11229 among the organisms tested. Ethanol extract of the plant has the highest effect on Saccharomyces cerevisiae but no effect on Yarrowia lipolytica. The HPLC-MS/MS analysis showed that at least 11 major phenolic compounds of N. trachonitica exist, the major ones being rosmarinic acid, chlorogenic acid and quinic acid. The obtained results suggest that N. trachonitica could be a promising source for food and nutraceutical industries because of its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties and phenolic compounds.

Sleep quality in patients with psoriatic arthritis

Abstract: Aim: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) on sleep quality and investigate the association between sleep quality and clinical parameters of PsA, quality of life and psychological state in patients with PsA. Method: Forty-one patients with PsA and 38 healthy volunteers were included in this study. In both patients and healthy controls, sleep quality was assessed by means of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and anxiety and depression were assessed by means of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). In addition, PsA Quality of Life (PsAQoL) Index and Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) were used on patients. Generalized pain was assessed by means of a visual analogue scale (VAS). Results: Subjective sleep quality, sleep latency, sleep duration, habitual sleep efficiency, sleep disturbance, daytime dysfunction and total PSQI scores were significantly higher in patients with PsA compared to healthy controls. Total PSQI scores significantly correlated with anxiety, generalized pain, PsAQoL scores, enthesitis and levels of C-reactive protein (CPR) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (P < 0.05). Also, multiple regression analysis indicated that ESR level was independently associated with total PSQI score (P < 0.05, R 2 = 0.325). Conclusion: Sleep quality is diminished in patients with PsA. Sleep disturbance is particularly associated with generalized pain, anxiety, enthesitis and levels of CRP and ESR in patients carrying the diagnosis of PsA.

Preparation and characterization of a novel magnetic biosorbent functionalized with biomass of Bacillus Subtilis: Kinetic and isotherm studies of biosorption processes in the removal of Methylene Blue

Abstract: A novel magnetic biosorbent (M-BSub) was successfully prepared by the immobilization of Bacillus subtilis ( B. subtilis ) with nano-sized magnetic silica which was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM), scanning electron microscope (SEM). Optimum biosorption conditions were determined as a function of pH, contact time and initial concentration of Methylene Blue (MB). The maximum biosorption efficiency of MB was obtained at pH 6.8 and 30 °C. The uptake of dye was very fast initially, and achieved equilibrium after 3 h. The isotherm models like Langmuir, Freundlich, Dubinin–Radushkevich (D–R) were used to analyze the equilibrium data. The equilibrium data fit better to the Freundlich model compared to the Langmuir model in concentration range studied (50–300 mg/L). The maximum biosorption capacity of biosorbent reached up to 59 ± 0.6 mg g −1 at pH value of 6.8 and 30 °C. The kinetics data were analyzed using adsorption kinetic models like the pseudo-first order, pseudo-second order and intraparticle diffusion equation. Kinetic data showed good agreement with the pseudo-second order kinetic model. In addition, biosorbent can be easily regenerated and reused for five cycles with high biosorption capacity. This study indicated that M-BSub is a reusable biosorbent for rapid, convenient, and efficient removal of MB from contaminated aquatic systems.

Alterations of the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio during the period of stable and acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients.

Abstract: Objectives We aimed to investigate the importance of neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) for identifying the severity of inflammation and recognition of acute exacerbation. Methods We retrospectively enrolled 100 patients with a diagnosis of COPD exacerbation who were admitted to our clinic. Complete blood count (CBC), measurement of C reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were determined within 2 h of hospital admission. Three months after an acute exacerbation, these measurements were obtained from the same patients during the stable period of COPD. The control group included 80 healthy subjects. NLR was calculated from CBC. Results NLR and other inflammatory markers, such as WBC, CRP and ESR were found to be significantly elevated in exacerbated COPD compared to stable COPD and control participants. There was a significant correlation of NLR with CRP (r = 0.415, P < 0.001), WBC (r = 0.304, P = 0.002) and ESR (r = 0.275, P = 0.035). For an NLR cutoff of 3.29, sensitivity for detecting exacerbation of COPD was 80.8% and specificity was 77.7% (AUC 0.894, P = 0.001). Some patients presenting with acute exacerbation of COPD and CRP, WBC or ESR levels lower than the optimal cut-off value had high NLR values. Conclusions Elevated NLR can be used as a marker similar to CRP, WBC and ESR, in the determination of increased inflammation in acutely exacerbated COPD. NLR could be beneficial for the early detection of potential acute exacerbations in patients with COPD who have normal levels of traditional markers.

Factors affecting complication rates of retrograde flexible ureterorenoscopy: analysis of 1571 procedures-a single-center experience.

Abstract: Purpose To evaluate the factors affecting complication rates of flexible ureteroscopy and laser lithotripsy (FURSL).

Loss of SPDEF and gain of TGFBI activity after androgen deprivation therapy promote EMT and bone metastasis of prostate cancer

Abstract: Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) targeting the androgen receptor (AR) is a standard therapeutic regimen for treating prostate cancer. However, most tumors progress to metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer after ADT. We identified the type 1, 2, and 4 collagen–binding protein transforming growth factor–β (TGFβ)–induced protein (TGFBI) as an important factor in the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and malignant progression of prostate cancer. In prostate cancer cell lines, AR signaling stimulated the activity of the transcription factor SPDEF, which repressed the expression of TGFBI . ADT, AR antagonism, or overexpression of TGFBI inhibited the activity of SPDEF and enhanced the proliferation rates of prostate cancer cells. Knockdown of TGFBI suppressed migration and proliferation in cultured cells and reduced prostate tumor growth and brain and bone metastasis in xenograft models, extending the survival of tumor-bearing mice. Analysis of prostate tissue samples collected before and after ADT from the same patients showed that ADT reduced the nuclear abundance of SPDEF and increased the production of TGFBI. Our findings suggest that induction of TGFBI promotes prostate cancer growth and metastasis and can be caused by dysregulation or therapeutic inhibition of AR signaling.

An analysis on the comparison of low-GWP refrigerants to alternatively use in mobile air-conditioning systems

Abstract: The results of an analysis are discussed in this paper considering R1234yf, R444A and R445A refrigerants having low Global Warming Potential (GWP) which can be used in the mobile air conditioning systems. The evaporation temperatures of −5 °C and +5 °C while condenser temperatures of 30 °C and 60 °C were taken for the evaluations of thermodynamic properties of the refrigerants. In the study, electrical power consumption of the system and COP values were calculated considering thermodynamic properties determined for the points in the cycle depending on the assumed system parameters. The system was considered to operate in a steady-state cycle. The pressure loss through evaporator and condenser, and heat transfer amounts through connecting tubes, expansion valve and compressor were neglected for the computations. The computations have pointed out that while cooling capacity of R444A and R445A were higher; their COP values were smaller compared to R1234yf because of their increased consumption of electricity. Although COP of R444A is smaller compared to R1234yf, it may be suggested that R444A can be utilized in air-conditioning systems of heavy vehicles such as busses, trucks, and trains due to its decreased flammability risk by mixture content.

GLI1 inactivation is associated with developmental phenotypes overlapping with Ellis-van Creveld syndrome.

Abstract: GLI1, GLI2 and GLI3 form a family of transcription factors which regulate development by mediating the action of Hedgehog (Hh) morphogens. Accordingly, inactivating variants in GLI2 and GLI3 are found in several developmental disorders. In contrast, loss-of-function mutations in GLI1 have remained elusive, maintaining enigmatic the role of this gene in the human embryo. We describe eight patients from three independent families having biallelic truncating variants in GLI1 and developmental defects overlapping with Ellis-van Creveld syndrome (EvC), a disease caused by diminished Hh signaling. Two families had mutations in the last exon of the gene and a third family was identified with an N-terminal stop gain variant predicted to be degraded by the NMD-pathway. Analysis of fibroblasts from one of the patients with homozygous C-terminal truncation of GLI1 demonstrated that the corresponding mutant GLI1 protein is fabricated by patient cells and becomes upregulated in response to Hh signaling. However, the transcriptional activity of the truncated GLI1 factor was found to be severely impaired by cell culture and in vivo assays, indicating that the balance between GLI repressors and activators is altered in affected subjects. Consistent with this, reduced expression of the GLI target PTCH1 was observed in patient fibroblasts after chemical induction of the Hh pathway. We conclude that GLI1 inactivation is associated with a phenotypic spectrum extending from isolated postaxial polydactyly to an EvC-like condition.

Traditional manufacturing of clay brick used in the historical buildings of Diyarbakir (Turkey)

Abstract: Clay brick is the most common construction material used in the historical buildings of Diyarbakir (Turkey). Many clay brick manufacturing workshops and numerous brick masters have emerged. Diyarbakir currently has two clay brick workshops that face the problem of being closed down. Therefore, manufacturing of clay brick by traditional methods may be forgotten in Diyarbakir. This study investigates the manufacturing phases of traditional clay bricks in Diyarbakir׳s local workshops, which have not been documented. The manufacturing phases of the clay bricks in Diyarbakir were examined for the first time based on in-situ observations, investigations, and interviews. The research indicated the general phases of clay brick manufacturing. Raw materials are first prepared, formed, and dried. The firing of clay bricks is then performed through hacking, heating, burning, cooling, and de-hacking. The clay bricks are finally packaged and dispatched. The traditional manufacturing of clay brick methods in Diyarbakir is similar in many regions of the world. The clay bricks are currently and extensively used in the restoration of historic structures. Therefore, their production must be continuous.

Facial emotion recognition on a dataset using convolutional neural network

Abstract: Nowadays, deep learning is a technique that takes place in many computer vision related applications and studies. While it is put in the practice mostly on content based image retrieval, there is still room for improvement by employing it in diverse computer vision applications. In this study, we aimed to build a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) based Facial Expression Recognition System (FER), in order to automatically classify expressions presented in Facial Expression Recognition (FER2013) database. Our presented CNN achieved % 57.1 success rate on FER2013 database.

Is there a relation between dental anxiety, fear and general psychological status?

Abstract: BACKGROUND Dental anxiety is a widespread problem in many populations. This problem can be a barrier to dental care and may lead to poor oral health. Dental anxiety may be related to psychological status. AIMS The aim of the present study was to assess the levels of dental anxiety, dental fear, Beck Depression, and state-trait anxiety according to age, gender and education level in patients at the periodontology clinic in the Diyarbakir Mouth and Dental Health Center. STUDY DESIGN A total of 231 patients (115 males, 116 females) filled out dental fear scale (DFS), dental anxiety scale (DAS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), state-trait anxiety inventory-state (STAI-S), and state-trait anxiety inventory-trait (STAI-T) questionnaires, and evaluations of DFS, DAS, BDI, STAI-S, and STAI-T were conducted according to age, gender, and education level. RESULTS The mean DFS, DAS, BDI, STAI-T, and STAI -S were 45.64, 9.15, 13.16, 38.90, and 40.18, respectively. There was a significant association among DFS, DAS, BDI, STAI-S, and STAI-T (p < 0.05). These surveys scores were significantly higher in females than males (p < 0.05). The results of this study indicated that gender age and education level have important effects on DFS, DAS, BDI, STAI-S, and STAI-T (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION Dental anxiety and dental fear were found to be related to psychological status (BDI, STAI-S, and STAI-T) over time. There are some patients with unaddressed psychological distress.

Gender specific differences in patients with psoriatic arthritis

Abstract: Objectives: To assess gender related differences in a cohort of patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA).Methods: Consecutively recruited patients were included and underwent clinical, radiological and laboratory evaluation by using standardized protocol and case report forms.Results: Women (n = 115) with PsA had higher symptom duration and body mass index (BMI), tender and swollen joint counts, disease activity score-28 joints (DAS28), Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and poorer physical activity and fatigue than men (n = 72) with PsA. Psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) were higher in male patients. However quality of life (SF36 physical and mental component scores), articular pattern, extra-articular features (including uveitis, iritis) and family history for psoriasis, spondyloarthritis (SpA) (PsA and ankylosing spondylitis [AS]) were quite similar between men and women.Conclusions: Some of the clinical and laboratory variables tend to be different between men and women with PsA. The e...

Psychological health of caregivers and association with functional status of stroke patients

Abstract: Objective: Stroke does not only affect the physical state of patients but also the emotional state of their relatives, most effectively their caregivers. The study aims to examine the mood of careg...

Prediction of Flood Frequency Factor for Gumbel Distribution Using Regression and GEP Model

Abstract: Floods are the most common natural disasters that affect societies around the world. One of the major problems in water resources engineering design is the estimation of maximum flood discharges. These estimations are determined to assign hydrological and hydraulic dimensions to bridges, sewers, dam, spillway, protection embankments, weirs, detention ponds and diversion canals. Accurate estimation of flood frequency discharge increases safety of the hydraulic structures. In probability theory and statistics, flood frequency analysis is used to obtain the probability distribution of floods. The distribution models can be summarized the generalized extreme value, Gumbel or extreme value type 1, Log-Normal and the Log Pearson type III distributions. The Gumbel distribution provides the best fit according to the extreme value analysis studies. This study concentrates on prediction of flood frequency factor (K) for the Gumbel distribution using gene expression programming (GEP) and regression model. Some prediction models are presented for determining of flood frequency factor (K). The proposed regression model (Model 4) and GEP model (Model 7) give a fast and practical way of estimating the flood frequency factor. Thus, Gumbel’s method has been simplified in such a predictive model that one can obtain the magnitude of a given return period for flood discharges without recourse to looking at a table. The performance of the prediction models was evaluated with an illustrative example for 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 250, 500 and 1000 years flood.

Association of Subclinical Hypothyroidism with Dyslipidemia and Increased Carotid Intima-Media Thickness in Children.

Abstract: Objective Subclinical hypothyroidism (SH) is defined as an elevated serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level with free thyroxine (fT4) level in the normal range. There are very few studies in the literature reporting on the effect of SH on lipid metabolism and carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) in children. Methods The study included 38 children diagnosed with SH and a control group comprising 38 healthy, euthyroid children. SH was diagnosed based on an elevated TSH level (4.2-20 mIU/L) and normal fT4 level measured in two morning fasting blood samples obtained at an interval of 2 to 6 weeks. Blood samples were collected by venipuncture in the morning after an overnight fast. Results The patient group included 38 children (16 male, 22 female) with SH and the control group -38 healthy, euthyroid children (20 male, 18 female). Mean age was 8.1±3.6 (range, 3.5-15) years in the patient group and 8.9±2.4 (range, 4.5-15) years in the control group. In the patient group, total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), TC/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and LDL-C/HDL-C were higher compared to the control group (p=0.049, p=0.014, p=0.002, and 0.003, respectively). In the patient group, CIMT was also significantly higher compared to the control group (p=0.001). The patient group was further divided into two subgroups based on their serum TSH level: (I) patients with mildly elevated TSH (TSH=4.2±10 mIU/L) (n=33) and (II) patients with high TSH (TSH≥10 mIU/L) (n=5). However, no significant difference was found between the patients with mild and severe SH with regard to TC, LDL-C, HDL-C, triglyceride level and CIMT levels (p=0.635, p=0.424, p=0.310, p=0.342, and 0.610, respectively). Conclusion Subclinical hypothyroidism leads to increased dyslipidemia (increased TC and LDL) and increased CIMT, which leads to increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Further studies are needed to substantiate these findings in children with SH.

Heat transfer search algorithm for sizing optimization of truss structures

Abstract: HEAT TRANSFER SEARCH (HTS) IS A NOVEL METAHEURISTIC OPTIMIZATION ALGORITHM THAT SIMULATES THE LAWS OF THERMODYNAMICS AND HEAT TRANSFER. IN THIS STUDY, THE HTS ALGORITHM IS ADAPTED TO TRUSS STRUC-TURE OPTIMIZATION. SIZING OPTIMIZATION SEARCHES FOR THE MINIMUM WEIGHT OF A STRUCTURE SUBJECT TO STRESS AND DISPLACEMENT CONSTRAINTS. THREE TRUSS STRUCTURES OFTEN TAKEN AS BENCHMARKS IN THE OPTIMIZA-TION LITERATURE ARE SELECTED HERE IN ORDER TO VERIFY THE EFFICIENCY AND ROBUSTNESS OF THE HTS ALGORITHM. OPTIMIZATION RESULTS INDICATE THAT HTS CAN OBTAIN BETTER DESIGNS (I.E. LIGHTER TRUSSES) THAN OTHER RECENTLY DEVELOPED METAHEURISTIC OPTIMIZERS. THE CONVERGENCE BEHAVIOUR OF HTS ALSO IS AS GOOD AS THE OTHER ALGORITHMS.

Effects of Nursing Care Based on Watson's Theory of Human Caring on Anxiety, Distress, And Coping, When Infertility Treatment Fails: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Abstract: Introduction: The failure of infertility treatment leads to individual, familial, and social problems The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the nursing care program based on Watson's "Theory of Human Caring" on anxiety and distress caused by coping when the treatment fails Methods: This study randomized controlled trial study was conducted from April to November 2012, with 86 Turkish women with infertility (intervention group: 45, control group: 41) Follow-up of 32 infertile women, who failed infertility treatment from intervention group, and 35 infertile women, who failed infertility treatment from control group, continued for another four weeks Data were collected through Spiel Berger's State/Trait Anxiety Inventory, Distress Scale, and Ways of Coping Questionnaire The analyses of data were conducted using SPSS ver 13 Results: The intervention and control groups significantly differed in terms of anxiety, distress, and coping levels The intervention group's mean anxiety score decreased by thirteen points and distress by fourteen points (in a positive direction) The intervention group's mean positive coping style score increased Whereas a negative increase was observed in the control group's values depending on the failure of the treatment Conclusion: Watson's theory of human caring is recommended as a guide to nursing patients with infertility treatment to decrease levels of anxiety and distress, and to increase the positive coping style among infertile women

Germination Biology of Two Invasive Physalis Species and Implications for Their Management in Arid and Semi-arid Regions.

Abstract: Two Solanaceae invasive plant species (Physalis angulata L. and P. philadelphica Lam. var. immaculata Waterfall) infest several arable crops and natural habitats in Southeastern Anatolia region, Turkey. However, almost no information is available regarding germination biology of both species. We performed several experiments to infer the effects of environmental factors on seed germination and seedling emergence of different populations of both species collected from various locations with different elevations and habitat characteristics. Seed dormancy level of all populations was decreased with increasing age of the seeds. Seed dormancy of freshly harvested and aged seeds of all populations was effectively released by running tap water. Germination was slightly affected by photoperiods, which suggests that seeds are slightly photoblastic. All seeds germinated under wide range of temperature (15–40 °C), pH (4–10), osmotic potential (0 to −1.2 MPa) and salinity (0–400 mM sodium chloride) levels. The germination ability of both plant species under wide range of environmental conditions suggests further invasion potential towards non-infested areas in the country. Increasing seed burial depth significantly reduced the seedling emergence, and seeds buried below 4 cm of soil surface were unable to emerge. In arable lands, soil inversion to maximum depth of emergence (i.e., 6 cm) followed by conservational tillage could be utilized as a viable management option.