Kocaeli Üniversitesi

Superhydrophobic surfaces are generally made by controlling the surface chemistry and surface roughness of various expensive materials, which are then applied by means of complex time-consuming processes. We describe a simple and inexpensive method for forming a superhydrophobic coating using polypropylene (a simple polymer) and a suitable selection of solvents and temperature to control the surface roughness. The resulting gel-like porous coating has a water contact angle of 160 degrees. The method can be applied to a variety of surfaces as long as the solvent mixture does not dissolve the underlying material.

Mental health symptoms and disorders are common among elite athletes, may have sport related manifestations within this population and impair performance. Mental health cannot be separated from physical health, as evidenced by mental health symptoms and disorders increasing the risk of physical injury and delaying subsequent recovery. There are no evidence or consensus based guidelines for diagnosis and management of mental health symptoms and disorders in elite athletes. Diagnosis must differentiate character traits particular to elite athletes from psychosocial maladaptations.Management strategies should address all contributors to mental health symptoms and consider biopsychosocial factors relevant to athletes to maximise benefit and minimise harm. Management must involve both treatment of affected individual athletes and optimising environments in which all elite athletes train and compete. To advance a more standardised, evidence based approach to mental health symptoms and disorders in elite athletes, an International Olympic Committee Consensus Work Group critically evaluated the current state of science and provided recommendations.

While energy storage technologies do not represent energy sources, they provide valuable added benefits to improve stability power quality, and reliability of supply. Battery technologies have improved significantly in order to meet the challenges of practical electric vehicles and utility applications. Flywheel technologies are now used in advanced nonpolluting uninterruptible power supplies. Advanced capacitors are being considered as energy storage for power quality applications. Superconducting energy storage systems are still in their prototype stages but receiving attention for utility applications. The latest technology developments, some performance analysis, and cost considerations are addressed. This paper concentrates on the performance benefits of adding energy storage to power electronic compensators for utility applications.

Abstract Aims The second Diabetes Attitudes, Wishes and Needs ( DAWN 2) study aimed to assess psychosocial outcomes in people with diabetes across countries for benchmarking. Methods Surveys included new and adapted questions from validated questionnaires that assess health‐related quality of life, self‐management, attitudes/beliefs, social support and priorities for improving diabetes care. Questionnaires were conducted online, by telephone or in person. Results Participants were 8596 adults with diabetes across 17 countries. There were significant between‐country differences for all benchmarking indicators; no one country's outcomes were consistently better or worse than others. The proportion with likely depression [ WHO ‐5 Well‐Being Index ( WHO ‐5) score ≤ 28] was 13.8% (country range 6.5–24.1%). Diabetes‐related distress [Problem Areas in Diabetes Scale 5 ( PAID ‐5) score ≥ 40] was reported by 44.6% of participants (17.2–67.6%). Overall quality of life was rated ‘poor’ or ‘very poor’ by 12.2% of participants (7.6–26.1%). Diabetes had a negative impact on all aspects investigated, ranging from 20.5% on relationship with family/friends to 62.2% on physical health. Approximately 40% of participants (18.6–64.9%) reported that their medication interfered with their ability to live a normal life. The availability of person‐centred chronic illness care and support for active involvement was rated as low. Following self‐care advice for medication and diet was most common, and least common for glucose monitoring and foot examination, with marked country variation. Only 48.8% of respondents had participated in diabetes educational programmes/activities to help manage their diabetes. Conclusions Cross‐national benchmarking using psychometrically validated indicators can help identify areas for improvement and best practices to drive changes that improve outcomes for people with diabetes.

This study reports results from the first International Body Project (IBP-I), which surveyed 7,434 individuals in 10 major world regions about body weight ideals and body dissatisfaction. Participants completed the female Contour Drawing Figure Rating Scale (CDFRS) and self-reported their exposure to Western and local media. Results indicated there were significant cross-regional differences in the ideal female figure and body dissatisfaction, but effect sizes were small across high-socioeconomic-status (SES) sites. Within cultures, heavier bodies were preferred in low-SES sites compared to high-SES sites in Malaysia and South Africa (ds = 1.94-2.49) but not in Austria. Participant age, body mass index (BMI), and Western media exposure predicted body weight ideals. BMI and Western media exposure predicted body dissatisfaction among women. Our results show that body dissatisfaction and desire for thinness is commonplace in high-SES settings across world regions, highlighting the need for international attention to this problem.

Practical Rock Engineering is an e-book based upon Dr. Hoek's years of experience in rock engineering and has recently been reissued as the 2007 edition. The book presents rock engineering in a practical manner and in 17 individual chapters. Each chapter stands alone with its explanations, figures, tables, conclusions, and references. Fourteen chapters present topics ranging from development, design, rock mass classification, discontinuities, instability of tunnels, safety factors, analysis of rockfall hazards, rock mass properties, weak rock tunnels, rockbolts and cables, and shotcrete support to blasting damage in rock engineering. Chapters 6, 7, and 13 present solely case histories; these refer to underground tunneling, slope stability, and the design of underground caverns. The book can be downloaded via the Internet at the Rocscience web page (http://www.rocscience.com) either as a single PDF file or as single chapters. A brief explanation of each chapter follows. Chapter 1 discusses the development of rock engineering. This chapter introduces historical developments in rock engineering from 1773 to 1979. Three major disasters making a major contribution to the general development of rock engineering are explained. This chapter also introduces the reader to rock burst and elastic theory, discontinuities in rock masses, geological data collection, rock mass classification, rock mass strength, in situ stress measurements, groundwater problems, rock reinforcement and support design, excavation methods in rock, etc. The purpose of Chapter 2 is to draw attention to acceptable designs in rock engineering. The chapter is extended by four case histories such …

Biodiesel, which is a new, renewable and biological origin alternative diesel fuel, has been receiving more attention all over the world due to the energy needs and environmental consciousness. Biodiesel is usually produced from food-grade vegetable oils using transesterification process. Using food-grade vegetable oils is not economically feasible since they are more expensive than diesel fuel. Therefore, it is said that the main obstacle for commercialization of biodiesel is its high cost. Waste cooking oils, restaurant greases, soapstocks and animal fats are potential feedstocks for biodiesel production to lower the cost of biodiesel. However, to produce fuel-grade biodiesel, the characteristics of feedstock are very important during the initial research and production stage since the fuel properties mainly depend on the feedstock properties. This review paper presents both biodiesel productions from various feedstocks and their effects on the fuel properties.

Aicardi-Goutières syndrome is an inflammatory disease occurring due to mutations in any of TREX1, RNASEH2A, RNASEH2B, RNASEH2C, SAMHD1, ADAR or IFIH1. We report on 374 patients from 299 families with mutations in these seven genes. Most patients conformed to one of two fairly stereotyped clinical profiles; either exhibiting an in utero disease-onset (74 patients; 22.8% of all patients where data were available), or a post-natal presentation, usually within the first year of life (223 patients; 68.6%), characterized by a sub-acute encephalopathy and a loss of previously acquired skills. Other clinically distinct phenotypes were also observed; particularly, bilateral striatal necrosis (13 patients; 3.6%) and non-syndromic spastic paraparesis (12 patients; 3.4%). We recorded 69 deaths (19.3% of patients with follow-up data). Of 285 patients for whom data were available, 210 (73.7%) were profoundly disabled, with no useful motor, speech and intellectual function. Chilblains, glaucoma, hypothyroidism, cardiomyopathy, intracerebral vasculitis, peripheral neuropathy, bowel inflammation and systemic lupus erythematosus were seen frequently enough to be confirmed as real associations with the Aicardi-Goutieres syndrome phenotype. We observed a robust relationship between mutations in all seven genes with increased type I interferon activity in cerebrospinal fluid and serum, and the increased expression of interferon-stimulated gene transcripts in peripheral blood. We recorded a positive correlation between the level of cerebrospinal fluid interferon activity assayed within one year of disease presentation and the degree of subsequent disability. Interferon-stimulated gene transcripts remained high in most patients, indicating an ongoing disease process. On the basis of substantial morbidity and mortality, our data highlight the urgent need to define coherent treatment strategies for the phenotypes associated with mutations in the Aicardi-Goutières syndrome-related genes. Our findings also make it clear that a window of therapeutic opportunity exists relevant to the majority of affected patients and indicate that the assessment of type I interferon activity might serve as a useful biomarker in future clinical trials.

After the Paris Climate Conference (COP21), many countries start progressing towards carbon neutrality targets. In doing so, green technology innovations (GTIs) and clean energy are the essential factors that can help to achieve the carbon neutrality goal. Therefore, this paper examines the linkages between green technology innovation and renewable energy and carbon dioxide emissions based on the STIRPAT model in Turkey during the time of 1990-2018. The study used testing like "unit-root" to verify the variables' integrative properties containing the information for structural breaks. Also, the bootstrapping ARDL-bound testing technique is used to analyze the relationship between the variables. The causal relationship between green technology innovation, energy consumption, renewable energy, population, income per capita, and carbon dioxide emissions is tested through a Granger causality test. The empirical findings show that green technology innovation, renewable energy, energy consumption, population, income per capita, and carbon dioxide emissions are co-integrated for the long-term association. Additionally, green technology innovation and renewable energy decline carbon dioxide emissions, whereas energy consumption, population, and per capita enhance carbon emissions. This paper helps the policymakers design a comprehensive policy for strengthening environmental sustainability through green technology innovation and renewable energy, specifically in the region of Turkey.

Hereditary spastic paraplegias (HSPs) are neurodegenerative motor neuron diseases characterized by progressive age-dependent loss of corticospinal motor tract function. Although the genetic basis is partly understood, only a fraction of cases can receive a genetic diagnosis, and a global view of HSP is lacking. By using whole-exome sequencing in combination with network analysis, we identified 18 previously unknown putative HSP genes and validated nearly all of these genes functionally or genetically. The pathways highlighted by these mutations link HSP to cellular transport, nucleotide metabolism, and synapse and axon development. Network analysis revealed a host of further candidate genes, of which three were mutated in our cohort. Our analysis links HSP to other neurodegenerative disorders and can facilitate gene discovery and mechanistic understanding of disease.

Abstract To solve a long-lasting controversy on the timing and mechanism of generation of the western Anatolian graben system, new data have been collected from a mapping project in western Anatolia, which reveal that initially north-south trending graben basins were formed under an east-west extensional regime during Early Miocene times. The extensional openings associated with approximately north-south trending oblique slip faults provided access for calc-alkaline, hybrid magmas to reach the surface. A north-south extensional regime began during Late Miocene time. During this period a major breakaway fault was formed. Part of the lower plate was uplifted and cropped out later in the Bozdağ, Horst, and above the upper plate approximately north-south trending cross-grabens were developed. Along these fault systems, alkaline basalt lavas were extruded. The north-south extension was interrupted at the end of Late Miocene or Early Pliocene times, as evidenced by a regional horizontal erosional surface which developed across Neogene rocks, including Upper Miocene-Lower Pliocene strata. This erosion nearly obliterated the previously formed topographic irregularities, including the Bozdağ elevation. Later, the erosional surface was disrupted and the structures which controlled development of the Lower-Upper Miocene rocks were cut by approximately east-west trending normal faults formed by rejuvenated north-south extension. This has led to development of the present-day east-west trending grabens during Plio-Quaternary time.

Different diagnostic tools have been developed and used by researchers to identify students' conceptions. The present study aimed to provide an overview of the common diagnostic instruments in science to assess students' misconceptions. Also the study provides a brief comparison of these common diagnostic instruments with their strengths and weaknesses. A total of 273 articles published (from the year 1980 to 2014) in main journals were investigated thoroughly through document analysis method. The study reveals interviews (53%), open-ended tests (34%), multiple-choice tests (32%) and multiple tier tests (13%) as the most commonly used diagnostic tools. However, each tool has some advantages as well as disadvantages over the others that should be kept in mind in their usages. A careful user of a diagnostic instrument such as a classroom teacher or a researcher would be aware of the diagnostic instruments and selects the most effective one for his/her purposes.

Plant cells, tissues and organs are composed of various biomolecules arranged as structurally diverse units, which represent heterogeneity at microscopic levels. Molecular knowledge about those constituents with their localization in such complexity is very crucial for both basic and applied plant sciences. In this context, infrared imaging techniques have advantages over conventional methods to investigate heterogeneous plant structures in providing quantitative and qualitative analyses with spatial distribution of the components. Thus, particularly, with the use of proper analytical approaches and sampling methods, these technologies offer significant information for the studies on plant classification, physiology, ecology, genetics, pathology and other related disciplines. This review aims to present a general perspective about near-infrared and mid-infrared imaging/microspectroscopy in plant research. It is addressed to compare potentialities of these methodologies with their advantages and limitations. With regard to the organization of the document, the first section will introduce the respective underlying principles followed by instrumentation, sampling techniques, sample preparations, measurement, and an overview of spectral pre-processing and multivariate analysis. The last section will review selected applications in the literature.

Aging is associated with changes in circulating levels of various molecules, some of which remain undefined. We find that concentrations of circulating taurine decline with aging in mice, monkeys, and humans. A reversal of this decline through taurine supplementation increased the health span (the period of healthy living) and life span in mice and health span in monkeys. Mechanistically, taurine reduced cellular senescence, protected against telomerase deficiency, suppressed mitochondrial dysfunction, decreased DNA damage, and attenuated inflammaging. In humans, lower taurine concentrations correlated with several age-related diseases and taurine concentrations increased after acute endurance exercise. Thus, taurine deficiency may be a driver of aging because its reversal increases health span in worms, rodents, and primates and life span in worms and rodents. Clinical trials in humans seem warranted to test whether taurine deficiency might drive aging in humans.

BACKGROUND: There is conflicting evidence as to whether Alzheimer disease (AD) is accompanied by loss of retinal ganglion cells. To evaluate this issue, we have used optical coherence tomography (OCT) to assess the thickness and volume of the retina. We have also sought to correlate our findings with visual function and cognitive impairment. METHODS: We evaluated 28 eyes of 14 patients with AD and 30 eyes of 15 age-matched control subjects. In these two groups, we measured retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness, macular thickness, and macular volume with OCT, visual function through latency of the pattern visual evoked potential (VEP) signal, and cognitive impairment through the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). RESULTS: The parapapillary and macular RNFL thickness in all quadrants and positions of AD patients were thinner than in control subjects. The mean total macular volume of AD patients was significantly reduced as compared with control subjects (P < 0.05). Total macular volume and MMSE scores were significantly correlated. No significant difference was found in the latency of the VEP P100 of AD patients and control subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Our study confirms some other studies in showing that in AD patients there is a reduction of parapapillary and macular RNFL thickness and macular volume as measured by OCT. The reduction in macular volume was related to the severity of cognitive impairment.

Innovation could be recognised as a key success factor in an increasingly competitive, global economy. The purpose of this paper is to examine the relations among market orientation, innovation strategy, innovative capability and innovation success in small and medium-sized business in developing countries. This study builds a model related to the most important factors that influence mostly innovative capability of firms, such as market orientation, technological orientation and innovation strategy. Then it examines the relationships between these factors and the innovative capability. A practical research was carried out in the Turkish software industry. Analysis, futurity and proactiveness dimensions of innovation strategy influence the innovative capability of software firms. Also, only customer orientation component of market orientation influences the innovative capability of the firms. Effects of other factors are not significant. Results of this study could lead to effective management of innovation for the software firms and benefits for the firms' managers.

In order to successfully cope with the trend of mitigating climate change as outlined in the recommendations of Paris (COP21) and Glasgow (COP26) Climate Agreements, propulsion technologies must be able to achieve the highest CO2 reduction, within very short time scales. To achieve this challenging goal, electric powertrains powered by batteries charged using renewable energy represents not only a public mandate but also the focus of research efforts of the relevant academic and industrial communities. However, this technology cannot answer all the various needs concerning personal mobility, sustainability and feasibility.

Energy policy making is one of the most significant issues for countries and it can be evaluated by using multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) methods. The energy decision and policy-making problems include selecting among energy alternatives, evaluating energy supply technologies, determining energy policy and energy planning. There is a wide range of studies about energy decision-making problems in the literature and different types of energy alternatives are considered in these studies. The MCDM methods are used as effective tools in order to solve energy decision-making problems since they evaluate alternatives with different perspectives in terms of several conflicting criteria. In this context, the fuzzy set theory (FST) that expresses uncertainties in human opinions, can be successfully used together with the MCDM methods to get more sensitive, concrete and realistic results. This paper aims to present a comprehensive review and bring together existing literature and the most recent advances to lead researchers about the methodologies and applications of fuzzy MCDM in the energy field. For this aim, a large number of papers that use fuzzy MCDM methods to solve energy policy and decision making problems have been analyzed with respect to some characteristics such as types of fuzzy sets, year, journal, fuzzy MCDM method, country and document type. The results of this study indicate that fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), as an individual tool or by integrating with another MCDM method, is the most applied MCDM method and type-1 fuzzy sets are the most preferred type of fuzzy sets. Additionally, Turkey and China are countries which have the highest number of publications related to fuzzy MCDM methods in energy-related problems.

Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent disorder defined as the presence of endometrial tissue outside of the uterine cavity. A leading cause of infertility, endometriosis has a prevalence of 0.5-5% in fertile and 25-40% in infertile women. The optimal choice of management for endometriosis-associated infertility remains obscure. Removal or suppression of endometrial deposits by medical or surgical means constitutes the basis of endometriosis management. Current evidence indicates that suppressive medical treatment of endometriosis does not benefit fertility and should not be used for this indication alone. Surgery is probably efficacious for all stages of the disease. Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation with intrauterine insemination is recommended in early-stage and surgically corrected endometriosis when pelvic anatomy is normal. In advanced cases, in vitro fertilization is a treatment of choice, and its success may be augmented with prolonged gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog treatment. Further randomized clinical trials focusing on diverse etiopathogenic mechanisms and therapeutic innovation are necessary to find more conclusive, evidence-based answers regarding this enigmatic disease.

The rapid increase in the number of new laboratory methods has led to the necessity of reliable verification methods. Validation of a new measurement method for application to medical practice requires comparison with gold standard techniques. The Bland-Altman analysis is a frequently applied technique in studies that investigate the agreement between two methods of the same medical measurement. In this review, potential areas of usage of Bland-Altman analysis is elaborated from a clinical viewpoint, and possible pitfalls in study designs are discussed in statistical perspective.