Spectral-based Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Analysis for Fethiye,Mugla

Fethiye is an important region located in the eastern part of the Mediterranean Basin.This region which is the most active part of the south-western Anatolia extensional tectonic regime,has been effected by earthquakes,submarine landslides and tsunamis throughout the history due to the existence of the complex active plate boundary zone.The active area has been exposed to ground motion that had the potential to damage vulnerable structures.Therefore,a detailed assessment of seismic hazard is necessary for the prevention of potential damage.In this context,probabilistic seismic hazard analysis is performed by R-CRISIS-18.3 using the refined parameters computed from Seismic Hazard Harmonization for Europe(SHARE)project.Spatial distribution of spectral acceleration at T=0.2 s and T=1.0 s for the earthquake levels that corresponds to the average return period of 72,475 and 2475 years is calculated.Hazard curves for the central region of Fethiye district are generated.The results are discussed and compared with the values obtained from the Revision of Turkish Seismic Hazard Map Project(UDAP-C-13-06).These local results of probabilistic seismic hazard analysis will provide the basis for the preparation of seismic risk maps as future work.

Correlation of work function and stacking fault energy through Kelvin probe force microscopy and nanohardness in diluteα-magnesium

Electronic interactions of the Group 2A elements with magnesium have been studied through the dilute solid solutions in binary Mg-Ca,Mg-Sr and Mg-Ba systems.This investigation incorporated the difference in the‘Work Function'(ΔWF)measured via Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy(KPFM),as a property directly affected by interatomic bond types,i.e.the electronic structure,nanoindentation measurements,and Stacking Fault Energy values reported in the literature.It was shown that the nano-hardness of the solid-solutionα-Mg phase changed in the order of Mg-Ca>Mg-Sr>Mg-Ba.Thus,it was shown,by also considering the nano-hardness levels,that SFE of a solid-solution is closely correlated with its‘Work Function'level.Nano-hardness measurements on the eutectics andΔWF difference between eutectic phases enabled an assessment of the relative bond strength and the pertinent electronic structures of the eutectics in the three alloys.Correlation withΔWF and at least qualitative verification of those computed SFE values with some experimental measurement techniques were considered important as those computational methods are based on zero Kelvin degree,relatively simple atomic models and a number of assumptions.As asserted by this investigation,if the results of measurement techniques can be qualitatively correlated with those of the computational methods,it can be possible to evaluate the electronic structures in alloys,starting from binary systems,going to ternary and then multi-elemental systems.Our investigation has shown that such a qualitative correlation is possible.After all,the SFE values are not treated as absolute values but rather become essential in comparative investigations when assessing the influences of alloying elements at a fundamental level,that is,free electron density distributions.Our study indicated that the principles of‘electronic metallurgy'in developing multi-elemental alloy systems can be followed via practical experimental methods,i.e.ΔWF measurements using KPFM and nanoindentation.

Estimating the Properties of Ground-Waste-Brick Mortars Using DNN and ANN

In this study,deep-neural-network(DNN)-and artificial-neural-network(ANN)-based models along with regression models have been developed to estimate the pressure,bending and elongation values of ground-brick(GB)-added mortar samples.This study is aimed at utilizing GB as a mineral additive in concrete in the ratios 0.0%,2.5%,5.0%,7.5%,10.0%,12.5%and 15.0%.In this study,756 mortar samples were produced for 84 different series and were cured in tap water(W),5%sodium sulphate solution(SS5)and 5%ammonium nitrate solution(AN5)for 7 days,28 days,90 days and 180 days.The developed DNN models have three inputs and two hidden layers with 20 neurons and one output,whereas the ANN models have three inputs,one output and one hidden layer with 15 neurons.Twenty-five previously obtained experimental sample datasets were used to train these developed models and to generate the regression equation.Fifty-nine non-training-attributed datasets were used to test the models.When these test values were attributed to the trained DNN,ANN and regression models,the brick-dust pressure as well as the bending and elongation values have been observed to be very close to the experimental values.Although only a small fraction(30%)of the experimental data were used for training,both the models performed the estimation process at a level that was in accordance with the opinions of experts.The fact that this success has been achieved using very little training data shows that the models have been appropriately designed.In addition,the DNN models exhibited better performance as compared with that exhibited by the ANN models.The regression model is a model whose performance is worst and unacceptable;further,the prediction error is observed to be considerably high.In conclusion,ANN-and DNN-based models are practical and effective to estimate these values.

Thermal properties of pressureless melt infiltrated AlN-Si-Al composites

Thermal properties of AlN-Si-Al composites produced by pressureless melt infiltration of Al/Al alloys into porous a-Si3N4 preforms were investigated in a temperature range of 50-300 °C. SEM and TEM investigations revealed that the grain size of AlN particles was less than 1 μm. In spite of sub-micron grain size, composites showed relatively high thermal conductivity （TC）, 55-107 W/（m·K）. The thermal expansion coefficient （CTE） of the composite produced with commercial Al source, which has the highest TC of 107 W/（m·K）, was 6.5×10-6 K-1. Despite the high CTE of Al （23.6×10-6 K-1）, composites revealed significantly low CTE through the formation of Si and AlN phases during the infiltration process.

Automatic Speaker Recognition Using Mel-Frequency Cepstral Coefficients Through Machine Learning

Automatic speaker recognition(ASR)systems are the field of Human-machine interaction and scientists have been using feature extraction and feature matching methods to analyze and synthesize these signals.One of the most commonly used methods for feature extraction is Mel Frequency Cepstral Coefficients(MFCCs).Recent researches show that MFCCs are successful in processing the voice signal with high accuracies.MFCCs represents a sequence of voice signal-specific features.This experimental analysis is proposed to distinguish Turkish speakers by extracting the MFCCs from the speech recordings.Since the human perception of sound is not linear,after the filterbank step in theMFCC method,we converted the obtained log filterbanks into decibel(dB)features-based spectrograms without applying the Discrete Cosine Transform(DCT).A new dataset was created with converted spectrogram into a 2-D array.Several learning algorithms were implementedwith a 10-fold cross-validationmethod to detect the speaker.The highest accuracy of 90.2%was achieved using Multi-layer Perceptron(MLP)with tanh activation function.The most important output of this study is the inclusion of human voice as a new feature set.

The Role of Ankaferd Blood Stopper and Oxytocin as Potential Therapeutic Agents in Endometriosis:A Rat Model

To evaluate the potential effect of Ankaferd Blood Stopper(ABS)and oxytocin(OT)in an experimental endometriosis model,18 female Sprague Dawley rats were used in this study.The animals were divided randomly into three groups after surgical induction of endometriosis:group 1:control group(isotonic NaCl,1 mL/kg/day,intramuscular,n=6);group 2:OT group(OT,80 U/kg/day,intramuscular,n=6);group 3:ABS group(ABS,1.5 mL/kg/day,intraperitoneal,n=6).Each group was treated for four weeks(two times per week).Volumes of endometriotic explants were measured in biopsy samples for histopathological analysis.Vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF),monocyte chemotactic protein-1(MCP-1),and tumour necrosis factor(TNF-α)levels were measured in plasma and peritoneal fluid.Endometriotic explant volumes were significantly decreased after OT administration(P<0.0001).The epithelial score was significantly decreased in both treatment groups compared to the control group(P<0.05).TUNEL immunohistochemistry showed more apoptotic changes in the endometriosis foci(gland epithelium and surrounding tissue)in the OT group than in the control group(P<0.05).The levels of VEGF,MCP-1,and TNF-αwere significantly reduced in the OT group(P<0.05),whereas no significant changes in protein levels were found in the ABS-applied group.The results indicate that OT has greater potential as a therapeutic agent in experimentally induced peritoneal endometriosis,where ABS,which is a VEGF modulator,appears to act through different mechanisms to show its palliative effects on a rat model of peritoneal endometriosis.

Mapping of Stream Flow Trends in Porsuk Basin Using GIS Environment

In this study, trends of minimum, average and maximum flows were investigated in Porsuk basin, which is a sub-basin of Sakarya basin and then changes in flows were mapped using Geographical Information Systems (GIS). In the study, in 10 flow gauging stations across the Porsuk basin, monthly average, maximum and minimum flow data is used covering the period 1961-2013 (53 years). When analyzing the distribution of observed trends in the basin, a trend has been observed in most of the river flows. A decreasing trend has been observed overall in the basin. Trends are generally decreasing over time except for a few stations. As a result, increasing trends are observed in the west part of the basin;while in the east part of the basin decreasing trends are observed. When average and maximum monthly flows are investigated, decreasing trends are observed in the stations except DSI-12182. Trend analysis of 10 flow gauging stations across the Porsuk basin is investigated by Mann-Kendall method. Trend distribution was made according to flow trends of basin by transferring Z values to GIS.

Effects of obstructive sleep apnea on retinal microvasculature

AIM:To detect retinal microvascular variations in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome patients.METHODS:This prospective,observational case-control study included healthy controls and patients with mild,moderate,and severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.Vascular parameters,foveal avascular area,and flow areas in macula-centered,6.00×6.00 mm2 scan size optical coherence tomography angiography images were compared.RESULTS:The control group had the highest whole image,parafoveal,and perifoveal vessel density among the groups in both superficial and the deep capillary plexus(all P<0.05).Rapid eye movement sleep apnoea-hypopnoea index was reversely correlated with whole(Rho=-0.195,P=0.034),parafoveal(Rho=-0.242,P=0.008),perifoveal(Rho=-0.187,P=0.045)vessel density in the superficial capillary plexus,and whole(Rho=-0.186,P=0.046),parafoveal(Rho=-0.260,P=0.004),perifoveal(Rho=-0.189,P=0.043)vessel density in the deep capillary plexus,though the mean and non-rapid eye movement sleep apnoeahypopnoea index related with only parafoveal vessel density in the superficial capillary plexus(Rho=-0.213,P=0.020;Rho=-0.191,P=0.038)and the deep capillary plexus(Rho=-0.254,P=0.005;Rho=-0.194,P=0.035).CONCLUSION:This study shows decreased vessel density and its reverse correlation with the apnoea-hypopnoea index in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

Man Overboard Detection System Using IoT for Navigation Model

Security measures and contingency plans have been established in order to ensure human safety especially in the floating elements like ferry,roro,catamaran,frigate,yacht that are the vehicles services for the purpose of logistic and passenger transport.In this paper,all processes in the event of Man overboard(MOB)are initiated for smart transportation.In MOB the falling person is totally dependent on the person who first saw the falling person.The main objective of this paper is to develop a solution to this significant problem.If a staff member or a passenger does not see the fall into the sea,undesirable situations such as disappearance,injury and death can occur during the period until the absence of the fallen person is noticed.In this paper,a comprehensive and improved solution is provided in terms of personnel and passenger security especially in all the floating elements,in which human resources are intensively involved like passengers,freight,logistics,fishing,business,yacht,leisure and naval vessels.In this case,if the ship’s personnel or passengers fall into the sea in any way,it detected the fallen person into the sea by the sensors in the portable emergency device,which each person will carry.The warning system is activated via the in-ship automation system to which the information is transmitted by wireless communication.Thus,the case of MOB will be determined quickly.Internet of things(IoT)has a key role in identifying the location and information of the person falling into the sea through sensors,radio frequency,GPS and connected devices.Simultaneously,the alarm system on board will be activated and MOB flag(Oscar)will automatically be opened.This paper enables the Search and rescue(SAR)operations to be initiated and accelerated without losing time through decision-making process.

An Efficient and Reliable Multicasting for Smart Cities

The Internet of thing(IoT)is a growing concept for smart cities,and it is compulsory to communicate data between different networks and devices.In the IoT,communication should be rapid with less delay and overhead.For this purpose,flooding is used for reliable data communication in a smart cities concept but at the cost of higher overhead,energy consumption and packet drop etc.This paper aims to increase the efficiency in term of overhead and reliability in term of delay by using multicasting and unicasting instead of flooding during packet forwarding in a smart city using the IoT concept.In this paper,multicasting and unicasting is used for IoT in smart cities within a receiver-initiated mesh-based topology to disseminate the data to the cluster head.Smart cities networks are divided into cluster head,and each cluster head or core node will be responsible for transferring data to the desired receiver.This protocol is a novel approach according to the best of our knowledge,and it proves to be very useful due to its efficiency and reliability in smart cities concept because IoT is a collection of devices and having a similar interest for transmission of data.The results are implemented in Network simulator 2(NS-2).The result shows that the proposed protocol shows performance in overhead,throughput,packet drop,delay and energy consumption as compared to benchmark schemes.

Modeling the Spread of Tuberculosis with Piecewise Differential Operators

Very recently,a new concept was introduced to capture crossover behaviors that exhibit changes in patterns.The aimwas tomodel real-world problems exhibiting crossover from one process to another,for example,randomness to a power law.The concept was called piecewise calculus,as differential and integral operators are defined piece wisely.These behaviors have been observed in the spread of several infectious diseases,for example,tuberculosis.Therefore,in this paper,we aim at modeling the spread of tuberculosis using the concept of piecewise modeling.Several cases are considered,conditions under which the unique system solution is obtained are presented in detail.Numerical simulations are performed with different values of fractional orders and density of randomness.

The Effects of Aerobic Exercise Training on Basal Metabolism and Physical Fitness in Sedentary Women

Objective: Aerobic exercises are the basic activity on fight against obesity. And obesity is related with metabolic rate. So our study is aimed to investigate the effects of 8 weeks aerobic exercise on basal metabolic rate and physical parameters. Methods: Sedentary women between the ages of 35 - 45 (n = 40) were randomized into control group (CG) (n = 20) and exercise group (EG) (n = 20). EG underwent 8 weeks of aerobic-run-walk exercise training: 3 days a week, 1 hour sessions. The CG was not trained. Basal metabolic rate (BMR), body mass index (BMI), waist-hip ratio (WHR), body fat percentage (BFP), body fat mass (FM) and lean body mass (LBM) were measured for all of the subjects before and after the training program. Results: Mean BMR decreased from 1386 ± 213.6 kcal to 1327 ± 253.7 in CG, and raised from 1308 ± 201.8 to 1409 ± 218.3 kcal in EG. While BMI raised from 31.39 ± 6.15 kg/m2 to 31.51 ± 6.09 kg/m2 in CG, it decreased from 29.62 ± 3.78 kg/m2 to 28.47 ± 3.74 kg/m2 in EG. There was also statistically significant difference in parameters of WHR, BFP, FM and LBM in favour of EG (p < 0.05). Conclusion: After 8 weeks aerobic exercise training program, there was a statistically significant difference in favour of EG in BMR, BMI, BFP, FM, LBM, WHR and weight parameters.

Mapping Distribution of Precipitation, Temperature and Evaporation in Seydisuyu Basin with the Help of Distance Related Estimation Methods

In this research, distributions of precipitation, temperature and evaporation in Seydisuyu basin were analyzed with the help of inverse distance weighted (IDW) method. Because real meteorological data of the basin (precipitation, temperature and evaporation) do not have normal distribution, precipitation, temperature and evaporation distribution maps are drawn after normalization process. The number of meteorological stations, in other words the number of samples, is low, so only IDW method is used in this research. In addition to the research, reliability of the results obtained with the help of inverse distance weighting method was examined with accuracy analysis. The purpose of this study, the spatial distribution of meteorological data on a basin or areas is to demonstrate the applicability of the statistical basis.

Assessment of cadmium,mercury and lead contents of frozen Eurorean sea bass(Dicentrarchus labrax L.,1758)and gilthead sea bream(Sparus aurata L.,1758)fillets from Turkey

In this study, trace metals [Cadmium (Cd), Mercury (Hg) and Lead (Pb)] consentration of 76 pieces of frozen European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax Linnaeus-1758) and gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata Linnaeus-1758) fillets, produced and marketed in Turkey, were determined using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) after microwave damp burning process, and results obtained were assessed in terms of public health. This study was conducted from June 2010 to July 2011. At the end of study, maximum heavy metal levels for sea bass and sea bream fillets were determined as 256.50, 216.22 μg/kg for Cd;414.79, 338.46 μg/kg for Hg ve 1047.61, 147.14 μg/kg for Pb, respectively. At the end of the study, the levels of cadmium (for 3 samples) and lead (for 1 samples) were higher than the recommended legal limits of the European Union for human consumption. It was detected that the fillets which were analyzed was good quality from the point of cadmium, mercury and lead contents.

A Study on Planned and Applied Irrigation Modules in Irrigation Networks: A Case Study at Büyük Menderes Basin, Turkey

In this study, irrigation modules calculated in planning and actualized operational stage of the irrigation networks are examined. Irrigation module used irrigation networks is a constant discharge parameter, meeting the needs of irrigation water requirement smonthly of crops in one hectare of irrigation area and it is a constant discharge flowing continuously for a month. Extent of the overlapping between the irrigation planning module and the operation module actualized during the operational stage of the irrigation network depends on changes in the cropping patterns, differences in the effects of field irrigation methods used by farmers on the capacity of the constructed system, the increases or decreases in the water demands depending on the irrigation period, as well as the extent of sustainability according to the selected operation method. A2 irrigation area of Aydin plain irrigation network, locating in the Büyük Menderes basin, Turkey is selected as study area, with an area of 2500 ha. Irrigation planning module calculated for this network is q = 1.16 l/s/ha and it has been designed as per the supply demand operation method. For the study;actualized irrigation module in the operation stage has been compared with the planning irrigation module by using Excel software and taking parameters such as actual crop pattern and percentage distributions, actualized irrigated areas, irrigation networks and water distribution, water intake of irrigation networks which have been calculated without operation losses, as well as with 5%, 10%, and 15% operation losses. The July operation module calculated for the examined irrigation network generally conforms to the planning module, as it has received the values close to or below the value of irrigation planning modules.

A Study on Importance and Role of Irrigation and Hydropower Plant Operation in Integrated River Basin Management

In this study, 16 irrigation schemes (Baklan, Irgilli, Sutlac, Cal, Cürüksu, Nazilli, Saraykoy, Pamukkale, Sultanhisar, Akcay, Aydin, Topcam, Karpuzlu, Isikli, Gümüssu ve Soke) having 166,381 hectares, built by State Hydraulic Works (DSI), and operated by participatory irrigation managements, and 14 hydroelectric power plants (HPP) operated and built on dams, canals and rivers by the public and private sectors are examined in the Büyük Menderes basin which is an important basin in terms of the agriculture, energy and ecology projects. Integrated basin management practices and the importance and role of irrigation and hydropower plant operation in integrated basin management, how it should be, optimal use of available water resources for irrigation and hydroelectric power plant operation, irrigation relationship with canal hydropower plants, operated under integrated basin management of irrigation and hydropower plants, environment and the ecological effects have been studied, and integrated basin management with the existing basin management conditions in terms of hydropower plant and irrigation operation on the basis of data of 2015 have been compared, reached important conclusions, and made recommendations on the subject.

Formation of Eskisehir Province Flood Maps with Using of Geographical Information Systems

In this study, it is aimed to develop the flood risk analysis of Porsuk River, which is responsible for naming of the Porsuk Basin sub basin of Sakarya Basin, by utilizing the methods of Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographical Information Systems (GIS). In addition, flood elevation effects of Porsuk River in Eski&#351;ehir city and the regions around were investigated. Necessary data for study were obtained from Eski&#351;ehir 3. Regional Directorate of State Hydraulic Works archives. For analyses, the cross section of Porsuk River was defined in the Hydrologic Engineering Centers River Analysis System (HEC-RAS) software. Subsequently, recurring periods of 50, 100 and 1000 years discharge of Porsuk River which is calculated as 51.83 m3/s, 60.15 m3/s and 86.66 m3/s respectively were inputted in the software to obtain analysis results. Obtained results from the present study and topographic data were compared and interpreted. As a result, elevation of flood and its risks for urban regions were studied and presented.

Importance of Plant Biodiversity and Long-Term Conservation of Plant Genetic Resources via Biotechnological Strategies

Although climate changes are predicted to be an increasingly dominant threat to plant biodiversity, the degradation of ecosystems witnessed to date has been largely driven by factors such as human-induced habitat loss and fragmentation, overexploitation, pollution and the introduction of invasive species. Given the evidence that climate changes and anthropogenic pressures have greatly increased the extinction of natural populations of species, we can recognize that human-induced land use and climate changes are perhaps the greatest threats to terrestrial biodiversity. In this context, effective prioritization of conservation efforts is critical for the sustainability of biodiversity, as current environmental changes are likely to continue in the future. Countries with limited financial resources for conservation projects may be at greater risk from habitat loss, direct harvesting and invasive species, and may also lead to unsustainable exploitation of resources, further accelerating species loss through direct harvesting and causing rapid loss of biodiversity. In this context, the protection of biodiversity is an important issue that concerns the entire world population. Causes such as anthropogenic pressures, great fires, introduction of new species from different regions, invasion of cultivars and dominant species cause a dramatic impact on plant biodiversity as well as an increase in the number of threatened species. Plant biodiversity constitutes the natural source of products used in the food and pharmaceutical industries and also provides basic different raw materials. On the other hand, plant biodiversity is important in the development of species and more productive species that are more resistant to biological and environmental stresses, and in providing new genetic information for feeding programs. Advances in plant biotechnology, particularly in vitro cultures and molecular biology, have been a powerful tool in the control and conservation of plant biodiversity. Today, biotechnological methods include the most suitable methods for the pathogen-free short-, medium- and long-term preservation of ornamental plants, medicinal and aromatic plants and woody species that are in danger of extinction. In vitro conservation strategies are especially important in the protection of plant species that are vegetatively propagated and have seeds that are intolerant to desiccation. In addition, in vitro techniques provide a reliable platform for the international exchange of plant material, enable the creation of large collections using minimal space, enable the acquisition of valuable materials for wild species recovery, and facilitate molecular research and ecological studies.

In vivo application of poly-3-hydroxyoctanoate as peripheral nerve graft

Objective:This study aims to investigate the degree of biocompatibility and neuroregeneration of a polymer tube,poly-3-hydroxyoctanoate(PHO)in nerve gap repair.Methods:Forty Wistar Albino male rats were randomized into two groups:autologous nerve gap repair group and PHO tube repair group.In each group,a 10-mm right sciatic nerve defect was created and reconstructed accordingly.Neuroregeneration was studied by sciatic function index(SFI),electromyography,and immunohistochemical studies on Days 7,21,45 and 60 of implantation.Biocompatibility was analyzed by the capsule formation around the conduit.Biodegradation was analyzed by the molecular weight loss in vivo.Results:Electrophysiological and histomorphometric assessments demonstrated neuroregeneration in both groups over time.In the experimental group,a straight alignment of the Schwann cells parallel to the axons was detected.However,autologous nerve graft seems to have a superior neuroregeneration compared to PHO grafts.Minor biodegradation was observed in PHO conduit at the end of 60 d.Conclusions:Although neuroregeneration is detected in PHO grafts with minor degradation in 60 d,autologous nerve graft is found to be superior in axonal regeneration compared to PHO nerve tube grafts.PHO conduits were found to create minor inflammatory reaction in vivo,resulting in good soft tissue response.

Late Pleistocene Calcretes from Central Anatolia(Lakes Eymir and Mogan, G?lba?? Basin): Comparison to Quaternary Calcretes from Turkey

This study is the first to report the radiocarbon ages, mineralogical, morphological, geochemical and stable isotope compositions of calcretes from Neogene sediments around lakes Eymir and Mogan in the G？lba？？ Basin of Central Anatolia. Morphologically different forms of calcretes in the G？lba？？ Basin include powdery, nodular, fracture infill, laminar and hardpan types. Calcite is the dominant mineral of calcrete compositions; the diagnostic features of dessication cracks, random fractures, Mn O linings and dense sparitic infillings are observed. Chemical analyses show arid conditions with mean annual precipitation of 〈50 mm. δ13C compositions of the calcretes range from-6.77‰ to-9.32‰ PDB, typical for most pedogenic calcretes, reflecting the development under seasonally arid climates and C3-dominated vegetation cover. δ18O values are between-5.57‰ and-7.80‰ PDB, indicating the formation from meteoric water in a vadose zone environment. The results suggest that the Middle Pleistocene was arider and warmer, favouring the formation of palygorskite in association with the different forms of calcrete occurrences, whereas the Late Pleistocene was dryer and cooler, supporting the development of calcretes.