Digital Commons Network^™

Diversity And Functional Traits Of Spontaneous Plant Species In Algerian Rangelands Rehabilitated With Prickly Pear (Opuntia Ficus-Indica L.) Plantations, Souad Neffar, Taha Menasria, Haroun Chenchouni

Turkish Journal of Botany

The prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica L. Miller) is a xerophytic cactus species widely cultivated in arid and semiarid regions worldwide and used in rehabilitation programs of rangelands in Algeria since 1990. This study analyzed the diversity and functional traits of plant species established in prickly pear plantations growing under arid and semiarid climates. A 3-year plant assessment (2008-2010) was carried out using ecological descriptors (abundance, species richness, diversity indices, disturbance index, and Jaccard index) and plant functional traits (life forms, chorological types, dispersal types, Grime's, Noy-Meir's strategies, and morphological types). The results revealed 36 and 31 species in arid and …

Analysis Of Airborne Pollen Of Gümüşhane Province In Northeastern Turkey And Its Relationship With Meteorological Parameters, Yavuz Türkmen, Tali̇p Çeter, Nur Münevver Pinar

Turkish Journal of Botany

Knowledge of the types of atmospheric pollen and their concentrations in a particular area is critical for evaluating air quality and allergen exposure. This study was carried out to determine the pollen diversity and daily, monthly, and annual concentrations in Gümüşhane, whose relationships were then sought with the meteorological factors in the atmosphere of Gümüşhane. For this purpose, an aerobiological study was carried out with Hirst (Burkard) type pollen traps in the Gümüşhane city center between August 2010 and July 2012. Sampling and analysis of the pollens followed the method described by the Spanish Aerobiological Network. The duration of the …

Teachers’ Phonological Awareness Assessment Practices, Self-Reported Knowledge And Actual Knowledge: The Challenge Of Assessing What You May Know Less About, Karyn Carson, Anne Bayetto

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

This study investigates the relationship between early childhood (EC) and early years’ primary school (EYPS) teachers’ phonological awareness (PA) assessment practices, self-reported PA knowledge and actual PA knowledge. Method: A survey design was employed whereby 102 registered Australian EC and EYPS teachers responded to questions regarding PA assessment practices, self-reported PA knowledge and actual PA knowledge. Results: The results showed: a) more than 80% of teachers use PA assessments, with EYPS teachers conducting frequent assessments and EC teachers conducting rare-to-occasional assessments; b) over-estimation of self-reported PA knowledge; c) low levels of actual PA knowledge; and d) high usage of observations …

Trainee Teachers’ Learning About Collective Worship In Primary Schools, Imran Mogra

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

This article gives an account of a qualitative research project which investigated acts of collective worship (hereafter CW) in primary schools through non-participant observations undertaken by second year trainee teachers during one of their placements. The data were gathered from a range of schools across the West Midlands. The findings illustrate structural elements which show a lack of uniformity in terms of the venue and time. Religious leaders, classroom assistants and staff at all levels of responsibility deliver assemblies and CW. The focus of the content is diverse and includes religious and ‘secular’ material and events. Trainees learnt about the …

Narratives Of Place And Land: Teaching Indigenous Histories In Australian And New Zealand Teacher Education, Richard Manning, Neil Harrison

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

This article offers a trans-Tasman critique of approaches to the teaching of history in New Zealand and Australia. Taking knowledge out of place and time and presenting it in textbooks is a conflicted task for schooling in both countries. The disembodiment of knowledge in history books has led students to the proclamation that the teaching of history in schools is ‘boring’ and irrelevant to their lives. The authors seek a way out of this dilemma in proposing that the teaching of Indigenous history in schools must recognise that Indigenous historical narratives are intimately tied to the ecologies of places – …

Written Teacher Feedback: Reflections Of Year Seven Music Students, Kimberley Goh, Rebecca Walker

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

Providing effective feedback to students is a significant issue for Australian educators. The ability to provide effective feedback comprises one of the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers and is seen as being a key element of quality teaching. Much research has been conducted into what constitutes effective feedback. Yet in spite of this existing knowledge, evidence suggests that feedback continues to be poorly received by students. The overall purpose of this research was to explore how ten Year Seven students (aged 12-13) reflected on and responded to written teacher feedback on a music history/appreciation project. Data from this pilot study …

Two-Area Load Frequency Control With Redox Ow Battery Using Intelligentalgorithms In A Restructured Scenario, Lakshmi Dhandapani, Fathima Peer, Ranganath Muthu

Turkish Journal of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences

Load frequency control (LFC) is an essential aspect of power system dynamics. This paper focuses on the optimization of LFC for a two-area deregulated power system under different scenarios. A recent nature-inspired ower pollination algorithm (FPA), based on the pollination process of plants, is used to tune the proportional integral (PI) controller parameters of LFC for the global minima solution. FPA is compared with a genetic algorithm, particle swarm optimization, and a conventional PI controller. During large load disturbance in the areas, controllers are incapable of reducing frequency deviations and tie-line power oscillations due to the slow response of the …

An Elitist Approach For Solving The Traveling Salesman Problem Using An Animalmigration Optimization Algorithm, Ezgi̇ Ülker

Turkish Journal of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences

This paper presents an improved version of the animal migration optimization (AMO) algorithm for solving the traveling salesman problem (TSP), which is classified as a combinatorial NP-hard problem. AMO is one of the recent metaheuristic algorithms inspired by the migration behavior of animals and has been efficiently applied to a variety of optimization problems. The algorithm is improved by reconstructing the neighborhood topology of each animal during the migration. This modified algorithm is called the elitist animal migration optimization (ELAMO) algorithm, since elitism is introduced as a way in which the positions of the leaders are considered for the neighborhood …

Volumetric 3d Reconstruction Of Real Objects Using Voxel Mapping Approach In A Multiple-Camera Environment, Tushar Jadhav, Kulbir Singh, Aditya Abhyankar

Turkish Journal of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences

Extracting 3D information from 2D images is an inverse estimation problem and a challenging task in itself. The aim of 2D to 3D reconstruction is to generate either a volume or a surface representing the object from multiple views. This paper presents a simple and accurate multiple-view volumetric 3D reconstruction method using an integrated approach based on homography estimation and voxel mapping. The homography-based approaches give accurate estimates but do not provide system dynamics. The voxel-based volumetric reconstruction methods provide system dynamics that are essential for system modeling. However, they face challenges while modeling the concavities. This paper presents a …

Circularly Polarized Implantable Antenna Characterization For Retinal Prosthesis Systems, Ademola Oluwaseun Kaka, Mehmet Toycan, Stuart Douglas Walker

Turkish Journal of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences

We describe a miniaturized antenna design for retinal prosthesis applications that enhances data transfer between the implant and external camera. The circularly polarized and conformal 2.4--2.48 GHz microstrip patch antenna was simulated inside the vitreous humor and is intended for biomedical applications. Modified Hilbert and serpentine geometries were used for the proposed implant antenna design. Capacitive radiator loading offered miniaturized dimensions of 5.8 $\times $ 6.5 $\times $ 2 mm$^{3}$ (width $\times $ height $\times $ thickness mm$^{3})$. A truncated design enhanced the intrinsic circular polarization characteristics to $>$3 dB axial ratio. Polydimethylsiloxane substrate and superstrate materials were used …

Özyeğin Biopsy Robot: System Integration Architecture And Motion Compensation Of A Moving Target, Awais Ahmad, Özkan Bebek

Turkish Journal of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences

This paper presents the complete system architecture of a robotic biopsy system for real-time operations. The system has individual functional blocks working simultaneously including a 5 DoF parallel robot, ultrasound (US) imaging machine, two robotic manipulators, and a motion capturing system. Details of the real-time functionality of the robotic system components working with spatial and computational synchronization are presented. This paper also deals with a scenario in which the target tissue is moving due to the breathing of the patient. The motion of the needle tip and the target is tracked using US images as feedback. Two types of control …

User Interaction In Hands-Free Gaming: A Comparative Study Of Gaze-Voice And Touchscreen Interface Control, Muhtar Çağkan Uludağli, Cengi̇z Acartürk

Turkish Journal of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences

The goal of the present study is to contribute to the research on the use of eye tracking in hands-free gaming. We report the results of an experimental study by using a platform game designed by the authors. The game allowed gaze-voice command control, as well touchscreen control of the interface by the player. We employed a set of performance measures and we measured player engagement as an indicator of user experience. The findings revealed that the players did not improve in game performance when they used the gaze-voice control compared to the touchscreen control. On the other hand, they …

An Efficient Recurrent Fuzzy Cmac Model Based On A Dynamic-Group--Based Hybrid Evolutionary Algorithm For Identification And Prediction Applications, Chin-Ling Lee, Chengjian Lin

Turkish Journal of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences

This article presents an efficient TSK-type recurrent fuzzy cerebellar model articulation controller (T-RFCMAC) model based on a dynamic-group--based hybrid evolutionary algorithm (DGHEA) for solving identification and prediction problems. The proposed T-RFCMAC model is based on the traditional CMAC model and the Takagi--Sugeno--Kang (TSK) parametric fuzzy inference system. Otherwise, the recurrent network, which imports feedback links with a receptive field cell, is embedded in the T-RFCMAC model, and the feedback units are used as memory elements. The DGHEA, which is a hybrid of the dynamic-group quantum particle swarm optimization (QPSO) and the Nelder--Mead method, is proposed for adjusting the parameters of …

Adaptive Bit-Plane Selection-Based Low Complexity Motion Estimation For Screen Content Coding, Ramazan Duvar, Oğuzhan Urhan

Turkish Journal of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences

Screen content video coding has become an emerging research topic with the spread of applications such as cloud gaming, screen/desktop virtualization, and mobile or external display interfacing. Screen content videos have different features compared to conventional camcorder-captured scenes. In this work, a novel low bit-depth representation-based motion estimation approach is proposed to exploit screen content specific features to improve coding efficiency. The proposed approach is based on an adaptive selection of Gray-coded bit-planes in order to generate low bit-depth representation of original screen content frames. The experimental results show that the motion estimation performance of the proposed approach is significantly …

Comparative Analysis Of Mabc With Knn, Som, And Aco Algorithms For Ecg Heartbeat Classification, Seli̇m Di̇lmaç, Zümray Ölmez, Tamer Ölmez

Turkish Journal of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences

In this paper, we proposed a classification method based on a nature-inspired algorithm, i.e., modified artificial bee colony (MABC). This method was applied to electrocardiogram (ECG) heartbeat classification. ECG data was obtained from MITBIH database. Eight different types of heartbeats (N, j, V, F, f, A, a, and R) were analyzed. For a better classification result, both time domain and frequency domain features were used. Feature selection was done by divergence analysis. MABC classification accuracy and heartbeat sensitivity values were compared with the results of other methods. Among other classifiers, k-nearest neighbor (KNN), Kohonen's self-organizing map (SOM), and ant colony …

A Model-Based Transformation Framework For Designing And Analyzing Wireless Sensor Networks, Raoudha Saida, Yessine Hadj Kacem, Mohammed Sulaiman Bensaleh, Mohamed Abid

Turkish Journal of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) comprise resource-constrained (e.g., memory, processing, and energy) sensor nodes that are deployed in different areas and are able to monitor environmental conditions. Simulation has been widely used in order to evaluate the network performance. In this context, software designers need to evaluate, refine, and validate high-level models for WSN applications at early stages of development via simulation tools, in particular for WSN applications supporting energy-harvesting devices. In the present paper, we propose a model-based transformation framework that allows the modeling and simulation of a WSN system supporting energy-harvesting capabilities. In this proposal, we start from a …

Effects Of Cinnamic Acid On Complications Of Diabetes, Hati̇ce Gül Anlar, Merve Bacanli, Tuğbagül Çal, Sevtap Aydin, Nuray Ari, Ülkü Ündeğer Bucurgat, Ari̇f Ahmet Başaran, Ayşe Nurşen Başaran

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major health problem worldwide. Cinnamic acid (CA) and its derivatives are synthesized in plants and increasing attention has been given to them in recent years due to the high number of beneficial health properties attributed to their consumption. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of CA on streptozotocin-induced diabetes in Wistar albino rats. Materials and methods: DNA damage was evaluated in the blood, liver, and kidney cells of rats by the alkaline comet assay. Oxidative stress parameters such as catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase, glutathione-S-transferase, and glutathione peroxidase activities and …

In Vivo Attenuation Of Angiogenesis In Hepatocellular Carcinoma By Nigella Sativa, Moustafa Fathy, Toshio Nikaido

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Angiogenesis is imperative in malignant tumor growth. Hepatocellular carcinoma is a typical hypervascular tumor that relies on angiogenesis. The aim of this study is to investigate the in vivo molecular mechanism underlying the antitumor properties of Nigella sativa ethanolic extract (NSEE) through its antiangiogenic effect against diethyl nitrosamine (DENA)-induced hepatocarcinogenesis. Materials and methods: Male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups: normal, NSEE, DENA, and NSEE-DENA groups. Final body weight, hepatosomatic indices, serum AFP, serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels, and liver tissue hepatocyte growth factor ß (HGFß) protein expression were estimated. Liver sections were stained for histological …

The Role Of Apoptosis And The Effect Of Epidermal Growth Factor On Proapoptotic Bnip 3 In An Experimental Rat Priapism Model, Osman Barut, Ahmet Karakeçi̇, Tunç Ozan, Fati̇h Firdolaş, Neci̇p Pi̇ri̇nççi̇, İrfan Orhan

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: This study aimed to investigate the effects of apoptosis-inducing Bcl-2/adenovirus E1B 19 kDa-interacting protein 3 (BNIP 3) and antiapoptotic epidermal growth factor (EGF) on the pathophysiology of experimental low-flow priapism. Materials and methods: Twenty-four adult Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four equal groups. Group I was the control group. Ischemic priapism was induced for 4 h in Group II rats. In Group III, intraperitoneal EGF at 10 µg/kg was given for 7 days before induction of ischemic priapism for 4 h. In Group IV, intraperitoneal EGF at 20 µg/kg was given for 7 days before induction of ischemic priapism …

The Brazelton Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale: A Validity And Reliability Study In A Turkish Sample, Öznur Başdaş, Emi̇ne Erdem, Ferhan Elmali, Seli̇m Kurtoğlu

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The aim of the Brazelton Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale (BNBAS) is to gather a comprehensive pro le of neonatal functioning by describing the full range of neonatal behavior, including competencies and strengths, as well as di culties or deviations. is instrument has proved to be of great clinical value by detecting infants at risk for later developmental problems. is work was conducted methodologically with the aim of a Turkish validity and reliability study of the BNBAS. Materials and methods: The study was conducted in a large tertiary hospital in Turkey. After establishing content and language validity, the BNBAS was …

A Simplified Cell Culture Model For Research On Intestinal Inflammation, Ayşe Erol, Si̇bel Ti̇ryaki̇, Mustafa Orkan Ergün

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: e aim of this study was to combine some easy and economical de ned methods and constitute a comprehensive cell culture model to use in the bowel diseases characterized by in ammation. Materials and methods: Induction of inflammation was performed using lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or a cytokine mixture (TNF-?: 10 ng/mL; IFN-?: 100 ng/mL; IL-1ß: 1 ng/mL). IEC-6 cells were grown to con uence and serum-starved, wounds were constituted, and progress of cell migration into the wounds was photographed at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 24 h in the presence or absence of an in ammatory environment. …

Comparison Between Iloprost And Alprostadil For Protection Againstischemia/Reperfusion Injury In A Rat Model, Deni̇z Çevi̇rme, Taylan Adademi̇r, Eylül Kafali Başaran, Ömer Faruk Şavluk, Ahmet Eli̇bol, Gözde Erkanli Şentürk, Hati̇ce Akkaya, Bayram Yilmaz

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Alprostadil and iloprost are successful agents used for both pulmonary hypertension and extremity ischemia treatment. Different systemic effects of these agents may change the preferences of clinical usage. Superiority of preventing ischemia/ reperfusion (IR) injury is a criterion for clinical preference of these agents. The present study was designed to compare the protective effects of alprostadil and iloprost in a rat model of IR injury. Materials and methods: Twenty-three male Sprague Dawley rats were used (aged 8-12 weeks, mean weight 230 ± 30 g). They were randomized into 4 groups: Group 1 (iloprost + IR), Group 2 (alprostadil + …

Investigation Of Phikz Phage Therapy Against Pseudomonas Aeruginosa In Mousepneumonia Model, Kübra Can, Uğur Aksu, Osman Şadi̇ Yenen

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of PhiKZ phage therapy and meropenem alone or combined treatments in a pneumonia mouse model induced by the Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 strain. The cross-talk between lungs and kidneys was also determined. Materials and methods: The systemic, lung-specific, and kidney-specific inflammation levels and the bacterial load in lung tissue and biochemical parameters were investigated after PhiKZ phage therapy and meropenem alone or combined treatments in a pneumonia mouse model induced by the P. aeruginosa PAO1 strain. The cross-talk between lungs and kidneys was also determined by measuring plasma levels of …

Se33 Locus As A Reliable Genetic Marker For Forensic Dna Analysis Systems, Dr Munir Ahmad Bhinder, Muhammad Yasir Zahoor, Haleema Sadia, Muhammad Qasim, Rukhsana Perveen, Ghulam Murtaza Anjum, Muhammad Iqbal, Najeeb Ullah, Waseem Shehzad, Muhammad Tariq, Ali Muhammad Waryah

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Genetic variation, an authentic tool of individual discrimination, is being used for forensic investigations worldwide. A missing result for even one out of 13-17 markers leads to an inconclusive report. Additional reliable markers are required to compensate such deficiencies. The SE33 locus has high genetic variability in different populations and is being used in forensic investigation systems in some countries. The purpose of the study was to assess the viability of use of the SE33 locus as a supportive marker for forensic DNA profiling. Materials and methods: Amplification of the SE33 locus was performed using the PowerPlex ES Monoplex …

Effect Of Phosphodiesterase-5 Inhibition On Joint And Muscle Damage In Rats Withadjuvant Arthritis, Fai̇ze Eli̇f Bahadir, Mustafa Kutay Köroğlu, Meral Yüksel, Feri̇ha Ercan, Yaşar İnci̇ Ali̇can

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: This study was designed to examine the effect of tadalafil, a phosphodiesterase (PDE)5 inhibitor, on the severity of joint and muscle damage in rats with adjuvant-induced arthritis (AA). Materials and methods: AA was induced by intradermal inoculation into right hind paw of male Sprague Dawley rats (300-450g) with complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA; 0.1 mL). AA rats were treated with either tadalafil (10 mg/kg; per oral) alone or along with the soluble guanylyl cyclase inhibitor 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ; 10 mg/kg; intraperitoneally). After decapitation on day 16, trunk blood was collected for total oxidant status (TOS) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) assays. …

Effect Of Cineole, Alpha-Pinene, And Camphor On Survivability Of Skin Flaps, Bi̇lsev İnce, Mehmet Dadaci, İbrahi̇m Kilinç, Pembe Oltulu, Serhat Yarar, Mehmet Uyar

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The aim of this study was to determine the specific component of Rosmarinus officinalis (RO) responsible for increased flap survival and how RO displays its efficacy. Materials and methods: Rectangular random-pattern flaps were elevated from the back of each rat. Group I was the control group. In group II 0.1 mL of cineole, in group III 0.1 mL of alpha-pinene, in group IV 0.1 mL of camphor, in group V 0.1 mL each of alpha-pinene and cineole, in group VI 0.1 mL each of alpha-pinene and camphor, in group VII 0.1 mL each of cineole and camphor, and in …

The Effect Of Low Molecular Weight Heparin On Salvaging The Zone Of Stasis In Anexperimental Burn Model, Muhammet Uraloğlu, Murat Li̇vaoğlu, Özgür Agdoğan, Şafak Ersöz, Ümi̇t Naci̇ Karaçal

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Multiple zones of injuries are formed after burns, consisting of a zone of coagulative necrosis, a zone of hyperemia, and a zone of stasis, in which progressive microcirculatory thrombosis leads to degeneration and deepening of the wound. We used an experimental rat comb burn model to test the hypothesis that use of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) may save the zone of stasis. Materials and methods: Adult female rats were randomly divided two groups: the LMWH group (n = 8) rats received subcutaneous LMWH injections, while the saline group (n = 8) rats were injected with the same volume …

The Law Of Social Entrepreneurship – Creating Shared Value Through The Lens Of Sandra Day O’Connor’S Icivics, Anat Alon-Beck

Faculty Publications

This article calls for harmonizing state law legislation on social enterprises, due to the potential discrepancy between the various states on the nature and legal structure of social enterprises. Since 2008, legislators in thirty-five (35) states across the United States of America and the District of Columbia, have enacted some form of innovative social enterprise legislation. This new revolution in corporate law is called social entrepreneurship, mirroring social movements in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis. Public opinion has led to a shift in prevalent corporate governance theory, from current share-holder centric corporate governance to collaborative corporate governance. A …

Milton, New Hampshire 2017 Annual Report., Milton Town Representatives

Milton, NH Annual Reports

This is an annual report containing vital statistics for a town/city in the state of New Hampshire.

Southeast South Dakota Experiment Farm Annual Progress Report: 2018, Southeast South Dakota Research Farm

Agricultural Experiment Station and Research Farm Annual Reports

Introduction by Pete Sexton, Farm Supervisor.

This report provides summaries of most of the research trials done at the SDSU Southeast Research Farm in 2018. The overall objective of the farm is to contribute to the public welfare for folks in southeast South Dakota by conducting unbiased agricultural research. The farm’s strategic goals as set by our Farm Board continue to be:

1. Improve character of the soil (soil quality);
2. Achieve grain yield goals and optimize cost of production and profitability;
3. Optimize livestock production including use of novel approaches in integrating livestock and crop production;
4. Increase association membership and improve public …