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Copyright of Afyon Kocatepe University Journal of Social Sciences / Afyon Kocatepe Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi is the property of Afyon Kocatepe University (AKU) Sosyal Bilimler Enstitusu and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This study looks into the effectiveness of the authorisation procedure as a regulatory instrument within the framework of the European REACH regulation. It highlights its impact on enhancing occupational safety and health for both applicants and companies utilising the substances. This procedure encompasses manufacturers, importers, and downstream users of substances, as well as representatives of foreign manufacturers who are also eligible to seek authorisation. When applying for authorisation, the ECHA Risk Assessment Committee (RAC) assesses the risks associated with the intended uses of the substance, including the appropriateness and effectiveness of the Occupational Conditions (OCs) and Risk Management Measures (RMMs) described in the application and the risks posed by potential alternatives. If the RAC determines that the OCs/RMMs are inadequate for managing or controlling the risk, or if the measures to protect workers are deemed insufficient, it may recommend additional measures to enhance occupational safety and health or environmental protection. The 398 processed Applications for Authorisation (AfA) that have been submitted to date were examined to determine these recommended measures, categorised as Conditions for use, Monitoring arrangements, and Recommendations for Review Reports. Overall, a significant improvement concerning occupational safety and health seems necessary, as indicated by the large number of measures recommended by the ECHA Committee for Risk Assessment (RAC) and ECHA Committee for Socio-economic Analysis (SEAC) or supplemented by the European Commission. In addition to the proposed measures, a short assessment provided by the committees as to whether the operational conditions and risk management measures are adequate in controlling the risks is also included in the study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electricity consumers desire a reliable and uninterrupted power supply for their equipment. Frequency and voltage are fluctuated due to the increase in intermittent renewable sources in the power systems. To mitigate these problems, a novel multi‐term fractional‐order PID (MFOPID) controller is proposed for improving the combined voltage‐frequency control of a three‐area hydrothermal system (THS) that incorporates a realistic dish‐Stirling solar thermal system (RDSTS). Suitable nonlinearity constraints are considered in both thermal‐hydro units. The proposed controller parameters are optimized using the artificial flora algorithm. Electric vehicle (EV) fleets have been introduced for the first time into the system under consideration. The MFOPID controller outperforms the PID with filter coefficient (PIDN) controller, according to a comparative assessment of the system dynamic responses under various investigations. Investigations exhibit that the system dynamic performance marginally degrades after the incorporation of the RDSTS into all control area of the three‐area THS. The analysis reveals that the assimilation of EVs into the considered system provides better system damping and reduces oscillations and peak deviations. The efficiency of electric vehicles is influenced by battery state‐of‐charge (SOC). The system performance deteriorates when the SOC of the EVs is more than 80% charging and less than 50% discharging at the time of disturbance. Moreover, the MFOPID controller provides a faster injection of EV power into the system during perturbation compared to the PIDN controller. Sensitivity analysis validated the MFOPID controller's sturdiness against numerous physical system conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Algebraic Fault Analysis (AFA) is a cryptanalysis for block ciphers proposed by Courtois et al., which incorporates algebraic cryptanalysis to overcome the complexity of manual analysis within the context of Differential Fault Analysis (DFA). The effectiveness of AFA on lightweight block ciphers has been demonstrated. However, the complexity of the algebraic systems prevents it from attacking heavyweight block ciphers efficiently. In this paper, we propose a novel cryptanalysis called Redundancies-assisted Algebraic Fault Analysis (RAFA) to facilitate the solution of algebraic systems in the setting of heavyweight block ciphers. The core idea of RAFA is to expedite SAT solvers by modifying the algebraic systems, which is accomplished via two methods. The first method introduces redundant constraints, which is proposed for the first time in the context of algebraic cryptanalysis. The second one is a sophisticated linearization of the nonlinear Algebraic Normal Form (ANF). It takes RAFA for about 9.68 hours to attack AES-128. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work that uses a general SAT solver to attack AES with only a single injection of byte-fault. Moreover, RAFA can attack AES-128 in 50.92 and 27.54 minutes for nibble- and bit-based fault model, respectively. In comparison, the traditional DFA algorithm implemented by pure C takes 4 ~ 5 hours under all three fault models investigated in this work. Moreover, in order to show the generality of RAFA, we also apply it to other heavyweight block ciphers. The best results show that RAFA could recover the key of Serpent-256 and SPEEDY-r-192 in 20.7 and 1.5 hours using only three faults, respectively. In comparison, AFA could not break these two ciphers even when 30 bits and 50 bits of their keys are known, respectively. Furthermore, no DFA work on Serpent or SPEEDY is known using comparable fault models.

Copyright of Afyon Kocatepe University Journal of Social Sciences / Afyon Kocatepe Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi is the property of Afyon Kocatepe University (AKU) Sosyal Bilimler Enstitusu and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The aim of this study is to develop a scale that determines the factors that affect the satisfaction of citizens who benefit from justice services. In this context, opinions were received from faculty members working in law faculties, lawyers registered in Ağrı Bar Association and some citizens who received service from Ağrı Courthouse. Based on the information obtained, a scale consisting of 24 questions was prepared. The scale, which was organized after the pilot application, was applied face-to-face to 552 people who received service from the Ağrı Courthouse. In order to test the construct validity and reliability of the scale, exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis and reliability analysis were performed. SPSS 23.00 and AMOS 22.00 programs were used for analysis. As a result of the analyzes, a three-dimensional "scale of satisfaction from justice services", consisting of 15 statements, was developed. The dimensions of the scale were determined as "services and applications", "physical environment and hardware" and "communication". The study also included findings on the participants' relationship with the courthouse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the thermal aging (10,000 h at 650 °C) and corrosion performance (3000 h at 650 °C/15 MPa under sCO 2) of two AFA alloys (AFA-20 and AFA-14), featuring 20 wt.% and 14 wt.% Cr. The increase in Cr content elevated the thermodynamically stable σ content and promoted its precipitation. The σ precipitation within the matrix significantly decelerated the coarsening kinetics of the Laves phase in AFA-20 over 5000 h aging. The intergranular σ phase facilitated crack formation, potentially increasing elongation, while the intragranular σ phase mitigated stress concentration at grain boundaries, making AFAs more brittle. AFA-20 developed a continuous protective Al 2 O 3 oxide layer, whereas AFA-14, lacking this shielding, experienced increased internal oxidation. M 23 C 6 carbides formed in the internal reaction zone, yet notably enriched in Mo rather than Cr. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Xenoestrogens are compounds like estrogens in effect but not in structure which are mimicking the action of endogenous estrogen and activate estrogen receptor. Phytoestrogens are naturally occurring non-steroidal plant chemicals that can act like the female hormone estrogen. Aphanizomenon Flos-aquae (AFA) is a blue-green microalgal species which has antioxidant properties. Objective: The aim of the study was to clarify the effects of both Bisphenol A (BPA) and anise oil (phytoestrogen) together on some sexual hormonal pattern in male albino rats and illustration of the adverse effects of AFA on their actions. Materials and methods: Thirty male albino rats were used. They were divided into three groups: Group I: control (untreated group), Group II: rats treated with BPA and Anise oil and Group III: rats treated with BPA and Anise oil in addition to AFA. Blood samples were collected for different biochemical investigations. Results: The biochemical results showed highly significant increase (p<0.01) in the activities of ALT, AST, urea, creatinine, FSH, prolactin and lipid profile (total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-C, VLDL, LDL/HDL & TC/HDL). While, there was a highly significant decrease (p < 0.01) in LDL-C, total protein, albumin, Globulin, testosterone and LH. These results returned back to the normal values after receiving the AFA as compared to normal group. Conclusion: It could be concluded that phytoestrogen and xenoestrogen have undesirable effects and it is recommended to minimize the utilization of these compounds to protect people from its hazardous effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The addition of a trace amount of 20 ppm B significantly enhanced the creep performance of the 2.5Al-AFA alloy at 650 °C, demonstrating sustained improvement even after prolonged thermal aging. Boron (B) preferentially distributed in the Laves phase within the matrix, rather than in the NiAl or Cr - rich phases. APT analysis revealed M 23 C 6 may serve as a reservoir of B, gradually allowing B diffusing into the surrounding Laves phase at grain boundaries (GBs). Creep cracks propagated mainly along GBs, with the σ phase serving as initiation sites. The average volume fraction of σ phase exhibited a linear correlation with the reciprocal of creep rupture time. B accelerated the precipitation of Laves with a larger size and higher volume fraction, which played a dual role of improved GB strengthening and more effective suppression of σ phase growth. • Trace amount of boron (20 ppm) significantly enhanced creep resistance of alumina-forming austenitic alloy at 650 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: Ethiopia has expanded the number of health facilities that offer maternal health services during the last two decades. However, the utilization of skilled birth attendants in health facilities is still very low especially among the pastoralist regions of the country. This study explored why women in the pastoralist region of Afar, Ethiopia still prefer to give birth at home. METHODS: a qualitative study approach was used to collect information from October to December 2015. A total of eighteen focus group discussions and twenty-four key informant interviews were conducted. Focus group discussions were separately conducted with mothers and male tribal or religious leaders. Key informant interviews were conducted with heads of Women's Affairs Bureau, district health office heads and traditional birth attendants. Data were coded and categorized using open code software for qualitative data management and analyzed based on a thematic approach. RESULTS: women preferred to deliver at home due to lack of awareness about the benefits of maternity health facilities, their nomadic lifestyle, lack of confidence and trust in health workers and their close affinity and easy access to traditional birth attendants. Supply-side barriers included distant health facilities, lack of transportation and poor health care. CONCLUSION: demand and supply related factors were identified as barriers to utilization of skilled birth attendants. Increasing awareness, bringing the service closer, arranging maternity waiting area around health facilities, and creating client-friendly service were found critical. Future research to define and improve services and approaches suitable for pastoralist population is warranted.

Copyright of Journal of Social Policy Studies / Sosyal Politika Çalismalari Dergisi is the property of Journal of Social Policy Studies / Sosyal Politika Calismalari Dergisi and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The corrosion behavior of alumina-forming austenitic (AFA) 316 stainless steel (SS) and oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) 316 SS in aerated supercritical water (SCW) at 650 °C/25 MPa was investigated. The results show that the weight gain curves of AFA and ODS 316 SS follow near-parabolic law. Both AFA and ODS 316 SS show higher corrosion resistance in SCW than normal 316 SS, which is because that Al-Cr rich oxide and Cr-rich oxide layer are formed on AFA and ODS 316 SS, respectively. The corrosion process and mechanism of AFA and ODS 316 SS are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Ethiopia has expanded the number of health facilities that offer maternal health services during the last two decades. However, the utilization of skilled birth attendants in health facilities is still very low especially among the pastoralist regions of the country. This study explored why women in the pastoralist region of Afar, Ethiopia still prefer to give birth at home. Methods: A qualitative study approach was used to collect information from October to December 2015. A total of eighteen focus group discussions and twenty-four key informant interviews were conducted. Focus group discussions were separately conducted with mothers and male tribal or religious leaders. Key informant interviews were conducted with heads of Women's Affairs Bureau, district health office heads and traditional birth attendants. Data were coded and categorized using open code software for qualitative data management and analyzed based on a thematic approach. Results: Women preferred to deliver at home due to lack of awareness about the benefits of maternity health facilities, their nomadic lifestyle, lack of confidence and trust in health workers and their close affinity and easy access to traditional birth attendants. Supply-side barriers included distant health facilities, lack of transportation and poor health care. Conclusion: Demand and supply related factors were identified as barriers to utilization of skilled birth attendants. Increasing awareness, bringing the service closer, arranging maternity waiting area around health facilities, and creating client-friendly service were found critical. Future research to define and improve services and approaches suitable for pastoralist population is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to establish that the denaturing fixative, formalin and acetic acid (AFA), is equivalent to neutral-buffered formalin (NBF) on the nCounter system using the Prosigna assay. Twenty-five previously resected tumors from breast cancer patients were apportioned and fixed with either NBF or AFA prior to embedding in paraffin. Differentially fixed and paraffin embedded tissue pairs were sectioned and pathological review was performed according to the Prosigna assay protocol. RNA was isolated using the Prosigna assay kit and analyzed using the NanoString nCounter Dx Analysis system. 47 of the 50 blocks (94%) passed RNA quality control (QC) criteria and were collectively designated as the analysis set. We found that RNA yield and purity (A260/A280) were not significantly different between the fixatives within the analysis set. In the analysis of ROR score, the tissue pairs had a Pearson Correlation Coefficient of 0.91, similar to the correlation observed between paired tissue blocks using a single fixative in previous studies. Subtype concordance between differentially fixed tissue pairs was high (K = 0.80). No significant bias or variability in risk of recurrence (ROR) score attributable to fixative was detected in this study. Further analysis revealed that sample pairs with larger differences in ROR score were limited to nearly-depleted tissue blocks containing large amounts of normal tissue due to proximity of the tumor margin. The results of this study demonstrate that the fixative, AFA, does not contribute significantly to bias and variability of assay results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the association between different anthropometric parameters and metabolic profile in an overweight, adult, black Kenyan population. Methods: An opportunity sample of 245 overweight adult Kenyans (body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg/m2) was analysed. A score of metabolic profile (metabolic Z-score) was constructed on the basis of levels of plasma lipids, blood pressure, blood glucose and serum insulin. Linear regressions using metabolic Z-score as outcome and six anthropometric variables (waist circumference (WC), hip circumference, visceral adipose tissue (VAT), abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue, arm fat area and arm muscle area) separately as independent variables were carried out. Results: Mean age of study participants was 42.1 years (SD = 9.6) and 26.5% of the participants were men. The median BMI was 28.6 kg/m2 (Q1 = 26.3; Q3 = 31.3). Of the six anthropometric variables tested, WC and VAT thickness had the strongest negative association with the metabolic profile (β = 0.17 (0.09; 0.24) and 0.15 (0.08; 0.23), respectively). Conclusions: WC and VAT thickness were the strongest anthropometric predictors for the metabolic profile in overweight adult Kenyans. WC is useful in clinical practice for the diagnosis of metabolically unhealthy fat accumulation in an African setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In our study we systematically compared the alternative fixatives acidified formal alcohol (AFA), PAXgene®, HOPE®, and combinations of AFA or formalin with ultrasound treatment to standard (buffered) formalin fixation. We examined general morphology and detectability of protein structures by immunohistochemistry of the membrane receptors epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R), and phosphorylated human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (phospho-HER2). In order to allow for stringent comparability of different fixation techniques, we used matched mouse xenograft tumor samples from three different human cancer cell lines (colon, ovarian, and non-small cell lung cancer), either fixed conventionally with formalin or an alternative fixative. Tissue morphology after fixation with AFA and PAXgene® was comparable to formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue (FFPET) morphology. Ultrasound fixations resulted in slightly inferior morphology and HOPE® fixation preserved morphology only poorly compared to FFPET in this system. None of the tested alternative fixatives enabled immunohistochemical detectability of all three targets in the same manner as FFPET. Pronounced staining was possible for EGFR and IGF-1R with all alternative fixatives but HOPE®, and phospho-HER2 staining was only noteworthy with formalin-ultrasound-fixed tissue. Therefore, the use of alternative fixatives comes with the need for careful validation of obtained IHC results individually for each target. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article tries to describe evolution of Czech AFA during the years 2000-2010. Its main aim is to deal with AFA from theoretical and ideological framework and also cover how it pursues its political platform. It uses all kinds of sources including theoretical discussions of its members. The article shows how changes of ideological base have impacted the practical action. It affirms that compared to the beginning of the analyzed period where its action had mainly subversive character, lately it have been shifting more on the vigilant position, speaking in relation to the liberal democratic system. It wants to highlight the fact that typical feature of this organization in Czech territory is its strict anticommunist character which naturally determines its members, sympathizers or political partners and also opens the possibility of cooperation with another political subjects. It will argue that due to this declaration, AFA is currently moving toward liberalism than socialism, Marxism or revolutionary anarchism to which it inclined earlier. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: 40Ar/39Ar dating of tuffs and mafic lavas, tephra geochemistry, and paleomagnetic reversal stratigraphy have been used to establish the chronostratigraphy of the Pliocene hominid-bearing fossiliferous succession at Woranso-Mille, a paleontological study area in the western part of the central Afar region of Ethiopia. The succession in the northwestern part of the study area ranges in 40Ar/39Ar age from 3.82–3.570 Ma, encompassed by paleomagnetic subchron C2Ar (4.187–3.596 Ma). One of the major tuff units, locally named the Kilaytoli tuff, is correlative on the basis of age and geochemistry to the Lokochot Tuff of the Turkana Basin. A hominid partial skeleton (KSD-VP-1) was found in strata whose precise stratigraphic position and age is still under investigation, but is believed to correspond to the later part of this interval. Woranso-Mille fills a significant gap in the fossil record of northeastern Africa at the time of the lower to middle Pliocene transition, when many extant species lineages of African fauna were established. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objectives: Alternative Funding Agreements (AFAs) were in place in 41 hospital emergency departments (EDs) in Ontario at the time of this survey (May to August 2005). Each of these 41 hospitals works with its own internal administrative model. The primary objective of this paper was to document the administrative models used in these Ontario EDs. The secondary objective was to inform current and future AFA EDs of the potential models. Methods: Telephone surveys were conducted with a member of each of the 41 AFA workload model hospitals. Results: All hospitals provided at least 1 emergency physician to answer the questionnaire. Although most AFA hospitals divide the AFA fund pool on an hourly basis, there is impressive variation on premium values awarded for day, evening, weekend and night shifts. Other variations included holdback of funds for bonuses, distribution of non-OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan) dollars, on-call allowances, and different pay scales for the general practitioners and locums working in some departments. Conclusions: Allowing flexibility in distribution of AFA dollars to physicians in each group has helped make this program more acceptable. Many issues unrelated to funding remain to be resolved in order to stabilize ED recruitment and retention as well as improve work satisfaction. Further research on these latter topics is required to develop a fair and equitable funding arrangement that supports and enhances physician coverage in EDs across Canada. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

George Boolos has described an interpretation of a fragment of ZFC in a consistent second-order theory whose only axiom is a modification of Frege's inconsistent Axiom V. We build on Boolos's interpretation and study the models of a variety of such theories obtained by amending Axiom V in the spirit of a limitation of size principle. After providing a complete structural description of all well-founded models, we turn to the non-well-founded ones. We show how to build models in which foundation fails in prescribed ways. In particular, we obtain models in which every relation is isomorphic to the membership relation on some set as well as models of Aczel's anti-foundation axiom (AFA). We suggest that Fregean extensions provide a natural way to envisage non-well- founded membership. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In total, 201 α-haemolytic Escherichia coli isolates from various clinical materials (urine samples and vaginal and rectal swabs) were examined by PCR for the presence of genes for the virulence factors α-haemolysin ( hly), cytotoxic necrotising factor type 1 ( cnf1), P-fimbriae ( pap), S/F1C-fimbriae ( sfa/ foc), aerobactin ( aer) and afimbrial adhesin ( afaI). Among vaginal isolates, 96% were positive for cnf1, compared with 80% of urine strains (p 0.02) and 63% of rectal strains (p 0.0001). Similarly, sfa/ foc-specific DNA sequences were found in 97% of vaginal isolates compared with 75% of rectal strains (p 0.004). The afa1 and aer genes were associated more with rectal α-haemolytic E. coli strains than with extra-intestinal isolates. The results suggested that CNF1 and/or S/F1C-fimbriae contribute to colonisation and persistence of α-haemolytic E. coli strains in the vaginal environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study delves into the interactions between Pb and As and poorly-crystalline minerals, particularly amorphous ferric arsenate (AFA), in an ancient mine characterized by highly-dispersed pollutants due to strongly acidic conditions (pH 2.2 to 2.6) originated from mine drainage (AMD). On-site observations accompanied by laboratory-based mineral formation and transformation experiments were undertaken to examine the reactions of mobile Pb and As from abandoned mine residues on the mineralogy of the impacted sediments, as well as to examine associated controls on their mobility. Natural attenuation of Pb and As mobility predominantly occurred via formation of lead arsenate (PbHAsO 4), Pb–As-rich Fe(III) minerals, and AFA, resulting in solid-phase concentrations ranging from ∼1088 to ∼1545 and from ∼278 to ∼734 mg kg−1 for Pb and As, respectively. Subsequent sorption experiments with synthetic AFA revealed the retention of Pb by the formation of anglesite (PbSO 4) due to an appreciable sulfur content (up to 4 wt%) in AFA chemical composition, whereas As was effectively retained by a non-exchangeable surface adsorption mechanism. The results of this study show the occurrence of metastable phases like AFA in AMD environments as well as its role in controlling Pb and As mobility under strongly acidic conditions. [Display omitted] • Abandoned mine residues as a continuous source of potentially harmful elements. • A relationship between AFA and Pb–As-impacted sediments is established. • A sequential extraction procedure is carried out to assess Pb and As distribution. • Very high concentrations of Pb and As are associated with amorphous phases like AFA. • Appreciable S content in AFA chemical composition favored the formation of anglesite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The B 2 O 3 -MnO fluxing treatment can improve the AFA of the Fe 85 B 10 P 5 alloy. • Fluxing treatment with B 2 O 3 and MnO can achieve a better protection for P element. • The changes of contents of Fe and Mn correlate with the variation of B s. The effects of the fluxing treatment of B 2 O 3 and MnO on the amorphous forming ability (AFA) and magnetic properties of the Fe 85 B 10 P 5 alloy prepared with raw materials were investigated. Results indicate that the B 2 O 3 -MnO fluxing treatment can significantly improve the AFA of the Fe 85 B 10 P 5 alloy. The Curie temperatures (T c) first decrease and then increase with increasing MnO content. The variation of T c consists well with the change of the position of the diffraction peak corresponding to (2 0 0) plane of α-Fe in the annealed ribbons. It has been proved that using MnO instead of CaO during fluxing treatment for the Fe 85 B 10 P 5 alloy can achieve a better protection for the P element. However, this fluxing agency makes influences on the variation of Fe and Mn elements, which will influence the B s of Fe-based amorphous alloys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]