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The present study presents length-weight, length-length, length-girth relationships, and biometry of male and female specimens of saddled seabream, Oblada melanurus(Linnaeus, 1758), in the Turkish Aegean Sea. The length-length and length-weight relationships were calculated by measuring 516 individuals. The total length values of all male and female O. melanurus specimens were in the range of 17.2-30.7 and 18.5-30.0 cm, respectively, and the mean values were 21.84±2.04 and 22.44±2.12 cm, respectively. The length-weight relationships were W=0.0110TL3.057 for males, W=0.0114TL3.043 for females, and W=0.0089TL3.122 for all the specimens. The results denoted a high correlation (r²=0.966; p<0.001) in the length-length relationships. Furthermore, 287 individuals (105 females and 182 males) were examined for length-girth relationships and biometric analyses. Ten morphometric characters were analyzed to analyze biometry. In conclusion, no statistically significant differences were determined in morphology between the sexes (p<0.05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adsorption and photocatalytic decolorization methods were used to remove Reactive Orange 16 dye from textile wastewater by using ethyleneglycoldimethacrylate and 1-vinyl-1,2,4-triazole, m-poly(EGDMA-VTA)-TiO2 polymer composite particles with magnetic synthesized by suspension polymerization. The characterization of the synthesized m-poly(EGDMA-VTA)-TiO2 particules were carried out by using XRD, FTIR, SEM–EDS-elemental mapping, ESR, and BET analyses. Both adsorption and photocatalytic decolorization processes of RO16 dye were applied to the polymer particles. The effects of solution pH, amount of adsorbent, initial dye concentration, temperature, and time on the adsorption capacity were investigated. The removal of R016 dye reached a maximum at pH 3. Dye substance removal decreased due to increasing temperature and adsorbent amount. As a result of experimental studies, the adsorption of RO16 dye was explained by the Langmuir isotherm, while its kinetics was stated by a pseudo-second-order mechanism. Additionally, thermodynamic functions (ΔHo, ΔGo, and ΔSo) have been determined. At the end of adsorption, the decolorization kinetics were elucidated by examining the adsorbent amount, time, and dye concentration parameters for the photocatalytic decolorization of non-adsorbed dyes. It was determined that the photocatalytic activity was highest at low dye concentration and high photocatalyst content. Additionally, it was determined that decolorization kinetics studies were compatible with the Langmuir–Hinshelwood model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThe purpose of this study is to investigate the role of consumer ethnocentrism and xenocentrism beliefs in influencing purchase behavior in India. Given its status as the most populous nation globally, with diverse consumer cultures and backgrounds, understanding Indian consumers’ biases toward domestic and foreign products holds significant value for both researchers and practitioners in refining their marketing communication strategies. A technology product, specifically a laptop computer, was selected to examine the ethnocentrism and xenocentrism tendencies of Indian consumers. Data (n = 373) for the study were collected through personal interviews with Indian consumers. The study’s results indicate that both perceived brand image and brand attitudes exerted a robust positive influence on Indian consumers’ purchase intentions for laptop computers. While the direct effects of ethnocentrism and xenocentrism on purchase intentions were minimal, they acted as moderators in the relationship between brand image, brand attitude, and purchase intentions for foreign brands. Developing a strong brand image and fostering positive brand attitudes should be prioritized in marketing communication campaigns to enhance global brand management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to explore Generation Z (Gen Z) consumers' sustainable consumption behaviors at a university campus by examining various antecedent and moderating influencers of their sustainable consumption behaviors. Design/methodology/approach: A quantitative research methodology is used in this study. A structured questionnaire was administered (n = 279) to young college students (Gen Z consumers in the context of this study) enrolled at a large state university in the USA. The structural equation model was used to test the hypothesized relationships in the conceptualized model. Findings: Study findings show that social responsibility (feelings, engagement and expectations) and external incentives (material and social) positively influence Gen Z consumers' sustainability interests, which in turn influences their sustainable consumption behaviors (actions). Collectivist cultural values did not appear to have any statistically significant effect on Gen Z consumers' sustainable consumption interests. Moreover, learned helplessness, perceived barriers and the awareness of the consequences of sustainability consumption actions did not have any significant moderating effect on Gen Z consumers' sustainable consumption behavior. Research limitations/implications: The questionnaire was only sent to students majoring in business degrees, which may limit the generalizability of this study to broader Gen Z consumer populations. Expanding this study to include non-business students may be valuable as a next step. Replicating this study in different cultural environments of international countries could enhance the relationships identified in this study. Practical implications: Consumer social responsibility education along with material and social incentives will encourage Gen Z consumers' participation in sustainable behaviors at college campuses. Originality/value: This research provides valuable insights into understanding the importance of consumer social responsibility and external incentives in influencing Gen Z consumers' sustainable consumption intentions and behaviors. Accordingly, consumer social responsibility education and incentive programs need to be developed to encourage the participation of Gen Z consumers in sustainable consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering the critical role entrepreneurship plays in socioeconomic development, investigating the factors that motivate students to pursue an entrepreneurial career track in higher education is important for researchers and policymakers. This study aimed to investigate the factors that influence Chilean college students' intentions to choose entrepreneurship education. A questionnaire was used to collect data from 435 students studying in various private and public colleges in Talca, Chile. The results indicate that students' interest in selecting entrepreneurship as a major is mainly driven by their perceptions of self-employment, self-confidence levels, and the type of college they attend. Additionally, our study findings reveal that students' intentions to major in entrepreneurship and their prior exposure to entrepreneurship (e.g., having entrepreneur friends/family) are closely related to their likelihood of starting a business. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hemodialysis (HD) patients should be screened for latent tuberculosis (TB) infection. We aimed to determine the frequency of latent TB infection in HD patients and to compare the effectiveness of the tests used. The files of 56 HD patients followed between 1 January 2021 and 1 October 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Demographic data, the presence of the Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine, whether or not the patients had previously received treatment for TB before, the status of encountering a patient with active TB of patients over 18 years of age, without active tuberculosis and who had a T-SPOT.TB test or a Tuberculin Skin Test (TST) were obtained from the patient files. The presence of previous TB in a posterior–anterior (PA) chest X-ray was obtained by evaluating PA chest X-rays taken routinely. Of the patients, 60.7% (n = 34) were male and their mean age was 60.18 ± 14.85 years. The mean duration of dialysis was 6.43 ± 6.03 years, and 76.8% (n = 43) had 2 BCG scars. The T-SPOT.TB test was positive in 32.1% (n = 18). Only 20 patients (35.7%) had a TST and all had negative results. While the mean age of those with positive T-SPOT.TB results was higher (p = 0.003), the time taken to enter HD was shorter (p = 0.029). T-SPOT.TB test positivity was higher in the group that had encountered active TB patients (p = 0.033). However, no significant difference was found between T-SPOT.TB results according to BCG vaccine, albumin, urea and lymphocyte levels. Although T-SPOT.TB test positivity was higher in patients with a previous TB finding in a PA chest X-ray, there was no statistically significant difference (p = 0.093). The applicability of the TST in the diagnosis of latent TB infection in HD patients is difficult and it is likely to give false-negative results. The T-SPOT.TB test is not affected by the BCG vaccine and immunosuppression. Therefore, using the T-SPOT.TB test would be a more appropriate and practical approach in the diagnosis of latent TB in HD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The use of bioabsorbable mesh at the hiatus is controversial. Long-term data are scant. We evaluated the world literature and performed a meta-analysis to determine if these meshes were effective in reducing recurrence. Methods: A literature search was performed using PubMed, MEDLINE, and ClinicalKey. We evaluated articles reporting on both Bio-A™ (polyglycolic acid:trimethylene carbonate—PGA:TMC) and Phasix™ (poly-4-hydroxybutyrate—P4HB) used at the hiatus. The DerSimonian–Laird random effects model was used to estimate the overall pooled treatment effect along with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Similar analysis was conducted to compare the clinical outcomes, i.e., recurrence rate, mean surgical time, mean hospital stays and mean follow-up duration between non-Mesh and Mesh group. The I2 statistic was computed to assess the heterogeneity in effect sizes across the studies. Results: A total of 21 studies (12 mesh studies with 963 subjects and 9 non-mesh studies with 617 subjects) were included to conduct the meta-analysis. There was one article reporting outcomes on P4HB mesh (73 subjects) and 11 on PGA:TMC mesh (890 subjects). The bioabsorbable mesh group had a significantly lower recurrence rate compared to the non-mesh group (8% vs. 18%; 95%CI 0.08−0.17), pooled p-value < 0.0001. Surgery time was shorter in the mesh group compared to the non-mesh group (136.4 min vs. 150 min) but not statistically significant (p = 0.54). There tended to be a more extended follow-up period after surgery in the non-mesh group compared to the mesh group (27 vs. 25.8 months, range 10.8–54 months); but not statistically significant (ES: 27.4; 95%CI 21.6−33.3; p = 0.92). Conclusions: Hiatal hernia repair with bioabsorbable mesh is more effective at reducing hernia recurrence rate in the mid-term than simple suture cruroplasty. Further studies investigating the long-term outcomes and P4HB mesh are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper was to investigate entrepreneurial intentions among university students in China and Mexico. Findings reveal that students' perceptions of an entrepreneurship major, self-employment, and self-confidence levels influence their entrepreneurial intentions. In addition, we found that external structural support had a significant moderating effect on the self-confidence and entrepreneurial intent relationship. The aforementioned moderating relationship was mitigated by access to and availability of external support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reinforcement learning algorithms often require finiteness of state and action spaces in Markov decision processes (MDPs) (also called controlled Markov chains) and various efforts have been made in the literature towards the applicability of such algorithms for continuous state and action spaces. In this paper, we show that under very mild regularity conditions (in particular, involving only weak continuity of the transition kernel of an MDP), Q-learning for standard Borel MDPs via quantization of states and actions (called Quantized Q-Learning) converges to a limit, and furthermore this limit satisfies an optimality equation which leads to near optimality with either explicit performance bounds or which are guaranteed to be asymptotically optimal. Our approach builds on (i) viewing quantization as a measurement kernel and thus a quantized MDP as a partially observed Markov decision process (POMDP), (ii) utilizing near optimality and convergence results of Q-learning for POMDPs, and (iii) finally, near-optimality of finite state model approximations for MDPs with weakly continuous kernels which we show to correspond to the fixed point of the constructed POMDP. Thus, our paper presents a very general convergence and approximation result for the applicability of Q-learning for continuous MDPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, bio-healing based on microbial induced carbonate precipitation in cracks has been widely exploited to improve concrete properties and thus increase its durability. In this context, the present study aims to explore the possibility of using nine bacterial isolates as biohealing agent of cementitious materials; these bacteria (coded B1 to B8) were obtained from the three different rocky sites, i.e., 795 L1 (limestone rock site), 795 L2 (ordinary soil site), and 812 (clayey site); situated in Oulad Rahmoun (Constantine-Algeria). The primary identification showed that eight isolates belonged to a Bacillus genus, and one isolate B8 developed particularly morphological characterized by branched and septate hyphae. The isolates B4 and B8 were selected for their ability to produce calcium carbonate in precipitate calcium (PC) liquid and solid media after five days of incubation. The addition of urea in PC liquid media accelerated the formation of calcite which appeared after 3 days of incubation. The growth curve of both selected isolates on LB liquid medium showed that B8 was characterized by a long exponential growth phase (up to 72 hours) compared to B4 which had an exponential phase up to 48 hours, which could explain the largest amount of calcite precipitate observed in the case of B8 cultivated in PC liquid medium. Results of the bio-healing experiment carried on cementitious batches showed that a beginning of a slight repair of the cracks from the 11th day was only observed in the case of the bacterium B8 but the bio-healing capacity was absent in the control. This bio-healing agent was identified as Micromonospora echinospora (NCBI-NO139612), according to N-Blast of 16S-DNA sequence. In conclusion, the present study is the first to isolate M. echinospora species from rocky sites; and to describe it as an efficient bacterial agent in concrete bio-healing applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While previous research focused on investigating students' perceptions, few studies have analyzed students' future-oriented normative sustainability expectations from their Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) in various cultural contexts. The goal of this study is to (1) identify business students' sustainability transformation expectations from their HEIs, (2) uncover potential differences in expectations across cultural environments, and (3) explain how students' sustainability expectations impact their behaviors towards HEIs. A mixed qualitative-quantitative research design using a semi-standardized questionnaire based on a sample of 239 business students from the USA and Germany was applied. Sustainability topics at HEIs are derived both from a literature review and through interviews and were categorized using content analysis. Data for the study was collected from business students in Bachelor programs at two state universities in the USA and one public university in Germany and the Kano analysis was utilized to examine students' sustainability expectations. Our analysis uncovered 19 distinct topic areas of sustainability at HEIs. Across both countries, students considered the integration of sustainability in production and consumption , as well as gender equality and inclusion , as basic requirements for future sustainability transformations. Other attributes were evaluated as indifferent. Students from the USA considered staff and faculty development opportunities or institutional support as performance attributes, while students from Germany evaluated them as indifferent. Country variations in students' expectations of key sustainability attributes from their HEIs are significantly influenced by their level of involvement in sustainability. Finally, students' expectations significantly impact their behavioral intentions. We provide managerial implications suggesting a tailored focus on sustainability attributes based on Kano categories and the country context. Furthermore, we highlight the need for further research, including replication studies in diverse cultural settings using longitudinal study designs. • Literature and content analysis uncover 19 higher education sustainable transformation topics. • Kano analysis reveals basic, performance, and excitement needs of sustainability transformation expectations. • Sustainability involvement and gender significantly influence students' expectations. • Higher (lower) number of performance (indifferent) attributes for USA than Germany. • Unmet sustainability transformation expectations lead to negative behavioral outcomes, particularly in the USA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the beginning of the 20th century, the concept of child and crime, named juvenile delinquency, has been mentioned together very often. The idea that some arrangements should be made to ensure rights of juveniles in the international community has given rise to the emergence of the understanding, of juveniles' protection from crime. There is no study explaining the source or giving the underlying rationale for the emergence of crime. Today, there is a reality that there are many factors that affect the emergence of it. In addition, it is not possible to completely prevent crime. However, it is possible to reduce crime to a manageable level. Thus, the fear of crime, which is one of the adverse effects of crime, may be reduced, and individuals' life quality can be enhanced. In this context, it is vital to prevent or minimize juvenile delinquency as much as possible because it is a well-established fact that most children who are drifted into crime at a young age, form a criminal career at later ages. In this article, Turkey's juvenile delinquency map is drawn, and the factors that cause juvenile delinquency are analyzed from a criminological perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores B-school students' perceptions of subject areas in international business/marketing as well as their preferred learning methods. We compared the responses of students from Peru, Guatemala, Mexico, and China. We found the students from the three Latin American countries mostly shared common perceptions of international marketing curriculum and pedagogies, but they were statistically different from their Chinese counterparts. Mexican and Peruvian students preferred multi-media, hands-on learning, and case analysis learning methods while Guatemalan students preferred having guest speakers in the classrooms. Chinese students, by contrast, preferred lectures, and hands-on applications. With respect to international marketing education, the biggest differences in subjects' views from various countries were observed in the areas of product adaptation decisions. We also report some differences in international marketing subject areas and preference for methods of learning by gender and age groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pilling is an important quality problem in the textile industry and is defined as a fabric defect consisting of a tangle of fibers on the fabric surface. To define this problem, to determine the pilling values with different methods and to improve the pilling values, many studies have been conducted and reported in the literature. This work is about improving the pilling values of fabrics. One of the most effective methods used is chemical finishing. Polyvinyl phosphonic acid (PVPA) is synthesized and characterized to be applied to fabrics in order to reduce the pilling of the fabrics. PVPA was applied to 5 different fabrics by using foulard method in different solution concentrations. Blended fabrics such as polyester, cotton blend or polyester, viscose blend with pilling values between 2-3 were generally chosen, since the pilling values of these blended fabrics are worse and difficult to improve. PVPA effectively led to an improvement of about 1.5-2 degrees of pilling on all fabrics. As the concentration of PVPA increased, pilling and hydrophilicity values improved. It differs from other products to reduce pilling, especially in that it also increases hydrophilicity and is effective in various fabrics such as viscose, polyester, and blended fabrics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fentanyl (FEN) is a potent opioid analgesic used for pain management. Opioid analgesic tolerance poses a significant challenge to the clinical utility of opioid agonists. Preventing the development of tolerance to opioid analgesia is crucial for improving its efficacy and safety. The noradrenergic system is involved in pain regulation. This study examined the effects of α-2 adrenoceptor (AR) agonists, dexmedetomidine (DEX), and xylazine (XYL) on FEN tolerance and antinociception, and their impact on μ-opioid receptor (MOR) expression in the posterior horn of the spinal cord (SC). Male rats were divided into six groups and treated with different drug combinations for three consecutive days. Analgesia tests and motor performance assessments were conducted, followed by SC analysis using immunohistochemistry (IHC). Analgesia tests revealed the development of FEN tolerance on the second day, but the groups receiving combined drugs did not develop tolerance. Instead, FEN antinociception was enhanced, with a prolonged duration of its effects. None of the drugs caused sedation or motor impairment, and SC morphology appeared normal. MOR expression levels did not differ significantly between the groups based on IHC analysis. These findings suggest that changes in the secondary messenger system may play a role in the early development of FEN tolerance. Combining drugs can prevent tolerance, while enhancing FEN's antinociceptive effects. These results have promising implications for chronic pain management; however, further research is needed to explore the molecular effects of α-2 AR agonists on FEN tolerance. Overall, this study sheds light on the mechanism of FEN tolerance and identifies potential avenues for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poly(ethylene glycol dimethacrylate-2-vinyl pyridine)-TiO2 [poly (EGDMA-2-VP)] - TiO2 microbeads were synthesized by suspension polymerization method for photocatalytic decolorization of textile dyes from aqueous solution. The synthesized cross-linked [poly (EGDMA-2-VP)] - TiO2 microbeads were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). To investigate the usability of the obtained microbeads in dye decolorization, the paramreters such as pH, polymer amount, time, and dye concentration were examined both under sunlight and 366 nm UV light. Optimum conditions under which maximum photocatalytic decolorization of the dye were pH 3, polymer amount 0.05 g, dye concentration 30 mg /L and time 5 hours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the theory of Partially Observed Markov Decision Processes (POMDPs), existence of optimal policies have in general been established via converting the original partially observed stochastic control problem to a fully observed one on the belief space, leading to a belief-MDP. However, computing an optimal policy for this fully observed model, and so for the original POMDP, using classical dynamic or linear programming methods is challenging even if the original system has finite state and action spaces, since the state space of the fully observed belief-MDP model is always uncountable. Furthermore, there exist very few rigorous value function approximation and optimal policy approximation results, as regularity conditions needed often require a tedious study involving the spaces of probability measures leading to properties such as Feller continuity. In this paper, we study a planning problem for POMDPs where the system dynamics and measurement channel model are assumed to be known. We construct an approximate belief model by discretizing the belief space using only finite window information variables. We then find optimal policies for the approximate model and we rigorously establish near optimality of the constructed finite window control policies in POMDPs under mild non-linear filter stability conditions and the assumption that the measurement and action sets are finite (and the state space is real vector valued). We also establish a rate of convergence result which relates the finite window memory size and the approximation error bound, where the rate of convergence is exponential under explicit and testable exponential filter stability conditions. While there exist many experimental results and few rigorous asymptotic convergence results, an explicit rate of convergence result is new in the literature, to our knowledge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Net Promoter Score (NPS) has been widely used as a strong indicator of loyalty and growth in organizations. However, despite extensive use in various industries, its application in higher education has been limited. To address this gap, we explore the use of NPS in the identification and investigation of the characteristics as well as behaviors of 3 groups of undergraduate business students: promoters, passives, and detractors. We also investigate the role of university experience and satisfaction on students’ likelihood to recommend their academic program to their friends. Using survey data from 3 regional state universities in the US, with a combined sample size of 493 business students, we calculated the NPS by asking the question, “How likely is it that you would recommend the business program to a friend?” Upon calculating the NPS, 75 detractors, 165 passives and 253 promoters were identified and categorized. Based on our findings, recommendations were provided to assist university administrators in their efforts towards minimizing the number of detractors, positively converting passives, and increasing the number of promoters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The introduction of the functional lumen imaging probe (FLIP) has provided objective, real-time feedback on the geometric variations with each component of a hiatal hernia repair (HHR). The utility of this technology in altering intraoperative decision-making has been scarcely reported. Herein, we report a single-center series of intraoperative FLIP during HHR. Methods: A retrospective review of electronic medical records between 2020 and 2022 was conducted and all patients undergoing non-recurrent HHR with FLIP were queried. Patient and hernia characteristics, intraoperative FLIP values and changes in decision-making, as well as early post-operative outcomes were reported. Both diameter and distensibility index (DI) were measured at 40 ml and 50 ml balloon inflation after hiatal dissection, after hiatal closure, and after fundoplication when indicated. Results: Thirty-three patients met inclusion criteria. Mean age was 62 ± 14 years and mean BMI was 28 ± 6 kg/m2. The majority (53%) were type I hiatal hernias. The largest drop in DI occurred after hiatal closure, with minimal change seen after fundoplication (mean DI of 4.3 ± 2. after completion of HH dissection, vs 2.7 ± 1.2 after hiatal closure and 2.3 ± 1 after fundoplication when performed). In 13 (39%) of cases, FLIP values directly impacted intraoperative decision-making. Fundoplication was deferred in 4/13 (31%) patients, the wrap was loosened in 2/13 (15%); the type of fundoplication was altered to achieve adequate anti-reflux values in 2/13 (15%) patients, and in 1/13 (3%) the wrap was tightened. Conclusion: FLIP measurements can be used intraoperatively to guide decision-making and alter management plan based on objective values. Long-term outcomes and further prospective studies are required to better delineate the value of this technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, Reactive Orange 16, which is a reactive dye, was investigated by using magnetic poly (DVBVIM) to determine the effect of pH on adsorption. For this reason, the effect of pH on adsorption has been investigated in detail in pH: 2 and pH: 12. Magnetic poly (DVB-VIM) microbeads were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) studies and swelling studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study exhibits relationships between length-weight and length-length for 21 fish species caught in Izmir Bay. Coefficients a and b for the length-weight relationships (LWRs) and length-length relationships (LLRs) were calculated with W=aLb formulae and as equations of TL=a+bFL and TL=a+bSL respectively. Equations of length-length for converting standard length and fork length into total length and vice versa were proven linear. The involved relationships were significantly interrelated (R2>0.942). Values b in the LWRs varied from 2.21 to 3.96 (mean ± SE: 3.15 ± 0.08). The student’s t-test showed that 87.9% of values b were significantly different from 3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article indicates a thus far unexplored area of applied research and development to the application and system engineers and researchers from broad engineering backgrounds. Results of a study are presented for measurement of calibrated Radar Cross Section (RCS) of a 9‐mm bullet (projectile) model by using a commercial‐of‐the‐shelf (COTS) millimeter wave Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) radar system operating in 77 to 81 GHz frequency range. The calibrated RCS variation against the aspect angle is measured experimentally, analyzed, and compared with the simulation results which shows fair matching between the two. The opportunities and challenges attached with the use of such COTS systems for development of Hostile Fire Indication (HFI) systems are discussed. This bullet type and this mmwave frequency has not been thus far studied and reported in literature. This may motivate interested individuals/entities to try to measure (at acceptable accuracy before anechoic chamber measurements) RCS of similar low‐size objects by using such low‐cost COTS platforms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antimicrobial stewardship is of major importance in patients with febrile neutropenia (FN). In this study, we aimed to investigate the trends in resistance and the relationship with mortality rates in patients with FN. The single-center surveillance data of inpatients with FN and diagnosed as microbiologically confirmed bloodstream infections (BSIs) between 2006 and 2016 were reviewed retrospectively. A total of 950 episodes in 552 patients with BSIs were analyzed. Of whom, 55.9% were male, the median age was 43 years, and 35.6% had acute myeloid leukemia. In total, 1016 microorganisms were isolated from blood cultures. Gram-negatives accounted for 42.4% (n = 403) of the episodes. Among Gram-negatives, Enterobacteriaceae accounted for 346 (86%) (E. coli, n = 197; 34% extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBL) producers, and Klebsiella spp., n = 120; 48.3% ESBL producers). Also, 24 (20.0%) of Klebsiella spp. had carbapenemase activity. There were 6 (5.0%) colistin-resistant Klebsiella spp. Thirteen (26.5%) of Pseudomonas spp. and 17 (60.7%) of Acinetobacter spp. had carbapenemase activity. There were 2 (5.6%) colistin-resistant Acinetobacter spp. The 30-day mortality rates were 12.0%, 21.5%, 34.6%, and 29.0% in BSIs due to Gram-positive, Gram-negative bacterial, fungal, and polymicrobial etiology respectively (p = 0.001). BSIs with ESBL-producing (p = 0.001) isolates, carbapenem (p < 0.001), and colistin-resistant isolates (p < 0.001) were associated with increased mortality risk. The tremendous rise in resistance rates among Gram-negatives is dreadfully related to increasing mortality and leads to sharp shifts toward extreme restrictions of unnecessary antibiotic uses. Antimicrobial stewardship in patients with FN requires vigilance and tailoring of treatment upon local surveillance data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A challenge in glass engineering is the design of molecular glasses combining a high glass kinetic stability (GS) of the amorphous phase with a low (sub-ambient) glass transition temperature (Tg). Triazine derivatives with arylamino substituents readily form glassy phases that can show outstanding resistance to crystallization. In the present study, a series of 12 analogous compounds incorporating phenylamino and cyclohexylamino groups was synthesized, and their thermal properties and intermolecular interactions were studied. All compounds possess an excellent glass-forming ability, a low Tg ranging from 32 °C to as low as −19 °C, and a high GS. While the cyclohexyl derivatives show higher Tg, the phenyl derivatives possess a higher GS with some compounds remaining completely amorphous for over three years despite their sub-ambient Tg. X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy and DFT calculations reveal that the higher volume occupancy and rotational energy barrier of cyclohexyl groups are the main factors responsible for the compounds' higher Tg values but that they also contribute to their higher propensity to crystallize. In counterpart, the planarity of phenyl groups leads to poorer packing and enhances their GS while keeping their Tg well below ambient. The formation of hydrogen bonds or competing interactions provides an additional handle to tune the Tg of the compounds. Taken together, these studies provide guidelines for the design of molecular glasses with readily tunable thermal properties in view of their functionalization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Consumer ethnocentrism (CE) has been a popular research topic in international marketing. However, limited CE research is available from the emerging markets. Heightened concerns about globalization and increased political support for restricting international trade around the world increases the importance of updated empirical findings on consumer ethnocentric behavior. Hence, the purpose of this empirical study is to examine consumer ethnocentrism and consumer willingness to buy foreign products in two emerging markets: Turkey and Colombia. Data was collected using online surveys from subjects in Turkey and Colombia. Results show that CE inversely influenced consumers' willingness to buy foreign products in both countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In stochastic control applications, typically only an ideal model (controlled transition kernel) is assumed and the control design is based on the given model, raising the problem of performance loss due to the mismatch between the assumed model and the actual model. Toward this end, we study continuity properties of discrete-time stochastic control problems with respect to system models (i.e., controlled transition kernels) and robustness of optimal control policies designed for incorrect models applied to the true system. We study both fully observed and partially observed setups under an infinite horizon discounted expected cost criterion. We show that continuity can be established under total variation convergence of the transition kernels under mild assumptions and with further restrictions on the dynamics and observation model under weak and setwise convergence of the transition kernels. Using these continuity properties, we establish convergence results and error bounds due to mismatch that occurs by the application of a control policy which is designed for an incorrectly estimated system model to a true model, thus establishing positive and negative results on robustness. Compared to the existing literature, we obtain strictly refined robustness results that are applicable even when the incorrect models can be investigated under weak convergence and setwise convergence criteria (with respect to a true model), in addition to the total variation criteria. These entail positive implications on empirical learning in (data-driven) stochastic control since often system models are learned through empirical training data where typically a weak convergence criterion applies but stronger convergence criteria do not. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to investigate the relationship between RDW and serum CRP levels in maintenance hemodialysis patients. We enrolled 112 eligible maintenance hemodialysis patients in this retrospective study. Two groups were i dentified according to red cell distribution width (RDW) values: patients with normal RDW (RDW < 14.5%) and patients with elevated RDW (RDW ≥ 14.5%). Spearman correlation analysis and linear regression analysis were used to investigate the relationship between the study parameters. The only statistically significant difference between two groups was serum CRP levels (p= 0.007). Se rum albumin levels had significant but weak inverse correlation with serum CRP levels (r= -0.257, p= 0.006). RDW values had significant but weak positive correlation with serum CRP levels (r= 0.289, p= 0.002). We did not found a significant correlation between hemoglobin levels and serum CRP levels and serum ferritin levels and serum CRP levels (p= 0.090 and p= 0.664, respectively). We made multivariate linear regression analysis and RDW was detected as the only independently associated factor for serum CRP levels (p= 0.028). We found that there is a statistically significant positive correlation between CRP and RDW in maintenance hemodialysis patients. We also showed a significant relationship between RDW and serum CRP levels. We concluded that RDW can be used as an inflammatory marker for hemodialysis patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A highly sensitive microwave sensor for solid material characterization is proposed. A novel design consisting of split ring resonators (SRRs) within a three‐port power divider is developed. The three‐port junction is employed as the host to provide two output channels, and SRRs are loaded through electric coupling to the power divider as the sensing area. The SRRs are located symmetrically so that any change in the electric field of the SRRs is transferred equally to the transmission coefficients of the three‐port junction. The operation of the proposed sensor is based on the downshifting of the transmission zero caused by the loading of samples. The two identical outputs help to control cross‐sensitivity due to external effects. The performance of the fabricated prototype on a 22.2 × 18.8 × 1.6 mm3 printed circuit board is presented. It is shown that a 135 MHz shift per unit relative permittivity change can be achieved. The normalized sensitivity is found to be 3%, which is relatively higher than the sensors reported in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flipped classroom is an emerging course delivery method, where the traditional in-class and out-of-class activities flip places. The lectures are given out-of-class with electronic resources and in-class time is reserved for group activities and discussion with the instructor. In this study, we present our implementation of a flipped classroom in a senior level undergraduate engineering course. An extensive perception analysis was carried out with anonymous surveys and face-to-face interviews with students. Performance analysis of the flipped class was carried out by comparing the achievement level in the course learning outcomes of previous years' traditional classes and recent year's flipped class. The out-of-class lectures were implemented as machine-voice-narrated presentations. The effect of machine voice on the flipped classroom is also examined. Students' perception and reaction to various aspects of the flipped class are documented. Performance analysis showed a significant improvement in one category of course learning outcomes. Student perception was positive overall. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Aim of the study was investigating the effect of serum vitamin D levels on health-related quality of life in hemodialysis patients. Method: One-hundred and twenty-three maintenance hemodialysis patients were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Patients divided into 2 groups according to serum vitamin D levels. A serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH] D) level of < 20 ng/mL was identified as vitamin D deficiency (n = 78), and a serum level of ≥20 ng/mL was identified as normal (n = 45). Kidney Disease Quality of Life 36 (KDQOL-36) survey was used for quality of life measurement. Scores of the all of 5 subscales of KDQOL-36 were calculated. Multiple linear regression analyses were used to define independent risk factors affecting the survey. Results: Mean age of patients was 62 and 56% of patients were male. Mean 25(OH) D levels were 11.86 and 29.57 ng/mL, respectively, in 2 groups. There was statistically significant difference between age and Kt/V levels between 2 groups (p = 0.008 and p = 0.041). Age and gender were found as significant predictors of vitamin D deficiency (p = 0.026 and p = 0.021). In symptom and problem list subscale, gender and comorbidity were detected as independent risk factors (p = 0.050 and p = 0.032). Comorbidity was the only independent risk factor for effect of kidney disease subscale (p < 0.001). Independent risk factors associated with burden of kidney disease subscale were comorbidity and serum 25 (OH) D levels (p = 0.003 and p = 0.023). Serum 25(OH) D, gender, and comorbidity were independently associated with physical component summary (PCS) subscale (p < 0.001, p = 0.008, and p = 0.011). The only independently associated factor with mental component summary (MCS) was serum 25(OH) D (p < 0.001). Conclusion: We first showed the relationship between serum vitamin D levels and KDQOL-36 in hemodialysis patients. Lower serum vitamin D levels were negatively associated with burden of kidney disease, PCS, and MCS subscales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the continuity properties of optimal solutions to stochastic control problems with respect to initial probability measures and applications of these to the robustness of optimal control policies applied to systems with incomplete or incorrect priors. It is shown that for single and multistage optimal cost problems, continuity and robustness cannot be established under weak convergence in general, but that the optimal expected cost is continuous in the priors under the convergence in total variation under mild conditions. By imposing further assumptions on the measurement models, robustness and continuity also hold under weak convergence of priors. We thus obtain robustness results and bounds on the mismatch error that occurs due to the application of a control policy which is designed for an incorrectly estimated prior as the incorrect prior converges to the true one. Positive and negative practical implications of these results in empirical learning for stochastic control are presented, where almost surely weak convergence of independently and identically distributed empirical measures occurs but stronger notions of convergence, such as total variation convergence, in general, do not. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Aim of the study was investigating the effect of serum vitamin D levels on health-related quality of life in hemodialysis patients. Method: One-hundred and twenty-three maintenance hemodialysis patients were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Patients divided into 2 groups according to serum vitamin D levels. A serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH] D) level of < 20 ng/mL was identified as vitamin D deficiency (n = 78), and a serum level of ≥20 ng/mL was identified as normal (n = 45). Kidney Disease Quality of Life 36 (KDQOL-36) survey was used for quality of life measurement. Scores of the all of 5 subscales of KDQOL-36 were calculated. Multiple linear regression analyses were used to define independent risk factors affecting the survey. Results: Mean age of patients was 62 and 56% of patients were male. Mean 25(OH) D levels were 11.86 and 29.57 ng/mL, respectively, in 2 groups. There was statistically significant difference between age and Kt/V levels between 2 groups (p = 0.008 and p = 0.041). Age and gender were found as significant predictors of vitamin D deficiency (p = 0.026 and p = 0.021). In symptom and problem list subscale, gender and comorbidity were detected as independent risk factors (p = 0.050 and p = 0.032). Comorbidity was the only independent risk factor for effect of kidney disease subscale (p < 0.001). Independent risk factors associated with burden of kidney disease subscale were comorbidity and serum 25 (OH) D levels (p = 0.003 and p = 0.023). Serum 25(OH) D, gender, and comorbidity were independently associated with physical component summary (PCS) subscale (p < 0.001, p = 0.008, and p = 0.011). The only independently associated factor with mental component summary (MCS) was serum 25(OH) D (p < 0.001). Conclusion: We first showed the relationship between serum vitamin D levels and KDQOL-36 in hemodialysis patients. Lower serum vitamin D levels were negatively associated with burden of kidney disease, PCS, and MCS subscales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The social responsibility aspect of the luxury product concept has recently started to receive more attention from researchers and practitioners. However, the luxury product perceptions measurement in the literature often does not incorporate the sustainable environment friendly dimensions of the luxury goods consumption. Therefore in this study, we attempt to investigate the role of sustainable environment benefits in consumers' value perceptions of the luxury products. Data for the study was collected from n = 218 female consumers who were shopping in high-end luxury apparel retailers located in exclusive shopping centers in Turkey. Study results show four dimensions (exclusiveness, normative beliefs, self-directed pleasure, and social/prestige) of luxury goods perceptions of female Turkish consumers. Practical and research implications of the study findings are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), is a clonal myeloproliferative disease due to neoplastic transformation of immature hematopoietic stem cells. The introduction of imatinib mesylate, specific BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKİ), opened a new era in treatment of CML. Currently, imatinib is considered as the first line treatment regime for CML however nonresponse or intolerance to imatinib therapy may develop. The aim of our study is to evaluate the prognosis and the efficacy of treatment in CML patients treated with TKİ. Methods: In the study; 16 years old and older 54 patients with CML who had been followed-up at Adult Hematology Department in the university hospital between November 1995 and December 2009, were analyzed retrospectively. The disease phases of patients when the TKİ was started were defined according to criteria proposed by World Health Organization (WHO). Risk profiles of patients at the time of diagnosis were determined by Sokal risk scoring system. Response rates (hematologic and cytogenetic), relapse rate (hematologic, cytogenetic or molecular relapse), relapse free survival and overall survival were evaluated. The survival curves were evaluated by Kaplan Meier method. Results: In our study, complete hematologic response(CHR) and complete cytogenetic response (CCR) rates were 94.4% and 75.9%, respectively. Relapse rate was 31.5%. Imatinib therapy was discontinued 40% of patients. Causes for imatinib discontinuation were primary imatinib resistance (40%), secondary imatinib resistance (46.6%) and side effects (13.4%). Estimated rate of relapse free survival was86.7% at 18 months and 56.2% at 5 years. Estimated three-year and five-year overall survival rates were 93.7%. Conclusion: It was concluded that imatinib mesylate is an effective and tolerable treatment choice but further studies that compares TKİ' s or combinations in terms of efficacy and tolerabilitiy are required to decide the most appropriate treatment choice in CML treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Purpose: Most community-acquired urinary tract infections (UTIs) are usually treated empirically. The knowledge of antibiotic resistance patterns of the microorganisms causing UTI is essential for defining the empirical treatment. Objective: The aim of the present study is to determine the distribution of bacterial strains isolated from lower UTIs and their resistance patterns against commonly used antimicrobial agents and treatment results in female patients. Subjects and Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of medical case records of 90 female patients with lower UTI for a period of 4 years from January 2013 to December 2016 in a tertiary care hospital in the Trakya region of Turkey. Results: The most common causative agent was Escherichia coli (66.6% of cases) followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (16.6%). Fosfomycin was the most active agent against E. coli (resistant isolates: 5.5%), followed by nitrofurantoin (resistant isolates: 7.4%). Extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) production was observed in 29 (32.2%) isolates (22 in E. coli, 6 in K. pneumoniae, and 1 in Enterobacter spp.). The antimicrobial resistance rates among ESBL-producing E. coli isolates for trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, ciprofloxacin, fosfomycin, and nitrofurantoin were 77.7%, 72.7%, 13.6%, and 18.2%, respectively (P < 0.05). The estimated microbiological eradication rates for nitrofurantoin and fosfomycin were 89.7% and 83.8%, respectively. Conclusions: The results of the present study indicate that nitrofurantoin and fosfomycin may be considered for empirical therapy of lower UTIs in Trakya region of Turkey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shrinkage and porosity are the common defects of the cast products. These defects affect mechanical properties of cast product negatively and decrease the useful life of the product. Solving these defects is quite important for companies manufacturing parts from Aluminum and its alloys. In order to eliminate these defects, various degassing techniques and manufacturing process optimization practices are generally performed in practice. In this study, the details of Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP) applications were presented as an alternative follower process to current practice. In the scope of the study, HIP was applied at various steps of the specimens made of A356 alloy and by open atmosphere casting method. The results of effect of HIP on mechanical and metallurgical properties of specimens were presented in the study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose Although the existing internal marketing (IM) scales include various scale items to measure employee motivation, they fall short of incorporating the needs and expectations of service sector employees. Hence, the purpose of this study is to present a practical instrument designed to measure the IM construct in the higher education sector.Design/methodology/approach Both quantitative and qualitative research methods were used in this empirical study. A qualitative method was used to develop the scale items to measure the IM construct and a quantitative method was used to test the scale developed in the higher education sector. The study sample included n = 240 academic staff from a large university. Both exploratory (EFA) and the confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) were used to confirm the dimensionality of the IM scale developed.Findings The study results showed that all items in the measurement scale were loaded on a single dimension that represents the IM construct in the higher education sector. The psychometric properties of the developed scale (IM-11) met and exceeded the expected criteria cited in the literature.Research limitations/implications The IM-11 scale presented in this study offers a practical tool for higher education administrators in their efforts to measure the needs and expectations of their employees. Moreover, this knowledge should provide a framework for the administration to develop strategies for employee motivation, job satisfaction and performance and assume additional responsibilities in their efforts to serving their external customers better. Sample size, cultural factors and the complex nature of university academic staff limit one’s ability to generalize these results to broader populations.Originality/value In line with the information provided in the literature on IM, this study developed a simple and practical instrument to measure the IM construct for an academic unit within a university. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is an important clinical entity that is known to increase mortality in patients with sepsis. Erythrocyte maturation and proliferation are inhibited by pro-inflammatory cytokines; these cytokines exert effects on red cell distribution width (RDW) well. Based on this knowledge; our aim in this study was to evaluate the impact of RDW on acute kidney injury in patients with sepsis. Methods: 120 patients diagnosed with sepsis and admitted to intesive care unit (ICU) and treated between 2009-2013 were retrospectively evaluated. Patients were divided into two groups as follows: group 1 (RDW≥16.8) and group 2 (RDW<16.8). Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to determine the association between RDW and AKI and mortality. Results: There was a statistically significant relationship between AKI and RDW (p<0.001, OR=11.52) but there were no statistically significant relationship between AKI and sex, age, serum lactate levels as well as SOFA score. Also, there were statistically significant relationship between mortality and RDW (p=0.044, OR=5), serum lactate levels (p=0.030) and SOFA score (p<0.001). RDW was found associated with both AKI and mortality. Conclusions: Results suggest that RDW is an important parameter for predicting development of AKI and mortality in ICU patients with sepsis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetic vinylphenyl boronic acid microparticles, poly(ethylene glycol dimethacrylate-vinylphenyl boronic acid) [mpoly( EGDMA-VPBA)], produced by suspension polymerization, was found to be efficient solid acid catalyst for the esterification of methanol and propionic acid. Characterization techniques such as FT-IR, Elemental analyses, ICP-AES, ESR, SEM and N2 sorption showed that both of Fe3O4 and H2SO4 are bonded to the polymer successfully. Esterification was studied for different molar percentages of H2SO4 at temperature range of 50-70 °C. The apparent activation energy was found to be 28.4 kj.mol-1 for 10% H2SO4 doped m-poly(EGDMA-VPBA). Combining of strong acid H2SO4 with m-poly(EGDMA-VPBA), leads to materials with different functional properties. In addition, H2SO4 species could be introduced into the structure as acid centers, therefore this micro-dimensional catalyst has potential candidate for applications in the catalytic esterifications such as propionic acid with methanol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of perforated interlayers on the stress wave transmission of multilayered materials was investigated both experimentally and numerically using the Split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) testing. The multilayer combinations consisted of a ceramic face plate and a glass/epoxy backing plate with a laterally constrained low modulus solid or perforated rubber and Teflon interlayer. The perforations on rubber interlayer delayed the stress rise time and reduced the magnitude of the transmitted stress wave at low strains, while the perforations allowed the passage of relatively high transmitted stresses at large strains similar to the solid rubber interlayer. It was concluded that the effect of perforations were somewhat less pronounced in Teflon interlayer configuration, arising from its relatively low Poisson’s ratio. It was finally shown that SHPB testing accompanied with the numerical simulations can be used to analyze the effect of compliant interlayer insertion in the multilayered structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Coronary artery calcification (CAC) is associated with coronary atherosclerosis. There is a significant relation between coronary artery wall calcification and coronary artery disease (CAD). The measure of coronary artery calcification is an indicator of subclinical atherosclerosis. In some studies, it has been shown that coronary artery calcification is independent from conventional cardiovascular risks, which suggests data about prognosis. Matrix Gla protein (MGP) is an important protective modulator against calcification since it is an inhibitor of tissue calcification. In this respect, we aimed to establish the relationship between the distributions of nucleotide alterations found in promoter and coding regions of the MGP gene in patients with CAD and patients with normal coronary. Methods: DNA samples (n=115) were obtained from 58 patients with CAD and 57 healthy controls. The DNA samples obtained were analyzed by a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) method using three sets of primer pairs, which cover the coding (Thr83Ala in exon 4) and promoter regions (T-138C and G-7A) of the MGP gene. Amplified regions were analyzed by a Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) method for possible polymorphisms. Results: The chi-square analysis of the results revealed that there is no relationship between the observed polymorphisms and CAD. Conclusions: In this study, we investigated the relationship between MGP gene polymorphism and CAD. However, according to our findings, there was no statistically significant difference between the CAD and the control group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper is to present an empirically derived framework for Logistics Management and discuss how it integrates organization's short-term objectives with the need to respond to the complex external environment. Organizational theory, strategic planning and logistics management literature were reviewed carefully in identifying the conceptual support for the derived framework of logistics management and organizational competitiveness. The proposed generalized framework demonstrates that Logistics Management Strategy has the strongest positive effect on Organizational Competitiveness when it is mediated by Logistics Coordination Effectiveness and Customer Service Commitment. Overall Logistics Strategy is a necessary, but not sufficient, condition for increased organizational competitiveness. If the Overall Logistics Strategy is accompanied by (a) effective logistics coordination and (b) customer service commitment then organization competitiveness is likely to be greater. This conceptual study contributes to the field by presenting a generalized framework to improve researcher and practitioner understanding of the role Logistics Management in Organizational Competitiveness. This study integrates previous research and thought domains to develop a generalized framework that guides our understanding of the role of Logistics Management and its consequences on Organizational Competitiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adaptive selling and customer orientation have been considered imperative for successful salespeople. Although these topics have been frequently studied in the literature, most studies have been conducted in a developed country environment and such studies are limited in other cultural contexts. Moreover, cross-country/cultural comparison of the role of adaptive selling and customer orientation is even scarcer. Therefore, the objective of the current study is to examine the role of adaptive selling and customer orientation on salesperson performance in two distinct markets of Europe and Asia—namely Finland and Macau. Using personal interviews, data were collected from salespeople operating in both countries. The study results indicate that customer orientation had significant effect on sales performance, customer satisfaction, and adaptive selling behavior of salespersons. Furthermore, salesperson adaptive selling behavior had significant effect on sales performance and customer orientation but not on customer satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of heat treatment on the dynamic crushing and energy absorption behavior of combined geometry shell cores (hemisphere and cylinder) of sandwich structures were investigated both experimentally and numerically. The applied heat treatment on the combined geometry shell cores relieved the stress caused by deep drawing, diminishing the peak transmitted forces. The verified numerical models of the as-received and heat-treated combined geometry shells were used to model blast loading of various sandwich configurations and the additional sandwich configurations of reversing the cylindrical side of the cores to the impacted side. Both the applied heat-treatment and the reversing process decreased the magnitude of the force transmitted to the protected structure. The applied heat treatment increased the arrival time of blast force wave to the protected structure, while the reversing resulted in opposite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study continuity and robustness properties of infinite-horizon average expected cost problems with respect to (controlled) transition kernels, and applications of these results to the problem of robustness of control policies designed for approximate models applied to actual systems. We show that sufficient conditions presented in the literature for discounted-cost problems are in general not sufficient to ensure robustness for average-cost problems. However, we show that the average optimal cost is continuous in the convergences of controlled transition kernel models where convergence of models entails (i) continuous weak convergence in state and actions, and (ii) continuous setwise convergence in the actions for every fixed state variable, in addition to either uniform ergodicity or some regularity conditions. We establish that the mismatch error due to the application of a control policy designed for an incorrectly estimated model to the true model decreases to zero as the incorrect model approaches the true model under the stated convergence criteria. Our findings significantly relax related studies in the literature which have primarily considered the more restrictive total variation convergence criteria. Applications to robustness to models estimated through empirical data (where almost sure weak convergence criterion typically holds, but stronger criteria do not) are studied and conditions for asymptotic robustness to data-driven learning are established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dynamic crushing and energy absorption characteristics of sandwich structures with combined geometry shell cores were investigated experimentally and numerically. The effect of strain rate on the crushing behavior was presented by the crushing tests at quasi-static, intermediate and high strain rate regimes. It was shown that absorbed energy increased with increasing impact velocity. The effect of confinement on crushing behavior was shown by conducting confined experiments at quasi-static and dynamic rates. Higher buckling loads at lower deformation were observed in confined quasi-static crushing due to additional lateral support and friction provided by confinement wall. By using fictitious numerical models with strain rate insensitive material models, the effect of inertia and strain rate on crushing were shown. It was observed that, increase in impact velocity caused increase in inertial effects and strain rate effects were nearly independent from the impact velocity. The effects of multilayering were also investigated numerically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetic vinylphenyl boronic acid microparticles, poly(ethylene glycol dimethacrylate(EG)–vinylphenyl boronic acid(VPBA)) [ m -poly(EG–VPBA)], produced by suspension polymerization and characterized, was found to be an efficient solid polymer for Cr(VI) adsorption. The m -poly(EG–VPBA) microparticles were prepared by copolymerizing of ethylene glycol dimethylacrylate (EG) with 4-vinyl phenyl boronic acid (VPBA). The m -poly(EG–VPBA) microparticles were characterized by N 2 adsorption/desorption isotherms, electron spin resonance (ESR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), elemental analysis, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and swelling studies. The m -poly(EG–VPBA) microparticles were used at adsorbent/Cr(VI) ion ratios. The influence of pH, Cr(VI) initial concentration, temperature of the removal process was investigated. The maximum removal of Cr(VI) was observed at pH 2. Langmuir isotherm and Dubinin–Radushkvich isotherm were found to better fit the experiment data rather than Fruendlich isotherm. The kinetics of the adsorption process of Cr(VI) on the m -poly(EG–VPBA) microparticles were investigated using the pseudo first-order, pseudo-second-order, Ritch-second-order and intraparticle diffusion models, results showed that the pseudo-second order equation model provided the best correlation with the experimental results. The thermodynamic parameters (free energy change, Δ G 0 enthalpy change, Δ H 0 ; and entropy change, Δ S 0 ) for the adsorption have been evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]