Analytical investigation of marine casualties at the Strait of Istanbul with SWOT-AHP method

The Strait of Istanbul is one of the most dangerous and busiest sea passages, according to its narrowness, sharp turns, currents, heavy traffic and many other important factors. Despite the latest precautions, marine incidents still occur, especially in narrow seaways. This study shows that a management tool that is specifically applied for reducing marine casualties and consequently enhancement of safety and ship management performance can be used to prevent accidents and casualties in maritime transportation. In this study, factors which affect marine casualties examined and determined with SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) analysis method and weighting of the factors determined by using the AHP (analytic hierarchy process) method. With this approach, strategic action plans were developed for minimizing shipping casualties at the Strait of Istanbul, taking into account the weighting factors and previously happened accidents

A New Approach to Blood Parameters in Dogs with Hemorrhagic Enteritis

Background: Some blood parameters have diagnostic and prognostic importance for the infections in human medicine. However, there is insufficient research regarding the importance of blood parameters and their correlations in veterinary medicine. Increased blood cell distribution width (RDW) and platelet activity can link with the important inflammatory markers. The main objective of the present study was the evaluation of the relationship among some important blood parameters namely RDW, platelet count (PLT), platelet distribution width (PDW), mean platelet volume (MPV), plateletcrit (PCT), their potential usage in the diagnosis and determination of the clinical severity in dogs with hemorrhagic enteritis.Materials, Methods & Results: In this study, the case records of 29 dogs with hemorrhagic enteritis were evaluated and the records of 10 healthy dogs were used as controls. The animals of the study group were presented at the Ondokuz Mayis University, Veterinary Internal Medicine Clinic. The complete blood count (CBC), which includes the total WBC, RBC, hematocrit (HCT), hemoglobin concentration (Hgb), MCV, mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), RDW, PLT, MPV, PCT, and PDW, was determined. Significant positive correlations between RDW and RBC, HCT, MCHC, PLT and PDW, and a negative correlation with MCV, were determined. PDW was positively correlated with the lymphocyte count, MCHC and RDW, and negatively correlated with PCT. PLT was negatively correlated with MCV and MPV and positively correlated with RBC and RDW. In addition, MPV was positively correlated with MCV and MCH, and negatively correlated with PLT. Furthermore, there were significant differences between the granulocyte, WBC, HCT, RDW and PDW values (P < 0.001) and monocyte count, Hgb and MCV (P < 0.05), of the study and control groups.Discussion: Acute hemorrhagic enteritis has various causes in dogs such as idiopathic hemorrhagic gastroenteritis and a number of viral, bacterial and parasitic agents. Hematological and biochemical parameters are not specific to enteric diseases, but these paremeters can provide clinically helpful information for differential diagnosis, response to treatment, and prognosis. In this frame, the evaluation of MCV and RDW in combination, and the determination of the mean red cell size and the extent of heterogeneity of the red cell population, can be especially useful to the diagnosis of different red blood cell disorders. In the present study, differences in RDW and MCV values were statistically significant between the study and control groups (P < 0.05). Increased RDW and decreased MCV can be good indicators of hemorragic diseases and in the present study, in addition to these findings, decreased Hgb and Hct confirmed anemia in dogs with hemorrhagic enteritis. The other key findings of this study were statistically significant relationships between RDW, PLT and PDW, which could be important indicators of inflammation in dogs with hemorrhagic enteritis. These parameters should be evaluated carefully in clinical cases of hemorrhagic enteritis. However, due to nature of retrospective studies, there were some limitations (the lack of another control group of dogs suffering from other hemorrhagic diseases) lack of serial measurements of the blood parameters and further studies should be carried out on dogs with hemorrhagic enteritis for a more detailed evaluation and confirmation of the findings of this study

Evaluation of Trace Element Levels and Antioxidant Metabolism in Cattle with Cutaneous Papillomatosis

Background: Cutaneous papillomas are benign proliferative neoplasms. The aetiology and pathogenesis of the disease are very complex. Papillomatosis lesions can be detected anywhere on the body, frequently appearing on the surface of the head, neck, teats, udder, external genital mucosa and upper part of the gastrointestinal tract. The disease is not life threatening but due to loss of productivity, owners often cull animals with papillomatosis. The relationships between trace elements, heavy metals and cancer are still researching. The aim of this study was the evaluation of the relationships between trace elements and antioxidant metabolism, and cutaneous papillomatosis, in cattle.Materials, Methods &amp; Results: Eleven cattle with cutaneous papillomatosis and 10 healthy cattle constituted the study group and control group, respectively. Clinical examinations were performed on all animals. Blood samples were collected and Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Se, Zn, As, B, Ni, Si and Co levels were determined. The analyses were conducted with an inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrophotometer. In addition, catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA) and ceruloplasmin (Cp) concentrations were measured. The Ni, Si and MDA levels of the study group were significantly higher than those of the control group (P &lt; 0.05) but the Se levels of the study group were significantly lower than in the control group (P &lt; 0.05). The normality of the data was determined with the Shapiro-Wilk Test and the Independent Samples t-Test or Mann-Whitney U test was used for statistical comparison of the groups.Discussion: Trace elements are essential components of biological systems. The levels of trace elements, such as Cu, Co, I, Se, Zn and Mn, which are affected by grazing activity, influence ruminants’ reproductive performance and other production parameters. The elements Al, As, Cr, Ni and Sn are also presumed to be essential for ruminant metabolism, although sufficient research data are not available. In the present study, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Zn, As, B and Co levels were not significantly different between the papilloma and control groups. Se is an important trace element for skin health. This study revealed a mean serum Se level in animals with papillomatosis that was significantly lower than in the healthy group. Although the mode of anticancer activity of Se is not clear, some factors, such as antioxidant protection, improved immune system surveillance, carcinogen detoxification, modulation of cell proliferation and inhibition of tumour cell invasion and angiogenesis, are important. Ni is classified as a toxic heavy metal. In addition, it could be carcinogenic to humans. Ni level was two times higher in the papillomatosis group than in the healthy animals, in the present study. This result may indicate that Ni has a role in the genesis of papillomatosis in cattle. Si injection can cause inflammation, granulomas and cancer. There are few reports about Si levels in animals and the significant difference in the Si levels in cattle with cutaneous papillomatosis reported in this study may be a new indicator for the disease. The skin contains antioxidant molecules that include GSH, alpha-tocopherol or vitamin E, ascorbic acid or vitamin C, glutathione peroxidases, glutathione reductase, glutathione S-transferases (GSTs), superoxide dismutases (SODs), CAT and quinine reductase. There is strong interaction between ROS and/or their oxidant products and antioxidant molecules in the skin. In this study, although MDA levels were higher in the study group than in the control group, there was no significant difference between the groups in their CAT levels, and also in the GSH and CP levels. In conclusion, these results may evidence the systemic effects of papillomatosis on trace element levels and on oxidant metabolism in cattle

Magnetotransport study on AllnN/(GaN)/AIN/GaN heterostructures

Cataloged from PDF version of article.We report the effect of a thin GaN (2?nm) interlayer on the magnetotransport properties of AlInN/AlN/GaN-based heterostructures. Two samples were prepared (Sample A: AlInN/AlN/GaN and sample B: AlInN/GaN/AlN/GaN). Van der Pauw and Hall measurements were performed in the 1.9300?K temperature range. While the Hall mobilities were similar at room temperature (RT), sample B had nearly twice as large Hall mobility as sample A at the lowest temperature; 679 and 889?cm2/Vs at RT and 1460 and 3082?cm2/Vs at 1.9?K for samples A and B. At 1.910?K, the longitudinal magnetoresistance was measured up to 9?T, in turn revealing Shubnikovde Haas (SdH) oscillations. The carrier concentration, effective mass and quantum mobility of the two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) were determined from SdH oscillations. At 1.9?K, the 2DEG concentration of sample B was nearly seven times larger than of sample A (1.67 x 10(13)/cm2 vs. 0.24 x 10(13)/cm2). On the contrary, the quantum mobility was changed adversely nearly three times (sample B 2500?cm2/Vs and sample A 970?cm2/Vs). The increase of the 2DEG concentration was attributed to the existence of the GaN interlayer, which has strengthened the spontaneous polarization difference between the AlInN and GaN layers of the heterostructure. Hence, the stronger electric field at the 2DEG region bent the conduction band profile downwards and consequently the quantum mobility decreased due to the increased interface roughness scattering

G1733A (RS6152) polymorphism of the androgen receptor gene in patients with prostate cancer

Aim: The causes of prostate cancer development and molecular mechanism underlying its development and progression are not clearly understood. The aim of this study is to determine the frequency of G1733A (rs6152) polymorphism of the androgen receptor (AR) gene among patients with prostate cancer, and to examine the role of this polymorphism in the development of prostate cancer. Method: DNA samples isolated from 96 individuals (49 patients with prostate cancer and 47 controls) were analyzed with real time-polymerase chain reaction (real time-PCR) in order to determine G1733A (rs6152) polymorphism genotypes and allele frequencies in the AR gene. The results were evaluated statistically. Results: Genotype frequency was determined as 91% GG and 9% AG among the controls, and 67% GG and 33% AG among the patients. G allele frequency was 95% in controls and 83% in patients, whereas A allele frequency was 5% in controls and 17% in patients. There was a statistically significant difference between patient and control groups regarding genotype frequency (p&lt;0.05). Conclusion: Based on the results of our study, we can infer that G1733A (rs6152) polymorphism of the AR gene plays a role in development of prostate cancer in the Turkish population

Holographic detection of nanoparticles using acoustically actuated nanolenses

The optical detection of nanoparticles, including viruses and bacteria, underpins many of the biological, physical and engineering sciences. However, due to their low inherent scattering, detection of these particles remains challenging, requiring complex instrumentation involving extensive sample preparation methods, especially when sensing is performed in liquid media. Here we present an easy-to-use, high-throughput, label-free and cost-effective method for detecting nanoparticles in low volumes of liquids (25 nL) on a disposable chip, using an acoustically actuated lens-free holographic system. By creating an ultrasonic standing wave in the liquid sample, placed on a low-cost glass chip, we cause deformations in a thin liquid layer (850 nm) containing the target nanoparticles (≥140 nm), resulting in the creation of localized lens-like liquid menisci. We also show that the same acoustic waves, used to create the nanolenses, can mitigate against non-specific, adventitious nanoparticle binding, without the need for complex surface chemistries acting as blocking agents

Holographic Microscopy with Acoustic Modulation for Detection of Nano-sized Particles and Pathogens in Solution

We present a method for the detection of nanoparticles in solution using an acoustically actuated holographic microscope. This type of microscopy can be used for high-throughput biosensing applications, e.g., detection of viruses in a liquid

Training needs analysis for the Turkish ship dismantling industry

Nearly 2000 workers are being directly employed by Turkish ship dismantling yards which are located in Aliaga, Izmir. The method of dismantling vessels in all dismantling facilities is essentially the same; with the ship landed ashore under its own power, stripped of equipment and materials, and systematically dismantled. The Ship Dismantling industry is very important and profitable to the Turkish economy and nearly one million light displacement tones (LDT) dismantled by the end of 2012. Ship dismantling industry needs skilled workers and safety related issues are very crucial because of the nature of work. There are several hazards for ship dismantling yard workers in case of lack of education and training. Thus, training is one of the most important risk reducing solutions. In this study, a training needs analysis has been carried out for SD employees by considering questionnaire results. Training needs analysis aims to create a ‘snapshot’ of the Turkish Ship Dismantling employees by capturing the various states of education, competences and capabilities from the lowest grade of worker through to the management level. By analyzing the gathered information the various gaps in awareness, knowledge and procedures found within the Turkish Ship Dismantling industry have been identified and will be utilized in the development and execution of the proposed VET

Assessment of human error contribution to container loss risk under fault tree analysis and interval type-2 fuzzy logic-based SLIM approach

Human is a key element of the safety of life on board ships and a significant contributing factor to most of the accidents and incidents in the maritime industry. At this point, risk analysis plays a critical role in ensuring operational safety and maritime transportation sustainability. This paper aims to systematically evaluate how human errors (HEs) contribute to operational risks. Based on this, Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) is combined under an Interval Type-2 Fuzzy Logic environment with Success Likelihood Index Method (SLIM). Whilst the FTA evaluates the criticality of the operational activities, the Interval Type-2 Fuzzy Sets (IT2FS) deals with vagueness and subjectivity in using experts’ judgments, and the SLIM estimates the probabilities for the human error-related basic events. Since container losses can lead to severe damage and catastrophic events in a container terminal, loading operation was investigated as a case study. Safety culture, experience, and fatigue were observed as highly effective factors in crew performance. The obtained results also indicate that this hybrid approach can effectively be applied to determine the operational vulnerabilities in high-risk industries. The paper intends to improve safety control levels and lower losses in the future of maritime container transport besides emphasizing the potential consequences of failures and crucial human errors in the operational process