Self-Efficacy Beliefs Of Prospective Primary Mathematics Teachers About Mathematical Literacy

The aim of this study was to examine the self-efficacy beliefs about mathematical literacy among teachers of primary school mathematics and the relationship between the self-efficacy beliefs and attitudes towards mathematics. To that end, a descriptive research study was conducted with 550 prospective teachers studying primary school mathematics and teaching at three Turkish universities in three different cities. We obtained data through use of the Mathematical Literacy Self-efficacy Scale and a Scale Measuring Attitude towards Mathematics. The self-efficacy beliefs of prospective teachers about mathematical literacy were compared according to their gender, the grade level(s) they were being trained to teach, and the university they attended. Additionally, the relationship between the self-efficacy beliefs of the prospective teachers about mathematical literacy and their attitudes towards mathematics were examined. We also examined whether attitude is a predictor of self-efficacy beliefs. Based on the research findings, we determined that the self-efficacy beliefs of prospective teachers about mathematical literacy were high and these beliefs did not change according to gender, the grade level(s) they were being trained to teach, or the university they attended. Further, the results of the study revealed a significantly low relationship between the self-efficacy beliefs and attitudes of prospective teachers towards mathematics. The findings of this study indicate that prospective teachers’ attitudes towards mathematics are an important predictor of self-efficacy beliefs about mathematical literacy

Performance of Anatolian Merino and Akkaraman Lambs Fed Triticale, Hungarian Vetch or a Mixture of the Two Forages

Forages from Hungarian vetch and triticale monocultures or mixtures that can be produced with relatively low cost are important feed sources for ruminants in spring particularly in the arid and semiarid regions. The feed intake and the response of different sheep breeds (Fraser et al. 2009) to forage resources that vary in feeding value may differ. Therefore it is critical to match forage to animal and crop production needs for more efficient production in integrated crop livestock farming system

Does Inflation Cause Gold Market Price Changes? Evidence on the G7 Countries from the Tests of Nonparametric Quantile Causality in Mean and Variance

This paper utilises the newly proposed nonparametric causality-in-quantiles test to examine the predictability of mean and variance of changes in gold prices based on inflation for G7 countries. The causality-in-quantiles approach permits us to test for not only causality in mean but also causality in variance. We start our investigation by utilising tests for nonlinearity. These tests identify nonlinearity, showing that the linear Granger causality tests are subject to misspecification error. Unlike tests of misspecified linear models, our nonparametric causality-in-quantiles tests find causality in mean and variance from inflation to gold market price changes between the 0.20 quantile and the 0.70 quantile, implying that very low- and high- price changes in gold markets are not related to inflation. These changes should be related to other sources, such as financial shocks and exchange market shocks. We find support that gold serves as a hedge against inflation, but only in the mid-quantile ranges, i.e., quantiles from 0.20 to 0.70. Our results show that gold does not serve as a hedge against inflation during periods when gold market price changes are very low or very high, which are respectively quiet and highly volatile periods

Does Inflation Cause Gold Market Price Changes? Evidence on the G7 Countries from the Tests of Nonparametric Quantile Causality in Mean and Variance

This paper utilises the newly proposed nonparametric causality-in-quantiles test to examine the predictability of mean and variance of changes in gold prices based on inflation for G7 countries. The causality-in-quantiles approach permits us to test for not only causality in mean but also causality in variance. We start our investigation by utilising tests for nonlinearity. These tests identify nonlinearity, showing that the linear Granger causality tests are subject to misspecification error. Unlike tests of misspecified linear models, our nonparametric causality-in-quantiles tests find causality in mean and variance from inflation to gold market price changes between the 0.20 quantile and the 0.70 quantile, implying that very low- and high- price changes in gold markets are not related to inflation. These changes should be related to other sources, such as financial shocks and exchange market shocks. We find support that gold serves as a hedge against inflation, but only in the mid-quantile ranges, i.e., quantiles from 0.20 to 0.70. Our results show that gold does not serve as a hedge against inflation during periods when gold market price changes are very low or very high, which are respectively quiet and highly volatile periods

Increased P-wave dispersion in patients with newly diagnosed lichen planus

OBJECTIVE: Lichen planus is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune mucocutaneous disease. Recent research has emphasized the strong association between inflammation and both P-wave dispersion and dyslipidemia. The difference between the maximum and minimum P-wave durations on an electrocardiogram is defined as P-wave dispersion. The prolongation of P-wave dispersion has been demonstrated to be an independent risk factor for developing atrial fibrillation. The aim of this study was to investigate P-wave dispersion in patients with lichen planus. METHODS: Fifty-eight patients with lichen planus and 37 age- and gender-matched healthy controls were included in this study. We obtained electrocardiographic recordings from all participants and used them to calculate the P-wave variables. We also assessed the levels of highly sensitive C-reactive protein, which is an inflammatory marker, and the lipid levels for each group. The results were reported as the means ± standard deviations and percentages. RESULTS: The P-wave dispersion was significantly higher in lichen planus patients than in the control group. Additionally, highly sensitive C-reactive protein, LDL cholesterol, and triglyceride levels were significantly higher in lichen planus patients compared to the controls. There was a significant positive correlation between highly sensitive C-reactive protein and P-wave dispersion (r = 0.549,

Controversy and Consensus on Indications for Sperm DNA Fragmentation Testing in Male Infertility: A Global Survey, Current Guidelines, and Expert Recommendations

Purpose: Sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) testing was recently added to the sixth edition of the World Health Organization laboratory manual for the examination and processing of human semen. Many conditions and risk factors have been associated with elevated SDF; therefore, it is important to identify the population of infertile men who might benefit from this test. The purpose of this study was to investigate global practices related to indications for SDF testing, compare the relevant professional society guideline recommendations, and provide expert recommendations. Materials and Methods: Clinicians managing male infertility were invited to take part in a global online survey on SDF clinical practices. This was conducted following the CHERRIES checklist criteria. The responses were compared to professional society guideline recommendations related to SDF and the appropriate available evidence. Expert recommendations on indications for SDF testing were then formulated, and the Delphi method was used to reach consensus. Results: The survey was completed by 436 experts from 55 countries. Almost 75% of respondents test for SDF in all or some men with unexplained or idiopathic infertility, 39% order it routinely in the work-up of recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), and 62.2% investigate SDF in smokers. While 47% of reproductive urologists test SDF to support the decision for varicocele repair surgery when conventional semen parameters are normal, significantly fewer general urologists (23%; p=0.008) do the same. Nearly 70% would assess SDF before assisted reproductive technologies (ART), either always or for certain conditions. Recurrent ART failure is a common indication for SDF testing. Very few society recommendations were found regarding SDF testing. Conclusions: This article presents the largest global survey on the indications for SDF testing in infertile men, and demonstrates diverse practices. Furthermore, it highlights the paucity of professional society guideline recommendations. Expert recommendations are proposed to help guide clinicians

Learning with Stories

Öykülerle öğrenme programı ilkokul çağındaki çocukların psikiyatrik sorunlarına farklı bir yöntem uygulanarak yaklaşılmasını sağlamaktadır. Zekâ geriliği, otizm, dikkat eksikliği hiperaktvite bozukluğu, öğrenme güçlüğü, kaygı bozuklukları, obsesif-kompulsif bozukluk, davranış sorunları, dışa atım bozuklukları, kimlik sorunları gibi psikiyatrik bozukların tedavisinde alternatif bir yöntem olarak tasarlanmıştır

Estimation of In-situ concrete strength using drilling resistance

Rapid and reliable condition assessment of reinforced concrete structures in high seismicity regions is a priority task in estimating their seismic safety. Non-destructive testing (NDT) methods may contribute to the condition assessment practice by providing fast and reliable strength estimation while causing minimal or no damage to the structure. Drilling resistance is an NDT method that has been used for mechanical characterization of natural stone and wood by measuring the force response for constant penetration rate and rotational speed. This paper focuses on the relationship between drilling resistance and compressive strength of concrete, including when it is combined with other NDT methods. Concrete cube samples produced using 6 different concrete mixtures were tested. Correlation equations were then obtained using statistical analysis. The results reveal that it may be possible to reliably estimate the compressive strength of concrete using drilling resistance method