Twenty Years of the EU-Turkey Customs Union: A Synthetic Control Method Analysis

The paper studying the 1995 EU–Turkey Customs Union (CU) delivers a quantitative assessment of trade and GDP per capita effects of the CU on the Turkish economy. Our Synthetic Control Method based analysis reveals, contrary to the results of most studies in the literature, that the CU's effects have been substantial by any standards. In particular, the paper shows that in the absence of the EU–Turkey CU, Turkish exports to the EU and GDP per capita would have been 38 per cent and 13 per cent less, respectively. © 2016 University Association for Contemporary European Studies and John Wiley & Sons Lt

Lightweight Geopolymer Made of Pumice with Various Aluminum Powder Ratios

In this work, a lightweight geopolymer was prepared using various mass proportions of extra fine aluminum powder and pumice stone that is durable to heat and sound-proof. The effect of NaOH concentration, aluminum mass ratio, the curing temperature and the curing time of the mixture on the compressive strength of the lightweight geopolymers were examined. The concentration of NaOH was found to be 2 M while the mass proportion of Na₂SiO₃/NaOH was found to be 17.5 on the lightweight geopolymers that have the highest compressive strength and the best workability in experiments. The lightweight geopolymer attained the best compressive strength with 1.6 MPa on the 28th day of curing process at 40°C. The mass proportion of aluminum used in the lightweight geopolymer was 2.5% as the density of the lightweight geopolymer obtained was 0.9 g/cm³. Their properties were examined using the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy

Matlab’s GA and Optimization Toolbox: A Fourbar Mechanism Application

Abstract: This study presents an optimization approach for synthesis of planar mechanisms. A four bar mechanism is chosen for an application example. This mechanism is studied with the constraints assigned. Genetic Algorithm (GA) is applied during optimization study. GA in Optimization Toolbox is then compared with nonlinear constrained numerical optimization command; fmincon in Matlab©. Different case studies are performed by considering different target points. These mechanisms are drawn using Excel © spread sheet to see their animations. An optimization example is presented here. Performances of both algorithms are then compared in terms of coupler curves precision points. Their use in designing a four bar mechanism is explored for its further use

Obtaining phenolic acids from cell cultures of various Artemisia species

Plant cell cultures represent a high valuable source for the production of bioactive secondary metabolites which can be used in food industry, medicine and cosmetic industry. In our study, we focused on obtaining phenolic acids from plant cell cultures. We compared cell cultures obtained from nine plant species of two families with a high potential for the production of phenolic substances. The most productive cell cultures for phenolic acids were Artemisia frigida and Silybum marianum. Isochlorogenic acid and chlorogenic acid were the most abundant phenolic acids identified in the analyzed cell cultures. Cell culture of Nicotiana tabacum contained only one hydroxycinnamic acid derivative in low amounts. Altogether S. marianum cell culture was verified as the most suitable for production of phenolic acids.Keywords: Plant cell cultures, secondary metabolite, phenolic acids, chlorogenic aci

Two new benzamides: Synthesis, spectroscopic characterization, X-ray diffraction, and electronic structure analyses

This work includes the syntheses, molecular and electronic structure analyses of two novel secondary amide compounds 3-acetoxy-2-methyl-N-(2-methoxyphenyl)benzamide, 1 and 3-acetoxy-2-methyl-N-(3-methylphenyl)benzamide, 2. The title compounds were characterized by X-ray single crystal diffraction, FT-IR, 1H NMR and 13C NMR techniques and quantum chemical calculations were used for the investigations on electronic structure. X-ray diffraction analyses show that both compounds 1 and 2 crystallized in the triclinic system with space group P-1. While the characteristic amide bands were observed in IR and NMR spectra, crystallographic studies indicate that the supramolecular structures were stabilized by intramolecular and intermolecular hydrogen bonds and C–H … π interactions for both compounds. Beside the experimental studies, natural bond orbital and molecular electrostatic potential analyses were carried out to understand the intramolecular charge transfers and hydrogen bonding behaviors of compounds. © 2019 Elsevier B.V

Effects of different growth media to the nutrient content of primula (primula obconica) plant

Imported moss peat (IMP) and native peat (NAP) that is taken from Akgöl/Turkey were used in the growth medium of primula (Primula obconica) plants. Five different growth media were prepared using IMP and NAP, and some of their basic chemical and physical properties were determined. Then, the effects of media characteristics on nutrient contents of primula plant were evaluated. All growth media was found inadequate in concentration for water soluble nutrients NO3-N, P, K, Fe and Zn but other nutrients were acceptable levels. Bulk density (BD) of growing media was found between 0.071-0.139 g cm-3. When the ratio of NAP was increased in mixtures, BD also increased. Moreover, the growth media was prepared with IMP and NAP had enough aeration capacity (AC), low available water content (AWC), and very low water buffering capacity (WBC). Cation exchange capacity (CEC) values were determined as 83.32-105.70 me 100 g-1. pH and EC of the media varied between 4.56-5.88 and 0.39-1.00 dS m-1, respectively. On the other hand, when the NAP ratio was more than 75% in the mixtures, pH level was a little out of the desired limits. Organic C level was the highest in 100% IMP media. The quality parameters and the classical growth characteristics of primula plants were not significantly different across growing media. K, Mg, S and Na contents of the plants were generally at normal levels. However, significant differences were found in total Fe, Mn and Cu contents of plants. Fe amount was enough but Mn and Cu were lower than the acceptable levels in all media. All in all, primula plants were grown successfully in all media and reached saleable quality levels despite of the differences in some nutrient contents. It was suggested that NAP can be used as an alternative to IMP for horticultural purposes, such as a production of ornamentals in a greenhouse

Effects of boric acid on bone formation after maxillary sinus floor augmentation in rabbits.

PurposeAugmentation of the maxillary sinus floor with bone grafting is commonly used for successful treatment of edentulous posterior maxilla with dental implants, and it is essential to maintain good bone volume and quality for long-term success of dental implants. The aim of this experimental study was to investigate the local and systemic effects of boric acid on new bone formation after maxillary sinus floor augmentation (MSFA).Materials and methodsTwenty-four male, New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into three groups with eight rabbits each, and bilateral MSFA was performed in each animal. An autogenous bone/xenograft mixture was used to augment the maxillary sinuses in each group. Group 1 was determined as control with no additional materials, whereas 3mg/kg boric acid (BA) was added to the mixture in group 2, and 3mg/kg boric acid solution added to drinking water daily in group 3.ResultsThe animals were sacrificed and also histologic, histomorphometric, and immunnohistochemical analyses were performed at weeks 4 and 8. At week 4, bone regeneration was better in the local BA group than in the control and systemic BA groups (p0.05).ConclusionSignificant higher new bone formation was revealed by BA at early healing especially with local application. BA may be a therapeutic option for improving the bone regeneration

Effects of combination TGF-B1 transfection and platelet rich plasma (PRP) on three-dimension chondrogenic differentiation of rabbit dental pulp-derived mesenchymal stem cells

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of standard culture medium and chondrogenic differentiation medium with PRP on chondrogenic differentiation of rabbit dental pulp-derived mesenchymal stem cells (rabbit DPSCs) that are transfected with transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-B1) gene, based on the hypothesis of TGF- B1 and PRP can be effective on the chondrogenesis of stem cells. Materials and Methods: Rabbit DPSCs were characterized by using flow cytometry, immunofluorescent staining, quantitative Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) and differentiation tests. For the characterization, CD29, CD44 and CD45 mesenchymal cell markers were used. Rabbit DPSCs were transfected with TGF-B1 gene using electroporation technique in group 1; with PRP 10% in group 2; with chondrogenic medium in group 3; with both chondrogenic medium and PRP in group 4. DPSCs were cultured in medium with 10% inactive PRP in group 5, chondrogenic medium in group 6, chondrogenic medium with PRP 10% in group 7. SOX9, MMP13 and Aggrecan gene expression levels were evaluated in 3, 6, 12. and 24. days by qRT-PCR. Results: The expression levels of SOX9, MMP13 and Aggrecan were higher in group 2, 3 and group 7 in 3th day however in 24th day group 7 and group 2 were found higher. The expression levels changed by time-dependent. The extracellular matrix of the cells in experimental groups were positively stained with safranin O and toluidine blue. Conclusion: The combination in culture medium of TGF-B1 gene transfection and 10% PRP accelerates the chondrogenic differentiation of DPSCs