Effect of environmental heat stress on Kıvırcık ram sperm parameters

ΔΕΝ ΔΙΑΤΙΘΕΤΑΙ ΠΕΡΙΛΗΨΗThe relationship between environmental conditions and reproduction has been in sight of research. Therefore, there has been a growing interest in effect of climate change, global warming and subsequently environmental heat stress on gametes in last decades. Thus, the present study was designed to investigate the effect of environmental heat stress on Kıvırcık ram sperm parameters. In this study, semen samples (n=72) were collected from six mature rams during a 12-month study period. The temperature and relative humidity of animal box were controlled daily. The mean monthly temperature humidity index (THI) values were calculated to determine heat stress and control periods. According to the mean monthly THI values, the 36 of 72 ejaculates, which were collected between May and October, were classified as heat stress period samples. The others (n=36), which were collected between November and April, were considered as control period samples. The heat stress period sperm samples had lower sperm concentration, motility, viability, membrane integrity and higher abnormal sperm rate compared to control period sperm samples (P< 0.05). Semen volume, sperm DNA integrity and the ability of sperm to undergo acrosome reaction were detected similar between the heat stress and control periods. In conclusion, environmental heat stress was found deleterious for some sperm parameters in Kıvırcık rams.

Emerging Market Local Currency Bond Market, Too Risky to Invest?

Over the last decade emerging market (EM) sovereign debt has become a firmly established strategic asset class. Besides Dollar-denominated debt, local currency emerging market debt has also been developing to become an attractive and complementary investment asset class. EM countries have been successful to reduce currency mismatches and maturity problems by implementing sound fiscal and monetary policies. Analyzing the period from 2002 to July 2009, we show that the local currency debt provides significant additional alpha and diversification to traditional bond portfolios. In particular, first, EM local currency bond returns are less correlated to the US stock market, treasury and high-yield bond markets, and global risk premia compared to the a case of EM equity and Dollar-denominated bond markets. Second, we document that yields and excess returns on local currency debt depend largely on expected depreciation of the exchange rate against Dollar, while excess returns on Dollar-denominated EM debt are for the most part compensation for bearing the global risk. Third, we report that EM sovereign local currency bond returns beat other emerging market and mature market asset classes by providing higher risk adjusted excess returns and diversification. We believe that our results will have important policy implications not only for international investors but also for the EM governments. We suggest that the development of local currency bond markets in EM countries could contribute to global financial stability by reducing currency mismatches and reliance on foreign currency debt, which in turn is linked to growth and poverty reduction

Emerging Market Local Currency Bond Market, Too Risky to Invest?

Over the last decade emerging market (EM) sovereign debt has become a firmly established strategic asset class. Besides Dollar-denominated debt, local currency emerging market debt has also been developing to become an attractive and complementary investment asset class. EM countries have been successful to reduce currency mismatches and maturity problems by implementing sound fiscal and monetary policies. Analyzing the period from 2002 to July 2009, we show that the local currency debt provides significant additional alpha and diversification to traditional bond portfolios. In particular, first, EM local currency bond returns are less correlated to the US stock market, treasury and high-yield bond markets, and global risk premia compared to the a case of EM equity and Dollar-denominated bond markets. Second, we document that yields and excess returns on local currency debt depend largely on expected depreciation of the exchange rate against Dollar, while excess returns on Dollar-denominated EM debt are for the most part compensation for bearing the global risk. Third, we report that EM sovereign local currency bond returns beat other emerging market and mature market asset classes by providing higher risk adjusted excess returns and diversification. We believe that our results will have important policy implications not only for international investors but also for the EM governments. We suggest that the development of local currency bond markets in EM countries could contribute to global financial stability by reducing currency mismatches and reliance on foreign currency debt, which in turn is linked to growth and poverty reduction

INTEGRATED RISK ASSESSMENT IN RAMP HANDLING OPERATIONS: RISK MAPPING FOR TURKISH AIRPORTS

Ramp handling acts a vital role in sustainable airport operations. The ramp related services provided to aircraft and their passengers at the airports are related to the landing, take-off, unloading and loading of the aircraft. Human resource is a key component in ramp handling operation and errors by employees cause significant accidents or incidents. The main purpose of the current study is to prioritize critical risk factors in ramp handling operations by using an integrated risk management approach and optimizing human performance while minimizing both failures and errors by employees. In this study, an integrated qualitative and quantitative risk assessment method is carried out by considering the factors that affect the possibility of ramp handling personnel errors. Initially, 113 risk factors are identified by using the academic literature, documents prepared by international organizations, and then by consulting expert opinions. Subsequently, a prioritization by professionals working on the ramp handling operations, based on the principles of the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method resulted in the final selection of the 41 most important risks. Then, a risk assessment approach is applied by designing a matrix, based on three dimensions; probability, severity (impact) and relation ratio which ultimately resulted in risk index generation and a risk map model is developed. Finally eleven (11) risk factors are identified as they have higher probabilities to occur and possible higher negative consequences. Thanks to the integrated risk assessment applied in this study, it is aimed to ensure that all systems of the organization operate in a safe way and that an efficient safety culture is formed. Allocating a single resource to many risks, instead of facing the risks of the ramp personnel one by one, leads to more efficient use of resources and higher performance of ground handling companies

The effect of theoretical and simulation training on medical errors of nurse students in karadeniz technical university, Turkey

Objective: To assess the efficacy of theoretical training related to medical errors and patient safety and practical simulation training on students' knowledge and skill levels. Methods: This experimental study was conducted from March 28 to May 18, 2016, at nursing department of a university and comprised of students attending the third grade of the nursing school. The subjects were divided into two equal experimental and control groups. The experimental group, among other things, received simulation training that involved a demonstration and subsequent one-to-one practice. Data was collected on a proforma that included demographic information, pretest and post-test scores, checklists for pre-assessments and final assessments related to nursing practices. Results: There were 62 nurses divided into two groups of 31(50%) each. The difference between post-test scores of the concerning theoretical training about medical errors and patient safety was statistically significant (p0.05), while there was a significant difference between their final assessments (p<0.05). Conclusion: Theoretical education increased students' levels of knowledge regarding medical errors and patient safety, and the the practical simulation training reduced malpractices by improving skills. © 2018, Pakistan Medical Association. All rights reserved

Chiari type I malformation with high foramen magnum anomaly

A 14-year-old male with a neck pain and hypoesthesia in the upper extremities was diagnosed with Chiari type I malformation (CMI) and syringomyelia. The posterior part of the occipital bone was removed via cranio-cervical decompression. The accuracy of measuring the posterior cranial fossa (PCF) and foramen magnum (FM) dimensions were evaluated and compared with the literature. The linear PCF and FM dimensions as well as volumes were measured using computed tomography (CT) images with different techniques. The volume data were compared with similar data from literature. Use of the posterior fossa approach remains controversial when treating patients with minor little brain stem dislocation, small PCF, and or incomplete C1, but the approach can easily be applied if FM and PCF sizes are known. Linear measurements that were assessed for concordance with CT measurements had the best agreement. Quantification of PCF volume and high FM should be taken into consideration for differential diagnosis of tonsillar herniation and prediction of surgical outcome in CMI