Applying concepts of fuzzy cognitive mapping to model IT/IS investment evaluation factors

The justification process is a major concern for many organisations that are considering the adoption of Information Technology (IT) and Information Systems (IS), and is a barrier to its implementation. As a result, the competitive advantage of many companies is being put at risk because of management's inability to evaluate the holistic implication of adopting new technology, both in terms of on the benefit and cost portfolios. This paper identifies a number of well-known project appraisal techniques used in IT/IS investment justification. Furthermore, the concept of multivalent, or fuzzy logic, is used to demonstrate how inter-relationships can be modeled between key dimensions identified in the proposed conceptual evaluation model. This is highlighted using fuzzy cognitive mapping (FCM) as a technique to model each IT/IS evaluation factor (integrating strategic, tactical, operational and investment considerations). The use of an FCM is then shown to be as a complementary tool which can serve to highlight interdependencies between contributory justification factors

Nonisocyanate based polyurethane/silica nanocomposites and their coating performance

A series of silica nano-particles with different size were prepared by sol–gel technique, then surface modification by using cyclic carbonate functional organoalkoxysilane (CPS) was performed. Various amounts of carbonated silica particles directly added into carbonated soybean oil (CSBO) and carbonated polypropylene glycol (CPPG) resin mixture to prepare polyurethane–silica nanocomposite coating compositions by nonisocyanate route using an aliphatic diamine as a curing agent. Cupping, gloss, impact, and taber abrasion tests were performed on aluminum panels coated with those nano-composite formulations and tensile tests, thermogravimetric and SEM analyses were conducted on the free films prepared from the same coating formulations. An increase in abrasion resistance of CSBO-CPPG resin combination with the addition of silica was observed. In addition, the maximum weight loss of CSBO-CPPG resin combination was shifted to higher temperatures with incorporation of silica nano-particles The positive effect of modified silica particles on thermal stability of CSBO-CPPG system could be explained in such a way that PPG chains are able to disperse particles in the medium throughout the interactions between ether linkages and silanol groups

Sudjelovanje studenata u bolonjskom procesu: analiza turskog iskustva

Bologna Process studies in Çankaya University’s Interior Architecture Department (INAR), Turkey have been initiated in 2008. The goal of this study is to explore students’ perceptions about the new programme outcomes framed with the Turkish Higher Education Qualifications Framework and to provide a set of guidelines for the Bologna Process to be implemented. A questionnaire including semi-structured questions is conducted in the data collection process. Content analysis method is used in order to examine students’ perceptual outcomes. The findings of the study display that students’ perceptions underline the importance of the acquisition of knowledge, skills and competences in social, economic and managerial dimensions of the professional life. Results also reveal the need of students for the acquisition and use of communicative, collaborative and interdisciplinary aspects of the profession and their expectations on both theoretical and practical contents of INAR courses. Furthermore, this study which mainly followed a student-cantered approach concluded that it is also possible to generalize new programme outcomes through the active participation of students.Studiranje prema bolonjskom procesu na Odsjeku za arhitekturu interijera (INAR) turskog Sveučilišta Çankaya počelo je 2008. Cilj ove studije jest istražiti percepcije studenata vezane uz nove programske ishode unutar okvira Turskog kvalifikacijskog okvira za visoko obrazovanje te pružiti skup smjernica za provedbu bolonjskog procesa. U procesu prikupljanja podataka proveden je upitnik sastavljen od napola strukturiranih pitanja. Za ispitivanje percepcijskih ishoda studenata upotrijebljena je metoda analize sadržaja. Pokazalo se da studenti naglašavaju važnost usvajanja znanja, vještina i kompetencija u društvenim, ekonomskim i rukovoditeljskim dimenzijama profesionalnog života. Rezultati također otkrivaju potrebe studenata za usvajanjem i upotrebom komunikacijskih, suradničkih i interdisciplinarnih aspekata samog zanimanja, kao i očekivanja u pogledu kako teorijskog, tako i praktičnog sadržaja kolegija na Odsjeku za arhitekturu interijera. U ovoj studiji, koja je uglavnom slijedila pristup kojemu je student u središtu zanimanja, donesen je zaključak da je moguće generalizirati nove programske ishode aktivnim sudjelovanjem studenata

Structural, electronic and phononic properties of PtSe2: From monolayer to bulk

The layer dependent structural, electronic and vibrational properties of the 1T phase of two dimensional (2D) platinum diselenide are investigated by means of state-of-the-art first-principles calculations. The main findings of the study are: (i) monolayer platinum diselenide has a dynamically stable 2D octahedral structure with 1.66 eV indirect band gap, (ii) the semiconducting nature of 1T-PtSe2 monolayers remains unaffected even at high biaxial strains, (iii) top-to-top (AA) arrangement is found to be energetically the most favorable stacking of 1T-PtSe2 layers, (iv) the lattice constant (layer-layer distance) increases (decreases) with increasing number of layers, (v) while monolayer and bilayer 1T-PtSe2 are indirect semiconductors, bulk and few-layered 1T-PtSe2 are metals, (vi) Raman intensity and peak positions of the A1g and Eg modes are found to be highly dependent on the layer thickness of the material, hence; the number of layers of the material can be determined via Raman measurements.TUBITAK under the project number 117F09

Spectroscopic Survey of {\gamma} Doradus Stars I. Comprehensive atmospheric parameters and abundance analysis of {\gamma} Doradus stars

We present a spectroscopic survey of known and candidate $\gamma$\,Doradus stars. The high-resolution, high signal-to-noise spectra of 52 objects were collected by five different spectrographs. The spectral classification, atmospheric parameters (\teff, $\log g$, $\xi$), $v\sin i$ and chemical composition of the stars were derived. The stellar spectral and luminosity classes were found between G0-A7 and IV-V, respectively. The initial values for \teff\ and \logg\ were determined from the photometric indices and spectral energy distribution. Those parameters were improved by the analysis of hydrogen lines. The final values of \teff, \logg\ and $\xi$ were derived from the iron lines analysis. The \teff\ values were found between 6000\,K and 7900\,K, while \logg\,values range from 3.8 to 4.5\,dex. Chemical abundances and $v\sin i$ values were derived by the spectrum synthesis method. The $v\sin i$ values were found between 5 and 240\,km\,s$^{-1}$. The chemical abundance pattern of $\gamma$\,Doradus stars were compared with the pattern of non-pulsating stars. It turned out that there is no significant difference in abundance patterns between these two groups. Additionally, the relations between the atmospheric parameters and the pulsation quantities were checked. A strong correlation between the $v\sin i$ and the pulsation periods of $\gamma$\,Doradus variables was obtained. The accurate positions of the analysed stars in the H-R diagram have been shown. Most of our objects are located inside or close to the blue edge of the theoretical instability strip of $\gamma$\,Doradus.Comment: 18 pages, 13 figure

Eltrombopag for the treatment of immune thrombocytopenia: The aegean region of Turkey experience

Objective: Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an immune-mediated disease characterized by transient or persistent decrease of the platelet count to less than 100x109/L. Although it is included in a benign disease group, bleeding complications may be mortal. With a better understanding of the pathophysiology of the disease, thrombopoietin receptor agonists, which came into use in recent years, seem to be an effective option in the treatment of resistant cases. This study aimed to retrospectively assess the efficacy, long-term safety, and tolerability of eltrombopag in Turkish patients with chronic ITP in the Aegean region of Turkey. Materials and Methods: Retrospective data of 40 patients with refractory ITP who were treated with eltrombopag in the Aegean region were examined and evaluated. Results: The total rate of response was 87%, and the median duration of response defined as the number of the platelets being over 50x109/L was 19.5 (interquartile range: 5-60) days. In one patient, venous sinus thrombosis was observed with no other additional risk factors due to or related to thrombosis. Another patient with complete response and irregular follow-up for 12 months was lost due to sudden death as the result of probable acute myocardial infarction. Conclusion: Although the responses to eltrombopag were satisfactory, patients need to be monitored closely for overshooting platelet counts as well as thromboembolic events. © 2015 Turkish Society of Hematology. All rights reserved

Development and properties of polymeric nanocomposite coatings

Polymeric-based nanocomposite coatings were synthesized by reinforcing epoxy matrix with titanium nanotubes (TNTs) loaded with dodecylamine (DOC). The performance of the developed nanocomposite coatings was investigated in corrosive environments to evaluate their anti-corrosion properties. The SEM/TEM, TGA, and FTIR analysis confirm the loading of the DOC into the TNTs. The UV-Vis spectroscopic analysis confirms the self-release of the inhibitor (DOC) in response to the pH change. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopic (EIS) analysis indicates that the synthesized nanocomposite coatings demonstrate superior anticorrosion properties at pH 2 as compared to pH 5. The improved anticorrosion properties of nanocomposite coatings at pH 2 can be attributed to the more effective release of the DOC from the nanocontainers. The superior performance makes polymeric nanocomposite coatings suitable for many industrial applications.Qatar University, University of Auckland, Qatar FoundationScopu

Synthesis and properties of polyelectrolyte multilayered microcapsules reinforced smart coatings

The present research work focuses on the synthesis, characterization and properties of novel polyelectrolyte multilayered microcapsules used as smart additives in organic coatings for corrosion protection of steel parts. Urea formaldehyde microcapsules encapsulated with linalyl acetate (UFMCs), sensitive to mechanical stimulus, were synthesized by in situ emulsion polymerization technique. In the next step, dodecylamine, working as a pH stimulus corrosion inhibitor, was loaded into layers of polyelectrolyte molecules, polyethylenimine (PEI) and sulfonated polyether ether ketone (SPEEK). These were applied layer-by-layer over the microcapsules to form inhibitor containing multilayered urea formaldehyde microcapsules (MLUFMCs). In the next step, MLUFMCs (5.0 wt%) and UFMCs (5.0 wt%) were thoroughly dispersed into the epoxy resin and coated on cleaned steel. A comparison of the structural, thermal and anticorrosive properties indicates that coatings modified with multilayered capsules (PMLSCs) demonstrate good thermal stability, improved self-healing characteristics and higher corrosion resistance compared to the coating modified with urea formaldehyde microcapsules. The improved properties of PMLSCs can be attributed to efficient release of the encapsulated self-healing agent and corrosion inhibitor from the MLUFMCs. Therefore, epoxy coatings modified with the novel multilayered capsules may be attractive for corrosion protection of steel parts used in oil and gas and related industries. - 2019, The Author(s).Open Access funding provided by the Qatar National Library. This publication was made possible by NPRP Grant 9–080-2-039 from Qatar National Research Fund (a member of the Qatar Foundation). Statements made herein are solely the responsibility of the authors. R. A. Shakoor would like to acknowledge the financial support of QU internal grant-QUCG-CAM-2018/2019-3 and the Core Labs, QEERI for their SEM and TEM imaging. M.F. Mon-temor thanks Fundac¸ão para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT, Portugal) for financial support under the projects PEst-OE/QUI/UI0100/2013.Scopu

Case Report Adventitious Bursitis Overlying an Osteochondroma of the Humerus Facing the Thoracic Wall

One of the complications of osteochondromas is the development of a bursa over the cartilaginous cap. We report a 15-year-old boy with a rapidly expanded adventitious bursitis overlying an osteochondroma of the humerus facing the thoracic wall, a location not previously reported for such bursa formation. Magnetic resonance imaging readily showed adventitious bursitis overlying the osteochondroma, thereby dispelling concerns for malignant transformation