On Hadamard Type Integral Inequalities for nonconvex Functions

In this paper, we extend some estimates of the right and left hand side of a Hermite-Hadamard type inequality for nonconvex functions whose derivatives absolute values are \Phi-convex and quasi-\Phi-convex was introduced by Noor in Noor1.Comment: Mathematical Sciences And Applications E-Notes, in press. arXiv admin note: substantial text overlap with arXiv:1204.0923; and overlap with arXiv:1205.6657 by other author

Conversation Partnerships: An Educational Tool for Cross-Cultural Understanding

This article describes one study of conversation partnerships between American students enrolled in teacher education programs, and international students enrolled at the same large midwestern university. Twenty-nine pairs of partners during one 15-week semester were directed to meet at least 10 times minimally 30 minutes each. Topics for initial meetings were recommended, to help partners get started. As the semester progressed, topics were based on interests and needs of the partners. Three data sources were collected and analyzed. International students were surveyed at the end of the program with demographic and open-ended question about their perceived outcomes of the experience. American students were required to keep and submit weekly logs of the meetings and their thoughts about the meeting. These students were further required to write an end-semester reflection paper, exploring their learning in areas of: better understanding the English language; learning about other cultures; and any other meaningful insights about the experience. These latter two data sources were analyzed qualitatively, using constant comparative analysis. Results of the study, overall, were positive with interesting insights from participants. International students reported improving their English. American students had their “eyes opened” repeatedly about other cultures. Many of the partners reported the forming on genuine and hopefully sustainable friendships. Often, the partnerships went beyond the course requirements spending evenings, or weekend days together

Parametric optimization for cutting forces and material removal rate in the turning of AISI 5140

The present paper deals with the optimization of the three components of cutting forces and the Material Removal Rate (MRR) in the turning of AISI 5140 steel. The Harmonic Artificial Bee Colony Algorithm (H-ABC), which is an improved nature-inspired method, was compared with the Harmonic Bee Algorithm (HBA) and popular methods such as Taguchi’s S/N ratio and the Response Surface Methodology (RSM) in order to achieve the optimum parameters in machining applications. The experiments were performed under dry cutting conditions using three cutting speeds, three feed rates, and two depths of cuts. Quadratic regression equations were identified as the objective function for HBA to represent the relationship between the cutting parameters and responses, i.e., the cutting forces and MRR. According to the results, the RSM (72.1%) and H-ABC (64%) algorithms provide better composite desirability compared to the other techniques, namely Taguchi (43.4%) and HBA (47.2%). While the optimum parameters found by the H-ABC algorithm are better when considering cutting forces, RSM has a higher success rate for MRR. It is worth remarking that H-ABC provides an effective solution in comparison with the frequently used methods, which is promising for the optimization of the parameters in the turning of new-generation materials in the industry. There is a contradictory situation in maximizing the MRR and minimizing the cutting power simultaneously, because the affecting parameters have a reverse effect on these two response parameters. Comparing different types of methods provides a perspective in the selection of the optimum parameter design for industrial applications of the turning processes. This study stands as the first paper representing the comparative optimization approach for cutting forces and MRR

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

Controversy and consensus on the management of elevated sperm DNA fragmentation in male infertility: A global survey, current guidelines, and expert recommendations

Purpose Sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) has been associated with male infertility and poor outcomes of assisted reproductive technology (ART). The purpose of this study was to investigate global practices related to the management of elevated SDF in infertile men, summarize the relevant professional society recommendations, and provide expert recommendations for managing this condition. Materials and Methods An online global survey on clinical practices related to SDF was disseminated to reproductive clinicians, according to the CHERRIES checklist criteria. Management protocols for various conditions associated with SDF were captured and compared to the relevant recommendations in professional society guidelines and the appropriate available evidence. Expert recommendations and consensus on the management of infertile men with elevated SDF were then formulated and adapted using the Delphi method. Results A total of 436 experts from 55 different countries submitted responses. As an initial approach, 79.1% of reproductive experts recommend lifestyle modifications for infertile men with elevated SDF, and 76.9% prescribe empiric antioxidants. Regarding antioxidant duration, 39.3% recommend 4–6 months and 38.1% recommend 3 months. For men with unexplained or idiopathic infertility, and couples experiencing recurrent miscarriages associated with elevated SDF, most respondents refer to ART 6 months after failure of conservative and empiric medical management. Infertile men with clinical varicocele, normal conventional semen parameters, and elevated SDF are offered varicocele repair immediately after diagnosis by 31.4%, and after failure of antioxidants and conservative measures by 40.9%. Sperm selection techniques and testicular sperm extraction are also management options for couples undergoing ART. For most questions, heterogenous practices were demonstrated. Conclusions This paper presents the results of a large global survey on the management of infertile men with elevated SDF and reveals a lack of consensus among clinicians. Furthermore, it demonstrates the scarcity of professional society guidelines in this regard and attempts to highlight the relevant evidence. Expert recommendations are proposed to help guide clinicians

DETERMINATION OF THE EFFICIENCY OF OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY IMPLEMENTATIONS IN TURKISH MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY AND EVALUATION OF THEM WITHIN THE INTEGRATION PROCESS TO THE EUROPEAN UNION

Bu çalışmada, imalat sektöründeki iş sağlığı ve güvenliği uygulamalarının etkinliği belirlenerek, ülkemizde yapılan çalışmaların Avrupa Birliği uyum süreci çerçevesinde değerlendirilmesi amaçlanmıştır. Bu amaç doğrultusunda biri kamu sektöründe, diğeri özel sektörde olmak üzere iki büyük sanayi kuruluşumuzda araştırma yapılmıştır. Araştırma yapılırken işletmede çalışan yönetici ve işçilerle birebir görüşülmüş ve daha sonra çalışanlar üzerinde istenen verileri elde etmek amacıyla iki ayrı anket uygulanmıştır. İlk anket, işletmenin genel bilgilerine ulaşmak amacıyla yöneticilere uygulanmıştır. İkinci anket ise işletmede iş sağlığı ve güvenliği uygulamalarını görmek amacıyla işçilere uygulanmıştır. Anket soruları hazırlanırken imalat sektörünün genel yapısı dikkate alınarak, A sınıfı sertifikaya sahip iş güvenliği uzmanları, istatistik uzmanları ve imalat sektörü çalışanlarının görüşleri dikkate alınmıştır. Yapılan çalışmada elde edilen veriler SPSS 15.0 programına aktarılarak araştırmanın güvenirlilik analizi için test edilmiştir. Daha sonra verilerin güvenirliliğinden emin olunmuş ve elde edilen sonuçlar değerlendirilmiştir. Yapılan değerlendirmeler sonucunda imalat sektöründe iş sağlığı ve güvenliği alanında bazı olumlu uygulamalar olmasına rağmen bazı uygulamalarda eksiklikler olduğu görülmüştür. Ayrıca ülkemizde Avrupa Birliği'ne uyum süreci çerçevesinde bir takım yasalar çıkarılmasına rağmen bu yasaların uygulanmasında da eksiklikler olduğu tespit edilmiştir.In this study, it has been intended that works in our country which are evaluated process the European Union compliance framework by determining of efficiency of applications occupational health and safety in manufacturing sector. For this aim, a research study has been accomplished in two big industrial institution one of which is public sector and other is private sector. During the research the management and workers were interviewed face to face, then two different poll was applied on the employees for obtaining the required data. For reaching general information of institution first poll has been applied on the management. Second poll has been applied on the workers in order to observe the applications of occupational health and safety in the institution. As poll questions were being prepared, general structure of manufacturing sector, ideas of experts of occupational safetly who has A class certificate, experts of statistics and employees of manufacturing sector have been taken into consideration. In the study, obtained data has been tested by translating to the SPSS 15.0 program for safety analysis. After being sure for the reliability of data, obtained results have been evaluated. In the conclusion of evaluations, in the manufacturing sector, although there are several positive applications in the occupational health and safety area, it has been determined that there are deficiencies in some applications. Moreover, in our country, although some legislution has been prepared regarding the process of European Union compliance framework, deficiencies have been determined in the applications of these laws