Gender Differences in Wage Negotiations: An Ultimatum Game Experiment

The gender gap in wages that is accepted as a major economic and social issue, can arise from the behaviours of individuals. The fact that the labor force participation rate of women in Turkey is quite low compared to other OECD countries is also an important problem. Women really may accept lower wages in negotiations. However, perceptions that women may accept lower offers may affect offers made by employers. This attitude of employers may cause a gender gap in wages and a low female labor force participation rate. We explore the behavioural gender differences during bargaining by using the ultimatum game. Altruism, risk aversion, generosity, and self-confidence have a significant impact on preferences and so the results of wage bargaining. The ultimatum game is an effective tool for understanding altruism, risk aversion, and generosity. We found two important results in this study. First; when the proposer knows the gender of the other party, his/her offers to women are lower than those to men. Latter; When the gender of the other party is known, female proposers bid higher than men. These results provide evidence that gender income inequality in the labor market may be due to the attitudes of employers (especially men employers). These results can actually explain why the female labor force participation rate is low in Turkey, but more detailed studies are needed on this subject. This study contributes to the literature as one of the few studies examining the wage bargaining of employers with male and female workers in Turkey

Öğretmen adaylarının bilgisayar destekli eğitime karşı tutumları

A lot of technologies can be used in education environment. Computer has an important place in these technologies. The aim of this study is to investigate the attitude of the students of Computer and Instructional Technologies Education Department towards computer supported education in terms of class level, income level, and gender. 120 pre-service teachers from the Department of Computer and Instructional Technologies Education at Kazim Karabekir Educational Faculty participated in the survey. The results showed that the participants have a high level positive attitude about Computer Supported Education (CSE). No significant differences obtained depending on class level, income level, and gender. However, differences among groups obtained in terms of the questionnaire items which are creativity skills, preferring traditional teaching CSE, encouraging computer usage, using computer actively, reconciled computer with education, educational addition of CSE according to spent work; and enjoying.Eğitim ortamlarında birçok teknoloji kullanılabilmektedir. Bu teknolojiler içerisinde bilgisayar çok önemli bir yere sahiptir. Bu çalışmanın amacı Bilgisayar ve Öğretim Teknolojileri Eğitimi (BÖTE) bölümü öğrencilerinin sınıf seviyesi, gelir düzeyi ve cinsiyetleri açısından bilgisayar destekli eğitime karşı tutumlarını incelemektir. Çalışmaya Kazım Karabekir Eğitim Fakültesi BÖTE bölümünde öğrenim gören 120 öğretmen adayı katılmıştır. Genel olarak bakıldığı zaman BÖTE öğrencilerinin Bilgisayar Destekli Eğitime (BDE) karşı yüksek derecede olumlu bir yaklaşım sergilemektedirler. Sınıf seviyesi, cinsiyet ve gelir düzeyi bakımından bilgisayar destekli eğitime yönelik tutumlarda anlamlı bir farklılık bulunmamaktadır. Tutum açısından gruplar arasında anket maddeleri bazında yaratıcılık becerisi, BDE yerine klasik anlatımı tercih etme, bilgisayar kullanımını teşvik, aktif bir şekilde bilgisayar kullanımı, bilgisayar ile eğitimin bağdaştırılması, harcanan emeğe göre BDE’nin öğretimsel katkısı ve eğlence noktasında çeşitli farklılıklar bulunmuştur

Influences of Toothbrushing and Different Toothpastes on the Surface Roughness and Color Stability of Interim Prosthodontic Materials.

The surface properties and color stability of interim crown materials may vary depending on the toothbrushing procedure. This study aimed to investigate the effects of toothbrushing and different toothpastes on the surface roughness (Ra) and color stability of different interim crown materials. Disc-shaped specimens were prepared from four interim crown materials (Tab 2000 (ChPM), Imident (LaPM), Protemp 4 (ChDM), and Telio-CAD (CadPM)). Specimens were divided into four subgroups for the control group (Cnt) and for simulated toothbrushing with distilled water (Dw) or with two different toothpastes (whitening toothpaste (WTp), activated charcoal toothpaste (ACTp)). The specimens' Ra values were measured before and after 10,000 cycles of toothbrushing. The color parameters were measured and the color differences (ΔE00) were calculated. Data were statistically analyzed by two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's HSD tests. A significant increase in the Ra values was observed after toothbrushing, except for the LaPM_Dw, ChDM_Dw, and all the CadPM specimens (p < 0.05). Toothbrushing with toothpastes increased the ΔE00 values of all ChPM and ChDM interim materials (p < 0.05). Before and after all toothbrushing procedures, the CadPM specimens had smoother and ChPM specimens had rougher surfaces than the other interim materials. The two tested toothpastes had similar effects on the Ra of all interim materials. Non-perceivable color changes were seen only with the CadPM_Dw group

Evaluation of the corrosion inhibiting efficacy of a newly synthesized nitrone against St37 steel corrosion in acidic medium: Experimental and theoretical approaches

A novel amphiphilic nitrone, N-phenyl-1-(4-((11-(pyridin-1-ium-1yl) undecanoyl) oxy)phenyl)methanimine oxide bromide (NP-1-4-11-PUOPMOB) has been synthesized from a fatty acid derivative as a starting material. Structural characterization of the new compound has been realized by spectroscopic techniques (FTIR, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR). The corrosion inhibition effect of the compound for St37 steel corrosion in 1M HCl medium has been investigated using experimental (weight loss, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, potentiodynamic polarization, dynamic electrochemical impedance spectroscopy) and theoretical approaches complemented by surface morphological examination using energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope, and atomic force spectroscopy. Results from both chemical and electrochemical techniques reveal that the presence of the nitrone in the acid solution impedes St37 steel corrosion. The inhibition efficiency obtained at 125 ppm and 150 ppm concentrations for all methods is found to be over 90%. NP-1-4-11-PUOPMOB behaves as a mixed type corrosion inhibitor according to the potentiodynamic polarization studies. The adsorption of NP-1- 4-11-PUOPMOB molecules onto the metal surface follows Langmuir adsorption isotherm and the calculated Kads (equilibrium constant of the adsorption process) value reflects strong interaction. There is evidence of NP-1-4- 11-PUOPMOB adsorption on the metal surface from SEM, EDAX, and AFM studies. Experimental and theoretical results are in good agreement

Usefulness of the uric acid and CHA2DS2-VASc score in prediction of left atrial thrombosis in patients with mitral stenosis and sinus rhythm

Background: The risk of thrombus formation in the left atrium is known to be very high in patients with both mitral stenosis (MS) and atrial fibrillation (AF). However, that risk should not be ignored in patients with MS in sinus rhythm (SR). The aim of this study was to determine the clinical, echocardiographic, and biochemical factors that could have a determining role in the formation of a left atrial (LA) thrombus in patients with MS in SR. Method: A total of 207 consecutive patients with MS who underwent both transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) for diagnosis or to investigate the presence of a thrombus in the LA and appendage were enrolled in this study. Results: LA thrombus was detected in 21 of 207 patients. CHA2DS2-VASc score was not found to be a predictor of LA thrombosis in patients with MS in SR, despite the higher CHA2DS2-VASc scores observed in those patients. The mitral valve area and mitral valve gradient were not predictive of LA thrombus development; however, LA anteroposterior diameter (LAAPD) was found to be a predictor of LA thrombosis. Levels of high sensitivity-C-reactive protein and uric acid were higher in the patients with LA thrombosis, but only uric acid was found to be a predictor of LA thrombosis in multivariate analysis. Conclusions: A larger LAAPD and an elevated serum uric acid level were found to be independent predictors of LA thrombosis in patients with MS in SR.

INVESTIGATING THE EFFECT OF TURKISH TOURISM SECTOR'S GROWTH INDICATORS ON THE FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF TOURISM COMPANIES

Bu çalışmanın amacı, turizm sektöründeki büyümenin turizm işletmelerinin finansal performanslarına olan etkilerinin incelenmesidir. Bu bağlamda; turizm gelirlerinin milli gelire oranı ve turizm işletmelerinin doluluk oranındaki gelişmeler ile Türk turizm işletmelerinin finansal performansları arasındaki ilişki incelenmiştir. Finansal performans, Yatırım Karlılığı, Özsermaye Karlılığı ve Satışların Karlılığı ile ölçülmüştür. Sonuçlar, Türk turizm işletmelerinin doluluk oranları ile finansal performansları arasında doğru yönde bir ilişki olduğunu göstermiştir. Öte yandan, üç performans ölçütü ile turizm gelirlerinin milli gelire oranı arasındaki ilişki negatif yönlü olarak saptanmıştır. Ayrıca, 1994 ve 2001 yıllarında yaşanan ekonomik krizlerin turizm işletmelerinin performanslarını olumsuz etkilediği belirlenmiştir. Aim of this study is to investigate the effects of tourism sector growth on the financial performance of Turkish tourism companies. In this context, the relationship among the innovation in the ratio of tourism revenues to national income, occupancy rates and financial performances of tourism companies is investigated. Financial performance is measured by return on assets, return on equity and return on sales. Results suggest that there exists a positive relationship among occupancy rates of tourism companies and their financial performances. On the other hand, a negative relationship is observed among the financial performance measures and the ratio of tourism revenues to national income. Furthermore, economic crises of 1994 and 2001 seem to affect financial performances of tourism companies negatively

Esophageal squamous papilloma

Özofagus skuamoz papillomu, genellikle alt özofagusta soliter bir lezyon olarak görülen, iyi huylu skuamoz epitelyal polipoid bir tümördür. Prevalans oranları çok düşüktür ve 1959’dan bu yana literatürde yaklaşık 250 vaka bidirilmiştir. Kronik mukozal irritasyon ve human papilloma virus enfeksiyonu suçlanan etyolojik nedenlerdir. Tipik özofagus skuamöz papillomunun hiçbir özgün semptomu yoktur. Bizim vakamız kronik dispeptik şikayetleri olan ve endoskopik olarak reflü özofajiti saptanan 51 yaşındaki erkek hasta idi. Endoskopik incelemede özofagus 25. cm’de 3-4 mm’lik polipoid oluşum izlendi. Buradan aldığımız biyopsi örneğinin patolojik inceleme sonucu özofagus skuamoz papillomu olarak geldi.Esophageal squamous papilloma is a benign squamous epithelial polypoid tumor and is usually seen as a solitary lesion of the lower esophagus. They have a low prevalence, and about 250 cases have been reported in the literature since 1959. Chronic mucosal irritation and infection with human papilloma virus are proposed etiologies. There are no pathognomonic symptoms for the typical esophageal squamous papilloma. Our patient was a 51-yearold man who had chronic dyspeptic complaints and endoscopically detected reflux esophagitis. A 3-4 mm sized polypoid formation was seen at the 25’th cm of his esophagus during the endoscopic examination. Pathologic inspection of the biopsied specimen taken from this part of his esophagus indicated esophageal squamous papilloma

Intragastric Migration of Gastric Band Diagnosed During Surgery: A Case Report and Literature

Intragastric band migration (IGBM) is one of the major complications of gastric banding. In this report, we aimed to present a case of IGBM, which was diagnosed intraoperatively, and to review the relevant literature. A 59-year-old male patient was admitted to our outpatient clinic due to epigastric pain persisting for the past three months. The patient had a history of gastric banding surgery owing to obesity with open surgery nine years ago. Postoperative follow-up was not done properly and the patient had started to gain weight in the third postoperative year. Incisional hernia was found in physical examination and operation for gastric band removal and hernia repair was planned. During surgery, the band could not be found around the stomach, therefore, gastroscopy was performed and it was found that the majority of the band was placed in the stomach. The patient was intraoperatively diagnosed with IGBM and the band was removed through gastrotomy, and hernia repair was performed. The patient was discharged at postoperative 6th day without any complication. Although IGBM is rarely seen, it should be considered as a long-term complication in cases with dysfunctional gastric band and in patients who started to gain weight after operation. Treatment is the removal of the band review

Discovery of therapeutic agents targeting PKLR for NAFLD using drug repositioning

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) encompasses a wide spectrum of liver pathologies. However, no medical treatment has been approved for the treatment of NAFLD. In our previous study, we found that PKLR could be a potential target for treatment of NALFD. Here, we investigated the effect of PKLR in in vivo model and performed drug repositioning to identify a drug candidate for treatment of NAFLD. Methods: Tissue samples from liver, muscle, white adipose and heart were obtained from control and PKLR knockout mice fed with chow and high sucrose diets. Lipidomics as well as transcriptomics analyses were conducted using these tissue samples. In addition, a computational drug repositioning analysis was performed and drug candidates were identified. The drug candidates were both tested in in vitro and in vivo models to evaluate their toxicity and efficacy. Findings: The Pklr KO reversed the increased hepatic triglyceride level in mice fed with high sucrose diet and partly recovered the transcriptomic changes in the liver as well as in other three tissues. Both liver and white adipose tissues exhibited dysregulated circadian transcriptomic profiles, and these dysregulations were reversed by hepatic knockout of Pklr. In addition, 10 small molecule drug candidates were identified as potential inhibitor of PKLR using our drug repositioning pipeline, and two of them significantly inhibited both the PKLR expression and triglyceride level in in vitro model. Finally, the two selected small molecule drugs were evaluated in in vivo rat models and we found that these drugs attenuate the hepatic steatosis without side effect on other tissues. Interpretation: In conclusion, our study provided biological insights about the critical role of PKLR in NAFLD progression and proposed a treatment strategy for NAFLD patients, which has been validated in preclinical studies. Funding: ScandiEdge Therapeutics and Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation

Combined metabolic activators improve metabolic functions in the animal models of neurodegenerative diseases

Background: Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs), including Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD), are associated with metabolic abnormalities. Integrative analysis of human clinical data and animal studies have contributed to a better understanding of the molecular and cellular pathways involved in the progression of NDDs. Previously, we have reported that the combined metabolic activators (CMA), which include the precursors of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide and glutathione can be utilized to alleviate metabolic disorders by activating mitochondrial metabolism. Methods: We first analysed the brain transcriptomics data from AD patients and controls using a brain-specific genome-scale metabolic model (GEM). Then, we investigated the effect of CMA administration in animal models of AD and PD. We evaluated pathological and immunohistochemical findings of brain and liver tissues. Moreover, PD rats were tested for locomotor activity and apomorphine-induced rotation. Findings: Analysis of transcriptomics data with GEM revealed that mitochondrial dysfunction is involved in the underlying molecular pathways of AD. In animal models of AD and PD, we showed significant damage in the high-fat diet groups' brain and liver tissues compared to the chow diet. The histological analyses revealed that hyperemia, degeneration and necrosis in neurons were improved by CMA administration in both AD and PD animal models. These findings were supported by immunohistochemical evidence of decreased immunoreactivity in neurons. In parallel to the improvement in the brain, we also observed dramatic metabolic improvement in the liver tissue. CMA administration also showed a beneficial effect on behavioural functions in PD rats. Interpretation: Overall, we showed that CMA administration significantly improved behavioural scores in parallel with the neurohistological outcomes in the AD and PD animal models and is a promising treatment for improving the metabolic parameters and brain functions in NDDs.PoLiMeR Innovative Training Network ; SNIC ; ScandiBio Therapeutics ; ScandiBio Therapeutics and Knut ; Knut och Alice Wallenbergs Stiftels