The Justice and Development Party: Turkey's Experience with Islam, Democracy, Liberalism, and Secularism

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Effects of application methods and species of wood on color changes of varnishes

In this study, the color effects of wood materials to coloring with different application methods (brush, roller sponge and spray gun) and waterborne varnishes were investigated according to ASTM-D 2244. For this purpose, the experimental samples of Scots pine (Pinus silvestris L.), oriental beech (Fagus orientalis L.) and oak (Quercus petreae L.), which are commonly used woods in the carpentry and furniture industry in Turkey, were prepared and varnished with one and two-pack waterborne varnishes in accordance with ASTM D 3023. According to the result of the research, significant color changes in coloring as red and yellow tones on the sample surfaces of varnished wood materials were found. The highest color change was obtained in the samples of oak, when varnished with brush and spray gun while the lowest value was obtained in roller sponge in respect to the application methods for waterborne varnishes. However, the application method of spray gun for self crosslinked polyurethane, topcoat-clear, (SCPt) gave the highest metric chroma value among the three different application methods

Cementation in a matrix of loose sandy soil using biological treatment method

Man-made materials varying from cement-based to chemical-based have been injected into soils to improve their engineering properties (shear strength, compressibility, permeability, bearing capacity etc.). Soil type in general plays important role in determination of treatment material and method. Materials used for soil treatment might have side effects in terms of air pollution, soil or water contamination etc. during manufacturing or application. An alternative, environmentally friendly soil treatment method that is based on the use of bacteria present in soils and named Biological Treatment Method (BTM) has been used by researchers to bond particles of loose sandy soils via creation of calcite (CaCO3) generated by bacteria using urea to influence the precipitation of calcium carbonate. This study presents the results of bacterial induced cementation (BIC) in matrix of loose sandy soil. A bacterium used in this study is Sporosarcina pasteurii that is naturally present in soils and is aerobic type. The bacteria grown in laboratory environment were injected to the matrix of loose sandy soil. Subsequent nutrient mediums were introduced to specimens to accelerate the development of cementation level. Number of bacteria, pH level, temperature and amount of CaCO3 were measured during the duration of testing. Images of Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) showed that creation of cementation from precipitation of CaCO3 on the surface and pores of soil matrix were observed for only sand samples into which nutrient was flushed on sequence of arbitrary time.Key words: Biological treatment, sand, soil treatment

Business as usual? The role of BRICS co- operation in addressing health system priorities in East and Southern Africa

There has been increased interest in whether “South-­‐South” co-­‐operation by Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) advances more equitable initiatives for global health. This article examines the extent to which resolutions, commitments, agreements and strategies from BRICS and Brazil, India and China (BIC) address regionally articulated policy concerns for health systems in East and Southern Africa (ESA) within areas of resource mobilization, research and development and local production of medicines, and training and retention of health workers. The study reviewed published literature and implemented a content analysis on these areas in official BRICS and ESA regional policy documents between 2007 and 2014. The study found encouraging signals of shared policy values and mutuality of interest, especially on medicines access, although with less evidence of operational commitments and potential divergence of interest on how to achieve shared goals. The findings indicate that African interests on health systems are being integrated into south-­‐south BRICS and BIC platforms. It also signals, however, that ESA countries need to proactively ensure that these partnerships are true to normative aims of mutual benefit, operationalize investments and programs to translate policy commitments into practice and strengthen accountability around their implementation

Runaway electrons from a ‘beam-bulk’ model of streamer: application to TGFs

International audienc

First description of early developmental stages of the native invasive fireworm Hermodice carunculata (Annelida, Amphinomidae): A cue to the warming of the mediterranean sea

Observations on the reproductive behavior and larval development of the bristled fireworm Hermodice carunculata, a common inhabitant of shallow marine rocky bottoms in the Southern Mediterranean Sea, are reported here. In recent years, an increase in abundance and a northward expansion of the populations along the Southern Italian coast were jointly detected, presumably linked to rising water temperature in the Mediterranean Sea. After making in situ observations on two consecutive spawning events, live worms and fresh spawn were brought into the lab, kept at either 27°C or 22°C and followed through development. Complete and normal development was observed only at 27°C. By contrast, embryonic and larval development appeared to be slowed down at 22°C, stopping at the protrochophora stage. Early development of H. carunculata suggests the existence of a long pre-metamorphic, planktotrophic period in the water column that can explain the genetic cohesion of this species and the low genetic divergence found among populations across the Atlantic Ocean. The observed increase in abundance, invasiveness potential, and geographical northern distribution of the bearded fireworms is probably determined by a progressive northward latitudinal shift of the sea surface temperature coincident with the temperature threshold required for the developmental and reproductive success of the worm

Hereditary Systemic Autoinflammatory Diseases: Therapeutic Stratification

Hereditary systemic autoinflammatory diseases (SAIDs) are rare, often severe conditions characterised by mutations in the key regulators of innate immune responses. Dramatic advances in the molecular genetics and next-generation sequencing in the past decade enabled identification of novel mutations that play a pivotal role in the mechanistic pathways of inflammation. Although genetic testing may not always provide straightforward guidance in diagnosis and clinical decision making, through translational research, it sheds light into molecular immunopathogenesis, particularly in IL-1 inflammasome and cytokine signalling pathways. These remarkable insights provided a better understanding of autoinflammatory conditions and their association with the innate and adaptive immune systems, as well as leading to development of cytokine-targetted biologic treatments. Use of targetted therapeutics not only helps control disease flares, reduce acute-phase responses and prevent devastating complications such as amyloidosis, but also improves health-related quality of lives and support patients to pursue almost a normal life. Herein, we discuss the commonest monogenic SAIDs, describe their immunopathology, and summarise the approaches in the management and targetted treatment of these conditions, including presentation of novel data based on a cohort of children with these rare diseases from a single quaternary referral centre in London

Paediatric Behcet's Disease: A Comprehensive Review with an Emphasis on Monogenic Mimics

Behçet’s disease (BD) is a polygenic condition with a complex immunopathogenetic background and challenging diagnostic and therapeutic concepts. Advances in genomic medicine have provided intriguing insights into disease pathogenesis over the last decade, especially into monogenic mimics of BD. Although a rare condition, paediatric BD should be considered an important differential diagnosis, especially in cases with similar phenotypes. Emerging reports of monogenic mimics have indicated the importance of genetic testing, particularly for those with early-onset, atypical features and familial aggregation. Treatment options ought to be evaluated in a multidisciplinary setting, given the complexity and diverse organ involvement. Owing to the rarity of the condition, there is a paucity of paediatric trials; thus, international collaboration is warranted to provide consensus recommendations for the management of children and young people. Herein, we summarise the current knowledge of the clinical presentation, immunopathogenetic associations and disease mechanisms in patients with paediatric BD and BD-related phenotypes, with particular emphasis on recently identified monogenic mimics