The inflationary effect of the increases in crude oil prices: structural breaks dynamic panel data analysis for selected OECD countries

Bu çalışmada; petrol ithalatçısı olan OECD üyesi seçilmiş 15 ülke için, 1960-2011 döneminde ham petrol ithal fiyatlarının enflasyon üzerindeki etkileri incelenmiştir. Analizde, herhangi bir ülkede meydana gelen bir makroekonomik şokun diğer ülkeleri de etkileyeceği varsayımını yani yatay kesit bağımlılığını dikkate alan panel birim kök ve eşbütünleşme testleri uygulanmış, seriler arasında eşbütünleşme ilişkisinin varlığı tespit edilmiştir. Uzun Dönem Eşbütünleşme Katsayıları Tahmin sonuçlarına göre ham petrol ithal fiyat artışları ve ekonomik büyümenin enflasyonu arttırdığı, ekonomik büyümenin enflasyonist etkisinin, ham petrol ithal fiyatlarının etkisinden daha fazla olduğu bulgusuna ulaşılmıştır.In this study the effects of crude oil import prices on inflation were analysed between 1960-2011 for the oil importing selected 15 OECD countries. The economic growth variable which is considered to be the descriptor of inflation was also included in the model. Panel unit root and cointegration tests considering the hypothesis that a macroeconomic shock happening in a country would affect the others, i.e. the cross sectional dependency were implemented in the analysis. As a result of the analysis it was found that there was a cointegration relationship between the series. The results of cointegration analysis showed that crude oil import prices and economic growth increased the inflation, and the inflationary effect of economic growth was higher than that of crude oil import prices

Early Maturation of Corpus Luteum in Rabbits - Effect of Sildenafil Citrate on Luteolytic Capacity in the Early Luteal Period

Background:  Prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2α) binds to the specific receptor (PTGFR) on the corpus luteum (CL) in mammals, inducing regression of the CL structure (luteolysis) and initiating a new cycle. While PGF2α is effective only on mature CL, the immature CL structure (early luteal phase) resists PGF2α. In this study, sildenafil citrate, which is used to increase blood flow in the genital organs for treating specific pregnancy issues in women, was administered during the early luteal phase in a rabbit model to test the hypothesis of enhancing blood flow to the CL, thereby promoting earlier maturation and enabling a response to PGF2α. Materials, Methods & Results: The study was conducted in 2 sub-studies: clinical and molecular. A large number of rabbits were initially included in the sub-studies to ensure a sufficient number of pseudo-pregnant rabbits. Ovulation in rabbits was induced with buserelin acetate and was considered as day 0 of the study. The sub-studies were continued with rabbits whose pseudo-pregnancies were confirmed according to progesterone (P4) results. As a result, the studies were continued with a total of 41 pseudo-pregnant New Zealand female rabbits, 21 of which were included in the clinical sub-study and 20 in the molecular sub-study. In both sub-studies, on day 3 of the luteal period, rabbits in the treatment group received 5 mg/kg sildenafil citrate and all rabbits received a single dose of exogenous PGF2α on day 4 to induce luteolysis. In the clinical sub-study, echotexture and intraovarian blood flow changes in the ovaries were determined by ultrasonography (USG) examination. In the molecular sub-study, the expression changes of Hypoxia Inducible Factor 1 Alpha (HIF1A) and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) related to angiogenesis, Steroidogenic Acute Regulatory Protein (StAR) related to P4 metabolism, Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthase 2 (PTGS2) related to prostaglandin (PG) mechanism and 15-Hydroxyprostaglandin Dehydrogenase (HPGD) genes at mRNA level were determined using Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) in CL tissues obtained with ovariohysterectomy (OVH) at 1 and 12 h after PGF2α injection. In addition, blood samples were collected for determine P4 levels from all rabbits. In the clinical sub-study; there was no difference between the groups in mean gray values (MGV), whereas there was a significant decrease in both pulsatile index (PI) and resistance index (RI) values at 40 min after PGF2α injection (P < 0.05). In the molecular sub-study, it was determined that sildenafil citrate had no significant effect (P > 0.05) on the expression levels 1 and 12 h after PGF2α injection.  According to the results of the molecular sub-study, no significant effect of sildenafil citrate on the mRNA expression levels in the investigated genes was detected (P > 0.05). However, within each group, differences were found according to OVH time after PGF2α injection. It was observed that PTGS2 and HPGD mRNA expressions decreased at the 12th h compared to the 1st h, while HIF1A expression increased (P < 0.05). Discussion: According to the results obtained from clinical and molecular sub-studies, it was determined that a single dose of sildenafil citrate (5 mg/kg) applied on the 3rd day of the luteal period did not contribute to the maturation process of the CL, did not increase blood flow, and was insufficient to break the resistance of the CL against PGF2α applied on the 4th day of the luteal period. However, a significant decrease in the PI value at the 40th min after PGF2α injection suggests that sildenafil citrate has a supportive effect, and that this decrease is also seen in the RI value, suggesting that its effect is insufficient against the vasoconstrictive effect of PGF2α. Keywords: sildenafil citrate, PGF2 alpha, corpus luteum, early luteal stage, rabbit

The effect of vaginal bleeding and non-spesific pelvic pain on pregnancy outcomes in subchorionic hematomas cases

Objectives: To determine the clinical differences and factors affecting early pregnancy outcome in the first and early second trimester subchorionic hematoma cases.  Material and methods: This study involved with the retrospective analysis and evaluation of 81 cases diagnosed with subchorionic hematoma. The patients were grouped according to the gestational periods, symptoms at the time of admission, ratio of surrounding hematoma to the gestational sac, and whether there was a pregnancy loss. The groups were compared according to the clinical features and pregnancy outcomes.  Results: The ratio of surrounding hematoma to the gestational sac in the group with pregnancy loss was significantly higher (p = 0.002). When the cut-off value was 35.5%, it could determine the possibility of a complication in pregnancy with 70% sensitivity and 75% specificity. Nonspecific pelvic pain were significantly higher in the pregnancy loss group than in the other group. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the effect of these two parameters on the pregnancy outcome. Although the presence of non-specific pelvic pain is more in the group with pregnancy loss; there was no effect of on pregnancy outcome (p = 0.141). The risk of pregnancy loss increased 4.5 fold if the ratio of ScH to gestational sac was above 35% (p = 0.027).  Conclusions: In the cases of subchorionic hematoma, we concluded that when the ratio of surrounding hematoma to the gestational sac increased and when it was accompanied by nonspecific pelvic pain, the hospitalization period of the patients increased and the ratio of pregnancy loss was higher

Rudimentary horn pregnancy — ten years of experience

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate data on early diagnosis and therapeutic management of rudimentary hornpregnancy (RHP).Material and methods: Patients diagnosed with RHP at a tertiary center between for two periods of 2008–2012 and2013–2018 were analysed retrospectively. We obtained information of patients from hospital electronic archive registrationsystem. Data on demographic characteristics, clinical presentation, gestational age at presentation, presenting symptoms,diagnostic methods, and therapeutic management were noted and analysed by descriptive statistical method. Demographicdatas, the complaint of patient’s admission to hospital, history of cesarean section, preliminary diagnosis and intraoperativediagnosis were compared between periods of 2008–2012 and 2013–2018.Results: A total of 14 RHP patients were included. Eight (57.1%) of these patients were diagnosed between 2008–2012 (Group1), whereas six patients (42.9%) were diagnosed between 2013–2018 (Group 2). Rudimentary horn was non-communicatingin 13 patients (92.8%). Communicated form was observed in 1 patient in group 1. RHP was diagnosed on the left side in ninepatients (64.2%). Six of these patients were observed in group 1 and 3 were in group 2. The pre-rupture diagnosis was madein 10 (71.4%) patients. Six (100%) of 10 patients were in group 2. In addition, in group 1, four patients (50%) experiencedintraoperative RHP rupture. RHP was diagnosed before rupture in 2 (33.3%) patients in group 2.Conclusions: It is an indication of advanced ultrasonographic technology as well as increased carefulness on the physicianside and raised alertness on the patient side that today both RHP and preoperative rupture of RHP are less frequent.Still, further awareness is required among physicians of the necessity of excision of a rudimentary horn that is detectedat the time of C-section

Software development for retrofitting columns with FRP composites: A case study

Ovaj rad predstavlja opsežno istraživanje građevine u Ankari (Turska) posebno se fokusirajući na njezino postojeće stanje, inicijativu za naknadno pojačanje i posljedični razvoj računalnog programa za proračun. Procjena trenutačnog stanja zgrade, potresnih opterećenja i očekivanih naprezanja u konstrukciji provedena je prema Turskim potresnim normama iz 2018. Analiziran je konstrukcijski model, uključujući podatke dobivene izravnim proučavanjem, pregledima i uzorcima betonskih jezgri iz zgrade te armaturnih elemenata, primjenom nelinearnih metoda proračuna. Sanacijske mjere poduzete su nakon prepoznavanja nedostataka u ponašanju konstrukcije, uključujući pojačanje stupova i odabir ploča primjenom vlaknima armiranih polimernih (FRP) kompozita. Zatim su autori izradili računalni program za proračun pojačanja stupova vlaknima armiranih polimernih kompozita (eng. FRP Composite Column Strenghtening software). Navedeni računalni program olakšava proračun aksijalne tlačne čvrstoće, posmične čvrstoće i povećanja duktilnosti za stupove nakon pojačanja.This manuscript delineates an extensive inquiry into a structure in Ankara, Turkey, specifically focusing on its existing state, retrofitting initiative, and concomitant software development. The evaluation of the building’s current state, earthquake loads, and anticipated structural stresses was conducted per the Turkish Seismic Code of 2018. The structural model was analysed, incorporating data derived from on-site inspections, surveys, and samples from the building’s concrete core and reinforcement elements by employing non-linear calculation methods. Remedial measures were undertaken after recognising deficiencies in the structure’s performance, including strengthening columns and selecting slabs by applying Fibre-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) composites. Subsequently, the authors engineered the FRP Composite Column Strengthening software. This software facilitates the computation of axial compression strength, shear strength, and ductility enhancements for columns after the retrofitting process

Ham Petrol Fiyat Artışlarının Enflasyonist Etkisi: Seçilmiş OECD Ülkeleri İçin Yapısal Kırılmalı Dinamik Panel Veri Analizi

In this study the effects of crude oil import prices on inflation were analysed between 1960-2011 for the oil importing selected 15 OECD countries. The economic growth variable which is considered to be the descriptor of inflation was also included in the model. Panel unit root and cointegration tests considering the hypothesis that a macroeconomic shock happening in a country would affect the others, i.e. the cross sectional dependency were implemented in the analysis. As a result of the analysis it was found that there was a cointegration relationship between the series. The results of cointegration analysis showed that crude oil import prices and economic growth increased the inflation, and the inflationary effect of economic growth was higher than that of crude oil import prices.Bu çalışmada; petrol ithalatçısı olan OECD üyesi seçilmiş 15 ülke için, 1960-2011 döneminde ham petrol ithal fiyatlarının enflasyon üzerindeki etkileri incelenmiştir. Analizde, herhangi bir ülkede meydana gelen bir makroekonomik şokun diğer ülkeleri de etkileyeceği varsayımını yani yatay kesit bağımlılığını dikkate alan panel birim kök ve eşbütünleşme testleri uygulanmış, seriler arasında eşbütünleşme ilişkisinin varlığı tespit edilmiştir. Uzun Dönem Eşbütünleşme Katsayıları Tahmin sonuçlarına göre ham petrol ithal fiyat artışları ve ekonomik büyümenin enflasyonu arttırdığı, ekonomik büyümenin enflasyonist etkisinin, ham petrol ithal fiyatlarının etkisinden daha fazla olduğu bulgusuna ulaşılmıştır

Ham Petrol Fiyat Artışlarının Enflasyonist Etkisi: Seçilmiş OECD Ülkeleri İçin Yapısal Kırılmalı Dinamik Panel Veri Analizi

In this study the effects of crude oil import prices on inflation were analysed between 1960-2011 for the oil importing selected 15 OECD countries. The economic growth variable which is considered to be the descriptor of inflation was also included in the model. Panel unit root and cointegration tests considering the hypothesis that a macroeconomic shock happening in a country would affect the others, i.e. the cross sectional dependency were implemented in the analysis. As a result of the analysis it was found that there was a cointegration relationship between the series. The results of cointegration analysis showed that crude oil import prices and economic growth increased the inflation, and the inflationary effect of economic growth was higher than that of crude oil import prices.Bu çalışmada; petrol ithalatçısı olan OECD üyesi seçilmiş 15 ülke için, 1960-2011 döneminde ham petrol ithal fiyatlarının enflasyon üzerindeki etkileri incelenmiştir. Analizde, herhangi bir ülkede meydana gelen bir makroekonomik şokun diğer ülkeleri de etkileyeceği varsayımını yani yatay kesit bağımlılığını dikkate alan panel birim kök ve eşbütünleşme testleri uygulanmış, seriler arasında eşbütünleşme ilişkisinin varlığı tespit edilmiştir. Uzun Dönem Eşbütünleşme Katsayıları Tahmin sonuçlarına göre ham petrol ithal fiyat artışları ve ekonomik büyümenin enflasyonu arttırdığı, ekonomik büyümenin enflasyonist etkisinin, ham petrol ithal fiyatlarının etkisinden daha fazla olduğu bulgusuna ulaşılmıştır

Thermal characteristics of oriental beech wood treated with some leaching resistant borates

It was aimed to investigate thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential-thermogravimetric (DTG), and differential-thermal analysis (DTA) of Oriental beech (Fagus orientalis L.) wood treated with some leaching resistant borates such as sodium tetraphenylborate (STPB) and phenylboronic acid (PBA). In this study; 0.25, 1.00, and 4.70 % aqueous solutions of borates were prepared. Results of the study indicated that pyrolysis occurred in three stages for STPB and PBA treated Oriental beech wood. Generally, while concentrations of the STPB and PBA increased, Ti and Tmax values of STPB and PBA treated wood specimens decreased. Residual char contents of STPB and PBA treated wood specimens for all concentrations were higher than untreated control specimen

Prenatal radiation exposure

Pregnant women may be exposed to nonionizing, ionizing radiation and contrast media via diagnostic or therapeutic procedures and workplace exposure. When computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging is performed on a pregnant woman, the effects of exposure to radiation, high magnetic fields and contrast media, which can be risky for a fetus, should be considered. Nonionizing radiation that is not significantly risky for a fetus includes microwave, ultrasound, radio frequency and electromagnetic waves, while ionizing radiation that can be teratogenic, carcinogenic or mutagenic includes particles and electromagnetic radiation. The effects of radiation are associated with the level of exposure and stage of fetal development. Organogenesis (two to seven weeks after conception) and the early fetal period (eight to fifteen weeks after conception) are the most sensitive stages for a fetus. Noncancerous health effects have not been determined at any stage of gestation with less than 50 mGy (5 rad) exposure dose of ionizing radiation. Higher exposure levels may lead to spontaneous abortion, growth restriction, and mental retardation. The risk of cancer is increased regardless of the dose. Although the use of iodinated contrast media is generally thought to be safe during pregnancy, the risk of fetal hypothyroidism should be considered and it should be used only when necessary. The use of gadolinium-based contrast media during pregnancy is controversial because of the lack of clinical data. The purpose of this article is to review the existing literature regarding the prenatal radiation exposure and to discuss fetal risk of radiation

Development of the Scale on Coping with Cyber Bullying towards AdolescentsErgenlere Yönelik Siber Zorbalıkla Başa Çıkma Ölçeği'nin geliştirilmesi

The purpose of this study was to develop a valid and reliable tool to measure high school students' coping behaviors which they exhibit when they are subjected to cyber bullying. The sample of the study was composed of 318 students studying at high schools in the province of Erzurum in the 2014-2015 educational years. The validity of the scale was analyzed via the construct validity and the criterion-related validity. For the construct validity, the exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were made. As a result of the exploratory factor analysis, it was observed that the scale on coping with cyber bullying was composed of 17 items and 4 factors accounting for 61.36% of the total variance. Moreover, the construct validity of the scale on coping with cyber bullying was tested by the confirmatory factor analysis as well. As a result of the confirmatory factor analysis, the models of the scale were determined to be appropriate theoretically and statistically. In the criterion-related validity study, it was observed that there was a positive relationship between the scale on strategies to cope with bullying (SSCB) and the scale on coping with cyber bullying (SCCB). The reliability of the scales was calculated via the methods of internal consistency, split-half reliability and test-retest. Cronbach Alpha reliability coefficients for the sub-dimensions of the instrument ranged from .70 to .86. Split-half correlation coefficient for the sub-dimensions of the instrument ranged between .66 and .86. Moreover, the test-retest reliability for the SCCB varied between .68 and .83 These obtained values indicated the fact that the SCCB was a valid and reliable measurement tool. ÖzetBu araştırmanın amacı, ortaöğretim öğrencilerinin siber zorbalığa uğradıklarında gösterdikleri başa çıkma davranışlarını ölçmeye yönelik geçerli ve güvenilir bir ölçme aracı geliştirmektir. Araştırmanın örneklemini 2014-2015 öğretim yılında Erzurum ilinde ortaöğretim kurumlarında öğrenim gören 318 öğrenci oluşturmaktadır. Ölçeğin geçerliği, yapı geçerliği ve ölçüt bağıntılı geçerlikle incelenmiştir. Yapı geçerliği için açımlayıcı ve doğrulayıcı faktör analizi yapılmıştır. Açımlayıcı faktör analizi sonucunda siber zorbalıkla başa çıkma ölçeğinin toplam varyansın %61.36’sını açıklayan 17 madde ve 4 faktörden oluştuğu görülmüştür. Siber zorbalıkla başa çıkma ölçeğinin yapı geçerliği ayrıca doğrulayıcı faktör analizi ile test edilmiştir. Yapılan doğrulayıcı faktör analizi sonucunda ölçeğin modellerinin kuramsal ve istatistiksel olarak uygun olduğu belirlenmiştir. Ölçüt bağıntılı geçerlik çalışmasında zorbalıkla başa çıkma stratejileri ölçeği ile siber zorbalıkla başa çıkma ölçeği arasında anlamlı bir ilişkinin olduğu ortaya çıkmıştır. Ölçeklerin güvenirliği; iç tutarlık, iki yarı güvenirlik ve test-tekrar test yöntemleriyle hesaplanmıştır. Cronbach Alpha iç tutarlık katsayılarının ölçeğin alt boyutları için  .70-.86 arasında değiştiği görülmüştür. İki yarı test güvenirliği katsayılarının ölçeğin alt boyutları için .66-.86 arasında bulunduğu gözlenmiştir.  Ölçeğin test tekrar test güvenirlik katsayıları ölçek alt boyutları için .68-.83 arasında bulunmuştur. Bulunan bu değerler siber zorbalıkla başa çıkma ölçeğinin geçerli ve güvenilir bir ölçme aracı olduğunu göstermektedir