Two-parameter differential calculus on the h-superplane

We introduce a noncommutative differential calculus on the two-parameter $h$-superplane via a contraction of the (p,q)-superplane. We manifestly show that the differential calculus is covariant under $GL_{h_1,h_2}(1| 1)$ transformations. We also give a two-parameter deformation of the (1+1)-dimensional phase space algebra.Comment: 14 page

On the Differential Geometry of GLq(1∣1)GL_q(1| 1)

The differential calculus on the quantum supergroup GL$_q(1| 1)$ was introduced by Schmidke {\it et al}. (1990 {\it Z. Phys. C} {\bf 48} 249). We construct a differential calculus on the quantum supergroup GL$_q(1| 1)$ in a different way and we obtain its quantum superalgebra. The main structures are derived without an R-matrix. It is seen that the found results can be written with help of a matrix $\hat{R}$Comment: 14 page

Cartan calculi on the quantum superplane

Cartan calculi on the extended quantum superplane are given. To this end, the noncommutative differential calculus on the extended quantum superplane is extended by introducing inner derivations and Lie derivatives

Comparison of Gaia and asteroseismic distances

Asteroseismology provides fundamental properties (mass, radius and effective temperature) of solar-like oscillating stars using so-called scaling relations. These properties allow the computation of the asteroseismic distance of stars. We compare the asteroseismic distances with the recently released Gaia distances for 74 stars studied in Y{\i}ld{\i}z et al. There is a very good agreement between these two distances; for 64 of these stars, the difference is less than 10 per cent. However, a systematic difference is seen if we use the effective temperature obtained by spectroscopic methods; the Gaia distances are about 5 per cent greater than the asteroseismic distances.Comment: 4 pages, 4 figures, accepted by MNRA

Implementing the recent curricular changes to English language instruction in Turkey: Opinions and concerns of elementary school administrators

Recent modifications to the Turkish educational system have mandated that instruction in English begin in the 2nd grade, rather than the 4th grade, as was previously required. Consequently, substantial modification of the elementary (2nd through 8th grade) English language teaching program has been carried out in order to accommodate this change. Successful implementation of the new program may be significantly affected by the efforts of elementary school administrators to incorporate the restructured curriculum at the institutional level. Therefore, the  researchers believe that understanding the attitudes of school principalsconcerning these changes may play a significant role in learner outcomes. Accordingly, by means of personal interviews, this qualitative study explores the beliefs of nine elementary school administrators concerning the teaching of English to younger students, as well as their general opinions on English language education. The results indicate divided opinions toward the requirement for English instruction, although the administrators’ attitudes toward facilitating English teaching in their schools were generally positive. However, they expressed concerns about the recently replaced teaching program and indicated general agreement that revision was needed. Based on the perceptions expressed by the  participants, the researchers concluded that the administrators may be motivated to promote the modified teaching program among teachers,students and parents. However, the responses of the participants also raised significant questions about school principals’ underlying beliefs concerning the importance of English language education, as well as institutional issues that may warrant intervention. As a result, suggestionsfor additional research are made.Keywords: curricular reform; educational reform; English as a foreign language (EFL); school administrators; school principal

Predictors of adverse perinatal outcomes in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy

Objectives: Our objective was to evaluate in our clinic the perinatal outcomes of patients diagnosed with ICP based on pre-treatment maternal serum bile acid levels, attempt to identify the risk group and review the literature in light of this information.  Material and methods: In total, 370 patients diagnosed with ICP were included in the study, divided into two groups based on the fasting total serum bile acid level before UDCA (Group 1: 10 ≥ 40 μmol/L, and Group 2: ≥ 40 μmol/L). The groups were examined for clinical characteristics and pregnancy outcomes.  Results: It was found that preterm delivery and neonatal intensive care need increased at a serum bile acid cut-off value of 34 μmol/L. Regardless of serum bile acid, significantly higher rates of meconium-stained amniotic fluid and foetal distress were observed in patients whose diagnoses were made before 34 weeks of gestation.  Conclusions: Foetal complications over 40 μmol/L of serum bile acid were significantly increased. However, slightly lower levels cut-off values (34 μmol/L) were obtained in terms of preterm birth and neonatal intensive care need. The incidence of meconium-stained amniotic fluid and foetal distress was higher in patients whose diagnosis were made before 34 weeks of gestation.

Effects of strip and full-width tillage on soil carbon IV oxide-carbon (CO2-C) fluxes and on bacterial and fungal populations in sunflower

In strip tillage system, planting lines are cultivated while the inter-row spaces are left undisturbed. The objective of this study is to determine the effects of strip tillage and full-width tillage treatments on soil carbon IV oxide-carbon (CO2-C) fluxes, bacterial and fungal populations in growing period of sunflower (Helianthus annus). A row-crop rotary hoe with C type blades was used to create three strip widths by changing the connection of blades of the rotary hoe on the flanges. Strip widths were 22.5 (T30), 30.0 (T40) and 37.5 cm (T50). The full-width tillage practice (moldboard plow + disc harrow + leveler) gave 100% surface soil disturbance (T100) and was included in the experiment to make comparisons with the strip tillage system. A randomized complete block design with three replications was used. During the growth of the sunflower, periodic measurements of CO2-C fluxes and bacterial and fungal populations were made. Significant (p < 0.01) differences in CO2-C fluxes, microbial populations, soil bulk density and total porosity were observed between the different tillage systems. Highest CO2-C fluxes, bacteria populations and total porosity were observed in the full-width T100 application and the lowest values were observed in the T30 treatment during flowering and harvesting periods. Increasing tillage intensity increased soil CO2-C fluxes and bacteria population, but decreased fungi population and soil bulk density.Key words: Carbon IV oxide-carbon flux, soil bacteria and fungi, strip tillage, full-width tillage, sunflower