Convergence of an implicit algorithm for two families of nonexpansive mappings

In this paper, we study an implicit iterative algorithm for two nonexpansive mappings and two finite families of nonexpansive mappings in Banach spaces. We prove some weak and strong convergence theorems for these iterative algorithms. Our results extend some existing results.     

Simulation of fine sediment transport in oscillatory boundary layer

Sediment transport and resulting morphodynamics take place at vastly different spatial and temporal scales. Bottom boundary layer dynamics is one of the most critical small-scale processes controlling sediment transport. However, it is very challenging as it involves highly nonlinear turbulent flow phenomenon that occurs at a scale as small as Kolmogorov scales. The unsteady nature of the flow forcing in the coastal environment, such as waves, is another important factor that further complicates the process. This paper aims to take a step to better understand wave-driven turbulent boundary layer and corresponding transport process. The problem of wave-driven sediment transport is simplified into fully developed oscillatory channel flow. Particles are assumed to be fine and dilute and hence they can be approximately considered as passive except gravitational settling with its settling velocity estimated from Stokes' law. Highly accurate pseudo-spectral flow solver has been employed and Direct Numerical Simulation (DNS) is carried out to resolve all scales of flow turbulence without sub-grid closure. Sediment concentration is then updated via mass conservation. Clear fluid simulation for intermittently turbulent condition (i.e., Stokes Reynolds number Re_Δ = 1000) is validated with earlier DNS results reported by Spalart and Baldwin [1989. Direct simulation of a turbulent oscillating boundary layer. Turbulent Shear Flows 6. Springer]. Fine sediment with dilute concentration is then added in the numerical simulation to study sediment suspension events under oscillatory flow. Suspension events are evaluated both qualitatively, by observing vortex structures, and quantitatively by the statistics of vertical fluxes. For fine particles and dilute concentration considered here, it is observed that particle phase is well-mixed in the boundary layer. Suspension is highly dependent on turbulent vortical structures at different wave phases.     

A new approach for measuring RMS value and phase angle of fundamental harmonic based on Wavelet Packet Transform

Traditional ways of calculating/measuring harmonics in power systems have been based on Fourier Transform and algorithms, such as Fast Fourier Transform and Goertzel that implements it. In this study, a novel approach based on Wavelet Packet Transform is presented to measure Root-Mean-Square (RMS) value and phase angle of the fundamental harmonic. To this end, analytical expressions were derived and using a Graphical User Interface (GUI) designed and experimental works the validity of analytical expressions was demonstrated.     

Financial early warning system model and data mining application for risk detection

One of the biggest problems of SMEs is their tendencies to financial distress because of insufficient finance background. In this study, an early warning system (EWS) model based on data mining for financial risk detection is presented. CHAID algorithm has been used for development of the EWS. Developed EWS can be served like a tailor made financial advisor in decision making process of the firms with its automated nature to the ones who have inadequate financial background. Besides, an application of the model implemented which covered 7853 SMEs based on Turkish Central Bank (TCB) 2007 data. By using EWS model, 31 risk profiles, 15 risk indicators, 2 early warning signals, and 4 financial road maps has been determined for financial risk mitigation.     

Multiple linear regression modeling of disinfection by-products formation in Istanbul drinking water reservoirs

Oxidation of raw water with chlorine results in formation of trihalomethanes (THM) and haloacetic acids (HAA). Factors affecting their concentrations have been found to be organic matter type and concentration, pH, temperature, chlorine dose, contact time and bromide concentration, but the mechanisms of their formation are still under investigation. Within this scope, chlorination experiments have been conducted with water reservoirs from Terkos, Buyukcekmece and Omerli lakes, Istanbul, with different water quality regarding bromide concentration and organic matter content. The factors studied were pH, contact time, chlorine dose, and specific ultraviolet absorbance (SUVA). The determination of disinfection by-products (DBP) was carried out by gas chromatography techniques. Statistical analysis of the results was focused on the development of multiple regression models for predicting the concentrations of total THM and total HAA based on the use of pH, contact time, chlorine dose, and SUVA. The developed models provided satisfactory estimations of the concentrations of the DBP and the model regression coefficients of THM and HAA are 0.88 and 0.61, respectively. Further, the Durbin-Watson values confirm the reliability of the two models. The results indicate that under these experimental conditions which indicate the variations of pH, chlorine dosages, contact time, and SUVA values, the formation of THM and HAA in water can be described by the multiple linear regression technique.     

Effects of sodium caseinate‐ and milk protein concentrate‐based edible coatings on the postharvest quality of Bing cherries

Bing cherries were coated with sodium caseinate‐ or milk protein concentrate‐based edible coatings. Besides the proteins (100 g kg^?1), the coating formulations also included glycerol (about 300 g kg^?1 protein) and either beeswax or a stearic–palmitic acid blend at a concentration of 0, 100 or 300 g lipid phase kg^?1 of protein. All coatings, especially those containing 300 g kg^?1 stearic–palmitic acid blend, successfully reduced water loss of the fruits. The edible coatings had a beneficial effect on the sensory quality of the cherries, and there were significant (p < 0.05) effects of the coating treatments on soluble solids, titratable acidity and pH. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effect of levodopa therapy on visual evoked potentials and visual acuity in amblyopia

Between 10 and 11 years after children were vaccinated with Vi capsular polysaccharide of Salmonella typhi or meningococcal A + C control vaccine in a double blind randomized trial, we traced 83 subjects, aged 16-20 years. A blood sample was taken for determination of Vi antibody titres in both groups by radioimmunoassay. TO and TH titres were also done to assess if the participants had had recent exposure to typhoid fever. Fifty-eight percent of subjects in both groups had protective levels of Vi antibody against Salmonella typhi (a titre greater than 1 microgram ml-1). There was no significant difference in the levels of Vi antibodies in the cases versus the controls (p = 0.5). Two of the children who had received meningococcal A + C vaccine had recently had typhoid fever. Our data show that adolescents in typhoid endemic areas have high levels of Vi antibodies regardless of previous vaccination status, suggesting that Vi antibodies are acquired in adolescence by a large percentage of the population in this area. Moreover, Vi vaccination has led to ongoing antibody production in greater than 50% of Vi vaccinated children in an endemic area for a period of 10 years. Ongoing antigenic exposure may have contributed to these antibody levels.     

Application of economical models for dye removal from aqueous solutions: cash flow,cost–benefit,and alternative selection methods

Although there are numerous adsorption studies performed by using various adsorbents, there is no deterministic knowledge about selection of appropriate adsorbent type from present alternatives. In order to evaluate the advantages of the selected adsorbent species mathematically, researchers may use economical models such as cash flow diagrams, cost–benefit analyses, and alternative selection methods. In spite of the fact that these models have been used in many other engineering branches they are rarely applied in environmental research. In this study we have aimed to investigate usability of the mentioned economical models in adsorption of reactive azo dyes from aqueous solutions. Activated ash, a waste material, and commercial granular activated carbon were decided to be adsorbent alternatives. By applying economical models appropriate adsorbent type was selected considering both adsorption efficiencies and economical conditions. Although similar tendencies were monitored in cash flow diagrams; considering the amount of expenses activated ash exhibited remarkable advantages compared to granular activated carbon. Furthermore, results of cost–benefit analyses showed that activated ash has been advantageous when total costs and profits were evaluated together. Results of this study suggest usage of these economical models even in adsorption studies in order to provide accurate information on the selection of appropriate adsorbent type. These methods enable evaluation of economical conditions, which is generally neglected, together with the obtained removal efficiencies.     

Transient weakness and compound muscle action potential decrement in myotonia congenita

Twenty-five Turkish patients with recessive myotonia congenita (RMC), 16 of whom had genetic confirmation, were studied. Nineteen had transient weakness. In the upper extremities, onset age of transient weakness was usually in the early teens. All untreated RMC patients had a compound muscle action potential decrement of > or =25%, usually above 50%, with repetitive nerve stimulation at 10/s for 5 s. Patients with other nondystrophic diseases with myotonia, except 1 patient with dominant myotonia congenita, had no transient weakness and a CMAP decrement below 25%.     

Freeze-Drying of Pharmaceutical Products: Research and Development Needs

Significance of pharmaceutical formulation (choosing of correct excipients in optimal quantities), effects of glass transition temperature, importance of theoretical modeling of the process, benefits of optimal control, and the advantages of remote monitoring of the process are presented. Experimental and theoretical research and development needs for the freeze-drying of pharmaceutical products are proposed and discussed.