PM2.5 concentration prediction using hidden semi-Markov model-based times series data mining

In this paper, a novel framework and methodology based on hidden semi-Markov models (HSMMs) for high PM_2.5 concentration value prediction is presented. Due to lack of explicit time structure and its short-term memory of past history, a standard hidden Markov model (HMM) has limited power in modeling the temporal structures of the prediction problems. To overcome the limitations of HMMs in prediction, we develop the HSMMs by adding the temporal structures into the HMMs and use them to predict the concentration levels of PM_2.5. As a model-driven statistical learning method, HSMM assumes that both data and a mathematical model are available. In contrast to other data-driven statistical prediction models such as neural networks, a mathematical functional mapping between the parameters and the selected input variables can be established in HSMMs. In the proposed framework, states of HSMMs are used to represent the PM_2.5 concentration levels. The model parameters are estimated through modified forward–backward training algorithm. The re-estimation formulae for model parameters are derived. The trained HSMMs can be used to predict high PM_2.5 concentration levels. The validation of the proposed framework and methodology is carried out in real world applications: prediction of high PM_2.5 concentrations at O’Hare airport in Chicago. The results show that the HSMMs provide accurate predictions of high PM_2.5 concentration levels for the next 24 h.     

Quasi-solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells with cyanoacrylate as electrolyte matrix

A quasi-solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) employing a commercial glue (“SuperGlue^®”) as electrolyte matrix was fabricated. The cyano groups of the cyanoacrylate can form a supramolecular complex with tetrapropylammonium cations. This immobilizes the cations and therefore might lead to a favored anionic charge transport necessary for a good performance of the iodide/triiodide electrolytic conductor. Obtaining energy conversion efficiencies of more than 4% under 100 mW/cm² of simulated A.M. 1.5 illumination, the cyanoacrylate quasi-solid-state electrolyte is an ordinary and low-cost compound which has fast drying property and offers significant advantages in the fabrication of solar cells and modules as it is in itself is a very good laminating agent. The influences of different porous layer thicknesses of titanium oxide and various kinds of cations on DSSC performance and long-term stability are presented.     

A decomposition analysis of CO2 emissions from energy use: Turkish case

Environmental problems, especially “climate change” due to significant increase in anthropogenic greenhouse gases, have been on the agenda since 1980s. Among the greenhouse gases, carbon dioxide (CO₂) is the most important one and is responsible for more than 60% of the greenhouse effect. The objective of this study is to identify the factors that contribute to changes in CO₂ emissions for the Turkish economy by utilizing Log Mean Divisia Index (LMDI) method developed by Ang (2005) [Ang, B.W., 2005. The LMDI approach to decomposition analysis: a practical guide. Energy Policy 33, 867–871]. Turkish economy is divided into three aggregated sectors, namely agriculture, industry and services, and energy sources used by these sectors are aggregated into four groups: solid fuels, petroleum, natural gas and electricity. This study covers the period 1970–2006, which enables us to investigate the effects of different macroeconomic policies on carbon dioxide emissions through changes in shares of industries and use of different energy sources. Our analysis shows that the main component that determines the changes in CO₂ emissions of the Turkish economy is the economic activity. Even though important changes in the structure of the economy during 1970–2006 period are observed, structure effect is not a significant factor in changes in CO₂ emissions, however intensity effect is.     

Novel Making of Bacterial Cellulose Blended Polymeric Fiber Bandages

Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a very promising biological material. However, at present its utilization is limited by difficulties in shape forming it. In this Communication, it is shown how this can be overcome by blending it with poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA) polymer. BC:PMMA fibers are produced by pressurized gyration of blended BC:PMMA solutions. Subsequently, BC:PMMA bandage‐like scaffolds are generated with different blends. The products are investigated to determine their morphological and chemical features. Cell culture and proliferation tests are performed to obtain information on biocompatibility of the scaffolds.     

Isolation and identification of Mycobacteria from raw milk samples in Afyonkarahisar district of Turkey

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) have become a significant cause of infection with the emergence of HIV/AIDS, primarily Mycobacterium avium complex members, and NTM transmitted to humans from the environment (water, fruit, vegetables, beef, and milk). The objectives of this study were to show the presence of mycobacteria in milk and to determine their role as possible sources of human infection. For this, raw milk samples (N=35) were decontaminated with sodium dodecyl (lauryl) sulfate (SDS)-NaOH and inoculated on to L?wenstein-Jensen medium. After confirming positive 15 slides, isolated from milk by Ziehl-Neelsen technique, they were identified by PCR-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism Analysis (PRA). Nine hospital isolates which were identified as Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex by BACTEC were used at control group. We have detected Mycobacterium terrae, Mycobacterium kansassii, Mycobacterium agri at the end of the identification. Two mycobacterial raw milk isolates were not able to be identified by PRA. PRA patterns' were found to be similar to those which obtained University Faculty of Medical by BACTEC. The results showed that raw milk is to be possible sources for human infection. That is why UHF sterilized milk should be consumed.     

New fungal biomasses for cyanide biodegradation

Cyanide, a hazardous substance, is released into the environment as a result of natural processes of various industrial activities which is a toxic pollutant according to Environmental Protection Agency. In nature, some microorganisms are responsible for the degradation of cyanide, but there is only limited information about the degradation characteristics of Basidiomycetes for cyanide. The aim of the present study is to determine cyanide degradation characteristics in some Basidiomycetes strains including Polyporus arcularius (T 438), Schizophyllum commune (T 701), Clavariadelphus truncatus (T 192), Pleurotus eryngii (M 102), Ganoderma applanatum (M 105), Trametes versicolor (D 22), Cerrena unicolor (D 30), Schizophyllum commune (D 35) and Ganoderma lucidum (D 33). The cyanide degradation activities of P. arcularius S. commune and G. lucidum were found to be more than that of the other fungi examined. The parameters including incubation time, amount of biomass, initial cyanide concentration, temperature, pH and agitation rate were optimized for the selected three potential fungal strains. The maximum cyanide degradation was obtained after 48 h of incubation at 30 °C by P. arcularius (T 438). The optimum pH and agitation rate were measured as 10.5 and 150 rev/min, respectively. The amount of biomass was found as 3.0 g for the maximum cyanide biodegradation with an initial cyanide concentration of 100 mg/L. In this study, agar was chosen entrapment agent for the immobilization of effective biomass. We suggested that P. arcularius (T 438) could be effective in the treatment of contaminated sites with cyanide due to capability of degrading cyanide.     

An analysis of Rem Koolhaas’s discourses on architecture and urban design using a corpus-based model

This paper explores the networks of thoughts behind words by reading architectural texts in the context of linguistics. Using a corpus-based model, our main interest is what the collocational data contribute at an architectural level. The notion of “collocation identification in architecture” was drawn from an analysis of the use of the data for Rem Koolhaas. The data for this study were collected from Rem Koolhaas’s articles from 1977 to 2014. An analysis of Koolhaas’s ideas about architecture and urban planning was conducted using the AntConc 3.4.4.0 corpus analysis toolkit. The corpus-based model reduced selected articles to words and lexical bundles using the corpus analysis toolkit. This paper explores Koolhaas’s thoughts on understanding architecture and the metaphors he uses by analyzing articles using the corpus-based analysis model. The discourse codes in the texts of Koolhaas are examined. A corpus-based model proposal tested on architectural texts has the potential to create new areas of knowledge for architectural discourse. Deciphering the texts and analyzing the codes contribute to the development of new models.     

Recapitulating Antioxidant and Antibacterial Compounds into a Package for Tissue Regeneration: Dual Function Materials with Synergistic Effect

Oxidative damage and infection can prevent or delay tissue repair. Moreover, infection reinforces reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, which makes the wound's condition even worse. Therefore, the need for antioxidant and antibacterial agents is felt for tissue regeneration. There are emerging up-and-coming biomaterials that recapitulate both properties into a package, offering an effective solution to turn the wound back into a healing state. In this article, the principles of antioxidant and antibacterial activity are summarized. The review starts with biological aspects, getting the readers to familiarize themselves with tissue barriers against infection. This is followed by the chemistry and mechanism of action of antioxidant and antibacterial materials (dual function). Eventually, the outlook and challenges are underlined to provide where the dual-function biomaterials are and where they are going in the future. It is expected that the present article inspires the designing of dual-function biomaterials to more advanced levels by providing the fundamentals and comparative points of view and paving the clinical way for these materials.