Does energy intensity matter in the nexus between energy consumption and economic growth regarding capital-energy substitution?

This article investigates how the non-linear connection between energy consumption and economic development is influenced by energy intensity level in the context of energy-capital substitution. We firstly analyze the substitutability/complementarity between energy and capital by estimating VES production function within the standard Solow growth model framework for 58 countries over the period of 1975-2017. The selected countries are classified into four groups according to their relative energy intensity levels and their accessibility to energy. The estimation findings reveal that energy and capital are complements in the final output for each country group. Hence, in this paper, as further analysis, the study examines whether or not energy consumption always fosters economic growth. We investigate the non-linear link between energy consumption and economic development by constructing a panel smooth transition regression (PSTR) model for each country group and looking at the impact of energy intensity in this relationship. The empirical results provide that for each country group, there is a threshold level for energy intensity. Regardless of whether a country is a net energy exporter or net energy importer, it needs to use energy efficiently and not exceed the ideal energy intensity level in both production and consumption to maintain long-term economic growth.

Ring orthosis design and production by rapid prototyping approach

STUDY DESIGN

In this study, ring orthosis design and manufacturing was performed by using rapid prototyping technology.

INTRODUCTION

Swan neck and boutonniere deformities may occur because of various reasons such as tendon injuries, sharp object injuries, or rheumatic diseases. Although the ring orthoses are the most commonly used conservative treatment method for swan neck and buttonhole deformities, they cannot be widely used because they are both difficult to produce and esthetically unsatisfied with the patients.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

In this study, it was aimed to manufacture with an orthosis design that is fully compatible, more esthetic, faster, and easily produced.

METHODS

3D printing technologies are used in design and manufacturing. The 3D scanner is used in the measurement process, and the 3D printer is used in the manufacturing process.

RESULTS

As a result of the study, a more esthetically pleasing and comfortable orthosis was made faster.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

As a result of the study, the thickness of the material should not be less than 5 mm.

Is there association between QRS-T angle, and hormonal and sonographic features in polycystic ovarian syndrome?

OBJECTIVE

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex disorder comprising ovulatory dysfunction, hyperandrogenism, and polycystic ovaries (PCO). Several studies have used electrocardiography (ECG) to assess PCOS patients. We aimed to analyze the associations among QRS-T angle, hormonal parameters, and ovarian and thyroid sonography in PCOS.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Adult females with PCOS, but without comorbid illness, were included in our study. Demographic and clinical features (body mass index, Ferriman-Gallwey score, phenotype) were analyzed, as well as laboratory test results. Based on standard 12-lead ECGs, frontal plane QRS-T angles were calculated, defined as the angle between the mean QRS and the mean T vector, and verified with automatic instrument measurements. Values within the range -46 to +59° were classified as "normal", and those out of this range as "abnormal". Patients were divided into groups according to the presence of thyroid nodules, echogenicity (normal/decreased), and vascularity (normal/increased) based on thyroid sonography, and by mean ovarian volume (MOV ≥ 10/< 10 mL) or apparent PCO based on ovarian sonography.

RESULTS

The mean age of the 92 patients was 22.68 ± 4.58 years; 11 patients (11.9%) had abnormal QRS-T angles. Demographic, clinical, electrocardiographic, and laboratory parameters were similar between the normal and abnormal QRS-T angle groups, with the exception of MOV, which was higher in the latter group (p=0.032). Among all clinical and laboratory parameters, only MOV was a strong predictor of abnormal QRS-T angle (p=0.016).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study is the first to analyze the association between the QRS-T angle and hormonal and sonographic features of patients with PCOS. A small percentage of patients had abnormal QRS-T angles, and a large MOV was a strong predictor of this abnormality.

A new experimental burn model with an infrared heater

BACKGROUND

This study was undertaken to develop new experimental burn injury model using conventional infrared heaters.

METHODS

21 Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 3 groups. Portion of dorsal area was exposed to infrared radiation from distance of 50 cm to create burn injury. Length of exposure to heat for Group 1 was 5 minutes; Group 2 was exposed for 7½ minutes, and Group 3 was exposed for 10 minutes. Macroscopic and histopathological evaluations were utilized to demonstrate depth and characteristics of injury.

RESULTS

There was no burn injury in first group. Group 2 developed partial thickness burn, and result was full thickness burn injury in Group 3. In Groups 2 and 3 there was statistically significant difference in dermal collagen denaturation. Dermal injury depth was statistically significantly higher in Group 3 compared to Group 2.

CONCLUSION

New experimental burn injury model is described using conventional infrared heaters. Standard variables pertaining to model were defined to produce burn injuries at predictable depth: 10 minutes of exposure from 50 cm distance for full thickness burn, and 7½ minutes of exposure from the same distance for partial thickness injury.

[Determination of subacute and chronic period sleep quality in burn patients]

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to determine the sleep quality of patients treated at burn center.

METHODS

The present study is descriptive research conducted between January 2014 and July 2015 at a university hospital. The study included 36 patients (32 male, 4 female; mean age 26.69±9.63; range 19 to 60 years). Patient information form and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were used to collect data. SPSS software (version 22.0; SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) was used for the analysis of the data, and statistical significance was regarded as p<0.05 in all analyses.

RESULTS

Burn injuries of 50% of the patients were due to flash burn that occurred in the house. Complications developed in 52.8% of the patients. PSQI score average of the patients was 9.30±4.03 and 86.5% of them suffer from poor sleep quality. It was found that there was a statistically significant correlation (p<0.05) between Pittsburgh Sleep Quality averages and patient being in the intensive care unit (ICU), education level, percentage of area burned, length of time that had passed since the burn, and medication (antidepressant or antipsychotic).

DISCUSSION

The sleep quality of patients in the study was found to be of poor degree. It is known that after burn injury, sufficient sleep enhances the function of natural defense cells, protein synthesis, and release of growth hormones, thereby healing the burn injuries. Information about patient sleep quality and sleep problems can lead to the development of nursing care for patients suffering from burns.

Staged repair of severe open abdomens due to high-energy gunshot injuries with early vacuum pack and delayed tissue expansion and dual-sided meshes

BACKGROUND

Open abdomen is a salvage procedure that prevents catastrophes after severe intraabdominal traumas. However, following this life saving attempt, it is mostly not feasible to close the abdomen immediately after the recovery of intraabdominal injuries. Consequently, a staged reconstruction is required, and the first stage is usually a temporary closing approach. At the end of this stage, resulting giant "ventral hernia" is a burden for both the patient and the surgeon. Therefore a permanent repair is subsequently needed. Although there are many treatment modalities described for this goal, etiologies like high-energy gunshots may cause an exactly nuisance scene which can limit treatment options and reduce final success. Herein, it was the objective of this study to present our staged protocol to restore the abdominal wall defect and strategy for optimizing the results in such conundrum cases.

METHODS

Treatment was performed on nine male patients suffering from severe open abdomen due to high-energy gunshot injury. In all patients, temporary closure was provided by negative pressure wound treatment applied directly to the viscera and followed by skin grafting. Late permanent closure was performed with the lamination of expanded abdominal skin and dual-sided meshes.

RESULTS

The follow-up period ranged between 24 months to 4.5 years (mean, 3 years). During this period, no recurrence of ventral hernia, enteric fistula formation, abdominal infection and seroma formation was observed in any patient.

CONCLUSION

In this study, NPWT, tissue expansion and dual-sided mesh were used together as a staged procedure for optimizing the results in the clinical scenario of an open abdomen due to high-energy gunshot wound. Results were highly satisfactory for patients and acceptable aesthetically.

Premature hair whitening is an independent predictor of carotid intima-media thickness in young and middle-aged men

OBJECTIVE

Premature graying or whitening of the hair may possibly represent premature atherosclerotic changes as a surrogate marker of different host responses to cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs). This study was undertaken to test whether carotid artery intima-media thickness (CIMT) as a validated surrogate marker of the severity and extent of coronary artery disease (CAD) is higher in subjects with prominent signs of hair whitening, independent of chronological age and other CVRFs.

METHODS

The current study was conducted in young and middle-aged patients (<55 years age) without a history of cardiovascular disease. Two hundred and two eligible patients consecutively admitted to our outpatient clinic for CVRF management were included. A gray/white-hair scale was used to determine the percentage of hair whitening.

RESULTS

In the groups determined according to the degree of hair whitening, age (p<0.001), waist circumference (p=0.011), the presence of hypertension (p=0.003), the uric acid levels (p=0.008), the C - reactive protein levels (p=0.002) and CIMT (p<0.001) were significantly different. When we performed multivariate analyses to determine the independent predictors of CIMT and hair whitening, CIMT was found to be related to age, waist circumference, the levels of uric acid, bilirubin and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, the presence of a family history of CAD and hair whitening, while hair whitening was found to be related to age, hypertension, the bilirubin level and CIMT.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that premature hair whitening intensity is independently related to CIMT. In cumulative assessments of CVRFs on the human body, the presence of premature hair whitening may be useful in identifying individuals with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

A Comparative Study of Uses of the Internet among College Students with and without Internet Addiction

The current study examined uses of the Internet among college students classified as addicted to the Internet or not. Data were gathered from 384 college students. Students classified as Internet Addicted used the Internet more for social functions, leisure functions, and virtual emotional functions, when compared to students considered as Internet Nonaddicted. Effect sizes were large, indicating important group differences in uses of the Internet.