• Title/Summary/Keyword: akan

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PATTERNS OF ASSIMILATION OF IGBO VOWELS : AN ACOUSTIC ACCOUNT

  • Clara I. Ikekeonwu
    • Proceedings of the KSPS conference
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    • 1996.10a
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    • pp.514-514
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    • 1996
  • Igbo, a new Benue Congo language has a vowel harmony system which, like that of Akan, is based on the pharynx size or tongue root position. In this study we examine Igbo vowel harmony with particular reference to assimilatory patterns of vowels in different harmony sets. This is to gain some insight into the factors involved in Igbo vowel assimilation, and to establish to what extent reports on Akan vowel assimilation are validated in Igbo. Tokens of the eight phonemic vowels of Standard Igbo are recorded from three native speakers of Igbo. The vowels are acoustically investigated (using the LPC analysis of CSL) in individual lexical items and within carefully designed carrier phrases. The F1 and F2 values of the vowels are obtained as these formant values are generally useful in establishing the salient characteristics of vowels. Vowels from the harmony sets are juxtaposed in the carrier phrases to ascertain the extent of assimilation. Results of the investigation show that the F1 values, to a large extend, are enough to characterize these vowels. The (-Expanded) vowels have higher F1 values than their (+Expanded) counterpart. Where there is an overlap in F1 values for some vowels the F1 bandwidth values serve to distinguish between the vowels. The overlap often reported in Akan for /I/ and /e/ on the one hand and /${\mho}$/ and /o/ on the other is not validated in Igbo. While the F1 values for these pairs of vowels are quite similar for one of our speakers, there is an appreciable difference between the F1 values of these vowels for the other two speakers. There is however an overlap for /e/ and /o/ for one of the speakers. Assimilations are generally regressive across word boundaries. It is, however, necessary to point out that the general perceptual impression that one of the vowels completely assimilates to the other, is not borne out by our investigation. Most of our F1 and F2 values for the vowels in individual lexical items are altered in assimilations. This then suggests that assimilation involving these vowels is partial rather than complete. The emerging 'allophones' are acoustically similar to the (+Expanded) vowel involved in the assimilation, that is when vowels from different harmony sets are involved. We conclude that while assimilation of Igbo vowels involves some phonological considerations, phonetic factors appear to be permanent in deciding the final form of the vowels.

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Comparative Study on Preliminary Design of Detention Basins (저류지 예비설계에 관한 비교연구)

  • Park, Min-Kyu;Yoo, Chul-Sang;Park, Chang-Yeol
    • Proceedings of the Korea Water Resources Association Conference
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    • 2007.05a
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    • pp.383-387
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    • 2007
  • 본 연구에서는 저류지 예비설계를 위해 제안된 다양한 모형의 수문학적 특성을 비교하고, 재해영향평가 실무지침서 등과 같은 국내 설계기준에 의하여 설계된 저류지 용량을 기준으로 저류지 홍수조절용량 결정의 적정성을 검토하였다. SCS 모형 등 총 9가지 모형을 대상으로 비교한 결과 Wycoff and Sing 모형, Baker 모형, Kessler and Diskin 모형과 Currey and Akan 모형 4가지의 적용결과와 국내 방식으로 산정된 저류지 용량의 상관성은 89.7%로 높게 나타났다. 또한 홍수조절용량 $15,000m^3$이하에서 특히 상관성이 높게 나타나 상기 모형들을 소규모 저류지 시설을 계획하기 위한 초기 가정치 또는 기존에 설치된 저류지 시설들의 용량 평가목적으로 활용할 수 있을 것으로 판단되었다. 또한, 국내에서 주로 설치되고 있는 저류지의 특성을 반영하여 추가로 적용성이 높은 방법을 도출할 경우 행정계획단계의 사전재해영향성검토나 소규모 개발사업 등에서 저류지의 홍수조절용량의 예비설계 목적으로 활용할 수 있으리라 판단된다.

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Antioxidants May Protect Cancer Cells from Apoptosis Signals and Enhance Cell Viability

  • Akan, Zafer;Garip, Ayse Inhan
    • Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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    • v.14 no.8
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    • pp.4611-4614
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    • 2013
  • Quercetin is one of the most abundant dietary flavonoids widely present in many fruits and vegetables. Previous in vitro studies has shown that quercetin acts as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent and it has potent anticarcinogenic properties as an apoptosis inducer. In this study we examined apoptotic effects of quercetin on the K562 erythroleukemia cell line. K562 cells were induced to undergo apoptosis by hydrogen peroxide. Cell viability and apoptosis level were assessed by annexin V and PI staining methods using flow cytometry. Viability of K562 cells was increased by low dose of quercetin (5-100 ${\mu}M$) for 3 hours. High doses of quercetin proved toxic (100-500 ${\mu}M$, 24 hours) and resulted in decrease of K562 cell viability as expected (p<0.01). As to results, 100 ${\mu}M$ quercetin was defined as a protective dose. Also, K562 cell apoptosis due to hydrogen peroxide was decreased in a dose dependent manner. As indicated in previous studies, reduction of superoxides by free radical scavengers like quercetin could be beneficial for prevention of cancer but consumption of such flavonoids during cancer treatment may weaken effects of chemotherapeutics and radiotherapy. Especially cancer patients should be carefully considered for traditional phytotherapy during cancer treatment, which can lead to controversial results.

Analysis of the Level of Technological Development and Digital Readiness of Scientific-Research Institutes

  • ALZHANOVA, Farida G.;KIREYEVA, Anel A.;SATPAYEVA, Zaira Т.;TSOY, Alexander A.;NURBATSIN, Akan
    • The Journal of Asian Finance, Economics and Business
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    • v.7 no.12
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    • pp.1133-1147
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    • 2020
  • The purpose of this study is to analyze the level of science and technology development and digital readiness of scientific research institutes based on the author's assessment methodology (a set of evaluations and multifactorial indicators). Keeping with the previous literature, the research is caused by the novelty of the problem, which suggests dividing the literature review into two main research groups: theoretical background, which concentrates on the digital readiness definition, and the impact of digital readiness on science. Moreover, the scientific significance lies in the fact that proposed ideas in the research, developed theoretical and methodological provisions can significantly enrich theories related to the identification of the digital readiness of science and its consumers. Further, the research is devoted to the development of assessment methods of digital changes and analysis of the level of development of digital readiness of scientific research institutes, which is based on the author's assessment methodology (a set of evaluations and multifactorial indicators). The methodology provides an opportunity to build ratings of the digital readiness of scientific-research institutes to the formation and development of a digital economy. Obtained results show that the priority task in the current and the future period is to increase the authority and recognition of scientific organizations, the quality of scientific research, and the formation of demand for scientific products.

An Experimental Study on Forming an Axi-Symmetric Dome Type Closed-Die Forging Product Using Modeling Material(I) (모델링재료를 이용한 축대칭형 돔형상의 폐쇄단조 성형 연구 (I))

  • 이근안;임용택;이종수;홍성석
    • Transactions of the Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers
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    • v.16 no.11
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    • pp.2082-2089
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    • 1992
  • An experimental study on forging an axi-symmetric dome type of AISI4130 was carried out using modeling material. In order to verify the validity of the experimental data, a similarity study between plasticine and AISI4130 has been made. Friction conditions were characterized by ring test for the various lubricants. For the closed-die forging experiments of an axi-symmetric dome type of AISI4130 using the plasticine, various cylindrical billets with different aspect ratios were forged and different flash width to thickness(W/T) ratios were used in order to determine the optimum forging conditions. As W/T ratios decrease forging loads decrease while excess volumes increase. It was found out that the experimental results reproduce the similiar results available in the literature. As a result of these experiments, it was construed physical modeling is an excellent tool for forging process simulation at a practical level.

Predictive Value of the Platelet-To-Lymphocyte Ratio in Diagnosis of Prostate Cancer

  • Yuksel, Ozgur Haki;Urkmez, Ahmet;Akan, Serkan;Yldirim, Caglar;Verit, Ayhan
    • Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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    • v.16 no.15
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    • pp.6407-6412
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    • 2015
  • Purpose: To predict prostatic carcinoma using a logistic regression model on prebiopsy peripheral blood samples. Materials and Methods: Data of a total of 873 patients who consulted Urology Outpatient Clinics of Fatih Sultan Mehmet Training and Research Hospital between February 2008 and April 2014 scheduled for prostate biopsy were screened retrospectively. PSA levels, prostate volumes, prebiopsy whole blood cell counts, neutrophil and platelet counts, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), biopsy results and Gleason scores in patients who had established diagnosis of prostate cancer (PCa) were evaluated. Results: This study was performed on a total of 873 cases, with an age range 48-76 years, divided into three groups as for biopsy results. with diagnoses of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) (n=304, 34.8 %), PCa (n=265, 30.4 %) and histological prostatitis (n=304; 34.8 %). Intra- and intergroup comparative evaluations were performed. White blood cell and neutrophil counts in the histological prostatitis group were significantly higher than those of the BPH and PCa groups (p=0.001; p=0.004; p<0.01). A statistically significant intergroup difference was found for PLR (p=0.041; p<0.05) but not lymphocyte count (p>0.05). According to pairwise comparisons, PLR were significantly higher in the PCa group relative to BPH group (p=0.018, p<0.05, respectively). Though not statistically significant, higher PLR in cases with PCa in comparison with the prostatitis group was remarkable (p=0.067, and p>0.05, respectively). Conclusions: Meta-analyses showed that in patients with PSA levels over 4 ng/ml, positive predictive value of PSA is only 25 percent. Therefore, novel markers which can both detect clinically significant prostate cancer, and also prevent unnecessary biopsies are needed. Relevant to this issue in addition to PSA density, velocity, and PCA3, various markers have been analyzed. In the present study, PLR were found to be the additional predictor of prostatic carcinoma.

Analysis of Radiofrequency Ablation of Small Renal Tumors in Patients at High Anesthetic and Surgical Risk: Urologist Experience with Follow-up Results in the Initial Six Months

  • Yuksel, Mehmet Bilgehan;Karakose, Ayhan;Gumus, Bilal;Tarhan, Serdar;Atesci, Yusuf Ziya;Akan, Zafer
    • Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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    • v.14 no.11
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    • pp.6637-6641
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    • 2013
  • Background: To evaluate the results of various types of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) treatment of renal tumors in patients with excessive anesthetic and surgical risk. Materials and Methods: Data for RFA performed in in high risk patients were retrospectively evaluated. Other RFA applications in patients with no anesthetic and/or surgical risk were excluded. RFA was by ultrasound or CT guided percutaneous (USG/CT-PRFA) and retroperitoneally or transperitoneally laparoscopic (R/T-LRFA) techniques under general or local anethesia. Follow-up data of enhanced CT or MRI after 1, 3 and 6 months were analysed for twelve RFA applications. Results: The RFA applications included 4 (40%) left-sided, 5 (50%) right-sided and 1 (10%) bilaterally RFA (simultaneously 1 right and 2 left). The localizations of tumors were 2 (16.6%) upper, 5 (41.6%) mid and 5 (41.6%) lower pole. The RFA applications included 9 (75%) USG-PRFA, 1 (8.3%) CT-PRFA, 1 (8.3%) T-LRFA and 1 (8.3%) R-LRFA. The mean age was $65.3{\pm}8.5$ (52-76) years. The mean tumor size was $29.6{\pm}6.08$ (15-40) mm. No complications related to the RFA were encountered in any of the cases. Failure (residual tumour) was determined in 8.3% (1/12) of USG-RFA application. The success rate was thus 91.7% (11/12). Other 1st, 3rd and 6th months follow-up data revealed no residua and recurrence. Conclusions: RFA application appears to be safe as a less invasive and effective treatment modality in selected cases of small renal tumors in individuals with excessive anesthetic and also surgical risk.

In vivo wear determination of novel CAD/CAM ceramic crowns by using 3D alignment

  • Aladag, Akin;Oguz, Didem;Comlekoglu, Muharrem Erhan;Akan, Ender
    • The Journal of Advanced Prosthodontics
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    • v.11 no.2
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    • pp.120-127
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    • 2019
  • PURPOSE. To determine wear amount of single molar crowns, made from four different restoratives, and opposing natural teeth through computerized fabrication techniques using 3D image alignment. MATERIALS AND METHODS. A total of 24 single crowns (N = 24 patients, age range: 18 - 50) were made from lithium disilicate (IPS E-max CAD), lithium silicate and zirconia based (Vita Suprinity CAD), resin matrix ceramic material (Cerasmart, GC), and dual matrix (Vita Enamic CAD) blocks. After digital impressions (Cerec 3D Bluecam, DentsplySirona), the crowns were designed and manufactured (Cerec 3, DentsplySirona). A dualcuring resin cement was used for cementation (Variolink Esthetic DC, Ivoclar). Then, measurement and recording of crowns and the opposing enamel surfaces with the intraoral scanner were made as well as at the third and sixth month follow-ups. All measurements were superimposed with a software (David-Laserscanner, V3.10.4). Volume loss due to wear was calculated from baseline to follow-up periods with Siemens Unigraphics NX 10 software. Statistical analysis was accomplished by Repeated Measures for ANOVA (SPSS 21) at = .05 significance level. RESULTS. After 6 months, insignificant differences of the glass matrix and resin matrix materials for restoration/enamel wear were observed (P>.05). While there were no significant differences between the glass matrix groups (P>.05), significant differences between the resin matrix group materials (P<.05) were obtained. Although Cerasmart and Enamic were both resin matrix based, they exhibited different wear characteristics. CONCLUSION. Glass matrix materials showed less wear both on their own and opposing enamel surfaces than resin matrix ceramic materials.

The influence of Winkler-Pasternak elastic foundations on the natural frequencies of imperfect functionally graded sandwich beams

  • Avcar, Mehmet;Hadji, Lazreg;Akan, Recep
    • Geomechanics and Engineering
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    • v.31 no.1
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    • pp.99-112
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    • 2022
  • The present study examines the natural frequencies (NFs) of perfect/imperfect functionally graded sandwich beams (P/IP-FGSBs), which are composed of a porous core constructed of functionally graded materials (FGMs) and a homogenous isotropic metal and ceramic face sheets resting on elastic foundations. To accomplish this, the material properties of the FGSBs are assumed to vary continuously along the thickness direction as a function of the volume fraction of constituents expressed by the modified rule of the mixture, which includes porosity volume fraction represented using four distinct types of porosity distribution models. Additionally, to characterize the reaction of the two-parameter elastic foundation to the Perfect/Imperfect (P/IP) FGSBs, the medium is assumed to be linear, homogeneous, and isotropic, and it is described using the Winkler-Pasternak model. Furthermore, the kinematic relationship of the P/IP-FGSBs resting on the Winkler-Pasternak elastic foundations (WPEFs) is described using trigonometric shear deformation theory (TrSDT), and the equations of motion are constructed using Hamilton's principle. A closed-form solution is developed for the free vibration analysis of P/IP-FGSBs resting on the WPEFs under four distinct boundary conditions (BCs). To validate the new formulation, extensive comparisons with existing data are made. A detailed investigation is carried out for the effects of the foundation coefficients, mode numbers (MNs), porosity volume fraction, power-law index, span to depth ratio, porosity distribution patterns (PDPs), skin core skin thickness ratios (SCSTR), and BCs on the values of the NFs of the P/IP-FGSBs.

Environmental Radioactivity and High Incidence Rates of Stomach and Esophagus Cancer in the Van Lake Region: A Causal Relationship?

  • Akan, Zafer;Baskurt, Busranur;Asliyuksek, Hizir;Kam, Erol;Yilmaz, Ahmet;Yuksel, Mehmet Bilgehan;Biyik, Recep;Esen, Ramazan;Koca, Dogan
    • Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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    • v.15 no.1
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    • pp.375-380
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    • 2014
  • This study examined the incidence rates of cancer cases (averages for 2006-2010) and relationships with environmental radioactivity levels. Soil and water samples were collected from provincial and district centers of Van city and the outdoor gamma doses were determined using a portable gamma scintillation detector. Gross alpha and beta, (226)Ra, (232)Th, and (40)K activities were measured in both tap water and soil samples. Although high rates of stomach and esophagus cancers have been reported previously in Van the underlying reasons have not hitherto been defined. Incidences of cancers were highest in the Gurpmar (326.0) and Ozalp (377.1) counties (p<0.001). As to the results of the gross alpha and gross beta radioactivity measurements in the drinking water, these two counties also had high beta radionuclide levels: Gurpmar ($140mBq/dm^3$) and Ozalp ($206mBq/dm^3$). Even if within the normal range, a relation between the higher rate of the incidence of stomach and esophagus cancers with that of the higher rate of beta radionuclide activity was clear. On Spearman correlation analysis, the relation between higher beta radionuclide levels and cancer incidence was found to be statistically significant (p<0.01). According to the results of the analysis, Van residents receive an average 1.86 mSv/y annual dose from outdoor gamma radiation, ingestion of radionuclides in the drinking water, and indoor $^{222}Rn$ activity. Moreover, gross alpha and beta activities were found to be extremely high in all of the lakes around the city of Van, Turkey. Further investigations with long-term detailed environmental radiation measurements are needed regarding the relationship between cancer cases and environmental radioactivity in the city of Van.