An Open Inflationary Model for Dimensional Reduction and its Effects on the Observable Parameters of the Universe

Assuming that higher dimensions existed in the early stages of the universe where the evolution was inflationary, we construct an open, singularity-free, spatially homogeneous and isotropic cosmological model to study the effects of dimensional reduction that may have taken place during the early stages of the universe. We consider dimensional reduction to take place in a stepwise manner and interpret each step as a phase transition. By imposing suitable boundary conditions we trace their effects on the present day parameters of the universe.Comment: 5 pages, accepted for publication in Int. J. of Mod. Phys.

Flea beetles (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Alticinae) collected by malaise trap method in Gölcük Natural Park (Isparta, Turkey), with a new record for Turkish fauna

This study is based on Alticinae (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) material collected by Malaise trapping which is different from other standardized collecting methods. A total of 19 flea beetle species belonging to 6 genera were collected from Gölcük Natural Park, Isparta (Turkey) during 2009. The species are listed in a table together with distributional data in Turkey. Among them, Longitarsus curtus (Allard, 1860) is recorded for the first time in Turkey. L. monticola Kutschera, 1863 and L. curtus are recently separated synonyms and thus all data referring to the distribution of both species are currently important. Hence, the zoogeographical distribution of the new record is reviewed with some remarks; habitus and genitalia are illustrated

Opioid prescribing by multiple providers in Medicare: retrospective observational study of insurance claims

Objectives: To estimate the frequency and characteristics of opioid prescribing by multiple providers in Medicare and the association with hospital admissions related to opioid use. Design: Retrospective cohort study. Setting: Database of prescription drugs and medical claims in 20% random sample of Medicare beneficiaries in 2010. Participants: 1 808 355 Medicare beneficiaries who filled at least one prescription for an opioid from a pharmacy in 2010. Main outcome measures Proportion of beneficiaries who filled opioid prescriptions from multiple providers; proportion of these prescriptions that were concurrently supplied; adjusted rates of hospital admissions related to opioid use associated with multiple provider prescribing. Results: Among 1 208 100 beneficiaries with an opioid prescription, 418 530 (34.6%) filled prescriptions from two providers, 171 420 (14.2%) from three providers, and 143 344 (11.9%) from four or more providers. Among beneficiaries with four or more opioid providers, 110 671 (77.2%) received concurrent opioid prescriptions from multiple providers, and the dominant provider prescribed less than half of the mean total prescriptions per beneficiary (7.9/15.2 prescriptions). Multiple provider prescribing was highest among beneficiaries who were also prescribed stimulants, non-narcotic analgesics, and central nervous system, neuromuscular, and antineoplastic drugs. Hospital admissions related to opioid use increased with multiple provider prescribing: the annual unadjusted rate of admission was 1.63% (95% confidence interval 1.58 to 1.67%) for beneficiaries with one provider, 2.08% (2.03% to 2.14%) for two providers, 2.87% (2.77% to 2.97%) for three providers, and 4.83% (4.70% to 4.96%) for four or more providers. Results were similar after covariate adjustment. Conclusions: Concurrent opioid prescribing by multiple providers is common in Medicare patients and is associated with higher rates of hospital admission related to opioid use

Spatial variability of precipitation regimes over Turkey

Turkish annual precipitation regimes are analysed to provide large-scale perspective and redefine precipitation regions. Monthly total precipitation data are employed for 107 stations (1963–2002). Precipitation regime shape (seasonality) and magnitude (size) are classified using a novel multivariate methodology. Six shape and five magnitude classes are identified, which exhibit clear spatial structure. A composite (shape and magnitude) regime classification reveals dominant controls on spatial variability of precipitation. Intra-annual timing and magnitude of precipitation is highly variable due to seasonal shifts in Polar and Subtropical zones and physiographic factors. Nonetheless, the classification methodology is shown to be a powerful tool that identifies physically-interpretable precipitation regions: (1) coastal regimes for Marmara, coastal Aegean, Mediterranean and Black Sea; (2) transitional regimes in continental Aegean and Southeast Anatolia; and (3) inland regimes across central and Eastern Anatolia. This research has practical implications for understanding water resources, which are under ever growing pressure in Turkey

Vaccines as alternatives to antibiotics for food producing animals. Part 2:new approaches and potential solutions

Vaccines and other alternative products are central to the future success of animal agriculture because they can help minimize the need for antibiotics by preventing and controlling infectious diseases in animal populations. To assess scientific advancements related to alternatives to antibiotics and provide actionable strategies to support their development, the United States Department of Agriculture, with support from the World Organisation for Animal Health, organized the second International Symposium on Alternatives to Antibiotics. It focused on six key areas: vaccines; microbial-derived products; non-nutritive phytochemicals; immune-related products; chemicals, enzymes, and innovative drugs; and regulatory pathways to enable the development and licensure of alternatives to antibiotics. This article, the second part in a two-part series, highlights new approaches and potential solutions for the development of vaccines as alternatives to antibiotics in food producing animals; opportunities, challenges and needs for the development of such vaccines are discussed in the first part of this series. As discussed in part 1 of this manuscript, many current vaccines fall short of ideal vaccines in one or more respects. Promising breakthroughs to overcome these limitations include new biotechnology techniques, new oral vaccine approaches, novel adjuvants, new delivery strategies based on bacterial spores, and live recombinant vectors; they also include new vaccination strategies in-ovo, and strategies that simultaneously protect against multiple pathogens. However, translating this research into commercial vaccines that effectively reduce the need for antibiotics will require close collaboration among stakeholders, for instance through public–private partnerships. Targeted research and development investments and concerted efforts by all affected are needed to realize the potential of vaccines to improve animal health, safeguard agricultural productivity, and reduce antibiotic consumption and resulting resistance risks

Investigations on pests, diseases and present early warning system of apple orchards in Isparta, Turkey

As a result of three year surveys performed in the apple orchards in Isparta region, 19 pest species belonging to 4 orders were determined and it was found that the main pest was codling moth. Most of the predators and parasitoids were effective against aphids and they were mostly found in the orchards where selective pesticides were used. Apple scab and powdery mildew were the most common and important diseases. Biology of codling moth and apple scab in the region were investigated. By using the obtained data, proper application times were given and some recommendations regarding integrated pest management program in apple orchards, were summarized

The unexpected resurgence of Weyl geometry in late 20-th century physics

Weyl's original scale geometry of 1918 ("purely infinitesimal geometry") was withdrawn by its author from physical theorizing in the early 1920s. It had a comeback in the last third of the 20th century in different contexts: scalar tensor theories of gravity, foundations of gravity, foundations of quantum mechanics, elementary particle physics, and cosmology. It seems that Weyl geometry continues to offer an open research potential for the foundations of physics even after the turn to the new millennium.Comment: Completely rewritten conference paper 'Beyond Einstein', Mainz Sep 2008. Preprint ELHC (Epistemology of the LHC) 2017-02, 92 pages, 1 figur

Coleoptera diversity and abundance in Golcuk Natural Park, in Isparta, Turkey

Έγινε καταγραφή των ειδών των Κολεοπτέρων που υπάρχουν στο Εθνικό Πάρκο Golcuk της πόλης Isparta της Τουρκίας. Κατά την επισκόπηση που έγινε καταγράφηκαν Κολεόπτερα που ανήκουν σε 34 οικογένειες. Τα περισσότερα από αυτά, το 33% του συνολικού αριθμού των ατόμων των δειγμάτων, βρέθηκαν κοντά σε εγκαταλελειμμένο μηλεώνα. Στην περιοχή κοντά στην κύρια είσοδο του πάρκου και συγκεκριμένα στο χώρο αναψυχής καταγράφηκε μικρότερος αριθμός οικογενειών. Τα είδη των διαφόρων οικογενειών των Κολεοπτέρων βρέθηκαν κατανεμημένα σε έξι μικρο-βιότοπους. Ο μεγαλύτερος δείκτης ομοιότητας (0.85) βρέθηκε μεταξύ των περιοχών κοντά στην είσοδο του πάρκου και κοντά στον εγκαταλελειμμένο μηλεώνα. Η κατανομή της συχνότητας εμφάνισης των ειδών των διαφόρων οικογενειών εμφάνισε σημαντική διαφορά μεταξύ όλων των βιότοπων που μελετήθηκαν. Από τη μελέτη φάνηκε ότι στην περιοχή κοντά στον εγκαταλελειμμένο μηλεώνα και σε περιοχές με ξηροφιλική φυσική βλάστηση αποτέλεσαν ιδιαίτερους μικρο-βιότοπους για την πανίδα των Κολεοπτέρων.Coleoptera diversity was investigated at Golcuk Natural Park, Isparta, Turkey. Thirty four families of Coleoptera were recorded during the survey. Coleopterans were most abundant in a site close to an old apple orchard where 33% of all sampled individuals were found. Less frequently recorded families were found in a site close to the main entrance and picnic area. Coleopteran families were found to be unequally partitioned in all six microhabitats. The highest similarity index (0.85) was found between sites close to the Park entrance and close to the old apple orchard. Distribution of the abundance of coleopteran families was significantly different between all studied habitats. The study revealed that the site close to the old apple orchard and sites with xerophilic natural plants provide special micro-habitats for Coleopteran fauna