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This article presents a novel approach based on the electromechanical torque signal for the inter-turn short-circuit fault (ISCF) detection and the ISCF severity estimation in permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSMs). The electromechanical torque data have been obtained experimentally in the healthy condition and in three various states of the ISCF at various load rates and at various operating speeds. To extract the features to be used in the ISCF diagnosis, the fast Fourier transform (FFT) implemented to the torque signal. The torque's second and fourth harmonics were found to be new turn fault features that could be used for ISCF diagnosis. These features were used to train and test the classification algorithms. Four classification algorithms were used to detect ISCF and determine the severity of ISCF: decision trees (DT), artificial neural networks (ANN), K-nearest neighbor (KNN) and support vector machines (SVM). Classification accuracies of 100%, 99.30%, 97.91% and 95.48% were achieved by the ANN, SVM, KNN and DT classifiers, respectively. High accuracy ISCF detection and high accuracy ISCF severity estimation were performed using the developed diagnostic method based on the torque signal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fault detection is an important issue in today's distribution networks, the structure of which is becoming more complex. In this article, a data-based Cauchy distribution weighting M-estimate RVFLNs method is proposed for short-circuit fault detection in distribution networks. The proposed method detects short circuits based on current and voltage measurements. In addition, noises were added to the data to ensure the robustness of the method. The performance of the method was examined in the RTDS RTS simulator using the IEEE 33-bus-bar system model with the help of real-time simulations. The success rate of the proposed method is between 98% and 100% for low-impedance (0 ohm) short-circuit faults, depending on the fault type. The success rate of high-impedance (100 ohm) short-circuit faults, which are more difficult to detect, is between 80% and 92%, depending on the fault type. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) is to select the most appropriate of the alternatives by evaluating many conflicting criteria together. MCDM methods are widely available in the literature and have been used in various energy problems. The key problems studied in electrical power systems in recent years have included voltage instability and voltage collapse. Different flexible alternating current transmission systems (FACTS) equipment has been used for this purpose for decades, increasing voltage stability while enhancing system efficiency, reliability and quality of supply, and offering environmental benefits. Finding the best locations for these devices in terms of voltage stability in actual electrical networks poses a serious problem. Many criteria should be considered when determining the most suitable location for the controller. The aim of this paper is to provide a comparative analysis of MCDM techniques to be used for optimal location of a static VAR compensator (SVC) device in terms of voltage stability. The ideal location can be determined by means of sorting according to priority criteria. The proposed approach was carried out using the Power System Analysis Toolbox (PSAT) in MATLAB in the IEEE 14-bus test system. Using ten different MCDM methods, the most appropriate locations were compared among themselves and a single ranking list was obtained, integrated with the Borda count method, which is a data fusion technique. The application results showed that the methods used are consistent among themselves. It was revealed that the integrated model was an appropriate method that could be used for optimal location selection, providing reliable and satisfactory results to power system planners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fault detection is an important issue for permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSMs). In the initial stage, it is very crucial to detect stator winding inter-turn short-circuit failure, which is one of the most common types of faults. In this paper, a new approach based on electromechanical torque has been proposed to detect the stator inter-turn short circuit fault (ISCF) that occurs in surface-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSMs). New fault signatures based on the torque signal that can be used in stator winding ISCF detection are tried to be found in the torque frequency distribution. Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) was used to extract the torque frequency components associated with the stator ISCF. It was found that the amplitudes of the 2nd and 4th harmonic components of the torque signal are distinctive features that can be used for stator winding ISCF detection in PMSM. With the proposed components of the 2nd and 4th harmonic of torque, an inter-turn fault can be easily detected at the initial stage. Both experimental results and simulation results for healthy and three different faulty states (2%, 12.5%, and 25% ISCF) at different load levels and different speeds are presented in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The primary aim of this study is tomographyic evaluation of acetabular erosion after hemiarthroplasty and analyse the related risk factors. Materials and Methods: Between January 2012 and December 2013 A total of 89 patients, who were treated with hemiarthroplasty for femoral neck fracture, 48 patients included to this study. Computerized tomography (CT) images were analyzed to evaluate the acetabular erosion. The CT images were scanned with Autocad program. Associations between the amount of erosion identified, sex and age of patients, body mass index (BMI), type of prosthesis, and Harris hip scores were analyzed. Results: There was no significant difference in acetabular erosion with regard to the type of the prosthesis used Quantity of acetabular erosion was similar between different type of prosthesis; however, erosion was significantly high in patients with high BMI. Conclusion: This study showed that BMI is the only determining factor found to relate to acetabular erosion. CT is a useful imaging modality in evaluating acetabular erosion after hemiarthroplasty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare bladder wall thickness (BWT) between female patients with overactive bladder (OAB) and aged-matched healthy controls. Material and methods: Thirty-six female patients with OAB and 31 healthy women were enrolled in the present prospective observational study. Qmax and Qave were measured by using uroflowmetry in all of the women in the patient and control groups, and also maximum bladder capacity (MBC), post- void residual urine (PVRU), prevoiding and postvoiding BWT were measured by using transabdominal ultrasound. Lower urinary tract symptoms of the participants were assessed by using Overactive Bladder Version-8 (OAB-V8) and International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-SF). All of the data were statistically compared between the patient and control groups. In the patient group, the relationships between parameters were evaluated correlation analysis. Results: The mean age of the patients and controls were similar (respectively, 45.58±12.35 and 44.21±11.60 years (p=0.68). The mean pre- and post-voiding BWT, OAB-V8 and ICIQ-SF scores of the patients were significantly higher than the controls. In the patient group, the moderate positive correlations between BWT with Qmax (p=0.02) and Qave (p=0.02) were found. Conclusion: This study showed that the BWTs of the female patients with OAB are higher than those of healthy women. Further studies should investigate the changes in BWT of patients with OAB after treatment of OAB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Late-onset hypogonadism (LOH) in aging men is a clinical and biochemical syndrome caused by an age-related decline in testosterone. Despite published in guidelines and recommendations, uncertainty surrounds the profile of clinical symptoms as well as the biochemical threshold of diagnosis. The only evidence-based treatment of late-onset hypogonadism is testosterone replacement therapy. The actual available evidence of the long-term risks and outcomes of testosterone-replacement therapy remains very limited, and carefully designed placebo-controlled trials of testosterone administration to assess the risks and benefits of such a therapy are required. Until such evidence is available, testosterone treatment should be restricted to elderly men with very low testosterone levels in the presence of clinical symptoms, and the advantages and disadvantages need to be accurately assessed. Careful monitoring of potential side effects is necessary. The purpose of this review is to discuss what is known and what remains unclear with respect to the benefits and risks of testosterone replacement treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of this study was to compare a group of children who has monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis (MNE) with a healthy control group by assessing their depression scales, quality of life and sleep quality. Methods: Hundred and one children with MNE and 38 healthy controls are included in the study, aged between 8 and 16 years old. All participants were performed the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL 4.0), Depression Scale for Children (CES-DC) and The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) tests. The two groups were compared for their demographic factors and for the results of the tests above. Results: There were no significant differences between the two groups according to age, gender and other demographic factors. Quality of life, depression and sleep quality scores implied worse health in the patient group. The PedsQL scores were assessed as 1,659.90 ± 296.01 in the patient group and 1,818.42 ± 227.92 in the control group ( p = 0.001). The CES-DC scores were 11.74 ± 6.11 in the patient group and 7.00 ± 3.97 in the control group ( p < 0.001). And the PSQI scores were 2.58 ± 2.48 in the patient group, 1.15 ± 1.10 in the control group ( p < 0.001). Also in the patient group, there was a positive correlation between participants' ages and the PedsQL ( p = 0.010; r = 0.256), the CES-DC ( p = 0.000; r = 0.382), the PSQI ( p = 0.000; r = 0.403) scores. The success parameters at school were significantly worse in the patient group ( p = 0.05). Conclusion: All our findings show us that the children with nocturnal enuresis were affected negatively because of their disease; especially when they grow up the scores get worse health, so we suggest that treatment must be started at suitable age according to guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To examine the influence of safety climate perception and safety performance on safety outcomes in the form of near misses and injuries a cross-sectional survey was conducted with 562 employees in twelve marble factories in Diyarbakır, Turkey. Study findings revealed that safety communication, management’s safety commitment and safety training in the workplace influenced safety performance of workers most. Overall results suggest that improvement in the level of safety performance was associated with a reduction in accidents. Safety communication was the most significant dimension of safety climate to reduce near misses and injuries. When sociodemographics of employees were considered, the means of perception of safety systems in workplace was lower among younger groups. While participants from lower educated groups were more likely to care about safety performance, participants with high income were more likely to perceive management’s safety commitment, safety training, and safety communication. These findings are important for management and employees of marble factories since they provide evidence about the factors that firms can consider to reduce occupational accidents and encourage safety performance in workplaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sildenafil citrate (Viagra) is widely used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction with various etiologies. The aim of the present study was the investigation of histopathological effects of sildenafil citrate on rat corpus cavernosum using light and electron microscopical techniques. Twenty male rats were divided into two groups. The first group (n=10) was used as a control and the second group (n=10) was treated with sildenafil citrate. Penile tissue was collected, fixed with formalin and embedded in paraffin for light microscopy, or fixed with gluteraldehyde and osmium tetroxide and embedded in Epon for electron microscopy. Light microscopical analysis showed that the corpus cavernosum was elongated and the number of blood vessels was increased. The amount of connective tissue in the penis was increased and dense collagen and smooth muscle fibers were observed in treated rats. Electron microscopical analysis showed that stromal structures of the corpus cavernosum (collagen fibers and number of cellular elements) were increased in treated rats. Fibroblasts showed signs of activation and the number of other stromal cells was increased. Immature newly synthesized collagen fibers were observed and penetrated endothelial basement membranes. In addition, endothelial cells also showed signs of activation such as cytoplasmic granules in treated rats, whereas the surface area of blood vessels was increased and basement membranes were thickened. These histopathological changes due to treatment with sildenafil citrate indicate that prolonged use of sildenafil citrate may increase the risk of fibrosis in the penis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Testicular microlithiasis is a rare, usually asymptomatic, finding of the testes associated with various genetic anomalies and infertility. It is also widely believed that testicular microlithiasis is strongly associated with testicular tumor. The aim of this prospective study was to determine the true prevalence of testicular microlithiasis in an asymptomatic population by means of ultrasound screening. Healthy male volunteers (17–42 years old) were recruited from the annual Army Reserve Officer Training Corps training camp at Manisa, Turkey. A screening genitourinary history was obtained and a physical examination and screening scrotal ultrasound scan were performed. All men diagnosed with testicular microlithiasis underwent complete clinical evaluations, physical examinations and determination of tumor markers. Fifty-three men with testicular microlithiasis were identified from the 2179 ultrasound scans, giving a prevalence of testicular microlithiasis of 2.4% in this asymptomatic population. The age (mean±SD) of subjects with testicular microlithiasis was 23.9±4.2 years (range 20–31 years). Our results suggest that there is no significant association between TM and testicular cancer, although it is difficult to rule out such an association without further studies with a longer follow-up period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The giant hyperplasia of the prostate is an extremely rare pathology of prostate gland. We report the uncomplicated removal of the largest ever prostate from Turkey and the 3rd case exceeding 500 grams in the world literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) and urinary incontinence (UI) are associated risk factors that might cause each other. No study has investigated prevalence of FSD and UI in the same population. The aims of the study were to investigate the prevalence of FSD and UI and associated risk factors in the same population.Study Design: The study included 1217 women in 20 provinces, representing the geographical regions of Turkey. Women aged ≥18 years with active sexual life in the last 6 months were enrolled. FSD, overactive bladder, UI, depression, and sexual distress were investigated using validated scales. Risk factors that might predict FSD and UI were determined in the same population.Results: The prevalence of FSD and UI was 52.5% and 14.6%, respectively. Comparing the women with and without FSD, those with FSD were older, had higher body mass index (BMI), less physical exercise, older spouses, lower educational level, and lower rates of smoking and alcohol consumption. The rates of women in menopause and those with a spouse/partner having erection problem and the rates of UI, depression, and sexual distress were higher in the FSD group. Age of spouse, low educational level, not smoking, not consuming alcohol, menopause, not giving consent to spouse/partner to use sexual performance-enhancing drugs when necessary, depression, and sexual distress were the significant risk factors for FSD. Of the women with UI, 56% had overactive bladder symptoms, 32% had stress UI, and 12% had mixed type UI. Comparing the women with and without UI, those with UI were older, had higher BMI, lower educational level, and older spouses. The rate of menopausal women and the rates of FSD, depression, and sexual distress were higher in the UI group. Menopause and FSD were the significant risk factors for UI.Conclusions: This is the first study to investigate prevalence of FSD and UI in the same population. UI deteriorates sexual functions of women. Therefore, both conditions should be assessed when women complain of either sexual or urinary problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Demonstration of the intra-vaginal ejaculation latency time (IELT) distribution in male subjects and its clinical expressions among couples in the Aegean region of the Turkey. Materials and Methods Subjects were recruited to the study from six different urologic centers in the Aegean region. During the enrollment period subjects were recruited in to two group according to presence of premature ejaculation (PE). PE diagnosis was made according to DSM-4 definition. Subjects and their partners were evaluated with patient reported outcome measures (PRO) related to the ejaculation-based questionnaire (Premature ejaculation patient profile questionnaire -PEPQ). Stopwatch measurements were also asked from each couple to record intravaginal ejaculation latency time (IELT). Couples who completed two clinical visits with 4 wk interval were recruited to the data analysis. Results Among 141 eligible subjects, mean age was 36.5±9.7 years and mean partner age was 32.9±9.8 years. Following the initial evaluation 80 subjects recruited to group 1(PE) and 41 subjects recruited to the group 2 (non-PE). Geometric mean IELT of the subjects was significantly differed between PE and non- PE group (64.7±66.8 vs. 521.5±414.7 seconds, p<0.001). All of the PEPQ domain scores were also differed between groups. Subjects in the PE group gave poor ratings than non-PE subjects. Partner responses were similar pattern. Correlation analyses of the PEPQ scores demonstrated significant positive correlations between "perceived control over ejaculation" and "satisfaction with sexual intercourse" domains of the PEPQ and with IELT. Conclusion Geographic distribution of IELT and its impacts among couples by the several subjective aspects of PRO measures should be assessed during PE investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Demonstration of the intra-vaginal ejaculation latency time (IELT) distribution in male subjects and its clinical expressions among couples in the Aegean region of the Turkey. Materials and Methods: Subjects were recruited to the study from six different urologic centers in the Aegean region. During the enrollment period subjects were recruited in to two group according to presence of premature ejaculation (PE). PE diagnosis was made according to DSM-4 definition. Subjects and their partners were evaluated with patient reported outcome measures (PRO) related to the ejaculation-based questionnaire (Premature ejaculation patient profile questionnaire -PEPQ). Stopwatch measurements were also asked from each couple to record intravaginal ejaculation latency time (IELT). Couples who completed two clinical visits with 4 wk interval were recruited to the data analysis. Results: Among 141 eligible subjects, mean age was 36.5±9.7 years and mean partner age was 32.9±9.8 years. Following the initial evaluation 80 subjects recruited to group 1(PE) and 41 subjects recruited to the group 2 (non-PE). Geometric mean IELT of the subjects was significantly differed between PE and non- PE group (64.7±66.8 vs. 521.5±414.7 seconds, p<0.001). All of the PEPQ domain scores were also differed between groups. Subjects in the PE group gave poor ratings than non-PE subjects. Partner responses were similar pattern. Correlation analyses of the PEPQ scores demonstrated significant positive correlations between "perceived control over ejaculation" and "satisfaction with sexual intercourse" domains of the PEPQ and with IELT. Conclusion: Geographic distribution of IELT and its impacts among couples by the several subjective aspects of PRO measures should be assessed during PE investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: There are many theories about the mechanism how varicocele causes infertility. One of these theories is about the negative effect of varicocele on testicular blood flow. We aimed to compare the measurements of testicular blood flow in right and left testes in patients with left varicocele and normal right testes. Methods: Forty-one patients with left varicocele were enrolled in the study. All participants were performed color Doppler sonography to assess testicular blood flow of the both testes. Blood flow parameters such as peak systolic velocity (PSV), end diastolic velocity (EDV), resistive index (RI), pulsatility index (PI) were measured in testicular, capsular and intratesticular arteries. Semen parameters were also assessed in the participants. Testicular blood flow parameters were compared between the two testes. Results: Mean age of the patients was 25,95±5,27(16- 37). The mean semen parameters of the patients; sperm count (million/ml) was 31.56±19.05, motility (%) was 51.21±22.27, normal morphology (%) was 12.75±2.97 and total motile sperm count (million/ml) was 54.92±47.46. There were no statistically significant differences between the testicular blood flow parameters of both testes which are PSV, EDV, RI and PI values in the testicular artery and its branches (capsular and intratesticular arteries) (p>0.05). Conclusion: The fact that there were no differences between the blood flows in both testes may depend on the study group who had normal sperm parameters. We suggest that testicular blood flow may be evaluated in patients with left varicocele and impaired sperm parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT) test is a time-consuming, cumbersome, and relatively expensive method which is used for the diagnosis of erectile dysfunction (ED). The aims of the study were to clarify the relationship between erotic and nocturnal erections and to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of the audiovisual sexual stimulation (AVSS) test with and without medication. Materials and methods: A total of 30 patients with ED were examined. Each patient filled in an International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) questionnaire. AVSS and NPT tests were performed using the RigiScan Plus. AVSS test was performed with and without medication (sildenafil citrate 50 mg). Patients were divided into two groups (psychogenic and organic groups) according to NPT and AVSS test results. Results: The mean age of the patients was 46.4 (23-69) years and IIEF-5 score was 10.8±4.5. Positive AVSS test was found in 18 (85.7%) of the 21 patients with positive NPT test. Negative AVSS test was found in 7 (77, 8%) of the 9 patients with negative NPT test. The specificity of AVSS test was 85.7% and sensitivity was 77.8% for the psychogenic groups. The overall accuracy rate was 83.3%. Conclusion: The NPT test is more expensive, cumbersome, and discomfortable than the AVSS test. Although efficiency of both tests is similar, the AVSS test seems more advantageous. We suggest that the AVSS test without medication should be performed as the first step in the diagnosis of the patients with ED. In patients with negative test result, the AVSS test with medication should be performed as the second step diagnostic method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: We retrospectively evaluated our rigid ureteroscopy (URS) treatment results in ureteric stones and assessed its effectiveness concerning ureteric stone localisation. Materials and methods: Overall, 101 patients were retrospectively evaluated including lower (n=69), mid (n=23) and upper ureteric (n=9) stones which were treated with rigid URS (Wolf 8.0-9.8Fr, Germany) in our hospital between January 2007- June 2009. Stones were removed by stone forceps/basket catheter either as single piece or fragmented by pneumatic lithotripsy (EMS-Swisslithoclast-Master). Results: Mean patient age was 45.1 (19-78) years. Stones were located in the right (n=52) and left (n=49) ureters, respectively. Mean stone size was 7,4 mm (5-15). Of the 9 patients with upper ureteric stones, 7 were (77.8%) stone-free. However, stone migrated into renal pelvis in two patients but passed into ureter again in the follow-up and removed by URS. Of the 23 patients with mid-ureteric stones, 22 were (95.7%) stone-free. Ureter perforation occurred in one patient and ureteroneocystostomy was performed. Of the 69 patients with lower ureteric stones, 68 were (98.6%) stone-free. Ureter perforation occurred in one patient and healed spontaneously by ureter catheter replacement. Stone was removed afterwards by URS. Overall (n=101), ureter perforation occurred in 1.9% (n=2) in our series. Resistant urinary tract infection developed in one patient (0.9%) (P.aeroginosa). Conclusion: Due to results of this preliminary study, rigid URS and pneumatic lithotripsy can be performed successfully particularly in lower ureteric stones. However, as stone location shifts to upper ureter, success rate decreases. Although URS can be performed safely with low complication rates in the treatment of ureteric stones, severe complications like ureter perforation might occur. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. Sixteen patients who were operated on with a preoperative diagnosis of renal tumor were diagnosed with renal oncocytoma between 1991 and 2004. The reliability of preoperative diagnosis, the role of screening CT in organ preservation and the need for follow-up for renal oncocytomas are discussed in the light of literature findings. Material and methods. Among 345 patients diagnosed with renal tumors in the previous 13 years, the clinical and radiological features of the 16 patients with renal oncocytomas and the results during the postoperative follow-up period were evaluated in this retrospective study. The female:male ratio was 4.3. Two of the patients complained of hematuria whereas the other 14 experienced lumbocostal pain. The mean dimensions of the tumors on CT scans were 5.7±2.88 cm. Central fibrous scarring existed in three patients. Two patients underwent tumor enucleation, three underwent partial nephrectomy and 11 underwent radical nephrectomy. Results. Screening CT could not achieve a precise preoperative differential diagnosis from malignant renal mass. The organ preservation ratio was approximately 1:3 based on the radiological diagnosis. Screening CT scans showed oncocytomas with diameters greater than those reported in the literature, indicating a need for urgent nephrectomy. No recurrences, metastases or deaths due to renal oncocytoma were observed in the postoperative follow-up period (mean 6.7±4 years; range 1–13 years). Conclusions. Preoperative diagnosis of renal oncocytoma is very difficult. The postoperative follow-up period in our series was 13 years, which is significantly longer than the duration proposed in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]