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In this study, the fruit and seed morphology of all the Periplocoideae (Periploca gracilis and P. graeca) and the majority of Asclepiadoideae (Araujia sericifera, Cionura erecta, Cynanchum acutum and Gomphocarpus fruticosus) taxa in Türkiye was evaluated from a taxonomic point of view using, for the first time, both light and scanning electron microscopy. Macro- and micro-morphological investigations were carried out on herbarium samples. An identification key for the examined Periplocoideae and Asclepiadoideae taxa, and expanded fruit and seed descriptions for each taxon were prepared. Numerical analysis showed that shape and size of follicle, size, shape and surface texture of seed were found to be effective in delimiting the studied Periplocoideae and Asclepiadoideae taxa at subfamilial and generic levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evidence evaluating the association between pre-frailty and frailty, and risk of adverse health outcomes in patients with Behçet's syndrome (BS) is limited in the literature. The aim of this study was to characterize the prevalence of frailty and associated factors in a single-centre cohort of patients with BS. Based on the International Study Group's criteria, this was a monocentric cross-sectional study of BS patients. The Fried frailty criteria were used to define frailty. The Turkish version of the Behçet's Disease Current Activity Form was used to measure the disease activity of BS. Damage index was assessed with the Behçet's Syndrome Overall Damage Index. Forty-four patients were enrolled. According to Fried frailty criteria, patients were classified as 13.6% frail, 59% pre-frail, and 27.2% robust, respectively. Compared to pre-frail and robust patients, frail patients had higher levels of inflammatory markers at the time of diagnosis. CRP levels at time of diagnosis and at the last visit were higher in the frail group than in the pre-frail and robust groups (p = 0.039 and p = 0.023, respectively). When active drugs for BS were evaluated, systemic glucocorticoid (50%, p = 0.030) and cyclophosphamide (33.3%, p = 0.006) treatments were higher in the frail group. Frailty and pre-frailty are commonly detected even in younger patients with BS. Inflammation can be described as potential determinants of frailty status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to analyse the strategic decisions made by the foundational cadre during the establishment of homeland security in the early years of the Turkish Republic and their consequential impact on the institutional capacities of the state's coercive apparatus. To achieve this objective, this article primarily focuses on the evolutionary trajectory of homeland security institutions during the final stages of the Ottoman Empire and the founding period of the Turkish Republic. A central thesis posited herein contends that political considerations were the driving force behind the establishment of police organizations and the subsequent professionalization of policing, particularly since the 1930s. This study also elucidates the political directives issued to the police organization by the government, the successive phases of police training, and the legal framework governing the restructuring of the police institution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Is children's literature only beneficial to children? Or do the benefits of children's literature also extend to the knowledge and mathematical skills of the teachers who employ it and reflect on it? This study seeks to investigate the role of picturebooks on the mathematical knowledge of preschool teacher candidates. For this purpose, in-depth examinations of how picturebooks can be used in teaching preschool mathematics and children's literature. As well as the changes in the content knowledge of the teacher candidates, were done by conducting focus group interviews with teacher candidates. This is a qualitative case study consisting of focus group discussions in which high-level knowledge sharing and production can be achieved through interaction and associations. In the research, 11 picturebooks were discussed, and 8 teacher candidates participated in 6 focus group interviews lasting a total of 338 min throughout a 7 week period. The study's findings have demonstrated that through children's literature, teacher candidates' misconceptions about measuring length can be revealed and eliminated without the need for another source, with discussions based on consciously and systematically selected picturebooks. Thus, it can be said that picturebooks act as a catalyst for the studies that aim to enhance the mathematical content knowledge of teacher candidates. The study has also observed that picturebooks can comprehensively address the fundamental concepts of length measurement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: We aimed to investigate controversial pediatric urolithiasis issues systematically, integrating expert consensus and comprehensive guidelines reviews. Methods: Two semi-structured online focus group meetings were conducted to discuss the study's need and content, review current literature, and prepare the initial survey. Data were collected through surveys and focus group discussions. Existing guidelines were reviewed, and a second survey was conducted using the Delphi method to validate findings and facilitate consensus. The primary outcome measures investigated controversial issues, integrating expert consensus and guideline reviews. Results: Experts from 15 countries participated, including 20 with 16+ years of experience, 2 with 11–15 years, and 4 with 6–10 years. The initial survey identified nine main themes, emphasizing the need for standardized diagnostic and treatment protocols and tailored treatments. Inter-rater reliability was high, with controversies in treatment approaches (score 4.6, 92% agreement), follow-up protocols (score 4.8, 100% agreement), and diagnostic criteria (score 4.6, 92% agreement). The second survey underscored the critical need for consensus on identification, diagnostic criteria (score 4.6, 92% agreement), and standardized follow-up protocols (score 4.8, 100% agreement). Conclusion: The importance of personalized treatment in pediatric urolithiasis is clear. Prioritizing low-radiation diagnostic tools, effectively managing residual stone fragments, and standardized follow-up protocols are crucial for improving patient outcomes. Integrating new technologies while ensuring safety and reliability is also essential. Harmonizing guidelines across regions can provide consistent and effective management. Future efforts should focus on collaborative research, specialized training, and the integration of new technologies in treatment protocols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer is a deadly disease that affects millions of people worldwide and is a source of great difficulty, stress, and trauma not only for patients but also for their caregivers. The physical and emotional suffering that patients experience by patients can lead their caregivers to cope with constant anxiety, sadness, and uncertainty. Moreover, during the cancer treatment process, caregivers must make a great effort to meet the needs of patients and support them. This situation may negatively affect the quality of life and psychological health of cancer patients' caregivers and may lead them to experience trauma. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to examine posttraumatic growth's relationship with age, the transformative power of suffering, and hope in family caregivers of cancer patients. Participants consisted of 314 Turkish family caregivers of cancer patients (73.2% women; Mage = 39.89 years) selected by using convenience sampling method. Participants answered a data collection tool consisting of a demographic information form, the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory, Trait Hope Scale, and Transformative Power of Suffering Scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient analysis, simple mediation analysis, and moderated mediation analysis. The results of this study revealed that hope mediated the association between the transformative power of suffering and posttraumatic growth in family caregivers of cancer patients, whereas age moderated this relationship. Psychosocial support programs for cancer caregivers could benefit from incorporating interventions that explore the transformative potential of suffering and cultivate hope. Tailoring these interventions to address the specific needs of different age groups may enhance their effectiveness. Future researchers should investigate the factors associated with posttraumatic growth in caregivers across diverse cultures, age ranges, and cancer diagnoses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Quality monitoring is a necessity in ambulatory surgery and is increasingly common. Since nurses are the health professionals that patients encounter most during the short time they spend in the hospital, the effect of their quality of care on patient outcomes should be determined. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between ambulatory surgery patients' perceptions of readiness for discharge and the quality of perioperative nursing care. Methods: This descriptive and correlational study included 124 patients who underwent ambulatory surgery at a training and research hospital in İstanbul between October 2023 and March 2024. Data were collected using the Good Perioperative Nursing Care scale (GPNCS) and Readiness for Hospital Discharge scale (RHDS) before patients were discharged. Results: The mean age of the patients in the study was 43.14±15.88 years, of which 56.5% were male and 62.1% were married. The mean total GPNCS and RHDS scores of the patients were 117.48±20.79 and 7.26±1.48, respectively. It was determined that 50.8% of the patients were not ready for discharge, and there was a significant relationship between not being ready for discharge and the adequacy of discharge education. A statistically significant, positive, and moderate relationship was found between the GPNCS and RHDS total score averages (r=0.633, p<0.001). Conclusion: Findings showed that patients after ambulatory surgery, and the quality of perioperative nursing care affected the perception of readiness for discharge. In this regard, to facilitate patient recovery, nurses should plan appropriate interventions to improve the quality of perioperative care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This randomized controlled trial investigated the effect of emotional freedom techniques (EFT) on the severity of nausea-vomiting and anxiety in early pregnancy. Design: The sample consisted of 131 pregnant women in the experimental and control groups between 6 and 16 weeks of pregnancy attending an antenatal clinic. Participants were randomly assigned to receive training on EFT or a control group. Data were collected using a personal information form, subjective experiences, the Pregnancy-Related Anxiety Questionnaire, and the Pregnancy-Unique Quantification of Emesis. Both groups attended two visits, a week apart. The participants in the EFT group received a session of EFT at each visit and completed two EFT sessions as home assignments, 2 and 4 days after the first visit. The participants in the control group attended two visits a week apart and completed assessments but did not receive EFT. Results: There were 55 women in each group who completed the study, and the groups were similar in terms of baseline measures, including socioeconomic status, smoking status, previous pregnancy, severity of nausea-vomiting, and total pregnancy-related anxiety. EFT significantly reduced anxiety levels from the baseline to the second session (fear of delivery, worries about bearing a handicapped child, concern about one's own appearance) and total pregnancy-related anxiety (total pretest 29.85 ± 9.87, post-test 20.67 ± 8.38; p < 0.001), while the control group showed no reduction in pregnancy-related anxiety (total pretest 26.1 ± 7.79, post-test 25.98 ± 8.49; p = 0.933). Although nausea-vomiting was reduced in both groups over the two-session period, at the end of treatment, the EFT group had significantly lower nausea intensity (EFT group 4.4 ± 1.81, control group 5.36 ± 2.48; p = 0.02). Conclusions: EFT is a nonpharmacologic intervention that can be effective in reducing nausea, vomiting, and anxiety in early pregnancy. Clinical Trials Registration Number: NCT05337852 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

What role has labor-saving technological change played in the recent past in charting out the trajectory of employment? Have we already transitioned into a new technological regime where production technologies are more invasive upon labor's terrain? In this study, I provide empirical evidence to answer these questions. Using industry-level data from 12 advanced economies for 1970–2007, I show that capital goods did not become more effective in labor-saving after 1980 or 1990. Similarly, the strength of the relationship between employment and output did not decline after 1980 or 1990. While many recent econometric studies have estimated the number of workers displaced due to industrial robots with which the media and public are highly preoccupied, there is nothing new in the fact that production technologies are labor-saving and displace workers. The importance of demand side factors and structural change (mainly deindustrialization) in determining employment patterns is often neglected, leading to a misleading assessment of the impact of labor-saving technologies on employment. • It is not new that automation is labor-saving or displaces labor. • Deindustrialization is a secular dynamic that depresses manufacturing employment. • No acceleration in within-labor-saving effect of capital goods since around 1980 or 1990. • No weakening in the strength of the relationship between employment and output since around 1980 or 1990. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Visual working memory is believed to rely on top–down attentional mechanisms that sustain active sensory representations in early visual cortex, a mechanism referred to as sensory recruitment. However, both bottom–up sensory input and top–down attentional modulations thereof appear to prioritize the fovea over the periphery, such that initially peripheral percepts may even be assimilated by foveal processes. This raises the question whether and how visual working memory differs for central and peripheral input. To address this, we conducted a delayed orientation recall task in which an orientation was presented either at the center of the screen or at 15° eccentricity to the left or right. Response accuracy, EEG activity, and gaze position were recorded from 30 participants. Accuracy was slightly but significantly higher for foveal versus peripheral memories. Decoding of EEG recordings revealed a clear dissociation between early sensory and later maintenance signals. Although sensory signals were clearly decodable for foveal stimuli, they were not for peripheral input. In contrast, maintenance signals were equally decodable for both foveal and peripheral memories, suggesting comparable top–down components regardless of eccentricity. Moreover, although memory representations were initially spatially specific and reflected in voltage fluctuations, later during the maintenance period, they generalized across locations, as emerged in alpha oscillations, thus revealing a dynamic transformation within memory from separate sensory traces to what we propose are common output-related codes. Furthermore, the combined absence of reliable decoding of sensory signals and robust presence of maintenance decoding indicates that storage activity patterns as measured by EEG reflect signals beyond primary visual cortex. We discuss the implications for the sensory recruitment hypothesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Problems such as the disruption of the income-expenditure balance and the decrease in active-passive ratio, which emerged at the end of the 1990s in Turkey, brought the need for reforms in the social security system. As a result of these reform efforts, a private pension system, complementary to the existing social security system, was put into practice. To our knowledge, no study has examined the private pension system using the Cox regression model, accelerated failure time models, and machine learning methods together under survival analysis. In this work, we show that machine learning methods provide non parametric alternatives to traditional survival models such as Cox regression. In addition to the statistics obtained, other important results are that socio-economic problems such as gender inequality, education inequality and income inequality can also be seen in private pension systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractBackgroundObjectivesMaterial and methodsResultsConclusions and significanceHE4 and CA 125 are identified as a potential biomarker for the detection of some diseases with fibrosis.The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the value of human epididymis protein 4 (HE4) and cancer antigen-125 (CA-125) in otosclerosis patients.The study population consisted of 60 people (30 otosclerosis patients, 30 control group). We collected blood samples for HE4 and CA-125 levels. Serum HE4 and CA-125 levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We compared the results between otosclerosis patients and the normal subject. The area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was performed to evaluate the diagnostic value.There was no differences in CA-125 level between the otosclerosis (20.3 U/mL [10.4-42.1] and control group (19.3 U/mL [15.3-49.8]) (p > 0.05). HE4 level was significantly higher in the otosclerosis group (60.9 pmol/L [32.1-101.8])] than the control group (25.3 pmol/L [12.4-91.9]) (p < 0.001). The AUC in ROC analysis of HE4 was 0.768 (p < 0.001).Serum HE4 level may be a useful biomarker in otosclerosis. Further studies with a larger number of patients are required to confirm our pilot results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: We aimed to investigate controversial pediatric urolithiasis issues systematically, integrating expert consensus and comprehensive guidelines reviews. Methods: Two semi-structured online focus group meetings were conducted to discuss the study's need and content, review current literature, and prepare the initial survey. Data were collected through surveys and focus group discussions. Existing guidelines were reviewed, and a second survey was conducted using the Delphi method to validate findings and facilitate consensus. The primary outcome measures investigated controversial issues, integrating expert consensus and guideline reviews. Results: Experts from 15 countries participated, including 20 with 16+ years of experience, 2 with 11–15 years, and 4 with 6–10 years. The initial survey identified nine main themes, emphasizing the need for standardized diagnostic and treatment protocols and tailored treatments. Inter-rater reliability was high, with controversies in treatment approaches (score 4.6, 92% agreement), follow-up protocols (score 4.8, 100% agreement), and diagnostic criteria (score 4.6, 92% agreement). The second survey underscored the critical need for consensus on identification, diagnostic criteria (score 4.6, 92% agreement), and standardized follow-up protocols (score 4.8, 100% agreement). Conclusion: The importance of personalized treatment in pediatric urolithiasis is clear. Prioritizing low-radiation diagnostic tools, effectively managing residual stone fragments, and standardized follow-up protocols are crucial for improving patient outcomes. Integrating new technologies while ensuring safety and reliability is also essential. Harmonizing guidelines across regions can provide consistent and effective management. Future efforts should focus on collaborative research, specialized training, and the integration of new technologies in treatment protocols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A good understanding of the interplay between the cutting tool edge radius, elastic recovery, friction, and contact pressure is essential for better modeling of ploughing forces during micro-scale cutting. This study conducts plunging tests on an ultra-precision CNC with engineered tungsten carbide cutting tools on commercially pure titanium alloy. The cutting tool edge radius is prepared to be around 3.5–4 μm, which resembles those cutting tools used in micro scale machining. During plunging tests, the micro cutting tool is given a sinusoidal movement with an amplitude close to edge radius of the tool as the work material is rotated at a constant speed. The residual depth profiles of the webs corresponding to the commanded depths were investigated in detail to identify elastic recovery rate. The cutting and thrust force measurements during plunging experiments together with identified elastic recovery rate was employed in an analytical model of micro scale machining to obtain the variations of contact pressure and coefficient of friction as a function of commanded depth. Due to the scale of the experiments that were performed, the effects of surface topography of the cutting tool and possible alignment errors are also considered in the analytical model. A linear relationship between the contact pressure and elastic recovery has been identified during ploughing-dominated machining conditions for the work material and the cutting tool pair considered in this study. The proposed experimental technique is shown to be promising in terms of modeling ploughing forces during micro-scale cutting. • Plunging tests reveal the influence of edge radius on elastic recovery. • A linear relationship between contact pressure and elastic recovery. • Coefficient of friction remains almost constant during ploughing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Dietary fibers (DFs) may influence the structural, nutritional and techno‐functional properties of starch within food systems. Moreover, DFs have favorable effects on the digestive system and potentially a lower glycemic index. These potential benefits may change depending on DF type. Starch processed in the presence of soluble and insoluble fibers can undergo different structural and functional changes, and the present study investigated the effects of short‐chain and long‐chain inulin and cellulose on the structural and digestive properties of wheat starch. RESULTS: The combined use of differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) provided insights into the structural changes in starch and inulin at different levels. Short‐chain and long‐chain inulin had higher water retention capacity and a potential to limit starch gelatinization. The FTIR results revealed an interaction between starch and inulin. Scanning electron microscopy analysis showed morphological changes in starch and inulin after the hydrothermal treatment. Cellulose fiber was not affected by the hydrothermal treatment and had no influence on starch behavior. The structural differences observed through XRD, FTIR and scanning electron microscopy analyses between starch with and without inulin fibers did not significantly impact starch digestibility, except for the dilution effect caused by adding DFs. CONCLUSION: The present study highlights the importance of utilizing different analytical tools to assess changes in food samples at different scales. Although short‐chain and long‐chain inulin could potentially limit starch gelatinization, the duration of the heat treatment (90 °C for 10 min) was sufficient to ensure complete starch gelatinization. The dilution effect caused by adding fibers was the primary reason for the effect on starch digestibility. © 2024 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The objective was to evaluate the remineralization effects of fluoride varnish (Clinpro White varnish), self-assembling peptide (Curodont™ Repair) and their combined use on WSL after orthodontic treatment. Materials and methods: Thirty-two subjects, aged of 10–18 (mean age 13.91 ± 2.92) with 107 post-orthodontic WSL were included in the study. Subjects were divided into four groups as control, tricalcium phosphate (TCP) containing fluoride varnish (Clinpro White varnish) group, self-assembling P11-4 peptides (Curodont™ Repair) group and combined application of the two products. At the beginning, each subjects’ caries risk profile was assessed by evaluating diet cariogenicity, plaque index, gingival bleeding index and stimulated salivary flow rate. Before the application of the remineralization agents, WSL baseline demineralization values were determined with QLF Inspektor™ Pro, laser fluorescence using DIAGNOdent and color values were measured by Vita EasyShade. Remineralization data were obtained by measuring ΔF, ΔQ, and lesion area with QLF. The aesthetic improvement after the remineralization process was evaluated with a spectrophotometer at six weeks, three and six months. Results: No statistically significant differences were found between the groups in terms of criteria determining patients’ caries risk profiles, DIAGNOdent data, and plaque index scores (p > 0.05). Intra-group evaluation following remineralization revealed statistically significant increases in ΔF and ΔQ with a decrease in lesion area for the fluoride varnish group at six months, for the peptide group at three months, and for the combined application group at three and six months (p < 0.05). In inter-group comparisons, ΔF and ΔQ values were found to be statistically significant only in the fluoride group at six months compared to the other groups (p < 0.05). While the L* value decreased significantly in all groups at six months, a statistically significant difference in ΔE* values was observed only in the control group between three and six months. Conclusion: Fluoride varnish with TCP showed highest remineralization at 6 months, and the remineralization was positively affected in the short term (three months) after the use of self-assembling P11-4 peptides and their combined application. Clinical relevance: Remineralization obtained after single application of agents tested in six months in-vivo showed parallel results. In an attempt to trigger subsurface remineralization, the combined use of fluoride with self-assembling peptides as biomimetic remineralization agent needs further evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and time of occurrence of complications in patients with seamless duraplasty after reverse question mark incision, and the morbidity and mortality rates after surgery. Material and Methods: Twenty-four patients admitted with different supratentorial indications and underwent decompressive craniectomy and seamless duraplasty between 2019 and 2023, were retrospectively included in this study. The patient's age, gender, etiological reason at admission, and Glasgow coma score before surgery were recorded. The types of complications, their time of occurrence, their relationships with each other, and the procedures performed were recorded. Results: The median time for complications during one-month follow-up was 7 (range, 1-28) days. A total of 18 complications were observed in 15 (62.5%) patients. While 7 (46.7%) of 15 patients with complications died within one month of follow-up, 7 (77.8%) of 9 patients without complications died. Although the mortality rate was higher in patients without complications, there was no statistically significant difference between patients with and without complications (p=0.210). The survival rate in the first month was 53.3% in patients with complications and 22.2% in patients without, and the median survival time was 5 days in patients with complications and 8 days in patients without complications (p=0.214). Conclusion: The onset time and management of the complications is crucial during the first month after decompressive craniectomy which has high mortality and morbidity rates, since the complications can lead to each other, and also these complications can cause serious economic and labor loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Epilepsy is a severe disease in which seizures play the leading role. Striking clinical manifestations of the attacks take most of the attention of healthcare professionals. Apart from epilepsy itself, it is well known that epilepsy patients may also have psychiatric comorbidities. These disorders, such as anxiety and depression, are mostly thought to be related to epileptic seizures or antiepileptic medications. In clinical practice, cognitive impairment is another disrupted area of interest in epileptic patients. Our study aimed to detect this deterioration and its correlations with mood disorders and epileptic disease features such as seizure frequency and illness duration. Materials and methods: After obtaining verbal and written consent, we enrolled 52 epilepsy patients in our study. A short demographic form indicating their gender, epileptic disease features, and medication usage information was completed for each patient. The Quick Mild Cognitive Impairment Screen (QMCI) test, the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (Ham-A), and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) were applied by an experienced psychologist. Abnormal brain magnetic resonance imaging findings (e.g., encephalomalacia, large arachnoid cysts, a considerable amount of white matter gliotic lesions, neoplastic or vascular space-occupying lesions, hippocampal malformations), vitamin and electrolyte imbalances, other chronic diseases as well as thyroid dysfunction were considered as exclusion criteria since they might interfere with cognition. We excluded abnormalities to this extent because we wanted to acquire a homogenous sampling population without structural disadvantages. Thus, we could be able to determine slight changes in cognition properly. Results: We found decreased cognitive scores directly proportional to lower education level, higher seizure frequency, longer disease duration, generalized tonic-clonic (GTC) type of seizure, and antiepileptic polytherapy. Also, complying with the literature, a high frequency of depression was found in our study group. Interestingly, decreased anxiety levels of the patients were statistically related to higher seizure frequency, which may indicate adaptive mechanisms to frequent seizures. Finally, a multivariate regression analysis revealed a significant negative impact of GTC type of seizure on cognition. Conclusion: Epilepsy and epileptic seizures affect cognition negatively. Thus, newly diagnosed epilepsy patients should be assessed for cognitive status as soon as possible. This assessment will allow epileptologists to understand future deteriorations in their patients' cognition. In our study, it is shown that QMCI is an effective and practical way to assess the cognitive statuses of epilepsy patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyelectrolytes are used in different technology systems, such as reducing environmental pollution, producing lithium batteries, achieving better performance, and prolonging half-life. One of the vital applications of polyelectrolytes is in drug delivery systems as a drug carrier to reach the specific desired target organ and increase drug effectiveness. To find and reach the optimum complex of polyelectrolytes in the context of drug delivery systems, we used Luminescence spectroscopy, viscosimetry, and conductivity methods in different concentrations, pH, and temperatures to find the polyelectrolyte's behavior in cationic and anionic polymers besides copolymers. In this study, Polyallylamine P(AlAm), polyallylamine hydrochloride P(AlAm.HCl), polyvinyl sulfonic acid P(VSA), and copolymer (32:68) actual composition are investigated. The hydrophobicity of the polymer is prominent at higher pH with P(AlAm.HCl). A more hydrophilic polymer is produced by forming the NH3+ ions at lower pH. P(AlAm) hydrophobicity is determined at higher pH, and hydrophilicity happens at low pH. The temperature has now not affected the polymer's hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity. Increasing and lowering pH from 4.5 has not revealed a substantial P(VSA) change. The temperature and pH no longer affect the copolymer. We prepared complex formation of P(AlAm.HCl), P(AlAm), P(VSA), and copolymer with anionic surfactant sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate (SDBS) in under and above critical micelle concentration (CMC) value. Excellent complexation is obtained among P(AlAm.HCl) and SDBS using Luminescence spectroscopy. Moreover, the viscosity behavior of P(AlAm.HCl) and P(AlAm) in pure water and 0.5 M NaCl solution is investigated. The polyelectrolyte properties of P(AlAm.HCl) are lots better than P(AlAm). That is confirmed using the Luminescence and conductivity method in different pH values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Methods Results Conclusion This study aims to determine the awareness levels and factors affecting it, along with prevalent misconceptions about Steatotic Liver Disease (SLD) among participants with high‐risk indicators.A questionnaire with open‐ended questions was utilized. Participants were recruited from two general internal medicine outpatient clinics, focusing on those with high‐risk indicators for SLD. Data collection involved a questionnaire covering demographic information, self‐reported clinical conditions, and open‐ended questions about SLD awareness. Key focus areas included misconceptions, thematic awareness, and the relationship between awareness and educational attainment.The study involved 228 participants, predominantly female (70.4%), with an average age of 53.8 years. Only 33.7% showed a comprehensive understanding of all aspects of SLD. However, 90.4% provided some accurate information, though often limited or incomplete. Higher education and awareness of SLD risks were key predictors of better understanding. The logistic regression model, with an accuracy of 0.76 and recall of 0.84, found higher education inversely related to low awareness. Common misconceptions highlighted included the belief that polypharmacy or certain medications cause SLD, fatigue as an effect, and increased water intake as a treatment. Notably, seven patients mentioned artichoke consumption as a potential treatment.The findings highlight the gap between comprehensive and partial awareness of SLD among high‐risk individuals. Educational level and informed understanding of SLD risks are crucial for improving awareness, emphasizing the need for specialized educational efforts and risk communication to high‐risk patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modern real-world control problems call for continuous control domains and robust, sample efficient and explainable control frameworks. We are presenting a framework for recursively composing control skills to solve compositional and progressively complex tasks. The framework promotes reuse of skills, and as a result quick adaptability to new tasks. The decision tree can be observed, providing insight into the agents' behavior. Furthermore, the skills can be transferred, modified or trained independently, which can simplify reward shaping and increase training speeds considerably. This paper is concerned with efficient composition of control algorithms using reinforcement learning and soft attention. Compositional and temporal abstraction is the key to improving learning and planning in reinforcement learning. Our Thompson sampling inspired soft-attention model is demonstrated to efficiently solve the composition problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yugonostalgia, defined briefly as nostalgia for the era of socialist Yugoslavia, manifests itself in various forms as a socio-cultural movement adopted in the former Yugoslav countries. The political aspect of Yugonostalgia is an expression of a critical attitude towards the wars and ethnic nationalism during the break-up of Yugoslavia, which disregarded the practice of multicultural coexistence. Furthermore, considering that the former Yugoslavia countries are currently entangled in a cycle of political and economic problems such as poverty, corruption, and unemployment, the possibility arises that Yugonostalgia could lead to a new political movement that could be embraced by the masses who are fed up with those troubles. The study discusses the potential of Yugonostalgia to transform into an effective alternative political movement in post-Yugoslav countries and to forge a new political identity beyond being a socio-cultural movement expressing nostalgia for Yugoslavia and a critical attitude towards contemporary problems. Its main assumption is that Yugonostalgia does not yet have the potency to go beyond being a cultural movement based on collective memory and to unite the masses with political motivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Fludarabine, a purine analog, is getting more attention with the increasing use of reduced intensive conditioning regimens in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). The side effect of bradycardia was observed in only a few cases reported in the literature. In clinical practice, bradycardia can be asymptomatic or cause syncope and cardiac arrest. This study aimed to evaluate the bradycardia side effect of fludarabine used in the conditioning regimen in allo-HSCT recipients and to increase awareness of this issue. Methods: This retrospective study included 73 patients who received fludarabine in the allo-HSCT conditioning regimen between January 2015 and January 2021. Patients with and without bradycardia were compared regarding demographic data, allo-HSCT characteristics, electrolyte values, fludarabine administration dose and duration, and survival. Univariate and multivariate analyzes were performed to evaluate independent predictors for fludarabine-induced bradycardia. Results: Fludarabine administration doses and days were higher in the bradycardia group, but no statistically significant difference was observed. In the multivariate analysis, age was the only independent predictor of fludarabine-induced bradycardia (odds ratio (OR) 0.93, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.89–0.98, p = 0.007). The median age in the group with bradycardia was 19 years younger than those without bradycardia (34 (19–49) vs 53 (19–69), p = 0.005). In 11 (84.6%) of the patients who had bradycardia, bradycardia improved with the discontinuation of fludarabine alone, but atropine was administered in 2 (15.4%) patients. Conclusion: Age was the only independent predictor of fludarabine-induced bradycardia; therefore, close heart rate monitoring is recommended during fludarabine administration, especially in younger patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The twentieth century has gone down in history as a period in which millions of people lost their lives due to wars and genocides on Earth. The writers of the 1990s started to bring these painful events to the stage to shed light on the violence that caused the mass death of people and raise awareness. Philip Ridley reveals the psychological disorders that arise due to the traumatic events that people have experienced through the characters in his Mercury Fur. Thus, he ironically explains to the audience that death is not the only solution by reflecting the inner problems of the people of the twentieth century on the stage. Additionally, the desire to gain power, which causes the internal depression of the characters in the play, leads to their death. In other words, people who cannot psychologically control their will become victims of their own ambitions. In this respect, the study reveals how social relations are shaped through their internal dynamics and how power relations become a determining factor in the traumatic experiences of individuals when it is examined within the framework of Foucault's discourse of power and violence. Mercury Fur shows how individuals, especially parentless children, are psychologically affected by the violence around them. It is an inevitable fact that these vulnerable children who grow up outside of parental control will suffer from the psychological depressions they experience when they reach puberty. Philip Ridley's dystopian play questions the power dynamics by deeply examining the power effect on the characters who are victims of trauma living in the chaotic environment created by anarchy, and offers a deep understanding of the complexity of human psychology by using the traumas experienced by the characters. In this context, the article aims to shed light on the inner world of twentieth-century people by revealing the reasons for the violent events experienced by the characters in Philip Ridley's Mercury Fur in the context of Michel Foucault's understanding of power and power-oriented discourse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The aims of the study were to gain insight in the transfer process from hospital to homecare or rehabilitation centre from a patient's perspectives and to describe the experienced involvement, information provision and information needs patients. Design: A multiple case study with a phenomenological approach. Methods: Observations and interviews were employed, between May 2019 and August 2019, to capture the patient's perspectives and experiences on involvement, information provision and needs. Observations were executed during the discharge process from hospital to homecare (n = 6) or revalidation centre (n = 1) and during admission interviews with community nurses (n = 6). Interviews were conducted at the patient's home and the revalidation centre. Results: Eight themes were identified within three phases of the transfer process. The Sign‐up phase contained two themes: 'organizing follow‐up care' and 'planning the moment of discharge from the hospital'. The two themes in the Transfer phase were, 'verbal information provision' and 'written information provision'. Four themes were identified in the End phase: 'nursing supplies', 'medication', 'the electronic patient portal' and 'continuation of (para)medical care'. Conclusions: Patient participation in the transition process from the hospital to follow‐up care can be improved. This study indicates that unsafe situations could be prevented by patient involvement and clear perceptions of the role and responsibilities of patients, family and healthcare professionals. Implications to Patient Care: Patient and family involvement has the potential to improve transition of care and techniques for shared decision‐making can be applied to a greater extent. Impact: This paper highlights that patients and families should be acknowledged as key figures in the transfer process and gives direction to healthcare professionals on how to increase involvement in the transfer process by actively inviting patients to participate in the transfer process. Reporting Method: COREQ guidelines for qualitative reporting. No patient or public contribution. Contribution to Global Clinical Community: This paper gives insights in patients' and families' perspectives on transition of nursing care and their involvement during the whole transfer process.This paper gives direction how to improve patient participation during the discharge process from hospital to follow‐up care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tissue engineering (TE) is a field of science that combines biological, engineering, and medical sciences and allows the development of disease models, drug development and gene therapy studies, and even cellular or tissue-based treatments developed by engineering methods. The eye is an organ that is easily accessible and amenable to engineering applications, paving the way for TE in ophthalmology. TE studies are being conducted on a wide range of topics, including the tear film, eyelids, cornea, optic nerve, glaucoma, and retinal diseases. With the rapid scientific advances in the field, it seems that TE is radically modifying the management of ocular disorders. : [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, it was aimed to determine the relationship between physical activity and intuitive eating (IE) and mindful eating (ME) in university students. The "International Physical Activity Short Form", "Mindful Eating Test (MET)" and "Intuitive Eating Scale (IES)" were applied by questioning the demographic characteristics, anthropometric measurements, health information and nutritional habits of 255 university students studying in Health and Sports sciences. Among the students whose mean age is 20.34±2.06, 86.7% of the students who are in health science are female, and 67.7% of them, who are in sports sciences are male (p<0.05). Students (51.4%) with normal Body Mass Index (BMI) consume three main meals and go on a diet for aesthetic reasons. Eating discipline (ED), emotional eating (EE), and intuitive eating total (IET) scores are higher in females, while control of eating (EC) scores are higher in males (p<0.05). Intuitive eating total score, reliance on hunger and satiety cues (RHSC), unconditional permission to eat (UPE) and EC cores are positively related to BMI. Students who are physically inactive have higher IET score, RHSC, body-food choice congruence, focusing and ED, and those who do adequate physical activity have higher eating control scores (p<0.05). Mindful eating total score and sub-dimensions are positively correlated with the score of all sub-dimensions except UPE, which is one of the sub-dimensions of IE (p<0.05). In addition, as the UPE score increases, the total scores of disinhibitions, ED, focusing, interference, EE, and ME decrease (p<0.05). In conclusion, ME and IE are positively related to each other. It is understood that adequate and balanced nutrition along with being physically active at the same time is quite important for younger individuals to be healthier. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the invention of the wheel, the ongoing interaction between humans and machines has undergone a significant transformation in the modern world due to advancements in artificial intelligence technologies, hardware and software, and environmental sensors. As a result, autonomous driving levels have increased, and the nature of interaction between humans and automobiles has been altered. Consequently, examining how the interaction between humans and autonomous vehicles has changed has become crucial. In this context, three main categories have been identified: software and hardware technologies used in vehicles based on their autonomy levels, interactions between humans and autonomous vehicles, and the relationships between autonomous vehicles and the environment and companies. The impact of changing levels of autonomy on human-machine interaction is addressed in terms of the sustainability of autonomous vehicles during the transition phase, within the context of human-computer interaction. Predictions about the future are made, and the influence of digital marketing on autonomous vehicles is evaluated through examples. This study aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of the current applications and promising aspects of autonomous vehicles in the context of the automotive industry and human-computer interaction, as well as to categorize these interactions. The result of the study reveals that as levels of autonomy change, human-machine interaction evolves into a collaboration, drivers in vehicles are considered passengers, and the user experience transforms into a journey experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is the most common inherited autoinflammatory disease in the world. There are known triggers to initiate an FMF attack, yet potential effects of intrauterine devices (IUD) in women of reproductive age have not been evaluated before. Method: Consecutive female patients with FMF who ever used IUD over the age of 18 were enrolled. Female patients with FMF were sub grouped according to the type of IUD they use. FMF attack frequency, severity, duration, presence of dysmenorrhea, severity of dysmenorrhea, having attacks during menstruation before and after IUD use were questioned. Demographic and clinical data were collected from hospital database. Results: When all patients with IUD use were evaluated, it was found that the frequency of attacks increased after IUD insertion at 3rd and 12th months (median [min–max] attack frequency at 3rd month, 1 (0–3) vs 1 (0–6), p = 0.002, median [min–max] attack frequency at 12th month, 2 (0–12) vs 3.5 (0–18), p = 0.028). Attack severity measured by VAS pain was also significantly increased. Attack duration and menstrual pain was similar before and after IUD use. Attack frequency at 3rd and 12th months, attack severity and menstrual pain was all increased significantly in Cu-IUD users, whereas none of these parameters deteriorated in LNG-IUD group. Conclusion: IUD use, especially Cu-IUD, may increase the frequency and severity of attacks in female patients with FMF. Clinicians may benefit from considering LGN-IUD if IUDs are preferred as contraception in women of childbearing age with FMF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breast cancer treatment encompasses various therapeutic modalities, including surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Breast-conserving surgery has been an integral part of breast cancer management. However, radiotherapy, an important component of breast cancer management, can lead to complications, particularly fibrosis, affecting reconstructive surgery outcomes. We conducted an in vivo study using 48 female Wistar Albino rats, employing segmental mastectomy and radiotherapy to simulate post-mastectomy conditions. The rats were divided into six groups: control, mastectomy, mastectomy + radiotherapy, mastectomy + platelet-rich plasma (PRP) + radiotherapy, mastectomy + infliximab + radiotherapy, and mastectomy + infliximab + PRP + radiotherapy. Edema, hyperemia, inflammation, and fibrosis were assessed as indicators of tissue response. Histopathological analysis revealed that mastectomy + infliximab and mastectomy + infliximab + PRP groups showed significant reductions in fibrosis compared to other groups. Edema, hyperemia, and inflammation were also less severe in these groups compared to the control group. Radiotherapy-induced fibrosis is a major concern in breast reconstruction. Our study suggests that local PRP application and systemic infliximab administration, either alone or in combination, could mitigate the adverse effects of radiotherapy. This approach has the potential to improve reconstructive outcomes in patients undergoing or having the possibility to undergo radiotherapy. This is the first study showing the effectiveness of infliximab and PRP combination on wound healing. The provided experimental rat model might offer guidance for further research. This study provides insights into optimizing outcomes in reconstructive breast surgery, paving the way for further research and clinical studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the physical and technological measures in place along the border protected by border forces, a significant number of irregular migrants are being apprehended by gendarmerie (Jandarma) elements in the area designated as the second line of defense. This situation poses a crucial responsibility for the Jandarma in the context of preventing irregular migration movements, curbing smuggling activities, and combating terrorism. Therefore, it is proposed that artificial intelligence-supported technological discovery and surveillance measures be implemented in the Jandarma responsibility area behind the border. It is believed that these technological measures could be beneficial in preventing irregular migration movements, restricting smuggling activities, and enhancing effectiveness in the fight against terrorism. The implementation of these measures could contribute to public safety by increasing security and maintaining order. Within the scope of this study, a thermal camera network system powered by solar energy, featuring wireless communication capabilities, and equipped with artificial intelligence analysis, is described. Additionally, the technical architectural features of the system, installation requirements, and details of the artificial intelligence algorithms to be utilized within the system, along with their capabilities and potential algorithm specifics, are explained. The implementation of the proposed system is anticipated to enhance reconnaissance and surveillance capabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The portrayal of women in patriarchal communities and their resistance against the tyranny of men are one of the most evident themes of literary texts. Feminist writers and scholars object to the conventional premise that women are inferior, silenced, or marginalized figures, and they aim to alter the mindsets of traditionalists’ by implementing and analyzing the sense of the rebellious spirit of female characters through their works. The advocates of intersectional feminist theory hold notion that the oppression from which women suffer is the result of intersecting social factors combined with the gender identity of women. In other words, gender cannot be the sole reason for tyranny, but women’s social status, race, poverty, sexuality, ability, or disability are some of the crucial issues that accompany and reinforce the oppression they experience. In this regard, the purpose of this article is to scrutinize Caryl Churchill’s Vinegar Tom and Cloud Nine in terms of intersectional feminist theory by analyzing the female characters’ miserable conditions and their struggles to find their real identities since the female characters suffer from patriarchal dogmas and norms in each play. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salt mist and salt crystallization tests were conducted to determine the resistance of the untreated and water-repellent-treated Döğer tuff samples to salt damage. The Döğer tuffs are of volcanic origin and consist of porous pyroclastic rocks. A series of characterization studies were performed to determine the physicochemical and chemical properties (XRF), mineralogical-petrographic characteristics (polarizing optical microscopy, XRD, and SEM), and pore-size distribution (MIP) of the Döğer tuff prior to the aging tests. Following the aging experiments, the changes in weight, ultrasound pulse velocity, uniaxial compressive strength, and variations in pore size distribution were examined in the tested tuffs. In addition, SEM studies were conducted to analyze the microstructures. The untreated tuff samples were more severely affected by salt crystallization. The increases in dry weight for untreated and water-repellent-treated Döğer tuff samples were 0.27% and 0.13% after 60 cycles of salt mist exposure and 7.2% and 3.76% after salt crystallization cycles using a sodium chloride solution, respectively. Both conditions resulted from the accumulation of NaCl crystals on the tuff surface and within the pores. Salt crystal formation in a sodium sulfate solution led to dry weight change of 2.02% and 0.29% in the untreated and water-repellent-treated samples, respectively. The uniaxial compressive strength of the untreated tuff samples decreased by 36.71% in the presence of sodium chloride solution and by 72.58% in the presence of sodium sulfate solution. The ultrasound pulse velocity values decreased in all tuff samples after the salt crystallization test. However, the Döğer tuff samples were still distinguishable after both tests and their physical integrity remained intact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alternative energy sources are needed for a sustainable world due to rapidly increasing energy consumption, fossil fuels, and greenhouse gases worldwide. A hybrid renewable energy system (HRES) must be optimally dimensioned to be responsive to sudden load changes and cost-effective. In this study, the aim is to reduce the carbon emissions of a university campus by generating electricity from a hybrid energy production system with solar panels, wind turbine, a diesel generator, and battery components. On the university campus where the hybrid energy system will be installed, the ambient temperature, solar radiation, wind speed, and load demands have been recorded in our database. Optimization algorithms were used to select the power values of the system components to be installed using these data in an efficient and inexpensive manner according to the ambient conditions. For optimal sizing of HRES components, gray wolf optimizer combined with cuckoo search (GWOCS) technique was investigated using MATLAB/Simulink. In this way, it has been tried to increase their efficiency by combining current optimization techniques. The cornerstone of our optimization efforts for both on-grid and off-grid models pivots on a constellation of critical decision variables: the power harvested from wind turbines, the productivity of solar panels, the capacity of battery storage, and the power contribution of diesel generators. In our pursuit of minimizing the annual cost metric, we employ a tailor-made function, meticulously upholding an array of constraints, such as the quotient of renewable energy and the potential risk of power disruption. A robust energy management system is integral to our design, orchestrating the delicate power flow balance among micro-grid components—vital for satisfying energy demand. Upon analyzing the outcomes of the study, it is apparent that the proposed Scenario 1 HRES effectively utilizes solar and battery components within the off-grid model, surpassing the efficiency of four other hybrid scenarios under consideration. Regarding optimization processes, the off-grid model exhibits superior results with the implementation of the GWOCS algorithm, delivering faster and more reliable solutions relative to other methodologies. Conversely, the optimization of the on-grid model reaches its optimal performance with the application of the cuckoo search algorithm. A comprehensive comparison from both technical and economic view points suggests the on-grid model as the most feasible and suitable choice. Upon completion of the optimization process, the load demand is catered to by a combination of a 2963.827-kW solar panel, a 201.8896-kW battery, and an additional purchase of 821.9 MWh from the grid. Additionally, an energy surplus sale of 1379.8 MWh to the grid culminates in an annual cost of system (ACS) of 475782.8240 USD, a total net present cost of 4815520.2794 USD, and a levelized cost of energy of 0.12754 USD/kWh. Solar panels cover the entire system, and the renewable energy fraction is 100%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We aimed to determine the impact of COVID-19 on the psychosocial functioning of adolescents with inborn errors of immunity (IEI). Material and Methods: Thirty-six patients with IEI (18 mild, 18 severe) and 18 healthy controls aged between 10 and 17 were included in this study. Adolescents and their caregivers completed the Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale (RCADS) to measure symptoms of anxiety and depression and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) to assess prosocial behaviors and emotional/behavioral problems. Additionally, the COVID-19 Phobia Scale (C19P-S) was answered by adolescents to assess the level of coronavirus phobia. Results: According to SDQ, emotional scores of the adolescents in the control group are higher than the mild/severe patient group. Emotional scores of the severe patient group are higher than the mild group. The RCADS parent- and adolescent-reported depression scores and parent-reported social phobia scores of the control group were significantly higher than the mild group.There were no statistically significant differences between the groups according to COVID-19 Phobia Scale. Conclusion: The healthy adolescents had higher psychiatric symptom scores, especially than the adolescents with mild IEI. We suggest that being exposed to health-related challenges even before the pandemics in adolescents with IEI helped them develop psychological resilience. Longitudinal and larger studies are needed to evaluate the long-term effects of the pandemic on the mental health of this vulnerable adolescent population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the advent of the pandemic, reliance on screens, the internet, and the digital realm has intensified, impacting individuals in various ways. Initially beyond the comprehension of many, the pandemic soon manifested in a wide range of interests and behaviors. Notably, there has been a surge in social media usage and gaming interests. Violent digital games, which simultaneously excite and relax players, became more popular, eliciting feelings of ease, engagement, and a sense of inner freedom. While this sentiment has positively influenced mental well-being in virtual contexts, it has also had adverse effects on self-compassion and forgiveness. This study aims to investigate the relationship between individuals engaging in violent digital games and their levels of forgiveness, self-compassion, and mental well-being. The study involved a sample of 300 individuals aged 18 to 68 years. The results indicated that no significant connection emerged between the sub-dimension of forgiving others and self-judgment. However, a positive and significant relationship was observed among all other sub-dimensions and scales. The One-Way ANOVA analysis technique revealed differences in forgiveness, self-compassion, and mental well-being levels concerning participation in violent digital games. According to the analysis, individuals who play violent digital games exhibited greater forgiveness towards others and demonstrated enhanced self-compassion and understanding compared to non-players. These results underscore the impact of digital games on forgiveness, selfcompassion, and mental well-being, highlighting the need for interventions aimed at promoting mental health and well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider the balanced two-way mixed effects design with some empty cells. A test procedure for the hypothesis of no main fixed effects is developed under violation of the assumption of variance homogeneity and symmetry. The asymptotic null distribution of the test statistics is studied under the condition that the number of levels of the random effects tends to infinity as both the number of complete and incomplete observations tend to infinity. An illustrative example is given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study elucidates the use of optimization algorithms to identify the controller parameters employed in adjusting the current and voltage values of loads powered by solar energy systems and battery groups. Parameters for these controllers were independently derived using a combination of ant colony optimization with Levy flight, hybrid firefly‐particle swarm optimization, hybrid gravitation search algorithm‐particle swarm optimization, alongside the implementation of Jaya and whale optimization algorithms. The results from each method were juxtaposed for thorough analysis. In addition, three distinct Maximum Power Point Tracker (MPPT) algorithms were employed in the system: perturbation and observation, open circuit voltage, and incremental conductance (IC). To assess the system's adaptability to real‐world conditions, it was tested against varying temperatures and sunlight levels. Moreover, potential changes in the loads were considered by varying the load. The efficacy of the controllers was examined by altering both the environment and load. The effectiveness of the controllers was examined by referring to the integral of time‐weighted absolute error value. The system was simulated using MATLAB/Simulink software. This study demonstrates that the fractional‐order PID controller achieves the most effective results, the Jaya algorithm provides the best controller parameters, and the IC technique exhibits the highest performance in MPPT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the relationship between pilot candidates' self-control, self-efficacy, and training performance in terms of safety climate. Self-efficacy and safety climate are essential for the flight performance of pilots. However, the effect of self-control on flight performance has yet to be studied. In addition, high self-efficacy is always determined as an essential risk for aviation, but this reality has yet to be researched regarding the safety climate. This study employs qualitative and quantitative research techniques. Data are obtained from 244 pilot candidates training in flight schools in Turkey and then analyzed. There is a significant relationship between self-perceptions and flight performance of pilot candidates. Safety climate has a moderator role in the relationship between self-efficacy, self-control, and flight performance. In the second research model, it is determined that there is a significant relationship between safety climate and flight performance. Self-control and self-efficacy of pilot candidates moderate this relationship. Flight schools and airline companies should exert more effort to establish a safety culture within their institutions, particularly for individuals with excessive levels of self-efficacy. Excessive self-efficacy poses a significant potential risk for those who need to perceive safety culture more in their flight school. In addition, the pilot candidates' self-control level should be considered necessary when recruiting them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

YouTube, the largest accessible media-sharing platform, has become an important tool for pursuing health-related information. Adolescents may find it challenging to seek counseling or access adolescent-friendly services for menstruation-related problems, so YouTube may be a useful resource. The aim of this study was to examine the reliability, quality, and accuracy of YouTube videos concerning abnormal uterine bleeding in adolescents. A YouTube search using the key words "adolescent, teens, heavy period, abnormal uterine bleeding, heavy menstrual bleeding" yielded 109 videos. Video features (duration, time since upload, likes, views, comments), sources of upload, and content were recorded. All the videos were reviewed by 2 adolescent medicine specialists and scored using the Journal of the American Medical Association, the 5-point modified DISCERN tool, and the Global Quality Scale. Fifty-eight videos met the inclusion criteria. Most (62.1%) were created by non-professionals, and a significant portion (81%) contained general descriptions. On the basis of the DISCERN classification, 50% exhibited poor quality. Similarly, the Journal of the American Medical Association assessment indicated that only 36.2% satisfied the requirements for good quality. The videos uploaded by professionals exhibited notably superior quality in comparison with those uploaded by non-professionals. Additionally, higher-quality videos were longer (P =.040) and more recent (P =.011). Mot YouTube videos about adolescent abnormal uterine bleeding provide low-quality information. We believe that increasing the number of videos tailored by health care providers specializing in adolescent gynecology to address the specific physical and psychosocial needs of adolescents with menstrual problems would be beneficial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Neuroinflammation is involved in the pathology of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Peripheral levels of various inflammatory cytokines are altered during AD pathogenesis. This study aimed to examine the role of peripheral inflammation in AD pathogenesis by measuring serum levels and gene expression of specific inflammatory cytokines in AD patients. Therefore, we analyzed serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) and transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) levels and mRNA expressions of IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of AD patients and controls. Materials and Methods: We quantitatively assessed serum IL-6 and TGF-β1 levels in 25 AD patients and 33 age-matched controls using enzymelinked immunosorbent assay. In addition, we evaluated the mRNA expressions of IL-6 and TNF-α in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 31 AD patients and their respective controls (n=30) via quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results: AD patients tended to have higher serum IL-6 and TGF-β1 levels compared to the controls, but the difference was not statistically significant. IL-6 and TNF-α mRNA expression was significantly downregulated in AD patients compared to the controls (p=0.000 and p=0.004; respectively). Serum IL-6 and TGF-β1 levels were negatively correlated with age in AD patients (p=0.025, r=-0.467 and p=0.035, r=-0.431; respectively). Conclusion: The outcomes of this study suggest a disruption in the peripheral immune response in individuals with AD. The observed decreased expression of cytokine genes in peripheral leukocytes may indicate a contributory mechanism through which peripheral cytokines influence AD pathogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We explored the impact of strontium oxide nanoparticles (SrO-NPs), synthesized through a green method, on seedling growth of bread wheat in hydroponic systems. The wheat plants were exposed to SrO-NPs concentrations ranging from 0.5 mM to 8.0 mM. Various parameters, including shoot length (cm), shoot fresh weight (g), root number, root length (cm), root fresh weight (g), chlorophyll value (SPAD), cell membrane damage (%), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) value (µmol/g), malondialdehyde (MDA) value (ng/µL), and enzymatic activities like ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activity (EU/g FW), peroxidase (POD) activity (EU/g FW), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity (U/g FW), were measured to assess the effects of SrO-NPs on the wheat plants in hydroponic conditions. The results showed that the SrO-NPs in different concentrations were significantly affected considering all traits. The highest values were obtained from the shoot length (20.77 cm; 0.5 mM), shoot fresh weight (0.184 g; 1 mM), root number (5.39; 8 mM), root length (19.69 cm; 0 mM), root fresh weight (0.142 g; 1 mM), SPAD (33.20; 4 mM), cell membrane damage (58.86%; 4 mM), H2O2 (829.95 µmol/g; 6 mM), MDA (0.66 ng/µl; 8 mM), APX (3.83 U/g FW; 6 mM), POD (70.27 U/g FW; 1.50 mM), and SOD (60.77 U/g FW; 8 mM). The data unequivocally supports the effectiveness of SrO-NPs application in promoting shoot and root development, chlorophyll levels, cellular tolerance, and the activation of enzymes in wheat plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to analyze the Turkish validity and reliability of a scale to be used for the assessment of post-intensive care syndrome in patients surviving in the intensive care unit. This is a methodological study in which the Turkish version of the "Post-Intensive Care Syndrome Scale" developed by Jeong and Kang (2019) was performed. The population of the study consists of 350 people. The sample consisted of 225 patients due to voluntary participation, unavailability, and death. The researchers collected data by applying the Post-Intensive Care Syndrome Scale. The data in the scale were measured as a number, percentage, standard deviation, minimum, maximum, and mean. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) were applied for language and content validity and construct validity of the scale. There was a high level of agreement between the expert opinions regarding the items of the scale in terms of content validity of the "Post Intensive Care Syndrome Scale" (CSR=0.96). Exploratory factor analysis revealed that the scale has a three-factor structure, 17 items explained 69.64% of the total variance, and factor loadings ranged between 0.48-0.86. According to confirmatory factor analysis, Chisquare/sd=2.719 non-normed fit index=0.89 and comparative fit index=0.93. Cronbach's alpha reliability coefficient was 0.93. The study results showed the Turkish version of the Post-Intensive Care Syndrome. Scale meets the Turkish version criteria at an acceptable level and can be used in scientific research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the views of Turkish language learners on digital writing and its impact on their language learning. The study involved 21 international students from 16 countries who were attending Turkish language classes at Akdeniz University. The participants engaged in digital writing using platforms such as WhatsApp, Instagram, Telegram, YouTube, and Twitter. They paid attention to spelling and punctuation and used the T9 typing system. The participants believed that digital writing contributed to their learning of Turkish. The study highlights the increasing importance of digital writing in language acquisition and the role of technology in facilitating communication. [Extracted from the article]

In the modern era, with the effects of the Age of Enlightenment and afterwards the Industrial Revolution, man has abandoned his bidirectional deal with nature by prioritizing his mind and interests. The human beings, who started to position themselves in a separate place from nature, chose to benefit from nature only for their own interests. Ecologism is a post-modern response to human-centered approaches separated from nature and a reflection of the search for solutions to ecological problems that arise as a result of these approaches. In this context, the emergence and development of ecologism and its relationship with environmentalism along with other fundamental ideologies are explained in this study. The approach of ecologism to the basic issues of the political field such as "freedom and equality", "sovereignty and political system", "property and production relations" and "state" is discussed and its relationship with other ideologies is critically discussed. Based on the literature review method of qualitative research, it is considered that positioning humans as a part of nature and aiming to establish an egalitarian relationship with nature are distinctive features of ecologism compared to other ideologies. In this study, in addition, it has been concluded that the ecocentric excess of ecologism causes to evaluated people only as a part of the problems, to ignore that they can be a part of the solution, and to experience "eco-blindness" by moving away from a holistic understanding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is one of the most common venous diseases. CVI is an important clinical picture with a high prevalence, low quality of life, and high diagnosis and treatment costs. Therefore, diagnosis, follow-up, and treatment are important for the patient's socioeconomic and life quality. In this study, we aimed to better examine a test used in the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of CVI. Methods: In this retrospective study, 683 patients diagnosed with CVI, who had endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) indications were evaluated between June 2013 and November 2018. EVLA procedure performed on all patients. Preoperative, postoperative 1st and 6th month Doppler USG (ultrasonography), plethysmography, and VCSS (Venous Clinical Severity Score) questionnaire was made to all patients. Results: As a result of our study, we found that there was a significant difference between the preoperative plethysmography and VCSS results of the patients and the postoperative 1st and 6th month results. With the significant difference in the VCSS questionnaire, we have shown that plethysmography gives accurate results in the diagnosis and treatment of CVI since it is an individual, quantitative, and easy test. Conclusions: EVLA is an effective and safe method in patients with venous insufficiency. Since Doppler USG is person and device dependent, we think that plethysmography, which can be used in every clinical setting and provides quantitative results independent of the person, can be used more frequently in the diagnosis and treatment of venous insufficiency. In addition, we think that plethysmography can be used as a valuable additional method in the diagnosis and follow-up of such patients, due to the venous hemodynamic data that Doppler USG cannot provide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alchemilla species (Rosaceae) are popularly known as 'Lady's Mantle, Lion's claw' and are used for medicinal purposes as diuretic, laxative, tonic, and wound healing agents. Bioactivities and phenolic content of Alchemilla pseudocartalinica Juz. species have yet to be investigated. Our research focused on assessing the antioxidant characteristics of A. pseudocartalinica methanol (MEAP) and water extracts (WEAP), as well as their inhibitory effects on acetylcholinesterase (AChE), α-glycosidase (a-gly), and human carbonic anhydrase II (hCA II) enzymes. Additionally, we conducted chemical characterization using UPLC-MS/MS and investigated the correlation between major phenolic compounds and enzymes through molecular docking analysis. To assess the antioxidant activities of the MEAP and WEAP, six test systems were employed, including DPPH, ABTS, DMPD, FRAP, CUPRAC, and Fe3+ reducing assays. The outcome showed that the methanol extract of the plant generally has stronger antioxidant activity. In addition, UPLC-MS/MS analysis indicated, miquelianin (44.095 mg/g), quinic acid (17.054 mg/g), and ellagic acid (6.492 mg/g) were significant in the methanol extract. A molecular docking study revealed a significant affinity for binding between the hCAII enzyme and quinic acid, miquelianin, and AChE/α-gly enzymes. A. pseudocatalinica methanol and water extracts have high antioxidant activity and good inhibition effect against AChE, α-glycosidase, and hCA II enzymes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a prevalent disease worldwide. While it is well established that alterations of cardiac energy metabolism contribute to cardiovascular pathology, the precise source of fuel used by the heart in HFpEF remains unclear. The objective of this study was to define the energy metabolic profile of the heart in HFpEF. Methods and results Eight-week-old C57BL/6 male mice were subjected to a '2-Hit' HFpEF protocol [60% high-fat diet (HFD) + 0.5 g/L of Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester]. Echocardiography and pressure–volume loop analysis were used for assessing cardiac function and cardiac haemodynamics, respectively. Isolated working hearts were perfused with radiolabelled energy substrates to directly measure rates of fatty acid oxidation, glucose oxidation, ketone oxidation, and glycolysis. HFpEF mice exhibited increased body weight, glucose intolerance, elevated blood pressure, diastolic dysfunction, and cardiac hypertrophy. In HFpEF hearts, insulin stimulation of glucose oxidation was significantly suppressed. This was paralleled by an increase in fatty acid oxidation rates, while cardiac ketone oxidation and glycolysis rates were comparable with healthy control hearts. The balance between glucose and fatty acid oxidation contributing to overall adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production was disrupted, where HFpEF hearts were more reliant on fatty acid as the major source of fuel for ATP production, compensating for the decrease of ATP originating from glucose oxidation. Additionally, phosphorylated pyruvate dehydrogenase levels decreased in both HFpEF mice and human patient's heart samples. Conclusion In HFpEF, fatty acid oxidation dominates as the major source of cardiac ATP production at the expense of insulin-stimulated glucose oxidation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Perineural invasion (PNI) is a histopathological finding which represents invasion of the nerves and surroundings by cancer cells. Several studies have reported that PNI in prostate cancer (PCa) is a poor prognostic factor. However, there are insufficient data in literature related to the use of PNI status in the biopsy at the stage of making a decision for nerve-sparing surgery. This research aimed to investigate the impact of PNI identified in prostate biopsies on the biochemical recurrence-free survival (RFS) in individuals who underwent nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy (RP) for PCa. Materials and Methods: The data of 972 patients who underwent nerve-sparing RP due to a clinically localized PCa diagnosis were retrospectively examined. Patients were divided into two groups as PNI (+) and PNI (-) according to PRI status in prostate biopsy pathology. Results: Evaluation was made of 747 patients with suitable data for analysis. PNI was determined in the prostate biopsy of 162 patients and not in the biopsies of 585 patients. The 5-year biochemical RFS rates were 90% for PNI (+) patients and 89.6% for the PNI (-) group, and the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant. When the PNI positive and negative groups were compared in respect of surgical margin positivity, the surgical margin was determined as positive in 42 (25.9%) of the group with PNI and in 84 (14.4%) of the group without PNI. Surgical margin positivity was determined to be statistically significantly greater in the PNI (+) group. Biochemical RFS rates were compared according to the surgical margin positivity status, and 5-year biochemical RFS was found to be 81.5% in those with surgical margin positivity and 91.6% in those with surgical margin negativity, no statistically meaningful distinction was found between the groups Conclusions: The findings of this study indicated that PNI determined in prostate biopsy did not affect 5-year RFS following nerve-sparing RP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Perineural invasion (PNI) is a histopathological finding which represents invasion of the nerves and surroundings by cancer cells. Several studies have reported that PNI in prostate cancer (PCa) is a poor prognostic factor. However, there are insufficient data in literature related to the use of PNI status in the biopsy at the stage of making a decision for nerve-sparing surgery. This research aimed to investigate the impact of PNI identified in prostate biopsies on the biochemical recurrence-free survival (RFS) in individuals who underwent nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy (RP) for PCa. Materials and Methods: The data of 972 patients who underwent nerve-sparing RP due to a clinically localized PCa diagnosis were retrospectively examined. Patients were divided into two groups as PNI (+) and PNI (-) according to PRI status in prostate biopsy pathology. Results: Evaluation was made of 747 patients with suitable data for analysis. PNI was determined in the prostate biopsy of 162 patients and not in the biopsies of 585 patients. The 5-year biochemical RFS rates were 90% for PNI (+) patients and 89.6% for the PNI (-) group, and the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant. When the PNI positive and negative groups were compared in respect of surgical margin positivity, the surgical margin was determined as positive in 42 (25.9%) of the group with PNI and in 84 (14.4%) of the group without PNI. Surgical margin positivity was determined to be statistically significantly greater in the PNI (+) group. Biochemical RFS rates were compared according to the surgical margin positivity status, and 5-year biochemical RFS was found to be 81.5% in those with surgical margin positivity and 91.6% in those with surgical margin negativity, no statistically meaningful distinction was found between the groups. Conclusions: The findings of this study indicated that PNI determined in prostate biopsy did not affect 5-year RFS following nerve-sparing RP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]