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Spirulina platensis is a natural antioxidant product that has the ability to improve the performance of poultry. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the effect of using Spirulina platensis as a feed additive in broiler diets. A total of 252 daily male Ross 308 chicks were randomly assigned to six groups. There were two different protein groups: one was at the catalog protein value, and the other was reduced by 10%. Spirulina platensis at 0, 0.1, and 0.2% was added to each protein group. The trial lasted 41 days. Reducing the protein level by 10% had a negative impact on the performance of the chicks. However, Spirulina platensis supplementation had a positive effect on the feed conversion ratio, reduced the oxidative stress index in the chicks' liver and meat, increased the total antioxidant status and antioxidant enzyme activities, improved the villus height, serum IgG, and some bone parameters, and reduced the serum triglyceride concentration. The carcass yield, visceral organ weight percentages, total phenolic content, and malondialdehyde (MDA) level in the thigh meat and some serum biochemical parameters were not affected by the usage of Spirulina platensis. In conclusion, 0.1% Spirulina platensis could be a feasible feed additive in low-protein diets due to eliciting an improved performance, antioxidant status, and immune response in broilers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objective of this paper is to explore causal relationship between air transport and economic growth for top ten countries with the largest air transport volume worldwide for the sample period 1970–2021 using conventional bootstrap Toda–Yamamoto and bootstrap Fourier Toda–Yamamoto causality tests. For this purpose, a single composite indicator gathered by principal components analysis as a proxy variable of air transport is used to reflect all dimensions of air transport and to better understand potential effects on the relationship between air transport and economic growth. The empirical findings of the present study revealed that there exists an uni-directional causal relationship from air transport to economic growth for all countries except for Russia and Brazil. A bi-directional causal relationship is also found between air freight transport and economic growth for Japan and between air carrier registered departures and economic growth for China. The results indicate that causality tests based on Fourier approach show more consistent results than conventional causality tests. This study also argues that the use of only one dimension of air transport can lead to relatively weak representativeness of air transport. • The causal relationship between air transport and economic growth is explored. • Uni-directional causal relationship from air transport to economic growth except for Russia and Brazil. • Bi-directional causal relationship between air freight transport and economic growth for Japan. • Bi-directional causal relationship between air carrier registered departures and economic growth for China. • Fourier approach is more consistent than conventional causality tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a research model was created to explain whether the relationship between life satisfaction and motivation levels of adults depends on self-control. The dependent variable of this study is adults' life satisfaction (Y), the moderating variable is self-control (W), and the independent variable is adults' lifelong learning motivation (X) level. The research was conducted using the relational survey method. The convenience sampling method was applied in the research. 276 people in total. The bootstrapping method was used to test the significance of the moderating effect. The measurement tools used were the "Adult Life Satisfaction Scale," "Lifelong Learning Motivation Scale," and "Brief Self-Control Scale." According to the study results, the moderating effect of adults' motivation and self-control levels on life satisfaction was found to be significant. As a result, if individuals' self-control is high, the effect of lifelong learning motivation on life satisfaction will be higher. This suggests that the relationship between lifelong motivation and life satisfaction is regulated by self-control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the value of proprotein-converting subtilisin kexin type 9 (PCSK9) levels in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) patients with different stages of diabetic retinopathy (DR) and to compare these findings with a healthy control group without diabetes mellitus (DM). Methods: A total of 135 patients, 100 of whom were patients with T2D and 35 of whom were in the health control group, were included in this prospective study. T2D patients were divided into three groups: the first group included 34 people with T2D without DR, the second group had 32 people with non-proliferative DR (NPDR), and the third group had 34 people with proliferative DR (PDR). Serum PCSK9 levels were analyzed and compared between the groups. Results: Forty-nine percent of the participants were female, and the mean age was 64 ± 9.1 years, with no statistically significant results between the four groups in terms of age and sex. The mean serum PCSK9 value was significantly different (p = 0.01) when all groups were evaluated, and statistically significant change was observed with the progression of DR. When serum PCSK9 levels were evaluated in all T2D patients (groups 1, 2, and 3), a medium-level correlation was observed with low-density lipoprotein (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Serum PCSK9 values differed significantly in diabetic patients compared to the control group. One should be clinically cautious about the usefulness of circulating PCSK9 concentrations as an indicator of the risk of diabetic retinopathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the early 1960s, the Ford Foundation funded numerous projects in Turkey, primarily concerning science education and science policy. Related to the post-Sputnik debates on "scientific manpower needs," and modernisation theory's emphasis on "industrialising elites" in the developing world, these projects were the products of an intellectual bandwagon comprising scientists and experts commonly working with transnational organisations like the OECD and UNESCO. Characterising the need in terms influenced by this trend, the Ford Foundation's representative in Turkey proposed establishing a special high school for students gifted in the sciences. Analysing the process of the establishment of this school, this article explores how Turkish scientists connected to the same networks participated in the Foundation's initiatives to advance their status, and examines the broad political and economic factors that the Foundation's "non-ideological" interest in education for scientific manpower overlooked, leading to the mixed results of the project. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To compare the effective optical zones (EOZs) of small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) and femtosecond laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (F-LASIK) by utilizing topographic methods on the tangential curvature difference map at postoperative 1 year and to identify parameters linked to the EOZ alterations following both surgeries. Methods: Myopic patients who underwent SMILE or F-LASIK were included in the study. Patients with refractive error greater than −9.0 D sphere or −0.50 D of astigmatism were excluded from the study. EOZs were measured at postoperative 1 year by using the tangential curvature difference map of the Scheimpflug tomography system. Correlations between the EOZ alterations and relevant parameters were assessed. Results: In total, 59 eyes in the SMILE group and 65 eyes in the F-LASIK group were assessed. The decrease in EOZ compared with the programmed optical zone was significantly higher in the F-LASIK group (P < 0.001). The increase in corneal asphericity was significantly relevant to the decrease in EOZin both groups according to the multiple regression analysis (P < 0.001, B/95% CI: 0.62/0.34 and 0.90, standardized-Beta: 0.587 for the SMILE group; P < 0.001, B/95% CI: 0.74/0.41 and 1.07, standardized-Beta: 0.631 for the F-LASIK group). Conclusion: The EOZ decreased 1 year after both SMILE and F-LASIK. The SMILE group showed less EOZ reduction than F-LASIK patients relative to the programmed optical zone. The decrease in EOZ was correlated with the increase in corneal asphericity in both groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evolution equation for guided transverse electrical modes in a slab waveguide having a double negative core is derived for the electrical field. Special solutions of the dispersion equation for the case with double positive symmetric cladding are searched for. Relevant eigenmodes are formulated in terms of characteristic frequencies as a new method, and these frequencies corresponding to the oscillating guided modes are found for different wave numbers and core widths assuming the lossless Drude model can be used for the core medium with a Kerr-type nonlinearity. Results show that normalized characteristic frequencies increase with increasing wave numbers and mode numbers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic is an important stressor, especially in terms of the primary risk infection and the secondary consequences it causes globally, socially and economically, and in this respect, it has a significant impact on psychological health. Based on this, study aims to examine the stress levels of the participants during the pandemic, to evaluate the relationship between pandemic-stress and obsessive-compulsive symptoms (OC symptoms), and to test the roles of emotion regulation difficulties, obsessive beliefs and disgust in this relationship within the scope of a model. 320 people (X=33.78 min=18; max=62) aged between 18-65 residing in Turkey during the pandemic, participated in the study. Participants, completed COVID-19 Stress Scale, Difficulty in Emotion Regulation Scale-Short Form, Obsessive Beliefs Scale, Disgust Propensity and Sensitivity Scale, and Vancouver Obsessive Compulsive Inventory. As a result of the analysis, it was determined that participants' stress level regarding pandemic and their OCD symptoms varied from moderate to high. Also it has been determined that pandemic stress is associated with obsessive-compulsive symptoms, difficulty in emotion regulation, obsessive beliefs and disgust play a mediating role in the current relationship, thus confirming the proposed structural model for the development of symptoms. The results show that pandemic-related concerns may be a risk factor for OCD. Also, there are many cognitive and emotional factors that affect this relationship pattern. In this respect, the development of interventions targeting these factors in treatment processes may be important initiatives to prevent the progression of symptoms to the clinical level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, measurement invariance and differential item functioning (DIF) studies of the TIMSS 2019 4th and 8thgrade mathematics and science achievement tests were conducted for the country groups participating in both TIMSS and eTIMSS. The study sample consisted of 9560 responders of the first booklet of the 2019 cycle. Multiple Group Confirmatory Factor Analysis (MGCFA) was utilized to test measurement invariance, and Mantel-Haenszel (MH), Logistic Regression (LR), and SIBTEST were used for the DIF analyses. The measurement invariance results indicated strict invariance between groups for all tests which included 111 items in total. In the DIF analyses, for the 4th and 8th-grade mathematics tests, only three items showed moderate DIF with MH, and four items showed DIF with SIBTEST. For the 4th-grade science test, one item showed moderate DIF with both MH and SIBTEST. However, in the 8th-grade science test, no items showed DIF with MH and LR methods, while four items showed moderate DIF with SIBTEST. Overall, MH and SIBTEST techniques were in agreement, whereas LR method produced inconsistent results and showed disagreement with these two methods. The results of the measurement invariance analysis and the LR method were consistent and indicated equivalency of TIMSS and e-TIMSS scores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We update the ephemerides of 16 transiting exoplanets using our ground-based observations, new Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite data, and previously published observations including those of amateur astronomers. All these light curves were modelled by making use of a set of quantitative criteria with the exofast code to obtain mid-transit times. We searched for statistically significant secular and/or periodic trends in the mid-transit times. We found that the timing data are well modelled by a linear ephemeris for all systems except for XO-2 b, for which we detect an orbital decay with the rate of −12.95 ± 1.85 ms yr−1 that can be confirmed with future observations. We also detect a hint of potential periodic variations in the transit timing variation data of HAT-P-13 b, which also requires confirmation with further precise observations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerical studies were performed in this study to analyze the effect of dimensionless elongated injection holes (G/d = 0.5, 2.0, 4.0, 8.0) on heat and flow characteristics on rib-roughened surfaces with an array of inclined impingement jets. Experimental and numerical data from existing literature were used to validate the numerical solution procedure's heat transfer and flow characteristics in the semicircular test section. The turbulence equations were solved using the SST k-ω turbulence model by varying the Reynolds number from 5000 to 25,000. The curvature effect and staggered array pattern created an additional stagnation region between adjacent impinging jets on smooth surfaces, leading to a low heat transfer zone. Rectangular cross-sectional V-shaped ribs (VSR) were placed in regions where the stagnation point occurs to eliminate this disadvantage. The effect of different normalized rib heights (Hr/d = 0, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4) and rib angles (α = 30°, 45°, 60°, 90°) on the curved surface was also investigated to increase convective heat transfer performance and achieve more homogenous heat transfer distribution by relatively reducing the effect of thermal stresses. Flow properties, area-averaged and local Nusselt number variations on smooth and ribbed surfaces, and the thermal performance criterion (TPC) were investigated in detail. The results indicated an increase in overall heat transfer and a more evenly distributed measurement region compared to the conventional (unextended jet and smooth surface) jet impingement configuration. The most significant heat transfer enhancement from combining the elongated jets with VSR was 47.23% at Hr/d = 0.2 by reducing the G/d to 0.5. In addition, the highest TPC was determined as 1.07 on the proposed model with G/d = 2.0 and Hr/d = 0.2 at Re = 25,000. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to identify glycopeptide resistance genes and virulence factors in vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus species and to investigate the influence of the microbiota and hospital environment on glycopeptide resistance. Materials and Methods: A total of 107 enterococcal isolates were collected from patients' rectal swab cultures and environmental samples taken for surveillance purposes. Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) analysis was conducted to investigate specific virulence genes (esp, hyl, asa1, cyl, and galE) and glycopeptide resistance genes (vanA, vanB, van C1-C2, van D, vanE, and vanG). Additionally, perirectal swab cultures were obtained from patients without vancomycin-resistant enterococcal colonization to investigate the presence of glycopeptide resistance genes in their microbiota. Results: Seven isolates (6.5%) were identified as infectious agents. The most common vancomycin resistance genes were vanA (23.3%), followed by vanA + vanB (14%) and vanB + vanD (14%), respectively. The Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA Polymerase Chain Reaction (RAPD-PCR) method showed that patient surveillance and environmental isolates were clonally related. Moreover, microbiota analysis of patients without vancomycin-resistant enterococcal colonization revealed Clostridium spp. in two patients and Lactobacillus spp. in one patient, with the vanG gene found in the microbiota of only one (2.5%) patient. Conclusion: The detection of genes responsible for dissemination indicates that colonized isolates also have the potential for infection, and the hospital environment plays a primary role in the acquisition of vancomycin-resistant enterococci. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main purpose of this investigation was to explore the heat transfer and flow characteristics of aero-foil-shaped fins combined with extended jet holes, specifically focusing on their feasibility in cooling turbine blades. In this study, a comprehensive investigation was carried out by applying impinging jet array cooling (IJAC) on a semi-circular curved surface, which was roughened using aerofoil-shaped fins. Numerical computations were conducted under three different Reynolds numbers (Re) ranging from 5000 to 25,000, while nozzle-to-target surface spacings (S/d) ranged from 0.5 to 8.0. Furthermore, an assessment was made of the impact of different fin arrangements, single-row (L1), double-row (L2), and triple-row (L3), on convective heat transfer. Detailed examinations were performed on area-averaged and local Nusselt (Nu) numbers, flow properties, and the thermal performance criterion (TPC) on finned and smooth target surfaces. The study's results revealed that the use of aerofoil-shaped fins and the reduction in S/d, along with surface roughening, led to significant increases in the local and area-averaged Nu numbers compared to the conventional IJAC scheme. The most notable heat transfer enhancement was observed at S/d = 0.5 utilizing extended jets and the surface design incorporating aerofoil-shaped fins. Under these specific conditions, the maximum heat transfer enhancement reached 52.81%. Moreover, the investigation also demonstrated that the highest TPC on the finned surface was achieved when S/d = 2.0 for L2 at Re = 25,000, resulting in a TPC value of 1.12. Furthermore, reducing S/d and mounting aerofoil-shaped fins on the surface yielded a more uniform heat transfer distribution on the relevant surface than IJAC with a smooth surface, ensuring a relatively more uniform heat transfer distribution to minimize the risk of localized overheating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The inevitable increase in average air temperature due to global warming undoubtedly affects the aviation sector as well. The increase in maximum and average air temperatures has a significant effect on the weight and fuel intake for takeoff performance, especially at airports with high altitudes and short runways. Air density is a critical factor in lift generation, and it can impact the aircraft's performance, especially during takeoff in warmer conditions. An augmentation in air temperature and pressure altitude is expected to decrease the takeoff performance. In this study, the impacts of climate change on the takeoff distance and climb rate for 10 airports in Türkiye are examined. This article examines the takeoff distance and climb rates in different periods during the summer months: past period from 1980 to 2010, the close future from 2023 to 2053, and the distant future from 2069 to 2099. The analysis reveals that as the air temperature increases, the takeoff distance increases by 4-7% and the climb rates decrease by 3-5% between close and distant future in summer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study attempts to examine the impact of human rights and economic growth by utilizing two measures of economic growth for developing countries and an unbalanced data spanning from 1961-2017. The hypothesis of the study asserts that improvement in human right protection score increases economic growth in an economy. Firstly I conducted panel unit root test to see if the variables are stationary. After verifying the stationarity of variables at levels (i.e., I(0)) based on panel unit root tests, empirical estimations were conducted without the fear of potential spurious regression problem. According to the estimation results, in parallel to prior expectations, positive statistically significant effect on economic growth was identified for the variables of human right protection, physical capital investment, education investment, openness whereas negative statistically significant effect on economic growth was identified for the variable of inflation in all models estimated. Estimation results indicate that countries trying to reach to higher economic growth, besides the other determinants of economic growth, must pay attention to human right protection and implement policies that prioritizing human right protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Determining the true incidence and identifying the risk factors of low sexual desire (LSD) and hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) are essential to prevent sexual dysfunctions and provide adequate treatment resources. This systematic review and meta-analysis were performed on research articles reporting women with LSD and HSDD in PsycArticles, Scopus, MEDLINE, Web of Science databases, and reference lists till October 2021. All cross-sectional studies published in English that assessed both sexual desire and sexual distress were included. Of 891 full-text articles identified, 24 were eligible, all of which had a low risk of overall bias. We did separate random-effects meta-analyses for LSD and HSDD outcomes. The incidence of LSD and HSDD were 29% and 12%, respectively. Studies that used the convenience sampling method reported a higher incidence of HSDD than studies that used the probability sampling method. No differences were found between the assessment method and across cultures in LSD and HSDD. A majority of studies reviewed addressed demographic (e.g. age, education), physiological (e. g. menopausal status, body mass index), psychological (e.g. depression, daily internal stress), relational (e.g. relationship length, relationship satisfaction), and sexual predictors (e.g. sexual activity, sexual pleasure) between LSD and HSDD. This systematic review may inform researchers, guideline developers, and policy-makers about LSD associated with distress and help health professionals to identify women most at risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we investigate existence, boundedness, asymptotic behavior and the oscillatory behavior of the positive solutions of the fuzzy difference equation z n + 1 = A + B z n - m 1 + C z n - m 2 , n ∈ N 0 , where (z n) is a sequence of positive fuzzy numbers, A, B, C and the initial values z - j , j = 0 , 1 , ... , s , are positive fuzzy numbers and m 1 , m 2 are nonnegative integers with s = max m 1 , m 2 . By studying this equation, we generalize and improve some results from the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Theoretical models of social anxiety disorder (SAD) have identified several cognitive factors (fear of negative evaluation [FNE], self‐perception, self‐esteem, and post‐event processing [PEP]) that play a role in the maintenance of the disorder. The current study aimed at testing both the cognitive factors addressed in these different models and the fear of positive evaluation (FPE) in the same construct. A non‐clinical emerging adulthood sample (N = 325) were subjected to structural equation modeling (SEM). The results of the SEM showed that FPE, FNE, and self‐concepts (self‐esteem and self‐perception) were significantly associated with social anxiety. Effect sizes indicated that the variables that most affected social anxiety were FPE, self‐perception, FNE, and self‐esteem, respectively. However, although it was significant in the conceptual model, the direct effect of social anxiety on PEP was not significant in the full model. On the other hand, the present findings add further support to the roles of negative self‐perception and low self‐esteem in social anxiety. Moreover, FPE may not be just delayed/postponed FNE. Considering the effect size of FPE on social anxiety, targeting it when appropriate in treatment may reduce the severity of social anxiety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the globalization literature, efficiency and compensation hypotheses are widely discussed and analyzed empirically. In this study, validity of the efficiency and compensation hypotheses for twelve different public expenditures is tested. Analyzes related with five different globalization indexes (general globalization, economic globalization, political globalization, cultural globalization and social globalization index) were performed. The period after the collapse of the Berlin wall when globalization was most intense (the post-1989 period, which is called the hyper-globalization period) was chosen as the period of the study, and the analyzes were carried out using unbalanced panel data set and two-way fixed effect models for the sample of developing countries. In addition, in the models of the study all variables were used in their stationary state. According to the results obtained from the analyzes performed for the five different types of globalization, statistically significant positive coefficients were intensely obtained and therefore, it was observed that the compensation hypothesis was predominantly valid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Backgrounds Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is one of the most common complication of cardiac surgery. Epicardial fat tissue may play a role in the development of atrial fibrillation (AF). The aim of this study was to evaluate relationship between epicardial fat volume (EFV) and the appearance of new-onset AF in patients undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) with normal echocardiographic functions. Methods Between January 2017 and June 2020, 281 coronary artery disease patients undergone isolated CABG surgery with normal echocardiographic functions were included in the study. Patient characteristics, medical history, and perioperative variables were retrospectively collected. Patients with AF predisposition factors were excluded. Results Sixty-seven patients (23.8%) developed postoperatively AF during hospital stay. In univariate analysis, patients with postoperative AF were older compared with sinus rhythm patients (60.78 ± 9.03 vs. 65.46 ± 9.22, p = 0.001). There are no statistically significant differences between groups and EFV compared (107.78 ± 41.04 vs. 106.66 ± 34.98 p = 0.84). Large left atrial diameter, female patient, cardiopulmonary bypass and longer cross-clamp time showed correlation between POAF without statistical significance. Conclusion Aging is the only associated factor with AF in this study. There was no EFV difference between POAF and non-AF groups in patients undergoing isolated CABG with normal echocardiographic functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Otoliths are calcareous anatomical structures in the inner ear of fishes, and they can be used in the discrimination of fish species and stocks due to their species‐specific shape. Sagittal otoliths in the Lepidorhombus whiffiagonis and Lepidorhombus boscii, two flatfish species of the same genus distributed in the Aegean Sea, were compared using morphology, morphometry and contour shape analyses. Blind and eyed side otoliths of Lepidorhombus species were evaluated separately due to their morphological features and statistical differences in morphometric measurements (p < 0.05). Four analysis groups were formed: blind side otolith of L. whiffiagonis, eyed side otolith of L. whiffiagonis, blind side otolith of L. boscii and eyed side otolith of L. boscii. Morphometric differences in otolith shape were performed by canonical discriminant analysis, and the first discriminant axis explained 97.4% (Wilks λ = 0.270) of the variance between the groups, and the second axis explained 2.3% (Wilks λ = 0.620). Classification success between Lepidorhombus species based on CDA is 100%, and the overall CDA classification score between groups is 76.5%. The wavelet functions obtained in the contour analysis showed high variability in the anterior, posterior‐dorsal, antero‐dorsal and ventral regions of the otoliths among these four analysis groups. Consequently, it is thought that this study will contribute to the taxonomic classification of fish with the morphological and morphometric differences in the blind and eyed side otoliths and the analyses made with the high discrimination success obtained in Lepidorhombus species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on a concern regarding the use of the term "sarcopenia" in diagnosing muscle loss in pediatric patients with chronic kidney disease, suggesting that the condition should be referred to as "muscle wasting" or "muscle atrophy" instead.

The article discusses the case of a 37-year-old reconstruction worker who experienced six months of stabbing pain, hyperesthesia, and dysesthesia around the right scapular region, diagnosed as a spinoglenoid notch cyst causing suprascapular neuropathy. Clinical findings included reduced shoulder strength and tenderness, with ultrasound confirming a cyst compressing the suprascapular nerve.

The article focuses on the critical role of ultrasound imaging in guiding musculoskeletal interventions to enhance precision and decision-making. Topics include challenges such as dry taps in seemingly aspiratable cysts, the importance of pre-procedure imaging for precise targeting, and the use of real-time ultrasound guidance during intricate interventions.

In this paper, we investigate the existence, the boundedness, the asymptotic behavior, and the oscillatory behavior of the positive solutions of the fuzzy difference equation where , is a sequence of positive fuzzy numbers, , , and the initial conditions , , are positive fuzzy numbers, and is a positive integer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, I utilize autographics as an autoethnographic methodology to illustrate the subjective experience of being a precariously employed migrant academic in Australia. The autographic narrative, as well as the traditional text, are in dialogue with Sara Ahmed's work on migration and estrangement, in order to explore migration both as a physical movement between countries, but also as a metaphorical movement between different forms of writing – scholarly texts and comics – and the communities associated with them – Academia and the Zine scene. Ahmed explores critical theory's celebration of migration as a metaphor for transgression, a symbolic act of abandoning the familiar, the traditional and safe patterns of thinking to embark on adventures across borders and boundaries. My own presumptions regarding a literal migration in physical space were conflated with this metaphorical meaning, as I saw it as a liberatory move to reflect on – and re-invent – myself, breaking away from a national identity which I found stifling. My actual experience of migration turned out to be one of dislocation and isolation. In order to escape feelings of anxiety, I sought refuge in another metaphor: academia, and later the zine scene as an alternative 'homeland.' [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Today, cardiologists and cardiovascular surgeons are more likely to encounter patients with multiple comorbidities and cardiovascular diseases. Percutaneous and surgical techniques alone cannot be successful or are high risks in these patients. By using the strengths of the two methods in a hybrid manner, low-risk procedures can be performed in these patients. With the developing technology, new hybrid procedures can be created for myocardial revascularization, heart valve diseases, aortic and peripheral vascular diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article brings together insights from efforts to develop a global history of science and recent historical and sociological studies on the relations between science and religion. Using the case of the late Ottoman Empire as an example, it argues that 'science and religion' can be seen as a debate that travelled globally in the nineteenth century, generating new conceptualizations of both science and religion in many parts of the world. In their efforts to counter arguments that represented Islam as the enemy of science and progress, young Ottoman intellectuals wrote many texts addressing a specific European author, or an imagined, broad European audience in the mid- to late nineteenth century. These texts described a 'science-friendly' Islam of which not only Europeans but also 'ignorant Muslims' were unaware. Using examples from the Ottoman press, the article demonstrates how this effort involved separating Islam from the lived reality of Muslims, transforming the religion essentially into a text that referred to scientific facts or that instructed adherents to appreciate science. In their contributions to the debate on science and religion, these young intellectuals thus also defined themselves as the legitimate interpreters of Islam in the 'age of science'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article, titled "The hidden menagerie of the posterolateral corner of the knee," presents two case studies of patients with knee pain who underwent ultrasound examinations. The first patient had a cystic lesion in the posterolateral corner of her knee, which was confirmed by MRI. The cyst was drained and injected with corticosteroid. The second patient had loose bodies in the popliteus tendon, but since he did not experience knee pain, he was treated conservatively with strengthening exercises. The article emphasizes the importance of using both electrodiagnostic and ultrasound examinations for diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. [Extracted from the article]

In this study, poly(pyrrole-co-o-aminophenol)/chitosan composite samples were synthesized by chemical method (as powder) in solutions of different molar ratios of pyrrole and o-aminophenol (8:2, 1:1 and 2:8). Composite samples were characterized by FT-IR (Fourier Transform Infrared), solubility tests, 1H-NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance), DSC (Differential Scanning Calorimetry), CV (Cyclic Voltammetry) and SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope) images. As a results of the solubility test, it was observed that the solubility of the composite decreased as the pyrrole ratio increased. Also, the best solvents for composite samples determined as DMSO and DMF. When SEM images of copolymer and composite samples are examined, it is seen that the copolymer structure shows a structure in the form of regular small particles, while large nebula-shaped structures are formed after composite formation with chitosan. In addition, it was determined that the structures of the composite samples prepared in solutions containing different ratios of monomers differ from each other depending on the monomer ratios. According to DSC thermal analysis results of composite samples, it was concluded that the thermal stability of the composite samples having high pyrrole ratio (8:2) was better than the composite samples having low pyrrole ratio (1:1, 2:8). The electrochemical behavior of the composites was achieved by cyclic voltammetry technique. Electrochemical stability studies show that composite samples have good redox behavior, do not degrade during redox behavior, and are therefore very stable electrochemically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the perceptions about community‐based mental healthcare centers and nurses who offered services for patients with schizophrenia. Design and Methods: This qualitative study was conducted on 15 patients who are diagnosed with schizophrenia and received services in two community‐based mental health care centers in Turkey. Findings: Three themes emerged regarding the perceptions about nurses, including perceived patient–nurse relationships, perceived personal features of nurses, and feelings about nurses. Five themes appeared concerning the perceptions about the community‐based mental health care centers, including participation motivation, perceived care, services for treatment follow‐up and adherence, services for social functioning and motivation, and services for rehabilitation and productivity. Practical Implications: Patients with schizophrenia had positive perceptions about the nurses and the centers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Measles, an old and highly contagious disease successfully controlled by vaccination, has revived worldwide epidemics without reaching its elimination and eradication goals. In this review, epidemiological data from the United States and Turkey were mainly analyzed. Vaccine rejection or hesitation has been mentioned as one of the reasons for the recurrence of measles. This review includes evaluating the cases followed in our hospital in three time periods when the number of measles cases increased in our country. Demographic data, vaccination status of the patients, complications, and prognosis were also emphasized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the relationships between possible ionospheric total electron content (TEC) anomalies and earthquake focal depths and fault types were investigated using 3,099 global earthquakes with Mw≥6.0 between 2000 and 2020. The relationship between the ionospheric TEC changes and earthquakes has been previously discussed in the literature. However, very few studies have examined the relationship between the focal depths and the fault types of these earthquakes. In general, three indices, namely the disturbance storm-time index (Dst), the planetary geomagnetic activity index (Kp), and the solar flux (F10.7), are used to characterize the space weather conditions (SWC) that affect TEC anomalies and to identify the active/quiet days for future earthquakes. In this study, 13 different indices were used: indices that measured solar activity included proton flux (Pf) at six different energy levels, F10.7, and extreme ultraviolet (EUV0.1−50 nm and EUV26−34 nm). Meanwhile, geomagnetic storm indices included Dst, Kp, the z-component of the magnetic field index (Bz), and proton density (Pd). By using the ionospheric TEC values derived from global ionosphere maps (GIM-TEC), both negative and positive ionospheric TEC anomalies were observed for 15 days before and 4 days after the earthquakes using a statistical analysis technique that involved a 15-day moving median. The earthquakes were grouped according to their fault types (normal, thrust, and strike-slip) and focal depths (shallow, intermediate, and deep). Their relationships with the negative and positive TEC anomalies in the quiet days before the earthquake were examined. Negative and positive anomalies were observed approximately 3–12 days before earthquakes that occurred on normal faults, approximately 5–8 days before earthquakes that occurred on thrust faults, and approximately 1–12 days before earthquakes that occurred on strike-slip faults. The average TEC anomaly changes were calculated to be 43.4% total electron content unit (TECU) for normal faults, 44.8% TECU for thrust faults, and 41.3% TECU for strike-slip faults. Positive anomaly values were exhibited by larger earthquakes on normal and thrust faults, whereas negative anomaly values tended to occur on strike-slip faults. Negative and positive TEC anomalies were detected around 3–12 days before shallow earthquakes, around 1–13 days before intermediate-depth earthquakes, and around 1–12 days before deep earthquakes. The average TEC anomaly changes were calculated to be 44.4% TECU for shallow earthquakes, 43.3% TECU for intermediate-depth earthquakes, and 42.6% TECU for deep earthquakes. Positive anomaly values were also found to be higher than the negative anomaly values in each group. We propose that there is a relationship between the ionospheric TEC anomalies that occur before large earthquakes and their fault types and focal depths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Suicide has been a frequently studied subject in the literature, whereas the grief process experienced by the survivors after suicide has been one of the neglected topics. Contributing to the literature and being able to understand how the bereavement processes of people shaped who experience the grief after suicide are the purposes of the systematic review. Accordingly, it was decided to include quantitative studies with comparative groups in order to understand whether these people are in the risk group or not, and qualitative studies to understand the grieving process in deeply. International databases were searched and 24 studies were included in the systematic review. The Prisma chart of the review and the summary of the studies are presented with the tables. According to the findings, it can be stated that the bereavement process of people who experience the grief process after suicide is shaped in a different way. The existence of factors such as the lack of social support mechanisms, the risk of stigmatization, the risk of self-harming behaviors can be considered in the context of differences. Points to be considered about the bereavement process of people who have experienced a post-suicide grief and suggestions for this grief process are given in the discussion and conclusion part of the study. Unfulfilled rituals, lack of social support, stigmatization and the process of making sense of suicide are the factors that therapists should pay attention to during the intervention phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An important aspect of the nineteenth century debate on the relationship between science and religion concerned the popularity of deterministic views among scientists. An integral part of Comte's positivism, the idea of immutable laws that determined natural and social phenomena became an increasingly prevalent component of scientific perspectives in the Darwinian era. Referring to this tendency as 'scientific fatalism,' critics likened it to Calvinist predestination, which transformed the debate into one involving polemics about different branches of Christianity as well. This paper focuses on a neglected aspect of this debate, namely, the role that references to Islam and Turks played in it. 'Mohammedan fatalism,' already a common theme in justifications of colonialism, promptly became a tool with which to condemn new scientific views. Comparing French, British, and American writings on the topic, the paper illustrates that while there emerged approaches that praised the fatalism of Muslims while making a case for scientific determinism, most scientists and thinkers resorted to condemning the fatalism of Muslims in order to distinguish their views from it. In this respect, the paper demonstrates how political and religious discourses played a significant part in the shaping of scientific discourse in the Victorian era. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main aim of this study was to adapt the Mobile Attachment Questionnaire (MAQ) to Turkish culture. It was also aimed to investigate whether mobile phone attachment (MPA) exists in Turkish university students and whether it has the main characteristics of interpersonal attachment. This study also aimed to investigate the MPA's relationship with nomophobia, smartphone addiction and materialism, and to examine the predictive power of them on MPA. The study group consisted of a total of 242 university students. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted to determine the structural validity of the MAQ-TR. The goodness of fit indices met the model fit requirements for the four-factor 13-item MAQ-TR. Reliability analyses results provided high internal consistency coefficients. Correlation analyses results showed that individuals highly attached to their phones experienced more severe symptoms of nomophobia and smartphone addiction and materialists were more likely to accept their phones as attachment object. Regression analysis showed that nomophobia, smartphone addiction and materialism were significant predictors of MPA. Given that MPA is an understudied concept, this study provides a starting point for future researches on problematic and non-problematic phone use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the relationship between diabetes (DM) and nitrite, nitrate and MDA levels and effect of melatonin and pentoxifylline. Sixty mice were randomly divided into four groups. Control: no action; Diabetes group (DM): after fasting-blood-glucose (FBG) was measured, 150 mg/kg alloxane was applied intraperitoneally three-times every other day; Diabetes + Melatonin (DM + MLT) and Diabetes + Pentoxifylline groups (DM + PTX): following the same procedures with DM, 10 mg/kg melatonin and 50 mg/kg pentoxifylline were administered subcutaneously six days, respectively. Following FBG analysis, brain tissues were taken under the anaesthesia. Nitrite, nitrate and MDA levels were measured. In the all groups with alloxane, FBG were higher than in before application (p <.05). Also, FBG, nitrite, nitrate and MDA levels in the DM + MLT and DM + PTX groups were lower than in the DM (p <.05). Nitrite and nitrate may be related to etiopathogenesis of DM, and pentoxifylline and especially melatonin relatively decrease nitrite, nitrate and lipid peroxidation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Kawasaki disease (KD) is difficult to diagnose in infants, since the disease course is subtle. We aimed to identify whether infants with KD demonstrate significant alterations in laboratory parameters that can be used to distinguish them from other febrile infants. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective case-control study, infants diagnosed with KD between January 2010 and December 2019 were evaluated and compared to a cohort of febrile infants admitted with prolonged fever during the same period. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory features were recorded and compared between these two groups. Results: A total of 42 infants (27 male) with KD (32 incomplete KD) and 84 age-matched febrile infants (57 male) were evaluated. Coronary artery involvement was identified in 20 (47.6%) infants of whom 5 (25%) had coronary aneurysms. All infants with KD were treated with IVIG and high dose acetylsalicylic acid, and 38 (90.5%) responded to treatment. The duration of fever and hospitalization were longer in infants with KD compared to the controls (p<0.001). White blood cell (WBC), eosinophil, platelet counts, platelet distribution width, acute phase reactants, alanine aminotransferase, and gamma glutamyl transferase were significantly higher; whereas, mean platelet volume (MPV), hemoglobin, and albumin levels were lower in the KD group compared to the controls. Lower MPV and albumin values were found to be independently associated with a higher likelihood of having a KD diagnosis. Conclusion: It may be difficult to diagnose KD in infants. Our data shows that MPV and albumin may be used as supportive parameters to differentiate KD from other febrile conditions in infants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiac perforation by pacemaker (PM) lead is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication. The clinical presentation is highly variable. Patients may be asymptomatic or present with chest pain, dyspnea or tamponade. In this case, we report a patient with pacemaker implantation who developed a stubborn cough secondary to lead perforation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, additive manufacturing technique was preferred to produce Wolfram (W), Silicon (Si), and Molybdenum (Mo) doped Co-Cr biomedical alloy. In biomedical applications, the alloy consisting of Wolfram (W), Silicon (Si), Molybdenum (Mo), Chromium (Cr), and Cobalt (Co) elements as known for its high wear and good corrosion resistance. Two group of Co-Cr-Mo alloys were produced using the Selective Laser Melting (SLM) method, one of the additive manufacturing manufacturing techniques. One of the produced samples was then subjected to a secondary heat treatment process. The microstructures of the produced alloys were investigated using X-Ray diffractometry (XRD), Energy dispersive X-Ray analysis (EDX) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Then, the mechanical properties of the alloys were analyzed by electrochemical corrosion test, microhardness test and Archimedes principle density measurement were the final tests. The data obtained as a result of the analyzes showed that a homogeneous microstructured Co-Cr-Mo alloy was produced by the additive manufacturing production technique. In addition, heat treatment caused serious changes on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the material. The most important of these changes was the reduction of the grains forming the alloy, resulting in an increase in the microhardness value of the alloy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fibromyalgia is a musculoskeletal pain syndrome characterized with the presence of sensitive points and widespread chronic pain and restricts one's daily life activities and decreases the quality of life. The etiology of fibromyalgia is unclear, but there are numerous hypotheses regarding the emergence and progression of the disease. Among these, the biopsychosocial model offers a holistic framework in which biological, psychological and social mechanisms play a role in the development of fibromyalgia. Since the etiology of the disease is not yet understood, effective methods for its treatment have not been found, thus, interventions aim to reduce the effect of fibromyalgia and increase psychological and physiological functionality. This article aims to examine the psychological intervention areas and methods for fibromyalgia patients. In the literature, it is concluded that pain avoidance beliefs and behaviors, self-efficacy, physical activity, sleep quality, self-compassion, emotional skills, coping strategies, personality, comorbid psychopathology are the factors related with the emergence of the disease, severity of pain, and adherence to treatment in fibromyalgia patients. In this context, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), physical exercises, sleep management Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), compassion focused psychotherapies, mindfulness based psychotherapies, emotion expression and emotion regulation techniques, and biofeedback are recommended as effective methods which can be included in the treatment plans of fibromyalgia patients. Moreover, considering the psychosocial factors in the assessment processes was essential to establish individualized treatment plans. In addition, the importance of multidisciplinary approaches in the treatment processes of fibromyalgia has been discussed within the framework of the biopsychosocial model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is important to have knowledge about characteristics and treatment methods of personality disorders which affect people in many aspects and cause impairments in functionality. In this article, it is aimed to investigate Cluster C personality disorders (which includes avoidant, dependent and obsessive-compulsive personality disorder) and studies conducted about the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in these disorders. Firstly, the definition of personality disorders and evolution of their classification in DSM over the years were explained. Later the reason of choosing Cluster C disorders and CBT for this article was mentioned. Then common characteristics of Cluster C personality disorders was reviewed. Afterwards these three disorders were discussed separately within the frame of their diagnosis criteria, their characteristics and researches conducted about CBT. Finally, in the discussion and conclusion section, findings obtained from these studies and suggestions for both making up the deficiency in the literature and gaining new perspectives were discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A significant part of the Syriacs, one of the oldest societies in the Middle East, immigrated to other countries and lost most of their population in the region for various reasons. Although their homelands are Northern Iraq, Southeast Turkey and Northeast Syria, Syriac diasporas have emerged in many countries of the world, especially in Europe, due to migrations. Only the Armenian, Greek and Jewish communities were taken into account as “non-Muslim minorities” in the Treaty of Laussanne, and others could not benefit from the rights as a minority. In this sense, the minority status of other non-Muslim or non-Turks living in Turkey has not been accepted. In this article, the emergence of the Syriac society, the experienced divisions, it’s current characteristics and the situation of the Syriacs in Turkey are summarized. In the light of the scope of minority status in International Law, the situation of the Turkish Syriac community in this context is analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on a case of low back pain and sciatica in a 55-year-old patient, refractory to conservative treatment, attributed to an ossified sequestered disc fragment in the neural foramen, possibly related to early diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH). It discusses the pathophysiology of DISH, characterized by generalized new bone formation and bridging osteophytes, with spinal involvement being common.

Reactive powder concrete (RPC) is an ultra-high strength and high ductility cement-based composite. Associated with early-age shrinkage, high cement dosage may reduce the mechanical and durability performance of RPC. This study aims to clarify the influence of high volume mineral admixtures, aggregate restraint and fibre reinforcement on early-age autogenous and drying shrinkage of eco-friendly RPC at early-age (<24 h). To assess the effect of aggregates and fibres on shrinkage behaviour, neat paste, mortar phase without steel micro-fibre and RPC with steel micro-fibre were produced. Portland cement was partially replaced by 50% fly ash (FA) or ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS). As a result, the following four major conclusions were obtained: (1) autogenous and drying shrinkage of the paste were decreased by FA replacement, but increased by GGBFS replacement, (2) aggregate restraint on early-age shrinkage was more pronounced in the case of high volume replacement of mineral admixtures, and more effective to reduce autogenous shrinkage compared to drying deformation, (3) neither autogenous nor drying shrinkage were importantly reduced by steel micro-fibre reinforcement and (4) eco-friendly RPC with a lower shrinkage can be produced by using high volume FA replacement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to reduce the drawback of intermittent operating conditions in systems using solar energy, it may be possible to store solar energy during hours when sunlight is sufficient and then using it in heating applications with a thermal energy storage system (TES). In this context, TES applications can be widely used to ensure the sustainability of solar energy. In this study, basic elements of sensible heat energy storage (STES) system, which is one of these methods, were comprehensively treated first. Next, energy analysis relations of this system are presented. Some applications of STES were then decribed. Finally, main concluding remarks were given while some recommendations were made. It may be concluded that one of the most critical parameters for evaluating the thermal behavior of the sensible heat TES tank is thermal stratification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We aimed to investigate the serum concentration of the spexin, which has been shown to have an anorexic effect in animal models, in pregnant women with hyperemesis gravidarum (HG). Methods: This case-control study was conducted with 80 pregnant women who applied to the Umraniye Training and Research Hospital Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinic between April 2022 and September 2022. The HG group consisted of 40 pregnant women who were diagnosed with HG in the first 14 weeks of pregnancy, and the control group consisted of 40 healthy pregnant women matched with the HG group in terms of age, BMI, and gestational week. Results: Both groups were similar in terms of demographic characteristics and gestational age at blood sampling for spexin (p > 0.05). While maternal serum spexin concentration was 342.4 pg/ml in the HG group, it was 272.8 pg/ml in the control group (p = 0.003). ROC analysis was performed to determine the value of maternal serum spexin concentration in terms of predicting HG. AUC analysis of maternal serum spexin for HG estimation was 0.693 (p = 0.003, 95% CI =0.577 − 0.809). The optimal cutoff value for maternal serum spexin concentration was determined as 305.90 pg/ml with 65% sensitivity and 65% specificity. Conclusions: High serum spexin concentration is thought to play a role in the etiopathogenesis of HG, and this should be supported by demonstrating changes in serum spexin concentrations in pregnant women with HG whose symptoms alleviated and weight regain started after treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder, which consists of a combination of vaginismus and dyspareunia, is considered a new diagnosis in the latest version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Although the etiology of this diagnosis is not well known, a history of abuse has been suggested to be a primary factor in the emergence of this disorder. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the association of abuse history with vaginismus and dyspareunia diagnosis. Related keywords were used to search articles in PubMed, PsycArticles, PsycINFO, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Turkish scientific information database (TRDizin). All articles published in English and Turkish until August 2020 were systematically reviewed. A total of 14 case-control studies, including 1428 participants, were included in the final analysis. The fixed-effects model was used to pool odd ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of the studies. Heterogeneity was evaluated using the I2 statistic. Case-control studies that reported vaginismus or dyspareunia outcomes in individuals with or without a history of abuse. A significant relationship was found between a history of sexual (1.55 OR; 95% CI, 1.14–2.10; 12 studies) and emotional abuse (1.89 OR; 95% CI, 1.24–2.88; 3 studies) and the diagnosis of vaginismus. A significant relationship was found between sexual abuse and dyspareunia (1.53 OR; 95% CI, 1.03–2.27; 6 studies). No statistically significant relationship was observed between physical abuse, vaginismus, and dyspareunia. No significant difference was found between sexual or physical abuse in terms of assessment methods for the diagnosis of vaginismus and dyspareunia. This systematic review and meta-analysis points out that in the assessment of vaginismus patients, the risk of sexual and emotional abuse and in the assessment for dyspareunia patients, the risk of sexual abuse should be questioned and addressed in its treatment. The strength of the current meta-analysis is the inclusion of all forms of abuse, and studies published in Turkish and English with a broad and reproducible search strategy. The limitations of this meta-analysis are the exclusion of sources and design other than journal articles and case-control studies, including studies both childhood and adult abuse, which in some studies were not differentiated, having potential language and recall bias. The study analysis suggests an association of vaginismus with sexual and emotional abuse and dyspareunia with sexual abuse. However, both disorders showed no association with physical abuse. S. Tetik, ÖY. Alkar, Vaginismus, Dyspareunia, and Abuse History: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. J Sex Med 2021;18:1555–1570. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]