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Abstract Purpose To find the machine learning (ML) method that has the highest accuracy in predicting the semen quality of men based on basic questionnaire data about lifestyle behavior. Methods The medical records of men whose semen was analyzed for any reason were collected. Those who had data about their lifestyle behaviors were included in the study. All semen analyses of the men included were evaluated according to the WHO 2021 guideline. All semen analyses were categorized as normozoospermia, oligozoospermia, teratozoospermia, and asthenozoospermia. The Extra Trees Classifier, Average (AVG) Blender, Light Gradient Boosting Machine (LGBM) Classifier, eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGB) Classifier, Logistic Regression, and Random Forest Classifier techniques were used as ML algorithms. Results Seven hundred thirty-four men who met the inclusion criteria and had data about lifestyle behavior were included in the study. 356 men (48.5%) had abnormal semen results, 204 (27.7%) showed the presence of oligozoospermia, 193 (26.2%) asthenozoospermia, and 265 (36.1%) teratozoospermia according to the WHO 2021. The AVG Blender model had the highest accuracy and AUC for predicting normozoospermia and teratozoospermia. The Extra Trees Classifier and Random Forest Classifier models achieved the best performance for predicting oligozoospermia and asthenozoospermia, respectively. Conclusion The ML models have the potential to predict semen quality based on lifestyles.

The World Health Organization (WHO) published the first laboratory manual in the 1980s and this has been updated several times since. The sixth version of this manual, the latest to be issued, was published in 2021. In the sixth version, the distribution of semen parameters was given instead of the reference level and some parameter limits were decreased or increased. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the new 2021 WHO semen analysis reference values by reclassifying previous semen analysis parameters. All semen analyses performed between 01 July 2021 and 01 September 2023 were collected retrospectively. Semen volume, sperm concentration (×106/mL), total sperm motility (%), and progressive sperm motility (%) were evaluated according to 2010 and 2021 WHO semen analysis reference values. Then, the percentile changes of the normal (at or above the reference limits) results of each parameter and overall semen parameters were evaluated. 2535 spermiograms were included in the study. According to the 2010 WHO criteria, 42.99% of semen specimens were at or above the reference limits for all parameters whereas, samples with all parameter values at or above the 2021 WHO reference limits were 43.55%. It was found that the number of each semen parameter that were recategorized due to the new limits for volume, sperm concentration, progressive, and total motility were 0.9%, 1.1%, 3.2% and 2.8%, respectively. 29 semen results (1.1%) that had all parameter values at or above the new reference limits were reclassified as a normal spermiogram based on the new 2021 criteria. The 2021 WHO semen reference limits do not influence the percentile of men who require infertility treatment.

This study determined reproductive performance, milking traits and body measurements in 630 Manavlı goats that were reared purely in the Denizli province of Türkiye in six goat flocks. In this study, live weights and zoometrical body measurements of does and bucks were defined. Additionally, flock reproductive traits and milk yield were determined for six flocks. Overall, birth rate, twin birth rate, kidding rate and litter size in six flocks were determined as 98.34%, 43.42%, 1.41 and 1.44, respectively. The mean of the lactation milk yield, lactation period and daily milk yield were 160.48 kg, 198 days and 0.810 kg, respectively. The live weights of does ranging in age from 4.1 to 4.7 were between 74.59 and 86.30 kg, while the live weights of bucks ranging in age from 2.1 to 2.7 were between 101.19 and 118.23 kg . Some body measurements of does, such as height at withers, rump height, rump width, body length, heart girth, ear length, tail length, and front and back wrist girth, were measured as 92.80, 93.07, 22.86, 91.97, 105.02, 26.83, 20.19, 12.35 and 12.31 cm, respectively, before mating season. The same values at the abovementioned period were measured as 98.27, 98.71, 23.87, 100.48, 109.89, 26.97, 22.30, 14.46 and 14.41 cm, respectively. This study is the first research related to Manavlı goats, for which no features have been reported to date. The obtained results will help to contribute to livestock diversity.

Purpose – Bi-slant submanifolds of S-manifolds are introduced, and some examples of these submanifolds are presented. Design/methodology/approach – Some properties of Di-geodesic and Di-umbilical bi-slant submanifolds are examined. Findings – The Riemannian curvature invariants of these submanifolds are computed, and some results are discussed with the help of these invariants. Originality/value – The topic is original, and the manuscript has not been submitted to any other journal.

Today, when plots, buildings and items in virtual universes are put up for sale, the question of whether the universes inhabited by real individuals can be produced is being debated. Many philosophers and scientists think that if technology continues to advance at its current rate, we will soon be able to produce universes similar to ours in the virtual environment. This point is the starting point of the famous simulation hypothesis. According to this theory, which many philosophers find reasonable, if we can produce virtual universes, it is highly probable that conscious beings in these universes can create their universes. But this situation also suggests the opposite: How can we be sure that we are not living in a simulation? Based on this argument, Nick Bostrom, an Oxford University philosopher, argues that we are almost certainly in a simulation. Because if most of the existing universes are simulations, it is much more likely that we are living in one of the virtual universes rather than the real one. Well, if the universe we live in is one of infinite universes and was brought into existence and designed by conscious beings in other universes, what would this mean for theism? From the perspective of classical theism, this universe was created and designed by God. For example, proponents of the cosmological argument claim that the universe had a beginning, while advocates of design proof argue that God designed this universe. Some assume that the idea that there are an infinite number of universes other than the one we live in is contrary to theism. Again, in many studies, we come across that the theory of multiverses is handled as an understanding of the universe in opposition to theism. While this study does not aim to defend the truth or falsity of the simulation hypothesis, it suggests that if this theory is assumed to be true, there will be no serious danger to theism. While doing this, the discussions in the context of the theory of multiverses and theism will be mentioned, and it will be argued that simulation universes do not contradict the existence of God.

Key Clinical Message Recurrent depression with psychotic features is an atypical presentation of neurosyphilis. This case emphasizes the polymorphic clinical presentation of neurosyphilis and how it mimics affective disorders with psychotic symptoms.

The presence of endometrial stroma and/or glandular epithelium in organs other than the uterus is called endometriosis. Urinary system endometriosis is observed in approximately 1% of women with endometriosis and is most commonly seen in the bladder. A 27-year-old female patient was admitted to the urology clinic with cyclic complaints of painful and frequent urination. Ultrasonography revealed a lesion extending to the lumen of approximately 15x10 mm in the left side wall of the bladder. On cystoscopy, a suspicious area with irregular borders was observed, approximately 15 mm, at the left-posterior lateral wall of the bladder, and transurethral resection was performed. The pathological result of the patient was reported as bladder endometriosis. Although rare, bladder endometriosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis, especially in women of reproductive age with cyclic urological complaints.

Aim: Even though, cranioplasty (CP) is an easy surgery to perform, reoperation rate is high because of complications like infection, new-onset seizure, bone flap resorption, hydrocephalus, intracranial hemorrhage, and extra-axial fluid collection (EAFC). Epidural fluid collection is not well described in the literature. In this context, we aimed to evaluate non-hemorrhagic EAFC collections seen after CP procedure. Methods: From May 2016 to December 2021, Patients with or without EAFC who have undergone CP were retrospectively evaluated with the parameters of age, gender, first surgical diagnosis, the material used in CP, sinking skin flap presence, midline shift (MS), comorbidity factors, pre-operative duration, length of hospital stay in the first surgery, pre-and post-operative Glasgow outcome scores, bleeding in the surgical site, EAFC, infection, hydrocephalus, CP area, new-onset seizure after CP, reoperation risk and reoperation time. Results: A total of 106 patients, 70 male, and 36 female, with a mean age of 39.13±17.86 were included in the study. The number of patients with EAFC is 49 and the number of patients without EAFC is 57. The mean hospital stay day of EAFC (+) group (38.28±36.54) is longer and statistically significant compared to the EAFC (-) group (22.19±24.87) (p=0.009). Time interval between surgeries for EAFC (+) group was 215.51±284.28 days and EAFC (-) group was 226.26±509.36 days. Re-operations were performed in 16 of 49 patients who developed EAFC (32.6%) (p=0.022). Infections 68% (n=11), intracerebral hemorrhage 6.2% (n=1), seizure (6.2%), MS (6.2%), subgaleal effusion (6.2%), hydrocephalus (6.2%). Re-operation time EAFC (+) is 5.2±5.41 months and EAFC (-) 20.55±21.3 months (p=0.041). Conclusion: Particularly in frail patients with a longer hospital stay, after CP, EAFC cases should be closely follow up due to the risk of re-surgery as a result of infection.

The surface imprinted technique was utilized in creating the synthetic lysozyme receptors on the poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate) [p(HEMA)] cryogel membrane with the assistance of polydopamine under alkaline conditions. Following the design of the artificial receptors, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and the swelling test were used for the characterization studies and the lysozyme adsorption capability of the adsorbent was evaluated in the aqueous solution. The maximum adsorption capacity (Qmax) of lysozyme was found as 108.9 mg/g and the adsorption of the target protein on the adsorbent was monolayer and showed a good fit to the Langmuir isotherm model. The IF factor was 3.26 and the adsorbent was highly selective against creatinine and bovine serum albumin (BSA). Furthermore, the adsorbent maintained its stability after 5 adsorption, desorption, and regeneration cycles.

Aim:Although monosodium glutamate is widely used in the food industry, it has effects in terms of teratogenicity, especially during pregnancy and embryogenesis. Although monosodium glutamate is widely used in the food industry, it has effects in terms of teratogenicity, especially during pregnancy and embryogenesis. Our study analyses the effect on the development of the notochord by giving monosodium glutamate to chicken egg embryos.Methods:The incubation and embryonic development follow-up of our study were held in the experimental animals laboratory of University of Health Sciences Turkey, Istanbul Bakirkoy Prof. Dr. Mazhar Osman Mental Health and Neurological Diseases Training and Research Hospital, and the preparation and microscopy of the samples were carried out in the Pathology Department of the Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine. 120 fertile, pathogen-free eggs were incubated at 75% humidity and 37.4±0.2 °C until embryos reached Hamburger and Hamilton stages 9-10 (30th hour). Eggs were divided into four groups. Group 1 consisted of uninjected eggs, group 2 consisted of eggs injected with saline (10 nL 0.9 NaCl), group 3 consisted of eggs injected with 15 mg/kg monosodium glutamate (MSG); and group 4 consisted of eggs injected at regular intervals.Results:The correlation values between height, dilatation, autolysis, chest, and lumbar diameters of embryos in all groups were examined. The mean embryo length was 1.0017±0.36 cm. The mean chest diameter was 20.70±14.45 cm. The mean lumbar diameter was 10.31±14.34 cm. When the groups were compared in terms of embryo length, it was observed that the groups given MSG were significantly shorter than the control and SF groups (p=0.00).Conclusion:The amount of MSG taken with food is important because it can affect the organs. Depending on the amount consumed, MSG may adversely affect notochord development.

Objective:To evaluate the thiol-disulfide homeostasis in patients with a diagnosis of non-muscle invasive bladder tumor (NMIBC), which is a new oxidative stress marker, and to investigate the relationship between the development of NMIBC and native thiol, total thiol, and dynamic disulfide values.Materials and Methods:Fifty-three patients who were operated for bladder tumor in Karabük University Karabük Training and Research Hospital, Clinic of Urology between February and November 2020 and diagnosed with NMIBC in the pathological examination and 60 healthy volunteers were included in the study. Plasma native thiol, total thiol and disulfide levels of these two groups were measured and compared.Results:There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of native thiol, total thiol and disulfide values. In the subgroup analysis in those diagnosed with NMIBC, native thiol values were found to be 255,870 μmol/L in the low grade patient group and 169,420 μmol/L in the high grade patient group. This difference was statistically significant.Conclusion:The thiol disulfide homeostasis shifted to the disulfide side in the NMIBC group. It was determined that an increase in serum disulfide level and a decrease in native thiol level may have diagnostic value in predicting NMIBC. In addition, in the group diagnosed with NMIBC, there was a significant decrease in native thiol values as the pathological grade increased. This was interpreted as a shift of the equilibrium towards the oxidant side as the tumor showed an aggressive course.

Teslis, Hristiyanlığın en tartışmalı doktrinlerinden biridir. Teslisi böylesine tartışmalı kılan temel husus, Tanrı’nın nasıl olup da aynı anda hem tek bir varlık hem de üç farklı kişi olduğudur. Zira teslis doktrinine göre, zikredilen üç ilahi kişi birbiriyle özdeş değildir ama buna rağmen her üçü de aynı Tanrı’dır. Bu durum, pek çok Hristiyan tarafından da sorunlu görülmüş ve bunu açıklamak için birbirinden farklı çözümler geliştirilmiştir. Yakın zamanda bu meseleye ilişkin öne sürülen çözümlerden biri de beyin yarıküreleri birbirinden ayrılmış hastaların psikolojik durumlarından yola çıkarak bir varlığın birden çok kişi olabileceğini iddia eder. Bu sayede tek bir varlık olan Tanrı’nın aynı anda üç kişi olabilmesine de bir örnek bulunmuş olur. Hiç değilse bunun mümkün olduğunu gösteren bir örnek, kimilerine göre, Tanrı’nın üç kişi olmasının imkânsız olduğu iddiasına gölge düşürür. Bu bağlamda ayrık beyin vakalarını öne çıkaran husus, kişinin ne olduğu konusunda tartışmalara ve farklı yorumlara kapı aralayan sonuçlarıdır. Bu vakanın en ilginç özelliği, cerrahi bir müdahaleyle beyin yarıküreleri arasındaki korpus kallosum bağı kesilerek yarıküreleri birbirinden ayrılan hastaların, bazı koşullarda birden fazla kişi gibi hareket edebilmeleridir. Bir başka deyişle, tek bir insan bedeninde birden fazla kişi konumlanmış gibidir. Zira birbirinden ayrılan yarıküreler, zaman zaman birbirinden bağımsız arzu, istek ve kararlara sahip olabilmektedir. Bu ise kimilerine göre, ayrı bir kişi olmanın yeterli bir göstergesidir. Kimi Hristiyanlar, bu vakadan hareketle bir benzetme kurarak Tanrı’nın da –tek bir varlık olmakla birlikte– aynı anda üç kişi olabileceğini iddia eder. Bu iddianın önde gelen savunucusu Trenton Merricks olmuştur. Bu çalışmada öncelikle, Merricks’in, niçin mevcut teslis açıklamalarını yetersiz bulduğu ele alınarak, onun diğer teslis açıklamalarına yaptığı eleştirilere yer verilecektir. Ardından ayrık-beyin vakasına ve bu vakanın yorumlarına dair bilgiler verilecektir. Bundan sonra, Merricks’in ayrık-beyin vakasına dayanan bir analojiyle teslisi açıklama çabası incelenecektir. Bu çalışmanın temel iddiası, ayrık-beyin vakasına dair Merricks’in yorumunun, Tanrı’nın birden fazla kişi olduğu sonucuna ulaştırmakta başarısız olduğudur. Üstelik ayrık-beyin vakası Merricks’in istediği şekilde yorumlansa dahi, teslisin mümkün olduğu sonucuna ulaşılamamaktadır. Diğer bir ifadeyle, ayrık-beyin vakalarının doğrudan bir yorumu aslında Tanrı’nın birden fazla kişi olamayacağına işaret etmektedir. Fakat ayrık-beyin vakasından teslise ulaşmaya çalışan argüman, bu sonucu elde edebilmek için vakayı aşırı yorumlamaktadır.

Abstract Background The CAAX-prenyltransferases farnesyltransferase (FTase) and geranylgeranyltransferase I (GGTase I) are heterodimers with a common α- (FTα) and unique β-subunits. Recently, α-subunits of species (e.g., human) that harbour an N-terminal proline-rich region (PRR) showed different dimerization behaviours than α-subunits without PRR (e.g., yeast). However, the specific function of the PRR has not been elucidated so far. Methods To determine whether the PRR is a conserved motif throughout eukaryotes, we performed phylogenetics. Elucidating the impact of the PRR on enzyme properties, we cloned human as well as rat PRR deficient FTα, expressed them heterologously and compared protein–protein interaction by pull-down as well as crosslinking experiments. Substrate binding, enzyme activity and sensitivity towards common FTase inhibitors of full length and PRR-deletion α-subunits and their physiological partners was determined by continuous fluorescence assays. Results The PRR is highly conserved in mammals, with an exception for marsupials harbouring a poly-alanine region instead. The PRR shows similarities to canonical SH3-binding domains and to profilin-binding domains. Independent of the PRR, the α-subunits were able to dimerize with the different physiological β-subunits in in vitro as well as in yeast two-hybrid experiments. FTase and GGTase I with truncated FTα were active. The KM values for both substrates are in the single-digit µM range and show no significant differences between enzymes with full length and PRR deficient α-subunits within the species. Conclusions Our data demonstrate that an N-terminal PRR of FTα is highly conserved in mammals. We could show that the activity and inhibitability is not influenced by the truncation of the N-terminal region. Nevertheless, this region shows common binding motifs for other proteins involved in cell-signalling, trafficking and phosphorylation, suggesting that this PRR might have other or additional functions in mammals. Our results provide new starting points due to the relevant but only partly understood role of FTα in eukaryotic FTase and GGTase I. Video Abstract

Abstract Background We aimed to determine whether different urination positions had significant impact on the parameters of uroflowmetry performed by healthy individuals and children with voiding dysfunction. Methods The study was conducted with a prospective and comparative design. Children between 5 and 15 years of age who met the inclusion–exclusion criteria of the study were enrolled. Children in the study were divided into two groups. Participants whose voiding dysfunction symptom score was ≥ 9 points were classified in group 1 and the remaining individuals were classified in group 2. Girls urinated in two different positions as sitting and squatting while boys urinated in three different positions as sitting, squatting and standing. Also, habitual urination position was asked and recorded for each individual participated in the study. Uroflowmetry parameters were compared for different urination positions in two groups separately and a p value of ≤ .05 was accepted for statistical significance. Results Voided volume, maximum flow rate (Qmax), time to reach Qmax, urination time and postvoid residual volume measured by abdominal ultrasound were recorded in every participant for each urination position in both groups. In group 1, girls with voiding dysfunction presented a significantly higher postvoid residual volume in squatting position compared to sitting position (the p value = 0.02). In group 2, healthy boys presented a significantly higher Qmax in standing position compared to sitting and squatting positions (the p value = 0.01). All participants provided a better uroflowmetry pattern in their habitual urination positions. Conclusion Urination position may affect uroflowmetry results; however, its impact on lower urinary tract function requires further research.

During the Covid-19 period in Turkey, the number of investors in the stock market has increased in an unprecedented way. The change in the number of investors is associated with many factors such as behavioural factors, macroeconomic indicators, and returns on alternative investment instruments. However, in Turkey, with the effect of the recession, companies started to be offered to the public to be funded by their own sources. This study examines the relationship between the initial public offering index (IPO), the USA dollar rate, the largest alternative to the local currency, the Borsa Istanbul index, and the number of investors, using VAR analysis with data between 2012-2022. Although the results show a positive relationship between the IPO and the number of investors, the increase in the number of investors will not maintain the current trend due to the limited number of companies to be offered to the public.

Ruhçu anlayışın temel problemlerinden biri, hiçbir maddi özelliğe sahip olmayan ruhun nasıl olup da maddi bir bedeni etkilediğidir. Zira gayri-maddi bir varlığın nasıl maddeyle etkileşime geçtiğini anlamak güçtür. Bilhassa beynin çalışma tarzına ve psikolojimizi nasıl etkilediğine dair bilimsel anlayışımız arttıkça, zihin için bir ruha gereksinim olup olmadığı sorusu da kendisini daha güçlü bir biçimde gösterir. Bu bağlamda beyin ve zihin arasındaki sıkı bağa dair güncel veriler, ruh anlayışına karşı bir itiraz olarak çokça dillendirilir. Yakın zamanda ruh anlayışına karşı ağır bir darbe vurduğu öne sürülen güncel verilerden biri de ayrık-beyin vakası oldu. Ayrık-beyin vakası, beyin yarıküreleri cerrahi bir müdahaleyle birbirinden ayrılan hastaların durumuna verilen isimdir. Bu vakanın düalizme karşı kullanılan diğer vakalardan farkı ise bilincin bütünlüğünün de beyne bağlı olduğuna işaret etmesiydi. Zira daha önce, zihinsel pek çok işlevle beyin arasında bağ kurulmuşsa da bilincin bütünlüğü arasında kurulmamıştı. Hatta aksine, beynin çok parçalı bir yapı olması sebebiyle bilinç bütünlüğünü sağlayamayacağı, bu nedenle de bölünemeyen bir ruhun gerekli olduğu şeklinde argümanlar ruhun varlığı lehine kullanılıyordu. Oysa ayrık-beyin vakasında, beyin yarıküreleri birbirinden ayrılan hastalar, farklı iki kişi gibi düşünebiliyor ve hareket edebiliyordu. Bu ise binlerce yıldır bireyin ve ruhun bölünemez olduğunu savunan ruhçu teorinin aksine bir durum olarak yorumlanmaktadır. Elinizdeki çalışma da ayrık-beyin vakasının gerçekten de düalizme karşı güçlü bir argüman sunup sunmadığını ele almaktadır. Burada öncelikle, ayrık-beyin vakasına ilişkin daha detaylı bilgiler verilecektir. Ardından bu vakayı düalizme karşı kullananların argümanları ve meselenin niçin ruhçu teori açısında problemli göründüğü meselesi ele alınacaktır. Sonrasında ise düalistlerin bu problem karşısındaki tavırlarını ve sundukları bazı çözüm önerilerini değerlendirilecektir. Düalistlerin bu noktada izledikleri üç farklı stratejiden bahsedilebilir. Bunlardan birincisi, ayrık-beyin vakası sonucunda bilincin bölündüğü fikrini ikincisi ise ruhun bölünemez olduğu fikrini reddeder, üçüncü yol ise her ikisini birden kabul etmekle birlikte bunların çelişmediğini, zira tek bir ruhun bölünmüş bilince sahip olacağını savunur. Burada her üç görüşün de avantajlarını ve dezavantajlarını gördükten sonra, bu çözüm önerilerinin ayrık-beyin meselesine iyi bir açıklama sunup sunmadıklarını değerlendireceğim. Benim iddiam, ayrık-beyin vakası sonucunda birden fazla bilinç akışının ortaya çıktığı kabul edildiği takdirde dahi bunun düalizm için bitirici bir darbe olarak görülemeyeceğidir. Buna rağmen söz konusu vaka, düalizme karşı güçlü bir argüman olarak kabul edilebilir. Zira bir karşı argümanın güçlü olması için karşı çıktığı şeyin yanlışlığını kesin bir şekilde göstermesi gerekmez. Onun doğru olma ihtimalinin zayıflığını göstermesi bile yeterlidir. Bu açıdan ayrık-beyin vakası, düalizmin doğru olma olasılığını büyük ölçüde zayıflatmaktadır.

Aim: In this study, it was aimed to reveal the beef supply structure throughout the province by examining; the hot carcass weights, cattle age, cattle breed, sex, etc. data of the cattle slaughtered in Burdur province. Materials and Methods: The material of the study consists of the data of the Gucbirligi Inc. slaughterhouse, which has an average of 50% of the cattle slaughter carried out throughout the province of Burdur over the years. In this context, the data of 52,677 cattle slaughtered between the months of 2014/1 - 2018/9 and whose information is not missing were included in the study. Data were evaluated with the Independent Sample t-Test or ANOVA in terms of the number of groups, and the Tukey Multiple Comparison Test was used to control the significance of the relationship between the subgroups. Results: According to the analysis results, although different cattle breeds are slaughtered in Burdur province, Holstein and Simmental breeds constitute 88.61% and 8.31% of the slaughter, respectively. As the slaughtered animals were examined according to gender, it was determined that the female animals were 32.23% and the male animals were 67.77%. It was determined that the number and year-end total carcass weights (hot carcass) of the cattle sent to the slaughterhouse decreased continuously by 60.32% and 67.08%, respectively, between 2014 and 2017. Conclusion: In the general production structure of Burdur province, dairy cattle breeding is the main branch of activity, while fattening beef cattle breeding is carried out as a complementary production branch to support dairy cattle breeding. In this context, it is predicted that increasing the number of enterprises specialized in cattle breeding in Burdur will contribute to the producers' minimization of risks by increasing production diversity and to a significant increase for production in the province. The results obtained from this study show that maintaining the sustainability and stability in the amount of meat and milk produced in the region depends on the price, cost and support policies that ensure the continuity of dairy cattle.

ZnO nanoarrays were grown via a low-temperature hydrothermal method. Solutions, each with different additive combinations, were prepared and evaluated. The effects of the additives involved in the growth procedure, i.e., ammonium hydroxide and sodium citrate, were studied in terms of the morphological, optical and scintillation properties of the ZnO nanostructures. Measurement of the nanorod (NR) length, corresponding photoluminescence (PL) and scintillation spectra and their dependence on the additives present in the solution are discussed. ZnO NRs grown on a silica substrate, whose UV transmission was found to be better than glass, showed high-quality structural and optical properties. It was found that the addition of sodium citrate significantly reduced defects and correspondingly increased the intrinsic near-band-edge (NBE) UV emission intensity at ~380 nm. To obtain high-quality nanostructures, samples were annealed in a 10% H2 + 90% N2 atmosphere. The anneal in the forming gas atmosphere enhanced the emission of the UV peak by reducing defects in the nanostructure. NRs are highly tapered towards the end of the structure. The tapering process was monitored using time growth studies, and its effect on PL and reflectance spectra are discussed. A good alpha particle response was obtained for the grown ZnO NRs, confirming its potential to be used as an alpha particle scintillator. After optimizing the reaction parameters, it was concluded that when ammonium hydroxide and sodium citrate were used, vertically well-aligned and long ZnO nanoarrays with highly improved optical and scintillation properties were obtained.

Aim:Intracranial pressure may increase due to reasons such as head trauma, intracranial hematoma, cerebral infarction, and cerebral edema. Decompressive craniectomy (DC) may be preferred in the treatment. Our study aims to examine the time of DC and the effect of pupil diameter and midline shift on mortality.Methods:Data from the hospital automation system and patient file records were retrospectively reviewed between 2017 and 2019, and 57 patients who underwent DC for raised intracranial pressure. Fifty-seven patients who underwent DC, whose neurological examination and pupil diameter were recorded after increased intracranial pressure, were evaluated.Results:The mean age of 57 patients was 50.38±19.91 years. The patients’ mean preoperative Glasgow coma score (GCS) was 8.85±3.6 and the mean GCS at discharge was 8.96±6.0. The mean cranial midline shifts of the patients were 7.88±5.35. 49.1% of the patients who underwent DC survived.Conclusion:Mortality rate is lower in patients who underwent DC compared to patients with isochoric pupil, anisocoric, and mid dilated patients. The timing of DC is important in terms of its effect on mortality.

Deviations from Brownian motion leading to anomalous diffusion are ubiquitously found in transport dynamics but often difficult to characterize. Here the authors compare approaches for single trajectory analysis through an open competition, showing that machine learning methods outperform classical approaches.

İslam dünyasında oldukça etkili isimlerden biri olan Gazzâlî’nin düşünceleri, birçok konuda oldukça muğlaktır. Onun görüşlerini tespit etmedeki zorluk, genel olarak, Gazzâlî’nin eserleri arasında gözlemlenen farklılıklardan kaynaklanır. Bu farklılıklar, yalnızca üslupla alakalı olmayıp zaman zaman Gazzâlî’nin birbiriyle çelişen görüşleri savunması şeklinde de tezahür etmektedir. Ruhun tabiatı meselesi de bunlardan biridir. Gazzâlî, farklı eserleri karşılaştırıldığında, ruhun tabiatı hakkında çelişen görüşler öne sürüyor gözükmektedir. Bir taraftan el-İḳtiṣād fī’l-İtiḳād adlı eserinde ruhun yer kaplayan ve maddi bir varlık olduğunu ima ederken, diğer bazı eserlerinde ise bu görüşün tersini savunmakta ve ruhun gayri-maddi olduğunu vurgulamaktadır. Gazzâlî’nin, farklı eserlerinde ruhun tabiatına ilişkin farklı görüşler serdetmesi, görünürdeki bu farklılıkların nasıl yorumlanması gerektiğine ilişkin Michael E. Marmura, Richard Frank, Timothy Gionatti, Ayman Shihadeh, Frank Griffel gibi Gazzâlî yorumcuları arasında süregiden bir tartışmaya da önayak olmuştur. Bu çalışmada ben, öncelikle, Gazzâlî’nin gerçek düşüncesine ilişkin süregiden bu tartışmayı kısaca özetleyeceğim. Sonrasında ise onun çelişiyor gözüken düşünceleri üzerine bazı mümkün uzlaştırma önerilerinde bulunacağım.

Günümüzde ruh-beden ikiciliği/düalizmi denilince akla gelen görüş Descartes’ın (öl. 1650) sistematize etmiş olduğu cevher ikiciliğidir. Adından da anlaşılacağı gibi cevher ikiciliği, iki farklı türde cevherin var olduğu imasında bulunur. Benzer şekilde İbn Sînâ (öl. 428/1037) da nefsin maddeden farklı türde bir cevher olduğunu ifade ederek bir tür cevher ikiciliği benimsemişse de onun ikiciliği Descartes’ınkinden önemli açılardan ayrılmaktadır. Bu önemli ayrılığın, her iki düşüncenin de bambaşka geleneklere ait olmalarından kaynaklandığı söylenebilir. İbn Sînâ’nın ikiciliği Aristocu hilomorfizmin izlerini taşırken, Kartezyen düşünce ise Newton sonrası mekanik evren anlayışı üzerine inşa edilmiştir. Bu önemli fark, her iki filozofun ruh-beden anlayışını da derinden etkilemiştir. Bu çalışmanın amacı da farklı geleneklere bağlı olan bu filozofların ruh-beden bağlamındaki ikici anlayışları arasındaki temel ayrılıkları açığa çıkarmaktır. Böylelikle İbn Sînâcı bir düalizmin çağdaş zihin felsefesi açısından nerede durduğu da daha açık bir hale gelecektir. Bu bağlamda, burada üzerinde durulacak ilk soru, her iki filozofun da insanın gayri-maddi cevheri ile kastettikleri şeyin aynı olup olmadığıdır. Bu sorunun cevabı olumsuzdur. Yani İbn Sînâ ve Descartes’ın gayri-maddi cevhere atfettikleri işlevler, birbirinden oldukça farklıdır. Descartes’a göre, ruh, aslında zihinle özdeştir. Zira o, ruhu, özü düşünmek olan cevher şeklinde tarif eder. Descartes’ın düşünme ile kastettiği şey, yalnızca teorik düşünme tarzı değildir. Aynı zamanda o, çağdaş zihin felsefesinde qualia olarak da isimlendirilen, fenomenal bilinci yani bilinçli deneyimleri de kapsamaktadır. Dolayısıyla, Kartezyen geleneğe göre ruh/zihin (gayri-maddi cevher) ile beden arasındaki temel ayrım, fenomenal bilinçtir. Bir şey, ancak ve ancak fenomenal bilince sahip olabiliyorsa ruhanidir. Oysa İbn Sînâ, günümüz Kartezyen düalist geleneğin ruha atfettiği en temel işlev olan fenomenal bilinci, gayri-maddi cevherin temel işlevi olarak görmemektedir. Diğer bir ifadeyle, ona göre, insan nefsinin asıl işlevi hissetmek/deneyimlemek veya fenomenal bilinç sahibi olmak değildir. Zira bu tür işlevleri, gayri-maddi bir cevhere sahip olmayan hayvanlar da yerine getirebilmektedir. İbn Sînâ’ya göre, insan nefsinin asıl işlevi, teorik veya tümel düşünmek ve öz-bilinçtir. Bu sebeple İbn Sînâ, maddi bir cevherin de fenomenal bilince sahip olabileceğini düşünmüştür. Bu ayrımın en net görülebileceği yerlerden biri de söz konusu iki filozofun hayvan ruhları hakkındaki düşünceleridir. Her iki filozof da hayvanların, maddi bedenlerine ek olarak gayri-maddi bir cevhere daha sahip olmadıklarını öne sürerler. Ancak bu durum, bir filozof için (Descartes) hayvanların bilinçsiz birer otomat oldukları anlamına gelirken, diğeri için ise böyle bir şey ifade etmez. Zira İbn Sînâ’ya göre, bilinç veya his sahibi olmak için gayri-maddi bir cevher gerekli değildir. Oysa Descartes’a göre, bir varlığın bilinçli ya da his sahibi olabilmesi, onun gayri-maddi bir cevhere sahip olmasını gerektirir. Hayvanlarda da bu türden (cevhersel) ruhlar olmadığından, Descartes, onları bilinçsiz birer robot olarak görmüştür. Yine aynı hususun gözlemlenebileceği diğer bir nokta da İbn Sînâ’nın, insandaki gayri-maddi cevheri kanıtlamak için öne sürdüğü bir argümandır. Bu argümana göre, gayri-maddi cevherin varlığı, insanın tümel bilgilere erişimi için gereklidir, bilinç sahibi olmak için değil. Oysa Kartezyen gelenek içerisinde kullanılan ve “bilincin birliği argümanı” olarak isimlendirilen argümana göre, gayri-maddi cevherin varlığı, (bilginin değil) bilincin birliği için gereklidir. Elinizdeki çalışma, İbn Sînâ ve Descartes’ın ikiciliğindeki bu tür farklılıklar üzerine odaklanmaktadır. Bu farkları açığa çıkarmak için şu iki nokta üzerinden hareket edilecektir: Hayvanların bilinçli olup olmadıkları meselesi ve İbn Sînâ’nın yukarıda bahsi geçen argümanı. Zira her iki filozofun da bu iki meseleyi ele alışındaki farklılıklar, onların ikici anlayışlarındaki temel farkları ortaya koymamız için bize yol gösterecektir. Bu çalışmada, özellikle bu iki mesele üzerinden, İbn Sînâ ile Descartes’ın ruh-beden bağlamındaki ikici anlayışlarının radikal bir biçimde birbirinden farklı olduğu iddia edilecektir.

This study investigates the application of the fuzzy logic method for scoring open-ended items, specifically comparing its effectiveness against traditional scoring methods. Utilizing the fuzzy TOPSIS method within the mathematics domain, this research established seven criteria for evaluating open-ended responses, developed in consultation with three experts. Due to constraints imposed by the pandemic, the study did not proceed with a real-world application; instead, it simulated data for 25 students to compare the rankings derived from traditional and fuzzy logic methods using the MS Excel program. The research produced three distinct rankings using the conventional method and analyzed the correlation between these rankings and those generated by the fuzzy TOPSIS method, employing the Spearman rank correlation coefficient. The findings reveal a significantly positive correlation between the rankings obtained through traditional methods and those acquired via the fuzzy logic approach, suggesting the latter's potential as an effective alternative for evaluating open-ended responses.

Research on mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression, which have become prevalent among pre-adolescents and lead to impaired functioning in family, academic, and social domains, is critically important. One prominent theoretical approach to explaining anxiety and depression symptoms is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and its Psychological Inflexibility Model. This study aims to elucidate the relationship between psychological inflexibility levels in pre-adolescents and their anxiety and depression levels. The Revised Children's Anxiety and Depression Scale--Child Version (RCADS) and the Avoidance and Fusion Questionnaire for Youth (AFQ-Y8) Child Form were used as data collection tools. Data were collected from 327 sixth-grade students (178 male and 149 female) attending three different public schools in Gaziantep, and a simple linear regression model was established with the obtained data. The findings indicated that psychological inflexibility significantly predicts internalizing disorder levels (R = 0.716, R Square = 0.513; p <0.01), total anxiety levels (R = 0.668, R Square = 0.446; p <0.01) and depression levels (R = 0.692, R Square = 0.479; p <0.01) of pre-adolescents. These results contribute to the literature on explaining anxiety and depression in pre-adolescents, and future studies should investigate the relationship between psychological inflexibility and externalizing problems such as aggression and anger.

Neuromelioidosis is a rare CNS infection caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei and is characterized by high morbidity and mortality. Our report presents the diagnostic and therapeutic approach of the first case of neuromelioidosis confirmed in Europe. A 47-year-old man with a medical history of recurrent otitis with otorrhea and fever after tympanoplasty and radical cavity revision operation on the left ear was admitted with headache, decreased level of consciousness, dysarthria, left-sided hemiparesis, and urinary incontinence. After extensive investigations including MRI, microbiological, serological, and CSF analyses, and, ultimately, brain biopsy, a diagnosis of neuromelioidosis was established. Despite antibiotic treatment, the patient showed no clinical improvement and remained in a severely compromised neurological state under mandatory mechanical ventilation. Neuromelioidosis can pose a diagnostic challenge requiring an extensive diagnostic evaluation because of its uncommon clinical and radiological presentations.

Introduction Sinonasal melanomas are rare tumors with no comparative survival studies between Europe and the US. Objective To provide a population-based survival analysis between the two continents. Methods The European Cancer Registry (EUROCARE) and the United States Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) databases were queried to identify patients diagnosed with sinonasal melanoma between 2000 and 2007. Relative survival (RS) data were grouped by age, gender, geographic region, extent of disease, and treatment modality. Results A total of 1,294 cases were identified between 2000 and 2007 (935 from EUROCARE-5 and 359 from SEER). Females were most commonly identified in Europe (56.4%) and in the US (54.9%). Patients over the age of 65 years comprised the greatest proportion of patients in Europe (70%) and in the US (71%). By region, Southern Europe had the highest 5-year RS (31.6%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [21.3–42.5%]), and Eastern Europe the lowest (16.5%, [7.5–28.5%]). The aggregate European 5-year RS was 25.4% [21.8–29.1%] and the U.S. was (29.7%, [23.6–36%]). Conclusions Although increasing in incidence, sinonasal melanomas remain rare. Women were more commonly affected. The most common age group was those older than 65 years, although age did not confer a prognostic value. The most common subsite was the nasal cavity followed by the maxillary sinus. Five-year RS was similar between continents with an inverse relationship between extent of disease and survival. The treatment of choice throughout Europe and the US remains primarily surgical.

Urofacial (also called Ochoa) syndrome (UFS) is an autosomal recessive congenital disorder of the urinary bladder featuring voiding dysfunction and a grimace upon smiling. Biallelic variants in HPSE2, coding for the secreted protein heparanase-2, are described in around half of families genetically studied. Hpse2 mutant mice have aberrant bladder nerves. We sought to expand the genotypic spectrum of UFS and make insights into its pathobiology. Sanger sequencing, next generation sequencing and microarray analysis were performed in four previously unreported families with urinary tract disease and grimacing. In one, the proband had kidney failure and was homozygous for the previously described pathogenic variant c.429T>A, p.(Tyr143*). Three other families each carried a different novel HPSE2 variant. One had homozygous triplication of exons 8 and 9; another had homozygous deletion of exon 4; and another carried a novel c.419C>G variant encoding the missense p.Pro140Arg in trans with c.1099-1G>A, a previously reported pathogenic splice variant. Expressing the missense heparanase-2 variant in vitro showed that it was secreted as normal, suggesting that 140Arg has aberrant functionality after secretion. Bladder autonomic neurons emanate from pelvic ganglia where resident neural cell bodies derive from migrating neural crest cells. We demonstrated that, in normal human embryos, neuronal precursors near the developing hindgut and lower urinary tract were positive for both heparanase-2 and leucine rich repeats and immunoglobulin like domains 2 (LRIG2). Indeed, biallelic variants of LRIG2 have been implicated in rare UFS families. The study expands the genotypic spectrum in HPSE2 in UFS and supports a developmental neuronal pathobiology.

Derk Pereboom, günümüz özgür irade tartışmalarının önde gelen isimlerinden biridir. Savunmuş olduğu katı bağdaşmazcılık (hard incompatibilism) görüşünün, onun ismiyle birlikte anıldığı söylenebilir. Pereboom’un daha az bilinen düşünceleri ise özgürlüğü ve sorumluluğu reddeden katı bağdaşmazcı görüşü ile sahip olduğu teistik inançları bağdaştırma çabasıyla alakalıdır. Ancak bu çabanın teistler açısından oldukça sorunlu görüldüğünü belirtmek gerekir. Zira pek çok teist, özgür iradenin ve sorumluluğun varlığı ile ilahi ödül ve ceza veya cennet-cehennem gibi anlayışlar arasında birbirini gerektirme ilişkisi olduğunu düşünür. Bu çalışmada ben hem özgür iradenin hem de sorumluluğun reddedildiği bir anlayış ile teistik bir inancı uzlaştırma çabasının bir örneği olarak Pereboom’un bu çabasını inceleyeceğim. Bu bağlamda, özgür irade ve sorumluluk olmaksızın kötülük problemi, insanların işlediği günahlar meselesi, cennet ve cehennemin ve yaşamın özellikle de teizm açısından nasıl bir anlama sahip olabileceğine ilişkin bazı sorgulamalarda bulunacağım. Akabinde böyle bir anlayışın ne kadar tutarlı olduğuna ilişkin bazı eleştirilere yer vereceğim ve kısa bir değerlendirmede bulunarak bitireceğim.

Today, earth sciences engineering education programs face with serious problems. It is often not possible to provide experience on different geographical environments or materials. Considering these problems of earth science related engineering education programs, virtual reality environment potentially can provide technology enhanced training alternatives. However, in the literature there are not many studies showing how virtual reality can enhance the earth science related engineering education programs. Accordingly, the aim of this mapping of the literature and systematic review study is to explore studies dealing with virtual reality in the earth sciences engineering education programs. Through a rigorous screening process, the first search in the Scopus database provided 150 studies, where 19 of them were selected in the course of this study and the mapping of the literature report was drawn with all these articles. Additionally, with seven of these articles a systematic review is conducted. The mapping of the literature report shows that studies on this topic have increased in recent years and have been published in a variety of journals. The number of China and USA origins studies are remarkable among the examined studies, which are predominantly in the fields of mining engineering and geological engineering. As a result of the in-depth analyses, the systematic review report indicates that virtual reality applications in the earth sciences engineering education positively contribute to the learning outcomes and experiences of students/trainees from different perspectives.

Aim: To determine the relationship between attitudes toward aging and old age, and successful aging in individuals with chronic disease aged 65 or over. Methods: The Attitude Scale toward Aging and Elderliness and the Successful Aging Scale were employed in this descriptive, cross-sectional, comparative study. Data were expressed as frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation and were analyzed using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, the t test, One-Way ANOVA, and Pearson correlation analysis. p values Results: Individuals with chronic disease had greater difficulty in accepting old age, greater social exhaustion, greater abilities to cope with problems, and higher successful aging scores. Conclusion: This study shows that despite their negative attitudes toward old age, individuals with chronic disease had greater abilities to cope with problems and aged more successfully.

We study the post-earnings announcement drift (PEAD) anomaly and its determinants in Borsa Istanbul using quarterly earnings announcements and three different surprise measures. We find evidence supportive of the existence of PEAD in the Turkish stock market. Sorting stocks each quarter into three quantiles according to an earnings surprise measure based on past earnings, we find both statistically and economically significant difference of 2.9% in average cumulative abnormal return between high earnings surprise firms and low earnings surprise firms in the 60 days following the announcement. The hedge returns obtained using analyst forecast based surprise measure as well earnings announcement return based surprise measure are also significant at 2.9% and 2.2% respectively. The positive relation between post-announcement abnormal returns and the surprise in earnings remain significant after controlling for an extensive list of explanatory variables. Among these explanatory variables, we find that firm size has a negative impact on the magnitude of this positive association between surprise and subsequent equity returns. Finally, using two separate approaches we show that multifactor models fail to explain the return differentials following earnings announcements.

The study was conducted to investigate the comparatively the browsing levels of Honamli, Hair, and Saanen goats on saplings in a new forest plantation site for six months. Several treatments (fishing net, shading, food coloring, and raffia) were applied to saplings. Two years old 30 goats including 10 animals for each breed were used. There was a statistically significant difference among the breeds in terms of their browsing on untreated saplings (p < 0.05). While the effect of measurement month was statistically significant (p < 0.05) for both all treated saplings and untreated saplings, the observation time did not have a statistically significant effect (p < 0.05) except for saplings treated with shading. The maximum browsing was observed in saplings treated with raffia (89.28%), which was followed by those treated with food coloring (75.79%) and fishing net (75.39%), respectively. Additionally, damage rate of the saplings with shading (17.85%) in particular was significantly lower (p < 0.05) compared to the other treated saplings. It was thought that results of this study would make contribution for issues of goat, sapling and forest from a different viewpoint. Considering that forest and goat are not alternative to each other and evaluating goats as a part of ecosystem will be useful to solving this problem.

BACKGROUND: Retrograde intrarenal surgery is used for treatment of urinary system stones. The ureteral access sheath (UAS) is used to decrease intrapelvic pressure, help with access of multiple instruments, and facilitate drainage and removal of the fragmented stones. OBJECTIVE: Assess the effect of the UAS on the outcomes of retrograde intrarenal surgery. DESIGN: A retrospective patient data review. SETTING: Training and research hospital in Turkey. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We reviewed the data of patients who had undergone retrograde intrarenal surgery between 2012-2019. Patients who had kidney anomalies, were

Objective:To show our retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) experience in anomalous kidney stones and compare its safety and efficiency with normal kidney stones.Materials and Methods:Between 2012 and 2018, patient data was reviewed retrospectively and 1700 procedures were taken into consideration. Forty-seven anomalous kidney stones were included in the study (group A). In these patients, 18 had calyx diverticulum, 12 had horseshoe kidney, 8 had ureteral duplication, 2 had ectopic kidneys, 1 had malrotation, and 1 had bifid pelvis. After making a matched pair analysis, 47 normal kidney stones with similar demographic and stone characteristics were included in our study (group N). Demographic, stone, intraoperative and postoperative data were recorded. We compared these groups regarding efficiency and safety.Results:Average scope time, hospitalization time, and postoperative double J-stent rate were higher in group A. The difference was statistically insignificant (p>0.05). Ureteral access sheath usage was higher in group N, though the difference was statistically insignificant (p=0.63). Stone-free rates and success rates were higher in group N though the difference was not statistically significant (p>0.05). The rate of complications was statistically significantly higher in group A (p=0.02).Conclusion:RIRS can be used in the management of anomalous kidney stones. It is an efficient and safe method. Prospective and larger patient numbered studies are needed.

Richard Swinburne, çağdaş din felsefesinin önde gelen isimlerinden olup özellikle ruh meselesine eğilmiş bir felsefecidir. O, insanın ruh ve beden olmak üzere iki farklı cevherden oluştuğunu öne süren düalist görüşün günümüzdeki önemli savunucularındandır. Kaleme almış olduğu Ruhun Evrimi (The Evolution of the Soul), Zihin, Beden ve Özgür İrade (Mind, Brain and Free Will) ve Bedenler miyiz yoksa Ruhlar mı? (Are we Bodies or Souls?) gibi müstakil eserlerin yanı sıra makale ve kitap bölümleriyle de düalizmi, Descartes’tan itibaren ortaya çıkan yeni problemlere karşı savunmuş ve bu görüşü çağdaş zihin tartışmaları ekseninde güncellemiştir. Ben de bu çalışmada, ilk olarak Swinburne’ün düalizmini, Descartes’ın cevherci düalizmiyle aralarındaki bazı farklara da dikkat çekerek, ele alacağım. Akabinde, onun düalizmi savunmak adına ileri sürdüğü –biri “kavranabilirlik argümanı” (conceivability argument) olarak bilinen ve diğeri ise hayali bir beyin nakli vakasına dayanan– iki temel argümanı ve bu argümanlara yöneltilen bazı eleştirileri inceleyeceğim. Kısaca çalışmamın ana odağı, Swinburne’ün düalizme yönelik iki temel argümanı ve bu argümanlara yöneltilen bazı eleştiriler olacaktır.

Organizations depend on the output of their employees to attain their organizational goals through sustainable competitive advantage. Individuals’ outcomes are an indicator of this. Thus, contextual factors may be directly or indirectly related to employee performance. One of these factors is leader-follower cultural fi t. Considering that a leader can also shape the organizational culture, the fi t between the leader’s and his/her followers’ values can be transformed into a high-performance outcome. Since personal values are shaped by one’s culture of origin, employees who observe, assess, and judge their leader according to their own values reflect on how congruent their perceived values are with those of their leader and act accordingly. By utilizing convenience sampling procedures, this research surveyed 202 full-time employees working in public institutions and organizations in Istanbul and its districts. The theoretical model was tested by moderated mediation analyses based on bootstrap methods. The research results revealed the collectivist traits of the region under analysis and indicate that individualistic tendencies may also be present. We found support to our theoretical model.