Search

In engineering education Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) technologies have been recently adopted in the teaching of technical subjects showing good potential for visual interaction with the objects. This study aims to investigate the effect of using a specifically developed mobile AR Engineering Drawing (ED) application (Apps) for improving the cognitive learning levels of students and learning achievement. In this study, experimental design with pre-test and post-test control groups and interview were used to measure of participants’ success. For this purpose, a total of 30 participants involved in the experimental group used AR application for training, whereas another 20 participants without AR training were kept as a control group. The increase in performance between pre-test and post-test was 39.7% for the experimental group and 17.2% for the control group. The results indicated a 19.6% higher learning performance in the experimental group through the use of the AR application for training. This result shows the very important effect the mobile AR engineering drawing application had in terms of acquiring new knowledge and skills on the participants. The study also shows that teaching Engineering Drawing subjects using AR Apps significantly increases students' conceptual and cognitive comprehension levels.

Günümüzde, iş hayatına başlayacak bireylerin üretime bir an önce katılabilmeleri büyük önem arz etmekte ve mesleki alanları ile ilgili bilgi ve becerileri eğitimleri esnasında kazanmaları gerekmektedir. Özellikle mühendislik eğitimlerinde teknik konu ve kavramların öğretiminde yeni teknolojilerin eğitime adapte edilmesi gerekir. Bu amaçla son yıllarda artırılmış gerçeklik (AG) teknolojileri kullanıcıya verdiği “cisimlerdeki derinlik algısı” ve “cisimlerle görsel olarak etkileşim” imkânı ile oldukça etkili bir teknik olarak ön plana çıkmaktadır. Bu çalışmada kişilerde Teknik Resim öğrenme performansının yükseltmesi amacıyla özgün bir mobil AG uygulamasının geliştirme süreçleri irdelenmektedir. Bu kapsamda, Unity3D uygulaması üzerinde AG ile makine imalat-montaj süreçlerinde çok yaygın kullanılan teknik resim konularından olan geometrik toleranslar mobil AG uygulaması olarak geliştirilmiştir. Uygulamada geometrik ölçülendirme ve toleransların (GD&T) kolaylıkla anlaşılabilir ve öğretilebilir olması amaçlanmıştır.

Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN) is a common dose-limiting side-effect of taxane-based chemotherapy, causing progressive and often irreversible pain/sensitivity in the hands and feet. Prevention/treatments for CIPN are not well-developed and urgently needed. Limb cryocompression during chemotherapy has demonstrated promising early data of preventing/reducing CIPN severity. Currently there are no medical devices available that are dedicated to the specific requirements of CIPN prevention. As part of our ongoing development of a dedicated CIPN-prevention limb cryocompression system, this study documents the design & development of the wearable arm wrap, a central component of the system, from initial concept to a trial-ready prototype. A collaborative and multidisciplinary approach was adopted to address the complex and high-risk nature of this SME (Small Medium Enterprise)-centered medical device design & development process. The complementary collaboration unites multidisciplinary expertise spanning the scope of the project. Alongside the clinical, academic, and design & development expertise, the integration of commercial expertise is imperative to promote the market viability, and ultimate success, of the development. As the global leading experts in scalp cooling specializing in the prevention of chemotherapy-induced alopecia, UK-based SME Paxman Coolers Ltd is optimally positioned to support the commercial and regulatory dimensions. Development and adoption of a novel mixed-methodology (HudPAX) facilitated the integration of evidence-based and user-centered techniques to optimize the design & development approach and ensure integration of all critical design inputs. Alpha prototypes were designed through evidence-based approaches, with data from existing clinical trials utilized to determine the preliminary design inputs, alongside 3D ergonomic data. Investigations utilized computer-aided design, rapid prototyping, additive manufacturing, sketch modeling, and fast ideation. User-based approaches facilitated stakeholder-feedback through expert focus groups, informing further design & development and projecting the design into the next stage, Beta prototyping, for use in large-scale efficacy trials and upscaling manufacturing. This paper demonstrates a novel mixed-methods approach, which promotes cross-sector multidisciplinary collaboration, to address the complex multi-layered challenges posed by an early-stage medical device design & development process.

This study led to the development of a parametric design method for mass-customised head/face products. A systematic review of different approaches for mass customization was conducted, identifying advantages and limitations for their application to new product development. A parametric modelling algorithm of a 3D human face was developed using selected scanned 3D head models. The algorithm was developed from a set of measurable and adjustable parameter points related to the facial geometry. These parameters were defined using planimetry. Using the assigned parameter values as input, the parametric model generated 3D models of a human face that served as a reference for the design of customized eyewear. The current challenges and opportunities of mass customized head/face products are described, along with the possibilities for new parametric product design approaches to enable rapid manufacturing and mass customization. This study also explored whether a new parametric design framework for mass customization could be effectively implemented as an early-stage new product development strategy for head/face products.

Background/Objectives: Sulodexide (SDX) is a drug known for restoring the glycocalyx, thereby offering endothelial protection and regulating permeability. Additionally, it has antithrombotic and anti-inflammatory properties and has shown arterial vasodilatory effects. Endothelial cells play a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis, with their dysfunction being a key contributor to loss in vasodilatory response, especially in arterial pathologies. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of SDX on stimulated vascular tonus in human arterial samples and to assess the function of the endothelial layer as a source of nitric oxide (NO). Methods: A total of 16 internal mammary artery remnants from coronary artery bypass graft surgeries were dissected into endothelium-intact and endothelium-denuded groups (n = 8 each). The arterial rings were equilibrated under tension, with their basal tonus recorded before and after phenylephrine stimulation. SDXs impact on arterial contraction was assessed through cumulative dose-response curves. NO synthase inhibitor (Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester) was used to assess SDXs vasodilatory effect over the NO pathway. Results: SDX application resulted in concentration-dependent vasorelaxation in both endothelium-intact and endothelium-denuded groups at certain doses. However, the inhibitory effect of SDX was more pronounced in endothelium-intact rings at higher doses compared to endothelium-denuded rings (p < 0.05). Similar inhibition of contraction curves was achieved for both endothelium-intact and endothelium-denuded rings after L-NAME pre-incubation, suggesting a necessity for NO-related endothelial pathways. Conclusions: SDX exerts a concentration-dependent inhibition on arterial contraction, emphasizing the critical role of an intact endothelium and NO-mediated pathways in this process. This underscores SDXs potential in treating endothelial dysfunction-related pathologies.

This study develops a deep learning-based automated system for detecting and segmenting earthquake-induced asphalt cracks, offering a rapid and reliable solution for post-disaster road condition assessments. Unlike traditional manual inspections, which are time-consuming and error-prone, our approach leverages advanced segmentation techniques to ensure accurate, pixel-level classification of various crack types. The main challenge of this study was determining the damage caused to highways by earthquakes with magnitudes greater than 7.0, which occur approximately once every 200 years. The most crucial step in the automatic detection of these damages is the reliable preparation of a high-accuracy dataset. To achieve this, pixel-based labels were created by experts in the construction field by analyzing each pixel value. Following two major earthquakes, a unique dataset for segmenting roadway deterioration was created through intensive and detailed studies. This study aims to present the performance results of popular deep learning-based segmentation models in an unbiased manner, providing a feasible infrastructure for future real-time applications. The innovative aspect of this research lies in the creation of a unique post-earthquake dataset, collected and labeled from highways affected by the February 6, 2023 earthquakes in Turkey (Mw = 7.7 and Mw = 7.6). Deep learning models, including SegNet, Attention SegNet, U-Net, FCN (8s), and DeepLab, were trained and tested on this dataset. Among these, the SegNet model achieved the best performance with an average accuracy of 86.72%, precision of 92.99%, and sensitivity of 78.45%. By demonstrating superior performance metrics compared to existing methods, this study provides a robust framework for future infrastructure monitoring and maintenance strategies, ensuring safer and more resilient transportation networks in disaster-prone regions.

One of today’s most pressing environmental issues is related to waste disposal, especially landfilling. The quality of groundwater has been seriously compromised due to improper storage methods. Problems related to human health and environmental pollution are more common in open dumps. These irregular disposal sites cause many disadvantages and serious health problems. For this reason, cases that caused slope failures in landfills have been examined. This study investigates stability issues related to solid waste landfills, focusing on the assessment of waste stability. The study includes analyses of slope failure cases in various landfills: Hekimbasi, Dona Juana, Gnojna Grora, Hiriya, Payatas, and Xerolakka. Using Plaxis 2D software, the data obtained from these analyses have been rigorously evaluated to determine the most appropriate landfill management strategies. Slope collapses in landfills are generally caused by unsuitable landfill design, lack of daily cover laying and waste compaction, inadequate waste segregation, insufficient leachate drainage and gas discharge, and excessive slope angle and height. The presence of one or more of these conditions can result in a decline in site stability. Instabilities are experienced in these areas where engineering controls are inadequate.

Revealing long-term trends in hydrometeorological variables plays a critical role in the sustainable management and planning of water resources. These analyses are necessary to understand climate change impacts, taking precautions for natural disasters, plan agricultural activities, and develop water management strategies. The aim of this study is to examine the changes in monthly and annual total precipitation and evapotranspiration values in the Maritsa River Basin, a transboundary water basin between Bulgaria, Greece, and Türkiye. For this, precipitation values for the 1982-2023 water years were taken from the Climate Hazards Group InfraRed Precipitation with Stations (CHIRPS) data set, and evapotranspiration values for the 1982-2023 water years were taken from the European Reanalysis 5th Generation-Land (ERA5-Land) data set. The Mann-Kendall, Sen's slope estimator, and Innovative Trend Analysis (ITA) methods were used to determine trends. According to the test results, there is a statistically significant increase in annual total precipitation values within the 95% confidence interval and in annual total evapotranspiration values within the 99% confidence interval. Specifically with all three methods positive and statistically significant trends are observed in precipitation in October, January, May and June. In the monthly evapotranspiration trend analysis, a statistically significant increase is observed except for November, December, June and July. Trend increases were visualized using the graphical method ITA. Significant increasing trends in both monthly and annual precipitation and evapotranspiration reveal changes in the hydrological cycle of the basin. The test results can be used in planning and solving problems related to the basin area.

Introduction: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections may be administered using needles of different thicknesses and lengths, depending on the purpose of use and tissue type. However, needle-related parameters (size/length) should not affect the treatment results. We investigated the effect of needles with different diameters on platelet concentration in vitro. Materials and Methods: Blood samples were obtained from 50 healthy volunteers. PRP was then obtained by single-spin (n = 25) and double-spin centrifugation (n = 25). After the prepared PRP was drawn into an injector, first without needles (needle-free), and then, 26G, 27G, 30G, and 33G needles were attached to the same injector, and 0.4 cc of PRP was injected into counting containers. Following sampling, the platelet concentration in the PRP samples was counted by a hematology analyzer, and the results obtained were compared. A one-way analysis of variance test was applied for the statistical analysis of the results. Differences between the groups were considered statistically significant at a value of P > 0.05. Results: The PRP platelet count mean differences between the needle-free group and the 33G, 30G, 27G, and 26G needle groups in the PRP prepared by single-spin centrifugation were 1.019, 0.994, 1,025, and 1.000, respectively, and in the PRP prepared by double-spin centrifugation, they were 1.004, 1.004, 1.008, and 1.004, respectively. Results reveal no significant difference in the platelet concentration in the different needle groups. Conclusions: The use of fine-caliber needles in PRP prepared by single- and double-spin centrifugation had no impact on the resulting platelet concentration.

Abstract Highly selective inhibitors of cyclin-dependent kinase 4 and 6 (CDK4/6is) have emerged as a standart of care for first- and second-line therapies in combination with endocrine therapy (ET) for HR+/HER2- metastatic breast cancer (MBC) patients. It has been reported that combination therapy is more effective than ET alone and is safe in elderly patients as well as young patients. Nevertheless, elderly and very old patients with HR+/HER2-MBC treated with CDK4/6 inhibitor (CDK4/6i) combinations are relatively underrepresented in randomized controlled trials. To contribute to the literature, we investigated the real-world efficacy, factors associated with survival and the rates of adverse events (AEs) of the treatment with palbociclib or ribociclib plus ET in the HR+/HER2- MBC patient cohort over the age of 65 for age subgroups. In this retrospective study, 348 patients were divided into subgroups: 65–69 years old, 70–79 years old and 80 years and older. Median PFS (mPFS) for whole group was 18.3 (95% CI,14.3–22.3) months. There was no significant difference in mPFS between age groups (p = 0.75). The estimated median OS (mOS) was 39.5 (95% CI, 24.9–54.1) months and there was no significant difference between age groups (p = 0.15). There was a meaningfull numerical difference that did not reach statistical significance in patients who received CDK4/6i treatment as the first line for MBC. Grade 3–4 AEs were reported in 42.7% for the entire group, and neutropenia was the most common (37.3%). It can be concluded that combination therapy with palbociclib or ribociclib with an ET partner has similar efficacy and is safe among subgroups of older patients diagnosed with HR+/HER2-MBC.