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The Çanakkale Strait is important in terms of its location within the Turkish Straits System and its biodiversity. Since it is a Special Environmental Protection Area (SEPA), it is important to determine the existing habitat types. Although the use of European Nature Information System (EUNIS) and Barcelona Convention (BC) habitat classification systems in marine habitat studies has just begun in Türkiye, studies using these systems have been carried out in numerous countries over many years. This study aimed to identify habitat types in the supra-, medio- and upper infralittoral (down to 0.5 m depth) zones of the Çanakkale Strait, in accordance with the EUNIS and the BC classifications. The SACFOR abundance scale was applied to zoo- and phytobenthic species in determining these habitat types. Field studies were carried out in soft and hard substrate areas at 16 stations between May and August 2019. Fourteen marine benthic habitat types have been determined using EUNIS and 12 using the BC systems from rock, biogenic, coarse and sand sediment types. No statistically significant difference (p > 0.05) was found between the benthic marine habitat types determined for the supra- and upper infralittoral zones according to BC and EUNIS. On the contrary, in the mediolittoral zone, a statistically low significant difference was found between habitat types for both habitat classification systems (R = 0.318, p = 0.004 for EUNIS; R = 0.514, p = 0.001 for BC). In this study, the differences and similarities of habitat types in defined EUNIS and BC systems are discussed. The EUNIS habitat classification system was found to be more representative than BC of the studied area, but both classification systems were found to be insufficient for the Eastern Mediterranean littoral communities and a new habitat hierarchy is needed. We present this study as a paradigm for future application to marine habitat studies to be carried out in Turkish waters.

Background: Microsporidia are opportunistic intracellular parasites that cause a variety of illnesses in humans. There is little information available regarding the frequency of these parasite in human cases of diarrhea and cancer. Aim: This study's primary objectives are to identify microsporidia in soil and water samples, determine the relationships between microsporidia by using sequencing analysis in the targeted area, and look into the genetic diversity of microsporidia originating from domestic, farm, and wild animals. Methods: The current investigation was conducted from March to December of 2023. In total, 35 water samples and 20 soil samples have been obtained from 12 and 5 locations in Mosul city, respectively, for this investigation. Every sample was moved to the main laboratory of the College of Science and Veterinary Medicine at the University of Mosul, Iraq. Results: The results of the present study showed that Microsporidia were found in water at a prevalence rate of 45.7% (16/35) and in soil at a rate of 45% (9/20). In Mosul, the various regions have varying rates of Microsporidia prevalence. Microsporidia having a molecular weight of 1300 bp were found using the PCR technique, which was attributed to the small subunit ribosomal RNA gene. Furthermore, the results of the current investigation indicate that three of the Microsporidia were Enterocytozoon bieneusi, which has a molecular weight of 400 bp, based on the ITS gene utilizing the inner primer, while none was found in soil. With a molecular weight of 260 bp, the SSU rRNA gene of Microsporidia was found in water and in soil. However, in accordance with each species' unique DNA discovered in soil and water, none of the E. intestinalis, E. cuniculi, or E. hellem were found. Twelve novel sequences found 9 sequences of Microsporidia and 3 sequences of E. bieneusi). Conclusion: The study demonstrated a water is main source of Microsporidia and highly similarity between some of Microsporidia detected in this study. Furthermore, Microsporidia found in our study showed closely relationship with Microsporidia isolated from different countries in world. [Open Vet J 2024; 14(9.000): 2421-2432]

Ethiopia is a country with a rich cultural history spanning thousands of years, where diverse ethnic groups coexist. This study focuses on one example of this diversity, the rural Hamar people in the Lower Omo Valley, which is internationally recognised for its unique cultural practices and ecological richness. The Hamar community is among the diverse ethnic groups in the Southern Omo Region and embodies a pastoral lifestyle closely linked to agro-pastoralism, in which cattle play a central role both culturally and economically. This lifestyle is particularly notable in the region due to its specific cultural practices and economic reliance on cattle. This study presents an in-depth examination of the pastoral lifestyle and traditional practices of the Hamar people in the Lower Omo Valley in southwestern Ethiopia. The aim is to understand the cultural, economic and environmental dynamics underlying the lifestyle of the Hamar and to explore the unique socio-economic structure and ecological adaptation of these villages. The study is also intended to contribute to the sustainability of pastoralism and to the preservation of cultural diversity at both a regional and global level. The use of observer and participant observation techniques also constitutes a preliminary study of the biological aspects of dietary habits, which I intend to examine in dept through the daily practices of the society and to carry out in the field of physical anthropology in the future. Through this research, the paper contributes to the wider discourse on the preservation of Ethiopian culture, highlighting the need to protect the rich heritage of the Hamar community amidst evolving external influences.

AIM: The study aimed to investigate vanA/vanB resistance genes and to determine the frequency of vancomycin-variable enterococci(VVE). BACKGROUND: Enterococci that are phenotypically-susceptible to vancomycin but harbor glycopeptide resistance genes are called VVE. These strains cannot be detected by phenotypic methods, but it is possible by molecular methods. METHODS: Enterococcal strains, sensitive to vancomycin, were included in the study. These isolates were analyzed for the vanA and vanB genes by both monoplex and multiplex conventional PCR. ''Enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus-PCR (ERIC-PCR)'' method was used to investigate the clonal relationship of the isolates. RESULTS: The study included 158(62.94%) E.faecalis and 93(37.05%) E.faecium strains that were susceptible to vancomycin.According to the results of multiplex PCR using vanA primers and vanB primers together, the vanA gene was detected in one(0.39%) E.faecalis isolate; the vanB gene was detected in two E.faecium and 98 E.faecalis isolates (39.84%)(Figure 1).According to the results of monoplex PCR using vanA primers, the vanA gene was detected in one (0.39%) E.faecalis isolate (Figure 2); As a result of monoplex PCR performed with vanB primers, the vanB gene was not found in any sample (Figure 3).No dominant pattern was observed by ERIC-PCR(Figure 4). CONCLUSION: When vanA and vanB primers were investigated together with multiplex PCR, it was observed that the vanB primer caused false positivity in agarose gel electrophoresis because it formed a band close to the base pair.Although enterococci with vanA and vanB genes were detected at a very low prevalence as a result of our study, the detection of VVE isolates is essential to prevent antimicrobial resistance.

This study aimed to research changes in biochemical profile and oxidant-antioxidant activities of Damascus goats of different ages. The 45 non-gravid Damascus goats of different ages were included in the research. They were divided into three groups of 15 goats according to age: goat kids ( - ≤ 6-months age), young goats (2-3-year age) and old goats (5-8-year age). Biochemical parameters and oxidant-antioxidant activities were determined in serum samples using commercial kits and colorimetric methods. The lowest serum urea, blood urea nitrogen, aspartate aminotransferase, total protein, albumin, globulin and magnesium levels were observed in goat kids (P < .05). Concentrations of glucose, inorganic phosphorus, non-esterified fatty acids, albumin/globulin and alanine aminotransferase decreased with age in the goats (P < .05). Serum total oxidant capacity, total antioxidants capacity and oxidative stress index levels were increased in goat kids compared to old goats (P < .05). Furthermore the highest serum glutathione and glutathione preoxidase activities were observed in young goats (P < .05). An increase was determined in concentrations of serum β-carotene and bilirubin in old goats compared to goat kids (P < .05). In contrast, serum catalase activity, arylesterase, ceruloplasmin and uric acid values did not differ between the groups. The results obtained on the biochemical profiles and oxidant-antioxidant activities of Damascus goats will contribute to monitoring this breed's age-related health and nutritional status and establishing reference values.

The objective of this study was to systematically evaluate the effects of different repair methods to determine optimal strategies for enhancing the load-carrying capacity of damaged reinforced concrete beams. During construction or rehabilitation, some openings may be created in structural members for various reasons, either intentionally or accidentally. While creating these gaps, damage may occur to the lower reinforcement of the beam. Within the scope of this paper, the effects of these openings were studied, and the different techniques to be used in the repair of damaged reinforced concrete beams were investigated. This study discusses an experimental analysis of ten beams under bending loads. An opening gap was formed at the lower mid-span of all beams except the reference beam, with the main reinforcement in these openings being cut. The damaged beams were then repaired with various techniques, including fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) sheets and different reinforcement bars. The experiments of all beams were carried out by applying the four-point bending test model. The results showed that all repaired beams had significant enhancements in behavior and load, stiffness, ductility, and energy consumption capacities compared to the damaged beam.

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) engagement, as a multidimensional construct, plays an increasingly important role in education. The main purpose of this research was to explore the effects of ICT engagement factors on science performance across Singapore and Turkey conditional to the sufficient degree of measurement invariance of ICT engagement scale. The multigroup confirmatory factor analysis results demonstrated strong factorial invariance of ICT engagement scale across Singapore and Turkey, so we were able to use ICT engagement scale to meaningful and valid comparisons between these countries. After obtaining measurement invariance, a multi-group structural equation modeling was used for the comparison of the effects of ICT engagement factors on student's performance of science between these two countries. While interest in ICT, perceived ICT competence and perceived autonomy in using ICT have significant positive direct effect on science performance in both countries, the direct effect of social relatedness in using ICT on science performance is negative in both Singapore and Turkey. Also, when compared with Singapore, the effects of all ICT engagement constructs on student's performance are higher in Turkey.

There is an increasing interest in predicting the contribution level of open and distance learning to students' career, in order to perceive the pathway for higher quality standards. For this purpose, Anadolu University Faculty of Open Education, which can be considered a leader in its field, to learners' professions and their career goals, organized a research project in which a questionnaire was conducted involving approximately 17,000 associate and undergraduate students to build a database of responses. The data was used to determine the contribution level of the open education programs. The five ordered-level contributions were recorded to a response variable. Demographical, educational and economic variables were successfully used in mapping the categorical responses using the ordinal logistic regression analysis method (OLR). The results, unlike other studies, indicate that there is a positive relationship between family size and the contribution level of distance education on students' preparation for the professions. In a novel way, the socioeconomic level of the students is considered in the OLR model as an economic factor. As a consequence, the students with moderate and higher socioeconomic levels demonstrated superior levels of contribution.

Angiogenesis is involved in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) progression. Vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C) and its receptors are key angiogenic markers. The main objective of this study was to investigate the serum levels of VEGF-C and its receptors, soluble VEGF receptor 2 (sVEGFR-2) and VEGFR-3, in patients with PCOS and healthy controls and determine the link between serum levels of these VEGF-related proteins and the biochemical and hormonal data of patients with PCOS.

On May 1, 2021, Act No. 151/2021 Coll., amending Act No. 504/2003 Coll. on the lease of agricultural land, agricultural business and forest land and on the amendment of certain laws as amended by later regulations, which amend Act of the Slovak National Council No. 330/1991 Coll. on land adjustments, arrangement of land ownership, land offices, land fund and on land communities as amended (hereinafter referred to as “Amendment No. 151/2021 Coll.”) entered into force. Amendment No. 151/2021 Coll. fundamentally changes the rules and obligations of the municipality as the owner of agricultural land when leasing agricultural land to other persons. The paper clearly explains the most important institutes related to the lease of agricultural land by the municipality and points out the new legal regime of the lease of municipal agricultural land effective from 1 May 2021.

El objetivo de la investigación es determi­nar la voluntad y las perspectivas de los empleados de hoteles de cinco estrellas en Nevşehir, Turquía, con respecto a los robots de servicio. En el estudio se uti­lizó un método mixto: se obtuvieron 396 encuestas por el método de muestreo por conveniencia; además, se adoptó el método de muestreo intencional, que fue diseñado como un estudio de caso, y se entrevistó a 12 personas. Los hallazgos de la investiga­ción se revelaron mediante la realización de análisis de diferencias y análisis descriptivos. Se ha determinado que los empleados del hotel están relativamente dispuestos a trabajar con robots de servicio. Los empleados se centraron más en el desempeño y la conveniencia de los robots de servicio. Algunos trabajadores afirmaron que, aunque los robots de servicio tengan características físicas similares a las humanas, no pueden reemplazar a los humanos debido a la naturaleza intensiva en mano de obra del turismo. Por otro lado, se ha concluido que con el logro del estándar de servicio se jugará un papel importante en la reducción de errores y en el aumento de la calidad del servicio.

Introduction:Upper gastrointestinal bleeding is an important emergency problem that can occur at any age in childhood and requires urgent treatment for the underlying cause. Etiological causes of gastrointestinal bleeding vary by age and geographic region. In this study; we aimed to investigate the demographic characteristics, etiological causes, endoscopic intervention results, and the relationship between analgesic/antipyretic drug use and bleeding in patients admitted to the pediatric emergency department with upper gastrointestinal bleeding.Methods:The records of patients aged 1 month to 18 years who presented to our pediatric emergency department with upper gastrointestinal bleeding between January 2017 and 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic features, complaints at admission, etiological reasons, endoscopy findings, diagnoses, and antipyretic/analgesic drug use were recorded.Results:There were 108 patients presenting with upper gastrointestinal bleeding, and 53.7% of the patients were male. The mean age was 76.7±58.3 months. Hematemesis was present in 100 patients. Symptoms of the patients; vomiting was present in 82.4%, upper respiratory tract infection in 36.1%, fever in 29.6%, and abdominal pain in 25.9%. There were 52 patients with a history of antipyretic and/or analgesic drug use. An endoscopic examination was performed in 74 patients. In patients who underwent endoscopic examination; pathological changes were detected in 26 of 32 patients who used drugs and 30 of 42 patients who did not use drugs.Conclusion:In patients presenting to the pediatric emergency department with upper gastrointestinal bleeding, the bleeding is usually acute and self-limiting, but requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. Approximately half of the patients in our study had a history of antipyretic/analgesic drug use in etiology. When the endoscopic findings of drug users and non-users were compared, no statistically significant difference was observed in terms of pathological findings.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the willingness of parents to allow their children to receive a COVID-19 vaccine and the factors affecting the decision. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted as a prospective, cross-sectional and descriptive survey study. A survey consisting of questions about the COVID-19 vaccination was conducted with parents. Results: The study included 592 parents, 180 (30.4%) male, and the mean age was 34.14±7.42 years. There were 257 (43.4%) parents would vaccinate their children. A high level of education of parents (p=0.022), a high monthly income of the family (p=0.006), and male gender (p=0.002) were associated with high willingness to vaccinate their children. Two hundred twenty two parents stated that their decision may change depending on whether the vaccine is of domestic or foreign origin, and 215 (96.85%) of them stated that they would prefer domestic vaccines. The most frequent reasons for vaccine hesitancy or refusal to their children were: fear of possible side effects and it being a foreign vaccine. Conclusion: The hesitancy or refusal of parents to vaccinate their children with the COVID-19 vaccine is high. Public health authorities should inform the public about the importance of vaccination and domestic vaccine production should be encouraged.

A novel series of twelve aromatic bis-ureido-substituted benzenesulfonamides was synthesised by conjugation of aromatic aminobenzenesulfonamides with aromatic bis-isocyanates. The obtained bis-ureido-substituted derivatives were tested against four selected human carbonic anhydrase isoforms (hCA I, hCA II, hCA IX and hCA XII). Most of the new compounds showed an effective inhibitory profile against isoforms hCA IX and hCA XII, also having some selectivity with respect to hCA I and hCA II. The inhibition constants of these compounds against isoforms hCA IX and XII were in the range of 6.73–835 and 5.02–429 nM, respectively. Since hCA IX and hCA XII are important drug targets for anti-cancer/anti-metastatic drugs, these effective inhibitors reported here may be considered of interest for cancer related studies in which these enzymes are involved.

The role of vitamin D in primary osteoarthritis (OA) has not been clarified yet. vitamin D receptor (VDR) and fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23) are proteins that play an important role in the metabolism of vitamin D. In this preliminary study, we aimed to examine serum 25-(OH) vitamin D3, VDR, and FGF-23 levels in primary knee OA patients.

Bone metastasis is one of the most encountered complications among cancer patients and majority of cancer types has led to bone metastasis. Paclitaxel (PCX) is an anticancer agent commonly used in cancer treatment. However, its clinical use is restricted owing to poor water solubility. PCL NPs were investigated to cope with solubility problem of PCX. The size, polydispersity index and zeta potential of PCL were 383.8±2.4 nm, 0.253±0.122 and +51.3±6.1 mV, respectively. The PCX encapsulation efficiency was 77.2±2.1%. Subsequently, in situ gellling system was prepared by using different Pluronic F-127 concentration in order to determine the optimum ratio. İn situ gel formulation containing 20% Pluronic F-127 was selected as the optimum formulation and subjected to characterization tests. The viscosity of in situ gelling system with CS/PCX-PCL NPs at room temperature (25 °C±0.1) and at body temperature (37 °C±0.1) were found 137.00 ±3.05 cP and 890.30 ±89.61 cP at 100 rpm, respectively. According to the release results, in situ gel provided prolonged release profile compared to PCL NPs alone. Consequently, in situ gel containing CS/PCX-PCL NP elucidated in detail is a promising approach for locally applicable injectable systems. [Med-Science 2023; 12(1.000): 224-30]