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This study aims to determine the perceptions of fine arts high school music department students about the concept of "instrument training" through an alternative measurement and evaluation technique "Word Association Test (WAT)". In this study, the survey model, one of the qualitative research methods, was used. The study group of the research consisted of 110 students studying at Nevit Kodalli Fine Arts High School Music Department in the 2021-2022 academic year. The data were obtained by applying the "Word Association Test (WAT)". Firstly, WAT was explained for informative purposes during the application. Then, the students were asked to write the first 5 words that they thought were related to the key concept of "instrument training" within 1 minute. Afterwards, they were asked to make a sentence related to these answer words. The obtained answer words were analysed by content analysis technique. As a result of the analysis, the answer words that the students associated with the key concept of "instrument training" were grouped under 9 categories (teaching materials, performance anxiety, motivation for the instrument, social skills, attitude towards the instrument, technical skills, student capacity, education and training). According to the order of these categories, the most frequently associated answer words with instrument education were instrument, etude, excitement, working, cooperation, happiness, note, talent and teacher. Under the category of performance anxiety and motivation related to the instrument, the students showed a negative distribution on the word "tiring". It was observed that the students had a positive cognitive structure in all categories.

Young children's instinctive curiosity is essential in early childhood science education. Efficacious science education is associated with the characteristics of a qualified science program and an effective learning environment. The out-of-school learning environments make it easier to achieve the aims of science education in early childhood with their opportunities and advantages. This single case study aimed to reveal the views of the parents of children aged 60-72 months who participated in an early childhood science program that included science activities in out-of-school learning environments, in the classroom, and at home. The program, which included parent involvement activities in the classroom, out-of-school learning environments and at home, was implemented for seven weeks. After completing all activities of the program, the data obtained from the interviews with the parents were analyzed. The findings showed that parents were interested in science and supported their children regarding science subjects, spent time at home on science activities, and visited out-of-school learning environments with their children. It was determined that the out-of-school learning activities of the program contributed a lot to the child, and the studies of parent involvement at home contributed variously for both the child and the parents. The program was effective as a whole and parents requested its implementation throughout the school year. Based on these findings, in this research, we discussed the importance of frequently including science activities in out-of-school learning environments and classroom activities in early childhood and the parents' involvement in the science education process as valuable stakeholders. [This research was presented as an oral presentation at the X. International Congress of Educational Research in Türkiye (Nevsehir) on 27-30 April 2018.]

The study was conducted using a qualitative research method to examine Montessori preschool education practices in Turkiye. The study group consisted of 14 teachers in Montessori classrooms of preschools in the central district of a province in Turkiye. The data were collected with a Structured Classroom Observation Form, Material Control List and Semi-structured interviews. The MAXQDA 2022 software was used for the analysis of teacher interviews. According to the findings, the structure of the Montessori classrooms was generally in accordance with the Montessori philosophy, and there was a sufficient number and variety of Montessori materials in the classrooms. Practical life and mathematics activities were frequently included in the program. The most commonly used materials were sensorial and cosmic field materials. Teachers felt inadequate about Montessori practices. There were problems with the high-class size, mixed age, cost and supply of material. According to teachers, education provides children with self-regulation skills and enables effective learning. In addition, education has some advantages for parents and teachers. Children were bored with the activities, parents had insufficient knowledge of the practices, and teachers had time management problems. Finally, teachers offered recommendations for improving practices.

This study, carried out during COVID-19, aimed at evaluating the effects of music lesson activities prepared with blended learning and the ASSURE instructional design model on both students and music teachers. 10th grade students (n=30) in a public school participated in the study. An action research design was prepared with a combination of learning at stations method, mobile games (Rhythm Cat, NoteWorks) and Web 2.0 tools (Thinglink, Plickers, Kahoot). "Teacher diary" and "semi-structured interview protocol" were used as data collection tools. The data were analyzed by content analysis with Maxqda software. Interrater reliability of the two experts asked to code the qualitative data was calculated to increase the reliability of the study. Following the implementation, the findings showed that the students' independent learning, motivation, collaboration, making learning fun, interaction, communication, competition, socialization and productivity improved intensively. It was understood that the emerged negativities were not related to the teaching tools used in the action research procedure but were generally related to the negative learning conditions due to the pandemic. The most notable negative aspects were difficulty in technological competence, difficulties in self-regulation, temporary anxiety, digital access and some short-term technological malfunctions. The study concludes with several recommendations and highlights the points that need further attention in such innovative research.

Abstract Background Presbycusis is known to accelerate mental decline processes and to cause secondary consequences such as social isolation and depression when not intervened. The association of presbycusis and presbyvestibulopathy disorders is likely. These changes in vestibular functions are closely related to cognitive functions. This study investigated the effect of hearing loss on cognitive and vestibular functions in a geriatric population. Methods This study was conducted with 200 participants over the age of 65. The study was conducted with three groups: individuals with normal hearing, moderate sensorineural hearing loss, and severe sensorineural hearing loss. The relationship between the participants’ responses to the Cognitive Vestibular Function Scale and their hearing levels was examined. Results Of the individuals with hearing loss in the study group, 55 had moderate SNHL, and 45 had severe SNHL. The age range of the participants was 65 to 91 years (71.06 ± 4.92). When the control (Group N) and study groups (Group M and Group S) were compared according to CVFS and subscale scores, they were found to be statistically different (p

Abstract Purpose In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy and enoxaparin sodium, which are known to accelerate bone tissue healing as well as tendon and soft tissue healing, on the healing of Achilles tendon rupture. Methods Thirty-six rats were used in the present study. All rats were divided into groups of nine. The groups were the enoxaparin sodium group, enoxaparin sodium and hyperbaric oxygen group, hyperbaric oxygen group and control group. After 21 days, the process was completed, and the rats were sacrificed. Achilles tendon samples were evaluated histopathologically. Results The groups were compared according to the results of statistical analysis based on the histopathological data. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of acute inflammation (p = 0.785) or chronic inflammation (p = 0.827) scores, but there were significant differences in neovascularization (p = 0.009), proliferation (p

Background: Herpes zoster (HZ) is a viral disease characterized by skin eruptions and pain in specific dermatomes. Focal motor weakness that appears in the segment of skin eruptions is a rare complication of this infection. Because of the difficulty in clinically diagnosing thoracic or upper cervical motor weakness and due to the pain that causes overlooking of weakness, the true incidence of this complication is not known. In this study, we want to review the clinical presentation of segmental zoster paresis and also discuss electrophysiological findings with the involvement of nerve, plexus parts, or spinal roots. Methods: Electromyography records were examined retrospectively from 2010 to 2023 for patients who had HZ-associated limb paresis. Clinical data were reviewed and abstracted, and patients whose clinical limb weakness and sensory deficits conformed to the distribution of peripheral nerve (s) or spinal root and whose electrodiagnostic evaluation corroborated the localization, were included in the series. Results: Fifteen patients were included in our study. Ten of them were men and five of them were women. Paresis and neuropathic pain are the main complaints. In all patients, the distribution of paresis was consistent with the area of skin eruptions. C8–T1 in the upper extremity and L5–S1 in the lower extremity are the most commonly involved segments. Electrophysiological findings showed radicular involvement in three cases, brachial plexus in six cases, ulnar nerve in one case, sciatic nerve in two cases, and fibular nerve in three cases. Axonopathy is the main detected pathology in all cases. Conclusion: Segmental zoster paresis is a rare complication of cutaneous zona zoster and it affects different nerve segments. Clinicians should be aware of clinical and electrophysiological findings of this disease for the appropriate management of the patients.

The enduring conflicts among Middle Eastern nations have caused devastating casualties and loss of life, leading to deep human suffering and significant societal distress. Their impact is not limited to the immediate regions involved but has reverberated across communities within those countries. Additionally, the international community has been deeply affected by the conflict and has made efforts to seek a resolution. The inadequate understanding of collateral damage and a primitive mindset have resulted in the unfortunate deaths of numerous innocent civilians. This article explores the psychological mechanisms underlying collateral damage in the context of war and conflict. In an effort to shed light on the multifaceted nature of collateral damage and its impact on both affected populations and combatants, the complex interplay of cognitive, emotional, and social factors was explored. The aim was to explore the psychological consequences of collateral damage and provide theoretical assumptions to understand collateral damage and war. The SANRA narrative review method was adopted to discuss the psychological underpinnings of collateral damage. Several studies have explored the concept of collateral damage in the context of war and psychology. By understanding the psychological mechanisms behind collateral damage, it is possible to effectively address the root causes and develop strategies to minimise its occurrence in armed conflicts. Moreover, it is essential to prioritise the education of leaders and military personnel regarding the concept of collateral damage

This study aimed to investigate parents' views about science and parent involvement in pre-school science activities. According to Cresswell's designs' sequential explanatory mixed-method design, the study was conducted. The participants were composed of parents of 39 children (60-72 months) who studied in two different classrooms, there were 20 children in one of the classrooms, and there were 19 children in the other classroom at a public pre-school in Ankara/Turkey in 2015-2016 school year. The Parents' Views about Science and Preschool Science Activities Scale and semi-structured interviews were used to collect data. In addition, semi-structured interviews were conducted with three volunteer parents, each from the parents who got high, medium, and low average scores from the scale. Thus, parents' views about science and parent involvement in pre-school science activities were examined in detail. According to the results of this study, it was determined that the parents who participated in this study had positive views on science and science education in pre-school, realized the importance of science activities in pre-school, were eager to participate in pre-school science activities. Therefore, this study suggests that teachers and parents should be informed that parents' involvement is essential for doing science activities in pre-school.

PurposeThe objective of this study was to characterize the electrophysiological characteristics of nonrecurrent inferior laryngeal nerves (NRILNs) that were dissected via intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) and concomitant vascular anomalies in patients with NRILNs.MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted on 7865 patients who underwent thyroidectomy with IONM at three tertiary referral centers. The study included 42 patients in whom an NRILN was detected. IONM data and postoperative vocal cord (VC) examinations were recorded for all patients. The absence of an initial vagal EMG response and/or a short (3.5ms had a large mediastinal goiter. Transient VC paralysis occurred in one (2.4%) patient. Of the 36 patients with postoperative imaging data, 33 (91.4%) had vascular anomalies. All 33 patients had aberrant right subclavian arteries, and 13 (39.4%) also had accompanying additional vascular anomalies.ConclusionThe NRILN is an anatomical variation that increases the risk of nerve injury. Observation of an absent EMG response and/or a short latency period during the initial vagal stimulation facilitates the detection of an NRILN at an early stage of thyroidectomy in the majority of patients.

Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most common primary intraocular tumor in adults, and despite excellent local control, more than 50% of patients develop and die from metastatic disease. Loss of BAP1 nuclear staining, a surrogate marker of BAP1 mutation, and preferentially expressed antigen in melanoma (PRAME) messenger RNA overexpression, as assessed using qPCR, have previously been shown to correlate with increased metastasis rate in UM. In this study, we demonstrated that UM could be successfully risk-stratified using a combination of BAP1 and PRAME immunohistochemical (IHC) stains. We retrospectively reviewed 318 UM cases with sufficient tissue and performed BAP1 and PRAME IHC to stratify them as BAP1+/PRAME- (group 1, n = 135), BAP1+/PRAME+ (group 2, n = 43), BAP1-/PRAME- (group 3, n = 94), and BAP1-/PRAME+ (group 4, n = 46). Increasing the study risk group on the basis of loss of BAP1 expression and positive PRAME staining was associated with a higher rate of metastasis and disease-specific death and lower metastasis-free survival (MFS) and disease-specific survival (DSS). Among tumors with loss of BAP1 staining, PRAME positivity was associated with shorter MFS (P = .018) and showed a trend toward shorter DSS (P = .061). Among tumors with retained BAP1 staining, PRAME positivity was associated with shorter MFS and DSS (P = .001 and P = .021, respectively). In summary, a combination of BAP1 and PRAME IHC can be used for risk stratification of UMs.

Abstract Background Ocular inflammatory diseases, including scleritis and uveitis, have been widely treated with immunomodulatory therapies (IMTs) as a steroid-sparing approach. Such strategy includes conventional therapies (antimetabolites, alkylating agents, and calcineurin inhibitors) as well as biologic agents like adalimumab, infliximab, rituximab, and tocilizumab. Cyclophosphamide (CP) is an alkylating agent and mainly inhibits the functioning of both T and B cells. Though known to have potential adverse events, including bone marrow suppression, hemorrhagic cystitis, and sterility, CP has been shown to be efficacious, especially in recalcitrant cases and when used intravenous (IV) for a limited period. Main findings We conducted a retrospective case-series to assess the safety and efficacy of CP therapy for patients with severe ocular inflammatory diseases who failed other IMTs. Medical records of 1295 patients who presented to the Uveitis Clinic at the Byers Eye Institute at Stanford between 2017 and 2022 were reviewed. Seven patients (10 eyes) who received CP therapy for ocular inflammatory diseases with at least one year of follow-up were included. The mean age of the patients (4 males, 3 females) was 61.6 ± 14.9 (43.0–89.0) years. Clinical diagnoses included necrotizing scleritis (5 eyes), peripheral ulcerative keratitis (2 eyes), orbital pseudotumor (1 eye), HLA-B27 associated panuveitis and retinal vasculitis (2 eyes). Ocular disease was idiopathic in 3 patients, and was associated with rheumatoid arthritis, IgG-4 sclerosing disease, dermatomyositis, and ankylosing spondylitis in 1 patient each. All the patients had history of previous IMT use including methotrexate (5), mycophenolate mofetil (3), azathioprine (1), tacrolimus (1), adalimumab (2), infliximab (4), and rituximab (1). The mean follow-up time was 34.4 ± 11.0 (13–45) months, and mean duration of CP therapy was 11.9 ± 8.8 (5–28) months. Remission was achieved in 5 patients (71.4%). Four patients (57.1%) experienced transient leukopenia (white blood cell count

Kadir Uludag Shanghai Mental Health Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Kadir Uludag, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, 16 Wanping Nan Road, 600, Shanghai, 20030, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86-18401653162, Email kadiruludag@mails.ucas.ac.cnBackground: Textual data analysis has become a popular method for examining complex human behavior in various fields, including psychology, psychiatry, sociology, computer science, data mining, forensic sciences, and communication studies. However, identifying the most relevant textual parameters for analyzing complex behavior is still a challenge.Goal of Study: This paper aims to explore potential textual parameters that could be useful in analyzing behavior through complex textual data. Furthermore, we have examined the randomly generated text based on different textual parameters.Methods: To achieve this goal, we conducted a comprehensive review of the literature on textual data analysis and identified several potential topics that could be relevant, such as sentiment analysis, discourse analysis, lexical analysis, and syntactic analysis. We discuss the theoretical background and practical implications of each parameter and provide examples of how they have been used in previous research. Furthermore, we highlight the importance of considering the context in which these parameters are applied and the need for interdisciplinary collaboration to gain a deeper understanding of complex behavior through textual data analysis. Furthermore, we have provided Python code in the Supplementary Materials to facilitate a comprehensive analysis of such behaviors. In addition, to generate the text for analysis, we utilized ChatGPT 3.5 Turbo by requesting it to generate a random text of 1000 words divided into five paragraphs. Afterwards, we applied the provided Python code to analyze the randomly generated text.Conclusion: Overall, this paper provides a foundation for researchers to identify relevant textual parameters to analyze complex human behavior in their respective fields such as linguistics, sociology, psychiatry, and psychology.Keywords: chatbot, behavioral analysis, textual parameters, textual data, psychology, text analysis, linguistics, textual patterns

ObjectiveTo analyze the genetic features of melanocytomas and melanomas of the anterior uvea and assess the value of molecular testing for diagnosis and prognostication.DesignRetrospective case-control study.SubjectsPatients with melanocytoma (n = 16) and melanoma (n = 19) of the anterior uvea.MethodsTargeted next-generation sequencing was performed on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tumor tissue from anterior uveal melanocytic tumors and correlated with clinicopathologic features.Main outcome measuresPresence or absence of accompanying oncogenic alterations beyond GNAQ/GNA11 and their association with histologic features and local recurrence.ResultsHotspot missense mutations in GNAQ/GNA11 were identified in 91% (32/35) of all cases. None of the melanocytomas with or without atypia demonstrated chromosomal imbalances or additional oncogenic variants beyond GNAQ mutation, and none recurred over a median follow-up of 36 months. Additional alterations identified in a subset of melanomas include mutations in BAP1 (n = 3), EIF1AX (n = 4), SRSF2 (n = 1), PTEN (n = 1), and EP300 (n = 1); monosomy 3p (n = 6); trisomy 6p (n = 3); trisomy 8q (n = 2); and an ultraviolet mutational signature (n = 5). Local recurrences were limited to melanomas, all of which demonstrated oncogenic alterations in addition to GNAQ/GNA11 (n = 5). A single melanoma harboring GNAQ and BAP1 mutations and monosomy 3 was the only tumor that metastasized.ConclusionsIn this study, anterior segment uveal melanocytomas did not display oncogenic alterations beyond GNAQ/GNA11. Therefore, they are genetically similar to uveal nevi rather than uveal melanoma based on their molecular features known from the literature. Molecular testing can be performed on borderline cases to aid risk stratification and clinical management decisions.

Despite the breadth of integrated writing assessment research, few studies have examined student perceptions of classroom-based integrated writing tasks or the instructional value of analytic rubrics. Adopting a case study methodology, this exploratory research investigated L2 learners' conceptualizations of integrated writing assessment and their use of an analytic rubric for self-assessment in an EAP writing course. Data sources included integrated writing samples that were evaluated by the students and their instructor, a writing self-efficacy questionnaire, individual retrospective interviews, and course materials such as syllabi, and task instructions. Qualitative analysis revealed themes related to three aspects of classroom-based integrated writing assessment: task requirements, task conditions, and instructor feedback. The themes were discussed in terms of students' test taking strategies and the use of available support systems in EAP contexts. In addition, findings indicated an overlap between students' self-assessment and instructor evaluation of their integrated essays, suggesting that students could use the evaluation criteria effectively. Implications for teaching and assessing integrated writing in EAP contexts are discussed.

Achievement in a course mostly depends on the students' characteristics and how teachers make their courses effective for their students' learning. Although different characteristics of teachers and students can affect learning outcomes, new approaches like STEM may cause new characteristics which affect students' achievement as STEM attitudes. This study examines the correlation between secondary school students' STEM attitudes and their achievement in the Technology and Design Course (T&DC). A correlational survey model was applied in the study. A total of 400 students studying in the seventh and eighth grades constitute the sample of the study. A personal data form and STEM attitude test were utilized to collect data. Pearson Correlation Analysis and Regression Analysis techniques were used in the data analysis process. As a result of the analysis, it was found a positive and significant correlation between students' Technology and Design Course achievement and STEM attitudes. Students' attitudes to STEM predict their achievement in the Technology and Design Course by 5.1%. Students developing positive STEM attitudes can further enhance achievement in the (T&DC), which enables students to acquire the necessary design skills to produce technology in the future.

The aim of research was to reveal the views of preschool teachers on using out-of-school learning environments in preschool education. It was a qualitative research conducted by phenomenological method and eleven preschool teachers from Turkey were included in it. The research data was obtained by interview and the interview form prepared by the researcher was used in the interviews. The data was analyzed by using descriptive and content analysis techniques. The findings revealed that preschool teachers described the out-of-school learning concept in compliance with the literature as the 'learning performed anywhere out of classroom/school'. It was considered that out-of-school learning environments had advantages for children in developmental, cognitive and social-emotional terms and for teachers in terms of education processes, vocational and personal development. However, these environments had disadvantages for children in safety, social-emotional, development and in environment-related terms and for teachers in process-related and social-emotional terms. The teachers stated that environment, parent, teacher-based problems and safety problems were experienced in the activities performed in these environments. It was determined that the teachers mostly did not consider themselves competitive in conducting activities in these environments due to the lack of knowledge and experience. In the research, some recommendations were made based on the results.

This study compared English L2 writers' (N =111) performance on an integrated writing task from the Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL) Assessment under three prewriting planning conditions: required self-timed planning required fixed time planning, and suggested (i.e., optional) planning. The participants' integrated essays were scored according to the CAEL writing bands by raters at Paragon Testing Inc. The effect of planning condition on the participants' planning time, writing time, and integrated writing scores were analyzed using MANOVA. The student interviews were analyzed using thematic content analysis. The results indicated that planning time was the only variable impacted by planning condition, with students in the required self-timed planning condition taking more time to plan before beginning to write. Students' perceptions about prewriting planning are discussed in terms of implications for the teaching and assessment of L2 integrated writing.

Persistent seed banks are equally important in agriculture and invasion biology. While seed vitality persistence exemplifies an eternal uphill battle for weed control in agriculture, it signals a potential invasiveness of species in invasion biology. Considering yield losses caused by Amaranthus retroflexus, Abutilon theophrasti, Chenopodium album and Datura stramonium in agriculture, and the importance of Ambrosia trifida as an emerging invader in Europe, the objective of this study was to test the viability and longevity of the aged seeds of these economically important weeds. Three seed viability/longevity tests were conducted: the crush test, germination test in Petri dishes, and 3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) test. The results revealed a significant variation in germination potential among the tested species. The highest vitality was observed in 7-year-old seeds of A. retroflexus (41.67 %), followed by 16-year-old A. theophrasti seeds (17.78 %), 13-year-old C. album seeds (15.00 %) and 17-year-old D. stramonium seeds (7.5 %). Furthermore, a remarkable seed longevity was documented in the tested species (with the exception of A. trifida), preserving their germination potential for over half a century. Seed germination was recorded in 49-year-old seeds of D. stramonium, 53-year-old seeds of A. retroflexus, 58-year-old seeds of A. theophrasti and 59-year-old seeds of C. album, in strong evidence of the persistence of these weed species' seeds in the environment.