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This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between C-reactive protein/albumin (CRP/Alb), neutrophil/lymphocyte (NLR), platelet/lymphocyte (PLR) ratios and the Acute Physiology And Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score and 28-day mortality among 400 patients admitted to internal medicine and anesthesia reanimation intensive care unit (ICU).

This study mainly aims to examine digital learning material development self-efficacy, self-efficacy perception for technology integration, and educational technology standards self-efficacy from pre-service science teachers. Furthermore, the perspectives of pre-service science teachers on the use of DILMs created with the applications provided during the research the learning environment have been determined. The study was conducted with 53 pre-service science teachers studying at the education faculty of public universities in Turkey. As a data collection tool; "Self-Efficacy Scale of Teachers' Digital Teaching Material Development (DTeM)"), "Technology Integration Self-Efficacy Scale (TIn)", and "Education Technology Standards Self-Efficacy Scale (ETS)" were used. Besides, as data collection tool reflection reports were used too. The quantitative data were examined using the SPSS statistics package program, and the qualitative data were assessed using the content analysis approach. According to the study's findings, there was a statistically significant rise in the average scores of the pre-service teachers obtained from the scales of DTeM, TIn, and ETS in favor of the post-test. In addition, pre-service science teachers have positive opinions on the use of DILMs in the learning environment under the student, learning environment, and learning process category. The researchers finally suggest that such activities must be designed and organized not only for pre-service teachers but also for learners of this century.

This study aims to examine the distance learning practices carried out at the primary education level during the COVID-19 pandemic from students' and their parents' perspectives. The study was conducted with 76 primary school students at different grade levels, including their parents (76), in the state schools of Giresun city in the spring semester of the 2019-2020 academic year. The study was based on the case study method, one of the qualitative research designs. An information collection form with open-ended questions was used as a data collection tool. The data obtained from the information collection form were analyzed by the content analysis method. The findings have revealed that the distance learning system has a flexible structure and is accessible from any place, but there are difficulties accessing the system due to connection problems. These systems facilitate the teaching process, affecting learning positively. The findings also showed that distance learning systems are not favored by students who long for friends and teachers during the learning process performed on these systems. Unlike face-to-face training, disciplinary and supervision problems in distance learning are also noteworthy. The authors finally suggest that the distance learning and management process should be performed in a restrained manner to ensure the process to be run effectively and efficiently.

In Turkey, teacher appointment is made centrally by the Ministry of National Education and is made without considering where the teachers want to work. Many teachers are assigned to places very different from the cultural environments in which they grew up resulting in them encountering very different school types and administrator habits. The negative situations encountered affect the motivation of newly appointed teachers and weaken their organisational commitment. The draft scale was created with a pool of questions obtained as a result of examining the legal texts and similar studies on the subject. This draft scale includes 28 items and was developed for the adaptation of new appointed teachers to the profession. The rotated principal component analysis was used to test the construct validity of the scale. As a result of the analysis, the Kaiser-MeyerOlkin (KMO) value was determined as 0.949, while the Bartlett test was found to be significant. The analysis showed that 2 of the 28 items were loaded on more than 1 factor and as their load values were low, the 2 items were removed from the scale. The remaining 26 items formed a 3-factor structure with an eigenvalue higher than 1.00. Factor 1 of the scale is called "Compliance with the profession"; Factor 2 "Environmental compliance" and Factor 3 "Compliance with school." While Factor 1 with an eigenvalue of 5.86 explained 22.55% of the total variance, Factor 2, with an eigenvalue of 4.97 explained 19.13% of the total variance. Factor 3, with an eigenvalue of 4.71 explained 18.11% of the total variance. The alpha reliability coefficient of the composite scale was found to be 0.955. Internal consistency coefficients of the factors of the scale were 0.91 for all 3 factors.

Although colonoscopy remains the gold standard for Ulcerative colitis (UC) diagnosis due to its invasive and costly nature, non-invasive biomarkers are gaining importance in disease activity monitoring and diagnosis. In our study, we aimed to evaluate the correlation of fecal calprotectin (FC) and fecal lactoferrin (FL) levels with the disease activity according to 3 different disease activity indices and to investigate the relationship between the presence of peri-nuclear anti-neutrophil antibody (p-ANCA) and disease activity.

Abstract The main feature of this paper is an application of the modified Bernstein operator in the approximate and numerical solution of integral equations. The stability of the algorithm is discussed in the context of errors resulting from the numerical approximation of Volterra integral equations. The mechanism of the proposed method is explained in detail, including its main features. Furthermore, a comparison with an alternative numerical technique is made, and the superiority of the proposed solution is shown. Numerical experiments are also performed to verify the validity of the proposed method and to assess its accuracy. Finally, several conclusions are drawn from the results of the numerical experiments. The proposed method provides a powerful and efficient tool for the approximate solution of Volterra integral equations, and its results are promising. The results obtained from this algorithm are useful in the numerical analysis of integral equations.

QR codes are now encountered in many areas of life. QR codes have started to be used in education as well, serving as a bridge between today's world and the digital world. In the current study, it is aimed to reveal the opinions of students and parents about the use of QR codes, which are rapidly becoming widespread in our daily life, in cooperative learning groups in the science teaching process. The study was carried out with the participation of 6th grade (12-13 years old) students attending a state middle school and their parents with the focus on the accomplishment of the objectives set for the subjects of "Nervous System, Endocrine Glands and Sense Organs". The case study design, one of the qualitative research methods, was employed in the study. The data were obtained through written documents and analyzed with the content analysis method. In the study, the jigsaw (II) technique was used in cooperative learning groups. The students themselves generated the QR codes necessary for the learning process on the models prepared by the science teacher. QR codes were used in teaching and evaluating the subjects. In this study, findings were obtained from students and their parents regarding the use of QR codes used in cooperative learning groups in the science teaching process, and it is thought that the suggestions made based on these findings will contribute to teachers and researchers who want to work in this field. [The publication year (2022) shown on the PDF is incorrect. The correct publication year is 2023.]

The study delves into the challenges facing the private education sector in Turkey due to the economic crisis triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic. Qualitative research methods, including content analysis, were employed. Data was gathered through semi-structured interviews with seven founders and seven managers from private educational institutions. In Turkey, private schools enroll 1,468,198 students, accounting for 20.2% of all educational institutions, with students representing 8.8% of the total student population. The private education sector employs 174,750 teachers. The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in the complete or partial closure of private schools in Turkey. These schools typically rely on parental contributions to cover costs, but parents faced financial difficulties, leading to crises in the sector. Despite attempts to shift to distance education, parents were dissatisfied. Unpaid fees caused financial turmoil, leading to teacher layoffs and staff reductions. Private schools in Turkey are seeking government support, understanding from parents, tax deductions, and changes in legislation to alleviate the financial burden and navigate the ongoing crisis.

In this research, it is aimed to investigate the relationship between nutritional literacy and healthy lifestyle behaviors of prospective teachers according to various variables. Correlational survey model of the quantitative research methods is used in this survey. A moderate positive relationship was found between prospective teachers' nutritional literacy and healthy lifestyle behaviors. Based on the positive relationship between nutritional literacy and healthy lifestyle behaviors, it is recommended that nutritional literacy level be associated with healthy lifestyle by giving nutrition education at all school levels and undergraduate education in order to increase the level of healthy lifestyle behaviors in individuals.

The enzyme phosphatidylinositide-3-kinase (PI3K) regulates cellular proliferation and apoptosis. Somatic mutations in the PIK3CA gene can accelerate these processes and significantly contribute to the development and progression of breast cancer. This study aimed to ascertain the PIK3CA gene mutations in breast cancer patients and investigate their correlation with certain clinicopathological characteristics. We conducted a mutational investigation of the PIK3CA gene using next-generation sequencing (NGS) in a sample of 100 cases of primary breast cancer. We investigated the associations between PIK3CA mutations and clinicopathological characteristics. Our analysis revealed a mutation rate of 45% in the PIK3CA gene. The mutation frequencies for the three hotspot sites were 33.3% for E545K in exon 10, 26.7% for H1047R in exon 20, and 6.7% for E542K in exon 10. Of the 45 individuals with tumors carrying the PIK3CA mutation, 41 (91.2%) had only one mutation, while 4 (8.8%) had two. Pathogenic PIK3CA mutations were significantly correlated with tumor size ( p = 0.015) and tumor location ( p = 0.017). Our study results demonstrated a significant association between tumor size, location, and presence of the PIK3CA mutation. We must validate these data in larger sample sizes.

Today, the need for individuals who follow scientific and technological developments closely and who can adapt to these changes rapidly is increasing. These needs have made it necessary for countries to try various changes, reforms and current approaches required by the age in their education systems. One of these approaches is STEM education, which has frequently been encountered in the national and international literature in recent years. STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education is an approach that emphasizes the 21st century skills, integrates science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines, and covers formal and informal education at all education levels. In addition, the number of studies on STEM education is increasing daily. This research aims to integrate the 8th-grade science curriculum with STEM education practices and examine the effects of these practices on students' problem-solving (PS) skills, scientific creativity, and critical thinking dispositions. In this study conducted with quantitative methods, the pretest-posttest control group design of the quasi-experimental method was used. The study group of the research consists of students who took the 8th-grade science course at a private school. Research data were collected from both the classes before and after the experimental study. Descriptive statistics and covariance analysis (ANCOVA) were used in the data analysis. The research results revealed that integrated STEM education applications positively affect students' problem-solving skills, scientific creativity, and critical thinking dispositions. The collected results were discussed with the studies in the literature, and suggestions were made accordingly.

In this study, the investigation of damage caused by a spherical steel projectile on the polycarbonate (PC) panels has been undertaken both numerically and experimentally. The material properties are obtained from both static and dynamic tests. High-velocity impact experiments are performed using a pressure-based projectile launching system. The effect of panel curvatures and impact locations on the deformation are investigated experimentally. The impact locations are selected as both at the plate center and near the edge of the plate. A validation study is performed by analyzing the impact response of a PC plate as previously presented in the literature and subsequently comparing it with the results obtained. An analysis of the impact behavior of PC panels is carried out through numerical simulations using finite element program (LS-DYNA). The effect of boundary conditions on the impact response is also investigated numerically. Plastic strains, von Mises stresses, dent depth, and energy absorption arc obtained. It is indicated by the results that the deformation behavior of PC panels exhibits a strain rate dependence. Additionally, the deformation behavior is influenced by panel curvatures and boundary conditions, emphasizing the necessity to consider these factors in the design of structures, such as canopies made of PC panels. Highlights * Provides a comprehensive understanding of polycarbonate behavior. * Emphasizes the influence of impact locations and panel curvatures. * Dent depth and stress rise with panel curvature, crucial for design considerations. * Emphasizes the significance of strain rate and boundary condition in design. KEYWORDS curvature effect, penetration, polycarbonate panel, projectile impact, strain rate, 1 | INTRODUCTION Engineering thermoplastics demonstrate a blend of superior thermal, mechanical, electrical, and chemical characteristics in contrast to basic material resins. These versatile plastics can be fashioned into components [...]

Background/Objectives: Dose reductions in CDK4/6 inhibitors, such as ribociclib and palbociclib, are often necessary due to treatment-related toxicities in patients with advanced breast cancer. This study aims to evaluate the impact of the timing of dose reductions on progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in a real-world cohort. Methods: This single-center, retrospective study included patients treated with ribociclib or palbociclib between 2019 and 2023 at a cancer center in Turkey. Dose reductions due to drug-related toxicities were recorded, and survival outcomes were analyzed. Patients were categorized based on the timing of dose reductions: within the first 3 months (early) and after 3 months (late). Results: Among 392 patients (mean age 57.13 years), 16.8% had dose reductions within 3 months, 21.7% had late dose reductions, and 61.5% had no dose reductions. The mPFS was 14.26 months for early dose reductions, 33.12 months for late dose reductions, and 20.6 months for no dose reductions (p < 0.001). The mOS was 37.12 months for early dose reductions, not reached for late dose reductions, and 57.76 months for no dose reductions (p < 0.001). Hematological toxicity, primarily neutropenia, was the most common cause of dose reductions. The ECOG performance status, line of therapy, and CDK4/6 inhibitor type were also significant predictors of PFS and OS. Conclusions: Early dose reductions in CDK4/6 inhibitors negatively affect PFS and OS, highlighting the importance of maintaining treatment intensity in the first 3 months. However, late dose reductions do not negatively affect progression-free survival (PFS) or overall survival (OS), with late dose reductions associated with better outcomes. Prospective studies in larger patient populations will further clarify our knowledge on this subject.

Edebiyatımızda Hz. Peygamber'i konu edinen pek çok türden birisi na'ttır. İslâmî edebiyatta mühim bir yeri olan na't türünde yazılan pek çok manzûme arasında; Fuzûlî'nin Kasîde Der-Na't-ı Hazret-i Nebevî ismini verdiği, "su" redîfi dolayısıyla Su Kasîdesi adıyla anılan na'ti en meşhûr olanlarından biridir. Şâirin çeşitli mazmûn ve mefhûmları bir araya getirerek Hz. Peygamber aşkını ustalıkla işlediği bu manzûmeyi anlamaya ve açıklamaya yönelik birçok çalışma ortaya konmuştur. Değerlendirmemize konu olan, 2023 yılının sonlarında çıkan kitap da bu bağlamdaki son çalışmalardan biridir. 32 beyit hacmindeki manzûme için bu kitap, mukaddimeyle birlikte 33 kısımdır. Her kısımda bir beyti ekseriyetle birden fazla kalem şerh etmesi hasebiyle yazar sayısı açısından, mukaddimeyle birlikte 57 ayrı yazıdan oluşmaktadır. Metni doğru okuma, anlama ve açıklama gayesiyle 56 ayrı yazarın birleşerek ortaya koyduğu her bir şerh makalesi kendi içinde bir anlam dünyası olduğu gibi aynı zamanda birbirlerini tamamlayan parçalardır. Şâirin batnındaki manâyı aramadan önce şerhe konu olan metni şâirin söylediğine en yakın şekilde okunması gerektiğinden bu kitapta, Su Kasîdesi'nde var olan okunuşu ihtilaflı bazı kelimelerin okunma şekline ilâveten şârihlerin birikimlerine göre farklı anlam pencereleri aralanmaktadır. Farklı kalemlerin bir araya getirilmesiyle ortaya konan bu çalışma; bir metne getirilebilecek birden fazla yorumu toplu hâlde sunması yönüyle önceki çalışmalardan farklı bir kurguya sahip olup orijinal bir çalışma olarak sahada yerini almaktadır.

Background: This study aims to investigate the frequency of familial relationships and genetic predispositions to kidney disease, analyzing their correlation with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Methods: This observational study included individuals aged 18-70 years (at the time of this study) from October 2009 to 2015. 2576 patients with diverse kidney diseases [mean age: 47 ± 16 years; 1455 men (56.5%)], were compared with 853 healthy individuals with an employed questionnaire. Variables such as siblings, familial kidney disease history, consanguineous marriage, etiology of CKD, age at the time of the study, and diagnosis were compared between groups. Results: Parental consanguinity frequency was similar between groups [n = 174 (6.8%) in the patient group vs. n = 74 (8.7%) in the control group, P = .06]. Kidney disease due to family history was signifcantly higher in the patient group than in the control group (466 [18.1%] vs. 72 [8.4%], P < .001). Parental consanguinity frequency was notably higher in patients with congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) (n = 31/234; 13.2%) and vesicoureteral refux (VUR) nephropathy (n = 27/131, 20.5%) compared to controls (8.7%) (P = .036 and P < .001, respectively). Multivariate analysis indicated that predictors of parental consanguinity were kidney disease due to family history (OR: 5.712; 95% CI, 4.136-7.890; P < .001), age at kidney disease diagnosis (OR: 0.968; 95% CI, 0.957-0.979; P < .001), and kidney disease replacement therapy (OR: 1.441; 95% CI, 1.020-2.038; P = .038). Conclusion: The CAKUT and VUR nephropathy risks are increased in consanguineous marriages. Patients with parental consanguinity develop the disease earlier and face a higher risk of kidney failure requiring replacement therapy. Consanguineous marriage might impact the severity of kidney diseases.

This study delves into EFL instructors’ perceptions of integrating video games as extracurricular activities. Combining quantitative and qualitative data collection methods, a mixed method was employed. The data were collected through a questionnaire and semi-structured interviews. 147 EFL instructors who work at universities in Turkey took part in the quantitative phase of the study, and 10 instructors volunteered to participate in the interview sessions. The quantitative data were analysed via SPSS 23, and for the qualitative data analysis MAXQDA software program was utilised. The results revealed that EFL instructors have generally positive perceptions of integrating video games as extracurricular activities, with a minority actively using them in their teaching. Moreover, there was a consensus that video games could be more effective when utilized as extracurricular tools rather than main instructional tools. Notable concerns expressed by the participants included time limitations, a busy curriculum, and a lack of knowledge about video games. Despite these concerns, it was found that the EFL instructors are willing to use video games in their teaching practices and learn more about them. These findings point out the importance of targeted professional development programs for the effective integration of video games into language teaching as extracurricular activities.