Search

While employing the Holmium YAG laser, photonic technologies can help detect urinary stones and enhance safety for the patient. Our research group recently found that continuous monitoring of the fluorescence spectra of urinary calculi suffices to distinguish between stone, tissue, and endoscope components precisely and in real time. We hereby introduce our new automatic target identification system and the results of experimental studies we conducted. In this study, we review the research on in vitro and in vivo experiments we conducted developing and characterizing a novel target system, and summarize the key features of this new technology. This new system using intraoperative autofluorescence monitoring, enables the detection of the laser’s target by analyzing the fluorescent spectra reflected from the target. The energy pulses are only emitted when a urinary stone is within reach of the laser fiber tip. Our experiments revealed that this autofluorescence-based automatic target recognition lithotripsy system delivers valuable diagnostic information to the surgeon in real time. Our system recognizes potential target structures via implemented fluorescence detection. After setting a fluorescence intensity threshold level, a feedback mode was employed that autonomously controls the Ho:YAG laser. During this procedure, the pulse emissions were controlled only by our system, not by the surgeon. The safety and effectiveness of this system has been successfully proven in animal studies. This new target system with a feedback mechanism provides certainty that even in the event of unintentional laser activation, the laser emission is blocked, thus preventing tissue damage and unnecessary heat generation. Ours is a promising approach with the potential to be used in various future urological and non-urological applications primarily to enhance patients’ safety.

This study aims for students to comprehend the beneficial functions of bacteria with the traditional home yogurt leavening activity. Also, it aims to identify alternative concepts related to leavening and contribute to students' home yogurt consumption habits. The study is a case study. The study was conducted with 29 fifth-grade students studying at a public school in Istanbul in the 2019-2020 academic year and their parents. Questionnaire forms and student observation forms developed by the researchers were used as data collection tools. The obtained data were described by content analysis. Before the application, the participant students were given these three statements; microbes as a sample of microscopic creatures, yeast fungi caused yogurt formation, and yogurt is healthy because it was a dairy product. While after the application, participant students changed their statements to these three; the term microbe was not used as a sample of microscopic creatures, bacteria took part in the formation of yogurt, and yogurt is healthy because it contains microscopic creatures beneficial for the digestive system. The educational activities integrated into daily life contribute to students' conceptual learning.

This study aimed to examine the motivation of secondary school students toward context-based biology in terms of variables. Motivations were examined in terms of gender, grade level, school type, project experience, and biology laboratory experience. The research was planned according to the 'Survey design.' The sample consisted of 545 students studying at different grade levels (9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grades) of secondary education institutions in Turkey. The study data were collected through the 'Context-Based Biology Motivation Scale (CBBMS)' developed by Gül (2019). The measurement tool consists of 34 items in a five-point Likert type, and a total of three sub-factors: association and effect, participation and competence, and enjoyment and satisfaction. Cronbach's alpha reliability coefficient was determined ([alpha]= 0.943) for the entire measurement tool. For the sub-factors, it was [alpha] = 0.898 for association and effect, [alpha] = 0.914 for participation and competence, [alpha] = 0.846 and for enjoyment and satisfaction. For independent groups, the t-test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Tukey test were used in the data analysis. According to the research results, secondary school students' motivations toward context-based biology differed significantly according to gender, school type, biology laboratory experience, and grade level. On the contrary, motivations did not differ significantly according to their project experiences. The data obtained from the research will contribute to the literature in determining the factors affecting the motivation of secondary school students toward context-based biology.

In the research, it was aimed that children in the age group of 4-6 discover a different group of living things (fungi) living in addition to the plants and animals around them and to develop their awareness of living things. In addition, the study examined the effect of the activities prepared at the nature observation center on the cognitive and linguistic development of children. The research using the case study was carried out in the 2021-2022 academic year. The study group of the research consists of 6 (six) different participants who studied in a preschool educational institution in the Black Sea Region of Turkey in the age group of 4-6 years. The research was carried out with a holistic understanding that included different activities and evaluation processes, both in and out of the classroom. Semi-structured interview forms developed by the researchers were used to collect the data. As a result of the research, it was determined that nature-based observations and activities have a positive effect on the awareness of children in the 4-6 age group about living things. In addition, it was concluded that cognitive and linguistic development was achieved in children aged 4-6 years. In addition, the research concluded that the activities prepared at the nature observation center provided cognitive and linguistic development in children in children aged 4-6 years.

This qualitative research explored Syrian refugees' self-determination and psychosocial adjustment in Turkey and teachers' experience working with refugees. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews from 12 vocational and language teachers (M[subscript age] = 34.27, SD[subscript age] = 4.94) who had an average of 9.58-year teaching experience and at least one year of teaching Syrian forcibly displaced people and refugees. The content analysis revealed three overarching themes: (1) the needs for autonomy, competence and relatedness facilitate refugees' adjustment in dealing with resettlement stressors; (2) trauma experience interferes with refugees' adjustment; and (3) working with refugees transforms teachers to become more tolerant, resilient, patriotic, sensitive to diversity, and grateful for their relationships. The findings may stimulate psychosocial interventions and policies that would mitigate contextual barriers as well as create an inclusive psychosocial environment. Refugees are likely to benefit from a nurturing environment and teachers are likely to benefit from trainings focusing on trauma informed teaching skills.

In this study, it was aimed to examine the critical thinking dispositions of ninth grade students studying in science high schools in terms of various variables. The sample of the research consists of 98 students studying in the ninth grade of a science high school located in the Central Anatolia Region of Turkey. The UF/EMI Critical Thinking Disposition Scale was used to collect data. Within the scope of the research, the cronbach-alpha internal consistency coefficient was calculated as 0.94. As a result of the research, it was determined that there was no statistically significant difference in the critical thinking dispositions of the students studying at science high schools in terms of gender, type of school graduated and level of achievement. However, it was determined that there was a statistically significant difference in the critical thinking dispositions of the science high school students (in the dimensions of participation, cognitive maturity and UF/EMI) in terms of the vocational preference variable. According to the results of the research, it is recommended to examine the reasons for the variables that affect or do not affect the critical thinking dispositions of ninth grade students studying at science high schools.

There have been significant advances in science and technology in recent years. Therefore, all countries need qualified people who can take on the challenges of life today and compete in the international arena. This has led countries to adopt new approaches to education. STEM education is one of the latest examples of those approaches. This study investigated science teachers? views on assessment and evaluation methods in STEM education. The study adopted a phenomenology design. The sample consisted of 22 science teachers from public or private schools in different provinces in Turkey in the 2021-2022 academic year. All participants were experienced in STEM education. Data were collected using a semi-structured interview questionnaire developed by the researchers. The study had two significant results. First, participants used process- and outcome-oriented methods to evaluate STEM education. Second, they made some errors and faced some challenges in evaluating STEM education. However, those errors and challenges were of teacher or education system origin. Therefore, schools should provide teachers with in-service training on assessment and evaluation methods in STEM education, and educators should develop different measurement tools to help teachers make fewer errors and overcome the challenges they face in evaluating STEM education.

Viruses cause disease in both animals and plants. New viral diseases are often caused by the spread of existing viruses from one host species to another. The COVID-19 pandemic has been spreading across the world since its emergence in China. The pandemic affected not only the health systems of the countries but also their education systems. To prevent the spread of the epidemic, schools were closed, and different practices were presented in this period. In this study, it was aimed to determine the teachers' views towards the effects of COVID-19 on the education process in Turkey. The case study was used in the research and it was carried out with the participation of 237 different branch teachers. In order to collect the data, structured interview form prepared by the researchers was used. Data were evaluated by using the content analysis technique. As a result of the research, it was determined that teachers have both positive and negative views about competencies, distance education, adaptation of students and teacher-parent communication. In addition, it was determined that teachers have varying concerns about health, economy and education. On the other hand, research results also have shown that the pandemic process provides positive acquisitions in technology use, awareness and skill development.

Background: Augmented reality (AR) is a widely used technology in science education today. Problem-based learning (PBL) is one of the teaching methods employed in science education for a long time. Studies where AR and PBL are used together are new and rare. PBL and AR technology are used together in the study because it is believed that integrating AR technology with PBL increases the effectiveness of PBL. Objectives: In the present study, the effect of PBL supported by AR on academic achievement, reflective thinking skills towards problem-solving, decision-making abilities, and the permanence levels of the 7th-grade students were researched. Methods: The embedded design from mixed methods was used in the study, which had two experimental groups and one control group. For the Experiment-1, Experiment-2, and Control Groups, respectively, PBL supported by AR, PBL alone, and the current teaching method were used. The sample consists of 92 students from the seventh grade. Results and Conclusions: In terms of academic achievement, reflective thinking skills towards problem-solving, and decision-making abilities, the Experiment-1 Group outperformed the Experiment-2 and Control Groups, and the Experiment-2 Group outperformed the Control Group. It has been discovered that PBL supported by AR is more effective than solely PBL and the currently used teaching method in terms of improving reflective thinking skills towards problem-solving and decision-making abilities, as well as the persistence of academic achievement in a science course.

Biology, known as the science of life in its most general definition, is one of the branches of science closest to individuals due to the subjects it contains. Therefore, knowing the concepts related to biology correctly is important for the sustainability of the learning process. In this study, it was aimed to determine the conceptual perceptions and misconceptions of prospective science teachers about photosynthesis. The research using the case study was carried out in 2020-2021. The study group of the research consists of 57 pre-service science teachers studying in the first and fourth year of a state university in Turkey. The structured interview form and focus group interview form prepared by the researchers were used as data collection tools. As a result of the research, it was determined that the conceptual perceptions of the pre-service science teachers about the substances taken from the external environment in the photosynthesis process, photosynthesis products, and the importance of photosynthesis for the ecosystem were not sufficient. In addition, in the study, it was determined that pre-service science teachers had misconceptions about the definition of photosynthesis, energy source and the importance of photosynthesis for the ecosystem.

Biology is a complex science that includes different subjects. As a result, misconceptions, confusion and misleading are common problems in biology education. In this study, it was aimed to determine the learning of pre-service science teachers about food web. The research, using the case study, was conducted in 2019-2020. The study group of the research consists of 76 pre-service science teachers. The structured interview form and focus group interview were used to collect the data. As a result of the research, it was determined that pre-service science teachers have misconceptions, confusion and misleading about food web. When the reasons for the pre-service science teachers' misconceptions, confusion and misleading about food web were examined, it was found out that teachers, textbooks, supplementary textbooks and individual errors were the reasons. Pre-service science teachers should be supported with scientific training in order to learn the food web correctly. In addition, international scientific books should be used in the preparation of textbooks on food web.

Background/Aim: Partial nephrectomy (PN) is favoured for cT1a renal tumours. However, factors like adherent perinephric fat (APF), linked to prolonged operation time due to chronic inflammation are often overlooked. The objective of this study was to assess the relationship between the composite inflammatory index and APF in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) prior to laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN). Methods: The retrospective analysis included 189 LPN patients from April 2015 to June 2021, categorised by APF presence. Demographic, laboratory and radiological data assessed composite inflammatory index and Mayo adhesion probability (MAP) scores. Chi-Square and Mann-Whitney U-test analysed categorical and continuous variables. Area under curve (AUC) measured parameter discrimination. Logistic regression identified APF predictive factors. Results: APF was present in 90 patients (47.6 %). The APF-positive group had significantly higher C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and longer operation times (p = 0.016 and p = 0.001, respectively). Elevated MAP scores and systemic inflammatory index (SII) values were also observed in the APF-positive group (p = 0.002 and p = 0.001, respectively). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis determined SII's cut-off at 600 (sensitivity: 60.0 %, specificity: 60.6 %, AUC: 0.640, p = 0.001), MAP score at 2.5 (sensitivity: 67.8 %, specificity: 64.5 %, AUC: 0.640, p < 0.001) and operation time at 122.5 min (sensitivity: 74.4 %, specificity: 67.7 %, AUC: 0.807, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Presented results indicate that SII is linked to APF in patients undergoing LPN and may serve as an independent predictor of APF positivity.

In this study, it is aimed to design an analogy-oriented activity to be used in teaching the concept of keystone species to students. The study was carried out with 25 gifted and talented students aged between 10 and 14 who were registered to the Science and Art Centers around in Turkey ( Istanbul, Izmir, Ankara, Antalya, Mugla, Manisa, Balikesir, Kayseri). This research was intended for these students to associate the concept of keystone species in environmental education using creative thinking skills with the help of a model. The study can be described as a special case study aiming to produce conclusions about a situation. With the designed activity, it was also aimed to contribute to the learning of the concept of keystone species in a meaningful fashion through carrying out analogy work with the keystone in architectural structures. The results of the activity were evaluated with open-ended questions that the students answered to. It was observed that the students could explain the concept of keystone species by associating it with the keystone used in architecture in line with the definition of the concept. Considering the results of this study, it can be said that gifted and talented students generated an analogy for the keystone species. The designed activity was evaluated at the end of the study in environmental education courses in terms of its applicability. It was found that the developed activity was applicable as it enabled the active participation of the students.

In this research, it is aimed to determine the opinions of middle school students about STEM activities. The research, which used case study from qualitative research designs, was conducted in 2018-2019 academic year. The research working group is composed of 27 middle school students studying in a private school in Turkey. In the data collection, semistructured interview forms prepared by the researchers were used. The data were analyzed in accordance with the descriptive analysis. According to the findings of the research, it was determined that STEM activities were related to daily life problems, and that students' lessons, occupational preferences and communication skills were affected. In addition, lack of time and material and lack of information have been found to have problems in the realization of STEM activities.

This study conducted a meta-analysis of 57 primary experimental studies which involved 6237 students and investigated the effect of constructivist learning approach and active learning on students' environmental education. The study also analyzed a set of moderator variables, which are considered to influence the results of the primary studies in line with the findings of the meta-analysis. The moderator variables included "year of publication", "language of publication", "type of publication", "country", "educational level", "sample size", "type of measuring instrument in terms of questions and developer", "duration of experimental intervention", "research design", "teacher and researcher effect", and "type of constructivist learning approach and active learning method". The sample consisted of 6237 students and 57 primary experimental studies on environmental academic achievement and environmental attitudes, which were conducted between 2000 and 2015 and met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. A total of 114 effect sizes were obtained from 57 studies. This study used a meta-analysis approach, which is a retrospective study design. The data were analyzed using meta-analysis. The meta-analysis of the data was performed using a random- effects statistical model. Hedges' g was used to measure effect size. Moderator variables were analyzed using the analog to the analysis of variance (ANOVA) based on random-effects and mixed-effects models. The results of the meta-analysis showed that the overall effect size of constructivist learning approach and active learning on environmental education compared to traditional learning is positive and large (Hedges' g= 1.463). According to the results of the moderator analysis, constructivist learning-based and active learning-based environmental education significantly differed in terms of "country", "sample size", "educational level", "type of publication", "type of measuring instrument", "developer of measuring instrument", "language of publication", "teacher effect", and "researcher effect". On the other hand, no significant difference was found in terms of "year of publication", "duration of experimental intervention", "research design", and "type of teaching method used in the experimental group". Taken together, these findings suggest that constructivist learning and active learning can often be used in environmental education. The following variables should be considered in environmental education practices: sample size of the experimental group, educational level of students, measuring instruments employed, and researchers conducting the experiment, and duration of experimental intervention.

Coronavirus disease has caused the death of many people since its first identification in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. Countries have implemented emergency action plans in many areas to prevent the disease from spreading further. In order to reduce the spread of the disease throughout the country, there has been a transition to distance education in the Turkish education system. In this research, it is aimed to determine the views of biology teachers about distance education in COVID-19 Pandemic process. The research using phenomenological study was carried out with 62 biology teachers. Semi-structured interview form prepared by the researchers was used to collect the data. The data were evaluated by using content analysis method. As a result of the research, it has been determined that distance education increases technology use, cooperation, empathy and positive thinking about lessons. However, it has been determined that there are problems arising from the lack of technological infrastructure and knowledge. It has been understood that in order for the distance education systems to be applied in situations such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the technological infrastructure and the knowledge of the stakeholders should be improved.