21241 research outputs found
Sort by
Early Motor Repertoire and Developmental Functioning at Later Age of Children Who Were Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Pilot Study
AimsAutism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) may exhibit early motor delay, and long-term motor impairments in addition to social and communicative problems. This pilot study aimed to describe (i) the early motor repertoire using General Movements Assessment (GMA) of infants later diagnosed with ASD, (ii) the developmental outcomes in these children between 24- and 42-months, and (iii) the relationship between GMA and developmental outcomes.MethodsTen children diagnosed with ASD were included. All infants were assessed using Motor Optimality Score for 3- to 5-month-old Infants-Revised score sheet for GMA, and the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition (Bayley-III) for developmental functioning aged between 24- and 42-months.ResultsThe median Motor Optimality Score-Revised (MOS-R) was 10 (range: 6-28), considered reduced optimal, and 80% of children had less than optimal MOS-R. 60% of the children had aberrant fidgety movements and abnormal postural patterns, and 80% had abnormal but not cramped-synchronized movement character. The mean composite scores of all subdomains in Bayley-III were below 69 (extremely low) in all children.ConclusionsThis study highlighted the importance of early motor repertoire and longitudinal developmental assessments in children with ASD. Further research is needed to explore the potential of this assessment as a screening tool
Optimization and prediction of surface roughness in the milling process of aluminum alloy using Taguchi method and artificial neural network
Purpose - This paper explores the machining of aluminum alloy, focusing on optimizing and predicting surface roughness through advanced methods. The study investigates the optimization and prediction of surface roughness in milling aluminum alloy using cryogenically treated and non-cryogenically treated cutting tools. Design/methodology/approach - A Taguchi L18 orthogonal array was implemented to determine the effects of cutting tool type, cutting speed, feed rate and depth of cut on surface roughness. Additionally, an artificial neural network model was developed to predict surface roughness. The back-propagation algorithm was used for training, and various architectures and learning algorithms, including Levenberg-Marquardt (LM), scaled conjugate gradient (SCG), quasi-Newton back propagation (BFGS), resilient back propagation (RP) and conjugate gradient back propagation (CGP), were evaluated. Findings - Optimization results indicated that feed rate was the most significant factor affecting surface quality, contributing 36.41% according to analysis of variance. In the ANN the best predictive performance was achieved using the BFGS algorithm with a 4-13-1 network structure, yielding correlation coefficients (R2) values above 0.97 and low root mean square error (RMSE) and mean error percentage (MEP) values for both training and testing datasets. Originality/value - The study concludes that the Taguchi method effectively optimized machining parameters, and the artificial neural network model demonstrated strong predictive accuracy, confirming its suitability for estimating surface roughness in milling processes
Molecular Marker Aided Selection of Restorer of Fertility (Rf/rf) Alleles to Develop Maintainer Lines in Sunflower
Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.), one of the main oil crops in the world, is also increasingly used for its ornamental value. Marker-assisted selection (MAS) helps identify desired traits through molecular markers linked to specific genes, speeding up the breeding process. In sunflower breeding, dominant and codominant markers are used to detect Rf1/rf1 alleles for the selection of plants carrying maintainer and/or restorer (Rf) nuclei. In a breeding program, the status of Rf/rf alleles in the nucleus of the maintainer (B) lines cannot be ascertained without a test-cross due to the presence of fertile cytoplasm. The aim of this study was to test the utilization of the SCAR markers linked to Rf/rf alleles in sunflower to test if the markers can be integrated into a breeding program to develop maintainer lines. The plant materials included restorer and maintainer lines, as well as backcross and test-cross populations segregating for Rf/rf alleles. The markers (PPR621.5) have proven to be valuable for MAS in sunflower breeding. The Rf/rf specific dominant markers were used with the atp9 internal control marker to differentiate PCR failure from the absence of an allele. The markers were also phenotypically confirmed using advanced lines, BC1F1, BC2F1, and BC1F2, as well as test-cross populations. The application of SCAR markers in developing new restorer and maintainer lines can enable efficient determination of Rf/rf allele status, thereby eliminating the need for test crosses in maintainer nuclei and significantly enhancing breeding efficiency. Detection of Rf/rf alleles by molecular markers in maintainer populations with fertile cytoplasm may help reduce cost and breeding time to develop maintainer lines
Professional attitudes and qualifications required of dib personnel assigned as spiritual counselors in child homes and child support centers
Türkiye'de sosyal hizmetlerin bir parçası olarak yürütülen din hizmetleri ile manevi danışmanlık ve rehberlik faaliyetleri, çeşitli kamu kurumları arasında imzalanan protokoller çerçevesinde hayata geçirilmektedir. Bu doğrultuda, Adalet Bakanlığı, Afet ve Acil Durum Yönetimi Başkanlığı, Aile ve Sosyal Hizmetler Bakanlığı, Gençlik ve Spor Bakanlığı, Sağlık Bakanlığı ve Diyanet İşleri Başkanlığı arasında iş birliği protokolleri yapılmıştır. Özellikle Aile ve Sosyal Hizmetler Bakanlığı ile Diyanet İşleri Başkanlığı arasında, ilki 2007 yılında, sonuncusu ise 2018'de olmak üzere çeşitli dönemlerde imzalanan anlaşmalar bu iş birliğinin yasal zeminini oluşturmuştur. Bu kararların etkin biçimde uygulanabilmesi için sahada görev alacak din görevlilerinin nitelikli bir donanıma sahip olmaları gerekmektedir. Bu bağlamda hazırlanan bu çalışmanın amacı, çocuk evlerinde görev yapan DİB personelinde bulunması gereken nitelikleri ve bu hizmeti verirken göstermesi gereken tutumları belirlemek ve bunları literatür çerçevesinde değerlendirmektir. Çalışma, betimsel yöntemlerden biri olan literatür taraması tekniği ile gerçekleştirilmiştir. Araştırma giriş bölümü hariç iki ana bölümden oluşmaktadır. İlk bölümde, manevi danışmanlık ve rehberlik hizmetlerinin kuramsal temelleri ele alınmış; bu bağlamda hizmetin amacı, kapsamı, tarihsel gelişimi ve uygulama alanları hakkında açıklamalarda bulunulmuştur. Ayrıca Aile ve Sosyal Hizmetler Bakanlığı'nın faaliyet alanları, Çocuk Destek Merkezleri (ÇODEM), çocuk evleri sitesi, burada görevli personelin sorumlulukları ile çocuk hakları ve kurum bakımındaki çocukların temel ihtiyaçları detaylandırılmıştır. Tarihsel arka planda ise, kimsesiz çocuklara yönelik yaklaşımlar ve İslam'ın bu konudaki görüşleri ele alınmıştır. Yine bu bölümde manevi danışmanlık ve rehberliğin tanımı yapılmış ve hukuki çerçevesi üzerinde durularak, çocuk evlerine yönelik hizmetlerin kapsamına değinilmiştir. Bu bağlamda Diyanet personelinin çocuk evlerindeki görev tanımına da yer verilmiştir. Çalışmanın ikinci bölümünde ise, çocuk evlerinde görev yapan Diyanet personelinin sahip olması gereken özellik ve tutumlar sekiz temel başlık altında toplanarak, mevcut literatürden elde edilen bulgular doğrultusunda açıklanmıştır.Religious services and spiritual counseling and guidance activities, conducted as part of social services in Turkey, are implemented within the framework of protocols signed among various public institutions. In this context, cooperation agreements have been established between the Ministry of Justice, the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), the Ministry of Family and Social Services, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Ministry of Health, and the Presidency of Religious Affairs (Diyanet). In particular, the agreements signed at various times between the Ministry of Family and Social Services and the Presidency of Religious Affairs—starting in 2007 and most recently in 2018—form the legal foundation of this cooperation. For the effective implementation of these decisions, it is essential that the religious personnel assigned to the field possess qualified competencies. Accordingly, the aim of this study is to identify the necessary qualifications and appropriate attitudes that the personnel of the Presidency of Religious Affairs (DİB), assigned to children's homes, should possess while delivering these services, and to evaluate them within the scope of the academic literature. The study has been conducted using the literature review method, one of the descriptive research techniques. Excluding the introduction, the research consists of two main sections. In the first section, the theoretical foundations of spiritual counseling and guidance services are addressed. Within this framework, explanations are provided regarding the purpose, scope, historical development, and application areas of these services. Furthermore, the responsibilities of the Ministry of Family and Social Services, Child Support Centers (ÇODEM), children's home sites, the duties of personnel employed in these institutions, children's rights, and the basic needs of children in institutional care are elaborated in detail. From a historical perspective, approaches to orphaned children and Islamic views on this issue are also discussed. Additionally, this section defines spiritual counseling and guidance, addresses its legal framework, and covers the scope of services offered in children's homes, including the role of Diyanet personnel. The second section of the study focuses on the essential qualifications and professional attitudes required of Diyanet personnel working in children's homes. These are categorized under eight main headings and are explained based on findings obtained from the existing literature
An evaluation of neglect related conditions among syrian migrant and Turkish children living in Turkey based on the 2018 TDHS data
Amaç: Çok sayıda ülke tarafından kullanılan standart yöntem ile elde edilmiş veriler üzerinden Türkiye'de yaşayan Suriyeli göçmen ve Türk çocuklarda, çocuğa kötü muamele çeşidi olan ihmal maruziyetini ve maruz kaldıkları ihmal türlerini ve ilişkili faktörleri değerlendirmektir. Böylece çocuk ihmalinin ülkemizdeki durumu hakkında bir tablo çizmek, diğer ülkelerle kıyaslanabilecek nitelikte tespitler yaparak ihmal konusunda yapılabilecek çalışmalara katkıda bulunmak, ülkemizde çocuk ihmaliyle ilişkili olan durumların belirlenmesine dolayısıyla alınacak önlemlere ışık tutmak, çocuk ihmalinin önlenmesi açısından multidisipliner yaklaşımın gerekliliğini vurgulamak amaçlanmaktadır. Gereç ve Yöntem: Çalışmamızda, Hacettepe Üniversitesi Nüfus Etütleri Enstitüsü (HÜNEE)'nin onayı alınarak, 2018 Türkiye Nüfus ve Sağlık Araştırması kapsamında Ekim 2018 - Şubat 2019 tarihleri arasında yapılan araştırmaya dahil edilmiş 15-49 yaş arasındaki kadınlardan, 0-5 yaş arası çocuğu bulunan 2032 Türk ve 1191 Suriyeli göçmen çocuk hakkındaki veri kullanılmıştır. Bağımsız ve bağımlı değişkenler üzerinden tanımlayıcı ve ileri istatistiksel analiz yapılmış olup kategorik değişkenlerin karşılaştırılması amacıyla Pearson ki-kare ve Fisher Kesinlik Testi uygulanmıştır. Ayrıca, çocuk ihmali ile bağımsız değişkenler arasındaki ilişki incelenmek üzere, farklı özellikleri dikkate alan 3 model ile lojistik regresyon analizi yapılmıştır. Bulgular: Türkiye'de yaşayan çocuklarda, türünden bağımsız olarak, Suriyeli göçmen çocukların Türk çocuklara göre daha yüksek oranda ihmale maruz kaldığı tespit edilmiştir. İhmal maruziyet sıklıkları Türk çocuklarda %29,7 ve Suriyeli göçmen çocuklarda %66,1 olarak tespit edilmiştir. Her iki grupta da en yüksek oranda maruz kalınan ihmal türünün eğitim ihmali olduğu, en düşük oranda maruz kalınan ihmal türünün ise sosyal destek ihmali olduğu saptanmıştır. Çocukların ihmal maruziyetlerini etkileyen sosyodemografik özelliklerin her iki grupta farklılık gösterdiği tespit edilmiştir. Türk çocuklarda hanehalkı özelliklerinin tüm değişkenleri ile ihmal maruziyetinde etken olduğu, Suriyeli göçmen çocuklarda ise yalnızca kardeş sayısının etkisi istatistiksel olarak anlamlı bulunmuştur. Ebeveyn özellikleri açısından hem anne yaşının 19-35 arasında olması ve anne-baba eğitim düzeylerinin düşük olması her iki grupta da anlamlı etken olduğu görülmüştür. Baba yaşının genç olması Suriyeli göçmen çocuklar için, annenin çalışmaması ise Türk çocuklar için anlamlı bir etken faktör olarak saptanmıştır. Her iki grupta da daha küçük yaşlardaki çocukların ihmal maruziyetlerinin daha yüksek oranda olduğu, çocuğun cinsiyetinin ise ihmal maruziyetinde anlamlı bir etkiye sahip olmadığı saptanmıştır. Bulgularımıza göre ihmal maruziyetini en çok artıran değişkenlerin Türk çocuklarda refah seviyesi (8 kat) iken Suriyeli göçmen çocuklarda anne eğitim düzeyi (3 kat) olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Kalabalık evde veya kırsal alanda yaşamak, planlanmamış gebelik gibi değişkenlerin etkileri gruplar arası farklılık göstermiştir. Çalışmamızda, iii literatürle uyumlu olarak, ihmal maruziyeti saptanan çocuklarda erken çocukluk gelişiminin de daha düşük olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Tartışma ve Sonuç: Çocuk ihmali, çocuğa kötü muamelenin tüm dünyada en yaygın görülen ve hem bireyi hem toplumları tehdit eden bir problemdir. Çocukluk dönemi maruz kalınan ihmal çocukta bedensel, ruhsal, davranışsal pek çok kalıcı hasara neden olmakta en ağır form olarak ölümle sonuçlanabilmektedir. Çocukluğunda ihmale maruz kalmış bireylerde şiddete yatkınlık, yasadışı madde kullanımı vb. adli boyutu olan sonuçlara neden olmaktadır. Literatürle uyumlu şekilde, çalışmamızda da; düşük refah düzeyi, ebeveynlerin düşük eğitim düzeyi, kalabalık ve standart dışı yaşam koşulları gibi durumların çocuk ihmalini artıran risk faktörleri olduğu tespit edilmiştir Erken dönemde tespiti ile sonuçları önlenebilen bir durum olduğu bildirilen çocuk ihmali, sosyal yönü yanısıra multidisipliner yaklaşımla ele alınması gereken çok boyutlu bir sağlık problemidir. Çocuk ihmalinin bireysel ve toplumsal sonuçları ile ülkemizdeki göçmen nüfus yoğunluğu ve göçmen nüfusta çocuk ihmalinin yaygınlığı bir arada düşünüldüğünde problemin ciddiyetle ele alınması gerektiği anlaşılmaktadır. Bununla birlikte bu alana yakın zamana kadar gereken ilgi gösterilmemiş, çocuk ihmali "ihmal edilen bir alan" olarak kalmıştır. Günümüzde çocuk ihmali uluslararası kuruluşlar ve hükümetler tarafından da dikkat çekilen bir konu olmakla birlikte tüm dünyada olduğu gibi ülkemizde de bu alanda bilimsel açıdan da kapatılması gereken büyük bir boşluk bulunmaktadır. Çalışmamız, ülke geneli temsil gücü bulunan hem Türk hem de Suriyeli göçmen örneklemlerden elde edilen veriler kullanılarak yapılmış olması ve kullanılan verilerin 100'e yakın ülkede kullanılan standart yöntemlerle elde edilmiş olmasıyla diğer ülkelerle kıyaslanabilirliği açısından önem arz etmektedir.Purpose: This study aimed to estimate was to provide an estimate of the prevalence of neglect, a subtype of child maltreatment, and to evaluate the types of child neglect and associated factors among Syrian migrant and Turkish children live in Turkey based on data which is obtained by using standardized methods employed in numerous countries. Thus, it is aimed to draw a picture about the situation of child neglect in our country, to contribute to the studies on neglect by making determinations that can be compared with other countries, to shed light on the determination of the situations related to child neglect in our country and therefore the measures to be taken, and to emphasize the necessity of a multidisciplinary approach in terms of preventing child neglect. Materials and Methods: In our study, with the approval of Hacettepe University Institute of Population Studies (HUIPS), we used data on 2032 Turkish and 1191 Syrian migrant children aged 0-5 years among women aged 15-49 years who were included in the survey conducted between October 2018 and February 2019 as part of the 2018 Turkey Demographic and Health Survey. Descriptive and advanced statistical analysis was performed on independent and dependent variables, and Pearson chi-square and Fisher's exact test were applied to compare categorical variables. In addition, in order to examine the relationship between child neglect and independent variables, logistic regression analysis was performed with 3 models taking into account different characteristics. Results: Among children living in Turkey, Syrian migrant children were found to be exposed to neglect at a higher rate than Turkish children, regardless of the type. The frequency of exposure to neglect was 29.7% among Turkish children and 66.1% among Syrian migrant children. In both groups, the highest rate of neglect exposure was found to be educational neglect and the lowest rate of neglect exposure was found to be social support neglect. Sociodemographic characteristics affecting children's exposure to neglect were found to differ in both groups. In Turkish children, household characteristics were found to be a factor in exposure to neglect with all variables, while in Syrian immigrant children, only the effect of the number of siblings was found to be statistically significant. In terms of parental characteristics, the age of the mother between 19-35 years and the low level of parental education were found to be significant factors in both groups. A young father's age was found to be a significant factor for Syrian immigrant children, while the mother's not working was found to be a significant factor for Turkish children. In both groups, it was found that younger children were more likely to be exposed to neglect and the gender of the child did not have a significant effect on exposure to neglect. According to our findings, the variables that increased the exposure to neglect the most were found to be the level of wealth (8 times) in Turkish children and the level of mother's education (3 times) in Syrian immigrant children. The effects of variables such as living in crowded houses or rural areas and unplanned v pregnancy differed between groups. In our study, in line with the literature, early childhood development was also found to be lower in children with exposure to neglect. Discussion and Conclusion: Child neglect is the most common form of child maltreatment worldwide and is a problem that threatens both individuals and societies. Childhood neglect causes many permanent physical, psychological and behavioral damages in children and may result in death as the most severe form. Individuals who have been exposed to neglect in childhood are prone to violence, illegal substance use, etc. It causes forensic consequences. In line with the literature, in our study, low welfare level, low education level of parents, crowded and nonstandard living conditions were found to be risk factors that increase child neglect Child neglect, which is reported to be a condition whose consequences can be prevented with early detection, is a multidimensional health problem that should be addressed with a multidisciplinary approach as well as social aspects. When the individual and social consequences of child neglect and the density of migrant population in our country and the prevalence of child neglect among migrant population are considered together, it is understood that the problem should be taken seriously. However, this field has not received the attention it deserves until recently, and child neglect has remained a "neglected field". Today, although child neglect is an issue that has been drawn attention by international organizations and governments, there is a big gap in this field that needs to be filled from a scientific point of view in our country as in the whole world. This study is significant for its use of nationally representative data from both Turkish and Syrian migrant samples and the utilization of standardized methods employed in nearly 100 countries, allowing for international comparisons
Stakeholder engagement for inclusive climate impact attribution studies
Since its emergence in the 1990s, the science of attributing observed phenomena to human-induced and natural climate drivers has made remarkable progress. To ensure the relevance and uptake of climate impact attribution studies, scientists must effectively engage with stakeholders. This engagement allows stakeholders to pose key questions, which scientists can then substantiate with evidence evaluating the existence of causal links. Although significant advancements have been made in climate impact attribution science, much work remains to understand the varied requirements of different stakeholders for impact attribution findings. This perspective explores the usefulness of stakeholder engagement in climate impact attribution, the challenges it presents, and how it can be made more relevant for addressing societal questions. It advocates for prioritizing stakeholder involvement to achieve greater transparency, legitimacy, and practical application of findings. Such involvement can enhance the societal impact of attribution studies and support informed decision-making in the face of climate change.COST Action PROCLIAS [CA19139]COST ActionCOST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology)Funding for this perspective was provided by COST Action CA19139 PROCLIAS (PROcess-based models for CLimate Impact Attribution across Sectors), supported by COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology; www.cost.eu). The authors are grateful for helpful comments by Sabine Undorf and the entire Inter-Sectoral Impact Model Intercomparison Project (ISIMIP) community for the feedback on this work
Awareness, knowledge, and attitudes of the Belgian general population towards paternal perinatal depression: a descriptive cross-sectional study
Background Paternal perinatal depression affects 10% of fathers, implying a significant burden on families and public health. A better insight into the population's health literacy could guide professionals and policymakers in addressing these men and making better use of existing healthcare options. It is also crucial for caregivers, as they play a vital role in identifying symptoms, encouraging help-seeking, and reducing stigma. This study aimed to explore the awareness, knowledge, and attitudes of the general population in Belgium towards paternal perinatal depression, using the validated DDads (Depression in Dads) questionnaire.Methods This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted between March and May 2020-2022 using convenience sampling. Participants aged over 18 years, with a good understanding of Dutch and residing in the Brussels-Capital Region or Flemish Brabant were invited to participate. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Chi(2) analysis, and independent sample t-test.Results A total of 314 participants, including women (n=165) and men (n=149) completed the questionnaire. Anxiousness was the most frequently cited mental health problem for men during their partners' pregnancy (82.5%) and in the postnatal period (68.5%). Over one-third (37.3%) viewed paternal depression as a 'normal' part of the transition to fatherhood. The recommended treatment for paternal depression was mostly non-pharmacological, with family support ranking first (79.9%) and seeking support from informal networks being the most recommended approach (45.2%). New personality characteristics such as withdrawal, cynicism, raging attacks, and irritability, among others, were seen as common symptoms (64.6%). Although 70% of respondents believed that perinatal depression requires specialized treatment, only 39.2% agreed that all men should be screened for depression during pregnancy.Conclusions Recognition of paternal depression symptoms was relatively low but higher among females, participants with higher education, and those aware of paternal depression. Professional support recommendations were limited, especially among young people and those without children. The terms 'paternal perinatal depression' and 'perinatal mental health' are poorly understood. The findings highlight critical gaps in awareness and attitudes, offering valuable insights. Future research should develop tailored interventions to support men's mental well-being during the perinatal period. Targeted awareness campaigns and healthcare improvements are crucial for addressing this issue
Faunistic studies on the leafhoppers (Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha: Cicadellidae) of Düzce
Türkiye'nin Batı Karadeniz Bölgesinde yer alan Düzce ili bu tezin çalışma sahası olarak seçilmiştir. Sahada 2023 yılında nisan-ekim aylarında arazi çalışmaları yapılarak Cicadellidae (Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha) familyasına ait 679 örnek toplanmıştır. Standart müze materyali olarak hazırlanan örnekler, bilinen laboratuvar yöntemleri ve mevcut literatür kullanılarak teşhisleri yapılmıştır. 6 altfamilyanın 32 cinsine ait 36 türün 25'inin tür teşhisi yapılmış olup diğerleri geçici teşhisleri ile sp. olarak verilmiştir. Tespit edilen türlerin Türkiye'deki dağılımları ve toplama kayıtları cins ve altfamilyalara göre düzenlenerek listelenmiştir. Sonuç olarak, bu türlerden 22'si Düzce ili için yeni kayıt olup bunlardan 5'i Batı Karadeniz Bölgesi için, 3'ü Karadeniz Bölgesi için yeni kayıtlar olarak belirlenmiştir. Türkiye'den sadece Yozgat (İçanadolu Bölgesi)'tan bilinmekte olan Anoscopus flavostriatus (Donovan, 1799) türü bu çalışma ile Karadeniz Bölgesinde tespit edilmiştir.Düzce province located in the Western Black Sea Region of Turkey was selected as the study area of this thesis. Field studies were carried out in the field between April and October 2023 and 679 specimens belonging to the family Cicadellidae (Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha) were collected. The specimens prepared as standard museum material were identified using known laboratory methods and available literature. Specimen identifications were made for 25 of 36 species belonging to 32 genera of 6 subfamilies, and the others were given as sp. with their provisional identifications. The distributions and collection records of the identified species in Turkey were listed by arranging them according to genus and subfamilies. As a result, 22 of these species are new records for Düzce province, 5 of them are new records for the Western Black Sea Region and 3 of them are new records for the Black Sea Region. Anoscopus flavostriatus (Donovan, 1799), which is known only from Yozgat (İçanadolu Region) in Turkey, was identified in the Black Sea Region in this study
Design Process of a Memorial Square to Thank and Respect for Healthcare Workers after Covid-19 Pandemic
Open and green spaces are essential elements of cities. With the COVID epidemic, the importance of the need for open and green spaces in urban areas has become more understood. The aim of this study is to create a new and contemporary square in the working area where the current use and traffic create chaos, to add a new square to the open and green areas in Ankara (Turkey) and to create a connection between this area and the existing open and green areas. At the same time, health workers are honoured through a memorial area integrated into the square. The importance of the location chosen as the study area is that it is surrounded by many public health facilities and is a point of intersection of Ankara’s existing open green space systems. Throughout the three-stage design process, brainstorming sessions were held, drawings and sketches were made, and urban analyses were carried out on transport, culture, art, education, health, open and green spaces. Solutions were proposed for both indoor and outdoor spaces, and the forms were transformed into functional design elements and reflected in the space. As a result, after the pandemic, a city square has been created where people can socialise again, with a monument, a square, water surfaces, an amphitheatre, viewing terraces, a market area, a bridge, sitting and walking areas that are appropriate to the capital. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved
Which localization method is optimal in ESWL: fluoroscopy or ultrasonography?
BackgroundUrinary stone disease is a common urological disorder, particularly among middle-aged individuals. Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) is often the first-line treatment for kidney and ureteral stones. Traditionally, fluoroscopy is used for stone targeting in ESWL, but it exposes patients and clinicians to radiation and cannot visualize non-opaque stones. Ultrasonographic targeting eliminates these issues. This study compares the advantages and disadvantages of fluoroscopy and ultrasound-targeted ESWL. MethodsAt D & uuml;zce University Hospital, 100 patients with radio-opaque stones indicated for ESWL between February 2023 and February 2024 were divided into two groups. Group A underwent ESWL with fluoroscopic targeting, while Group B used ultrasonographic targeting. Patient demographics, stone size (measured by CT), and stone locations were recorded. The number of shocks per session, energy intensity (kV), and fluoroscopy time were noted for Group A. One week after each ESWL session, patients were evaluated by ultrasound or direct radiography. Success was defined as being stone-free or having 0.05). Stone locations were similar in both groups. Success rates were 66% in Group A and 74% in Group B, with no significant difference (p > 0.05). Successful procedures were associated with an average patient weight of 76.6 kg, stone size of 8.9 mm, and total energy of 12.2 kV, with significant differences compared to unsuccessful procedures (p 0.05). ConclusionUltrasonography is as effective as fluoroscopy for imaging and focusing during ESWL treatment. It enhances the success of ESWL for non-opaque stones and reduces radiation exposure disadvantages.Duzce University School of MedicineWe extend our sincere appreciation to the patients who participated in this study. Our gratitude also goes to the medical staff involved in the care and management of these patients. Additionally, we acknowledge the support and resources provided by Duzce University School of Medicine that facilitated the successful execution of this research