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Utilization of spent coffee ground and mussel shell as heterogeneous catalyst for sustainable glycerol carbonate synthesis
No full textIn the present work, biochar from spent coffee grounds (SCG) was used as a heterogeneous catalyst toward glycerol carbonate production. The catalytic activity of biochar catalysts was examined based on the pyrolysis temperatures of 400 degrees C, 500 degrees C and 600 degrees C. Biochar obtained at 600 degrees C (C600) gave the highest catalytic activity. CaO was incorporated into biochar through the calcination of waste mussel shell (MS), the obtained catalyst (C600MS) was synthesized having higher basic sites and catalytic activity when compared to C600. The synthesized catalysts were analyzed using various techniques to examine the composition, structure, and texture of the catalysts. The parametric study was carried out according to Box Behnken experimental plan to see the effects of temperature, dimethyl carbonate to glycerol molar ratio, and catalyst amount. The optimal conditions were found as dimethyl carbonate to glycerol molar ratio 4, temperature of 75 degrees C, and catalyst loading of 4 wt%. At optimal conditions, C600MS gave 58.5 % conversion and 84.9 % selectivity of glycerol carbonate. This research offers a potential solution for converting waste, specifically SCG and MS, into catalytically active catalyst. It also presents a cost-effective and sustainable catalyst for producing glycerol carbonate.Ege University Scientific Research Fund [28434]The authors express thanks for the financial assistance provided by the Ege University Scientific Research Fund, namely under Project No. 28434
Potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of pediatric Burkitt lymphoma identified through miRNA expression profiling (Aug, 10.1038/s41390-024-03478-9, 2024)
No full text[Abstract Not Acaileble
The Effect of Luer-Lock Adapter on Hemolysis Rates in the Emergency Department
No full textBackground:Blood testing in the emergency department (ED) is critical for effective patient management. Hemolysis, a common preanalytical error, compromises laboratory results, increases workloads and resource utilization, and causes patient discomfort due to repeat testing.Aim:This study evaluates the impact of Luer Lock adapters on hemolysis rates in ED blood samples, compared with the standard intravenous injector method. While prior studies suggest Luer Lock adapters reduce hemolysis, this investigation focuses on their performance in high pressure emergency settings, where hemolysis poses a persistent challenge to clinical decision making.Methods:A prospective observational study was conducted at Ege University Hospital, including patients aged 18 and older requiring biochemistry testing. Blood samples were collected using both the standard injector method and BD Vacutainer Luer Lock (R) adapters. Hemolysis rates were assessed using the McNemar test, with statistical significance set at P < 0.05. A sample size of 210 was calculated, and data were analyzed using R software.Results:Among 517 ED patients, the overall hemolysis rate was 12.4%. Hemolysis was more frequent with the Luer Lock method (12.4%) compared to the injector method (8.1%, P = 0.011). LDH hemolysis occurred in 98.4% of hemolyzed samples, and all potassium hemolysis cases coincided with LDH hemolysis. The Luer Lock method exhibited higher hemolysis rates for both LDH (12.2%) and potassium (5.2%) than the injector method (LDH 7.5%, potassium 2.1%, P < 0.001).Conclusion:Contrary to previous findings, the Luer Lock adapter was associated with increased hemolysis rates. Addressing hemolysis requires consistent procedures, skilled staff, and future research on equipment and handling factors in clinical practice.Ege University Scientific Research Projects Coordination Unit [20869]This study is supported by Ege University Scientific Research Projects Coordination Unit. Project Number: 20869
Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis in Children and Adolescents: A Multicenter Retrospective Study of Relapse and Outcome
No full textObjectives: To evaluate the demographic, clinical, laboratory, and prognostic data of children with acute disseminated encephalomyelitis with respect to anti-myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) antibody status. Methods: Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis patients (n = 245) from 24 centers followed up between 2010 and 2022 were evaluated retrospectively. The short- and long-term outcome characteristics (disease severity and course, clinical relapse, and recovery rates) were assessed. Incomplete clinical recovery was defined as modified Rankin Score ?1 or the presence of epilepsy. Univariant and multivariant analysis were performed for outcome characteristics. Results: The mean age at diagnosis was 6.3 ± 3.8 (0.5-17.7) years and the median follow-up was 22 (3-132) months. The outcome characteristics were evaluated in 180 of 245 patients (73.4%) with at least 12 months’ follow-up. Twenty-three patients (12.6%) relapsed. The multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed the following clinical parameters as predictors of relapse: sex, visual impairment, and ataxia at initial presentation. Incomplete clinical recovery (n = 42/180, 23.3%) was associated with the presence of seizures on admission and the need for an intensive care unit. Anti-MOG antibody positivity was not associated with an increased risk of relapse (25% vs 13.1%, P =.164) or incomplete clinical recovery (P =.511). Conclusion: The nationwide cohort presented further supports the typically monophasic nature of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, and a high rate of complete recovery. The presence of certain symptoms in the acute period may assist the clinician in estimating the outcome. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved
Utilization of biomass-derived activated carbon from Miscanthus for dual energy storage: Enhanced performance in phase change material and supercapacitor applications
No full textIn this study, bio-derived activated carbons (ACs) obtained from Miscanthus under two distinct synthesis conditions denoted as optimum condition 1 (OC1) and optimum condition 2 (OC2) were systematically investigated for their applicability in dual-mode energy storage. Their performance was assessed in two roles: as supporting materials to enhance the thermal properties of phase change materials, and as electrode materials for electrochemical energy storage systems, such as supercapacitors. This dual evaluation aims to demonstrate the versatility and multifunctionality of Miscanthus-based ACs in both thermal and electrochemical storage platforms. For thermal energy storage, an eutectic blend of stearic acid and palmitic acid (SP) was utilized as the phase change material (PCM), and activated carbon was employed to create shape-stabilized PCM via vacuum impregnation methods, resulting in composite PCMs named SP-OC1 and SP-OC2. SP-OC2 demonstrated a significantly higher encapsulation ratio of 88.95% and an enhanced thermal conductivity of 0.597 Wm-1K-1. It melted at 54.79 degrees C and solidified at 51.89 degrees C, with latent heat values of 133.26 Jg-1 and 135.84 Jg-1, respectively, exhibiting a significant enhancement in thermal conductivity, increasing by up to 117% compared to the eutectic SP. In supercapacitor applications, OC1 cell exhibited superior performance with a capacitance of 131 Fg-1, a power density of 488 Wkg-1, and an energy density of 35.30 Whkg-1, whereas OC2 cell showed a capacitance of 67 Fg-1, a power density of 480 Wkg-1, and an energy density of 15.25 Whkg-1. This difference is ascribed to the matching of ionic liquid ion diameters with the pore sizes of OC1. These results highlight the viability of Miscanthus-derived activated carbons as a cost-effective and sustainable precursor for developing high-performance electrode materials in energy storage systems.TUBITAK; Ege University Scientific Research Projects Coordination Unit [FDK-2020-22276]; TUBITAK-BIDEB 2218 Program [118C565]Fikret Muge ALPTEKIN was received a scholarship from TUBITAK with a scholarship under 2211-C National PhD Scholarship Program in the Priority Fields in Science and Technology and 2214-A International Doctoral Research Fellowship Programme. This work also funded by Ege University Scientific Research Projects Coordination Unit. Project Number: [FDK-2020-22276]. Authors also thanks to TUBITAK-BIDEB 2218 Program for their financial assistance of Sirin Siyahjani GULTEKIN with Grant Nr.: [118C565]. Damla SAHIN was awarded by TUBITAK with a scholarship under 2211-C National PhD Scholarship Program in the Priority Fields in Science and Technology
Healing with Love: Oxytocin Accelerates Oral Ulcer Recovery by Reducing Inflammation
No full textBackground: Oral ulcerative mucositis (OUM) is a painful, inflammatory mucosa lesion that impairs quality of life. Despite available treatments, effective agents that promote faster healing and modulate inflammation are still needed. Oxytocin (OT), a neuropeptide with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, may aid wound healing by regulating the remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM). This study investigates the effects of OT on oral ulcer healing in rats, focusing on its modulation of the MMP-2/TIMP-2 pathway. Methods: Acetic acid 70% was used as the oral mucosal ulcer inducer. Thirty-six Wistar albino rats were divided into control, oral ulcer + saline, and oral ulcer + OT (intraperitoneally for 15 days) groups. Histopathological, biochemical, and molecular analyses were performed. Buccal mucosa tissue was examined for TNF-alpha, TIMP-2, and MMP-2 levels via ELISA, while oxidative stress markers and pentraxin-3 (PTX3) were also assessed. Results: OT significantly preserved epithelial integrity and reduced fibrosis compared to the saline group (p < 0.001). TNF-alpha, MMP-2, PTX3, and malondialdehyde levels were significantly lower, while TIMP-2 levels were elevated in the OT-treated group (p < 0.01). Histopathological analysis confirmed reduced inflammation and enhanced tissue organization. Conclusions: OT accelerates oral ulcer healing by modulating inflammation, oxidative stress, and ECM remodeling via the MMP-2/TIMP-2 pathway. These findings highlight its potential as a therapeutic agent for managing mucosal injuries. Further clinical studies are warranted
Yüzyılın felaketi, Kahramanmaraş depremi: Ampütasyon yapılan bireylerin deneyimleri
Get PDFAmaç: Bu çalışma, 6 Şubat Kahramanmaraş Depremlerinde ampütasyon yapılan bireylerin deneyimlerini incelemek amacıyla planlanmıştır. Gereç ve Yöntem: Bu çalışma kapsamında, bir olguya ayrıntılı anlam kazandırmak ve incelemek amacıyla nitel araştırma yöntemi ve bu araştırma yöntemine ait bir desen olan fenomenoloji kullanılmıştır. Araştırma evrenini Kahramanmaraş merkezli depremleri yaşamış, ampütasyon kararı verilip uygulanan bireyler oluşturmaktadır. Evren içerisinden araştırmaya katılmak için gönüllü olan bireyler araştırmanın örneklemini oluşturmuştur. Bu çalışmada, amaçlı örneklemin türü olan ölçüt örneklem ve kartopu örneklem tercih edilmiştir. Çalışmada veri toplama aracı olarak yarı yapılandırılmış görüşme yöntemi tercih edilmiştir. Görüşmeler, Microsoft Teams programı ile yapılmış, alınan ses kayıtlarının, kelimesi kelimesine transkriptleri oluşturulmuş ve transkriptleri analiz etmek için MAXQDA 2020 nitel veri analizi programı kullanılmıştır. Bulgular: Çalışmaya toplamda 15 katılımcı dahil olmuştur. Katılımcıların yaş aralığı 19 ile 36 arasında değişmektedir. Yapılan analizlerin sonucunda, 4 ana tema ve bu temalara bağlı çok sayıda kategoriler ve kodlar belirlenmiştir. Bu 4 ana tema ise; yeniden doğuş ve hayatta kalma, göçük altında deneyimlenen psikososyal süreç, ampütasyon ve psikososyal uyarlama ve yeni hayata uyum temalarıdır. Sonuç: Katılımcı ifadelerinden elde edilen bulgular, ampüte bireylerin fiziksel, psikolojik ve toplumsal düzeyde farklı zorluklarla karşılaştıklarını ve bu zorluklara uyum sağlamak için geliştirdikleri baş etme stratejilerini ortaya koymuştur. Çalışmada, genel olarak, afet sonrası yaşamı yeniden inşa etmek ve topluma yeniden entegre olmak için ampüte bireylerin hem fiziksel hem de psikososyal desteğe ihtiyaç duyduğu gözlemlenmiştir. Araştırmanın bulguları, bireylerin afet sonrası yeniden hayata tutunma ve kabullenme süreçlerinin desteklenmesi gerekliliğini vurgulamaktadır. Uygulanacak olan politikalar, psikososyal destek ve toplumsal bilinçlendirme çalışmaları, bu bireylerin yaşam kalitesini artıracak önemli adımlar olarak görülmektedir.Objective:This study was planned to examine the experiences of individuals who underwent amputation in the February 6 Kahramanmaraş Earthquakes. Materials and Methods: In this study, qualitative research method and phenomenology, a design belonging to this research method, were used to provide detailed meaning to and examine a phenomenon. The research universe consists of individuals who experienced the Kahramanmaraş-centered earthquakes and were given an amputation decision. Individuals who volunteered to participate in the research from the universe constituted the sample of the research. In this study, criterion sampling and snowball sampling, which are types of purposeful sampling, were preferred. Semi-structured interview method was preferred as the data collection tool in the study. Interviews were conducted with the Microsoft Teams program, word-for-word transcripts of the received audio recordings were created, and MAXQDA 2020 qualitative data analysis program was used to analyze the transcripts. Results: A total of 15 participants were included in the study. The age range of the participants ranged from 19 to 36. As a result of the analyzes, 4 main themes and many categories and codes related to these themes were determined. These 4 main themes are; rebirth and survival, psychosocial process experienced under the rubble, amputation and psychosocial adaptation, and adaptation to new life. Conclusion: The findings obtained from the participant statements revealed that amputees face different difficulties at physical, psychological and social levels and the coping strategies they develop to adapt to these difficulties. In the study, it was observed that amputees need both physical and psychosocial support in order to rebuild their lives after the disaster and to reintegrate into society. The findings of the study emphasize the need to support individuals' processes of holding on to life and accepting after the disaster. The policies to be implemented, psychosocial support and social awareness studies are seen as important steps that will increase the quality of life of these individuals
MEDITERRANEAN PRISONERS VERSUS GUARDIANS OF NARROW PASSAGES: OTTOMANS’ GEOGRAPHY, MARITIME STRATEGIES AND THEIR RIVALS DURING THE AGE OF EXPLORATION
No full textThis article explores the decisive role of geography in shaping state power and foreign policy during the Age of Exploration, with a focus on the maritime strategies of the Ottoman Empire and Venice. Despite their dominance within the Mediterranean, both empires were geographically constrained, effectively becoming "Mediterranean prisoners" limited by Iberian control of strategic maritime chokepoints such as the Strait of Gibraltar. In contrast, Portugal and Spain leveraged their advantageous Atlantic positions to control critical narrow passages, enabling them to spearhead global exploration and empire-building. By analyzing the geographic realities underpinning these contrasting trajectories, the study highlights how physical location not only structured political, economic, and military strategies but also fundamentally limited the Ottomans’ and Venetians’ ability to project power globally. The article underscores the enduring importance of geography as a persistent and foundational factor in international relations, shaping historical and contemporary geopolitical dynamics.This article explores the decisive role of geography in shaping state power and foreign policy during the Age of Exploration, with a focus on the maritime strategies of the Ottoman Empire and Venice. Despite their dominance within the Mediterranean, both empires were geographically constrained, effectively becoming "Mediterranean prisoners" limited by Iberian control of strategic maritime chokepoints such as the Strait of Gibraltar. In contrast, Portugal and Spain leveraged their advantageous Atlantic positions to control critical narrow passages, enabling them to spearhead global exploration and empire-building. By analyzing the geographic realities underpinning these contrasting trajectories, the study highlights how physical location not only structured political, economic, and military strategies but also fundamentally limited the Ottomans’ and Venetians’ ability to project power globally. The article underscores the enduring importance of geography as a persistent and foundational factor in international relations, shaping historical and contemporary geopolitical dynamics
Gender and the discriminatory construction of the male figure in Turkish comedy films
No full textComedy films show extreme contrasts in terms of deconstructing characters together while also being able to create objective narrative patterns about the representation of the normal. However, in some comedy films, an 'othering' is seen in the editorial context and at the point of obsession. The values of the character who reveals the act of laughing in comedy films, the representation structures of the ends, and sexist rhetoric and accents can deeply affect the audience's perception and value system. The act of laughing reflects the identity of a film in the most memorable way, showing how its own identity is shaped in the face of the amazing and absurd events covered in the main character's story and encountered in the dramatic structure of the film. However, among the general forms of behaviour, the main character shows towards events that one experiences in the face of their strengths or weaknesses. Elements of ideological conflict, such as marginalization, can also arise in this context. This chapter examines the concept of gender and discriminated discourses through eight films by Cem Yilmaz to show how they are portrayed in comedy films. Within the scope of the study, content analysis was carried out on the scenes to reflect the element of 'othering' in the films. The chapter asserts that the subject of 'othering' is built based on singular genders at the point of the act of normality and does not see the patterns of trans behaviour at the humanistic point, and the audience is given a marginal suppression at the ideological point. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved
How Does Cooperative Membership Affect Farm Efficiency? A Case Study of Dairy Farms in Izmir, Turkiye
No full textThis study aims to measure the efficiency of dairy farms, both cooperative members and non-members, and to investigate the effect of farm size. To assess farm efficiency, we conducted Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and Tobit regression analysis to identify the factors that influence efficiency on farms. The study was carried out in Izmir, one of the most significant cities for dairy cooperatives and the dairy sector in Turkiye. The results showed that non-member dairy farms were more efficient than those of members. The study found that large-scale farms are more efficient than small-scale farms. It is also noteworthy that the majority of fully efficient small-scale farms are cooperative members. It can be concluded that cooperatives are more beneficial for small family farms in terms of efficiency; however, they have capacity limitations when compared to IOFs