Uludag University Academic Repository
Not a member yet
50710 research outputs found
Sort by
Clinical characteristics and outcome of fetuses with ventriculomegaly: A retrospective multicenter study
No full textPurposeTo evaluate the incidence of associated structural anomalies, chromosomal/genetic abnormalities, infections and outcomes of fetuses with ventriculomegaly (VM). MethodsRetrospective multicenter cohort study of 627 pregnancies with fetal VM. VM was classified as mild, moderate, or severe and isolated or non-isolated. Genetic, obstetric and outcome data were collected and compared according to VM categories. ResultsThe incidences of associated structural anomalies were 21.9%, 53.1% and 63.9% in mild, moderate and severe VM, respectively (p = 0.032 mild vs. moderate-severe). The incidences of genetic abnormality and fetal infection of the total VM group were 16.1% and 0.8%, respectively, with no significant differences between the VM categories (p > 0.05). The incidences of pathogenic genetic variant in the mild, moderate and severe VM were 13.5% (5/37), 16.7% (3/18) and 38.1% (8/21), respectively (p = 0.032 mild vs. severe). Fetal MRI identified additional CNS anomalies in 5.6% of cases. The incidences of surviving babies with neurological morbidities were significantly higher in fetuses with non-isolated VM groups than in isolated VM groups (p < 0.001). ConclusionThe prognosis of fetuses with VM mostly depends on the severity and the associated anomalies. In all types of fetal VMs additional genetic investigations are valuable
Hybrid learning-driven golden jackal optimizer for reliable parameter estimation of nonlinear memristive chaotic systems
No full textAccurate identification of parameters in chaotic and nonlinear systems is essential for ensuring precise modeling, control, and prediction of complex dynamical behaviors. However, conventional metaheuristic algorithms often struggle to maintain an effective balance between exploration and exploitation, leading to premature convergence and estimation inaccuracies. To address these challenges, this study proposes an enhanced golden jackal optimizer (en-GJO) that integrates three complementary mechanisms (Laplacian crossover learning, elite group learning, and opposition repair learning). These hybrid strategies collectively strengthen population diversity, accelerate convergence, and prevent stagnation, thereby improving both the global search capability and local refinement accuracy of the original GJO. The effectiveness of the en-GJO is first validated through extensive benchmarking on twenty-three standard test functions, including unimodal, multimodal, and fixed-dimensional multimodal problems. Comparative results against nine well-established metaheuristics (such as SSA, SCA, HHO, AEO, EO, GBO, RUN, and ARO) demonstrate that en-GJO achieves superior convergence precision and robustness, consistently yielding the lowest mean and standard-deviation values across all categories. To further verify its real-world applicability, the en-GJO is applied to the parameter identification of a memristive chaotic system, formulated as a nonlinear optimization problem using a least-squares-based objective function. Simulation results reveal that the proposed method attains the most accurate estimates of the system parameters \documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}\end{document}, with negligible deviation from their true values. Statistical analyses and convergence profiles confirm that en-GJO not only converges faster but also delivers more stable and repeatable performance than competing algorithms. In comparative evaluations with reported techniques such as PSO, ABC, SPSSA, GWO, POA, and FPPOA, the en-GJO achieves the smallest cost value (1.3850 x 10-13) and with a mean fitness of 1.0507 x 10-9 and a standard deviation of 2.5392 x 10-9, outperforming all compared algorithms by several orders of magnitude. The estimated system parameters converge to their true values with error rates below 0.001%, confirming the high accuracy, stability, and repeatability of the proposed approach. In summary, the proposed en-GJO offers a highly accurate, stable, and computationally efficient solution for parameter estimation in nonlinear and chaotic systems
Enhanced emi shielding of ag-polymer composites via tib 2 reinforcement in the 2-4 ghz range
No full textDue to its exceptional electrical conductivity, high thermal stability, and mechanical hardness, titanium diboride (TiB2) has emerged as a critical reinforcement material for high performance electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding. Despite its potential, achieving a synergistic balance between filler dispersion and high shielding efficiency within polymer matrices remains a significant challenge in current research. This study investigates the performance of composite coatings reinforced with TiB2, a conductive ceramic material, for EMI shielding applications in the 2-4 GHz frequency range. TiB2 is incorporated into a commercially available Ag polymer at various weight ratios (10-50 wt%), and the resulting composites are evaluated using a Vector Network Analyzer. The reflection (S-1(1)) and transmission (S-2(1)) parameters are measured to calculate the total shielding effectiveness, which reached a peak of approximately 45 dB at 2.2 GHz. These findings highlight the promise of TiB2-filled composites as effective EMI shielding materials for use in aerospace, defense, and healthcare applications. Future research will aim to optimize the filler composition and assess material stability under elevated temperatures.Mudanya Üniversites
Turkish thoracic society declaration on peace and health the importance of breathing in a world without ware
No full textWar legitimizes the right to kill for its participants, equating victory with moral justification, however, this perceived legitimacy is largely Constructed on the deaths of civilians and other living beings. Medicine, by its very nature, is grounded in the principles of preserving ife, doing no harm, and adhering to scientific and ethical standards, and is therefore fundamentally opposed to the philosophy of war. Wars lead, directly and indirectly, to desaths, disability, displacement, poverty, and long-term public health disasters. Attacks on health Facilities, restrictions on access to food and water, environmental destruction, and air pollution disproportionately affect vulnerable Dopulations, particularly women and children. The psychological consequences of war often evolve into persistent neuropsychiatric conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and moral injury. Peace is not merely the absence of war, it is a prerequisite for health, environmental sustainability, and social well-being. The concept of positive peace strengthens health indicators hrough well-functioning institutions, equitable resource distribution, and the protection of human rights. Within this framework, health professionals and civil society organizations are critical actors in advocating for peace and in making human rights violations visible The Turkish Thoracic Society regards peace as an indispensable condition for public and respiratory health, affirms its opposition to all wars particularly the ongoing atrocities in Gaza-and reaffirms its commitment to sustained, health-based advocacy for peace
The potential of combining coagulation-flocculation, biofiltration, and advanced oxidation processes for multi-stage wastewater treatment
No full textBACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The increasing need for efficient wastewater treatment solutions has driven research toward the development of integrated processes capable of addressing complex contaminant compositions. Standard single-stage treatment approaches frequently do not effectively remove a variety of pollutants, including organic compounds, heavy metals, and pathogenic microorganisms. Furthermore, information on the integration of coagulation-flocculation, biofiltration, and advanced oxidation processes within a cohesive treatment system. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a multi-stage wastewater treatment system that combines coagulation-flocculation, biofiltration, and advanced oxidation processes to enhance pollutant removal efficiency and improve effluent quality. METHODS: The experimental setup consisted of three sequential treatment units. In the first stage, coagulation-flocculation was employed to aggregate and remove suspended solids and colloidal matter. Coagulant dosages of 20, 40, 60, and 100 milligrams per liter were tested to determine the optimal chemical requirement. The second phase employed biofiltration to enhance the biological breakdown of dissolved organic substances, with the hydraulic retention time fine-tuned for optimal microbial activity. The final stage applied ultraviolet light and hydrogen peroxide oxidation to degrade residual organic pollutants and ensure microbial disinfection. FINDINGS: As the dosage of coagulant was raised, the coagulation-flocculation performance showed improvement. At 20 milligrams per liter, total suspended solids removal was 52.3 percent and chemical oxygen demand reduction was 15.7 percent. At 40 milligrams per liter, these values increased to 72.8 percent and 28.4 percent, respectively. The optimal dosage of 60 milligrams per litefficiency.5 percent removal of total suspended solids and 39.6 percent reduction in chemical oxygen demand, while at 100 milligrams per liter, the efficiency reached 92.5 percent and 43.3 percent, respectively. The integrated multi-stage system achieved average overall removal efficiencies of 92 percent for chemical oxygen demand, 85 percent for heavy metals, and more than 99 percent for microbial inactivation. CONCLUSION: The findings indicate that the combined treatment system significantly improves pollutant removal by leveraging the synergistic interaction between physicochemical, biological, and oxidation processes. The study confirms the potential of the system for pilotscale and full-scale adaptation, suggesting its viability as an integrated solution for effective wastewater management and the protection of public health
Revisiting turkish esophageal atresia regisrty data for quality indicators
No full textAim The Turkish Esophageal Atresia Registry (TEAR) data were revisited using quality indicators (QIs) to evaluate quality care provided to patients with esophageal atresia (EA). Methods Among 36 centers registering data in the TEAR database, only those treating more than four patients per year were included. Based on predefined QIs, each center was assessed for structural, procedural and outcome indicators. Mean percentages were calculated for each QI. Centers with a lower-than-mean percentage for adverse outcomes were determined as 'meeting' that QI, while those with higher percentage were defined as 'not meeting' it. Results Fifteen centers and 525 patients were analyzed. MDTs existed in 80 % centers while 33 % had transition-to-adulthood programs. One center met the 91 % of all QIs, whereas, 2 centers met 82 % of them and 3 of them met 73 %. Two centers met only 36 % of all indicators. The most frequently met QIs were the presence of MDTs and low intraoperative complications (n = 12, 80 %) whereas anastomotic strictures were the least met (n = 6, 40 %). No correlation was found between the number of patients treated per centers and the number of QIs met (p > 0.05). The presence transition-to-adulthood facilities was associated with a significantly reduced rate of intraoperative complications compared with centers lacking such resources (p = 0.008). Conclusions QIs allow centers to gain insight into their EA care and compare their performance with that of other centers. Although the centers in TEAR met most of the QIs, certain measures-such as the rate of anastomotic stricture-should be improved at the national level. (c) 2026 Elsevier Inc. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies
Does the type and location of activities in children's playgrounds affect the quality of the playground?
No full textThis study aims to evaluate the types of activities suitable for the developmental needs of different age groups in children's playgrounds based on expert opinions and to examine the impact of these activity types and their locations on playground quality. Through the participation of 200 experts from diverse disciplines, including child development, psychology, architecture, landscape architecture, education, and rehabilitation, the types and characteristics of activities required in playgrounds were comprehensively analyzed. Unlike previous studies, which treated activity types, their target age groups, and spatial locations separately, this research adopts an integrated approach. In the study, activities identified through expert input were linked to developmental criteria specific to age groups, and a quantitative evaluation system expressing playground quality was developed, along with a customized experience score. Two different location scenarios, Plan A and Plan B, were compared. The findings indicate that Plan A has a positive influence on playground quality, with higher scores in terms of both interaction and developmental contribution. A key strength of this study lies in its multidisciplinary expert involvement in the combined evaluation of activity selection and spatial organization, as well as in the development of a quantitative scoring system that reflects playground quality. This approach guides designing children's playgrounds that move beyond mere entertainment spaces to become functional and high-quality environments that support the multidimensional development of children across different age groups
Prevalence and risk factors of difficult-to-treat axial spondyloarthritis: Real-life evidence from the biostar database
No full textObjectives This study was aimed at determining the prevalence of difficult-to-treat (D2T) axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) and identifying main associated factors for D2T axSpA. Method This multicenter observational cross-sectional study included axSpA patients from the BioSTaR (Biological and Targeted Synthetic Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs Registry) from February 1, 2019, to January 1, 2025. Data from 1800 axSpA patients who have previously used or are currently using at least one biologic/targeted synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug were analyzed. Patient data included demographic characteristics, body mass index (BMI), marital status, smoking and alcohol use, family history of SpA, and presence of comorbidities. The parameters related to SpA such as disease duration, type of axSpA (radiographic/non-radiographic), HLA-B27 status, the presence of extra-musculoskeletal manifestations (uveitis, psoriasis, and inflammatory bowel disease), arthritis, enthesitis, and dactylitis were also recorded. Comorbidities including hypertension, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, and hyperlipidemia were recorded, and Charlson Index scores were evaluated. Maastricht Ankylosing Spondylitis Enthesitis Score (MASES) and disease activity in means of Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) and Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score with C-reactive protein (ASDAS-CRP) were also recorded. All medication history and currently used medications for axSpA and other diseases were noted. D2T and non-D2T axSpA patients were classified according to the suggested extrapolated definition. Results Of the 1800 axSpA patients recorded in the BioSTaR database, 204 (11.3%) were classified as D2T axSpA. Data of these patients were compared to the data from 1596 non-D2T axSpA patients. Disease duration was longer in D2T patients (p = 0.025). The presence of radiographic disease was more frequent in the D2T group (p = 0.047). In means of MASES and ASDAS-CRP, higher scores were recorded in the D2T group (both p < 0.001). Enthesitis and psoriasis were more frequent in the D2T group (p = 0.002 and p = 0.006). Regarding comorbidities, hypertension and cardiovascular diseases were more frequent in the D2T group (p < 0.001 and p = 0.009). The risk of D2T axSpA increased 2.37-fold with the presence of r-axSpA (p = 0.018), 1.92-fold with the presence of hypertension (p = 0.006), 2.12-fold with the presence of obesity (p = 0.024), and 3.63-fold with the presence of psoriasis (p = 0.004). Every 1-point increase in MASES increased D2T risk 1.08-fold (p = 0.017), and every 1-point increase in ASDAS-CRP increased D2T risk 1.62-fold (p < 0.001). Conclusions In conclusion, 11.3% of patients with axSpA met the proposed criteria for D2T axSpA. This subgroup was characterized by longer disease duration, higher frequency of r-axSpA, enthesitis, and psoriasis, as well as elevated MASES, CRP, ASDAS-CRP, and BASDAI scores. Hypertension and cardiovascular comorbidities were also significantly more prevalent among D2T patients. These parameters represent potential contributors to treatment complexity and should be carefully considered in therapeutic decision-making. In cases of suboptimal treatment response, reassessment and optimal management of comorbidities are essential, as comorbid conditions can increase disease burden and diminish therapeutic efficacy. Comprehensive care for axSpA should therefore include targeted management of accompanying comorbidities in parallel with disease-specific therapy.Monitoring blood pressure, optimizing body weight, and encouraging smoking cessation are particularly important. Additionally, concomitant rheumatic diseases such as psoriasis, uveitis, or inflammatory bowel disease should be actively evaluated and treated, given their association with more severe disease and reduced treatment response.Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt Üniversites
A research on Turkey's Syrian immigration policy from the perspective of political parties' programmes
No full text2011 yılından sonra Suriye’de başlayan iç savaştan kaçan ve önce yakın ülkelere sığınan Suriyeli göçmenler için açık kapı politikası uygulayan Türkiye; göç hareketinin en yoğun yaşandığı ülke olmuştur. Bu göç, Türkiye Cumhuriyeti’nin kuruluşundan günümüze yaşadığı en büyük göç akınıdır. Olayların başında düşünülen kısa süreli misafirlik, 14 yıl süren uzun süreli misafirliğe dönüşmüştür. Ilımlı, misafirperver tutumu nedeniyle Türkiye diğer ülkelerden çok daha fazla Suriyeli göçmen barındırmıştır. Türkiye, bu göçten dolayı birçok yeni sorun ve durumla karşılaşmıştır. Suriyeli göçünün ülkemize sosyal, kültürel, Siyasal ve ekonomik olarak çok büyük etkisi olmuştur. Bu etkiler sonucunda seçmen davranışları etkilenmiş, siyasi partiler göçmen politikalarını ve söylemlerini bu sorun ve duruma göre belirlemiştir. Tezin temel amacı da hem iktidarda hem de muhalefette yer alan siyasi partilerin Suriyeli göçmenlere karşı izledikleri politikaları, bunun arkasında yatan nedenleri ve zaman içinde bu politikalardaki değişimlerin nedenlerini anlamaktır. Bu amaçla tezimizde Suriye’deki iç savaşa gelinen süreç, Batılı ülkelerin Suriyeli göçmen politikaları, Türkiye’nin Suriyeli göçmenlere uyguladığı politikalar ve 2011 sonrası yapılan seçimlerde TBMM’de grubu bulunan siyasi partilerin parti programları, seçim beyanname ve bildirilerinde yer verdikleri göçmen, sığınmacı politikaları ele alınmıştır. Son bölümde ise aynı partilerin yetkili temsilcileri ile yapılan görüşmelerde Suriyeli sığınmacılar ile ilgili görüşmelerin kayıtlarına yer verilmiştir.Upon the eruption of civilian war in Syrian in 2011, millions of Syrians run away from the war to the nearest countries. Turkey which was the one of a few countries not indifferent to that heart breaking human drama decided to pursue an open-door policy to those immigrants. This policy resulted in a massive immigration flow of Syrian immigrants which was the most extensive immigration ever since the establishment of Turkish Republic. At the beginning it has been considered as a short-term and temporary hospitage by Turkish people and politicians, but as the civilian war in Syria dragged on, their stay extended over 14 years which is much longer than expected. Turkey’s welcoming and moderate approach to the immigrants, no doubts, has been appreciated by Syrian immigrants, an also by Western countries which have never been willing to open their borders to Eastern immigrants, but had serious economic, social, cultural and political consequences in the long run. At this study, we will focus on political consequences from voters’ behavior and preference to changes in immigration policies of political parties in time. In line with this objective, we, first, had a short glance at the chain of events taking Syria to a civilian war. Secondly, Western countries’ approach and policies to the civilian war and immigration wave from Syria are discussed. And then we focused on Turkey in terms of immigration policy pursued for Syrian immigrants. At this point, the changes in the approaches of political parties in power and opposition parties, with regard to economic, social and cultural consequences of long-term stay of immigrants in time, are analyzed. To this end, immigration and refugee policies in the programs and election bulletins of the political parties, which had groups in the Turkish Grand National Assembly at the elections taken after 2011, are analyzed and discussed
Evaluation of the relationship between glycated hemoglobin (hba1c) levels and diabetes and other diseases: A retrospective study
Full text linkObjective: To retrospectively evaluate the relationships between glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels and diabetes and other diseases in primary care. Methodology: This study was conducted retrospectively using the available recorded data of individuals registered with the Bursa Uludag University Family Health Center, and who underwent HbA1c measurement during the five years between January 2020 to December 2024. 3520 Visits (N) constituted the study population. Simple random sampling was at least 385 patients with a 5% error rate and a 95% confidence level. 537 (n) Patients who met the inclusion criteria were included in the study sample. The study's sample power was determined to be 99% and the effect size was determined to be quite high at 0.49. Results: Of the 537 individuals who participated in the study, 117 (21.8%) were female and 420 (78.2%) were male. The average age of the individuals was determined to be 39.29 +/- 14.63. Based on the main findings of the study, allergic disease (beta=4.62), gender (beta=4.45), anemia (beta=3.92), and non-pregnancy status (beta=3.22) were found to be multiple associations. Patients with these characteristics are at an estimated risk of having an HbA1c level above 6.5 (R2=0.51). Conclusion: In our study, the male gender, older age, genetic and chronic diseases, allergies, anemia and diabetes were significantly different across HbA1c groups. Allergic diseases, gender, anemia and pregnancy were found to have associations affecting HbA1c levels. Our results regarding HbA1c levels in family medicine are crucial for diagnosis, treatment, follow-up and referral to other clinics