Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University Institutional Repository
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New Properties and Matrix Representations on Higher-Order Generalized Fibonacci Quaternions with q-Integer Components
No full textIn this paper, by using q-integers and higher-order generalized Fibonacci numbers, we define the higher-order generalized Fibonacci quaternions with q-integer components. We give some special cases of these newly established quaternions. This article examines q-calculus and quaternions together. We obtain a Binet-like formula, some new identities, a generating function, a recurrence relation, an exponential generating function, and sum properties of quaternions with quantum integer coefficients. In addition, we obtain some new identities for these types of quaternions by using three new special matrices.</jats:p
The effect of video-based education program applied before children's pediatric Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) on anxiety in Turkey: A randomized controlled study
No full textThis study is a randomized controlled trial conducted to examine the effects of a Turkish video-based education program on scanned image quality and child and parent anxiety during Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).The study was conducted with 66 children aged between 4 and 15 years at Zonguldak Bulent Ecevit University Health Practice and Research Hospital, between January 2019 and December 2019. A video-based educational program was applied to an intervention group before MRI.The video-based education program reduced children's anxiety and fear (p < 0.001). The study also showed a significant reduction in parental stress (p < 0.001). The image quality in the intervention group was better than that in the control group (control group: 3.24 ± 1.20; intervention group: 4.18 ± 0.81) (p = 0.001). Significantly fewer children refused to enter the MRI room in the intervention group than in the control group (p < 0.05).Child-friendly and video-based educational programs can be organized for children and parents in diagnostic and treatment procedures for children in hospitals.MRI scans can be uncomfortable for children and require transport to a better-equipped hospital for sedation. They can also cause financial loss for children and their parents and disrupt facility workflow. An educational program to adjust the children and their families will improve the scanning process and its success rate
Investigating the impact of discretization techniques on real-time digital control of DC-DC boost converters: A comprehensive analysis
No full textThis paper provides a thorough comparative analysis of discretization techniques commonly utilized in digital control applications for DC-DC boost converters (DBCs). Given the crucial role of DC-DC converters in various industries such as renewable energy systems, electric vehicles, and portable electronic devices, it is imperative to optimize their performance through efficient digital control. This study aims to improve the understanding of the effects of discretization methods on control system behaviour. It investigates their impact on the performance, stability and accuracy of control algorithms in the context of DBC, using dSPACE real-time interface (RTI) and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulation for validation. This approach replicates real-world conditions, allowing performance to be evaluated in a controlled environment. The analysis examines behaviour in the time and frequency domains, providing insight into the strengths and weaknesses of each method. Experimental validation using MATLAB/Simulink/Stateflow on dSPACE RTI 1007 processor, DS2004 high-speed A/D and CP4002 timing and digital I/O boards ensures that the comparative analysis provides practical benefits for DBC digital control applications
Boşanmış Bireylerin Boşanma Nedenleri ve Boşanma Sürecinde Yaşadığı Güçlükler
No full textBu araştırmada, evlilik yaşantıları boşanma ile sonuçlanmış yetişkin bireylerin boşanma nedenlerine ve bu süreçteki deneyimlerine ilişkin görüşleri incelenmiştir. Betimleyici türde gerçekleştirilen bu araştırmada nitel araştırma türlerinden olgu bilim deseni kullanılmıştır. Çalışmada bireysel görüşmeler yapılarak yüz yüze veri toplanmış ve verilerin analizi için içerik analizi yöntemi kullanılmıştır. Araştırmanın çalışma grubu, Orta Anadolu’da bir il merkezinde ikamet eden, yaşları 23-49 arasında değişen, araştırmaya gönüllü olarak katılan, boşanmış 23 (14 kadın, 9 erkek) bireyden oluşmaktadır. Araştırmacılar tarafından oluşturulan ‘Yarı Yapılandırılmış Görüşme Formu' kullanılarak katılımcılara, sosyo-demografik bilgilerine, boşanma nedenlerine ve boşanma sürecindeki deneyimlerine ilişkin sorular sorulmuştur. Elde edilen veriler, boşanma nedenleri, eşlerin birbirine yönelik davranış ve iletişim biçimleri, boşanmaya eşlik eden duygular ve boşanma sürecinde yaşanan zorluklar olarak dört tema altında toplanmıştır. Sonuç olarak katılımcıların farklı nedenlerle evliliklerinin sonlandırdıkları, bir kısmının hem boşanma esnasında hem de sonrasında pek çok sosyal ve psikolojik zorluklarla karşı karşıya kaldıkları, tüm katılımcıların evli oldukları zaman içinde işlevsel olmayan iletişim örüntüleri ile ilişkilerini devam ettirdikleri sonucuna ulaşılmıştır. Elde edilen bulguların, boşanmış bireylere ve boşanma aşamasına gelmiş olan çiftlere yapılacak psikolojik desteği artırmak amacıyla alanda çalışan uzmanlara yardımcı olacağı düşünülmektedir.</jats:p
Serial intravitreal injections in age-related macular degeneration patients from the dry eye disease perspective: a cross-sectional study
No full textTo evaluate the effects of serial intravitreal injections (IVI) on the ocular surface and meibomian glands in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD).Patients receiving anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agent injections for unilateral nAMD were included. Untreated fellow eyes served as the control group. All participants followed a pre-IVI asepsis protocol with povidone-iodine (PI). Ocular surface diseases index (OSDI) questionnaire scores, first and average non-invasive tear break-up time (fNITBUT and avgNITBUT), Schirmer-1 test results, corneal staining score (according to Oxford scale), meibomian gland (MG) loss rates of lower and upper eyelids were recorded four weeks after the last IVI.Forty-two nAMD patients with a mean age of 63.3 ± 19.4 were included in the study. The mean OSDI score was 20.3 and the median of IVI number was 9 (6-22). There were no statistically significant difference between treated and untreated fellow eyes regarding fNITBUT (5.6 vs. 4.5, p = 0.872), avgNITBUT (6.2 vs. 7.2, p = 0.968), Shirmer-1 results (7 vs. 7, p = 0.854), corneal staining (0.3 vs. 0.2, p = 0.341), lower and upper MG loss rate (29.3 vs. 28.4, p = 0.162, and 27.1 vs. 26.9, p = 0.476, respectively). Only significant correlation was observed between age with lower and upper MG loss rate (r:0.396, p = 0.042, and r:0.365, p = 0.047).The results of the present study demonstrated that serial IVI of anti-VEGF agents with PI asepsis is well tolerated by nAMD patients in terms of ocular surface, MG loss and DED measurements
Sodyum Hipoklorite Maruz Kalan Nikel-Titanyum Eğelerin Döngüsel Yorgunluğuna Karşı Direnç Değişimi
No full textAmaç: Bu çalışmanın amacı, CE belgesi olan ve olmayan iki nikel-titanyum (NİTİ) döner eğenin ilk hali ile %5 sodyum hipoklorit (NaOCl) solüsyonlarına 5 dakika maruz kalan eğelerin döngüsel yorgunluk dirençlerindeki değişimleri değerlendirmektir. Gereç ve Yöntemler: Bu çalışmada, 32 adet paketinden yeni çıkarılan CE belgesi olan ve olmayan 2 çeşit NiTi eğe (V3-M boyut 25.04 ve boyut 25.04 R-Shaper eğesi) kullanılmaktadır. Eğeler, CE belgesi olan ve olmayan şeklinde 16’şarlı gruplara ayrıldı. Bu gruplar da paketinden yeni çıkarılan eğe grubu ve steril etmek için 5 dakika %5 NaOCl’ye maruz bırakılmış eğe grubu olarak ikiye (n=8) ayrıldı. Eğelerin döngüsel yorulma direnci, özel olarak tasarlanmış bir test cihazında ölçüldü. Eğelerin döngüsel yorulma dirençlerini karşılaştırmak için SPSS 22.0 Paket Veri Programı (SPSS 22.0 Software Package Program, Inc., Chicago, IL, ABD) kullanıldı. Anlamlılık değeri p&lt;0.05 olarak kabul edildi. Bulgular: İki farklı eğe grubunun maruz kalmadan önceki ve sonraki döngüsel dayanımları karşılaştırıldığında, R-shaper eğesinde maruz bırakılmadan önceki ve sonraki değerler arasında anlamlı bir fark bulunmazken (p=0.74), V3-m tipi eğenin maruz bırakılmadan önceki ve sonraki değerleri arasında istatistiksel olarak anlamlı bir fark bulunmamıştır (p&lt;0.05). Sonuç: CE belgesine sahip olan NİTİ döner aletlerin döngüsel yorulma dirençleri, ilk hali ile steril etmek için %5 NaOCl'ye maruz bırakılan etkilenmemesine karşın CE belgesi olmayan eğelerin döngüsel dirençlerinde değişiklik göstermektedir. Bu nedenle CE belgeli NiTi eğelerinin kullanılmasının önem arz edeceği görüşündeyiz.</jats:p
Comparison between direct and indirect “digital image” dental visual shade matching considering the effect of clinical experience and gender
No full textAbstractIntroductionShade matching is an essential procedure to obtain an esthetic prosthesis. The Direct Visual Shade Matching (DSM) method using shade guides is the most used method by dentists. However, The Indirect Visual Digital Shade Matching (ISM) method based on digital imaging is concerned to be reliable and useful in determining shade matching in dental practice. Several factors such as method, clinical experience, and gender can affect the success of shade matching.Aim of the StudyThis study aimed to compare these two methods and evaluate the effect of experience and gender on the results.Materials and MethodsThree volunteers' maxillary central incisor teeth were evaluated using (DSM) and (ISM) methods by 87 examiners (42 males, 45 females). These examiners were further divided into three groups based on their clinical experience: Undergraduate Preclinical Dental Students (UPDS) with 31 examiners, Undergraduate Clinical Dental Students (UCDS) with 34 examiners, and Postgraduate Dental Students from the Department of Prosthodontics (PDS) with 22 examiners. The spectrophotometer device results of three teeth were considered as a reference for shade matching. Statistical analyses of the data were performed using Kruskal–Wallis, Mann–Whitney U, and Chi‐square tests.ResultsNo significant difference was found between indirect and direct methods according to Perfect Matches (p > 0.05). However, according to Shade Matching Deviation Score (SMDS) values a statistically significant difference was found between the two methods where the best result was obtained with the ISM method (p < 0.05). There was a significant difference between the PDS group and the other two groups in terms of clinical experience (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between gender groups (p > 0.05).ConclusionDigital images, captured under standardized lighting conditions, may serve as a reliable alternative method for direct shade matching. The (ISM) method requires a camera, related accessories, and computer skills. However, as these tools are commonly available nowadays, the focus for practitioners should be on effectively learning and applying these tools to achieve the best results. While clinical experience plays a significant role in the shade matching process, gender does not appear to have a substantial influence.Clinical SignificanceThis study found no significant differences between the (DSM) and (ISM) methods, leaving the clinical relevance of this method open to debate. However, the ISM method yielded superior responses. Despite requiring specialized tools, conditions, and training, the widespread use of cameras and computers in modern clinics makes the necessary equipment and software readily available. This method enhances clinician‐technician communication, potentially improving prosthesis esthetics and patient satisfaction, especially for less experienced clinicians or those with color deficiencies. Further research is crucial to determine its clinical significance.</jats:sec
Initial investigation on ultrasound-guided percutaneous biopsy of lesions in the first hepatic hilum with fusion of ultrasound and multimodal imaging cognitive guidance
No full textPurposeThis study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided percutaneous biopsy of the first hepatic hilum lesion, and examine its clinical value of diagnosis and treatment.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective study on patients diagnosed with the first hepatic hilum lesions at Fujian Provincial Hospital between February 2015 and October 2022. We selected patients who had lesions in the first hepatic hilum(including a 2cm surrounding area of the left/right hepatic ducts and upper-middle segment of the common bile duct) and the liver periphery(in the peripheral area of the liver, outside of the above-mentioned first hepatic porta region). These patients underwent percutaneous ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy (PUS-CNB) with cognitive fusion guidance using CT, MRI, or PET-CT. We compared the safety and efficacy of PUS-CNB in the first hepatic hilum and the liver periphery to explore the value of PUS-CNB in optimizing the clinical treatment of the first hepatic hilum lesions.ResultsThe studied includes 38 cases of the first hepatic hilum cases (18 females; 20 males), 23 presented with mass-forming tumors while the remaining 15 exhibited diffuse infiltrative tumors, with an average diameter of 4.65± 2.51 cm. The percutaneous biopsy procedure, conducted under ultrasound guidance, had an average operation time of 14.55 ± 2.73 minutes, and resulted in a postoperative bleeding volume of approximately 10.79 ± 2.79 ml. The diagnostic success rate was noted to be as high as 92.11% among the participants who underwent percutaneous biopsy of the first hepatic hilum. Procedural complications, such as bleeding, bile leakage, intestinal perforation, infection or needle tract seeding, did not occur during or after the biopsy procedure. Affected by biopsy results, 5 altered their clinical treatment plans accordingly, 24patients received non-surgical treatment, 9 underwent surgical treatment, 5 underwent radiofrequency ablation for the lesions. The study comprised a total of 112 cases for percutaneous biopsy of the liver periphery. The safety and effectiveness of the two biopsy techniques were comparable, with diagnostic success rates of 92.11% VS. 94.34%, respectively (p = 0.61).ConclusionCognitive fusion of ultrasound and multi-modal imaging for the first hepatic hilum lesion puncture biopsy is a safe and effective diagnostic procedure, with better diagnostic rate, may improve clinical value of diagnosis and treatment of various diseases.</jats:sec
Enhancing Resiliency of Integrated Space-Air Ground-Sea Networks with Renewable Energies: A Use Case After the 2023 Türkiye Earthquake
No full textNatural disasters can have catastrophic consequences, a poignant example is the series of and magnitude earthquakes that devastated Türkiye on February 6, 2023. To limit the damage, it is essential to maintain the communications infrastructure to ensure individuals impacted by the disaster can receive critical information. The disastrous earthquakes in Türkiye have revealed the importance of considering communications and energy solutions together to build resilient and sustainable infrastructure. Thus, this paper proposes an integrated space-air-ground-sea network architecture that utilizes various communications and energy-enabling technologies. This study aims to contribute to the development of robust and sustainable disaster-response frameworks. In light of the Türkiye earthquakes, two methods for network management are proposed: the first aims to ensure sustainability in the pre-disaster phase and the second aims to maintain communications during the in-disaster phase. In these frameworks, communications technologies such as High Altitude Platform Station(s)(HAPS), which are among the key enablers to unlock the potential of 6G networks, and energy technologies such as Renewable Energy Sources (RES), Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESSs), and Electric Vehicles (EVs) have been used as the prominent technologies. By simulating a case study, we demonstrate the performance of a proposed framework for providing network resiliency. The paper concludes with potential challenges and future directions to achieve a disaster-resilient network architecture solution.accepted in IEEE COMMA
Population Genetics and Gene Flow in Cyphotilapia frontosa and Cyphotilapia gibberosa Along the East Coast of Lake Tanganyika
No full textThe radiation of cichlid species in the East African Great Lakes is remarkable and rapid. The population genetics of two deep-water Cyphotilapia species along the east coast of Lake Tanganyika from Burundi to southern Tanzania was determined using ddRAD-seq. A combination of ADMIXTURE, PCA, genome polarization, and 2D site frequency spectrum analyses confirmed the presence of two species, C. frontosa in the north and C. gibberosa in the south, as documented in other studies. We also found evidence of a potential hybrid zone connecting the two species at a sharp genetic cline centered in the middle of the lake and apparent introgression in both directions, but predominantly from ‘gibberosa’ into ‘frontosa’. The highest proportion of introgressed ‘gibberosa’ ancestry was present in the southernmost populations of C. frontosa collected near Karilani Island and Cape Kabogo. At the intra-specific level, there was support for between 1 and 3 populations of C. frontosa, whereas the results indicated only a single homogeneous population of C. gibberosa. The presence of different morphs in the lake despite the low levels of heterozygosity suggests that a small number of loci may be involved in the morphological variation and/or that there is a more complex interplay between genetics and the environment in different locations.</jats:p