Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University Institutional Repository
Not a member yet
9495 research outputs found
Sort by
Parallel Mediators between Resilience, Mindfulness and Social Connectedness: Entrapment and Intolerance of Uncertainty
No full textAbstract Background In response to challenging life circumstances, individuals may exhibit a range of reactions, from feeling trapped and intolerant of uncertainty to experiencing negative psychological outcomes or demonstrating resilience. Those who lack mindfulness and social connectedness often struggle more significantly with these challenges. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether intolerance of uncertainty and feelings of entrapment mediate the relationship between mindfulness, social connectedness, and psychological resilience. This is the first study to explore these specific relationships.Methods The study involved 351 participants, consisting of 54 males and 297 females, who voluntarily provided data. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was utilized to perform mediation analysis and examine the complex relationships between the variables.Results The findings revealed that both intolerance of uncertainty and feelings of entrapment serve as parallel mediators in the relationship between mindfulness, social connectedness, and psychological resilience. Specifically, mindfulness and social connectedness were found to negatively predict intolerance of uncertainty and feelings of entrapment. In turn, higher levels of intolerance of uncertainty and entrapment were associated with lower levels of psychological resilience. These results suggest that individuals who are more mindful and socially connected tend to exhibit greater resilience by being less susceptible to uncertainty and feelings of entrapment.Conclusions This study highlights the critical roles of mindfulness and social connectedness in fostering psychological resilience, particularly by reducing intolerance of uncertainty and feelings of entrapment. These findings have important implications for developing interventions aimed at enhancing resilience in individuals facing challenging life circumstances. By promoting mindfulness and strengthening social connections, it may be possible to mitigate the negative psychological effects of uncertainty and entrapment, thereby enhancing overall resilience.</p
Revitalizing Traditional Methods in Carotid Endarterectomy: A Comprehensive Review of Primary Closure Techniques
No full textObjective: Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) remains essential in treating carotid artery disease, but recent interest has emerged in primary closure techniques. This study investigates the outcomes, efficacy, and safety of primary closure compared to conventional methods. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 130 patients who underwent CEA with primary closure at our clinic between January 2018 and April 2024 was conducted. All surgeries followed a standardized procedure under general anesthesia. Data on demographics, surgical time, cross-clamp time, mortality, morbidity, and hospital stay were collected. Follow-up evaluations were done at 1, 6, and 12 months post-surgery. Results: The study included 130 patients, 90 males (69%) and 40 females (31%), with an average age of 69.54±5.42 years. Restenosis occurred in five patients (3%) at 12 months, all asymptomatic. Three patients experienced transient ischemic attacks (TIA) postoperatively, which fully resolved within one month. Importantly, no early mortalities were recorded during the one-month follow-up period. Conclusion: Primary closure in CEA demonstrates promising outcomes, with low rates of restenosis and postoperative complications, along with no early mortality. These findings highlight primary closure as a potentially advantageous approach in CEA. Further research and prospective trials are necessary to validate and optimize this technique, ultimately improving patient outcomes in carotid artery disease management.</jats:p
Climatic Influences on the Environmental Performances of Residential Buildings: A Comparative Case Study in Turkey
No full textThis study evaluates the environmental performance of residential projects in Bolu and Mardin, Turkey, by assessing the impact of climatic and architectural context on material selection, construction techniques, and environmental outcomes. Using BIM-based LCA tools, the analysis compares Bolu’s humid climate with Mardin’s hot and dry conditions across multiple environmental metrics. In the Product (A1–A3) phase, Bolu has higher CO2 emissions, accounting for 79–85% of the total environmental impact, compared to 77–82% in Mardin. However, energy consumption is higher in Mardin during the Product phase. In the Construction (A4) and End of Life (C2–C4) phases, Bolu has a higher energy consumption and environmental impact than Mardin. In terms of waste generation, the End of Life phases (C2–C4) are identified as significant contributors in both case studies. The material analysis shows that concrete, finishing materials (e.g., paint and plaster) and stone wall materials have the highest environmental impacts in both cases. This study aims to provide a detailed examination of how environmental impacts differ due to material use in two different climatic regions. BIM-based LCA methods were used to investigate the influence of regional and climatic differences on environmental performance. The impacts of material components across all life cycle stages were analyzed, and recommendations for their optimization were provided. Future research could focus on the integration of innovative materials and technologies to improve life cycle efficiency. In addition, incorporating data from different geographic regions could broaden the scope of the analysis and contribute significantly to sustainable building practices. Such approaches provide critical opportunities to develop specific strategies for reducing environmental impacts.</jats:p
Distalization Methods for Maxillary Molars Utilizing Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADs): A Narrative Review
No full textClass II malocclusions, characterized by the mesial positioning of the maxillary molars relative to the mandibular molars, are among the most frequently encountered orthodontic issues. One of the widely adopted non-extraction approaches for addressing this malocclusion is maxillary molar distalization, which has been utilized for decades to create space within the dental arch. Historically, extraoral appliances such as headgear were commonly employed. However, with technological advancements, intraoral distalization devices, particularly those incorporating temporary anchorage devices (TADs), have gained prominence due to their compact size, not being visible externally, and improved patient acceptance. These appliances offer significant advantages, including being less invasive compared with extraction-based camouflage treatments, being more readily accepted by patients due to the absence of extraction spaces, and not requiring the complex biomechanical principles involved in extraction-based methods. TADs have revolutionized distalization techniques by providing superior anchorage control, reducing treatment duration, and offering a straightforward, patient-friendly application. The purpose of this comprehensive narrative review is to focus specifically on intraoral distalization techniques utilizing TADs, summarizing their efficacy and outcomes in the management of Class II malocclusions as reported in clinical studies over the past three decades.</jats:p
FCC-µp ‘da Foton-Foton Etkileşmesi ile Anormal Çeşni Değiştiren Nötr Akımların tqγ Geçişleri Üzerine Bir Çalışma
No full textStandart model ötesi yeni fizik araştırmalarında, elektro zayıf etkileşme ölçeğindeki büyük kütlesi ve kısa yaşam ömrü nedeniyle üst kuark’ın bozunma kanalları üzerine çalışmalar oldukça ilgi çekicidir. Üst kuarkın, standart modelde nadir görülen ve neredeyse tamamen bastırılmış bozunma kanallarından birisi de çeşni değiştiren nötr akım geçişleridir. Ancak, bu geçişler standart model ötesi bir teori olan etkin alan teorisinde mümkün kılınmıştır. Çalışmamızda üst kuarkın çeşni değiştiren nötr akım geçişlerinden, foton aracılığı ile bir yukarı kuark ya da cazibeli kuarka dönüştüğü etkileşmeleri etkin alan teorisi ile incelemeye odaklandık. İncelememizi gelecekte inşa edilmesi planlan müon proton çarpıştırıcısı FCC-µp’ nın iki farklı kütle merkezi enerjisi değeri için, μp→μγγp→μWbq ̅p→μlv_l bq ̅p(l=e,μ ve v_l= v_e 〖,v〗_μ) ve μwbq ̅p→μjj ̅bq ̅p(j=u d c s,( j) ̅=u ̅ d ̅( c) ̅ s ̅ ) süreçleri için gerçekleştirdik. Bir istatistiksel analiz metodu olan ki-kare testini uygulayarak % 95 güvenilirlik düzeyinde top kuarkın bir foton ve yukarı kuark yada cazibeli kuarka dallanma oranı BR(t→qγ) üzerine sınırlama getirdik. Elde edilen sonuçların güncel deneysel sonuçları yaklaşık dört kat geliştirdiği gözlemlenmiştir.</jats:p
Sulodexide Inhibits Arterial Contraction via the Endothelium-Dependent Nitric Oxide Pathway
No full textBackground/Objectives: Sulodexide (SDX) is a drug known for restoring the glycocalyx, thereby offering endothelial protection and regulating permeability. Additionally, it has antithrombotic and anti-inflammatory properties and has shown arterial vasodilatory effects. Endothelial cells play a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis, with their dysfunction being a key contributor to loss in vasodilatory response, especially in arterial pathologies. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of SDX on stimulated vascular tonus in human arterial samples and to assess the function of the endothelial layer as a source of nitric oxide (NO). Methods: A total of 16 internal mammary artery remnants from coronary artery bypass graft surgeries were dissected into endothelium-intact and endothelium-denuded groups (n = 8 each). The arterial rings were equilibrated under tension, with their basal tonus recorded before and after phenylephrine stimulation. SDX’s impact on arterial contraction was assessed through cumulative dose–response curves. NO synthase inhibitor (Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester) was used to assess SDX’s vasodilatory effect over the NO pathway. Results: SDX application resulted in concentration-dependent vasorelaxation in both endothelium-intact and endothelium-denuded groups at certain doses. However, the inhibitory effect of SDX was more pronounced in endothelium-intact rings at higher doses compared to endothelium-denuded rings (p < 0.05). Similar inhibition of contraction curves was achieved for both endothelium-intact and endothelium-denuded rings after L-NAME pre-incubation, suggesting a necessity for NO-related endothelial pathways. Conclusions: SDX exerts a concentration-dependent inhibition on arterial contraction, emphasizing the critical role of an intact endothelium and NO-mediated pathways in this process. This underscores SDX’s potential in treating endothelial dysfunction-related pathologies.</jats:p
Intragastric botulinum toxin injection: a promising alternative for obesity treatment?
No full textIntroductionOver the past 50 years, the rise in obesity has prompted a search for new treatments. Intragastric injections of botulinum toxin A (BT-A), a safer alternative to surgery, show promise in reducing weight and caloric intake by inducing early satiety. This study examines their efficacy for weight loss.Material and methodsFrom 2021 to 2023, we conducted a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent intragastric BT-A injections in a general surgery endoscopy unit. The inclusion criteria were being aged 18–65 and having a body mass index (BMI) over 25 kg/m<sup>2</sup>. Patients with specific medical conditions or incomplete records were excluded. We monitored patient weight and BMI values before the procedure and at monthly intervals, with further assessments conducted in the sixth month, including appetite and patient satisfaction.ResultsOur study on 67 patients, predominantly female (82.1%), aged 35.5 ±9.0 years with a mean BMI of 33.5 ±3.3 kg/m², examined BT-A injections’ effectiveness. 58.2% received injections in both gastric antrum and fundus regions, showing greater weight loss (mean: 10.7 ±7.0 kg) than those treated in the antrum alone. Side effects occurred in 16.4%, with various symptoms. High dietary compliance (80.6%) correlated with weight loss, especially among those reporting intense satiety. Patient satisfaction positively correlated with weight loss, highlighting treatment efficacy and patient response to dual-region injections.ConclusionsOur study suggested that intragastric BT-A injections in the antrum and fundus are effective and safe for satiety and weight loss, with few side effects. Individual responses vary, and diet adherence is crucial. More studies are needed to assess the treatment’s efficacy in obesity.</jats:sec
Correction to: Biostatistics Leader in Türkiye from the Eyes of His Students: Prof. Kadir Sümbüloğlu
No full textThe sixth and seventh author’s affiliation was published incorrectly in the original version of this article [1]. The authors’ affiliations are as follows: Alper SerçelikDepartment of Cardiology, SANKO University School of Medicine, Gaziantep, Türkiye Mustafa BerhuniDepartment of Ophthalmology, Gaziantep Provincial Health Directorate Dr. Ersin Arslan Education Research Hospital, Gaziantep, Türkiye Publisher’s Note: The original article was corrected, and a correction note was added. </jats:p
Comparison of various metaheuristic algorithms to extract the optimal PEMFC modeling parameters
No full textIn this study, operating parameters of a semi-empirical mathematical model of a proton-exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) are extracted and compared using various metaheuristic algorithms to analyze its behavior in a fast and economical manner before setting it up for application. Sum-squared error is employed as the objective function to find the values of seven unknown modeling parameters. The parameter extraction is carried out by using the polarization curve data of a 1000 W commercial PEMFC. Three different multi-attribute decision-making methods are used to rank the metaheuristic algorithms in terms of performance. The findings indicate that Moth Flame Algorithm is ranked first considering the sum-squared error (0.4389) and runtime (1054 s); whereas Grey Wolf Optimizer gives the best objective function efficiency (98.6034%) and lowest error rate (0.1096). It was also found that JAYA and Cuckoo Search are not convenient for parameter extraction of the specified fuel cell. Overall, the distinctive features of the study provide valuable insights and advancements in the field of fuel cell modeling and optimization.</p
The effects of material type and temperature factors on the adhesive bonding strength of 3D printed multi-material plastic structures
No full textIn this study, various test samples were produced using PLA based two filament materials with different fillers (2% calcium carbonate containing polylactic acid / PLA Plus and 15% carbon fiber-reinforced polylactic acid / PLA CF) and two different infill ratios (50% and 100%), in both single-material and multi-material forms. Adhesive joints of single-material and multi-material samples were formed under two different environmental conditions (room temperature and −25°C). The effects of temperature changes on the adhesive bonding strength were investigated. For this purpose, mechanical tests were conducted on single lap joints conditioned at room temperature (unconditioned) and at −25°C for 5 days (exposed at −25°C for 120 h). The reaction of the strength values of single-material parts to temperature varies depending on the material type and infill ratio. On the other hand, for multi-materials, regardless of the infill ratio, the strength values obtained at room temperature are 11%-36% higher than those of specimens conditioned at cold temperatures. In both infill ratios and temperature conditions, it was observed that creating adhesive joints from CF-CF surfaces of multi-materials provided the highest strength. This study examines the mechanical properties (tensile strength and hardness) of multi-materials, the adhesive bonding of multi materials, and the performance of these joints. The highest bonding strength of 4.14 MPa was found in CF-CF with 100% infill ratio at room temperature and the lowest bonding strength of 2.05 MPa was found in PP-PP with 50% infill ratio at −25°C.</jats:p