2779 research outputs found
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BiFPN-enhanced SwinDAT-based cherry variety classification with YOLOv8
No full textAccurate classification of cherry varieties is crucial for their economic value and market differentiation, yet their genetic diversity and visual similarity make manual identification challenging, hindering efficient agricultural and trade practices. This study addresses this issue by proposing a novel deep learning-based hybrid model that integrates BiFPN with the YOLOv8n-cls framework, enhanced by Swin Transformer and Deformable Attention Transformer (DAT) techniques. The model was trained and evaluated on a newly constructed dataset comprising cherry varieties from Turkey's Western Mediterranean region. Experimental results demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed approach, achieving a precision of 91.91%, recall of 92.0%, F1-score of 91.93%, and an overall accuracy of 91.714%. The findings highlight the model's potential to optimize harvest timing, ensure quality control, and support export classification, thereby contributing to improved agricultural practices and economic outcomes
Self-neglect, frailty and depression among older women living living in Southern Türkiye
No full textBackground This study aimed to assess the association between self-neglect, frailty, and levels of depression in older women. Methods This cross-sectional study included 393 older women living in Southern T & uuml;rkiye. The data were collected by face-to-face interview method, through a questionnaire. The questionnaire included questions describing socio-demographic and health-related features, Istanbul Medical School Elder Self-Neglect questionnaire (IMSelf-neglect), Frail Scale and Geriatric Depression Scale-15 (GDS-15). Results It was determined that the prevalence of self-neglect in older women was 62.6%, the prevalence of frailty was 45.3% and 55% had mild to severe depression. In the correlation analyses, the frailty score was significantly positively associated with depression score (r = 0.624, p < 0.001) and negatively associated with self-neglect (r = -0.724, p < 0.001). Also, self neglect score was negatively associated with depression scores (r = -0.716, p < 0.001). Conclusion The results of this study showed that self-neglect, frailty, and depression were common among older women. Furthermore, as self-neglect increased, frailty and depression levels also increased. Application of appropriate screening tools may help identify individuals at risk and provide timely support and interventions
Stabilisation of thoracolumbar vertebral fractures and luxations in cats with a polyaxial screw/rod system 12 of 70 Stabilisation of thoracolumbar vertebral fractures and luxations in cats with a polyaxial screw/rod system
No full textObjectives: The purpose of this study was to determine clinical and neurological data on the stabilisation of thoracolumbar region fractures or luxations in cats with the polyaxial screw rod system. Materials and Methods: The study included 16 cats with thoracic and/or lumbar fractures, luxations and/or instability. Data recorded for each patient included history, cause of vertebral fractures and dislocations, concurrent injury, time to surgery, neurologic examination and neurologic grading preoperatively and postoperatively (postoperatively, week 1, week 3 and month 6), surgical treatment, preoperative x-ray and postoperative computed tomography imaging findings. Results: The region with the most localized lesions was T3-L3 in ten cases and L4-L7 in six cases. Polyaxial screws were placed unilaterally in 13 cases and bilaterally in three cases. A total of 50 polyaxial screws were placed in all cases. Of these, 44 polyaxial screws were placed optimally, four polyaxial screws were breached (screw diameter breach <2 mm) and two screws were broken. Broken screws did not require any revisions. Although 11 of the cases showed improvement in terms of neurological grading, no improvement was observed in five cases. The clinical outcome was excellent in four cases, functional in six cases and poor in six cases. Clinical Significance: The polyaxial screw rod system described here is a potential option for stabilization of thoracolumbar vertebrae in cats
A Study on SP-A Expression in Rat Testis during Postnatal Development
No full textBackground Surfactant proteins A (SP-A) is integral components of the host defense system, known for their significant
antimicrobial properties and diverse immunomodulatory functions, particularly within the lung alveolus. Although SP-A
is expressed in the testis, its specific roles in testicular cells, especially in relation to spermatogenesis, remain inadequately
characterized.
Objective This study addresses the gap by investigating the localization and expression of SP-A in rat testis tissue at 5, 20,
50, and 70 days of postnatal development. Additionally, it examines the localization of SP-A in developing spermatid to
spermatozoa within seminiferous tubules.
Materials and Methods Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups (N = 6 per group) based on distinct postnatal
developmental days (PNDs): 5, 20, 50, and 70. The expression level of SP-A was estimated using Western blotting, and
immunohistochemistry analysis was conducted.
Results At PND 50, SP-A immunoreactivity was present in elongating spermatids (steps 9–15) and increased at PND 70.
Notably, SP-A signals in elongated spermatids (steps 16–19) at PND 50 intensified and peaked at step 16 in early-stage I-II
at PND 70 and began to decrease in steps 17–19 in stages IV-XIV at PND 70. Western blot analysis of testis tissue extracts
also confirmed the gradual increase in SP-A expression corresponding to postnatal development days.
Conclusion These findings suggest that SP-A may serve similar functions in rat testicular tissue as in lung alveoli, including
roles in innate immunity, host defense, modulation of the immune response, regulation of inflammation, and protection
against infections also may play a role in spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis
Effect of modeling liquid application on color stability and surface roughness of single-shade composites
No full textObjectives The objective of this study was to examine the effects of modeling liquid application on the color stability and surface roughness of single-shade composites. Materials and methodsSingle-shade composites were divided into 4 main groups according to their contents. A total of 64 disc-shaped samples (8 x 2 mm) were prepared, 16 in each group, by using Teflon molds. The samples were divided into two subgroups on the basis of the application of a modeling liquid. After the initial color and roughness measurements, the samples were immersed in coffee for 12 days. Color changes were assessed via a spectrophotometer and Delta E values were calculated via the CIELAB formula. The surface roughness (Ra) was measured via a profilometer. The data were subjected to statistical analysis via two-way analysis of variance and Tukey's test to examine pairwise differences at a significance level of 0.05. Results The application of modeling liquid reduced discoloration in Charisma Diamond One (CDO) and Vittra APS Unique (VUA), whereas it slightly increased discoloration in Omnichroma (OMN) and Zenchroma (ZNC). However, only the changes in CDO were statistically significant (p 0.05). The surface roughness and color changes approached the mean values in the subgroups where the modeling liquid was applied, and there was no significant difference between them (p > 0.05). The application of modeling liquid was observed to reduce the variation in initial roughness among the composites, bringing their roughness values closer to an average range (0.26-0.34). Conclusion Modeling liquid application increased roughness and discoloration in composites with initially low surface roughness (OMN and ZNC) while reducing roughness and discoloration in composites with initially high surface roughness (VUA and CDO). Clinical relevance Modeling liquid application should be approached more cautiously in composites with high polishability, despite contributing to clinical use in composites with high roughness values
A comparative in vitro study on monomer release from flash-free or conventional bonding systems
No full textObjectivesTo examine the amount of residual monomer released from adhesive-precoated flash-free brackets and compare it to traditional light cure and chemical cure adhesives.Materials and methodsSixty stainless steel brackets were bonded on upper premolar teeth using three groups of adhesive systems: Adhesive-precoated flash-free system, Transbond XT light cure, Sia chemical cure. The extracts of 0.5 ml of liquid samples were taken on the first, 7th, 21st, and 35th days. To determine the amount of residual monomer release, extracted samples were analyzed using a liquid chromatography device.ResultsUrethane-dimethacrylate, triethylene glycol dimethacrylate, hydroxyethyl methacrylate and Bisphenol A-glycidyl methacrylate monomers were released from all study groups. The amount of total monomer release except hydroxyethyl methacrylate was detected as greater in adhesive-precoated flash-free system. Among the study groups, the chemical cure group showed the highest hydroxyethyl methacrylate monomer release.ConclusionsThis in vitro study indicate that the APC flashless system exhibited the greatest release of residual monomers, suggesting that its possible cytotoxic effects need to be evaluated prior to clinical application.Clinical relevanceThis is the first study that evaluates the residual monomer release from adhesive-precoated flash-free brackets. The novel bracket system has a different mesh structure at the bracket base compared to traditional systems with different chemical components which might alter the amount of residual monomer release. To investigate the harmful effects of adhesives used in orthodontic applications is very important for the health of the patient and the orthodontist
Experiences of maternity care: Is the perspective of health care professionals respectful care while that of women obstetric violence?: A qualitative study
No full textWomen and health professionals may experience a number of barriers and difficulties related to maintaining and improving respectful maternity care (RMC). The aim of this study is to determine the perceptions of women who had vaginal delivery and nurses and midwives as health professionals about RMC in the care process from the perspectives of both groups. A descriptive qualitative design was used, analyzing data from semistructured interviews conducted with 11 women who had vaginal deliveries and 12 midwives and nurses. Data were analyzed using content analysis. Three main themes emerged from the content analysis: "barriers to RMC," "RMC practices," and "demands (expectations and suggestions) for RMC." The study underscores the importance of health professionals and women viewing each other as collaborators. However, there should be a conducive environment that motivates healthcare professionals and provides opportunities for professional development and evidence-based practice. Government and hospital management should acknowledge these barriers and support efforts to empower both women and their caregivers (midwives, nurses, or physicians) to address them. Furthermore, the research results could aid in formulating national and international clinical recommendations designed to prevent obstetric violence
Molecular Detection and Phylogenetic Analysis of Orf Virus From Dermatological Lesions in the Teats of Goats
No full textBackgroundThe orf virus (ORFV) is a viral pathogen that primarily causes contagious ecthyma in humans and different ruminants. The infection, which is common worldwide, causes large-scale economic losses to animal breeders.Objective and MethodsIn this study, tissue samples collected from eight randomly selected goats with dermatological lesions on the teats were examined in different goat herds. B2L gene-specific primer pairs (PP1, PP3 and PP4) were used to reveal the presence of ORFV by molecular methods and for phylogenetic analysis.ResultsViral DNA was detected in four of eight tissues using the semi-nested PCR method. In addition, the data obtained by performing sequence analyses of the amplicons with positive results were compared with the information of different ORFV isolates registered in the GenBank database. Based on the sequence analysis of the field isolates obtained in our study, it was found that the nucleotide similarities among these isolates and those from Asian countries were 100%. Furthermore, ORFV isolates collected from different species and produced in T & uuml;rkiye over various periods exhibited homologous nucleotide sequences with similarities ranging from 98.1% to 98.8%. In the phylogenetic tree drawn based on the B2L genomic region, it was observed that our field isolates were classified in Group I together with other Turkish and Asian strains.ConclusionAs a result, while other pathogenic agents are considered the cause of disease in goats with dermatological lesions on their mammary tissue, the ORFV should also be evaluated, and protection and control programs should be prepared accordingly
Effect of the 5E model enriched with coding and digital game design activities on gifted students' academic achievement and problem-solving skills
No full textCoding and digital game design activities have been used in recent years to contribute to students' academic achievement and twenty-first century skills. This study aimed to investigate the effect of the 5E model enriched with coding and digital game design activities (5EECD) on gifted students' academic achievement and problem-solving skills. A quasi-experimental design with pre-test post-test control group was used in the research. The sample of the study consists of 80 3rd grade gifted primary school students studying at a Science and Art Center affiliated to the Ministry of National Education in T & uuml;rkiye. The study was completed in a five-week treatment period. The experimental group studied the force and motion concept with the 5EECD and the control group studied it with the proposed conventional method. Academic Achievement Test and Problem-Solving Skills Scale were used as pre and post-tests as measuring tools. The data were analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistics. The descriptive statistics results revealed that the experimental group students showed higher performances in science achievement and problem-solving skills. Inferentially, MANCOVA results showed that the 5EECD had a statistically significant effect on the collective dependent variables of the academic achievement and problem-solving skills. The ANCOVA findings also supported the above outcomes and it indicated that each of the academic achievement and problem-solving skills of experimental group was significantly higher than those of the control group. Therefore, the findings of the current research suggest that the 5EECD would be used for 3rd grade gifted students' science education
Harnessing Sheep Wool Fertilizer to Enhance Lavandula officinalis Mill. Resilience to Salt Stress
No full textThis study investigates the potential of sheep wool as an organic amendment to alleviate salinity stress and enhance the productivity of Lavandula officinalis in arid and semi-arid regions. A two-factor factorial design was employed under greenhouse conditions with five replications. The experiment tested varying levels of sheep wool fertilizer (SW) at concentrations of 0% (control), 0.5%, 1%, 2%, and 4%, alongside four salt concentrations: distilled water (control), 30 mM, 60 mM, and 90 mM NaCl. The study indicated that the application of sheep wool fertilizer significantly mitigated the adverse effects of NaCl on the growth, photosynthetic, and biochemical characteristics of L. officinalis. Increasing levels of sheep wool correlated with improved plant performance, while higher NaCl concentrations led to declines across all measured characteristics. Optimal performance was observed at the 2% SW treatment. Sheep wool fertilizer represents a promising strategy to enhance plant resilience in saline conditions. This study highlights the importance of optimizing sheep wool concentrations to maximize plant growth and stress tolerance. Future research should focus on investigating the long-term effects of different sheep wool doses and explore synergistic interactions with other organic amendments or bio-stimulants to improve agricultural sustainability in saline environments