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Wave storm impacts on shoreline evolution: A case study of iztuzu beach
No full textThis study investigates the evolution of the Iztuzu beach shoreline and its response to wave storm characteristics and frequencies. Firstly, using the Digital Shoreline Analysis System (DSAS) tool, high spatial resolution satellite imagery, coastal changes were assessed over various time scales covering the decade of 2013-2022. Secondly, considering the same timeframes, wave storm characteristics occurrence and characteristics of Iztuzu beach were assessed. Lastly, the coastal evolution and wave storm assessment results are linked based on correlation analysis to define the relation between the observed coastal changes and the wave storm frequency and characteristics changes. Thus, the present study's main advance lies in considering the impact of some key characteristics of wave storms, such as storm duration, direction and total energy, on shoreline evolution. The correlation analysis of shoreline changes and storm characteristics revealed the influence of wave storms on coastal dynamics. The study results highlight the significant sensitivity of certain beach zones to storm characteristics and point out the possibility of predicting future shoreline changes using projected wave storm patterns. Throughout the study period, Zones II, III, and IV experienced consistent erosion, likely attributable to the interaction between the southwest-oriented shoreline and the prevailing storm wave direction from the South. This alignment generates strong drift currents, contributing to the observed shoreline retreat. For instance, the correlation exceeded 0.8 at Zones III, IV, and V for wave storm duration, SPI and TSWE against the EPR, and 0.7 at the same zones for the same characteristics against the LRR. As a result, coastal erosions at Iztuzu Beach are more linked to the intensity and duration of southern wave storms. Thus, this study emphasizes the importance of combining wave storm data and shoreline analysis to develop effective coastal management and mitigation strategies
Lightweight design and structural analysis of a bi-articulated bus: Experimental measurements and fem validation
No full textThe concept of sustainability prioritizes energy efficiency, especially in transportation, which directly impacts environmental sustainability. This study presents, for the first time, the lightweight design and structural performance of a 25-meter, three-section, double-articulated bus body frame through a hybrid methodology that integrates experimental road data with finite element (FE) validation. A finite element model was created and analyzed under various conditions. Lightweighting studies were performed using topology optimization, design modifications, and different materials. Data from real road conditions were collected and compared with simulation results, achieving up to 93% correlation at specific points. As a result, a 14.1% weight reduction was achieved in the bus body frame without compromising safety or passenger capacity. This lightweighting contributes significantly to sustainable transportation by reducing emissions over the vehicle's lifetime
Risk factors and outcome for bloodstream infections due to fluconazole-resistant candida parapsilosis : A 22-year single-center retrospective study
No full textCandidemia ranks among the top causes of nosocomial bloodstream infections, significantly increasing hospital stays and costs. Rapid and effective empirical antifungal therapy is crucial. The Candida parapsilosis species complex, the second most common cause of candidemia, has shown rising fluconazole resistance globally and in our country. Additionally, echinocandins exhibit higher minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for C. parapsilosis, complicating empirical treatment decisions. This retrospective study analyzed 173 C. parapsilosis candidemia cases over 22 years in a tertiary care hospital. We compared 88 fluconazole non-susceptible (minimum inhibitory concentration [MIC] = 4 mu g/mL: susceptible dose dependent; MIC >= 8 mu g/ml resistant) and 85 fluconazole susceptible cases, examining demographics, clinical characteristics, risk factors, and 28-day mortality. Independent risk factors for fluconazole non-susceptibilty included age >= 66 years (p = 0.016), central venous catheter use (p < 0.001), total parenteral nutrition (p = 0.003), and colostomy (p = 0.049). Fluconazole non-susceptible cases had lower microbiological cure rates and higher mortality. Mortality in this group was independently associated with microbiological cure failure (p < 0.001). This study highlights the importance of identifying risk factors to estimate the likelihood of resistant pathogens, initiating targeted antifungal therapy, and providing individualized management. Monitoring local resistance patterns is essential to guide empirical therapy. Further multicenter research is needed to validate findings and optimize treatment for fluconazole resistant candidemia
Nonlinear wave dynamics: Soliton and complexiton solutions of the generalized shallow-water-like equation in coastal and plasma physics
No full textThis research specializes in obtaining new solitary wave solutions to a generalized shallow water type equation. This equation is a very important model in fluid dynamics that characterizes different dynamics of shallow water waves under varying conditions. In this work, the Auto-B & auml;cklund transformation associated with the equation was established by using the extended homogeneous balance technique in conjunction with the symbolic computing powers of Maple. The latter approach facilitated the systematic derivation of several explicit solutions, which serve as a basis for better understanding the dynamics of the equation. Furthermore, by utilizing the extended transformed rational function approach, we explore a broader class of solutions and successfully identify complexiton solutions-special types of wave structures that exhibit both solitary and oscillatory characteristics. To provide deeper insight into the obtained results, we present three-dimensional graphical representations that highlight the physical significance and dynamic behavior of the solutions. These visualizations offer a clearer understanding of the wave phenomena described by the generalized shallow-water-like equation and highlight the effectiveness of our analytical techniques in solving nonlinear partial differential equations.King Khalid University RGP.2/65/4
Impact of uterine adenomyosis on survival outcome of patients with non-endometrioid endometrial cancer
No full textBackground The impact of the presence of adenomyosis on survival in patients with non-endometrioid endometrial cancer (EC) remains unclear. The aim of this study is to compare the effect of the presence or absence of histologically proven adenomyosis on the survival of patients with non-endometrioid EC. Methods We identified all patients who were consecutively diagnosed with non-endometrioid EC and underwent surgery in a single center between May 1998 and March 2023. Patients with insufficient clinical or surgical data were excluded from the study. A total of 139 non-endometrioid EC patients in the study were divided into two groups as with and without adenomyosis. Demographic characteristics and clinical findings such as age, BMI, menopausal status and pathologic variables such as presence of adenomyosis, tumor grade, depth of myometrial invasion, lymphovascular space involvement, lymph node status, and distant spread were obtained hospital records. Kaplan Meier analysis was performed for survival analysis. Overall (OS), and disease-free survival (DFS) were calculated. Results A total of 139 patients, 40 (28.7%) in the adenomyosis group and 99 (71.3%) in the non-adenomyosis group, were included in the study and their data were recorded.There was no significant difference between patients with non-endometrioid type EC with and without adenomyosis in terms of patient demographic characteristics and pathological variables (p > 0.05).When the patients in the adenomyosis and non-adenomyosis groups were compared, there was no statistically significance regarding recurrence time (175.2 +/- 24.4 months vs. 95.1 +/- 11.2 months, p = 0.166). However, OS was found to be statistically significantly higher in patients with adenomyosis than in those without adenomyosis (172 +/- 24.1 months vs. 102 +/- 13.9 months; p = 0.02). Conclusions The presence of adenomyosis in non-endometrioid type endometrial cancer was not associated with pathological variables such as myometrial invasion, tumor diameter and lympho-vascular space involvement. Although DFS and cancer-related death rates were similar, OS was significantly higher in the presence of adenomyosis
Myelitis after liver transplant: A case report
No full textWe report a case of neurotoxicity as a side effect of a calcineurin inhibitor (tacrolimus), which is used as an immunosuppressive drug after liver transplant. Our patient had chronic hepatic failure due to Budd-Chiari syndrome and underwent a liver transplant after an appropriate deceased donor organ was obtained. After organ transplant surgery, he was kept under the effect of an immunosuppressive drug (tacrolimus) with daily control of the level of drug in his blood to avoid drug toxicity. Despite the level of drug in his blood being within the ideal range, the patient developed neurotoxicity that presented as weakness of his extremities. Appropriate diagnostic tests were done, and all proved that these signs and symptoms were related to the use of tacrolimus. Therefore, the drug was changed to cyclosporine. After a few months, the patient regained normal neurological functions of his extremities. We should take precautions to monitor neurological symptoms and signs while we administer calcineurin inhibitors
Adaptation of the social media self-presentation scale to Turkish culture: A psychometric validation study
No full textThis study aims to adapt and validate a measurement tool to explore multidimensional aspects of self-presentation on social media in the Turkish cultural context. The "Self-Presentation on Social Media Scale" (SMBSS) was adapted from the "Real, Ideal, and False Self-Presentation on Facebook" scale. However, the original sub-dimensions were restructured into three dimensions: "strategic impression management," "real self-presentation," and "online self-differentiation," making them more appropriate to Turkish digital identity dynamics. Two independent samples were used in the study. The first sample used for Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) consisted of 259 participants (female 75.7%; mean age = 24.95, SD = 6.15). The second sample used for Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) consisted of 386 participants (female 79.3%; mean age = 21.92, SD = 4.39). Both EFA and CFA were conducted to assess the construct validity of the adapted scale, and the three-factor structure was consistently supported. Robust internal consistency coefficients (alpha= 0.840-0.913; omega= 0.835-0.914) and concurrent validity analyses provided strong empirical evidence for the psychometric reliability of the scale. Furthermore, correlations with social anxiety, self-objectification, and social media addiction in the expected direction supported the discriminant validity. Gender-based measurement invariance analyses indicate that the factor structure is generally maintained
Development and psychometric evaluation of the artificial intelligence ethical awareness scale
No full textThe rapid integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into daily life has created ethical challenges, highlighting the need for responsible use. This methodological study developed the AI Ethical Awareness Scale to measure individuals' awareness levels. Data were collected from 616 AI users, and analyses confirmed a three-factor, nine-item structure: Transparency, Integrity, and Awareness. The scale demonstrated strong reliability and validity, explaining 74.8% of the variance. Developed within the Turkish cultural context, it is a valid and reliable tool to assess AI ethical awareness. The AIEAS can be used to assess the effectiveness of ethics education programs or inform policy recommendations regarding responsible AI use. It also holds potential for adaptation across different cultural settings to support cross-cultural research
Outcomes of mutual support groups on students' mental well-being and learning: Insights from the covid-19 pandemic
No full textPurposeThis study investigates the potential of mutual support groups as a peer-driven approach within higher education institutions to support students' mental well-being and enhance learning. It examines how these groups supported students in managing stress and anxiety, fostering social connections, enhancing academic engagement and contributing to personal and professional development during the COVID-19 pandemic.Design/methodology/approachThis study employed a qualitative comparative retrospective design involving psychology students from a major public university in Kosovo. Data were collected through focus group discussions involving 30 participants categorized into two groups: (1) those involved in mutual support groups (including facilitators and participants) and (2) non-participants. A deductive thematic analysis was conducted to identify patterns and insights, guided by predetermined themes aligned with the research objectives.FindingsStudents experienced heightened stress and anxiety during the pandemic, which negatively affected their academic engagement. Mutual support groups, functioning as peer-driven platforms, offered a supportive and inclusive space where participants could share experiences, develop coping strategies, and build trust and connections with peers. These groups also contributed to the development of communication and interpersonal skills, as students reported greater confidence, improved active listening and the practical application of academic knowledge.Originality/valueThis study provides insights into the implementation of mutual support groups as an innovative and adaptable model within higher education. The findings highlight their practical relevance in fostering supportive, peer-centered interventions that address mental well-being and academic engagement, offering a sustainable approach to meet diverse student needs in educational contexts.University of Illinois Chicag