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Valorization of whey via succession of concentration and bioconversion to galactooligosaccharide: a comparative study of feed effect on osmotic membrane distillation performance
No full textThis study explores the valorization of whey, a significant byproduct of dairy processing, through the integration of a batch reactor (R-Batch) with osmotic membrane distillation (OMD) for galactooligosaccharide (GOS) production. Whey streams, including acid whey, sweet whey, and ideal whey, were evaluated for their effects on GOS yield and membrane performance. By concentrating whey to favorable lactose levels using OMD, the integrated system (R-Batch + OMD) enhanced transgalactosylation activity while minimizing the hydrolysis rate. The R-Batch + OMD system significantly increased GOS yield, with ideal whey achieving the highest yield at 156 g L-1, representing a 22 % increase compared to microfiltered acid whey (121 g L-1) and sweet whey (93 g L-1). Additionally, ideal whey produced the highest tri-saccharides (GOS-3) content as 110 g L-1. The R-Batch + OMD also achieved higher lactose conversion rate for ultrafiltered ideal whey (52 %), outperforming microfiltered and ultrafiltered whey substrates. Furthermore, the long-chain GOS produced from ultrafiltered whey demonstrated the strongest prebiotic activity, comparable to the commercial product. These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of OMD in optimizing GOS production and highlight ideal whey as a superior substrate, both in terms of GOS yield and prebiotic benefits. Moreover, this research provides insights into optimizing membrane-based enzymatic synthesis systems for whey valorization.Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkiye (TUBITAK) [117O940]This research was supported by Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkiye (TUBITAK, Grant No: 117O940)
Factor extraction in exploratory factor analysis for ordinal indicators: Is principal component analysis the best option?
No full textResearchers continue to choose PCA in scale development and adaptation studies because it is the default setting and overestimates measurement quality. When PCA is utilized in investigations, the explained variance and factor loadings can be exaggerated. PCA, in contrast to the models given in the literature, should be investigated in categorical/ordered, severely skewed data, and multidimensional structures. The purpose of this study is to compare the relative bias and percent correct estimation of PCA, PAF, and MINRES techniques with Monte Carlo simulations. In Monte Carlo simulations sample size, level of skewness, number of categories, average factor loadings, number of factors, level of inter-factor correlation and test length were manipulated. The results show that PCA overestimates most models with lower average factor loadings, but PAF and MINRES provide unbiased results even with low factor loadings. PAF and MINRES produce more accurate and impartial results, and it is projected that PCA will lead researchers to believe that the items in scale development or adaptation studies are of high quality
Women in local politics in turkey: The place of female mayors in women's movements
No full textKadınların siyasal katılımında görülen eksiklik ve siyasetin kadınları ve kadın sorunlarını dışlayan yapısı, dünyada ve Türkiye'de kadınların hak ve eşitlik mücadelesinde öne çıkan gündem maddelerinden biri olagelmiştir. Türkiye'de kadınlar yerel ve genel seçimlerde seçme ve seçilme hakkına, sırasıyla 1930 ve 1934 yıllarındaki yasal düzenlemelerle sahip olmuşsa da günümüzde politika yapıcıların büyük bir kısmını hâlâ erkekler oluşturmakta ve kadınların güçlenmesinde siyasetin ve kadın siyasetçilerin rolü ve işlevi üzerinde yeterince durulmamaktadır. Tezin konusu, Türkiye'de kadınların seçme ve seçilme hakkını elde etmelerinden günümüze kadar geçen sürede anayasal şartlara uygun olarak seçilip görev yapmış ve/veya yapmakta olan kadın belediye başkanlarının toplumsal cinsiyet eşitliği mücadelesi yönündeki söylem ve uygulamalarıdır. Niteliksel yöntem benimsenerek kadın belediye başkanları evreninden toplamda on iki kadın belediye başkanıyla görüşülmüştür. Görüşmelerin sekizi Covid-19 pandemisi döneminde çeşitli uzaktan ve çevrim içi yöntemlerle, dördü de yüz yüze gerçekleştirilmiştir. Kadın belediye başkanlarının yarı yapılandırılmış görüşme sorularına verdikleri cevaplar toplumsal cinsiyet eşitliğini sağlamaya yönelik söylem ve uygulamaları çerçevesinde eleştirel söylem analizi ile değerlendirilmiştir. Böylece kadın belediye başkanlarının görevde bulundukları sürelerdeki etkinliğinin gözlemlenebilir birer veri olarak ortaya çıkarılması ve bu konuda gelecekte yapılabilecek çalışmalara bir zemin hazırlanması hedeflenmiştir. Araştırmanın bulguları, kadın belediye başkanlarının aynı zamanda birer siyasetçi olmaları nedeniyle seçim bölgelerindeki tüm seçmene hitap etmeleri gerektiğinden kadın hareketleriyle sınırlı bir ilişki içerisinde bulunduklarını ortaya koymuştur.The lack of women's political part
Residual stone fragments: systematic review of definitions, diagnostic standards
No full textPurpose Residual stone fragments (RSFs) remain a determining factor for evaluation of outcome an intervention for management of renal tract stones. However, there is a lack of consensus on size, location, diagnosis and management of RSF. This systematic review aims to assess definitions and diagnostic approaches to RSF across urolithiasis treatment modalities while standardizing their definition and diagnosis through a systematic review, stratifying RSF patients into risk groups, and proposing an approach for management. Materials and methods A comprehensive literature search was conducted, using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines (PROSPERO ID: CRD42024603807). Embase, MEDLINE (PubMed) and Cochrane databases were searched until July 2024. Twentynine studies were included and categorized according to treatment choices i.e. extra-corporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) (n = 12), retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) (n = 7), and percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) (n = 10). Each study's quality was evaluated using the Quadas Scoring System to determine the risk of bias and concerns regarding applicability. We included original studies that systematically defined and proposed approaches for RSF definition and diagnosis. Based on the emerging categories, we proposed a risk stratification model to classify patients accordingly. Results RSF definitions varied, with most studies defining RSF as fragments < 4 mm, though thresholds of < 2 mm and < 5 mm were also common. Definitions typically included only asymptomatic fragments without obstruction or infection. Computed tomography (CT) was the imaging modality most selected for diagnosis and was used in 14 studies. The timing of imaging modalities for follow-up was highly heterogeneous. The incidence of RSFs following ESWL has been reported between 21% and 59% across the studies. Among the RIRS studies, RSF rates varied between 20 and 60.5% of patients, and RSFs were observed between 20 and 60% after PCNL. The variability in RSF definitions affects comparability and may impact reintervention rates and treatment outcomes. Conclusion This systematic review highlights inconsistencies in defining RSFs, with common thresholds being < 2 mm, < 4 mm, or < 5 mm. CT is noted as the most reliable method for assessing fragment size and location. RSFs over 4 mm, particularly in the lower pole, are associated with higher risks of progression and complications. The review advocates to adopt standardized definitions and imaging protocols to enhance comparability and patient outcomes.Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkiye (TUBIdot;TAK)Open access funding provided by the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkiye (TUB & Idot;TAK).No funds, grants, or other support was received
A clinical evaluation of low-level laser therapy for pain reduction in early treatment stages: A pilot study
No full textObjectives: This study aimed to clinically evaluate the efficacy of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in reducing pain associated with orthodontic movement during the early stages of treatment. Material and Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 20 participants undergoing non-extraction orthodontic treatment. The laser group (LG, n = 10) received LLLT (808 nm, 100 mW) immediately after appliance installation, while the control group (CG, n = 10) received no pain control intervention. Pain levels were assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS) at 6, 24, 48, and 72 h till 7 days with an interval of 24 h. Statistical analyses included Chi-square tests and Mann-Whitney tests. Results: The LG consistently demonstrated significantly lower pain scores during chewing and at rest compared to the CG. After 6 h post-treatment, the median pain score on chewing in the LG was markedly lower than the CG (P < 0.001), a trend observed at each subsequent interval till 7 days. The comparison of spontaneous pain also favored the LG at various time points. Lower median VAS scores for pain on chewing among the LG and CG were zero and two, respectively, with a significant difference. The maximum median VAS scores for pain on chewing among the LG and CG were five and seven, respectively, with a significant difference. Conclusion: This study provides robust evidence supporting the effectiveness of LLLT in reducing orthodontic pain during the early stages of treatment. The sustained and significant reduction in pain scores, coupled with rigorous statistical analyses, emphasizes the potential of LLLT as a valuable adjunctive therapy in orthodontic practice
A New Toroidal Capacitive Discharge Plasma Vessel Design and Implementation for Plasma Studies
No full textA new toroidal capacitive discharge plasma (TCDP) system is designed and constructed for the first time to our knowledge. This device has been created for the exploration of plasma-material interactions including metal and semiconductor samples for different pressure rates. By using two materials, namely copper (Cu) and tungsten (W), initially, electrode couples have been tested for high-voltage DC excitations. The reactions of electron material to the low-pressure helium (He) have been observed. Then, Paschen's curve exploration has been performed to find out the gas discharge threshold electrical potentials for various pressure (P) rates. The simulations of TCDP device have been performed in a particle in cell (PIC) analyzed 3D structure in the CST Studio medium for various excitation frequencies and toroidal/poloidal field values. It is observed that the breakdown voltage for He is UB = 500 V. The DC excitation via the electrodes reveals that the torus-structured plasma gas media produces a stable torus-shaped media for plasma formation. Besides, toroidal and poloidal fields affect the plasma stabilization in the TCDP. Especially toroidal field coils in TCDP assist in keeping the plasma in the middle of the torus channel. According to the experiments, the poloidal fields increase the electric field strength in the angular direction and improve the electrical stability of the plasma between the electrodes.Gazi University BAP Unit; [FDK-2022-7897]The authors acknowledge the experimental support made by Gazi University BAP Unit under the grant No. FDK-2022-7897
A tale of two countries: Triple transformation effect on business performance in the United Kingdom and France
No full textThis study explores the effect of triple transformation-environmental, technological, and social initiatives-on business performance in the UK and France. The authors use panel data from 25 UK and 24 French firms (2005-2023) and employ panel quantile regression models to assess the impact of research and development expenses (RND), social pillar score (SPS), and environmental innovation score (ENIS) on return on assets (ROA). The results show SPS and ENIS negatively affect profitability, especially for more profitable firms, while RND shows no significant impact. Firm size positively influences profitability but diminishes among top performers. Triple transformation is crucial for sustainable growth, though it may pose short-term financial challenges for more profitable firms. Policymakers should consider supportive measures for firms adopting sustainability initiatives. This study provides empirical insights into the nuanced effects of triple transformation on profitability in different economic contexts. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved
Endoscopic Outcomes and Inflammatory Marker Correlation in Adult Patients with Corrosive Substance Ingestion
No full textBackground/Objectives: Corrosive substance intake remains a significant public health concern due to its potential for severe gastrointestinal (GI) injury and associated morbidity. Early risk stratification is crucial for appropriate management, yet there is a lack of reliable non-invasive predictors of injury severity. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics of adult patients with corrosive ingestion and to investigate the correlation between inflammatory markers and endoscopic injury severity. Methods: In this retrospective study, 83 adult patients who underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) following corrosive ingestion between January 2017 and January 2021 were analyzed. Endoscopic injuries were graded using the Zargar classification and categorized as mild (grades 0-2a) or severe (grades 2b-4). Demographic, clinical, endoscopic, and laboratory data, including neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, were recorded. The correlation between inflammatory markers and injury severity was assessed, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to determine diagnostic accuracy. Results: Among the patients, 55.4% were female with a mean age of 41.5 +/- 17.3 years. Most ingestions were accidental (74.7%), with bleach being the most common agent (41%). Endoscopic injury was detected in 55.4% of patients, predominantly in the stomach and esophagus. Severe injuries were associated with longer intensive care and hospital stays, increased complication rates, and more frequent organ involvement (p < 0.001). A weak but statistically significant correlation was found between injury severity and both NLR (r = 0.357, p = 0.001) and CRP (r = 0.247, p = 0.024). ROC analysis revealed an NLR cut-off of 2.95 (AUC = 0.804) and CRP cut-off of 2.5 (AUC = 0.706) for predicting severe injury. Conclusions: Early endoscopic evaluation remains essential for assessing corrosive injury severity. However, NLR and CRP may serve as useful, non-invasive indicators in predicting injury severity, potentially aiding clinical decision-making, especially in settings where endoscopy is not readily available or is contraindicated
Mitral Kapak Prolapsusu Olan Çocuk ve Ergenlerde Psikiyatrik Değerlendirme ve Bakımverenlerinin Stresle Başa Çıkma Tarzlarının İncelenmesi: Kesitsel Bir Çalışma
No full textObjective: In this cross-sectional study, the psychiatric conditions of children and adolescents diagnosed with mitral valve prolapse (MVP) and the anxiety levels and stress coping strategies of their caregivers were examined and compared with healthy controls. Material and Methods: The study included 76 patients with MVP and 76 healthy controls. Participants were administered the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children-Present and Lifetime Versions-Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5-Turkish Adaptation, the State-Trait Anxiety Scale (STAS) or the State-Trait Anxiety Scale for children, and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire-Adolescent Form for children aged 11 and older. The sociodemographic data form, the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, the State-Trait Anxiety Scale, and the Stress Coping Styles Scale were administered to the caregivers of all patients. Results: 88.2% of patients with MVP were found to have at least one lifetime psychiatric diagnosis and lifetime diagnosis rates of panic disorder, separation anxiety disorder, enuresis, test anxiety were higher compared to the control group. Caregivers of patients with MVP were found to have significantly higher mean scores on self-confidence and social support-seeking approaches than the control group. A relationship was observed between the coping styles of caregivers of patients with MVP and some psychological symptoms of the patients. Conclusion: The results of our study demonstrated that anxiety disorder subtypes such as separation anxiety disorder, panic disorder, test anxiety disorder were more common in patients with MVP and that there was an interaction between caregivers' coping styles and the patients' psychological symptoms. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved
Caregiving Experiences and Expectations of Turkish Mothers of Children with Disabilities
No full textThis study explored the caregiving experiences and expectations of mothers of children with disabilities. Eighteen mothers agreed to participate and share their caregiving experiences and expectations through a semi-structured interview. Using thematic data analysis, three main themes emerged: transformation of a mother, expectations regarding own needs, and expectations regarding child's needs. Findings indicated that mothers required support due to the loss of their role, changes in lifestyle, the impact on family structure, and shortened routines. Mothers reported needing support for their mental and physical health, as well as help with sleep problems. They also expressed a desire to learn how to improve their children's social skills, body structure and function, and independence. The findings highlight the importance of occupational therapists using appropriate approaches based on the mothers' experiences and expectations to improve caregiving