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Development and validation of the Scale of the Tendency Toward the Flexitarian Diet
No full textObjective This study aimed to develop the Scale of the Tendency Towards the Flexitarian Diet (STFLEX) to measure the leaning towards the flexitarian diet. Methods The researchers created a 31-draft scale. Two items with lower content validity ratios were excluded from the scale. A 29-item draft was submitted through an online survey for data collection. Healthy adult volunteers attended from different Internet websites in T & uuml;rkiye. Scale items measuring individuals' predisposition to follow aflexitarian diet. The itemswere evaluated with contentvalidity following the Lawshe method. Confirmatory factoranalyseswere conducted totestconstructvalidity. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient was calculated for reliability. Results Based on the validation analyses, no item was excluded from the item whole. Because of the factor analysis, the scale was divided into four subdimensions (economic reasons, macro-environment, environmental sustainability, and meat consumption). The developed STFLEX showed good compliance statistics, as established with the confirmatory factor analysis fit indices (chi 2/df = 1.593, CFI = 0.967, TLI = 0.960, NFI = 0.916, RMSEA = 0.053), and high reliability (Cronbach's alpha = 0.958). Conclusion The STFLEX is a reliable and valid tool for measuring the tendency toward the flexitarian diet, and it can be used in studies
Advances in vaccine adjuvant development and future perspectives
No full textUse of highly purified antigens to improve vaccine safety has led to reduced immunogenicity and efficacy, resulting in the need for adjuvants to increase and/or modulate the immunogenicity of the vaccine. Despite the need for potent and safe vaccine adjuvants, currently, there are still very few adjuvants in licensed human vaccines. Advances in immunology and molecular biology, especially in the last decade, have allowed researchers to understand better how the adjuvants work and enhance immune responses. While aluminum salts are still the most widely used adjuvants, research has shifted toward the rational design of adjuvant systems containing immunostimulatory molecules. Application of systems biology, which is based on high-throughput technologies using mathematical and computational modeling, has provided a deeper understanding of the biological events elicited by vaccination as well as the influence of other factors such as sex, age, microbiota, genetics and metabolism on the immune response. By this means, it became possible to tailor potential vaccine adjuvants more precisely for a successful vaccine with enhanced efficacy, safety and protection. In this review, after describing the mechanism of action of the adjuvants, current adjuvants in licensed vaccines, as well as those under clinical development will be mentioned in detail. Finally, new approaches in vaccine adjuvant development using systems biology and artificial intelligence will be reviewed, and future directions in vaccine research in regard to efficacy, safety and quality aspects will be discussed
Tailoring Graphene Quantum Dots through the Pyrolysis of Citric Acid, Phenylalanine, and Tryptophan: Effect of Precursor Ratios on Synthesis Efficiency and Properties
No full textGraphene Quantum Dots (GQDs) are gaining significant attention due to their unique optical, electronic, and biocompatible properties, making them ideal candidates for applications in bioimaging, sensing, and drug delivery. This study explores the synthesis of GQDs derived from citric acid (CA), phenylalanine (Phe), and tryptophan (Trp) using a pyrolysis method, where GQDs were synthesized using 2.0 g of CA with varying amounts of Phe (0.75 g, 0.50 g, 0.25 g) and Trp (0.25 g, 0.50 g, 0.75 g), corresponding to GQDs1, GQDs2, and GQDs3, respectively. The influence of precursor composition on the structural, optical, and physicochemical properties of GQDs was analyzed. Particle size measurements showed a hydrodynamic diameter range of 0.89 nm to 1.5 nm, with increasing Trp content leading to larger particles and a broader size distribution, reflected in polydispersity index (PDI) values of 0.221, 0.312, and 0.368 for GQDs1, GQDs2, and GQDs3, respectively. Zeta potential analysis revealed values of -21.4 mV, -12.2 mV, and -7.5 mV for GQDs1, GQDs2, and GQDs3, respectively, indicating reduced surface charge with higher Trp content, which may affect colloidal stability. Optical characterization showed π→π* (~230–270 nm) and n→π* (~300–350 nm) transitions in the UV-Vis spectra, with varying absorbance intensities across samples. Fluorescence spectroscopy confirmed strong emission properties, which were highly dependent on precursor ratios. Quantum yield (QY) values were 32.2%, 95.5%, and 75.6% for GQDs1, GQDs2, and GQDs3, respectively, highlighting the role of nitrogen doping in fluorescence enhancement. These findings demonstrate that controlled precursor composition can fine-tune GQD properties, offering potential for optoelectronic, bioimaging, and sensing applications. Further exploration of functionalization strategies could enhance their practical utility
Comparative analysis of gyroscopic and robotic radiosurgery platforms for uveal melanoma treatment
No full textAntityrosinase and Antimelanogenic Effects of Structurally Modified Kojic Acid Derivatives with Piperidine Side Chains.
No full textExploring intention to use augmented and virtual reality applications as educational tools
No full textIn today’s educational landscape, students have access to enriched learning environments through augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) applications. Effective digital learning depends on identifying the key factors and learner attitudes that influence engagement and task performance. We focused more on preservice teachers’ intentions to use AR/VR applications as instructional tools, guided by the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) framework. A total of 306 preservice teachers participated in the Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), 286 in the Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), and 341 in the Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) phase. To identify relevant constructs and beliefs, the researchers developed a questionnaire grounded in TPB-based hypotheses. The questionnaire demonstrated high internal consistency, with a McDonald’s Omega reliability coefficient of .95. Three factors—perceived behavioral control, subjective norm, and attitude toward behavior—accounted for 47% of the variance. Empirical findings confirmed the relevance of all three factors in predicting behavioral intention. Specifically, the relationship between attitudes towards behavior and behavioral intention was moderate, between subjective norm and behavioral intention was weak, and between perceived behavioral control and behavioral intention is strong. The findings may guide practitioners in developing and evaluating TPB-based interventions to enhance preservice teachers’ intentions to use AR/VR applications as educational tools. The study concludes by identifying gaps within the existing framework and suggesting directions for future research
Erken çocuklukta dijital oyun bağımlılığı: Ebeveyn farkındalığı
No full textErken çocukluk döneminde dijital oyun bağımlılığının çocukların gelişimi üzerindeki etkisinde, ebeveynlerin bu konudaki farkındalığı oldukça önemli bir yere sahiptir. Bu nedenle araştırmada, erken çocukluk döneminde dijital oyun bağımlılık eğilimi ile dijital ebeveynlik farkındalığı ilişkisinin incelenmesi amaçlanmıştır. Nicel yöntemlerden ilişkisel tarama yöntemi kullanılmıştır. Çalışma grubunda, 4-6 yaş aralığında 202 çocuk ve ebeveynleri yer almaktadır. Verilerin elde edilmesinde Kişisel bilgi formundan, Dijital Oyun Bağımlılık Eğilimi Ölçeği’nden ve Dijital Ebeveynlik Farkındalık Ölçeği’nden yararlanılmıştır. Verilerin analizinde korelasyon, t testi ve ANOVA kullanılmıştır. Araştırma sonucunda, okul öncesi dönem çocukların dijital oyun bağımlılık eğilimi toplam puanı ile dijital ebeveynlik farkındalık ölçeği olumsuz model olma, dijital ihmal, verimli kullanım, risklerden koruma alt boyutları arasında anlamlı bir ilişki olduğu belirlenmiştir. Çocukların dijital oyun bağımlılık eğilimi ölçeği çatışma alt boyutunda cinsiyete göre farklılığın olduğu, dijital oyun bağımlılık eğilimi ölçeği hayattan kopma, sürekli oynama ve hayata yansıma alt boyutlarında cinsiyete göre farklılık olmadığı tespit edilmiştir. Çocukların dijital oyun bağımlılığı eğilimi toplam puanı ile yaşı arasında anlamlı farklılığın olmadığı görülmüştür. Okul öncesi dönem çocukların dijital oyun bağımlılığı eğilimi hayattan kopma, çatışma, sürekli oynama alt boyutlarının ve toplam puanının dijital araçla oynama süresine göre istatiksel olarak anlamlı bir farklılığa sahip olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Ebeveynler dijital araçları nasıl kullanacağını ve nelerin sakıncalı olduğunu bildiklerinde, çocuklarını dijital dünyanın olumsuzluklarından koruyabilecekleri görülmektedir. Elde edilen sonuçlar doğrultusunda öneriler verilmiştir.Parents’ awareness plays a crucial role in how digital game addiction affects children’s development in early childhood. For this reason, the study aimed to examine the relationship between digital game addiction tendency and digital parenting awareness in early childhood. Relational survey method was used among quantitative methods. The study group included 202 children between the ages of 4-6 and their parents. A personal information form, Digital Game Addiction Tendency Scale and Digital Parenting Awareness Scale were used to obtain the data. Correlation, t-test, and ANOVA were used to analyze the data. As a result of the study, it was determined that there was a significant relationship between the total score of preschool children's digital game addiction tendency and the sub-dimensions of the Digital Parenting Awareness Scale; negative modeling, digital neglect, efficient use, and protection from risks. It was determined that there was a difference according to gender in the conflict sub-dimension of the Digital Game Addiction Tendency Scale, while there was no difference according to gender in the digital game addiction tendency scale sub-dimensions of detachment from life, continuous playing and reflection on life. It was observed that there was no significant difference between the total score of children's digital game addiction tendency and their age. It was determined that the sub-dimensions of disconnection from life, conflict, and continuous playing, as well as the total digital game addiction tendency score had a statistically significant difference according to the duration of playing with digital tools. It is seen that when parents know how to use digital tools and what is objectionable, they can protect their children from the negativities of the digital world. Suggestions were given in line with the results obtained
Ketogenic diet as a therapeutic approach in autism spectrum disorder: a narrative review
No full textThe ketogenic diet (KD) originated in the 1920s. It is a dietary model that is low in carbohydrates, adequate in protein, and high in fat content. The diet mimics starvation and increases the production of ketone bodies, leading to ketosis in metabolism. KD is used as an anticonvulsant treatment approach in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. In addition, it is thought that a KD may have therapeutic potential in the treatment of neurological disorders, including autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Numerous recent studies have demonstrated that a KD can improve behavioural parameters in individuals with ASD. This review aims to address the potential mechanisms of action of the KD and to examine the effects of the KD on individuals diagnosed with ASD. It is likely that this role is mediated through improvements in energy metabolism, reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, control of neurotransmitters, gene expression and modulation of the gut microbiota. Based on the available evidence, a KD appears to be a safe and effective treatment for ASD
Characterizing the Helminth Community of the Mountain Gazelle (<i>Gazella gazella</i> Pallas, 1766) Through DNA Metabarcoding
No full textPurpose Understanding parasite diversity in wild and captive animal populations is vital for their individual health and ecosystem dynamics. The helminth community in mountain gazelles (Gazella gazella Pallas, 1766), particularly in the isolated northernmost population in T & uuml;rkiye, remains poorly understood, posing challenges for conservation. This study aimed to identify and compare the diversity of helminths in captive and free-ranging mountain gazelles in Hatay, T & uuml;rkiye, while assessing potential zoonotic risks. Methods We collected a total of 188 fresh fecal samples from both captive and free-ranging populations. The samples were analyzed using DNA metabarcoding to assess helminth species and their species diversity across seasons. Results Our findings revealed eight helminth taxa in Gazella gazella, including six intestinal and two lung nematodes, with four of these species previously unreported in T & uuml;rkiye. We also found seasonal differences in helminth composition and abundance. Conclusions The identification of these helminth taxa highlights the value of advanced molecular techniques in uncovering parasite diversity in ungulates. Seasonal differences in helminth composition and abundance, and the biological characteristics of the detected helminth species align with the climatic parameters of the seasons in which they were identified