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A critical vocabulary for future architectural criticism based on the peripheral unfocused vision of Sancaklar Mosque, Istanbul
No full textThis article serves as a platform to invent critical vocabulary for future architectural criticisms, using the Sancaklar Mosque in Istanbul as a compelling case study. The main argument of the article is to show how architects need to understand minimalism in detail. It challenges the use of Minimalism drawing inspiration from Christopher Alexander's paradigms of 'Wholeness'. The study investigates the mosque from various viewpoints, such as ontology, topography, anchoring and emplacement, body and entanglement, temporality and spatiality of time, the cosmogony of light and earth, embodiment, motility, atmosphere, and emotions. The synergistic relationality interprets wholes as dynamic, generative fields sustained by intensive parts that integrally belong to and support the whole. The authors delineate a particular approach to research and criticism based on a 'peripheral unfocused' vision suggested by Ehrenzweig. The study's underlying seminal phenomenological concepts include 'erlebnis,' lifeworld, and 'Dasein.' Ultimately, it argues that Minimalism alone is not a sufficient tool for modern architectural aesthetics to render a building effective, but it sustains the synergistic relationality within the whole. It deals with its architecture's sensory, semantic, and corporeal metaphorical qualities and discusses the mosque in the general context of phenomenology. In conclusion this article seeks the "inner language" of Sancaklar Mosque, as Pallasmaa calls it, and finds it in the building's integration with nature, space, people and even the philosophy of its function
Assessment of breastfeeding self-efficacy in nursing mothers following earthquakes: A case study of the Kahramanmaraş earthquakes in Turkey
No full textBackground: Natural disasters disproportionately impact vulnerable populations, particularly mothers and infants. Research indicates that during such events, mothers often favor formula and supplementary feeding over breastfeeding. Self-efficacy is a critical determinant influencing breastfeeding practices in disaster contexts.
Objectives: This study aimed to examine the breastfeeding characteristics and self-efficacy of nursing mothers following the Kahramanmara & scedil; earthquakes.
Methods: This descriptive study was conducted at the Children's Polyclinic of Iskenderun State Hospital in Turkey from August 1 to August 31, 2023. A total of 54 mothers with infants aged 0-1 year at the time of the earthquake, who continued to breastfeed (providing breast milk for at least one feeding), were selected using a non-probability purposive sampling method. During the study period, all eligible mothers visiting the polyclinic who met the inclusion criteria were evaluated. Data were collected using a "Descriptive Data Form" and the "Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Short Form Scale". Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 23, employing Independent Samples t-tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, and One-Way ANOVA for group comparisons. A P-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: The mean breastfeeding self-efficacy score among mothers was 58 +/- 5.87 (minimum 40; maximum 70). Mothers who exclusively breastfed their infants had significantly higher self-efficacy scores compared to those who introduced formula (P = 0.021) Among the mothers surveyed, 81.5% reported that their breastfeeding was affected by the earthquake; 41% cited issues related to privacy, while 27% faced challenges regarding shelter. Prior to the earthquake, 72% of infants were exclusively breastfed; however, this figure decreased as 81.5% of infants began receiving complementary foods alongside breast milk post-earthquake.
Conclusion: The findings indicate that mothers breastfeeding self-efficacy is at a moderate level. Additionally, mothers reported alterations in their breastfeeding practices compared to the pre-earthquake period. These results underscore the importance of promoting breastfeeding in disaster-affected areas and highlight the critical role of midwives in supporting these efforts
Association of Comorbidity and Inflammatory and Nutritional Markers with Epilepsy and Seizure Frequency
Full text linkBackground: Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder frequently influenced by systemic inflammation, nutritional status, and comorbid conditions, which may worsen seizure outcomes. Given the increasing recognition of these factors in disease progression, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between the Modified Charlson Comorbidity Index (mCCI), inflammatory hematological parameters, and the prognostic nutritional index (PNI) with seizure frequency and clinical prognosis in patients with epilepsy. Methods: A total of 159 participants were enrolled between January 2021 and January 2023, including 53 healthy controls (mean age: 44 +/- 14.2 years; female: 21, male: 32), 53 epilepsy patients without comorbidity (mean age: 33 +/- 12.5 years; female: 28, male: 25), and 53 epilepsy patients with comorbidities (mean age: 56.2 +/- 13.8 years; female: 22, male: 31). The participants were divided into three groups: 53 patients with isolated epilepsy, 53 patients with epilepsy and comorbid conditions, and 53 healthy individuals with no known diseases, matched for age and sex with the patient groups, who presented for routine check-ups. The mCCI was calculated for patients with comorbid epilepsy. Inflammatory hematological parameters and the PNI were assessed in all participants using previously obtained complete blood count data. Results: Inflammatory markers such as white blood cell count, neutrophil count, C-reactive protein (CRP), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), and mean platelet distribution width (PDW) were significantly higher in epilepsy patients with comorbidities compared to other groups. Epilepsy patients with comorbidities had a higher seizure frequency compared to those without comorbidities (75.5% vs. 54.7%, p < 0.001). The PNI was lowest in epilepsy patients with comorbidities, showing a significant difference between all groups (p < 0.001). High comorbidity burden increased seizure risk by 4.56 times (95% CI: 1.30-16.01), each unit increase in the SII raised the risk by 1.13 times (95% CI: 1.08-1.19), and each unit decrease in the PNI increased the risk by 1.14 times (OR = 0.88, p < 0.001). Cerebrovascular disease and hemiplegia were also significant risk factors, increasing seizure risk by 4.15 and 4.48 times, respectively. Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that inflammatory hematological parameters, particularly SII and MCCI scores, are elevated in epilepsy patients and further increase with comorbidities. These markers are strongly associated with seizure occurrence, highlighting the prognostic significance of systemic inflammation and comorbidity burden in epilepsy. Given the frequent observation of low PNI values in patients with comorbid conditions, which may reflect compromised nutritional status, and given associations suggest a role in poor clinical outcomes, comprehensive management is essential. Monitoring the PNI and SII may help stratify high-risk patients for targeted nutritional and anti-inflammatory interventions
Metaheuristics role in image processing and computer vision applications: a comprehensive review
Full text linkMeta-Heuristic (MH) algorithms have gained prominence in computer vision and image processing due to their efficacy in solving complicated, high-dimensional optimization challenges. This review study thoroughly evaluates the effectiveness of MH approaches in classification, segmentation, and registration applications. The compilation consists of 84 studies: 39 in classification (47%), 23 in segmentation (27%), and 22 in registration (26%). The examination of these investigations reveals that the implementation of MH algorithms in hybrid models utilizing deep learning offers notable benefits in enhancing accuracy, circumventing local optima, and decreasing computational expenses. This research also examines limitations, including the substantial computing demands in real-time applications and the challenges related to data processing. The paper highlights the significant potential of MH algorithms in healthcare, agriculture, security, and remote sensing, along with their role in addressing current challenges. Renowned international publishers, such as Elsevier, Springer, IEEE, and MDPI, have disseminated relevant contemporary research. The acceptance percentages for these publications are 42%, 24%, 12%, and 11%, respectively. Publications from alternative publishers account for the remaining 11%. Also, the source codes and associated datasets of the 84 studies examined in this paper are available as open source at this link: https://github.com/mfaruk-sahin/Metaheuristics-in-Image-Processing-and-Computer-Vision.gi
Impact of smoking on redox homeostasis and 8-OHdG levels in COPD patients: a cross-sectional comparative study
Full text linkBackgroundChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic and progressive condition that develops due to a genetic predisposition, with the dysfunction of antioxidants and anti-protease systems triggered by factors such as smoking. In this study, we aimed to determine the effects of smoking on serum 8-hydroxy-2 ' deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) as a marker of oxidative DNA damage, malondialdehyde (MDA) to indicate lipid peroxidation, protein carbonyl (PCO) as a marker of protein damage, and paraoxonase (PON)1 levels as a measure of antioxidant activity involved in maintaining cellular redox balance in COPD patients.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study involving 141 patients with COPD (70 smokers, 71 non-smokers) and 140 healthy controls (70 smokers, 70 non-smokers) recruited from the Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University outpatient clinic.ResultsIn the COPD-smokers group, significantly higher serum levels of 8-OHdG, MDA, and PCO, and a lower PON1 activity were found. A strong negative correlation was observed between 8-OHdG levels and both FEV1 and FEV1/FVC, as well as between 8-OHdG and PON1 activity in this group. ROC analysis demonstrated strong predictive power for 8-OHdG in the COPD-smokers group. However, given the study's cross-sectional design and limited adjustment for confounders, these findings should be interpreted cautiously.ConclusionsThese findings emphasize the critical importance of smoking cessation and antioxidant-targeted strategies in the clinical management of COPD. A systemic oxidant-antioxidant imbalance leads to impairment in the cellular redox homeostasis in patients with COPD and smokers. This study revealed that increased oxidative damage and reduced antioxidant defense in smoking COPD patients are associated with disease severity
Association of Helicobacter pylori with Serum HIF-1α, HIF-2α, and Human Transmembrane Prolyl 4-Hydroxylase Activity in Patients with Chronic Gastritis
Full text linkBackground and Objectives: Chronic mucosal infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) plays a key role in the development of gastroduodenal disorders such as chronic gastritis, peptic ulcers, gastric lymphoma, and gastric cancer by triggering local immune responses and inducing hypoxic and inflammatory conditions in the gastric mucosa. This study aims to evaluate the potential diagnostic value of hypoxia-inducible factors HIF-1 alpha and HIF-2 alpha, along with transmembrane prolyl 4-hydroxylase (P4H-TM), as biomarkers in H. pylori-positive patients. Additionally, the study investigates the association between these markers and alterations in lipid profiles, as well as their involvement in the molecular mechanisms underlying gastric conditions like gastritis, particularly in the context of H. pylori infection. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted at Istanbul Avcilar Murat Koluk State Hospital's General Surgery Outpatient Clinic. A total of 60 participants were included: 40 patients diagnosed with chronic gastritis (20 H. pylori-positive and 20 H. pylori-negative) and 20 healthy controls confirmed negative by 13C-urea breath test. Blood samples were collected for ELISA analysis of HIF-1 alpha, HIF-2 alpha, and P4H-TM levels. Additionally, lipid profiles were measured and compared among the groups. Results: No significant differences were found among the groups in terms of demographic factors such as age, sex, or body mass index (BMI). However, significant variations were observed in the levels of HIF-1 alpha, HIF-2 alpha, and P4H-TM across all groups (p < 0.001 for each marker). These markers were substantially elevated in the H. pylori-positive gastritis group compared to both the H. pylori-negative and healthy control groups. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis revealed that all evaluated markers exhibited strong diagnostic accuracy in differentiating H. pylori-positive individuals from other groups. HIF-1 alpha (AUC: 0.983) and HIF-2 alpha (AUC: 0.981) both achieved 100% sensitivity with specificities of 93.3% and 91.1%, respectively. P4H-TM showed an AUC of 0.927, with 85% sensitivity and 95.6% specificity. Conclusions: These findings indicate that HIF-1 alpha, HIF-2 alpha, and P4H-TM may serve as effective biomarkers for diagnosing H. pylori-positive patients and may be linked to changes in lipid metabolism. The elevated expression of these markers in response to H. pylori infection highlights their potential roles in the inflammatory and hypoxic pathways that contribute to the pathogenesis of gastric diseases such as gastritis
Effect of light guide tip diameter on the degree of conversion and depth of cure of bulk-fill composites
Full text linkPurpose This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the light guide tip diameter on the degree of conversion, micro-hardness, and depth of cure of bulk-fill composites compared to a conventional composite. Materials and Methods Layers ofTetric EvoCeram (2 mm), Tetric EvoCeram Bulk Fill (4 mm), SonicFill 2 (5 mm) were placed in 4 mm diameter molds and were cured with LED light curing unit having 13/8 or 13/4 mm diameter turbo light guide tips for 10 s with a total number of 60 samples (n=5). Then, specimens were stored in a dark and dry environment at 37 degrees C for 24 h, and Vickers micro-hardness values of the top and bottom surfaces of 30 specimens were measured. The other 30 specimens were pulverized, and the degree of conversion values of the specimens was measured with FTIR-ATR. The depth of cure was determined by proportioning the bottom surface's micro-hardness value to the top surfaces. Data were analyzed with the Shapiro-Wilks test, Student's t-test, and Pearson's correlation analysis (p < 0.05). Results The degree of conversion and the depth of cure of bulk-fill composites cured with 13/8 mm diameter tip were higher than those cured with 13/4 mm diameter tip (p<0.01). The degree of conversion of the bulk-fill composites applied in the layer thickness recommended by the manufacturer was below the clinically accepted rate of 55%, and the depth of cure remained below 80%. Conclusion The curing of bulk-fill composites with light guide tips of different diameters affects the degree of conversion and the depth of the cure
Gecikmiş dil ve konuşması olan çocuklarda yutma performansı ve aile etkileniminin araştırılması
Full text linkDil gelişimi, genellikle motor becerilerle, özellikle de ağız ve yüz kaslarının koordinasyonuyla ilişkilidir. Hem konuşma hem de yutma esnasında benzer nöromüsküler koordinasyon becerileri kullanılır. Bu nedenle, konuşma gecikmesi yaşayan çocukların bu becerilerin gelişiminde geride kalmaları olasıdır ve bu durum beslenme ve yutma problemlerine yol açabilir. Bu problemlerin birbirleriyle ilişkisi ve bu problemlerin aile üzerinde bıraktığı etkiler hakkında literatürde yeterli çalışma bulunmamaktadır. Çalışmamızın amacı, GDK bozukluğu olan çocuklarda gecikmiş konuşma ile beslenme-yutma performansı arası ilişkinin ve yutma bozukluğuna bağlı aile etkileniminin araştırılmasıdır. Bu çalışma, 24-60 aylar arası yaş ortalaması 4.37±0.7 olan 3-5 yaş arası gecikmiş dil ve konuşma tanısı alan 40; yaş ortalaması 3.60±0.5 olan sağlıklı kontrol 20 katılımcı ve onların anne, babası ile gerçekleştirilmiştir. Gecikmiş konuşma tanısı için RAM raporu esas alınmıştır. Katılımcıların yutma bozukluklarını değerlendirmesi Pediatrik Yeme Değerlendirme Aracı (PEDI EAT-10), Fonksiyonel Oral Alım Skalası (FOAS), Oral Konuşma Mekanizması Değerlendirme Aracı (OSMSE-3), DSFS ve Karaduman Çiğneme Performans Skalası (KÇPS) ölçekleri kullanıldı. Gecikmiş dil ve konuşma bozukluğu olan çocuklarda gecikmiş konuşma ile beslenme-yutma performansının aile üzerindeki etkilerini belirlemek için ise Aile Etki Modülü (PedsQL) ve Beslenme Yutma Etki Anketi (FS-IS) anketleri kullanıldı. Çalışmamızın sonuçlarına göre; GDK bozukluğu olan grupla kontrol grubu arasında FOAS, PEDI-EAT-10, KÇPS, OSMSE-3 ölçekleri arasında istatistiksel olarak anlamlı fark bulunmuştur (p=0.048, p=0.011, p=0.001, p=0.001). DSFS ölçeğinde ise iki grup arası anlamlı fark bulunmamıştır (p=0,147). Aile etkilenimine yönelik PedsQL ve FS-IS anketlerinde de gruplar arası istatistiksel olarak anlamlı fark bulundu (p=0.001, p=0.044). Ayrıca GDK'lı grupta PedsQL ile PEDI-EAT-10, OSMSE-3 ve KÇPS arasında arasında istatistiksel olarak anlamlı bir ilişki bulunmuştur (r=0.362; p=0.005, r=-0,493; p=0,001, r=0.415; p=0.001). Ancak GDK ile FS-IS arasında bir ilişki saptanmamıştır. GDK bozukluğu olan çocuklarda yutma performansları sağlıklı çocuklara kıyasla daha düşük olduğu ve bu durumun ebeveynlerde daha yüksek kaygı durumu ile ilişkili olduğu belirlenmiştir. Bununla beraber beslenme bozukluğu ve buna bağlı aile etkilenimi yönünden belirgin bir fark saptanmamıştır.Language development is frequently linked to motor abilities, particularly the coordination of the mouth and facial muscles. Speech and swallowing necessitate analogous neuromuscular coordination skills therefore, children experiencing speech delays may exhibit delays in the development of these skills, which can result in feeding and swallowing difficulties.A paucity of research exists in the literature regarding the relationship between these problems and their impact on families. The objective of this study is to examine the association between delayed speech and feeding-swallowing performance in children with speech and language delay (SLD) and the family impact related to swallowing disorders. The present study was conducted with a sample of 40 children aged 3-5 years who had been diagnosed with delayed speech and language (average age 4.37±0.7), as well as 20 healthy control participants (average age 3.60±0.5), along with their parents. The RAM report was utilized as the primary diagnostic instrument for identifying delayed speech. To assess swallowing disorders in participants, the following scales were used: The Pediatric Eating Assessment Tool (PEDI EAT-10), the Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS), the Oral Speech Mechanism Screening Examination-3 (OSMSE-3), the DSFS, and the Karaduman Chewing Performance Scale (KÇPS). The Family Impact Module (PedsQL) and the Feeding Swallowing Impact Survey (FS-IS) were utilized to ascertain the impact of delayed speech and language disorders on feeding-swallowing performance and the family. The findings of the present study revealed statistically significant disparities between the SLD (Speech and Language Disorder) group and the control group with respect to the FOAS, PEDI-EAT-10, KÇPS, and OSMSE-3 scales (p=0.048, p=0.011, p=0.001, p=0.001). However, no statistically significant differences were observed between the groups on the DSFS scale (p=0.147). However, when examining the family impact, statistically significant differences were identified between the groups in the PedsQL and FS-IS surveys (p=0.001, p=0.044). Additionally, within the SLD group, a statistically significant relationship was identified between PedsQL and PEDI-EAT-10, OSMSE-3, and KÇPS (r=0.362; p=0.005, r=-0.493; p=0.001, r=0.415; p=0.001). However, no such relationship was identified between SLD and FS-IS. A study was conducted to ascertain whether children with SLD exhibited diminished swallowing performance in comparison to their healthy counterparts. The investigation further sought to elucidate the potential correlation between these observations and the levels of anxiety exhibited by the parents. However, no significant disparities were observed in terms of feeding disorders and their impact on families
Sağlıklı yetişkinlerin anlatılarında metafor kullanımlarının incelenmesi
No full textMetafor, bir şeyi veya bir fikri ona çok benzeyen niteliklere sahip başka bir şey ile genel olarak ¨gibi¨, ¨benzer¨ sözcüklerini kullanmaksızın istenen tanımlamayı yapmak, anlatıma üslup güzelliği ve kolaylığı katmak amacıyla kullanılan sözcük ya da sözcük kümesidir. Metafor kullanımı, yalnızca dilsel bir ifade biçimi olarak değil, aynı zamanda bireylerin düşünme ve anlama süreçlerini de derinden etkileyen bir mekanizma olarak kabul edilmektedir. Yaşlanma süreci, bilişsel, duygusal ve sosyal dinamiklerde önemli değişikliklere yol açmakta ve bu durum, metafor kullanımını etkilemektedir. Çalışmanın amacı yaş, cinsiyet ve eğitim düzeyinin sağlıklı yetişkinlerin konuşma örneklerinde ortaya çıkan metafor kullanım sıklığı üzerindeki etkilerini belirlemektir. Bu çalışma sağlıklı 65 yaş ve üzeri (n=50) ile 18-23 (n=50) yaş arası 51 erkek ve 49 kadın olmak üzere toplamda 100 katılımcı ile gerçekleştirilmiştir. Katılımcıların MoCA-TR puanlarının 21 ve üzeri olması dahil edilme kriterlerindendir. Katılımcıların metafor kullanımlarının incelenmesi için Video Temelli Pragmatik Dil Bozukluğu Değerlendirme Aracı uygulanmış ve anlatı örnekleri elde edilmiştir. Anlatılar transkribe edildikten sonra metafor kullanımları sayılmış ve elde edilen değer analiz edilmiştir. Veri analizi sonucunda elde edilen ölçek bulguları istatistiksel analizinde SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) 25 programı kullanılmıştır. Cinsiyet grupları arasında MoCA-TR puanları ve metafor kullanım sıklığı açısından anlamlı bir fark bulunmamıştır (p-değeri = 0.4). Erkekler ve kadınlar arasında metafor kullanım sıklığı açısından anlamlı bir fark bulunmamıştır (p-değeri> 0.9). Gençler ile yaşlılar arasında MoCA-TR puanları açısından anlamlı bir fark bulunmuştur (p-değeri 0.9). A significant difference was found between young and old people in terms of MoCA-TR scores (p-value < 0.001). There was no significant difference between young people and older people in terms of metaphor use frequency (p-value = 0.8). There is no significant correlation between the age variable and the frequency of MoCA-TR and metaphor use. (r = -0.344, p < 0.001) (r = -0.121, p = 0.230) In this study, changes in metaphor use of elderly individuals were examined. The frequency of metaphor use in healthy Turkish-speaking adults does not vary depending on age and gender. However, cognitive performance decreases with age. This shows that the frequency of metaphor use does not change significantly with age. Key Words: Metaphor, narrative, language, communication, healthy adults
A nano-design of a quantum-based arithmetic and logic unit for enhancing the efficiency of the future IoT applications
Full text linkThe Internet of Things (IoT) is an infrastructure of interconnected devices that gather, monitor, analyze, and distribute data. IoT is an inevitable technology for smart city infrastructure to ensure seamless communication across multiple nodes. IoT, with its ubiquitous application in every sector, ranging from health-care to transportation, energy, education, and agriculture, comes with serious challenges as well. Among the most significant ones is security since the majority of IoT devices do not encrypt normal data transmissions, making it easier for the network to breach and leak data. Traditional technologies such as CMOS and VLSI have the added disadvantage of consuming high energy, further creating avenues for security threats for IoT systems. To counter such problems, we require a new solution to replace traditional technologies with a secure IoT. In contrast to traditional solutions, quantum-based approaches offer promising solutions by significantly reducing the energy footprint of IoT systems. Quantum-dot Cellular Automata (QCA) is one such approach and is an advanced nano-technology that exploits quantum principles to achieve complex computations with the advantages of high speed, less occupied area, and low power consumption. By reducing the energy requirements to a minimum, QCA technology makes IoT devices secure. This paper presents a QCA-based Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) as a solution to IoT security problems. The proposed ALU includes more than 12 logical and arithmetic operations and is designed using majority gates, XOR gates, multiplexers, and full adders. The proposed architecture, simulated in QCADesigner 2.0.3, achieves an improvement of 60.45% and 66.66% in cell count and total occupied area, respectively, compared to the best of the existing designs, proving to be effective and efficient