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Maximizing phonation: impact of inspiratory muscle strengthening on vocal durations and pitch range
No full textBackground: This study investigated the acute effects of inspiratory muscle warm-up (IWU) on vocal performance in singers. Proper vocal and respiratory warm-up can enhance vocal range, quality, and endurance. The aim was to determine whether IWU improves maximum phonation time and pitch range, contributing to better voice production efficiency (vocal efficiency) and reduced fatigue.
Materials and methods: Singers were selected from the Samsun State Opera and the Ballet Directorate (n = 16). This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the acute effects. The singers in the control group (SC = 8) performed only one session of routine voice warm-up, and the experimental group (SE = 8) conducted an inspiratory muscle warm-up (IWU) of 2 sets, 30 times/set at 40% maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) in addition to routine voice warm-up. Subsequently, All participants were then required to perform pre- and post- pulmonary function tests, maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) and maximal expiratory pressure (MEP), and voice recordings (note high pitch, note low pitch, high pitch durations and low pitch durations sustained with one breath, and maximum phonation duration).
Results: All pulmonary function and muscle strength parameters improved in the SE group, with the highest increases in MIP (22.9%) and MEP (14.7%). No significant improvements were noted in the SC group (p > 0.05). The Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion showed that the SE group experienced less difficulty with their vocal performance after IWU (-11.6%, p = 0.006), while no significant change was observed in the SC group (p = 0.316). Both warm-up methods used in the study significantly affected the frequencies of high-pitch sounds (SE = 17.8%, SC = 10.9%, p = 0.003); however, the frequency of low-pitch sounds was not significantly affected (p = 0.437). IWU significantly affected the high-pitched note duration (p 0.05).
Conclusions: The combination of IWU with the general body and voice warm-up protocol can acutely improve vocal performance in terms of maximum phonation time, phonation times of the highest and lowest pitched sounds in a single breath, and vocal range levels.39800711, PMC1172521
The Effect of Foot Anthropometric Measurements on Pain and Functional Disability of Pregnant and Non-Pregnant Women
No full textBackground: Weight gain during pregnancy, loosening of the foot ligaments with the release of relaxin hormone, anthropometric and biomechanical changes can be seen in the foot with the growing fetus. It was aimed to determine whether these changes that occur during pregnancy cause painful musculoskeletal problems by altering the proximal structures of the lower extremities and the structure of the spine.
Methods: Within the scope of this study, 210 women, half of whom are 3rd trimester of pregnancy (in the 28-40 weeks), aged between 18 and 40, with similar demographic characteristics are evaluated through measuring their navicular drops, hallux valgus angles, foot widths, foot lengths and tibial-calcaneal angles of both feet. Foot Function Index for foot-ankle, Kujala Patellofemoral Score for knee, Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) for hip, Oswestry Disability Index for waist and Modified Neck Disability Index for neck were used to determine pain and functional limitation.
Results: In this study, pain and functional disability in the waist, hip, knee, foot-ankle joints, navicular drops, hallux valgus angles and tibial-calcaneal angles were found to be significantly higher in pregnant women compared to the control group (P=0.00). It was observed that pain and dysfunction in all joints increased as navicular drop increased in both pregnant and nonpregnant women. In addition, it was determined that the increase in other anthropometric measurements in both groups caused pain and functional disability in most of the women, especially in the foot and ankle joints. However, the cause of joint pain and functional deficiencies was not related to pregnancy.
Conclusions: It was observed that foot deformities and proximal region complaints were significantly higher in pregnant women, and foot deformities caused more foot-ankle pain and disability in both the study and control groups. No difference was observed in pregnant women with the control group.3989190
Efficient extraction and determination of Au(III) ions from acid mine drainage and water samples using silica gel immobilized with Brevibacillus borstelensis
No full textThe analysis of gold, which is a precious metal with limited resources, in environmental samples is crucial for the sustainable utilization of natural resources. Therefore, in the present research we have aimed to develop a novel and environmentally friendly bioadsorbent, Brevibacillus borstelensis loaded on silica gel (BB@Si), with outstanding adsorptive properties that can be implemented for quantitative recovery of Au(III) ions via the solid phase extraction (SPE) technique. After characterizing the developed adsorbent using FTIR and SEM techniques, we conducted a detailed investigation of the critical parameters that influence the extraction performance of Au(III) ions. Optimum parameters were observed as follows: pH 3.0, adsorption contact time 30 min, eluent type 0.1% (w/v) thiourea in 0.5 M HNO3, elution time 60 min, BB@Si amount 1.0 g L-1, and sample volume 400 mL. Some of the well-known isotherm and kinetic models were applied to the results observed from the adsorption studies. Equilibrium adsorption capacity of BB@Si was estimated to be 66.2 mg g-1 utilizing the Langmuir isotherm model while the limit of detection (LOD) and relative standard deviation (RSD%) were established as 0.99 μg L-1 and 3.7%, respectively. The developed method was utilized smoothly for the quantification of Au(III) ions in mining wastewater, acid mine drainage (AMD), streams and seawater.3966057
The 2023 Mw 7.8-7.7 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes were loosely slip-predictable
No full textUnderstanding the behavior of large earthquakes over multiple seismic cycles is limited by short time spans of observations compared to recurrence intervals. Most of large instrumentally-recorded earthquakes have occurred on faults lacking well-documented histories of past events. The 2023 Mw 7.8-7.7 Kahramanmaraş earthquake doublet is exceptional as it ruptured multiple segments of the East Anatolian Fault (EAF) system, where historical records of devastating earthquakes span over two millennia. Here, we use historical earthquake records, measurements of interseismic deformation, and published slip models of the 2023 events to evaluate the recurrence patterns of large earthquakes. We compare slip deficit that accrued on each fault segment since the respective penultimate events to the average coseismic slip of the 2023 doublet. We find that the coseismic slip equaled to or exceeded the accumulated slip deficit, suggesting that the slip-predictable recurrence model applies as a lower bound on strain release during the Kahramanmaraş earthquakes.3992729
Investigation of virulence factor genes and biofilm formation of antibiotic resistant clinical E.coli isolates
No full textPurpose: The aim of this study is to investigate the antibiotic sensitivity, presence of virulence genes and biofilm formation capacity of 90 clinical E. coli isolates. Methods: The presence of virulence genes in E. coli isolates were investigated by PCR. Ninety clinical isolates of E. coli were subjected to biofilm quantitative analysis using the semi-quantitative crystal violet staining method. Results: it was observed that the isolates were resistant to quinolone, cephalosporin, aminoglycoside, carbapenem and penicillin group antibiotics. The presence of virulence factor genes were observed in a total of 86/90 E. coli. The highest rate of fim (92.2 %) virulence factor gene was detected in the strains. Afa, pap, cnf, sfa, hly were detected in 30 %, 13 %, 13 %, 3.3 %, 2.2 % respectively. Also, 13 different virulence factor gene patterns were determined in 90 E. coli isolates. Of the 90 E. coli isolates whose biofilm-forming capacities were evaluated, 42 were found to have biofilm-forming capacity. Of these 26 (28.8 %) the weak, 12 (13.3 %) moderate and 4 (4.4 %) strong biofilm-forming. Also, statistical analysis was performed to investigate the relationship between virulence factor genes and biofilm formation, and none of the 7 genes analyzed showed a significant relationship with biofilm formation. Conclusion: since pathogenic E. coli is an important public health problem, investigating antibiotic resistance, virulence factor genes and biofilm formation in bacterial pathogens is important for better treatment options. © 2024 Elsevier Ltd3972504
Experimental determination of the compression behavior of RTV silicone rubber-based magnetorheological (MR) materials under static loading
No full textIn this study, MR elastomer (MRE) materials were produced using seven different types of silicone rubber and five different types of magnetically sensitive ferromagnetic powders. The MRE materials were obtained in three states: pure, isotropic (homogeneous), and anisotropic (aligned). Compression tests were conducted using a uniaxial testing machine, with engineering stress–strain curves, tangent modulus, and MR-strain behavior graphs generated, considering powder ratio, powder type, and hardness values. The goal was to investigate the positive effects of magnetic field influence on these parameters and how the alignment state affected the stress performance of the materials. As a result, the highest stress increase at 10% strain was observed in materials containing 40% powder, with magnetic field comparison showing the most significant results. With the EM powder type at a 30% powder ratio in the isotropic state, a 563% increase in stress was obtained. Among the matrix materials with the same hardness, the most robust material was determined to be the MM240 TV with a Shore hardness of 40. Furthermore, the most significant increase in tangent modulus under the influence of the magnetic field was observed in vertically aligned materials. Compared to the pure material, a 3127% increase was found at 0.57% strain in vertically aligned samples. In materials with Shore hardness of 2, using Basf CN powder at 10–40% powder ratios, the highest relative MR effect was observed at a 20% powder ratio. The stress increase for vertically aligned samples compared to the pure state was 1274.6% at 0.27% strain. When comparing the relative MR effect of materials with Shore hardness between 10 and 59, the largest increase was obtained from the Sorta Clear matrix material. © 2024 Elsevier B.V
The effect of Augmented Reality (AR) supported geometric shape learning on children’s visual perceptual development in early childhood education
No full textThis study examined the impact of an Augmented Reality (AR)-based virtual application on preschool children's visual perception development in geometric shape learning. A quasi-experimental research design was employed. The study sample consisted of 26 preschool children, aged 5–6, from a public school in Türkiye. The children in the experimental group engaged with AR-supported materials, allowing them to explore geometric shapes interactively and listen to their properties in a virtual environment. Each child participated individually in the learning application for 50–60 minutes. The Frostig Visual Perception Test was administered as both a pre-test and post-test. Results indicated that the AR-based learning application had a statistically significant positive effect on preschool children's visual perception development. © 2025 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group
An Examination of Relationships Between Postural Habits and Awareness of Fatigue and Musculoskeletal Discomfort in Nurses
No full textIntroduction: Prolonged fatigue, caused by the hospital's demanding workload and physical demands, can increase strain on the musculoskeletal system, leading to musculoskeletal issues that may negatively impact nurses' job performance and quality of life. High postural awareness, on the other hand, can help nurses develop correct posture and movement habits, reducing the risk of experiencing discomfort, thus preserving their physical health and supporting workforce sustainability. Therefore, it is of particular importance to determine the relationship of postural awareness to fatigue and musculoskeletal discomfort in nurses working in a hospital environment with heavy working conditions and many ergonomic risks.
Aim: The aim of this study was to describe the postural habits, awareness, occupational fatigue levels and musculoskeletal disorders of nurses working in hospitals and to examine the relationships between these factors.
Method: This study used a quantitative cross-sectional design. The study sample consisted of 132 nurses working in a hospital in Türkiye. The data for the study were collected between July and October 2023 using the Occupational Fatigue Exhaustion/Recovery Scale (OFER), Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ) and Postural Habits and Awareness Scale (PHAS).
Results: A significant positive, low-level correlation was found between the Recovery subscale of the OFER scale and the Postural Habits subscale of the PHAS scale (r = 0.277, p < 0.05). A significant negative, moderate-level correlation was observed between the Chronic Fatigue subscale of the OFER scale and the Postural Habits subscale of the PHAS scale (r = -0.311, p < 0.001). Additionally, a significant negative, moderate-level correlation was found between the Acute Fatigue subscale of the OFER scale and the Postural Habits subscale of the PHAS scale (r = -0.326, p < 0.001).
Conclusion: This study found that as nurses' correct postural habits improved, both acute and chronic fatigue decreased, whereas recovery increased. It is suggested that interventions aimed at enhancing postural awareness and promoting correct postural habits in nurses may also positively influence occupational fatigue and exhaustion.4049752
THE IMPACT OF CLEAN ENERGY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT, HEALTH EXPENDITURE, AND ECONOMIC GROWTH ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
No full textThis study investigates the impact of clean energy technologies, health expenditure, and economic growth on environmental quality using the Fourier Engle-Granger cointegration method for the United States in the 1974–2022 period. The Fourier approach successfully identifies gradual structural shifts and nonlinear dynamics in long-run relations, which are frequent in macroeconomic and environmental time series but are typically overlooked by standard approaches. The findings show that clean energy research and development investment—specifically in energy efficiency, renewable resources, and nuclear technologies—and health expenditures significantly positively impact environmental quality. However, economic growth has a negative impact environmental quality in the United States. These results highlight the necessity of integrating environmental objectives into energy and health policy and prioritizing investment in sustainable technologies to achieve ecological sustainability in the long term. © 2025, ALÖKI Kft., Budapest, Hungary.2-s2.0-10502486411
Empowering Employee Proactive Behavior: Concepts and Perspectives from Organization and Society
No full textProactive employee behaviour refers to the attempt to improve existing conditions in the workplace or create new ones, as well as actions to change one’s work environment, interpersonal relationships and socialisation behaviour instead of passively adapting to it. This contributed volume explores the role of proactive behaviour in employer/employee relations and in the wider context of the organization and society. It includes a comprehensive section that aims to provide a broad and descriptive perspective on the concepts of proactive behaviour and the research landscape. It examines areas including mental health, emotional management, disadvantaged employees, gender and queer-based perspectives, changes and conflict, sustainability, and non-profit organizations. Although proactive behavior is a desired behavior in business life, individuals who exhibit proactive behavior in the workplace can experience difficulties. For this reason, blind spots and hurdles that surround proactive behavior are also explored in this book. Examined in the light of current events, trends and the latest research, this book is intended to be a comprehensive guide on the positive and negative organizational behavior issues associated with proactive behavior. It will be of great interest to academics and students, as well as managers and all those with a wider interest in organizational behaviour. © 2025 The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.2-s2.0-10502239307