Gümüşhane University Institutional Repository
Not a member yet
5821 research outputs found
Sort by
DAPNet++: density adaptive PointNet + + for airborne laser scanning data
No full textAddressing the challenges arising from the irregularity and varying density of Airborne Laser Scanning (ALS) point clouds, which particularly affect the performance and generalization ability of 3D Deep Neural Networks (DNNs), is essential for their effective application in direct semantic segmentation tasks. In this study, we investigated the underexplored aspect of adapting PointNet + + for semantic segmentation of ALS point clouds. We introduced Density-Adaptive PointNet++ (DAPNet++) to enhance robustness against variable point densities through modifications made to the original PointNet + + architecture. Our methodology includes controlled block partitioning based on point density replacing the original batching strategy. Another key advancement in the study is the automation of the initial value of the neighborhood search radius by taking into account the characteristics of the dataset. This approach optimizes receptive field determination, crucial for effective semantic segmentation. The effectiveness of DAPNet + + is validated through extensive experiments on various datasets, including ISPRS Vaihingen, DALES, subsampled DALES, and OpenGF. Notable improvements include up to 11% increase in weighted mean Intersection-over-Union (mIoU) on the highly variable OpenGF test dataset and 3% increase in mIoU on the subsampled DALES dataset. Furthermore, the generalization capability of the DAPNet + + was tested, revealing an approximately 5% improvement in evaluation metrics compared to PointNet++. In summary, DAPNet + + minimizes trial-and-error in the selection of parameters for block partitioning and radius, and it enhances robustness against variable point density. With the proposed approach, it has been observed that there is a significant improvement in accuracy for underrepresented classes, mitigating class imbalance in ALS point clouds. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2024
The Effect of Fatigue During Search and Rescue Efforts in Debris on the Quality of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
No full textObjectives: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), which is used in cases of life-threatening cardiopulmonary arrest, is a physically exhausting procedure. Adding to that, sometimes, even before performing CPR, interventions to rescue the injured person from a challenging environment have caused significant fatigue. In this study, taking a novel research approach, we generated a scenario of fatigue during a rescue from earthquake debris and aimed to measure the effect of that fatigue on the quality of CPR performed by paramedics. Methods: The research followed an experimental design with 2 groups (experimental/control) and 2 measurements (pretest/post-test). The study population was selected using power analysis. The sample, consisting of 84 paramedic students, was randomly divided into 42 control and 42 experimental participants. Current American Heart Association (AHA 2020) and European Resuscitation Council (ERC 2021) guidelines were strictly followed when performing CPR. In order to assess the accuracy of CPR, a General Doctor GD-CPR200S-A (2010 standard) simulator was utilized. The participants were fatigued by practicing the process of extracting and transporting earthquake victims from rubble. A personal information form with 20 questions and a CPR measurement form were used to obtain the data. Results: In the analysis performed to measure the differences between the CPR indicators for the control and experimental groups in the post-test and pretest, the difference in compression (control: 6.5 ± 50.1 and experimental: −10.3 ± 46.0) was not significant. Meanwhile, we found that the difference in ventilation (control: 0.3 ± 5.4 vs. experiment: 8.1 ± 4.6) and the difference in CPR completion times (control: 0.2 ± 1.2 vs. experiment: −0.7 ± 0.7) between the post-test and pretest were significant. Conclusions: There was no significant difference in correct compressions between the control and experimental groups, but there was a significant difference in ventilation and CPR completion times. For this reason, it is recommended to focus on the effect of fatigue on CPR quality, especially on the ventilation process. It is also recommended to include fatigue scenarios in CPR trainings. © 2025 National Association of EMS Physicians
One-Step Green Hydrothermal-Assisted Synthesis of Carbon Quantum Dots From Robinia hispida L. Flowers, and Flourimetric Detection of Au3+ Ions in Aqueous Media
No full textWater-soluble fluorescent carbon quantum dots (CQDs) were synthesized via a single-step, eco-friendly hydrothermal process using Robinia hispida L. flowers as a novel carbon source. Advanced characterization techniques (HRTEM, XRD, XPS, FTIR, UV-vis, and fluorescence spectroscopy) revealed spherical CQDs with an average size of 3.96 ± 0.83 nm and a quantum yield of 5.13%. Under 365 nm UV light, the CQDs emitted blue fluorescence. Fluorescence quenching studies with various metal ions showed a significant 93.5% reduction in FL intensity with 500 μM Au3+ ions. At pH 7.0, a linear detection range of 0.5-3.5 μM was achieved, with limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) of 0.4 and 1.2 μM, respectively. The non-functionalized CQDs effectively detected Au3+ ions in tap, drinking, and river water, acidic mine drainage (sludge), and a standard reference material (CRMSA-C Sandy Soil C), achieving spike recoveries of 96.06%-101.71% with variability below 4.13%.3989475
Comprehensive Analysis of the Antioxidant and Enzyme Inhibitory Properties and Phenolic Compounds of Phlomis armeniaca: Potential Applicant in Neurodegenerative Diseases
No full textThis study investigates the antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory properties of Phlomis armeniaca, a perennial plant native to the eastern and southeastern regions of Türkiye. Ethanol extracts of the plant were analyzed using various bioanalytical methods, including Fe³⁺-Fe²⁺ reducing power, CUPRAC, DPPH, and ABTS radical scavenging activities, as well as total phenolic and flavonoid content assessments. The results showed that Phlomis armeniaca is rich in phenolic (38.75±0.59 µg GAE/mg extract) and flavonoid compounds (39.34±4.08 µg QE/mg extract). The plant demonstrated significant inhibitory effects on AChE (IC50: 45.00±0.48 mg/mL) and BChE (IC50: 84.51±0.84 mg/mL) enzymes, indicating its potential use in treating neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's. The study also highlighted Phlomis armeniaca's high chlorogenic acid, salicylic acid, 4-dihydroxybenzoic acid, and quinic acid contents, supporting its antioxidant capacity. These findings suggest that Phlomis armeniaca could be a valuable natural resource for developing therapeutic agents to manage oxidative stress and related conditions, warranting further pharmacological exploration.3983134
A Safe and Efficient Brain–Computer Interface Using Moving Object Trajectories and LED-Controlled Activation
No full textNowadays, brain–computer interface (BCI) systems are frequently used to connect individuals who have lost their mobility with the outside world. These BCI systems enable individuals to control external devices using brain signals. However, these systems have certain disadvantages for users. This paper proposes a novel approach to minimize the disadvantages of visual stimuli on the eye health of system users in BCI systems employing visual evoked potential (VEP) and P300 methods. The approach employs moving objects with different trajectories instead of visual stimuli. It uses a light-emitting diode (LED) with a frequency of 7 Hz as a condition for the BCI system to be active. The LED is assigned to the system to prevent it from being triggered by any involuntary or independent eye movements of the user. Thus, the system user will be able to use a safe BCI system with a single visual stimulus that blinks on the side without needing to focus on any visual stimulus through moving balls. Data were recorded in two phases: when the LED was on and when the LED was off. The recorded data were processed using a Butterworth filter and the power spectral density (PSD) method. In the first classification phase, which was performed for the system to detect the LED in the background, the highest accuracy rate of 99.57% was achieved with the random forest (RF) classification algorithm. In the second classification phase, which involves classifying moving objects within the proposed approach, the highest accuracy rate of 97.89% and an information transfer rate (ITR) value of 36.75 (bits/min) were achieved using the RF classifier. © 2025 by the authors
Short-term resistance training enhances functional and physiological markers in older women: implications for biomechanical and health interventions in aging
No full textBackground: The impact of resistance training extends beyond the enhancement of muscle strength, encompassing improvements in physical performance, postural stability, and overall functional capacity. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a 4-week resistance training program on functional capacity, respiratory muscle strength, diaphragm thickness, and liver density in healthy older women.
Methods: The study included 30 healthy women aged 60-80 years and was designed as a randomized controlled experimental trial. Participants were randomly assigned to a resistance training (RT) group or a control (CON) group. Each participant attended the laboratory on three occasions: during the initial visit, the study procedures were explained; the second visit involved baseline assessments (6MWT, diaphragm thickness and liver fat via ultrasound, and respiratory muscle strength); and final measurements were conducted after the 4-week training programme during the third visit.
Results: When pre- and post-training measurements were compared, the resistance training (RT) group demonstrated a significantly greater improvement (8.02%) in the Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) distance compared to the control group (p < 0.001). In terms of diaphragm thickness (DT), the RT group showed a 16.66% increase, whereas the control group exhibited a 1.13% decrease (p < 0.001). Maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) increased by 12.30% in the RT group, while it decreased by 7.25% in the control group, indicating a 19.55% greater improvement in the RT group (p < 0.001). Regarding maximal expiratory pressure (MEP), a significant improvement of 21.48% was observed in the RT group, whereas a 0.75% decrease was recorded in the control group, resulting in a 22.23% greater enhancement in the RT group (p < 0.001). Finally, liver density (LD) increased by 12.30% in the RT group, while it decreased by 7.25% in the control group (p < 0.001).
Conclusion: As a result of resistance training, greater improvement was observed in functional capacity, respiratory muscle strength, diaphragm thickness and liver density in the training group compared to the control group.4079161
Development and psychometric evaluation of the father-preterm infant bonding scale
No full textObjective: The purpose of this study is to describe the development process of the Father-Preterm Infant Bonding Scale (F-PIBS) and to report the results of its psychometric evaluation.
Methods: A methodological, correlational, comparative, and cross-sectional design was employed. The study was conducted between June 2023 and September 2024 and included 182 fathers with preterm infants hospitalized in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were performed to evaluate the reliability of the scale, and validity was tested using Cronbach's alpha reliability coefficient, split-half reliability, item-total correlations, and Hotelling's T-squared test.
Results: The scale comprises 10 items distributed across two sub-dimensions. The content validity ratios of the scale items ranged from 0.80 to 1.00. Cronbach's alpha values for the total scale and sub-dimensions were 0.878, 0.796, and 0.845, respectively.
Conclusion: F-PIBS is reliable, valid, and appropriate for evaluating father-preterm newborn bonding levels in the NICU.4040892
Institutional Structure and Environmental Pollution: An Application within the Framework of the Environmental Kuznets Curve Hypothesis
No full textThe EKC hypothesis explains the relationship between economic growth and environmental degradation. However, criticisms of its fundamental assumptions suggest that this relationship should be examined more comprehensively. While the EKC hypothesis addresses the link between income levels and environmental quality, it may overlook the impact of institutional structures and policy factors. In this context, recent studies increasingly highlight the role of institutional structures in environmental degradation. Accordingly, this study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of environmental sustainability by approaching the EKC hypothesis from the perspective of institutional quality. To determine the effects of institutional quality on environmental degradation, the study employs the Driscoll-Kraay estimation method. The analysis is conducted on a sample of SADC countries for the period 1990-2021. The findings indicate that institutional quality has a statistically significant and positive effect on environmental degradation; however, beyond a certain threshold, this effect reverses. Additionally, the impact of economic growth on environmental degradation is examined within the EKC framework, revealing that while per capita income initially increases environmental degradation, exceeding a certain income level leads to improvements in environmental quality. The findings confirm the validity of the EKC hypothesis in SADC countries and suggest that strong institutional structures can play a supportive role in promoting environmental sustainability. © 2025, Econjournals. All rights reserved
The effect of psychoeducation on hope, loneliness and depression of nursing students who experienced 6 February 2023 Turkey earthquake
No full textPsychoeducation after a traumatic event can help reduce negative effects by providing a cognitive framework for one's experience. It can also enable trauma survivors to increase their ability to help coping. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of psychoeducation on hope, loneliness and depression in nursing students who experienced 6 February 2023 Turkey earthquake. The study, which was conducted in experimental design, included 40 students who experienced the February 6 earthquake. 20 students were assigned to the psychoeducation group and 20 students to the control group. Students in the psychoeducation group received six sessions of psychoeducation, while students in the control group were not intervened. 'Personal Information Form', 'Beck Hopelessness Scale', 'UCLA Loneliness Scale' and 'Beck Depression Scale' were used to collect the data. Mean, standard deviation and percentage calculations, chi-square test and t test were used to analyze the data. Sociodemographic characteristics of the students in the psychoeducation and control groups were similar except for the place of residence (p > 0.05). It was determined that the mean score of the hope sub-dimension of the 'Beck Hopelessness Scale' was statistically significantly higher in the control group (p 0.05). There was a statistically significant difference between the students in the psychoeducation and control groups in terms of depression levels (p < 0.05). In conclusion, psychoeducation was partially effective on hope and depression and not on loneliness in students who experienced the earthquake. Students in the psychoeducation group had lower levels of depression. It is recommended that students experiencing natural disasters such as earthquakes should be monitored by a specialized psychologist and the duration of psychoeducation should be regulated.4016867
Turkish Version of the Sense of Belonging in Nursing School Scale: Validity and Reliability for Nursing Students
No full textBackground: While a sense of belonging may be necessary for human motivation, the disruption of this sense of belonging among nurses can have implications for patient care and safety. Aim: This article was aimed at assessing the sense of belonging experienced by nursing students in three different settings (clinic, classroom, and student group) by conducting the validity and reliability of the Sense of Belonging in Nursing School (SBNS) scale, adapting it to the Turkish language and culture, and reporting the results. Methods: The study was conducted in a nursing faculty between March and July 2023. The study sample comprised 193 nursing students. We performed the content validity assessment of the 19-item SBNS scale after conducting a structural validity analysis using exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The Cronbach's alpha and item-total score correlations were examined to assess the scale's internal consistency. Results: The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin measure of sampling adequacy for the SBNS instrument was 0.903, and the result of Bartlett's test of sphericity was significant (χ² = 3182.764, p = 0.000), indicating that the scale was suitable for factor analysis. The eigenvalue analysis identified a four-factor structure explaining 76.74% of the total variance. These four factors were subsequently named as follows: (1) clinical compliance, (2) social belonging, (3) school support, and (4) clinical support. The goodness-of-fit values for the model obtained from the CFA were χ2/SD = 2.15, comparative fit index = 0.947, goodness-of-fit index = 0.852, normed fit index = 0.906, incremental fit index = 0.948, and root mean square error of approximation = 0.077, suggesting that the model fit was acceptable, and the four-factor structure was well distributed. The scale exhibited high internal consistency (α = 0.933). Discussion: The SBNS scale is a reliable and valid instrument for measuring the sense of belonging experienced by nursing students in three different environments. Further research is needed to establish its predictive validity. Conclusions and Implications for Nursing: This study was conducted, and there was no scale used in the Turkish literature to measure nursing students' sense of school belonging; thus, it is the first in this sense.4065953