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- Uzun, Sevda(79)
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- Turan, Ibrahim(33)
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- Aliyazicioglu, Yuksel(21)
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- Hintistan, Sevilay(18)
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- Bayrakdaroğlu, Serdar(15)
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- Mentese, Ahmet(14)
- Reis, Hatice Catal(14)
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- Memetoglu, Mehmet Erdem(13)
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- Bülbül, Kenan(12)
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- Deger, Orhan(10)
Yayınlar
- Derleme MakaleYalnız künye2026A systematic review of studies evaluating immersive virtual reality applications to support nursing education for nursing students
Aydin, Aydanur; Güler, Sevil; Bulut, Hülya
Objectives: Virtual reality (VR)-based interventions are widely used in education. However, it is necessary to systematically examine the outcomes of immersive virtual reality (IVR) applications in nursing education, clarifying their impact on knowledge, skills, and attitudes among nursing students. Methods: This review utilized the methodological framework of the Joanna Briggs Institute. A search was conducted of the Ovid MEDLINE, PubMed, CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature), Web of Science, and Scopus databases for the period from 2013 to 2023. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol informed the review and screening of the literature. The articles were assessed for eligibility via first screening by abstract review, followed by a full-text review. The first two authors reviewed the articles, assessing qualification for inclusion and evaluating the content. Data from eligible articles were analyzed and synthesized to answer the research question. Results: Of the initial 667 articles, 11 articles met the inclusion criteria for final analysis. The findings indicate that IVR applications in clinical practice positively impact nursing students, as IVR provides effective results in increasing their knowledge. Nursing educators should avoid comparing the results of students’ IVR practice with classical clinical practice. Nursing students should continue to engage in clinical practice, as it remains an essential aspect of their education. While technological applications such as IVR may be useful, they should not be used as a substitute for clinical practice. This review highlights the reported outcomes and benefits of clinical teaching methods in nursing. Conclusion: A limited number of articles were found that evaluated the education of nursing students in IVR applications. The analyzed articles found that nurse educators experienced meaningful knowledge exchange with students after IVR implementation. Further research is needed to identify effective outcomes in clinical education. It is essential to advance science to transform clinical education and use it more consciously to teach practical thinking and decision-making about patient care.
- MakaleYalnız künye2026Sustainable Nutrition Behaviors and Physical Activity Attitudes Among College Students: A Cross-Sectional Study
Kurtbeyoglu, Emine; Kaya, Aleyna
Objective: This study aimed to examine sustainable nutrition behaviors and attitudes toward physical activity among college students. Design: A cross-sectional study. Setting: College setting. Participants: The study included 303 college students (171 female, 132 male). Main Outcome Measure: Sustainable nutrition behaviors were assessed using the Behaviors Scale Towards Sustainable Nutrition, whereas beliefs and attitudes related to physical activity were measured using the Exercise Health Belief Model Scale. Anthropometric measurements, including body weight and waist circumference, were obtained by researchers. Analysis: Pearson and Spearman correlation analyses, as appropriate, and multiple linear regression analyses were conducted. Results: Sustainable nutrition behavior scale total scores were positively correlated with exercise Health Belief Model scores (r = 0.444, P < 0.001) and negatively correlated with body mass index (r = −0.142, P = 0.01) and waist circumference (r = −0.169, P = 0.003). After adjusting for sex, academic level, and income level, sustainable nutrition behaviors remained significantly associated with attitudes toward physical activity (β = 0.400, P < 0.001), explaining 22.6% of the variance (R² = 0.226). Conclusions and Implications: Students with more positive attitudes toward physical activity are more likely to engage in sustainable nutrition behaviors. Integrated health promotion strategies addressing both physical activity and sustainable nutrition may support healthier and more sustainable lifestyles among college students.
- MakaleAçık Erişim2026The mediating effect of self-compassion and cognitive emotion regulation on the relationship between tolerance and social appearance anxiety in adolescents
Bingöl, Orhan; Çelebi, Gülin Yazıcı; Kaya, Feridun
The aim of this study is to examine the effect of tolerance on social appearance anxiety and to test the roles of emotion regulation and self-compassion as mediating psychological mechanisms in this relationship. The sample of the study consists of 647 adolescent individuals living in Turkey. The Personal Information Form, Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire, Tolerance Scale, Self-Compassion Scale – Short Form, and Social Appearance Anxiety Scale were used in the study. Data were collected online using convenience sampling methods. Pearson correlation analysis was used to determine the relationships between the variables in the study, while regression-based mediation analysis (Process macro model 81) was used to test the mediation model examined in the study. Upon examining the findings, tolerance was positively correlated with self-compassion (r =.323, p <.001) and adaptive cognitive emotion regulation (r =.200, p <.001); while tolerance was negatively and statistically significantly related to maladaptive cognitive emotion regulation (r = -.250, p <.001) and social appearance anxiety (r = -.229, p <.001). Additionally, a positive correlation was found between self-compassion and adaptive cognitive emotion regulation (r =.358, p <.001); and negative and statistically significant relationships between self-compassion and maladaptive cognitive emotion regulation (r = -.576, p <.001) and social appearance anxiety (r = -.530, p <.001). Finally, a statistically significant negative relationship was found between social appearance anxiety and adaptive cognitive emotion regulation (r = -.219, p <.001); and a statistically significant positive relationship was found between social appearance anxiety and maladaptive cognitive emotion regulation (r =.484, p <.001). The mediation analysis, tested with 10,000 bootstrap samples at a 95% confidence interval, revealed that emotion regulation dimensions and self-compassion have a full mediating effect. The findings indicate that the tolerance factor reduces social appearance anxiety not only directly but also indirectly through emotion regulation and self-compassion. In line with these findings, it was concluded that individuals with high tolerance levels need to be supported not only through mindfulness programs but also through emotion regulation and self-compassion levels.
- MakaleYalnız künye2026Nurses' artificial intelligence anxiety levels, their attitudes towards artificial intelligence, and their skills in acting humanistically in nursing practices
Cin, Aynur; Coşar, Dilan Aktepe; Demirağ, Hatice
Aim This study aims to investigate the levels of artificial intelligence-related anxiety among nurses, their attitudes towards the use of AI in clinical settings, their ability to maintain humanistic approaches in nursing care, and the interrelationships among these variables. Design This study was designed as a descriptive and cross-sectional pilot study. Method The sample of the descriptive study consisted of 267 nurses working in X and Y hospitals in Gümüşhane province. The data of the research was collected between December 2023 and May 2024 using the “Nurse Introduction Form”, “Artificial Intelligence Anxiety Scale”, “General Attitude Scale towards Artificial Intelligence” and “Humanistic Practice Ability of Nursing”. Results Total “Artificial Intelligence Anxiety Scale” mean scores were found to be higher in nurses who were women, and had more than five years of working experience ( p < 0.05). It was determined that the total “General Attitude Scale Towards Artificial Intelligence” score averages of nurses working in surgical clinics were higher than those working in pediatric clinics ( p < 0.05). Positive “General Attitude Scale Towards Artificial Intelligence” mean scores were higher in nurses who had a postgraduate degree, worked in a surgical clinic, and had five years or less experience ( p < 0.05). Again, the total mean of the “ Humanistic Practice Ability of Nursing “ was higher in nurses who had a bachelor's degree or less, and worked in management and surgery clinics ( p < 0.05). Conclusion It was found that nurses' artificial intelligence anxiety, general attitudes towards artificial intelligence, and ability to act humanistally varied according to some sociodemographic characteristics.
- MakaleAçık Erişim2026Immediate effects of cervical spine and sacroiliac joint manipulations on the autonomic nervous system and pedobarographic analysis: Randomized controlled trial
Turgut, Hayriye; Büyükkırlı, İlker Can; Hatık, Sefa Haktan; Aydın, Emine Büşra
Background: This study aimed to investigate the immediate effects of cervical and sacroiliac joint manipulations on autonomic nervous system activity and baropodometric parameters. Methods: Participants were randomly assigned to three groups with equal gender distribution. The cervical manipulation group received chiropractic manipulation at the C3–C5 level, while the sacroiliac group received manipulation at the sacroiliac joint. The control group received no intervention. Pre- and post-treatment evaluations were conducted after a 30-minute interval. Plantar pressure was measured via a pedobarographic device. Autonomic nervous system activity was assessed using the Polar H10. Blood pressure and heart rate were manually recorded using a sphygmomanometer and pulse oximeter. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: No significant differences were found among groups in terms of age, gender, height, or BMI (Kruskal-Wallis, p > 0.05). The cervical manipulation group showed significant decreases in systolic and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate post-intervention (Wilcoxon, p < 0.05). The sacroiliac group showed a significant increase in heart rate only (Wilcoxon, p < 0.05). No significant changes were observed in baropodometric parameters or autonomic activity within or between groups (Wilcoxon and Kruskal-Wallis, p > 0.05). However, post-intervention comparisons showed cervical manipulation led to a greater reduction in systolic blood pressure, while sacroiliac manipulation led to a greater increase in heart rate compared to controls (Mann-Whitney U with Bonferroni correction, p < 0.05). Conclusion: While no significant changes were observed in baropodometric or autonomic parameters, chiropractic manipulation demonstrated short-term effects on blood pressure and heart rate. The accuracy of heart rate variability assessments should be reviewed, and further studies are needed to evaluate long-term cardiovascular and autonomic outcomes.
- MakaleYalnız künye2026Some are more equal than others: workplace favoritism and hospital employees’ intent to quit
Özbek, Mehmet Ferhat; Banai, Moshe; Stefanidis, Abraham; Bekar, Fevziye; Roberts, Sara J.
Purpose – This study refines equity theory by explaining the mediating roles of job frustration and job dissatisfaction, as well as the moderating role of personal income in the relationship between discriminatory workplace favoritism and hospital employees’ intent to quit. Design/methodology/approach – The study consists of two samples. In the first sample, survey questionnaires were administered to 267 public hospital employees in Turkey. In the second sample, 1, 426 university healthcare students in Turkey answered four different scenarios that narrated school favoritism as well as students’ frustration, dissatisfaction and intent to quit. Structural equation modeling and ANOVA statistical analyses were conducted. Findings – Workplace favoritism positively affected employees’ intent to quit through the mediation of job frustration and job dissatisfaction. The mediating role of job frustration between workplace favoritism and intent to quit was stronger for high-income than for low-income employees and students. Practical implications – Favoring one employee may result in voluntary organizational exit by other employees, which is costly for the organization. Favoritism may encourage employees who were not previously prone to favoritism to seek favoritism. This may create a cycle that spreads favoritism further within the organization. Originality/value – This is the first study to investigate the role of income in the relationship between workplace favoritism and employees' intent to quit.
- MakaleYalnız künye2026Thermal inactivation kinetics of Listeria monocytogenes in fat/water emulsions and fat tissue – effect of fat content
Ozturk, Samet; Huang, Lihan; Hwang, Cheng-An; Sheen, Shiowshuh
Significantly increased thermal resistance was found in Listeria monocytogenes inoculated to beef tallow. However, how the relative compositions of fat and water in emulsions affect bacterial survival during heating has not been evaluated. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of fat levels in solid fat/water (SF/W) emulsions on thermal resistance of L. monocytogenes. SF/W emulsions, containing 0, 25, 50, 60, and 75 % of tallow by weight, were prepared by mixing tallow with soybean lecithin and Tween 80 in 0.1 % peptone water using an ultrasonic processor. A 4-strain cocktail of L. monocytogenes was inoculated to the emulsions and subjected to isothermal heating between 55 and 65 °C. The survival curves were analyzed to estimate the kinetic parameters and evaluate thermal resistance. Linear survival was observed in emulsions with fat below 50 %. However, increased thermal resistance, evidenced by the increasing D and z values with the fat content, was observed. For example, the average D values in SF/W emulsions at 60 °C are 0.54, 1.04, and 2.53 min, respectively, with 0, 25, and 50 % fat. For SF/W emulsions with 60 and 75 % fat and in beef trim fat (BTF, 86.9 % fat), the survival curves became convexly nonlinear and could be described with the Weibull model. The exponents of the Weibull model range between 0.45 and 0.456, suggesting almost identical convexity of the survival curves. The convex survival curves indicate initial sensitivity to heat but the resistance increases with time at each temperature. The estimated time to a 5-log reduction becomes 11.9 and 26.4 min in 60 and 75 % SF/W emulsions, respectively, and 36.5 min in BTF at 60 °C. The study demonstrates the effect of fat levels on thermal resistance of L. monocytogenes in SF/W emulsions and BTF. The results of this study may help the food industry to properly kill L. monocytogenes in fat-containing meat products during thermal processing.
- MakaleYalnız künye2026A Comprehensive Deep-Learning Framework Integrating Lesion Segmentation and Stage Classification for Enhanced Diabetic Retinopathy Diagnosis
İncir, Ramazan; Bozkurt, Ferhat
Diabetic retinopathy (DR), one of the most prevalent microvascular complications of diabetes, stands as a leading cause of vision loss globally. Due to its asymptomatic nature in early stages, delayed diagnosis and staging may result in irreversible visual impairment. Therefore, accurate and simultaneous lesion segmentation and stage classification of DR are of critical clinical importance. In this study, a two-stage, end-to-end, holistic framework is proposed for automated DR diagnosis. In the first stage, an Improved U-Net architecture enhanced with residual blocks and additional convolutional layers is employed to segment small and low-contrast lesions such as microaneurysms, hemorrhages, and hard/soft exudates with high precision. Model hyperparameters are optimized using the harmony search algorithm to enhance training efficiency. In the second stage, lesion-based weight maps obtained from the segmentation step are applied to fundus images from the APTOS dataset, generating enriched inputs for classification. A vision transformer (ViT)-based model, augmented with a Convolutional Block Attention Module (CBAM), is utilized to improve feature extraction. In addition, features derived from ViT are further refined using a graph convolutional network (GCN) and traditional machine-learning classifiers. The proposed approach achieves high performance in multi-class DR stage classification. Compared to existing studies, the framework demonstrates notable improvements in both segmentation and classification accuracy, offering a robust and generalizable solution for DR diagnosis.
- MakaleAçık Erişim2026Machine learning–enabled ECG arrhythmia classification: a systematic and educational study from signal processing to decision support
Melek, Negin
Electrocardiogram (ECG) signals play a critical role in the early detection of cardiac arrhythmias, which remain a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. While deep learning approaches have achieved high classification accuracy, their increasing complexity often limits interpretability and practical applicability. This study presents a systematic and interpretable framework for multi-class ECG arrhythmia classification, examining the effects of signal processing, feature extraction, feature selection, and evaluation strategies on classification performance. Experiments were conducted on the MIT-BIH Arrhythmia Database using two feature representations: (i) morphological and temporal features, and (ii) a compact wavelet-based representation. Sequential Forward Feature Selection (SFFS) revealed that classification performance saturates at approximately 15 features, indicating that most discriminative information is captured within a compact subset. Using this feature space, the support vector machine (SVM) achieved the best overall performance, reaching 98.54% accuracy with stable results across different configurations. The wavelet-based representation further improved performance balance, yielding lower Golden Distance (GD) values (as low as 0.0249), indicating more consistent behavior across evaluation metrics. Overall, the results demonstrate that carefully designed feature extraction and selection enable classical machine learning methods, particularly SVM, to achieve high and reliable performance, providing an interpretable alternative to more complex black-box models in ECG arrhythmia classification.
- MakaleYalnız künye2026LC–MS/MS Phenolic Profiling and Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, and Antidiabetic Activities of Caucasian Propolis
Gültekin, Deniz Canbolat; Turan, İbrahim; Akmeşe, Osman; Gültekin, Ergün; Demir, Selim; Aliyazicioglu, Yüksel
Propolis is a natural bee product rich in phenolic and flavonoid compounds and is well known for its remarkable biological properties. In this study, the phenolic compositions of propolis samples collected from various localities in the Caucasus region of Türkiye were characterized using LC–MS/MS, and their antioxidant, antidiabetic, and antibacterial activities were also evaluated. LC–MS/MS analyses identified caffeic acid, ferulic acid, and p-coumaric acid as the major phenolic acid compounds, while pinocembrin, chrysin, and galangin were determined as the major flavonoid constituents. Overall, these findings indicate that the antioxidant capacity of propolis samples obtained from different regions may be particularly associated with these key phenolic and flavonoid compounds. Consistent with this composition, total phenolic and flavonoid contents ranged from 34.72 to 120.54 mg GAE/g and 6.88 to 47.19 mg QE/g, respectively. The extracts exhibited a relatively high antioxidant capacity, with FRAP values between 60.47 and 311.87 mg TE/g and DPPH IC50 values ranging from 215.80 to 37.96 µg/mL. Regarding antidiabetic activity, the IC50 values for α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition were determined as 5.86–3.47 and 12.22–5.02 mg/mL, respectively, indicating a pronounced antidiabetic potential. Antimicrobial analyses revealed activity against E. faecalis, B. cereus, E. coli, K. pneumoniae, and C. albicans. Overall, this study provides a comprehensive LC–MS/MS-based phenolic profile of Caucasian propolis and demonstrates its antioxidant properties together with its antidiabetic potential.
- Derleme MakaleYalnız künye2026Immunosuppressant adherence levels in kidney transplant recipients measured by electronic monitoring devices: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Tuncer, Metin; Yalcinkaya, Turgay; Erol, Ahmet; Özalp, Cemal
Background: Kidney transplantation improves survival and quality of life in patients with end-stage renal disease; however, long-term graft success depends on adherence to immunosuppressive therapy. Objective: To quantify adherence levels among kidney transplant recipients using electronic monitoring devices. Methods: PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched for studies published between 2000 and 2025. A random-effects meta-analysis was conducted including studies that assessed adherence using electronic monitoring devices. Results: Seven studies with a total of 1025 kidney transplant recipients were included. The pooled mean adherence measured using electronic monitoring devices was 94.39%. In studies with monitoring durations of three months or longer, adherence decreased to 90.50%. Substantial heterogeneity was observed across studies. Conclusion: Although electronically measured adherence appears generally high, its decline over longer monitoring periods indicates that adherence is dynamic and may decrease over time. However, these estimates should be interpreted cautiously because electronic monitoring devices cannot confirm actual medication ingestion. Furthermore, intentionally non-adherent patients may be less likely to participate in or remain engaged with electronic monitoring studies and may therefore be underrepresented, potentially leading to an overestimation of true adherence. Even modest reductions in adherence may carry important clinical consequences, underscoring the need for sustained monitoring.
- MakaleYayıncıda açık erişim2026Maternal chrononutrition during pregnancy and the composition of intestinal and placental microbiota
Kurtbeyoglu, Emine; Caferoglu Akin, Zeynep; Ozdemir, Fatma
Background: Disrupted feeding timing may alter microbiota profiles and contribute to metabolic disturbances. This study aimed to investigate the impact of maternal chrononutrition during pregnancy on maternal gut and placental microbiota. Methods: This study was conducted between April 2022 and February 2023 at Erciyes University Faculty of Medicine Hospitals and Kayseri Private Dünyam Hospital in Kayseri, Türkiye, among healthy pregnant women with predominantly daytime feeding (pDT, n = 10) or predominantly nighttime feeding (pNT, n = 10). A questionnaire was administered, and three-day food consumption diaries were recorded at both 20–26 and 32–36 weeks of gestation. Fecal samples were collected at 32–36 weeks of gestation, and placental samples were collected at birth and stored at -80 °C until analysis. Results: Although total daily energy intake at both gestational periods (20–26 and 32–36 weeks) was similar between the groups, gestational weight gain was greater in the pNT group [16.30 (5.25) kg] than in the pDT group [11.90 (3.41) kg] (p = 0.039). Compared with the pDT group, the Firmicutes: Bacteroidetes ratio was higher in the maternal gut microbiota of the pNT group. Furthermore, Bacilli, Lactobacillales, Lactobacillaceae, and Lactobacillus were significantly more abundant in the pDT group than in the pNT group (p < 0.05). The intestinal and placental microbiota of the pDT and pNT groups had similar alpha and beta diversity. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that predominantly daytime or nighttime feeding during pregnancy may influence the composition of maternal gut and placental microbiota. These microbiome alterations may have potential implications for maternal and infant health; however, larger longitudinal studies are needed to clarify their long-term relevance, including possible links with fetal programming.
- MakaleAçık Erişim2026Effects of inspiratory muscle training combined with circadian rhythm-based running programs in male children football players
Konca, Erkan; Yilmaz, Coşkun; Saç, Ajlan; Dal, Suzan; Halmatov, Medera; Akıllıoğlu, Osman; Bayrakdaroğlu, Serdar
Background: Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) has been suggested to improve respiratory function and physical performance; however, evidence in preadolescent athletes remains limited. This study examined whether adding IMT to circadian rhythm–based running programs would enhance functional and pulmonary outcomes in preadolescent male football players with at least two years of regular football training experience. Methods: Seventy-five boys aged 10–12 years were categorized into morning-, intermediate-, or evening-type groups based on Morningness–Eveningness Scale for Children (MESC) scores, and each chronotype group was assigned to its corresponding running protocol with or without IMT. Over six weeks, participants completed circadian rhythm–based running sessions, and IMT groups performed graded-load IMT. Pre- and post-intervention assessments included agility, six-minute walk test (6MWT), pulmonary function (FVC, FEV₁, FEV₁/FVC), and respiratory muscle strength (MIP, MEP). Results: Agility and 6MWT performance improved most in the morning running + IMT group compared with evening running + IMT and running-only groups (p < 0.001). FVC and FEV₁ increased in both IMT groups, though gains were modest and smaller in the running-only group. Improvements in MIP and MEP did not differ significantly between groups. Conclusion: Combining IMT with morning running produced the greatest improvements in agility and functional performance, while pulmonary gains were moderate and respiratory muscle strength changes were comparable across groups. IMT may provide additional benefit when integrated into chronotype-aligned morning training in preadolescent football players. Trial registration: Effects of Inspiratory Muscle Training Combined with Circadian Rhythm-based Running Programs in Children Football Players, ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT06817486, Date: 27-01-2025.
- MakaleAçık Erişim2026A Personalized Target Placement Optimization Framework for VR-Based Upper Extremity Rehabilitation
Türe, Hayati; Kalfa, Eren; Aslan, Muhammed Emin; Işık, Buket Özdemir; Topçu, Osman; Özdemir, Erhan; Sarıhan, Köksal
Featured Application: The proposed framework can be directly integrated into existing VR rehabilitation platforms to provide real-time personalized target placement for post-stroke upper extremity therapy, requiring no additional hardware beyond a standard CPU. Virtual reality (VR)-based rehabilitation is an established modality for upper extremity motor recovery; however, existing systems frequently rely on fixed, random, or therapist-tuned target placement that disregards patient-specific motor capacity and population-level priors. This study proposes a cross-patient collaborative swarm intelligence framework that derives zone-based patient profiles from real VR trajectories and augments them with a similarity-weighted cohort prior distilled from clinically similar patients’ successful trajectory clouds and zone-transition graphs. A hybrid Ant Colony Optimization (ACO)–Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm optimizes 12 targets per session across a 27-zone ( (Formula presented.) ) workspace using a five-component fitness function encompassing reachability, zone balance, movement efficiency, heatmap-guided challenge coverage, and swarm-flow consistency. The framework was evaluated retrospectively on a single-center cohort of 36 post-stroke patients and 6373 sessions under a leakage-safe simulation protocol with 70/30 chronological splits; outcomes are model-based proxy success rates derived from each patient’s profile rather than directly observed task success. The hybrid strategy achieved a mean simulated success rate of 85.5% ± 5.5%, a 36.4% relative improvement over random placement (Wilcoxon (Formula presented.), Cohen’s (Formula presented.) ); the leakage-safe split yielded 80.1% on the held-out segment versus 61.1% for random, with no statistically significant train–test gap ( (Formula presented.) ). Ablation confirmed both PSO and ACO are individually necessary ( (Formula presented.) pp, (Formula presented.) ). Total session-start computation is 78 ms on standard CPU hardware. These findings constitute a proof-of-concept that collaborative personalized swarm optimization can substantially outperform heuristic target placement under in silico evaluation; clinical efficacy in terms of standardized motor outcome measures remains to be established in a prospective randomized controlled trial, and the findings should be replicated across centers, task modes, and a larger cohort before generalization.
- MakaleAçık Erişim2026Adherence to the MIND Diet and Its Effect on Glycemic Parameters in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Cross-Sectional Study; [Tip 2 Diyabetlilerde MIND Diyetine Uyumun Glisemik Parametreler Üzerindeki Etkisi: Kesitsel Bir Çalışma]
Koçyiğit, Emine; Koçak, Tevfik; Özbek, Yağmur Demirel
Aim: This study aimed to assess the relationship between Mediterranean-Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet score and indicators of glucose control and lipid metabolism in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 459 patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus aged 20-64 years. Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus completed a general information form and anthropometric measures. The MIND diet scores obtained from the MIND diet components form. The biochemical parameters gathered from individuals over the last three months were documented. Results: The mean age and body mass index in the study population were 49.10±10.10 years and 30.62±5.48 kg/m2. Overall, the mean MIND diet score was 8.64±1.75, and 47.10% had high adherence to the MIND diet. A significant difference was found between HbA1c and fasting plasma glucose (FBG) in the MIND groups, as well as a substantial negative association identified among HbA1c, FBG, and MIND scores. Conclusions: This study emphasized the significant incidence of overweight and obesity among Turkish adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Higher adherence to the MIND diet is associated with better glycemic control. Higher MIND diet scores associated with reduced HbA1c and FBG levels. However, no significant associations with the parameters of lipid metabolism were found. By emphasizing nutrient-dense foods and supporting both metabolic and psychological health, the MIND diet may represent a valuable adjunct to conventional diabetes management. Keywords.
- MakaleAçık Erişim2026Potentially Toxic Metal Levels in Cheeses Produced in Türkiye: Regional Variation, Milk Source, Ripening Stage, Production Type, and Associated Dietary Exposure and Health Risk
Gürmeriç, Hüseyin Ender; Şengül, Mustafa; Basaran, Burhan
This study investigated potentially toxic metal (PTM) levels in cheeses produced in different regions of Türkiye and evaluated the associated dietary exposure and non-carcinogenic health risk. A total of 84 cheese samples were collected from seven geographical regions and classified according to milk source, ripening stage, and production type. After microwave-assisted acid digestion, PTM levels were quantified by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and exposure and non-carcinogenic risk were evaluated using Estimated Daily Intake (EDI), Target Hazard Quotient (THQ), and Hazard Index (HI). Aluminium (Al), iron (Fe), and zinc (Zn) ranged from <0.00215 to 7.29,<0.00769 to 38.8, and 0.68 to 56.6 mg/kg wet weight, respectively, whereas chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), selenium (Se), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) ranged from <0.58 to 244, <1.26 to 369, <1.88 to 4067, <0.91 to 1378, <0.06 to 12.3, and <2.19 to 1754 µg/kg wet weight, respectively. Values marked with “<” represent concentrations below the limit of quantification (LOQ). Arsenic (As) was not detected in any sample. Significant differences were observed for selected PTMs according to ripening stage, milk source, production type, and region (p<0.05). The toxicological contribution (TC) values for nutritional PTM exposure were low. THQ and HI values remained below 1, suggesting a low overall non-carcinogenic risk; however, Pb exceedances in some samples indicate the need for continued PTM monitoring.
- MakaleYalnız künye2026Food reward sensitivity mediates the association between chemosensory pleasure and adiposity in young adults
Kurtbeyoglu, Emine; Caferoglu Akin, Zeynep; Aslan Gonul, Busra
This cross-sectional study investigated whether food reward sensitivity mediates the association between chemosensory pleasure and adiposity in young adults. A total of 300 university students completed the Chemosensory Pleasure Scale (CPS), the Power of Food Scale (PFS), and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), alongside anthropometric assessments. Chemosensory pleasure was strongly and positively associated with food reward sensitivity (β = 0.620, p < .001), and this relationship remained robust after adjustment for age, sex, BMI, and depressive symptoms. While chemosensory pleasure showed only weak direct associations with adiposity indicators, food reward sensitivity was positively associated with body fat percentage. Mediation analyses demonstrated a significant indirect effect of chemosensory pleasure on body fat percentage through food reward sensitivity (indirect effect = 0.105; 95% CI: 0.039–0.179), indicating an indirect-only pathway. Although sex-stratified analyses suggested some pattern differences, moderated mediation analyses did not support a significant moderating role of sex. These findings suggest that chemosensory pleasure may be related to adiposity primarily when accompanied by increased food reward sensitivity. The results highlight food reward sensitivity as a potential psychological mechanism linking sensory responsiveness to adiposity.
- MakaleAçık Erişim2026Antibacterial Efficiency and Osteoblast Viability of Ag/AgO/Ag2O Nanoparticles on Microarc-Oxidized TiO2
Aktas, Sitki; Durdu, Salih; Bird, Toby W.; Ozcan, Kadriye; Yigitturk, Gurkan; Aktug, Salim Levent; Usta, Metin; Acet, Tuba; Pratt, Andrew
Infections associated with titanium-based medical and dental implants present a major clinical challenge, as they can compromise osseointegration and long-term implant stability. Silver-based nanoparticles (NPs) are widely recognized for their strong antimicrobial properties, and when combined with titanium, they hold significant promise for developing infection-resistant and biocompatible implant surfaces. In this study, Ag/AgO/Ag2O NPs were deposited onto highly porous TiO2 layers formed on the Ti6Al4V alloy by microarc oxidation (MAO), with the aim of simultaneously enhancing antibacterial performance and supporting osteoblast activity. The NPs exhibited a predominant size of 8.7 ± 0.1 nm, with smaller particles oxidized to AgO and Ag2O, and larger particles (∼10 nm) composed of metallic Ag. SEM evaluation revealed that the NPs were homogeneously dispersed across the oxide surfaces without altering the rough and porous morphology of TiO2. The MAO-treated surfaces initially showed hydrophobic behavior (contact angle of 94.1 ± 0.3°), which shifted to hydrophilic after Ag/AgO/Ag2O NP deposition due to increased hydroxyl group formation. Antibacterial assays against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) revealed a significant enhancement in antibacterial activity, particularly for surfaces with the highest Ag/AgO/Ag2O NP density. Meanwhile, osteoblast cell viability assays demonstrated no reduction in metabolic activity after 72 h, and SEM images confirmed cell adhesion and proliferation. Overall, these findings highlight the potential of Ag/AgO/Ag2O NP-modified TiO2 surfaces as multifunctional coatings that combine infection resistance with osteoblast compatibility, offering promising applications in dental and orthopedic implants.
- MakaleAçık Erişim2026Evaluation of Physicochemical Properties, Phytochemical Composition, Antioxidant Activity, Mineral Content, and Sensory Characteristics of Crackers Fortified with Olive Pomace
Altay, Kadriye; Akdoğan, Arda; Erdoğan, Selma Lubabe; Koç, Gülşah Çalışkan
Olive pomace (OP), a by-product of olive oil production, is a rich source of various bioactive compounds. OP can be used as a value-added product for the development of functional food. The research aimed to produce functional crackers incorporating different levels of OP powder (ranging from 0% to 20%). Subsequent analysis involved evaluating the physicochemical and phytochemical compositions, antioxidant activity, mineral content, and sensory characteristics of all samples. In light of the findings, the samples containing OP powder are rich in phytochemicals (total phenolic and flavonoid contents), with higher antioxidant activities (total antioxidant content, DPPH radical scavenging activity, ABTS radical scavenging activity, and ferric reducing power), as well as a high amount of minerals compared to the control sample (P<0.05). Moreover, as the concentration of OP increased, there was a decline in the moisture content, water activity, and color values of the crackers. Conversely, the ash, fat, total flavonoid, total phenolic, and mineral contents, as well as antioxidant activity and hardness values, exhibited an increase. Sensory analyses revealed that the addition of 10% OP powder produced highly acceptable crackers compared to the higher concentration of OP (15 and 20%). Overall results indicated that functional crackers can be produced by the addition of powder and a maximum of 10% OP powder fortification is recommended for consumer acceptability.
- MakaleAçık Erişim2026Nurses’ Workplace Discrimination Experiences and Their Reflections on Career Development: A Qualitative Study
Koroglu Kaba, Nagihan; Apaydin, Emine; Kulakaç, Nurşen
Aim: This study was conducted to examine how nurses experience discriminatory behaviors in the workplace and how these experiences are reflected in their career development. Background: Although discrimination constitutes a significant challenge in nurses’ professional lives, qualitative research examining how these experiences influence their career development processes remains limited. Methods: This phenomenological study was conducted with nurses working in a public hospital in Turkey. Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with 21 nurses during the study. Participants were selected from various clinical settings through purposive sampling. Data were analyzed using Colaizzi's seven-step content analysis method. Ethics committee approval was obtained for this study. The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research checklist guided the study reporting. Results: Five main themes with seven subthemes emerged: (1) Discrimination Experiences (types of discrimination, sources of discrimination, emotions/feelings), (2) Reporting Behavior (decision and consequences of reporting, reasons for not reporting), (3) Impact of Discrimination on Career Development (supportive effect, hindering effect), (4) Coping Strategies, and (5) Suggestions for Preventing Discrimination. Discussion: These themes highlight that discrimination is a multidimensional phenomenon and that holistic approaches must be developed at emotional, structural, professional, and institutional levels to cope with it. Conclusion: For some nurses, discrimination acts as a transformative process that supports career development, while for others, it represents a significant barrier to professional advancement. Implications for Nursing/Nursing Policy: The findings highlight the need to strengthen reporting mechanisms, establish a supportive work culture, and implement inclusive institutional policies that promote career development.
