bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of Key Genes and Pathways Associated with Mast Cells Resting in Meningioma
Authors: Xie Hui , Ding Xiao-hui , Yuan Ce , Li Jin-jiang , Li Zhao-yang , Lu Wei-cheng
Published: September 2020

Background: To identify candidate key genes and pathways related to mast cells resting in meningioma and the underlying molecular mechanisms of meningioma.Methods: Gene expression profiles of GSE43290 and GSE16581 datasets were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. GO and KEGG pathway enrichments of DEGs were analyzed using the ClusterProfiler package in R. The protein-protein interaction network (PPI), and TF-miRNA- mRNA co-expression networks were constructed. Further, the difference in immune infiltration was investigated using the CIBERSORT algorithm.Results: A total of 1499 DEGs were identified between tumor and normal controls. The analysis of the immune cell infiltration landscape showed that the probability of distribution of memory B cells, regulatory T cells (Tregs), and resting mast cells in tumor samples were significantly higher than those in the controls. Moreover, through WGCNA analysis, the module related to mast cells resting contained 158 DEGs, and KEGG pathway analysis revealed that the DEGs were dominant in the TNF signaling pathway, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, and IL-17 signaling pathway. Survival analysis of hub genes related to mast cells resting showed that the risk model was constructed based on 9 key genes. The TF-miRNA- mRNA co-regulation network, including MYC-miR-145-5p, TNFAIP3-miR-29c-3p, and TNFAIP3-hsa-miR-335-3p, were obtained. Further, 36 nodes and 197 interactions in the PPI network were identified. Conclusions: The results of this study revealed candidate key genes, miRNAs, and pathways related to mast cells resting involved in meningioma development, providing potential therapeutic targets for meningioma treatment.
Association between visitation restriction during COVID-19 pandemic and delirium incidence among emergency admission patients: a single-center retrospective observational cohort study in Japan
Authors: Kandori Kenji , Okada Yohei , Ishii Wataru , Narumiya Hiromichi , Maebayashi Yoshiro , Iizuka Ryoji
Published: September 2020

Background: The purpose of this study was to identify the association between total visitation restriction because of the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and the incidence of delirium for emergency inpatients.Methods: This was a single-center, retrospective, observational, cohort study that was carried out at a tertiary critical care center in urban Kyoto, Japan. Adult emergency patients hospitalized between January 1, 2019, and June 30, 2020 were recruited for this study. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the authors’ hospital began restricted visitation on March 28, 2020. This study defined before visitation restriction as January 1, 2019, through March 31, 2020, and after visitation restriction as April 1, 2020, through June 30, 2020. We did not restrict emergency services and there were no changes in the hospital’s routine, except for visitation restrictions. The primary outcome was the incidence of delirium. The adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) for delirium incidence was calculated to compare the before and after visitation restriction periods, and the logistic model was used to adjust for seven variables: age, sex, ward type on admission, primary diagnosis, ventilator management, general anesthesia surgery, and dementia. Results: Study participants were 6264 patients; median age 74 years (56–83); and 3303 men (52.7%). The total delirium incidence in entire research period was 2.5% (158 of 6264 patients), comprising 1.8% (95/5251) before visitation restriction and 6.2% (63/1013) after visitation restriction. The AOR for delirium incidence was 3.79 (95% CI, 2.70–5.31) after visitation restriction versus before visitation restriction. Subgroup analysis showed no apparent interaction for delirium incidence.Conclusion: Visitation restriction was associated with an increased incidence of delirium in emergency inpatients.
Acute SARS-CoV-2 Infection is Highly Cytopathic, Elicits a Robust Innate Immune Response and is Efficiently Prevented by EIDD-2801
Authors: Wahl Angela , Gralinski Lisa , Johnson Claire , Yao Wenbo , Kovarova Martina , Dinnon Kenneth , Liu Hongwei , Madden Victoria , Krzystek Halina , De Chandrav , White Kristen , Schäfer Alexandra , Zaman Tanzila , Leist Sarah , Grant Paul , Gully Kendra , Askin Frederic , Browne Edward , Jones Corbin , Pickles Raymond , Baric Ralph , Garcia J Victor
Published: September 2020

All known recently emerged human coronaviruses likely originated in bats. Here, we used a single experimental platform based on human lung-only mice (LoM) to demonstrate efficient in vivo replication of all recently emerged human coronaviruses (SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2) and two highly relevant endogenous pre-pandemic SARS-like bat coronaviruses. Virus replication in this model occurs in bona fide human lung tissue and does not require any type of adaptation of the virus or the host. Our results indicate that bats harbor endogenous coronaviruses capable of direct transmission into humans. Further detailed analysis of pandemic SARS-CoV-2 in vivo infection of LoM human lung tissue showed predominant infection of human lung epithelial cells, including type II pneumocytes present in alveoli and ciliated airway cells. Acute SARS-CoV-2 infection was highly cytopathic and induced a robust and sustained Type I interferon and inflammatory cytokine/chemokine response. Finally, we evaluated a pre-exposure prophylaxis strategy for coronavirus infection. Our results show that prophylactic administration of EIDD-2801, an oral broad spectrum antiviral currently in phase II clinical trials for the treatment of COVID-19, dramatically prevented SARS-CoV-2 infection in vivo and thus has significant potential for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19.
Epidemic Response and Transmission Dynamics of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) in Khartoum State- Sudan 2020: Study Protocol
Authors: Elnimeiri Mustafa Khidir Mustafa , Ibrahim Mohanad Kamaleldin Mahmoud , Satti Shahenaz Seifaldeen Mustafa
Published: September 2020

Background: A novel Coronavirus was identified as severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), and the syndrome of clinical manifestation was named (COVID-19). Consequently, on Jan 30, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak as a pandemic and a public health emergency of international concern. The objectives of this research are to investigate the response of the health system at different levels towards the control of the COVID-19 epidemic and to explore the COVID-19 transmission dynamics among Sudanese community. Methods: A community and institutional-based cross sectional based study will be conducted in Khartoum State include all the seven localities. The sample size of participant is estimated at 920 using the population formula (n=N/1+ (n*d2)) and considering the response rate. The sample will be drawn using multistage cluster sampling. Data will be collected using interview with key informant and concerned bodies/institutes involved in the response at both the federal and Khartoum State levels. Administered pre-coded, pretested closed ended questionnaire will be developed to collect data from community participants. Data will be managed and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 21. Analysis is mostly univariate descriptive and bi-variate with Chi Square & Fischer Exact tests analysis to find associations between variables of interest.Discussion: This study is expected to evaluate the extent and magnitude of the epidemic response at different levels in addition to the adequacy of the epidemic response. The study participants will be screened to estimate proportion of individuals per age strata who show sero-positivity for virus infection, thus it will estimate the percentages of individuals reporting symptoms/signs of infection and asymptomatic fraction. The results of this study will strengthen the current interventional approaches of COVID-19 epidemic control and will provide set of database for better planning and implementation of COVID-19 control across the country. It will contribute to in-depth understanding of the COVID-19 transmission dynamics among Sudanese community and will improve the community awareness about COVID-19.
Spectrum of juvenile antiphospholipid syndrome in two siblings: Case reports and review of literature
Authors: Fathalla Basil , Khawaja Khulood W , Afzal Samina
Published: September 2020

BackgroundAntiphospholipid syndrome (APS) in children together with familial APS is extremely rare, differs from adult APS, and has no validated diagnosis criteria. Use of adult APS classification criteria for the diagnosis of pediatric APS may result in missed or delayed diagnoses in children as non-thrombotic clinical manifestations may precede thrombotic manifestations for prolonged periods. We report rare triple positivity of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) in two siblings presenting with a variable spectrum of juvenile primary APS manifestations and a review of literature.Case reportTwo siblings presented with a variable spectrum of juvenile primary APS manifestations at 13 years of age. Both patients had high triple aPL positivity on multiple occasions at least 12 weeks apart including positive anticardiolipin antibodies, anti-β2-glycoprotein 1 antibodies, and lupus anticoagulant tests. The older brother, currently 16 years of age, had a spectrum of clinical manifestations during his disease course including cutaneous thrombotic microangiopathy, arthralgia, and pulmonary embolism. His sister is currently 14 years of age and she presented with non-thrombotic clinical manifestations, was immediately screened, and diagnosed with triple aPL positivity at 13 years of age. A seven years old healthy brother was screened once and had negative aPL test results. Systemic investigations including work up for systemic lupus erythematosus in both symptomatic siblings were unremarkable and whole exome sequencing was inconclusive. Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) screen revealed positive HLA-DR4 and DQB1*0302 tests for both symptomatic siblings but not for the healthy brother.ConclusionWe conclude that non-thrombotic clinical manifestations may precede thrombotic manifestations in primary APS in children, and this may cause significant delays in the diagnosis. Familial primary APS is very rare but may occur and high index of suspicion is required to test relatives with subtle clinical manifestations. Our case reports further support possible HLA-DR and -DQ associations with aPL antibodies.
Predicting COVID-19 Preventive Behaviors based on Protection Motivation Theory in Hormozgan, Iran.
Authors: Rad Roghayeh Ezati , Takhti Hesamaddin Kamalzadeh , Azad Mehdi Hassani , Mohseni Shokrollah , Aghamolaei Teamur , Norozian Fatemeh , Shahabi Nahid
Published: September 2020

Background: The present research aimed to predict the preventive behaviors of COVID-19 in the light of the Protection Motivation Theory (PMT).Methods: The present cross-sectional research was conducted in 2 months (March 2020-April 2020) in Hormozgan Province of Iran. The research population comprised all residents above 15 years of age. They received an online questionnaire survey in two parts, demographic information along with PMT constructs. To analyze the data, independent t-test and one-way anova test, Multiple linear regression and the statistical technique of path analysis and structural equation modeling was used. All statistical calculations and hypothesis testing were performed using spss21 and Amos21 software and a significant level of hypothesis testing was considered to be 0.05Results: A total number of 2,032 subjects participated in this research, the mean age of whom was 34.84±9.8 (R=15-98). The majority of participants were between 31 - 40 years old, female (60.4%), married (72%), urban residents (87.3%), holding a Bachelor’s degree or higher (58.8%) and employed (58.8%). Statistically significant positive correlation coefficients were estimated between preventive behaviors of COVID-19 and perceived vulnerability (r=0.192, p<0.001), perceived severity (r=0.092, p<0.001), response efficacy (r=0.398, p<0.001) ,self efficacy (r=0.497, p<0.001) and protection motivation (r=0.595, p<0.001). Statistically significant negative correlations were found between behavior and maladaptive behavior rewards (r=-0.243, p<0.001) and perceived costs (r=-0.121, p<0.001).Conclusions: The present findings showed that maladaptive behavior reward and fear predicted protective behaviors negatively; response efficacy and self-efficacy predicted protective behaviors positively. The effect of self-efficacy was the strongest among all. The information provided in this research can contribute to policy-making in the country.
Response of Sensitive and Resistant Snap Bean Genotypes to Nighttime Ozone Concentration
Authors: Lloyd Kirsten L. , Davis Donald D. , Marini Richard P. , Decoteau Dennis R.
Published: September 2020

Effects of nighttime (2000 to 0700 hr) O3 on the pod mass of sensitive (S156) and resistant (R123) snap bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) genotypes were assessed using continuous stirred tank reactors located within a greenhouse. Two concentration-response relationship trials were designed to evaluate yield response to nighttime O3 exposure (10 to 265 ppb) in combination with daytime exposure at background levels (44 and 62 ppb). Three replicated trials tested the impact of nighttime O3 treatment at means of 145, 144, and 145 ppb on yields. In addition, stomatal conductance (gS) measurements documented diurnal variations and assessed the effects of genotype and leaf age. During the concentration-response experiments, pod mass had a significant linear relationship with the nighttime O3 concentration across genotypes. Yield losses of 15% and 50% occurred at nighttime exposure levels of ≈45 and 145 ppb, respectively, for S156, whereas R123 yields decreased by 15% at ≈150 ppb. At low nighttime O3 levels of ≈100 ppb, R123 yields initially increased up to 116% of the treatment that received no added nighttime O3, suggesting a potential hormesis effect for R123, but not for S156. Results from replicated trials revealed significant yield losses in both genotypes following combined day and night exposure, whereas night-only exposure caused significant decreases only for S156. The gS rates ranged from less than 100 mmol·m−2·s−1 in the evening to midday levels more than 1000 mmol·m−2·s−1. At sunrise and sunset, S156 had significantly higher gS rates than R123, suggesting a greater potential O3 flux into leaves. Across genotypes, younger rapidly growing leaves had higher gS rates than mature fully expanded leaves when evaluated at four different times during the day. Although these were long-term trials, gS measurements and observations of foliar injury development suggest that acute injury, occurring at approximately the time of sunrise, also may have contributed to yield losses. To our knowledge, these are the first results to confirm that the relative O3 sensitivity of the S156/R123 genotypes is valid for nighttime exposure.
Mycobacteriophage-based test system for phenotypic drug sensitivity of clinical isolates of tuberculous mycobacteria
Authors: Lapenkova M. B. , Аrustamova G. A. , Аlyapkina Yu. S. , Filippov P. N. , Lazebny S. V. , Vladimirskiy M. A.
Published: September 2020

The issue of rapid phenotypic drug sensitivity testing of clinical isolates of tuberculous mycobacteria remains relevant.

The objective of the study is to develop a new test system for rapid phenotypic drug sensitivity testing of MTB clinical isolates based on lytic mycobacteriophages, capable of testing resistance to first and second line drugs.

Subjects and methods. Cultures of MTB (108 clinical isolates after primary culturing in Bactec MGIT) were incubated for 48 hours with addition of anti-tuberculosis drugs, then for 48 hours more after adding lytic mycobateriophage D29. The subsequent multiplex reaction of the polymerase chain reaction in real time allowed performing quantitative analysis of MTB DNA and mycobacteriophage DNA. The drug sensitivity of the tested sample was assessed by ranges of the differences in fluorescence threshold levels corresponding to the amount of mycobacteriophages between the control and test sample. At the same time, the drug sensitivity/resistance of all MTB clinical isolates after repeated culture was tested by Bactec MGIT which was adopted as a reference method.

Results. Lytic mycobacteriophage-based drug sensitivity testing of 108 MTB isolated to four first line drugs and 90 isolates to six second line anti-tuberculosis drugs demonstrated a high level of concordance with the results of the Bactec MGIT system. It provided 99.5% sensitivity and 100% specificity of the method for 3 first-line drugs; it was slightly lower for ethambutol (86 and 96.9%, respectively), while for second line drugs, its sensitivity made 94.83% and specificity - 98.85%.
Development of a Computerized Adaptive Version of the Turkish Driving Licence Exam
Authors: CIKRIKCI Nukhet , YALÇIN Seher , KALENDER İlker , GÜL Emrah , AYAN Cansu , UYUMAZ Gizem , ŞAHİN KÜRŞAD Merve , KAMIS Omer
Published: September 2020

This study tested the applicability of the theoretical Examination for Candidates of Driving License (ECODL) in Turkey as a computerized adaptive test (CAT). Firstly, various simulation conditions were tested for the live CAT through an item response theory-based calibrated item bank. The application of the simulated CAT was based on data from e-exams administered by the Ministry of National Education (MoNE). Results of the first stage of the study were used to determine the rules for starting, continuing, and terminating the live CAT exam for ECODL. Secondly, the live CAT exam was applied according to the results of the simulation. Candidate drivers (n = 280) who had taken the ECODL as an e-test participated in the second stage. Thirdly, the opinions of the individuals who took the computer-based test towards the computer-based testing application were mapped. In the termination rule of the CAT-based ECODL, testing with a fixed number of questions yielded the smallest estimated measurement error. We also found that when ECODL was implemented as CAT, it could reliably differentiate among testers in terms of competence of theoretical knowledge of driving and provide basis for accurate decisions regarding their proficiency. According to the findings obtained on the candidates’ opinions on the computer-based testing application, it was seen that they considered computer-based application more practical an easier in terms of testing.
The Impact of High-Speed Rail on the Spatial Structure of Chinese Urban Agglomerations
Authors: Wang Chunyang
Published: September 2020

This paper measures the spatial evolution of urban agglomerations to understand be er the impact of high-speed rail (HSR) construction, based on panel data from fi ve major urban agglomerations in China for the period 2004–2015. It is found that there are signi ficant regional
diff erences of HSR impacts. The construction of HSR has promoted population and economic diff usion in two advanced urban agglomerations, namely the Yang e River Delta and Pearl River Delta, while promoting population and economic concentration in two relatively less advanced urban agglomerations,
e.g. the middle reaches of the Yang e River and Chengdu–Chongqing. In terms of city size, HSR promotes the economic proliferation of large cities and the economic concentration of small and medium-sized cities along its routes. HSR networking has provided a new impetus for restructuring
urban spatial systems. Every region should optimize the industrial division with strategic functions of urban agglomeration according to local conditions and accelerate the construction of inter-city intra-regional transport network to maximize the eff ects of high-speed rail across a large
regional territory.
Juegos y gamificación en las aulas de música de educación primaria
Authors: Botella Nicolás Ana María , Cabañero Castillo Esperanza
Published: September 2020

En la última década se refuerza la tendencia de buscar herramientas innovadoras y motivadoras que ayuden a optimizar el proceso de adquisición de aprendizajes. En esta línea, tras analizar recientes publicaciones y búsquedas en bases de datos, se señalan los juegos y la gamificación como herramientas educativas de apogeo en la actualidad. Desde un paradigma positivista, la pretensión del estudio es contrastar estos resultados con la realidad educativa en la que viven dichas estrategias dentro del aula de música de educación primaria, tomando como fuente de análisis las percepciones y experiencias de los docentes que están en activo en l’Horta Oest de Valencia. Para ello, se valora cuantitativamente la repercusión que tienen los juegos y la gamificación en la praxis docente actual, según los resultados obtenidos mediante cuestionarios. Tras el análisis se observa una destacable presencia de los juegos entre las técnicas educativas más utilizadas para trabajar y evaluar contenidos, sobre todo frente a otras técnicas consideradas tradicionales. No obstante, respecto a la gamificación, su uso e interés por parte de los maestros desciende, además de hallarse falsos conocimientos generalizados que desembocan en una insuficiente formación para poder llevarla a las aulas de manera exitosa.
Ist klassische Werbung heute noch sinnvoll? Die Rolle von Above-the-Line-Maßnahmen für KMU in der österreichischen Weinwirtschaft
Authors: Stoll Judit
Published: September 2020

Dieser Artikel behandelt den Einsatz von Above-the-Line-Maßnahmen, oder Werbung im klassischen Sinn, im Bereich der österreichischen Weinwirtschaft. Im ersten Teil wird ein Überblick über ausgewählte Einsatzgebiete von klassischer Werbung in Österreich in den letzten Jahren sowie über wein-spezifische Medien in Österreich gegeben. Im zweiten Teil des Artikels werden eine Umfrage unter 266 Weintrinkern sowie vier Experteninterviews, die mit Akteuren in der österreichischen Weinwirtschaft durchgeführt wurden, präsentiert. Hauptfokus der quantitativen und qualitativen Forschung war es, herauszufinden, welche Above-the-Line-Tools eingesetzt und welche Werbekanäle von Klein- und Mittelbetrieben in der österreichischen Weinwirtschaft bespielt werden sollten, um definierten Erfolg zu generieren. Durch die Analyse der Umfrageergebnisse und Interviews und bezugnehmend zu statistischen Daten über Medien in Österreich, werden Empfehlungen für den gezielten Einsatz von Above-the-Line-Maßnahmen für Betriebe in der österreichischen Weinwirtschaft abgeleitet.
A New Approach for the Evaluation of Structural Failure by Credibility Distribution
Authors: Dutta Palash , Gohain Nisha
Published: September 2020

Aim:

To devise an effective structural failure analysis approach under uncertainty.

Background:

In reliability evaluation, plenty of factors are uncertain, or sometimes, spontaneously represented via linguistic expressions, and as a consequence, the traditionalist appraisal methods cannot capably handle the ambiguity and vagueness that occurs in reliability assessment components. Subsequently, this leads to the problem of tremendous computationally multifaceted and scanty correctness.

Objective:

To overcome the limitations and to develop efficiency as well as accuracy in structural failure evaluation techniques, an attempt has been made to devise a novel structural reliability assessment method via credibility distribution.

Methods:

To get rid of the problems of massive computationally difficult and inadequate precision, an algorithm has been devised using credibility sampling. To exhibit the novelty, validity, and applicability of the present approach, some structural failure assessment problems are solved along with a comparison with the existing approach.

Results:

The proposed method was verified by four examples and applied in structural analysis. It was observed that the present approach is technically sound and efficient; it can overcome all the drawbacks of the existing approach. Moreover, the approach can be executed in any uncertain situation.

Conclusion:

After evaluation of failure assessment, it is experienced that the increase in the number of simulations leads to better precision. Furthermore, it is encountered that when hybridization problems i.e., representation of imprecise components in the problem of structural failure, are both fuzzy and probabilistic nature, then the failure assessment is attained to be maximum.
ENTRE A SUPERLEGALIDADE E A TEOLOGIA POLÍTICA: consequências da atuação das instituições religiosas no Programa Nacional de prevenção primária à corrupção no Brasil e nas “10 medidas de combate à corrupção”
Authors: Staffen Marcio Ricardo
Published: September 2020

A presente pesquisa objetiva abordar desde os postulados de Carl Schmitt -  especialmente nas noções de teologia política e superlegalidade -, o contexto de atuação das instituições religiosas no combate à corrupção no Brasil que se comportam como bastião de autoridade e idoneidade incorruptível para erradicar com o inimigo moral da corrupção, influenciando diretamente na atividade legislativa nacional. Para tanto, a pesquisa aborda os aspectos teóricos dos conceitos de teologia política e superlegalidade para, projetá-los no cenário brasileiro de combate à corrupção desde propostas legislativas em curso na Câmara dos Deputados. Em que pese a destinação da teoria schmittiana para o cristianismo católico, a ideia de teologia política se mostra útil para a análise da realidade de emergência de igrejas neopentecostais na política do Brasil. Igual intensidade possui o postulado de superlegalidade, ao reforçar a condição de legitimidade que norteia a legalidade no seio dos Estados. Como método de pesquisa, utiliza-se do modelo dedutivo apoiado pela técnica de pesquisa bibliográfica e de consulta de informações primárias.
THE ROLES OF JUDGES IN DEMOCRACIES: a realistic view
Authors: Leiter Brian
Published: September 2020

What are the “obligations” of judges in democracies? An adequate answer requires us to be realistic both about democracies and about law. Realism about democracy demands that we recognize that electoral outcomes are largely, though not entirely, unrelated to concrete policy choices by elected representatives or to the policy preferences of voters, who typically follow their party based on “tribal” loyalties. The latter fact renders irrelevant the classic counter-majoritarian (or counter-democratic) worries about judicial review. Realism about law requires that we recognize that judges, especially on appellate courts, will inevitably have to render moral and political judgments in order to produce authoritative resolutions of disputes, one of the central functions of a legal system in any society. That means it is impossible to discuss the “obligations” of judges without regard to their actual moral and political views, as well as the moral and political ends we believe ought to be achieved.
Numerical prediction of cracking risk of reinforced concrete structures at early age
Authors: Lacarriere Laurie , Sellier Alain , Souyris Pierre , Kolani Batian , Chhun Ponleu
Published: September 2020

The paper presents a summary of the work concerning the prediction of cracking risk in reinforced concrete structures at early age that has been carried out by our team at the LMDC laboratory during the last ten years. It focuses on the principles that must be taken into account in numerical simulations (evolution of characteristics, behaviour law, numerical implementation, effect of reinforcement, etc.) in order to be able to predict the cracking pattern caused in structures by the thermal loading induced by hydration at early ages
THE IMPORTANCE OF SMART CAMPUSES IN THE CONTEXT OF BOYD COHEN WHEEL AND SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENTAL DIMENSION
Authors: ÇELEBİ Hakan , BAHADIR Tolga , ŞİMŞEK İsmail , TULUN Şevket
Published: September 2020

The global climate change and the elements of the increasing consumption have led to the risk of emerging environmental deformation in cities. In light of these parameters, it is the matter that campuses, which are a core component of cities, are also affected. Today, universities prefer to use the Boyd Cohen Wheel to develop their campuses in terms of the sustainable environment as in cities. Because campuses are small-scale cities in terms of many ways, studies to be conducted in these areas can set a model for smart cities as well. There are also several approaches in literature and practice related to the process of conversion to smart campuses. This study aims to examine the idea of 'smart campus' and its relationship with 'smart city' by focusing on examples from Aksaray University. In this context, approaches to a sustainable environment in university campuses are discussed.
A VERIFICATION ANALYSIS FOR PILES IN LIQUEFIABLE SOIL
Authors: ÖZTÜRK KARDOĞAN Pınar , IŞIK Nihat
Published: September 2020

The soil loses its strength and behaves like a liquid when the increasing the pore water pressure under dynamic loads in saturated sandy soils. The large soil displacements can occur on liquefied soils. Pile foundations are applied to bearing capacity problems soil which may be subjected to large lateral displacements due to liquefaction. Although there are many theoretical and practical studies on the behavior of laterally loaded piles in liquefiable soils, there is still no definitive method. The pile damages which are occurred by lateral spreading resulting from liquefaction under dynamic loads have been investigated by many scientists and studies on the causes of damages have increased. Pile response in liquefiable soils and the evaluation of its possible damage are generally assessed by using some available numerical method, for example: finite difference (FDM), finite element (FEM) and boundary element (BEM) methods. In this paper, the FDM method is used to study the pile behavior in liquefiable soils and its reliability is checked by comparison with centrifuge test results from literature. It, in which the effect of liquefaction-induced lateral spreading on pile was evaluated, are also studied. Finally, the analysis results with FLAC 2D are compared with those observed in a centrifuge experiment.
HAYVANSAL VE BİTKİSEL ATIKLAR KAYNAKLI BİYOKÖMÜR ÜRETİM POTANSİYELİNİN BELİRLENMESİ: MALATYA İLİ ÖRNEĞİ
Authors: DURSUN Nesrin
Published: September 2020

Araştırmada, Malatya ilinin hayvansal ve bitkisel atıklar kaynaklı biyokömür dönüşüm potansiyeli belirlenmiştir. Çalışma kapsamında, Türkiye İstatistik Kurumu'nun 2019, 2018 ve 2017 yılı Hayvancılık İstatistikleri ve Bitkisel Üretim İstatistikleri kullanılmıştır. Biyokömür üretim potansiyelinin belirlenmesinde hayvan (büyükbaş süt sığırları, küçükbaş süt veren koyun+keçi ve hindi+kaz+ördek+yumurta tavuğu kümes hayvanı) sayıları ve bahçe ürünleri (kayısı, elma, ceviz, armut, badem, kiraz, şeftali+nektarin, vişne, erik) ağaç sayıları dikkate alınarak, ilgili kabullere göre atık miktarları saptanmıştır. Diğer hayvansal ve bitkisel üretim atıkları, genel olarak sürdürülebilir olmadığından biyokömür dönüşüm potansiyelinin belirlenmesinde dikkate alınmamıştır. Toplam biyokömür dönüşüm potansiyeli üç yıl için 132319 ton ve yıl bazında ortalama 44106.3 ton olarak belirlenmiştir. 2019, 2018 ve 2017 yılı için; hayvansal atık kaynaklı biyokömür potansiyeli, toplam potansiyelin % 72.4'ünü ve bahçe ürünleri budama atıkları kaynaklı biyokömür potansiyeli ise toplam potansiyelin % 27.6'sını oluşturmuştur. Bu oranlar, yıl bazında da yaklaşık oranlarda seyretmiştir. Ayrıca, hayvansal atık kaynaklarının % 87’sini büyükbaş hayvan atıkları ve bahçe ürünleri budama atık kaynaklarının % 88'ini ise kayısı ağacı budama atıkları oluşturmuştur.
BİLİŞİM TEKNOLOJİLERİ DEPARTMANINDA KULLANICILARIN TALEPLERİNE CEVAP VERME SÜRESİNİN MAKİNE ÖĞRENMESİ İLE TAHMİN EDİLMESİ
Authors: ÇEVİK Kerim Kürşat , KAYAKUŞ Mehmet
Published: September 2020

Günümüzde şirketlerin artan rekabet şartlarından dolayı bilişim teknolojilerine olan ihtiyaç her geçen gün artmaktadır. Bilişim teknolojilerinin (BT) sorunsuz, hızlı ve güvenilir çalışması yapılan yatırım kadar önemlidir. Şirketlerde bulunan bilişim teknoloji(BT) departmanları yapılacak yatırımların planlanmasından, mevcut sistemin sorunsuz çalışmasından ve oluşabilecek sorunlara hızlı çözümler üretilmesinden sorumludurlar. Şirket çalışanlarının BT departmanına sorunları iletmesi, süreci takip etmesi ve raporlandırması amacıyla bilgi işlem takip programları kullanmaktadır. Böylece sorunların ve çözüm sürecinin yönetimi, bilgilendirmesi ve raporlandırılması profesyonel ve kolay yapılabilmektedir. Sorunların hızlı çözülmesi ve çözüm süresinin bilinmesi çalışanlarının zamanı iyi kullanmasını sağlayacak ve belirsiz bekleme süresinin yaratacağı olumsuz etkileri ortadan kaldıracaktır. Bu çalışmada bir şirketin kullanıcıdan gelen talepleri çözme süresi makine öğrenmesi yöntemiyle tahmin edilmiştir. Bunun için kullanıcılardan gelen 2320 talep; departman, destek türü, sorumlu ve kategori olarak kayıt altına alınmaktadır. Sonuçtaki destek süreleri için bir sınıf yapısı ile test edilmiştir. Harcanan süreler 0-10 dakikadan başlayıp 90 dakika ve daha fazlası şeklinde 10’ar dakika arayla on adet sınıfa ayrılmıştır. Bu veri setleri üzerinde makine öğrenme yöntemleri kullanılmıştır. Gerçekleştirilen testler sonucunda en iyi sonuç Destek Vektör Makineleri (Support Vector Machine-SVM) metodu kullanılarak tasarlanan model ile, eğitim başarısı %99.82, test başarısı ise %93.11 olarak ölçülmüştür. Bu sistem sayesinde kullanıcının bekleme süresi ve sorunun ortalama çözüm süresi tahmin edilmektedir.
KAŞ (ANTALYA) KIYI BÖLGESİNİN MİKROBİYOLOJİK KİRLİLİK DEĞERLENDİRMESİ
Authors: ŞENER Şehnaz , ŞENER Erhan , VAROL Simge
Published: September 2020

Akdeniz’in batı kıyısında bulunan çalışma alanı önemli turizm potansiyeline sahip bölgelerimizden birisidir. Bu çalışmada, Kaş ilçesi kıyı bölgesinde kirlilikten etkilenmesi mümkün üç farklı lokasyondan aylık periyod ile alınan deniz suyu örneklerinin fizikokimyasal ve mikrobiyolojik kalitesi incelenmiştir. Ayrıca su kalite parametrelerinin istatistiksel analizi yapılmıştır. Elde edilen sonuçlara göre, Kaş, Üçağız ve Kale kıyı bölgelerini temsil eden deniz suyu örneklerin tamamı limit değerlere uygundur. Ancak, genel olarak Toplam Koliform, Fekal Koliform ve Fekal Streptekok gibi fekal indikatörlerin özellikle yaz aylarında diğer aylar ile kıyaslandığında yüksek değerlerde olduğu belirlenmiştir. Aynı şekilde çözünmüş oksijen ve ışık geçirgenliği değerleri de yaz aylarında daha düşük ölçülmüştür. Deniz suyu örneklerinde yapılan Pearson Korelasyon Analizi sonuçları değerlendirildiğinde özellikle sıcaklık (oC), pH, NH4-N ve mikrobiyolojik parametreler arasında anlamlı ilişkiler söz konusudur. Bölgede turizme bağlı olarak yaz aylarında nüfus ciddi oranda artmaktadır. Buna bağlı olarak insan faaliyetleri kaynaklı kirlilik denizel ortamı ve deniz suyu kalitesini kısmen olumsuz etkilemektedir. Elde edilen sonuçlara göre Kaş kıyı bölgesi özellikle mikrobiyolojik parametreler bakımından genel olarak kirlilik taşımamakta ve bölgede deniz suyu kalitesi iyi durumdadır.
PARALLEL K-MEANS CLUSTERING WITH NAÏVE SHARDING FOR UNSUPERVISED IMAGE SEGMENTATION VIA MPI
Authors: TOP Ahmet Esad , TORUN Fahreddin Şükrü , KAYA Hilal
Published: September 2020

In digital image processing, image segmentation is an essential step in which an image is partitioned into groups of pixels. k-means clustering algorithm, which is often considered as fast and efficient, is one of the most widely used clustering algorithms to segment an image. However, as the problem size gets larger, the k-means starts to spend a significant amount of time to process. At this point, parallelization techniques should be applied to reduce the required time. Designing an efficient parallel and distributed model is not a trivial job since it should correspond to the parallel computer architecture and take communication and load balancing among processors into account. In this study, we propose a parallel and distributed k-means clustering algorithm with naive sharding centroid initialization for image segmentation. The proposed algorithm adopts the Message Passing Interface (MPI) standard to take advantage of the computational power of distributed computing nodes in a High Performance Computing Cluster. We demonstrate the parallel scalability of the proposed algorithm using up to 128 cores that achieves approximately 104 times faster clustering time.
GEOPOLİMER HARÇLARDA ZEOLİT KATKISININ ETKİSİ
Authors: ACAR Mehmet Cemal , ŞENER Ahmet , ÖZBAYRAK Ahmet , ÇELİK Ali İhsan
Published: September 2020

Çimento üretiminde bacalardan atmosfere salınan CO2 gazı, küresel ısınmaya neden olmakta ve çevreyi tehdit etmektedir. Bu nedenle bilim insanları, karbon emisyonunu en aza indirmek ve inşaat endüstrisindeki Portland çimentosuna olan ihtiyacı azaltmak için uçucu kül bazlı polimerler üzerinde çalışmaktadırlar. Günümüzde, çimentolu harçların yerine, geopolimer harçların kısmi alternatif bir malzeme olarak kullanımı araştırılmaktadır. Bu çalışmada, 40x40x160 mm’lik prizma kalıplara dökülen alkali ve ısı (90oC) ile aktifleştirilmiş uçucu kül bazlı geopolimer harçlarda zeolit katkısının mekanik özelliklere olan etkisi araştırılmıştır. Öncelikle "İsken Su gözü Enerji Santrali"'nden alınan F tipi uçucu kül, aktivatör olarak NaOH (%98 saflıkta) ve Na2SiO3 (%50 saflıkta) ile Rilem-Cembureau Standart kumu çeşitli oranlarda karıştırılarak dayanımı en yüksek olan zeolitsiz geopolimer karışım oranları tespit edilmiştir. Ardından en yüksek dayanıma sahip geopolimer harç içindeki uçucu külün ağırlıkça çeşitli oranlarında zeolit katkısı yapılmıştır. Farklı miktarlardaki zeolit katkısı ile eğilme ve basınç dayanımlarını arttırabilmek için karışımdaki alkali aktivatör ve alümina silikat miktarları da değiştirilerek deneyler yapılmıştır. Araştırma sonunda tüm numunelerin bir günlük eğilme ve basınç dayanımları belirlenmiş ve geopolimer harç içine katkı olarak zeolit ilave edilmesi dayanımı arttırıcı mukavemet parametrelerini vermese de zeolitlerin, ağır metal iyonlarını yok etme özelliklerinden dolayı çimentoya göre daha düşük çevresel zararlı etki barındıran yeşil yapı harçları olarak kullanılabileceği bulunmuştur.
A MICROLENS BY GALLIUM DOPED ZINC OXIDE-NANOANTENNA
Authors: ASLAN Ekin , ASLAN Erdem
Published: September 2020

Alternative plasmonics based fractal microlens are investigated. In this context, lensing performance of gallium-doped zinc oxide Sierpinski carpet-based fractal construction functionalized by conformal Talbot effect is analyzed for communication wavelength 1550 nm. Focusing via diffraction from these 2D finite-sized and two-iterated fractal lattice system is computationally demonstrated. In this regard, focusing performance parameters are computationally examined on the basis of geometrical parameter sweep and fractal generation via finite difference time-domain numerical simulations. Focusing efficiency > 50%, absolute

efficiency > 18%, and focal depth larger than primary spot size are introduced by all computational samples. Moreover, a conformal Talbot effect is exhibited by this novel alternative plasmonics construction. A novel perspective based on alternative plasmonics by a newly adapted fractal design to optics is proposed. Thus, this fractal microlens is presented as a new planarized focusing platform, acting a conformal transformation optics device for light capturing tolerance and low-cost.
Development and Evaluation of an Accelerometer-Based Protocol for Measuring Physical Activity Levels in Cancer Survivors: Development and Usability Study
Authors: Crane Tracy E , Skiba Meghan B , Miller Austin , Garcia David O , Thomson Cynthia A
Published: September 2020

Background

The collection of self-reported physical activity using validated questionnaires has known bias and measurement error.

Objective

Accelerometry, an objective measure of daily activity, increases the rigor and accuracy of physical activity measurements. Here, we describe the methodology and related protocols for accelerometry data collection and quality assurance using the Actigraph GT9X accelerometer data collection in a convenience sample of ovarian cancer survivors enrolled in GOG/NRG 0225, a 24-month randomized controlled trial of diet and physical activity intervention versus attention control.

Methods

From July 2015 to December 2019, accelerometers were mailed on 1337 separate occasions to 580 study participants to wear at 4 time points (baseline, 6, 12, and 24 months) for 7 consecutive days. Study staff contacted participants via telephone to confirm their availability to wear the accelerometers and reviewed instructions and procedures regarding the return of the accelerometers and assisted with any technology concerns.

Results

We evaluated factors associated with wear compliance, including activity tracking, use of a mobile app, and demographic characteristics with chi-square tests and logistic regression. Compliant data, defined as ≥4 consecutive days with ≥10 hours daily wear time, exceeded 90% at all study time points. Activity tracking, but no other characteristics, was significantly associated with compliant data at all time points (P<.001). This implementation of data collection through accelerometry provided highly compliant and usable activity data in women who recently completed treatment for ovarian cancer.

Conclusions

The high compliance and data quality associated with this protocol suggest that it could be disseminated to support researchers who seek to collect robust objective activity data in cancer survivors residing in a wide geographic area.
Investigating the Impact of COVID-19 Lockdown on the Psychological Health of University Students and Their Attitudes Toward Mobile Mental Health Solutions: Two-Part Questionnaire Study
Authors: Drissi Nidal , Alhmoudi Ayat , Al Nuaimi Hana , Alkhyeli Mahra , Alsalami Shaikha , Ouhbi Sofia
Published: September 2020

Background

The COVID-19 outbreak was first reported to the World Health Organization on December 31, 2019, and it was officially declared a public health emergency of international concern on January 30, 2020. The COVID-19 outbreak and the safety measures taken to control it caused many psychological issues in populations worldwide, such as depression, anxiety, and stress.

Objective

The objectives of this study were to assess the psychological effects of the lockdown due to the COVID-19 outbreak on university students in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and to investigate the students’ awareness of mobile mental health care apps as well as their attitudes toward the use of these apps.

Methods

A two-part self-administered web-based questionnaire was delivered to students at United Arab Emirates University. The first part of the questionnaire assessed the mental state of the participants using the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), while the second part contained questions investigating the participants’ awareness of and attitudes toward mental health care apps. Students were invited to fill out the web-based questionnaire via social media and mailing lists.

Results

A total of 154 students participated in the survey, and the majority were female. The results of the GHQ-12 analysis showed that the students were experiencing psychological issues related to depression and anxiety as well as social dysfunction. The results also revealed a lack of awareness of mental health care apps and uncertainty regarding the use of such apps. Approximately one-third of the participants (44/154, 28.6%) suggested preferred functionalities and characteristics of mobile mental health care apps, such as affordable price, simple design, ease of use, web-based therapy, communication with others experiencing the same issues, and tracking of mental status.

Conclusions

Like many groups of people worldwide, university students in the UAE were psychologically affected by the lockdown due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Although apps can be useful tools for mental health care delivery, especially in circumstances such as those produced by the outbreak, the students in this study showed a lack of awareness of these apps and mixed attitudes toward them. Improving the digital health literacy of university students in the UAE by increasing their awareness of mental health care apps and the treatment methods and benefits of the apps, as well as involving students in the app creation process, may encourage students to use these tools for mental health care.
Telemedicine Usage Among Urologists During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Dubin Justin M , Wyant W Austin , Balaji Navin C , Ong William LK , Kettache Reda H , Haffaf Malik , Zouari Skander , Santillan Diego , Autrán Gómez Ana Maria , Sadeghi-Nejad Hossein , Loeb Stacy , Borin James F , Gomez Rivas Juan , Grummet Jeremy , Ramasamy Ranjith , Teoh Jeremy Y C
Published: September 2020

Background

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, urology was one of the specialties with the lowest rates of telemedicine and videoconferencing use. Common barriers to the implementation of telemedicine included a lack of technological literacy, concerns with reimbursement, and resistance to changes in the workplace. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic declared in March 2020, the delivery of urological services globally has quickly shifted to telemedicine to account for the mass clinical, procedural, and operative cancellations, inadequate personal protective equipment, and shortage of personnel.

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate current telemedicine usage by urologists, urologists’ perceptions on the necessity of in-person clinic appointments, the usability of telemedicine, and the current barriers to its implementation.

Methods

We conducted a global, cross-sectional, web-based survey to investigate the use of telemedicine before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Urologists’ perceived usability of telemedicine was assessed using a modified Delphi approach to create questions based on a modified version of the validated Telehealth Usability Questionnaire (TUQ). For the purposes of this study, telemedicine was defined as video calls only.

Results

A total of 620 urologists from 58 different countries and 6 continents participated in the survey. Prior to COVID-19, 15.8% (n=98) of urologists surveyed were using telemedicine in their clinical practices; during the pandemic, that proportion increased to 46.1% (n=283). Of the urologists without telemedicine experience, interest in telemedicine usage increased from 43.7% (n=139) to 80.8% (n=257) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Among urologists that used telemedicine during the pandemic, 80.9% (n=244) were interested in continuing to use it in their practice. The three most commonly used platforms were Zoom, Doxy.me, and Epic, and the top three barriers to implementing telemedicine were patients’ lack of technological comprehension, patients’ lack of access to the required technology, and reimbursement concerns.

Conclusions

This is the first study to quantify the use, usability, and pervading interest in telemedicine among urologists during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the face of this pandemic, urologists’ usage of telemedicine nearly tripled, demonstrating their ability to adopt and adapt telemedicine into their practices, but barriers involving the technology itself are still preventing many from utilizing it despite increasing interest.