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  • Article
    Knee Hyperextension in Chronic Stroke: Associated Biomechanical and Neuromuscular Factors
    (Elsevier Sci Ltd, 2025) Korkusuz, Sueleyman; Korkusuz, Busra Seckinogullari; Ozgoren, Nihat; Aritan, Serdar; Ceren, Ali Naim; Topcuoglu, Mehmet Akif; Balkan, Ayla Fil
    Background: This study aimed to determine the gait phase in which knee hyperextension occurs in stroke patients and to investigate the factors associated with knee hyperextension. Methods: This study included 30 stroke patients aged between 40 and 70 years with maximum knee hyperextension during the stance phase of gait. Muscle strength was evaluated with manual muscle test, and muscle tone was assessed with the Modified Ashworth Scale. Kinematic evaluation of the patients was made using the motion analysis system. Additionally, categorisation was made according to the stance phase of gait, where knee hyperextension was at its highest. Findings: A weak relationship was found between maximum knee hyperextension angle and gastrocnemius spasticity, a moderate relationship between knee flexor muscle strength, and a moderate relationship between ankle dorsiflexor muscle strength. In addition, a weak relationship was found between the maximum knee hyperextension and pelvic retraction angles. According to this clustering, it was observed that 66.67 % of the participants (20 people) showed maximum knee hyperextension in the single support phase. It was observed that the participants who had maximum knee hyperextension, especially after the mid-stance phase, had higher mean gastrocnemius spasticity. It was also observed that participants in Cluster 4, with a greater amount of maximum knee hyperextension, had the worst clinical parameters. Interpretation: Our study observed that the degree of maximum knee hyperextension was related to knee flexor and ankle dorsiflexor muscle strengths, gastrocnemius spasticity and pelvic retraction. As clinical parameters worsened, maximum knee hyperextension was thought to occur late in the stance phase. Clinical Trial code: NCT05679700
  • Article
    Citation - WoS: 1
    Citation - Scopus: 3
    Enhancing Language Proficiency Through Mobile Extensive Listening and Podcasting: a Multifaceted Approach To Metacognition and Critical Thinking
    (Elsevier Sci Ltd, 2024) Sendag, Serkan; Caner, Mustafa; Gedik, Nuray; Toker, Sacip
    Mobile-assisted language learning (MALL) has gained considerable attention in foreign and second-language education. As part of a two-year project, this study employed a mixed-methods research design with 60 B2-level learners of English as a foreign language. The primary purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of repetitive listening and listening duration on participants' listening comprehension, speaking, critical thinking, listening strategies, and self-regulated learning strategies. The participants were divided into two groups, with the experimental group (n = 30) participating in the innovative Mobile Extensive Listening and Podcasting (MELAP) intervention. MELAP is a novel approach within the MALL framework that involves extensive listening to podcasts in the target language, content creation, and podcasting. The ten-week treatment revealed that unlike in previous studies, our experimental group improved not only in listening comprehension but also demonstrated significant gains in speaking skills and critical thinking. Notably, enhanced critical thinking skills were observed, correlated with an increased total listening duration and repeated extensive listening. Qualitative data analysis sheds light on how participants viewed the MELAP intervention, revealing what motivated them, what distractions they faced, and their opinions on developing and sharing podcasts. These findings emphasize the potential of the MELAP to enhance language skills and foster critical thinking in language learners, contributing to the ongoing discourse on the effectiveness of MALL.
  • Article
    Citation - WoS: 6
    Citation - Scopus: 6
    Sns2 and Ho-Doped Sns2 Thin Films: Synergistic, Dft, Photocatalytic, and Antibacterial Studies
    (Elsevier Sci Ltd, 2024) Radja, Imane; Khane, Yasmina; Oliveira, Marisa C.; Longo, Elson; Ribeiro, Renan A. P.; Isik, Mehmit; Khan, Mohammad Mansoob
    This study investigates Ho-doped tin disulfide (Ho-SnS2) thin films prepared via spray coating, focusing on varying Ho doping levels (0 at. %, 2 at. %, and 4 at. %). Structural analysis through XRD and SEM showcased enhanced crystallinity and morphology in Ho-SnS2 films. Raman and XPS studies provided insight into the film's composition and chemical states. The antibacterial properties of the films were investigated using a bacterial growth inhibition assay. The results showed significant antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, highlighting the potential applications of Ho-SnS2 thin films in antibacterial coatings. Ho-SnS2 films exhibited superior photocatalytic activity and antibacterial properties compared to SnS2 films, attributed to efficient charge separation. DFT analysis proposed a mechanism for the antibacterial activity. These findings highlight the efficacy of the spray coating technique in producing Ho-SnS2 films and the potential of Ho-SnS2 films for diverse applications like photocatalysis and antibacterial coatings.
  • Article
    Citation - WoS: 2
    Citation - Scopus: 2
    Incidence of Medical Device-Related Pressure Injuries and Identification of Risk Factors in the Neonatal Unit
    (Elsevier Sci Ltd, 2024) Yarkiner, Zalihe; Bahar, Arzu; Sonmez, Munevver; Kapan, Emine; Sahin, Simge; Kostekci, Ezgi; Erdeve, Omer
    Aim: This study was conducted to investigate the incidence of medical device-related pressure injuries (MDRPIs) and the risk factors influencing their occurrence in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Method: This study is a prospective, descriptive study. The research was conducted with 116 newborns between June 1, 2022, and June 1, 2023. Newborns who stayed in the neonatal intensive care unit for at least 24 h were observed daily for medical device-related pressure injuries under and around each medical device throughout their stay in the intensive care unit. The "Case Report Form," "MDRPIs Monitoring Form," "Braden Q scale for children," National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel (NPIAP) Pressure Grading, and Glasgow Coma Scale were used in the research. Results: The incidence of medical device-related pressure injuries is 35.3 % (41/116). It was found that 38.1 % (16/42) of medical device-related pressure injuries developed due to Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) probes, and 33.5 % (14/42) developed due to medical devices related to the respiratory system. In terms of anatomical location, 38.1 % occurred on the forehead, and 23.8 % on the arm/leg. The difference between birth weight, gestational age, development of MDRPIs in newborns receiving sedation and inotropes was found to be statistically significant. Regression analysis identified gestational age (p = 0.040, OR = 0.795, 95%CI = [0.632-1.000]) as an independent risk factor for the occurrence of medical device-related pressure injuries. Conclusions: The incidence of medical device-related pressure injuries in newborns was relatively high in this study, with gestational age being the most significant risk factor for MDRPIs formation. It is crucial for neonatal intensive care nurses to consider associated risk factors while providing newborn care and implement appropriate preventive measures to reduce the incidence of MDRPIs.
  • Article
    Citation - WoS: 9
    Citation - Scopus: 10
    Reliability and Performance Evaluation of Weighted K-out-of- N :g System Consisting of Components With Discrete Lifetimes
    (Elsevier Sci Ltd, 2024) Eryilmaz, Serkan
    For the k-out-of-n n system consisting of components that have different weights, the system is in a good state if the total weight of working components is at least k . Such a system is known to be weighted k-out-of- n :G system. Although the weighted k-out-of-n n system that has continuously distributed components' lifetimes has been extensively studied, the discrete weighted k-out-of- n :G system has not been considered yet. The present paper fills this gap by modeling and analyzing the weighted k-out-of-n:G n :G system that consists of discretely distributed components' lifetimes. In particular, the behavior of the total capacity/weight of the system with respect to the component failures is evaluated. An optimization problem that is concerned with the determination of optimal number of spare components is also formulated by utilizing the mean lost capacity of the system.
  • Article
    Citation - WoS: 6
    Citation - Scopus: 6
    Salinity Gradient Energy Conversion by Custom-Made Interpolymer Ion Exchange Membranes Utilized in Reverse Electrodialysis System
    (Elsevier Sci Ltd, 2023) Altiok, Esra; Kaya, Tugce Zeynep; Smolinska-Kempisty, Katarzyna; Guler, Enver; Kabay, Nalan; Tomaszewska, Barbara; Bryjak, Marek
    Reverse electrodialysis (RED) is one of methods to extract salinity gradient energy between two aqueous solu-tions with different salt concentrations. In this work, custom-made interpolymer ion exchange membranes were employed in the RED stack. The effects of divalent (Mg2+, Ca2+ , SO42-) and monovalent (Li+, K+ and Cl-) ions in the feed solutions prepared from NaCl salt as a function of such process parameters as number of membrane pairs, flow rate , salinity ratio on power generation by the RED method were studied. It was shown that the maximum power density of 0.561 W/m2 was reached by using three membrane pairs using 1:45 of salt ratio with a feed flow rate of 120 mL/min using only NaCl salt in the feed solutions. The maximum power density was 0.398 W/m2 at 120 mL/min of the flow rate of the feed solutions composed of 90 wt% NaCl and 10 wt% KCl by using a salt ratio of 1:30 while the lowest power density of 0.246 W/m2 was obtained with a feed flow rate of 30 mL/min in the presence of SO42-ions with a similar salt ratio. Consequently, it was seen that while the presence of divalent ions in NaCl solutions had negative impact on power generation by RED system, the addition of monovalent ions having smaller hydrated radius than that of the Na+ ions contributed positively to the power generation.
  • Article
    Synthesis and Electropolymerization of a Selenophene Based Chemiluminescent Monomer and Its Use in Blood Detection
    (Elsevier Sci Ltd, 2025) Balci, Burcu; Cakal, Deniz; Cihaner, Atilla
    A new selenophene based trimeric chemiluminescent compound, namely 5,7-di(selenophen-2-yl)-2,3-dihydrothieno[3,4-d]pyridazine-1,4-dione (S2T-Lum), was synthesized in two steps via electron donor-acceptor-donor approach. Its chemiluminescent reaction with hydrogen peroxide was investigated in an alkaline solution in the presence of various catalysts such as different metal ions, hemin and blood samples and the results were compared with its thiophene analogue (T2T-Lum) and luminol. It was found that S2T-Lum was very sensitive to copper(II) and iron(III) ions, and blood samples. Also, it can be easily concluded that S2T-Lum as a new member of luminol type compounds is a potential candidate for the detection of blood findings in forensic science. Furthermore, S2T-Lum has an irreversible oxidation peak at 1.28 V vs Ag/AgCl, which is responsible from its electropolymerization. S2T-Lum was successfully polymerized electrochemically via potentiodynamic electrolysis without cleavage of its chemiluminescent active appendage. To the best of our knowledge, its corresponding polymer PS2T-Lum film is the first member of selenophene based luminol type electroactive polymers.
  • Article
    Citation - WoS: 5
    Citation - Scopus: 5
    The Mean Number of Failed Components in Discrete Time Consecutive K-Out F System and Its Application To Parameter Estimation and Optimal Age-Based Preventive Replacement
    (Elsevier Sci Ltd, 2025) Eryilmaz, Serkan; Kan, Cihangir
    It is important in many respects to have information about the number of failed components in the system when or before a system fails. This paper investigates the mean number of failed components at or before the failure time of the linear consecutive k-out-of-n:F system which is a useful structure to model various engineering systems such as transportation and transmission systems. In particular, closed form expressions for the mean number of failed components within the system that have discretely distributed components lifetimes are obtained. The results are used to estimate the unknown parameter of the components' lifetime distribution and to find the optimal replacement cycle that minimizes the expected cost per unit of time under a certain age-based replacement policy.
  • Article
    Citation - WoS: 38
    Citation - Scopus: 39
    Enhancing Machining Efficiency of Ti-6al Through Multi-Axial Ultrasonic Vibration-Assisted Machining and Hybrid Nanofluid Minimum Quantity Lubrication
    (Elsevier Sci Ltd, 2024) Namlu, Ramazan Hakki; Lotfi, Bahram; Kilic, S. Engin
    Ti-6Al-4V offers a balance of good strength with lightweight properties. Yet, Ti-6Al-4V poses machining challenges, including low thermal conductivity, chemical adhesion to cutting tools, and chip removal difficulties. To improve machining efficiency, Ultrasonic Vibration-Assisted Machining (UVAM) has emerged as a promising approach. UVAM has demonstrated reduced tool wear, cutting forces, and improved surface quality compared to Conventional Machining (CM). Additionally, Minimum Quantity Lubrication (MQL) methods offer sustainable coolant alternatives, with recent research focusing on Nanofluid-MQL (NMQL) and Hybrid Nanofluid-MQL (HNMQL) for enhanced performance. Although there exists a body of literature showcasing the promising effects of UVAM and MQL methods individually, comprehensive investigations into the synergistic effects of these methodologies remain limited. This study addresses these critical research gaps by conducting a systematic examination of combined application of multi-axial UVAM and HNMQL. Specifically, it delves into the comparison of different vibration directions within UVAM, evaluates the effectiveness of UVAM when combined with cutting fluids incorporating Al2O3 and CuO nanoparticles in NMQLs and HNMQLs, and contrasts these novel approaches with conventional machining methods. The study unfolds in three distinct stages. The first stage examines the ultrasonic cutting mechanism and its combined application with the MQL technique. In the second stage, the study investigates the physical properties of the cutting fluids, including contact angle and surface tension. The final stage encompasses slot milling operations, where an array of parameters such as cutting forces, surface roughness, surface topography, surface texture, and the occurrence of burr formations are rigorously analyzed. The results demonstrate that the combination of multi-axial UVAM with HNMQL yields substantial advantages over traditional machining methods. Notably, it leads to a remarkable reduction in cutting forces (up to 37.6 %) and surface roughness (up to 37.4 %). Additionally, this combination engenders the production of highly homogeneous and uniform surface textures, characterized by minimal surface defects and a significantly diminished occurrence of burr formations. These findings underscore the potential of multi-axial UVAM combined with HNMQL as a promising approach in enhancing the machining of Ti-6Al-4V, thus offering a pathway to enhance the efficiency and precision of aerospace component manufacturing processes.
  • Article
    Policy Frameworks Without Practice? Exploring Marine Governance and Climate Integration Challenges in Türkiye
    (Elsevier Sci Ltd, 2026) Karli, Aygun
    The marine-climate nexus has emerged as a critical frontier in global environmental governance, yet its integration into national policy frameworks remains uneven. This article examines the case of T & uuml;rkiye, a middleincome country with extensive coastlines and increasing exposure to climate risks, to explore how marine and climate governance interact in practice. Drawing on 22 semi-structured interviews with experts from government, civil society, and academia, the study applies thematic analysis to identify six interrelated challenges: (1) the gap between legal frameworks and implementation, (2) crisis-based governance, (3) institutional fragmentation and coordination deficits, (4) dependence on European Union funding and external alignment, (5) societal indifference and limited marine literacy, and (6) the contested discourse of the blue economy. The findings demonstrate that although T & uuml;rkiye has adopted robust legal instruments and aligned with EU standards, enforcement and institutional integration remain weak. Governance is often reactive, fragmented, and externally driven, with limited societal demand for ambitious reforms. These dynamics reflect broader patterns in global marine-climate governance but are compounded by T & uuml;rkiye's context specific political and institutional constraints. The article argues that bridging the persistent policy-practice gap will require stronger institutional coordination, investments in capacity and literacy, and reframing the blue economy as a vehicle for climate adaptation and mitigation rather than narrow economic growth.