Current New Approach in Thoracoscopic Surgery: Non-Intubated Uniportal Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (Ni-Univats)

Background and Objectives: Non-intubated uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (NI-UniVATS) is a minimally invasive technique performed using a single port, allowing the entire surgical procedure to be completed with spontaneous breathing without the need for general anesthesia. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included 51 patients who underwent NI-UniVATS between 2020 and 2023. The intraoperative and postoperative data of patients who underwent NI-UniVATS were evaluated. Results: Among the cases, 37 (72.5%) were male, and 14 (46.6%) were female, with a mean age of 47.73 +/- 20.43 years (range: 18-78 years). The mean operative time was 25.92 +/- 7.31 min. No perioperative complications were observed in any patient. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 4.17 +/- 1.76 days (range: 2-9 days). A right hemithoracic approach was performed in 28 patients (54.9%), whereas a left hemithoracic approach was used in 23 patients (45.1%). The procedures performed included wedge resection in 27 patients (52.9%), biopsy in 22 patients (43.1%), pericardial window creation in one patient (2%), and intrathoracic foreign body removal in one patient (2%). Conclusions: NI-UniVATS allows for safer surgery by preventing the adverse effects and complications associated with general anesthesia. NI-UniVATS can be recommended as a safe and feasible approach for both minor and major thoracic procedures

Search for a New Metafunctional Education Pattern in Basic Design Studios After the Covid-19 Pandemic

After the COVID-19 pandemic, basic design studios given in the first year of architectural education in Turkey have undergone a new accelerating process based on using physical design techniques with digitalization. The current study proposes a new curriculum that integrates the ideational, interpersonal, and (con)textual metafunctions of language into basic design learning to facilitate the integration of physical and digital tools. It was applied in the first semester of the basic design curriculum through face-to-face education. At the end of the term, we surveyed first-year students to learn about the positive and negative aspects of making designs in physical and digital environments. The results demonstrated that they are undecided and have some hesitations in representing their design ideas physically, while they are relatively confident of the advantages of designing in the digital environment. However, although 3D representation has become easier with the use of digital tools and students’ digital representation skills have improved, it has also been observed that students’ perceptions and understanding of 3D and spatiality have not improved at the same rate. © 2025, Istanbul Teknik Universitesi, Faculty of Architecture. All rights reserved

First Exploration of Pr6o11 Nanoparticle Integration in Borotellurite Glasses: Synthesis, Characterization, and Performance for Enhanced Mechanical Strength and Radiation Shielding

This study investigates the incorporation of Pr6O11 nanoparticles into lithium borotellurite glass matrices to enhance their mechanical and radiation shielding properties. Glass compositions, synthesized with varying Pr6O11 concentrations from 0 to 8 mol%, exhibited increasing densities from 4.00783 g cm- 3 to 4.94440 g cm-3 and reduced molar volumes, confirming nanoparticle-induced densification. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed amorphous structures with shifts in the hollow band indicating compact network rearrangements. Scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray analyses confirmed homogeneous Pr distribution up to 6 mol%, with clustering observed in 8 mol% samples. Vickers' microhardness values progressively increased, highlighting enhanced mechanical strength due to reduced non-bridging oxygen ions and network cross-linking. Gamma-ray shielding experiments demonstrated superior performance of the 8 mol% sample (Pr8), with the highest mass attenuation coefficients, effective atomic number, and reduced half-value layer. Neutron attenuation assessments further confirmed improved shielding capabilities, with Pr8 achieving the highest effective removal crosssection. In conclusion, Pr6O11-doped lithium borotellurite glasses demonstrate significant potential for advanced radiation shielding applications.Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University Researchers Supporting Project number (PNURSP2025R149) , Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia [PNURSP2025R149

Can Popular Ai Large Language Models Provide Reliable Answers To Frequently Asked Questions About Rotator Cuff Tears

Background: Rotator cuff tears are common upper-extremity injuries that significantly impair shoulder function, leading to pain, reduced range of motion, and a decrease in quality of life. With the increasing reliance on artificial intelligence large language models (AI LLMs) for health information, it is crucial to evaluate the quality and readability of the information provided by these models. Methods: A pool of 50 questions was generated related to rotator cuff tear by querying popular AI LLMs (ChatGPT 3.5, ChatGPT 4, Gemini, and Microsoft CoPilot) and using Google search. After that, responses from the AI LLMs were saved and evaluated. For information quality the DISCERN tool and a Likert Scale was used, for readability the Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool for Printable Materials (PEMAT) Understandability Score and the Flesch-Kincaid Reading Ease Score was used. Two orthopedic surgeons assessed the responses, and discrepancies were resolved by a senior author. Results: Out of 198 answers, the median DISCERN score was 40, with 56.6% considered sufficient. The Likert Scale showed 96% sufficiency. The median PEMAT Understandability score was 83.33, with 77.3% sufficiency, while the Flesch-Kincaid Reading Ease score had a median of 42.05 with 88.9% sufficiency. Overall, 39.8% of the answers were sufficient in both information quality and readability. Differences were found among AI models in DISCERN, Likert, PEMAT Understandability, and Flesch-Kincaid scores. Conclusion: AI LLMs generally cannot offer sufficient information quality and readability. While they are not ready for use in medical field, they show a promising future. There is a necessity for continuous re-evaluation of these models due to their rapid evolution. Developing new, comprehensive tools for evaluating medical information quality and readability is crucial for ensuring these models can effectively support patient education. Future research should focus on enhancing readability and consistent information quality to better serve patients. © 2024 The Author(s)Università degli Studi Magna Graecia di Catanzar

Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Validation of the Turkish Version of the 25-Question Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale

Introduction: Locomotive syndrome, characterized by gait disorders, loss of balance, and cognitive difficulties, significantly impacts older adults by increasing morbidity and reducing independence. This study aimed to adapt the 25-item Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale into Turkish and evaluate its validity and reliability. Materials and Method: The translation process involved forward and backward translations by bilingual experts to ensure linguistic and conceptual equivalence with the original scale. A total of 250 individuals aged >= 65 years participated, completing the Turkish version of the scale alongside functional mobility tests; the timed up-and-go, five repetitions of sit-to-stand, two-step, and standing tests. Participants repeated the scale 1 week after the initial evaluation to assess the test-retest reliability. Results: The internal consistency of the Turkish version was excellent (Cronbach's alpha = 0.952). Test-retest reliability, assessed 1 week apart, yielded an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.974, indicating excellent reliability. Concurrent validity was examined by correlating scale scores with functional test results. Significant correlations were observed (p 0.001), with Pearson's correlation coefficients of 0.472 for timed up-and-go, 0.504 for five repetitions of sit-to-stand,-0.871 for the two-step test, and-0.518 for the standing test. These findings demonstrate that the Turkish version is a valid and reliable tool for assessing mobility impairment and functional limitation in older adults. Conclusion: The adaptation and validation of the 25-item Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale into Turkish provide a comprehensive measure for evaluating and monitoring locomotor function, supporting early detection and intervention in this population

Piercing the "Digital Veil" in the Intellectual and Artistic Works Created Through Ai

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) underscores the need for legal and ethical frameworks governing AI-generated content to ensure accountability and protect the rights of creators and stakeholders. The potential recognition of AI as a separate legal entity raises significant concerns regarding misuse by individuals associated with such entities, a risk that remains even in the absence of formal legal recognition. The lack of adequate legal regulation may enable entities employing AI technologies to evade responsibility, thereby exacerbating issues such as bias and misinformation in AI outputs. Considering the substantial anticipated contributions of AI to the global economy, it is essential to engage in rigorous discourse regarding authorship and develop mechanisms aimed at mitigating potential misuse. These initiatives are crucial for promoting responsible innovation and enhancing public trust within creative industries. © 2025, IGI Global Scientific Publishing

Comparison of the Effects of Piezoelectric and Calcium Ionophore Activation on Fertilization and Blastulation Rates of Sibling Oocytes

To determine rates of fertilization, good-quality day 3 embryos, and blastocyst progression in sibling oocytes of the same patients undergoing piezo and calcium ionophore (CaI) activation. The retrospective cohort study included couples undergoing assisted reproductive treatment in 2023-2024 for primary infertility with a history of low fertilization rates (30%), low blastulation rates (20%), or male factor infertility such as teratozoospermia at the Izmir University of Economics Medical Point Hospital IVF Center. Sibling oocytes from each patient were randomly assigned to piezoelectric or CaI activation. The fertilization rate, number of degenerated embryos, number of abnormally fertilized eggs, number of day 3 grade 1 embryos, and blastocyst counts were compared among the sibling oocytes. In total, 1,105 MII sibling oocytes from 76 patients were included. Piezoelectric activation was applied to 575 MII oocytes, while CaI activation was applied to 530 MII oocytes. There was no significant difference between groups according to the activation method in the fertilization rate (piezo, 0.74% +/- 0.22%; CaI, 0.68% +/- 0.26%, p = 0.12), degeneration rate (piezo, 0.04% +/- 0.13%; CaI, 0.02% +/- 0.06%, p = 0.452), day 3 grade 1 embryo rate (piezo, 0.59% +/- 0.33%; CaI, 0.54% +/- 0.35%, p = 0.34), or blastocyst rate (piezo, 0.49% +/- 0.33%; CaI, 0.43% +/- 0.34%, p = 0.28) of sibling oocytes. Both piezoelectric and CaI activation yielded comparable results in terms of oocyte activation, with similar fertilization and blastulation rates

Cradle-To Life Cycle Assessment of Heavy Machinery Manufacturing: a Case Study in Türkiye

Purpose: Amidst accelerated industrialization and urbanization, the surge in heavy equipment production, crucial for construction, mining, industry, and transportation, necessitates a comprehensive examination of its environmental implications from a sustainability standpoint. This study aims to scrutinize the environmental impacts of manufacturing forklifts and semi-trailers in Türkiye, employing the life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology. Methods: The life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology is the foundational framework for evaluating the environmental impacts associated with forklift and semi-trailer manufacturing. A cradle-to-gate approach was employed. CCaLC2 software alongside the Ecoinvent 3.0 database and CML LCIA methodology was used. Results: The carbon footprint analysis reveals that the production of a single forklift and semi-trailer generates 10.8 tons CO2eq. and 24.9 tons CO2eq. of emissions, respectively. Considering the mass of the machinery, these figures translate to 2.8 ton CO2eq./ton machinery and 1.57 ton CO2eq/ton machinery for the forklift and semi-trailer, respectively. These results were found to be consistent with values reported for similar (but not identical) heavy machinery. Notably, the predominant share of environmental impact stems from raw material acquisition for both products, with subsequent contributions from various production stages. Steel utilization emerges as the primary contributor to all environmental impact categories, constituting an average contribution of 75%. Noteworthy exceptions include the acidification potential of forklift production, where the incorporation of the engine emerges as the primary hotspot with a significant 38% contribution. Conclusions: The findings present the environmental footprint associated with forklift and semi-trailer manufacturing, emphasizing the pivotal role of raw material acquisition, particularly steel utilization. Insights derived from this environmental impact assessment provide invaluable guidance for enhancing environmental sustainability. Decision-makers and industry stakeholders can leverage these conclusions to implement targeted measures, such as exploring alternative materials or refining production processes, to mitigate the environmental consequences of resource-intensive heavy equipment manufacturing, aligning with broader sustainability objectives. © The Author(s) 2025.Türkiye Bilimsel ve Teknolojik Araştırma Kurumu, TÜBİTAK, (122M210); Türkiye Bilimsel ve Teknolojik Araştırma Kurumu, TÜBİTA

Optimal Sizing and Location of Energy Storage Systems for Transmission Grids Connected To Wind Farms☆

Karatas, Mumtaz/0000-0002-6287-3216Although modern renewable power sources such as solar and wind are increasing their share of the world's power generation, they need to grow faster to replace a greater share of coal and gas power generation and thus, help prevent CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions to reach critical levels. Renewable energy generation must be coupled with energy storage systems, which are unfortunately expensive investments. However, substantial cost savings maybe possible if a system-wide solution is sought. This paper presents such an attempt fora transmission grid that has a mixture of renewable and non-renewable sources. The particular problem is to find the type, location and size of the storage systems in the grid, as well as the structure of the transmission network, to minimize total investment and system-wide operating costs of power generation, transmission and storage. A mixed integer linear programming formulation is devised for the problem, which can be very large because various operational decisions are made at short intervals. Hence, we develop a "divide-and-conquer" type solution approach based on time decomposition, wherein the problem is first solved in monthly time segments. Subsequently, optimal or near-optimal monthly generation schedules are merged to construct the greater portion of a grand schedule for the whole year. Although still considerably large, the model can be solved effectively after another set of heuristically developed restrictions on the transmission network structure. The formulation and solution method are implemented on a series of realistic instances for a modest-sized transmission grid adapted from Sardinia Island of Italy to demonstrate the effectiveness of the approach and the insight into related design decisions