Application of virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality in endourology and urolithiasis: An update by YAU endourology and Urolithiasis Working Group

The integration of virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR) in urological practices and medical education has led to modern training systems that are cost-effective and with an increased expectation toward surgical performance and outcomes. VR aids the user in interacting with the virtual environment realistically by providing a three-dimensional (3D) view of the structures inside the body with high-level precision. AR enhances the real environment around users by integrating experience with virtual information over physical models and objects, which in turn has improved understanding of physiological mechanisms and anatomical structures. MR is an immersive technology that provides virtual content to interact with real elements. The field of urolithiasis has adapted the technological advancements, newer instruments, and methods to perform endourologic treatment procedures. This mini-review discusses the applications of Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, and Mixed Reality in endourology and urolithiasis.publishedVersio

Landslide susceptibility mapping in an area of underground mining using the multicriteria decision analysis method

Landslides are geomorphological phenomena that affect anthropogenic and natural features on the Earth’s surface. Many previous studies have identified several factors that have contributed to landslides. Among these factors are physical characteristics, such as slope, aspect, and land cover, of Earth’s surface. Moreover, landslides can be triggered by human activities such as underground mining. This study aims to identify landslide susceptibility areas by analyzing landslide-related factors, including land subsidence triggered by underground mining. The area of interest was Kozlu, Turkey, where underground mining has been in progress for the past 100 years. Thus, to identify landslide risk zones, the multicriteria decision analysis method, together with the analytical hierarchy method, was used. The datasets included were topography, land cover, geological settings, and mining-induced land subsidence. The spatial extent of land subsidence was estimated using a previously published model. A landslide susceptibility map (LSM) was developed using a purposely developed GIS-based software. The results were compared with a terrain deformation map, which was developed in a separate study using the differential synthetic aperture radar interferometry (DInSAR) technique. The results showed a substantial correlation between the LSM and DInSAR map. Furthermore, it was found that ~ 88% of the very high and high landslide risk areas coincided with location of the past landslide events. These facts suggest that the algorithm and data sources used were sufficient to produce a sufficiently accurate LSM, which may be used for various purposes such as urban planning. © 2018, The Author(s)

Determining resonance of a bridge using time series analysis

Bu çalışmada, Gerçek Zamanlı Kinematik (GZK) GPS ile köprü salınımlarının modellenmesinde farklı bir yöntem olarak daha çok Elektrik-Elektronik mühendisliği disiplininde kullanılan ve bir zaman serileri analiz yöntemi olan Hızlı Fourier Dönüşüm (FFT) tekniği kullanılmıştır. Bu amaçla Zonguldak kent merkezindeki 1956 yılında tamamı perçinli çelik konstrüksiyon olarak inşa edilen Fevkani Köprüsünün, günün farklı zamanlarındaki trafik yoğunluğuna göre salınım ve titreşimleri GZK GPS ile ölçülmüştür. Bunun için referans alıcısı kentin yüksek tepelerinden birinin üzerine yerleştirilmiş ve iki gezici alıcı da köprünün belirlenen iki noktasında sabit merkezlendirme düzeneği üzerine konulmuştur. Trafiğin ve özellikle ağır tonajlı araçların en yoğun ve en seyrek geçtiği zamanlarda 1 saniye ölçü aralığı (interval) ile ölçmeler gerçekleştirilmiştir.Today GPS technology has found various uses in many fields as well as in geodetic applications. One of the most crucial factors in expanding the use of GPS is by means of the real time kinematic (RTK) GPS method which produces positions in a few seconds with a few centimeter accuracy, and consequently the productivity in projects. This study focuses on another use of RTK GPS or rather the employ ability of RTK GPS in another field. For this purpose, vibrations and resonance of the Fevkani Brigde -situated in the city centre of Zonguldak and built as a composite construction of riveted steel and asphalt in 1956-are observed by RTK GPS during the different parts of the day depending on the traffic density. The base (reference) receiver is placed on one of the highest hills in the city and two rover receivers on both rails of the bridge on the fixed centering mechanisms. The observations are carried out with one second interval during busy and less busy hours of the traffic, especially accounting for heavy load vehicle traffic. The changes in vibrations and resonance of the bridge computed by the analyses explained here are modeled using approaches such as Fast Fourier Transform and presented in this pape

The history of surgery in disorders of sexual development

Disorders of sexual development (DSD) have been documented throughout human history with fascination. Healers of all cultures have struggled to explain, and later correct with surgery, the physical manifestations of DSD. DSD was portrayed in the mythology, legends, and art of the ancient Greeks, Romans, Sumerians, Babylonians, and Egyptians