Late Quaternary subsidence records from the Datça graben and Cnidus ancient city (SW Turkey): sea-level changes versus tectonics

The Datça graben in southwestern Anatolia is a WNW-trending seismically active depression, with tectonic activity since Pliocene time. This tectonic activity is controlled by normal faults, which have effected ancient settlements. The Cnidus city (old and modern) –an ancient mercantile centre during the Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine periods– is one of the places that has recorded this activity. The ancient harbour walls of Cnidus, lying 2.2-4.0m below sea level, contain important traces about sea-level changes and tectonics over the past 2.6kyr. Palaeostress analysis along boundary faults in the Datça graben yields an almost N–S oriented pure tensional regime, compatible with earthquake focal mechanism solutions located around the Datça Peninsula. Additionally, an almost E−W trending surface rupture related to a historical earthquake in modern Cnidus, which shows normal fault characteristics, gives further support to the ongoing extension along the Kızlan, Karaköy and Cnidus fault zones. Previous studies on late Quaternary sea-level changes around the Datça Peninsula suggest that 2.6kyr ago sea level was 1.0-1.25m lower than today. From the present-day depth of the Old Cnidus harbour remains and regional sea-level records, it can be inferred that tectonics has played a significant role. Our calculations show that the Datça graben is subsiding at rates of 0.36-0.46mm/yr in the central part and 1.05-1.15mm/yr in the southern part. These values match those found in other areas around the Datça Peninsula

Microbiological contamination of lamb carcasses at abattoirs of Istanbul

A total of a hundred lamb carcasses were sampled over a 12 month period at abattoirs in Istanbul, Turkey. Each sample examined for total aerobic mesophilic counts (TMC), Enterobacteriaceae count (EC), Salmonella spp. Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Listeria monocytogenes was obtained from 100 cm2 areas on four sides of lamb carcasses using the wet and dry cotton swab technique. The study revealed that total aerobic mesophilic counts in all carcasses ranged between 4.18 and 5.95 log/cm2; Enterobacteriaceae counts between 1.60 and 2.30 CFU/cm2. All samples were negative for Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Listeria monocytogenes. Furthermore Salmonella spp. was detected on four carcasses. The data confirms bacteriological monitoring of lamb carcasses as a useful criteria for the verification of slaughter hygiene

Destekleme ve Yetiştirme Kurslarına (DYK) İlişkin Ortaokul Öğrencilerinin Görüşleri

DergiPark: 566362tredBu araştırmanın amacı ortaokul öğrencilerinin MilliEğitim Bakanlığı'na bağlı destekleme ve yetiştirme kursları (DYK) hakkındakigörüşlerini belirlemektir. Tarama yönteminin kullanıldığı araştırmanınörneklemini taşımalı eğitim veren bir ortaokulda kurslara devam eden 118ortaokul öğrencisi oluşturmaktadır. Araştırmacılar tarafından geliştirilen vedokuz açık uçlu sorudan oluşan yazılı görüş formu kullanılarak toplananverilerin çözümlenmesinde betimsel analiz yaklaşımı kullanılmıştır. Çalışmanınsonucunda, öğrencilerin yarısından fazlasının ders seçiminde kendi iradesinikullanırken kalanların ailelerinin ve okul yönetiminin yönlendirmesi ileseçtikleri belirlenmiştir. Bulgular DYK’ların genellikle test çözme ve konutekrarı yapma seklinde yürütüldüğünü göstermektedir. Kurslarda en yaygınkullanılan ders materyallerinin akıllı tahta, soru bankaları ve ders kitaplarıolduğu belirlenmiştir. Bununla birlikte öğrenciler akıllı tahtalarınetkinliğinin arttırılabilmesi için tablet olması gerektiğine vurgu yapmışlardır.Okul yönetiminin kurslar konusunda oldukça ilgili olduğunu belirten öğrencilerkursların gün sonunda olmasından dolayı çok yorulduklarını ifade etmişlerdir.Ayrıca yardımcı kitap eksikliği öğrenciler tarafından ifade edilen kurslarailişkin bir diğer sorundur. Bunun yanı sıra bazı öğrenciler kurslardasıkıldıklarını ve daha eğlenceli geçmesini istediklerini belirtmişlerdir

THE ROLE OF SOIL-STRUCTURE INTERACTION ON STRUCTURAL DESIGN

Yapı temel sistemlerinin projelendirilmesinde, yapı-temel-zemin üçlüsü arasındaki etkileşimin dikkatealınması, zemine aktarılan yükler nedeniyle zemin tabakalarında oluşan deformasyonların temel elemanı veüstyapı taşıyıcı sistemindeki iç kuvvetler ve yük dağılımı üzerindeki etkilerinin hesaba katılması gerekir.Bu gereklilik rutin mühendislik uygulamalarında, yapı ve zemin arasındaki ilişkiyi sabit yatak katsayısı ilekuran Winkler yöntemi kullanılarak sağlanmaya çalışılmaktadır. Ancak Winkler yönteminin temel tabanbasıncı dağılımını temsil etmekte yetersiz kaldığı literatürde belirgin bir biçimde ortaya konmuştur. Temelelemanının elastik eğrisini gerçeğe daha yakın modelleyen yöntemler geçmişte birçok araştırmacıtarafından önerilmiştir. Ne var ki, yatak katsayısı modelinin betonarme yapı tasarımı üzerindeki rolüşimdiye dek ortaya konmamıştır. Bu çalışmada zemin yapı etkileşiminin yapısal tasarıma etkisi örnek biranaliz çalışmasıyla incelenmiştir. Rijit yapı-zemin, sabit ve değişken yatak katsayısı yöntemleri ile yapısalçözümler gerçekleştirilmiştir. Yürürlükteki ulusal yönetmelikler çerçevesinde betonarme kolonkesitlerindeki donatı oranları hesaplanarak, yapı-zemin etkileşiminin yapısal tasarımdaki etkisi ortayakonmuştur While designing foundations of structures, structure-foundation-soil interaction must be considered andthe effect of deformations occurring due to the structural loads in soil layers on the load distributions andsectional forces of structural elements must be taken into account. Winkler method is used in order torelate the soil and the structure by means of constant subgrade modulus in routine engineeringapplications. In the literature, it is clearly stated that, Winkler method is insufficient to represent thecontact pressure distribution beneath the foundation. In the past, methods capable of modeling actualelastic curve of the foundation element were suggested by researchers. However, the role of subgradereaction on the structural design has not been stated yet. In this study, the effect of soil-structureinteraction on structural design of reinforced concrete structures is investigated via a case analysis study.Structural analyses were performed using fixed base-soil, constant subgrade modulus and variablesubgrade modulus methods. Reinforcement ratios in reinforced concrete column sections were calculatedaccording to national codes and specifications. The effect of soil-structure interaction on structural designis presented

Dual‐task difficulties as a risk factor for unemployment in people with multiple sclerosis

Background No study has investigated the impact of dual-tasking difficulties as a risk factor for unemployment in people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS). The aim was to examine the influence of dual-task performance on employment status and work difficulties and to identify the predictors of employment status in pwMS. Methods Eighty-four pwMS, including 42 employed and 42 unemployed, participated in the study. Dual-task difficulties were assessed using the Dual-task Impact on Daily-living Activities-Questionnaire (DIDA-Q), while dual-task performance was evaluated through the 30-second Walk Test and Nine-Hole Peg Test, incorporating a cognitive task. Walking and cognitive function were also measured. Results Employed pwMS had better scores in walking, cognitive function, single and dual-task performance than unemployed pwMS (p < .05). Lower scores in walking (odds ratio [OR] = 1.81, p < .001) and upper extremity-related (OR = 1.44, p = .019) dual-task performance and higher scores in the cognitive subscale of the DIDA-Q questionnaire (OR = 1.20, p = .037) were significantly associated with higher odds of being unemployed. Among employed pwMS, DIDA-Q subscales showed moderate-to-strong correlations with MSWSDQ-23 scores. The other variables showed weak-to-moderate correlations with subscale and total scores of MSWSDQ-23. Conclusion Cognitive function, as opposed to motor function, has been found to be a significant predictor of unemployment in pwMS

15-yıllık periyotta İstanbul Türkiye’de dermatofitoz şüpheli köpek ve kedilerden izole edilen dermatofitler: Güncellenmiş rapor

The present research was aimed to determine the prevalence of dermatophytes isolated from symptomatic dogs and cats, within a 15-year-period, in the city of Istanbul, Turkey. Dermatological specimens were collected from 1504 dogs and 846 cats, which were presented clinical signs of ringworm. Direct microscopy and mycological cultures were performed. The fungal growth rate was detected at 8.2% and 22.8% from dogs and cats, respectively. Microsporum canis was the most frequently isolated species followed by Trichophyton spp., M. gypseum, T. mentagrophytes, M. nanum, other Microsporum spp. moreover T. tonsurans. The cats less than two-year age and more than ten-year age showed a statistically significant higher isolation rate of infection (p < 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences between the age of the dogs and the dermatophyte isolation rate and between the gender of the dogs and cats and the dermatophyte isolation rate. As a conclusion, the data suggest an updated report on local epidemiology and define potential etiologic agentsBu araştırma, İstanbul ilinde 15 yıllık bir süre içinde semptomatik köpek ve kedilerden izole edilen dermatofitlerin yaygınlığını belirlemeyi amaçlamıştır. Dermatolojik örnekler ringworm klinik belirtileri gösteren 1504 köpek ve 846 kediden toplandı. Direkt mikroskopi ve mikolojik kültürler yapıldı. Mantar üreme oranları, köpeklerde % 8.2 kedilerde % 22.8 olarak saptandı. En sık izole edilen tür Microsporum canis idi. Bunu Trichophyton spp., M. gypseum, T. mentagrophytes, M. nanum, diğer Microsporum spp. ve T. tonsurans takip etti. İki yaşından küçük ve on yaşından büyük kediler, istatistiksel olarak anlamlı derecede yüksek bir etken izolasyon oranı gösterdi (p <0.05). Köpeklerin yaşı ve dermatofit izolasyon oranları ile kedi ve köpeklerin cinsiyeti ve dermatofit izolasyon oranları arasında istatistiksel olarak anlamlı bir fark bulunmadı. Sonuç olarak, veriler yerel epidemiyoloji üzerine güncel bir rapor sunmakta ve olası etiyolojik ajanları tanımlamaktadır

The Ki-67 proliferation index predicts recurrence-free survival in patients with dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is an uncommon soft tissue sarcoma that originates from the dermis or subcutaneous tissue in the skin. While its prognosis is generally favorable, disease recurrence is relatively frequent. Because morbidity after repeated surgery may be significant, an optimized prediction of recurrence-free survival (RFS) has the potential to improve current management strategies. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prognostic value of the Ki-67 proliferation index with respect to RFS in patients with DFSP. We retrospectively analyzed data from 45 patients with DFSP. We calculated the Ki-67 proliferation index as the percentage of immunostained nuclei among the total number of tumor cell nuclei regardless of the intensity of immunostaining. We constructed univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression models to identify predictors of RFS. Among the 45 patients included in the study, 8 developed local recurrences and 2 had lung metastases (median follow-up: 95.0 months; range: 5.2−412.4 months). The RFS rates at 60, 120, and 240 months of follow-up were 83.8%, 76.2%, and 65.3%, respectively. The median Ki-67 proliferation index was 14%. Notably, we identified the Ki-67 proliferation index as the only independent predictor for RFS in multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis (hazard ratio = 1.106, 95% confidence interval = 1.019−1.200, p = 0.016). In summary, our results highlight the potential usefulness of the Ki-67 proliferation index for facilitating the identification of patients with DFSP at higher risk of developing disease recurrences

Sub- and super-shear ruptures during the 2023 Mw 7.8 and Mw 7.6 earthquake doublet in SE Türkiye

An earthquake doublet (Mw 7.8 and Mw 7.6) occurred on the East Anatolian Fault Zone (EAFZ) on February 6th, 2023. The events produced significant ground motions and caused major impacts to life and infrastructure throughout SE Türkiye and NW Syria. Here we show the results of earthquake relocations of the first 11 days of aftershocks and rupture models for both events inferred from the kinematic inversion of HR-GNSS and strong motion data considering a multi-fault, 3D geometry. We find that the first event nucleated on a previously unmapped fault before transitioning to the East Anatolian Fault (EAF) rupturing for ~350 km and that the second event ruptured the Sürgü fault for ~160 km. Maximum rupture speeds were estimated to be 3.2 km/s for the Mw 7.8 event. For the Mw 7.6 earthquake, we find super-shear rupture at 4.8 km/s westward but sub-shear eastward rupture at 2.8 km/s. Peak slip for both events were as large as ~8m and ~6m, respectively

Technical Aspects and Clinical Limitations of Sperm DNA Fragmentation Testing in Male Infertility: A Global Survey, Current Guidelines, and Expert Recommendations

PURPOSE: Sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) is a functional sperm abnormality that can impact reproductive potential, for which four assays have been described in the recently published sixth edition of the WHO laboratory manual for the examination and processing of human semen. The purpose of this study was to examine the global practices related to the use of SDF assays and investigate the barriers and limitations that clinicians face in incorporating these tests into their practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Clinicians managing male infertility were invited to complete an online survey on practices related to SDF diagnostic and treatment approaches. Their responses related to the technical aspects of SDF testing, current professional society guidelines, and the literature were used to generate expert recommendations via the Delphi method. Finally, challenges related to SDF that the clinicians encounter in their daily practice were captured. RESULTS: The survey was completed by 436 reproductive clinicians. Overall, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase deoxyuridine triphosphate Nick-End Labeling (TUNEL) is the most commonly used assay chosen by 28.6%, followed by the sperm chromatin structure assay (24.1%), and the sperm chromatin dispersion (19.1%). The choice of the assay was largely influenced by availability (70% of respondents). A threshold of 30% was the most selected cut-off value for elevated SDF by 33.7% of clinicians. Of respondents, 53.6% recommend SDF testing after 3 to 5 days of abstinence. Although 75.3% believe SDF testing can provide an explanation for many unknown causes of infertility, the main limiting factors selected by respondents are a lack of professional society guideline recommendations (62.7%) and an absence of globally accepted references for SDF interpretation (50.3%). CONCLUSIONS: This study represents the largest global survey on the technical aspects of SDF testing as well as the barriers encountered by clinicians. Unified global recommendations regarding clinician implementation and standard laboratory interpretation of SDF testing are crucial

Technical aspects and clinical limitations of sperm DNA fragmentation testing in male infertility: A global survey, current guidelines, and expert recommendations

Purpose Sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) is a functional sperm abnormality that can impact reproductive potential, for which four assays have been described in the recently published sixth edition of the WHO laboratory manual for the examination and processing of human semen. The purpose of this study was to examine the global practices related to the use of SDF assays and investigate the barriers and limitations that clinicians face in incorporating these tests into their practice. Materials and Methods Clinicians managing male infertility were invited to complete an online survey on practices related to SDF diagnostic and treatment approaches. Their responses related to the technical aspects of SDF testing, current professional society guidelines, and the literature were used to generate expert recommendations via the Delphi method. Finally, challenges related to SDF that the clinicians encounter in their daily practice were captured. Results The survey was completed by 436 reproductive clinicians. Overall, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase deoxyuridine triphosphate Nick-End Labeling (TUNEL) is the most commonly used assay chosen by 28.6%, followed by the sperm chromatin structure assay (24.1%), and the sperm chromatin dispersion (19.1%). The choice of the assay was largely influenced by availability (70% of respondents). A threshold of 30% was the most selected cut-off value for elevated SDF by 33.7% of clinicians. Of respondents, 53.6% recommend SDF testing after 3 to 5 days of abstinence. Although 75.3% believe SDF testing can provide an explanation for many unknown causes of infertility, the main limiting factors selected by respondents are a lack of professional society guideline recommendations (62.7%) and an absence of globally accepted references for SDF interpretation (50.3%). Conclusions This study represents the largest global survey on the technical aspects of SDF testing as well as the barriers encountered by clinicians. Unified global recommendations regarding clinician implementation and standard laboratory interpretation of SDF testing are crucial