Preferences for Doors of Vernacular Structures: The Case Study of Kaleici

This study aims to find choices and a significant indicator which changes preferences of the doors of traditional Structures. Within the scope of this study, we investigated how the preference of entries, which is a transition interface between the urban space and structures, is affected by determined variables. As a result of the regression analysis, the results showed that the critical variables that are preferred, invite a degree of mystery by the existing literature. However, unlike the research literature, the result shows that complexity is not adversely predictive or useful in liking in the selected case study. It has been found that the preferred doors and entrance interfaces have natural materials, harmonious colors, vernacular architectural features, and common structural elements such as steps and eaves.Keywords: Doors, Vernacular Structures, KaleicieISSN: 2398-4287 © 2019. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open access article under the CC BYNC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.DOI: https://doi.org/10.21834/e-bpj.v4i11.1656             

Preferences for Facades of Historic Building: Example of Gevaş, Turkey

In this study, research of Akdamar Church, İzzettin Şir Mosque, Halime Hatun Vault, Altınsaç Village Churches, St. Thomas Church, Garmravank Church and Deveboynu Monastery located in the Gevaş district of Van province in Turkey.Facades of historic buildings are a valuable aspect of the historic landscape aesthetics despite on that literature about the facades of this type of buildings is rare. 412 questionary has been done in online sessions. Results showed that restored building facades have more preferred than others, factor analyses yield 3 different factors based on the preference scores. Based on the preference for photos and photo ratio analyses, regression analyses have shown doom and tree ratios are a significant aspect of the preference for historic landscapes. Results showed preservation is an essential aspect of the preferences of Historic buildings. Keywords: Historic Building; Building Facades; Preferences; Factor analysis eISSN: 2398-4287 © 2023. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians/Africans/Arabians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia. DOI: https://doi.org/10.21834/ebpj.v8i23.454

Urinary 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2\u27-deoxyguanosine analysis by an improved ELISA: does assay standardization reduce inter-laboratory variability?

ELISA is commonly used for the detection of urinary 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2\u27-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodG), a marker of whole body oxidative stress. However, the method has been criticized for high inter-laboratory variability and poor agreement with chromatographic techniques. We performed an inter-laboratory comparison of 8-oxodG assessed in 30 urine samples and a urine spiked with four different concentrations of 8-oxodG by ELISA using standardized experimental conditions, including: sample pre-treatment with solid-phase extraction (SPE), performing analysis using a commercial kit from a single manufacturer and strict temperature control during the assay. We further compared the ELISA results with high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) and performed tentative identification of compounds that may contribute to the discrepancy between both methods. For all but one participating laboratory (Data 1) we observed consistent ELISA results lying mostly within 1SD of the mean 8-oxodG concentration. Mean 8-oxodG levels assessed by ELISA correlated with the data obtained by HPLC-MS/MS (R=0.679, p\u3c0.001). The correlation improved when Data 1 were excluded from the analysis (R=0.749, p\u3c0.001). We identified three outlying urine samples; one with an ELISA 8-oxodG concentration lower, and two with 8-oxodG levels higher, than those measured by HPLC-MS/MS. Omitting these samples further improved inter-methodology agreement (R=0.869, p\u3c0.001). In the outliers with high 8-oxodG estimates various aromatic and heterocyclic compounds were tentatively identified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Application of authentic standards revealed the presence of saccharides, including d-glucose and d-galactose as putative interfering substances. In summary, assay standardization improved ELISA inter-laboratory agreement, although some variability is still observed. There are still compounds contributing to overestimation of 8-oxodG by ELISA, but only in some urine samples. Thus, despite significant improvement, ELISA still should not be considered a robust alternative to chromatographic techniques

Endothelial function in patients with familial Mediterranean fever-related amyloidosis and association with cardiovascular events

Objectives. Secondary amyloidosis is the most important complication of FMF and endothelial function is more severely impaired. Elevated asymmetric dimethyl arginine (ADMA) may mediate the excess cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk of this group. We aimed to compare endothelial function characteristics, including ADMA, in patients with FMF-related amyloidosis and primary glomerulopathies and to define risk factors for a CVD event. Methods. We undertook a cross-sectional study with prospective follow-up including consecutive patients with FMF-related amyloidosis (n = 98) or other non-diabetic glomerulopathies (n = 102). All patients had nephrotic-range proteinuria and normal glomerular filtration rate. Flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) was assessedand ADMA levels, CRP and pentraxin 3 (PTX3) were determined. Patients were followed for cardiovascular events. Results. Amyloidosis patients secondary to FMF showed higher levels of ADMA, CRP and PTX3 and lower FMD as compared with patients with other glomerulopathies. Cardiovascular events (n = 54) were registered during 3 years of follow-up. Increased ADMA levels and lower FMD were observed in patients with cardiovascular risk in both groups, but especially in individuals with amyloidosis.Conclusion. Patients with FMF-related amyloidosis have increased CVD event risk, probably related to the high ADMA levels, elevated inflammatory markers and decreased FMD measures observed in these patients

Global overview of the management of acute cholecystitis during the COVID-19 pandemic (CHOLECOVID study)

Background: This study provides a global overview of the management of patients with acute cholecystitis during the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: CHOLECOVID is an international, multicentre, observational comparative study of patients admitted to hospital with acute cholecystitis during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data on management were collected for a 2-month study interval coincident with the WHO declaration of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and compared with an equivalent pre-pandemic time interval. Mediation analysis examined the influence of SARS-COV-2 infection on 30-day mortality. Results: This study collected data on 9783 patients with acute cholecystitis admitted to 247 hospitals across the world. The pandemic was associated with reduced availability of surgical workforce and operating facilities globally, a significant shift to worse severity of disease, and increased use of conservative management. There was a reduction (both absolute and proportionate) in the number of patients undergoing cholecystectomy from 3095 patients (56.2 per cent) pre-pandemic to 1998 patients (46.2 per cent) during the pandemic but there was no difference in 30-day all-cause mortality after cholecystectomy comparing the pre-pandemic interval with the pandemic (13 patients (0.4 per cent) pre-pandemic to 13 patients (0.6 per cent) pandemic; P = 0.355). In mediation analysis, an admission with acute cholecystitis during the pandemic was associated with a non-significant increased risk of death (OR 1.29, 95 per cent c.i. 0.93 to 1.79, P = 0.121). Conclusion: CHOLECOVID provides a unique overview of the treatment of patients with cholecystitis across the globe during the first months of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. The study highlights the need for system resilience in retention of elective surgical activity. Cholecystectomy was associated with a low risk of mortality and deferral of treatment results in an increase in avoidable morbidity that represents the non-COVID cost of this pandemic

Supporting Theoretical Courses through Application

Ecological crises have affected the architecture discipline, and different techniques, technologies, and design approaches have flourished. A theory about the effect of ecology on architectural design, formulated as ecological design, and its education has started in institutes. However, it is important that the practice of architecture is reflected through theoretical knowledge in its outputs, and the discipline is conscious about its theoretical knowledge when designing a building, including how much can be understood in the concrete project. This study tries to discern the role of theoretical knowledge in practice and in final projects in the context of ecological design by estimating masters students’ experiences, perceptions, and attitudes. The research method of this study is a qualitative approach, and in-depth interviews have been done with masters-level students. The results of this study showed that the theoretical knowledge given in the lectures could change the opinions of a designer regarding ecological design. Based on the results, ecological design courses can increase the popularity of ecological building design strategies, which offers potential for more sustainable living environments and more environmentally friendly buildings, and their spread into human environments

Academic productivity and obstacles encountered during residency training: A survey among residents in orthopedics and traumatology programs in Turkey

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the academic productivity of and the obstacles encountered by orthopedic residents in Turkey. Methods: Overall, 220 orthopedic specialists who were registered in the Ministry of Health and had started orthopedic residency between 2009 and 2010 were invited to participate in a survey through e-mail. The survey comprised a total of 19 questions to evaluate the academic works conducted and obstacles encountered during residency. Academic work was defined as an article published in the peer-reviewed journals as well as an oral or poster presentation at a national or international congress. Case reports, letters to the editor, and technical notes were excluded. Results: Data were obtained from 116 respondents who completed the survey. In peer-reviewed journals in Science Citation Index (SCI) or SCI-Expanded, the mean number of articles published with and without the first name per resident was 0.09 and 0.73, respectively. In peer-reviewed journals other than those in SCI and SCI-Expanded, the mean number of articles published with and without the first name per resident was 0.37 and 1, respectively. The mean number of oral and poster presentations per resident at national and international congresses was 2.63 and 4.67, respectively. No significant difference in the number of academic works was noted between the regions and institutions (p>0.05). A significant positive correlation was observed between the number of associate professors and assistant professors in the clinic and the total number of academic works (article plus presentation) (p<0.01 and p=0.017, respectively). Regarding encouragement and support to academic works, 6.9% of the respondents found the clinic to be excellent, 20.7% good, 24.1% moderate, and 48.3% bad. No significant difference in encouragement and support to academic works was noted among the institutions (p=0.115). The most common obstacle encountered in conducting academic works was long working hours (74.5%). Conclusion: Regardless of the region and institution, the participation of orthopedic residents in academic works is low in Turkey. Several obstacles were encountered in conducting academic works, with the most common being long working hours

Investigation of Chaotic Structure of IrısPattern By Using Lyapunov Exponents

msufbdKaos teorisi dinamik sistemleri, karmaşıkve doğrusal olmayan yapıları inceler. Doğada bulunan nesnelleri tanımlamak vesınıflandırmak mühendislik disiplininin de ilgilendiği konulardır. Bu çalışmadabiyometrik sistemlerde kullanılan iris dokusunun kaotik yapısı incelenmiştir.İris örüntüsü farklı bir bakış açısı ile ele alınmış ve irisin periyodiğimsi(pseudo-periodic) yörüngelerindeki kaotik yapı ortaya çıkarılmıştır. Uygulamadairis desenleri için UBIRIS veritabanı kullanılmıştır. İris görüntüsünden eldeedilen tek boyutlu dizinin görsel analizi için veriler faz uzayına aktarılmışve kaotikliği incelemek amacıyla Lyapunov üstelleri, TISEAN paket yazılımıaracılığıyla MATLAB ortamında hesaplanmıştır. Elde edilen sonuçlar irisinkaotik bir yapıya sahip olduğunu göstermektedir.Chaos theory examines dynamic systems, complex and nonlineer structures. Defining and classifying objects in the nature are also topics of interest to engineering discipline. In this study, the chaotic structure of iris tissue, which is used extensively in biometric systems, has been investigated. Iris pattern was handled from a different point of view and the chaotic structure in the pseudo-periodic orbits of iris was uncovered. In this research, UBIRIS database is used for iris patterns. The one dimensional array, obtained from the iris image, was transferred to the phase space to visual analysis and Lyapunov exponents were calculated in the MATLAB environment via TISEAN package software to investigate the chaotic behavior. The results show that iris has a chaotic structure.30385

Role of Oxidative Stress and Reactive Metabolites in Cytotoxicity & Mitotoxicity of Clozapine, Diclofenac and Nifedipine in CHO-K1 Cells in vitro

Background CHO-K1 cells were used as in vitro model to explore mechanisms of cytotoxicity of the test drugs. Aim To provide in vitro data on toxicity mechanisms of clozapine, diclofenac and nifedipine. Objective Cytotoxic mechanisms of clozapine (CLZ), diclofenac (DIC) and nifedipine (NIF) were studied in CHO-K1 cells in vitro. All three drugs induce adverse reactions in some patients with partially unknown mechanisms. Methods Following the determination of time- and dose-dependency of cytotoxicity by the MTT test, cytoplasmic membrane integrity was explored by the LDH leakage test. Both end-points were further examined in the presence of soft and hard nucleophilic agents, glutathione (GSH) and potassium cyanide (KCN), respectively, and either individual or general cytochrome P450 (CYP) inhibitors, whether CYP-catalysed formation of electrophilic metabolites play a role in the observed cytotoxicity and membrane damage. The generation of reactive metabolites during the incubations was also explored. Formation of malondialdehyde (MDA) and oxidation of dihydrofluorescein (DCFH) were monitored whether peroxidative membrane damage and oxidative stress take place in cytotoxicity. Incubations were also conducted in the presence of chelating agents of EDTA or DTPA to explore any possible role of metals in cytotoxicity by facilitating electron transfer in redox reactions. Finally, mitochondrial membrane oxidative degradation and permeability transition pore (mPTP) induction by the drugs were tested as markers of mitochondrial damage. Results The presence of an individual or combined nucleophilic agents significantly diminished CLZ- and NIF-induced cytotoxicities, while the presence of both agents paradoxically increased DIC-induced cytotoxicity by a factor of three with the reason remaining unknown. The presence of GSH significantly increased DIC-induced membrane damage too. Prevention of membrane damage by the hard nucleophile KCN suggests the generation of a hard electrophile upon DIC and GSH interaction. The presence of CYP2C9 inhibitor sulfaphenazole significantly diminished DIC-induced cytotoxicity, probably by preventing the formation of 4-hydroxylated metabolite of DIC, which further converts to an electrophilic reactive intermediate. Among the chelating agents, EDTA caused a marginal decrease in CLZ-induced cytotoxicity, while DIC-induced cytotoxicity was amplified by a factor of five. Both reactive and stable metabolites of CLZ could be detected in the incubation medium of CLZ with CHO-K1 cells, which are known to have low metabolic capacity. All three drugs caused a significant increase in cytoplasmic oxidative stress by means of DCFH oxidation, which was confirmed by increased MDA from cytoplasmic as well as mitochondrial membranes. The addition of GSH paradoxically and significantly increased DIC-induced MDA formation, in parallel with the increase in membrane damage when DIC and GSH combined. Conclusion Our results suggested that the soft electrophilic nitrenium ion of CLZ is not responsible for the observed in vitro toxicities, and this may originate from a relatively low amount of the metabolite due to the low metabolic capacity of CHO-K1. A hard electrophilic intermediate may contribute to cellular membrane damage incubated with DIC, while a soft electrophilic intermediate seems to exacerbate cell death by a mechanism other than membrane damage. A significant decrease in cytotoxicity of NIF by GSH and KCN suggested that both soft and hard electrophiles contribute to NIF-induced cytotoxicity. All three drugs induced peroxidative cytoplasmic membrane damage, while only DIC and NIF induced peroxidative mitochondrial membrane damage, which suggested mitochondrial processes may contribute to adverse effects of these drugs in vivo