Yaşam Temelli Öğrenme Yaklaşımının Öğrencilerin Çevre Bilinci ve Çevresel Duyarlılık Kazanımına Etkisi

Bu çalışmada, yedinci sınıf öğrencilerinin ‘‘Evsel atıklar ve geri dönüşüm’’ konusunda, yaşam temelli öğrenme yaklaşımına dayalı olarak yapılan öğretimin, öğrencilerin çevre bilinci ve çevresel duyarlılık kazanımlarına etkisi araştırılmıştır. Araştırmada nicel araştırma yöntemlerinden ön test-son test kontrol gruplu yarı deneysel desen kullanılmıştır. Araştırmanın çalışma grubunu, Akdeniz Bölgesindeki bir ilimizde yedinci sınıfta öğrenim gören, 21 deney grubu, 21 kontrol grubu öğrencisi olmak üzere toplamda 42 öğrenci oluşturmaktadır. Araştırmada veri toplama aracı olarak çevre bilinci ve çevresel duyarlılık ölçeği kullanılmıştır. Elde edilen veriler SPSS paket programında Eşleştirilmiş İki Grup Arasındaki Fark Testi (paired-samples t-test) ile analiz edilmiştir. Araştırma bulgularına göre; Yaşam Temelli Öğrenme Yaklaşımı uygulamalarının deney grubu öğrencilerinin kirlilik bilinci, tasarruf bilinci ve geri dönüşüm bilinci puan ortalamalarında olumlu yönde farklılık oluşturduğu, bilişsel tepkiler, duyuşsal tepkiler ve etkinlik ve faaliyetlere katılım puan ortalamalarında artış meydana getirdiği tespit edilmiştir. Ayrıca deney ve kontrol grubu öğrencilerinin çalışma öncesinde, orta düzeyde çevre bilinci ve çevresel duyarlılık kazanımına sahip oldukları ancak çalışma süreci sonunda, deney grubu öğrencilerinin çevre bilinci ve çevresel duyarlılık kazanımlarının çok iyi seviyeye yükseldiği görülmüştür. Bu çalışma, ortaokul yedinci sınıf öğrencilerinin çevreye karşı tam bilinçli olmasını, çevre duyarlılığının oluşumunu ve bu bilinç ve duyarlılığın sürekli olmasını sağlamak için geleneksel öğretim yöntemleri yerine Yaşam Temelli Öğrenme Yaklaşımı kullanımının daha uygun olduğunu ortaya koymaktadır

The diagnostic accuracy of the hounsfield unit value in pulmonary embolism

Objective: Pulmonary embolism (PE) a vascular disease. Computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) is the radiological imaging technique used to diagnose PE. In this study, we aimed to demonstrate the diagnostic accuracy of Hounsfield Unit (HU) value for PE based on the hypothesis that acute thrombosis causes an increase in HU value on computed tomography (CT). Methods: This research was as a single-center, retrospective study. Patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) diagnosed with PE on CTPA were enrolled as the study group. In addition, patients admitted to the same emergency department who were not diagnosed with PE and had non-contrast CT scans were included as the control group. A receiver operating curve (ROC) was produced to the diagnostic accuracy of HU values in predicting PE. Results: The study population (N=74) consisted of a study group (N=46) and a control group (N=28). The sensitivity and specificity of HU value for predicting PE on thoracic CT were found 61.5% and 96.4% at a value of 54.8 (Area Under the Curve (AUC):0.690) for right main pulmonary artery; 65.0% and 96.4% at a value of 55.9 (AUC:0.736) for left main pulmonary artery; 44.4% and 96.4% at a value of 62.7 (AUC:0.615) for right interlobar artery; and 60.0% and 92.9% at a value of 56.7 (AUC:0.736) for left interlobar artery. Conclusion: HU values may exhibit high diagnostic specificity on CT, for thrombi up to the interlobar level. An HU value exceeding 54.8 up to the interlobar level may raise suspicion of the presence of P

Inferior vena cava and pulmonary artery diameters for prognosis of Coronavirus disease

Aim: In this study, we aimed to analyze the relationship between pulmonary artery (PA) and inferior vena cava (IVC) diameters in non-contrast chest computerized tomography (CT) images of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and overall survival. Material and Methods: This retrospective study consisted of 404 consecutive patients who underwent chest CT after admission to the emergency department between May 1 and June 31. 2021. CT measurements were performed by two radiologists. The prognostic value of PA and IVC diameters, the computerized tomography severity score (CT-55), quick sequential organ failure assessment (qSOFA), and confusion, urea, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and age >= years (CURB-65) score on overall survival were examined. Results: The median age of the participants was 62 years (49-72), and 196 (48.5%) were male. Of the 404 patients, 61 died after admission. While main-PA, left-PA, right-PA (p < 0.001) and NC-transverse (IVC-Tr) (p = 0.045) diameters were larger and statistically significant in the patients who died (AUC; 0.686, 0.722, 0.746, and 0.581, respectively), a statistically significant difference was not detected in terms of IVC anteroposterior diameter (IVC-AP) (p = 0.053) and the IVC-Tr/AP (p = 0.754) ratio. There was a statistical difference in mortality in ciSOFA, CURB-65, and CT-SS values (AUC; 0.727, 0.798, and 0.708 p < 0.001, respectively). Discussion: PA diameters measured from chest CT images at admission (main-PA >= 26.5 mm, right-PA >= 22.9 mm, and left-PA >= 21.6 mm) and the IVC-Tr diameter (>= 34.5 mm) can be used as mortality predictors for COVID-19, along with other prognostic scores

Heavy metal accumulation in Artemisia and foliaceous lichen species from the Azerbaijan flora

Artemisia plants and foliaceous lichens are known to be capable of accumulating heavy metals (HM) from soil and air. These plant species are widespread on polluted sites of Azerbaijan. However, so far their capacity to accumulate HM in their shoots and roots has not been tested. Three Artemisia and two lichen species were collected from different contaminated sites of Azerbaijan. Plant and surface soil samples were measured for Cd, Cu, Pb, Ni and Zn concentrations by ICP-AES.The results indicated that among the Artemisia species A. scoparia showed the best HM accumulation properties. Lichen species were also distinguished by very high amounts of HM in their biomass, while in surrounding soil samples HM concentrations had higher contents than the soils occupied only with Artemisia species.The results indicate that on contaminated sites Artemisia and lichens accumulated metals in their biomass without toxicity symptoms. Taking large biomass and high adaptation ability into account, A. scoparia represents a good tool for a phytoremediation approach on polluted soils

Mortality predictors using chest computed tomography findings in COVID-19 patients

Objective: The coronavirus disease (COVID) pandemic is still ongoing. Computed tomography (CT) is widely used in coronavirus disease -2019 (COVID-19) patients for lung damage determination. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between mortality rates and measurements of intrathoracic anatomical structures using CT images. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted in a single center and included a total of 322 cases, namely, 147 deceased and 175 surviving patients. All patients were diagnosed with COVID-19 on the basis of a positive polymerase chain reaction test. Total lung volumes, diameters of major vascular structures, comorbidity status, and laboratory blood tests were measured or determined. Total lung volumes were calculated using the range of -1024 to -300 Hounsfield Unit in the Slicer application. Results: A decrease in total lung volume was associated with a higher mortality rate (p<0.001). Increases in right and left pulmonary artery diameters were associated with high mortality rate (p=0.002 and 0.001, respectively). Increase in cardiothoracic ratio and decrease in thorax diameter were associated with high mortality rate in female patients (p=0.013 and p<0.001, respectively). It was found that patients with cardiovascular disease (p=0.043), chronic lung disease (p=0.005) and renal failure (p<0.001) had a significant mortal course. Elevated values of white blood cell count (p=0.018), aspartate aminotransferase (p<0.001), lactate dehydrogenase (p<0.001) and C -reactive protein (p<0.001) were found to be associated with high mortality rates. Conclusion: Total lung volume and intrathoracic main vascular sizes can be obtained from CT images using computer applications, and these measurements can provide an idea of the mortality rate in COVID-19 patients. In addition, comorbidity status and laboratory blood parameters can be used as prognostic markers

Examining and optimizing the weld area and mechanical performance of thermoplastic parts manufactured by additive manufacturing and welded by friction stir welding

This study presents an experimental investigation into the weldability of ABS M30 (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) plates produced by Additive Manufacturing (AM) using Friction Stir Welding (FSW). The effects of FSW process parameters on the yield stress and their optimal levels were determined using the Taguchi method. The optimal welding parameters were found to be a 16 mm tool shoulder diameter, 800 rpm tool rotation speed, and 10 mm/min traverse speed. The weld area of each sample welded using FSW was examined at a macroscopic level. The direction of tool rotation significantly affects the quality and strength of the FSW. When the FSW was performed with a clockwise rotation of the welding tool, a perfect weld could not be achieved. The tunnel effect resulted in gaps in the weld area of the samples at high rotation speeds. Differences were observed in the density between the weld area of the samples and the main parts

The role of repeated extended FAST in patients with stable blunt thoracoabdominal trauma

BACKGROUND: Thoracic and abdominal computed tomography scans are widely used modalities for trauma patients in emergency department (ED). However, alternative diagnostic and follow-up tools are also needed, due to limitations such as high cost and exces-sive radiation exposure. This study aimed to investigate the utility of repeated extended focused abdominal sonography for trauma (rE-FAST) performed by the emergency physician in patients with stable blunt thoracoabdominal trauma.METHODS: This was a prospective, single-center diagnostic accuracy study. Patients with blunt thoracoabdominal trauma admitted to the ED were included in the study. The E-FAST was performed on the patients included in the study at the 0th h, the 3rd h, and the 6th h during their follow-up. Then, the diagnostic accuracy metrics of E-FAST and rE-FAST were calculated.RESULTS: The sensitivity and specificity of E-FAST in determining thoracoabdominal pathologies were found to be 75% and 98.7%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity for specific pathologies were 66.7% and 100% for pneumothorax, 66.7% and 98.8% for hemothorax, and 66.7% and 100% for hemoperitoneum, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of rE-FAST in determining thoracal and/or abdominal hemorrhage in stable patients were found to be 100% and 98.7%, respectively.CONCLUSION: E-FAST successfully rules in thoracoabdominal pathologies in patients with blunt trauma, with its high specificity. However, only a rE-FAST might be sensitive enough to exclude traumatic pathologies in these stable patients

Investigation on malondialdehyde, s100b and advanced oxidation protein product levels in significant hyperbilirubinemia and the effect of intensive phototherapy on these parameter

Background: The parameters of oxidative stress [advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs), malondialdehyde (MDA), and S100B] and the effect of intensive phototherapy (PT) on these parameters have not been studied extensively in newborns with significant hyperbilirubinemia (SH). We aimed to measure the levels of MDA, S100B, and AOPPs in newborns with SH, and to compare newborns with healthy control newborns without hyperbilirubinemia on the basis of these parameters of oxidative stress. In addition, we investigated the effect of intensive PT on these parameters during the treatment of SH and report our findings for the first time in the literature. Methods: The study was performed in newborns (n = 62) who underwent intensive PT because of SH. Newborns without jaundice constituted the control group (n = 30). Both groups were compared with respect to demographic characteristics and biochemical (laboratory) parameters including MDA, AOPPs, and S100B. MDA, AOPPs, and S100B were also compared before and after intensive PT in the PT group. In the study group, a correlation analysis of demographic characteristics; MDA, AOPP, and S100B values; and changes occurring in MDA, AOPPs, and S100B values due to the effect of intensive PT was performed. Results: Serum total bilirubin, S100B, and MDA levels in the PT group before performing PT were significantly higher than those in the control group. In newborns receiving PT serum total bilirubin, MDA and AOPP levels decreased significantly after intensive PT. In correlation analysis, a statistically significant negative correlation was found only between the amount of billrubin decrease with PT and AOPP levels after PT in the study group. Conclusion: Whether the significant decrease in MDA levels, which was higher prior to PT, is due to the decrease in serum bilirubin levels or due to the effect of intensive PT itself remains to be determined in further studies. The decrease in AOPP levels after PT implies that intensive PT has protective effects on oxidative stress. Copyright (C) 2014, Taiwan Pediatric Association. Published by Elsevier Taiwan LLC. All rights reserved

February 6th, Kahramanmaraş earthquakes and the disaster management algorithm of adult emergency medicine in Turkey: An experience review

This compilation covers emergency medical management lessons from the February 6th Kahramanmaraş earthquakes. The objective is to review relevant literature on emergency services patient management, focusing on Koenig s 1996 Simple Triage and Rapid Treatment (START) and Secondary Assessment of Victim Endpoint (SAVE) frameworks. Establishing a comprehensive seismic and mass casualty incident (MCI) protocol chain is the goal. The prehospital phase of seismic MCIs treats hypovolemia and gets patients to the nearest hospital. START-A plans to expedite emergency patient triage and pain management. The SAVE algorithm is crucial for the emergency patient secondary assessment. It advises using Glasgow Coma Scale, Mangled Extremity Severity Score, Burn Triage Score, and Safe Quake Score for admission, surgery, transfer, discharge, and outcomes. This compilation emphasizes the importance of using diagnostic tools like bedside blood gas analyzers and ultrasound devices during the assessment process, drawing from 6 February earthquake research. The findings create a solid framework for improving emergency medical response strategies, making them applicable in similar situations