Comparison of Metaheuristic Optimization Algorithms for Quadrotor PID Controllers

In the present study, different solution methods are discussed in order to control the quadrotor with the most optimal PID parameters for the determined purposes. One of these methods is to make use of meta-heuristic algorithms in control systems. There are some limitations of using a PID controller as a classical construct. However, it is thought that more successful results will be obtained by optimizing its parameters through meta-heuristic algorithms. Initially, the mathematical model of the vehicle was created in MATLAB/Simulink. Then, genetic algorithms (GA), artificial bee colony (ABC), particle swarm optimization (PSO) and firefly algorithms (FA) were determined respectively as optimization methods. And these optimization methods used to determine the PID control parameters are applied to the developed mathematical model in the MATLAB/Simulink environment. In addition, the performances of the optimization methods are evaluated according to the comparison criteria. As a result of the comparison carried out according to ITAE (Integral Time Absolute Error) fitness criteria, ABC (1.2% - 4.4%) in terms of altitude, FA (4% - 13%) in terms of roll angle, GA (13% - %21) in terms of pitch angle, and PSO (4% - %15) in terms of yaw angle has been more successful than other methods

A thematological comparison between the texts “Sult” by Knut Hamsun and “Der Hungerkünstler” by Franz Kafka and the film “The Hunger Games” by Gary Ross: Knut Hamsun'un “Sult” ve Franz Kafka'nın “Der Hungerkünstler” adlı metinleri ile Gary Ross'un “The Hunger Games” adlı filmi arasında tematolojik bir karşılaştırma

In this study, a thematological comparison is made between Knut Hamsun's (1859-1952) “Sult” (1890) and Franz Kafka's (1883-1924) “Der Hungerkünstler” (1922) and the film “The Hunger Games” (2012) directed by Gary Ross (1956-). In this study, which theoretically falls within the scope of comparatistics (comparative literary studies), two cult texts by two distinguished authors from Norwegian and Austrian literature and a famous feature film are analysed comparatively on the axis of a common theme. Knut Hamsun, the Nobel Prize-winning Norwegian writer Knut Hamsun gained worldwide fame with his novel, originally titled “Sult” in Norwegian and translated into Turkish as “Hunger”. The novel, which has autobiographical features, explores the inner world of the main character, who is a writer like Hamsun himself and suffers from both mental and spiritual starvation, while also addressing the changes in social-cultural values, perspectives and living conditions. In his narrative “The Hunger Artist” (“Der Hungerkünstler”), Franz Kafka tells the story of a man who becomes a professional hunger artist and makes a living by starving himself for a long time. In the film “The Hunger Games”, a young woman living in poverty and other lower-class people like her fight for life and death in a game played by the upper classes. The aim of the study is to compare the common theme we have identified in these two cult texts representing the epic genre written in two different European countries with the cinema film “The Hunger Games”, a different media (art) product that became famous in our country in a short time. In this way, the aim of the study is to reveal the similarities and/or differences in the theme of hunger in different arts/media of different times, different countries and different arts/media, and to reveal the basic phenomenon lying behind this, namely the criticism of the bourgeoisie capitalist order, the main common target where the arrows of criticism of the artists meet. (Extended English summary is at the end of this document)   Özet Bu çalışmada Knut Hamsun'un (1859-1952) “Sult” (1890) ve Franz Kafka'nın (1883-1924) “Der Hungerkünstler” (1922) adlı metinleri ve Gary Ross’un (1956-) yönettiği “The Hunger Games” (2012) adlı sinema filmi arasında tematolojik bir karşılaştırma yapılmıştır. Kuramsal açıdan komparatistiğin (karşılaştırmalı yazınbilim) kapsam alanına giren bu çalışmada, Norveç ve Avusturya yazınlarından iki seçkin yazarın iki kült metni ile ünlü bir sinema filmi, ortak bir tema ekseninde karşılaştırmalı olarak analiz edilmiştir. Nobel edebiyat ödüllü Norveçli yazar Knut Hamsun, Norveççe orijinal adı “Sult” olan ve Türkçeye “Açlık” diye çevrilen romanıyla dünya çapında bir ün kazanmıştır. Otobiyografik özellikler taşıyan roman, Knut Hamsun’un kendisi gibi bir yazar olup hem zihinsel hem de ruhsal açıdan büyük bir açlık çeken ana karakterin iç dünyasını keşfe çıkarken, toplumsal-kültürel değerlerin, bakış açılarının ve yaşam koşullarının değişimini de ele alır. Franz Kafka “Açlık Sanatçısı” (“Der Hungerkünstler”) adlı anlatısında, profesyonel bir açlık sanatçısı olup uzun zaman aç kalarak geçimini sağlayan bir adamın öyküsünü anlatır. “Açlık Oyunları” (“The Hunger Games”) filminde ise yoksulluk içerisinde yaşayan genç bir kadının ve onun gibi diğer alt sınıftan gelen insanların, üst sınıflar tarafından oynatılan oyundaki ölüm-kalım savaşını anlatır. Çalışmanın amacı; iki farklı Avrupa ülkesinde kaleme alınan epik türün temsilcisi bu iki kült metinde tespit ettiğimiz ortak temayı, ülkemizde de kısa sürede ünlenen farklı bir medya (sanat) ürünü olan “The Hunger Games” adlı sinema filmiyle karşılaştırmaktır. Bu şekilde çalışmada ulaşılmak istenen hedef; açlık temasının farklı zamanların, farklı ülkelerin, farklı sanatlarında/ medyalarında hangi açılardan benzerlik ve/ veya farklılıklar gösterdiğini ortaya koyarak, bunun arka planında yatan temel olguyu, yani sanatçıların eleştiri oklarının buluştuğu asıl ortak hedefi, burjuvazi kapitalist düzen eleştirisini açığa kavuşturmaktır.

The effect of fiber surface treatments on the tensile and water sorption properties of polypropylene-luffa fiber composites

The effects of coupling agents on the mechanical, morphological, and water sorption properties of luffa fiber (LF)/polypropylene(PP) composites were studied. In order to enhance the interfacial interactions between the PP matrix and the luffa fiber, three different types of coupling agents, (3-aminopropyl)-triethoxysilane (AS), 3-(trimethoxysilyl)-1-propanethiol (MS), and maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (MAPP) were used. The PP composites containing 2-15 wt% of LF were prepared in a torque rheometer. The tensile properties of the untreated and treated composites were determined as a function of filler loading. Tensile strength and Young's modulus increased with employment of the coupling agents accompanied by a decrease in water absorption with treatment due to the better adhesion between the fiber and the matrix. The maximum improvement in the mechanical properties was obtained for the MS treated LF composites. The interfacial interactions improved the filler compatibility, mechanical properties, and water resistance of composites. The improvement in the interfacial interaction was also confirmed by the Pukanszky model. Good agreement was obtained between experimental data and the model prediction. Morphological studies demonstrated that better adhesion between the fiber and the matrix was achieved especially for the MS and AS treated LF composites. Atomic force microscope (AFM) studies also showed that the surface roughness of LFs decreased with the employment of silane-coupling agents

Optimum Operating Conditions of (Pb x X 1−x )(Zr y Ti z Y 1−y−z ) Piezoelectric Transducer for Vibrational Energy Harvesting Applications

The electrical energy production capability of bimorph (Pb X 1− )(Zr Ti Y 1− − ) fiber composite piezoelectric transducer has been investigated for energy harvesting applications. The material has been analyzed under different frequencies, bending amounts, and temperatures. The operating conditions for maximum electrical energy outcome have been determined. The natural frequencies of oscillations in the macro dimensions have been found to be inversely proportional to the length of the material. On the other hand, the voltage output with respect to the oscillation frequency exhibits an interesting behavior such that the characteristic curve shifts to higher frequencies as the bending radius is decreased. This behavior has been interpreted as a result of possible overtone transitions of the oscillations to a stiffer mode. The increasing temperature has been observed to have a negative effect on the piezoelectric energy harvesting property. When the determined optimum conditions were utilized, the amount of electrical energy stored in 6300 s by an energy harvester circuitry has been found to be 0.8 J

A Rare Dermatologic Disease in Pregnancy: Rosacea Fulminans- Case Report and Review of the Literature

BACKGROUND: Rosacea is a common, chronic disorder that can present with a variety of cutaneous or ocular manifestations. Skin involvement primarily affects the central face, with findings such as persistent centrofacial redness, papules, pustules, flushing, telangiectasia, and phymatous skin changes. The pathways that lead to the development of rosacea are not well understood. The relationship of pyoderma faciale (also known as rosacea fulminans) to rosacea also is uncertain. We aimed to write this article with the aim of showing how a pregnant patient who has been aggravated by the degree of lesions on the face during the first trimester of pregnancy is treated and to show what is in the literature in this issue.CASE REPORT: A 22-year-old woman complained of painful erythema, papules and pustules on the face. She had fever and malaise during the sixth week of her first pregnancy and a history of the mild eruption and seborrhea before her pregnancy with flaring over the preceding 4 weeks. Dermatologic examination revealed red erythema of all involved facial areas; the lesions consisted of papules, pustules and nodules. The case was diagnosed as rosacea fulminans (pyoderma faciale) by these findings. In the literature, there are some effective therapeutic options such as retinoids, tetracyclines, antiandrogenic contraceptives, and dapsone and these were not used because they are contraindicated in pregnancy. Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid 1 gr/day, wet compresses, and a fusidic acid cream were started. After the activity of the disease had been suppressed for 10 days, antibiotic was stopped, and the other treatment options were applied topically for the next month. One month after cessation of treatment, the lesions had disappeared with only mild erythema remaining. There was minimally flushing on the face and no telangiectasia.CONCLUSION: In conclusion, there is no substantial evidence as to the mechanism by which pregnancy may trigger this conditioner whether the gender of the fetus influences the development of rosacea fulminans, but is generally accepted that hormonal changes in pregnancy play an important role. The pathogenesis of rosacea fulminans remains uncertain, but it is obvious that the further basic and clinical research is required to optimise the management of this rare facial dermatosis

Knowledge of Mothers with Children Aged 0-24 Months on Child Nutrition

Adequate and balanced nutrition plays an important role in the healthy growth and development of children. The main problem related to nutrition in children derives from the fact that mothers do not have enough knowledge on nutrition. Determining the nutritional knowledge of the mothers, identifying the deficiencies and mistakes and transferring the correct one instead of them is important for raising healthy generations. The aim of this study is to determine the knowledge of mothers with children between 0-24 months old about child nutrition and to evaluate them according to various variables. The descriptive study was conducted on mothers n:250 with children between 0-24 months old. Data were obtained via questionnaire form. The questionnaire included 20 knowledge statements on child nutrition. The data were analyzed using IBMSPSS 20.0 for statistical program. Ages of mother’s and children’s, mothers’ employment status and educational levels, birth order of children in the family and the mother's knowledge sources were used as variables to evaluate the maternal nutritional knowledge of the mothers. For the analysis, independent sample t-test and One-way Anova were used. The average knowledge scores of the mothers was 15.4±1.5; 75.0.% of the highest possible score of 20. When knowledge scores of the mothers were analyzed by variables, a significant difference was found between their scores according to age. This difference was due to the 26-30 age group 15.7±1.2 score,

Contraception counselling during gynecology visit — does a questionnaire help?

Objectives: Women are at risk of unplanned pregnancy and inappropriate choice of contraception if not given effectivecontraception counselling. We aimed to understand the contraceptive needs of women, improve effective contraceptioncounselling promoting modern contraception methods during gynecology outpatient visit using a contraception counsellingquestionnaire.Material and methods: All reproductive-age women over 18 were given Contraception Counselling Project Form to fill inwhile in the waiting room. The form consisted of 15 questions evaluating patients’ characteristics and contraceptive methodused. Physicians evaluated these forms during the examination and an appropriate method was chosen. Forms of pregnant,postmenopausal and sexually inactive patients as well as forms with more than one answer missing were excluded.Results: 778 questionnaires were accepted for evaluation. 340 women (43.8%) used modern contraception, 112 (14.4%)used interrupted coitus, 3 (0.4%) used calendar method. 738 women could be given adequate contraception counsellingby the physicians. 215 women among 323 women (66.5%) who did not use modern contraception and did not desirepregnancy, were convinced to use modern contraception and 103 (91.9%) among 112 women who used interruptedcoitus for contraception were convinced to use modern contraception. There was a significant relationship between age,education, working state, parity, number and type of delivery, previous OCP usage, resources of contraception and thepreferred contraception method.Conclusions: More than half the women preferred to use modern contraception methods by means of contraceptioncounselling questionnaire. Women’s backgrounds significantly affected their choice of contraception method

Demograpghic and Epidemiological Characteristics of Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis Patients in Pediatric Intensive Care Unit and Attitudes of Their Parents About Home Care

Introduction:Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a chronic, progressive, and degenerative infection of the central nervous system caused by measles virus. The first aim of this study was to assess the demographic and epidemiological characteristics of SSPE patients admitted to pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). The second aim was to determine the thoughts of their parents about home care.Methods:Patients with SSPE, who were admitted to our PICU between January 1, 2015 and June 30, 2015, were evaluated retrospectively.Results:Fourteen patients were admitted to the PICU for a total of 16 episodes. Ten (71%) patients were male and 4 (29%) were female. Male-to-female ratio was 2.5. The mean age of the patients was 16.25±1.14 years. Thirteen patients had received their first measles vaccine at the age of 9 months. Ten (71.4%) patients had measles infection at a later time after the vaccination and one (7.1%) patient had measles before vaccination. The mean age at the time of measles infection was 23.81±15.67 months. The mean age at the time of first symptoms was 8.64±3.33 years and the mean duration of latent period was 5.72±2.96 years. Thirteen (81.3%) patients were admitted to the PICU with pneumonia and respiratory failure, 1 (6.2%) was admitted with sepsis, and 2 (12.5%) patients were admitted with neurological problems. None of the parents accepted home care in the study period. Frequent power cuts (80%), poor housing and home conditions (70%), poverty (60%), worries of the parents about home care (60%), and household crowding (50%) were their reasons for not accepting home care.Conclusion:Patients with SSPE may require PICU admission and long PICU stays for respiratory failure and neurologic problems. Palliative care units may be an option when home care is not possible for these patients

Intensive Care Management of Critical and Severe SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Pregnancy: A Retrospective Observational Study

Objective: This study examined the clinical consequences of pregnancy coexisting with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 in the intensive care unit (ICU). Materials and Methods: The study was designed as a retrospective observational study. After the ethical approval of the local ethics committee, the study was conducted for a period when the number of young coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) cases increased in our country. The patients enrolled in the study were pregnant/puerperal patients followed up in our third-level ICU. Results: The mean age of 35 pregnant women included in the study was 29.57±4.36 years. Twenty-one of the births (80.8%) were preterm births. Twelve (34.3%) patients received invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV), and 5 (41.7%) of these patients were deceased. Twenty-six (74.3%) underwent a cesarean section (C/S). There were 5 (14.3%) patients who needed extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and 3 (8.5%) patients who needed continuous renal replacement therapy. The 28-day neonatal mortality rate for 26 births was 3.8%. The maternal mortality rate in the ICU was 14.3%. Conclusion: The preterm birth rate was high in our pregnant patients followed up in the ICU with a diagnosis of COVID-19. Because of clinical and radiological progression in pregnant women, it is difficult to indicate any gestational week in which maternal outcomes are better to undergo C/S. IMV mortality is not higher than in non-pregnant patients, so endotracheal intubation should not be avoided in appropriate patients, whether pregnancy continues or not. The absence of fully vaccinated patients in the study group revealed the protective effect of vaccination during pregnancy

Efficacy of subsequent treatments in patients with hormone-positive advanced breast cancer who had disease progression under CDK 4/6 inhibitor therapy

Background: There is no standard treatment recommended at category 1 level in international guidelines for subsequent therapy after cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitor (CDK4/6) based therapy. We aimed to evaluate which subsequent treatment oncologists prefer in patients with disease progression under CDKi. In addition, we aimed to show the effectiveness of systemic treatments after CDKi and whether there is a survival difference between hormonal treatments (monotherapy vs. mTOR-based). Methods: A total of 609 patients from 53 centers were included in the study. Progression-free-survivals (PFS) of subsequent treatments (chemotherapy (CT, n:434) or endocrine therapy (ET, n:175)) after CDKi were calculated. Patients were evaluated in three groups as those who received CDKi in first-line (group A, n:202), second-line (group B, n: 153) and ≥ 3rd-line (group C, n: 254). PFS was compared according to the use of ET and CT. In addition, ET was compared as monotherapy versus everolimus-based combination therapy. Results: The median duration of CDKi in the ET arms of Group A, B, and C was 17.0, 11.0, and 8.5 months in respectively; it was 9.0, 7.0, and 5.0 months in the CT arm. Median PFS after CDKi was 9.5 (5.0–14.0) months in the ET arm of group A, and 5.3 (3.9–6.8) months in the CT arm (p = 0.073). It was 6.7 (5.8–7.7) months in the ET arm of group B, and 5.7 (4.6–6.7) months in the CT arm (p = 0.311). It was 5.3 (2.5–8.0) months in the ET arm of group C and 4.0 (3.5–4.6) months in the CT arm (p = 0.434). Patients who received ET after CDKi were compared as those who received everolimus-based combination therapy versus those who received monotherapy ET: the median PFS in group A, B, and C was 11.0 vs. 5.9 (p = 0.047), 6.7 vs. 5.0 (p = 0.164), 6.7 vs. 3.9 (p = 0.763) months. Conclusion: Physicians preferred CT rather than ET in patients with early progression under CDKi. It has been shown that subsequent ET after CDKi can be as effective as CT. It was also observed that better PFS could be achieved with the subsequent everolimus-based treatments after first-line CDKi compared to monotherapy ET.Breast Cancer Consortiu