Ahi Evran University

Submitted by JANAILTON DO CARMO SOARES (janailton.soares@ufv.br) on 2018-10-16T17:57:38Z No. of bitstreams: 1 artigo.pdf: 820963 bytes, checksum: e1a8c1a9fb298abbfcec72ba9789cf71 (MD5)

Abstract Educational data mining has become an effective tool for exploring the hidden relationships in educational data and predicting students' academic achievements. This study proposes a new model based on machine learning algorithms to predict the final exam grades of undergraduate students, taking their midterm exam grades as the source data. The performances of the random forests, nearest neighbour, support vector machines, logistic regression, Naïve Bayes, and k-nearest neighbour algorithms, which are among the machine learning algorithms, were calculated and compared to predict the final exam grades of the students. The dataset consisted of the academic achievement grades of 1854 students who took the Turkish Language-I course in a state University in Turkey during the fall semester of 2019–2020. The results show that the proposed model achieved a classification accuracy of 70–75%. The predictions were made using only three types of parameters; midterm exam grades, Department data and Faculty data. Such data-driven studies are very important in terms of establishing a learning analysis framework in higher education and contributing to the decision-making processes. Finally, this study presents a contribution to the early prediction of students at high risk of failure and determines the most effective machine learning methods.

This paper provides an updated classification of the Kingdom Fungi (including fossil fungi) and fungus-like taxa. Five-hundred and twenty-three (535) notes are provided for newly introduced taxa and for changes that have been made since the previous outline. In the discussion, the latest taxonomic changes in Basidiomycota are provided and the classification of Mycosphaerellales are broadly discussed. Genera listed in Mycosphaerellaceae have been confirmed by DNA sequence analyses, while doubtful genera (DNA sequences being unavailable but traditionally accommodated in Mycosphaerellaceae) are listed in the discussion. Problematic genera in Glomeromycota are also discussed based on phylogenetic results.

This study aimed to systematically investigate the studies in which augmented reality (AR) was used to support Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematic (STEM) education. In this framework, the general status of AR in STEM education was presented and its advantages and challenges were identified. The study investigated 42 articles published in journals indexed in SSCI database and deemed suitable for the purposes of this research. The obtained data were analyzed by two researchers using content analysis method. It was found that the studies in this field have become more significant and intensive in recent years and that these studies were generally carried out at schools (class, laboratory etc.) using marker-based AR applications. It was concluded that mostly K-12 students were used as samples and quantitative methods were selected. The advantages of AR-STEM studies were summarized and examined in detail in 4 sub-categories such as “contribution to learner, educational outcomes, interaction and other advantages”. On the other hand, some challenges were identified such as teacher resistance and technical problems.

BACKGROUND: Preoperative anxiety is one of the most important problems for the patients, because it causes emotional and psychiatric problems as well as physical problems. It is crucial to detect the patient's existing anxiety to assist patients. Our primary aim in this study is to investigate how the patient's age, gender, the operation, surgical briefing, type of anesthesia recommended for the operation ahead, and patient's prior anesthesia experience affect the patient's anxieties. Our secondary aim is to reveal the causes of the patient's anxieties regarding anesthesia. METHODS: Our study was conducted as a prospective cohort study between May 2016-2017. Interviews with the patients were performed in the anesthesia clinic for preoperative examination. For the study, The Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety and Information Scale (APAIS) has been used. The answers were evaluated in two scales: the anxiety score and the desire for information score. Answers to the statements were evaluated with Likert Scale. In addition, our patients were asked whether they had received prior anesthesia, if so, the type of anesthesia, whether they received surgical briefing and anesthetic method we recommended. We also asked our patients about the cause of their anxiety regarding the anesthesia. RESULTS: A total of 637 patients were recruited to the study, after excluding the patients who do not meet the criteria for inclusion, and 499 patients were included. Between the age and desire for information sub-scores, a negative significant correlation was detected (r: - 0.241; p = 0.001). We found that the scores of graduates of university and higher were statistically significant than the primary school graduates (p = 0.003) and secondary school graduates (p = 0.034). Anxiety sub-scores of the patients who underwent general anesthesia were found to be significantly higher than the patients who underwent regional anesthesia (p = 0.029). Anxiety sub-scores of females were found to be significantly higher than the males (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: We think that being aware of the patients' anxiety and finding appropriate approaches for their anxieties can be valuable. APAIS is an effective method to measure patient anxiety and it might be beneficial to use during preoperative visits. Patient satisfaction and superior outcomes can be achieved in this way. Trial registration ISRCTN43960422. Registered 19/02/2018-Retrospectively registered. http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN43960422.

Why choose to become a teacher in Turkey? The authors examined motivations and perceptions among preservice teachers (N = 1577) encompassing early childhood, primary and secondary education. The Factors Influencing Teaching Choice (FIT-Choice) instrument was translated into Turkish and its construct validity and reliability assessed. Altruistic ‘social utility values’ were the most influential, followed by the desire for a secure job. Intrinsic value and perceived teaching abilities came next, contrasting with higher ratings in Western studies, alongside prior positive teaching and learning experiences. Family flexibility, job transferability and social influences were moderate, and the negative ‘fallback career’ motivation lowest, although not far below the scale midpoint. Science-related teacher candidates scored more highly on fallback career, had chosen a teaching career the most recently, and were lower on almost all other teaching motivations, demonstrating a less positive motivational profile. Findings are interpreted in light of the economic development and role of the teaching profession in Turkey. Less adaptive motivations belonging to preservice teachers in scientific fields highlight potential risks and recruitment strategies to optimise teacher quality in those priority fields which further research could fruitfully examine.

We consider generalized Morrey spaces ℳp,ω(ℝn) with a general function ω(x,r) defining the Morrey-type norm. We find the conditions on the pair (ω1,ω2) which ensures the boundedness of the maximal operator and Calderón-Zygmund singular integral operators from one generalized Morrey space ℳp,ω1(ℝn) to another ℳp,ω2(ℝn), 1<p<∞, and from the space ℳ1,ω1(ℝn) to the weak space Wℳ1,ω2(ℝn). We also prove a Sobolev-Adams type ℳp,ω1(ℝn)→ℳq,ω2(ℝn)-theorem for the potential operators Iα. In all the cases the conditions for the boundedness are given it terms of Zygmund-type integral inequalities on (ω1,ω2), which do not assume any assumption on monotonicity of ω1,ω2 in r. As applications, we establish the boundedness of some Schrödinger type operators on generalized Morrey spaces related to certain nonnegative potentials belonging to the reverse Hölder class. As an another application, we prove the boundedness of various operators on generalized Morrey spaces which are estimated by Riesz potentials.

Abstract In this paper, our aim is to generalize the truncated M-fractional derivative which was recently introduced [Sousa and de Oliveira, A new truncated M-fractional derivative type unifying some fractional derivative types with classical properties, Inter. of Jour. Analy. and Appl., 16 (1), 83–96, 2018]. To do that, we used generalized M-series, which has a more general form than Mittag-Leffler and hypergeometric functions. We called this generalization as truncated ℳ-series fractional derivative. This new derivative generalizes several fractional derivatives and satisfies important properties of the integer-order derivatives. Finally, we obtain the analytical solutions of some ℳ-series fractional differential equations.

Hydrogen storage is one of the attractive research interests in recent years due to the advantages of hydrogen to be used as energy source. The studies on hydrogen storage applications focus mainly on investigation of hydrogen storage capabilities of newly introduced compounds. The present paper aims at characterization of CaXH3 (X: Mn, Fe, or Co) perovskite-type hydrides for the first time to understand their potential contribution to the hydrogen storage applications. CaXH3 compounds have been investigated by density functional theory studies to reveal their various characteristics and hydrogen storage properties. CaXH3 compounds have been optimized in cubic crystal structure and the lattice constants of studied compounds have been obtained as 3.60, 3.50, and 3.48 Å for X: Mn, Fe, and Co compounds, respectively. The optimized structures have negative formation enthalpies pointing out that studied compounds are thermodynamically stable and could be synthesized experimentally. The gravimetric hydrogen storage densities of X: Mn, Fe, and Co compounds were found in as 3.09, 3.06, and 2.97 wt%, respectively. The revealed values for hydrogen storage densities indicate that CaXH3 compounds may be potential candidates for hydrogen storage applications. Moreover, various mechanical parameters of interest compounds like elastic constants, bulk modulus, and Poisson's ratio have been reported throughout the study. These compounds were found mechanically stable with satisfying Born stability criteria. Further analyses based on Cauchy pressure and Pugh criterion, showed that they have brittleness nature and relatively hard materials. In addition, the electronic characteristics, band structures, and associated partial density of states of CaXH3 hydrides have been revealed. The dynamic stability behavior of them was verified based on the phonon dispersion curves.

The outcome of patents on environmental (POET) technologies on the EF in the USA has not been comprehensively explored. Therefore, to close this breach in the literature, the present study discovers how patents on ecological technologies affect ecological footprint (EF) in the USA while regulatory for GDP and EC using the Fourier-based approaches. The conclusions of the present study reveal that POET are an important predictor of EF in the USA and cause a reduction in ecological deprivation in the long run; as expected, economic growth negatively affects environmental sustainability. The outcomes suggest that it is possible to resolve conflicts between the economy and the environment by using technological innovation. The USA government must reconsider its policy focus, particularly on coal energy sourcing and industrial energy, while continuing with heavy investments in its ambitious renewable energy technology development plan. Moreover, the government should continue to promote investments in environmental technologies.

Augmented reality is defined as a technology in which real world and virtual objects are combined with a simultaneous interaction. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of augmented reality use on students' achievement, misconception and course engagement. A (matched) quasi-experimental research design with both pretest and posttest control groups was used in the study. The sample of the study consisted of 118 seventh grade students receiving education in six different classes. The students in the experimental group took their lessons with an augmented reality learning material, while the students in the control group continued using their traditional course materials. An achievement test, a misconception test and the student course engagement questionnaire were used as data collection tools. As a result of a 7-week implementation, this study found that augmented reality technology increased the achievement level of students and eliminated their misconceptions. However, the study also found that augmented reality technology did not affect the course engagement of students.

Ubiquitous and ever increasing use of mobile phones led to the growing concern about the effects of radiofrequency radiation (RFR) emitted by cell phones on biological systems. The aim of this study is to explore whether long-term RFR exposure at different frequencies affects DNA damage and oxidant-antioxidant parameters in the blood and brain tissue of rats. 28 male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into four equal groups (n = 7). They were identified as Group 1: sham-control, Group 2: 900 MHz, Group 3: 1800 MHz, and Group 4: 2100 MHz. Experimental groups of rats were exposed to RFR 2 h/day for 6 months. The sham-control group of rats was subjected to the same experimental condition but generator was turned off. Specific absorption rates (SARs) at brain with 1 g average were calculated as 0.0845 W/kg, 0.04563 W/kg, and 0.03957, at 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, and 2100 MHz, respectively. Additionally, malondialdehyde (MDA), 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), total antioxidant status (TAS), and total oxidant status (TOS) analyses were conducted in the brain tissue samples. Results of the study showed that DNA damage and oxidative stress indicators were found higher in the RFR exposure groups than in the sham-control group. In conclusion, 900-, 1800-, and 2100-MHz RFR emitted from mobile phones may cause oxidative damage, induce increase in lipid peroxidation, and increase oxidative DNA damage formation in the frontal lobe of the rat brain tissues. Furthermore, 2100-MHz RFR may cause formation of DNA single-strand breaks.

This study aimed to investigate the problems faced by pre-service teachers in the distance education process, which has been implemented during the Covid-19 pandemic. The study was carried out as a case study of qualitative research methods. The study group comprised pre-service teachers receiving education in the faculty of education in a state university in Turkey during the spring term of the 2019-2020 academic year. In order to collect data, the researcher created an interview form. Then the form was applied to the pre-service teachers on a volunteer basis and online. The content analysis method was used in the data analysis. The data were coded by two researchers. Miles and Huberman’s (1994) formula was used for a consensus between the coders. At the end of the study the problems experienced by the pre-service teachers were collected under the themes of implementation, student, impossibility, technical and instructor. The pre-service teachers stated that they mainly faced problems such as the lack of time spared for live courses regarding “implementation”; failure of establishing communication with friends regarding “student”; absence of internet regarding “impossibility”, sound problems regarding “technical” and lack of communication regarding “instructor”. Determining the problems is a step to their solutions in learning and teaching environment

Radio frequency (RF) fingerprinting is considered as one of the promising techniques to enhance wireless security in the Internet of Things (IoT) applications. In this paper, a low-complexity RF fingerprinting method for classification of wireless IoT devices is proposed. The method is based on the energy spectrum of the transmitter turn-on transient signals from which unique characteristics of wireless devices are extracted. The number of spectral components to be used is determined through a proposed approach based on the estimated transient duration value. Transient duration estimation is achieved from the smoothed versions of the instantaneous amplitude characteristics of transmitter signals, which are obtained through a sliding windowaveraging method. Classification performance of the proposed spectral fingerprints is assessed using experimental data and described by a confusion matrix. The discrimination effectiveness of the spectral fingerprints is quantified by a class separability criterion and evaluated for different noise levels through Monte Carlo simulations. It is demonstrated that the proposed fingerprints outperform the classification performance of two existing fingerprints especially at low signal-to-noise ratio. Additionally, computational complexity analysis of the classifier using the proposed fingerprints is provided.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of two different types of exercise methods in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. METHODS: In total, 28 subjects with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis with a mild curve magnitude (10°-26°) were randomly divided into two groups: the Schroth group (n = 14) and the core group (n = 14). The patients in the Schroth group were treated with supervised Schroth exercises, and the patients in the core group were treated with supervised core stabilization exercises; both groups performed the exercises for three days per week for a total of 10 weeks, and both were given additional traditional exercises to perform. Assessment included Cobb angle (Radiography), trunk rotation (Adam's test), cosmetic trunk deformity (Walter Reed Visual Assessment Scale), spinal mobility (Spinal Mouse), peripheral muscle strength (Biodex System 4-Pro), and quality of life (Scoliosis Research Society-22 questionnaire). RESULTS: It was found that patients in the Schroth group showed greater improvement in Cobb angles, thoracic trunk rotation angle, cosmetic trunk deformity, spinal mobility, and quality of life than those in the core group (p<0.05), except for in lumbar trunk rotation angle. Peripheral muscle strength improvement was greater in the core group than in the Schroth group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Schroth exercises are more effective than core stabilization exercises in the correction of scoliosis and related problems in mild adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, and core stabilization exercises are more effective than Schroth exercises in the improvement of peripheral muscle strength. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT04421157.

Nitrile groups in the polymer of intrinsic microporosity PIM-1 were modified by base-catalysed hydrolysis, by reaction with ethanolamine and diethanolamine, and by reduction to amine, and the products investigated for their ability to take up a range of dyes from aqueous or ethanolic solution. Hydrolysed products exhibited selectivity for cationic over anionic species, while other products showed the reverse selectivity. At low pH, amine-PIM-1 adsorbed more than its own weight of the anionic dyes Orange II and Acid Red I from aqueous solution. It was demonstrated that adsorbed Orange II can be removed with basic ethanol. Mixtures of oppositely charged dyes undergo precipitation, but selective adsorption of one dye leads to dissolution of the other from the precipitate. Thermal treatment of the chemically modified polymers at 300°C for 48h in an inert atmosphere led to structural changes that reduced the dye adsorption capacity. On the basis of a combination of thermogravimetric and elemental analysis with ATR-IR and NMR spectroscopy, feasible structures are suggested for the thermally-treated polymers.

Abstract Teaching socioscientific issues (SSI) necessitates dialogic discourse activities. However, a majority of science teachers prefer monologic discourse in SSI contexts. In addition, some of these teachers are resistant to change (from monologic to dialogic discourse) despite certain professional development attempts. The purpose of the present single‐case study was to investigate the nature of this resistance in a preservice science teacher (PST) (Duygu). We longitudinally followed preservice teachers through 1 year of their continuum of professional development (CPD). We administered a questionnaire including vignettes representing two types of discourse (monologic and dialogic) in SSI teaching; the participants selected one of the vignettes at four different points in their CPD: before an argumentation‐based workshop ( N = 122), after the workshop ( N = 6), after a SSI‐based teaching practicum ( N = 5), and during the induction year ( N = 1). The interviews (semi‐structured and stimulated recall) and classroom observations supported these data. We concluded that the argumentation‐based workshop decreased Duygu's resistance to dialogic discourse by producing pseudo‐changes, emergencies, and no changes in her beliefs. However, negative experiences during the teaching practicum enhanced resistance and resulted in a reversal of previous positive beliefs. Similarly, negative induction experiences contributed to her resistance by elaborating previous negative beliefs. In addition, we argue that resistance to change is a complex process exceeding the boundaries of units (e.g., discourse), subjects (e.g., SSI), and subject‐matter education (e.g., science education). The cognitive mechanisms (epistemic heuristic, evidence‐based justification, and prioritization), belief development processes (pseudo‐change, reversal, etc.), and a range of barriers (limited educational opportunities, naïve epistemologies, an argumentation‐avoider personality, etc.) produce a complex ecosystem. We believe that any effort that would be conducted to change science teachers’ teaching orientations from monologic to more dialogic versions and that does not consider this ecosystem will not thrive. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 54:764–789, 2017

This study aimed to test the impact of augmented reality (AR) use on student achievement and self-efficacy in vocational education and training. For this purpose, a marker-based AR application, called HardwareAR, was developed. HardwareAR provides information about characteristics of hardware components, ports and assembly. The research design was quasi experimental with pre-test post-test that included a control group. The study was conducted with 46 undergraduate students in the Computer Hardware Course. Computer hardware course achievement test, motherboard assembly self-efficacy questionnaire and unstructured observation form were used in the study for data collection purposes. The control group learned the theoretical and applied information about motherboard assembly by using their textbooks (print material) while students in the experimental group used HardwareAR application for the same purpose. It was found that the use of AR had a positive impact on student achievement in motherboard assembly whereas it had no impact on students’ self-efficacy related to theoretical knowledge and assembly skills. On the other hand use of AR helped learners to complete the assembly process in a shorter time with less support. It is concluded that compared to control group students, experimental group students were more successful in computer hardware courses. This result shows that AR application can be effective in increasing achievement. It was concluded that AR application had no effect on students’ motherboard assembly theoretical knowledge self-efficacy and motherboard assembly skills self-efficacy. This result may have been affected from the fact that students had high levels of theoretical knowledge and assembly skills before the implementation. Observations showed that AR application enabled students to assemble motherboard in a shorter time with less support. It is thought that simultaneous interaction between virtual objects and real world provided by the AR application is effective in reducing assembly time. The students who were able to see the process steps and instructions directly with the help of HardwareAR application could complete the assembly by getting less help. Considering these results, it can be argued that, thanks to simultaneous interaction it provides, AR offers an important alternative for topics that need learner application and practice.

The revolutionary CRISPR/Cas9 genome-editing technology has emerged as a powerful tool for plant improvement, offering unprecedented precision and efficiency in making targeted gene modifications. This powerful and practical approach to genome editing offers tremendous opportunities for crop improvement, surpassing the capabilities of conventional breeding techniques. This article provides an overview of recent advancements and challenges associated with the application of CRISPR/Cas9 in plant improvement. The potential of CRISPR/Cas9 in terms of developing crops with enhanced resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses is highlighted, with examples of genes edited to confer disease resistance, drought tolerance, salt tolerance, and cold tolerance. Here, we also discuss the importance of off-target effects and the efforts made to mitigate them, including the use of shorter single-guide RNAs and dual Cas9 nickases. Furthermore, alternative delivery methods, such as protein- and RNA-based approaches, are explored, and they could potentially avoid the integration of foreign DNA into the plant genome, thus alleviating concerns related to genetically modified organisms (GMOs). We emphasize the significance of CRISPR/Cas9 in accelerating crop breeding processes, reducing editing time and costs, and enabling the introduction of desired traits at the nucleotide level. As the field of genome editing continues to evolve, it is anticipated that CRISPR/Cas9 will remain a prominent tool for crop improvement, disease resistance, and adaptation to challenging environmental conditions.

The malaria parasite-infected erythrocyte is a multi-compartment structure, incorporating numerous different membrane systems. The movement of nutrients, metabolites and inorganic ions into and out of the intraerythrocytic parasite, as well as between subcellular compartments within the parasite, is mediated by transporters and channels - integral membrane proteins that facilitate the movement of solutes across the membrane bilayer. Proteins of this type also play a key role in antimalarial drug resistance. Genes encoding transporters and channels account for at least 2.5% of the parasite genome. However, ascribing functions and physiological roles to these proteins, and defining their roles in drug resistance, is not straightforward. For any given membrane transport protein, a full understanding of its role(s) in the parasitized erythrocyte requires a knowledge of its subcellular localization and substrate specificity, as well as some knowledge of the effects on the parasite of modifying the sequence and/or level of expression of the gene involved. Here we consider recent work in this area, describe a number of newly identified transport proteins, and summarize the likely subcellular localization and putative substrate specificity of all of the candidate membrane transport proteins identified to date.