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This study aimed to investigate Turkish pre-service teachers' awareness about electromagnetic radiation risks, which stem from diagnostic imaging at the hospitals and cell phone use in daily life. The study was based on survey research. A total of 138 education faculty students from the fields of Science Teaching [ST], Classroom Teaching [CT], and English Language Teaching [ELT] participated in the study. Data were collected with the help of a questionnaire involving five cases. Both qualitative and quantitative approaches were utilized in data analysis. The results showed that most of the participants agreed on the hazardousness of the cases. However, their risk awareness varied from case to case. Most ST and CT students were determined to possess acceptable responses in addition to partially acceptable responses. On the other hand, ELT students were determined to favor unacceptable responses. Besides, the participants held several misconceptions. To conclude, the participants' awareness levels were found to be significantly related to their educational field for all cases except the first case. Addressing such popular subjects in the elective courses for all undergraduate students during university education is expected to provide beneficial results.

The aim of this study is to develop a scale that will determine whether there is a significant difference in the cognitive, affective and behavioral attitudes of healthcare staff towards radiation and its effects on the variables of the profession, gender, service year, institution and department they work. Using the radiation-emitting devices consciously by healthcare staff will fairly reduce unnecessary radiation for patients. In this context, creating a positive attitude among the healthcare staff about radiation will positively affect public health. In this study, a Likert-type scale consisting of 18 items was developed to measure the attitude of healthcare staff towards radiation. The scale prepared in line with the purpose of the study was shared on-line on the web page of the All Radiology Technicians and Technicians Association and scale data were collected from 115 volunteer participants working as healthcare staff. The validity, reliability, and factor analyses of the scale of the collected data were analyzed with the statistical program. The developed scale had four factors and the 1st factor was determined as "The Radiation Knowledge of the Practitioner"; the 2nd factor as "Radiation Sensitivity of the Practitioner"; the 3rd as "Practitioner's Sensitivity to the Patient" and the 4th as "Practitioner's Informing the Patient". It is observed that the four-factored structure of the scale explained 64.5% of the total variance and the Cronbach's Alpha coefficient applied for the reliability of the whole scale was found as 0.914.

Radiation has become an important issue due to an increase in human-made radiation sources and a rapid improvement in technology. The aim of this study is to elicit the Turkish physics teachers' views of the 'radiation' subject in the current textbooks. To collect data, semi-structured interviews were conducted with twelve teachers working in different high schools. The data were presented using tables with quotations. The findings showed that the teachers were mostly familiar with the 'radiation' subject in the textbooks. They stated that the curriculum insufficiently involved the 'radiation' subject. Further, they addressed that the textbooks minimally referred to the subject since the university entrance examination does not cover the radiation-related questions. Teachers also depicted that they had limited subject matter knowledge of radiation and found it difficult for teaching their students. Moreover, they thought that integrating more radiation subjects into the current textbooks would be beneficial for them and their students. The current study suggests that the scope of the 'radiation' subject in the textbooks should be extended. Furthermore, a new physics curriculum ought to be interactively developed by the help of the teachers.

The purpose of this study is to determine the metaphors that the candidate teachers develop about the nuclear power plants in a socio-scientific issues-based environmental education class and the justification of these metaphors. The study was constructed on the basis of a qualitative research model and phenomenological (phenomenology) pattern was used. The study was conducted during an academic semester in the environmental education course. The researcher presented to the classroom teacher candidates the positive and negative effects of the socio-scientific situations on environment, human development, economy, and health. It was ensured that teacher candidates were able to relate these issues to the subjects of environmental education course, assess the difficulties and discuss them with large group studies. A study for building the metaphors was conducted in the activity carried out for nuclear power plants as the last activity of the implementation process. The research was conducted with 197 classroom teacher candidates and the data were collected through a metaphor questionnaire prepared in a semi-structured form and the content analysis method was used in data analysis.

When the fact that information changes and increases very quickly today is taken into account, individuals' ability to adapt to this change shows parallelism with the education they will receive. This study aims to determine the effect of a planned technical trip made to the Nuclear Research Reactor located in Istanbul Technical University Energy Institute campus on science teacher candidates' attitudes and opinions. The research, quantitative data of which were collected by the "Nuclear Power Plants Attitude Scale" developed by Özdemir and Çobanoglu (2008) and qualitative data of which were collected by a semi-structured interview form developed by the researchers, was designed as a mix-method research in which both methods are used together. In the study, a planned technical trip to a nuclear reactor was organized along with 17 teacher candidates studying in the 4th year (or senior year) of Science Teaching at Abant Izzet Baysal University. As a result of the research, a significant change was determined in teacher candidates' attitudes concerning nuclear power plants. In addition, 9 semi-structured interview questions were applied to the teacher candidates before and after the trip. As a result of the content analysis performed, 22 codes in total were identified under 4 theme titles, and a positive increase in terms of quality was determined in teacher candidates' opinions after the trip. Based on these findings, it can be said that candidate teachers' opinions on nuclear power plants to be established in our country changed for the establishment of nuclear power plants in our country by the effect of the technical trip made.

The purpose of this study is to investigate prospective physics teachers' knowledge of and attitude towards radiation and radioactivity. Participants of this study are 56 prospective physics teachers. A questionnaire related with the knowledge about radiation and radiation fear was conducted. The results of this study showed that most of the prospective physics teachers did not have enough knowledge about the ionising radiation and they lacked differentiation between contamination and irradiation. Moreover, majority of them were not aware of the degree of radiation exposure during their daily life experiences. Most of them could not give logical reasoning for their positive or negative attitudes towards radiation. In addition, it was found that the prospective physics teachers who know more about radiation and radioactivity have more positive attitude towards radiation and give more reasonable answers about it. Based on the above facts, the authors recommend that new teaching and information processes are needed to provide more beneficial learning environments about radiation and radioactivity.

This study is a detailed look at the level of understanding of fundamental ideas about blackbody radiation (BBR) among physics teachers. The aim is to explore associations and ideas that teachers have regarding blackbody radiation: a concept used routinely in physics and chemistry, which is necessary to understand fundamentals of quantum physics. In this explorative study, the responses of 106 high school physics teachers from 18 different cities in Turkey were examined using an online questionnaire during the 2014/2015 academic year. Male (88%) and female (12%) teachers with an average teaching experience of 17 years participated in this study. Teachers were asked about the concept of a "blackbody" and its radiation as well as about the closely related topics such as Wien's law and the historic effect of understanding BBR on the development of modern physics. In this study, teachers' spontaneous ideas about the BBR are depicted by "answer sculptures." The answer sculpture is a new way of representing and categorizing responses provided by the participants. The analysis of answer sculptures revealed that the physics teachers' factual knowledge and their conceptual understanding of the BBR are incomplete and even misleading. Here is what teachers we surveyed make of BBR as presented in our answer sculptures. This study is left at investigating teachers' understandings of (1) blackbody radiation and (2) the significance of this scientific breakthrough.

This study investigated the basic knowledge levels of teacher candidates from different branches regarding the subjects of radiation and radioactivity. 42 variables were determined in relation to the specified titles. In the preparation stage of determining the variables, all the related programs were examined, and attention was paid to include the subject matters the students study in the related lessons and those from daily life. A questionnaire form including 20 close-ended questions belonging to the five specified variables was prepared and gathered under the following five factors. Definitions, kinds and sources of radiation and radioactivity, basic concepts concerning radiation and radioactivity, interaction of radiation with substance, effects of radiation on living things and usage areas of radiation. According to the analysis, a significant difference between the teacher candidates of the elementary education division and other two groups was observed. (Contains 7 tables.)

This study represents the first attempt to elucidate and detail the types of misconceptions high school students hold relating to basic concepts and topics of nuclear chemistry. A diagnostic multiple-choice test was administered to 157 tenth-grade students (15-16 years old) and the data were analyzed. The results show that high school students hold a series of misconceptions both about nuclear chemistry topics related to nuclear stability, half-life, binding energy, practical applications of nuclear chemistry, radioactive decay rate, and about basic chemistry concepts that are essential prerequisites for learning nuclear chemistry. One of the obstacles to effective learning in nuclear chemistry is that concepts and topics related to it are quite abstract. The fact that students fail to link between macroscopic and microscopic levels of representing matter causes them to use the concepts atom, element, and matter interchangeably. Furthermore, these results identify that the students have neither comprehended the concept of isotope atom nor understood exactly the fact that elements can contain different naturally occurring isotopes. In addition, students demonstrated confusion about the difference between nuclear and chemical reactions. We offer some suggestions for a more effective teaching approach to ensure better learning of nuclear chemistry. One of the implications for teaching is that initially high school chemistry teachers should ensure that students have pre-existing knowledge before starting to teach them the topics related to nuclear chemistry. Teachers also need to emphasize the distinction between chemical and nuclear reactions by using examples. They should provide students with awareness of both the useful applications of nuclear chemistry in daily life and the harmful effects of radioactivity, which are always on the agenda but not given sufficient attention as they are usually placed in the last chapters of chemistry textbooks. (Contains 1 table and 2 textboxes.

The strategy for controlling the existence of radionuclides in drinking water depends upon an individual dose criterion (IDC) of 0.1 mSv/y, which represents a very low level of risk that is not expected to cause any identified adverse health effects. Radon gas, considered a carcinogenic radionuclide, can dissolve and accumulate in drinking water. Non-alcoholic carbonated beverages (NACBs), which mainly contain drinking water, phosphoric acid, citric acid, caffeine, and sugar, represent one of the most consumed groups worldwide and in Türkiye. In this study, the radon activity concentration and some physicochemical characteristics of 45 NACB samples from 24 most preferred commercial brands in Türkiye were determined to assess the radiological health risk associated with the ingestion of these samples. Radon activity concentrations measured in NACB samples using the AlphaGUARD radon analyzer ranged from 22.8 ± 0.7 to 54.9 ± 1.7 mBq/L. The pH, conductivity, total dissolved solids, and brix values in NACB samples ranged from 2.31 to 7.29, 401 to 3281 μSv/cm, 355 to 2453 mg/L, and 0.10 to 12.95%, respectively. Total (ingestion and inhalation) annual effective doses and the corresponding excess lifetime cancer risks estimated for adults to assess the radiological health risk are significantly below the IDC and advised safety limit (10−3), respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a result of firing pulverized coal in thermal power plants, enormous amounts of fly ash (FA) are produced as industrial waste. The release into the atmosphere and storage of this industrial waste remains one of the major environmental problems that threaten human health by contributing to air, water, and soil pollution. The recovery and reuse of FA in the construction industry is the only economic solution to the existing problem. In this study, the potential radiological risk caused by the usage of FA in concrete and cement production as a main component and its storage in landfill sites was evaluated for people and works by estimating radiological parameters (activity concentration and alpha index, annual effective doses, and the corresponding excess lifetime cancer risks) based on activity concentrations of terrestrial radionuclides in FA. Also, the radiological risk to the workers working in the FA landfill site was evaluated using the Residual Radioactivity Onsite 7.2 code. The average activity concentrations of terrestrial radionuclides in FA samples from the Tunçbilek lignite coal-fired thermal power plant at Kütahya province of Turkey were measured as 417, 156 and 454 Bq kg−1 for 226Ra, 232Th and 40K, respectively. When using up to 35% by mass of FA in cement and concrete, the average values of the radiological parameters revealed that they were within the recommended safety limits. However, code estimations showed that a regular worker in FA storage would be exposed to a total effective dose rate greater than 3 mSv y−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The solar photovoltaic (PV) plants in Türkiye have been advancing at a remarkable rate in the last decades because of the region's high solar energy potential. However, it is understood from the literature review that there are still limited research works on the optimization of the tilt angles of PV surfaces to maximize the solar radiation of the PV energy systems in this region. Therefore, this study focuses on a quantitative analysis of the optimal tilt angles of south-oriented PV surfaces and the amount of solar radiation collected by optimally tilted and tracked PV surfaces for all provinces by using the National Aeronautics and Space Administration-Surface meteorology and Solar Energy (NASA-SSE) horizontal radiation data for the provinces in Türkiye. Also, a numerical method is proposed to estimate the average daily solar radiation values falling on optimally tilted and tracked PV surfaces in 81 provinces and 7 geographical regions of Türkiye in this paper. An optimal tilt angles map has been created for all provinces where solar plants could be established. Solar data calculations have been carried out for all provinces, and the results are presented for the average total radiation amounts and percentage contributions that can be obtained in the case of installing fixed systems and tracking systems. It is found that the tilt angles of all provinces and regions are below the latitude values of Türkiye (36°′N–42°′N). Annual fixed optimal tilt angle values for south-facing PV surfaces are found between 28° and 36° throughout the year. It is observed that the daily average total radiation values falling on PV surfaces are considerably affected by the geographical and climatic characteristics even between the provinces with close latitude values in Türkiye. The results indicate that the tracking systems provide remarkable solar energy gains compared to the annual fixed systems. The proposed methodology can be used in the case of the implementation of a large-scale PV plant in any location in Türkiye, and this knowledge can be extended to the world thanks to low computational cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to create a radiological map of Kırşehir province in Turkey by analyzing the radioactivity levels of soil samples and environmental radiation measurements. 226Ra, 232Th, 40K and 137Cs radionuclides were analysed in soil samples collected from 47 locations using gamma spectrometry with an HPGe detector. According to the results obtained, gamma radioactivity concentration ranges and mean values for 226Ra, 232Th, 40K and 137Cs were determined as 133 ± 15–1515 ± 128 Bq/kg (599.40 Bq/kg), 0.3 ± 0.09–21.1 ± 1.7 Bq/kg (4.61 Bq/kg), 8.7 ± 0.9–128.5 ± 8.5 Bq/kg (29.66 Bq/kg) and 11.6 ± 8.6–273.8 ± 19.9 Bq/kg (48.80 Bq/kg) respectively. Average radioactivity levels for 40K and 232Th are above the world average. The mean radium equivalent activity (Raeq), gamma dose rate (D), annual effective dose equivalent (AEDE), external hazard index (Hex), and the excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) were calculated as 145.45 Bq/kg, 122.13 nGy/h, 0.15 mSv/h, 0.39 and 0.29 × 10−3 respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fossil apes from the eastern Mediterranean are central to the debate on African ape and human (hominine) origins. Current research places them either as hominines, as hominins (humans and our fossil relatives) or as stem hominids, no more closely related to hominines than to pongines (orangutans and their fossil relatives). Here we show, based on our analysis of a newly identified genus, Anadoluvius, from the 8.7 Ma site of Çorakyerler in central Anatolia, that Mediterranean fossil apes are diverse, and are part of the first known radiation of early members of the hominines. The members of this radiation are currently only identified in Europe and Anatolia; generally accepted hominins are only found in Africa from the late Miocene until the Pleistocene. Hominines may have originated in Eurasia during the late Miocene, or they may have dispersed into Eurasia from an unknown African ancestor. The diversity of hominines in Eurasia suggests an in situ origin but does not exclude a dispersal hypothesis. An 8.7 million year old ape from Türkiye shows that Mediterranean fossil apes are diverse and part of the first known radiation of hominines (African apes and humans). Our phylogenetic analysis suggests that hominines originate in Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar energy has gained increasing importance in today's world and become a viable primary energy source in the recent decade. Solar radiation obtained by the solar surface is highly affected by its orientation, azimuth, and tilt angles. Therefore, in this study, the performances of the fixed-axis system, one-axis, and two-axis solar tracking systems are investigated to enable maximal solar radiation in solar systems to be installed in Antalya by using climatic and latitude data provided by NASA. Furthermore, the optimal tilt angles are determined by examining the values of angles for which the total solar radiation falling on the tilted surface is maximal. The case study and measurement data investigations are conducted for the four districts of Antalya. The obtained radiation values throughout the year for one-axis and two-axis solar tracking systems are compared to an annual fixed system for evaluating the existing solar potential in Antalya province. Besides all these, solar system cost analyses including the average payback period for residential, commercial, and large-scale solar systems based on LCOE are investigated. The proposed methodology can be implemented for performance and cost analysis of the solar potential in a certain location of Türkiye and extended to any place in the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the aim of assessing potential public impact, investigations on drinking water samples in Batman, located in the southeastern part of Turkey, were conductud by measuring radon concentrations. Radon concentrations were found to diverge in the range between 0.19 and 0.93 Bq.L−1 with an average value of 0.48 Bq.L−1 and a standart deviation of 0.16 Bq.L−1. The associated ingestion and inhalation annual effective doses were estimated to assess the health risk for different age-wise. The findings indicate that the attained values are below limits of WHO. The spatial distribution of radon was investigated in waters from the undisturbed areas and the interpolated radiological maps were created. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental risks in wetlands are considered with radionuclides and trace elements to understand pollution accumulation. In this study, we aimed to determine the levels of radiation and heavy metals in water systems and assess pollution configurations. Radionuclides ( 222 Rn, 210 Pb and 210 Po) and trace elements (Ag, As, Ba, Be, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Li, Mo, Ni, Pb, V and Zn) were measured to evaluate anthropogenic factors. Water pollution in wetlands was indicated by mean concentrations of 66.2 mBq/L for 222 Rn, 3 mBq/L for 210 Pb, 42 mBq/L for 210 Po, 41 ppb for Zn, 37 ppb for Ba, 190 ppb for Fe and 481 ppb for Sr. These pollutants may be related to industrial facilities in Kırklareli city, Türkiye., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.)

Copyright of Journal of Advanced Research in Health Sciences (JARHS) / Sağlık Bilimlerinde İleri Araştırmalar Dergisi (SABİAD) is the property of Journal of Advanced Research in Health Sciences (JARHS) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Fault-weakening process governs the earthquake rupture dynamics and energy partitioning and is of great importance for understanding earthquake physics and seismic hazards. The 2023 Mw 7.8 Türkiye-Syria earthquake was well recorded by dense strong motion stations near ruptured faults, providing a rare opportunity to explore parameters controlling the fault-weakening behavior. This work investigates the Dc″ value as a proxy of the slip-weakening distance, defined as double the fault-parallel displacement at the time of peak ground velocity. The Dc″ values are directly estimated from observations of near-fault stations whose final displacements are carefully corrected from original acceleration recordings and validated by coseismic horizontal displacements from geodetic techniques. Our results show that estimated Dc″ values ranging from 0.9 m to 2.4 m are spatially variable and generally follow the scaling relationship of Dc″ versus the final slip, consistent with previous observations. We also analyze the earthquake energy budget based on a well-constrained finite-fault model. The results reveal that the radiation efficiency of the event is relatively low and may not favor the sustained generation of supershear rupture. These results provide important insights into heterogeneous frictional properties on natural faults and implications for seismic hazard assessment. • The Dc″ values of the 2023 Türkiye-Syria earthquake are inferred from near-fault data. • The spatially variable Dc″ values scale with the final slip. • Rupture behavior of the fault is revealed from the earthquake energy budget. • The radiation efficiency of the event is relatively low. • The nucleated fault does not appear to produce sustained supershear rupture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of ESTUDAM Public Health Journal is the property of ESTUDAM Public Health Journal and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Aim: Tendency, knowledge, awareness, and behavior patterns of urology residents in Turkey regarding the use of fluoroscopy may vary depending on the institutions. The study analyses and compares the awareness and tendencies of urology residents in university hospitals and training and research hospitals. Methods: In this qualitative research, a 13-question survey prepared using "Google Forms" as of 01.03.2021 was shared for four weeks in the "WhatsApp" application group, which includes 279 urology residents studying at university hospitals and training and research hospitals in Turkey. One hundred and thirteen participants, who completed the questionnaire were included in the study. The data was analyzed by comparing two groups: university hospitals (group 1) and training and research hospitals (group 2). Results: Of the 113 urology residents included in the study, 56 (49.6%) were in group 1 and 57 (50.4%) were in group 2. Sixty-seven point three percent (67.3%) of the residents stated that they never hesitated to participate in the operations in which fluoroscopy was used. Additionally, the residents stated that 43.4% of the auxiliary healthcare staff frequently refrain from being involved in these cases (p<0.001). While 21 (37.5%) of the residents in group 1 reported that they hesitated in these cases, this rate was found to be 16 (28.2%) in group 2 and a significant difference was observed between the two groups (p<0.016). Conclusion: Although the residents who work in training in university hospitals are more scared of radiation exposure from fluoroscopy than their colleagues working in training and research hospitals, the lack of education is present and the use of dosimeters is very low in both groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 'Balbi model' is a simplified rate of fire spread model aimed at providing computationally fast and accurate simulations of fire propagation that can be used by fire managers under operational conditions. This model describes the steady-state spread rate of surface fires by accounting for both radiation and convection heat transfer processes. In the present work the original Balbi model developed for laboratory conditions is improved by addressing specificities of outdoor fires, such as fuel complexes with a mix of live and dead materials, a larger scale and an open environment. The model is calibrated against a small training dataset (n = 25) of shrubland fires conducted in Turkey. A sensitivity analysis of model output is presented and its predictive capacity against a larger independent dataset of experimental fires in shrubland fuels from different regions of the world (Europe, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa) is tested. A comparison with older versions of the model and a generic empirical model is also conducted with encouraging results. The improved model remains physics-based, faster than real time and fully predictive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: During prostate radiotherapy (RT), localization strategies of the prostate gland are essential. Fiducial markers (FMs) are one of the various methods for prostate localization. FMs for prostate RT have been in use for several years. This study aimed to evaluate the current trends in FM practices used in the treatment of prostate cancer in Turkey. Materials and Methods: An electronic survey containing 15 questions was developed on SurveyMonkey.net and sent to the email addresses of 600 radiation oncologists (ROs) via the Turkish Society for Radiation Oncology. Then, the data were collected and analyzed. Results: A total of 33 ROs completed the survey. Upon analysis, results revealed that the mean FM experience duration was 6.6 years (range: 1-18 years). FM replacement was mainly done transrectally (90%) by urologists (67.7%). Antibiotic prophylaxis and anticoagulant cessation were often practiced. At least three gold FMs were inserted in most of the cases. Conclusion: Many centers use FMs for prostate RT in Turkey. There are some differences in FM usage. Standardization of the practice could help to investigate and improve FM utilization in prostate RT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective This study aims to determine the attitude of operating room nurses to radiation exposure. Methods This descriptive study was conducted with 70 nurses working in the operating room of two university hospitals belonging to a university in Istanbul. Descriptive statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS 23. The protocol of the study was registered in clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04703933). Results There was a significant relationship between radiation protection training and the use of protective equipment (p<0.05). Conclusions It was found that the nurses working in the operating room had insufficient radiation protection training and there was a positive relationship between radiation protection training and protection behaviour. Seminars should be organised to increase the level of knowledge of nurses about radiation protection practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To date, many major radiation accidents have occurred worldwide, mostly in nuclear reactors, and some other minors in radioactive isotope production facilities and during the transport of radioactive materials. Similarly, the majority of the radiation accidents in Turkey occurred in industrial radiology or during the use of sealed radioactive sources for the purpose of nondestructive testing. However, only a few of them happened in medical practices. In case of fire in buildings with radioactive material, terrorist incidents using radioactive materials, or accidents during transportation of radioactive materials, emergency response teams, first aiders and firefighters may be exposed to low-level radiation while performing their duties. Fortunately, very few victims of radiation accidents develop acute radiation syndrome and require medical intervention. On the other hand, some victims of radionuclear accidents may require urgent medical intervention since the adverse health effects may occur years after the event due to internal contamination and following incorporation. In this report, we aimed to define the basic concepts of radionuclear emergency and medical management of radionuclear victims. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was carried out to examine the photosynthetic efficiency of Scot pine populations, originated from various European countries and Anatolia in Turkey, exposed to UV-B radiation. Seeds were germinated and grown in the nursery; three-year-old seedlings were exposed to UV-B for two days, eight hours per day. The photosynthetic efficiency was probed by chlorophyll a fluorescence at 24 h after UV-B treatment and analysed by JIP-test. UV-B caused reduction in quantum yields and electron transport at both donor and acceptor sides of photosystems. The performance indexes of seedlings were also negatively affected by the treatment. Populations from France, England, and three provenances of Turkey showed sensitive responses, while the populations from Spain, Romania, and Ilgaz performed their photosynthesis better. We found that UV-B affected at different levels the photosynthetic functionality of populations. Chlorophyll a fluorescence technique is very useful to identify the UV-B tolerance of different Scots pine populations, however, further studies based on molecular analyses should be applied to explain their evolutionary history. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Turkiye Klinikleri Journal of Nursing Sciences is the property of Turkiye Klinikleri and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The occurrence of the February 6, 2023, earthquake in Turkey was the idea of this research to define a Fukushima-like accident scenario in the Akkuyu nuclear reactor and investigate its radiation effects on the coastal organisms of the Mediterranean Sea. The concentration rate (CR), activity concentration in organisms, internal dose, external dose, and total dose rate were estimated using the ERICA Tool from 137Cs, 134Cs and 131I radionuclides. The minimum and maximum radiocesium CR were calculated at 0.063 Bq kg−1 fresh weight (f.w)/Bq kg−1 soil and 4.042 Bq kg−1 (f.w)/Bq kg−1 soil dry weight (d.w). Where this value for 131I ranged from 0.005 to 0.295 Bq kg−1 (f.w)/Bq kg−1 soil. For mammals-large and arthropods, we calculated the significant internal and external dose rates. All of the estimated dose rates were higher than the ICRP's derived consideration reference levels (10 μGy h−1). • Definition of the Fukushima accident scenario in the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant • 137Cs, 134Cs, and 131I radionuclides released from the accident were investigated. • ERICA Tools model applied for analysis of bioaccumulation and risk assessment • Internal dose, external dose and total dose rates were calculated in coastal species. • The highest contribution to total dose rates was caused by 137Cs radionuclide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Cone beam computed tomography ( CBCT) imaging is widely used in children; however, it remains controversial because of the health effects of radiation. Aim This retrospective study investigated the indications for CBCT and dentomaxillofacial pathologies in paediatric patients. Materials and methods CBCT images of 329 paediatric patients (i.e., aged <18 years) were investigated retrospectively. CBCT images were obtained with five fields of view ( FOV). CBCT indications were categorised as surgery and orthodontics. The effects of age, sex, and FOV were evaluated. The level of significance was P = 0.05. Results The most common orthodontic indications were malocclusion and dentomaxillofacial anomalies (38.5%), followed by the localisation of impacted teeth (33.1%). There was no relationship between sex and indications. There were significant associations between age groups and malocclusion and dentomaxillofacial anomalies, localisation of impacted teeth, and trauma. The face was the most frequently imaged region, followed by the jaws (maxilla and mandible). Conclusion The most common indication for CBCT was malocclusion and dentomaxillofacial anomalies in the primary and permanent dentition age groups, whereas the localisation of impacted teeth was the most common indication in the mixed dentition age group. Generally, CBCT was indicated in orthodontics and surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Of Study: Propolis is a resinous bee product, rich of polyphenolic compounds and flavonoids. It is known that in different geographic zones its chemical composition varies due to the different plant sources. Many biological properties including antimicrobial, antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, antitumoral, antigenotoxic, antimutagenic, cytostatic activities have been ascribed to propolis. These biological effects are predominantly attributed to its content of polyphenols. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the radioprotective effect of ethanolic extract of Turkish propolis. (EETP) against γ-ray-induced DNA damage on fibroblast cells using comet assay for the first time.Materials and Methods: Fibroblast cells were pretreated 15 and 30 min with concentrations of 100, 200 and 300 μg/mL EETP then they were exposed to 3 Gy γ-rays. Amifostine (synthetic aminothiol compound) was used as a positive control.Results: The results showed a significant decrease in γ-ray-induced DNA damage on cells treated with EETP and amifostine when compared to only irradiated cells. (P < 001).Conclusion: It was concluded that EETP prevent γ-ray-induced DNA damage in fibroblast cells and might have radioprotective activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As higher radiation levels are associated with granodiorite area and the maps are more practical to interpret the results of radiological survey, the distributions of the specific activities of Ra, Th, K in soil-granite samples and indoor Rn activities throughout the granodiorite area of Bergama (Pergamon) were mapped in detail. Samples from the granites and soils underlying Kozak-Bergama (Pergamon) granodiorite area were collected and analyzed by HPGe gamma spectrometry system, while indoor radon levels in 20 dwellings of rural areas at this area were measured by the alpha track etch integrated method. This paper represents the baseline maps of natural radioactivity levels (Ra, Th, K and Rn) and corresponding absorbed dose rates from outdoors terrestrial gamma radiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of miniaturized percutaneous nephrolithotomy (mini-PNL) method in infantile patients <3 years of age diagnosed with renal stones. We studied 48 renal units in 40 patients of infantile patients <3 years of age who underwent mini-PCNL at our institute. The mean age of the patients was 24.02 (5-36) months. The mean diameter of the stones was 22.3 mm (11-45 mm). Intrarenal access was achieved under fluoroscopic ( n = 43) or ultrasonographic ( n = 5) guidance under general anesthesia. A 20 Fr peel-away sheath, a 17 Fr rigid nephroscope and a pneumatic intracorporeal lithotripsy were used. Mean operative time for PNL was 85 (25-135) min. Mean fluoroscopy time was estimated as 3.7 min. The mean hospital stay was 4.3 days (2-10). Mean hemoglobin loss was 0.89 g/L (11.56-10.67) and three of the patients, including one case during the perioperative period, required blood transfusions. Colonic perforation developed in one case. In two patients, urinary drainage persisted for more than 24 h after withdrawal of the nephrostomy tube. Seven patients developed urinary tract infections (UTI). At the end of the postoperative first week, the stone-free rate was estimated to be 81.2 %. In conclusion, for percutaneous management of renal stones in the infantile age group, mini-PNL is an applicable treatment modality that can be applied through small incisions. It has higher stone-free rates, shorter hospital stays, and excellent esthetic outcomes. In this age group especially, surgical exposure to hypothermia and radiation should be avoided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background During the past 25 years, the incidence of thyroid papillary carcinoma (TPC), especially the micropapillary subtype, has been increasing in different countries worldwide. The rise in the rate of thyroid malignancies were also determined in Turkey in the last two decades. This fact was attributed to the Chernobyl accident because Turkey is one of the affected countries by the radioactive fallout. The aim of this study was to assess the changes in the parameters of the thyroid and put forth the reasons in a 14-year period. Methods The patient records, demographic and malignancy characteristics, and operations of 1,585 patients who had a thyroidectomy from 1996 to 2009 were reviewed retrospectively. The study was divided in two equal time periods for comparison of data. Results A total of 216 thyroid carcinomas (13.6%) were diagnosed in the study period. There was a significant increase in the frequency of papillary (P <0.023) and micropapillary (P <0.001) carcinomas when the two different time periods were compared. The rate of follicular, medullary and other types of malignancies did not change. In the second period (2003 to 2009) of analysis, the rate of micropapillary carcinoma (P = 0.001) and within male (P = 0.031) and female (P <0.001) genders, application of total thyroidectomy (p = 0.029), and multicentric disease (P = 0.015) increased significantly. A slight decrease in the mean age of the whole number of patients and patients with papillary and micropapillary carcinomas (P >0.05) was observed. The increased number of TPC >10 mm was insignificant. Geographic region and age specific malignancy increase was not determined. Conclusions Micropapillary carcinoma has become a dominant type of thyroid malignancy in Turkey. The main reasons of this transition were mandatory iodization and much higher application of total thyroidectomy in surgery. Improvement in healthcare and diagnostic techniques are the complementary factors. Due to its lack of molecular and genetic basis from the perspective of thyroid cancer, the Chernobyl disaster has lost its importance in Turkey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Our aim is to reflect routines, awareness, and consciousness level of urologists about usage of gonadal shield (GS) in Turkey. Materials and methods: Because of this objective a questionnaire which includes 15 questions was prepared. The questionnaire was delivered to urologists in a Turkish Urology congress. Data derived from 271 urologists by face to face interview were evaluated. Results: Participant were urologists (n=271), consisted of professors (n=33), associate professors (n= 36), assistant professors (n= 36), specialists (n=94), and residents (n=81). According to the data obtained from the questionnaires, 22% of the participants acquired their first information about GS as a medical student, 44% during their residency training, and 14% of them had no information about GS at all. Besides 64% of them did not read any medical article about this subject until that time, and 54% them practically hadn't seen any GS during their urology practice. In 82% of the hospitals where participants were working hadn't had any GS, and 18% of the urologists had indicated that GS was available in their hospitals, and they used them once in a while. Urologists responded favorably (20%) or unfavorably (80 %) to the question of 'Do you find yourself or your colleagues adequately sensitive, and mindful about GS use? Conclusions: Sensitivity and awareness about use of gonadal shields among Turkish urologists are not at a desired level and for this reason, it is not used widely. The urologists should be informed in urological academic platforms about gonad protecting devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the protective effect of curcumin against ionizing radiation-induced cataract in the lens of rats. Material and Methods: Rats were divided into six groups. Group 1: Control, Group 2: Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), Group 3: DMSO+curcumin, Group 4: Irradiation, Group 5: Irradiation+DMSO, Group 6: Irradiation+DMSO+curcumin. A 15 Gy total dose was given to 4, 5, 6 groups for radiation damage. Curcumin (100 mg/kg) was dissolved in DMSO and given by intragastric intubation for 28 days. At the end of the experiment, lenses were graded and enucleated. The lenticular activity of the antioxidant enzymes, total antioxidant and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and the malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured. Results: 100% Cataract was seen in the irradiation group. Cataract rate fell to 40% and was limited at grade 1 and 2 in the curcumin group. In the irradiation group, antioxidant enzyme levels were decreased, MDA levels were increased. There was an increase in antioxidant enzyme levels and a significant decrease in MDA in the group which was given curcumin. Conclusion: Curcumin has antioxidant and radioprotective properties and is likely to be a valuable agent for protection against ionizing radiation. Hence, it may be used as an antioxidant and radioprotector against radiation-induced cataractogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K in twelve different domestic and imported tiling rocks (granites) used as building materials in Turkey were determined by employing high-resolution γ-ray spectrometry. The samples were evaluated to assess the radiation hazard for people by comparing the results with the control values recommended by the European Commission. The measured activity concentrations ranged from 7 to 136 Bq kg−1, 9 to 138 Bq kg−1 and 541 to 1277 Bq kg−1 for 226Ra, 232Th and 40K, respectively. Applying dose criteria recommended by the European Commission[15], two of the samples showed higher Raeq values than the limit dose of 370 Bq kg−1, equivalent to a γ-dose of 1.5 mSv y−1. The calculated gamma-index (Iγ) values for all the 12 samples were lower than the recommended dose criterion. In some of the samples; however, the Hex and Hin values were more than unity. The absorbed dose rates (D) for all the samples, except for four samples, were located within the range values recommended by the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR)[3]. Annual effective dose (AED) values, except for one sample, were greater than the world average value of UNSCEAR[3]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the diagnoses and treatment methods and demographical and clinical characteristics of pregnant women who were exposed to trauma and in additon, review of the literature was carried out in this regard. Material and Methods: One hundred thirty-nine pregnant women who presented at the Yüzüncü Yıl University between January 2006 and September 2009 with local or general body trauma complaints were analysed retrospectively. Results: The average age of the cases was 26.72±6.29 years and the age group ranging from 21-34 composed the majority. When they were studied according to their etiologies, falls during daily activities formed 43.9%. When they were analyzed in terms of their gestational weeks, 64.46% were in the 3rd trimester. Pregnant cases with trauma resulted in maternal (3 cases) and fetal (9 cases) loss. It was found that 19 cases who had imaging techniques involving radiation and whose gestation was continuing had a problem-free gestation period and healthy children. Conclusion: It is mandatory to evaluate both mother and fetus together when trauma exposure is in question, the general well-being of the fetus should be provided and the mother should be informed about the presence of advanced trauma life support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of occupational radiation exposure according to the device radiology workers use regarding bone mineral density and serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels Method: In our study, private and state hospitals at Kütahya centrum, low dose radiation occupational exposure in 49 radiology workers (conventional roentgen, tomography and mri) were compared with 40 non-exposed workers of the same hospitals in terms of bone mineral density and serum alkaline phosphatase levels. The bone mineral density (BMD) was assessed in the spine and the hip with a dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) instrument. Age and sex matched control groups were evaluated by T scores, commonly were used to assess osteoporosis. Result: According to the device they use, T-scores of radiology workers (in all groups) were lower than the control group meaningfully (p<0.01). Moreover, T-scores of mri workers was lower than conventional roentgen workers meaningfully (p<0.01). Respectively; MRI

One of the most important renewable energy sources is solar energy which has lots of advantages: abundance, continuously, pollution free and renewability. Photovoltaic (pv) cells are used to obtain electricity energy from the sun, the output of those cells depends on solar radiation levels. Turkey is geographically divided into seven regions. The locations of the regions as far as latitude-longitude bands are different from each other. The amounts of insolation level and duration at each region are different from each other due to their latitudelongitude bands. In this research study, we compare insolation level and duration of regions considering meteorological data. Matlab toolboxes are used graphically to evaluate the obtained data related to the regions. As a result, we have obtained that East Anatolia Region has the highest insolation level and duration for 2006. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mobile phones have been started to be in concern as an electromagnetic interference source in hospitals in Turkey as well as other countries. There are about 50 million subscribers in the country that each patient can be assumed as a mobile phone holder, and they always want to be in service. Meanwhile, hospital buildings are very huge buildings which are not allowing deep radio penetration through the holes. While weak signal coverage level allows mobile phones camping on operator, it forces mobiles to operate at its maximum power level of 2 W. While ANSI C63.18 offers safety distances (m) for medical devices for mobile phone usage, this study points out that output power (equivalently distance) cannot be a reason itself. This phenomenon has been examined by three-dimensional electromagnetic field distribution measurement through the health units. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 53:2657-2661, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26321 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The regularities of formation of gases H2, CO and hydrocarbons C1–C4 at the consecutive and simultaneous influence of ionizing radiations and heat on Turkish lignites of Karaman–Ermenek deposit was researched. It is shown that at the consecutive influence of radiation and heat the gas yield depends extremely on the preliminary irradiation dose. The simultaneous influence of these factors on lignite leads to the gas yield increase which is connected with acceleration of the active radiolytic particles’ diffusion and breaking off reactions with their participation. Under the influence of the accelerated electron beam lignite decomposes with the relatively high radiation-chemical yields than under the influence of gamma radiation which is connected with acceleration of the diffusion processes due to the irradiated sample’s heating. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Within the scope of this study, gamma radiation dose rate measurements have been carried out in the province of Bursa. The mean outdoor (terrestrial and cosmic) gamma dose rate in this area was 90 nGy h−1. The cosmic gamma dose rate was measured to be 16 nGy h−1 at the Iznik lake in the region. The mean annual effective dose due to outdoor gamma radiations was determined to be 110.4 µSv. The collective effective dose equivalent was calculated to be 3.21×102 man Sv per year. The average relative excess lifetime risk of fatal cancer was calculated at 4.50×10−4 for the people living in the city. The activity concentrations of natural radionuclides such as 238U series, 232Th series, 40K and fission products like 137Cs in surface soil samples were measured by using an HPGe-based gamma spectrometry system. The mean activity concentration of 238U series, 232Th series, 40K and 137Cs were found to be 55.9 Bq kg−1 for 226Ra, 23.6 Bq kg−1 for 214Pb, 22.5 Bq kg−1 for 214Bi, 31.3 Bq kg−1 for 208Tl, 32.9 Bq kg−1 for 228Ac, 430 Bq kg−1 for 40K and 5.4 Bq kg−1 for 137Cs. The radiation hazards associated with the radionuclides were estimated at an average of 136 Bq kg−1 by calculating the radium equivalent activity (Raeq). The mean calculated value of the external hazard index (Hex) for the soil was found to be 0.37. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Color-enhancement investigations without using heating treatment from dull or pale to ideal saturation and/or changes to the formation of the rarer attractive colors are widely conducted to revalue abandoned gem material sources in the world. Such an investigation is carried out on pale or dull purple-colored amethyst and smoky-colored morion samples, which are two important gem species of the crystalline quartz (SiO2) mineral that are currently abandoned in natural deposits in Turkey because of their unattractive coloration. The results of color enhancements observed on these samples, after irradiation with artificial gamma, neutron and beta beams, were examined by comparing with samples with the ideal color saturation and also with colorless samples, using optical absorption (OA) and radioluminescence (RL) spectroscopy. The ICP-AES analyses reveal that the main impurity elements of over 100 ppm in abundance in these quartz species are aluminum, iron and titanium for amethyst, and aluminum, iron, titanium and manganese for morion. The OA spectra indicate that vivid purple coloration of amethyst is due to the transmittance at about 395-420 nm band gap as a result of absorbance peaks at 375, 480 and 530 nm. These absorbances may be related to the unusual oxidized small proportions of certain impurity ions, after being exposed mainly to gamma irradiation, such as Al(IV) from the total aluminum, Ti(V) from the total titanium and Fe(IV) from the total iron, respectively. However, the RL spectroscopy of amethyst samples before and after they were exposed to artificial gamma, neutron and beta radiation beams demonstrates that the ions most affected by irradiation are Fe(IV) first and Al(IV) and Ti(V) second, and these ions represent the RL peaks at 600, 720 and 495 nm, respectively. The OA spectra indicate that dark smoky coloration in morion is due to a lack of transmittance at the visible region as a result of the absorbance peaks at 375, 450-490, 620 and 730 nm. These absorbances also may be related to the unusual oxidized small proportions of certain impurity ions by irradiation, such as Al(IV) from the total aluminum, Ti(V) from the total titanium and Mn(III) from the total manganese, respectively. In addition, the buoyancies of these absorbance peaks in the visible region produce the color hues between light smoky and dark smoky colorations in morion samples. These oxidized ion states are more resistant and stable against environmental destructive conditions in comparison with amethyst. Thus, the dark smoky coloration of morion becomes dull or pale after relatively longer periods. But, the RL spectroscopy of morion before and after being exposed to gamma, neutron and beta irradiation beams demonstrates that the most induced ions from the irradiation are Mn(III) and Al(IV) first and Ti(V) second. These ions represent the RL peaks at about 400, 720 and about 500 nm, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

monitoring of radioactivity content was performed in drinking waters collected in Kahramanmaras. Gross alpha and gross beta activities concentration were measured. The values of measured gross alpha and gross beta are compared with recommended WHO (World Health Organisation) and ITS (Institution of Turkish Standards) guideline activity concentration. Obtained results are in good agreement with the values recommended by WHO and ITS guideline activity concentrations for drinking water (except for two values). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The solar radiation, as it comes through the atmosphere to the Earth's surface, can be used in a variety of fields, such as solar engineering, architecture, agriculture, and hydrology. It is important to investigate solar radiation, especially in a place such as Turkey, where solar-energy potential is high. Thus, in this study, the daily (during sunshine duration) and monthly average global, diffuse, and direct solar radiation in the Isparta (37° 18' and 38° 30' N latitude) region of Turkey has been obtained. In the comparison of calculated and meteorological data, a good agreement has been observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The activity concentration of radionuclides (eU, eTh, %K) in surface soil on the lsparta city centre have been measured using gamma ray spectrometer (GF Gamma Surveyor 2" x 2" (6.3 inc3) NaI (TI)). In this region, concentration of the 238U, 232Th and 40K were found to be 10-23 ppm, 20-65 ppm, %2-%5.68, respectively the absorbed dose rate was in the rate of 150-365 nGy/h. Average air absorbed dose and effective dose rates have been calculated as 267 nGy/h and 1.26-2.24 mSv/year, respectively. For some specific subregions, the values of the annual effective dose rates exceed the average worldwide exposure value of 2.4 mSv/year proposed by OECD. Observed high level radioactivity is originating from products of the GdlcUk explosive maar crater. Results showed that observed contributions of the radionuclides to the average dose rate are 19.55% of 40K, 35.45% of 238U and 45% of 232Th sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]