Aksaray University Institutional Repository
DSpace@Aksaray digitally stores academic resources such as books, articles, dissertations, bulletins, reports, research data published directly or indirectly by Aksaray University at international standards, helps track the academic performance of the university, provides long term preservation for resources and makes publications available to Open Access in accordance with their copyright to increase the effect of publications.
Recent Submissions
Electrochemical and Thermal Analysis of Lithium-Ion Battery Pack With Different Cell Configurations
(John Wiley and Sons Inc, 2024)
The primary purpose of this research is to analyze and evaluate the effects of various discharge rates and cell configurations on the electrochemical and thermal behavior of a Li-ion battery pack that is exposed to ambient air throughout the discharge process. The three-dimensional numerical model is designed to accomplish this purpose and discusses two different cases. While the discharge rate is changed from 0.5 C to 2 C (stepping by 0.5 C) for each cell configuration considered in the first case, the numerical solutions are obtained for the various cell configurations (6S4P and 8S3P) by keeping the discharge rate constant at 1 C. The results obtained from these solutions show that the discharge rate affects a considerable amount of the battery performances and discharge times of the battery packs, activation, and ohmic losses occurring inside each battery cell. Moreover, 6S4P discharges over a longer period (about 25%) than 8S3P. While both activation and ohmic losses decrease with the increase of discharge rate, these losses remain almost constant at 0.5 C discharge rate in all analyzed conditions. As a result, having a battery pack with a long discharge time while maintaining low temperatures is useful and desired. With this in mind, while evaluating battery packs, the 6S4P battery pack looks to have the best arrangement.
Gestational Oxidative Stress and OGTT: Are Pregnant Women’s Fears Justified?
(Dove Medical Press Ltd, 2024)
Pregnancy induces significant metabolic, immunological, and endocrinological changes to support fetal growth. The 75-gram oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) is standard for gestational diabetes screening, but concerns exist about its potential to induce oxidative stress, affecting both maternal and fetal health. The aim of the study is examining changes in oxidative stress markers and thiol/disulfide homeostasis in pregnant women to evaluate these concerns. Patients and Methods: Thirty pregnant women undergoing gestational diabetes screening between the 24th and 28th weeks participated. Blood samples were collected at 0, 60, and 120 minutes as part of the OGTT protocol. Oxidative stress markers were analyzed only in samples from 0 and 120 minutes, while the 60-minute sample was used solely for glucose measurement. Results: Results showed a significant increase in TOS (p = 0.008) and OSI (p = 0.035) post-OGTT, indicating an acute oxidative stress response. Thiol and disulfide levels showed non-significant changes, suggesting that antioxidant mechanisms were largely unaffected. Conclusion: Further research is necessary to explore the long-term implications of these findings and develop strategies to mitigate oxidative stress during pregnancy. This study provides insights into the acute oxidative stress response caused by OGTT in pregnant women. Although the OGTT induces oxidative stress, it does not significantly disrupt the body’s antioxidant capacity in the short term. These results highlight the need for more research to understand the effects of heightened oxidative stress on maternal and fetal health.
The impact of plant proteases and sous vide technology on quality characteristics of meat
(Springer, 2024)
This study aims to assess the impact of protease-rich fruit (kiwi), a rhizome (ginger), and sous vide technology (SVT) on the technological, textural, microstructural, microbiological, and sensory properties of different types of meat, including beef, goose, and rabbit. It was observed that all types of meat treated with kiwi and ginger showed a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in pH and a significant increase (p < 0.05) in water holding capacity and L* parameters compared to those treated with distilled water. The addition of ginger, which contains the enzyme zingibain, was found to enhance the a* parameter across all types of meat. The Texture Profile Analysis (hardness, springiness, gumminess, chewiness) and Extended Craft Knife parameters (firmness and work of shear) in the meat samples significantly decreased (p < 0.05) following the combined treatment of marination and SVT. The study identified zingibain, an enzyme found in ginger, as the most effective for tenderizing beef (p < 0.05). In contrast, actinidin, the enzyme present in kiwi, was found to be the most effective for tenderizing goose and rabbit meats. The microstructural analysis showed significantly larger spaces between muscle fibers in the treated meats compared to the control samples. The combination of plant protease and SVT significantly reduced (p < 0.05) the microorganism count in the meats and received higher texture scores from the panelists (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the purees did not cause any sensory defects.
Knowledge levels and attitudes of Turkish nursing students regarding medical device-related pressure injuries and factors influencing them: A cross-sectional study
(Tissue Viability Society, 2024)
The aim of this study was to determine nursing students' levels of knowledge and attitudes regarding medical device-related pressure injuries (MDRPIs), as well as the factors influencing these. Materials and methods: This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted with 581 nursing students between January and May 2024. Data were collected using the Student Information Form, the Medical Device Related Pressure Injury Knowledge Assessment Test (MDRPI-KAT), and the Medical Device Related Pressure Injury Attitude Questionnaire (MDRPI-AQ). Results: The nursing students had a mean score of 8.76 ± 2.68 on the MDRPI-KAT, indicating an overall correct answer percentage of 54.7 %. The mean total score on the MDRPI-AQ was 44.08 ± 8.12. Furthermore, 75.0 % of the nursing students (n = 436) achieved a positive attitude score (>40 points). According to the results of the structural equation model, the scores on the MDRPI-KAT among nursing students had a statistically significant effect on their scores on the MDRPI-AQ (? = 0.585, p = 0.002). Conclusion: This study found that the nursing students exhibited insufficient knowledge about MDRPIs.Despite this, the nursing students demonstrated a positive attitude toward MDRPIs.
Why blood flow restriction cuff features are an important methodological consideration- a short commentary on “cerebral cortex activation and functional connectivity during low-load resistance training with blood flow restriction: an fNIRS study”
(Frontiers Media SA, 2024)
We read with great interest the recent study titled “Cerebral cortex activation and functional connectivity during low-load resistance training with blood flow restriction: An fNIRS study” published in PLOS ONE earlier this year (Jia et al., 2024). The study adds to our limited understanding of the cerebral demands of blood flow restriction (BFR) exercise and the potential role of applied pressure. The authors examined cerebral oxygenation levels following squat exercise performed at 30% of one repetition maximum, with bilateral BFR applied at 150, 250, and 350 mmHg using the B-Strong cuffs (B-Strong, USA). The authors noted enhanced cerebral oxygenation levels in many cortical regions which dropped sharply when 350 mmHg was applied.
