Karamanoğlu Mehmetbey University
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Comparison of the effectiveness of three different conservative methods in myogenous temporomandibular disorders
Get PDFThe aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of exercise, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, and manual therapy on pain intensity, maximum mouth opening, and masticatory muscle activity-during chewing of the masseter and temporalis anterior in myogenous temporomandibular disorders. METHODS: A total of 51 myogenous temporomandibular disorders patients were randomly assigned to three groups: exercise group, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation group, and manual therapy group. For 6 weeks, exercise group received exercise only, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation group received exercise+transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, and manual therapy group received exercise+manual therapy. At baseline and after 6-week treatment, pain intensity was assessed using a visual analog scale, maximum mouth opening using a millimeter ruler, and masticatory muscle activity-during chewing of the masseter and temporalis anterior using surface electromyography. RESULTS: After treatment, significant improvements in pain intensity, maximum mouth opening, and masticatory muscle activity-during chewing values were found in all the three groups. The greatest improvements were seen in manual therapy group. The decreases in pain intensity and increases in masticatory muscle activity-during chewing values were statistically significantly higher in transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation group than in exercise group (p<0.05). The increases in maximum mouth opening were similar in transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation group and exercise group. CONCLUSION: Exercise is an effective method for improving pain intensity, maximum mouth opening, and masticatory muscle activity-during chewing in myogenous temporomandibular disorders. Combining exercise with manual therapy may provide the highest therapeutic effect on these parameters. Combining exercise with transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation may also lead to further improvements in pain intensity and masticatory muscle activity-during chewing
The potential of e-government applications to mitigate corruption: an empirical investigation
Get PDFBu çalışma, e-devlet gelişmişlik endeksinin yolsuzluk endeksi üzerindeki etkisini araştırmaktadır. Bu ilişkiyi analiz etmek için 167 ülkeden elde edilen verilere Hansen'in (2000) eşik regresyon metodu uygulanmıştır. Çalışmada, e-devlet uygulamalarının yolsuzluğu hangi eşik seviyesinde ve ne ölçüde etkilediği incelenmiştir. Ampirik analiz sonuçları, e-devlet gelişmişlik endeksinin eşik değerinin 0.6285 olduğunu ve bu seviyenin üzerindeki her 0.1 birimlik artışın, yolsuzluk endeksini 0.15 birim arttırdığını göstermektedir. Öte yandan, e-devlet gelişmişlik endeksi 0.6285 eşik değerinin altında istatistiksel olarak anlamlı bir etki göstermemektedir. Sonuç olarak, e-devlet uygulamalarının yaygınlaşması genel olarak yolsuzluğu azaltıcı bir etkiye sahiptir, ancak bu etkinin ortaya çıkması için belirli bir seviyenin aşılması gerekmektedir. Bu bağlamda, politika yapıcılar, e-devlet hizmetlerini yolsuzluğu kontrol etmek için etkili bir araç olarak kullanabilirler.This study investigates the impact of the e-government development index on reducing corruption. To analyze this relationship, we apply Hansen's (2000) threshold regression technique to data from 167 countries. The study investigates at what threshold level and to what extent e-government practices affect corruption. The empirical analysis reveals that the threshold level of e-government is 0.628, and each 0.1 unit increase above this threshold level increases the corruption index by 0.15 units, which means a reduction in the corruption level. On the other hand, e-government is not statistically significantly below the threshold value of 0.6285. In conclusion, the spread of e-government applications generally has a corruption-reducing effect, but this effect requires a certain threshold to be exceeded. Policymakers can use e-government services as an effective tool to control corruption
Investigation of renal COX-2 distribution of prenatally administered diclofenac sodium in postnatal rats using stereological and immunohistochemical methods
Get PDFWhile cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) plays a critical role in embryonic kidney development. Inhibition of this enzyme by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), commonly used during pregnancy, can adversely affect fetal kidney development. In this study, we examined the postnatal expression and distribution of COX-2 in the kidneys of murine offspring born to mothers administered diclofenac sodium, a COX-2 inhibitor, during gestation, using stereological and immunohistochemical techniques. Twelve female Wistar albino rats were divided into diclofenac sodium (DSG) and control groups (CG). From the 5th day of pregnancy, 1 mg/kg diclofenac sodium was intraperitoneally injected into the DSG, and the CG did not receive any intervention. Twelve kidneys from 4-week-old rats were examined using stereological and immunohistochemical methods. Data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test. COX-2 expression was detected in different regions of postnatal rat kidneys in both groups. COX-2 staining levels were highest in the macula densa and collecting tubules, whereas lower expression was observed in other regions in DSG than in CG. Stereological analyses showed that the total kidney volume increased significantly in the DSG, and the differences in COX-2 staining intensity were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Our findings suggest that COX-2 inhibitor use during pregnancy may adversely affect kidney development. Given the critical role of COX-2 in renal function, the use of NSAIDs during pregnancy should be carefully evaluated. Our study highlights the need for further experimental studies to understand the effects of prenatal exposure to diclofenac sodium on renal morphology and COX-2 expression
Does proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation approach have an effect on swallowing function, muscle morphology and quality of life in dysphagic stroke patients? A randomised controlled trial
Get PDFTo investigate the effects of different exercise methods on swallowing function in dysphagic stroke patients. Methods: Forty-two patients with dysphagia were divided into three groups: conventional swallowing exercises group; the proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) exercises + conventional swallowing exercises group and the Chin-tuck Against Resistance (CTAR) exercises + conventional swallowing exercises. Patients received swallowing rehabilitation twice a week for 8 weeks. Patients were evaluated for swallowing using Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) with the Penetration-Aspiration Scale. Suprahyoid muscle thickness, tongue root area and hyolaryngeal elevation were measured by ultrasound before and after treatment. Furthermore, scales such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH) swallowing safety scale, Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS), Eating Assessment Tool-10 (EAT-10) and Swallowing Quality of Life Scale (SWAL-QOL) were utilised. Results: The clinical and demographic characteristics of all three groups were similar at baseline (p > 0.05). Positive improvements were identified following treatment in terms of muscle thickness, as determined by FEES evaluation of swallowing functions and ultrasound evaluations, in all groups (p < 0.05). In the PAS liquid food evaluation, the highest effect was found in the PNF group (η2 = 0.858). All ultrasound evaluations showed greater improvement in the PNF and CTAR groups compared to the conventional group (p < 0.05). The SWAL QOL also showed significant improvements in all groups after treatment (p < 0.05). Conclusion: In this study, all three groups contributed to swallowing rehabilitation, but the PNF group improved the most. PNF exercises, delivered by physical therapists without the need for specialised equipment, will make swallowing rehabilitation more effective. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05678686
The role of pedagogical content on Instagram in maternal identity
No full textAnnelik kimliği, bireylerin anne olma deneyimi, çocuk yetiştirme pratikleri ve toplumsal normlarla şekillenen bir kimlik olup, sosyal medya bu kimliğin inşasında önemli bir araç haline gelmiştir. Bu tez, annelerin sosyal medya platformlarından biri olan Instagram'da karşılaştıkları pedagojik içeriklerin, annelik kimliklerinin inşasında nasıl bir rol oynadığını incelemektedir. Bu araştırmada, annelerin Instagram'da karşılaştıkları pedagojik içeriklerle etkileşimlerinin, ebeveynlik stilleri ve toplumsal normlarla ilişkisi incelenmektedir. Araştırmanın temel amacı, annelerin Instagram'daki pedagojik içerikler aracılığıyla ebeveyn kimliklerini nasıl inşa ettiklerini, sosyal medya üzerinden kurdukları topluluklarla kendilerini nasıl ifade ettiklerini ve bu mecralardan nasıl destek aldıklarını ortaya koymaktır. Bu doğrultuda, çalışmada nitel araştırma yöntemi tercih edilmiştir. Araştırma kapsamında, farklı yaş gruplarından, çeşitli mesleklere mensup ve farklı sayıda çocuğa sahip, Instagram'da pedagojik içerikleri aktif olarak takip eden 15 anne ile derinlemesine mülakatlar gerçekleştirilmiştir. Elde edilen veriler tematik analiz tekniğiyle değerlendirilmiştir. Araştırmanın bulgularına göre, annelerin Instagram'da karşılaştıkları pedagojik içeriklerin hem olumlu hem de olumsuz etkiler yaratabildiği ortaya konmuştur. Annelerin, sosyal medya aracılığıyla bilgi edinmeleri, deneyimlerini paylaşmaları ve benzer yaşam deneyimlerine sahip topluluklarla etkileşim kurmaları, annelik kimliklerini güçlendirdikleri yönünde değerlendirilmiştir. Öte yandan, sosyal medyada sunulan içeriklerin sıklıkla "mükemmel ebeveynlik" standartlarını yansıtması, anneler üzerinde baskı oluşturmakta; bu durum ise kaygı ve yetersizlik duygularını tetikleyerek annelik kimliğini olumsuz yönde etkileyebilmektedir.Motherhood identity is shaped by individuals' experiences of being a mother, child-rearing practices, and societal norms. In this context, social media has become an important tool in the construction of this identity. This thesis examines the role of pedagogical content encountered by mothers on Instagram, one of the social media platforms, in the construction of their motherhood identity. This study investigates how mothers' interactions with pedagogical content on Instagram relate to their parenting styles and societal norms. The primary aim of the research is to explore how mothers construct their parental identities through pedagogical content on Instagram, how they express themselves through the communities they form on social media, and how they receive support through these platforms. Accordingly, a qualitative research method was adopted. In this context, in-depth interviews were conducted with 15 mothers from various age groups, professions, and with different numbers of children, all of whom actively follow pedagogical content on Instagram. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings of the research indicate that pedagogical content encountered by mothers on Instagram can have both positive and negative effects. It was observed that mothers strengthen their motherhood identity by acquiring information, sharing experiences, and engaging with communities of shared experiences through social media. On the other hand, the content that often presents "ideal" or "perfect" parenting standards was found to exert pressure on mothers, triggering feelings of anxiety and inadequacy, thereby negatively affecting their motherhood identity
The effect of local people's environmental attitudes and ecological awareness on environmentally friendly tourism behaviors within the scope of sustainable tourism: A research in Cappadocia region
No full textThe environmental dimension of sustainable tourism (ST) has become more important than its economic and social dimension in time. In addition, with the increase in the importance given to the environment in destinations, it has been seen as a necessity to measure the environmental attitudes of the local people, as well as their ecological awareness and environmentally friendly tourism behaviors. Therefore, it is aimed to detect the effects of local people's environmental attitudes and their ecological awareness on environmentally friendly tourism behavior within the context of ST. In line with the determined purpose, a field study was conducted in Nevsşehir/Tüurkiye, known as the core Cappadocia, and data were collected from 404 people through questionnaires utilizing the convenience sampling method. Path analysis was performed to detect the effects between the related variables. The research found that environmental attitudes and ecological awareness have a significant positive effect on environmentally friendly tourism behavior. In summary, it was detected that the positive environmental attitude and the high level of ecological awareness of the local people in the Cappadocia Region significantly affect their tendency to exhibit environmentally friendly tourism behavior
Validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the 8-item jaw functional limitation scale
Get PDFConsidering that temporomandibular disorder (TMD) can negatively affect individuals’ general health and quality of life by limiting orofacial functions, it is important to evaluate jaw-related functional limitations in TMD. This study aimed to investigate the psychometric properties of the Turkish version of the 8-item Jaw Functional Limitation Scale (JFLS-8-TR) in Turkish-speaking TMD patients. Methods: A total of 162 patients with TMD and 114 individuals without TMD participated in the study. Face and content validity were assessed. To confirm the construct validity of the JFLS-8-TR, structural (with confirmatory factor analysis (CFA)), convergent (with pain severity and maximum mouth opening (MMO), Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14), Fonseca Anamnestic Index (FAI) and the Turkish version of the 20-item JFLS (JFLS20-TR)) and known-group validity were analyzed. Cronbach’s alpha and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were calculated to examine internal consistency and testretest reliability. Results: Both content and face validity were met. The acceptable model fit indices based on CFA confirmed the structural validity of the JFLS-8-TR. Robust associations between the JFLS-8-TR score and pain intensity (r = 0.92), MMO (r = −0.87) and scores on the FAI (r = 0.89), OHIP-14 (r = 0.86) and JFLS-20-TR (r = 0.96) supported the convergent validity (p < 0.05). The JFLS-8-TR was able to discriminate between individuals with and without TMD, indicating that it has known-group validity (p < 0.05). The internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.91) and test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.93) of the JFLS-8-TR were excellent. Conclusions: The JFLS-8-TR is a valid, reliable and useful instrument for a more practical assessment of functional limitations in the masticatory system in Turkish-speaking TMD patients
A new hybrid learning model for early diagnosis of hypertension using IoMT technologies
Get PDFHypertension is high blood pressure that occurs when the heart is pumping blood. In this study, an e-diagnosis IoMT application has been developed to enable early detection of hypertension. To diagnose and detect hypertension with machine learning algorithms, data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System(BRFSS) database were used. Ten different features were identified that can be used to diagnose whether individuals have hypertension or not. By applying parameter optimization for Decision Tree, K-Nearset Neighbor, Random Forest, Support Vector Machine, and Naive Bayes machine learning algorithms with 5 fold cross-validation, the success rates obtained from these models were examined by considering the class imbalance problem. To achieve a better success rate, a hybrid learning model was proposed. The highest success rate of 98.5 % was achieved with the proposed model, thus developing a diagnosis and detection IoMT system that can help doctors with hypertension disease
The Psychophysiologic Stress and Salivary Cortisol and Alpha-Amylase Awakening Responses to Cross-Country Running Competitions in National-Level Female Athletes
No full textAydemir, M, Makaracı, Y, Avcı, B, Ürkmez, YC, and Cintineo, HP. The psychophysiologic stress and salivary cortisol and alpha-amylase awakening responses to cross-country running competitions in national-level female athletes. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2024-Cross-country running, characterized by diverse terrains and environmental conditions, primarily emphasizes individual performance, though team-oriented strategies are also used. This study aimed to examine psychophysiologic stress, anxiety, and race performance of elite female athletes during national cross-country running competitions. Twelve elite-level female cross-country runners were recruited to undergo psychophysiologic state using salivary cortisol and alpha-amylase levels (pre- and postrace) across 2 consecutive rounds of varying difficulty and significance (round 1 and final round). In addition, cortisol and alpha-amylase awakening responses (CAR and AAAR), and state anxiety (State and Trait Anxiety Inventory-I) were assessed on both precompetition and competition days during each round. The findings revealed significant increases in precompetition day AAAR, pre- and postrace cortisol, and postrace alpha-amylase levels in the final round compared with those in round 1 (p 0.05). Increased cortisol emerged as a potential indicator of race difficulty and predictors of success in cross-country running. Coaches and athletes may benefit from monitoring cortisol levels to optimize performance during competitions with fluctuating conditions. Further research using saliva analysis as a noninvasive tool for assessing psychophysiologic parameters surrounding competition is warranted in larger samples across various endurance sports, though the data presented here provide a unique view of these responses
Investigation of the effect of compression ratio and different fuels on co2 emissions
No full textAir pollution caused by the exhaust gases of internal combustion engines threatens the future of these machines. CO2, which is normally non-polluting but causes global warming, has necessitated limiting the emission of this gas. Therefore, reducing CO2 production at its source is the most effective method. In particular, the use of fuels with a high H/C ratio, such as compressed natural gas (CNG), signifi-cantly reduces CO2 emission. In this study, the contribution of different mechanisms to CO2 reduction was examined by combining both thermal efficiency and fuel types. Experiments were conducted with gasoline and CNG fuels at different compression ratios and mixtures. When CNG was used instead of gasoline in stoichiometric mixture, CO2 emission was reduced by 23% at a brake mean effective pres-sion (BMEP) of 5 bar. Approximately 8% less CO2 was produced when operating with a lean mixture (? = 1.6) instead of a stoichiometric mixture for both fuels. In the experiments conducted with CNG, CO2 emission decreased by 1.5% when compression ratio was changed from 10.5 to 14. However, as the compression ratio increased, the volumetric efficiency decreased at constant BMEP. Therefore, the efficiency coefficient, which takes into account the effect of volumetric efficiency, was defined and it was observed that thermal efficiency could increase up to 7% by increasing the compression ratio from 10.5 to 14. Finally, when comparing CNG fuel with a high compression ratio (? = 14) and ultra-lean mixture, and gasoline fuel with a low compression ratio (? = 10.5) and stoichiometric mixture, it was observed that CO2 emission decreased by around 33%. © 2025 by Begell House, Inc