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Effects of robotic-assisted gait training on physical capacity, and quality of life among chronic stroke patients: a randomized controlled study
Get PDFBackground: Even though robotic therapy is becoming more commonly used in research protocols for lower limb stroke rehabilitation, there still is a significant gap between research evidence and its use in clinical practice.
Therefore, the present study was designed assuming that the wearable mobile gait device training for chronic stroke patients might have different effects on functional independence when compared to training with a stationary gait device. The present study aims to examine the effects of gait training with ExoAthlet exoskeleton and Lokomat Free-D on functional independence, functional capacity, and quality of life in chronic stroke patients.
Methods: The present study included 32 chronic stroke patients. Participants were randomly divided into two groups. Functional independence of patients was evaluated by using Functional Independence Measure (FIM), physical function was assessed by using the 30-second chair stand test (30-CST), functional capacity was measured by using the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), and quality of life was assessed by using Short Form 36 (SF36). All participants underwent a conventional physiotherapy program for eight weeks, three sessions per week, and each session lasted 60 min. After the physiotherapy program, one group received gait training by using ExoAthlet exoskeleton (ExoAtlet 1 model/2019, Russia), while the other group received training by using Lokomat Free-D (Hocoma, Lokomat Pro Free-D model/2015, Switzerland). Participants were assessed at baseline and post-intervention.
Results: Results achieved in this study revealed that there was a statistically significant difference between FIM, 30-CST, 6MWT, and SF36 scores before and after the treatment in both groups (p 0.05). However, there was a statistically significant difference between Exoskeleton ExoAthlet and Lokomat FreeD groups in terms of SF-36 sub-parameters “vitality”, “mental health”, “bodily pain”, and “general health perception” (p < 0.05).
Conclusions: This study demonstrated that the use of ExoAthlet exoskeleton and Lokomat Free-D in addition to conventional physiotherapy, was effective in improving functional independence, physical function, functional capacity, and quality of life among chronic stroke patients. Incorporation of robotic gait aids into rehabilitation for chronic stroke patients might offer significant advantages.No sponso
Income inequality and CO2 emissions nexus: A long-run analysis for Turkey
No full textThe relationship between economic factors and environmental impacts is of paramount significance in the pursuit of sustainable development and the implementation of effective measures to alleviate environmental deterioration. This research utilizes the VECM, FMOLS, CCR, and DOLS methodologies to examine the relationship between income inequality and CO2 emissions spanning from 1990 to 2022 in Turkey. Theoretical frameworks such as Boyce's socio-economic dynamics, Veblen's pecuniary emulation theory, and the marginal propensity to emit provide detailed insights into the complex relationship between economic inequality and environmental degradation. In synthesizing the literature on income inequality and CO2 emissions, we observe a wide spectrum of findings ranging from positive to negative associations, with some studies yielding inconclusive results in different nations and areas. Beyond income inequality, this research considers a wider range of CO2 explanatory factors, such as GDP per capita, industrial value added, energy consumption, renewable energy, population density, and the Gini index. The estimates reveal that income per capita, industrial value added, energy consumption, and population density show positive linkages with CO2 emissions. On the other hand, renewable energy share and income inequality reflect negative associations with CO2 emissions. Notably, an increase in the Gini coefficient, reflecting worse income distribution, is associated with a reduction in CO2 emissions in Turkey.No sponso
Effect on endoplasmic reticulum stress of the combined oral contraceptives in the liver
No full textObjective: We aimed to evaluate the effects of combined oral contraceptive active ingredients ethinylestradiol, drospirenone, and
ethinylestradiol+drospirenone for histopathological changes, and endoplasmic reticulum stress levels in the liver.
Methods: In the study, 37 to 8-week-old Balb/c female mice were used. Mice were randomly divided into the control, sham, ethinylestradiol, drospirenone, and ethinylestradiol+drospirenone groups. Experimental groups were administered ethinylestradiol, drospirenone, and ethinylestradiol+drospirenone with gavage for 35 days. In liver tissue sections, histopathological changes were detected with hematoxylin&eosin, orcein, Mallory's Azan, and periodic acid-Schiff, and the presence of endoplasmic reticulum stress was detected by Chop and Grp78 immunostaining.
Results: The ethinylestradiol+drospirenone group showed significant histopathological changes compared to the control group. Some degenerative changes were noted such as swelling and size differences in hepatocytes in the ethinylestradiol+drospirenone group. When compared to the control group, an increased collagen and elastic fibers density around the vena centralis was observed in the ethinylestradiol+drospirenone group. The expression level of Grp78 protein in female mice given ethinylestradiol+drospirenone was statistically significantly increased compared to the control group. The expression level of Chop protein was significantly increased in the ethinylestradiol, drospirenone, and ethinylestradiol+drospirenone groups.
Conclusion: We concluded that the use of combined oral contraceptives increases endoplasmic reticulum stress in mouse liver tissue, and as a result, it may cause liver histopathological disorders by promoting cell death.No sponso
The mediating role of logistics 4.0 capability on the relationship between e-commerce marketing and firm performance
No full textThis study aims to determine whether e-commerce marketing capability impacts firm performance and what role logistics 4.0 plays in this relationship. Based on the literature and grounded on dynamic capability theory we develop a theoretical framework in which logistics 4.0 capability plays a mediating role in the relationship between e-commerce marketing and firm performance. Our hypotheses are tested using survey data from 553 respondents working in the logistics, textiles, white goods, and electronics sectors. The data is analyzed using structural equation modeling. Empirical results show that e-commerce marketing positively impacts firm performance and logistics 4.0 capability is mediating in this relationship. Logistics 4.0 capability enhances firm performance by improving on-time deliveries and increasing the efficiency of supply chain processes. Our results highlight the importance of investing in Logistics 4.0 capability including talent, managerial, and technical resources to improve the benefits the firm is getting from e-commerce marketing. Logistics 4.0's capability enhances e-commerce marketing's impact on firm performance by increasing on-time deliveries, efficiency, flexibility, quality, and responsiveness to customers, and improving the ability to build enterprise agility. This study contributes to firm performance literature by identifying the mediating role Logistics 4.0 plays in the relationship between e-commerce marketing and performance.No sponso
How does the cross-cultural view shape the destination brand personality and brand image? Evidence from the travelers
No full textThis study aims to (a) reveal the relationships between the
destination brand personality (DBP), destination brand image
(DBI), satisfaction, and post-experience behaviors (PEBs), (b)
unveil divergences by nationality in terms of DBP, (c) analyze
the mediating role of destination satisfaction on the postexperience
behaviors (PEBs), and (d) evaluate the moderated
mediation by nationality in the structural model. The quantitative
method was adopted, and the data was collected from
a sample of 1688 British, Russian, German, and Turkish tourists
who visited Antalya destination of Turkey. The findings reveal
that DBP has four dimensions: excitement, sincerity, androgyny,
and competence. The dimensions of DBP play a significant role
in building DBI. Path analysis results indicate that tourists’ positive
perception of DBP influences DBI and satisfaction. It has
been found that the PEBs are highly predicted by the positive
perception of DBI through satisfaction. The results reveal that
the relationship between satisfaction with DBI and DBP is positively
moderated by nationality as an indicator of culture. The
moderated mediation effect is stronger for British and German
tourists than Turkish and Russians.No sponso
Comparative analysis for quality traits of pitaya varieties in protected cultivation
No full textThe study explored the potential of eight new pitaya cultivars for protected cultivation in subtropical climate conditions,
comparing yield and fruit characteristics. Two white-fleshed and six red-fleshed cultivars were planted in the study. The
physico-chemical properties (pH, total acidity, glucose and fructose amounts, fruit weight, fruit diameter, fruit length, plant
yield, color, total phenolic content, total monomeric anthocyanins, antioxidant activity, glucose and fructose amounts) of the
frutis were analyzed using principal component analysis. The ‘Costa Rica’ (7.54 kg/plant) white-fleshed pitaya cultivar, and
‘Malaysia Red’ (8.44 kg/plant) red-fleshed cultivar had the highest fruit yields. These cultivars, alongside ‘Thai Red’, had the
highest levels of soluble solids and sugar, making them sweeter than other cultivars. ‘American Beauty’ had the most intense
red color in both the flesh and peel of the fruit, while ‘Condor’ had the highest total phenolic content (TPC; 621.06mg
gallic acid/L). ‘American Beauty’ (15.17mg Trolox equivalent-TE/L), ‘Dark Star’ (14.75mg TE/L), and ‘Condor’ (14.84mg
TE/L) had the highest antioxidant activity (AA). ‘Thai Red’ (8.19mg cyanidin-3-glucoside—Cy3G/100mL) and ‘Malaysia
Red’ (5.57mg Cy3G/100mL) were the richest cultivars in terms of total monomeric anthocyanins (TMA). In contrast,
white-fleshed pitaya cultivars had the least TPC, AA, and TMA values. Overall, the study revealed new pitaya cultivars
that are adaptive for protected cultivation with varying fruit characteristics.No sponso
Effect on endoplasmic reticulum stress of the combined oral contraceptives in the kidney
No full textObjective: This study aimed to analyze the effects of combined oral contraceptive active ingredients,
Drospirenone, Ethinyl Estradiol, and Ethinyl Estradiol+Drospirenone, on liver histopathological
changes and endoplasmic reticulum stress levels.
Material and Methods: In the study, 37 Balb/c female mice were used. Mice were randomly divided
into the Control, Sham, Drospirenone, Ethinyl Estradiol, and Ethinyl Estradiol+Drospirenone
groups. The experimental groups were administered with gavage to 8-week-old female mice for
35 days. Kidney tissue sections were applied with Hematoxylin&Eosin, Orcein, Mallory’s Azan,
and Periodic Acid-Schiff to detect histopathological changes, and Chop and Grp78 were used to
detect Endoplasm Reticulum Stress.
Results: Significant loss of microvilli and a decrease in glycogen accumulation were observed
in the apical part of some of the proximal tubules of animals in the Drospirenone and Ethinyl
Estradiol+Drospirenone groups. The amount of collagen fiber stained with Mallory’s Azan
increased in the parietal layer of Bowman’s capsule of the kidney tissues of the Drospirenone and
Ethinyl Estradiol+Drospirenone applied groups, but no difference was observed in elastic fibers in
all groups. The expression level of Grp78 and Chop proteins in the kidney tubules of female mice
given Drospirenone, Ethinyl Estradiol, and Ethinyl Estradiol+Drospirenone was significantly
higher compared to the control group.
Conclusion: In this study, it was shown that the expression of Grp78 and Chop markers detected
in the mouse kidney increased as a result of Drospirenone, Ethinyl Estradiol and Ethinyl Estradiol
+ Drospirenone administration, thus causing kidney cell apoptosis by inducing ER-dependent
death pathway activityNo sponso
“I need to make sense of my birth experience”: A descriptive qualitative study of postnatal women’s opinions, and expectations about postnatal debriefing
No full textBackground: Evidence shows that women feel valued and satisfied after discussing their birth experiences.
However, uncertainties persist surrounding the concept of postnatal debriefing practice.
Aim: To explore the opinions and expectations of women relating to postnatal debriefing and their experiences when the postnatal debriefing is not presented.
Method: Adescriptive qualitative study of 20 postnatal women was conducted using in-depth semi-structured interviews from April-May 2023. Thematic analysis was applied to the data collected in interviews.
Results: Analysis of interview data generated three main themes and nine sub-themes. Women wanted to make sense of their birth experience They expressed their opinions on the components of postnatal debriefing They advocated for al women ot be offered this practice by known healthcare professionals who interact with them They do not want ot only talk about their birth experience but also meet their needs Women agree that expectations related to birth determine the need for the practice. They hoped for psychological adaptation by relieving their distress and gaining a sense of closure. The discussion process was expected to prevent reflection of trauma ot the future and
provide transition ot the postnatal period.
Conclusion: The present study explored women perceptions and expectations of postnatal debriefing. Healthcare professionals should behave sensitively to women's expectations and needs ni relation ot their birth experience. Further research is warranted to clarify the components and effects of postnatal debriefing practice to develop consolidated guidance.No sponso
Dynamics of economic complexity in Canada: a multifaceted long-term analysis
No full textThis research investigates the multifaceted dynamics shaping Canada's economic complexity by examining key variables from 1995 to 2022. Our comprehensive model incorporates Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Research and Development (RD), Trade (TRD), Education (EDU), Political Stability (PS), and Government Effectiveness (GE), providing a holistic understanding of their interconnections. Employing various econometric methodologies, including VECM, FMOLS, CCR, and DOLS, we analyze the long-term relationships and uncover nuanced insights. Results reveal that all the variables positively and significantly impact Economic Complexity across various estimation methods, suggesting an overall increase in economic complexity.No sponso
Measuring the impact of enterprise risk management on performance, value, and risk indicators of Borsa Istanbul XBANK companies with data mining prediction models
No full textRisk management (RM) is viewed by organizations from a holistic perspective instead of a silo-based point of view and a change in basic assumptions has occurred in recent years. The
comprehensive approach to RM that is developed based on a holistic perspective and is adopted by companies is called enterprise risk management (ERM). From the general point of view, it is expected that companies will have sustainable operations, improved performance and value, and controlled risks by using the ERM concept. In this article, the relations of ERM adaptation with firm performance, firm value, and risks were researched through ordinal variables such as the implementation level of ERM and the sophistication level of the organizational structure of ERM in regression models based on panel data (PD). Empirical evidence depending on a sample of ten banking companies listed on the Borsa Istanbul (BIST) Banks index (XBANK) for the period from 2019 to 2022 confirms the above basic argument for firm performance, firm value, and the insolvency risk of banks in general terms. In addition, the prediction accuracy of PD models is calculated for the performance, value, and risk indicators of banks, and the partial least squares regression model is proposed as the alternative prediction model of data mining.No sponso