İstanbul Medipol University Institutional Repository
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Eltrombopag for treatment of thrombocytopenia after autologous stem cell transplantation in children single center experience
No full textIntroduction: Thrombocytopenia is a common clinical problem in cancer patients undergoing high-dose chemotherapy and autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). It can occur as prolonged isolated thrombocytopenia (PIT) or secondary failure of platelet recovery (SFPR) and may cause potentially fatal bleeding. However, data on the treatment of post-transplant thrombocytopenia is still lacking. Methods: We reported our practices involving 15 pediatric patients who received eltrombopag (ELT) treatment for PIT and SFPR after autologous HSCT. Results: The overall response was 78.5% (11/14), with 1 patient excluded due to noncompliance. The 12 surviving patients' median follow up was 699 days (range: 167 to 2250 d). Conclusions: Our study indicates the efficacy and safety of ELT for treating PIT and SFPR after autologous HSCT in pediatric patients. However, more studies are needed to confirm these findings in children
Splenic flexure mobilization: does body topography matter?
No full textBackground: Splenic flexure mobilization can be technically challenging, and its oncological benefits remain uncertain. This study aims to explore the relationship between patient and clinical characteristics and splenic flexure mobilization time as well as the implications of prolonged splenic flexure mobilization duration. Methods: This retrospective cohort study includes 105 patients who underwent laparoscopic distal colorectal cancer surgery between 2013 and 2018. The study analyzed patient characteristics, duration of surgical steps, and postoperative outcomes. Splenic flexure mobilization time was assessed using operation videos, and the impact of patient-related factors on splenic flexure mobilization complexity was examined. Results: The study identified significant correlations of higher body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.0086), weight (p = 0.002), and height (p = 0.043) with longer splenic flexure mobilization time. Gender did not significantly influence splenic flexure mobilization duration. Splenic flexure mobilization time was correlated with the durations of other individual surgical steps (Step 1: medial-to-lateral dissection [p = 0.0013], Step 2: pelvic dissection [p = 0.067], Step 3: dissection of white line and mobilization of descending colon [p = 0.0088], Step 5: stapling, resection, extraction of the specimen, and anastomosis [p = 0.04]) and the overall operation time (p < 0.0001). A 10-min cutoff point predicts the total operation time more efficiently than other potential thresholds. Conclusion: This research suggests that patient characteristics including BMI, weight, and height may serve as indicators for prolonged splenic flexure mobilization time in laparoscopic distal colorectal cancer surgery. Longer splenic flexure mobilization durations were correlated with extended durations of other surgical steps. A BMI-based approach to anticipate SFM duration may enhance preoperative planning, potentially aiding in surgical decision-making. Trial registration: E-10840098–772.02–61604 2.2.2019
Earthquake performance analysis of a masonry school building's retrofitted state by the equivalent frame method
No full textNonlinear analyses of masonry structures are frequently used in both engineering practice and academic studies. Due to the dominant nonlinear behaviour of masonry structures, complex and extensive finite element models are required to obtain accurate analysis results. While masonry walls are usually modelled using fine-meshed shells or solid elements in such structures, high computing power in modelling, analyzing, and post-processing results is necessary for the analyses of large structures. In recent years, the equivalent frame method, as a solution to this problem has been developed and presented in the literature. In this study, the equivalent frame method is used in a masonry structure modelling, and the axial force-bending relationship is represented by force-based fiber elements. The multi-linear load-deformation relationship reflects the shear behaviour of the walls. Within the scope of the study, an existing masonry school building is modelled using the equivalent frame elements with OpenSees software. Seismic performance analyses are done considering the existing and retrofitted states of the structure, and the results are discussed in a comparative manner
Investigating the impact of various insole applications on balance and postural stability in the elderly
No full textObjectives: Aging leads to physical and cognitive declines, notably affecting balance and motor skills, making falls a prevalent health concern among the elderly. Falls, a significant health issue among the elderly, often stem from these impairments. This study aims to investigate the impact of different insole materials, specifically cork and silicone, on balance and postural stability in the elderly. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted at the Istanbul Barinyurt Elderly Care Center with 24 participants, divided into two groups to test cork and silicone insoles. Balance parameters, plantar pressure, the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, and the Five Times Sit-to-Stand Test were used as measures. Data analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney U and Wilcoxon tests. Results: Post-intervention, the cork insole group showed significant improvements in balance, maximum plantar pressure, and functional mobility tests compared to the silicone insole group. While both insoles enhanced certain balance parameters and walking performance, cork insoles proved more effective in key outcomes. Additionally, maximum plantar pressure for the cork insoles group decreased significantly, indicating better pressure distribution and potentially enhanced balance. Conclusion: Cork insoles are superior to silicone insoles in improving balance and postural stability among the elderly. This study supports using cork insoles as part of fall prevention strategies, emphasizing the importance of material properties in orthopedic insole design. Future research should explore long-term effects and integrate insoles with other postural stability methods for comprehensive elderly care.Scientific Research Projects Coordination Unit of Biruni Universit
Developing a strategic framework for airline destination selection: a multi-criteria decision-making approach applied to Turkish airlines
No full textThe purpose of this study is to develop a comprehensive decision-making framework that airlines can use to strategically select new destinations, demonstrated here with a case application for Turkish Airlines. Addressing the complexities of route expansion, the study integrates the Entropy weighting method with the 2-Tuple Linguistic T-Spherical Fuzzy Decision by Opinion Score Method (2TLTS-FDOSM) to evaluate potential destinations across critical criteria, including market demand, economic impact, and regulatory environment. Data were collected from industry reports, expert evaluations, and publicly available aviation metrics to support a thorough and adaptable analysis. Findings from the Turkish Airlines case reveal San Antonio, TX (SAT), Portland, OR (PDX), and Nashville, TN (BNA) as top-ranked destinations, each offering distinct economic and operational benefits. This study contributes to aviation management literature by presenting a versatile, data-driven framework that can guide route selection for carriers in competitive markets. The framework's ability to balance quantitative and qualitative insights underscores its potential for broader application in network planning, promoting sustainable growth within the aviation industry
The associations between EFL learners’ L2 class belongingness, emotion regulation strategies, and perceived L2 proficiency in an online learning context
No full textAlthough the sense of belongingness plays a major influence in fostering intrinsic motivation and psychological well-being, scant research attention has been given to English as a foreign language (EFL) learners’ belongingness in relation to peers and teachers and its outcomes in L2 learning contexts. Additionally, despite the importance of emotion regulation in L2 education, little is known about its role in mediating the impact of L2 belongingness on self-assessment of L2 proficiency in online L2 learning environments. Therefore, the present study used survey data to examine the associations between learners’ sense of class belongingness, their preferred emotional regulation strategies (reappraisal vs. suppression) and self-perceived English proficiency, in a sample of 191 Turkish EFL university students. Path analysis results indicated significant direct paths between social belongingness with peers and academic belongingness with teachers, respectively, and the emotional regulation strategy of reappraisal. Further analysis indicated a significant indirect association between social belongingness with peers and perceived L2 proficiency through the measure of reappraisal emotional regulation. There was also a significant indirect relationship via reappraisal between academic belongingness with teachers and perceived L2 proficiency. The results are discussed in connection with self-determination theory and social identity theory, and implications are drawn for teaching
Is belief priming associated with prosocial intentions? Experimental evidence from Turkey
No full textIn light of prior research emphasizing the complexity of the link between religiosity and prosocial tendencies, it has remained unknown which specific aspects of faith might motivate individuals to increase concerns about the welfare of others. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the influence of various dimensions of faith (positive, neutral, and negative) on prosocial intentions, considering preexisting levels of religiosity. Initially, participants (N = 217) were asked to provide demographic information and indicate their levels of religiosity through an online data collection platform. Subsequently, participants were randomly assigned to experimental groups in which involving made-up passages describing research findings that emphasized positive (N = 77), negative (N = 78), or neutral (N = 62) outcomes of faith. Finally, participants responded to four scenarios assessing their prosocial intentions. The findings showed that highlighting positive outcomes of faith increases prosocial intentions, particularly among individuals with higher levels of preexisting religiosity. However, neutral or negative aspects of faith showed no significant impact on prosocial intentions, regardless of religiosity levels. These findings contribute to ongoing debates by showing the significance of accounting for individual and contextual variances in religious prosociality and expand previous research by providing evidence from a non-Western cultural context, Turkey, with a predominantly Muslim population
Association of environmental and behavioural factors with cardiovascular disease mortality
No full textAims: Recognizing the rising concern of environmental impacts on health, the study aims to explore how specific environmental factors such as air pollution, humidity, and temperature variations contribute to the prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality, emphasizing the role of air quality, climate variables, and lifestyle factors in the disease mortality specifically. Methods and results: Analysis of province-level data on CVD mortality in Turkey from 2010 to 2019, assessing the correlations with environmental and lifestyle factors like particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, meteorological variables, and smoking and alcohol consumption. The study employs the SAS TRAJ procedure and Ordinal Logistic Regression for statistical analysis. The multiplicity correction was done through Benjamini–Hoechberg false discovery rate (FDR) approach. As expected, both smoking and alcohol consumption were found to be significantly associated with CVD mortality (odds ratio (OR): 1.10, 95% CI: 1.08, 1.11, P-value < 0.0001). While median Air Pressure and Humidity were among the most significant markers with OR of 1.10 indicating an increasing CVD mortality, their variability metrics such as coefficient of variation (CV) showed significant protective effects with OR of 0.37 and 0.89, respectively. Temperature and its variability seemed to be protective overall. Conclusions: Our research highlights the significant influence of environmental factors on cardiovascular health, especially air pressure and humidity, beyond the known factors such as smoking and alcohol consumption. These findings suggest the need for comprehensive public health strategies that address both environmental and lifestyle risk factors to effectively reduce the burden of cardiovascular diseases.TUBITAK Directorate of Science Fellowships ; Grant Programmes (BIDEB)-2232 International Fellowship for Outstanding Researcher
Commercialisation of artificial intelligence: a research on entrepreneurial companies with challenges and opportunities
No full textPurpose: The research paper’s purpose is to contribute to the literature by analysing the essential resources and processes required for successful commercialisation, the contemporary challenges and opportunities of artificial intelligence initiatives in Türkiye, and the diverse models and methods employed by these initiatives. Design/methodology/approach: Within the scope of the research, interviews were conducted with 10 entrepreneurs who established artificial intelligence-oriented enterprises in technoparks in Istanbul and Antalya. All 10 interviews were analysed using the MAXQDA20 software tool. Structured qualitative content analysis was used for the data analysis procedure. Findings: Based on the research, external factors have a significant impact on the future growth opportunities of the market. Expanding the client base, gaining international recognition, and securing financing are crucial for success. However, the findings reveal challenges in the relatively young local ecosystem. One major criticism is the lack of support in marketing and sales activities for refined products. To address this, providing financial incentives and knowledge transfer to those in need is vital. Research limitations/implications: Since the research was conducted only with entrepreneurs who established and successfully commercialised artificial intelligence-oriented enterprises, it is recommended that future studies be performed with a widespread sample group, considering this limited situation. Furthermore, to overcome survivorship bias, it is recommended that posterior studies include failed commercialisation attempts in AI ventures. Practical implications: It can be argued that there is no deliberate approach or model for commercialization. Entrepreneurs often draw from their own prior experiences or observe industry trends. Given the limited financial resources available in the domestic market and the challenge of attracting foreign investors to Turkish brands, entrepreneurs tend to rely on internal approaches for commercialisation. Originality/value: This research delves into the commercialisation prospects and obstacles encountered by AI start-ups in Türkiye. It comprises qualitative insights into business models, commercialisation approaches, opportunities, and challenges. The data were obtained from interviews with entrepreneurs operating in the industry