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Quantitative Risk Management in Agricultural Business
No full textFarming is among the most vulnerable segments of society due to the source of the income that is highly dependent on environmental risks. To maintain their production, farmers, who are critical components of agricultural production, need to protect themselves against production risks. For farmers to continue agriculture, it is crucial to provide insurance policies that at the very least protect their current income. Therefore, crop yield insurance has been discussed in this study. When a crop yield falls short of a predetermined threshold, crop yield insurance compensates for the resulting yield loss. This insurance product holds a prominent position among other agricultural insurances because yield insurance, which aims to keep agricultural production at a specific level, maintains sustainability in the ecosystem. Through the spatiotemporal modeling of crop yields and yield insurance, the impact of climate change, a major problem for agricultural insurance, has also been addressed. For the conditional crop yield distribution in this study, a hierarchical Bayesian technique is employed to characterize the spatiotemporal dependence. Wheat yield statistics from the years 2004 to 2022 were used for a total of 47 districts that are part of Ankara and Konya, which are at the top of the list in terms of wheat production volume. Premium rates have been obtained for the region, province, and chosen districts using the preferred model in accordance with model selection and performance criteria, and the results are presented. The R-INLA package program is used to perform all statistical analyses for this study.</p
Huzurevinde Kalan Yaşlı Bireylerin Fonksiyonel Seviyelerine Göre Solunum Fonksiyonlarının İncelenmesi
No full textAmaç: Bu çalışmanın amacı huzurevinde yaşayan ve farklı fonksiyonel seviyede olan yaşlı bireylerin solunum fonksiyonlarının incelenmesi ve karşılaştırılmasıdır. Gereç ve Yöntem: Çalışmaya 65-90 yaşları arasında 27 kadın (80,55±6,68) ve 17 erkek (72,88±7,63) olmak üzere toplam 44 kişi (77,59±7,93) dahil edildi. Bireylerin fonksiyonel seviyeleri desteksiz mobil, destekli mobil ve tekerlekli sandalye ile mobil ve yatağa bağımlı olmak üzere fizyoterapist tarafından değerlendirildi. Bireylerin solunum fonksiyonları spirometre kullanılarak Zorlu Ekspirasyon Manevrası ile değerlendirildi ve bilişsel durumlarını Mini Mental Durum Testi ile değerlendirildi. Sonuçlar: Yaşlı bireyler farklı fonksiyonel seviyelere göre karşılaştırıldığında solunum fonksiyon testleri sonuçlarında anlamlı bir fark olmadığı görüldü; FVC (p=0,416), FEV1 (p=0,330), FEV1/FVC (p=0,390), PEF (p=0,175), FEF25-75 (p=0,318). Tartışma: Çalışmanın sonuçları huzurevinde yaşayan ve farklı fonksiyonel seviyede olan yaşlı bireylerin solunum fonksiyonlarının beklenen değerlere göre düşük olduğunu ve fonksiyonel sınıflar arasında fark olmadığını göstermektedir. Bu durumu solunum fonksiyonlarının beklenen değerlerde olması için sadece fonksiyonel seviyenin iyi olmasının yeterli olmadığını, solunum fonksiyonlarını korumak için özel egzersizler yapılması gerektiğini düşündürmektedir. Ancak bunun için yapılacak ileri çalışmalara ihtiyaç vardır.The aim of this study is to examine and compare the respiratory functions at varying functional levels of elderly individuals living in a nursing home. Material and Methods: A total of 44 individuals (77.59±7.93) consisting of 27 women (80.55±6.68) and 17 men (72.88±7.63) between the ages of 65-90 were included in the study. The functional levels of the individuals were classified by a physiotherapist as unsupported mobile, supported mobile, wheelchair mobile and bedridden. Respiratory functions of the individuals were evaluated with Forced Expiratory Technique (FET) using a spirometer, and their mental state was evaluated with The Mini Mental State Examination. Results: No significant differences were found in the respiratory function test results when comparing elderly individuals accross different functional levels; FVC (p=0.416), FEV1 (p=0.330), FEV1/FVC (p=0.390), PEF (p=0.175), FEF25-75 (p=0.318). Conclusion: The results of the study show that the respiratory functions at varying functional levels of elderly individuals living in nursing homes are lower than expected values and there is no difference between functional classes. This situation suggests that for respiratory functions to be at the expected values, it is not enough to have a good functional level, special exercises must be performed to protect respiratory functions. However, further studies are needed for this
Evaluation of thiol/disulfide homeostasis and ischemia-modified albumin levels in patients diagnosed with heroin use disorder
No full textBackground: Heroin use induces biochemical alterations in the body by affecting oxidative stress, thiol-disulfide homeostasis, and ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) levels, with these parameters potentially serving as biomarkers for the early diagnosis and treatment of heroin use disorder. Methods: This study aims to investigate the changes in thiol-disulfide homeostasis and IMA levels, as well as their interrelationships, between patients with heroin use disorder and a control group. This study was conducted with patients aged 18-65 who were diagnosed with 'heroin use disorder' according to DSM-5 diagnostic criteria and received outpatient follow-up and treatment. A total of 171 people were included in our study, 86 of whom were diagnosed with opioid (heroin) use disorder, and 85 were healthy controls. Results: The study's results demonstrated statistically significant differences between the groups regarding age, marital status, education level, employment status, co-residing persons and stay in prison. Additionally, it was determined that there was a significant difference in depression, anxiety, disulfide, Disulfide/Native thiol, Disulfide/Total thiol, Native thiol/Total thiol and IMA between the case and control groups. Regression analysis indicated that duration of heroin use and maximum duration without substance were associated with total thiol and IMA in patients with HUD. Conclusions: These findings may contribute to the adoption of new perspectives targeting oxidative stress and inflammatory mechanisms in the early diagnosis and treatment of heroin use disorder
Ultrasonography of the Fasciae and Common Pathologies: The Game Changer
No full textUltrasound (US) is rapidly gaining attraction among physicians for the evaluation of fasciae. Unlike traditional imaging, which often lacks specificity of pain localization, US examination stands out as a versatile tool, capable of detecting both structural and functional information. This unique capability allows for a comprehensive assessment of fasciae-the intricate connective tissue essential for human biomechanics. US examination offers a multiparametric approach for the assessment of thickness, echogenicity, stiffness, deformation and shear strain. This comprehensive examination is invaluable for identifying fascial pathologies that may not be detected during physical examination. In this study, we render and discuss common/elementary lesions of the fascia
FUTURE OF TÜRKİYE-EU RELATIONS: COOPERATION, COMPETITION AND COOPETITION
No full textTürkiye’s relationship with the European Union (EU) has a long history, dating back to the Ankara Agreement signed in 1963. Despite the decades-long relationship, the full membership envisioned by the Ankara Agreement has yet to materialize. Political and technical obstacles, including frozen negotiation chapters and shifts in foreign policy priorities, have recently strained relations. While Türkiye has been drifting away from the EU, the transformative impact of the EU on Turkish politics and society have declined for the last decade. Thus, recent research on Türkiye-EU relations has focused on the processes of de-Europeanization in Turkish politics, rising contestation, and political divergence between Türkiye and the EU. Borrowed from the discipline of business administration, the concept of coopetition offers a different perspective on how cooperation and competition can co-exist together between Türkiye and the EU. By focusing on progressive cooperation rather than a stagnant partnership, and on constructive competition rather than destructive rivalry, both parties can sustain a more balanced and productive relationship. This study re-evaluates Türkiye-EU relations in light of global transformations, technological advancements, and regional conflicts, proposing the concept of coopetition as a framework for the management of simultaneous cooperation and competition between the two. Focusing on the green economy, digital transformation, and geopolitical/geo-economic areas and in line with the perspective of coopetition model, the study argues that Türkiye-EU relations can be revitalized if only both sides acknowledge that cooperation for research and development, maintaining peace in their vicinity will provide mutual gains while contestation for normative order and competition for geo-economic benefits will persist.</p
Vaccine hesitancy among parents of children with chronic diseases of different pathophysiology: a cross-sectional study in Sivas, Türkiye
No full textBackgroundVaccine hesitancy (VH) and vaccine refusal are increasing globally, posing a significant challenge to public health. This study aimed to evaluate VH and associated factors in parents of children with different chronic conditions, comparing them to a control group of healthy children.MethodsThis cross-sectional study included mothers of children aged 6 to 12 years, diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), congenital heart disease (CHD), congenital hypothyroidism (CH) and Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) and healthy children without chronic diseases. The study collected sociodemographic data, and parents completed the Parent Attitudes about Childhood Vaccines (PACV) survey and the Parental Attitude Research Instrument (PARI). Vaccine hesitancy was defined as a PACV score >= 50.ResultsA total of 1163 participants were included, consisting of 546 children with chronic conditions. The overall VH rate was %14.7. Compared to control group, parents of children with T1DM had 3.3 times higher odds of VH, and parents of children with ASD had 1.8 times higher odds of VH. However, parents of children with CHD had lower odds of VH [OR: 0.38 (95% CI: 0.15-0.97)]. The most common reasons for VH were concerns about vaccine ingredients (40.2%) and fear of adverse events (22.5%). The primary suggested solution was receiving more information from healthcare professionals (33.3%). Factors such as having a child with a chronic condition, personal experience with vaccine adverse events, and reliance on the internet for vaccine information were associated with increased VH, whereas obtaining information from healthcare professionals was linked to lower VH. Higher parental democratic attitudes were associated with lower VH, while increased marital conflict was linked to higher VH.ConclusionAddressing both informational gaps and psychosocial factors, such as marital conflict and democratic parenting attitudes, can enhance vaccine acceptance. Healthcare professionals should provide personalized guidance and resources to empower parents, enabling them to make informed vaccination decisions for high-risk groups such as children with chronic conditions
Newborn screening programs promote vaccine acceptance among parents in Turkey: a cross-sectional study
No full textObjectives: Newborn screening and childhood immunization are among the most successful public health initiatives. Turkey has a high vaccination coverage (95-99%), but a recent decline is concerning. Vaccine hesitancy (VH) is a growing global issue, identified by the WHO as a major public health threat. Given that VH may correlate with attitudes toward other health practices, we explored whether early engagement with the health system via newborn screening influences childhood vaccine acceptance. Although these programs are implemented separately but concurrently as part of the national healthcare system in Turkey, integrating newborn screening and immunization initiatives may increase vaccine uptake through early engagement and trust building. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between newborn screening and parental vaccine hesitancy. Methods: This study was conducted at a tertiary care center in Turkey from July 2023 to April 2024. Parental VH was assessed using the PACV scale, along with questions on demographics and parental vaccination status. Participants with PACV score >= 50 were classified as VH+, others as VH-. Groups were compared using t-tests, Mann - Whitney U, chi-squared, or Fisher's exact tests. Multiple logistic regression was used to analyze related factors. Results: This analytic descriptive study included 481 parents (125 with children diagnosed with biotinidase deficiency or PKU via newborn screening, and 356 with healthy children aged 2-6). The mean age of respondents was 35 years, and the majority were mothers with a college education. The main sources of vaccine information were health professionals, followed by social media and family. Overall, 19.8% of parents were vaccine-hesitant, with a lower rate in the patient group (12% vs. 22.5%). VH was higher in fathers with chronic diseases (35.1% vs 18.1%, p = .012) and was lower in mothers received tetanus vaccine during pregnancy (16.1% vs. 30.6%, p = .001) or parents who received COVID-19 vaccine (mothers: 13.9% vs. 50.6%, fathers: 14.8% vs. 49.2%, both p < .001). VH was lower in those consulting healthcare professionals and higher in those relying on social media or non-medical sources. Diagnosis and treatment through newborn screening had an effect of 0.47 odds on VH in the overall group (95% CI = 0.24-0.92, p = .028). Conclusion: This study found lower vaccine hesitancy among participants in newborn screening programs and those whose parents received adult vaccinations, potentially due to increased contact with health professionals and greater health-seeking behavior. The influence of social media on vaccine hesitancy, evident in the general population, was not observed among cases, suggesting that systematic follow-up may buffer against external risk factors. Studies with matched cohorts, real-time data collection, and anonymous surveys are needed to improve generalizability, support causal inference, and reduce biases
<SUP>68</SUP>Ga-Trivehexin: Current Status of αvβ6-Integrin Imaging and Perspectives
No full textBackground/Objectives: Molecular imaging, especially PET, has advanced significantly, shifting from metabolic radiotracers like 2-deoxy-2-[F-18]fluoro-D-glucose [F-18]FDG to target-specific probes. Among these, alpha v beta 6-integrin has emerged as a promising target in cancer and non-cancer diseases. This review focuses on the radiochemical properties and initial clinical applications of the [Ga-68]Ga-Trivehexin PET probe. Methods: The literature review on [Ga-68]Ga-Trivehexin systematically evaluated both preclinical and clinical studies, with particular emphasis on its radiochemical characteristics and preliminary clinical applications, while highlighting advancements, associated challenges, and the potential for future developments in the field. Results: This study highlights the significant advancements achieved with [Ga-68]Ga-Trivehexin in the field of molecular imaging. The optimized multimeric system has substantially enhanced the radiotracer's pharmacokinetic properties, binding affinity, and selectivity for alpha v beta 6 integrin, demonstrating up to an 18-fold improvement compared to previous monomeric tracers. The synthesis protocol has been refined to achieve high radiochemical purity (>95%), essential for safe clinical use. Preliminary clinical applications, particularly in head and neck cancer (HNC) and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), have shown promising results, with high detection rates and improved differential diagnosis compared to [F-18]FDG. Furthermore, [Ga-68]Ga-Trivehexin PET/CT has shown potential in non-oncological conditions, such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and primary hyperthyroidism, suggesting broader clinical applicability. Conclusions: [Ga-68]Ga-Trivehexin is a promising PET probe for imaging alpha v beta 6-integrin in cancers and non-oncological diseases like idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and primary hyperparathyroidism (PHP)
Revised phylogeny of mouflon based on expanded sampling of mitogenomes
No full textMouflons are flagship species of the Mediterranean islands where they persist. Once thought to be the remnants of a European wild sheep population, archaeology suggests they were introduced by humans to the islands of Cyprus in the Early Neolithic (similar to 10,000 years ago) and later to Corsica and Sardinia. Their status as truly wild animals remains a subject of debate. To investigate the phylogenetic relationship between these island populations and other domestic and wild sheep from the Mediterranean region, we sequenced 50 mitogenomes of mouflons from Sardinia and Corsica, and modern and ancient Sardinian domestic sheep. A total of 68 additional publicly available mitogenomes were included in the comparative analysis and used to reconstruct the phylogeny of sheep and its closest wild relative, the mouflon (Ovis gmelini). Our study analyzed the evolutionary relationships within the C-E-X and haplogroup B clusters, showing that: a) Cyprus mouflons are more related to Anatolian and Iranian mouflons belonging to the wild haplogroup X, which seems to be basal to the domestic C and E haplogroups; b) Corsican and Sardinian mouflon arise from basal lineages associated with the early European expansion of domestic sheep. These results highlight the phylogenetic distinctiveness of the mouflon populations from the Mediterranean islands, suggesting a revision of their systematic classification and an update of the nomenclature for Sardinian and Corsican mouflons from the current status of subspecies of domestic sheep (Ovis aries musimon) to subspecies of their wild relatives (Ovis gmelini musimon) which would facilitate conservation efforts