The effects of critical thinking instruction through asynchronous learning tools on writing

In writing classes, besides mastering the language items and writing rhetoric, students are required to use some high order thinking skills to be able to write academically. Hence, this study basically aims to see the effectiveness of the use of critical thinking skills on writing achievements of the Turkish EFL students. The purpose of the study is to see if online critical thinking treatment affects students’ use of critical thinking skills in their writings. In addition, students’ attitudes towards asynchronous learning tools during the study were observed. At the beginning and end of the study, 16 students in control group and 16 students in experimental group answered the questions in the critical thinking disposition scale. In addition to this, their writing performances were evaluated before and after the study. Meanwhile, experimental group students were exposed to 8-week online critical thinking treatment. The data gathered were statistically analysed and the results indicate that while the students’ writing performances do not differ significantly before and after the online critical thinking treatment, it has significantly contributed to the studentS’ use of critical thinking skills while writing

Can Mean Platelet Volume Value Be Used as Inflammation Marker in Children with Familial Mediterranean Fever?

Aim:Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) is disrupted response to inflammation by the organism as a result of mutations in the MEFV gene. It has been shown that the mean platelet volume could be used as a marker in many inflammatory diseases. In this study, it was aimed to determine inflammation by observing the changes in the mean platelet volume in the complete blood count.Materials and Methods:The study included 570 children diagnosed with the FMF based on the Tel-Hashomer Criteria. We also included 73 healthy children as a control group. Demographic features, results of genetic analyses, complete blood count parameters, mean platelet volume levels, and C-reactive protein results were evaluated retrospectively. Data of the patients were recorded separately based on the acute attack and attack-free periods under treatment.Results:The mean platelet volume was found to be 8.4±2.4 fL in the attack period and 9.5±1.9 fL in the attack-free period. The mean platelet volume was significantly lower in patients with an attack period compared to the patients at an attack-free period. Leukocyte count and C-reactive protein were statistically significantly higher in the attack period compared to the attack-free period.Conclusion:The mean platelet volume decreases in patients with FMF with the effect of inflammation during the attack period. We think that it is important to consider mean platelet volume while evaluating the blood count

Antinuclear antibody testing in a Turkish pediatrics clinic: is it always necessary?

Introduction: the term anti-nuclear antibody (ANA) is used to define a large group of autoantibodies which specifically bind to nuclear elements. Although healthy individuals may also have ANA positivity, the measurement of ANA is generally used in the diagnosis of autoimmune disorders. However, various studies have shown that ANA testing may be overused, especially in pediatrics clinics. Our aim was to investigate the reasons for antinuclear antibody (ANA) testing in the general pediatrics and pediatric rheumatology clinics of our hospital and to determine whether ANA testing was ordered appropriately by evaluating chief complaints and the ultimate diagnoses of these cases. Methods: the medical records of pediatric patients in whom ANA testing was performed between January 2014 and June 2016 were retrospectively evaluated. Subjects were grouped according to the indication for ANA testing and ANA titers. Results: ANA tests were ordered in a total of 409 patients during the study period, with 113 positive ANA results. The ANA test was ordered mostly due to joint pain (50% of the study population). There was an increased likelihood of autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARDs) with higher ANA titer. The positive predictive value of an ANA test was 16% for any connective tissue disease and 13% for lupus in the pediatric setting. Conclusion: in the current study, more than one-fourth of the subjects were found to have ANA positivity, while only 15% were ultimately diagnosed with ARDs. Our findings underline the importance of an increased awareness of correct indications for ANA testing

An evaluation of the high level quartet cooperation council between Turkey-Syria-Jordan-Lebanon in the light of the European Union integration theories, master's thesis

ÖZET AYGÜN, M. Fatih. Avrupa Birliği Entegrasyon Teorileri Işığında Türkiye-Suriye-Ürdün-Lübnan Arasındaki Yüksek Düzeyli Dörtlü İşbirliği Konseyi'nin Değerlendirilmesi, Yüksek Lisans Tezi, Ankara, 2014 Bu çalışmada Türkiye-Suriye-Ürdün-Lübnan arasında kurulmak istenen "Yüksek Düzeyli Dörtlü İşbirliği Konseyi" mekanizmalarının da yer aldığı bölgesel vizyon temelinde bütünleşme süreci, Avrupa Birliği'ni konu alan entegrasyon teorileri ışığında incelenecek ve entegrasyon teorilerine kısaca değinilecektir. Avrupa Birliği Bütünleşme Teorileri içerisinde bütünleşmeyi tamamıyla açıklayabilecek tek bir teori olduğunu söylemek zordur. Bu görüşten yola çıkarak Türkiye'nin entegrasyon ihtiyacını, entegrasyon arayışını ve en başta yakın komşularını kapsayan yeni bölgesel entegrasyon vizyonunu en iyi açıklayabilecek teoriler incelenecektir. Anlatılan teoriler ışığında gerçekleştirilmek istenen bütünleşme sürecinin başarısız olma sebepleri araştırılacaktır.ABSTRACT AYGÜN, M. Fatih. An Evaluation of the High Level Quartet Cooperation Council between Turkey-Syria-Jordan-Lebanon in the Light of the European Union Integration Theories, Master's Thesis, Ankara, 2014 In this study, the integration process on the basis of regional vision including the High Level Quartet Cooperation Council mechanisms that are wanted to be established between Turkey-Syria-Jordan-Lebanon will be assessed in the light of the European Union Integration Theories and the integration theories will briefly be touched upon. It is hard to state that there is not a single theory which fully explains the integration among the European Union Integration Theories. In this context, the theories that can explain in the best way of Turkey's need for integration, its search for integration and especially its new regional integration vision covering its close neighbors will be analyzed. The reasons for failure in the integration process that is aimed to be conducted will be researched in the light of mentioned theories