Exploring the Interaction Between Internal Customer Satisfaction and Talent Waste: A Lean Management Perspective1

Principles of lean management have become more popular in recent years and the implementation area of Lean, spread from manufacturing environment to service sectors due to its wide applicability. Human centric structure of service sector reveals the need of lean principles which focuses on improvements related to employees. In lean thinking, elimination of wastes is one of the priority and it is essential to eliminate them for organizational enhancements. Wastes in lean were firstly defined under seven categories as overproduction, over-processing, waiting, motion, inventory, defect, transportation for manufacturing environment. However, these wastes were not found adequate, since one of the most important factor in organizations, human, was ignored. Therefore, the 8th waste of lean was presented as “talent” in order to include the human factor and it refers to underutilization of people’s talent, knowledge, skills and abilities. As eliminating talent waste has been perceived as an important concept, it should be a significant driver of increasing internal customer satisfaction. This study aims to explore the relation between talent waste and internal customer satisfaction while considering level of top management commitment. Within this context a survey was conducted with the participation of whitecollar internal customers to understand their perception of talent waste related to their jobs. At the end of the study, it is found that talent waste partially mediates the relationship between top management commitment and internal customer satisfaction

The utility of faces pain scale in a chronic musculoskeletal pain model

The main aim of this study was to investigate the clinical utility and sensitivity to change of faces pain scale (FPS) in patients with shoulder pain, chosen as a chronic pain model. The secondary aim was to determine the association of FPS with psychologic status and quality of life of these patients. Methods. Thirty Turkish patients with chronic shoulder pain were included in the study. Pain intensity was evaluated by visual analog scale (VAS), which is a commonly used pain scale besides FPS. Depression and quality of life were screened by Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Short Form-36 (SF-36). All assessments were done before and after the physical therapy. Results. There was a statistically significant decrease in pain severity after the treatment as indicated by FPS and VAS (P = 0.000). The standardized response mean (SRM) value of FPS of 2.35 was accepted as a good responsiveness. The FPS showed a strong correlation with VAS (r = 0.62 and 0.73) both before and after the treatment. Also, moderate to strong correlations were detected between the FPS and physical functioning (PF), physical role (PR), bodily pain (BP), emotional role (ER), general health (GH), mental health (MH) subscales of SF-36 (r = -0.58–0.80), and BDI scores (r = 0.39) before the treatment. However, there were moderate and weak correlations with FPS and PR and social functioning (SF) subscales of SF-36 only after the treatment (r = -0.52 and r = -0.39). Conclusions. FPS is a satisfactory tool to assess pain in patients with chronic pain conditions and demonstrates sensitivity to detect changes after the treatment

The utility of the faces pain scale in the assessment of shoulder pain in turkish stroke patients: its relation with quality of life and psychologic status

This study was planned to investigate the utility of the vertical Faces Pain Scale (FPS) in the assessment of pain in stroke patients using the shoulder pain model and to assess its utility in the Turkish patient population. The secondary aim was to analyze the association of FPS with the quality of life and depression in the study population. Thirty stroke patients (group I) and 30 controls (group II), all suffering from shoulder pain were included in the study. The patients with subacute shoulder pain and with no other known diseases and impairments were recruited as a control group. Shoulder pain was evaluated by the commonly used pain scales including the Visual Analogue Scale, Likert Pain Scale and 0–10 Numerical Rating Scale besides FPS. Depression was screened using Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and quality of life was evaluated using Short Form-36 (SF-36). FPS showed good correlations with the other pain scales in both the groups (r= 0.950–0.972 and 0.674–0.926, respectively). In group I, there were significant correlations between FPS and physical functioning, pain and emotional role subscales of SF-36 (r= – 0.432, 0.707 and – 0.461, respectively). Although there was a low correlation between the FPS and BDI scores, it was not statistically significant. In group II, FPS showed significant correlations with the BDI scores and all subscales of SF-36 except social functioning and vitality (r= – 0.679 to 0.848). FPS had a high degree of convergent validity and can be used in the assessment of shoulder pain in stroke patients. It may be a good alternative for pain assessment especially in patients with speech disorders and illiterate patients

Usporedba metoda za procjenu dentalne i skeletne dobi djece

Objectives: Estimating age is a crucial determinant of forensic science. Various methods have been used to estimate dental age (DA) and skeletal age (SA).The aim of the current study was to compare the Cameriere’s DA method with the Cameriere’s SA method in estimating CA in children. Materials and methods: A total of 216 radiographs of 130 females and 86 males (between 9 to 14.99 years of age) were evaluated in northwestern Turkey. DA was calculated on the panoramic images using Cameriere’s open apex method. SA was determined on the lateral cephalograms using the fourth cervical vertebrae method by Cameriere. The DA, SA, and CA data were compared using a paired t-test and Wilcoxon test. Results: The mean CA of all groups was calculated as 12.96±0.30, the mean DA of 12.74±0.68 and the mean SA of 12.89±0.89. In males, the DA method presented an underestimation between ages of 14.00 and 14.99 (p<0.05) and an overestimation between ages 9.00 and 11.99 (p<0.05). In females, the DA method showed an underestimation in the 13.00- and 14.99-year-old age groups (p<0.05) and an overestimation in the 10.00- and 11.99-year-old age groups (p<0.05). The SA method revealed a significant underestimation in females between the ages of 13.00 and 14.99 and in males between the ages of 14.00 and 14.99 (p<0.05). Conclusions: The SA estimation method may provide more accurate results compared to the DA method with children of both sexes aged between 9.00 to 12.99 in the determination of CA.Svrha istraživanja: Procjena dobi ključna je odrednica forenzičke znanosti. Za procjenu dentalne dobi (DA) i skeletne dobi (SA) korištene su različite metode. Cilj ovog istraživanja bio je usporediti Cameriereovu DA metodu s Cameriereovom SA metodom u procjeni kronološke dobi (CA) djece. Materijal i metode: Ukupno 216 rendgenskih snimki 130 djevojčica i 86 dječaka (u dobi između 9 i 14,99 go-dina) procijenjeno je u sjeverozapadnoj Turskoj. DA je izračunat na ortopantomogramima s pomoću Cameriereove metode otvorenog apeksa. SA je određen na lateralnim kefalogramima metodom četvrtoga vratnog kralješka prema Cameriereu. DA, SA i CA podatci uspoređeni su s pomoću uparenoga t-testa i Wilcoxonova testa. Rezultati: Srednji CA svih skupina iznosio je 12,96 ± 0,30, srednji DA bio je 12,74 ± 0,68, a srednji SA 12,89 ± 0,89. Kod dječaka je DA metoda rezultirala podcjenjivanjem dobi između 14,00 i 14,99 godina (p < 0,05) i precjenjivanjem između 9,00 i 11,99 godina (p < 0,05). Kod djevojčica je DA metoda pokazala podcjenjivanje u dobnim skupinama od 13,00 do 14,99 godina (p < 0,05) i precjenjivanje u dobnim skupinama od 10,00 do 11,99 godina (p < 0,05). SA metodom utvrđeno je značajno podcjenjivanje kod djevojčica u dobi od 13,00 do 14,99 godina i kod dječaka između 14,00 i 14,99 godina (p < 0,05). Zaključak: Metoda procjene SA-e može dati točnije rezultate u usporedbi s metodom DA-e kod djece obaju spolova u dobi od 9,00 do 12,99 godina u određivanju CA-e

Environmental characteristics of older people attending physical medicine and rehabilitation outpatient clinics

Objective: A residential environment refers to the physical and social characteristics in a neighbourhood. The physical characteristics include interior housing qualities, exterior neighbourhood characteristics, and the accessibility of essential facilities and services outside the neighbourhood. Older adults especially may be vulnerable to the negative impacts of the residential environment. The aim of this study is to elucidate the problems ageing people face in their neighbourhoods, buildings and public areas. Methods: The study group consisted of a total of 1,001 people over the age of 65 who were admitted to physical medicine and rehabilitation clinics in Turkey and consented to participate. A questionnaire covering demographic, social and environmental information was used. Results: Of the study group, 58.6% was living in an apartment building, but only 23.6% of these buildings had an elevator, and the stairs were inconvenient in 46.7% of the buildings. Only 49% of the elderly people went for a walk regularly. The most frequent complaint about the hospitals, community health centres and other public areas was the inappropriate restroom conditions. Eighty-six percent of the study group were not members of an organization, a foundation or a group, and 73.6% did not have personal hobbies. Conclusions: The layouts of buildings and surroundings are inappropriate for older people, and the opportunities for them to participate in social activities are limited. Health and social programmes and governmental and local policies for older people are needed, and public awareness about this issue should be raised

Genomic analysis of Salmonella bacteriophages revealed multiple endolysin ORFs and importance of ligand-binding site of receptor-binding protein

Salmonella is a prevalent foodborne pathogen causing millions of global cases annually. Antimicrobial resistance is a growing public health concern, leading to search for alternatives like bacteriophages. A total of 97 bacteriophages, isolated from cattle farms (n = 48), poultry farms (n = 37), and wastewater (n = 5) samples in Türkiye, were subjected to host-range analysis using 36 Salmonella isolates with 18 different serotypes. The broadest host range belonged to an Infantis phage (MET P1-091), lysing 28 hosts. A total of 10 phages with the widest host range underwent further analysis, revealing seven unique genomes (32-243 kb), including a jumbophage (>200 kb). Except for one with lysogenic properties, none of them harbored virulence or antibiotic resistance genes, making them potential Salmonella reducers in different environments. Examining open reading frames (ORFs) of endolysin enzymes revealed surprising findings: five of seven unique genomes contained multiple endolysin ORFs. Despite sharing same endolysin sequences, phages exhibited significant differences in host range. Detailed analysis unveiled diverse receptor-binding protein sequences, with similar structures but distinct ligand-binding sites. These findings emphasize the importance of ligand-binding sites of receptor-binding proteins. Additionally, bacterial reduction curve and virulence index revealed that Enteritidis phages inhibit bacterial growth even at low concentrations, unlike Infantis and Kentucky phages

Diz osteoartriti olan yaşlı hastaların ev egzersiz tedavisine uyumu

Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the compliance to home-based exercise regimen by elderly patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. Patients and methods: Between May 2012 and May 2013 year, a total of 72 patients (54 females, 18 males) over 65 years old with knee osteoarthritis admitted to the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation outpatient clinic were included in the study. The patients were given a home-based exercise program. They were recommended to perform the exercises 10 times twice a day, for a month. We evaluated the patients’ demographic data, comorbid diseases, whether they exercised previously and compliance to exercise. Results: All patients’ home exercise program compliance was 62.5%. Males were more compliant than female patients and high education and comorbidity were also associated with poor compliance. Conclusion: The compliance of the geriatric patients to home-based exercise program is difficult and multiple variables affect the compliance

Direct Health Expenditure Analysis Related to Hearing Loss in Individuals Using Hearing Aids and Cochlear Implants

Objective:This study aimed to investigate the expenditures related to hearing devices and compare the differences in expenditures in child and adult users.Methods:A preliminary questionnaire was developed and conducted amongst hearing aid and cochlear implant users. A total of 178 patients (57.3% were hearing aid users, 42.7% were cochlear implant users) were included in the study and grouped as adults (first group, 50 patients), and children 1< (second group, 123 patients).Results:The results of the study showed that individuals used approximately 4.5% of their annual income as health expenditure related to hearing loss. This rate was over 5% for child users, and about 2.7% for adult users. Moreover, the expenditure made by adult users was below the amount of expenditure made for children in all health expenditure indicators.Conclusion:Supporting the family budget for hearing loss expenditures not covered by the public health insurance will minimize the financial problems caused by the disability

Preparation, Characterization, and Swelling Behavior of PEGylated Guar Gum @ Ag Nanoparticles

In this study, polyethylene glycol/guar gum @ silver nanoparticles (PEG/GG@AgNPs) were synthesized by using simple sonication method. The nanoparticles were characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). The swelling behaviors of nanoparticles were studied in different pHs (5.5 and 7.4). The experimental results were calculated by Fickian diffusion and Schott kinetic models to understand the swelling mechanism and coefficients of the nanoparticles. The results showed that the linear equation of the Fickian diffusion kinetic model was best fit to explain the water diffusion mechanism of the nanoparticle with high correlation coefficient (R2 = 0.982–0.987). The results confirmed that the swelling degree of nanoparticles were 9.71 g/g at pH 5.5. Also, the results confirmed that PEG/GG@AgNPs can be a good candidate for drug delivery systems in pharmaceutical applications

Ramelteon Protects Intestinal Tissue Against Injury Caused by Methotrexate Via Showing Anti-apoptotic, Antiinflammatory and Antioxidant Properties

Objective:Methotrexate (MTX), a drug used in the treatment of autoimmune diseases and cancers, is a folic acid antagonist, but it has toxic effects on the gastrointestinal system (GIS). In this study, we examined the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-apoptotic effects of Ramelteon (RAM), a melatonin receptor agonist, on the MTX-induced toxicity in the intestinal tissue of rats.Methods:Thirty-two male Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into 4 groups; Control group, MTX group, MTX + RAM group, and RAM group. Single-dose 0.1 mL 20 mg/kg MTX, saline or 0.1 mL 10 mg/kg RAM orally was administered for 7 days. Animals were sacrificed at the end of 7 days after the last drug administration. Then, intestinal tissues were collected for biochemical, histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses.Results:While normal histological findings and biochemical parameters were observed in the control and RAM groups, in the MTX group, mononuclear cell infiltrations, hemorrhagic areas, degenerations in the submucosa and Lieberkuhn crypts were observed in the intestinal sections. Caspase-3 (Cas-3) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) expressions, total oxidant status (TOS) and oxidative stress index (OSI) increased and total antioxidant status (TAS) decreased in the MTX group. RAM treatment decreased Cas-3 and TNF-α expressions, TOS, OSI levels and increased TAS levels.Conclusion:In this study, RAM showed anti-apoptotic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects on MTX-induced toxicity in intestinal tissue. Therefore, it was suggested that RAM might be used in MTX-like toxicities to alleviate the side effects on the GIS