Research on the efficiency and performance of camera traps and dome system for wild goat inventory

This study, carried out in 2009-2010, aims to use imaging technology for wild goat inventory in the study area, because direct counts done by means of labor intensive techniques give high error rates. Camera traps and dome systems are used to investigate the replacement of direct counts done by authorized institutions, using manpower in vast and rough terrains for Capra aegagrus. In a total area of 555 hectares, of which 50 were for establishing dome and camera traps, the monitoring system recorded images in predefined hours (07.00 to 09.00; 17.00 to 19.00). These periods also coincide with the selected hours for point counts during periodical inventories for wild goat by the relevant official department. The group size of wild goat was determined as 18. 1, which was captured by the dome camera or camera traps. While dome camera system was not able to monitor the entire group, significant information on the number of the wild goats was via camera system. As a result, if used together, camera traps and dome camera system could contribute effectively to wildlife inventory work, providing 70% of the need for the inventory. The study has shown that it is possible to transfer load of manmade inventory to technology and to achieve much more economical inventories by eliminating the risks and disadvantages caused by human factorKey words: Wild goat (Capra aegagrus), inventory, direct counts, camera traps, dome system

“E-government Portal” and E-Services in Turkey

Likewise in other developed countries, E-government in public administration in Turkey has been introduced with an aim to improve state’s administrative efficiency and competency. These modern administrative approaches and opportunities from technological innovation will inevitably provide high quality services and participation at all levels of the public administration. For this purpose, Turkey established e-Government portal, (e-Devlet Kapısı) a virtual structure which enables access to digital public services. The aim of the e-Government portal is to provide its users service through only one website and safe digital media.  Since accessing the services through only one website makes access easier, high speed and system security are required too. The security system requires identity verification, password and e-Signature. Turkey has successfully implemented the e-government project and with sub-projects such as the National Judiciary Information System Turkey received many international awards. Other than public services similar to e-hospital, e-municipality and e-tender, other social service institutions can also use same administrative approach as to make their service available. Therefore, this article shortly analyzes technical and legal challenges and technical, administrative and legal solutions of the e-Government portal.

Renal Normothermic Machine Perfusion:The Road Toward Clinical Implementation of a Promising Pretransplant Organ Assessment Tool

The increased utilization of high-risk renal grafts for transplantation requires optimization of pretransplant organ assessment strategies. Current decision-making methods to accept an organ for transplantation lack overall predictive power and always contain an element of subjectivity. Normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) creates near-physiological conditions, which might facilitate a more objective assessment of organ quality prior to transplantation. NMP is rapidly gaining popularity, with various transplant centers developing their own NMP protocols and renal viability criteria. However, to date, no validated sets of on-pump viability markers exist nor are there unified NMP protocols. This review provides a critical overview of the fundamentals of current renal NMP protocols and proposes a framework to approach further development of ex vivo organ evaluation. We also comment on the potential logistical implications of routine clinical use of NMP, which is a more complex procedure compared to static cold storage or even hypothermic machine perfusion. Supplemental Visual Abstract; http://links.lww.com/TP/C232

“E-government Portal” and E-Services in Turkey

Likewise in other developed countries, E-government in public administration in Turkey has been introduced with an aim to improve state’s administrative efficiency and competency. These modern administrative approaches and opportunities from technological innovation will inevitably provide high quality services and participation at all levels of the public administration. For this purpose, Turkey established e-Government portal, (e-Devlet Kapısı) a virtual structure which enables access to digital public services. The aim of the e-Government portal is to provide its users service through only one website and safe digital media. Since accessing the services through only one website makes access easier, high speed and system security are required too. The security system requires identity verification, password and e-Signature. Turkey has successfully implemented the e-government project and with sub-projects such as the National Judiciary Information System Turkey received many international awards. Other than public services similar to e-hospital, e-municipality and e-tender, other social service institutions can also use same administrative approach as to make their service available. Therefore, this article shortly analyzes technical and legal challenges and technical, administrative and legal solutions of the e-Government portal

Ostracism among Gifted Adolescents: A Preliminary Study in Turkey

Ostracism has an influence on psychological and social functioning. The aim of this study is to examine ostracism among gifted students, with regard to gender and grade levels. Also, the relationship between ostracism and intelligence level was investigated. The study was conducted in a gifted education center, with 94 gifted students who were attending middle school (grades 5-8). The Ostracism Experience Scale for Adolescents and Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children – Revised Form were employed as data collection tools. According to the findings obtained from the study, it is concluded that ostracism did not differ in terms of gender among gifted students. Besides, being socially excluded may be higher in 8th grades than 6th and 7th grades. Also in the study, a positive correlation was found between intelligence level and ostracism. Discussion and suggestions were also provided based on the results

The Perception of ChatGPT among Educators: Preliminary Findings

ChatGPT was first released in November 2022, which has led to varying reactions among educators. Educators are one of the major stakeholders in the education system. As a result of this, educators’ perceptions of ChatGPT are worth investigating to inform future policy decision-making. This study examined the perceptions of ChatGPT among educators using an online survey. Thematic coding was conducted to interpret perceptions about their concerns about ChatGPT and their thoughts on the potential benefits of ChatGPT in education. The results indicated that even though educators did not know much about ChatGPT yet, they were open to receiving training about its applicability within education.   Educators mentioned plagiarism/cheating, loss of higher-order thinking skills, overreliance on technology, lack of authenticity, decreasing content comprehension, fears of the unknown, and concern for social-emotional well-being as their concerns. On the other hand, educators were hopeful about developing teaching materials to reduce workload, instant information access, and a higher level of teaching using ChatGPT. The findings of the study suggest some important implications and recommendations for educators and policymakers.