Controlling spatial forest structure with spatial simulation in forest management planning: a case study from Turkey

Decision Support Systems (DSS) is widely used to develop spatially explicit forest management plans through the integration of spatial parameters. As a part of this study, a simulation-based spatial DSS, the ETÇAPSimülasyon program was developed and tested in a case study area. The system has the capability to control the spatial structure of forests based on a geodatabase. Geographical Information Systems (GIS) was used to generate the database, using spatial parameters including opening size, block size and green-up delay in addition to other attribute data such as the empirical yield table and the product assortment table. Based on the simulation technique, a spatial forest management model was developed to link strategic planning with tactical planning on a stand base and to present results with a number of performance indicators. One important component of the model determined all spatial characteristics with spatial parameters and patch descriptions. A stand growth and yield simulation model (BARSM) based on the relationship between current and optimal basal area development was also generated to project future stand characteristics and analyze the effects of various silvicultural treatments. A number of spatial forest management strategies were developed to generate spatially implementable harvest schedules and perform spatial analyses. The forest management concept was enhanced by employing a spatial simulation technique to help analyzing the ecosystem structure. Spatial characteristics for an on-the-ground forest management plan were then developed. The model was tested in Altınoluk Planning Unit (APU) using a spatial simulation technique based on various spatial parameters. The results indicated that the spatial model was able to satisfy the spatial restriction requirements of the forest management plan

An Analysis of the Relationship between School Managers’ Change Leadership Style and Multi-Factorial Leadership Styles from the Views of Teachers

The aim of this study has been to identify school managers’ leadership styles and levels in terms of teachers’ perceptions. The focus of the study includes primary, secondary and high schools in Şahinbey and Şehitkamil districts of Gaziantep. In the study, the selection of the sample, which consists of 228 teachers, was carried out by using the disproportionate cluster sampling method. The data have been collected via change leadership scale and multi-factorial leadership scale. For analysis of data Pearson Correlation coefficients have been used. According to the research results, teachers believe that among the multi-factorial leadership styles their managers show mostly transformational, transactional and change leadership behaviors, while they show laissez-faire leadership behaviors less frequently. It was also found out that there is a moderate relation between transformational and change leadership styles; a low-level weak relation between transformational and transactional leadership; and a low-level relation between transformational and laissez-faire leadership. On the other hand, there is a respectively low and meaningful relationship between change leadership and transactional leadership; a negative and very low relationship between change leadership and laissez-faire leadership. Finally, a low level relation has been detected between transactional leadership and laissez-faire leadership

The effect of COVID-19 infection on retinal nerve fiber layer and ganglion cell complex layer thicknesses

Aim:  To evaluate the possible effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection on retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and ganglion cell complex layer (GC-IPL) thicknesses. Method: Patients who had been infected by SARS-CoV-2 and hospitalized because of severe pneumonia were found out from the database of COVID-19 pandemic hospital and formed the patient group. The control group was composed of non-COVID-19 age-matched subjects. The mean and fragmented RNFL and GC-IPL thicknesses were measured by optical coherence tomography (OCT), and compared between two groups, statistically. Results: Patient group 34 eyes of 34 subjects (18 male, 16 female) and 31 eyes of 31 subjects (14 male, 17 female) in the control group were enrolled. The mean age and gender were not statistically different between groups (p:0.56, 0,57, respectively).A statistically significant difference was not found between groups in terms of mean, superior, inferior, temporal, nasal RNFL thicknesses and mean superior, inferior, temporal, and nasal GC-IPL thicknesses. Conclusion: The mean and fragmented RNFL and GC-IPL thicknesses measured by OCT were not statistically different in patients who had moderate disease course and recovered from COVID-19 infection

The Liaison Psychiatry Perspective on Temporomandibular Joint Disorders

This article aimed to explain temporomandibular joint dysfunctions from the liaison psychiatric point of view and clarify the psychological factors in the etiology of temporomandibular joint disorders (TJD). In addition, psychiatric treatment principles are discussed, as well as etiological factors and psychiatric disorders in the light of the international and national studies. Anxiety, depression and somatization are frequent in TJD patients. As all psychosomatic disorders, TJD should be treated from a holistic perspective. It is important to focus on the individual rather than the disease in the treatment of these patients. Turk J Phys Med Rehab 2010;56 Suppl 1:49-52

Psychiatric Aspects of Pain in Cancer Patients

The goal of this review is to discuss the psychiatric aspects of pain in cancer patients from a biopsychosocial approach. Pain in cancer patients is considered as a complex reaction causing severe suffering and involves many psychological aspects. It has many dimensions such as personality, affect, cognition and social relations. The pain experience may also be influenced by some psychological factors such as anxiety, depression and the meaning of pain. Therefore, a successful management of cancer pain requires a multidisciplinary approach. Since cancer pain is generally treated medically, the psychological impact of pain is often underestimated. However, cancer pain is usually related to high levels of psychological distress. Culture, as an important factor affecting cancer pain, will also be discussed during this review. It is crucial to understand cultural diversity in the treatment of cancer patients with pain. Research shows that a minority patients of various ethnicities have less control of their pain because of the miscommunication problem within the medical setting. By paying attention to patients' cultural diversities, problems such as miscommunication causing inadequate control of pain can be eliminated. In order to manage pain in cancer patients, cognitive-behavioral interventions may be integrated with pharmacotherapy. The main goal of these strategies is to provide a sense of control and better coping skills to deal with cancer. Patients' maladaptive thoughts or behaviors may cause physical and emotional stress. Main behavioral strategies include biofeedback, relaxation training, and hypnosis. Cognitive strategies include guided imagery, distraction, thought monitoring and problem solving. By discussing all of these aspects of cancer pain, the multidimensional characteristic of pain and the relation between cancer pain and psychiatric factors will be clarified

Cultural Meaning of Cancer Suffering

It is not possible to understand the cancer experience independent from the specific culture. The history, culture, related values, and traditions shape the experience of Turkish cancer patients. This article aims to review the current Turkish literature on the psychological and psychosocial effects of cancer and its related burden. The psychological and psychosocial burden of cancer is discussed. The review clearly documents that an interdisciplinary approach that combines oncologic and psychiatric treatments is required for decreasing the emotional, physiological, and social burden of cancer in Turkey

Evaluation of the development of psychosomatic medicine in a large university hospital in Turkey

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the development of psychosomatic medicine at our university hospital in Istanbul, which has an inpatient capacity of 3.000. Changing patterns of utilization of psychiatric service were analyzed in two 1-year surveys five-year intervals (1998, n=888) - (2003, n=1609). Psychiatric referrals were analyzed with regard to rate of consultation, demographic characteristics, departments making referrals, reasons for referral, psychiatric diagnoses and patterns of psychiatric intervention. Psychiatric consultation request, consultation reply and medical psychiatric examination forms were used. In evaluating the data, consultation rate was seen to have doubled over the five intervening years. Significant changes were also noted in the demographic characteristics of patients (e.g., more men, older mean age). The most prevalent disorders in both groups were depressive disorder and adjustment disorders. Alcohol and substance abuse remained as a small group. The gradual increase in the utilization of psychiatric services can be attributed to service and education-related variables

The characteristics and risk factors for common psychiatric disorders in patients with cancer seeking help for mental health

Background Although the adverse effects of cancer diagnoses and treatments on mental health are known, about less than 10% of patients are estimated to be referred to seek help. The primary purpose of this study was to obtain the baseline information on patients with cancer seeking help for mental health who presented for the first time to the psycho-oncology outpatient clinic, and to identify risk factors that may provide clues healthcare practitioners in recognizing those needing psychological help in oncology practice. Methods We reviewed the charts of 566 patients with cancer who were referred to the psycho-oncology outpatient clinic over a two-year period. The study includes the socio-demographic data, illness characteristics, psychiatric characteristics, psychiatric diagnoses, and treatment recommendations for these patients. Results The incidence of diagnoses of psychiatric disorders was 97.5%. The distributions of psychiatric diagnoses were as follows: any kind of adjustment disorders, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, organic brain syndrome, personality disorders, delusional disorder, and insomnia. Recurrence of cancer, other chronic medical illnesses, a history of psychiatric disorders, poor social support, and low income comprised the common significant risk factors for adjustment disorders, mood disorders, and anxiety disorders. These risk factors were also seen to be significant in the regression analysis in terms of sex. Conclusion This study identifies the distribution of psychiatric disorders, the risk factors for specific psychiatric disorders, and draws attention to the fact that there are serious delays in patients seeking psychiatric help and in the referrals of oncologists for psychological assessment. Identifying risk factors and raising oncologists' awareness toward risk factors could help more patients gain access to mental health care much earlier

Predictors of psychosocial adjustment in people with physical disease

Aims. The purpose of this paper was to examine the demographic, medical and psychosocial variables that result in the deterioration of psychosocial adjustment in patients with physical disease, the meaning their illness has for them and their coping style

Anesthesia management in pediatric patients undergoing percutaneous closure of atrial and ventricular septal defects in catheter laboratory: Retrospective clinical study

Along with technological and medical advances, diagnostic and therapeutic cardiac catheterization commonly used in pediatric patients; it is frequently preferred the percutaneous closure of ASD/VSD. In this study, it was aimed to evaluate anesthesia management of pediatric patients undergoing percutaneous closure of ASD/VSD in catheter laboratory. This was a retrospective review of pediatric patients undergoing percutaneous closure of ASD/VSD in catheter laboratory between 20122017. Demographic and clinical characteristics were recorded, and all results of anesthesia management were evaluated. Thirty-eight patients (18 males, 20 females) with a mean age of 7,71 ± 3,57 years underwent percutaneous closure of ASD/VSD. Of the cases; 78,4% diagnosed ASD, 21,6% diagnosed VSD were operated. The most common presenting symptoms were murmur (55,3%), chest pain (21,1%) and palpitation (10,5%), Mean defect size was 11.60 ± 6.27 mm for ASD and 6.00 ± 4.64 mm for VSD. Mean anesthesia time was 71.33 ± 22.77 minutes for ASD and 85.83 ± 26.91 minutes for VSD. Mean procedure time was 56.00 ± 20.56 minutes for ASD and 69.16 ± 28.70 minutes for VSD. Premedication was performed for 94,7%, anesthesia induction was performed with propofol (94,7%), fentanyl (63,2%), rocuronium (65,8%). Sevoflurane was used for anesthesia maintenance. TEE was used in 86,8% of the cases. Complications developed for 3 cases. IV paracetamol was preferred in 84,2%. Anesthetist must consider carefully premedication, anesthetic agent preferences, general anesthesia or sedation, complications by catheterization, discomforts of transesophageal echocardiography, hemodynamic instability, requirement of immobility and adequate analgesia. [Med-Science 2018; 7(3.000): 486-490