Evaluation of Performance of Tourism Industry Companies listed in Istanbul Stock Exchange (BIST) by TOPSIS Methodology

To evaluate the operations of the companies in the past years and to make forecasts about the future, it is important to evaluate and analyze their financial performance. In this study, the financial performances of tourism enterprises operating in Istanbul Stock Exchange for 2013-2016 are compared with TOPSIS method. As a result of the research, it is determined that the best performances are observed in 2014, 2015 and 2016 for MALT and in 2013 for METUR

Improving Pre-Service Science Teachers’ Content Knowledge and Argumentation Quality through Socio-Scientific Issues-Based Modules: An Action Research Study

This paper aimed to assess improvements in content knowledge and argumentation quality of pre-service science teachers (PST) through a socio-scientific issues-based (SSI-based) module course. The study was designed as action research with 25 PSTs. Data collection instruments were an energy-related content knowledge questionnaire and video recordings. An energy-related content knowledge rubric was used to evaluate the content knowledge of PSTs, while their argumentation quality was analyzed using a video analysis inventory. The module course was completed in eight weeks. Findings showed that the SSI-based teaching modules course improved energy-related content knowledge with all  PSTs increasing by a minimum of one criterion on the rubric.  Although the number of arguments decreased weekly, the argumentation quality also increased. Thus, it can be inferred that SSI-based module teaching is a practical tool to teach energy-related content knowledge and argumentation qualities. The study suggests that action research can contribute to developing an effective learning environment.  Further studies that include the actual practices of PSTs as they reflect and revise their learning are indicated

Representation of socioscientific issues in the most popular Turkish daily newspapers

Socioscientific issues (SSIs) have become important in science education because of their feature of important component of scientific literacy. The purpose of this study is to analyze the representation of SSIs in Turkish national newspapers. The methodology employed in the present study is content analysis. The archives of newspapers were online searched for predetermined SSIs, news titles were categorized according to content and year. And then, samples of news tittle were selected from various newspapers for each issue tittle and were demonstrated with newspaper name and publishing year. The results demonstrated that the most mentioned SSIs are nuclear energy, environmental pollution/problems, and global warming in the last 11 years. Moreover, a steady was seen in the SSIs between 2004 and 2014. Interpretations are given in more detail in results and discussion

Is high platelet distribution width in the first hours of life can predict hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus in preterm newborns?

Aim: To determine whether there is any association between platelet indices within the first hours of life and hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (hsPDA) in preterm newborns. Patient and methods: A total of 100 preterm infants, gestational age <32 weeks and birth weight <1500 g were analyzed in the study. Complete blood counts obtained within the first 6 hours of life were evaluated for platelet parameters and compared for patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) status. Results: We included 50 infants with hsPDA and 50 controls. Mean gestational week of patients were 28.8 ± 2.4 weeks and mean birth weight of the patients were 1237.5 ± 406 g. Platelet distribution width (PDW) is higher in PDA group compared with the control group (p =.023). The cutoff value of PDW is 11.45 fL for hsPDA with 65% sensitivity and 66% specificity. The other blood parameters including platelet count, platelet mass, and mean platelet volume (MPV) were no statistically different between the two groups. Also, there was no association with the platelet count and the response to the medical therapy. Conclusions: There is no association between hsPDA and the platelet count, platelet mass or MPV in the first day of life. We determined that hsPDA patency was significantly associated with a higher first day PDW level, which is a more specific indicator of platelet activation than other platelet parameters

Risk factors and clinical characteristics of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia infections in neonates

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to review the risk factors and clinical, bacteriological, and epidemiological characteristics of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia infections in our neonatal intensive care unit.MethodsA retrospective matched case–control study was performed by comparing 23 cases of S maltophilia with 45 controls to identify the potential risk factors. To identify the case patients, the admission and medical records of patients in the neonatal intensive care unit and records from the Microbiology Department were reviewed between 2003 and 2008.ResultsSepsis in two neonates (9%), conjunctivitis in two neonates (9%), and ventilator-associated pneumonia in 19 (82%) neonates were determined. Invasive-procedures, exposure to aminoglycoside and carbapenem, total parenteral nutrition, histamine 2 blockers, exposure to steroids, cholestasis, and duration of hospitalization were significantly associated with S maltophilia infections (p<0.05). On multivariate analysis, invasive procedures (odds ratio, 18.81) and duration of hospitalization (odds ratio, 1.06) were determined to be the risk factors for S maltophilia infection. The most active antimicrobial agent was trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (87%) for S maltophilia infection, and the mortality rate was 17%.ConclusionsNeonatologists should avoid from unnecessary invasive procedures and broad-spectrum antibiotics to reduce S maltophilia infections. Invasive procedures should be finished in the shortest time possible. Agent/factor-specific antibacterial treatment should be administered. Patients being discharged as early as possible will also reduce infection frequency. Stenotrophomonas maltophilia should be considered in patients with high Stenotrophomonas infection risk factors

A Fahr’S Disease Case Presenting With Dementia

DergiPark: 379009tmsjAims: Fahr’s disease is characterized by a bilateral striopallidodentate calcinosis, related to various neurologic and psychiatric disorders. It is a rare disease which can occur both sporadically or hereditarily. While the clinical symptoms related to calcifications include parkinsonism, dystonia, tremor, chorea, ataxia, dementia and mood disorders, some asymptomatic cases have also been reported. With this study, an overall view of Fahr’s disease is aimed, by investigating the 65-year-old patient considering her clinical, endocrinological and radiologic aspects, also utilizing the available literature Case report: A 65-year-old female patient with a six-year history of forgetfullness and 3-months history of walking difficulty, unbalance and general reduction of spontaneous movement complaints was hospitalized with parkinsonism pre-diagnosis. Laboratory results indicated primary hyperparathyroidism. CT scans also revealed diffuse bilateral intracranial calcifications. The diagnosis of Fahr’s disease was confirmed after clinical investigations and exclusion of other diseases which cause intracranial calcifications. Conclusion: This case implies the importance of keeping Fahr’s disease in consideration in cases with primary degenerative dementia in the foreground and indistinct motor dysfunctions adding subtly to the symptoms, and manifestation of hypocalcaemia

Real-time elastography for differentiation of breast lesions

Backroung: To investigate the diagnostic performance of the elastography-based strain index ratio in the differential diagnosis of malignant and benign breast lesions. Material/Methods: Seventy-nine breast masses that were classified as BI-RADS category 3, 4, and 5 on B-mode ultrasonography (US) were further prospectively evaluated by real-time sonoelastography (RTE). To obtain an optimal cut-off value of the strain ratio for differentiating between malignant and benign breast lesions, RTE findings were compared with histopathology of core needle biopsy samples or with ultrasound follow-up data of the analyzed masses. Results: Seventy-nine breast lesions [BI-RADS category 3 (n=15), BI-RADS category 4 (n=34), and BI-RADS category 5 (n=30)] were classified as malignant (n=36) or benign (n=43). The mean strain index value was 6.59±3.44 (range 0.6-14) for malignant lesions and 2.79±2.16 (range 0.6-8.7) for benign lesions, respectively (p<0.05). As regards the detection of malignant lesions, US was characterized by sensitivity and specificity of 100% (CI 95%; 88-100) and 90% (CI 95%; 76-97), respectively. When an optimal value of the strain ratio (4.25) was obtained by ROC curve analysis, the sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing malignant lesions were 86% (CI 95%; 70-95) and 76% (CI 95%; 60-87), respectively. Conclusions: RTE can play an important role in the differentiation between malignant and benign breast masses, but it should be used in conjunction with ultrasonography

Validade e confiabilidade da versão turca da escala de avaliação do Ambiente de Aprendizagem Clínica, Supervisão e Professor de Enfermagem (CLES+T)

Aim: A methodological type of study was conducted for the purpose of investigating the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Clinical Learning Environment, Supervision and Nurse Teacher (CLES+T) evaluation scale of the clinical learning environment of students, clinical nurses, and educators. Methods: Sample was comprised of 602 Turkish nursing students with clinical practice experience at the hospital. The CLES+T, developed by Saarikoski, was used for data collection. Language equivalency, internal consistency, item-total correlation, and structure validity were conducted within the scope of the validity and reliability study on the CLES +T scale. Results: It was determined that item-total correlations of four items were lower than 0.30, and those items were removed from the scale as a result of item analysis. The Cronbach’s alpha value of the scale was 0.93-0.99; item total point correlations of the scale varied between 0.45 and 0.66; six factors were identified in the CLES+T factor analysis study, with a total variance explained by these six factors of 64%. Conclusion: According to the findings of the research, the CLES+T Turkish version was found to be a valid and reliable scale, which can be used to evaluate satisfaction of nursing students with their clinical education in TurkeyObjetivo: Um estudo do tipo metodológico foi desenvolvido com o propósito de investigar a validade e a confiabilidade da versão turca da escala de avaliação do Ambiente de Aprendizagem Clínica, Supervisão e Professor de Enfermagem (CLES + T) no ambiente de aprendizagem clínica de estudantes, enfermeiros clínicos e educadores. Métodos: A amostra foi composta por 602 estudantes de enfermagem turcos com experiência na prática clínica hospitalar. O CLES + T, desenvolvido por Saarikoski, foi utilizado para coleta de dados. Equivalência de linguagem, consistência interna, correlação item-total e validade de estrutura foram avaliados no escopo do estudo de validade e confiabilidade na escala CLES + T. Resultados: As correlações item-total de quatro itens foram inferiores a 0,30, e tais itens foram removidos da escala como resultado da análise de itens. O valor alfa de Cronbach da escala foi de 0,93-0,99; as correlações itemtotal da escala variaram entre 0,45 e 0,66; seis fatores foram identificados na análise fatorial da escala, com uma variância total explicada por esses seis fatores de 64%. Conclusão: De acordo com os resultados da pesquisa, a versão turca do escala CLES+T foi considerada válida e confiável, a qual pode ser usada para avaliar a satisfação de estudantes de enfermagem com sua educação clínica na Turquia.Objetivo: Se realizó un estudio de tipo metodológico con el fin de investigar la validez y la fiabilidad de la versión turca de la escala de evaluación del entorno de aprendizaje clínico, la supervisión y la enfermera docente (CLES + T) del entorno clínico de aprendizaje de estudiantes, enfermeras clínicas, y docentes. Métodos: La muestra estuvo compuesta por 602 estudiantes de enfermería turcos con experiencia en práctica clínica en el hospital. Se utilizó el CLES + T, desarrollado por Saarikoski, para la recopilación de datos. Se realizaron la equivalencia idiomática, la consistencia interna, la correlación ítem-total y la validez de la estructura dentro del alcance del estudio de validez y confiabilidad en la escala CLES + T. Resultados: se determinó que las correlaciones ítem-total de cuatro ítems eran inferiores a 0.30, y se eliminaron de la escala como resultado del análisis. El valor alfa de Cronbach de la escala fue 0.93-0.99; las correlaciones de puntos totales de los ítems de la escala variaron entre 0.45 y 0.66; se identificaron seis factores en el estudio de análisis del factor CLES + T, con una varianza total explicada por estos seis factores del 64%. Conclusión: según los resultados de la investigación, se encontró que la versión turca de CLES + T era una escala válida y confiable, que se puede utilizar para evaluar la satisfacción de los estudiantes de enfermería con su educación clínica en Turquí

Relevance of components of Investment Model and some variables in close relationships with high and low self-monitoringYakın ilişkilerde Yatırım Modeli unsurlarının ve bazı değişkenlerin yüksek ve düşük izlenim ayarlamacılığı ile ilgisi

The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between some variables related to close relationships (expectation of the relationship duration, loyalty to the relation, finding the partner attractive, evaluating the quality of the relationship positively, having issues in the relationship, reliance on the relationship, the wish that she/he had never started the relationship, finding the relationship important, happiness with the partner) and the components of Investment Model (relationship satisfaction, quality of alternatives, relationship investment) with self-monitoring which is a variable related to the self concept. For this aim, married or not, 472 participants which have a romantic relationship, completed a personal information form, Snyder’s Self-monitoring Scale (Bacanlı, 1990; Snyder, 1974) and Relationship Stability Scale (Büyükşahin, Hasta,&amp; Hovardaoğlu, 2005; Rusbult, Martz, &amp;Agnew,1998). A logistic regression is conducted to investigate whether the components of Investment Model are relevant to any self-monitoring groups (high self-monitoring or low self-monitoring). Results indicated that quality of alternatives (positively) and having issues in the relationship (negatively) are related to high self-monitoring. Results are discussed in terms of theoretical approaches. ÖzetBu araştırmada yakın ilişkilerle ilgili bazı değişkenlerin (ilişki süresine ilişkin beklenti, ilişkiye bağlılık, partneri çekici bulmak, ilişkinin niteliğini olumlu değerlendirmek, ilişkide sorun yaşamak, ilişkide güvende hissetmek, ilişkiye hiç başlamamış olmayı istemek, ilişkiyi önemli bulmak, partnerle mutluluk) ve Yatırım Modeli’nin (Investment Model) unsurları (ilişki doyumu, seçeneklerin niteliğinin değerlendirme, ilişki yatırımı) ile benlik kavramıyla ilişkili izlenim ayarlamacılığı (self-monitoring) değişkeninin ilgili olup olmadığının test edilmesi amaçlanmıştır. Bu amaçla, (evli ya da evli olmayan) bir romantik ilişkisi bulunan 472 kişiye kişisel bilgi formu, Kendini Ayarlama Ölçeği (Bacanlı, 1990; Snyder, 1974) ve İlişki İstikrarı Ölçeği (Büyükşahin, Hasta ve Hovardaoğlu, 2005; Rusbult, Martz ve Agnew,1998) uygulanmıştır. Yapılan lojistik regresyon analizi ile araştırma kapsamında ele alınan ve yakın ilişkilerle ilgili değişkenlerin ve Yatırım Modeli unsurlarının yüksek ya da düşük izlenim ayarlamacılığı gruplarından herhangi biriyle ilgili olup olmadığı test edilmiştir. Analiz sonucunda seçeneklerin niteliğini değerlendirme (pozitif olarak) ve ilişkide sorun yaşama  (negatif olarak) değişkenlerinin yüksek izlenim ayarlamacılığı ile ilgili olduğu bulunmuştur. Sonuçlar kuramsal yaklaşımlar çerçevesinde tartışılmıştır