Online Marketing Activities Of Pharmaceutical Firms And Their Effects On Physicians’ Prescription Behaviour

Tez (Yüksek Lisans) -- İstanbul Teknik Üniversitesi, Fen Bilimleri Enstitüsü, 2009Thesis (M.Sc.) -- İstanbul Technical University, Institute of Science and Technology, 2009Bu çalışmanın amacı, doktorların internet üzerinde ne gibi bilgilere değer verdiklerini daha iyi anlamak ve bu bilgileri sağlamanın ilaç firmalarına ne gibi getirileri olacağı ile ilgili bir model sunmaktır. Geçmiş literatür çalışmalar, bu çalışma için bir temel oluşturmuştur. İnternet, günümüzün tartışmasız en önemli devrimi halini almıştır ve sağlık konusunda bilgiye ulaşım hızını arttırarak sağlık alanında da devrim yaratmak üzeredir. Bildiğimiz kadarıyla internet üzerinde sağlık, en çok araştırma yapılan konulardan biridir ve doktorlar diğer mesleklerle karşılaştırıldığında interneti oldukça yoğun kullanmaktadırlar. . Son zamanlarda ilaç firmaları, doktorlarla iletişim kurmak için internet kanalından faydalanmaya başlamıştır. Fakat doktorların bilgi ihtiyaçları ve bu ihtiyaçları karşılamanın getirisinin ne olacağı konularında tartışma sürmektedir. Bu ihtiyaçları daha iyi anlamak, ilaç firmalarının bütçelerini daha faydalı bir şekilde dağıtıp sağlanan faydaları ölçebilmelerine olanak verecektir. Bu sorunlara çözüm aramak amacıyla çalışmamız, ilaç firmalarının interneti neden daha yoğun kullanmaları gerektiğini iki yoldan açıklamaktadır. Bu çalışmada sunulan modele göre bir ilaç firmasının web sitesi, o web sitesini ziyaret eden doktorların reçeteleme davranışları üzerinde pozitif etki yaratmaktadır. Bu etki, hem doğrudan web sitesinin etkisinden, hem de firma imajını arttırarak imaj değişkeni üzerinden gelmektedir.This study aims to analyze what kind of information physicians need in online media and what kind of value supplying this need will bring to pharmaceuticals. Previous studies have formed a basis for the needs of this research. The internet is undoubtedly one of the biggest social revolutions of our times and has a great potential to contribute to improving worldwide health outcomes by increasing health literacy and access to information. We know that healthcare information is the number one reason for internet use, and physicians are heavy users of internet, compared to other professions. Recently, pharmaceutical companies have started to utilize online marketing channels. But understanding what kind of information physicians need and what consequences supplying this need will bring to pharmaceutical companies is still in question. Understanding these will better help pharmaceutical companies to design their efforts in online media. Therefore, marketing budgets can be allocated more productively to maximize returns. To test these questions, this study reveals two “pathways” that describe why pharmaceutical companies should incorporate the Internet into their practice. Our model states that the website quality of a pharmaceutical company has positive effect on the prescription behaviours of the physicians that visit this company’s website. This effect comes both directly from the web site and also through increasing the company’s image.Yüksek LisansM.Sc

Tarihi yapıların modellenmesi ve deprem güvenliklerinin belirlenmesi

06.03.2018 tarihli ve 30352 sayılı Resmi Gazetede yayımlanan “Yükseköğretim Kanunu İle Bazı Kanun Ve Kanun Hükmünde Kararnamelerde Değişiklik Yapılması Hakkında Kanun” ile 18.06.2018 tarihli “Lisansüstü Tezlerin Elektronik Ortamda Toplanması, Düzenlenmesi ve Erişime Açılmasına İlişkin Yönerge” gereğince tam metin erişime açılmıştır.Bu çalışmanın amacı, kültür miraslarımız olan tarihi yapıların gelecek nesillere sağlıklıolarak aktarılmasını sağlamak ve bu amaca yönelik çalışmalar yapmaktır. Bu nedenletarihi yapıların mevcut durumlarının değerlendirilmesi, olası depremlerde ve zamaniçindeki davranışlarının bilinmesi son derece önemlidir. Bu kapsamda, Sakarya ili,Sapanca ilçesi içinde bulunan Rahime Sultan Camii ele alınarak, deprem davranışınıbelirlemek ve gelecek nesillere ulaştırabilmek için yapılması gerekenler araştırılmıştır.Birinci bölümde, konu ile ilgili yapılan çalışmalar incelenerek özetlenmiştir.kinci bölümde, deprem davranışlarının belirlenmesine yönelik model ve analizyöntemleri incelenmiştir.Üçüncü bölümde, tarihi yapıların deprem davranışı açısından incelenmesi, malzemeözellikleri ve inceleme yöntemlerinden bahsedilmiştir.Dördüncü bölümde, incelenen Rahime Sultan Cami'nin deprem davranışı araştırılmıştır.Bu tarihi yapının, konumu, mevcut durumu ortaya konularak sonlu eleman modelioluşturulmuş, sayısal çözümleri yapılmıştır.Son bölümde ise sonuçlar değerlendirilerek özetlenmiş, bulunan veriler ışığında görüşlerve tavsiyeler verilmiştir.The aim of this report is to make a study on the magnificent structures which have beenbuilt by our ancestors, as part of our historic heritage and to contribute to conservationand restoration of these historic structures.There is a retaining increased importance for the assessment of the structural safety andearthquake behavior of existing historic structures in this millennium. In this study, theRahime Sultan Mosque of Sapanca District is investigated. Within this activity, its finiteelement model is established and earthquake response of 17th of August, 1999 Marmaraearthquake is determined.In the first chapter of this report, a literature study is performed and current studies aresummarized.The second chapter includes the modeling and analysis methods for determiningearthquake behavior of historic structures.At third chapter, characteristics of material properties and structural analysis methodsare discussed. Then, the methods of earthquake behavior of the historical structures areoverviewed.In the forth chapter, the earthquake behavior of Rahime Sultan Mosque is investigated.Using its finite element model, a numerical analysis is conducted.In the last chapter, the results obtained are discussed and recommendations for futurestudies are made

Effect of motivation tools on organizational commitment: A research for retail sector employees

Perakende sektörü Türkiye’de hizmet ve satın alma seçeneklerini yenileyerek gelişen ve birçok insana istihdam sağlayan bir sektördür. Bu kapsamda çalışmanın amacı Türkiye’nin önemli perakende şirketlerinden birinin çalışanlarına yönelik motivasyon araçları ile örgütsel bağlılık arasındaki ilişkiyi belirlemektir. Aynı zamanda demografik özelliklere göre bu iki etmen arasındaki farklılıklar analiz edilmiştir. Yapılan analizler sonucunda cinsiyete göre içsel ve dışsal motivasyon araçları, kadınlarda daha yüksek iken; içsel motivasyon araçlarının evli bireylerde daha yüksek olduğu; motivasyon ve dışsal motivasyon araçları ortalamasının genç ve yaşça büyük bireylerde daha yüksek olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Örgütsel bağlılık bakımından ise örgütsel bağlılığın yüksek lisans düzeyinde alt seviyedeki eğitim derecesine göre daha düşük olduğu; duygusal bağlılığın ilgili şirketteki deneyim arttığında ise arttığı gözlemlenen önemli sonuçlardandır. İlişki analizleri sonucunda ise örgütsel bağlılığın (duygusal bağlılık, normatif bağlılık ve devam bağlılığı), motivasyon araçları (içsel ve dışsal motivasyon araçları) ile arasında pozitif ve anlamlı bir ilişki olduğu görülmüştür. Motivasyon araçları ile örgütsel bağlılık, duygusal bağlılık, normatif bağlılık, içsel motivasyon ve dışsal motivasyon ile arasında anlamlı ve pozitif bir ilişki olduğu görülmüştür. Son olarak yapılan regresyon analizleri sonucunda motivasyon araçları ve örgütsel bağlılık arasındaki çift yönlü ilişki kanıtlanmıştır.The retail industry is evolving and renewing service purchase options in Turkey, and it is a sector that employs many people. In this context, the aim of the study with motivational tools for employees of one of Turkey's major retail companies is to determine the relationship between organizational commitment. At the same time, the differences between these two factors were analyzed according to demographic characteristics. As a result of the analysis, while intrinsic and extrinsic motivation tools are higher for women, innate motivation tools are higher in married individuals. Furthermore, the average and irrelevant motivation tools are more elevated in young and older individuals. In terms of organizational commitment, organizational commitment is lower at the master's level than the lower education level; It is one of the actual results observed that emotional attachment increases when experience in the relevant company increases. As a result of the relationship analysis, it was seen that there is a positive and significant relationship between organizational commitment (emotional commitment, normative commitment and continuance commitment) and motivation tools (intrinsic and extrinsic motivation tools). Furthermore, it was observed that there was a significant and positive relationship between motivation tools and organizational commitment, emotional commitment, normative commitment, intrinsic motivation and extrinsic motivation. Finally, as a result of the regression analysis, the two-way relationship between motivation tools and organizational commitment has been proven

STEM-Focused Activities to Support Student Learning in Primary School Science

This study examines the effect on student academic success through teaching the "Let's Know the Matter" grade 3 science unit accompanied by STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)-focused activities. The study group consisted of 24 third grade students studying in the 2019-2020 academic year. Teaching was done with a 5E (enter, explore, explain, elaborate, evaluate) instructional model, and student opinions about the STEM activities were collected. A group pretest-posttest research design was used in which the "Let's Know the Matter Test (MT)" was administered at the beginning to measure the students' prior knowledge, and again at the end of the unit to determine what students had learned. Their opinions of the lessons taught with STEM-focused activities were collected using a semi-structured interview technique. Qualitative data were divided into appropriate categories under common themes. It was observed that the 5E instructional model contributed to their academic success. Also, it was found that their opinions about the lessons taught with STEM activities were quite positive. Based on the results obtained from the research, it is suggested that STEM activities be used in the teaching of other topics

The influence of vitamin D deficiency on eradication rates of Helicobacter pylori

Background. Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy improves the healing of various gastro-duodenal diseases such as chronic gastritis and peptic ulcer, and also reduces gastric cancer incidence. Several studies have reported on risk factors other than antibiotic resistance related to Helicobacter pylori eradication failure. Objectives. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether or not the serum levels of 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25(OH)D) influence eradication rates of H. pylori. Material and methods. 220 patients diagnosed with H. pylori gastritis using endoscopic biopsy had their 25-OH vitamin D levels measured via the electrochemiluminescence method before beginning eradication therapy of H. pylori. Gastric biopsies obtained at endoscopy were examined for H. pylori strains and histopathologic findings. All patients were treated with bismuth-containing quadruple therapy for 14 days. H. pylori eradication was determined via the 14C-urea breath test performed 4 weeks after the end of therapy. Based on the 25-OH vitamin D levels, the patients were divided into 2 groups: group 1 (deficient) had a vitamin D level of = 10 ng/mL. Results. Eradication was successful in 170 (77.2%) patients and failed in 50 (22.7%) patients. The prevalence of 25(OH)D deficiency was 30.5%. Mean 25(OH)D levels were significantly lower in the eradication failure group compared to the successful treatment group (9.13 +/- 4.7 vs 19.03 +/- 8.13; p = 0.001). There were significantly more patients with deficient 25(OH)D levels in the failed treatment group compared to the successful treatment group (p = 0.001). Conclusions. Our findings suggest that 25-OH vitamin D deficiency may be considered a risk factor related to eradication failure of H. pylori, which may lead to a need for supplementation of vitamin D before eradication of H. pylori

The 6th of february earthquake and the Turkish society of pediatric nephrology-organizational aspects of pediatric kidney care

The 6 February 2023 earthquake that struck southern and central Turkey and northern and western Syria had unique drawbacks, such as the occurrence of two strong, destructive earthquakes nine hours apart in multiple and densely populated geographical areas, exposure to unforgiving winter conditions, and increased anxiety and fear due to multiple aftershocks [1, 2]. As of 26 March 2023, >50 000 people have been killed and many more have been injured in Turkey [3]. One recent editorial and a letter emphasized the vital importance of increased awareness of disaster preparedness and rapid action on organizational issues [4, 5]. Nongovernmental organizations including academic medical societies should take responsibility during disasters [6] and work together with other stakeholders. Since an earthquake should be considered a “kidney disaster” because of crush injuries and resultant acute kidney injury [7], the Turkish Society of Pediatric Nephrology (TSPN) took primary responsibility during the immediate and early phases of earthquake

Corneal biomechanical properties in thyroid eye disease

AbstractThe purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of thyroid eye disease (TED) on the measurement of corneal biomechanical properties and the relationship between these parameters and disease manifestations. A total of 54 eyes of 27 individuals with TED and 52 eyes of 30 healthy control participants were enrolled. Thyroid ophthalmopathy activity was defined using the VISA (vision, inflammation, strabismus, and appearance/exposure) classification for TED. The intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement with Goldmann applanation tonometer (GAT), axial length (AL), keratometry, and central corneal thickness (CCT) measurements were taken from each patient. Corneal biomechanical properties, including corneal hysteresis (CH) and corneal resistance factor (CRF) and noncontact IOP measurements, Goldmann-correlated IOP (IOPg) and corneal-compensated IOP (IOPcc) were measured with the Ocular Response Analyzer (ORA) using the standard technique. Parameters such as best corrected visual acuity, axial length, central corneal thickness, and corneal curvature were not statistically significant between the two groups (p > 0.05). IOP measured with GAT was higher in participants with TED (p < 0.001). The CH of TED patients was significantly lower than that of the control group. There was no significant difference in the corneal resistance factor between groups. However, IOPg and IOPcc were significantly higher in TED patients. CH and VISA grading of TED patients showed a negative correlation (p = 0.007). In conclusion, TED affects the corneal biomechanical properties by decreasing CH. IOP with GAT and IOPg is found to be increased in these patients. As the severity of TED increases, CH decreases in these patients

The evaluation of the serum brain natriuretic peptide concentrations in preeclamptic and healthy pregnant women and its potential relationship with mean arterial blood pressure

Objective In this study, we aimed to investigate the correlation between serum brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) concentrations and blood pressure levels by comparing serum brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) concentrations in preeclamptic and normotensive pregnant women and to assess its potential role in the preeclampsia pathogenesis. Methods A total of 48 preeclamptic and 39 normotensive patients were included in the study prospectively. Systolic diastolic and mean arterial blood pressure of the pregnant women were measured. Serum BNP concentrations were measured by enzyme immunoassay method. The variable differences between the groups were analyzed by independent samples t-test. Potential correlations between the variables were assessed by Pearson’s correlation analysis. Results There was no difference between the groups in terms of age (26.18±11.49 years vs. 26.04±14.06 years), gestational age (31.59± 6.94 weeks vs. 30.17±5.72 weeks), parity (2.62±1.4 vs. 2.53±1.82) and body mass index (30.71±16.33 kg/m2 vs. 30.09±13.82 kg/m2) (p>0.05). Systolic (148.66± 61.82 mmHg vs. 126.44±97.47 mmHg; p=0.015), diastolic (81.19±52.25 mmHg vs. 97.29±14.27 mmHg; p=0.019) and mean arterial pressure (113.97±41.76 mmHg vs. 96.26±27.25 mmHg; p<0.001) levels were higher in the pregnant women complicated with preeclampsia. In addition, serum BNP concentrations were also higher in the preeclamptic pregnant women than the control group (139.42±62.19 pg/mL vs. 99.28±19.32 pg/mL; p=0.028). BNP levels were significantly associated with only mean arterial pressure (b=0.241, p=0.037). Also, there was a significant positive correlation between BNP levels and mean arterial pressure (r=0.406, p=0.002). Conclusion We recommend further prospective studies with wider populations to assess whether BNP levels, which increase in preeclampsia, are associated with blood pressure levels or not

Development, characterization, and in vivo assessment of mucoadhesive nanoparticles containing fluconazole for the local treatment of oral candidiasis

This study aimed to develop a suitable buccal mucoadhesive nanoparticle (NP) formulation containing fluconazole for the local treatment of oral candidiasis. The suitability of the prepared formulations was assessed by means of particle size (PS), polydispersity index, and zeta potential measurements, morphology analysis, mucoadhesion studies, drug entrapment efficiency (EE), in vitro drug release, and stability studies. Based on the optimum NP formulation, ex vivo drug diffusion and in vitro cytotoxicity studies were performed. Besides, evaluation of the antifungal effect of the optimum formulation was evaluated using agar diffusion method, fungicidal activity-related in vitro release study, and time-dependent fungicidal activity. The effect of the optimum NP formulation on the healing of oral candidiasis was investigated in an animal model, which was employed for the first time in this study. The zeta potential, mucoadhesion, and in vitro drug release studies of various NP formulations revealed that chitosan-coated NP formulation containing EUDRAGIT(®) RS 2.5% had superior properties than other formulations. Concerning the stability study of the selected formulation, the formulation was found to be stable for 6 months. During the ex vivo drug diffusion study, no drug was found in receptor phase, and this is an indication of local effect. The in vitro antifungal activity studies showed the in vitro efficacy of the NP against Candida albicans for an extended period. Also, the formulation had no cytotoxic effect at the tested concentration. For the in vivo experiments, infected rabbits were successfully treated with local administration of the optimum NP formulation once a day. This study has shown that the mucoadhesive NP formulation containing fluconazole is a promising candidate with once-a-day application for the local treatment of oral candidiasis

Outcomes of high-risk breast lesions diagnosed using image-guided core needle biopsy: results from a multicenter retrospective study

PURPOSEThe clinical management of high-risk lesions using image-guided biopsy is challenging. This study aimed to evaluate the rates at which such lesions were upgraded to malignancy and identify possible predictive factors for upgrading high-risk lesions.METHODSThis retrospective multicenter analysis included 1.343 patients diagnosed with high-risk lesions using an image-guided core needle or vacuum-assisted biopsy (VAB). Only patients managed using an excisional biopsy or with at least one year of documented radiological follow-up were included. For each, the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) category, number of samples, needle thickness, and lesion size were correlated with malignancy upgrade rates in different histologic subtypes. Pearson’s chi-squared test, the Fisher–Freeman–Halton test, and Fisher’s exact test were used for the statistical analyses.RESULTSThe overall upgrade rate was 20.6%, with the highest rates in the subtypes of intraductal papilloma (IP) with atypia (44.7%; 55/123), followed by atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH) (38.4%; 144/375), lobular neoplasia (LN) (12.7%; 7/55), papilloma without atypia (9.4%; 58/611), flat epithelial atypia (FEA) (8.7%; 10/114), and radial scars (RSs) (4.6%; 3/65). There was a significant relationship between the upgrade rate and BI-RADS category, number of samples, and lesion size Lesion size was the most predictive factor for an upgrade in all subtypes.CONCLUSIONADH and atypical IP showed considerable upgrade rates to malignancy, requiring surgical excision. The LN, IP without atypia, pure FEA, and RS subtypes showed lower malignancy rates when the BI-RADS category was lower and in smaller lesions that had been adequately sampled using VAB. After being discussed in a multidisciplinary meeting, these cases could be managed with follow-up instead of excision