Scopus İndeksli Yayınlar Koleksiyonu

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Alterations in Niban Gene Expression as a Response to Stress Conditions in 3t3-L1 Adipocytes
(Springer, 2020) Cevik, Mehtap; Gunduz, Meliha Koldemir; Deliorman, Gokce; Susleyici, Belgin
Adipocyte death is important in obesity development. Understanding and prevention of adipocyte deaths may be a molecular approach in the treatment. In the study, we aimed to understand role of Niban gene, which acts as an anti-apoptotic molecule as a response to stress conditions, in adipocytes. 3T3-L1 adipocytes were treated with different doses of linoleic acid, hydrogen peroxide and ethanol; and proliferation of the cells examined with real time monitoring iCELLingence system. Gene expression levels were measured by q-PCR. As a response to 24h 480 mu M linoleic acid treatment, Niban gene expression was found to be higher than control group (p = 0.008), whereas 24 h 90 mM ethanol treatment was determined to be lower than control group (p = 0.008). The highest value of Niban gene expression among H2O2 treatment groups was detected in 4h 600 mu M H2O2 in comparison to control group (p = 0.008). To understand role of Niban in adipogenesis, Niban gene expressions were compared between pre-adipocytes and advanced fat accumulated adipocytes and determined to be significantly different (p = 0.042). Our results suggest that Niban might be involved in stress response process in adipocytes. However, the exact molecular role of Niban needs to be investigated in further studies.
Applications of Exosome Vesicles in Different Cancer Types as Biomarkers
(Bentham Science Publishing Ltd, 2024) Ihlamur, Murat; Kelleci, Kubra; Zengin, Yagmur; Allahverdiyev, M. Adil; Abamor, Emrah Sefik
One of the biggest challenges in the fight against cancer is early detection. Early diagnosis is vital, but there are some barriers such as economic, cultural, and personal factors. Considering the disadvantages of radiological imaging techniques or serological analysis methods used in cancer diagnosis, such as being expensive, requiring expertise, and being time-consuming, there is a need to develop faster, more reliable, and cost-effective diagnostic methods for use in cancer diagnosis.Exosomes, which are responsible for intercellular communication with sizes ranging from 30-120 nm, are naturally produced biological nanoparticles. Thanks to the cargo contents they carry, they are a potential biomarker to be used in the diagnosis of cancer. Exosomes, defined as extracellular vesicles of endosomal origin, are effective in cancer growth, progression, metastasis, and drug resistance, and changes in microenvironmental conditions during tumor development change exosome secretion. Due to their high cellular activity, tumor cells produce much higher exosomes than healthy cells. Therefore, it is known that the number of exosomes in body fluids is significantly rich compared to other cells and can act as a stand-alone diagnostic biomarker. Cancer-derived exosomes have received great attention in recent years for the early detection of cancer and the evaluation of therapeutic response.In this article, the content, properties, and differences of exosomes detected in common types of cancer (lung, liver, pancreas, ovaries, breast, colorectal), which are the leading causes of cancer-related deaths, are reviewed. We also discuss the potential utility of exosome contents as a biomarker for early detection, which is known to be important in targeted cancer therapy.
Binary Particle Swarm Optimization as a Detection Tool for Influential Subsets in Linear Regression
(Taylor & Francis Ltd, 2021) Deliorman, G.; Inan, D.
An influential observation is any point that has a huge effect on the coefficients of a regression line fitting the data. The presence of such observations in the data set reduces the sensitivity and validity of the statistical analysis. In the literature there are many methods used for identifying influential observations. However, many of those methods are highly influenced by masking and swamping effects and require distributional assumptions. Especially in the presence of influential subsets most of these methods are insufficient to detect these observations. This study aims to develop a new diagnostic tool for identifying influential observations using the meta-heuristic binary particle swarm optimization algorithm. This proposed approach does not require any distributional assumptions and also not affected by masking and swamping effects as the known methods. The performance of the proposed method is analyzed via simulations and real data set applications.
Comparing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Ericksonian Hypnotherapy for Subclinical Depression and Anxiety: A Randomized Controlled Trial
(Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd, 2025) Cinaroglu, Metin; Yilmazer, Eda; Odabasi, Cemre; Ulker, Selami Varol; Sayar, Gokben Hizli
This randomized controlled trial examined the effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Ericksonian Hypnotherapy (EH) in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety among individuals with subclinical levels of distress. A total of 150 participants were screened, and 45 eligible participants were randomized into three groups: CBT (n = 15), EH (n = 15), and a waitlist control group (n = 15). Interventions consisted of 12 weekly sessions, with assessments conducted at baseline, mid-intervention, and post-intervention using the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). Both CBT and EH significantly reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety compared to the control group, with no significant differences in efficacy between the two interventions. CBT's structured approach demonstrated consistent improvements across both depression and anxiety, while EH showed a slightly faster reduction in anxiety symptoms at mid-intervention, highlighting its potential for addressing somatic and cognitive dimensions of anxiety. This study extends previous findings by focusing on a non-clinical population, emphasizing the potential of these interventions as early strategies for preventing symptom escalation. Unlike prior work primarily targeting diagnosed populations, this research underscores the applicability of CBT and EH in addressing subthreshold distress. Limitations include a small sample size, lack of follow-up assessments, and reliance on self-reported measures. Future research should explore long-term outcomes, larger samples, and the integration of CBT and EH. These findings contribute to the growing body of evidence supporting diverse psychotherapeutic modalities for early mental health intervention.
The Effects of Glipizide on DNA Damage and Nuclear Transport in Differentiated 3T3-L1 Adipocytes
(Springer, 2022) Cevik, Mehtap; Caker, Selen; Deliorman, Gokce; Cagatay, Penbe; Gunduz, Meliha Koldemir; Susleyici, Belgin
Background Despite commonly use for treatment of type II diabetes, possible effects of glipizide on nuclear transport and DNA damage in cells are unknown. Since clinical response of glipizide may change with aging, the aim of the study was to investigate the effect of glipizide by comparing mature and senescent adipocytes. Methods and results The effects of glipizide were investigated in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Effective and lethal doses were determined by real-time monitoring iCELLigence system. Comet assay was performed to determine DNA damage and quantitative PCR was conducted to detect gene expression levels. RAN expressions were found to be up regulated in mature 180 mu M glipizide treated adipocytes compared to control group (p < 0.05); whereas down regulated in senescent 180 mu M glipizide treated adipocytes compared to their control adipocytes (p < 0.05). Olive Tail Moment values were significantly higher in mature 180 mu M glipizide treated adipocytes (MTG) and senescent 180 mu M glipizide treated adipocytes (STG) comparing their untreated controls (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001 respectively). Also class 5 comets that shows severe DNA damage were found to be higher in both MTG and STG groups than their controls (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). OTM values were higher in STG than MTG (p < 0.001). Conclusions This is the first study that reports glipizide caused DNA damage increasing with senescence in adipocytes. As a response to glipizide treatment Ran gene expression increased in mature; and decreased in senescent adipocytes. Further studies are needed to reveal the effect of glipizide on DNA and nuclear interactions in molecular level.
Fault Detection in Pipelines with Graph Convolutional Networks (GCN) Method
(Gazi Üniversitesi, 2024) Şahin, E.; Yüce, H.
Pipeline networks have a wide range of applications, from the transportation of energy sources such as oil and natural gas to the conveyance and distribution of water resources. However, leaks and ruptures in pipelines can cause significant harm to the environment. Therefore, it is crucial to accurately detect pipeline faults in order to avoid economic losses and protect the environment. In this study, pipeline networks carrying water fluid are represented using graph structures. The graph convolutional network (GCN) algorithm is employed for the detection of leaks and blockages in pipeline networks. Experimental methods are employed to collect the necessary data (pressure data) for the GCN algorithm, creating two datasets by considering five different scenarios. The fault detection performance of the GCN algorithm is compared with other graph machine learning algorithms, namely, RGCN, HinSAGE, and GraphSAGE. The results of this study indicate that the performance of the GCN model surpasses that of the other algorithms. Reviewing the literature, accuracy rates for fault diagnosis in pipeline networks using machine learning algorithms range from 78.51% to 99%. In this study, it is found that the GCN, GraphSAGE, HinSAGE, and RGCN algorithms achieve fault detection accuracies of 91%, 90%, 87%, and 89%, respectively, in pipeline networks. Classical machine learning SVM model was used to compare the performance of graph-based algorithms. It is seen that the performances of the algorithms face the literature and the results are above the literature average. © 2024 Gazi Universitesi. All rights reserved.
How the Rule of Law Shapes Trust? The Role of the Transplant Effect and Legal Families
(Akademiai Kiado ZRt., 2025) Sağlam, G.; Yanikkaya, H.
This study empirically examines the argument that the borrowing of laws and legal institutions from other countries affects the effectiveness of the legal system and, in turn, interpersonal trust. We utilise instruments on legal transplantation to understand the effectiveness of the legal system. Our instrumental variables estimations suggest that successful legal transplantation fosters trust by improving the effectiveness of the legal system. If a recipient country is familiar or culturally close to the transplanted law, or adaptation of the transplanted law has been achieved, a better legal system through mitigating the transplant effect promotes trust. Moreover, diverse and weak estimates for legal families suggest that they do not consistently affect the effectiveness of a legal system. Moreover, even after the addition of legal families into the instrument list, the transplant type variable still has a robust and consistent effect on the effectiveness of a legal system and, in turn, on trust. Regardless of the legal family of the transplanted law, if a transplant country shares cultural similarities with the country of origin, it tends to have higher interpersonal trust due to its better legal system. Therefore, lawmakers should carefully consider the importance of the nexus between legal transplantation, the legal system, and trust in addressing the economic and social challenges faced by countries. © 2025 Akadémiai Kiadó, Budapest
Investigation of Dpyd, Mthfr and Tyms Polymorphisms on 5-Fluorouracil Related Toxicities in Colorectal Cancer
(Newlands Press Ltd, 2022) Cevik, M.; Namal, E.; Şener, N.D.; Köksal, U.I.; Çaǧatay, P.; Deliorman, G.; Çiftçi, C.
Aim: To investigate the association of DPYD, MTHFR and TYMS polymorphisms on 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) related toxicities and patient survival. Materials & methods: A total of 103 colorectal cancer patients prescribed 5-FU were included in the study. Genotyping was conducted for several DPYD, MTHFR and TYMS polymorphisms using a microarray analyzer. Results: DPYD 496A>G polymorphism was found to be significantly associated with 5-FU related grade 0-2, but not severe toxicities (p = 0.02). Furthermore, patients with DPYD 85TC and CC genotypes had longer progression and overall survival times compared to TT genotypes in our study group (log rank = 6.60; p = 0.01 and log rank = 4.40; p = 0.04, respectively). Conclusion: According to our results, DPYD 496AG and GG genotypes might be protective against severe adverse events compared to the AA genotype. Another DPYD polymorphism, 85T>C, may be useful in colorectal cancer prognosis. Further studies for both polymorphisms should be conducted in larger populations to achieve accurate results. © 2022 Future Medicine Ltd.
Laparoscopic Hand-Assisted Donor Nephrectomy: A Decade of Single-Center Experience and Outcomes
(AVES, 2024) Cicek, Sevim Nuran Kuslu; Huseynov, Amil
Objective: Kidney transplantation is the most effective treatment for end-stage renal disease, but the shortage of cadaveric donors has increased reliance on living donors. Traditional open donor nephrectomy, while effective, is associated with significant morbidity. Hand-assisted laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (HALDN) combines the advantages of minimally invasive surgery with the tactile feedback of open surgery. This study presents the outcomes of HALDN procedures performed at the center. Methods: A total of 1221 living donor nephrectomies performed between September 2009 and August 2021 at Medicana & Idot;stanbul Hospital were analyzed. Donor characteristics, surgical details, and postoperative outcomes were recorded. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 22.0, with continuous variables assessed for normality and expressed accordingly. Results: Donor ages ranged from 19 to 87 years (mean 48.50 +/- 12.75 years), with 54.8% female donors. The average body mass index (BMI) was 27.99 +/- 3.7 kg/m2. Left-sided nephrectomies constituted 78.5% of cases, with HALDN performed in 94.7% of these surgeries. Warm ischemia time averaged 99.21 +/- 56.67 seconds. The average blood loss was 70 mL, and the mean hospital stay was 4.12 +/- 1.2 days. Complications included conversion to open surgery due to bleeding in 3.3% of cases, postoperative atelectasis (0.6%), incisional hernia (0.33%), wound infection (0.16%), and scrotal swelling (0.25%). The findings indicate that HALDN is a safe and effective method for donor nephrectomy, aligning with similar studies regarding operation and warm ischemia times. The minimally invasive nature of HALDN contributes to shorter hospital stays and quicker postoperative recovery. The rate of conversion to open surgery was within acceptable limits, and complications were manageable. Obesity (BMI > 30 kg/m2) was identified as a risk factor for incisional hernia, suggesting the need for careful surgical technique in this group. Conclusion: Hand-assisted laparoscopic donor nephrectomy offers a minimally invasive, safe, and effective alternative for living donor nephrectomy, enhancing donor recovery and potentially encouraging organ donation. Its adoption may play a significant role in reducing the number of patients awaiting organ transplants.
Lumbar Spine Implant Design with Finite Element Method and Determination of Biomechanical Effects
(Gazi Univ, Fac Engineering Architecture, 2023) Taherzadeh, Paniz; Kelleci, Kubra; Ozer, Sevil
Graphical/Tabular The restoration percentages of two different implants designed and simulated in six different directions are given in Figure A. Figure A. Restoration percentages of theimplant 1 and implant 2 devices in six different directionsPurpose: In this study, it was aimed to design a new pedicle-screw based posterior dynamic stabilization implant that can help stabilize the spine normally. In the study, two different implants were designed using the finite element method (FEM) and their biomechanical effects were compared.Theory and Methods: Stable and treated models of the lumbar spine with two different implants were simulated under physiological loading conditions according to Computed tomography data. Implant and device components were created with the SOLIDWORKS program. All designed devices were used together with ABAQUS CAD simulation program and MATLAB program to calculate range of motion, adjacent level effect and restoration percentages in six different directions (right-left axial rotation, right-left lateral bending and flexion-extension). In the study, 70% restoration percentage, which is an acceptable value in the movement of the spine with the implant, was tried to be achieved in all directions.Results: With the second device, which obtained optimum data and was found to be more flexible, a higher percentage of restoration was obtained in the Z and Y axes. Restoration values are 33% for extension, 53% for flexion, and 68% and 55% for lateral bending and axial rotations, respectively.Conclusion: It can be said that pedicle-screw implants designed with this simulation study will be applicable after experimental validation and clinical trials
Making Sense of Turkey’s Foreign Policy from the Perspective of Neorealism
(Uluslararası İlişkiler Konseyi Derneği, 2023) Oguzlu, Tarik; Han, Ahmet Kasim
This study singles out the impact of systemic and external factors on Turkey's foreign policy from the establishment of the Republic until now. Such an exercise accords with a neorealist interpretation of foreign policy, as the key emphasis is on the impact of the anarchical nature of the external environment, and the influence of the distribution of material power capabilities among states at a given time on foreign policy preferences. This in no way suggests that the internal and individual level of factors holds a secondary place in comparison to systemic/external factors. Yet this article simply highlights the importance of systemic factors, for the main reason that neorealism seems to account for foreign policy choices and behaviors of middle powers more convincingly than in the case of great powers.
The mTOR Signaling Pathway and mTOR Inhibitors in Cancer: Next-Generation Inhibitors and Approaches
(Bentham Science Publishing Ltd, 2024) Ihlamur, Murat; Akgul, Busra; Zengin, Yagmur; Korkut, Senay Vural; Kelleci, Kubra; Abamor, Emrah Sefik
mTOR is a serine/threonine kinase that plays various roles in cell growth, proliferation, and metabolism. mTOR signaling in cancer becomes irregular. Therefore, drugs targeting mTOR have been developed. Although mTOR inhibitors rapamycin and rapamycin rapalogs (everolimus, rapamycin, temsirolimus, deforolimus, etc.) and new generation mTOR inhibitors (Rapalink, Dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitors, etc.) are used in cancer treatments, mTOR resistance mechanisms may inhibit the efficacy of these drugs. Therefore, new inhibition approaches are developed. Although these new inhibition approaches have not been widely investigated in cancer treatment, the use of nanoparticles has been evaluated as a new treatment option in a few types of cancer.This review outlines the functions of mTOR in the cancer process, its resistance mechanisms, and the efficiency of mTOR inhibitors in cancer treatment. Furthermore, it discusses the next-generation mTOR inhibitors and inhibition strategies created using nanoparticles.Since mTOR resistance mechanisms prevent the effects of mTOR inhibitors used in cancer treatments, new inhibition strategies should be developed. Inhibition approaches are created using nanoparticles, and one of them offers a promising treatment option with evidence supporting its effectiveness.
On Modelling of Surface Tension of Cmc-Α Nanoparticles by Fuzzy-Hybrid Approach: A Comparison Study
(Wiley, 2023) Kocken, Hale Gonce; Insel, Mert Akin; Temelcan, Gizem; Karakus, Selcan; Albayrak, Inci
Surface tension is one of the most important rheological parameters of nanoliquids. It influences the thermophysical and mass transfer properties of nanostructures. Accurate estimation of the surface tension from operating variables is critical for determining optimal production processes. However, the challenges of producing nanoparticles and measuring their properties introduce experimental errors in the data used for mathematical modelling. Crisp regression approaches provide adequate representation of the data, but they do not provide information about the experimental uncertainty. In this study, a fuzzy-hybrid approach is proposed for mathematical modelling of surface tension of carboxymethyl cellulose/chitosan-alpha-Fe2O3 nanoparticles. Then, the proposed model is compared with a crisp model from a previous study. Error analysis is conducted to validate the constructed fuzzy model. It is observed that the fuzzy-hybrid modelling approach has yielded significantly lower error values (a 60%-90% improvement in all error metrics on average), and thus, it is superior to the crisp approach. This study contributes to the subject of modelling rheological properties. It is shown that the fuzzy-hybrid approach has impressive potential to be utilized for modelling the rheological properties of nanostructures.
Optimized Surgical Outcomes in Living Donor Nephrectomy: A Single-Center Experience with 250 Cases Using a Novel Technique
(Aves, 2025) Huseynov, Amil
Objective: Laparoscopic donor nephrectomy has become a standard of care for living kidney donors, providing reduced morbidity, quicker recovery, and enhanced patient satisfaction compared with open techniques. This study evaluates a modified laparoscopic donor nephrectomy technique designed to minimize colon mobilization while optimizing visualization, thereby improving donor outcomes. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 250 consecutive living donor nephrectomies performed by a single surgeon between March 2022 and March 2024 was conducted. All donors underwent preoperative imaging (3D computed tomography and computed tomographic angiography). The modified approach avoided splenic flexure dissection and introduced early ligation of the adrenal vein. We analyzed intraoperative parameters (operative time, estimated blood loss, complications) and postoperative measures (hospital stay, pain scores, complication rates, satisfaction) were analyzed. Results: The mean operative time was 72.8 +/- 16.2 minutes, with an estimated blood loss of 100 +/- 40 mL. No conversions to open surgery or intraoperative transfusions were required. The mean length of hospital stay was 2.0 +/- 1.0 days. Postoperative pain (mean Visual Analog Scale [VAS] 2.5 +/- 1.8) was low, and major vascular injury occurred in 0.8% of cases. Wound infection and incisional hernia rates were each 0.8%. Patient satisfaction was high (Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire [PSQ] 3.3 +/- 1.4), indicating favorable perceptions of comfort and outcomes. Conclusion: This modified laparoscopic donor nephrectomy technique is safe, effective, and associated with enhanced patient comfort and reduced complications. The findings underscore its potential to improve donor experiences, potentially expanding the living donor pool. Further investigations should confirm these outcomes over a longer follow-up period.
Particulate and Non-Particle Adjuvants in Leishmaniasis Vaccine Designs: A Review
(Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications, 2023) Kelleci, Kubra; Allahverdiyev, Adil; Bagirova, Melahat; Ihlamur, Murat; Abamor, Emrah S.
Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease with different clinical forms caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania and transmitted by the bite of an infected female sandfly. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is the second most common parasitic disease after malaria and it is known that approximately 350 million people are at risk. The disease manifests itself in different clinical forms. In addition to asymptomatic cases, cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), which creates large lesions on the skin, and visceral leishmaniasis (VL), which causes death if not treated, especially affecting the abdominal organs, are two important clinical forms. When the studies were examined, it was seen that a clinically used vaccine against any form of human leishmaniasis has not been developed yet. In some studies, it was stated that the lack of appropriate adjuvant was responsible for the failure to develop an effective Leishmania vaccine. We can say that strong adjuvants are needed to achieve successful vaccines. In this article, adjuvants and adjuvant candidates used in vaccine studies against leishmaniasis are discussed
A Positive Deviance Approach to Roma Education
(Sage Publications Ltd, 2025) Sayan, Pinar
Across Europe, Roma students suffer from high abstention and dropout rates due to segregation in schools and classrooms, discrimination they face from the administrations, teachers, and peers, poverty, seasonal migration, and low expectations regarding education. This article, on the other hand, focuses on successful Roma students, asking whether there are any common structural factors that explain their success. The research is based on the "positive deviance approach", which suggests that solutions to community problems already exist within the community. Therefore, this article aims to contribute to developing effective policies or strategies to address the educational challenges faced by Roma by focusing on solutions employed by the community members themselves. I conduct in-depth interviews with successful Roma individuals from T & uuml;rkiye, and complement the research with existing data and reports. The main findings suggest that material and non-material support, socialization, mixed schools and guidance had a positive impact for success. The findings have the potential to influence the policy responses of international organizations, governments, and civil society.
Predictive Impact of PI-RADS 3 Lesion Volume/Total Prostate Volume Ratio in Prostate Cancer Diagnosis in Biopsy-Naïve Patients Volume Ratio in Prostate Cancer Diagnosis in Biopsy-Naive Patients
(TÜBİTAK Scientific & Technological Research Council Turkey, 2025) Ozsoy, Emrah; Kutluhan, Musab Ali; Tokuc, Emre; Kayar, Ridvan; Demir, Samet; Meric, Kaan; Ozturk, Metin Ishak
Background/aim: To assess the potential of the ratio between PI-RADS 3 lesion volume and total prostate volume as a predictive parameter for guiding the decision to perform a biopsy in patients presenting with PI-RADS 3 lesions on multiparametric prostate magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI). Materials and methods: A total of 749 patients who underwent mpMRI due to suspected prostate cancer between January 2014 and August 2023 were scanned. Based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, 308 patients were included. Age, total prostate-specific antigen (PSA) value, prostate volume measured in mpMRI, mpMRI result, PI-RADS 3 lesion volume, and biopsy results were collected. The PI-RADS 3 ratio was calculated as PI-RADS 3 lesion volume/total prostate volume. PSA density (dPSA) was calculated. The patients were categorized according to their biopsy results as benign or malignant (subclassified by Gleason group grade), and the two groups were compared. Results: The average PI-RADS 3 ratio was 0.032 +/- 0.002. There were 230 (74.7%) patients in the benign group and 78 (25.3%) patients in the malignant group. There was a statistically significant difference detected in average prostate volumes (p < 0.001), dPSA values (p = 0.001), and PI-RADS 3 ratios (p < 0.001). The receiver operating curve analysis of PI-RADS 3 ratio indicated an area under the curve of 0.643 +/- 0.037. The optimal cut-off point was 0.026 with a sensitivity of 58.97% and a specificity of 66.96%. A positive, albeit weak, statistically significant relationship was found between PIRADS-3 ratios and dPSA values (rs rho = 0.261 and p < 0.001). Conclusion: PI-RADS 3 ratio may serve as an auxiliary clinical parameter alongside age, dPSA, and lesion volume alone in identifying more refined candidates for biopsy in the goal of patient care individualization.
Rapid First-Stage Tests of On-Ship Infection
(Springer Heidelberg, 2017) Jerome, Carlos; Howard, Lawrence A.; Uzel, Ezgi; Androulidakis, Jameela R.
Protection against on-ship infectious disease-whether due to mishap or to harmful purpose-faces special situational problems. Sometimes, when infection levels on board have reached threshold levels, emergency actions are required. Often, the most thorough strategies for responding to threat are not feasible. A rapid first-stage test (RFT) is a fast, minimally invasive procedure used to rule out from possible infection a large percentage of an infection-threatened group. Prevention and control of on-ship infection need to combine various interconnected tactics. When timely criterion tests are not possible, the medical team must adopt fast alternative measures. The methods used to summarize protection against on-ship infectious agents included a scientific literature review and a web search. The fields of the review were maritime, health, and technology sources. Special attention was paid to material dealing with risks and threats of on-ship penetration by infectious agents, on-ship infection prevalence thresholds, and rapid diagnostic screens. The Bayes rule and the law of large numbers were applied to the analysis, for large on-ship populations, of RFT indications of crossing of an infection prevalence threshold. The increasing risk of serious on-ship infection-either accidental or purposeful-calls for a multi-layered protection approach. RFTs are a key part of the outer layer of such a defense. Well-designed and well-administered RFTs provide several advantages for defense against on-ship infection: low-cost, non-invasive, fast, and focuses on a drastically smaller number of infection possibilities.
The Role of Communication in Expatriate Management at SMEs: Evidence from Foreign Employees in Turkey
(Taylor & Francis Ltd, 2025) Aldandachly, Sawsan; Akbas, Ilkay; Gursoy, Ozgur Burcak
Being an employee of an small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) has distinctive features regarding performance, motivation, and work environment. Along with workers' education, skills, and competencies, work relations and managerial communication are central to success, especially for foreigners working in a socially and culturally different country. This article aims to understand the role of communication in the performance and satisfaction of employees in expat-loaded and small business settings. The originality of the article is the primary data collected through a fresh population whose voices about their work lives as refugees in a foreign country are hardly heard. A sample of 302 foreign employees from Arab and Gulf countries working at SMEs in Turkey is surveyed and descriptive and inferential analysis is conducted. The article underlines the importance of communication in performance and employee well-being. Another finding is the differentiating impact of age in the better work relations between management and employees in SMEs.
Validation of the Turkish Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale and Self-Report Version: Psychometric Evidence from Clinical and Non-Clinical Populations
(Taylor & Francis Ltd, 2026) Cinaroglu, Metin; Yilmazer, Eda; Ulker, Selami Varol; Unubol, Huseyin; Sayar, Gokben Hizli
Background Obsessive - compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic condition that disrupts functioning and quality of life. The Yale - Brown Obsessive - Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS; clinician-administered) and its Self-Report version (Y-BOCS-SR) are recognised gold standards for assessing OCD severity. Previous Turkish adaptations have been partial, limited by small samples or by validating only one format. This study provides the first comprehensive Turkish validation of both instruments.MethodsThe sample comprised 950 adults: 158 with DSM-5-TR - diagnosed OCD and 792 non-clinical adults. Translation followed a multi-phase process involving clinicians and a linguistics expert. Participants completed the Turkish Y-BOCS, Y-BOCS-SR, and additional OCD measures (OCI-R, VOCI, PI-R).ResultsThe clinician-administered Turkish Y-BOCS demonstrated excellent reliability (alpha = 0.91; ICC = 0.88) and strong psychometric validity, including a stable two-factor structure distinguishing obsessions and compulsions. The self-report version showed comparably high internal consistency (alpha = 0.90) and strong convergence with the clinician-administered scale. Convergent and criterion validity were robust, with high sensitivity and specificity. Cross-cultural comparisons further supported consistency and generalisability.ConclusionsThis study establishes both the clinician-administered and self-report Turkish Y-BOCS as reliable, valid, and culturally sensitive tools for assessing OCD severity in clinical and research contexts.

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