Browsing by WoS Q Quality "Q2"

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    A comprehensive analysis of apricot drying methods via multi-criteria decision making techniques
    (Wiley, 2024-10) Abdulvahitoğlu, Aslı; Abdulvahitoğlu, Adnan; Cengiz, Nurten; 382420
    Food and food safety have been among the most important issues for people throughout history. Societies have always tried to be self-sufficient in food and have avoided becoming dependent on foreign sources. However, the fact that most foods are seasonal and the increasing population's food consumption have revealed the need to preserve foodstuffs for a long time. The old and well-known method used today for extending shelf life is the drying process. The drying process is preferred over other preservation methods for reasons such as being more economical, easier to transport, having a longer shelf life, more concentrated nutritional value, and containing fewer additives. This ensures that dried foods are of higher quality in terms of physical, chemical, microbial properties, and nutritional values compared to other packaged foods. While the drying process was traditionally done over a long period, technological advancements have led to the production of higher quality and more valuable commercial products in a shorter time. In this study, traditional and technological methods used in drying apricots were compared according to the parameters determined by experts in the field. Since multiple parameters are effective in the comparison, Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) techniques were used. The optimum apricot drying method was determined by combining the results obtained from different MCDM techniques with the Borda rule.
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    Assessing competition in the Turkish cement industry: insights from the boone indicator
    (Emerald Publishing Limited, 2024-08) Yıldız, Hakan; Köprücü, Yılmaz; Şengül, Serkan; 355807
    Purpose – This paper investigates the degree of competitiveness within the Turkish cement industry, employing firm-level quarterly data spanning from 2008 to 2016. Design/methodology/approach – To assess the level and trajectory of competition among Turkish cement firms, we employ the Boone indicator (β) as formulated by Boone (2008). This indicator, rooted in the concept of relative profit differences (RPD), serves as a robust metric for gauging competitive dynamics. According to the ß indicator, firms exhibiting higher relative efficiency are expected to secure greater profits and market shares in a fiercely competitive market. Additionally, we utilize concentration indices for the purpose of revealing comparable findings. Findings – Empirical findings reveal that an enhancement in firms’ efficiency corresponds to a proportionally modest increase in either market share or profits, implying a lower degree of competition within the Turkish cement industry. Although the specific magnitudes of ß estimates exhibit temporal fluctuations, we may conclude that the Turkish cement industry does not conform to the ideals of perfect competition. The concentration indices calculated on the sample also support this result. Research limitations/implications – This research is limited to the Turkish cement companies over the period 2008–2016. Originality/value – The studies measuring the level of competition in the Turkish cement sector are generally based on concentration ratios. In this study, we assess the competition level by using a different methodology based on parametric procedures.
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    Fixation of superolateral platysma flap to the mastoid fascia: a novel isolated neck lift technique
    (Springer, 2024-09) Okumuş, Ayhan; 293876
    Background This study aimed to evaluate the utility of a novel neck lift technique based on fixation of superolateral platysma flap to the mastoid fascia in terms of postoperative aesthetic outcome and patient satisfaction within an 18-month follow-up period. Methods A total of 145 female patients who underwent isolated neck lift operation with the superolateral platysma flap technique were included. Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) scores (by the investigator) and the patient reported outcomes were recorded in terms of improvement in the cervicofacial angle, jowls, platysmal bands and malpositioned cervical fats, at 6 and 18 months, postoperatively. The complications were recorded at early postoperative period and at 1, 6 and 18 months, postoperatively. Results The median duration of follow-up was 18 months (range, 6–48 months). GAIS scores at 18th months, revealed exceptional improvement in the cervicofacial angle (82.8%), the jowls (93.1%), platysmal bands (93.1%) and malpositioned cervical fat (97.2%). Majority of patients were very satisfied with the treatment in terms of the aesthetic improvement. Complications involved the minor ecchymosis (17.2%) and minor skin circulatory problem (11.7%) in the early postoperative period, suture exposure (12.4%) in the postoperative 1st month, and cervical band reformation in the 6th (0.7%) and 18th (1.4%) months. Conclusion In conclusion, lateral displacement and fixation of superolateral platysma flap to the mastoid fascia seems to be a useful neck lift technique for correction of platysma- and skin-derived aging sings with minor and manageable complications, immediate return to everyday activities and a high patient satisfaction.
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    Impact of pre-stenting and bladder dranaige on intrapelvic pressure during retrograde intrarenal surgery
    (Wiley, 2024-12) Yeni, Sezgin; Kılıçarslan, Hakan; Ocakoğlu, Gökhan; Coşkun, Burhan; Çiçek, Mehmet Çağatay; Günseren, Kadir Ömür; Yavaşçaoğlu, İsmet; 278343
    Purpose: This study aims to assess the effect of pre-stenting and bladder drainage on intrapelvic pressure (IP) during Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery (RIRS). Methods: Eighty-five consecutive patients were prospectively enrolled and meticulously recorded in a data form. Forty-two patients meeting the inclusion criteria after applying exclusion factors. The patients were divided into two groups: Group 1 (21 patients with preoperative JJ stents) and Group 2 (21 patients without preoperative JJ stents). IP was measured during RIRS, and the impact of various factors, including pre-stenting, bladder drainage and hydronephrosis (HN) grade, on IP was analysed through univariate and multiple linear regression. Results: The perioperative mean highest IP (78 ± 18.2 mmHg vs. 110 ± 23.9 mmHg), median lowest IP (29 mmHg vs. 42 mmHg) and median overall IP (41 mmHg vs. 69 mmHg) were significantly lower in Group 1 compared to Group 2 (all p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that pre-stenting and mild HN (Grade 0–1) were independent predictors of reduced IP. Conclusion: Pre-stenting led to a significant reduction in IP during RIRS, likely due to passive ureteral dilation. Additionally, bladder drainage with urethral catheter further decreased IP. These findings suggest that pre-stenting and bladder drainage should be considered as strategies to reduce IP during RIRS, potentially improving surgical outcomes.
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    Pareto‑optimal workforce scheduling with worker skills and preferences
    (Springer, 2025-02) İşeri, Ali; Güner, Hatice; Güner, Ali Rıza; 135066
    This paper addresses employee scheduling in service operations, considering various skill and skill levels and the fuctuating customer demand throughout the day and week. Employee shift and day-of preferences are also considered to enhance morale. We propose a two-stage integer programming model. In the frst stage, the model optimizes the number of employees required for each shift period, ensuring uniform distribution of overstafng to improve customer service. A Pareto frontier approach is applied between the two stages, ofering decision-makers a set of nondominated solutions that balance overstafng and understafng. The second stage uses the selected Pareto-optimal solution to assign shifts and day-ofs to employees, incorporating their skills, preferences, and fairness considerations. Our model implicitly includes shifts and breaks, reducing decision variables and computational time. Using real data from a dining restaurant chain, we validate the model’s efectiveness in enhancing customer service and reducing labor costs by 12.3% compared to manual scheduling. Furthermore, productivity and employee satisfaction improve by considering individual skills and preferences.
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    Psychological impact of disaster relief operations: a study following consecutive earthquakes in Turkey
    (Cambridge University Press, 2024-05) İşeri, Ali; Baltacı, Recep; 135066
    Objective: This cross-sectional study investigates the immediate psychological effects of disaster relief operations on team members following 2 consecutive major earthquakes in Turkey. Methods: A total of 170 participants, including professional firefighters, search and rescue (SAR) workers, and volunteers, were surveyed approximately 1 month after the conclusion of active SAR operations. The study utilizes the DSM-V criteria and the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist (PCL-5) to assess symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among participants. Results: The findings reveal a point prevalence of 35.3% for probable PTSD, highlighting the substantial psychological impact on disaster relief teams. Factors such as age, residency in affected areas, and active SAR involvement significantly influenced probable PTSD rates. Interestingly, actively engaged SAR members had lower probable PTSD rates, possibly due to their training. Those who directly witnessed the earthquakes had higher scores, highlighting the impact of firsthand exposure. Additionally, individuals aged 50 and above displayed a higher mean total severity score compared to younger participants. Conclusions: This research contributes to understanding the mental well-being of disaster relief professionals. The study’s findings underscore the importance of timely mental health support and training for these responders, emphasizing the need for preparedness in disaster relief teams.
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    Short-term prognostic value of the culprit-SYNTAX score in patients with acute myocardial infarction
    (MDPI, 2023) Peker, Tezcan; Boyraz, Bedrettin; 313898
    Background: The SYNergy between Percutaneous Coronary Intervention with TAXus and Cardiac Surgery (SYNTAX) score is a scoring system that helps to decide on surgery or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI), and studies are showing the prognostic value of this scoring system in both MI and coronary artery disease patients undergoing PCI. In acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients, the infarct-related artery and the complexity of the lesions are also important in terms of mortality and morbidity. Our study aimed to determine the prognostic value of the culprit vessel’s SYNTAX score (cul-SS) in patients presenting with MI. Methods: In our study, 1284 patients presenting with MI were analyzed retrospectively. The SYNTAX scores and cul-SS of the patients were calculated. In-hospital and 30-day deaths and major complications were accepted as primary outcomes. The SYNTAX scores and cul-SS were compared in terms of predicting primary outcomes. Conclusions: Major complications were observed in 36 (2.8%) patients, death in 42 (3.3%) patients, and stent thrombosis in 24 (1.9%) patients. The area under the curves for SYNTAX and cul-SS for predicting primary outcomes is 0.64 and 0.68 (p = 0.026), respectively. Cul-SS was as successful as the SYNTAX score in predicting stent thrombosis and was superior in predicting short-term death and major complications.
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    The effect of being married on heart rate variability, an indicator of autonomic dysfunction: A retrospective study
    (Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2023) Akgümüş, Alkame; Balun, Ahmet; Peker, Tezcan; Boyraz, Bedrettin; 313898
    Heart rate variability (HRV) is a noninvasive assessment that reflects the autonomic functions of the heart and is known to be impaired in many diseases. In our study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between HRV and being married. The study included 104 patients, between the aged 20 to 40 years were included in the study. The patients were divided into 2 groups as 53 healthy married (group 1) and 51 healthy unmarried (group 2). 24-hour rhythm Holter recordings were performed on all married and unmarried patients. Group 1 had a mean age of 32 ± 5 years and 47.2% men, and group 2 had a mean age of 30 ± 5 years and 54.9% men. Standard deviation of normal to normal (SDNN) was 150 ± 40 versus 128 ± 30 (P = .003), SDNN index was 66 ± 20 versus 56 ± 12 (P = .004), the square root of the mean of the squares of the differences of the adjacent root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD) was 37 ± 10 versus 30 ± 10 (P < .001), percentage of successive R-R intervals that differ by more than 50 milliseconds (PNN50) was 13.5 ± 7 versus 8.5 ± 7 (P = .001), HF was 450 ± 270 versus 225 ± 130 (P < .001) found to be significantly less in the group 2. LF/HF ratio was 1.68 ± 0.65 versus 3.31 ± 1.56 (P < .001) found to be significantly higher in the group 2. In our study, it is possible to say that the sympathetic system effect on the heart was more dominant and the HRV was lower in the unmarried group.
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    The effect of different bed head angles on the hemodynamic parameters of intensive care patients lying in the supine position: a quasi-experimental study
    (Wiley, 2024-02) Yiğit Avcı, Şenay; Yılmaz, Dilek; 397256
    Aims: The aim of this study was to research the effect of different bed head angles on the hemodynamic parameters of intensive care patients lying in the supine position. Methods: This study was a non-randomized and non-controlled, quasiexperimental repeated measures study. The study was conducted with 50 intensive care patients aged 18 and over in a general surgery intensive care unit in Turkey. With each patient in the supine position, the bed head was raised to an angle of 0°, 20°, 30°, and 45° without a pillow, and the hemodynamic parameters of central venous pressure, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate, and peripheral oxygen saturation were recorded after 0 and 10 min. Results: It was found that the mean central venous pressure value measured at min 0 and 10 was higher when the intensive care patients' bed head angle was raised to 45° than when the bed head was at an angle of 0° or 20° (p < .05). It was found that the patients' other hemodynamic parameters were not affected by different bed head angles. Conclusions: It was concluded as a result of this research that in intensive care patients in the supine position, only central venous pressure was affected by bed head angle, and that central venous pressure measurement can be reliably made at a bed head angle of 30°.
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    The effects of two different cold application times on edema, ecchymosis, and pain after rhinoplasty: a randomized clinical trial
    (Elsevier, 2024-01) Tekin, Yasemin Eda; İyigün, Emine; Karakoç, Ömer; 292320
    Purpose: This study was performed to determine the effects of different cold application times to the periorbital area after rhinoplasty on edema, ecchymosis, and pain. Design: A randomized clinical study. Methods: Patients were divided into two groups, and cold application was applied to one group for 4 hours and to the other for 48 hours. The cold application was applied with ice packs for 20 minutes every hour to the periorbital region in both groups. Data were collected with the Patient Information Form, Scoring Diagram for Edema, the Scoring Diagram for Ecchymosis, and the Visual Analogue Scale for Pain. Findings: Periorbital edema, eyelid ecchymosis, and pain were not significantly different between the two groups. The mean edema score of the 48-hour group was 0.87 ± 0.93, while the mean edema score of the 4-hour group was 0.70 ± 0.87 (P = .48) on the 2nd day. The mean ecchymosis score was found as 2.03 ± 1.12 in the 48-hour group and 2.10 ± 1.09 in the 4-hour group (P = .817). The mean pain score was 12.50 ± 17.40 in the 48-hour group and 13.00 ± 16.00 in the 4-hour group (P = .98). Conclusions: The effects of 48-hour and 4-hour cold applications are similar. Cold application for 4 hours may be recommended to patients who undergo rhinoplasty, as it is more practical and easier to apply than the 48-hour practice.
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    The role of advanced glycation end-product levels measured by skin autofluorescence in the development of mitral annular calcification
    (MDPI, 2023) Boyraz, Bedrettin; Peker, Tezcan; 313898
    As a person ages, mitral annular calcification develops in the mitral annulus with increasing frequency. Lipid deposition, inflammation, and aging-related degeneration have been cited as potential causes of this pathophysiology, though there is currently no conclusive evidence to support this. AGEs accumulate in tissues due to the glycation of proteins and lipids, increasing the release of proinflammatory cytokines secondary to oxidative stress through the AGE receptor. The AGE levels increase in diabetic microvascular complications and degenerative aortic valve disease. Our study was planned prospectively as a case–control study involving 94 MAC-positive patients and 94 MAC-negative patients. The demographics, echocardiographic data and AGE levels of the patients were measured and recorded using the skin autofluorescence method. AGE levels were significantly higher in the MAC-positive patient group (3.2 vs. 2.7; p < 0.001). The AGE levels were observed as an independent predictor of MAC development in a regression analysis (OR: 8.05, 95% CI: 3.74–17.33, p < 0.001). In a ROC-curve analysis, the AUC was 0.79 (95% CI: 0.72–0.85). At a cut-off value of 2.7, 79.7% sensitivity and 69.1% specificity were observed. AGE levels can be used to cheaply, easily and non-invasively identify patients at risk of developing MAC.