Geographical Regions Of Turkey Research Articles

The Role of Multimedia in Concept Learning from the Parents’ Perspective

During the period of the pandemic in particular, children who are not able to leave their homes have been spending more time using multimedia devices. This research was carried out in order to determine the role of multimedia in preschool children's concept learning, as expressed by their parents. For this purpose, the research was designed qualitatively, and the case study model was used. The study's working group consisted of 21 parents living in seven different geographical regions of Turkey. The parents were determined using the maximum variation sampling method. A semi-structured interview form was used as a data collection tool in the research. The content analysis technique was used to analyze the data obtained in the research. As a result of the research, it was determined that the multimedia devices that children spent most time on were televisions, smartphones and tablets. Children preferred to use multimedia mostly for fun and games. The vast majority of parents thought that adult supervision was needed when children spent time using multimedia devices. In the research, the benefit of multimedia use that the parents most emphasized was concept learning. According to the parents, their children learned many basic concepts through accessing multimedia content. Parents also expressed their opinion that the multimedia content and apps contributing most to the children's concept learning were animated cartoons, YouTube and digital games. As a result of the research, it can be said that technological devices that offer children multimedia content positively affect children’s learning of basic concepts.

Türkiye’nin farklı coğrafi bölgelerinden toplanan Tetranychus urticae popülasyonlarındaki gen akışı ve popülasyon yapıları

Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae) is a devastating agricultural pest that can feed on more than 1000 host plants. This extremely polyphagous nature of this pest may allow random disperse of them. Although population movement and structure are of vital importance to design area-wide pest control programs, there is no such study focusing on this issue in Turkey. The present study showed that there was no genetic subdivision among T. urticae the populations collected from four geographic regions of Turkey (FST=0.090, p>0.05), based on cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI). In addition, the haplotype network supported these results since no clustering pattern was present. However, Black Sea populations had high genetic differentiation with other populations. This might be due to its isolated geography, different climate conditions, and limited sampling area. A high level of gene-flow between the Mediterranean and Aegean/Central Anatolian populations was determined. It is known that geography alone is not enough to explain population structure and genetic variation when excluding other ecological factors. Therefore, other factors such as current and historical climate data should be integrated to assess gene-flow in future studies.

Chemical and sensory characterization of Kalecik Karası wines produced from two different regions in Turkey using chemometrics

Kalecik Karası (KK) is one of the important native grape varieties of Turkey used in red wine production. As an extension of a previous project that profiled the sensory characteristics of KK wines from different geographic regions of Turkey, this study aimed to investigate the chemical composition and sensory properties of KK wines belonging to different vintages from two different regions (Kalecik/Ankara and Güney/Denizli) using the chemometric technique. Identification and quantification of aroma, aroma-active compounds, and sensory evaluations were carried out by GC/MS/FID, GC-O, and Descriptive Analyses. PLSR was used for determining the correlation between chemical and sensory data. A total of 26 aroma-active compounds have been identified for both regions. Based on PLSR, red fruit attribute in wines was positively correlated with isoamylacetate, ethyl-hexadecanoate, ethyl-4-hydroxybutanoate, and 2-phenylethyl acetate. Dried fruit attribute has shown a significant positive correlation with ethyl-2-methyl-propanoate, ethyl-2-methylbutanoate, and ethyl-3-methylbutanoate. The cotton candy attribute was positively correlated with 2-phenylethanol, 2-phenylethyl acetate, ethyl-4-hydroxybutanoate, and gamma-butyrolactone. Novelty impact statement This is the first study in the literature to determine the correlation between chemical and sensory data in Kalecik Karası wines. The study determined that common aroma descriptors of KK wines include red fruit (strawberry, raspberry, and apple), dried fruit, cotton candy, flower, and spice (sweet spices and nutmeg) odors. The characterization of the wines using chemometrics is an important tool. The findings obtained may constitute a source for quality Kalecik Karası wines in transition to the Geographical Indication system.

BVDV, BHV-1 and BLV antibodies in dromedary camels of Turkey kept without and with ruminants.

Camels are the only animals bred to sustain the tradition of wrestling in Turkey and are reared within a limited set of geographic areas. Farmers of such animals may also be engaged in ruminant breeding. The current research was aimed at documenting bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV), bovine herpesvirus-1 (BHV-1), and bovine leukaemia virus (BLV) infections in sera collected from dromedary camels in four different geographical regions of Turkey during the years 2019-2021. All samples were tested for BVDV, BHV-1 and BLV antibodies as well as BVDV antigen by ELISA. Antibodies against BVDV were found in 16.8% of the camel sera tested. However, none of the camels sampled were positive in terms of BHV-1 and BLV antibodies as well as BVDV antigen. The prevalence was observed higher in the herds in whichruminants were raised in addition to camels (OR = 4.583, 95% CI, 1.298-16.182), (p = 0.018), while the prevalence was observed lower in the herds in which only camels were raised. This study showed that BVDV infection was more prevalent than BHV-1 and BLV infections in Turkish dromedary camels. Herewith, the camels, being a susceptible species to numerous viral ruminant diseases, may also serve as an important source of BVDV infection for other ruminant animals in the same flock.

Daily flow duration curve model for ungauged intermittent subbasins of gauged rivers

In this study, we develop a daily flow duration curve model for ungauged intermittent subbasins of gauged rivers. The long-term mean streamflow of the river basin, one of the central parts in the model, is calculated with a regression model of annual precipitation and physical characteristics of the river basin; e.g., drainage area, basin relief, topographical slope, drainage density. The input data of the model are normally accesible, and this makes the model applicable to ungauged points within the river basin. Another central part of the model is the cease-to-flow point which makes the model significant for intermittent rivers. The daily streamflow discharge recorded in gauging stations over the river basin is nondimensionalized by dividing each with their own long-term mean, and their collection is transformed to fit the normal probability distribution; i.e., the normalized nondimensional daily streamflow data are used in the model. The streamflow data are inverted back to the original distribution for any given exceedance percentage by incorporating the cease-to-flow point, and are dimensionalized finally by using the empirically-derived long-term mean streamflow discharge. The model is applied on hundreds of thousands station-day daily streamflow data from three river basins in different geographical regions in Turkey. Results of the case studies are found promising to propose the model as a good foundation for the daily flow duration curve at an ungauged intermittent subbasin of gauged rivers: However, it is noticeable that the model might have low performance in some particular gauging stations where the hydrological behavior deviates from the general characteristics of the river basin. This can be overcome by developing empirical models better approaching the observed long-term mean streamflow, which is a key issue of the model.

Making Performance Analysis of on Grid Photovoltaic Energy Systems: Example of Turkey

The globalizing world, the rapid increase in industrialization and urbanization rates have increased the world’s need for energy day by day, making energy one of the most important agenda items of the world. Increasing demand has led the countries to ensure supply-demand balance to become one of the basic energy policies. One of these prominent energy policies is to ensure diversity in supply and to turn towards renewable resources that are not dependent on exhausted fossil fuels. One of these renewable sources is photovoltaic (solar cell) energy generation systems that generate electrical energy from solar energy. Solar energy is a good alternative to fossil fuels as it has an environmentally clean source feature. In this study, the performance evaluations of power plants were made by comparing the simulation results with data obtained from established fields in three different geographical regions of Turkey. In addition, regional production efficiency was analyzed by comparing the production values of the plants among themselves. An interface program that analyses instant power plant values was designed and a practical evaluation software was created.

Non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant discontinuation in non-valvular atrial fibrillation patients (ASPECT-NOAC)

Abstract Background and aim Data on NOAC discontinuation patterns in Turkey are lacking. We conducted a subgroup analysis in ASPECT-NOAC study to determine anticoagulant discontinuation pattern in AF patients with recently initiated NOAC therapy. Methods ASPECT-NOAC was a national, multicenter, 12-month observational study conducted in 34 outpatient cardiology clinics of state, university, private, and research hospitals covering all geographic regions of Turkey. Adult AF patients who were under NOAC therapy for less than four months were enrolled. Patients who discontinued using their NOACs were recorded at the end of 12 months. A comparative analysis of patients with discontinuation of medication was conducted. Results This study included 991 non-valvular AF patients. NOAC continuation data were available for 854 patients. During study follow-up, 74 patients (8.7%) discontinued their NOAC medication. Mean age of these patients was 67.1±11.3 years old and 38 patients (51.4%) were female. Most commonly seen comorbidities were hypertension (66.2%) and coronary heart disease (39.2%). 29 patients (39.2%) had permanent (chronic) AF, followed by 26 patients (35.1%) with paroxysmal AF. Major reason for NOAC discontinuation was stated as physician request (n=46, 62%). Following reasons were patient request (n=17, 23%), other (n=9, 12%), and bleeding (n=2, 3%). Patients with NOAC discontinuation had a shorter duration of AF (21.7±41.7 vs 26.2±53.7 months, p=0.017). There was no significant difference of educational levels between medication discontinuation subgroups (p=0.637). Other baseline characteristics and patient disease and treatment awareness levels were similar with the patients who continued their medication. Of 74 patients, two patients died during the study because of cardiac failure. Conclusion NOAC continuity rate over 12 months was found to be high. NOAC discontinuation rate were higher in the patients with shorter duration of AF. Further studies with long-term follow-up detailing discontinuation reasons are warranted. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Private company. Main funding source(s): This study was funded by Pfizer.

Nursing Students' Career Plans After Graduation: Perspective From Generation Y.

AIMThe aim of this study is to define the plans for professional work in the field of nursing, of nursing students in their senior year of post-graduation studies, and the factors affecting them.MethodThis descriptive study included 2818 senior nursing students from 27 schools of nursing from different geographical regions of Turkey. The Questionnaire for Career Planning and Affecting Factors was used to collect the data.ResultsMost of the students (59.2%) see themselves as nurses in the next five years, and 31.7% of them see themselves as academicians in the next ten years. The rate of students who wish to work in a non-nursing profession within the next five years is 2.3%. Geriatric services were the least preferred.ConclusionMost students stated that they wanted to work as a nurse. The elder-care centers should be made attractive options for new graduate nurses to choose to work there.

Identifying Clinical Characteristics of Hypoparathyroidism in Turkey: HIPOPARATURK-NET Study.

Hypoparathyroidism is an orphan disease with ill-defined epidemiology that is subject to geographic variability. We conducted this study to assess the demographics, etiologic distribution, treatment patterns and complication frequency of patients with chronic hypoparathyroidism in Turkey. This is a retrospective, cross-sectional database study, with collaboration of 30 endocrinology centers located in 20 cities across seven geographical regions of Turkey. A total of 830 adults (mean age 49.6 ± 13.5years; female 81.2%) with hypoparathyroidism (mean duration 9.7 ± 9.0years) were included in the final analysis. Hypoparathyroidism was predominantly surgery-induced (n = 686, 82.6%). The insulting surgeries was carried out mostly due to benign causes in postsurgical group (SG) (n = 504, 73.5%) while patients in nonsurgical group (NSG) was most frequently classified as idiopathic (n = 103, 71.5%). The treatment was highly dependent on calcium salts (n = 771, 92.9%), calcitriol (n = 786, 94.7%) and to a lower extent cholecalciferol use (n = 635, 76.5%) while the rate of parathyroid hormone (n = 2, 0.2%) use was low. Serum calcium levels were most frequently kept in the normal range (sCa 8.5-10.5mg/dL, n = 383, 46.1%) which might be higher than desired for this patient group. NSG had a lower mean plasma PTH concentration (6.42 ± 5.53 vs. 9.09 ± 7.08ng/l, p < 0.0001), higher daily intake of elementary calcium (2038 ± 1214 vs. 1846 ± 1355mg/day, p = 0.0193) and calcitriol (0.78 ± 0.39 vs. 0.69 ± 0.38mcg/day, p = 0.0057), a higher rate of chronic renal disease (9.7% vs. 3.6%, p = 0.0017), epilepsy (6.3% vs. 1.6%, p = 0.0009), intracranial calcifications (11.8% vs. 7.3%, p < 0.0001) and cataracts (22.2% vs. 13.7%, p = 0.0096) compared to SG. In conclusion, postsurgical hypoparathyroidism is the dominant etiology of hypoparathyroidism in Turkey while the nonsurgical patients have a higher disease burden with greater need for medications and increased risk of complications than the postsurgical patients.

Healthcare students’ vaccination status, knowledge, and protective behaviors regarding hepatitis B: a cross-sectional study in Turkey

ABSTRACT Aim We aimed to determine the vaccination status, knowledge, and protective behaviors of healthcare students related to hepatitis B and to examine the related factors. Method This cross-sectional study was conducted in seven universities from seven geographical regions of Turkey. The study group included 5451 healthcare students. Data were collected with a questionnaire including items on sociodemographic characteristics, vaccination status, knowledge and protective behaviors related to hepatitis B. Data were analyzed with Pearson’s chi-square and logistic regression analyses. Results 86.0% of the students had hepatitis B vaccine while 7.6% did not. Vaccination was higher in nursing and midwifery students (aOR = 1.87, CI 95%: 1.26–2.77; aOR = 3.87, CI 95%: 2.14–7.02, respectively). Vaccination was 1.28 times higher in females (CI 95% 1.03–1.60). The ≥23 age group had 1.79 times higher vaccination rate than those in the ≤19 (CI 95%: 1.26–2.53). Vaccination was higher in students whose family’s economic status is middle and high (aOR = 1.53, CI 95%: 1.07–2.19; aOR = 1.47, CI 95%: 1.03–2.19, respectively). Vaccination was higher in those living in towns and cities during childhood (aOR = 1.36, CI 95%: 1.06–1.74; aOR = 1.79, CI 95%: 1.34–2.38, respectively). Females had more knowledge of hepatitis B and protective behaviors. Both knowledge and protective behavior scores of vaccinated participants were significantly higher (p < .05). Conclusion We found that the vaccination rate in healthcare students was high, but lower than the country’s targets. The students were sensitive about the protective behaviors from hepatitis B infection and had sufficient knowledge of HBV contamination.

Does vitamin D deficiency in asthma affect clinical and functional parameters? A Turkish multicenter study

Background: In recent years, interest in the effects of vitamin D on human health and the immune system has increased. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the relationship of vitamin D with asthma severity, attacks, and clinical and functional parameters in adult patients with asthma who were living in different geographic regions in Turkey. Methods: A total of 384 patients with stable asthma and 87 control subjects were included. A physical examination and a pulmonary function test were performed, and routine blood analyses and vitamin D levels were evaluated. Asthma Control Test was applied. The number of exacerbations in the previous year, asthma therapy, and medication adherence were recorded. Results: In our study, vitamin D levels were below the target values in both patients with asthma (median [minimum-maximum] 16.0 ng/mL [3.5-48 ng/ml]) and control subjects (median [minimum-maximum] 20.0 ng/mL [5.8-58.79 ng/mL]). However, it was lower in the patients with asthma than in the control subjects (p = 0.001). There was a negative relationship between the levels of vitamin D and the severity of asthma (Kendall τ = -0.146; p < 0.001). Furthermore, the patients with severe asthma were received The Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) step 5 treatment showed significantly lower vitamin D compared with the patients who received GINA step 4 treatment (p = 0.037). Vitamin D levels correlated with forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in the first second of expiration (FEV1), and peak expiratory flow (r, 0.221-0.236; p ≤ 0.001). In addition, a positive relationship was found between Asthma Control Test and vitamin D (r = 0.229; p = 0.001). However, body mass index (BMI), asthma exacerbation, and hospitalization were inversely related to vitamin D (r, 0.198-0.233; p = 0.001). Multivariable regression analysis revealed that FVC (p = 0.002), FEV1 (p = 0.033), and BMI (p = 0.037) were independent determinants associated with vitamin D. Conclusion: This study suggested a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in adults with asthma living in different geographic areas in Turkey. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with asthma severity, poor control, and lower lung function.

Investigation of phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity of bee pollen collected from different geographical regions in Turkey

Bu çalışmada, Türkiye’nin değişik bölgelerinden toplanan balarısı polenlerin toplam fenolik asit, flavonoid düzeyleri ve total antioksidan kapasiteleri araştırılmıştır. Polen numuneleri Türkiye’nin farklı bölgelerden 81 arıcıdan toplam 81 örnekten temin edilmiştir. Toplam fenolik madde içeriği kuru ağırlığın gramı başına mg gallik asit eşdeğeri (mgGAE/gr) ve toplam flavonoid analizi ise gramı başına quercetin (mgQE/gr) konsantrasyon temel alınarak spektrofotometrik bir yöntem ile yapılmıştır. Total antioksidan düzeyi indirekt metot olarak polenin DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) üzerindeki serbest radikal süpürücü etkilerine göre yapılmıştır. Çalışmamızda elde edilen bulgulara göre polenin total fenolik asit düzeyleri 7.81 ile 57.69 (mgGAE/g), toplam flavonoid düzeyleri 3.72 ile 4.97 (mgQE/g) ve DPPH ise 55.18 ile 94.08 (mg/ml) aralığında değişkenlik göstermiştir. Çalışma verilerinin Türk arı poleninin kimyasal yapısının ortaya konulmasında katkı sağlayacağı düşünülmektedir.

Coronavirus in the Children’s World: Discourses and Drawings

More than 1.5 billion students and young people worldwide have been affected by school and university closings due to the COVID-19 outbreak. With the closure of schools due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey, a free distance education system was launched by the Ministry of Education on 23 March 2020 with a national level television and internet-based curriculum. The opinions of the children who have just started primary school but whose school has been closed due to the pandemic in the spring term are considered to be necessary. The aim of this study was to determine the perspectives of 1st grade primary school (6.5-7 years old) students on the Coronavirus and its effects. In current study, the perspectives of 1st grade primary school students on Coronavirus and its effects were investigated. In this context, interview and document analysis techniques were used within the scope of qualitative research methods. A total of 16 primary school students from four provinces in different geographical regions of Turkey were included in the study to ensure maximum diversity. These students formed the working group of the research. In the study, semi-structured interviews and pictures drawn by students were used to reveal students’ perspectives on Coronavirus and the effects of the virus. In the research, semi-structured interviews were used for content analysis, and the pictures drawn were utilized for document analysis. In the study, it was assumed that 1st grade primary school students have the consciousness that Coronavirus has tremendous and adverse effects on human life and threatens health. it was concluded that 1st grade primary school students gained awareness about proper handwashing, using masks and gloves as a means of protection from Coronavirus.

Chemical composition and biological activities of propolis samples from different geographical regions of Turkey

• The chemical and volatile content of 39 Turkish propolis were determined. • They exhibited significant cytotoxicity against MDA-MB-231, HeLa, A549, PC-3. • NO production was suppressed on LPS-activated RAW 264.7 cells. • Most of the propolis extracts exhibited more than 80 % DPPH scavenging activities. • Propolis indicate antiviral potential against IBV and no toxic effects in ovo model. Propolis is a natural product with many biological activities, and it has been used in many industrial areas, such as pharmaceuticals, food and cosmetics. Thus, in this study, we aim to evaluate the chemical content, antioxidant, antiviral activities, cytotoxicity and the iNOS of propolis samples collected from 39 different regions in Turkey. Phenolic, flavonoid and triterpene profiles were determined using the LC-HRMS method. The main phenolic compounds identified were flavonoids, including diosmetin, rhamnocitrin, isosakuranetin, naringenin, chrysin, 3- O -methyl-quercetin and acacetin, the main phenolic acid was found as caffeic acid. The major triterpene compounds were also detected as oleanolic acid and hederagenin. The composition of volatile compounds in the propolis samples was examined using GC–MS. α -Pinene, β -pinene and limonene were found as the main compounds in most of the samples. Cytotoxic activities against MDA-MB-231, PC-3, A549, HeLa and a non-tumor cell line HEK293 were performed using the MTT method. The iNOS was also determined using LPS induced RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. Propolis samples exhibited significant cytotoxic and nitric oxide inhibition activities with a significant range of IC50 values. The total antioxidant/phenolic capacities in TR equivalents of propolis samples were assayed by DPPH, CUPRAC, FRAP, and Folin methods. The total phenolics content in the studied propolis extracts were found as between 0.96 and 13.53 mmol TR/g. TAC of propolis samples range with respect to the CUPRAC and FRAP methods were found from 0.71 to 8.24 and 0.21 to 2.27 mmol TR/g, respectively. Most of the propolis extracts exhibited more than 80 % DPPH scavenging activities, almost similar or higher than the positive controls. Antiviral activities of the samples were measured as virucidal activity by in ovo . All propolis samples promise for the significant inhibition of avian coronavirus. To our knowledge, this study is the first detailed study in the literature that includes the chemical content and biological activities of Turkish propolis collected from different geographical regions.

A Quantitative Evaluation of the Experiences of Faculty Members and Students at the Faculty of Theology/Islamic Sciences regarding Distance Education System during the Covid-19 Pandemic

During the Covid-19 pandemic, lectures have been delivered through distance education since the Spring Semester of the 2019-2020 Academic Year at the faculties of theology/Islamic sciences, as has been the case at all educational levels in our country. The purpose of this study is to investigate the perceptions of the students and faculty members of the faculty of theology/Islamic sciences, regarding the impacts of distance education on higher religious education, its advantages and disadvantages, along with problems encountered in this medium of education. In this quantitative study, the data were collected using two online surveys, one of them being for students and the other for faculty members. The data obtained from the participants were analyzed using SPSS v24. The population of the study was the faculty members and students of the faculty of theology/Islamic sciences in Turkey. The sample of the study was selected from a group of faculty members and students at 25 faculties of theology/Islamic sciences dispersed across the seven geographical regions in Turkey.

Genetic diversity and mating‐type frequency of Exserohilum turcicum in Turkey

AbstractNorthern corn leaf blight caused by Exserohilum turcicum is one of the most significant diseases in maize‐growing fields, resulting in yield reduction worldwide. Genetic diversity and mating‐type of E. turcicum were determined using isolates collected from 7 important maize cultivation provinces in 4 different geographic regions of Turkey during 2014–2015. Multilocus haplotypes of E. turcicum isolates were characterized using 13 simple sequence repeats (SSR) primer pairs, which were amplified in PCR multiplex reactions. The evaluation of mating‐type ratio generated from the E. turcicum population was by χ2 significance test. MAT‐1 and MAT‐2 mating‐type were shown in the population; however, the χ2 significance test did not support the sexual reproduction hypothesis in any region. The E. turcicum population was found to produce predominantly asexual reproduction in Turkey. Numerous E. turcicum isolates showed very high genetic similarity and did not show a distinct cluster dependent on region or mating‐type on a dendrogram of genetic diversity. This result showed that one‐hundred per cent similarity in most of the collected isolates from different regions might also support long‐distance migration.

Nonstationary analysis of the extreme temperatures in Turkey

Record-breaking extreme temperatures have been measured in the last two decades all over Turkey, with recent studies detecting positive trends in extreme temperature time series. In this study, nonstationary extreme value analysis was performed on extreme temperature time series obtained from fifty stations scattered over the seven geographical regions of Turkey. Basic characterization of the data set was defined through outlier detection, homogeneity, trend detection, and stationarity tests. Trend-including non-stationary extreme temperature time series were analyzed with non-stationary Generalized Extreme Value distribution. Three main physical drivers were considered as the leading causes that trigger the observed trends in extreme temperatures over Turkey: time, teleconnection patterns of the Arctic Oscillations, and those of the North Atlantic Oscillations. The results showed that most of the absolute annual minimum and maximum temperature time series are inhomogeneous while the possible breakpoints date back to the1970s and 1990s, respectively. More than half of the absolute annual maximum time series (26/50 and many of the absolute annual minimum time series (21/50) showed a positive trend. No negative trend was detected in the extreme temperature time series. Based on the frequency analysis of the 21 annual maximum time series, the non-stationary estimations of 50-year return levels were detected to be higher than in the stationary model (between 0.44 °C and 3.73 °C). The return levels in 15 of the 20 minimum temperature time series increased from 0.11 °C up to 12.28 °C. Elevation increases the nonstationarity impact on absolute minimum temperatures and decreases it on absolute maximums. The findings in this study indicate that the consideration of non-stationarity in extreme temperature time series is a necessity during return level estimations over the study area.

Üniversite Öğrencilerinin Covid-19 Salgını Dönemindeki Uzaktan Eğitim Deneyimine Yönelik Algıları

The aim of this study is to reveal university students' views of distance education delivered during the Covid-19 pandemic. This quantitative study designed as an online survey research collected data from 3861 university students from different universities in each geographical region of Turkey between April 26, 2020 and May 6, 2020. Student views of distance education are presented with descriptive analyses. Next, cross tables containing chi-square tests of the variables that affect the difficulty of focusing on distance education along with the regression analysis of the factors influencing the evaluation of the effectiveness of distance education are presented. It was found that the majority of the students have difficulty focusing on distance education, which is related to gender, frequency of physical activity at home, university type, and their majors. The factors that affect students' perceptions of the effectiveness of distance education include age, socio-economic status of their family, staying with the family during the pandemic, difficulties in focusing, frequency of physical activity, and negative psychological effects of Covid-19.

Evaluation of Methylation Profiles of An Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Gene in a Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patient Group.

Upregulation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene has shown an important impact on the development of head and neck cancers due to its important regulation role on multiple cell signaling pathways. The aim of this study was to investigate the methylation pattern of the promoter region of the EGFR gene between head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients and a control group. Forty-seven unrelated HNSCC patients, clinically diagnosed at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Dışkapı Yıldırım Beyazıt Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey, and 48 unrelated healthy volunteers from different geographic regions of Turkey, were included in this study. Methylation status of the promoter region of the EGFR gene was detected by methylation-specific-polymerase chain reaction (MS-PCR). The correlation between EGFR gene promoter methylation profiles and clinical characteristics were examined using the χ2 test. Methylation was observed in 79.0% of HNSCC patients, whereas this ratio was 90.0% in healthy individuals. The results show that promoter region methylation of the EGFR gene was not associated with HNSCC development in the studied Turkish patient group. In addition, the methylation status of the EGFR gene promoter was not found to be related to age, gender or tumor stage.

Municipal solid waste-based district heating and electricity production: A case study

In this paper, municipal solid waste (MSW) based electricity production and district heating (DH) potential of Turkey are considered. Three MSW based waste-to-energy (WtE) scenarios is developed: (i) Scenario-I, a DH system integrated into a gas turbine power plant (GTPP), (ii) Scenario-II, a DH system integrated into an organic Rankine cycle (ORC), and (iii) Scenario-III, which is based solely on a DH system. As a result of the thermodynamic and thermoeconomic analyzes of these developed scenarios using an existing MSW-based cogeneration facility’s actual operating data, the system with the most extended payback period (about 5 years) is found as the GTPP-DH system developed in Scenario-I, which also has the highest investment cost. On the other hand, the system with the shortest payback period (about 2 years) is found as the DH system developed in Scenario-III, which also has the lowest investment cost. Overall exergy efficiencies of the GTTP-DH, ORC-DH, and DH systems are found to be 41.86%, 16.15%, and 31.87%, respectively. When the developed WtE scenarios adapted to the pilot provinces selected from each geographical region of Turkey, it is found that the GTPP system developed in Scenario-I can increase the power generation capacity of MSW plants for each province by about 20%.