Number Cruncher Statistical System Research Articles

Robotic versus laparoscopic colorectal surgery in elderly patients in terms of recovery time: a monocentric experience.

Colorectal cancer has a great socio-sanitary relevance. It represents the third cancer by incidence and mortality. Ageing plays a major role in the development of colorectal cancer and this tumour, in patients aged 65 and older, has gradually increased over the past decade. The robotic technique is considered the evolution of conventional laparoscopy. Few studies evaluate the effects of robotic surgery in elderly patient, and even fewer are those that compare it with laparoscopic surgery in this population. The aim of this study was to evaluate the perioperative outcomes of robotic colorectal surgery compared to laparoscopic colorectal surgery in patients older than 65 years. We conducted a retrospective study enrolling 83 elderly patients (age > 65) undergoing robotic and laparoscopic colectomy (32 and 51, respectively) between January 2019 and January 2021. For statistical analysis, p values were calculated using t test and chi-square test. p < 0.05 is the criterion for statistical significance. Statistical analyses were performed with the Number Cruncher Statistical System (NCSS) 2020 data analysis version 20.0.1 (Utah, USA). The operation time was higher in robotic left (p = 0.003, mean time 249.6 vs 211.7 min) and right (p = 0.004, mean time 238.5 vs 183.5 min) hemicolectomy and similar for procedures on rectosigmoid and rectum when compared to laparoscopic technique. In terms of length of hospital stay and recovery of bowel function, these values were significantly lower for robotic group in left hemicolectomy (p = 0.004), rectum (p = 0.003) and rectosigmoid (p = 0.003), while right hemicolectomy was similar in two groups (p = 0.26). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups regarding conversion rate, postoperative complications, length of specimen, number of lymph nodes encountered and oncological results. Colorectal robotic surgery in elderly patients appears as a feasible and safe surgical approach when compared to the laparoscopic one, showing a shorter recovery and a reduction of length of stay with similar oncological outcomes even if with an increase of operating times.

The effect of kangaroo mother care applied to the healthy newborns in the early postpartum period on breastfeeding: A randomized controlled trial.

To determine the effect of kangaroo mother care applied to the healthy newborns in the early postpartum period on breastfeeding. The randomised controlled experimental study was conducted from June 1 to August 25, 2016, at a training and research hospital in Istanbul, Turkey, and comprised healthy newborns and their mothers equally divided into study group A and control group B. The newborns in group A were administered kangaroo mother care for 3 hours after birth, while group B newborns were cared for using the unit's standard postpartum procedure. The time the newborns in both the groups first started to breastfeed, the frequency of breastfeeding within the first 24 hours, the duration of their breastfeeding and suckling skills were evaluated. Data was analysed using the Number Cruncher Statistical System 2007. There were 112 sets of newborns and their mothers; 56(50%) in each of the two groups. Group A newborns started suckling at the breast sooner, for longer duration, and more frequently compared to the newborns in group B (p<0.05). There was no difference between the groups in terms of initial suckling skills (p= 0.862), but those in group A were better at suckling 24 hours later (p=0.001). Kangaroo mother care administered to healthy newborns immediately after birth encouraged the newborns to take to the breast sooner, more frequently, and for longer periods. It also increased their suckling skills. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04619459.

Three-Dimensional Calculation of Sinus Augmentation Volume after Maxillary Sinus Floor Elevation

Abstract&#x0D; Objectives: This study aimed to calculate the volume of the maxillary sinus and grafted part of it with different modes of three-dimensional reconstruction software. &#x0D; Materials and Methods: This retrospective volumetric cone-beam computed tomography study was carried out on 21 patients/ 36 maxillary sinuses who had undergone maxillary sinus lift surgery using a lateral approach, between 2010 and 2016 at the Department Periodontology. All statistical analyses were performed by using the NCSS (Number Cruncher Statistical System, Kaysville, Utah, U.S.A.) software. P values 0.05). An occupied portion of the sinus cavity after lateral sinus floor elevation surgery was approximately 14.87 %. Furthermore, the volume through manual and automatical modes of the software do not affect the results (p&gt;0.05). The right and left sides of the maxillary sinus volumes were not different from each other. Gender and measuring mode was not found to be related to volumetric values of the maxillary sinus cavity. &#x0D; Conclusions: The grafted volume of the sinus cavity was defined as a safe volume in terms of serious complications during and after the surgery.

Investigation of Oxidative Stress in Relapse and Remission Periods of Patients with relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis

Introduction: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. The role of oxidative stress has gained importance in the pathogenesis of free radicals in cells such as protein, lipid, and nucleic acids by showing myelin loss and axonal degeneration. In this study, serum total oxidant level total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS), oxidative stress index (OSI), and paraoxonase (PON) in patients with relapsing-remitting-MS (RRMS) were examined. The hypothesis was that antioxidants might indicate the attack phase or the progression phase. Methods: Twenty-four patients with RRMS known to have undergone new attacks and 24 healthy controls whose demographic data were appropriate were included. PON and TAS/TOS measurements were performed once in the healthy group and twice in the serum samples of patients during relapse and remission periods. The Number Cruncher Statistical System 2007 and Power Analysis and Sample Size 2008 Statistical Software (Utah, USA) program was used for statistical analysis. Results: TAS, TOS, and PON levels were similar in the patient and control groups during the attack. In remission, only a positive, statistically significant relationship between the duration of the disease and TAS measurements was noted (r = 0.435; P = 0.034). No significant relationship was found between sociodemographic characteristics, illness duration, laboratory/imaging findings, and antioxidant parameters in blood. Conclusion: In this study, TOS, TAS, OSI, and PON serum levels had no role in determining attack and remission periods in RRMS. There were only significant differences between disease duration and TAS results during the remission period. Following TAS results may help in monitoring progression in patients with early MS.

Clinically-targetable vulnerabilities in cancer metabolism: A systematic review and meta-analysis

To investigate the efficacy and safety of targeting cancer metabolic vulnerabilities with specific anticancer agents. The systematic review and meta-analysis entailed search on PubMed, Embase and Google Scholar databases for cohort-based studies or clinical trials which reported hazard ratio for overall survival and/or median overall survival of patients treated with metabolicallyactive anticancer drugs. Data was analysed using the Number Cruncher Statistical System version 11. There were 16 studies published between 1989 and 2018 that reported improvement in the overall survival (p=0.05) despite the reported significant heterogeneity across the studies (I2=70%). Exploiting amino acid metabolic vulnerabilities was associated with a favourable prognostic outcome (p=0.05), while targeting glycolysis and nucleic acid synthesis had no significant clinical importance (p>0.05). There is an urgent need to develop future therapies relying on the synergistic actions of nucleotide biosynthesis, glycolysis and amino acid metabolism.

Superselective intra-arterial chemotherapy treatment for retinoblastoma: clinical experience from a tertiary referral centre

ObjectiveTo evaluate the treatment outcomes of an alternative retrograde superselective ophthalmic artery catheterization (intra-arterial chemotherapy [IAC]), while treating retinoblastoma patients. MethodsA retrospective review of IAC for 21 treatment-naïve eyes (21 patients, primary group) and 10 eyes of previously treated 9 patients (secondary group). Statistical analysis was performed using Number Cruncher Statistical System 2007, Kaplan–Meier survival analysis, and Fisher’s exact test. ResultsTotal fluoroscopy time ranged from 3 to 12 minutes. Globe salvage was 71.4% (15/21 eyes) and 80% (8/10 eyes) in the primary and secondary groups, respectively. Globe salvage rates were recorded as 100%, 100%, 70%, and 0% for group B, C, D, and E patients, respectively. ConclusionsRetrograde IAC is effective in tumour control with shorter fluoroscopy time and acceptable complication rates both for naïve and treated patients. Furthermore, controlling retinoblastoma in advanced group D eyes was efficacious.

İstanbul’da Bir Aile Hekimliği Polikliniğine Bir Yıl İçinde Başvuran Hasta Sayısı, Konulan Tanılar ve Hasta Profillerinin Değerlendirilmesi

Objective: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the number of patients, the distribution of the diagnoses and the patient profiles who applied to the family medicine outpatient clinic within 1 year. Materials and Methods: This study is a cross-sectional descriptive study of 6180 patients who applied to the Family Medicine Outpatient Clinic 34.20.021 between 01.01.2017-01.01.2018 by taking the data from the examination records in Family Medicine Information System polyclinic book. The number of patient applications, age, gender, diagnoses, prescription and report writing were obtained. Examination records other than the given date range were excluded from the study. For statistical analysis, Number Cruncher Statistical System 2007 program was used. Significance was evaluated at least p &amp;lt;0.05. Results: 60.8% (n = 3756) of the women and 39.2% (n = 2424) were male with a total of 6180 who were admitted to the outpatient clinic were performed. When the five most common diagnoses were examined; 22.1% (n = 1146) acute upper respiratory tract infection, 13.4% (n = 695) essential hypertension, 6.8% (n = 352) diabetes mellitus, 6.3% (n = 328) myalgia and in 4.7% (n = 245) Gastro-esophageal reflux disease was detected. Conclusion: The patients are applying for more examination and drug printing in family medicine polyclinics in primary care.

Single‐stage retrograde endoscopic common bile duct stone removal might be sufficient in moderate acute cholangitis with a stone size ≤12 mm: A retrospective cohort study with propensity score matching

AbstractStudies elucidating the efficacy and safety of single‐stage endoscopic treatment for acute moderate cholangitis with choledocholithiasis are limited. Therefore, we performed a retrospective analysis of single‐stage endoscopic treatment for common bile duct (CBD) stone removal in patients with moderate cholangitis to determine the rates of successful stone extraction and complications. A retrospective chart review was conducted for all consecutive patients (n = 632) undergoing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for CBD stone removal between January 2010 and September 2013 at the study institution. A total of 346 patients excluded based on the following criteria: procedural failure requiring an anatomy‐modifying operation, stenosis of the pyloric ring, tumor‐related obstruction, treatment requiring only biliary drainage, failure to locate the papilla, intolerance due to inadequate sedation, CBD stone &gt; 12 mm, CBD sludge, and non‐naïve papilla in ERCP. The remaining 286 patients were randomly matched at a 1:2 ratio using propensity score together with age and sex with the Number Cruncher Statistical System statistical software. After propensity score matching, there were 90 and 134 patients in the moderate and no/mild cholangitis groups, respectively. The baseline characteristics and endoscopic findings were comparable between the two groups. The success rate of complete stone extraction was similar between the moderate and no/mild cholangitis groups (90.0% vs 91.0%, P = .793). Additionally, the complication rates were comparable between the moderate and no/mild cholangitis groups (post‐ERCP pancreatitis, 13.3% vs 10.4%, P = .542; pneumonia, 4.4% vs 1.5%, P = .183; perforation, 0% vs 1.5%, P = .243; and mortality, 2.2% vs 0.7%, P = .350). However, there was a trend for higher bleeding rate in the moderate cholangitis group compared with the no/mild cholangitis group (2.2% vs 0%, P = .084). Single‐stage retrograde endoscopic CBD stone removal in patients with moderate cholangitis and choledocholithiasis sized ≤12 mm might be adequate based on the high success rate (90.0%) for stone removal and low complication rates.

Tissue Thiol Concentration in High-Grade Gliomas: Is There any Association Between IDH1 Mutation Presence and Tumoral Cellular Antioxidant Defense?

To assess and compare the antioxidant capacities of high-grade gliomas (HGG) according to their grades and the presence of isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) mutation using tissue thiol level measurement. Tissue thiol concentrations were measured in 41 HGG samples and 21 healthy brain tissues obtained from autopsy procedures, which were performed within the first 4 hours of death. All samples were stored at ?80°C, and a thiol quantification kit was used in evaluating tissue thiol levels. The Number Cruncher Statistical System was used for statistical analyses to detect the differences between the control group and the HGG group, which was also divided into subgroups according to their grade and IDH1 mutation presence. The tissue thiol levels of HGGs were found to be higher than the control group (p=0.001). Although the median thiol levels of Grade 4 gliomas were higher than those of Grade 3, no statistically significant difference was noted (p=0.076). When all tumors were compared according to the IDH1 mutation presence, IDH1-negative (IDH1-) HGGs had higher thiol contents than IDH1 mutant (IDH1+) HGGs (p=0.001). The thiol levels of Grade 4 IDH1- gliomas were statistically significantly higher than of Grade 3 gliomas (p=0.023), but no statistically significant difference between the thiol levels of Grade 3 and Grade 4 IDH1+ tumors was noted (p=0.459). We have demonstrated the higher thiol concentrations of HGGs, particularly IDH1- ones. The sulfhydryl contents of gliomas as an indicator of tumoral antioxidant capacity may be responsible for the treatment resistance of IDH1- gliomas, the mechanism of which is not clear. Thiols can be a novel target for treatment, considering the unsatisfactory results of current modalities for HGGs.

Application of triple-helix model to address the issue of unemployment challenge in Nigeria

Triple-helix model (THM) establishes a working relationship between government, industry and university in order to solve diverse issues of human endeavours. The study aims to use THM to address the issue of unemployment with specific focus on agricultural sector in Nigeria. The study is premised on quantitative techniques. Two thousand questionnaires were administered on potential unemployed graduates in Nigeria. One hundred and twenty questionnaires were administered on four financial institutions and 100 questionnaires were administered on ministries, parastatals and agencies (MDAs) in Nigeria. Information elicited from respondents was processed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and Number Cruncher Statistical System (NCSS). The findings of the study revealed that unemployed graduates are keenly interested in embarking on agricultural activities, if enabling environment is provided. The study therefore recommends that enabling environment should be provided to reduce unemployment in Nigeria.

The Relationship Between Consumptions of Dairy and Fermented Dairy Products in Lactose Intolerance Among Students of A Foundation University In Istanbul

This study was conduct to determine the gastrointestinal symptoms after the consumption of milk and dairy products, lactose intolerance status and knowledge with Pre-school Teacher Education departments students at a Foundation University. The study was carried out with 200 female students on a voluntary basis. A data information form with 22 questions was applied to the participants. NCSS (Number Cruncher Statistical System) 2007 (Kaysville, Utah, USA) program was used for statistical analysis. General information, milk, milk products and foods that may contain lactose consumption frequencies, gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, gas, bloating in the stomach, stomach cramping, vomiting and nausea after consumption of milk and fermented milk products like yoghurt, kefir, cheese were obtained via data information form. Monthly consumption of milk and dairy products of the participants, total energy, calcium, lactose amounts were calculated. . It was observed that the students consumed cheese and yoghurt more. Among those participating in the study, the rate of those who were diagnosed with a health care provider and had lactose intolerance was found to be 1%, while those who are suspected of lactose intolerance were 36%. It was found that 76.3% of the students who thought that they had lactose intolerance started to feel the symptoms later. The rate of lactose intolerance in patients with chronic disease compared to patients without chronic disease was found to be statistically significantly higher. When evaluated according to lactose intolerance after drinking milk, the distribution of the severity of the cases of abdominal pain, diarrhea, gas passing, stomach bloating, cramping and nausea show statistically significant difference. When the patients with and without lactose intolerance were compared, monthly calorie, lactose and calcium values from ayran and cheese were found to be statistically significantly lower in patients with lactose intolerance. It was seen that most of the students who experienced symptoms of lactose intolerance were not diagnosed and it was seen that the society should be made aware of this issue.

Changes in mean platelet volume in the course of upper gastrointestinal bleeding

In this study, we retrospectively evaluated patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGB) who were followed up at our center over a 3 year period and aimed to determine the factors affecting mean platelet volume (MPV) in patients with UGB, temporal changes in MPV during UGB, and the relationship between MPV values and the severity of UGB. Patients and methods: A total of 170 patients who were hospitalized between January 2010 and December 2013 with a diagnosis of UGB, completed a 72-hour follow up, and had a baseline blood count performed within 6 months were evaluated retrospectively. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data, along with MPV values at baseline, on admission, and at 4 hours, 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, and discharge, were evaluated. Number Cruncher Statistical System (NCSS) 2007 was used for statistical analyses. Results: Women and patients with comorbid diseases had higher baseline MPV values; this effect disappeared after admission for UGB and reappeared at discharge. MPV values were lowest at the start of the bleeding and significantly increased during the course of UGB. Baseline MPV and MPV at discharge values were similar. There was no statistically significant relationship between any MPV measurement and transfusion amount. Conclusion: The effects of gender and comorbid diseases were negated by the presence of UGB and returned after UGB was controlled. MPV levels exhibited temporal changes during the course of UGB, indicating that MPV can be used as a marker; however, no statistical relationship was found between temporal MPV values and transfusion amount, a marker for UGB severity.

Efficacy of ProBNP and CRP/ Albumin ratio in patients with acute heart failure in the Emergency Department

Aim: Heart failure (HF) is one of the most common diseases in patients over 65 years of age.It is a clinical condition which is often mortal and requires intensive care follow-up. Therefore, some tests are used to predict the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis. In this study, we aimed to compare the effect of natriuretic peptides (ProBNP) and CRP/albumin ratio on mortality and prognosis in patients who referred to the emergency department (ED) with HF. Material and Methods: The patients with ICD codes of I50 and J81 in two different hospital ED between 2018 and 2019 were analyzed retrospectively. Demographic data of the patients and the parameters planned to be studied were recorded in a Microsoft Excel 2010 file. NCSS (Number Cruncher Statistical System) 2007 software was used for the statistical analysis.Results: Our study consisted of 301 patients. A very weak positive (CRP/albumin ratio increased as the ProBNP value increased) correlation of 0.193 between ProBNP measurements and CRP/albuminratios of the participants was found to be statistically significant(r=0.193; p=0.001; p0.01).Conclusion: According to our study, no significant correlation was found between ProBNP and CRP/albumin ratio. The CRP/albumin ratio is not appropriate to be used alone to determine the definitive diagnosis and mortality in cases with acute HF. However, since there are not enough studies regarding this subject, more studies need to be done in a more extended period and with more patients.

The relationship between childhood obesity with inflammatory mediators.

To determine the association of various obesity markers with systemic immune-inflammatory index. The cross-sectional study was conducted at Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey, from January 2018 to October 2018 and comprised children aged 6-16 years admitted to the outpatient clinic due to obesity. The patients were evaluated for height, weight, body mass index (BMI), fat percentage (F%), fat mass (FM) and fat-free mass (FFM). Waist circumference was measured and neutrophil, platelet and lymphocyte counts and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) were calculated on the basis of haemogram. Data was analysed using Number Cruncher Statistical System 2007. Of the 335 subjects, 203(60.6%) were girls and 132(39.4%) were boys. Univariate analysis of girls showed the effects of BMI, F%, FM, FFM and WC on NLR. FM remained a significant and independent risk factor for NLR (p<0.01). The effects of BMI, F%, FFM and WC were not significant in multivariate model (p>0.05). Univariate analysis of girls also showed the effects of BMI, F%, FM, FFM and WC measurements on SII. F% remained a significant and independent risk factor on SII (p<0.01). The effects of BMI, fat mass, FFM and WC were not significant in multivariate model (p>0.05). In this study, the increase of SII, NLR and thrombocyte in terms of weight, BMI, fat percentage and fat mass supports the increase of inflammation due to the increase of fat in obesity. In terms of comorbidities in obesity, SII and NLR suggest that there may be inflammatory biomarkers which can be used in follow-up.

Effect of simulation-based learning on first clinical day stress and anxiety levels of nursing students in Turkey.

To determine the effect of simulation-oriented skills training on first clinical day stress and anxiety levels in nursing students. The quasi-experimental study was conducted from April to June, 2016, in Istanbul, Turkey, and comprised first year nursing students who were divided into two groups. In Group 1, students measured vital signs on simulated patients before their first clinical practice. In Group 2, the students performed this application on each other. Then, on the first day of their clinical practice, the students evaluated the vital signs and then filled out Clinical Stress Questionnaire and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Data was analysed using Number Cruncher Statistical System version 2007. Of the 41 subjects, 16(39%) were in Group 1 with a mean age of 19.31±3.2 years, and 25(61%) were in Group 2 with a mean age of 18.92±0.86 years (p>0.05). There was no significant differences in state-trait anxiety inventory and clinical stress questionnaire scores between the groups (p>0.05). There was a significant difference with respect to benefit subscale of the clinical stress questioaanire (p=0.049). The use of simulation in nursing education provided relief and confidence during clinical practice.

The Knowledge, Attitudes and Behaviors of Health Workers For Cancer Prevention

DOI : 10.17681/hsp.424602 Purpose: Cancer is one of the most important health problems nowadays. With these features of disease; frequent occurance, being preventable, high mortality and being treated with early diagnosis, cancer is a matter of public health. Aim of this research, to test lifestyle and habits of health professionals, whether prevent the cancer occurance or not and to determine their knowledge, attitudes and behaviors about early diagnosis. Materials and Methods: This descriptive study has been made by 500 people meet all the conditions among health professionals working at Okmeydani Training and Research Hospital. To find out whether their lifestyle, habits and behaviors prevent cancer, survey was administered to healthcare workers. (Number Cruncher Statistical System) 2012, PASS (Power Analysis and Sample Size Software) 2016 programme was used in the statistical evaluation. Results: 49% of the participants were women, 51% were men and the averageage is 35.17±9.18 years. 44.6% of the health workers were smoking, 42.2% were using alcohol and the seratios were found to be quite high in the society as a whole. Therate of obesity in health workers was 3.6% and much lower than in the population. The level of regular clinical examination and cancer screening among the health workers was lower than expected. Conclusion: Health worker shave a high rate of using cigarettes and alcohol when they have knowledge about habits to prevent cancer and healthy living. The proportion of those with a healthy body weight is higher than that in the society; But they were found to be inadequate to have regular health checks and screening tests that would allow early detection of cancer.

POSTPARTUM EVALUATION OF THE MOTHERS’ KNOWLEDGE ABOUT BREASTFEEDING AND THE IMPORTANCE OF BREAST MILK -

Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the sociodemographic factors about breast milk and breastfeeding descriptively. We want the emphasize the importance of breastmilk by evaluating the reasons behind short duration of nursing and the knowledge levels of the mothers about breast milk and breastfeeding. Material and Methods: The sampling consisted of 201 voluntary postpartum mothers aged 17-43 whom are followed by 2 separate family physician specialist MDs at two different Family Medicine centers in Istanbul during March 2017- July 2017. The data were obtained face to face by one researcher using a questionnaire of 20 questions. Postpartum mothers who have not yet started nursing and are not in between 17-43 years of age were excluded from the study. NCSS (Number Cruncher Statistical System) 2007 (Kaysville, Utah, USA) programe was used to analyse the statistics. Value of p0,05) Also there was again no statistically significant difference about the mothers education status and their knowledge level about breastfeeding and breast milk. There was a statistically significant difference between mothers’ occupational status and breastfeeding knowledge levels; working mothers had higher levels of knowlegde than the housewives (p=0,001; p

Color Stability of CAD/CAM Ceramics Prepared with Different Surface Finishing Procedures.

To investigate the color stability of zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate glass-ceramic and lithium disilicate reinforced glass-ceramic, which were prepared with various surface finishing procedures, following 1-week, 2-week, 1-month, and 2-month storage in various beverages, and after the application of polishing paste. Lithium disilicate glass-ceramic (IPS e.max CAD HT) and zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate ceramic (Vita Suprinity HT) CAD/CAM blocks were sectioned with a diamond saw (Metkon) under water cooling into 1.5 × 7 × 12mm dimensions (N = 120). All specimens were polished with silicon carbide paper (600-, 800-, and 1200-grit) under water for 120 seconds. The specimens were prepared using 3 surface finishing procedures: glaze, mechanical polishing, and external staining and glaze in accordance with manufacturers' instructions. Then, each group was divided into 2 storage subgroups, black tea and coffee (n = 10/group). Color values were measured in CIELAB color space with dental spectrophotometer (VITA Easyshade) at the initial stage, and following 1-week, 2-week, 1-month, 2-month storage, and after fine-grit polishing paste application (Proxyt). Color changes (ΔE) were calculated and statistically analyzed using ANOVA followed by Bonferroni corrected post-hoc tests using Number Cruncher Statistical System 2007 (α < 0.05). For lithium disilicate glass-ceramic, glaze procedure showed statistically lower color change values than mechanical polishing and external staining and glaze surface finishing groups (p < 0.05) following storage in both beverages, whereas for zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate ceramic, glaze procedure showed statistically lower color change values than mechanical polishing, but statistically insignificant values with respect to external staining and glaze group, following storage in both beverages. Lithium disilicate glass-ceramic groups showed statistically lower or statistically insignificant color change values with respect to zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate ceramic groups, except for the external staining and glaze surface finishing group in coffee. Significantly lower discoloration values were obtained following polishing paste application, with respect to 2-month storage in beverages (p < 0.05). Glazing alone led to more color stability with respect to mechanical polishing and external staining and glaze for zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate and lithium disilicate glass-ceramic. Lithium disilicate glass-ceramic showed higher color stability compared to zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate ceramic. Polishing paste resulted in a decrease in discoloration to clinically acceptable values.

Comparison of Writing Skills of Students of Different Socioeconomic Status

This study compares the writing skills of students with different socioeconomic statuses, using the quantitative research method designs of “survey study” and “causal-comparative study”. The study group included 67 Turkish teachers and a total of 120 eighth-grade students from four different middle schools in the province of Gaziantep, Turkey, and the study was conducted during the 2016–2017 academic year. The socioeconomic status determination survey was applied to the students in order to ascertain their socioeconomic status. The students’ written texts and the teachers’ responses to the questionnaire were used as the study data. The written expression texts were evaluated by two experts according to the written expression evaluation form. NCSS (Number Cruncher Statistical System) 2007 (Kaysville, Utah, USA) software was used to analyze the data. In the analysis of the data, in addition to descriptive statistical methods (mean, standard deviation, median, frequency, ratio, minimum, and maximum values), Mann-Whitney U test was used for the paired comparison of data which did not display a normal distribution. The results revealed there to be a significant difference between the students with high and low socioeconomic status, in favor of the group with high socioeconomic status in terms of the form, content formation, content organization, word choice, and grammar dimensions of the written expressions. The results failed to show a significant difference between the two groups in terms of the students’ skills in “conducting research on the writing subject” and “building a draft of the text to be written” but did show a significant difference in “evaluating their writing”, in favor of the students with high socioeconomic status.

Measuring Efficiency of Generating Electric Processes

Electric energy sources are the foundation for supporting for the industrialization and modernization; however, the processes of electricity generation increase CO2 emissions. This study integrates the Holt–Winters model in number cruncher statistical system (NCSS) to estimate the forecasting data and the undesirable model in data envelopment analysis (DEA) to calculate the efficiency of electricity production in 14 countries all over the world from past to future. The Holt–Winters model is utilized to estimate the future; then, the actual and forecasting data are applied into the undesirable model to compute the performance. From the principle of an undesirable model, the study determines the input and output factors as follows nonrenewable and renewable fuels (inputs), electricity generation (desirable output), and CO2 emissions (undesirable output). The empirical results exhibit efficient/inefficient terms over the period from 2011–2021 while converting these fuels into electricity energy and CO2 emissions. The efficiency reveals the environmental effect level from the electricity generation. The analysis scores recommend a direction for improving the inefficient terms via the principle of inputs and undesirable outputs excess and desirable outputs shortfalls in an undesirable model.