Turkish Society Research Articles

Soft power in Turkey's foreign policy in Europe

Since the mid-2000s, under the rule of the Justice and Development Party, Turkey has included the concept of soft power in its foreign policy agenda. Based on the position of Turkish officials, the practical implementation of soft power is based on public diplomacy, with its “infrastructure” being created at the same time by establishing new or transforming existing state structures in partnership with non-governmental organisations. Ankara has developed the main directions for public diplomacy to be based on interaction with its Turkish people living abroad and closely related Turkic peoples, the preservation and revival of the cultural, historical and material heritage of the Ottoman Empire, and the support of the Muslim community in different parts of the world. In addition, in recent years, relatively new directions have emerged, such as struggling against FETÖ and extension of coverage of the Turkish Radio and Television Corporation. One of the regions where the Turkish public diplomacy was implemented was Europe. The latter was divided into three sub-regions: the Balkans, Eastern Europe, and Western Europe. The Balkan countries were traditionally considered important regions for Ankara with the core goal to break old historical and cultural prejudices about its image and to form a positive one in the eyes of the public. With regard to Eastern Europe, Turkey, skillfully using the Ottoman heritage and/or the Turkic factor, exerts influence in Hungary, Moldova, and Ukraine. And the activity in Western Europe is more based on interacting with the Turkish diaspora. Therefore, the aim of the study is to reveal the main directions of Turkey's public diplomacy in the context of the implementation of the policy of soft power in Europe.

Robust regression type estimators for body mass index under extreme ranked set and quartile ranked set sampling

Robust regression-type estimators of population mean that use auxiliary variable information are proposed by considering robust methods under extreme ranked set sampling (ERSS) and quartile ranked set sampling (QRSS). We have used the data concerning body mass index (BMI) for 800 people in Turkey in 2014. The real data example is applied to see efficiency of the estimators in ERSS and QRSS designs and it is found that the proposed estimators are better in these designs than the classical ranked set sampling (RSS) design. In addition, mean square error (MSE) and percent relative efficiency (PRE) are used to compare the performance of the adapted and proposed estimators.

UNWRITTEN POLICY, CONTRADICTION OR ACCEPTANCE IN TURKISH SOCIETY VIEWED FROM A RELIGIOUS LIFE PRESPECTIVE

Majority of Turkish society adheres to the Sunni Islamic faith, while the Alevi group has emerged with a different faith. The Alevi are a complex and diverse religious and cultural identity that has undergone numerous changes in its position, outlook and interactions with the rest of Turkish society. Turkish society is not static, the contradictory attitudes taken by Turkish society towards the Alevi community, and the shifting perspectives on Alevi religious life, are often questioned. Their society changes over time due to factors such as political developments, generations and social movements. By 2022, 25 million Alevi people in Turkey will have no legal security. Alevis have faced challenges such as discrimination, unequal treatment and lack of recognition for their unique religious practices. This raises the issue of the Turkish government’s policy in dealing with the problems of the Alevi community, the attitude of Turkish society in dealing with the contradictions of the Alevi community, and the comparison of Alevi beliefs with the beliefs of Turkish society and the impact of Alevi groups on Turkish society. This paper uses a descriptive qualitative research method with data analysis and literature review. The findings of this study are that the Turkish government does not have a structured and official policy on the acceptance or rejection of the Alevi community, and Turkish society is beginning to open up to the understanding of Alevi culture. Despite the differences between Sunni and Alevi Islam, Alevi community is still able to perform their rituals without any hindrance.

Management of Chronic Hepatitis B in Special Patient Groups: A Consensus Report of the Study Group for Viral Hepatitis of the Turkish Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases-2023

Management of Chronic Hepatitis B in Special Patient Groups: A Consensus Report of the Study Group for Viral Hepatitis of the Turkish Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases-2023

Management of Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection: A Consensus Report of the Study Group for Viral Hepatitis of the Turkish Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases-2023 Update

Management of Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection: A Consensus Report of the Study Group for Viral Hepatitis of the Turkish Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases-2023 Update

Management of Chronic Hepatitis B Infection: A Consensus Report of the Study Group for Viral Hepatitis of the Turkish Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases-2023 Update

Management of Chronic Hepatitis B Infection: A Consensus Report of the Study Group for Viral Hepatitis of the Turkish Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases-2023 Update

PCR-Based Screening of Pathogens in Bombus terrestris Populations of Turkey.

Bumblebees are an important group of insects in the pollination of various vegetables, fruits, oilseeds, legumes, and the fodder crops. Compared to honeybees, they have a wider choice of hosts and a longer flight period. These bees are used especially for the pollination of plants in greenhouses and are commercially produced for this purpose. Recently, serious decreases have been occurring in bumblebee populations due to various reasons such as pathogens, and some of species are even threatened with extinction. Due to the worldwide decline in pollinator insects, determining the distribution and prevalence of bumblebee pathogens is of great importance. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the incidence and prevalence of pathogens in Turkish bumblebee populations and how much of each pathogen was in bumblebee samples. A total of 172 Bombus terrestris (Linnaeus,1758) samples (21 samples from commercial enterprises, 79 samples from greenhouses and 72 samples from nature) were randomly collected from 3 provinces (Antalya, Mersin and İzmir) where greenhouse cultivation is intensively carried out in Turkey. Eighty-nine of these samples were collected in the spring and eighty-three in the autumn. The presence of four pathogens (Nosema bombi, Crithidia bombi, Apicystis bombi, and Locustacarus buchneri) was investigated by PCR using universal primers. The overall prevalence of Nosema bombi, Crithidia bombi, Apicystis bombi, and Locustacarus buchneri was determined as 7.55%, 9.3%, 11.62%, and 4.65%, respectively. Co-infections (5.81%) were only detected in wild-caught (nature) samples. C. bombi and A. bombi infections were detected at higher rates in the spring samples than in the autumn samples (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the spring and autumn samples with respect to the presence of N. bombi and L. buchneri (p > 0.05). The results obtained could be important in determining the prevalence and spread rates of the bumblebee diseases in Turkey and to determine appropriate protection measures. The information gathered should increase our knowledge about the presence of these pathogens in Turkey and could contribute to improve apiarist's practice. More studies are needed to determine the transmission pathways of these pathogens between the populations. Also, complex pathogen interactions in bumblebee populations should be considered in the future to improve bumblebee health.

Evaluation of intracranial atherosclerotic disease risk factors in patients with acute ischemic stroke

Background &amp; Objective: Intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD) is a prevalent cause of ischemic stroke and is related to recurrent strokes. In this study, we aim to identify the ICAD rate and establish the risk factors in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) in our population in Turkey. Methods: Eight hundred sixty-two patients diagnosed with AIS in our tertiary centre between 01-01.2019 and 01.01.2021 were retrospectively included in this study. Results: We detected ICAD in 172 (20%) patients. While the independent risk factors of anterior ICAD were hypertension and diabetes mellitus, the risk factors of posterior ICAD were advanced age, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidaemia and vertebral artery hypoplasia. There were more frequent posterior ICAD. Conclusion: There was difference in the risk factors for anterior ICAD and posterior ICAD in this Turkish study.

Inverse relationships between coyote and wild turkey population time series: Implications for future studies of predator–prey interactions

AbstractChanges in predator communities such as the emergence of new predators alter predator–prey interactions profoundly. Coyotes (Canis latrans) have expanded their geographic distributions from the western United States (US) to the Eastern US, potentially suppressing some prey populations as their relative abundance has increased. To assess the relationship between coyotes and one of their prey, the eastern wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris), we employed time series analysis and multivariate autoregressive state‐space models (MARSSMs) to a 23‐year capture per unit effort data set from both species in the state of Mississippi, US. The best MARSSM model indicated density dependence in each species. The competing MARSSM indicated that increases in coyote relative abundance reduced the population growth rate of wild turkeys. We recommend that future studies use long‐term time series of multiple coexisting predators and their alternative prey to assess the effects of the predator guild on the dynamics of prey populations.

Acute Myeloid Leukemia in Elderly, Unfit Patients: Analysis of Turkish AML Prospective Registry Database, on Behalf of Acute Leukemia Working Group of Turkish Society of Hematology

Objective: Low dose Ara-C and hypomethylating agents (HMAs) - decitabine (DEC) and azacitidine (AZA) - have made it possible to treat more elderly patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Both HMAs demonstrated efficacy in monotherapy and in combination with targeted therapies. We analyzed the outcomes of elderly and unfit patients with newly diagnosed AML in our population. Methods: Analyses of our database revealed 222 eligible AML patients from diagnosed between January 2013 to December 2020. All patients were received low intensity treatments including AZA +/- venetoclax, DEC and low dose Ara-C. The effects of cytogenetic risk group, response rate, treatment type on overall survival (OS) and PFS (progression-free survival) were evaluated. Survival analyses were performed with the Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test. A p-value of &amp;lt;0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Median age was 73 years (51-89). Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance score was &amp;lt;2 and ≥2 for 75 patients (36.8%) and 147 patients (63.2%), respectively. Of the patients 8.2% had favorable, 76.9% intermediate and 15.0% adverse risk according to European Leukemia Network (ELN) risk classification. Extramedullary involvement was present in 4.5%. Low dose treatment regimens included AZA in 119 patients (53.6%), DEC in 38 (17.6%), low dose ARA-C in 26 (11.7%) and AZA + venetoclax in 39 (17.1%). Complete remission was achieved in 61 patients (27.5%), whereas 39 patients (17.6%) had partial remission (PR) and 64 (28.8%) had stable/progressive disease (SD/PD). Overall response rate was 48.1%. CR rate was higher with AZA + venetoclax (44.7%, p=0,005) and other regimens had similar outcomes. Median OS was 10.3 months. No significant difference difference in PFS was observed between the regimens. However, the lowest PFS was observed with low-dose Ara-C (p=0.33). ELN risk groups revealed no significant effect on PFS and OS (p=0.77 and p=0.82, respectively). Infections were the most common cause of death (42.7%). Conclusions: The prognosis of AML in the elderly remains poor. HMA monotherapy is effective among elderly and unfit patients. However, combination therapies may be more effective and safe. The incorporation of targeted therapies may provide additional benefit in this patient group. However, the accessibility of several novel targeted drugs is still very limited in many countries.

Involved-site Radiotherapy Delineation Dilemmas in the Treatment of Adult Hodgkin Lymphoma: Turkish Society for Radiation Oncology Hematological Oncology, Pediatric Oncology and TBI Study Group Case-based Questionnaire Review (TROD 03-005)

AimsThe International Lymphoma Radiation Oncology Group (ILROG) defined involved-site radiotherapy (ISRT) guidelines. These rules offer a certain variability that allows for autonomous decision-making in diverse clinical settings. However, this flexibility also gives rise to conflicts about the selection of treatment fields in the daily decision-making process. The aim of this study was to show the extent of interobserver variability when ILROG-ISRT recommendations were used in different clinical scenarios. Materials and methodsThe 10-question survey used in our study consisted of two parts (part A and part B) and was prepared by four senior radiation oncologists experienced in the haemato-oncology field. The results were presented by stratifying according to clinical experience (<10 years, ≥10 years). Binomial tests (one-sided) were conducted to assess whether answers for each group and the whole group reached a consensus. ResultsTwenty-six radiation oncologists, 13 of whom had less than 10 years of experience and 13 seniors, participated in the survey. Eighty per cent of respondents thought ILROG did not bring sufficient solutions for all clinical scenarios but offered solutions in some cases. In different case-based scenarios, the consensus among the respondents decreased down to 38%. Senior radiation oncologists were found to have more doubts about the adequacy of current guidelines. ConclusionsILROG guidelines allow for a high degree of variability in real-life clinical scenarios and different interpretation of the recommendations may lead to increased toxicity and recurrences. Therefore, there is a need for refinement in ISRT delineation strategies. On behalf of the Turkish Society for Radiation Oncology Hematological Oncology, Pediatric Oncology and TBI Study Group, we are planning to carry out further educational contouring sessions to detect the interobserver variability in real-life contouring cases.

Grandiose dreams, mega projects: Ottoman nostalgia in ‘new Turkey’

AbstractIn January of 2015 Turkey's president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan hosted the Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas at the newly built extravagant and highly controversial presidential palace. Sixteen warriors representing all of the former Turkic empires in full costume were present at the welcoming ceremony. This paper uses Volkan's psycho‐political framework to understand state‐led efforts of historical revisionism which manifest itself in historical glories and nostalgia for the Ottoman Empire. The central argument posits that grandiose or mega projects strategically serve historical revisionism in Turkey, amplifying selected glories of Turkish society to bolster support for authentic and national narrative, known as “yerli ve milli (domestic and national)”

A genetic polymorphism on chromosome 4q25 (rs17570669_T) may predict atrial fibrillation recurrence after successful electrical cardioversion

Abstract Background Direct current electrical cardioversion (DCCV), is an effective treatment method in patients with symptomatic persistent atrial fibrillation (AF). However, AF recurrence may occur following successful DCCV in nearly half of the patients. There is not enough data investigating the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) and AF recurrence after DCCV. Purpose We aimed to investigate whether 11 SNPs previously associated with AF (rs2200733, rs10033464, rs6838973, rs3853445 and rs17570669 SNPs in PITX2 gene; rs2106261 SNP in ZFHX3 gene; rs751141 SNP on chromosome 8q21; rs3807989 SNP in CAV1 gene; rs10570248 SNP in TBX5 gene; rs1800469 SNP in TGF-1 gene; and rs6795970 SNP in SCN10A gene) were predictive for recurrence after successful DCCV in patients with persistent AF in Turkish society. Methods We included 75 patients with sinus rhythm after direct current electrical cardioversion (DCCV). Baseline clinical features and 11 AF-related SNPs were compared between patients with and without AF recurrence during the follow-up. The association between SNPs and AF recurrence was evaluated with the additive model (wild type vs heterozygous variant vs homozygous variant), the dominant model (wild type/heterozygous vs homozygous variant), and the recessive model (wild type vs heterozygous variant/homozygous variant). Results The mean age of the patients was 61.9 ± 11.5 years. At a mean follow-up of 17.0 (11.0-25.0) months, 38 patients (50.7%) developed AF recurrence. The frequency of the female gender was higher (55.3% vs. 32.4%), AF duration before DCCV was longer [9.2 (5.5-11.6) vs 5.0 (2.7-11.0) months], and left atrial volume index before DCCV was higher (43.6 ± 8.8 ml/m2 vs. 38.2 ± 12.9 ml/m2) in patients who developed AF recurrence than those without it (p=0.046, 0.029 and 0.036, respectively) (Figure 1a). In the additive model, a SNP at the PITX2 gene (rs17570669_T: OR 9.00, 95% CI 1.28-63.02, p=0.027) and a SNP at the ZFHX3 gene (rs2106261_T: OR 8.96, 95% CI 1.03-77.66, p=0.047) were significantly associated with AF recurrence. Female gender (HR: 1.99, 95% CI: 1.05-3.79, p=0.035) and the rs17570669_T SNP (HR: 4.16, 95% CI: 1.22-14.11, p=0.022) were predictors for AF recurrence in univariate analysis. A multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that the rs17570669_T SNP was an independent predictor of AF recurrence following successful DCCV in the additive model (HR: 3.59, 95% CI: 1.05-12.21, p=0.04) (Figure 1b). A Kaplan-Meier curve showed that AF-free survival was significantly lower in patients who had rs17570669_T SNP in the additive model (Figure 2). Conclusion A SNP at the PITX2 locus (rs17570669_T) may predict AF recurrence after successful DCCV in patients with persistent AF in Turkish society. Such individuals may be closely monitored for the development of AF recurrence after DCCV. In addition, reversible risk factors associated with AF recurrence may be more tightly controlled in such patients.Baseline features and Cox analysisKaplan-Meier curve

(Re)-Killing of a Sacred Deer: Myths, Ecology, and Hegemony in Murathan Mungan’s Deer Curses

Abstract This article traces the motif of the deer hunt from ancient Greek texts to its reinterpretation in contemporary Turkish literature. The motif, which appears frequently in both ancient Greek myths and the legends of Central Asian warrior Turkish societies, is reproduced as a fusion in the works of contemporary Turkish writer Murathan Mungan (*1955). The meanings attached to the motif take on a different dimension during this reproduction, which has implications for themes such as taboo, transgression, and the hierarchy of animal-human relationships in folk narrative. An analysis of Mungan’s play Deer Curses can aid in elucidating the points of folk narrative in regard to these themes and anthropocentrism. This article thus investigates how the motif of the deer hunt, among other deer-related motifs, is revived in a contemporary literary work and what type of conclusions it may bring in analyzing human-animal relationships, as well as hegemony, through a symbolic reading of this relationship.

Enacting Everyday Environmental Citizenship: Youthful Interpretations of Belonging and Empowerment

Abstract This article argues that young people’s critical agency related to consumerism and climate change, whether individually or collectively performed, is derived from lived experiences through which young people perform their interpretive agency. Building on the performative understanding of citizenship and digital ethnographic data on early youth with diverse social positioning from different regions, I intend to show how young people in Turkey, where the authoritarian regime restrains their civic engagements immensely, practice their interpretive agency and create youthful ways to enact their environmental subjectivities. I further analyze the intersubjective, spatial and, affective character of everyday environmental practices of young people in Turkey, reflecting their ways of belonging and empowerment that translate into shared (youthful) environmental values.

Evolution of TLR3 gene in Nigerian indigenous and exotic turkeys

This experiment was carried out to determine the evolution of the TLR3 gene in Nigerian indigenous and exotic turkeys. A total of 150 turkeys i.e. 100 exotic and 50 indigenous were used for this study. Birds were allotted treatments and fed formulated grower diets that meet the NRC—Turkey grower nutritional requirements. Genomic DNA was isolated from each blood sample, and the concentration and purity of each DNA sample was determined using a Nanodrop Spectrophotometer. After DNA extraction and quantification, three DNA samples from each genetic group (or breed) were taken for TLR3 gene discovery and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The source sequence and the retrieved sequences were trimmed and edited while the amino acid sequences of the new turkey TLRs were predicted based on the open reading frames of the expressed nucleotide sequences, and the nomenclatures of turkey TLRs were based on the best hits of the proteins in the database. From the findings of the study, the SNP (172N&gt;N) detected at position 516 was synonymous in both exotic and local turkey breeds, and this resulted in amino acid changes from Alanine to Threonine in exotic turkeys and Cysteine to Tyrosine in local turkeys. Also, in this study, the SNP (7 Q&gt;*) detected in exon 4 was non-synonymous, resulting in amino acid changes from Cytosine to Threonine in the exotic turkey. Positive Tajima's D values were the same for exotic and local turkey breeds. The findings of this study suggest significant instances of purifying selection acting on the gene. Based on the results of this research, the populations of local and exotic turkeys showed a low level of heterozygosity at TLR3 locus and may be homogenous. Also, there was low genetic diversity in the TLR3 gene of both local and exotic turkey breeds. This suggests potential vulnerabilities and challenges for their long-term health and adaptability. Strategies that aim to increase genetic diversity, like cross-breeding should be implemented.

GEÇİCİ KORUMA STATÜSÜ ALTINDAKI SURİYELİLERİN ENTEGRASYONUNU VE REFAHINI ARTIRMADA YEREL YÖNETİMLERİN ROLÜ: ADANA BÜYÜKŞEHİR BELEDİYESİ ÖRNEĞİ

This study examines the impact of the Syrian civil war on Türkiye, specifically the migration of Syrians to Türkiye and the legal and institutional arrangements made for their temporary protection. Initially, Syrian immigrants settled in camps along the Syrian border, but they were later allowed to reside outside the camps, leading to their integration into Turkish society. The study analyzes the legal and institutional arrangements for Syrians under temporary protection status and the services provided by the Adana Metropolitan Municipality. The role of local governments in migration policies and the financing of services for immigrants are also explored. The strategic plan and activity reports of the Adana Metropolitan Municipality are analyzed to understand the various projects undertaken by the municipality in collaboration with international stakeholders to improve the integration and social and economic welfare of immigrants.&#x0D; The findings of the study show that the Adana Metropolitan Municipality has implemented numerous initiatives to support the integration of Syrian immigrants into Turkish society. These initiatives include education and vocational training programs, health services, and social support programs. The study also emphasizes the importance of local government involvement in migration policies and the need for adequate funding to ensure that essential services are provided to immigrants.

History of the Hematology Proficiency Exam and the Turkish Experience

Objective: The purpose of the present paper was to provide information about the Turkish Society of Hematology Proficiency Exam and to raise awareness about continuing medical education and proficiency certification.&#x0D; Method: The data of the theoretical proficiency exams organized by the Turkish Society of Hematology since 2010 and the participation of Turkish hematologists in the European Hematology Examinations organized since 2017 were evaluated in the study. The number of hematology assistants and specialists who applied for the exam and the success levels of the participants were investigated.&#x0D; Results: A total of 10 Hematology Proficiency Written Exams have been administered since 2010 and a total of 108 candidates applied for the exam. A total of 53.7% (58 candidates) of the test takers were female and 46.3% (50 candidates) were male. According to the results of the proficiency exam that has been applied since 2010, almost all of the candidates (99%) were successful in the exam. The proficiency oral/practical exam was held for the first time on 29.04.2023.&#x0D; Conclusion: Proficiency exams are essential to provide an ideal level and standardization in hematology education. When compared to the European Hematology Examination, participation in the proficiency exam is lower than expected in our country. Hematologists should be encouraged to participate in the Hematology Proficiency Exam organized by the Hematology Medical Specialization Qualification Commission (HEM-TUYEK). Hematologists must also be supported to have a certificate of competence, which is an indicator of professionalism and continuous medical education.

Examining Adolescents’ Technology Addiction Levels Before and After COVID-19 Pandemic

Technology may lead to many new problems, especially for students at high school level. The ease of using and accessing technology increases the risk of the younger pupils’ addiction to technology. Problematic uses of technology, especially among high school students, include internet use, instant messaging, online gaming, social networking and computer use. Given the large young population in Turkey, it is important to evaluate the internet-based technologies’ potentially positive effects as well as their undesirable effects. For this reason, the technology addiction levels of high school students before and after the pandemic and the change in technology addiction based on demographic characteristics (owning a computer, socio-economic level, time spent on social networks, grade level) were investigated. The cross-sectional survey method, one of the descriptive research designs, was used in the research. Participants consisted of 304 high school students selected via random sampling method. “Technology Addiction Scale” was used in the research. The data of the study was compared with the data of another study conducted with the same measurement tool and a similar sample before the pandemic. As a result of the research, when the addiction levels of adolescents before and after the pandemic are compared, it is seen that the students in the low-risk group move towards the risky and the addicted groups. In addition, it was determined that the percentage of highly-addicted students increased. It was observed that the students' highest addiction levels were in instant messaging, website use, social network use and online gaming, respectively. While the addiction levels of the participants varied based on the time spent on social networks and online gaming, the interaction effect between owning a computer and the family socioeconomic level also caused significant differences.

The Relationship between Cause and Effect Dimensions of Young People’s Being “Not in Education, Employment, or Training (NEET)” in Turkey

The causes and effects of being “not in education, employment, or training (NEET)” differ according to countries, regions, and even individuals. In this study, the relationship between the causes of young people being NEET and the effects of being NEET is examined on young people in Turkey. The data and scales of cause and effect that have high validity and reliability coefficients were used from in-person field research conducted with 3158 NEET young people by Istanbul University between September and December 2020 in Turkey. The influence of the causes of being NEET scale on the effects of being NEET scale was analyzed by the multivariable regression method. As a result of the analysis, it was determined that the effects of the individual, familial, educational, environmental, and labor market dimensions of the causes of being NEET scale on the effects of being NEET scale were significant.