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Background: Breastfeeding self-efficacy is one of the key factors that affect a healthy and successful breastfeeding process. A mother's belief regarding her ability to breastfeed is influenced by social and psychological factors. This study aimed to investigate the breastfeeding self-efficacy levels of postpartum women, the factors affecting this, and its relationship with sleep quality, social support and depression. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the pediatric department of a tertiary hospital in Ankara, Turkey. Data were collected from 200 postpartum women using the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form (BSES-SF), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Results: The mean scores of the BSES-SF, PSQI, MSPSS and EPDS were 59.05 ± 8.28, 9.18 ± 3.67, 57.82 ± 18.81, and 8.98 ± 5.89, respectively. A statistically significant negative correlation was found among the BSES-SF, EPDS (r = -0.445, p = 0.001) and PSQI (r = -0.612, p = 0.004), while a positive correlation was found among the BSES-SF, total MSPSS (r = 0.341, p = 0.036), and family support (r = 0.373, p = 0.014) (p < 0.05). In addition, a statistically significant difference was found between the number of births and breastfeeding self-efficacy (F = 3.68; p = 0.001). The linear regression analysis revealed that sleep quality (β = -0.491, p = 0.001), perceived social support (β = 0.146, p = 0.015), family support (β = 0.153, p = 0.013), and depression (β = -0.228, p = 0.001) emerged as the predictors of breastfeeding self-efficacy. Conclusions: In this study, the increase in sleep quality and perceived social support positively affected the breastfeeding self-efficacy of postpartum women, while giving birth for the first time and an increase in the risk of depression were negatively affected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Problematic Internet use can have a negative impact on the daily lives and communications of teenagers, who constitute the most active user base of the Internet, and can be accompanied by issues such as cyberbullying. Methods: The quantitative descriptive method was used in this study to examine the relationship between problematic Internet use and cyberbullying among university students. The study group of this research consisted of 883 students studying in the faculty of health sciences of a university in Ankara city center during 2018-2019 academic year. The data were collected using a sociodemographic features data form, Problematic Internet Use Scale (PIUS), and revised cyber bullying ınventory-II (RCBI-II). Mann--Whitney U, Kruskal--Wallis H test statistics, and Spearman correlation analysis were used to evaluate the data. Results: The research found that the problematic Internet use of the participants is on the medium level. Furthermore, it was discovered that 56.4% of the participants participated in cyberbullying, and 66.5% were victims of cyberbullying. There was a positive, middle level, significant relationship between cyberbullying and cyber victimization, as well as a positive, weak, significant relationship between PIUS total score and cyberbullying and cyber victimization. The RCBI-II index score increased in parallel with the participants' PIUS index score. Conclusion: It is seen that the increase in the duration of Internet use increases the problematic Internet use, and the problematic Internet use increases the frequency of cyberbullying and victimization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Saudi Medical Journal is the property of Saudi Medical Journal and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The key puzzle that this article explores is how the Great Powers' wedging strategies and Turkey's efforts to balance these powers defined complex strategic alignment dynamics during the 1930s and World War II. We posit that in the 1930s, as Turkey strove to balance the European great powers, these powers resorted to wedging strategies to sway Turkey away from any other sphere of influence. During World War II, increasing US engagement in the region compelled Ankara to utilize a 'dual balancing strategy' to preserve its neutrality, by balancing between the Axis and the Allies and between the British and the Americans. Concomitantly, both Allies and Axis powers utilized predominantly reward-wedging strategies to keep Turkey away from the opposing bloc. We assert that in rethinking strategic alignment more emphasis should be placed on the interactive nature of wedging process and the role and motives of agency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The importance of programs that facilitate the transition of students to elementary school in order to support both their academic success and healthy development is undeniable. Therefore, the Ministry of National Education developed the School Adjustment Program in cooperation with UNICEF for first graders and implemented it in all elementary schools in Turkey. The aim of the present study is to examine the contribution of this program to school adjustment, student-teacher relations, peer relations, and various behaviors of elementary school students in first grade. The participants of the study, which is based on ex-post facto design, include 110 classroom teachers working in schools in Ankara during the 2015-2016 and 2016-2017 academic years. While 48 of these teachers implemented the adjustment program activities in their classrooms in 2015; others did not implement these activities in their classrooms in 2016. All the teachers filled in the School Adjustment Teacher Rating Scale, Student-Teacher Relationship Scale, and Child Behavior Scale (683 students engaged in the activities and 520 students did not) to evaluate how various aspects of their students' transition were affected by the program. One-way MANOVA analysis showed that the study group had higher mean scores for collaborative participation, liking school, self-directedness, and closeness to the teacher than the comparison group. Although the aggressive and prosocial behavior scores towards peers were higher in the study group, the partial effect sizes were found to be insignificant. While the scores of school avoidance and conflict with teachers were lower in the study group than in the comparison group, there was no difference between the groups in their scores for asocial behaviors towards peers, hyperactivity/distraction, anxiety/fear, and exclusion by peers. It was concluded that the program contributed to the establishment of close student-teacher relationships in the selected schools and the adjustment of the students to the schools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Researchers have become interested in both emotional intelligence and learner autonomy separately recently. However, the role of emotional intelligence is often underestimated in language learning contexts although there has been a considerable amount of emphasis on language learner autonomy. To this end, this study aims; (1) to examine emotional intelligence and learner autonomy levels of advanced level university EFL (English as a Foreign Language) students, (2) to find out whether these constructs vary according to gender, and finally (3) to investigate whether there is a significant relationship between them. In order to do so, quantitative method was employed for this study. A total of 168 EFL learners (129 female, 39 male) studying English Language Teaching at a state university in Ankara, comprised the sample of the study. While the Assessing Emotions Scale (Schutte, Malouff & Bhullar, 2009) was utilized to measure emotional intelligence, learner autonomy was assessed via the short form of Learner Autonomy Profile (Confessore & Park, 2004). Overall, the findings of the present study point to a significant relationship between emotional intelligence and learner autonomy scores of EFL learners, and emotional intelligence can be viewed as a predictor for learner autonomy. The findings also reveal that female EFL learners are better than male learners at managing others' emotions, one of EI dimensions. Yet, the study indicates no difference between female and male students at a significant level concerning their overall LAP scores or its sub-constructs. These results imply that improving EFL learners' emotional intelligence might result in more autonomous behaviors for EFL learners, which may be helpful in their language learning processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Living with the pandemic influenced people's lifestyles and health behaviors as well as their use of media. The aim of this study is to investigate the level of change in health behaviors of university students during the COVID-19 pandemic. The changes in health behaviors refer to changes of mainly eating and exercise behaviors to stay healthy. In this study, media use, health literacy and health perception are the determinants of change in health behaviors; health anxiety and healthy living skills are considered as mediating variables. Questionnaires were filled in by 392 university students in Ankara, Turkey within the second month of the pandemic. According to the findings, as the levels of positive perception of health, health literacy level, health anxiety level, and healthy life skills increase, the level of change in health behavior increases. The path analysis revealed that more positive perceptions of health and higher levels of health literacy are related to higher levels of change in health behaviors through the mediation of healthy life skills. In addition, the use of Twitter increases health anxiety during the pandemic and results in a higher level of change in health behaviors. The findings help to better understand the motivations to change health behaviors for selfprotection against the COVID-19 among university students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/aim: To evaluate the prevalence of tetanus vaccination in pregnant women and determine the factors affecting the vaccination and barriers to vaccination. Materials and methods: An observational-descriptive study was conducted on 494 women who gave birth at the Etlik Zübeyde Hanım Women's Health Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey. Participants were divided into 2 groups, vaccinated and unvaccinated. Sociodemographic characteristics, obstetric history, and prenatal care status were compared between the 2 groups. Results: There were 242 (48.9%) and 252 (51.1%) women in the vaccinated and unvaccinated groups, respectively. The vaccination rate decreased as the number of pregnancies increased (P = 0.009). As the level of income increased, there was a statistically significant increase in the vaccination rate (P = 0.048). The status of education and having an occupation did not affect the vaccination rate (P > 0.05). The vaccination rate was higher in women with regular follow-ups when compared to those who did not get a regular follow-up (76.5% vs. 38.7%) (P = 0.001). The vaccination rate was significantly higher in women who had knowledge about tetanus vaccine during pregnancy (P < 0.005). Conclusions: All pregnant women should be encouraged to get regular antenatal care to increase vaccination rates. Health care providers should give all pregnant women detailed information about the safety, effectivity, and benefits of vaccines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/aim: Mortality in the elderly population tends to be higher than in all other age groups; the risk factors that predict mortality among those in this age cohort are not fully understood. This large-scale clinical study aimed to identify effective risk factors that predict mortality in the elderly population with a particular focus on age and hospitalization status. Material and methods: We retrospectively analyzed outcomes from patients with clinical follow-up between July 2015 and January 2020 at 29 Mayıs State Hospital, Ankara, Turkey. Patient records with missing or ambiguous data were excluded. Age, sex, length of hospital stay, comorbidities, consultation requests and diagnoses that include infectious diseases were evaluated for their role in predicting in-hospital mortality using binary logistic regression analysis. Primary outcomes focused on factors that had an impact on overall in-hospital mortality in the elderly population. Results: Our study included 11,430 patients; of this group, 39.9% were elderly, which we defined as 65 years of age or older. Risk factors for in-hospital mortality in this cohort included consultation requests (AOR = 1.95, CI (1.53-2.49), P < 0.001) and length of hospital stay of ≥4 days (AOR = 2.49, CI (1.90-3.26), P < 0.001). Conclusion: Elderly patients are at significantly higher risk for in-hospital mortality than are younger patients. Among the factors that may be used to predict the risk of in-hospital mortality in the elderly patient cohort, the most important factor is the length of hospital stay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, 119 bacteria belonging to the genus Lactobacillus were isolated from the gastrointestinal system of free-range village chickens obtained from different regions of Ankara. 11 isolates with high exopolysaccharide (EPS) production capacity were selected. Biochemical and molecular identification of the selected isolates was performed and according to the identification results, it was determined that 6 isolates were Lactobacillus salivarius, 2 isolates were Lactobacillus agilis, 2 isolates were Lactobacillus reuteri and 1 isolate was Lactobacillus saerimner. EPS of 3 strains producing high EPS (L. salivarius ZDM2132, BIS312, and BIS722) were isolated from the culture medium and lyophilized. In the study, the ability of Bifidobacterium gallinarum ATCC 33777 strain to ferment lyophilized EPS (l-EPS) obtained from L. salivarius ZDM2132, BIS312 and BIS722 bacteria were determined. In addition, the effects of l-EPS the bifidogenic growth stimulator (BGD) were compared to inulin that a commercial prebiotic. l-EPSs are fermented by B. gallinarum and have been shown to show a better BGD effect than inulin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The information available on microalgae-sourced compounds, especially antibiotics and other bioactive compounds, and their potential commercial applications is still insufficient. In this study, antibacterial activity, metabolites, and molecular characterization of Phormidium autumnale, which was isolated from samples collected from different natural freshwater sources in Ankara, Turkey, were investigated. Sequencing results of 16s rDNA confirmed the molecular identification of P. autumnale by 99%. It was determined that the peak values of some phenolic compounds and cyclic peptides were consistent with the 1653–1389 cm−1 band regions in the FTIR spectra of the species. The antibacterial activities of P. autumnale cyanobacteria (CBA) extracts that were obtained by using different solvents were tested on Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus epidermidis, methicillin-resistant (MR) Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae, and Enterococcus faecalis by using a disc diffusion method. Also, the minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) and antimicrobial indexes of all extracts were determined. It was found that P. autumnale methanol extracts showed antibacterial activity on all test bacteria, whereas acetone extracts showed effects only on E. coli. For the inhibition of MR S. aureus, the control methanol extract was found to give very similar results to those exhibited by the control antibiotics, and the antimicrobial index results were determined to be 58.7–67.5%. According to the results of the analysis of methanol extract, gentisic acid, vanillic acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, p-coumaric acid, and catechin (especially phenolic compounds) were determined to be the active compounds. It can be concluded that P. autumnale is an alternative to current commercial applications as an antibacterial agent in phytotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study investigates the relation of psychological capital with job satisfaction and organizational cynicism. Model of the research is formed with the assumption that psychological capital is related to job satisfaction and organizational cynicism. The sample of the study consists of health workers in 11 private hospitals in Ankara. In this scope, an analysis is performed with the data of 397 participants. The survey consists of 4 parts and 50 questions in total. At the first part of the survey, there are demographic questions. Besides, "Psychological Capital Scale", "Job Satisfaction Scale", and "Organizational Cynicism Scale" are used to measure the relations of related variables. Psychological Capital Scale consists of the sub-dimensions of "Self-efficacy", "Hope", "Optimism" and "Psychological resilience". "The Job Satisfaction Scale" is used to measure the general work satisfaction of people. Organizational Cynicism Scale consists of "Cognitive", "Affective" and "Behavioral" sub-dimensions. To analyse the data, "SPSS" Program and "SmartPLS" are utilised. As a result of the findings, it is seen that psychological capital affects job satisfaction, cognitive cynicism, affective cynicism and behavioral cynicism. Optimism and psychological resilience dimension of job satisfaction; cognitive and affective cynicism of optimism dimension; hope and psychological endurance affect behavioral cynicism. Relationships that cannot be determined statistically; between job satisfaction and self-efficacy dimensions; between the dimensions of self-efficacy, hope and psychological resilience and cognitive and affective cynicism; it is determined between behavioral cynicism and self-efficacy and optimism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Cukurova Medical Journal / Çukurova Üniversitesi Tip Fakültesi Dergisi is the property of Cukurova University, Faculty of Medicine and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This study examines the effectiveness of the Gazi Inclusive Environment Social Integration Program (GIESIP), which we applied to 4th-grade elementary school students. We completed the study in a public elementary school located in Ankara in the 2016-2017 academic year. The study group consisted of 30 female and 28 male students. We chose the school via a random sampling method among public elementary schools. This school is in a middle socioeconomic status region in the Mamak district of Ankara, Turkey. In the study, we used a quasi-experimental design, including an experimental control group, pretest, posttest, and follow-up test. We applied a personal information form, Social Acceptance Scale (SAS), and Perceived Social Support Scale-Revision (PSSS-R). Research findings reveal that the students who have typical development levels in the experimental group have highly increased levels of social acceptance and perceived social support. Based on the results of the study, we can recommend that teachers who have inclusive students in their classes improve and support the development of the students' social acceptance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing usage of bisphosphonates, denosumab, and other drugs with similar side effects, which are prescribed for osteoporosis, cancer-related metastases, and bone-related diseases such as Paget's disease, cause medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) cases to be encountered more frequently. Medical doctors and dentists who prescribe or employ these drugs must have comprehensive knowledge about the usage indications, mechanisms of action, and complications which may be caused by these drugs. However, there are few studies evaluating physicians' awareness of MRONJ. In this review, osteonecrosis, mechanisms of action, and complications which may be caused by bisphosphonates, denosumab, and other drugs with similar side effects are examined. Studies from various countries of the world related to the awareness of physicians who prescribe these drugs were reviewed for the purpose of this study. Also, the results of a study from the city of Ankara are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To prevent the development of complexity in the elimination of negativities before the emergence of economic, growing, cultural and immigration policies. In order for urban transformation to function as a systematic function, it must be based on sound legal foundations. Urban transformation projects are not based on a single legal source in Turkish law. In our study, after examining the legal regulations related to urban transformation, the decisions of the Council of State as the appellate authority of the administrative judiciary were evaluated. The aim of the research is; back to the detailed information about the board. Application description, case examples of conversion conversion were obtained from the internet source named Lexpera. It is determined that the total number of conversion and conversion cases in the court of the Council of State is 1023. When we look at the cities where lawsuits are opened, we see a total of 33 cities. Ankara is the city where the most lawsuits are filed against the city. There's something wrong with working. These problems; The problem of authority is the problem and time problem related to the laws that are accepted as the basis of the cleaning transformation. In order to solve these problems, the revision of the existing laws and the negativities that will extend the duration of the cases should be eliminated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Vasoactive-inotropic Score (VIS) was developed to quantify the amount of inotropic support provided in the postoperative period. We investigated the predictive value of (VIS) for mortality in neonates with congenital heart disease (CHD). Study design: Prospective cohort. Patients: 119 newborns who underwent cardiac surgery. Setting: Tertiary NICU-CHD center of Ankara from November 2016 to January 2019. Intervention/Measurement: VIS values were calculated by a standard formula for the first 72 postoperative hours, and the maximum score was recorded. Primary outcomes: Duration of mechanical ventilation, NICU length of stay, and mortality. Results: At surgery, the median (IQR) age was 15 d (9-31). The patients were divided into two groups according to mortality; Group 1 (Non-survivors) (n=36) and Group 2 (Survivors) (n=83). Higher VIS score was correlated to longer duration of mechanical ventilation (P=0.009, r=0.33), and was higher among patients who died (P=0.003). Area under the curve (AUC) was 0,83 (P<0.001, CI: 95% 0.7-0.9) for VIS to identify mortality. At a cut-off value of 15.5, sensitivity and negative predictive values of VIS for mortality were 73.6% and 85.3%, respectively. The higher VIS (>15.5) was independently associated with increased odds for mortality (OR: 8.1, 95% CI: 1.8-35.7, P=0.005). Conclusions: In newborns with CHD, a higher VIS within 72 hours after cardiac surgery is associated with increased duration of mechanical ventilation, and mortality. VIS may be useful for prediction of mortality at early postoperative period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Faculty of Educational Sciences is the property of Ankara University, Faculty of Educational Sciences and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Faculty of Educational Sciences is the property of Ankara University, Faculty of Educational Sciences and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This study focuses on the occurrence of two selected biocides, namely triclosan (TCS) and chlorhexidine (CHX), in the drinking water system of Ankara, Turkey. Samples were taken from the three main components of the drinking water system (Çamlıdere and Kesikköprü Reservoirs, Ivedik Water Treatment Plant (IWTP) and the distribution network). Seasonal variations in biocide levels as well as their relation to general water quality parameters were sought. TCS levels detected in Çamlıdere and Kesikköprü Reservoirs were in the range of 0.65–11.15 ng/L and 0.86–48.96 ng/L, respectively; whereas CHX levels detected were between <1.33–5.31 ng/L. TCS was completely removed in IWTP. In accordance with the result for the IWTP outlet, biocides in the distribution network were all below the limit of quantifications. Moreover, some conventional water quality parameters were related to the concentrations of biocides in surface waters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Turkish Journal of Public Health is the property of Turkish Journal of Public Health and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Gulhane Medical Journal is the property of Galenos Yayinevi Tic. LTD. STI and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Education & Science / Egitim ve Bilim is the property of Turkish Education Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective To determine community pharmacists' burnout levels and prevalences as well as factors associated with burnout. Setting Study was conducted in Ankara, the capital of Turkey. Method In this cross-sectional study, 251 pharmacists were randomly selected from 1,504 community pharmacists registered in Ankara Chamber of Pharmacists. A questionnaire including questions related to pharmacists' individual and professional characteristics and Maslach Burnout Inventory was administered. The data was collected between February 27 and May 25, 2007. Main outcome measure Three Maslach Burnout Inventory subscales (emotional exhaustion-EE, depersonalization-D, and personal accomplishment-PA) scores. Results Pharmacists' mean emotional exhaustion score was found to be 16.84 (SD: 6.25), depersonalization score was 4 (Range: 0-14), and personal accomplishment score was 22 (Range: 9-32). Of the pharmacists, 1.2% had high level of EE, .8% had high level of D, and 71.3% had high level of inefficacy. Age, marital status, work experience, work contentment, workload, time pressure, stress, and satisfaction with customers were found to be related with pharmacists' burnout levels. Conclusion It can be useful to monitor pharmacists' burnout levels and prevalences periodically. Interventions on individual and organizational basis were needed to cope with burnout, respond to job demands, minimize the level of chronic stress, and increase work contentment and satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Turkish Librarianship / Turk Kutuphaneciligi is the property of Turk Kutuphaneciler Dernegi and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Aim: Data on child maltreatment in Turkey would appear to be scarce. This manuscript aims to address the prevalence and severity of child maltreatment in Turkey. Materials and methods: We report on 215 cases at the Ministry of Health's Ankara Training and Research Hospital that were followed-up by the multidisciplinary Child Protection Team (CPT) between 1 January 2001 and 31 December 2005. The data collected on subjects included characteristics of the victims and the perpetrators, family demographics, maltreatment types, medical findings, mortality rate, and outcomes for the victim and the perpetrator. Results: Age and gender distribution of the victims were 6.8 ± 5.8 years and 58.1% girls. The perpetrators in 53.0% of the cases were the fathers, in 18.6% the mothers, and others in 28.4%. The categories of maltreatment were neglect in 39.5% of cases, physical abuse in 29.8%, psychological abuse in 21.4%, and sexual abuse in 9.3%. One hundred twenty cases (55.3%) were efficiently followed-up by the regional Social Service Agency (SSA). Re-abuse was reported in 8.3% of them. Following initial investigation of the 84 perpetrators, who were reported to the Forensic Medicine Institution by the Police Department, 17.8% were acquitted, 11.9% were convicted, and no legal action was taken for the rest. Conclusion: The knowledge and experience of the physician are extremely important for the diagnosis of child abuse and neglect. This study shows that a team approach to suspected cases of child abuse and neglect improves recognition and the reporting process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: In this study, we aimed to compare the nutritional habits and obesity status of employed and not-employed (i.e. homemakers) women from an urban population in Ankara between April 2 and 17, 2007. Materials and methods: Employed females (107) were amongst Keçiören (a district of Ankara) municipal employees, and homemakers were selected among the residents of the catchment area of a primary health care unit (PHCU) within the same district. The 2 groups (employed and homemakers) were high school and university graduates and were similar to each other in terms of education and age. The World Health Organization defines "overweight" as a BMI equal to or more than 25kg/m², and "obesity" as a BMI equal to or more than 30 kg/m². Results: When backward logistic regression model was performed for some selected factors (age, marital status, fast food consumption, smoking status, employment status, and regular breakfast consumption) related to overweight and obesity, there was a positive relationship between age [(P = 0.002; OR(95%CI) 1.112 (1.039-1,190)] and employment status [(P = 0.037; OR(95%CI) 1.873 (1.039- 3.379)]. Conclusion: Employment status and age were found to be risk factors for overweight and obesity. Healthy life skills programs are recommended to be promoted giving priority to the influencing factors, such as age and employment status in order to prevent overweight and obesity among women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: In this study, it was aimed to improve the hand washing behaviors of a group of secondary school students. Material and Methods: The study group comprised of 212 secondary school students (6th, 7th and 8th grades) in the catchment area of Yeşiltepe Health Care Center in November 2006. One hundred and eighty-four students participated in this study (participation rate= 86.7%). The students were divided into "intervention" and "control" groups. A checklist including 10 steps was used to evaluate the hand washing behaviors of the students. "Before and after" assessment was applied for analyzing the success of the intervention. McNemar and chi square tests were used for data analysis. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the age, gender, having sibling, family type, education status of parents between intervention and control groups. Students in the intervention group did five out of 10 steps in the check list successfully compared to the students in the control group. There was no statistically significant difference between control and intervention groups in terms of hand washing steps before the training whereas the groups differed after the training. Conclusion: The students. hand washing skills were increased. Skill-based training methods are recommended to be used for teaching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to determine the air pollution level of Ankara and to generate the air pollution map of this city by using Pseudevernia furfuracea (L.) Zopf as a biomonitor. Lichen samples were collected from unpolluted area at Yaprakli Mountains, Cankiri in November 2002 and transplanted to 27 localities in Ankara. Lichen samples were retrieved following an exposure of 3 and 6 months. Heavy metal, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn, contents were determined by using inductively coupled plasma spectrometry (ICP). The chlorophyll a and b contents were determined by using DMSO method. The increase in Ni, Pb, Zn and chlorophyll a content of the specimens were statistically important. All the increases and decreases in the variables could be explained by the environmental stress like pollution, but it is hard to say that this is the only reason of these changes, also climatic conditions, seasons, strength of the light and the physiological status of the plant itself effective on these changes. According to the results of heavy metal analysis Pseudevernia furfuracea continued to accumulate heavy metals and worked well as a biomonitor. The air pollution level of Ankara shows great variations because of the great area of the city. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of aesthetic education on the development of aesthetic judgment of 6 year-old children. The sample of the study comprised 77 children selected randomly from state run primary schools from various socioeconomic levels in Ankara. The experiment group consisted of 22 children, the placebo group of 23 children and the control group of 32 children. The experiment group received an aesthetic education program, the placebo group was offered a placebo education and the control group did not take any education. The Taylor–Helmstadter Pair Comparison Scale of Aesthetic Judgment was used to measure the aesthetic judgments of children. The findings of the study show that there is a significant difference in the aesthetic judgments of male children in the experiment group who received aesthetic education ( p < .05). Moreover, it found that the educational and socioeconomic levels of parents did not have any effects on the aesthetic judgments of children ( p > .05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Ankara mélange within the Izmir–Ankara–Erzincan suture zone in north-central Turkey includes ophiolitic fragments that represent the remnants of an oceanic basement evolved between the Sakarya and Kirsehir continental blocks in the early Mesozoic. The serpentinized upper mantle peridotites and lower crustal rocks in these ophiolites are cross-cut by dolerite and plagiogranite dykes, which show mutually intrusive relations indicating their synchronous emplacement into the pre-existing oceanic lithosphere. Zircon dating (U–Pb) of a plagiogranite dyke has revealed a concordia age of ∼179 ± 15 Ma that is interpreted here as the crystallization age of this differentiated rock. A fourth fraction of the zircon separates from this rock has also shown an inherited component greater than 1.7 Ga, possibly derived from the Precambrian core of the Rhodope–Strandja Metamorphic Massif in the Balkan Peninsula. Models for plagiogranite formation were tested and it is concluded that a high extent (<70%) of anhydrous or water-undersaturated, early amphibole-free fractionation of a basaltic melt source may have readily produced the observed REE concentrations for the Ankara mélange plagiogranites. The trace element abundances and other geochemical features of the coeval dolerite dykes are similar to those of the plagiogranites, suggesting a common melt source. The Ta–Nb patterns shown by both the plagiogranite and dolerite dykes are typical of arc-related petrogenesis and can be explained by the addition of slab-derived components to a depleted mantle wedge. The Early Jurassic ophiolitic basement and the dyke intrusions were formed in a back-arc setting between the Paleo- and Neo-Tethyan domains in the eastern Mediterranean region. The Izmir–Ankara–Erzincan Sea developed in this back-arc environment and the related suture zone had a diachronous evolutionary history. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inadequate or misinformation about electroencephalography (EEG) and epilepsy may lead to anxiety in children and their parents. The purpose of this study was to make a simultaneous evaluation of the anxiety levels of children and parents before EEG procedures and to make a brief assessment of their knowledge about EEG. Children aged between 8 and 18 years who were referred for EEG tests at Department of Pediatric Neurology, Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey and their parents were included in the study, prospectively. Data were collected through Personal Information Forms; an EEG questionnaire form, which questioned the knowledge of the participants about EEG; the Spielberger's State–Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) to determine anxiety levels of the parents; and the State–Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children-State form (STAIC) to determine the anxiety levels of the children. The following parameters were collected in a database: demographic data about children and parents (sex, age), indication of suspected diagnosis on EEG request (i.e., the referral diagnosis), history of epilepsy, number of EEG recordings, and results of previous EEG recordings. The state and trait anxiety test results of the children were compared between the girls and boys, between age groups, and their parents' results in terms of both trait and state anxiety in terms of EEG, sex, ages, educational levels, and working. Eighty-five children (mean age: 13.25 ± 3.02 years) and 85 parents (mean age: 41.16 ± 7.65 years) were included in the study. The children's mean trait anxiety score was 32.51 ± 8.09, and the mean state anxiety score was 34.97 ± 7.62. Half of the children who had a trait anxiety score of ≤ 30 points had increased state anxiety levels because they received more than 30 points in the state anxiety evaluation score. No significant differences were found between the boys and girls in terms of the state and trait anxiety scores (p > 0.05). The parents' mean trait anxiety score was 39.16 ± 7.74, and the mean state anxiety score was 42.74 ± 6.22. Forty (47%) parents were found to have trait anxiety, and 52 (61.2%) parents had state anxiety before the EEG. The trait anxiety score of the mothers was statistically significantly higher than that of the fathers (p < 0.01). The investigation of the knowledge level of both parents and children about EEG demonstrated some misunderstandings or points of insufficiency. The present study revealed that both parents and children had insufficient knowledge about EEG, and the procedure caused anxiety for both the parents and children. When EEG procedures are requested, parents and children should be given brief information about EEG and epilepsy. We think that in this way, the knowledge of both parents and children about this issue may be increased and their anxiety may be decreased. • Electroencephalography (EEG) gives electrophysiologic information of cerebral functions. • Inadequate information about EEG and epilepsy may lead to anxiety in children and their parents. • EEG procedures caused anxiety for both parents and children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Slight myopia in both eyes with the EDOF IOL enables favorable near vision, without compromising distance vision. The EDOF IOL provides a lower rate and severity of photic disturbances. Purpose: To compare visual performance and quality of life (QoL) following bilateral implantation of a new nondiffractive extended depth-of-focus (EDOF) intraocular lens (IOL) and a trifocal IOL. Setting: Department of Ophthalmology, Baskent University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey. Design: Prospective comparative interventional case series. Methods: 104 eyes of 52 patients with cataract, bilaterally implanted with a nondiffractive EDOF IOL or a trifocal IOL, were included. Outcome measures were uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), distance corrected intermediate visual acuity and distance corrected near visual acuity, defocus curves, QoL (Visual Function Index 14), quality of vision (Quality of Vision [QoV] index), contrast sensitivity (Pelli-Robson chart), and binocular reading speed. Results: Twenty-six patients were included in each group. The UDVA and CDVA were better in the EDOF group (0.05 ± 0.04 and 0.01 ± 0.04) than the trifocal group (0.13 ± 0.06 and 0.11 ± 0.07) (P =.02 and.01). Defocus curves showed that visual acuity was better with the EDOF IOL for vergences at 0.00, −0.50, and −1.00 and better with the trifocal IOL for vergences at −2.50, −3.00, −3.50, and −4.00. Contrast sensitivity scores were similar with both IOLs (P =.12). The overall mean QoL scores were lower in the EDOF group, indicating a better QoL (P =.04). The QoV was better in the EDOF group with significantly less glare, halos, and blurry vision (P <.01). Conclusions: The EDOF IOL performed better at distance, and the trifocal IOL performed better at near. Overall QoL and quality of vision were better with the EDOF IOL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Twelve varieties of fruiting bodies of wild edible mushrooms collected in 2002 from Soguksu National Park, Ankara, Turkey were analysed for Pb, Cd, Zn, Fe, Mn, Cu, Cr, Ni, and Co contents by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Dried samples were dissolved by microwave digestion. The contents of trace metals in the mushroom samples were found in the ranges: 0.7–4.2, 0.31–54.2, 29–146, 138–1714, 10–77, 6–187, not detected–21.6, 0.7–4.2 and not detected–5.2mgkg−1 for Pb, Cd, Zn, Fe, Mn, Cu, Cr, Ni and Co, respectively. The levels of Pb and Cd analysed in all edible mushroom samples except Agaricus arvensis and Ramaria obtusissima for Cd were found to be lower than the legal limits. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The occurrence of trihalomethanes (THMs) in the water supply in the Ankara, Turkey was investigated. Total THMs and total organic carbon measurements were carried seasonally in the samples collected form 22 different districts along with the samples taken from the Ivedik Water Treatment Plant serving 90% of the city. The average summer nonpurgeable organic carbon (NPOC) concentration in the raw water was 4.2 mg/L, and the NPOC removal achieved in the treatment plant was 31%. The concentration of total THMs ranged from 25 to 74 μg/L, from 28 to 73 μg/L, and from 25 to 110 μg/L in winter, spring, and summer, respectively. In all of the samples chloroform existed at the highest concentrations, while bromoform was almost absent. The total THM concentrations were highest in summer for all districts. However, none of the concentrations detected exceeded the USEPA''s Stage I limit of 80 μg/L and the EU''s limit of 100 μg/L. However, the total THM level in 64% of the districts exceeded the USEPA''s Stage II limit of 40 μg/L. The risk estimations carried out indicated that each year 1 of the 5 million Ankara residents could get cancer from the daily intake of water, mainly because of exposure to chloroform through oral ingestion. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Aim. Determination of influencing factors of milk and milk product consumption among a group of primary school children in Ankara. Methods. In this cross-sectional study, the study population consisted of 356 students in two grades (5th and 8th), and 335 (193 5th grades, and 142 8th grades). The participation rate was 94%. The SPSS program 15.0 was used for data entry and basic statistical analysis. The chi-square test for cross tabulations and logistic regression to identify influencing factors of milk consumption were used. Results. Of the 335 students; 193 were in 5th grade, and 142 were in 8th grade. The mean age was 10.1±0.4 in 5th grade, and it was 13.3±0.7 in 8th grade. In the logistic regression analysis significantly positive associations were determined between "milk consumption of the students" and the grade (OR=6,934, 95%CI=2,634-18,254; p<0.001), male sex (OR=2,713, 95%CI=1,220-6,030; p=0.014), presence of milk at home everyday (OR=2,935, 95%CI=1,086-5,281; p=0.030), buy milk with pocket money (OR=2,303, 95%CI=1,036-5,121; p=0.041), eat breakfast everyday (OR=4,994, 95%CI=2,161-11,541; p<0.001), and prefer to drink milk instead of cola (OR=2,961, 95%CI=1,210-7,248; p<0.001). Conclusion. School-based interventions to promote milk consumption in earlier grades with a holistic approach can contribute to children's understanding of the health benefits of milk at earlier ages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]