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Objective: Patients with heart failure may experience thirst distress. There is, however, no measurement tool to define patients' thirst distress in Turkey. The study aimed to determine psychometric properties of the translated Turkish version of the Thirst Distress Scale-Heart Failure (TDS-HF) in a sample of heart failure patients. Design: This methodologically planned study was conducted in two different training and research hospitals in Istanbul. Content validity, confirmatory factor analysis and concurrent validity were used in the validity analysis following the language validity analysis. Reliability coefficients were analysed by calculating Cronbach's alpha, McDonald's Omega and test-retest reliability coefficients. Validity and reliability analysis involved 116 patients, and test-retest analysis was carried out among 36 patients who volunteered to participate in the study. Results: The patients had a mean age of 55.2 ± 14.9. The factor structure and the examined fit indices of the one-dimensional eight-item scale indicated that the Turkish version of the scale was consistent with the original model. Item-total correlations were between 0.84 and 0.93, Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.90, the test-retest reliability coefficient was 0.97 and the McDonald's omega coefficient was 0.93, demonstrating that the scale is highly reliable. Conclusion: The Turkish version of the Thirst Distress Scale-Heart Failure was found to be valid and reliable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Usable/rentable floor areas are crucial for the building owners in reinforced concrete (RC) tall buildings. To address this issue, concrete‐encased (CE) or concrete‐filled (CF) composite columns are proposed as alternative vertical load carrying elements by providing the required strength and ductility, but with smaller dimensions. Comparing the performance of columns with different configurations can be done using moment (M)‐axial load (N) interaction curves. This paper summarizes the approaches proposed by Eurocode 4 and AISC 360‐16 for both types of composite columns, presenting simplified and true curves for a specific class of sections. Two case studies involving hybrid RC tall buildings in Istanbul, which utilized composite columns, are presented along with a comparison with steel‐concrete composite and RC solutions. Numerical results indicate that employing steel‐concrete composite columns resulted in approximately 24% reduction in total cross‐sectional areas for one of the case studies, leading to increased usable/rentable areas. Additionally, concrete‐encased and concrete‐filled composite columns exhibited similar performance in terms of axial load‐moment capacities. The impact of longitudinal rebar ratios is also investigated, revealing that the AISC 360‐16 approach yields smaller bending moments and compression capacities compared to Eurocode 4 due to the significant strength reduction factor considered in calculating the concrete contribution in composite sections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to analyze the correlation between the Twitter activity of two airline companies and their stock performance at the Istanbul Stock Exchange (BIST). Design/methodology/approach: Overall, 113,018 tweets were divided into 34,152 semantic and 78,866 share tweets. Semantic tweets are tweets mentioning company's products or services and were labeled manually and with deep learning models. Share tweets were divided into 13,618 relevant and 65,248 irrelevant tweets. Findings: A positive correlation was found between share tweets and stock performance. Semantic tweets did not display a correlation with stock performance. Relevant share tweets displayed as a strong correlation as all share tweets for one company. Also, the manual labeling of 8,000 tweets led to the discovery of many insights related to service provision in the airway industry, management of digital support channels, management of reputation on social media and using Twitter as a customer support platform. Practical implications: Relevant share tweets comprise only 20% of all share tweets for one company and show the same level of correlation with stock performance. This means that the efficiency of business intelligence solutions created to monitor Twitter activity can be improved five times by saving computational power, network bandwidth and data storage. Originality/value: Previous research has analyzed all Twitter activity taken together. By dividing tweets into semantic and share tweets, this paper illustrates that it is, in fact, share tweets that are correlated with stock performance and not semantic tweets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to retrospectively investigate the correlation of mean Class I donor-specific antibody (DSA) intensity values detected in Luminex-based techniques with the results of complement-dependent cytotoxicity crossmatch (CDC-XM) and flow cytometry crossmatch (FC-XM) results. A total of 335 patients with kidney failure and their living donors whose CDC-XM, FC-XM, and single antigen based (SAB) tests were studied between 2018 and 2020 for transplant preparation from living donor candidates were included in the study. Patients were divided into 4 groups according to their mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) values of SAB assay. Anti-HLA antibodies (class I and/or class II) were detected using SAB in 91.6% patients included in the study (MFI >1000). Class I DSA was positive in 34.8% of patients with anti-HLA antibodies. When CDC-XM and FC-XM results were evaluated in the 4 groups separated according to MFI values, 3 patients with DSA MFI <1000 had negative CDC-XM and T-B-FC-XM results. Of 32 patients with DSA-MFI between 1000 and 3000, 93.75% (n = 30) had T-B-FC-XM or CDC-XM-negative results, and 6.25% (n = 2) had B-FC-XM-positive results. The CDC-XM, T, and B-FC-XM were negative in all 17 patients with DSA-MFI between 3000 and 5000. Our results showed that MFI >5834 DSA values were significantly correlated with positive T-FC-XM (P <.001), and MFI >6016 values were significantly correlated with positive CDC-XM (P =.002). In addition, MFI values >5000 were associated with both CDC-XM and FC-XM in our study. The MFI values >5000 correlated with both CDC-XM and FC-XM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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There is widespread concern about treatment of psoriasis in COVID‐19 pandemic. We aimed to evaluate the epidemiological data, clinical characteristics, treatment features of the psoriasis patients during the pandemic period. We conducted a study in dermatology clinics of seven different tertiary centers. All adult psoriasis patients who were followed up between 11 March 2020 and 28 June 2020, were phone called or questioned in their visit to their follow‐up clinics. A semistructured questionnaire was applied and patients' demographics and disease characteristics were recorded. Of 1322 patients, 52.4% were male, and 47.6% were female. According to the questionnaire responses, 964 (72.9%) of these patients could not communicate with their physician during this period, remained 358 (27.1%) patients contacted the physician by phone, email, or hospital visit. From the patients diagnosed as probable/confirmed COVID‐19, 14 were female, and 9 were male. Nine of 23 (39.1%) patients were using biologic treatment. There was no statistically significant difference in terms of hospitalization from COVID‐19 between the patients using biologics (n = 9) and those who did not (n = 14) (P = 1.00). No mortality was observed among them. Obesity, smoking, age, and accompanying psoriatic arthritis were not among the risk factors affecting the frequency of COVID‐19. We only encountered an increased risk in diabetic patients. Also, an exacerbation of psoriasis was observed with the infection. No difference was found in patients with psoriasis in terms of COVID‐19 infection in patients who use biologics and those who don't. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microplastics (MPs) have become prevalent in various environmental compartments, including air, water, and soil, attracting attention as significant pollutant parameters. This study investigated the prevalence of MP pollution in surface sediments along Istanbul's Marmara Sea, encompassing the megacity and the Bosphorus. A comprehensive sampling approach was employed, covering 43 stations across four seasons and depths ranging from 5 to 70 m. The objective was to assess the impact of terrestrial, social, and industrial activities on MPs. The average concentrations varied per season, with fall, winter, spring, and summer values recorded as 2000 ± 4100, 1600 ± 3900, 4300 ± 12,000, and 9500 ± 20,300 particles/kg-DW. The study identified river stations in the Golden Horn and sea discharge locations as hotspots for high concentrations. Notably, the dominant shape shifted from fibers in fall, winter, and spring to fragments during summer, coinciding with mucilage occurrences. The study identified 11 different polymers, with polyethylene (44 %) and polypropylene (31 %) being the most common. [Display omitted] • MPs presence in Istanbul coast sediments of Marmara Sea was investigated. • River, sea discharge, and pier stations had highest MPs in Marmara Sea sediments. • PE and PP comprised 75 % of MPs; fibers dominant in fall, winter, spring, while fragments prevail in summer. • The Marmara Sea in Istanbul serves as a hotspot for MPs, demanding targeted actions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Istanbul, one of the biggest cities in Europe with a population of approximately 15 million, is trying to transform its economic structure from an industry based to a service based city. The physical infrastructure, traditional and historical background of the city as well as its huge talent pool and dynamic economy will be a leverage whereas the relatively low level of consumption of creative goods and services can slow down this development process. This research compares Istanbul with other similar cities in Europe and analyses the human capital, physical structure and spatial distribution of creative industries within the city. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Psychiatric comorbidity rate among the patients with conversion disorder was reported between 31-71%. The present study was planned to assess the overall psychiatric comorbidity, particularly bipolar disorder comorbidity in patients with conversion disorder. Methods: A total of 100 consecutive patients admitted to the Psychiatric Emergency Unit of Sisli Etfal Teaching and Research Hospital in Istanbul, Turkey from April 2006 to November 2006 and diagnosed with conversion disorder were included in this study. SCID-I and sociodemographical form were administered to the patients. Results: Bipolar disorder was found in 28% of the patients. The rate of dissociative disorder not otherwise specified (NOS), panic disorder, eating disorder comorbidity were higher in conversion disorder patients with bipolar disorder. In comparison with unipolar patients, bipolar patients had significantly lower Global Assessment of Functioning scores (p=0.03). Conclusion: It is important to determine comorbidity and previous psychiatric history in patients with conversion disorder. If there is comorbid bipolar disorder, clinicians should consider mood stabilizing agents, and avoid antidepressants in the treatment of conversion disorder. Apart from other studies on conversion disorder, this study assessed comorbid bipolar disorder and other axis I diagnoses in patients with conversion disorder for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Backgrounds: Researchers have stated that internet has both positive and negative features just like all the other information technology tools. The most important example to give of the negative outcomes is peer-to-peer cyber bullying. The most general definition of peer-to-peer cyber bullying is to harm individuals deliberately and repetitively through electronic media. Methods: The survey study was conducted in Istanbul Bilgi University Law School, Istanbul Ticaret University Law School and Marmara University Law School by the students to the faculties’ students. All results were evaluated with SPSS (Statistical Package for Social for Sciences). Results: 579 persons in the range of 18–30 years were included in the survey. A total of 346 (59.8%) cases were cyberbullied on electronic media. 20.7% stated that they were disturbed through internet, 27.7% by mobile phone and 51.7% both by internet and mobile phone. 80% of those who have been exposed to violence through electronic means have been found to be exposed to more than one form of violence. Conclusions: More than half of our subjects have notified that they have been negatively affected by cyber violence. Prevention strategies should be created as well as the recognition of cyber bullying. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Depression is a highly prevalent disorder that causes much personal distress and difficulties in functioning at home and the workplace. In the workplace, as elsewhere, depression can manifest as a variation in normal mood, as a symptom, as a disorder or as a disease. In this study we aimed to investigate the determining factors that affect the depression state among official workers. Workers from two tax offices were chosen through random sampling from the 62 tax offices in Istanbul. We used a questionnaire form to determine the demographic and socio-economic characteristics and health problems using face to face negotiations with the workers. We used: 'Job Satisfaction Scale', 'State and Trait Anxiety Inventory', and 'Back Depression Inventory'. The results after statistical evaluation showed that the depression state could be regarded as composed of several factors: high trait anxiety scores, discord with co-workers, and low job satisfaction and backache. In conclusion, a reduction of anxiety levels and an increase in job satisfaction should be arranged, it seemed to be useful to decrease workload and to develop the labor divisions in order to enable the individuals to deal with specific jobs. Also, the relationship between the senior staff and the other employees should be improved. The layout of the work place could be re-arranged to remove the workers' musculoskeletal problems (low-back pain, etc.) and their causes. Finally, it is necessary to expand the occupational health service practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Investigating the possibility of adopting GFRP and MSF in metro tunnel segments. • Full-scale bending tests are performed on tunnel segments for evaluating SLS limit. • Full-scale point load test is also carried out for simulating TBM thrust force. • In the studied case, MSF + GFRP can be an innovative solution for non-corrosive tunnel. Increasing the popularity of using fibres in precast structures has brought questions about their usability in segmental tunnel linings as an alternative to the conventional reinforced lining. Most prior studies have already revealed that the replacement of conventional steel reinforcement is possible with steel fibres. However, the usability of macro-synthetic fibres (MSFs) as reinforcements in precast tunnel segments is still unclear and one of the controversial questions to be answered. As such, this study aims to evaluate the structural applicability of using polypropylene (PP) MSFs in precast tunnel segments by means of an experimental program on full-scale specimens. Within this framework, totally fourteen full-scale precast tunnel segments of Mecidiyekoy – Mahmutbey underground railway tunnel in Istanbul/Turkey characterized by four different reinforcement cases were analysed: i) typical conventional steel reinforcement; ii) the combination of MSFs and conventional reinforcement; iii) the combination of MSFs and glass fibre reinforced polymer (GFRP) rebars; and iv) MSFs only. Flexural tests were carried out to compare the flexural behaviour of specimens at the allowable crack opening width, while point load tests were conducted to observe the structural performance of precast tunnel segments under the effect of design thrust forces. The experimental results showed that the combination of MSFs and GFRP could be an innovative solution for precast tunnel segments in case of using a suitable quantity that satisfied the project requirements. Although PP fibres exhibited adequate spalling and splitting stress control, it is observed that they could not overcome high flexure forces without using reinforcement bars at a low volume of fractions. Thus, more comprehensive studies need to perform on GFRP + MSFs segments because of having the advantages of corrosion resistance in the presence of an aggressive surrounding environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study, which consists of a pair of articles, is the structural rehabilitation of a vaulted ruin located on the historical peninsula of Istanbul, dated to the Middle Byzantine period, and a masonry building constructed at a later date on top of the structure. The first article, which constitutes the first part of the study, examined the seismic performances of the historical ruin considering the states; (i) before the construction of the masonry building, (ii) after the construction of the masonry building and (iii) after the strengthening of the masonry building. The present article, which constitutes the second part of the study, presents the seismic assessment of the masonry building's current state located on the historical ruin and a strengthening method proposed for the building in order to achieve its target seismic performance level. Fieldwork and numerical analyses were conducted to this end. The effectiveness of the proposed method is revealed by modal analysis, pushover analysis and kinematic limit analysis in order to determine the global & local failure mechanisms and the seismic performance levels of the current and strengthened states of the masonry building. The findings of the study are significant in terms demonstrating the interaction between historical ruins and buildings constructed above them, and in defining the necessary strengthening applications required to achieve seismic safety in such structures. In addition, by adopting a holistic approach to the structural analysis and strengthening proposal, it is expected to serve as an important tool for the preservation of ruins dated to the Middle Byzantine period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study, which consists of a pair of articles, is the structural rehabilitation of a vaulted ruin located on the historical peninsula of Istanbul, dated to the Middle Byzantine period, and a masonry building constructed at a later date on top of the structure. The present article, which constitutes the first part of the study, examined the seismic performances of the historical ruin structure considering the states; (i) before the construction of the masonry building, (ii) after the construction of the masonry building and (iii) after the strengthening of the masonry building. Fieldwork and numerical analyses were conducted to this end. In this study, initially, the situations where the masonry building is present or not were compared, and the effects of the construction of masonry building on the seismic performance of the historical ruin structure are investigated. Then, the effect of the strengthening application on the masonry building to the historical ruin structure is revealed. For all of the three cases, the seismic strength of the historical ruin structure is found to be insufficient. The masonry building, which was built on the ruin in a later period caused a significant increase in the stresses and their distribution. A strengthening methodology to be applied to the historical ruin structure before the strengthening of the masonry building is proposed for the historical ruin structure to achieve its sufficient seismic strength. The findings of the study are significant in terms demonstrating the interaction between historical ruins and buildings constructed above them, and in defining the necessary strengthening applications required to achieve seismic safety in such structures. In addition, the primary motivation of the study is to present the necessary structural precautions needed for the preservation of ruins dated to the Middle Byzantine period through the structural analysis. • It is performed that seismic performance analyses of the ruin built in Middle Byzantine era. • It is made a comparison of the historical ruin with and without the masonry building above to identify the effect of the later construction on the seismic performance of the historical ruin. • A retrofitting proposal for the ruin is presented in order to achieve the sufficient seismic strength of the historical ruin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Single station seismic noise measurements were carried out at 192 sites in the western part of Istanbul, Turkey. This extensive survey allowed the fundamental resonance frequency of the sedimentary cover to be mapped, and identify areas prone to site amplification. The results are in good agreement with the geological distribution of sedimentary units, indicating a progressive decrease of the fundamental resonance frequencies from the northeastern part, where the bedrock outcrops, towards the southwestern side, where a thickness of some hundreds meters for the sedimentary cover is estimated. The particular distribution of fundamental resonance frequencies indicates that local amplification of the ground motion might play a significative role in explaining the anomalous damage distribution after the 17 August 1999 Kocaeli Earthquake. Furthermore, 2D array measurements of seismic noise were performed in the metropolitan area with the aim of obtaining a preliminary geophysical characterization of the different sedimentary covers. These measurements allow the estimation of the shear-wave velocity profile for some representative areas and the identification of the presence of strong impedance contrast responsible of seismic ground motion amplification. Comparison of a theoretical site response from an estimated S-wave velocity profile with an empirical one based on earthquake recordings strongly encourages the use of the low cost seismic noise techniques for the study of seismic site effects. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]