Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Üniversitesi Kurumsal Akademik Arşivi
DSpace@RTEÜ, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Üniversitesi tarafından doğrudan ve dolaylı olarak yayınlanan; kitap, makale, tez, bildiri, rapor, araştırma verisi gibi tüm akademik kaynakları uluslararası standartlarda dijital ortamda depolar, Üniversitenin akademik performansını izlemeye aracılık eder, kaynakları uzun süreli saklar ve yayınların etkisini artırmak için telif haklarına uygun olarak Açık Erişime sunar.
Güncel Gönderiler
Long-term effects of adenoviral keratoconjunctivitis on conjunctival goblet cell density and tear film parameters: a prospective case-control study
(BioMed Central Ltd, 2026) Taş, Mehmet Masum; Karabaş, V. Levent; Yıldız, Demir Kürşat; Tokuç, Ecem Önder; Shukriu, Arta; Sümer, Fatma
Background: Adenoviral keratoconjunctivitis (AKC) is a common ocular infection that causes acute inflammation of the ocular surface. However, the long-term effects of AKC on conjunctival goblet cell density and tear film stability remain poorly understood. This study aimed to evaluate the long-term impact of AKC on goblet cell morphology, density, and tear film parameters. Methods: This prospective case-control study included 95 eyes of 64 patients with a history of AKC diagnosed during epidemic outbreaks based on strict clinical criteria (mean follow-up: 18.3 ± 6.8 months after the acute episode) and 92 eyes of 55 age-matched healthy controls. All participants underwent Schirmer test with anesthesia, tear breakup time (TBUT) measurement, slit-lamp evaluation of lid margin and meibomian gland function, and conjunctival impression cytology. Goblet cell density was quantified, and epithelial changes were graded using the Nelson classification system. Adenovirus serotyping was performed by multiplex PCR in a subset of patients during the acute phase. Post-hoc power analysis and multivariable logistic regression adjusting for sex and age were performed. Results: The mean age was 45.2 ± 14.6 years in the case group and 42.8 ± 13.9 years in the control group (p = 0.312). Goblet cell density was significantly lower in the AKC group (116 [58–289] cells/mm²) compared with controls (463 [123–1063] cells/mm²; p < 0.001), representing a 75% reduction. The median Nelson score was higher in the AKC group (2.0 [1.0–2.0]) than in controls (1.0 [0.0–1.75]; p < 0.001), indicating more advanced squamous metaplasia. Schirmer test values (10.0 [8.0–13.0] vs. 14.0 [10.25–17.0] mm; p < 0.001) and TBUT (8.16 ± 2.98 vs. 11.1 ± 3.20 s; p < 0.001) were significantly reduced in the AKC group. Adenovirus serotype 8 was identified in 80% of typed samples. Sex-stratified analysis confirmed significant goblet cell reduction in both sexes. Multivariable regression confirmed AKC as an independent predictor of goblet cell loss after adjusting for sex and age (adjusted OR: 4.82; 95% CI: 2.61–8.91; p < 0.001). Conclusions: AKC leads to persistent goblet cell loss and squamous metaplasia, resulting in decreased tear film stability and dry eye symptoms at 18 months post-infection, independent of sex and age. Future studies should incorporate validated patient-reported outcome measures to fully characterise the symptomatic burden of post-AKC ocular surface disease.
Effects of irrigation technology on energy efficiency, carbon footprint, and water scarcity footprint in silage maize production: A three-year field study
(Elsevier, 2026) Eren, Ömer; Tutar, Halit; Çatal, Muhammed İkbal; Paytsun, Handan
Efficient use of water and energy resources is increasingly important for sustaining agricultural production under growing food demand and climate change pressures. This study evaluated the effects of irrigation technology on energy performance, input-related carbon footprint, and water scarcity footprint in irrigated silage maize production. Field-based data were collected over three consecutive growing seasons (2022–2024) from a large commercial farm in Ankara Province, Central Anatolia, Türkiye, where silage maize was produced under sprinkler and center pivot irrigation systems. Energy performance was quantified using an input–output energy analysis framework, input-related carbon footprint was estimated using emission factors associated with agricultural inputs and field operations, and water scarcity footprint was assessed using the AWARE characterization factor for Türkiye. Based on three-year mean values, center pivot irrigation increased dry matter yield by 1.48%, energy use efficiency by 16.89%, energy productivity by 16.88%, and net energy by 3.27%, while reducing specific energy by 14.38% compared with sprinkler irrigation. The input-related carbon footprint per unit of dry matter yield decreased by 22.22% under center pivot irrigation. In contrast, the mean water scarcity footprint was identical between the two systems, and its pattern varied by year: sprinkler irrigation showed lower values in 2022 and 2023, whereas center pivot irrigation showed a lower value in 2024. Overall, center pivot irrigation improved energy performance and reduced input-related carbon footprint under the evaluated commercial farm conditions, while water scarcity footprint was mainly governed by irrigation water volume and the regional AWARE factor rather than irrigation technology alone. These findings provide field-based evidence for irrigation planning and resource-use assessment in semi-arid silage maize production systems.
Development and psychometric evaluation of an attitude scale on the use of new media technologies for teacher candidates – Turkish Form (ANMT-TC)
(BioMed Central Ltd, 2026) Çay, Ruhi; Güney, Engin
Background: There is no valid and reliable measurement tool in Turkey that comprehensively assesses prospective teachers' attitudes toward new media technologies in education, culture, and art. This study aims to develop a valid and reliable ‘Attitude Scale Towards the Use of New Media Technologies for Teacher Candidates – Turkish Form’. Methods: The study was conducted in four sequential phases: a pilot study, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and a test–retest study. A total of 753 teacher candidates (591 female and 162 male) participated in the study. The average age of participants across all four stages was 21.34 (SD = 2.54). Results: Item statistics were calculated during the pilot study. The three-factor, 16-item scale demonstrated satisfactory fit indices with factor loadings ranging from 0.431 to 0.860 during the construct validity phase. Upon examining the final results of the CFA, the goodness-of-fit indices were acceptable (TLI = 0.928, CFI = 0.941, RMSEA = 0.061, SRMR = 0.061). Furthermore, the internal consistency of the ANMT-TC was satisfactory (Cronbach's alpha =.84). The test–retest reliability analysis also showed a positive correlation between the two measurements (r =.603, p <.01). Conclusions: The ANMT-TC demonstrates a satisfactory structure with validated validity and reliability among Turkish teacher candidates. The current findings support the idea that ANMT-TC can be used as a valid and reliable measure of effectiveness in the fields of education, culture, and the arts.
Multi-year evaluation of silage yield, quality, and stability of maize (Zea mays L.) genotypes in the central Black Sea region of Türkiye
(Nature Research, 2026) Özata, Erka; Yıldırım, Gözde Hafize; Alaca, Barış
Maize (Zea mays L.) is the dominant silage crop in intensive livestock systems because of its high biomass production and energy-rich, well-fermenting forage. Here, 16 silage maize genotypes were evaluated for four consecutive seasons (2017–2020) under the ecological conditions of Samsun, Türkiye, using a broad set of phenological, morphological, yield, and forage-quality traits (including fiber fractions and energy-based indices such as digestible/gross energy and estimated milk yield). Across years, substantial environmental variation affected several traits, highlighting the importance of multi-year testing for genotype assessment. Among the evaluated materials, TTM 2015–22 showed high fresh biomass productivity (67.1 t ha⁻1), and one of the highest dry matter yields (22.6 t ha⁻1), whereas several compositional traits were strongly influenced by seasonal conditions and should be interpreted cautiously.” These results emphasize the value of genotype choice to balance yield and forage quality under the conditions tested, although genotype recommendations for quality-related traits require cautious interpretation.
Educational case complexity (E‑CAT) and clinical outcomes in undergraduate endodontics: associations with procedural mishaps and postoperative pain
(BioMed Central Ltd, 2026) Pertek Hatipoğlu, Fatma; Özceylan, Abdullah; Hatipoğlu, Ömer; Brochado Martins, Joao Filipe
Introduction: Case allocation in undergraduate dental education must balance student learning with patient safety. The Endodontic Complexity Assessment Tool (E-CAT) provides an objective framework for categorizing non-surgical endodontic cases by difficulty. This study aimed to evaluate the predictive value of E-CAT scores for procedural complications and postoperative pain (PP) in root canal treatments performed by undergraduate dental students. Materials and methods: This study was a prospective observational clinical cohort study. A total of 160 patients undergoing primary RCT on mandibular or maxillary molars diagnosed with irreversible pulpitis or pulp necrosis and symptomatic/asymptomatic apical periodontitis were included. Cases were scored using the E-CAT, categorizing complexity as low, moderate, or high. RCT were performed by 5th-year dental students under supervision. Procedural complications were recorded. PP was assessed preoperatively, and at 1-, 3-, 5-, and 7-days post-treatment using a visual analog scale. Data were analyzed statistically using Spearman correlation, Cramér’s V, Chi-square, Kruskal-Wallis, Friedman tests, and Multivariable regression analyses (p < 0.05). Results: A total of 160 patients (50.6% female; mean age: 27.8 ± 10.9 years) were included. Most of the cases (55%) were categorized as moderate complexity (E-CAT score 6–11). Higher E-CAT scores were associated with longer treatment durations (r = 0.21), more treatment sessions (r = 0.24), and increased procedural complications, particularly file separation (Cramér’s V = 0.251) and working length loss (V = 0.216). However, in adjusted count modeling, E-CAT did not independently predict the overall number of complications. Patients with higher E-CAT scores reported significantly greater PP on day 1 (p < 0.001) and required more postoperative analgesics (22.6% low vs. 73.7% high complexity, p < 0.001). PP reporting was slightly higher in complex cases, though without statistical significance (p = 0.067). Anatomical complexity, especially reduced canal visibility (V = 0.262) and apical morphology (V = 0.202), showed the strongest associations with PP. Conclusion: E-CAT scores predicted both technical and patient-reported outcomes in undergraduate root canal treatments. Incorporating E-CAT into undergraduate curricula may improve case allocation, support individualized supervision, and enhance competency-based learning by aligning case complexity with student ability while reducing complications.
