Digital Commons Network^™

Perspective, Fang Wang, Katey Price, David Groves

Visions in Leisure and Business

Health and medical tourism are a very complex set of issues. This issue of Visions cannot address this issue of complexity, but there are three primary dimensions. They appear in a number of articles that are directly related to the future of health and medical tourism. These three issues are data, cooperation, and barriers. These are not interrelated concepts, but will have an impact upon future considerations. In addition, to these basic issues, the dimension of agencies that are involved is highly diverse. This perspective reviewed some of the basic structures to gain a greater understanding for further discussions and …

Health Tourism Facility Use Of Digital Marketing And Ai, David Vequist Iv

Visions in Leisure and Business

The proliferation of social media platforms has fundamentally reshaped patient acquisition strategies in health and wellness tourism, creating unprecedented opportunities for providers to engage with international patients across diverse digital channels. From boutique clinics in Mexico offering specialized dental, cosmetic, and bariatric procedures, to destination medspas providing aesthetic treatments, and even comprehensive global hospitals like the Mayo Clinic, healthcare providers are leveraging multi-platform social media strategies to attract and inform potential medical travelers. Research indicates that these digital marketing approaches now encompass a sophisticated array of content formats, including short-form video on TikTok, professional imagery on Instagram, long-form educational content …

The Role And Purpose Of Social Media In Contemporary Health Tourism: A Means To An End, Konstantinos Konstantinidis

Visions in Leisure and Business

No abstract provided.

Exploring How Potential Medical Tourists Engage In Ewom On Reddit, Katey A. Price

Visions in Leisure and Business

Medical tourism is an increasingly popular form of travel as well as lucrative business as access to healthcare services varies drastically from one region to another. Individuals who are interested in travel, and specifically medical tourism, are using electronic word of mouth to connect with others who have experience in this form of travel. This research explores how potential medical tourists actively engage in information-seeking through the social media platform Reddit. Analysis of original posts showed that when seeking information from experienced medical tourists, potential medical tourists provided reasoning and context for wanting to travel to seek medical services and …

The Spoon In The Sand: Cripping The Adventure Narrative To Reclaim Autonomy, Maggie Morehart, Fang Wang

Visions in Leisure and Business

Disabled and chronically ill adventure travel - and the digital storytelling that accompanies it - can act as both a deeply personal and a political statement that resides at the intersection of empowerment, rebellion, and performative pressure. Platforms like Instagram amplify the narrative of overcoming, while shifting perceptions of what disabled adventure looks like. These narratives simultaneously have the potential to challenge stereotypes or reinforce unrealistic expectations of disabled bodies. This paper explores the value of adventure and its portrayal as a means of asserting independence, pushing limits, and reclaiming agency in an ableist world.

Conceptual Framework: Emotional Intelligence And Social Media For Health And Medical Tourism, David L. Groves, Katey A. Price, Fang Wang

Visions in Leisure and Business

Social media technologies have played a significant role in most people's lives in recent years. It has significantly changed the way we do business, form relationships, etc. The health and tourism industry has been significantly changed with the new technologies. It is not only from a client perspective, but also from infrastructural relationships among administrators, doctors, nurses, etc. This is also greatly reflected from a cultural perspective. It is obvious that two of the outstanding elements in helping to understand the impacts of social media are cognitive and emotional factors. Emotional factors play a significant role in social media, and …

Flowing Progress: Transforming The Danube Through Infrastructure, Stefan Dorondel, Luminita Gatejel

Central European Studies

Flowing Progress: Transforming the Danube Through Infrastructure focuses on how different political regimes and forms of governance have imagined and technologically transformed the most international river in the world. Multidisciplinary and drawing on methodologies of history, anthropology of infrastructure, and science, technology, and society, this collection explores the tensions between the river and its natural pulses, the humans that populate its floodplains, state agencies, and infrastructure. The book engages the concept of disturbance to point out the circular and spiraling dynamics between hydrological processes and technopolitical and economic practices. Disturbance denotes a specific type of long-term dynamic between human attempts …

Management Of Critically Ill Patients Following Earthquake Disasters, Esat Kivanç Kaya, Burçi̇n Halaçli, Mehmet Yildirim, Arzu Topeli̇

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

The devastating earthquakes that struck southeastern Turkiye on February 6, 2023, emphasized the profound societal and healthcare challenges posed by natural disasters. These events highlighted the essential need for healthcare professionals to be well-prepared and equipped with the expertise to manage such crises effectively. Earthquake-induced trauma presents a wide array of medical and surgical complications, frequently requiring urgent hospitalization and specialized management for critically ill patients. However, the limited availability of comprehensive data and evidence-based guidelines complicates optimal care delivery in these scenarios. This review outlines current recommendations for the multidisciplinary management of critically ill patients with earthquake-related trauma. It …

Discontinuation Of Hydroxychloroquine Due To Suspected Retinal Toxicity In Systemic Lupus Erythematosus And The Role Of Multimodal Imaging, Burak İnce, Mehmet Bedi̇i̇ Oğurel, Zafer Cebeci̇, Yavuz Burak Tor, Yasemi̇n Yalçinkaya, Ahmet Gül, Murat İnanç, Bahar Artim Esen

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: To evaluate the effect of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) on disease activity and damage in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in whom HCQ had previously been discontinued due to retinal toxicity, and to examine and reevaluate toxicity findings through a detailed ophthalmological examination.

Materials and methods: Patients with SLE who had been on HCQ for at least 3 years after achieving lupus low disease activity state (LLDAS) following remission induction, and were followed up for at least 3 years after HCQ discontinuation due to retinal toxicity diagnosed by visual field testing, were analysed. Disease activity, the number and severity of …

Evaluation Of Metabolic Uptake In Gynecological Organs Using Fdg-Pet In Women Diagnosed With Non-Gynecological Malignancies, Funda Atalay, Uğurcan Zorlu, Koray Aslan, Fatma Batak, Tuba Zengi̇n Aksel, Güli̇n Uçmak

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Gynecological malignancies, including those affecting the uterus, cervix, vagina, vulva, and adnexa, pose significant physical and psychosocial burdens. Early detection and effective management of these malignancies are critical for improving outcomes. This study aims to evaluate metabolic uptake patterns in gynecological organs using fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) and to analyze their malignancy potential in women with nongynecological cancers.

Materials and methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 221 women with nongynecological malignancies who exhibited pathological FDG uptake in gynecological organs on FDG-PET/CT imaging. Lesions were evaluated based on the standardized uptake value maximum (SUVmax), morphological characteristics on contrast-enhanced …

The Role Of Carbon Dioxide Angiography In Reducing Contrast-Induced Nephropathy In Diabetic Foot Patients Undergoing Endovascular Treatment, Sadik Ahmet Uyanik, Erdem Bi̇rgi̇, Saffet Öztürk, Umut Asfuroğlu, Erdi̇ Tangobay, Hi̇kmet Erhan Güven

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: This study investigates the role of carbon dioxide (CO2) angiography, delivered with an automated CO2 delivery system, in decreasing the amount of iodinated contrast and preventing contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) in diabetic foot patients who underwent endovascular revascularization.

Materials and methods: A total of 272 diabetic foot patients who underwent endovascular treatment for infrainguinal chronic peripheral arterial disease (PAD) were included in the study. Of these, 64 patients underwent endovascular intervention using CO2 angiography (study group), while 208 patients underwent endovascular intervention using only contrast media (control group). The rates of CIN and the amount of contrast used during interventions …

Ultrasonographic And Elastographic Evaluation Of Plantar Fascia And Achilles Tendon Alterations In Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Rifat Bozkuş, İhsani̇ye Süer Doğan, Berna Turhan, Sümeyya Duran Kaymak, Mustafa Hulusi̇ Kurt, Rasi̇me Peli̇n Kavak

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The primary aim of this study is to compare the thickness and stiffness of the PF and AT between healthy volunteers and patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). A secondary objective is to explore the correlations between the thickness and stiffness of the PF and AT with diabetes duration (in months) and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels in T2DM patients without peripheral neuropathy or foot ulcers, with peripheral neuropathy or with foot ulcers.Material and Methods: A total of 289 participants, including 117 healthy volunteers (Group A) and 172 T2DM patients (59.5%), matched for age, sex, and body mass index, …

Detection And Quantification Of Microplastics In Cerumen, Bengi̇ Arslan, Yüce İslamoğlu, Ali̇ Sami̇ Berçi̇n, Selen Akbulut, Mehmet Meli̇koğlu

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Microplastics (MPs) are a growing concern due to their pervasive environmental presence and potential environmental and human exposure impacts. Given evidence of systemic MP presence in human tissues and fluids, and the ear canal's environmental exposure, this novel study aimed to identify these particles in human cerumen. Cerumen was collected from the proximal ear canal to minimize potential airborne contamination.

Materials and methods: Cerumen samples were prospectively collected from 12 adult patients (23 patient-derived specimens) and 3 control water samples, following ethical approval and consent. Samples were extracted using sterile instruments, stored in glass, diluted, and filtered through 0.22 …

Addition Of Antimicrobials To Oral Sprays Containing Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs Does Not Reduce The Severity Of Postoperative Sore Throat: A Prospective, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial, Peli̇n Yildiz, Mobi̇n Hemmati̇, Leyla Kutlucan, Tankut Uzun, Togay Müderri̇s

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Postoperative sore throat (POST) is a common complication following general anesthesia that significantly affects patient satisfaction, prolongs recovery, and increases treatment costs. This study aimed to evaluate whether the addition of antimicrobial agents to NSAID-based oral sprays could enhance the preventive efficacy against POST.

Materials and methods: In this prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, 105 patients (ASA I–II; age 18–65 years) scheduled for elective ear surgery under general orotracheal anesthesia were enrolled. Patients were randomly allocated into three groups: a placebo group; a flurbiprofen oral spray group; and a group receiving an oral spray containing benzydamine hydrochloride, chlorhexidine digluconate, and …

Are Paraplegic Wheelchair Users Vulnerable To Overuse Syndromes?, Kutay Tezel, Esra Ülgen Kiratlioğlu, Hüseyi̇n Kayadi̇bi̇, İlkay Karabay, Mi̇tat Cebeci̇, Eda Gürçay

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background and Aims: The purposes of this study are to determine the frequency of upper extremity overuse syndromes in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) using manual wheelchairs, to evaluate them clinically and sonographically, and to reveal possible factors that predispose to overuse syndromes.

Materials and methods: A total of 38 traumatic SCI patients who were over 18 years of age and manual wheelchair users were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. The patients were evaluated with clinical and sonographic findings of the wrist, elbow and shoulder joints. Functional capacity, physical ability and symptoms of upper extremity, and quality of …

Incidence Of And Risk Factors For Hyperoxemia Among Potentially Critically Ill Patients Treated In The Wards: A Retrospective Study, Mehmet Nuri̇ Yakar, Doğukan Şenberber, Ozan Balkabak, Nurgazy Shermatov, Kaan Köşker, Seli̇n Elden, Emel İbi̇şoğlu, Begüm Ergan, Volkan Hanci, Necati̇ Gökmen

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The literature shows a link between hyperoxemia and poor outcomes, whereas this association remains unclear in hospital wards. This study aims to determine the incidence of hyperoxemia in hospital wards and its risk factors.

Materials and methods: Patients aged ≥ 18 years who underwent an evaluation by an intensivist between 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2020, while receiving treatment in hospital wards, were included in the study following ethics committee approval. Patients with hypoxemia (partial pressure of oxygen [PaO2] < 60 mmHg), a condition related to Coronavirus disease 2019, a hospital stay < 1 day, or missing data were excluded. Patients were divided into two groups: normoxemia (60 mmHg ≤ PaO2 < 120 mmHg) and hyperoxemia.

Results: The incidence of hyperoxemia was 42.2%. Patients with hyperoxemia had longer hospital stays and higher intensive care unit …

Prognostic Role Of Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index And Pan-Immune-Inflammation Value In Acute Methanol Poisoning, Hati̇ce Şahi̇n, Gülay Ulusal Okyay, Fatma Ayerden Ebi̇nç, Fevzi̇ Coşkun Sökmen, Emre Yaşar, Gülşen Akçay, Mehmet Deni̇z Ayli

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Acute methanol poisoning (MP) poses a significant public health challenge, with inflammation increasingly recognized as a key factor in its pathophysiology. Identifying accessible and reliable prognostic biomarkers could help enhance clinical outcomes. This study aimed to assess the prognostic value of the Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index (SII) and the Pan-Immune-Inflammation Value (PIV), measured upon emergency department admission, in predicting in-hospital mortality in patients with acute MP.Material and methods: This retrospective study included patients diagnosed with acute MP at two tertiary care centers in Ankara, Türkiye [University of Health Sciences Dışkapı Yıldırım Beyazıt Education and Research Hospital (January 1, 2015–October 1, …

Mirna-Target Gene Network Analysis In Siblings With Cystic Fibrosis And Phenotypic Variability, Ayberk Mustafaoğlu, Senem Noyan, Yeli̇z Z. Akkaya Ulum, Bala Gür Dedeoğlu, Nagehan Emi̇rali̇oğlu, Uğur Özçeli̇k, Ebru Yalçin, Deni̇z Doğru, Nural Ki̇per, Di̇dem Dayangaç Erden

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive disease caused by mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. CF is characterized by respiratory tract infections, pancreatic insufficiency, meconium ileus, intestinal obstruction, and male infertility. A genotype to phenotype correlation is difficult to establish because of the heterogeneity of disease severity. Even patients with the same CFTR mutation can have varying clinical severities. In recent years, studies have explored the role of microRNA (miRNA) expression in the regulation of respiratory diseases. However, no research has been conducted to date on miRNAs in siblings with the same CFTR mutation. …

Erratum To " The Effect Of N-Acetylcysteine On Inflammation And Oxidative Stress In Cisplatin-Induced Nephrotoxicity: A Rat Model " [ Turkish Journal Of Medical Sciences 49 6 1789 1799], İnayet Güntürk, Cevat Yazici, Kader Köse, Fatma Dağli, Bi̇lal Yücel, Arzu Yay

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Due to an inadvertent error during the labeling of images in the figure included in the article, the authors have provided a revised version of the figure. In this updated version, the image corresponding to the NAC-250 group has been replaced with a new photograph, and all labels have been corrected accordingly.

This correction does not affect the conceptual content, results, statistical analysis, or conclusions of the article.The authors apologize for any confusion this may have caused.

The original article can be accessed at: https://doi.org/10.3906/sag-1903-225

Consensus Paper On Candida Auris By Türkiye Ekmud, Thsk Of Ministry Of Health Of The Republic Of Türkiye, Klimud, Tmc, Tard, Tybd And Id-Iri, Canan Ağalar, Hakan Erdem, Yasemi̇n Çağ, Bi̇lgi̇n Arda, Recep Balik, Ali̇ye Baştuğ, Burcu Dalyan-Ci̇lo, Nuretti̇n Erben, Esma Eryilmaz-Eren, Gülşen İskender, Ayşe Kalkanci, Ni̇lgün Karabiçak, Zeli̇ha Koçak-Tufan, Emi̇ne Parlak, Nagehan Di̇dem Sari, Murat Sayin, Seni̇ha Şenbayrak, Recep Teki̇n, Ayşegül Ulu-Kiliç, Tuğhan Utku, Ömrüm Uzun, Göknur Yapar Toros, Sevtap Arikan-Akdağli

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Candida auris is an emerging fungal pathogen that has become a critical global health concern due to its high antifungal resistance and potential to cause nosocomial outbreaks. Since its initial identification in Japan in 2009, C. auris has spread rapidly, posing significant treatment challenges across various healthcare settings worldwide. The biofilm formation ability of C. auris enhances its resilience against disinfectants and antifungal agents, complicating infection control in healthcare environments. This consensus report, developed with the collaboration of several Turkish medical specialty societies, including the Turkish Society of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology Specialty (EKMUD), the Turkish Society of Anesthesiology …

The Impact Of Alternatives To Incarceration And The Motherhood Identity On Mothers And Their Children: A Qualitative Study, Chloe Blau

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

The U.S. prison system population increasingly includes women, a significant proportion of whom are mothers, often incarcerated for non-violent crimes. Some research suggests that alternative to incarceration (ATI) programs can help these women to continue supporting their children while serving their sentences and receiving services that may decrease recidivism. However, few studies have explored the lived experiences of women in these programs. This dissertation investigates the impact of participating in ATI programs on mothers and their relationship to their motherhood identity, their ability to mother, and their relationship with their children. Using a qualitative approach to better understand how women …

The Effectiveness Of Pre-Packaged Literacy Curriculum: A Document Analysis Of The Culturally Responsive Tenets In Pre-Packaged Literacy Curriculum, Grace Ghazzawi

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

The introduction of the Common Core State Standards in 2010 sought to standardize educational expectations across the U.S., aiming to promote equity by ensuring all students received a high-quality education. However, educational disparities persist, particularly for historically marginalized students, leading to a continued achievement gap in literacy, especially among low-income students of color. While pre-packaged curricula have emerged as tools to align instruction with the rigor of the Common Core State Standards, their effectiveness in addressing the diverse needs of students from marginalized backgrounds remains uncertain. This study explores the intersection of pre-packaged literacy curricula and Culturally Responsive Teaching (CRT) …

The Influence Of Remote Instruction On Middle School Ell Students' New Jersey State Learning Assessment English Ela And Math Achievement, Marie Chezuette Dort

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

This correlational study explained the influence of remote instruction on English Language Learner (ELL) students' middle school grades on the New Jersey Student Learning Assessment (NJSLA) achievement in English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics. This study focused on data collected in two separate school years and analyzed middle school grades with the ELL Subgroup. It indicated the correlation between remote instruction and ELL students' ELA and mathematical performance in the NJSLA Grades 6, 7, and 8. This study also included controlled variables, Grades 3, 4, and 5, from 2018-2019 and other student characteristics, the percentage of economically disadvantaged students and …

A Systematic Review To Assess The Use Of Peer Mediated Interventions For Children With Autism When Autistic Children Serve As Peer Instructors And Models, Corinne Boyce-Swem

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in social communication, social interactions and restricted, repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior, interest or activities. These deficits hinder autistic children’s social and communicative skills. Peer-mediated interventions (PMIs) have been found effective in the development of communication, play and social skills in individuals with ASD. In PMIs typically developing children are trained to be peer models of socially acceptable behavior for children with ASD. This however may contrast with literature indicating that the most effective peer models are individuals who share similarities with the learner. The current study was …

Does The Literature Empirically Support The Use Of Behavior Analysis In The Treatment Of Sports Related Concussions: A Systemic Review, Kayla Mckoy

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Although the literature supports the use of applied behavior analytic (ABA) interventions in the treatment of traumatic and acquired brain injuries, the question remains as to whether or not ABA procedures are an effective treatment option specifically for TBI associated with sports related concussion (SRC). The purpose of the present study was to review the literature available on the use of ABA with individuals diagnosed with sport related TBI to determine if there is enough research to empirically support the use of behavior analysis in the treatment of sport related concussions. The PRISMA method for systematic reviews was used to …

Characterization Of Electrical And Optical Properties Of Europium Oxide, Mshari H. Alhsawi

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

Oxide semiconductors with high optical transparency hold significant promise for a broad range of optical applications. Among them, europium oxide (Eu₂O₃ ) has garnered considerable attention for its potential in transistor devices, resistive random-access memory (RRAM), white light-emitting devices, and erasable optical storage systems. Additionally, Eu₂O₃ is employed in nanoscale applications, such as photoactive coatings and high-k dielectrics. Its advantageous dielectric properties and high transmittance make it particularly well-suited for capacitor fabrication. The material also exhibits resistive switching behavior and notable optical absorption, further enhancing its relevance for optoelectronic devices.

In this study, Eu₂O₃ thin films were deposited using RF …

Supervised Topic Modeling For Scientific Texts: Bayesian Shrinkage Methods And Domain-Specific Applications In Forensics And Online Aggression Sciences, Amir Alipour Yengejeh

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

Topic modeling has become a powerful tool for analyzing large-scale textual corpora across scientific domains. However, traditional unsupervised approaches like Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) often produce redundant or weakly informative topics, limiting their interpretability and predictive utility. This dissertation presents a dual-track study that advances the field of interpretable topic modeling and domain-specific text analysis by (1) quantitatively analyzing research trends in Cyber Aggression and Abuse (CAA), and (2) developing a supervised topic selection framework for forensic science literature.

In the first part, we apply LDA to a corpus of 2,309 journal abstracts on CAA sourced from the Web of …

Preserving Florida History In 3d: A Digital Public History Project Preserving Paleo-Native American Artifacts And Jack West Architecture From Warm Mineral Springs, Florida, Trevor D. Colaneri

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

This thesis project examines low-cost photogrammetry and 3D walkthrough tours to preserve a collection of artifacts and buildings from Warm Mineral Springs, Florida. The documented objects and structures consist of a small collection of artifacts from Warm Mineral Springs currently held by Florida’s Bureau of Archaeological Research and three buildings designed by noted architect Jack West, a Sarasota School of Architecture member, which suffered extensive damage from a category five hurricane in 2022. Warm Mineral Springs is an archaeologically significant site and is one of the few sites in Florida that demonstrate significant paleo-Native American cultural remains that has also …

“Rights Not Rescue”: How Stigma Influences Harmful Legislation Toward Sex Workers In The Deep South, Abigail Mckenzie Conover

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

In the United States, while prostitution or sex work is not explicitly illegal at a federal level, certain characteristics have been criminalized, mainly in indirect ways. This is significant when considering the different ways that sex work is regarded (both positively and negatively) at an institutional level. The current study examines the potential correlation between structural/institutional stigma regarding sex work/sex workers and legislation meant to directly or indirectly harm sex workers. The overall goal of this research was to answer the following question: How does structural/institutional stigma against sex workers present itself in legislation? To accomplish this, I conducted a …

Pride Or Prejudice: An Examination Of Queer Content In Florida High Schools, Niamh L. Harrop

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

This thesis explores how queer individuals reflect on the presence—or more often, the absence—of queer content in their high school education. Despite increasing visibility of LGBTQ+ people in popular culture and legal reform, formal educational spaces remain largely heteronormative and cisnormative structured from a heterosexual and cisgender standpoint. Through a critical qualitative approach, this study draws on semi-structured interviews with 13 queer participants who attended high school in Florida in the years between the legalization of same-sex marriage in 2015 and the passage of Florida’s H.B. 1557 (“Don’t Say Gay” law) in 2022. Using thematic analysis, four key themes were …