IKSAD JOURNAL

Treatment of Panic Disorder with Psychoeducation: Abbreviated Therapy Technique

2025-08-08T13:04:28+03:00

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of psychoeducational interventions in individuals diagnosed with panic disorder (PD). Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder that significantly impairs quality of life, characterized by symptoms such as intense fear, palpitations, shortness of breath, and a sense of loss of control. In this research, a structured psychoeducation program incorporating a brief therapy technique was administered to 29 participants (17 female, 12 male). Pre- and post-intervention data were collected using the Panic Attack Severity Scale, the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, and the Beck Depression Inventory. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software. Paired samples t-tests and repeated measures ANOVA were conducted, and the findings revealed that the psychoeducational intervention significantly reduced symptoms of panic attacks, anxiety, and depression (p<0.05). The intervention was observed to be effective in enhancing cognitive awareness, restructuring traumatic memory, and improving the recognition of physiological symptoms. In addition, the program addressed hyperventilation management and coping skills for agoraphobic fears, resulting in positive outcomes. These findings suggest that psychoeducation may serve as a significant and effective complementary therapeutic method in the treatment of panic disorder.

Progress of Insurance Companies in Albania from 2018 to 2024

2025-05-12T00:40:19+03:00

Insurance Companies that extend their activity in the territory of the state of Albania, represent an important voice of non-banking financial institutions within the economy of our country. One of the most important objectives of this paper, presented by the authors, has to do with the realization of an assessment of the financial performance of some of the most important companies operating in our country. With special attention to identifying potential opportunities for increasing the level of sustainability and increasing the level of profitability. The authors have used a multifaceted approach, including quantitative and qualitative data in the methodology to better analyze and analyze the main Financial Indicators that affect the insurance industry. The financial analysis carried out by the authors is based on the official financial statements of the Insurance Companies. This analysis uses financial reports to show the performance of the insurance companies that are taken into study. To carry out a complete assessment through these reports, information on the financial statements of the insurance companies studied is needed. Another important part of this paper is dedicated specifically to insurance related to health care insurance in our country.

The Progress and Development of E-Banking in Albania

2025-05-12T00:47:09+03:00

The authors in this paper have described the progress and development of electronic banking services in Albania during the last five years and have aimed to analyze and describe the importance of these services they offer for the Financial System. The variety and variety of electronic financial services offered by the Banking System is an essential aspect of the Financial Sector throughout the world, including Albania. The paper presented by the authors uses different sources of information provided by serious institutions such as Reports Published by the Central Bank of the State of Albania, Various Reports published by Commercial Banks operating in our country. Also included in this paper are Financial Market Analysis and other sources used to update the situation of various electronic services offered by the banking sector. Another aspect that is addressed in this paper is the impact of information and communication technology on the development of electronic services offered by the banking sector. This includes the use of mobile applications, bank websites and electronic payment platforms. At the end of this study, the challenges and opportunities that are expected to arise for electronic services offered by the banking sector in the future will be assessed. This analysis aims to provide a deeper understanding of the development of second level banks in the context of our country and to determine the potential future perspectives of this financial sector.

Urbanization and Economic Growth Relationship Analysis

2025-07-21T23:59:52+03:00

The relationship between urbanization and economic growth is considered one of the fundamental dynamics of economic development. Urbanization is a phenomenon that occurs through the process of migration from rural areas to city centres; This process affects economic growth both locally and globally, positively or negatively. The urbanization process has become one of the important forces of economic growth. Large cities, thanks to their high population density, encourage economies of scale and enable the workforce to work more effectively. One of the main reasons why countries in Europe and North America were successful in the industrialization process in the 19th and 20th centuries was possible because the relationship between urbanization and economic growth complemented each other effectively and dynamically. The industrialization process has contributed significantly to the expansion of production, the success of the supply system, and the easy transport and sale of goods to the market by triggering urbanization.

Urbanization brings with it infrastructure investments. Basic infrastructure such as transportation, energy, technology and innovation, water and waste management are important for economic growth. Such investments ensure that products are produced efficiently and growth is maintained steadily. It shows that urbanization has many mechanisms that support economic growth and generally has a positive effect. In particular, factors such as industrialization, innovation, spread of technological and physical infrastructure, and the strengthening and development of human capital show that urbanization has positive effects on growth.

According to the Granger Causality Test, the urbanization rate is both a short-term and long-term cause of economic growth. In other words, the structure of urbanization increases economic growth. Migration rate and population growth have a direct causal relationship with per capita income and industrialization. In particular, it has been observed that rural-to-urban migration encourages the contributions of the industrial sector and promotes economic growth. There is a strong and positive relationship between education level and per capita income. Increasing the level of education enhances productivity, thereby improving economic efficiency. There is an inverse relationship between the green space ratio and urbanization. As urbanization increases, the amount of green space per capita decreases. This situation emphasizes the need for enriched sustainable development policies. There is also a strong relationship between water usage and industrialization. With the increase in industrialization, the demand for water has grown, but this has raised concerns regarding the sustainability of growth.

The Meaning and Nature of the Companions' Ijtihad In The Presence of the Prophet (Pbuh)

2025-06-25T15:59:48+03:00

In Islamic law, while some judgements are obtained through absolute evidence such as the Qur'an and the Sunnah, others are reached through presumptive evidence such as ijtihad. Although the activities involving ijtihad started as early as the prophetic period, not every ijtihad was at the same level. For example, the ijtihad of the Companions was not accepted as equal to the Prophet's ijtihad. In addition, it is also seen that the use of the term “ijtihad” here does not have the same meaning as in the usul al-fiqh. Considering the correlation of ijtihad with other absolute evidences, situations may arise in which it cannot be considered as mere ijtihad. An example of this can be seen in the ijtihad of the Companions in the presence of the Prophet. Some scholars have stated that some of the actions of the Companions in the presence of the Prophet can be seen as absolute ijtihad. This study centres on this view and examines what kind of problems would arise from thinking that the Companions could make absolute ijtihad in the presence of the Prophet. Considering the relationship of this claim with the concepts such as confirmation (taqrīrī) sunnah, unwritten revelation (wahy ghayr matluw) and Companions' View (Qawl Al-Sahabah), the procedural contradictions that this claim would cause were tried to be analysed. As a result, considering the meaning that the claimants themselves attributed to the concept of confirmation (taqrīrī) sunnah, it was concluded that the Companions' ijtihad in the presence of the Prophet would be like acts melting into the encompassingnes of the confirmation (taqrīrī) sunnah, and that the nomenclature of ijtihad could not go beyond a formal nomenclature since all the ways of reaching judgement in an environment where there is the presence of the Sharī' would be somehow related to the Qur'an and Sunnah. However, when the examples related to the subject are examined, it is concluded that if the Companions' ijtihad is to be mentioned, it can only be realised with the permission and supervision of the Prophet.

Lecturer's Perceptions of Online Learning During Covid-19Pandemic.

2025-06-28T11:49:42+03:00

The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has resulted in over 7 million deaths and more than 776 million confirmed cases globally. The severity and rapid transmission of the virus prompted widespread lockdowns, including the closure of educational institutions. In response to this disruption, online learning became the primary mode of instruction across many universities. This study investigates lecturers’ perspectives of online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic at Kebbi State University of Science and Technology (KSUSTA).

A descriptive survey design was adopted to explore the phenomenon, while a quantitative approach was used to provide statistical insight into the relationship between independent and dependent variables. The study population consisted of 192 respondents selected from eight departments. The sample size was determined using both purposive and random sampling methods to ensure representativeness. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire developed in alignment with the study objectives. The instrument was divided into three sections and designed on a four-point Likert scale. It was administered to 50 respondents across five departments.

The Content Validity Index (CVI) of the instrument was calculated at 0.9, confirming its validity. Reliability was assessed using Pearson’s Moment Correlation. Data analysis involved the use of mean scores and frequency distributions. The findings revealed an average mean score of 3.21 for the first research question, indicating a generally positive perception of online learning. The second question recorded a mean score of 3.14, reflecting significant challenges in delivering online education effectively. The third question yielded a mean score of 2.96, indicating that while lecturers’ roles were recognized as critical, they require further enhancement for a fully effective online learning experience.

The study concludes that improving digital competence, strengthening infrastructure, supporting diversity, enhancing interaction, and monitoring emerging challenges are essential for sustaining effective online learning at KSUSTA during and beyond the pandemic.

Investigation of Possible Changes in Serum Adiponectin Adipsin and Visfatin Levels in Diabetic Rats

2025-07-18T13:33:57+03:00

Objective: Diabetes Mellitus is a health problem with a high treatment cost. It has been suggested that some of the adipokines worsen diabetes, while others have antidiabetic effects and reduce diabetic complications. However, it seems that the possible relationships between adipokines and diabetes are not sufficiently clarified. For this reason, in our experimental research project; Serum levels of adipokines and the effects of possible changes on glucose metabolism in diabetic rats will be investigated.

Materials and Methods: Twenty-one Wistar albino male rats weighing between 380-434 g were provided for the experimental study. During the experiment, these rats' room temperatures, nutrition and living environments were adjusted according to the groups. 21 adult male rats were divided into 3 groups, 7 in each. Adiponectin, visfatin and adipsin levels of the groups were recorded by taking their blood serum. In addition, the levels of Glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase, Pyruvate kinase and Hexokinase, which are liver enzymes of rats, were evaluated.

Results: The body weights of the diabetic group rats were found to be very low and statistically significant in the post-procedure measurements (p<0.001). In addition, blood glucose values were found to be significantly higher and statistically significant in both diabetic and metformin group rats compared to pre-procedure (p<0.001). Adiponectin and adipsin levels in the diabetic group were found to be lower and statistically significant compared to both the control and metformin groups (p<0.05). In addition, visfatin level was found to be higher and statistically significant in the diabetic group compared to the control group (p<0.05).

Conclusion: While glucose levels and visfatin values were higher in diabetic rats compared to control and metformin groups, we found low adiponectin, adipsin and insulin resistance values.

Cost-Effectiveness of Acupuncture: A Systematic Review

2025-07-02T22:32:25+03:00

Amaç: Bu araştırmanın amacı tamamlayıcı ve alternatif tıp (TAT) alanında akupunktur uygulamasının maliyet etkililiğini sistematik derleme yöntemi analiz etmektir.

Materyal ve Yöntem: Bu sistematik derlemede, Scopus, Dergi Park ve Google Akademik veri tabanından “akupunktur, tamamlayıcı ve alternatif tıp ile maliyet analizi’’ anahtar kelimeleri kullanılarak tarama yapılmıştır. Toplam 20940 makale belirlenmiştir. Araştırma verilerinin analizinde sistematik tarama kullanılmıştır. Sistematik derlemenin sağlık bakımındaki önemi, kanıta dayalı uygulamalarda en güçlü kanıtların üretildiği bir araştırma yöntemi olmasından dolayı giderek artmaktadır. Ayrıca Mendeley programına yüklenen çalışmaların PICOS sorularından cevap elde edilebilecek biçimde okunarak araştırma çerçevesi dışında kalan çalışmalar ile tam metin formatına ulaşılamayan çalışmalar dışlanmıştır. Dahil etme ve hariç tutma kriterlerinin uygulanması sonucunda değerlendirmeye alınacak çalışma sayısı 80’e indirilmiştir. Bu 80 çalışama içerisinde karşılaştırılan tedavilerin TAT tedavisi ile maliyet tasarrufunun diğer tedavi yöntemlerine kıyasla sağlık alanında gelişme sağladığının belirlenmesi nedeniyle yapılacak araştırma 18 çalışmaya indirilmiştir. Araştırmaya dahil edilen çalışmaların analiz bölümünde PRISMA’dan (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) yararlanılmıştır. Tarama, yayın yılı 2014-2018 arası, yayın dili İngilizce ve tarama alanı başlık, özet ve anahtar kelimeler olarak sınırlandırılmıştır.

Bulgular: Almanya, İngiltere, Hollanda, ABD gibi dünyanın çeşitli bölgelerindeki hastane ve kliniklerinde uygulanan akupunktur tedavi yönteminin sonucunda kronik bel ve sırt ağrıları, kas-iskelet kaynaklı ağrılar, karpal tünel sendromu, alerjik rinit, osteoartrit ve dismenoreli gibi pek çok hastalıkta olumlu gelişmelerin yaşandığı ve akupunktur tedavisinin normal tedavi yöntemlerine kıyasla maliyet etkin bir tedavi yöntemi olduğu tespit edilmiştir.

Sonuç ve Öneriler: Yapılan kapsamlı inceleme neticesinde geçmiş araştırmalarda değinilmeyen akupunktur uygulamasının maliyet etkinlik analizine ilişkin kanıtlar ortaya çıkarılmıştır. Böylece tanımlayıcı alternatif tıp alanında yapılacak gelecekteki araştırmalara çeşitli önerilerde bulunulmuştur. Bu sebeple araştırmacıların TAT alanındaki ekonomik değerlendirmelere çalışmalarında daha fazla yer vereceğini umut ediyoruz.

The Evolution of Artificial Intelligence and Its Interaction with Blockchain

2025-08-29T20:52:33+03:00

The evolving technology, which has become popular recently along with the digitalized world, has brought about many integrations with the evolution of artificial intelligence. The resurgence of blockchain technology, which has resurfaced with cryptocurrencies, is one of these integrations that stands out. It is likely to observe acceleration, practicality, and, more importantly, secure progress in business processes as a result of the combination of the infrastructure used by artificial intelligence and the infrastructure of blockchain technology. Decision-makers in the economy are expected to involve artificial intelligence in the decisions they have made or will make with this technological integration. Blockchain technology is crucial not only for companies but also for all decision-makers in the economy in terms of providing decision-makers with a more secure progress and allowing high data-based artificial intelligence to create blocks that securely store this data in today's age. The study will provide insights into this integration and possible scenarios. It is believed that the combination of artificial intelligence with blockchain technology will pave the way for new business models, bring about new opportunities, and create more transparent and reliable business environments.