The aim of this study was to examine the effects of smartphone use on the median nerve. Materials and Methods: Participants were classified into three groups according to their smartphone use frequencies; high smartphone users (with Smartphone addiction scale (SAS) score of higher than 71), low smartphone users (SAS score less than 71) and classical type mobile phones users. The Visual analogue scale (VAS), quick-disabilities of arm, shoulder, hand (qDASH) and median nerve conductions of the participants were assessed. Groups were compared to each other as well as dominant and non-dominant hand nerve measurements of participants were also compared. Results: VAS and qDASH values were not significantly different between groups. It was observed that the rare use of smartphones affected the median nerve conductions in a lesser manner compared to the classical mobile phone use. However, using smart phone in an increasing rate influenced the median nerves adversely. Conclusion: Excessive use of smartphone can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome via affecting the median nerve. In recent decades, there has been a widespread use of smartphones even at the level of addiction. This should be noted while designing the smartphones and voice applications should be used more often. Furthermore, it can be beneficial to follow up the median nerve conductions of patients who are addicted to smartphones with the help of electrophysiological studies.

The purpose of this chapter is to review internal audit and internal control functions in the banking industry by taking into account the international COSO framework. The financial industry is regarded as one of the key elements of a stable economy. It is a well-known fact that financial institutions in general—banks in particular (public or private, foreign or local)—need to have a sound internal system to implement the high principle of ‘maker-checker-supervisor-auditor'. The study examines the application of internal systems in the Turkish banking industry primarily and covers not only the theory, application, and legislative sides, but also organizational structure and development of audit and control activity in the banking sector.

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We examine voluntary private pension funds and their relationship to capital market development. Using data from Turkey, we analyse depth, efficiency and liquidity indicators of capital markets after the introduction of voluntary private pension funds in 2003. Overall, our findings indicate that the introduction of voluntary private pension plans are positively associated with indicators of capital market development, focusing on market depth (such as market capitalisation and trading volume) in both debt and equity markets. We also observe that indicators for other more recently established markets are also positively associated with the introduction of voluntary pension plans. In contrast, equity market turnover shows a negative association. These findings, along with the positive association with the corporate governance index, suggest that pension funds are important for capital market development and for corporate governance of firms as they are long-term investors. However, the introduction of state contributions in 2013 is not robust to alternative specifications.

We provide an overview of the voluntary pension fund market in Turkey by starting with recent developments in the global pension markets and then focusing on the pension fund reform in Turkey and the following developments since 2003. Findings from the literature indicate that the reforms on the introduction of voluntary pension funds in Turkey have positive implications for the overall national savings rates and capital market development. Voluntary pension funds create extra income for beneficiaries after their retirement. However, redesigning the system in a simplified structure is necessary in order to increase participation, inclusion and also to ensure persistency.