Objectives Recently, it was shown that the Regional Oral Dryness Inventory (RODI) could determine differences in dry-mouth perception at different intra-oral locations. The main aim of this study was to determine whether the RODI might help to discriminate between various causes of oral dryness in dry-mouth patients. The second aim was to ascertain whether the RODI could become an additional diagnostic tool in dry-mouth patients. Materials and methods Data were collected retrospectively from patients who visited a specialized saliva clinic. Salivary flow rates, Xerostomia Inventory scores, and RODI scores were extracted from the medical records. Patients were stratified into subgroups according to their health status. Results Five hundred twenty-eight patients participated in this study (mean age of 59.6 ± 16.0 years; 68.4% female). Specific patient groups differed with regard to the region of the mouth they experienced as the most and least dry. The posterior palate was the area perceived as most dry by controls and Sjögren patients. In patients using limited or multiple medications, it was the anterior tongue. RODI scores also differed significantly among dry-mouth patient groups: whereas controls and patients using limited medication had the lowest RODI scores and experienced less intra-oral dryness, Sjögren patients had the highest RODI scores. Conclusion Our use of the RODI questionnaire showed that perceived intra-oral dryness differed between the various dry-mouth patients. Clinical relevance The RODI can be a valuable clinical diagnostic tool in dry-mouth diagnostics, in which it can be used to discriminate between the various causes of oral dryness in patients.

This study aims to identify the income level required for agricultural enterprises to achieve economic sustainability. The theory behind the equation used to calculate a sustainable income is explained. The ecological, technical, social and economic components of sustainability in agricultural enterprises have been identified and discussed and the importance of economic sustainability in terms of achieving total sustainability has been emphasised. Economic sustainability was divided into three components incorporating the income needed to meet the cost of living and to address depreciation and interest costs for the enterprise. Those enterprises that achieved this income level were determined to be economically sustainable. For this purpose, data was collected by using a face-to-face survey method with 181 agricultural enterprises operating in Konya and analysed in line with the purpose of the study. According to the results of our analysis, it was observed that more than 150 enterprises were not sustainable.

The agricultural sector is being supported in Turkey, as well as in the world. The issue of competitiveness is observed in agriculture, despite supports. This study aims at investigating the impact of agricultural supports in Turkey on competitiveness of agricultural products. Vector autoregression (VAR) model has been adopted in the study. The internal terms of trade (TOT), percentage producer support estimate (PSE), and the producer nominal protection coefficient (NPC) variables have been included in the model. The internal terms of trade in Turkey have developed over time against the benefit of agricultural sector. PSE has had a significant impact on TOT. Therefore, the use of PSE as a political variable has been concluded as a significant. Means of support must be discussed in Turkey more than the amount of supports. In particular, supports that will provide farmers with competitive advantage and boost up product farmyard prices will be more efficient and beneficial for farmers.

World trade in agricultural products, tends to increase. Turkey is among the countries in foreign trade advantages with its agricultural potential. As one of the most important tomato producer countries, monitoring of developments in the world tomatoes trade is extremely important for Turkey. The aim of this study was to evaluate Turkey’s position in world tomato trade. The developments of tomato foreign trade between Turkey and importer countries were analysed using Trade Intensity Analysis Method. Turkey supplied %75 of total tomato exports to Russia. Ukraine, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Syria and Israel are important markets for tomato export. The epidemic (Covid-19 virus) has also been reflected in the international trade balances in tomato production. Giving importance to Turkey’s political relations and to boost its exports by providing market diversity, it is important for the sustainability of tomato exports. In this context, market researches should be conducted specially to find and entrance into new markets. Besides the fresh tomato, the activities for the export of tomato paste and canned tomato should be implemented.