bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Figure S5 from BRCA1 Insufficiency Induces a Hypersialylated Acidic Tumor Microenvironment That Promotes Metastasis and Immunotherapy Resistance
Authors: Shu Xiaodong , Li Jianjie , Chan Un In , Su Sek Man , Shi Changxiang , Zhang Xin , An Tingting , Xu Jun , Mo Lihua , Liu Jianlin , Wang Yuqing , Li Xiaoling , Deng Min , Lei Josh Haipeng , Wang Chunfei , Tian Hao , Heng Sun , Shim Joong Sup , Zhang Xuanjun , Dai Yunlu , Yao Zhicheng , Kuang Xiaying , Lin Ying , Deng Chu-Xia , Xu Xiaoling
Published: August 2023

Original picture
Data from Proteasome Inhibition Sensitizes Liposarcoma to MDM2 Inhibition with Nutlin-3 by Activating the ATF4/CHOP Stress Response Pathway
Authors: Ludwig Michael P. , Galbraith Matthew D. , Eduthan Neetha Paul , Hill Amanda A. , Clay Michael R. , Tellez Cristiam Moreno , Wilky Breelyn A. , Elias Anthony , Espinosa Joaquin M. , Sullivan Kelly D.
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Liposarcoma is the most commonly occurring soft-tissue sarcoma and is frequently characterized by amplification of chromosome region 12q13–15 harboring the oncogenes MDM2 and CDK4. This unique genetic profile makes liposarcoma an attractive candidate for targeted therapeutics. While CDK4/6 inhibitors are currently employed for treatment of several cancers, MDM2 inhibitors have yet to attain clinical approval. Here, we report the molecular characterization of the response of liposarcoma to the MDM2 inhibitor nutlin-3. Treatment with nutlin-3 led to upregulation of two nodes of the proteostasis network: the ribosome and the proteasome. CRISPR/Cas9 was used to perform a genome-wide loss of function screen that identified PSMD9, which encodes a proteasome subunit, as a regulator of response to nutlin-3. Accordingly, pharmacologic studies with a panel of proteasome inhibitors revealed strong combinatorial induction of apoptosis with nutlin-3. Mechanistic studies identified activation of the ATF4/CHOP stress response axis as a potential node of interaction between nutlin-3 and the proteasome inhibitor carfilzomib. CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing experiments confirmed that ATF4, CHOP, and the BH3-only protein, NOXA, are all required for nutlin-3 and carfilzomib-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, activation of the unfolded protein response using tunicamycin and thapsigargin was sufficient to activate the ATF4/CHOP stress response axis and sensitize to nutlin-3. Finally, cell line and patient-derived xenograft models demonstrated combinatorial effects of treatment with idasanutlin and carfilzomib on liposarcoma growth in vivo. Together, these data indicate that targeting of the proteasome could improve the efficacy of MDM2 inhibitors in liposarcoma.
Significance:
Targeting the proteasome in combination with MDM2 inhibition activates the ATF4/CHOP stress response axis to induce apoptosis in liposarcoma, providing a potential therapeutic approach for the most common soft-tissue sarcoma.
Genome-Scale Methylation Analysis Identifies Immune Profiles and Age Acceleration Associations with Bladder Cancer Outcomes
Authors: Chen Ji-Qing , Salas Lucas A. , Wiencke John K. , Koestler Devin C. , Molinaro Annette M. , Andrew Angeline S. , Seigne John D. , Karagas Margaret R. , Kelsey Karl T. , Christensen Brock C.
Published: August 2023

Background:

Immune profiles have been associated with bladder cancer outcomes and may have clinical applications for prognosis. However, associations of detailed immune cell subtypes with patient outcomes remain underexplored and may contribute crucial prognostic information for better managing bladder cancer recurrence and survival.

Methods:

Bladder cancer case peripheral blood DNA methylation was measured using the Illumina HumanMethylationEPIC array. Extended cell-type deconvolution quantified 12 immune cell-type proportions, including memory, naïve T and B cells, and granulocyte subtypes. DNA methylation clocks determined biological age. Cox proportional hazards models tested associations of immune cell profiles and age acceleration with bladder cancer outcomes. The partDSA algorithm discriminated 10-year overall survival groups from clinical variables and immune cell profiles, and a semi-supervised recursively partitioned mixture model (SS-RPMM) with DNA methylation data was applied to identify a classifier for 10-year overall survival.

Results:

Higher CD8T memory cell proportions were associated with better overall survival [HR = 0.95, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.93–0.98], while higher neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (HR = 1.36, 95% CI = 1.23–1.50), CD8T naïve (HR = 1.21, 95% CI = 1.04–1.41), neutrophil (HR = 1.04, 95% CI = 1.03–1.06) proportions, and age acceleration (HR = 1.06, 95% CI = 1.03–1.08) were associated with worse overall survival in patient with bladder cancer. partDSA and SS-RPMM classified five groups of subjects with significant differences in overall survival.

Conclusions:

We identified associations between immune cell subtypes and age acceleration with bladder cancer outcomes.

Impact:

The findings of this study suggest that bladder cancer outcomes are associated with specific methylation-derived immune cell-type proportions and age acceleration, and these factors could be potential prognostic biomarkers.
Analysis of Tumor Microenvironment Changes after Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy with or without Bevacizumab in Advanced Ovarian Cancer (GEICO-89T/MINOVA Study)
Authors: Tavira Beatriz , Iscar Teresa , Manso Luis , Santaballa Ana , Gil-Martin Marta , García García Yolanda , Romeo Margarita , Iglesias Maria , de Juan Ferré Ana , Barretina-Ginesta María Pilar , Manzano Aranzazu , Gaba Lydia , Rubio María Jesús , de Andrea Carlos E. , González-Martín Antonio
Published: August 2023

Purpose:

The aim of our study was to elucidate the impact of bevacizumab added to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) on the tumor immune microenvironment and correlate the changes with the clinical outcome of the patients.

Experimental Design:

IHC and multiplex immunofluorescence for lymphoid and myeloid lineage markers were performed in matched tumor samples from 23 patients with ovarian cancer enrolled in GEICO 1205/NOVA clinical study before NACT and at the time of interval cytoreductive surgery.

Results:

Our results showed that the addition of bevacizumab to NACT plays a role mainly on lymphoid populations at the stromal compartment, detecting a significant decrease of CD4+ T cells, an increase of CD8+ T cells, and an upregulation in effector/regulatory cell ratio (CD8+/CD4+FOXP3+). None of the changes observed were detected in the intra-epithelial site in any arm (NACT or NACT-bevacizumab). No differences were found in myeloid lineage (macrophage-like). The percentage of Treg populations and effector/regulatory cell ratio in the stroma were the only two variables significantly associated with progression-free survival (PFS).

Conclusions:

The addition of bevacizumab to NACT did not have an impact on PFS in the GEICO 1205 study. However, at the cellular level, changes in CD4+, CD8+ lymphocyte populations, and CD8+/CD4+FOXP3 ratio have been detected only at the stromal site. On the basis of our results, we hypothesize about the existence of mechanisms of resistance that could prevent the trafficking of T-effector cells into the epithelial component of the tumor as a potential explanation for the lack of efficacy of ICI in the first-line treatment of advanced epithelial ovarian cancer.

See related commentary by Soberanis Pina and Oza, p. 12
SETD2 Loss and ATR Inhibition Synergize to Promote cGAS Signaling and Immunotherapy Response in Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Liu Xian-De , Zhang Yan-Ting , McGrail Daniel J. , Zhang Xuesong , Lam Truong , Hoang Anh , Hasanov Elshad , Manyam Ganiraju , Peterson Christine B. , Zhu Haifeng , Kumar Shwetha V. , Akbani Rehan , Pilie Patrick G. , Tannir Nizar M. , Peng Guang , Jonasch Eric
Published: August 2023

Purpose:

Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) demonstrates durable clinical benefits in a minority of patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC). We aimed to identify the molecular features that determine the response and develop approaches to enhance it.

Experimental Design:

We investigated the effects of SET domain-containing protein 2 (SETD2) loss on the DNA damage response pathway, the cytosolic DNA-sensing pathway, the tumor immune microenvironment, and the response to ataxia telangiectasia and rad3-related (ATR) and checkpoint inhibition in RCC.

Results:

ATR inhibition activated the cyclic GMP–AMP synthase (cGAS)-interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3)–dependent cytosolic DNA-sensing pathway, resulting in the concurrent expression of inflammatory cytokines and immune checkpoints. Among the common RCC genotypes, SETD2 loss is associated with preferential ATR activation and sensitizes cells to ATR inhibition. SETD2 knockdown promoted the cytosolic DNA-sensing pathway in response to ATR inhibition. Treatment with the ATR inhibitor VE822 concurrently upregulated immune cell infiltration and immune checkpoint expression in Setd2 knockdown Renca tumors, providing a rationale for ATR inhibition plus ICB combination therapy. Setd2-deficient Renca tumors demonstrated greater vulnerability to ICB monotherapy or combination therapy with VE822 than Setd2-proficient tumors. Moreover, SETD2 mutations were associated with a higher response rate and prolonged overall survival in patients with ICB-treated RCC but not in patients with non–ICB-treated RCC.

Conclusions:

SETD2 loss and ATR inhibition synergize to promote cGAS signaling and enhance immune cell infiltration, providing a mechanistic rationale for the combination of ATR and checkpoint inhibition in patients with RCC with SETD2 mutations.
Data from The role of protein arginine methyltransferases in pathogenesis and treatment of digestive system carcinoma
Authors: Wang Bin , Ding Dong , Zhang Xiaoan , Zhang Junxi , Zhang Huanhuan , Liu Xinxin , Chang Hui , Gao Zhan , Yu Zengli
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Post-translational modification of proteins increases their diversity and maintains the stability of the intracellular environment. Protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs) are an important family of epigenetic modification enzymes, which play a critical role in post-translational modification. In recent years, with the in-depth study of the role of epigenetics, the structure and function of PRMTs have been gradually understood. PRMT enzymatic activity is related to a variety of cellular processes in digestive system malignancies, such as inflammation and immune response, activation of cell cycle and proliferation, inhibition of apoptosis, DNA damage repair, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). A variety of chemical tools are developed to inhibit PRMT activity, which have been verified by tumor models and clinical trials. This review summarizes the structure and functions of PRMTs as a prelude to our further studies on their role in tumors. The involvement of different PRMTs in the pathogenesis of gastrointestinal tumors is then reviewed. In addition, the application of PRMT inhibitors as therapeutic agents for digestive system cancers is highlighted. In conclusion, PRMTs play an important role in the pathogenesis of gastrointestinal tumors, and their prognostic and therapeutic potential warrants further investigation.
Data from Bromo- and Extra-Terminal Domain Inhibitors Induce Mitochondrial Stress in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Rana Manjul , Kansal Rita G. , Bisunke Bijay , Fang Jie , Shibata David , Bajwa Amandeep , Yang Jun , Glazer Evan S.
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Identifying novel, unique, and personalized molecular targets for patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains the greatest challenge in altering the biology of fatal tumors. Bromo- and Extra-Terminal domain (BET) proteins are activated in a non-canonical fashion by TGF-β, a ubiquitous cytokine in the PDAC tumor microenvironment (TME). We hypothesized that BET inhibitors (BETi) represent a new class of drugs that attack PDAC tumors via a novel mechanism. Using a combination of patient and syngeneic murine models, we investigated the effects of the BETi drug BMS-986158 on cellular proliferation, organoid growth, cell cycle progression, and mitochondrial metabolic disruption. These were investigated independently and in combination with standard cytotoxic chemotherapy (gemcitabine + paclitaxel [GemPTX] ). BMS-986158 reduced cell viability and proliferation across multiple PDAC cell lines in a dose-dependent manner, even more so in combination with cytotoxic chemotherapy (p<0.0001). We found that BMS-986158 reduced both human and murine PDAC organoid growth (p<0.001), with associated perturbations in the cell cycle leading to cell cycle arrest. BMS-986158 disrupts normal cancer-dependent mitochondrial function, leading to aberrant mitochondrial metabolism and stress via dysfunctional cellular respiration, proton leakage, and ATP production. We demonstrated mechanistic and functional data that BETi induces metabolic mitochondrial dysfunction, abrogating PDAC progression and proliferation, alone and in combination with systemic cytotoxic chemotherapies. This novel approach improves the therapeutic window in patients with PDAC and offers another treatment approach distinct from cytotoxic chemotherapy that targets cancer cell bioenergetics.
Data from Critical Role of 6-Phosphogluconate Dehydrogenase in TAp73-Mediated Cancer Cell Proliferation
Authors: Qiao Rui , Wei Mengmeng , Chen Hui , Zhang Xianhong , Zhang Jie , Gao Liyang , Ma Haijun , Wang Yujiong , Li Le
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Cancer cells frequently alter their metabolism to support biogenesis and proliferation and survive specific metabolic stressors. The glucose-associated pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) is crucial for cancer cell proliferation. In particular, 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (6PGD), the second dehydrogenase in the PPP, catalyzes the decarboxylation of 6-phosphogluconate into ribulose 5-phosphate (Ru5P). However, the mechanisms controlling 6PGD expression in cancer cells remain unclear. Herein, we show that TAp73 increases Ru5P and NADPH production through 6PGD activation to counteract reactive oxygen species and protects cells from apoptosis. Moreover, 6PGD overexpression rescues the proliferation and tumorigenic ability of TAp73-deficient cells. These findings further establish the critical role of TAp73 on glucose metabolism regulation, demonstrating that TAp73 can activate 6PGD expression to support oncogenic cell growth.
Implications:
By transcriptional upregulation of 6PGD, TAp73 promotes the generation of Ru5P and NADPH, and enhances tumor cell proliferation.
Stromal DDR2 Promotes Ovarian Cancer Metastasis through Regulation of Metabolism and Secretion of Extracellular Matrix Proteins
Authors: Schab Angela M. , Greenwade Molly M. , Stock Elizabeth , Lomonosova Elena , Cho Kevin , Grither Whitney R. , Noia Hollie , Wilke Daniel , Mullen Mary M. , Hagemann Andrea R. , Hagemann Ian S. , Thaker Premal H. , Kuroki Lindsay M. , McCourt Carolyn K. , Khabele Dineo , Powell Matthew A. , Mutch David G. , Zhao Peinan , Shriver Leah P. , Patti Gary J. , Longmore Gregory D. , Fuh Katherine C.
Published: August 2023

Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of gynecologic cancer–related deaths. The propensity for metastasis within the peritoneal cavity is a driving factor for the poor outcomes associated with this disease, but there is currently no effective therapy targeting metastasis. In this study, we investigate the contribution of stromal cells to ovarian cancer metastasis and identify normal stromal cell expression of the collagen receptor, discoidin domain receptor 2 (DDR2), that acts to facilitate ovarian cancer metastasis. In vivo, global genetic inactivation of Ddr2 impairs the ability of Ddr2-expressing syngeneic ovarian cancer cells to spread throughout the peritoneal cavity. Specifically, DDR2 expression in mesothelial cells lining the peritoneal cavity facilitates tumor cell attachment and clearance. Subsequently, omentum fibroblast expression of DDR2 promotes tumor cell invasion. Mechanistically, we find DDR2-expressing fibroblasts are more energetically active, such that DDR2 regulates glycolysis through AKT/SNAI1 leading to suppressed fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase and increased hexokinase activity, a key glycolytic enzyme. Upon inhibition of DDR2, we find decreased protein synthesis and secretion. Consequently, when DDR2 is inhibited, there is reduction in secreted extracellular matrix proteins important for metastasis. Specifically, we find that fibroblast DDR2 inhibition leads to decreased secretion of the collagen crosslinker, LOXL2. Adding back LOXL2 to DDR2 deficient fibroblasts rescues the ability of tumor cells to invade. Overall, our results suggest that stromal cell expression of DDR2 is an important mediator of ovarian cancer metastasis.

Implications:

DDR2 is highly expressed by stromal cells in ovarian cancer that can mediate metastasis and is a potential therapeutic target in ovarian cancer.
Modernist Hareketler ve Türk Aydınları: Nüdizm Örneği (1931)
Authors: TÜREDİ Hümeyra
Published: July 2023

19.yüzyılda Rönesans, Reform, Aydınlanma ve Sanayileşme gibi gelişmelerin neticesinde ortaya çıkan Modernizm; geleneğin reddi, şehirleşme, tüketim ekonomisi gibi yeni olgularla insanların hayatında köklü değişimlere neden olur. Ancak bu değişimlerin beraberinde getirdiği sorunlar, insanların yeni yaşamlarını anlamlandırmak için farklı akımlar başlatmaları sonucunu doğurur. Fovizm, Kübizm, Fütürizm, Konstrüktivizm, Nüdizm, Bauhaus, Ekspresyonizm, Dada, Sürrealizm gibi akımlar, endüstrileşmenin değiştirdiği dünyayı anlamlandırma çabaları olarak değerlendirilebilir. Bu çalışmada, bahsi geçen akımlardan Nüdizm üzerine odaklanılmış ve Nüdizm bağlamında Türk aydınlarının 20.yüzyılın başındaki değişen modernizme yönelik aldığı tutum değerlendirilmiştir. Çalışmanın araştırma sorusu şöyledir: “20.yüzyılın başında Avrupa’da ortaya çıkan Nüdizm hareketi karşısında Türk aydınları ne düşünmüşlerdir?”. Bu amaçla, Cumhuriyet gazetesinde 1931 yılında dönemin otuz Türk aydınıyla yapılan bir anket, söylem analizi yöntemiyle incelenmiştir. İnceleme sonucunda, dönemin aydınlarının Nüdizmi şekilsel olarak değerlendirdikleri, ardındaki felsefeyi bilmedikleri, modernizmin sıkıntılarına yüzeysel yaklaştıkları anlaşılmıştır.
Soğuk Zincir Lojistiğinde Yeni Nesil Teknolojilerin Kullanımı
Authors: TURGUT Aslıhan
Published: July 2023

Soğuk zincir lojistiği; soğutulmuş veya dondurulmuş gıdaların üretimden başlayarak tüketim aşamasına kadar, kalitelerini korumak için özel ekipmanlarla taşınma ve depolanma faaliyetidir. İyileşen yaşam standartları ile birlikte, gıda taleplerinin çeşitlenmesi ve endüstri 4.0’ın gelişimi, soğuk zincir lojistiğinde yeni nesil teknolojilerin kullanımını zorunlu hale getirmiştir. Bu çalışmada, soğuk zincir lojistiğinde yeni nesil teknoloji kullanımının ana hatları ile kapsamlı bir şekilde tartışılması amaçlanmıştır. Çalışma sonucunda, nesnelerin interneti (IoT), blokzincir, büyük veri, yapay zekâ ve dijital ikiz teknolojilerinin soğuk zincir lojistiğine önemli katkılar sağladığı ortaya konmuştur. Bununla birlikte, soğuk zincir lojistiğinde blokzincir ve dijital ikiz teknolojileri kullanımının, diğer teknolojilere nazaran daha sınırlı olduğu bulunmuştur. İlerleyen süreçte, belirtilen teknolojilerin soğuk zincir lojistiğinde daha sık kullanılacağı öngörülmektedir. Çalışmanın bir diğer sonucuna göre, Türkiye’de soğuk zincir lojistiğinin gelişimi için, mevcut teknolojilerin kademeli olarak yeni nesil teknolojilere dönüştürülmesi gerekmektedir.
Levi-Strauss'un Eksik İletişim Yaklaşımı Temelinde Didim Yoran Köyü Mübadilleri Ve Didim'in Yerleşik Toplumu İlişkilerinde Yemek Kültürü
Authors: ÖZKAN Özgehan , ÇİTİL Ebru
Published: July 2023

Türkler tarih boyunca üç kıta ile teması olan, kültürel etkileşimi ve sosyal hareketliliği yüksek olan bir millettir. Uyum yeteneği, yüksek hareketli yapısı ile çok geniş bir coğrafi sahada var olmuş, zengin bir kültürel yapıya ulaşmıştır. Bu hareketlilik kimi zaman kendi iç motivasyonlarından, kimi zaman ise zorunluluktan (mübadele gibi) kaynaklanmıştır. Nedeni ne olursa olsun bu hareketlilik kültürel bir zenginlik ve çeşitlenmeyi de beraberinde getirmiştir. Kültür maddi ve manevi yönü olan geniş bir kavramdır. Yemek, kültürün maddi yönünün önemli bir bileşenidir. Farkı coğrafyalardan, farklı kültürlerden gelen toplulukların kaynaşmalarında, bir arada uyum içinde yaşayabilmelerinde çok önemli bir etkendir. Bu araştırmanın amacı mübadele ile Didim Yoran köyüne gelen Selanik Türkleri ile Yoran’da yaşamını sürdüren toplumun kaynaşmasında yemek kültürünün ve bu kültüre bağlı unsurların etkisini ortaya koymaktır. Bu bağlamda araştırmanın fikri alt yapısı Levi-Strauss’un “eksik iletişim” kavramına dayanmaktadır. Eksik iletişim, iletişim sürecindeki tarafların etkileşim bir yandan kendi kültürlerini korurken diğer yandan karşı tarafın kültüründen de belli oranda etkilenmesi ve her iki taraftan unsurlar taşıyan yeni bir kültürel yapının ortaya çıkmasına işaret etmektedir. Eksik iletişim bağlamında kültür ancak eksik iletişim şartlarında üretici olabilmektedir. Kültürlerin etkileşimi ve kaynaşması kültürlerin özgün yapısını kaybetmeden gerçekleşir ise kültür kendini gerçek anlamda ortaya çıkarabilir. Bu araştırmada nitel bir araştırma gerçekleştirilmiş olup, yarı yapılandırılmış görüşme tekniği kullanılarak Didim Yoran köyünde yaşayan beş mübadil ailenin torunları ve beş yerleşik aileden bireyler olmak üzere toplam 10 kişiden ile görüşülmüştür. Görüşme sonucunda elde edilen yanıtlar analiz edilerek Levi-Strauss’un ileri sürdüğü “eksik iletişim” bağlamında yemek kültürünün bir arada yaşama motivasyonundaki rolü tespit edilmeye çalışılmıştır.
Avusturya İş Çevrim Modelinden Hareketle Ekonomik Modellerin Ontolojisi Üzerine Eleştirel Bir Değerlendirme
Authors: ÇEVİK Ahmet Dinçer
Published: July 2023

Ekonomik modellerin ekonomi pratiğinin işleyişinin en önemli bileşenleri olduğu halde bu yapıların ontolojik statüsü ile ilgili çalışmalar sınırlı kalmıştır. Ekonomik modellerin ontolojisi ile ilgili temel olarak iki yaklaşımdan söz edilebilir. Kurgucu yaklaşıma göre ekonomik modeller gerçek dünya ile ilgisi sınırlı olan, modelleyenlerin kendileri için kurguladıkları düşünsel, paralel dünyalardır. İzolasyoncu yaklaşıma göre ekonomik modeller, ekonomik fenomenin ortaya çıkmasına neden olan temel nedenleri ya da nedensel mekanizmaları izole etmeye yarayan, gerçek deneylere benzeyen yapılardır. Bu makalede öncelikle ekonomik modellerin ekonomi pratiği bağlamında nasıl değerlendirildiği ele alınmaktadır. Ardından ekonomik modellerin ontolojisi ile ilgili temel iki yaklaşım olan kurgucu ve izolasyoncu yaklaşımların çerçeveleri eleştirel bir yaklaşımla çizilmektedir. Son olarak ekonomik modellerin zorunlulukla kurgucu ya da izolasyoncu ikiliği temelinde ele alınmaması gerektiği bir durum çalışması aracılığı ile iddia edilmektedir.
The Importance of Green Tax in Reducing Carbon Emissions: The Case of G-7 Countries
Authors: ÖZARSLAN DOĞAN Başak , GÜLER Cengizhan
Published: July 2023

Global warming and climate change are recognized as one of the most important environmental and economic problems of the last century. For this reason, new studies are added every day in this field. Carbon emissions, which are shown as the most important cause of global warming, result from the intense use of fossil fuels to meet the energy demand. In this context, many countries are trying to limit their carbon emissions with new laws and regulations. One of these regulations is green taxes. In the study, the role of green taxes in reducing carbon emissions that cause global warming and climate change was examined by using linear panel regression methods for the years 1994-2014 in G-7 countries. In the study, firstly specification tests, then deviations from the assumption were tested and parameter estimations were made using AR(1) Residual Random Effects model. When the coefficients obtained in the study are examined, it is seen that there is a positive relationship between economic growth and carbon emissions. On the other hand, it is seen that environmental patent applications, environmental taxation and renewable energy consumption variables, which are indicators for monitoring environmental quality, have a negative relationship with carbon emissions.
Kurumsal Sosyal Sorumluluk ve Finansal Başarısızlık: BİST’de Bir Uygulama
Authors: ÇAM İlhan
Published: July 2023

Bu çalışmada işletmelerin kuramsal sosyal sorumluluk performans düzeyleri ile finansal başarısızlık riskleri arasındaki ilişki panel veri regresyon analizi yöntemiyle incelenmiştir. Bu çerçevede 2008-2020 yılları arasında mali sektör dışındaki firmaların Refinitiv Eikon veri tabanından elde edilen kurumsal sosyal sorumluluk puanlarının Altman Z skorları üzerindeki etkileri incelenmiştir. Otokorelasyon, değişen varyans ve yatay kesitsel bağımlılık problemlerinin varlığı durumunda sapmasız ve tutarlı sonuçlar ortaya koyabilen Driscoll-Kraay dirençli standart hatalar panel veri tahmin yöntemi ile elde edilen bulgulara göre işletmelerin kuramsal sosyal sorumluluk performans düzeyleri ile finansal başarısızlık riskleri arasında negatif bir ilişki vardır. Bu bulgular, kurumsal sosyal sorumluluk bakış açısıyla yürütülen faaliyetlerin işletmelerin finansal başarısızlık ve temerrüde düşme risklerini azaltmada önemli olduğu anlamına gelmektedir.
Tarihsel Süreçte “Çevrimiçi Taciz”: Bibliyometrik Bir Analiz
Authors: DEMİR Yavuz , ÖZTÜRK Muammer
Published: July 2023

Bu çalışma, internet ve sosyal medya ağlarında önemli bir sorun haline gelen çevrimiçi taciz konusuna ilişkin yapılan çalışmaları bibliyometrik yöntem yardımıyla incelemiştir. Çevrimiçi taciz, özellikle sosyal medya ağlarının popülerleşmeye başlamasıyla birlikte oldukça önemli bir sorun haline gelmiş ve bu ağlarda çeşitli kişi veya gruplara yönelik bireysel veya organize bir şekilde çevrimiçi tacizin boyutları da artmıştır. Bu bakımdan çalışmada, Web of Science veri tabanında yer alan ve “online harrassment” anahtar kavramı kullanılarak ortaya çıkan 301 araştırma makalesi incelenmiştir. Çalışma sonucunda bu konuda yayınların 2016 yılından itibaren yoğunluk kazandığı, iletişim alanının bu çalışmalara yoğun ilgi gösterdiği ve en çok yayının ABD’de yapıldığı belirlenmiştir. Çalışmada çevrimiçi tacizle ile “ırkçılık”, “cinsel saldırı”, “haber”, “başa çıkma stratejileri”, “kültür”, YouTube”, “cinselleştirme”, “dijital oyun” ve “spor medyası” gibi ortak kelimelerin az kullanıldığı belirlenmiştir. Bu da gelecekteki çalışmaların bu konulara yönlendirmesi bakımından önem taşımaktadır.
Banka Dışı Finansal Kurumlarda Piyasa Yapısı: Faktoring Sektörünün Piyasa Yoğunlaşma Analizi
Authors: BITRAK Orhan Orçun
Published: July 2023

Faktoring sektörü, kredili mal ve hizmet satışı yapan işletmelere fon sağlama, risk yönetimi ve alacak takibi gibi hizmetler sunan alternatif bir sistem olarak karşımıza çıkmaktadır. Geniş kullanım alanı bulunan sektörün performansı, yurt içi ve yurt dışı ticari işlemler açısından önemlidir. Bu çalışmanın amacı, Türkiye’deki faktoring sektörünün piyasa yapısı ve rekabet seviyesini, literatürde yaygın kullanım alanına sahip, yoğunlaşma analizleri kapsamında belirlemektir. Bu amaçla 2012-2021 dönemine ilişkin, BDDK’ya kayıtlı faktoring şirketlerinin, mali tablolarında yer alan, esas faaliyet geliri (satış geliri) verileri kullanılmıştır. Araştırmadan elde edilen sonuçlara göre, Türkiye’de faaliyet gösteren faktoring şirket sayısının yıllar itibariyle azalan bir eğilim gösterdiği ve sektördeki piyasa yoğunlaşma oranlarının, 2012-2016 döneminde dalgalı olarak azalan, 2016-2021 döneminde ise sürekli artan bir seyir izlediği belirlenmiştir. Araştırmada uygulanan tüm yoğunlaşma analizlerinde, sektörün monopolcü ve rekabetçi yapıya yakın olduğu tespit edilmiştir.
City Branding in #stayhome Era: Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Official Tourism Instagram Account Uses of New York City and London
Authors: GEYSİ Nilüfer , YALÇINKAYA Ü. Laçin
Published: July 2023

The purpose of this research is to explore how Instagram was utilized in city branding context during COVID-19. By applying visual and textual content analysis method, this study aimed to identify any shifts in Instagram uses of two iconic tourism destinations, which were hit by the crisis particularly hard: New York City, and London. According to data collected from official tourism accounts of above-mentioned cities, the first confirmed cases significantly impacted city branding practices of both cities. The findings indicate that the most frequently used hashtags have changed, the number of informative posts has increased, the number of landscape photos in the post content has increased, while the number of photos containing elements such as cultural events, shopping and people has decreased. Furthermore, a significant decline in the number of inviting posts was observed. The study provides significant insights both to the city branding professionals, and to the scholars of this understudied area.
Christmas in Norwegian Kindergartens: How Are Muslim Children Included?
Authors: Bratsvedal Ine
Published: July 2023

Like the rest of Norwegian society, Norwegian kindergartens are becoming increasingly diverse in terms of religion. This is also reflected in the governing documents of kindergartens, which state that they should work with religion. This article explores to what extent Christmas in kindergartens is adapted to include Muslim children in the group. The article is based on interviews with six kindergarten teachers conducted between 2020 and 2022. Perspectives related to inclusion, freedom of religion, and previous research are used as a starting point to discuss the findings. The article highlights that adaptations of Christmas traditions are largely focused on ensuring that all children have the opportunity to participate in activities without being seen as practicing a specific religion. There is minimal focus on adapting the content to better suit a multireligious group of children.
British Utilitarianism after Bentham: Nineteenth-Century Foundations of International Law Part II
Authors: Schütze Robert
Published: July 2023

What are the legal principles of British utilitarianism in the long nineteenth century; and what conception(s) of international law do they offer? The celebrated founder of the utilitarian school is Jeremy Bentham, who categorically rejects all metaphysical natural law thinking by insisting that all positive law ought to be adopted by a legislature. But in the absence of a world legislature, what did this mean for the positivity and normativity of international law? Surprisingly, Bentham and a second generation of utilitarian thinkers can affirm the legally binding nature of international law; yet with John Austin, a radical ‘sovereigntist’ critique subsequently casts doubt over the nature of international law as law ‘properly so called’. This infamous scepticism would have a profound impact on British international thought in the twentieth century; yet in the nineteenth century, the ideas of a third-generation utilitarian became more prominent: the liberal philosophy of John Stuart Mill. Mill’s ‘relativist’ and ‘civilisational’ conception of international law thereby gave the utilitarian project a specifically imperialist dimension that will be analysed, both in its utilitarian-philosophical and practical-legal dimensions. The article however also explores two other legacies of British utilitarianism, namely: the rise of international codification and the emergence of a specifically British conception of private international law during the nineteenth century.
On Postcolonial Knowledge
Authors: Afolayan Adeshina
Published: August 2023

Knowledge and knowledge production play a significant role in the postcolonial project of de-traumatization and self-realization. However, such knowledge has often been couched within a Eurocentric epistemological framework. The postcolony is caught firmly within the orthodox which translates positivistic knowledge into the very definition of worldly progress—the idea of how a state attends to the welfare and well-being of its citizens through a development agenda. This essay engages the question: What might constitute an autonomous framework that could assist Africa and her thinkers and scholars in the development and validation of local forms of knowledge for social transformation? In this regard, I will examine the claims of Otto Neurath’s postpositivism and the dynamic pluralism of the Ifá sacred corpus of the Yorùbá, both within the framework of the epistemology of the South project. Both of these epistemological frameworks outline a pluralistic understanding of knowledge that could enable the reconfiguring of knowledge production in Africa.
Organ Trafficking in Africa: Pragmatist Ethical Reconsiderations
Authors: Taye Belayneh , Atnafu Abayneh , Endalew Yihenew Wubu , Beyene Sisay Demissew
Published: July 2023

This article focuses on examining the situation of organ trafficking in Africa from the aspect of pragmatist ethics. In the mainstream thought, the broader ethical dilemma of organ trafficking is viewed within the moral contestation of altruism as a rule for organ procurement and the resulting worldwide organ shortage. The incapability of altruistic transplant orthodoxy to serve as an applicable foundation for a public policy is considered as a reason for organ trafficking. In fact, to battle organ trafficking, utilitarian-inclined studies suggest organ selling, compensated donations, and non-directed paid donations as practical alternatives. However, when investigating the context of organ trafficking in Africa, the issue goes beyond the mere moral dilemma of altruism and organ shortage. In the region, organ trafficking is rooted within more systemic, structural, socio-economic, and political problems, grounded in the abuse of transplantation, and connected to transplant tourism and migration, which needs a pragmatic multimodal solutions than the earlier mainstream pathways. In pragmatist ethics, the moral assessment and solutions to the underlying problems depend on the context wherein the moral problem arises. Pragmatist ethics does not stick to absolute moral theories; instead, it focuses on the relevant assessment of the felt moral problem in a given context and aims at seeking solutions afresh. Thus, in the subsequent sections, this article looks at the context of organ trafficking in Africa and reassesses it by incorporating it into the ethical debates of transplantation and organ procurements and trading. The final part of this article reflects on solutions with the reconsideration of the context of transplantation and organ trafficking in the region.
The Irrationality of Inter-vocabulary Change: A Reply to Shields
Authors: Phelan Kate M.
Published: July 2023

The pragmatist rejects the possibility that we can step outside our conceptual scheme in order to assess its correspondence to an unconceptualized reality. Consequently, it seems, she can describe a certain sort of conceptual change, namely, inter-vocabulary change, as rational only retrospectively. In a recent paper, Matthew Shields attempts to show otherwise. He argues that the speaker of such change ought to be understood as performing the speech act of metalinguistic proposal, supposition, or stipulation, and that, thus understood, her utterance is amenable to rational analysis. In this paper, I argue that Shields’ attempt fails. My aim is to show not that we pragmatists remain in search of a solution to this problem but rather that we do not need one.
Media and the Formation of Secular/Religious Networks
Authors: Brinton Jacquelene
Published: July 2023

A recent New York Times op-ed about “Instavangelists” claims these women are replacing traditional religion with their own gospel through Instagram and other online platforms. Christian celebrity pastors also gain success on social media by mimicking the success those media necessitate. Because of these trends the term religion is now networked with elements that make its meaning unstable. Instability comes through experiences that direct understanding in relation to a variety of human activities, which in turn gives religion its meaning. As part of this shift, the social media networking of religion with other elements online in word and image further dilutes the barrier between secular and religious. Whether on affiliated or unaffiliated social media sites, teaching women how to be their best selves is now classified under the shifting category religion, even though both the media and the message further blur the lines between religion and the secular.
900 Years of Trickery: Al-Ḥarīrī From Leiden to Los Angeles
Authors: Cooperson Michael
Published: July 2023

Al-Ḥarīrī’s sixth/twelfth-century story collection (the Maqāmāt, or Impostures) is famous for its rhymes, obscure vocabulary, and complex wordplay. Despite its difficulty, it was used as a text to teach Arabic, a function it continued to serve even after it was introduced to Europe in the seventeenth century CE. After a reverent reception at the hands of early Dutch and English scholars, it was condemned by later French readers as emblematic of “Oriental decadence.” Of the various translations, the most successful are those into Hebrew and German, both of which celebrate the ludic element of the original. The recently published English translation attempts to work from the same principle.
Kazakhstani History Education Considered via Textbooks’ War Narratives, with a Focus on the “Great Patriotic War”
Authors: Satanov Arstan , Ayagan Burkitbay G. , Mussabalina Gulnara
Published: July 2023

The article is devoted to how history is taught in Kazakhstan. We take a concrete example: how the complex history of World War II, a topic that has been highly ideologized in Soviet historiography, is presented in the history textbooks of the post-Soviet period. The study defines how the history of the Great Patriotic War – that is, the Soviet Union’s struggle against the Nazis – has undergone conceptual transformations to varying extents in the textbooks of the countries of the former “socialist camp,” with our focus being Kazakhstan. Additionally, the model of Kazakhstan’s education is essential, as the country has yet to be left out of a definitive history of education narratives. For example, after analyzing history textbooks, it is possible to identify how students’ historical memory about one of the most catastrophic wars has been formed. Our interdisciplinary study used content analysis and “opening up the textbook” to identify types of qualitative models of history textbooks’ content about the war. In addition, the authors analyzed the coverage of the war in textbooks in various historical fields and branches belonging to different stages of Kazakhstan’s educational reforms. One result stood clear, namely that history education has been the subject of frequent debate in Kazakhstan, with the debates indicating how the state apparatus has managed a national approach that teaches a history productive of good patriots. On the other hand, teaching history also has its technocratic justification, as a means for students to acquire necessary skills.
The first species of Cantharis from Ukrainian Rovno amber (Coleoptera, Cantharidae)
Authors: FANTI FABRIZIO , PANKOWSKI MAXIMILIAN G.
Published: August 2023

Cantharis michaeli sp. nov. is described and illustrated from Upper Eocene Rovno amber from Ukraine. This is the first fossil Cantharis (soldier beetles, Cantharidae) from this deposit. The new species is compared with other fossil species of the genus Cantharis. It is similar to C. raeorum Fanti & M. G. Pankowski, 2020, but C. michaeli sp. nov. has a larger body, shorter antennae, and slight differences in both its antennae and pronotum. A review is provided of other soldier beetles found in Rovno amber, as well as a brief overview of the paleoenvironment where this amber formed—an area that included extensive forests, large rivers, and warm temperatures.
2. Organisational Goals, Strategies, and Digitisation
Authors: Cöster Mathias , Danielson Mats , Ekenberg Love , Gullberg Cecilia , Titlestad Gard , Westelius Alf , Wettergren Gunnar
Published: August 2023

Whilst digitisation is far from a new concept, many assume that simply introducing automation and information systems in various forms will be enough to make their organisation’s operations more efficient. This misconception can often lead to disarray and costly mistakes. Digital Transformation: Understanding Business Goals, Risks, Processes, and Decisions shows how to avoid such issues via careful consideration of what an enterprise really needs.

Unlike many other books on digital transformation, the authors do not dwell on database design or the details of implementing information systems. Instead, they emphasise the importance of a clear understanding of all aspects of an organisation in order to effectively implement and manage digital systems, from business goals and strategies to structuring information and making decisions, risk assessments, project management, organising, and procuring services and products.

Organised in eleven chapters, and drawing on examples from all over the world, this book will be of interest to university students of business administration, management, information systems, and computer science, as well as practitioners seeking to better understand how to handle digital transformation in their own organisation.
10. Globally Sustainable Digital Transformation
Authors: Cöster Mathias , Danielson Mats , Ekenberg Love , Gullberg Cecilia , Titlestad Gard , Westelius Alf , Wettergren Gunnar
Published: August 2023

Whilst digitisation is far from a new concept, many assume that simply introducing automation and information systems in various forms will be enough to make their organisation’s operations more efficient. This misconception can often lead to disarray and costly mistakes. Digital Transformation: Understanding Business Goals, Risks, Processes, and Decisions shows how to avoid such issues via careful consideration of what an enterprise really needs.

Unlike many other books on digital transformation, the authors do not dwell on database design or the details of implementing information systems. Instead, they emphasise the importance of a clear understanding of all aspects of an organisation in order to effectively implement and manage digital systems, from business goals and strategies to structuring information and making decisions, risk assessments, project management, organising, and procuring services and products.

Organised in eleven chapters, and drawing on examples from all over the world, this book will be of interest to university students of business administration, management, information systems, and computer science, as well as practitioners seeking to better understand how to handle digital transformation in their own organisation.
11. What Is This All About?
Authors: Cöster Mathias , Danielson Mats , Ekenberg Love , Gullberg Cecilia , Titlestad Gard , Westelius Alf , Wettergren Gunnar
Published: August 2023

Whilst digitisation is far from a new concept, many assume that simply introducing automation and information systems in various forms will be enough to make their organisation’s operations more efficient. This misconception can often lead to disarray and costly mistakes. Digital Transformation: Understanding Business Goals, Risks, Processes, and Decisions shows how to avoid such issues via careful consideration of what an enterprise really needs.

Unlike many other books on digital transformation, the authors do not dwell on database design or the details of implementing information systems. Instead, they emphasise the importance of a clear understanding of all aspects of an organisation in order to effectively implement and manage digital systems, from business goals and strategies to structuring information and making decisions, risk assessments, project management, organising, and procuring services and products.

Organised in eleven chapters, and drawing on examples from all over the world, this book will be of interest to university students of business administration, management, information systems, and computer science, as well as practitioners seeking to better understand how to handle digital transformation in their own organisation.
Appendix
Authors: Cöster Mathias , Danielson Mats , Ekenberg Love , Gullberg Cecilia , Titlestad Gard , Westelius Alf , Wettergren Gunnar
Published: August 2023

Whilst digitisation is far from a new concept, many assume that simply introducing automation and information systems in various forms will be enough to make their organisation’s operations more efficient. This misconception can often lead to disarray and costly mistakes. Digital Transformation: Understanding Business Goals, Risks, Processes, and Decisions shows how to avoid such issues via careful consideration of what an enterprise really needs.

Unlike many other books on digital transformation, the authors do not dwell on database design or the details of implementing information systems. Instead, they emphasise the importance of a clear understanding of all aspects of an organisation in order to effectively implement and manage digital systems, from business goals and strategies to structuring information and making decisions, risk assessments, project management, organising, and procuring services and products.

Organised in eleven chapters, and drawing on examples from all over the world, this book will be of interest to university students of business administration, management, information systems, and computer science, as well as practitioners seeking to better understand how to handle digital transformation in their own organisation.
The immunological effects against invasive aspergillosis disease on inbred mice after the dietary intake of honey varieties with the determination of diastase and invertase enzyme activities
Authors: Al-Eisa Rasha A. , Helal Mahmoud , Aljahani Amani H. , Sami Rokayya , Aljaadi Abeer M. , Alshahrani Mohammad Y. , Banjer Hamsa Jameel , Algehainy Naseh A.
Published: August 2023

Aspergillus fumigatusis a universal pathogenic mold. Invasive aspergillosis disease can affect persons with weakened immune systems. Natural immunostimulators are very important in improving the immune response in contradiction to various diseases. In the current study four varieties of honey samples (nigella, moringa, sidr, and pumpkin honey) which are coded as NS, MO, SI, and PU honey; were used to evaluate diastase and invertase enzyme activities. Eight groups of mice were fed with the four honey varieties, after injecting half of them with invasive aspergillosis infection and comparing results with the positive and negative control of mice groups. Diastase enzyme activity in honey samples ranged from 15.10 ND by Goth Scale in PU Honey to 23.22 ND by Goth Scale in NS Honey. Invertase enzyme activity in honey samples ranged from 21.99 IN in PU Honey to 26.57 IN in MO Honey. All honey varieties activated the cytokine productions such as IL1βand IL6 cytokines. Honey can act as a killing stimulator against invasive aspergillosis infections due to the presence of neutrophil phagocytosis levels in rats. The survival rates among animals treated with the four honey varieties varied from 12.37 in PU Honey Group+Infection to 26.15 in SI Honey Group+Infection. Honey can positively increase innate immune responses and survival rates, and it may be used as a prophylactic or beneficial agent for several diseases.