bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Editorial: Advancing Scholarship on Remittances
Authors: Cohen Jeffrey H.
Published: December 2018

The articles included in this issue of Remittance Review reinforce our continued efforts in maturation of theory in the study of remittance practices (see Sirkeci, Cohen, Ratha, 2012 and Ratha and Sirkeci, 2010). The themes addressed go well beyond concerns with the physical nature of remittances, direction of flows and outcomes of remittance practices in an economic vacuum. In fact, the authors whose articles are included here, work from the belief that remittances are best understood within a political economy framework that emphasizes global market forces, pays careful attention to how remittances are embedded in culture and society, and recognizes how remittances as well as migration influence, and are influenced by, kinship.
More Than a Criminal Tool: The Hawala System’s Role As A Critical Remittance Channel for Low-Income Pakistani Migrants in Dubai
Authors: Malit Jr Froilan Tuccat , Alawad Mouawiya , Naufal George
Published: December 2018

This paper examines how and why migrants remit through unauthorized remittance channels (namely the hawala or hundi) and investigates the hawala's developmental roles and effects on migrants’ socioeconomic status. Applying a qualitative case study of 30 low-income Pakistani migrants in Dubai, we argue that the thriving yet unauthorized status of the hawala system is a unique product of global migration process. In contrast to the dominant literature on the nexus between the hawala and terrorist and criminal-related financing, we assert that the sustainability of the hawala is the result of an ongoing effort of low-income migrants to increase their remitting power, providing money that is crucial to their families’ socioeconomic status within the con-text of rapidly globalizing forces. This study provides both important empirical and theoretical insights into the hawala's complex relevance for low-income migrants, governments, and international organizations in global migration context.
Emigration, remittances and emerging family structure: findings from a household survey in eight selected villages in Eastern Uttar Pradesh, India
Authors: Ali Imtiyaz , Bhagat Ram B. , Mahboob Sabiha
Published: December 2018

Migration from India to the Gulf Countries has increased dramatically in recent years. Does it actually have an impact on the joint family structure? India has been known for prevailing type of joint/extended families. This paper aims to throw new evidences for introducing the concept of “federated family”. Using primary survey data collected from 328 rural emigrant households in eight villages from the district of Kushinagar in eastern Uttar Pradesh in India, this paper contributes to the debate of socio-economic development and impact of international remittances at migrants’ places of origin. It is the first study which addresses the concept of federated family in India. Federated family seems to be a joint family, where all its members stay under the same roof but use separate kitchens.
Role of Financial Sector Development as a Contingent Factor in the Remittances and Growth Nexus: A Panel Study of Pacific Island Countries
Authors: Jayaraman Tiru K. , Lau Lin Sea , Ng Cheong Fatt
Published: December 2018

Except for emergencies and for technical assistance for raising skills and institution building, foreign aid to Pacific island countries (PICs) for budgetary support has been phased out since the late 1990s. Because of the small sized domestic markets, foreign direct investment (FDI) is small and is confined to development of tourism infrastructure. On the other hand, inward remittances received from the rising number of islanders migrating overseas for work are increasing, far exceeding aid and FDI. However, influence of remittances on economic growth depends on financial sector development (FSD) for mobilizing the savings from the remittance receipts for domestic investment. This paper assesses the role of FSD in the nexus between remittances and economic growth through a panel study of five major PICs, namely Fiji, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Vanuatu.  The study findings show that the ongoing efforts for strengthening FSD have to be stepped up by focusing on financial inclusion through spread of branchless banking and promotion of  information and communication technology.
Managing Migration in a Globalizing World: A Conference Report
Authors: Martin Philip L.
Published: December 2018

The 6th Migration Conference (TMC 2018) held in Lisbon in June 2018 featured hundreds of presentations on various aspects of international migration, including why people move, their experiences crossing borders and settling abroad, and the efforts of national governments and international organizations to improve the management of migration (See Tilbe and Topaloglu, 2018).  Many young researchers presented case studies of how particular groups were faring in host societies, including Portugal. Keynote speakers included leading academics such as Joaquin Arango from Complutense University Madrid, Pedro Calado, Portugal’s High Commissioner for Migration The and Michelle Leighton, Chief of the Labour Migration Branch of the International Labour Organization.
Editorial
Authors: Ullah AKM Ahsan
Published: December 2018

In this issue of Remittances Review, we present five papers that deal with diverse developmental issues within the ambit of migration and remittance. Remittances Review plays a role as bridge builders between scholars and policy audiences. This peer reviewed journal is interested in papers that deal with policy, development and governance issues in migration and remittance. In recent years, the growing attention on aspects of remittances has been due to the rise in record level to developing countries and their potential contribution to the development of the receiving ends.
Runway logic: "Y" Generation Y prefer fashion brand over country-of-origin
Authors: Tjandra Nathalia C. , Omar Maktoba , Williams, Jr. Robert L. , Ensor John
Published: December 2018

With approximately 1.38 billion, Generation Y are currently in the job market or about to enter the job market, they are increasingly taking over the spending power of the previous generation, the Baby Boomers. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the impact country-of-origin information on the perception of Generation Y towards international fashion brands. This study was conducted in the context of fashion products, one of the key interests of the Generation Y, and covered a sample population of twenty one countries. As Generation Y are internet savvy, this study was conducted by using semi-structured interviews in an online chat room and structured email interviews. 53 interviews were conducted with the participants from Generation Y cohort. This study highlighted that most Generation Y ignored country-of-origin information. This study explored the reasons why Generation Y ignored or paid attention to the country-of-origin information. It brings valuable insight to international fashion marketers about how country-of-origin information influences the Generation Y’s perception towards international fashion brands. Qualitative studies which investigate the perception of Generation Y towards country-of-origin of international fashion brands are scarce. Thus, this study can contribute to the development of research into country-of-origin and Generation Y.
CASE STUDY The new territorial orientation of a transnational company: Italian pasta
Authors: Dessì Silvia , Caboni Federica , Giudici Ernestina
Published: December 2018

Taking the new consumer requirements for products linked to regional identity and cultural heritage into consideration, today’s transnational companies have modified their strategies. By using a regional or geographic indication, it is possible to exploit existing associations that consumers have with a region or particular place and provide products that have a specific image. The purpose of this case study is to illustrate this new orientation of transnational companies’ towards a rediscovery and evaluation of terroir. To pursue this goal we chose to use the case study methodology, based on the analysis of the Italian food company Barilla. The study underlines the decision of this transnational company to offer a line of products closely linked to their geographical origin. Furthermore, it analyses how this territorial links are able to communicate and transmit cultural and traditional roots.
Experiencing-the-Experience: An Examination of the Significance of Infrastructure, Co-creation and Co-branding within the Transnational Gastronomic Tourism Industry
Authors: Williams Helena A. , Williams Jr. Robert L. , Omar Maktoba
Published: December 2018

This paper examines infrastructure considerations and the significance of co-creation and co-branding within the Culinary Transnational Gastronomic Tourism Industry.  Gastronomic Tourists crave hands-on immersion into regional food cultures.  For the gastro-tourist, where experiencing-the-experience is paramount - the easier it is to find and access safe, memorable food-related activities - the quicker tourism on-the-whole will benefit.   The industry has recognized the growing potential for this market niche, yet what’s currently available through traditional tourist venues seems lacking.  This paper discusses impact factors for both tourists and hosts during three stages of touring – Communication & Planning; Logistics; The Experience.  It concludes by proposing that only when the Tourist Industry emulates early culinary tourist innovators; co-creates, co-brands, and logistically supports rich, authentic, memorable gastro-experiences on a wider scale;  and embraces  transnational  practices, will the true economic and social impact of this target market of lucrative spenders begin to be realized across the globe.
The classification of customer- and brand-oriented marketing capabilities
Authors: Buttenberg Katharina
Published: December 2018

According to the Resource-Based Theory of the Firm, companies need to acquire and develop a unique set of resources and capabilities to gain a competitive advantage in the market. In the last decade, a number of studies have focused on marketing capabilities. However, there has been no clear classification between marketing capabilities directed towards the development of the brand from the inside out and customer-oriented capabilities, integrating the customer in the process. Purpose of this review is to clearly classify marketing capabilities and define the differences between brand-orientation and customer-orientation. A structure is proposed to better classify marketing capabilities and pave the way for further research. This review article is providing a structure for the Resource-Based Theory of the firm for improving the classification of resources and capabilities.
Small and medium sized enterprise marketing to foreign consumers in Seoul, South Korea
Authors: English David A.
Published: December 2018

AbstractA qualitative case study was used to examine the experiences and perceptions of foreigners during interactions with small- and medium-sized enterprises in the Seoul Metropolitan Area.  Two constructs, intercultural communications and consumer language, were used to identify difficulties that foreigners experienced during service encounters.  In-depth interviews were conducted with 10 participants based on a purposive sampling frame of 62 foreign professors. The transcripts were entered into MAXqda software and coded.  The data across all the cases were compared to identify patterns and themes that emerged using a cross-case synthesis. The implications included Koreans being approach avoidant during interactions with foreign consumers, and foreigners being treated politely.  Limitations of the study included the use of purposive sampling and utilizing participants only in South Korea.  Recommendations for practice included the use of signs and greetings in various languages, creating programs to educate SMEs about the use of English as a competitive advantage, and offering language and culture classes to foreigners.  Recommendations for future research include a mixed method study on the convenience level of spoken Korean for foreign consumers in high- and low-involvement service encounters and a qualitative multivariate regression study to further explore approach avoidance tendencies of SMEs.
Mapping Studies on Consumer Boycotting in International Marketing
Authors: Al Serhan Omar A , Boukrami Elias
Published: December 2018

Consumer boycotting behaviour has serious consequences for organisations targeted. In this paper, a review of literature on boycotting from 1990 to 2013 is presented. Several consumer boycotting types are identified based on motivations underlying. These are influenced by religious beliefs, cultural values and political opinions. We have scanned all articles dealing with consumer boycotting behaviour in marketing literature. 115 scholarly articles published in 25 top marketing journals as ranked in the ABS (Association of Business Journal Schools) Review from 1990 to 2013 are reviewed. Along with outlining the research in this area, we also wanted to assess the level of attention paid to brand loyalty in relation to boycotting behaviour. Despite the fact that existing literature listed a number of factors that can potentially trigger consumers’ boycotts i.e. religion, war, political, economic, cultural, environmental, and ethical reasons. Nevertheless, there is no ranking of factors indicating which one are the most influential (e.g. long lasting, most damaging in terms of brand loyalty, etc.). Our review also suggests that boycott campaigns in developed nations are mainly motivated by economic triggers. However, in developing nations boycott calls and campaigns were motivated by religious triggers or by ethical triggers. The impact of boycotting on consumers’ brand loyalty, relation between religion, race, country of origin and the level of regional as well as national development would need to be researched further in order to shed light on its effect on the success or failure of boycott calls from consumers’ perspective and the prevention of such calls from the targeted firms’ point of view.
Transnational adaptation: changing determinants of grocery store choice of German consumers in London
Authors: Oswald Ines
Published: December 2018

This paper investigates grocery store selection among Germans in Greater London compared to native UK residents. Since consumers hold so much power, the grocery retail sector is highly competitive. Additionally, understanding consumer behaviour in urban areas with large numbers of foreign nationals is a complex matter. As internationalisation continues borders are becoming increasingly blurred. Therefore, it is crucial for managers of grocery stores to understand potential cultural differences in terms of store choice. The survey examined the changes, if any, in store choice determinants among Germans living in Greater London compared retrospectively to when they were living in Germany. To provide a comparison, a small group of native UK consumers were also surveyed. The resulting comparison revealed some significant differences and changes in grocery store selection over time. These findings are also likely to be useful for managers in the grocery retail sector when addressing the dynamic nature of transnational mobile and connected consumer markets.
CASE STUDY: Ria Money Transfer: a transnational company for a transnational clientele
Authors: Sirkeci Ibrahim , Condick-Brough Anett
Published: December 2018

This case study looks at the development of a money transfer company in a dynamic and fast changing market. Transnational nature of the business as well as profiles of customers are emphasised. Ria Money Transfer is part of the Euronet, US based parent company. Aspiring to become the most progressive company in the sector, Ria deals with customers with backgrounds from all over the world. This is also reflected in the work force of the company. Operating in distinct environments, businesses are not only concerned with a multicultural body of customers, agents and clients but also multiple economic, political, technological environments with a large number of small and big competitors. This case study alludes to the questions about the key drivers of success for a transnational company with such complex web of markets, consumers, clients and competitors. Company information, direct quotes from representatives and media are used to illustrate aspects of the business and markets.
Exploring Potentials for Culinary Tourism through a Food Festival: The Case of Thessaloniki Food Festival
Authors: Chatzinakos George
Published: December 2018

This paper seeks to conceptualize the way Thessaloniki is promoting culinary tourism, whilst supporting and building upon local networks; engaging and co-creating an urban experience with its citizens and visitors. The aim of the paper is to suggest a potential framework that can be used as a strategic planning tool for the promotion of culinary tourism in Thessaloniki. In this direction, a food festival is being investigated. The last, is conceived by the organizers as the foundation of the idea of culinary tourism in the city. However, the findings indicate that there is a lack of active participation by the locals and not enough communication among various assets that are associated with the culinary identity of the city. In general, Thessaloniki seems to embody the ongoing struggle of a new destination, which is dealing with the complex process of branding and marketing without having the proper tools and the vital required collaboration between its structural networks. Accordingly, the research provides a lens through which the culinary culture of Thessaloniki can be used as a strategic pillar for stimulating a sustainable way of “consuming” and promoting the city’s identity; enhancing Thessaloniki’s appeal as a culinary destination.
Transnational Döner Kebab taking over the UK
Authors: Sirkeci Ibrahim
Published: December 2018

People move, finances move, so does the cultures, artefacts, goods and food. Remittances literature expanded significantly in the last two decades to cover more of what we refer to as social remittances. Social remittances refer to often intangible elements, cultural artefacts, habits, opinions, attitudes, beliefs, values transferred by migrants from destination countries to their home countries. Through studies on migrant remittances, we know that even in terms of financial transfers, remittances operate in corridors and in a two-way fashion. One third of remittances are sent to countries which are called “advanced economies”. United Kingdom, Germany, France are among the top remittance receiving countries as well as leading the table of sending countries. In this paper, I explore the ways in which social remittances change the foodscapes of destination countries with particular reference to Döner Kebab in the United Kingdom. Until two decades ago, Döner Kebab was a rare meal you would enjoy when holidaying in Turkey or if you happen to be in that cosy corner of North London. Nevertheless, in 2010s Britain, it became a popular fast food, particularly when it comes to what to eat after a night out. One may find an outlet selling Döner Kebab literally in every city, every town, every neighbourhood, every village in Britain. Multiple forces were in play in the making of Döner Kebab a British national food: 1) practicality of the food itself, 2) growing number of immigrants from Turkey arriving in Britain, 3) labour market disadvantages immigrants face, 4) asylum dispersal policies of the 1990s and 2000s, 5) declining incentives making small shops not viable economically, and 6) increasing number of British tourists visiting Turkey. In this article, a number of hypotheses are proposed for a conceptual model explaining the ways in which foreign food becomes part of the national food/cultural heritage in destination.
Book reviews
Authors: Dogan Evinc , Sevin Efe
Published: December 2018

Corvo, Paolo (2015). Food Culture, Consumption and Society. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan (ISBN: 9781137398161)Dogan, Evinc (2016). Image of Istanbul: Impact of ECOC 2010 on the City Image, London: Transnational Press London (ISBN: 978-1-910781-22-7)
Editorial
Authors: Sirkeci Ibrahim
Published: December 2018

Transnational Marketing Journal is a unique outlet with its theoretical focus and scope where we promote research and scholarship into the cross border practices and behaviours. The three articles we include in this issue are exploring different countries and mobility impact is a cross-cutting theme. Varsha Jain, Chakshu Bhandari, and Ganesh B.E. in their article titled “Discovering the Interpersonal Relationship between Luxury Perfume Brands and Consumers” look into luxury perfume brands sector globally and nationally. The second article titled “Portuguese Sardines - from the ritual to the brand” by Cecília Avelino Barbosa focuses on place branding and network of associations in the consumer’s mind. Bülent Akkaya and Akif Tabak examined the impact of dynamic capabilities on firm perceived marketing performance of small and medium sized enterprises in Turkey.
Portuguese Sardines - from the ritual to the brand
Authors: Barbosa Cecília Avelino
Published: December 2018

Place branding is a network of associations in the consumer’s mind, based on the visual, verbal, and behavioral expression of a place. Food can be an important tool to summarize it as it is part of the culture of a city and its symbolic capital. Food is imaginary, a ritual and a social construction. This paper aims to explore a ritual that has turned into one of the brands of Lisbon in the past few years. The fresh sardines barbecued out of doors, during Saint Anthony’s festival, has become a symbol that can be found on t-shirts, magnets and all kinds of souvenirs. Over the year, tourists can buy sardine shaped objects in very cheap stores to luxurious shops. There is even a whole boutique dedicated to the fish: “The Fantastic World of Portuguese Sardines” and an annual competition promoted by the city council to choose the five most emblematic designs of sardines. In order to analyze the Sardine phenomenon from a city branding point of view, the objective of this paper is to comprehend what associations are made by foreigners when they are outside of Lisbon. As a methodological procedure five design sardines, were used of last year to questioning to which city they relate them in interviews carried in Madrid, Lyon, Rome and London. Upon completion of the analysis, the results of the city branding strategy adopted by the city council to promote the sardines as the official symbol of Lisbon is seen as a Folkmarketing action. The effects are positive, but still quite local. On the other hand, significant participation of the Lisbon´s dwellers in the Sardine Contest was observed, which seems to be a good way to promote the city identity and pride in their best ambassador: the citizens.
The impact of dynamic capabilities on firm perceived marketing performance of small and medium sized enterprises
Authors: Akkaya Bülent , Tabak Akif
Published: December 2018

Today companies operating in emerging markets face with certain problems especially in turbulence, complex and changeable environment. There are compelling Political, Environment, Social, Technology, Economical and Legal factors forcing companies to adapt to complex and changeable environments. Despite all these challenges, companies should adapt changeable environment and develop strategies to deal with rapidly changing conditions in order to sustain growth. This can be achieved with the help of using their dynamic capabilities helping them remain competitive in the long term. The purpose of this study is to explore the impact of dynamic capabilities on companies’ perceived market performance. The data was collected through a quantitative field research in SME companies operating the Aegean region, west of Turkey. Interviews were conducted with 198 managers of the companies. Especially those managers working in R&D, marketing, production departments were targeted. Key issues such as dynamic capabilities of companies and the market performance of firms were examined based on two questionnaires. SPSS 21 and Amos 16.0 were used for statistical analyses. Multiple regression analysis was used to investigate the impact of dynamic capabilities on companies’ perceived market performance. The results of the study indicate that companies’ perceived marketing performance depends on dynamic capabilities. The empirical findings suggest that dynamic capabilities have a positive effect on operational capabilities which in turn have a significant effect on the performance of the firms. Companies can sustain growth by using their dynamic capabilities while making certain strategic changes to improve their performance.
Falafel and Shwarma: Israeli Food in Mexico
Authors: Schuster Paulette K
Published: December 2018

Falafel and Shwarma are two iconic national Israeli dishes that are widely recognized and loved in Mexico. They are also the most mentioned by the participants. Kosher stores selling Israeli snack like Bamba, Bisli and Shkedei Marak (soup almonds) have a long-standing tradition in Mexico. However, restaurants serving Israeli food are far less common. In fact, for most of the 1980s and 1990s there were only three establishments, until recently when a new gourmet Israeli cuisine restaurant opened up. So, why is Strauss Israel’s largest food company bothering to invest in Mexico? Why are they marketing a line of Israeli popular items there? In addition to answering these questions. other queries to be explored include: How is Israeli food perceived in Mexico by the Jewish community? How did it go from a simple snack/street food to a gourmet affair? How are they framed and marketed? The main objective is to compare three different groups: Jewish Mexicans in Israel, Israelis in Mexico and Jewish Mexicans who remained in Mexico and how they perceive Israeli food in Mexico and in Israel. In addition to this, how marketing of Israeli food in Mexico has evolved. Twenty interviews will be conducted in Israel in total. Ten will be conducted with Mexican Jews living in Israel and ten will with Israelis who lived in Mexico and who have returned to Israel. To date, eight interviews have been conducted. They will be carried out in various cities in Israel. So far the median age is 45. It seems that for the Israelis eating their national food in Mexico represented an attempt at trying to connect to a symbolic sense of home. For Jewish Mexicans, eating Israeli food was either a way to connect to their future home (those that later immigrated to Israel) or a means to show their solidarity with Israel. Israeli companies investing in Mexico have a vested interest in selling and marketing their authentic wares in Mexico as they seek to gain a foothold in this emerging market.
Book review
Authors: Rohr Samuel , Fitwi Abrar M.
Published: December 2018

Robert L. Williams and Helena A. Williams, Vintage Marketing Differentiation: The Origins of Marketing and Branding Strategies. New York, NY, Palgrave MacMillan, 2017, 256 pp, ISBN: 978-1-137-39431-6.Vintage Marketing Differentiation by Robert and Helena Williams is a historical analysis of the origins of the Marketing and Branding strategies used by organizations throughout the world. The book examines the origins of marketing and branding strategies that were used for over 100 years. Many of the Marketing and Branding strategies used today are actually variations of past strategies. The book examines and traces 16 Vintage Differentiation strategies back to their original business source. The purpose of the books is to show the cyclical nature of innovation grounded in evolutionary modeling in which managers become aware of changes in their environment and adapt accordingly.
Diaspora Marketing Revisited: The nexus of entrepreneurs and consumers
Authors: Sirkeci Ibrahim , Zeren Fatma
Published: December 2018

In this article, we discuss the role of diaspora as a business network and an opportunity window for foreign market entry following the concept of diaspora market entry or transnational market entry mode. As sources of information on both home and host countries, diasporas offer opportunities and enable entrepreneurs and thus serve as a significant social capital resource for foreign investors. For willing or the reluctant, investors may find an easy way to enter mature markets and thus internationalise at relative ease by the facilitating effect of diaspora presence in a target market. Diasporas, among their many characteristics, also known for growing a longing for what is “home” or “homeland”. Thus there emerges demand for those products and services they used to consume prior to migration abroad (i.e. nostalgic consumption). It takes place at a crossroads of passion for national identity and nostalgic consumption. For diaspora entrepreneurs, the social capital they have means business to satisfy the “nostalgia” demand as well as expanding markets for brands from their countries of origin.
Behind Hummus Wars: The Role of the Food in National Identity in the Middle East
Authors: Copuroglu Ozge
Published: December 2018

Food is an essential part of our everyday lives and it is significantly important for international politics as for national identities. The future of food is widely discussed in political and social sciences in the contexts of food security, health, international marketing cultural identities, and migratory issues. Despite the growing importance of food studies, the enduring power of nationalism and the apparent relationship between food culture and national identity, writers on nationalism have made little reference to food in their research. This article aims to explore the connection between food and nationalism and I argue that food plays a central role in performing the nation's culture and expresses the idea of the nation through portraying spiritual, material and commercial aspects of the national identity. Here, the discussion will proceed through a well – known Middle Eastern food, Hummus.
The Dilemma of Place Branding: Transitory mega-events vs. sustainable image-building
Authors: Dogan Evinc
Published: December 2018

The aim of this study is exploring the challenges in place branding through raising a debate on the transitory nature of mega-events vis-à-vis sustainable strategies for image-building. Food and cuisine, as part and parcel of cultural values, play a significant role in marketing places. In this context, The National Tourism Organization of Serbia (TOS) strives for building a positive and memorable image of the country based on “Soul Food” campaign. On the other hand, EXPO Milano 2015 is the case of a transitory event for analyzing the ways in which Serbia’s brand image is positioned and promoted through values, narratives, and manifestations. Unlike the examples of scholarly research focusing on countries hosting mega-events, this study investigates Serbia as a participating country in EXPO Milano 2015. The success of place branding is often attributed to long-term vision rather than short-term oriented promotion activities. Similarly, legacy is an important aspect for the success of mega-events, which should be linked to branding strategies. In this respect, mega-events can be recognized as useful place branding tools, not only in terms of attracting interest but also positioning the image of the place in the minds of people based on axiological, narrative and discursive levels of meaning.
Çiğ süt örneklerinden izole edilen Staphylococcus aureus izolatlarında antibiyotik direnç özelliklerinin tespiti
Authors: KEYVAN Erhan
Published: December 2018

Staphylococcus aureus önemli bir gıda patojeni olup, tüm dünyada
görülen gıda intoksikasyonları içerisinde üst sıralarda yer almaktadır. S. aureus’un gıda intoksikasyonlarında
etkili olması yanında önemli bir diğer halk sağlığı problemi de farklı
antibiyotiklere karşı şekillenen tekli veya çoklu antibiyotik direncidir. Bu
çalışmada toplam 60 adet çiğ süt örneğinden izole edilen 31 adet S. aureus izolatı antibiyotik direnç
özellikleri yönünden analiz edilmiştir. İzolatların antimikrobiyel
duyarlılıkları disk difüzyon yöntemi ile belirlenmiştir. Bu analiz, CLSI
(Clinical and Laboratory Standarts Institute) tarafından bildirilen yöntem
esas alınarak, tetrasiklin, gentamisin, eritromisin,
trimetoprim-sülfametaksazol, kloramfenikol, siprofloksasin ve klindamisin
antibiyotik diskleri ile yapılmıştır. Analiz sonucunda gentamisin,
eritromisin, tetrasiklin, siprofloksasin, klindamisin, trimetoprim-
sülfametaksazol ve kloramfenikole karşı gelişen direnç sırasıyla %3,33, %
6,46 , % 16,12, % 6,47 ,% 80,64 ,% 6,46 , % 16,13 oranında tespit edilmiştir.
Yetiştiriciler antibiyotik kullanımı konusunda bilinçlendirilmeli ve yasal
bekleme sürelerine özen göstermelidir. Ayrıca yetkili otoriteler tarafından
sütte antibiyotik varlığının tespitine yönelik kontroller düzenli olarak
yapılmalıdır.
Köpeklerde kontrasepsiyon I: Cerrahi sterilizasyonun risk ve yararlarının değerlendirilmesi
Authors: TEZ Gizem , KANCA Halit , ALEMDAR Havva
Published: December 2018

Bilinen yüzlerce yıllık tarihi ile köpeklerde elektif cerrahi sterilizasyon, veteriner pratikte en sık gerçekleştirilen cerrahi prosedürdür. Köpeklerde; geleneksel orta hattan ovariohisterektomi, lateral ovariohisterektomi, ovariektomi, prepubertal sterilizasyon, laparoskopik ovariohisterektomi/ovariektomi, kastrasyon ve vazektomi gibi çok sayıda cerrahi sterilizasyon tekniği tanımlanmıştır. Köpeklerde cerrahi sterilizasyonun yapılıp yapılmayacağı veya ne zaman yapılacağına dair kararlar oldukça karmaşık bir süreci gerektirir. Veteriner hekimlerin köpeklerde cerrahi sterilizasyonun risk ve faydalarının yanı sıra, hangi yaşta uygulanması gerektiğine dair görüşleri arasında ciddi farklılıklar bulunmaktadır. Sterilizasyon kararı alınırken bir köpeğin evcil hayvan olarak uygunluğu, yaşam ortamı, diğer köpekler ile interaksiyonu, iş köpeği olarak çalışma potansiyeli, köpek popülasyon dinamikleri gibi birçok faktör ile birlikte temelde köpeğin sağlık durumu ve sağlık beklentileri göz önünde bulundurulmalıdır. Bu derlemede, konu ile ilgili güncel literatür ışığında, köpeklerde cerrahi sterilizasyon kararı verilirken değerlendirilmesi gereken uzun dönem sağlık risk ve yararları ele alınmıştır. Sonuç olarak, köpeklerde elektif cerrahi sterilizasyon; kontrasepsiyon, yaşam süresinin uzaması, meme ya da üreme sistemine ilişkin patolojilerin engellenmesi ve davranış problemlerinin azaltılması gibi amaçlarla veteriner hekimler tarafından şiddetle tavsiye edilmelidir.
On the possibility of making natural ball lightning using a new pulse discharge type in the laboratory
Authors: Shabanov G D
Published: December 2018

A new type of electrical discharge was discovered in Gatchina, which produces long-lived luminous formations with the same unique physical properties as natural ball lightning. This paper reviews the research work on the Gatchina discharge that has been done by a number of independent groups and which has provided important insights into the nature of both the discharge and ball lightning formation processes. However, the luminous formations that appeared in the experiments by these groups have a shorter lifetime than objects created by the authors of the proposed method and fail to exhibit some of the specific properties of ball lightning. In this paper, the basic parameters and operation regimes of a facility for creating such formations are discussed; their optimization will eliminate these drawbacks. The review discusses the properties of both the discharge and the luminous objects formed in it, which were observed by the present authors and which other groups failed to reproduce. A model of natural ball lightning is proposed, in the framework of which the peculiar properties of the Gatchina discharge and of the long-lived luminous formations observed in it are explained. The experimental facility developed exhibits a number of features that allow the near-100%-effective production of long-lived luminous formations, thus enabling their physical characteristics to be studied, in principle, on a systematic basis.
A Water Footprint Based Hydro-Economic Model for Minimizing the Blue Water to Green Water Ratio in the Zarrinehrud River-Basin in Iran
Authors: Saed Behdad , Afshar Abbas , Jalali Mohammad Reza , Ghoreishi Mohammad , Aminpour Mohammadabadi Payam
Published: December 2018

The efficient use of water should involve decisions for balancing green water (GW) and blue water (BW) use for sustainable development. More specifically, the focus of irrigation water management should be redirected from a BW perspective toward considering the full water balance, including GW flow. This study presents a modelling approach in a system dynamic platform for minimizing the BW to GW ratio in a water basin while maximizing total agricultural profit. The paper considers the compromise between any reduction in the GW to BW ratio and the possible changes in the economic achievement of the region through varying land use and cropping patterns. This paper explores and presents the possibilities of reducing the BW to GW ratio in the Zarrinehrud River-basin for moderate, dry, and wet years using the water footprint concept. Results show that under all combinations of economic objective and BW to GW ratio addressed by water footprint measures, the hydro-economic performance of the river basin may substantially be improved as compared with the current practice. Either weights may systematically be changed or multiple objective optimization algorithms may be employed if a more precise tradeoff between the objectives is needed.
A Collection of Single-Domain Antibodies that Crowd Ricin Toxin’s Active Site
Authors: Angalakurthi Siva , Vance David , Rong Yinghui , Nguyen Chi , Rudolph Michael , Volkin David , Middaugh C. , Weis David , Mantis Nicholas
Published: December 2018

In this report, we used hydrogen exchange-mass spectrometry (HX-MS) to identify the epitopes recognized by 21 single-domain camelid antibodies (VHHs) directed against the ribosome-inactivating subunit (RTA) of ricin toxin, a biothreat agent of concern to military and public health authorities. The VHHs, which derive from 11 different B-cell lineages, were binned together based on competition ELISAs with IB2, a monoclonal antibody that defines a toxin-neutralizing hotspot (“cluster 3”) located in close proximity to RTA’s active site. HX-MS analysis revealed that the 21 VHHs recognized four distinct epitope subclusters (3.1–3.4). Sixteen of the 21 VHHs grouped within subcluster 3.1 and engage RTA α-helices C and G. Three VHHs grouped within subcluster 3.2, encompassing α-helices C and G, plus α-helix B. The single VHH in subcluster 3.3 engaged RTA α-helices B and G, while the epitope of the sole VHH defining subcluster 3.4 encompassed α-helices C and E, and β-strand h. Modeling these epitopes on the surface of RTA predicts that the 20 VHHs within subclusters 3.1–3.3 physically occlude RTA’s active site cleft, while the single antibody in subcluster 3.4 associates on the active site’s upper rim.
Suppressing Effect of 2-Nitrobenzaldehyde on Singlet Oxygen Generation, Fatty Acid Photooxidation, and Dye-Sensitizer Degradation
Authors: Hajimohammadi Mahdi , Vaziri Sereshk Atena , Schwarzinger Clemens , Knör Günther
Published: December 2018

2-Nitrobenzaldehyde was found to efficiently block singlet oxygen generation in a series of different test samples upon exposure to UV and visible light under aerobic conditions. The effect of quenching singlet oxygen formation was monitored in the presence of 1, 4-diazabicyclo [2.2.2] octane (DABCO) acting as a well-known singlet oxygen scavenger. A comparison of different nitrobenzaldehyde isomers with other highly effective synthetic antioxidants used in the food industry such as butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), tert-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) revealed that the protection of materials from singlet oxygen decreases in the order of 2-nitrobenzaldehyde > DABCO > TBHQ > 3-nitrobenzaldehyde > BHA > 4-nitrobenzaldehyde > BHT. Upon addition of 2-nitrobenzaldehyde, the oxidation of fatty acids and the degradation of photosensitizers was found to be considerably diminished, which indicates that the presence of 2-nitrobenzaldehyde has a significant protective influence by restricting the singlet oxygen generation and photodegradation of dyes. Moreover, the compound turned out to display its highly suppressing effects on typical singlet oxygen-dependent reactions, such as fatty acid photooxidation and dye photosensitizer degradation, in a rather broad spectral region covering wavelengths from 300 nm (UV-B) to 575 nm (close to the maximum of ambient solar radiation).
Adrenergic Regulation of Drp1-Driven Mitochondrial Fission in Cardiac Physio-Pathology
Authors: Jhun Bong Sook , O-Uchi Jin , Adaniya Stephanie M. , Cypress Michael W. , Yoon Yisang
Published: December 2018

Abnormal mitochondrial morphology, especially fragmented mitochondria, and mitochondrial dysfunction are hallmarks of a variety of human diseases including heart failure (HF). Although emerging evidence suggests a link between mitochondrial fragmentation and cardiac dysfunction, it is still not well described which cardiac signaling pathway regulates mitochondrial morphology and function under pathophysiological conditions such as HF. Mitochondria change their shape and location via the activity of mitochondrial fission and fusion proteins. This mechanism is suggested as an important modulator for mitochondrial and cellular functions including bioenergetics, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, spatiotemporal dynamics of Ca2+ signaling, cell growth, and death in the mammalian cell- and tissue-specific manners. Recent reports show that a mitochondrial fission protein, dynamin-like/related protein 1 (DLP1/Drp1), is post-translationally modified via cell signaling pathways, which control its subcellular localization, stability, and activity in cardiomyocytes/heart. In this review, we summarize the possible molecular mechanisms for causing post-translational modifications (PTMs) of DLP1/Drp1 in cardiomyocytes, and further discuss how these PTMs of DLP1/Drp1 mediate abnormal mitochondrial morphology and mitochondrial dysfunction under adrenergic signaling activation that contributes to the development and progression of HF.
MRI Compatible Planar Material Acoustic Lenses
Authors: Tarrazó-Serrano Daniel , Castiñeira-Ibáñez Sergio , Sánchez-Aparisi Eugenio , Uris Antonio , Rubio Constanza
Published: December 2018

Zone plate lenses are used in many areas of physics where planar geometry is advantageous in comparison with conventional curved lenses. There are several types of zone plate lenses, such as the well-known Fresnel zone plates (FZPs) or the more recent fractal and Fibonacci zone plates. The selection of the lens material plays a very important role in beam modulation control. This work presents a comparison between FZPs made from different materials in the ultrasonic range in order to use them as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) compatible materials. Three different MRI compatible polymers are considered: Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and polylactic acid (PLA). Numerical simulations based on finite elements method (FEM) and experimental results are shown. The focusing capabilities of brass lenses and polymer zone plate lenses are compared.
Semi-Supervised Ridge Regression with Adaptive Graph-Based Label Propagation
Authors: Yi Yugen , Chen Yuqi , Dai Jiangyan , Gui Xiaolin , Chen Chunlei , Lei Gang , Wang Wenle
Published: December 2018

In order to overcome the drawbacks of the ridge regression and label propagation algorithms, we propose a new semi-supervised classification method named semi-supervised ridge regression with adaptive graph-based label propagation (SSRR-AGLP). Firstly, we present a new adaptive graph-learning scheme and integrate it into the procedure of label propagation, in which the locality and sparsity of samples are considered simultaneously. Then, we introduce the ridge regression algorithm into label propagation to solve the “out of sample” problem. As a consequence, the proposed SSSRR-AGLP integrates adaptive graph learning, label propagation and ridge regression into a unified framework. Finally, an effective iterative updating algorithm is designed for solving the algorithm, and the convergence analysis is also provided. Extensive experiments are conducted on five databases. Through comparing the results with some well-known algorithms, the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed algorithm are demonstrated.
Evaluation of the Thermoelectric Energy Harvesting Potential at Different Latitudes Using Solar Flat Panels Systems with Buried Heat Sink
Authors: Carvalhaes-Dias Pedro , Cabot Andreu , Siqueira Dias J. A.
Published: December 2018

Thermoelectric generators (TEG) can harvest solar energy during the day using solar flat panels. They can also benefit from the use of a material that stores solar energy to generate additional power at night, when the panel cools down and the energy stored in this material travels back, through the TEG. The soil can be used as the material that stores solar energy, but the performance of such systems, with the heat sink buried in the soil, depends on the ambient and the soil temperature, parameters which can change drastically with the latitude of the location where the TEG is installed. We present an experimental study with the comparison of the potential energy that can be collected from a TEG system with heat sink buried at different depths and at different latitudes: Campinas, Brazil − 22 ∘ 54 ′ 20 ″ S; and Mataró, Catalonia, Spain − 41 ∘ 32 ′ 17 ″ N. The potential of energy harvesting calculated during 32 winter days in Campinas is 72% of the total calculated during 205 days in Mataró. Experimental results obtained from a complete TEG system showed that in Campinas, during one day, it was possible to store 34.11 J of electrical energy in a supercapacitor. Notably, we demonstrate that the energy generated during the night by the heat stored into the soil can be as high as the energy generated during the day.
Alpine Skiing Robot Using a Passive Turn with Variable Mechanism
Authors: Saga Takuma , Saga Norihiko
Published: December 2018

Recently, the number of alpine ski junior players in Japan has drastically decreased. The causes include a decrease in ski areas and instructors, along with difficulty of early childhood alpine ski guidance. The alpine ski competition is not simply a glide on a slope. It requires understanding of ski deflection and skier posture mechanics. Therefore, a passive ski robot without an actuator was developed for junior racers of the alpine ski competition to facilitate understanding of the turn mechanism. Using this robot can elucidate factors affecting ski turns, such as the position of the center of gravity (COG) and the ski shape. Furthermore, a mechanism for changing the COG height, the edge angle and the ski deflection is added to the passive turn type ski robot. The developed ski robot can freely control the turn by changing those parameters during sliding.
Facile Synthetic Route of a Solution-Processable, Thieno[3,4-c]pyrrolo-4,6-dione-Based Conjugated Small Molecule and Control of the Optoelectronic Properties via Processing Additives
Authors: Kwon Obum , Lim Jihyun , Park Jin Kuen , Wang Dong Hwan
Published: December 2018

In this study, a new type of low-bandgap small molecule has been synthesized with a thieno[3,4-c]pyrrole-4,6-dione (TPD) derivative for application in bulk heterojunction (BJH) solar cells. The series of solar cells were fabricated by blending the TPD-based small molecule (M1) and [6,6]-phenyl C71 butyric acid methyl ester (PC71BM). In order to optimize the performance of solar cells, the nanoscale morphologies of the BHJ layers were controlled via processing additives with 1,8-diiodooctane (DIO) and 1-chloronaphthalene (CN). Therefore, we demonstrated that the use of CN successively suppressed molecular aggregation and demonstrated suitable phase separation, in addition to increasing the power conversion efficiency from 0.36% to 1.86%.