bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developing Regional Hydrological Drought Risk Models through Ordinary and Principal Component Regression Using Low-Flow Indexes in Susurluk Basin, Turkey
Authors: Gürler Çiğdem , Anli Alper Serdar , Polat Havva Eylem
Published: May 2024

Susurluk Basin is among the basins that may be most affected by drought risk due to its agricultural, economic, and natural resources. In this study, regional hydrological drought risk models were developed for water supply systems in the Susurluk Basin, Turkey. Twenty-four flow observation sites with 25 years or more of data showing natural flow characteristics as much as possible were converted into daily flow data with Q7, Q15, Q30, and Q60 low-flow indexes. Regionalization was carried out by two-stage multivariate cluster and principal component analysis using the basins’ physical and hydrological characteristics and low-flow statistics, and two homogeneous regions were obtained due to the discordancy, heterogeneity, and goodness of fit tests, which are L-moment approaches. Regional models were performed with ordinary and principal component regression techniques using the physical and hydrological characteristics of the watersheds and regional low-flow frequency analysis. The cross-validation procedure results for ungauged basins show that ordinary regression models are more effective in the lowland first region. In contrast, principal component regression models are more suitable for the mountainous second region. This study’s findings, which are a first for the Susurluk Basin, will have important results in terms of agricultural water management in the region and will help the water authority in water allocation. To investigate whether human impact and climate change impact the prediction of hydrological drought, we recommend seasonal non-stationary frequency analysis with the addition of useful empirical hydrological drought indexes.
A Predictive Cabin Conditioning Strategy for Battery Electric Vehicles
Authors: Schutzeich Patrick , Pischinger Stefan , Hemkemeyer David , Franke Kai , Hamelbeck Paul
Published: May 2024

This paper is based on the work presented at EVS36 in Sacramento. The core of the work deals with the cabin climate control of battery electric vehicles (BEV) using model predictive control (MPC) approaches. These aim to reduce the energy demand for cabin air conditioning while maintaining comfort and air quality. The first step briefly overviews model predictive control approaches and the respective fundamentals. Afterward, the modeling for the system dynamics is explained. The challenge for the system model considering humid air is discussed, and the first implementation method is presented. With the added equations for the air quality and humidity, a logic to prevent window fogging was developed to improve safety. Ultimately, model-in-the-loop (MiL) investigations identified an energy-saving potential of up to 15.4% for cold and 39.7% for hot conditions compared to a rule-based strategy. In addition, the investigations carried out showed that it was also possible to improve indoor comfort by specifically influencing the air quality and humidity. Together with the safety criteria introduced to prevent window fogging, it was possible to present a strategy that can significantly improve thermal management for the cabin in modern BEVs.
Mu'tezilî Âlim Hâkim el-Cüşemî’nin Kıraat Anlayışı ve Mezhebî Aidiyetinin Kıraat Tercihlerindeki Etkisi
Authors: Pamuk Fatih
Published: May 2024

Mu'tezilî âlimler özellikle kelam ve tefsir alanındaki çalışmalarıyla İslam düşüncesine önemli katkılarda bulunmuşlardır. Ancak onlara ait eserlerin önemli kısmı çeşitli nedenlerle günümüze ulaşamadığı için Mu'tezilî düşünce, muhaliflerince aktarılan bilgilerden hareketle tanıtılmak zorunda kalmıştır. Bu durum onlara dair teyide muhtaç bazı kanaatlerin yayılmasına da sebebiyet vermiştir. Nitekim Mu'tezile’nin kıraat anlayışı daha çok muhaliflerince aktarılan teyide muhtaç bilgilerden hareketle tanımlanmış, bu yönde çeşitli ithamlara maruz bırakılmışlardır. Bu nedenle Mu'tezile’nin kıraat anlayışının mezhep içi eserlerden araştırılarak aleyhlerindeki iddiaların tashih edilmesi gerekmektedir. İlgili iddiaların tashih edilebileceği eserler arasında, kıraat konusuna müstakil başlıklar altında temas eden ve Mu'tezilî görüşlerin günümüze ulaşmasına imkân sağlayan kapsamlı eserlerden biri olan Hâkim el-Cüşemî’nin et-Tehzîb fi’t-Tefsîr adlı eseri de yer almaktadır. Doküman ve içerik analiz yönteminin uygulandığı çalışmada Mu'tezilî bir âlim olarak Cüşemî’nin kıraatlere yaklaşımı araştırılmış, Mu'tezile’nin kıraat anlayışına yönelik bazı eleştiriler Cüşemî kaynaklığında tahlil edilmiş, bu iddiaların mezhebî saiklerden kaynaklandığı sonucuna varılmıştır.
Ulrich Beck'in Sosyoloji ve Din Sosyolojisi Mirası Üzerine Bir Değerlendirme
Authors: Babacan Muhammed
Published: May 2024

Ulrich Beck (1944-2015), çağdaş toplumsal düşüncenin en etkili sosyologlarından biriydi. Onun risk toplumu, refleksif modernleşme, bireyselleşme ve kozmopolitanizm teorileri; çağdaş sosyolojiye yapmış olduğu katkıların başında gelir. Beck’in din sosyolojisine katkısı ise sosyoloji kadar kapsamlı değildir. Buna rağmen sosyoloji mirasının geniş teorik çerçevesi ve özellikle son dönemlerinde ele aldığı A God of one’s own adlı kitabı, dinin çağdaş toplumdaki rolünün anlaşılmasında önemli katkılar sağlamaktadır. Bu makalenin amacı, Beck’in bu akademik mirasını iki kısımda değerlendirmektir: (1) Sosyoloji mirası (2) Din sosyolojisi mirası. Beck’in risk toplumu, refleksif modernite, bireyselleşme, sınıf ve kozmopolitanizm gibi kavramlar bağlamında ortaya koyduğu tartışmalar; çağdaş sosyal dinamikleri ve bilimsel, teknolojik ve politik anlayışların oluşturduğu zorlukları kavramamızda etkili olmaktadır. Öte yandan, modern toplumlarda dinin önemsiz olduğunu ileri süren sekülerleşme teorilerinin aksine Beck, sekülerleşmeyi bireylerin modernlik bağlamında dini inançlarını ve uygulamalarını sorguladıkları ve değerlendirdikleri refleksif bir süreç olarak tanımlayarak farklı bir yaklaşım ortaya koymuştur. Onun modern toplumun din algısını derinlemesine sorgulayan ve dinsel kozmopolitanizm ile bireyselleşme arasındaki ilişkiyi vurgulayan tartışmaları, dinin toplumsal ve bireysel düzeyde nasıl değiştiğini anlamak için değerli bir çerçeve sunmaktadır. Ayrıca, insanlığı bir bütün olarak ele alan evrensel din anlayışının ve dini inancın kamusal alandaki varlığının karşısına kendine özgü bir Tanrı inancı geliştiren Etty Hillesum gibi bireyleri koyması oldukça dikkat çekicidir.
Rechallenge of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Patients with Metastatic Melanoma of the Skin: Literature Review and a Clinical Case
Authors:   N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, Orlova K.V. , Akhmetianova A.E. , Samoylenko I.V. , Tyulyandin S.A. , Demidov L.V.
Published: May 2024

The prognosis of patients with metastatic and/or unresectable melanoma has changed dramatically over the past decade. When using modern medications (immune checkpoint inhibitors and BRAF/MEK inhibitors), more than 50% of patients survive 6.5 years. The use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (anti-PD-1 monotherapy) as the first line of therapy reduces the risk of progression or death by 60% (5-year progression-free survival in the nivolumab group was 28%, and in the dacarbazine group 3%, OR 0.4, 95% CI: 0.33–0.54; p = 0.0001) in the CheckMate 066 study. Despite the high results of anti-PD-1 monotherapy and overall survival, approximately 15–20% of patients with a complete response to aPD1 monotherapy and up to 35–40% of patients with a partial response to aPD1 monotherapy developed disease progression after 3–7 years. If there is an activating mutation in the BRAF gene, patients can be prescribed effective therapy with BRAF and MEK inhibitors, which will support at least half of them for at least 12 months. In another part of patients, immunotherapy may be interrupted at an earlier date (usually even before the antitumor effect is assessed) due to the development of adverse events. And such patients can also benefit from combined targeted therapy and in about half of the cases, in the same time frame (about 12 months), they will again find themselves in the situation of choosing the next line of therapy.
Repeated Use of BRAF and MEK Inhibitors in Patients with BRAF-Mutated Metastatic Melanoma of the Skin
Authors:   N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, Orlova K.V. , Petenko N.N. , Nazarova E.A. , Nazarova V.V. , Kaidarova G.O. , Demidov L.V. ,   A.I. Evdokimov Moscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry,   East Kazakhstan Regional Multidisciplinary Center of Oncology and Surgery
Published: May 2024

In this paper we review the existing data and our clinical experience of repeated use of combination therapy with BRAF/MEK inhibitors (BRAFi/MEKi) in the treatment of patients with BRAF-mutated metastatic melanoma of the skin. Recent advances in medical oncology significantly increased the life expectancy of patients with metastatic and/or unresectable melanoma of the skin. However, some patients develop resistance to therapy. Retreatment after interruption or "intermediate" therapy may be of clinical benefit. Contemporary drug therapy becomes more available and there are fewer challenges to chose the first and second line therapy for patients with metastatic and/or unresectable melanoma, but there are still questions on subsequent treatment options when BRAFi/MEKi therapy had been used after the disease progression following the initial objective response. In this article, we review the definitions of “retreatment” or “rechallenge”, give the overview of the literature data, and present our clinical experience
Recurrent Course of Squamous Cell Skin Cancer in a Patient with Dystrophic Type of Epidermolysis Bullosa
Authors:   Charitable Foundation ʻBELA. Butterfly Childrenʼ, Zinovyev G.V. , Drozdovskaya D.A. , Anokhina E.M. , Sabitova A.A. , Ebert M.A. ,   N.N. Petrov National Medical Research Center of Oncology,   R.M. Gorbacheva Research Institute of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Transplantology,   A.M. Nikiforov All-Russian Center for Emergency and Radiation Medicine,   Clinical Hospital of St. Luke, Gecht M.A. , Pleshkov A.S. , Kornev V.I. , Nikiforov M.V. , Orlova O.S.
Published: May 2024

The development of squamous cell skin carcinoma (SCCC) is one of the most common complications in the junctional and dystrophic form of epidermolysis bullosa. Currently, early detection and surgery is the gold standard for treatment of skin tumors. However, detection of SCCC in patients with epidermolysis bullosa is a challenge even for an experienced clinician. In addition, there are nuances of performing a surgery, as well as postoperative care in these patients. In this article, we would like to share a rare experience of treatment of recurrent squamous cell skin carcinoma in young patient with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa.
Basal Cell Cancer in Patients with Gorlin-Goltz Syndrome: Clinical Features and Therapy Options
Authors:   N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, Petenko N.N. ,   RUDN University, Orlova K.V. , Nazarova V.V. , Filippova Iu.A. , Cherepanova O.N. , Demidov L.V.
Published: May 2024

Gorlin-Goltz syndrome is a rare hereditary disorder characterised by multiple congenital abnormalities and cancer predisposition – basal cell cancer (BCC) and medulloblastoma. BCC develops in most patients throughout their life. The number of BCCs varies from a few to several thousand. In this paper we describe the diagnostic features for Gorlin-Goltz syndrome and treatment options for BCC associated with this hereditary disease. We analysed our clinical experience and presented data on patients with multiple BCC related to Gorlin-Goltz syndrome who were referred to N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology from 2012 to 2023 (n = 10)
Research Results of Complex Therapy Efficiency, Including Topical Medications Liftactiv B3 and IPL-Therapy in the Treatment of Patients with Melasma
Authors:   Central State Medical Academy of Department of Presidential Affairs, Moscow, Kruglova L.S. , Bezborodova A.V. , Kazaryan V.E. , Semizidis A.T. , Gryazeva N.V.
Published: May 2024

Purpose of the study. Comparative assessment of the effectiveness of the combined protocol of IPL therapy, serum and Liftactiv B3 cream in patients with hyperpigmentation (melasma) in accordance with clinical and special research methods. Material and methods. The study included 60 patients in 2 groups. Patients in the main group and the control group received IPL therapy procedures once every 4 weeks, 3 procedures per course. In the main group, all patients used a daily alternation of serum and Liftactiv B3 cream. In the control group, patients used photoprotective cream SPF 30. Special methods included: digital dermatoscopy, mexametry. Clinical methods included: mMASI index, MELASQoL quality of life scale, GAIS scale. Results. According to the dynamics of the mMASI index at control point V5: the decrease in the main group was 87.9%, in the control group – 60.0%. The decrease in mexametry compared to the control point V1 in the main group in V5 was 90.1%, in the control group –60.1%. The decrease in the MELASQoL index at point V5 in the main group was 90.3%, in the control group – 59.9%. According to GAIS (patient), in the control group, 26.7% of patients achieved significant improvement, 73.3% –moderate improvement, in the main group, 60% of patients achieved significant improvement, 40% – moderate improvement. According to GAIS (researcher), in the control group, 33.3% of patients achieved significant improvement, 66.7% – moderate improvement, in the main group, 70% of patients achieved significant improvement, 30% – moderate improvement. Conclusions. The combined use of IPL therapy (3 procedures), serum and Liftactiv B3 cream is more effective than monotherapy with broadband pulsed light during a 12-week follow-up period. The obtained results about the lower effectiveness of IPL therapy compared to the complex method can be explained by the synergistic effect of the combination of a physiotherapeutic factor and an external drug, the wide spectrum of action of Liftactiv B3 topical agents (influence on various pathogenetic mechanisms of melasma), as well as the need to carry out a larger number of procedures for mono broadband light therapy.
Contact Dermatitis: Current Standing of the Issue
Authors:   Central State Medical Academy of Department of Presidential Affairs, Moscow, Kruglova L.S. , Bezborodova A.V. , Rubtsova L.A. , Shatokhina E.A. , Kholupova L.S.
Published: May 2024

Contact dermatitis (CD) is one of the most common inflammatory skin diseases caused by exposure to exogenous substances. There are 2 subtypes of CD: irritant and allergic. The first is based on an inflammatory reaction to direct chemical damage to the skin barrier; allergic CD is based on a delayed type IV hypersensitivity reaction that occurs after sensitization to a specific hapten. The most common allergens are nickel, cobalt, balsam of Peru, preservatives and dyes. Topical glucocorticosteroids are considered the gold standard in the treatment of contact dermatitis. Among all topical glucocorticosteroids, methylprednisolone aceponate 0.1% has a safe therapeutic index and is even used in children from 4 months.
Topical Hyaluronidase: the Possibilities of Effective Use in Dermatology and Cosmetology
Authors:   Central State Medical Academy of the Administrative Department of the President of Russia, Moscow, Kruglova L.S. , Ikonnikova E.V. , Manturova N.E. , Stenko A.G. ,   Institute of Plastic Surgery and Cosmetology, Moscow,   Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow
Published: May 2024

Hyaluronidase is one of the most popular therapeutic agents in modern dermatology and cosmetology. It is used both by injection and in the form of topical therapy in order to treat various types of scars (hypertrophic, keloid, post-acne, post-burn scars), complications after the injection of fillers based on hyaluronic acid, various diseases accompanied by tissue fibrosis. With the advent of an innovative immobilized form of hyaluronidase for topical use, the possibilities of its use have expanded both in the form of monotherapy and in combined protocols with various methods of physiotherapy. The article provides an overview of the research on the effectiveness and safety of topical hyaluronidase, which is part of Imoferase® cream. The article is of interest to a wide range of specialists (cosmetologists, dermatovenerologists, plastic surgeons, physiotherapists).
Features of Dermatoscopy in the Diagnosis of Skin Melanoma. Literature Review
Authors:   Israeli Scientific Medical Center Melanoma Unit, Sinelnikov I.Ye. , Utyashev I.A. , Nazarova V.V. ,   Hadassah Institute of Oncology, Moscow,   N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology,   N.I. Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University
Published: May 2024

The incidence of melanoma of the skin is steadily increasing, and, undoubtedly, the need for its early detection is increasing. A universal tool for early diagnosis is dermatoscopy, a method of in vivo examination of skin neoplasms, which has proven its effectiveness in the course of numerous clinical studies. Knowledge of algorithms and dermatoscopic patterns of skin melanoma, depending on the anatomical localization of the tumor, can increase the effectiveness of early diagnosis and, as a result, affect the prognosis of the disease, especially melanomas of rare localizations
ОКРЕМІ ПИТАННЯ НОРМАТИВНО-ПРАВОВОГО РЕГУЛЮВАННЯ ГРОШОВОГО ЗАБЕЗПЕЧЕННЯ ПОЛІЦЕЙСЬКИХ В УКРАЇНІ
Authors: Головань Т. Г.
Published: May 2024

Актуальність теми обумовлена успішність євроінтеграційних процесів залежить, в тому числі, й від розбудови ефективної системи соціального захисту як невід'єм-ної складової політики держави, відповідальної за добробут, розвиток і безпеку своїх громА-дян. Соціальний захист є тим чинником, від ефективності якого залежить розвиток і держа-ви, і суспільства. З'ясування сутності соціального захисту, його місця в політиці соціальної держави набуває особливої актуальності у складних умовах сьогодення, адже соціальний захист – це засіб збереження стабільності та злагоди в суспільстві, що трансформується, інструмент, за допомогою якого держава може впливати на життя людей, отримує підтримку урядового курсу.
Виявлення та вирішення проблемних аспектів сфери соціального захисту в умовах пріоритетності євроінтеграційних процесів мають істотне значення, адже їх вирішення є фундаментом для створення ефективної системи та удосконалення відповідних правових механізмів. Особливого значення в умовах сьогодення набуває необхідність формування діє-вих механізмів соціального захисту поліцейських, що зумовлюється специфікою покладених на них завдань та функцій. Соціальний захист розглядають як частину механізму соціаль-ного забезпечення поліцейських, що реалізується у передбачених законодавством випадках. Одним із основних елементів соціального забезпечення поліцейський являється їх грошове забезпечення. Справедливий і сучасний рівень фінансового забезпечення поліції, враховую-чи характер, інтенсивність та небезпеку роботи сприяє підвищенню престижу поліцейської служби та підвищенню її продуктивності
ПОНЯТТЯ ТА СТАТУС КОМБАТАНТА ЗА МІЖНАРОДНИМ ПРАВОМ
Authors: Саєнко Ю. О.
Published: May 2024

В даній статі автор розглядає питання пов'язане з особливостями специфічних ознак комбатанта в умовах збройного конфлікту. Ретельну увагу автора присвячено міжнародно-правовим актам, які регулюють відносини збройного конфлікту та визначають статус його учасників. Серед розглянутих міжнародних правових актів автор особливу увагу приділяє IV Конвенції «Про закони і звичаї війни на суходолі та додаток до неї: Положення про закони і звичаї війни на суходолі» від 18.10.1907, Женевській конвенції про поводження з військовополоненими від 12 серпня 1949 року, Додатковому протоколу до Женевських конвенцій від 12 серпня 1949 року, що стосується захисту жертв міжнародних збройних конфліктів (Протокол I), від 8 червня 1977 року. Автором також досліджуються положення вітчизняного законодавства в рамках визначення поняття «некомбатант». На підставі комплексного аналізу нормативних актів та актуальних досліджень науковців, автор приходить, зокрема, до таких висновків, що визначення поняття комбатанта та некомбатанта у міжнародному гуманітарному праві відіграють важливу роль при визначенні статусу осіб під час збройних конфліктів та встановлюють норми захисту прав і обов'язків кожної групи. У світлі цього можна зробити такі висновки. Серед рис притаманних комбатантам автор виділяє: безпосереднє взяття участі у бойових діях; участь у бойових діях під час збройного конфлікту, чітке визначення міжнародним гуманітарним правом їх статусу та прав; підпорядкування особливим правилам ведення збройних конфліктів, включаючи захист у разі потрапляння у полон. В свою чергу, некомбатантів автор наділяє іншими ознаками, серед них: входження до складу збройних сил, надання допомоги збройним силам без безпосередньої участі в бойових діях; наявність специфічного статусу та захисту відповідно до міжнародного гуманітарного права, включаючи захист від довільного насильства та неприпустимість їх використання у військових цілях.
Germinação de sementes de Melocactus oreas (Britton & Rose) em diferentes substratos
Authors: Medeiros Clenis Araújo de , Carvalho Fabrício Waith Barros de , Borges Guilherme Augusto Nogueira , Charão Leandro Schwertner
Published: May 2024

O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar diferentes substratos na germinação de Melocactus oreas (Britton & Rose). Os substratos testados foram: T1: terra preta, T2: terra preta e areia (1:1), T3: terra preta, areia e esterco (2:1:1), e T4: terra preta, areia e casca de arroz carbonizada (2:1:1), os substratos foram acondicionados em bandejas. O teste de germinação foi conduzido em casa de vegetação. O delineamento foi inteiramente casualizado com quatro repetições de 25 sementes por tratamento totalizando 400 sementes testadas. Foram avaliadas a porcentagem de germinação e a velocidade de germinação. Conclui-se que o melhor substrato para germinação de M. oreas foi o composto formado por terra preta e areia (1:1), com 93% de germinação.
Unveiling the Influence: Corporate Influencers and Employer Branding in the Skilled Trades Industry
Authors: Durst Carolin , Klopf Vanessa
Published: May 2024

The skilled trade industry is a significant driving force for the development and prosperity of society and constitutes the backbone of the German economy with its small and medium-sized enterprises. Currently, waiting times for craftsmen stand at approximately three months. This trend is on the rise due to the continued and severe shortage of apprentices and skilled workers. Potential trainees are representatives of Generation Z and best reached through social media channels. Consequently, many companies deliberately utilize corporate influencers in employer branding efforts to win young talents. Corporate influencers have the ability to present specifically job-related content and offer more authentic insights into the daily work environment. However, do they genuinely influence the career preferences of potential trainees? The aim of this study is to investigate if and to what extent corporate influencer influence the perception of the skilled trades industry and career preferences of potential applicants. To investigate the impact of corporate influencers on the perception of the skilled trade industry and the respective career preferences of potential applicants, we conducted a study with 66 students from a secondary school in Germany. (1) First, we measured the perception of the skilled trades industry and career preferences of the participants. (2) Then we exposed them to previously selected content of two corporate influencers from the skilled trades sector. (3) After the exposure, we measured the perception of the skilled trades industry and career preferences of the participants again. For the statistical analysis we used regression analyses and T-tests. The findings of the study show that corporate influencer on social media positively influenced both, the perception of the skilled trades industry and the career preferences of potential applicants. Particularly, insights into daily work routines prove to be effective. Simultaneously, the study reveals that the employer attractiveness of the skilled trades industry in general significantly influences the perception of the industry and enhances applicants' interest in craft professions.
Navigating Parenthood Online: Understanding the Complex Dynamics of Sharenting Practices
Authors: Jungselius Beata , Fröjelin Maja , Johansson Sebastian
Published: May 2024

In this paper, we focus on the increasingly central visual aspects of documenting and sharing family life as we examine how parents reflect upon “sharenting”, i.e. sharing representations of family life in social media. The aim of this paper is to contribute with an empirically supported understanding of activities involved in the social practice of sharenting. We ask: “What activities constitute the practice of sharenting and how do parents perceive, experience, and manage sharenting?” and focus on how parents engage in sharenting and how they experience and manage questions and concerns that occur as they share, and do not share, pictures of their children in social media. We draw upon a thematic analysis of twelve semi-structured in-depth interviews with parents of at least one child in the age of 1-10. Based on our data and in relation to previous research we unpack ambiguous and multifaceted reasonings on sharenting as a complex social media practice. Through rich descriptions and empirical detail, we provide knowledge on key activities involved in sharenting, and present findings following three themes: unforeseeable consequences of sharenting, social media dilemmas of sharenting and strategies for managing sharenting. Lastly, we show how these activities represent expressions of agreed upon idioms of the practice of sharenting and discuss the interplay between contemporary social photography, ICT, and family life. Increased access to, and use of ICT such as smartphones with built-in advanced cameras, leads us to believe that the practice of visually representing family life in a contemporary context comes with a new set of challenges for parents. As the social media landscape is constantly evolving, social media practices, such as sharenting, must be continuously studied to ensure the understanding needed to inform future design, policy, and regulation. This paper present illustrative examples of how this community adopt, make, and negotiate use of social media and the possibilities these ICTs afford.
‘It’s Just Pictures’: The Death of Social Photography as we Know it
Authors: Jungselius Beata , Weilenmann Alexandra
Published: May 2024

The widespread adoption of smartphones and increased use of social media has changed how people document and share their everyday lives. As social media has evolved over the last decade, so has social photography practice. In this short paper, we discuss this evolution in relation to our work in progress within an ongoing longitudinal qualitative study spanning over ten years. In this project, we have conducted semi-structured interviews with the same group of informants in 2012, 2017 and 2022. This methodological approach has allowed us to examine how social media users reflect on experience, use and practice. In this paper, we highlight how during this last decade there has been a shift in how people document and share their everyday life in social media. More than ever before, social media users of today are able to document and share snapshots of everyday life, keeping friends and memories close and easy to access. However, in the early days of social media, people were more active in terms of their own production of content and posting of pictures, while today, they share less new material. From our analysis, we discuss how our informants report a shift in how they experience social photography, from being a process of editing and sharing photos intensely, to a more passive approach where they describe taking a lot of images, but not sharing them on social media to the same extent as they did before. Based on one representative example from our empirical material, we discuss the implications of the development of social media platforms over this past decade, and how the possibility to edit and share with others ‘in the moment’ has transformed into something less social over these years. We show how social media photography has evolved from being a practice of editing and sharing memorable content, to being less interactive, and instead involving more individual consumption and reflection, as well as sharing photographs in smaller circles. While the claim that social photography is ‘dead’ is rather bold, we do believe that there is a trend towards a less social and more individual engagement in social media photography.
Instagram Social Media Communication in Pandemic Times: A Deductive Qualitative Analysis of a Portuguese Digital Influencer’s Profile
Authors: Costa Ana Filipa , Gouveia Teresa , Morais Nídia Salomé , Raposo Rui
Published: May 2024

The power of social media as an influential tool is undeniable, and influencer marketing has emerged as a strategic element, introducing innovative methods of communication, promotion, and advertising to support content creators (Brown & Hayes, 2008). In this context, the study aimed to analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the communication strategies of Portuguese digital influencer Helena Coelho. The focus was on the content shared on her primary platform, Instagram, widely recognized for influencer marketing. The epidemiological crisis triggered by the pandemic raised the crucial question of how content creators adapted to new ways of communicating with the public. This period of uncertainty imposed significant challenges, forcing creators to reevaluate their communication strategies. To understand these adaptations, the research presented in this paper adopted a deductive qualitative approach, which enabled an in-depth analysis of the content posted by Helena Coelho, a highly followed Portuguese Instagram influencer. A focus group was conducted and included a convenient purposive sample of five female individuals, aged between 22 and 24 years and all active followers of the influencer's Instagram account. The study also resorted to observational research techniques with which 60 Instagram posts, collected between April 1st and April 31st, 2019, and April 1st and April 31st, 2020. This interval was chosen to identify changes in the influencer's communication strategies, covering both pre-pandemic and active pandemic periods. The results revealed that, although the influencer faced challenges due to the lack of common everyday activities during the lockdown, she was able to adjust her communication strategies, engaging the audience through home-produced content such as live streams and challenges, and effectively utilizing hashtags. As a consequence of these adjustments, the influencer experienced a substantial growth in her number of followers and engagement rate on Instagram in 2020 when compared to 2019. The collected and analyzed data indicate that the changes in her communication strategy, due to limitations derived from the pandemic, had a positive impact on her overall results, contributing to her growth and influence in the digital landscape.
Thinking Through Targeting: Social Media an Effective Tool for Influencing People and Society
Authors: Nistor Daniel Ionel Andrei
Published: May 2024

Every day, a wide range of stakeholders target us on social media platforms in an attempt to influence our decisions and behaviour. These stakeholders might be politicians hoping to win over support from the public and secure votes, organizations trying to convey the benefits of their decisions and actions to us as citizens, or commercials trying to sell us something. We absorb new media content, and it can be difficult to distinguish between fake and real news in this redundant environment with widespread data invasion. Beginning with the INSCOP opinion survey from 2023, which investigates Romania's exposure to propaganda and disinformation, our goals are to analyse how audiences were affected by the disinformation narratives in Ukrainian war context, and look at the current social media trends related to this topic using the analytical techniques made available by new media instruments. We want to highlight how social media is the main channel used in Romania for disseminating false information, and we also want to draw attention to the connections that can be made between those who spread false information and the traits of the individuals they are trying to reach. The present paper is part of a larger PhD research program that focuses on consolidating a society’s security culture through better institutional strategic communication; therefore, all the findings will be used to this end.
Integration of Successful Customer Engagement for SMEs on Social Media
Authors: Wattenberg Malte
Published: May 2024

Customer engagement (CE) is a widely known and accepted conceptual approach to describing the engagement and interactions of social media users with brand pages. Research activities focus on the influencing factors and effects of CE on various platforms, above all, Facebook. The focus is mainly on the corporate presence of large corporations or specific industries. Pages of small and medium-sized companies (SMEs), as the backbone of the global economy, are rarely the starting point for research. Therefore, the question arises as to how SMEs need to design their social media communication to generate a high level of customer engagement on social media. Consequently, this study aims to expand previous research findings on successful CE in relation to SMEs and derive recommendations for action. For this purpose, Facebook users and company representatives were interviewed using semi-structured qualitative interviews. The in-depth evaluation of the interview data was carried out using a qualitative content analysis based on a deductive-inductive coding procedure. As a result, six categories with various sub-categories that constituted relevant influencing factors for the participants and promoted engagement were identified. These are Management, the structure of the presence, general aspects of use, motives, content, reaction, and finally, process and background knowledge.
Users expect a website to provide information, entertainment, added value, a personal connection, and the opportunity to communicate. SMEs already have extensive expertise in social media marketing but perceive topic acquisition and a lack of resources as a challenge. They all emphasise the relevance of images, product and company-related topics, and an authentic, informal, understandable communication style with humour. Posts should also appear regularly, be up-to-date and short, and have correct spelling and emojis. Finally, questions, prompts and links are engagement drivers. The added value of this study lies in the deepening of the CE concept in relation to the research gap on SMEs. In addition, the results are discussed regarding their practical implications for SMEs to successfully design their presence on social media.
Social Media as a Communication Strategy for Regional and Local Tourism: A Portuguese Case Study
Authors: Loureiro Marlene
Published: May 2024

Investing in social media should be seen as a strategic asset in communicating and publicising tourism. In fact, more and more social media, especially social networks, are a winning bet for communicating and publicising tourist destinations. Based on these premises, this research aims to answer the following research question: "What is the importance of social media, especially social networks, as a local tourism communication strategy?". To answer this question, we analysed the communication of two local institutions: on the one hand, a local authority, a public institution; and, on the other hand, a local accommodation, a private institution, seeking to analyse how local authority policies use social media to communicate and publicise local tourism. To complement this, the opinion of the tourist public on the impact of social media on their choices was analysed. In this way, we sought to answer the following objectives: 1) to understand the importance of social media for communicating and publicising tourism; 2) to describe the main digital platforms used for communicating and publicising tourism; 3) to ascertain the importance of social media as a strategy for communicating and publicising tourism in Portugal.
The data obtained showed that social networks are increasingly being used by institutions as a strategy for communicating and publicising tourism. On the other hand, they are also a source of advice and decisions when it comes to choosing a tourist destination. On this last point, the opinions shared on social networks and the role of influencers as determining factors in the final decision and choice are particularly important.
From Passion to Pay Check: The Cyclical Practices of Influencer Brand Building
Authors: Solak Emrah
Published: May 2024

The escalating influence of social media influencers on consumer behaviour continues to captivate the interest of marketing professionals and academic scholars alike. Current literature examines mainly source characteristics, psychological dynamics, and content attributes that explain influencer marketing but there is scanty understanding the mechanisms by which influencers ascend to prominence. This qualitative study introduces the Four E Framework of Influencer Brand Building, explaining the cyclical practices by which social media users transform into person-brands within social media ecosystem. The framework comprises four pivotal practices: Exploration, where influencers identify and refine marketable personas; Exploitation, involving the acquisition of tangible and intangible compensation for their digital labour; Evaluation, a critical assessment of brand sustainability and content success; and Extension, during which influencers expand their brand presence across various platforms, adopt alternative personas, or venture into consumer goods to enhance profitability and reduce risks. This model challenges conventional perceptions of influencers as mere marketing tools by repositioning them as central figures in branding literature. The research draws on data collected from influencers and talent managers, providing robust insights into the strategic and operational aspects of influencer brand building. This not only bridges a significant gap in existing academic discourse but also furnishes influencers and marketing professionals with actionable strategies to enhance their brand-building endeavours.
Assessment of Engraving on Plaster and its Designs in Herat
Authors: Hassas Ghulam Hazrat
Published: May 2024

The craft and art of plastering has played an important role in internal and external spaces of historical and modern constructive components. This elegant industry is always flaunted on walls and ceilings to take part in decoration of the monument. Plastering is another field of decorative, which is used along with other kinds of decorative arts such as tile, sculpture and woodcarving, that are often over seen in modern and classic buildings nowadays. Goal: The assessment is on cornice engraving methods and its designs in Herat Buildings and complexes. This article stated various methods of engraving on gypsum, as well as designs applied by this art and craft in Herat buildings in a clear and comprehensive way. The research method is based on library and field studies. In library methods the focus is on using of authentic scientific reference books and field studies methods is an emphasis on observation and taking photos of gypsum decorations by the researcher, applied on modern and classic buildings of Herat. And finally the results of the study show that art and craft of plastering in Herat buildings and complexes has been applied in various positions by different methods while containing variable decorative elements.
A Study on the Evolution of Fire and Rescue Services in Tamil Nadu
Authors: Govindaraj A , Pazhani T
Published: May 2024

This study provides a comprehensive examination of the evolution of Fire and Rescue Services in Tamil Nadu, reflecting the state’s socio-economic and technological progression. Initially, Tamil Nadu’s fire services were rudimentary, focusing on small-scale fires with limited equipment. However, rapid industrialization and urbanization necessitated more advanced and efficient fire and rescue services, leading to significant changes in their structure and operations. The study aims to analyze these developments, focusing on the challenges and strategies adopted to overcome them, and the future trajectory of these essential services. A descriptive research approach is employed, utilizing secondary data from various sources including government records, fire station directories, and online resources. The data encompasses historical developments, technological advancements, training protocols, and current challenges faced by the services. Particular emphasis is placed on equipment upgrades, operational protocol changes, and advancements in firefighter training. The Fire and Rescue Services in Tamil Nadu have evolved significantly post-independence, expanding from the foundational Madras Fire Brigade established in the late 19th century. Today, with over 330 fire stations and a substantial workforce, the services are among the largest in India, equipped with advanced machinery and a robust training center. The study also highlights the diverse organizational structure of the services across different regions of Tamil Nadu, ensuring comprehensive coverage and efficient response. In conclusion, the study finds that Tamil Nadu’s Fire and Rescue Services have transformed remarkably, adapting to the state’s dynamic socio-economic landscape. Their commitment to public safety, coupled with the strategic implementation of modern firefighting technologies and training programs, positions them well for future challenges. The department’s journey from basic fire handling to managing complex emergencies in urban and industrial settings exemplifies its resilience and adaptability, making it a model of modernization and efficiency in India’s fire and rescue landscape.
Review on Ancient Tamil Architecture: A Immortal Heritage of Creativity and Artistic Perfection
Authors: Ramalingam Arulraj
Published: May 2024

Ancient Tamil architecture spans millennia, and it is an acknowledgement of the rich cultural and creative legacy of the Tamil people and Tamil community. Originating from the Sangam period (300 BCE to 300 CE) the architecture of Tamil Nadu is deeply intertwined with the rich cultural, social, and political developments that shaped the region over centuries. The architectural legacy of Tamil Nadu, best known for its Dravidian-style temples, has taken shape throughout different periods, leaving a unique imprint on the terrain. Also, ancient Tamil architecture is characterized by its use of granite, delicate carvings, mandapa (pillared hall), vimanas, ornate detailing, and deep spiritual and religious meanings. These ancient temples act as cosmic blueprints, outlining cosmology and showing the soul’s journey to enlightenment. However, these historical sites are under threat from urbanization, environmental degradation, and neglect. Conservation and preservation initiatives are vital for preserving cultural heritage places. In this review article, will help to learn how Tamil architects continue to be inspired by the creative structural components, elaborate carvings, and spiritual symbols found in Tamil temples, thereby contributing to the preservation or evolution of Tamil architectural traditions.
Airavateshwar Temple at Darasuram a Lesser-Known Historical Monument - An Architectural Marvel Promoting Globalisation and Cultural Identity
Authors: Cinthia J
Published: May 2024

Globalization refers to the interconnectedness and interdependence of nations, economies, cultures, and societies worldwide. It is a multifaceted phenomenon driven by advances in technology, communication, transportation, and trade. Cultural identity usually refers to an individual’s sense of belonging towards a particular culture including shared traditions, beliefs, values, customs, language, and heritage. It shapes individuals’ understanding of who they are and where they come from, influencing their behaviors, attitudes, and interactions with others. Understanding and respecting cultural identity is essential for promoting diversity, inclusion, and mutual understanding in multicultural societies. Embracing cultural differences and fostering dialogue and exchange among diverse communities can contribute to building more inclusive and harmonious societies that celebrate the richness and complexity of human cultural heritage. The Airavatesvara Temple is indeed a remarkable monument located in Darasuram, a village near Kumbakonam in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. It is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites and forms a part of the Greatest Live Chola Temples, along with the Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur and the GangaikondaCholapuram Temple. Built by Rajaraja Chola II in the 12th century CE, the Airavatesvara Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and showcases the brilliant architecture and intricate carvings typical of Chola dynasty temples. The temple is celebrated for its spectacular vimana (tower) and intricate sculptures that adorn its walls and pillars. This research study is part of the ICSSR Minor Research Project 2022-23 on Identification and Appreciation of Lesser-known Historical Monuments that Promote Tourism, History, Heritage and Economy with Special Reference to Tamil Nadu. This research study on the Airavateshwar Temple at Darasuram a lesser - known historical monuments - An architectural marvel promoting Globalisation and cultural Identitywill focus on the history, geography and architecture of the Airavateshwara Temple. It will also give details of how this lesser-known historical monument can promote, tourism, history, heritage and economy in Tamil Nadu as well as globalisation and its cultural.
Determinants for Rural Households Willingness to Pay for Community Based Health Insurance: The case of Boloso Sore District in Woliata Zone, South Ethiopia, Ethiopia
Authors: Atile Amanuel , Mathewos Nega , Mohanty Sagarika , Simiyu Naomy Nasambu , Senapathy Marisennayya
Published: May 2024

Transforming health system of rural households through Community Based Health Insurance package is one of the interventions by the government of Ethiopia to address rural community. However, majority of rural households not enrolled in community based health insurance program in Boloso Sore district. This study, thus designed to assess the existing situation of households WTP and to assess factors determining WTP for CBHI in Boloso Sore district. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected from sampled households for analysis. The data were collected from both primary and secondary data sources. To do so, semi-structured household interview questions and check lists were developed and conducted with sampled respondents. Descriptive statistics employed following econometric analysis of the data collected from 386 households selected using simple random sampling from nine Kebeles of Boloso Sore district. Binary logit regression analysis showed that age, education level, employment status, saving practice, land size, distance to health facility and access to health education have positive and significant association with WTP for CBHIs. Therefore, the findings indicated that health education, saving practices and road facility need to be promoted by the government to improve CBHIs of the rural community.